washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Virus infections set new one-day record in New Mexico

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - New Mexico lost ground in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as newly reported daily infections hit a record of 488 .
Three additional deaths from the pandemic were also disclosed Friday by state health officials as deaths surpassed 900 .
In a statement on Twitter , Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham acknowledged the new milestone for daily infections and urged residents to recommit to stopping the pandemic ’ s spread .
“ I know we ’ re tired .
I know we ’ re frustrated , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one ’ s life is worth the risk.
” Bernalillo County , with the state ’ s most populous urban area .
accounted for 135 new cases , while Dona Ana had 81 .
Lea and Chaves counties together accounted for 77 new cases .
The state ’ s infection and positivity rates for the spread of the virus are climbing as the administration Lujan Grisham holds the line on a public health order that requires masks in public , bans gatherings of more than 10 people and restricts many businesses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elementary schools are returning to in-person instruction as most teachers and students participate from home .
In a reversal of fortunes , New Mexico had more newly confirmed cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks - at 169 - than neighboring Colorado with 150 and Arizona with 105 .
Most out-of-state travelers are required to self-quarantine upon arrival in New Mexico - with exceptions for people arriving from six northeastern states , California and Washington .
New Mexico ’ s positivity rate is on the rise too .
The seven-day rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past two weeks from 2.3 % on Sept. 24 to 4.4 % on Oct. 8 , according to an analysis by The Associated Press of data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering .
Comparing seven-day averages of new cases smooths out anomalies in the data , including delays in test results .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico lost ground in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as newly reported daily infections hit a record of 488.
Three additional deaths from the pandemic were also disclosed Friday by state health officials as deaths surpassed 900.
In a statement on Twitter, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham acknowledged the new milestone for daily infections and urged residents to recommit to stopping the pandemic’s spread.
“I know we’re tired. I know we’re frustrated,” she said. “But COVID-19 is real. And no one’s life is worth the risk.”
Bernalillo County, with the state’s most populous urban area. accounted for 135 new cases, while Dona Ana had 81. Lea and Chaves counties together accounted for 77 new cases.
The state’s infection and positivity rates for the spread of the virus are climbing as the administration Lujan Grisham holds the line on a public health order that requires masks in public, bans gatherings of more than 10 people and restricts many businesses to 25% occupancy.
A handful of elementary schools are returning to in-person instruction as most teachers and students participate from home.
In a reversal of fortunes, New Mexico had more newly confirmed cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks - at 169 - than neighboring Colorado with 150 and Arizona with 105.
Most out-of-state travelers are required to self-quarantine upon arrival in New Mexico - with exceptions for people arriving from six northeastern states, California and Washington.
New Mexico’s positivity rate is on the rise too.
The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate has risen over the past two weeks from 2.3% on Sept. 24 to 4.4% on Oct. 8, according to an analysis by The Associated Press of data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
Comparing seven-day averages of new cases smooths out anomalies in the data, including delays in test results.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Louisiana governor's staffer tests positive for COVID-19

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - A staffer for Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards has tested @ @ @ @ @ governor ’ s office said Friday .
The person who tested positive did not have @ @ @ @ @ , but two other staff members who had close contact with the infected person are @ @ @ @ @ Edwards ’ office said .
The positive test is not the first in Edwards ’ @ @ @ @ @ the administration announced a staffer in the governor ’ s press office had tested positive @ @ @ @ @ who came into close contact to quarantine .
The governor said he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ person in that instance and didn ’ t quarantine .
In the spring , another @ @ @ @ @ ’ s , an advocate for people with disabilities named April Dunn , died from @ @ @ @ @ Advocate reported .

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A staffer for Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has tested positive for COVID-19, the governor’s office said Friday.
The person who tested positive did not have close contact with the governor, but two other staff members who had close contact with the infected person are quarantining for 14 days, Edwards’ office said.
The positive test is not the first in Edwards’ administration. In July, the administration announced a staffer in the governor’s press office had tested positive, causing a dozen staffers who came into close contact to quarantine. The governor said he didn’t have close contact with the person in that instance and didn’t quarantine.
In the spring, another staff member of the governor’s, an advocate for people with disabilities named April Dunn, died from a COVID-19 infection, The Advocate reported.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Arkansas COVID-19 hospitalizations again rise to new high

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - The number of people hospitalized in Arkansas because of COVID-19 continued climbing to a new high on Friday and the state reported 27 new deaths from the illness caused by the coronavirus .
The Department of Health reported 13 more people hospitalized because of COVID-19 , bringing the state ’ s total to 560 .
It ’ s the fourth day in a row the state has set a record for hospitalizations .
The state reported 1,530 people have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began .
The state said 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 11 % of its 1,002 intensive care unit beds are available .
Sixty-six percent of its 1,060 ventilators are available .
There are 247 COVID-19 patients in intensive care throughout the state .
The state reported its confirmed cases rose by 980 to 86,960 and its probable cases rose by 187 to 4,352 .
A day earlier , Arkansas reported its biggest single-day increase in confirmed and probable cases since the pandemic began .
Arkansas ranks 9th in the country for new cases per capita , according to figures compiled by Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
More than 14,000 tests were performed , which Gov .
Asa Hutchinson said was a new record for the state .
Hutchinson said the number of new cases in the state continues to be too high .
“ As we all go about our weekend , let ’ s make sure to wear a mask and keep our distance , ” Hutchinson said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious this virus is and how easily it can spread .
”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized in Arkansas because of COVID-19 continued climbing to a new high on Friday and the state reported 27 new deaths from the illness caused by the coronavirus.
The Department of Health reported 13 more people hospitalized because of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 560. It’s the fourth day in a row the state has set a record for hospitalizations.
The state reported 1,530 people have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
The state said 26% of its 9,112 hospital beds and about 11% of its 1,002 intensive care unit beds are available. Sixty-six percent of its 1,060 ventilators are available. There are 247 COVID-19 patients in intensive care throughout the state.
The state reported its confirmed cases rose by 980 to 86,960 and its probable cases rose by 187 to 4,352. A day earlier, Arkansas reported its biggest single-day increase in confirmed and probable cases since the pandemic began.
Arkansas ranks 9th in the country for new cases per capita, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick. More than 14,000 tests were performed, which Gov. Asa Hutchinson said was a new record for the state.
Hutchinson said the number of new cases in the state continues to be too high.
“As we all go about our weekend, let’s make sure to wear a mask and keep our distance,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “We are constantly reminded of how serious this virus is and how easily it can spread.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Rare 1794 silver dollar goes unsold at auction in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - A 1794 silver dollar believed to be among the first ever minted in the U.S. , and the most valuable , went unsold during a public auction in Las Vegas .
Legend Auctions chief executive Matthew Bell said offers for the coin dubbed the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar didn ’ t reach a minimum bid and Las Vegas resident Bruce Morelan retained ownership .
Morelan sold 12 rare coins during the Thursday event at the Bellagio resort , reaping almost $ 4 million .
Coin collecting experts had thought the Flowing Hair coin could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Morelan spent to buy it in 2013 .
The coin features images of Lady Liberty ringed with stars on the front and an eagle on the back .
A different Lady Liberty image was adopted for silver dollars beginning in 1795 .
Experts say the coin is one of perhaps 300 original silver dollars that still exist among 1,758 struck in one day at the first U.S. Mint in Philadelphia .
It has been certified as authentic and its previous sale eclipsed the $ 7.59 million that a collector paid in 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double-eagle coin .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A 1794 silver dollar believed to be among the first ever minted in the U.S., and the most valuable, went unsold during a public auction in Las Vegas.
Legend Auctions chief executive Matthew Bell said offers for the coin dubbed the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar didn’t reach a minimum bid and Las Vegas resident Bruce Morelan retained ownership.
Morelan sold 12 rare coins during the Thursday event at the Bellagio resort, reaping almost $4 million.
Coin collecting experts had thought the Flowing Hair coin could sell for more than the $10 million Morelan spent to buy it in 2013.
The coin features images of Lady Liberty ringed with stars on the front and an eagle on the back. A different Lady Liberty image was adopted for silver dollars beginning in 1795.
Experts say the coin is one of perhaps 300 original silver dollars that still exist among 1,758 struck in one day at the first U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.
It has been certified as authentic and its previous sale eclipsed the $7.59 million that a collector paid in 2002 for a 1933 $20 U.S. gold double-eagle coin.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Oakland land trust buys house where homeless moms evicted

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - Homeless moms who were evicted earlier this year from a vacant San Francisco Bay Area house they occupied say a community land trust has purchased the property and will turn it into transitional housing for other mothers experiencing homelessness .
Members of the activist group , Moms 4 Housing , announced Friday that the three-bedroom home in West Oakland was purchased by the Oakland Community Land Trust from a real estate investment company .
The property requires extensive renovation for habitation , the group said .
The land trust purchased the property for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and planning for repairs delayed a public celebration .
The land trust is a nonprofit organization that holds property for the benefit of low-income residents .
Steve King , executive director of the trust , says the house requires extensive repairs , including a new roof and windows .
He said his group will work with Moms 4 Housing to figure out a transitional housing program for the property .
Money to buy and refurbish the house came from donations and does not include city money , he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it and definitely excited to get the rehab started and finished so the house can be used , ” he said .
The group caused a national sensation last year when the moms and their children moved into the empty house in November , partly to protest the methods of speculators who they claim snap up distressed homes and leave them empty despite California ’ s severe housing shortage and growing numbers of homeless people .
They said mothers and children should not be homeless when housing is available .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by supporters on watch .
Video showed one deputy slamming a battering ram against the house ’ s front door .
The group received widespread support , including from Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and California Gov .
Gavin Newsom , who decried the worsening homelessness crisis .
In January , Wedgewood agreed to sell the house to the Oakland Community Land Trust .
The median sales price of a house in Oakland is nearly $ 900,000 , according to Compass real estate .
Moms 4 Housing has vowed to acquire more homes .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Homeless moms who were evicted earlier this year from a vacant San Francisco Bay Area house they occupied say a community land trust has purchased the property and will turn it into transitional housing for other mothers experiencing homelessness.
Members of the activist group, Moms 4 Housing, announced Friday that the three-bedroom home in West Oakland was purchased by the Oakland Community Land Trust from a real estate investment company. The property requires extensive renovation for habitation, the group said.
The land trust purchased the property for $587,500 and closed in May, but the pandemic and planning for repairs delayed a public celebration . The land trust is a nonprofit organization that holds property for the benefit of low-income residents.
Steve King, executive director of the trust, says the house requires extensive repairs, including a new roof and windows. He said his group will work with Moms 4 Housing to figure out a transitional housing program for the property. Money to buy and refurbish the house came from donations and does not include city money, he said.
“We’re excited to be part of it and definitely excited to get the rehab started and finished so the house can be used,” he said.
The group caused a national sensation last year when the moms and their children moved into the empty house in November, partly to protest the methods of speculators who they claim snap up distressed homes and leave them empty despite California’s severe housing shortage and growing numbers of homeless people. They said mothers and children should not be homeless when housing is available.
They were evicted at dawn in January, surrounded by supporters on watch. Video showed one deputy slamming a battering ram against the house’s front door.
The group received widespread support, including from Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who decried the worsening homelessness crisis.
In January, Wedgewood agreed to sell the house to the Oakland Community Land Trust.
The median sales price of a house in Oakland is nearly $900,000, according to Compass real estate.
Moms 4 Housing has vowed to acquire more homes.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Anti-nuclear activist Sister Ardeth Platte dies at 84

Anti-nuclear activist Sister Ardeth Platte , a Dominican nun who spent time in jail for her peaceful protests , died in her sleep on Sept. 30 .
She was 84 .
Sister Carol Gilbert , who confirmed Platte ’ s death , lived with her at a Catholic Worker house in Washington , D.C. Gilbert said Platte had participated in a street corner demonstration against nuclear weapons just a few days before her death .
In 2010 , Platte was arrested for trespassing at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge , Tennessee , during a protest , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her sentencing hearing , Platte said , “ Nuclear weapons are the taproot of violence , and they must be abolished .
So I refuse to be silent , ” the newspaper reported .
She served a four-month sentence .
It was one of several arrests over many years of anti-war protests .
In October 2002 , Platte , Gilbert and one other Dominican nun , the late Sister Jackie Hudson , poured their own blood on a Minuteman III missile loaded with a 20 kiloton nuclear bomb in Weld County , Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear weapons stored in the state .
Their action symbolized taking it offline .
They were convicted of sabotage and received harsh sentences : 41 months for Platte , 33 for Gilbert and 30 for Hudson .
In September 2000 , the three were arrested for civil disobedience at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs and jailed .
The charges were subsequently dropped .
They ’ ve also served time in other states for nonviolent acts of civil disobedience .
A report in a Dominican Sisters newsletter provided by Gilbert says Platte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in 1954 entered the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids at 18 .
She was a Dominican nun for 66 years .
The newsletter calls Platte a “ justice preacher , peace seeker , teacher , compassionate neighbor and friend who stood with people on the margins .
”

Anti-nuclear activist Sister Ardeth Platte, a Dominican nun who spent time in jail for her peaceful protests, died in her sleep on Sept. 30. She was 84.
Sister Carol Gilbert, who confirmed Platte’s death, lived with her at a Catholic Worker house in Washington, D.C. Gilbert said Platte had participated in a street corner demonstration against nuclear weapons just a few days before her death.
In 2010, Platte was arrested for trespassing at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during a protest, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. At her sentencing hearing, Platte said, “Nuclear weapons are the taproot of violence, and they must be abolished. So I refuse to be silent,” the newspaper reported. She served a four-month sentence. It was one of several arrests over many years of anti-war protests.
In October 2002, Platte, Gilbert and one other Dominican nun, the late Sister Jackie Hudson, poured their own blood on a Minuteman III missile loaded with a 20 kiloton nuclear bomb in Weld County, Colorado. It was one of 49 high-trigger nuclear weapons stored in the state. Their action symbolized taking it offline.
They were convicted of sabotage and received harsh sentences: 41 months for Platte, 33 for Gilbert and 30 for Hudson.
In September 2000, the three were arrested for civil disobedience at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs and jailed. The charges were subsequently dropped. They’ve also served time in other states for nonviolent acts of civil disobedience.
A report in a Dominican Sisters newsletter provided by Gilbert says Platte grew up in Westphalia, Michigan, and in 1954 entered the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids at 18. She was a Dominican nun for 66 years. The newsletter calls Platte a “justice preacher, peace seeker, teacher, compassionate neighbor and friend who stood with people on the margins.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Embattled Texas AG drops case that set off staff revolt

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Friday dropped an investigation sought by a wealthy donor that set off an extraordinary revolt by the Republican ’ s top deputies , who accused him of bribery and abuse of office , and fueled new calls for his resignation .
The announcement came hours after prosecutors in Austin expressed unease over why Paxton launched an investigation sought by Nate Paul , an Austin developer and Paxton donor whose offices were raided by the FBI .
State authorities also confirmed Friday that they had referred criminal allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against their boss to federal authorities .
“ The newly surfaced information raises serious concerns about the integrity of your investigation and the propriety of your conducting it , ” said Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore , who instructed her office to sever contact with Paxton over the case .
Paul gave Paxton $ 25,000 in campaign contributions in 2018 .
Federal authorities have not disclosed why they searched Paul ’ s offices last year , but Paul later sought his own investigation , alleging that his constitutional rights were violated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not resign , said in a statement he was dropping Paul ’ s complaint since local prosecutors are now no longer involved .
But Moore has disputed Paxton ’ s claims of how the case began , saying it was him who first approached her about Paul this summer .
“ Criminal investigations are crucial to seek justice for families across the state , but it is a small part of the wide-ranging issues this office handles .
We proudly stand by the good , hard work our office continues to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paxton said .
Paul ’ s attorney , Michael Wynne , did not respond to requests for comment Friday .
The end of the investigation is unlikely to ease pressure on Paxton , who has spent nearly his entire five years in office under indictment over separate allegations of securities fraud .
He has denied wrongdoing over the Paul complaint , and cast blame on “ rogue employees and their false allegations.
” Republican Rep. Chip Roy , who used to work for Paxton , called for his resignation this week .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a committee with oversight of Paxton ’ s office also expressed concerns .
“ If there is any truth whatsoever to the factual and legal claims of your own senior staff , I believe you must voluntarily resign your position and urge you to do so , ” Republican state Rep. Jeff Leach wrote in a letter .
Moore , a Democrat , distanced herself from the probe a week after Paxton ’ s top deputies accused him of bribery and abuse of office after he hired an outside lawyer to look into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Travis County prosecutors referred the case to his office , but Moore wrote Friday that “ should not be used as any indication of a need for investigation.
” The outside lawyer Paxton hired was Brandon Cammack , who graduated from law school in 2015 and runs a modest criminal defense practice .
He has no prosecutorial experience but d oes have ties to one of Paul ’ s defense attorneys .
He has not responded to repeated requests for comment this week .
Keith Byers , an attorney and retired FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , suggested the attorney general ’ s investigation was “ a cheap diversionary tactic and nothing more than political theatre.
” Byers said the FBI is often wary of the motives of people who report crimes to them then promptly make the allegations public .
“ I understand , however , a situation sometimes can become so unbearable that desperate people decide to jump kicking and screaming off the sinking Titanic in hopes someone will send help , ” he said .
Paxton has said he brought in an outside lawyer because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney general ’ s employees were trying to block the investigation .
The full nature of Paul and Paxton ’ s relationship is unclear .
It ’ s also unclear what Paul has alleged against federal law enforcement , but his claims came to light a year after the FBI searched his home and office .
The FBI has declined to comment and Paul ’ s lawyer has not answered questions about his claims .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Friday dropped an investigation sought by a wealthy donor that set off an extraordinary revolt by the Republican’s top deputies, who accused him of bribery and abuse of office, and fueled new calls for his resignation.
The announcement came hours after prosecutors in Austin expressed unease over why Paxton launched an investigation sought by Nate Paul, an Austin developer and Paxton donor whose offices were raided by the FBI. State authorities also confirmed Friday that they had referred criminal allegations made by Paxton’s own staff against their boss to federal authorities.
“The newly surfaced information raises serious concerns about the integrity of your investigation and the propriety of your conducting it,” said Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore, who instructed her office to sever contact with Paxton over the case.
Paul gave Paxton $25,000 in campaign contributions in 2018. Federal authorities have not disclosed why they searched Paul’s offices last year, but Paul later sought his own investigation, alleging that his constitutional rights were violated.
Paxton, who this week vowed he will not resign, said in a statement he was dropping Paul’s complaint since local prosecutors are now no longer involved. But Moore has disputed Paxton’s claims of how the case began, saying it was him who first approached her about Paul this summer.
“Criminal investigations are crucial to seek justice for families across the state, but it is a small part of the wide-ranging issues this office handles. We proudly stand by the good, hard work our office continues to conduct every day for all Texans,” Paxton said.
Paul’s attorney, Michael Wynne, did not respond to requests for comment Friday.
The end of the investigation is unlikely to ease pressure on Paxton, who has spent nearly his entire five years in office under indictment over separate allegations of securities fraud. He has denied wrongdoing over the Paul complaint, and cast blame on “rogue employees and their false allegations.”
Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who used to work for Paxton, called for his resignation this week. On Friday, another Republican lawmaker who chairs a committee with oversight of Paxton’s office also expressed concerns.
“If there is any truth whatsoever to the factual and legal claims of your own senior staff, I believe you must voluntarily resign your position and urge you to do so,” Republican state Rep. Jeff Leach wrote in a letter.
Moore, a Democrat, distanced herself from the probe a week after Paxton’s top deputies accused him of bribery and abuse of office after he hired an outside lawyer to look into Paul’s allegations. Paxton has said Travis County prosecutors referred the case to his office, but Moore wrote Friday that “should not be used as any indication of a need for investigation.”
The outside lawyer Paxton hired was Brandon Cammack, who graduated from law school in 2015 and runs a modest criminal defense practice. He has no prosecutorial experience but d oes have ties to one of Paul’s defense attorneys. He has not responded to repeated requests for comment this week.
Keith Byers, an attorney and retired FBI agent who oversaw public corruption cases in Texas, suggested the attorney general’s investigation was “a cheap diversionary tactic and nothing more than political theatre.”
Byers said the FBI is often wary of the motives of people who report crimes to them then promptly make the allegations public.
“I understand, however, a situation sometimes can become so unbearable that desperate people decide to jump kicking and screaming off the sinking Titanic in hopes someone will send help,” he said.
Paxton has said he brought in an outside lawyer because he knew Paul, and because the attorney general’s employees were trying to block the investigation. The full nature of Paul and Paxton’s relationship is unclear.
It’s also unclear what Paul has alleged against federal law enforcement, but his claims came to light a year after the FBI searched his home and office. The FBI has declined to comment and Paul’s lawyer has not answered questions about his claims.
___
Bleiberg reported from Dallas.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Mink housed on Michigan farm test positive for coronavirus

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - The virus that causes COVID-19 in humans has been detected in mink housed on a Michigan farm , the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Friday .
The recent discovery of the coronavirus in mink at the unnamed farm is not the first time the disease has been found in the animal in the United States , officials said .
In August , the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the first confirmed cases of the virus in mink at farms in Utah .
There has since been a confirmed case in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs of illness and died on the Michigan farm , the owner submitted specimens from the animals for diagnosis .
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory completed necropsies on two of the affected animals , which tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus .
There is currently no evidence that animals , including mink , play a significant role in spreading the virus to humans in the state , Michigan officials said .
Investigations into how the mink contracted the virus are ongoing .
Upon learning of the mink infection , Republican U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak could impact public health as well as its possible effect on Michigan agriculture .
“ We have learned about potential cases of minks infected with SARS-CoV-2 at a Michigan farm , ” Upton noted in a letter to the USDA .
“ This must be addressed to ensure the safety of farmers , their workers , and the surrounding community.
” The farm is self-contained , has few staff , and prohibits domestic animals from being onsite , according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development .
That makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pets , or people , officials added .

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The virus that causes COVID-19 in humans has been detected in mink housed on a Michigan farm, the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Friday.
The recent discovery of the coronavirus in mink at the unnamed farm is not the first time the disease has been found in the animal in the United States, officials said. In August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the first confirmed cases of the virus in mink at farms in Utah. There has since been a confirmed case in Wisconsin.
After several mink recently exhibited signs of illness and died on the Michigan farm, the owner submitted specimens from the animals for diagnosis. The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory completed necropsies on two of the affected animals, which tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus.
There is currently no evidence that animals, including mink, play a significant role in spreading the virus to humans in the state, Michigan officials said. Investigations into how the mink contracted the virus are ongoing.
Upon learning of the mink infection, Republican U.S. Rep. Fred Upton expressed concern about how the outbreak could impact public health as well as its possible effect on Michigan agriculture.
“We have learned about potential cases of minks infected with SARS-CoV-2 at a Michigan farm,” Upton noted in a letter to the USDA. “This must be addressed to ensure the safety of farmers, their workers, and the surrounding community.”
The farm is self-contained, has few staff, and prohibits domestic animals from being onsite, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. That makes it unlikely the virus moving to wildlife, pets, or people, officials added.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--LEADING OFF: Rangers, MLB ready ballpark to host NLCS fans

A look at what ’ s happening around the majors Saturday : Baseball ’ s postseason gets a full day off from games before the AL Championship Series opens Sunday .
In the meantime , the Rangers and MLB are preparing Globe Life Field in Arlington , Texas , to host baseball ’ s first in-person fans of this virus-altered season Monday .
Tickets are already sold out for the opener of the neutral-site NL Championship Series between the Braves and Dodgers , although plenty are available on the secondary market .
MLB is selling 11,500 tickets for each NLCS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ballpark , 28 % of capacity .
Tickets are being sold in pods of four , and each pod will be spaced at least six feet from other fans - a move MLB hopes will keep onlookers safe inside the stadium .
Masks will be mandatory , concessions and parking will be cashless , and the team ’ s concessionaire is planning wrapped items .
Astros manager Dusty Baker is managing in the postseason with his fifth different franchise , but this one has certainly been different .
The 71-year-old was hired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired in fallout from Houston ’ s sign-stealing scandal , and his introduction to Houston ’ s clubhouse was cut short in mid-March by the coronavirus pandemic .
Baker said it took until the tail-end of the 60-game regular season for him to really feel like Houston was his team .
“ For a while , I kind of felt like a substitute teacher , ” he said .
“ I didn ’ t know which guys were stubborn or sensitive .
They didn ’ t know how honest or truthful to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off or make me happy .
Now I ’ m turning into a permanent teacher the last month or so.
” After an improbable run to the playoffs , the Marlins confronted a hard reality in the NL Division Series : They still can ’ t beat the Braves .
The Marlins were sent to the sideline later than usual , but forcefully , when Atlanta completed a best-of-five sweep with a 7-0 win Thursday .
The three-game drubbing showed the Marlins their great leap forward this year left them still a ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You have to measure yourself with them , and have to be able to beat that club , ” Miami manager Don Mattingly said .
“ We feel like we ’ re getting closer , but they let us know where we ’ re at.
” Sixto Sánchez and Miami ’ s other young pitchers had promising seasons , but the offense needs a boost .
The Marlins ’ productivity increased by more than half a run per game from 2019 , but only four teams hit fewer homers , and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help the offense continue to trend upward in 2021 .
“ We ’ ve got a number of guys who are going to have to take a step forward , ” Mattingly said .
“ And there are other cats coming , too .
There is going to be a lot of competition for jobs .
”

A look at what’s happening around the majors Saturday:
___
REVENGE RAYS
The Tampa Bay Rays have more revenge in mind heading to the AL Championship Series.
Mike Brosseau hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning off All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman on Friday night, propelling Tampa Bay past the rival Yankees in their AL Division Series. It was a sweet piece of vengeance for Brosseau after Chapman buzzed a 101 mph fastball over his head during the regular season, escalating tensions in an already bitter rivalry. Brosseau downplayed their past drama.
“No revenge,” he said. “We put that the past. We came here to win the series.”
The Rays’ reward: a rematch with the Astros, the team that knocked them out of the 2019 postseason.
“They’ve been the team to beat the last few years,” Brosseau said. “They knocked us out last year, so it will be fun to face them again.”
Game 1 will be Sunday night in San Diego. Houston will have a fully rested rotation, with Lance McCullers Jr. or Framber Valdez most likely to get the ball. The Rays will likely throw 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
FINAL PREPARATIONS
Baseball’s postseason gets a full day off from games before the AL Championship Series opens Sunday. In the meantime, the Rangers and MLB are preparing Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, to host baseball’s first in-person fans of this virus-altered season Monday.
Tickets are already sold out for the opener of the neutral-site NL Championship Series between the Braves and Dodgers, although plenty are available on the secondary market. MLB is selling 11,500 tickets for each NLCS and World Series game at the Rangers’ ballpark, 28% of capacity.
Tickets are being sold in pods of four, and each pod will be spaced at least six feet from other fans - a move MLB hopes will keep onlookers safe inside the stadium. Masks will be mandatory, concessions and parking will be cashless, and the team’s concessionaire is planning wrapped items.
SETTLING IN
Astros manager Dusty Baker is managing in the postseason with his fifth different franchise, but this one has certainly been different. The 71-year-old was hired in late January after AJ Hinch was fired in fallout from Houston’s sign-stealing scandal, and his introduction to Houston’s clubhouse was cut short in mid-March by the coronavirus pandemic.
Baker said it took until the tail-end of the 60-game regular season for him to really feel like Houston was his team.
“For a while, I kind of felt like a substitute teacher,” he said. “I didn’t know which guys were stubborn or sensitive. They didn’t know how honest or truthful to be with me or what would tick me off or make me happy. Now I’m turning into a permanent teacher the last month or so.”
CATS COMING
After an improbable run to the playoffs, the Marlins confronted a hard reality in the NL Division Series: They still can’t beat the Braves.
The Marlins were sent to the sideline later than usual, but forcefully, when Atlanta completed a best-of-five sweep with a 7-0 win Thursday. The three-game drubbing showed the Marlins their great leap forward this year left them still a ways from overtaking their NL East rivals.
“You have to measure yourself with them, and have to be able to beat that club,” Miami manager Don Mattingly said. “We feel like we’re getting closer, but they let us know where we’re at.”
Sixto Sánchez and Miami’s other young pitchers had promising seasons, but the offense needs a boost. The Marlins’ productivity increased by more than half a run per game from 2019, but only four teams hit fewer homers, and their OPS ranked 23rd.
Miami expect prospects to help the offense continue to trend upward in 2021.
“We’ve got a number of guys who are going to have to take a step forward,” Mattingly said. “And there are other cats coming, too. There is going to be a lot of competition for jobs.”
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Navajo Nation members eligible for $1,500 for virus relief

WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. ( AP ) - Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be eligible for payments of up to $ 1,500 as part of the tribe ’ s response to the coronavirus .
President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer on Friday approved the $ 49 million plan adopted by the tribal council .
The funding comes from the tribe ’ s $ 714 million share of federal coronavirus relief funding .
Adults will be eligible for payments of $ 1,500 while those younger than 18 on March 1 are eligible for $ 500 .
Nez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t enough funding to cover payments for all of the more than 320,000 enrolled members of the tribe , so the money should be directed to elders and those most in need .
Nez and Lizer also approved $ 90 million for tribal chapters , and Nez said there may be a chance to pump more money into the relief payments if the chapters don ’ t spend all of that money by the end of the year .
The controller ’ s office will develop an application process to distribute funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday reported 42 new coronavirus cases and one more death .
The death toll now stands at 564 since the pandemic began .

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be eligible for payments of up to $1,500 as part of the tribe’s response to the coronavirus.
President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer on Friday approved the $49 million plan adopted by the tribal council. The funding comes from the tribe’s $714 million share of federal coronavirus relief funding.
Adults will be eligible for payments of $1,500 while those younger than 18 on March 1 are eligible for $500. Nez said in a statement that there isn’t enough funding to cover payments for all of the more than 320,000 enrolled members of the tribe, so the money should be directed to elders and those most in need.
Nez and Lizer also approved $90 million for tribal chapters, and Nez said there may be a chance to pump more money into the relief payments if the chapters don’t spend all of that money by the end of the year.
The controller’s office will develop an application process to distribute funds.
The Navajo Department of Health on Friday reported 42 new coronavirus cases and one more death. The death toll now stands at 564 since the pandemic began.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Nevada football player arrested in FBI sex trafficking sting

RENO , Nev. ( AP ) - A Nevada defensive tackle who was expected to start this season was among 28 suspects arrested in Reno as part of a week-long human-trafficking sting led by the FBI , authorities said Friday .
Christopher Green , 21 , has been suspended from the Wolf Pack football team pending further investigation , Nevada spokesman Chad Hartley said .
Hartley told KOLO-TV they learned of the incident Friday and were attempting to gather additional information .
The Washoe County sheriff ’ s office said in a statement the FBI ’ s Northern Nevada Child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with local law enforcement to target people trying to pay minors for sexual acts .
All 28 suspects went to a south Reno residence to “ knowingly engage in , and pay for , sex acts with a minor , ” the sheriff said .
Green , a 6-foot-2 , 325-pound senior from Los Angeles , was being held in the county jail Friday without bail on suspicion of engaging in solicitation for prostitution of a child , and attempted child abuse , neglect or endangerment .
Green made 16 tackles last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearing in all 13 .
Nevada opens the season at home Oct. 24 against Wyoming .

RENO, Nev. (AP) - A Nevada defensive tackle who was expected to start this season was among 28 suspects arrested in Reno as part of a week-long human-trafficking sting led by the FBI, authorities said Friday.
Christopher Green, 21, has been suspended from the Wolf Pack football team pending further investigation, Nevada spokesman Chad Hartley said. Hartley told KOLO-TV they learned of the incident Friday and were attempting to gather additional information.
The Washoe County sheriff’s office said in a statement the FBI’s Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force worked with local law enforcement to target people trying to pay minors for sexual acts.
All 28 suspects went to a south Reno residence to “knowingly engage in, and pay for, sex acts with a minor,” the sheriff said.
Green, a 6-foot-2, 325-pound senior from Los Angeles, was being held in the county jail Friday without bail on suspicion of engaging in solicitation for prostitution of a child, and attempted child abuse, neglect or endangerment.
Jail records didn’t list an attorney or a scheduled court appearance.
Green made 16 tackles last season as a junior starting five games and appearing in all 13.
Nevada opens the season at home Oct. 24 against Wyoming.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Trump says he feels 'really strong,' has been tested again for COVID-19

President Trump said Friday that he developed weakness , a sore throat and lung congestion from his bout with COVID-19 , but he ’ s feeling strong enough now that he stopped taking medications for it .
Mr. Trump also told Fox News contributor Dr. Marc Siegel that he was re-tested for the virus earlier on Friday , but didn ’ t know the results yet .
“ I know that I ’ m at the bottom of the scale , or [ virus ] free , ” the president said on “ Tucker Carlson Tonight.
” He said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel really good , I feel really , really strong , ” the president said .
Dr. Siegel , an associate professor of medicine at New York University , interviewed Mr. Trump remotely from New York in the president ’ s first on-camera interview since he tested positive on Oct. 8 .
The president said his initial symptoms were that he “ didn ’ t feel strong.
” “ I didn ’ t feel very vital , ” he said .
“ I didn ’ t feel like the president of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he “ didn ’ t really have a problem with breathing.
” He didn ’ t mention that doctors gave him supplemental oxygen at the White House on Oct. 9 , before he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
The president did say that he developed a sore throat , and that a CT scan of his lungs showed congestion .
“ You were tired .
You didn ’ t have that same energy level , ” the president said .
“ Initially I think they had some congestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it got better ….the CT scans were amazing , the equipment was incredible.
” The president ’ s team of doctors treated him with an antibody cocktail made by Regeneron .
Mr. Trump called the medicine , which does not have emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration , “ miraculous.
” “ Within a period of 24 hours , I felt very different , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ I just felt very good .
I wanted to leave [ the hospital ] after the first day .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we ’ re going to send it free of charge.
” He said a steroid that he was taking “ keeps the swelling down of the lungs .
I think I tolerated it very well.
” Asked what medications he ’ s taking now , the president replied , “ Right now I ’ m medication free .
We ’ re pretty much finished.
” Mr. Trump said one of his doctors told him that his outcome could have been much worse .
“ The big secret for me is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it would have gotten a lot worse , ” he said .
The president scoffed at a proposal by the Commission on Presidential Debates to hold a virtual debate with Democrat Joseph R. Biden on Oct. 15 , asking , “ Who wants to do a debate on a computer ?
I don ’ t. ” Mr. Trump is set to host a gathering on the South Lawn of the White House on Saturday to give an address on law and order .
He will hold his official return to the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida .

President Trump said Friday that he developed weakness, a sore throat and lung congestion from his bout with COVID-19, but he’s feeling strong enough now that he stopped taking medications for it.
Mr. Trump also told Fox News contributor Dr. Marc Siegel that he was re-tested for the virus earlier on Friday, but didn’t know the results yet.
“I know that I’m at the bottom of the scale, or [virus] free,” the president said on “Tucker Carlson Tonight.” He said he would be re-tested on Saturday.
“I feel really good, I feel really, really strong,” the president said.
Dr. Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at New York University, interviewed Mr. Trump remotely from New York in the president’s first on-camera interview since he tested positive on Oct. 8. The president said his initial symptoms were that he “didn’t feel strong.”
“I didn’t feel very vital,” he said. “I didn’t feel like the president of the U.S. should feel.”
Mr. Trump said he “didn’t really have a problem with breathing.” He didn’t mention that doctors gave him supplemental oxygen at the White House on Oct. 9, before he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The president did say that he developed a sore throat, and that a CT scan of his lungs showed congestion.
“You were tired. You didn’t have that same energy level,” the president said. “Initially I think they had some congestion in there. With each day, it got better ….the CT scans were amazing, the equipment was incredible.”
The president’s team of doctors treated him with an antibody cocktail made by Regeneron. Mr. Trump called the medicine, which does not have emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration, “miraculous.”
“Within a period of 24 hours, I felt very different,” Mr. Trump said. “I just felt very good. I wanted to leave [the hospital] after the first day. I’d like to send it to everybody, and we’re going to send it free of charge.”
He said a steroid that he was taking “keeps the swelling down of the lungs. I think I tolerated it very well.”
Asked what medications he’s taking now, the president replied, “Right now I’m medication free. We’re pretty much finished.”
Mr. Trump said one of his doctors told him that his outcome could have been much worse.
“The big secret for me is that I got there very early. I think it would have gotten a lot worse,” he said.
The president scoffed at a proposal by the Commission on Presidential Debates to hold a virtual debate with Democrat Joseph R. Biden on Oct. 15, asking,
“Who wants to do a debate on a computer? I don’t.”
Mr. Trump is set to host a gathering on the South Lawn of the White House on Saturday to give an address on law and order. He will hold his official return to the campaign trail with a rally on Monday in Florida.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Indiana hits record level of new coronavirus infections

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - Republican Gov .
Eric Holcomb said he ’ s still comfortable lifting COVID-19 restrictions in Indiana after health officials on Friday reported a record-high day of new infections in the state .
The Indiana State Department of Health announced that 1,832 more Hoosiers have tested positive for the coronavirus .
That brings the total number of Indiana residents known to have had the coronavirus to 131,493 as the state ’ s seven-day rolling average of new cases of the respiratory disease continues growing at record levels .
Health officials are now urging people to double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Vigo County Health Department issued a warning Friday discouraging large gatherings , noting that the county ’ s current COVID-19 cases are mostly linked to a recent apple festival and other outdoor events with a large attendance .
In Elkhart County , where both of the area ’ s local hospitals are full , the local health department said on its Facebook page that “ a major disturbing increase ” in the number of coronavirus cases calls for renewed vigilance around mask-wearing and physical distancing .
The higher infection numbers come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most statewide precaution rules while keeping a face mask mandate in place .
Asked Friday during a luncheon in South Bend whether he ’ s still comfortable with the decision , Holcomb said “ I am right now.
” “ But I don ’ t make long-term predictions based on a virus that ’ s uber infectious and easy to spread .
I ’ m pleading and begging and asking Hoosiers all over the state to do what works , ” he continued .
“ We take it day by day and week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of factors that go into what we do .
It ’ s the balance of our lives and our livelihoods.
” The governor further encouraged Hoosiers to wear masks and practice physical distancing , emphasizing that those practices “ will draw these numbers down.
” Still , Democratic state lawmakers are calling on the governor to do more .
“ Indiana is now turning into a perfect example of what not to do to stop the spread of this deadly virus , ” Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane said in statement Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop this foolish reopening , enforce your mask mandate and get aid to the folks who need it most right now .
It ’ s time to stop playing politics with people ’ s lives.
” Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta added that “ this is not the time ” to loosen COVID-19 restrictions .
Doing so , he said , sends a false message to Hoosiers “ that it is okay to let our guards down.
” “ What we ’ re about to see is a perfect storm for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” GiaQuinta said in statement Friday .
“ I don ’ t want to see that happen and I urge Gov .
Holcomb to take the reins on this growing issue before it ’ s too late.
” Democratic governor candidate Woody Myers said he wants to see Holcomb return Indiana to an earlier stage of the state ’ s reopening plan .
There should also be new guidance issued for schools , more enforcement on mask-wearing and no-excuse absentee voting on Election Day , he said .
“ I am now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save Hoosier lives , ” Myers said .
“ Gov .
Holcomb ’ s current plan is clearly moving us in the wrong direction.
” The state health department also reported 19 new COVID-19 deaths Friday , bringing the Indiana ’ s death toll to 3,761 , including both confirmed and presumed coronavirus infections .
The number of people in Indiana hospitals with COVID-19 also continues to rise .
New data indicates 1,187 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 - the most recorded since May 22 .
Of those , 357 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Aug. 4 .
While Friday ’ s numbers reflect new highs in positive cases and hospitalizations in Indiana , more people in the state are being tested for COVID-19 than earlier in the pandemic .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb said he’s still comfortable lifting COVID-19 restrictions in Indiana after health officials on Friday reported a record-high day of new infections in the state.
The Indiana State Department of Health announced that 1,832 more Hoosiers have tested positive for the coronavirus. That brings the total number of Indiana residents known to have had the coronavirus to 131,493 as the state’s seven-day rolling average of new cases of the respiratory disease continues growing at record levels.
Health officials are now urging people to double down on protective measures.
Western Indiana’s Vigo County Health Department issued a warning Friday discouraging large gatherings, noting that the county’s current COVID-19 cases are mostly linked to a recent apple festival and other outdoor events with a large attendance. In Elkhart County, where both of the area’s local hospitals are full, the local health department said on its Facebook page that “a major disturbing increase” in the number of coronavirus cases calls for renewed vigilance around mask-wearing and physical distancing.
The higher infection numbers come two weeks after Holcomb decided to lift most statewide precaution rules while keeping a face mask mandate in place.
Asked Friday during a luncheon in South Bend whether he’s still comfortable with the decision, Holcomb said “I am right now.”
“But I don’t make long-term predictions based on a virus that’s uber infectious and easy to spread. I’m pleading and begging and asking Hoosiers all over the state to do what works,” he continued. “We take it day by day and week by week. There are a lot of factors that go into what we do. It’s the balance of our lives and our livelihoods.”
The governor further encouraged Hoosiers to wear masks and practice physical distancing, emphasizing that those practices “will draw these numbers down.”
Still, Democratic state lawmakers are calling on the governor to do more.
“Indiana is now turning into a perfect example of what not to do to stop the spread of this deadly virus,” Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane said in statement Friday. “Governor, I plead with you to stop this foolish reopening, enforce your mask mandate and get aid to the folks who need it most right now. It’s time to stop playing politics with people’s lives.”
Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta added that “this is not the time” to loosen COVID-19 restrictions. Doing so, he said, sends a false message to Hoosiers “that it is okay to let our guards down.”
“What we’re about to see is a perfect storm for the coronavirus to take over this state,” GiaQuinta said in statement Friday. “I don’t want to see that happen and I urge Gov. Holcomb to take the reins on this growing issue before it’s too late.”
Democratic governor candidate Woody Myers said he wants to see Holcomb return Indiana to an earlier stage of the state’s reopening plan. There should also be new guidance issued for schools, more enforcement on mask-wearing and no-excuse absentee voting on Election Day, he said.
“I am now calling on the governor to take action to save Hoosier lives,” Myers said. “Gov. Holcomb’s current plan is clearly moving us in the wrong direction.”
The state health department also reported 19 new COVID-19 deaths Friday, bringing the Indiana’s death toll to 3,761, including both confirmed and presumed coronavirus infections.
The number of people in Indiana hospitals with COVID-19 also continues to rise. New data indicates 1,187 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 - the most recorded since May 22. Of those, 357 are in intensive care, the highest count since Aug. 4.
While Friday’s numbers reflect new highs in positive cases and hospitalizations in Indiana, more people in the state are being tested for COVID-19 than earlier in the pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Tropical storm unleashes rain, strong winds in south Japan

TOKYO ( AP ) - Tropical Storm Chan-hom brought powerful winds and rain to southern Japan on Saturday , with @ @ @ @ @ landslides and flooding in most of the country .
The storm , packing sustained winds @ @ @ @ @ ( 67 miles ) per hour , was moving in waters south of Japan , @ @ @ @ @ of Shikoku .
It had been downgraded from a typhoon earlier in the week .
@ @ @ @ @ eastward , affecting Honshu as well as smaller islands such as Izu by early Sunday @ @ @ @ @ expected to seriously affect Tokyo or make direct landfall .
Weather forecasts warned of a @ @ @ @ @ , which may cause rivers to swell and towering waves in coastal areas as well @ @ @

TOKYO (AP) - Tropical Storm Chan-hom brought powerful winds and rain to southern Japan on Saturday, with the weather bureau warning of landslides and flooding in most of the country.
The storm, packing sustained winds of up to 107 kilometers (67 miles) per hour, was moving in waters south of Japan, near the main southwestern island of Shikoku.
It had been downgraded from a typhoon earlier in the week. It was expected to hover eastward, affecting Honshu as well as smaller islands such as Izu by early Sunday.
The storm was not expected to seriously affect Tokyo or make direct landfall.
Weather forecasts warned of a heavy downpour and fierce winds, which may cause rivers to swell and towering waves in coastal areas as well as mudslides.
___
Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama


washingtontimes--2020-10-09--Delaware judge refuses to order state to count late ballots

DOVER , Del .
( AP ) - A Delaware judge on Friday rejected a request by the League of Women Voters to override state election law and allow absentee and mail-in ballots received after the state-mandated deadline in November ’ s election to be counted .
Delaware law has long required that absentee ballots be received by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day .
The same deadline applies to ballots cast under a universal vote-by-mail law enacted by the General Assembly specifically for this year ’ s elections because of the coronavirus .
The League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Civil Liberties Union and a Wilmington attorney , did not argue that the deadline as applied in past elections was facially unconstitutional .
They claimed instead that the new law is unconstitutional as applied to the November election because , even though it makes voting much easier , voting by mail is a burden for some people .
They cited the significant number of vote-by-mail ballots expected and potential delays in Postal Service delivery in asking Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III to force officials to count ballots received up to 10 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws passed by the General Assembly enjoy a presumption of constitutionality , and that he can not invalidate them , let alone rewrite them as the ACLU requested , unless their unconstitutionality is clear .
“ At the time the Vote-by-Mail statute was enacted , the absentee ballot deadline , which the plaintiffs agree was constitutional with respect to the law as it then existed , already required Election-Day ballot receipt , ” the judge wrote .
“ I find nothing about the liberalization of the ability to mail ballots in the Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choosing to mail ballots have always had to vote sufficiently early to ensure delivery by Election Day.
” “ The Plaintiffs have not shown - can not show - that , on the record as it stands , it is clear , or even likely , that malfeasance or ineptitude on the part of those controlling the USPS will burden voters needing to vote by mail in a way that renders the deadline unconstitutional as applied , ” the judge added .
Karen Lantz , legal and policy director of the ACLU of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the ruling and would discuss next steps with the League .
Last week , in a separate case , Glasscock rejected a Republican Party challenge to the vote-by-mail law , similarly noting that legislation enjoys a presumption of constitutionality .
The GOP had argued that lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled legislature exceeded their constitutional authority in invoking emergency powers to declare that conforming to the requirements of Delaware ’ s constitution , which has explicit limitations on absentee voting , “ would be impracticable.
” State officials have said the rejection rate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 % in the July presidential primary to about 1 % in last month ’ s statewide primary .
Max Walton , an attorney that argued the case against the League for the state , said the 1 % figure is similar to what other states have seen .
Officials began sending mail-in ballots to those who requested them this week and will continue to do so as late as four days before the election .
An attorney for the League argued voting by mail is a “ burden ” for some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave their homes or pay for a postage stamp or envelope .
The new law requires that vote-by-mail ballot applications be sent to all Delaware voters , who can also request applications online .
Anyone choosing to vote by mail fills out and returns the application in a postage-paid envelope provided by the state .
They then receive an actual ballot to fill out , with the return envelope and postage again provided by the state .

DOVER, Del. (AP) - A Delaware judge on Friday rejected a request by the League of Women Voters to override state election law and allow absentee and mail-in ballots received after the state-mandated deadline in November’s election to be counted.
Delaware law has long required that absentee ballots be received by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. The same deadline applies to ballots cast under a universal vote-by-mail law enacted by the General Assembly specifically for this year’s elections because of the coronavirus.
The League of Women Voters, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and a Wilmington attorney, did not argue that the deadline as applied in past elections was facially unconstitutional. They claimed instead that the new law is unconstitutional as applied to the November election because, even though it makes voting much easier, voting by mail is a burden for some people.
They cited the significant number of vote-by-mail ballots expected and potential delays in Postal Service delivery in asking Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III to force officials to count ballots received up to 10 days after Election Day.
Glasscock noted that laws passed by the General Assembly enjoy a presumption of constitutionality, and that he cannot invalidate them, let alone rewrite them as the ACLU requested, unless their unconstitutionality is clear.
“At the time the Vote-by-Mail statute was enacted, the absentee ballot deadline, which the plaintiffs agree was constitutional with respect to the law as it then existed, already required Election-Day ballot receipt,” the judge wrote. “I find nothing about the liberalization of the ability to mail ballots in the Act that created a constitutional violation. Those choosing to mail ballots have always had to vote sufficiently early to ensure delivery by Election Day.”
“The Plaintiffs have not shown - cannot show - that, on the record as it stands, it is clear, or even likely, that malfeasance or ineptitude on the part of those controlling the USPS will burden voters needing to vote by mail in a way that renders the deadline unconstitutional as applied,” the judge added.
Karen Lantz, legal and policy director of the ACLU of Delaware, said the group was disappointed by the ruling and would discuss next steps with the League.
Last week, in a separate case, Glasscock rejected a Republican Party challenge to the vote-by-mail law, similarly noting that legislation enjoys a presumption of constitutionality. The GOP had argued that lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled legislature exceeded their constitutional authority in invoking emergency powers to declare that conforming to the requirements of Delaware’s constitution, which has explicit limitations on absentee voting, “would be impracticable.”
State officials have said the rejection rate for mail ballots received late fell from about 3% in the July presidential primary to about 1% in last month’s statewide primary. Max Walton, an attorney that argued the case against the League for the state, said the 1% figure is similar to what other states have seen.
Officials began sending mail-in ballots to those who requested them this week and will continue to do so as late as four days before the election.
An attorney for the League argued voting by mail is a “burden” for some people, even though they never have to leave their homes or pay for a postage stamp or envelope.
The new law requires that vote-by-mail ballot applications be sent to all Delaware voters, who can also request applications online. Anyone choosing to vote by mail fills out and returns the application in a postage-paid envelope provided by the state. They then receive an actual ballot to fill out, with the return envelope and postage again provided by the state.


washingtontimes--2020-10-10--Anti-police satanist runs for sheriff as Republican in NH

With more than 4,200 votes , Republicans in one New Hampshire county nominated an unconventional candidate for sheriff : a self-described satanist whose campaign slogan disparages the police .
Since then , Aria DiMezzo , a transgender woman in her early 30s , has become a minor celebrity - and the target of online attacks , vandalism including a homophobic slur spray-painted on her car , and a write-in campaign to weaken her chances .
DiMezzo - the lone Republican candidate for Cheshire County sheriff in September ’ s primary - believes most voters blindly checked the box next to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican at the last second , after concluding her bid to get on the ballot as a Libertarian - her preferred party - would have required gathering signatures amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Anyone who takes a look at me knows pretty much right off the bat that I ’ m clearly not a Republican , ” said DiMezzo , who stands over 6 feet tall , sports fire-engine red hair and has tattoos on both arms , including one for the Greek letter “ pi ” and the word “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unseat Eli Rivera , a Democrat who has held the job in the county of more than 76,000 since 2012 .
“ I ’ m just using the party infrastructure to run for office , ” she said .
“ I was 100 % upfront about who I am .
I never hid any of it .
Anyone who bothered to Google me would have found all this stuff about me and they would have seen the anti-cop things that I was posting all over social media.
” DiMezzo , who unsuccessfully ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s race , said she hopes to attract voters on the left and right with campaign promises to support gun rights and limited government and combat police wrongdoing .
Among her proposals is to have sheriff ’ s deputies “ pull over police for harassing peaceful citizens.
” If her deputies don ’ t want to police the police , she said they can either quit or sit in the office and play video games .
“ If the police were these fine upstanding honorable people just investigating crimes where there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I wouldn ’ t have an issue with that .
But that is not what they are doing , ” said DiMezzo , whose campaign signs include the phrase “ F— The Police ” and the symbol for anarchy emblazoned over a sheriff ’ s badge standing in for the “ A ” in “ Aria.
” DiMezzo said , as law enforcement , any of her own of her deputies “ would be fired on the spot , and perhaps charged with crimes , for any brutality or misconduct.
” Currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 communication specialists , 13 court officers , 12 deputies and two administration staff .
DiMezzo moved to the New Hampshire college town of Keene from Mississippi in 2018 and has garnered attention for her political stances ever since .
She also ran unsuccessfully for Keene City Council in 2018 with the slogan “ Eat the Rich ” and a push to legalize magic mushrooms .
She serves as the high priest of the Reformed Satanic Church , which is run from her home .
The church doesn ’ t believe Satan exists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands for individualism and voluntarism , and opposes the god of the day ” which she described as the state .
Despite hateful online comments and the vandalism , she ’ s found residents in the college town known as a bastion for bitcoin and Libertarians have mostly welcomed her campaign .
“ By and large , the response has been overwhelming positive , ” she said .
“ When I walk down the street , people cheer .
They tell me they are going to vote for me .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DiMezzo has done a steady stream of interviews - a Russian television crew even came to town - and voters have stopped by the pizza shop where she works to wish her well .
Local Republican leaders have largely remained silent on DiMezzo , and Marilyn Huston , the chair of the Cheshire County Republicans Committee , refused to comment on her campaign .
But Earl Nelson says some Republicans have told him they support his write-in campaign for sheriff .
With 40 years in law enforcement and experience as a police chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views sharply diverges from DiMezzo ’ s platform .
“ My feeling is that she is making a political statement .
Hey , this is America .
She can make her statement , ” Nelson said .
“ I ’ ve been in law enforcement for a long time and I have a lot of respect for the profession in general .
To see the signs that say ‘ F— The Police , ’ disarm the police , it ’ s just not appropriate.
” Nelson , 63 , has unsuccessfully run four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate , but said he didn ’ t seek the nomination this year because he was being treated for cancer .
With treatments successful , Nelson said he launched his write-in bid on his own to give voters another choice , and has put up signs around the county .
Rivera , for his part , is confident he ’ ll win another term .
“ I have always embraced a positive campaign and will leave your questions about my opponent and the write-in campaign to be answered by the Republican Party , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since her primary victory , DiMezzo ’ s backers have shifted from treating the race as a protest of sorts to contemplating the possibility that she could stun the establishment - again .
“ Does she have a chance ?
I ’ m going to say she has a chance , ” said DiMezzo ’ s campaign adviser , Ian Freeman , who hosts a radio show and runs a local Libertarian blog , Free Keene .
“ She is not your typical candidate , ” he said , “ and she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some unusual places.
” AP ’ s Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early , by mail or absentee from each state : https : //interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/

With more than 4,200 votes, Republicans in one New Hampshire county nominated an unconventional candidate for sheriff: a self-described satanist whose campaign slogan disparages the police.
Since then, Aria DiMezzo, a transgender woman in her early 30s, has become a minor celebrity - and the target of online attacks, vandalism including a homophobic slur spray-painted on her car, and a write-in campaign to weaken her chances.
DiMezzo - the lone Republican candidate for Cheshire County sheriff in September’s primary - believes most voters blindly checked the box next to her name. She only registered as a Republican at the last second, after concluding her bid to get on the ballot as a Libertarian - her preferred party - would have required gathering signatures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Anyone who takes a look at me knows pretty much right off the bat that I’m clearly not a Republican,” said DiMezzo, who stands over 6 feet tall, sports fire-engine red hair and has tattoos on both arms, including one for the Greek letter “pi” and the word “coexist.”
She’s looking to unseat Eli Rivera, a Democrat who has held the job in the county of more than 76,000 since 2012.
“I’m just using the party infrastructure to run for office,” she said. “I was 100% upfront about who I am. I never hid any of it. Anyone who bothered to Google me would have found all this stuff about me and they would have seen the anti-cop things that I was posting all over social media.”
DiMezzo, who unsuccessfully ran as a Libertarian in the 2018 sheriff’s race, said she hopes to attract voters on the left and right with campaign promises to support gun rights and limited government and combat police wrongdoing. Among her proposals is to have sheriff’s deputies “pull over police for harassing peaceful citizens.”
If her deputies don’t want to police the police, she said they can either quit or sit in the office and play video games.
“If the police were these fine upstanding honorable people just investigating crimes where there are victims and were serving and protecting people, I wouldn’t have an issue with that. But that is not what they are doing,” said DiMezzo, whose campaign signs include the phrase “F— The Police” and the symbol for anarchy emblazoned over a sheriff’s badge standing in for the “A” in “Aria.”
DiMezzo said, as law enforcement, any of her own of her deputies “would be fired on the spot, and perhaps charged with crimes, for any brutality or misconduct.”
Currently, the sheriff oversees a department of 15 communication specialists, 13 court officers, 12 deputies and two administration staff.
DiMezzo moved to the New Hampshire college town of Keene from Mississippi in 2018 and has garnered attention for her political stances ever since. She also ran unsuccessfully for Keene City Council in 2018 with the slogan “Eat the Rich” and a push to legalize magic mushrooms.
She serves as the high priest of the Reformed Satanic Church, which is run from her home. The church doesn’t believe Satan exists, DiMezzo said, but instead “stands for individualism and voluntarism, and opposes the god of the day” which she described as the state.
Despite hateful online comments and the vandalism, she’s found residents in the college town known as a bastion for bitcoin and Libertarians have mostly welcomed her campaign.
“By and large, the response has been overwhelming positive,” she said. “When I walk down the street, people cheer. They tell me they are going to vote for me. It’s great.”
Since her primary victory, DiMezzo has done a steady stream of interviews - a Russian television crew even came to town - and voters have stopped by the pizza shop where she works to wish her well.
Local Republican leaders have largely remained silent on DiMezzo, and Marilyn Huston, the chair of the Cheshire County Republicans Committee, refused to comment on her campaign.
But Earl Nelson says some Republicans have told him they support his write-in campaign for sheriff. With 40 years in law enforcement and experience as a police chief in five towns, Nelson’s views sharply diverges from DiMezzo’s platform.
“My feeling is that she is making a political statement. Hey, this is America. She can make her statement,” Nelson said. “I’ve been in law enforcement for a long time and I have a lot of respect for the profession in general. To see the signs that say ‘F— The Police,’ disarm the police, it’s just not appropriate.”
Nelson, 63, has unsuccessfully run four times in the past as the Republican candidate, but said he didn’t seek the nomination this year because he was being treated for cancer. With treatments successful, Nelson said he launched his write-in bid on his own to give voters another choice, and has put up signs around the county.
Rivera, for his part, is confident he’ll win another term.
“I have always embraced a positive campaign and will leave your questions about my opponent and the write-in campaign to be answered by the Republican Party,” Rivera said in an email.
Since her primary victory, DiMezzo’s backers have shifted from treating the race as a protest of sorts to contemplating the possibility that she could stun the establishment - again.
“Does she have a chance? I’m going to say she has a chance,” said DiMezzo’s campaign adviser, Ian Freeman, who hosts a radio show and runs a local Libertarian blog, Free Keene.
“She is not your typical candidate,” he said, “and she is definitely going to draw some votes from some unusual places.”
___
AP’s Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early, by mail or absentee from each state: https://interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/


washingtontimes--2020-10-10--4 killed, 2 injured in shooting in southern Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN , Puerto Rico ( AP ) - Four men were shot to death and two others gravely wounded @ @ @ @ @ southern Puerto Rico , police said Saturday .
The shooting occurred late Friday in the @ @ @ @ @ one of the U.S. territory ’ s largest municipalities .
No one had been arrested @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been able to identify three of the victims and didn ’ t yet @ @ @ @ @ least 394 people have been reported killed this year on the island of 3.2 million @ @ @ @ @ last year in the same period .

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Four men were shot to death and two others gravely wounded near a basketball court in southern Puerto Rico, police said Saturday.
The shooting occurred late Friday in the coastal city of Ponce, one of the U.S. territory’s largest municipalities. No one had been arrested.
Police said they hadn’t been able to identify three of the victims and didn’t yet have a motive.
At least 394 people have been reported killed this year on the island of 3.2 million people, compared with 481 last year in the same period.


washingtontimes--2020-10-10--Montana has dive team to search for aquatic invasive species

BILLINGS , Mont .
( AP ) - Aquatic invasive species are like the COVID-19 of streams and lakes .
It takes only one watercraft to become a super spreader , introducing an invader like Eurasian watermilfoil or zebra mussels to a waterway .
When an invader is detected , Montana Fish , Wildlife and Parks now has an “ A Team ” it can call .
Last year the group created a six-member dive team pulling volunteers from across its Aquatic Invasive Species staff .
Prior to that , the agency used the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it can take time for them to assemble and drive to Montana when time is of the essence .
“ We thought it would be nice to have a quick response dive team , not only for mussel detection , ” said Stacy Schmidt , leader of the crew .
“ There ’ s a lot of interest in using the dive team for population delineation of other species , control work for mussels and whatever fishery needs might come up , such as fish counts , ” she told The Billings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might be of great value for all of fisheries.
” FWP ’ s aquatic invasive species program is pretty broad , said Liz Lodman , AIS information officer .
In addition to watercraft inspections , the group does education and outreach , AIS detection and prevention , water sampling and laboratory analysis .
With the dive team ’ s help , the staff is also working on eradication .
Beaver Lake near Whitefish has been the subject of a dive team project with partners to eliminate invasive Eurasian watermilfoil .
By anchoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the crew is attempting to choke out the weed before it spreads .
“ We ’ re trying to nip it in the bud , ” Lodman said .
“ Every year we have to go in and check the mats , ” she added , to make sure they are still secured and covering the target area .
“ It ’ s a fairly low-cost way of dealing with an invasion like this.
” Watermilfoil has become such a problem in some Midwestern and Eastern lakes that companies have been formed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aquatic Plant Management , founded in 2012 , employs a team of 20 divers for the task .
Having weed-choked lakes is not only bad for a lake ’ s fish and other inhabitants , it can also lower property values for lakeshore owners by up to 16 % , studies have shown .
No one wants to buy a cabin on a lake where the weeds are so thick you can ’ t drive your boat through them .
The cost to the United States of these water-borne intruders has been estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to FWP .
In addition to removing aquatic invasive species , the FWP dive team is also working to identify underwater plants and invertebrates , often in water that is cold ( 40 to 60 degrees depending on depth ) where visibility is limited .
“ We don ’ t have great water quality ” when it comes to visibility , Schmidt said .
That requires divers to be careful to not stir up sediments and silt that might further cloud the water .
It is especially important when working in shallower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species are found .
To help out in those situations , the team will use air tanks rather than snorkeling if they are at depths of 15 feet or working around docks .
This year the AIS crew added a specially designed sled that it pulls along a lake or pond ’ s bottom .
The sled carves off the top layer of silt which is then rinsed and sieved to search for aquatic invasive species .
The sled was tested in Billings ’ Lake Elmo this year .
The combined work of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last year inspection crews checked more than 109,000 watercraft and intercepted 16 fouled with mussels and another 170 transporting aquatic weeds .
This year the numbers of inspections has increased to more than 128,000 , Lodman said , as more people were recreating outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Out of those inspections , more than 30 were infested with an invasive species .
“ The latest was two jet skis from Minnesota , ” Lodman said .
“ It was amazing how many mussels they had on their boats.
” The personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been purchased for winter storage in Whitefish , she added .
Out of more than 4,300 water surveys this year , FWP has logged 98 AIS detections .
The most common species found has been curlyleaf pondweed .
So far , the combined efforts have helped keep Montana waterways at a low rate of AIS infestations compared to other states .
“ The more tools we have the better , ” Schmidt said .

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Aquatic invasive species are like the COVID-19 of streams and lakes. It takes only one watercraft to become a super spreader, introducing an invader like Eurasian watermilfoil or zebra mussels to a waterway.
When an invader is detected, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks now has an “A Team” it can call. Last year the group created a six-member dive team pulling volunteers from across its Aquatic Invasive Species staff.
Prior to that, the agency used the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s divers for mussel-type events, but it can take time for them to assemble and drive to Montana when time is of the essence.
“We thought it would be nice to have a quick response dive team, not only for mussel detection,” said Stacy Schmidt, leader of the crew.
“There’s a lot of interest in using the dive team for population delineation of other species, control work for mussels and whatever fishery needs might come up, such as fish counts,” she told The Billings Gazette. “It just seemed like it might be of great value for all of fisheries.”
FWP’s aquatic invasive species program is pretty broad, said Liz Lodman, AIS information officer. In addition to watercraft inspections, the group does education and outreach, AIS detection and prevention, water sampling and laboratory analysis. With the dive team’s help, the staff is also working on eradication.
Beaver Lake near Whitefish has been the subject of a dive team project with partners to eliminate invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. By anchoring mats to the bottom of the lake, the crew is attempting to choke out the weed before it spreads.
“We’re trying to nip it in the bud,” Lodman said.
“Every year we have to go in and check the mats,” she added, to make sure they are still secured and covering the target area. “It’s a fairly low-cost way of dealing with an invasion like this.”
Watermilfoil has become such a problem in some Midwestern and Eastern lakes that companies have been formed just to remove the weed. Michigan-based Aquatic Plant Management, founded in 2012, employs a team of 20 divers for the task.
Having weed-choked lakes is not only bad for a lake’s fish and other inhabitants, it can also lower property values for lakeshore owners by up to 16%, studies have shown. No one wants to buy a cabin on a lake where the weeds are so thick you can’t drive your boat through them.
The cost to the United States of these water-borne intruders has been estimated at $137 billion a year, according to FWP.
In addition to removing aquatic invasive species, the FWP dive team is also working to identify underwater plants and invertebrates, often in water that is cold (40 to 60 degrees depending on depth) where visibility is limited.
“We don’t have great water quality” when it comes to visibility, Schmidt said.
That requires divers to be careful to not stir up sediments and silt that might further cloud the water. It is especially important when working in shallower waters, where most of the invasive species are found. To help out in those situations, the team will use air tanks rather than snorkeling if they are at depths of 15 feet or working around docks.
This year the AIS crew added a specially designed sled that it pulls along a lake or pond’s bottom. The sled carves off the top layer of silt which is then rinsed and sieved to search for aquatic invasive species. The sled was tested in Billings’ Lake Elmo this year.
“It samples a large area quickly,” Schmidt said.
The combined work of the AIS team has paid off. Last year inspection crews checked more than 109,000 watercraft and intercepted 16 fouled with mussels and another 170 transporting aquatic weeds.
This year the numbers of inspections has increased to more than 128,000, Lodman said, as more people were recreating outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of those inspections, more than 30 were infested with an invasive species.
“The latest was two jet skis from Minnesota,” Lodman said. “It was amazing how many mussels they had on their boats.”
The personal watercraft were being towed from where they had been purchased for winter storage in Whitefish, she added.
Out of more than 4,300 water surveys this year, FWP has logged 98 AIS detections. The most common species found has been curlyleaf pondweed.
So far, the combined efforts have helped keep Montana waterways at a low rate of AIS infestations compared to other states.
“The more tools we have the better,” Schmidt said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-10--Refugees find help in Utah running club during pandemic

LOGAN , Utah ( AP ) - Local officials and educators have been concerned about the effects of COVID-19-related shutdowns and closures on childrens ’ education .
But according to local advocates , it ’ s been hardest for those who were already struggling to begin with : local refugees and immigrants .
“ Under normal circumstances , refugee children are disadvantaged , ” said Halima Ali , an organizer and advocate for the Somali refugee community .
“ Their parents are new in the country , and they lack familiarity with our education system .
In some cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So COVID-19 made that situation worse.
” While Ali and her family immigrated from Somalia well before the pandemic , she said it was a struggle to adjust , and for families where parents received no formal education , it can be even worse .
This was the case for Salman Yusef , whose family immigrated to Utah in 2018 .
“ When I came here , I didn ’ t know how to read and write , ” he said .
“ And I was learning , but then COVID-19 came .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to read and write.
” But local nonprofit Athletics United helped him find his footing both on the track and in the classroom .
What started as a local running club to unite the community and get kids active outdoors morphed when founders Mike and Kristi Spence identified many of the kids needing additional help with schoolwork .
The twice-weekly tutoring sessions held at the Logan Library were halted in March due to the pandemic , and the library has yet to allow private groups back into the space in order to comply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry , the nonprofit had to get creative to adapt to physical distancing .
“ The last three years have been crucial relationship building time that ’ s allowed us to use word-of-mouth and the friendships that we ’ ve already established to help out with individual needs , ” Spence said .
“ And so that ’ s what we ’ re focusing on right now.
” Language barriers are the basis of many problems - such as with Yusef , whom Spence helps weekly since teachers are already spread too thin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you , because they ’ ve got meetings , ” he said .
“ They got other things to do , too .
You can ’ t really stay after school because of the COVID-19 stuff … but before , when we needed to get help after school but it was not enough , you would still get help from the program.
” According to Frank Schofield , the superintendent at Logan City School District , the push to get students in the classroom to build relationships with teachers was critical to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United has been in the community for years and proved to be a resource for refugees and immigrants , or anyone who needed help .
“ If we don ’ t have in-person , face-to-face learning , we know that those challenges are greater for those families because of a lack of access to technology in many cases , ” Schofield said .
But even with technology and providing students computers and tablets , the system is not infallible .
Yusef ’ s cousin Mowlid Nur has been with the group since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two attend Logan High School together and said depending on the teacher , extra help can be difficult to find .
“ It ’ s just always , ’ If you have any question or anything , send me an email , ” Nur said .
“ It ’ s only through email , and when I email , you never know how long they might take them to respond .
It might take days , hours , minutes , however long , and it depends on your teacher.
” Yusef ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charter School-South , and she said while it was a similar struggle at first , the school was able to hire two new tutors to help .
In the past four weeks , Spence has started up more informal running groups .
While the club used to meet at Ellis Elementary , Spence and several volunteers meet at 4:30 p.m. twice a week , Mondays at the Logan River Trail and Thursdays at Logan High School , to give the kids something to look forward to and a bit of contact in as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while losing access to the library was a hard turn for the group over the summer , Spence said it could be even more detrimental this winter if there is no indoor space for the group to gather .

LOGAN, Utah (AP) - Local officials and educators have been concerned about the effects of COVID-19-related shutdowns and closures on childrens’ education. But according to local advocates, it’s been hardest for those who were already struggling to begin with: local refugees and immigrants.
“Under normal circumstances, refugee children are disadvantaged,” said Halima Ali, an organizer and advocate for the Somali refugee community. “Their parents are new in the country, and they lack familiarity with our education system. In some cases, the parents had no formal education. So COVID-19 made that situation worse.”
While Ali and her family immigrated from Somalia well before the pandemic, she said it was a struggle to adjust, and for families where parents received no formal education, it can be even worse.
This was the case for Salman Yusef, whose family immigrated to Utah in 2018.
“When I came here, I didn’t know how to read and write,” he said. “And I was learning, but then COVID-19 came. And it still is hard for me to read and write.”
But local nonprofit Athletics United helped him find his footing both on the track and in the classroom. What started as a local running club to unite the community and get kids active outdoors morphed when founders Mike and Kristi Spence identified many of the kids needing additional help with schoolwork.
The twice-weekly tutoring sessions held at the Logan Library were halted in March due to the pandemic, and the library has yet to allow private groups back into the space in order to comply with virus-mitigation efforts.
Like every other industry, the nonprofit had to get creative to adapt to physical distancing.
“The last three years have been crucial relationship building time that’s allowed us to use word-of-mouth and the friendships that we’ve already established to help out with individual needs,” Spence said. “And so that’s what we’re focusing on right now.”
Language barriers are the basis of many problems - such as with Yusef, whom Spence helps weekly since teachers are already spread too thin.
“Teachers sometimes are not available for you, because they’ve got meetings,” he said. “They got other things to do, too. You can’t really stay after school because of the COVID-19 stuff … but before, when we needed to get help after school but it was not enough, you would still get help from the program.”
According to Frank Schofield, the superintendent at Logan City School District, the push to get students in the classroom to build relationships with teachers was critical to build trust - similar to how Athletics United has been in the community for years and proved to be a resource for refugees and immigrants, or anyone who needed help.
“If we don’t have in-person, face-to-face learning, we know that those challenges are greater for those families because of a lack of access to technology in many cases,” Schofield said.
But even with technology and providing students computers and tablets, the system is not infallible.
Yusef’s cousin Mowlid Nur has been with the group since the nonprofit was an informal club. The two attend Logan High School together and said depending on the teacher, extra help can be difficult to find.
“It’s just always, ’If you have any question or anything, send me an email,” Nur said. “It’s only through email, and when I email, you never know how long they might take them to respond. It might take days, hours, minutes, however long, and it depends on your teacher.”
Yusef’s niece Sabrin, goes to Thomas Edison Charter School-South, and she said while it was a similar struggle at first, the school was able to hire two new tutors to help.
In the past four weeks, Spence has started up more informal running groups. While the club used to meet at Ellis Elementary, Spence and several volunteers meet at 4:30 p.m. twice a week, Mondays at the Logan River Trail and Thursdays at Logan High School, to give the kids something to look forward to and a bit of contact in as safe a setting as possible.
And while losing access to the library was a hard turn for the group over the summer, Spence said it could be even more detrimental this winter if there is no indoor space for the group to gather.