washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Miami ICU nurse: I have never in my life seen so many deaths

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. ( AP ) - Their final breaths are tormented .
Rublas Ruiz has seen too many of them — the last gasps of 17 men and women who died of the coronavirus .
A 41-year-old ICU nurse in Miami ’ s Kendall Regional Medical Center , Ruiz has witnessed the desperate , pleading , wide-eyed , barely there gasps .
“ The fear in their eyes when they can ’ t get enough air .
They are so scared , ” he says , quietly .
“ Their eyes are big , desperate to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He sits on their bed , grasps their hand , strokes their cheek and prays .
Anything to soothe them .
“ I know you can not talk , but I ’ m going to talk to you , ” he tell them .
“ You have to be positive , you have to have faith that God is going to get you out of this.
” Often , he ducks away to sob in the bathroom .
It is a rare moment alone , when he can cast off the brave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his face and returns to the floor that has been his work home since March .
While other nurses rotate in and out of the COVID-19 ICU unit to limit their exposure to the deadly virus , he ’ s asked to stay permanently .
“ I ’ m here for them .
This is what I was meant to do , ” says Ruiz .
“ Many nurses have left .
They don ’ t want to deal with it , they ’ re afraid , they ’ re scared , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County has been the epicenter of the state ’ s outbreak with about 2,000 deaths since March — more than 20 percent of the state ’ s total .
As Florida cases skyrocketed this summer , Miami hospitals were especially overloaded in the second half of July .
For Ruiz , his routine is the same every day .
He prays in the car on the way to the hospital : “ Dear God , this is your day , put me in your hands and help me do what you want me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and let me help you out.
” Then , he says , “ I take a deep breath when I get out of the car and go to battle.
” As many as 10 patients have died in his ward in a single week .
At one point , he started counting , “ and then I stopped doing that because there were so many.
” Right now , he can ’ t stop thinking about the 45-year-old father who has been intubated for more than two weeks , “ seeing this young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years older than me … ” His voice trails off .
“ We know he ’ s not going to make it.
” The hardest part is watching them die alone .
Playing the role of family has become almost more important than his nursing responsibilities .
He tried to distract an elderly patient from searching for virus treatments on the Internet by asking him questions about his work as an inspector for the Department of Motor Vehicles .
Ruiz could sense the retired man ’ s fear : “ He was looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also made me cry that day.
” His condition deteriorated in less than a week , and he died .
He tries to connect patients with loved ones as much as possible through video chats .
But ultimately , he ’ s the one bearing witness to their final breaths .
“ I have never seen in my life so many deaths , in a week or a month , ” he says .
“ The room gets empty and another patient comes in.
” On the way home , he can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left behind .
Will he see them tomorrow ?
He steps into a makeshift changing room in the garage , removes his hospital scrubs and heads straight to the shower , praying he doesn ’ t infect his wife and 10-year-old daughter .
He tries not to think about that .
It ’ s too much to bear .
The tween is dejected , isolated from friends , missing school and deeply disappointed the over the cancellation of an Ariana Grande concert that would have been the highlight of her year .
Ruiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he ’ s home , but it seeps in .
He relies heavily on the positive energy of his wife of six years , Yaneth .
“ He has been quite depressed , ” she says .
“ We have good communication .
I try to listen to him .
I know he ’ s stressed.
” His wife lost her job as a hairdresser so Rublas takes extra shifts to make up for their lost income .
The family has taken up fishing as a hobby , casting their reels off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peace of being outside and together .
Back in April , Yaneth prepared a special birthday dinner for him at home .
But when he sat at the table , the thought of losing so many patients overwhelmed him .
And he broke down in tears .

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Their final breaths are tormented. Rublas Ruiz has seen too many of them — the last gasps of 17 men and women who died of the coronavirus.
A 41-year-old ICU nurse in Miami’s Kendall Regional Medical Center, Ruiz has witnessed the desperate, pleading, wide-eyed, barely there gasps.
“The fear in their eyes when they can’t get enough air. They are so scared,” he says, quietly. “Their eyes are big, desperate to get the oxygen and that makes me so sad.”
He sits on their bed, grasps their hand, strokes their cheek and prays. Anything to soothe them.
“I know you cannot talk, but I’m going to talk to you,” he tell them. “You have to be positive, you have to have faith that God is going to get you out of this.”
Often, he ducks away to sob in the bathroom. It is a rare moment alone, when he can cast off the brave countenance.
Then he splashes water on his face and returns to the floor that has been his work home since March. While other nurses rotate in and out of the COVID-19 ICU unit to limit their exposure to the deadly virus, he’s asked to stay permanently.
It’s his calling.
“I’m here for them. This is what I was meant to do,” says Ruiz.
“Many nurses have left. They don’t want to deal with it, they’re afraid, they’re scared, they see other people getting infected.”
Miami-Dade County has been the epicenter of the state’s outbreak with about 2,000 deaths since March — more than 20 percent of the state’s total. As Florida cases skyrocketed this summer, Miami hospitals were especially overloaded in the second half of July.
For Ruiz, his routine is the same every day. He prays in the car on the way to the hospital: “Dear God, this is your day, put me in your hands and help me do what you want me to do. This is your creation and let me help you out.”
Then, he says, “I take a deep breath when I get out of the car and go to battle.”
___
As many as 10 patients have died in his ward in a single week.
At one point, he started counting, “and then I stopped doing that because there were so many.”
Right now, he can’t stop thinking about the 45-year-old father who has been intubated for more than two weeks, “seeing this young guy almost my age, just four years older than me …”
His voice trails off. “We know he’s not going to make it.”
The hardest part is watching them die alone.
Playing the role of family has become almost more important than his nursing responsibilities. He tried to distract an elderly patient from searching for virus treatments on the Internet by asking him questions about his work as an inspector for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Ruiz could sense the retired man’s fear: “He was looking really, really sad and then that also made me cry that day.” His condition deteriorated in less than a week, and he died.
He tries to connect patients with loved ones as much as possible through video chats. But ultimately, he’s the one bearing witness to their final breaths.
“I have never seen in my life so many deaths, in a week or a month,” he says. “The room gets empty and another patient comes in.”
___
On the way home, he can’t stop thinking about the patients he left behind. Will he see them tomorrow?
He steps into a makeshift changing room in the garage, removes his hospital scrubs and heads straight to the shower, praying he doesn’t infect his wife and 10-year-old daughter. He tries not to think about that. It’s too much to bear.
The tween is dejected, isolated from friends, missing school and deeply disappointed the over the cancellation of an Ariana Grande concert that would have been the highlight of her year.
Ruiz tries hard to separate his grim work when he’s home, but it seeps in. He relies heavily on the positive energy of his wife of six years, Yaneth.
“He has been quite depressed,” she says. “We have good communication. I try to listen to him. I know he’s stressed.”
His wife lost her job as a hairdresser so Rublas takes extra shifts to make up for their lost income. The family has taken up fishing as a hobby, casting their reels off a bridge, catching snapper and enjoying the peace of being outside and together.
Back in April, Yaneth prepared a special birthday dinner for him at home. But when he sat at the table, the thought of losing so many patients overwhelmed him. And he broke down in tears.
__
Associated Press reporter Adriana Licon-Gomez contributed from Miami.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Survivors will face New Zealand mosque gunman at sentencing

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) - When Aya Al-Umari faces her brother ’ s killer in the dock , she intends to tell him that his hatred stole away her best friend , her guardian , her hero .
That she still wants to pick up the phone and tell her brother all about her day , because he ’ s the only one who would understand .
Al-Umari is one of more than 60 survivors and family members who this week in court will confront the white supremacist who committed the worst atrocity in New Zealand ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51 worshippers at two Christchurch mosques in March 2019 .
The gunman , 29-year-old Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant , pleaded guilty in March to 51 counts of murder , 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism - the first terrorism conviction in the nation ’ s history .
Tarrant has dismissed his lawyers and intends to represent himself during the four-day sentencing starting Monday , raising fears he could try to use the occasion as a platform to promote his racist views .
He can choose to speak once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will likely shut down any attempts he makes to grandstand .
Tarrant could become the first person in New Zealand to be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole .
New Zealand abolished the death penalty for murder in 1961 , and the longest sentence imposed since then has been life imprisonment with a minimum 30-year non-parole period .
The attacks targeting people praying at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques shocked the nation and prompted new laws banning the deadliest types of semi-automatic weapons .
They also prompted global changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livestreamed his attack on Facebook , where it was viewed by hundreds of thousands of people .
Some victims have traveled from abroad to attend the court hearing and have completed a mandatory 14-day quarantine imposed because of the coronavirus .
Virus distancing requirements mean the number of survivors in the main courtroom will be limited to 35 at any one time .
But the hearing will also be streamed to seven adjacent courtrooms , which can hold another 200 or so people .
Judge Cameron Mander said he realized the court process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many of the victims .
“ Finality and closure is considered by some as the best means of bringing relief to the Muslim community , ” he wrote in a court memo .
Mander is not allowing live reporting from the sentencing and has reserved the right to ban some things that are said in court from being broadcast or published .
The victims also can choose to remain anonymous .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern , who was praised around the world for her empathy and leadership after the attacks , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said the sentencing would be hard for the victims .
“ I don ’ t think there is much that I can say that is going to ease just how traumatic that period ’ s going to be , ” she said .
Andrew Geddis , a law professor at the University of Otago , said the case was unprecedented in New Zealand , both in the magnitude of the crime and the number of victims involved in the sentencing .
He said it was likely the judge would impose the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mitigating factors being Tarrant ’ s guilty plea and his young age .
Geddis said if Tarrant shows any remorse during the hearing , it may factor in his favor , while any attempt he makes to promote his racist agenda will likely count against him .
Tarrant moved to New Zealand in 2017 and kept a low profile in the university city of Dunedin .
He frequented a gym , practiced shooting at a rifle club range and built up an arsenal of weapons .
He didn ’ t appear to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posts that he ’ d inherited a significant amount of money when his father died .
Tarrant appeared to have a fascination with religious conflicts in Europe and the Balkans , and visited a number of sites in Eastern Europe in the years before he committed the massacre .
After his attack at the second mosque , Tarrant was driving , possibly to carry out a shooting at a third mosque , when two police officers rammed his car off the road , dragged him out and arrested him .
Al-Umari ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Al Noor mosque .
In her victim impact statement , which she shared with The Associated Press ahead of the sentencing , she says that she mourns not only the loss of her brother , but also the loss of his hopes and goals , and that she will never have any nieces or nephews .
“ There are no words that do justice to explain what it is like to go from having lunch with your brother on one day to burying him on another , ” she writes .

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - When Aya Al-Umari faces her brother’s killer in the dock, she intends to tell him that his hatred stole away her best friend, her guardian, her hero. That she still wants to pick up the phone and tell her brother all about her day, because he’s the only one who would understand.
Al-Umari is one of more than 60 survivors and family members who this week in court will confront the white supremacist who committed the worst atrocity in New Zealand’s modern history, when he slaughtered 51 worshippers at two Christchurch mosques in March 2019.
The gunman, 29-year-old Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant, pleaded guilty in March to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism - the first terrorism conviction in the nation’s history.
Tarrant has dismissed his lawyers and intends to represent himself during the four-day sentencing starting Monday, raising fears he could try to use the occasion as a platform to promote his racist views. He can choose to speak once the victims have spoken, although the judge will likely shut down any attempts he makes to grandstand.
Tarrant could become the first person in New Zealand to be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. New Zealand abolished the death penalty for murder in 1961, and the longest sentence imposed since then has been life imprisonment with a minimum 30-year non-parole period.
The attacks targeting people praying at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques shocked the nation and prompted new laws banning the deadliest types of semi-automatic weapons. They also prompted global changes to social media protocols after the gunman livestreamed his attack on Facebook, where it was viewed by hundreds of thousands of people.
Some victims have traveled from abroad to attend the court hearing and have completed a mandatory 14-day quarantine imposed because of the coronavirus.
Virus distancing requirements mean the number of survivors in the main courtroom will be limited to 35 at any one time. But the hearing will also be streamed to seven adjacent courtrooms, which can hold another 200 or so people.
Judge Cameron Mander said he realized the court process had been “exhausting and frustrating” for many of the victims. “Finality and closure is considered by some as the best means of bringing relief to the Muslim community,” he wrote in a court memo.
Mander is not allowing live reporting from the sentencing and has reserved the right to ban some things that are said in court from being broadcast or published. The victims also can choose to remain anonymous.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was praised around the world for her empathy and leadership after the attacks, said she would be monitoring the hearing closely. She said the sentencing would be hard for the victims.
“I don’t think there is much that I can say that is going to ease just how traumatic that period’s going to be,” she said.
Andrew Geddis, a law professor at the University of Otago, said the case was unprecedented in New Zealand, both in the magnitude of the crime and the number of victims involved in the sentencing.
He said it was likely the judge would impose the first all-of-life sentence, with two possible mitigating factors being Tarrant’s guilty plea and his young age. Geddis said if Tarrant shows any remorse during the hearing, it may factor in his favor, while any attempt he makes to promote his racist agenda will likely count against him.
Tarrant moved to New Zealand in 2017 and kept a low profile in the university city of Dunedin. He frequented a gym, practiced shooting at a rifle club range and built up an arsenal of weapons. He didn’t appear to be employed, and said in some online posts that he’d inherited a significant amount of money when his father died.
Tarrant appeared to have a fascination with religious conflicts in Europe and the Balkans, and visited a number of sites in Eastern Europe in the years before he committed the massacre. After his attack at the second mosque, Tarrant was driving, possibly to carry out a shooting at a third mosque, when two police officers rammed his car off the road, dragged him out and arrested him.
Al-Umari’s 35-year-old brother Hussein was among those killed at the Al Noor mosque. In her victim impact statement, which she shared with The Associated Press ahead of the sentencing, she says that she mourns not only the loss of her brother, but also the loss of his hopes and goals, and that she will never have any nieces or nephews.
“There are no words that do justice to explain what it is like to go from having lunch with your brother on one day to burying him on another,” she writes.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Trump's vision of American greatness at center of convention

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Republicans will aim to recast the story of Donald Trump ’ s presidency when they hold their national convention , featuring speakers drawn from everyday life as well as cable news and the White House while drawing a stark contrast with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
Trump is looking to shift his campaign away from being a referendum on a presidency ravaged by a pandemic and economic collapse and toward a choice between vastly different visions of America ’ s future .
Reshaping the national conversation around the race has taken on greater urgency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and private surveys as the coronavirus continues to ravage the nation ’ s economy and his reelection chances .
The four-day event is themed “ Honoring the Great American Story , ” according to four Trump campaign officials involved with the planning process but not authorized to discuss it by name .
The convention will feature prominently a number of well-known Trump supporters , including members of the Trump family , but also those whom the GOP say are members of the “ silent majority ” of Americans who have been aided by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been “ silenced ” by a “ cancel culture ” pushed by Democrats , the campaign officials said .
Where Democrats highlighted Republicans who crossed party lines to back Biden as an indictment of Trump ’ s leadership , the GOP lineup will primarily feature figures on the conservative media circuit with the hope that they can deliver red meat for the president ’ s loyal supporters - though planners say they will feature some people who did not vote for Trump in 2016 .
Planners insist they will put forward a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roasting of Trump .
Yet the president also appears intent on trying to seize on the nation ’ s cultural divides , particularly around issues of racial injustice and policing , drawing on grievances to motivate his base .
The officials outlined the campaign plans to The Associates Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the emerging schedule .
The opening night Monday will highlight the “ Land of Promise , ” aiming to show how Trump helped renew the American dream .
Featured speakers include South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the televised prime-time block ; former Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley ; presidential son Donald Trump , Jr. ; staunch congressional defenders Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jim Jordan of Ohio ; and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel .
Tanya Weinreis , a Montana coffee shop owner who received federal loans to pay her employees during the coronavirus , will also speak , as will Andrew Pollack , whose daughter Meadow was among those killed in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland , Florida .
Tuesday ’ s theme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is expected to cast Biden ’ s plans as “ socialist ” and “ radical left.
” Speakers will highlight Trump ’ s actions on trade , abortion and the nation ’ s opioid crisis .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will address Trump ’ s foreign policy record , an unusual foray into domestic politics by the nation ’ s top diplomat , and Trump children Eric and Tiffany Trump will also speak .
Another speaker will be Nicholas Sandmann , who as a student at a Catholic high school in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his interaction with a Native American man during demonstrations in Washington .
Media commentary in the aftermath of the viral video from the interaction depicted the students as racially insensitive .
Sandmann and the Native American man , Nathan Phillips , later said they were both trying to defuse tensions among conflicting groups that converted at the Lincoln Memorial .
First lady Melania Trump will deliver the marquee address of the night from a newly renovated White House Rose Garden .
Wednesday , themed “ Land of Heroes , ” will feature a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Kristi Noem , White House counselor Kellyanne Conway , former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell , Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York and presidential daughter-in-law Lara Trump .
Clarence Henderson , a civil rights figure from the 1960s , is also on deck to address the “ true meaning of peaceful protest , ” planners said , as Trump plans to highlight police officers amid a nationwide call for policing reform after the May death of George Floyd in police custody .
Vice President Mike Pence will deliver the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McHenry , which inspired “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” in 1814 , to highlight Trump ’ s opposition to professional athletes who protest racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem .
Speakers on the final night , themed “ Land of Greatness , will include Alice Johnson , the criminal justice advocate whose sentence on drug crimes was commuted by Trump at the urging of celebrity Kim Kardashian ; Carl and Marsha Mueller , the parents of human rights activist Kayla Mueller , who died while being held by the Islamic State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Franklin Graham .
Trump ’ s personal attorney , former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani , whose attempts to dig up dirt in Ukraine on Biden ’ s family were at the center of the president ’ s impeachment last year , will also address the final night of the convention .
Republican congressional leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California and Democrat turned Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey are to deliver remarks , as will Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented address from the White House South Lawn .
He and Ivanka Trump , his daughter and senior adviser who is set to introduce him , will speak from an elaborate stage in front of the Executive Mansion .
The move has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics groups , who argue that Trump is violating the spirit , if not the letter , of federal law by using the White House grounds to stage his convention .
While the president is not covered by the Hatch Act , his aides can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacities and staffers are extremely limited in what they may do to help pull off the convention .
Planners insist they are following all ethics rules .
Plans for the GOP event have rapidly come together over the last six weeks , since it became apparent to the party that Trump could not hold an in-person convention at his backup site of Jacksonville , Florida .
Trump was forced to move most of the convention out of Charlotte , North Carolina , the original host city , because of restrictive state coronavirus precautions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely watched last week ’ s Democratic convention for cues on what worked and what didn ’ t in the virtual format , hoping that will provide an advantage in putting together their week of events .
One major difference , Republicans said , will be the emphasis on live rather than taped events - and holding events with crowds to the greatest extent practicable .
Trump repeatedly criticized Democrats ’ reliance on pre-taped videos , rather than live addresses , saying Tuesday , “ Live , by the way , is always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expected for Melania Trump ’ s speech in the Rose Garden , with a larger cohort watching in person when Pence speaks Wednesday from Fort McHenry .
More than 1,000 guests are anticipated on the South Lawn when Trump delivers his acceptance speech Thursday night .
The RNC has requested approval to launch fireworks from the National Mall after Trump ’ s speech .
Unlike Democrats , Republicans are not expected to feature a roll call of states to formally renominate the president - traditionally one of the most dramatic moments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taking place in truncated format Monday morning in Charlotte with a condensed recap expected to air later during the evening .

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans will aim to recast the story of Donald Trump’s presidency when they hold their national convention, featuring speakers drawn from everyday life as well as cable news and the White House while drawing a stark contrast with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Trump is looking to shift his campaign away from being a referendum on a presidency ravaged by a pandemic and economic collapse and toward a choice between vastly different visions of America’s future. Reshaping the national conversation around the race has taken on greater urgency for Trump, who trails in public and private surveys as the coronavirus continues to ravage the nation’s economy and his reelection chances.
The four-day event is themed “Honoring the Great American Story,” according to four Trump campaign officials involved with the planning process but not authorized to discuss it by name. The convention will feature prominently a number of well-known Trump supporters, including members of the Trump family, but also those whom the GOP say are members of the “silent majority” of Americans who have been aided by Trump’s policies. Some have been “silenced” by a “cancel culture” pushed by Democrats, the campaign officials said.
Trump himself was expected to appear each night in the key 10 p.m. Eastern hour, planners said.
Where Democrats highlighted Republicans who crossed party lines to back Biden as an indictment of Trump’s leadership, the GOP lineup will primarily feature figures on the conservative media circuit with the hope that they can deliver red meat for the president’s loyal supporters - though planners say they will feature some people who did not vote for Trump in 2016.
Planners insist they will put forward a more “positive” convention than Democrats’ roasting of Trump. Yet the president also appears intent on trying to seize on the nation’s cultural divides, particularly around issues of racial injustice and policing, drawing on grievances to motivate his base.
The officials outlined the campaign plans to The Associates Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the emerging schedule.
The opening night Monday will highlight the “Land of Promise,” aiming to show how Trump helped renew the American dream. Featured speakers include South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who will deliver the coveted closing speech of the televised prime-time block; former Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley; presidential son Donald Trump, Jr.; staunch congressional defenders Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jim Jordan of Ohio; and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
Tanya Weinreis, a Montana coffee shop owner who received federal loans to pay her employees during the coronavirus, will also speak, as will Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was among those killed in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Tuesday’s theme is “Land of Opportunity,” which is expected to cast Biden’s plans as “socialist” and “radical left.” Speakers will highlight Trump’s actions on trade, abortion and the nation’s opioid crisis. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will address Trump’s foreign policy record, an unusual foray into domestic politics by the nation’s top diplomat, and Trump children Eric and Tiffany Trump will also speak.
Another speaker will be Nicholas Sandmann, who as a student at a Catholic high school in Kentucky gained national attention last year for his interaction with a Native American man during demonstrations in Washington. Media commentary in the aftermath of the viral video from the interaction depicted the students as racially insensitive. Sandmann and the Native American man, Nathan Phillips, later said they were both trying to defuse tensions among conflicting groups that converged at the Lincoln Memorial.
First lady Melania Trump will deliver the marquee address of the night from a newly renovated White House Rose Garden.
Wednesday, themed “Land of Heroes,” will feature a raft of conservative personalities including South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York and presidential daughter-in-law Lara Trump.
Clarence Henderson, a civil rights figure from the 1960s, is also on deck to address the “true meaning of peaceful protest,” planners said, as Trump plans to highlight police officers amid a nationwide call for policing reform after the May death of George Floyd in police custody.
Vice President Mike Pence will deliver the keynote Wednesday from Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, which inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814, to highlight Trump’s opposition to professional athletes who protest racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.
Speakers on the final night, themed “Land of Greatness, will include Alice Johnson, the criminal justice advocate whose sentence on drug crimes was commuted by Trump at the urging of celebrity Kim Kardashian; Carl and Marsha Mueller, the parents of human rights activist Kayla Mueller, who died while being held by the Islamic State group in Syria; and evangelist Rev. Franklin Graham.
Trump’s personal attorney, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whose attempts to dig up dirt in Ukraine on Biden’s family were at the center of the president’s impeachment last year, will also address the final night of the convention. Republican congressional leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California and Democrat turned Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey are to deliver remarks, as will Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White.
Trump will close out the convention during an unprecedented address from the White House South Lawn. He and Ivanka Trump, his daughter and senior adviser who is set to introduce him, will speak from an elaborate stage in front of the Executive Mansion. The move has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics groups, who argue that Trump is violating the spirit, if not the letter, of federal law by using the White House grounds to stage his convention.
While the president is not covered by the Hatch Act, his aides cannot appear at the convention in their official capacities and staffers are extremely limited in what they may do to help pull off the convention. Planners insist they are following all ethics rules.
Plans for the GOP event have rapidly come together over the last six weeks, since it became apparent to the party that Trump could not hold an in-person convention at his backup site of Jacksonville, Florida. Trump was forced to move most of the convention out of Charlotte, North Carolina, the original host city, because of restrictive state coronavirus precautions.
Republicans - and Trump himself - closely watched last week’s Democratic convention for cues on what worked and what didn’t in the virtual format, hoping that will provide an advantage in putting together their week of events.
One major difference, Republicans said, will be the emphasis on live rather than taped events - and holding events with crowds to the greatest extent practicable. Trump repeatedly criticized Democrats’ reliance on pre-taped videos, rather than live addresses, saying Tuesday, “Live, by the way, is always much more exciting.”
A small crowd was expected for Melania Trump’s speech in the Rose Garden, with a larger cohort watching in person when Pence speaks Wednesday from Fort McHenry. More than 1,000 guests are anticipated on the South Lawn when Trump delivers his acceptance speech Thursday night. The RNC has requested approval to launch fireworks from the National Mall after Trump’s speech.
Unlike Democrats, Republicans are not expected to feature a roll call of states to formally renominate the president - traditionally one of the most dramatic moments of a convention. The actual voting will be taking place in truncated format Monday morning in Charlotte with a condensed recap expected to air later during the evening.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Cubs 3B Kris Bryant goes on IL with finger injury

CHICAGO ( AP ) - The Chicago Cubs placed third baseman Kris Bryant on the 10-day injured list Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ his left hand .
Bryant also got an injection for his ailing left wrist on @ @ @ @ @ when he made a diving attempt on César Hernández ’ s flare to left field @ @ @ @ @ a 7-2 victory at Cleveland on Aug. 12 .
The 2016 NL MVP hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ s doubleheader split against St. Louis .
The IL move is retroactive to Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ just .177 with 20 strikeouts in 14 games .
About three hours before Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ White Sox , Cubs manager David Ross said the hope was the team could avoid @ @ @ @ @ .
The team did not announce a corresponding roster move .

CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Cubs placed third baseman Kris Bryant on the 10-day injured list Saturday night with a sprained finger on his left hand.
Bryant also got an injection for his ailing left wrist on Tuesday. The injuries occurred when he made a diving attempt on César Hernández’s flare to left field in the fifth inning of a 7-2 victory at Cleveland on Aug. 12.
The 2016 NL MVP hasn’t played since Monday’s doubleheader split against St. Louis. The IL move is retroactive to Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Bryant is batting just .177 with 20 strikeouts in 14 games.
About three hours before Saturday night’s game with the White Sox, Cubs manager David Ross said the hope was the team could avoid putting Bryant on the IL.
The team did not announce a corresponding roster move.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--House passes $25 billion Postal Service bill

House Democrats passed their Postal Service bill late Saturday afternoon , despite Republican accusations that they were chasing a “ conspiracy theory ” about a crumbling agency .
The bill garnered support from 26 Republicans and passed on a 257-150 vote .
The vote was held during a rare Saturday session that interrupted the House ’ s break .
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of New York , one of the Republicans that voted for the bill , said this was a long-standing issue that needed to overcome partisan divisions and be addressed .
The bill would infuse the Postal Service with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an amount suggested by the agency ’ s board of governors earlier this year — and reverse all new policy changes to revert the agency back to how it was functioning in January 2020 .
Democratic leaders touted the bill as a vital step toward shoring up the USPS ahead of its critical role in the November elections .
They argued the policy provisions would help prevent voter suppression .
“ The new Postmaster General is using this lack of funding to justify sweeping and damaging changes to Postal Service operations , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney said on the House floor .
“ It makes absolutely no sense to implement these dramatic changes in the middle of a pandemic , less than three months before the November elections , ” the New York Democrat continued .
“ The American people do not want anyone messing with the Post Office .
They certainly do not want it to be politicized .
They just want their mail .
They want their medicines .
And they want their mail-in ballots delivered in a timely way.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new policy changes , including the collection of mailboxes , the decommissioning of mail sorting machines , changes to mail routes , and cuts to overtime — with many across the country reporting delivery delays .
While Democrats have heavily emphasized the impact the changes could have on the pandemic-era election , lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are also concerned about the effect it ’ s having on rural communities and those desperately needing medications .
Republican leadership argued Democrats were making a much bigger deal than necessary of the Postal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mailbox myths.
” President Trump slammed the bill as a “ money wasting hoax ” and said Democrats were just trying to push through their own priorities for mail-in ballots .
“ I urge everyone to be calm … the Postal Service is not incapacitated .
It is still fully capable of delivering the mail , ” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said .
He argued that the USPS will be financially solvent through August 2021 , that the agency was more than capable of delivering mail ballots at its current capacity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abnormal policy .
At a Senate hearing on the policy changes , Postmaster General Louis DeJoy acknowledged there was a “ dip ” in services , but suggested they were only temporary bugs .
At one point , House Minority Whip Steve Scalise , Louisiana Republican , shouted , “ This is not a real crisis !
” He highlighted his frustration by pointing out that more than 60 Democrats didn ’ t come into Capitol Hill , instead voting by proxy .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , California Democrat , refuted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Postal Service , arguing it was different than other businesses .
“ When people say , ‘ Well it doesn ’ t pay its own way ’ — it ’ s not a business , it ’ s a service , ” she said .
“ And while we always want to subject every federal dollar to the scrutiny of what we ’ re getting for it .
Let us remember that it is a service.
” The bill also came under fire from Republicans who wanted to see Democrats address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Postal Service .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows came up to Capitol Hill on Saturday , urging Speaker Pelosi to roll the Postal Service bill into a COVID-relief package with funds for the small business loan program and enhanced unemployment benefits — both of which expired earlier this month .
More than 100 rank-and-file Democrats have also requested that their leadership take up some sort of COVID relief bill .
Mrs. Pelosi said Mr. Meadows ’ request was “ deficient ” because it didn ’ t address school funding or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the larger negotiations and defended deviating from that stance with the Postal Service bill .
“ I ’ m not for splitting it up , except this is an emergency , and it has policy in it , ” she said .
“ This is more of a partisan bill than it is a real attempt at solving the problem , but hopefully its a start to something , ” Mr. Meadows said of the Postal Service bill .
“ What makes everything a political issue is the fact that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 3rd election , ” he added .
Senate Republicans said they won ’ t be taking up the Postal Service bill unless additional COVID relief is attached .

House Democrats passed their Postal Service bill late Saturday afternoon, despite Republican accusations that they were chasing a “conspiracy theory” about a crumbling agency.
The bill garnered support from 26 Republicans and passed on a 257-150 vote. The vote was held during a rare Saturday session that interrupted the House’s break.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of New York, one of the Republicans that voted for the bill, said this was a long-standing issue that needed to overcome partisan divisions and be addressed.
The bill would infuse the Postal Service with $25 billion in additional funding — an amount suggested by the agency’s board of governors earlier this year — and reverse all new policy changes to revert the agency back to how it was functioning in January 2020.
Democratic leaders touted the bill as a vital step toward shoring up the USPS ahead of its critical role in the November elections. They argued the policy provisions would help prevent voter suppression.
“The new Postmaster General is using this lack of funding to justify sweeping and damaging changes to Postal Service operations, and we have seen the results,” House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney said on the House floor.
“It makes absolutely no sense to implement these dramatic changes in the middle of a pandemic, less than three months before the November elections,” the New York Democrat continued. “The American people do not want anyone messing with the Post Office. They certainly do not want it to be politicized. They just want their mail. They want their medicines. And they want their mail-in ballots delivered in a timely way.”
The legislation comes amidst widespread concern about new policy changes, including the collection of mailboxes, the decommissioning of mail sorting machines, changes to mail routes, and cuts to overtime — with many across the country reporting delivery delays.
While Democrats have heavily emphasized the impact the changes could have on the pandemic-era election, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are also concerned about the effect it’s having on rural communities and those desperately needing medications.
Republican leadership argued Democrats were making a much bigger deal than necessary of the Postal Service’s struggles and spreading “mailbox myths.”
President Trump slammed the bill as a “money wasting hoax” and said Democrats were just trying to push through their own priorities for mail-in ballots.
“I urge everyone to be calm … the Postal Service is not incapacitated. It is still fully capable of delivering the mail,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said.
He argued that the USPS will be financially solvent through August 2021, that the agency was more than capable of delivering mail ballots at its current capacity, and that mailbox collection was not an abnormal policy.
At a Senate hearing on the policy changes, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy acknowledged there was a “dip” in services, but suggested they were only temporary bugs.
At one point, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, Louisiana Republican, shouted, “This is not a real crisis!”
He highlighted his frustration by pointing out that more than 60 Democrats didn’t come into Capitol Hill, instead voting by proxy.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, refuted the GOP’s argument against additional funding for the Postal Service, arguing it was different than other businesses.
“When people say, ‘Well it doesn’t pay its own way’ — it’s not a business, it’s a service,” she said. “And while we always want to subject every federal dollar to the scrutiny of what we’re getting for it. Let us remember that it is a service.”
The bill also came under fire from Republicans who wanted to see Democrats address COVID relief rather than focus specifically on the Postal Service.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows came up to Capitol Hill on Saturday, urging Speaker Pelosi to roll the Postal Service bill into a COVID-relief package with funds for the small business loan program and enhanced unemployment benefits — both of which expired earlier this month.
More than 100 rank-and-file Democrats have also requested that their leadership take up some sort of COVID relief bill.
Mrs. Pelosi said Mr. Meadows’ request was “deficient” because it didn’t address school funding or food security. She resisted narrow bills during the larger negotiations and defended deviating from that stance with the Postal Service bill.
“I’m not for splitting it up, except this is an emergency, and it has policy in it,” she said.
“This is more of a partisan bill than it is a real attempt at solving the problem, but hopefully its a start to something,” Mr. Meadows said of the Postal Service bill.
“What makes everything a political issue is the fact that we’re 70 plus days out from a November 3rd election,” he added.
Senate Republicans said they won’t be taking up the Postal Service bill unless additional COVID relief is attached.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Report: Trump administration to block proposed Alaska mine

The Trump administration plans to block a proposed copper and gold mine near the headwaters of a major U.S. salmon fishery in Alaska , six people described as familiar with its plans told Politico on Saturday .
The administration ’ s rejection of the Pebble Mine project is expected to come after Trump faced pressure to stop it from GOP mega-donor Andy Sabin , Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris and the his eldest son , Donald Trump Jr. , Politico reported .
“ With any government , whether it be Obama or Trump , nothing is certain until it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nature of this beast , ” Sabin , who has spoken with the president about the proposed mine , said in an interview with Politico .
“ But I ’ m fairly certain that you ’ re going to get good news.
” “ We firmly believe that the implication pushed by Politico that the White House is going to kill the project is clearly in error , likely made by a rush to publish rather than doing the necessary diligence to track down the full story , ” Collier said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any reports that the Trump Administration is going to return to an Obama-like approach that allowed politics to interfere with the normal , traditional permitting process .
This president clearly believes in keeping politics out of permitting – something conservatives and the business community fully support.
” The head of one of the nation ’ s biggest environmentalist groups said he believes the Trump administration will stop the project .
“ Pebble Mine has always been the wrong mine in the wrong place , ” Collin O ’ Mara , president and CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement , “ This decision marks a key step to save Alaska ’ s Bristol Bay - the world ’ s most important salmon fishery which supports more than 14,000 jobs - from billions of gallons of toxic tailings inevitably leaching into its pristine waters .
Stopping Pebble Mine was the right decision by the Obama administration in 2014 and we thank the Trump administration for making the right decision today.
” Politico reports that three officials say the Army Corps of Engineers office in Alaska plans to hold a conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proposed mine to discuss the decision .
Politico says an administration official confirmed the call .
The report of a decision to stop the project comes despite an environmental review the developer of the Pebble Mine saw as strongly in its favor .
The corps ’ final environmental review of the project in southwest Alaska , released in late July , stated that under normal operations , the alternatives it looked at “ would not be expected to have a measurable effect on fish numbers and result in long-term changes to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay.
” The corps stressed the review was not a decision document .
Pebble critics had blasted the corps ’ review as deficient , while the Pebble Limited Partnership , which is seeking to develop the mine and is owned by Canada-based Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. , saw it as a laying the groundwork for approval .
Pebble critics saw last-minute public support for their cause from Donald Trump Jr. and Nick Ayers , a former aide to Vice President Mike Pence and a senior adviser to the Trump campaign , who promoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the president ’ s efforts to promote development .
“ Every other major project developer and investor in the world is watching whether this administration delivers on its promise to eliminate political influence from permitting , ” Collier said in early August .
The mine , long a source of controversy and litigation , was seen by many as getting a second wind under the Trump administration .
The U.S. Environmental Protection , under the preceding Obama administration , proposed restricting development in southwest Alaska ’ s Bristol Bay region , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salmon fishery in the world and containing significant mineral resources .
Salmon also is a key part of the culture of Alaska Natives who call the region home .
But the agency never finalized the restrictions and , under the Trump administration , allowed the Pebble partnership to go through permitting .
Pebble lauded the shift , arguing its project should be allowed to be vetted through a permitting process and not pre-emptively vetoed .
Mine critics , however , feared politics were getting in the way of science .

The Trump administration plans to block a proposed copper and gold mine near the headwaters of a major U.S. salmon fishery in Alaska, six people described as familiar with its plans told Politico on Saturday.
The administration’s rejection of the Pebble Mine project is expected to come after Trump faced pressure to stop it from GOP mega-donor Andy Sabin, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris and the his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., Politico reported.
“With any government, whether it be Obama or Trump, nothing is certain until it happens, and that’s just the nature of this beast,” Sabin, who has spoken with the president about the proposed mine, said in an interview with Politico. “But I’m fairly certain that you’re going to get good news.”
On Thursday, a spokesman for the project said a decision on whether it should proceed could still be weeks away as work continues on a wetlands mitigation plan. Mike Heatwole, with the Pebble Limited Partnership, told The Associated Press that the company is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to finalize the plan. The agency did return messages seeking comment Saturday.
Pebble Limited Partnership CEO Tom Collier disputed the Politico report,
“We firmly believe that the implication pushed by Politico that the White House is going to kill the project is clearly in error, likely made by a rush to publish rather than doing the necessary diligence to track down the full story,” Collier said in a statement. “We categorically deny any reports that the Trump Administration is going to return to an Obama-like approach that allowed politics to interfere with the normal, traditional permitting process. This president clearly believes in keeping politics out of permitting – something conservatives and the business community fully support.”
The head of one of the nation’s biggest environmentalist groups said he believes the Trump administration will stop the project.
“Pebble Mine has always been the wrong mine in the wrong place,” Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said in a statement, “This decision marks a key step to save Alaska’s Bristol Bay - the world’s most important salmon fishery which supports more than 14,000 jobs - from billions of gallons of toxic tailings inevitably leaching into its pristine waters. Stopping Pebble Mine was the right decision by the Obama administration in 2014 and we thank the Trump administration for making the right decision today.”
Politico reports that three officials say the Army Corps of Engineers office in Alaska plans to hold a conference call on Monday with groups connected to the proposed mine to discuss the decision. Politico says an administration official confirmed the call.
The report of a decision to stop the project comes despite an environmental review the developer of the Pebble Mine saw as strongly in its favor.
The corps’ final environmental review of the project in southwest Alaska, released in late July, stated that under normal operations, the alternatives it looked at “would not be expected to have a measurable effect on fish numbers and result in long-term changes to the health of the commercial fisheries in Bristol Bay.” The corps stressed the review was not a decision document.
Pebble critics had blasted the corps’ review as deficient, while the Pebble Limited Partnership, which is seeking to develop the mine and is owned by Canada-based Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd., saw it as a laying the groundwork for approval.
Pebble critics saw last-minute public support for their cause from Donald Trump Jr. and Nick Ayers, a former aide to Vice President Mike Pence and a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, who promoted the conservation angle. Collier has played up the president’s efforts to promote development.
“Every other major project developer and investor in the world is watching whether this administration delivers on its promise to eliminate political influence from permitting,” Collier said in early August.
The mine, long a source of controversy and litigation, was seen by many as getting a second wind under the Trump administration. The U.S. Environmental Protection, under the preceding Obama administration, proposed restricting development in southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, which it described as supporting the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world and containing significant mineral resources. Salmon also is a key part of the culture of Alaska Natives who call the region home.
But the agency never finalized the restrictions and, under the Trump administration, allowed the Pebble partnership to go through permitting.
Pebble lauded the shift, arguing its project should be allowed to be vetted through a permitting process and not pre-emptively vetoed. Mine critics, however, feared politics were getting in the way of science.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--2,000 Brazilians flee homes after water pipe ruptures

BRASILIA , Brazil ( AP ) - About 2,000 people in northeastern Brazil were living away from their homes Saturday after a pipe in a water diversion project ruptured , damaging a dam and flooding the project ’ s power plant , authorities said .
Rogério Marinho , minister of regional development , told The Associated Press that the people were told to leave home as a precaution late Friday afternoon after the concrete conduit broke open in the city of Jati , in Ceara state .
He said water shooting from the ruptured conduit damaged about 40 meters ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 460-foot ) wall of the dam holding the reservoir fed by the pipeline .
Workers needed about 4 1/2 hours to contain the spill , he said .
“ The situation of the dam is absolutely fine and we have already started work to restore the structure ’ s wall , ” Marinho said by telephone from the accident site .
He said the evacuated residents should be able to return home within 72 hours .
The dam is part of an enormous project to divert water from the Sao Francisco , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supply arid regions in three states .

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - About 2,000 people in northeastern Brazil were living away from their homes Saturday after a pipe in a water diversion project ruptured, damaging a dam and flooding the project’s power plant, authorities said.
Rogério Marinho, minister of regional development, told The Associated Press that the people were told to leave home as a precaution late Friday afternoon after the concrete conduit broke open in the city of Jati, in Ceara state.
He said water shooting from the ruptured conduit damaged about 40 meters (130 feet) of a 140-meter (460-foot) wall of the dam holding the reservoir fed by the pipeline. Workers needed about 4 1/2 hours to contain the spill, he said.
“The situation of the dam is absolutely fine and we have already started work to restore the structure’s wall,” Marinho said by telephone from the accident site.
He said the evacuated residents should be able to return home within 72 hours.
The dam is part of an enormous project to divert water from the Sao Francisco, the most important river in northeastern Brazil, to supply arid regions in three states.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Maryland GOP received permit for Pence Fort McHenry speech

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - The Maryland Republican Party received a “ special use ” permit allowing Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ s historic Fort McHenry as a backdrop for his political address during the Republican National @ @ @ @ @ reported that it obtained a copy of the National Park Service permit , which says @ @ @ @ @ Banner will be flying when the vice president delivers a speech Wednesday night in an @ @ @ @ @ tourist site that is a National Park Service property on the Patapsco River .
While @ @ @ @ @ not been provided , the newspaper reports that the permit calls for construction of a @ @ @ @ @ an off-site location and golf carts to help spectators get around .
The coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ hosting large gatherings of convention delegates during a presidential election year .
The Democratic National @ @ @ @ @ a lone speaker and no audience .

BALTIMORE (AP) - The Maryland Republican Party received a “special use” permit allowing Vice President Mike Pence to use Baltimore’s historic Fort McHenry as a backdrop for his political address during the Republican National Convention.
The Baltimore Sun reported that it obtained a copy of the National Park Service permit, which says a replica of the Star-Spangled Banner will be flying when the vice president delivers a speech Wednesday night in an outdoor area of the popular tourist site that is a National Park Service property on the Patapsco River.
While details about the speech have not been provided, the newspaper reports that the permit calls for construction of a stage, shuttle service from an off-site location and golf carts to help spectators get around.
The coronavirus pandemic has prevented both parties from hosting large gatherings of convention delegates during a presidential election year. The Democratic National Convention featured many speeches with a lone speaker and no audience.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Milbury steps away from broadcasting rest of NHL playoffs

Mike Milbury is stepping away from broadcasting the rest of the NHL playoffs after his on-air comment that there were no women in the league ’ s quarantined bubble to disrupt concentration drew widespread criticism .
The former player , coach and general manager released a statement through NBC Sports on Saturday , saying : “ I do not want my presence to interfere with the athletes as they try to win the greatest trophy in sports.
” An NBC Sports spokesman confirmed it was Milbury ’ s decision to leave and that the analyst remains employed by the network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals , broadcasters were discussing the environment inside the bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton , Alberta .
After Brian Boucher talked about it being “ the perfect place ” for players who enjoy playing hockey and being with their teammates for long periods of time , Milbury responded there are “ not even any women here to disrupt your concentration.
” The league said it condemned the “ insensitive and insulting ” comment that “ did not reflect the NHL ’ s values and commitment to making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
NBC Sports said it was disappointed and addressed the situation with Milbury .
He apologized by saying : “ It was not my intention to disrespect anyone .
I was trying to be irreverent and took it a step too far .
It was a regrettable mistake that I take seriously.
” Earlier in the playoffs , Milbury seemed to compare no fans at these games to women ’ s college hockey .
He also drew some criticism for his remarks about Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask opting out and leaving the bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 68 , has worked for NBC Sports since 2008 after coaching the Bruins and serving as coach and general manager of the Islanders .
NBC Sports in December suspended Jeremy Roenick indefinitely without pay for making inappropriate comments about coworkers on a podcast , and the former player announced in February he would not be returning .
Last year , former NHL coach Don Cherry was fired by Canada ’ s Rogers Sportsnet over an anti-immigrant rant on the air .
Earlier this week , Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman was suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Mike Milbury is stepping away from broadcasting the rest of the NHL playoffs after his on-air comment that there were no women in the league’s quarantined bubble to disrupt concentration drew widespread criticism.
The former player, coach and general manager released a statement through NBC Sports on Saturday, saying: “I do not want my presence to interfere with the athletes as they try to win the greatest trophy in sports.”
An NBC Sports spokesman confirmed it was Milbury’s decision to leave and that the analyst remains employed by the network.
During a game Thursday night between the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, broadcasters were discussing the environment inside the bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta. After Brian Boucher talked about it being “the perfect place” for players who enjoy playing hockey and being with their teammates for long periods of time, Milbury responded there are “not even any women here to disrupt your concentration.”
The league said it condemned the “insensitive and insulting” comment that “did not reflect the NHL’s values and commitment to making our game inclusive and welcoming to all. NBC Sports said it was disappointed and addressed the situation with Milbury.
He apologized by saying: “It was not my intention to disrespect anyone. I was trying to be irreverent and took it a step too far. It was a regrettable mistake that I take seriously.”
Earlier in the playoffs, Milbury seemed to compare no fans at these games to women’s college hockey. He also drew some criticism for his remarks about Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask opting out and leaving the bubble to return to his family.
Milbury, 68, has worked for NBC Sports since 2008 after coaching the Bruins and serving as coach and general manager of the Islanders.
NBC Sports in December suspended Jeremy Roenick indefinitely without pay for making inappropriate comments about coworkers on a podcast, and the former player announced in February he would not be returning.
Last year, former NHL coach Don Cherry was fired by Canada’s Rogers Sportsnet over an anti-immigrant rant on the air. Earlier this week, Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman was suspended after making homophobic comments during a game.
___
AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy contributed to this report.
___
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Coronavirus cases rise by 4,943 in Texas, 215 new deaths

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - The number of reported coronavirus cases in Texas has increased by 4,943 and @ @ @ @ @ due to COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus , Texas health officials reported @ @ @ @ @ reported a total of 573,139 virus cases and 11,266 deaths , although the true number @ @ @ @ @ likely higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be @ @ @ @ @ .
State health officials reported 115,843 active cases of the virus and that 446,030 people @ @ @ @ @ people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough @ @ @ @ @ to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health @ @ @ @ @ more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The number of reported coronavirus cases in Texas has increased by 4,943 and there are 215 more deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, Texas health officials reported Saturday.
There are a reported a total of 573,139 virus cases and 11,266 deaths, although the true number of cases in Texas is likely higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
State health officials reported 115,843 active cases of the virus and that 446,030 people have 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.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--California 'dream house,' decades in the making, is in ashes

VACAVILLE , Calif. ( AP ) - When he closes his eyes at night , Hank Hanson hears sirens in his dreams — a byproduct of living nearly 30 years in the wildfire-prone wilderness of Northern California between San Francisco and Sacramento .
But about 1 a.m. Wednesday , Hanson knew he wasn ’ t dreaming when he looked to the hills above his home .
The ridge line , where he and his wife in daylight tracked the sun ’ s shifting seasonal paths , was lit up as if someone had strung lights across it and plugged it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us like a waterfall , ” Hanson , 81 , said .
The fire was one of the more than 500 wildfires ignited across California this week from what state firefighting officials are calling a “ lightning siege ” - summer thunderstorms that produce little or no rain but have prompted nearly 12,000 lightening strikes across sun-scorched terrain .
More than 13,700 firefighters are battling the blazes , the most severe of which are focused in Northern California west of the state capital in Sacramento and east of the San Francisco Bay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed firefighting resources to the point “ we have not seen in recent history , ” said Shana Jones , chief of the Sonoma-Lake-Napa unit of the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection .
With firefighting crews stretched thin , there was no evacuation warning for Hanson and his neighbors .
Luckily , Hanson was awake because his electricity was out and the stifling 95-degree ( 35C ) temperature prevented him from sleeping .
He quickly woke up his wife , and the two raced in their diesel truck down the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as people desperately tried to wake up their neighbors .
Hanson and his wife made it to a hotel room in the nearby community of Fairfield , grateful they were alive .
They found out later that their house was destroyed by the fire .
The house was really two houses .
The first was a small redwood home originally built in Vacaville in the 1930s but later moved to the property .
Hanson , who owned a business that made patio enclosures , bought the property in 1974 .
He spent weekends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planting walnut , peach , fig and eucalyptus trees .
In 1991 , he completed a 3,000 square-foot ( 279-square-meter ) addition to that house .
It had a wine cellar , indoor and outdoor pools plus three fireplaces .
The fires this week have grown quickly and , collectively , have destroyed nearly 700 homes and other structures across the state .
Most of the homes that were leveled were burned by the fire that took Hanson ’ s home , the so-called LNU Lightning Complex fire .
It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burned more than 490 square miles ( 1,270 square kilometers ) .
Hanson said he is treating the fire as “ an adventure ” and talks excitedly when describing his harrowing escape .
But his voice catches when he talks about the house , especially when he says he won ’ t rebuild .
“ I worked on it for 30 years .
It was pretty nice , ” he said .
“ I wouldn ’ t want to do it on a lesser scale , and I don ’ t got time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he plans to turn the lot into a park and a campground for himself and his friends for the next few years .
But first , he had some shopping to do .
His tomatoes , surprisingly , did not burn .
He bought some hoses and plans to return to the ranch in an attempt to water them , assuming the deer haven ’ t eaten them first .
“ They escaped the whole deal , ” he said .
“ About the only thing I have left in the world @ @ @ @

VACAVILLE, Calif. (AP) - When he closes his eyes at night, Hank Hanson hears sirens in his dreams — a byproduct of living nearly 30 years in the wildfire-prone wilderness of Northern California between San Francisco and Sacramento.
But about 1 a.m. Wednesday, Hanson knew he wasn’t dreaming when he looked to the hills above his home.
The ridge line, where he and his wife in daylight tracked the sun’s shifting seasonal paths, was lit up as if someone had strung lights across it and plugged it in.
“It started pouring toward us like a waterfall,” Hanson, 81, said.
The fire was one of the more than 500 wildfires ignited across California this week from what state firefighting officials are calling a “lightning siege” - summer thunderstorms that produce little or no rain but have prompted nearly 12,000 lightening strikes across sun-scorched terrain.
More than 13,700 firefighters are battling the blazes, the most severe of which are focused in Northern California west of the state capital in Sacramento and east of the San Francisco Bay.
The extraordinary reach of the flames has pushed firefighting resources to the point “we have not seen in recent history,” said Shana Jones, chief of the Sonoma-Lake-Napa unit of the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
With firefighting crews stretched thin, there was no evacuation warning for Hanson and his neighbors.
Luckily, Hanson was awake because his electricity was out and the stifling 95-degree (35C) temperature prevented him from sleeping.
He quickly woke up his wife, and the two raced in their diesel truck down the road. The air rang with car horns as people desperately tried to wake up their neighbors.
Hanson and his wife made it to a hotel room in the nearby community of Fairfield, grateful they were alive. They found out later that their house was destroyed by the fire.
The house was really two houses. The first was a small redwood home originally built in Vacaville in the 1930s but later moved to the property. Hanson, who owned a business that made patio enclosures, bought the property in 1974. He spent weekends there for the next 17 years, planting walnut, peach, fig and eucalyptus trees.
In 1991, he completed a 3,000 square-foot (279-square-meter) addition to that house. It had a wine cellar, indoor and outdoor pools plus three fireplaces.
The fires this week have grown quickly and, collectively, have destroyed nearly 700 homes and other structures across the state.
Most of the homes that were leveled were burned by the fire that took Hanson’s home, the so-called LNU Lightning Complex fire. It’s the second-largest wildfire in state history and has burned more than 490 square miles (1,270 square kilometers).
Hanson said he is treating the fire as “an adventure” and talks excitedly when describing his harrowing escape . But his voice catches when he talks about the house, especially when he says he won’t rebuild.
“I worked on it for 30 years. It was pretty nice,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to do it on a lesser scale, and I don’t got time to top the old one.”
Hanson said he plans to turn the lot into a park and a campground for himself and his friends for the next few years.
But first, he had some shopping to do. His tomatoes, surprisingly, did not burn. He bought some hoses and plans to return to the ranch in an attempt to water them, assuming the deer haven’t eaten them first.
“They escaped the whole deal,” he said. “About the only thing I have left in the world is tomatoes.”
___
Beam reported from Sacramento, California.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Sioux Falls police investigating fatal stabbing

The Argus Leader reported police found a woman with a stab wound on the city ’ s northwest side late @ @ @ @ @ in a news release Saturday that the woman has died , although the release didn @ @ @ @ @ if she was taken to a hospital .
Authorities haven ’ t released her name @ @ @ @ @ family .
It ’ s unclear if investigators have any suspects .
Her name and @ @ @ @ @ released and it ’ s unclear if investigators have any suspects .

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Police in Sioux Falls are investigating a fatal stabbing.
The Argus Leader reported police found a woman with a stab wound on the city’s northwest side late Friday night. Police said in a news release Saturday that the woman has died, although the release didn’t say when or if she was taken to a hospital.
Authorities haven’t released her name or age pending notification of family. It’s unclear if investigators have any suspects.
Her name and age haven’t been released and it’s unclear if investigators have any suspects.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Gunfire leaves 2 women dead in Ohio city, authorities said

RIVERSIDE , Ohio ( AP ) - An early morning shooting in a city near Dayton left two women dead @ @ @ @ @ said .
Riverside police say the gunfire was reported shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ woman dead and another injured .
The Montgomery County coroner ’ s office said the @ @ @ @ @ and the injured woman was taken to a local hospital but also did not survive @ @ @ @ @ were immediately reported and information about the circumstances of the shooting wasn ’ t immediately @ @

RIVERSIDE, Ohio (AP) - An early morning shooting in a city near Dayton left two women dead over the weekend, authorities said.
Riverside police say the gunfire was reported shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday, and arriving officers found one woman dead and another injured.
The Montgomery County coroner’s office said the two women were 27, and the injured woman was taken to a local hospital but also did not survive her injuries.
No arrests were immediately reported and information about the circumstances of the shooting wasn’t immediately available.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Arkansas reports 547 new coronavirus cases, 11 new deaths

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - Arkansas health officials on Saturday reported 547 additional confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 11 more deaths due to COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus .
There are a reported 56,199 cases and 674 deaths , up from 55,652 cases and 663 deaths on Friday , according to the Arkansas Department of Health .
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 health department reported 5,761 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
On Friday , when the state reported a record 22 additional deaths , Gov .
Asa Hutchinson and state Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero said they were concerned about the increase in cases coming from social gatherings where people aren ’ t wearing masks or following social distancing guidelines .
On Saturday , Hutchinson tweeted that taking precautions will slow the increase in the number of virus infections .
“ We have seen progress over the past few weeks , but we can not rest yet .
Wear a mask and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of the virus , according to the tweet .

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas health officials on Saturday reported 547 additional confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 11 more deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
There are a reported 56,199 cases and 674 deaths, up from 55,652 cases and 663 deaths on Friday, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. 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 health department reported 5,761 active cases and that 49,764 people have recovered.
On Friday, when the state reported a record 22 additional deaths, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and state Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero said they were concerned about the increase in cases coming from social gatherings where people aren’t wearing masks or following social distancing guidelines.
On Saturday, Hutchinson tweeted that taking precautions will slow the increase in the number of virus infections.
“We have seen progress over the past few weeks, but we cannot rest yet. Wear a mask and social distance to slow the spread,” of the virus, according to the tweet.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Senator to supporters: How about skipping a meal to donate?

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Sen. Martha McSally has suggested that supporters could “ fast a meal ” to donate to the Arizona Republican ’ s campaign as she fights to fend off a tough challenge from Democrat Mark Kelly .
McSally made the request at a recent event in northern Arizona where she said her campaign needs financial help to counter advertising by Kelly and groups supporting the former astronaut ’ s campaign , azfamily.com reported .
“ We ’ re doing our part to catch up , you know , to get our message out , ” McSally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , anybody can give , I ’ m not ashamed to ask , to invest .
If you can give a dollar , five dollars , if you can fast a meal and give what that would be.
” The remark drew critical attention on social media , while McSally ’ s campaign said the candidate was just joking about skipping a meal .
“ This is a dumb , non-story about a candidate , ” Caroline Anderegg , a McSally campaign spokeswoman , told the Arizona Republic .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dems and the Kelly campaign are launching a misleading character assassination on Martha McSally , who would literally give the shirt off her back for anyone.
” Republican businesswoman Christine Jones , who ran for Arizona governor in 2014 and Congress in 2016 , called McSally ’ s fundraising pitch “ unconventional.
” “ I haven ’ t talked to ( McSally ) about it , so I can ’ t really opine on the specifics .
But it does feel like its a little bit of an act of desperation , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent polls by anywhere from 5 to 11 percentage points , according to realclearpolitics.com .

PHOENIX (AP) - Sen. Martha McSally has suggested that supporters could “fast a meal” to donate to the Arizona Republican’s campaign as she fights to fend off a tough challenge from Democrat Mark Kelly.
McSally made the request at a recent event in northern Arizona where she said her campaign needs financial help to counter advertising by Kelly and groups supporting the former astronaut’s campaign, azfamily.com reported.
“We’re doing our part to catch up, you know, to get our message out,” McSally said. “But it takes resources. So, anybody can give, I’m not ashamed to ask, to invest. If you can give a dollar, five dollars, if you can fast a meal and give what that would be.”
The remark drew critical attention on social media, while McSally’s campaign said the candidate was just joking about skipping a meal.
“This is a dumb, non-story about a candidate,” Caroline Anderegg, a McSally campaign spokeswoman, told the Arizona Republic. “It is frankly sad and disgusting that the Dems and the Kelly campaign are launching a misleading character assassination on Martha McSally, who would literally give the shirt off her back for anyone.”
Republican businesswoman Christine Jones, who ran for Arizona governor in 2014 and Congress in 2016, called McSally’s fundraising pitch “unconventional.”
“I haven’t talked to (McSally) about it, so I can’t really opine on the specifics. But it does feel like its a little bit of an act of desperation,” Jones said.
McSally trails Kelly in recent polls by anywhere from 5 to 11 percentage points, according to realclearpolitics.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Agency faults Georgia lawmaker over missing campaign reports

ATLANTA ( AP ) - A high-ranking Georgia state lawmaker says she is working to file two years of missing campaign finance records after the state ethics commission decided earlier this month that there is probable cause to believe she broke the law .
Rep. Erica Thomas , a Mableton Democrat , could be fined at a later date following a hearing before the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission .
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that it found at least $ 33,000 in unreported contributions to Thomas in a search of contribution records .
Thomas is the vice chairwoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caucus .
Thomas , who did not attend the meeting , said that an accounting firm on Tuesday began working with the commission to get her filings up to date .
Since Tuesday , several reports were filed or updated .
According to the filings , for finances reported so far between June 2018 and January 2020 , Thomas has raised about $ 46,000 and spent about $ 43,000 on her campaigns in those years .
Because Thomas ’ filings come within the 30 days after the commission found grounds to believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to negotiate a fine settlement .
Filing the missing reports does not settle the case , commission Executive Director David Emadi said .
“ Just because she ’ s filing things now doesn ’ t excuse the violations that occurred , ” he said .
Of the contributions Thomas received , about $ 16,000 were from 25 different political action committees , commission attorney Janene Browder said .
Browder also said that Thomas has held campaign fundraising events with other state representatives but did not report any contributions or expenses related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is maintaining a campaign website , Browder said .
Thomas also is facing another set of charges from 2019 for not filing some financial disclosures and campaign contribution reports and filing others late , dating to 2016 .
According to the state ethics commission ’ s website , she currently owes $ 875 in fees for missing seven filing deadlines .
She has paid $ 875 in fees for missing deadlines beginning in 2014 during her first campaign .
Thomas , who is Black , drew national headlines last year when she posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man berated her for having too many items in the quick checkout lane of a grocery store and she said he told her to “ go back ” to where she came from .
The man denied making the statement , and Thomas later appeared to hedge her comments by saying he made “ those types of references.
” Thomas defeated Democratic opponent Terry Cummings , who filed the 2018 complaint that was heard last year , in the June primary .
She will face Republican Jim Hickey in November .

ATLANTA (AP) - A high-ranking Georgia state lawmaker says she is working to file two years of missing campaign finance records after the state ethics commission decided earlier this month that there is probable cause to believe she broke the law.
Rep. Erica Thomas, a Mableton Democrat, could be fined at a later date following a hearing before the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that it found at least $33,000 in unreported contributions to Thomas in a search of contribution records.
Thomas is the vice chairwoman of the Democratic Party’s House Caucus.
Thomas, who did not attend the meeting, said that an accounting firm on Tuesday began working with the commission to get her filings up to date. Since Tuesday, several reports were filed or updated. According to the filings, for finances reported so far between June 2018 and January 2020, Thomas has raised about $46,000 and spent about $43,000 on her campaigns in those years.
Because Thomas’ filings come within the 30 days after the commission found grounds to believe the law has been broken, she will be allowed to negotiate a fine settlement. Filing the missing reports does not settle the case, commission Executive Director David Emadi said.
“Just because she’s filing things now doesn’t excuse the violations that occurred,” he said.
Of the contributions Thomas received, about $16,000 were from 25 different political action committees, commission attorney Janene Browder said.
Browder also said that Thomas has held campaign fundraising events with other state representatives but did not report any contributions or expenses related to those events. Another unreported expense is maintaining a campaign website, Browder said.
Thomas also is facing another set of charges from 2019 for not filing some financial disclosures and campaign contribution reports and filing others late, dating to 2016. According to the state ethics commission’s website, she currently owes $875 in fees for missing seven filing deadlines.
She has paid $875 in fees for missing deadlines beginning in 2014 during her first campaign.
Thomas, who is Black, drew national headlines last year when she posted a video on social media after a man berated her for having too many items in the quick checkout lane of a grocery store and she said he told her to “go back” to where she came from. The man denied making the statement, and Thomas later appeared to hedge her comments by saying he made “those types of references.”
Thomas defeated Democratic opponent Terry Cummings, who filed the 2018 complaint that was heard last year, in the June primary. She will face Republican Jim Hickey in November.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Kyle Cornell, radio anchor, loses job after calling Sen. Kamala Harris 'first colored' VP candidate

A radio station in Cleveland , Ohio , cut ties with a news anchor who referred to Sen. Kamala D. Harris during a recent broadcast as the “ first colored vice presidential candidate.
” Kyle Cornell was out of a job within hours of making the remark during a brief news teaser that aired on WTAM 1100 during a Major League Baseball game broadcast Wednesday evening .
“ The U.S. officially has its first colored vice presidential candidate , ” Mr. Cornell said during the segment .
“ More coming up after the game on Newsradio WTAM 1100 Cleveland.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was no longer employed with the station .
“ We take this matter very seriously and addressed it immediately , ” WTAM program director Ray Davis said in a statement Thursday , local news outlets reported .
“ The term used is extremely offensive and does not align with our station ’ s core values and commitment to the communities we serve .
He is no longer with WTAM.
” Mr. Cornell has since apologized for using the term and said he now understands it to be offensive .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though I have heard it in different areas , it doesn ’ t make it right that I said it , ” Mr. Cornell told WKYC News 3 .
“ I take full responsibility for it and know that I have to learn , ” he added .
“ I have to learn okay , no , I can ’ t do that anymore ; I can not use that anymore because it is offensive and it ’ s not right.
” Ms. Harris , California Democrat , is the child of immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first Black woman or woman of color to appear on a major party ’ s presidential ticket .
Using the term “ colored ” to describe African Americans is viewed as offensive by many due to its connection to racial segregation laws that discriminated against African Americans .
Its usage was more common when those laws were in place during the “ Jim Crow ” era that started after the Civil War before it became illegal to discriminate by race in the 1960s .
Indeed , style guidelines issued by The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only using “ colored ” in names of organizations or in rare quotations when essential .
The term “ people of color ” is considered an acceptable term which “ broadly identifies individuals who belong to a racial or ethnic minority group , ” according to the glossary page on the website Love Has No Labels .
However , the group adds , “ [ w ] hen referring to a specific minority group , it is best to use more specific terms , such as Black or African American .
The best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person or group of people you are referring to .
”

A radio station in Cleveland, Ohio, cut ties with a news anchor who referred to Sen. Kamala D. Harris during a recent broadcast as the “first colored vice presidential candidate.”
Kyle Cornell was out of a job within hours of making the remark during a brief news teaser that aired on WTAM 1100 during a Major League Baseball game broadcast Wednesday evening.
“The U.S. officially has its first colored vice presidential candidate,” Mr. Cornell said during the segment. “More coming up after the game on Newsradio WTAM 1100 Cleveland.”
WTAM condemned Mr. Cornell soon afterward and said he was no longer employed with the station.
“We take this matter very seriously and addressed it immediately,” WTAM program director Ray Davis said in a statement Thursday, local news outlets reported. “The term used is extremely offensive and does not align with our station’s core values and commitment to the communities we serve. He is no longer with WTAM.”
Mr. Cornell has since apologized for using the term and said he now understands it to be offensive.
“I could have definitely worded that differently, though I have heard it in different areas, it doesn’t make it right that I said it,” Mr. Cornell told WKYC News 3.
“I take full responsibility for it and know that I have to learn,” he added. “I have to learn okay, no, I can’t do that anymore; I cannot use that anymore because it is offensive and it’s not right.”
Ms. Harris, California Democrat, is the child of immigrants from India and Jamaica and is the first Black woman or woman of color to appear on a major party’s presidential ticket.
Using the term “colored” to describe African Americans is viewed as offensive by many due to its connection to racial segregation laws that discriminated against African Americans.
Its usage was more common when those laws were in place during the “Jim Crow” era that started after the Civil War before it became illegal to discriminate by race in the 1960s.
Indeed, style guidelines issued by The Associated Press and adopted by many news outlets advise only using “colored” in names of organizations or in rare quotations when essential.
The term “people of color” is considered an acceptable term which “broadly identifies individuals who belong to a racial or ethnic minority group,” according to the glossary page on the website Love Has No Labels.
However, the group adds, “[w]hen referring to a specific minority group, it is best to use more specific terms, such as Black or African American. The best term to use is best answered by the person or group of people you are referring to.”
• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--UNC identifies 2 more COVID-19 clusters

UNC identifies 2 more COVID-19 clusters

CHAPEL HILL , N.C. ( AP ) - The University of North Carolina on Saturday identified two more clusters of COVID-19 cases .
The clusters were identified at Craige residence hall and Alpha Delta Pi sorority house , the university said .
“ The individuals in these clusters have been identified and are isolating and receiving medical monitoring , ” the university said in the announcement Saturday afternoon .
“ We have also notified the Orange County Health Department and are working with them to identify additional potential exposures.
” The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services defines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are deemed in close proximity in location , and location is defined as a single residential hall or dwelling .
On Friday , UNC-Chapel Hill alerted students , staff and faculty that a cluster of COVID-19 cases turned up at Carmichael residence hall .
Six other clusters reported at the school were found at residence halls and fraternity houses .
UNC switched to remote learning Wednesday .
Also on Friday , North Carolina State University officials reported four new coronavirus clusters on Friday involving 51 cases in three sorority houses and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , N.C. State reported seven coronavirus clusters , leading the school to announce Thursday that it would move all undergraduate classes online starting Monday .

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - The University of North Carolina on Saturday identified two more clusters of COVID-19 cases.
The clusters were identified at Craige residence hall and Alpha Delta Pi sorority house, the university said.
“The individuals in these clusters have been identified and are isolating and receiving medical monitoring,” the university said in the announcement Saturday afternoon. “We have also notified the Orange County Health Department and are working with them to identify additional potential exposures.”
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services defines a cluster as five or more cases that are deemed in close proximity in location, and location is defined as a single residential hall or dwelling.
On Friday, UNC-Chapel Hill alerted students, staff and faculty that a cluster of COVID-19 cases turned up at Carmichael residence hall. Six other clusters reported at the school were found at residence halls and fraternity houses. UNC switched to remote learning Wednesday.
Also on Friday, North Carolina State University officials reported four new coronavirus clusters on Friday involving 51 cases in three sorority houses and one fraternity house. In the past week, N.C. State reported seven coronavirus clusters, leading the school to announce Thursday that it would move all undergraduate classes online starting Monday.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--Georgia becomes 10th state to top 5,000 virus deaths

ATLANTA ( AP ) - Georgia on Saturday became the 10th state in the nation to report that it has surpassed 5,000 deaths caused by COVID-19 .
The Georgia Department of Public Health said there have been at least 5,092 deaths in the state caused by the coronavirus and more than 252,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases .
Data kept by The Associated Press shows the coronavirus has been spreading in Georgia faster per-capita than any other state over the past two weeks , although infection numbers have been declining in the state since their peak last month .
Republican Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first governors to ease earlier restrictions this spring , highlighted the downward trends this past week .
He has used social media to remind residents to wear a mask , maintain social distancing and follow guidance from the health department .
More than 176,000 people have died of coronavirus in the U.S. , the most of any other country , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Georgia , the eighth-most populous state , ranks 10th in overall coronavirus deaths .
Still , state health officials said heart disease and cancer kill more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
Over the approximately six months since the virus was first reported in Georgia , COVID-19 deaths would rank third , the newspaper reported .

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia on Saturday became the 10th state in the nation to report that it has surpassed 5,000 deaths caused by COVID-19.
The Georgia Department of Public Health said there have been at least 5,092 deaths in the state caused by the coronavirus and more than 252,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Data kept by The Associated Press shows the coronavirus has been spreading in Georgia faster per-capita than any other state over the past two weeks, although infection numbers have been declining in the state since their peak last month.
Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who was among the first governors to ease earlier restrictions this spring, highlighted the downward trends this past week. He has used social media to remind residents to wear a mask, maintain social distancing and follow guidance from the health department.
More than 176,000 people have died of coronavirus in the U.S., the most of any other country, according to Johns Hopkins University. Georgia, the eighth-most populous state, ranks 10th in overall coronavirus deaths.
Still, state health officials said heart disease and cancer kill more people in Georgia each year than any other condition, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Over the approximately six months since the virus was first reported in Georgia, COVID-19 deaths would rank third, the newspaper reported.


washingtontimes--2020-08-22--More than 500 infected with COVID-19 in Kansas jail outbreak

WICHITA , Kan. ( AP ) - The number of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 at a jail in Wichita has grown to more than 500 .
The Sedgwick County Sheriff ’ s Office has conducted mass testing of its inmates at the urging of state health officials .
As of Friday , 523 inmates have tested positive and 747 negative , KAKE-TV reports .
“ As results were received , inmates were separated and housed based on the results of their tests to minimize the spreading of COVID-19 , ” Lt. Tim Myers said .
“ Inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received treatment from the contracted medical provider .
No inmates have required hospitalization because of testing positive for COVID-19.
” Inmates with no symptoms are considered recovered 10 days post-test .
Myers estimated that around 400 inmates will be considered recovered by the end of the weekend .
“ We are continuing to maintain sanitization standards to take care of our staff and inmates which include issuing extra soap , and having disinfectant available as needed.
” Myers said all staff members have been issued masks , and all inmates have been issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - The number of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 at a jail in Wichita has grown to more than 500.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has conducted mass testing of its inmates at the urging of state health officials. As of Friday, 523 inmates have tested positive and 747 negative, KAKE-TV reports.
“As results were received, inmates were separated and housed based on the results of their tests to minimize the spreading of COVID-19,” Lt. Tim Myers said. “Inmates that have reported symptoms of COVID-19 have received treatment from the contracted medical provider. No inmates have required hospitalization because of testing positive for COVID-19.”
Inmates with no symptoms are considered recovered 10 days post-test. Myers estimated that around 400 inmates will be considered recovered by the end of the weekend.
“We are continuing to maintain sanitization standards to take care of our staff and inmates which include issuing extra soap, and having disinfectant available as needed.”
Myers said all staff members have been issued masks, and all inmates have been issued face coverings for the last several months.