washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Italy, Benettons reach deal after Genoa bridge collapse

ROME ( AP ) - Italy ’ s government says it has scored a victory in a battle stemming from @ @ @ @ @ Genoa ’ s main bridge , with the Benetton fashion family agreeing to exit the @ @ @ @ @ maintains most of Italy ’ s toll roads and bridges .
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte @ @ @ @ @ nearly two years after 43 people perished in the collapse of the Morandi Bridge , @ @ @ @ @ blamed on poor maintenance .
The deal avoids the possibility that the government would revoke @ @ @ @ @ ’ Italia has to manage most of Italy ’ s toll roads and bridges , @ @ @ @ @ had threatened to do in the immediate aftermath of the collapse .
Such a revocation @ @ @ @ @ for the company and its foreign shareholders , and led to years of costly legal @ @ @ @ @ .
There was no immediate comment from the Benetton family , Autostrade or other affiliated @ @

ROME (AP) - Italy’s government said Wednesday it scored a victory in a battle stemming from the deadly 2018 collapse of Genoa’s main bridge, with the Benetton fashion family agreeing to exit the company that manages and maintains most of Italy’s toll roads and bridges.
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte announced the agreement nearly two years after 43 people perished in the collapse of the Morandi Bridge, a disaster that has been blamed on poor maintenance.
The deal avoids the possibility that the government would revoke the concession Autostade per l’Italia has to manage a huge swath of Italy’s toll roads and bridges.
The 5-Star-led government had threatened to do so in the immediate aftermath of the collapse, but a revocation would have proved financially disastrous for the company and its foreign shareholders, and led to years of costly legal battles to contest the decision.
There was no immediate comment from the Benetton family, Autostrade or its holding company Atlantia SpA.
Conte said that as part of the deal, Autostrade agreed to become a public company and to pay 3.4 billion euros in compensation while also investing more in road maintenance and security.
In a statement on Facebook, Conte claimed a victory in the negotiations and said the government had affirmed a principle throughout: “That public infrastructure is a precious public good that must be managed responsibly and guarantee security and efficient service.”
The Morandi Bridge, which opened in the 1960s, was a key artery that linked Genoa to highways to Milan and France, a vital lifeline for both commercial traffic as well as vacationers bound for the mountains and famous Mediterranean beaches.
A large section of the bridge collapsed on Aug. 14, 2018, killing 43 people and forcing the evacuation of nearby residents from the densely built-up area. It was the deadliest in a series of bridge disasters that exposed the horrific state of Italy’s aging road infrastructure.
The Italian engineer who designed the span, Riccardo Morandi, warned in 1979 that the bridge would require constant maintenance to remove rust given the effects of corrosion from sea air and pollution on the concrete.
After the collapse, it emerged that authorities were well aware the concrete had corroded and that the bridge was structurally compromised. Criminal investigations were opened to ascertain criminal blame, but the government immediately accused Autostrade of neglecting to maintain the span.
At the time, Autostrade apologized and said it was prepared to take action beyond any criminal charges against any managers who might have been responsible.
The government has granted two dozen private companies the right to manage Italy’s highways, bridges and tunnels, but the Benettons’ Autostrade is by far the biggest, controlling some 3,020 kilometers (1,876 miles) of highway.
Under the deal reached with the government, the Benetton family will have less than 10% of Autostrade and within a few months will definitively exit the company, known by its acronym ASPI.
“This means the Benettons won’t manage our highways. This was our principle objective, and we obtained it,” Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said.
Conte recently was in Genoa to attend a key stage in the construction of a replacement bridge, this one designed by architect and Genoa native Renzo Piano.
___
This version corrects the day to Wednesday, not Tuesday.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Police: 4 found dead in north St. Louis; no arrests

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - Four people have been found dead in north St. Louis in apparent shootings , @ @ @ @ @ were discovered Tuesday night after officers were called just after 9 p.m. to a home @ @ @ @ @ Walnut Park East and Walnut Park West neighborhoods , the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported .
@ @ @ @ @ of two men and a woman inside the home , and all appeared to have @ @ @ @ @ hour later , a man was found fatally shot in the head a couple of @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Police have not said whether the two shooting scenes are related @ @ @ @ @ been reported by Wednesday morning .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Four people have been found dead in north St. Louis in apparent shootings, police said.
The deaths were discovered Tuesday night after officers were called just after 9 p.m. to a home near the border of the Walnut Park East and Walnut Park West neighborhoods, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Arriving officers found the bodies of two men and a woman inside the home, and all appeared to have been shot.
About an hour later, a man was found fatally shot in the head a couple of blocks away from the home, police said.
Police have not said whether the two shooting scenes are related, and no arrests had been reported by Wednesday morning.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Opponents concede in Maine GOP primary for House race

The opponents of a former Maine state representative conceded to him in a Republican primary for a competitive U.S. House seat .
Former state Rep. Dale Crafts , who served eight years in the Maine Legislature , cast himself as a new ally for President Donald Trump in Washington .
He had a lead over his opponents with about 80 % of precincts reporting on Wednesday morning .
Crafts ran for the nomination against former television reporter Adrienne Bennett and former state Sen. Eric Brakey .
Brakey conceded late Tuesday night and Bennett followed on Wednesday morning .
Crafts campaigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrinking the government .
He would run against Democratic Rep. Jared Golden , who was elected in 2018 .
“ It is time to unify together as Republicans and Mainers to bring common sense Maine values to Washington , ” Crafts said .
Crafts was short of the 50 % of the vote required under Maine law to avoid a ranked-choice runoff .
The Maine Department of the Secretary of State said Wednesday it was researching whether the ranked round was needed in a race where the other candidates conceded .
Golden previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice voting system , which allows voters to reapportion their second-choice votes if their preferred candidate comes in last .
A second round of counting propelled Golden over the Republican incumbent , U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin .
Ranked-choice voting is unlikely to be a factor in the 2020 race because third-party candidates have not emerged .
Democrats will be looking to hold their lead in the U.S. House of Representatives nationwide .
The vast , mostly rural 2nd Congressional District is geographically the largest Congressional district east of the Mississippi River , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump decisively won its electoral vote in the 2016 presidential election .
Maine is one of two states to apportion electoral votes by district .
The district figures to be in play for Trump again this year , though his approval nationwide has taken a hit amid the coronavirus pandemic .
A June poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found a majority of Americans think Trump is exacerbating tensions in a moment of crisis .
All three Republicans in this year ’ s House primary cast themselves as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the sole congressman who cast a split vote on the two decisions about whether to impeach President Trump .
He said the House investigation “ unearthed a pattern of evidence that demonstrates the corrupt intent on the part of the president , ” but he also said Trump ’ s efforts to obstruct Congress didn ’ t rise to the level of a crime .

The opponents of a former Maine state representative conceded to him in a Republican primary for a competitive U.S. House seat, but with former state Rep. Dale Crafts falling short of 50% of the vote, a winner may not be declared for days.
In Tuesday’s primary, Crafts fell short of the threshold required under Maine law to avoid a ranked-choice runoff round. The Maine Department of the Secretary of State said Wednesday the winner won’t be decided until the ranked votes are tabulated in Augusta, which begins Friday and could take days.
Crafts, who served eight years in the Maine Legislature, cast himself as a new ally for President Donald Trump in Washington. He also had the backing of former Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage, a vocal Trump supporter.
Crafts ran for the nomination against former television reporter - and LePage’s former spokesperson - Adrienne Bennett and former state Sen. Eric Brakey. Brakey conceded late Tuesday night and Bennett followed on Wednesday morning.
Crafts campaigned on reducing regulations, growing jobs and shrinking the government. He will run against Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who was elected in 2018.
“It is time to unify together as Republicans and Mainers to bring common sense Maine values to Washington,” Crafts said.
Golden previously benefited from the state’s ranked choice voting system, which allows voters to reapportion their second-choice votes if their preferred candidate comes in last. A second round of counting had propelled Golden over the Republican incumbent, U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin.
Ranked choice voting is unlikely to be a factor in the general election because third-party candidates have not emerged. Democrats will be looking to hold their lead in the U.S. House of Representatives nationwide.
The vast, mostly rural 2nd Congressional District is geographically the largest Congressional district east of the Mississippi River, and has been hotly contested in recent elections.
Trump decisively won its electoral vote in the 2016 presidential election. Maine is one of two states to apportion electoral votes by district.
The district figures to be in play for Trump again this year, though his approval nationwide has taken a hit amid the coronavirus pandemic. A June poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found a majority of Americans think Trump is exacerbating tensions in a moment of crisis.
All three Republicans in this year’s House primary cast themselves as potential key allies for Trump.
Golden, who ran unopposed in this year’s Democratic primary, was the sole congressman who cast a split vote on the two decisions about whether to impeach President Trump. He said the House investigation “unearthed a pattern of evidence that demonstrates the corrupt intent on the part of the president,” but he also said Trump’s efforts to obstruct Congress didn’t rise to the level of a crime.
___
Whittle reported from Portland.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Russian prankster gets through by phone to Polish president

WARSAW , Poland ( AP ) - A Russian prankster posing as the U.N. secretary-general , managed to get through to Poland ’ s reelected president , Andrzej Duda , on the telephone , rendering him speechless following questions about Ukraine , Russia and the outcome of Sunday ’ s election .
The prankster , Vladimir Kuznetsov , known as Vovan , posted a recording of the 11-minute call on YouTube and Duda ’ s office confirmed Wednesday it is authentic .
At various points in the conversation , conducted in English , Duda sounds surprised at the line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonio Guterres as “ Your Excellency.
” The conversation was held Monday afternoon while Duda was awaiting official confirmation of his reelection .
State security is investigating how the prankster got through to the president , and whether Russia ’ s secret services were involved .
The Internal Security Agency said in a statement the call had been authorized by a Polish mission official at the U.N. , and that his actions are under investigation .
Poland ’ s relations with Russia are tense , especially over Poland ’ s support for Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union .
The caller congratulates Duda on his reelection but takes him to task on his hostile campaign comments about the LGBT community , drawing Duda ’ s assurance that he has “ huge respect for every human being.
” Duda also rejected any suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainain city of Lviv , that was part of Poland before World War II .
Kuznetsov , and the Russian prankster Alexei Stolyarov , who is known as Lexus , have previously embarrassed European politicians including French President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , as well as Elton John and Prince Harry with similar hoax calls .

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - A Russian prankster posing as the U.N. secretary-general managed to reach Poland’s president on the telephone and rendered him speechless with questions about Ukraine, Russia and his reelection on Sunday.
The prankster, Vladimir Kuznetsov, known as Vovan, posted a recording of the 11-minute call on YouTube. President Andrzej Duda’s office confirmed Wednesday that it was authentic.
At various points in the conversation, conducted in English, Duda sounds surprised at the line of questioning but still refers to the impostor as “Your Excellency.”
Duda tweeted Wednesday that he realized “something was not right” during the conversation, which took place Monday afternoon while the president awaited official word of his election victory.
Duda said he was suspicious because the real United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres does not pronounce the name of Polish vodka brand Zubrowka as well as the caller did. But he conceded that the “voice was very similar.” The president ended his tweet an emoticon of tears of laughter.
Polish state security is investigating how the prankster got through to the president and whether Russia’s secret services were involved.
The Internal Security Agency said in a statement the call had been authorized by an official with Poland’s mission to the United Nations and that his actions are under investigation.
Poland’s relations with Russia are tense, especially over Poland’s support for Ukraine’s drive for closer links with the European Union.
The caller congratulated Duda on his reelection but took the president to task for his hostile campaign comments about the LGBT community, drawing Duda’s assurance that he has “huge respect for every human being.”
Duda also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II.
“No! No! This is Ukraine,” Duda emphasized, adding that no political group in Poland harbored such an idea.
The president also said that Poland has a “discussion about history” with Russian President Vladimir Putin about World War II and the Soviet “occupation” of Poland after the war.
Kuznetsov, and the Russian prankster Alexei Stolyarov, who is known as Lexus, have previously embarrassed European politicians including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as well as Elton John and Prince Harry with similar hoax calls.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--King County could make sheriff appointed rather than elected

SEATTLE ( AP ) - King County would switch to an appointed rather than an elected sheriff and the county ’ s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight would be granted subpoena power to investigate the Sheriff ’ s Office , under new proposals before the Metropolitan King County Council .
Both measures were recommended after an 18-month review focused on increasing accountability and Sheriff ’ s Office oversight , The Seattle Times reported .
If approved by the council in coming weeks , the measures would be placed on the November ballot for voter approval .
Sheriff has been an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when voters approved it .
Previously , the sheriff was appointed by the county executive .
The Charter Review Commission , a 23-member citizen board , overwhelmingly recommended returning the sheriff to an appointed position , arguing it would improve the public ’ s ability to hold the sheriff accountable between elections .
When the previous sheriff , John Urquhart , faced rape accusations , the commission noted , neither the county executive nor the council could initiate investigations or take action .
The commission also wrote that the vast majority of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in the areas the sheriff directly polices - unincorporated areas and 13 smaller cities that don ’ t have police forces .
The commission said that electing a law enforcement officer politicizes the office , noting that current Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht as a deputy ran against her boss , which caused divisions within the department .
It also recommended changing the county charter to give the oversight office the power to subpoena material and testimony when it investigates complaints against the Sheriff ’ s Office .
Without that power , the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to require it .
The county ’ s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight was established in 2006 , but the King County Police Officers Guild , the union that represents sheriff ’ s deputies and sergeants , has objected to it having subpoena powers , arguing that civilian employee oversight needs to be collectively bargained .
“ These are important reforms that can help improve our justice system , ” Councilmember Rod Dembowski said .
“ OLEO must have the power it needs to conduct its mission .
A decade of opposition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end now.
” Johanknecht has opposed giving the oversight office subpoena power .
Her office didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment .

SEATTLE (AP) - King County would switch to an appointed rather than an elected sheriff and the county’s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight would be granted subpoena power to investigate the Sheriff’s Office, under new proposals before the Metropolitan King County Council.
Both measures were recommended after an 18-month review focused on increasing accountability and Sheriff’s Office oversight, The Seattle Times reported.
If approved by the council in coming weeks, the measures would be placed on the November ballot for voter approval.
Sheriff has been an elected position in King County since 1996 when voters approved it. Previously, the sheriff was appointed by the county executive. The Charter Review Commission, a 23-member citizen board, overwhelmingly recommended returning the sheriff to an appointed position, arguing it would improve the public’s ability to hold the sheriff accountable between elections.
When the previous sheriff, John Urquhart, faced rape accusations, the commission noted, neither the county executive nor the council could initiate investigations or take action.
The commission also wrote that the vast majority of people who elect the sheriff don’t live in the areas the sheriff directly polices - unincorporated areas and 13 smaller cities that don’t have police forces.
The commission said that electing a law enforcement officer politicizes the office, noting that current Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht as a deputy ran against her boss, which caused divisions within the department.
It also recommended changing the county charter to give the oversight office the power to subpoena material and testimony when it investigates complaints against the Sheriff’s Office. Without that power, the body can request information but has no ability to require it.
The county’s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight was established in 2006, but the King County Police Officers Guild, the union that represents sheriff’s deputies and sergeants, has objected to it having subpoena powers, arguing that civilian employee oversight needs to be collectively bargained.
“These are important reforms that can help improve our justice system,” Councilmember Rod Dembowski said. “OLEO must have the power it needs to conduct its mission. A decade of opposition to its authority needs to end, and end now.”
Johanknecht has opposed giving the oversight office subpoena power. In a written statement Wednesday, she said she is committed to reform and that she is concerned about a County Council proposal which, she said, had received less attention: one that would keep the sheriff elected, but narrow the office’s authority.
Johanknecht said she was “deeply concerned” neither her office nor voters had had a chance to weigh in on the proposal, which she said the council is poised to adopt next week.
“We believe voters want a fully independent Sheriff, who is free to take bold action on reforms and represent all of the communities and interests of our diverse constituency,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Donald Trump: I could say coronavirus testing is working 'too well'

President Trump said in a new interview he could make the case that coronavirus testing is working “ too well ” in the U.S. but acknowledged that certain things could speed up the turnaround time on getting results .
“ We have 45 million tests as of , I think , today .
… No other country tests like us , ” he told CBS News in an interview , portions of which aired on Wednesday .
“ In fact , I could say it ’ s working too much , it ’ s working too well.
” “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re finding thousands and thousands of cases , ” he said .
Quest Diagnostics , one of the leading testing companies , said this week that the average turnaround time for getting results to non-priority patients is now seven days or more amid a surge of demand .
“ There are tests that are very good , very strong where you send it to a laboratory , ” he said .
“ The best thing we can do — we ’ re doing more and more of them — is on-site testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour or you can wait , in some cases … five minutes for the test results.
” Mr. Trump said he likes on-site testing the best .
“ It might not be as accurate , by the way , but I like it the best , ” he said .

President Trump said in a new interview he could make the case that coronavirus testing is working “too well” in the U.S. but acknowledged that certain things could speed up the turnaround time on getting results.
“We have 45 million tests as of, I think, today. … No other country tests like us,” he told CBS News in an interview, portions of which aired on Wednesday. “In fact, I could say it’s working too much, it’s working too well.”
“We’re doing testing, and we’re finding thousands and thousands of cases,” he said.
Quest Diagnostics, one of the leading testing companies, said this week that the average turnaround time for getting results to non-priority patients is now seven days or more amid a surge of demand.
Mr. Trump mentioned on-site testing as a potential remedy.
“There are tests that are very good, very strong where you send it to a laboratory,” he said. “The best thing we can do — we’re doing more and more of them — is on-site testing so you can wait a half an hour or you can wait, in some cases … five minutes for the test results.”
Mr. Trump said he likes on-site testing the best.
“It might not be as accurate, by the way, but I like it the best,” he said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Man's dismembered body found in luxury New York City condo

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The dismembered body of a 33-year-old tech entrepreneur was found inside his luxury Manhattan @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim , identified as Fahim Saleh , was found at around 3:30 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ the Lower East Side .
Saleh was the chief executive officer of a ride-hailing motorcycle @ @ @ @ @ operating in Nigeria in 2018 .
The company confirmed his death on Twitter Wednesday and @ @ @ @ @ a great leader , inspiration and positive light for all of us.
” Authorities said @ @ @ @ @ going to check on Saleh and making the gruesome discovery .
Police have made no @ @ @ @ @ Apartments in the 10-story building where Saleh ’ s remains were found sell for more @ @ @ @ @ The building was completed in 2017 as part of a wave of gentrification in the @ @ @

NEW YORK (AP) - The dismembered body of a 33-year-old tech entrepreneur was found inside his luxury Manhattan condo where an electric saw was left behind, police said Wednesday.
The victim, identified as Fahim Saleh, was found at around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday inside his luxury seventh floor apartment on the Lower East Side. There have not been any arrests in connection with Saleh’s death.
A relative called police after going to check on Saleh and making the gruesome discovery. Responding officers discovered a clothed torso, bags containing a head and arms and the electric saw in the living room, police said.
Investigators also recovered security video showing Saleh exiting an elevator that leads directly into the full-floor, two-bedroom apartment earlier Tuesday afternoon closely followed by someone dressed entirely in black, including a mask, according to a law enforcement official who was briefed on the case. It also shows a struggle between the two ensuing at the entrance to the apartment, said the official, who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Police believe that the relative may have interrupted the intruder before that person fled out a back exit.
The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide after an autopsy found the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the body.
Saleh was the chief executive officer of a ride-hailing motorcycle startup called Gokada that began operating in Nigeria in 2018.
The company confirmed his death on Twitter Wednesday and said, “Fahim was a great leader, inspiration and positive light for all of us.”
Investigators were exploring whether the killing could have been related to Saleh’s business dealings. They also were checking security camera video from the neighborhood to try to locate the suspect.
Saleh’s LinkedIn biography described him as a self-taught businessman who founded Gokada building on his experience of first “seeing an opportunity in his parent’s native country of Bangladesh” and starting that country’s largest ride-sharing company. It said he also was invested in a similar venture in Colombia.
Apartments in the 10-story building where Saleh’s remains were found sell for more than $2 million. The building was completed in 2017 as part of a wave of gentrification in the neighborhood.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Tennessee police return fire in car chase, 1 dead 1 wounded

KNOXVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - One person was killed and one was wounded when police in Tennessee returned @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The shooting happened Tuesday evening after the Tennessee Highway Patrol tried @ @ @ @ @ that was reportedly occupied by a man wanted on murder charges in Florida , the @ @ @ @ @ .
The driver kept going on Interstate 40 near downtown Knoxville , and Knox County @ @ @ @ @ trying to force the vehicle to stop near an exit , the bureau ’ s @ @ @ @ @ said at least one occupant of the vehicle fired shots at officers , and the @ @ @ @ @ fire , hitting both people inside .
One was pronounced dead at a hospital and @ @ @ @ @ .
The investigation is ongoing and no more information was immediately released .

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - One person was killed and one was wounded when police in Tennessee returned gunfire during a vehicle pursuit, authorities said.
The shooting happened Tuesday evening after the Tennessee Highway Patrol tried to stop a Chevy Tahoe that was reportedly occupied by a man wanted on murder charges in Florida, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said.
The driver kept going on Interstate 40 near downtown Knoxville, and Knox County deputies joined the trooper in trying to force the vehicle to stop near an exit, the bureau’s statement said.
The bureau said at least one occupant of the vehicle fired shots at officers, and the trooper and four deputies returned fire, hitting both people inside. One was pronounced dead at a hospital and the other was being treated. The investigation is ongoing and no more information was immediately released.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Deputy: Mom left toddler in hot car while shopping at Macy's

WELLINGTON , Fla. ( AP ) - A mother was arrested after she left her 2-year-old daughter in her car @ @ @ @ @ Florida mall , sheriff ’ s officials said .
Thamyres Pounce , 32 , was @ @ @ @ @ child neglect , according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Deputies @ @ @ @ @ at Wellington Green on Monday afternoon when someone spotted the child locked inside a car @ @ @ @ @ strapped into her car seat in the back seat , sweating and crying , according @ @ @ @ @ One deputy broke a window and removed the child .
Paramedics found she had a @ @ @ @ @ ( 38.8 Celsius ) and was treated at the scene and expected to be OK @ @ @ @ @ .
The arrest report said Pounce left the child in the car while she shopped @ @ @ @ @ Pounce was released on bond Monday night .
According to court records she had no @ @ @ @ @ records did not list an attorney for her .

WELLINGTON, Fla. (AP) - A mother was arrested after she left her 2-year-old daughter in her car while she shopped at a Florida mall, sheriff’s officials said.
Thamyres Pounce, 32, was charged with one count of child neglect, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to The Mall at Wellington Green on Monday afternoon when someone spotted the child locked inside a car. The little girl was strapped into her car seat in the back seat, sweating and crying, according to an arrest report.
One deputy broke a window and removed the child. Paramedics found she had a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 Celsius) and was treated at the scene and expected to be OK, according to the report.
The arrest report said Pounce left the child in the car while she shopped in Macy’s.
Pounce was released on bond Monday night. According to court records she had no previous criminal history. Jail records did not list an attorney for her.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Police: Man shoots estranged wife, then kills himself

GRAFTON , Ohio ( AP ) - A man shot his estranged wife several times during an argument at their @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The 60-year-old man confronted his 53-year-old wife at their Grafton home @ @ @ @ @ .
The couple had recently separated and , when the woman refused to reconcile , @ @ @ @ @ her in their garage , authorities said .
The woman escaped but her husband ran @ @ @ @ @ .
The woman was shot three times in the “ upper extremities ” before she @ @ @ @ @ drove off as the man shot at the vehicle , authorities said .
The woman @ @ @ @ @ and reported the shooting .
Law enforcement officers then responded to the home and tried @ @ @ @ @ .
He was later found dead in the garage , authorities said .
The woman @ @ @ @ @ that were not believed to be life-threatening , authorities said .
The couple ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ,

GRAFTON, Ohio (AP) - A man shot his estranged wife several times during an argument at their home before fatally shooting himself, authorities said.
The 60-year-old man confronted his 53-year-old wife at their Grafton home shortly before 10 a.m. Tuesday. The couple had recently separated and, when the woman refused to reconcile, the man tried to trap her in their garage, authorities said.
The woman escaped but her husband ran after her and opened fire. The woman was shot three times in the “upper extremities” before she got in her car and drove off as the man shot at the vehicle, authorities said.
The woman soon approached a police officer and reported the shooting. Law enforcement officers then responded to the home and tried unsuccessfully to contact the man. He was later found dead in the garage, authorities said.
The woman was being treated for wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, authorities said. The couple’s names have not been released,


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Donald Trump: Potential Joe Biden presidency is pushing the stock market down

President Trump said in a new interview that the stock market would be higher but for the prospect that former @ @ @ @ @ will defeat him in the November election .
“ The possibility that Joe Biden gets @ @ @ @ @ a huge downward pull on the stock market , ” Mr. Trump said in an @ @ @ @ @ “ CBS This Morning.
” “ The stock market would be much higher , except @ @ @ @ @ he got in , the stock market will crash.
” Mr. Trump said he was @ @ @ @ @ win before the coronavirus pandemic hit .
“ We were sailing right into a win @ @ @ @ @ economy ever for our country and for the world , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ great job , and now I have to do it again .
”

President Trump said in a new interview that the stock market would be higher but for the prospect that former Vice President Joseph R. Biden will defeat him in the November election.
“The possibility that Joe Biden gets elected — that’s a huge downward pull on the stock market,” Mr. Trump said in an interview that aired Wednesday on “CBS This Morning.” “The stock market would be much higher, except for the fact that if he got in, the stock market will crash.”
Mr. Trump said he was en route to an easy win before the coronavirus pandemic hit.
“We were sailing right into a win — we had the greatest economy ever for our country and for the world,” he said. “I’ve done a great job, and now I have to do it again.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--U.S. meets deadline to cut number of troops in Afghanistan

The U.S. has officially met its deadline to cut the number of troops stationed in Afghanistan , the Pentagon said late Tuesday , complying with a key requirement laid out in the Trump administration ’ s landmark peace deal with the Taliban .
Defense Department officials say that as of July 13 , the U.S. now has about 8,600 troops in Afghanistan and has turned over control of five military bases to Afghan security forces .
Those steps were mandated in the U.S.-Taliban peace deal signed in late February .
The agreement said that within 135 days , the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 8,600 .
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic , which complicated American troop movements around the world , the Pentagon says it has met the deadline .
“ July 13 , 2020 marks 135 days since the signing of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement on Feb. 29 , 2020 .
As stipulated in the agreement , the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 and withdraw from five bases .
We have met this obligation , ” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement .
“ U.S .
forces in Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formerly occupied by U.S. forces have been transferred to our Afghan partners.
” “ U.S .
military presence in Afghanistan remains focused on capabilities — not numbers , ” he said .
“ We maintain the capabilities and authorities necessary to protect ourselves , our allies and partners , and U.S. national interests.
” Under the agreement , the Taliban agreed to not allow Afghanistan to become a base of operations for terrorist groups , and it also agreed to halt attacks on U.S. personnel .
While the Taliban has picked up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , U.S. officials say there have been few , if any , direct attacks on American personnel .
The deal also called on the Taliban to begin formal peace talks with the U.S.-backed government in Kabul , though the two sides have struggled to get those negotiations under way .
The American troop drawdown also has come despite clear warnings by the Pentagon that Afghanistan remains a national security challenge .
A sweeping Pentagon report on Afghanistan security released earlier this month found that remote areas of the country remain home to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely cooperate with extremist groups such as al Qaeda .

The U.S. has officially met its deadline to cut the number of troops stationed in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said late Tuesday, complying with a key requirement laid out in the Trump administration’s landmark peace deal with the Taliban.
Defense Department officials say that as of July 13, the U.S. now has about 8,600 troops in Afghanistan and has turned over control of five military bases to Afghan security forces. Those steps were mandated in the U.S.-Taliban peace deal signed in late February.
The agreement said that within 135 days, the U.S. would cut its forces from roughly 13,000 to 8,600. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated American troop movements around the world, the Pentagon says it has met the deadline.
“July 13, 2020 marks 135 days since the signing of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement on Feb. 29, 2020. As stipulated in the agreement, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 and withdraw from five bases. We have met this obligation,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. “U.S. forces in Afghanistan remain in the mid-8,000s and five bases formerly occupied by U.S. forces have been transferred to our Afghan partners.”
“U.S. military presence in Afghanistan remains focused on capabilities — not numbers,” he said. “We maintain the capabilities and authorities necessary to protect ourselves, our allies and partners, and U.S. national interests.”
Under the agreement, the Taliban agreed to not allow Afghanistan to become a base of operations for terrorist groups, and it also agreed to halt attacks on U.S. personnel.
While the Taliban has picked up the pace of attacks against Afghan security forces, U.S. officials say there have been few, if any, direct attacks on American personnel.
The deal also called on the Taliban to begin formal peace talks with the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, though the two sides have struggled to get those negotiations under way.
The American troop drawdown also has come despite clear warnings by the Pentagon that Afghanistan remains a national security challenge. A sweeping Pentagon report on Afghanistan security released earlier this month found that remote areas of the country remain home to “terrorist sanctuaries” and some Taliban members routinely cooperate with extremist groups such as al Qaeda.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Teen dies after jumping off bridge into Snoqualmie River

SNOQUALMIE , Wash. ( AP ) - A 17-year-old teen died after jumping into the Snoqualmie River from an overhead @ @ @ @ @ KOMO-TV reports the King County Sheriff ’ s Office said on Twitter that the unidentified @ @ @ @ @ County divers and rushed for treatment to Overlake Hospital .
Sheriff ’ s Sgt .
@ @ @ @ @ received a call for help shortly before 4:30 p.m. Crews searched for over 30 minutes @ @ @ @ @ who jumped from the Old Reinig Trestle into the river below .
The male teen @ @ @ @ @ with a group of other teens when he jumped into the river from a bridge @ @ @ @ @ and Southeast Reinig Road .
No other injuries have been reported .

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. (AP) - A 17-year-old teen died after jumping into the Snoqualmie River from an overhead bridge, authorities said.
KOMO-TV reports the King County Sheriff’s Office said on Twitter that the unidentified teen was located by King County divers and rushed for treatment to Overlake Hospital.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Abbott said rescue workers received a call for help shortly before 4:30 p.m. Crews searched for over 30 minutes before locating the teen, who jumped from the Old Reinig Trestle into the river below.
The male teen was said to have been with a group of other teens when he jumped into the river from a bridge located at 396th Drive Southeast and Southeast Reinig Road.
No other injuries have been reported.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Thai man forced to psychiatric hospital over T-shirt motto

BANGKOK ( AP ) - A man who posted a photo online showing himself wearing a shirt with a motto questioning the traditional reverence for Thailand ’ s monarchy has been admitted against his will to a psychiatric hospital , drawing concern from human rights activists .
The legal basis for putting 45-year-old Tiwakorn Vithiton into the Khon Kaen Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen is not clear .
Tiwakorn caused a stir by posting pictures on his Facebook page of him wearing a T-shirt with the motto “ I have lost all faith in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monarchy in Thailand is both socially taboo and legally risky .
Cases where people are suspected of defaming the monarchy have traditionally been prosecuted under a lese majeste law that carries a punishment of 3 to 15 years in prison .
The law has long been abused for political purposes to silence dissidents , but in recent years the number of cases has declined as the government instead has employed laws covering computer crimes and sedition .
In June this year , King Maha Vajiarlongkorn told the government it should not prosecute lese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maj. Gen. Puttipong Musikul told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Tiwakorn has not been charged with any crime and was hospitalized for medical reasons .
Hospital director Dr. Nathakorn Jampathong said Tiwakorn has been undergoing psychiatric evaluation since being admitted on July 9 .
“ All I can tell you is that he is fine .
And the evaluation is still going on , ” Nathakorn said in a phone call .
Yingcheep Atchanont was one of a small group of human rights defenders who visited Tiwakorn on Monday at the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but wasn ’ t sure in what legal capacity he is being held , ” said Yingcheep , who works with iLaw , an independent justice watchdog group .
He said Tiwakorn ’ s family told him hospital staff and police had to force him when he resisted going to the hospital , following an earlier visit to their home by doctors who questioned him .
Yingcheep said there has been a surge of public interest this year in expressing opinions on Thai politics and society , and people had found workarounds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He described Tiwikorn , who is not a public figure and not known to be the member of any organized group , as “ clever ” in how he expressed his opinion .
The authorities have responded to the outpouring of free speech with measures outside the law , such as putting pressure on their targets of concern by visiting their families ’ homes and talking to their teachers .
He said there are 13 lese majeste cases out of 89 that iLaw has monitored where the accused have ended up confined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case is the first in which the authorities had someone committed someone straight to the psychiatric facility without having gone through filing charges and legal detention first , ” said Yingcheep .
Treated dissidents as mentally ill is not a novel practice in authoritarian states .
The former Soviet Union was especially notorious for having critics declared mentally ill so they could be put away without going through legal processes that could help validate their claims to be political prisoners .
Associated Press videojournalist Tassanee Vejpongsa contributed to this report .

BANGKOK (AP) - A man who posted a photo online showing himself wearing a shirt with a motto questioning the traditional reverence for Thailand’s monarchy has been admitted against his will to a psychiatric hospital, drawing concern from human rights activists.
The legal basis for putting 45-year-old Tiwakorn Vithiton into the Khon Kaen Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen is not clear.
Tiwakorn caused a stir by posting pictures on his Facebook page of him wearing a T-shirt with the motto “I have lost all faith in the institution of monarchy.” Publicly criticizing the monarchy in Thailand is both socially taboo and legally risky.
Cases where people are suspected of defaming the monarchy have traditionally been prosecuted under a lese majeste law that carries a punishment of 3 to 15 years in prison.
The law has long been abused for political purposes to silence dissidents, but in recent years the number of cases has declined as the government instead has employed laws covering computer crimes and sedition. In June this year, King Maha Vajiarlongkorn told the government it should not prosecute lese majeste cases.
Khon Kaen police chief Maj. Gen. Puttipong Musikul told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Tiwakorn has not been charged with any crime and was hospitalized for medical reasons. Hospital director Dr. Nathakorn Jampathong said Tiwakorn has been undergoing psychiatric evaluation since being admitted on July 9.
“All I can tell you is that he is fine. And the evaluation is still going on,” Nathakorn said in a phone call.
Yingcheep Atchanont was one of a small group of human rights defenders who visited Tiwakorn on Monday at the hospital.
“He seemed to be OK but wasn’t sure in what legal capacity he is being held,” said Yingcheep, who works with iLaw, an independent justice watchdog group.
He said Tiwakorn’s family told him hospital staff and police had to force him when he resisted going to the hospital, following an earlier visit to their home by doctors who questioned him.
Yingcheep said there has been a surge of public interest this year in expressing opinions on Thai politics and society, and people had found workarounds to speak out without violating repressive laws.
He described Tiwikorn, who is not a public figure and not known to be the member of any organized group, as “clever” in how he expressed his opinion.
The authorities have responded to the outpouring of free speech with measures outside the law, such as putting pressure on their targets of concern by visiting their families’ homes and talking to their teachers.
He said there are 13 lese majeste cases out of 89 that iLaw has monitored where the accused have ended up confined in mental hospitals.
“Tiwakorn’s case is the first in which the authorities had someone committed someone straight to the psychiatric facility without having gone through filing charges and legal detention first,” said Yingcheep.
Treated dissidents as mentally ill is not a novel practice in authoritarian states. The former Soviet Union was especially notorious for having critics declared mentally ill so they could be put away without going through legal processes that could help validate their claims to be political prisoners.
—-
Associated Press videojournalist Tassanee Vejpongsa contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Mary Trump: 'Dangerous' to allow Donald Trump to lead the country

Mary Trump , President Trump ’ s niece , said in an interview that aired Wednesday it ’ s “ dangerous ” to allow her uncle to run the country .
The president is “ utterly incapable of leading this country , and it ’ s dangerous to allow him to do so , ” she said on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America.
” She said the judgment is based on what she ’ s seen “ my entire adult life.
” Ms. Trump ’ s new book , “ Too Much and Never Enough , ” was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s family went to court to try to halt its publication .
Among the allegations in the book , Ms. Trump claims that the president had someone else take his SATs for him — a claim the White House has called an “ absurd ” falsehood .
“ Of course , they would , ” she said .
“ I trust my sources .
… In terms of documentation , no , I can ’ t prove it.
” “ I can certainly say with a hundred percent certainty that I was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Donald , ” she said .
She said the “ Joe Shapiro ” who allegedly took the test is not the same Joe Shapiro whose widow has publicly denied the allegation .
“ I feel terrible that she ’ s been subjected to this .
… I wish I could have said something sooner , ” she said .
The White House has described the overall book as a “ book of falsehoods .
”

Mary Trump, President Trump’s niece, said in an interview that aired Wednesday it’s “dangerous” to allow her uncle to run the country.
The president is “utterly incapable of leading this country, and it’s dangerous to allow him to do so,” she said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
She said the judgment is based on what she’s seen “my entire adult life.”
Ms. Trump’s new book, “Too Much and Never Enough,” was released on Tuesday after Mr. Trump’s family went to court to try to halt its publication.
Among the allegations in the book, Ms. Trump claims that the president had someone else take his SATs for him — a claim the White House has called an “absurd” falsehood.
“Of course, they would,” she said. “I trust my sources. … In terms of documentation, no, I can’t prove it.”
“I can certainly say with a hundred percent certainty that I was told this story by a source very close to Donald,” she said.
She said the “Joe Shapiro” who allegedly took the test is not the same Joe Shapiro whose widow has publicly denied the allegation.
“I feel terrible that she’s been subjected to this. … I wish I could have said something sooner,” she said.
The White House has described the overall book as a “book of falsehoods.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Hostage-taker killed by sheriff's  deputy is identified

MENDOTA HEIGHTS , Minn. ( AP ) - Authorities have identified the man who was shot and killed Monday by @ @ @ @ @ s deputy as he held a woman hostage on a bridge in a Twin Cities @ @ @ @ @ Medical Examiner ’ s Office says 31-year-old Arlan Kaleb Schultz , of Richfield , died @ @ @ @ @ the head .
Schultz was killed about 5:30 a.m. Monday on the Mendota Bridge .
@ @ @ @ @ with Schultz for several hours as he held the woman at gunpoint .
The woman @ @ @ @ @ .
The incident began about 5 hours earlier at a residence in Chaska where Schultz @ @ @ @ @ woman , according to Carver County Sheriff Jason Kamerud .
He took off in a @ @ @ @ @ officers pursued .
Eventually tire spikes were used on the bridge to stop the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ state Highways 55 and 62 over the Minnesota River between Fort Snelling and Mendota Heights @ @ @ @ @ hours .

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) - Authorities have identified the man who was shot and killed Monday by a Carver County sheriff’s deputy as he held a woman hostage on a bridge in a Twin Cities suburb.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office says 31-year-old Arlan Kaleb Schultz, of Richfield, died of a gunshot wound to the head. Schultz was killed about 5:30 a.m. Monday on the Mendota Bridge.
Law enforcement attempted to negotiate with Schultz for several hours as he held the woman at gunpoint. The woman wasn’t physically hurt.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Wednesday identified the officer who fired his weapon as Carver County sheriff’s Sgt. Kurt Schoening. Schoening, a nine-year veteran, is on standard administrative leave.
The incident began about 5 hours earlier at a residence in Chaska where Schultz was threatening to shoot the woman, according to Carver County Sheriff Jason Kamerud.
He took off in a vehicle with the woman and officers pursued. Eventually tire spikes were used on the bridge to stop the vehicle.
The bridge which carries state Highways 55 and 62 over the Minnesota River between Fort Snelling and Mendota Heights was closed for nearly 12 hours.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Video: Walmart shopper pulls gun on man in dispute over mask

ROYAL PALM BEACH , Fla. ( AP ) - An unmasked man pulled a gun on a masked shopper and threatened to kill him during an apparent confrontation over masks at a Florida Walmart store , sheriff ’ s officials said .
The Royal Palm Beach store ’ s security video shows the unmasked man pushing an older man in a wheelchair through the store on Saturday afternoon , the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a Facebook post .
The man in the wheelchair pulled a red neckerchief over his mouth in the store .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach the pair and exchange words .
That ’ s when the unmasked man gives the shopper the middle finger before pulling a handgun from his waistband , the sheriff ’ s office said .
The unmasked man made a death threat before leaving the store .
In the video , a young girl reaches for the masked man ’ s hand to pull him away .
Another person is seen trying to intervene .
The man then pushes the wheelchair to the parking lot and the pair left in a white Chevrolet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
No one was injured during the dispute , officials said .
Investigators are searching for the gunman .
An investigation continues .

ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - An unmasked man pulled a gun on a masked shopper and threatened to kill him during an apparent confrontation over masks at a Florida Walmart store, sheriff’s officials said.
The Royal Palm Beach store’s security video shows the unmasked man pushing an older man in a wheelchair through the store on Saturday afternoon, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. Sheriff’s officials said they have identified the man, who is cooperating with detectives. They have not released his name.
The man in the wheelchair pulled a red neckerchief over his mouth in the store.
The video shows a shopper wearing a mask approach the pair and exchange words. That’s when the unmasked man gives the shopper the middle finger before pulling a handgun from his waistband, the sheriff’s office said. The unmasked man made a death threat before leaving the store.
In the video, a young girl reaches for the masked man’s hand to pull him away. Another person is seen trying to intervene.
The man then pushes the wheelchair to the parking lot and the pair left in a white Chevrolet Equinox SUV, sheriff’s officials said.
No one was injured during the dispute, officials said.
Investigators are searching for the gunman. An investigation continues.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Michael Jackson channel launching on SiriusXM

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - The King of Pop is joining The Boss and Old Blue Eyes on SiriusXM satellite radio .
The month-long Michael Jackson channel was announced Wednesday by the singer ’ s estate .
The channel will feature music from Jackson ’ s albums and from live performances , including his 1988 concerts at London ’ s Wembley Stadium on his Bad Tour .
Around-the-clock King of Pop programming will begin at noon Eastern .
Jackson joins SiriusXM channels devoted to artists like Bruce Springsteen , Frank Sinatra and The Beatles .
Playlists created by singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow Jackson 5 members Jackie , Marlon and Tito will also be featured .
It will also include music that influenced Jackson from artists including James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone , and artists that Jackson influenced including Beyoncé , Justin Timberlake and Usher .
Journalist and author Steven Ivory , a family friend who interviewed Jackson often , will provide the voice of the channel , telling stories , introducing discussions that chronicle the history and career of Jackson and sharing his own Jackson playlist .
Ivory said the music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2009 at age 50 , are especially fitting for the world in a moment of trouble and turmoil .
“ Michael ’ s music has always rallied the world to acknowledge historical anguish in songs and videos such as ‘ They Don ’ t Really Care About Us ’ and ‘ Black or White , ‘ ” Ivory said in a statement .
“ At the same time , he aspired to unify and lead the world with inspiring anthems like ‘ Heal the World ’ and ‘ Earth Song ’ which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the care of our planet.
” The channel will be available for 30 days on the SiriusXM app and streaming devices , and on the satellite radio network ’ s channel 50 for a week .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The King of Pop is joining The Boss and Old Blue Eyes on SiriusXM satellite radio.
The month-long Michael Jackson channel was announced Wednesday by the singer’s estate.
The channel will feature music from Jackson’s albums and from live performances, including his 1988 concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium on his Bad Tour.
Around-the-clock King of Pop programming will begin at noon Eastern. Jackson joins SiriusXM channels devoted to artists like Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles.
Playlists created by singer Akon, Jackson’s brothers and fellow Jackson 5 members Jackie, Marlon and Tito will also be featured.
It will also include music that influenced Jackson from artists including James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone, and artists that Jackson influenced including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Usher.
Journalist and author Steven Ivory, a family friend who interviewed Jackson often, will provide the voice of the channel, telling stories, introducing discussions that chronicle the history and career of Jackson and sharing his own Jackson playlist.
Ivory said the music and message of Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50, are especially fitting for the world in a moment of trouble and turmoil.
“Michael’s music has always rallied the world to acknowledge historical anguish in songs and videos such as ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’ and ‘Black or White,‘” Ivory said in a statement. “At the same time, he aspired to unify and lead the world with inspiring anthems like ‘Heal the World’ and ‘Earth Song’ which addressed issues that were important to him such as the care of our planet.”
The channel will be available for 30 days on the SiriusXM app and streaming devices, and on the satellite radio network’s channel 50 for a week.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--Massachusetts sues company over sale of flavored vapes

BOSTON ( AP ) - An online e-cigarette company continued to sell flavored tobacco products to Massachusetts consumers , and failed to protect against delivery of their products to minors , in violation of state law , state Attorney General Maura Healey said in a lawsuit .
The complaint filed in Suffolk Superior Court on Wednesday also seeks a preliminary injunction to prevent Puff Bar and its distributor to sell their products in the state while the lawsuit is ongoing .
An email seeking comment was left with Glendale , California-based Puff Bar .
Massachusetts last November became the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale of flavored tobacco products , including e-cigarettes and e-liquids .
The law went fully into effect on June 1 , when the sale of all menthol flavored tobacco products was also banned .
Puff Bar ’ s disposable e-cigarettes are especially attractive to youth because they cost less than other e-cigarettes and they are available in more than 20 flavors , Healey said .
“ These products are dangerous , addictive and particularly appealing to young people , which is why Massachusetts moved quickly to regulate them .
Companies that blatantly violate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my office , ” Healey said in a statement .

BOSTON (AP) - An online e-cigarette company continued to sell flavored tobacco products to Massachusetts consumers, and failed to protect against delivery of their products to minors, in violation of state law, state Attorney General Maura Healey said in a lawsuit.
The complaint filed in Suffolk Superior Court on Wednesday also seeks a preliminary injunction to prevent Puff Bar and its distributor to sell their products in the state while the lawsuit is ongoing.
An email seeking comment was left with Glendale, California-based Puff Bar.
Massachusetts last November became the first state in the country to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquids. The law went fully into effect on June 1, when the sale of all menthol flavored tobacco products was also banned.
Puff Bar’s disposable e-cigarettes are especially attractive to youth because they cost less than other e-cigarettes and they are available in more than 20 flavors, Healey said.
“These products are dangerous, addictive and particularly appealing to young people, which is why Massachusetts moved quickly to regulate them. Companies that blatantly violate these laws will face legal action from my office,” Healey said in a statement.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--Former Mississippi priest indicted in wire fraud case

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) - A former priest in Mississippi has been indicted for wire fraud after federal investigators said he took more than $ 18,000 from parishioners for personal expenses .
Father Lenin Vargas , who led St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville , was indicted on 10 counts of wire fraud , according to court documents unsealed Wednesday .
If convicted , he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine , The Commercial Dispatch reported .
Vargas also served as pastor at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Macon until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he became the subject of a federal investigation .
He was charged in the sealed indictment earlier this year .
Vargas told parishioners that he had been diagnosed with cancer and that he was collecting money to build an orphanage and chapel in Mexico , his home country , according to the indictment .
Parishioners donated $ 18,258 through checks to Vargas or a GoFundMe account opened in February 2015 .
Vargas did not have cancer but was diagnosed with HIV in 2014 .
His HIV medical treatments were covered by health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent some of the money collected to a friend who was involved with Vargas in business ventures in Mexico , court documents said .
Federal prosecutors said Vargas also used the money on a dating website that caters to people who are HIV-positive , previous news reports said .
The Diocese of Jackson in a statement Wednesday said the Diocese entered into an agreement with federal prosecutors to “ tighten financial controls ” in the Diocese ’ s accounting offices and return parishioners ’ donations .
“ There are still steps to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Bishop Joseph Kopacz said in the release .
“ We still invite anyone to come forward with claims , and we will work to seek a just resolution with them , ” the statement said .
“ We hope in Christ for new life and peace .
”

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A former priest in Mississippi has been indicted for wire fraud after federal investigators said he took more than $18,000 from parishioners for personal expenses.
Father Lenin Vargas, who led St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville, was indicted on 10 counts of wire fraud, according to court documents unsealed Wednesday. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, The Commercial Dispatch reported.
Vargas also served as pastor at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Macon until the Jackson Diocese removed him in December 2018 after he became the subject of a federal investigation. He was charged in the sealed indictment earlier this year.
Vargas told parishioners that he had been diagnosed with cancer and that he was collecting money to build an orphanage and chapel in Mexico, his home country, according to the indictment. Parishioners donated $18,258 through checks to Vargas or a GoFundMe account opened in February 2015. Vargas did not have cancer but was diagnosed with HIV in 2014. His HIV medical treatments were covered by health insurance, the indictment said.
Vargas sent some of the money collected to a friend who was involved with Vargas in business ventures in Mexico, court documents said. Federal prosecutors said Vargas also used the money on a dating website that caters to people who are HIV-positive, previous news reports said.
The Diocese of Jackson in a statement Wednesday said the Diocese entered into an agreement with federal prosecutors to “tighten financial controls” in the Diocese’s accounting offices and return parishioners’ donations.
“There are still steps to be taken and certainly more changes ahead,” Bishop Joseph Kopacz said in the release.
“We still invite anyone to come forward with claims, and we will work to seek a just resolution with them,” the statement said. “We hope in Christ for new life and peace.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--West Seattle Bridge declared a ‘civil emergency’ by mayor

The declaration , issued Thursday , may increase the odds of winning federal or state money , The Seattle Times reported .
Durkan also seeks to speed up repairs or replacement by skipping some city regulations regarding competitive bidding , budget limits or employment of temporary workers .
Meanwhile , the city ’ s engineering panel said it ’ s possible to repair the 36-year-old concrete bridge , closed since March 23 because of dangerous shear cracks .
But the panel ’ s letter leaves many questions unanswered such as how many lanes could operate if the bridge is fixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This month , Rep. Pramila Jayapal , D-Seattle , mentioned the West Seattle Bridge during a speech on the House floor in support of a large infrastructure bill in Congress .
The high bridge typically serves 100,000 vehicle trips and 19,000 transit riders per day , the new documents say .
Thousands are making a 3-mile detour , and even more are reducing trips .
West Seattle bridge repairs would take at least two years and give the span maybe a decade of extra life , according to the Seattle Department of Transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin emergency shoring work there .
The goal is to stabilize the bridge while the city considers repairs or replacement .
City officials and a 31-member community advisory panel have discussed the emergency declaration in recent weeks as a needed step to help deliver a new bridge or tunnel , for which the city has no funding .

SEATTLE (AP) - Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has declared the cracked high-rise West Seattle Bridge a civil emergency.
The declaration, issued Thursday, may increase the odds of winning federal or state money, The Seattle Times reported. Durkan also seeks to speed up repairs or replacement by skipping some city regulations regarding competitive bidding, budget limits or employment of temporary workers.
Meanwhile, the city’s engineering panel said it’s possible to repair the 36-year-old concrete bridge, closed since March 23 because of dangerous shear cracks. But the panel’s letter leaves many questions unanswered such as how many lanes could operate if the bridge is fixed, or whether repairs are affordable.
This month, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle, mentioned the West Seattle Bridge during a speech on the House floor in support of a large infrastructure bill in Congress.
The high bridge typically serves 100,000 vehicle trips and 19,000 transit riders per day, the new documents say. Thousands are making a 3-mile detour, and even more are reducing trips.
West Seattle bridge repairs would take at least two years and give the span maybe a decade of extra life, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Contractors this week are expected to begin emergency shoring work there. The goal is to stabilize the bridge while the city considers repairs or replacement.
City officials and a 31-member community advisory panel have discussed the emergency declaration in recent weeks as a needed step to help deliver a new bridge or tunnel, for which the city has no funding.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--Oklahoma AG reaches jurisdiction agreement with five tribes

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) - Oklahoma ’ s attorney general and five major Native American tribes in Oklahoma on Thursday announced an agreement on proposed federal legislation regarding civil and criminal jurisdiction following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision .
Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter announced the deal with leaders of the Cherokee , Chickasaw , Choctaw , Muscogee ( Creek ) and Seminole nations after the high court ruled last week that much of eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian reservation .
Both sides agree any proposed legislation should recognize tribal sovereignty and the respective tribal boundaries outlined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under the agreement , the state would have criminal jurisdiction over non-Native American offenders throughout the treaty territories , with some exceptions , while the tribes would have overlapping jurisdiction over most offenders who are tribal citizens .
Federal prosecutors would still have jurisdiction under the Major Crimes Act over certain serious crimes committed by Native Americans .
The agreement clarifies that civil jurisdiction would remain largely unchanged .
“ Although there are many more details to be ironed out in the near future , we believe this agreement regarding civil and criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting the public and promoting continued economic growth in Oklahoma , ” Hunter said .
Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation Principal Chief David Hill said that while the court ruling leaves some unanswered questions , he expressed confidence in the tribes ’ ability to work with state and federal agencies .
“ Tribal nations have successfully collaborated with law enforcement for years in the communities we share , and this ruling only strengthens our ability to work together for the betterment of public safety for all Oklahomans , ” he said in a @ @

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma’s attorney general and five major Native American tribes in Oklahoma on Thursday announced an agreement on proposed federal legislation regarding civil and criminal jurisdiction following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter announced the deal with leaders of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations after the high court ruled last week that much of eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian reservation.
Both sides agree any proposed legislation should recognize tribal sovereignty and the respective tribal boundaries outlined in their treaties with the federal government.
Under the agreement, the state would have criminal jurisdiction over non-Native American offenders throughout the treaty territories, with some exceptions, while the tribes would have overlapping jurisdiction over most offenders who are tribal citizens. Federal prosecutors would still have jurisdiction under the Major Crimes Act over certain serious crimes committed by Native Americans.
The agreement clarifies that civil jurisdiction would remain largely unchanged.
“Although there are many more details to be ironed out in the near future, we believe this agreement regarding civil and criminal jurisdiction is the best path forward for protecting the public and promoting continued economic growth in Oklahoma,” Hunter said.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill said that while the court ruling leaves some unanswered questions, he expressed confidence in the tribes’ ability to work with state and federal agencies.
“Tribal nations have successfully collaborated with law enforcement for years in the communities we share, and this ruling only strengthens our ability to work together for the betterment of public safety for all Oklahomans,” he said in a statement.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--GOP PAC gave to church that sued over COVID-19 restrictions

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - A suburban St. Louis church received a $ 5,000 contribution from a Republican-affiliated political action committee before it sued over coronavirus-related restrictions on gatherings , new records show .
Records filed Wednesday with the Missouri Ethics Commission show that the Show Me Growth PAC contributed to the Church of the Word on May 19 .
One day later , the Fenton church filed a federal lawsuit against County Executive Sam Page , a Democrat .
The case has since been dismissed , the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports .
Mike Leara , treasurer of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the church on how to spend the money but added that “ I think it helped them afford a lawyer with their case.
” Matthew Sheffer , the pastor of the church , declined to discuss how the church spent the money .
The PAC supports Rep. David Gregory , R-Fenton , who was one of the attorneys who represented the church in the case .
Leara said Gregory didn ’ t get paid for his work with the church .
Leara represented the 96th House District , covering parts of south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in 2017 .
The two men are related by marriage .
Gregory and his co-counsel , Henry Elster , didn ’ t immediately respond to requests for comment .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A suburban St. Louis church received a $5,000 contribution from a Republican-affiliated political action committee before it sued over coronavirus-related restrictions on gatherings, new records show.
Records filed Wednesday with the Missouri Ethics Commission show that the Show Me Growth PAC contributed to the Church of the Word on May 19. One day later, the Fenton church filed a federal lawsuit against County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat. The case has since been dismissed, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Mike Leara, treasurer of the PAC, said no direction was given to the church on how to spend the money but added that “I think it helped them afford a lawyer with their case.”
Matthew Sheffer, the pastor of the church, declined to discuss how the church spent the money.
The PAC supports Rep. David Gregory, R-Fenton, who was one of the attorneys who represented the church in the case. Leara said Gregory didn’t get paid for his work with the church.
Leara represented the 96th House District, covering parts of south St. Louis County, before Gregory succeeded him in 2017. The two men are related by marriage.
Gregory and his co-counsel, Henry Elster, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--California Resources Corp files for Chapter 11 protection

SANTA CLARITA , Calif. ( AP ) - One of the state ’ s major oil companies said it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of an agreement with creditors to restructure $ 5 billion in debt .
Citing “ unprecedented market conditions , ” California Resources Corp. President and CEO Todd A. Stevens said Wednesday that oversupply and reduced demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic required the Chapter 11 process , but he asserted that the company will emerge strong and healthy .
Transactions under the restructuring agreement are subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the filing was made .
California Resources Corp. describes itself as the largest oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the state .
It has more than 3,000 employees and contractors and focuses the San Joaquin , Los Angeles , Ventura and Sacramento oil and gas basins .
The company said it will continue to operate and maintain high safety and environmental standards , but environmental organizations reacted with alarm .
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club said in a letter to Gov .
Gavin Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of similar actions by oil and gas companies .
They urged him to intervene to protect the environment , taxpayers and workers ’ pensions and healthcare .
“ Any action by oil and gas producers to use bankruptcy proceedings and other cost-cutting and restructuring efforts to evade their environmental obligations will increase the risk that pollution from improperly secured or monitored oil and gas wells will cause environmental damage , ” the groups wrote .
The organizations further warned that taxpayers may end up paying to plug and clean up wells .
Uduak-Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the California Department of Conservation ’ s Geologic Energy Management Division , said the company ’ s bankruptcy filing does not reduce its obligation to comply with stringent oil and gas regulations and to pay annual assessments .
“ CalGEM has taken steps to prepare for developments like this and will continue its oversight of CRC ’ s facilities and operations to ensure ongoing protection of public health , safety and the environment , ” Ntuk said .
Oil prices were declining before the pandemic and then crashed in April .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground .

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (AP) - One of the state’s major oil companies said it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of an agreement with creditors to restructure $5 billion in debt.
Citing “unprecedented market conditions,” California Resources Corp. President and CEO Todd A. Stevens said Wednesday that oversupply and reduced demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic required the Chapter 11 process, but he asserted that the company will emerge strong and healthy.
Transactions under the restructuring agreement are subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, where the filing was made.
California Resources Corp. describes itself as the largest oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the state. It has more than 3,000 employees and contractors and focuses the San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Ventura and Sacramento oil and gas basins.
The company said it will continue to operate and maintain high safety and environmental standards, but environmental organizations reacted with alarm.
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club said in a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom that there would likely be a wave of similar actions by oil and gas companies. They urged him to intervene to protect the environment, taxpayers and workers’ pensions and healthcare.
“Any action by oil and gas producers to use bankruptcy proceedings and other cost-cutting and restructuring efforts to evade their environmental obligations will increase the risk that pollution from improperly secured or monitored oil and gas wells will cause environmental damage,” the groups wrote.
The organizations further warned that taxpayers may end up paying to plug and clean up wells.
Uduak-Joe Ntuk, state oil and gas supervisor for the California Department of Conservation’s Geologic Energy Management Division, said the company’s bankruptcy filing does not reduce its obligation to comply with stringent oil and gas regulations and to pay annual assessments.
“CalGEM has taken steps to prepare for developments like this and will continue its oversight of CRC’s facilities and operations to ensure ongoing protection of public health, safety and the environment,” Ntuk said.
Oil prices were declining before the pandemic and then crashed in April. The price per barrel has since recovered some ground.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--Las Vegas man arrested after homeless man dies from backflip

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - The Las Vegas Police Department has arrested a 28-year-old man after police say he @ @ @ @ @ to do a backflip and live streamed the stunt , which resulted in a spinal @ @ @ @ @ s death .
Keonte Jones was charged with willful disregard of a person ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Coner attempting to perform a backflip and landing on his neck in June .
Conor @ @ @ @ @ money , and Jones offered him $ 6 to do a backflip , authorities said @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook Live for about 10 minutes , which shows Jones laughing and telling others @ @ @ @ @ help as Coner can be seen in the video landing on his neck and not @ @ @ @ @ .
Conor was taken to University Medical Center and died June 30 from his injuries @ @ @ @ @ posted bail and is expected to appear in court Sept. 14 .
Online court records @ @ @ @ @ attorney for Jones who could comment on his behalf .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Las Vegas Police Department has arrested a 28-year-old man after police say he offered a homeless man money to do a backflip and live streamed the stunt, which resulted in a spinal injury and the man’s death.
Keonte Jones was charged with willful disregard of a person’s safety after filming 55-year-old Larry Coner attempting to perform a backflip and landing on his neck in June.
Coner first approached Jones asking for money, and Jones offered him $6 to do a backflip, authorities said.
Jones streamed the encounter on Facebook Live for about 10 minutes, which shows Jones laughing and telling others around not to call for help as Coner can be seen in the video landing on his neck and not getting up, police said.
Coner was taken to University Medical Center and died June 30 from his injuries, police said.
Jones posted bail and is expected to appear in court Sept. 14. Online court records don’t list an attorney for Jones who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--Texas town removes fence between white, Black cemeteries

MINEOLA , Texas ( AP ) - Another lingering relic of the Jim Crow era was being ripped from the ground this week in a small East Texas town .
Municipal crews were digging up a fence between two adjacent but separate historically Black and historically white cemeteries in Mineola , about 75 miles ( 120 kilometers ) east of Dallas .
The removal project began with a Wednesday morning ceremony and is expected to take four days , said David Collett , president of Cedars Memorial Garden , the cemetery historically reserved for the graves of white people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Pastor Demetrius Boyd of the predominantly Black St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Mineola said that although removing the fence was the Black community ’ s desire for decades , he began working toward it since arriving in 2007 .
Boyd said he persuaded the Cedars board to allow an easement from its U.S. 69 front gate to the City Cemetery , which had been accessed only from an obscure entrance from a back road .
The improved access to the Black cemetery satisfied all parties , Boyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a funeral and burial was held for an African American former FBI agent and Marine that drew mourners from outside the Mineola area .
That , combined with the social climate in the wake of the Minneapolis police slaying of George Floyd , ignited a push to erase lingering relics of white supremacy , such as the fence , Boyd said .
Cedars was formally known as the City of Mineola Cemetery , while the historically Black cemetery is called City Cemetery .
That created the mistaken impression among the public that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly on Mineola , Boyd said .
That ’ s where City Manager Mercy Rushing and the City Council came in .
The council approved community development funds to send crews to remove the fence .
Collett and Boyd both said the next step would be to make the two cemeteries one by merger or creation of a single organization to look after both .

MINEOLA, Texas (AP) - Another lingering relic of the Jim Crow era was being ripped from the ground this week in a small East Texas town.
Municipal crews were digging up a fence between two adjacent but separate historically Black and historically white cemeteries in Mineola, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Dallas.
The removal project began with a Wednesday morning ceremony and is expected to take four days, said David Collett, president of Cedars Memorial Garden, the cemetery historically reserved for the graves of white people.
“It was a very emotional moment,” he said.
Pastor Demetrius Boyd of the predominantly Black St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Mineola said that although removing the fence was the Black community’s desire for decades, he began working toward it since arriving in 2007.
Boyd said he persuaded the Cedars board to allow an easement from its U.S. 69 front gate to the City Cemetery, which had been accessed only from an obscure entrance from a back road.
The improved access to the Black cemetery satisfied all parties, Boyd said. But early this month, a funeral and burial was held for an African American former FBI agent and Marine that drew mourners from outside the Mineola area. That, combined with the social climate in the wake of the Minneapolis police slaying of George Floyd, ignited a push to erase lingering relics of white supremacy, such as the fence, Boyd said.
Cedars was formally known as the City of Mineola Cemetery, while the historically Black cemetery is called City Cemetery. That created the mistaken impression among the public that the cemeteries were city-owned and the segregation reflected badly on Mineola, Boyd said.
That’s where City Manager Mercy Rushing and the City Council came in. The council approved community development funds to send crews to remove the fence. Collett and Boyd both said the next step would be to make the two cemeteries one by merger or creation of a single organization to look after both.
“Times change, boards change,” Boyd said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--US, Canada and Mexico borders to stay closed for travelers

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - The U.S. , Canada and Mexico have agreed to keep their shared borders closed to @ @ @ @ @ late August because of COVID-19 .
Acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said @ @ @ @ @ that restrictions on cross-border traffic that have been in place since March have helped slow @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials had said in recent days that another 30-day extension was likely before the @ @ @ @ @ extension .
The partial closure restricts crossing to commercial traffic , people returning to their @ @ @ @ @ deemed essential .
It prohibits people from traveling between the countries for tourism or shopping @ @ @ @ @ to border communities .
The extension agreed to by the three countries would keep the @ @ @ @ @ .
It comes as COVID-19 continues to surge in many parts of the U.S. and @ @ @ @ @ restrictions are intended to maintain the commercial cargo traffic that is vital to the economies @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S., Canada and Mexico have agreed to keep their shared borders closed to non-essential traffic until at least late August because of COVID-19.
Acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said Thursday in announcing the extension that restrictions on cross-border traffic that have been in place since March have helped slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Officials had said in recent days that another 30-day extension was likely before the expiration of the previous 30-day extension.
The partial closure restricts crossing to commercial traffic, people returning to their home country and other travel deemed essential. It prohibits people from traveling between the countries for tourism or shopping, which is economically important to border communities.
The extension agreed to by the three countries would keep the border closed until Aug. 21.
It comes as COVID-19 continues to surge in many parts of the U.S. and in Mexico.
The border restrictions are intended to maintain the commercial cargo traffic that is vital to the economies of all three countries.


washingtontimes--2020-07-16--Edwards signs new lawsuits limits sought by business lobby

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - Gov .
John Bel Edwards has signed the business lobby ’ s main priority of the last election cycle into law , changes to Louisiana ’ s civil litigation rules aimed at lessening the money people can win against insurance companies and businesses in car accident lawsuits .
The bill signing was posted on the Legislature ’ s website Thursday .
The Democratic governor vetoed an earlier , more sweeping version of the civil justice system changes and negotiated with the majority-Republican Legislature and business lobbyists on a final compromise passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 .
Edwards ‘ signature on the bill was expected after the deal was struck , but the decision still represented a significant victory for business organizations that worked to elect Republican lawmakers in 2019 who pledged to support the changes .
They also had to reach agreement with a governor whose allies and deep-pocketed campaign contributors include personal injury lawyers who opposed the changes .
Supporters claim the “ tort reform ” effort will lower insurance rates , which are the nation ’ s second-highest , by making litigation less lucrative .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will damage injured people ’ s ability to receive adequate compensation .
Stephen Waguespack , president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry , said the bill - sponsored by Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder - “ will help begin the process of rebuilding Louisiana ’ s insurance markets.
” The goal of the civil litigation system changes is to reduce the number of lawsuits filed in car accidents , lessen the lawsuits that are successful and shrink the damages awarded .
Backers of the effort said a Louisiana legal environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big payouts is damaging existing business in the state and making it harder to draw new industry .
Opponents , largely lawyers and Democrats , repeatedly noted the bill doesn ’ t contain a commitment that it would lower insurance rates - an argument Edwards himself raised in his veto of the previous bill by GOP Sen. Kirk Talbot .
Critics also said the measure would keep people from getting money needed to cover their medical bills and could increase costs for courts .
Negotiations over Schexnayder ’ s bill went into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session .
Some lawmakers blamed the intense disagreements over the bill for keeping them in session longer than otherwise would have been needed to piece together the state budget and cut business taxes .
The deal passed with a 35-4 Senate vote and 86-15 House vote on the last day of session .
Schexnayder ’ s bill , which takes effect on Jan. 1 , will : -Force jury trials more frequently , so that lawyers have to argue damage claims to more people than a single judge .
The measure drops the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that exceed $ 50,000 to claims larger than $ 10,000 , with some exceptions .
-Limit the mentions of insurance coverage during a trial .
Bill supporters said that juries were more likely to give higher damage awards to people if they expected an insurance company , rather than an individual , to cover the costs .
-Cap certain medical expenses for which damages can be awarded .
This change doesn ’ t apply in medical malpractice cases or in lawsuits against state agencies , state boards and commissions , parish sheriffs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
-Allow information about whether someone was wearing a seatbelt as evidence in litigation .
Edwards ‘ signature and the enactment of the law changes doesn ’ t appear likely to wrap up the debate , however .
Waguespack said his organization intends to continue to push for more changes to the state ’ s civil litigation system .
“ This new Legislature is obviously hungry to change Louisiana ’ s reputation for a poor legal climate and ( Schexnayder ’ s bill ) appears to be simply the first bite at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement issued after the measure ’ s passage .
“ Our work has only just begun .
”

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed the business lobby’s main priority of the last election cycle into law, changes to Louisiana’s civil litigation rules aimed at lessening the money people can win against insurance companies and businesses in car accident lawsuits.
The bill signing was posted on the Legislature’s website Thursday.
The Democratic governor vetoed an earlier, more sweeping version of the civil justice system changes and negotiated with the majority-Republican Legislature and business lobbyists on a final compromise passed in the special session that ended June 30.
Edwards’ signature on the bill was expected after the deal was struck, but the decision still represented a significant victory for business organizations that worked to elect Republican lawmakers in 2019 who pledged to support the changes. They also had to reach agreement with a governor whose allies and deep-pocketed campaign contributors include personal injury lawyers who opposed the changes.
Supporters claim the “tort reform” effort will lower insurance rates, which are the nation’s second-highest, by making litigation less lucrative. Opponents call it a giveaway to business that will damage injured people’s ability to receive adequate compensation.
Stephen Waguespack, president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, said the bill - sponsored by Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder - “will help begin the process of rebuilding Louisiana’s insurance markets.”
The goal of the civil litigation system changes is to reduce the number of lawsuits filed in car accidents, lessen the lawsuits that are successful and shrink the damages awarded. Backers of the effort said a Louisiana legal environment that encourages frivolous lawsuits with promises of big payouts is damaging existing business in the state and making it harder to draw new industry.
Senate Republican leader Sharon Hewitt called passage of the bill “a historic accomplishment.”
Opponents, largely lawyers and Democrats, repeatedly noted the bill doesn’t contain a commitment that it would lower insurance rates - an argument Edwards himself raised in his veto of the previous bill by GOP Sen. Kirk Talbot. Critics also said the measure would keep people from getting money needed to cover their medical bills and could increase costs for courts.
Negotiations over Schexnayder’s bill went into the final hours of the 30-day June special session. Some lawmakers blamed the intense disagreements over the bill for keeping them in session longer than otherwise would have been needed to piece together the state budget and cut business taxes.
The deal passed with a 35-4 Senate vote and 86-15 House vote on the last day of session.
Schexnayder’s bill, which takes effect on Jan. 1, will:
-Force jury trials more frequently, so that lawyers have to argue damage claims to more people than a single judge. The measure drops the threshold for a jury trial from claims that exceed $50,000 to claims larger than $10,000, with some exceptions.
-Limit the mentions of insurance coverage during a trial. Bill supporters said that juries were more likely to give higher damage awards to people if they expected an insurance company, rather than an individual, to cover the costs.
-Cap certain medical expenses for which damages can be awarded. This change doesn’t apply in medical malpractice cases or in lawsuits against state agencies, state boards and commissions, parish sheriffs, school boards or other local government agencies.
-Allow information about whether someone was wearing a seatbelt as evidence in litigation.
Edwards’ signature and the enactment of the law changes doesn’t appear likely to wrap up the debate, however. Waguespack said his organization intends to continue to push for more changes to the state’s civil litigation system.
“This new Legislature is obviously hungry to change Louisiana’s reputation for a poor legal climate and (Schexnayder’s bill) appears to be simply the first bite at that apple,” Waguespack said in a statement issued after the measure’s passage. “Our work has only just begun.”
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House Bill 57: www.legis.la.gov
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Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte