washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Barack Obama joins Joe Biden for 'socially distant conversation'

Former President Barack Obama joined presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden for a “ socially distant conversation ” about @ @ @ @ @ issues facing the United States that will be streamed on social media on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ if he could imagine standing up as president and saying “ I take no responsibility @ @ @ @ @ a quote from President Trump earlier this year about coronavirus testing .
“ Those words @ @ @ @ @ of our mouths while we were in office , ” Mr. Obama said in a @ @ @ @ @ campaign on Wednesday .
The former president also complimented his former vice president on his @ @ @ @ @ to people .
The video could be a signal that Mr. Obama is preparing to @ @ @ @ @ 2020 presidential campaign .
He teamed up with Mr. Biden for a fundraiser last month @ @ @ @ @ event on behalf of House Democrats this past weekend .

Former President Barack Obama joined presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden for a “socially distant conversation” about the coronavirus pandemic and other issues facing the United States that will be streamed on social media on Thursday.
Mr. Biden asks Mr. Obama if he could imagine standing up as president and saying “I take no responsibility” — a reference to a quote from President Trump earlier this year about coronavirus testing.
“Those words didn’t come out of our mouths while we were in office,” Mr. Obama said in a preview released by the Biden campaign on Wednesday.
The former president also complimented his former vice president on his ability to “relate” to people.
The video could be a signal that Mr. Obama is preparing to become more active in the 2020 presidential campaign.
He teamed up with Mr. Biden for a fundraiser last month and spoke at a fundraising event on behalf of House Democrats this past weekend.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Atlanta Police: 2 fatally shot at recording studio

ATLANTA ( AP ) - Two people were fatally shot Wednesday morning at an Atlanta recording studio , authorities said @ @ @ @ @ 2 a.m. in the 2600 block of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway , news outlets reported @ @ @ @ @ D ’ Andrea Price said one man was found dead inside of the building that @ @ @ @ @ The second man was taken to Grady Hospital , where he later died .
Police @ @ @ @ @ found inside and outside the building .
Price said witnesses at the scene weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ waiting for a search warrant to investigate the area .
No one has been arrested @ @ @ @ @ said there may be more than one suspect .

ATLANTA (AP) - Two people were fatally shot Wednesday morning at an Atlanta recording studio, authorities said.
The shooting happened around 2 a.m. in the 2600 block of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, news outlets reported.
Atlanta Police Capt. D’Andrea Price said one man was found dead inside of the building that houses a recording studio. The second man was taken to Grady Hospital, where he later died.
Police said multiple shell casings were found inside and outside the building.
Price said witnesses at the scene weren’t cooperating. Officers were waiting for a search warrant to investigate the area.
No one has been arrested as of yet. Price said there may be more than one suspect.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--New Yorkers ditching city for elbow room fuel housing boom

If the outbreak roars back in New York City , Anil and Joyce Lilly will not be sheltering again in their Bronx apartment .
They just bought a house an hour north in the Hudson Valley .
“ We need more elbow room , ” said Joyce Lilly , explaining their move to Washingtonville , New York .
“ Because we were locked into the apartment for three months , a solid three months , I feel like I ’ m getting out of prison and I want to run as far away as possible.
” New Yorkers anxious after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fueling a boom in home sales and rentals around the picturesque towns and wooded hills to the north .
Real estate brokers and agents describe a red-hot market recently , with many house hunters able to work from home .
“ There has been a big uptick from Manhattan people , no doubt about that , ” said Steven Domber , president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties .
“ Number one , it ’ s cabin fever , which is wanting to get out of an apartment and having some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a lockdown again.
” The Catskill Mountains and bucolic stretches of the valley beyond the city ’ s northern suburbs have been longtime getaways for city residents .
But agents say sales and rental activity is far above normal .
Domber ’ s sales were up almost a third year over year in June .
Builder Chuck Petersheim said he took eight orders in a month , compared to his usual one and a half a month .
New York City is in no danger of hollowing out any time soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more like a trickle in a city of 8.3 million .
With new homes in the region running from under $ 200,000 to more than $ 1 million , they are an escape hatch many can not afford .
But the spike in sales and long-term rentals shows how New Yorkers who endured the worst of the pandemic see the city as less hospitable .
“ We just feel that the city will not be the city that we lived in , ” said Susan Cohen , who rented a home in Rhinebeck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Upper East Side apartment .
“ For six weeks in our two-bedroom apartment , all we talked about was without a vaccine , we will never go on the subway again , we ’ d be hesitant to go on a bus again , we won ’ t go to the movies .
we won ’ t go to the theater … So what do we have for the next two years in Manhattan ?
And we said , ‘ What are we living here for ?
’ ” County-level home sales figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to last year , but that reflects the one- to two-month lag between offers being accepted and closings .
Agents describe recent weeks of bidding wars over homes that had been languishing on the market and new listings being snapped up fast by buyers with cash .
Realtor John Murphy said some homes are selling $ 100,000 or more above the asking prices .
“ I think this was the event that got people off the fence , ” said broker Gary DiMauro .
“ I think we also got people who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second home up here to actually pull the trigger.
” Home hunters Tony Speciale and Jerry Marsini learned about competition recently when they walked through the front door of a home in Kingston just as their agent got a message from the seller about a cash offer from someone else .
“ If we find a house that we ’ re interested in , sitting on it more than a few days doesn ’ t seem like a good idea , ” Speciale said .
The Manhattan residents , who had been looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the process of buying a house in Kingston .
The Hudson Valley is not the only region outside New York City experiencing a bump .
Along the Jersey Shore , there are far more buyers than homes in Monmouth and Ocean counties .
Homes are selling above asking price and “ once a thing comes on the market everyone is jumping on it , ” said Wendy Smith , president of Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors .
On the tip of Long Island , a preservation fund financed by a real estate transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was up 39 % over the first half of the year , according to state Assemblyman Fred Thiele .
Extremely low mortgage rates are helping the market , as are more expansive work-from-home policies ushered in with the pandemic .
Joyce Lilly is an acupuncturist , but she said her husband ’ s ability to work remotely as an IT manager was the deciding factor in the move from Riverdale in the Bronx on Tuesday , which included his daughter , a granddaughter and a dog .
Cohen just retired in January and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a financial tech consultant from the house .
For music and video producer Erik Braund , moving his family of four from the Upper East Side to Saugerties has been a learning curve about how to keep his production company running some 100 miles north of his Brooklyn studio .
They pounced on a fixer upper at the start of the lockdown , but are keeping their apartment .
They might head back , but not the way things are now .
“ Whenever some sort of rapid testing becomes available , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re basically reassessing our life every single day , ” he said , “ So grateful that we were able to pull this off .
”

If the outbreak roars back in New York City, Anil and Joyce Lilly will not be sheltering again in their Bronx apartment. They just bought a house an hour north in the Hudson Valley.
“We need more elbow room,” said Joyce Lilly, explaining their move to Washingtonville, New York. “Because we were locked into the apartment for three months, a solid three months, I feel like I’m getting out of prison and I want to run as far away as possible.”
New Yorkers anxious after weathering the worst of the coronavirus pandemic are fueling a boom in home sales and rentals around the picturesque towns and wooded hills to the north. Real estate brokers and agents describe a red-hot market recently, with many house hunters able to work from home.
“There has been a big uptick from Manhattan people, no doubt about that,” said Steven Domber, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties. “Number one, it’s cabin fever, which is wanting to get out of an apartment and having some land if, God forbid, there’s a lockdown again.”
The Catskill Mountains and bucolic stretches of the valley beyond the city’s northern suburbs have been longtime getaways for city residents. But agents say sales and rental activity is far above normal. Domber’s sales were up almost a third year over year in June. Builder Chuck Petersheim said he took eight orders in a month, compared to his usual one-and-a-half a month.
New York City is in no danger of hollowing out any time soon, though. The upstate wave looks more like a trickle in a city of 8.3 million. With new homes in the region running from under $200,000 to more than $1 million, they are an escape hatch many cannot afford. But the spike in sales and long-term rentals shows how New Yorkers who endured the worst of the pandemic see the city as less hospitable.
“We just feel that the city will not be the city that we lived in,” said Susan Cohen, who rented a home in Rhinebeck with her husband after sheltering in their Upper East Side apartment.
“For six weeks in our two-bedroom apartment, all we talked about was without a vaccine, we will never go on the subway again, we’d be hesitant to go on a bus again, we won’t go to the movies. we won’t go to the theater … So what do we have for the next two years in Manhattan? And we said, ‘What are we living here for?’”
County-level home sales figures from May and June still show a dip compared to last year, but agents say those figures reflect lags of one to three months between offers being accepted and closings. Agents describe recent weeks of bidding wars over homes that had been languishing on the market and new listings being snapped up fast by buyers with cash. Realtor John Murphy said some homes are selling $100,000 or more above the asking prices.
“I think this was the event that got people off the fence,” said broker Gary DiMauro. “I think we also got people who were thinking about buying either a first or second home up here to actually pull the trigger.”
Home hunters Tony Speciale and Jerry Marsini learned about competition recently when they walked through the front door of a home in Kingston just as their agent got a message from the seller about a cash offer from someone else.
“If we find a house that we’re interested in, sitting on it more than a few days doesn’t seem like a good idea,” Speciale said.
The Manhattan residents, who had been looking upstate even before the pandemic, are in the process of buying a house in Kingston.
The Hudson Valley is not the only region outside New York City experiencing a bump.
Along the Jersey Shore, there are far more buyers than homes in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Homes are selling above asking price and “once a thing comes on the market everyone is jumping on it,” said Wendy Smith, president of Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors. On the tip of Long Island, a preservation fund financed by a real estate transfer tax in the five East End towns was up 39% over the first half of the year, according to state Assemblyman Fred Thiele.
Extremely low mortgage rates are helping the market, as are more expansive work-from-home policies ushered in with the pandemic. Joyce Lilly is an acupuncturist, but she said her husband’s ability to work remotely as an IT manager was the deciding factor in the move from Riverdale in the Bronx on Tuesday, which included his daughter, a granddaughter and a dog. Cohen just retired in January and her husband is able to work as a financial tech consultant from the house.
For music and video producer Erik Braund, moving his family of four from the Upper East Side to Saugerties has been a learning curve about how to keep his production company running some 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of his Brooklyn studio. They pounced on a fixer-upper at the start of the lockdown, but are keeping their apartment.
They might head back, but not the way things are now.
“Whenever some sort of rapid testing becomes available, we’re going to reassess. We’re basically reassessing our life every single day,” he said, “So grateful that we were able to pull this off.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Social media heroes: Afghan teen, her brother fought Taliban

KABUL , Afghanistan ( AP ) - An Afghan teenager and her younger brother are being hailed as heroes on social media after reportedly fighting off Taliban militants who killed their parents during a firefight last week in central Afghanistan .
Following the attack and the social media attention the incident triggered , the children were being brought to the capital , Kabul , to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani , possibly later on Wednesday .
The Associated Press could not confirm the reports and the children and the officials accompanying them on the trip to Kabul could not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spokesman for the governor of Ghor province where the incident took place , said 16-year-old Qamar Gul and her younger brother , 12-year-old Habibullah , are modern-day champions in the fight against the Taliban .
According to reports , dozens of Taliban fighters stormed the village of Geriveh in the Taywara district where Gul and her brother were living with their parents .
It wasn ’ t clear what the reason for the raid was ; some reports said the Taliban came to extort “ taxes ” from the villagers .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burst into the family ’ s home , grabbed and pulled Gul ’ s parents outside .
The Taliban “ took both my father and mother out and shot them in front of my eyes , ” Gul told reporters on Tuesday at the governor ’ s office in Feroz Koh , the provincial capital .
The teen recounted how she and her brother , who had been asleep when the attack started , each grabbed a gun their father had kept in the house and started shooting .
“ I had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s gun and fire on them , ” she said .
“ Two were killed and another of them was wounded.
” She said she kept shooting until the other villagers came , at which point the Taliban fled .
Why Gul ’ s parents were targeted remains unclear , said Aber , who described the children ’ s father as a government supporter who had in the past stood up to Taliban tax collectors who plundered the villages .
Zabihullah Mujahid , a Taliban spokesman , denied the report .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belonging to the pro-government militias in Taywara .
Two of their fighters were wounded in the gunbattle with local forces , he said .
No one was killed .
Taywara is under government control but has not been immune to Taliban incursions in the past , Aber said .
Fearing another attack that would go after the children , the authorities moved them to Feroz Koh .
Meanwhile , a photograph of Gul holding an AK-47 - presumably her father ’ s - has gone viral , triggering a flurry of praise and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off to her courage , ” said one post .
The Taliban have stepped up attacks across Afghanistan despite signing a peace deal with the United States in February .
That agreement was intended to pave the way for talks between the insurgents and the government in Kabul , leading to an end to decades of war .
Those talks were supposed to begin this month , but the process has stalled over the implementation of a prisoner release detailed in the U.S.-Taliban deal .
The peace deal called for the Afghan government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Taliban releasing 1,000 captive government personnel .
So far , the government has freed more than 4,200 and the Taliban have freed around 800 .
On Tuesday night , a Taliban suicide bomber targeted Afghan troops in southern Helmand province ’ s Gareshk district , killing two soldiers and wounding six , the defense ministry said .

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - An Afghan teenager and her younger brother are being hailed as heroes on social media after reportedly fighting off Taliban militants who killed their parents during a firefight last week in central Afghanistan.
Following the attack and the social media attention the incident triggered, the children were being brought to the capital, Kabul, to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, possibly later on Wednesday.
The Associated Press could not confirm the reports and the children and the officials accompanying them on the trip to Kabul could not be immediately reached for comment.
Arif Aber, spokesman for the governor of Ghor province where the incident took place, said 16-year-old Qamar Gul and her younger brother, 12-year-old Habibullah, are modern-day champions in the fight against the Taliban.
According to reports, dozens of Taliban fighters stormed the village of Geriveh in the Taywara district where Gul and her brother were living with their parents. It wasn’t clear what the reason for the raid was; some reports said the Taliban came to extort “taxes” from the villagers.
During the raid, three of the insurgents burst into the family’s home, grabbed and pulled Gul’s parents outside.
The Taliban “took both my father and mother out and shot them in front of my eyes,” Gul told reporters on Tuesday at the governor’s office in Feroz Koh, the provincial capital.
The teen recounted how she and her brother, who had been asleep when the attack started, each grabbed a gun their father had kept in the house and started shooting.
“I had no choice but to take my father’s gun and fire on them,” she said. “Two were killed and another of them was wounded.”
She said she kept shooting until the other villagers came, at which point the Taliban fled.
Why Gul’s parents were targeted remains unclear, said Aber, who described the children’s father as a government supporter who had in the past stood up to Taliban tax collectors who plundered the villages.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, denied the report. He said the Taliban last week attacked a checkpoint belonging to the pro-government militias in Taywara. Two of their fighters were wounded in the gunbattle with local forces, he said. No one was killed.
Taywara is under government control but has not been immune to Taliban incursions in the past, Aber said. Fearing another attack that would go after the children, the authorities moved them to Feroz Koh.
Meanwhile, a photograph of Gul holding an AK-47 - presumably her father’s - has gone viral, triggering a flurry of praise and admiration for the teenager. “Hats off to her courage,” said one post.
The Taliban have stepped up attacks across Afghanistan despite signing a peace deal with the United States in February. That agreement was intended to pave the way for talks between the insurgents and the government in Kabul, leading to an end to decades of war. Those talks were supposed to begin this month, but the process has stalled over the implementation of a prisoner release detailed in the U.S.-Taliban deal.
The peace deal called for the Afghan government to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for the Taliban releasing 1,000 captive government personnel. So far, the government has freed more than 4,200 and the Taliban have freed around 800.
On Tuesday night, a Taliban suicide bomber targeted Afghan troops in southern Helmand province’s Gareshk district, killing two soldiers and wounding six, the defense ministry said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Boat operator who was drunk pleads guilty in friend's death

LAKE HOPATCONG , N.J. ( AP ) - A man who was drunk while operating a pontoon boat on a @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty in the death of his friend who went overboard and drowned last summer @ @ @ @ @ , of Lake Hoptacong , faces a five-year state prison term when he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty Tuesday to strict liability death by vessel and operating a vessel under the @ @ @ @ @ the boat on Lake Hopatcong with two passengers on board .
As they were headed @ @ @ @ @ the boat while entering a no-wake zone , which caused the boat to jerk , @ @ @ @ @ .
Jason Gil , 24 , of Mount Arlington , soon disappeared in the water @ @ @ @ @ two days later .

LAKE HOPATCONG, N.J. (AP) - A man who was drunk while operating a pontoon boat on a northern New Jersey waterway has pleaded guilty in the death of his friend who went overboard and drowned last summer.
Nicholas Zarantonello, 25, of Lake Hoptacong, faces a five-year state prison term when he’s sentenced in September. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to strict liability death by vessel and operating a vessel under the influence.
Zarantonello was operating the boat on Lake Hopatcong with two passengers on board. As they were headed back in, Zarantonello slowed the boat while entering a no-wake zone, which caused the boat to jerk, and one passenger went overboard.
Jason Gil, 24, of Mount Arlington, soon disappeared in the water. His body was found two days later.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Officials: Lightning strike in North Carolina injures 6

BANNER ELK , N.C. ( AP ) - Six people were hospitalized for injuries they sustained when lightning struck near @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , authorities said .
They were injured Tuesday while sitting under a tree at @ @ @ @ @ the business said in a Facebook post .
Lightning struck the tree , cracked the @ @ @ @ @ to the ground , the Avery County Sheriff ’ s Office told WBTV-TV .
They @ @ @ @ @ with non-life-threatening injuries , the sheriff ’ s office said .
The roller coaster was @ @ @ @ @ of the incident .
“ We closely monitor weather and shut operations down till storms @ @ @ @ @ ride said on Facebook Tuesday .
Avery County , where the roller coaster is located @ @ @ @ @ thunderstorm warning on Tuesday afternoon , WSOC-TV reported .

BANNER ELK, N.C. (AP) - Six people were hospitalized for injuries they sustained when lightning struck near a roller coaster in North Carolina, authorities said.
They were injured Tuesday while sitting under a tree at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, the business said in a Facebook post. Lightning struck the tree, cracked the pavement and knocked several people to the ground, the Avery County Sheriff’s Office told WBTV-TV.
They were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office said. The roller coaster was not operating at the time of the incident.
“We closely monitor weather and shut operations down till storms pass through,” the ride said on Facebook Tuesday.
Avery County, where the roller coaster is located, was under a severe thunderstorm warning on Tuesday afternoon, WSOC-TV reported.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Feds partner with Pfizer to supply up to 600 million coronavirus vaccine doses

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced a partnership with Pfizer that paves the way for the production and delivery of @ @ @ @ @ of a coronavirus vaccine after it gets approved .
Under the agreement , the federal @ @ @ @ @ doses of a vaccine and could acquire an additional 500 million doses .
Pfizer would @ @ @ @ @ doses in the United States if the vaccine gets emergency use authorization or licensure from @ @ @ @ @ Administration after a Phase 3 trial .
The Department of Health and Human Services said @ @ @ @ @ , the company would start to deliver vaccine doses by the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ be provided to Americans at no cost .
The Trump administration is aiming to deliver @ @ @ @ @ Americans by the end of the year .
Pfizer and the Germany-based BioNTech announced earlier @ @ @ @ @ to supply the United Kingdom with 30 million doses of one of their vaccine candidates @ @ @ @ @ .

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced a partnership with Pfizer that paves the way for the production and delivery of up to 600 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine after it gets approved.
Under the agreement, the federal government would own 100 million doses of a vaccine and could acquire an additional 500 million doses.
Pfizer would deliver the first 100 million doses in the United States if the vaccine gets emergency use authorization or licensure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after a Phase 3 trial.
The Department of Health and Human Services said if things proceed as planned, the company would start to deliver vaccine doses by the end of the year and that the vaccine would be provided to Americans at no cost.
The Trump administration is aiming to deliver 300 million vaccine doses to Americans by the end of the year.
Pfizer and the Germany-based BioNTech announced earlier this week that they plan to supply the United Kingdom with 30 million doses of one of their vaccine candidates when it’s ready.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Florida man accused of steering urine tests to drug lab

DELRAY BEACH , Fla. ( AP ) - A Florida man is accused of taking at least $ 70,000 in kickbacks for steering urine tests to a drug-testing lab , police said .
Daniel Martin Kaine , 35 , was arrested last week and charged with six counts of patient-brokering , according to a Delray Beach police report .
The investigation began in 2019 after the Palm Beach County Sober Homes Task Force filed patient-brokering charges against Jason Gadreault .
He told investigators he got kickbacks from the Pennsylvania-based lab Genesis Diagnostics to steer urine tests its way , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , Genesis gave treatment centers and sober homes cuts of insurance payments for the tests , which can bring thousands of dollars per week in insurance reimbursements .
In 2016 and 2017 , Gadreault got $ 772,911 from Genesis , according to court documents .
He told investigators he would receive $ 150 per test and then give $ 125 to his conduit at a sober home , the newspaper reported .
He said told investigators that Kaine was the “ sub rep ” at Your Life Recovery in Boynton Beach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , totaling $ 70,360 , from Gadreault to Kaine between April and August of 2017 .
Florida law states that it ’ s illegal for a lab or a health-care provider either to offer or to pay a sober home or a drug-treatment center a commission , a bonus or a bribe for the referral of patients .
Kaine was released from jail after posting a $ 30,000 bond .
His attorney , Thomas Sclafani , told the Post he had no comment about the arrest .

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Florida man is accused of taking at least $70,000 in kickbacks for steering urine tests to a drug-testing lab, police said.
Daniel Martin Kaine, 35, was arrested last week and charged with six counts of patient-brokering, according to a Delray Beach police report.
The investigation began in 2019 after the Palm Beach County Sober Homes Task Force filed patient-brokering charges against Jason Gadreault . He told investigators he got kickbacks from the Pennsylvania-based lab Genesis Diagnostics to steer urine tests its way, the Palm Beach Post reported.
According to police, Genesis gave treatment centers and sober homes cuts of insurance payments for the tests, which can bring thousands of dollars per week in insurance reimbursements.
In 2016 and 2017, Gadreault got $772,911 from Genesis, according to court documents. He told investigators he would receive $150 per test and then give $125 to his conduit at a sober home, the newspaper reported.
He said told investigators that Kaine was the “sub rep” at Your Life Recovery in Boynton Beach. A recent arrest report listed 12 checks, totaling $70,360, from Gadreault to Kaine between April and August of 2017.
Florida law states that it’s illegal for a lab or a health-care provider either to offer or to pay a sober home or a drug-treatment center a commission, a bonus or a bribe for the referral of patients.
Kaine was released from jail after posting a $30,000 bond. His attorney, Thomas Sclafani, told the Post he had no comment about the arrest.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Police: Fugitive in tow truck strikes and kills passenger

BROOKLYN PARK , Md .
( AP ) - A man who tried to flee from police in a tow @ @ @ @ @ running over his passenger , authorities in Maryland said .
Anne Arundel County ’ s @ @ @ @ @ man Tuesday while he was driving a tow truck with a woman in the passenger @ @ @ @ @ .
Jacklyn Davis said .
The man reversed the truck toward a detective , who @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t strike anyone , and tried to drive away as the passenger jumped @ @ @ @ @ truck , Davis said .
The woman was struck by the back end of the @ @ @ @ @ at the scene .
The man was later apprehended .
Davis said the fugitive team @ @ @ @ @ him with a warrant .
Now homicide detectives are investigating .
These detectives go “ @ @ @ @ @ which need to be served , ” Davis said .
News outlets reported that police @ @ @ @ @ any identities or details on the warrant .

BROOKLYN PARK, Md. (AP) - A man who tried to flee from police in a tow truck was captured after fatally running over his passenger, authorities in Maryland said.
Anne Arundel County’s fugitive apprehension team surrounded the man Tuesday while he was driving a tow truck with a woman in the passenger seat, police spokeswoman Sgt. Jacklyn Davis said.
The man reversed the truck toward a detective, who fired a single shot but didn’t strike anyone, and tried to drive away as the passenger jumped or was thrown from the truck, Davis said. The woman was struck by the back end of the truck and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was later apprehended. Davis said the fugitive team had been trying to serve him with a warrant. Now homicide detectives are investigating.
These detectives go “after individuals who have warrants which need to be served,” Davis said. News outlets reported that police didn’t immediately release any identities or details on the warrant.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Trump campaign raises more than $20 million at first virtual fundraiser

President Trump ’ s reelection campaign raised more than $ 20 million at its first virtual fundraiser , the campaign @ @ @ @ @ campaign said the event attracted more than 300,000 donations .
Likely Democratic presidential nominee Joseph @ @ @ @ @ allies outraised Mr. Trump ’ s campaign and associated committees , $ 282 million to @ @ @ @ @ the second quarter .
But Mr. Trump ’ s team finished June with about $ @ @ @ @ @ compared to $ 242 million for Mr. Biden and the Democrats .

President Trump’s reelection campaign raised more than $20 million at its first virtual fundraiser, the campaign announced Tuesday evening.
The campaign said the event attracted more than 300,000 donations.
Likely Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden and his party allies outraised Mr. Trump’s campaign and associated committees, $282 million to $266 million, in the second quarter.
But Mr. Trump’s team finished June with about $295 million on hand, compared to $242 million for Mr. Biden and the Democrats.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Why you might not want to zero out every credit card

In general , using as little of your credit card limits as possible is better for your score .
So logic would suggest that paying off your credit cards early so that a zero balance is reported to the credit bureaus would produce the highest scores , right ?
Turns out , having 1 % of your credit limits in use may help your credit score even more than showing 0 % usage .
Counterintuitive as it is , that ’ s how credit scoring works .
WHY 1 % IS BETTER THAN 0 % Credit scoring systems are designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repay borrowed money .
The two biggest factors - accounting for about two-thirds of your credit score - are paying on time and the amount you owe .
Credit utilization , or the percentage of your credit card limits you use , is one of the biggest levers you can pull to affect your score , and it works quickly : Your utilization changes as soon as card issuers report your new balances to the credit bureaus each month .
If you are trying to squeeze every possible point from credit utilization , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just above zero .
Credit expert John Ulzheimer says that data has shown that 1 % credit utilization predicts slightly less risk than 0 % , and scoring models reflect that .
Tommy Lee , principal scientist at FICO , one of the two dominant credit scores , explains it this way : “ Having a low utilization indicates you are using credit in a responsible manner.
” HOW TO SHOOT FOR 1 % If you ’ re aiming for a perfect 850 , or are close to qualifying for a lower interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 % might help you gain a few points .
You could aim to zero out your credit cards , knowing that your regular use of the cards will keep some small percentage of your limit in use .
Ulzheimer , who has worked for credit bureau Equifax and credit scoring company FICO , explains how : “ If you can pay off your balance in full by the statement closing date , then you ’ ll get a statement with a zero balance and that ’ s what will appear on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay off a card in full by the due date and stop using the card entirely for the next billing cycle to get to a zero balance .
“ But 1 % could be better if you can pull it off , ” Ulzheimer says .
You could do that by using the AZEO ( all zeros except one ) strategy to get every credit card but one to a zero balance .
Because credit utilization is calculated both overall and per card , you may want to use your highest-limit card as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balance .
Simply add all your credit limits together , and figure 1 % of that .
You can also try paying online as soon as a transaction posts to keep the balance low .
Or , use a personal finance website or your card issuer website to check your credit utilization weekly .
Then make a payment to bring it down , rather than waiting for your monthly statement .
WHAT IF I CAN ’ T MAKE IT TO 1 % ?
Keeping utilization under 10 % is another worthy goal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of FICO credit scorers use about 7 % of their credit limits .
If you pay on time and keep balances low relative to credit limits , your scores will generally be high .
Ulzheimer points out that if you are fretting over whether you want a credit utilization of 1 % or 0 % , it ’ s worth noting that either is excellent .
And it ’ s entirely possible to score a perfect 850 without the elusive 1 % .
How that works is part of the “ secret sauce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
HOW TO GET AND KEEP A HIGH SCORE Nothing is more important to your score than paying bills on time .
The scoring penalty for a missed payment is severe , and a payment that ’ s 30 or more days late can stay on your credit report for up to seven years .
Also , use cards lightly and keep balances low to keep your credit utilization low .
In addition , keep an eye on the other factors affecting your credit score : - Check your credit reports for errors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
- Aim to space credit applications about six months apart .
- Use both installment credit ( loans with level monthly payments ) and credit cards .
And monitor your credit - regular checkups are part of staying financially healthy .
This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet .
Bev O ’ Shea is a writer at NerdWallet .
Email : [ email protected ] Twitter : @ BeverlyOShea .

In general, using as little of your credit card limits as possible is better for your score. So logic would suggest that paying off your credit cards early so that a zero balance is reported to the credit bureaus would produce the highest scores, right?
Turns out, having 1% of your credit limits in use may help your credit score even more than showing 0% usage. Counterintuitive as it is, that’s how credit scoring works.
WHY 1% IS BETTER THAN 0%
Credit scoring systems are designed to predict how likely you are to repay borrowed money. The two biggest factors - accounting for about two-thirds of your credit score - are paying on time and the amount you owe.
Credit utilization, or the percentage of your credit card limits you use, is one of the biggest levers you can pull to affect your score, and it works quickly: Your utilization changes as soon as card issuers report your new balances to the credit bureaus each month.
If you are trying to squeeze every possible point from credit utilization, the trick is to aim low - just above zero. Credit expert John Ulzheimer says that data has shown that 1% credit utilization predicts slightly less risk than 0%, and scoring models reflect that.
Tommy Lee, principal scientist at FICO, one of the two dominant credit scores, explains it this way: “Having a low utilization indicates you are using credit in a responsible manner.”
HOW TO SHOOT FOR 1%
If you’re aiming for a perfect 850, or are close to qualifying for a lower interest rate on a loan, shooting for 1% might help you gain a few points. You could aim to zero out your credit cards, knowing that your regular use of the cards will keep some small percentage of your limit in use.
Ulzheimer, who has worked for credit bureau Equifax and credit scoring company FICO, explains how: “If you can pay off your balance in full by the statement closing date, then you’ll get a statement with a zero balance and that’s what will appear on your credit reports.” Or, you can pay off a card in full by the due date and stop using the card entirely for the next billing cycle to get to a zero balance.
“But 1% could be better if you can pull it off,” Ulzheimer says.
You could do that by using the AZEO (all zeros except one) strategy to get every credit card but one to a zero balance. Because credit utilization is calculated both overall and per card, you may want to use your highest-limit card as the one that will have a statement balance. Simply add all your credit limits together, and figure 1% of that.
You can also try paying online as soon as a transaction posts to keep the balance low. Or, use a personal finance website or your card issuer website to check your credit utilization weekly. Then make a payment to bring it down, rather than waiting for your monthly statement.
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE IT TO 1%?
Keeping utilization under 10% is another worthy goal. Lee says that the top 25% of FICO credit scorers use about 7% of their credit limits. If you pay on time and keep balances low relative to credit limits, your scores will generally be high.
Ulzheimer points out that if you are fretting over whether you want a credit utilization of 1% or 0%, it’s worth noting that either is excellent. And it’s entirely possible to score a perfect 850 without the elusive 1%. How that works is part of the “secret sauce” that scoring companies do not reveal.
HOW TO GET AND KEEP A HIGH SCORE
Nothing is more important to your score than paying bills on time. The scoring penalty for a missed payment is severe, and a payment that’s 30 or more days late can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
Also, use cards lightly and keep balances low to keep your credit utilization low.
In addition, keep an eye on the other factors affecting your credit score:
- Check your credit reports for errors (you can access them at www.annualcreditreport.com ).
- Keep credit card accounts open.
- Aim to space credit applications about six months apart.
- Use both installment credit (loans with level monthly payments) and credit cards.
And monitor your credit - regular checkups are part of staying financially healthy.
________________________________________
This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Bev O’Shea is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: boshea@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @BeverlyOShea.
RELATED LINKS:
AnnualCreditReport.com https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
NerdWallet: 5 tips for lowering your credit utilization https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-5-tips


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Qatar Airways sues, seeks $5B from boycotting countries

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - Long-haul carrier Qatar Airways said Wednesday it launched international arbitration seeking at least $ 5 billion from four boycotting Arab countries for blocking its flights from their airspace and their markets , years into a simmering political dispute between the nations .
The Doha-based carrier did not elaborate where it initiated international arbitration against Bahrain , Egypt , Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates , all of whom launched a boycott of Qatar in June 2017 that continues today .
Calls to the carrier ’ s offices rang unanswered Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to questions from The Associated Press .
In a statement , the airline said the arbitration involved three separate agreements Qatar had with the boycotting nations : the Organization of the Islamic Conference Investment Agreement , the Arab Investment Agreement and the bilateral investment treaty between the State of Qatar and Egypt .
“ The decision by the blockading states to prevent Qatar Airways from operating in their countries and flying over their airspace is a clear breach of civil aviation conventions and several binding agreements they are signatories to , ” Qatar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ The blockading states must be held accountable for their illegal actions in the aviation sector , which includes a failure to comply with their obligations under bilateral agreements , multilateral agreements and international law , ” he added .
Bahrain , Saudi Arabia and the UAE did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
Egyptian state media and officials did not immediately acknowledge Qatar Airways ‘ comments .
The arbitration comes after Qatar earlier this month won a procedural dispute before the United Nations ’ highest court , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule in a case Doha brought before it over the boycott .
The four Arab nations cut ties with Qatar in 2017 in a political dispute fueled in part over Doha ’ s support for Islamist groups that they view as terrorists .
They also launched an economic boycott , stopping Qatar Airways flights from using their airspace , closing off the small country ’ s sole land border with Saudi Arabia and blocking its ships from using their ports .
Efforts to end the crisis , mediated by Kuwait ’ s now-hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resolve it .
The crisis , as well as the coronavirus pandemic , has deeply hurt Qatar Airways , which competes with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and Dubai-based Emirates as major East-West carriers .

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Long-haul carrier Qatar Airways said Wednesday it launched international arbitration seeking at least $5 billion from four boycotting Arab countries for blocking its flights from their airspace and their markets, years into a simmering political dispute between the nations.
The Doha-based carrier did not elaborate where it initiated international arbitration against Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, all of whom launched a boycott of Qatar in June 2017 that continues today. Calls to the carrier’s offices rang unanswered Wednesday and government officials did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press.
In a statement, the airline said the arbitration involved three separate agreements Qatar had with the boycotting nations: the Organization of the Islamic Conference Investment Agreement, the Arab Investment Agreement and the bilateral investment treaty between the State of Qatar and Egypt.
“The decision by the blockading states to prevent Qatar Airways from operating in their countries and flying over their airspace is a clear breach of civil aviation conventions and several binding agreements they are signatories to,” Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker said in a statement.
“The blockading states must be held accountable for their illegal actions in the aviation sector, which includes a failure to comply with their obligations under bilateral agreements, multilateral agreements and international law,” he added.
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Egyptian state media and officials did not immediately acknowledge Qatar Airways’ comments.
The arbitration comes after Qatar earlier this month won a procedural dispute before the United Nations’ highest court, which allowed the International Civil Aviation Organization to rule in a case Doha brought before it over the boycott.
The four Arab nations cut ties with Qatar in 2017 in a political dispute fueled in part over Doha’s support for Islamist groups that they view as terrorists. They also launched an economic boycott, stopping Qatar Airways flights from using their airspace, closing off the small country’s sole land border with Saudi Arabia and blocking its ships from using their ports.
Efforts to end the crisis, mediated by Kuwait’s now-hospitalized 91-year-old emir, have so far failed to resolve it.
The crisis, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, has deeply hurt Qatar Airways, which competes with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and Dubai-based Emirates as major East-West carriers.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--TSA finds assault rifle hidden in checked bag at airport

NEWARK , N.J. ( AP ) - Transportation Security Administration officers at New Jersey ’ s Newark Liberty International Airport uncovered an assault rifle and ammunition concealed in a checked bag , the agency said .
The officers were screening luggage on Monday when they spotted the weapon and bullets hidden in the lining of the suitcase .
“ In this case , they detected an assault rifle , which is illegal in New Jersey ; a high-capacity magazine , which is also illegal in New Jersey ; four boxes of hollow-point bullets , again , illegal in New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fully loaded ; and two additional boxes of rifle ammunition , ” said Tom Carter , TSA ’ s federal security director for New Jersey .
“ This was an incredibly good catch on the part of our officers because the traveler attempted to evade detection by concealing the items beneath the lining of his suitcase , ” Carter said .
Police tracked down the East Orange resident who checked the bag and his traveling companion at their departure gate , where they were arrested .
Their names have not been released @

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Transportation Security Administration officers at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport uncovered an assault rifle and ammunition concealed in a checked bag, the agency said.
The officers were screening luggage on Monday when they spotted the weapon and bullets hidden in the lining of the suitcase.
“In this case, they detected an assault rifle, which is illegal in New Jersey; a high-capacity magazine, which is also illegal in New Jersey; four boxes of hollow-point bullets, again, illegal in New Jersey; three magazines, one of which was fully loaded; and two additional boxes of rifle ammunition,” said Tom Carter, TSA’s federal security director for New Jersey.
“This was an incredibly good catch on the part of our officers because the traveler attempted to evade detection by concealing the items beneath the lining of her suitcase,” Carter said.
Police tracked down the East Orange resident who checked the bag and her traveling companion at their departure gate, where they were arrested. Their names have not been released.
Police confiscated the weapon and ammunition.
___
This story has been corrected to show that the TSA is now identifying the passenger as a woman, not a man.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Amber Heard accuses Depp of throwing bottles like 'grenades'

LONDON ( AP ) - Amber Heard alleged in a British court on Wednesday that her ex-husband Johnny Depp threw “ 30 or so bottles ” at her as if they were “ grenades or bombs ” while they were in Australia in March 2015 and that he accidentally severed part of his finger during the assault .
Taking to the witness box for a third day at the High Court in London during Depp ’ s libel case against a British tabloid , the actress refuted his allegation that it was she who lost her temper and that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her stay in Australia with Depp as akin to a “ three-day hostage situation , ” during which Depp was “ completely out of his mind and out of control.
” She has said that she feared for her life while at the rented property on Australia ’ s Gold Coast .
The incident is central to The Sun ’ s labeling of Depp in an April 2018 article as a “ wife beater.
” The Sun ’ s defense relies on 14 allegations made by Heard of violence by Depp between 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rented house in Australia , his private island in the Bahamas , and a private jet .
He denies the charges and claims Heard was the aggressor during their relationship .
He was present once again to hear Heard ’ s testimony .
Depp , 57 , is suing The Sun ’ s publisher , News Group Newspapers , and its executive editor , Dan Wootton , over the article .
Depp ’ s lawyer , Eleanor Laws , said Heard had worked herself “ into a rage ” during her stay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie .
Heard , 34 , said she got “ angry at times but not into a rage that would cause me to throw anything at him.
” She did concede that she did break one bottle in their second evening together in Australia as they argued about the scale of his drinking .
“ I regret I did that , ” said Heard , who also claimed that Depp would often credit her for saving him by trying to get him clean and sober .
After she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depp , fueled by drink and drugs , started throwing bottles , full enough that they broke a window behind her .
“ He threw all the bottles that were in reach , all except for one which was a celebratory magnum-sized bottle of wine , ” she said .
Heard also denied severing the tip of Depp ’ s finger during the bottle-throwing frenzy and that she put out a cigarette on his cheek during the incident .
She said it was something that Depp used to do to himself .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , he often did things like that , ” she said .
In the first nine days of testimony at the High Court , judge Andrew Nicol heard from Depp and from several current or former employees who backed his version of events .
In his testimony , Depp said he was the one being abused by Heard and that she had a history of being violent against him .
In written testimony released to the court , Heard said that at various times during their relationship she endured “ punching , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” She said some incidents were “ so severe ” she was “ afraid he was going to kill me , either intentionally or just by losing control and going too far.
” She said he blamed his actions on “ a self-created third party ” that he referred to as “ the monster.
” Depp and Heard met on the set of the comedy “ The Rum Diary , ” released in 2011 .
They married in Los Angeles in February 2015 .
Heard filed for divorce the following year , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s testimony is expected to last for four days , through Thursday .

LONDON (AP) - Amber Heard alleged in a British court on Wednesday that ex-husband Johnny Depp threw “30 or so bottles” at her as if they were “grenades or bombs” during a drunken and frenzied assault in Australia in March 2015 that also saw him accidentally sever part of his finger.
Taking the witness box for a third day at the High Court in London during Depp’s libel case against a British tabloid, the actress refuted his allegation that it was she who lost her temper and that she had injured him.
Heard has described her stay in Australia with Depp as akin to a “three-day hostage situation,” during which Depp was “completely out of his mind and out of control” following a binge on drugs and alcohol. Heard has said that she feared for her life while at the rented property on Australia’s Gold Coast during a visit while Depp was filming the latest “Pirates of the Caribbean” film.
The incident is central to The Sun’s labeling of Depp in an April 2018 article as a “wife-beater.” The Sun’s defense relies on 14 allegations made by Heard of violence by Depp between 2013 and 2016, in settings as varied as the rented house in Australia, his private island in the Bahamas and a private jet.
Depp, 57, denies abusing Heard and claims she was the aggressor during their tempestuous relationship. He was present once again to hear Heard’s testimony. He is suing The Sun’s publisher, News Group Newspapers, and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over the article.
Depp’s lawyer, Eleanor Laws, said Heard had worked herself “into a rage” during her stay in Australia and that she had a habit of just “losing it.”
Heard, 34, said she got “angry at times but not into a rage that would cause me to throw anything at him.”
She acknowledged that she broke one bottle during their second evening together in Australia, testifying that it happened as they argued about the scale of Depp’s drinking.
“I regret I did that,” said Heard, who also claimed that Depp often credited her for saving him by trying to get him clean and sober.
After she smashed the bottle, Heard alleges that Depp, fueled by alcohol and drugs, started throwing bottles, full enough that they broke a window behind her.
“He started picking them up one by one and throwing them like grenades or bombs,” she said. “One after the other after the other, in my direction, and I felt glass breaking behind me.”
She said he threw all the bottles that were within reach, bar one “celebratory magnum-sized bottle of wine.”
“I would be shocked if Johnny remembers any of this himself, but I was there,” Heard said.
Heard also denied severing the tip of Depp’s finger during the alleged bottle-throwing or putting out a cigarette on his cheek during the incident. She said it was something that Depp used to do to himself.
“I was standing right in front of him,” Heard said. “It was deliberate.”
Heard said Depp “screamed” at her while stubbing the cigarette on his cheek that he couldn’t feel the pain. She testified that Depp was high on cocaine and MDMA at the time, as well as drunk.
Depp’s lawyer, Laws, also accused Heard of lying about an alleged incident of domestic violence in Los Angeles in December 2015, which Heard has described in written testimony as “one of the worst and most violent nights” of the couple’s relationship.
In her testimony, Heard alleged that Depp slapped her and pulled out clumps of her hair while dragging her through their apartment, then repeatedly punched her in the head.
Laws said medical notes made by a nurse, Erin Boerum, who saw Heard shortly after the alleged incident, didn’t note any bruises, just bleeding on her lip. The lawyer suggested the bleeding resulted from Heard biting her lip.
“Of course not,” Heard responded. “I had two black eyes, a broken nose, a broken rib …. I had bruises all over my body.”
Depp’s lawyer also played a short clip of Heard’s appearance on James Corden’s “The Late Late Show” the day after the alleged 2015 incident. Laws said the footage showed no injuries on Heard.
“I had tons of injuries,” Heard said, adding that makeup had covered them up.
Melanie Inglessis, Heard’s makeup artist, told the court that she camouflaged the injuries with concealer ahead of the model-actor’s appearance on the show. Inglessis said the concealer was “very effective” at covering up the bruises “because, to my recollection, they were not that dark or that inflamed. … I don’t remember having trouble covering them”.
The makeup artist confirmed that she attended the London court hearing involuntarily via video link from Los Angeles.
During the first nine days of case testimony at the High Court, judge Andrew Nicol heard from Depp and from several current or former employees who backed his version of events. In his testimony, Depp said he was the one being abused by Heard and that she had a history of being violent against him.
In written testimony released to the court, Heard said that at various times during her and Depp’s relationship she endured “punching, slapping, kicking, head-butting and choking.” She said some incidents were “so severe” she was “afraid he was going to kill me, either intentionally or just by losing control and going too far.” She said he blamed his actions on “a self-created third party” that he referred to as “the monster.”
Depp and Heard met on the set of the film “The Rum Diary,” released in 2011. They married in Los Angeles in February 2015. Heard filed for divorce the following year, and it was finalized in 2017.
Thursday is expected to be Heard’s final day of testimony.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Utah sees high voter turnout amid vote-by-mail mandate

SALT LAKE CITY ( AP ) - Utah saw one of its best primary election voter turnout in years despite issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
This year ’ s primaries were conducted exclusively by mail , though some voters were able to vote at drive-through locations in seven counties .
Research suggests voting by mail likely boosted voter turnout compared to 2016 , when eight counties barred mail ballots , The Salt Lake Tribune reported .
The state had 558,000 votes cast in June ’ s primary , a number that could grow as final ballots are counted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Tribune .
“ We were really concerned ( the coronavirus pandemic ) would impact turnout significantly , and it didn ’ t seem to at all , ” Lee told The Tribune .
“ This just blows away any primary we ’ ve had in the past decade or more.
” Republican Party turnout was 67 % of its members in this year ’ s primary , compared to 39 % of party members in the 2016 governor ’ s primary , which saw incumbent governor Gary Herbert beat Jonathan Johnson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ July ’ s primary in a tight contest with former Utah Gov .
Jon Huntsman .
Cox won 37 % of the vote to Huntsman ’ s 35 % , with former Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes netting 21 % of the vote .
Cox will take on University of Utah professor Chris Peterson , a Democrat , in November ’ s gubernatorial election .

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah saw one of its best primary election voter turnout in years despite issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s primaries were conducted exclusively by mail, though some voters were able to vote at drive-through locations in seven counties.
Research suggests voting by mail likely boosted voter turnout compared to 2016, when eight counties barred mail ballots, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
The state had 558,000 votes cast in June’s primary, a number that could grow as final ballots are counted, State Elections Director Justin Lee told The Tribune.
“We were really concerned (the coronavirus pandemic) would impact turnout significantly, and it didn’t seem to at all,” Lee told The Tribune. “This just blows away any primary we’ve had in the past decade or more.”
Republican Party turnout was 67% of its members in this year’s primary, compared to 39% of party members in the 2016 governor’s primary, which saw incumbent governor Gary Herbert beat Jonathan Johnson.
Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox won July’s primary in a tight contest with former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman. Cox won 37% of the vote to Huntsman’s 35%, with former Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes netting 21% of the vote.
Cox will take on University of Utah professor Chris Peterson, a Democrat, in November’s gubernatorial election.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Joe Biden has 'obligation' to take cognitive test, Trump says

President Trump said in an interview Wednesday that Democrat Joseph R. Biden has an “ obligation ” to take a test of his mental abilities to show voters that he ’ s “ sharp ” enough to handle foreign adversaries .
“ Honestly , he should take the test , ” Mr. Trump told Dr. Marc Siegel on Fox News .
“ In a way , he has an obligation to , because you have to be able to show this country that the person that we ’ re picking as leader is sharp.
” He added , “ we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do very bad things to us , if they had the chance .
And you have to be sharper than them.
” Mr. Trump reiterated that he took a cognitive test about a year ago , including repeating five names given to him in order , and performed well .
“ It ’ s actually not that easy .
But , for me , it was easy , ” the president said .
“ I have , like , a good memory , because I ’ m cognitively there.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because something ’ s going on.
” “ And I say this with respect .
I mean , it ’ s going to probably happen to all of us , right ?
” the president said .
“ But we can ’ t take a chance of it happening .
When you ’ re dealing with Russia , when you ’ re — and there ’ s nobody been tougher to Russia than me , nobody been tougher to China than me .
I can tell you right now , they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump .
…We have to have somebody that is sharp .
If this person isn ’ t sharp — because , I can tell you , President Xi [ of China ] is sharp .
President Putin [ of Russia ] is sharp .
[ Turkish President ] Erdogan is sharp .
You don ’ t have any non-sharp people that you ’ re dealing with .
And we can ’ t have somebody that ’ s not 100 percent .
”

President Trump said in an interview Wednesday that Democrat Joseph R. Biden has an “obligation” to take a test of his mental abilities to show voters that he’s “sharp” enough to handle foreign adversaries.
“Honestly, he should take the test,” Mr. Trump told Dr. Marc Siegel on Fox News. “In a way, he has an obligation to, because you have to be able to show this country that the person that we’re picking as leader is sharp.”
He added, “we’re dealing with people that want to do very bad things to us, if they had the chance. And you have to be sharper than them.”
Mr. Trump reiterated that he took a cognitive test about a year ago, including repeating five names given to him in order, and performed well.
“It’s actually not that easy. But, for me, it was easy,” the president said. “I have, like, a good memory, because I’m cognitively there.”
He said Mr. Biden “should take that test, because something’s going on.”
“And I say this with respect. I mean, it’s going to probably happen to all of us, right?” the president said. “But we can’t take a chance of it happening. When you’re dealing with Russia, when you’re — and there’s nobody been tougher to Russia than me, nobody been tougher to China than me. I can tell you right now, they would love to see Joe Biden, instead of Trump. …We have to have somebody that is sharp. If this person isn’t sharp — because, I can tell you, President Xi [of China] is sharp. President Putin [of Russia] is sharp. [Turkish President] Erdogan is sharp. You don’t have any non-sharp people that you’re dealing with. And we can’t have somebody that’s not 100 percent.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Annie Ross, jazz singer turned actor, dies at 89 in New York

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Annie Ross , a popular jazz singer in the 1950s before crossing over into a successful film career , has died .
She was 89 .
Ross ’ manager , Jim Coleman , told the Washington Post that the entertainer died Tuesday at her home in New York , four days before her 90th birthday .
She had battled emphysema and heart disease .
Ross rose to fame as the lead vocalist of one of jazz ’ s most well-respected groups , Lambert , Hendricks and Ross .
The trio became known for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tune by saxophonist Wardell Gray and written by Ross .
A decade later , Lambert , Hendricks and Ross went on to win a Grammy Award for the album “ High Flying.
” Despite the success , Ross decided to leave the group while feuding with group member Jon Hendricks while she battled heroin addiction .
Ross eventually cleaned up her life , married English actor Sean Lynch and ran a nightclub for a short stint in London .
But around 1975 , she declared bankruptcy , lost her home and divorced Lynch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash .
While Ross struggled to find work as a singer , she turned her attention to acting .
She appeared in plays such as “ A View From the Bridge ” along with the musical production “ The Pirates of Penzance.
” Ross broke through as a familiar face in the 1979 film “ Yanks , ” which led to other roles .
She appeared as a villain in “ Superman III , ” a writing student in “ Throw Momma From the Train ” and an aging jazz singer in Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which helped revive her career .
Ross ultimately reinvented herself as a witty cabaret singer .
Despite her transition , she received the Jazz Master honor from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2010 .
In 2014 , Ross released the album “ To Lady With Love , ” a tribute to Billie Holiday .
She often performed at the Metropolitan Room until the venue closed in 2017 .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Annie Ross, a popular jazz singer in the 1950s before crossing over into a successful film career, has died. She was 89.
Ross’ manager, Jim Coleman, told the Washington Post that the entertainer died Tuesday at her home in New York, four days before her 90th birthday. She had battled emphysema and heart disease.
Ross rose to fame as the lead vocalist of one of jazz’s most well-respected groups, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. The trio became known for the 1952 hit “Twisted,” a tune by saxophonist Wardell Gray and written by Ross.
A decade later, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross went on to win a Grammy Award for the album “High Flying.”
Despite the success, Ross decided to leave the group while feuding with group member Jon Hendricks while she battled heroin addiction.
Ross eventually cleaned up her life, married English actor Sean Lynch and ran a nightclub for a short stint in London. But around 1975, she declared bankruptcy, lost her home and divorced Lynch, who soon died in a car crash.
While Ross struggled to find work as a singer, she turned her attention to acting. She appeared in plays such as “A View From the Bridge” along with the musical production “The Pirates of Penzance.”
Ross broke through as a familiar face in the 1979 film “Yanks,” which led to other roles. She appeared as a villain in “Superman III,” a writing student in “Throw Momma From the Train” and an aging jazz singer in Robert Altman’s “Short Cuts,” which helped revive her career.
Ross ultimately reinvented herself as a witty cabaret singer. Despite her transition, she received the Jazz Master honor from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2010.
In 2014, Ross released the album “To Lady With Love,” a tribute to Billie Holiday. She often performed at the Metropolitan Room until the venue closed in 2017.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Coronavirus stimulus: Senate Republicans, White House reach deal

Senate Republicans and the White House agreed Wednesday night on a key part of a coronavirus stimulus proposal that includes $ 105 billion for schools and billions more for testing .
Lawmakers at the Capitol said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will unveil the plan in pieces on Thursday .
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby , Alabama Republican , announced a “ fundamental agreement ” on the funding levels .
The money for schools would be divided with $ 70 billion for K-12 , $ 30 billion for colleges and universities , and $ 5 billion for governors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The agreement calls for $ 16 billion in new funding for testing , plus $ 9 billion from the previous relief package approved in March .
“ We ’ ll have $ 16 billion in a line tomorrow , and $ 9 billion that previously was not as clearly designated that they already had will now be clearly designated as testing , so the total testing money will be $ 25 billion , ” Sen. Roy Blunt , Missouri Republican , told reporters .
The overall relief package proposal is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell also is pushing for liability protections for businesses as they reopen during the pandemic .
“ I think our agreement reflects our priorities , which is back to school , back to child care , back to work , ” Senate Health Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander , Tennessee Republican , told reporters after meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows .
The GOP is eyeing a two-month extension of unemployment benefits , although no final decision has been made on the level of benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expires at the end of this month .

Senate Republicans and the White House agreed Wednesday night on a key part of a coronavirus stimulus proposal that includes $105 billion for schools and billions more for testing.
Lawmakers at the Capitol said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will unveil the plan in pieces on Thursday. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, Alabama Republican, announced a “fundamental agreement” on the funding levels.
The money for schools would be divided with $70 billion for K-12, $30 billion for colleges and universities, and $5 billion for governors to spend at their discretion, lawmakers said.
The agreement calls for $16 billion in new funding for testing, plus $9 billion from the previous relief package approved in March.
“We’ll have $16 billion in a line tomorrow, and $9 billion that previously was not as clearly designated that they already had will now be clearly designated as testing, so the total testing money will be $25 billion,” Sen. Roy Blunt, Missouri Republican, told reporters.
The overall relief package proposal is expected to cost about $1 trillion. Mr. McConnell also is pushing for liability protections for businesses as they reopen during the pandemic.
“I think our agreement reflects our priorities, which is back to school, back to child care, back to work,” Senate Health Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander, Tennessee Republican, told reporters after meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
The GOP is eyeing a two-month extension of unemployment benefits, although no final decision has been made on the level of benefits. The current $600 weekly benefit expires at the end of this month.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Coronavirus finds a welcome host on world's deadliest battlefields

As the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday surpassed 15 million cases around the world , a stealth crisis has been brewing in the world ’ s war zones , where experts are warning that the virus could hit on a particularly devastating scale .
U.N. leaders and health activists campaigned for a global cease-fire in hopes of containing the disease , but such hopes are fading as governments and rebel groups have increasingly turned to the pandemic into another weapon in their conflict .
In Syria , which has been locked in a brutal civil war since 2011 , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control the ability of health professionals to travel to regions still outside the government ’ s control .
In Yemen , where another civil war has resulted in what many called the gravest humanitarian crisis in the world , the coronavirus infection statistics have become a subject of finger-pointing and political fighting between the Saudi-backed government and the Houthi rebels who hold the capital Sana and much of the country .
“ They ’ re still fighting on the battlefield but they ’ re also publicly fighting about whose response has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies ’ Humanitarian Agenda , said in an interview this week .
In Kashmir , the tense , divided province claimed by India and Pakistan , COVID-19 cases are surging , including in a prison that holds prominent anti-India activisists .
In an emotional appeal in March , U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pleaded that is was “ time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.
” But opposing sides in war-torn nations such as Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region instead have rushed to “ weaponize ” the local health infrastructure , showing once again “ how devastating those kinds of military tactics have been , ” Mr. Kurtzler said .
“ To then have a borderless global pandemic arise in places where the medical infrastructure had been so degraded — not by lack of investment but by intentional , willful targeting — it ’ s really quite tragic , ” Mr. Kurtzler said .
The official numbers don ’ t tell the whole tale .
Syria , with a population of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 561 COVID-19 cases and 32 deaths .
Yemen has reported nearly three times the cases in Syria with 1,680 confirmed infections , according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker , and 458 deaths .
Yemen ’ s population currently stands at 28.5 million .
But the true toll is likely much higher in these areas , where a lack of access undermines the necessary level of reporting and tracing needed to identify and tame the spread .
“ For war-torn countries , the stakes couldn ’ t be higher , ” said Anita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) , told The Times .
“ With limited capacity to detect , manage and follow-up cases of sickness , the risk of transmission is high , ” she continued , “ COVID-19 is just one more threat for people living in these countries , it can be a real challenge to prioritize actions that could prevent the spread of COVID-19.
” The ongoing civil war in Syria began in 2011 after pro-democracy protests .
It has claimed the lives of at least 400,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while another 6 million have been forced from their homes .
“ If you look at the situation here it ’ s definitely worse , especially after nine years of conflict that is weakening the health system , ” Adnan Hezam , the ICRC ’ s Damascus spokesperson told The Times in an interview this week .
“ People now they are struggling to [ obtain ] the basic needs [ because of ] economic inflation and also the pandemic ’ s impact on daily life and daily needs.
” Mr. Hezam said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the pandemic , they care how they feed their kids .
They don ’ t want to see their kids dying of hunger.
” According to the World Food Programme ’ s July estimates , 270 million people could face acute food insecurity by the end of this year — up 82 % increase from before the pandemic , including 121 million people driven into severe hunger from the outbreak of COVID-19 .
In the Middle East and North Africa alone , the number of food-insecure people in the region is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people this year .
Mr. Kurtzler explained that for most communities , even the basic precautions that more stable and prosperous countries around the world — including masks , testing and social distancing — are taking to curb the spread of coronavirus such as social distancing are “ not reasonable expectations.
” For the millions of refugees in Syria and Yemen who have relocated to overcrowded displacement camps , essential hygienic supplies are hard to come by and it is nearly impossible to maintain a healthy distance from others .
Ms. Dullard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luxury , and soap may be non-existent , ” in these areas .
“ Physical distancing is a privilege simply not available to people in these places , ” she added .
“ These conditions are ideal for this virus to spread fast .
”

As the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday surpassed 15 million cases around the world, a stealth crisis has been brewing in the world’s war zones, where experts are warning that the virus could hit on a particularly devastating scale.
U.N. leaders and health activists campaigned for a global cease-fire in hopes of containing the disease, but such hopes are fading as governments and rebel groups have increasingly turned to the pandemic into another weapon in their conflict.
In Syria, which has been locked in a brutal civil war since 2011, the government of President Bashar al Assad has moved to control the ability of health professionals to travel to regions still outside the government’s control.
In Yemen, where another civil war has resulted in what many called the gravest humanitarian crisis in the world, the coronavirus infection statistics have become a subject of finger-pointing and political fighting between the Saudi-backed government and the Houthi rebels who hold the capital Sana and much of the country.
“They’re still fighting on the battlefield but they’re also publicly fighting about whose response has been worse,” Jacob Kurtzler, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Humanitarian Agenda, said in an interview this week.
In Kashmir, the tense, divided province claimed by India and Pakistan, COVID-19 cases are surging, including in a prison that holds prominent anti-India activisists.
In an emotional appeal in March, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pleaded that is was “time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.”
But opposing sides in war-torn nations such as Syria, Yemen and Africa’s Sahel region instead have rushed to “weaponize” the local health infrastructure, showing once again “how devastating those kinds of military tactics have been,” Mr. Kurtzler said.
“To then have a borderless global pandemic arise in places where the medical infrastructure had been so degraded — not by lack of investment but by intentional, willful targeting — it’s really quite tragic,” Mr. Kurtzler said.
The official numbers don’t tell the whole tale.
Syria, with a population of 16.9 million, has officially reported just 561 COVID-19 cases and 32 deaths. Yemen has reported nearly three times the cases in Syria with 1,680 confirmed infections, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, and 458 deaths. Yemen’s population currently stands at 28.5 million.
But the true toll is likely much higher in these areas, where a lack of access undermines the necessary level of reporting and tracing needed to identify and tame the spread.
“For war-torn countries, the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said Anita Dullard, an emergency health office with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told The Times.
“With limited capacity to detect, manage and follow-up cases of sickness, the risk of transmission is high,” she continued, “COVID-19 is just one more threat for people living in these countries, it can be a real challenge to prioritize actions that could prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The ongoing civil war in Syria began in 2011 after pro-democracy protests. It has claimed the lives of at least 400,000 Syrians, according to U.N. estimates, while another 6 million have been forced from their homes.
“If you look at the situation here it’s definitely worse, especially after nine years of conflict that is weakening the health system,” Adnan Hezam, the ICRC’s Damascus spokesperson told The Times in an interview this week.
“People now they are struggling to [obtain] the basic needs [because of] economic inflation and also the pandemic’s impact on daily life and daily needs.”
Mr. Hezam said that Syrians “don’t care about the pandemic, they care how they feed their kids. They don’t want to see their kids dying of hunger.”
According to the World Food Programme’s July estimates, 270 million people could face acute food insecurity by the end of this year — up 82% increase from before the pandemic, including 121 million people driven into severe hunger from the outbreak of COVID-19.
In the Middle East and North Africa alone, the number of food-insecure people in the region is expected to increase by 29% to 53 million people this year.
Mr. Kurtzler explained that for most communities, even the basic precautions that more stable and prosperous countries around the world — including masks, testing and social distancing — are taking to curb the spread of coronavirus such as social distancing are “not reasonable expectations.”
For the millions of refugees in Syria and Yemen who have relocated to overcrowded displacement camps, essential hygienic supplies are hard to come by and it is nearly impossible to maintain a healthy distance from others.
Ms. Dullard explained that “clean water is a luxury, and soap may be non-existent,” in these areas.
“Physical distancing is a privilege simply not available to people in these places,” she added. “These conditions are ideal for this virus to spread fast.”
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Airlines take safety precautions with coronavirus cases, travel on rise

Air travel is ticking up , despite an increasing number of coronavirus cases and infection risks associated with crowded airports and packed planes .
According to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint data , between 200,000 and 500,000 people traveled by air in June .
This month , between 500,000 and 700,000 travelers so far have taken flight .
Major airlines are employing a number of precautions as more people travel by air and many states report increasing coronavirus infections .
Some airlines , including Southwest , Delta and Alaska Airlines , have limited plane capacity to increase distance among passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle or adjacent seats through Sept. 30 .
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson said the airline is limiting the number of plane capacity to roughly two-thirds of maximum on every single flight and the company has added tens of thousands of flights so that middle seats can remain open .
Others , such as United Airlines , have not instituted space restrictions .
American Airlines , which kept capacity at 85 % starting in April , dropped its space limits at the beginning of this month .
American Airlines says it began screening customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the previous two weeks .
The airline says it will continue to notify and allow customers to move to other flights when available without additional costs .
United also is offering to rebook for travelers on crowded flights .
This week , domestic U.S. flights are averaging about 55 passengers , down from about 100 from last year , according to data from the Airlines for America trade association .
Many airlines also are requiring passengers wear face coverings to help stem transmission of the respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent for United , said the company was the first major U.S.-based airline to require flight attendants to wear a face covering while on duty and mandated face masks for passengers in early May .
“ United was one of the first major U.S. airlines to announce that any passenger who does not comply when on board a United flight will not be permitted to travel with United at least until our mask policy is in place , ” she said .
“ Beginning July 24 , customers will also be required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” If customers refuse to comply , they could be refused travel and banned from flying with the airline while the face covering mandate is in place .
Another safety measure airlines are touting is their enhanced cleaning protocols and air filtration systems .
The HEPA filters are reportedly 99 % effective at removing particulate contaminants , including the virus that causes COVID-19 , from recirculated air .
“ The air flows from the ceiling to the floor and creates completely new air in the cabin 20-30 times an hour ( every 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines says on its website , noting that research shows cabin air filtration is comparable to what ’ s found in hospitals .
The airline also notes its food and beverage service has been reduced to limit interaction and encourages passengers to bring their own food and water .
Similar to other airlines , Alaska is using electrostatic disinfectant sprayers to emit a “ safe , high-grade ” cleaning solution that sanitizes surfaces such as armrests , tray tables , seatbelts , lavatories and overhead bins .
Although air travel has ticked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers flying this year compared to last year are staggering .
TSA numbers show about 2 million to 2.7 million passengers a day flew from U.S. airports last year , highlighting the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the air travel industry .
“ Travel is a risky activity for many reasons .
It is a risk to the traveler because he or she is congregated with others in the airport , through security and on the plane .
But it also increases the risk of spread of COVID-19 across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parts of the country .
My advice is to limit air travel to only essential travel , ” said Lawrence Gostin , global health law professor at Georgetown University .

Air travel is ticking up, despite an increasing number of coronavirus cases and infection risks associated with crowded airports and packed planes.
According to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint data, between 200,000 and 500,000 people traveled by air in June. This month, between 500,000 and 700,000 travelers so far have taken flight.
Major airlines are employing a number of precautions as more people travel by air and many states report increasing coronavirus infections.
Some airlines, including Southwest, Delta and Alaska Airlines, have limited plane capacity to increase distance among passengers, such as by blocking off the middle or adjacent seats through Sept. 30.
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson said the airline is limiting the number of plane capacity to roughly two-thirds of maximum on every single flight and the company has added tens of thousands of flights so that middle seats can remain open.
Others, such as United Airlines, have not instituted space restrictions. American Airlines, which kept capacity at 85% starting in April, dropped its space limits at the beginning of this month.
American Airlines says it began screening customers June 30 during check-in to ensure they have been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the previous two weeks. The airline says it will continue to notify and allow customers to move to other flights when available without additional costs.
United also is offering to rebook for travelers on crowded flights.
This week, domestic U.S. flights are averaging about 55 passengers, down from about 100 from last year, according to data from the Airlines for America trade association.
Many airlines also are requiring passengers wear face coverings to help stem transmission of the respiratory illness.
Maddie King, a communications agent for United, said the company was the first major U.S.-based airline to require flight attendants to wear a face covering while on duty and mandated face masks for passengers in early May.
“United was one of the first major U.S. airlines to announce that any passenger who does not comply when on board a United flight will not be permitted to travel with United at least until our mask policy is in place,” she said. “Beginning July 24, customers will also be required to wear masks in United’s terminals.”
If customers refuse to comply, they could be refused travel and banned from flying with the airline while the face covering mandate is in place.
Another safety measure airlines are touting is their enhanced cleaning protocols and air filtration systems. The HEPA filters are reportedly 99% effective at removing particulate contaminants, including the virus that causes COVID-19, from recirculated air.
“The air flows from the ceiling to the floor and creates completely new air in the cabin 20-30 times an hour (every 2 to 3 minutes),” Alaska Airlines says on its website, noting that research shows cabin air filtration is comparable to what’s found in hospitals.
The airline also notes its food and beverage service has been reduced to limit interaction and encourages passengers to bring their own food and water.
Similar to other airlines, Alaska is using electrostatic disinfectant sprayers to emit a “safe, high-grade” cleaning solution that sanitizes surfaces such as armrests, tray tables, seatbelts, lavatories and overhead bins.
Although air travel has ticked up, the differences in the number of passengers flying this year compared to last year are staggering. TSA numbers show about 2 million to 2.7 million passengers a day flew from U.S. airports last year, highlighting the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the air travel industry.
“Travel is a risky activity for many reasons. It is a risk to the traveler because he or she is congregated with others in the airport, through security and on the plane. But it also increases the risk of spread of COVID-19 across the country as individuals with the disease travel to other parts of the country. My advice is to limit air travel to only essential travel,” said Lawrence Gostin, global health law professor at Georgetown University.
• Shen Wu Tan can be reached at stan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Ex-top aide to LA councilman pleads guilty in bribery case

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - A former top aide to City Councilman Jose Huizar pleaded guilty Wednesday for his role in a $ 1.5 million pay-to-play scheme tied to the approval of large building projects .
George Esparza , 33 , entered the plea to a federal racketeering conspiracy charge and could face up to 20 years in prison , although he is cooperating with prosecutors and is expected to receive a lesser term when he is sentenced in February .
From 2013 to 2018 , Esparza was a special assistant to Huizar , who also is facing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet entered a plea .
He was suspended from the City Council after his arrest last month .
Prosecutors said Esparza , Huizar and their cronies illegally profited from development of the city ’ s burgeoning downtown district by soliciting bribes from developers to ensure their projects received favorable treatment and perks .
The payoffs from developers - known as “ friends of the office ” - included $ 500,000 in cash in brown paper bags , more than $ 250,000 worth of casino chips , hotel stays , spa visits , fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the developers , a Chinese billionaire , sought to build a 77-story tower in Huizar ’ s district that would become the largest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River .
The developer , who already had a hotel in the district , allegedly provided benefits worth $ 800,000 to Huizar and others that included a dozen trips to Las Vegas casinos and funds to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against the councilman .
Earlier this month , former Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander pleaded guilty to a federal charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gifts and money from a businessman involved in development projects , including envelopes stuffed with $ 15,000 in cash .
A real estate development consultant and a former political fundraiser also have pleaded guilty to federal charges .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A former top aide to City Councilman Jose Huizar pleaded guilty Wednesday for his role in a $1.5 million pay-to-play scheme tied to the approval of large building projects.
George Esparza, 33, entered the plea to a federal racketeering conspiracy charge and could face up to 20 years in prison, although he is cooperating with prosecutors and is expected to receive a lesser term when he is sentenced in February.
From 2013 to 2018, Esparza was a special assistant to Huizar, who also is facing a racketeering conspiracy charge but hasn’t yet entered a plea. He was suspended from the City Council after his arrest last month.
Prosecutors said Esparza, Huizar and their cronies illegally profited from development of the city’s burgeoning downtown district by soliciting bribes from developers to ensure their projects received favorable treatment and perks.
The payoffs from developers - known as “friends of the office” - included $500,000 in cash in brown paper bags, more than $250,000 worth of casino chips, hotel stays, spa visits, fine dining and campaign contributions, prosecutors contend.
One of the developers, a Chinese billionaire, sought to build a 77-story tower in Huizar’s district that would become the largest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River. The developer, who already had a hotel in the district, allegedly provided benefits worth $800,000 to Huizar and others that included a dozen trips to Las Vegas casinos and funds to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against the councilman.
Earlier this month, former Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander pleaded guilty to a federal charge for lying to the FBI about receiving gifts and money from a businessman involved in development projects, including envelopes stuffed with $15,000 in cash.
A real estate development consultant and a former political fundraiser also have pleaded guilty to federal charges.


washingtontimes--2020-07-22--Arizona to remove 2 Confederate monuments from state land

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Two Confederate monuments on Arizona state property , including one at the Capitol , will be removed at the request of the organization that erected them , Gov .
Doug Ducey ’ s administration announced Wednesday .
The monuments will be moved to private property , the latest Confederate markers to fall since George Floyd ’ s death after he was held under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer put a renewed focus on racism in the United States .
“ These monuments were gifted to the state and are now in need of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate , we believe it is unwise to repair them where they are located , ” leaders of the Arizona chapters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy wrote in a letter to Andy Tobin , head of the Arizona Department of Administration .
Tobin oversees Wesley Bolin Plaza , a park across from the state Capitol in Phoenix that houses a variety of monuments and memorials honoring war veterans , victims of the September 11 attacks , firefighters killed on duty and others .
The Confederate monument there , erected in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South .
Last month , the monument was vandalized with red paint .
The other monument to be removed is located on U.S. Highway 60 near Gold Canyon marking the Jefferson Davis Highway honoring the Confederate president .
Megan Rose , a spokeswoman for the Department of Administration , did not say where the monuments will end up but said they ’ ll be moved to private property at no cost to the state .
The Phoenix city council has taken initial steps to rename a street named for Robert E. Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A marker still stands at Picacho Peak north of Tucson dedicated to Confederate soldiers who defended the area during a skirmish touted as the westernmost battle of the Civil War .
At least 63 other Confederate statues , monuments or markers have been removed from public land across the country since Floyd ’ s death on May 25 , making 2020 one of the busiest years yet for removals , according to an Associated Press tally .
Most were removed by government officials , though protesters have toppled some .

PHOENIX (AP) - Two Confederate monuments on Arizona state property, including one at the Capitol, will be removed at the request of the organization that erected them, Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration announced Wednesday.
The monuments will be moved to private property, the latest Confederate markers to fall since George Floyd’s death after he was held under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer put a renewed focus on racism in the United States.
“These monuments were gifted to the state and are now in need of repair but due to the current political climate, we believe it is unwise to repair them where they are located,” leaders of the Arizona chapters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy wrote in a letter to Andy Tobin, head of the Arizona Department of Administration.
Tobin oversees Wesley Bolin Plaza, a park across from the state Capitol in Phoenix that houses a variety of monuments and memorials honoring war veterans, victims of the September 11 attacks, firefighters killed on duty and others. The Confederate monument there, erected in the 1960s, honors Arizonans who fought for the South.
Last month, the monument was vandalized with red paint.
The other monument to be removed is located on U.S. Highway 60 near Gold Canyon marking the Jefferson Davis Highway honoring the Confederate president.
Megan Rose, a spokeswoman for the Department of Administration, did not say where the monuments will end up but said they’ll be moved to private property at no cost to the state.
The Phoenix city council has taken initial steps to rename a street named for Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate army. A marker still stands at Picacho Peak north of Tucson dedicated to Confederate soldiers who defended the area during a skirmish touted as the westernmost battle of the Civil War.
At least 63 other Confederate statues, monuments or markers have been removed from public land across the country since Floyd’s death on May 25, making 2020 one of the busiest years yet for removals, according to an Associated Press tally. Most were removed by government officials, though protesters have toppled some.