washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Group helps struggling bee populations in Montana

KALISPELL , Mont .
( AP ) - The constant hum of more than a quarter of a million bees and the faint acrid smell of smoke fill the air as Angela Tollerson sets to work carefully inspecting the first of five hives on a farm east of Kalispell on a recent morning .
With short sleeves , blue nitrile gloves and a simple protective veil covering her head , she begins her search for the single queen among the more than 50,000 bees the hive contains .
The search does not take long .
“ It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Waldo , ” Tollerson told the Daily Inter Lake .
“ It ’ s a skill you develop over time and you can get pretty good at it after a while.
” For the past two years , Tollerson , along with Ingvar Ingvarsson , has been helping area apiculture aficionados learn more about beekeeping at the helm of the Flathead Valley Beekeepers Guild .
An unofficial association without membership dues , the group of more than 50 active members is helping to sustain the struggling bee population in Montana by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found throughout the Flathead Valley .
By finding and extracting swarms before they can establish themselves in areas where they would become a nuisance , the group is helping maintain a delicate part of the ecosystem that has seen a severe decline in numbers over the past century .
“ Our native bee population is struggling in Montana , but the bees are not alone .
We have lost 60 % of our insect mass in this country with the use of insecticides and fungicides in agriculture over the past 100 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the honey bee because it makes honey , but it also serves as the canary in the mine when it comes to the health of insects .
If the honey bee is struggling , it means so is the rest of the insect population.
” One of the top honey producing states in the country , Montana is home to more native bumble bee species than any other state as well as many varieties of Apis mellifera - the western or European honey bee .
While this may sound like good news for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern agricultural practices have been a leading contributor to reduction of bee populations for decades .
“ A lot of it has to do with monoculture , or farmers producing just one type of crop .
Bees need multiple flower sources to provide a variety of pollen , so they do not do well in a monoculture environment .
Bees get different nutrients from different flowers and without that diversity , they struggle , ” Tollerson said .
“ It would be like a person trying to survive on just beef .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the same way.
” In addition to monoculture practices , the use of insecticides and herbicides has also been a major contributor to the population decline .
Tollerson ’ s fascination with bees began at an early age .
Her uncle , who was deputy commissioner of agriculture in Sonoma County , California , did a lot of work with the integration of insects and wildlife in agriculture and was a beekeeper .
Beginning when Tollerson was just 4 years old , he would teach her about bees whenever she would visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hive tool with her when she performs inspections .
Her love of bees continued as she pursued a triple major in biology , chemistry and computer science at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson , Tennessee .
Her love of bees continues today as she has completed both the apprentice and journeyman beekeeping certifications through the prestigious University of Montana master beekeeping course .
Along with Ingvarsson , Tollerson has helped keep the local beekeeping community alive for the past few years , passing on her knowledge on the group ’ s Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tollerson , the area ’ s “ backyard beekeepers ” keep an average of three to five hives , with some taking care of as many as 10 , with each hive holding approximately 50,000 bees each .
While her website does list a number of places that offer queens and bees for sale , Tollerson and the group often acquire their bees locally while helping out area residents .
In the spring or summer , a hive ’ s queen will often leave with half the hive to start a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trees or fence posts as the bees search for a new home .
People who find swarms can reach out to the club via Facebook or email so members can come collect the bees safely and find them a home before they can move into a place where they are not wanted .
Along with helping maintain the bee population , area beekeepers also enjoy the most obvious benefit of their hobby - the honey .
Along with being delicious , raw honey contains plant chemicals called flavonoids that help the body function @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toxins and stressors .
Flavonoids are also powerful antioxidant agents .
“ The idea is that if you eat enough locally produced honey , the tiny amounts of pollen it contains almost work like a vaccine to help build up an immunity to pollen-related allergies , ” Tollerson said .
“ It ’ s not a total cure , but it can be very helpful .
”

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) - The constant hum of more than a quarter of a million bees and the faint acrid smell of smoke fill the air as Angela Tollerson sets to work carefully inspecting the first of five hives on a farm east of Kalispell on a recent morning. With short sleeves, blue nitrile gloves and a simple protective veil covering her head, she begins her search for the single queen among the more than 50,000 bees the hive contains. The search does not take long.
“It’s the beekeeping world’s version of Where’s Waldo,” Tollerson told the Daily Inter Lake. “It’s a skill you develop over time and you can get pretty good at it after a while.”
For the past two years, Tollerson, along with Ingvar Ingvarsson, has been helping area apiculture aficionados learn more about beekeeping at the helm of the Flathead Valley Beekeepers Guild.
An unofficial association without membership dues, the group of more than 50 active members is helping to sustain the struggling bee population in Montana by cultivating many of their hives with bees found throughout the Flathead Valley. By finding and extracting swarms before they can establish themselves in areas where they would become a nuisance, the group is helping maintain a delicate part of the ecosystem that has seen a severe decline in numbers over the past century.
“Our native bee population is struggling in Montana, but the bees are not alone. We have lost 60% of our insect mass in this country with the use of insecticides and fungicides in agriculture over the past 100 years,” Tollerson said. “Everyone loves the honey bee because it makes honey, but it also serves as the canary in the mine when it comes to the health of insects. If the honey bee is struggling, it means so is the rest of the insect population.”
One of the top honey producing states in the country, Montana is home to more native bumble bee species than any other state as well as many varieties of Apis mellifera - the western or European honey bee. While this may sound like good news for local farmers, studies have shown that modern agricultural practices have been a leading contributor to reduction of bee populations for decades.
“A lot of it has to do with monoculture, or farmers producing just one type of crop. Bees need multiple flower sources to provide a variety of pollen, so they do not do well in a monoculture environment. Bees get different nutrients from different flowers and without that diversity, they struggle,” Tollerson said. “It would be like a person trying to survive on just beef. We need different kinds of nutrients and bees are the same way.”
In addition to monoculture practices, the use of insecticides and herbicides has also been a major contributor to the population decline.
Tollerson’s fascination with bees began at an early age. Her uncle, who was deputy commissioner of agriculture in Sonoma County, California, did a lot of work with the integration of insects and wildlife in agriculture and was a beekeeper. Beginning when Tollerson was just 4 years old, he would teach her about bees whenever she would visit. Today, she carries her uncle’s hive tool with her when she performs inspections.
Her love of bees continued as she pursued a triple major in biology, chemistry and computer science at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. Her love of bees continues today as she has completed both the apprentice and journeyman beekeeping certifications through the prestigious University of Montana master beekeeping course.
Along with Ingvarsson, Tollerson has helped keep the local beekeeping community alive for the past few years, passing on her knowledge on the group’s Facebook page and website at www.flatheadvalleybeekeepers.club.
According to Tollerson, the area’s “backyard beekeepers” keep an average of three to five hives, with some taking care of as many as 10, with each hive holding approximately 50,000 bees each.
While her website does list a number of places that offer queens and bees for sale, Tollerson and the group often acquire their bees locally while helping out area residents.
In the spring or summer, a hive’s queen will often leave with half the hive to start a new one. Swarms will hang off of trees or fence posts as the bees search for a new home. People who find swarms can reach out to the club via Facebook or email so members can come collect the bees safely and find them a home before they can move into a place where they are not wanted.
Along with helping maintain the bee population, area beekeepers also enjoy the most obvious benefit of their hobby - the honey.
Along with being delicious, raw honey contains plant chemicals called flavonoids that help the body function more efficiently while protecting it against everyday toxins and stressors. Flavonoids are also powerful antioxidant agents.
“The idea is that if you eat enough locally produced honey, the tiny amounts of pollen it contains almost work like a vaccine to help build up an immunity to pollen-related allergies,” Tollerson said. “It’s not a total cure, but it can be very helpful.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Hungary to unveil statue of late President George H.W. Bush

BUDAPEST , Hungary ( AP ) - A statue of former U.S. President George H.W .
Bush will be unveiled in October in Budapest ’ s Liberty Square , officials said Sunday .
In 1989 , Bush became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hungary .
He died in 2018 at the age of 94 .
The statue , to be inaugurated on Oct. 23 , “ expresses our mutual appreciation and gratitude for the statesman , who contributed to shaping the future of Europe and within Hungary through his commitment and strong morals , and through his advocacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said a joint statement from U.S .
Ambassador David B. Cornstein and Gergely Gulyas , Prime Minister Viktor Orban ’ s chief of staff .
The statue of the 41st U.S. president is being created by Hungarian sculptor Istvan Mate , whose larger-than-life statue of former President Ronald Reagan was unveiled in Liberty Square in June 2011 .
“ It is fitting that the statue will be located close to that of U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Budapest , which will symbolize the joint fight of these two leaders to defeat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ evil empire , ’ ” the officials ’ statement added .
Liberty Square is surrounded by several key institutions , including the National Bank of Hungary , the U.S. Embassy and a huge building which housed Hungary first stock exchange during the first half of the 20th century .

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) - A statue of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush will be unveiled in October in Budapest’s Liberty Square, officials said Sunday.
In 1989, Bush became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hungary. He died in 2018 at the age of 94.
The statue, to be inaugurated on Oct. 23, “expresses our mutual appreciation and gratitude for the statesman, who contributed to shaping the future of Europe and within Hungary through his commitment and strong morals, and through his advocacy for democracy and against communist dictatorship,” said a joint statement from U.S. Ambassador David B. Cornstein and Gergely Gulyas, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff.
The statue of the 41st U.S. president is being created by Hungarian sculptor Istvan Mate, whose larger-than-life statue of former President Ronald Reagan was unveiled in Liberty Square in June 2011.
“It is fitting that the statue will be located close to that of U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Budapest, which will symbolize the joint fight of these two leaders to defeat, in President Reagan’s words, the ‘evil empire,’” the officials’ statement added.
Liberty Square is surrounded by several key institutions, including the National Bank of Hungary, the U.S. Embassy and a huge building which housed Hungary first stock exchange during the first half of the 20th century.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Berlusconi responding to virus drugs but in "delicate" phase

ROME ( AP ) - Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi is responding “ optimally ” to COVID-19 treatment but is the most vulnerable type of patient and is in “ the most delicate phase ” of the virus , his personal doctor said Sunday .
Dr. Alberto Zangrillo repeated Sunday that he nevertheless remained “ cautiously optimistic ” about Berlusconi ’ s recovery .
The three-time premier turns 84 in a few weeks and has had a history of heart problems that required being fitted with a pacemaker several years ago .
He checked into the San Raffaele hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus earlier in the week .
At the time he had the early stages of a lung infection .
“ The patient is responding optimally to treatment , ” Zangrillo told reporters outside the hospital .
“ This doesn ’ t mean we can claim victory because , as you know , he belongs to the most fragile category , ” given his age .
Data from Italy ’ s Superior Institute of Health indicates that men aged 80-87 have the highest COVID-19 death rate among all cases in Italy , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be released anytime soon , recalling that the virus “ requires adequate treatment and takes its time.
” Berlusconi spent some of his summer vacation at his seaside villa on Sardinia ’ s Emerald Coast .
Many of Italy ’ s recent cases of COVID-19 have been linked to clusters in people who vacationed in Sardinia .
Zangrillo , Berlusconi ’ s longtime doctor , is head of intensive care at San Raffaele .
To date , Berlusconi is believed to still be in a VIP ward of the clinic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of May , when Italy ’ s lockdown had greatly slowed its rate of new infections , that “ clinically speaking the virus doesn ’ t exist anymore.
” Zangrillo has since acknowledged that statement was too strong and “ off-key ” and was based merely on observing that fewer patients required intensive care at the time .

ROME (AP) - Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi is responding “optimally” to COVID-19 treatment but is the most vulnerable type of patient and is in “the most delicate phase” of his infection, his personal doctor said Sunday.
Dr. Alberto Zangrillo repeated that he nevertheless remained “cautiously optimistic” about Berlusconi’s recovery. Berlusconi turns 84 in a few weeks and has had a history of heart problems that required a pacemaker several years ago.
The three-time premier checked into the San Raffaele hospital in Milan early Friday after testing positive for the virus earlier in the week. At the time, he had the early stages of a lung infection. Earlier in the week he said he tested positive but showed no symptoms. Then he said he had a fever and felt achy but still vowed to campaign for his Forza Italia party in upcoming regional elections.
“The patient is responding optimally to treatment,” Zangrillo told reporters outside the hospital. “This doesn’t mean we can claim victory because, as you know, he belongs to the most fragile category,” given his age.
Official data shows that men aged 80-87 have the highest COVID-19 death rate among all cases in Italy, at 47%.
Zangrillo suggested Berlusconi wouldn’t be released anytime soon, adding that fighting coronavirus “requires adequate treatment and takes its time.”
Berlusconi spent some of his summer vacation at his seaside villa on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast. Many of Italy’s recent cases of COVID-19 have been linked to clusters in people who vacationed in Sardinia.
Zangrillo is head of intensive care at San Raffaele. To date, Berlusconi is believed to still be in a VIP ward at the clinic, not in intensive care.
Zangrillo has been criticized for having asserted at the end of May, when Italy’s lockdown had greatly slowed its rate of new infections to just a few hundred a day, that “clinically speaking the virus doesn’t exist anymore.” Zangrillo has since acknowledged that statement was too strong and “off-key” and was based on observing that fewer patients required intensive care at the time.
Both Italy’s virus caseload and ICU numbers have been rising in recent weeks, mostly among Italians returning from vacation.
On Sunday, Italy added another 1,297 confirmed infections to its official toll. Another seven people with COVID died over the past day, the health ministry reported, bringing Italy’s official death toll to 35,541, the second-highest in Europe after Britain.
___
Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--WikiLeaks' Assange to fight US extradition bid in UK court

LONDON ( AP ) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is set to fight for his freedom in a British court after a decade of legal drama , as he challenges American authorities ’ attempt to extradite him on spying charges over the site ’ s publication of secret U.S. military documents .
Lawyers for Assange and the U.S. government are scheduled to face off in London Monday at an extradition hearing that was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic .
American prosecutors have indicted the 49-year-old Australian on 18 espionage and computer misuse charges adding up to a maximum sentence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution is a politically motivated abuse of power that will stifle press freedom and put journalists at risk .
Assange attorney Jennifer Robinson said the case “ is fundamentally about basic human rights and freedom of speech.
” “ Journalists and whistle-blowers who reveal illegal activity by companies or governments and war crimes – such as the publications Julian has been charged for – should be protected from prosecution , ” she said .
American prosecutors say Assange is a criminal , not a free-speech hero .
They allege that Assange conspired with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hack into a Pentagon computer and release hundreds of thousands of secret diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan .
They also say he conspired with members of hacking organizations and sought to recruit hackers to provide WikiLeaks with classified information .
“ By disseminating the materials in an unredacted form , he likely put people — human rights activists , journalists , advocates , religious leaders , dissidents and their families — at risk of serious harm , torture or even death , ” James Lewis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , told a hearing in February .
Assange argues he is a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection , and says the leaked documents exposed U.S. military wrongdoing .
Among the files released by WikiLeaks was video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people , including two Reuters journalists .
His lawyers argue the prosecution is an abuse of process by a Trump administration that wants to make an example of Assange .
They say he would be held in inhuman conditions and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
Journalism organizations and human rights groups have called on Britain to refuse the extradition request .
Amnesty International said Assange was “ the target of a negative public campaign by U.S. officials at the highest levels.
” “ If Julian Assange is prosecuted it could have a chilling effect on media freedom , leading publishers and journalists to self-censor in fear of retaliation , ” said Amnesty ’ s Europe Director , Nils Muižnieks .
The four-week extradition hearing is part of a twisting saga rife with competing claims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lawyers claim the U.S. intelligence services directed a private security firm to spy on him while he was living in Ecuador ’ s London embassy — a case currently being heard in a Spanish court .
Assange also alleges he was offered a pardon by the Trump administration if he agreed to say Russia wasn ’ t involved in leaking Democratic National Committee emails that were published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 U.S. election campaign .
The White House denies that claim .
Assange ’ s legal troubles began in 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the request of Sweden , which wanted to question him about allegations of rape and sexual assault made by two women .
He refused to go to Stockholm , saying he feared extradition or illegal rendition to the United States or the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba .
In 2012 , Assange sought refuge inside the Ecuadorian Embassy , where he was beyond the reach of U.K. and Swedish authorities — but also effectively a prisoner , unable to leave the tiny diplomatic mission in London ’ s tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his hosts eventually soured , and he was evicted from the embassy in April 2019 .
British police immediately arrested him for jumping bail in 2012 .
Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed , but Assange remains in London ’ s high-security Belmarsh Prison as he awaits the extradition decision .
Supporters say the ordeal has harmed Assange ’ s physical and mental health , leaving him with depression , dental problems and a serious shoulder ailment .
Assange ’ s partner Stella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him while he lived in the embassy , said he looked thinner and was in “ a lot of pain ” when she visited him in prison in late August for the first time since March .
The extradition hearing opened in February but was put on hold when the U.K. went into lockdown in March to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
It is resuming with social distancing measures in court and video feeds so that journalists and observers can watch remotely .
Assange is expected to be brought by prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal court for the hearing , which is due to run until early October .
District Judge Vanessa Baraitser is likely to take weeks or even months to consider her verdict , with the losing side likely to appeal .

LONDON (AP) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is set to fight for his freedom in a British court after a decade of legal drama, as he challenges American authorities’ attempt to extradite him on spying charges over the site’s publication of secret U.S. military documents.
Lawyers for Assange and the U.S. government are scheduled to face off in London Monday at an extradition hearing that was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
American prosecutors have indicted the 49-year-old Australian on 18 espionage and computer misuse charges adding up to a maximum sentence of 175 years. His lawyers say the prosecution is a politically motivated abuse of power that will stifle press freedom and put journalists at risk.
Assange attorney Jennifer Robinson said the case “is fundamentally about basic human rights and freedom of speech.”
“Journalists and whistle-blowers who reveal illegal activity by companies or governments and war crimes – such as the publications Julian has been charged for – should be protected from prosecution,” she said.
American prosecutors say Assange is a criminal, not a free-speech hero.
They allege that Assange conspired with U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to hack into a Pentagon computer and release hundreds of thousands of secret diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also say he conspired with members of hacking organizations and sought to recruit hackers to provide WikiLeaks with classified information.
“By disseminating the materials in an unredacted form, he likely put people — human rights activists, journalists, advocates, religious leaders, dissidents and their families — at risk of serious harm, torture or even death,” James Lewis, a British lawyer acting for the U.S. government, told a hearing in February.
Assange argues he is a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection, and says the leaked documents exposed U.S. military wrongdoing. Among the files released by WikiLeaks was video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.
His lawyers argue the prosecution is an abuse of process by a Trump administration that wants to make an example of Assange. They say he would be held in inhuman conditions and would not get a fair trial in the United States.
Journalism organizations and human rights groups have called on Britain to refuse the extradition request. Amnesty International said Assange was “the target of a negative public campaign by U.S. officials at the highest levels.”
“If Julian Assange is prosecuted it could have a chilling effect on media freedom, leading publishers and journalists to self-censor in fear of retaliation,” said Amnesty’s Europe Director, Nils Muižnieks.
The four-week extradition hearing is part of a twisting saga rife with competing claims of hacking, spying and subterfuge. Assange’s lawyers claim the U.S. intelligence services directed a private security firm to spy on him while he was living in Ecuador’s London embassy — a case currently being heard in a Spanish court.
Assange also alleges he was offered a pardon by the Trump administration if he agreed to say Russia wasn’t involved in leaking Democratic National Committee emails that were published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 U.S. election campaign. The White House denies that claim.
Assange’s legal troubles began in 2010, when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden, which wanted to question him about allegations of rape and sexual assault made by two women. He refused to go to Stockholm, saying he feared extradition or illegal rendition to the United States or the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
In 2012, Assange sought refuge inside the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he was beyond the reach of U.K. and Swedish authorities — but also effectively a prisoner, unable to leave the tiny diplomatic mission in London’s tony Knightsbridge area.
The relationship between Assange and his hosts eventually soured, and he was evicted from the embassy in April 2019. British police immediately arrested him for jumping bail in 2012.
Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed, but Assange remains in London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison as he awaits the extradition decision. Supporters say the ordeal has harmed Assange’s physical and mental health, leaving him with depression, dental problems and a serious shoulder ailment.
Assange’s partner Stella Moris, who had two sons with him while he lived in the embassy, said he looked thinner and was in “a lot of pain” when she visited him in prison in late August for the first time since March.
The extradition hearing opened in February but was put on hold when the U.K. went into lockdown in March to slow the spread of the coronavirus. It is resuming with social distancing measures in court and video feeds so that journalists and observers can watch remotely.
Assange is expected to be brought by prison van from Belmarsh to the Old Bailey criminal court for the hearing, which is due to run until early October. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser is likely to take weeks or even months to consider her verdict, with the losing side likely to appeal.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs' widow, draws Donald Trump's ire

President Trump attacked Laurene Powell Jobs , widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs , for “ wasting ” her dead husband ’ s money .
Ms. Jobs , a liberal billionaire philanthropist , is the co-owner of the Atlantic magazine that recently published an article by editor Jeffrey Goldberg claiming Mr. Trump disparaged U.S. war dead .
Ms. Jobs has also funded efforts aiming to oust Mr. Trump from office .
“ Steve Jobs would not be happy that his wife is wasting money he left her on a failing Radical Left Magazine that is run by a con @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NEWS & HATE .
Call her , write her , let her know how you feel !
!
!
” Mr. Trump tweeted early on Sunday .
In addition to Ms. Jobs ’ ownership of the Atlantic , she founded a social justice group Emerson Collective and has reportedly backed the liberal group Acronym that is working to oppose Mr. Trump ’ s reelection .
Acronym pledged last year to spend $ 25 million to develop leftist digital newsrooms to push political content disguised as news in key battleground states in the run-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also funded liberal voter registration efforts , including via the Voter Participation Center , and has helped raise money for Democrat Stacey Abrams ’ Fair Fight advocacy group , according to Vox .
Neither the Atlantic magazine nor Ms. Jobs ’ Emerson Collective immediately responded to request for comment on Mr. Trump ’ s criticism .

President Trump attacked Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, for “wasting” her dead husband’s money.
Ms. Jobs, a liberal billionaire philanthropist, is the co-owner of the Atlantic magazine that recently published an article by editor Jeffrey Goldberg claiming Mr. Trump disparaged U.S. war dead. Ms. Jobs has also funded efforts aiming to oust Mr. Trump from office.
“Steve Jobs would not be happy that his wife is wasting money he left her on a failing Radical Left Magazine that is run by a con man (Goldberg) and spews FAKE NEWS & HATE. Call her, write her, let her know how you feel!!!” Mr. Trump tweeted early on Sunday.
In addition to Ms. Jobs’ ownership of the Atlantic, she founded a social justice group Emerson Collective and has reportedly backed the liberal group Acronym that is working to oppose Mr. Trump’s reelection. Acronym pledged last year to spend $25 million to develop leftist digital newsrooms to push political content disguised as news in key battleground states in the run-up to the 2020 election.
Ms. Jobs has also funded liberal voter registration efforts, including via the Voter Participation Center, and has helped raise money for Democrat Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight advocacy group, according to Vox.
Neither the Atlantic magazine nor Ms. Jobs’ Emerson Collective immediately responded to request for comment on Mr. Trump’s criticism.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Germany: 800 mourn death of 5 kids allegedly killed by mom

BERLIN ( AP ) - More than 800 people came together for a memorial for the five children who were allegedly killed by their mother at their home in the western city of Solingen , the German news agency dpa reported Sunday .
Neighbors , friends and others mourning the deaths of the five young children lit candles Saturday night in front of the building where they had lived .
They brought flowers , toys and balloons with the names of the dead children them : Melina , Leonie , Sophie , Timo and Luca , dpa reported .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your own , to express your sadness , ” Hans-Peter Harbecke , a neighborhood organizer , told public broadcaster WDR .
“ ” It ’ s easier when you ’ re together , it ’ s more intensive as a community.
” Prosecutors have charged the 27-year-old mother of the five children , who were found dead at their home on Thursday , with murder .
The killings have caused widespread shock in Germany .
Investigators have said that postmortem examinations on the children , who were between 1 to 8 years old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it was still unclear how exactly they died .
The woman sent a sixth child , her eldest , to stay with his grandmother Thursday before attempting to take her own life by jumping in front of a train at the Duesseldorf railway station .
She suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries , and investigators have not questioned her yet , officials said .
The 11-year-old boy is still with his grandmother and both are receiving trauma counseling , dpa reported .
Local media reported that the mother separated from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ago , and that the mother had been showing signs of being stressed and overwhelmed by her situation for a while .

BERLIN (AP) - More than 800 people came together for a memorial for the five children who were allegedly killed by their mother at their home in the western city of Solingen, the German news agency dpa reported Sunday.
Neighbors, friends and others mourning the deaths of the five young children lit candles Saturday night in front of the building where they had lived. They brought flowers, toys and balloons with the names of the dead children them: Melina, Leonie, Sophie, Timo and Luca, dpa reported.
“It’s hard to mourn on your own, to express your sadness,” Hans-Peter Harbecke, a neighborhood organizer, told public broadcaster WDR. “”It’s easier when you’re together, it’s more intensive as a community.”
Prosecutors have charged the 27-year-old mother of the five children, who were found dead at their home on Thursday, with murder. The killings have caused widespread shock in Germany.
Investigators have said that postmortem examinations on the children, who were between 1 to 8 years old, showed signs of sedation and suffocation, but it was still unclear how exactly they died.
The woman sent a sixth child, her eldest, to stay with his grandmother Thursday before attempting to take her own life by jumping in front of a train at the Duesseldorf railway station. She suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries, and investigators have not questioned her yet, officials said.
The 11-year-old boy is still with his grandmother and both are receiving trauma counseling, dpa reported. Local media reported that the mother separated from the father of her four youngest children a year ago, and that the mother had been showing signs of being stressed and overwhelmed by her situation for a while.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Jessica Krug, George Washington professor who lied about being black, not teaching this semester

WASHINGTON — George Washington University is investigating the case of a history professor who allegedly admitted to fraudulently pretending to be a Black woman for her entire career , and said Friday that she will not be teaching her classes this semester .
In a blog post that has gained international attention , a writer claiming to be Jessica Krug , a GW associate professor of history , writes that she is in fact a white Jewish woman from suburban Kansas City .
The writer claims she has lived most of her adult life “ under various assumed identities within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to claim : first North African Blackness , then US rooted Blackness , then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness.
” Krug did not respond to a request on her blog page for comment .
In a statement released Friday night , University Provost Brian Blake and Dean Paul Wahlbeck wrote : “ Dr .
Krug will not be teaching her classes this semester .
We are working on developing a number of options for students in those classes , which will be communicated to affected students as soon as possible.
” The blog post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling the deception “ the very epitome of violence , of thievery and appropriation.
” The writer blames “ unaddressed mental health demons ” dating back to childhood and says she frequently thought of confessing the deception , “ but my cowardice was always more powerful than my ethics.
” Krug ’ s biography on the GW website lists imperialism and colonialism and African-American history among her areas of expertise .
Her writings center heavily on issues of African culture and diaspora .
The post caused an immediate furor on social media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalling their interactions with Krug .
Hari Ziyad , editor of the online publication RaceBatr , which had published Krug ’ s writings , wrote on Twitter that Krug had confirmed the details of the blog post to him in a phone call Thursday morning .
He described Krug as “ someone I called a friend up until this morning when she gave me a call admitting to everything written here.
” Ziyad wrote that Krug claimed to be Afro-Caribbean from the Bronx .
He said he had defended Krug in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he recalls clues to the deception including her “ clearly inexpert salsa dancing ” and “ awful New York accent.
” Krug ’ s public persona comes across in a video testimony to a New York City Council hearing on gentrification from June .
Referring to herself as Jess La Bombalera , Krug refers to “ my Black and brown siblings ” in the anti-gentrification movement and criticizes “ all these white New Yorkers ” who “ did not yield their time to Black and brown indigenous New Yorkers.
” In their letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GW Community , ” Blake and Wahlbeck said : “ We want to acknowledge the pain this situation has caused for many in our community and recognize that many students , faculty , staff and alumni are hurting .
… Please know that we are taking this situation seriously and are here to support our community .
”

WASHINGTON — George Washington University is investigating the case of a history professor who allegedly admitted to fraudulently pretending to be a Black woman for her entire career, and said Friday that she will not be teaching her classes this semester.
In a blog post that has gained international attention, a writer claiming to be Jessica Krug, a GW associate professor of history, writes that she is in fact a white Jewish woman from suburban Kansas City. The writer claims she has lived most of her adult life “under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim: first North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness.”
Krug did not respond to a request on her blog page for comment.
In a statement released Friday night, University Provost Brian Blake and Dean Paul Wahlbeck wrote: “Dr. Krug will not be teaching her classes this semester. We are working on developing a number of options for students in those classes, which will be communicated to affected students as soon as possible.”
The blog post attributed to Klug expresses deep remorse, calling the deception “the very epitome of violence, of thievery and appropriation.”
The writer blames “unaddressed mental health demons” dating back to childhood and says she frequently thought of confessing the deception, “but my cowardice was always more powerful than my ethics.”
Krug’s biography on the GW website lists imperialism and colonialism and African-American history among her areas of expertise. Her writings center heavily on issues of African culture and diaspora.
The post caused an immediate furor on social media, with Black academics, writers and activists recalling their interactions with Krug.
Hari Ziyad, editor of the online publication RaceBatr, which had published Krug’s writings, wrote on Twitter that Krug had confirmed the details of the blog post to him in a phone call Thursday morning. He described Krug as “someone I called a friend up until this morning when she gave me a call admitting to everything written here.”
Ziyad wrote that Krug claimed to be Afro-Caribbean from the Bronx. He said he had defended Krug in the past against suspicious colleagues. In retrospect, he recalls clues to the deception including her “clearly inexpert salsa dancing” and “awful New York accent.”
Krug’s public persona comes across in a video testimony to a New York City Council hearing on gentrification from June. Referring to herself as Jess La Bombalera, Krug refers to “my Black and brown siblings” in the anti-gentrification movement and criticizes “all these white New Yorkers” who “did not yield their time to Black and brown indigenous New Yorkers.”
In their letter Friday night, addressed to the “GW Community,” Blake and Wahlbeck said: “We want to acknowledge the pain this situation has caused for many in our community and recognize that many students, faculty, staff and alumni are hurting. … Please know that we are taking this situation seriously and are here to support our community.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Pope: Gossiping is "plague worse than COVID"

VATICAN CITY ( AP ) - Pope Francis said Sunday that gossiping is a “ plague worse than COVID ” that is seeking to divide the Catholic Church .
Francis strayed from his prepared text to double down on his frequent complaint about gossiping within church communities and even within the Vatican bureaucracy .
Francis didn ’ t give specifics during his weekly blessing , but went on at some length to say the devil is the “ biggest gossiper ” who is seeking to divide the church with his lies .
“ Please brothers and sisters , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ Gossip is a plague worse than COVID .
Worse .
Let ’ s make a big effort : No gossiping !
” Francis ’ comments came as he elaborated on a Gospel passage about the need to correct others privately when they do something wrong .
The Catholic hierarchy has long relied on this “ fraternal correction ” among priests and bishops to correct them when they err without airing problems in public .
Survivors of sexual abuse have said this form of private reprimand has allowed abuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predator priests and superiors who covered up for them escape punishment .

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis said Sunday that gossiping is a “plague worse than COVID” that is seeking to divide the Catholic Church.
Francis strayed from his prepared text to double down on his frequent complaint about gossiping within church communities and even within the Vatican bureaucracy. Francis didn’t give specifics during his weekly blessing, but went on at some length to say the devil is the “biggest gossiper” who is seeking to divide the church with his lies.
“Please brothers and sisters, let’s try to not gossip,” he said. “Gossip is a plague worse than COVID. Worse. Let’s make a big effort: No gossiping!”
Francis’ comments came as he elaborated on a Gospel passage about the need to correct others privately when they do something wrong. The Catholic hierarchy has long relied on this “fraternal correction” among priests and bishops to correct them when they err without airing problems in public.
Survivors of sexual abuse have said this form of private reprimand has allowed abuse to fester in the church and let both predator priests and superiors who covered up for them escape punishment.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Virus deaths surpass 1,000 as Israel mulls new restrictions

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - The death toll from the coronavirus in Israel has surpassed 1,000 , as the government on Sunday mulled steps for imposing new restrictions to quell a resurgence in infections .
Israel had earned praise for its early handling of the virus crisis and imposing tight movement restrictions .
Since reopening the economy in May , however , new cases have spiked to record levels and the government has been blamed for mismanaging the resurgence .
Weekly protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his corruption trial have expanded to include demonstrations against his handling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain .
More than 3,000 new cases a day have been confirmed in the most recent spike , raising the specter of a renewed nationwide lockdown .
Under heavy public pressure , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in July appointed Dr. Ronni Gamzu , a respected hospital director and former Health Ministry director , as the national “ coronavirus project manager.
” Gamzu has issued recommendations for restrictions on numerous so-called “ red ” cities that have seen the most widespread outbreaks .
Several Arab towns and ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods have been hit especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the list .
The government is expected to convene Sunday to vote on which cities and neighborhoods could go under some form of lockdown .
Those included will likely face new restrictions on movement within the city limits , a ban on entering or leaving the locality and a suspension of all in-person school activities .
Overall , Israel has recorded nearly 130,000 cases of the virus , with more than 26,000 still active .
Upon Gamzu ’ s recommendation , the military established a task force last month to bring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is taking the lead in contact tracing and breaking chains of infection .
Israel appeared to be a model of crisis management in the spring , when the coronavirus first appeared locally .
Authorities quickly sealed the country ’ s borders and imposed tough lockdown measures , bringing the number of new infections down to several dozen a day in May .
Officials have since been blamed for reopening businesses and schools too quickly .
Throughout the summer , the rate of new cases has remained at record levels , while the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 people .

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday announced overnight curfews on some 40 cities and towns hit hard by the coronavirus, but backed away from reported recommendations for full lockdowns after an uproar by politically powerful religious politicians.
The measures were announced late Sunday after hours of consultations with decision-makers. The government has been forced to take new action after failing to contain an outbreak that has claimed more than 1,000 lives and remains at record levels of new infections.
The curfews will go into effect Monday night at 7 p.m. and will last until 5 a.m. It was not known how long they will remain in place. People will not be allowed to venture more than 500 meters (yards) from their homes, and nonessential businesses will have to close.
The announcement came less than two weeks before the Jewish New Year. The outbreak has raised concerns that the country could be forced to declare a nationwide lockdown during the upcoming holiday period, a time of widespread travel and large family gatherings.
Under heavy public pressure, Netanyahu in July appointed Dr. Ronni Gamzu, a respected hospital director and former Health Ministry director, as the national “coronavirus project manager.”
Gamzu has been pushing for full lockdowns on areas that have the worst outbreaks. These “red” cities have been heavily concentrated in Israel’s Arab and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities.
But ultra-Orthodox leaders have strongly resisted calls for lockdowns and threatened not to obey new orders. Orthodox parties are key partners in Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
In an apparent compromise, Netanyahu said these red areas would have nighttime curfews, schools would be closed and there would be restrictions on public gatherings - but a full lockdown was avoided.
“I know these measures are not easy, but in the current circumstances, there is no escaping them,” he said. “We will continue to take responsible steps that are required to protect public health, lives and the economy.”
Israel had earned praise last spring for its early handling of the virus crisis, moving quickly to seal the country’s borders and appearing to bring an outbreak under control.
But Netanyahu has come under criticism for reopening the economy too quickly in May. Since then, new cases have spiked to record levels, the government has been blamed for mismanaging the resurgence and unemployment has soared to double-digit levels. Weekly protests against Netanyahu over his corruption trial have expanded to include demonstrations against his handling of the health crisis and the resulting economic pain.
Overall, Israel has recorded nearly 130,000 cases of the virus, with more than 26,000 still active. It recently has been reporting some 3,000 new cases each day.
Upon Gamzu’s recommendation, the military established a task force last month to bring the outbreak under control. Its main responsibility is taking the lead in contact tracing and breaking chains of infection.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Officer and 3 assailants killed in Tunisian resort attack

TUNIS , Tunisia ( AP ) - Tunisian forces shot dead three suspected Islamic militants who rammed their vehicle into security officers and attacked them with knives , killing one and injuring another in the coastal resort town of Sousse , authorities said Sunday .
Sousse was the site of Tunisia ’ s deadliest extremist attack in 2015 , when a massacre killed 38 people , most of them British tourists .
An Interior Ministry statement said Sunday that the assailants took refuge in a school after the attack and died in a shootout with security forces .
The North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hicham Mechichi , appeared to suggest that the assailants ’ planning may have been faulty .
Speaking in Sousse , at the site of the attack , he announced the arrest of a fourth suspect who had been aboard the vehicle that rammed the National Guard officers .
“ These terrorist groups wanted to signal their presence , ” he said .
“ But they got the wrong address this time .
The clearest proof of that is that the authors of this attack were eliminated in a few minutes.
” He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tunisians because lions are protecting the country.
” Hatem Zargouni , director of security for Sousse , said the assailants stabbed the officers and then fled with their weapons .
The previous attack in Sousse on June 26 , 2015 , dealt a heavy blow to Tunisia ’ s tourism sector , a pillar of its economy .
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack .
Aymen Rezgui , a Tunisian student who trained with Libyan militants , walked onto the beach of the Imperial Hotel and used an assault rifle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He then continued onto the hotel pool before throwing a grenade into the hotel .
He was later killed by police .

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) - Tunisian forces shot dead three suspected Islamic militants who rammed their vehicle into security officers and attacked them with knives, killing one and injuring another in the coastal resort town of Sousse, authorities said Sunday.
Sousse was the site of Tunisia’s deadliest extremist attack in 2015, when a massacre killed 38 people, most of them British tourists.
An Interior Ministry statement said Sunday that the assailants took refuge in a school after the attack and died in a shootout with security forces.
The North African nation’s prime minister, Hicham Mechichi, appeared to suggest that the assailants’ planning may have been faulty.
Speaking in Sousse, at the site of the attack, he announced the arrest of a fourth suspect who had been aboard the vehicle that rammed the National Guard officers.
“These terrorist groups wanted to signal their presence,” he said. “But they got the wrong address this time. The clearest proof of that is that the authors of this attack were eliminated in a few minutes.”
He added that “these microbes must fear the Tunisians because lions are protecting the country.”
Hatem Zargouni, director of security for Sousse, said the assailants stabbed the officers and then fled with their weapons.
The injured officer was hospitalized.
The previous attack in Sousse on June 26, 2015, dealt a heavy blow to Tunisia’s tourism sector, a pillar of its economy.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack.
Aymen Rezgui, a Tunisian student who trained with Libyan militants, walked onto the beach of the Imperial Hotel and used an assault rifle to shoot at tourists in lounge chairs. He then continued onto the hotel pool before throwing a grenade into the hotel. He was later killed by police.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--John Pierce, Kyle Rittenhouse lawyer, resigns from #FightBack Foundation defense fund

A lawyer representing a 17-year-old charged with shooting three people during a protest in Kenosha , Wisconsin , has resigned from his position with a defense fund that has raked in more than $ 700,000 to defend his client and conservative causes .
Attorney John Pierce is defending Kyle Rittenhouse against intentional homicide charges for shooting two people to death and wounding a third during a night of unrest last month over the police shooting of Jacob Blake , a Black man who was left paralyzed from the waist down .
Pierce said he resigned from the # FightBack Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend Rittenhouse , to avoid any “ appearance of conflict , ” USA Today reported .
Pierce and his firm , Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht , have been accused of defaulting on millions of dollars owed to investors , according to court documents .
Pierce acknowledged in New York court documents earlier this year that he had failed to pay Karish Kapital $ 4 million for cash advances it had made to Pierce ’ s firm , which also has a much large payment of $ 65 million looming for another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lin Wood , another attorney who has taken up high-profile cases championed by conservatives , started the fund in early August .
The fund is described as a way to “ bring lawsuits to check the lies of the left.
” Pierce has argued that Rittenhouse acted in self-defense when he shot the three people on Aug. 25 during a third night of protests over the shooting of Blake two days earlier , which was captured on cellphone video and posted online .
The Rittenhouse case has become a political flashpoint .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump gave an account at odds with the one given by prosecutors , falsely implying that the teenager only shot the men after he tripped and they attacked him .
Wood , who now controls the foundation , said Pierce would be reimbursed for his work defending Rittenhouse .

A lawyer representing a 17-year-old charged with shooting three people during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has resigned from his position with a defense fund that has raked in more than $700,000 to defend his client and conservative causes.
Attorney John Pierce is defending Kyle Rittenhouse against intentional homicide charges for shooting two people to death and wounding a third during a night of unrest last month over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was left paralyzed from the waist down.
Pierce said he resigned from the #FightBack Foundation fund, which has raised money to defend Rittenhouse, to avoid any “appearance of conflict,” USA Today reported. Pierce and his firm, Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht, have been accused of defaulting on millions of dollars owed to investors, according to court documents.
Pierce acknowledged in New York court documents earlier this year that he had failed to pay Karish Kapital $4 million for cash advances it had made to Pierce’s firm, which also has a much large payment of $65 million looming for another investor, the newspaper reported.
Pierce and Lin Wood, another attorney who has taken up high-profile cases championed by conservatives, started the fund in early August. The fund is described as a way to “bring lawsuits to check the lies of the left.”
Pierce has argued that Rittenhouse acted in self-defense when he shot the three people on Aug. 25 during a third night of protests over the shooting of Blake two days earlier, which was captured on cellphone video and posted online.
The Rittenhouse case has become a political flashpoint. During his Tuesday visit to Kenosha, President Donald Trump gave an account at odds with the one given by prosecutors, falsely implying that the teenager only shot the men after he tripped and they attacked him.
Wood, who now controls the foundation, said Pierce would be reimbursed for his work defending Rittenhouse.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Germany: Protesters clash with police in city of Leipzig

BERLIN ( AP ) - Hundreds of demonstrators protesting against gentrification clashed with police in the eastern German city of @ @ @ @ @ in a row , injuring 11 officers , police said Sunday .
The protests , @ @ @ @ @ began after police ended the squatting of two buildings in the city last week , @ @ @ @ @ reported .
The report said that during the riots on Saturday night , police were @ @ @ @ @ with stones .
Protesters build street barricades and and put garbage cans on fire .
@ @ @ @ @ helicopter hovering over the protests in the Leipzig neighborhood of Connewitz was blinded by a @ @ @ @ @ Several protesters were temporarily detained to verify their identities .

BERLIN (AP) - Hundreds of demonstrators protesting against gentrification clashed with police in the eastern German city of Leipzig for a third night in a row, injuring 11 officers, police said Sunday.
The protests, which started Thursday night, began after police ended the squatting of two buildings in the city last week, the German news agency dpa reported.
The report said that during the riots on Saturday night, police were attacked with fireworks and pelted with stones. Protesters build street barricades and and put garbage cans on fire.
The pilot of a police helicopter hovering over the protests in the Leipzig neighborhood of Connewitz was blinded by a laser, dpa said. Several protesters were temporarily detained to verify their identities.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Germany ups pressure on Russia in Navalny poisoning probe

BERLIN ( AP ) - Germany on Sunday increased pressure on Russia over the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny , warning that a lack of support by Moscow in the investigation could “ force ” Germany to rethink the fate of a German-Russian gas pipeline project .
“ I hope the Russians won ’ t force us to change our position regarding the Nord Stream 2 ” pipeline being built under the Baltic Sea , German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told weekly Bild am Sonntag .
Maas also said that “ if there won ’ t be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation in the coming days , we will have to consult with our partners.
” He did not exclude possible punishments against Russia , telling the newspaper that “ if we think about sanctions , they should be pinpointed effectively.
” However , Maas also admitted that halting the building of the nearly completed gas pipeline would harm German and European companies .
“ Whoever demands this has to be aware of the consequences , ” he said .
“ More than 100 companies from 12 European countries are involved ( in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Germany.
” The German government has come under growing pressure to use the joint German-Russian pipeline project as leverage in getting Russia to provide answers on Navalny .
The Nord Stream 2 project would deliver Russian gas directly to Germany under the Baltic Sea when completed , bypassing Ukraine .
Navalny , a Kremlin critic and corruption investigator , fell ill on a flight to Moscow last month and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk .
He has been in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment on August 22 .
German authorities have said that tests showed that he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group .
British authorities previously identified the nerve agent , developed during the Soviet era , as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018 .
“ We have high expectations from the Russians to bring light into this severe crime , ” Maas said .
“ If they have nothing to do with this attack then it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts on the table.
” President Vladimir Putin ’ s spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Navalny and said last week that Germany hadn ’ t provided Moscow with any evidence about the politician ’ s condition .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Navalny ’ s poisoning an attempted murder that aimed to silence one of Putin ’ s fiercest critics and called for a full investigation .
Merkel personally offered the country ’ s assistance in treating Navalny .
He ’ s now in stable condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but doctors expect a long recovery and haven ’ t ruled out that the 44-year-old could face long-term effects to his health .
Merkel has previously rejected the idea that the Navalny case should be linked to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
The U.S. has long opposed the project , which has been increasingly a source of friction between Berlin and Washington .
In early August , three Republican senators threatened sanctions against an operator of a Baltic Sea port located in Merkel ’ s parliamentary constituency over its part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a key staging post for ships involved in its construction .
The U.S. argues the project will endanger European security by making Germany overly dependent on Russian gas .
It ’ s also opposed by Ukraine and Poland , which will be bypassed by the pipeline under the Baltic , as well as some other European nations .
In addition to the security concerns , the U.S. also wants to sell more of its own liquefied natural gas , or LNG , to Europe .

BERLIN (AP) - Germany on Sunday increased the pressure on Russia over the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, warning that a lack of support by Moscow in the investigation could “force” Germany to rethink the fate of a German-Russian gas pipeline project.
“I hope the Russians won’t force us to change our position regarding the Nord Stream 2” pipeline being built under the Baltic Sea, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.
Maas also said “if there won’t be an contributions from the Russian side regarding the investigation in the coming days, we will have to consult with our partners.”
He did not exclude possible sanctions against Russia, telling the newspaper that such measures should be “pinpointed effectively.” However, Maas also admitted that halting the building of the nearly completed gas pipeline would harm German and European companies as well as Russia.
“Whoever demands this has to be aware of the consequences,” he said. “More than 100 companies from 12 European countries are involved (in the construction), about half of them from Germany.”
The German government has come under growing pressure to use the joint German-Russian pipeline project as leverage in getting Russia to provide answers on Navalny. The Nord Stream 2 project would deliver Russian gas directly to Germany under the Baltic Sea when completed, bypassing Ukraine.
Navalny, a Kremlin critic and corruption investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow on Aug. 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk. He has been in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital since he was flown to Germany for treatment on Aug. 22.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called Navalny’s poisoning an attempted murder that aimed to silence one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critics and called for a full investigation.
German authorities say tests showed that he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group. British authorities previously identified the nerve agent, developed during the Soviet era, as the poison used to target former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018.
“We have high expectations from the Russians to bring light into this severe crime,” Maas said. “If they have nothing to do with this attack, then it’s in their own interest to put the facts on the table.”
France also added pressure on Sunday, suggesting the possibility of sanctions if Moscow fails to quickly respond to European demands for answers about Navalny’s poisoning.
“It’s a serious situation. It’s serious firstly because it’s the poisoning of another opposition figure. And it’s serious because the substance that was used, Novichok, is banned,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, speaking on France Inter radio.
“(The Russians) must now tell us the truth so that we can act accordingly … When we say quickly, it’s quickly, that’s to say a week, now. It’s a traumatizing event for everyone,” he said.
Putin’s spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Navalny and said last week that Germany hadn’t provided Moscow with any evidence about the politician’s condition.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated Moscow’s claim Sunday that Germany hadn’t provided any evidence since Russia requested it in late August.
“Dear Mr. Maas, if the government of the Federal Republic of Germany is sincere in its statements, then it should itself be interested in preparing a response to the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia as soon as possible,” Zakharova wrote in a Facebook posting.
Maas rejected that accusation later Sunday, saying Germany had long agreed to Russia’s request and had told the country’s ambassador to Berlin so last week.
“There is no reason why we shouldn’t agree to this request and therefore this is another one of their smoke grenades - we have seen several of those during the last days and I’m afraid there will be more in coming days,” Maas told ARD public Television.
Merkel personally offered the country’s assistance in treating Navalny. He’s now in stable condition at Berlin’s Charite hospital, but doctors expect a long recovery and haven’t ruled out that the 44-year-old could face long-term effects to his health from the poisoning.
Merkel has previously rejected the idea that the Navalny case be linked to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
The U.S. has long opposed the project, which has been increasingly a source of friction between Berlin and Washington. In August, three Republican senators threatened sanctions against an operator of a Baltic Sea port located in Merkel’s parliamentary constituency over its part in Nord Stream 2. The Mukran port is a key staging post for ships involved in its construction.
The U.S. argues the project will endanger European security by making Germany overly dependent on Russian gas. It’s also opposed by Ukraine and Poland, which will be bypassed by the pipeline under the Baltic, as well as some other European nations.
In addition to the security concerns, the U.S. also wants to sell more of its own liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to Europe.
___
John Leicester contributed reporting from Paris, Jim Heintz from Moscow.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--'Several' boats sink during Trump parade on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas

AUSTIN , Texas — A spokesperson for the Travis County sheriff ’ s office in Texas says “ several ” boats sank Saturday while taking part in a parade in support of President Donald Trump .
“ We responded to multiple calls of boats in distress , several of them sank , ” but there are no reports of fatalities or injuries and investigators have not determined how many boats sank on the lake near Austin , according to sheriff ’ s spokesperson Kristen Dark .
Dark said the cause was under investigation , but there was no indication of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reason to suspect foul play in any of these , ” sinkings , Dark said .
Dark said weather conditions were generally calm and meteorologist Paul Yura with the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio said there were were no storms in the area at the time and winds were generally 10 mph ( 16 kph ) or less .
“ The lake should be fairly navigable , without issue at those wind speeds , ” according to Yura .
Lake Travis is an approximately 19,000-acre ( 7,689 hectares ) impoundment about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Austin .

AUSTIN, Texas — A spokesperson for the Travis County sheriff’s office in Texas says “several” boats sank Saturday while taking part in a parade in support of President Donald Trump.
“We responded to multiple calls of boats in distress, several of them sank,” but there are no reports of fatalities or injuries and investigators have not determined how many boats sank on the lake near Austin, according to sheriff’s spokesperson Kristen Dark.
Dark said the cause was under investigation, but there was no indication of an intentional act.
“We have no reason to suspect foul play in any of these,” sinkings, Dark said.
Dark said weather conditions were generally calm and meteorologist Paul Yura with the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio said there were were no storms in the area at the time and winds were generally 10 mph (16 kph) or less.
“The lake should be fairly navigable, without issue at those wind speeds,” according to Yura.
Lake Travis is an approximately 19,000-acre (7,689 hectares) impoundment about 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Austin.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Hong Kong police arrest 90 at protests over election delay

HONG KONG ( AP ) - At least 90 people were arrested Sunday at protests against the government ’ s decision to postpone elections for Hong Kong ’ s legislature , police and a news report said .
The elections were to have taken place Sunday but Chief Executive Carrie Lam on July 31 postponed them for one year .
Lam blamed an upsurge in coronavirus cases , but critics said her government worried the opposition would gain seats if voting went ahead on schedule .
Anti-government protests have been held in Hong Kong almost every weekend since June 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law and spread to include demands for greater democracy and criticism of Beijing ’ s efforts to tighten control over the former British colony .
On Sunday , one woman was arrested in the Kowloon district of Yau Ma Tei on charges of assault and spreading pro-independence slogans , the police department said on its Facebook page .
It said such slogans are illegal under the newly enacted National Security Act .
The ruling Communist Party ’ s decision to impose the law in May prompted complaints it was violating the autonomy promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China in 1997 .
Washington withdrew trading privileges granted to Hong Kong and other governments suspended extradition and other agreements on the grounds that the territory of 7 million people is no longer autonomous .
Also Sunday , police fired pepper balls at protesters in Kowloon ’ s Mong Kok neighborhood , the South China Morning Post newspaper reported .
At least 90 people were arrested , most of them on suspicion of illegal assembly , the police department said on a separate social media account .
In the Jordan neighborhood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay , the Post said .
“ I want my right to vote !
” activist Leung Kwok-hung , popularly known as Long Hair , was quoted as saying .
The newspaper said Leung was later arrested .

HONG KONG (AP) - About 290 people were arrested Sunday at protests against the government’s decision to postpone elections for Hong Kong’s legislature, police said.
The elections were to have taken place Sunday but Chief Executive Carrie Lam on July 31 postponed them for one year. Lam blamed an upsurge in coronavirus cases, but critics said her government worried the opposition would gain seats if voting went ahead on schedule.
Police said that 289 people had been arrested, mostly for unlawful assembly. One woman was arrested in the Kowloon district of Yau Ma Tei on charges of assault and spreading pro-independence slogans, the police department said on its Facebook page. It said such slogans are illegal under a newly enacted national security law.
Anti-government protests erupted last year over a proposed extradition law and spread to include demands for greater democracy and criticism of Beijing’s efforts to tighten control over the former British colony. The coronavirus and the tough new security law have diminished the demonstrations this year, but smaller groups still take to the streets from time to time.
The ruling Communist Party’s decision to impose the law in May prompted complaints it was violating the autonomy promised to the territory when it was returned to China in 1997. Washington withdrew trading privileges granted to Hong Kong and other governments suspended extradition and other agreements on the grounds that the territory of 7 million people is no longer autonomous.
Also Sunday, police fired pepper balls at protesters in Kowloon’s Mongkok neighborhood, the South China Morning Post newspaper reported.
In the nearby Jordan neighborhood, protesters raised a banner criticizing the election delay, the Post said.
“I want my right to vote!” activist Leung Kwok-hung, popularly known as Long Hair, was quoted as saying. The newspaper said Leung was later arrested.


washingtontimes--2020-09-06--Portland protests mark 100 straight days; police dodge fire bombs

PORTLAND , Ore. — Hundreds of people gathered for rallies and marches against police violence and racial injustice Saturday night in Portland , Oregon , as often violent nightly demonstrations that have happened for 100 days since George Floyd was killed showed no signs of ceasing .
Molotov cocktails thrown in the street during a march sparked a large fire and prompted police to declare a riot .
Video posted online appeared to show tear gas being deployed to clear protesters from what police said was an unpermitted demonstration .
Arrests were made , but it wasn ’ t immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community member was injured , police said .
People were “ engaging in tumultuous and violent conduct thereby intentionally or recklessly creating a grave risk of causing public alarm , ” the department tweeted .
“ Fire bombs were thrown at officers.
” Protesters , most wearing black , had gathered around sunset Saturday at a grassy park in the city .
Wooden shields were placed on the grass for protesters to use as protection .
Demonstrations in Portland started in late May after the police killing of Floyd in Minneapolis .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , set small fires and pelted police with rocks and other objects .
On the 100th day of protests in Portland , demonstrators vowed to keep coming into the streets .
Tupac Leahy , a 23-year-old Black man from Portland , said he had probably been out to protests for about 70 of the 100 days of demonstrations .
Leahy said he wanted to see a significant reduction to the local police budget , with the money directed to other community needs .
He said the demonstrations would continue for some time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep going on until the election , ” Leahy said .
“ I don ’ t see it slowing down.
” Chelsea Jordan , 30 , of Portland , said : “ I feel the people here have a lot of heart and a lot of commitment.
” Jordan was helping spray yellow paint on cutouts to mark the names of Black people killed by police .
“ I want to keep at it until the full abandonment of the police , so I think it ’ s going to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier Saturday , hundreds of people gathered in a park just north of Portland in Vancouver , Washington , for a memorial service for Aaron “ Jay ” Danielson , a supporter of a right-wing group called Patriot Prayer , who was killed Aug. 29 .
The suspect was himself shot and killed by police Thursday .
Families showed up at the event with their kids , lining up for the free BBQ and picnicking on the grass at Esther Short Park .
As various speakers addressed the audience on stage , attendees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out into chants of “ U-S-A !
” Many of the crowd were President Donald Trump supporters , wearing MAGA hats and shirts or holding Trump-Pence flags .
Some also waved flags and wore T-shirts showing support for the police .
The crowded regularly erupted in boos with any mention of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown , whom Patriot Prayer founder Joey Gibson demanded apologize to Danielson ’ s family because they felt he had been unfairly portrayed .
“ This is about truth and lies , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a white supremacist.
” The documents included shots of security footage that showed the suspect , Michael Forest Reinoehl , ducked into a parking garage and reached toward a pocket or pouch at his waist before emerging to follow the victim .
Danielson was holding bear spray and an expandable baton and had a loaded Glock handgun in a holster at his waist , according to the documents .
Witnesses told police that just before they heard gunshots someone said something like , “ wan na go , ” which is frequently a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 39 , was shot in the chest and died at the scene .
The court documents were filed to support second-degree murder charges against Reinoehl , who was a supporter of antifa - shorthand for anti-fascists and an umbrella description for far-left-leaning militant groups .
Late Friday and early Saturday morning protests continued in Portland , with police declaring an unlawful assembly and arresting 27 people .

Portland erupted in a new round of violence Saturday night as rioters engaged in a street battle with police, throwing firebombs and firing fireworks at officers who responded with tear gas.
Officers say they arrested more than 50 people — the most for any night since near-nightly protests broke out 100 days ago, after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis sparked demands for racial justice and anti-police demonstrations.
Demonstrators pelted police with rocks taken from the tracks of a commuter railway, and officers said they saw one person with a “wrist rocket” slingshot firing objects at them.
As protesters lobbed Molotov cocktails and fired commercial-grade fireworks at police, one landed on a protester whose pants caught fire. The person had to be taken to the hospital.
The protesters’ target was a police station, but given past mayhem, officers blocked their route, sparking the street battle.
Police say the demonstrators began the melee by throwing molotov cocktails at them, then escalated from there.
Officers had to be called in from other police stations, leaving other service calls unanswered.
“At about 2:00a.m., there were almost 150 calls for service holding in the City of Portland,” police said.
During 100 days of protests, Portland police have declared riots on 26 days.
Fires have been set on more than half of the days.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-07--Annual Connecticut River cleanup a month-long event in '20

GREENFIELD , Mass .
( AP ) - The annual four-state effort to remove trash from the 410-mile Connecticut River is still going on this year , but with some changes because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Rather that the usual two-day event , the 24th annual Connecticut River Conservancy ’ s Source to Sea Cleanup is a month-long event that will last all September so volunteers can practice safe social distancing .
“ The Source to Sea Cleanup strengthens community while cleaning up our rivers and streams .
It ’ s an opportunity for you to make a difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
The event involves thousands of volunteers cleaning the river and its tributaries on foot or by boat in New Hampshire , Vermont , Massachusetts and Connecticut .
Last year , more than 3,600 volunteers hauled in nearly 67 tons of trash , from recyclable bottles and cans , fishing equipment and food waste to tires , televisions , and even refrigerators .
Since the event started , volunteers have removed more than 1,167 tons of trash .
Volunteers for this year ’ s event are encouraged to form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or people they already know , and wear gloves and masks .

GREENFIELD, Mass. (AP) - The annual four-state effort to remove trash from the 410-mile Connecticut River is still going on this year, but with some changes because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rather that the usual two-day event, the 24th annual Connecticut River Conservancy’s Source to Sea Cleanup is a month-long event that will last all September so volunteers can practice safe social distancing.
“The Source to Sea Cleanup strengthens community while cleaning up our rivers and streams. It’s an opportunity for you to make a difference,” conservancy Executive Director Andrew Fisk said in a statement.
The event involves thousands of volunteers cleaning the river and its tributaries on foot or by boat in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Last year, more than 3,600 volunteers hauled in nearly 67 tons of trash, from recyclable bottles and cans, fishing equipment and food waste to tires, televisions, and even refrigerators.
Since the event started, volunteers have removed more than 1,167 tons of trash.
Volunteers for this year’s event are encouraged to form their own small cleaning crew with family or people they already know, and wear gloves and masks.


washingtontimes--2020-09-07--U of New Hampshire: Frat party source of 11 COVID cases

DURHAM , N.H. ( AP ) - The president of the University of New Hampshire says 11 cases of the @ @ @ @ @ been traced to a fraternity party where people did not follow public health guidelines .
@ @ @ @ @ the university community , UNH President James Dean said more than 100 students and non-students @ @ @ @ @ at the Theta Chi fraternity .
“ Let me be clear : this is reckless @ @ @ @ @ behavior that undermines our planning and will lead to us switching to a fully remote @ @ @ @ @ in the letter .
He called the party “ reprehensible ” and said student conduct @ @ @ @ @ the organizers of the party and all students who attended the event .
The fraternity @ @ @ @ @ and Dean ordered a moratorium on any in-person gatherings of any size within the fraternity @ @ @ @ @ other social groups .
Meanwhile , the university says anyone who attended the Aug. 29 @ @ @ @ @ UNH Health & Wellness .

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) - More than 10 cases of COVID-19 have been traced to a fraternity party where people did not follow public health guidelines, the president of the University of New Hampshire said.
In a Sunday letter to the university community, UNH President James Dean said more than 100 students and non-students attended the Aug. 29 party at the Theta Chi fraternity.
“Let me be clear: this is reckless behavior and the kind of behavior that undermines our planning and will lead to us switching to a fully remote mode,” Dean said in the letter.
He called the party “reprehensible” and said student conduct charges would be pursued against the organizers of the party and all students who attended the event.
The fraternity was placed under interim suspension and Dean ordered a moratorium on any in-person gatherings of any size within the fraternity, or sorority system or other social groups.
Meanwhile, the university says anyone who attended the party should self-quarantine and contact UNH Health & Wellness.
___
MAINE
The Maine pastor who presided over an East Millinocket wedding whose crowded reception has been linked to more than 140 virus cases has hired a lawyer known nationally for defending the religious rights of churches.
The Portland Press Herald reports Todd Bell of the Calvary Baptist Church in Sanford held in-person services on Sunday, but it was unclear whether the service complied with the state’s 50-person limit on indoor gatherings.
Videos posted online of the church’s services had shown that Bell has continued to hold in-person services without masks or social distancing.
Calvary Baptist itself has found at least 10 virus cases among its congregation.
In a Friday radio address, Bell said he is now working with David Gibbs III of the National Center for Life and Liberty to defend the church’s religious rights. The organization describes itself as “a legal ministry that protects the rights of churches and Christian organizations nationwide.”
___
RHODE ISLAND
University of Rhode Island officials say student gatherings in violation of rules designed to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 “will not be tolerated” and violators face removal from campus.
The Providence Journal reports that videos posted over the weekend on social media have shown large gatherings of students.
“Those who ignore or challenge the standards the university has set to protect the health and safety of the community run the risk of serious sanctions, including suspension and immediate removal from campus,” URI Spokesman David Lavallee said in an email.
He said the gatherings officials seen on social media run counter to the school’s efforts to “offer a dynamic in-person experience for our students this fall.”
He says the school has planned activities such as a beach day, evening movies, dodgeball games and tours for students aimed at preserving student and community health and safety.
“The non-sanctioned gatherings do not represent what we are about here at URI,” he said. “We have seen large gatherings and parties at other campuses derail in-person classes at those schools.”
___
VERMONT
On Monday, the Vermont Department of Health reported three new confirmed virus cases.
The new cases bring the statewide total since the pandemic began to just over 1,650.
The new cases were reported in Bennington, Windsor and Orange counties.
The number of statewide virus deaths remains at 58.


washingtontimes--2020-09-07--Maine projects to get historic preservation, energy grants

SEARSPORT , Maine ( AP ) - More than two dozen Maine organizations are receiving historic preservation and energy efficiency @ @ @ @ @ Foundation .
The grants total more than $ 345,000 and they are being awarded through @ @ @ @ @ Energy Efficiency Fund of the community foundation .
One of the grants is slated for @ @ @ @ @ to replace a heating system and make other energy efficiency improvements .
The Belvedere fund @ @ @ @ @ and restoration of historic buildings in Maine .
It was established by an anonymous donor @ @ @ @ @ the grants is slated for the Farmington Historical Society to improve energy efficiency at the @ @ @ @ @ landmark in the community .

SEARSPORT, Maine (AP) - More than two dozen Maine organizations are receiving historic preservation and energy efficiency grants via the Maine Community Foundation.
The grants total more than $345,000 and they are being awarded through the Belvedere Historic Preservation and Energy Efficiency Fund of the community foundation. One of the grants is slated for the Carver Memorial Library Association to replace a heating system and make other energy efficiency improvements.
The Belvedere fund is designed to support preservation and restoration of historic buildings in Maine. It was established by an anonymous donor in 2007.
Another of the grants is slated for the Farmington Historical Society to improve energy efficiency at the Octagon House, a historic landmark in the community.


washingtontimes--2020-09-07--Hopes fading for coronavirus deal as Congress returns

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - At least there won ’ t be a government shutdown .
But as lawmakers straggle back to Washington for an abbreviated preelection session , hopes are dimming for another coronavirus relief bill - or much else .
Talks between top Democrats and the Trump administration broke off last month and remain off track , with the bipartisan unity that drove almost $ 3 trillion in COVID-19 rescue legislation into law this spring replaced by toxic partisanship and a return to Washington dysfunction .
Expectations in July and August that a fifth bipartisan pandemic response bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been replaced by genuine pessimism .
Recent COVID-related conversations among key players have led to nothing .
Democrats seem secure in their political position , with President Donald Trump and several Senate GOP incumbents lagging in the polls .
Trump is seeking to sideline the pandemic as a campaign issue , and Republicans aren ’ t interested in a deal on Democratic terms - even as needs like school aid enjoy widespread support .
Poisonous relationships among key leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and White House Chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence about overcoming obstacles on the cost , scope and details of a potential relief bill .
Pelosi recently referred to Meadows as “ whatever his name is , ” while the Meadows-run White House during a press briefing ran a video loop of Pelosi ’ s controversial visit to a San Francisco hair salon .
All of this imperils the chances for another round of $ 1,200 direct payments delivered under Trump ’ s name , the restoration of more generous unemployment benefits to those who ’ ve lost their jobs because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular business subsidy program , and money to help schools reopen and states and local governments avoid layoffs .
“ I personally would like to see one more rescue package , but I must tell you the environment in Washington right now is exceedingly partisan because of the proximity to the election , ” said GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at an appearance in Kentucky last week .
“ We ’ ve been in discussion now for the last month or so with no results so far .
So I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a force for a deal but does not appear eager to force a vote that exposes division in his ranks .
Many Senate Republicans are also wary or opposed outright to another major chunk of debt-financed virus relief , even as GOP senators imperiled in the election like Susan Collins of Maine and Cory Gardner of Colorado plead for more .
Republicans are struggling to coalesce around a unified party position - and that ’ s before they engage with Democratic leaders , who are demanding far more .
The relationship between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , is civil but isn ’ t generating much in the way of results , other than a promise to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month by keeping a government-wide temporary spending bill free of controversy .
That measure is likely to keep the government running into December .
It ’ s likely to contain a bunch of lower-profile steps , such as an extension of the federal flood insurance program and a temporary reauthorization of spending from the highway trust fund .
The decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopgap bill , known as a continuing resolution , means that both sides will forgo gamesmanship that uses the threat of a government shutdown to try to gain leverage .
Trump forced a shutdown in 2018-2019 in a failed attempt to extract money for his U.S.-Mexico border wall , while Democrats lost a shutdown encounter in 2017 over legislation to help immigrants brought illegally to the country as children win permanent legal status .
“ Now we can focus just on another relief bill , and we ’ re continuing to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence said Friday on CNBC .
But if talks continue to falter , there ’ s little to keep lawmakers in Washington long , particularly with the election fast approaching .
The Senate returns on Tuesday to resume its diet of judicial and administration nominations .
The House doesn ’ t come back until Sept. 14 for a schedule laden with lower-profile measures such as clean energy legislation and a bill to decriminalize marijuana .
Some Democrats are expected to continue to take advantage of remote voting and may not return to @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON — At least there won’t be a government shutdown.
But as lawmakers straggle back to Washington for an abbreviated preelection session, hopes are dimming for another coronavirus relief bill — or much else.
Talks between top Democrats and the Trump administration broke off last month and remain off track, with the bipartisan unity that drove almost $3 trillion in COVID-19 rescue legislation into law this spring replaced by toxic partisanship and a return to Washington dysfunction.
Expectations in July and August that a fifth bipartisan pandemic response bill would eventually be birthed despite increased obstacles has been replaced by genuine pessimism. Recent COVID-related conversations among key players have led to nothing.
Democrats seem secure in their political position, with President Donald Trump and several Senate GOP incumbents lagging in the polls. Trump is seeking to sideline the pandemic as a campaign issue, and Republicans aren’t interested in a deal on Democratic terms - even as needs like school aid enjoy widespread support.
Poisonous relationships among key leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows give little reason for confidence about overcoming obstacles on the cost, scope and details of a potential relief bill. Pelosi recently referred to Meadows as “whatever his name is,” while the Meadows-run White House during a press briefing ran a video loop of Pelosi’s controversial visit to a San Francisco hair salon.
Trump said Monday that Democrats “don’t want to make a deal because they think that if the country does as badly as possible … that’s good for the Democrats.”
“I am taking the high road,” he told reporters at the White House. “I’m taking the high road by not seeing them.”
All of this imperils the chances for another round of $1,200 direct payments delivered under Trump’s name, the restoration of more generous unemployment benefits to those who’ve lost their jobs because of the pandemic, updates to a popular business subsidy program, and money to help schools reopen and states and local governments avoid layoffs.
“I personally would like to see one more rescue package, but I must tell you the environment in Washington right now is exceedingly partisan because of the proximity to the election,” said GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at an appearance in Kentucky last week. “We’ve been in discussion now for the last month or so with no results so far. So I can’t promise one final package.″
McConnell had been a force for a deal but does not appear eager to force a vote that exposes division in his ranks.
Many Senate Republicans are also wary or opposed outright to another major chunk of debt-financed virus relief, even as GOP senators imperiled in the election like Susan Collins of Maine and Cory Gardner of Colorado plead for more. Republicans are struggling to coalesce around a unified party position - and that’s before they engage with Democratic leaders, who are demanding far more.
The relationship between Pelosi and her preferred negotiating partner, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, is civil but isn’t generating much in the way of results, other than a promise to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month by keeping a government-wide temporary spending bill free of controversy. That measure is likely to keep the government running into December. It’s likely to contain a bunch of lower-profile steps, such as an extension of the federal flood insurance program and a temporary reauthorization of spending from the highway trust fund.
The decision for a “clean,” controversy-free stopgap bill, known as a continuing resolution, means that both sides will forgo gamesmanship that uses the threat of a government shutdown to try to gain leverage. Trump forced a shutdown in 2018-2019 in a failed attempt to extract money for his U.S.-Mexico border wall, while Democrats lost a shutdown encounter in 2017 over legislation to help immigrants brought illegally to the country as children win permanent legal status.
“Now we can focus just on another relief bill, and we’re continuing to do that in good faith,” Vice President Mike Pence said Friday on CNBC.
But if talks continue to falter, there’s little to keep lawmakers in Washington long, particularly with the election fast approaching.
The Senate returns on Tuesday to resume its diet of judicial and administration nominations. The House doesn’t come back until Sept. 14 for a schedule laden with lower-profile measures such as clean energy legislation and a bill to decriminalize marijuana. Some Democrats are expected to continue to take advantage of remote voting and may not return to Washington at all.


washingtontimes--2020-09-07--Southern Resident Orcas have new member

Southern Resident Orcas have new member

SEATTLE ( AP ) - The Southern Resident killer whales have welcomed a new member to their family .
Mother @ @ @ @ @ has given birth to a calf .
KOMO-TV reports two years ago Tahlequah carried her @ @ @ @ @ and 1,000 miles .
Her grief gripped the hearts of people all around the world @ @ @ @ @ , the founder for the Center for Whale Research , the calf likely arrived Friday @ @ @ @ @ The gender has not been announced .
Researchers discovered that the mother was pregnant in @ @ @ @ @ for these struggling orcas who have faced boat noise , a lack of food supply @ @ @ @ @ pollutants .
Experts say this is big news as up to nearly 70-percent of pregnant @ @ @ @ @ or a calf that dies shortly after birth .
Because of this rate and the @ @ @ @ @ were worried that Tahlequah might not carry her calf to term .
With a dwindling @ @ @ @ @ every life matters .

SEATTLE (AP) - The Southern Resident killer whales have welcomed a new member to their family. Mother orca Tahlequah, J35, has given birth to a calf.
KOMO-TV reports two years ago Tahlequah carried her dead calf for 17 days and 1,000 miles. Her grief gripped the hearts of people all around the world.
According to Ken Balcomb, the founder for the Center for Whale Research, the calf likely arrived Friday and appears “robust.” The gender has not been announced.
Researchers discovered that the mother was pregnant in July.
This is significant for these struggling orcas who have faced boat noise, a lack of food supply, habitat loss and environmental pollutants.
Experts say this is big news as up to nearly 70-percent of pregnant orcas end with a miscarriage or a calf that dies shortly after birth.
Because of this rate and the stressful environmental factors, researchers were worried that Tahlequah might not carry her calf to term.
With a dwindling number of southern residents, every life matters.