mercurynews--2020-12-18--Minnesota bars defy extension of coronavirus shutdown

Three Minnesota bars face suspension of their liquor licenses after reopening Wednesday in defiance of an executive order .
Gov .
Tim Walz had announced that day that indoor service at restaurants , bars and breweries will remain prohibited through Jan. 11 .
But some businesses are choosing not to listen .
The door opened at Alibi Drinkery in the Minneapolis suburb of Lakeville before noon Wednesday .
Co-owner Lisa Zarza said there were no restrictions inside .
Late Wednesday , the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division announced that it intends to suspend Alibi ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blatantly violating the executive order .
“ We had people waiting for us to open , we had cars in the lot at 10:45 , ” Zarza said .
Zarza said she ’ d had enough with state orders .
“ There ’ s no way we could make it another two months not opening , ” she said .
“ It ’ s scary , but enough is enough , and we ’ re standing up.
” A two-minute video posted on Zarza ’ s personal Facebook page from Wednesday night shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ God Bless The USA.
” The video is no longer visible on her page .
Officials with the department of public safety also announced Wednesday night that it will suspend the liquor license of Neighbors on the Rum , in Princeton , for 60 days .
Mission Tavern in Crow Wing County will face a $ 10,000 penalty for “ repeated non-compliance with Executive Order 20-99.
” Its license will also be suspended .
On Thursday , Neighbors on the Rum voluntarily closed for on-premises dining and is complying with the executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Ellison said that his office will go after businesses that violate the governor ’ s executive order .
“ You ’ re putting people at risk , ” he said .
“ People will get sick and die because of you.
” His office said it will hold establishments accountable , and estimated only a handful violated the order Wednesday — of more than a hundred that had signed on to do so .
DPS says local law enforcement went to other restaurants and bars Wednesday that had announced their intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cottage Grove , Mankato and Red Wing — but all were closed .
• Coronavirus : Infections surging , but not at Bay Area ’ s open schools .
Here ’ s why .
• Some states told they will receive fewer Pfizer vaccine doses Beginning on Friday , outdoor dining can resume at 50 % capacity .
Tents can be used , as long as two sides of the enclosure remain open .
Alibi ’ s liquor license is up for renewal on June 30 .
Zarza is co-owner with Ricardo Baldazo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two counts of attempted murder and two counts of assault after allegedly luring Burnsville police officers to his mother ’ s home and shooting at them from the window .

Three Minnesota bars face suspension of their liquor licenses after reopening Wednesday in defiance of an executive order.
Gov. Tim Walz had announced that day that indoor service at restaurants, bars and breweries will remain prohibited through Jan. 11. But some businesses are choosing not to listen.
The door opened at Alibi Drinkery in the Minneapolis suburb of Lakeville before noon Wednesday. Co-owner Lisa Zarza said there were no restrictions inside.
Late Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division announced that it intends to suspend Alibi’s liquor license for 60 days for blatantly violating the executive order.
“We had people waiting for us to open, we had cars in the lot at 10:45,” Zarza said.
People were occasionally shoulder-to-shoulder, reminiscent of pre-COVID-19 times.
Zarza said she’d had enough with state orders. “There’s no way we could make it another two months not opening,” she said. “It’s scary, but enough is enough, and we’re standing up.”
A two-minute video posted on Zarza’s personal Facebook page from Wednesday night shows unmasked patrons singing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA.” The video is no longer visible on her page.
Officials with the department of public safety also announced Wednesday night that it will suspend the liquor license of Neighbors on the Rum, in Princeton, for 60 days. Mission Tavern in Crow Wing County will face a $10,000 penalty for “repeated non-compliance with Executive Order 20-99.” Its license will also be suspended.
On Thursday, Neighbors on the Rum voluntarily closed for on-premises dining and is complying with the executive order, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said.
Ellison said that his office will go after businesses that violate the governor’s executive order.
“You’re putting people at risk,” he said. “People will get sick and die because of you.”
His office said it will hold establishments accountable, and estimated only a handful violated the order Wednesday — of more than a hundred that had signed on to do so.
DPS says local law enforcement went to other restaurants and bars Wednesday that had announced their intent to violate the order in Becker, Cottage Grove, Mankato and Red Wing — but all were closed.
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Alibi’s liquor license is up for renewal on June 30. Zarza is co-owner with Ricardo Baldazo, who in September was charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of assault after allegedly luring Burnsville police officers to his mother’s home and shooting at them from the window.
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mercurynews--2020-12-18--Pre-Brexit gridlock at ports puts a dent in Britain’s Christmas

( CNN ) — UK ports are suffering from “ significant disruption ” that threatens to delay Christmas orders and push up the prices of goods even before Brexit hits , according to industry groups that warn companies are losing millions of pounds in sales .
The British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation on Thursday called for an urgent inquiry into delays at ports .
They said logjams are causing shipping costs to rise by as much as 25 % a week .
CNN journalists witnessed trucks backed up for over 10 miles Wednesday on the approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 % of the United Kingdom ’ s goods trade .
Truckers reported waiting hours .
Delays in getting goods onto shelves are hurting sales at a crucial time of the year and will force retailers to increase the prices of products .
Several British retailers have filed for bankruptcy this year , including the country ’ s biggest department store , Debenhams , and more than 170,000 jobs in the industry have been lost , according to the Centre for Retail Research .
UK ports are busier than usual because of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as companies restock inventories ahead of the holiday season following a slump in trade during coronavirus lockdowns .
Home-bound consumers are also spending more on durable goods , many of which are sourced from Asia .
Brexit is adding more pressure .
The United Kingdom will lose its favorable trading status with the vast EU market on January 1 , with new customs checks and paperwork expected to result in significant delays to shipments of goods at the border .
Tariffs and quotas will pile on the pain if there ’ s no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Once the Brexit transition period ends , UK ports will be placed under even greater pressure , ” the British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation said in a statement .
The looming deadline is prompting UK companies to stockpile certain goods over fears that delays at border crossings and other hurdles will snarl supply chains that rely on precisely timed deliveries .
John Allen , the chairman of Britain ’ s biggest supermarket chain , Tesco , told Bloomberg TV last week that the company has been stockpiling as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit deadline and warned that there could be shortages of fresh foods for a limited period .
“ Food and drink manufacturers are extremely concerned about the delays we are witnessing at the ports , ” Food and Drink Federation chief operating officer Tim Rycroft said in a statement on Thursday .
The disruption is impeding the ability of some firms to build up stockpiles and ingredients , he added .
“ Christmas orders could be delayed , and retailers might be left with no option but to increase product prices , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be addressed urgently.
” The port industry has pushed back .
It says that the current issues are not unique to the United Kingdom and that ports are managing increased volumes .
“ The underlying issues are well understood and there is no case for significant intervention or change to government policy , ” the British Ports Association said in a statement .
For some firms , helicopters might be a last resort .
UK transport company Alcaline , which ships parts for car manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover , has invested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years due to Brexit risks .
It takes just 20 minutes to fly over the English Channel crossing between Dover and the French town of Calais , which is already becoming a major crunch point ahead of the January 1 deadline .
The port of Dover handled 2.4 million trucks in 2019 and another 1.6 million passed through the nearby Eurotunnel under the Channel .

(CNN) — UK ports are suffering from “significant disruption” that threatens to delay Christmas orders and push up the prices of goods even before Brexit hits, according to industry groups that warn companies are losing millions of pounds in sales.
The British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation on Thursday called for an urgent inquiry into delays at ports. They said logjams are causing shipping costs to rise by as much as 25% a week.
CNN journalists witnessed trucks backed up for over 10 miles Wednesday on the approach to Dover on Wednesday, which handles 17% of the United Kingdom’s goods trade. Truckers reported waiting hours.
Delays in getting goods onto shelves are hurting sales at a crucial time of the year and will force retailers to increase the prices of products.
Several British retailers have filed for bankruptcy this year, including the country’s biggest department store, Debenhams, and more than 170,000 jobs in the industry have been lost, according to the Centre for Retail Research.
UK ports are busier than usual because of a worldwide surge in container shipping demand, as companies restock inventories ahead of the holiday season following a slump in trade during coronavirus lockdowns. Home-bound consumers are also spending more on durable goods, many of which are sourced from Asia.
Brexit is adding more pressure. The United Kingdom will lose its favorable trading status with the vast EU market on January 1, with new customs checks and paperwork expected to result in significant delays to shipments of goods at the border. Tariffs and quotas will pile on the pain if there’s no new UK-EU trade deal by then.
“Once the Brexit transition period ends, UK ports will be placed under even greater pressure,” the British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation said in a statement.
The looming deadline is prompting UK companies to stockpile certain goods over fears that delays at border crossings and other hurdles will snarl supply chains that rely on precisely timed deliveries.
John Allen, the chairman of Britain’s biggest supermarket chain, Tesco, told Bloomberg TV last week that the company has been stockpiling as much food as possible ahead of the Brexit deadline and warned that there could be shortages of fresh foods for a limited period.
“Food and drink manufacturers are extremely concerned about the delays we are witnessing at the ports,” Food and Drink Federation chief operating officer Tim Rycroft said in a statement on Thursday. The disruption is impeding the ability of some firms to build up stockpiles and ingredients, he added.
“Christmas orders could be delayed, and retailers might be left with no option but to increase product prices,” added Dickinson. “These issues must be addressed urgently.”
The port industry has pushed back. It says that the current issues are not unique to the United Kingdom and that ports are managing increased volumes. “The underlying issues are well understood and there is no case for significant intervention or change to government policy,” the British Ports Association said in a statement.
For some firms, helicopters might be a last resort. UK transport company Alcaline, which ships parts for car manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, has invested in two helicopters in the past two years due to Brexit risks.
It takes just 20 minutes to fly over the English Channel crossing between Dover and the French town of Calais, which is already becoming a major crunch point ahead of the January 1 deadline. The port of Dover handled 2.4 million trucks in 2019 and another 1.6 million passed through the nearby Eurotunnel under the Channel.


mercurynews--2020-12-18--Borenstein: California can’t afford to tax its way out of the pandemic

Signs are rapidly mounting that the California economy we knew before the pandemic will look quite different after .
About one in three adult Californians say the lack of well-paying jobs is making them seriously consider moving — 26 percent out of state and 6 percent elsewhere within , according to a new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California .
In the Bay Area this month , electric car maker Tesla ’ s CEO Elon Musk announced he already had departed for Texas , and information technology company Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and database software giant Oracle revealed plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , new data shows that California population growth in the last fiscal year , which includes the start of coronavirus shutdowns , slowed to 0.05 % , the lowest rate since 1900 .
Every coastal county except San Diego and San Francisco lost residents from July 1 , 2019 , to July 1 , 2020 .
The Bay Area growth rate of 0.03 % was even more anemic than statewide .
The confluence of events should serve as a wake-up call to local , regional and state leaders that they must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the Bay Area and the state an attractive place to live and work , to retain the businesses we have and lure new ones , we must address our affordable housing shortfall and our income inequality without driving up the already high cost of living .
That means that progressive Democrats who control the state Capitol and the major Bay Area cities must find ways to use the resources they have more efficiently rather than trying to tax their way out of the pandemic .
Our local and state economy has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first on widespread distribution of a vaccine , which is only just beginning and won ’ t show significant impact for months .
Then the climb out of the financial hole , the reopening of businesses and the return to the full employment we enjoyed before this onslaught will likely take years .
It ’ s unfortunate that more federal stimulus help has been slow in coming and inadequate in magnitude .
It has left too many people out of work , struggling to cover their rent or mortgage and pay their bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in California and the Bay Area .
So it ’ s really not surprising that we ’ re seeing people fleeing , either because they can not afford to live here any longer or because they ’ ve realized from the pandemic that they can work from home — and home can be anywhere .
Chances are that the population growth rate has slowed even further than the new numbers indicate .
The data , from the state Department of Finance , reflects the last fiscal year , so it just captures the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot has happened since then .
Nonetheless , it shows that four of the nine Bay Area counties — Marin , Napa , San Mateo and Sonoma — lost population , while the other five barely eked out a gain , with San Francisco tops at 0.31 % , followed by Contra Costa ( 0.24 % ) , Alameda ( 0.19 % ) , Santa Clara ( 0.07 % ) and Solano ( 0.06 % ) .
Our challenge as we eventually exit the COVID era will be to find a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have , to build back our vibrant economy and hold on to our region ’ s wonderful diversity .
It ’ s what makes the Bay Area , and the state , so special .
But it ’ s important to recognize that our region and our economy will be different .
Many people will continue to work from home .
It ’ s hard to image putting that genie back in the bottle .
Traffic patterns will be altered , perhaps permanently .
Some of that might be good for our mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have lost too many small businesses .
Once vital shopping districts are now strewn with closed-up storefronts .
It ’ s unclear how many of those companies will be revived and how many new ones will emerge as another generation of entrepreneurs steps up .
As we did after the Great Recession , we will rebuild the state and Bay Area economy .
The decisions we make in the coming months will determine how well and quickly we do that .

Signs are rapidly mounting that the California economy we knew before the pandemic will look quite different after.
About one in three adult Californians say the lack of well-paying jobs is making them seriously consider moving — 26 percent out of state and 6 percent elsewhere within, according to a new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California.
In the Bay Area this month, electric car maker Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk announced he already had departed for Texas, and information technology company Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and database software giant Oracle revealed plans to relocate their headquarters to the Longhorn State.
Meanwhile, new data shows that California population growth in the last fiscal year, which includes the start of coronavirus shutdowns, slowed to 0.05%, the lowest rate since 1900. Every coastal county except San Diego and San Francisco lost residents from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020. The Bay Area growth rate of 0.03% was even more anemic than statewide.
The confluence of events should serve as a wake-up call to local, regional and state leaders that they must prepare for the new reality.
To make the Bay Area and the state an attractive place to live and work, to retain the businesses we have and lure new ones, we must address our affordable housing shortfall and our income inequality without driving up the already high cost of living.
That means that progressive Democrats who control the state Capitol and the major Bay Area cities must find ways to use the resources they have more efficiently rather than trying to tax their way out of the pandemic.
Our local and state economy has been battered by COVID-19. A recovery hinges first on widespread distribution of a vaccine, which is only just beginning and won’t show significant impact for months. Then the climb out of the financial hole, the reopening of businesses and the return to the full employment we enjoyed before this onslaught will likely take years.
It’s unfortunate that more federal stimulus help has been slow in coming and inadequate in magnitude. It has left too many people out of work, struggling to cover their rent or mortgage and pay their bills. And that’s especially tough in California and the Bay Area.
So it’s really not surprising that we’re seeing people fleeing, either because they cannot afford to live here any longer or because they’ve realized from the pandemic that they can work from home — and home can be anywhere.
Chances are that the population growth rate has slowed even further than the new numbers indicate. The data, from the state Department of Finance, reflects the last fiscal year, so it just captures the first few months of the pandemic. A lot has happened since then.
Nonetheless, it shows that four of the nine Bay Area counties — Marin, Napa, San Mateo and Sonoma — lost population, while the other five barely eked out a gain, with San Francisco tops at 0.31%, followed by Contra Costa (0.24%), Alameda (0.19%), Santa Clara (0.07%) and Solano (0.06%).
Our challenge as we eventually exit the COVID era will be to find a way to keep the people and jobs we have, to build back our vibrant economy and hold on to our region’s wonderful diversity. It’s what makes the Bay Area, and the state, so special.
But it’s important to recognize that our region and our economy will be different. Many people will continue to work from home. It’s hard to image putting that genie back in the bottle. Traffic patterns will be altered, perhaps permanently. Some of that might be good for our mental health and the environment.
Sadly, we have lost too many small businesses. Once vital shopping districts are now strewn with closed-up storefronts. It’s unclear how many of those companies will be revived and how many new ones will emerge as another generation of entrepreneurs steps up.
As we did after the Great Recession, we will rebuild the state and Bay Area economy. The decisions we make in the coming months will determine how well and quickly we do that.


mercurynews--2020-12-18--Sponsored: Ultra-rare waterfront luxury home

At 2831 Sea View Parkway , you ’ re not just buying a house , you ’ re buying a lifestyle .
Enjoy the views of San Francisco , the bay , the Oakland hills , unbelievable sunsets , bird sanctuary , walking and biking trails , the S.F .
commuter ferry , top schools , plus world-class golf , spa , and shopping are all nearby .
Cathedral ceilings , wood floors , designer lighting and dual waterfalls are in the living room .
The kitchen features a gas-powered five-burner Dacor range top oven and a stainless-steel KitchenAid fridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family room with wood-burning fireplace , and there ’ s a patio , spacious rear yard , and dog run .
Completing the ground level is a bedroom , full bathroom , laundry room and two-car garage .
Upstairs , past the one-of-a-kind stairwell railing , are two more bedrooms , updated hall bathroom and primary bedroom retreat with private balcony .
The suite features high ceilings , a wood-burning fireplace , his-and-her closets with a deep walk-in closet .
The large shower stall with dual shower heads , two vanity sinks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private retreat waiting to take you away .
In the primary bedroom , imagine how you will feel exercising and breathing the fresh clean bay air or sipping your morning coffee while looking at San Francisco from your bed .
Text GBGTOUR to 59559 to schedule an in-person or virtual tour .

BANG Advertising Staff and correspondents

At 2831 Sea View Parkway, you’re not just buying a house, you’re buying a lifestyle.
Enjoy the views of San Francisco, the bay, the Oakland hills, unbelievable sunsets, bird sanctuary, walking and biking trails, the S.F. commuter ferry, top schools, plus world-class golf, spa, and shopping are all nearby.
Cathedral ceilings, wood floors, designer lighting and dual waterfalls are in the living room.
The kitchen features a gas-powered five-burner Dacor range top oven and a stainless-steel KitchenAid fridge. Across from the kitchen is the family room with wood-burning fireplace, and there’s a patio, spacious rear yard, and dog run.
Completing the ground level is a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry room and two-car garage.
Upstairs, past the one-of-a-kind stairwell railing, are two more bedrooms, updated hall bathroom and primary bedroom retreat with private balcony. The suite features high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, his-and-her closets with a deep walk-in closet. The large shower stall with dual shower heads, two vanity sinks and an $8,000 hydrotherapy soaking tub is a private retreat waiting to take you away.
In the primary bedroom, imagine how you will feel exercising and breathing the fresh clean bay air or sipping your morning coffee while looking at San Francisco from your bed.
Text GBGTOUR to 59559 to schedule an in-person or virtual tour.
Location: 2831 Sea View Parkway in Alameda
Price: $2,088,000
Website: www.2831SeaView.com
Listing agent: Guy Blume, DRE #01766434 Keller Williams Realty Guy@iLoveAlameda.com (510) 846-4687 www.iLoveAlameda.com


mercurynews--2020-12-18--Review: The fascinating true story of a political killing

The assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ’ s estranged half-brother Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur ’ s airport in February of 2017 , I ’ m embarrassed to say , was a blip on my radar .
There was a vague recollection of two young women who were caught on CCTV smearing the deadly VX nerve agent on his face and running away .
Kim Jong Nam died within the hour .
It seemed right out of a spy movie and apparently one I wrongly assumed I already knew the end to .
And although the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered , I don ’ t think I ’ m the only one who lost the thread early .
This not knowing is part of what makes Ryan White ’ s extraordinary documentary ” Assassins , ” about the trial of the two young women , so compulsively compelling .
I imagine even those who kept up with this strange saga will find their own jaws on the floor more than a few times as well .
The film plays out chronologically , first letting us discover the women through the CCTV footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rub something on his face and then run away to the bathroom to presumably wash their hands of the poison .
One is wearing a long sleeve shirt with the letters LOL .
A local journalist marvels at how suspect it looks as both hold their hands away from themselves on their way to a sink .
The actions of 29-year-old Doan Thi Huong of Vietnam and 25-year-old Siti Aisyah of Indonesia killed Kim Jong Nam .
But the central question of the film , and the trial , is whether these women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pawns , or somewhere in between .
The stakes could not be higher : If found guilty in Malaysia they would be killed .
The seed of doubt about the women starts to evaporate early when you begin to learn about their lives and understand why they say they thought they were merely participating in a hidden camera prank show .
It is a revealing and heart-wrenching portrait of what life is like for young women in Vietnam and Indonesia where exploitation is rampant and options are few .
Huong wanted to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money home to her impoverished family .
When they ’ re approached , separately , about participating in a YouTube prank show for a regular paycheck , you understand why they don ’ t seem to ask many questions of their mysterious bosses .
White , who was also behind the Netflix series “ The Keepers , ” about the unsolved murder of a nun , and “ Ask Dr. Ruth , ” gets extraordinary access to the defense lawyers in the case who help walk us through the appeals process and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also on hand to help explain the dynamics of the North Korean dynasty .
And much time is devoted to poring over the CCTV footage from all angles .
You might find yourself instinctively saying “ enhance , enhance ” to no one in particular .
Through no fault of the filmmakers , the North Korean element remains , largely , a mystery .
The four identified parties quickly left Malaysia and were not even specifically named in the trial .
The suggestion is that the two women were being used as scapegoats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the film ’ s distribution a bit of a headache .
Since it premiered at Sundance last year , domestic rights have bounced from company to company in the effort to get it to audiences .
White has said that some have been nervous to take on the film because of the Sony hack .
It ’ s all the more reason to seek out “ Assassins , ” which through Greenwich Entertainment is currently in select theaters , including virtual cinemas , and will be available for rental on demand in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and enlighten .

The assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s estranged half-brother Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur’s airport in February of 2017, I’m embarrassed to say, was a blip on my radar. There was a vague recollection of two young women who were caught on CCTV smearing the deadly VX nerve agent on his face and running away. Kim Jong Nam died within the hour.
It seemed right out of a spy movie and apparently one I wrongly assumed I already knew the end to. And although the event and aftermath were widely, exhaustively covered, I don’t think I’m the only one who lost the thread early.
This not knowing is part of what makes Ryan White’s extraordinary documentary ” Assassins,” about the trial of the two young women, so compulsively compelling. I imagine even those who kept up with this strange saga will find their own jaws on the floor more than a few times as well.
The film plays out chronologically, first letting us discover the women through the CCTV footage appearing to ambush Kim Jong Nam, rub something on his face and then run away to the bathroom to presumably wash their hands of the poison. One is wearing a long sleeve shirt with the letters LOL. A local journalist marvels at how suspect it looks as both hold their hands away from themselves on their way to a sink.
The actions of 29-year-old Doan Thi Huong of Vietnam and 25-year-old Siti Aisyah of Indonesia killed Kim Jong Nam. But the central question of the film, and the trial, is whether these women were in fact trained killers, unwitting pawns, or somewhere in between. The stakes could not be higher: If found guilty in Malaysia they would be killed.
The seed of doubt about the women starts to evaporate early when you begin to learn about their lives and understand why they say they thought they were merely participating in a hidden camera prank show. It is a revealing and heart-wrenching portrait of what life is like for young women in Vietnam and Indonesia where exploitation is rampant and options are few. Huong wanted to be an actress. Aisyah wanted to send money home to her impoverished family. When they’re approached, separately, about participating in a YouTube prank show for a regular paycheck, you understand why they don’t seem to ask many questions of their mysterious bosses.
White, who was also behind the Netflix series “The Keepers,” about the unsolved murder of a nun, and “Ask Dr. Ruth,” gets extraordinary access to the defense lawyers in the case who help walk us through the appeals process and the trial. A Washington Post journalist is also on hand to help explain the dynamics of the North Korean dynasty. And much time is devoted to poring over the CCTV footage from all angles. You might find yourself instinctively saying “enhance, enhance” to no one in particular.
Through no fault of the filmmakers, the North Korean element remains, largely, a mystery. The four identified parties quickly left Malaysia and were not even specifically named in the trial. The suggestion is that the two women were being used as scapegoats.
The tricky geopolitical elements here have made the film’s distribution a bit of a headache. Since it premiered at Sundance last year, domestic rights have bounced from company to company in the effort to get it to audiences. White has said that some have been nervous to take on the film because of the Sony hack.
It’s all the more reason to seek out “Assassins,” which through Greenwich Entertainment is currently in select theaters, including virtual cinemas, and will be available for rental on demand in January. It will shock, enrage and enlighten.
“Assassins”
3 1/2 stars out of 4
Unrated
Running time: 104 minutes


mercurynews--2020-12-18--Tiger Woods and son Charlie make PNC event must-see TV

Tiger Woods and his 11-year-old son were on the practice range together Thursday at the PNC Championship , and social media was blazing with how good Charlie ’ s swing looked , right down to the club twirl .
What got the attention of Justin Thomas was competitive chirping .
He recalled a putting contest they had two years ago in Woods ’ backyard .
Thomas said it was one of the few weeks he occupied the No .
1 world ranking .
“ Charlie was leading going into the last hole , ” Thomas said .
“ Charlie is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 9-year-old beating the No .
1 player in the world and supposedly the best player of all time.
’ He three-putted and I made it .
Shut him up pretty quick.
” The next competition will be on national TV .
Woods and his son are among 20 teams in Orlando , Florida , for the PNC Championship that starts Saturday , a 36-hole event known for many years as the Father-Son Challenge .
Moving with the times , players who won a major or The Players Championship can have sons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Woods is playing for the first time , turning a cozy December gathering into must-see TV .
Is the son too young for so much attention ?
It ’ s all relative considering Woods was 2 when he made his TV debut on “ The Mike Douglas Show.
” “ When I was 11 , it was a totally different world , ” Woods said .
“ I was playing a lot of tournaments , but I wasn ’ t in front of the media like this .
It was so different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and playing and being a part of golf .
And this is part of golf.
” “ It ’ s so much fun for me to see him enjoying the game , ” Woods said after a pro-am round that featured one par 3 where his son hit it to 3 feet and Woods left it some 40 feet away .
“ That ’ s the whole idea .
Enjoy hitting shots and creating those shots .
It ’ s so cool for me to see him enjoy the sport.
” The 11-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensation last year when he was playing a junior event .
The father of another player noticed Woods on the range and took video , and in the background was young Charlie with a sweet swing reminiscent of a tour player with 82 wins and 15 majors .
Woods said if there is any instruction , a big part comes from Mike Thomas , the father of Justin Thomas and a longtime club professional in Kentucky whose specialty is working with juniors .
“ Mike has been very impactful in terms of him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s rare in golf for sons to follow their fathers .
Jack Nicklaus ’ oldest of four sons , Jackie , won the prestigious North & South Amateur but never had a PGA Tour card .
His third son , Gary , played on tour and once lost in a playoff to Phil Mickelson at the former BellSouth Classic in Atlanta .
Jay and Bill Haas and Craig and Kevin Stadler are among father-son duos with PGA Tour titles .
Then again , this isn ’ t about the tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never pushed me to play golf or run cross-country , ” Woods said .
“ Whatever Charlie decides to do , as I said , as long as he enjoys it .
And he ’ s doing that.
” Charlie ’ s mother is Woods ’ ex-wife , Elin Nordegren .
The two also have a daughter , 13-year-old Sam , who reportedly is more interested in soccer than in golf .
For Charlie , the weekend ’ s event is a chance for payback .
He and his father are paired the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The boy ’ s ability to chirp has been brought up a few times in recent weeks .
Justin Thomas wants to see the 11-year-old Woods play well and soak up the moment .
“ Who wouldn ’ t want to be like your dad if your dad is Tiger Woods ?
” Thomas said .
“ You all will get entertainment watching him twirl the club .
As much joking as I ’ ve made , I ’ ll be his second-biggest supporter behind Tiger .
”

Tiger Woods and his 11-year-old son were on the practice range together Thursday at the PNC Championship, and social media was blazing with how good Charlie’s swing looked, right down to the club twirl.
What got the attention of Justin Thomas was competitive chirping.
He recalled a putting contest they had two years ago in Woods’ backyard. Thomas said it was one of the few weeks he occupied the No. 1 world ranking.
“Charlie was leading going into the last hole,” Thomas said. “Charlie is mouthing off, ‘Here I am a 9-year-old beating the No. 1 player in the world and supposedly the best player of all time.’ He three-putted and I made it. Shut him up pretty quick.”
The next competition will be on national TV.
Woods and his son are among 20 teams in Orlando, Florida, for the PNC Championship that starts Saturday, a 36-hole event known for many years as the Father-Son Challenge. Moving with the times, players who won a major or The Players Championship can have sons, daughters and even fathers as their partners.
Woods is playing for the first time, turning a cozy December gathering into must-see TV.
Is the son too young for so much attention? It’s all relative considering Woods was 2 when he made his TV debut on “The Mike Douglas Show.”
“When I was 11, it was a totally different world,” Woods said. “I was playing a lot of tournaments, but I wasn’t in front of the media like this. It was so different. He’s been handling this and playing and being a part of golf. And this is part of golf.”
“It’s so much fun for me to see him enjoying the game,” Woods said after a pro-am round that featured one par 3 where his son hit it to 3 feet and Woods left it some 40 feet away. “That’s the whole idea. Enjoy hitting shots and creating those shots. It’s so cool for me to see him enjoy the sport.”
The 11-year-old son already became somewhat of a video sensation last year when he was playing a junior event. The father of another player noticed Woods on the range and took video, and in the background was young Charlie with a sweet swing reminiscent of a tour player with 82 wins and 15 majors.
Woods said if there is any instruction, a big part comes from Mike Thomas, the father of Justin Thomas and a longtime club professional in Kentucky whose specialty is working with juniors.
“Mike has been very impactful in terms of him enjoying the sport,” Woods said.
That’s the word — enjoy — Woods kept repeating.
It’s rare in golf for sons to follow their fathers. Jack Nicklaus’ oldest of four sons, Jackie, won the prestigious North & South Amateur but never had a PGA Tour card. His third son, Gary, played on tour and once lost in a playoff to Phil Mickelson at the former BellSouth Classic in Atlanta.
Jay and Bill Haas and Craig and Kevin Stadler are among father-son duos with PGA Tour titles.
Then again, this isn’t about the tour or even winning.
“My dad never pushed me to play golf or run cross-country,” Woods said. “Whatever Charlie decides to do, as I said, as long as he enjoys it. And he’s doing that.”
Charlie’s mother is Woods’ ex-wife, Elin Nordegren. The two also have a daughter, 13-year-old Sam, who reportedly is more interested in soccer than in golf.
For Charlie, the weekend’s event is a chance for payback. He and his father are paired the opening round with Mike and Justin Thomas. The boy’s ability to chirp has been brought up a few times in recent weeks. Justin Thomas wants to see the 11-year-old Woods play well and soak up the moment.
“Who wouldn’t want to be like your dad if your dad is Tiger Woods?” Thomas said. “You all will get entertainment watching him twirl the club. As much joking as I’ve made, I’ll be his second-biggest supporter behind Tiger.”


mercurynews--2020-12-18--New report: Officer slain at Borderline Bar massacre had tripped and was shot by colleague

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) — A sheriff ’ s sergeant who was accidentally shot by a fellow police officer as they responded to a mass shooting at a California bar had tripped and fallen during the chaos and was struck by the fatal bullet when he stood up and tried to retreat , according to a prosecutors ’ report Thursday that finds both officers acted lawfully when they fired their weapons .
The report by the Ventura County District Attorney ’ s office provides the most detailed timeline of events yet of the massacre that unfolded Nov. 7 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire at the Borderline Bar and Grill in the Los Angeles suburb of Thousand Oaks , killing 11 .
Ventura County Sheriff ’ s Sgt .
Ron Helus had returned Long ’ s fire from inside the dark and smoky bar and was moving back out the front door when his feet got tangled in a rope and he tumbled to the ground , according to an investigation by the county district attorney ’ s office .
California Highway Patrol Officer Todd Barrett had already exited and was firing at Long , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer ’ s rounds hit Helus , who had gotten up again and was just outside the door .
Helus was shot five times by Long .
But the medical examiner determined shortly after the incident that the sergeant was killed by a sixth bullet , fired by Barrett , that pierced his heart .
Long , a Marine veteran , had taken a tactical position and lay in wait for the officers , investigators said .
The 28-year-old gunman , who wasn ’ t hit by either officer ’ s gunfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Barrett “ honestly and reasonably believed ” that he and Helus , along with another responding officer , highway patrol Officer Lidia Espinoza , faced imminent threat of death or great bodily injury when they responded to reports of gunfire at around 11:20 p.m. that Wednesday , the report said .
Prosecutors concluded Barrett ’ s and Helus ’ use of deadly force against Long was justified as a lawful act of self-defense and defense of others .
In addition , Barrett ’ s accidental shooting of Helus was justified and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report includes edited video from security footage and officer vest-worn cameras .
Long is seen waiting in a back office of the bar and watching on video monitors as Helus , Barrett and Espinoza arrive .
“ In an extraordinary act of heroism due to the active threat Long posed , Sergeant Helus and Officer Barrett entered the Borderline without knowledge of where Long was located , which afforded Long a substantial tactical advantage , ” prosecutors wrote .
At one point , grainy footage shows Long from behind leaning over a counter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting at the officers .
Helus is hit , but he still manages to return fire while retreating , prosecutors said .
He was pronounced dead at a hospital .
“ It is a testament to his training , character , and valor that even though he had been shot in the heart , he found the strength and determination to continue to protect others and fight to the end , ” prosecutors wrote .
Long is also seen lighting and throwing one of several smoke grenades that he tossed into the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see before he opened fire .
He used a flashlight with a laser sight attached to his .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol as he shot .
Long started shooting at patrons and employees within seconds of arriving .
Panicked patrons ran for the doors , dived under tables and piled on top of each other in an effort to dodge the gunfire .
Others ran for their lives through other exits or broke through windows and jumped out , injuring themselves in the flight .
According to the report , Long fired 61 rounds over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had 129 rounds remaining .
• Arrest made in 2015 Oakland shooting death ; prosecutors filed murder charge in 2019 but suspect wasn ’ t arrested for a full year The district attorney ’ s investigation is the first official report to be released on the shooting .
Still pending are the sheriff ’ s office review of the law enforcement response and homicide detectives ’ in-depth investigation of the incident .
Helus , a 29-year veteran of the department , was close to retirement when he was killed .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A sheriff’s sergeant who was accidentally shot by a fellow police officer as they responded to a mass shooting at a California bar had tripped and fallen during the chaos and was struck by the fatal bullet when he stood up and tried to retreat, according to a prosecutors’ report Thursday that finds both officers acted lawfully when they fired their weapons.
The report by the Ventura County District Attorney’s office provides the most detailed timeline of events yet of the massacre that unfolded Nov. 7, 2018, when Ian David Long opened fire at the Borderline Bar and Grill in the Los Angeles suburb of Thousand Oaks, killing 11.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus had returned Long’s fire from inside the dark and smoky bar and was moving back out the front door when his feet got tangled in a rope and he tumbled to the ground, according to an investigation by the county district attorney’s office.
California Highway Patrol Officer Todd Barrett had already exited and was firing at Long, who was still inside, when one of the officer’s rounds hit Helus, who had gotten up again and was just outside the door.
Helus was shot five times by Long. But the medical examiner determined shortly after the incident that the sergeant was killed by a sixth bullet, fired by Barrett, that pierced his heart.
Long, a Marine veteran, had taken a tactical position and lay in wait for the officers, investigators said. The 28-year-old gunman, who wasn’t hit by either officer’s gunfire, fatally shot himself after the firefight.
Barrett “honestly and reasonably believed” that he and Helus, along with another responding officer, highway patrol Officer Lidia Espinoza, faced imminent threat of death or great bodily injury when they responded to reports of gunfire at around 11:20 p.m. that Wednesday, the report said.
Prosecutors concluded Barrett’s and Helus’ use of deadly force against Long was justified as a lawful act of self-defense and defense of others.
In addition, Barrett’s accidental shooting of Helus was justified and not criminal, the report found.
The report includes edited video from security footage and officer vest-worn cameras. Long is seen waiting in a back office of the bar and watching on video monitors as Helus, Barrett and Espinoza arrive.
“In an extraordinary act of heroism due to the active threat Long posed, Sergeant Helus and Officer Barrett entered the Borderline without knowledge of where Long was located, which afforded Long a substantial tactical advantage,” prosecutors wrote.
At one point, grainy footage shows Long from behind leaning over a counter at the bar’s entrance and shooting at the officers. Helus is hit, but he still manages to return fire while retreating, prosecutors said. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
“It is a testament to his training, character, and valor that even though he had been shot in the heart, he found the strength and determination to continue to protect others and fight to the end,” prosecutors wrote.
Long is also seen lighting and throwing one of several smoke grenades that he tossed into the club to obstruct what employees and patrons could see before he opened fire. He used a flashlight with a laser sight attached to his .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol as he shot.
Long started shooting at patrons and employees within seconds of arriving. Panicked patrons ran for the doors, dived under tables and piled on top of each other in an effort to dodge the gunfire. Others ran for their lives through other exits or broke through windows and jumped out, injuring themselves in the flight.
According to the report, Long fired 61 rounds over about 20 minutes before killing himself. He had 129 rounds remaining.
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Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka Crime and Public Safety | San Francisco’s 166-year-old luxury retailer Gumps warns: This could be our last year The district attorney’s investigation is the first official report to be released on the shooting. Still pending are the sheriff’s office review of the law enforcement response and homicide detectives’ in-depth investigation of the incident.
Helus, a 29-year veteran of the department, was close to retirement when he was killed. He is survived by a wife and son.


Word Game: Dec. 18, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CLUSTER ( CLUSTER : KLUS-ter : A closely gathered group of the same or similar @ @ @ @ @ find 41 or more words in CLUSTER ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
@ @ @ @ @ book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last @ @ @ @ @ be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by @ @ @ @ @ , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be @ @ @ @ @ if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are @ @ @ @ @ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang @ @ @ @ @ sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CLUSTER (CLUSTER: KLUS-ter: A closely gathered group of the same or similar elements.)
Average mark 34 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 41 or more words in CLUSTER? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — ABNORMAL alarm amoral aroma balm banal barn baron
boar bola born bran norm normal oral roam roan roman malar mana manor marl moan
molar moral morn labor lama lamb loam loan lobar loran lorn
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-12-18--Horoscopes Dec. 18, 2020: Katie Holmes, evaluate the past

Happy Birthday : Pick up the pace , and strive to turn this year into something special .
Focus on your health , well-being and stature .
Evaluate the past , then take all your best qualities , skills and experience and find a way to make your dreams come true .
You ’ ll have the discipline to achieve things you never thought possible .
Trust and believe in yourself .
Your numbers are 3 , 16 , 20 , 27 , 32 , 38 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : You are heading into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever .
Whether you decide to learn something new , change your job or make a move that supports a better lifestyle , the result will favor you .
Romance is on the rise .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Be careful not to take on more than you can handle .
A project you take on will lead to uncertainty if you don ’ t understand what ’ s expected of you before you begin .
Ask questions to avoid being put in an awkward position .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Someone will let you down if you believe everything you hear .
Show compassion , but don ’ t take on troubles that don ’ t belong to you .
Focus on what you want and how best to achieve your goals .
Love and romance will lead to a lifestyle change .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Pay more attention to learning , advancement and personal growth .
Look for alternative lifestyles that offer less stress and more time to focus on what you enjoy doing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t hesitate when something good comes along .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Focus on exercising , finishing a project or making plans with someone special .
An energetic approach to life and love will lead to positive changes and the chance to start something new .
Romance and kind gestures will lead to personal happiness .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Someone close to you will withhold information that can affect a decision you are trying to make .
Look for expert advice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by someone looking out for his or her interests .
Proceed with caution .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Too much or too little will lead to trouble .
Look at the choices you have and weigh the pros and cons carefully .
Don ’ t feel you have to act in haste .
Time spent with someone you love will ease stress .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Slow down , take a deep breath and rethink your plans .
A creative outlet will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t considered .
You may desire change , but it has to be the right move if you want to pursue your dreams .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Put your plans in motion .
You ’ ll have what it takes to win favors and persuade others to invest time and money in what you want to pursue .
Love and romance are encouraged , and a promise someone makes will change your life .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Align yourself with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and strive to reach a common goal .
Set up a space at home that caters to health and fitness , personal growth and advancement .
Plan something special with someone you love .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Stop worrying about what others are doing , and concentrate on your pursuits .
How you approach a project will determine the outcome .
Put greater emphasis on taking physical action and getting things done .
Concrete results will impress someone you want on your team .
3 stars PISCES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t trust a peer who is competing with you .
Be secretive about your intentions , and don ’ t share your ideas until you are ready to present what you have to offer .
A change made in haste will lead to unexpected setbacks .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are dynamic , engaging and playful .
You are disciplined and resourceful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Christina Aguilera, 40; Katie Holmes, 42; Brad Pitt, 57; Steven Spielberg, 74.
Happy Birthday: Pick up the pace, and strive to turn this year into something special. Focus on your health, well-being and stature. Evaluate the past, then take all your best qualities, skills and experience and find a way to make your dreams come true. You’ll have the discipline to achieve things you never thought possible. Trust and believe in yourself. Your numbers are 3, 16, 20, 27, 32, 38, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You are heading into an upswing that can change your life forever. Whether you decide to learn something new, change your job or make a move that supports a better lifestyle, the result will favor you. Romance is on the rise. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be careful not to take on more than you can handle. A project you take on will lead to uncertainty if you don’t understand what’s expected of you before you begin. Ask questions to avoid being put in an awkward position. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone will let you down if you believe everything you hear. Show compassion, but don’t take on troubles that don’t belong to you. Focus on what you want and how best to achieve your goals. Love and romance will lead to a lifestyle change. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pay more attention to learning, advancement and personal growth. Look for alternative lifestyles that offer less stress and more time to focus on what you enjoy doing. Look for opportunities, and don’t hesitate when something good comes along. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Focus on exercising, finishing a project or making plans with someone special. An energetic approach to life and love will lead to positive changes and the chance to start something new. Romance and kind gestures will lead to personal happiness. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Someone close to you will withhold information that can affect a decision you are trying to make. Look for expert advice, and you’ll avoid being manipulated by someone looking out for his or her interests. Proceed with caution. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Too much or too little will lead to trouble. Look at the choices you have and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Don’t feel you have to act in haste. Time spent with someone you love will ease stress. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Slow down, take a deep breath and rethink your plans. A creative outlet will open your mind to options you haven’t considered. You may desire change, but it has to be the right move if you want to pursue your dreams. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put your plans in motion. You’ll have what it takes to win favors and persuade others to invest time and money in what you want to pursue. Love and romance are encouraged, and a promise someone makes will change your life. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Align yourself with people who share your work ethic, and strive to reach a common goal. Set up a space at home that caters to health and fitness, personal growth and advancement. Plan something special with someone you love. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stop worrying about what others are doing, and concentrate on your pursuits. How you approach a project will determine the outcome. Put greater emphasis on taking physical action and getting things done. Concrete results will impress someone you want on your team. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t trust a peer who is competing with you. Be secretive about your intentions, and don’t share your ideas until you are ready to present what you have to offer. A change made in haste will lead to unexpected setbacks. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are dynamic, engaging and playful. You are disciplined and resourceful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-12-19--Trump administration to close remaining consulates in Russia

The Trump administration has informed lawmakers of its plan to shutter its two remaining consulates in Russia .
In a notification dated December 10 , the US State Department told Congress it intends to close the consulate in Vladivostok and suspend operations at the consulate in Yekaterinburg .
Their closures will leave the US with only one diplomatic outpost in Russia — the US Embassy in Moscow — at a time of heightened tensions between the two nations and as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take the helm of the US government .
Just this week — after the notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a widespread , ongoing cyberattack against numerous agencies of the federal government as well as a number of Fortune 500 companies .
The attack is suspected to have ties to Russia .
According to the notice , a copy of which was obtained by CNN on Friday , the State Department said it “ intends to take these steps in response to ongoing staffing challenges for the U.S. Mission in Russia in the wake of the 2017 Russian-imposed personnel cap on the U.S. Mission and the resultant impasse with Russia over diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the consulates will be reassigned to the embassy in Moscow , it said , and the 33 locally employed staff will be laid off .
The notice said that once the congressional notification procedure was completed , the consulates , “ with support from Embassy Moscow , plan to begin procedures to remove all sensitive material from the consulate , including computer equipment and controlled consular material.
” The department temporarily suspended operations in March at the consulate in Vladivostok due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The Russian government forced the closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 in a retaliatory move .
Now , with the planned closure of the remaining two consulates — which was first reported by the Associated Press — all services for American citizens will be run out of Moscow .
The State Department told lawmakers that “ the planned closure would not adversely affect the Mission ’ s ability to advance core U.S. national interests , assist U.S. citizens , or to conduct adequate oversight of programs because all of those functions would continue to be performed by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ intended moves , saying that “ the Secretary of State , in close consultation with Ambassador John Sullivan , has decided to close the U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok and to suspend operations at the U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Russian Federation.
” • Hacked networks may need to be burned ‘ down to the ground ’ • Russia ’ s doping ban cut in half , will run through Tokyo and Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hit US institutions ?
“ The Department ’ s decision on the U.S. consulates in Russia was taken to optimize the work of the U.S. mission in Russia , ” the spokesperson said Friday .
“ The resulting realignment of personnel at U.S. Embassy Moscow will allow us to advance our foreign policy interests in Russia in the most effective and safe manner possible.
” “ No action related to the Russian consulates in the United States is planned , ” they added .
It is unclear when the closures will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Biden takes office next month .
The President-elect has said he and his team are preparing a “ cost imposition strategy ” to respond to Russia for its disruptive measures , including the cyberattack if Moscow is deemed responsible .
Those measures will include , but won ’ t be limited to sanctions , according to a source close to Biden .

By Jennifer Hansler | CNN
The Trump administration has informed lawmakers of its plan to shutter its two remaining consulates in Russia.
In a notification dated December 10, the US State Department told Congress it intends to close the consulate in Vladivostok and suspend operations at the consulate in Yekaterinburg.
Their closures will leave the US with only one diplomatic outpost in Russia — the US Embassy in Moscow — at a time of heightened tensions between the two nations and as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take the helm of the US government.
Just this week — after the notice was sent to Congress — news emerged of a widespread, ongoing cyberattack against numerous agencies of the federal government as well as a number of Fortune 500 companies. The attack is suspected to have ties to Russia.
According to the notice, a copy of which was obtained by CNN on Friday, the State Department said it “intends to take these steps in response to ongoing staffing challenges for the U.S. Mission in Russia in the wake of the 2017 Russian-imposed personnel cap on the U.S. Mission and the resultant impasse with Russia over diplomatic visas.”
The 10 US diplomats assigned to the consulates will be reassigned to the embassy in Moscow, it said, and the 33 locally employed staff will be laid off. The notice said that once the congressional notification procedure was completed, the consulates, “with support from Embassy Moscow, plan to begin procedures to remove all sensitive material from the consulate, including computer equipment and controlled consular material.”
The department temporarily suspended operations in March at the consulate in Vladivostok due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Russian government forced the closure of the US consulate in St. Petersburg in 2018 in a retaliatory move. Now, with the planned closure of the remaining two consulates — which was first reported by the Associated Press — all services for American citizens will be run out of Moscow.
The State Department told lawmakers that “the planned closure would not adversely affect the Mission’s ability to advance core U.S. national interests, assist U.S. citizens, or to conduct adequate oversight of programs because all of those functions would continue to be performed by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.”
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the intended moves, saying that “the Secretary of State, in close consultation with Ambassador John Sullivan, has decided to close the U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok and to suspend operations at the U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Russian Federation.”
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“No action related to the Russian consulates in the United States is planned,” they added.
It is unclear when the closures will be completed or if they will be finalized before Biden takes office next month. The President-elect has said he and his team are preparing a “cost imposition strategy” to respond to Russia for its disruptive measures, including the cyberattack if Moscow is deemed responsible. Those measures will include, but won’t be limited to sanctions, according to a source close to Biden.


mercurynews--2020-12-19--NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement, season could start Jan. 13

The National Hockey League and players reached a tentative deal Friday to hold a 56-game season in 2021 , pending the approval of each side ’ s executive board and Canadian health officials .
The season would start Jan. 13 .
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the sides have an agreement , pending the approval of various executive boards .
The NHL Players ’ Association ’ s board is meeting Friday night to discuss , while the league ’ s Board of Governors could vote on the plan soon .
Approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHL can go ahead with the season .
Training camps for the seven non-playoff games like the Sharks would open Dec. 31 and then Jan. 3 for the other 24 teams .
It ’ s unclear whether teams would play in their home arenas or in “ hub ” cities , though an all-divisional schedule is expected .
If the tentative dates hold , it does not appear as if the Sharks will be able start their training camp in San Jose .
Santa Clara County ’ s contact sports ban , originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run through at least Jan. 8 , according to an updated protocol that aligns with state restrictions .
It is believed the Sharks would instead hold training camp in Scottsdale , Arizona , following in the footsteps of the 49ers , who relocated to the Phoenix area Dec. 2 after Santa Clara County ’ s restrictions were announced .
Because of the ban and the mandatory 10-day quarantine for those arriving into the county from more than 150 miles away , is not clear when the Sharks will be able to play home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Friday that their Jan. 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale , where the 49ers have played their past two games .
The Sharks have not played a regular season game since March 11 after they missed the NHL postseason for the first time since 2015 .
If there is an all-Canadian division , the Sharks could be in the same division as Los Angeles , Anaheim , Arizona , Colorado , Vegas and two other to-be-announced teams .
Per Sportsnet , the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divisions would make the playoffs .
Exhibition games aren ’ t expected to be included in the leadup to the new season .
Sportsnet in Canada first reported the tentative agreement .
The NHL , like the NBA , finished its previous season in a quarantined bubble — two of them , one each in Toronto and Edmonton , Alberta .
Commissioner Gary Bettman awarded the Stanley Cup to the Tampa Bay Lightning in late September .
• Gary Bettman hints at what may be in store for San Jose Sharks • San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division as NHL heavyweights • Why the San Jose Sharks could be hurt by NHL ’ s new reported start date Owners and players agreed to a long-term extensive of the collective bargaining agreement before the 2019-20 season resumed , setting the table for financial ramifications of the pandemic .
They agreed recently to stick to that deal , which includes players deferring 10 percent of salaries , a cap on money paid into escrow and a flat $ 81.5 million cap .

Drop the puck in mid-January? The National Hockey League is well on the way to making that happen.
The NHL and its players reached a tentative deal Friday to hold a 56-game season that would begin Jan. 13. The NHLPA executive board gave the agreement a green light to proceed, but players and owners must hold formal votes and Canadian health officials give their approval before it becomes reality.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the sides have an agreement, pending the approval of various executive committees.
Players on the NHLPA’s executive board call Friday night supported moving forward with the agreed upon terms, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because players had yet to officially approve the agreement.
The league’s Board of Governors could vote on the plan as soon as this weekend. Approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that have teams is still needed before the NHL can go ahead with the season.
Training camps for the seven non-playoff teams like the Sharks would open Dec. 31 and then Jan. 3 for the other 24 teams. It’s unclear whether teams would play in their home arenas or in “hub” cities, though an all-divisional schedule is expected.
Exhibition games aren’t expected to be included in the leadup to the new season. Sportsnet in Canada first reported the tentative agreement.
If the tentative dates hold, it does not appear as if the Sharks will be able start their training camp in San Jose. Santa Clara County’s contact sports ban, originally scheduled to lift Monday, instead will run through at least Jan. 8, according to an updated protocol that aligns with state restrictions.
It is believed the Sharks would instead hold training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona, following in the footsteps of the 49ers, who relocated to the Phoenix area Dec. 2 after Santa Clara County’s restrictions were announced.
Because of the ban and the mandatory 10-day quarantine for those arriving into the county from more than 150 miles away, it is not clear when the Sharks will be able to play home games at SAP Center. The 49ers announced Friday that their Jan. 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, where the 49ers have played their past two games.
The Sharks have not played a regular season game since March 11 after they missed the NHL postseason for the first time since 2015. If there is an all-Canadian division, the Sharks could be in the same division as Los Angeles, Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Vegas and, per multiple reports, Minnesota and St. Louis. Sportsnet reported the top four teams in each of the four divisions would make the playoffs.
The NHL, like the NBA, finished its previous season in a quarantined bubble — two of them, one each in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta. Commissioner Gary Bettman awarded the Stanley Cup to the Tampa Bay Lightning in late September in Edmonton.
Owners and players agreed to a long-term extension of the collective bargaining agreement before the 2019-20 season resumed, setting the table for financial ramifications of the pandemic. They agreed recently to stick to that deal, which includes players deferring 10% of salaries, a cap on money they pay into escrow and a flat $81.5 million cap.
The NHL follows the NBA in moving toward another regular season. The basketball season opens Tuesday.
One hurdle remaining is where the seven Canada-based teams will play. The original plan was to put them in the same division, though tougher pandemic restrictions north of the border put that into limbo this week.
“The resumption of sports events in Canada must be undertaken in adherence to Canada’s measures to mitigate the importation and spread of COVID-19,” the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement Thursday night. “NHL teams and other professional sports must operate within the rules of their provincial jurisdictions for sports or sporting events.”
Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays played last season in Buffalo, New York, and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors have relocated to Tampa, Florida, because of government prohibitions.
Staff writer Curtis Pashelka contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-12-19--Biden may time his confirmations to protect House majority

WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden ’ s decision to tap several House Democrats for administrative positions is putting Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a politically tough spot , having chiseled away at the party ’ s already slimming majority and leaving her potentially without enough votes to pass his legislative agenda .
Democrats already were heading into the new Congress with a razor-thin margin over Republicans .
But Biden ’ s overture to a third lawmaker , Rep. Deb Haaland , D-N.M. , as the history-making first Native American interior secretary , set off a fresh round of pained conversations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Biden era with a narrow majority , 222-211 , with a few races still undecided .
“ We need to manage something like this , ” Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina , the Democratic whip and a top Biden ally , said in an interview with The Associated Press this week .
According to Clyburn , an emerging strategy is to stagger the confirmations : Biden would hold off on formally submitting the nominations all at once so the House numbers don ’ t immediately drop .
Under the plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of the new Congress , ample time for the House to pass the 100-days agenda , a typically important but symbolic , legislative sprint that takes on new importance aligned with Biden ’ s presidency .
Biden ’ s first pick from the House , Rep. Cedric Richmond , D-La.
, would join the administration quickly once the president-elect is inaugurated Jan. 20 , Clyburn said .
Richmond is poised to become a senior adviser , a position that doesn ’ t require confirmation by the Senate .
Biden would then wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haaland and Rep. Marcia Fudge , D-Ohio , who was tapped as housing secretary , until after the March special election in Louisiana to fill Richmond ’ s seat .
The lawmakers can remain in the House , voting as members , until they are Senate confirmed .
Their nominations could be sent one after the other , in the months that follow .
The three House seats are in Democratic strongholds and expected to be off-limits to Republicans .
But special elections can throw curveballs , and the staggered timing would also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shore up the candidates and races .
Democrats are already deep into political soul-searching after a dismal November outcome for House Democrats .
Biden ’ s victory had short coattails as they lost seats and saw their majority shrink .
Moderate lawmakers and strategists blamed progressives for pushing the party ’ s message too far leftward ; progressives complained it was centrists who ran timid campaigns without a bold message to attract voters .
Pelosi is a master vote counter on the House floor , but even her skills will be tested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own election for another term as speaker .
If even a few Democratic lawmakers object or peel off , passing bills in the new Congress could be difficult .
In an extreme scenario , Republicans could even try to wrest control of the gavel and the majority .
If the numbers dipped so low — with illnesses or other absences , which are likely during the COVID-19 crisis — Republicans could try to force a floor vote on the issue .
Rep. Tom Cole , R-Okla. , said Friday that the departures of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divisions among Democrats to make governing “ very hard ” for Pelosi .
“ On any given vote when your margin is as narrow as this , a few people can be mad about something totally unrelated to the vote and just take it out on you , ” Cole said .
The danger zone was close enough that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer warned Biden last month off taking any more Democrats from his ranks .
“ I thought it would be difficult if , in fact , members of the Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
“ The margin was very close.
” A similar scenario has played out in the Senate , where Biden has refrained from naming senators to administrative positions because of the narrow GOP hold .
The Senate breakdown will be 51-48 when the new Congress is sworn in Jan. 3 , with the majority not yet decided until two Jan. 5 runoff elections in Georgia .
One of the runoffs involves a sitting Republican senator .
In some ways , the closely split House could provide an opportunity for Biden to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut bipartisan deals with a centrist agenda that could attract some Republicans .
But so far , House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy has signaled movement in the opposite direction .
He wants to use floor procedures as political weaponry to gum up the bills with Republican priorities and force vulnerable Democrats into tough votes .
Republicans used the strategy with some success in the current session of Congress , producing campaign ads against Democrats seeking reelection .
McCarthy , his own shot at seizing the majority for Republicans in 2022 now within reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would be more floor battles to come .
McCarthy said while Republicans won ’ t have the majority in the new year , they will “ run the floor.
” • With Trump silent , hack reprisal may fall to Biden To block those efforts , Democrats are considering rules changes proposed by Rep. Stephanie Murphy , D-Fla. , that would raise the threshold on those votes to a two-thirds majority to make it more difficult for Republicans to change the bills .
Yet the first legislation of the new Congress may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass , even with a slimmer majority .
The agenda is likely to be rooted in H.R .
1 through H.R.9 – the first nine bills of the last Congress — popular Democratic measures on voting rights , lowering prescription drug prices , raising the minimum wage and requiring background checks for gun purchases that most Democrats have already voted for .
Associated Press writer Alan Fram contributed to this report .

By Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden’s decision to tap several House Democrats for administrative positions is putting Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a politically tough spot, having chiseled away at the party’s already slimming majority and leaving her potentially without enough votes to pass his legislative agenda.
Democrats already were heading into the new Congress with a razor-thin margin over Republicans. But Biden’s overture to a third lawmaker, Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., as the history-making first Native American interior secretary, set off a fresh round of pained conversations on what to do. Pelosi will start the Biden era with a narrow majority, 222-211, with a few races still undecided.
But Pelosi’s leadership team has a plan.
“We need to manage something like this,” Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, the Democratic whip and a top Biden ally, said in an interview with The Associated Press this week.
According to Clyburn, an emerging strategy is to stagger the confirmations: Biden would hold off on formally submitting the nominations all at once so the House numbers don’t immediately drop.
Under the plan, timing would unfold over the first several months of the new Congress, ample time for the House to pass the 100-days agenda, a typically important but symbolic, legislative sprint that takes on new importance aligned with Biden’s presidency.
Biden’s first pick from the House, Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., would join the administration quickly once the president-elect is inaugurated Jan. 20, Clyburn said. Richmond is poised to become a senior adviser, a position that doesn’t require confirmation by the Senate.
Biden would then wait to submit the other two nominees, Haaland and Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, who was tapped as housing secretary, until after the March special election in Louisiana to fill Richmond’s seat.
The lawmakers can remain in the House, voting as members, until they are Senate confirmed. Their nominations could be sent one after the other, in the months that follow.
“Just manage it,” Clyburn said.
The three House seats are in Democratic strongholds and expected to be off-limits to Republicans. But special elections can throw curveballs, and the staggered timing would also give the campaigns ample running room to shore up the candidates and races.
Democrats are already deep into political soul-searching after a dismal November outcome for House Democrats. Biden’s victory had short coattails as they lost seats and saw their majority shrink.
Moderate lawmakers and strategists blamed progressives for pushing the party’s message too far leftward; progressives complained it was centrists who ran timid campaigns without a bold message to attract voters.
Pelosi is a master vote counter on the House floor, but even her skills will be tested in the new Congress, starting with her own election for another term as speaker. If even a few Democratic lawmakers object or peel off, passing bills in the new Congress could be difficult.
In an extreme scenario, Republicans could even try to wrest control of the gavel and the majority. If the numbers dipped so low — with illnesses or other absences, which are likely during the COVID-19 crisis — Republicans could try to force a floor vote on the issue.
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said Friday that the departures of the three lawmakers would combine with existing divisions among Democrats to make governing “very hard” for Pelosi.
“On any given vote when your margin is as narrow as this, a few people can be mad about something totally unrelated to the vote and just take it out on you,” Cole said.
The danger zone was close enough that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer warned Biden last month off taking any more Democrats from his ranks.
“I thought it would be difficult if, in fact, members of the Congress were selected,” Hoyer told reporters this week. “The margin was very close.”
A similar scenario has played out in the Senate, where Biden has refrained from naming senators to administrative positions because of the narrow GOP hold.
The Senate breakdown will be 51-48 when the new Congress is sworn in Jan. 3, with the majority not yet decided until two Jan. 5 runoff elections in Georgia. One of the runoffs involves a sitting Republican senator.
In some ways, the closely split House could provide an opportunity for Biden to reach across the aisle and try to cut bipartisan deals with a centrist agenda that could attract some Republicans.
But so far, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy has signaled movement in the opposite direction. He wants to use floor procedures as political weaponry to gum up the bills with Republican priorities and force vulnerable Democrats into tough votes.
Republicans used the strategy with some success in the current session of Congress, producing campaign ads against Democrats seeking reelection. McCarthy, his own shot at seizing the majority for Republicans in 2022 now within reached, warned shortly after the November election there would be more floor battles to come.
McCarthy said while Republicans won’t have the majority in the new year, they will “run the floor.”
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Yet the first legislation of the new Congress may not be too difficult for Pelosi to pass, even with a slimmer majority.
The agenda is likely to be rooted in H.R. 1 through H.R.9 – the first nine bills of the last Congress — popular Democratic measures on voting rights, lowering prescription drug prices, raising the minimum wage and requiring background checks for gun purchases that most Democrats have already voted for.
Associated Press writer Alan Fram contributed to this report.