Illinois Editorial Roundup:

Guns in polling places make a mockery of the American ideal of free and open elections As Election Day approaches , it is dismaying to hear people demand that they be allowed to show up at polling places with guns or as aggressive “ poll watchers.
” Voter intimidation - even the suggestion of intimidation - is not who we are .
Can we , as a nation , agree at least on that ?
As long ago as 1776 , the state of Delaware ’ s constitution said , “ To prevent any violence or force being used at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed to any of them.
” The sad fact is that Americans are more likely to bring guns to public gatherings these days , slinging rifles over Hawaiian shirts and military camo .
A recent nationwide report documented 190 incidents in which guns were carried at protests this year through mid-August .
And now , election authorities worry guns and intimidating “ poll watchers ” will show up at polling places on Election Day .
• President Donald Trump has publicly called for a nationwide army of 50,000 “ volunteers ” to monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy who advised the fascist Proud Boys to “ stand back and stand by , ” that sounds to us like an invitation to intimidate .
• In Michigan , where 13 people stand accused of plotting to abduct Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and heavily armed protesters showed up at the state capitol in a show of intimidation , gun groups are suing to be allowed to carry guns openly into polling places .
For what ?
• In New Hampshire , the attorney general has announced that no one can prevent people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even those situated in schools .
• A recent report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project and MilitiaWatch listed Wisconsin , Michigan , Pennsylvania , Georgia and Oregon as having the highest risk of elections-related militia activity .
“ Militia groups and other armed non-state actors pose a serious threat to the safety and security of American voters , ” the report said .
• Reporters tracking social media say numerous posts include announcements from individuals saying they will bring guns to the polls .
“ People are a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert told us .
“ Polling places are semi-sacred spaces .
It is highly likely guns would have a subjective sense of intimidation , and because of that the likelihood that people would change their behavior increases.
” As the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence says , “ Armed intimidation at the polls is voter suppression , plain and simple.
” Not everyone gets it .
In Nevada , state Attorney General Aaron Ford said , “ The mere presence of a firearm at a public polling location , in and of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that level ( of intimidation ) .
” Is he kidding ?
Guns , quite easily , can have that effect .
Ask any older African American from the Deep South who in the 1950s had to walk a gauntlet of armed white men to exercise his right to even register to vote .
More than half of voters nationwide are expected to cast their ballots before Nov. 3 .
But winning elections is all about margins .
You don ’ t have to scare everyone , just enough .
Voting should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be a coming together as Americans , even as we may disagree .
Guns in polling places make a mockery of that ideal .
The danger of portraying COVID-19 as political issue rather than health crisis President Donald Trump ’ s implicit assault on health care institutions last weekend could be forgiven as just mean-spirited politics if that ’ s all it were .
But his insinuation that doctors and hospitals are distorting their reports on COVID-19 infections in order to make more money has the potential to cause real harm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cancer and they have COVID , we report them .
And you know doctors get more money and hospitals get more money .
Think of this incentive , ” the president said at a rally in Waukesha , Wisconsin , Saturday .
The comment further advanced the myth widely debunked — by the nation ’ s top COVID-19 fighter on down the scientific ladder — that patients with co-morbidities are improperly classified as COVID-19 victims .
Dr. Anthony Fauci and other medical experts note that if it ’ s COVID-19 that leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer , heart disease or some other co-morbidity , it is just as correctly and appropriately listed as the cause as if , say , a car crash were what killed the person .
Moreover , as Denise Chamberlain , chief financial officer at DuPage County-based Edward-Elmhurst Health , told our Jake Griffin for a story published Monday , there is no real incentive for health care officials to misstate a cause of death .
For one thing , they could lose their careers or face federal fraud charges if caught .
Moreover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act money that reimburses hospitals for COVID deaths of Medicare patients applies only to people over 65 years old and even then rarely covers all the extra costs of caring for them .
The insult to health care workers is especially severe when we consider that they are literally on the front lines of what Trump himself has called “ like a war , ” exposing themselves daily to the virus , tirelessly working long , stressful hours to treat its victims and watching as patients suffer and sometimes die alone .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s statement is a disturbing perversion of the truth .
Beyond that , though , it is more than just offensive .
Promoting misinformation leads people to disregard expert health advice and breeds suspicion of the people most responsible for promoting and ensuring safety .
We can see now where that is leading .
Coronavirus infection rates are soaring across the country to levels not reached since the early days of the pandemic last spring .
As of Monday , the number of new cases in Illinois had increased by 69 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same period last month .
Hospital admissions are on the rise and intensive care populations are starting to swell again .
A key reason for the renewed surge , health experts say , is that more and more people are disregarding the fundamental safety precautions — wearing masks , washing hands and watching their distance to stay at least six feet away from others in public .
Unfortunately , these behaviors are also adding to the pressures for greater restrictions on all of us , deepening and lengthening the hardships we endure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural and appropriate that political leaders will be judged on the merits and effectiveness of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
But making political judgments regarding the response to the disease is not the same as making the disease itself political .
The disease is a health crisis , and distracting attention from that fact is not just bad politics .
It is dangerous .
Vermilion County officials , along with their counterparts in Danville and other communities , face the difficult task of crafting a budget for next year with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might mean in terms of revenue or expenses .
Building a budget with so many unknowns won ’ t be an easy job .
Vermilion County and Danville officials each have reserves they can draw upon , but other communities already have started to make cuts in personnel and services in an effort to at least come close to a balanced budget .
Danville City Council members also must deal with the loss of an anticipated $ 2 million in revenue they expected to collect from a casino .
The casino license initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but those quickly fell through .
A much more modest proposal , with a different developer , now is in the works , but state officials have yet to approve a license for Danville .
No license means no revenue .
The city has gained money from other sources , including more than $ 400,000 in tax revenue from the sale of cannabis , but projections still fall about $ 320,000 short of a balanced budget .
Through cuts made with the cooperation of city officials elsewhere in the budget , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will consider a tax rate that shows the slightest increase for the 2021-22 fiscal year .
This year ’ s tax rate is $ 2.2883 per $ 100 of assessed value on property .
The projected tax rate for the next fiscal year will be $ 2.289 per $ 100 of assessed value .
That ’ s not bad considering the loss of the anticipated casino funds , the decrease in sales tax and an increase in the total city budget from $ 53.2 million to $ 56.9 million .
And that comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Vermilion County officials also should be able to cover any anticipated shortfall in their budget through reserves as spending cuts .
Few people would have complained had either governing body asked for a mulligan - a “ do-over ” - on its respective budget .
But it appears through decreasing spending where possible , increases in a few revenue sources and a slight increase in assessed value , and the judicious use of reserve funds , local residents will not see the reduction in services or tax increases others in Illinois will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it easy to complain when their leaders must increase taxes or fees even the slightest amount in order to maintain services .
This time around , they should send a few compliments to those public officials who worked hard to minimize the pandemic ’ s fiscal effects during the next fiscal year .

Recent editorials from newspapers published in Illinois:
October 27, 2020
Chicago Sun-Times
Guns in polling places make a mockery of the American ideal of free and open elections
As Election Day approaches, it is dismaying to hear people demand that they be allowed to show up at polling places with guns or as aggressive “poll watchers.”
Voter intimidation - even the suggestion of intimidation - is not who we are.
Can we, as a nation, agree at least on that?
As long ago as 1776, the state of Delaware’s constitution said, “To prevent any violence or force being used at … elections, no person shall come armed to any of them.”
The sad fact is that Americans are more likely to bring guns to public gatherings these days, slinging rifles over Hawaiian shirts and military camo. A recent nationwide report documented 190 incidents in which guns were carried at protests this year through mid-August. And now, election authorities worry guns and intimidating “poll watchers” will show up at polling places on Election Day.
The signs are disturbing:
• President Donald Trump has publicly called for a nationwide army of 50,000 “volunteers” to monitor voting and ballot-counting. Coming from the guy who advised the fascist Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” that sounds to us like an invitation to intimidate.
• In Michigan, where 13 people stand accused of plotting to abduct Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and heavily armed protesters showed up at the state capitol in a show of intimidation, gun groups are suing to be allowed to carry guns openly into polling places. For what?
• In New Hampshire, the attorney general has announced that no one can prevent people from bringing guns to the polls, even those situated in schools.
• A recent report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project and MilitiaWatch listed Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Oregon as having the highest risk of elections-related militia activity. “Militia groups and other armed non-state actors pose a serious threat to the safety and security of American voters,” the report said.
• Reporters tracking social media say numerous posts include announcements from individuals saying they will bring guns to the polls.
“People are a little bit worried,” a national voting expert told us. “Polling places are semi-sacred spaces. It is highly likely guns would have a subjective sense of intimidation, and because of that the likelihood that people would change their behavior increases.”
As the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence says, “Armed intimidation at the polls is voter suppression, plain and simple.”
Not everyone gets it. In Nevada, state Attorney General Aaron Ford said, “The mere presence of a firearm at a public polling location, in and of itself, won’t rise to that level (of intimidation).”
Is he kidding? Guns, quite easily, can have that effect. Ask any older African American from the Deep South who in the 1950s had to walk a gauntlet of armed white men to exercise his right to even register to vote.
More than half of voters nationwide are expected to cast their ballots before Nov. 3. But winning elections is all about margins. You don’t have to scare everyone, just enough.
Voting should be a moment of civic pride. It should be a coming together as Americans, even as we may disagree. Guns in polling places make a mockery of that ideal.
___
October 27, 2020
(Arlington Heights) Daily Herald
The danger of portraying COVID-19 as political issue rather than health crisis
President Donald Trump’s implicit assault on health care institutions last weekend could be forgiven as just mean-spirited politics if that’s all it were. But his insinuation that doctors and hospitals are distorting their reports on COVID-19 infections in order to make more money has the potential to cause real harm.
“If somebody’s terminally ill with cancer and they have COVID, we report them. And you know doctors get more money and hospitals get more money. Think of this incentive,” the president said at a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Saturday.
The comment further advanced the myth widely debunked — by the nation’s top COVID-19 fighter on down the scientific ladder — that patients with co-morbidities are improperly classified as COVID-19 victims. Dr. Anthony Fauci and other medical experts note that if it’s COVID-19 that leads to the death of a patient with cancer, heart disease or some other co-morbidity, it is just as correctly and appropriately listed as the cause as if, say, a car crash were what killed the person.
Moreover, as Denise Chamberlain, chief financial officer at DuPage County-based Edward-Elmhurst Health, told our Jake Griffin for a story published Monday, there is no real incentive for health care officials to misstate a cause of death. For one thing, they could lose their careers or face federal fraud charges if caught. Moreover, Chamberlain added, the dwindling CARES Act money that reimburses hospitals for COVID deaths of Medicare patients applies only to people over 65 years old and even then rarely covers all the extra costs of caring for them.
The insult to health care workers is especially severe when we consider that they are literally on the front lines of what Trump himself has called “like a war,” exposing themselves daily to the virus, tirelessly working long, stressful hours to treat its victims and watching as patients suffer and sometimes die alone.
So, in these contexts alone, the president’s statement is a disturbing perversion of the truth. Beyond that, though, it is more than just offensive.
Promoting misinformation leads people to disregard expert health advice and breeds suspicion of the people most responsible for promoting and ensuring safety. We can see now where that is leading. Coronavirus infection rates are soaring across the country to levels not reached since the early days of the pandemic last spring. As of Monday, the number of new cases in Illinois had increased by 69% so far in October compared to the same period last month. Hospital admissions are on the rise and intensive care populations are starting to swell again. A key reason for the renewed surge, health experts say, is that more and more people are disregarding the fundamental safety precautions — wearing masks, washing hands and watching their distance to stay at least six feet away from others in public.
Unfortunately, these behaviors are also adding to the pressures for greater restrictions on all of us, deepening and lengthening the hardships we endure to fight the virus.
It is natural and appropriate that political leaders will be judged on the merits and effectiveness of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But making political judgments regarding the response to the disease is not the same as making the disease itself political.
The disease is a health crisis, and distracting attention from that fact is not just bad politics. It is dangerous.
___
October 23, 2020
Danville Commercial News
Minimizing the pandemic’s fiscal impact
Vermilion County officials, along with their counterparts in Danville and other communities, face the difficult task of crafting a budget for next year with no clear idea of what the COVID-19 pandemic might mean in terms of revenue or expenses.
Building a budget with so many unknowns won’t be an easy job. Vermilion County and Danville officials each have reserves they can draw upon, but other communities already have started to make cuts in personnel and services in an effort to at least come close to a balanced budget.
Danville City Council members also must deal with the loss of an anticipated $2 million in revenue they expected to collect from a casino. The casino license initially went to a group with grand plans, but those quickly fell through. A much more modest proposal, with a different developer, now is in the works, but state officials have yet to approve a license for Danville. No license means no revenue.
The city has gained money from other sources, including more than $400,000 in tax revenue from the sale of cannabis, but projections still fall about $320,000 short of a balanced budget.
Through cuts made with the cooperation of city officials elsewhere in the budget, according to Mayor Rickey Williams Jr., aldermen will consider a tax rate that shows the slightest increase for the 2021-22 fiscal year. This year’s tax rate is $2.2883 per $100 of assessed value on property. The projected tax rate for the next fiscal year will be $2.289 per $100 of assessed value.
That’s not bad considering the loss of the anticipated casino funds, the decrease in sales tax and an increase in the total city budget from $53.2 million to $56.9 million. And that comes with no significant loss of city services.
Vermilion County officials also should be able to cover any anticipated shortfall in their budget through reserves as spending cuts.
Few people would have complained had either governing body asked for a mulligan - a “do-over” - on its respective budget. But it appears through decreasing spending where possible, increases in a few revenue sources and a slight increase in assessed value, and the judicious use of reserve funds, local residents will not see the reduction in services or tax increases others in Illinois will endure next year.
Residents usually find it easy to complain when their leaders must increase taxes or fees even the slightest amount in order to maintain services. This time around, they should send a few compliments to those public officials who worked hard to minimize the pandemic’s fiscal effects during the next fiscal year.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Navajo Nation reports 24 cases, 1st COVID-19 death in 8 days

WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. ( AP ) - Navajo Nation health officials on Tuesday reported 24 new confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ the first after seven consecutive days of no reported deaths .
The latest figures bring @ @ @ @ @ to 11,386 and the known death toll to 575 .
Tribal health officials said 122,240 @ @ @ @ @ that covers parts of Arizona , New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ 7,504 have recovered .
A shelter-in-place order , mask mandate , daily curfews and weekend @ @ @ @ @ the Navajo Nation .
Most people experience mild or moderate symptoms with the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ that clear up in two to three weeks .
But for some - especially older @ @ @ @ @ health problems - it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - Navajo Nation health officials on Tuesday reported 24 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death, the first after seven consecutive days of no reported deaths.
The latest figures bring the total number of cases to 11,386 and the known death toll to 575.
Tribal health officials said 122,240 people on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,504 have recovered.
A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation.
Most people experience mild or moderate symptoms with the coronavirus, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
But for some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Radio host back on air with apology for transphobic tweet

SEATTLE ( AP ) - With apologies and saying he was praying for healing , radio host Dori Monson was back on the air Tuesday .
Monson disappeared from KIRO Radio 97.3 FM for 2½ weeks after a tweet described as transphobic , The Seattle Times reported .
In a statement posted on the station ’ s website , Monson said that his tweet Oct. 7 during the Washington gubernatorial debate between Gov .
Jay Inslee and Republican challenger Loren Culp “ didn ’ t hit the mark.
” The tweet said : “ Inslee : we follow science in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to Olympia tomorrow and change my birth cert to say I was a girl on 10/2/61 .
HAHAHAHAHA.
” He remains suspended from hosting the Seattle Seahawks ’ NFL pregame and postgame radio shows .
Seattle Pride executive director Krystal Marx had asked Monson “ to issue a sincere apology and take actions to build empathy and understanding toward our transgender community - and that he realizes the harmful impact of his words by taking actionable steps towards addressing his history of homophobic and transphobic remarks.
” Monson began his show Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the website statement .
“ They said I was making fun of transgender people , which honest to goodness didn ’ t even cross my mind then .
But people called me transphobic .
The Seattle Times called me transphobic .
Websites called me transphobic .
The truth is , I couldn ’ t care less if an adult wants to adopt a different gender .
At the time , I was commenting on our governor and changing official state documents , ” he wrote .
” … As a Christian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused you pain .
On top of that , I ’ m praying that each of us uses diversity of thought to get to a greater strength .
”

SEATTLE (AP) - With apologies and saying he was praying for healing, radio host Dori Monson was back on the air Tuesday.
Monson disappeared from KIRO Radio 97.3 FM for 2½ weeks after a tweet described as transphobic, The Seattle Times reported.
In a statement posted on the station’s website, Monson said that his tweet Oct. 7 during the Washington gubernatorial debate between Gov. Jay Inslee and Republican challenger Loren Culp “didn’t hit the mark.”
The tweet said: “Inslee: we follow science in WA. The state where I could go to Olympia tomorrow and change my birth cert to say I was a girl on 10/2/61. HAHAHAHAHA.”
He remains suspended from hosting the Seattle Seahawks’ NFL pregame and postgame radio shows.
Seattle Pride executive director Krystal Marx had asked Monson “to issue a sincere apology and take actions to build empathy and understanding toward our transgender community - and that he realizes the harmful impact of his words by taking actionable steps towards addressing his history of homophobic and transphobic remarks.”
Monson began his show Tuesday with a greeting to listeners before basically following the website statement.
“They said I was making fun of transgender people, which honest to goodness didn’t even cross my mind then. But people called me transphobic. The Seattle Times called me transphobic. Websites called me transphobic. The truth is, I couldn’t care less if an adult wants to adopt a different gender. At the time, I was commenting on our governor and changing official state documents,” he wrote. ” … As a Christian, I pray for forgiveness if my words caused you pain. On top of that, I’m praying that each of us uses diversity of thought to get to a greater strength.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Remote controlled car used to smuggle drugs, border patrol says

Border Patrol agents said they busted a plot Tuesday to use a remote-controlled toy car that had been used to help smuggle more than $ 100,000 worth of methamphetamine across the U.S.-Mexico border into Arizona .
Agents spotted a rope wound through the border fence near Nogales early in the morning , and then saw a silver SUV speeding away from the spot , leaving the rope behind .
One agent reached the rope to find 52 packages of drugs tied to it .
Another agent then spotted the SUV abandoned in a nearby parking lot , with its engine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more rope and a remote control car they figured had been used to drive the rope through the fence .
Nobody was arrested , but the drugs , the SUV and the toy car were seized .
The drugs totaled more than 58 pounds of methamphetamine .
The Border Patrol last year busted another smuggling operation that used a remote controlled car .
A 16-year-old boy was arrested after agents spotted him trying to hide near the fence in Southern California .
They said he had a toy car and 55 pounds of @ @

Border Patrol agents said they busted a plot Tuesday to use a remote-controlled toy car that had been used to help smuggle more than $100,000 worth of methamphetamine across the U.S.-Mexico border into Arizona.
Agents spotted a rope wound through the border fence near Nogales early in the morning, and then saw a silver SUV speeding away from the spot, leaving the rope behind.
One agent reached the rope to find 52 packages of drugs tied to it.
Another agent then spotted the SUV abandoned in a nearby parking lot, with its engine still running. Inside, agents found more rope and a remote control car they figured had been used to drive the rope through the fence.
Nobody was arrested, but the drugs, the SUV and the toy car were seized. The drugs totaled more than 58 pounds of methamphetamine.
The Border Patrol last year busted another smuggling operation that used a remote controlled car.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested after agents spotted him trying to hide near the fence in Southern California. They said he had a toy car and 55 pounds of meth.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--US accuses Syria of delaying constitution ahead of election

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - The United States and several Western allies on Tuesday accused the Syrian government of deliberately delaying the drafting of a new constitution to waste time until presidential elections in 2021 , and avoid U.N.-supervised voting as called for by the U.N. Security Council .
U.S. deputy ambassador Richard Mills urged the Security Council to “ do everything in its power ” to prevent Bashar Assad ’ s government from blocking agreement on a new constitution in 2020 .
The Trump administration believes Assad ’ s hope is to “ invalidate the work ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been trying to spearhead action on a constitution , and the council ’ s call for a political transition .
The Security Council resolution adopted in December 2015 unanimously endorsed a road map to peace in Syria that was approved in Geneva on June 30 , 2012 by representatives of the United Nations , Arab League , European Union , Turkey and all five permanent Security Council members - the U.S. , Russia , China , France and Britain .
It calls for a Syrian-led political process starting with the establishment of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections .
The resolution says the free and fair elections should meet “ the highest international standards ” of transparency and accountability , with all Syrians - including members of the diaspora - eligible to participate .
At a Russian-hosted Syrian peace conference in January 2018 , an agreement was reached to form a 150-member committee to draft a new constitution .
That took until September 2019 , and since then only three meetings have been held with little progress .
Pedersen , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday he was unable to convene a fourth meeting in October because the government wouldn ’ t accept a compromise agenda which the opposition agreed to .
During his just concluded visit to Damascus , he said there was “ some valuable narrowing of the differences ” that could enable consensus on agendas for the next two meetings .
“ If we are able to find agreement in the next two days , it should be possible to meet in Geneva sometime in the month of November , ” Pedersen said , dropping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech .
Mills , the U.S. envoy , urged Pedersen “ to take any measures he thinks are appropriate to facilitate the parties ’ efforts … and also to identify to the council who is blocking progress.
” “ Syria is wholly unprepared to carry out elections in a free , fair and transparent manner that would include the participation of the Syrian diaspora , ” Mills said .
“ This is why we need the constitutional committee to work , and why we need the U.N. to accelerate its planning to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Germany ’ s U.N .
Ambassador Christoph Heusgen called Assad ’ s “ delaying and obstruction tactics ” on the constitutional committee ’ s work “ just detestable.
” He said Russia , Syria ’ s most important ally , “ should finally use its influence by , for instance , just cutting military aid and stopping its support , so that the Syrian regime finally plays ball.
” Syria ’ s tactics are clear , Heusgen said .
“ They want to waste time until the presidential elections in 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The elections will not be recognized if they are held under the present circumstances.
” France ’ s U.N .
Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere also criticized Assad ’ s “ refusal to engage in good faith ” and called for preparations to begin for U.N.-supervised elections that include the diaspora .
France won ’ t recognize results that don ’ t comply with these provisions , he said , stressing : “ We will not be fooled by the regime ’ s attempts to legitimize itself.
” Russia ’ s U.N .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the April presidential election and countered that Syrians must have “ the opportunity to negotiate without interference from the outside.
” “ The work of the constitutional committee should not be subject to any deadlines , ” he said , expressing hope that Pedersen ’ s mediation will enable the committee ’ s work to continue “ in line with the agenda agreed by the Syrians.
” Russia also sparred with Western ambassadors over its veto threats that led to the closure of two border crossings to deliver aid to Syria — one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northwest — leaving only one crossing to Idlib in the northwest .
The U.S. , Germany , France , Britain , Belgium and others criticized the border crossing closures .
U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock told the council that Syrian government deliveries across conflict lines to the northeast are “ not delivering at the scale or frequency required to meet the current health needs.
” Lowcock also said “ the situation of families across Syria is truly desperate , ” citing food prices more than 90 percent higher than six months ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ with satisfaction the progress in U.N. humanitarian deliveries from inside Syria including through cross-line routes , ” saying this “ proves ” the government is providing aid to people including in areas not under its control .

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United States and several Western allies on Tuesday accused the Syrian government of deliberately delaying the drafting of a new constitution to waste time until presidential elections in 2021, and avoid U.N.-supervised voting as called for by the U.N. Security Council.
U.S. deputy ambassador Richard Mills urged the Security Council to “do everything in its power” to prevent Bashar Assad’s government from blocking agreement on a new constitution in 2020. The Trump administration believes Assad’s hope is to “invalidate the work” of U.N. special envoy Geir Pedersen who has been trying to spearhead action on a constitution, and the council’s call for a political transition.
The Security Council resolution adopted in December 2015 unanimously endorsed a road map to peace in Syria that was approved in Geneva on June 30, 2012 by representatives of the United Nations, Arab League, European Union, Turkey and all five permanent Security Council members - the U.S., Russia, China, France and Britain.
It calls for a Syrian-led political process starting with the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. The resolution says the free and fair elections should meet “the highest international standards” of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians - including members of the diaspora - eligible to participate.
At a Russian-hosted Syrian peace conference in January 2018, an agreement was reached to form a 150-member committee to draft a new constitution. That took until September 2019, and since then only three meetings have been held with little progress.
Pedersen, the U.N. envoy, told the Security Council Tuesday he was unable to convene a fourth meeting in October because the government wouldn’t accept a compromise agenda which the opposition agreed to. During his just concluded visit to Damascus, he said there was “some valuable narrowing of the differences” that could enable consensus on agendas for the next two meetings.
“If we are able to find agreement in the next two days, it should be possible to meet in Geneva sometime in the month of November,” Pedersen said, dropping the Nov. 23 date in his prepared speech.
Mills, the U.S. envoy, urged Pedersen “to take any measures he thinks are appropriate to facilitate the parties’ efforts … and also to identify to the council who is blocking progress.”
“Syria is wholly unprepared to carry out elections in a free, fair and transparent manner that would include the participation of the Syrian diaspora,” Mills said. “This is why we need the constitutional committee to work, and why we need the U.N. to accelerate its planning to ensure Syria’s upcoming elections are credible.”
German Ambassador Christoph Heusgen called Assad’s “delaying and obstruction tactics” on the constitutional committee’s work “just detestable.”
He said Russia, Syria’s most important ally, “should finally use its influence by, for instance, just cutting military aid and stopping its support, so that the Syrian regime finally plays ball.”
Syria’s tactics are clear, Heusgen said. “They want to waste time until the presidential elections in 2021. The regime should not have any illusions. The elections will not be recognized if they are held under the present circumstances.”
French Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere also criticized Assad’s “refusal to engage in good faith” and called for preparations to begin for U.N.-supervised elections that include the diaspora. France won’t recognize results that don’t comply with these provisions, he said, stressing: “We will not be fooled by the regime’s attempts to legitimize itself.”
Russia’s ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, made no mention of the April presidential election and countered that Syrians must have “the opportunity to negotiate without interference from the outside.”
“The work of the constitutional committee should not be subject to any deadlines,” he said, expressing hope that Pedersen’s mediation will enable the committee’s work to continue “in line with the agenda agreed by the Syrians.”
Russia also sparred with Western ambassadors over its veto threats that led to the closure of two border crossings to deliver aid to Syria — one in the northeast and one in the northwest — leaving only one crossing to Idlib in the northwest.
The U.S., Germany, France, Britain, Belgium and others criticized the border crossing closures.
U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock told the council that Syrian government deliveries across conflict lines to the northeast are “not delivering at the scale or frequency required to meet the current health needs.” He said one hospital received only 450 gowns in April, and another received nothing for its maternity wing.
Lowcock also said “the situation of families across Syria is truly desperate,” citing food prices more than 90 percent higher than six months ago.
Russia’s Nebenzia responded, noting “with satisfaction the progress in U.N. humanitarian deliveries from inside Syria including through cross-line routes,” saying this “proves” the government is providing aid to people including in areas not under its control.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Test to allow Japanese visitors to bypass Hawaii quarantine

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Starting next week , Hawaii will begin allowing visitors from Japan to bypass the state @ @ @ @ @ if they test negative for COVID-19 .
But Japanese travelers will still have to spend @ @ @ @ @ returning home , which will likely limit the number of people taking advantage of the @ @ @ @ @ takes effect on Nov. 6 .
Travelers must take a COVID-19 test from an approved @ @ @ @ @ within 72 hours of their departure .
Hawaii earlier this month implemented a similar testing @ @ @ @ @ parts of the U.S. Hawaii ’ s tourism-dependent economy gets more travelers from Japan than @ @ @ @ @ Before the coronavirus pandemic , the state would welcome about 5,000 visitors from Japan daily @ @ @ @ @ to almost none .
Due to the pandemic , Japan continues to prohibit entry to @ @ @ @ @ .

HONOLULU (AP) - Starting next week, Hawaii will begin allowing visitors from Japan to bypass the state’s 14-day quarantine requirement if they test negative for COVID-19.
But Japanese travelers will still have to spend two weeks in quarantine upon returning home, which will likely limit the number of people taking advantage of the plan.
The testing option takes effect on Nov. 6. Travelers must take a COVID-19 test from an approved clinic or hospital in Japan within 72 hours of their departure.
Hawaii earlier this month implemented a similar testing program for travelers from other parts of the U.S.
Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy gets more travelers from Japan than any other foreign country. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the state would welcome about 5,000 visitors from Japan daily. Those numbers have dwindled to almost none.
Due to the pandemic, Japan continues to prohibit entry to Americans except for exceptional circumstances.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Donald Trump, at Omaha rally, calls for 'thundering' defeat of Joe Biden, left

President Donald Trump told supporters in Omaha , Nebraska Tuesday to show up and vote on Election Day to deliver a “ thundering ” defeat to the left .
“ It ’ s got to be a big one , ” Mr. Trump said , dismissing polls that have him down as suppression polls by the fake news .
“ We are so far ahead.
” “ I think we are going to win everything , ” the president added .
Mr. Trump told the audience that a vaccine for the coronavirus will help the virus go away , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID will disappear after Election Day on Nov. 3 .
His administration has been teasing a vaccine for weeks , saying it could be available by the end of the year .
“ On Nov. 4 , you won ’ t be hearing much about this , ” he said .
“ Right now , It ’ s COVID , COVID !
” Speaking to farmers in Nebraska , the president said China had targeted them , but his administration pushed back .
“ I tariffed $ 28 billion — took it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers , ” Mr. Trump said .
The president campaigned earlier Tuesday in Wisconsin and Michigan , two critical swing states .
He appeared in Nebraska because it is a state — like Maine — that splits its electoral college votes across congressional districts .
Overall , Mr. Trump is leading Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden in Nebraska by about six points .
He took a swipe at his opponent on crowd size , as Mr. Trump has attracted thousands at every rally .
The president said Mr. Biden claims he doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Hell of an excuse , ” Mr. Trump said .

President Donald Trump told supporters in Omaha, Nebraska Tuesday to show up and vote on Election Day to deliver a “thundering” defeat to the left.
“It’s got to be a big one,” Mr. Trump said, dismissing polls that have him down as suppression polls by the fake news. “We are so far ahead.”
“I think we are going to win everything,” the president added.
Mr. Trump told the audience that a vaccine for the coronavirus will help the virus go away, but he said much of the news coverage of COVID will disappear after Election Day on Nov. 3.
His administration has been teasing a vaccine for weeks, saying it could be available by the end of the year.
“On Nov. 4, you won’t be hearing much about this,” he said. “Right now, It’s COVID, COVID!”
Speaking to farmers in Nebraska, the president said China had targeted them, but his administration pushed back.
“I tariffed $28 billion — took it from China and distributed it to our farmers,” Mr. Trump said.
The president campaigned earlier Tuesday in Wisconsin and Michigan, two critical swing states. He appeared in Nebraska because it is a state — like Maine — that splits its electoral college votes across congressional districts.
Overall, Mr. Trump is leading Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden in Nebraska by about six points.
He took a swipe at his opponent on crowd size, as Mr. Trump has attracted thousands at every rally. The president said Mr. Biden claims he doesn’t want big crowds due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Hell of an excuse,” Mr. Trump said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Lawsuit demands California museum forfeit Thai artifacts

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - The U.S. government is demanding a San Francisco museum give up claims to two religious relics allegedly stolen from Thailand , the U.S. attorney ’ s office announced Tuesday .
A civil complaint filed Monday in federal court seeks the forfeiture of two 1,500-pound hand-carved sandstone lintels the government contends were looted from ancient temples in Thailand .
The lawsuit says the items illegally made their way to a private collector in the United States and were donated to the city- and county-owned collection of the Asian Art Museum .
Thailand began investigating after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the lintels on display when he visited the museum in 2016 , according to the suit .
“ Returning a nation ’ s cultural antiquities promotes goodwill with foreign governments and citizens , while significantly protecting the world ’ s cultural history and knowledge of past civilizations , ” said a statement from Tatum King , special agent in charge with Homeland Security Investigations in San Francisco .
“ The theft and trafficking of cultural artifacts is a tradition as old as the cultures they represent.
” The museum said one lintel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1000-1080 AD .
The other is from Khao Lon Temple and dates to 975-1025 AD .
The museum says one item was bought by noted collector Avery Brundage and the other by the museum , with Brundage as a go-between , in the 1960s from sellers in London and Paris .
The museum said that its own study found no evidence that the lintels were looted but also didn ’ t turn up any copies of required export documents required under Thai law , so it took them off public display and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit is surprising because the museum had been negotiating with both the Department of Homeland Security and Thai officials since 2017 , said Robert Mintz , the museum ’ s deputy director .
The lengthy process of permanently removing the items from the museum ’ s collection had been expected to be completed this spring but now ” the lintels won ’ t go anywhere until the legal process is complete , ” he said .
“ We ’ re surprised by this filing and we ’ re disappointed that it seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like positive and developing negotiations.
” he added .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The U.S. government is demanding a San Francisco museum give up claims to two religious relics allegedly stolen from Thailand, the U.S. attorney’s office announced Tuesday.
A civil complaint filed Monday in federal court seeks the forfeiture of two 1,500-pound hand-carved sandstone lintels the government contends were looted from ancient temples in Thailand.
The lawsuit says the items illegally made their way to a private collector in the United States and were donated to the city- and county-owned collection of the Asian Art Museum.
Thailand began investigating after the Thai consulate general in Los Angeles saw the lintels on display when he visited the museum in 2016, according to the suit.
“Returning a nation’s cultural antiquities promotes goodwill with foreign governments and citizens, while significantly protecting the world’s cultural history and knowledge of past civilizations,” said a statement from Tatum King, special agent in charge with Homeland Security Investigations in San Francisco. “The theft and trafficking of cultural artifacts is a tradition as old as the cultures they represent.”
The museum said one lintel is from Nong Hong Temple and dates to 1000-1080 AD. The other is from Khao Lon Temple and dates to 975-1025 AD.
The museum says one item was bought by noted collector Avery Brundage and the other by the museum, with Brundage as a go-between, in the 1960s from sellers in London and Paris.
The museum said that its own study found no evidence that the lintels were looted but also didn’t turn up any copies of required export documents required under Thai law, so it took them off public display and was planning to return them.
The lawsuit is surprising because the museum had been negotiating with both the Department of Homeland Security and Thai officials since 2017, said Robert Mintz, the museum’s deputy director.
The lengthy process of permanently removing the items from the museum’s collection had been expected to be completed this spring but now ”the lintels won’t go anywhere until the legal process is complete,” he said.
“We’re surprised by this filing and we’re disappointed that it seems to throw up a roadblock to what seemed like positive and developing negotiations.” he added.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Lack of staffing, not beds, hurting hospitals in coronavirus care

The increasing number of COVID-19 patients is taxing hospitals , but the problem isn ’ t so much about space as it is about staffing , with medical workers exhausted from the pandemic and fewer “ traveling nurses ” to go around .
Unlike the springtime crisis , shifting manpower around will be difficult because the virus is so widespread .
“ When we talk about beds , it doesn ’ t matter if I have 100 ICU beds .
If I only have staff for 10 , I have 10 ICU beds , ” Dr. Alex Garza of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent press conference in Missouri .
“ Staffing is at a critical level right now .
And why is that ?
The entire country is engulfed in COVID right now.
” Roughly 43,000 people are hospitalized for COVID-19 across the U.S. , up from around 29,000 one month ago , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
The steady rise is coinciding with evidence of increasing transmission in many regions , with U.S. seven-day rolling average reaching a pandemic-high 71,000 .
Eight months into the fight , hospital officials say nurses on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges , including the risk of infection or passing the virus to their families .
The number of hospitalizations isn ’ t as bad as late April , when hospitalizations neared 60,000 as part of a major crisis in the crowded Northeast and cities like Detroit , Chicago and New Orleans .
But the virus has reached smaller , rural areas , making the latest surge more diffuse and posing new challenges .
“ That is absolutely a major crunch , ” said William Schaffner , an infectious-diseases expert at Vanderbilt University .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it becomes even more acute .
You just don ’ t have those extra traveling part-time nurses in the environment , which you ’ re likely to have more of in larger cities.
” Hospital leaders are pleading with the public to mitigate the spread of the virus in any way possible , including mask-wearing .
Otherwise , they say they ’ ll be forced to pause elective surgeries or implement other drastic measures .
In western Michigan , some hospitals have had to shift patients to other facilities as they maxed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Michigan .
“ We have more rooms that we could set up for COVID patients , but you got to have the staff to take care of them , ” Oaklawn Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Theresa Dawson told the station .
President Trump is telling supporters on the campaign trail to remain optimistic .
He said the U.S. will turn the tide against the virus without resorting to more societal restrictions .
“ On November 4th , you won ’ t be hearing so much about it , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear , ‘ It ’ s getting better , it ’ s getting better.
’ You watch — no , no , they ’ re doing heavy COVID because they want to scare people.
” His Democratic opponent , Joseph R. Biden , said the American people were “ giving their all ” as Mr. Trump was “ giving up ” in the battle against COVID-19 .
“ I ’ m here to tell you : we can and we will control this virus , ” Mr. Biden said , a counter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff Mark Meadows .
“ As president , I will never wave the white flag of surrender.
” The good news is that fewer Americans tend to die from the disease than they did in the early days of the pandemic , with the case-fatality rate down to 2.6 % from around 6 % during the springtime crisis .
Treatments are better , and transmission is skewing toward younger people who can survive the disease .
But a hospital stay isn ’ t good for anyone , experts warn .
“ Being sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly if you are in bed in an intensive care unit , it ’ s a very disorienting environment , ” Dr. Schaffner said .
“ Every day that you ’ re lying in bed , for example , you ’ re losing some muscle tone — even young , healthy people .
It ’ s not unusual for people , once they get out of the hospital , to work hard over a period of many weeks to get their strength restored .
A hospital experience is not like going to @ @ @ @

The increasing number of COVID-19 patients is taxing hospitals, but the problem isn’t so much about space as it is about staffing, with medical workers exhausted from the pandemic and fewer “traveling nurses” to go around.
Unlike the springtime crisis, shifting manpower around will be difficult because the virus is so widespread.
“When we talk about beds, it doesn’t matter if I have 100 ICU beds. If I only have staff for 10, I have 10 ICU beds,” Dr. Alex Garza of the St. Louis pandemic task force said at recent press conference in Missouri. “Staffing is at a critical level right now. And why is that? The entire country is engulfed in COVID right now.”
Roughly 43,000 people are hospitalized for COVID-19 across the U.S., up from around 29,000 one month ago, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
The steady rise is coinciding with evidence of increasing transmission in many regions, with U.S. seven-day rolling average reaching a pandemic-high 71,000.
Eight months into the fight, hospital officials say nurses on the front lines are facing burnout and personal challenges, including the risk of infection or passing the virus to their families.
The number of hospitalizations isn’t as bad as late April, when hospitalizations neared 60,000 as part of a major crisis in the crowded Northeast and cities like Detroit, Chicago and New Orleans. But the virus has reached smaller, rural areas, making the latest surge more diffuse and posing new challenges.
“That is absolutely a major crunch,” said William Schaffner, an infectious-diseases expert at Vanderbilt University. “As you get into small communities it becomes even more acute. You just don’t have those extra traveling part-time nurses in the environment, which you’re likely to have more of in larger cities.”
Hospital leaders are pleading with the public to mitigate the spread of the virus in any way possible, including mask-wearing. Otherwise, they say they’ll be forced to pause elective surgeries or implement other drastic measures.
In western Michigan, some hospitals have had to shift patients to other facilities as they maxed out their capacity, according to WWMT-TV of West Michigan.
“We have more rooms that we could set up for COVID patients, but you got to have the staff to take care of them,” Oaklawn Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Theresa Dawson told the station.
President Trump is telling supporters on the campaign trail to remain optimistic. He said the U.S. will turn the tide against the virus without resorting to more societal restrictions.
“On November 4th, you won’t be hearing so much about it,” he said. “On November 4th you’ll hear, ‘It’s getting better, it’s getting better.’ You watch — no, no, they’re doing heavy COVID because they want to scare people.”
His Democratic opponent, Joseph R. Biden, said the American people were “giving their all” as Mr. Trump was “giving up” in the battle against COVID-19.
“I’m here to tell you: we can and we will control this virus,” Mr. Biden said, a counter to recent comments from White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. “As president, I will never wave the white flag of surrender.”
The good news is that fewer Americans tend to die from the disease than they did in the early days of the pandemic, with the case-fatality rate down to 2.6% from around 6% during the springtime crisis. Treatments are better, and transmission is skewing toward younger people who can survive the disease.
But a hospital stay isn’t good for anyone, experts warn.
“Being sick is not good for your body and, particularly if you are in bed in an intensive care unit, it’s a very disorienting environment,” Dr. Schaffner said. “Every day that you’re lying in bed, for example, you’re losing some muscle tone — even young, healthy people. It’s not unusual for people, once they get out of the hospital, to work hard over a period of many weeks to get their strength restored. A hospital experience is not like going to a resort.”
• David Sherfinski contributed to this report.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Trump officials tout religious liberty successes

Trump administration officials warned Tuesday of COVID-19 restrictions overriding religious liberty at home and overseas , marking International Religious Freedom Day .
In a virtual panel hosted by the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services , Ambassador Andrew Bremberg critiqued a lax response by international partners in responding to human rights violations of religious suppression during the pandemic .
“ We have an office in the [ United Nations ] system dedicated solely to defending and advancing human rights , ” said Mr. Bremberg , permanent U.S. representative to the Office of the U.N. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been frankly very disappointing at the lack of public awareness of these issues from that office.
” Mr. Bremberg referred to Russia ’ s continued crackdown on Jehovah ’ s Witnesses and China ’ s closing a square in front of a Tibetan monastery to worshippers while keeping it open to tourists during the pandemic .
In the U.S. , Roger Severino , director of the HHS Office of Civil Rights , touted his agency ’ s efforts to end hospitals ’ excessive restrictions on clergy during the pandemic .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between a medical student whose religion requires him to wear a beard and Staten Island University Hospital officials seeking to kick him out because his facial hair hampered the use of an N-95 mask .
Mr. Severino challenged the notion that worship is a “ uniquely dangerous ” during the pandemic .
“ If you ’ re singing in a loud voice , if you ’ re praising God , it doesn ’ t make it any riskier than if you ’ re singing in a Broadway musical of if you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , gatherings present an “ increased risk ” for transmission of the coronavirus .
A study last month from the University of Georgia also suggests that airborne transmission of the virus in enclosed spaces is more dangerous than previously known .
A week before Election Day , Trump officials reflected on their four years of boosting religious liberty , from supporting the Little Sisters of the Poor , a Catholic religious group of women , in challenging the Affordable Care Act ’ s contraceptive mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s detention of Uighur Muslims .
Officials also sounded a note of concern about the future .
“ You ’ ve got a fundamental choice between the Chinese model and the U.S. model on religious freedom , ” said Sam Brownback , ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom .
“ Pray for us that America wins that discussion.
” Claire Murray , the principal deputy associate attorney general , previewed legal cases that could make their way to the Supreme Court , including a federal lawsuit against a Vermont policy allowing rural children to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools on state money .
Ms. Murray also said Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden has indicated that he would resume the Obama administration ’ s posture of enforcing the contraceptive mandate in the Affordable Care Act .
“ Another administration could easily repeal the rules , ” the Justice Department official said .
In July , the Biden campaign released a statement saying the former vice president would keep contraceptive exemptions for houses of worship and “ nonprofits with religious missions ” but allow women who are employed by these organizations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-party administrator .
The Little Sisters repeatedly have declined to authorize their third-party administrators to provide this coverage .
Mr. Brownback noted President Trump ’ s success in the Middle East , securing normalized relations between Israel and the governments of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates .
“ This is really groundbreaking , ” said Mr. Brownback .
“ Hats off to the president .
”

Trump administration officials warned Tuesday of COVID-19 restrictions overriding religious liberty at home and overseas, marking International Religious Freedom Day.
In a virtual panel hosted by the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services, Ambassador Andrew Bremberg critiqued a lax response by international partners in responding to human rights violations of religious suppression during the pandemic.
“We have an office in the [United Nations] system dedicated solely to defending and advancing human rights,” said Mr. Bremberg, permanent U.S. representative to the Office of the U.N. and Other International Organizations. “And it has been frankly very disappointing at the lack of public awareness of these issues from that office.”
Mr. Bremberg referred to Russia’s continued crackdown on Jehovah’s Witnesses and China’s closing a square in front of a Tibetan monastery to worshippers while keeping it open to tourists during the pandemic.
In the U.S., Roger Severino, director of the HHS Office of Civil Rights, touted his agency’s efforts to end hospitals’ excessive restrictions on clergy during the pandemic. He also noted his office facilitating a compromise between a medical student whose religion requires him to wear a beard and Staten Island University Hospital officials seeking to kick him out because his facial hair hampered the use of an N-95 mask.
Mr. Severino challenged the notion that worship is a “uniquely dangerous” during the pandemic.
“If you’re singing in a loud voice, if you’re praising God, it doesn’t make it any riskier than if you’re singing in a Broadway musical of if you’re protesting,” he said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gatherings present an “increased risk” for transmission of the coronavirus. A study last month from the University of Georgia also suggests that airborne transmission of the virus in enclosed spaces is more dangerous than previously known.
A week before Election Day, Trump officials reflected on their four years of boosting religious liberty, from supporting the Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic religious group of women, in challenging the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate under conscientious objections to decrying China’s detention of Uighur Muslims.
Officials also sounded a note of concern about the future.
“You’ve got a fundamental choice between the Chinese model and the U.S. model on religious freedom,” said Sam Brownback, ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. “Pray for us that America wins that discussion.”
Claire Murray, the principal deputy associate attorney general, previewed legal cases that could make their way to the Supreme Court, including a federal lawsuit against a Vermont policy allowing rural children to attend private, but not religious, schools on state money.
Ms. Murray also said Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden has indicated that he would resume the Obama administration’s posture of enforcing the contraceptive mandate in the Affordable Care Act.
“Another administration could easily repeal the rules,” the Justice Department official said.
In July, the Biden campaign released a statement saying the former vice president would keep contraceptive exemptions for houses of worship and “nonprofits with religious missions” but allow women who are employed by these organizations to access birth control through their insurers or third-party administrator. The Little Sisters repeatedly have declined to authorize their third-party administrators to provide this coverage.
Mr. Brownback noted President Trump’s success in the Middle East, securing normalized relations between Israel and the governments of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates.
“This is really groundbreaking,” said Mr. Brownback. “Hats off to the president.”
• Christopher Vondracek can be reached at cvondracek@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--D.C. Public Schools' reopening plan met with petitions, protests

The Washington Teachers Union says it ’ s still negotiating with D.C. Public Schools officials on the plan to reopen schools as early as next month .
The Public Employee Relations Board ( PERB ) ruled last week that DCPS had five days to “ commence bargaining ” with the union over its plan to bring nearly 21,000 randomly selected students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade back to classrooms next month .
The board also ordered the District to rescind a form and survey sent to teachers regarding their intent to return in-person that was used to help determine staffing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Weedon said Tuesday that DCPS had not agreed to withdraw the survey , but a city spokesperson said that “ DCPS is complying with the PERB order.
” The city is not required to reach an agreement with the union to carry on the plan , but PERB can take other actions “ to ensure DCPS ’ compliance with its bargaining obligations.
” The DCPS “ Reopen Strong ” phased plan offers two at-school instruction options , which include students being taught in-person by a teacher or virtually in a Canvas Academics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff member .
As of Tuesday afternoon , more than 5,500 people had signed an online union petition to maintain virtual learning “ until the health protections ” outlined by the WTU , the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention , and the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education are met .
In Maryland , the Montgomery County School Board on Tuesday held a public hearing on reopening plans , and parent Olga Schans said in written testimony that online learning “ has not been a good experience ” for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t move around , play sport ( s ) , [ or ] socialize with friends in this virtual learning program , ” Ms. Schans wrote .
“ Moreover , parents are unable to work because many must support their kids ’ learning on a daily basis.
” Montgomery County Public Schools have not yet set a date to go back to in-person learning .
According to the MCPS website , officials will “ reassess ” at the end of the first quarter on Nov. 9 “ if we are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second semester , ” which begins Feb. 1 .
However , Gov .
Larry Hogan has said that schools can reopen , and the Maryland State Education Association on Monday called upon state officials to provide standardized procedures for virus cases on campus .
Meanwhile , Virginia ’ s largest school district has allowed some students to return for in-person instruction since the beginning of October , including those in specialized career prep and special education .
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Braband ’ s phased plan will allow more children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return in November , as well as students in second grade and below .
Students will have the option to remain learning online or to receive “ concurrent instruction , ” in which they will have two days of in-person classes and two days of virtual classes .
Those who choose the concurrent model will “ ‘ log into ’ class on at-home days , ” according to the website .
Students in higher grades will remain virtual until next year .
The Fairfax County School Board voted 6-6 on Mr. Braband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he is scheduled on Nov. 12 to present a plan to potentially bring those students back earlier .
The Fairfax Education Association launched an online petition to maintain virtual learning for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year .
As of Tuesday afternoon , it had received just over 1,500 of the 1,600 signatures sought .

The Washington Teachers Union says it’s still negotiating with D.C. Public Schools officials on the plan to reopen schools as early as next month.
The Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) ruled last week that DCPS had five days to “commence bargaining” with the union over its plan to bring nearly 21,000 randomly selected students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade back to classrooms next month.
The board also ordered the District to rescind a form and survey sent to teachers regarding their intent to return in-person that was used to help determine staffing for DCPS reopening plans.
DCPS issued a statement to The Washington Times: “DCPS is rescinding both the survey and the overview of health and safety protocols which were located on the landing page of the staffing assignment survey. The survey is being rescinded this evening.”
The city is not required to reach an agreement with the union to carry on the plan, but PERB can take other actions “to ensure DCPS’ compliance with its bargaining obligations.”
The DCPS “Reopen Strong” phased plan offers two at-school instruction options, which include students being taught in-person by a teacher or virtually in a Canvas Academics and Real Engagement classroom supervised by a staff member.
As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 5,500 people had signed an online union petition to maintain virtual learning “until the health protections” outlined by the WTU, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education are met.
In Maryland, the Montgomery County School Board on Tuesday held a public hearing on reopening plans, and parent Olga Schans said in written testimony that online learning “has not been a good experience” for her child in eighth grade.
“Kids don’t move around, play sport(s), [or] socialize with friends in this virtual learning program,” Ms. Schans wrote. “Moreover, parents are unable to work because many must support their kids’ learning on a daily basis.”
Montgomery County Public Schools have not yet set a date to go back to in-person learning. According to the MCPS website, officials will “reassess” at the end of the first quarter on Nov. 9 “if we are able to implement a phased blended model in the second semester,” which begins Feb. 1.
However, Gov. Larry Hogan has said that schools can reopen, and the Maryland State Education Association on Monday called upon state officials to provide standardized procedures for virus cases on campus.
Meanwhile, Virginia’s largest school district has allowed some students to return for in-person instruction since the beginning of October, including those in specialized career prep and special education.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Braband’s phased plan will allow more children in specialized career prep and special education to return in November, as well as students in second grade and below.
Students will have the option to remain learning online or to receive “concurrent instruction,” in which they will have two days of in-person classes and two days of virtual classes. Those who choose the concurrent model will “‘log into’ class on at-home days,” according to the website.
Students in higher grades will remain virtual until next year. The Fairfax County School Board voted 6-6 on Mr. Braband’s proposal earlier this month, and he is scheduled on Nov. 12 to present a plan to potentially bring those students back earlier.
The Fairfax Education Association launched an online petition to maintain virtual learning for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had received just over 1,500 of the 1,600 signatures sought.
• Emily Zantow can be reached at ezantow@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--State ballot questions include technology, privacy issues

Facial recognition technology , warrantless searches of cellphones and replacing bail with algorithms are on ballots in states across the country .
Voters from California to Maine will decide several of the most contentious issues in technology policy and chart a path forward for life on the internet .
In California , Proposition 25 would allow voters to dramatically overhaul their criminal justice system and replace human judgment with the input of machines .
A “ yes ” vote would replace the state ’ s monetary bail system with a risk score generated by a computer algorithm that helps decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay bail before trial , according to the California secretary of state ’ s website .
A computer would help decide whether to release those accused of crimes .
The decision would be based on a calculated risk of their likelihood to commit another crime and their likelihood to skip a court appearance .
“ The assessment tools shall be demonstrated by scientific research to be accurate and reliable in assessing the risk of a person failing to appear in court as required or the risk to public safety due to the commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person is released before adjudication of his or her current criminal offense and minimize bias , ” the California voter guide says .
Exactly how California intends to develop the algorithms and “ risk assessment tool ” is not clear .
The computer would provide each defendant with a risk score , but a judge would still make the decision whether to jail or free the person pending trial .
Such a system could end up incarcerating more people — not less , said Arthur Rizer , director of criminal justice and civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a libertarian think tank in Washington .
“ In terms of the underlying law , I think it ’ s well-intended , not well-drafted , ” Mr. Rizer said .
“ The cash bail status quo in California wasn ’ t great , but … [ this ] may create some unintended consequences.
” Mr. Rizer said the proposition approaches the issues of cash bail and criminal risk assessments as two sides of the same coin , but he thinks the issues are different .
The contentious issues have created some strange factions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NAACP opposes the proposal , and the Service Employees International Union in California supports it .
Jonathan Underland , a spokesman for the Yes on 25 campaign , said the existing system of cash bail is deeply racist and has created an environment of over-incarceration that needs to be abolished immediately .
“ Californians want a system based on fairness , not based on the size of anyone ’ s wallet , ” Mr. Underland said .
In Michigan , voters will have the opportunity to curb law enforcement ’ s powers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warrant .
Ballot Proposal 20-2 asks whether the Michigan Constitution should be amended to require a search warrant to access electronic data and electronic communications .
The proposal would set up a system to obtain electronic data similar to what is needed for the government to search a person ’ s house and apply protections against unreasonable search and seizure of personal electronic data .
Ashkhen Kazaryan , director of civil liberties at libertarian-minded TechFreedom , said she thinks the proposal should serve as a model for the country .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as physical letters , ” she said .
“ It is 2020 , and the fact that an immense amount of warrantless searches of our information occurs is unacceptable.
” Opponents say the amendment would be redundant because law enforcement already obtains warrants or subpoenas in most cases before accessing electronic data and new restrictions could interfere with cybercrime investigations .
Voters in Portland , Maine , will decide whether the city government can use facial recognition technology .
Question B , a referendum on Portlanders ’ ballots , asks voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bans facial surveillance by public officials , prevents the city from using facial surveillance software and gives the public a right to sue if the facial surveillance data is collected or used illegally .
The city ordinance passed unanimously this summer .
It was drafted by City Councilor Pious Ali , a Democrat , in consultation with the American Civil Liberties Union , according to the Portland Press Herald .
Similar bans have been enacted in California cities San Francisco and Oakland and in the Massachusetts cities of Boston and Somerville .
Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban facial recognition technology this summer .
The liberal push in opposition to facial recognition technology gained momentum from racial justice protests this summer .
Proponents of the Boston ban pointed to studies showing that the technology had greater errors for people of color .
Mr. Rizer said he has witnessed a “ pretty dramatic change ” in voters ’ attitudes toward facial recognition technology since the civil unrest and summer protests that followed the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police in May .

Facial recognition technology, warrantless searches of cellphones and replacing bail with algorithms are on ballots in states across the country.
Voters from California to Maine will decide several of the most contentious issues in technology policy and chart a path forward for life on the internet.
In California, Proposition 25 would allow voters to dramatically overhaul their criminal justice system and replace human judgment with the input of machines. A “yes” vote would replace the state’s monetary bail system with a risk score generated by a computer algorithm that helps decide which defendants walk free without having to pay bail before trial, according to the California secretary of state’s website.
A computer would help decide whether to release those accused of crimes. The decision would be based on a calculated risk of their likelihood to commit another crime and their likelihood to skip a court appearance.
“The assessment tools shall be demonstrated by scientific research to be accurate and reliable in assessing the risk of a person failing to appear in court as required or the risk to public safety due to the commission of a new criminal offense if the person is released before adjudication of his or her current criminal offense and minimize bias,” the California voter guide says.
Exactly how California intends to develop the algorithms and “risk assessment tool” is not clear.
The computer would provide each defendant with a risk score, but a judge would still make the decision whether to jail or free the person pending trial.
Such a system could end up incarcerating more people — not less, said Arthur Rizer, director of criminal justice and civil liberties at the R Street Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington.
“In terms of the underlying law, I think it’s well-intended, not well-drafted,” Mr. Rizer said. “The cash bail status quo in California wasn’t great, but … [this] may create some unintended consequences.”
Mr. Rizer said the proposition approaches the issues of cash bail and criminal risk assessments as two sides of the same coin, but he thinks the issues are different.
The contentious issues have created some strange factions. The California State Conference of the NAACP opposes the proposal, and the Service Employees International Union in California supports it.
Jonathan Underland, a spokesman for the Yes on 25 campaign, said the existing system of cash bail is deeply racist and has created an environment of over-incarceration that needs to be abolished immediately.
“Californians want a system based on fairness, not based on the size of anyone’s wallet,” Mr. Underland said.
In Michigan, voters will have the opportunity to curb law enforcement’s powers to access people’s electronic data without a warrant.
Ballot Proposal 20-2 asks whether the Michigan Constitution should be amended to require a search warrant to access electronic data and electronic communications. The proposal would set up a system to obtain electronic data similar to what is needed for the government to search a person’s house and apply protections against unreasonable search and seizure of personal electronic data.
Ashkhen Kazaryan, director of civil liberties at libertarian-minded TechFreedom, said she thinks the proposal should serve as a model for the country.
“Our electronic information and communications should be protected as much as physical letters,” she said. “It is 2020, and the fact that an immense amount of warrantless searches of our information occurs is unacceptable.”
Opponents say the amendment would be redundant because law enforcement already obtains warrants or subpoenas in most cases before accessing electronic data and new restrictions could interfere with cybercrime investigations.
Voters in Portland, Maine, will decide whether the city government can use facial recognition technology.
Question B, a referendum on Portlanders’ ballots, asks voters whether they support a city ordinance that bans facial surveillance by public officials, prevents the city from using facial surveillance software and gives the public a right to sue if the facial surveillance data is collected or used illegally.
The city ordinance passed unanimously this summer. It was drafted by City Councilor Pious Ali, a Democrat, in consultation with the American Civil Liberties Union, according to the Portland Press Herald.
Similar bans have been enacted in California cities San Francisco and Oakland and in the Massachusetts cities of Boston and Somerville. Like Portland, the Boston City Council voted to ban facial recognition technology this summer.
The liberal push in opposition to facial recognition technology gained momentum from racial justice protests this summer. Proponents of the Boston ban pointed to studies showing that the technology had greater errors for people of color.
Mr. Rizer said he has witnessed a “pretty dramatic change” in voters’ attitudes toward facial recognition technology since the civil unrest and summer protests that followed the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police in May.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Texas Supreme Court backs Abbott on limiting ballot drops

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday vacated a state court injunction against Gov @ @ @ @ @ order limiting counties to one drop-off site each for mailed ballots .
In a 17-page @ @ @ @ @ justices ruled Tuesday that a temporary injunction by a lower court in a court challenge @ @ @ @ @ Austin stood little chance of success on its merits .
The lower-court order had been @ @ @ @ @ Texas Court of Appeals .
The high-court court ruling upholds a restriction Abbott imposed on @ @ @ @ @ early voting in the Nov. 3 general election was to open .
The Republican said @ @ @ @ @ ensure election security , but Democrats blasted it as a naked effort to suppress voters @ @ @ @ @ Circuit Court of Appeals already had reinstated the limit on Oct. 12 in a separate @ @ @ @ @ judge ’ s ruling that had blocked its implementation .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday vacated a state court injunction against Gov. Greg Abbott’s order limiting counties to one drop-off site each for mailed ballots.
In a 17-page opinion and without dissent, justices ruled Tuesday that a temporary injunction by a lower court in a court challenge by civil rights groups in Austin stood little chance of success on its merits. The lower-court order had been upheld by the Austin-based 3rd Texas Court of Appeals.
The high-court court ruling upholds a restriction Abbott imposed on Oct. 1, just before early voting in the Nov. 3 general election was to open. The Republican said the restriction was needed to ensure election security, but Democrats blasted it as a naked effort to suppress voters.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals already had reinstated the limit on Oct. 12 in a separate case, staying a federal judge’s ruling that had blocked its implementation.


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Man sentenced to 10 years for racially motivated assaults

PORTLAND , Maine ( AP ) - A Biddeford man convicted of violating a federal hate crime law with a pair of assaults on Black men was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday .
Maurice Diggins , 36 , was charged with two hate crime counts and one count of conspiracy in connection to attacks that prosecutors described as unprovoked assaults on Black men in Portland and in Biddeford in April 2018 .
Diggins , who ’ s white , was convicted after a trial by an all-white jury .
His nephew , also charged in the attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors and is awaiting sentencing .
The two cases were the first federal prosecutions in Maine since the government adopted a new hate crime law in 2009 .
One of the attackers came up behind the victims , both of whom are Black , and punched them so hard they suffered broken jaws .
Both victims had their jaws wired shut for weeks as part of their recovery .
“ In addition to doing grievous harm to individuals , hate crimes engender fear in communities , ” said U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maine , and that is especially true of violence that is motivated by hate.
” In court , Diggins apologized to the victims and said he wants to cover up his racist tattoos , the Portland Press Herald reported .
“ No one should have to live in constant fear , ” he said .
“ This is 2020 in America .
Different is great .
I truly am sorry , and I want you to know that this has opened my eyes .
This will never happen again.
” After he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s former governor , Republican Paul LePage , in a phone call with his wife in which he predicted he wouldn ’ t be convicted in the nation ’ s whitest state .
He also paraphrased LePage ’ s 2016 remarks about out-of-state drug traffickers “ impregnating our women and selling our kids drugs.
” LePage called comments from the phone call “ vile ” and “ repugnant .
”

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A Biddeford man convicted of violating a federal hate crime law with a pair of assaults on Black men was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday.
Maurice Diggins, 36, was charged with two hate crime counts and one count of conspiracy in connection to attacks that prosecutors described as unprovoked assaults on Black men in Portland and in Biddeford in April 2018.
Diggins, who’s white, was convicted after a trial by an all-white jury. His nephew, also charged in the attacks, pleaded guilty under an agreement with prosecutors and is awaiting sentencing.
The two cases were the first federal prosecutions in Maine since the government adopted a new hate crime law in 2009.
One of the attackers came up behind the victims, both of whom are Black, and punched them so hard they suffered broken jaws. Both victims had their jaws wired shut for weeks as part of their recovery.
“In addition to doing grievous harm to individuals, hate crimes engender fear in communities,” said U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank. “Violence has no place in Maine, and that is especially true of violence that is motivated by hate.”
In court, Diggins apologized to the victims and said he wants to cover up his racist tattoos, the Portland Press Herald reported.
“No one should have to live in constant fear,” he said. “This is 2020 in America. Different is great. I truly am sorry, and I want you to know that this has opened my eyes. This will never happen again.”
After he was arrested, Diggins invoked the name of the state’s former governor, Republican Paul LePage, in a phone call with his wife in which he predicted he wouldn’t be convicted in the nation’s whitest state.
He also paraphrased LePage’s 2016 remarks about out-of-state drug traffickers “impregnating our women and selling our kids drugs.” LePage called comments from the phone call “vile” and “repugnant.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-27--Mark Morgan warns of border 'invasion' if Biden wins

Immigration authorities released more than 400,000 illegal migrants into the U.S. under catch-and-release border policies in 2019 .
This year , that has been cut to fewer than 15,000 — and most of those were humanitarian cases , such as those involving a need for urgent medical care .
It all could come roaring back next year , though , the Department of Homeland Security said this week , warning of a looming “ invasion ” of illegal immigrants should the next administration roll back President Trump ’ s accomplishments .
While other departments are defending Mr. Trump , Homeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are arguing aggressively that the kinds of policies laid out by Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden would unleash a wave of illegal immigration unlike anything seen before .
“ We ’ re not just going to see another immigration crisis ; we ’ re going to see an invasion .
And I fully believe that , ” said Mark Morgan , acting head of Customs and Border Protection .
He didn ’ t mention Mr. Biden by name but left no doubt whom he was talking about , referring to ideas such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrants , rolling back Trump policies on asylum-seekers and halting border wall construction .
All of those are parts of plans discussed by Mr. Biden ’ s campaign .
Homeland Security officials also weighed in Tuesday to contradict Mr. Biden ’ s claim during last week ’ s final presidential debate that illegal immigrant families show up for their deportation hearings .
Mr. Trump countered that the number was less than 1 % .
In fact , Homeland Security officials said , only about a third of families from last year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a 10-city pilot program .
When the entire illegal immigrant population , not just families , is counted , the “ in absentia ” rate was 53 % through the early part of 2020 .
That worked out to more than 85,000 immigrants who missed their hearings and were ordered removed in absentia .
That was four times the rate during the last year of the George W. Bush administration , said Ken Cuccinelli , acting deputy homeland security secretary .
“ What the numbers show is they do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
The Washington Times reached out to the Biden campaign for a response .
The fact that migrants don ’ t show up for hearings and , even when they do and are ordered deported , defy those orders and burrow into the shadows underscores the need to block them at the border , Mr. Cuccinelli and Mr. Morgan told reporters on Tuesday .
They said that is where ending catch-and-release comes into play .
The surge of migrant families in late 2018 and 2019 overwhelmed immigration authorities who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of detention space and the slow pace of deportation hearings , had to release most of them into communities on the hope that they return .
Mr. Morgan said between CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement they released more than 400,000 people in fiscal year 2019 .
In fiscal year 2020 , which ended last month , fewer than 15,000 were caught and released — a drop of more than 96 % .
Homeland Security officials pointed to a series of steps they have taken , they said at Mr. Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvement .
Among those are better cooperation with Mexico to stop people before they reach the U.S. , better relations with Central American nations to return illegal crossers , tighter asylum rules to block bogus claims and the Migrant Protection Protocols — also known as “ Remain in Mexico ” — which allows the government to push illegal arrivals back across the border to await their court hearings .
That denies them the chance to roam freely in the U.S. and disappear into the shadows with the estimated 11 million other illegal immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dollars is high but the human cost of stiffer enforcement is even higher .
They say the asylum crackdown is denying needy people a chance to escape persecution and violence , and they point to the administration ’ s zero-tolerance policy from 2018 , which led to thousands of children separated from parents as the adults were prosecuted for jumping the border .
The government revealed last week that more than 500 children remain separated .
“ This is appalling , ” top House Democrats wrote in a letter to Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed to be overseeing the children ’ s care .
Mr. Biden , in the debate , said parents had children “ ripped from their arms.
” He has vowed to roll back the asylum changes and the Migrant Protection Protocols .
During the debate , he said the policy left migrants “ sitting in squalor on the other side of the river ” in Mexico .
The Democratic candidate has suggested cutting the number of illegal immigrants detained , limiting how and where ICE can enforce laws against those in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction of the border wall .
A unity platform agreed to by Mr. Biden ’ s team and Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont , his chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination , also calls for extending some Obamacare health care coverage to illegal immigrants .
Mr. Morgan said the next president could achieve much of the Trump rollback “ with the stroke of a pen.
” “ If the wall is no longer allowed to continue to be built , if MPP goes away , what you ’ re going to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the acting commissioner said .
“ You ’ re not going to see a crisis ; you ’ re going to see an invasion.
” Mr. Biden ’ s campaign promises may already be fueling that next wave .
Mr. Morgan said agents at the border who interview illegal crossers have heard them say they are coming to the U.S. for those benefits , and smugglers are telling them to get ready for a change in policy .
“ The human smuggling organizations are telling them , ‘ Make your way .
America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to get free health care , ’ ” Mr. Morgan told reporters .

Immigration authorities released more than 400,000 illegal migrants into the U.S. under catch-and-release border policies in 2019. This year, that has been cut to fewer than 15,000 — and most of those were humanitarian cases, such as those involving a need for urgent medical care.
It all could come roaring back next year, though, the Department of Homeland Security said this week, warning of a looming “invasion” of illegal immigrants should the next administration roll back President Trump’s accomplishments.
While other departments are defending Mr. Trump, Homeland Security leaders are going further. They are arguing aggressively that the kinds of policies laid out by Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden would unleash a wave of illegal immigration unlike anything seen before.
“We’re not just going to see another immigration crisis; we’re going to see an invasion. And I fully believe that,” said Mark Morgan, acting head of Customs and Border Protection.
He didn’t mention Mr. Biden by name but left no doubt whom he was talking about, referring to ideas such as extending health care coverage to illegal immigrants, rolling back Trump policies on asylum-seekers and halting border wall construction. All of those are parts of plans discussed by Mr. Biden’s campaign.
Homeland Security officials also weighed in Tuesday to contradict Mr. Biden’s claim during last week’s final presidential debate that illegal immigrant families show up for their deportation hearings. Mr. Trump countered that the number was less than 1%.
In fact, Homeland Security officials said, only about a third of families from last year’s border surge showed up for their proceedings, according to a 10-city pilot program.
When the entire illegal immigrant population, not just families, is counted, the “in absentia” rate was 53% through the early part of 2020. That worked out to more than 85,000 immigrants who missed their hearings and were ordered removed in absentia.
That was four times the rate during the last year of the George W. Bush administration, said Ken Cuccinelli, acting deputy homeland security secretary.
“What the numbers show is they do not abide by the rulings of that process,” he said.
The Washington Times reached out to the Biden campaign for a response.
The fact that migrants don’t show up for hearings and, even when they do and are ordered deported, defy those orders and burrow into the shadows underscores the need to block them at the border, Mr. Cuccinelli and Mr. Morgan told reporters on Tuesday.
They said that is where ending catch-and-release comes into play.
The surge of migrant families in late 2018 and 2019 overwhelmed immigration authorities who, thanks to court orders, lack of detention space and the slow pace of deportation hearings, had to release most of them into communities on the hope that they return.
Mr. Morgan said between CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement they released more than 400,000 people in fiscal year 2019.
In fiscal year 2020, which ended last month, fewer than 15,000 were caught and released — a drop of more than 96%.
Homeland Security officials pointed to a series of steps they have taken, they said at Mr. Trump’s direction, that account for the improvement.
Among those are better cooperation with Mexico to stop people before they reach the U.S., better relations with Central American nations to return illegal crossers, tighter asylum rules to block bogus claims and the Migrant Protection Protocols — also known as “Remain in Mexico” — which allows the government to push illegal arrivals back across the border to await their court hearings.
That denies them the chance to roam freely in the U.S. and disappear into the shadows with the estimated 11 million other illegal immigrants.
Immigrant rights groups say the cost in dollars is high but the human cost of stiffer enforcement is even higher.
They say the asylum crackdown is denying needy people a chance to escape persecution and violence, and they point to the administration’s zero-tolerance policy from 2018, which led to thousands of children separated from parents as the adults were prosecuted for jumping the border.
The government revealed last week that more than 500 children remain separated.
“This is appalling,” top House Democrats wrote in a letter to Health and Human Services Department officials, who are supposed to be overseeing the children’s care.
Mr. Biden, in the debate, said parents had children “ripped from their arms.”
“It’s criminal,” he said.
He has vowed to roll back the asylum changes and the Migrant Protection Protocols. During the debate, he said the policy left migrants “sitting in squalor on the other side of the river” in Mexico.
The Democratic candidate has suggested cutting the number of illegal immigrants detained, limiting how and where ICE can enforce laws against those in the country’s interior illegally, and halting construction of the border wall.
A unity platform agreed to by Mr. Biden’s team and Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont, his chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, also calls for extending some Obamacare health care coverage to illegal immigrants.
Mr. Morgan said the next president could achieve much of the Trump rollback “with the stroke of a pen.”
“If the wall is no longer allowed to continue to be built, if MPP goes away, what you’re going to see is a resurgence of catch-and-release,” the acting commissioner said. “You’re not going to see a crisis; you’re going to see an invasion.”
Mr. Biden’s campaign promises may already be fueling that next wave.
Mr. Morgan said agents at the border who interview illegal crossers have heard them say they are coming to the U.S. for those benefits, and smugglers are telling them to get ready for a change in policy.
“The human smuggling organizations are telling them, ‘Make your way. America’s opening back up. You’re going to get free health care,’” Mr. Morgan told reporters.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.