washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Trump says he'll take executive action on payroll taxes, unemployment benefits if Dems won't bargain

President Trump said Friday night that he ’ ll take imminent executive action to extend federal unemployment benefits , defer payroll taxes and suspend housing evictions after contentious negotiations with congressional Democrats collapsed earlier in the day .
“ We gave them their chance , but they view it as an election enhancement , ” the president said .
“ We are going to do it in a way that ’ s just much easier.
” Speaking at a hastily arranged press conference at his golf club in Bedminster , New Jersey , with a crowd of club members for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news Friday that employers added 1.8 million jobs in July .
He said , “ We must ensure that the progress continues.
” As he has for the past week , Mr. Trump said he is ready to take executive action to declare a moratorium on evictions in federally backed housing , suspend student loan payments , extend federal unemployment benefits and defer payroll taxes through the end of the year , retroactive to July 1 .
“ If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage , I will act under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relief they need , ” Mr. Trump said .
He said he could take the action “ by the end of the week.
” “ They ’ re being drawn by the lawyers right now , ” Mr. Trump said .
Asked about opponents suing to stop him , the president replied , “ Probably we get sued .
But people feel we can do it .
We have the money .
We have plenty of money.
” Administration officials say there is about $ 1 trillion unspent from the $ 2.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said earlier Friday that they would recommend to Mr. Trump that he take the executive actions as soon as this weekend , after another day of talks with congressional Democrats failed to produce a deal .
Mr. Trump said his administration has been negotiating “ in good faith to reach an agreement with Democrats in Congress.
” The president said he is ready to defer payroll taxes , which the government imposes on up to 15.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between employees and employers .
He also dangled the possibility that it could be extended into the new year , after the November election .
“ I can extend it at a certain period .
Hopefully , I will be here to do the job , ” Mr. Trump said .
His comment about deferring those taxes , for the first time , suggested that workers and employers would be required to repay the taxes to the IRS at some point , although it wasn ’ t immediately clear .
House Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer said Friday that the White House refused to meet them halfway between their demand of $ 3.4 trillion in coronavirus relief and Senate Republicans ‘ proposal of roughly $ 1 trillion .
Democrats are seeking more than $ 900 million in aid for states and cities as part of their request .
Several times during the president ’ s frequently partisan remarks , the audience of roughly 100 people at the golf club cheered Mr. Trump and applauded .
When a reporter told the president that there were “ dozens of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] guidelines in New Jersey , ” the crowd booed , and Mr. Trump challenged the journalist .
“ You ’ re wrong on that because it ’ s a political activity , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ They have exceptions — political activity — and it ’ s also a peaceful protest.
” “ They pretty much all have masks on , ” the president told reporters .
“ I call it peaceful protest , because they heard you were coming up , and they know the news is fake .
@

President Trump said Friday night that he’ll take imminent executive action to extend federal unemployment benefits, defer payroll taxes and suspend housing evictions after contentious negotiations with congressional Democrats collapsed earlier in the day.
“We gave them their chance, but they view it as an election enhancement,” the president said. “We are going to do it in a way that’s just much easier.”
Speaking at a hastily arranged press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, with a crowd of club members for a cheering section, the president cited the news Friday that employers added 1.8 million jobs in July. He said, “We must ensure that the progress continues.”
As he has for the past week, Mr. Trump said he is ready to take executive action to declare a moratorium on evictions in federally backed housing, suspend student loan payments, extend federal unemployment benefits and defer payroll taxes through the end of the year, retroactive to July 1.
“If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need,” Mr. Trump said.
He said he could take the action “by the end of the week.”
SEE ALSO: Donald Trump cites ‘political activity’ carve-out for lack of social distancing at club
“They’re being drawn by the lawyers right now,” Mr. Trump said.
Asked about opponents suing to stop him, the president replied, “Probably we get sued. But people feel we can do it. We have the money. We have plenty of money.”
Administration officials say there is about $1 trillion unspent from the $2.2 trillion CARES Act that provided coronavirus relief in March.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said earlier Friday that they would recommend to Mr. Trump that he take the executive actions as soon as this weekend, after another day of talks with congressional Democrats failed to produce a deal.
Mr. Trump said his administration has been negotiating “in good faith to reach an agreement with Democrats in Congress.”
The president said he is ready to defer payroll taxes, which the government imposes on up to 15.3% of wages and self-employment income, split between employees and employers. He also dangled the possibility that it could be extended into the new year, after the November election.
“I can extend it at a certain period. Hopefully, I will be here to do the job,” Mr. Trump said.
His comment about deferring those taxes, for the first time, suggested that workers and employers would be required to repay the taxes to the IRS at some point, although it wasn’t immediately clear.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said Friday that the White House refused to meet them halfway between their demand of $3.4 trillion in coronavirus relief and Senate Republicans’ proposal of roughly $1 trillion. Democrats are seeking more than $900 million in aid for states and cities as part of their request.
Several times during the president’s frequently partisan remarks, the audience of roughly 100 people at the golf club cheered Mr. Trump and applauded.
When a reporter told the president that there were “dozens of people who are not following the [coronavirus] guidelines in New Jersey,” the crowd booed, and Mr. Trump challenged the journalist.
“You’re wrong on that because it’s a political activity,” Mr. Trump said. “They have exceptions — political activity — and it’s also a peaceful protest.”
The crowd cheered and applauded.
“They pretty much all have masks on,” the president told reporters. “I call it peaceful protest, because they heard you were coming up, and they know the news is fake.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Driver crashes into toll plaza, charged with DUI

Police arrested a Massachusetts man who drove a pickup into a concrete barrier at a toll plaza in New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ when he crashed .
Robert Scott Jr. , 67 , of Hopkinton , Massachusetts , @ @ @ @ @ at the toll plaza in Dover , New Hampshire , Thursday at about 1 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ than Scott , who was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for treatment , the police @ @ @ @ @ Police arrested him at the scene of the crash on charges of driving under the @ @ @ @ @ It is Scott ’ s second DUI charge , police said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ call at a number listed for Scott , and it was unclear if he has @ @ @ @ @ they released Scott from custody and he is scheduled to appear in court in September @

Police arrested a Massachusetts man who drove a pickup into a concrete barrier at a toll plaza in New Hampshire and said he was impaired when he crashed.
Robert Scott Jr., 67, of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, ran into the concrete barrier at the toll plaza in Dover, New Hampshire, Thursday at about 1 p.m.
No one was hurt other than Scott, who was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for treatment, the police said.
New Hampshire State Police arrested him at the scene of the crash on charges of driving under the influence and reckless operation. It is Scott’s second DUI charge, police said in a statement.
No one answered a phone call at a number listed for Scott, and it was unclear if he has an attorney. Police said they released Scott from custody and he is scheduled to appear in court in September.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Massachusetts man held without bail for alleged hate crime

TAUNTON , Mass .
( AP ) - A Massachusetts judge has ordered that a Brockton man accused of a hate crime be held without bail .
Michael Cates Jr. , 34 , faces assault and battery for allegedly calling another man a homophobic slur and knocked his teeth out , the Taunton Daily Gazette reported .
Tom Anderson , 34 , says that he believes Cates identified him as gay because of the Pride decorations outside of his home pulled over and punched him multiple times .
Cates was arraigned on July 31 and held without bail pending the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taunton District Court .
Assistant District Attorney Bryan Thompson said “ facts and the record here are egregious , ” and pointed to a pattern of violence Cates past .
Thompson said that if Cates were to be released “ no conditions that can ensure the safety of the community at this time.
” Cates ‘ lawyer disputed his client ’ s record and argued for his client ’ s release pointing out that three witnesses failed to identify him in a photo lineup .
He added that the evidence identifying Cates was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

TAUNTON, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts judge has ordered that a Brockton man accused of a hate crime be held without bail.
Michael Cates Jr., 34, faces assault and battery for allegedly calling another man a homophobic slur and knocked his teeth out, the Taunton Daily Gazette reported.
Tom Anderson, 34, says that he believes Cates identified him as gay because of the Pride decorations outside of his home pulled over and punched him multiple times.
Cates was arraigned on July 31 and held without bail pending the results of Thursday’s hearing in Taunton District Court.
Assistant District Attorney Bryan Thompson said “facts and the record here are egregious,” and pointed to a pattern of violence Cates past.
Thompson said that if Cates were to be released “no conditions that can ensure the safety of the community at this time.”
Cates’ lawyer disputed his client’s record and argued for his client’s release pointing out that three witnesses failed to identify him in a photo lineup. He added that the evidence identifying Cates was not enough to keep someone in jail.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Biden slams Trump's executive action for coronavirus relief: 'Half-baked,' 'cynical ploy'

Joseph R. Biden on Saturday assailed President Trump ’ s executive action to send coronavirus relief to Americans , calling it “ half-baked measures ” and a failure of leadership .
Mr. Biden , the presumed Democratic presidential nominee , said Mr. Trump has “ golfed rather than negotiated , and sown division rather than pull people together to get a package passed.
” “ This is no art of the deal .
This is not presidential leadership , ” Mr. Biden said in a statement released by his campaign .
“ These orders are not real solutions .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deflect responsibility .
Some measures do far more harm than good.
” Mr. Trump signed the executive orders earlier in the day to extend an extra $ 400 weekly unemployment benefits , grant a payroll tax holiday for workers making less than $ 100,000 , defers student loan payments and forgives interest , and renews a moratorium on housing evictions .
The executive action , which is likely to encounter legal challenges , came as White House negotiations with Congress bogged down over Democrats ’ demands for a $ 3.4 trillion bill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the Democrats ’ bill was backed by Mr. Biden and included measures such as banning voter ID and providing stimulus checks for illegal aliens , which he called “ completely unrelated ” to the pandemic .
Mr. Biden said all of the executive actions were either dangerous or insufficient .
He called the payroll tax holiday a “ war on Social Security ” because it would temporarily suspend paycheck deductions that fund the government retirement plan for seniors .
He said reducing the extra unemployment benefits from $ 600 to $ 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chaos , and confusion to our system of unemployment insurance.
” He said extending the eviction moratorium was “ woefully inadequate to deal with the emerging housing crisis.
” And he said the presidential order suspending interest on student loan debt was “ a band-aid approach ” because it leaves out 7 million borrows who didn ’ t get federal loans .
Mr. Biden , who served as vice president under Barack Obama , said a real leader would be brokering a deal on Capitol Hill .
“ There is a solution to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A real leader would go back to Washington , call together the leaders of the House and Senate , and negotiate a deal that delivers real relief to Americans who are struggling in this pandemic , ” said Mr. Biden .
“ We need a president who understands their struggle and believes in their courage to overcome .
”

Joseph R. Biden on Saturday assailed President Trump’s executive action to send coronavirus relief to Americans, calling it “half-baked measures” and a failure of leadership.
Mr. Biden, the presumed Democratic presidential nominee, said Mr. Trump has “golfed rather than negotiated, and sown division rather than pull people together to get a package passed.”
“This is no art of the deal. This is not presidential leadership,” Mr. Biden said in a statement released by his campaign. “These orders are not real solutions. They are just another cynical ploy designed to deflect responsibility. Some measures do far more harm than good.”
Mr. Trump signed the executive orders earlier in the day to extend an extra $400 weekly unemployment benefits, grant a payroll tax holiday for workers making less than $100,000, defers student loan payments and forgives interest, and renews a moratorium on housing evictions.
The executive action, which is likely to encounter legal challenges, came as White House negotiations with Congress bogged down over Democrats’ demands for a $3.4 trillion bill.
When signing the order, Mr. Trump said the Democrats’ bill was backed by Mr. Biden and included measures such as banning voter ID and providing stimulus checks for illegal aliens, which he called “completely unrelated” to the pandemic.
Mr. Biden said all of the executive actions were either dangerous or insufficient.
He called the payroll tax holiday a “war on Social Security” because it would temporarily suspend paycheck deductions that fund the government retirement plan for seniors.
He said reducing the extra unemployment benefits from $600 to $400 per week would “brings cuts, chaos, and confusion to our system of unemployment insurance.”
He said extending the eviction moratorium was “woefully inadequate to deal with the emerging housing crisis.”
And he said the presidential order suspending interest on student loan debt was “a band-aid approach” because it leaves out 7 million borrows who didn’t get federal loans.
Mr. Biden, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, said a real leader would be brokering a deal on Capitol Hill.
“There is a solution to all of this pain and suffering. A real leader would go back to Washington, call together the leaders of the House and Senate, and negotiate a deal that delivers real relief to Americans who are struggling in this pandemic,” said Mr. Biden. “We need a president who understands their struggle and believes in their courage to overcome.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Pelosi, Schumer slam Trump's 'meager' executive orders on COVID-19 relief

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer slammed President Trump ’ s executive orders on coronavirus relief as “ meager ” solutions that don ’ t appreciate the gravity of the crisis .
“ Today ’ s meager announcements by the President show President Trump still does not comprehend the seriousness or the urgency of the health and economic crises facing working families , ” they wrote in a joint statement Saturday .
“ We ’ re disappointed that instead of putting in the work to solve Americans ’ problems , the President instead chose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce unworkable , weak and narrow policy announcements to slash the unemployment benefits that millions desperately need and endanger seniors ’ Social Security and Medicare , ” they added .
Saturday afternoon , the president signed multiple executive orders that extended $ 400 weekly unemployment benefits until December and issued a payroll tax break for workers making under $ 100,000 .
The orders also extend deferrals for student loan payments and forgive interest , as well as renew a moratorium on housing evictions .
Mrs. Pelosi , California Democrat , and Mr. Schumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders are flimsy — arguing they don ’ t actually extend eviction protections or give any rental aid — and creates a larger financial burden for cash-strapped state and local governments .
The drastic use of the executive powers — which are likely to prompt legal challenges — comes after two weeks of Congressional negotiations ground to a halt Friday .
Mrs. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer demanded talks resume so a more comprehensive relief package can get hammered out .
“ Democrats repeat our call to Republicans to return to the table , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver immediate relief to the American people .
Lives are being lost , and time is of the essence , ” they said .
While there ’ s an overlap in having schools , extended unemployment benefits , direct payments to the public as top priorities , the sticking points are , as always , in the details — who qualifies and how much to spend .
Additionally , Republicans have a heavy emphasis on liability protection , which Democrats feel are unnecessary .
Meanwhile , the Democrats are pushing for funds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post office , food security programs , and a surge of funding for state and local governments .
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said Friday that there needed to be a significant compromise on unemployment benefits and state and local government funding in order to reach a larger deal .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer slammed President Trump’s executive orders on coronavirus relief as “meager” solutions that don’t appreciate the gravity of the crisis.
“Today’s meager announcements by the President show President Trump still does not comprehend the seriousness or the urgency of the health and economic crises facing working families,” they wrote in a joint statement Saturday.
“We’re disappointed that instead of putting in the work to solve Americans’ problems, the President instead chose to stay on his luxury golf course to announce unworkable, weak and narrow policy announcements to slash the unemployment benefits that millions desperately need and endanger seniors’ Social Security and Medicare,” they added.
Saturday afternoon, the president signed multiple executive orders that extended $400 weekly unemployment benefits until December and issued a payroll tax break for workers making under $100,000. The orders also extend deferrals for student loan payments and forgive interest, as well as renew a moratorium on housing evictions.
Mrs. Pelosi, California Democrat, and Mr. Schumer, New York Democrat, said the orders are flimsy — arguing they don’t actually extend eviction protections or give any rental aid — and creates a larger financial burden for cash-strapped state and local governments.
The drastic use of the executive powers — which are likely to prompt legal challenges — comes after two weeks of Congressional negotiations ground to a halt Friday.
Mrs. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer demanded talks resume so a more comprehensive relief package can get hammered out.
“Democrats repeat our call to Republicans to return to the table, meet us halfway and work together to deliver immediate relief to the American people. Lives are being lost, and time is of the essence,” they said.
Mr. Trump, in turn, accused Democrats of “stonewalling” negotiations.
Democrats put forward a $3.5 trillion bill while Republicans’ proposal totaled around $1.5 trillion.
While there’s an overlap in having schools, extended unemployment benefits, direct payments to the public as top priorities, the sticking points are, as always, in the details — who qualifies and how much to spend.
Additionally, Republicans have a heavy emphasis on liability protection, which Democrats feel are unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the Democrats are pushing for funds for mail-in-ballots and elections, the financially struggling post office, food security programs, and a surge of funding for state and local governments.
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said Friday that there needed to be a significant compromise on unemployment benefits and state and local government funding in order to reach a larger deal.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Georgia police investigated for firing at car carrying kids

WAYCROSS , Ga. ( AP ) - State authorities said they ’ re investigating after a Georgia police officer opened fire Saturday morning at a vehicle with at least two teenagers inside during an attempted traffic stop .
Nobody was injured by the gunshots in Waycross near the Georgia-Florida state line , the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said .
But the agency said in a news release that a 15-year-old boy was treated for minor injuries after an altercation with an officer .
Five children - ages 16 , 15 , 14 , 12 and 9 - were in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moving violation by the driver , the GBI said .
The vehicle stopped and the three younger children got out and ran and the officer began to follow them .
A second officer approached the vehicle from the front when it began driving toward him , the GBI said .
That officer fired multiple shots at the vehicle , with the 16- and 15-year-old boys still inside .
“ They shot at a car full of unarmed minors .
A car full of unarmed children , ” Dominique Goodman Sr. , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father , told WJXT-TV .
Goodman said the children were coming home from Walmart when an officer began following them in his patrol car .
He said the younger children got out and tried to run home to alert him and he stepped outside after hearing them screaming .
“ We open the door , we see my 9-year-old , my 12-year-old and a 14-year-old running from the police behind them with gunshots coming behind them , ” Goodman said .
“ We go down the street and we see our 15-year-old and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Nelly Miles said she did not know the races of the children or the officer who opened fire .
Atlanta attorney Gerald Griggs , as vice president of the city ’ s NAACP chapter , said the organization is calling for police to immediately release body camera and dash camera footage of the attempted traffic stop .
“ I ’ m very concerned that shots were fired while children were involved , ” Griggs told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
“ We ’ re concerned that level of force was used .
”

WAYCROSS, Ga. (AP) - State authorities said they’re investigating after a Georgia police officer opened fire Saturday morning at a vehicle with at least two teenagers inside during an attempted traffic stop.
Nobody was injured by the gunshots in Waycross near the Georgia-Florida state line, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said. But the agency said in a news release that a 15-year-old boy was treated for minor injuries after an altercation with an officer.
Five children - ages 16, 15, 14, 12 and 9 - were in the vehicle alone when a Waycross officer witnessed a moving violation by the driver, the GBI said. The vehicle stopped and the three younger children got out and ran and the officer began to follow them.
A second officer approached the vehicle from the front when it began driving toward him, the GBI said. That officer fired multiple shots at the vehicle, with the 16- and 15-year-old boys still inside.
“They shot at a car full of unarmed minors. A car full of unarmed children,” Dominique Goodman Sr., who identified himself as the children’s father, told WJXT-TV.
Goodman said the children were coming home from Walmart when an officer began following them in his patrol car. He said the younger children got out and tried to run home to alert him and he stepped outside after hearing them screaming.
“We open the door, we see my 9-year-old, my 12-year-old and a 14-year-old running from the police behind them with gunshots coming behind them,” Goodman said. “We go down the street and we see our 15-year-old and our 16-year-old on the ground.”
GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said she did not know the races of the children or the officer who opened fire.
Atlanta attorney Gerald Griggs, as vice president of the city’s NAACP chapter, said the organization is calling for police to immediately release body camera and dash camera footage of the attempted traffic stop.
“I’m very concerned that shots were fired while children were involved,” Griggs told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’re concerned that level of force was used.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Las Vegas man pleads guilty in straw purchase of 10 rifles

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Federal prosecutors says a Las Vegas man could face prison time after pleading guilty @ @ @ @ @ of 10 semiautomatic rifles .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for Nevada says Ethan @ @ @ @ @ guilty Friday and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13 by U.S. District Judge James @ @ @ @ @ the February 2019 purchase .
According to the office , Erhardt falsely stated on a @ @ @ @ @ Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives form that he was the actual buyer of the guns @ @ @ @ @ would turn them over to another person who provided $ 80,000 for the purchase .
@ @ @ @ @ stemmed from an ATF investigation and is part of an initiative to reduce gun violence @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the office , the maximum penalty for illegal acquisition of a firearm @ @ @ @ @ and a $ 250,000 fine .
But the judge will decide Erhardt ’ s sentence @ @ @ @ @ and other factors , the office said .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Federal prosecutors says a Las Vegas man could face prison time after pleading guilty to making a straw purchase of 10 semiautomatic rifles.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Nevada says Ethan Erhardt, 37, pleaded guilty Friday and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13 by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan in connection with the February 2019 purchase.
According to the office, Erhardt falsely stated on a U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form that he was the actual buyer of the guns, though he knew he would turn them over to another person who provided $80,000 for the purchase.
The office said the case stemmed from an ATF investigation and is part of an initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
According to the office, the maximum penalty for illegal acquisition of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. But the judge will decide Erhardt’s sentence based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors, the office said.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Arkansas health officials report 772 new coronavirus cases

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - There are an additional 772 reported coronavirus cases in Arkansas and @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , the Arkansas Department of Health reported @ @ @ @ @ said there are 48,811 confirmed coronavirus cases and 535 deaths , up from 48,039 cases @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The true number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people @ @ @ @ @ and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
The department reports @ @ @ @ @ the virus and that there are 7,299 active cases , meaning they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ or recovered .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults @ @ @ @ @ problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
The @ @ @ @ @ .

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - There are an additional 772 reported coronavirus cases in Arkansas and 14 additional deaths due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, the Arkansas Department of Health reported on Saturday.
The department said there are 48,811 confirmed coronavirus cases and 535 deaths, up from 48,039 cases and 521 deaths reported on Friday. The true number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The department reports 40,977 people have recovered from the virus and that there are 7,299 active cases, meaning they don’t include people who have died or recovered.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Gambling debt is fatal shooting motive, prosecutors say

CHICAGO ( AP ) - A 79-year-old used car dealer fatally shot a 40-year acquaintance during an argument over a gambling debt , Cook County prosecutors said Saturday .
The Chicago Tribune reports that James Kelley , 72 , was killed by a gunshot wound to the back about 3:25 p.m. Wednesday at Dunmore ’ s Auto Sales in Chicago ’ s Grand Crossing neighborhood .
Willie Dunmore was charged with first-degree murder and held on a $ 200,000 bond .
Prosecutors said at Dunmore ’ s bond hearing that he and Kelley had known each other for four decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auto dealer to “ collect on an old gambling debt.
” A friend of Kelley ’ s drove him there again Wednesday and waited while Kelley went inside .
The friend reported seeing Dunmore ’ s son come out , his hand to his stomach “ as if he were holding a gun ” before the son placed the item in a vehicle , according to prosecutors .
He said Dunmore then came out , reported that he had shot Kelley , and said , “ It ’ s over now , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the authorities noted .
Authorities said Dunmore reported the shooting and when they arrived , told police that the two had struggled and the gun had gone off accidentally .
Dunmore ’ s attorney told the judge that Kelley “ day after day threatened Mr. Dunmore , ” that his client had been truthful with police and that he had stayed on the scene .
He said Dunmore ’ s family is nearby and he is not a flight risk .
The judge said a factor working against Dunmore in setting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the shooting had been removed from the scene .

CHICAGO (AP) - A 79-year-old used car dealer fatally shot a 40-year acquaintance during an argument over a gambling debt, Cook County prosecutors said Saturday.
The Chicago Tribune reports that James Kelley, 72, was killed by a gunshot wound to the back about 3:25 p.m. Wednesday at Dunmore’s Auto Sales in Chicago’s Grand Crossing neighborhood.
Willie Dunmore was charged with first-degree murder and held on a $200,000 bond. Prosecutors said at Dunmore’s bond hearing that he and Kelley had known each other for four decades and that Kelley repeatedly went to the auto dealer to “collect on an old gambling debt.”
A friend of Kelley’s drove him there again Wednesday and waited while Kelley went inside. The friend reported seeing Dunmore’s son come out, his hand to his stomach “as if he were holding a gun” before the son placed the item in a vehicle, according to prosecutors.
He said Dunmore then came out, reported that he had shot Kelley, and said, “It’s over now, and he is dead on the floor,” the authorities noted.
Authorities said Dunmore reported the shooting and when they arrived, told police that the two had struggled and the gun had gone off accidentally.
Dunmore’s attorney told the judge that Kelley “day after day threatened Mr. Dunmore,” that his client had been truthful with police and that he had stayed on the scene. He said Dunmore’s family is nearby and he is not a flight risk.
The judge said a factor working against Dunmore in setting the bond is that the weapon allegedly used in the shooting had been removed from the scene.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--7 killed in Mexico's most violent state despite capo arrest

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Hopes that the recent arrest of a Mexican gang leader could calm the country ’ s most violent state appeared dashed Saturday as the bullet-ridden bodies of seven men were found in a field and a rival drug cartel announced it was moving in .
The central state of Guanajuato has been the scene of over 9,000 killings since the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the rival Jalisco cartel started a turf war for control of the industrial state around 2017 .
There were hopes the violence might subside after the Aug. 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonio Yépez Ortiz , better known by his nickname “ El Marro , ” which means “ The Sledgehammer.
” But on Saturday , Guanajuato officials confirmed that the bodies of seven men with multiple gunshot wounds were found dumped on the side of a road near the Jerécuaro , near the state ’ s border with Michoacan .
Authorities said they found spent shell casings from assault rifles and pistols at the scene , suggesting the men had been killed there .
Also Saturday , a video was posted on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military-style fatigues and armed with assault rifles , .50-caliber sniper rifles and at least two belt-fed machine guns .
The men claim in the video to be members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel , the rival of the Santa Rosa gang that has sought to move into Guanajuato .
“ We know that there are still people from this gang of killers of innocents , ” a cartel spokesman says in the video , a reference to remaining Santa Rosa gang members .
“ They will also fall .
The best thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video promises that once the Santa Rosa gang is gone , peace will return to Guanajuato under Jalisco New Generation , which is Mexico ’ s most violent and fastest growing cartel .
“ Today , the Cartel Jalisco New Generation makes the promise to you , the people of Guanajuato , and to the authorities , that it will keep the state in peace and tranquility , ” the spokesman said .
It is a promise the Jalisco cartel has made in the past in other parts of Mexico , and always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authenticity of the video , but the cartel has posted similar videos in the past .
The last one , posted in July , was confirmed by the Defense Department to show members of an elite hit squad of Jalisco gunmen who may have had some military training .
Officials said the video was apparently filmed near the border of Jalisco and Guanajuato states and showed a column of about 75 gunmen dressed in military-style fatigues with a dozen homemade armored pickup trucks , an anti-aircraft gun , nine belt-fed machine guns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launchers and 54 assault rifles .
The Santa Rosa gang grew up in a farming hamlet of the same name by stealing fuel from government pipelines and refineries and robbing freight from trains .
But after authorities stepped up security around trains and pipelines over the last two years , the gang turned to extortion and kidnapping .
It would move sector to sector , systematically demanding extortion payments from businesses like tortilla shops or car dealerships .
However , the gang ’ s reign never affected the major companies that have built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by investor-friendly policies and excellent rail and highway links .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Hopes that the recent arrest of a Mexican gang leader could calm the country’s most violent state appeared dashed Saturday as the bullet-ridden bodies of seven men were found in a field and a rival drug cartel announced it was moving in.
The central state of Guanajuato has been the scene of over 9,000 killings since the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the rival Jalisco cartel started a turf war for control of the industrial state around 2017.
There were hopes the violence might subside after the Aug. 2 arrest of Santa Rosa gang leader José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, better known by his nickname “El Marro,” which means “The Sledgehammer.”
But on Saturday, Guanajuato officials confirmed that the bodies of seven men with multiple gunshot wounds were found dumped on the side of a road near the Jerécuaro, near the state’s border with Michoacan. Authorities said they found spent shell casings from assault rifles and pistols at the scene, suggesting the men had been killed there.
Also Saturday, a video was posted on social media showing about two dozen men dressed in military-style fatigues and armed with assault rifles, .50-caliber sniper rifles and at least two belt-fed machine guns. The men claim in the video to be members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the rival of the Santa Rosa gang that has sought to move into Guanajuato.
“We know that there are still people from this gang of killers of innocents,” a cartel spokesman says in the video, a reference to remaining Santa Rosa gang members. “They will also fall. The best thing they can do is run.”
The video promises that once the Santa Rosa gang is gone, peace will return to Guanajuato under Jalisco New Generation, which is Mexico’s most violent and fastest growing cartel.
“Today, the Cartel Jalisco New Generation makes the promise to you, the people of Guanajuato, and to the authorities, that it will keep the state in peace and tranquility,” the spokesman said.
It is a promise the Jalisco cartel has made in the past in other parts of Mexico, and always broken.
Authorities could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the video, but the cartel has posted similar videos in the past.
The last one, posted in July, was confirmed by the Defense Department to show members of an elite hit squad of Jalisco gunmen who may have had some military training. Officials said the video was apparently filmed near the border of Jalisco and Guanajuato states and showed a column of about 75 gunmen dressed in military-style fatigues with a dozen homemade armored pickup trucks, an anti-aircraft gun, nine belt-fed machine guns, 10 sniper rifles, six grenade launchers and 54 assault rifles.
The Santa Rosa gang grew up in a farming hamlet of the same name by stealing fuel from government pipelines and refineries and robbing freight from trains. But after authorities stepped up security around trains and pipelines over the last two years, the gang turned to extortion and kidnapping. It would move sector to sector, systematically demanding extortion payments from businesses like tortilla shops or car dealerships.
However, the gang’s reign never affected the major companies that have built dozens of plants in Guanajuato, attracted by investor-friendly policies and excellent rail and highway links.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Panel picks Fallon to run in Ratcliffe’s former district

SULPHUR SPRINGS , Texas ( AP ) - A Texas state senator was chosen Saturday as the GOP nominee for @ @ @ @ @ seat in Congress that he vacated to become President Donald Trump ’ s director of @ @ @ @ @ in the rural and heavily Republican 4th Congressional District picked state Sen. Pat Fallon in @ @ @ @ @ Springs , Texas .
Choosing the nominee fell to a group called the congressional district @ @ @ @ @ s confirmation to the intelligence post came after the March primary elections in Texas .
@ @ @ @ @ after abruptly ending an earlier effort to install him amid bipartisan criticism that the Texas @ @ @ @ @ post .
A sharply divided Senate confirmed Ratcliffe in May , with Democrats unanimously opposing @ @ @ @ @ would politicize the intelligence community ’ s work .
Fallon will face Democrat Russell Foster @ @ @ @ @ not expected to be competitive .
Ratcliffe won reelection in the district with more than @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .

SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas (AP) - A Texas state senator was chosen Saturday as the GOP nominee for John Ratcliffe’s former seat in Congress that he vacated to become President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence.
GOP activists in the rural and heavily Republican 4th Congressional District picked state Sen. Pat Fallon in a party meeting in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Choosing the nominee fell to a group called the congressional district executive committee because Ratcliffe’s confirmation to the intelligence post came after the March primary elections in Texas.
Trump nominated Ratcliffe just months after abruptly ending an earlier effort to install him amid bipartisan criticism that the Texas Republican was unqualified for the post. A sharply divided Senate confirmed Ratcliffe in May, with Democrats unanimously opposing him over fears that he would politicize the intelligence community’s work.
Fallon will face Democrat Russell Foster in a race that is not expected to be competitive. Ratcliffe won reelection in the district with more than 75% of the vote in 2018.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Man marking underground utilities dies after hit by car

CHARLOTTE ( AP ) - Charlotte Police say a worker who was marking underground utilities has died after being hit @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte Observer reports that police say it happened early Saturday when 59-year-old Thomas Reynolds Porter @ @ @ @ @ southwest Charlotte .
Authorities say while he was wearing a yellow reflective shirt , his @ @ @ @ @ he worked .
Police say his company vehicle , with flashing warning lights , was @ @ @ @ @ a nearby business , “ giving no warning for approaching vehicles.
” Police say the @ @ @ @ @ 911 .
Police say the driver was not charged .

CHARLOTTE (AP) - Charlotte Police say a worker who was marking underground utilities has died after being hit by a car.
The Charlotte Observer reports that police say it happened early Saturday when 59-year-old Thomas Reynolds Porter Jr., was hit in southwest Charlotte.
Authorities say while he was wearing a yellow reflective shirt, his back faced oncoming cars as he worked. Police say his company vehicle, with flashing warning lights, was parked in the driveway of a nearby business, “giving no warning for approaching vehicles.”
Police say the driver immediately stopped and called 911. Police say the driver was not charged.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Suspects arrested in death of off-duty Mississippi trooper

NATCHEZ , Miss .
( AP ) - Three people are in custody on murder charges in the shooting death of an off-duty Mississippi trooper , authorities said Saturday .
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation , in a news release , said Treyon Washington , 24 , was arrested in Jefferson County in the death of Lt .
Troy L. Morris , 58 , of Natchez .
Morris ‘ body was found inside a postal service delivery truck about 4:30 a.m. Friday in Jefferson County .
The 27-year veteran trooper worked part-time for the U.S .
Postal Service .
Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility .
No bond has been set .
Also in custody are Damion Whittley , 25 , and a 17-year-old suspect .
They were arrested in New Orleans and are awaiting extradition to Mississippi , the MBI said .
It was unknown if any of the suspects had attorneys who could speak on their behalf .
“ While we are pleased with the progress of this investigation , we realize there is much work left to be done , ” said Col. Randy Ginn , director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been inspiring and the public outpouring of support and concern has touched us all and has shown Lieutenant Morris ’ family that Mississippians truly care about the officers who protect them .
”

NATCHEZ, Miss. (AP) - Three people are in custody on murder charges in the shooting death of an off-duty Mississippi trooper, authorities said Saturday.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, in a news release, said Treyon Washington, 24, was arrested in Jefferson County in the death of Lt. Troy L. Morris, 58, of Natchez. Morris’ body was found inside a postal service delivery truck about 4:30 a.m. Friday in Jefferson County. The 27-year veteran trooper worked part-time for the U.S. Postal Service.
Washington is being held in the county detention facility. No bond has been set. Also in custody are Damion Whittley, 25, and a 17-year-old suspect. They were arrested in New Orleans and are awaiting extradition to Mississippi, the MBI said.
It was unknown if any of the suspects had attorneys who could speak on their behalf.
“While we are pleased with the progress of this investigation, we realize there is much work left to be done,” said Col. Randy Ginn, director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. “The tireless efforts of law enforcement have been inspiring and the public outpouring of support and concern has touched us all and has shown Lieutenant Morris’ family that Mississippians truly care about the officers who protect them.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Backers of Arkansas casino expansion ask to drop challenge

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - Supporters of a proposed state constitutional amendment that would allow 16 more casinos in Arkansas say they are dropping a challenge of a decision not to include the proposal on the November ballot .
“ Arkansas Wins in 2020 has filed a motion for a voluntary nonsuit and will not be taking further legal action , ” Taylor Riddle , a spokesman for the committee , told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette .
Arkansas Wins in 2020 had challenged Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston ’ s refusal to place the question on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of three Thurston rejected in July saying it did not comply with a state law requiring campaigns to certify their signatures gatherers had passed background checks .
The state ’ s high court on July 31 appointed a retired circuit judge as special master to review disputes raised in the Arkansas Wins in 2020 committee ’ s challenge of the secretary of state ’ s ruling .
Arkansas Wins attorney Todd Wooten signed an affidavit with the secretary of state ’ s office certifying that the committee turned in 97,039 signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valid voter signatures to qualify for the ballot .

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Supporters of a proposed state constitutional amendment that would allow 16 more casinos in Arkansas say they are dropping a challenge of a decision not to include the proposal on the November ballot.
“Arkansas Wins in 2020 has filed a motion for a voluntary nonsuit and will not be taking further legal action,” Taylor Riddle, a spokesman for the committee, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Arkansas Wins in 2020 had challenged Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston’s refusal to place the question on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The proposal was one of three Thurston rejected in July saying it did not comply with a state law requiring campaigns to certify their signatures gatherers had passed background checks.
The state’s high court on July 31 appointed a retired circuit judge as special master to review disputes raised in the Arkansas Wins in 2020 committee’s challenge of the secretary of state’s ruling.
Arkansas Wins attorney Todd Wooten signed an affidavit with the secretary of state’s office certifying that the committee turned in 97,039 signatures. A proposed amendment would require 89,151 valid voter signatures to qualify for the ballot.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Prosecutors: Man with knife 'lunged at' officers, was shot

JERSEY CITY , N.J. ( AP ) - Prosecutors say a New Jersey police officer shot and wounded a man @ @ @ @ @ at ” officers with a knife .
The Hudson County prosecutor ’ s office says @ @ @ @ @ shortly before 6 p.m. Friday after a report of an intoxicated person fighting .
Prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ man armed with a knife who refused to drop the weapon even after they used @ @ @ @ @ the man “ instead lunged with the knife at officers ” and one officer fired @ @ @ @ @ man was taken to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment ; there was no immediate @ @ @ @ @ Police said he faces aggravated assault and weapons charges ; his name and other details @ @ @ @ @ .
Hudson County prosecutors are investigating and say the state attorney general ’ s office @ @ @ @

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) - Prosecutors say a New Jersey police officer shot and wounded a man who authorities said “lunged at” officers with a knife.
The Hudson County prosecutor’s office says Jersey City police were dispatched shortly before 6 p.m. Friday after a report of an intoxicated person fighting.
Prosecutors said responding officers found a man armed with a knife who refused to drop the weapon even after they used pepper spray. Prosecutors said the man “instead lunged with the knife at officers” and one officer fired, striking him.
The man was taken to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment; there was no immediate word on his condition. Police said he faces aggravated assault and weapons charges; his name and other details weren’t immediately released.
Hudson County prosecutors are investigating and say the state attorney general’s office has been notified.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Colorado man sentenced threatening to kill official, lawyer

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - A Colorado man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for threatening to kill a New Mexico state official and an attorney with a law firm in connection with a fraud case .
Federal prosecutors said Andrew Graham , 40 , of Snowmass , Colorado , had pleaded guilty to sending interestate communications threatening to killing someone and was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Albuquerque .
Graham falsely believed an official with the state Department of Regulation and Licensing and a lawyer with a private law firm were complicit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud case , the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for New Mexico said in a statement .
Graham originally sought help from the department and the law firm in recovering the trust fund money but the recovery efforts had limited success , the office said .
The office said Graham ’ s case was an outgrowth of a fraud case in which Paul Donisthorpe pleaded guilty in 2018 to wire fraud and money laundering charges involving $ 4.8 million embezzled from his trust company .
He was sentenced in 2019 to 15 years @ @ @

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A Colorado man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for threatening to kill a New Mexico state official and an attorney with a law firm in connection with a fraud case.
Federal prosecutors said Andrew Graham , 40, of Snowmass, Colorado, had pleaded guilty to sending interestate communications threatening to killing someone and was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Albuquerque.
Graham falsely believed an official with the state Department of Regulation and Licensing and a lawyer with a private law firm were complicit in his losing trust fund money in a fraud case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Mexico said in a statement.
Graham originally sought help from the department and the law firm in recovering the trust fund money but the recovery efforts had limited success, the office said.
The office said Graham’s case was an outgrowth of a fraud case in which Paul Donisthorpe pleaded guilty in 2018 to wire fraud and money laundering charges involving $4.8 million embezzled from his trust company. He was sentenced in 2019 to 15 years in prison.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Kentucky reports jump of 800 cases of COVID-19

FRANKFORT , Ky. ( AP ) - Kentucky reported an increase of 801 cases of COVID-19 on Saturday , including @ @ @ @ @ 5 or younger , Gov .
Andy Beshear said .
In a news release , @ @ @ @ @ a total of 34,578 cases of the illness caused by the new coronavirus and 772 @ @ @ @ @ of eight fatalities reported Saturday .
“ Today is a tough day in our fight @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I know we are slowing the growth of this virus in Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ still aggressive .
We simply need to do better.
” Deaths reported Saturday include a @ @ @ @ @ ; a 56-year-old woman from Kenton County ; a 68-year-old man from Bell County ; @ @ @ @ @ 97-year-old woman from Christian County ; a 66-year-old woman from Pulaski County ; an 82-year-old @ @ @ @ @ and a 73-year-old woman from Muhlenberg County .

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky reported an increase of 801 cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, including 29 cases in children age 5 or younger, Gov. Andy Beshear said.
In a news release, Beshear said the state had a total of 34,578 cases of the illness caused by the new coronavirus and 772 deaths, including an incease of eight fatalities reported Saturday.
“Today is a tough day in our fight against COVID-19,” Beshear said. “I know we are slowing the growth of this virus in Kentucky, but it’s still aggressive. We simply need to do better.”
Deaths reported Saturday include a 64-year-old woman from Fulton County; a 56-year-old woman from Kenton County; a 68-year-old man from Bell County; a 93-year-old man and a 97-year-old woman from Christian County; a 66-year-old woman from Pulaski County; an 82-year-old woman from Clinton County, and a 73-year-old woman from Muhlenberg County.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Black bear tracks pizza scent, destroys car in Juneau

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - A black bear has destroyed a Juneau Pizza employee ’ s car looking for food in a residential neighborhood , raising concerns from wildlife experts that the animal will have future encounters with people .
“ I think it was the delicious smell of the pizza that drove the bear to the point where he could not resist the urge to go into the car , ” said Andrew Fairchild , who owns the car .
“ It ’ s pretty totaled on the inside .
The seat belt was ripped completely out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ripped off.
” Fairchild was woken up Friday around 3 a.m. by noise from the neighbors in the Mendenhall Valley area north of the Juneau International Airport , the Juneau Empire reported .
Fairchild said there was no pizza in the car , but the bear likely smelled the scent from his job .
“ No playing favorites , ” Juneau Pizza said on Facebook .
“ If the bear wants a pizza , he has to call it in just like everyone else.
” The bear destroyed the inside of the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luckily we have local insurance and they completely understand what ’ s going , ” Fairchild said , adding that the car is already in the shop getting repaired .
“ If we were able to catch up with the bear , then we ’ d probably have to capture them .
I don ’ t know if we ’ ll necessarily set up a trap and wait for someone to report it somewhere we can find it , ” Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Roy Churchwell said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Residents are encouraged to keep food out of their cars and keep their doors locked to avoid similar situations , Churchwell said .
Things like birdseed , dog food and other strong odor foods could tempt bears and other animals .

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A black bear has destroyed a Juneau Pizza employee’s car looking for food in a residential neighborhood, raising concerns from wildlife experts that the animal will have future encounters with people.
“I think it was the delicious smell of the pizza that drove the bear to the point where he could not resist the urge to go into the car,” said Andrew Fairchild, who owns the car. “It’s pretty totaled on the inside. The seat belt was ripped completely out. The panel where the stereo is ripped off.”
Fairchild was woken up Friday around 3 a.m. by noise from the neighbors in the Mendenhall Valley area north of the Juneau International Airport, the Juneau Empire reported.
Fairchild said there was no pizza in the car, but the bear likely smelled the scent from his job.
“No playing favorites,” Juneau Pizza said on Facebook. “If the bear wants a pizza, he has to call it in just like everyone else.”
The bear destroyed the inside of the vehicle before returning into the woods.
“Luckily we have local insurance and they completely understand what’s going,” Fairchild said, adding that the car is already in the shop getting repaired.
“If we were able to catch up with the bear, then we’d probably have to capture them. I don’t know if we’ll necessarily set up a trap and wait for someone to report it somewhere we can find it,” Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Roy Churchwell said, adding that it is likely to be euthanized.
Residents are encouraged to keep food out of their cars and keep their doors locked to avoid similar situations, Churchwell said. Things like birdseed, dog food and other strong odor foods could tempt bears and other animals.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Body removed months after hotel collapsed under construction

NEW ORLEANS ( AP ) - Crews on Saturday recovered the body of one of two construction workers that had been trapped nearly 10 months ago in the collapse of a Hard Rock Hotel under construction in New Orleans .
Family watched as the remains of Quinnyon Wimberly , 36 , were lowered from the complex using a platform and a crane , The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported .
Sobbing relatives huddled at the site for 15 minutes , as Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans Fire Department Chief Tim McConnell stood by .
There was no immediate word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the other worker , Jose Ponce Areola , 63 .
Crews have yet to reach the area on the 8th floor of the structure where they expect to find his body , authorities said .
The remains of Anthony Magrette , 49 , the third worker killed , were removed the day after the partial building collapse last Oct. 12 .
His twin sister , Angela Magrette , stood with Wimberly ’ s family on Saturday as Wimberly ’ s remains were lowered from the structure around 10:45 a.m. “ This family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I have to be here for them , ” she said .
“ It ’ s torture .
You live this October 12th every day , knowing people still aren ’ t being held accountable.
” Plans to remove the bodies have been hit with several delays .
Representatives for 1031 Canal Development , the project ’ s owner , said problems have included finding insurance and a contractor for demolition work at the site , as well as inclement weather .
Once the last body is removed , authorities said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the city is in the middle of a new hurricane season .
Officials have said they hope to have the structure down by October , a year after the initial collapse .
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation .
Cantrell and the fire chief , McConnell , spoke to reporters just after midday , saying that Saturday was a difficult day , but ultimately a good one .
“ This has been a long journey , ” Cantrell said haltingly and with tears on her cheeks .
“ But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly impacted by this collapse .
( It was a ) long time coming to get Quinnyon Wimberly out of the building .
It was an intolerable wait.
” Cantrell and McConnell said the next step is to remove Ponce Areola ’ s body , which the chief has said would be much more difficult and complex than the process involved in bringing out Wimberly ’ s remains .

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Crews on Saturday recovered the body of one of two construction workers that had been trapped nearly 10 months ago in the collapse of a Hard Rock Hotel under construction in New Orleans.
Family watched as the remains of Quinnyon Wimberly, 36, were lowered from the complex using a platform and a crane, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported. Sobbing relatives huddled at the site for 15 minutes, as Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans Fire Department Chief Tim McConnell stood by.
There was no immediate word on when crews would extricate the remains of the other worker, Jose Ponce Areola, 63. Crews have yet to reach the area on the 8th floor of the structure where they expect to find his body, authorities said.
The remains of Anthony Magrette, 49, the third worker killed, were removed the day after the partial building collapse last Oct. 12. His twin sister, Angela Magrette, stood with Wimberly’s family on Saturday as Wimberly’s remains were lowered from the structure around 10:45 a.m.
“This family we’ve actually made our family. I have to be here for them,” she said. “It’s torture. You live this October 12th every day, knowing people still aren’t being held accountable.”
Plans to remove the bodies have been hit with several delays. Representatives for 1031 Canal Development, the project’s owner, said problems have included finding insurance and a contractor for demolition work at the site, as well as inclement weather.
Once the last body is removed, authorities said, they plan to demolish the building quickly since the city is in the middle of a new hurricane season. Officials have said they hope to have the structure down by October, a year after the initial collapse. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
Cantrell and the fire chief, McConnell, spoke to reporters just after midday, saying that Saturday was a difficult day, but ultimately a good one.
“This has been a long journey,” Cantrell said haltingly and with tears on her cheeks. “But the longest journey has been for the families mostly impacted by this collapse. (It was a) long time coming to get Quinnyon Wimberly out of the building. It was an intolerable wait.”
Cantrell and McConnell said the next step is to remove Ponce Areola’s body, which the chief has said would be much more difficult and complex than the process involved in bringing out Wimberly’s remains.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--SC official regrets not voicing concerns with virus response

COLUMBIA , S.C. ( AP ) - The doctor serving as South Carolina ’ s state epidemiologist said she regrets not speaking out publicly about her concerns as the state reopened close-contact businesses during the coronavirus pandemic .
Dr. Linda Bell said in June emails that Gov .
Henry McMaster ’ s staff misled the public to believe she supported the Republican governor ’ s May decision to allow restaurants to resume dine-in service and barbershops and other businesses to reopen , The State reported Saturday .
Bell has served as the public face of the state Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stem COVID-19 .
In an email to two agency colleagues June 21 , Bell said she had tried to avoid any sign of public disagreement with McMaster during news conferences on the virus response , and that the governor ’ s staff had misleadingly framed her silence as support .
“ The governor ’ s staff are also somewhat manipulative in the meetings that I ’ ve been allowed to attend prior to the press briefings , ’ ’ Bell ’ s email said .
“ I will not ‘ stand next to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the science tells us is the right thing to do , particularly as his staff intend to portray that as my complicity with his position.
’ ’ As of Saturday , South Carolina had confirmed more than 98,000 coronavirus infections statewide and linked the virus to at least 1,931 deaths .
Bell ’ s emails , which the newspaper obtained under South Carolina ’ s open records law , show signs of tension between state health officials focused on stopping the spread of the virus and the governor ’ s office that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery following a spring shutdown .
McMaster spokesman Brian Symmes said Saturday the governor appreciates Bell ’ s advice even as he considers a range of factors .
“ Dr .
Bell ’ s perspective and expertise has been - and continues to be - an important component of this process , ’ ’ Symmes told The State by email .
“ But we have to remember that the governor ’ s scope of responsibilities and considerations is vastly different from that of our public health experts , who rightly have a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McMaster ’ s side May 11 when South Carolina restaurants reopened their dining rooms with restrictions and the governor announced barbershops , gyms and public pools would soon follow .
“ We can provide the guidance for them to do that as safely as possible , ” Bell said at the time , adding that it wasn ’ t her agency ’ s job to tell businesses when they can open or tell people what they can or can not do .
About a week later , The State reported , Symmes was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s reopening decision and he replied : “ The fact that she was standing next to him would suggest they were not in opposition.
” The newspaper said Bell declined to comment further on her emails when reached Saturday .
The epidemiologist owned up to not speaking out more forcefully in her June 21 email , writing : “ I ’ m responsible for any detrimental ( e ) ffect my statements or my omissions may have for public health and I need to fix that.
’ ’ In a later email June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements from DHEC ” to help curb infection rates in South Carolina .
Bell wrote : “ I don ’ t want to continue to walk this fine line as more and more lives are at risk.
’ ’ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The doctor serving as South Carolina’s state epidemiologist said she regrets not speaking out publicly about her concerns as the state reopened close-contact businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Linda Bell said in June emails that Gov. Henry McMaster’s staff misled the public to believe she supported the Republican governor’s May decision to allow restaurants to resume dine-in service and barbershops and other businesses to reopen, The State reported Saturday.
Bell has served as the public face of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control’s effort to stem COVID-19. In an email to two agency colleagues June 21, Bell said she had tried to avoid any sign of public disagreement with McMaster during news conferences on the virus response, and that the governor’s staff had misleadingly framed her silence as support.
“The governor’s staff are also somewhat manipulative in the meetings that I’ve been allowed to attend prior to the press briefings,’’ Bell’s email said. “I will not ‘stand next to the governor’ anymore without speaking to what the science tells us is the right thing to do, particularly as his staff intend to portray that as my complicity with his position.’’
As of Saturday, South Carolina had confirmed more than 98,000 coronavirus infections statewide and linked the virus to at least 1,931 deaths.
Bell’s emails, which the newspaper obtained under South Carolina’s open records law, show signs of tension between state health officials focused on stopping the spread of the virus and the governor’s office that has tried to make room for economic recovery following a spring shutdown.
McMaster spokesman Brian Symmes said Saturday the governor appreciates Bell’s advice even as he considers a range of factors.
“Dr. Bell’s perspective and expertise has been - and continues to be - an important component of this process,’’ Symmes told The State by email. “But we have to remember that the governor’s scope of responsibilities and considerations is vastly different from that of our public health experts, who rightly have a more narrow focus.’’
Bell stood at McMaster’s side May 11 when South Carolina restaurants reopened their dining rooms with restrictions and the governor announced barbershops, gyms and public pools would soon follow.
“We can provide the guidance for them to do that as safely as possible,” Bell said at the time, adding that it wasn’t her agency’s job to tell businesses when they can open or tell people what they can or cannot do.
About a week later, The State reported, Symmes was asked if Bell supported the governor’s reopening decision and he replied: “The fact that she was standing next to him would suggest they were not in opposition.”
The newspaper said Bell declined to comment further on her emails when reached Saturday.
The epidemiologist owned up to not speaking out more forcefully in her June 21 email, writing: “I’m responsible for any detrimental (e)ffect my statements or my omissions may have for public health and I need to fix that.’’
In a later email June 25, she advocated for “stronger statements from DHEC” to help curb infection rates in South Carolina.
Bell wrote: “I don’t want to continue to walk this fine line as more and more lives are at risk.’’
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--DA won't prosecute New Mexico park ranger in fatal shooting

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - The attorney for the family of a Colorado man fatally shot by a U.S. National Park Service ranger in New Mexico said she was disappointed with a district attorney decision to not pursue criminal charges against the ranger .
Civil rights lawyer Shannon Kennedy said Charles “ Gage ” Lorentz ’ s parents Kimberly Beck and Travis Lorentz were disappointed , and that the district attorney had omitted “ some key factors ” when explaining the decision .
“ Legally and factually there is evidence that the Ranger acted in a manner that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kennedy said .
“ We believe we can prove that at trial and we believe that what happened to Gage Lorentz is more than a tragedy , it ’ s a crime.
” Fifth Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce announced earlier this week that the actions of Park Ranger Robert Mitchell were “ objectively justifiable ” during a traffic stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park .
A video showed a struggle ensued between the two and Mitchell deployed his stun gun , which failed to subdue Lorentz .
Mitchell then can be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were able to determine from the Eddy County sheriff ’ s office that Mr. Lorentz has his arm around the neck of Park Ranger Mitchell during the struggle , ” Luce told KOB-TV .
Lorentz was traveling from Texas back to his home in Colorado when he stopped in Carlsbad to meet a friend .
Kennedy filed a wrongful death claim against the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Interior in June .
She said the federal government has six months to respond to the lawsuit .
As of Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Carlsbad Current-Argus reported .
National Park Service spokesperson Vanessa Lacayo said the U.S. attorney ’ s office , district of New Mexico is investigating .
Lacayo also said Mitchell has been on administrative duty since the shooting , in accordance with department policy .

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The attorney for the family of a Colorado man fatally shot by a U.S. National Park Service ranger in New Mexico said she was disappointed with a district attorney decision to not pursue criminal charges against the ranger.
Civil rights lawyer Shannon Kennedy said Charles “Gage” Lorentz’s parents Kimberly Beck and Travis Lorentz were disappointed, and that the district attorney had omitted “some key factors” when explaining the decision.
“Legally and factually there is evidence that the Ranger acted in a manner that was objectively unreasonable and unconstitutional,” Kennedy said. “We believe we can prove that at trial and we believe that what happened to Gage Lorentz is more than a tragedy, it’s a crime.”
Fifth Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce announced earlier this week that the actions of Park Ranger Robert Mitchell were “objectively justifiable” during a traffic stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Mitchell stopped Lorentz for erratic driving March 21.
A video showed a struggle ensued between the two and Mitchell deployed his stun gun, which failed to subdue Lorentz. Mitchell then can be seen firing his service weapon twice.
“We were able to determine from the Eddy County sheriff’s office that Mr. Lorentz has his arm around the neck of Park Ranger Mitchell during the struggle,” Luce told KOB-TV.
Lorentz was traveling from Texas back to his home in Colorado when he stopped in Carlsbad to meet a friend.
Kennedy filed a wrongful death claim against the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Interior in June. She said the federal government has six months to respond to the lawsuit.
As of Aug. 6, no response was filed, the Carlsbad Current-Argus reported.
National Park Service spokesperson Vanessa Lacayo said the U.S. attorney’s office, district of New Mexico is investigating. Lacayo also said Mitchell has been on administrative duty since the shooting, in accordance with department policy.


washingtontimes--2020-08-08--Trump signs executive orders to defer payroll taxes, extend jobless benefits, halt evictions

President Trump signed executive orders on Saturday to provide more aid to people hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , including extending $ 400 weekly unemployment benefits and granting a payroll tax holiday for workers making less than $ 100,000 , as he accused congressional Democrats of “ stonewalling ” negotiations .
“ Through these four actions , my administration will provide immediate and vital relief to Americans struggling at this difficult time , ” the president said at his golf club in Bedminster , New Jersey .
Mr. Trump also said he ’ s weighing additional income tax relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s dramatic action , which is likely to encounter legal challenges , suspends payroll taxes until the end of the year , retroactive to Aug.1 , for people earning up to $ 100,000 per year ; provides enhanced federal unemployment benefits of $ 400 per week through December ; defers student loan payments and forgives interest ; and renews a moratorium on housing evictions .
Mr. Trump ’ s move came after two weeks of negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrats were seeking a package of aid totaling about $ 3.5 trillion ; the White House and Senate Republicans were proposing relief totaling about $ 1.5 trillion .
The president said the Democrats ’ bill was backed by presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden , and included measures such as banning voter ID and providing stimulus checks for illegal aliens , that are “ completely unrelated ” to the pandemic .
“ What does this have to do with the coronavirus ?
” Mr. Trump asked .
“ They want to bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Democrats .
Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have chosen to hold this vital assistance hostage on behalf of very extreme partisan demands .
They want to steal an election.
” He said the payroll tax holiday will be made permanent if he ’ s reelected .
“ If I ’ m victorious on Nov. 3 , I plan to forgive these taxes and make permanent cuts to the payroll tax , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ Biden probably won ’ t be doing that.
” The president said states will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra unemployment benefits .
Federal benefits of $ 600 per week , which had been added to regular state jobless benefits , expired last week .
He said Democrats are “ actively blocking ” funding to help K-12 schools reopen safely , extra money for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and direct payments to most families averaging $ 3,400 .
Despite opposition in both parties to the payroll tax holiday , Mr. Trump said “ everybody wanted it.
” Payroll taxes fund Social Security and Medicare .
“ The very important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people need it , actually , ” the president said .
Deferring payroll taxes would require workers and employers to repay the money at some point .
Employers pay half the tax , up to 15.3 % , and withhold the other half from employees ’ wages .
The Treasury secretary has authority to defer tax collections after presidentially declared disasters .
The administration used the authority this year to postpone the traditional April 15 tax filing deadline until July 15 .
The president said the money for the federal unemployment benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in unspent portions of the CARES Act , approved in March .
He said people would receive the aid “ very soon.
” “ If we get sued , it ’ s somebody that doesn ’ t want people to get money , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ That ’ s not going to be very popular.
” The president included a measure to provide “ temporary financial assistance ” to renters along with his action on halting evictions .
He signed one executive order and three memoranda to implement the relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sen. Ron Wyden , Oregon Democrat , said states can not afford to pay the 25 % share of the extended unemployment benefits under the president ’ s order .
“ This scheme is a classic Trump con : play-acting at leadership while robbing families of the support they need , ” Mr. Wyden tweeted .
“ This ‘ plan ’ fails to reinstate supercharged [ $ 600 ] unemployment , and would throw already overburdened state programs into chaos , making it harder to get benefits out the door.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 80 billion from a $ 150 billion fund for states in the CARES Act hasn ’ t been spent , and another $ 70 billion from the Department of Homeland Security can be used for the extra jobless payments .
“ Democrats all or nothing strategy jeopardizes the certainty Americans need to pay their bills , ” he tweeted .
“ Pres Trump puts the American ppl first compared to nonstop political games by Democrats.
” Mr. Wyden also said the president ’ s payroll holiday “ scheme could also drain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fake tax cut.
” “ While employers are unlikely to risk a massive tax liability by not collecting payroll taxes or having to double up collection later , if they do go along with this stunt , it would drain the Social Security trust fund , ” Mr. Wyden said .
“ This fake tax cut would also be a big shock to workers who thought they were getting a tax cut when it was only a delay .
These workers would be hit with much bigger payments down the road.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost their jobs through no fault of their own would get nothing , and workers who have lost shifts and tips would get little help .
”

President Trump signed executive orders on Saturday to provide more aid to people hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, including extending $400 weekly unemployment benefits and granting a payroll tax holiday for workers making less than $100,000, as he accused congressional Democrats of “stonewalling” negotiations.
“Through these four actions, my administration will provide immediate and vital relief to Americans struggling at this difficult time,” the president said at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Mr. Trump also said he’s weighing additional income tax relief and capital gains tax cuts.
The president’s dramatic action, which is likely to encounter legal challenges, suspends payroll taxes until the end of the year, retroactive to Aug.1, for people earning up to $100,000 per year; provides enhanced federal unemployment benefits of $400 per week through December; defers student loan payments and forgives interest; and renews a moratorium on housing evictions.
Mr. Trump’s move came after two weeks of negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York failed to produce a deal. Democrats were seeking a package of aid totaling about $3.5 trillion; the White House and Senate Republicans were proposing relief totaling about $1.5 trillion.
The president said the Democrats’ bill was backed by presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden, and included measures such as banning voter ID and providing stimulus checks for illegal aliens, that are “completely unrelated” to the pandemic.
“What does this have to do with the coronavirus?” Mr. Trump asked. “They want to bail out states that have been badly run by Democrats. Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have chosen to hold this vital assistance hostage on behalf of very extreme partisan demands. They want to steal an election.”
He said the payroll tax holiday will be made permanent if he’s reelected.
“If I’m victorious on Nov. 3, I plan to forgive these taxes and make permanent cuts to the payroll tax,” Mr. Trump said. “Biden probably won’t be doing that.”
The president said states will be asked to cover 25% of the extra unemployment benefits. Federal benefits of $600 per week, which had been added to regular state jobless benefits, expired last week.
He said Democrats are “actively blocking” funding to help K-12 schools reopen safely, extra money for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and direct payments to most families averaging $3,400.
Despite opposition in both parties to the payroll tax holiday, Mr. Trump said “everybody wanted it.” Payroll taxes fund Social Security and Medicare.
“The very important thing is the people want it and the people need it, actually,” the president said.
Deferring payroll taxes would require workers and employers to repay the money at some point. Employers pay half the tax, up to 15.3%, and withhold the other half from employees’ wages.
The Treasury secretary has authority to defer tax collections after presidentially declared disasters. The administration used the authority this year to postpone the traditional April 15 tax filing deadline until July 15.
The president said the money for the federal unemployment benefits would come from about $1 trillion in unspent portions of the CARES Act, approved in March. He said people would receive the aid “very soon.”
“If we get sued, it’s somebody that doesn’t want people to get money,” Mr. Trump said. “That’s not going to be very popular.”
The president included a measure to provide “temporary financial assistance” to renters along with his action on halting evictions. He signed one executive order and three memoranda to implement the relief measures, according to the White House.
Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Democrat, said states cannot afford to pay the 25% share of the extended unemployment benefits under the president’s order.
“This scheme is a classic Trump con: play-acting at leadership while robbing families of the support they need,” Mr. Wyden tweeted. “This ‘plan’ fails to reinstate supercharged [$600] unemployment, and would throw already overburdened state programs into chaos, making it harder to get benefits out the door.”
The president’s order said that more than $80 billion from a $150 billion fund for states in the CARES Act hasn’t been spent, and another $70 billion from the Department of Homeland Security can be used for the extra jobless payments.
Sen. Charles Grassley, Iowa Republican, praised Mr. Trump’s move.
“Democrats all or nothing strategy jeopardizes the certainty Americans need to pay their bills,” he tweeted. “Pres Trump puts the American ppl first compared to nonstop political games by Democrats.”
Mr. Wyden also said the president’s payroll holiday “scheme could also drain the Social Security trust fund for a fake tax cut.”
“While employers are unlikely to risk a massive tax liability by not collecting payroll taxes or having to double up collection later, if they do go along with this stunt, it would drain the Social Security trust fund,” Mr. Wyden said. “This fake tax cut would also be a big shock to workers who thought they were getting a tax cut when it was only a delay. These workers would be hit with much bigger payments down the road.”
“In the interim, workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own would get nothing, and workers who have lost shifts and tips would get little help.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.