washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Nelly producer charged with fraud in Sweetie Pie's case

O ’ FALLON , Mo .
( AP ) - An investigation into 2016 killing of a man whose grandmother ’ s St. Louis-area soul food restaurant was the setting for the reality show “ Welcome to Sweetie Pie ’ s ” has led to fraud charges against his uncle and a man who helped produce a hit album for the rapper Nelly .
The slain man ’ s uncle , James Timothy Norman , of Jackson , Mississippi , and an alleged co-conspirator , Terica Ellis , of Memphis , Tennessee , were arrested earlier this week on charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot that led to the shooting death of 20-year-old Andre Montgomery near a St. Louis park four years ago .
The U.S. attorney ’ s office in St. Louis announced Thursday that in addition to the murder-for-hire charge Norman was already facing , a grand jury charged him and 42-year-old Waiel Rebhi Yaghnam , of St. Louis , with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud .
Yaghnam , who is not charged in the alleged murder-for-hire plot , is an insurance agent , but in 2002 he was one of the producers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 6 million copies in the U.S. Norman , who is a son of Sweetie Pie ’ s owner Robbie Montgomery , and the victim , who was her grandson , appeared on “ Welcome to Sweetie Pie ’ s , ” which ran for five seasons on the Oprah Winfrey Network starting in 2011 .
Robbie Montgomery ’ s family has not spoken publicly about the charges .
In a news release announcing the new charges , federal prosecutors allege that Yaghnam conspired with Norman to fraudulently obtain a $ 450,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yaghnam was Norman ’ s insurance agent at the time .
Yaghnam and Norman made false statement on life insurance applications for Andre Montgomery in which they lied about Montgomery ’ s net worth , income and other information , prosecutors allege .
Norman , now 41 , became the sole beneficiary of of his nephew ’ s life insurance policy in 2014 , according to prosecutors .
Montgomery was shot to death on March 14 , 2016 , near Fairground Park in St. Louis .
Norman and Ellis - described by prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a federal charge of conspiring to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire , resulting in death .
Authorities have not said who they believe shot the victim , but Yaghnam is not charged in the shooting .
Prosecutors allege that the day before the killing , Norman flew to St. Louis from Los Angeles , where he was living at the time , and Ellis arrived from Memphis .
They say the two communicated using temporary cellphones activated that day .
One day later , Ellis used the temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn his physical location for the purpose of luring Montgomery outside , ” according to the news release .
“ Immediately after learning Montgomery ’ s location , Ellis placed a call to Norman.
” Prosecutors allege that Ellis ’ s phone location information placed her near the shooting scene at the time of the killing .
The complaint said that immediately following the shooting , Ellis placed another call and then began traveling back to Memphis .
Prosecutors say Ellis later deposited more than $ 9,000 in cash in various bank accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norman contacted the life insurance company in an attempt to collect on his nephew ’ s policy , prosecutors said .

O’FALLON, Mo. (AP) - An investigation into 2016 killing of a man whose grandmother’s St. Louis-area soul food restaurant was the setting for the reality show “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” has led to fraud charges against his uncle and a man who helped produce a hit album for the rapper Nelly.
The slain man’s uncle, James Timothy Norman, of Jackson, Mississippi, and an alleged co-conspirator, Terica Ellis, of Memphis, Tennessee, were arrested earlier this week on charges alleging they were involved in a murder-for-hire plot that led to the shooting death of 20-year-old Andre Montgomery near a St. Louis park four years ago.
The U.S. attorney’s office in St. Louis announced Thursday that in addition to the murder-for-hire charge Norman was already facing, a grand jury charged him and 42-year-old Waiel Rebhi Yaghnam, of St. Louis, with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Yaghnam, who is not charged in the alleged murder-for-hire plot, is an insurance agent, but in 2002 he was one of the producers of “Nellyville,” which sold more than 6 million copies in the U.S.
Norman, who is a son of Sweetie Pie’s owner Robbie Montgomery, and the victim, who was her grandson, appeared on “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” which ran for five seasons on the Oprah Winfrey Network starting in 2011. Robbie Montgomery’s family has not spoken publicly about the charges.
In a news release announcing the new charges, federal prosecutors allege that Yaghnam conspired with Norman to fraudulently obtain a $450,000 life insurance policy on Andre Montgomery. Yaghnam was Norman’s insurance agent at the time.
Yaghnam and Norman made false statement on life insurance applications for Andre Montgomery in which they lied about Montgomery’s net worth, income and other information, prosecutors allege.
Norman, now 41, became the sole beneficiary of of his nephew’s life insurance policy in 2014, according to prosecutors. Montgomery was shot to death on March 14, 2016, near Fairground Park in St. Louis.
Norman and Ellis - described by prosecutors as an exotic dancer - each face a federal charge of conspiring to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire, resulting in death. Authorities have not said who they believe shot the victim, but Yaghnam is not charged in the shooting.
Prosecutors allege that the day before the killing, Norman flew to St. Louis from Los Angeles, where he was living at the time, and Ellis arrived from Memphis. They say the two communicated using temporary cellphones activated that day.
One day later, Ellis used the temporary phone “to communicate with Montgomery and learn his physical location for the purpose of luring Montgomery outside,” according to the news release. “Immediately after learning Montgomery’s location, Ellis placed a call to Norman.”
Prosecutors allege that Ellis’s phone location information placed her near the shooting scene at the time of the killing. The complaint said that immediately following the shooting, Ellis placed another call and then began traveling back to Memphis.
Prosecutors say Ellis later deposited more than $9,000 in cash in various bank accounts. Four days after the killing, Norman contacted the life insurance company in an attempt to collect on his nephew’s policy, prosecutors said.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--DeJoy optimistic Postal Service can break even if Congress authorizes reforms

Postmaster Louis DeJoy says he ’ s an “ optimist ” about breaking even on Postal Service operating expenses and improving its financial problems .
Mr. DeJoy debated Sen. Rand Paul during a Senate hearing on policy changes at the USPS , where the Kentucky Republican put forth a few ideas of his own to curb the agency ’ s deficit .
“ Even with legislative reform I see it as an almost impossibility how we ’ d actually balance the annual operating losses , ” Mr. Paul said .
“ We shouldn ’ t give you any more money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He suggested that there could be curbed-in hiring , less personal delivery service in certain locations or cutting back on delivery days from six to five .
Mr. DeJoy pushed back on that , saying the six days are important because of the trust and relationship it generates between the Postal Service and the public .
“ I think that is our biggest strength to capitalize on , ” he said .
Instead , Mr. DeJoy wants to be able to make scheduling changes without much “ fanfare , ” as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packages .
“ I would like to be liberated on pricing .
It is a very competitive market out there now , ” he added .
The financial problems the postal service has been having for years is prompting new talk on Capitol Hill of overall reforms for the agency , but also drawing attention to its immediate needs during the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr. DeJoy said the Postal Service deserved some more help from the government because of its performance in the pandemic .
“ We do need the freedom from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] regulation , and we do need to be — we do need to be reimbursed for our costs .
When you look at during the COVID —during the pandemic , we still delivered to 99 % of the American homes and —with no revenue , no revenue , ” he said .
“ We continued to do what we ’ re supposed to do and at a significant cost impact , you know , and I ’ m one to try to get to a sustainable model , but in this case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation for it.
” Officials have warned that the agency could run out of money by the end of September and requested $ 75 billion in emergency funding .
The $ 2 trillion relief bill Congress passed in March authorized $ 10 billion in loans for the Postal Service if it finds that it can ’ t fund operating expenses because of the pandemic .
Democrats want $ 25 billion in the next COVID relief deal , something the White House has signaled it could be open to .

Postmaster Louis DeJoy says he’s an “optimist” about breaking even on Postal Service operating expenses and improving its financial problems.
Mr. DeJoy debated Sen. Rand Paul during a Senate hearing on policy changes at the USPS, where the Kentucky Republican put forth a few ideas of his own to curb the agency’s deficit.
“Even with legislative reform I see it as an almost impossibility how we’d actually balance the annual operating losses,” Mr. Paul said. “We shouldn’t give you any more money unless it’s attached to reform.”
He suggested that there could be curbed-in hiring, less personal delivery service in certain locations or cutting back on delivery days from six to five.
Mr. DeJoy pushed back on that, saying the six days are important because of the trust and relationship it generates between the Postal Service and the public.
“I think that is our biggest strength to capitalize on,” he said.
Instead, Mr. DeJoy wants to be able to make scheduling changes without much “fanfare,” as well as integrate Medicaid benefits and reform pension packages.
“I would like to be liberated on pricing. It is a very competitive market out there now,” he added.
The financial problems the postal service has been having for years is prompting new talk on Capitol Hill of overall reforms for the agency, but also drawing attention to its immediate needs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. DeJoy said the Postal Service deserved some more help from the government because of its performance in the pandemic.
“We do need the freedom from the change in the [Postal Regulatory Commission] regulation, and we do need to be — we do need to be reimbursed for our costs. When you look at during the COVID —during the pandemic, we still delivered to 99% of the American homes and —with no revenue, no revenue,” he said. “We continued to do what we’re supposed to do and at a significant cost impact, you know, and I’m one to try to get to a sustainable model, but in this case we — I believe we deserve some compensation for it.”
Officials have warned that the agency could run out of money by the end of September and requested $75 billion in emergency funding.
The $2 trillion relief bill Congress passed in March authorized $10 billion in loans for the Postal Service if it finds that it can’t fund operating expenses because of the pandemic.
Democrats want $25 billion in the next COVID relief deal, something the White House has signaled it could be open to.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--79-year-old woman arrested in 78-year-old McCook man's death

McCOOK , Neb .
( AP ) - Police in southwestern Nebraska arrested a 79-year-old woman on suspicion of killing @ @ @ @ @ .
Police were called to a home Thursday morning and found the man dead following @ @ @ @ @ a domestic situation , the McCook Gazette reported .
Police said the woman was arrested @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s death .
Police had not released the names of the victim or @ @ @ @ @ relationship by Friday morning .
Police also had not given any details on how the @ @ @ @ @ autopsy will be performed in Omaha

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) - Police in southwestern Nebraska arrested a 79-year-old woman on suspicion of killing a 78-year-old man in McCook.
Police were called to a home Thursday morning and found the man dead following what investigators described only as a domestic situation, the McCook Gazette reported.
Police said the woman was arrested on suspicion of causing the man’s death.
Police had not released the names of the victim or the suspect or explained their relationship by Friday morning. Police also had not given any details on how the man was killed.
An autopsy will be performed in Omaha


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--30 coronavirus cases in outbreak at Bremerton hospital

BREMERTON , Wash. ( AP ) - More than 30 COVID-19 cases have been reported in an outbreak at a Bremerton hospital , state health officials said .
The Washington State Department of Health said Friday afternoon the outbreak has affected multiple units at St. Michael Medical Center , which is part of the CHI Franciscan system .
The outbreak involves hospital staff and employees , officials said .
The Kitsap Public Health District and state health officials say they are working with the hospital to contain the outbreak after the first case was reported late last week .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been notified .
“ St .
Michael provides vital services to our community and we are taking this situation extremely seriously , ” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said in a statement .
“ We appreciate St. Michael ’ s quick action and ongoing cooperation.
” Along with local public health staff , who lead investigations into cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 , infection control specialists from the state Department of Health will provide technical assistance and support the hospital response .
Public health and the hospital have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention .
In an update on its website , CHI Franciscan said because of the outbreak and an increase in virus activity in the Kitsap community , the hospital will restrict new admissions and limit visitors .
Health officials say it ’ s important that people continue to stay home as much as possible , keep physical distance from others and wear face coverings in public .
State health officials confirmed 390 additional COVID-19 cases in Washington on Friday , bringing the state case count to 69,779 .
There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , according to the state Department of Health , with 13 of those deaths confirmed Friday .

BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) - More than 30 COVID-19 cases have been reported in an outbreak at a Bremerton hospital, state health officials said.
The Washington State Department of Health said Friday afternoon the outbreak has affected multiple units at St. Michael Medical Center, which is part of the CHI Franciscan system.
The outbreak involves hospital staff and employees, officials said.
The Kitsap Public Health District and state health officials say they are working with the hospital to contain the outbreak after the first case was reported late last week.
Officials said patients discharged from the impacted units have been notified.
“St. Michael provides vital services to our community and we are taking this situation extremely seriously,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said in a statement. “We appreciate St. Michael’s quick action and ongoing cooperation.”
Along with local public health staff, who lead investigations into cases and outbreaks of COVID-19, infection control specialists from the state Department of Health will provide technical assistance and support the hospital response.
Public health and the hospital have also consulted with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In an update on its website, CHI Franciscan said because of the outbreak and an increase in virus activity in the Kitsap community, the hospital will restrict new admissions and limit visitors.
Health officials say it’s important that people continue to stay home as much as possible, keep physical distance from others and wear face coverings in public.
State health officials confirmed 390 additional COVID-19 cases in Washington on Friday, bringing the state case count to 69,779.
There have been 1,850 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Washington, according to the state Department of Health, with 13 of those deaths confirmed Friday.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--John Brennan interviewed in John Durham probe

WASHINGTON — Former CIA Director John Brennan was interviewed Friday by U.S. Attorney John Durham ’ s team as part of its inquiry into the investigators and intelligence officials behind the 2016 Russia election interference probe .
The interview took place at CIA headquarters and lasted for eight hours , said Nick Shapiro , Brennan ’ s former deputy chief of staff and senior adviser .
“ Brennan was informed by Mr. Durham that he is not a subject or a target of a criminal investigation and that he is only a witness to events that are under review , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brennan led the CIA under the Obama administration as it and other intelligence agencies arrived at the conclusion that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Donald Trump .
Durham ’ s interest in speaking with him underscores the extent to which he and his team are examining how the CIA reached that assessment , which Trump has long resisted .
Brennan appeared voluntarily for the interview and has previously said he welcomed the chance to be questioned and felt he had nothing to hide .
“ And so I look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to come out and the individuals who have mischaracterized what has happened in the past will be shown to have deceived the American people , ” Brennan said in a May interview on MSNBC .
During the interview , Brennan offered details on the efforts made by the intelligence community to “ understand and disrupt ” Russia ’ s efforts to interfere in the election and answered questions related to a “ wide range of intelligence activities ” undertaken by the CIA in the run-up to November 2016 , Shapiro said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed Durham , the U.S. attorney for Connecticut , to examine the decisions that were made by government officials as they investigated ties between the Trump campaign and Russia .
Exhaustive reports by former special counsel Robert Mueller and the Republican-led Senate intelligence committee have detailed extensive ties between Russians and Trump associates , but Barr has challenged the idea that the FBI had sufficient basis to open its counterintelligence investigation and gave Durham a mandate that allows him to look into the actions of other agencies too .
Brennan questioned why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now being scrutinized by the Justice Department given that the Mueller report and the bipartisan Senate report validated the conclusions of Russian interference , Shapiro said .
“ Brennan also told Mr. Durham that the repeated efforts of Donald Trump and William Barr to politicize Mr. Durham ’ s work have been appalling and have tarnished the independence and integrity of the Department of Justice , making it very difficult for Department of Justice professionals to carry out their responsibilities , ” according to Shapiro ’ s statement .
Brennan , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , testified before Congress in 2017 that he had personally warned Russia against interfering in the election and that he was so concerned about Russia ’ s contacts with people involved in Trump ’ s campaign that he convened top counterintelligence officials to focus on the issue .
He told the House intelligence committee at that hearing that it “ should be clear to everyone that Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 present election process , ” though he said he didn ’ t have enough information to know whether it was colluding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said , “ I know there was a basis to have individuals pull those threads.
” Mueller ’ s investigation found that the Trump campaign embraced Russia ’ s help and expected to benefit from it , though he did not allege a criminal conspiracy between the two .
Durham brought his first criminal charge last week against a former FBI lawyer accused of altering an email related to the secret surveillance of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page .
The attorney , Kevin Clinesmith , pleaded guilty on Wednesday to @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON — Former CIA Director John Brennan was interviewed Friday by U.S. Attorney John Durham’s team as part of its inquiry into the investigators and intelligence officials behind the 2016 Russia election interference probe.
The interview took place at CIA headquarters and lasted for eight hours, said Nick Shapiro, Brennan’s former deputy chief of staff and senior adviser.
“Brennan was informed by Mr. Durham that he is not a subject or a target of a criminal investigation and that he is only a witness to events that are under review,” Shapiro said in a statement.
Brennan led the CIA under the Obama administration as it and other intelligence agencies arrived at the conclusion that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Donald Trump. Durham’s interest in speaking with him underscores the extent to which he and his team are examining how the CIA reached that assessment, which Trump has long resisted.
Brennan appeared voluntarily for the interview and has previously said he welcomed the chance to be questioned and felt he had nothing to hide.
“And so I look forward to the day when the truth is going to come out and the individuals who have mischaracterized what has happened in the past will be shown to have deceived the American people,” Brennan said in a May interview on MSNBC.
During the interview, Brennan offered details on the efforts made by the intelligence community to “understand and disrupt” Russia’s efforts to interfere in the election and answered questions related to a “wide range of intelligence activities” undertaken by the CIA in the run-up to November 2016, Shapiro said.
A spokesman for Durham declined to comment Friday.
Attorney General William Barr last year appointed Durham, the U.S. attorney for Connecticut, to examine the decisions that were made by government officials as they investigated ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Exhaustive reports by former special counsel Robert Mueller and the Republican-led Senate intelligence committee have detailed extensive ties between Russians and Trump associates, but Barr has challenged the idea that the FBI had sufficient basis to open its counterintelligence investigation and gave Durham a mandate that allows him to look into the actions of other agencies too.
Brennan questioned why the CIA’s findings and tradecraft are now being scrutinized by the Justice Department given that the Mueller report and the bipartisan Senate report validated the conclusions of Russian interference, Shapiro said.
“Brennan also told Mr. Durham that the repeated efforts of Donald Trump and William Barr to politicize Mr. Durham’s work have been appalling and have tarnished the independence and integrity of the Department of Justice, making it very difficult for Department of Justice professionals to carry out their responsibilities,” according to Shapiro’s statement.
Brennan, who has emerged as a vocal critic of Trump, testified before Congress in 2017 that he had personally warned Russia against interfering in the election and that he was so concerned about Russia’s contacts with people involved in Trump’s campaign that he convened top counterintelligence officials to focus on the issue.
He told the House intelligence committee at that hearing that it “should be clear to everyone that Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 present election process,” though he said he didn’t have enough information to know whether it was colluding with the campaign.
“But,” he said, “I know there was a basis to have individuals pull those threads.”
Mueller’s investigation found that the Trump campaign embraced Russia’s help and expected to benefit from it, though he did not allege a criminal conspiracy between the two.
Durham brought his first criminal charge last week against a former FBI lawyer accused of altering an email related to the secret surveillance of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. The attorney, Kevin Clinesmith, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a false statement charge.
_____
Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Smuggler tries to shoot Border Patrol agent, gets wounded himself

A Border Patrol agent shot a man smuggling illegal immigrants Thursday after he fled an Arizona checkpoint , led agents on a 20-mile chase , then shot at them when they finally caught up to him , authorities said in filing charges .
Alejandro Stalter , a U.S. citizen , was hit multiple times , but was treated and released from the hospital into agents ’ custody .
“ This event is a stark reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform confront every day in the protection of our community and this country , ” Customs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Border Patrol , said in a statement .
The encounter began Thursday evening when Mr. Stalter , driving a Dodge Charger , approached a Border Patrol highway checkpoint , where agents try to sniff out illegal immigrants who may have made it past the initial line of agents up along the border .
In this case , the two migrants Mr. Stalter was carrying told agents they ’ d made it through one checkpoint but at the second one , near Casa Grande , one of the migrants struggled to answer the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the Charger ’ s trunk Mr. Stalter sped off , led agents for 20 miles until he struck something in the road , had to stop , and was surrounded by authorities .
According to court documents , the two migrants say Mr. Stalter at some point during the chase pulled a rifle from somewhere in the car and had it across his lap .
When the agent approached the Charger Mr. Stalter fired at him , and the agent returned fire .
One of the migrants later told authorities Mr. Stalter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the smuggling run .
Border officials say they ’ re increasingly seeing smugglers arm themselves with guns as they try to sneak illegal immigrants past checkpoints and deeper into the U.S. , where the migrants fan out to their final destinations .
In this week ’ s incident both migrants are from Mexico .
One said he was paying $ 11,000 to be smuggled to Florida .
The other said he ’ d paid $ 4,000 up front .
The smuggling coordinator in Mexico provided them with fake documents and Mr. Stalter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the checkpoints , they said .
But they said the questions at the second checkpoint were more difficult and stumped them , making agents suspicious and sparking the chase and shootout .

A Border Patrol agent shot a man smuggling illegal immigrants Thursday after he fled an Arizona checkpoint, led agents on a 20-mile chase, then shot at them when they finally caught up to him, authorities said in filing charges.
Alejandro Stalter, a U.S. citizen, was hit multiple times, but was treated and released from the hospital into agents’ custody.
“This event is a stark reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform confront every day in the protection of our community and this country,” Customs and Border Protection, the agency that oversees the Border Patrol, said in a statement.
The encounter began Thursday evening when Mr. Stalter, driving a Dodge Charger, approached a Border Patrol highway checkpoint, where agents try to sniff out illegal immigrants who may have made it past the initial line of agents up along the border.
In this case, the two migrants Mr. Stalter was carrying told agents they’d made it through one checkpoint but at the second one, near Casa Grande, one of the migrants struggled to answer the questions.
When agents tried to look into the Charger’s trunk Mr. Stalter sped off, led agents for 20 miles until he struck something in the road, had to stop, and was surrounded by authorities.
According to court documents, the two migrants say Mr. Stalter at some point during the chase pulled a rifle from somewhere in the car and had it across his lap. When the agent approached the Charger Mr. Stalter fired at him, and the agent returned fire.
One of the migrants later told authorities Mr. Stalter said he’d taken cocaine before making the smuggling run.
Border officials say they’re increasingly seeing smugglers arm themselves with guns as they try to sneak illegal immigrants past checkpoints and deeper into the U.S., where the migrants fan out to their final destinations.
In this week’s incident both migrants are from Mexico. One said he was paying $11,000 to be smuggled to Florida. The other said he’d paid $4,000 up front.
The smuggling coordinator in Mexico provided them with fake documents and Mr. Stalter coached them on how to get through the checkpoints, they said.
But they said the questions at the second checkpoint were more difficult and stumped them, making agents suspicious and sparking the chase and shootout.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Nevada approves pandemic relief for student meal programs

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - Nevada lawmakers in a finance committee meeting Thursday approved $ 26 million to ensure qualifying students can continue to get free and reduced-price meals even if their schools aren ’ t holding in-person classes .
About 302,000 , or 64 % of the state ’ s K-12 students , qualify for federally funded free and reduced-price meals at school .
With the economy contracting and school closures preventing students from receiving their meals in cafeterias , lawmakers and advocates worry about food insecurity and ensuring continued access to meals for Nevada children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Agriculture allocated $ 54.9 million in coronavirus relief dollars to supplement Nevada ’ s school meal programs and summer food service program and waived the requirement that they only be served on-site .
Thus far , the funds have helped school districts meet unanticipated costs that have arisen amid the pandemic , as many providers have had to devise new methods to continue providing meals to qualifying students .
The vote Thursday in the Legislature ’ s interim finance committee allows the state agriculture department to spend the remainder of the funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Patricia Hoppe , the agriculture department ’ s deputy administrator , said schools were limited in how they could spend the money .
Districts and program sponsors , she said , could use the funds for meals or for packaging , distribution and standing up “ grab-and-go ” or meal-delivery programs to make sure children don ’ t go hungry .
Nevada spent $ 18 million from the onset of the pandemic until the end of the school year , $ 17 million on its summer food service program and projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million providing meals throughout the rest of the budget year .
Five weeks after lawmakers approved painful cuts to Nevada ’ s education and health care systems , the large line-item caught the eye of Assembly Minority Leader Robin Titus , R-Wellington , who asked if it supplemented or supplanted existing funds for meal programs .
Titus acknowledged the newfound challenges and potential food insecurity facing students and families throughout Nevada .
But because of difficulty anticipating costs , she told Hoppe and fellow lawmakers , “ I ’ m needing some reassurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just being thrown at folks without a plan.
” With negotiations over another relief package stalled in the Congress and existing relief dollars depleting more each day , most state and local governments are worried about rising pandemic-related expenses .
For both Titus and other lawmakers , confusion over the amount of funds and how they could be used underscored the complexities over how states can use coronavirus relief dollars .
The funds were approved as part of the $ 2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the states to supplement funding for nutrition programs as well .
Hoppe said the extra funds were a surprise to Nevada officials and allowed the state agriculture department to revert a portion of the money it typically uses for nutrition programs back to its coffers .
“ I have to say that we were just given this amount by USDA .
It was just assigned to us .
We were not involved in a particular formula , so we can ’ t tell how they decided to give Nevada $ 54 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and distribution costs may increase , Hoppe said other expenses could go down .
School districts , tribes and community organizations have set up additional distribution sites .
But without regular bus service and with often scant information provided to parents , the number of meals distributed through spring and summer decreased , Hoppe said .
Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton , D-Las Vegas , said there was little doubt Nevada needed supplemental funding to feed residents in need .
Confusion and restrictions on how the state agriculture department can use the funds , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would be better if ( the federal government ) communicated with us , but unfortunately that wasn ’ t the case with this particular item .
I know that food banks and food pantries that are very important to a lot of these communities are not able to access these dollars .
I believe that was a large oversight on the federal government ’ s part , ” she said .
Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues .

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada lawmakers in a finance committee meeting Thursday approved $26 million to ensure qualifying students can continue to get free and reduced-price meals even if their schools aren’t holding in-person classes.
About 302,000, or 64% of the state’s K-12 students, qualify for federally funded free and reduced-price meals at school. With the economy contracting and school closures preventing students from receiving their meals in cafeterias, lawmakers and advocates worry about food insecurity and ensuring continued access to meals for Nevada children.
In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture allocated $54.9 million in coronavirus relief dollars to supplement Nevada’s school meal programs and summer food service program and waived the requirement that they only be served on-site. Thus far, the funds have helped school districts meet unanticipated costs that have arisen amid the pandemic, as many providers have had to devise new methods to continue providing meals to qualifying students.
The vote Thursday in the Legislature’s interim finance committee allows the state agriculture department to spend the remainder of the funds on meal programs for the upcoming school year.
Patricia Hoppe, the agriculture department’s deputy administrator, said schools were limited in how they could spend the money. Districts and program sponsors, she said, could use the funds for meals or for packaging, distribution and standing up “grab-and-go” or meal-delivery programs to make sure children don’t go hungry.
Nevada spent $18 million from the onset of the pandemic until the end of the school year, $17 million on its summer food service program and projects it will spend an additional $20 million providing meals throughout the rest of the budget year.
Five weeks after lawmakers approved painful cuts to Nevada’s education and health care systems, the large line-item caught the eye of Assembly Minority Leader Robin Titus, R-Wellington, who asked if it supplemented or supplanted existing funds for meal programs.
Titus acknowledged the newfound challenges and potential food insecurity facing students and families throughout Nevada. But because of difficulty anticipating costs, she told Hoppe and fellow lawmakers, “I’m needing some reassurance that this money is well spent and not just being thrown at folks without a plan.”
With negotiations over another relief package stalled in the Congress and existing relief dollars depleting more each day, most state and local governments are worried about rising pandemic-related expenses. For both Titus and other lawmakers, confusion over the amount of funds and how they could be used underscored the complexities over how states can use coronavirus relief dollars.
The funds were approved as part of the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and went to agriculture departments in the states to supplement funding for nutrition programs as well. Hoppe said the extra funds were a surprise to Nevada officials and allowed the state agriculture department to revert a portion of the money it typically uses for nutrition programs back to its coffers.
“I have to say that we were just given this amount by USDA. It was just assigned to us. We were not involved in a particular formula, so we can’t tell how they decided to give Nevada $54 million,” Hoppe said.
Although demand and distribution costs may increase, Hoppe said other expenses could go down. School districts, tribes and community organizations have set up additional distribution sites. But without regular bus service and with often scant information provided to parents, the number of meals distributed through spring and summer decreased, Hoppe said.
Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, said there was little doubt Nevada needed supplemental funding to feed residents in need. Confusion and restrictions on how the state agriculture department can use the funds, she added, prevented efficient distribution.
“It would be better if (the federal government) communicated with us, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case with this particular item. I know that food banks and food pantries that are very important to a lot of these communities are not able to access these dollars. I believe that was a large oversight on the federal government’s part,” she said.
__
Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--South Korean leagues take stock amid COVID spike

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - South Korea may have been way ahead of the international curve in getting sport back to some semblance of normality but instead of near-full stadiums watching the end of baseball and soccer seasons later this year , a recent spike in coronavirus cases means officials will settle for just finishing the season at all .
In February , South Korea became the first country outside China to be hit significantly by COVID-19 but energetic measures soon had it under control .
With new cases approaching single figures in early May both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and soccer ’ s K-League were given the green light .
While sport around the world halted , both leagues basked in an unfamiliar international spotlight .
In early July , fans were allowed to fill 10 % of stadium seats , a figure that was raised to 30 % earlier in August .
A new surge this week , with 324 cases on Friday the highest daily figure since March 8 , prompted the government to shut stadiums in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province , which contain more than half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Baseball officials had been hoping to move to 70 % capacity in the coming weeks but Ryu Dae-hwan , the secretary general of the KBO , admitted such a number was now unlikely .
“ I think we shouldn ’ t expect to have fans back in the seats for quite some time , ” Ryu was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency .
“ Our main objective now is to finish the regular season and the postseason as safely as possible.
” The K-League had already reduced the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top tier teams from 38 to 27 .
There is an option to make a further cut to 22 games .
KBO officials are contemplating similar action to reduce the 144 games that each of the 10 teams have to play .
“ We have already reviewed possibilities of cutting the season to 135 games or to 126 games per team , ” Ryu added .
Even soccer franchises outside Seoul and Gyeonggi have decided to close their stadiums for the moment .
“ It is frustrating for us to play without fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Jeju United , based on an island off South Korea ’ s south coast , said in a statement .
“ But the health of the country comes first and we ask our fans to understand.
” Daegu FC , in the southeast , followed suit .
“ The number of COVID-19 cases has been rising rapidly across the nation , and the city of Daegu wanted to prevent further local spread , ” the team said .
Empty stadiums will increase the financial pressures on both sports .
The K-League proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 36 million won ( $ 30,400 ) have their pay cut by 10 % .
“ We ’ ll do everything in our power to prevent teams from cutting salaries without players ’ consent , ” the Korea Pro-Footballer ’ s Association said in a statement Thursday .
“ If that happens , we ’ ll respond sternly.
” Baseball is also struggling .
Ryu added that baseball teams , a number of which have taken bank loans to cover operation costs , need around 25 % stadium capacity to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , should the situation with COVID-19 stabilize in the latter half of the year , we would get that number to 50 to 70 % , ” he said .
“ That would really have helped our teams , but I think we can just forget about that now .
”

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea may have been way ahead of the international curve in getting sport back to some semblance of normality but instead of near-full stadiums watching the end of baseball and soccer seasons later this year, a recent spike in coronavirus cases means officials will settle for just finishing the season at all.
In February, South Korea became the first country outside China to be hit significantly by COVID-19 but energetic measures soon had it under control. With new cases approaching single figures in early May both the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) league and soccer’s K-League were given the green light.
While sport around the world halted, both leagues basked in an unfamiliar international spotlight. In early July, fans were allowed to fill 10% of stadium seats, a figure that was raised to 30% earlier in August.
A new surge this week, with 324 cases on Friday the highest daily figure since March 8, prompted the government to shut stadiums in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province, which contain more than half of the country’s 51 million residents.
Baseball officials had been hoping to move to 70% capacity in the coming weeks but Ryu Dae-hwan, the secretary general of the KBO, admitted such a number was now unlikely.
“I think we shouldn’t expect to have fans back in the seats for quite some time,” Ryu was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency. “Our main objective now is to finish the regular season and the postseason as safely as possible.”
The K-League had already reduced the number of soccer games for each of its 12 top tier teams from 38 to 27. There is an option to make a further cut to 22 games. KBO officials are contemplating similar action to reduce the 144 games that each of the 10 teams have to play.
“We have already reviewed possibilities of cutting the season to 135 games or to 126 games per team,” Ryu added.
Even soccer franchises outside Seoul and Gyeonggi have decided to close their stadiums for the moment.
“It is frustrating for us to play without fans for the next three home games,” Jeju United, based on an island off South Korea’s south coast, said in a statement. “But the health of the country comes first and we ask our fans to understand.”
Daegu FC, in the southeast, followed suit.
“The number of COVID-19 cases has been rising rapidly across the nation, and the city of Daegu wanted to prevent further local spread,” the team said.
Empty stadiums will increase the financial pressures on both sports. The K-League proposed earlier this week that all players earning more than 36 million won ($30,400) have their pay cut by 10%.
The reaction was negative.
“We’ll do everything in our power to prevent teams from cutting salaries without players’ consent,” the Korea Pro-Footballer’s Association said in a statement Thursday. “If that happens, we’ll respond sternly.”
Baseball is also struggling. Ryu added that baseball teams, a number of which have taken bank loans to cover operation costs, need around 25% stadium capacity to make ends meet.
“Our expectations were that, should the situation with COVID-19 stabilize in the latter half of the year, we would get that number to 50 to 70%,” he said. “That would really have helped our teams, but I think we can just forget about that now.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--David Pecker out as CEO of National Enquirer parent company

NEW YORK ( AP ) - David Pecker is stepping down as CEO of the National Enquirer ’ s parent , ending a reign that saw the company entangled in a campaign-finance scandal that sent President Donald Trump ’ s personal lawyer to jail .
Pecker ’ s company , American Media Inc. , is being taken over by Accelerate360 , a logistics firm based in Smyrna , Georgia , whose recent efforts include the delivery of millions of facemasks and units of hand sanitizer .
Accelerate did not disclose the terms of the deal in its announcement Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be headed by Accelerate CEO David Parry .
Chris Scardino , an 18-year veteran of American Media , was named president of A360 Media , the New York-based unit that will house American Media ’ s former titles , which also include Us Weekly , Life & Style and OK !
Pecker will serve as an “ executive advisor ” to the company ’ s A360 Media division , Accelerate said .
Under Pecker , the National Enquirer for years buried potentially embarrassing stories about Trump and other favored celebrities by buying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The practice was known as “ catch-and-kill.
” The Associated Press reported Pecker kept a safe in the Enquirer ’ s office that held documents on buried stories , including those involving Trump .
American Media admitted it had paid $ 150,000 to keep former Playboy model Karen McDougal quiet about an alleged affair with Trump to help his 2016 presidential campaign .
Trump has denied an affair .
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan agreed in 2018 not to prosecute American Media in exchange for its cooperation in a campaign finance investigation .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term for Trump ’ s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen .
Cohen is completing the last two years of a three-year prison sentence at home after pleading guilty to campaign finance charges and lying to Congress .

NEW YORK (AP) - David Pecker is stepping down as CEO of the National Enquirer’s parent, ending a reign that saw the company entangled in a campaign-finance scandal that sent President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer to jail.
Pecker’s company, American Media Inc., is being taken over by Accelerate360, a logistics firm based in Smyrna, Georgia, whose recent efforts include the delivery of millions of facemasks and units of hand sanitizer.
Accelerate did not disclose the terms of the deal in its announcement Friday. But it said the combined entity would be headed by Accelerate CEO David Parry.
Chris Scardino, an 18-year veteran of American Media, was named president of A360 Media, the New York-based unit that will house American Media’s former titles, which also include Us Weekly, Life & Style and OK! Pecker will serve as an “executive advisor” to the company’s A360 Media division, Accelerate said.
Under Pecker, the National Enquirer for years buried potentially embarrassing stories about Trump and other favored celebrities by buying the rights to them and never publishing. The practice was known as “catch-and-kill.”
The Associated Press reported Pecker kept a safe in the Enquirer’s office that held documents on buried stories, including those involving Trump.
American Media admitted it had paid $150,000 to keep former Playboy model Karen McDougal quiet about an alleged affair with Trump to help his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has denied an affair.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan agreed in 2018 not to prosecute American Media in exchange for its cooperation in a campaign finance investigation. That probe eventually led to a three-year prison term for Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.
Cohen is completing the last two years of a three-year prison sentence at home after pleading guilty to campaign finance charges and lying to Congress.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Joe Biden says he'd shut down U.S. again if scientists recommend it

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden says he would do whatever was needed to keep the country safe amid @ @ @ @ @ that meant shutting down the country .
Biden made the comment in an interview with @ @ @ @ @ Sunday night , but clips were provided Friday .
Biden says , “ I will @ @ @ @ @ it takes to save lives because we can not get the country moving until we @ @ @ @ @ adds that if scientists recommended shutting down the country , “ I would shut it @ @ @ @ @ is encouraging schools to reopen and people to get back to work .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ million confirmed coronavirus cases , with more than 175,000 deaths .

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden says he would do whatever was needed to keep the country safe amid the coronavirus pandemic even if that meant shutting down the country.
Biden made the comment in an interview with ABC. The interview airs Sunday night, but clips were provided Friday.
Biden says, “I will be prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives because we cannot get the country moving until we control the virus.” He adds that if scientists recommended shutting down the country, “I would shut it down.”
President Donald Trump is encouraging schools to reopen and people to get back to work. The U.S. has had more than 5.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 175,000 deaths.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Man arrested in connection with Oregon highway shootings

ROSEBURG , Ore. ( AP ) - A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of highway shootings in southwest Oregon , state police said .
Kenneth Ayers , of Roseburg , was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder , assault , recklessly endangering another person and other charges , police said .
It wasn ’ t immediately known if he has an attorney to comment on his behalf .
A least eight vehicles have been struck by bullets on Interstate 5 since the end of May , police said .
The most recent shooting happened Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle was struck by a bullet , police said .
She has since been released from the hospital .
It was the first known injury , police said .
Police had been investigating a possible link between the shootings and a UPS truck when they found Ayers north of the spot where the woman was hit , Oregon State Police Capt .
Tim Fox told The Oregonian/OregonLive .
Police found a gun in his truck consistent with the gun used in the shootings , Fox said .
“ We are appalled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperating with the responding authorities , ” a UPS spokesperson told the newspaper .
Police have yet to determine a motive .
Troopers believe the shootings began May 12 , shortly after Ayers ’ route was changed and sent him south of Roseburg on Interstate 5 .

ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of highway shootings in southwest Oregon, state police said.
Kenneth Ayers, of Roseburg, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault, recklessly endangering another person and other charges, police said. It wasn’t immediately known if he has an attorney to comment on his behalf.
At least eight vehicles have been struck by bullets on Interstate 5 since the end of May, police said. The most recent shooting happened Wednesday in Jackson County when a woman in a vehicle was struck by a bullet, police said. She has since been released from the hospital.
It was the first known injury, police said.
Police had been investigating a possible link between the shootings and a UPS truck when they found Ayers north of the spot where the woman was hit, Oregon State Police Capt. Tim Fox told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Police found a gun in his truck consistent with the gun used in the shootings, Fox said.
Police said Ayers was a UPS employee.
“We are appalled to hear about these allegations and are fully cooperating with the responding authorities,” a UPS spokesperson told the newspaper.
Police have yet to determine a motive. Troopers believe the shootings began May 12, shortly after Ayers’ route was changed and sent him south of Roseburg on Interstate 5.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--With stretched crews, homeowners join California firefight

BONNY DOON , Calif. ( AP ) - As wildfires rage throughout California turning forests and homes into kindling , some firefighters are badly short-staffed , and some residents are taking matters into their own hands .
In the Santa Cruz mountains south of San Francisco , about 1,000 firefighters are battling a fire over 78 square miles - 10 times the size they typically would cover , said Dan Olsen , a spokesman for the state fire agency , Cal Fire .
“ Put it this way : from an emergency response standpoint , we ’ re stretched , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires were burning around the state and some exploded in size Friday to be among the largest in California history .
Reinforcements were arriving from 10 states to bolster weary crews but Gov .
Gavin Newsom said there still weren ’ t enough people and aircraft .
Brothers Robert and Jesse Katz , who have a ranch in Morgan Hill , headed into the Santa Cruz mountains with their own fire truck .
On Friday they worked side-by-side with a professional local crew , hosing down a burning redwood next to a popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The more civilians can do to pitch in , it really will take the burden off of them and it really can make the difference between saving a house or a property or a home , and finding ashes , ” Robert Katz said .
“ You develop relationships with the people who are actually working the fire , and once you do that you can really work as a great team , ” Katz said .
“ If we ’ re doing structure protection , they can take the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
It frees them up to do areas of firefighting that otherwise would tie them up.
” But Cal Fire ’ s Olsen said civilians can put firefighters in danger .
“ They don ’ t have the training , the experience and the education we have about staying safe in fires , ” he said .
On Thursday night , crews had to stop fighting fires to rescue people who had become stuck when fire reached their doorstep , he said .
But Peter Koleckai credits a neighbor , not firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a narrow road a mile from the Katzes , Koleckai wiped tears from his eyes after days of evacuating and re-evacuating his family as one community after another became endangered .
Within a few blocks , more than a dozen homes lay in ruins , most still smoldering .
Summer gardens were roasted , hulls of cars were smoking , and in many homes the only recognizable feature was the chimney .
Koleckai said he had been hosing his property , filming devastation and sharing it with neighbors .
“ We were here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morning and the fire department just left .
They just left , ” he said .
Koleckai said he ran to a firefighter and told him a brush fire was erupting next to a house .
“ They never went up there and it engulfed the whole house , took the house out , ” he said .
Koleckai said a neighbor with a high pressure hose , firefighting equipment and a generator saved his home .
Nearby , brothers Jeremy and Justin Cote were guarding their parent ’ s home Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near Santa Cruz .
“ We got water , we got pumps , we got generators , ” said Jeremy Cote , “ but it ’ s gnarly.
” “ We ’ re very confused , ” said Justin Cote , pulling up on a small motorcycle .
“ There ’ s a fire burning here .
Where is everyone ?
Where are they ?
I know they need to fight other fires , but what about this one ?
” Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mike Smith said typically a wildfire of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 or even 20 times as many firefighters .
“ We are doing absolutely everything we can , ” he said .

BONNY DOON, Calif. (AP) - As wildfires rage throughout California turning forests and homes into kindling, some firefighters are badly short-staffed, and some residents are taking matters into their own hands.
In the Santa Cruz mountains south of San Francisco, about 1,000 firefighters are battling a fire over 78 square miles - 10 times the size they typically would cover, said Dan Olsen, a spokesman for the state fire agency, Cal Fire.
“Put it this way: from an emergency response standpoint, we’re stretched,” he said.
More than 500 fires were burning around the state and some exploded in size Friday to be among the largest in California history.
Reinforcements were arriving from 10 states to bolster weary crews but Gov. Gavin Newsom said there still weren’t enough people and aircraft.
Brothers Robert and Jesse Katz, who have a ranch in Morgan Hill, headed into the Santa Cruz mountains with their own fire truck. On Friday they worked side-by-side with a professional local crew, hosing down a burning redwood next to a popular hiking trail in Henry Cowell State Park.
“The more civilians can do to pitch in, it really will take the burden off of them and it really can make the difference between saving a house or a property or a home, and finding ashes,” Robert Katz said.
Katz said they’re working closely with crews.
“You develop relationships with the people who are actually working the fire, and once you do that you can really work as a great team,” Katz said. “If we’re doing structure protection, they can take the lead and we can do mop up behind them. It frees them up to do areas of firefighting that otherwise would tie them up.”
But Cal Fire’s Olsen said civilians can put firefighters in danger.
“They don’t have the training, the experience and the education we have about staying safe in fires,” he said.
On Thursday night, crews had to stop fighting fires to rescue people who had become stuck when fire reached their doorstep, he said.
But Peter Koleckai credits a neighbor, not firefighters, with saving his home.
Off a narrow road a mile from the Katzes, Koleckai wiped tears from his eyes after days of evacuating and re-evacuating his family as one community after another became endangered.
Within a few blocks, more than a dozen homes lay in ruins, most still smoldering. Summer gardens were roasted, hulls of cars were smoking, and in many homes the only recognizable feature was the chimney.
Koleckai said he had been hosing his property, filming devastation and sharing it with neighbors.
“We were here at about 3 o’clock in the morning and the fire department just left. They just left,” he said.
Koleckai said he ran to a firefighter and told him a brush fire was erupting next to a house.
“They never went up there and it engulfed the whole house, took the house out,” he said.
Koleckai said a neighbor with a high pressure hose, firefighting equipment and a generator saved his home.
Nearby, brothers Jeremy and Justin Cote were guarding their parent’s home Friday in Bonny Doon, a forested community near Santa Cruz.
“We got water, we got pumps, we got generators,” said Jeremy Cote, “but it’s gnarly.”
“We’re very confused,” said Justin Cote, pulling up on a small motorcycle. “There’s a fire burning here. Where is everyone? Where are they? I know they need to fight other fires, but what about this one?”
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mike Smith said typically a wildfire of the size burning through the region would have 10 or even 20 times as many firefighters.
“We are doing absolutely everything we can,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Earthquake occurs near Monroe in corner of Michigan

MONROE , Mich. ( AP ) - A magnitude 3.2 earthquake occurred Friday near Monroe in the southeastern corner of @ @ @ @ @ Survey said .
The depth was about 5.7 miles ( 9.17 kilometers ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ Detroit area and in Ohio , which is just minutes from Monroe .
It happened @ @ @ @ @ was a loud boom and the entire house shook and the pictures rattled on the @ @ @ @ @ of Temperance told the Monroe News .
Deanna Porter of Monroe said people in her @ @ @ @ @ to “ see what happened.
” State police on Twitter said they had no reports @ @ @ @ @ a little rumble to add to our 2020 !
” “ Many people do not @ @ @ @ @ .
Standing motor cars may rock slightly .
Vibrations similar to the passing of a @ @ @ @ @ Survey said on its website .

MONROE, Mich. (AP) - A magnitude 3.2 earthquake occurred Friday near Monroe in the southeastern corner of Michigan, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The depth was about 5.7 miles (9.17 kilometers). The earthquake was felt in the Detroit area and in Ohio, which is just minutes from Monroe. It happened around 7 p.m.
“There was a loud boom and the entire house shook and the pictures rattled on the wall,” Vicki LaVelle of Temperance told the Monroe News.
Deanna Porter of Monroe said people in her neighborhood emerged from their houses to “see what happened.”
State police on Twitter said they had no reports of damage, “just a little rumble to add to our 2020!”
Earthquakes of 3.2 magnitude aren’t considered major.
“Many people do not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibrations similar to the passing of a truck,” the Geological Survey said on its website.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Court OKs Virginia AG's agreement to promote absentee voting

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced Friday that a federal court has approved a consent decree negotiated by his office that promotes safe absentee voting in November ’ s general election .
( backslash ) In a news release , Herring said that under the consent decree , Virginia will accept absentee ballots without the signature of a witness “ for voters who believe they may not safely have a witness present while completing their ballot.
” “ This agreement is another big win for Virginia voters and for democracy , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we can have free , fair , safe elections this fall despite the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic , ” Herring said .
He added : “ Safe voting has been one of my top priorities for the last six months because no one should ever have to choose between their health and their fundamental right to cast their vote.
” The order was approved by Judge Norman K. Moon , who noted objections to absentee ballots raised by the Republican Party of Virginia .
A group of voters had sued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loosening of restrictions on absentee ballots for the June primary , arguing that the state can ’ t allow voters to use the pandemic as an excuse to vote by mail .
Moon wrote that despite the GOP objections to the agreement , “ every indication before the Court is that the June primary was conducted without the witness signature requirement and without any corresponding increase in voter confusion or election fraud.
” Herring previously reached an agreement , also approved by Moon , to promote safe voting by mail for the June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots without a witness signature .
”

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced Friday that a federal court has approved a consent decree negotiated by his office that promotes safe absentee voting in November’s general election.
(backslash)In a news release, Herring said that under the consent decree, Virginia will accept absentee ballots without the signature of a witness “for voters who believe they may not safely have a witness present while completing their ballot.”
“This agreement is another big win for Virginia voters and for democracy, and it’s another important step in ensuring that we can have free, fair, safe elections this fall despite the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic,” Herring said.
He added: “Safe voting has been one of my top priorities for the last six months because no one should ever have to choose between their health and their fundamental right to cast their vote.”
The order was approved by Judge Norman K. Moon, who noted objections to absentee ballots raised by the Republican Party of Virginia.
A group of voters had sued Virginia election officials in May over a loosening of restrictions on absentee ballots for the June primary, arguing that the state can’t allow voters to use the pandemic as an excuse to vote by mail.
Moon wrote that despite the GOP objections to the agreement, “every indication before the Court is that the June primary was conducted without the witness signature requirement and without any corresponding increase in voter confusion or election fraud.”
Herring previously reached an agreement, also approved by Moon, to promote safe voting by mail for the June 23 primaries by allowing acceptance of absentee ballots without a witness signature.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--NY will apply for federal program for unemployment funds

NEW YORK ( AP ) - New York state will apply for a federal program for unemployment money now that the state won ’ t have to come up with additional funds to cover a portion of what the Trump administration had originally proposed , state officials said Friday .
Since “ the federal government has blinked and will no longer make states provide funding they do not have , New York state will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance program , ” Budget Director Robert Mujica said in a statement .
President Donald Trump had signed an executive order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Federal Emergency Management Agency fund .
It was announced as a $ 400-per-week benefit , but put the onus on the states to pay $ 100 a week of that amount .
At the time , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo called the idea of cash-strapped New York coming up with the additional funds “ laughable.
” The U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance last week saying states would not have to contribute that money .
Trump ’ s order came after a $ 600-per-week federal unemployment benefit expired at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill for pandemic relief being reached .
Mujica noted that in his statement .
“ Make no mistake , this does not absolve Washington from doing its job , and they must pass a comprehensive aid package that provides a stable extension of unemployment benefits , repeals the SALT cap and supports local and state governments .
Anything else would simply be unacceptable , ” he said .

NEW YORK (AP) - New York state will apply for a federal program for unemployment money now that the state won’t have to come up with additional funds to cover a portion of what the Trump administration had originally proposed, state officials said Friday.
Since “the federal government has blinked and will no longer make states provide funding they do not have, New York state will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance program,” Budget Director Robert Mujica said in a statement.
President Donald Trump had signed an executive order earlier this month making money available from a Federal Emergency Management Agency fund. It was announced as a $400-per-week benefit, but put the onus on the states to pay $100 a week of that amount.
At the time, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the idea of cash-strapped New York coming up with the additional funds “laughable.” The U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance last week saying states would not have to contribute that money.
Trump’s order came after a $600-per-week federal unemployment benefit expired at the end of July, without a new bill for pandemic relief being reached.
Mujica noted that in his statement.
“Make no mistake, this does not absolve Washington from doing its job, and they must pass a comprehensive aid package that provides a stable extension of unemployment benefits, repeals the SALT cap and supports local and state governments. Anything else would simply be unacceptable,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Edwards declares emergency ahead of tropical weather

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - As a pair of tropical weather systems head toward the Gulf of Mexico and possibly Louisiana ’ s coast , Gov .
John Bel Edwards on Friday declared a state of emergency .
“ Louisiana is in a unique situation in that it is in the cone of two storms , which could impact different areas of the state in the coming days .
It is too soon to know exactly where , when or how these dual storms will affect Louisiana , but now is the time for our people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edwards said in a news release .
Edwards said his order allows the state to help local governments as they begin preparing for the potential landfall of Tropical Depression 14 and Tropical Storm Laura .
“ It should not be lost on any Louisianan that in addition to twin tropical weather threats , we still have to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic , ” Edwards added .
“ It is critical that you include relevant supplies , including face masks and hand sanitizer , in your emergency kits .
COVID-19 does not become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather.
” Edwards urged families to begin checking their emergency supplies and to make sure they include enough to sustain each family member for at least three days .

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - As a pair of tropical weather systems head toward the Gulf of Mexico and possibly Louisiana’s coast, Gov. John Bel Edwards on Friday declared a state of emergency.
“Louisiana is in a unique situation in that it is in the cone of two storms, which could impact different areas of the state in the coming days. It is too soon to know exactly where, when or how these dual storms will affect Louisiana, but now is the time for our people to prepare for these storms,” Edwards said in a news release.
Edwards said his order allows the state to help local governments as they begin preparing for the potential landfall of Tropical Depression 14 and Tropical Storm Laura.
“It should not be lost on any Louisianan that in addition to twin tropical weather threats, we still have to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Edwards added. “It is critical that you include relevant supplies, including face masks and hand sanitizer, in your emergency kits. COVID-19 does not become less of a threat because of tropical weather.”
Edwards urged families to begin checking their emergency supplies and to make sure they include enough to sustain each family member for at least three days.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Former Louisiana prosecutor released from prison

COVINGTON , La .
( AP ) - A former Louisiana prosecutor has been released from federal prison and will finish the rest of his sentence on public corruption charges at home .
The federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Friday that former St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Walter Reed was moved from the minimum-security Federal Correctional Institution in Morgantown , West Virginia , on Monday , WVUE-TV reported .
Reed had requested early release claiming that he could get better treatment outside of prison for his serious health issues and his concern over exposure to COVID-19 .
Reed announced last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer .
His request in June for early release was denied .
Reed ’ s Attorney , Richard Simmons Jr. , said Reed was released this week under provisions of the CARES Act that allow for prisoners to be moved to community confinement in either a halfway house or home confinement to alleviate space in federal prisons to slow the spread of COVID-19 in prisons .
Simmons said Reed underwent a 21-day quarantine required before prisoners are released .
Following that , Reed was flown to New Orleans on Monday and began confinement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Reed was sentenced in 2017 to four years in prison after being convicted on public corruption charges .
He was accused of obtaining money from campaign contributors and improperly using the money to enrich himself .
In June , a New Orleans judge denied Reed ’ s request for compassionate release over COVID-19 concerns .
Attorneys argued Reed was in poor health after developing prostate cancer and other medical issues .
The decision this week for a move to home confinement was made by the Bureau of Prisons and the warden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , the Bureau of Prisons has been evaluating inmate sentences and has sent 7,626 inmates to community confinement in response to COVID-19 .
Reed served as district attorney for St. Tammany and Washington parishes for 30 years .
The Louisiana Supreme Court has suspended him from practicing law .

COVINGTON, La. (AP) - A former Louisiana prosecutor has been released from federal prison and will finish the rest of his sentence on public corruption charges at home.
The federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Friday that former St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Walter Reed was moved from the minimum-security Federal Correctional Institution in Morgantown, West Virginia, on Monday, WVUE-TV reported.
Reed had requested early release claiming that he could get better treatment outside of prison for his serious health issues and his concern over exposure to COVID-19.
Reed announced last year that he had been diagnosed with cancer. His request in June for early release was denied.
Reed’s Attorney, Richard Simmons Jr., said Reed was released this week under provisions of the CARES Act that allow for prisoners to be moved to community confinement in either a halfway house or home confinement to alleviate space in federal prisons to slow the spread of COVID-19 in prisons.
Simmons said Reed underwent a 21-day quarantine required before prisoners are released. Following that, Reed was flown to New Orleans on Monday and began confinement at his home in Covington, Simmons said.
Reed was sentenced in 2017 to four years in prison after being convicted on public corruption charges. He was accused of obtaining money from campaign contributors and improperly using the money to enrich himself.
In June, a New Orleans judge denied Reed’s request for compassionate release over COVID-19 concerns. Attorneys argued Reed was in poor health after developing prostate cancer and other medical issues. The decision this week for a move to home confinement was made by the Bureau of Prisons and the warden of the West Virginia prison. Since March, the Bureau of Prisons has been evaluating inmate sentences and has sent 7,626 inmates to community confinement in response to COVID-19.
Reed served as district attorney for St. Tammany and Washington parishes for 30 years. The Louisiana Supreme Court has suspended him from practicing law.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Polis taps Colorado National Guard to help with wildfires

DENVER ( AP ) - Gov .
Jared Polis activated the Colorado National Guard on Friday to help with several wildfires burning across the state .
The governor ’ s office said a Black Hawk helicopter crew is on standby at the Guard ’ s high-altitude training site in Gypsum and will be available for searches and rescues .
The helicopter is equipped with a hoist that can lift firefighters and residents out of harm ’ s way .
The State Emergency Operations Center also has requested that the Guard provide about 30 soldiers to help the Larimer County Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area of the Cameron Peak Fire in northern Colorado .
That fire started near Cameron Pass on Aug. 13 and has burned about 26 square miles ( 67 square kilometers ) .
The Pine Gulch Fire , the state ’ s largest , started July 31 and has blackened about 195 square miles ( 505 square kilometers ) north of Grand Junction .
Investigators say it was sparked by lightning and is burning in remote and rough terrain .
No homes have been lost .
Meanwhile , Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a wildfire that has blackened the cliffs towering over the scenic roadway .
The Grizzly Creek fire has burned nearly 47 square miles ( 122 square kilometers ) since it started Aug. 10 and is 11 % contained .
The closure of I-70 , the state ’ s main east-west artery , has forced drivers headed across Colorado to take long detours for nearly two weeks and has strained local and regional supply chains .

DENVER (AP) - Gov. Jared Polis activated the Colorado National Guard on Friday to help with several wildfires burning across the state.
The governor’s office said a Black Hawk helicopter crew is on standby at the Guard’s high-altitude training site in Gypsum and will be available for searches and rescues. The helicopter is equipped with a hoist that can lift firefighters and residents out of harm’s way.
The State Emergency Operations Center also has requested that the Guard provide about 30 soldiers to help the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office keep traffic out of the area of the Cameron Peak Fire in northern Colorado. That fire started near Cameron Pass on Aug. 13 and has burned about 26 square miles (67 square kilometers).
The Pine Gulch Fire, the state’s largest, started July 31 and has blackened about 195 square miles (505 square kilometers) north of Grand Junction. Investigators say it was sparked by lightning and is burning in remote and rough terrain. No homes have been lost.
Meanwhile, Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon in western Colorado remained closed Friday because of a wildfire that has blackened the cliffs towering over the scenic roadway. The Grizzly Creek fire has burned nearly 47 square miles (122 square kilometers) since it started Aug. 10 and is 11% contained.
The closure of I-70, the state’s main east-west artery, has forced drivers headed across Colorado to take long detours for nearly two weeks and has strained local and regional supply chains.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Kansas City police officer indicted on felony assault charge

LIBERTY , Mo .
( AP ) - A Kansas City police sergeant has been indicted on a felony charge of third-degree assault after he allegedly kneed a 15-year-old boy on his neck and head and forced his head into the pavement while the teenager repeatedly said “ I can ’ t breathe , ” a Missouri prosecutor announced Friday .
The juvenile was handcuffed , kneeling and cooperating when Sgt .
Matthew Neal injured him in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in eastern Kansas City on Nov. 14 , 2019 , Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t breathe ) have become very infamous words but those were his words back when this occurred , ” Baker said .
The phrase has been a rallying cry for protesters since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , who said he couldn ’ t breathe several times as an officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck .
The juvenile , whose name was not released , was treated at a hospital for broken teeth and a gash on his head .
“ This use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handcuffed and compliant - I think we can all agree this is not a provocative statement - just can ’ t be tolerated , ” Baker said .
“ We should all agree about that.
” Baker said police video captures part of the incident but not Neal ’ s handling of the juvenile .
But she said there was audio of the incident and eyewitnesses also provided information .
She said a second officer was involved and the investigation was continuing .
Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a complaint was filed with department ’ s internal affairs unit .
He said after reviewing the investigation , the information was sent to federal prosecutors , the FBI and Baker ’ s office .
Neal , an 18-year veteran of the department has been on administrative leave since the investigation and will remain on leave pending the outcome of the case .
“ All of us want justice , ” Smith said .
“ And we remain committed to the legal process going forward.
” Baker said she was disturbed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office was not made aware of it until late spring , and she credited a lawyer who represents the juvenile and his mother with being instrumental in moving the case forward .
“ Needless to say , learning of incidents like this more quickly increases the chance the we ’ ll find additional evidence , ” Baker said .
“ So it ’ s important , timing is important on these .
That kind of speaks for itself.
” A grand jury affidavit said the incident began when an officer tried to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him at a 7-Eleven because he suspected a robbery might occur .
The driver fled until the vehicle was stopped at the fast-food restaurant .
The driver and the teenager got out of the car , knelt down and had their hands above their head , Baker said .
When Neal arrived , the juvenile , who was unarmed , was on his stomach and did not struggle , the affidavit said .
Neal put his knee on the back of the teenager ’ s head and forced his face into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained on the juvenile , who repeatedly said he couldn ’ t breathe , according to the affidavit .
No charges were brought against the juvenile .
Neal has been served with a summons to appear in court on a date that has not been scheduled .

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) - A Kansas City police sergeant has been indicted on a felony charge of third-degree assault after he allegedly kneed a 15-year-old boy on his neck and head and forced his head into the pavement while the teenager repeatedly said “I can’t breathe,” a Missouri prosecutor announced Friday.
The juvenile was handcuffed, kneeling and cooperating when Sgt. Matthew Neal injured him in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in eastern Kansas City on Nov. 14, 2019, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said.
“I know (I can’t breathe) have become very infamous words but those were his words back when this occurred,” Baker said.
The phrase has been a rallying cry for protesters since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, who said he couldn’t breathe several times as an officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck.
The juvenile, whose name was not released, was treated at a hospital for broken teeth and a gash on his head.
“This use of force, injuring this juvenile who was handcuffed and compliant - I think we can all agree this is not a provocative statement - just can’t be tolerated,” Baker said. “We should all agree about that.”
Baker said police video captures part of the incident but not Neal’s handling of the juvenile. But she said there was audio of the incident and eyewitnesses also provided information.
She said a second officer was involved and the investigation was continuing.
Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith said in a statement the department became aware of the incident after a complaint was filed with department’s internal affairs unit. He said after reviewing the investigation, the information was sent to federal prosecutors, the FBI and Baker’s office.
Neal, an 18-year veteran of the department has been on administrative leave since the investigation and will remain on leave pending the outcome of the case.
“All of us want justice,” Smith said. “And we remain committed to the legal process going forward.”
Baker said she was disturbed that the incident occurred in November but her office was not made aware of it until late spring, and she credited a lawyer who represents the juvenile and his mother with being instrumental in moving the case forward.
“Needless to say, learning of incidents like this more quickly increases the chance the we’ll find additional evidence,” Baker said. “So it’s important, timing is important on these. That kind of speaks for itself.”
A grand jury affidavit said the incident began when an officer tried to stop the 15-year-old and a male who was with him at a 7-Eleven because he suspected a robbery might occur. The driver fled until the vehicle was stopped at the fast-food restaurant. The driver and the teenager got out of the car, knelt down and had their hands above their head, Baker said.
When Neal arrived, the juvenile, who was unarmed, was on his stomach and did not struggle, the affidavit said. Neal put his knee on the back of the teenager’s head and forced his face into the cement. The officer’s knee remained on the juvenile, who repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe, according to the affidavit.
No charges were brought against the juvenile.
Neal has been served with a summons to appear in court on a date that has not been scheduled.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Mexico's famous floating gardens reopen after virus shutdown

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - The famous “ floating gardens ” of Xochimilco reopened to visitors Friday after a five-month lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic .
The canals that run through man-made islands created by the Aztecs on what is now the south side of Mexico City provide a popular day trip for tourists , with flat-bottom boats plying the water and mariachis playing music .
Seeking to reassure people , the borough government cleaned and disinfected the flower-decked boats and docks , and enforced special hygiene rules , but there were few tourists or revelers for the reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good year , like 2015 , when about 2 million people visited the floating gardens .
The tourism industry in Mexico accounts for 8.7 % of the country ’ s gross domestic product , and has been left gasping by the pandemic as both domestic and foreign tourists stay home .
Mexico City , which has nearly 90,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and about 10,000 deaths , is still on the second-highest form of alert .
Tourism has long been particularly important for Xochimilco , where borough officials have long struggled to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” from encroaching development .
People build houses on the unstable islands , which were created by the Aztecs by laying down woven reed mats , covering them with dirt and planting trees or other plants to root the floating islands to the bottom of the shallow lake .
As he poled his boat , known as a “ trajinera , ” through the waterways with a long barge pole , one boatman noted ruefully that even once people feel reassured about Xochimilco health precautions , many Mexico City residents may no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the pandemic ’ s economic blow .
The borough government sent squads of workers in protective suits through the boats , docks and surrounding markets early Friday to spray disinfectant .
Boat personnel are required to wear face masks and face shields , and to limit crowd size there is a ban on the traditional practice of tying up two boats so passengers can party in larger groups .
The boats can usually hold about 20 passengers in a pinch , but are now limited to 12 passengers .
The tradition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing boats , eat , drink and listen to mariachi music .
The boats will be allowed to operate only between 9 a.m and 5 p.m .
In the market , only every other artisan stall can be open on a given day .
However , there may be a bright side to Xochimilco ’ s dilemma : With all bars and nightclubs in Mexico City closed due to the pandemic , the boats , floating gardens and nearby market may be one of the few places in the city of almost 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , other than at home .
With so many people locked up at home for months , there are hopes that many city residents will want to go to Xochimilco and soak up the atmosphere - and a “ michelada , ” a local drink of beer , salt , sauce and lime .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - The famous “floating gardens” of Xochimilco reopened to visitors Friday after a five-month lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic.
The canals that run through man-made islands created by the Aztecs on what is now the south side of Mexico City provide a popular day trip for tourists, with flat-bottom boats plying the water and mariachis playing music.
Seeking to reassure people, the borough government cleaned and disinfected the flower-decked boats and docks, and enforced special hygiene rules, but there were few tourists or revelers for the reopening. That contrasts with the crowds in a good year, like 2015, when about 2 million people visited the floating gardens.
The tourism industry in Mexico accounts for 8.7% of the country’s gross domestic product, and has been left gasping by the pandemic as both domestic and foreign tourists stay home. Mexico City, which has nearly 90,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and about 10,000 deaths, is still on the second-highest form of alert.
Tourism has long been particularly important for Xochimilco, where borough officials have long struggled to defend the islands, known as “chinampas,” from encroaching development. People build houses on the unstable islands, which were created by the Aztecs by laying down woven reed mats, covering them with dirt and planting trees or other plants to root the floating islands to the bottom of the shallow lake.
As he poled his boat, known as a “trajinera,” through the waterways with a long barge pole, one boatman noted ruefully that even once people feel reassured about Xochimilco health precautions, many Mexico City residents may no longer have the money to do visit because of the pandemic’s economic blow.
The borough government sent squads of workers in protective suits through the boats, docks and surrounding markets early Friday to spray disinfectant.
Boat personnel are required to wear face masks and face shields, and to limit crowd size there is a ban on the traditional practice of tying up two boats so passengers can party in larger groups. The boats can usually hold about 20 passengers in a pinch, but are now limited to 12 passengers. The tradition is to order food from vendors in passing boats, eat, drink and listen to mariachi music.
The boats will be allowed to operate only between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. In the market, only every other artisan stall can be open on a given day.
However, there may be a bright side to Xochimilco’s dilemma: With all bars and nightclubs in Mexico City closed due to the pandemic, the boats, floating gardens and nearby market may be one of the few places in the city of almost 9 million inhabitants where revelers can still drink, other than at home.
With so many people locked up at home for months, there are hopes that many city residents will want to go to Xochimilco and soak up the atmosphere - and a “michelada,” a local drink of beer, salt, sauce and lime.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Judge won't stop virus tests for migrant farm, food workers

KALAMAZOO , Mich. ( AP ) - A federal judge on Friday refused to block a requirement that Michigan ’ s migrant farm workers get tested for the coronavirus , rejecting claims that it violates the rights of Hispanics .
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a handful of workers as well as some fruit producers .
But farm worker advocates told the judge they ’ re in favor of the tests .
Compliance starts Monday under an order from the state health department .
“ The emergency order is facially neutral , ” U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners and operators of migrant housing camps and all agricultural employers , as defined in the emergency order , with over 20 workers on site at a time .
… The emergency order does not mention Latinos or any other racial classification.
” The state said the tests are intended to protect vulnerable people who live in close quarters .
“ The department welcomes today ’ s ruling by a federal court rejecting an attempt to undermine this critical program to save lives , ” director Robert Gordon said .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farm , an asparagus farm , a meatpacking plant and other agricultural sites , according to the state .

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) - A federal judge on Friday refused to block a requirement that Michigan’s migrant farm workers get tested for the coronavirus, rejecting claims that it violates the rights of Hispanics.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a handful of workers as well as some fruit producers. But farm worker advocates told the judge they’re in favor of the tests. Compliance starts Monday under an order from the state health department.
“The emergency order is facially neutral,” U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney said. “It applies to all owners and operators of migrant housing camps and all agricultural employers, as defined in the emergency order, with over 20 workers on site at a time. … The emergency order does not mention Latinos or any other racial classification.”
The state said the tests are intended to protect vulnerable people who live in close quarters.
“The department welcomes today’s ruling by a federal court rejecting an attempt to undermine this critical program to save lives,” director Robert Gordon said.
There have been virus outbreaks since April at a poultry farm, an asparagus farm, a meatpacking plant and other agricultural sites, according to the state.


washingtontimes--2020-08-21--Pair plead not guilty to kidnapping charge in girl's death

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. ( AP ) - Two people have pleaded not guilty to federal kidnapping charges in the 2019 @ @ @ @ @ 3-year-old girl , according to the U.S. attorney ’ s office .
Al.com reports that @ @ @ @ @ disappearance and murder of 3-year-old Kamille “ Cupcake ” McKinney pleaded not guilty Thursday to @ @ @ @ @ Stallworth , 39 , and his girlfriend , Derick Irisha Brown , 29 , face @ @ @ @ @ well as state capital murder charges .
in the October 2019 disappearance and death .
@ @ @ @ @ a birthday party in Tom Brown Village in Birmingham .
They pleaded not guilty to @ @ @ @ @ arraignment in Birmingham federal court .

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Two people have pleaded not guilty to federal kidnapping charges in the 2019 disappearance and death of a 3-year-old girl, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Al.com reports that the two suspects in the disappearance and murder of 3-year-old Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal kidnapping charges.
Patrick Stallworth, 39, and his girlfriend, Derick Irisha Brown, 29, face federal kidnapping charges, as well as state capital murder charges. in the October 2019 disappearance and death.
The child disappeared while at a birthday party in Tom Brown Village in Birmingham.
They pleaded not guilty to the federal charges during their arraignment in Birmingham federal court.