washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Election 2020 Today: America votes, legal challenges loom

HOW TO VOTE : AP ’ s state-by-state interactive has details on how to vote in this election .
AMERICA VOTES : Americans are making their choice between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden , selecting a leader to steer a nation battered by a surging pandemic that has killed more than 231,000 people and cost millions their jobs .
Nearly 100 million Americans voted early , and now it falls to Election Day voters to finish the job .
Biden entered Tuesday with multiple paths to victory .
Trump had a narrower but still feasible road to clinch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The scourge of a global pandemic produced an election season like no other in the U.S. , persuading record numbers of Americans to cast their ballots early , forcing states to make changes to long-established election procedures and leading to hundreds of lawsuits over how votes will be cast and which ballots will be counted .
Election officials have warned that millions of absentee ballots could slow the tallies , perhaps for days , in some key battleground states , and Trump threatened legal action to prevent ballots from being counted after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans are fighting to retain their Senate majority against a surge of Democratic challengers across a vast political map in states once considered long shots for Democrats .
It ’ s not just senators on the ballot but also Washington ’ s handling of the COVID-19 crisis , the economic fallout and the nation ’ s uneasy mood .
With Republicans now controlling the chamber 53-47 , three or four seats will determine party control , depending on who wins the presidency .
LEGAL CHALLENGES : Trump says he ’ s planning an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania from counting mailed ballots that are received in the three days after Tuesday ’ s election .
The deadline for receiving and counting absentee ballots in the battleground state is Friday , an extension ordered by Pennsylvania ’ s top court .
But it ’ s unclear what other legal issues may arise on Election Day .
Since the 2000 presidential election , which was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court , both parties have enlisted legal teams to prepare for the possibility that voting wouldn ’ t settle the contest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiny New Hampshire communities that vote for president in the first minutes of Election Day , just after the stroke of midnight , have cast their ballots , with one of them marking 60 years since the tradition began .
The results in Dixville Notch , near the Canadian border , were a sweep for Biden , who won the town ’ s five votes .
In nearby Millsfield , Trump won 16 votes to Biden ’ s five .
Normally , there would be a big food spread and a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch the voting in Dixville Notch , but the coronavirus pandemic shelved those plans .
QUOTABLE : “ Come hell or high water .
It feels like that has been the attitude voters have needed to make sure their voices are heard this year.
” - Kristen Clarke , executive director of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law , on how tens of millions of Americans heeded warnings to vote early .
Trump ‘ army ’ of poll watchers led by veteran of fraud claims It ’ s here : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America EXPLAINER : A long night , or more , before president is known

Here’s what’s happening Tuesday in Election 2020. Today is Election Day:
HOW TO VOTE: AP’s state-by-state interactive has details on how to vote in this election.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES:
AMERICA VOTES: Americans are making their choice between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, selecting a leader to steer a nation battered by a surging pandemic that has killed more than 231,000 people and cost millions their jobs. Nearly 100 million Americans voted early, and now it falls to Election Day voters to finish the job. Biden entered Tuesday with multiple paths to victory. Trump had a narrower but still feasible road to clinch 270 Electoral College votes.
VOTER TURNOUT: The scourge of a global pandemic produced an election season like no other in the U.S., persuading record numbers of Americans to cast their ballots early, forcing states to make changes to long-established election procedures and leading to hundreds of lawsuits over how votes will be cast and which ballots will be counted. Election officials have warned that millions of absentee ballots could slow the tallies, perhaps for days, in some key battleground states, and Trump threatened legal action to prevent ballots from being counted after Election Day.
CONTROL OF SENATE: Republicans are fighting to retain their Senate majority against a surge of Democratic challengers across a vast political map in states once considered long shots for Democrats. It’s not just senators on the ballot but also Washington’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, the economic fallout and the nation’s uneasy mood. With Republicans now controlling the chamber 53-47, three or four seats will determine party control, depending on who wins the presidency.
LEGAL CHALLENGES: Trump says he’s planning an aggressive legal strategy to try to prevent Pennsylvania from counting mailed ballots that are received in the three days after Tuesday’s election. The deadline for receiving and counting absentee ballots in the battleground state is Friday, an extension ordered by Pennsylvania’s top court. But it’s unclear what other legal issues may arise on Election Day. Since the 2000 presidential election, which was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, both parties have enlisted legal teams to prepare for the possibility that voting wouldn’t settle the contest.
60 YEARS IN THE MAKING: Two tiny New Hampshire communities that vote for president in the first minutes of Election Day, just after the stroke of midnight, have cast their ballots, with one of them marking 60 years since the tradition began. The results in Dixville Notch, near the Canadian border, were a sweep for Biden, who won the town’s five votes. In nearby Millsfield, Trump won 16 votes to Biden’s five. Normally, there would be a big food spread and a lot of media crammed into a small space to watch the voting in Dixville Notch, but the coronavirus pandemic shelved those plans.
QUOTABLE: “Come hell or high water. It feels like that has been the attitude voters have needed to make sure their voices are heard this year.” - Kristen Clarke, executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, on how tens of millions of Americans heeded warnings to vote early.
ICYMI:
Trump ‘army’ of poll watchers led by veteran of fraud claims
‘Raw exposed nerves’: Anxious nation awaits Election Day
It’s here: What to watch on Election Day in America
Biden backers make final plea for delivery of mail ballots
EXPLAINER: A long night, or more, before president is known
___
Find AP’s full election coverage at APNews.com/Election2020.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Man arrested on charges of pushing woman onto subway tracks

Police have arrested a man suspected of knocking a 73-year-old woman onto New York City subway tracks after her family @ @ @ @ @ .
Luis Hernandez , 38 , was to appear in court on Tuesday to face @ @ @ @ @ assault .
The name of his attorney wasn ’ t immediately available .
The incident @ @ @ @ @ a confrontation between the suspect and the woman ’ s husband and grandson on a @ @ @ @ @ police said .
He began punching and kicking at the family , sending her tumbling @ @ @ @ @ said .
The woman was pulled to safety ahead of the next train .
The @ @ @ @ @ .

Police have arrested a man suspected of knocking a 73-year-old woman onto New York City subway tracks after her family scolded him for smoking marijuana.
Luis Hernandez, 38, was to appear in court on Tuesday to face charges of attempted murder and assault. The name of his attorney wasn’t immediately available.
The incident happened late last month during a confrontation between the suspect and the woman’s husband and grandson on a subway platform in Brooklyn, police said. He began punching and kicking at the family, sending her tumbling onto the tracks, police said.
The woman was pulled to safety ahead of the next train. The man fled before police arrived.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Nike says Oregon HQ layoffs will reach 700 by January

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - Nike said Monday it expects to eliminate 700 jobs at its Oregon headquarters near Beaverton by early January as part of a broader restructuring the company announced during the summer .
The footwear and apparel company had previously estimated its Oregon layoffs at roughly 500 , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
The cutbacks announced Monday , in a brief legal filing with state workforce officials , appear to include that tally .
Nike did not immediately respond to a message seeking confirmation .
Nike ’ s layoffs , however , aren ’ t a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its sales are strong .
Rather , Oregon ’ s largest company is changing strategies .
Nike said in July it will spend up to $ 250 million cutting jobs worldwide as new CEO John Donahoe refocuses the business to emphasize online sales directly to consumers .
The company employed 75,400 at the end of May , down 1,600 from a year earlier .
Nike does not disclose how many employees work in Oregon , but the total is well over 10,000 .
The company hasn ’ t said how many jobs it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include 200 at its company childcare center , which is closing permanently .
The company reported in October that quarterly sales during the summer months totaled $ 10.6 billion , roughly even with the prior year .
Quarterly profits climbed from $ 1.4 billion a year ago to $ 1.5 billion in the most recent quarter .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Nike said Monday it expects to eliminate 700 jobs at its Oregon headquarters near Beaverton by early January as part of a broader restructuring the company announced during the summer.
The footwear and apparel company had previously estimated its Oregon layoffs at roughly 500, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. The cutbacks announced Monday, in a brief legal filing with state workforce officials, appear to include that tally.
Nike did not immediately respond to a message seeking confirmation.
Nike’s layoffs, however, aren’t a response to the coronavirus pandemic downturn – its sales are strong. Rather, Oregon’s largest company is changing strategies.
Nike said in July it will spend up to $250 million cutting jobs worldwide as new CEO John Donahoe refocuses the business to emphasize online sales directly to consumers. The company employed 75,400 at the end of May, down 1,600 from a year earlier. Nike does not disclose how many employees work in Oregon, but the total is well over 10,000.
The company hasn’t said how many jobs it will cut altogether. Its Oregon layoffs include 200 at its company childcare center, which is closing permanently.
The company reported in October that quarterly sales during the summer months totaled $10.6 billion, roughly even with the prior year. Quarterly profits climbed from $1.4 billion a year ago to $1.5 billion in the most recent quarter.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Police shoot, kill knife-wielding man inside apartment

WINCHESTER , Mass .
( AP ) - Police shot and killed a knife-wielding man inside a Winchester apartment building on Monday night , police and prosecutors said in a statement .
Winchester police responded to the Parkview Apartments just after 8 p.m. after a security guard called 911 to report that a 35-year-old male resident of the building had reported an issue in his unit , Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Winchester police Chief Peter MacDonnell said .
According to the preliminary investigation , three officers heard noise coming from inside and when they entered saw the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
Police told the man to drop the knives and twice used an electronic stun gun on him without success , according to the statement .
The man , still holding the knives , continued to approach the officers and one officer opened fire , striking the man .
He was taken to the hospital where he died .
The officers were taken to the hospital as a precaution .
No names were released .
The officers involved were placed on adminsitrative leave .
It was the second fatal police-involved shooting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer shot and killed a robbery suspect on Monday morning .

WINCHESTER, Mass. (AP) - Police shot and killed a knife-wielding man inside a Winchester apartment building on Monday night, police and prosecutors said in a statement.
Winchester police responded to the Parkview Apartments just after 8 p.m. after a security guard called 911 to report that a male resident of the building had reported an issue in his unit, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Winchester police Chief Peter MacDonnell said.
According to the preliminary investigation, three officers heard noise coming from inside and when they entered saw the man, identified as Thomas Celona, 35, brandishing two knives, according to the statement.
Police told him to drop the knives and twice used an electronic stun gun on him without success, according to the statement. Celona, still holding the knives, continued to approach the officers and one officer opened fire, striking the man.
He was taken to the hospital where he died. The officers were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The officers involved were placed on adminsitrative leave. Their names were not released.
The investigation is ongoing.
It was the second fatal police-involved shooting of the day in Massachusetts. A Lynn officer shot and killed a robbery suspect on Monday morning.


Recent Missouri editorials

No one is ever going to mistake the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for a transparent and public-minded organization .
The latest shadow fell over this agency following questions about whether it and the Missouri attorney general ’ s office have been forthcoming with documents regarding the launch of medical marijuana in Missouri .
The launch was bound to be controversial , with winners and losers .
A Sarcoxie family , the Callicoats , want to know more about the decision to deny their request to grow medical marijuana .
To that end , they have requested records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of their lawsuit , that the agency and the AG ’ s office concealed documents that are subject to the laws of discovery and that the Missouri Sunshine law , which governs open records and open meetings , was violated .
The Callicoats and their attorneys argue : “ All of this behavior appears aimed at the same goal : to prevent anyone , especially this court , from being able to examine the rules of the medical marijuana program in the full light of day , to prohibit plaintiffs access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally obligated to provide , and to do all they can to delay the hearing on this matter on October 29 , 2020.
” The courts will have to sort this out , but it appears something was amiss because on June 15 , DHSS provided the Missouri House of Representatives with roughly 37,000 records outlining their contacts with people in the industry , documents that help explain how decisions were made .
At that same time , the Callicoats and their attorney were also seeking these kinds of documents from the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until August to receive only 15,000 records .
They had to file a separate Sunshine request with the House to get the rest of the documents .
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt ’ s office has called the allegations that his office and DHSS withheld records and violated Missouri ’ s Sunshine Law “ frivolous ” and “ baseless.
” What doesn ’ t appear to be in dispute , according to the lawsuit , is that Randall Williams , director of DHSS , conducted state business on his personal cellphone .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further acknowledged that he never took any steps to save his text messages discussing state business to a state computer , even though that is expressly required under the Sunshine Law.
” Former Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley was unambiguous in his interpretation of Missouri law : “ Text messages should be treated like , and subject to , the same analysis as emails , ” Hawley said in 2017 .
It does not matter whether the messages are sent on a state-owned phone or on a personal cellphone - texts and phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belong to the public .
Given the difficulty the media and the public have had getting records from DHSS , given the agency ’ s history of being uncooperative and concocting road blocks to releasing public records , and given that DHSS was just fined $ 12,000 in April for multiple violations of state law governing open records , we think it ’ s time for new public-minded and transparent leadership at the agency , regardless of who wins next week ’ s election .
Last week , the Kansas City Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in closed session until the civil rights protesters who were there to demand a vote on whether to fire Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith had left the building .
Once they had gone , board members reemerged , and went back to pretending everything is fine .
It isn ’ t , though , and won ’ t be without serious reforms that include Smith ’ s departure .
Instead , the Kansas City Police Department just keeps giving us fresh examples of the kind of inhuman treatment of Black Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith ’ s firing months ago : An unarmed Black 15-year-old on his knees and putting up no resistance has his face smashed into concrete , and that ’ s just another Thursday night .
A Black woman who is nine months pregnant is thrown onto her belly and handcuffed while an officer holds his knee on her back .
Still , the board that theoretically oversees the police department continues to pelt Smith with rose petals .
And sure , its members can continue to duck protesters at police headquarters .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignore the reality that the need for change is urgent .
The protesters deserve the vote they ’ re asking for and won ’ t get .
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says “ that would just be a purely performative act ” and because it wouldn ’ t result in Smith ’ s ouster , could lead to even more frustration .
But here ’ s how well failing to address the pain of so many in any substantive way is working : On Saturday , local civil rights leaders began speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They wrote NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and asked him to keep the Kansas City Police Department ’ s “ extreme hostility ” toward Black people in mind when considering the city as a possible temporary home for the Toronto Raptors .
“ There are some issues which supersede fun and economic interests , ” the letter said .
“ Although Kansas City is a great sports city , it is also a city where law enforcement has demonstrated extreme hostility and excessive force towards Black people.
” We aren ’ t likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway .
But Kansas City ’ s civil rights community just sent up a flare that from here on out , it ’ s going to be taking on economic power .
And that ’ s a promise that will be a lot harder to ignore than the strong words that sent police board members running .
Lucas said the letter changes nothing because every city in America , Kansas City included , is already trying to make sure people of all races feel safe .
“ I believe Black lives matter whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a few months or not .
… I understand where people are coming from , but that ’ s something I wake up caring about every day.
” People of all races don ’ t feel safe here , though , and don ’ t have reason to .
Gwendolyn Grant , president of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and one of those who signed and sent the letter , said , “ Over the summer , the mayor and other civic leaders expressed a commitment to Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetent police chief .
I hope they recognize that the continued presence of Rick Smith is not only detrimental to substantive police reform and authentic community-police relationships .
It will have a deleterious impact on our convention and tourism business.
” Remember when the NCAA threatened to move the Final Four , and maybe even its headquarters , out of Indianapolis over legislation that would have allowed businesses to discriminate against gay people ?
It was the potential loss of dollars and prestige , expressed in a memorable front-page editorial in the Indianapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence and Indiana state lawmakers scurrying to amend that law five years ago .
Likewise , this letter to the NBA is a dead-serious signal that the new corporate employers and institutions so crucial to Kansas City ’ s future are not going to choose a city that continues to mistreat its Black citizens .
Why would they ?
Efforts between St. Louis city and county to coordinate policing activities and boost cooperation are laudable and could well deserve expansion if a current , private-sector-spurred experiment proves successful in Jennings and northwestern St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in making the region safer is not just important but essential .
When it comes to transparency , however , this effort falls far short of what ’ s required by law and by minimal accountability standards to ensure the public is kept fully informed of what ’ s happening .
The business world is under no obligation to explain private initiatives to the general public .
So it ’ s entirely possible that Centene Corp. and other major companies saw no problem secretly funding and organizing a program where county police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jointly patrol the Jennings area and a northwestern St. Louis city district .
Responsibility fell upon St. Louis County Executive Sam Page , Mayor Lyda Krewson and other government officials to keep the public informed .
They didn ’ t , and now this well-intended initiative has blown up in their faces .
They appear to have done everything possible to keep the public from finding out until the Post-Dispatch ’ s Jeremy Kohler broke the story on Tuesday .
Even then , Krewson ’ s office tried to downplay it .
Blowback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county-city policing initiative for MetroLink - also mediated by a Centene executive - may well be the reason for Krewson ’ s fear of public accountability .
But considering that the same players and same questions of public accountability are at issue again now , wouldn ’ t it seem that all involved had learned their lesson ?
Page ’ s office has been even more opaque , asserting it had no documentation explaining the role of a private consulting firm , Teneo , in coordinating the joint policing initiative .
Teneo consultants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the county Board of Police Commissioners to brief them on the initiative - an apparent violation of Sunshine Law provisions designed to prevent public bodies from conducting business in secret and meeting individually to circumvent public meeting requirements .
One commissioner , Dr. LJ Punch , is resigning because of the secrecy , as Kohler reported on Thursday .
Several elected officials in Jennings also expressed anger over having been excluded from discussions when it was their county-patrolled jurisdiction at the center of the experiment .
This newspaper has lauded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get involved and boost pressure on elected officials to tackle the region ’ s violent crime problems .
Centene Chief Executive Michael Neidorff has made clear that crime and quality-of-life issues serve as a major impediment when local employers try to lure top-flight outside talent .
It ’ s not their initiative that deserves critical scrutiny but rather the misguided assumption by government officials that the public somehow can ’ t be trusted and needs to be kept in the dark .

The Joplin Globe, Oct. 27
No one is ever going to mistake the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for a transparent and public-minded organization.
The latest shadow fell over this agency following questions about whether it and the Missouri attorney general’s office have been forthcoming with documents regarding the launch of medical marijuana in Missouri. The launch was bound to be controversial, with winners and losers. A Sarcoxie family, the Callicoats, want to know more about the decision to deny their request to grow medical marijuana. To that end, they have requested records from DHSS and are now alleging, as part of their lawsuit, that the agency and the AG’s office concealed documents that are subject to the laws of discovery and that the Missouri Sunshine law, which governs open records and open meetings, was violated.
The Callicoats and their attorneys argue: “All of this behavior appears aimed at the same goal: to prevent anyone, especially this court, from being able to examine the rules of the medical marijuana program in the full light of day, to prohibit plaintiffs access to the public records the defendants are legally obligated to provide, and to do all they can to delay the hearing on this matter on October 29, 2020.”
The courts will have to sort this out, but it appears something was amiss because on June 15, DHSS provided the Missouri House of Representatives with roughly 37,000 records outlining their contacts with people in the industry, documents that help explain how decisions were made. At that same time, the Callicoats and their attorney were also seeking these kinds of documents from the department, but they claim that it took until August to receive only 15,000 records. They had to file a separate Sunshine request with the House to get the rest of the documents.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office has called the allegations that his office and DHSS withheld records and violated Missouri’s Sunshine Law “frivolous” and “baseless.”
We’ll wait and see.
What doesn’t appear to be in dispute, according to the lawsuit, is that Randall Williams, director of DHSS, conducted state business on his personal cellphone.
The suit alleges, “Dr. Williams further acknowledged that he never took any steps to save his text messages discussing state business to a state computer, even though that is expressly required under the Sunshine Law.”
Former Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley was unambiguous in his interpretation of Missouri law: “Text messages should be treated like, and subject to, the same analysis as emails,” Hawley said in 2017. It does not matter whether the messages are sent on a state-owned phone or on a personal cellphone - texts and phone calls of public officials conducting public business belong to the public.
Given the difficulty the media and the public have had getting records from DHSS, given the agency’s history of being uncooperative and concocting road blocks to releasing public records, and given that DHSS was just fined $12,000 in April for multiple violations of state law governing open records, we think it’s time for new public-minded and transparent leadership at the agency, regardless of who wins next week’s election.
—-
The Kansas City Star, Nov. 2
Last week, the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners adjourned, fled and hid out in closed session until the civil rights protesters who were there to demand a vote on whether to fire Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith had left the building.
Once they had gone, board members reemerged, and went back to pretending everything is fine. It isn’t, though, and won’t be without serious reforms that include Smith’s departure.
Instead, the Kansas City Police Department just keeps giving us fresh examples of the kind of inhuman treatment of Black Kansas Citians that convinced us to call for Smith’s firing months ago: An unarmed Black 15-year-old on his knees and putting up no resistance has his face smashed into concrete, and that’s just another Thursday night. A Black woman who is nine months pregnant is thrown onto her belly and handcuffed while an officer holds his knee on her back.
Still, the board that theoretically oversees the police department continues to pelt Smith with rose petals. And sure, its members can continue to duck protesters at police headquarters. But city leaders can’t continue to ignore the reality that the need for change is urgent.
The protesters deserve the vote they’re asking for and won’t get. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says “that would just be a purely performative act” and because it wouldn’t result in Smith’s ouster, could lead to even more frustration.
But here’s how well failing to address the pain of so many in any substantive way is working: On Saturday, local civil rights leaders began speaking the language that corporate Kansas City understands. They wrote NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and asked him to keep the Kansas City Police Department’s “extreme hostility” toward Black people in mind when considering the city as a possible temporary home for the Toronto Raptors.
“There are some issues which supersede fun and economic interests,” the letter said. “Although Kansas City is a great sports city, it is also a city where law enforcement has demonstrated extreme hostility and excessive force towards Black people.”
We aren’t likely to lure the Toronto Raptors here, anyway. But Kansas City’s civil rights community just sent up a flare that from here on out, it’s going to be taking on economic power.
And that’s a promise that will be a lot harder to ignore than the strong words that sent police board members running.
Lucas said the letter changes nothing because every city in America, Kansas City included, is already trying to make sure people of all races feel safe. “I believe Black lives matter whether we have the Toronto Raptors playing here for a few months or not. … I understand where people are coming from, but that’s something I wake up caring about every day.”
People of all races don’t feel safe here, though, and don’t have reason to.
Gwendolyn Grant, president of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and one of those who signed and sent the letter, said, “Over the summer, the mayor and other civic leaders expressed a commitment to Black Lives Matter but failed to remove a bigoted and incompetent police chief. I hope they recognize that the continued presence of Rick Smith is not only detrimental to substantive police reform and authentic community-police relationships. It will have a deleterious impact on our convention and tourism business.”
Remember when the NCAA threatened to move the Final Four, and maybe even its headquarters, out of Indianapolis over legislation that would have allowed businesses to discriminate against gay people? It was the potential loss of dollars and prestige, expressed in a memorable front-page editorial in the Indianapolis Star, that sent then-Gov. Mike Pence and Indiana state lawmakers scurrying to amend that law five years ago.
Likewise, this letter to the NBA is a dead-serious signal that the new corporate employers and institutions so crucial to Kansas City’s future are not going to choose a city that continues to mistreat its Black citizens. Why would they?
____
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Nov. 1
By the Editorial Board
Efforts between St. Louis city and county to coordinate policing activities and boost cooperation are laudable and could well deserve expansion if a current, private-sector-spurred experiment proves successful in Jennings and northwestern St. Louis. The business community’s involvement in making the region safer is not just important but essential. When it comes to transparency, however, this effort falls far short of what’s required by law and by minimal accountability standards to ensure the public is kept fully informed of what’s happening.
The business world is under no obligation to explain private initiatives to the general public. So it’s entirely possible that Centene Corp. and other major companies saw no problem secretly funding and organizing a program where county police team up with their city counterparts to jointly patrol the Jennings area and a northwestern St. Louis city district. Responsibility fell upon St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, Mayor Lyda Krewson and other government officials to keep the public informed.
They didn’t, and now this well-intended initiative has blown up in their faces. They appear to have done everything possible to keep the public from finding out until the Post-Dispatch’s Jeremy Kohler broke the story on Tuesday. Even then, Krewson’s office tried to downplay it. Blowback from her mishandling last year of a county-city policing initiative for MetroLink - also mediated by a Centene executive - may well be the reason for Krewson’s fear of public accountability.
But considering that the same players and same questions of public accountability are at issue again now, wouldn’t it seem that all involved had learned their lesson? Page’s office has been even more opaque, asserting it had no documentation explaining the role of a private consulting firm, Teneo, in coordinating the joint policing initiative. Teneo consultants met individually with each of the five members of the county Board of Police Commissioners to brief them on the initiative - an apparent violation of Sunshine Law provisions designed to prevent public bodies from conducting business in secret and meeting individually to circumvent public meeting requirements.
One commissioner, Dr. LJ Punch, is resigning because of the secrecy, as Kohler reported on Thursday. Several elected officials in Jennings also expressed anger over having been excluded from discussions when it was their county-patrolled jurisdiction at the center of the experiment.
This newspaper has lauded the effort by Centene and other major employers to get involved and boost pressure on elected officials to tackle the region’s violent crime problems. Centene Chief Executive Michael Neidorff has made clear that crime and quality-of-life issues serve as a major impediment when local employers try to lure top-flight outside talent.
It’s not their initiative that deserves critical scrutiny but rather the misguided assumption by government officials that the public somehow can’t be trusted and needs to be kept in the dark.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Boy dies from injuries suffered in crash; 2 others killed

VINELAND , N.J. ( AP ) - A young boy has died from injuries suffered in a crash that also killed a southern New Jersey couple and critically injured three other people , including another child .
The crash in Vineland occurred around 9:15 p.m. Sunday , when a driver went through a stop sign and collided with a vehicle driven by Ivan Garcia-Ruiz , 30 , of Bridgeton , authorities said .
Garcia-Ruiz and his front-seat passenger , Elisa Perez-Hernandez , 32 , also of Bridgeton , were pronounced dead at the scene .
A 5-year-old girl and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the back of the vehicle , were critically injured , The boy died from his injuries on Monday , authorities said , while the girl remains hospitalized .
Their names have not been released , and authorities have not said whether any of the four were related .
The 36-year-old driver of the other vehicle and his 21-year-old passenger , both Vineland residents , suffered undisclosed injuries and remain hospitalized .
Their names have not been released .
No charges have been filed so far , but authorities said the crash remains @ @ @

VINELAND, N.J. (AP) - A young boy has died from injuries suffered in a crash that also killed a southern New Jersey couple and critically injured three other people, including another child.
The crash in Vineland occurred around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, when a driver went through a stop sign and collided with a vehicle driven by Ivan Garcia-Ruiz, 30, of Bridgeton, authorities said.
Garcia-Ruiz and his front-seat passenger, Elisa Perez-Hernandez, 32, also of Bridgeton, were pronounced dead at the scene. A 5-year-old girl and a year-old boy, who were both sitting in the back of the vehicle, were critically injured,
The boy died from his injuries on Monday, authorities said, while the girl remains hospitalized. Their names have not been released, and authorities have not said whether any of the four were related.
The 36-year-old driver of the other vehicle and his 21-year-old passenger, both Vineland residents, suffered undisclosed injuries and remain hospitalized. Their names have not been released.
No charges have been filed so far, but authorities said the crash remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Polls open in Nebraska after surge in early voting

OMAHA , Neb .
( AP ) - Polls opened in Nebraska on Tuesday for those who are opting for @ @ @ @ @ a surge in people casting early ballots .
Polls opened in most of the state @ @ @ @ @ will continue until 8 p.m .
The Nebraska Secretary of State ’ s Office reported @ @ @ @ @ voted early .
President Donald Trump is expected to win the statewide vote , but @ @ @ @ @ in whether Democratic nominee Joe Biden can earn one of the state ’ s Electoral @ @ @ @ @ the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District .
Nebraskans also will decide whether to reelect Sen. Ben @ @ @ @ @ three U.S. House contests and a host of legislative races .

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Polls opened in Nebraska on Tuesday for those who are opting for traditional Election Day voting after a surge in people casting early ballots.
Polls opened in most of the state at 8 a.m. and voting will continue until 8 p.m.
The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office reported that more than 400,000 people voted early.
President Donald Trump is expected to win the statewide vote, but there is plenty of interest in whether Democratic nominee Joe Biden can earn one of the state’s Electoral College votes by winning in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District.
Nebraskans also will decide whether to reelect Sen. Ben Sasse and make decisions in three U.S. House contests and a host of legislative races.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Gary selling former housing site to technology company

GARY , Ind .
( AP ) - The city of Gary is selling a former public housing site to a California-based tech company that plans to move its corporate headquarters to the northwestern Indiana city and build a plant there .
The 27-acre former Ivanhoe Gardens housing site will be sold to Akyumen Industries for $ 50,000 , according to an agreement between the Gary Redevelopment Commission and the company , The ( Northwest Indiana ) Times reported .
Los Angeles-based Akyumen Industries , which makes smartphones , tablets and smart watches , has tentatively selected the site on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first corporate headquarters in the U.S .
The company announced last week that it expects to build a new plant at the site which will employ between 500 and 2,000 people as it ramps up in the areas of construction , high-tech manufacturing and service .
Akyumen Industries is expected to seek out state incentives in the form of tax breaks , and not request any incentives from the city , said Eric Reaves , executive director of Community Investment who oversees the city ’ s Redevelopment Commission .
He called it an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the first cellphone assembled in the U.S. in Gary , Indiana is transformative , ” Reaves said .
Before building at the former Ivanhoe site , Akyumen Industries intends to move its headquarters to the Genesis Convention Center , a 7,000-seat arena in the city ’ s downtown .
Last week ’ s announcement that Akyumen Industries would soon call Gary home was largely welcomed with enthusiasm by residents , but council members critical of the current administration said they are skeptical of the company ’ s promise to transform the Steel @ @ @ @ @ @ @

GARY, Ind. (AP) - The city of Gary is selling a former public housing site to a California-based tech company that plans to move its corporate headquarters to the northwestern Indiana city and build a plant there.
The 27-acre former Ivanhoe Gardens housing site will be sold to Akyumen Industries for $50,000, according to an agreement between the Gary Redevelopment Commission and the company, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported.
Los Angeles-based Akyumen Industries, which makes smartphones, tablets and smart watches, has tentatively selected the site on Gary’s west side as its first corporate headquarters in the U.S.
The company announced last week that it expects to build a new plant at the site which will employ between 500 and 2,000 people as it ramps up in the areas of construction, high-tech manufacturing and service.
Akyumen Industries is expected to seek out state incentives in the form of tax breaks, and not request any incentives from the city, said Eric Reaves, executive director of Community Investment who oversees the city’s Redevelopment Commission.
He called it an exciting time for Gary.
“To have the first cellphone assembled in the U.S. in Gary, Indiana is transformative,” Reaves said.
Before building at the former Ivanhoe site, Akyumen Industries intends to move its headquarters to the Genesis Convention Center, a 7,000-seat arena in the city’s downtown.
Last week’s announcement that Akyumen Industries would soon call Gary home was largely welcomed with enthusiasm by residents, but council members critical of the current administration said they are skeptical of the company’s promise to transform the Steel City into a Midwest tech hub.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Ron DeSantis, Florida governor: Donald Trump better positioned than in 2016

Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis predicted a good Election Day for President Trump in his home state of Florida .
Mr. DeSantis told Fox News on Tuesday morning that heading into Election Day , Democrats had a roughly 1 % to 2 % advantage from mail-in and early voting , but he anticipates that will be outweighed by GOP turnout on Nov. 3 .
“ He ’ s much better positioned this year than he was in 2016 , ” Mr. DeSantis told “ Fox & Friends.
” He noted Palm Beach County , located in southeast Florida , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen a turnout for Republicans larger than Democrats .
“ People in Florida have an opportunity .
Stay in that line .
Vote — your voice will matter , and I think it will be a good Election Day for the president , ” Mr. DeSantis said .
Florida , a state worth 29 electoral votes , shows Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden with a .9 % advantage , according to the Real Clear Politics average .
In 2016 , Mr. Trump had a .2 % Real Clear Politics average advantage over @ @ @

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis predicted a good Election Day for President Trump in his home state of Florida.
Mr. DeSantis told Fox News on Tuesday morning that heading into Election Day, Democrats had a roughly 1% to 2% advantage from mail-in and early voting, but he anticipates that will be outweighed by GOP turnout on Nov. 3.
“He’s much better positioned this year than he was in 2016,” Mr. DeSantis told “Fox & Friends.”
He noted Palm Beach County, located in southeast Florida, which is traditionally a blue territory, has seen a turnout for Republicans larger than Democrats.
“People in Florida have an opportunity. Stay in that line. Vote — your voice will matter, and I think it will be a good Election Day for the president,” Mr. DeSantis said.
Florida, a state worth 29 electoral votes, shows Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden with a .9% advantage, according to the Real Clear Politics average.
In 2016, Mr. Trump had a .2% Real Clear Politics average advantage over Hillary Clinton.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--In video interview, Russian MH17 suspect denies involvement

THE HAGUE , Netherlands ( AP ) - A suspect charged with involvement in shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014 denied involvement in the attack in video interviews played Tuesday in a Dutch courtroom .
The recorded comments by Oleg Putalov marked the first time the voice of one of the four suspects charged in the downing of the Boeing 777 has been heard in their trial in absentia .
After years of investigations , prosecutors concluded that a Russian-made Buk missile launched from territory controlled by pro-Russian rebels brought down the passenger jet on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 298 passengers and crew on board as it was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur .
An independent Dutch crash investigation earlier reached the same conclusion .
Pulatov said he and his forces did not have a missile of the type that prosecutors say brought down the plane and added that he was busy at meetings on the day the plane was shot down and did not see or hear a Buk missile launch .
In the interview with his Dutch lawyer that was recorded in Russia , Pulatov said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications that are part of prosecutors ’ evidence are actually deliberate misinformation .
“ Whenever you hear any kind of nonsense in the conversations intercepted like mentioning the Buk , you may rest assured that that was done for the deception purposes - we wanted to mislead our adversaries , ” Pulatov said .
None of the suspects has appeared for preliminary trial proceedings that are underway in a courtroom on the edge of Amsterdam ’ s Schiphol Airport , from where the doomed flight took off , heading for Kuala Lumpur .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ least well into next year .
Prosecutors allege that the missile that brought down MH17 was trucked into Ukraine from a Russian military base and the launcher was then returned to Russia .
They accuse Pulatov along with two other Russians - Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy - as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko with organizing the deployment and firing of the Buk and its subsequent return to Russia .
Moscow has always denied any involvement in the downing .
Pulatov said he had never asked for or been provided with a Buk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begging on my knees for Russia to provide us with a Buk missile system it would have never been granted to us , ” he said in the interview played in court .
The interview was conducted in Russian and translated by an interpreter present during the interview .
The interview was broadcast in court at a preliminary stage in the trial in absentia of the four suspects as defense lawyers began outlining what further investigations they want in the case ahead of hearings next year .

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - A suspect charged with involvement in shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014 denied involvement in the attack in video interviews played Tuesday in a Dutch courtroom.
The recorded comments by Oleg Putalov marked the first time the voice of one of the four suspects charged in the downing of the Boeing 777 has been heard in their trial in absentia.
After years of investigations, prosecutors concluded that a Russian-made Buk missile launched from territory controlled by pro-Russian rebels brought down the passenger jet on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew on board as it was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. An independent Dutch crash investigation earlier reached the same conclusion.
Pulatov said he and his forces did not have a missile of the type that prosecutors say brought down the plane and added that he was busy at meetings on the day the plane was shot down and did not see or hear a Buk missile launch.
In the interview with his Dutch lawyer that was recorded in Russia, Pulatov said that references to a Buk missile in intercepted communications that are part of prosecutors’ evidence are actually deliberate misinformation.
“Whenever you hear any kind of nonsense in the conversations intercepted like mentioning the Buk, you may rest assured that that was done for the deception purposes - we wanted to mislead our adversaries,” Pulatov said.
None of the suspects has appeared for preliminary trial proceedings that are underway in a courtroom on the edge of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, from where the doomed flight took off, heading for Kuala Lumpur. The trial is expected to last at least well into next year.
Prosecutors allege that the missile that brought down MH17 was trucked into Ukraine from a Russian military base and the launcher was then returned to Russia. They accuse Pulatov along with two other Russians - Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy - as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko with organizing the deployment and firing of the Buk and its subsequent return to Russia. Moscow has always denied any involvement in the downing.
Pulatov said he had never asked for or been provided with a Buk.
“Even if I had been begging on my knees for Russia to provide us with a Buk missile system it would have never been granted to us,” he said in the interview played in court. The interview was conducted in Russian and translated by an interpreter present during the interview.
The interview was broadcast in court at a preliminary stage in the trial in absentia of the four suspects as defense lawyers began outlining what further investigations they want in the case ahead of hearings next year.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Officer wounded trying to serve warrant, suspect arrested

JACKSON , Tenn. ( AP ) - An officer was shot while helping to serve an arrest warrant in Tennessee , leading to a four-hour standoff that ended with the suspect in custody , officials said .
Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agent Joe Frye , who is part of the U.S.
Marshal ’ s Fugitive Task Force , suffered minor gunshot wounds Monday night while approaching a home in Jackson to serve a warrant on fugitive Bobby Joe Claybrook Jr. , authorities said .
Claybrook , 39 , was placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation ’ s Top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges of attempted second degree murder , felon in possession of a handgun and aggravated assault , officials said .
Claybrook barricaded himself in the residence , but police negotiators persuaded him to come out and officers were able to take him into custody without further incident , Jackson Police Chief Julian Wiser told news outlets .
He was taken to the Madison County Jail , Wiser said .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether he has an attorney .
Frye was treated at a hospital and released , U.S .
Marshal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described as minor in a statement from the Department of Correction .

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) - An officer was shot while helping to serve an arrest warrant in Tennessee, leading to a four-hour standoff that ended with the suspect in custody, officials said.
Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agent Joe Frye, who is part of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, suffered minor gunshot wounds Monday night while approaching a home in Jackson to serve a warrant on fugitive Bobby Joe Claybrook Jr., authorities said. Claybrook, 39, was placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Top Ten Most Wanted list in August on charges of attempted second degree murder, felon in possession of a handgun and aggravated assault, officials said.
Claybrook barricaded himself in the residence, but police negotiators persuaded him to come out and officers were able to take him into custody without further incident, Jackson Police Chief Julian Wiser told news outlets.
He was taken to the Madison County Jail, Wiser said. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he has an attorney.
Frye was treated at a hospital and released, U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said. His wounds were described as minor in a statement from the Department of Correction.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Austrian interior minister says evidence gathered so far shows no indication that there was a second

VIENNA ( AP ) - Austrian interior minister says evidence gathered so far shows no indication that there was a @ @ @

VIENNA (AP) - Austrian interior minister says evidence gathered so far shows no indication that there was a second attacker.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Ferrari profit steady as it recovers lost lockdown output

MILAN ( AP ) - Luxury sportscar maker Ferrari on Tuesday reported its profits remained flat in the third quarter as it recovers lost production from the coronavirus shutdown .
The company based in the northern Italian city of Maranello said net profit was 171 million euros ( $ 200 million ) in the quarter , compared with 169 million in the same period last year .
Shipments were down by 161 units , to 2,313 vehicles .
Ferrari said it is still working on recovering the 2,000 vehicle production loss during Italy ’ s seven-week shutdown .
Revenues sank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from 915 million euros in the same period last year .
Car revenues rose on sales of the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 special editions models , which continue to be delivered on schedule , while sponsorship , commercial and brand revenues were hit by the pandemic and the resulting cancellation of some Formula 1 races .
Ferrari raised guidance to the higher end of guidelines set in August , with revenues above 3.4 billion euros and adjusted earnings before interest , taxes , depreciation and amortization at 1.13 billion euros .

MILAN (AP) - Luxury sportscar maker Ferrari on Tuesday reported its profits remained flat in the third quarter as it recovers lost production from the coronavirus shutdown.
The company based in the northern Italian city of Maranello said net profit was 171 million euros ($200 million) in the quarter, compared with 169 million in the same period last year. Shipments were down by 161 units, to 2,313 vehicles.
Ferrari said it is still working on recovering the 2,000 vehicle production loss during Italy’s seven-week shutdown.
Revenues sank by 3% to 888 million euros, from 915 million euros in the same period last year. Car revenues rose on sales of the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 special editions models, which continue to be delivered on schedule, while sponsorship, commercial and brand revenues were hit by the pandemic and the resulting cancellation of some Formula 1 races.
Ferrari raised guidance to the higher end of guidelines set in August, with revenues above 3.4 billion euros and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization at 1.13 billion euros.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--Evidence deadline looms in case of Epstein's ex-girlfriend

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Prosecutors and defense lawyers are clashing days before a deadline for evidence to be turned over in the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein ’ s one-time girlfriend on charges that she recruited girls for him to sexually abuse .
The trial of Ghislaine Maxwell is not scheduled to start until July , but prosecutors must turn over evidence to her lawyers by Monday .
Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that she recruited three girls in the mid-1990s for Epstein to abuse .
Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan federal lockup in August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trafficking charges .
On Oct. 30 , prosecutors said in a letter to a Manhattan federal court judge that they will in the next week give Maxwell ’ s lawyers over 1.2 million documents from devices seized from Epstein ’ s residences .
They say they ’ ve already turned over more than 350,000 pages of documents , including search warrants , subpoena returns and some records related to law enforcement investigations of Epstein .
Defense lawyers have complained since Maxwell ’ s July arrest that prosecutors are slow walking the turnover of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguments to challenge charges against the 58-year-old British socialite .
The arguments are due Dec. 21 .
“ Summer is gone , Winter is coming , and the Government has failed to make good on its promises , ” the lawyers wrote .
The lawyers said in an Oct. 23 letter to the trial judge that prosecutors had promised substantial production of evidence would occur quickly , but so far it has been “ ’ substantial ’ in size , not substance.
” They said about one fourth of the documents turned over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litigation to which Ms. Maxwell was a party and the remainder relate largely to Epstein and have nothing to do with the 1994 to 1997 time period of the conspiracy alleged in charges against her .
In their letter , prosecutors called the defense claims factually and legally incorrect .
“ Contrary to the defense ’ s suggestion , the Government has made numerous productions consistent with the discovery schedule in this case and is working diligently to continue to meet the discovery deadlines in this case , ” they wrote .
Prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have adequate access to evidence at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn , where she is held without bail .
Prosecutors said she has access to the materials 13 hours per day , longer than any other inmate .

NEW YORK (AP) - Prosecutors and defense lawyers are clashing days before a deadline for evidence to be turned over in the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein’s one-time girlfriend on charges that she recruited girls for him to sexually abuse.
The trial of Ghislaine Maxwell is not scheduled to start until July, but prosecutors must turn over evidence to her lawyers by Monday.
Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that she recruited three girls in the mid-1990s for Epstein to abuse. Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan federal lockup in August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.
On Oct. 30, prosecutors said in a letter to a Manhattan federal court judge that they will in the next week give Maxwell’s lawyers over 1.2 million documents from devices seized from Epstein’s residences.
They say they’ve already turned over more than 350,000 pages of documents, including search warrants, subpoena returns and some records related to law enforcement investigations of Epstein.
Defense lawyers have complained since Maxwell’s July arrest that prosecutors are slow walking the turnover of evidence the defense needs to prepare its arguments to challenge charges against the 58-year-old British socialite. The arguments are due Dec. 21.
“Summer is gone, Winter is coming, and the Government has failed to make good on its promises,” the lawyers wrote.
The lawyers said in an Oct. 23 letter to the trial judge that prosecutors had promised substantial production of evidence would occur quickly, but so far it has been “’substantial’ in size, not substance.”
They said about one fourth of the documents turned over so far relate to materials from civil litigation to which Ms. Maxwell was a party and the remainder relate largely to Epstein and have nothing to do with the 1994 to 1997 time period of the conspiracy alleged in charges against her.
In their letter, prosecutors called the defense claims factually and legally incorrect.
“Contrary to the defense’s suggestion, the Government has made numerous productions consistent with the discovery schedule in this case and is working diligently to continue to meet the discovery deadlines in this case,” they wrote.
Prosecutors also disputed defense claims that Maxwell did not have adequate access to evidence at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where she is held without bail. Prosecutors said she has access to the materials 13 hours per day, longer than any other inmate.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--2 found dead in apartment in Richmond, Maine

RICHMOND , Maine ( AP ) - Police performing a welfare check discovered the bodies of two people inside a @ @ @ @ @ said .
Maine State Police were called to investigate Monday and the bodies , a @ @ @ @ @ transported to the state medical examiner ’ s office .
There was no threat to @ @ @ @ @ police spokesperson said .
Richmond Police responded to the apartment for a welfare check late @ @ @ @ @ for help from Maine State Police when they were unable to reach the people inside @

RICHMOND, Maine (AP) - Police performing a welfare check discovered the bodies of two people inside a Main Street apartment in the town of Richmond, officials said.
Maine State Police were called to investigate Monday and found the bodies of Dana Shulman, 49, and Robin Bowler, 47, both of Richmond. Their bodies were identified by police on Tuesday and transported to the state medical examiner’s office.
There was no threat to the public, a state police spokesperson said. Autopsies were pending, police said.
Richmond Police responded to the apartment for a welfare check late Monday morning. Officers asked for help from Maine State Police when they were unable to reach the people inside.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--AP News Guide: Election Day 2020 in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS , Md .
( AP ) - While many Maryland voters have already mailed in their ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic or voted in person at early voting centers , those who waited for Election Day will be voicing their choice for president and the state ’ s eight members of the U.S. House of Representatives at the polls .
Voters also are weighing in on two statewide ballot questions with significant financial ramifications .
Here ’ s a look at what ’ s at stake in Maryland this Election Day : Democrat Joe Biden , of neighboring Delaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking Maryland ’ s 10 electoral votes in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-to-1 .
Trump has been unpopular in Maryland , where even Republican Gov .
Larry Hogan has distanced himself from the president .
In 2016 , Trump received 34 % of the vote in Maryland .
A Republican presidential candidate hasn ’ t won Maryland in 32 years .
George H.W .
Bush was the last to do so in 1988 .
Trump made national headlines last year when he described a Maryland district that includes a large portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rat and rodent infested mess.
” Democrats hold seven of Maryland ’ s eight U.S. House seats .
Rep. Kweisi Mfume , a Democrat , is running for a full term after winning an April special election to fill a vacancy created by the death of Elijah Cummings last year .
Mfume is running against Republican Kimberly Klacik , whose campaign has been supported by the president .
The district includes an area of Baltimore and parts of two nearby counties .
Maryland ’ s lone Republican , Andy Harris , is running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a district that includes all of Maryland ’ s Eastern Shore .
Democrat David Trone is running for a second term against Republican Neil Parrott , a state legislator , in the district that stretches from Montgomery County through western Maryland .
Incumbents are running in the state ’ s other five congressional districts .
Voters are deciding whether to legalize sports betting in Maryland .
Details on where sports wagering would be allowed and whether to allow it online would be decided later by state lawmakers , if voters approve .
Legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports betting on the ballot requires that the state would spend its proceeds primarily on education .
Voters will determine whether the Maryland General Assembly should have more power over the state ’ s budget process .
The constitutional amendment would allow the legislature to increase , decrease or add items to the budget , as long as the changes don ’ t exceed the total proposed by the governor .
For more than 100 years , when Maryland ’ s governor has submitted the state budget to the General Assembly each January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut from the proposal .
There will be fewer locations to vote on Election Day than in a normal , non-pandemic year .
Instead of walking to their local elementary school , people who choose to vote on Election Day might have to drive to their local high school or community center .
The Maryland State Board of Elections has provided a list of places people can vote Tuesday on its website .
It ’ s the first time Maryland has had same-day voter registration on the day of the general election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 allowing it .
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m .

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - While more than half of Maryland’s registered voters had already mailed in their ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic or voted in person at early voting centers ahead of Election Day, more than 475,000 Marylanders voted on Tuesday.
Here’s a look at what happened in Maryland on Election Day:
PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Democrat Joe Biden defeated Republican President Donald Trump to win Maryland’s 10 electoral votes in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-to-1. Trump has been unpopular in Maryland, where even Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has distanced himself from the president. In 2016, Trump received 34% of the vote in Maryland. A Republican presidential candidate hasn’t won Maryland in 32 years. George H.W. Bush was the last to do so in 1988. Trump made national headlines last year when he described a Maryland district that includes a large portion of Baltimore as a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess.”
CONGRESS
All eight of Maryland’s U.S. House incumbents won reelection. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, a Democrat, defeated Republican Kimberly Klacik to win a full term after winning an April special election to fill a vacancy created by the death of Elijah Cummings last year. The district includes an area of Baltimore and parts of two nearby counties. Maryland’s lone Republican Rep. Andy Harris fended off Democratic challenger Mia Mason in a district that includes all of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. And Democrat David Trone defeated Republican Neil Parrott, a state legislator, in the district that stretches from Montgomery County through western Maryland. Rep. Steny Hoyer, who is the House majority leader, also won reelection.
SPORTS BETTING
Voters approved legalizing sports betting in Maryland. Details on where sports wagering will be allowed and whether to allow it online will be decided later by state lawmakers. Legislation approved by the General Assembly to put sports betting on the ballot requires that the state would spend its proceeds primarily on education.
BUDGET POWERS
Voters approved a constitutional amendment to give the Maryland General Assembly more power over the state’s budget process. It will allow the legislature to increase, decrease or add items to the budget, as long as the changes don’t exceed the total proposed by the governor. For more than 100 years, when Maryland’s governor has submitted the state budget to the General Assembly each January, lawmakers have only been able to cut from the proposal.
SAME-DAY REGISTRATION
It was the first time Maryland had same-day voter registration on the day of the general election, since a constitutional amendment was approved in 2018 allowing it.


washingtontimes--2020-11-03--AP News Guide: Top of the Vermont ticket is governor, US rep

MONTPELIER , Vt. ( AP ) - The races for governor and the U.S. House top the ballot in Vermont , where voting concludes Tuesday on Election Day .
Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger , former Vice President Joe Biden , are both seeking Vermont ’ s three electoral votes .
In addition to the two major party candidates , there are 19 third-party presidential candidates .
Republican Gov .
Phil Scott , the incumbent , is seeking his third two-year term leading Vermont .
The only statewide Republican office holder in the deeply blue state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin , is popular and has been given high marks for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Throughout the pandemic , Vermont has consistently had among the lowest rates of transmission .
Scott , a frequent and rare GOP critic of Trump , has consistently called for civility in politics .
Scott continues to lead Vermont by working , as he calls it , to make the state more affordable by promoting economic growth and not raising taxes or fees while protecting the most state ’ s most vulnerable .
Scott , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
David Zuckerman , who is running as a Democrat but throughout his political career has also worked with and represented Vermont ’ s Progressive Party .
Zuckerman , a 48-year-old Hinesburg farmer , campaigned on promises to do more to advance progressive causes , saying wealthy people should pay more in taxes , Vermont should do more to combat climate change and he would work to expand access to health care in the state .
Democrat Peter Welch is seeking reelection to the seat in the U.S. House that he first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms in the House , Welch , 73 , has consistently been one of Vermont ’ s top statewide vote-getters .
Welch says he feels his popularity has been due to his continued focus on the state ’ s needs .
He says the country is facing the “ extraordinary challenges ” of the coronavirus pandemic and what Welch has described as Trump ’ s threat to democracy .
Welch is being challenged this year by Republican Miriam Berry , a registered nurse from Essex Junction , who is making her first run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a conservative who opposes current proposals for universal health care and is for civil rights and cutting waste from the budget .
She said it was time for a change .
Voters will also be casting ballots Tuesday for the state ’ s other statewide elected offices , including lieutenant governor , attorney general , state treasurer , secretary of state and auditor of accounts .
In local and regional races being decided Tuesday , Vermonters will elect all 150 members of the state House of Representatives and 30 members of the @ @ @

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The races for governor and the U.S. House top the ballot in Vermont, where voting concludes Tuesday on Election Day.
PRESIDENT
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, won Vermont’s three electoral votes. In addition to Biden and Republican President Donald Trump, there were 19 third-party presidential candidates on Vermont’s ballot.
GOVERNOR
Republican Gov. Phil Scott, the incumbent, has won his third two-year term leading Vermont.
The only statewide Republican office holder in the deeply blue state, Scott, a former construction executive from Berlin, is popular and has been given high marks for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Vermont has consistently had among the lowest rates of transmission.
Scott, a frequent and rare GOP critic of Trump, has consistently called for civility in politics. Scott continues to lead Vermont by working, as he calls it, to make the state more affordable by promoting economic growth and not raising taxes or fees while protecting the most state’s most vulnerable.
Scott, 61, was challenged by Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, who is running as a Democrat but throughout his political career has also worked with and represented Vermont’s Progressive Party.
Zuckerman, a 48-year-old Hinesburg farmer, campaigned on promises to do more to advance progressive causes, saying wealthy people should pay more in taxes, Vermont should do more to combat climate change and he would work to expand access to health care in the state.
US HOUSE
Democrat Peter Welch won reelection to the seat in the U.S. House that he first won in 2006.
During his seven terms in the House, Welch, 73, has consistently been one of Vermont’s top statewide vote-getters. Welch says he feels his popularity has been due to his continued focus on the state’s needs. He says the country is facing the “extraordinary challenges” of the coronavirus pandemic and what Welch has described as Trump’s threat to democracy.
Welch was challenged this year by Republican Miriam Berry, a registered nurse from Essex Junction, who was making her first run for elected office. Berry described herself as a conservative who opposes current proposals for universal health care and is for civil rights and cutting waste from the budget. She said it was time for a change.
OTHER RACES
Voters also cast ballots Tuesday for the state’s other statewide elected offices, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, state treasurer, secretary of state and auditor of accounts.
In local and regional races being decided Tuesday, Vermonters will elect all 150 members of the state House of Representatives and 30 members of the state Senate.
___
Find AP’s full election coverage at APNews.com/Election2020.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Alibaba revenue up 30% as virus drives demand for e-commerce

HONG KONG ( AP ) - China ’ s biggest e-commerce firm Alibaba Group Holding on Thursday reported a 30 % jump in quarterly revenue , as China recovers from the virus and online shopping demand remains high .
Alibaba reported revenues of 155.1 billion yuan ( $ 23.4 billion ) for the three months ended September .
Its profit was down 60 % to 28.8 billion yuan ( $ 4.4 billion ) compared to the same time last year , when it reported a one-time gain after it took a 33 % stake in its financial affiliate Ant Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 10 % in Hong Kong on Wednesday , following a 8.1 % fall in New York on Tuesday , after Chinese regulators on Tuesday suspended the initial public offering of Ant Group on the Shanghai stock market just days before its trading debut .
Regulators halted the IPO , stating that the regulatory environment had changed significantly and that Ant Group may thus not meet listing qualifications or disclosure requirements .
On Monday , China had released draft rules for microlenders , raising the minimum required capital for lenders such as Ant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million ) .
Ant Group , which was initially set to become the world ’ s biggest IPO with a share sale of at least $ 34.5 billion , announced shortly after that it would also halt its Hong Kong listing .
“ As Ant Group ’ s major shareholder , Alibaba is actively evaluating the impact on our business in response to the recent proposed change in the fintech regulatory environment , and will take appropriate measures accordingly , ” said Daniel Zhang , chairman and CEO of Alibaba , on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ahead of the earnings results , Alibaba ’ s stock closed up 6.28 % at 294.60 Hong Kong dollars ( $ 38 ) on Thursday , up about 40 % since the beginning of this year .
The Hangzhou-based company is also gearing up for its upcoming Singles ’ Day online shopping festival , held annually on Nov. 11 .
The shopping festival is the world ’ s largest , with consumers spending $ 38.4 billion over a period of 24 hours last year , topping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to spend tens of billions of dollars during Singles ’ Day on its Taobao and Tmall e-commerce platforms on everything from luxury goods to fresh food .

HONG KONG (AP) - China’s biggest e-commerce firm Alibaba Group Holding on Thursday reported a 30% jump in quarterly revenue, as China recovers from the virus and online shopping demand remains high.
Alibaba reported revenues of 155.1 billion yuan ($23.4 billion) for the three months ended September. Its profit was down 60% to 28.8 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) compared to the same time last year, when it reported a one-time gain after it took a 33% stake in its financial affiliate Ant Group.
The company saw its stock plunge nearly 10% in Hong Kong on Wednesday, following a 8.1% fall in New York on Tuesday, after Chinese regulators on Tuesday suspended the initial public offering of Ant Group on the Shanghai stock market just days before its trading debut.
Regulators halted the IPO, stating that the regulatory environment had changed significantly and that Ant Group may thus not meet listing qualifications or disclosure requirements. On Monday, China had released draft rules for microlenders, raising the minimum required capital for lenders such as Ant to 5 billion yuan ($750 million).
Ant Group, which was initially set to become the world’s biggest IPO with a share sale of at least $34.5 billion, announced shortly after that it would also halt its Hong Kong listing.
“As Ant Group’s major shareholder, Alibaba is actively evaluating the impact on our business in response to the recent proposed change in the fintech regulatory environment, and will take appropriate measures accordingly,” said Daniel Zhang, chairman and CEO of Alibaba, on an earnings call with analysts and media.
Ahead of the earnings results, Alibaba’s stock closed up 6.28% at 294.60 Hong Kong dollars ($38) on Thursday, up about 40% since the beginning of this year.
The Hangzhou-based company is also gearing up for its upcoming Singles’ Day online shopping festival, held annually on Nov. 11. The shopping festival is the world’s largest, with consumers spending $38.4 billion over a period of 24 hours last year, topping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in the U.S.
This year, consumers are expected to spend tens of billions of dollars during Singles’ Day on its Taobao and Tmall e-commerce platforms on everything from luxury goods to fresh food.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Investors to buy Alaska Communications Systems for $300M

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - Two investment firms plan to purchase Alaska Communications Systems Group in a $ 300 million deal , the company said .
The telecommunications company will cease its public trading structure and become a private entity in the acquisition by investment firms Macquarie Capital Inc. and GCM Grosvenor , The Anchorage Daily News reported Tuesday .
The companies plan to acquire Alaska Communications Systems shares at $ 3 each .
The announcement boosted the price of its shares by more than 50 % from Monday ’ s value .
The acquisition is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communications Systems provides broadband internet , information technology services and landline home phone service .
There will be no change of service to business and residential customers , company spokeswoman Heather Marron said .
Marron declined to provide the number of customers served by the company , but said savings benefiting customers are expected to be generated by becoming a privately held entity .
“ We spend $ 4-5 million or more per year on expenses related to being a publicly traded company , ” Marron said .
“ That money will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our network and customers.
” The company employs 576 people and expects to “ retain operations and employees ” following the purchase , Marron said .
Regulators and stockholders must approve the transaction at an upcoming special meeting , while the company said it intends to take advantage of a provision allowing it to seek a better offer from other parties through Dec. 3 .
The deal with Macquarie and GCM offers enhanced financial standing and will allow the Anchorage-based company to provide better service , Alaska Communications Systems CEO Bill Bishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported a $ 2.4 million profit for three months in the spring and an estimated total 2020 revenue of about $ 235 million .
Australia-based Macquarie Capital has completed more than $ 200 billion in transactions across several industries .
Chicago-based GCM Grosvenor manages $ 57 billion in assets in real estate , infrastructure and other areas .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Two investment firms plan to purchase Alaska Communications Systems Group in a $300 million deal, the company said.
The telecommunications company will cease its public trading structure and become a private entity in the acquisition by investment firms Macquarie Capital Inc. and GCM Grosvenor, The Anchorage Daily News reported Tuesday.
The companies plan to acquire Alaska Communications Systems shares at $3 each. The announcement boosted the price of its shares by more than 50% from Monday’s value.
The acquisition is expected to close some time after June.
Alaska Communications Systems provides broadband internet, information technology services and landline home phone service. There will be no change of service to business and residential customers, company spokeswoman Heather Marron said.
Marron declined to provide the number of customers served by the company, but said savings benefiting customers are expected to be generated by becoming a privately held entity.
“We spend $4-5 million or more per year on expenses related to being a publicly traded company,” Marron said. “That money will now be available for other uses including investing in our network and customers.”
The company employs 576 people and expects to “retain operations and employees” following the purchase, Marron said.
Regulators and stockholders must approve the transaction at an upcoming special meeting, while the company said it intends to take advantage of a provision allowing it to seek a better offer from other parties through Dec. 3.
The deal with Macquarie and GCM offers enhanced financial standing and will allow the Anchorage-based company to provide better service, Alaska Communications Systems CEO Bill Bishop said.
In August, the company reported a $2.4 million profit for three months in the spring and an estimated total 2020 revenue of about $235 million.
Australia-based Macquarie Capital has completed more than $200 billion in transactions across several industries. Chicago-based GCM Grosvenor manages $57 billion in assets in real estate, infrastructure and other areas.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--U.S. Physical Therapy: 3Q Earnings Snapshot

HOUSTON ( AP ) _ U.S .
Physical Therapy Inc. ( USPH ) on Thursday reported third-quarter earnings of $ @ @ @ @ @ company said it had profit of 61 cents per share .
Earnings , adjusted for @ @ @ @ @ cents per share .
The results surpassed Wall Street expectations .
The average estimate of @ @ @ @ @ Investment Research was for earnings of 51 cents per share .
The physician staffing services @ @ @ @ @ 108.9 million in the period , which also topped Street forecasts .
Three analysts surveyed @ @ @ @ @ million .
U.S .
Physical Therapy shares have fallen 26 % since the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ has dropped 43 % in the last 12 months .
This story was generated by @ @ @ @ @ //automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research .
Access a Zacks stock report on @ @ @ @ @

HOUSTON (AP) _ U.S. Physical Therapy Inc. (USPH) on Thursday reported third-quarter earnings of $10.9 million.
The Houston-based company said it had profit of 61 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were 86 cents per share.
The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 51 cents per share.
The physician staffing services company posted revenue of $108.9 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $103.8 million.
U.S. Physical Therapy shares have fallen 26% since the beginning of the year. The stock has dropped 43% in the last 12 months.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on USPH at https://www.zacks.com/ap/USPH


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Assad blames Syria's current economic woes on Lebanese banks

DAMASCUS , Syria ( AP ) - Syrian President Bashar Assad said much of his country ’ s current economic distress is a direct result of the banking crisis in neighboring Lebanon , where many Syrian businessmen have traditionally kept their money .
Assad said that between $ 20 billion and $ 42 billion held by Syrians are estimated to be tied up in Lebanese banks .
He spoke during a tour of a trade fair in Damascus with his wife on Wednesday .
“ This number for an economy like Syria is a scary number , ” Assad said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SANA , the state news agency .
Lebanon is experiencing a serious banking crisis , which has led to the introduction of informal capital controls to combat capital flight and prop a flailing local currency .
Depositors are unable to make foreign transfers and there is a limit on how much they can withdraw .
Lebanese banks had offered a lifeline to the Syrian economy , which under the Assad family rule faced decades of Western sanctions that often targeted individual businessmen and cut off Syrian banks .
However , Assad did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as most government officials do .
“ When the banks in Lebanon closed , we paid the price .
This is the essence of the problem , ” he said .
Low oil prices and poor access to the Kurdish-held northeast of Syria , where much of the country ’ s wheat is grown , also played a part , he said .
Syria ’ s economy is in shambles and the nine-year civil war has killed more than 400,000 and displaced half the country ’ s population .
The local Syrian currency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult for many Syrians to buy food .
More than 80 % of the Syrian population live in poverty , according to U.N .
The spread of coronavirus in the war-torn country has further restricted economic activities and increased unemployment .

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - Syrian President Bashar Assad said much of his country’s current economic distress is a direct result of the banking crisis in neighboring Lebanon, where many Syrian businessmen have traditionally kept their money.
Assad said that between $20 billion and $42 billion held by Syrians are estimated to be tied up in Lebanese banks. He spoke during a tour of a trade fair in Damascus with his wife on Wednesday.
“This number for an economy like Syria is a scary number,” Assad said, according to a recording published by SANA, the state news agency.
Lebanon is experiencing a serious banking crisis, which has led to the introduction of informal capital controls to combat capital flight and prop a flailing local currency. Depositors are unable to make foreign transfers and there is a limit on how much they can withdraw.
Lebanese banks had offered a lifeline to the Syrian economy, which under the Assad family rule faced decades of Western sanctions that often targeted individual businessmen and cut off Syrian banks.
However, Assad did not blame the sanctions for the ongoing crisis as most government officials do. “When the banks in Lebanon closed, we paid the price. This is the essence of the problem,” he said.
Low oil prices and poor access to the Kurdish-held northeast of Syria, where much of the country’s wheat is grown, also played a part, he said.
Syria’s economy is in shambles and the nine-year civil war has killed more than 400,000 and displaced half the country’s population. The local Syrian currency crashed in recent months making it more difficult for many Syrians to buy food. More than 80% of the Syrian population live in poverty, according to U.N.
The spread of coronavirus in the war-torn country has further restricted economic activities and increased unemployment.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Man charged in 1976 Wisconsin killings competent for trial

MARINETTE , Wis. ( AP ) - An 83-year-old man charged with killing a couple in a northeastern Wisconsin park in 1976 has been found competent to stand trial .
A judge in Marinette County Circuit Court on Wednesday found that Raymand Vannieuwenhoven is able to understand the court proceedings and assist in his own defense .
Vannieuwenhoven was arrested and charged last year in the long-unsolved fatal shootings of David Schuldes , 25 , and Ellen Matheys , 24 , in McClintock Park in Silver Cliff , about 200 miles ( 320 kilometers ) north of Milwaukee .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vannieuwenhoven did not understand the proceedings and could not assist in his own defense .
The judge ordered him to undergo inpatient treatment at Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison .
For decades , the widower and father of five children lived quietly among the 800 residents of Lakewood , a northeastern Wisconsin town surrounded by forests and small lakes .
Investigators didn ’ t have any major leads until 2018 , when a DNA lab in Virginia identified the genealogical background of the suspect .
Investigators said tests of Vannieuwenhoven ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected at the crime scene .
Morrison has also reinstated a $ 1 million cash bond , WLUK-TV reported .
A trial is scheduled to begin July 29 .

MARINETTE, Wis. (AP) - An 83-year-old man charged with killing a couple in a northeastern Wisconsin park in 1976 has been found competent to stand trial.
A judge in Marinette County Circuit Court on Wednesday found that Raymand Vannieuwenhoven is able to understand the court proceedings and assist in his own defense.
Vannieuwenhoven was arrested and charged last year in the long-unsolved fatal shootings of David Schuldes, 25, and Ellen Matheys, 24, in McClintock Park in Silver Cliff, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Milwaukee.
In March, Judge James Morrison ruled that Vannieuwenhoven did not understand the proceedings and could not assist in his own defense. The judge ordered him to undergo inpatient treatment at Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.
For decades, the widower and father of five children lived quietly among the 800 residents of Lakewood, a northeastern Wisconsin town surrounded by forests and small lakes.
Investigators didn’t have any major leads until 2018, when a DNA lab in Virginia identified the genealogical background of the suspect. Investigators said tests of Vannieuwenhoven’s DNA from a licked envelope matched DNA collected at the crime scene.
Morrison has also reinstated a $1 million cash bond, WLUK-TV reported. A trial is scheduled to begin July 29.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--Vatican OKs probe of sex abuse coverup by Polish bishop

WARSAW , Poland ( AP ) - The Vatican has ordered an investigation into allegations that a now-retired archbishop in @ @ @ @ @ reports of sex abuse of minors by priests in his Gdansk archdiocese .
The Vatican @ @ @ @ @ Poland said the archbishop of Warsaw had been assigned to conduct the probe and that @ @ @ @ @ Slawoj Leszek Glodz has been completed .
The embassy provided no details about the outcome @ @ @ @ @ week .
Pope Francis accepted Glodz ’ s resignation on his 75th birthday in August @ @ @ @ @ taking the allegations against the archbishop seriously .
Glodz , who had also served as @ @ @ @ @ ’ s armed force , denies any negligence .
Abuse survivors included Glodz in a @ @ @ @ @ and retired Polish bishops accused of protecting predator priests .
The report was delivered to @ @ @ @ @ his 2019 global abuse prevention summit at the Vatican .

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - The Vatican has ordered an investigation into allegations that a now-retired archbishop in Poland was negligent in investigating reports of sex abuse of minors by priests in his Gdansk archdiocese.
The Vatican Embassy in predominantly Roman Catholic Poland said the archbishop of Warsaw had been assigned to conduct the probe and that the preliminary investigation into Archbishop Slawoj Leszek Glodz has been completed.
The embassy provided no details about the outcome in a statement issued this week.
Pope Francis accepted Glodz’s resignation on his 75th birthday in August, a sign he was taking the allegations against the archbishop seriously. Glodz, who had also served as the chief chaplain of Poland’s armed force, denies any negligence.
Abuse survivors included Glodz in a report identifying two dozen current and retired Polish bishops accused of protecting predator priests. The report was delivered to Francis on the eve of his 2019 global abuse prevention summit at the Vatican.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--1 found dead, another person arrested in Kansas City, Kansas

KANSAS CITY , Kan. ( AP ) - Police are investigating that latest homicide in Kansas City , Kansas .
@ @ @ @ @ a.m. Thursday to a home near Terrace Street and Leavenworth Road for a report of @ @ @ @ @ .
Arriving officers found a man inside dead from a a gunshot wound .
Police @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s name or give details about what may have led up to the @ @ @ @ @ the shooting was also inside the home and was arrested , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ s 50th homicide this year .

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Police are investigating that latest homicide in Kansas City, Kansas.
Officers were called around 12:30 a.m. Thursday to a home near Terrace Street and Leavenworth Road for a report of a disturbance, police said. Arriving officers found a man inside dead from a a gunshot wound.
Police did not immediately release the man’s name or give details about what may have led up to the shooting.
A suspect in the shooting was also inside the home and was arrested, police said. The death marked the city’s 50th homicide this year.


washingtontimes--2020-11-05--11-year-old girl seriously injured in drive-by shooting

CLEVELAND ( AP ) - A drive-by shooting in a Cleveland neighborhood left an 11-year-old girl seriously injured , authorities @ @ @ @ @ inside a home on the city ’ s west side when the shooting occurred Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ someone in a passing vehicle opened fire on the home , and the girl was @ @ @ @ @ .
The girl was taken to a hospital where she remains in serious condition .
@ @ @ @ @ on her injuries have not been released .
Authorities have not said how many people @ @ @ @ @ the shooting occurred .
No other injuries were reported .
A motive for the shooting @ @ @ @

CLEVELAND (AP) - A drive-by shooting in a Cleveland neighborhood left an 11-year-old girl seriously injured, authorities said.
The child was inside a home on the city’s west side when the shooting occurred Wednesday night. City police said someone in a passing vehicle opened fire on the home, and the girl was shot in the upper thigh.
The girl was taken to a hospital where she remains in serious condition. Her name and further details on her injuries have not been released.
Authorities have not said how many people were in the home when the shooting occurred. No other injuries were reported.
A motive for the shooting remains under consideration.