washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Lebanese Cabinet formation hits snags amid disagreements

BEIRUT ( AP ) - Lebanese officials held 11th-hour negotiations on Monday over the formation of a new government , a process which hit snags over the weekend despite a looming deadline to deliver on a promise made to French President Emmanuel Macron .
The French leader has been pressing Lebanese politicians to form a Cabinet made up of independent specialists that can work on enacting urgent reforms to extract Lebanon from a devastating economic and financial crisis worsened by the devastating Aug. 4 explosion at Beirut port .
The small , cash-strapped country is in desperate need of financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have refused to provide aid before serious reforms are made .
The crisis represents the biggest threat to Lebanon since the 15-year civil war that ended in 1990 , and is largely blamed on decades of systematic corruption and mismanagement by Lebanon ’ s ruling class .
During Macron ’ s Sept 1. visit to Lebanon , Lebanese politicians promised a new government would be formed within two weeks .
With one day left before that deadline , Prime Minister-designate Moustapha Adib was expected to present his Cabinet lineup to President Michel Aoun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only held further consultations with the president .
Adib ’ s French-supported efforts to form a government of experts without party loyalists hit snags the last few days , particularly after objections by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri , the powerful head of Lebanon ’ s Shiite Amal party .
Berri , an ally of the Shiite Hezbollah group , is insisting on retaining hold on the Finance Ministry .
The insistence emerged after the U.S. administration slapped sanctions on his top aide last week .
Macron held a telephone call with Berri on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted that the Finance Ministry is traditionally controlled by Shiites in Lebanon , according to his aides .
In a statement issued by his office later , Berri said he objected to the way the Cabinet formation was being undertaken .
However , Berri said he would be supportive of any initiative to stabilize the nation .
A government opposed by Lebanon ’ s two main Shiite groups - both loyal to Iran - would find it difficult to pass a vote of confidence in parliament .
Adib , after meeting with Aoun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president for “ further consultations ” and “ we hope for the best.
” Macron has visited Lebanon twice in less than a month , trying to force change on its leadership amid the crises and last month ’ s massive explosion in Beirut ’ s port .
The Beirut port blast , caused by the detonation of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrates stored for years there , killed more than 190 people and injuring around 6,500 .
So far , no one has been held accountable for the explosion nor have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catastrophic blast could have happened .
The turmoil comes to the backdrop of rising poverty , anger and divisions among the Lebanese .
Authorities have also warned against instability that could lead to further unrest .
The army said Monday that four troops were killed during a raid in the country ’ s north that targeted the house of an extremist fugitive .
Khaled Tellawi had been blamed for an attack last month that killed three men in a predominantly Christian village in northern Lebanon .
Tellawi , a Lebanese national , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had links to the Islamic State group .

BEIRUT (AP) - Lebanese officials held 11th-hour negotiations on Monday over the formation of a new government for the crisis-hit country, a process which hit snags over the weekend despite a looming deadline to deliver on a promise made to French President Emmanuel Macron.
The French leader has been pressing Lebanese politicians to form a Cabinet made up of independent specialists that can work on enacting urgent reforms to extract Lebanon from a devastating economic and financial crisis worsened by the devastating Aug. 4 explosion at Beirut port.
The small, cash-strapped country is in desperate need of financial assistance but France and other international powers have refused to provide aid before serious reforms are made. The crisis represents the biggest threat to Lebanon since the 15-year civil war that ended in 1990, and is largely blamed on decades of systematic corruption and mismanagement by Lebanon’s ruling class.
During Macron’s Sept 1. visit to Lebanon, Lebanese politicians promised a new government would be formed within two weeks. With one day left before that deadline, Prime Minister-designate Moustapha Adib was expected to present his Cabinet lineup to President Michel Aoun on Monday. But instead, Adib only held further consultations with the president.
Although he could still form a Cabinet later, missing the deadline would be an early blow to the premier-designate, who quit his job as Lebanese ambassador to Germany for the new post.
On Monday, the French Foreign Ministry said all Lebanese political forces had endorsed the rapid formation of a government that can implement essential reforms.
“It is up to them to translate this commitment into action without delay,” it said.
Adib’s French-supported efforts to form a government of experts without party loyalists hit snags the last few days, particularly after objections by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the powerful head of Lebanon’s Shiite Amal party.
Berri, an ally of the Shiite Hezbollah group, is insisting on retaining hold on the Finance Ministry. The insistence emerged after the U.S. administration slapped sanctions on his top aide last week.
Macron held a telephone call with Berri on Saturday, during which the speaker reportedly insisted that the Finance Ministry is traditionally controlled by Shiites in Lebanon, according to his aides.
In a statement issued by his office later, Berri said he objected to the way the Cabinet formation was being undertaken. However, Berri said he would be supportive of any initiative to stabilize the nation.
A government opposed by Lebanon’s two main Shiite groups - both loyal to Iran - would find it difficult to pass a vote of confidence in parliament.
Adib, after meeting with Aoun on Monday, said he met the president for “further consultations” and “we hope for the best.”
Macron has visited Lebanon twice in less than a month, trying to force change on its leadership amid the crises and last month’s massive explosion in Beirut’s port.
The Beirut port blast, caused by the detonation of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrates stored for years there, killed more than 190 people and injuring around 6,500. So far, no one has been held accountable for the explosion nor have officials provided answers to how such a catastrophic blast could have happened.
The turmoil comes to the backdrop of rising poverty, anger and divisions among the Lebanese. Authorities have also warned against instability that could lead to further unrest. The army said Monday that four troops were killed during a raid in the country’s north that targeted the house of an extremist fugitive.
Khaled Tellawi had been blamed for an attack last month that killed three men in a predominantly Christian village in northern Lebanon. Tellawi, a Lebanese national, was a member of an extremist group that had links to the Islamic State group.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Nvidia to buy UK chip giant Arm Holdings for $40 billion

LONDON ( AP ) - U.S. graphics chip maker Nvidia said it plans to buy U.K.-based Arm Holdings in a deal worth up to $ 40 billion , in a move that would create a global powerhouse in the industry .
The deal , which was announced late Sunday by Nvidia and Arm ’ s parent company , Japanese technology giant SoftBank , raises concerns about the independence of Arm , one of Europe ’ s most important tech companies .
Arm ’ s chip designs power the vast majority of the world ’ s smartphones and the company is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected devices , known as the “ Internet of Things.
” Arm centers its business on designing chips and licensing the intellectual property , especially in mobile computing , rather than chip manufacturing , for which it relies on partners .
Being owned by a U.S. company could mean Arm is exposed to U.S. government export bans at a time when Washington is in a battle for tech supremacy with China .
Under the terms of the deal , Santa Clara , California-based Nvidia will pay SoftBank $ 21.5 billion in stock and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could earn a further $ 5 billion if Arm hits performance targets while Arm employees will get $ 1.5 billion worth of Nvidia shares .
SoftBank bought Arm for about $ 32 billion in 2016 , in an effort to cement the Japanese company ’ s ambitions in advancing how various devices , including security cameras and household appliances , connect online and work together .
That earlier deal sparked fears that one of Britain ’ s most successful tech companies would be involved in a foreign takeover , so the British government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s headquarters in the U.K. and double its British staff over five years as concessions .
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the U.S. company still plans to keep Arm based at its headquarters in Cambridge , England , where it will also build an artificial intelligence research center .
“ Together we ’ re going to create the world ’ s premier computing company for the age of AI , ” Huang told reporters .
“ We want more great engineers not fewer , we want more R & D ; not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done in the U.K. , in Cambridge , ” Huang said , adding that it wasn ’ t about consolidation or cost savings .
However , Hermann Hauser , who helped set up Arm , called the deal an “ absolute disaster for Cambridge , the U.K. and Europe.
” Hauser , now a technology investor , told the BBC ’ s Radio 4 that his biggest concern was that it would degrade what he called the U.K. ’ s “ economic sovereignty ” because Arm would end up falling under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That means “ if hundreds of U.K. companies that incorporate Arm ’ s ( technology ) in their products , want to sell it , and export it to anywhere in the world including China , which is a major market , the decision on whether they will be allowed to export it will be made in the White House and not in Downing Street.
” The deal would also destroy Arm ’ s “ neutral ” business model , which has made it the “ Switzerland of the semiconductor industry , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by licensing its technology to more than 500 companies , many of which are rivals to Nvidia , and the sale would create a “ monopoly problem , ” he said .
Regulators in the U.S. , U.K. , China , the European Union will need to approve the deal , which will need about 18 months to complete .
The British government said it could intervene in the deal because of the “ vital role ” Arm plays in the U.K. ’ s tech sector .
“ The government monitors acquisitions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a significant impact on the U.K. we will not hesitate to investigate further and take appropriate action , ” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s spokesman , James Slack .
“ We are investigating this deal further and ministers are speaking to the relevant companies.
” For all of AP ’ s tech coverage , visit https : //apnews.com/apf-technology

LONDON (AP) - U.S. graphics chip maker Nvidia said it plans to buy U.K.-based Arm Holdings in a deal worth up to $40 billion, in a move that would create a global powerhouse in the industry.
The deal, announced late Sunday by Nvidia and Arm’s parent company, Japanese technology giant SoftBank, raises concerns about the independence of Arm, one of Europe’s most important tech companies.
The vast majority of the world’s smartphones run on Arm’s chip designs and it’s a vital supplier for companies like Apple and Samsung. It’s also an innovator in chip technology that can power artificial intelligence for connected devices like medical sensors, known as the “Internet of Things.” The company’s business centers on designing chips and licensing the intellectual property to customers, rather than chip manufacturing, for which it relies on partners.
Being owned by a U.S. company could mean Arm is exposed to U.S. government export bans at a time when Washington is in a battle for tech supremacy with China.
Under the terms of the deal, Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia will pay SoftBank $21.5 billion in stock and $12 billion in cash. SoftBank could earn a further $5 billion if Arm hits performance targets while Arm employees will get $1.5 billion worth of Nvidia shares. Nvidia shares jumped more than 6% on news of the deal.
SoftBank bought Arm for about $32 billion in 2016, in a deal that sparked fears one of Britain’s most successful tech companies would succumb to a foreign takeover. To allay the concerns, the British government got SoftBank to agree to keep Arm’s headquarters in the U.K. and double its British staff over five years.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the U.S. company still plans to keep Arm based at its headquarters in Cambridge, England, where it will also build an artificial intelligence research center.
“Together we’re going to create the world’s premier computing company for the age of AI,” Huang told reporters.
“We want more great engineers not fewer, we want more R&D not less. And we want that work to be done in the U.K., in Cambridge,” Huang said, adding that it wasn’t about consolidation or cost savings.
However, Hermann Hauser, who helped set up Arm, called the deal an “absolute disaster for Cambridge, the U.K. and Europe.”
Hauser, now a technology investor, told the BBC’s Radio 4 that his biggest concern was that it would degrade what he called the U.K.’s “economic sovereignty” because Arm would end up falling under the jurisdiction of U.S. export controls.
That means “if hundreds of U.K. companies that incorporate Arm’s (technology) in their products, want to sell it, and export it to anywhere in the world including China, which is a major market, the decision on whether they will be allowed to export it will be made in the White House and not in Downing Street.”
Arm CEO Simon Segars shrugged off the concerns. He said whether the U.S. has jurisdiction is determined by how and where products were developed, not the parent company’s ownership.
“The majority of our products are designed in the U.K. or outside the U.S. and the majority of our products don’t fall under much of the U.S. export control set of rules,” he said.
The deal would also destroy Arm’s “neutral” business model, which has made it the “Switzerland of the semiconductor industry,” Hauser said. Arm has become successful by licensing its technology to more than 500 companies, many of which are rivals to Nvidia, and the sale would create a “monopoly problem,” he said.
Nvidia plans to maintain its open licensing model and customer neutrality, Huang said.
Regulators in the U.S., U.K., China, the European Union will need to approve the deal, which will need about 18 months to complete.
The British government said it could intervene in the deal because of the “vital role” Arm plays in the U.K.’s tech sector.
“The government monitors acquisitions and mergers closely and when a takeover may have a significant impact on the U.K. we will not hesitate to investigate further and take appropriate action,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman, James Slack.
“We are investigating this deal further and ministers are speaking to the relevant companies.”
___
Jill Lawless contributed to this report.
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For all of AP’s tech coverage, visit https://apnews.com/apf-technology
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Follow Kelvin Chan at twitter.com/chanman


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Berlusconi's back: Ex-Premier leaves hospital after COVID

ROME ( AP ) - Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi , who has made a career out of bouncing back from setbacks , was released from the hospital Monday after an “ insidious ” bout of COVID-19 that he said was the most dangerous challenge he had ever faced .
Wearing a suit and smiling after taking off his face mask , the 83-year-old Berlusconi said doctors at San Raffaele hospital in Milan told him he had the highest levels of virus they had seen in the tens of thousands of samples they had taken over the past six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the virus seriously and “ rigorously ” adhere to mask mandates , social distancing norms and frequent handwashing .
He sent a special appeal to Italy ’ s students , millions of whom were returning to school for the first time Monday since early March , when the country became the epicenter of the outbreak in Europe and schools shut down .
Berlusconi , who has had heart problems and has a pacemaker , thanked his doctors and acknowledged most Italians of his age and in his condition didn ’ t survive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I consider perhaps the most dangerous challenge of my life , ” he said before putting his mask back on and getting into a waiting car to continue his recovery at home .
Berlusconi tested positive for the virus Sept. 2 and was admitted to San Raffaele early Sept. 4 with the beginnings of pneumonia .
He didn ’ t require intensive care , but his doctor , Alberto Zangrillo , was quoted as saying that if Berlusconi had gotten sick in March - at the peak of Italy ’ s outbreak when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly would have died .
Acording to Italy ’ s Superior Institute of Health , men aged 80-89 have the highest mortality rate of virus patients in Italy , at 46 % .
Zangrillo has said Berlusconi was even more vulnerable given his pre-existing conditions .
Berlusconi seemed acutely aware of his chances .
“ But I can say with satisfaction that I dodged the bullet , ” he said smiling broadly .
Even from his hospital bed , Berlusconi kept campaigning for upcoming administrative elections , calling into a meeting of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
His comments outside San Raffaele had the air of a political leader seeking to rally Italians to fight the virus and help Italy recover its devastated economy .
He expressed solidarity with all those Italians who are sick or have lost loved ones to the virus , and he thanked especially Italy ’ s health care personnel , more than 30,000 of whom have been infected .
“ I saw firsthand that until the circulation of the virus is halted , each of us - even acting responsibly - risks being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Addressing students , he wished them good luck for the start of the school year but urged them to “ rigorously ” respect anti-virus measures .
“ Do it for yourselves , your friends , teachers , parents and grandparents who can get infected , ” he said .
The three-time premier , a media mogul who first came to political power in 1994 , has made a career out of rebounding from legal woes , personal scandal , heart trouble and political setbacks .
His center-right Forza Italia party , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now polls in the single digits and trails more conservative parties , such as its onetime junior coalition partner , the League .

ROME (AP) - Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who has made a career out of bouncing back from setbacks, was released from the hospital Monday after an “insidious” bout of COVID-19 that he said was the most dangerous challenge he had ever faced.
Wearing a suit and smiling after taking off his face mask, the 83-year-old Berlusconi said doctors at San Raffaele hospital in Milan told him he had the highest levels of virus they had seen in the tens of thousands of samples they had taken over the past six months.
An emotional Berlusconi urged Italians to take the virus seriously and “rigorously” adhere to mask mandates, social distancing norms and frequent handwashing. He sent a special appeal to Italy’s students, millions of whom were returning to school for the first time Monday since early March, when the country became the epicenter of the outbreak in Europe and schools shut down.
Berlusconi, who has had heart problems and has a pacemaker, thanked his doctors and acknowledged most Italians of his age and in his condition didn’t survive the virus.
“I overcame what I consider perhaps the most dangerous challenge of my life,” he said before putting his mask back on and getting into a waiting car to continue his recovery at home.
Berlusconi tested positive for the virus Sept. 2 and was admitted to San Raffaele early Sept. 4 with the beginnings of pneumonia. He didn’t require intensive care, but his doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, was quoted as saying that if Berlusconi had gotten sick in March - at the peak of Italy’s outbreak when Lombardy hospitals were overflowing - he most certainly would have died.
Acording to Italy’s Superior Institute of Health, men aged 80-89 have the highest mortality rate of virus patients in Italy, at 46%. Zangrillo has said Berlusconi was even more vulnerable given his pre-existing conditions.
Berlusconi seemed acutely aware of his chances. “But I can say with satisfaction that I dodged the bullet,” he said smiling broadly.
Even from his hospital bed, Berlusconi kept campaigning for upcoming administrative elections, calling into a meeting of his Forza Italia party and urging Italians to vote. His comments outside San Raffaele had the air of a political leader seeking to rally Italians to fight the virus and help Italy recover its devastated economy.
He expressed solidarity with all those Italians who are sick or have lost loved ones to the virus, and he thanked especially Italy’s health care personnel, more than 30,000 of whom have been infected.
“I saw firsthand that until the circulation of the virus is halted, each of us - even acting responsibly - risks being infected and infecting others,” he said. Addressing students, he wished them good luck for the start of the school year but urged them to “rigorously” respect anti-virus measures.
“Do it for yourselves, your friends, teachers, parents and grandparents who can get infected,” he said.
The three-time premier, a media mogul who first came to political power in 1994, has made a career out of rebounding from legal woes, personal scandal, heart trouble and political setbacks.
His center-right Forza Italia party, once a dominant force in Italian politics, now polls in the single digits and trails more conservative parties, such as its onetime junior coalition partner, the League.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Al-Khelaifi, Valcke in Swiss court for FIFA corruption trial

BELLINZONA , Switzerland ( AP ) - Qatari soccer executive Nasser al-Khelaifi and former FIFA official Jérôme Valcke arrived at federal criminal court in Switzerland on Monday at the start of their corruption trial .
Al-Khelaifi , the president of Paris Saint-Germain and chairman of Doha-based broadcaster beIN Media Group , and Valcke came to court separately and did speak publicly .
A third defendant , Greek marketing agency executive Dinos Deris , also known as Konstantinos Nteris , was not expected to attend the opening of the trial .
All three men deny wrongdoing .
The trial is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected in late October .
Al-Khelaifi faces a lesser charge of inciting Valcke when he was FIFA secretary general to commit “ aggravated criminal mismanagement.
” During a formal investigation since 2017 , Swiss prosecutors questioned al-Khelaifi on suspicion of bribing Valcke with use of a luxury villa in Sardinia in 2014 and 2015 .
Around that time , FIFA renewed beIN ’ s World Cup broadcast rights in the Middle East and north Africa for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments without rival bids .
The deal was judged within the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above the then-market value .
FIFA withdrew its criminal complaint of possible bribery when it reached a financial settlement with al-Khelaifi before prosecutors published indictments in February .
Valcke and Deris are charged with bribery in a separate matter not involving beIN or al-Khelaifi .
Prosecutors say Valcke took three kickbacks totaling 1.25 million euros ( $ 1.48 million ) to steer World Cup rights toward favored broadcasters in Italy and Greece .
He is also charged with falsifying documents by booking the payments to his private company as loans .
Valcke was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FIFA ethics committee in 2016 for conduct separate from the charges he now faces .
Al-Khelaifi , a minister in Qatar ’ s government , has become more influential in world soccer since the Swiss criminal proceeding against him was revealed three years ago .
He is now a member of the UEFA executive committee .
The UEFA executive committee will meet next week in Budapest , Hungary , amid the trial .

BELLINZONA, Switzerland (AP) - Qatari soccer executive Nasser al-Khelaifi and former FIFA official Jérôme Valcke spent their first day at federal criminal court in Switzerland on Monday for a corruption trial expected to last two weeks.
Al-Khelaifi, the president of Paris Saint-Germain and chairman of Doha-based broadcaster beIN Media Group, and Valcke came to court separately and did speak publicly.
A third defendant, Greek marketing agency executive Dinos Deris, whose name is also spelled Konstantinos Nteris, did not attend the opening of the trial citing medical reasons.
The trial opened with procedural arguments and the panel of three federal judges decided to go ahead with Deris absent. He and Valcke face the most serious charge of bribery.
Defense lawyers are expected to raise more procedural issues on Tuesday.
All three defendants deny wrongdoing. A verdict is expected in late October.
Al-Khelaifi faces a lesser charge of inciting Valcke when he was FIFA secretary general to commit “aggravated criminal mismanagement.”
During a formal investigation since 2017, Swiss prosecutors questioned al-Khelaifi on suspicion of bribing Valcke with use of a luxury villa in Sardinia in 2014 and 2015.
Around that time, FIFA renewed beIN’s World Cup broadcast rights in the Middle East and north Africa for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments without rival bids. The deal was judged within the industry as good for FIFA with beIN paying above the then-market value.
FIFA withdrew its criminal complaint of possible bribery when it reached a financial settlement with al-Khelaifi before prosecutors published indictments in February.
The bribery charges for Valcke and Deris are a separate matter not involving beIN or al-Khelaifi.
Prosecutors say Valcke took three kickbacks totaling 1.25 million euros ($1.48 million) to steer World Cup rights toward favored broadcasters in Italy and Greece. He is also charged with falsifying documents by booking the payments to his private company as loans.
Valcke was banned from working in soccer by the FIFA ethics committee in 2016 for conduct separate from the charges he now faces.
Al-Khelaifi, a minister in Qatar’s government, has become more influential in world soccer since the Swiss criminal proceeding against him was revealed three years ago.
He is now a member of the UEFA executive committee, which will meet next week in Budapest, Hungary, amid the trial.
More procedural arguments are due on Tuesday about the integrity of the prosecution office and its case.
Since the indictments were published, Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber was disciplined then resigned after an internal investigation into undeclared meetings he had with current FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
A special prosecutor was appointed in June and opened a criminal proceeding against Infantino for suspected misconduct including incitement to abuse of public office. The FIFA leader has called the investigation absurd.
Any delay to the trial because of the ongoing Lauber-Infantino process could bring into play a statute of limitation on some evidence that times out in November.
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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--New Mexico taps federal funds to install ballot drop boxes

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - New Mexico is prepared to spend millions of dollars in federal recovery funds to install drop boxes for absentee ballots as election regulators encourage voters to participate in the general election in ways that minimize human contact and reduce the risks of COVID-19 transmission .
Secretary of state ’ s office spokesman Alex Curtas on Monday said the agency is encouraging the state ’ s 33 counties to install ballot drop boxes - indoors and outside - while offering reimbursement for expenses from a $ 6 million allotment of federal funds that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicity about voting .
“ We will reimburse all of those expenses , ” said Curtas regarding drop boxes .
“ We are definitely seeing that many but not all counties are interested in that.
” The administration of Democratic Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham has urged voters through an emergency public health order to cast absentee ballots by mail while limiting the number of voters inside each polling location to four people or 25 % of the building ’ s capacity , whichever is greater .
As in previous elections , voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling places and clerks ’ offices .
Drop boxes would “ preserve the health and safety of county clerks and their staff , election workers , and voters themselves , ” said the memo to county clerks .
Michigan , Georgia , Colorado and Arizona are among the states adding more drop boxes as experts warn that voters must be diligent in requesting and returning absentee ballots well ahead of Election Day .
In New Mexico , ballots must reach their destination by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 to be counted .
Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline for non-overseas ballot application requests to Oct. 20 - a week earlier than usual to build in time for mailing applications and ballots .
“ County clerks are encouraged to allow for drop boxes to be available at every county clerk ’ s office , early voting and related equipment that allows election workers to keep the boxes securely locked and attended , ” the memo states .
Absentee ballots accounted for 63 % of votes in the statewide primary , up from 7 % in the 2016 primary , as overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations open for early voting between Oct. 17 through Oct. 31 , 2020 .
Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce has accused the governor and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver of “ gaming ” the election system with rigorous guidelines on in-person voting , even though retail stores adhere to comparable restrictions concerning masks , social distancing and a 25 % capacity limit .
“ I believe it ’ s … safe to vote at the polls but I don ’ t think that our secretary of state is going to let us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
“ She knows that President Trump is going to win big on Election Day because Republicans typically vote in person .
And so I think that we ’ re being gamed once again by our governor and by the secretary of state.
” Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Sackett said the state health secretary has outlined safe procedures for in-person voting that speak for themselves .
On behalf of the secretary of state , Curtas said social distancing requirements at early and Election Day voting centers are similar to what people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are multiple ways people can cast a ballot , ” he said .
“ If you don ’ t feel comfortable casting a ballot through the mail , you can obviously go to a polling place .
”

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico is prepared to spend millions of dollars in federal recovery funds to install drop boxes for absentee ballots as election regulators encourage voters to participate in the general election in ways that minimize human contact and reduce the risks of COVID-19 transmission.
Secretary of state’s office spokesman Alex Curtas on Monday said the agency is encouraging the state’s 33 counties to install ballot drop boxes - indoors and outside - while offering reimbursement for expenses from a $6 million allotment of federal funds that also pays for personal protective equipment and publicity about voting.
“We will reimburse all of those expenses,” said Curtas regarding drop boxes. “We are definitely seeing that many but not all counties are interested in that.”
The administration of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has urged voters through an emergency public health order to cast absentee ballots by mail while limiting the number of voters inside each polling location to four people or 25% of the building’s capacity, whichever is greater.
As in previous elections, voters can deliver absentee ballots by hand at polling places and clerks’ offices. Drop boxes would “preserve the health and safety of county clerks and their staff, election workers, and voters themselves,” said a memo to county clerks this month.
Michigan, Georgia, Colorado and Arizona are among the states adding more drop boxes as experts warn that voters must be diligent in requesting and returning absentee ballots well ahead of Election Day.
In New Mexico, ballots must reach their destination by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 to be counted. Emergency voting legislation in June stepped up the deadline for non-overseas ballot application requests to Oct. 20 - a week earlier than usual to build in time for mailing applications and ballots.
“County Clerks are encouraged to allow for drop boxes to be available at every county clerk’s office, early voting location, mobile voting location, election day voting location, and other alternative locations as may be deemed necessary,” the memo states.
Absentee ballots accounted for 63% of votes in the statewide primary, up from 7% in the 2016 primary, as overall participation also spiked.
Early in-person voting locations open for early voting between Oct. 17 through Oct. 31, 2020.
Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce has accused the governor and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver of “gaming” the election system with rigorous guidelines on in-person voting, even though retail stores adhere to comparable restrictions concerning masks, social distancing and a 25% capacity limit.
“I believe it’s … safe to vote at the polls but I don’t think that our secretary of state is going to let us,” Pearce said in a podcast last week. “She knows that President Trump is going to win big on Election Day because Republicans typically vote in person. And so I think that we’re being gamed once again by our governor and by the secretary of state.”
Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Sackett said the state health secretary has outlined safe procedures for in-person voting that speak for themselves.
On behalf of the secretary of state, Curtas said social distancing requirements at early and Election Day voting centers are similar to what people encounter in other public settings.
“There are multiple ways people can cast a ballot,” he said. “If you don’t feel comfortable casting a ballot through the mail, you can obviously go to a polling place.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Analysis: With Abe's exit, Seoul seeks to mend Japan ties

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - It took a bombshell resignation before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe heard anything nice from South Korea .
The rare praise came after years of diplomatic rows and testy confrontations between Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in , and only after the Japanese prime minister announced at the end of last month that he was stepping down after eight years in office because of ill health .
With Abe and Moon in charge , the relationship between the key U.S. allies sank to new lows , with grievances over wartime history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Japan ’ s political shakeup could be an opportunity for South Korea , which sees Abe ’ s departure as a chance to clear things up between the rivals .
Senior South Korean officials during a recent national security council meeting vowed to “ advance stalled negotiations on pending issues ” once a new Japanese leader is in place .
Yoshihide Suga , currently chief Cabinet secretary and Abe ’ s right-hand man , won Japan ’ s governing party leadership vote Monday , virtually guaranteeing that parliament will choose him as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also hinted at improving ties with South Korea .
“ China and South Korea are neighbors , and even though there are difficult problems between us , I plan to pursue diplomacy that can allow us to always communicate and develop strategic relations with them , rather than choosing one or the other , ” he said in a recent debate .
Good relations are crucial to both Japan and South Korea .
Despite their political conflicts , they remain closely connected economically and face similar challenges .
Those include North Korea ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authoritarian superpower in China .
They also share long-term uncertainties about their alliances with a less-engaging United States , a shift highlighted by President Donald Trump ’ s “ America first ” approach and his complaints about the costs of stationing some 80,000 U.S. troops in South Korea and Japan .
“ Patching up differences with Tokyo would improve alliance coordination with the United States , help manage regional uncertainties concerning China , and provide Seoul leverage in dealing with North Korea , ” said Leif-Eric Easley , a professor at Ewha University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , is whether Abe ’ s exit will prove to be a diplomatic turning point .
Mutual resentment runs deep and goes beyond individual politicians .
To South Koreans , Abe was less likable than even North Korean leader Kim Jong Un , according to a November Gallup Korea poll .
Abe was often seen in South Korea as a right-wing nationalist intent on whitewashing Japanese colonialism and atrocities on the Korean Peninsula before the end of World War II .
Placing the blame for bad relations entirely on Abe , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won at home for a tough policy toward South Korea .
There ’ s a widespread view in Japan that South Korea is violating international norms by repeatedly revisiting wartime issues that were supposed to have been settled , said Choi Eun-mi , a Japan expert at South Korea ’ s Asan Institute for Policy Studies .
“ Abe ’ s resignation does offer a window for improved relations , but it ’ s unrealistic to expect significant changes , ” she said .
There will be chances to resume stalled talks between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible three-way summit with China that South Korea hopes to host in November .
But it will take longer for Seoul and Tokyo to “ rediscover their importance to each other ” beyond their interdependence in security and cooperation matters with Washington , Choi said .
South Korea and Japan have long differed over history , but previous political tensions were softened by vibrant trade and exchanges of pop culture and tourism .
That wasn ’ t the case in 2019 when Japan ’ s move to place export controls on chemicals vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparked an outpouring of national anger in South Korea and sweeping boycotts of Japanese products .
Moon accused Abe ’ s government of weaponizing trade to retaliate against South Korean Supreme Court rulings in 2018 that ordered Japanese companies to offer reparations to aging Korean plaintiffs who had been forced into wartime slave labor .
Seoul later threatened to terminate a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Tokyo , a major symbol of their trilateral security cooperation with Washington .
It eventually backed off after being pressured by the Trump administration , which until then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their feud in public .
South Korea and Japan ’ s strained relations have hurt their ability to deal with the unpredictable foreign policy of Trump , who has questioned the value of U.S. alliances while raising tensions with China , a major trading partner for both , said Park Won-gon , a professor at South Korea ’ s Handong University .
“ Ideally , strong coordination between South Korea and Japan would help steer the Trump administration into pursuing its regional strategies within international norms and rules , ” Park said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gap between its domestic court rulings and existing bilateral agreements to improve ties with Japan .
Many Japanese see the South Korean forced labor rulings as a challenge to a 1965 treaty between the countries that was accompanied by Japanese payments to restore diplomatic ties .
Tokyo insists that all compensation matters were settled then .
There ’ s also frustration over Moon ’ s 2017 decision to walk back a 2015 agreement negotiated under South Korea ’ s previous conservative government that attempted to “ irreversibly ” resolve a decades-long impasse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Japan ’ s wartime military .
The deal , which had Japan give $ 9 million to a foundation to help the victims , sparked huge protests in South Korea , where many accused their government of settling for far too little after failing to consult victims .
There were claims that Abe was attempting to silence the women with money .
There has been little sign that either government is willing to budge .
Moon continues to demand Japanese respect for the South Korean court rulings .
Suga , the likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inherit his policies and push them forward .
There ’ s a further complicating possibility that South Korean courts may order the liquidation of local assets of Japanese companies that have refused to compensate forced laborers .
A breakthrough may have to come from legislation , but that won ’ t be easy , either .
Former South Korean National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang last year proposed a foundation created by private donations from both countries to compensate forced laborers .
The bill , which eventually died , was heavily criticized by lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foundation would sidestep the Japanese government ’ s direct responsibility .
“ Regardless of who becomes Japan ’ s next prime minister … there will be limits to how much bilateral relations can improve unless the countries find a solution to the forced labor issue , ” Park said .
Kim Tong-hyung has covered South Korea for The Associated Press since 2014 .
AP reporter Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this story .

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - It took a bombshell resignation before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe heard anything nice from South Korea.
The rare praise came after years of diplomatic rows and testy confrontations between Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and only after the Japanese prime minister said last month he would leave office after eight years because of ill health.
With Abe and Moon in charge, the relationship between the key U.S. allies sank to new lows, with grievances over wartime history spilling over into trade and military issues. Japan’s political shakeup could be an opportunity for South Korea, which sees Abe’s departure as a chance to clear things up between the rivals.
Senior South Korean officials during a recent national security council meeting vowed to “advance stalled negotiations on pending issues” once a new Japanese leader is in place. Yoshihide Suga, who was chief Cabinet secretary and Abe’s right-hand man, won Japan’s governing party leadership vote Monday, virtually guaranteeing parliament will choose him as the next prime minister.
Suga has also hinted at improving ties with South Korea.
“China and South Korea are neighbors, and even though there are difficult problems between us, I plan to pursue diplomacy that can allow us to always communicate and develop strategic relations with them, rather than choosing one or the other,” he said in a recent debate.
Good relations are crucial to both Japan and South Korea.
Despite their political conflicts, they remain closely connected economically and face similar challenges. Those include North Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal and a rising authoritarian superpower in China.
They also share long-term uncertainties about their alliances with a less-engaging United States, a shift highlighted by President Donald Trump’s “America first” approach and his complaints about the costs of stationing some 80,000 U.S. troops in South Korea and Japan.
“Patching up differences with Tokyo would improve alliance coordination with the United States, help manage regional uncertainties concerning China, and provide Seoul leverage in dealing with North Korea,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.
What remains unclear, however, is whether Abe’s exit will prove to be a diplomatic turning point. Mutual resentment runs deep and goes beyond individual politicians.
To South Koreans, Abe was less likable than even North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to a November Gallup Korea poll. Abe was often seen in South Korea as a right-wing nationalist intent on whitewashing Japanese colonialism and atrocities on the Korean Peninsula before the end of World War II.
Placing the blame for bad relations entirely on Abe, however, overlooks the broad public support he won at home for a tough policy toward South Korea.
There’s a widespread view in Japan that South Korea is violating international norms by repeatedly revisiting wartime issues that were supposed to have been settled, said Choi Eun-mi, a Japan expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
“Abe’s resignation does offer a window for improved relations, but it’s unrealistic to expect significant changes,” she said.
There will be chances to resume stalled talks between the countries’ leaders, including a possible three-way summit with China that South Korea hopes to host in November. But it will take longer for Seoul and Tokyo to “rediscover their importance to each other” beyond their interdependence in security and cooperation matters with Washington, Choi said.
South Korea and Japan have long differed over history, but previous political tensions were softened by vibrant trade and exchanges of pop culture and tourism.
That wasn’t the case in 2019 when Japan’s move to place export controls on chemicals vital to South Korea’s semiconductor industry sparked an outpouring of national anger in South Korea and sweeping boycotts of Japanese products.
Moon accused Abe’s government of weaponizing trade to retaliate against South Korean Supreme Court rulings in 2018 that ordered Japanese companies to offer reparations to aging Korean plaintiffs who had been forced into wartime slave labor.
Seoul later threatened to terminate a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Tokyo, a major symbol of their trilateral security cooperation with Washington. It eventually backed off after being pressured by the Trump administration, which until then seemed content to let its allies escalate their feud in public.
South Korea and Japan’s strained relations have hurt their ability to deal with the unpredictable foreign policy of Trump, who has questioned the value of U.S. alliances while raising tensions with China, a major trading partner for both, said Park Won-gon, a professor at South Korea’s Handong University.
“Ideally, strong coordination between South Korea and Japan would help steer the Trump administration into pursuing its regional strategies within international norms and rules,” Park said.
South Korea will likely need to close the gap between its domestic court rulings and existing bilateral agreements to improve ties with Japan.
Many Japanese see the South Korean forced labor rulings as a challenge to a 1965 treaty between the countries that was accompanied by Japanese payments to restore diplomatic ties. Tokyo insists that all compensation matters were settled then.
There’s also frustration over Moon’s 2017 decision to walk back a 2015 agreement negotiated under South Korea’s previous conservative government that attempted to “irreversibly” resolve a decades-long impasse over Korean women forced into sexual slavery by Japan’s wartime military.
The deal, which had Japan give $9 million to a foundation to help the victims, sparked huge protests in South Korea, where many accused their government of settling for far too little after failing to consult victims. There were claims that Abe was attempting to silence the women with money.
There has been little sign that either government is willing to budge.
Moon continues to demand Japanese respect for the South Korean court rulings. Suga, who is likely to be named prime minister later Wednesday, has pledged to inherit Abe’s policies and push them forward.
There’s a further complicating possibility that South Korean courts may order the liquidation of local assets of Japanese companies that have refused to compensate forced laborers.
A breakthrough may have to come from legislation, but that won’t be easy, either.
Former South Korean National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang last year proposed a foundation created by private donations from both countries to compensate forced laborers. The bill, which eventually died, was heavily criticized by lawyers and activists representing victims, who said the foundation would sidestep the Japanese government’s direct responsibility.
“Regardless of who becomes Japan’s next prime minister … there will be limits to how much bilateral relations can improve unless the countries find a solution to the forced labor issue,” Park said.
___
Kim Tong-hyung has covered South Korea for The Associated Press since 2014.
___
AP reporter Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this story.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Brazil's da Silva faces new charge of money laundering

RIO DE JANEIRO ( AP ) - Prosecutors in Brazil ’ s sprawling Car Wash corruption investigation on Monday charged former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with money laundering , less than a year after the country ’ s top court ordered him freed from jail while he appealed his conviction in another case .
Prosecutors said the left-leaning ex-leader who governed Brazil from 2003 to 2010 received bribes from construction giant Odebrecht disguised as donations to the institute that carries his name .
They allege he illegally received the funds in Instituto Lula accounts between December 2013 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with state-run oil company Petrobras .
Attorneys for the ex-president known as Lula said they were surprised by the charges and that prosecutors have no evidence to back them .
Da Silva has repeatedly claimed his innocence and accused prosecutors in the Car Wash probe of politically persecuting him .
Prosecutors also charged his first finance minister and the head of the Instituto Lula , Paulo Okamotto .
Okamotto denied the accusations .
Da Silva ’ s fourth accusation stemming from the Car Wash investigation comes soon after several prosecutors left the anti-corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force , Deltan Dallagnol , said on Sept. 1 that he will step aside for family reasons .
Da Silva is appealing his conviction of corruption and money laundering in connection with the purchase of a beachfront apartment in Sao Paulo state .
A higher court upheld that ruling in January 2018 , which imprisoned the former president three months later and stopped him from running in that year ’ s presidential election .
Former judge Sergio Moro , who issued the ruling , later became justice minister in President Jair Bolsonaro ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Da Silva was released in November 2019 after Brazil ’ s top court ruled that imprisonment is only permitted after all appeals have been exhausted .
On Sept. 7 , the 74-year-old former president said he is “ at the service of the Brazilian people.
” But he can only run for political office if his convictions are overturned by the nation ’ s top court .

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Prosecutors in Brazil’s sprawling Car Wash corruption investigation on Monday charged former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with money laundering, less than a year after the country’s top court ordered him freed from jail while he appealed his conviction in another case.
Prosecutors said the left-leaning ex-leader who governed Brazil from 2003 to 2010 received bribes from construction giant Odebrecht disguised as donations to the institute that carries his name. They allege he illegally received the funds in Instituto Lula accounts between December 2013 and March 2014 in exchange for granting contracts with state-run oil company Petrobras.
Attorneys for the ex-president known as Lula said they were surprised by the charges and that prosecutors have no evidence to back them. Da Silva has repeatedly claimed his innocence and accused prosecutors in the Car Wash probe of politically persecuting him.
Prosecutors also charged his first finance minister and the head of the Instituto Lula, Paulo Okamotto. Okamotto denied the accusations.
Da Silva’s fourth accusation stemming from the Car Wash investigation comes soon after several prosecutors left the anti-corruption task force. The head of the force, Deltan Dallagnol, said on Sept. 1 that he will step aside for family reasons.
Da Silva is appealing his conviction of corruption and money laundering in connection with the purchase of a beachfront apartment in Sao Paulo state. A higher court upheld that ruling in January 2018, which imprisoned the former president three months later and stopped him from running in that year’s presidential election.
Former judge Sergio Moro, who issued the ruling, later became justice minister in President Jair Bolsonaro’s government. He resigned in April this year.
Da Silva was released in November 2019 after Brazil’s top court ruled that imprisonment is only permitted after all appeals have been exhausted. On Sept. 7, the 74-year-old former president said he is “at the service of the Brazilian people.” But he can only run for political office if his convictions are overturned by the nation’s top court.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Boy, 11, fatally shot while hunting; stepfather arrested

CLAY TOWNSHIP , Mich. ( AP ) - An 11-year-old boy has been shot and killed by his stepfather while @ @ @ @ @ southeastern Michigan .
Police were called out to a hunting accident Sunday night in Clay @ @ @ @ @ of Port Huron reported .
Police said its believed the family was looking for deer @ @ @ @ @ boy was “ struck by a round discharged by his 40-year-old stepfather.
” The boy @ @ @ @ @ .
The stepfather was arrested .
The shooting was being reviewed by the St. Clair @ @ @ @ @ .
Clay Township is about 45 miles ( 72 kilometers ) northeast of Detroit .

CLAY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - An 11-year-old boy has been shot and killed by his stepfather while hunting with his family in southeastern Michigan.
Police were called out to a hunting accident Sunday night in Clay Township, the Times Herald of Port Huron reported.
Police said its believed the family was looking for deer in some woods when the boy was “struck by a round discharged by his 40-year-old stepfather.” The boy later died at a hospital.
The stepfather was arrested. The shooting was being reviewed by the St. Clair County prosecutor’s office.
Clay Township is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of Detroit.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Henderson, Nevada fines venue over Trump 'friendly protest' rally

LAS VEGAS — The Nevada city where President Donald Trump held an indoor campaign rally said Monday the venue owner is being fined $ 3,000 for violating coronavirus prevention mandates imposed by the state ’ s Democratic governor .
Henderson officials told Xtreme Manufacturing owner Donald Ahern that the event that drew thousands of people to a warehouse in suburban Las Vegas violated Gov .
Steve Sisolak ’ s coronavirus emergency directives .
State rules prohibit gatherings larger than 50 people , require “ social distancing ” of 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) , and mandate masks or face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
Ahern ’ s attorney , Michael Van , acknowledged receiving a notice from the city and said Ahern will decide whether to challenge it .
He has 30 days .
“ It ’ s interesting that if it ’ s a demonstration , it ’ s OK .
If it ’ s a rally , it ’ s not OK , ” Van said , casting the dispute as a First Amendment fight .
“ There ’ s just inconsistent application of that declaration.
” Ahern , a local heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a separate lawsuit pending against Sisolak after being fined more than $ 10,000 for hosting an “ Evangelicals for Trump ” rally and a separate beauty pageant last month at his renovated casino-turned-convention hall .
In an interview with CNN ’ s Erin Burnett , Sisolak accused Trump of knowingly violating coronavirus directives and endangering Nevada residents .
“ He knew what the rules were .
He chose to show callous disregard in a reckless , selfish , irresponsible way .
There ’ s no other way to put it , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ absurd for him to think that the rules didn ’ t apply to him.
” Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh on Monday called the rally crowd , “ great Americans who supported their fellow citizens in wanting to hear from the president of the United States.
” Henderson city spokeswoman Kathleen Richards said that Ahern was warned verbally and in writing before the event .
A business compliance officer observed six violations amounting to fines worth $ 500 each among the mostly maskless crowd .
During the rally , Trump derided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past , as “ a political hack , ” and urged Nevada residents to “ tell your governor to open up your state.
” Trump ’ s campaign is suing Nevada ’ s Republican secretary of state in federal court to try to block a new state law and prevent mail-in ballots from going to all active Nevada voters amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Nevada wants the court to throw out the lawsuit , arguing that vote-by-mail does not lead to election fraud and the virus could make voting in person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor was “ playing around ” with ballots .
He blamed Sisolak for forcing the Trump campaign to abandon plans to hold two outdoor rallies last weekend at a private air facility at McCarran International Airport and at an airport hangar at Reno-Tahoe International Airport .
The northern Nevada event was moved to an outdoor airport venue in Minden , more than a one-hour drive from Reno , where Nevada GOP party Chairman Michael McDonald made a point of calling the event a protest .
Trump told the crowd that Sisolak “ tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this event.
” “ They can have riots and they can all sorts of things and that ’ s OK. You can burn up the house , that ’ s OK , ” Trump said .
“ If you call it a protest , you ’ re allowed to have it .
So , if anybody asks you outside , this is called a ‘ friendly protest.
’ ” Douglas County , where Trump held that rally , could also face punishment .
Nevada agreed to allocate the county $ 8.9 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety directives be enforced .
Nevada COVID-19 response chief Caleb Cage told reporters Monday he didn ’ t know whether the state would withhold or claw back relief given to Douglas County .
• Associated Press writers Sam Metz in Carson City , Nevada , and Scott Sonner in Reno contributed to this report .

LAS VEGAS — The Nevada city where President Donald Trump held an indoor campaign rally said Monday the venue owner is being fined $3,000 for violating coronavirus prevention mandates imposed by the state’s Democratic governor.
Henderson officials told Xtreme Manufacturing owner Donald Ahern that the event that drew thousands of people to a warehouse in suburban Las Vegas violated Gov. Steve Sisolak’s coronavirus emergency directives.
State rules prohibit gatherings larger than 50 people, require “social distancing” of 6 feet (1.8 meters), and mandate masks or face coverings in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Ahern’s attorney, Michael Van, acknowledged receiving a notice from the city and said Ahern will decide whether to challenge it. He has 30 days.
“It’s interesting that if it’s a demonstration, it’s OK. If it’s a rally, it’s not OK,” Van said, casting the dispute as a First Amendment fight. “There’s just inconsistent application of that declaration.”
Ahern, a local heavy equipment rental mogul and hotel owner has a separate lawsuit pending against Sisolak after being fined more than $10,000 for hosting an “Evangelicals for Trump” rally and a separate beauty pageant last month at his renovated casino-turned-convention hall.
In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Sisolak accused Trump of knowingly violating coronavirus directives and endangering Nevada residents.
“He knew what the rules were. He chose to show callous disregard in a reckless, selfish, irresponsible way. There’s no other way to put it,” the governor said. He added that it was “absurd for him to think that the rules didn’t apply to him.”
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh on Monday called the rally crowd, “great Americans who supported their fellow citizens in wanting to hear from the president of the United States.”
Henderson city spokeswoman Kathleen Richards said that Ahern was warned verbally and in writing before the event. A business compliance officer observed six violations amounting to fines worth $500 each among the mostly maskless crowd.
During the rally, Trump derided Sisolak, with whom he has clashed in the past, as “a political hack,” and urged Nevada residents to “tell your governor to open up your state.”
Trump’s campaign is suing Nevada’s Republican secretary of state in federal court to try to block a new state law and prevent mail-in ballots from going to all active Nevada voters amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Nevada wants the court to throw out the lawsuit, arguing that vote-by-mail does not lead to election fraud and the virus could make voting in person dangerous.
Trump told his supporters the governor was “playing around” with ballots. He blamed Sisolak for forcing the Trump campaign to abandon plans to hold two outdoor rallies last weekend at a private air facility at McCarran International Airport and at an airport hangar at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
The northern Nevada event was moved to an outdoor airport venue in Minden, more than a one-hour drive from Reno, where Nevada GOP party Chairman Michael McDonald made a point of calling the event a protest. Trump told the crowd that Sisolak “tried very hard to stop us from having this event.”
“They can have riots and they can all sorts of things and that’s OK. You can burn up the house, that’s OK,” Trump said. “If you call it a protest, you’re allowed to have it. So, if anybody asks you outside, this is called a ‘friendly protest.’”
Douglas County, where Trump held that rally, could also face punishment.
Nevada agreed to allocate the county $8.9 million in federal relief dollars on the condition that safety directives be enforced. Nevada COVID-19 response chief Caleb Cage told reporters Monday he didn’t know whether the state would withhold or claw back relief given to Douglas County.
• Associated Press writers Sam Metz in Carson City, Nevada, and Scott Sonner in Reno contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Officers possibly exposed to fentanyl released from hospital

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - Five law enforcement and a tow truck driver hospitalized after possible fentanyl exposure on the Golden Gate Bridge have been released from the hospital , an official said Monday .
Four California Highway Patrol officers , a Golden Gate Bridge patrol officer and a bridge tow truck driver were exposed to a chemical substance believed to be fentanyl while attempting to aid the driver of a car who stopped Sunday on the San Francisco bridge , said CHP Officer Andrew Barclay .
All six were transported to Marin General Hospital for exposure to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contact with the unconscious driver was convulsing and vomiting on the ground .
The others were treated for nausea , vomiting , dizziness , vision changes , and other symptoms consistent with fentanyl exposure , Barclay said .
All had been released by Monday , he said .
Authorities received reports of a drunken driver swerving erratically before stopping on the south end of the bridge Sunday , Barclay said .
One of the officers who found the driver unconscious was also rendered unconscious by a “ white powdery substance ” found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Two others on the scene - a CHP officer and a tow-truck driver - tried to help the first officer out of the car , and administered Narcan , ” Barclay said , referring to a nasal spray used to reverse the effects of narcotics and prevent overdoses .
The unconscious driver was also given Narcan and taken to a hospital .
The driver was also released from the hospital and has since been booked into jail for DUI and possession of a controlled substance , Barclay said .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Five law enforcement and a tow truck driver hospitalized after possible fentanyl exposure on the Golden Gate Bridge have been released from the hospital, an official said Monday.
Four California Highway Patrol officers, a Golden Gate Bridge patrol officer and a bridge tow truck driver were exposed to a chemical substance believed to be fentanyl while attempting to aid the driver of a car who stopped Sunday on the San Francisco bridge, said CHP Officer Andrew Barclay.
All six were transported to Marin General Hospital for exposure to the substance. The first officer that came in contact with the unconscious driver was convulsing and vomiting on the ground. The others were treated for nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vision changes, and other symptoms consistent with fentanyl exposure, Barclay said.
All had been released by Monday, he said.
Authorities received reports of a drunken driver swerving erratically before stopping on the south end of the bridge Sunday, Barclay said.
One of the officers who found the driver unconscious was also rendered unconscious by a “white powdery substance” found in the car, he said.
“Two others on the scene - a CHP officer and a tow-truck driver - tried to help the first officer out of the car, and administered Narcan,” Barclay said, referring to a nasal spray used to reverse the effects of narcotics and prevent overdoses.
The unconscious driver was also given Narcan and taken to a hospital. The driver was also released from the hospital and has since been booked into jail for DUI and possession of a controlled substance, Barclay said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Wisconsin Supreme Court keeps Green Party off ballot, boosts Biden

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday blocked the Green Party ’ s presidential ticket from the state ’ s ballots over a paperwork technicality , allowing the absentee ballots to start going out in the mail .
The ruling was a boon for Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden , who stood to lose liberal voters to the Green Party in November .
In 2016 , Green Party nominee Jill Stein captured 1 % of the vote in Wisconsin , which was slightly more than President Trump ’ s margin of victory over Hillary Clinton .
The ruling from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protracted back and forth between the courts , election officials and the Green Party .
The court last week halted the printing of absentee ballots to allow a challenge by Green Party presidential candidate Howie Hawkins and vice presidential candidate Angela Walker , who election officials said fell short of the required valid signatures to get on the ballot .
In the 4-3 unsigned decision Monday , the court said it too late in the process to grant any relief to the Green Party .
“ Even if we would ultimately determine that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given their delay in asserting their rights , we would be unable to provide meaningful relief without completely upsetting the election , ” the majority wrote in its unsigned opinion .
Three of the four conservative justices dissented .
Last month , the state Elections Commission split 3-3 on whether to put Mr. Hawkins and Ms. Walker on the ballot .
The commission ’ s Republican members wanted them on and Democratic members wanted them off , saying Ms. Walker erroneously listed two addresses on her campaign paperwork .
In a dissenting opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third party from the election was “ the ultimate voter suppression .
”

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday blocked the Green Party’s presidential ticket from the state’s ballots over a paperwork technicality, allowing the absentee ballots to start going out in the mail.
The ruling was a boon for Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden, who stood to lose liberal voters to the Green Party in November.
In 2016, Green Party nominee Jill Stein captured 1% of the vote in Wisconsin, which was slightly more than President Trump’s margin of victory over Hillary Clinton.
The ruling from the state’s high court ended a protracted back and forth between the courts, election officials and the Green Party.
The court last week halted the printing of absentee ballots to allow a challenge by Green Party presidential candidate Howie Hawkins and vice presidential candidate Angela Walker, who election officials said fell short of the required valid signatures to get on the ballot.
In the 4-3 unsigned decision Monday, the court said it too late in the process to grant any relief to the Green Party.
“Even if we would ultimately determine that the petitioners’ claims are meritorious, given their delay in asserting their rights, we would be unable to provide meaningful relief without completely upsetting the election,” the majority wrote in its unsigned opinion.
Three of the four conservative justices dissented.
Last month, the state Elections Commission split 3-3 on whether to put Mr. Hawkins and Ms. Walker on the ballot. The commission’s Republican members wanted them on and Democratic members wanted them off, saying Ms. Walker erroneously listed two addresses on her campaign paperwork.
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Annette Ziegler wrote that excluding the third party from the election was “the ultimate voter suppression.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--COVID-19 deaths surpass 2,000 in Washington state

SEATTLE ( AP ) - More than 2,000 people in the state have now died due to the coronavirus , according to The Washington state Department of Health .
As of Monday afternoon , KUOW reports there have been 2,006 recorded deaths from COVID-19 , and 80,138 confirmed cases since the pandemic began early this year .
The state ’ s death rate remains at 2.5 % , which is the percentage of people who die after getting infected .
Washington has seen a much higher number of cases and deaths than in neighboring states .
Oregon has reported just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just over 400 .
British Columbia , Canada has recorded 213 deaths and reports relatively low case counts .
Washington state is still coming down from its July peak in cases .
Most of the confirmed COVID-19 cases have been among people ages 20-39 ( 49 % ) and ages 40-59 ( 29 % ) .
Deaths from the disease are far more prevalent in ages 80 and older ( 51 % ) and ages 60-79 ( 38 % ) .
About half of all deaths in the state are linked to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or worked at a place like a nursing home , for example .
There are also considerable racial disparities .
Pacific Islanders , Hispanic people , Native Americans and Alaska Natives are dying from COVID-19 at the highest rates in Washington state .
For most people , the new 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 @ @ @ @

SEATTLE (AP) - More than 2,000 people in the state have now died due to the coronavirus, according to The Washington state Department of Health.
As of Monday afternoon, KUOW reports there have been 2,006 recorded deaths from COVID-19, and 80,138 confirmed cases since the pandemic began early this year. The state’s death rate remains at 2.5%, which is the percentage of people who die after getting infected.
Washington has seen a much higher number of cases and deaths than in neighboring states. Oregon has reported just over 500 deaths while Idaho has recorded just over 400. British Columbia, Canada has recorded 213 deaths and reports relatively low case counts.
Washington state is still coming down from its July peak in cases.
Most of the confirmed COVID-19 cases have been among people ages 20-39 (49%) and ages 40-59 (29%). Deaths from the disease are far more prevalent in ages 80 and older (51%) and ages 60-79 (38%).
About half of all deaths in the state are linked to a long-term care facility - people who lived or worked at a place like a nursing home, for example.
There are also considerable racial disparities. Pacific Islanders, Hispanic people, Native Americans and Alaska Natives are dying from COVID-19 at the highest rates in Washington state.
For most people, the new 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.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Judge cites health issues, won't serve new term if elected

LAFAYETTE , Ind .
( AP ) - An Indiana judge has said it ’ s too late to take @ @ @ @ @ ballot and he will not serve if elected to a third term due to health @ @ @ @ @ 1 Judge Randy Williams made the announcement Monday , according to the Journal and Courier @ @ @ @ @ , would have had to remove his name from the ballot by July 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ on the ballot for the six-year term .
“ I will not be campaigning and @ @ @ @ @ , ” Williams said .
“ The remaining candidate in the race will be offered @ @ @ @ @ smooth transition for the court.
” Williams first was elected in 2008 to the post @ @ @ @ @ Holcomb would get to pick a replacement for the court seat if voters elect Williams @ @ @ @ @ end of his current term , the newspaper reported .
The court is in Lafayette @ @ @ @ @

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - An Indiana judge has said it’s too late to take his name off the November ballot and he will not serve if elected to a third term due to health issues.
Tippecanoe Superior Court 1 Judge Randy Williams made the announcement Monday, according to the Journal and Courier.
Williams, a Republican, would have had to remove his name from the ballot by July 15. Democrat Bryan Coulter also is on the ballot for the six-year term.
“I will not be campaigning and will not serve if elected,” Williams said. “The remaining candidate in the race will be offered my assistance in ensuring a smooth transition for the court.”
Williams first was elected in 2008 to the post.
Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb would get to pick a replacement for the court seat if voters elect Williams and he resigns at the end of his current term, the newspaper reported.
The court is in Lafayette, northwest of Indianapolis.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--NWSL game postponed, LPGA player withdraws because of smoke

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - A National Women ’ s Soccer League game between the Portland Thorns and @ @ @ @ @ postponed again until the end of the month because of poor air quality caused by @ @ @ @ @ Portland had already been moved from Saturday to Tuesday because of smoke from the wildfires @ @ @ @ @ the West .
The forecast does not call for improving conditions in the next several @ @ @ @ @ postponed again until Sept. 30 .
Two-time Portland Classic winner Brooke Henderson also said Monday @ @ @ @ @ the LPGA tournament at Columbia Edgewater Country Club because of smoky conditions .
The Portland @ @ @ @ @ 17-20 , but the course and practice facilities were closed Monday because of the smoke @

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A National Women’s Soccer League game between the Portland Thorns and the OL Reign has been postponed again until the end of the month because of poor air quality caused by wildfires.
The game in Portland had already been moved from Saturday to Tuesday because of smoke from the wildfires that have been raging across the West. The forecast does not call for improving conditions in the next several days so the game was postponed again until Sept. 30.
Two-time Portland Classic winner Brooke Henderson also said Monday that she was withdrawing from the LPGA tournament at Columbia Edgewater Country Club because of smoky conditions.
The Portland Classic is set for Sept. 17-20, but the course and practice facilities were closed Monday because of the smoke.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Texas reports 2,595 new COVID-19 cases, 21 more deaths

DALLAS ( AP ) - Texas health officials on Monday reported 2,595 new cases of the coronavirus and 21 additional @ @ @ @ @ of State Health Services said the total number of COVID-19 cases so far in the @ @ @ @ @ , while the death toll is now at 14,211 .
The true number of cases @ @ @ @ @ though because many people haven ’ t been tested and studies suggest people can be @ @ @ @ @ .
Health officials estimate that about 68,000 cases in the state are currently active .
@ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 hospitalized in Texas on Monday , health officials said .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ peaking July 22 at 10,893 .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild @ @ @ @ @ as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For @ @ @ @ @ and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including @ @ @ @ @

DALLAS (AP) - Texas health officials on Monday reported 2,595 new cases of the coronavirus and 21 additional deaths.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said the total number of COVID-19 cases so far in the state is now at 663,445, while the death toll is now at 14,211.
The true number of cases in Texas is likely higher though because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
Health officials estimate that about 68,000 cases in the state are currently active.
There were about 3,300 people with COVID-19 hospitalized in Texas on Monday, health officials said. The number of hospitalizations has been decreasing since peaking July 22 at 10,893.
For most people, the new 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.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Trump officials praise Delaware farm that hires ex-inmates

WILMINGTON , Del .
( AP ) - High-ranking members of President Donald Trump ’ s Cabinet on Monday praised @ @ @ @ @ hires ex-inmates as a national model for using private investment to revitalize the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ Chances Farm , which began operations in January , is located in Wilmington ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Opportunity Zone .
On Monday , U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Housing and Urban @ @ @ @ @ the farm .
The News Journal reports that Carson called it a “ shining example @ @ @ @ @ being used in Opportunity Zones around the country .
Barr said the opportunity for former @ @ @ @ @ “ desperately needed.
” The warehouse-turned-farm has seen many visits from federal officials over the @ @ @ @ @ went up inside and a cohort of employees – most of whom have served some @ @ @ @ @ or state prisons – began harvesting lettuce , basil and micro-greens .

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - High-ranking members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet on Monday praised a Delaware indoor farm that hires ex-inmates as a national model for using private investment to revitalize the country’s lowest-income neighborhoods.
Second Chances Farm, which began operations in January, is located in Wilmington’s Riverside neighborhood, a designated Opportunity Zone.
On Monday, U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson visited the farm.
The News Journal reports that Carson called it a “shining example” of the innovative thinking being used in Opportunity Zones around the country. Barr said the opportunity for former inmates to get jobs is “desperately needed.”
The warehouse-turned-farm has seen many visits from federal officials over the past year as hydroponic shelves went up inside and a cohort of employees – most of whom have served some amount of time in federal or state prisons – began harvesting lettuce, basil and micro-greens.


washingtontimes--2020-09-14--Republicans targeted with violence, threats as Election Day looms

A disturbing increase in threats and violence aimed at Republicans has stoked fears that the American political process is crumbling , which conservatives blame on the left fanning anti-Trump fervor into an out-of-control political blaze .
While no one tracks exact statistics of political violence , a Washington Times review of reported incidents uncovered at least 15 major skirmishes since February .
The number is likely greater , however , since so many incidents are unreported .
“ The hard left is certainly getting more active , ” said Brian Levin , director of the Center for the Study of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , San Bernadino .
“ We had the first homicide from the far left in many , many years this year.
” Multiple incidents last week highlight the increase in violence targeting Republicans as Election Day nears .
⦁ The Republican Party of Virginia ( RPV ) headquarters in Richmond was vandalized with glass windows and doors smashed .
It was the second time this year the building was vandalized .
⦁ A retired school teacher in Arizona was arrested and accused of leaving a death threat on the office voicemail of Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two women were charged with hate crimes for allegedly harassing a 7-year-old boy and his mother outside the Democratic National Convention in Delaware because the child was wearing a “ Make America Great Again ” hat .
⦁ Federal prosecutors in California arrested a man they say firebombed the headquarters of a local Republican women ’ s organization .
“ With respect to the individual reporting of specific incidents of intimidation committed against conservatives , they are not given the same level coverage in the mainstream media that maybe some in the niche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The media has breathlessly covered the rise in right-wing violence that has emerged over the past few years , largely fueled by white supremacist groups .
Mr. Levin said far-right and far-left extremist violence differ because the leftist incidents appear to be less organized and typically target one or two individuals .
Far-right violence , meanwhile , has typically been more deadly as its perpetrators seek to cause mass casualty events .
“ The hard-left is a sapling , while the hard-right is an oak , ” he said .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence is really just limited to the hard-right , although they look for higher body counts.
” The scale of left-leaning violence appears to be on the increase , as evidenced by the killing of a supporter of President Trump in Portland last month .
Aaron “ Jay ” Danielson , a member of the right-wing Patriot Prayer group , was shot and killed last month during the riots in Portland , Oregon .
Suspect Michael Reinoehl , who admitted the killing while claiming he was defending a non-White friend , was fatally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to arrest him .
Reinoehl , who had described himself as “ 100 % Antifa , ” was armed at the time , according to the U.S .
Marshals Service .
Danielson ’ s group had come to Portland to counter-protest the demonstrations that have occurred nightly in the city since the death of George Floyd , a Black man , while in the custody of the Minneapolis police .
Some on the left say the incident is an outlier because Danielson and Reinoehl were both part of groups confronting each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-left suspected extremist-motivated homicide and we are not going to put any lipstick on it because some people might not like it , ” he said .
Rich Anderson , chairman of the RPV , whose Richmond headquarters has been vandalized twice this year , puts the blame squarely on the Democrats ’ rhetoric .
“ The left certainly fears the reelection of President Trump and Vice President Pence and does , in fact , indisputably employ this level of violence against those who disagree with them on policy matters , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from debate in the public square and the marketplace of ideas into the use of force and violence.
” Republicans say the Democrats ’ silence on the left-wing violence that has spread across the country this summer has been a factor .
But not condemning the mobs who have rioted and looted major cities , Democrat leaders tacitly condoned violence of all kind , they say .
“ It is no coincidence that this uptick in violence against Republicans is occurring as crime has skyrocketed in Democrat-run cities over the past three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement to The Washington Times .
“ Democrat leaders need to enforce the rule of law and crack down on violent protesters and riots to ensure that neighborhoods remain safe and citizens feel comfortable to go out in their cities and to their polling places as Election Day approaches.
” Mr. Anderson said Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney weren ’ t forceful enough against the violence and vandalism that occurred in the city during racism protests over the past three months .
That lax attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading to the damage of the Republican headquarters .
“ Their neglect creates a sense of security in these people and they feel like they can do what was done last night , ” he said the morning after the vandalism .
After the attack , Mr. Stoney issued a statement condemning the vandalism against the Republican Party headquarters saying , “ destruction is not how we win arguments.
” Mr. Anderson wasn ’ t impressed , saying “ I know Stoney did a tweet this morning , but his actions sure speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young and old have been victimized .
In June , an 82-year-old man was walking down the street holding a Trump hat and wearing a Trump sign when , according to authorities , a 27-year-old motorist ran out of his car and assaulted him .
“ Give me the f—ing sign !
” Aidan Courtright of Fall River , Massachusetts , said as he charged Trump supporter Charlie Chase .
Mr. Courtright is accused of throwing Mr. Chase on the ground and kicking him in the legs and ribs before driving away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign .
He has pleaded not guilty to violating civil rights with injury , to assault and battery on a person over 60 years old , and to vandalizing property .
In Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden ’ s home state of Delaware , two women were indicted on hate crime charges last week .
Olivia Winslow and Camryn Amy also face robbery , assault and child endangerment charges .
Prosecutors say they stole a pro-Trump hat worn by a 7-year-old boy and then threw it over a fence during the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The boy ’ s mother told local reporters she was “ punched in the face ” multiple times during the incident .
The two women have yet to enter a plea .
Mr. Trump sent the boy a gift package , including a signed “ Make America Great Again ” hat and other presidential paraphernalia .
Gregory Timm stands accused of ramming his van into a Republican Party voter registration tent in February in Florida , running over chairs and tables .
He also made an obscene gesture as he sped off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told authorities with the Jacksonville Sheriff ’ s Department that he doesn ’ t like the president and “ someone had to take a stand.
” No one was injured in the assault , but campaign workers were shaken up .
Someone driving a car into a crowd is what killed Heather Heyer in the notorious Charlottesville riots .
Carlos Espriu , 23 , of Palm Desert , California , last week was charged with attempted arson in the May firebombing of the East Valley Republican Women Federated office in La Quinta , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man because the car he was driving and clothing match the images captured by a nearby video camera .
The incident caused $ 9,000 in damage and the group set up a GoFundMe page to pay for the damages .
“ The terrorizing goes on , ” the page said .
“ Their headquarters have experienced increased hostility including : multiple harassing phone calls daily , eggs thrown at the windows , and drive-by shouting accompanied by obscene gestures.
” Just days before the incident , police said Mr. Espriu had posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go burn s—t n get hit with tear gas.
” Mr. Anderson said he hopes Mr. Trump takes more aggressive action towards the violence .
“ My prayer is after President Trump ’ s reelection he exercises his authority to put an end to this , ” he said .
“ This has to stop somewhere .
We have to return to the American tradition of debating , even fiercely , in the marketplace of ideas .
”

A disturbing increase in threats and violence aimed at Republicans has stoked fears that the American political process is crumbling, which conservatives blame on the left fanning anti-Trump fervor into an out-of-control political blaze.
While no one tracks exact statistics of political violence, a Washington Times review of reported incidents uncovered at least 15 major skirmishes since February. The number is likely greater, however, since so many incidents are unreported.
“The hard left is certainly getting more active,” said Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernadino. “We had the first homicide from the far left in many, many years this year.”
Multiple incidents last week highlight the increase in violence targeting Republicans as Election Day nears.
• The Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) headquarters in Richmond was vandalized with glass windows and doors smashed. It was the second time this year the building was vandalized.
• A retired school teacher in Arizona was arrested and accused of leaving a death threat on the office voicemail of Rep. Paul Gosar, Arizona Republican.
• Two women were charged with hate crimes for allegedly harassing a 7-year-old boy and his mother outside the Democratic National Convention in Delaware because the child was wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat.
• Federal prosecutors in California arrested a man they say firebombed the headquarters of a local Republican women’s organization.
“With respect to the individual reporting of specific incidents of intimidation committed against conservatives, they are not given the same level coverage in the mainstream media that maybe some in the niche media would,” Mr. Levin said.
The media has breathlessly covered the rise in right-wing violence that has emerged over the past few years, largely fueled by white supremacist groups.
Mr. Levin said far-right and far-left extremist violence differ because the leftist incidents appear to be less organized and typically target one or two individuals. Far-right violence, meanwhile, has typically been more deadly as its perpetrators seek to cause mass casualty events.
“The hard-left is a sapling, while the hard-right is an oak,” he said. “But we can no longer say that fatal violence is really just limited to the hard-right, although they look for higher body counts.”
The scale of left-leaning violence appears to be on the increase, as evidenced by the killing of a supporter of President Trump in Portland last month.
Aaron “Jay” Danielson, a member of the right-wing Patriot Prayer group, was shot and killed last month during the riots in Portland, Oregon.
Suspect Michael Reinoehl, who admitted the killing while claiming he was defending a non-White friend, was fatally shot by federal agents when they tried to arrest him. Reinoehl, who had described himself as “100% Antifa,” was armed at the time, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Danielson’s group had come to Portland to counter-protest the demonstrations that have occurred nightly in the city since the death of George Floyd, a Black man, while in the custody of the Minneapolis police.
Some on the left say the incident is an outlier because Danielson and Reinoehl were both part of groups confronting each other.
Mr. Levin disagrees.
“We are regarding it as a hard-left suspected extremist-motivated homicide and we are not going to put any lipstick on it because some people might not like it,” he said.
Rich Anderson, chairman of the RPV, whose Richmond headquarters has been vandalized twice this year, puts the blame squarely on the Democrats’ rhetoric.
“The left certainly fears the reelection of President Trump and Vice President Pence and does, in fact, indisputably employ this level of violence against those who disagree with them on policy matters,” he said. “They’ve moved from debate in the public square and the marketplace of ideas into the use of force and violence.”
Republicans say the Democrats’ silence on the left-wing violence that has spread across the country this summer has been a factor. But not condemning the mobs who have rioted and looted major cities, Democrat leaders tacitly condoned violence of all kind, they say.
“It is no coincidence that this uptick in violence against Republicans is occurring as crime has skyrocketed in Democrat-run cities over the past three months,” Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said in a statement to The Washington Times. “Democrat leaders need to enforce the rule of law and crack down on violent protesters and riots to ensure that neighborhoods remain safe and citizens feel comfortable to go out in their cities and to their polling places as Election Day approaches.”
Mr. Anderson said Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney weren’t forceful enough against the violence and vandalism that occurred in the city during racism protests over the past three months. That lax attitude, he said, created an atmosphere leading to the damage of the Republican headquarters.
“Their neglect creates a sense of security in these people and they feel like they can do what was done last night,” he said the morning after the vandalism.
After the attack, Mr. Stoney issued a statement condemning the vandalism against the Republican Party headquarters saying, “destruction is not how we win arguments.”
Mr. Anderson wasn’t impressed, saying “I know Stoney did a tweet this morning, but his actions sure speak louder than his words.”
Trump supporters young and old have been victimized.
In June, an 82-year-old man was walking down the street holding a Trump hat and wearing a Trump sign when, according to authorities, a 27-year-old motorist ran out of his car and assaulted him.
“Give me the f—ing sign!” Aidan Courtright of Fall River, Massachusetts, said as he charged Trump supporter Charlie Chase.
Mr. Courtright is accused of throwing Mr. Chase on the ground and kicking him in the legs and ribs before driving away. He also purportedly tore up the Trump sign. He has pleaded not guilty to violating civil rights with injury, to assault and battery on a person over 60 years old, and to vandalizing property.
In Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden’s home state of Delaware, two women were indicted on hate crime charges last week. Olivia Winslow and Camryn Amy also face robbery, assault and child endangerment charges.
Prosecutors say they stole a pro-Trump hat worn by a 7-year-old boy and then threw it over a fence during the Democratic National Convention in Wilmington, Delaware. The boy’s mother told local reporters she was “punched in the face” multiple times during the incident.
The two women have yet to enter a plea.
Mr. Trump sent the boy a gift package, including a signed “Make America Great Again” hat and other presidential paraphernalia.
Gregory Timm stands accused of ramming his van into a Republican Party voter registration tent in February in Florida, running over chairs and tables. He also made an obscene gesture as he sped off, according to witness reports.
Mr. Timm told authorities with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department that he doesn’t like the president and “someone had to take a stand.”
No one was injured in the assault, but campaign workers were shaken up. Someone driving a car into a crowd is what killed Heather Heyer in the notorious Charlottesville riots.
Carlos Espriu, 23, of Palm Desert, California, last week was charged with attempted arson in the May firebombing of the East Valley Republican Women Federated office in La Quinta, California.
Authorities say they got their man because the car he was driving and clothing match the images captured by a nearby video camera.
The incident caused $9,000 in damage and the group set up a GoFundMe page to pay for the damages.
“The terrorizing goes on,” the page said. “Their headquarters have experienced increased hostility including: multiple harassing phone calls daily, eggs thrown at the windows, and drive-by shouting accompanied by obscene gestures.”
Just days before the incident, police said Mr. Espriu had posted on Twitter that, “I wanna go burn s—t n get hit with tear gas.”
Mr. Anderson said he hopes Mr. Trump takes more aggressive action towards the violence.
“My prayer is after President Trump’s reelection he exercises his authority to put an end to this,” he said. “This has to stop somewhere. We have to return to the American tradition of debating, even fiercely, in the marketplace of ideas.”
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.