washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Mike Pompeo sees 'tide turning' against China in Asia

HANOI — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that the “ tide is turning ” against China amid a growing recognition of the threat Beijing ’ s policies pose to the U.S. and countries across Asia .
Mr. Pompeo held talks this week with leaders of five southern Asian states and said in an interview that he found growing support for U.S.-led efforts to oppose Chinese efforts at financial and military dominance .
“ Across a broad spectrum in the region , I think there ’ s a shared understanding that partnerships with democracies lead to better outcomes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Times .
Based on his talks with regional leaders , Mr. Pompeo said “ a deep recognition ” exists that China has been ignoring international laws and norms of behavior for too long .
“ There are just a thousand small ways that the tide is turning , ” he said .
“ There ’ s a little bit of push and a little bit of pull , and a lot of simple common understandings that have emerged over the last 2½ to three years where these countries have all said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more transparent , more responsive relationship with them , and they want to build friendships with fellow democracies to make life better for their own people , ” he said .
Mr. Pompeo wrapped up the five-nation , around-the-world tour with a surprise visit to Vietnam days before the U.S. presidential election .
The secretary of state said he hopes to continue leading foreign policy during a second Trump administration but noted that President Trump ultimately will decide on appointing any new Cabinet secretaries .
Win or lose on Tuesday , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining 100 days of the presidential term to seize diplomatic opportunities around the world .
He touched on a number of priorities during the interview .
On arms control with Russia , Mr. Pompeo expressed doubts about extending the 2010 New START accord past its expiration in February in its current form .
“ You know we ’ ve made some progress but , unfortunately , we ’ ve not been able to get the deal closed out , ” he said .
“ But I haven ’ t given up.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-year freeze on U.S. and Russian warheads , proposed this month by Russian President Vladimir Putin , but said Washington had to be certain that the Kremlin was living up to its pledges .
“ What we want to do is make sure there is a verification regime in place that is adequate for both sides to be confident that each side has lived up to that commitment , ” he said .
“ I think that would be a good arrangement .
It ’ s interim .
There ’ s a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t cover all the things that need to be covered in an arms control agreement , ” he said .
Still , U.S. officials continue to argue that a major shortcoming of the warhead freeze under New START will mean that China is not part of the accord .
“ In the end , it ’ s no longer adequate to have a bilateral strategic dialogue on these nastiest of weapons systems , ” Mr. Pompeo said .
“ The Chinese now have a missile capability [ and ] a nuclear capability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a true global power and reduce risk in the world , they need to join that conversation.
” So far , there has been little progress in persuading Beijing to join the talks , he said .
Mr. Pompeo arrived in Hanoi on Thursday night and is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc , Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Public Security Minister To Lam .
Vietnam was added to the trip at the last minute after stops in India , Sri Lanka , Maldives and Indonesia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , regional governments are pushing back against what he described as a Chinese communist regime that has failed to live up to its international commitments and promises of a “ peaceful rise.
” The increased cooperation against Beijing is evident in more multinational military exercises in the region , as well as stepped-up freedom of navigation operations on disputed waterways and airways .
China has claimed some 90 % of the South China Sea as its waters despite an international court ruling that rejected China ’ s claim .
Countries in Asia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are following the U.S. lead in resisting Chinese efforts to control telecommunications infrastructure , Mr. Pompeo said .
Mr. Pompeo held defense and security talks in India on Monday with Defense Secretary Mark Esper and their Indian counterparts , resulting in new intelligence-sharing agreements .
After the New Delhi visit , Mr. Pompeo met with leaders of Sri Lanka and Maldives , two small South Asian island states that have increasingly come under Beijing ’ s financial sway .
In Indonesia on Thursday , the secretary of state bolstered relations with Asia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hanoi .
Asked about reports that the government in Jakarta balked at a proposal to service and refuel U.S. maritime patrol aircraft , Mr. Pompeo said : “ Every country will make its own set of choices about precisely how our relationship develops and how we ’ ll work on things together .
But I actually saw a real appetite for increased engagement from the United States .
“ Indonesia has no illusions about the threat posed by China , ” Mr. Pompeo said .
“ Indonesia has taken a very resolute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were under a threat from China , ” he said , a marked shift from policies of just three years ago .
But in remarks Thursday , Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi made no mention of China , although she did echo Mr. Pompeo ’ s call for promoting cooperation “ that is open , inclusive , transparent and rules-based.
” Dealing with the pandemic was a central issue in all the talks .
Those traveling with Mr. Pompeo were subjected to COVID-19 testing in several countries .
“ Everybody , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minds , ” Mr. Pompeo said .
“ It ’ s impacting these countries dramatically and , importantly , not only from a health perspective but from an economic perspective.
” The United States offered aid and other steps to help the countries recover from the pandemic , he said , and again drew a contrast with China .
Regional states “ can see the difference there , ” Mr. Pompeo said .
“ One of these countries [ China ] has a totalitarian , authoritarian model that led to a virus being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the other country [ the United States ] just put its head down and got to work , to Operation Warp Speed , all the things that we ’ ve done .
I think they can begin to see that this is a choice between the United States and China .
Even the smaller countries can see that .
China threatens them.
” In some cases , China has threatened regional states by asserting that unless they follow Beijing ’ s dictates , costs will be imposed , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ American secretary of state traveled to see them at a time when it ’ s a little bit hard to move around the world , I think it was reassuring for them , and I think it will give them the opportunity to choose freedom for their own people , ” he said .
Mr. Pompeo said the Vietnam portion of the trip fell into place through behind-the-scenes diplomatic work at a time when Hanoi is seeking closer U.S. economic ties .
“ They , too , are looking at enormous economic opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of operating inside of China , ” he said .
“ Vietnam is a likely destination .
So is a place like Indonesia .
I reminded them that the opportunity is enormous if they can get the red tape removed , ” he said .
Indonesia recently enacted a labor law that will enhance freedom of movement for workers .
The measure is expected to boost American businesses that are seeking to invest in Indonesia , and Mr. Pompeo thinks Vietnam could benefit from a similar approach .
“ I want to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them some of the things I think we can do on the economic front to give them more capacity , more capability , and to remind them , too , that the United States is prepared .
When the Chinese next move against their energy issues in their own exclusive economic zone , they should know that the support they got from us before will still be there , ” he added .
Mr. Pompeo has been the architect of a major shift in U.S. policy toward China , a shift set into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party .
The first years of the administration were difficult , he said .
“ To the get the machine rolling takes a little bit of time , but you can now see it ’ s in full stride , ” he said , noting efforts at the Commerce Department , the Pentagon and the State Department to confront Beijing .
“ Our work diplomatically around the world [ worked ] to build out what ought to be automatic but wasn ’ t for 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For 40 years , the world appeased China , stared at it , bent a knee when challenged and allowed China to gain an enormous set of advantages in an unfair way.
” The secretary of state emphasized that the policy is not against the Chinese people but the ruling Communist Party .
Relations must be “ reciprocal , fair and balanced , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve now managed to build out a strategy around that , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve just said , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if the rules don ’ t treat the United States ’ people right , then we ’ re going to make sure we do our level best to impose a cost on the Chinese Communist Party to change the rules and balance and level the playing field.
” More work is needed as China continues to pose challenges through “ predatory activity ” in Europe , Africa , Asia and elsewhere , he said , “ but we ’ ve really seen a change.
” “ So we ’ ve laid out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it .
It ’ s a work in progress , for sure .
I hope that we get four more years to continue to drive this , But I ’ d say this : The world has come to see this , and the world will carry this forward.
” Mr. Pompeo said the United States is closely following stepped-up Beijing saber-rattling against Taiwan .
“ The primary concern stems from the fact [ that China ] has demonstrated its incapacity to live up to its own commitments , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the primary concern — whether that was in Hong Kong or the promise they made to President Obama in 2015 not to build up weapons systems in the South China Sea — we ’ ve seen the Chinese not live up their word.
” China has a set of commitments that have been made to the United States regarding Taiwan and the rest of the world .
“ We are counting on them to live up to those .
But you can see the United States lived up to its commitments , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communiques .
But also the commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act to continue to provide weapons systems so that the people of Taiwan can take care of themselves as well.
” After Chinese sanctions on U.S. defense contractors over earlier arms sales this week , the Trump administration announced additional weapons sales worth $ 2.37 billion in Harpoon anti-ship missiles .
Asked whether the latest Taiwan missile sale was meant to signal Beijing , Mr. Pompeo dismissed the idea .
“ Those sales have been in the works for some time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indonesia in a speech for respecting religious freedom — a major emphasis of his tenure at the State Department .
“ Our respect for our God-given rights is the defining feature of America ’ s national spirit , ” he said .
“ It ’ s why America stood tallest among Western democracies in supporting your independence from colonial rule and has been a stalwart supporter of Indonesia ’ s transition to democracy over the past two decades.
” “ The fact that our people embrace freedom and uphold a tradition of tolerance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose it , ” he said .

HANOI — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that the “tide is turning” against China amid a growing recognition of the threat Beijing’s policies pose to the U.S. and countries across Asia.
Mr. Pompeo held talks this week with leaders of five southern Asian states and said in an interview that he found growing support for U.S.-led efforts to oppose Chinese efforts at financial and military dominance.
“Across a broad spectrum in the region, I think there’s a shared understanding that partnerships with democracies lead to better outcomes for them,” Mr. Pompeo told The Washington Times.
Based on his talks with regional leaders, Mr. Pompeo said “a deep recognition” exists that China has been ignoring international laws and norms of behavior for too long.
“There are just a thousand small ways that the tide is turning,” he said.
“There’s a little bit of push and a little bit of pull, and a lot of simple common understandings that have emerged over the last 2½ to three years where these countries have all said they welcome the United States’ more vigorous, more transparent, more responsive relationship with them, and they want to build friendships with fellow democracies to make life better for their own people,” he said.
Mr. Pompeo wrapped up the five-nation, around-the-world tour with a surprise visit to Vietnam days before the U.S. presidential election. The secretary of state said he hopes to continue leading foreign policy during a second Trump administration but noted that President Trump ultimately will decide on appointing any new Cabinet secretaries.
Win or lose on Tuesday, Mr. Pompeo said, he plans to use the remaining 100 days of the presidential term to seize diplomatic opportunities around the world. He touched on a number of priorities during the interview.
On arms control with Russia, Mr. Pompeo expressed doubts about extending the 2010 New START accord past its expiration in February in its current form.
“You know we’ve made some progress but, unfortunately, we’ve not been able to get the deal closed out,” he said. “But I haven’t given up.”
Mr. Pompeo noted the concept of a one-year freeze on U.S. and Russian warheads, proposed this month by Russian President Vladimir Putin, but said Washington had to be certain that the Kremlin was living up to its pledges.
“What we want to do is make sure there is a verification regime in place that is adequate for both sides to be confident that each side has lived up to that commitment,” he said.
Arms negotiators continue working on the warhead freeze.
“I think that would be a good arrangement. It’s interim. There’s a lot more work to do. It doesn’t cover all the things that need to be covered in an arms control agreement,” he said.
Still, U.S. officials continue to argue that a major shortcoming of the warhead freeze under New START will mean that China is not part of the accord.
“In the end, it’s no longer adequate to have a bilateral strategic dialogue on these nastiest of weapons systems,” Mr. Pompeo said. “The Chinese now have a missile capability [and] a nuclear capability that require them, if they want to be a true global power and reduce risk in the world, they need to join that conversation.”
So far, there has been little progress in persuading Beijing to join the talks, he said.
Visiting Vietnam
Mr. Pompeo arrived in Hanoi on Thursday night and is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Public Security Minister To Lam.
Vietnam was added to the trip at the last minute after stops in India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.
In each capital, Mr. Pompeo said, regional governments are pushing back against what he described as a Chinese communist regime that has failed to live up to its international commitments and promises of a “peaceful rise.”
The increased cooperation against Beijing is evident in more multinational military exercises in the region, as well as stepped-up freedom of navigation operations on disputed waterways and airways. China has claimed some 90% of the South China Sea as its waters despite an international court ruling that rejected China’s claim.
Countries in Asia and other parts of the world also are following the U.S. lead in resisting Chinese efforts to control telecommunications infrastructure, Mr. Pompeo said.
Mr. Pompeo held defense and security talks in India on Monday with Defense Secretary Mark Esper and their Indian counterparts, resulting in new intelligence-sharing agreements.
After the New Delhi visit, Mr. Pompeo met with leaders of Sri Lanka and Maldives, two small South Asian island states that have increasingly come under Beijing’s financial sway.
In Indonesia on Thursday, the secretary of state bolstered relations with Asia’s largest Muslim majority state before stopping in Hanoi.
Asked about reports that the government in Jakarta balked at a proposal to service and refuel U.S. maritime patrol aircraft, Mr. Pompeo said: “Every country will make its own set of choices about precisely how our relationship develops and how we’ll work on things together. But I actually saw a real appetite for increased engagement from the United States.
“Indonesia has no illusions about the threat posed by China,” Mr. Pompeo said.
“Indonesia has taken a very resolute view to protect their own sovereignty when they were under a threat from China,” he said, a marked shift from policies of just three years ago.
But in remarks Thursday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi made no mention of China, although she did echo Mr. Pompeo’s call for promoting cooperation “that is open, inclusive, transparent and rules-based.”
The COVID-19 challenge
Dealing with the pandemic was a central issue in all the talks. Those traveling with Mr. Pompeo were subjected to COVID-19 testing in several countries.
“Everybody, including Sri Lanka, had COVID on their minds,” Mr. Pompeo said. “It’s impacting these countries dramatically and, importantly, not only from a health perspective but from an economic perspective.”
The United States offered aid and other steps to help the countries recover from the pandemic, he said, and again drew a contrast with China.
Regional states “can see the difference there,” Mr. Pompeo said. “One of these countries [China] has a totalitarian, authoritarian model that led to a virus being foisted upon the world and not disclosed. And the other country [the United States] just put its head down and got to work, to Operation Warp Speed, all the things that we’ve done. I think they can begin to see that this is a choice between the United States and China. Even the smaller countries can see that. China threatens them.”
In some cases, China has threatened regional states by asserting that unless they follow Beijing’s dictates, costs will be imposed, he said.
“I think the fact that an American secretary of state traveled to see them at a time when it’s a little bit hard to move around the world, I think it was reassuring for them, and I think it will give them the opportunity to choose freedom for their own people,” he said.
Mr. Pompeo said the Vietnam portion of the trip fell into place through behind-the-scenes diplomatic work at a time when Hanoi is seeking closer U.S. economic ties.
“They, too, are looking at enormous economic opportunities as businesses look at the political risks of operating inside of China,” he said.
“Vietnam is a likely destination. So is a place like Indonesia. I reminded them that the opportunity is enormous if they can get the red tape removed,” he said.
Indonesia recently enacted a labor law that will enhance freedom of movement for workers. The measure is expected to boost American businesses that are seeking to invest in Indonesia, and Mr. Pompeo thinks Vietnam could benefit from a similar approach.
“I want to go [to Hanoi] and share with them some of the things I think we can do on the economic front to give them more capacity, more capability, and to remind them, too, that the United States is prepared. When the Chinese next move against their energy issues in their own exclusive economic zone, they should know that the support they got from us before will still be there,” he added.
Policy shift
Mr. Pompeo has been the architect of a major shift in U.S. policy toward China, a shift set into motion by Mr. Trump’s understanding of the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
The first years of the administration were difficult, he said.
“To the get the machine rolling takes a little bit of time, but you can now see it’s in full stride,” he said, noting efforts at the Commerce Department, the Pentagon and the State Department to confront Beijing.
“Our work diplomatically around the world [worked] to build out what ought to be automatic but wasn’t for 40 years,” he said. “For 40 years, the world appeased China, stared at it, bent a knee when challenged and allowed China to gain an enormous set of advantages in an unfair way.”
The secretary of state emphasized that the policy is not against the Chinese people but the ruling Communist Party. Relations must be “reciprocal, fair and balanced,” he said.
“We’ve now managed to build out a strategy around that,” he said. “We’ve just said, ‘Enough.’ If the rules are reciprocal and if the rules don’t treat the United States’ people right, then we’re going to make sure we do our level best to impose a cost on the Chinese Communist Party to change the rules and balance and level the playing field.”
More work is needed as China continues to pose challenges through “predatory activity” in Europe, Africa, Asia and elsewhere, he said, “but we’ve really seen a change.”
“So we’ve laid out a strategy, we’re building on it. It’s a work in progress, for sure. I hope that we get four more years to continue to drive this, But I’d say this: The world has come to see this, and the world will carry this forward.”
Taiwan saber-rattling
Mr. Pompeo said the United States is closely following stepped-up Beijing saber-rattling against Taiwan.
“The primary concern stems from the fact [that China] has demonstrated its incapacity to live up to its own commitments,” he said.
“If you ask me, the primary concern — whether that was in Hong Kong or the promise they made to President Obama in 2015 not to build up weapons systems in the South China Sea — we’ve seen the Chinese not live up their word.”
China has a set of commitments that have been made to the United States regarding Taiwan and the rest of the world.
“We are counting on them to live up to those. But you can see the United States lived up to its commitments, both its commitments under the one-China policy and the communiques. But also the commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act to continue to provide weapons systems so that the people of Taiwan can take care of themselves as well.”
After Chinese sanctions on U.S. defense contractors over earlier arms sales this week, the Trump administration announced additional weapons sales worth $2.37 billion in Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
Asked whether the latest Taiwan missile sale was meant to signal Beijing, Mr. Pompeo dismissed the idea. “Those sales have been in the works for some time,” he said.
Mr. Pompeo praised Indonesia in a speech for respecting religious freedom — a major emphasis of his tenure at the State Department.
“Our respect for our God-given rights is the defining feature of America’s national spirit,” he said. “It’s why America stood tallest among Western democracies in supporting your independence from colonial rule and has been a stalwart supporter of Indonesia’s transition to democracy over the past two decades.”
“The fact that our people embrace freedom and uphold a tradition of tolerance is very special. We should never lose it,” he said.
• Bill Gertz can be reached at bgertz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Chargers cancel practice after positive test for COVID-19

COSTA MESA , Calif ( AP ) - The Los Angeles Chargers placed guard Ryan Groy on the league ’ s COVID-19 reserve list Thursday and canceled practice .
The Chargers said they were notified of a positive test Wednesday night and that an unidentified player immediately went into quarantine .
The team also identified the player ’ s close contacts , and they remained away from the complex .
All team meetings were held virtually in preparation for Sunday ’ s game at the Denver Broncos before coach Anthony Lynn canceled practice , which was supposed to be just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bout with the novel coronavirus in June , said he wanted the team to have another round of testing before resuming practice .
This is the first time a Chargers player has tested positive since the league ’ s daily testing started during training camp , and they were one of the few teams to not have a player opt out for the season .
The Chargers said they did an extra round of deep cleaning Thursday on top of the regular routine of multiple daily cleanings .
Players do not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 reserve list .
They can be placed on there for having contact with others who have tested positive or because further testing is needed .
“ We ’ ve done a really good job of contract tracing and players take this very seriously , ” Lynn said .
“ I just want to make sure that we keep it contained and give the players a little more peace of mind .
We ’ ve talked all year about how different things are , so we knew we have to adjust and adapt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we ’ re doing today.
” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said there have been no discussions about rescheduling Sunday ’ s game and that as part of their protocols , they will continue to monitor test results .
McCarthy added this is the 72nd instance of one or two players or team personnel testing positive that hasn ’ t resulted in a change to a game .
Both teams are 2-4 and have already had their bye week .
This game was originally scheduled for Nov. 22 , but was moved up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slew of scheduling changes because of other positive tests throughout the league .
Groy has started the past three games at right guard , but suffered a biceps injury during last Sunday ’ s 39-29 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars .
Groy , who is in his seventh season , did not practice on Wednesday because of the injury .
He was first placed on injured reserve before subsequently being moved to the COVID-19 list .

COSTA MESA, Calif (AP) - The Los Angeles Chargers placed guard Ryan Groy on the league’s COVID-19 reserve list Thursday and canceled practice.
The Chargers said they were notified of a positive test Wednesday night and that an unidentified player immediately went into quarantine. The team also identified the player’s close contacts, and they remained away from the complex.
All team meetings were held virtually in preparation for Sunday’s game at the Denver Broncos before coach Anthony Lynn canceled practice, which was supposed to be just a walkthrough.
Lynn, who had a bout with the novel coronavirus in June, said he wanted the team to have another round of testing before resuming practice. This is the first time a Chargers player has tested positive since the league’s daily testing started during training camp, and they were one of the few teams to not have a player opt out for the season.
The Chargers said they did an extra round of deep cleaning Thursday on top of the regular routine of multiple daily cleanings.
Players do not have to test positive to be on the COVID-19 reserve list. They can be placed on there for having contact with others who have tested positive or because further testing is needed.
“We’ve done a really good job of contract tracing and players take this very seriously,” Lynn said. “I just want to make sure that we keep it contained and give the players a little more peace of mind. We’ve talked all year about how different things are, so we knew we have to adjust and adapt, and that’s kind of what we’re doing today.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said there have been no discussions about rescheduling Sunday’s game and that as part of their protocols, they will continue to monitor test results. McCarthy added this is the 72nd instance of one or two players or team personnel testing positive that hasn’t resulted in a change to a game.
Both teams are 2-4 and have already had their bye week. This game was originally scheduled for Nov. 22, but was moved up three weeks after Los Angeles had a slew of scheduling changes because of other positive tests throughout the league.
Groy has started the past three games at right guard, but suffered a biceps injury during last Sunday’s 39-29 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Groy, who is in his seventh season, did not practice on Wednesday because of the injury. He was first placed on injured reserve before subsequently being moved to the COVID-19 list.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Connecticut designates more communities as virus hot zones

New data showing that about 70 % of Connecticut residents now live in communities experiencing spikes in coronavirus infections led Gov .
Ned Lamont on Thursday to give more municipal leaders the option of reverting back to the state ’ s second phase of reopening , under which there are more restrictions .
The Democrat acknowledged being dismayed to see the state ’ s positivity rate climb since Wednesday , calling it a “ gut punch ” for a state that has worked hard to do “ the right thing for a long time ” to control spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we ’ ve got to do to get through this .
We ’ re going to see some progress on a local basis , and I hope we can take that statewide , ” Lamont said , referring to the local rollbacks , as well as weekly testing of nursing home staffers and other measures .
“ Obviously , we ’ re a small state in a big region and a lot of things are going on , but we are going to manage our way through this.
” The latest average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
State health departments are calculating positivity rate differently across the country , but for Connecticut , The Associated Press calculates the rate by dividing new cases by test specimens using data from The COVID Tracking Project from Oct. 14-28 .
Lamont ’ s office on Thursday reported a one-day , 6.1 % increase since Wednesday .
The governor said he didn ’ t believe it was an outlier .
“ It ’ s a one-day number , but I think the trend line is clear .
The trend line in our state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our country is clear , ” he said , adding that he was “ not an alarmist ” and believed the number will decline .
The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Connecticut has risen over the past two weeks from 1.5 % on Oct. 14 to 2.58 % on Oct. 28 .
Lamont said he is allowing leaders of cities and towns with 10 to 14 positive cases per a population of 100,000 people , the benchmark for an “ orange alert , ” to roll back the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more 15 or more cases per 100,000 people , or “ red alert ” cities or towns .
There are now 30 municipalities on red alert , with a big grouping in eastern Connecticut , and 53 on orange alert .
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said monitoring of city sewage helped to identify a spike in cases his city which is now on red alert , prompting him to extend remote learning indefinitely for students instead of going hybrid Nov. 9 .
Also , he plans to revert to the more strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close City Hall offices next Wednesday .
“ It is quite clear that most of the cases we ’ re seeing are driven by adults making sloppy decisions and adults in particular gathering in small groups , where they put each other at risk and put the larger community at risk because of it , ” he said .
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim announced his city will also roll back to earlier restrictions for businesses , institute a curfew policy and deter gatherings .
Lamont said he has been talking to neighboring governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and businesses , as well as winter sports , including youth hockey .
Also , concerned about large gatherings at some restaurants in Connecticut , Lamont hinted the state might get tougher with those who violate the rules .
As of Thursday , the number of hospitalizations increased by 12 to 321 since Wednesday while the number of COVID-associated deaths increased by five to 4,609 .
In other coronavirus-related news in Connecticut : Despite calls from the Connecticut branch of AARP and others , Lamont said Thursday he is “ inclined ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides civil immunity to nursing homes and hospitals for “ actions or omissions in support of the state ’ s COVID-19 response.
” It is slated to expire Nov. 9 .
“ My instinct is right now , given all the complexity in and around a second round of COVID , I ’ d be inclined to extend that immunity , ” he said .

New data showing that about 70% of Connecticut residents now live in communities experiencing spikes in coronavirus infections led Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday to give more municipal leaders the option of reverting back to the state’s second phase of reopening, under which there are more restrictions.
The Democrat acknowledged being dismayed to see the state’s positivity rate climb since Wednesday, calling it a “gut punch” for a state that has worked hard to do “the right thing for a long time” to control spread of the virus.
“I think we know what we’ve got to do to get through this. We’re going to see some progress on a local basis, and I hope we can take that statewide,” Lamont said, referring to the local rollbacks, as well as weekly testing of nursing home staffers and other measures. “Obviously, we’re a small state in a big region and a lot of things are going on, but we are going to manage our way through this.”
The latest average positivity rate in Connecticut is 2.58%. State health departments are calculating positivity rate differently across the country, but for Connecticut, The Associated Press calculates the rate by dividing new cases by test specimens using data from The COVID Tracking Project from Oct. 14-28.
Lamont’s office on Thursday reported a one-day, 6.1% increase since Wednesday. The governor said he didn’t believe it was an outlier.
“It’s a one-day number, but I think the trend line is clear. The trend line in our state is clear and our region is clear and our country is clear,” he said, adding that he was “not an alarmist” and believed the number will decline.
The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Connecticut has risen over the past two weeks from 1.5% on Oct. 14 to 2.58% on Oct. 28.
Lamont said he is allowing leaders of cities and towns with 10 to 14 positive cases per a population of 100,000 people, the benchmark for an “orange alert,” to roll back the third phase of reopening just like communities with more 15 or more cases per 100,000 people, or “red alert” cities or towns. There are now 30 municipalities on red alert, with a big grouping in eastern Connecticut, and 53 on orange alert.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said monitoring of city sewage helped to identify a spike in cases his city which is now on red alert, prompting him to extend remote learning indefinitely for students instead of going hybrid Nov. 9. Also, he plans to revert to the more strict capacity limits for restaurants and businesses and close City Hall offices next Wednesday.
“It is quite clear that most of the cases we’re seeing are driven by adults making sloppy decisions and adults in particular gathering in small groups, where they put each other at risk and put the larger community at risk because of it,” he said.
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim announced his city will also roll back to earlier restrictions for businesses, institute a curfew policy and deter gatherings.
Lamont said he has been talking to neighboring governors about working together on restrictions for restaurants and businesses, as well as winter sports, including youth hockey. Also, concerned about large gatherings at some restaurants in Connecticut, Lamont hinted the state might get tougher with those who violate the rules.
As of Thursday, the number of hospitalizations increased by 12 to 321 since Wednesday while the number of COVID-associated deaths increased by five to 4,609.
In other coronavirus-related news in Connecticut:
LEGAL IMMUNITY
Despite calls from the Connecticut branch of AARP and others, Lamont said Thursday he is “inclined” to again extend his executive order, which provides civil immunity to nursing homes and hospitals for “actions or omissions in support of the state’s COVID-19 response.” It is slated to expire Nov. 9.
“My instinct is right now, given all the complexity in and around a second round of COVID, I’d be inclined to extend that immunity,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Nevada Gaming Control Board executive director is resigning

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - The chairwoman and executive director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board is @ @ @ @ @ will be leaving her position as of Nov. 6 , Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak @ @ @ @ @ in a statement that Morgan was resigning to “ pursue an exciting professional opportunity , @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he ’ ll name Morgan ’ s replacement in the near future @ @ @ @ @ s “ steady hand and unmatched leadership has been critical in guiding Nevada ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the most turbulent periods in its history.
” Morgan said that in the last two @ @ @ @ @ has ensured that gaming licensees adopted and implemented policies for all types of discrimination and @ @ @ @ @ to allow cashless wagering at machines and table games , investigated the merger creating the @ @ @ @ @ company , and adopted COVID-19 mitigation measures .
”

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - The chairwoman and executive director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board is resigning.
Sandra Douglass Morgan will be leaving her position as of Nov. 6, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Thursday.
Sisolak said in a statement that Morgan was resigning to “pursue an exciting professional opportunity,” but did not elaborate.
He said he’ll name Morgan’s replacement in the near future.
Sisolak said Morgan’s “steady hand and unmatched leadership has been critical in guiding Nevada’s gaming industry through one of the most turbulent periods in its history.”
Morgan said that in the last two years, “the board has ensured that gaming licensees adopted and implemented policies for all types of discrimination and harassment, modernized its regulations to allow cashless wagering at machines and table games, investigated the merger creating the world’s largest casino company, and adopted COVID-19 mitigation measures.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Affidavit: Arkansas mans says he killed 2 women, injured 1

CHEROKEE VILLAGE , Ark .
( AP ) - An Arkansas man was arrested after confessing to injuring one woman because she was talking and fatally stabbing two other women because they stole from him , according to an arrest warrant affidavit .
Charles Paul Stovall , 24 , of Cherokee Village is being held in the Sharp County jail awaiting formal charges .
There weren ’ t any as of early Wednesday , the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported .
Stovall told local police that he killed Hayleigh Gruger , 23 , and Linda Janny , 72 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It also says that Stovall admitted to stabbing Deborah Compton , 41 , who he was trying to kill .
Gruger was found dead in her in Cherokee Village by a friend on Oct. 19 .
She had been stabbed multiple times and had drawings and burn marks on her body , according to the affidavit from Sharp County Chief Deputy Aaron Presser and Special Agent Wendall Jines of the Arkansas State Police .
While police were investigating Gruger ’ s death , there was another call about a stabbing near Highland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.83 kilometers ) from Cherokee Village .
Compton had been stabbed multiple times while riding in a vehicle with Stovall , according to the affidavit .
She was transported to a hospital .
“ When asked why he attacked her , he stated he was tired of her talking , ” wrote Presser and Jines .
It was not immediately known if Stovall had an attorney to speak on his behalf .
A petition of revocation of suspended sentence was filed with the affidavit .
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim Meitzen wrote that Stovall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a drug charge .

CHEROKEE VILLAGE, Ark. (AP) - An Arkansas man was arrested after confessing to injuring one woman because she was talking and fatally stabbing two other women because they stole from him, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Charles Paul Stovall, 24, of Cherokee Village is being held in the Sharp County jail awaiting formal charges. There weren’t any as of early Wednesday, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
Stovall told local police that he killed Hayleigh Gruger, 23, and Linda Janny, 72, according to the affidavit filed in Sharp County Circuit Court. It also says that Stovall admitted to stabbing Deborah Compton, 41, who he was trying to kill.
Gruger was found dead in her in Cherokee Village by a friend on Oct. 19. She had been stabbed multiple times and had drawings and burn marks on her body, according to the affidavit from Sharp County Chief Deputy Aaron Presser and Special Agent Wendall Jines of the Arkansas State Police.
While police were investigating Gruger’s death, there was another call about a stabbing near Highland, which is about 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) from Cherokee Village. Compton had been stabbed multiple times while riding in a vehicle with Stovall, according to the affidavit. She was transported to a hospital.
“When asked why he attacked her, he stated he was tired of her talking,” wrote Presser and Jines.
It was not immediately known if Stovall had an attorney to speak on his behalf.
A petition of revocation of suspended sentence was filed with the affidavit. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim Meitzen wrote that Stovall received a five-year suspended sentence in 2018 for a drug charge.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Hospital officer: New Mexico at pivotal point with virus

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - The chief medical officer for the largest hospital system in New Mexico said Thursday that the state is at a pivotal point with the coronavirus as a new high was set for the daily case count and hospitalizations hit record levels .
Dr. Jason Mitchell with Presbyterian Healthcare Services said during a briefing that the data and modeling is clear that New Mexico ’ s health care system will face a crisis if the spread of COVID-19 continues at its current rate .
He warned that by December , equipment like ventilators would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to set up tents in parking lots to make room for patients .
“ Our goal is to ensure transmission is low enough so we never hit that point , ” he said .
“ This is a serious call to action for us as a community.
” New Mexico on Thursday marked its highest number of hospitalizations since the pandemic began , with state officials saying the number of people in hospital beds due to a COVID-19 infection has increased more than 50 % in just seven days .
The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as daily case counts have increased more than 15 % in the past seven days compared to the previous week .
In all , nearly 1,000 people have died in New Mexico and Thursday ’ s count of confirmed infections - 1,082 - smashed a record that was set just days ago .
New Mexico ’ s top health officials and hospital administrators are concerned that people are not following the state ’ s public health order , which calls for residents to stay at home as much as possible and avoid contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people to find other ways to celebrate Halloween rather than letting their children go door to door in search for treats .
Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said a change in public behavior can ’ t happen soon enough .
He likened the situation to driving on ice .
“ Even if you fully stop the wheels from turning , we ’ re still going to slide for another two weeks with new cases , ” he explained .
Mitchell echoed the concern , saying the curve ’ s trajectory becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leading to a doubling of cases in a matter of a couple weeks .
“ We are not past the tipping point , which is great , but we do have to make changes as a community , ” he said .
“ All the models agree on this .
It ’ s really , really clear .
Separate sets of scientists , separate methodologies all point in the same direction.
” Like Presbyterian , officials at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center said the COVID-19 unit at the Santa Fe hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was in the spring .
Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gonzales said hospitals around the state already are opening other units on their campuses to accommodate the increase but having the health care workers to staff those extra beds is a concern .
The hospital officials also stressed the state mandate for mask wearing .
It ’ s the focus of a new public service campaign launched by Presbyterian that features ads showing people wearing face coverings and a call to protect moms , dads , grandparents and others by “ masking @ @ @

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The chief medical officer for the largest hospital system in New Mexico said Thursday that the state is at a pivotal point with the coronavirus as a new high was set for the daily case count and hospitalizations hit record levels.
Dr. Jason Mitchell with Presbyterian Healthcare Services said during a briefing that the data and modeling is clear that New Mexico’s health care system will face a crisis if the spread of COVID-19 continues at its current rate. He warned that by December, equipment like ventilators would have to be shared and hospitals would have to set up tents in parking lots to make room for patients.
“Our goal is to ensure transmission is low enough so we never hit that point,” he said. “This is a serious call to action for us as a community.”
New Mexico on Thursday marked its highest number of hospitalizations since the pandemic began, with state officials saying the number of people in hospital beds due to a COVID-19 infection has increased more than 50% in just seven days.
The number of deaths also are on the rise as daily case counts have increased more than 15% in the past seven days compared to the previous week. In all, nearly 1,000 people have died in New Mexico and Thursday’s count of confirmed infections - 1,082 - smashed a record that was set just days ago.
New Mexico’s top health officials and hospital administrators are concerned that people are not following the state’s public health order, which calls for residents to stay at home as much as possible and avoid contact with other people. They are pleading with people to find other ways to celebrate Halloween rather than letting their children go door to door in search for treats.
Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said a change in public behavior can’t happen soon enough. He likened the situation to driving on ice.
“Even if you fully stop the wheels from turning, we’re still going to slide for another two weeks with new cases,” he explained.
Mitchell echoed the concern, saying the curve’s trajectory becomes even steeper with higher rates of spread, leading to a doubling of cases in a matter of a couple weeks.
“We are not past the tipping point, which is great, but we do have to make changes as a community,” he said. “All the models agree on this. It’s really, really clear. Separate sets of scientists, separate methodologies all point in the same direction.”
Like Presbyterian, officials at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center said the COVID-19 unit at the Santa Fe hospital is about three times as full as it was in the spring. Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gonzales said hospitals around the state already are opening other units on their campuses to accommodate the increase but having the health care workers to staff those extra beds is a concern.
The hospital officials also stressed the state mandate for mask wearing. It’s the focus of a new public service campaign launched by Presbyterian that features ads showing people wearing face coverings and a call to protect moms, dads, grandparents and others by “masking up.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Former anti-masker urges caution after contracting COVID-19

HELENA , Mont .
( AP ) - A Montana resident who called the COVID-19 pandemic a “ sham-demic ” and mocked mask wearers said he is now taking the pandemic seriously after contracting the virus .
Gilbert Herrera of Butte and his partner Gina Sandon spoke about their experience fighting the respiratory virus , which included hospitalizations and long periods of isolation , during a news conference with Gov .
Steve Bullock Thursday .
Herrera said that before he contracted COVID-19 in September , he was opposed to wearing masks and would “ mask-shame ” people who chose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is “ a firm believer ” in the risks of the pandemic .
“ I would just rather play it safe , ” he said .
Bullock for weeks has spoken in favor of wearing masks , which are required in Montana counties with four or more active cases of the virus .
Ahead of Halloween celebrations , Bullock said no candy would be handed out at the governor ’ s mansion , where governors have traditionally distributed thousands of pieces of candy to little ghosts and goblins .
He urged Montana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate Halloween , but stopped short from advising against handing out candy , even as the virus continues to spread in the state .
Bullock and Lt. Gov .
Mike Cooney tested negative for COVID-19 Thursday , after a second staff member in the governor ’ s office was diagnosed with the virus , Bullock said .
Bullock and Cooney are not considered close contacts of the infected individuals , but four additional staff members who are have been quarantined .
Bullock and Cooney were first tested Wednesday , and will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Five teams of five nurses each will travel to Montana in the coming weeks to assist in providing health care services in rural parts of the state , the governor announced .
The teams , provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , will remain for 30 days .
“ With increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases across Montana , this increases the likelihood of healthcare workers becoming infected with the virus or having to quarantine for being a close contact , ” Bullock said , adding that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide care .
Three of the teams will arrive in Montana next week and will be stationed along the Hi-Line and in eastern Montana .
Two additional teams will arrive after they finish responding to Hurricane Zeta , Bullock said .
The exact locations where the teams will be stationed haven ’ t been decided , he added .
The state tallied 891 newly confirmed cases of the respiratory virus Thursday , bringing the total reported case count in the state to over 30,000 .
The number of cases is thought to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested and people can have COVID-19 without showing any symptoms .
The state has reported at least 337 deaths related to the virus , and 373 people are currently hospitalized with it .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - A Montana resident who called the COVID-19 pandemic a “sham-demic” and mocked mask wearers said he is now taking the pandemic seriously after contracting the virus.
Gilbert Herrera of Butte and his partner Gina Sandon spoke about their experience fighting the respiratory virus, which included hospitalizations and long periods of isolation, during a news conference with Gov. Steve Bullock Thursday.
Herrera said that before he contracted COVID-19 in September, he was opposed to wearing masks and would “mask-shame” people who chose to wear them.
Now, Herrera said he is “a firm believer” in the risks of the pandemic. “I would just rather play it safe,” he said.
Bullock for weeks has spoken in favor of wearing masks, which are required in Montana counties with four or more active cases of the virus.
Ahead of Halloween celebrations, Bullock said no candy would be handed out at the governor’s mansion, where governors have traditionally distributed thousands of pieces of candy to little ghosts and goblins. He urged Montana residents to take precautions if they choose to celebrate Halloween, but stopped short from advising against handing out candy, even as the virus continues to spread in the state.
Bullock and Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney tested negative for COVID-19 Thursday, after a second staff member in the governor’s office was diagnosed with the virus, Bullock said. Bullock and Cooney are not considered close contacts of the infected individuals, but four additional staff members who are have been quarantined.
Bullock and Cooney were first tested Wednesday, and will continue to undergo regular testing, the governor said.
Five teams of five nurses each will travel to Montana in the coming weeks to assist in providing health care services in rural parts of the state, the governor announced. The teams, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will remain for 30 days.
“With increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases across Montana, this increases the likelihood of healthcare workers becoming infected with the virus or having to quarantine for being a close contact,” Bullock said, adding that the teams will ensure rural clinics continue to provide care.
Three of the teams will arrive in Montana next week and will be stationed along the Hi-Line and in eastern Montana. Two additional teams will arrive after they finish responding to Hurricane Zeta, Bullock said. The exact locations where the teams will be stationed haven’t been decided, he added.
The state tallied 891 newly confirmed cases of the respiratory virus Thursday, bringing the total reported case count in the state to over 30,000. The number of cases is thought to be far higher because not everyone has been tested and people can have COVID-19 without showing any symptoms.
The state has reported at least 337 deaths related to the virus, and 373 people are currently hospitalized with it.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Gray wolf off endangered species list in 'great comeback story'

Federal wildlife officials announced Thursday the lifting of species protections for the gray wolf in the lower 48 , heralding the decision as U.S. conservation triumph , but whether the Trump administration can keep the apex predator off the list is another question .
The Obama administration was unable to seal the deal after seeking in 2013 to delist the gray wolf in the contiguous states , while the Wyoming wolves jumped on and off the endangered-species list for years amid lawsuits and court decisions before being delisted in 2017 .
Environmental groups have already vowed to fight the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary David Bernhardt insisted that after recovery efforts that began in the 1970s , the “ strong and stable ” U.S. gray wolf population of about 6,000 is no longer in jeopardy .
“ After more than 45 years as a listed species , the gray wolf has exceeded all conservation goals for recovery , ” said Mr. Bernhardt , who announced the decision at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington .
“ Today ’ s announcement simply reflects the determination that this species is neither a threatened nor endangered species @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid out in the law.
” More than 50 U.S. species , including the bald eagle , peregrine falcon and American alligator , have been recovered under the Endangered Species Act .
The gray wolf marks the 13th species to be delisted under the Trump administration .
“ The reemergence of the gray wolf in the United States is a great comeback story , ” said Nebraska Gov .
Pete Ricketts .
Critics included Chelsea Clinton , who called it “ terrible news for gray wolves and biodiversity , ” and WildEarth Guardians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 60 days to “ challenge the premature removal of endangered species protections for gray wolves.
” “ Although certain distinct populations of gray wolves have recovered and merit delisting , national wolf populations have not , and a nationwide delisting decision is not appropriate at this time , ” said Collin O ’ Mara , president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation .
The National Cattlemen ’ s Beef Association cheered the delisting , calling it “ an outstanding victory ” and “ the culmination of decades of work done by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habitat ensuring wolf recover efforts were successful , even when impacts to their livelihoods were significant.
” “ The road to recovery and delisting has been fraught with purely political lawsuits that promoted emotion over fact , and the facts are clear : the gray wolf population is recovered and states are well-equipped to manage this population , ” said NCBA vice president Don Schiefelbein , a Minnesota rancher .
The agency ’ s efforts to delist the gray wolf began under President George W. Bush and continued in the Obama administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking to curry favor with the agriculture industry .
“ Finalizing delisting of wolves a few days before an election is a gift to the ranching and agricultural interests , plain and simple , ” said Lindsay Larris , WildEarth Guardians wildlife program director .
The final rule , which is slated to be published Nov. 3 after being proposed in March 2019 , would return management of the gray wolf to the states and tribes in the Northern Great Lakes states of Michigan , Minnesota and Wisconsin , where about 4,200 wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also affects gray wolves expanding into Western Oregon and Washington , Northern California , where there are seven known breeding pairs , and Northwest Colorado .
The wolves were previously delisted in Idaho , Montana and Wyoming , as well as Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington .
Critics argued that the Northern Rockies delisting has placed the wolves in danger by allowing states to offer limited wolf hunting and trapping .
Idaho Fish and Game reported 570 wolves killed in 2019-20 by hunters and traps , as well as vehicles and other causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal protections wolves still have , and likely halt recovery in its tracks , ” said WildEarth Guardians .
The wolf population has increased sixfold since dropping to about 1,000 at the time of its 1974 listing , “ greatly exceeding the combined recovery goals for the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes populations , ” said the Interior Department in a statement .
Rep .
Rob Bishop , Utah Republican , said the delisting came after “ one of the most successful species recoveries in history , despite the mounds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s unfortunate it took this long for the federal government to turn management back to the states , when in fact state management and expertise is what got us to where we are today , ” Mr. Bishop said .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed this year the sighting of six wolves in the northwestern part of the state , and there could soon be more .
Colorado voters will decide Tuesday on a ballot measure directing the Parks and Wildlife Commission to create and implement a plan to restore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as “ fairly compensate ” livestock owners for their losses .
The measure , Proposition 114 , would require about 10 wolves to be introduced by Dec. 31 , 2023 , at a cost of about $ 500,000 .
Why not wait for the wolves to arrive on their own ?
“ While there have been sightings in Colorado , it is uncertain gray wolves will establish a permanent population on their own , ” said Colorado Blue Book argument .
The Yes on 114 campaign cited the move to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would put the wolves “ at risk of losing the progress made to restore them to their natural habitats.
” “ It ’ s on us to bring them home for good , ” said the campaign , known as the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund .
Meanwhile , opponents have argued that the wolf would threaten the state ’ s moose population , livestock and domestic pets , and cited the Yes on 114 campaign ’ s out-of-state funding , whose sources include the Tides Center and “ The 4-Hour Workweek ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves , as apex predators , will impact our deer , elk and moose populations , and in Northwest Colorado , where hunting is a multi-million dollar industry , a decrease in wildlife populations would negatively impact our local economy , ” said the Steamboat Pilot in a Sept. 30 editorial .
A Fish and Wildlife Service official said that the final rule , which goes into effect 60 days after being published , was made without regard to the Colorado ballot measure .
Fish and Wildlife Service director Aurelia Skipwith expressed confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies to manage the species .
“ Today is a win for the gray wolf and the American people , ” she said .
“ I am grateful for these partnerships with States and Tribes and their commitment to sustainable management of wolves that will ensure the species long-term survival following this delisting .
”

Federal wildlife officials announced Thursday the lifting of species protections for the gray wolf in the lower 48, heralding the decision as U.S. conservation triumph, but whether the Trump administration can keep the apex predator off the list is another question.
The Obama administration was unable to seal the deal after seeking in 2013 to delist the gray wolf in the contiguous states, while the Wyoming wolves jumped on and off the endangered-species list for years amid lawsuits and court decisions before being delisted in 2017.
Environmental groups have already vowed to fight the administration’s final rule, but Interior Secretary David Bernhardt insisted that after recovery efforts that began in the 1970s, the “strong and stable” U.S. gray wolf population of about 6,000 is no longer in jeopardy.
“After more than 45 years as a listed species, the gray wolf has exceeded all conservation goals for recovery,” said Mr. Bernhardt, who announced the decision at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington. “Today’s announcement simply reflects the determination that this species is neither a threatened nor endangered species based on the specific factors Congress has laid out in the law.”
More than 50 U.S. species, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and American alligator, have been recovered under the Endangered Species Act. The gray wolf marks the 13th species to be delisted under the Trump administration.
“The reemergence of the gray wolf in the United States is a great comeback story,” said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.
Critics included Chelsea Clinton, who called it “terrible news for gray wolves and biodiversity,” and WildEarth Guardians, which pledged to file a lawsuit within 60 days to “challenge the premature removal of endangered species protections for gray wolves.”
Terrible news for gray wolves and biodiversity. https://t.co/F2X6NLUMaQ — Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) October 29, 2020
“Although certain distinct populations of gray wolves have recovered and merit delisting, national wolf populations have not, and a nationwide delisting decision is not appropriate at this time,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association cheered the delisting, calling it “an outstanding victory” and “the culmination of decades of work done by cattle producers and landowners nationwide to protect habitat ensuring wolf recover efforts were successful, even when impacts to their livelihoods were significant.”
“The road to recovery and delisting has been fraught with purely political lawsuits that promoted emotion over fact, and the facts are clear: the gray wolf population is recovered and states are well-equipped to manage this population,” said NCBA vice president Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota rancher.
The agency’s efforts to delist the gray wolf began under President George W. Bush and continued in the Obama administration, but critics accused the White House of seeking to curry favor with the agriculture industry.
“Finalizing delisting of wolves a few days before an election is a gift to the ranching and agricultural interests, plain and simple,” said Lindsay Larris, WildEarth Guardians wildlife program director.
The final rule, which is slated to be published Nov. 3 after being proposed in March 2019, would return management of the gray wolf to the states and tribes in the Northern Great Lakes states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where about 4,200 wolves now make their home.
The delisting also affects gray wolves expanding into Western Oregon and Washington, Northern California, where there are seven known breeding pairs, and Northwest Colorado. The wolves were previously delisted in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, as well as Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington.
.@realDonaldTrump‘s Admin is committed to species conservation based on the best available science, data, and the law. After more than 45 years on the ESA list, the gray wolf has exceeded all recovery goals & will now return to state and tribal management. https://t.co/jtHWQHK2Ce — Secretary David Bernhardt (@SecBernhardt) October 29, 2020
Critics argued that the Northern Rockies delisting has placed the wolves in danger by allowing states to offer limited wolf hunting and trapping. Idaho Fish and Game reported 570 wolves killed in 2019-20 by hunters and traps, as well as vehicles and other causes.
“Delisting would remove what little legal protections wolves still have, and likely halt recovery in its tracks,” said WildEarth Guardians.
The wolf population has increased sixfold since dropping to about 1,000 at the time of its 1974 listing, “greatly exceeding the combined recovery goals for the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes populations,” said the Interior Department in a statement.
Rep. Rob Bishop, Utah Republican, said the delisting came after “one of the most successful species recoveries in history, despite the mounds of federal red tape and abusive litigation.”
“It’s unfortunate it took this long for the federal government to turn management back to the states, when in fact state management and expertise is what got us to where we are today,” Mr. Bishop said.
Colorado reintroduction
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed this year the sighting of six wolves in the northwestern part of the state, and there could soon be more.
Colorado voters will decide Tuesday on a ballot measure directing the Parks and Wildlife Commission to create and implement a plan to restore gray wolves west of the continental divide, as well as “fairly compensate” livestock owners for their losses.
The measure, Proposition 114, would require about 10 wolves to be introduced by Dec. 31, 2023, at a cost of about $500,000.
Why not wait for the wolves to arrive on their own? “While there have been sightings in Colorado, it is uncertain gray wolves will establish a permanent population on their own,” said Colorado Blue Book argument.
The Yes on 114 campaign cited the move to lift federal endangered-species protections, saying it would put the wolves “at risk of losing the progress made to restore them to their natural habitats.”
“It’s on us to bring them home for good,” said the campaign, known as the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund.
Meanwhile, opponents have argued that the wolf would threaten the state’s moose population, livestock and domestic pets, and cited the Yes on 114 campaign’s out-of-state funding, whose sources include the Tides Center and “The 4-Hour Workweek” author and podcaster Tim Ferriss.
Anyone else confused about CO Prop 114? https://t.co/T835lFGHHK — Tommy Henson (@HensonTommy) October 22, 2020
“Wolves, as apex predators, will impact our deer, elk and moose populations, and in Northwest Colorado, where hunting is a multi-million dollar industry, a decrease in wildlife populations would negatively impact our local economy,” said the Steamboat Pilot in a Sept. 30 editorial.
A Fish and Wildlife Service official said that the final rule, which goes into effect 60 days after being published, was made without regard to the Colorado ballot measure.
Fish and Wildlife Service director Aurelia Skipwith expressed confidence in the ability of state and tribal agencies to manage the species.
“Today is a win for the gray wolf and the American people,” she said. “I am grateful for these partnerships with States and Tribes and their commitment to sustainable management of wolves that will ensure the species long-term survival following this delisting.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Romo's $4.75 million option declined by Minnesota Twins

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - The Minnesota Twins declined a $ 4.75 million option on right-hander Sergio Romo , who @ @ @ @ @ and became a free agent .
The 37-year-old was 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA and @ @ @ @ @ during his second season with Minnesota .
He struck out 23 and walked seven in @ @ @ @ @ a 13-year big league veteran with San Francisco ( 2008-16 ) , the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ Tampa Bay ( 2017-18 ) , Miami ( 2019 ) and Minnesota ( 2019-20 ) @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Twins declined a $4.75 million option on right-hander Sergio Romo, who gets a $250,00 buyout and became a free agent.
The 37-year-old was 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA and five saves in 24 games during his second season with Minnesota. He struck out 23 and walked seven in 20 innings.
Romo is a 13-year big league veteran with San Francisco (2008-16), the Los Angeles Dodgers (2017), Tampa Bay (2017-18), Miami (2019) and Minnesota (2019-20). He was an All-Star in 2013.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--New Zealand votes to legalize euthanasia but not marijuana

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) - New Zealanders voted to legalize euthanasia in a binding referendum , but preliminary results released Friday showed they likely would not legalize marijuana .
With about 83 % of votes counted , New Zealanders emphatically endorsed the euthanasia measure with 65 % voting in favor and 34 % voting against .
The “ No ” vote on marijuana was much closer , with 53 % voting against legalizing the drug for recreational use and 46 % voting in favor .
That left open a slight chance the measure could still pass once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although it would require a huge swing .
In past elections , special votes - which include those cast by overseas voters - have tended to be more liberal than general votes , giving proponents of marijuana legalization some hope the measure could still pass .
Proponents of marijuana legalization were frustrated that popular Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wouldn ’ t reveal how she intended to vote ahead the Oct. 17 ballot , saying she wanted to leave the decision to New Zealanders .
Ardern said Friday after the results were released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both referendums .
Conservative lawmaker Nick Smith , from the opposition National Party , welcomed the preliminary marijuana result .
“ This is a victory for common sense .
Research shows cannabis causes mental health problems , reduced motivation and educational achievement , and increased road and workplace deaths , ” he said .
“ New Zealanders have rightly concluded that legalizing recreational cannabis would normalize it , make it more available , increase its use and cause more harm.
” But liberal lawmaker Chlöe Swarbrick , from the Green Party , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be close and they needed to wait until the specials were counted .
“ We have said from the outset that this would always come down to voter turnout .
We ’ ve had record numbers of special votes , so I remain optimistic , ” she said .
“ New Zealand has had a really mature and ever-evolving conversation about drug laws in this country and we ’ ve come really far in the last three years.
” The euthanasia measure , which would also allow assisted suicide and takes effect in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have terminal illnesses , are likely to die within six months , and are enduring “ unbearable ” suffering .
Other countries that allow some form of euthanasia include The Netherlands , Luxembourg , Canada , Belgium and Colombia .
The marijuana measure would allow people to buy up to 14 grams ( 0.5 ounce ) a day and grow two plants .
It was a non-binding vote , so if voters approved it , legislation would have to be passed to implement it .
Ardern had promised to respect the outcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was necessary .
Other countries that have legalized or decriminalized recreational marijuana include Canada , South Africa , Uruguay , Georgia plus a number of U.S. states .

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealanders voted to legalize euthanasia in a binding referendum, but preliminary results released Friday showed they likely would not legalize recreational marijuana use.
With about 83% of votes counted, New Zealanders emphatically endorsed the euthanasia measure with 65% voting in favor and 34% voting against.
The “No” vote on marijuana was much closer, with 53% voting against legalizing the drug for recreational use and 46% voting in favor. That left open a slight chance the measure could still pass once all special votes were counted next week, although it would require a huge swing.
The two referendums represented significant potential changes to New Zealand’s social fabric, although the campaigns for each ended up getting overshadowed somewhat by the coronavirus pandemic and a parallel political race, in which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her liberal Labour Party won a second term in a landslide.
In past elections, special votes - which include those cast by overseas voters - have tended to track more liberal than general votes, giving proponents of marijuana legalization some hope the measure could still pass.
Proponents of legalizing the drug were frustrated that Ardern wouldn’t reveal how she intended to vote ahead the Oct. 17 ballot. Many believed an endorsement by Ardern could have boosted support for the measure, but she said she wanted to leave the decision to New Zealanders. Ardern said Friday after the results were released that she had voted in favor of both referendums.
Conservative lawmaker Nick Smith, from the opposition National Party, welcomed the preliminary marijuana result.
“This is a victory for common sense. Research shows cannabis causes mental health problems, reduced motivation and educational achievement, and increased road and workplace deaths,” he said. “New Zealanders have rightly concluded that legalizing recreational cannabis would normalize it, make it more available, increase its use and cause more harm.”
But liberal lawmaker Chlöe Swarbrick, from the Green Party, said they had long assumed the vote would be close and they needed to wait until the special votes were counted.
“We have said from the outset that this would always come down to voter turnout. We’ve had record numbers of special votes, so I remain optimistic,” she said. “New Zealand has had a really mature and ever-evolving conversation about drug laws in this country and we’ve come really far in the last three years.”
Proponents had argued the measure would reduce profits for gangs and improve social and legal outcomes for indigenous Maori.
The euthanasia measure, which would also allow assisted suicide and takes effect in November 2021, would apply to adults who have terminal illnesses, are likely to die within six months, and are enduring “unbearable” suffering. Other countries that allow some form of euthanasia include The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Belgium and Colombia.
“It is a victory for all New Zealand as we become a more compassionate and humane society,” said lawmaker David Seymour, of the libertarian ACT Party. “Thousands of New Zealanders who might have suffered excruciating deaths will have choice, dignity, control, and autonomy over their own bodies, protected by the rule of law.”
But Dr. John Kleinsman, an ethicist for the New Zealand Catholic Bishops, said the vote put vulnerable people on a dangerous path. He said the mere option of euthanasia would be a burden and pressure for many ailing people and their families, as well as for healthcare and religious workers.
The marijuana measure would allow people to buy up to 14 grams (0.5 ounce) a day and grow two plants. It was a non-binding vote, so if voters approved it, legislation would have to be passed to implement it. Ardern had promised to respect the outcome and bring forward the legislation, if it was necessary.
Other countries that have legalized or decriminalized recreational marijuana include Canada, South Africa, Uruguay, Georgia plus a number of U.S. states.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Inside the Beltway: Worried media buries 'great American comeback'

Much of the news media is reluctant to share any good economic news , fearing it will reflect positively on President Trump some 96 hours before Election Day .
But wait .
News organizations can ’ t overlook the U.S. economy ’ s record-breaking leap of 33.1 % between July and September — so they simply dampen the good news with some bad news .
It is a crafty trick that also denies news consumers the opportunity to savor good news for even a moment .
The method erodes voter trust in Mr. Trump as the election approaches .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside , here are some examples of strategic media modifications from the last 24 hours : “ Why the best GDP report ever won ’ t mean the economy has healed , ” observed The New York Times .
“ Record GDP won ’ t mean much to investors , ” noted CNN .
“ Despite GDP growth , polls suggest Trump ’ s advantage on economic stewardship is narrowing , ” said The Washington Post .
“ U.S .
economy grows at record pace but still has a long way to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Republican Party , however , offers a handy reality check , plus a reminder about Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden .
“ The economy grew at the highest rate ever on President Trump ’ s watch .
On November 3rd , the choice is simple .
Continue the policies that provided the conditions for the recovery by voting for President Trump .
Biden ’ s tax increases and job-killing energy policies would slam the brakes on the great American comeback , ” said Steve Guest , rapid response director for the Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumps all over President Trump ’ s economic gains , but of course .
Some say , however , that Joe Biden ’ s potential economic plans are a downright Halloween horror .
There are “ 11 trillion reasons to fear Joe Biden ’ s presidency , ” says Nick Gillespie , editor at large for Reason.com .
“ The former vice president ’ s vision of an all-powerful government goes far beyond massive spending and tax hikes , ” Mr. Gillespie writes , citing figures compiled by the Manhattan Institute .
Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new spending over the next decade — including $ 3.3 trillion on stimulus spending , $ 2 trillion on a Green New Deal ; $ 1.5 trillion on education , $ 1.4 trillion to expand Obamacare — well , you get the idea .
Mr. Biden also wants $ 3.6 trillion in tax hikes and lots of pesky federal regulations .
Mr. Gillespie has a dire forecast should Mr. Biden win the White House .
“ His season in the sun — coming decades after he first tossed his hat into the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dark winter that will persist long after next year ’ s first crocuses bloom , ” the analyst notes .
Parler is gaining strength , The social media platform was launched in 2018 by John Matze as an alternative to Twitter — meant to provide an online haven “ free of judgment ” and open to free expression and opinion .
He now serves as CEO and chief technology officer .
“ Parler is the solution to problems that have surfaced in recent years due to changes in Big Tech policy influenced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon a foundation of respect for privacy and personal data , free speech , free markets , and ethical , transparent corporate policy , ” the organization says in a mission statement .
Such values are under scrutiny now that Jack Dorsey , who founded Twitter in 2006 , was brought before Congress this week .
He was asked to answer charges that the giant provider — Twitter has 146 million daily users — had censored the New York Post , among other things .
“ Mr .
Dorsey , who the hell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what the media are allowed to report and what the American people are allowed to hear ?
And why do you persist in behaving as a Democratic super PAC silencing views to the contrary of your political beliefs ?
” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz asked the CEO .
It ’ s complicated .
Meanwhile , Mr. Matze has a prediction about his rival .
“ Free speech will prevail .
The model of social media publication through Dorsey-approved editors will lose within three years to Parler ’ s town square , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For those keeping score : President Trump made appearances — or will make appearances — at 10 campaign rallies in five states on Thursday and Friday .
And the states : Florida , North Carolina .
Michigan , Wisconsin and Minnesota .
On Saturday , Mr. Trump will appear at four rallies in Pennsylvania .
That total does not include 22 other rallies in the same time period hosted by Vice President Mike Pence , second lady Karen Pence , Donald Trump Jr. , Eric Trump and Lara Trump .
They appeared or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa , Maine , Michigan , Nevada , New Hampshire and Pennsylvania .
For sale : Castle Rock , an estate home built of local stone and red slate in 1880 on 16 acres , 620 feet above the Hudson River near Garrison , New York — directly across from West Point .
34 rooms — including six bedrooms and six baths , original unique woodworking , cathedral ceilings and custom details ; 10,518 square feet .
Panoramic views , four chimneys , towers , verandas , outbuildings , gardens .
“ Ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ; served as the design inspiration for the witch ’ s castle in “ The Wizard of Oz.
” Priced at $ 3.4 million through Houlihanlawrence.com ; find the home here .
• 41 % of registered U.S. voters are not going to celebrate Halloween this year ; 38 % of Republicans , 39 % of independent and 45 % of Democrats agree .
• 45 % of this group cite concerns over COVID-19 as their motivation not to celebrate ; 28 % of Republicans , 45 % of independent and 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of this group cite “ some other reason ” ; 50 % of Republicans , 39 % of independent and 24 % of Democrats agree .
• 12 % of this group have “ religious objections ” ; 14 % of Republicans , 10 % of independent and 13 % of Democrats agree .
• 10 % of this group “ prefer not to say ” ; 9 % of Republicans , 7 % of independent and 12 % of Democrats agree .
Source : An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 registered U.S. @ @ @ @ @

NEWS AND OPINION:
Much of the news media is reluctant to share any good economic news, fearing it will reflect positively on President Trump some 96 hours before Election Day. But wait. News organizations can’t overlook the U.S. economy’s record-breaking leap of 33.1% between July and September — so they simply dampen the good news with some bad news.
It is a crafty trick that also denies news consumers the opportunity to savor good news for even a moment. The method erodes voter trust in Mr. Trump as the election approaches. That’s a given. All that aside, here are some examples of strategic media modifications from the last 24 hours:
“Why the best GDP report ever won’t mean the economy has healed,” observed The New York Times.
“Record GDP won’t mean much to investors,” noted CNN.
“Despite GDP growth, polls suggest Trump’s advantage on economic stewardship is narrowing,” said The Washington Post.
“U.S. economy grows at record pace but still has a long way to go,” declared National Public Radio.
The Republican Party, however, offers a handy reality check, plus a reminder about Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden.
“The economy grew at the highest rate ever on President Trump’s watch. On November 3rd, the choice is simple. Continue the policies that provided the conditions for the recovery by voting for President Trump. Biden’s tax increases and job-killing energy policies would slam the brakes on the great American comeback,” said Steve Guest, rapid response director for the Republican National Committee.
FEAR THE BIDEN ECONOMY
Yes, the media dumps all over President Trump‘s economic gains, but of course. Some say, however, that Joe Biden‘s potential economic plans are a downright Halloween horror. There are “11 trillion reasons to fear Joe Biden’s presidency,” says Nick Gillespie, editor at large for Reason.com.
“The former vice president’s vision of an all-powerful government goes far beyond massive spending and tax hikes,” Mr. Gillespie writes, citing figures compiled by the Manhattan Institute.
Mr. Biden proposes $11 trillion in brand new spending over the next decade — including $3.3 trillion on stimulus spending, $2 trillion on a Green New Deal; $1.5 trillion on education, $1.4 trillion to expand Obamacare — well, you get the idea. Mr. Biden also wants $3.6 trillion in tax hikes and lots of pesky federal regulations. Mr. Gillespie has a dire forecast should Mr. Biden win the White House.
“His season in the sun — coming decades after he first tossed his hat into the presidential ring — may well usher in a dark winter that will persist long after next year’s first crocuses bloom,” the analyst notes.
PARLER’S PREDICTION FOR TWITTER
Parler is gaining strength, The social media platform was launched in 2018 by John Matze as an alternative to Twitter — meant to provide an online haven “free of judgment” and open to free expression and opinion. He now serves as CEO and chief technology officer.
“Parler is the solution to problems that have surfaced in recent years due to changes in Big Tech policy influenced by various special-interest groups. Parler is built upon a foundation of respect for privacy and personal data, free speech, free markets, and ethical, transparent corporate policy,” the organization says in a mission statement.
Such values are under scrutiny now that Jack Dorsey, who founded Twitter in 2006, was brought before Congress this week. He was asked to answer charges that the giant provider — Twitter has 146 million daily users — had censored the New York Post, among other things.
“Mr. Dorsey, who the hell elected you and put you in charge of what the media are allowed to report and what the American people are allowed to hear? And why do you persist in behaving as a Democratic super PAC silencing views to the contrary of your political beliefs?” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz asked the CEO.
It’s complicated. Meanwhile, Mr. Matze has a prediction about his rival.
“Free speech will prevail. The model of social media publication through Dorsey-approved editors will lose within three years to Parler’s town square,” he tells Inside the Beltway.
‘MAGA-NIFICENT”
For those keeping score: President Trump made appearances — or will make appearances — at 10 campaign rallies in five states on Thursday and Friday. And the states: Florida, North Carolina. Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. On Saturday, Mr. Trump will appear at four rallies in Pennsylvania.
That total does not include 22 other rallies in the same time period hosted by Vice President Mike Pence, second lady Karen Pence, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Lara Trump. They appeared or will appear in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.
“It’s MAGA-nificient,” one delighted Trump fan tells Inside the Beltway.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
For sale: Castle Rock, an estate home built of local stone and red slate in 1880 on 16 acres, 620 feet above the Hudson River near Garrison, New York — directly across from West Point. 34 rooms — including six bedrooms and six baths, original unique woodworking, cathedral ceilings and custom details; 10,518 square feet. Panoramic views, four chimneys, towers, verandas, outbuildings, gardens. “Ready to be restored to its original glory”; served as the design inspiration for the witch’s castle in “The Wizard of Oz.” Priced at $3.4 million through Houlihanlawrence.com; find the home here.
POLL DU JOUR
• 41% of registered U.S. voters are not going to celebrate Halloween this year; 38% of Republicans, 39% of independent and 45% of Democrats agree.
• 45% of this group cite concerns over COVID-19 as their motivation not to celebrate; 28% of Republicans, 45% of independent and 55% of Democrats agree.
• 35% of this group cite “some other reason”; 50% of Republicans, 39% of independent and 24% of Democrats agree.
• 12% of this group have “religious objections”; 14% of Republicans, 10% of independent and 13% of Democrats agree.
• 10% of this group “prefer not to say”; 9% of Republicans, 7% of independent and 12% of Democrats agree.
Source: An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 registered U.S. voters conducted Oct. 25-27.
• Kindly follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--New Zealanders are rejecting legalizing marijuana in referendum, with some votes still to be counted

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) - New Zealanders are rejecting legalizing marijuana in referendum , with some votes @ @ @ @ @

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - New Zealanders are rejecting legalizing marijuana in referendum, with some votes still to be counted.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--New Zealanders have voted in favor of legalizing euthanasia in a binding referendum

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) - New Zealanders have voted in favor of legalizing euthanasia in a binding @ @

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - New Zealanders have voted in favor of legalizing euthanasia in a binding referendum.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--CEO of influential Silicon Valley group quits over racist ad

SAN JOSE , Calif. ( AP ) - The CEO of Silicon Valley ’ s largest chamber of commerce resigned Thursday after the group ’ s political arm posted an ad that the organization ’ s own executive board of directors labeled as racist .
Matt Mahood stepped down as president and chief executive of the Silicon Valley Organization “ so that we may begin the process of healing , ” he said in statement .
The SVO is an influential business advocacy group in California ’ s high-tech heartland .
The organization has 1,200 business members that employ 300,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the SVO Political Action Committee , was posted earlier this week on the PAC ’ s website .
It contained a 2018 photo of a group of Black men in a South African street near a cloud of tear gas and a line that read : “ Do you really want to sign onto this ?
” the San Jose Mercury News reported .
The ad was an attack on Jake Tonkel , a San Jose City Council candidate who is trying to unseat Dev Davis .
The Mercury News said an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was intended “ to demonstrate the consequences of cutting the police budget by 80 % , ” which the organization falsely claimed Tonkel favored .
Tonkel , who is white , had taken part in protests last summer following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and has called for police reforms but he hasn ’ t advocated an 80 % budget cut for the force .
On Wednesday , SVO ’ s executive board denounced the ad as “ blatantly racist ” and said it was suspending campaign efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting an independent investigation .
In his statement , Mahood said he had no knowledge of the ad and ordered it taken down when he became aware of it .
“ We have made some mistakes , and as a CEO , I take full responsibility , ” he said .
The Mercury News said dozens of members and some board members are cutting ties to the group .
They include Valley Water , which has been a member for 44 years .

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - The CEO of Silicon Valley’s largest chamber of commerce resigned Thursday after the group’s political arm posted an ad that the organization’s own executive board of directors labeled as racist.
Matt Mahood stepped down as president and chief executive of the Silicon Valley Organization “so that we may begin the process of healing,” he said in statement.
The SVO is an influential business advocacy group in California’s high-tech heartland. The organization has 1,200 business members that employ 300,000 people.
The ad, paid for by the SVO Political Action Committee, was posted earlier this week on the PAC’s website. It contained a 2018 photo of a group of Black men in a South African street near a cloud of tear gas and a line that read: “Do you really want to sign onto this?” the San Jose Mercury News reported.
The ad was an attack on Jake Tonkel, a San Jose City Council candidate who is trying to unseat Dev Davis.
The Mercury News said an SVO statement issued Tuesday said the ad was intended “to demonstrate the consequences of cutting the police budget by 80%,” which the organization falsely claimed Tonkel favored.
Tonkel, who is white, had taken part in protests last summer following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and has called for police reforms but he hasn’t advocated an 80% budget cut for the force.
On Wednesday, SVO’s executive board denounced the ad as “blatantly racist” and said it was suspending campaign efforts, placing Mahood on administrative leave and starting an independent investigation.
In his statement, Mahood said he had no knowledge of the ad and ordered it taken down when he became aware of it.
“We have made some mistakes, and as a CEO, I take full responsibility,” he said.
The Mercury News said dozens of members and some board members are cutting ties to the group. They include Valley Water, which has been a member for 44 years.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence tests positive for COVID-19

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19 , putting into doubt whether the face of college football will be available to play the top-ranked Tigers ’ biggest game of the season .
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement released by the school Thursday night that Lawrence is in isolation with mild symptoms .
Swinney said Lawrence would miss Clemson ’ s game Saturday against Boston College .
The Tigers are scheduled to play No .
4 Notre Dame in South Bend , Indiana , on Nov. 7 .
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawrence said in a statement on Twitter that his symptoms have been “ relatively mild ” and he was following protocol fron Clemson and the ACC about the virus .
“ The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love , ” he said .
Lawrence said he ’ d be watching and cheering for the Tigers from isolation .
The junior from Georgia is a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy and potentially the top overall pick in next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led the Tigers ( 6-0 , 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference ) to a national championship as a freshman and back to the College Football playoff championship game last season .
Clemson ’ s loss to LSU in the title game was the first - and still only - game the Tigers have lost in Lawrence ’ s 32 career starts .
Clemson is tested three times a week per Atlantic Coast Conference protocol .
Lawrence created a stir earlier this week when asked about his NFL future said he still had the option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mindset has been that I ’ m going to move on , ” Lawrence said Tuesday .
“ But who knows ?
There ’ s a lot of things that could happen.
” Swinney said that while Lawrence will be missed against the Eagles ( 4-2 , 3-2 ) , it was an “ opportunity for other guys to step up.
” Freshman passer D.J .
Uiagalelei has been the first in after Lawrence this season when games get out of hand .
Uiagalelei , at 6-4 and 250 pounds , was rated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Rivals.com last season .
He enrolled in January and went through spring drills until the coronavirus pandemic shut down college sports last March .
Uiagalelei has completed 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards .
The Tigers also have used sophomore Taisun Phommachanh and Hunter Helms at quarterback this season .
Clemson has won its past 27 games against ACC competition and the past nine against Boston College .

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19, putting into doubt whether the face of college football will be available to play the top-ranked Tigers’ biggest game of the season.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement released by the school Thursday night that Lawrence is in isolation with mild symptoms.
Swinney said Lawrence would miss Clemson’s game Saturday against Boston College. The Tigers are scheduled to play No. 4 Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, on Nov. 7.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for a minimum of 10 days.
Lawrence said in a statement on Twitter that his symptoms have been “relatively mild” and he was following protocol fron Clemson and the ACC about the virus.
“The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love,” he said.
Lawrence said he’d be watching and cheering for the Tigers from isolation.
The junior from Georgia is a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy and potentially the top overall pick in next year’s NFL draft. He led the Tigers (6-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) to a national championship as a freshman and back to the College Football playoff championship game last season. Clemson’s loss to LSU in the title game was the first - and still only - game the Tigers have lost in Lawrence’s 32 career starts.
Clemson is tested three times a week per Atlantic Coast Conference protocol.
Lawrence created a stir earlier this week when asked about his NFL future said he still had the option to stay or leave.
“My mindset has been that I’m going to move on,” Lawrence said Tuesday. “But who knows? There’s a lot of things that could happen.”
Swinney said that while Lawrence will be missed against the Eagles (4-2, 3-2), it was an “opportunity for other guys to step up.”
Freshman passer D.J. Uiagalelei has been the first in after Lawrence this season when games get out of hand. Uiagalelei, at 6-4 and 250 pounds, was rated the country’s second-best college prospect by Rivals.com last season. He enrolled in January and went through spring drills until the coronavirus pandemic shut down college sports last March.
Uiagalelei has completed 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards. The Tigers also have used sophomore Taisun Phommachanh and Hunter Helms at quarterback this season.
Clemson has won its past 27 games against ACC competition and the past nine against Boston College.