washingtontimes--2020-09-26--California will house transgender inmates by gender identity

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed a law on Saturday requiring California to house transgender inmates in prisons based on their gender identity - but only if the state does not have “ management or security concerns.
” The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation houses men and women in separate facilities .
Transgender inmates are often housed based on their sex assigned at birth .
Advocates say this is dangerous , particularly for transgender women housed in facilities for men .
The law Newsom signed Saturday says officers must ask inmates privately during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transgender , nonbinary or intersex .
Those inmates can then request to be placed in a facility that houses either men or women .
The law says the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation can not deny those requests solely because of inmates ’ anatomy , sexual orientation or “ a factor present ” among other inmates at the facility .
But the state can deny those requests if it has “ management or security concerns.
” If a request is denied , the state must give the inmate a written statement explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ meaningful opportunity ” to object .
Sen. Scott Wiener , a Democrat from San Francisco who authored the bill , said he doesn ’ t expect that exception to be used very often .
“ It ’ s just a false narrative about transgender people and about transgender women in particular that they ’ re somehow not really women and are just trying to scam their way into women ’ s bathrooms or facilities in order to do bad things , ” Wiener said .
“ Overwhelmingly the people who are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , if inmates raises concerns about their health or safety , the law says the state must reassess where they are housed .
“ It means a lot to me and my sisters , ” said Michelle Calvin , a transgender woman incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison who recently called in to a news conference about the bill .
“ I ’ ve been in for 15 years .
I ’ ve been through the abuse , I ’ ve been through the disrespect of staff not addressing me for who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Connecticut passed a similar law in 2018 .
Rhode Island , New York City and Massachusetts have also housed inmates based on their gender identity .
The law also requires officers to address transgender inmates based on the pronouns of their choice .
And it requires officers to search inmates based on the search policy of their gender identity .
The law was one of several LGBT-related laws Newsom signed on Saturday .
He signed another law authored by Wiener requiring local public health officers to better track how diseases are affecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law authored by state Sen. Lena Gonzalez to ban life and disability insurance companies from denying coverage solely because someone is HIV positive .
And Newsom signed a law authored by Assemblyman Miguel Santiago that sets up a Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund to provide grants to organizations that support the transgender community .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law on Saturday requiring California to house transgender inmates in prisons based on their gender identity - but only if the state does not have “management or security concerns.”
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation houses men and women in separate facilities. Transgender inmates are often housed based on their sex assigned at birth. Advocates say this is dangerous, particularly for transgender women housed in facilities for men.
The law Newsom signed Saturday says officers must ask inmates privately during the intake process if they identify as transgender, nonbinary or intersex. Those inmates can then request to be placed in a facility that houses either men or women.
The law says the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation cannot deny those requests solely because of inmates’ anatomy, sexual orientation or “a factor present” among other inmates at the facility.
But the state can deny those requests if it has “management or security concerns.” If a request is denied, the state must give the inmate a written statement explaining the decision and give the inmate a “meaningful opportunity” to object.
Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco who authored the bill, said he doesn’t expect that exception to be used very often.
“It’s just a false narrative about transgender people and about transgender women in particular that they’re somehow not really women and are just trying to scam their way into women’s bathrooms or facilities in order to do bad things,” Wiener said. “Overwhelmingly the people who are being victimized are trans people.”
At any time, if inmates raises concerns about their health or safety, the law says the state must reassess where they are housed.
“It means a lot to me and my sisters,” said Michelle Calvin, a transgender woman incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison who recently called in to a news conference about the bill. “I’ve been in for 15 years. I’ve been through the abuse, I’ve been through the disrespect of staff not addressing me for who I am because I am a woman.”
Connecticut passed a similar law in 2018. Rhode Island, New York City and Massachusetts have also housed inmates based on their gender identity.
The law also requires officers to address transgender inmates based on the pronouns of their choice. And it requires officers to search inmates based on the search policy of their gender identity.
The law was one of several LGBT-related laws Newsom signed on Saturday. He signed another law authored by Wiener requiring local public health officers to better track how diseases are affecting the LGBT community. He signed a law authored by state Sen. Lena Gonzalez to ban life and disability insurance companies from denying coverage solely because someone is HIV positive.
And Newsom signed a law authored by Assemblyman Miguel Santiago that sets up a Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund to provide grants to organizations that support the transgender community.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Syria minister calls Turkey main terrorism sponsor in region

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - Syria ’ s foreign minister accused Turkey on Saturday of being “ one of the main sponsors of terror ” in his country and the region , and said it is guilty of “ a war crime and a crime against humanity ” for cutting water to more than a dozen towns that resisted Turkish occupation .
In unusually harsh language , Walid al-Moallem said “ the Turkish regime reigns supreme ” when it comes “ to sponsors and financiers of terrorism.
” He said in a prerecorded speech to the first-ever high-level meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the COVID-19 pandemic that the cutoff of water supplies endangered civilian lives , especially during the coronavirus crisis .
The nine-year Syrian conflict , which initially began as a civil war , later became a regional proxy fight .
Turkey , which now controls a zone in northern Syria , has backed opposition fighters against Syrian President Bashar Assad , Syrian Kurdish fighters and the Islamic State extremist group .
Al-Moallem also accused Turkey of moving “ terrorists and mercenaries - referred to by some as ` moderate opposition ’ — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq ’ s sovereignty , using refugees “ as bargaining chips against Europe ” and laying claim “ by force to energy resources in the Mediterranean.
” “ The current Turkish regime has become a rogue and outlaw regime under international law , ” the Syrian minister said .
“ Its policies and actions , which threaten the security and stability of the whole region , must be stopped.
” Turkey ’ s U.N. Mission said it “ rejects Syrian regime ’ s delusional statement , ridden with ludicrous allegations , in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unacceptable that the murderous Syrian regime which lost its legitimacy long ago continues to misuse ( the ) U.N. General Assembly general debate to distort the facts , ” said a mission spokesperson , who spoke on condition of anonymity .
“ The Syrian regime is responsible for death , mutilation , abduction , starvation and enforced disappearance of millions of Syrians , ” the spokesperson said .
“ Its crimes against humanity , violations of international humanitarian law and the war crimes have been documented in countless U.N. reports.
” Al-Moallem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spare no effort to end the occupation by all means possible under international law ” of American and Turkish forces .
U.S. troops are deployed in the country to fight the Islamic State group .
“ The actions of these forces , taken directly or through their terrorist agents , secessionist militias , or manufactured and illegitimate entities , are null and void , with no legal effect , ” he said .
Al-Moallem , who is also deputy prime minister , denounced U.S. sanctions , saying they are blocking the delivery of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He called the “ Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act ” passed by the U.S. Congress an “ inhumane attempt to suffocate Syrians , just like George Floyd and others were cruelly suffocated in the United States , and just like Israel suffocates Palestinians on a daily basis.
” Floyd , a handcuffed Black man , died May 25 after a white officer used his knee on Floyd ’ s neck to pin him to the ground .
The officer has been charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder and manslaughter .
Al-Moallem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions “ and those that reject such measures to close ranks against them and alleviate their impact on our peoples … through cooperation , coordination , and concrete political , economic and commercial means.
” On the political front , he said Syria ’ s government hopes a committee given the responsibility of drafting a new constitution for the country “ will succeed.
” But , he said , this will be possible only “ if there is no external interference whatsoever in its work and by any party .
”

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Syria’s foreign minister accused Turkey on Saturday of being “one of the main sponsors of terror” in his country and the region, and said it is guilty of “a war crime and a crime against humanity” for cutting water to more than a dozen towns that resisted Turkish occupation.
In unusually harsh language, Walid al-Moallem said “the Turkish regime reigns supreme” when it comes “to sponsors and financiers of terrorism.”
He said in a prerecorded speech to the first-ever high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic that the cutoff of water supplies endangered civilian lives, especially during the coronavirus crisis.
The nine-year Syrian conflict, which initially began as a civil war, later became a regional proxy fight. Turkey, which now controls a zone in northern Syria, has backed opposition fighters against Syrian President Bashar Assad, Syrian Kurdish fighters and the Islamic State extremist group.
Al-Moallem also accused Turkey of moving “terrorists and mercenaries - referred to by some as `moderate opposition’ — from Syria to Libya,” violating Iraq’s sovereignty, using refugees “as bargaining chips against Europe” and laying claim “by force to energy resources in the Mediterranean.”
“The current Turkish regime has become a rogue and outlaw regime under international law,” the Syrian minister said. “Its policies and actions, which threaten the security and stability of the whole region, must be stopped.”
Turkey’s U.N. Mission said it “rejects Syrian regime’s delusional statement, ridden with ludicrous allegations, in its entirety.”
“It ’s shameful and unacceptable that the murderous Syrian regime which lost its legitimacy long ago continues to misuse (the) U.N. General Assembly general debate to distort the facts,” said a mission spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“The Syrian regime is responsible for death, mutilation, abduction, starvation and enforced disappearance of millions of Syrians,” the spokesperson said. “Its crimes against humanity, violations of international humanitarian law and the war crimes have been documented in countless U.N. reports.”
Al-Moallem declared that the Syrian government “will spare no effort to end the occupation by all means possible under international law” of American and Turkish forces.
U.S. troops are deployed in the country to fight the Islamic State group.
“The actions of these forces, taken directly or through their terrorist agents, secessionist militias, or manufactured and illegitimate entities, are null and void, with no legal effect,” he said.
Al-Moallem, who is also deputy prime minister, denounced U.S. sanctions, saying they are blocking the delivery of life-saving medicine and equipment during the pandemic.
He called the “Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act” passed by the U.S. Congress an “inhumane attempt to suffocate Syrians, just like George Floyd and others were cruelly suffocated in the United States, and just like Israel suffocates Palestinians on a daily basis.”
Floyd, a handcuffed Black man, died May 25 after a white officer used his knee on Floyd’s neck to pin him to the ground. The officer has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Al-Moallem called on all countries affected by unilateral sanctions “and those that reject such measures to close ranks against them and alleviate their impact on our peoples … through cooperation, coordination, and concrete political, economic and commercial means.”
On the political front, he said Syria’s government hopes a committee given the responsibility of drafting a new constitution for the country “will succeed.” But, he said, this will be possible only “if there is no external interference whatsoever in its work and by any party.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Joe Biden: Amy Coney Barrett is a threat to Obamacare

Joseph R. Biden warned Saturday Obamacare is doomed if Amy Coney Barrett wins confirmation to the Supreme Court .
Mr. Biden , the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee , said President Trump and the GOP have been trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act for years and that Mrs. Barrett would allow them to fulfill that mission .
“ Judge Amy Coney Barrett has a written track record of disagreeing with the U.S. Supreme Court ’ s decision upholding the Affordable Care Act , ” Mr. Biden said in a fundraising email .
“ She critiqued Chief Justice John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2012.
” Mr. Biden said the Supreme Court has upheld Obamacare twice and said that it is unconscionable for the Trump administration and the GOP to try to gut the law amid a global pandemic .
President Trump is backing a GOP-led challenge to the Affordable Care Act that the Supreme Court is slated to take up .
The seat on the Supreme Court opened up following the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg .
Mr. Biden has joined Democrats on Capitol Hill in calling on the GOP-controlled Senate to delay the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year .
“ The American people know that Supreme Court decisions affect their everyday lives , ” he said .
“ The United States Constitution was designed to give the voters one chance to have their voice heard on who serves on the Court .
That moment is now , and their voice should be heard .

Joseph R. Biden warned Saturday Obamacare is doomed if Amy Coney Barrett wins confirmation to the Supreme Court.
Mr. Biden, the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee, said President Trump and the GOP have been trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act for years and that Mrs. Barrett would allow them to fulfill that mission.
“Judge Amy Coney Barrett has a written track record of disagreeing with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding the Affordable Care Act,” Mr. Biden said in a fundraising email. “She critiqued Chief Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion upholding the law in 2012.”
Mr. Biden said the Supreme Court has upheld Obamacare twice and said that it is unconscionable for the Trump administration and the GOP to try to gut the law amid a global pandemic.
President Trump is backing a GOP-led challenge to the Affordable Care Act that the Supreme Court is slated to take up.
The seat on the Supreme Court opened up following the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Mr. Biden has joined Democrats on Capitol Hill in calling on the GOP-controlled Senate to delay the Supreme Court confirmation hearings until after the inauguration next year.
“The American people know that Supreme Court decisions affect their everyday lives,” he said. “The United States Constitution was designed to give the voters one chance to have their voice heard on who serves on the Court. That moment is now, and their voice should be heard.
Republicans, however, are plowing ahead.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Closures, evacuations in wildfire north of Phoenix

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Some residents have evacuated summer homes northeast of Phoenix where a wildfire in the Tonto @ @ @ @ @ 10 square miles ( 26 square kilometers ) of grass and brush since it broke @ @ @ @ @ set backfires to help protect structures and other assets near Cave Creek on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ dumping retardant and water on the blaze .
The fire prompted the temporary closure of @ @ @ @ @ miles ( 128 kilometers ) north of Phoenix after it was reported at about 2:30 @ @ @ @ @ structure damage has been reported but Forest Service officials said Saturday the Humboldt Lookout and @ @ @ @ @ .
The Forest Service says some Camp Creek residents have evacuated as a precaution .
@ @ @ @ @ says the fire broke out Friday afternoon just north of Camp Verde .
A national @ @ @ @ @ Horseshoe Lake , Bartlett Lake and Seven Springs recreation sites .

PHOENIX (AP) - Some residents have evacuated summer homes northeast of Phoenix where a wildfire in the Tonto National Forest has burned about 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) of grass and brush since it broke out Friday afternoon.
Crews set backfires to help protect structures and other assets near Cave Creek on Saturday. Several airtankers and helicopters were dumping retardant and water on the blaze.
The fire prompted the temporary closure of U.S. Interstate 17 about 80 miles (128 kilometers) north of Phoenix after it was reported at about 2:30 Friday.
No injuries or structure damage has been reported but Forest Service officials said Saturday the Humboldt Lookout and FAA communication equipment are threatened.
The Forest Service says some Camp Creek residents have evacuated as a precaution.
The Arizona Department of Transportation says the fire broke out Friday afternoon just north of Camp Verde. A national forest closure order includes the Horseshoe Lake, Bartlett Lake and Seven Springs recreation sites.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Trump campaign sues to block mail-in ballot rule changes

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - President Donald Trump ’ s campaign committee and the Republican National Committee sued Saturday to block North Carolina election officials from enforcing rule changes that could boost the number of ballots counted in the presidential battleground state .
The Republicans ’ lawsuit claims a new system adopted by the State Board of Elections will allow for absentee ballots to be cast late and without proper witness verification , “ which invites fraud , coercion , theft , and otherwise illegitimate voting.
” The elections board on Tuesday issued new guidance allowing mail-in absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without forcing the voter to fill out a new blank ballot for November ’ s general election .
The change means absentee voters who don ’ t provide complete information on their envelope about a witness who saw them fill out the ballot won ’ t have to complete a new ballot and locate another witness .
A voter will just have to turn in an affidavit confirming they filled out the original ballot .
North Carolina is one of eight states with witness and or notary public requirements for absentee ballots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
North Carolina General Assembly leaders announced late Saturday they had also filed a similar lawsuit in federal court against board members .
They asked a judge to block enforcement of the board ’ s absentee ballot alterations , which they contend would wrest away from the legislature its constitutional job to set the rules for federal elections .
The national Republicans ’ federal lawsuit claims the state elections board made a partisan “ backroom deal ” that undermines state lawmakers ’ “ carefully-considered , balanced structure of election laws.
” The suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a law that says a ballot may only be accepted if it has a witness signature on it .
“ While touted as allowing greater access to voters during the current pandemic - an objective already addressed in recent months by the General Assembly - the actual effect is to undermine protections that help ensure the upcoming election will be not only safe and accessible but secure , fair , and credible , ” the suit says .
The lawsuit filed by the Trump campaign and the RNC also accuses the board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ballots postmarked on or before Election Day can be counted if they are received within nine days of the election instead of the three days prescribed by law .
The state elections board and its chairman , Damon Circosta , are among the defendants named in the lawsuit .
The plaintiffs also include two Republican congressmen from North Carolina , U.S. Reps. Greg Murphy and Dan Bishop .
Circosta didn ’ t immediately respond Saturday evening to text messages seeking a response to the lawsuits .
Later Saturday , Board spokesperson Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litigation .
North Carolina and other states expect a major surge in absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
More than 1 million voters in North Carolina already had requested an absentee ballot as of Sept. 24 and that nearly 240,00 completed ballots had already been returned , the lawsuit says .
The state elections board ’ s new guidance to county boards means residents won ’ t be forced to start over from scratch in casting votes if a witness fails to sign or provide an address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The guidance means that the ballot now won ’ t be considered “ spoiled , ” and the voter will be sent an affidavit to sign to rectify the problem .
Issues with deficient witness information on mail-in ballots have disproportionately affected Black voters .
Ballots cast by African Americans account for about 43 percent of those classified as having incomplete witness information , according to state elections data earlier in the week .
Yet Black residents account for 16 percent of overall ballots returned .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - President Donald Trump’s campaign committee and the Republican National Committee sued Saturday to block North Carolina election officials from enforcing rule changes that could boost the number of ballots counted in the presidential battleground state.
The Republicans’ lawsuit claims a new system adopted by the State Board of Elections will allow for absentee ballots to be cast late and without proper witness verification, “which invites fraud, coercion, theft, and otherwise illegitimate voting.”
The elections board on Tuesday issued new guidance allowing mail-in absentee ballots with deficient information to be fixed without forcing the voter to fill out a new blank ballot for November’s general election.
The change means absentee voters who don’t provide complete information on their envelope about a witness who saw them fill out the ballot won’t have to complete a new ballot and locate another witness. A voter will just have to turn in an affidavit confirming they filled out the original ballot.
North Carolina is one of eight states with witness and or notary public requirements for absentee ballots, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. North Carolina General Assembly leaders announced late Saturday they had also filed a similar lawsuit in federal court against board members. They asked a judge to block enforcement of the board’s absentee ballot alterations, which they contend would wrest away from the legislature its constitutional job to set the rules for federal elections.
The national Republicans’ federal lawsuit claims the state elections board made a partisan “backroom deal” that undermines state lawmakers’ “carefully-considered, balanced structure of election laws.” The suit claims the board’s guidance usurps a law that says a ballot may only be accepted if it has a witness signature on it.
“While touted as allowing greater access to voters during the current pandemic - an objective already addressed in recent months by the General Assembly - the actual effect is to undermine protections that help ensure the upcoming election will be not only safe and accessible but secure, fair, and credible,” the suit says.
The lawsuit filed by the Trump campaign and the RNC also accuses the board of trying to override state law in saying that ballots postmarked on or before Election Day can be counted if they are received within nine days of the election instead of the three days prescribed by law.
The state elections board and its chairman, Damon Circosta, are among the defendants named in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs also include two Republican congressmen from North Carolina, U.S. Reps. Greg Murphy and Dan Bishop.
Circosta didn’t immediately respond Saturday evening to text messages seeking a response to the lawsuits. Later Saturday, Board spokesperson Patrick Gannon said the board was reviewing the litigation.
North Carolina and other states expect a major surge in absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1 million voters in North Carolina already had requested an absentee ballot as of Sept. 24 and that nearly 240,000 completed ballots had already been returned, the lawsuit says.
The state elections board’s new guidance to county boards means residents won’t be forced to start over from scratch in casting votes if a witness fails to sign or provide an address on the envelope containing their absentee ballot. The guidance means that the ballot now won’t be considered “spoiled,” and the voter will be sent an affidavit to sign to rectify the problem.
Issues with deficient witness information on mail-in ballots have disproportionately affected Black voters. Black residents account for 16 percent of overall ballots returned, yet their ballots account for about 43 percent of those classified as having incomplete witness information, according to state elections data.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Car injures 2 protesters during California demonstration

YORBA LINDA , Calif. ( AP ) - Two people were struck by a car and injured Saturday during a Southern California demonstration involving members of Black Lives Matter and counter-protesters .
The incident occurred in the city of Yorba Linda , about 30 miles ( 48.2 kilometers ) southeast of downtown Los Angeles .
The injured people were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries , and the driver of the car was detained , said Carrie Braun , spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department .
The incident occurred as members of Black Lives Matter demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Counter-protesters crossed six-lane Imperial Highway and confronted the BLM protesters , authorities said .
The protesters also confronted each other in the parking lot of the Yorba Linda public library , Braun said .
A white sedan came went through the crowd in the parking lot or the exit of the parking lot at the public library , injuring two people , Braun said .
People chased the car as it tried to drive away , and it was eventually stopped and was surrounded by police , she said .
The Register reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car was going .
The back windshield had been broken out , and it had a flagpole sticking out of it .
The front windshield was smashed , the Register reported .
The female driver of the car was detained , Braun said .
Braun said there were 300 people total and at some point it was declared an unlawful assembly and dispersal orders were given .
On Thursday night , a protester was struck by a pickup truck during a march in Hollywood and suffered non-life-threatening injuries .
Los Angeles police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver was attempting to maneuver through the crowd when protesters began beating the vehicle with sticks and attempted to open the door .
The driver was attempting to drive away from the situation when he struck the protester .
The driver stopped several blocks away and cooperated with officers .
He was released pending the outcome of the investigation .

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (AP) - Two people were struck by a car and injured Saturday during a Southern California demonstration involving members of Black Lives Matter and counter-protesters.
The incident occurred in the city of Yorba Linda, about 30 miles (48.2 kilometers) southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
The injured people were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the driver of the car was detained, said Carrie Braun, spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident occurred as members of Black Lives Matter demonstrated against police brutality and systemic racism.
Counter-protesters crossed six-lane Imperial Highway and confronted the BLM protesters, authorities said. The protesters also confronted each other in the parking lot of the Yorba Linda public library, Braun said.
A white sedan came went through the crowd in the parking lot or the exit of the parking lot at the public library, injuring two people, Braun said. People chased the car as it tried to drive away, and it was eventually stopped and was surrounded by police, she said.
The Register reported it was not known how fast the car was going. The back windshield had been broken out, and it had a flagpole sticking out of it. The front windshield was smashed, the Register reported.
The female driver of the car was detained, Braun said.
Braun said there were 300 people total and at some point it was declared an unlawful assembly and dispersal orders were given.
On Thursday night, a protester was struck by a pickup truck during a march in Hollywood and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Los Angeles police said Friday the preliminary investigation found that the driver was attempting to maneuver through the crowd when protesters began beating the vehicle with sticks and attempted to open the door.
The driver was attempting to drive away from the situation when he struck the protester. The driver stopped several blocks away and cooperated with officers. He was released pending the outcome of the investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Latest crime sweep nets 36 arrests in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - Albuquerque police say the latest in a series of city-wide crime sweeps has @ @ @ @ @ many suspects with a history of gun violence .
Police Chief Harold Medina said Saturday @ @ @ @ @ “ anti-crime operation ” has resulted in 151 arrests since Aug. 19 .
The majority @ @ @ @ @ into jail Wednesday through Friday during the fourth edition of the crack down have a @ @ @ @ @ and property crimes , he said .
Officers and detectives cleared 53 felony warrants , @ @ @ @ @ recovered nine firearms , nine stolen vehicles and issued 183 citations , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ to know that we are not slowing down , and we are covering the entire @ @ @ @ @ , ” Medina said .

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Albuquerque police say the latest in a series of city-wide crime sweeps has netted 36 arrests, including many suspects with a history of gun violence.
Police Chief Harold Medina said Saturday that the department’s “anti-crime operation” has resulted in 151 arrests since Aug. 19.
The majority of the 36 offenders booked into jail Wednesday through Friday during the fourth edition of the crack down have a criminal history for gun violence and property crimes, he said.
Officers and detectives cleared 53 felony warrants, made 20 felony arrests; recovered nine firearms, nine stolen vehicles and issued 183 citations, he said.
“We want repeat offenders to know that we are not slowing down, and we are covering the entire city to drive down crime,” Medina said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Donald Trump Jr. to campaign in Sparks on Wednesday

RENO , Nev. ( AP ) - Donald Trump Jr. plans to stump for his father ’ s re-election in @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump ’ s campaign says his son plans an appearance in Sparks Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ Equipment .
The president drew large crowds in Nevada earlier this month during rallies in @ @ @ @ @ south of Carson City .
Democrat Hillary Clinton carried the key swing state in a @ @ @ @ @ election .
Trump Jr. campaigned for Nevada ’ s then-GOP Sen. Dean Heller in the @ @ @ @ @ election before Heller lost to Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen .

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Donald Trump Jr. plans to stump for his father’s re-election in northern Nevada next week.
President Donald Trump’s campaign says his son plans an appearance in Sparks Wednesday at Peterbilt Truck Parts & Equipment.
The president drew large crowds in Nevada earlier this month during rallies in Las Vegas and rural Minden south of Carson City.
Democrat Hillary Clinton carried the key swing state in a tight race during the 2016 election.
Trump Jr. campaigned for Nevada’s then-GOP Sen. Dean Heller in the final days of the 2018 election before Heller lost to Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Arkansas cases during the coronavirus pandemic top 80,000

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - The number of reported Arkansas coronavirus cases has topped 80,000 after the addition Saturday of 809 cases of the virus that causes COVID-19 , the Arkansas Department of Health reported .
Those new cases brought the state ’ s total caseload since tracking of the pandemic began in March to 80,755 , including 2,495 probable cases .
The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
Active cases rose by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 19 COVID-19 deaths reported Saturday , bringing the state ’ s death toll to 1,285 .
Arkansas ranks third in the country for new cases per capita , according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
A White House task force this week applauded the state ’ s mitigation efforts but said stronger compliance was needed .
Gov .
Asa Hutchinson said with the latest figures the test had exceeded its goal of 200,000 tests for the month , and that the state was working to increase its testing capacity .

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The number of reported Arkansas coronavirus cases has topped 80,000 after the addition Saturday of 809 cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, the Arkansas Department of Health reported.
Those new cases brought the state’s total caseload since tracking of the pandemic began in March to 80,755, including 2,495 probable cases. The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
Active cases rose by 165 to 7,414. There also have been 19 COVID-19 deaths reported Saturday, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,285.
Arkansas ranks third in the country for new cases per capita, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. A White House task force this week applauded the state’s mitigation efforts but said stronger compliance was needed.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said with the latest figures the test had exceeded its goal of 200,000 tests for the month, and that the state was working to increase its testing capacity.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--North Carolina's high court orders new trial in 2015 killing

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - The North Carolina Supreme Court has ordered a new trial for a 24-year-old @ @ @ @ @ life in prison for a 2015 killing .
The Wilmington StarNews reports that the state @ @ @ @ @ Friday that a judge failed to give Tyler Greenfield ’ s proposed instructions on self-defense @ @ @ @ @ him of first- and second-degree murder charges in 2017 .
The state Supreme Court transferred @ @ @ @ @ Hanover County Superior Court for a new trial .
Greenfield was convicted of killing a @ @ @ @ @ at an apartment where he went to buy marijuana .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The North Carolina Supreme Court has ordered a new trial for a 24-year-old man who was sentenced to life in prison for a 2015 killing.
The Wilmington StarNews reports that the state’s highest court ruled Friday that a judge failed to give Tyler Greenfield’s proposed instructions on self-defense to jurors before they convicted him of first- and second-degree murder charges in 2017.
The state Supreme Court transferred the case back to New Hanover County Superior Court for a new trial.
Greenfield was convicted of killing a man and wounding his girlfriend at an apartment where he went to buy marijuana.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--3 shot near Las Vegas Strip; latest in string of shootings

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Las Vegas police are investigating the early morning shooting of three people after a fight outside a bar and liquor store just east of the Strip .
Police say all three victims were hospitalized but expected to survive in the latest of a string of local shootings and assaults in recent weeks .
Witnesses flagged down passing officers in the parking lot of the Stage Door Casino at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday .
Investigators believe there was a fight in the parking lot , and then someone shot into the crowd from a passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Las Vegas Review Journal earlier this week that aggravated assaults on the Strip and in adjacent areas are up 29 % compared with this time last year .
He said the department has increased patrols on the Strip .
One person was shot in the leg in the valet area of the Aria Tuesday night during a party for rapper Moneybagg Yo , who posted on social media that he was not the target of the shooting .
Last weekend , a 27-year-old man was shot five times during a fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The man survived .
Police arrested three others .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas police are investigating the early morning shooting of three people after a fight outside a bar and liquor store just east of the Strip.
Police say all three victims were hospitalized but expected to survive in the latest of a string of local shootings and assaults in recent weeks.
Witnesses flagged down passing officers in the parking lot of the Stage Door Casino at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
Investigators believe there was a fight in the parking lot, and then someone shot into the crowd from a passing car.
Metro Capt. Dori Koren told the Las Vegas Review Journal earlier this week that aggravated assaults on the Strip and in adjacent areas are up 29% compared with this time last year. He said the department has increased patrols on the Strip.
One person was shot in the leg in the valet area of the Aria Tuesday night during a party for rapper Moneybagg Yo, who posted on social media that he was not the target of the shooting.
Last weekend, a 27-year-old man was shot five times during a fight in front of Paris Las Vegas. The man survived. Police arrested three others.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--2 prisoners die of virus complications; school quarantines

Two prisoners have died at hospitals of coronavirus-related complications , the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reported Saturday .
One prisoner was at the California Institution for Men in Chino .
He was the 22nd inmate at the prison to die of coronavirus complications , the department said .
The second prisoner was at Avenal State Prison in Avenal .
He was the sixth inmate to die of complications from the virus at the facility , the department said .
The department did not provide more details about the deaths .
Meanwhile , all California State University , Long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been placed in quarantine and all in-person instruction will be halted for two weeks because five students tested positive for COVID-19 , the school ’ s top official said Saturday .
University President Jane Close Conoley said in a statement that the school became aware late Friday of “ a number of students who have not heeded our guidance related to COVID-19 precautions and congregated socially off campus earlier this month.
” Five of those students have now tested positive for the illness , she said .
Four of them live in campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus .
All on-campus residents will be tested and employees will be offered tests as needed .
The university is working with public health officials and will assist with contact tracing in the community , Conoley said .
She also said facilities will be cleaned and disinfected .
Conoley said there will be an investigation of “ student conduct issues.
” Conoley did not say how many students are living on campus but noted that the university “ vastly ” reduced the number in residence halls for the fall semester as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Two prisoners have died at hospitals of coronavirus-related complications, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reported Saturday.
One prisoner was at the California Institution for Men in Chino. He was the 22nd inmate at the prison to die of coronavirus complications, the department said. The second prisoner was at Avenal State Prison in Avenal. He was the sixth inmate to die of complications from the virus at the facility, the department said.
The department did not provide more details about the deaths.
Meanwhile, all California State University, Long Beach students who live on campus have been placed in quarantine and all in-person instruction will be halted for two weeks because five students tested positive for COVID-19, the school’s top official said Saturday.
University President Jane Close Conoley said in a statement that the school became aware late Friday of “a number of students who have not heeded our guidance related to COVID-19 precautions and congregated socially off campus earlier this month.”
Five of those students have now tested positive for the illness, she said. Four of them live in campus residence halls and the other lives off campus.
All on-campus residents will be tested and employees will be offered tests as needed.
The university is working with public health officials and will assist with contact tracing in the community, Conoley said. She also said facilities will be cleaned and disinfected.
Conoley said there will be an investigation of “student conduct issues.”
Conoley did not say how many students are living on campus but noted that the university “vastly” reduced the number in residence halls for the fall semester as well as the number of classes offered on campus.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Court nixes SC witness requirement on absentee ballots

COLUMBIA , S.C. ( AP ) - A federal appeals court has reversed course and reinstated a ruling by a South Carolina federal judge that would not require a witness signature for those wishing to vote absentee in that state .
A majority of judges on the full 4th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals late Friday vacated a ruling from a day earlier by a three-judge panel of the same court to overturn U.S. District Judge Michelle Child ’ s Sept. 18 ruling that struck down the requirement and decided to reconsider the case , news outlets reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains to be determined .
But for now , witness signatures are no longer required .
The ruling ultimately could affect up to an estimated 1 million voters in South Carolina who the state election commission has said may vote absentee .
South Carolina has approximately 3 million eligible voters .
The only two judges who published a dissent in Friday ’ s ruling were the two judges who had decided to reinstate the witness signature requirement a day earlier : Judges Harvie Wilkinson and Steven Agee , both of whom were nominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissent , Wilkinson and Agee wrote that the full court ’ s decision could cause “ confusion and disruption.
” But a majority of their colleagues disagreed , eliminating the requirement once again until the case can be reconsidered .
A date for the new hearing was not immediately scheduled .
Republicans have sought to maintain the witness signature requirement , arguing it guards against voter fraud .
Democrats contend that the requirement has little impact on voter fraud and would force voters who are infected with COVID-19 to interact with healthy people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s an interesting and a positive step , ” South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Trav Robertson told The State .
“ We believe that the witness signature line is not only a hindrance to people being able to cast their ballots but it ’ s also , you know , a throwback to a bygone era in the South.
” “ We don ’ t comment on ongoing legal matters , ” Claire Robinson , spokeswoman for the SC GOP , told the newspaper .
Although a majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ rehearing en banc , ” it is not yet known whether that rehearing will involve oral arguments , or whether the judges will simply consider all or portions of the written record , which contains hundreds , if not thousands , of pages .
In-person early voting for those who qualify begins Oct. 5 , and county officials have already begun mailing ballots to voters as of this week .

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A federal appeals court has reversed course and reinstated a ruling by a South Carolina federal judge that would not require a witness signature for those wishing to vote absentee in that state.
A majority of judges on the full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late Friday vacated a ruling from a day earlier by a three-judge panel of the same court to overturn U.S. District Judge Michelle Child’s Sept. 18 ruling that struck down the requirement and decided to reconsider the case, news outlets reported.
The latest decision means the final outcome remains to be determined. But for now, witness signatures are no longer required. The ruling ultimately could affect up to an estimated 1 million voters in South Carolina who the state election commission has said may vote absentee. South Carolina has approximately 3 million eligible voters.
The only two judges who published a dissent in Friday’s ruling were the two judges who had decided to reinstate the witness signature requirement a day earlier: Judges Harvie Wilkinson and Steven Agee, both of whom were nominated by Republican presidents.
In a five-page dissent, Wilkinson and Agee wrote that the full court’s decision could cause “confusion and disruption.” But a majority of their colleagues disagreed, eliminating the requirement once again until the case can be reconsidered.
A date for the new hearing was not immediately scheduled.
Republicans have sought to maintain the witness signature requirement, arguing it guards against voter fraud. Democrats contend that the requirement has little impact on voter fraud and would force voters who are infected with COVID-19 to interact with healthy people in order to obtain the signature.
“It’s an interesting and a positive step,” South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Trav Robertson told The State. “We believe that the witness signature line is not only a hindrance to people being able to cast their ballots but it’s also, you know, a throwback to a bygone era in the South.”
“We don’t comment on ongoing legal matters,” Claire Robinson, spokeswoman for the SC GOP, told the newspaper.
Although a majority of the 4th Circuit said they were granting a “rehearing en banc,” it is not yet known whether that rehearing will involve oral arguments, or whether the judges will simply consider all or portions of the written record, which contains hundreds, if not thousands, of pages.
In-person early voting for those who qualify begins Oct. 5, and county officials have already begun mailing ballots to voters as of this week.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Senate Democrats label Judge Barrett a health care villain, scramble for cause to oppose her

Senate Democrats on Saturday immediately labeled President Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett a health care villain and vowed to block her confirmation .
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said a vote for Judge Barrett would be a vote to dismantle Obamacare , as the fate of the Affordable Care Act will be before the high court in November .
“ President Trump has once again put Americans ’ healthcare in the crosshairs.
, ” said the New York Democrat , sounding a familiar alarm from his party about Mr. Trump ’ s nominee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difficult task in demonizing Judge Barrett , a devout Catholic and mother of seven children who would be the first female justice with school-age children .
Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California , the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee , objected that Judge Barrett would reverse abortion rights and health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions .
“ President Trump has guaranteed that Judge Barrett will deliver on these and so many other conservative priorities .
In doing so , Judge Barrett would stand as the polar opposite to the vision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades to achieve , ” she said .
“ The Senate should not consider any Supreme Court nominee until the American people have spoken in November and the next president has been inaugurated.
” If confirmed to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Judge Barrett would tilt the ideological balance of the high court to a 6-3 conservative majority , a swing that outrages Democrats who say the president has broken precedent to rush the nomination of Judge Barrett with just 37 days until the Nov. 3 election .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to fulfill Justice Ginsburg ’ s last wish , ” said Sen Patty Murray of Washington , a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team , referring to Justice Ginsburg ’ s deathbed request that she be replaced after the November election .
Senate Democrats , however , have few tools to slow down the process or block the confirmation now that Republicans have lined up the votes to proceed .
Sen. Chris Coons , a Delaware Democrat on the Judiciary Committee that will hold confirmation hearings , said he was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ With voting already underway in half the states in our presidential election and in the midst of a global pandemic that has infected 7 million Americans , we should not be proceeding with a nomination to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s seat , ” he said .
“ We need to be clear-eyed about what ’ s at stake .
President Trump pledged that his nominee will strike down the Affordable Care Act , and just one week after the election , the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
”

Senate Democrats on Saturday immediately labeled President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett a health care villain and vowed to block her confirmation.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said a vote for Judge Barrett would be a vote to dismantle Obamacare, as the fate of the Affordable Care Act will be before the high court in November.
“President Trump has once again put Americans’ healthcare in the crosshairs,” said the New York Democrat, sounding a familiar alarm from his party about Mr. Trump’s nominee.
But Mr. Trump’s opponents face a difficult task in demonizing Judge Barrett, a devout Catholic and mother of seven children who would be the first female justice with school-age children.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, objected that Judge Barrett would reverse abortion rights and health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
“President Trump has guaranteed that Judge Barrett will deliver on these and so many other conservative priorities. In doing so, Judge Barrett would stand as the polar opposite to the vision of America that Justice Ginsburg fought for decades to achieve,” she said. “The Senate should not consider any Supreme Court nominee until the American people have spoken in November and the next president has been inaugurated.”
If confirmed to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Judge Barrett would tilt the ideological balance of the high court to a 6-3 conservative majority, a swing that outrages Democrats who say the president has broken precedent to rush the nomination of Judge Barrett with just 37 days until the Nov. 3 election.
“I’m going to do all I can to fulfill Justice Ginsburg’s last wish,” said Sen Patty Murray of Washington, a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team, referring to Justice Ginsburg’s deathbed request that she be replaced after the November election.
Senate Democrats, however, have few tools to slow down the process or block the confirmation now that Republicans have lined up the votes to proceed.
Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat on the Judiciary Committee that will hold confirmation hearings, said he was “deeply concerned” about moving forward.
“With voting already underway in half the states in our presidential election and in the midst of a global pandemic that has infected 7 million Americans, we should not be proceeding with a nomination to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat,” he said.
“We need to be clear-eyed about what’s at stake. President Trump pledged that his nominee will strike down the Affordable Care Act, and just one week after the election, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that seeks to do just that.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--SC councilman arrested, accused of child molestation

BAMBERG , S.C. ( AP ) - A South Carolina county councilman is in custody , accused of molesting a child , state authorities said .
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division on Friday arrested Bamberg County Council Chairman Kerry Trent Kinard on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor , attempted criminal sexual contact with a minor , two counts of criminal solicitation of a minor , first degree assault and battery and two counts of dissemination of obscene material , The State reported .
The charges stem from incidents between 2008 and September , SLED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kinard , 49 , showed pornography to male and female children , asked them to have sex , touched them sexually and tried to have intercourse with a teenage girl .
Between 2008 and 2010 , Kinard also touched a male juvenile , according to a police affidavit .
If convicted of the first-degree criminal sexual conduct offense , Kinard could be sentenced to prison for life .
SLED investigated the allegations against Kinard at the request of the Bamberg Police Department .
Kinard is being held in the Bamberg County Detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has an attorney who could speak on his behalf were not immediately available .
Kinard was elected in 2016 to represent District 1 .
His term ends in December .
Gov .
Henry McMaster will decide whether Kinard will be suspended from office .

BAMBERG, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina county councilman is in custody, accused of molesting a child, state authorities said.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division on Friday arrested Bamberg County Council Chairman Kerry Trent Kinard on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, attempted criminal sexual contact with a minor, two counts of criminal solicitation of a minor, first degree assault and battery and two counts of dissemination of obscene material, The State reported.
The charges stem from incidents between 2008 and September, SLED said.
According to state police affidavits, Kinard, 49, showed pornography to male and female children, asked them to have sex, touched them sexually and tried to have intercourse with a teenage girl. Between 2008 and 2010, Kinard also touched a male juvenile, according to a police affidavit.
If convicted of the first-degree criminal sexual conduct offense, Kinard could be sentenced to prison for life.
SLED investigated the allegations against Kinard at the request of the Bamberg Police Department.
Kinard is being held in the Bamberg County Detention Center. Bond information and whether he has an attorney who could speak on his behalf were not immediately available.
Kinard was elected in 2016 to represent District 1. His term ends in December. Gov. Henry McMaster will decide whether Kinard will be suspended from office.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Fargo police cite 30, arrest 3 for large party near campus

FARGO , N.D. ( AP ) - Police in North Dakota have arrested three people and cited 30 more in @ @ @ @ @ in Fargo late Friday .
Police responded to a large party near the North Dakota @ @ @ @ @ a complaint , but many party-goers were not cooperative , KFGO-AM reported .
It took @ @ @ @ @ and university police departments to shut the party down .
The citations were for underage @ @ @ @ @ arrested had tried to flee from police officers .
Nearly 100 cases of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Dakota State University students in the last two weeks .

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Police in North Dakota have arrested three people and cited 30 more in connection to a raucous party in Fargo late Friday.
Police responded to a large party near the North Dakota State University Campus after receiving a complaint, but many party-goers were not cooperative, KFGO-AM reported. It took 12 officers from the Fargo and university police departments to shut the party down.
The citations were for underage drinking. The three people arrested had tried to flee from police officers.
Nearly 100 cases of the coronavirus have been reported among North Dakota State University students in the last two weeks.


washingtontimes--2020-09-27--Grace period ending for expired Michigan driver's licenses

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - Time is running out for Michigan residents who have waited to renew their @ @ @ @ @ vehicle registration during the coronavirus pandemic .
Anyone with an expiration date after March 1 @ @ @ @ @ period by the Legislature and Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
But that period ends Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I strongly encourage all Michiganders with expiring licenses , IDs or vehicle registrations @ @ @ @ @ late fees or possible tickets , ” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ can to support Michiganders during this uncertain time and want to make sure they renew @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
To schedule an appointment , conduct a transaction online or @ @ @ @ @ visit Michigan.gov/SOS .

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Time is running out for Michigan residents who have waited to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration during the coronavirus pandemic.
Anyone with an expiration date after March 1 were given a long grace period by the Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. But that period ends Wednesday and no extension is anticipated.
“I strongly encourage all Michiganders with expiring licenses, IDs or vehicle registrations to act now and avoid late fees or possible tickets,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said.
“We have done everything we can to support Michiganders during this uncertain time and want to make sure they renew before the expiration extension ends,” she said.
To schedule an appointment, conduct a transaction online or find a self-service station, visit Michigan.gov/SOS.


washingtontimes--2020-09-27--EIU pushing for continuous increase in enrollment numbers

CHARLESTON , Ill. ( AP ) - Student enrollment at Eastern Illinois University has been growing for the last three-straight years , continuing with a 10.5 % increase this fall .
Even during the global pandemic , enrollment numbers are at the highest point since 2014 , at 8,628 students .
The number of student-athletes has also increased , despite scholarship cuts that the athletic director was forced to make as a result of a budget impasse .
The most significant factor in this fall ’ s double-digit enrollment increase is due to the university ’ s dual-credit program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s growing dual-credit program works with smaller , rural schools in East Central Illinois to provide opportunities that might not otherwise exist given necessary instructor requirements like a master ’ s degree .
An emphasis on the dual-credit program helped boost the number of new admissions from 1,580 during the fall semester of 2019 to 2,228 in the numbers released earlier this month for fall 2020 .
Josh Norman , EIU vice president for enrollment management , said those numbers are not an accurate representation of the number of students actually on campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on courses , which the pandemic has increasingly pushed online .
A student living in a campus residence hall taking all online classes , for example , would be regarded as an off-campus student for enrollment calculation purposes , he said .
Norman said about one-third of the total student population is taking all in-person classes , while the rest either have a mix between in-person and online classes , or all online classes .
EIU ’ s next step is maintaining the enrollment increases .
The selling point , Norman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low cost of attendance , its average of 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and its constant graduation rate of 90 % .

CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) - Student enrollment at Eastern Illinois University has been growing for the last three-straight years, continuing with a 10.5% increase this fall.
Even during the global pandemic, enrollment numbers are at the highest point since 2014, at 8,628 students. The number of student-athletes has also increased, despite scholarship cuts that the athletic director was forced to make as a result of a budget impasse.
The most significant factor in this fall’s double-digit enrollment increase is due to the university’s dual-credit program, according to The News-Gazette. EIU’s growing dual-credit program works with smaller, rural schools in East Central Illinois to provide opportunities that might not otherwise exist given necessary instructor requirements like a master’s degree.
An emphasis on the dual-credit program helped boost the number of new admissions from 1,580 during the fall semester of 2019 to 2,228 in the numbers released earlier this month for fall 2020.
Josh Norman, EIU vice president for enrollment management, said those numbers are not an accurate representation of the number of students actually on campus. The on-campus and off-campus denotations are based on courses, which the pandemic has increasingly pushed online. A student living in a campus residence hall taking all online classes, for example, would be regarded as an off-campus student for enrollment calculation purposes, he said.
Norman said about one-third of the total student population is taking all in-person classes, while the rest either have a mix between in-person and online classes, or all online classes.
EIU’s next step is maintaining the enrollment increases. The selling point, Norman said, is stressing the university’s low cost of attendance, its average of 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and its constant graduation rate of 90%.


washingtontimes--2020-09-27--Driver's license renewal deadline extended another 3 months

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has extended expiration dates for driver ’ s licenses another three months .
White announced this week that expired licenses need be renewed by Feb. 1 , 2021 .
The previous extension was until Nov. 1 .
White extended the deadline to prevent the need for visiting a driver ’ s license facility during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Those 75 and older need only ensure to renew driver ’ s licenses by their birthday in 2021 .
The extension for renewing driver ’ s license plate stickers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewed online .
White continues to encourage motorists to conduct business on the secretary of state ’ s website to the extent possible .
Other business that can be conducted online includes obtaining a duplicate driver ’ s license or ID card , obtaining a driving record abstract or renewing a standard driver ’ s license through the Safe Driver renewal program .
When a visit to a facility is necessary , White urges customers to be patient because of a heavy volume of traffic , to wear face masks and be prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses another three months.
White announced this week that expired licenses need be renewed by Feb. 1, 2021. The previous extension was until Nov. 1.
White extended the deadline to prevent the need for visiting a driver’s license facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those 75 and older need only ensure to renew driver’s licenses by their birthday in 2021.
The extension for renewing driver’s license plate stickers remains Nov. 1. They can be renewed online.
White continues to encourage motorists to conduct business on the secretary of state’s website to the extent possible.
Other business that can be conducted online includes obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, obtaining a driving record abstract or renewing a standard driver’s license through the Safe Driver renewal program.
When a visit to a facility is necessary, White urges customers to be patient because of a heavy volume of traffic, to wear face masks and be prepared to wait outside because of social-distance requirements.


washingtontimes--2020-09-27--State pilots community garden on Chicago's South Side

CHICAGO ( AP ) - Illinois officials are testing out a new community garden project they hope will bring more @ @ @ @ @ neighborhoods on Chicago ’ s South Side .
The first site to participate will be @ @ @ @ @ housing in Englewood .
The neighborhood has a large percentage of low-income residents .
The @ @ @ @ @ collard greens , curly kale , and stonehead cabbage , according to the Illinois Department @ @ @ @ @ We are excited to announce this great new pilot program and to offer fresh produce @ @ @ @ @ hardest hit by COVID-19 and poverty in Illinois , ” said Grace Hou , the @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Fresh produce is an extremely important part of a healthy , long-term diet @ @ @ @ @ a global pandemic .
We hope to continue to build this program into additional underserved @ @ @ @ @ The produce will service residents of the nearly 200 affordable housing units .
There are @ @ @ @ @ gardens .

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois officials are testing out a new community garden project they hope will bring more fresh produce options to distressed neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side.
The first site to participate will be Antioch Haven Homes, affordable housing in Englewood. The neighborhood has a large percentage of low-income residents.
The gardens will feature broccoli, collard greens, curly kale, and stonehead cabbage, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.
“We are excited to announce this great new pilot program and to offer fresh produce to some of the areas hardest hit by COVID-19 and poverty in Illinois,” said Grace Hou, the state agency’s secretary. “Fresh produce is an extremely important part of a healthy, long-term diet and even more so during a global pandemic. We hope to continue to build this program into additional underserved communities in the future.”
The produce will service residents of the nearly 200 affordable housing units. There are plans to expand the community gardens.


washingtontimes--2020-09-27--Lawyers group wants Senate to slow Amy Coney Barrett's nomination

The American Bar Association is concerned that the U.S. Senate is moving too quickly to evaluate Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s appointment to the Supreme Court .
President Trump selected Judge Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Saturday night .
Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on her nomination will last three to four days next month and begin on Oct. 12 , according to Sen. Lindsey Graham , the committee ’ s chairman .
In a statement released before Mr. Graham announced the timing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not be able to evaluate Judge Barrett before the Senate votes on her appointment .
“ While it is important to fill any vacancy to the Supreme Court in a timely manner , the Senate process of advice and consent must allow adequate time for thorough consideration of the nomination of Barrett and must not be rushed due to partisan considerations , ” ABA President Patricia Lee Refo said in a statement .
“ That is essential to the process of assessing lifetime appointments to the highest court in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have trust in the integrity and independence of the federal judiciary , the process that places judges on the bench must be viewed as fair , unhurried , and unbiased.
” The majority of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary Committee graded Judge Barrett as “ well qualified ” when she was nominated to the federal appellate court in 2017 .
Ms. Refo , who became ABA president in August 2020 , said the lawyers group will work as “ expeditiously as possible ” to grade Judge Barrett again .
Ms. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal advocacy groups and senators who want to stop Judge Barrett ’ s nomination from proceeding .
Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron said Saturday night that she thought senators should refuse to meet with Judge Barrett .
“ If I were a senator , I would not meet with her , ” Ms. Aron said on a call with reporters after Ms. Barrett ’ s selection on Saturday night .
“ This is a rushed nomination.
” Some Democratic senators already have said they oppose Judge Barrett ’ s nomination .
and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About 30 minutes after Mr. Trump announced Judge Barrett ’ s nomination , Sen. Richard Blumenthal , Connecticut Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee , tweeted that he would oppose Judge Barrett ’ s nomination and refuse to meet with her .

The American Bar Association is concerned that the U.S. Senate is moving too quickly to evaluate Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s appointment to the Supreme Court.
President Trump selected Judge Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Saturday night.
Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on her nomination will last three to four days next month and begin on Oct. 12, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham, the committee’s chairman.
In a statement released before Mr. Graham announced the timing of the hearing, the ABA hinted that it may not be able to evaluate Judge Barrett before the Senate votes on her appointment.
“While it is important to fill any vacancy to the Supreme Court in a timely manner, the Senate process of advice and consent must allow adequate time for thorough consideration of the nomination of Barrett and must not be rushed due to partisan considerations,” ABA President Patricia Lee Refo said in a statement. “That is essential to the process of assessing lifetime appointments to the highest court in the United States. For the nation to continue to have trust in the integrity and independence of the federal judiciary, the process that places judges on the bench must be viewed as fair, unhurried, and unbiased.”
The majority of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary Committee graded Judge Barrett as “well qualified” when she was nominated to the federal appellate court in 2017.
Ms. Refo, who became ABA president in August 2020, said the lawyers group will work as “expeditiously as possible” to grade Judge Barrett again.
Ms. Refo’s hesitation was echoed by liberal advocacy groups and senators who want to stop Judge Barrett’s nomination from proceeding. Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron said Saturday night that she thought senators should refuse to meet with Judge Barrett.
“If I were a senator, I would not meet with her,” Ms. Aron said on a call with reporters after Ms. Barrett’s selection on Saturday night. “This is a rushed nomination.”
Some Democratic senators already have said they oppose Judge Barrett’s nomination. and are refusing to meet with her.
About 30 minutes after Mr. Trump announced Judge Barrett’s nomination, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, tweeted that he would oppose Judge Barrett’s nomination and refuse to meet with her.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-27--Money pouring into Massachusetts ballot question campaigns

BOSTON ( AP ) - Money , and a lot of it , is pouring into campaigns for the two questions on the November ballot in Massachusetts .
A look at both referendums and the cash being spent around them : By far , most of the money has been raised by supporters and opponents of Question 1 , which would expand the state ’ s “ Right to Repair ” law by giving car owners and independent auto repair shops expanded access to mechanical data related to vehicle maintenance and repair .
Collectively , the two groups have pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to reports filed with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance .
Supporters of the question - the Massachusetts Right to Repair Committee - have raised about $ 15.7 million .
Donors include auto parts suppliers and The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality , a non-profit national organization that represents companies like NAPA , AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts .
The Massachusetts Right to Repair Committee said voting “ yes ” on the question ensures car owners access to the repair information necessary to bring their cars to their local repair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a statement included in a voter information guide produced by the Secretary of State ’ s office .
That group said the question “ provides access only to mechanical and repair information , not personal information.
” A much larger chunk of cash - about $ 25.8 million - has been pulled in by those trying to defeat the measure .
Nearly all the money raised by the Coalition for Safe and Secure Data has come from carmakers including General Motors , Ford Motor Co. , Toyota Motor North America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Motor Company , Hyundai USA and Subaru of America .
The question has nothing to do with fixing cars , but is instead “ a data grab by third parties who want to gather your personal vehicle information and access it remotely , including location data in real time , ” according to a statement from the coalition included in the voter guide .
All that money has allowed both sides to flood the state with television ads .
One ad warns that if Question 1 passes , a car ’ s data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their victims by pinpointing their location .
In another commercial , car owners are told that without the proposed changes to the law , automakers could gain a monopoly on repairs while killing off small repair shops .
Starting with model year 2022 , the proposed law would require manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in Massachusetts to equip any vehicles that use telematics systems - those that collect and wirelessly transmit mechanical data to a remote server - with a standardized open access data platform .
Money has also been flooding in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although virtually all the cash has been raised by one side : the supporters of Question 2 .
The referendum would create a ranked choice voting system , giving voters the option of ranking candidates on the ballot in order of their preference - one for their top choice , two for their second choice , and so on .
If a candidate gets a majority of first-place votes , that candidate wins .
If no candidate receives a majority of the first-choice votes , the candidate with the fewest votes is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate as their first choice will have their votes counted instead for their second choice .
The process repeats until one candidate receives a majority of the vote and wins .
The new system would apply to state and federal elections and primaries in Massachusetts beginning in 2022 .
It would not be used in presidential elections .
Backers of ranked choice voting - including the Ranked Choice Voting 2020 Committee - say the goal is to eliminate the so-called “ spoiler effect ” by making sure no candidate wins without a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5.6 million , including thousands of small dollar donations .
The question has some bipartisan support - both former Democratic Gov .
Deval Patrick and former Republican Gov .
William Weld back the change - but some more conservative voices in the state oppose the measure .
Ranked choice voting will be used for the first time in a presidential race in the U.S. in Maine after the state ’ s Supreme Court concluded a GOP-led petition drive intended to prevent its use failed to reach a signature threshold .
The question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backers .
A little more than half of the total contributions - about $ 2.9 million - has come from the Houston , Texas-based non-profit Action Now Initiative - a project of Texas philanthropist couple John and Laura Arnold .
Others who gave hefty sums include Kathryn Murdoch , wife of James Murdoch , the younger son of Rupert Murdoch ( $ 500,000 ) ; Jonathan Soros , son of billionaire George Soros ( 100,000 ) ; Katherine Gehl , president of Wisconsin-based Gehl Foods ( $ 250,000 ) ; and Maximillian Stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment management first D.E .
Shaw & Co. ( $ 250,000 ) .
Supporters like the group Voter Choice for Massachusetts said voters can cast a ballot for a single candidate if they want or rank their choices , ensuring “ the winner has majority support and reflects the true will of the people.
” Opponents to the question - No Ranked Choice Voting Committee 2020 - reported raising just $ 250 .
Critics led by the conservative Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance argue that ranked choice voting is confusing and will “ force voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing in multiple voting rounds and cast their votes in the dark .
”

BOSTON (AP) - Money, and a lot of it, is pouring into campaigns for the two questions on the November ballot in Massachusetts.
A look at both referendums and the cash being spent around them:
___
RIGHT TO REPAIR
By far, most of the money has been raised by supporters and opponents of Question 1, which would expand the state’s “Right to Repair” law by giving car owners and independent auto repair shops expanded access to mechanical data related to vehicle maintenance and repair.
Collectively, the two groups have pulled in more than $41.5 million, according to reports filed with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.
Supporters of the question - the Massachusetts Right to Repair Committee - have raised about $15.7 million. Donors include auto parts suppliers and The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, a non-profit national organization that represents companies like NAPA, AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts.
The Massachusetts Right to Repair Committee said voting “yes” on the question ensures car owners access to the repair information necessary to bring their cars to their local repair shop even as vehicles become more computerized, according to a statement included in a voter information guide produced by the Secretary of State’s office.
That group said the question “provides access only to mechanical and repair information, not personal information.”
A much larger chunk of cash - about $25.8 million - has been pulled in by those trying to defeat the measure.
Nearly all the money raised by the Coalition for Safe and Secure Data has come from carmakers including General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor North America, Nissan North America, America Honda Motor Company, Hyundai USA and Subaru of America.
The question has nothing to do with fixing cars, but is instead “a data grab by third parties who want to gather your personal vehicle information and access it remotely, including location data in real time,” according to a statement from the coalition included in the voter guide.
All that money has allowed both sides to flood the state with television ads.
One ad warns that if Question 1 passes, a car’s data could be used by predators to stalk their victims by pinpointing their location. In another commercial, car owners are told that without the proposed changes to the law, automakers could gain a monopoly on repairs while killing off small repair shops.
Starting with model year 2022, the proposed law would require manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in Massachusetts to equip any vehicles that use telematics systems - those that collect and wirelessly transmit mechanical data to a remote server - with a standardized open access data platform.
___
RANKED CHOICE VOTING
Money has also been flooding in for a second ballot question heading to voters, although virtually all the cash has been raised by one side: the supporters of Question 2.
The referendum would create a ranked choice voting system, giving voters the option of ranking candidates on the ballot in order of their preference - one for their top choice, two for their second choice, and so on.
If a candidate gets a majority of first-place votes, that candidate wins. If no candidate receives a majority of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who ranked the eliminated candidate as their first choice will have their votes counted instead for their second choice.
The process repeats until one candidate receives a majority of the vote and wins. The new system would apply to state and federal elections and primaries in Massachusetts beginning in 2022. It would not be used in presidential elections.
Backers of ranked choice voting - including the Ranked Choice Voting 2020 Committee - say the goal is to eliminate the so-called “spoiler effect” by making sure no candidate wins without a majority of votes. They’ve collected $5.6 million, including thousands of small dollar donations.
The question has some bipartisan support - both former Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick and former Republican Gov. William Weld back the change - but some more conservative voices in the state oppose the measure.
Ranked choice voting will be used for the first time in a presidential race in the U.S. in Maine after the state’s Supreme Court concluded a GOP-led petition drive intended to prevent its use failed to reach a signature threshold.
The question is also being supported by some deep-pocketed backers. A little more than half of the total contributions - about $2.9 million - has come from the Houston, Texas-based non-profit Action Now Initiative - a project of Texas philanthropist couple John and Laura Arnold.
Others who gave hefty sums include Kathryn Murdoch, wife of James Murdoch, the younger son of Rupert Murdoch ($500,000); Jonathan Soros, son of billionaire George Soros (100,000); Katherine Gehl, president of Wisconsin-based Gehl Foods ($250,000); and Maximillian Stone, managing director of the New York-based investment management first D.E. Shaw & Co. ($250,000).
Supporters like the group Voter Choice for Massachusetts said voters can cast a ballot for a single candidate if they want or rank their choices, ensuring “the winner has majority support and reflects the true will of the people.”
Opponents to the question - No Ranked Choice Voting Committee 2020 - reported raising just $250.
Critics led by the conservative Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance argue that ranked choice voting is confusing and will “force voters to guess the candidates who will remain standing in multiple voting rounds and cast their votes in the dark.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-27--The eyes don't have it: Masks upset classroom communication

Placing an order at a deli counter while wearing a mask and standing 6 feet away can be difficult .
Try teaching a class full of schoolchildren and connecting with students who are themselves wearing masks .
Teachers who in ordinary times rely on their voices to convey nuances of language and manage classroom behavior are tasked with not sounding like the trombone-produced “ wah wah ” of the Charlie Brown TV specials while protecting themselves and their students from the coronavirus .
To help themselves communicate with students , teachers have turned to masks with clear patches over their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classrooms so they can speak without masks , and in some cases turned to props to get across how they are feeling .
Stephanie Wanzer , a teacher who works with special education students in Fairfield County , Connecticut , uses a stick with an image of a smile during her sessions .
“ I try to be really expressive with my eyes .
He ’ s looking at me and I ’ m not sure if he thinks I ’ m mad or happy because you can ’ t see my mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So I actually have a smile on a stick , which is bizarre , but it ’ s a smile like , ‘ Look , I ’ m smiling.
’ ” School started virtually for Jon Resendez , a teacher in Irvine , California , but he worries about how the required masks will affect the dynamic in his 12th grade civics classes with some students now returning to the school building .
“ Part of what I do as a civics teacher is to teach people to engage in civic conversations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with seeing the person ’ s facial expressions , a person ’ s body language and sort of reading your audience , and it becomes more difficult to read your audience ” when they are all wearing masks .
It also will be more difficult for student to collaborate , to do presentations and to speak with one another in class .
“ I like a low murmur in the room because if the students are talking , they are thinking , ” he said .
The task is especially difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaf , hard of hearing or whose first language is not English .
“ For one , the mask might muffle some sounds , making it harder for English learners to distinguish them , such as the sound for ‘ P ’ and the sound for ‘ B , ’ ” said Deborah Short , president of the TESOL International Association .
The Virginia-based group was created to unite teachers and administrators with an interest in teaching English to speakers of other languages .
“ A mask stops students from watching how a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tongue are positioned and whether air is expelled or not , ” she said .
Short said teachers can mitigate those limitations by speaking loudly and articulating well .
They also can utilize videos and images to “ show how sounds may be created , ” she said .
Some schools have ordered face shields or masks with windows so students can see teachers ’ mouths , although some have raised concerns about the plastic screens fogging up .
Wanzer said one colleague wore such a mask to work with a hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher look like the Joker and was unnecessary .
The teacher was happy not to use it , she said , because the plastic material was so uncomfortable .
Nonetheless , teachers and schools have driven spikes in demand for clear masks from companies like Baltimore-based ClearMask , which began producing its namesake product in 2017 after its co-founder , who is deaf , was unable to communicate effectively while undergoing surgery while wearing a traditional mask .
The company ’ s manufacturing team has grown from four employees to more than 250 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We see a large need for early childhood education to support young children ’ s social , emotional , and language development , as well as specific programs for students , ” said ClearMask co-founder and president Allysa Dittmar .
At the C.B .
Jennings International Elementary Magnet School in New London , Connecticut , teachers are provided with carts with plexiglass that they can stand behind as they move around the classroom .
Even behind them , many teachers still keep their masks on , according to instructional coach Elizabeth Sked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to connecting with students .
“ Kids and teachers are super resilient , ” she said .
Belinda Williams , a kindergarten teacher at Webb Elementary School in Franklin , Indiana , said she and her students have adapted to wearing masks , along with a new routines for hand-sanitizing and social distancing .
She decorated her classroom with a superhero theme and tells students they have “ special powers ” when they ’ re wearing face coverings .
“ Do I wish we didn ’ t have to wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But if it means teaching our children in person , then I will do what it takes.
” Associated Press writers Michael Melia in South Windsor , Connecticut , and Thalia Beaty in New York contributed to this report .

Placing an order at a deli counter while wearing a mask and standing 6 feet away can be difficult. Try teaching a class full of schoolchildren and connecting with students who are themselves wearing masks.
Teachers who in ordinary times rely on their voices to convey nuances of language and manage classroom behavior are tasked with not sounding like the trombone-produced “wah wah” of the Charlie Brown TV specials while protecting themselves and their students from the coronavirus.
To help themselves communicate with students, teachers have turned to masks with clear patches over their mouths, set up plexiglass bubbles inside classrooms so they can speak without masks, and in some cases turned to props to get across how they are feeling.
Stephanie Wanzer, a teacher who works with special education students in Fairfield County, Connecticut, uses a stick with an image of a smile during her sessions.
“I try to be really expressive with my eyes. He’s looking at me and I’m not sure if he thinks I’m mad or happy because you can’t see my mouth smiling,” she said. “So I actually have a smile on a stick, which is bizarre, but it’s a smile like, ‘Look, I’m smiling.’”
School started virtually for Jon Resendez, a teacher in Irvine, California, but he worries about how the required masks will affect the dynamic in his 12th grade civics classes with some students now returning to the school building.
“Part of what I do as a civics teacher is to teach people to engage in civic conversations,” he said. “That has to do with seeing the person’s facial expressions, a person’s body language and sort of reading your audience, and it becomes more difficult to read your audience” when they are all wearing masks.
It also will be more difficult for student to collaborate, to do presentations and to speak with one another in class.
“I like a low murmur in the room because if the students are talking, they are thinking,” he said.
The task is especially difficult for those working with students who are deaf, hard of hearing or whose first language is not English.
“For one, the mask might muffle some sounds, making it harder for English learners to distinguish them, such as the sound for ‘P’ and the sound for ‘B,’” said Deborah Short, president of the TESOL International Association. The Virginia-based group was created to unite teachers and administrators with an interest in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
“A mask stops students from watching how a teacher forms sounds, how the lips and tongue are positioned and whether air is expelled or not,” she said.
Short said teachers can mitigate those limitations by speaking loudly and articulating well. They also can utilize videos and images to “show how sounds may be created,” she said.
Some schools have ordered face shields or masks with windows so students can see teachers’ mouths, although some have raised concerns about the plastic screens fogging up.
Wanzer said one colleague wore such a mask to work with a hearing impaired student who said it made the teacher look like the Joker and was unnecessary. The teacher was happy not to use it, she said, because the plastic material was so uncomfortable.
Nonetheless, teachers and schools have driven spikes in demand for clear masks from companies like Baltimore-based ClearMask, which began producing its namesake product in 2017 after its co-founder, who is deaf, was unable to communicate effectively while undergoing surgery while wearing a traditional mask. The company’s manufacturing team has grown from four employees to more than 250 since the start of the pandemic.
“We see a large need for early childhood education to support young children’s social, emotional, and language development, as well as specific programs for students,” said ClearMask co-founder and president Allysa Dittmar.
At the C.B. Jennings International Elementary Magnet School in New London, Connecticut, teachers are provided with carts with plexiglass that they can stand behind as they move around the classroom.
Even behind them, many teachers still keep their masks on, according to instructional coach Elizabeth Sked, who said expressive eyes go a long way to connecting with students.
“Kids and teachers are super resilient,” she said.
Belinda Williams, a kindergarten teacher at Webb Elementary School in Franklin, Indiana, said she and her students have adapted to wearing masks, along with a new routines for hand-sanitizing and social distancing. She decorated her classroom with a superhero theme and tells students they have “special powers” when they’re wearing face coverings.
“Do I wish we didn’t have to wear a mask? Absolutely,” she said. “But if it means teaching our children in person, then I will do what it takes.”
____
Associated Press writers Michael Melia in South Windsor, Connecticut, and Thalia Beaty in New York contributed to this report.