washingtontimes--2020-07-17--LL Bean inks first wholesaler partnerships in US

FREEPORT , Maine ( AP ) - L.L .
Bean is expanding from its original model of direct-to-customer catalog sales and in-stores sales with an agreement to sell products in Nordstrom , Staples and sporting goods chain SCHEELS .
The company ’ s first wholesale agreements in the U.S. represent a push to get L.L .
Bean products in front of more consumers .
The Maine-based retailer believes its products are underrepresented in the marketplace and that there ’ s an opportunity to expand while other retailers contract , said Charlie Bruder , vice president for merchandising .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and water bottles that went on sale in more than 1,000 Staples stores two weeks ago .
The business products retailer is a leader for back-to-school shopping .
In the fall , L.L .
Bean gear will be sold in a half-dozen SCHEELS stores in the Midwest and in 20 Nordstrom stores across the U.S. Nordstrom will offer classics like the famous Bean Boot , fleece and flannel , both in the stores , and online .
It ’ s a smart strategy for retailers like L.L .
Bean to reach more consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening new stores and signing long leases , said Marshal Cohen , chief retail analyst at The NPD Group .
The trend is expected to continue , Cohen said .
“ When you select the right retail partners , it gives you the ability to bring the product to the people ” without being a sellout , he said .
The move is not unprecedented for the 108-year-old retailer : L.L .
Bean inked an agreement in 2018 to sell products in Sporting Life , Hudson ’ s Bay and Mountain Equipment Co-Op @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached an agreement three years ago to expand sales in Japan beyond company-branded stores .
L.L.Bean has dealt with flat sales and a difficult era of belt-tightening that included a previous reduction in workforce , a tightening of its generous return policy , and a paring of product lines .
Sales dipped 3 % last year to about $ 1.5 billion for the privately owned company .
During the pandemic , L.L .
Bean closed its stores temporarily but its online and catalog sales thrived with strong sales of comfort items like slippers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April , and bikes , kayaks and canoes in May , said spokesperson Amanda Hannah .
The company believes that it can win over customers for life , if it can just get them to try the products , Bruder said .
The key was finding a handful of retailers who share the company ’ s customer service philosophy .
Nordstrom , which is family-owned , and SCHEELS , which is employee-owned , are known for their customer service , he said .
Despite online sales growth , most retail sales in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mortar stores , he added .
L.L .
Bean remains committed to its own stores , as well , and will press forward with opening stores in select markets .
“ When people come into our stores , our staff is incredible .
There ’ s no substitute for that , ” Bruder said .
“ We want to continue to have a thoughtful expansion plan .
”

FREEPORT, Maine (AP) - L.L. Bean is expanding from its original model of direct-to-customer catalog sales and in-stores sales with an agreement to sell products in Nordstrom, Staples and sporting goods chain SCHEELS.
The company’s first wholesale agreements in the U.S. represent a push to get L.L. Bean products in front of more consumers.
The Maine-based retailer believes its products are underrepresented in the marketplace and that there’s an opportunity to expand while other retailers contract, said Charlie Bruder, vice president for merchandising.
The first phase started with L.L. Bean backpacks and water bottles that went on sale in more than 1,000 Staples stores two weeks ago. The business products retailer is a leader for back-to-school shopping.
In the fall, L.L. Bean gear will be sold in a half-dozen SCHEELS stores in the Midwest and in 20 Nordstrom stores across the U.S.
Nordstrom will offer classics like the famous Bean Boot, fleece and flannel, both in the stores, and online.
It’s a smart strategy for retailers like L.L. Bean to reach more consumers without the risks that go along with opening new stores and signing long leases, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at The NPD Group.
The trend is expected to continue, Cohen said. “When you select the right retail partners, it gives you the ability to bring the product to the people” without being a sellout, he said.
The move is not unprecedented for the 108-year-old retailer: L.L. Bean inked an agreement in 2018 to sell products in Sporting Life, Hudson’s Bay and Mountain Equipment Co-Op stores in Canada. The company also reached an agreement three years ago to expand sales in Japan beyond company-branded stores.
L.L.Bean has dealt with flat sales and a difficult era of belt-tightening that included a previous reduction in workforce, a tightening of its generous return policy, and a paring of product lines. Sales dipped 3% last year to about $1.5 billion for the privately owned company.
During the pandemic, L.L. Bean closed its stores temporarily but its online and catalog sales thrived with strong sales of comfort items like slippers in March, outdoor furniture and hammocks in April, and bikes, kayaks and canoes in May, said spokesperson Amanda Hannah.
The company believes that it can win over customers for life, if it can just get them to try the products, Bruder said. The key was finding a handful of retailers who share the company’s customer service philosophy. Nordstrom, which is family-led, and SCHEELS, which is employee-owned, are known for their customer service, he said.
Despite online sales growth, most retail sales in the U.S. are still made in bricks and mortar stores, he added.
L.L. Bean remains committed to its own stores, as well, and will press forward with opening stores in select markets.
“When people come into our stores, our staff is incredible. There’s no substitute for that,” Bruder said. “We want to continue to have a thoughtful expansion plan.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Justin Amash to retire from Congress

Justin Amash to retire from Congress

Rep. Justin Amash will not be running for reelection in 2020 , the sole independent House member announced late Thursday @ @ @ @ @ of Michigan , changed his party from Republican to independent last year after facing a @ @ @ @ @ his fellow party members for calling for President Trump ’ s impeachment .
He voted @ @ @ @ @ of Congress and abuse of power — during the December impeachment proceedings in the House @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump for the White House but announced his plans not to run in May @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus presented “ extraordinary challenges to his candidacy .
”

Rep. Justin Amash will not be running for reelection in 2020, the sole independent House member announced late Thursday night.
I love representing our community in Congress. I always will. This is my choice, but I’m still going to miss it.
Thank you for your trust. — Justin Amash (@justinamash) July 17, 2020
Mr. Amash, of Michigan, changed his party from Republican to independent last year after facing a tidal wave of backlash from his fellow party members for calling for President Trump’s impeachment.
He voted for both articles — obstruction of Congress and abuse of power — during the December impeachment proceedings in the House.
Mr. Amash considered challenging Mr. Trump for the White House but announced his plans not to run in May, saying the spread of coronavirus presented “extraordinary challenges to his candidacy.”
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--3M files 18 lawsuits over alleged unlawful N95 mask sales

MAPLEWOOD , Minn. ( AP ) - The leading manufacturer of N95 masks in the U.S. says it has investigated 4,000 reports of fraud , counterfeiting and price gouging in connection with the product and filed 18 lawsuits as a result .
3M , based in Maplewood , is among the largest global producers of the N95 mask , which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is considered the gold standard in protection against the coronavirus .
3M says courts have issued six temporary restraining orders and four preliminary injunctions so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unlawful .
The company says in some cases , it has led to criminal charges .
“ The schemes we shut down were not only unlawful , they also endangered lives and wasted precious time and resources by diverting buyers from legitimate sources of much-needed respirators , ” said Denise Rutherford , 3M senior vice president of corporate affairs .
In one case filed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota , 3M sued Legacy Medical Supplies and four people connected with the company , claiming they were trying to sell 3M brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 267 % markup over 3M ’ s list price , the Star Tribune reported .
“ That represents price gouging and unconscionable profiteering during a global pandemic , ” 3M said in the court filing .

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) - The leading manufacturer of N95 masks in the U.S. says it has investigated 4,000 reports of fraud, counterfeiting and price gouging in connection with the product and filed 18 lawsuits as a result.
3M, based in Maplewood, is among the largest global producers of the N95 mask, which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is considered the gold standard in protection against the coronavirus.
3M says courts have issued six temporary restraining orders and four preliminary injunctions so far to stop N95 sales that it says are unlawful. The company says in some cases, it has led to criminal charges.
“The schemes we shut down were not only unlawful, they also endangered lives and wasted precious time and resources by diverting buyers from legitimate sources of much-needed respirators,” said Denise Rutherford, 3M senior vice president of corporate affairs.
In one case filed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota, 3M sued Legacy Medical Supplies and four people connected with the company, claiming they were trying to sell 3M brand N95 respirators at a 75% to 267% markup over 3M’s list price, the Star Tribune reported.
“That represents price gouging and unconscionable profiteering during a global pandemic,” 3M said in the court filing.
Legacy’s Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Reboulet said 3M’s claims are false.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Denver schools to start school year online amid coronavirus

DENVER ( AP ) - Denver Public Schools is planning to delay the opening of fall semester by a week , starting with remote learning Aug. 24 and gradually transitioning to in-person classes Sept. 8 at the earliest .
Starting the week of Aug. 17 , teachers will begin reaching out to individual students to build relationships and gauge their technology needs for remote learning , The Denver Post reported Friday .
The district handed out laptops and internet hotspots in the spring to students who needed them and plans to expand that effort going into the fall .
Based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver , schools Superintendent Susana Cordova said , “ We have come to the determination that it would not be possible to open schools with the size of cohorts we ’ d been planning.
” District officials , the Board of Education and the teacher ’ s union met with local health experts before making the decision .
Most classes will begin Aug. 24 , although dates for charter and innovation schools may be different .
The change affects all K-12 students .
Cordova said early childhood education will not be available in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide activities for families to use at home in lieu of remote education .

DENVER (AP) - Denver Public Schools is planning to delay the opening of fall semester by a week, starting with remote learning Aug. 24 and gradually transitioning to in-person classes Sept. 8 at the earliest.
Starting the week of Aug. 17, teachers will begin reaching out to individual students to build relationships and gauge their technology needs for remote learning, The Denver Post reported Friday. The district handed out laptops and internet hotspots in the spring to students who needed them and plans to expand that effort going into the fall.
Based on current models of coronavirus cases in Denver, schools Superintendent Susana Cordova said, “We have come to the determination that it would not be possible to open schools with the size of cohorts we’d been planning.”
District officials, the Board of Education and the teacher’s union met with local health experts before making the decision.
Most classes will begin Aug. 24, although dates for charter and innovation schools may be different. The change affects all K-12 students.
Cordova said early childhood education will not be available in this format, but the district will provide activities for families to use at home in lieu of remote education.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Trump joins Hagerty in tele-town hall as early voting begins

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - President Donald Trump on Friday once again threw support behind his former U.S .
Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty , a Republican running in the primary for an open U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee .
Hagerty , 59 , has frequently touted Trump ’ s endorsement ever since the president broke the news the former ambassador was running for political office nearly a year ago .
“ I ’ ll never forget I went to Japan and he knew every person over there , he knew the businessmen , he could pronounce those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Trump said in a tele-town hall with Hagerty .
“ I had a very hard time pronouncing those names.
” Trump encouraged Tennesseans to vote early , warning that it was critical to elect senators in office who would vote in favor of the judges he appoints .
“ Your Second Amendment is under siege .
If I weren ’ t here I don ’ t think you would have a Second Amendment , ” Trump added while praising Hagerty ’ s support of law enforcement .
“ You would certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s main opponent in the Senate primary is trauma surgeon Manny Sethi , who is also seeking the position being vacated by outgoing Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander .
The two candidates have recently increased attacks on one another as early voting kicked off Friday .
In a recent ad , Sethi attacked Hagerty ’ s past political donations to Republican Mitt Romney - the only Republican to vote to convict the president during his impeachment trial .
“ Why is the establishment attacking a nice guy like me ?
” Sethi asks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that Bill Hagerty ’ s endorsed by Mitt Romney.
” Romney has not publicly endorsed Hagerty since the former ambassador joined the race , but Romney had previously supported the idea , according to the Wall Street Journal in mid-2019 .
Meanwhile , Hagerty criticized Sethi in an ad as a “ liberal elitist.
” “ I volunteered full-time for six months when nobody else was supporting President Trump , certainly not Manny Sethi – didn ’ t lift a finger , didn ’ t donate a dime back in 2016 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hagerty told The Associated Press on Friday .
Early voting ahead of the Aug. 6 primary will be open Monday through Saturday until Aug. 1 .
For those who do not want to vote in person , a judge is giving all eligible voters the option to vote absentee during the pandemic .
Absentee ballots can be requested until July 30 .
First-time voters can only vote absentee if they have shown ID at a county election office .
Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise in Nashville , Tennessee , contributed to this report @

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - President Donald Trump on Friday once again threw support behind his former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty, a Republican running in the primary for an open U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee.
Hagerty, 59, has frequently touted Trump’s endorsement ever since the president broke the news the former ambassador was running for political office nearly a year ago.
“I’ll never forget I went to Japan and he knew every person over there, he knew the businessmen, he could pronounce those names I had a hard time with,” Trump said in a tele-town hall with Hagerty. “I had a very hard time pronouncing those names.”
Trump encouraged Tennesseans to vote early, warning that it was critical to elect senators in office who would vote in favor of the judges he appoints.
“Your Second Amendment is under siege. If I weren’t here I don’t think you would have a Second Amendment,” Trump added while praising Hagerty’s support of law enforcement. “You would certainly have a very weak one.”
Hagerty’s main opponent in the Senate primary is trauma surgeon Manny Sethi, who is also seeking the position being vacated by outgoing Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander. The two candidates have recently increased attacks on one another as early voting kicked off Friday.
In a recent ad, Sethi attacked Hagerty’s past political donations to Republican Mitt Romney - the only Republican to vote to convict the president during his impeachment trial.
“Why is the establishment attacking a nice guy like me?” Sethi asks. “Well, folks are finding out that Bill Hagerty’s endorsed by Mitt Romney.”
Romney has not publicly endorsed Hagerty since the former ambassador joined the race, but Romney had previously supported the idea, according to the Wall Street Journal in mid-2019.
Meanwhile, Hagerty criticized Sethi in an ad as a “liberal elitist.”
“I volunteered full-time for six months when nobody else was supporting President Trump, certainly not Manny Sethi – didn’t lift a finger, didn’t donate a dime back in 2016 to help President Trump get elected,” Hagerty told The Associated Press on Friday.
Early voting ahead of the Aug. 6 primary will be open Monday through Saturday until Aug. 1.
For those who do not want to vote in person, a judge is giving all eligible voters the option to vote absentee during the pandemic. Absentee ballots can be requested until July 30. First-time voters can only vote absentee if they have shown ID at a county election office.
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Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Asia Today: Morrison scraps Parliament meet as virus spreads

CANBERRA , Australia ( AP ) - Prime Minister Scott Morrison requested that the next two-week sitting of Australia ’ s Parliament be canceled because of increasing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus in parts of the country .
Parliament was due to sit from Aug. 4 to 13 and would not meet again until the next planned two-week sitting starting on Aug. 24 .
Morrison said he had written to the parliamentary speaker to ask for a cancellation .
The request is considered a formality .
In a statement , Morrison said he had received advice from Acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are “ significant risks ” associated with a meeting of Parliament due to increased community transmission of COVID-19 in the state of Victoria and the trends in New South Wales .
Kelly says , “ The entry of a high-risk group of individuals could jeopardize the health situation … and place residents at unnecessary risk of infection .
On Friday , Victoria state reported a new high of 428 cases and three deaths , most in and around the nation ’ s second-largest city of Melbourne , which has been locked down since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Asia-Pacific region : - South Korea has reported 39 newly confirmed infections of COVID-19 , most of them cases imported from abroad .
The figures announced by South Korea ’ s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday brought the national caseload to 13,711 , including 294 deaths .
The KCDC says at least 28 cases were tied to overseas arrivals .
Eighteen others came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area , which had been at the center of a virus resurgence that began in late May as restrictions eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak is being brought under control .
They say imported case of COVID-19 are less threatening than local transmissions because the country is mandating testing and enforcing two-week quarantines on people arriving from abroad .
Follow all of AP ’ s pandemic coverage at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

BEIJING (AP) - The number of confirmed cases in a new coronavirus outbreak in China’s far west has risen to 17.
The National Health Commission said Saturday that 16 more cases were identified in the previous 24 hours in the Xinjiang region, on top of a first case.
The outbreak in the city of Urumqi is the latest to pop up since China largely contained the domestic spread of the virus in March. The largest was a recent outbreak in Beijing that infected more than 330 people.
Authorities in Urumqi have reduced subways, buses and taxis and closed off some residential communities, according to Chinese media reports. They also placed restrictions on people leaving the city, including a suspension of subway service to the airport.
China has been accused of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, the homeland of the largely Muslim Uighur ethnic community. The region has long been blanketed with extreme security, which China says is necessary to prevent terrorist activity.
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:
- Bangladesh has surpassed 200,000 cases. Nasima Sultana, additional director general of the Health Directorate, said Saturday that 2,709 people had tested positive over the last 24 hours, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 202,066, including 2,581 deaths. Bangladesh lacks adequate laboratories for testing, and experts say the actual figures are much higher. Most people in rural Bangladesh have stopped wearing masks and are thronging to shopping centers ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, scheduled for later this month.
- Australia’s Victoria state saw a marked drop in new COVID-19 infections - from Friday’s record high of 428 to 217. The Health Department said Saturday that two more people in the state, a man and a woman both aged in their 80s, had died, raising the state’s death toll to 34 and Australia’s national total to 118.
- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison requested that the next two-week sitting of Parliament be canceled because of increasing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus in parts of the country. Parliament was due to sit from Aug. 4 to 13 and would not meet again until the next planned two-week sitting starting on Aug. 24. Morrison said he had written to the parliamentary speaker to ask for a cancellation. The request is considered a formality.
- South Korea has reported 39 newly confirmed infections of COVID-19, most of them cases imported from abroad. The figures brought the national caseload to 13,711, including 294 deaths. Authorities said least 28 cases were tied to overseas arrivals. Eighteen others came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, which had been at the center of a virus resurgence that began in late May as restrictions eased.
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Follow all of AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Judge: Houston can't ban convention; GOP deciding next move

A federal judge ruled Friday that Houston can ’ t ban the Texas Republican Party from holding its convention in-person , but it was not clear whether the GOP would move for a physical meetup or keep the event virtual as the coronavirus continues to surge .
U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ruled verbally that the city failed to make a case compelling enough to trump the party ’ s First Amendment right to meet , said Jared Woodfill , attorney for GOP party activist Dr. Steven Hotze .
A written order was to be filed later .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Woodfill said .
“ This is a great victory for the First Amendment.
” Hughes ordered the city to accommodate the party convention this weekend or the following weekend , at the GOP ’ s choice , Woodfill said .
James Dickey , chairman of the Republican Party of Texas , said the party is still on-track to try a virtual gathering this weekend but said it ’ s good to know the option for an in-person convention exists .
He hopes the ruling will set a precedent “ for other state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come against a bully Democrat mayor ’ s malicious shutdown , ” he said .
In a statement , Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner noted that the city plans to appeal the ruling .
“ We are in the midst of a pandemic , a public health crisis .
More people are being admitted to our hospitals and ICUs , and more people are dying .
The State Republican Executive Committee is being totally irresponsible in continuing to push for an indoor , in-person convention .
This reflects a total disregard for the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our city , ” he said .
Turner , a Democrat , had directed operators of the George R. Brown Convention Center to cancel the Texas GOP ’ s contract to hold an in-person convention this weekend at the center .
The mayor said he believed the three-day event could not be held safely with the new coronavirus , which causes COVID-19 , running rampant in Houston and much of Texas .
The party sued , alleging breach of contract , but lost an appeal at the Texas Supreme Court on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was scheduled to begin this week .
Following the losses in court , the party ’ s executive committee voted overwhelmingly Monday night to move the event online .
But the plan didn ’ t work well .
The GOP tried to hold a virtual convention this week , similar to one held last month by the Texas Democratic Party .
The first day “ was a disaster because a virtual platform can not support the work the Republican Party of Texas does at its convention , ” the party said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ was unable to conduct business and hold elections necessary for the Republican Party of Texas to organize for the upcoming elections.
” Woodfill argued that Turner was trying to muzzle the GOP in an effort to deliver Texas to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
“ If the Republican Party can ’ t deliver Texas , President ( Donald ) Trump won ’ t get re-elected.
” Gilberto Hinojosa , chairman of the Texas Democratic Party , said the ruling shows the Texas GOP is “ now willing to risk the lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too technologically inept to continue in a safe and distant manner .
Shame on the judge who issued this ruling .
… If this proceeds , Texans will remember who put their lives at risk to hold a pep rally.
” Hughes , an appointee of President Ronald Reagan , is the only judge in the Southern District of Texas still holding court , in person and maskless , in his courtroom , the Houston Chronicle reported .
Texas health officials announced that the state set a new daily record for virus deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported more than 10,000 confirmed new cases for a fourth consecutive day .

A federal judge ruled Friday that Houston can’t ban the Texas Republican Party from holding its convention in-person, but it was not clear whether the GOP would move for a physical meetup or keep the event virtual as the coronavirus continues to surge.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ruled verbally that the city failed to make a case compelling enough to trump the party’s First Amendment right to meet, said Jared Woodfill, attorney for GOP party activist Dr. Steven Hotze. A written order was to be filed later.
“He gave us everything we asked for,” Woodfill said. “This is a great victory for the First Amendment.”
Hughes ordered the city to accommodate the party convention this weekend or the following weekend, at the GOP’s choice, Woodfill said.
James Dickey, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, said the party is still on-track to try a virtual gathering this weekend but said it’s good to know the option for an in-person convention exists. He hopes the ruling will set a precedent “for other state and local Republican parties and organizations who come against a bully Democrat mayor’s malicious shutdown,” he said.
In a statement, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner noted that the city plans to appeal the ruling.
“We are in the midst of a pandemic, a public health crisis. More people are being admitted to our hospitals and ICUs, and more people are dying. The State Republican Executive Committee is being totally irresponsible in continuing to push for an indoor, in-person convention. This reflects a total disregard for the health and safety of employees and people in our city,” he said.
Turner, a Democrat, had directed operators of the George R. Brown Convention Center to cancel the Texas GOP’s contract to hold an in-person convention this weekend at the center. The mayor said he believed the three-day event could not be held safely with the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, running rampant in Houston and much of Texas.
The party sued, alleging breach of contract, but lost an appeal at the Texas Supreme Court on Monday.
The convention typically draws thousands of attendees and was scheduled to begin this week. Following the losses in court, the party’s executive committee voted overwhelmingly Monday night to move the event online.
But the plan didn’t work well. The GOP tried to hold a virtual convention this week, similar to one held last month by the Texas Democratic Party. The first day “was a disaster because a virtual platform cannot support the work the Republican Party of Texas does at its convention,” the party said in its written pleadings. The Texas GOP “was unable to conduct business and hold elections necessary for the Republican Party of Texas to organize for the upcoming elections.”
Woodfill argued that Turner was trying to muzzle the GOP in an effort to deliver Texas to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. “If the Republican Party can’t deliver Texas, President (Donald) Trump won’t get re-elected.”
Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, said the ruling shows the Texas GOP is “now willing to risk the lives of millions of Texans because they are too technologically inept to continue in a safe and distant manner. Shame on the judge who issued this ruling. … If this proceeds, Texans will remember who put their lives at risk to hold a pep rally.”
Hughes, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, is the only judge in the Southern District of Texas still holding court, in person and maskless, in his courtroom, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Texas health officials announced that the state set a new daily record for virus deaths with 174 on Friday alone, and reported more than 10,000 confirmed new cases for a fourth consecutive day.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Ex-football player receives 20-year sentence on drug charge

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - A former college football player who went to trial for violating North Carolina ’ s sports agent law has received a 20-year prison sentence on a drug conviction in Georgia following a probation violation .
Superior Court Judge Terry N. Massey imposed the sentence Wednesday on Christopher Jamel Hawkins , 37 , on a charge originating from an April 2009 traffic stop .
According to a sentencing filing Friday in Morgan County , Hawkins receives credit for time served in custody for roughly three weeks in 2009 and since June 2012 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at UNC and Marshall from 2001-05 – pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a deal to receive 10 years of probation in a first-offender program .
A grand jury indicted Hawkins in June 2009 for cocaine trafficking , marijuana possession and a seatbelt violation , according to court documents .
Brad J. Evans , Hawkins ’ Georgia-based attorney , declined comment Friday night when reached by The Associated Press .
In early March , a North Carolina judge declared a mistrial in Hawkins ’ case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law by providing cash to ex-Tar Heels football players Robert Quinn , Charles Brown and Kendric Burney in 2010 .
The jury couldn ’ t reach a verdict , leaving open the possibility of another trial .
Prosecutor W. Scott Harkey declined comment on the status of that case but told the AP his office is aware of the Georgia sentencing .
In February , North Carolina authorities arrested Hawkins for receiving a parcel containing about $ 160,000 worth of marijuana and THC edibles .
He was taken into custody in March on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court document citing that case and a separate 2016 drug case in North Carolina among probation violations .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A former college football player who went to trial for violating North Carolina’s sports agent law has received a 20-year prison sentence on a drug conviction in Georgia following a probation violation.
Superior Court Judge Terry N. Massey imposed the sentence Wednesday on Christopher Jamel Hawkins, 37, on a charge originating from an April 2009 traffic stop. According to a sentencing filing Friday in Morgan County, Hawkins receives credit for time served in custody for roughly three weeks in 2009 and since June 2012.
That’s when Hawkins – who played at UNC and Marshall from 2001-05 – pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a deal to receive 10 years of probation in a first-offender program. A grand jury indicted Hawkins in June 2009 for cocaine trafficking, marijuana possession and a seatbelt violation, according to court documents.
Brad J. Evans, Hawkins’ Georgia-based attorney, declined comment Friday night when reached by The Associated Press.
In early March, a North Carolina judge declared a mistrial in Hawkins’ case for violating the state’s agent law by providing cash to ex-Tar Heels football players Robert Quinn, Charles Brown and Kendric Burney in 2010.
The jury couldn’t reach a verdict, leaving open the possibility of another trial. Prosecutor W. Scott Harkey declined comment on the status of that case but told the AP his office is aware of the Georgia sentencing.
In February, North Carolina authorities arrested Hawkins for receiving a parcel containing about $160,000 worth of marijuana and THC edibles. He was taken into custody in March on a Georgia arrest warrant, with a court document citing that case and a separate 2016 drug case in North Carolina among probation violations.
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More AP college football: http://apnews.com/Collegefootball and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25
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Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aaronbeardap


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Panel OKs sending ballot request forms to all Iowa voters

A legislative panel voted unanimously Friday to approve the plan by Iowa ’ s top election official to send absentee ballot request forms to all registered voters before the November election , following a similar action he took before the June primary to help people avoid voting in person amid the coronavirus pandemic .
In a proposed emergency election directive , Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate sought to use federal funds to mail absentee ballot requests to all active registered voters for the Nov. 3 election .
In the directive that Pate presented to the Legislative Council , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pate noted that he has consulted with all 99 county auditors and not all of them can send absentee ballot request forms to voters .
The legislative panel , made up of 14 Republicans and 10 Democrats , met by telephone and approved Pate ’ s request .
“ I want Iowa voters and poll workers to be safe during this pandemic while we conduct a clean , fair and secure election , ” he said in a statement .
“ After consulting with all 99 county auditors , I believe the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mailing an absentee ballot request form to every active registered voter in the state.
” It wasn ’ t clear when ballot requests will be sent to voters or whether some counties , which have already printed ballot requests , will still mail out the forms .
Pate said voters can still cast their ballot in person , and election officials will provide resources to protect those who choose that method .
Pate previously had the power to send out ballot requests but just days after his action was credited with a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a last-minute maneuver , Republican lawmakers approved a bill requiring him to get approval of the GOP-run legislative council .
The action was in line with calls from President Donald Trump for states to limit mail voting .
In recent weeks , election officials in some larger populated counties said they would send ballots to all registered voters in their counties .
Some have also said they planned to send absentee ballot request forms with a voter identification number already filled in to assist voters .
In Iowa , voters without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card must use a PIN issued by Pate to satisfy the state ’ s voter identification law .
Some voter advocates worry that many voters don ’ t know their PIN and could forget it or put the wrong number on the ballot request form .
Iowa Republican lawmakers passed a law in June that forces local election officials to call , email or write voters if they get the identification number wrong , leave it off or make any mistake on an absentee ballot application .
Previously , the county officials could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ errors or omissions .
County officials opposed the law and have said it hinders their ability to process forms efficiently .
Opponents Republicans were trying to suppress voting .
Two Latino advocacy groups have sued to block its enforcement .
Pate ’ s directive prohibits county officials from automatically filling in information on absentee ballot forms they send to voters .

A legislative panel voted unanimously Friday to approve the plan by Iowa’s top election official to send absentee ballot request forms to all registered voters before the November election, following a similar action he took before the June primary to help people avoid voting in person amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a proposed emergency election directive, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate sought to use federal funds to mail absentee ballot requests to all active registered voters for the Nov. 3 election. In the directive that Pate presented to the Legislative Council, he said a public health disaster persists.
Pate noted that he has consulted with all 99 county auditors and not all of them can send absentee ballot request forms to voters.
The legislative panel, made up of 14 Republicans and 10 Democrats, met by telephone and approved Pate’s request.
“I want Iowa voters and poll workers to be safe during this pandemic while we conduct a clean, fair and secure election,” he said in a statement. “After consulting with all 99 county auditors, I believe the best way to accomplish that goal is by mailing an absentee ballot request form to every active registered voter in the state.”
It wasn’t clear when ballot requests will be sent to voters or whether some counties, which have already printed ballot requests, will still mail out the forms.
Pate said voters can still cast their ballot in person, and election officials will provide resources to protect those who choose that method.
Pate previously had the power to send out ballot requests but just days after his action was credited with a record turnout for the June primary. But in a last-minute maneuver, Republican lawmakers approved a bill requiring him to get approval of the GOP-run legislative council. The action was in line with calls from President Donald Trump for states to limit mail voting.
In recent weeks, election officials in some larger populated counties said they would send ballots to all registered voters in their counties. Some have also said they planned to send absentee ballot request forms with a voter identification number already filled in to assist voters.
In Iowa, voters without a driver’s license or state-issued identification card must use a PIN issued by Pate to satisfy the state’s voter identification law. Some voter advocates worry that many voters don’t know their PIN and could forget it or put the wrong number on the ballot request form.
Iowa Republican lawmakers passed a law in June that forces local election officials to call, email or write voters if they get the identification number wrong, leave it off or make any mistake on an absentee ballot application. Previously, the county officials could double-check their voter database and fix any errors or omissions.
County officials opposed the law and have said it hinders their ability to process forms efficiently. Opponents Republicans were trying to suppress voting. Two Latino advocacy groups have sued to block its enforcement.
Pate’s directive prohibits county officials from automatically filling in information on absentee ballot forms they send to voters.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--White supremacist on California death row attacks guard

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - A white supremacist gang member on California ’ s death row attacked a guard , who was slashed in the hand , corrections officials said .
Todd Givens , 51 , tried to cut the neck of a correctional officer who was picking up food trays Thursday morning in a housing unit at San Quentin State Prison , according to a statement from the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation .
Givens used a weapon made from two razor blades and a broken , sharpened piece from nail clippers , the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his left hand .
As Givens pulled the weapon back , it slashed the officer ’ s hand , ” the statement said .
The guard received five stitches at a hospital .
The attack was under investigation .
The officer was transferred to the prison north of San Francisco to help staff it in the midst of a massive outbreak of the coronavirus .
San Quentin has reported more than 2,000 cases and 12 deaths .
Givens is a member of the Nazi Low Riders prison gang , authorities said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were convicted of killing two people in 1997 in Porterville in Tulare County .
Prosecutors said Barry Holstone , 30 , of Earlimart , was shot along with his sister , Patreace Holstone , 32 , of Porterville .
Their bodies were found in a burning car in an olive grove near the Givens home .
Prosecutors said Givens committed the killings because he believed that Barry Holstone had stolen from him .
Givens was sentenced to death and his wife is serving a sentence of life without possibility of parole .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A white supremacist gang member on California’s death row attacked a guard, who was slashed in the hand, corrections officials said.
Todd Givens, 51, tried to cut the neck of a correctional officer who was picking up food trays Thursday morning in a housing unit at San Quentin State Prison, according to a statement from the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Givens used a weapon made from two razor blades and a broken, sharpened piece from nail clippers, the statement said.
“The officer grabbed the weapon with his left hand. As Givens pulled the weapon back, it slashed the officer’s hand,” the statement said. The guard received five stitches at a hospital.
The attack was under investigation.
The officer was transferred to the prison north of San Francisco to help staff it in the midst of a massive outbreak of the coronavirus. San Quentin has reported more than 2,000 cases and 12 deaths.
Givens is a member of the Nazi Low Riders prison gang, authorities said.
He and his wife, Lacey Givens, were convicted of killing two people in 1997 in Porterville in Tulare County. Prosecutors said Barry Holstone, 30, of Earlimart, was shot along with his sister, Patreace Holstone, 32, of Porterville. Their bodies were found in a burning car in an olive grove near the Givens home.
Prosecutors said Givens committed the killings because he believed that Barry Holstone had stolen from him.
Givens was sentenced to death and his wife is serving a sentence of life without possibility of parole.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Arizona AG asks Supreme Court to decide Tucson election date

TUCSON , Ariz. ( AP ) - Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Friday asked the state Supreme Court to @ @ @ @ @ between Tucson and the state Legislature over the city ’ s plans to hold elections @ @ @ @ @ even-numbered year .
Brnovich , a Republican , said Tucson ’ s election plans may @ @ @ @ @ cities to hold their elections in even-numbered years if their off-year elections show a significantly @ @ @ @ @ say state lawmakers can ’ t tell them when to hold their city elections .
@ @ @ @ @ with Brnovich , Tucson will have to change its election date or lose state funding @ @ @ @ @ quarter of its general fund revenue .
Brnovich looked into the issue at the request @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is another attempt by our State Legislature to micromanage and undermine our @ @ @ @ @ city , ” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said in a statement .

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Friday asked the state Supreme Court to weigh in on a dispute between Tucson and the state Legislature over the city’s plans to hold elections in 2021 instead of an even-numbered year.
Brnovich, a Republican, said Tucson’s election plans may violate a 2018 law requiring cities to hold their elections in even-numbered years if their off-year elections show a significantly lower turnout. Tucson officials say state lawmakers can’t tell them when to hold their city elections.
If the Supreme Court sides with Brnovich, Tucson will have to change its election date or lose state funding that amounts to about a quarter of its general fund revenue.
Brnovich looked into the issue at the request of Republican Rep. T.J. Shope.
“This is another attempt by our State Legislature to micromanage and undermine our ability to self-govern as a city,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said in a statement.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--San Francisco mayor frustrated as virus cases rise statewide

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - San Francisco , one of the nation ’ s first cities to fully shut down and one of the slowest to reopen , joined California ’ s coronavirus watch list on Friday , and the mayor expressed frustration that people are attending social gatherings against health officials ’ advice .
Mayor London Breed said a city disaster services worker had to quarantine after the worker ’ s roommate went on a camping trip with more than a dozen friends , came back sick and eventually tested positive for the virus .
She also attributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
“ Can you wear a mask the whole time ?
Can you be socially distant ?
Can you wash your hands often ?
If you can ’ t , you ’ re not only risking your health and the health of others , but you ’ re also further pushing back the date when our city can open because we ’ re not reopening until we get this under control , ” she said .
“ What I ’ m afraid of is the complacency .
People are tired of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not tired of us , ” Breed said .
More than 30 of California ’ s 58 counties are now on the watch list , which looks at hospitalizations and virus transmissions , as well as hospital capacity .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Friday announced any county on the watch list can ’ t resume in-person learning when schools reopen next month , meaning most California students will again learn digitally .
New state guidelines say districts can ’ t reopen classrooms until a county is off the watch list for 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t likely to meet soon .
The guidelines came as California reported its third-highest daily total of additional coronavirus cases , with nearly 10,000 cases and 130 deaths .
That followed a week where daily case numbers fluctuated significantly .
Over the past two weeks , more than 1,200 people have died from the virus .
In San Francisco , public health director Dr. Grant Colfax said the average age of people hospitalized with COVID-19 at San Francisco General Hospital is 41 .
He ’ s alarmed it took more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to climb from 2,000 to 3,000 - but it has taken 13 days for the count to go from 4,000 to nearly 5,000 .
Indoor malls will close Monday , and Colfax warned authorities are prepared to backtrack even more .
But there was a potentially hopeful sign : The seven-day rate of positive cases was down slightly , to 7.1 % , compared with the 14-day average .
California tested more than 120,000 people per day during most of the past week .
“ It ’ s encouraging to see , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the California Health and Human Services Agency , though he noted the state is facing some delays in getting test results back .
He said California is entering the time period where it may start to see the effects of a fresh round of business closures , including bars and restaurants for dining-in services .
Throughout May and June , California reopened much of its shuttered economy , with people again shopping in stores and dining out .
But Newsom began to shut many businesses down again this summer as positive case rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we feel confident in that trend and you see all the numbers start to stabilize , we ’ ll credit some of the moves made over the last few weeks , ” Ghaly said .
Newsom urged caution in interpreting the numbers , saying the rate of positive cases can “ fluctuate significantly.
” In Los Angeles , the state ’ s largest county , the positive rate of cases sat at 9 % , and hospitalizations continued to rise .
The county , which has a quarter of the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 2,300 additional cases and 62 new deaths and the rate of hospitalization rose even among younger people .
Those between 18 and 40 years old were being hospitalized “ at a higher rate than seen at any point in this pandemic , ” a county Department of Public Health statement said .
The department also reported that 48 people working at the SoFi stadium site in Inglewood , an NFL stadium under construction , tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday , just as the $ 5-billion project comes into its final stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ronayne reported from Sacramento .
Associated Press writer Cuneyt Dil in Sacramento contributed to the report .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco, one of the nation’s first cities to fully shut down and one of the slowest to reopen, joined California’s coronavirus watch list on Friday, and the mayor expressed frustration that people are attending social gatherings against health officials’ advice.
Mayor London Breed said a city disaster services worker had to quarantine after the worker’s roommate went on a camping trip with more than a dozen friends, came back sick and eventually tested positive for the virus. She also attributed the rise in cases to people returning to work.
“Can you wear a mask the whole time? Can you be socially distant? Can you wash your hands often? If you can’t, you’re not only risking your health and the health of others, but you’re also further pushing back the date when our city can open because we’re not reopening until we get this under control,” she said.
“What I’m afraid of is the complacency. People are tired of the virus, but the virus is not tired of us,” Breed said.
More than 30 of California’s 58 counties are now on the watch list, which looks at hospitalizations and virus transmissions, as well as hospital capacity.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced any county on the watch list can’t resume in-person learning when schools reopen next month, meaning most California students will again learn digitally. New state guidelines say districts can’t reopen classrooms until a county is off the watch list for 14 days, a threshold major counties aren’t likely to meet soon.
The guidelines came as California reported its third-highest daily total of additional coronavirus cases, with nearly 10,000 cases and 130 deaths. That followed a week where daily case numbers fluctuated significantly. Over the past two weeks, more than 1,200 people have died from the virus.
In San Francisco, public health director Dr. Grant Colfax said the average age of people hospitalized with COVID-19 at San Francisco General Hospital is 41. He’s alarmed it took more than a month for the number of reported cases to climb from 2,000 to 3,000 - but it has taken 13 days for the count to go from 4,000 to nearly 5,000.
Indoor malls will close Monday, and Colfax warned authorities are prepared to backtrack even more.
But there was a potentially hopeful sign: The seven-day rate of positive cases was down slightly, to 7.1%, compared with the 14-day average. California tested more than 120,000 people per day during most of the past week.
“It’s encouraging to see,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, though he noted the state is facing some delays in getting test results back.
He said California is entering the time period where it may start to see the effects of a fresh round of business closures, including bars and restaurants for dining-in services. Throughout May and June, California reopened much of its shuttered economy, with people again shopping in stores and dining out. But Newsom began to shut many businesses down again this summer as positive case rates and hospitalizations rose.
“As soon as we feel confident in that trend and you see all the numbers start to stabilize, we’ll credit some of the moves made over the last few weeks,” Ghaly said.
Newsom urged caution in interpreting the numbers, saying the rate of positive cases can “fluctuate significantly.”
In Los Angeles, the state’s largest county, the positive rate of cases sat at 9%, and hospitalizations continued to rise.
The county, which has a quarter of the state’s population of 40 million, reported nearly 2,300 additional cases and 62 new deaths and the rate of hospitalization rose even among younger people. Those between 18 and 40 years old were being hospitalized “at a higher rate than seen at any point in this pandemic,” a county Department of Public Health statement said.
The department also reported that 48 people working at the SoFi stadium site in Inglewood, an NFL stadium under construction, tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, just as the $5-billion project comes into its final stages, the Los Angeles Times reported.
__
Ronayne reported from Sacramento. Associated Press writer Cuneyt Dil in Sacramento contributed to the report.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Las Vegas police reach $2.2M settlement in chokehold death

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - The family of a man who was punched , hit with stun gun jolts and put in a neck restraint by a police officer outside a Las Vegas casino in 2017 has reached a tentative $ 2.2 million settlement with police .
Boris Treyzon , an attorney for the family of Tashii Brown , said the agreement settles a lawsuit filed on behalf of Brown ’ s children that accused Las Vegas police of excessive force and gross negligence in the 40-year-old ’ s death .
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” was reached but the settlement will go before the department ’ s Fiscal Affairs Committee for approval .
The department confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the proposed settlement would be the largest in the department ’ s history .
The department said it could not comment further until the committee takes action .
Kenneth Lopera , the officer who used the unapproved chokehold on Brown , was fired after the department said he violated use-of-force policies .
Lopera then became the first Las Vegas police officer to face a manslaughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police shootings and uses of force drew reform recommendations in 2012 from the U.S. Justice Department .
The charge against Lopera came after the Clark County coroner ruled that Brown was asphyxiated as a result of the police neck restraint .
Medical examiners also noted that Brown had an enlarged heart and methamphetamine in his system when he died .
In 2018 , all criminal charges against Lopera , also including oppression under color of office , were dropped after legal representatives from his police union presented evidence to a criminal grand jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his heart ailment and drug use .
The grand jury refused to indict .
The settlement in the case with Brown ’ s children releases the police department and Lopera from the lawsuit .
A message left Friday with Lopera ’ s attorney was not returned .
A separate lawsuit filed by Brown ’ s mother , Trinita Farmer , is pending in federal court .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The family of a man who was punched, hit with stun gun jolts and put in a neck restraint by a police officer outside a Las Vegas casino in 2017 has reached a tentative $2.2 million settlement with police.
Boris Treyzon, an attorney for the family of Tashii Brown, said the agreement settles a lawsuit filed on behalf of Brown’s children that accused Las Vegas police of excessive force and gross negligence in the 40-year-old’s death.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that “an amicable resolution” was reached but the settlement will go before the department’s Fiscal Affairs Committee for approval.
The department confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the proposed settlement would be the largest in the department’s history.
The department said it could not comment further until the committee takes action.
Kenneth Lopera, the officer who used the unapproved chokehold on Brown, was fired after the department said he violated use-of-force policies. Lopera then became the first Las Vegas police officer to face a manslaughter charge since 1990 in a city where police shootings and uses of force drew reform recommendations in 2012 from the U.S. Justice Department.
The charge against Lopera came after the Clark County coroner ruled that Brown was asphyxiated as a result of the police neck restraint. Medical examiners also noted that Brown had an enlarged heart and methamphetamine in his system when he died.
In 2018, all criminal charges against Lopera, also including oppression under color of office, were dropped after legal representatives from his police union presented evidence to a criminal grand jury that Brown’s death was due to his heart ailment and drug use. The grand jury refused to indict.
The settlement in the case with Brown’s children releases the police department and Lopera from the lawsuit. A message left Friday with Lopera’s attorney was not returned.
A separate lawsuit filed by Brown’s mother, Trinita Farmer, is pending in federal court.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--ACLU sues feds over Portland protest violence

The American Civil Liberties Union sued federal agents Friday , asking a court to prohibit the agents from attempting to disperse journalists and “ legal observers ” in Portland .
The liberal organization says the U.S .
Marshal Service and the Department of Homeland Security have sent agents to the city despite local leaders resisting federal intervention .
The ACLU accuses the feds of using tear gas , rubber bullets and acoustic weapons to disperse protesters — including journalists and “ legal observers , ” which the organization says are identifiable by wearing legal garments demonstrating they ’ re lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fight to save our democracy , ” said Kelly Simon , interim legal director for Oregon ’ s ACLU chapter .
“ Under the direction of the Trump administration , federal agents are terrorizing the community , risking lives , and brutally attacking protesters demonstrating against police brutality .
This is police escalation on top of police escalation .
These federal agents must be stopped and removed from our city , ” she added .
One of the journalists represented by the ACLU is a freelance photographer that was shot 10 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Another journalist was attacked with tear gas .
The complaint says they had “ PRESS ” identification but were still targeted by the agents .
Violence has erupted in Portland with clashes between protesters and law enforcement earlier this week during Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality .
Democratic leaders in the state have accused President Trump of trying to score political points by sending in federal agents “ Keep your troops in your own buildings , or have them leave our city , ” Mayor Ted Wheeler said at @ @ @ @ @

The American Civil Liberties Union sued federal agents Friday, asking a court to prohibit the agents from attempting to disperse journalists and “legal observers” in Portland.
The liberal organization says the U.S. Marshal Service and the Department of Homeland Security have sent agents to the city despite local leaders resisting federal intervention.
The ACLU accuses the feds of using tear gas, rubber bullets and acoustic weapons to disperse protesters — including journalists and “legal observers,” which the organization says are identifiable by wearing legal garments demonstrating they’re lawyers assisting the protesters.
“This is a fight to save our democracy,” said Kelly Simon, interim legal director for Oregon’s ACLU chapter.
“Under the direction of the Trump administration, federal agents are terrorizing the community, risking lives, and brutally attacking protesters demonstrating against police brutality. This is police escalation on top of police escalation. These federal agents must be stopped and removed from our city,” she added.
One of the journalists represented by the ACLU is a freelance photographer that was shot 10 times in the back with rubber bullets on Sunday. Another journalist was attacked with tear gas. The complaint says they had “PRESS” identification but were still targeted by the agents.
SEE ALSO: Ted Wheeler, mayor of Portland, to Donald Trump: Get your troops out of the city
Violence has erupted in Portland with clashes between protesters and law enforcement earlier this week during Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality.
Democratic leaders in the state have accused President Trump of trying to score political points by sending in federal agents
“Keep your troops in your own buildings, or have them leave our city,” Mayor Ted Wheeler said at a recent news conference.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Classroom instruction planned in some parts of California

School districts in less-populated California counties are moving ahead with plans for classroom instruction , albeit with face masks , hand-washing stations , socially distant seating and lots of hand sanitizer .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Friday that most counties will start the school year online due to soaring coronavirus cases and hospitalizations .
But rural counties in the central and northern parts of the state have seen little of the virus and can bring students and teachers back to campus .
Jaime Green , superintendent of Trinity Alps Unified in far Northern California , said he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the district ’ s 700 students .
The county has had only two confirmed virus cases since the pandemic began , and Green said he ’ s worried about the impact on students ’ mental health if they are isolated at home .
“ We have bought gallons and gallons of hand sanitizer , ” Green said , adding that school will be in session half-days for the first week so teachers and staff have ample time to assess and retool any procedures .
“ Any protocol the state ’ s going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund raise and do whatever we can to be back in school.
” Newsom said the state prefers for schools to resume in-person instruction when it ’ s safe but that time isn ’ t now for more than 30 of the state ’ s 58 counties suffering a spike in virus cases , and they must meet strict criteria for reopening .
For schools that can reopen their classrooms , all staff and students in grades 3 to 12 will be required to wear face coverings .
Younger students will be encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Lone Pine , a community on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains 200 miles ( 322 kilometers ) north of Los Angeles , school officials are planning to return to classes after surveying teachers and parents .
Patrick Traynor , superintendent of the 330-student Lone Pine Unified School District , said teachers agreed that distance learning wasn ’ t optimal , and they won ’ t return to it unless they must .
” We don ’ t want to experience that lack of success compared to what we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
But Traynor said they will be prepared to do so if the virus dictates .
In the spring , Traynor said they only had an independent study program when the pandemic brought school closures .
It took about a month to get students the devices and Internet access needed for virtual instruction , something they ’ re much better prepared to do now with a mapped out schedule for online classes and teachers ’ office hours , he said .
That preparation will be critical should the virus crop up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically draw tourists throughout the summer .
Already , Traynor said the district had to cancel the third and final week of a summer school class held in a campus gymnasium after a staff member tested positive for the virus .
But the first choice is to return to school .
Traynor said the district has stocked up on hand sanitizer , thermometers and masks for all students .
But he recognizes that there have been cases with more testing and more mingling compared to the early days of the pandemic , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if someone in a class tests positive , that class will shut down .
“ I am just hoping we can hold off until the vaccine comes and the environment changes and we don ’ t have to close , ” he said .

School districts in less-populated California counties are moving ahead with plans for classroom instruction, albeit with face masks, hand-washing stations, socially distant seating and lots of hand sanitizer.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that most counties will start the school year online due to soaring coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. But rural counties in the central and northern parts of the state have seen little of the virus and can bring students and teachers back to campus.
Jaime Green, superintendent of Trinity Alps Unified in far Northern California, said he’s planning to reopen school in a month for the district’s 700 students. The county has had only two confirmed virus cases since the pandemic began, and Green said he’s worried about the impact on students’ mental health if they are isolated at home.
“We have bought gallons and gallons of hand sanitizer,” Green said, adding that school will be in session half-days for the first week so teachers and staff have ample time to assess and retool any procedures. “Any protocol the state’s going to require, we are going to fund raise and do whatever we can to be back in school.”
Newsom said the state prefers for schools to resume in-person instruction when it’s safe but that time isn’t now for more than 30 of the state’s 58 counties suffering a spike in virus cases, and they must meet strict criteria for reopening. For schools that can reopen their classrooms, all staff and students in grades 3 to 12 will be required to wear face coverings. Younger students will be encouraged but not required to wear masks.
In Lone Pine, a community on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains 200 miles (322 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, school officials are planning to return to classes after surveying teachers and parents. Patrick Traynor, superintendent of the 330-student Lone Pine Unified School District, said teachers agreed that distance learning wasn’t optimal, and they won’t return to it unless they must.
”We don’t want to experience that lack of success compared to what we’re used to experiencing,” he said.
But Traynor said they will be prepared to do so if the virus dictates.
In the spring, Traynor said they only had an independent study program when the pandemic brought school closures. It took about a month to get students the devices and Internet access needed for virtual instruction, something they’re much better prepared to do now with a mapped out schedule for online classes and teachers’ office hours, he said.
That preparation will be critical should the virus crop up in the community near scenic mountain peaks that typically draw tourists throughout the summer. Already, Traynor said the district had to cancel the third and final week of a summer school class held in a campus gymnasium after a staff member tested positive for the virus.
But the first choice is to return to school. Traynor said the district has stocked up on hand sanitizer, thermometers and masks for all students. But he recognizes that there have been cases with more testing and more mingling compared to the early days of the pandemic, and that under the state’s guidance, if someone in a class tests positive, that class will shut down.
“I am just hoping we can hold off until the vaccine comes and the environment changes and we don’t have to close,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Florida police: Man shot, wounded after attacking officer

ATLANTIC BEACH , Fla. ( AP ) - A Florida police officer shot and wounded a 19-year-old Black man who @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
Jaden Domani Perkins was shot outside a Panera Bread restaurant Thursday @ @ @ @ @ the Florida Times-Union reported .
Atlantic Beach is located east of Jacksonville .
Restaurant employees @ @ @ @ @ man causing a disturbance in the parking lot , officials said .
Perkins attacked the @ @ @ @ @ him unconscious , Interim Chief Victor Gualillo said .
Perkins was still stomping the officer @ @ @ @ @ second officer arrived and ordered him to the ground , authorities said .
Perkins initially @ @ @ @ @ up and refused commands to halt , officials said .
Perkins rushed the officer and @ @ @ @ @ , prompting the officer to fire one shot , the chief said .
Perkins was @ @ @ @ @ The first officer also was hospitalized with severe head and facial injuries .
Officials did @ @ @ @ @ or their races .
Jail records did not list an attorney for Perkins .

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Florida police officer shot and wounded a 19-year-old Black man who had just attacked another officer, authorities said.
Jaden Domani Perkins was shot outside a Panera Bread restaurant Thursday morning in Atlantic Beach, the Florida Times-Union reported. Atlantic Beach is located east of Jacksonville.
Restaurant employees had called police about a man causing a disturbance in the parking lot, officials said. Perkins attacked the first arriving officer, knocking him unconscious, Interim Chief Victor Gualillo said. Perkins was still stomping the officer’s head when a second officer arrived and ordered him to the ground, authorities said.
Perkins initially complied but then got back up and refused commands to halt, officials said. Perkins rushed the officer and tried to grab his gun, prompting the officer to fire one shot, the chief said.
Perkins was hospitalized in serious condition. The first officer also was hospitalized with severe head and facial injuries.
Perkins faces an attempted murder charge, police said.
Officials did not identify the officers involved or their races.
Jail records did not list an attorney for Perkins.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Officer who killed Black man says he feared for his life

PHOENIX ( AP ) - An Arizona state trooper who killed a Black man nearly two months ago during a roadside struggle in Phoenix said he fired his gun because he feared for his life as the man refused to let go of the officer ’ s arm that was holding the firearm , according to police reports released earlier this week .
Trooper George Cervantes , whose fatal shooting of Dion Johnson inspired marches against police violence in Phoenix , told investigators that a partially handcuffed Johnson had already pulled part of the officer ’ s body into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he feared he would lose control of his gun if Johnson continued to overpower him , so he shot Johnson in the torso , leading to his death .
The reports provide new details on the officer ’ s account of the May 25 shooting along the Loop 101 freeway .
Authorities also released records showing Cervantes received an 80-hour suspension in 2013 for a series of violations of policy .
The violations included shooting his girlfriend ’ s puppy with a stun gun in an attempt to discipline the pet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ note on the car of his former girlfriend , who had been at odds with him and found the anonymous note to be worrisome .
Efforts to contact Cervantes for comment through phone records and social media weren ’ t successful .
A message left for Jocquese Blackwell , an attorney representing Johnson ’ s family , wasn ’ t immediately returned Friday .
Thousands of demonstrators took the street in downtown Phoenix last month to protest the deaths of Johnson and George Floyd , who died on the same day as Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The reports say Johnson ’ s encounter with Cervantes started when the trooper saw Johnson passed out in a car that smelled of alcohol and had a handgun sitting on the seat .
A toxicology report shows Johnson had methamphetamine , the synthetic opioid fentanyl and marijuana in his system .
The officer took the gun and secured it on his motorcycle and then returned to the car to arrest Johnson , who was by then seen moving around .
Cervantes cuffed one of Johnson ’ s hands , marking the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
The officer said he feared that Johnson was going to push him into a lane of traffic with his legs , so he pulled out his gun and told him to stop resisting arrest or he would be shot .
Cervantes said he started to re-holster his gun when he felt the threat had lessened , but then Johnson grabbed his arm that was holding the officer ’ s gun .
The officer told investigators that Johnson leaned back , pulled on the trooper and used his legs as leverage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body into the vehicle through an open door .
The trooper also said he feared Johnson would get hold of his gun if he were further drawn into the car , so he shot Johnson .
About seven years ago , Cervantes acknowledged to internal affairs investigators that he shot his then-girlfriend ’ s Boxer puppy with a department-issued stun gun because the pet was digging holes in her yard .
Authorities say Cervantes also drove his patrol vehicle to a parking lot where he left an anonymous note on his ex-girlfriend ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
I know where you live.
” His former girlfriend was frightened because she thought she was being stalked , leading police to open an investigation .
Investigators said Cervantes claimed the note was a joke .
Cervantes , a 15-year veteran of The Arizona Department of Public Safety , was put on paid leave after Johnson ’ s death .
Prosecutors are reviewing Johnson ’ s death to determine whether charges are warranted .

PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona state trooper who killed a Black man nearly two months ago during a roadside struggle in Phoenix said he fired his gun because he feared for his life as the man refused to let go of the officer’s arm that was holding the firearm, according to police reports released earlier this week.
Trooper George Cervantes, whose fatal shooting of Dion Johnson inspired marches against police violence in Phoenix, told investigators that a partially handcuffed Johnson had already pulled part of the officer’s body into the car through an open door. He said he feared he would lose control of his gun if Johnson continued to overpower him, so he shot Johnson in the torso, leading to his death.
The reports provide new details on the officer’s account of the May 25 shooting along the Loop 101 freeway. Authorities also released records showing Cervantes received an 80-hour suspension in 2013 for a series of violations of policy.
The violations included shooting his girlfriend’s puppy with a stun gun in an attempt to discipline the pet and using a state vehicle to leave a note on the car of his former girlfriend, who had been at odds with him and found the anonymous note to be worrisome.
Efforts to contact Cervantes for comment through phone records and social media weren’t successful. A message left for Jocquese Blackwell, an attorney representing Johnson’s family, wasn’t immediately returned Friday.
Thousands of demonstrators took the street in downtown Phoenix last month to protest the deaths of Johnson and George Floyd, who died on the same day as Johnson as Minneapolis police tried to arrest him.
The reports say Johnson’s encounter with Cervantes started when the trooper saw Johnson passed out in a car that smelled of alcohol and had a handgun sitting on the seat. A toxicology report shows Johnson had methamphetamine, the synthetic opioid fentanyl and marijuana in his system.
The officer took the gun and secured it on his motorcycle and then returned to the car to arrest Johnson, who was by then seen moving around. Cervantes cuffed one of Johnson’s hands, marking the beginning of the struggle, according to the reports.
The officer said he feared that Johnson was going to push him into a lane of traffic with his legs, so he pulled out his gun and told him to stop resisting arrest or he would be shot.
Cervantes said he started to re-holster his gun when he felt the threat had lessened, but then Johnson grabbed his arm that was holding the officer’s gun.
The officer told investigators that Johnson leaned back, pulled on the trooper and used his legs as leverage to pull part of the officer’s body into the vehicle through an open door.
The trooper also said he feared Johnson would get hold of his gun if he were further drawn into the car, so he shot Johnson.
About seven years ago, Cervantes acknowledged to internal affairs investigators that he shot his then-girlfriend’s Boxer puppy with a department-issued stun gun because the pet was digging holes in her yard.
Authorities say Cervantes also drove his patrol vehicle to a parking lot where he left an anonymous note on his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle saying, “I see you. I know where you live.”
His former girlfriend was frightened because she thought she was being stalked, leading police to open an investigation. Investigators said Cervantes claimed the note was a joke.
Cervantes, a 15-year veteran of The Arizona Department of Public Safety, was put on paid leave after Johnson’s death.
Prosecutors are reviewing Johnson’s death to determine whether charges are warranted.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Detroit woman charged in $2M unemployment insurance fraud

DETROIT ( AP ) - A contract employee for the state of Michigan has been charged in a scheme that saw the fraudulent disbursement of more than $ 2 million in unemployment insurance funding intended to help people during the coronavirus pandemic .
Brandi Hawkins , 39 , of Detroit , worked in the state ’ s Unemployment Insurance Agency with duties that included reviewing , processing and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims for the state , according to U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider ’ s office .
Starting in April , insider access was used to release federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims , his office said .
A search of Hawkins ’ home later turned up more than $ 200,000 in cash .
Authorities said some of the money was used to buy high-end handbags and other luxury items .
“ Brandi Hawkins is charged with exploiting the current pandemic to defraud the state of Michigan and United States for her own personal gain , ” Schneider said in a statement .
Hawkins was charged in a criminal complaint .
The case remains under investigation .
When completed , a determination will be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought , Schneider ’ s office noted .
The Associated Press was unable Friday evening to find a telephone number for Hawkins or determine if she has an attorney .

DETROIT (AP) - A contract employee for the state of Michigan has been charged in a scheme that saw the fraudulent disbursement of more than $2 million in unemployment insurance funding intended to help people during the coronavirus pandemic.
Brandi Hawkins, 39, of Detroit, worked in the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency with duties that included reviewing, processing and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims for the state, according to U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider’s office.
Starting in April, insider access was used to release federal and state funds on hundreds of fraudulent claims, his office said.
A search of Hawkins’ home later turned up more than $200,000 in cash. Authorities said some of the money was used to buy high-end handbags and other luxury items.
“Brandi Hawkins is charged with exploiting the current pandemic to defraud the state of Michigan and United States for her own personal gain,” Schneider said in a statement.
Hawkins was charged in a criminal complaint. The case remains under investigation. When completed, a determination will be made on whether a felony indictment will be sought, Schneider’s office noted.
The Associated Press was unable Friday evening to find a telephone number for Hawkins or determine if she has an attorney.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--Nursing home evacuated during virus outbreak reopens

RIVERSIDE , Calif. ( AP ) - A Southern California nursing home that was evacuated after staff failed to show up for work amid a coronavirus outbreak reopened Friday , officials said .
More than 80 patients were removed in April from the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center , a skilled nursing facility in Riverside , east of Los Angeles .
The facility began accepting patients again after working with the state and county for several months on a reopening plan , according to a Riverside County statement .
The California Department of Public Health approved the reopening after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and returning staff will operate Magnolia , which will mainly treat COVID-19 patients who have been discharged from the hospital but still need care , county spokeswoman Brooke Federico told the Riverside Press-Enterprise .
The reopening “ will be a big help to ease the burden from our local hospitals , ” county Supervisor Karen Spiegel said in the statement .
Spiegel said skilled nursing facilities are a critical part of the county ’ s surge plan .
Testing had found at least 34 patients and 16 staff members of the facility had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients were removed from the home after only one of 13 certified nursing assistants showed up to work .
Staff had stayed away for two days in a row .
Dozens of ambulances moved the residents to other nursing homes and hospitals around the county .
“ Back in April , many of those employees tested positive for the coronavirus and did not go to work to protect those people .
It was heartbreaking for these workers to not be with their patients , ” said Dr. Frank Flowers with the county-run Riverside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to care for residents at the facility before the evacuation .
The county statement quoted Magnolia ’ s owner , Veronica Mayes , as saying : “ Even in the darkness , there is always light .
You always find a new path .
The people inside here are what make it a home.
” Riverside County reported 28,695 virus cases as of Friday , with 587 deaths and 535 people hospitalized .
Skilled nursing facilities have been hit hard by the coronavirus , and residents are considered especially vulnerable due to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity to each other .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe life-threatening illness , including pneumonia .

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) - A Southern California nursing home that was evacuated after staff failed to show up for work amid a coronavirus outbreak reopened Friday, officials said.
More than 80 patients were removed in April from the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a skilled nursing facility in Riverside, east of Los Angeles.
The facility began accepting patients again after working with the state and county for several months on a reopening plan, according to a Riverside County statement.
The California Department of Public Health approved the reopening after a review, the statement said.
New and returning staff will operate Magnolia, which will mainly treat COVID-19 patients who have been discharged from the hospital but still need care, county spokeswoman Brooke Federico told the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
The reopening “will be a big help to ease the burden from our local hospitals,” county Supervisor Karen Spiegel said in the statement.
Spiegel said skilled nursing facilities are a critical part of the county’s surge plan.
Testing had found at least 34 patients and 16 staff members of the facility had COVID-19.
On April 8, 84 patients were removed from the home after only one of 13 certified nursing assistants showed up to work. Staff had stayed away for two days in a row.
Dozens of ambulances moved the residents to other nursing homes and hospitals around the county.
“Back in April, many of those employees tested positive for the coronavirus and did not go to work to protect those people. It was heartbreaking for these workers to not be with their patients,” said Dr. Frank Flowers with the county-run Riverside University Health System, which sent nurses to care for residents at the facility before the evacuation.
The county statement quoted Magnolia’s owner, Veronica Mayes, as saying: “Even in the darkness, there is always light. You always find a new path. The people inside here are what make it a home.”
Riverside County reported 28,695 virus cases as of Friday, with 587 deaths and 535 people hospitalized.
Skilled nursing facilities have been hit hard by the coronavirus, and residents are considered especially vulnerable due to their age and other health conditions and close proximity to each other.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe life-threatening illness, including pneumonia.


washingtontimes--2020-07-17--2 Oklahoma tribal leaders say they don't support agreement

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) - One day after announcing an agreement in principle with Oklahoma ’ s attorney general on proposed federal legislation regarding tribal jurisdiction , the leaders of two of five major Native American tribes indicated Friday that they don ’ t support the deal .
Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation Principal Chief David Hill and Seminole Nation Chief Greg P. Chilcoat both said they ’ re not in agreement with the document released Thursday by Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter .
The agreement announced Thursday with leaders of the Cherokee , Chickasaw , Choctaw , Muscogee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the high court ruled last week that much of eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian reservation .
The agreement was not legally binding , but was a framework for proposed federal legislation .
“ As the chief , I very much believe that collaboration between federal , state and tribal governments is critical and necessary following the Supreme Court ’ s decision , ” Hill wrote in a letter to tribal citizens .
“ That collaboration , however , does not require congressional legislation.
” Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation Press Secretary Jason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on the matter early next week .
Chilcoat said in a statement the Seminole Nation wasn ’ t involved in discussions and never formally approved the agreement .
Both Hunter and tribal representatives issued press releases on Thursday indicating their support of the plan .
Hunter said Friday Hill ’ s announcement was a “ stunning and regrettable reversal of commitments and assurances to me.
” “ Legislation is necessary to clarify the criminal and civil uncertainty created by the McGirt decision , ” Hunter said in a statement .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawing from this process .
It is my hope that both the Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation and the Seminole Nation will recommit to our agreement on legislation that preserves public safety and promotes continued economic growth.
” Under the agreement , the state would have criminal jurisdiction over non-Native American offenders throughout the treaty territories , with some exceptions , while the tribes would have overlapping jurisdiction over most offenders who are tribal citizens .
Federal prosecutors would still have jurisdiction under the Major Crimes Act over certain serious crimes committed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil jurisdiction would remain largely unchanged .

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - One day after announcing an agreement in principle with Oklahoma’s attorney general on proposed federal legislation regarding tribal jurisdiction, the leaders of two of five major Native American tribes indicated Friday that they don’t support the deal.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill and Seminole Nation Chief Greg P. Chilcoat both said they’re not in agreement with the document released Thursday by Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter.
The agreement announced Thursday with leaders of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations came after the high court ruled last week that much of eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian reservation. The agreement was not legally binding, but was a framework for proposed federal legislation.
“As the chief, I very much believe that collaboration between federal, state and tribal governments is critical and necessary following the Supreme Court’s decision,” Hill wrote in a letter to tribal citizens. “That collaboration, however, does not require congressional legislation.”
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Press Secretary Jason Salsman said the tribe would have further comment on the matter early next week.
Chilcoat said in a statement the Seminole Nation wasn’t involved in discussions and never formally approved the agreement.
Both Hunter and tribal representatives issued press releases on Thursday indicating their support of the plan. Hunter said Friday Hill’s announcement was a “stunning and regrettable reversal of commitments and assurances to me.”
“Legislation is necessary to clarify the criminal and civil uncertainty created by the McGirt decision,” Hunter said in a statement. “I am deeply disappointed in Chief Hill for withdrawing from this process. It is my hope that both the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Seminole Nation will recommit to our agreement on legislation that preserves public safety and promotes continued economic growth.”
Under the agreement, the state would have criminal jurisdiction over non-Native American offenders throughout the treaty territories, with some exceptions, while the tribes would have overlapping jurisdiction over most offenders who are tribal citizens. Federal prosecutors would still have jurisdiction under the Major Crimes Act over certain serious crimes committed by Native Americans.
The agreement clarifies that civil jurisdiction would remain largely unchanged.