washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Presidential election winner faces complex geopolitical puzzle

North Korea and its nuclear ambitions were the greatest threat to world stability and must be atop the new commander in chief ’ s priority list , President Trump recalls being told during a closed-door White House transition meeting with then-President Obama in late 2016 .
Four years later , analysts and foreign policy insiders say danger on the Korean Peninsula remains high but is now even more of a geopolitical tripwire because growing U.S.-Chinese tensions hang over every aspect of American foreign policy in the region and underscore how individual global hot spots must be viewed as pieces of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whether Democrat Joseph R. Biden wins the White House or Mr. Trump secures a second term , specialists say , the president will face an international landscape that is shifting rapidly during an escalating 21st-century power competition with China and Russia .
A full inbox of challenges — an unpredictable Iran , a chaotic Afghanistan , the fallout from a failed U.S.-led regime change effort in Venezuela , Russian aggression in Eastern Europe , civil war in Syria and the continued threat of Islamic extremism across the Middle East and Africa — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , his decisions may create aftershocks around the world that help shape a new international order .
Some specialists warn that a new global power ranking is already taking shape and that America ’ s traditional post-Cold War ability to cajole allies , intimidate foes and craft multinational policy on its own is in jeopardy .
“ There has been a rebalancing of power , and the United States is not simply head and shoulders above everyone , ” said Mark Simakovsky , senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of defense for policy at the Pentagon .
“ The world is growing more complicated and challenging , and the U.S. as a global power is facing much more difficulty in managing , essentially , a rise of instability around the world , ” he told The Washington Times .
“ You have regional powers like Russia , Turkey , China as a global power itself , India , Pakistan .
We ’ re at a moment where U.S. confidence in its ability to lead and navigate these challenges is waning all while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the evolving dynamic more apparent than in Asia , where Chinese military and economic influences are growing at exponential rates , changing the calculation for virtually every nation on its periphery .
Countries such as Pakistan , which has had a tenuous yet strategically vital partnership with the U.S. throughout the post-9/11 era , are now increasingly locked in economic partnerships with Beijing , giving China ’ s Communist Party leaders much greater leverage .
In North Korea , the U.S. president in January will still be confronted by unpredictable dictator Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs , as evidenced by Pyongyang ’ s display of a massive new intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade last month .
At the same time , the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China continues to deteriorate during Beijing ’ s authoritarian crackdown on Hong Kong , its military expansion into the South and East China seas , its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term strategy for China to supplant the U.S. as the world ’ s top economic power .
Past administrations have tried to approach China and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but analysts say the commander in chief will not have that luxury and must be keenly aware that each decision on one front likely will affect the other .
“ They treat them as isolated challenges when they may not be , ” said Bradley Bowman , senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies , a leading Washington think tank .
“ If you have a conflict with China , it is not necessarily safe to assume Kim Jong-un sits on his hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not assume that our adversaries and enemies will be kind enough to challenge us one at a time.
” Indeed , it ’ s unclear how China would react to hostilities on the Korean Peninsula .
Beijing may use the chance to unilaterally claim more territory in the South China Sea or even to take control of Taiwan .
On the other hand , Mr. Kim may view any dust-up between the U.S. and China as a window of opportunity to resume nuclear testing or to take other provocative steps while Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confrontational , transactional approach toward China .
He launched a bilateral trade war , increased U.S. military presence in the Pacific and repeatedly accused Beijing of failing to stop the COVID-19 “ China virus ” from spreading .
Administration officials also have criticized Chinese theft of U.S. intellectual property , the Communist Party ’ s suspected use of technology such as 5G networks to spy on other nations , Beijing ’ s claims in the Arctic and other policies .
By contrast , Mr. Trump ’ s rhetoric toward North Korea has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began his tenure by threatening “ fire and fury ” in response to any military aggression by the reclusive state , he subsequently met with Mr. Kim on three occasions , including a 2018 Singapore summit that marked the first-ever meeting between leaders of the two countries .
The administration credits Mr. Trump ’ s approach for the absence of North Korean nuclear tests since September 2017 , though the unprecedented diplomatic push has not secured a firm , long-term denuclearization commitment from Pyongyang .
“ I have a very good relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he probably thinks the same thing about me , ” Mr. Trump said of Mr. Kim during the final presidential debate .
“ We have a different kind of a relationship .
We have a very good relationship , and there ’ s no war.
” As for Mr. Biden , he stressed that he would ensure China was part of any discussion involving North Korea , and he criticized Mr. Trump for his willingness to meet with dictators .
“ What has he done ?
He ’ s legitimized North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his good buddy , who ’ s a thug , ” the former vice president said of Mr. Trump .
In exchange for Mr. Trump ’ s diplomacy , specialists say , the U.S. gave up a lot , including shelving key joint military operations with South Korea as an olive branch to Pyongyang .
“ I see little to no indication that [ the situation ] is any better now than when President Trump took office , ” Mr .
Bowman said .
“ In some ways , it may be less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concessions in terms of military exercises that the North Koreans did not make.
” Pentagon officials have said U.S. military readiness did not suffer as a result of canceling some exercises on the peninsula .
The Trump administration ’ s embrace of diplomacy also has been on full display over the past two years in Afghanistan , where top State Department officials engaged in direct talks with the Taliban in the hopes of securing a permanent peace deal .
The campaign in Afghanistan is the longest in U.S. history and one that Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it is an “ endless war ” that no longer serves a major strategic American interest .
The administration in February struck a deal with the Taliban that will steadily cut U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees that the Taliban will negotiate with the U.S.-backed government in Kabul and that terrorist groups will never be allowed again use the country as a base of operations .
While Afghanistan remains besieged by violence between Taliban and government fighters , the American withdrawal is moving ahead .
Mr. Trump also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq and , over the objections of many Republicans and military officials , removed a substantial number of U.S. troops from Syria .
Across the Middle East and Africa , specialists say , the U.S. must continue to reassess the amount of resources it is willing to commit to counterterrorism efforts .
The commander in chief come January will need to decide how much American money , manpower and resources he is willing to allocate to battle stubborn groups such as the Taliban , al-Shabab in Somalia , the Islamic State and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns lasting a decade or longer .
“ Reducing the U.S. government ’ s counterterrorism bloat will better enable the U.S. to advance its varied strategic interests and is necessary , especially in light of global power competition and in responding to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic , ” Katherine Zimmerman , resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who studies terrorist groups , wrote in a recent analysis .
“ Yet , it should also call into question whether the U.S. is prepared to carry the cost of counterterrorism — particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al Qaeda and the Islamic State — indefinitely as they persist despite significant U.S. pressure against them , ” she said .
At the same time , American troop reductions in the Middle East carry consequences .
Roughly 500 U.S. troops remain stationed in Syria to train U.S.-backed rebel groups and to conduct limited special operations missions against Islamic State targets .
Removing all of those troops , some analysts argue , would provide an opening for Russia , which also operates in Syria in support of President Bashar Assad ’ s government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Iran , which has proxy forces operating inside Syria alongside the Russians and remains at odds with the U.S. after Mr. Trump withdrew from an international nuclear deal with Tehran in 2018 .
“ Great power competition doesn ’ t just happen in the Baltics , ” Mr .
Bowman said .
“ Great power competition increasingly is happening in the Middle East , too .
”

North Korea and its nuclear ambitions were the greatest threat to world stability and must be atop the new commander in chief’s priority list, President Trump recalls being told during a closed-door White House transition meeting with then-President Barack Obama in late 2016.
Four years later, analysts and foreign policy insiders say danger on the Korean Peninsula remains high but is now even more of a geopolitical tripwire because growing U.S.-Chinese tensions hang over every aspect of American foreign policy in the region and underscore how individual global hot spots must be viewed as pieces of a much bigger, more complex puzzle.
Whether Democrat Joseph R. Biden wins the White House or Mr. Trump secures a second term, specialists say, the president will face an international landscape that is shifting rapidly during an escalating 21st-century power competition with China and Russia. A full inbox of challenges — an unpredictable Iran, a chaotic Afghanistan, the fallout from a failed U.S.-led regime change effort in Venezuela, Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, civil war in Syria and the continued threat of Islamic extremism across the Middle East and Africa — await the U.S. leader. In each case, his decisions may create aftershocks around the world that help shape a new international order.
Some specialists warn that a new global power ranking is already taking shape and that America’s traditional post-Cold War ability to cajole allies, intimidate foes and craft multinational policy on its own is in jeopardy.
“There has been a rebalancing of power, and the United States is not simply head and shoulders above everyone,” said Mark Simakovsky, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former Europe/NATO chief of staff for the secretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon.
“The world is growing more complicated and challenging, and the U.S. as a global power is facing much more difficulty in managing, essentially, a rise of instability around the world,” he told The Washington Times. “You have regional powers like Russia, Turkey, China as a global power itself, India, Pakistan. We’re at a moment where U.S. confidence in its ability to lead and navigate these challenges is waning all while these challenges are accelerating.”
Pacific strategy
Perhaps nowhere is the evolving dynamic more apparent than in Asia, where Chinese military and economic influences are growing at exponential rates, changing the calculation for virtually every nation on its periphery. Countries such as Pakistan, which has had a tenuous yet strategically vital partnership with the U.S. throughout the post-9/11 era, are now increasingly locked in economic partnerships with Beijing, giving China’s Communist Party leaders much greater leverage.
In North Korea, the U.S. president in January will still be confronted by unpredictable dictator Kim Jong-un as he develops dangerous new weapons programs, as evidenced by Pyongyang’s display of a massive new intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade last month.
At the same time, the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China continues to deteriorate during Beijing’s authoritarian crackdown on Hong Kong, its military expansion into the South and East China seas, its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term strategy for China to supplant the U.S. as the world’s top economic power. Past administrations have tried to approach China and North Korea as mostly separate issues, but analysts say the commander in chief will not have that luxury and must be keenly aware that each decision on one front likely will affect the other.
“They treat them as isolated challenges when they may not be,” said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a leading Washington think tank.
“If you have a conflict with China, it is not necessarily safe to assume Kim Jong-un sits on his hands,” he said. “We cannot assume that our adversaries and enemies will be kind enough to challenge us one at a time.”
Indeed, it’s unclear how China would react to hostilities on the Korean Peninsula. Beijing may use the chance to unilaterally claim more territory in the South China Sea or even to take control of Taiwan.
On the other hand, Mr. Kim may view any dust-up between the U.S. and China as a window of opportunity to resume nuclear testing or to take other provocative steps while Washington is distracted.
Mr. Trump has taken a confrontational, transactional approach toward China. He launched a bilateral trade war, increased U.S. military presence in the Pacific and repeatedly accused Beijing of failing to stop the COVID-19 “China virus” from spreading. Administration officials also have criticized Chinese theft of U.S. intellectual property, the Communist Party’s suspected use of technology such as 5G networks to spy on other nations, Beijing’s claims in the Arctic and other policies.
By contrast, Mr. Trump’s rhetoric toward North Korea has been much softer. Although the president began his tenure by threatening “fire and fury” in response to any military aggression by the reclusive state, he subsequently met with Mr. Kim on three occasions, including a 2018 Singapore summit that marked the first-ever meeting between leaders of the two countries. The administration credits Mr. Trump’s approach for the absence of North Korean nuclear tests since September 2017, though the unprecedented diplomatic push has not secured a firm, long-term denuclearization commitment from Pyongyang.
“I have a very good relationship with him. Different kind of a guy, but he probably thinks the same thing about me,” Mr. Trump said of Mr. Kim during the final presidential debate. “We have a different kind of a relationship. We have a very good relationship, and there’s no war.”
As for Mr. Biden, he stressed that he would ensure China was part of any discussion involving North Korea, and he criticized Mr. Trump for his willingness to meet with dictators.
“What has he done? He’s legitimized North Korea. He’s talked about his good buddy, who’s a thug,” the former vice president said of Mr. Trump.
In exchange for Mr. Trump’s diplomacy, specialists say, the U.S. gave up a lot, including shelving key joint military operations with South Korea as an olive branch to Pyongyang.
“I see little to no indication that [the situation] is any better now than when President Trump took office,” Mr. Bowman said. “In some ways, it may be less well off. … We made military concessions in terms of military exercises that the North Koreans did not make.”
Pentagon officials have said U.S. military readiness did not suffer as a result of canceling some exercises on the peninsula.
Middle East approach
The Trump administration’s embrace of diplomacy also has been on full display over the past two years in Afghanistan, where top State Department officials engaged in direct talks with the Taliban in the hopes of securing a permanent peace deal. The campaign in Afghanistan is the longest in U.S. history and one that Mr. Trump has pledged to end. He said it is an “endless war” that no longer serves a major strategic American interest.
The administration in February struck a deal with the Taliban that will steadily cut U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees that the Taliban will negotiate with the U.S.-backed government in Kabul and that terrorist groups will never be allowed again use the country as a base of operations.
While Afghanistan remains besieged by violence between Taliban and government fighters, the American withdrawal is moving ahead. Mr. Trump also has cut the number of U.S. forces in Iraq and, over the objections of many Republicans and military officials, removed a substantial number of U.S. troops from Syria.
Across the Middle East and Africa, specialists say, the U.S. must continue to reassess the amount of resources it is willing to commit to counterterrorism efforts. The commander in chief come January will need to decide how much American money, manpower and resources he is willing to allocate to battle stubborn groups such as the Taliban, al-Shabab in Somalia, the Islamic State and other organizations that survive despite intensive U.S. military campaigns lasting a decade or longer.
“Reducing the U.S. government’s counterterrorism bloat will better enable the U.S. to advance its varied strategic interests and is necessary, especially in light of global power competition and in responding to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic,” Katherine Zimmerman, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who studies terrorist groups, wrote in a recent analysis.
“Yet, it should also call into question whether the U.S. is prepared to carry the cost of counterterrorism — particularly against such transnational Salafi-jihadi groups such as al Qaeda and the Islamic State — indefinitely as they persist despite significant U.S. pressure against them,” she said.
At the same time, American troop reductions in the Middle East carry consequences. Roughly 500 U.S. troops remain stationed in Syria to train U.S.-backed rebel groups and to conduct limited special operations missions against Islamic State targets.
Removing all of those troops, some analysts argue, would provide an opening for Russia, which also operates in Syria in support of President Bashar Assad’s government. It also would present an opportunity for Iran, which has proxy forces operating inside Syria alongside the Russians and remains at odds with the U.S. after Mr. Trump withdrew from an international nuclear deal with Tehran in 2018.
“Great power competition doesn’t just happen in the Baltics,” Mr. Bowman said. “Great power competition increasingly is happening in the Middle East, too.”
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Donald Trump predicts great comeback victory

President Trump predicted a great comeback victory Monday as he culminated his high-powered reelection campaign near midnight in Michigan , while Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden made a final plea for voters to stop a presidency “ that has divided this nation , ” as both sides laid the groundwork for an unsettled outcome with fierce court battles over uncounted ballots looming beyond Election Day .
“ I think we ’ re going to have a tremendous day , ” the president told supporters in Pennsylvania at one of his five final campaign rallies in four battleground states .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve got some big surprises.
” Mr. Biden , campaigning in Ohio and Pennsylvania , urged voters to put Mr. Trump ’ s rancorous presidency behind them and choose new leadership to beat the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has divided this nation , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation .
Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has fanned the flames of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change this country is in your hands.
” In a sign of the razor-thin polling margins in key states , Mr. Biden is taking the unusual step of holding two campaign rallies on Election Day , both in Pennsylvania .
The president plans to spend the day at the White House , with an election night celebration in the East Room .
Mr. Trump campaigned at a frenetic pace up until the last minute , as if he believed he was the underdog .
The president began the year riding record low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling as though he might cruise to reelection .
But the pandemic hit in March , throwing tens of millions of people out of work and causing more than 231,000 deaths .
The twin blows of a public health crisis and economic distress forced Mr. Trump in the final months of the campaign to focus on turning out his loyal base .
“ It ’ s up to you , really , ” he told supporters Monday .
“ You ’ ve got to get out .
Remember what I said four years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we will make America great again.
” Surveying a huge crowd outdoors in wind-whipped Avoca , Pennsylvania , the president said , “ This is the ultimate poll .
This is not the crowd of a second-place finisher.
” Political analyst Charlie Cook ’ s final report shows Mr. Biden with 290 electoral college votes in 24 states rated strong , likely or leaning Democratic .
A candidate needs 270 to win .
Mr. Trump has wrapped up only 125 electoral college votes , according to the analysis .
Even if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six states rated as “ toss-ups , ” he still would need to gain 22 more electoral votes from states leaning in Mr. Biden ’ s column , such as Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin .
But senior Trump campaign officials said Monday their data gives them confidence that the president will win the election by carrying Pennsylvania , Michigan , Wisconsin , Florida , North Carolina , Arizona and Nevada .
They said Republicans have closed the gap with Democrats among the more than 97 million votes cast early , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who haven ’ t voted .
If the “ red wave ” of Republican voters turns out as campaign officials are projecting on Election Day , “ President Trump is going to have four more years in the White House , ” said his campaign ’ s director of battleground strategy , Nick Trainer .
“ The Democrats are scrambling and panicking.
” Trump officials accused Mr. Biden ’ s campaign of plotting to “ steal ” the election by planning to file lawsuits to extend deadlines for counting ballots and readying TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
“ We fully anticipate that Democrats will be in court arguing to extend deadlines for accepting and counting votes mailed and received well past deadlines enacted by individual state laws , ” said Trump deputy campaign manager Justin Clark .
“ The last gasp of the Biden campaign will be ugly and it will be ruthless.
” Mr. Biden ’ s campaign manager , Jen O ’ Malley Dillon , said Mr. Trump won ’ t be able to legitimately claim victory on Tuesday .
She cited reports that the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or early on Wednesday if he is leading in states that haven ’ t finished counting mail-in ballots .
“ If he tries to do that , that will not be true , ” she said .
“ Under no scenario will Donald Trump be declared a victor on Election Night.
” Mr. Clark said the Trump campaign is focused on preventing the Biden team from “ trying to do an end-run around election laws ” and obtaining court rulings that would allow extended deadlines for counting ballots .
He said the Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diversions , ” such as warning the public not to accept a “ red mirage ” on election night if it appears that Mr. Trump is winning .
“ Rest assured , if the president wins , we ’ re going to say the president won , ” Mr. Clark said .
“ We ’ re not going to be shy about it , and we ’ re going to push back hard at any attempt by the Democrats to obfuscate that.
” Republicans suffered some legal setbacks on Monday .
In Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request to invalidate 127,000 ballots in Harris County that had already been cast at drive-through voting stations .
The county , the largest in the state , is home to Houston and is a Democratic stronghold .
In Nevada , a judge rejected a lawsuit by the Trump campaign that sought to block temporarily the processing of mail-in ballots in heavily Democratic Clark County .
Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf , a Democrat , is starring in a TV ad this week warning voters that it could take “ a few days ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state .
The Supreme Court is allowing Pennsylvania to count ballots for up to three days after Election Day .
The state will not start counting its absentee and mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. Tuesday .
“ These are unprecedented times .
Because of the coronavirus , there were millions of votes cast by mail , so it may take longer than usual to count every vote , ” Mr. Wolf says in the ad .
The president said Monday that the Supreme Court ’ s decision could be “ physically dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for street violence after the election .
“ They made a very dangerous situation .
And I mean ‘ dangerous ’ — physically dangerous , ” the president said .
“ The danger that could be caused by that extension , and especially when you know what goes on in Philadelphia .
So governor , open up your state and please don ’ t cheat.
” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney , also a Democrat , said counting the city ’ s ballots “ could easily take a few days.
” Fears of postelection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide to board up storefronts , including in New York , Los Angeles and the District of Columbia .
Several leftist groups are planning to gather in the nation ’ s capital this week and are warning of the need to fight against a potential coup by Mr. Trump , depending on the outcome of the election .
There were anecdotal reports in Washington and New York of residents buying groceries as if preparing for a blizzard , and Texas and Massachusetts put their National Guard on stand-by .
Mr. Biden accused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t care how hard Donald Trump tries , ” he said in Cleveland .
“ There is nothing — nothing — that is going to stop the people of this nation from voting .
I believe the message is going to be loud and clear.
” The former vice president got another assist on Monday from former President Barack Obama , who campaigned for him in Georgia .
“ I ’ ve got one word for you Atlanta — tomorrow , ” Mr. Obama said .
“ Tomorrow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the power to change America .
Tomorrow you can put an end to the politics that tries to divide a nation just to win an election , that tries to stoke conspiracy theories and fear at a time when we need competence and we need hope.
” The president , who hopes to increase his level of support from Black voters to as much as 20 % , said that Mr. Biden previously referred to Blacks who commit crimes as “ super predators.
” “ To every Black American , go tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president said .
On the last day he will ever campaign for himself , Mr. Trump reminded audiences about the “ movement ” he launched four years ago .
He also spoke of the partisan battles he has fought , starting with the Obama administration spying on his campaign in 2016 and carrying through the three-year special counsel ’ s investigation that found no “ collusion ” between the Trump team and Moscow .
“ We were under siege illegally .
They committed treason , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ They created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight back .
The assault on this office has changed my personality.
” Referring to the stakes in the election , Mr. Trump told the crowd in Pennsylvania , “ Once I ’ m not here , there ’ s nobody else to protect you .
You have a president that wasn ’ t scared.
” ⦁ Ryan Lovelace and Seth McLaughlin contributed to this report .

Dave Boyer, David Sherfinski and Dave Boyer, David Sherfinski

President Trump predicted a great comeback victory Monday as he culminated his high-powered reelection campaign near midnight in Michigan, while Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden made a final plea for voters to stop a presidency “that has divided this nation,” as both sides laid the groundwork for an unsettled outcome with fierce court battles over uncounted ballots looming beyond Election Day.
“I think we’re going to have a tremendous day,” the president told supporters in Pennsylvania at one of his five final campaign rallies in four battleground states. “We’re going to win. We’ve got some big surprises.”
Mr. Biden, campaigning in Ohio and Pennsylvania, urged voters to put Mr. Trump’s rancorous presidency behind them and choose new leadership to beat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has divided this nation,” Mr. Biden said. “Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation. Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has fanned the flames of hate across this nation. The power to change this country is in your hands.”
In a sign of the razor-thin polling margins in key states, Mr. Biden is taking the unusual step of holding two campaign rallies on Election Day, both in Pennsylvania. The president plans to spend the day at the White House, with an election night celebration in the East Room.
Mr. Trump campaigned at a frenetic pace up until the last minute, as if he believed he was the underdog. The president began the year riding record low unemployment, surmounting a partisan impeachment and feeling as though he might cruise to reelection.
But the pandemic hit in March, throwing tens of millions of people out of work and causing more than 231,000 deaths. The twin blows of a public health crisis and economic distress forced Mr. Trump in the final months of the campaign to focus on turning out his loyal base.
“It’s up to you, really,” he told supporters Monday. “You’ve got to get out. Remember what I said four years ago: I am your voice, and we will make America great again.”
Surveying a huge crowd outdoors in wind-whipped Avoca, Pennsylvania, the president said, “This is the ultimate poll. This is not the crowd of a second-place finisher.”
Political analyst Charlie Cook’s final report shows Mr. Biden with 290 electoral college votes in 24 states rated strong, likely or leaning Democratic. A candidate needs 270 to win.
Mr. Trump has wrapped up only 125 electoral college votes, according to the analysis. Even if the president won all 123 votes from the six states rated as “toss-ups,” he still would need to gain 22 more electoral votes from states leaning in Mr. Biden’s column, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
But senior Trump campaign officials said Monday their data gives them confidence that the president will win the election by carrying Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada. They said Republicans have closed the gap with Democrats among the more than 97 million votes cast early, and there are far more registered Republicans than Democrats who haven’t voted.
If the “red wave” of Republican voters turns out as campaign officials are projecting on Election Day, “President Trump is going to have four more years in the White House,” said his campaign’s director of battleground strategy, Nick Trainer. “The Democrats are scrambling and panicking.”
Trump officials accused Mr. Biden’s campaign of plotting to “steal” the election by planning to file lawsuits to extend deadlines for counting ballots and readying TV ads as part of a public pressure campaign.
“We fully anticipate that Democrats will be in court arguing to extend deadlines for accepting and counting votes mailed and received well past deadlines enacted by individual state laws,” said Trump deputy campaign manager Justin Clark. “The last gasp of the Biden campaign will be ugly and it will be ruthless.”
Mr. Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, said Mr. Trump won’t be able to legitimately claim victory on Tuesday. She cited reports that the president plans to declare victory on election night or early on Wednesday if he is leading in states that haven’t finished counting mail-in ballots.
“If he tries to do that, that will not be true,” she said. “Under no scenario will Donald Trump be declared a victor on Election Night.”
Mr. Clark said the Trump campaign is focused on preventing the Biden team from “trying to do an end-run around election laws” and obtaining court rulings that would allow extended deadlines for counting ballots. He said the Biden campaign is already using “smokescreens and diversions,” such as warning the public not to accept a “red mirage” on election night if it appears that Mr. Trump is winning.
“Rest assured, if the president wins, we’re going to say the president won,” Mr. Clark said. “We’re not going to be shy about it, and we’re going to push back hard at any attempt by the Democrats to obfuscate that.”
Republicans suffered some legal setbacks on Monday. In Texas, a federal judge rejected a Republican request to invalidate 127,000 ballots in Harris County that had already been cast at drive-through voting stations. The county, the largest in the state, is home to Houston and is a Democratic stronghold.
In Nevada, a judge rejected a lawsuit by the Trump campaign that sought to block temporarily the processing of mail-in ballots in heavily Democratic Clark County.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, is starring in a TV ad this week warning voters that it could take “a few days” to accurately count all votes cast in the state. The Supreme Court is allowing Pennsylvania to count ballots for up to three days after Election Day. The state will not start counting its absentee and mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. Tuesday.
“These are unprecedented times. Because of the coronavirus, there were millions of votes cast by mail, so it may take longer than usual to count every vote,” Mr. Wolf says in the ad.
The president said Monday that the Supreme Court’s decision could be “physically dangerous,” apparently referring to the potential for street violence after the election.
“They made a very dangerous situation. And I mean ‘dangerous’ — physically dangerous,” the president said. “The danger that could be caused by that extension, and especially when you know what goes on in Philadelphia. So governor, open up your state and please don’t cheat.”
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, also a Democrat, said counting the city’s ballots “could easily take a few days.”
Fears of postelection violence and looting have led property owners nationwide to board up storefronts, including in New York, Los Angeles and the District of Columbia. Several leftist groups are planning to gather in the nation’s capital this week and are warning of the need to fight against a potential coup by Mr. Trump, depending on the outcome of the election.
There were anecdotal reports in Washington and New York of residents buying groceries as if preparing for a blizzard, and Texas and Massachusetts put their National Guard on stand-by.
Mr. Biden accused the president of trying to disenfranchise voters.
“I don’t care how hard Donald Trump tries,” he said in Cleveland. “There is nothing — nothing — that is going to stop the people of this nation from voting. I believe the message is going to be loud and clear.”
The former vice president got another assist on Monday from former President Barack Obama, who campaigned for him in Georgia.
“I’ve got one word for you Atlanta — tomorrow,” Mr. Obama said. “Tomorrow, after four years of failure, you have the power to change America. Tomorrow you can put an end to the politics that tries to divide a nation just to win an election, that tries to stoke conspiracy theories and fear at a time when we need competence and we need hope.”
The president, who hopes to increase his level of support from Black voters to as much as 20%, said that Mr. Biden previously referred to Blacks who commit crimes as “super predators.”
“To every Black American, go tomorrow and vote for Trump,” the president said.
On the last day he will ever campaign for himself, Mr. Trump reminded audiences about the “movement” he launched four years ago. He also spoke of the partisan battles he has fought, starting with the Obama administration spying on his campaign in 2016 and carrying through the three-year special counsel’s investigation that found no “collusion” between the Trump team and Moscow.
“We were under siege illegally. They committed treason,” Mr. Trump said. “They created the chaos. All we did was fight back. The assault on this office has changed my personality.”
Referring to the stakes in the election, Mr. Trump told the crowd in Pennsylvania, “Once I’m not here, there’s nobody else to protect you. You have a president that wasn’t scared.”
• Ryan Lovelace and Seth McLaughlin contributed to this report.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com. • David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Montana woman dies in Glacier park scuba diving accident

WEST GLACIER , Mont .
( AP ) - An 18-year-old Missoula woman has died in a scuba diving accident @ @ @ @ @ park officials said Monday .
Rangers responded to a report of an accident at Lake @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
The woman died at the scene .
Her name hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ is under investigation and officials have not released any information about the cause or nature @ @ @ @ @ group of six people had been diving , park officials said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ flown to a Seattle hospital for hyperbaric treatment , which is commonly used for decompression @ @ @ @ @ by surfacing too quickly .
Lake McDonald , which is on the west side of @ @ @ @ @ among scuba diving groups because of its submerged artifacts , park officials said .

WEST GLACIER, Mont. (AP) - An 18-year-old Missoula woman has died in a scuba diving accident in Glacier National Park, park officials said Monday.
Rangers responded to a report of an accident at Lake McDonald just before 6 p.m. on Sunday. The woman died at the scene. Her name hasn’t been released.
The incident is under investigation and officials have not released any information about the cause or nature of the accident.
A group of six people had been diving, park officials said in a news release. A 22-year-old man was flown to a Seattle hospital for hyperbaric treatment, which is commonly used for decompression sickness that can be caused by surfacing too quickly.
Lake McDonald, which is on the west side of the park, is popular among scuba diving groups because of its submerged artifacts, park officials said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Illinois COVID-19 cases force entire state into mitigations

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - With the entire state scheduled to be under stricter rules regarding social interaction by Wednesday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Monday reported another near-record day for new infections of the coronavirus .
There were 6,222 new cases reported , the fifth-highest total since the pandemic hit Illinois in February - and the four days with higher numbers have all occurred since Thursday .
On Sunday , Pritzker announced that Region 2 , which includes the Quad Cities , Peoria , Bloomington-Normal and Pontiac , would enter “ resurgence mitigations ” on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions under the Democrat ’ s “ Restore Illinois ” plan to see the restrictions .
They include a prohbition on indoor bar and restaurtant service , stopping food and drink orders at 11 p.m. , and limiting crowds to 25 people or 25 % of room capacity .
“ The virus is spreading , and every region of the state is suffering from its insidious , invisible contagion , ” Pritzker said at his daily COVID-19 briefing in Chicago .
New cases in the past week have averaged 6,359 daily , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day - from the previous seven days , although the fatality rate has stayed steady at 41 .
There were 3,371 patients hospitalized , with 722 in intensive care units and 298 on ventilators , all up one-quarter or more from a week earlier .
With 20 deaths reported Monday , Illinois is closing in on 10,000 fatalities from the coronavirus , with 9,810 .
There have been 423,502 taken ill .
Continuing to face criticism from business owners forced to close their dining rooms and bars , Pritzker again outlined grant funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interruption Grant program and money for local governments backed by federal relief dollars .
Bars and restaurants whose businesses are slowed by resurgence mitigations are eligible for $ 270 million in the interruption grants .
That ’ s of little comfort to business owners and Republicans like the lawmakers from Region 3 , the central Illinois district that includes Lincoln , Springfield , Jacksonville and Quincy put on mitigations last week .
“ We can not program ourselves out of this problem , ” Rep. Mike Murphy , a Springfield Republican , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions with local business owners .
“ They all talked about wanting to get back to work and earning income and providing opportunities for their for their employees .
Grants are great short-term , but not one person asked me about the availability of grants .
”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - With the entire state scheduled to be under stricter rules regarding social interaction by Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday reported another near-record day for new infections of the coronavirus.
There were 6,222 new cases reported, the fifth-highest total since the pandemic hit Illinois in February - and the four days with higher numbers have all occurred since Thursday.
On Sunday, Pritzker announced that Region 2, which includes the Quad Cities, Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and Pontiac, would enter “resurgence mitigations” on Wednesday, the last of 11 COVID-19 monitoring regions under the Democrat’s “Restore Illinois” plan to see the restrictions. They include a prohbition on indoor bar and restaurtant service, stopping food and drink orders at 11 p.m., and limiting crowds to 25 people or 25% of room capacity.
“The virus is spreading, and every region of the state is suffering from its insidious, invisible contagion,” Pritzker said at his daily COVID-19 briefing in Chicago.
New cases in the past week have averaged 6,359 daily, a 40% increase - 1,800 more per day - from the previous seven days, although the fatality rate has stayed steady at 41.
There were 3,371 patients hospitalized, with 722 in intensive care units and 298 on ventilators, all up one-quarter or more from a week earlier.
With 20 deaths reported Monday, Illinois is closing in on 10,000 fatalities from the coronavirus, with 9,810. There have been 423,502 taken ill.
Continuing to face criticism from business owners forced to close their dining rooms and bars, Pritzker again outlined grant funding available through the state’s Business Interruption Grant program and money for local governments backed by federal relief dollars. Bars and restaurants whose businesses are slowed by resurgence mitigations are eligible for $270 million in the interruption grants.
That’s of little comfort to business owners and Republicans like the lawmakers from Region 3, the central Illinois district that includes Lincoln, Springfield, Jacksonville and Quincy put on mitigations last week.
“We cannot program ourselves out of this problem,” Rep. Mike Murphy, a Springfield Republican, said last week after he discussed the coming restrictions with local business owners. “They all talked about wanting to get back to work and earning income and providing opportunities for their for their employees. Grants are great short-term, but not one person asked me about the availability of grants.”
___
Follow Political Writer John O’Connor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Feds' protest measures restricted to block around courthouse

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - Federal officers must not engage in crowd control enforcement more than one square block from the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse in Portland , Oregon under a federal judge ’ s court order .
U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman issued the restrictions Monday after granting a preliminary injunction Friday , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
He found that federal officers ’ actions have chilled First Amendment ’ s rights of free speech and right to assembly for plaintiffs who sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal law enforcement agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ Excluded Area , ’ federal law enforcement can engage in crowd control activities subject to all the pre-existing limits , constitutional or otherwise , on their conduct , but not covered by this injunction , ” Mosman wrote .
“ Beyond that line , federal agents must cease crowd control activities , including clearing people away from the U.S.
Courthouse.
” The judge underscored that federal agents “ can not individually target protesters in retaliation for their speech , anywhere or anytime.
” Mosman described the order as a “ geographical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a “ zone of safety″ where they can peacefully protest .
The federal officers can make arrests or engage in “ hot pursuits ” of suspects within or outside the excluded area , according to established law , the judge wrote .
The plaintiffs are state Reps. Janelle S. Bynum , D-Clackamas , and Karin A .
Power , D-Milwaukie , along with Portland lawyer and legal observer Sara D. Eddie , the First Unitarian Church of Portland and Western States Center , an organization that monitors right-wing extremism .
The judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the last few months helped incite improper conduct by federal officers responding to protests against police brutality and systemic racism in Portland and directed both sides in the lawsuit to hash out “ rules of engagement ” for the officers near the federal courthouse .
The plaintiffs sued Homeland Security , the U.S .
Marshals Service , the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement , saying the aggressive dispersal of protesters by federal agents outside the courthouse this summer encroached on state powers and breached the First Amendment by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their attorneys argued the possibility of mass federal intervention remains , submitting to the court Twitter statements by Trump and statements from Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad F. Wolf that have threatened the return of additional federal officers to the city .
Attorney Jeffrey A .
Hall , representing the U.S. Department of Justice , argued there ’ s no need for a court order because the expanded federal presence in Portland has fallen significantly .
“ What they were attempting to do is push violent crowds back during a very violent period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nothing to show it ’ s going to be a problem in the future.
” Mosman disagreed , ruling that the presidential tweets showed “ a substantial risk of harm ” to the plaintiffs .
In his written order Monday , the judge wrote , “ The showing that the federal agents have any retaliatory motive is nonexistent .
Unfortunately for the federal agents , they operate under the burden of statements from the President ( and for Border Patrol agents , Acting Secretary Wolf ) expressing precisely such a motivation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at oral argument , I have found Plaintiffs are entitled to some form of injunctive relief.
” Mosman , however , rejected the claim that the federal officers violated the 10th Amendment ’ s separation of powers .
The suit was filed as local , state and congressional leaders from Oregon condemned what they ’ ve described as heavy-handed force used by the federal officers sent to Portland through an executive order signed by Trump in July .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Federal officers must not engage in crowd control enforcement more than one square block from the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse in Portland, Oregon under a federal judge’s court order.
U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman issued the restrictions Monday after granting a preliminary injunction Friday, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. He found that federal officers’ actions have chilled First Amendment’s rights of free speech and right to assembly for plaintiffs who sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal law enforcement agencies.
“Within that sphere, called the ‘Excluded Area,’ federal law enforcement can engage in crowd control activities subject to all the pre-existing limits, constitutional or otherwise, on their conduct, but not covered by this injunction,” Mosman wrote. “Beyond that line, federal agents must cease crowd control activities, including clearing people away from the U.S. Courthouse.”
The judge underscored that federal agents “cannot individually target protesters in retaliation for their speech, anywhere or anytime.”
Mosman described the order as a “geographical solution,” that will provide protesters with a “zone of safety″ where they can peacefully protest.
The federal officers can make arrests or engage in “hot pursuits” of suspects within or outside the excluded area, according to established law, the judge wrote.
The plaintiffs are state Reps. Janelle S. Bynum, D-Clackamas, and Karin A. Power, D-Milwaukie, along with Portland lawyer and legal observer Sara D. Eddie, the First Unitarian Church of Portland and Western States Center, an organization that monitors right-wing extremism.
The judge found that tweets by President Donald Trump during the last few months helped incite improper conduct by federal officers responding to protests against police brutality and systemic racism in Portland and directed both sides in the lawsuit to hash out “rules of engagement” for the officers near the federal courthouse.
The plaintiffs sued Homeland Security, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, saying the aggressive dispersal of protesters by federal agents outside the courthouse this summer encroached on state powers and breached the First Amendment by interfering with the right to protest.
Their attorneys argued the possibility of mass federal intervention remains, submitting to the court Twitter statements by Trump and statements from Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad F. Wolf that have threatened the return of additional federal officers to the city.
Attorney Jeffrey A. Hall, representing the U.S. Department of Justice, argued there’s no need for a court order because the expanded federal presence in Portland has fallen significantly. “What they were attempting to do is push violent crowds back during a very violent period,” Hall said. “There’s nothing to show it’s going to be a problem in the future.”
Mosman disagreed, ruling that the presidential tweets showed “a substantial risk of harm” to the plaintiffs.
In his written order Monday, the judge wrote, “The showing that the federal agents have any retaliatory motive is nonexistent. Unfortunately for the federal agents, they operate under the burden of statements from the President (and for Border Patrol agents, Acting Secretary Wolf) expressing precisely such a motivation. For these and other reasons discussed at oral argument, I have found Plaintiffs are entitled to some form of injunctive relief.”
Mosman, however, rejected the claim that the federal officers violated the 10th Amendment’s separation of powers.
The suit was filed as local, state and congressional leaders from Oregon condemned what they’ve described as heavy-handed force used by the federal officers sent to Portland through an executive order signed by Trump in July.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--California police, merchants prepare for Election Day unrest

Across California , merchants are covering their doors and windows with plywood as police agencies promise a beefed-up presence on the street amid worries about the potential for demonstrations and violent responses to the general election .
Both are preparing for the long haul , anticipating that it might be days or weeks of anxiety before a victor is declared in the presidential race .
The famed Rodeo Drive of Beverly Hills will be closed to cars and pedestrians beginning Monday night .
Businesses like the Mikimoto jewelry store , Nordstrom , Tiffany and Saks Fifth Avenue have been boarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wood isn ’ t so conspicuous - and the city has contracted with 80 armed security guards .
Similar scenes are playing out nationwide .
In downtown Washington , the sounds of hammers and power tools echoed through the streets Monday as workers boarded up dozens of businesses .
In New York City , businesses from Macy ’ s flagship store in Herald Square to high-end shops in Manhattan ’ s chic SoHo neighborhood had already covered their windows .
In cities like Los Angeles , it could be another round of unrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers turned chaotic downtown , and pockets of the city have been rocked by vandalism and looting following anti-police brutality demonstrations .
By and large peaceful , however , protests statewide have become a regular occurrence in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis .
Floyd , a 46-year-old Black man , was killed in May when a white police officer kneeled on his neck .
Some demonstrations , however , have turned violent .
Activists allege that police have used excessive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and injuring them and violating their civil rights to assemble .
Authorities , however , say some demonstrators attack officers with fireworks and glass or frozen bottles .
Though law enforcement agencies statewide say they have no credible reports of election-related threats , they are mobilizing for a huge response .
Many have switched officers to 12-hour shifts and canceled all days off so that they have full ranks ready to go .
“ Law enforcement agencies by their very nature are generally prepared for the unexpected – that ’ s our business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Sgt .
Rod Grassmann in a statement .
Craig Lally , president of the union that represents rank-and-file Los Angeles police officers , said he ’ s telling his members to anticipate weeks of unrest .
“ Anything ’ s possible , no matter who wins , ” he said .
“ Do what you ’ ve got to do to keep yourself safe , your partner safe and the citizens of LA safe.
” On Monday , workers in downtown LA drilled plywood together to cover storefronts in the hours before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a handful of boarded-up businesses stood nearly unrecognizable .
“ Graffiti is kind of our best-case scenario , ” said Zoe Ellas , executive director of Deep Green Housing and Community Development , as she watched her crew .
Tony Zablah , owner of Z Falafel in downtown LA , said his business was broken into after the Dodgers win .
Thieves stole more than $ 6,000 in cash in a safe hidden in the bathroom , as well as tablets and soda .
His employees are afraid to work now and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not planning to take down the plywood “ for two weeks , to see what ’ s going on , ” he said .
“ You never know about tomorrow .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Boarded-up storefronts. Private security guards. Canceled vacation days. Twelve-hour shifts.
Across California, merchants are covering their doors and windows with plywood as police agencies promise a beefed-up presence on the street amid worries about the potential for demonstrations and violent responses to the general election.
Both are preparing for the long haul, anticipating that it might be days or weeks of anxiety before a victor is declared in the presidential race.
The famed Rodeo Drive of Beverly Hills will be closed to cars and pedestrians beginning Monday night. Businesses like the Mikimoto jewelry store, Nordstrom, Tiffany and Saks Fifth Avenue have been boarded up - some painted over so the wood isn’t so conspicuous - and the city has contracted with 80 armed security guards.
Similar scenes are playing out nationwide. In downtown Washington, the sounds of hammers and power tools echoed through the streets Monday as workers boarded up dozens of businesses. In New York City, businesses from Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square to high-end shops in Manhattan’s chic SoHo neighborhood had already covered their windows.
In cities like Los Angeles, it could be another round of unrest. Celebrations after the championship wins for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers turned chaotic downtown, and pockets of the city have been rocked by vandalism and looting following anti-police brutality demonstrations.
By and large peaceful, however, protests statewide have become a regular occurrence in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed in May when a white police officer kneeled on his neck.
Some demonstrations, however, have turned violent. Activists allege that police have used excessive and unnecessary force against protesters, arresting and injuring them and violating their civil rights to assemble. Authorities, however, say some demonstrators attack officers with fireworks and glass or frozen bottles.
Though law enforcement agencies statewide say they have no credible reports of election-related threats, they are mobilizing for a huge response. Many have switched officers to 12-hour shifts and canceled all days off so that they have full ranks ready to go.
“Law enforcement agencies by their very nature are generally prepared for the unexpected – that’s our business,” said Sacramento County Sheriff’s Sgt. Rod Grassmann in a statement.
Craig Lally, president of the union that represents rank-and-file Los Angeles police officers, said he’s telling his members to anticipate weeks of unrest.
“Anything’s possible, no matter who wins,” he said. “Do what you’ve got to do to keep yourself safe, your partner safe and the citizens of LA safe.”
On Monday, workers in downtown LA drilled plywood together to cover storefronts in the hours before Election Day. Every few blocks, a handful of boarded-up businesses stood nearly unrecognizable.
“Graffiti is kind of our best-case scenario,” said Zoe Ellas, executive director of Deep Green Housing and Community Development, as she watched her crew.
Tony Zablah, owner of Z Falafel in downtown LA, said his business was broken into after the Dodgers win. Thieves stole more than $6,000 in cash in a safe hidden in the bathroom, as well as tablets and soda. His employees are afraid to work now and his online sales have plummeted.
He’s not planning to take down the plywood “for two weeks, to see what’s going on,” he said. “You never know about tomorrow.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Judge refuses to dismiss charges against Kansas researcher

BELLE PLAINE , Kan. ( AP ) - A federal judge refused Monday to throw out the indictment against a researcher accused of concealing work he was doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas .
Feng “ Franklin ” Tao is charged with not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms work he was allegedly doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas - something federal prosecutors have portrayed as a scheme to defraud the university , the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation .
U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson rejected defense arguments seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tao ’ s prosecution opens the door to criminalizing workplace disagreements .
She also found no prosecutorial misconduct in comments made to the grand jury , as the defense had claimed .
Prosecutors accuse Tao of not informing the University of Kansas that he was selected for the Changjiang Professorship or the salary for his appointment to Fuzhou University in China .
Tao faces 10 counts , including seven counts of wire fraud , based on two conflict-of-interest forms he submitted to the university .
The defense contention that Tao ’ s responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correct based on the language in the forms is an argument properly reserved for trial , Robinson said .

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) - A federal judge refused Monday to throw out the indictment against a researcher accused of concealing work he was doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas.
Feng “Franklin” Tao is charged with not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms work he was allegedly doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas - something federal prosecutors have portrayed as a scheme to defraud the university, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.
U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson rejected defense arguments seeking to dismiss the indictment on the basis that Tao’s prosecution opens the door to criminalizing workplace disagreements. She also found no prosecutorial misconduct in comments made to the grand jury, as the defense had claimed.
Prosecutors accuse Tao of not informing the University of Kansas that he was selected for the Changjiang Professorship or the salary for his appointment to Fuzhou University in China.
Tao faces 10 counts, including seven counts of wire fraud, based on two conflict-of-interest forms he submitted to the university.
The defense contention that Tao’s responses on the conflict-of-interest forms were true and correct based on the language in the forms is an argument properly reserved for trial, Robinson said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Man guilty in scheme to ship military boats to China

JACKSONVILLE , Fla. ( AP ) - A Chinese man has been convicted in Florida in a scheme to buy and ship inflatable military boats from the United States to China .
Ge Songtao , 50 , pleaded guilty Monday in Jacksonville federal court to conspiring to submit false export information to fraudulently export maritime raiding craft and engines to China and to attempting to fraudulently export that equipment , according to court records .
He faces up to 15 years in prison .
No sentencing date was immediately announced .
Ge Songtao was the chairman of a Chinese company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of his U.S.-based employees , Yang Yang , attempted to order seven combat rubber raiding craft equipped with engines that can operate using gasoline , diesel fuel or jet fuel , according to the plea agreement .
These vessels and multifuel engines are used by the U.S. military and can be launched from a submarine or dropped by an aircraft .
No comparable engine is manufactured in China .
When the U.S. manufacturer suggested that Yang purchase cheaper gasoline-fueled engines , she insisted on the military-model multifuel engines , prosecutors said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer was based in Hong Kong rather than Shanghai , fearing the U.S. company would be less likely to sell to a company in mainland China , officials said .
To facilitate the purchase , Ge Songtao arranged wire transfers to a separate company in Hong Kong , which wired more than $ 110,000 to the U.S. manufacturer .
He also coordinated plans to send an employee to Hong Kong to receive the raiding craft and engines and then send the equipment to mainland China .
Yang and another co-conspirator , Zheng Yan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme .
A trial for a remaining co-defendant , Fan Yang , is scheduled for next year .

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A Chinese man has been convicted in Florida in a scheme to buy and ship inflatable military boats from the United States to China.
Ge Songtao, 50, pleaded guilty Monday in Jacksonville federal court to conspiring to submit false export information to fraudulently export maritime raiding craft and engines to China and to attempting to fraudulently export that equipment, according to court records.
He faces up to 15 years in prison. No sentencing date was immediately announced.
Ge Songtao was the chairman of a Chinese company called Shanghai Breeze Technology Co. Ltd. when one of his U.S.-based employees, Yang Yang, attempted to order seven combat rubber raiding craft equipped with engines that can operate using gasoline, diesel fuel or jet fuel, according to the plea agreement. These vessels and multifuel engines are used by the U.S. military and can be launched from a submarine or dropped by an aircraft. No comparable engine is manufactured in China.
When the U.S. manufacturer suggested that Yang purchase cheaper gasoline-fueled engines, she insisted on the military-model multifuel engines, prosecutors said. Yang falsely told the manufacturer that her customer was based in Hong Kong rather than Shanghai, fearing the U.S. company would be less likely to sell to a company in mainland China, officials said.
To facilitate the purchase, Ge Songtao arranged wire transfers to a separate company in Hong Kong, which wired more than $110,000 to the U.S. manufacturer. He also coordinated plans to send an employee to Hong Kong to receive the raiding craft and engines and then send the equipment to mainland China.
Yang and another co-conspirator, Zheng Yan, have previously pleaded guilty in the scheme. A trial for a remaining co-defendant, Fan Yang, is scheduled for next year.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Joe Biden campaigns with Lady Gaga in Pittsburgh

Joseph R. Biden is closing out his campaign Monday in Pittsburgh , where he ’ s teaming up with Lady Gaga for his final drive-in rally and pushing back against the idea that President Trump has been a champion for Black voters .
At his second-to-last stop , Mr. Biden mocked Mr. Trump ’ s claim that he has done more for the African American community since President Abraham Lincoln .
“ Pittsburgh , honk if you think it is a bunch of malarkey , ” he said , sparking a round of honking car horns .
“ You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Donald Trump has done more to harm black Americans than any president in modern history.
” The Trump campaign has been driving home the idea over the closing weeks of the campaign that the Republican is poised to make significant inroads with Black voters who have traditionally lined up behind Democratic presidential candidates .
A recent Rasmussen daily tracking poll found that 31 % of likely Black voters would cast their support behind Mr. Trump .
Mr. Biden has been pushing back over the final 48 hours of the campaign , signaling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be one of his keys to victory .
Mr. Biden vowed Monday to invest more money in programs aimed at boosting Black-owned small businesses , boost funding for Title 1 schools , and sink $ 70 million in Historically Black Colleges and Universities .
He also reminded voters that Mr. Trump promoted “ birther ” conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama and called his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris , the first Black vice presidential nominee , a “ monster.
” Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump has refused to condemn white nationalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter.
” And he said Mr. Trump ’ s failed response has left people across the country more vulnerable to the threat , which has disproportionately impacted the Black community .
“ We are done with the chaos , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ We are done with the racism , we are done with the Tweets , the anger , the hate , the failure , the irresponsibility.
” The decision to hold his final stops in Pennsylvania underscores the important role the state is expected to play in deciding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Trump won the state four years ago and has held a series of recent rallies across the state that have attracted thousands of supporters .
“ Tomorrow we can end a presidency that has divided this nation , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ Tomorrow we can put the end to a presidency that failed to protect the nation .
Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has fanned the flames of hate across this nation , pouring gasoline on every racial incident in the country .
”

Joseph R. Biden is closing out his campaign Monday in Pittsburgh, where he’s teaming up with Lady Gaga for his final drive-in rally and pushing back against the idea that President Trump has been a champion for Black voters.
At his second-to-last stop, Mr. Biden mocked Mr. Trump’s claim that he has done more for the African American community since President Abraham Lincoln.
“Pittsburgh, honk if you think it is a bunch of malarkey,” he said, sparking a round of honking car horns. “You’ve got it. The truth is that Donald Trump has done more to harm black Americans than any president in modern history.”
The Trump campaign has been driving home the idea over the closing weeks of the campaign that the Republican is poised to make significant inroads with Black voters who have traditionally lined up behind Democratic presidential candidates.
A recent Rasmussen daily tracking poll found that 31% of likely Black voters would cast their support behind Mr. Trump.
Mr. Biden has been pushing back over the final 48 hours of the campaign, signaling a strong turnout among Black voters could be one of his keys to victory.
Mr. Biden vowed Monday to invest more money in programs aimed at boosting Black-owned small businesses, boost funding for Title 1 schools, and sink $70 million in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
He also reminded voters that Mr. Trump promoted “birther” conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama and called his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, the first Black vice presidential nominee, a “monster.”
Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump has refused to condemn white nationalist groups and refused to say “Black Lives Matter.”
And he said Mr. Trump’s failed response has left people across the country more vulnerable to the threat, which has disproportionately impacted the Black community.
“We are done with the chaos,” Mr. Biden said. “We are done with the racism, we are done with the Tweets, the anger, the hate, the failure, the irresponsibility.”
The decision to hold his final stops in Pennsylvania underscores the important role the state is expected to play in deciding whether Mr. Trump gets another four-year term.
Mr. Trump won the state four years ago and has held a series of recent rallies across the state that have attracted thousands of supporters.
“Tomorrow we can end a presidency that has divided this nation,” Mr. Biden said. “Tomorrow we can put the end to a presidency that failed to protect the nation. Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has fanned the flames of hate across this nation, pouring gasoline on every racial incident in the country.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Joe Biden in Pittsburgh: Trump 'thinks only wealthy folks should vote'

Joseph R. Biden delivered a class-based appeal to voters in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , on Monday evening , saying President Trump only wants rich people to cast ballots on Election Day and touting his own humble means during his extensive time in public life .
He quoted a news report saying that Mr. Trump ’ s team is necessarily relying on voter suppression efforts to win .
“ Trump doesn ’ t want y ’ all voting , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ He doesn ’ t want Americans voting .
He thinks only wealthy folks should vote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ America will be heard.
” He asked the crowd if it made sense that they pay more in taxes than Mr. Trump .
The president allegedly paid as little as $ 750 in federal income tax in recent years .
Mr. Trump says he prepaid significantly more than that and that in any event , it doesn ’ t make sense to pay more in taxes than you need to .
“ I released 23 years of my tax returns .
I had the dubious distinction of being listed as the poorest man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Biden said .
“ And then when I got elected vice president , [ they ] said it ’ s probable no man has ever assumed the office of vice president with fewer assets than Joe Biden.
” “ I assume they weren ’ t speaking about intellectual assets , ” he added .
“ Could have been , but who knows .
”

Joseph R. Biden delivered a class-based appeal to voters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Monday evening, saying President Trump only wants rich people to cast ballots on Election Day and touting his own humble means during his extensive time in public life.
He quoted a news report saying that Mr. Trump’s team is necessarily relying on voter suppression efforts to win.
“Trump doesn’t want y’all voting,” Mr. Biden said. “He doesn’t want Americans voting. He thinks only wealthy folks should vote. And when America votes, though, America will be heard.”
He asked the crowd if it made sense that they pay more in taxes than Mr. Trump.
The president allegedly paid as little as $750 in federal income tax in recent years.
Mr. Trump says he prepaid significantly more than that and that in any event, it doesn’t make sense to pay more in taxes than you need to.
“I released 23 years of my tax returns. I had the dubious distinction of being listed as the poorest man in Congress for 36 years,” Mr. Biden said. “And then when I got elected vice president, [they] said it’s probable no man has ever assumed the office of vice president with fewer assets than Joe Biden.”
“I assume they weren’t speaking about intellectual assets,” he added. “Could have been, but who knows.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Nearly 95% of eligible MLS players registered to vote

Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie is thinking about his grandmother as he participates in his first election .
“ Going back to my grandma , expressing the importance of voting and how , as a Black woman born in the late ‘ 30s , things have changed and just how important this responsibility is , ” the 21-year-old said .
“ And now that I have this responsibility , I haven ’ t taken it lightly by any means.
” The Union is one of 16 teams in Major League Soccer that has seen 100 % of its eligible players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 % of all eligible MLS players have registered .
The league ’ s Black Players for Change coalition and MLS Players Association have led the effort , in conjunction with the league .
MLS headquarters and team offices will close Tuesday to give employees a chance to vote or volunteer .
McKenzie is certainly not the only first-time voter among the league ’ s players .
D.C. United forward Griffin Yow , who is just 18 , cast his first vote and went on social media to encourage others to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and George Campbell , both 18 , were also voting for the first time .
And it ’ s not just young players .
Minnesota United striker Kei Kamara , who is from Sierra Leone but became a U.S. citizen in 2006 , cast his first ballot this year at 36 .
Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese became a U.S. citizen two years ago .
“ Definitely , it ’ s a special day for me because I ’ m Venezuelan , as you know , and my parents are Italian , ” Savarese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given me so much , and I respect this country and have become a citizen .
Having the opportunity to vote for the first time in the United States is , for me , a huge privilege and something that I treasure.
” BBVA stadium in Houston , home of the Dynamo , will be open starting at 7 a.m. local time Tuesday for residents to cast votes , while LAFC ’ s Banc of California Stadium has been open for citizens to vote or drop off ballots since Oct. 30 .
Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the Sounders and the NFL ’ s Seahawks , is an official voting center , while Minnesota ’ s Allianz Field has served as a ballot dropoff site .
Philadelphia ’ s Subaru Park hosted a three-day get-out-the-vote event last month .
For many players , the push to vote is tied to the movement against racial injustice .
Last month , Black Players for Change partnered with the LeBron James-led nonprofit More Than A Vote .
“ The most important thing we can do as athletes in this moment to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plagues our nation is to encourage all of our fans to join us by getting off of the sidelines and into the ballot box , ” Portland Timbers forward Jeremy Ebobisse said .
McKenzie is a homegrown player who grew up in Delaware and was part of the Union ’ s academy system before playing at Wake Forest .
He signed a homegrown contract with Philadelphia in 2018 .
His star is rising on the international stage .
Earlier this year , he made his first appearance with the U.S. men ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention from European clubs , including Celtic .
For now , however , he ’ s focusing on his civic duty .
“ We can sometimes say that just because we ’ re one person it doesn ’ t matter , what does our vote really count ?
” McKenzie told a forum of young Philadelphia voters last week .
“ But at the end of the day it ’ s a domino effect : If I get out and encourage my best fiend to vote and he encourages his best friend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall in the right direction .
In order to see the change , we have to be the change .
”

Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie is thinking about his grandmother as he participates in his first election.
“Going back to my grandma, expressing the importance of voting and how, as a Black woman born in the late ‘30s, things have changed and just how important this responsibility is,” the 21-year-old said. “And now that I have this responsibility, I haven’t taken it lightly by any means.”
The Union is one of 16 teams in Major League Soccer that has seen 100% of its eligible players registered to vote. Overall, nearly 95% of all eligible MLS players have registered.
The league’s Black Players for Change coalition and MLS Players Association have led the effort, in conjunction with the league. MLS headquarters and team offices will close Tuesday to give employees a chance to vote or volunteer.
McKenzie is certainly not the only first-time voter among the league’s players. D.C. United forward Griffin Yow, who is just 18, cast his first vote and went on social media to encourage others to do so. Atlanta United’s George Bello and George Campbell, both 18, were also voting for the first time.
And it’s not just young players. Minnesota United striker Kei Kamara, who is from Sierra Leone but became a U.S. citizen in 2006, cast his first ballot this year at 36.
Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese became a U.S. citizen two years ago.
“Definitely, it’s a special day for me because I’m Venezuelan, as you know, and my parents are Italian,” Savarese said. “The United States has given me so much, and I respect this country and have become a citizen. Having the opportunity to vote for the first time in the United States is, for me, a huge privilege and something that I treasure.”
BBVA stadium in Houston, home of the Dynamo, will be open starting at 7 a.m. local time Tuesday for residents to cast votes, while LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium has been open for citizens to vote or drop off ballots since Oct. 30.
Seattle’s CenturyLink Field, home to both the Sounders and the NFL’s Seahawks, is an official voting center, while Minnesota’s Allianz Field has served as a ballot dropoff site. Philadelphia’s Subaru Park hosted a three-day get-out-the-vote event last month.
For many players, the push to vote is tied to the movement against racial injustice. Last month, Black Players for Change partnered with the LeBron James-led nonprofit More Than A Vote.
“The most important thing we can do as athletes in this moment to combat the systemic racism and persistent injustice that plagues our nation is to encourage all of our fans to join us by getting off of the sidelines and into the ballot box,” Portland Timbers forward Jeremy Ebobisse said.
McKenzie is a homegrown player who grew up in Delaware and was part of the Union’s academy system before playing at Wake Forest. He signed a homegrown contract with Philadelphia in 2018.
His star is rising on the international stage. Earlier this year, he made his first appearance with the U.S. men’s national team. His play has garnered attention from European clubs, including Celtic.
For now, however, he’s focusing on his civic duty.
“We can sometimes say that just because we’re one person it doesn’t matter, what does our vote really count?” McKenzie told a forum of young Philadelphia voters last week. “But at the end of the day it’s a domino effect: If I get out and encourage my best fiend to vote and he encourages his best friend to vote, now those dominoes start to fall in the right direction. In order to see the change, we have to be the change.”
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Antiquities recovered in 2015 in NYC given back to Pakistan

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Religious relics and sculptures dating to the 2nd century that were recovered by authorities @ @ @ @ @ Monday to representatives of the government of Pakistan .
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. @ @ @ @ @ 45 objects that were among those recovered in New York City when search warrants were @ @ @ @ @ the trafficking of the illegal exportation of artifacts from countries including Pakistan , India and @ @ @ @ @ been returned to India in August .
The Manhattan district attorney ’ s office and @ @ @ @ @ units that work on recovering stolen antiquities and returning them to their rightful origins .
@ @ @ @ @ s office repatriated a gilded coffin that had been on display at the Metropolitan Museum @ @ @ @ @ determined the piece had been looted from Egypt and sold under false documentation .

NEW YORK (AP) - Religious relics and sculptures dating to the 2nd century that were recovered by authorities in 2015 were turned over Monday to representatives of the government of Pakistan.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. held a repatriation ceremony for 45 objects that were among those recovered in New York City when search warrants were executed against a suspect in the trafficking of the illegal exportation of artifacts from countries including Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.
Another five had been returned to India in August.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office and the federal government have investigative units that work on recovering stolen antiquities and returning them to their rightful origins.
Last year, Vance’s office repatriated a gilded coffin that had been on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art after it was determined the piece had been looted from Egypt and sold under false documentation.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Gavin Newsom, California governor, exceeded authority with coronavirus executive order, judge rules

SACRAMENTO , Calif. — A judge on Monday preliminarily ordered California Gov .
Gavin Newsom to stop issuing directives related to the coronavirus that might interfere with state law .
Sutter County Superior Court Judge Sarah Heckman tentatively ruled that one of the dozens of executive orders Newsom has issued overstepped his authority and was “ an unconstitutional exercise of legislative power.
” She more broadly barred him “ from exercising any power under the California Emergency Services Act which amends , alters , or changes existing statutory law or makes new statutory law or legislative policy.
” It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county has reached the same conclusion , which runs counter to other state and federal court decisions backing the governor ’ s emergency powers .
An appeals court quickly stayed the earlier order in June .
Heckman ’ s decision will become final in 10 days unless Newsom ’ s attorneys can raise new challenges .
Newsom ’ s administration is evaluating its next steps and strongly disagrees with the order ’ s specific limitations , said spokesman Jesse Melgar .
The judge found the California Emergency Services Act itself to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom “ has the authority , necessary in emergencies , to suspend statutes and issue orders to protect Californians , ” he said in a statement .
The case centers on a single Newsom executive order in June requiring election officials to establish hundreds of locations statewide where voters can cast ballots .
Lawmakers subsequently approved the same requirement , and the judge ’ s decision will have no effect on Tuesday ’ s election .
She acted in a lawsuit brought by Republican Assemblymen James Gallagher and Kevin Kiley , who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overriding state laws in the name of keeping Californians safe .
“ This is a victory for separation of powers , ” the lawmakers said in a joint statement .
Newsom “ has continued to create and change state law without public input and without the deliberative process provided by the Legislature.
” Heckman wrote in a nine-page decision that the California Emergency Services Act “ does not permit the Governor to amend statutes or make new statutes .
The Governor does not have the power or authority to assume the Legislature ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enactments.
” Newsom used his emergency powers to virtually shut down the state and its economy in the early weeks of the pandemic .
“ Nobody disputes that there are actions that should be taken to keep people safe during an emergency , ” the lawmakers said .
“ But that doesn ’ t mean that we put our Constitution and free society on hold by centralizing all power in the hands of one man.
” Kiley compiled a 28-page list of Newsom ’ s orders that alter existing state laws , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted .
The governor also extended deadlines for businesses to renew licenses , file reports , or pay taxes ; delayed consumers ’ late fees for paying taxes or renewing drivers licenses ; suspended school districts ’ deadlines and instructional requirements ; suspended medical privacy rules ; and allowed grocery stores to hand out free single-use bags .
One order allowed couples to be married by video or teleconference , with marriage licenses and certificates digitally signed and sent by email .
Lawmakers of both political parties have criticized Newsom for not properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and budget decisions .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A judge on Monday preliminarily ordered California Gov. Gavin Newsom to stop issuing directives related to the coronavirus that might interfere with state law.
Sutter County Superior Court Judge Sarah Heckman tentatively ruled that one of the dozens of executive orders Newsom has issued overstepped his authority and was “an unconstitutional exercise of legislative power.”
She more broadly barred him “from exercising any power under the California Emergency Services Act which amends, alters, or changes existing statutory law or makes new statutory law or legislative policy.”
It’s the second time a judge in the county has reached the same conclusion, which runs counter to other state and federal court decisions backing the governor’s emergency powers. An appeals court quickly stayed the earlier order in June.
Heckman’s decision will become final in 10 days unless Newsom’s attorneys can raise new challenges.
Newsom’s administration is evaluating its next steps and strongly disagrees with the order’s specific limitations, said spokesman Jesse Melgar.
The judge found the California Emergency Services Act itself to be constitutional, and made it clear that Newsom “has the authority, necessary in emergencies, to suspend statutes and issue orders to protect Californians,” he said in a statement.
The case centers on a single Newsom executive order in June requiring election officials to establish hundreds of locations statewide where voters can cast ballots. Lawmakers subsequently approved the same requirement, and the judge’s decision will have no effect on Tuesday’s election.
She acted in a lawsuit brought by Republican Assemblymen James Gallagher and Kevin Kiley, who said Newsom, a Democrat, was single-handedly overriding state laws in the name of keeping Californians safe.
“This is a victory for separation of powers,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. Newsom “has continued to create and change state law without public input and without the deliberative process provided by the Legislature.”
Heckman wrote in a nine-page decision that the California Emergency Services Act “does not permit the Governor to amend statutes or make new statutes. The Governor does not have the power or authority to assume the Legislature’s role of creating legislative policy and enactments.”
Newsom used his emergency powers to virtually shut down the state and its economy in the early weeks of the pandemic.
“Nobody disputes that there are actions that should be taken to keep people safe during an emergency,” the lawmakers said. “But that doesn’t mean that we put our Constitution and free society on hold by centralizing all power in the hands of one man.”
Kiley compiled a 28-page list of Newsom’s orders that alter existing state laws, from halting evictions to how public meetings are conducted.
The governor also extended deadlines for businesses to renew licenses, file reports, or pay taxes; delayed consumers’ late fees for paying taxes or renewing drivers licenses; suspended school districts’ deadlines and instructional requirements; suspended medical privacy rules; and allowed grocery stores to hand out free single-use bags.
One order allowed couples to be married by video or teleconference, with marriage licenses and certificates digitally signed and sent by email.
Lawmakers of both political parties have criticized Newsom for not properly consulting with them before issuing sweeping orders and budget decisions.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Man once charged in metro Phoenix freeway shooting testifies

PHOENIX ( AP ) - A landscaper once charged in metro Phoenix ’ s 2015 freeway shootings took the witness stand Monday in a civil trial in which he alleges he was wrongfully arrested , telling jurors that he didn ’ t have any involvement in the attacks and that publicity from his now-dismissed criminal case has caused deep problems in his life .
Leslie Merritt Jr. , 26 , got choked up as he recalled his arrest , and described a police interview in which investigators rejected his claims of innocence and instead falsely claimed they had video of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were dismissed amid heavy criticism of the case ’ s ballistics evidence , the Arizona Department of Safety conducted surveillance on him and still considered him a suspect , Merritt said .
“ They wanted to make me into this monster , ” said Merritt , who spent seven months in jail before he was released .
Authorities say 11 shootings were carried out on metro Phoenix ’ s freeways in late August and early September 2015 .
No one was seriously injured when bullets struck eight cars .
Three other vehicles were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pellets .
The only injury was a 13-year-old girl cut by glass .
The shootings sparked so much fear that people avoided driving the freeways , school buses took different routes , and signs were posted telling people to be careful .
Then-Department of Public Safety Director Frank Milstead had said the shootings were the work of a domestic terrorist , and authorities heightened patrols and surveillance in pursuit of a suspect .
Minutes after Merritt was arrested , Gov .
Doug Ducey had triumphantly tweeted , “ We got him !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to four of the shootings , but an outside forensic firearms examiner said bullets from those shootings couldn ’ t be “ excluded or identified ” as having come from Merritt ’ s gun .
No one else has been arrested in the shootings .
Authorities say Merritt showed an extreme interest in the shootings and made a Facebook post about the arrest of three teenagers who hurled rocks at cars with slingshots in a copycat case but weren ’ t tied to the shootings .
Merritt had told investigators that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage .
Merritt told jurors that the arrest has caused him nightmares , contributed to his breakup with the mother of his children , made it harder for him to find work , and led strangers to recognize him as the suspect in the freeway shootings , even after the charges had been dismissed and he had moved out of Arizona .
“ Everyone knows me for something I didn ’ t do , ” Merritt testified .
Under questioning by an attorney defending investigators , Merritt acknowledged giving inaccurate information in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , such as overstating the number of hours he worked as a landscaper before his arrest and claiming that he didn ’ t speak with other inmates while in jail .
Merritt also acknowledged not being truthful when he told friends and family that he was OK while in jail , when he was fearful of attacks by other inmates .
Merritt said he didn ’ t want his loved ones to worry about him .
“ I wouldn ’ t tell them about my well-being , ” Merritt said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baroldy , one of the two lead investigators on the case , testified he used deception when he falsely told Merritt that there was video evidence against him .
“ In this case , that is the technique I am using , ” Baroldy said .
This summer , a judge who is not connected to the civil case took the rare step of issuing an order declaring that Merritt had been officially cleared of criminal allegations in the freeway shooting case .
In his lawsuit , Merritt alleged authorities pursued charges even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pawn shop during the last of the four shootings with which he was charged .
He also accused the Department of Public Safety of changing the timeline of the shooting to fit a theory that a bullet from Merritt ’ s gun got lodged in the sidewall of a tire .
The agency has denied both allegations .
Most of Merritt ’ s legal claims were dismissed in late 2019 .
But he can still seek damages on his claims of false arrest and false imprisonment for the six-day span between his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Merritt ’ s lawsuit has said a jury could reasonably conclude police lacked probable cause to detain Merritt during that six-day period .
But the judge also ruled Merritt ’ s subsequent indictment was supported by a presumption of probable cause .
Maricopa County paid Merritt $ 100,000 in 2018 to settle legal claims against then-County Attorney Bill Montgomery ’ s office , which prosecuted Merritt , officials said .

PHOENIX (AP) - A landscaper once charged in metro Phoenix’s 2015 freeway shootings took the witness stand Monday in a civil trial in which he alleges he was wrongfully arrested, telling jurors that he didn’t have any involvement in the attacks and that publicity from his now-dismissed criminal case has caused deep problems in his life.
Leslie Merritt Jr., 26, got choked up as he recalled his arrest, and described a police interview in which investigators rejected his claims of innocence and instead falsely claimed they had video of the shootings. Even after his charges were dismissed amid heavy criticism of the case’s ballistics evidence, the Arizona Department of Safety conducted surveillance on him and still considered him a suspect, Merritt said.
“They wanted to make me into this monster,” said Merritt, who spent seven months in jail before he was released.
Authorities say 11 shootings were carried out on metro Phoenix’s freeways in late August and early September 2015. No one was seriously injured when bullets struck eight cars. Three other vehicles were struck with projectiles such as BBs or pellets. The only injury was a 13-year-old girl cut by glass. The shootings sparked so much fear that people avoided driving the freeways, school buses took different routes, and signs were posted telling people to be careful.
Then-Department of Public Safety Director Frank Milstead had said the shootings were the work of a domestic terrorist, and authorities heightened patrols and surveillance in pursuit of a suspect. Minutes after Merritt was arrested, Gov. Doug Ducey had triumphantly tweeted, “We got him!”
Investigators said Merritt’s handgun was linked to four of the shootings, but an outside forensic firearms examiner said bullets from those shootings couldn’t be “excluded or identified” as having come from Merritt’s gun. No one else has been arrested in the shootings.
Authorities say Merritt showed an extreme interest in the shootings and made a Facebook post about the arrest of three teenagers who hurled rocks at cars with slingshots in a copycat case but weren’t tied to the shootings. Merritt had told investigators that he was just following the investigation through news coverage.
Merritt told jurors that the arrest has caused him nightmares, contributed to his breakup with the mother of his children, made it harder for him to find work, and led strangers to recognize him as the suspect in the freeway shootings, even after the charges had been dismissed and he had moved out of Arizona. “Everyone knows me for something I didn’t do,” Merritt testified.
Under questioning by an attorney defending investigators, Merritt acknowledged giving inaccurate information in an interview with a psychologist hired by the state, such as overstating the number of hours he worked as a landscaper before his arrest and claiming that he didn’t speak with other inmates while in jail.
Merritt also acknowledged not being truthful when he told friends and family that he was OK while in jail, when he was fearful of attacks by other inmates. Merritt said he didn’t want his loved ones to worry about him. “I wouldn’t tell them about my well-being,” Merritt said. “You’re right.”
Detective Ron Baroldy, one of the two lead investigators on the case, testified he used deception when he falsely told Merritt that there was video evidence against him. “In this case, that is the technique I am using,” Baroldy said.
This summer, a judge who is not connected to the civil case took the rare step of issuing an order declaring that Merritt had been officially cleared of criminal allegations in the freeway shooting case.
In his lawsuit, Merritt alleged authorities pursued charges even though they knew his handgun was at a pawn shop during the last of the four shootings with which he was charged. He also accused the Department of Public Safety of changing the timeline of the shooting to fit a theory that a bullet from Merritt’s gun got lodged in the sidewall of a tire. The agency has denied both allegations.
Most of Merritt’s legal claims were dismissed in late 2019. But he can still seek damages on his claims of false arrest and false imprisonment for the six-day span between his arrest and indictment.
The judge presiding over Merritt’s lawsuit has said a jury could reasonably conclude police lacked probable cause to detain Merritt during that six-day period. But the judge also ruled Merritt’s subsequent indictment was supported by a presumption of probable cause.
Maricopa County paid Merritt $100,000 in 2018 to settle legal claims against then-County Attorney Bill Montgomery’s office, which prosecuted Merritt, officials said.