washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Resentment, smoke linger in Nigeria's streets after unrest

LAGOS , Nigeria ( AP ) - Resentment lingered with the smell of charred tires Friday as Nigeria ’ s streets were relatively calm after days of protests over police abuses , as authorities barely acknowledged reports of the military killing at least 12 peaceful demonstrators earlier this week .
President Muhammadu Buhari in his first comments on the unrest didn ’ t mention the shootings that sparked international outrage , instead warning protesters against being used by “ subversive elements ” and “ undermining national security and law and order ” during a national address Thursday night .
Soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s largest city , on Friday .
A 24-hour curfew had not yet been lifted .
One witness of Tuesday night ’ s deadly shooting , 33-year-old Isaiah Abor , ventured out anyway to visit the scene where soldiers opened fire on thousands of peaceful protesters holding flags and singing the national anthem .
He managed to escape the chaos .
“ When ( the soldiers ) were making comments that the flag is not bulletproof , that ’ s when I knew this was going to go out of hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still littered the ground .
The president ’ s speech annoyed him .
“ Look at those youths that died , at least even for the sake that they were carrying the flag alone , and the blood that stained a whole Nigerian flag , those youths were not even mentioned , ” Abor said .
He added : “ We are not cowards .
We will always come to this ground , and we will always feel for those that are gone.
” But citing the president ’ s comments , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feminist Coalition , urged youth to stay at home Friday , saying that “ we need to stay alive to pursue our dreams to build the future.
” The group said it had stopped collecting donations for the protests .
An angry crowd shouted at the governor of Lagos state over the unrest as officials toured burned-out vehicles and the sacked palace of a Lagos ceremonial leader .
The leader , or oba , isn ’ t popular with some Nigerians who see him as a product of the country ’ s often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in close contact in Lagos , and the inequality sharpens grievances in Nigeria , Africa ’ s most populous country .
Meanwhile , Buhari met with former presidents and top officials on how to move forward from some of Nigeria ’ s worst unrest in years .
This week ’ s scenes have touched a chord with Black Lives Matter supporters in the United States , while the U.S. government has strongly condemned the “ use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos , causing death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had opened fire without warning , killing at least 12 people , according to Amnesty International .
The protests turned violent Wednesday after the shooting as mobs vandalized and burned police stations , courthouses , TV stations and a hotel .
Police battled angry crowds with tear gas and gunfire .
The looting and gunfire continued Thursday .
On Friday the Lagos deputy governor , Kadri Obafemi Hamzat , told a local radio station that the peaceful protests with an understandable grievance had been hijacked by hoodlums .
The demonstrations began early this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to shut down the Special Anti-Robbery Squad , a police unit known as SARS .
The squad was launched to fight crime , but it carried out torture and killings , according to Amnesty International .
The # EndSARS campaign spread across the country and Buhari ’ s government announced that it would disband the SARS unit .
The protest persisted with demonstrators calling for more widespread reforms of the police and an end to corruption .
In one attempt at calming tensions on Friday , the Lagos state government shared a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of human rights abuses .
“ Today seems like a good day to get on to the work of rebuilding Lagos and ending police brutality , ” Gov .
Babajide Sanwo-Olu said .
And yet tensions remained high .
Near the scene of Tuesday ’ s shooting , police shouted , then fired into the air , to stop a convoy carrying the body of a Muslim who had died overnight ; the cause of death was not clear .
After questioning by police , the mourners were allowed to continue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - At least 51 civilians have been killed in Nigeria’s unrest following days of peaceful protests over police abuses, the president said Friday, blaming “hooliganism” for the violence while asserting that security forces have used “extreme restraint.”
President Muhammadu Buhari’s comments are expected to further inflame tensions in Africa’s most populous country after Amnesty International reported that soldiers shot and killed at least 12 demonstrators Tuesday night as a large crowd sang the national anthem. The deaths sparked international condemnation.
In a statement, Buhari also said 11 policemen and seven soldiers had been killed by “rioters” as of Thursday, and “the mayhem has not stopped.” He said another 37 civilians were injured in some of Nigeria’s worst turmoil in years.
The president said the well-intentioned protests were hijacked by thugs.
But many Nigerians are upset by what the president hasn’t said. Buhari in a national address Thursday night didn’t mention the shootings, instead warning protesters against “undermining national security and law and order.” On Friday he said the government “will not fold its arms and allow miscreants and criminals continue to perpetrate acts of hooliganism.”
Resentment lingered with the smell of charred tires Friday in Nigeria’s relatively calm streets. Soldiers remained in parts of Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, as a 24-hour curfew remained in place.
A witness of Tuesday night’s shooting, 33-year-old Isaiah Abor, ventured out anyway to visit the scene where solders had opened fire. He managed to escape the chaos.
“When (the soldiers) were making comments that the flag is not bulletproof, that’s when I knew this was going to go out of hand,” Abor said. Empty ammunition shells still littered the ground.
The president’s speech annoyed him. “The blood that stained a whole Nigerian flag, those youths were not even mentioned,” Abor said. He added: “We are not cowards. We will always come to this ground, and we will always feel for those that are gone.”
Another protester, Olatunde Joshua Oluwanifemi, said simply: “The speech killed our spirit.”
The president’s comments, “devoid of sympathy,” were worrying, said Okechukwu Nwanguma with the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center. Shielding those behind the shootings will only lead to abuses by the police and military, he said: “If those who carried out the killings did so and nothing happens, it will encourage them and others to do the same thing next time.”
But citing the president’s comments, one influential group behind the protests, the Feminist Coalition, urged youth to stay at home, saying that “we need to stay alive to pursue our dreams to build the future.”
Others disagreed. If the protests have been hijacked, then Nigerian youth should not give up the struggle and instead should “go back and re-strategize,” said Seriki Muritala with the National Youth Parliament.
This week’s scenes have touched a chord with Black Lives Matter supporters in the United States, while the U.S. government has strongly condemned the “use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos, causing death and injury.”
The protests turned violent Wednesday after the military’s shooting as mobs vandalized and burned police stations, courthouses, TV stations and a hotel. Police battled angry crowds with tear gas and gunfire. The looting and gunfire continued Thursday.
The demonstrations began early this month with calls for Nigeria’s government to shut down the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a police unit known as SARS. The squad was launched to fight crime, but it carried out torture and killings, according to Amnesty International.
The #EndSARS campaign spread across the country and Buhari’s government announced that it would disband the SARS unit. The protest persisted with demonstrators calling for more widespread reforms of the police and an end to corruption.
In one attempt at calming tensions, the Lagos state government on Friday shared a list of ongoing prosecution against police officers accused of human rights abuses.
“Today seems like a good day to get on to the work of rebuilding Lagos and ending police brutality,” Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said.
But an angry crowd shouted at him over the unrest as officials toured burned-out vehicles and the sacked palace of a Lagos ceremonial leader. The leader, or oba, isn’t popular with some Nigerians who see him as a product of the country’s often corrupt politics.
Opulence and grinding poverty are in close contact in Lagos, a city of some 20 million, and the inequality sharpens Nigerians’ grievances.
After touring the battered city, the governor told reporters he was “very traumatized” and that “we lost people in several parts of the city.” He didn’t give details.
“Enough is enough,” he said. “We need to heal ourselves.” He said the curfew would begin easing Saturday morning and a panel looking into the unrest would begin receiving petitions on Monday.
And yet nerves were frayed. Near the scene of Tuesday’s shooting, police shouted, then fired into the air, to stop a convoy carrying the body of a Muslim who had died overnight; the cause of death was not clear.
After questioning by police, the mourners were allowed to continue, to go on and bury the dead.
___
Bashir Adigun in Abuja, Nigeria contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Czech health minister breaks virus rules, asked to resign

PRAGUE ( AP ) - The Czech Republic ’ s prime minister called on his health minister to resign or be fired after he broke strict government restrictions to slow a record surge of coronavirus infections and visited a Prague restaurant .
Prime Minister Andrej Babis said Friday he will meet with the country ’ s president later in the day to discuss a possible replacement of the minister , Roman Prymula .
“ There ’ s no other solution than his resignation from the post , ” Babis said .
“ It shouldn ’ t have happened.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the rules … it is us who have to set an example , ” Babis said .
“ We can ’ t preach water and drink wine.
” The Blesk tabloid daily said Prymula met with Jaroslav Faltynek , deputy head of the senior government ANO , or YES , movement led by Babis in a Prague restaurant on Wednesday night .
Photographs published in the paper showed that Prymula also didn ’ t wear a mandatory face mask .
Restaurants are closed in the Czech Republic because of the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the establishment was open or if the owner only allowed Prymula and Faltynek in to dine there .
The revelation has shocked the country , which has been hard-hit by the pandemic .
At Prymula ’ s request , the government has approved tight restrictions to slow the surge that is threatening the entire health system .
The junior government coalition party , the Social Democrats , joined the opposition to demand Prymula ’ s resignation , calling his behavior “ absolutely unacceptable.
” Prymula denied any wrongdoing and refused to step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he was invited to participate in a meeting with a hospital director and only went through the restaurant to a private space where it took place .
Faltynek apologized for the meeting and said he asked Prymula to meet to discuss a special parliamentary ysession that is set to approve a plan for NATO military medical personnel to come to the Czech Republic to help their local colleagues .
Before he became health minister , Prymula was a deputy health minister who led the government ’ s response to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The country recorded a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases and deaths then compared to hard-hit Western European countries such as Italy , Spain and Britain .
Prymula , an epidemiologist , later assumed a different post , as a government health care envoy .
He was appointed only a month ago as a “ crisis manager ” to lead the country ’ s response to the pandemic as new infections were on a steep rise .
Prymula became health minister on Sept. 12 , and he imposed a series of tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise of infections .
Bars , restaurants and schools are closed , as well as theaters , cinemas , zoos and many other locations .
Professional sports competitions are banned .
Just hours before the incident in the restaurant , Prymula and Babis announced the country was returning to a lockdown like in the spring with new restrictions that limit movement , close many stores and services and limit public gatherings to two .
Prymula said the health system would collapse around Nov. 10 if the measures weren ’ t taken , Prymula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he recently tweeted in one of his videos : “ I ’ d like to call on all of you to stay , if possible , at home.
” The day-to-day increase of new confirmed cases reached 14,151 on Thursday , the second biggest after a record of almost 15,000 set a day earlier .
The country has confirmed 223,065 positive cases , about a third of them in the last seven days while 1,845 have died .
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is 4,777 , with 735 in serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily new cases has risen over the past two weeks from 32.81 new cases per 100,000 people on Oct. 7 to 92.88 new cases per 100,000 people on Wednesday .

PRAGUE (AP) - The Czech Republic’s prime minister called on his health minister to resign or be fired after he broke strict government restrictions to slow a record surge of coronavirus infections and visited a Prague restaurant.
Prime Minister Andrej Babis said Friday he will meet with the country’s president later in the day to discuss a possible replacement of the minister, Roman Prymula.
“There’s no other solution than his resignation from the post,” Babis said. “It shouldn’t have happened.”
“If we want the people to abide by the rules … it is us who have to set an example,” Babis said. “We can’t preach water and drink wine.”
The Blesk tabloid daily said Prymula met with Jaroslav Faltynek, deputy head of the senior government ANO, or YES, movement led by Babis in a Prague restaurant on Wednesday night. Photographs published in the paper showed that Prymula also didn’t wear a mandatory face mask.
Restaurants are closed in the Czech Republic because of the pandemic, and it wasn’t immediately clear if the establishment was open or if the owner only allowed Prymula and Faltynek in to dine there.
The revelation has shocked the country, which has been hard-hit by the pandemic. At Prymula’s request, the government has approved tight restrictions to slow the surge that is threatening the entire health system.
The junior government coalition party, the Social Democrats, joined the opposition to demand Prymula’s resignation, calling his behavior “absolutely unacceptable.”
Prymula denied any wrongdoing and refused to step down, further escalating the crisis. He said he was invited to participate in a meeting with a hospital director and only went through the restaurant to a private space where it took place.
“I haven’t broken anything,” he said.
Faltynek apologized for the meeting and said he asked Prymula to meet to discuss a special parliamentary ysession that is set to approve a plan for NATO military medical personnel to come to the Czech Republic to help their local colleagues.
Before he became health minister, Prymula was a deputy health minister who led the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic for a time in the spring.
The country recorded a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases and deaths then compared to hard-hit Western European countries such as Italy, Spain and Britain.
Prymula, an epidemiologist, later assumed a different post, as a government health care envoy.
He was appointed only a month ago as a “crisis manager” to lead the country’s response to the pandemic as new infections were on a steep rise.
Prymula became health minister on Sept. 12, and he imposed a series of tough regulations in attempts to slow the steep rise of infections. Bars, restaurants and schools are closed, as well as theaters, cinemas, zoos and many other locations. Professional sports competitions are banned.
Just hours before the incident in the restaurant, Prymula and Babis announced the country was returning to a lockdown like in the spring with new restrictions that limit movement, close many stores and services and limit public gatherings to two.
Prymula said the health system would collapse around Nov. 10 if the measures weren’t taken, Prymula said.
Calling the current situation dramatic, he recently tweeted in one of his videos: “I’d like to call on all of you to stay, if possible, at home.”
The day-to-day increase of new confirmed cases reached 14,151 on Thursday, the second biggest after a record of almost 15,000 set a day earlier. The country has confirmed 223,065 positive cases, about a third of them in the last seven days while 1,845 have died.
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is 4,777, with 735 in serious condition.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases has risen over the past two weeks from 32.81 new cases per 100,000 people on Oct. 7 to 92.88 new cases per 100,000 people on Wednesday.
___
Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Deadline to request absentee ballots in Virginia is Friday

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - Virginia residents still have time to vote in the Nov. 3 election without @ @ @ @ @ Election Day .
Voters have until 5 p.m. Friday to request an absentee ballot .
@ @ @ @ @ must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the local voter registration office by @ @ @ @ @ Voters can also drop off their ballots at their general registrar ’ s office or @ @ @ @ @ p.m. on Nov. 3 .
Voters are no longer required to give a reason to @ @ @ @ @ may request a mailed absentee ballot online at www.elections.virginia.gov/voterInformation or can contact local voter registration @ @ @ @ @ mail an application .
In addition to regularly scheduled hours , local voter registration offices @ @ @ @ @ next two Saturdays - Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 - for early in-person voting .
@ @ @ @ @ in-person voting is Oct. 31 .

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia residents still have time to vote in the Nov. 3 election without going to the polls on Election Day.
Voters have until 5 p.m. Friday to request an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the local voter registration office by noon on Nov. 6. Voters can also drop off their ballots at their general registrar’s office or polling place up to 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Voters are no longer required to give a reason to vote absentee. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot online at www.elections.virginia.gov/voterInformation or can contact local voter registration offices and ask them to mail an application.
In addition to regularly scheduled hours, local voter registration offices will be open for the next two Saturdays - Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 - for early in-person voting. The final day for early in-person voting is Oct. 31.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Residents of 6 homes near Florida sinkhole asked to evacuate

GAINESVILLE , Fla. ( AP ) - A sinkhole that opened last week in north Florida neighborhood expanded on Thursday , leading officials to urge residents from six nearby homes to evacuate .
Johnnie Candiano , 22 , his brother Beau Candiano , 20 , and cousin Mason Morton had been looking at the sinkhole on Thursday afternoon when they heard a loud noise and saw a tree fall in , the Gainesville Sun reported .
By late afternoon , they hastily threw bags of their belongings into cars , ready to leave the home in Gainesville ’ s West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be about 50 feet ( 15-meters ) wide and about 30 feet ( 9 meters ) deep , said JoAnne Rice , interim chief at Gainesville Fire Rescue .
Rice told the newspaper that city officials urged the residents in six homes near the sinkhole to leave until geological experts deem the area safe .
She said the sinkhole wasn ’ t stable on Thursday afternoon , as crackling sounds were continuing .
“ We can still see movement , ” she said .
Gainesville Fire Rescue will monitor the sinkhole and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rice said .

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A sinkhole that opened last week in north Florida neighborhood expanded on Thursday, leading officials to urge residents from six nearby homes to evacuate.
Johnnie Candiano, 22, his brother Beau Candiano, 20, and cousin Mason Morton had been looking at the sinkhole on Thursday afternoon when they heard a loud noise and saw a tree fall in, the Gainesville Sun reported.
By late afternoon, they hastily threw bags of their belongings into cars, ready to leave the home in Gainesville’s West End Estates neighborhood.
The sinkhole appeared to be about 50 feet (15-meters) wide and about 30 feet (9 meters) deep, said JoAnne Rice, interim chief at Gainesville Fire Rescue.
Rice told the newspaper that city officials urged the residents in six homes near the sinkhole to leave until geological experts deem the area safe. She said the sinkhole wasn’t stable on Thursday afternoon, as crackling sounds were continuing.
“We can still see movement,” she said.
Gainesville Fire Rescue will monitor the sinkhole and decide if more evacuations are needed, Rice said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--$25,000 offered for info about dead smalltooth sawfish

EVERGLADES CITY , Fla. ( AP ) - Wildlife officials and a non-profit group are offering $ 25,000 for information @ @ @ @ @ sawfish found killed in Florida .
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that @ @ @ @ @ $ 20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or civil penalty .
The Center @ @ @ @ @ additional $ 5,000 reward .
An Everglades National Park employee recently reported the dead sawfish @ @ @ @ @ along a causeway south of Everglades City , NOAA said .
Two of the sawfish @ @ @ @ @ , called rostra .
One other had its meat removed .
A sawfish primarily uses @ @ @ @ @ hunting prey .
The smalltooth sawfish is one of five sawfish species worldwide and the @ @ @ @ @ U.S. waters .
Anyone with information about the dead sawfish should call the NOAA Enforcement @ @ @ @

EVERGLADES CITY, Fla. (AP) - Wildlife officials and a non-profit group are offering $25,000 for information about six critically endangered smalltooth sawfish found killed in Florida.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that it would pay up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or civil penalty. The Center for Biological Diversity announced an additional $5,000 reward.
An Everglades National Park employee recently reported the dead sawfish and two dead bonnethead sharks along a causeway south of Everglades City, NOAA said. Two of the sawfish were missing their saw-like bills, called rostra. One other had its meat removed.
A sawfish primarily uses its rostrum for sensing and hunting prey. The smalltooth sawfish is one of five sawfish species worldwide and the only one still found in U.S. waters.
Anyone with information about the dead sawfish should call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Dozens charged in drug operation stretching across Minnesota

DULUTH , Minn. ( AP ) - More than three dozen people have been charged in St. Louis County in connection with a Chicago-based drug trafficking ring that operated throughout Minnesota , Wisconsin and Iowa , authorities said .
Duluth police said Thursday that this week ’ s coordinated drug bust led to 35 arrests in Minnesota - from Rochester in the southern part of the state to the Iron Range in the north .
An additional five men in state prisons were also charged , and more arrests are possible .
Police said they seized roughly 1,207 grams of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fentanyl .
They estimated that the operation sold more than $ 1 million of opioids , meth and cocaine so far this year , the Star Tribune reported .
According to a criminal complaint for the alleged leader of the local organization , the trafficking group was tied to a Chicago-based gang and the members “ conspired to make their mixtures of heroin and fentanyl stronger , to make it more appealing to their consumer base , and make it stronger than what their competition is selling.
” St. Louis County Attorney Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state court at this time , though federal charges are possible .

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - More than three dozen people have been charged in St. Louis County in connection with a Chicago-based drug trafficking ring that operated throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, authorities said.
Duluth police said Thursday that this week’s coordinated drug bust led to 35 arrests in Minnesota - from Rochester in the southern part of the state to the Iron Range in the north. An additional five men in state prisons were also charged, and more arrests are possible.
Police said they seized roughly 1,207 grams of meth and 527 grams of heroin and fentanyl. They estimated that the operation sold more than $1 million of opioids, meth and cocaine so far this year, the Star Tribune reported.
According to a criminal complaint for the alleged leader of the local organization, the trafficking group was tied to a Chicago-based gang and the members “conspired to make their mixtures of heroin and fentanyl stronger, to make it more appealing to their consumer base, and make it stronger than what their competition is selling.”
St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin said all cases are being prosecuted in the state court at this time, though federal charges are possible.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Media report pope met COVID-19 infected bishop at Vatican

CANBERRA , Australia ( AP ) - Pope Francis has been warned of potential exposure to COVID-19 after a Vatican @ @ @ @ @ media reported on Friday .
Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana , the Holy See ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a face-to-face meeting with Francis at the Vatican on Oct. 6 , less than two @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in Australia , Nine News reported .
Australian authorities say a diplomat who flew @ @ @ @ @ had tested positive to the coronavirus .
They won ’ t reveal the diplomat ’ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive 10 days after he started quarantining at home in the national capital Canberra @ @ @ @ @ Health Department said in a statement .
The department said the risk of infection was @ @ @ @ @ two people who drove the diplomat 300 kilometers ( 185 miles ) from Sydney to @ @ @ @ @ Health Department said in a statement on Friday “ all relevant international state parties have @ @ @ @ @ did not immediately respond to a request for comment ,

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Pope Francis has been warned of potential exposure to COVID-19 after a Vatican diplomat was infected, Australian media reported on Friday.
Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, the Holy See’s ambassador to Australia, had a face-to-face meeting with Francis at the Vatican on Oct. 6, less than two weeks before testing positive to COVID-19 in Australia, Nine News reported.
Australian authorities say a diplomat who flew into Sydney on Oct. 9 had tested positive to the coronavirus. They won’t reveal the diplomat’s identity.
The diplomat tested positive 10 days after he started quarantining at home in the national capital Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory Health Department said in a statement.
The department said the risk of infection was “low” for the two people who drove the diplomat 300 kilometers (185 miles) from Sydney to Canberra.
Australia’s Health Department said in a statement on Friday “all relevant international state parties have been notified.”
The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment,


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Former Chisago County sheriff pleads guilty to harassment

ANOKA , Minn. ( AP ) - The former sheriff of Chisago County has pleaded guilty to harassment and misconduct by a public official for stalking and harassing a female employee while he was in office .
Rick Duncan pleaded guilty to the gross misdemeanors Thursday in Anoka County District Court .
According to the criminal complaint , when Duncan was sheriff in late 2017 , he faked a series of letters from someone using the pseudonym “ Control Freak , ” which demanded that he and a female employee attend a conference together and stay in a hotel room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Duncan later admitted to writing , threatened to harm Duncan and the employee if they did not follow Control Freak ’ s instructions .
The employee refused to attend the conference and reported the letters to the Chisago County Human Resources Department , which began investigating .
Under his plea deal , a felony charge of making violent threats will be dropped when Duncan is sentenced Dec. 1 .
He ’ s expected to receive four years of probation and a two year suspended jail sentence , which will be imposed if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as sheriff in 2018 , citing medical issues .
He said during Thursday ’ s hearing that he has been diagnosed with work-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder .
According to the Star Tribune , he said that “ hero ’ s syndrome ” led him to write the letters , but acknowledged that his actions were wrong .

ANOKA, Minn. (AP) - The former sheriff of Chisago County has pleaded guilty to harassment and misconduct by a public official for stalking and harassing a female employee while he was in office.
Rick Duncan pleaded guilty to the gross misdemeanors Thursday in Anoka County District Court.
According to the criminal complaint, when Duncan was sheriff in late 2017, he faked a series of letters from someone using the pseudonym “Control Freak,” which demanded that he and a female employee attend a conference together and stay in a hotel room with one bed.
The letters, which Duncan later admitted to writing, threatened to harm Duncan and the employee if they did not follow Control Freak’s instructions.
The employee refused to attend the conference and reported the letters to the Chisago County Human Resources Department, which began investigating.
Under his plea deal, a felony charge of making violent threats will be dropped when Duncan is sentenced Dec. 1. He’s expected to receive four years of probation and a two year suspended jail sentence, which will be imposed if he violates his probation.
Duncan resigned as sheriff in 2018, citing medical issues. He said during Thursday’s hearing that he has been diagnosed with work-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Star Tribune, he said that “hero’s syndrome” led him to write the letters, but acknowledged that his actions were wrong.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Polish police: 15 detained after abortion ban protest

WARSAW , Poland ( AP ) - Poland ’ s police said Friday they detained 15 people during protests in @ @ @ @ @ that toughened the nation ’ s strict abortion law and banned abortion of fetuses with @ @ @ @ @ people protested Thursday night in front of the ruling right-wing party offices and the home @ @ @ @ @ Kaczynski , in defiance of a pandemic-related ban on public gatherings .
Police used tear @ @ @ @ @ .
Warsaw police spokesman Sylwester Marczak said Friday that 14 people remain in detention and @ @ @ @ @ having broken the ban .
They were protesting the ruling by the government-controlled Constitutional Court @ @ @ @ @ defective fetuses unconstitutional , thus shutting a major loophole in the 1993 abortion law that @ @ @ @ @ Health Ministry figures for 2019 show that most of the 1,110 legal abortions performed last @ @ @ @ @ genetic defects like Down syndrome , or to physical defects .
Activists are planning more @ @ @ @ @ cities Friday and Saturday .

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Thousands of protesters vented fury across Poland over a top court ruling that declared abortions of fetuses with congenital defects unconstitutional, effectively narrowing one of Europe’s strictest abortion laws.
Police vans and units in riot gear were dispatched Friday to guard the Warsaw home of the leader of Poland’s right-wing ruling party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski. An angry crowd of mostly young people confronted the cordon with chants of “This is war” and vulgar calls for the ruling team to step down.
The court ruling fulfilled a wish that Kaczynski had expressed in 2016 by saying, “We will strive to ensure that even cases of very difficult pregnancies, when the child is certain to die, very deformed, still end up in a birth, so that the child can be baptized, buried, have a name.”
Protesters in Warsaw held up banners with slogans including: “You Have Blood on Your Hands” and “You are Building Women’s Hell.”
A 29-year-old, Diana Fidler, joined the protesters, explaining that she opposes abortion in cases of healthy fetuses, but finds the ruling forcing women to carry fetuses with severe defects to term extreme.
Officers used bullhorns to warn people the gathering was illegal due to the epidemic. After it appeared Kaczynski was not home, the protesters marched through town toward a government villa where they believed he had been taken.
The crowd included a lot of young women, but also many men who said they were fighting a broader assault on individual rights by the conservative government.
“I feel like my freedom could be next,” said Dawid Pawlowski, 30, who marched in Warsaw with a sign that said “Wojna” - Polish for war.
Some people carried wire coat hangers, a symbol of dangerous abortions that happen in conditions where safe abortions are not accessible.
Protesters also marched through other big cities, including Krakow, Wroclaw, Szczecin and Katowice.
A protest also took place outside Kaczynski’s home Thursday night, after the Constitutional Court presented its abortion law ruling. Police used tear gas and detained 15 people then.
Domestic and international human rights groups criticized the court’s decision as a violation of women’s rights. The only legal grounds remaining for an abortion in Poland will now be danger to the woman’s health or life, or pregnancy resulting from rape or incest.
The decision takes effect when it is officially published in the Journal of Laws, which could happen within days or weeks.
Critics noted the ruling was issued at a time when street actions are prohibited. Previous attempts to restrict abortion since Kaczynski’s Law and Justice party came to power in 2015 were scrapped following mass nationwide street protests.
Critics accuse the ruling party of using the cover of the pandemic to push it through with a politicized court. They also accuse the party of seeking to stoke social tensions to distract attention from soaring COVID-19 infection rates.
The Constitutional Court’s decision came in response to a motion from right-wing lawmakers who argued that terminating a pregnancy due to fetal defects - the most common reason cited for legal abortions in Poland - violates a constitutional provision that calls for protecting the life of every individual.
The court agreed with the lawmakers that an abortion predicated on the health of a fetus constituted illegal discrimination. The opinion approved by 11 of the government-controlled court’s 13 judges said that ending a pregnancy due to birth defects amounted to eugenics - a 19th century notion of genetic selection that German Nazis applied in experiments.
Polish President Andrzej Duda welcomed the ruling.
“I have talked about it many times, and I have never concealed that abortion for so-called eugenic reasons should not be allowed in Poland,” Duda said. “I believe that every child has a right to life.”
Health Ministry figures for 2019 show that most of the 1,110 legal abortions performed in Poland last year were due to fetal genetic defects like Down syndrome, or to physical defects.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Keeping your credit profile healthy during a pandemic

Credit may not be top of mind for many consumers these days .
But as the pandemic and its associated economic woes drag on , they may want to give it some attention .
The good news is that consumers , by and large , improved their credit profile during the pandemic , despite record unemployment and massive business shutdowns .
The support programs that were put in place worked .
Helped by federal stimulus payments , expanded unemployment benefits , lender relief agreements and a shift in habits , Americans used less credit , paid down debt , made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scores .
The average FICO credit score was 711 in July , up 5 points from a year earlier , according to Fair Isaac , the company behind the score .
A FICO score runs from 300-850 and is one of the most widely used metrics to determine a consumer ’ s credit worthiness .
“ It definitely feels like many consumers have taken a cautionary step in terms of saving and spending , ” said Matt Komos , Vice President of Research and Consulting at credit reporting agency TransUnion .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American consumer.
” The bad news is consumers ’ financial health could be heading for a downturn soon .
Some relief measures are expiring or have concluded , Congress has yet to reach agreement on a new relief package ; meanwhile the job market and economic recovery remain fragile .
Credit profiles don ’ t yet reflect those developments .
There ’ s typically a lag time between a major economic event and when it ’ s reflected in the credit files of Americans .
For example , during the Great Recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t hit its lowest point until late 2009 , months after the recession officially ended , wrote Ethan Dornhelm , vice president of FICO Scores and Predictive Analytics , in a blog Monday .
In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic , it could be a significant lag because of the extraordinary steps taken to help consumers .
TransUnion said it is seeing a slight increase in 30-day late payments , potentially an early indication that borrowers are under financial duress and could default .
This measure increased modestly in August for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - auto and mortgage .
“ I think the full impact of the pandemic on their credit isn ’ t known yet and that is what worries me , ” said Paul Golden spokesman for the National Endowment for Financial Education .
“ Even with good credit and low debt and some savings , after more than six months or potentially going on to a year , few people can withstand that stress.
” Consumers should be aware that some of the rules surrounding credit have changed , and keep in mind that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough times will impact their financial future .
For one thing , checking a credit report has gotten easier .
As part of a massive relief package passed by Congress , known as the CARES Act , consumers can check their credit report from the three credit reporting agencies weekly for free online at annualcreditreport.com .
This expanded access is available through April 2021 .
Additionally , consumers who reached some sort of relief agreement with their lender due to COVID-19 - such as forbearance , reduced payment or other arrangement - generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The CARES act requires that accounts that were in good standing before any COVID-related relief accommodation was made will remain in good standing .
Those that were delinquent can not sink further but can be made current .
This rule stays in place until 90 days after the national emergency for COVID-19 ends .
However , if you do not strike a relief agreement of some form , any late payments or other negative steps will still be reflected on your credit report .
If you are in a relief agreement but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach out to your lender and the credit agencies .
Consumers who are struggling should seek help from their lender as soon as possible .
TransUnion estimates about 10 % of consumers are using at least one form of relief accommodation already .
But experts say many people who are eligible for help have not sought assistance yet .
Consumer finance and credit experts urge people to get help where they can .
Make sure to ask questions about the terms , such as how long the assistance will last , if interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fees may still apply .
And how your agreement will be reported to the national credit reporting agencies .
Consider adding a statement to your credit report to explain any negative activity .
A COVID-related job loss or illness could help explain a period of late payments .
Any assistance you get will not last forever .
Stabilize your household ’ s finances as much as possible with relief opportunities and then reassess to come up with a longer-term plan .
If you have run out the clock on a relief agreement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need further help , consider talking to a nonprofit credit counselor .
The Financial Planning Association and many other certified financial planner organizations are offering free assistance to those impacted by COVID-19 as well .
Beverly Anderson , President of Global Consumer Solutions at Equifax , said that everyone ’ s credit situation is unique .
All the same , she reminds consumers of the basics for healthy credit : establish and maintain responsible credit habits , like paying bills on time ; pay off debts as quickly as possible ; apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well below their limits .

Credit may not be top of mind for many consumers these days. But as the pandemic and its associated economic woes drag on, they may want to give it some attention.
COVID AND CREDIT
The good news is that consumers, by and large, improved their credit profile during the pandemic, despite record unemployment and massive business shutdowns.
The support programs that were put in place worked. Helped by federal stimulus payments, expanded unemployment benefits, lender relief agreements and a shift in habits, Americans used less credit, paid down debt, made fewer late payments and improved their credit scores. The average FICO credit score was 711 in July, up 5 points from a year earlier, according to Fair Isaac, the company behind the score. A FICO score runs from 300-850 and is one of the most widely used metrics to determine a consumer’s credit worthiness.
“It definitely feels like many consumers have taken a cautionary step in terms of saving and spending,” said Matt Komos, Vice President of Research and Consulting at credit reporting agency TransUnion. “I think there is a general cautiousness among the American consumer.”
The bad news is consumers’ financial health could be heading for a downturn soon. Some relief measures are expiring or have concluded, Congress has yet to reach agreement on a new relief package; meanwhile the job market and economic recovery remain fragile.
Credit profiles don’t yet reflect those developments. There’s typically a lag time between a major economic event and when it’s reflected in the credit files of Americans.
For example, during the Great Recession, the average national FICO score didn’t hit its lowest point until late 2009, months after the recession officially ended, wrote Ethan Dornhelm, vice president of FICO Scores and Predictive Analytics, in a blog Monday. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, it could be a significant lag because of the extraordinary steps taken to help consumers.
TransUnion said it is seeing a slight increase in 30-day late payments, potentially an early indication that borrowers are under financial duress and could default. This measure increased modestly in August for the two largest payments most consumers face - auto and mortgage.
“I think the full impact of the pandemic on their credit isn’t known yet and that is what worries me,” said Paul Golden spokesman for the National Endowment for Financial Education. “Even with good credit and low debt and some savings, after more than six months or potentially going on to a year, few people can withstand that stress.”
NEW CREDIT NORMAL
Consumers should be aware that some of the rules surrounding credit have changed, and keep in mind that the decisions they make to survive these tough times will impact their financial future.
For one thing, checking a credit report has gotten easier. As part of a massive relief package passed by Congress, known as the CARES Act, consumers can check their credit report from the three credit reporting agencies weekly for free online at annualcreditreport.com. This expanded access is available through April 2021.
Additionally, consumers who reached some sort of relief agreement with their lender due to COVID-19 - such as forbearance, reduced payment or other arrangement - generally should not see their credit score worsen.
The CARES act requires that accounts that were in good standing before any COVID-related relief accommodation was made will remain in good standing. Those that were delinquent cannot sink further but can be made current. This rule stays in place until 90 days after the national emergency for COVID-19 ends.
However, if you do not strike a relief agreement of some form, any late payments or other negative steps will still be reflected on your credit report.
If you are in a relief agreement but feel it has been reported improperly, reach out to your lender and the credit agencies.
KEEPING CREDIT HEALTHY
Consumers who are struggling should seek help from their lender as soon as possible.
TransUnion estimates about 10% of consumers are using at least one form of relief accommodation already. But experts say many people who are eligible for help have not sought assistance yet.
Consumer finance and credit experts urge people to get help where they can. Make sure to ask questions about the terms, such as how long the assistance will last, if interest will be accrued, or if late fees may still apply. And how your agreement will be reported to the national credit reporting agencies.
Consider adding a statement to your credit report to explain any negative activity. A COVID-related job loss or illness could help explain a period of late payments.
EXIT PLAN
Any assistance you get will not last forever.
Stabilize your household’s finances as much as possible with relief opportunities and then reassess to come up with a longer-term plan. If you have run out the clock on a relief agreement, seek an extension if needed. If you need further help, consider talking to a nonprofit credit counselor. The Financial Planning Association and many other certified financial planner organizations are offering free assistance to those impacted by COVID-19 as well.
Beverly Anderson, President of Global Consumer Solutions at Equifax, said that everyone’s credit situation is unique. All the same, she reminds consumers of the basics for healthy credit: establish and maintain responsible credit habits, like paying bills on time; pay off debts as quickly as possible; apply for credit sparingly and keep your balances well below their limits.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Mexican border state of Chihuahua returns to lockdown

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Mexico ’ s northern border state of Chihuahua returned to the highest level of alert and lockdown Friday after coronavirus cases jumped there and hospitals began to fill up .
The Chihuahua state government declared the return to the “ red ” level of alert Friday , which closes down most non-essential services and encourages people to stay at home .
The Health Department said the state ’ s hospital beds were now 69 % occupied , and that only about 23 % of intensive care beds were open .
The department said steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department also said that three other northern states - Durango , Coahuila and Nuevo Leon - were at risk of returning to maximum alert unless infections were brought under control .
Nationwide , 19 of Mexico ’ s 32 states will be at high alert starting Monday , 11 will be at medium alert and one state was considered at moderate risk level .
Mexico as a whole has seen 880,775 test-confirmed cases , up 6,604 from the previous day ’ s count , and 88,312 confirmed deaths , up by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing rate , and if those who were suspected of having the disease but didn ’ t get a test are included , the case estimate rises to just over one million , and deaths amount to over 100,000 .
Mexico ’ s Assistant Health Secretary Hugo Lopez-Gatell said that authorities were investigating whether U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead may have violated Mexican laws after letters were sent to doctors touting its drug remdesivir , which has not been approved in Mexico as a treatment for COVID-19 .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico’s northern border state of Chihuahua returned to the highest level of alert and lockdown Friday after coronavirus cases jumped there and hospitals began to fill up.
The Chihuahua state government declared the return to the “red” level of alert Friday, which closes down most non-essential services and encourages people to stay at home.
The Health Department said the state’s hospital beds were now 69% occupied, and that only about 23% of intensive care beds were open. The department said steps were being taken to expand hospital facilities.
The department also said that three other northern states - Durango, Coahuila and Nuevo Leon - were at risk of returning to maximum alert unless infections were brought under control.
Nationwide, 19 of Mexico’s 32 states will be at high alert starting Monday, 11 will be at medium alert and one state was considered at moderate risk level.
Mexico as a whole has seen 880,775 test-confirmed cases, up 6,604 from the previous day’s count, and 88,312 confirmed deaths, up by 418. Mexico has an extremely low testing rate, and if those who were suspected of having the disease but didn’t get a test are included, the case estimate rises to just over one million, and deaths amount to over 100,000.
Mexico’s Assistant Health Secretary Hugo Lopez-Gatell said that authorities were investigating whether U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead may have violated Mexican laws after letters were sent to doctors touting its drug remdesivir, which has not been approved in Mexico as a treatment for COVID-19.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Push sends woman onto Manhattan subway tracks

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A woman waiting on a Manhattan subway platform on Friday was pushed to the @ @ @ @ @ a man who approached her from behind , police said .
The New York Police @ @ @ @ @ made it off the tracks with only minor injuries after being shoved around 9:30 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ subway station .
Authorities said the man fled .
Later Friday , police had taken @ @ @ @ @ arrest had yet been announced .
The incident came as police are still looking for @ @ @ @ @ subway incident in Brooklyn on Monday .
Authorities said a man got into a confrontation @ @ @ @ @ to a 73-year-old woman being knocked onto the tracks .
She was helped up before @ @ @ @

NEW YORK (AP) - A woman waiting on a Manhattan subway platform on Friday was pushed to the subway tracks without warning by a man who approached her from behind, police said.
The New York Police Department said the 28-year-old woman made it off the tracks with only minor injuries after being shoved around 9:30 a.m. at the 42 Street-Times Square subway station.
Authorities said the man fled. Later Friday, police had taken someone into custody but no arrest had yet been announced.
The incident came as police are still looking for the suspect from a separate subway incident in Brooklyn on Monday.
Authorities said a man got into a confrontation with a family, leading to a 73-year-old woman being knocked onto the tracks. She was helped up before the next train.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Oklahoma governor says he won't appeal tribal gaming ruling

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) - Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt said Friday he will not appeal a federal court ruling that the state ’ s tribal gaming compacts had automatically renewed on Jan. 1 .
Stitt had argued the compacts - which define how much of their gambling revenue the tribes must pay to the state and which games are allowed - had expired .
But U.S. District Court Judge Timothy DeGiusti in July ruled against Stitt .
Last year , the Cherokee , Chickasaw and Choctaw nations had sued Stitt , wanting a judge to determine whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tribal casinos automatically renewed on Jan. 1 for another 15-year term .
Stitt said the state is facing “ unprecedented uncertainty ” as a result of July ’ s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma .
The ruling declared that a swath of eastern Oklahoma counties remains an Indian reservation .
“ Therefore , it is essential for state and tribal leaders to join together to resolve the challenges this ruling presents for Oklahomans and their businesses , ” Stitt said in a statement .
The governor urged all parties to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect the unique relationship between the state of Oklahoma and its tribal citizens , and that provide certainty and fairness for all Oklahomans.
” A task force appointed by Stitt made no specific recommendations on Thursday in its report concerning the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling .
The report instead calls for consistent laws and regulations in the state governing taxation , zoning and business regulations , which Stitt said will be up to Congress to provide .

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday he will not appeal a federal court ruling that the state’s tribal gaming compacts had automatically renewed on Jan. 1.
Stitt had argued the compacts - which define how much of their gambling revenue the tribes must pay to the state and which games are allowed - had expired. But U.S. District Court Judge Timothy DeGiusti in July ruled against Stitt.
Last year, the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations had sued Stitt, wanting a judge to determine whether the state compacts that allow gambling exclusively at tribal casinos automatically renewed on Jan. 1 for another 15-year term.
Stitt said the state is facing “unprecedented uncertainty” as a result of July’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma. The ruling declared that a swath of eastern Oklahoma counties remains an Indian reservation.
“Therefore, it is essential for state and tribal leaders to join together to resolve the challenges this ruling presents for Oklahomans and their businesses,” Stitt said in a statement.
The governor urged all parties to work together “to find solutions that respect the unique relationship between the state of Oklahoma and its tribal citizens, and that provide certainty and fairness for all Oklahomans.”
A task force appointed by Stitt made no specific recommendations on Thursday in its report concerning the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
The report instead calls for consistent laws and regulations in the state governing taxation, zoning and business regulations, which Stitt said will be up to Congress to provide.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Judge: Michigan agency can evaluate Great Lakes tunnel plan

TRAVERSE CITY , Mich. ( AP ) - The Michigan Public Service Commission has some authority over Enbridge ’ s plans to build an oil pipeline tunnel beneath the channel that connects two of the Great Lakes , a state administrative law judge ruled Friday .
The agency can evaluate the need for the project and whether it would be designed , constructed and operated safely , Judge Dennis W. Mack said .
But the commission should not delve into broader issues such as how the pipeline contributes to climate change , he added .
The split decision suggests the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as electric power , telecommunications and natural gas services , might play a pivotal role in determining whether the project goes forward .
Enbridge also needs permits from the Michigan Department of Environment , Great Lakes and Energy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers .
“ We look forward to working with the Michigan Public Service Commission as the PSC gives ample opportunity for all Michiganders to be heard - while preventing the process from being misused to promote issues unrelated to the project , ” company spokesman Ryan Duffy said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judge ’ s finding that the commission could weigh the project ’ s safety but also expressed disappointment that he limited the inquiry .
“ We believe Enbridge should be held directly accountable … for climate impacts and compliance with Michigan ’ s environmental laws , ” said David Holtz , spokesman for Oil & Water Don ’ t Mix .
“ However , Enbridge ’ s attempt to avoid a thorough review of its controversial proposed oil tunnel has been dealt a major setback by this ruling.
” The Canadian energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily carries about 23 million gallons ( 87 million liters ) of crude oil and natural gas liquids used in propane .
It runs between Superior , Wisconsin , and Sarnia , Ontario , crossing parts of northern Michigan .
A more than 4-mile ( 6.4-kilometer ) section divides into two pipes that run along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac , which links Lake Michigan and Lake Huron .
Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has joined environmentalists and native tribes in calling for shutdown of the 67-year-old line , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rupture .
Enbridge noted that it ’ s in good condition but has proposed running a new section of pipe through a $ 500 million tunnel that would be drilled beneath the straits .
The public service commission has a say over the company ’ s plan because it would need to approve relocating Line 5 .
Enbridge argued that the commission ’ s scope was limited to the pipeline itself , not the proposed tunnel , which would be overseen by the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority , established in 2018 .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pipeline and tunnel were “ inextricably connected.
” While the commission would not decide whether to approve the tunnel , it would question whether the pipeline relocation would serve a public need , is designed and routed reasonably , and would “ satisfy applicable safety and engineering standards , ” he noted .
Mack agreed with Enbridge that the commission shouldn ’ t consider whether the entire 645-mile ( 1,038-kilometer ) pipeline needs to continue operating , as environmental groups and tribes wanted .
It ’ s appropriate for the commission to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Michigan Environmental Policy Act , relying on state and federal agency experts , Mack said .
But he said there was no legal basis for making global warming caused by fossil fuels transported through the pipeline a factor in the commission ’ s decision .
Environmentalists said they would appeal that part of his ruling .
“ There is no getting around the fact that building a new oil tunnel to operate for up to 99 years would exacerbate climate change , ” said Kate Madigan of the Michigan Climate Action @ @

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Public Service Commission has some authority over Enbridge’s plans to build an oil pipeline tunnel beneath the channel that connects two of the Great Lakes, a state administrative law judge ruled Friday.
The agency can evaluate the need for the project and whether it would be designed, constructed and operated safely, Judge Dennis W. Mack said. But the commission should not delve into broader issues such as how the pipeline contributes to climate change, he added.
The split decision suggests the commission, which regulates public utilities such as electric power, telecommunications and natural gas services, might play a pivotal role in determining whether the project goes forward.
Enbridge also needs permits from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“We look forward to working with the Michigan Public Service Commission as the PSC gives ample opportunity for all Michiganders to be heard - while preventing the process from being misused to promote issues unrelated to the project,” company spokesman Ryan Duffy said.
Environmental groups fighting the tunnel plan praised the judge’s finding that the commission could weigh the project’s safety but also expressed disappointment that he limited the inquiry.
“We believe Enbridge should be held directly accountable … for climate impacts and compliance with Michigan’s environmental laws,” said David Holtz, spokesman for Oil & Water Don’t Mix. “However, Enbridge’s attempt to avoid a thorough review of its controversial proposed oil tunnel has been dealt a major setback by this ruling.”
The Canadian energy transport company operates Line 5, which daily carries about 23 million gallons (87 million liters) of crude oil and natural gas liquids used in propane. It runs between Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia, Ontario, crossing parts of northern Michigan.
A more than 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) section divides into two pipes that run along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac, which links Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has joined environmentalists and native tribes in calling for shutdown of the 67-year-old line, saying the underwater segment is vulnerable to a catastrophic rupture.
Enbridge noted that it’s in good condition but has proposed running a new section of pipe through a $500 million tunnel that would be drilled beneath the straits.
The public service commission has a say over the company’s plan because it would need to approve relocating Line 5.
Enbridge argued that the commission’s scope was limited to the pipeline itself, not the proposed tunnel, which would be overseen by the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, established in 2018.
But in his ruling, Mack concluded that the pipeline and tunnel were “inextricably connected.”
While the commission would not decide whether to approve the tunnel, it would question whether the pipeline relocation would serve a public need, is designed and routed reasonably, and would “satisfy applicable safety and engineering standards,” he noted.
Mack agreed with Enbridge that the commission shouldn’t consider whether the entire 645-mile (1,038-kilometer) pipeline needs to continue operating, as environmental groups and tribes wanted.
It’s appropriate for the commission to consider whether the pipeline relocation would comply with the Michigan Environmental Policy Act, relying on state and federal agency experts, Mack said.
But he said there was no legal basis for making global warming caused by fossil fuels transported through the pipeline a factor in the commission’s decision. Environmentalists said they would appeal that part of his ruling.
“There is no getting around the fact that building a new oil tunnel to operate for up to 99 years would exacerbate climate change,” said Kate Madigan of the Michigan Climate Action Network.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Seattle Public Schools extends remote learning into 2021

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Denise Juneau said Friday the district will remain in a remote learning model for the rest of the current semester because of an increase in COVID-19 cases .
Most students will continue to participate in school virtually through January 2021 , Juneau said in a news release .
The only exception will be for students who receive special education services that require in-person instruction .
Officials made the decision because of a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in King County and after consultation with the district ’ s Re-entry Leadership Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is made up of representatives of the School Board , Seattle Education Association , Seattle Council PTSA , the Principals ’ Association of Seattle Schools , and students , will meet regularly to talk about next steps .
The state reported 820 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday with 184 of those in King County for a case total of 101,345 .
State health officials reported 7 new deaths on Friday , bringing the total of deaths statewide to nearly 2,300 .
The Department of Health also reported that 8,231 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus with 48 people hospitalized since Wednesday .

SEATTLE (AP) - Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Denise Juneau said Friday the district will remain in a remote learning model for the rest of the current semester because of an increase in COVID-19 cases.
Most students will continue to participate in school virtually through January 2021, Juneau said in a news release. The only exception will be for students who receive special education services that require in-person instruction.
Officials made the decision because of a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in King County and after consultation with the district’s Re-entry Leadership Team. Juneau says the team, which is made up of representatives of the School Board, Seattle Education Association, Seattle Council PTSA, the Principals’ Association of Seattle Schools, and students, will meet regularly to talk about next steps.
The state reported 820 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday with 184 of those in King County for a case total of 101,345. State health officials reported 7 new deaths on Friday, bringing the total of deaths statewide to nearly 2,300.
The Department of Health also reported that 8,231 people have been hospitalized in the state due to the virus with 48 people hospitalized since Wednesday.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--GOP Arkansas candidate dismissed from school over KKK outfit

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - A Republican candidate running for Arkansas State Senate said he made “ mistakes ” as a teenager after repeatedly denying his dismissal from a Mississippi high school for wearing a racist Ku Klux Klan costume for Halloween .
Charles Edward Beckham III initially denied reports from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Times that he was suspended and dismissed from Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science for wearing a racist Ku Klux Klan costume at a school-sponsored Halloween event .
The Arkansas Times first reported Beckham ’ s dismissal on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a email Tuesday that people fabricated the allegations and blamed it on a ploy by the Democrats .
“ First of all , I unequivocally denounce the KKK and any like minded hate group , ” Beckham said in the email .
“ It is sad that the Democrats will do anything and say anything to try to win .
The accusations that have been made about me are not only baseless and false , but disgusting.
” But the Democrat-Gazette obtained court records from a lawsuit Beckham ’ s family filed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mississippi , that challenged his dismissal from the school .
In October 2000 , Beckham and two other classmates wore KKK outfits and were caught by school staff members and immediately given three days of in-school suspension , according to the court records .
Later , the school ’ s director dismissed Beckham during his senior year , a decision upheld by the Mississippi Board of Education .
Alana Nichols , who ’ s Black , was a junior at the school when she saw her classmates in the racist costumes and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think about memories of high school , this is at the forefront , and that ’ s unfortunate , ” Nichols said .
“ My initial thought was , ‘ What ’ s going to happen ?
Am I going to die ?
Is there going to be a rally ?
’ ” Beckham , now 37 , on Thursday said he made “ mistakes ” as a teenager .
“ I do sincerely apologize for any angst or grievances that I have caused anyone as a minor , as that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Beckham said .
“ I continue to unequivocally denounce the KKK and any like minded hate groups and the rumors that I am or have ever been part of the KKK are absolutely ridiculous .
”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A Republican candidate running for Arkansas State Senate said he made “mistakes” as a teenager after repeatedly denying his dismissal from a Mississippi high school for wearing a racist Ku Klux Klan costume for Halloween.
Charles Edward Beckham III initially denied reports from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Times that he was suspended and dismissed from Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science for wearing a racist Ku Klux Klan costume at a school-sponsored Halloween event. The Arkansas Times first reported Beckham’s dismissal on Tuesday.
Beckham also told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in a email Tuesday that people fabricated the allegations and blamed it on a ploy by the Democrats.
“First of all, I unequivocally denounce the KKK and any like minded hate group,” Beckham said in the email. “It is sad that the Democrats will do anything and say anything to try to win. The accusations that have been made about me are not only baseless and false, but disgusting.”
But the Democrat-Gazette obtained court records from a lawsuit Beckham’s family filed in Hinds County Circuit Court in Jackson, Mississippi, that challenged his dismissal from the school.
In October 2000, Beckham and two other classmates wore KKK outfits and were caught by school staff members and immediately given three days of in-school suspension, according to the court records. Later, the school’s director dismissed Beckham during his senior year, a decision upheld by the Mississippi Board of Education.
Alana Nichols, who’s Black, was a junior at the school when she saw her classmates in the racist costumes and said she was “petrified.”
“When I think about memories of high school, this is at the forefront, and that’s unfortunate,” Nichols said. “My initial thought was, ‘What’s going to happen? Am I going to die? Is there going to be a rally?’”
Beckham, now 37, on Thursday said he made “mistakes” as a teenager.
“I do sincerely apologize for any angst or grievances that I have caused anyone as a minor, as that is not the man that I am today,” Beckham said. “I continue to unequivocally denounce the KKK and any like minded hate groups and the rumors that I am or have ever been part of the KKK are absolutely ridiculous.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Arlo Guthrie, citing health, says he's retired from touring

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - You can get anything you want at Alice ’ s Restaurant .
But it appears we ’ ve seen Arlo Guthrie tell us that in person for the last time .
In lengthy posts on his Facebook page and website , the 73-year-old folksinger announced Friday he is retiring from performance immediately .
He ’ s canceled numerous shows he had planned around the country for the next year and said he won ’ t be booking any more .
“ It ’ s been a great 50-plus years of being a working entertainer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that touring and stage shows are no longer possible , ” he said in the statement titled “ Gone Fishing.
” Guthrie did not respond to email and phone messages asking to elaborate but indicated in his statement that health issues played a major role .
He said he ’ d suffered two strokes in recent years , including a serious one that hospitalized him for several days last year .
The son of folk music legend Woody Guthrie rose to overnight fame in 1967 with the release of “ Alice ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking blues ballad about how his Thanksgiving Day 1965 arrest for littering kept him out of the Army during the Vietnam War .
As he finger-picked a maddeningly memorable tune over and over on his acoustic guitar , Guthrie related how he ’ d mocked the local police chief who arrested him , appeared before a blind judge who couldn ’ t see the photos submitted as evidence against him and berated his draft board for concluding he “ wasn ’ t moral enough to join the Army and burn women and kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litterbug.
” He ’ s gone on to record more than 30 albums , write several children ’ s books and occasionally appear in television shows and films , including playing himself in the 1969 movie “ Alice ’ s Restaurant.
” “ A folk singer ’ s shelf life may be a lot longer than a dancer or an athlete , but at some point , unless you ’ re incredibly fortunate or just plain whacko ( either one or both ) it ’ s time to hang up the ‘ Gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
Guthrie , who frequently declined to play “ Alice ’ s Restaurant Massacree ” for audiences over the years , had planned to perform it at next year ’ s shows .
He had played it at New York ’ s Carnegie Hall in 2019 at what he ’ d previously announced would be the last of his 50 Thanksgiving weekend shows at that venerated music hall .
But the day before , ironically on Thanksgiving , he suffered the second and more severe of his strokes .
Two days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underwent several days of physical rehabilitation .
By the next year , he was back on his feet and back on tour when the coronavirus pandemic struck .
He estimated Friday he ’ d recovered about 80 percent of his health by then , but following months of idleness from the road , he decided it was time to stop .
In July he released a new song , Stephen Foster ’ s “ Hard Times Come Again No More , ” and indicated Friday that his retiring from the stage doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely .
“ In fact , I hope to be a thorn in the side of a new administration pretty soon , ” he said in a veiled reference to President Donald Trump .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant. But it appears we’ve seen Arlo Guthrie tell us that in person for the last time.
In lengthy posts on his Facebook page and website, the 73-year-old folksinger announced Friday he is retiring from performance immediately. He’s canceled numerous shows he had planned around the country for the next year and said he won’t be booking any more.
“It’s been a great 50-plus years of being a working entertainer, but I reached the difficult decision that touring and stage shows are no longer possible,” he said in the statement titled “Gone Fishing.”
Guthrie did not respond to email and phone messages asking to elaborate but indicated in his statement that health issues played a major role. He said he’d suffered two strokes in recent years, including a serious one that hospitalized him for several days last year.
The son of folk music legend Woody Guthrie rose to overnight fame in 1967 with the release of “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” a hilarious 18-minute talking blues ballad about how his Thanksgiving Day 1965 arrest for littering kept him out of the Army during the Vietnam War.
As he finger-picked a maddeningly memorable tune over and over on his acoustic guitar, Guthrie related how he’d mocked the local police chief who arrested him, appeared before a blind judge who couldn’t see the photos submitted as evidence against him and berated his draft board for concluding he “wasn’t moral enough to join the Army and burn women and kids’ houses and villages after being a litterbug.”
He’s gone on to record more than 30 albums, write several children’s books and occasionally appear in television shows and films, including playing himself in the 1969 movie “Alice’s Restaurant.”
“A folk singer’s shelf life may be a lot longer than a dancer or an athlete, but at some point, unless you’re incredibly fortunate or just plain whacko (either one or both) it’s time to hang up the ‘Gone Fishing’ sign,” he said Friday.
Guthrie, who frequently declined to play “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” for audiences over the years, had planned to perform it at next year’s shows. He had played it at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2019 at what he’d previously announced would be the last of his 50 Thanksgiving weekend shows at that venerated music hall.
But the day before, ironically on Thanksgiving, he suffered the second and more severe of his strokes. Two days later he was in the hospital and later underwent several days of physical rehabilitation.
By the next year, he was back on his feet and back on tour when the coronavirus pandemic struck. He estimated Friday he’d recovered about 80 percent of his health by then, but following months of idleness from the road, he decided it was time to stop.
In July he released a new song, Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times Come Again No More,” and indicated Friday that his retiring from the stage doesn’t mean he’ll go away completely.
“In fact, I hope to be a thorn in the side of a new administration pretty soon,” he said in a veiled reference to President Donald Trump.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Navy training plane crashes in Alabama; injuries unclear

FOLEY , Ala. ( AP ) - A U.S. Navy training plane that took off from Florida crashed Friday in an Alabama residential neighborhood near the Gulf Coast , killing both people in the plane , authorities said .
Zach Harrell , a spokesperson for Commander , Naval Air Forces , said both people in the T-6B Texan II training plane died , but they weren ’ t immediately releasing their names .
No injuries were reported on the ground .
Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby said responders encountered a “ large volume of fire ” with a home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were able to make “ a quick stop on the fire , ” the chief told local news outlets .
The crash occurred southeast of Mobile , near the city of Foley and the town of Magnolia Springs .
Darby called the neighborhood a “ heavily populated ” residential area .
No firefighters were injured , he added .
The plane had flown out of Naval Air Station Whiting Field , about 30 miles ( 48.28 kilometers ) northeast of Pensacola , Florida , Navy spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn said .
The U.S. Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle the investigation , the Baldwin County Sheriff ’ s Office tweeted .

FOLEY, Ala. (AP) - A U.S. Navy training plane that took off from Florida crashed Friday in an Alabama residential neighborhood near the Gulf Coast, killing both people in the plane, authorities said.
Zach Harrell, a spokesperson for Commander, Naval Air Forces, said both people in the T-6B Texan II training plane died, but they weren’t immediately releasing their names. No injuries were reported on the ground.
Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby said responders encountered a “large volume of fire” with a home and several cars engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to make “a quick stop on the fire,” the chief told local news outlets.
The crash occurred southeast of Mobile, near the city of Foley and the town of Magnolia Springs. Darby called the neighborhood a “heavily populated” residential area. No firefighters were injured, he added.
The plane had flown out of Naval Air Station Whiting Field, about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) northeast of Pensacola, Florida, Navy spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn said.
The U.S. Department of Defense and the Navy were set to handle the investigation, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office tweeted.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Judge mulls bond for TV station guard charged with murder

DENVER ( AP ) - A defense attorney asked a judge Friday to lower bail for a television station security guard charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of a pro-police demonstrator following opposing protests this month in Denver .
Public defender Valerie Cole argued in Denver District Court that Matthew Dolloff ’ s bond should be reduced from $ 500,000 to between $ 25,000 and $ 50,000 , citing his deep ties to the community and his lack of a criminal record .
She also indicated she would argue that Dolloff , 30 , was acting in self-defense when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while protecting a KUSA-TV producer covering the Oct. 10 “ Patriot Muster ” demonstration and “ BLM-Antifa Soup Drive ” counterprotest .
“ The district attorney has already declined to file a charge of first-degree murder , ” Cole said during the virtual hearing .
“ I think that speaks to the obvious nature , the obvious questions of self-defense in this particular case.
” Prosecutors opposed reducing bond and doubted Dolloff was defending himself .
“ The court needs to consider the public safety and the community safety risk that is out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” prosecutor Austin Leighty said .
“ And an unquestioned fact in this case : Mr. Dolloff brought a gun to downtown Denver and killed somebody.
” Judge John Madden said he hoped to issue a ruling on the bond motion and several others early next week .
Police say Keltner was arguing with a Black man as the rallies broke up before getting into an altercation with Dolloff .
Keltner slapped Dolloff in the head , and Dolloff pulled out a handgun and shot Keltner as Keltner fired pepper spray at him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A cellphone video taken by KUSA ’ s producer , whose name hasn ’ t been released , suggests Keltner was upset his initial dispute was being recorded .
It shows Keltner in a confrontation with a man wearing a T-shirt that read , “ Black Guns Matter.
” A bystander is trying to defuse the argument .
The video then shows Keltner , holding a spray can , walking out of view .
A man ’ s voice - it ’ s unclear if it ’ s Keltner - is heard saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Get the cameras out of here or I ’ m going to f– you up , ” the unidentified man says .
Keltner and Dolloff are then shown scuffling before the video stops .
The producer resumes filming after the shooting and tells responding officers he is with the press and says of Keltner , “ That guy was going to get me.
” He also says the security guard shot Keltner because Keltner used pepper spray .
Police say they found two guns but didn ’ t reveal whom they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney for Keltner ’ s widow , told The Associated Press on Friday that the family is “ still struggling.
” “ Losing a patriarch of your family , of course , is devastating under normal circumstances , ” he said .
“ When it ’ s done under the microscope and in such a politically charged atmosphere , in such a divisive atmosphere , it of course makes it even worse.
” Dolloff faces between 16 and 48 years in prison if he is convicted of second-degree murder .
A preliminary hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press videojournalist Krysta Fauria in Los Angeles contributed to this report .

DENVER (AP) - A defense attorney asked a judge Friday to lower bail for a television station security guard charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of a pro-police demonstrator following opposing protests this month in Denver.
Public defender Valerie Cole argued in Denver District Court that Matthew Dolloff’s bond should be reduced from $500,000 to between $25,000 and $50,000, citing his deep ties to the community and his lack of a criminal record.
She also indicated she would argue that Dolloff, 30, was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed 49-year-old Lee Keltner while protecting a KUSA-TV producer covering the Oct. 10 “Patriot Muster” demonstration and “BLM-Antifa Soup Drive” counterprotest.
“The district attorney has already declined to file a charge of first-degree murder,” Cole said during the virtual hearing. “I think that speaks to the obvious nature, the obvious questions of self-defense in this particular case.”
Prosecutors opposed reducing bond and doubted Dolloff was defending himself.
“The court needs to consider the public safety and the community safety risk that is out there should the bond be posted,” prosecutor Austin Leighty said. “And an unquestioned fact in this case: Mr. Dolloff brought a gun to downtown Denver and killed somebody.”
Judge John Madden said he hoped to issue a ruling on the bond motion and several others early next week.
Police say Keltner was arguing with a Black man as the rallies broke up before getting into an altercation with Dolloff.
Keltner slapped Dolloff in the head, and Dolloff pulled out a handgun and shot Keltner as Keltner fired pepper spray at him, according to an arrest affidavit. A cellphone video taken by KUSA’s producer, whose name hasn’t been released, suggests Keltner was upset his initial dispute was being recorded.
It shows Keltner in a confrontation with a man wearing a T-shirt that read, “Black Guns Matter.” A bystander is trying to defuse the argument.
The video then shows Keltner, holding a spray can, walking out of view. A man’s voice - it’s unclear if it’s Keltner - is heard saying the area was no place for cameras.
“Get the cameras out of here or I’m going to f—- you up,” the unidentified man says. Keltner and Dolloff are then shown scuffling before the video stops.
The producer resumes filming after the shooting and tells responding officers he is with the press and says of Keltner, “That guy was going to get me.” He also says the security guard shot Keltner because Keltner used pepper spray.
Police say they found two guns but didn’t reveal whom they belonged to.
William Boyle, an attorney for Keltner’s widow, told The Associated Press on Friday that the family is “still struggling.”
“Losing a patriarch of your family, of course, is devastating under normal circumstances,” he said. “When it’s done under the microscope and in such a politically charged atmosphere, in such a divisive atmosphere, it of course makes it even worse.”
Dolloff faces between 16 and 48 years in prison if he is convicted of second-degree murder. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 20.
___
Associated Press videojournalist Krysta Fauria in Los Angeles contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--U.S. Navy aircraft crashes in Alabama

U.S. Navy aircraft crashes in Alabama

FOLEY , Ala. — A U.S. Navy training plane that took off from Florida crashed Friday in an Alabama residential neighborhood near the Gulf Coast , killing both people in the plane , authorities said .
Zach Harrell , a spokesperson for Commander , Naval Air Forces , said both people in the T-6B Texan II training plane died , but they weren ’ t immediately releasing their names .
No injuries were reported on the ground .
Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby said responders encountered a “ large volume of fire ” with a home and several cars engulfed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make “ a quick stop on the fire , ” the chief told local news outlets .
The crash occurred southeast of Mobile , near the city of Foley and the town of Magnolia Springs .
Darby called the neighborhood a “ heavily populated ” residential area .
No firefighters were injured , he added .
The plane had flown out of Naval Air Station Whiting Field , about 30 miles ( 48.28 kilometers ) northeast of Pensacola , Florida , Navy spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn said .
The U.S. Department of Defense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , the Baldwin County Sheriff ’ s Office tweeted .

FOLEY, Ala. — A U.S. Navy training plane that took off from Florida crashed Friday in an Alabama residential neighborhood near the Gulf Coast, killing both people in the plane, authorities said.
Zach Harrell, a spokesperson for Commander, Naval Air Forces, said both people in the T-6B Texan II training plane died, but they weren’t immediately releasing their names. No injuries were reported on the ground.
Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby said responders encountered a “large volume of fire” with a home and several cars engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to make “a quick stop on the fire,” the chief told local news outlets.
The crash occurred southeast of Mobile, near the city of Foley and the town of Magnolia Springs. Darby called the neighborhood a “heavily populated” residential area. No firefighters were injured, he added.
The plane had flown out of Naval Air Station Whiting Field, about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) northeast of Pensacola, Florida, Navy spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn said.
The U.S. Department of Defense and the Navy were set to handle the investigation, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office tweeted.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Arnold Schwarzenegger feels ‘fantastic’ after heart surgery

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Arnold Schwarzenegger says he is feeling “ fantastic ” after his recent heart surgery @ @ @ @ @ ” actor and former California governor said on social media Friday that he had a @ @ @ @ @ his heart .
He posted a photo of himself with a thumbs up from his @ @ @ @ @ to the team at the Cleveland Clinic , I have a new aortic valve to @ @ @ @ @ pulmonary valve from my last surgery , ” he wrote .
The actor underwent heart @ @ @ @ @ a pulmonary valve that was originally installed in 1997 .
Schwarzenegger also posted some photos @ @ @ @ @ of a few monuments in Cleveland .
“ I feel fantastic and have already been @ @ @ @ @ enjoying your amazing statues , ” he said .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Arnold Schwarzenegger says he is feeling “fantastic” after his recent heart surgery.
The 73-year-old “Terminator” actor and former California governor said on social media Friday that he had a new aortic valve implanted in his heart. He posted a photo of himself with a thumbs up from his hospital bed.
“Thanks to the team at the Cleveland Clinic, I have a new aortic valve to go along with my new pulmonary valve from my last surgery,” he wrote. The actor underwent heart surgery in 2018 to replaced a pulmonary valve that was originally installed in 1997.
Schwarzenegger also posted some photos of himself standing in front of a few monuments in Cleveland.
“I feel fantastic and have already been walking the streets of Cleveland enjoying your amazing statues,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-23--Trump says virus spike 'gone' in Texas while El Paso surges

President Donald Trump downplayed the toll of the coronavirus during Thursday ’ s final debate with Joe Biden , and specifically mentioned tamping down the surge in Texas .
“ There was a very big spike in Texas , it ’ s now gone , ” Trump said .
But in the border city of El Paso , COVID-19 is the worst it ’ s been since the pandemic began .
Health officials in the El Paso-area reported 969 new coronavirus cases Friday , leading to more than 10,000 active cases in the region as figures soared over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 107 over Thursday , bringing the total to 678 total , with 195 of those people in intensive care .
At least 571 people in the area have died since the pandemic began .
Local officials have tightened virus restrictions , cutting back capacity at non-essential businesses to 50 % , stopping visitations at facilities that care for the elderly , and banning home gatherings - the first major county in Texas to scale back since Gov .
Greg Abbott loosened rules in September .
The virus is taking a toll on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than one , according to Salvador Perches , CEO of Perches Funeral Homes , which does business in El Paso and neighboring Juarez , Mexico .
Families are asking for bodies to be transferred across the border as the death tolls rise in the U.S. and Mexico , Perches added , noting that he has added a refrigeration unit inside one of his chapels to accommodate the growing number of bodies .
Over the last two to three weeks , Perches said he has seen an increase in requests for funeral services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also untreated health conditions and suicides because of depression from isolation and job loss .
“ People can ’ t celebrate their loves ones , we can ’ t mourn , ” Perches said .
Dr. Hector Ocaranza , the city and county health authority , called the situation critical .
An additional 500 medical personnel plus medical equipment sent by Abbott helps , but he said it is necessary for El Paso residents to “ realize we are in a dire situation ” and take personal responsibility to stop the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continued , ” Ocaranza said , noting that other Texas metropolitan areas aren ’ t seeing the same surge .
“ El Paso , we are in a different situation and we continue to see the rise.
” El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said because the county is isolated from other metropolitan areas , it is easy for the rest of the Texas to be blind to El Paso .
He added that they have reached out to neighboring cities in Texas and New Mexico in addition to coordinating with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who recently tested positive to COVID-19 , to mitigate the spread together .
Samaniego said he will work with state leaders to revisit increasing restrictions in the county in two weeks if the latest restrictions don ’ t help as much as they hope .
COVID-19 ’ s resurgence throughout the U.S. is again pushing some hospitals to the limit , and the nation is approaching a record for the number of new daily coronavirus cases .
The seven-day rolling average for new daily COVID-19 cases in the U.S. surpassed 61,140 Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The record was reached July 22 when the rolling average was 67,293 in the midst of a summer outbreak driven largely by surges of the virus in Florida , Arizona , California and Texas .
More than 17,000 people have died in Texas since the start of the pandemic .
Cecilia Sobalvarro , 57 , lives in El Paso and said it was difficult for her to not be with her brother and nephews when her sister-in-law died of cancer on Monday .
“ Us not being able to be there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone , it is heart-wrenching and it takes a toll on you because we want to be there for her , ” Sobalvarro added .
“ But of course we couldn ’ t .
”

President Donald Trump downplayed the toll of the coronavirus during Thursday’s final debate with Joe Biden, and specifically mentioned tamping down the surge in Texas.
“There was a very big spike in Texas, it’s now gone,” Trump said.
But in the border city of El Paso, COVID-19 is the worst it’s been since the pandemic began.
Health officials in the El Paso-area reported 969 new coronavirus cases Friday, leading to more than 10,000 active cases in the region as figures soared over the past week to record highs. Hospitalizations increased by 107 over Thursday, bringing the total to 678 total, with 195 of those people in intensive care.
At least 571 people in the area have died since the pandemic began.
Local officials have tightened virus restrictions, cutting back capacity at non-essential businesses to 50%, stopping visitations at facilities that care for the elderly, and banning home gatherings - the first major county in Texas to scale back since Gov. Greg Abbott loosened rules in September.
The virus is taking a toll on the mostly Hispanic area in more ways than one, according to Salvador Perches, CEO of Perches Funeral Homes, which does business in El Paso and neighboring Juarez, Mexico. Families are asking for bodies to be transferred across the border as the death tolls rise in the U.S. and Mexico, Perches added, noting that he has added a refrigeration unit inside one of his chapels to accommodate the growing number of bodies.
Over the last two to three weeks, Perches said he has seen an increase in requests for funeral services, not only due to COVID-19 deaths, but also untreated health conditions and suicides because of depression from isolation and job loss.
“People can’t celebrate their loves ones, we can’t mourn,” Perches said.
Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the city and county health authority, called the situation critical. An additional 500 medical personnel plus medical equipment sent by Abbott helps, but he said it is necessary for El Paso residents to “realize we are in a dire situation” and take personal responsibility to stop the spread.
“The spike in El Paso has continued,” Ocaranza said, noting that other Texas metropolitan areas aren’t seeing the same surge. “El Paso, we are in a different situation and we continue to see the rise.”
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said because the county is isolated from other metropolitan areas, it is easy for the rest of the Texas to be blind to El Paso. He added that they have reached out to neighboring cities in Texas and New Mexico in addition to coordinating with the Mexican embassy and Juarez mayor Armando Cabada, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, to mitigate the spread together.
Samaniego said he will work with state leaders to revisit increasing restrictions in the county in two weeks if the latest restrictions don’t help as much as they hope.
COVID-19’s resurgence throughout the U.S. is again pushing some hospitals to the limit, and the nation is approaching a record for the number of new daily coronavirus cases. The seven-day rolling average for new daily COVID-19 cases in the U.S. surpassed 61,140 Thursday, compared with 44,647 two weeks ago. The record was reached July 22 when the rolling average was 67,293 in the midst of a summer outbreak driven largely by surges of the virus in Florida, Arizona, California and Texas.
More than 17,000 people have died in Texas since the start of the pandemic.
Cecilia Sobalvarro, 57, lives in El Paso and said it was difficult for her to not be with her brother and nephews when her sister-in-law died of cancer on Monday.
“Us not being able to be there for her and to say goodbye over the phone, it is heart-wrenching and it takes a toll on you because we want to be there for her,” Sobalvarro added. “But of course we couldn’t.”