washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Democrats will have fewer House seats in 2021

Republicans will have at least 203 seats in the next House , giving them enough wins to assure that Democrats @ @ @ @ @ year .
The GOP crossed the mark Friday night when The Associated Press declared Republican @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in Southern California .
Democrats have nailed down at least 219 @ @ @ @ @ few others when more votes are counted .
That ensures they will hold the House @ @ @ @ @ with a smaller , potentially razor-thin majority , a bittersweet finale to last week ’ @ @ @ @ @ them divided and with scant margin for error for advancing their agenda .
Democrats went @ @ @ @ @ 232-197 House advantage , plus an independent and five open seats .
It is possible @ @ @ @ @ that convenes in January , they ’ ll have the smallest majority since Republicans had @ @ @ @ @ ago .

Republicans will have at least 203 seats in the next House, giving them enough wins to assure that Democrats will have fewer members next year.
The GOP crossed the mark Friday night when The Associated Press declared Republican Young Kim the winner against Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in Southern California.
Democrats have nailed down at least 219 seats and could win a few others when more votes are counted. That ensures they will hold the House for two more years but with a smaller, potentially razor-thin majority, a bittersweet finale to last week’s elections that has left them divided and with scant margin for error for advancing their agenda.
Democrats went into Election Day with a 232-197 House advantage, plus an independent and five open seats. It is possible that in the new Congress that convenes in January, they’ll have the smallest majority since Republicans had just 221 seats two decades ago.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--State: Rapid rise of virus cases 'alarming' in Washington

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Health officials reported 2,147 additional COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths in Washington on Friday , setting a new record for daily reported cases in a trend officials described as alarming .
Washington state ’ s previous high was set last week with nearly 1,700 COVID-19 cases in a single day .
“ We all must take immediate action if we want to avoid overwhelming our hospital systems , ” Secretary of Health John Wiesman said in an email Friday evening .
“ And we must take action now to save lives - lives of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The most recent update brings the state ’ s reported totals to 125,498 cases and 2,519 deaths , according to the state Department of Health .
State officials also reported that 9,266 people have been hospitalized in the state due to the virus , with dozens of new hospitalizations since Wednesday .
In King County , state health officials have confirmed a total of 33,043 COVID-19 diagnoses and 836 deaths .
To help slow the surge , officials on Friday urged people to avoid indoor social gatherings , wear face coverings when going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms or close contact with someone who has the virus .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee and his wife , Trudi , on Thursday urged people to rethink gatherings and holiday travel plans , and the governor said additional measures to stem virus spread will be announced soon .
The governors of California , Oregon and Washington also on Friday issued travel advisories urging people entering or returning to their states to self-quarantine to slow COVID-19 spread as infections spike across the U.S. For most , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear up in two to three weeks , although long-term effects are unknown .
But for some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

SEATTLE (AP) - Health officials reported 2,147 additional COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths in Washington on Friday, setting a new record for daily reported cases in a trend officials described as alarming.
Washington state’s previous high was set last week with nearly 1,700 COVID-19 cases in a single day.
“We all must take immediate action if we want to avoid overwhelming our hospital systems,” Secretary of Health John Wiesman said in an email Friday evening. “And we must take action now to save lives - lives of the people we care for and love.”
The most recent update brings the state’s reported totals to 125,498 cases and 2,519 deaths, according to the state Department of Health.
State officials also reported that 9,266 people have been hospitalized in the state due to the virus, with dozens of new hospitalizations since Wednesday. In King County, state health officials have confirmed a total of 33,043 COVID-19 diagnoses and 836 deaths.
To help slow the surge, officials on Friday urged people to avoid indoor social gatherings, wear face coverings when going out and get tested if they have symptoms or close contact with someone who has the virus.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, on Thursday urged people to rethink gatherings and holiday travel plans, and the governor said additional measures to stem virus spread will be announced soon.
The governors of California, Oregon and Washington also on Friday issued travel advisories urging people entering or returning to their states to self-quarantine to slow COVID-19 spread as infections spike across the U.S.
For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks, although long-term effects are unknown. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Peru president's ouster sparks wave of youth-led protests

LIMA , Peru ( AP ) - University student Yessenia Medina was trying to concentrate on her virtual psychology class when a stunning headline popped up on her screen : Peru ’ s Congress had voted to oust the nation ’ s popular president .
Furious , the 23-year-old joined the thousands of students , workers and others protesting this week , decrying Congress and refusing to recognize the new president , Manuel Merino .
“ I think they removed him out of their own personal interests rather than those of the people , ” she said .
“ Legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good of all.
” Peru ’ s Congress voted overwhelmingly to remove now ex-President Martín Vizcarra on Monday , complaining about his handling of the pandemic and accusing him of corruption .
The shock vote drew condemnation from international rights groups who warned that the powerful legislature may have violated the constitution and jeopardized Peru ’ s democracy .
The move has also sparked protests unlike any seen in recent years , fueled largely by young people typically apathetic to the country ’ s notoriously turbulent politics who saw the ouster as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom were being investigated for corruption under Vizcarra ’ s government .
Police repressing the mobilizations with tear gas and rubber bullets have been criticized for excessive use of force .
Nineteen people , including officers and civilians , were injured at a large protest Thursday , according to the public defender ’ s office .
Rights groups have also warned about the use of plainclothes officers with no identification and tear gas deployed near homes and hospitals .
Eighteen protesters were detained in the march Thursday .
“ Peruvians have a right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vivanco , Americas director for Human Rights Watch .
“ Police and other authorities should protect peaceful demonstrations and in all situations refrain from using excessive force.
” Analysts say the demonstrations – and the heavy-handed police response - are a clear sign that Merino will have difficulty governing .
Few countries in the region extended congratulations to the new leader and many are calling on him to keep in place a planned April election .
Merino has stated the presidential vote will take place as scheduled and defended Vizcarra ‘ s ouster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of absolute responsibility ” and even calling the former president “ a thief.
” The protests come a year after a wave of demonstrations shook Latin America , with protesters in Ecuador , Colombia , Chile and elsewhere taking to the streets to protest their governments and demand better conditions for the poor and working class .
Like those protests , the Peru demonstrations are loosely organized , driven by notices posted on social media and fueled in large part by the demands of young people .
“ The youth identifies with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a political analyst .
“ They ’ re out on the street adding pressure.
” Prosecutors are investigating allegations Vizcarra took over $ 630,000 in bribes in exchange for two construction projects while governor of a small province years ago .
Vizcarra – who made combatting the nation ’ s widespread corruption the mission of his government – vehemently denied the allegations .
But members of Congress - half of whom are under investigation themselves – pressed forward , invoking a clause dating to the 19th century that allows them to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ex-president has not been charged .
While polls show most Peruvians wanted Vizcarra to remain in office until his term ends in July and then face a probe into the allegations , some segments of society supported his destitution .
A group of about 50 lawyers , conservative politicians and retired military officers published an open letter welcoming the new president and denying that a coup had taken place .
The group also sent a message to the international community saying the move had “ strengthened our democracy.
” The political turbulence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital COVID-19 mortality rate globally and one of the region ’ s most severe economic contractions .
The International Monetary Fund estimates Peru ’ s GDP could decline 14 % this year .
“ Merino , listen up , the people reject you !
” crowds chanted this week .
Lizbeth Obregón , 22 , said she cried while watching Vizcarra ’ s ouster with her family .
“ My dad said it ’ s always been like that , ” she said .
“ That the nation has been taken over by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those demonstrating , worried that the country ’ s balance of power is broken .
The protests have taken place in cities around the nation .
In the capital , the historic San Martin plaza has become a central gathering point .
The large open space features a towering statue of Peru ’ s liberator riding on a horse .
“ Merino , you messed with the wrong generation , ” several signs read at one of this week ’ s gathering .
Despite the heavy police response , many have vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ran Thursday as she tried to escape from a cloud of tear gas , coughing while holding up a sign that read , “ coup d ’ état.
” “ I ’ m so tired of this situation , ” she said .
“ They do whatever they want and we ’ ve always stayed quiet .
No more .
”

LIMA, Peru (AP) - University student Yessenia Medina was trying to concentrate on her virtual psychology class when a stunning headline popped up on her screen: Peru’s Congress had voted to oust the nation’s popular president.
Furious, the 23-year-old joined the thousands of students, workers and others protesting this week, decrying Congress and refusing to recognize the new president, Manuel Merino.
“I think they removed him out of their own personal interests rather than those of the people,” she said. “Legislators are supposed to watching out for the good of all.”
Peru’s Congress voted overwhelmingly to remove now ex-President Martín Vizcarra on Monday, complaining about his handling of the pandemic and accusing him of corruption. The shock vote drew condemnation from international rights groups who warned that the powerful legislature may have violated the constitution and jeopardized Peru’s democracy.
The move has also sparked protests unlike any seen in recent years, fueled largely by young people typically apathetic to the country’s notoriously turbulent politics who saw the ouster as a power grab by lawmakers, many of whom were being investigated for corruption under Vizcarra’s government.
Police repressing the mobilizations with tear gas and rubber bullets have been criticized for excessive use of force. Nineteen people, including officers and civilians, were injured at a large protest Thursday, according to the public defender’s office. Rights groups have also warned about the use of plainclothes officers with no identification and tear gas deployed near homes and hospitals.
Eighteen protesters were detained in the march Thursday.
“Peruvians have a right to protest,” said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director for Human Rights Watch. “Police and other authorities should protect peaceful demonstrations and in all situations refrain from using excessive force.”
Analysts say the demonstrations – and the heavy-handed police response - are a clear sign that Merino will have difficulty governing. Few countries in the region extended congratulations to the new leader and many are calling on him to keep in place a planned April election.
Merino has stated the presidential vote will take place as scheduled and defended Vizcarra’s ouster, saying it was an “act of absolute responsibility” and even calling the former president “a thief.”
The protests come a year after a wave of demonstrations shook Latin America, with protesters in Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and elsewhere taking to the streets to protest their governments and demand better conditions for the poor and working class. Like those protests, the Peru demonstrations are loosely organized, driven by notices posted on social media and fueled in large part by the demands of young people.
“The youth identifies with the anti-corruption movement,” said Carlos Fernández, a political analyst. “They’re out on the street adding pressure.”
Prosecutors are investigating allegations Vizcarra took over $630,000 in bribes in exchange for two construction projects while governor of a small province years ago.
Vizcarra – who made combatting the nation’s widespread corruption the mission of his government – vehemently denied the allegations. But members of Congress - half of whom are under investigation themselves – pressed forward, invoking a clause dating to the 19th century that allows them to remove a president for “moral incapacity.”
The ex-president has not been charged.
While polls show most Peruvians wanted Vizcarra to remain in office until his term ends in July and then face a probe into the allegations, some segments of society supported his destitution.
A group of about 50 lawyers, conservative politicians and retired military officers published an open letter welcoming the new president and denying that a coup had taken place. The group also sent a message to the international community saying the move had “strengthened our democracy.”
The political turbulence comes as Peru has the highest per capital COVID-19 mortality rate globally and one of the region’s most severe economic contractions. The International Monetary Fund estimates Peru’s GDP could decline 14% this year.
“Merino, listen up, the people reject you!” crowds chanted this week.
Lizbeth Obregón, 22, said she cried while watching Vizcarra’s ouster with her family.
“My dad said it’s always been like that,” she said. “That the nation has been taken over by rats.”
Now she’s among those demonstrating, worried that the country’s balance of power is broken.
The protests have taken place in cities around the nation. In the capital, the historic San Martin plaza has become a central gathering point. The large open space features a towering statue of Peru’s liberator riding on a horse.
“Merino, you messed with the wrong generation,” several signs read at one of this week’s gathering.
Despite the heavy police response, many have vowed to keep protesting.
Abigail Calluque, 20, ran Thursday as she tried to escape from a cloud of tear gas, coughing while holding up a sign that read, “coup d’état.”
“I’m so tired of this situation,” she said. “They do whatever they want and we’ve always stayed quiet. No more.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--GOP captures second Democratic US House seat in California

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Republican Young Kim defeated U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros on Friday in a Southern California district , the second GOP candidate to snatch a Democratic-held seat in the state this year .
The contest in the 39th Congressional District anchored in Orange County was a rematch from 2018 , when Cisneros was one of seven Democrats who claimed GOP-held California districts that year .
Kim overcame President Donald Trump ’ s poor performance in heavily Democratic California , where he got only one-third of the votes .
In a video , Kim thanked supporters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I hope we can unite and move forward to address the issues that our nation faces.
” “ As an immigrant … I know that the promise of America is alive , ” she added .
Kim , a former state lawmaker , was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam .
She joins Washington state ’ s Marilyn Strickland and California ’ s Michelle Steel as the first Korean American women elected to Congress .
Strickland , a Democrat , last week won the open 10th Congressional District southwest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , claimed the 48th District in Orange County on Tuesday from Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda .
In a statement , Cisneros congratulated Kim and said he would take time to consider his future .
“ I ’ ve still got a lot of fight left in me , ” he added .
Republicans set out this year to reclaim at least some of the seats lost two years ago .
They have recaptured two , with wins by Steel and Kim , and are leading in two others : the Central Valley ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. David Valadao was ahead of Democratic Rep. TJ Cox , and the 25th District north of Los Angeles , where Republican Rep. Mike Garcia was leading by about 100 votes in a back-and-forth fight with Democrat Christy Smith .
Republicans also held the open 50th District seat anchored in San Diego County , which former U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa will represent after winning his comeback bid two years after deciding not to seek reelection in a neighboring district that has become more Democratic .
The 50th District has a nearly 10-point GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year by Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter after he pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge .
The wins by Kim and Steel mark a surprising turnaround in a state where Democrats hold every statewide office , have commanding majorities in the Legislature and congressional delegation , and a nearly 2-to-1 advantage over Republicans in registered voters .
Kim , 58 , overcame a Democratic registration edge in the district , which also includes slices of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties , and surmounted widespread distaste for Trump .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fred Whitaker , chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County , said in a statement .
In the campaign , Kim depicted Cisneros as subservient to House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi .
Cisneros , a Navy veteran and $ 266 million lottery jackpot winner who founded a charitable foundation with his wife , promoted his efforts to protect health care .
This story has been corrected to refer to the call made Friday , not Wednesday .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Republican Young Kim defeated U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros on Friday in a Southern California district, the second GOP candidate to snatch a Democratic-held seat in the state this year.
The contest in the 39th Congressional District anchored in Orange County was a rematch from 2018, when Cisneros was one of seven Democrats who claimed GOP-held California districts that year.
Kim overcame President Donald Trump’s poor performance in heavily Democratic California, where he got only one-third of the votes.
In a video, Kim thanked supporters and added, with the election over, “I hope we can unite and move forward to address the issues that our nation faces.”
“As an immigrant … I know that the promise of America is alive,” she added.
Kim, a former state lawmaker, was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam. She joins Washington state’s Marilyn Strickland and California’s Michelle Steel as the first Korean American women elected to Congress.
Strickland, a Democrat, last week won the open 10th Congressional District southwest of Seattle. Steel, a Republican, claimed the 48th District in Orange County on Tuesday from Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda.
In a statement, Cisneros congratulated Kim and said he would take time to consider his future. “I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me,” he added.
Republicans set out this year to reclaim at least some of the seats lost two years ago.
They have recaptured two, with wins by Steel and Kim, and are leading in two others: the Central Valley’s 21st District, where Republican former Rep. David Valadao was ahead of Democratic Rep. TJ Cox, and the 25th District north of Los Angeles, where Republican Rep. Mike Garcia was leading by about 100 votes in a back-and-forth fight with Democrat Christy Smith.
Republicans also held the open 50th District seat anchored in San Diego County, which former U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa will represent after winning his comeback bid two years after deciding not to seek reelection in a neighboring district that has become more Democratic. The 50th District has a nearly 10-point GOP registration edge. The seat was vacated earlier this year by Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter after he pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge.
The wins by Kim and Steel mark a surprising turnaround in a state where Democrats hold every statewide office, have commanding majorities in the Legislature and congressional delegation, and a nearly 2-to-1 advantage over Republicans in registered voters.
Kim, 58, overcame a Democratic registration edge in the district, which also includes slices of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and surmounted widespread distaste for Trump.
“The Orange County comeback is here,” Fred Whitaker, chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County, said in a statement.
In the campaign, Kim depicted Cisneros as subservient to House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. Cisneros, a Navy veteran and $266 million lottery jackpot winner who founded a charitable foundation with his wife, promoted his efforts to protect health care.
___
This story has been corrected to refer to the call made Friday, not Wednesday.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Young Kim wins; California Republicans claim second Democratic U.S. House seat

LOS ANGELES — Republican Young Kim defeated U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros on Friday in a Southern California district , the second GOP candidate to snatch a Democratic-held seat in the state this year .
The contest in the 39th Congressional District anchored in Orange County was a rematch from 2018 , when Cisneros was one of seven Democrats who claimed GOP-held California districts that year .
Kim overcame President Donald Trump ’ s poor performance in heavily Democratic California , where he got only one-third of the votes .
Kim , a former state lawmaker , was born in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She joins Washington state ’ s Marilyn Strickland and California ’ s Michelle Steel as the first Korean American women elected to Congress .
Strickland , a Democrat , last week won the open 10th Congressional District southwest of Seattle .
Steel , a Republican , claimed the 48th District in Orange County on Tuesday from Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda .
In a statement , Cisneros congratulated Kim and said he would take time to consider his future .
“ I ’ ve still got a lot of fight left in me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year to reclaim at least some of the seats lost two years ago .
They have recaptured two , with wins by Steel and Kim , and are leading in two others : the Central Valley ’ s 21st District , where Republican former Rep. David Valadao was ahead of Democratic Rep. TJ Cox , and the 25th District north of Los Angeles , where Republican Rep. Mike Garcia was in a back-and-forth fight with Democrat Christy Smith .
Republicans also held the open 50th District seat anchored in San Diego County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will represent after winning his comeback bid two years after deciding not to seek reelection in a neighboring district that has become more Democratic .
The 50th District has a nearly 10-point GOP registration edge .
The seat was vacated earlier this year by Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter after he pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge .
The wins by Kim and Steel mark a surprising turnaround in a state where Democrats hold every statewide office , have commanding majorities in the Legislature and congressional delegation , and a nearly 2-to-1 advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 58 , overcame a Democratic registration edge in the district , which also includes slices of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties , and surmounted widespread distaste for Trump .
In the campaign , Kim depicted Cisneros as subservient to House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi .
Cisneros , a Navy veteran and $ 266 million lottery jackpot winner who founded a charitable foundation with his wife , promoted his efforts to protect health care .

LOS ANGELES — Republican Young Kim defeated U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros on Friday in a Southern California district, the second GOP candidate to snatch a Democratic-held seat in the state this year.
The contest in the 39th Congressional District anchored in Orange County was a rematch from 2018, when Cisneros was one of seven Democrats who claimed GOP-held California districts that year.
Kim overcame President Donald Trump’s poor performance in heavily Democratic California, where he got only one-third of the votes.
Kim, a former state lawmaker, was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam. She joins Washington state’s Marilyn Strickland and California’s Michelle Steel as the first Korean American women elected to Congress.
Strickland, a Democrat, last week won the open 10th Congressional District southwest of Seattle. Steel, a Republican, claimed the 48th District in Orange County on Tuesday from Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda.
In a statement, Cisneros congratulated Kim and said he would take time to consider his future. “I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me,” he added.
SEE ALSO: Democrats will have fewer House seats in 2021
Republicans set out this year to reclaim at least some of the seats lost two years ago.
They have recaptured two, with wins by Steel and Kim, and are leading in two others: the Central Valley’s 21st District, where Republican former Rep. David Valadao was ahead of Democratic Rep. TJ Cox, and the 25th District north of Los Angeles, where Republican Rep. Mike Garcia was in a back-and-forth fight with Democrat Christy Smith.
Republicans also held the open 50th District seat anchored in San Diego County, which former U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa will represent after winning his comeback bid two years after deciding not to seek reelection in a neighboring district that has become more Democratic. The 50th District has a nearly 10-point GOP registration edge. The seat was vacated earlier this year by Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter after he pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge.
The wins by Kim and Steel mark a surprising turnaround in a state where Democrats hold every statewide office, have commanding majorities in the Legislature and congressional delegation, and a nearly 2-to-1 advantage over Republicans in registered voters.
Kim, 58, overcame a Democratic registration edge in the district, which also includes slices of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and surmounted widespread distaste for Trump.
In the campaign, Kim depicted Cisneros as subservient to House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. Cisneros, a Navy veteran and $266 million lottery jackpot winner who founded a charitable foundation with his wife, promoted his efforts to protect health care.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Texas surpasses 7,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - Texas on Friday surpassed 7,000 hospitalized patients for the first time since early August , just days after becoming America ’ s first state to surpass 1 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus .
The Texas Department of State Health Services said that there were 7,083 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19 as cases continue to rise .
Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott hasn ’ t indicated whether he will revert to tougher restrictions on businesses , instead emphasizing in recent days that new therapeutics and vaccines are expected to become available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has taken an even firmer public stance against new restrictions as his office fights efforts in the hard-hit border city of El Paso to impose tougher measures .
Paxton sued the county after closing nonessential businesses in October , including gyms and hair salons , as cases began surging .
The state ’ s latest hospitalization figures come as an appeals court on Thursday night temporarily lifted the shut down in El Paso , where mobile morgues are being trucked in to help overwhelmed hospitals and funeral homes .
And on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a state district judge with instructions to halt the shut down .
In a statement that Paxton ’ s office tweeted , he called the appeals court ’ s Friday decision “ outstanding , ” adding that “ I will not let rogue political subdivisions try to kill small businesses and holiday gatherings through unlawful executive orders.
” But others believe it is only a matter of time .
In Houston , the county ’ s top elected official , Judge Lina Hidalgo , criticized what she called a “ vicious cycle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbott has only given county leaders the authority to close bars , which Houston has done .
“ We now know inevitably , another pullback is necessary , is going to be coming soon I ’ m sure , ” Hidalgo said .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely higher because many people haven ’ t been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas on Friday surpassed 7,000 hospitalized patients for the first time since early August, just days after becoming America’s first state to surpass 1 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said that there were 7,083 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19 as cases continue to rise.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott hasn’t indicated whether he will revert to tougher restrictions on businesses, instead emphasizing in recent days that new therapeutics and vaccines are expected to become available soon.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken an even firmer public stance against new restrictions as his office fights efforts in the hard-hit border city of El Paso to impose tougher measures. Paxton sued the county after closing nonessential businesses in October, including gyms and hair salons, as cases began surging.
The state’s latest hospitalization figures come as an appeals court on Thursday night temporarily lifted the shut down in El Paso, where mobile morgues are being trucked in to help overwhelmed hospitals and funeral homes. And on Friday, the appeals court sent the case back to a state district judge with instructions to halt the shut down.
In a statement that Paxton’s office tweeted, he called the appeals court’s Friday decision “outstanding,” adding that “I will not let rogue political subdivisions try to kill small businesses and holiday gatherings through unlawful executive orders.”
But others believe it is only a matter of time. In Houston, the county’s top elected official, Judge Lina Hidalgo, criticized what she called a “vicious cycle of wishful thinking and unsustainable reopenings.”
Abbott has only given county leaders the authority to close bars, which Houston has done.
“We now know inevitably, another pullback is necessary, is going to be coming soon I’m sure,” Hidalgo said.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
The true number of infections is likely higher because many people haven’t been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Sullivan says process should play out in presidential race

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan , fresh off a reelection win in Alaska , said Friday he expects a peaceful transition of power in January .
In a call with reporters , he at times referred to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden as former Vice President or Vice President Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as Sen. Harris .
Harris is a U.S. senator from California .
Sullivan said he agreed with calls for unity and coming together but said one of the best ways for that to happen is to make sure those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that this process was done in a fair and transparent way.
” “ So I believe allowing the process to run its course will ultimately … help build unity and allow our nation to come together .
If we rush the process , I actually don ’ t think that ’ s good for long-term unity , ” he said .
The Associated Press on Saturday called the presidential contest for Biden after determining the remaining ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania would not allow Trump to catch up .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges in several states .

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, fresh off a reelection win in Alaska, said Friday he expects a peaceful transition of power in January.
In a call with reporters, he at times referred to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden as former Vice President or Vice President Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as Sen. Harris. Harris is a U.S. senator from California.
Sullivan said he agreed with calls for unity and coming together but said one of the best ways for that to happen is to make sure those who voted for President Donald Trump “believe that this process was done in a fair and transparent way.”
“So I believe allowing the process to run its course will ultimately … help build unity and allow our nation to come together. If we rush the process, I actually don’t think that’s good for long-term unity,” he said.
The Associated Press on Saturday called the presidential contest for Biden after determining the remaining ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania would not allow Trump to catch up.
The Trump campaign or supporters have mounted legal challenges in several states.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--California inmate admits to 1981 killing, will be released

SANTA ANA , Calif. ( AP ) - A 68-year-old man who has served nearly four decades in prison for the 1981 killing of a Southern California retiree will be released after accepting a plea bargain following a lengthy legal battle , according to a newspaper report Friday .
James Andrew Melton agreed this week to plead guilty to first-degree murder for the strangulation of Anthony Lial DeSousa , the Orange County Register reported .
Burglary and robbery charges were dismissed .
In exchange for his guilty plea , a 25-years-to-life sentence for the murder was stayed , and Melton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the newspaper said .
Paperwork clearing the way for his release could be finalized by Saturday .
DeSousa was found dead in his Newport Beach condo on Oct. 13 , 1981 .
He had come out as a gay man following his wife ’ s death and had placed ads in magazines looking for partners .
Prosecutors alleged Melton used advertisements in gay magazines to meet rich , older men he could rob .
He was accused of meeting DeSousa through an ad , then robbing and strangling the 77-year-old .
Johnny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melton ’ s , told authorities that the two of them had hatched the scheme to target rich , older men during their time together in 1980 at the California Men ’ s Colony in San Luis Obispo .
Boyd alleged that Melton admitted to him that he killed DeSousa .
At the time of Melton ’ s arrest , authorities said he had items belonging to DeSousa , including the older man ’ s car and watch .
Attorneys representing Melton have denied Boyd ’ s allegations , describing him as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The defense attorneys also contended that the DNA found at the crime scene did not match Melton ’ s .
Melton was sentenced to death in 1982 and spent more than a decade on Death Row at San Quentin .
A federal judge threw out the initial conviction in 2007 , finding that Melton was over-medicated during his trial , which prevented him from understanding the proceedings .
Since then , the question of Melton ’ s competency leading up to and during his death penalty trial has hung over more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrangling , the Register said .
Melton ’ s second trial ended in a deadlocked jury .
For his third trial , prosecutors opted not to seek the death penalty .
In 2018 , Melton was once again convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole .
That conviction was overturned on appeal last year .

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A 68-year-old man who has served nearly four decades in prison for the 1981 killing of a Southern California retiree will be released after accepting a plea bargain following a lengthy legal battle, according to a newspaper report Friday.
James Andrew Melton agreed this week to plead guilty to first-degree murder for the strangulation of Anthony Lial DeSousa, the Orange County Register reported. Burglary and robbery charges were dismissed.
In exchange for his guilty plea, a 25-years-to-life sentence for the murder was stayed, and Melton was sentenced to 99 years of probation, the newspaper said. Paperwork clearing the way for his release could be finalized by Saturday.
DeSousa was found dead in his Newport Beach condo on Oct. 13, 1981. He had come out as a gay man following his wife’s death and had placed ads in magazines looking for partners.
Prosecutors alleged Melton used advertisements in gay magazines to meet rich, older men he could rob. He was accused of meeting DeSousa through an ad, then robbing and strangling the 77-year-old.
Johnny Boyd, a former prison lover of Melton’s, told authorities that the two of them had hatched the scheme to target rich, older men during their time together in 1980 at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.
Boyd alleged that Melton admitted to him that he killed DeSousa. At the time of Melton’s arrest, authorities said he had items belonging to DeSousa, including the older man’s car and watch.
Attorneys representing Melton have denied Boyd’s allegations, describing him as a spurned lover with a history of lying. The defense attorneys also contended that the DNA found at the crime scene did not match Melton’s.
Melton was sentenced to death in 1982 and spent more than a decade on Death Row at San Quentin. A federal judge threw out the initial conviction in 2007, finding that Melton was over-medicated during his trial, which prevented him from understanding the proceedings.
Since then, the question of Melton’s competency leading up to and during his death penalty trial has hung over more than a decade’s worth of legal wrangling, the Register said.
Melton’s second trial ended in a deadlocked jury. For his third trial, prosecutors opted not to seek the death penalty. In 2018, Melton was once again convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. That conviction was overturned on appeal last year.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak tests positive for COVID-19

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak on Friday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 as the virus surges to record levels in the state and across the U.S .
The 66-year-old Democrat is the fifth governor to report testing positive for the coronavirus this year .
Three governors , two Republicans in Missouri and Oklahoma , and one Democrat in Virginia contracted COVID-19 this year .
Ohio ’ s Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine tested positive in August but received a negative test a few hours later .
DeWine tested positive using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day after using a more sensitive laboratory-developed test .
Sisolak said on a call with reporters he was not experiencing any symptoms and was swabbed for a rapid test on Friday morning as a matter of routine .
After it yielded a positive result , he also underwent molecular testing and his sample is still being processed .
“ I ’ m a little tired , but I ’ ve been tired since March when we started fighting COVID , ” Sisolak said .
“ I think this just puts a spotlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the precautions that are possible and you can still contract the virus .
I don ’ t know how I got it , but we ’ re going to quarantine and get through it.
” Sisolak is the third person in his office to test positive for the virus .
Last week , the governor ’ s office announced an unnamed Carson City-based staffer who had not been in close contact with Sisolak but had tested positive for the virus .
In early October , Sisolak ’ s COVID-19 response director Caleb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s wife , Kathy Sisolak , tested negative for the virus on Friday .
Carson City ’ s Health and Human Services Department has begun investigating the origins of the case and notifying anyone who may have come into contact with the governor , he said , adding that he plans to work from home at the Governor ’ s Mansion in Carson City for at least 10 days per their recommendation .
Sisolak ’ s announcement comes on a day that Nevada reported 1,857 additional coronavirus cases , the highest single-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nevada has reported 116,737 cases and 1,893 deaths throughout the pandemic .
The governor said he tested negative for the virus on Nov. 2 and 6 .
He has limited his appearances as the virus has surged .
Apart from his residence and the Capitol , he only appeared in public twice this week - at a press conference Tuesday in Carson City and at the opening of a Department of Motor Vehicles Office in Reno on Monday , with Mayor Hillary Schieve , U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei and state Sen. Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wore masks and chairs were spread at least 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) apart .
Amodei said he remained in northern Nevada , had not exhibited any symptoms and planned to get tested for COVID-19 on Saturday .
“ The congressman lives on his own and is quarantining by binge-watching ‘ Diners , Drive-Ins and Dives , ’ ” his spokeswoman Logan Tucker said in a statement .
Schieve told the Reno Gazette-Journal she had not experienced any symptoms either , and planned to quarantine and work remotely .
Sisolak warned earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ alarming ” trends of the virus climbing and threatened to impose stricter measures in two weeks if the spread of the virus does not decrease .
He urged residents only to go out for essential activities , rely on take-out instead of dining in restaurants and to avoid spending time indoors with people from outside their households .
“ With my case , I want to underscore the importance of Nevadans to stay at home as much as they possibly can at this time , ” he said .
In the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties of the office , Lt. Gov .
Kate Marshall assumes the role , according to state law .
Marshall said she was in contact with Sisolak ‘ s staff and prepared to assist while he recovers .
AP writer Michelle L. Price contributed reporting from Las Vegas .
Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak on Friday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 as the virus surges to record levels in the state and across the U.S.
The 66-year-old Democrat is the fifth governor to report testing positive for the coronavirus this year. Three governors, two Republicans in Missouri and Oklahoma, and one Democrat in Virginia contracted COVID-19 this year. Ohio’s Republican Gov. Mike DeWine tested positive in August but received a negative test a few hours later. DeWine tested positive using a rapid test before testing negative later that day after using a more sensitive laboratory-developed test.
Sisolak said on a call with reporters he was not experiencing any symptoms and was swabbed for a rapid test on Friday morning as a matter of routine. After it yielded a positive result, he also underwent molecular testing and his sample is still being processed.
“I’m a little tired, but I’ve been tired since March when we started fighting COVID,” Sisolak said. “I think this just puts a spotlight on the fact that you can take all the precautions that are possible and you can still contract the virus. I don’t know how I got it, but we’re going to quarantine and get through it.”
Sisolak is the third person in his office to test positive for the virus. Last week, the governor’s office announced an unnamed Carson City-based staffer who had not been in close contact with Sisolak but had tested positive for the virus. In early October, Sisolak’s COVID-19 response director Caleb Cage also tested positive. The governor’s wife, Kathy Sisolak, tested negative for the virus on Friday.
Carson City’s Health and Human Services Department has begun investigating the origins of the case and notifying anyone who may have come into contact with the governor, he said, adding that he plans to work from home at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City for at least 10 days per their recommendation.
Sisolak’s announcement comes on a day that Nevada reported 1,857 additional coronavirus cases, the highest single-day total since the start of the pandemic. Nevada has reported 116,737 cases and 1,893 deaths throughout the pandemic.
The governor said he tested negative for the virus on Nov. 2 and 6. He has limited his appearances as the virus has surged. Apart from his residence and the Capitol, he only appeared in public twice this week - at a press conference Tuesday in Carson City and at the opening of a Department of Motor Vehicles Office in Reno on Monday, with Mayor Hillary Schieve, U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei and state Sen. Ben Kieckhefer.
At both events, attendees wore masks and chairs were spread at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart. Amodei said he remained in northern Nevada, had not exhibited any symptoms and planned to get tested for COVID-19 on Saturday.
“The congressman lives on his own and is quarantining by binge-watching ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,’” his spokeswoman Logan Tucker said in a statement.
Schieve told the Reno Gazette-Journal she had not experienced any symptoms either, and planned to quarantine and work remotely.
Sisolak warned earlier this week that the state is seeing “alarming” trends of the virus climbing and threatened to impose stricter measures in two weeks if the spread of the virus does not decrease. He urged residents only to go out for essential activities, rely on take-out instead of dining in restaurants and to avoid spending time indoors with people from outside their households.
“With my case, I want to underscore the importance of Nevadans to stay at home as much as they possibly can at this time,” he said.
In the event the governor is unable to discharge the duties of the office, Lt. Gov. Kate Marshall assumes the role, according to state law.
Marshall said she was in contact with Sisolak’s staff and prepared to assist while he recovers.
___
AP writer Michelle L. Price contributed reporting from Las Vegas. Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Judge blasts US agency's 'sloppy' climate work in oil case

BILLINGS , Mont .
( AP ) - A U.S. federal court once again blocked new oil and gas drilling permits on Wyoming public lands in a ruling Friday that rebuked the Trump administration for its “ sloppy and rushed ” analysis of climate change impacts .
U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said the administration ’ s Bureau of Land Management failed to look closely enough at climate change impacts from oil and gas extraction and consumption on almost 500 square miles ( 1,295 sq .
kilometers ) of land in Wyoming .
Contreras first blocked drilling on the parcels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider greenhouse gas emissions from fuels extracted on public lands in the past , present and foreseeable future , including in neighboring states such as Colorado and Utah .
In Friday ’ s ruling , he said the land bureau ’ s latest effort to tally up the impact of those emissions had again failed and “ does not adequately consider the climate change impacts of the oil and gas leasing decisions.
” The judge pointed to numerous flaws in the bureau ’ s climate change assessment such as failing to consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over time .
He also highlighted simple math errors by officials that taken together “ suggests a sloppy and rushed process ” lacking scientific accuracy .
The ruling marks the latest in a string of court actions over the past decade that have faulted the U.S. for inadequate consideration of greenhouse gas emissions when approving oil , gas and coal projects on federal land .
The case involving the Wyoming parcels originated with leases that were sold in 2015 and 2016 , under President Barack Obama .
Land bureau spokesperson Richard Packer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ based on the best available science.
” He said that the agency would continue pushing Trump ’ s agenda supporting domestic energy production , but declined to answer whether government attorneys will appeal Friday ’ s decision .
President-elect Joe Biden ’ s administration has pledged to ban new oil and gas leasing on public lands and waters .
Environmentalist Jeremy Nichols with WildEarth Guardians , one of the groups that sued over the Wyoming leases , said the latest ruling underscores the need for the incoming administration to reform government oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gas leasing program is a train wreck right now .
They keep losing in court because they don ’ t want to acknowledge science and facts and the reality of climate change , ” he said .
Companies pay billions of dollars annually to produce oil , gas and coal from federal lands and waters .
The money is split between the federal government and states where the extraction occurs .
Extracting and burning fossil fuels from federal land generates the equivalent of 1.4 billion tons ( 1.3 billion metric tons ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a 2018 report from the U.S. Geological Survey .
That ’ s equivalent to almost one-quarter of total U.S. carbon dioxide emissions .

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - A U.S. federal court once again blocked new oil and gas drilling permits on Wyoming public lands in a ruling Friday that rebuked the Trump administration for its “sloppy and rushed” analysis of climate change impacts.
U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said the administration’s Bureau of Land Management failed to look closely enough at climate change impacts from oil and gas extraction and consumption on almost 500 square miles (1,295 sq. kilometers) of land in Wyoming.
Contreras first blocked drilling on the parcels in 2019, saying the bureau needed to consider greenhouse gas emissions from fuels extracted on public lands in the past, present and foreseeable future, including in neighboring states such as Colorado and Utah.
In Friday’s ruling, he said the land bureau’s latest effort to tally up the impact of those emissions had again failed and “does not adequately consider the climate change impacts of the oil and gas leasing decisions.”
The judge pointed to numerous flaws in the bureau’s climate change assessment such as failing to consider the cumulative impacts of multiple lease sales over time. He also highlighted simple math errors by officials that taken together “suggests a sloppy and rushed process” lacking scientific accuracy.
The ruling marks the latest in a string of court actions over the past decade that have faulted the U.S. for inadequate consideration of greenhouse gas emissions when approving oil, gas and coal projects on federal land.
The case involving the Wyoming parcels originated with leases that were sold in 2015 and 2016, under President Barack Obama.
Land bureau spokesperson Richard Packer said the agency’s leasing decisions were “based on the best available science.” He said that the agency would continue pushing Trump’s agenda supporting domestic energy production, but declined to answer whether government attorneys will appeal Friday’s decision.
President-elect Joe Biden’s administration has pledged to ban new oil and gas leasing on public lands and waters.
Environmentalist Jeremy Nichols with WildEarth Guardians, one of the groups that sued over the Wyoming leases, said the latest ruling underscores the need for the incoming administration to reform government oil and gas sales.
“The oil and gas leasing program is a train wreck right now. They keep losing in court because they don’t want to acknowledge science and facts and the reality of climate change,” he said.
Companies pay billions of dollars annually to produce oil, gas and coal from federal lands and waters. The money is split between the federal government and states where the extraction occurs.
Extracting and burning fossil fuels from federal land generates the equivalent of 1.4 billion tons (1.3 billion metric tons) annually of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, according to a 2018 report from the U.S. Geological Survey. That’s equivalent to almost one-quarter of total U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Wisconsin man charged with assaulting missing Missouri girl

WAUKESHA , Wis. ( AP ) - Wisconsin prosecutors have charged a 19-year-old Oconomowoc man with sexually assaulting a Missouri girl who went missing in September .
Nathan Nehs was charged Nov. 6 in Waukesha County with one felony count of repeated sexual assault of a child .
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday that the criminal complaint states that Nehs met the girl about three years ago through an online gaming platform .
He was 17 at the time ; she was 11 .
According to the complaint , Nehs drove to Missouri on Sept. 16 to pick up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his parents ’ house in Oconomowoc .
They arrived at the house on Sept. 17 but the complaint says his parents didn ’ t know she was there until sometime between Sept. 20 and early October .
Nehs allegedly told them he was dating her and she told them that she was 16 and lived in the area .
Nehs held her captive in his bedroom and kept her in a closet for two weeks , according to the complaint .
Text messages from the girl ’ s electronic devices indicate she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; she demanded in multiple messages to Nehs on Sept. 20 that he let her out of the trunk .
He sexually assaulted her 24 times , according to the complaint .
The Journal Sentinel reported Nehs ’ cash bond has been set at $ 50,000 .
His attorney , Leah Thomas , didn ’ t immediately respond to messages after hours Friday .
This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Nehs on second reference .

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin prosecutors have charged a 19-year-old Oconomowoc man with sexually assaulting a Missouri girl who went missing in September.
Nathan Nehs was charged Nov. 6 in Waukesha County with one felony count of repeated sexual assault of a child.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday that the criminal complaint states that Nehs met the girl about three years ago through an online gaming platform. He was 17 at the time; she was 11.
According to the complaint, Nehs drove to Missouri on Sept. 16 to pick up the girl and take her back to his parents’ house in Oconomowoc. They arrived at the house on Sept. 17 but the complaint says his parents didn’t know she was there until sometime between Sept. 20 and early October. Nehs allegedly told them he was dating her and she told them that she was 16 and lived in the area.
Nehs held her captive in his bedroom and kept her in a closet for two weeks, according to the complaint. Text messages from the girl’s electronic devices indicate she was also held captive in a car trunk; she demanded in multiple messages to Nehs on Sept. 20 that he let her out of the trunk.
He sexually assaulted her 24 times, according to the complaint.
The Journal Sentinel reported Nehs’ cash bond has been set at $50,000. His attorney, Leah Thomas, didn’t immediately respond to messages after hours Friday.
___
This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Nehs on second reference.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Judge dismisses Trump lawsuit over Arizona ballots

PHOENIX — A judge has dismissed the Trump campaign ’ s lawsuit seeking the manual inspection of ballots in metro Phoenix after the campaign ’ s lawyers acknowledged that the small number of ballots at issue wouldn ’ t change the outcome of how Arizona voted for president .
The campaign had sought a postponement of Maricopa County ’ s certification of election results until ballots containing overvotes - instances in which people voted for more candidates than permitted - were inspected .
Only 191 overvotes were cast in the presidential race in Maricopa County .
Democrat Joe Biden has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump in Arizona , with 6,600 ballots left to count across the state .
The campaign ’ s lawsuit alleged tabulators rejected some ballots due to ink splotches and that poll workers either pressed a button on the device to override the error , resulting in some ballot selections being disregarded .
Election officials said Trump ’ s claims were baseless and intended to undermine confidence in the election results .
With the dismissal of Trump ’ s lawsuit , Arizona has one remaining legal challenge over the Nov. 3 election results .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona Republican Party is seeking a court order to change how Maricopa County conducts a hand-count audit of a sampling of ballots as a quality control measure .
The party wants the sample measured on a precinct level , rather than among the county ’ s new vote centers , which let people vote at any location across the county .
County officials have declined to comment on the lawsuit and hadn ’ t yet responded in court to the lawsuit .
It ’ s unclear whether the party is seeking a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the county completed on Nov. 9 .
A hearing is scheduled Monday in the case .

PHOENIX — A judge has dismissed the Trump campaign’s lawsuit seeking the manual inspection of ballots in metro Phoenix after the campaign’s lawyers acknowledged that the small number of ballots at issue wouldn’t change the outcome of how Arizona voted for president.
The campaign had sought a postponement of Maricopa County’s certification of election results until ballots containing overvotes - instances in which people voted for more candidates than permitted - were inspected.
Only 191 overvotes were cast in the presidential race in Maricopa County. Democrat Joe Biden has an advantage of nearly 11,000 votes over Trump in Arizona, with 6,600 ballots left to count across the state.
The campaign’s lawsuit alleged tabulators rejected some ballots due to ink splotches and that poll workers either pressed a button on the device to override the error, resulting in some ballot selections being disregarded.
Election officials said Trump’s claims were baseless and intended to undermine confidence in the election results.
With the dismissal of Trump’s lawsuit, Arizona has one remaining legal challenge over the Nov. 3 election results.
In a lawsuit filed Thursday, the Arizona Republican Party is seeking a court order to change how Maricopa County conducts a hand-count audit of a sampling of ballots as a quality control measure.
The party wants the sample measured on a precinct level, rather than among the county’s new vote centers, which let people vote at any location across the county. County officials have declined to comment on the lawsuit and hadn’t yet responded in court to the lawsuit.
It’s unclear whether the party is seeking a new audit or a re-tabulation of the audit that the county completed on Nov. 9.
A hearing is scheduled Monday in the case.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Judge finds Iowa man guilty in grandmother's slaying

ONAMA , Iowa ( AP ) - A judge in western Iowa on Friday found a man guilty of first-degree @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
District Judge Zachary Hindman on Friday ruled Eliot Stowe is guilty for @ @ @ @ @ Cheryl Stowe at her rural home in Castana in June 2018 , the Sioux City @ @ @ @ @ faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without opportunity for parole .
Cheryl Stowe @ @ @ @ @ wrapped in a rug and duct tape at the edge of a cornfield near her @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , a day after her supervisor had asked authorities to check on her .
@ @ @ @ @ beaten her with a baseball bat .
Eliot Stowe ’ s defense team has argued @ @ @ @ @ and that he ’ s not guilty by reason of insanity .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ decision , based on the evidence that was presented at trial , ” his public @ @ @ @ @ A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled .

ONAMA, Iowa (AP) - A judge in western Iowa on Friday found a man guilty of first-degree murder for killing his grandmother in 2018.
District Judge Zachary Hindman on Friday ruled Eliot Stowe is guilty for the beating death of 66-year-old Cheryl Stowe at her rural home in Castana in June 2018, the Sioux City Journal reported.
Eliot Stowe faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without opportunity for parole.
Cheryl Stowe’s body was found wrapped in a rug and duct tape at the edge of a cornfield near her home on June 27, 2018, a day after her supervisor had asked authorities to check on her.
Prosecutors say Eliot Stowe had beaten her with a baseball bat. Eliot Stowe’s defense team has argued that he suffers from schizophrenia and that he’s not guilty by reason of insanity.
“I’m very disappointed with the decision, based on the evidence that was presented at trial,” his public defender Jennifer Solberg said.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--More San Francisco Bay Area counties ban indoor dining

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - Several San Francisco Bay Area counties are joining San Francisco in banning all indoor dining and scaling back other activities as coronavirus cases surge nationwide , alarming public health officials as the holidays approach .
Santa Clara , Marin and Contra Costa counties announced Friday that they will halt indoor dining as of Tuesday .
Contra Costa County also is ordering indoor gyms and fitness centers to close .
Santa Clara is requiring gyms to operate at 10 % capacity and closing all outdoor bars , bowling alleys and other indoor family centers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cautious than the rest of the state in allowing activities during the pandemic , and health officers representing 7 million people implemented a stay-at-home order back in March ahead of a similar order by the state .
Dr. Sara Cody , health officer for Santa Clara County , which is home to Silicon Valley , said it is “ absolutely imperative ” to take action given the steep increase in cases starting around Election Day .
She said she expects the state to move the county back to a more restrictive tier of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action .
“ We do not take these actions lightly , not at all , ” she said .
“ These are extraordinarily difficult decisions to make.
” San Francisco ’ s ban on indoor dining goes into effect Friday night , and Marin County , which had just this week recommended restaurants voluntarily reduce capacity indoors to 25 % , said Friday that it would not permit any inside dining .
Businesses have pushed back on the idea that restaurants and gyms are to blame for virus transmission , and health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings at home where family and friends are not wearing masks or socially distancing are to blame for the latest surge .
But Cody said eating indoors where masks can not stay on at all times “ is a very high-risk activity.
” Contra Costa County also is requiring concession stands at movie theaters to close starting Tuesday , said Dr. Chris Farnitano , county health officer .
“ We chose these activities because of the risks involved , ” Farnitano said , about indoor dining , gyms and movie theaters .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eat or drink , as do movie patrons when snacking on food from concession stands.
” He said that heavy breathing while exercising can transmit virus particles up to 10 feet ( 3 meters ) .
The order does not have an end date and will be reevaluated when numbers decrease , he said .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Several San Francisco Bay Area counties are joining San Francisco in banning all indoor dining and scaling back other activities as coronavirus cases surge nationwide, alarming public health officials as the holidays approach.
Santa Clara, Marin and Contra Costa counties announced Friday that they will halt indoor dining as of Tuesday.
Contra Costa County also is ordering indoor gyms and fitness centers to close. Santa Clara is requiring gyms to operate at 10% capacity and closing all outdoor bars, bowling alleys and other indoor family centers.
The Bay Area generally has been more cautious than the rest of the state in allowing activities during the pandemic, and health officers representing 7 million people implemented a stay-at-home order back in March ahead of a similar order by the state.
Dr. Sara Cody, health officer for Santa Clara County, which is home to Silicon Valley, said it is “absolutely imperative” to take action given the steep increase in cases starting around Election Day. She said she expects the state to move the county back to a more restrictive tier of operation and would rather not wait to take action.
“We do not take these actions lightly, not at all,” she said. “These are extraordinarily difficult decisions to make.”
San Francisco’s ban on indoor dining goes into effect Friday night, and Marin County, which had just this week recommended restaurants voluntarily reduce capacity indoors to 25%, said Friday that it would not permit any inside dining.
Businesses have pushed back on the idea that restaurants and gyms are to blame for virus transmission, and health officials have said that small, casual gatherings at home where family and friends are not wearing masks or socially distancing are to blame for the latest surge.
But Cody said eating indoors where masks cannot stay on at all times “is a very high-risk activity.”
Contra Costa County also is requiring concession stands at movie theaters to close starting Tuesday, said Dr. Chris Farnitano, county health officer.
“We chose these activities because of the risks involved,” Farnitano said, about indoor dining, gyms and movie theaters. “Diners at restaurants remove their masks to eat or drink, as do movie patrons when snacking on food from concession stands.”
He said that heavy breathing while exercising can transmit virus particles up to 10 feet (3 meters). The order does not have an end date and will be reevaluated when numbers decrease, he said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Oklahoma governor requests federal disaster declaration

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) - Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt on Friday requested a federal major disaster declaration from last month ’ s ice storm that caused an estimated $ 27 million in damages in 13 central Oklahoma counties .
Stitt said in a press release that additional counties could be added in coming weeks as more damage assessments are conducted .
If approved , federal funding would reimburse local cities , counties , tribes and rural electric cooperatives for some storm-related costs .
The counties included in the request are : Caddo , Canadian , Cleveland , Dewey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Logan , Noble , Oklahoma , Payne , Pottawatomie and Roger Mills .
“ The combination of three days of freezing rain and an early fall time period made this ice storm especially destructive to a large portion of our state , ” said Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Mark Gower .
As many as 500,000 Oklahoma homes and businesses lost power when the late October storm iced over trees that crashed through powerlines and blocked roadways .
One electric utility official described the storm as a “ worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whom lost power for more than a week .

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Friday requested a federal major disaster declaration from last month’s ice storm that caused an estimated $27 million in damages in 13 central Oklahoma counties.
Stitt said in a press release that additional counties could be added in coming weeks as more damage assessments are conducted. If approved, federal funding would reimburse local cities, counties, tribes and rural electric cooperatives for some storm-related costs. The counties included in the request are: Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Dewey, Grady, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Logan, Noble, Oklahoma, Payne, Pottawatomie and Roger Mills.
“The combination of three days of freezing rain and an early fall time period made this ice storm especially destructive to a large portion of our state,” said Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Mark Gower.
As many as 500,000 Oklahoma homes and businesses lost power when the late October storm iced over trees that crashed through powerlines and blocked roadways. One electric utility official described the storm as a “worst nightmare” for many Oklahomans, some of whom lost power for more than a week.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Senator-elect Mark Kelly says bipartisanship a real mission

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Democrat Mark Kelly pledged Friday to stick with the campaign theme of bipartisanship that won him a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona ’ s election , saying it was more than a rallying point to get voters in the traditionally Republican state to back him .
Instead , the newly elected retired astronaut said it ’ s what he and his wife , former Rep. Gabby Giffords , have always believed , and he wants Arizonans to know he plans to turn the campaign theme into action .
“ The polarization and the politization that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it just makes it where our country has a hard time , our government doesn ’ t even function well anymore , ” Kelly said in an interview with The Associated Press .
“ And I think the only way to fix that is for individuals , both Democrats and Republicans , to be committed to working together with the other side.
” Kelly will get an early look at how that might work in a little over two weeks .
He will be sworn in as soon as the election results are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed to the seat once held by the late John McCain until last week ’ s special election could be held .
Kelly has already put together a bipartisan transition team to advise him .
McSally called him Friday to concede and offer her help in the transition .
“ I spoke to her today and had a great conversation with her , ” Kelly said .
“ And she recognized that I have an accelerated timeline here to put an office together before I get sworn in in December .
She pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” First on the agenda for Kelly will be addressing the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on people and the economy , He noted that the U.S. has seen 1 million new COVID-19 infections in the past 10 days , a massive increase that shows the need for immediate government action .
He said that while president-elect Joe Biden is putting together a team to handle the pandemic , when he is sworn in in January , there is a crisis now .
“ In a crisis you ’ ve got to handle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressing COVID 19 and at the same time trying to support those folks out there that have really struggled , lost their jobs and trying to get by here in the state of Arizona on very little in unemployment benefits , ” he said .
“ And then try to put the economy back together after this.
” Kelly positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist with no patience for Washington partisanship during the campaign .
When the coronavirus pandemic struck , he retreated to mostly online outreach , minimizing face-to-face campaigning while blasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic to get out of control .
McSally , a retired Air Force pilot and former congresswoman who took office in January 2019 after Gov .
Doug Ducey appointed her , conceded in a Friday statement and said it was an honor to serve and thanked Ducey .
“ I will always be inspired by the strength , resilience , innovation , and compassion that I witnessed from Arizonans as I traveled throughout our great state , ” she said .
“ I will never forget what I learned from all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was left with disabilities after being shot in the head in a 2011 assassination attempt in Tucson , may travel with him to Washington .
“ Gabby ’ s pretty tough – she ’ s one of the toughest people I know and she is motivated and a hard-working individual , ” he said .
‘ When she served in Congress she went back and forth a lot , and I suspect she ’ s going to want to spend a lot of time with me in D.C. now.
” That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms laws , although he ’ s a gun owner and strong backer of the 2nd Amendment .
He said he will seek laws that protect communities from gun violence .
“ And there ’ s a lot that can be done that most Arizonans support , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a political issue , but it ’ s something that ’ s very personal to me.
” Kelly said the tight party split where Republicans have a slim Senate majority provides an opportunity for the bipartisanship he ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be important to reach across the aisle to those Republicans who want to get things done , ” Kelly said .
“ I think it ’ s going to be up to both parties to address some of these major issues that we ’ re facing.
” Arizona will send two Democrats to the Senate for the first time in nearly 70 years when Kelly joins Kyrsten Sinema in Washington .
Kelly will finish the last two years of McCain ’ s term and then face reelection in 2022 .

PHOENIX (AP) - Democrat Mark Kelly pledged Friday to stick with the campaign theme of bipartisanship that won him a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona’s election, saying it was more than a rallying point to get voters in the traditionally Republican state to back him.
Instead, the newly elected retired astronaut said it’s what he and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, have always believed, and he wants Arizonans to know he plans to turn the campaign theme into action.
“The polarization and the politization that we’ve seen on issues, it just makes it where our country has a hard time, our government doesn’t even function well anymore,” Kelly said in an interview with The Associated Press. “And I think the only way to fix that is for individuals, both Democrats and Republicans, to be committed to working together with the other side.”
Kelly will get an early look at how that might work in a little over two weeks. He will be sworn in as soon as the election results are certified because current Sen. Martha McSally was appointed to the seat once held by the late John McCain until last week’s special election could be held.
Kelly has already put together a bipartisan transition team to advise him. McSally called him Friday to concede and offer her help in the transition.
“I spoke to her today and had a great conversation with her,” Kelly said. “And she recognized that I have an accelerated timeline here to put an office together before I get sworn in in December. She pointed that out and wants to be helpful.”
First on the agenda for Kelly will be addressing the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on people and the economy, He noted that the U.S. has seen 1 million new COVID-19 infections in the past 10 days, a massive increase that shows the need for immediate government action. He said that while president-elect Joe Biden is putting together a team to handle the pandemic, when he is sworn in in January, there is a crisis now.
“In a crisis you’ve got to handle those things first, and that means addressing COVID 19 and at the same time trying to support those folks out there that have really struggled, lost their jobs and trying to get by here in the state of Arizona on very little in unemployment benefits,” he said. “And then try to put the economy back together after this.”
Kelly positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist with no patience for Washington partisanship during the campaign. When the coronavirus pandemic struck, he retreated to mostly online outreach, minimizing face-to-face campaigning while blasting McSally and President Donald Trump for allowing the pandemic to get out of control.
McSally, a retired Air Force pilot and former congresswoman who took office in January 2019 after Gov. Doug Ducey appointed her, conceded in a Friday statement and said it was an honor to serve and thanked Ducey.
“I will always be inspired by the strength, resilience, innovation, and compassion that I witnessed from Arizonans as I traveled throughout our great state,” she said. “I will never forget what I learned from all of you. ”
Kelly said his wife, who was left with disabilities after being shot in the head in a 2011 assassination attempt in Tucson, may travel with him to Washington.
“Gabby’s pretty tough – she’s one of the toughest people I know and she is motivated and a hard-working individual,” he said. ‘When she served in Congress she went back and forth a lot, and I suspect she’s going to want to spend a lot of time with me in D.C. now.”
That shooting led Kelly to push for tighter firearms laws, although he’s a gun owner and strong backer of the 2nd Amendment. He said he will seek laws that protect communities from gun violence.
“And there’s a lot that can be done that most Arizonans support,” he said. “It’s a political issue, but it’s something that’s very personal to me.”
Kelly said the tight party split where Republicans have a slim Senate majority provides an opportunity for the bipartisanship he ran on.
“It’s going to be important to reach across the aisle to those Republicans who want to get things done,” Kelly said. “I think it’s going to be up to both parties to address some of these major issues that we’re facing.”
Arizona will send two Democrats to the Senate for the first time in nearly 70 years when Kelly joins Kyrsten Sinema in Washington. Kelly will finish the last two years of McCain’s term and then face reelection in 2022.
___
Find AP’s full election coverage at APNews.com/Election2020.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Mexico arrests drug gang members for killing of journalist

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Authorities in Mexico ’ s border city of Ciudad Juarez , across from El Paso , Texas said Friday they have arrested two drug gang members in connection with the Oct. 29 murder of a local television anchor .
But the governor of Chihuahua state said the killing was not related to the victim ’ s work as a journalist .
Gov .
Javier Corral said the suspects were members of the Artistas Asesinos drug gang and have been linked to other murders .
He said they apparently killed television news presenter Arturo Alba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival .
The two suspects were among a group of five men detained Nov. 10 with guns , fentanyl and meth .
Subsequent investigations linked them to the killing .
It was unclear what charges they currently face .
The state government said in a statement that suspects testified the killing “ occurred because he happened to park at the scene of the attack , and they mistook his vehicle.
” Prosecutors said Alba Medina worked as a TV anchor and served as spokesman for a local college , the Instituto Tecnológico of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted the Telediario news show on Multimedios Televisión , and had reported on crime and violence .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Authorities in Mexico’s border city of Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas said Friday they have arrested two drug gang members in connection with the Oct. 29 murder of a local television anchor.
But the governor of Chihuahua state said the killing was not related to the victim’s work as a journalist.
Gov. Javier Corral said the suspects were members of the Artistas Asesinos drug gang and have been linked to other murders. He said they apparently killed television news presenter Arturo Alba Medina because they mistook him for a rival.
The two suspects were among a group of five men detained Nov. 10 with guns, fentanyl and meth. Subsequent investigations linked them to the killing. It was unclear what charges they currently face.
The state government said in a statement that suspects testified the killing “occurred because he happened to park at the scene of the attack, and they mistook his vehicle.”
Prosecutors said Alba Medina worked as a TV anchor and served as spokesman for a local college, the Instituto Tecnológico of Ciudad Juárez. Local media said he hosted the Telediario news show on Multimedios Televisión, and had reported on crime and violence.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Wind storm causes lengthy power outage around Whidbey Island

EVERETT , Wash. ( AP ) - Because of high winds , the majority of Whidbey Island was experiencing a @ @ @ @ @ residents .
The power went out around 11:30 a.m. Friday , The Herald reported .
@ @ @ @ @ , it was expected to last upwards of midnight Friday .
As of Friday evening @ @ @ @ @ showed more than 34,800 customers were affected , including those in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island @ @ @ @ @ service areas near Whidbey .
Residents on Camano Island lost power around 11:15 a.m. Friday @ @ @ @ @ a transmission line , said Aaron Swaney , a spokesman for the Snohomish County Public @ @ @ @ @ PUD customers , including some in Stanwood , were without power as of Friday evening @ @ @ @ @ lights at some highway intersections were out , creating minor motorist confusion .
Grocery stores @ @ @ @ @ The Clinton ferry terminal has a generator and service to Mukilteo remained on schedule .

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - Because of high winds, the majority of Whidbey Island was experiencing a prolonged power outage for most residents.
The power went out around 11:30 a.m. Friday, The Herald reported. According to Puget Sound Energy, it was expected to last upwards of midnight Friday. As of Friday evening, the PSE outage map showed more than 34,800 customers were affected, including those in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island, La Conner and other service areas near Whidbey.
Residents on Camano Island lost power around 11:15 a.m. Friday because of equipment damage on a transmission line, said Aaron Swaney, a spokesman for the Snohomish County Public Utility District. About 14,500 PUD customers, including some in Stanwood, were without power as of Friday evening.
On Whidbey, traffic lights at some highway intersections were out, creating minor motorist confusion. Grocery stores with generators were open.
The Clinton ferry terminal has a generator and service to Mukilteo remained on schedule.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Dana Balter concedes to Rep. John Katko in New York

SYRACUSE , N.Y. — The Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. John Katko in a battleground district in central New York conceded the race Friday .
Dana Balter said in a statement that after several days of absentee ballots being counted , it was clear she had no path forward .
“ Today , I congratulate Congressman Katko on his victory and hope that in his next term , he will advocate for policies that will help working families in this district , ” she wrote .
Katko , a 57-year-old former federal prosecutor , has held a wide lead over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press has not called the race because of a lack of publicly available information about the count of absentee ballots .
If his win is confirmed , Katko will get a fourth term after defeating Balter for the second time .
She also ran against Katko and lost in 2018 , even though Democrats narrowly outnumber Republicans in New York ’ s 24th Congressional District .
Katko has tried to cultivate an independent brand to reflect the nature of the swing district that includes Syracuse .
But he also endorsed President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so in 2016 .
Balter , 44 , has worked as a community organizer and at a disability services nonprofit but has not held public office .
The candidates differed sharply on health care .
Balter advocated for keeping and improving the Affordable Care Act while transitioning to a “ Medicare for All ” system .
Katko wants to repeal the act known as Obamacare , but not until the GOP comes up with a viable replacement .

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. John Katko in a battleground district in central New York conceded the race Friday.
Dana Balter said in a statement that after several days of absentee ballots being counted, it was clear she had no path forward.
“Today, I congratulate Congressman Katko on his victory and hope that in his next term, he will advocate for policies that will help working families in this district,” she wrote.
Katko, a 57-year-old former federal prosecutor, has held a wide lead over Balter since Election Day, but The Associated Press has not called the race because of a lack of publicly available information about the count of absentee ballots.
If his win is confirmed, Katko will get a fourth term after defeating Balter for the second time. She also ran against Katko and lost in 2018, even though Democrats narrowly outnumber Republicans in New York’s 24th Congressional District.
Katko said it was “an honor and a privilege” to represent the district.
“I am especially humbled by the resounding support our campaign received across party lines. Now, more than ever, our nation needs members of Congress willing to work across the aisle to deliver,” he said.
Katko has tried to cultivate an independent brand to reflect the nature of the swing district that includes Syracuse. But he also endorsed President Donald Trump’s reelection bid after declining to do so in 2016.
Balter, 44, has worked as a community organizer and at a disability services nonprofit but has not held public office.
The candidates differed sharply on health care. Balter advocated for keeping and improving the Affordable Care Act while transitioning to a “Medicare for All” system. Katko wants to repeal the act known as Obamacare, but not until the GOP comes up with a viable replacement.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Trump skips Southeast Asia summit for third year in a row

HANOI , Vietnam ( AP ) - U.S. President Donald Trump skipped a virtual summit with his Southeast Asian counterparts on Saturday , the third year in a row that the U.S. is being represented at a lower level .
National security adviser Robert O ’ Brien said Trump regretted he was unable to attend the online summit with the 10-members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations but stressed the importance of ties with the region .
“ At this time of global crisis , the U.S.-ASEAN strategic partnership has become even more important as we work together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brien said in remarks at the opening ceremony , which was livestreamed to ASEAN members watching from their respective countries .
Trump attended the ASEAN summit in 2017 , but sent only representatives during the last two meetings .
A special summit with ASEAN that he was supposed to host in Las Vegas in March was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Trump is busy with challenging the results of the Nov. 3 presidential race won by Democrat Joe Biden , insisting he was the victim of election fraud .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The White House said in a statement that O ’ Brien will also represent the U.S. at an East Asia virtual summit later Saturday with ASEAN as well as China , Japan and South Korea .
Despite Trump ’ s absence , it said ASEAN remains central to his vision for a “ free and open Indo-Pacific , ” Washington ’ s strategy to counter China ’ s growing influence in the region .
China ’ s sway in the region is set to expand with a massive free trade agreement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will cover almost a third of the world economy , includes the ASEAN nations , China , Japan , South Korea , Australia and New Zealand .
India backed backed out of the plan last year and it does not include the United States , despite America ’ s $ 2 trillion in trade with the region .
In his remarks Saturday , O ’ Brien touted ASEAN as the fourth-largest trading partner for the U.S. , with trade reaching over $ 354 billion dollars last year .
“ We deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key supply chains open , factories operating , and PPE flowing , ” he said , referring to personal protective equipment used to protect against the coronavirus .
He noted that the U.S. had contributed $ 87 million to combat the coronavirus in Southeast Asia , including providing American made ventilators and PPE .
“ The United States has your back and we know you have ours , ” he added .

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — President Donald Trump skipped summits with his Asian counterparts for the third year in a row on Saturday, even as rival China is set to expand its influence with a massive free trade deal in the region.
National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien said Trump regretted he was unable to attend the online summit with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but stressed the importance of ties with the region.
“At this time of global crisis, the U.S.-ASEAN strategic partnership has become even more important as we work together to combat the coronavirus,” O’Brien said in remarks at the opening ceremony, which was livestreamed to ASEAN members watching from their respective countries.
Trump attended the ASEAN summit in 2017, but sent only representatives during the last two meetings. A special summit with ASEAN that he was supposed to host in Las Vegas in March was called off due to the pandemic.
Trump has been busy challenging the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election, insisting he was the victim of election fraud. Most countries have acknowledged Joe Biden’s victory.
O’Brien also represented the U.S. at an East Asia virtual summit later Saturday that included the ASEAN members as well as Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Russia.
Despite Trump’s absence, the White House said in a statement that ASEAN remains central to his vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” Washington’s strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
China’s sway in the region is set to expand with a free trade agreement that will be signed Sunday. The pact, which will cover almost a third of the world economy, includes the ASEAN nations, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
India backed out of the plan last year, and the agreement also does not include the United States, despite America’s $2 trillion in trade with the countries in the pact.
In his remarks Saturday, O’Brien touted ASEAN as the fourth-largest trading partner for the U.S., with trade reaching over $354 billion last year.
“We deeply appreciate ASEAN partners’ efforts to keep the key supply chains open, factories operating and PPE flowing,” O’Brien said, referring to personal protective equipment used to protect against the coronavirus.
He noted that the U.S. had contributed $87 million to combat the coronavirus in Southeast Asia, including providing ventilators and PPE.
“The United States has your back and we know you have ours,” O’Brien said.
At the East Asia summit later Saturday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres said the virus had infected at least 14 million people in Asia and killed more than a quarter million in the region. At least 39 million people could revert to extreme poverty in East Asia alone, he warned.
The U.N. has urged countries to put together a stimulus package amounting to at least 10% of global gross domestic product, Gutteres said.
With the global community facing its deepest recession since World War II, the World Bank is on track to commit a record $160 billion over 15 months, including grants and concessional financing, said its president, David Malpass.
Still, the pandemic remains an enormous obstacle to development and a successful vaccination program will be key to recovery, he said.
Earlier Saturday, China, Japan and South Korea sought deeper regional cooperation to battle the pandemic.
“Facing a possible second wave as winter is setting in, we can work together to mitigate the pandemic and to reopen the economy,” said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the region must work together toward the development and equitable supply of vaccines and treatments, and establish an effective mechanism to prepare to battle new infectious diseases.
He said the speed of global economic recovery will be very uneven amid trade protectionism and uncertainties in the financial markets. An accelerated transition to a digital economy could also widen the gap between social classes, Moon warned.
“We must work to strengthen the resilience of our economies and identify measures for inclusive, sustainable growth,” he said.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Tokyo has been engaged in boosting ASEAN’s economic resilience and remains committed to deepening ties with Southeast Asia.
Japan and South Korea have committed $1 million each to an ASEAN COVID-19 fund, meant to support member states in securing medical equipment and finance research on drugs and vaccines against the coronavirus.
___
Ng reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Associated Press writers Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-11-13--Democrat concedes to US Rep. John Katko in central New York

SYRACUSE , N.Y. ( AP ) - The Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. John Katko in a battleground district in central New York conceded the race Friday .
Dana Balter said in a statement that after several days of absentee ballots being counted , it was clear she had no path forward .
“ Today , I congratulate Congressman Katko on his victory and hope that in his next term , he will advocate for policies that will help working families in this district , ” she wrote .
Katko , a 57-year-old former federal prosecutor , has held a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but The Associated Press has not called the race because of a lack of publicly available information about the count of absentee ballots .
If his win is confirmed , Katko will get a fourth term after defeating Balter for the second time .
She also ran against Katko and lost in 2018 , even though Democrats narrowly outnumber Republicans in New York ’ s 24th Congressional District .
Katko has tried to cultivate an independent brand to reflect the nature of the swing district that includes Syracuse .
But he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid after declining to do so in 2016 .
Balter , 44 , has worked as a community organizer and at a disability services nonprofit but has not held public office .
The candidates differed sharply on health care .
Balter advocated for keeping and improving the Affordable Care Act while transitioning to a “ Medicare for All ” system .
Katko wants to repeal the act known as Obamacare , but not until the GOP comes up with a viable replacement .

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - The Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. John Katko in a battleground district in central New York conceded the race Friday.
Dana Balter said in a statement that after several days of absentee ballots being counted, it was clear she had no path forward.
“Today, I congratulate Congressman Katko on his victory and hope that in his next term, he will advocate for policies that will help working families in this district,” she wrote.
Katko, a 57-year-old former federal prosecutor, has held a wide lead over Balter since Election Day, but The Associated Press has not called the race because of a lack of publicly available information about the count of absentee ballots.
If his win is confirmed, Katko will get a fourth term after defeating Balter for the second time. She also ran against Katko and lost in 2018, even though Democrats narrowly outnumber Republicans in New York’s 24th Congressional District.
Katko said it was “an honor and a privilege” to represent the district.
“I am especially humbled by the resounding support our campaign received across party lines. Now, more than ever, our nation needs members of Congress willing to work across the aisle to deliver,” he said.
Katko has tried to cultivate an independent brand to reflect the nature of the swing district that includes Syracuse. But he also endorsed President Donald Trump’s reelection bid after declining to do so in 2016.
Balter, 44, has worked as a community organizer and at a disability services nonprofit but has not held public office.
The candidates differed sharply on health care. Balter advocated for keeping and improving the Affordable Care Act while transitioning to a “Medicare for All” system. Katko wants to repeal the act known as Obamacare, but not until the GOP comes up with a viable replacement.