washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Trump campaign cries foul, files lawsuits over vote counting

President Trump ’ s campaign is going to war in the courts to defend his path to 270 electoral votes .
“ We are on the ground fighting this battle every single day , ” said Bill Stepien , the president ’ s campaign manager .
“ If we count all legally cast ballots , the president will win.
” Legal scholars say Mr. Trump ’ s lawsuits face an uphill battle and are a bit premature .
The challenges will only matter if they can show enough illegalities to change the final results .
Trump campaign officials in Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonresidents illegally cast ballots and that ballots had been submitted under the names of dead people .
“ It is unacceptable in this country to have illegal votes counted and that is what is happening in the state of Nevada , ” said Richard Grenell , the president ’ s former acting director of National Intelligence .
Nevada officials have defended the integrity of the state ’ s vote-counting .
Joe Gloria , registrar of voters for Clark County , which includes Las Vegas , said he was “ not aware of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Georgia , Mr. Trump ’ s campaign filed a lawsuit saying late absentee ballots were illegally being placed alongside on-time ballots instead of being set aside , as required by state law .
A superior court judge in Chatham County , which includes the heavily Democratic city of Savannah , dismissed the lawsuit Thursday .
The Trump campaign also cried foul that its designated election observers in Nevada and Pennsylvania were barred from the ballot count , contrary to state law .
In Nevada , his campaign reached an agreement , retracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to observe ballots with Clark County officials .
Filing court challenges over nonsupervision in various states and counties could place the president ’ s lawyers in a position to legally challenge ballots .
They made a legal claim in Michigan about being locked out of observing tabulations , but a judge bucked that complaint Thursday .
Mr. Trump has been leading in Pennsylvania , a must-win state , since polls closed on Election Day .
His margin has been dwindling , though , as more mail-in ballots are tabulated , most notably from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that Democratic stronghold that the president ’ s legal team is claiming officials have prevented them from supervising counting .
The Trump team went to court to get an order allowing their observers to stand within 6 feet to watch the count .
Philadelphia Democrats appealed the order , requesting the Trump officials not observe the calculations .
“ Why on earth would you care if people watch what you are doing unless you are doing something wrong ?
” said Justin Clark , a Trump campaign lawyer .
“ This tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers and lawyers on the ground to spot fraud and irregularities in statistical data .
Irregularities spotted so far include areas such as Philadelphia delivering batches of ballots with zero votes for Mr. Trump and some areas reporting 200 % more votes than registered voters , according to the campaign .
A lawsuit challenging the Pennsylvania election rules also hangs in the balance at the Supreme Court , where the Trump campaign joined a dispute challenging the state ’ s three-day extension for accepting mail-in ballots .
Pennsylvania Republicans filed the case against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary of state , saying they violated the law by extending the time for counting mail-in ballots to Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. , despite the state Legislature setting the deadline for Election Day .
The lawsuit takes issue with smeared or illegible postmarked ballots being presumed to have been mailed before Nov. 3 .
Mr. Trump filed a motion Wednesday to get involved in the suit , alleging Pennsylvania could decide the presidential election and the high court should settle the conflict over the ballot extension .
The justices ordered the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond to that request by the end of the day Thursday .
The justices could discuss the request during their Friday conference , but it is doubtful the court will take the case before a winner is called in the state .
“ Legally , you have the best case in Pennsylvania , ” said Curt Levey , the president of the conservative Committee for Justice .
The legal conflict over the ballot deadline is returning to the Supreme Court after the justices refused to get involved in the matter last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not participate in the high court ’ s denial of the Republican Party ’ s emergency request for the justices to immediately hear the case .
The justices had split 4-4 on the issue , leaving the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in place and allowing votes to be counted beyond Nov. 3 .
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. , a Bush-appointee , sided with the three Democratic-appointed justices to leave the extension intact .
Late-arriving ballots have been separated in the event the high court gets involved and rules against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be discounted .
Josh Blackman , a professor at South Texas College of Law , does not expect the Supreme Court to get involved just yet in the Pennsylvania dispute .
He also voiced skepticism about the campaign ’ s ability to prove the other various claims of irregularities and voter fraud .
“ We have to wait and see if they have the goods , ” he said .

President Trump’s campaign is going to war in the courts to defend his path to 270 electoral votes.
“We are on the ground fighting this battle every single day,” said Bill Stepien, the president’s campaign manager. “If we count all legally cast ballots, the president will win.”
Legal scholars say Mr. Trump’s lawsuits face an uphill battle and are a bit premature. The challenges will only matter if they can show enough illegalities to change the final results.
Trump campaign officials in Nevada claimed they had proof that about 10,000 nonresidents illegally cast ballots and that ballots had been submitted under the names of dead people.
“It is unacceptable in this country to have illegal votes counted and that is what is happening in the state of Nevada,” said Richard Grenell, the president’s former acting director of National Intelligence.
Nevada officials have defended the integrity of the state’s vote-counting.
Joe Gloria, registrar of voters for Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, said he was “not aware of any improper ballots that are being processed.”
In Georgia, Mr. Trump’s campaign filed a lawsuit saying late absentee ballots were illegally being placed alongside on-time ballots instead of being set aside, as required by state law.
A superior court judge in Chatham County, which includes the heavily Democratic city of Savannah, dismissed the lawsuit Thursday.
The Trump campaign also cried foul that its designated election observers in Nevada and Pennsylvania were barred from the ballot count, contrary to state law. In Nevada, his campaign reached an agreement, retracting a legal petition, to have access to observe ballots with Clark County officials.
Filing court challenges over nonsupervision in various states and counties could place the president’s lawyers in a position to legally challenge ballots.
They made a legal claim in Michigan about being locked out of observing tabulations, but a judge bucked that complaint Thursday.
Mr. Trump has been leading in Pennsylvania, a must-win state, since polls closed on Election Day. His margin has been dwindling, though, as more mail-in ballots are tabulated, most notably from the Philadelphia area.
It’s in that Democratic stronghold that the president’s legal team is claiming officials have prevented them from supervising counting. The Trump team went to court to get an order allowing their observers to stand within 6 feet to watch the count. Philadelphia Democrats appealed the order, requesting the Trump officials not observe the calculations.
“Why on earth would you care if people watch what you are doing unless you are doing something wrong?” said Justin Clark, a Trump campaign lawyer. “This tells the whole story.”
The president has volunteers and lawyers on the ground to spot fraud and irregularities in statistical data.
Irregularities spotted so far include areas such as Philadelphia delivering batches of ballots with zero votes for Mr. Trump and some areas reporting 200% more votes than registered voters, according to the campaign.
A lawsuit challenging the Pennsylvania election rules also hangs in the balance at the Supreme Court, where the Trump campaign joined a dispute challenging the state’s three-day extension for accepting mail-in ballots.
Pennsylvania Republicans filed the case against the state’s Democratic Party and secretary of state, saying they violated the law by extending the time for counting mail-in ballots to Nov. 6 at 5 p.m., despite the state Legislature setting the deadline for Election Day.
The lawsuit takes issue with smeared or illegible postmarked ballots being presumed to have been mailed before Nov. 3.
Mr. Trump filed a motion Wednesday to get involved in the suit, alleging Pennsylvania could decide the presidential election and the high court should settle the conflict over the ballot extension.
The justices ordered the state’s Democratic Party and state officials to respond to that request by the end of the day Thursday. The justices could discuss the request during their Friday conference, but it is doubtful the court will take the case before a winner is called in the state.
“Legally, you have the best case in Pennsylvania,” said Curt Levey, the president of the conservative Committee for Justice.
The legal conflict over the ballot deadline is returning to the Supreme Court after the justices refused to get involved in the matter last week. Newly minted Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not participate in the high court’s denial of the Republican Party’s emergency request for the justices to immediately hear the case.
The justices had split 4-4 on the issue, leaving the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in place and allowing votes to be counted beyond Nov. 3.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., a Bush-appointee, sided with the three Democratic-appointed justices to leave the extension intact.
Late-arriving ballots have been separated in the event the high court gets involved and rules against the state officials. Those votes then could be discounted.
Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law, does not expect the Supreme Court to get involved just yet in the Pennsylvania dispute. He also voiced skepticism about the campaign’s ability to prove the other various claims of irregularities and voter fraud.
“We have to wait and see if they have the goods,” he said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Oregon man charged with conspiring to aid Islamic State

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) - An Oregon man was indicted Thursday after authorities said he supported the Islamic State group by distributing articles on how to kill and maim with a knife and encouraging readers to carry out attacks .
Hawazen Sameer Mothafar , 31 , appeared in federal court in Portland on charges of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and providing such support , U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams and FBI Special Agent in Charge Renn Cannon said .
“ The threat of ISIS-inspired terrorism remains very real thanks , in part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who produce propaganda that aims to incite ‘ lone actor ’ operators in the U.S. and around the world , ” Cannon said .
Mothafar , who has physical disabilities and uses a wheelchair , was released on condition that he limit travel and the use of electronic devices .
The federal public defender appointed to represent him did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment .
Mothafar lives in a Portland suburb .
The indictment by a federal grand jury alleges that between February 2015 until the time of his arrest Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members to provide support , including creating and editing publications and articles .
He also is accused of providing technical support to members of the group overseas on opening social media and email accounts .
In December 2019 , according to the indictment , Mothafar attempted to acquire information on the piloting of a drone for Saleck Ould Cheikh Mohamedou , an Islamic extremist who was convicted of attempting to assassinate then President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania .
Mohamedou is currently incarcerated in the African nation .
Mothafar is accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al Sunni , or Sunni Shield , a pro-Islamic State internet-based media organization that published Al-Anja !
newspaper , including by moderating private chat rooms .

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon man was indicted Thursday after authorities said he supported the Islamic State group by distributing articles on how to kill and maim with a knife and encouraging readers to carry out attacks.
Hawazen Sameer Mothafar, 31, appeared in federal court in Portland on charges of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and providing such support, U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams and FBI Special Agent in Charge Renn Cannon said.
“The threat of ISIS-inspired terrorism remains very real thanks, in part, to an army of online supporters who produce propaganda that aims to incite ‘lone actor’ operators in the U.S. and around the world,” Cannon said.
Mothafar, who has physical disabilities and uses a wheelchair, was released on condition that he limit travel and the use of electronic devices.
The federal public defender appointed to represent him did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Mothafar lives in a Portland suburb.
The indictment by a federal grand jury alleges that between February 2015 until the time of his arrest Thursday, Mothafar conspired with Islamic State group members to provide support, including creating and editing publications and articles.
He also is accused of providing technical support to members of the group overseas on opening social media and email accounts.
In December 2019, according to the indictment, Mothafar attempted to acquire information on the piloting of a drone for Saleck Ould Cheikh Mohamedou, an Islamic extremist who was convicted of attempting to assassinate then President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania. Mohamedou is currently incarcerated in the African nation.
Mothafar is accused of providing assistance to Al Dura’a al Sunni, or Sunni Shield, a pro-Islamic State internet-based media organization that published Al-Anja! newspaper, including by moderating private chat rooms.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Republicans break with Trump over baseless vote-fraud claims

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Republican lawmakers on Thursday criticized President Donald Trump ’ s unsupported claim that Democrats are trying to “ steal ” the election , saying Trump ’ s comments undermine the U.S. political process and the bedrock notion that all Americans should have their vote counted .
Trump , who has complained for weeks about mail-in ballots , escalated his allegations late Thursday , saying at the White House that the ballot-counting process is unfair and corrupt .
Trump did not back up his claims with any details or evidence , and state and federal officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter fraud .
Rep. Adam Kinzinger , a Republican from Illinois , tweeted that the president ’ s claims of fraud are “ getting insane.
” If Trump has “ legit ” concerns about fraud , they need to be based on evidence and taken to court , Kinzinger said , adding , “ STOP Spreading debunked misinformation.
” Maryland GOP Gov .
Larry Hogan , a potential 2024 presidential hopeful who has often criticized Trump , said unequivocally : “ There is no defense for the President ’ s comments tonight undermining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the votes , and we must respect the results as we always have before.
” “ No election or person is more important than our Democracy , ” Hogan said on Twitter .
Other criticism , though less direct , came from members of Congress .
Sen. Marco Rubio , a Florida Republican who spoke at a recent Trump campaign rally , said in a tweet that if any candidate believes “ a state is violating election laws they have a right to challenge it in court & produce evidence in support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Taking days to count legally cast votes is NOT fraud .
And court challenges to votes cast after the legal voting deadline is NOT suppression.
” Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah.
, the party ’ s presidential nominee in 2012 , sought to provide a reassuring note .
Counting votes is often “ long ” and “ frustrating , ” Romney said .
If any irregularities are alleged , “ they will be investigated and ultimately resolved in the courts , ″ Romney tweeted .
“ Have faith in democracy , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments by the Republican lawmakers and other GOP leaders were rare , public rebukes of Trump , who has demanded - and generally received - loyalty from fellow Republicans throughout his four-year term .
Most in the GOP take pains to avoid directly criticizing Trump , even when they find his conduct unhelpful or offensive to their values and goals .
Trump ’ s tweets earlier Thursday declaring victory and calling for officials to “ STOP THE COUNT ” were a test of how strongly he can keep Republicans in line as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court .
Before Trump ’ s speech in the White House briefing room , several Republicans challenged his attempts to halt vote-counting in Pennsylvania and other battleground states .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , a Trump ally who won reelection Tuesday in Kentucky , told reporters that “ claiming you ’ ve won the election is different from finishing the counting.
” His office declined to comment after Trump ’ s address Thursday .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , urged “ everyone to be patient ” as results come in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ election officials time to complete their jobs , and that we ensure all lawfully cast ballots are allowed and counted , ” she said in a statement .
Rep. Will Hurd , a Texas Republican who did not seek reelection , called Trump ’ s comments about corruption “ dangerous ” and “ wrong.
” Trump ’ s remarks undermine the U.S. political process and “ the very foundation this nation was built upon , ” Hurd said .
“ Every American should have his or her vote counted.
” While Biden was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes needed to win the White House , it was unclear when a national winner would be determined after a long , bitter campaign dominated by the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on Americans and the national economy .
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told The Associated Press earlier Thursday he hopes Republicans step up their response to Trump ’ s unsubstantiated claims .
While Republicans may want to give Trump time to “ make his arguments , ” when it becomes clear that claims are without basis , “ My hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private pressure on him , ” Murphy said .
But one of Trump ’ s top congressional supporters said he supports efforts to question the vote counting process and is donating money to shore up legal challenges .
Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , said on Fox News Thursday night he would donate $ 500,000 to the president ’ s “ legal defense fund ” and urged people to go to the Trump campaign ’ s website to pitch in .
Rep. Denver Riggleman , a Virginia Republican who lost a GOP primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter : “ Count every vote , yes , but stop the Bravo Sierra , Mr. President , and respect the democratic process that makes America great.
” Riggleman , a former Air Force officer , was using a military euphemism for falsehoods .
In remarks Wednesday at the White House , Trump baselessly claimed victory and alleged “ major fraud on our nation ” as state election officials continued counting ballots amid a huge increase in voter turnout .
Former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie , a Trump ally who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no basis for Trump ’ s argument .
Christie called Trump ’ s attack on the integrity of the election “ a bad strategic decision ” and “ a bad political decision , and it ’ s not the kind of decision you would expect someone to make … who holds the position he holds.
” Trump ’ s family , never shy about expressing their support , took to Twitter to question why GOP lawmakers were not rushing to the president ’ s defense .
“ Where are Republicans !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud .
Our voters will never forget you if your sheep !
” Trump ’ s son Eric tweeted .
Sen .
Rob Portman , R-Ohio , said states administer U.S. elections , not the federal government .
“ We should respect that process and ensure that all ballots cast in accordance with state laws are counted .
It ’ s that simple , ” Portman said in a statement .
“ It ’ s best for everyone to step back from the spin and allow the vote counters to do their job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-Utah .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Meg Kinnard in Columbia , S.C. , contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON (AP) - Some Republican lawmakers on Thursday criticized President Donald Trump’s unsupported claim that Democrats are trying to “steal” the election, saying Trump’s comments undermine the U.S. political process and the bedrock notion that all Americans should have their vote counted.
Trump, who has complained for weeks about mail-in ballots, escalated his allegations late Thursday, saying at the White House that the ballot-counting process is unfair and corrupt. Trump did not back up his claims with any details or evidence, and state and federal officials have not reported any instances of widespread voter fraud.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, tweeted that the president’s claims of fraud are “getting insane.” If Trump has “legit” concerns about fraud, they need to be based on evidence and taken to court, Kinzinger said, adding, “STOP Spreading debunked misinformation.”
Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan, a potential 2024 presidential hopeful who has often criticized Trump, said unequivocally: “There is no defense for the President’s comments tonight undermining our Democratic process. America is counting the votes, and we must respect the results as we always have before.”
“No election or person is more important than our Democracy,” Hogan said on Twitter.
Other criticism, though less direct, came from members of Congress. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican who spoke at a recent Trump campaign rally, said in a tweet that if any candidate believes “a state is violating election laws they have a right to challenge it in court & produce evidence in support of their claims.”
Rubio said earlier: “Taking days to count legally cast votes is NOT fraud. And court challenges to votes cast after the legal voting deadline is NOT suppression.”
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah., the party’s presidential nominee in 2012, sought to provide a reassuring note. Counting votes is often “long” and “frustrating,” Romney said.
If any irregularities are alleged, “they will be investigated and ultimately resolved in the courts,″ Romney tweeted. “Have faith in democracy, our Constitution and the American people.”
The comments by the Republican lawmakers and other GOP leaders were rare, public rebukes of Trump, who has demanded - and generally received - loyalty from fellow Republicans throughout his four-year term. Most in the GOP take pains to avoid directly criticizing Trump, even when they find his conduct unhelpful or offensive to their values and goals.
Trump’s tweets earlier Thursday declaring victory and calling for officials to “STOP THE COUNT” were a test of how strongly he can keep Republicans in line as he tries to challenge the voting process in court.
Before Trump’s speech in the White House briefing room, several Republicans challenged his attempts to halt vote-counting in Pennsylvania and other battleground states.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Trump ally who won reelection Tuesday in Kentucky, told reporters that “claiming you’ve won the election is different from finishing the counting.” His office declined to comment after Trump’s address Thursday.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, urged “everyone to be patient” as results come in. “It is critical that we give election officials time to complete their jobs, and that we ensure all lawfully cast ballots are allowed and counted,” she said in a statement.
Rep. Will Hurd, a Texas Republican who did not seek reelection, called Trump’s comments about corruption “dangerous” and “wrong.” Trump’s remarks undermine the U.S. political process and “the very foundation this nation was built upon,” Hurd said. “Every American should have his or her vote counted.”
While Biden was close Thursday to the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House, it was unclear when a national winner would be determined after a long, bitter campaign dominated by the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on Americans and the national economy.
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told The Associated Press earlier Thursday he hopes Republicans step up their response to Trump’s unsubstantiated claims. While Republicans may want to give Trump time to “make his arguments,” when it becomes clear that claims are without basis, “My hope is that Republicans will put public and private pressure on him,” Murphy said.
But one of Trump’s top congressional supporters said he supports efforts to question the vote counting process and is donating money to shore up legal challenges. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said on Fox News Thursday night he would donate $500,000 to the president’s “legal defense fund” and urged people to go to the Trump campaign’s website to pitch in.
Rep. Denver Riggleman, a Virginia Republican who lost a GOP primary this year, addressed Trump directly on Twitter: “Count every vote, yes, but stop the Bravo Sierra, Mr. President, and respect the democratic process that makes America great.” Riggleman, a former Air Force officer, was using a military euphemism for falsehoods.
In remarks Wednesday at the White House, Trump baselessly claimed victory and alleged “major fraud on our nation” as state election officials continued counting ballots amid a huge increase in voter turnout.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Trump ally who is an analyst for ABC News, said there was no basis for Trump’s argument. Christie called Trump’s attack on the integrity of the election “a bad strategic decision” and “a bad political decision, and it’s not the kind of decision you would expect someone to make … who holds the position he holds.”
Trump’s family, never shy about expressing their support, took to Twitter to question why GOP lawmakers were not rushing to the president’s defense. “Where are Republicans! Have some backbone. Fight against this fraud. Our voters will never forget you if your sheep!” Trump’s son Eric tweeted.
Some GOP governors responded. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the president to “Fight on, exhaust all options.” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem tweeted that Trump was fighting “rigged election systems.”
Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said states administer U.S. elections, not the federal government. “We should respect that process and ensure that all ballots cast in accordance with state laws are counted. It’s that simple,” Portman said in a statement.
“It’s best for everyone to step back from the spin and allow the vote counters to do their job,” added Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.
___
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Meg Kinnard in Columbia, S.C., contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Arizona voters OK new tax on high earners to fund schools

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Arizona voters have approved a new tax on high-earning residents that could bring in nearly $ 1 billion of new revenue annually to the state ’ s underfunded school system .
The approval of Proposition 208 came after the state ’ s business community spent more than $ 18 million trying to defeat the measure backed by many educators and progressive groups .
They argued it would hurt the state ’ s economy .
The Invest in Education Act will impose an extra 3.5 % tax on income above $ 250,000 for individuals and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supporters have said it could raise about $ 940 million yearly .
The measure was an outgrowth of a 2018 teacher strike that gave teachers a 20 % percent pay raise over three years but fell short of what strikers demanded .
They also wanted guaranteed pay raises , more money for support staff and a halt to Republican-backed tax cuts until Arizona school funding reached the national average .
The GOP-led Legislature and Republican Gov .
Doug Ducey declined to address those issues .
Arizona ’ s K-12 public schools have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade and have struggled to educate their 1.1 million students .
Classes routinely have 30 students or more .

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona voters have approved a new tax on high-earning residents that could bring in nearly $1 billion of new revenue annually to the state’s underfunded school system.
The approval of Proposition 208 came after the state’s business community spent millions trying to defeat the measure backed by many educators and progressive groups. They argued it would hurt the state’s economy.
“By voting Yes on 208, Arizona voters made it loud and clear they want teachers to be compensated properly and have the resources needed to successfully educate their students,” said Joe Thomas, President of the Arizona Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union.
Approval of the tax and another measure legalizing marijuana is a repudiation of Republican Gov. Doug Ducey and GOP conservatives who control the Legislature. They have refused to change the state’s tough marijuana laws and been unable to fully restore education funding cut after the Great Recession.
The Invest in Education Act will impose an extra 3.5% tax on income above $250,000 for individuals and for couples making more than $500,000. Supporters have said it could raise about $940 million yearly.
The measure was an outgrowth of a 2018 teacher strike that gave teachers a 20% percent pay raise over three years but fell short of what strikers demanded.
They also wanted guaranteed pay raises, more money for support staff and a halt to Republican-backed tax cuts until Arizona school funding reached the national average.
Arizona’s K-12 public schools have been strapped for cash for more than a decade and have struggled to educate their 1.1 million students. Classes routinely have 30 students or more.
Approval of the marijuana measure, Proposition 207, came four years after voters narrowly defeated a recreational pot legalization proposal.
Recreational marijuana will become legal in the state when election results are certified in about a month. Retail sales could start in May and people will be allowed to grow their own plants. People 21 and older can possess up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana or a smaller quantity of “concentrates” such as hashish.
GOP House Speaker Rusty Bowers on Thursday said the fallout from the passage of both the tax increase and legal recreational marijuana measures would be immense for the state’s economy.
“The companies are going to say, ‘If you are going to start taxing me more for being successful and giving people jobs, and if you’re going to make my workforce … where I can’t guarantee safety, I’ll go somewhere else.’ They can move.”
Supporters of the education tax measure dispute warnings about economic fallout, saying employers want to see quality schools and a well-educated workforce.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Secretary of State Kim Wyman wins 3rd term in Washington

OLYMPIA , Wash. ( AP ) - Secretary of State Kim Wyman has been reelected to a third term , continuing a more than five-decade trend of Republicans holding that office and becoming the lone statewide elected Republican on the West Coast .
With nearly 53 % of the vote , she defeated Democratic state Rep. Gael Tarleton , who is leaving the Legislature at the end of the year after serving four terms .
In a statement , Wyman thanked voters “ for entrusting me with not only the fair and secure administration of our elections , but with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , library collections , and numerous other programs that enrich the lives of Washingtonians.
” In addition to being the state ’ s chief elections officer , the secretary of state also serves as chief corporations officer and supervisor of the state archives and state library .
Wyman is the fifth Republican secretary of state since 1965 .
She was one of just three statewide elected Republicans on the West Coast of the contiguous U.S. before the election .
Now she is the only one .
Washington Treasurer Duane Davidson lost his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon won an open seat for secretary of state , which was previously held by a Republican .
Wyman was first elected to the post in 2012 with a narrow win at just 50.4 % .
In 2016 , she beat Democratic challenger Tina Podlodowski , now the head of the state Democratic Party , with nearly 55 % of the vote .
Wyman previously served as the Thurston County auditor and the county ’ s elections director .
Her reelection comes in a year when Washington voters reelected Democratic incumbents in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out Davidson in favor of his Democratic challenger .
Turnout in this year ’ s election could surpass the previous record of 84.6 % in 2008 .
As of Thursday night , 84 % - more than 4.1 million of the state ’ s nearly 4.9 million voters - had cast a ballot , and that number could climb as more ballots are processed .
The largest counties will be updating results with remaining ballots daily throughout the week .
Counties with a population of less than 75,000 are required to report at @ @ @ @ @

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Secretary of State Kim Wyman has been reelected to a third term, continuing a more than five-decade trend of Republicans holding that office and becoming the lone statewide elected Republican on the West Coast.
With nearly 53% of the vote, she defeated Democratic state Rep. Gael Tarleton, who is leaving the Legislature at the end of the year after serving four terms.
In a statement, Wyman thanked voters “for entrusting me with not only the fair and secure administration of our elections, but with the preservation of our state’s history, library collections, and numerous other programs that enrich the lives of Washingtonians.”
In addition to being the state’s chief elections officer, the secretary of state also serves as chief corporations officer and supervisor of the state archives and state library.
Wyman is the fifth Republican secretary of state since 1965. She was one of just three statewide elected Republicans on the West Coast of the contiguous U.S. before the election. Now she is the only one. Washington Treasurer Duane Davidson lost his election this week, and Democrats in Oregon won an open seat for secretary of state, which was previously held by a Republican.
Wyman was first elected to the post in 2012 with a narrow win at just 50.4%. In 2016, she beat Democratic challenger Tina Podlodowski, now the head of the state Democratic Party, with nearly 55% of the vote.
Wyman previously served as the Thurston County auditor and the county’s elections director.
Her reelection comes in a year when Washington voters reelected Democratic incumbents in all other statewide elected positions, and voted out Davidson in favor of his Democratic challenger.
Turnout in this year’s election could surpass the previous record of 84.6% in 2008. As of Thursday night, 84% - more than 4.1 million of the state’s nearly 4.9 million voters - had cast a ballot, and that number could climb as more ballots are processed.
The largest counties will be updating results with remaining ballots daily throughout the week. Counties with a population of less than 75,000 are required to report at least every three days.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--AP Week in Pictures: Asia

AP Week in Pictures: Asia

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and @ @ @ @ @ curated by AP photo editor Toru Takahashi in Tokyo .

OCT. 30-NOV. 5, 2020
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and Pacific.
The gallery was curated by AP photo editor Toru Takahashi in Tokyo.
Follow AP visual journalism:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews
AP Images on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Images
AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Ex-Sonoma County deputy arrested in killing of suspect

SANTA ROSA , Calif. ( AP ) - A former Sonoma County sheriff ’ s deputy who slammed a suspect ’ s head into a car door frame last year and put him in a neck hold after a chase has been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter .
Charles Blount , 61 , turned himself in at the Sonoma County jail Monday night on a warrant issued by the Superior Court in the county north of San Francisco , authorities said .
He was booked on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor assault by a public officer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 50,000 bond .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether he had an attorney to speak on his behalf in the criminal matter .
An email to the officer of Harry Stern , who represents him in a civil case , wasn ’ t immediately returned Thursday .
Blount was arrested on suspicion of killing David Ward , 52 , on Nov. 27 after deputies spotted him driving a car they mistakenly believed was stolen .
The car actually belonged to Ward , who had recovered it after being carjacked and pistol-whipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t notified authorities , according to the Sheriff ’ s Office .
After about a 5-mile ( 8-kilometer ) high-speed pursuit by deputies and Sebastopol police , Ward pulled over on a dead-end road near Bloomfield , where he lived , authorities said .
When Ward didn ’ t unlock his car door , Blount tried to pull the seated man through the open window .
However , his leg was stuck under the steering wheel and he shouted in pain , according to body camera video released by the Sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another deputy shoots him with a stun gun .
Both Blount and another deputy are heard saying that Ward has bitten them .
During the struggle , Blount pulled Ward ‘ s head out of the window and slams it against the frame of the car door , the video showed .
He also places him in a neck hold , after which Ward appears to lose consciousness .
He stopped breathing and was pronounced dead at a hospital .
The Marin County coroner determined that Ward ‘ s death was a homicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blunt impact injuries , neck restraint and being shocked with a Taser during a “ physical confrontation with law enforcement.
” The coroner also found that Ward was under the influence of methamphetamine , had a history of chronic substance abuse , cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and other issues , along with a history of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia .
Sheriff Mark Essick announced in December that he would fire Blount for violating department policies but Blount retired in February before the process could be completed .
Ward ‘ s mother has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his death .
Her attorney , Izaak Schwaiger , told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that the investigation correctly determined Ward ‘ s death was a crime .
“ The force that was used was not necessary and it was not reasonable , ” he said , adding that Blount “ was a guy looking to hurt somebody and he killed a man .
”

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) - A former Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy who slammed a suspect’s head into a car door frame last year and put him in a neck hold after a chase has been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
Charles Blount, 61, turned himself in at the Sonoma County jail Monday night on a warrant issued by the Superior Court in the county north of San Francisco, authorities said.
He was booked on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor assault by a public officer and released in about an hour after posting $50,000 bond. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had an attorney to speak on his behalf in the criminal matter.
An email to the officer of Harry Stern, who represents him in a civil case, wasn’t immediately returned Thursday.
Blount was arrested on suspicion of killing David Ward, 52, on Nov. 27 after deputies spotted him driving a car they mistakenly believed was stolen. The car actually belonged to Ward, who had recovered it after being carjacked and pistol-whipped several days earlier, but he hadn’t notified authorities, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
After about a 5-mile (8-kilometer) high-speed pursuit by deputies and Sebastopol police, Ward pulled over on a dead-end road near Bloomfield, where he lived, authorities said.
When Ward didn’t unlock his car door, Blount tried to pull the seated man through the open window. However, his leg was stuck under the steering wheel and he shouted in pain, according to body camera video released by the Sheriff’s Office.
On the video, another deputy shoots him with a stun gun.
Both Blount and another deputy are heard saying that Ward has bitten them.
During the struggle, Blount pulled Ward’s head out of the window and slams it against the frame of the car door, the video showed.
He also places him in a neck hold, after which Ward appears to lose consciousness.
He stopped breathing and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The Marin County coroner determined that Ward’s death was a homicide and that he died from cardiorespiratory collapse, blunt impact injuries, neck restraint and being shocked with a Taser during a “physical confrontation with law enforcement.”
The coroner also found that Ward was under the influence of methamphetamine, had a history of chronic substance abuse, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and other issues, along with a history of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Sheriff Mark Essick announced in December that he would fire Blount for violating department policies but Blount retired in February before the process could be completed.
Ward’s mother has filed a federal civil rights lawsuits over his death. Her attorney, Izaak Schwaiger, told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that the investigation correctly determined Ward’s death was a crime.
“The force that was used was not necessary and it was not reasonable,” he said, adding that Blount “was a guy looking to hurt somebody and he killed a man.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--AP source: Raiders fined, docked pick for COVID violations

The Las Vegas Raiders and coach Jon Gruden have been fined a total $ 650,000 and docked a sixth-round draft pick for repeated violations of the NFL ’ s COVID-19 protocols .
A person familiar with the punishment said Thursday the team has been fined $ 500,000 , Gruden has been docked $ 150,000 and the draft pick has been stripped because of how the team handled Trent Brown ’ s positive coronavirus test last month .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made .
The Raiders have been penalized several times already this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishments leading to a total of $ 1,215,000 for the team , Gruden and players .
While several teams have been fined so far this season , the Raiders are the first to be penalized a draft pick following multiple violations .
The latest punishment stems from Brown ’ s positive test last month when the Raiders were already supposed to be in “ intensive ” protocols following teammate Damon Arnette ’ s positive test .
At a practice on Oct. 19 a day before Brown tested positive , he was not wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t socially distance with teammates .
That led to four other starting offensive linemen to be placed on the COVID-19 list as “ high-risk ” contacts .
They missed the rest of the practice week before returning the morning of a 45-20 loss to Tampa Bay on Oct. 25 .
Safety Johnathan Abram was forced to miss that game because he spent time with Brown the following day and wasn ’ t cleared to return until Oct. 26 .
Brown was activated from the COVID-19 list last week but missed the game at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IV sent him to the hospital before the game .
Brown went back on the COVID-19 list Thursday when he had more symptoms .
Gruden had the coronavirus in July and has praised the team ’ s handling of the issue despite repeated violations .
Gruden was fined $ 100,000 and the team docked $ 250,000 after the coach didn ’ t wear his mask properly during a Week 2 win over New Orleans .
The team also was fined $ 50,000 for allowing an unauthorized employee in the locker room after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fined $ 30,000 and nine teammates , including quarterback Derek Carr , were fined $ 15,000 for attending an indoor charity event held by Waller ’ s foundation that violated local coronavirus protocols .
Players were seen at the event not wearing masks or social distancing .
The team didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment .

The Las Vegas Raiders and coach Jon Gruden have been fined a total $650,000 and docked a sixth-round draft pick for repeated violations of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols.
A person familiar with the punishment said Thursday the team has been fined $500,000, Gruden has been docked $150,000 and the draft pick has been stripped because of how the team handled Trent Brown’s positive coronavirus test last month. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.
Yahoo first reported the punishments.
The Raiders are expected to appeal the punishment. A team spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Raiders have been penalized several times already this season for violating coronavirus protocols with the punishments leading to a total of $1,215,000 for the team, Gruden and players.
While several teams have been fined so far this season, the Raiders are the first to be penalized a draft pick following multiple violations.
The latest punishment stems from Brown’s positive test last month when the Raiders were already supposed to be in “intensive” protocols following teammate Damon Arnette’s positive test.
At a practice on Oct. 19 a day before Brown tested positive, he was not wearing a mask as required and didn’t socially distance with teammates. That led to four other starting offensive linemen to be placed on the COVID-19 list as “high-risk” contacts. They missed the rest of the practice week before returning the morning of a 45-20 loss to Tampa Bay on Oct. 25.
Safety Johnathan Abram was forced to miss that game because he spent time with Brown the following day and wasn’t cleared to return until Oct. 26.
Brown was activated from the COVID-19 list last week but missed the game at Cleveland after a reported mishap with an IV sent him to the hospital before the game. Brown went back on the COVID-19 list Thursday when he had more symptoms.
Gruden had the coronavirus in July and has praised the team’s handling of the issue despite repeated violations.
Gruden was fined $100,000 and the team docked $250,000 after the coach didn’t wear his mask properly during a Week 2 win over New Orleans. The team also was fined $50,000 for allowing an unauthorized employee in the locker room after the game.
Tight end Darren Waller was fined $30,000 and nine teammates, including quarterback Derek Carr, were fined $15,000 for attending an indoor charity event held by Waller’s foundation that violated local coronavirus protocols. Players were seen at the event not wearing masks or social distancing.
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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Lindsey Graham backs Trump on voter fraud claims, donates $500,000 for legal fight

Sen. Lindsey Graham is going all-in on backing President Trump ’ s legal fight against big-city Democrats ’ vote-count efforts @ @ @ @ @ evening on Fox News Channel , Mr. Graham told host Sean Hannity that he ’ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr. Trump ’ s legal team to counter what he called “ earth-shattering ” @ @ @ @ @ In an interview Thursday evening on Fox News Channel , Mr. Graham told host Sean @ @ @ @ @ make a massive donation to Mr. Trump ’ s legal team .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ 500,000 tonight to President Trump ’ s defense legal fund .
I ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve raised a ton of money for me .
Your audience was incredibly helpful @ @ @ @ @ DonaldJTrump.com so we ’ ll have the resources to fight , ” the South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ donation came at the end of a day during which some Republicans such as Donald @ @ @ @ @ said they were disappointed in the amount of GOP support for the president .

Sen. Lindsey Graham is going all-in on backing President Trump’s legal fight against big-city Democrats’ vote-count efforts.
In an interview Thursday evening on Fox News Channel, Mr. Graham told host Sean Hannity that he’d make a massive donation to Mr. Trump’s legal team to counter what he called “earth-shattering” accusations of ballot-count skullduggery.
“I’m gonna donate $500,000 tonight to President Trump’s defense legal fund. I’ve been on your show. You’ve raised a ton of money for me. Your audience was incredibly helpful to LindseyGraham.com. Give to DonaldJTrump.com so we’ll have the resources to fight,” the South Carolina Republican senator said.
Lindsey Graham tells Hannity he’s donating $500,000 to Trump’s legal defense fund, then says, “I’ve been on your show. You’ve raised a ton of money for me.” pic.twitter.com/BnmBvO6490 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 6, 2020
The donation came at the end of a day during which some Republicans such as Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump said they were disappointed in the amount of GOP support for the president.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Republicans gain in close California House battles

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Republican candidates gained ground Thursday in updated vote tallies in closely contested California U.S. House districts , a promising sign for the party in its effort to retake seats lost to Democrats in 2018 .
The contests were being closely watched in a state dominated by Democrats , where Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump in a landslide .
Republicans hold just seven of 53 House seats but have a chance to add up to four more .
In the 25th District north of Los Angeles , Republican Rep. Mike Garcia jumped ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the latest count .
Garcia won the vacant seat in a special election in May , marking the first time in over two decades that a Republican won a Democratic-held California congressional district .
In the 50th District anchored in San Diego County , former Rep. Darrell Issa extended his lead over 31-year-old Democratic businessman and former Obama administration official Ammar Campa-Najjar to more than 16,000 votes .
The seat was vacated earlier this year by GOP Congressman Duncan Hunter after he pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge .
In Orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 votes to her lead over Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda in the 48th District .
And in the neighboring 39th District anchored in Orange County , Republican Young Kim padded her edge over Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros , who beat her two years ago to win the seat The Central Valley ’ s 21st District saw Republican former Rep. David Valadao add to his lead over Democratic Rep. TJ Cox .
Valadao , who lost his seat to Cox in 2018 by less than 1,000 votes , now has a lead of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and tens of thousands of votes remained to be counted in the districts .
Should the Democratic-held districts fall to Republicans , it would add further dismay in the Democratic ranks in Congress , which saw their House majority shrink while some members heaped blame Thursday for the setbacks on Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s team .
Before the election , Democrats expected to expand their advantage over Republicans .
The California figures were also a striking reversal from 2018 , when Republicans in key districts came out of the election leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them with a count of late-arriving ballots .
In the 25th District , which straddles parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties , the returns showed Smith with only a slight edge in Los Angeles County , where Democrats typically pile up large vote margins .
The Ventura County slice leans Republican , where Garcia had an edge .
Kim ’ s advance was notable in a district that has a Democratic registration edge , though for years it was counted in the Republican ranks until the retirement of longtime Rep. Ed Royce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most at risk heading into the election in a district with a 5-point Republican registration edge .
Rouda seized the seat in 2018 in an upset over longtime Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher , a loss carried symbolic weight in a county known as a foundation block in the Reagan revolution .
Issa is hoping to make a return to Congress after deciding not to run for re-election in 2018 in the neighboring 49th District , now held by Democratic Rep. Mike Levin .
Campa-Najjar has emphasized his local roots , while Issa has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 years in the House .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Republican candidates gained ground Thursday in updated vote tallies in closely contested California U.S. House districts, a promising sign for the party in its effort to retake seats lost to Democrats in 2018.
The contests were being closely watched in a state dominated by Democrats, where Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump in a landslide. Republicans hold just seven of 53 House seats but have a chance to add up to four more.
In the 25th District north of Los Angeles, Republican Rep. Mike Garcia jumped ahead of Democrat Christy Smith by a slim margin in the latest count. Garcia won the vacant seat in a special election in May, marking the first time in over two decades that a Republican won a Democratic-held California congressional district.
In the 50th District anchored in San Diego County, former Rep. Darrell Issa extended his lead over 31-year-old Democratic businessman and former Obama administration official Ammar Campa-Najjar to more than 16,000 votes. The seat was vacated earlier this year by GOP Congressman Duncan Hunter after he pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge.
In Orange County, Republican Michelle Steel added about 2,000 votes to her lead over Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda in the 48th District. And in the neighboring 39th District anchored in Orange County, Republican Young Kim padded her edge over Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros, who beat her two years ago to win the seat
The Central Valley’s 21st District saw Republican former Rep. David Valadao add to his lead over Democratic Rep. TJ Cox. Valadao, who lost his seat to Cox in 2018 by less than 1,000 votes, now has a lead of about 4,000 votes.
The figures were unofficial, and tens of thousands of votes remained to be counted in the districts.
Should the Democratic-held districts fall to Republicans, it would add further dismay in the Democratic ranks in Congress, which saw their House majority shrink while some members heaped blame Thursday for the setbacks on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s team. Before the election, Democrats expected to expand their advantage over Republicans.
The California figures were also a striking reversal from 2018, when Republicans in key districts came out of the election leading, only to see Democrats gradually overtake them with a count of late-arriving ballots.
In the 25th District, which straddles parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the returns showed Smith with only a slight edge in Los Angeles County, where Democrats typically pile up large vote margins. The Ventura County slice leans Republican, where Garcia had an edge.
Kim’s advance was notable in a district that has a Democratic registration edge, though for years it was counted in the Republican ranks until the retirement of longtime Rep. Ed Royce.
Among the Democrats Rouda was perhaps most at risk heading into the election in a district with a 5-point Republican registration edge. Rouda seized the seat in 2018 in an upset over longtime Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a loss carried symbolic weight in a county known as a foundation block in the Reagan revolution.
Issa is hoping to make a return to Congress after deciding not to run for re-election in 2018 in the neighboring 49th District, now held by Democratic Rep. Mike Levin.
Campa-Najjar has emphasized his local roots, while Issa has campaigned on his experience, after serving 18 years in the House.
___
Associated Press Writer Julie Watson in San Diego contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--AP FACT CHECK: Trump fabricates election corruption

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Citing “ horror stories , ” President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of fabricated accusations Thursday in an audacious attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the U.S. election .
Standing behind the presidential seal , Trump used a White House setting symbolizing the power of his office to assail an election he portrayed as rife with fraud and corruption .
One allegation after another had no basis in fact , such as his accusation that election officials in Pennsylvania and Detroit tried to ban election observers from polling stations .
A look at his remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress toward the electoral votes needed to claim the presidency .
TRUMP : “ We ’ re hearing stories that are horror stories .
… We think there is going to be a lot of litigation because we have so much evidence and so much proof.
” THE FACTS : Trump has produced no evidence of systemic problems in voting or counting .
In fact , the ballot-counting process across the country has been running smoothly for the most part , even with the U.S. in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ counting spilled over past Election Day , is meritless .
No presidential election has had all the votes counted the same day , and there is no law or even expectation that that should be the case .
The surge in mailed ballots and the high turnout have made the process slower than usual in some , but not all , cases .
TRUMP : “ In Pennsylvania partisan Democrats have allowed ballots in the state to be received three days after the election and we think much more than that and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any identification whatsoever.
” THE FACTS : “ Partisan Democrats ” didn ’ t ordain this .
It was the state Supreme Court that ruled ballots filled out before the end of Election Day could be received up to three days later and still be counted .
The U.S. Supreme Court examined the case and did not stand in the way of the three-day timeframe .
It may review the matter again later .
A number of other states have also made accommodations for the crush of mailed ballots .
TRUMP : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court to try and ban our election observers .
… They don ’ t want anybody in there .
They don ’ t want anybody watching them while they are counting the ballots.
” THE FACTS : That ’ s false .
He is wholly misrepresenting a court case in the state .
No one tried to ban poll watchers representing each side in the election .
Democrats did not try to stop Republican representatives from being able to observe the process .
The main issue in the case was how close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election workers who are processing mail-in ballots in Philadelphia .
The Trump campaign sued to allow the observers to get closer than the guidelines had allowed .
A court ruled in favor of that request .
TRUMP : “ Our campaign has been denied access to observe any counting in Detroit.
” Absentee ballots were counted at a downtown convention center , where some 134 counting boards were set up .
Each party was allowed one poll watcher per board , said City Clerk Janice Winfrey .
She said she was not aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but noted some had been “ very aggressive , trying to intimidate the poll workers and processors.
” Mark Brewer , former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party , said he was inside the convention center and access was cut off to some people from both sides at one point because of capacity restrictions related to the pandemic .
TRUMP : “ The election apparatus in Georgia is run by Democrats.
” THE FACTS : No , the state ’ s elections are overseen by a Republican , Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled that in Georgia the votes have to be in by Election Day , that they should be in by Election Day .
And they weren ’ t .
Votes are coming in after Election Day.
” THE FACTS : That ’ s not an accurate description of the ruling in question or what happened in the election in Georgia .
Although the court ruled that votes must be in by 7 p.m. Election Day for them to count , an exception was made for ballots from the members of U.S. Military serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 p.m. Friday and still count .
Election officials in Georgia are still counting votes , but they are votes that have been lawfully received .
Dale reported from Philadelphia .
Associated Press writers Amanda Seitz in Chicago , Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta and Colleen Long in Washington contributed to this report .
EDITOR ’ S NOTE - A look at the veracity of claims by political figures .

WASHINGTON (AP) - Citing “horror stories,” President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of fabricated accusations Thursday in an audacious attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the U.S. election.
Standing behind the presidential seal, Trump used a White House setting symbolizing the power of his office to assail an election he portrayed as rife with fraud and corruption. One allegation after another had no basis in fact, such as his accusation that election officials in Pennsylvania and Detroit tried to ban election observers from polling stations.
A look at his remarks, coming as Democrat Joe Biden made progress toward the electoral votes needed to claim the presidency.
TRUMP: “We’re hearing stories that are horror stories. … We think there is going to be a lot of litigation because we have so much evidence and so much proof.”
THE FACTS: Trump has produced no evidence of systemic problems in voting or counting. In fact, the ballot-counting process across the country has been running smoothly for the most part, even with the U.S. in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic.
One of his main complaints, that counting spilled over past Election Day, is meritless. No presidential election has had all the votes counted the same day, and there is no law or even expectation that that should be the case. The surge in mailed ballots and the high turnout have made the process slower than usual in some, but not all, cases.
___
PENNSYLVANIA
TRUMP: “In Pennsylvania partisan Democrats have allowed ballots in the state to be received three days after the election and we think much more than that and they are counting those without any postmarks or any identification whatsoever.”
THE FACTS: “Partisan Democrats” didn’t ordain this. It was the state Supreme Court that ruled ballots mailed before the end of Election Day could be received up to three days later and still be counted. The U.S. Supreme Court examined the case and did not stand in the way of the three-day timeframe. It may review the matter again later.
A number of other states have also made accommodations for the crush of mailed ballots.
___
TRUMP: “Pennsylvania Democrats have gone to the state Supreme Court to try and ban our election observers. … They don’t want anybody in there. They don’t want anybody watching them while they are counting the ballots.”
THE FACTS: That’s false. He is wholly misrepresenting a court case in the state. No one tried to ban poll watchers representing each side in the election. Democrats did not try to stop Republican representatives from being able to observe the process.
The main issue in the case was how close observers representing the parties could get to election workers who are processing mail-in ballots in Philadelphia. The Trump campaign sued to allow the observers to get closer than the guidelines had allowed. A court ruled in favor of that request.
___
MICHIGAN
TRUMP: “Our campaign has been denied access to observe any counting in Detroit.”
THE FACTS: That’s false.
Absentee ballots were counted at a downtown convention center, where some 134 counting boards were set up. Each party was allowed one poll watcher per board, said City Clerk Janice Winfrey.
She said she was not aware of any Republican poll watchers being removed but noted some had been “very aggressive, trying to intimidate the poll workers and processors.”
Mark Brewer, former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said he was inside the convention center and access was cut off to some people from both sides at one point because of capacity restrictions related to the pandemic.
___
GEORGIA
TRUMP: “The election apparatus in Georgia is run by Democrats.”
THE FACTS: No, the state’s elections are overseen by a Republican, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
___
TRUMP: “The 11th Circuit ruled that in Georgia the votes have to be in by Election Day, that they should be in by Election Day. And they weren’t. Votes are coming in after Election Day.”
THE FACTS: That’s not an accurate description of the ruling in question or what happened in the election in Georgia.
Although the court ruled that votes must be in by 7 p.m. Election Day for them to count, an exception was made for ballots from the members of U.S. Military serving overseas. Those can be received until 5 p.m. Friday and still count. Election officials in Georgia are still counting votes, but they are votes that have been lawfully received.
___
‘ILLEGAL’ VOTES
TRUMP: “If you count the legal votes, I easily win. if you count the illegal votes, they can try to steal the election from us.”
THE FACTS: This is baseless.
Neither Trump’s campaign aides nor election officials have identified substantial numbers of “illegal” votes, much less the mammoth numbers it would take to ruin an easy win by Trump. He frequently speaks as if mail-in voting itself is illegitimate. But it unfolded in accordance with state voting rules, in some cases adapted by officials to help voters get through the pandemic safely.
___
TRUMP, complaining that underhanded activity sapped his leads in important races: “We were winning all the key locations, by a lot actually.”
THE FACTS: The change in fortunes he speaks about is explained by the nature of vote counting in the states, not by any sudden surge of malfeasance that others have not seen.
Often, big cities are slower to report their numbers, and those votes tend skew Democratic. Likewise, many states tend to count mail-in ballots at the end of the process. That portion of the vote has tended to favor Biden, particularly because Trump urged his supporters in advance to avoid mail-in voting and to vote in person either early or on Election Day.
Trump finished election night with leads in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia, among the states most in play, then saw his advantage begin to fray Wednesday and past that. Biden won Wisconsin and Michigan; Georgia and Pennsylvania can’t yet be called.
___
Dale reported from Philadelphia. Associated Press writers Amanda Seitz in Chicago, Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta and Colleen Long and Brian Slodysko in Washington contributed to this report.
___
EDITOR’S NOTE - A look at the veracity of claims by political figures.
___
Find AP Fact Checks at http://apnews.com/APFactCheck
Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Asia Today: Court upholds state border closings in Australia

CANBERRA , Australia ( AP ) - Australia ’ s highest court on Friday upheld a state ’ s border closure and dismissed billionaire businessman Clive Palmer ’ s argument that the pandemic measure was unconstitutional .
The seven High Court judges ruled that Western Australia ’ s state border closure to non-essential travel applied during “ a hazard in the nature of a plague or epidemic ” complied with the constitution .
All Australian states and territories have used border restrictions to curb infections and a court ruling against Western Australia could have impacted their pandemic responses .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Australia on April 5 and has maintained the travel restriction despite not recording a case of COVID-19 community transmission since April 11 .
Western Australia will relax its border policy Nov. 14 and allow residents from states and territories deemed low risk to enter without going into quarantine .
The state government argued the measure let its iron ore mines maintain output and earn their highest prices in six years while their main rivals in Brazil have had production disrupted by pandemic absenteeism .
Palmer , a mining magnate , took court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission to enter the state .
His lawyers had argued that the border restriction unreasonably infringed upon Australians ’ constitutional right to free travel between states .
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region : - The United Nations voted to hold a summit Dec. 3-4 to respond to the spread of the coronavirus and its “ unprecedented ” effects on societies , economies and trade .
The General Assembly voted 150-0 on a resolution authorizing the meeting , though the United States , Israel and Armenia abstained .
It will include prerecorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the World Health Organization chief .
Assembly President Volkan Bozkir called the high-level special session “ a historic moment and a test for multilateralism .
”

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australia’s highest court on Friday upheld the closure of a state’s border and dismissed billionaire businessman Clive Palmer’s argument that the pandemic measure was unconstitutional.
The seven High Court judges ruled that Western Australia’s state border closure to non-essential travel applied during “a hazard in the nature of a plague or epidemic” complied with the constitution. All Australian states and territories have used border restrictions to curb infections and a court ruling against Western Australia could have impacted their pandemic responses.
The state shut its border to the rest of Australia on April 5 and has not recorded any cases of COVID-19 community transmission since April 11.
Western Australia is to relax its border policy on Nov. 14 and allow residents from states and territories deemed low risk to enter without going into quarantine.
The state government argued the measure let its iron ore mines maintain their output and earn their highest prices in six years while their main rivals in Brazil have had production disrupted by pandemic absenteeism.
Palmer, a mining magnate, took court action in May when he was refused permission to enter the state. His lawyers argued that the border restriction unreasonably infringed upon Australians’ constitutional right to free travel between states.
Separately, an inquiry into quarantine troubles in Melbourne recommended that police guard the hotels where returning overseas travelers stay. The Victoria state government’s decision to use private security firms instead of police and the military to enforce quarantines in Melbourne hotels has been widely blamed for lax controls that led to a virus surge in Australia’s second-largest city. An inquiry into that quarantine program recommended in an interim report “a 24/7 police presence on-site at each quarantine facility.”
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:
- China has temporarily banned the entry of foreigners from at least eight countries as COVID-19 cases rise in Europe and elsewhere. Non-Chinese can no longer enter from Russia, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Philippines, India and Bangladesh, even if they hold a valid visa or residence permit for China. Embassies in those countries have posted online notices in recent days announcing the temporary suspension of entry. China has enacted strict measures to guard against new infections from abroad. Health authorities on Friday reported 30 imported cases in the most recent 24-hour period, including 15 in Shanghai. That brought the total number of imported cases during the pandemic to 3,510.
- India has recorded 47,638 new cases of the coronavirus, taking its total to 8.4 million. Deaths rose by 670 in the last 24 hours, driving total fatalities to 124,985 on Friday, health ministry data showed. India has the world’s second-highest caseload behind the United States. Even though the country has seen a steady dip in cases since mid-September, its capital is witnessing a surge in infections. New Delhi recorded nearly 6,700 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the second-highest single-day spike since the pandemic began.
- The United Nations voted to hold a summit on Dec. 3-4 to respond to the spread of the coronavirus and its “unprecedented” effects on societies, economies and trade. The General Assembly voted 150-0 on a resolution authorizing the meeting, though the United States, Israel and Armenia abstained. It will include prerecorded speeches and a presentation and discussion led by the World Health Organization chief. Assembly President Volkan Bozkir called the high-level special session “a historic moment and a test for multilateralism.”
- Health authorities in Thailand on Friday announced the country’s 60th death from COVID-19, a 66-year-old Thai man who was diagnosed with coronavirus after he returned from the United Kingdom. It was Thailand’s first coronvirus death since mid-September. The 58th death occurred more than three months before that, in early June. The Health Ministry also announced eight new coronavirus cases, bringing the total since January to 3,818. All of the new cases were people who had come from abroad. The man whose death was reported Friday arrived from the United Kingdom on Oct. 19 and according to rules for virtually all arrivals from abroad, was sent directly to a state quarantine center. He had trouble breathing on Oct. 20 and tested positive for the coronavirus. He died on Thursday.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Keith Olbermann, ex-ESPN host, wants Trump arrested, removed from White House

ESPN sportscaster-turned-political-pundit Keith Olbermann declared Thursday that President Trump should be arrested and removed from the White House .
“ It is necessary to remove , and arrest , the president of the United States .
Tonight , ” Mr. Olbermann tweeted .
That was the start of a tweet-storm in which the left-wing YouTube host predicted that the president would concede and then announce a 2024 presidential run .
“ TRUMP HAS LOST HIS MIND AND MUST BE REMOVED , TONIGHT , ” tweeted the commentator .
“ The coup attempt , we can survive .
A mentally incompetent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he will stay , and when he concedes he will simultaneously begin a campaign for 2024.
” After Vice President Mike Pence tweeted “ I Stand With President @ realDonaldTrump , ” Mr. Olbermann responded , “ Then you need to be arrested and removed tonight as well.
” Responses on social media ranged from “ Go get him Keith !
” to “ Ol ’ Keith is off his meds again.
” The presidential race has yet to be called as ballots from Tuesday ’ s election are tallied in key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Democrats of cheating and filed lawsuits challenging vote-counting and transparency procedures in Georgia , Michigan , Nevada and Pennsylvania .

ESPN sportscaster-turned-political-pundit Keith Olbermann declared Thursday that President Trump should be arrested and removed from the White House.
“It is necessary to remove, and arrest, the president of the United States. Tonight,” Mr. Olbermann tweeted.
That was the start of a tweet-storm in which the left-wing YouTube host predicted that the president would concede and then announce a 2024 presidential run.
“TRUMP HAS LOST HIS MIND AND MUST BE REMOVED, TONIGHT,” tweeted the commentator. “The coup attempt, we can survive. A mentally incompetent president, we may not. Instead, he will stay, and when he concedes he will simultaneously begin a campaign for 2024.”
After Vice President Mike Pence tweeted “I Stand With President @realDonaldTrump,” Mr. Olbermann responded, “Then you need to be arrested and removed tonight as well.”
Responses on social media ranged from “Go get him Keith!” to “Ol’ Keith is off his meds again.”
The presidential race has yet to be called as ballots from Tuesday’s election are tallied in key states, but the Trump campaign has accused Democrats of cheating and filed lawsuits challenging vote-counting and transparency procedures in Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania.
On the “best crazy take of day” front, this… https://t.co/7FGyGbEiB4 — Wilfred Reilly (@wil_da_beast630) November 6, 2020
Then you need to be removed and arrested tonight, as well. https://t.co/FJaG8ZuSZI — Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 6, 2020
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Lawyer: Remedies in Arizona's Sharpie suit are unworkable

PHOENIX ( AP ) - An attorney defending election officials in metro Phoenix in a lawsuit over the use of Sharpies to complete Election Day ballots said the remedies proposed by those who filed the challenge are unworkable .
The lawsuit alleges tabulation equipment was unable to record a voter ’ s ballots because she completed it with a county-issued Sharpie .
It asks that all such voters be given a chance to fix their ballots and that voters who used Sharpies be present to watch workers count ballots .
Tom Liddy , an attorney representing election officials , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona ’ s ballot secrecy rules would prevent matching a given voter with an in-person Election Day ballot that has already been counted .
Liddy said there are already official observers watching the counting and he pointed out that live video of vote counting is available on a county website .
“ The voters have a right to know that the allegations flying around the Internet about Sharpies being dropped from black helicopters and cheating them out of their votes are not true , ” Liddy said .
Alexander Kolodin , a lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are concerned about how vote counting works and that more observers should immediately be allowed into the counting rooms .
Kolodin said the video provided on the website is low resolution and shows only a partial view of the process .
Judge Margaret Mahoney didn ’ t issue any ruling Thursday and is expected to hold a hearing in the coming days .
Vote counting in Maricopa County could end as early as Friday or Saturday .
The Arizona Democratic Party , the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee also joined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General Mark Brnovich ’ s office had publicly posed questions to Maricopa County after saying it had received hundreds of complaints about the use of Sharpies on ballots .
On Thursday , Brnovich ’ s office issued a letter saying it was satisfied that the mere use of the markers didn ’ t result in the disenfranchisement of voters .

PHOENIX (AP) - An attorney defending election officials in metro Phoenix in a lawsuit over the use of Sharpies to complete Election Day ballots said the remedies proposed by those who filed the challenge are unworkable.
The lawsuit alleges tabulation equipment was unable to record a voter’s ballots because she completed it with a county-issued Sharpie. It asks that all such voters be given a chance to fix their ballots and that voters who used Sharpies be present to watch workers count ballots.
Tom Liddy, an attorney representing election officials, told a judge at a hearing Thursday that Arizona’s ballot secrecy rules would prevent matching a given voter with an in-person Election Day ballot that has already been counted.
Liddy said there are already official observers watching the counting and he pointed out that live video of vote counting is available on a county website.
“The voters have a right to know that the allegations flying around the Internet about Sharpies being dropped from black helicopters and cheating them out of their votes are not true,” Liddy said.
Alexander Kolodin, a lawyer who filed the lawsuit, said people are concerned about how vote counting works and that more observers should immediately be allowed into the counting rooms. Kolodin said the video provided on the website is low resolution and shows only a partial view of the process.
Judge Margaret Mahoney didn’t issue any ruling Thursday and is expected to hold a hearing in the coming days.
Vote counting in Maricopa County could end as early as Friday or Saturday.
The Arizona Democratic Party, the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee also joined the lawsuit on Thursday.
Previously, Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s office had publicly posed questions to Maricopa County after saying it had received hundreds of complaints about the use of Sharpies on ballots.
On Thursday, Brnovich’s office issued a letter saying it was satisfied that the mere use of the markers didn’t result in the disenfranchisement of voters.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Nevada GOP sends criminal referral to Justice Department over alleged voter fraud

The Nevada Republican Party sent a criminal referral late Thursday to the U.S. Justice Department asking for an investigation into cases of voter fraud .
“ Our lawyers just sent a criminal referral to AG Barr regarding at least 3,062 instances of fraud .
We expect that number to grow substantially .
Thousands of individuals have been identified who appear to have violated the law by casting ballots after they moved from NV , ” the organization said in a tweet .
The group did not provide any evidence of the alleged voter fraud .
Earlier in the day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevada attorney general , also claimed to have evidence of voter fraud , but he also did not make the details public .
“ In the last many days , we have received reports of many irregularities across the valley .
We believe that there are dead voters that have been counted .
We are also confident that there are thousands of people whose votes have been counted that have moved out of Clark County during the pandemic , ” he said during a press conference .
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed receipt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is looking into it .
The Nevada GOP ’ s move came while President Trump held a press conference to claim without elaboration that the election is being stolen from him .
Nevada has yet to be called for either candidate , but with 84 % of the voting counted , former Vice President Joseph R. Biden holds a 49.4 % to 48.5 % advantage over Mr. Trump .
If Mr. Trump is to have any hope of reelection , he desperately needs to win Nevada .
A Biden win there would give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to clinch the presidency , although that assumes that Arizona remains in the Democrat ’ s column .
The Trump campaign insists that will not happen and that the state was called prematurely .

The Nevada Republican Party sent a criminal referral late Thursday to the U.S. Justice Department asking for an investigation into cases of voter fraud.
“Our lawyers just sent a criminal referral to AG Barr regarding at least 3,062 instances of fraud. We expect that number to grow substantially. Thousands of individuals have been identified who appear to have violated the law by casting ballots after they moved from NV,” the organization said in a tweet, referring to Attorney General William P. Barr.
The group did not provide any evidence of the alleged voter fraud.
Earlier in the day, Adam Laxalt, a Republican and former Nevada attorney general, also claimed to have evidence of voter fraud, but he also did not make the details public.
“In the last many days, we have received reports of many irregularities across the valley. We believe that there are dead voters that have been counted. We are also confident that there are thousands of people whose votes have been counted that have moved out of Clark County during the pandemic,” he said during a press conference.
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed receipt of the referral and said the department is looking into it.
The Nevada GOP’s move came while President Trump held a press conference to claim without elaboration that the election is being stolen from him.
Nevada has yet to be called for either candidate, but with 84% of the voting counted, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden holds a 49.4% to 48.5% advantage over Mr. Trump.
If Mr. Trump is to have any hope of reelection, he desperately needs to win Nevada.
A Biden win there would give him the 270 Electoral College votes he needs to clinch the presidency, although that assumes that Arizona remains in the Democrat’s column. The Trump campaign insists that will not happen and that the state was called prematurely.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--D.C., Montgomery County eye coronavirus restrictions as cases surge

Officials in D.C. and Maryland are altering travel advisories , delaying reopening plans and proposing additional restrictions to combat rising coronavirus cases as the region and the country as a whole struggle with another surge in COVID-19 infections .
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Thursday said she will issue an updated travel advisory that will require visitors to get tested 72 hours before traveling to the city and to get tested within three to five days if staying in town for that length of time .
Officials are also asking people not to travel if they might have had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed infection .
The updated travel advisory will also permit private institutions such as universities and hotels to ask visitors about their recent travel and require a record of a negative COVID-19 test before allowing access to their facilities .
Across the Maryland border , the Montgomery County on Thursday postponed a vote until next week over an amended order by Council Chairman Marc Elrich that would re-impose coronavirus restrictions to fight surging case numbers there .
Lawmakers said they were putting off the vote a few days to get more public input @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general view that there were few good options left .
“ These are extraordinarily difficult decisions , and we are undeniably stuck between a rock and a hard place , ” he said Thursday .
The order would downsize gatherings from 50 to 25 people and reduce space limits for fitness centers , restaurants , museums , galleries , retail establishments and houses of worship to 25 % capacity .
The county recorded 227 more coronavirus cases on Thursday , its highest new daily coronavirus case count since June , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have been 26,777 residents infected by coronavirus and 841 who have died from it .
Daily coronavirus case counts in the county have also exceeded 100 over the last four days .
Back in June , new cases ranged between 30 and 40 when the county experienced a “ reprieve ” during the coronavirus pandemic .
Under Ms. Bowser ’ s order , visitors traveling from Maryland and Virginia would be exempt .
There are also exceptions for those visiting D.C. for less than 24 hours or for a family emergency or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential work .
D.C. residents returning to the city from any higher-risk jurisdiction outside the immediate region will be asked to limit daily activities and to self-monitor for 14 days after their return or to limit activities until they get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours and test negative .
Residents can get an at-home coronavirus test through LabCorp and can visit coronavirus.dc.gov/testing for more testing information .
The District is reporting higher coronavirus numbers .
As of Thursday , the city recorded a 2.9 % test positivity rate and a 7-day average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 residents .
The coronavirus has infected 17,682 residents and killed 650 since the spring , health department data show .
The D.C. public school system has also switched gears and is requiring all students to continue learning from home for the start of the second term , which begins Monday , instead of allowing some students to return to the classrooms as originally planned .
In the weeks ahead , randomly selected “ at-risk ” students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade will have the option of learning virtually in a Canvas Academics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supervised by a staff member , said D.C. Public Schools ( DCPS ) Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee at a Wednesday town hall .
The public school system ’ s reopening plan seeks to first bring back first students who are experiencing homelessness , enrolled in special education , English-language learners or siblings .
Mr. Ferebee said DCPS is restarting staffing assignments and continuing talks with the Washington Teachers ’ Union , who last week submitted a “ no-confidence ” motion on the District ’ s previous reopening plan .
The case rate per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many other Maryland jurisdictions .
For Montgomery County , nearly 15 per 100,000 residents have caught COVID-19 over a 7-day average as of Thursday .
According to Mr. Elrich , 18 out of 24 jurisdictions have recorded case rates higher than 10 per 100,000 people .
The test positivity rate has steadily climbed , wavering between 3.2 % and 3.7 % since Sunday .
Under the plan awaiting Council approval , restaurants would also have to collect contact information for guests for contact tracing efforts .
Mr. Elrich on Wednesday noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity and called the new measures “ less draconian than it seems.
” But the Restaurant Association of Maryland expressed strong opposition to the proposed restrictions .
“ These new restrictions will lead to more restaurants closing , more restaurant employees losing their jobs or having their work hours reduced with no substantial impact on slowing the spread of COVID , ” said Marshall Weston Jr. , president and CEO of the association .
The order would also suspend the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and limit bowling alleys and personal services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , whichever is less .
Mr. Elrich said he hopes that reducing capacities for businesses rather than shutting some down entirely will help curb the spread of the coronavirus , noting it will take months for the pandemic numbers to head in the right direction .

Officials in D.C. and Maryland are altering travel advisories, delaying reopening plans and proposing additional restrictions to combat rising coronavirus cases as the region and the country as a whole struggle with another surge in COVID-19 infections.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Thursday said she will issue an updated travel advisory that will require visitors to get tested 72 hours before traveling to the city and to get tested within three to five days if staying in town for that length of time. Officials are also asking people not to travel if they are a close contact of a person with a confirmed infection.
The updated travel advisory will also permit private institutions such as universities and hotels to ask visitors about their recent travel and require a record of a negative COVID-19 test before allowing access to their facilities.
Across the Maryland border, the Montgomery County Council on Thursday postponed a vote until next week over an amended order by County Executive Marc Elrich that would re-impose coronavirus restrictions to fight surging case numbers there.
Lawmakers said they were putting off the vote a few days to get more public input. At-large Council member Gabe Albornoz expressed the general view that there were few good options left.
“These are extraordinarily difficult decisions, and we are undeniably stuck between a rock and a hard place,” he said Thursday.
The order would downsize gatherings from 50 to 25 people and reduce space limits for fitness centers, restaurants, museums, galleries, retail establishments and houses of worship to 25% capacity.
The county recorded 227 more coronavirus cases on Thursday, its highest new daily coronavirus case count since June, according to County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles. There have been 26,777 residents infected by coronavirus and 841 who have died from it. Daily coronavirus case counts in the county have also exceeded 100 over the last four days. Back in June, new cases ranged between 30 and 40 when the county experienced a “reprieve” during the coronavirus pandemic.
Under Ms. Bowser’s order, visitors traveling from Maryland and Virginia would be exempt. There are also exceptions for those visiting D.C. for less than 24 hours or for a family emergency or funeral or coming to the city for essential work.
D.C. residents returning to the city from any higher-risk jurisdiction outside the immediate region will be asked to limit daily activities and to self-monitor for 14 days after their return or to limit activities until they get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours and test negative. Residents can get an at-home coronavirus test through LabCorp and can visit coronavirus.dc.gov/testing for more testing information.
The District is reporting higher coronavirus numbers. As of Thursday, the city recorded a 2.9% test positivity rate and a 7-day average daily case rate of nearly 13 per 100,000 residents. The coronavirus has infected 17,682 residents and killed 650 since the spring, health department data show.
The D.C. public school system has also switched gears and is requiring all students to continue learning from home for the start of the second term, which begins Monday, instead of allowing some students to return to the classrooms as originally planned. In the weeks ahead, randomly selected “at-risk” students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade will have the option of learning virtually in a Canvas Academics and Real Engagement (CARE) classroom supervised by a staff member, said D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee at a Wednesday town hall.
The public school system’s reopening plan seeks to first bring back students who are experiencing homelessness, enrolled in special education, English-language learners or siblings.
Mr. Ferebee said DCPS is restarting staffing assignments and continuing talks with the Washington Teachers’ Union, who last week submitted a “no-confidence” motion on the District’s previous reopening plan.
The case rate per 100,000 is also up for Montgomery County and many other Maryland jurisdictions.
For Montgomery County, nearly 15 per 100,000 residents have caught COVID-19 over a 7-day average as of Thursday. According to Mr. Elrich, 18 out of 24 jurisdictions have recorded case rates higher than 10 per 100,000 people. The test positivity rate has steadily climbed, wavering between 3.2% and 3.7% since Sunday.
Under the plan awaiting Council approval, restaurants would also have to collect contact information for guests for contact tracing efforts. Mr. Elrich on Wednesday noted that restaurants have struggled to reach 50% capacity and called the new measures “less draconian than it seems.”
But the Restaurant Association of Maryland expressed strong opposition to the proposed restrictions.
“These new restrictions will lead to more restaurants closing, more restaurant employees losing their jobs or having their work hours reduced with no substantial impact on slowing the spread of COVID,” said Marshall Weston Jr., president and CEO of the association. The order would also suspend the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and limit bowling alleys and personal services to 25% capacity or to 25 people, whichever is less.
Mr. Elrich said he hopes that reducing capacities for businesses rather than shutting some down entirely will help curb the spread of the coronavirus, noting it will take months for the pandemic numbers to head in the right direction.
• Shen Wu Tan can be reached at stan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Kansas City police: Man stabbed to death, another arrested

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - One man died after being stabbed in northwestern Kansas City , @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The stabbing happened around 1 p.m. Thursday , police said in @ @ @ @ @ called to the scene on Gardner Avenue found a man suffering from stab wounds .
@ @ @ @ @ an area hospital , where he died hours later , police said .
Officers arrested @ @ @ @ @ stabbing , police said .
Police did not release the names of the victim or @ @ @ @ @ not give details on what may have led to the stabbing .
Data kept by @ @ @ @ @ the death marked the city ’ s 162nd homicide this year .
That compares with @ @ @ @ @ City by this time last year .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - One man died after being stabbed in northwestern Kansas City, and another man was arrested, police said.
The stabbing happened around 1 p.m. Thursday, police said in a news release. Officers called to the scene on Gardner Avenue found a man suffering from stab wounds. The man was rushed to an area hospital, where he died hours later, police said.
Officers arrested a person suspected in the stabbing, police said. Police did not release the names of the victim or the person arrested and did not give details on what may have led to the stabbing.
Data kept by the Kansas City Star say the death marked the city’s 162nd homicide this year. That compares with 126 homicides recorded in Kansas City by this time last year.