washingtontimes--2020-09-13--China blasts U.S.as biggest threat to world peace

BEIJING — China ’ s Defense Ministry on Sunday blasted a critical U.S. report on the country ’ s military ambitions , saying it is the U.S. instead that poses the biggest threat to the international order and world peace .
The statement follows the Sept. 2 release of the annual Defense Department report to Congress on Chinese military developments and goals that it said would have “ serious implications for U.S. national interests and the security of the international rules-based order.
” Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Wu Qian called the report a “ wanton distortion ” of China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People ’ s Liberation Army and China ’ s 1.4 billion people .
“ Many years of evidence shows that it is the U.S. that is the fomenter of regional unrest , the violator of the international order and the destroyer of world peace , ” he said .
U.S. actions in Iraq , Syria , Libya and other countries over the past two decades have resulted in the deaths of more than 800,000 people and displacement of millions , Qian said .
“ Rather than reflecting on itself , the U.S. issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about China ’ s normal defense and military construction , ” he said in the statement .
“ We call on the U.S. to view China ’ s national defense and military construction objectively and rationally , cease making false statements and related reports , and take concrete actions to safeguard the healthy development of bilateral military relations.
” Running to more than 150 pages , the Defense Department report examined the PLA ’ s technical capabilities , doctrines and the ultimate aims of China ’ s military buildup .
It said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of China ’ s statecraft with an active role in advancing Beijing ’ s foreign policy and “ aims to revise aspects of the international order.
” “ Certainly , many factors will determine how this course unfolds , ” the report said .
“ What is certain is that ( the ruling Communist Party ) has a strategic end state that it is working towards , which , if achieved and its accompanying military modernization left unaddressed , will have serious implications for U.S. national interests and the security of the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was devoted to analyzing China ’ s strategy toward Taiwan , a U.S. ally which China considers a part of its territory to be annexed by force if necessary .
China ’ s military capabilities dwarf those of the island of 23 million in numerical terms , although any invasion of Taiwan would be complex and would carry major political risks , the report said .
It also looked at areas where the 2 million-member PLA , the world ’ s largest standing military , has overtaken the U.S. , including in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s largest with approximately 350 ships and submarines compared to around 293 for the U.S. China has also built a considerable arsenal of land-based ballistic and cruise missiles and has one of the world ’ s largest forces of advanced long-range surface-to-air systems , the report said .
This year ’ s report comes as relations between Beijing and Washington have hit their lowest ebb in decades amid simmering disputes over trade , technology , Taiwan , human rights and the South China Sea .

BEIJING — China’s Defense Ministry on Sunday blasted a critical U.S. report on the country’s military ambitions, saying it is the U.S. instead that poses the biggest threat to the international order and world peace.
The statement follows the Sept. 2 release of the annual Defense Department report to Congress on Chinese military developments and goals that it said would have “serious implications for U.S. national interests and the security of the international rules-based order.”
Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Wu Qian called the report a “wanton distortion” of China’s aims and the relationship between the People’s Liberation Army and China’s 1.4 billion people.
“Many years of evidence shows that it is the U.S. that is the fomenter of regional unrest, the violator of the international order and the destroyer of world peace,” he said.
U.S. actions in Iraq, Syria, Libya and other countries over the past two decades have resulted in the deaths of more than 800,000 people and displacement of millions, Qian said.
“Rather than reflecting on itself, the U.S. issued a so-called report that made false comments about China’s normal defense and military construction,” he said in the statement. “We call on the U.S. to view China’s national defense and military construction objectively and rationally, cease making false statements and related reports, and take concrete actions to safeguard the healthy development of bilateral military relations.”
Running to more than 150 pages, the Defense Department report examined the PLA’s technical capabilities, doctrines and the ultimate aims of China’s military buildup. It said it includes becoming a “practical instrument” of China’s statecraft with an active role in advancing Beijing’s foreign policy and “aims to revise aspects of the international order.”
“Certainly, many factors will determine how this course unfolds,” the report said. “What is certain is that (the ruling Communist Party) has a strategic end state that it is working towards, which, if achieved and its accompanying military modernization left unaddressed, will have serious implications for U.S. national interests and the security of the international rules-based order.”
Much of the report was devoted to analyzing China’s strategy toward Taiwan, a U.S. ally which China considers a part of its territory to be annexed by force if necessary. China’s military capabilities dwarf those of the island of 23 million in numerical terms, although any invasion of Taiwan would be complex and would carry major political risks, the report said.
It also looked at areas where the 2 million-member PLA, the world’s largest standing military, has overtaken the U.S., including in the size of its navy, now the world’s largest with approximately 350 ships and submarines compared to around 293 for the U.S.
China has also built a considerable arsenal of land-based ballistic and cruise missiles and has one of the world’s largest forces of advanced long-range surface-to-air systems, the report said.
This year’s report comes as relations between Beijing and Washington have hit their lowest ebb in decades amid simmering disputes over trade, technology, Taiwan, human rights and the South China Sea.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Debate in state's U.S. Senate race scheduled for Oct. 5

BOSTON ( AP ) - A debate has been scheduled in the state ’ s U.S. Senate race pitting Democratic incumbent Sen. Edward Markey against Republican challenger Kevin O ’ Connor .
GBH News will host the debate at 7 p.m. on Monday , Oct. 5 , at the station ’ s studio in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston following social distancing guidelines .
O ’ Connor faces a daunting challenge in a state that leans heavily Democratic .
There are currently no Republican members of the state ’ s congressional delegation .
The 74-year-old Markey defeated his 39-year-old challenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-fought Democratic primary , harnessing support from progressive leaders to overcome a challenge from a younger rival and member of America ’ s most famous political family .
Markey has served for decades in Congress , first in the House and later in the Senate .
O ’ Connor defeated fellow Republican Shiva Ayyadurai in the Massachusetts GOP Senate primary .
O ’ Connor , a lawyer , pitched himself as a candidate who can help clean house in Washington .
If elected , the father of four said he would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the deficit spenders in both parties , ” promote affordable health care and a sustainable environment , and support a peace through strength foreign policy .
The election is Nov. 3 , although voters will be able to cast ballots ahead of Election Day using mail-in ballots , early voting polling locations and drop boxes in many communities .

BOSTON (AP) - A debate has been scheduled in the state’s U.S. Senate race pitting Democratic incumbent Sen. Edward Markey against Republican challenger Kevin O’Connor.
GBH News will host the debate at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, at the station’s studio in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston following social distancing guidelines.
O’Connor faces a daunting challenge in a state that leans heavily Democratic. There are currently no Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation.
The 74-year-old Markey defeated his 39-year-old challenger U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III in a hard-fought Democratic primary, harnessing support from progressive leaders to overcome a challenge from a younger rival and member of America’s most famous political family.
Markey has served for decades in Congress, first in the House and later in the Senate.
O’Connor defeated fellow Republican Shiva Ayyadurai in the Massachusetts GOP Senate primary. O’Connor, a lawyer, pitched himself as a candidate who can help clean house in Washington.
If elected, the father of four said he would be a champion for education and stand up to “the deficit spenders in both parties,” promote affordable health care and a sustainable environment, and support a peace through strength foreign policy.
The election is Nov. 3, although voters will be able to cast ballots ahead of Election Day using mail-in ballots, early voting polling locations and drop boxes in many communities.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Joe Biden vies to win moral argument Hillary Clinton lost

Many elections are portrayed as a choice between the lesser of two evils .
Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden is trying to make sure 2020 isn ’ t one of those .
Having watched President Trump squeak out a win last time , thanks in large part to voters ’ dislike of Hillary Clinton , the Biden team is doing everything it can to avoid the same fate .
Keeping Mr. Biden off the stump and using Republicans to argue that Mr. Trump is far out of bounds are part of the Democrats ’ goal to make voters pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question that they are being kind of manicky about this : There is good and bad , and you have to choose one or the other , ” said Wy Spano , a veteran Democratic Party strategist .
The lesser-of-two-evils argument did benefit Mr. Trump in the last presidential election .
Exit polls from 2016 showed roughly one-fifth of voters in the key battleground states of Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were not excited about either of the top contenders .
Mr. Trump ran up large margins against Mrs. Clinton among those disgruntled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on stronger footing .
Mr. Biden has a 20-point lead among registered voters and a 30-point lead among likely voters who aren ’ t thrilled with either candidate , according to a Monmouth University poll released last week .
“ Biden continues to have a decisive edge among voters who still hold their noses about both candidates , ” said Patrick Murray , director of the Monmouth Polling Institute .
Overall , the survey found 47 % of registered voters view Mr. Biden in a positive light and 44 % who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is upside down , with 40 % of registered voters giving him a thumbs-up and 53 % a thumbs-down .
Jon Cooper , a longtime Biden supporter , said surveys consistently show voters find Mr. Biden to be trustworthy and likable .
“ To a large extent , that cuts across party lines , ” he said .
“ Even those who disagree with Joe politically see him as a good and moral person .
That ’ s one of his real strengths in this election.
” Alex Conant , a Republican Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he can define “ himself as an affable leader who independent voters can trust.
” “ In 2016 , voters didn ’ t like Trump or Clinton — and that benefited Trump , ” Mr. Conant said .
“ In 2020 , Biden wants to make sure voters don ’ t see a similar choice.
” But the president may be narrowing the gap .
Although Mr. Biden is ahead among voters who dislike both choices in the Monmouth poll , his advantage has been cut nearly in half from the 38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s previous poll on the subject .
A Republican Party strategist and adviser to Donald Trump Jr. said to expect more tightening as voters get a better look at Mr. Biden .
“ Joe Biden , just like Hillary Clinton , is the physical embodiment of the Washington establishment , ” the adviser said .
“ So if you are looking at both of them and you are like , ‘ Well , I don ’ t like either of them , ’ you are going to at least look at Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the right people off.
” The Trump team also is counting on voters looking more at policy than personality .
“ While Democrats are focused on Trump ’ s character , it is very clear that Trump is focused on Biden ’ s policy agenda — particularly his economic policy and views on law and order , ” said the adviser , adding that the Biden team is making “ literally the exact same mistake Hillary Clinton made in 2016 ” by arguing that Mr. Trump is too personally flawed to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaches play out on the campaign trail , where Mr. Trump touts his economic record before the COVID-19 pandemic and then warns voters of the results of a Biden presidency .
“ He wants to surrender our country to the violent left-wing mob , and you ’ re seeing it every night , ” Mr. Trump said at a recent campaign rally in Michigan .
“ If Biden wins , China wins .
If Biden wins , the mob wins .
If Biden wins , the rioters , anarchists , arsonists and flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has argued that Mr. Trump is sick and twisted and that his immoral nature has made the election this year a “ battle for the soul of the nation.
” “ Donald Trump , from the very moment he entered the race , knew that the only way he could win was by spreading hate and dividing the country based on racial and ethnic and political lines , ” Mr. Biden said during a fundraiser .
Jane Lester , a nurse and registered Democrat in Bucks County , Pennsylvania , said Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
“ He is a human being , and we have lost four years of our wonderful country because of the man up there right now , ” said Ms. Lester , 62 .
Mr. Biden “ is a healer .
He is a real human being .
He shows sympathy and empathy .
… He cares about everyone .
He is willing to listen and not to always speak.
” What ’ s more , it was Mr. Trump ’ s poor character that made Mr. Biden stand out by comparison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Trump ?
He lies constantly , ” she said .
“ He has no morals .
He has nothing .
He is a vacuum .
It is a very sad time in my life.
” ⦁ S.A. Miller and Stephen Dinan contributed to this report .

Many elections are portrayed as a choice between the lesser of two evils.
Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden is trying to make sure 2020 isn’t one of those.
Having watched President Trump squeak out a win last time, thanks in large part to voters’ dislike of Hillary Clinton, the Biden team is doing everything it can to avoid the same fate. Keeping Mr. Biden off the stump and using Republicans to argue that Mr. Trump is far out of bounds are part of the Democrats’ goal to make voters pick a side.
“There is no question that they are being kind of manicky about this: There is good and bad, and you have to choose one or the other,” said Wy Spano, a veteran Democratic Party strategist.
The lesser-of-two-evils argument did benefit Mr. Trump in the last presidential election.
Exit polls from 2016 showed roughly one-fifth of voters in the key battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were not excited about either of the top contenders.
Mr. Trump ran up large margins against Mrs. Clinton among those disgruntled voters.
Mr. Biden appears to be on stronger footing.
Mr. Biden has a 20-point lead among registered voters and a 30-point lead among likely voters who aren’t thrilled with either candidate, according to a Monmouth University poll released last week.
“Biden continues to have a decisive edge among voters who still hold their noses about both candidates,” said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth Polling Institute.
Overall, the survey found 47% of registered voters view Mr. Biden in a positive light and 44% who don’t.
Mr. Trump’s favorability is upside down, with 40% of registered voters giving him a thumbs-up and 53% a thumbs-down.
Jon Cooper, a longtime Biden supporter, said surveys consistently show voters find Mr. Biden to be trustworthy and likable.
“To a large extent, that cuts across party lines,” he said. “Even those who disagree with Joe politically see him as a good and moral person. That’s one of his real strengths in this election.”
Alex Conant, a Republican Party strategist, said Mr. Biden is betting that he can define “himself as an affable leader who independent voters can trust.”
“In 2016, voters didn’t like Trump or Clinton — and that benefited Trump,” Mr. Conant said. “In 2020, Biden wants to make sure voters don’t see a similar choice.”
But the president may be narrowing the gap.
Although Mr. Biden is ahead among voters who dislike both choices in the Monmouth poll, his advantage has been cut nearly in half from the 38% lead he held in Monmouth’s previous poll on the subject.
A Republican Party strategist and adviser to Donald Trump Jr. said to expect more tightening as voters get a better look at Mr. Biden.
“Joe Biden, just like Hillary Clinton, is the physical embodiment of the Washington establishment,” the adviser said. “So if you are looking at both of them and you are like, ‘Well, I don’t like either of them,’ you are going to at least look at Donald Trump and say at least Donald Trump p——s all the right people off.”
The Trump team also is counting on voters looking more at policy than personality.
“While Democrats are focused on Trump’s character, it is very clear that Trump is focused on Biden’s policy agenda — particularly his economic policy and views on law and order,” said the adviser, adding that the Biden team is making “literally the exact same mistake Hillary Clinton made in 2016” by arguing that Mr. Trump is too personally flawed to sit in the Oval Office.
The dueling approaches play out on the campaign trail, where Mr. Trump touts his economic record before the COVID-19 pandemic and then warns voters of the results of a Biden presidency.
“He wants to surrender our country to the violent left-wing mob, and you’re seeing it every night,” Mr. Trump said at a recent campaign rally in Michigan. “If Biden wins, China wins. If Biden wins, the mob wins. If Biden wins, the rioters, anarchists, arsonists and flag burners win.”
Mr. Biden, meanwhile, has argued that Mr. Trump is sick and twisted and that his immoral nature has made the election this year a “battle for the soul of the nation.”
“Donald Trump, from the very moment he entered the race, knew that the only way he could win was by spreading hate and dividing the country based on racial and ethnic and political lines,” Mr. Biden said during a fundraiser.
Jane Lester, a nurse and registered Democrat in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, said Mr. Biden’s superior character won her vote.
“He is a human being, and we have lost four years of our wonderful country because of the man up there right now,” said Ms. Lester, 62. Mr. Biden “is a healer. He is a real human being. He shows sympathy and empathy. … He cares about everyone. He is willing to listen and not to always speak.”
What’s more, it was Mr. Trump’s poor character that made Mr. Biden stand out by comparison.
“What’s not wrong with Trump? He lies constantly,” she said. “He has no morals. He has nothing. He is a vacuum. It is a very sad time in my life.”
• S.A. Miller and Stephen Dinan contributed to this report.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Officials: Man fatally shot by police in Pennsylvania

LANCASTER , Pa. ( AP ) - A man was fatally shot by police in Pennsylvania who were responding to @ @ @ @ @ authorities said .
The shooting happened after 4 p.m. in Lancaster , WGAL-TV reported .
@ @ @ @ @ was armed with a knife and died at the scene .
The Lancaster District Attorney @ @ @ @ @ an investigation into the shooting .
A large crowd of about 100 people had gathered @ @ @ @ @ shooting , the news outlet reported .

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - Crowds gathered to protest in a Pennsylvania city after a man was fatally shot by an officer who authorities say was responding to a domestic disturbance call.
The shooting shortly after 4 p.m. in Lancaster killed 27-year-old Ricardo Munoz, the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release Sunday evening.
The office will lead an investigation into the shooting. The release stated the officer’s body camera footage showed Munoz emerging from the inside of the house and running towards the officer when he arrived at the residence for the call.
The news release said Munoz was brandishing a knife above his head “in clear view” and “in a threatening manner” when the officer fired at him. Munoz died at the scene and no one else was struck by gunfire, the release said.
“A police-involved shooting has significant impact on a community, as we are seeing with the large number of individuals gathering in the streets,” District Attorney Heather Adams said in the release. “However, I am asking that all reaction be tempered as the investigation is ongoing.”
WGAL-TV reported the windows of police vehicles were smashed during the protest against the shooting on Sunday. The crowds also marched to the city’s police station to continue their protests and could be heard chanting “this is what democracy looks like.”
A “final determination on the use of force” will be made by Adams, the news release said.
“We ask that acts of protest remain peaceful as violence and destruction of property will become headlines and serve no purpose for the safety and wellbeing of our citizens and neighborhoods,” the office said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Nvidia to buy rival chipmaker Arm from Softbank for $40B

Computer graphics chip company Nvidia said it plans to buy Britain ’ s Arm Holdings for $ 40 billion , @ @ @ @ @ leading chipmakers .
Nvidia is best known for its graphics processing chips , while Arm @ @ @ @ @ in the “ Internet of Things ” - its technology is used in the vast @ @ @ @ @ example .
Arm centers its business on intellectual property , especially in mobile computing , @ @ @ @ @ for which it relies on partners .
SoftBank bought Arm for about $ 32 billion @ @ @ @ @ aimed at the Japanese company ’ s ambitions in advancing how various devices , including @ @ @ @ @ , connect online and work together .

Computer graphics chip company Nvidia said it plans to buy Britain’s Arm Holdings for $40 billion, in a merger of two leading chipmakers.
Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia and Arm’s parent company, Japanese technology giant SoftBank, announced the deal Sunday.
Nvidia is best known for its graphics processing chips, while Arm is renowned as an innovator in the “Internet of Things” - its technology is used in the vast majority of smartphones, for example. Arm centers its business on intellectual property, especially in mobile computing, rather than chip manufacturing, for which it relies on partners.
SoftBank bought Arm for about $32 billion in 2016 in a move aimed at the Japanese company’s ambitions in advancing how various devices, including security cameras and household appliances, connect online and work together.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Afghans, Taliban engage in peace talks amid violence

The Taliban and U.S.-backed Afghan government began peace negotiations this weekend in what looks to be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end decades of war , but another wave of violence across the country threatened to overshadow the historic meeting .
With top Trump administration officials in attendance , Taliban representatives and Afghan officials kicked off a grueling negotiating session in Doha , Qatar , on Saturday .
The two sides are aiming for a long-term resolution that can end conflict between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters while also paving the way for the U.S. to pull all of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been stationed since October 2001 .
But government representatives warned Sunday that the Taliban remains intent on carrying out violent attacks across Afghanistan , even as the organization ’ s leaders engage in diplomacy in Doha .
“ The Taliban have not decreased their violence and offensive attacks ” in Afghanistan , tweeted Fawad Aman , spokesman for the country ’ s Ministry of Defense .
The Taliban over the past several days has launched a series of attacks against Afghan security forces and planted more than a dozen improvised explosive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Taliban officials also confirmed some of the attacks , with a spokesman for the group tweeting that insurgent fighters clashed with an “ enemy convoy ” near the city of Kunduz .
At least 12 people were killed in that fight alone , the Taliban said .
The Taliban ’ s resilience and commitment to seemingly never-ending attacks is a central part of why the Trump administration sought a peace deal in the first place .
Even after nearly 20 years of U.S. presence and thousands of troops killed or injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still were unable to fully control the country or entirely eliminate the Taliban .
It is estimated that the Taliban controls more Afghan territory today than at any point since the Sept. 11 , 2001 , attacks .
Against that backdrop , the Doha peace talks are seen as the last , best chance for peace .
The dialogue is a central element to the U.S. deal with the Taliban , which called for a drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees that the country would never again be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as al Qaeda .
The U.S. already has withdrawn thousands of troops from Afghanistan as part of the peace process .
The White House is expected to soon announce another reduction , down from 8,500 to between 4,000 and 5,000 .
But the agreement did not lay out a formal cease-fire between the Afghan government and Taliban .
Reaching such a cease-fire deal is at the top of the agenda in Doha this weekend .
Abdullah Abdullah , chairman of Afghanistan ’ s High Council for National Reconciliation , called for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast it as a necessary step toward long-term stability .
“ I believe that if we give hands to each other and honestly work for peace , the current ongoing misery in the country will end , ” Mr. Abdullah said , as quoted by Al Jazeera .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Taliban officials over the weekend and urged both sides to come to an agreement , starting with an immediate end to violence .
“ Secretary Pompeo urged the Taliban to seize this opportunity to forge a political settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” State Department spokesman Cale Brown said in a statement .
“ He welcomed Afghan leadership and ownership of the effort to end 40 years of war and ensure that Afghanistan is not a threat to the United States or its allies.
” The U.S. had pushed the two sides to begin talks immediately after the deal was struck in February , but it took six months for the Afghan government and Taliban to complete prisoner swaps and other preliminary steps .

The Taliban and U.S.-backed Afghan government began peace negotiations this weekend in what looks to be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end decades of war, but another wave of violence across the country threatened to overshadow the historic meeting.
With top Trump administration officials in attendance, Taliban representatives and Afghan officials kicked off a grueling negotiating session in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday.
The two sides are aiming for a long-term resolution that can end conflict between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters while also paving the way for the U.S. to pull all of its troops from a country in which they’ve been stationed since October 2001.
But government representatives warned Sunday that the Taliban remains intent on carrying out violent attacks across Afghanistan, even as the organization’s leaders engage in diplomacy in Doha.
“The Taliban have not decreased their violence and offensive attacks” in Afghanistan, tweeted Fawad Aman, spokesman for the country’s Ministry of Defense.
The Taliban over the past several days has launched a series of attacks against Afghan security forces and planted more than a dozen improvised explosive devices across the countryside, government officials said. Taliban officials also confirmed some of the attacks, with a spokesman for the group tweeting that insurgent fighters clashed with an “enemy convoy” near the city of Kunduz.
At least 12 people were killed in that fight alone, the Taliban said.
The Taliban’s resilience and commitment to seemingly never-ending attacks is a central part of why the Trump administration sought a peace deal in the first place. Even after nearly 20 years of U.S. presence and thousands of troops killed or injured, the U.S. and its Afghan partners still were unable to fully control the country or entirely eliminate the Taliban.
It is estimated that the Taliban controls more Afghan territory today than at any point since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Against that backdrop, the Doha peace talks are seen as the last, best chance for peace. The dialogue is a central element to the U.S. deal with the Taliban, which called for a drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees that the country would never again be used as a safe haven for terrorist groups such as al Qaeda.
The U.S. already has withdrawn thousands of troops from Afghanistan as part of the peace process. The White House is expected to soon announce another reduction, down from 8,500 to between 4,000 and 5,000.
But the agreement did not lay out a formal cease-fire between the Afghan government and Taliban. Reaching such a cease-fire deal is at the top of the agenda in Doha this weekend.
Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, called for a “humanitarian cease-fire” on Saturday and cast it as a necessary step toward long-term stability.
“I believe that if we give hands to each other and honestly work for peace, the current ongoing misery in the country will end,” Mr. Abdullah said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Taliban officials over the weekend and urged both sides to come to an agreement, starting with an immediate end to violence.
“Secretary Pompeo urged the Taliban to seize this opportunity to forge a political settlement and reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire,” State Department spokesman Cale Brown said in a statement. “He welcomed Afghan leadership and ownership of the effort to end 40 years of war and ensure that Afghanistan is not a threat to the United States or its allies.”
The U.S. had pushed the two sides to begin talks immediately after the deal was struck in February, but it took six months for the Afghan government and Taliban to complete prisoner swaps and other preliminary steps.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Henderson, Nevada threatens Xtreme Manufacturing over Trump rally

A Nevada city has threatened to revoke the business license of a company set to host President Trump on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ Henderson has told Xtreme Manufacturing that the planned rally violates the state ’ s COVID-related @ @ @ @ @ according to KLAS-TV in Las Vegas .
“ Specifically , gatherings of more than 50 @ @ @ @ @ public setting is prohibited , ” the city wrote in its warning to the company @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The city said that larger events need prior approval and that it had @ @ @ @ @ had been given.
” “ If the governor ’ s directives are not followed , @ @ @ @ @ fine of up to $ 500 per violation as well as suspend or revoke the @ @ @ @ @ officials threatened in their note .

A Nevada city has threatened to revoke the business license of a company set to host President Trump on Sunday evening.
The City of Henderson has told Xtreme Manufacturing that the planned rally violates the state’s COVID-19 related ban on large events, according to KLAS-TV in Las Vegas.
“Specifically, gatherings of more than 50 people in a private or public setting is prohibited,” the city wrote in its warning to the company, the CBS affiliate reported.
“The city said that larger events need prior approval and that it had not received notification that consent had been given.”
“If the governor’s directives are not followed, the City may assess a fine of up to $500 per violation as well as suspend or revoke the business license,” Henderson officials threatened in their note.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Los Angeles deputies ambush, shooting sparks manhunt, outrage

A massive manhunt was underway Sunday for the gunman who ambushed two Los Angeles sheriff ’ s deputies , shooting them at point-blank range as they sat in their patrol car in the wake of anti-police protests .
The deputies , a 31-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man , were expected to survive after undergoing surgeries .
The Saturday attack in Compton was captured on surveillance video .
The department said the gunman acted “ without warning or provocation.
” President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden joined Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in condemning the shooting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals that must be hit hard.
” “ There ’ s no place in civilized society for anybody to draw an arm and to shoot our law enforcement officers that put their lives on the line , ” Mr. Garcetti said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” He decried as “ abhorrent ” the protesters who gathered late Saturday outside St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood , where the officers were transported .
The Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department said the protesters blocked the emergency access and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Video posted online showed a crowd of protesters at the emergency entrance outside the hospital yelling , “ Oink , oink ” and “ f– the police.
” The National Fraternal Order of Police condemned the “ baseless hate from the mob.
” House Minority Whip Steve Scalise , Louisiana Republican , tweeted , “ Just more ‘ peaceful ’ protesting ?
” Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the deputies , who graduated 14 months ago from the academy , were sitting in their patrol car at the Compton metro station when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 p.m. Saturday .
“ It p–-s me off .
It dismays me at the same time , ” Sheriff Villanueva said at a late-night press conference .
“ There ’ s no prettier way to say it.
” The surveillance video posted by the department showed a gunman approach the car on the passenger side and fire several shots into the front-seat window before running off .
Despite their multiple wounds , the deputies were able to radio for help .
The female officer is the mother of a 6-year-old , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced a $ 100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman , who was identified as a Black man 28 to 30 years old .
He was last seen fleeing in a dark sedan .
“ Actions , words have consequences , and our job does not get any easier because people don ’ t like law enforcement .
It ’ s going to be a challenge , day after day ; however , the sheriff ’ s department will never be deterred in keeping our passengers safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities safe , ” Sheriff Villanueva said .
Sheriff Villanueva said unprovoked attacks have become more common .
He noted that a man was fatally shot Thursday in Compton after he began firing on deputies who served him with a search warrant .
“ It seems to be part of a trend , a growing trend where suspects open fire unprovoked , ” the sheriff said .
“ Across the nation , roughly once a week , an officer is felled by the felonious acts of another person .
Every week across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the line of duty .
This is just another grim reminder of that.
” Hours after the shooting , deputies cleared a months-old protest encampment run by Black Unity LA in Grand Park , according to the Los Angeles Times , citing “ illegal narcotic activity , vandalism and graffiti.
” Mr. Biden said in a statement that he and his wife , Jill , were “ keeping the deputies and their loved ones in our hearts and praying for a full recovery.
” “ This cold-blooded shooting is unconscionable and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Biden tweeted .
“ Violence of any kind is wrong ; those who commit it should be caught and punished.
” The sheriff ’ s department is already stretched thin by the Bobcat fire as well as days of protests and rioting last week in Los Angeles that resulted in dozens of arrests .
Tensions have run high since a deputy fatally shot Dijon Kizzee , 29 , on Aug. 31 after he was pulled over for a code violation while riding a bicycle .
The department said he fled on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot as he reached for a handgun that fell out when he dropped his jacket .
Mr. Kizzee ’ s family is represented by lawyer Ben Crump , who also represents the family of George Floyd , who died May 25 in Minneapolis police custody , and Jacob Blake , who was shot in the back multiple times by an officer during an Aug. 23 call on a domestic dispute in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
All three men are Black .
Black Lives Matter protesters in Los Angeles have called for defunding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Council to cut $ 150 million from the $ 3 billion LAPD budget in July , bringing the department ’ s budget to its lowest level since 2008 .
“ My thoughts are not just with those two deputies , but with their families and everybody in the Los Angeles sheriff ’ s office that ’ s hanging on , ” Mr. Garcetti said .
“ Of course there ’ s an important conversation going on around policing in this country , but these are folks who put their lives on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice for them .
”

A massive manhunt was underway Sunday for the gunman who ambushed two Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies, shooting them at point-blank range as they sat in their patrol car in the wake of anti-police protests.
The deputies, a 31-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, were expected to survive after undergoing surgeries.
The Saturday attack in Compton was captured on surveillance video. The department said the gunman acted “without warning or provocation.”
President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden joined Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in condemning the shooting. Mr. Trump said such assailants are “animals that must be hit hard.”
“There’s no place in civilized society for anybody to draw an arm and to shoot our law enforcement officers that put their lives on the line,” Mr. Garcetti said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
He decried as “abhorrent” the protesters who gathered late Saturday outside St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, where the officers were transported. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the protesters blocked the emergency access and shouted “We hope they die.”
SEE ALSO: Los Angeles deputies shot; protesters block hospital, shout ‘We hope they die’
Video posted online showed a crowd of protesters at the emergency entrance outside the hospital yelling, “Oink, oink” and “f—- the police.”
The National Fraternal Order of Police condemned the “baseless hate from the mob.” House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, Louisiana Republican, tweeted, “Just more ‘peaceful’ protesting?”
Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the deputies, who graduated 14 months ago from the academy, were sitting in their patrol car at the Compton metro station when they were ambushed in daylight at about 7 p.m. Saturday.
“It p——s me off. It dismays me at the same time,” Sheriff Villanueva said at a late-night press conference. “There’s no prettier way to say it.”
The surveillance video posted by the department showed a gunman approach the car on the passenger side and fire several shots into the front-seat window before running off. Despite their multiple wounds, the deputies were able to radio for help.
The female officer is the mother of a 6-year-old, the sheriff said.
The department on Sunday announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman, who was identified as a Black man 28 to 30 years old. He was last seen fleeing in a dark sedan.
“Actions, words have consequences, and our job does not get any easier because people don’t like law enforcement. It’s going to be a challenge, day after day; however, the sheriff’s department will never be deterred in keeping our passengers safe on the MTA lines, keeping our communities safe,” Sheriff Villanueva said.
Sheriff Villanueva said unprovoked attacks have become more common. He noted that a man was fatally shot Thursday in Compton after he began firing on deputies who served him with a search warrant.
“It seems to be part of a trend, a growing trend where suspects open fire unprovoked,” the sheriff said. “Across the nation, roughly once a week, an officer is felled by the felonious acts of another person. Every week across the nation, someone is losing their life in the line of duty. This is just another grim reminder of that.”
Hours after the shooting, deputies cleared a months-old protest encampment run by Black Unity LA in Grand Park, according to the Los Angeles Times, citing “illegal narcotic activity, vandalism and graffiti.”
Mr. Biden said in a statement that he and his wife, Jill, were “keeping the deputies and their loved ones in our hearts and praying for a full recovery.”
“This cold-blooded shooting is unconscionable, and the perpetrator must be brought to justice,” Mr. Biden tweeted. “Violence of any kind is wrong; those who commit it should be caught and punished.”
The sheriff’s department is already stretched thin by the Bobcat fire as well as days of protests and rioting last week in Los Angeles that resulted in dozens of arrests.
Tensions have run high since a deputy fatally shot Dijon Kizzee, 29, on Aug. 31 after he was pulled over for a code violation while riding a bicycle. The department said he fled on foot and punched a deputy, and was shot as he reached for a handgun that fell out when he dropped his jacket.
Mr. Kizzee’s family is represented by lawyer Ben Crump, who also represents the family of George Floyd, who died May 25 in Minneapolis police custody, and Jacob Blake, who was shot in the back multiple times by an officer during an Aug. 23 call on a domestic dispute in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
All three men are Black.
Black Lives Matter protesters in Los Angeles have called for defunding the police, prompting the Los Angeles City Council to cut $150 million from the $3 billion LAPD budget in July, bringing the department’s budget to its lowest level since 2008.
“My thoughts are not just with those two deputies, but with their families and everybody in the Los Angeles sheriff’s office that’s hanging on,” Mr. Garcetti said. “Of course, there’s an important conversation going on around policing in this country, but these are folks who put their lives on the line for us and we will find justice for them.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--First US spring flight to Antarctica aims to keep out virus

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) - The first U.S. flight into Antarctica following months of winter darkness left from New Zealand on Monday with crews taking extra precautions to keep out the coronavirus .
Antarctica is the only continent without the virus , and there is a global effort to make sure incoming scientists and workers don ’ t bring it with them .
The U.S. Air Force flight left from the gateway city of Christchurch carrying 106 passengers and crew , said Tony German , the U.S. Antarctic program ’ s representative in New Zealand .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready for the summer and swap out with skeleton crews who have spent the Southern Hemisphere winter in Antarctica .
The flight was delayed for three weeks by big storms , resulting in an extended six-week quarantine for those aboard .
German said the crews were first isolated in San Francisco for four days and then spent another five weeks isolated in New Zealand , undergoing several virus tests along the way .
When they arrive at McMurdo Station , he said , the facility will be at Code Yellow , meaning everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are being meticulous to ensure nothing happens , ” German said .
If the virus was to break out at the station , he said , they have protocols in place to test and isolate anybody who is infected .
Still , the flight delays over recent weeks underscore how difficult it can be to quickly evacuate people from Antarctica who are suffering severe medical problems .
German said it took more than a week for winter crews at McMurdo , the main U.S. station on the continent , to dig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runway in order for the flight to proceed .
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster is due to arrive Monday afternoon , the first U.S. flight to the continent since early May .
Officials say there was unusual teamwork among the United States , China , Russia and other countries this year to ensure they keep the virus out .
All are planning reduced numbers at their stations .
The number of people at McMurdo is set to peak at 450 this summer , about one-third of the usual number .
Some planned research and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main goals are to keep the facilities running and prepare for next year ’ s winter-over , while trying to do some science along the way .
“ The show must go on , ” he said .

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The first U.S. flight into Antarctica following months of winter darkness arrived Monday with crews taking extra precautions to keep out the coronavirus.
Antarctica is the only continent without the virus, and there is a global effort to make sure incoming scientists and workers don’t bring it with them.
The U.S. Air Force flight left Monday from the gateway city of Christchurch carrying 106 passengers and crew, said Tony German, the U.S. Antarctic program’s representative in New Zealand.
He said the new arrivals will start getting ready for the summer and swap out with skeleton crews who have spent the Southern Hemisphere winter in Antarctica.
The flight was delayed for three weeks by big storms, resulting in an extended six-week quarantine for those aboard.
German said the crews were first isolated in San Francisco for four days and then spent another five weeks isolated in New Zealand, undergoing several virus tests along the way. Upon their arrival at McMurdo Station, the facility entered Code Yellow, meaning everybody will wear masks for two weeks.
“We are being meticulous to ensure nothing happens,” German said.
If the virus was to break out at the station, he said, they have protocols in place to test and isolate anybody who is infected.
Still, the flight delays over recent weeks underscore how difficult it can be to quickly evacuate people from Antarctica who are suffering severe medical problems.
German said it took more than a week for winter crews at McMurdo, the main U.S. station on Antarctica, to dig out from the storms and clear the runway in order for the flight to proceed.
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster that landed Monday afternoon was the first U.S. flight to arrive on the continent since early May.
Officials say unusual teamwork among the United States, China, Russia and other countries took place this year to ensure they keep the virus out.
All are planning reduced numbers at their stations. The number of people at McMurdo is set to peak at 450 this summer, about one-third the usual.
Some planned research and construction will be delayed. German said the main goals are to keep the facilities running and prepare for next year’s winter-over, while trying to do some science along the way.
“The show must go on,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Sunday in the parks: The playoffs, NFL, a no-hitter and more

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. ( AP ) - In a year where good days seem in short supply , sports delivered one .
The NFL roared back to life , even if the roar was from fans who weren ’ t in the stadiums .
Baseball saw a no-hitter .
The NBA and NHL playoffs continued .
Men ’ s tennis and women ’ s golf got first-time major champions .
And one school reached the AP Top 25 for the first time since World War II .
Sept. 13 , 2020 , will go down as a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should be no shock that there ’ s never been such a menagerie of NFL games , NBA and NHL playoff games and a no-hitter on the same day , with everything else just being superfluous garnish atop that mix .
“ Three months ago , there was nothing , ” Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said .
“ I ’ m thankful that there ’ s something now.
” Sunday had much more than that .
It brought a little of everything .
At this point , nobody needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different .
Racial injustice remains a massive problem .
The coronavirus pandemic continues .
Sports — the escape the world has from everything — were on hold for much of this year , with all corners of the globe trying to find their way to whatever the new normal will be in a world that includes COVID-19 .
But on Sunday , even if from afar and not at the stadium or arena , there was so much to cheer again .
There were 12 NFL games , including a winning debut for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina - and a big rally for Ron Rivera , whose Washington club came from 17 points down to beat Philadelphia .
Rivera , who revealed last month that he ’ s fighting cancer , needed a precautionary IV at halftime .
Washington , in its first game since scrapping a nickname out of touch with the times , outscored Philly 20-0 the rest of the way .
“ This is just the beginning of who we can become , ” Rivera said .
Denver became the first team in NBA history to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 ’ s ; the Nuggets rallied from 19 points down in the second half and ran past the Clippers to force a deciding game in their Western Conference semifinal series .
In the NHL , Tampa Bay and the New York Islanders combined for no goals in the first 1,887 seconds of their Eastern Conference title-series game and then three in the next 27 seconds - tying for the third-fastest three-goal barrage in Stanley Cup playoff history .
Lightning coach Jon Cooper arrived for his postgame news conference , however , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What ’ s the score of the Bucs game ?
” he asked .
Oh , that .
For the first time since Jan. 1 , 2000 - when he was a senior at Michigan - Tom Brady played a football game in something other than a New England Patriots helmet .
Brady ’ s Tampa Bay debut didn ’ t go as planned ; Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints prevailed 34-23 in the matchup of over-40s .
Brady is a legend ; Alec Mills is a journeyman pitcher who entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the MLB , minor league and fall league levels of baseball .
Only one of them threw strikes Sunday .
Mills - whose only other complete game as a professional was a seven-inning effort in the Carolina League 5 1/2 years ago - pitched a no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs in Milwaukee , blanking the Brewers 12-0 .
“ I know how much comes along with that , ” Cubs manager David Ross said after the second no-hitter of the season .
“ That ’ s history .
You get to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day for us , a special day for Alec Mills .
That was fun to be a part of , fun to watch.
” It was a special day for Mirim Lee , who won her first LPGA major by claiming the ANA Inspiration - chipping in for eagle on the 72nd hole just to get into a playoff .
It was a special day for Dominic Thiem , who rallied from two sets down against Alexander Zverev and won the U.S. Open men ’ s title in a classic five-setter at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Louisiana Ragin ’ Cajuns , it wasn ’ t a day like none other .
It was just a day like none other since Nov. 1 , 1943 - the last time , before Sunday , that the AP Top 25 football poll came out and they were on the list .
It was a Top 20 back then during World War II , including such schools as Arkansas-Monticello , Colorado College , Iowa Pre-Flight and Del Monte Pre-Flight .
They went to Iowa State on Saturday and won 31-14 , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 22 tries against Big 12 competition .
The Cajuns were ranked No .
19 Sunday .
“ Achieving this national ranking has ignited our fan base and alumni , ” Louisiana athletic director Bryan Maggard said .
“ The notoriety not only highlights the accomplishments of our football program … but puts our university in the national spotlight as well.
” The reigning WNBA champion Washington Mystics got a last-day-of-the-season win to clinch the last remaining playoff spot in their league , meaning they ’ ll have the chance at back-to-back titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s heaven right now , ” Mystics coach Mike Thibault said .
“ You could sit in front of your TV and watch a lot of different stuff .
Thinking back to last April when there was nothing on .
We were all searching for what we would do to entertain ourselves .
Fun to be part of getting sports to go again.
” Indeed , sports are going again .
Differently than before , sure , but definitely going again .
AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg , AP Hockey Writer Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seiner and John Marshall contributed to this story .

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — In a year where good days seem in short supply, sports delivered one.
The NFL roared back to life, even if the roar was from fans who weren’t in the stadiums. Baseball saw a no-hitter. The NBA and NHL playoffs continued. Men’s tennis and women’s golf got first-time major champions. And one school reached the AP Top 25 for the first time since World War II.
Put simply, Sunday was special.
Sept. 13, 2020, will go down as a day like none other; of course, it should be no shock that there’s never been such a menagerie of NFL games, NBA and NHL playoff games and a no-hitter on the same day, with everything else just being superfluous garnish atop that mix.
“Three months ago, there was nothing,” Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “I’m thankful that there’s something now.”
Something?
Sunday had much more than that. It brought a little of everything.
At this point, nobody needs to be told why everything in 2020 is different. Racial injustice remains a massive problem. The coronavirus pandemic continues. Sports - the escape the world has from everything - were on hold for much of this year, with all corners of the globe trying to find their way to whatever the new normal will be in a world that includes COVID-19.
But on Sunday, even if from afar and not at the stadium or arena, there was so much to cheer again.
There were 12 NFL games, including a winning debut for the now-Las Vegas Raiders, who topped Carolina - and a big rally for Ron Rivera, whose Washington club came from 17 points down to beat Philadelphia. Rivera, who revealed last month that he’s fighting cancer, needed a precautionary IV at halftime. Washington, in its first game since scrapping a nickname out of touch with the times, outscored Philly 20-0 the rest of the way.
“This is just the beginning of who we can become,” Rivera said.
Denver became the first team in NBA history to force its way into four consecutive Game 7’s; the Nuggets rallied from 19 points down in the second half and ran past the Clippers to force a deciding game in their Western Conference semifinal series. In the NHL, Tampa Bay and the New York Islanders combined for no goals in the first 1,887 seconds of their Eastern Conference title-series game and then three in the next 27 seconds - tying for the third-fastest three-goal barrage in Stanley Cup playoff history.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper arrived for his postgame news conference, however, with one thing on his mind: “What’s the score of the Bucs game?” he asked.
Oh, that. For the first time since Jan. 1, 2000 - when he was a senior at Michigan - Tom Brady played a football game in something other than a New England Patriots helmet. Brady’s Tampa Bay debut didn’t go as planned; Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints prevailed 34-23 in the matchup of over-40s.
Brady is a legend; Alec Mills is a journeyman pitcher who entered Sunday with a career record of 38-46 at the MLB, minor league and fall league levels of baseball.
Only one of them threw strikes Sunday.
Mills - whose only other complete game as a professional was a seven-inning effort in the Carolina League 5 1/2 years ago - pitched a no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs in Milwaukee, blanking the Brewers 12-0.
“I know how much comes along with that,” Cubs manager David Ross said after the second no-hitter of the season. “That’s history. You get to make history. That’s a special day for us, a special day for Alec Mills. That was fun to be a part of, fun to watch.”
It was a special day for Mirim Lee, who won her first LPGA major by claiming the ANA Inspiration - chipping in for eagle on the 72nd hole just to get into a playoff. It was a special day for Dominic Thiem, who rallied from two sets down against Alexander Zverev and won the U.S. Open men’s title in a classic five-setter at a strangely empty Arthur Ashe Stadium.
For the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns, it wasn’t a day like no other. It was just a day like none other since Nov. 1, 1943 - the last time, before Sunday, that the AP Top 25 football poll came out and they were on the list. It was a Top 20 back then during World War II, including such schools as Arkansas-Monticello, Colorado College, Iowa Pre-Flight and Del Monte Pre-Flight.
They went to Iowa State on Saturday and won 31-14, just the program’s second all-time win in 22 tries against Big 12 competition. The Cajuns were ranked No. 19 Sunday.
“Achieving this national ranking has ignited our fan base and alumni,” athletic director Bryan Maggard said. “The notoriety not only highlights the accomplishments of our football program … but puts our university in the national spotlight as well.”
The reigning WNBA champion Washington Mystics got a last-day-of-the-season win to clinch the last remaining playoff spot in their league, meaning they’ll have the chance at back-to-back titles.
“This is a sports junkie’s heaven right now,” Mystics coach Mike Thibault said. “You could sit in front of your TV and watch a lot of different stuff. Thinking back to last April when there was nothing on. We were all searching for what we would do to entertain ourselves. Fun to be part of getting sports to go again.”
Indeed, sports are going again.
Differently than before, sure, but definitely going again.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Thiem 1st since 1949 to win US Open after ceding 1st 2 sets

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A U.S. Open unlike any other finished unlike any other — and Dominic Thiem constructed a comeback the likes of which hadn ’ t been seen in 71 years .
After dropping the opening two sets against Alexander Zverev on Sunday at a nearly empty Arthur Ashe Stadium - fans were banned because of the coronavirus pandemic - Thiem slowly but surely turned things around for a 2-6 , 4-6 , 6-4 , 6-3 , 7-6 ( 6 ) victory across more than four hours to earn his first major championship .
The 27-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the American Grand Slam tournament after trailing 2-0 in sets in the final since Pancho Gonzalez did it against Ted Schroeder in 1949 at an event then known as the U.S. Championships and held in Forest Hills .
Not only that , but in a fitting finish to an unprecedented two weeks , this match was decided by a fifth-set tiebreaker , something that had never happened in this tournament ’ s final .
“ I wish we could have two winners today , ” Thiem said .
“ I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a groundstroke flubbed by Zverev , a 23-year-old from Germany , the weary Thiem collapsed on his back way behind the baseline .
Zverev - who himself came within two points of the victory - walked around the net to offer a handshake and hug to his pal , two gestures rarely spotted in this era of social distancing .
“ I wish you would have missed a little bit more so I could have held that trophy up , ” Zverev said , choking up when he mentioned his parents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the runner ’ s-up speech.
” As Thiem stepped forward to pose for pictures with his shiny new bit of hardware , Zverev remained a few feet behind , one hand clutching his less-impressive silver tray , the other hand on a hip .
Thiem had come in 0-3 in Grand Slam finals , but always faced Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in those others .
This time , he was the favorite and came out jittery , but eventually worked his way out of that , while Zverev went from cool and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fifth set was just as back-and-forth as the other four , the mistakes rising with the tension and the history in the offing .
Thiem broke in the opening game when Zverev shanked a pair of forehands .
Zverev broke right back — and pierced the silence with a rare cry of “ Come on !
” — when Thiem double-faulted .
Then it was Zverev ’ s turn to nose ahead , breaking for a 5-3 lead when Thiem sent a down-the-line backhand wide and leaned over , gasping for air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the biggest win of his nascent career , Zverev faltered , getting broken right back when he pushed a volley into the net .
That began a three-game run for Thiem , who broke to lead 6-5 , earning his own chance to serve for it , when Zverev netted a backhand , followed by a long forehand .
After having a trainer check on his right leg during the ensuing changeover , Thiem couldn ’ t seal the deal , either , and eventually needed a trio of match points to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
7-ranked Zverev ’ s first Slam final , this was the first one that Thiem was supposed to win , following losses to Nadal at the French Open in 2018 and 2019 , then to Djokovic at the Australian Open this February — back before the pandemic upended the world and put tennis on a five-month hiatus .
Instead of wild applause and loud shouts greeting great exchanges , the soundtrack at Arthur Ashe Stadium mainly came from outside the largest court in tennis , courtesy of roaring airplanes , rumbling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horns and wailing sirens .
There was the occasional polite applause from the dozens of tournament workers allowed in the stands - and , deep into the match , yells from the players ’ entourages .
But the louder crowd noise heard by TV viewers was fake , added by the broadcaster .
Unable to draw from support in what ’ s always been an electric environment , on an evening that felt more like a glorified practice session than a match with so much at stake , both men were sluggish at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play was hardly perfect : They combined for 120 unforced errors to only 95 winners .
In a curious parallel , Zverev balanced his 15 aces with 15 double-faults , and Thiem had eight in each category .
Normally , the U.S. Open closes each Grand Slam season , but what about 2020 has been normal ?
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak , Wimbledon was canceled for the first time since World War II , while the French Open was postponed from its originally scheduled May start and now will begin in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifts to European clay after an unusual two-tournament hard-court doubleheader in Flushing Meadows — called “ a crazy idea ” by U.S. Tennis Association CEO Mike Dowse on Sunday .
The U.S. Open was preceded at its site by the Western & Southern Open , which moved from Ohio to New York as part of a “ controlled environment ” to limit travel .
Another way in which this whole event was different : A member of the Big Three of men ’ s tennis — Roger Federer , Nadal or Djokovic — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Federer and Nadal didn ’ t enter the U.S. Open , while Djokovic was defaulted in the fourth round for accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball he smacked in anger after dropping a game .
Thiem - barely , just barely - was the one who took advantage of the chance to sneak into the club of champions .
“ I want to congratulate Dominic on the first of many Grand Slam titles , ” Zverev said .
“ I think this is not the only one .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - A U.S. Open unlike any other finished unlike any other - with an unprecedented fifth-set tiebreaker as Dominic Thiem became the first man in 71 years to win the final after dropping the opening two sets.
So close to defeat in a nearly empty Arthur Ashe Stadium - fans were banned because of the coronavirus pandemic - Thiem slowly but surely turned things around against a faltering Alexander Zverev and pulled out a 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory at Flushing Meadows for his first Grand Slam title.
The match ended with both men fighting leg cramps and, clearly, nerves.
“Somehow,” said Thiem, a 27-year-old from Austria, “the belief today was stronger than the body, and I’m super happy about that.”
When a backhand from Zverev landed wide on the third championship point, a weary Thiem dropped to his back way behind the baseline and covered his face with his hands. When he arose, he was met by Zverev, who walked around the net to clasp hands, then embrace his friend and foe, two sights rarely seen in this era of social distancing.
Thiem then rested his head on the shoulder of the taller Zverev, who himself came within two points of what would have been his first major triumph.
“I wish we could have two winners today,” Thiem said. “I think we both deserved it.”
He is the first man to win the American Grand Slam tournament after trailing 2-0 in sets in the final since Pancho Gonzalez did it against Ted Schroeder in 1949 at an event then known as the U.S. Championships and held in Forest Hills.
The event never had been settled by a fifth-set tiebreaker; no major tournament ever had until Novak Djokovic edged Roger Federer that way at Wimbledon in 2019.
“I was a few games away, a few points away,” said Zverev, who was trying to give Germany its first male Grand Slam champion since Boris Becker in the 1990s. “I’m 23 years old. I don’t think it’s my last chance.”
Zverev choked up when he mentioned that his parents hadn’t been able to travel to New York because they tested positive for COVID-19, although he said they are now healthy.
As Thiem stepped forward to pose for pictures with his shiny new bit of hardware, Zverev remained a few feet behind, one hand clutching his less-impressive silver tray, the other hand on a hip.
The proceedings took 4 hours, 2 minutes. And to think: After just 1 1/2 hours, Zverev was up by two sets and a break in the third at 2-1.
“The match turned when he broke me for the first time in the third set,” Zverev said. “He started playing much better, and I started playing much worse.”
Zverev, of all people, should have known what might have seemed like an impossible hill to climb for Thiem was, indeed, achievable. After all, in Thursday’s semifinals, it was Zverev who trailed 2-0 in sets against Pablo Carreño Busta before coming back to win.
Thiem began the day 0-3 in Grand Slam finals, but always faced a member of the Big Three of men’s tennis in those others. This time, he was the favorite and came out jittery, but eventually worked his way out of that, while Zverev went from cool and confident to passive and pushed around.
The fifth set was just as back-and-forth as the other four, the mistakes rising with the tension and the history in the offing.
Thiem broke in the opening game when Zverev shanked a pair of forehands. Zverev broke right back - and pierced the silence with a rare cry of “Come on!” - when Thiem double-faulted.
Then it was Zverev’s turn to nose ahead, breaking for a 5-3 lead when Thiem sent a down-the-line backhand wide and leaned over, gasping for air.
But with a chance to serve out the biggest win of his nascent career, Zverev faltered, getting broken right back when he pushed a volley into the net.
That began a three-game run for Thiem, who broke to lead 6-5, earning his own chance to serve for it when Zverev netted a backhand, followed by a long forehand.
After having a trainer check on his right leg during the ensuing changeover, Thiem couldn’t seal the deal, either, and on they went to the tiebreaker. Zverev double-faulted twice and offered up one second serve at 68 mph, about half the speed he’s capable of.
While this was the No. 7-ranked Zverev’s first Slam final, this was the first one the No. 3-ranked Thiem was supposed to win, following losses to 12-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2018 and 2019, then to eight-time Australian Open champion Djokovic at Melbourne Park this February - back before the pandemic upended the world and put tennis on a five-month hiatus.
Instead of wild applause and loud shouts greeting great exchanges, the soundtrack Sunday mainly came from outside the largest court in tennis, courtesy of roaring airplanes, rumbling trains, revving car engines, honking horns and wailing sirens. There was the occasional polite applause from the dozens of tournament workers allowed in the stands - and, deep into the match, yells from the players’ entourages.
But the louder crowd noise heard by TV viewers was fake, added by the broadcaster.
Unable to draw from support in what’s always been an electric environment, on an evening that felt more like a glorified practice session than a match with so much at stake, both men were sluggish at times, listless, even. The play was hardly perfect: They combined for 120 unforced errors to only 95 winners. In a curious parallel, Zverev balanced his 15 aces with 15 double-faults, and Thiem had eight in each category.
Normally, the U.S. Open closes each Grand Slam season, but what about 2020 has been normal?
Wimbledon was canceled for the first time since World War II, while the French Open was postponed from its originally scheduled May start and now will begin in two weeks.
Another way in which this whole event was different: Federer, Nadal and Djokovic had won the preceding 13 major trophies. But Federer and Nadal didn’t enter the U.S. Open, while Djokovic was defaulted in the fourth round for accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball he smacked in anger after dropping a game.
Thiem - barely, just barely - was the one who took advantage of the chance to sneak into the club of champions.
“Such a big relief. I mean, obviously it was huge pressure in the match, huge emotions,” Thiem said. “It tough to stay there and to still believe. But I did.”
___
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Dominic Thiem becomes first man in 71 years to win U.S. Open after dropping 1st 2 sets of final

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Dominic Thiem becomes first man in 71 years to win U.S. Open after dropping @ @ @ @ @ .

NEW YORK (AP) - Dominic Thiem becomes first man in 71 years to win U.S. Open after dropping 1st 2 sets of final.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--TikTok choses Oracle over Microsoft to buy video-sharing app

The owner of TikTok has chosen Oracle over Microsoft as its preferred suitor to buy the popular video-sharing app , according to a source familiar with the deal .
Microsoft announced Sunday that its bid to buy TikTok has been rejected , removing a leading suitor for the Chinese-owned app a week before President Donald Trump promises to follow through with a plan to ban it in the U.S. Microsoft said in a Sunday statement that TikTok ’ s parent company , Bytedance , “ let us know today they would not be selling TikTok ’ s US operations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban TikTok by mid-September and ordered ByteDance to sell its U.S. business , claiming national-security risks due to its Chinese ownership .
The government worries about user data being funneled to Chinese authorities .
TikTok denies it is a national-security risk and is suing to stop the administration from the threatened ban .
Walmart had planned to partner with Microsoft on the deal .
It ’ s not clear if Walmart is still interested .
Oracle has declined to comment .
Microsoft said Sunday it was “ confident our proposal would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while protecting national security interests.
” The company said it “ would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest standards for security , privacy , online safety , and combating disinformation .
”

The owner of TikTok has chosen Oracle over Microsoft as its preferred suitor to buy the popular video-sharing app, according to a source familiar with the deal.
Microsoft announced Sunday that its bid to buy TikTok has been rejected, removing a leading suitor for the Chinese-owned app a week before President Donald Trump promises to follow through with a plan to ban it in the U.S.
Microsoft said in a Sunday statement that TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, “let us know today they would not be selling TikTok’s US operations to Microsoft.”
The Trump administration has threatened to ban TikTok by mid-September and ordered ByteDance to sell its U.S. business, claiming national-security risks due to its Chinese ownership. The government worries about user data being funneled to Chinese authorities. TikTok denies it is a national-security risk and is suing to stop the administration from the threatened ban.
Walmart had planned to partner with Microsoft on the deal. It’s not clear if Walmart is still interested. Oracle has declined to comment.
TikTok also declined comment Sunday.
Microsoft said Sunday it was “confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok’s users, while protecting national security interests.” The company said it “would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest standards for security, privacy, online safety, and combating disinformation.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Jason Wu puts on a fashion week show before a tiny audience

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Jason Wu did what few designers dare during New York Fashion Week : He put on a live show Sunday with a tiny audience present in the middle of a pandemic .
“ I think the world needs beauty and optimism , ” the designer told The Associated Press after his beach-themed show .
“ New York Fashion Week is not over .
It is strong .
We ’ re here .
… We can all be safe , be gathered and still be able to celebrate.
” With 30 models on a wooden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a downtown rooftop , Wu spaced 36 guests at a safe distance apart as he took his audience to Mexico ’ s Tulum , the Yucatan Peninsula spot where he got married .
Temperatures were checked and health questionnaires filled out before guests sat down .
The show was livestreamed on a new digital platform where most designers will be displaying their wares without the usual in-person crowds during this season ’ s abbreviated fashion week that opened Sunday .
Christian Siriano and Rebecca Minkoff were among other designers to decide on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around .
The clothes Wu rolled out , with Indya Moore among his models , are part of a more casual women ’ s line he treated to its first runway show .
For spring 2021 , he dressed his models in tropical yellows , oranges and pinks .
Some of his sun dresses and breezy looks came in playful floral prints .
Models sported wide-brimmed sun hats .
More used to sky-high heels , they were also treated to an IT item of the moment : strappy Teva-style sandals elevated with bows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For his bow along the curved , planked runway , Wu wore a mask he designed emblazoned with “ Distance Yourself from Hate.
” It ’ s the name of a campaign in partnership with the talent agency The Collective Shift and the HIV and AIDS advocacy organization GMHC in New York , his home for more than 20 years .
Proceeds from the $ 30 masks he gave to each guest go to those in need throughout the city .
In addition , the black-and-white print chairs used by his small audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room at GMHC , where the organization will serve more than 350 meals daily when it fully opens .
More than 2,000 masks have been sold since June .
Wu designed the chairs as part of a collaboration with the hardware store giant Lowe ’ s .
The experience overall , however brief , was part love letter to New York and part “ mini vacation , ” said Wu , who hasn ’ t seen his family in Taiwan since the pandemic began .
“ For a second , I feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .

NEW YORK (AP) - Jason Wu did what few designers dare during New York Fashion Week: He put on a live show Sunday with a tiny audience present in the middle of a pandemic.
Why?
“I think the world needs beauty and optimism,” the designer told The Associated Press after his beach-themed show. “New York Fashion Week is not over. It is strong. We’re here. … We can all be safe, be gathered and still be able to celebrate.”
With 30 models on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by tropical plants and sand on a downtown rooftop, Wu spaced 36 guests at a safe distance apart as he took his audience to Mexico’s Tulum, the Yucatan Peninsula spot where he got married.
Temperatures were checked and health questionnaires filled out before guests sat down.
The show was livestreamed on a new digital platform where most designers will be displaying their wares without the usual in-person crowds during this season’s abbreviated fashion week that opened Sunday. Christian Siriano and Rebecca Minkoff were among other designers to decide on in-person but pared down audiences this time around.
The clothes Wu rolled out, with Indya Moore among his models, are part of a more casual women’s line he treated to its first runway show. For spring 2021, he dressed his models in tropical yellows, oranges and pinks. Some of his sun dresses and breezy looks came in playful floral prints.
Models sported wide-brimmed sun hats. More used to sky-high heels, they were also treated to an IT item of the moment: strappy Teva-style sandals elevated with bows and beads above flat rubber soles.
For his bow along the curved, planked runway, Wu wore a mask he designed emblazoned with “Distance Yourself from Hate.” It’s the name of a campaign in partnership with the talent agency The Collective Shift and the HIV and AIDS advocacy organization GMHC in New York, his home for more than 20 years.
Proceeds from the $30 masks he gave to each guest go to those in need throughout the city. In addition, the black-and-white print chairs used by his small audience will be donated for a new dining room at GMHC, where the organization will serve more than 350 meals daily when it fully opens. More than 2,000 masks have been sold since June.
Wu designed the chairs as part of a collaboration with the hardware store giant Lowe’s.
The experience overall, however brief, was part love letter to New York and part “mini vacation,” said Wu, who hasn’t seen his family in Taiwan since the pandemic began.
“For a second, I feel like I’m in paradise,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Microsoft bid for TikTok rejected by Bytedance

Microsoft says its bid to buy popular video-sharing app TikTok has been rejected , removing a leading suitor for the Chinese-owned app a week before President Donald Trump promises to follow through with a plan to ban it in the U.S. Microsoft said in a Sunday statement that TikTok ’ s parent company , Bytedance , “ let us know today they would not be selling TikTok ’ s US operations to Microsoft.
” The Trump administration has threatened to ban TikTok by mid-September and ordered ByteDance to sell its U.S. business , claiming national-security risks due to its Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data being funneled to Chinese authorities .
TikTok denies it is a national-security risk and is suing to stop the administration from the threatened ban .
Walmart had planned to partner with Microsoft on the deal .
It ’ s not clear if Walmart is still interested .
Oracle , another reported bidder , has declined to comment .
Microsoft said Sunday it was “ confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok ’ s users , while protecting national security interests.
” The company said it “ would have made significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest standards for security , privacy , online safety , and combating disinformation .
”

Microsoft says its bid to buy popular video-sharing app TikTok has been rejected, removing a leading suitor for the Chinese-owned app a week before President Donald Trump promises to follow through with a plan to ban it in the U.S.
Microsoft said in a Sunday statement that TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, “let us know today they would not be selling TikTok’s US operations to Microsoft.”
The Trump administration has threatened to ban TikTok by mid-September and ordered ByteDance to sell its U.S. business, claiming national-security risks due to its Chinese ownership. The government worries about user data being funneled to Chinese authorities. TikTok denies it is a national-security risk and is suing to stop the administration from the threatened ban.
Walmart had planned to partner with Microsoft on the deal. It’s not clear if Walmart is still interested. Oracle, another reported bidder, has declined to comment.
TikTok didn’t immediately return requests for comment Sunday.
Microsoft said Sunday it was “confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok’s users, while protecting national security interests.” The company said it “would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest standards for security, privacy, online safety, and combating disinformation.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--TikTok picks Oracle over Microsoft in Trump-forced sales bid

The owner of TikTok has chosen Oracle over Microsoft as its preferred suitor to buy the popular video-sharing app , according to a source familiar with the deal who was not authorized to speak publicly about it .
Microsoft announced Sunday that its bid for TikTok was rejected , removing the tech giant from the running a week before President Donald Trump promises to follow through with a plan to ban the Chinese-owned app in the U.S. over spying concerns .
TikTok and the White House declined to comment Sunday .
Oracle didn ’ t return a request for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had planned to partner with Microsoft on the acquisition , said Sunday it “ continues to have an interest in a TikTok investment ” and is talking about it with ByteDance and other parties .
The Trump administration has threatened to ban TikTok by Sept. 20 and ordered ByteDance to sell its U.S. business , claiming national-security risks due to its Chinese ownership .
The government worries about user data being funneled to Chinese authorities .
TikTok denies it is a national-security risk and is suing to stop the administration from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not clear if the proposed acquisition will only cover TikTok ’ s U.S. business , and , if so , how it will be split from the rest of TikTok ’ s social media platform , which is popular worldwide .
ByteDance also owns a similar video app , Douyin , for the Chinese market .
Any deal must still be reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States , known as CFIUS , a U.S. government group chaired by the Treasury Secretary that studies mergers for national-security reasons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ transaction recommended by the panel , though Trump has already voiced support for Oracle as a “ great company ” that could handle the acquisition .
Microsoft said in a Sunday statement that ByteDance “ let us know today they would not be selling TikTok ’ s US operations to Microsoft.
” Microsoft added it was “ confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok ’ s users , while protecting national security interests.
” The company said it “ would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety , and combating disinformation.
” TikTok , which says it has 100 million U.S. users and about 700 million globally , is known for its fun , goofy videos of dancing , lip-syncing , pranks and jokes .
It ’ s recently become home to more political content such as the comedian Sarah Cooper , who drew a large audience by lip-syncing Trump ’ s own often-disjointed statements from public appearances .
But the app has also raised concerns because of its Chinese ownership .
The White House has cracked down on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telecom equipment makers Huawei and ZTE and messaging app WeChat , over worries that they would enable Chinese authorities to get U.S. user data .
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about censorship and children ’ s privacy .
TikTok denies that it has shared user data with the Chinese government or that it would do so if asked .
The company says it has not censored videos at the request of Chinese authorities and insists it is not a national-security threat .
TikTok has sued to stop the ban , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been complicated by several factors , including Trump ’ s repeated demands that the U.S. government should get a “ cut ” of any deal , a stipulation and role for the president that experts say is unprecedented .
In addition , the Chinese government in late August unveiled new regulations that restrict exports of technology , likely including the artificial intelligence system TikTok uses to choose which videos to spool up to its users .
That means ByteDance would have to obtain a license from China to export such technology to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come together rapidly after the administration ramped up its threats against TikTok this summer , despite TikTok ’ s efforts to put distance between its app and its Chinese ownership .
It installed former Disney executive Kevin Mayer as its American CEO , but he resigned in August after just a few months on the job , saying the “ political environment has sharply changed.
” Both Microsoft and Oracle are known more for their business software offerings than for those intended for consumers .
Oracle primarily makes database software .
It competes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon that provide cloud services as well as business-software specialists like Salesforce .
Some analysts see Oracle ’ s interest in a consumer business as misguided .
Oracle should focus on enterprise-market acquisitions and not invest in a consumer app like TikTok that doesn ’ t fit with the rest of its business , said Jefferies analyst Brent Thill , who compares the idea to Delta Airlines buying a motorcycle company .
“ It doesn ’ t make any sense , ” he said .
Thill suggested that TikTok competitors like Facebook and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as a buyer , because Oracle wouldn ’ t “ add a lot of value to the app.
” Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is unusual among tech executives for his public support of President Donald Trump , hosting a fundraiser for him in February at his Rancho Mirage , California , estate .
The company also hired a former top aide to Vice President Mike Pence ; its CEO , Safra Catz , also served on Trump ’ s transition team .
The president said on Aug. 18 that Oracle was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handle ” buying TikTok .
He declined to state his preference between Oracle and Microsoft as buyers .

The owner of TikTok has chosen Oracle over Microsoft as the American tech partner that could help keep the popular video-sharing app running in the U.S., according to a source familiar with the deal who was not authorized to speak publicly about it.
Microsoft announced Sunday that its bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations was rejected, removing the tech giant from the running a week before President Donald Trump promises to follow through with a plan to ban the Chinese-owned app in the U.S. over spying concerns.
TikTok and the White House declined to comment Sunday. Oracle didn’t return a request for comment but has previously declined comment.
Walmart, which had planned to partner with Microsoft on the acquisition, said Sunday it “continues to have an interest in a TikTok investment” and is talking about it with ByteDance and other parties.
The Trump administration has threatened to ban TikTok by Sept. 20 and ordered ByteDance to sell its U.S. business, claiming national-security risks due to its Chinese ownership. The government worries about user data being funneled to Chinese authorities. TikTok denies it is a national-security risk and is suing to stop the administration from the threatened ban.
It’s not clear if the proposed deal will only cover TikTok’s U.S. business, and, if so, how it will be split from the rest of TikTok’s social media platform, which is popular worldwide. ByteDance also owns a similar video app, Douyin, for the Chinese market.
Any deal must still be reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, a U.S. government group chaired by the Treasury Secretary that studies mergers for national-security reasons. The president can approve or deny a transaction recommended by the panel, though Trump has already voiced support for Oracle as a “great company” that could handle the acquisition.
Microsoft said in a Sunday statement that ByteDance “let us know today they would not be selling TikTok’s US operations to Microsoft.”
Microsoft added it was “confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok’s users, while protecting national security interests.” The company said it “would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest standards for security, privacy, online safety, and combating disinformation.”
TikTok, which says it has 100 million U.S. users and about 700 million globally, is known for its fun, goofy videos of dancing, lip-syncing, pranks and jokes. It’s recently become home to more political content such as the comedian Sarah Cooper, who drew a large audience by lip-syncing Trump’s own often-disjointed statements from public appearances.
But the app has also raised concerns because of its Chinese ownership. The White House has cracked down on a range of Chinese businesses, including telecom equipment makers Huawei and ZTE and messaging app WeChat, over worries that they would enable Chinese authorities to get U.S. user data. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about censorship and children’s privacy.
TikTok denies that it has shared user data with the Chinese government or that it would do so if asked. The company says it has not censored videos at the request of Chinese authorities and insists it is not a national-security threat.
TikTok has sued to stop the ban, but not the sale order. The negotiations have been complicated by several factors, including Trump’s repeated demands that the U.S. government should get a “cut” of any deal, a stipulation and role for the president that experts say is unprecedented.
In addition, the Chinese government in late August unveiled new regulations that restrict exports of technology, likely including the artificial intelligence system TikTok uses to choose which videos to spool up to its users. That means ByteDance would have to obtain a license from China to export such technology to a foreign company.
The deal had come together rapidly after the administration ramped up its threats against TikTok this summer, despite TikTok’s efforts to put distance between its app and its Chinese ownership. It installed former Disney executive Kevin Mayer as its American CEO, but he resigned in August after just a few months on the job, saying the “political environment has sharply changed.”
Both Microsoft and Oracle are known more for their business software offerings than for those intended for consumers.
Oracle primarily makes database software. It competes with tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon that provide cloud services as well as business-software specialists like Salesforce.
Some analysts see Oracle’s interest in a consumer business as misguided. Oracle should focus on enterprise-market acquisitions and not invest in a consumer app like TikTok that doesn’t fit with the rest of its business, said Jefferies analyst Brent Thill, who compares the idea to Delta Airlines buying a motorcycle company. “It doesn’t make any sense,” he said.
Thill suggested that TikTok competitors like Facebook and Snapchat should be “cheering on Oracle” as a buyer, because Oracle wouldn’t “add a lot of value to the app.”
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is unusual among tech executives for his public support of President Donald Trump, hosting a fundraiser for him in February at his Rancho Mirage, California, estate. The company also hired a former top aide to Vice President Mike Pence; its CEO, Safra Catz, also served on Trump’s transition team.
The president said on Aug. 18 that Oracle was “a great company” that “could handle” buying TikTok. He declined to state his preference between Oracle and Microsoft as buyers.


washingtontimes--2020-09-13--Ted Cruz turns down Supreme Court job offer from Trump

Sen. Ted Cruz , Texas Republican , said Sunday he was honored to be included on President Trump ’ s shortlist of potential Supreme Court nominees , but that serving as a justice is “ not the desire of my heart.
” Does he want the job ?
“ You know , I don ’ t , ” Mr. Cruz told Fox ’ s Maria Bartiromo .
“ It ’ s deeply honoring .
It ’ s humbling to be included in the list .
I ’ m grateful that the president has that confidence in me , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart , ” said Mr. Cruz .
“ I want to be in the political fight .
I want to be fighting to nominate and confirm three , four , five principled constitutionalist justices.
” Mr. Trump released Wednesday a list of conservatives he would consider to fill vacancies on the high court during a second term , which included Mr. Cruz as well as Republican Sens .
Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri .
While Mr. Cruz boasts impeccable legal credentials—he earned his J.D .
from Harvard Law School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin—he said he prefers the political trenches .
“ That ’ s not where I want to serve .
I want to stay fighting right where I am in the U.S. Senate , ” Mr. Cruz said .
Mr. Cruz may not want to sit on the Supreme Court , but he spent the summer writing a book about it entitled “ One Vote Away : How a Single Supreme Court Seat Can Change History.
” Published by Regnery and slated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book offers a game plan for Republicans seeking to place reliable constitutional conservatives on the bench .
“ Democrats , they get this right almost every time , ” Mr. Cruz said .
“ Their nominees bat close to 1.000 .
They vote almost exactly how Democrats would want them to vote on almost every issue.
” Not so with Republicans , who still cringe at the mention of squishy GOP presidential picks such as Justices Anthony Kennedy , David Souter and Earl Warren .
“ Republican nominees maybe bat .500 .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book lays out , here ’ s how you get it right , here ’ s what you look for so that we stop screwing this up and stop rolling the dice with our constitutional liberties , ” Mr. Cruz said .

Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, said Sunday he was honored to be included on President Trump’s shortlist of potential Supreme Court nominees, but that serving as a justice is “not the desire of my heart.”
Does he want the job? “You know, I don’t,” Mr. Cruz told Fox’s Maria Bartiromo.
“It’s deeply honoring. It’s humbling to be included in the list. I’m grateful that the president has that confidence in me, but it’s not the desire of my heart,” said Mr. Cruz. “I want to be in the political fight. I want to be fighting to nominate and confirm three, four, five principled constitutionalist justices.”
Mr. Trump released Wednesday a list of conservatives he would consider to fill vacancies on the high court during a second term, which included Mr. Cruz as well as Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri.
While Mr. Cruz boasts impeccable legal credentials—he earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and served as former Texas solicitor general and adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin—he said he prefers the political trenches.
“That’s not where I want to serve. I want to stay fighting right where I am in the U.S. Senate,” Mr. Cruz said.
Cruz says he would not accept SCOTUS nomination: ‘I want to be in political fight’ https://t.co/A9udxnsA6P @FoxNews @SundayFutures @SenTedCruz — Maria Bartiromo (@MariaBartiromo) September 13, 2020
Mr. Cruz may not want to sit on the Supreme Court, but he spent the summer writing a book about it titled “One Vote Away: How a Single Supreme Court Seat Can Change History.”
Published by Regnery and slated to be released Oct. 6, the book offers a game plan for Republicans seeking to place reliable constitutional conservatives on the bench.
“Democrats, they get this right almost every time,” Mr. Cruz said. “Their nominees bat close to 1.000. They vote almost exactly how Democrats would want them to vote on almost every issue.”
Not so with Republicans, who still cringe at the mention of squishy GOP presidential picks such as Justices Anthony Kennedy, David Souter and Earl Warren.
“Republican nominees maybe bat .500. We need to get it right, and the book lays out, here’s how you get it right, here’s what you look for so that we stop screwing this up and stop rolling the dice with our constitutional liberties,” Mr. Cruz said.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.