washingtontimes--2020-12-16--Republicans refocus their efforts on future elections

Senate Republicans pivoted Wednesday from challenging the November election results to trying to ensure fair elections in the future .
“ Clearly , we can ’ t let this go on for the next election , ” Sen. Rick Scott , Florida Republican , said at a Homeland Security Committee hearing on ballot fraud and other problems at the polls .
The meeting came two days after the Electoral College affirmed the win for President-elect Joseph R. Biden , effectively rendering President Trump ’ s challenges moot .
Still , Republicans said the allegations and suspicions about the Nov. 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers ’ attention .
“ The fraud happened .
The election in many ways was stolen and the only way it will be fixed is by in the future reinforcing the laws , ” Sen. Rand Paul , Kentucky Republican , said .
“ This hearing should not be controversial , ” said Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson , Wisconsin Republican .
Democrats said the committee was elevating baseless allegations by Mr. Trump and undermining the election process .
“ This inflammatory rhetoric is harmful to our democracy , ” said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gary Peters of Michigan .
The hearing came to a head when Mr. Johnson labeled Mr. Peters a liar .
He accused Mr. Peters of falsely accusing Mr. Johnson of spreading Russian disinformation when the committee probed shady overseas deals by Mr. Biden ’ s son , Hunter Biden .
“ You lied repeatedly in the press I was spreading Russian disinformation , ” Mr. Johnson said .
“ That was an outright lie.
” “ This isn ’ t about airing your grievances , ” Mr. Peters fired back .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this committee.
” Christopher C. Krebs , former director of the Homeland Security Department ’ s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , dismissed security issues related to the election .
He said the government not only protected against hacking but also against “ perception hacks ” used to spread disinformation .
“ The 2020 election was the most secure in U.S. history , ” Mr. Krebs testified .
“ This was a secure election .
Of that , I have no doubt.
” Mr. Krebs worked at DHS from 2018 to 2020 before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercutting Mr. Trump ’ s allegations of widespread voter fraud .
“ We have to move on , ” he said at the hearing .
“ This is not America.
” “ Chris Krebs was totally excoriated and proven wrong at the Senate Hearing on the Fraudulent 2020 Election .
Massive FRAUD took place with machines , people voting from out of state , illegals , dead people , no signatures—and so much more !
” Democratic senators rebutted allegations of voter fraud , saying judges have struck down 59 out of 61 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Republicans at the hearing countered that courts ignored to voting irregularities .
“ We can ’ t just say it didn ’ t happen .
We can ’ t just say ‘ oh , 4,000 people voted in Nevada that were noncitizens ’ and we ’ re just going to ignore it , ” he said .
“ The courts have not decided the facts .
The courts never looked at the facts , ” he said .
“ The courts don ’ t like [ challenges to ] elections .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excuse , standing or otherwise , to stay out of it.
” Ken Starr , former special counsel during the Clinton administration , noted that courts have not heard evidence of fraudulent voting because judges dismissed the cases based on procedural grounds .
Jesse Binnall , a lawyer who represented the Trump campaign in Nevada , said he uncovered tens of thousands of fraudulent votes including 42,000 people who had voted twice and a few thousand undocumented immigrants who voted .
“ Transparency is not political , ” Mr. Binnall said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nevada .
”

Senate Republicans pivoted Wednesday from challenging the November election results to trying to ensure fair elections in the future.
“Clearly, we can’t let this go on for the next election,” Sen. Rick Scott, Florida Republican, said at a Homeland Security Committee hearing on ballot fraud and other problems at the polls.
The meeting came two days after the Electoral College affirmed the win for President-elect Joseph R. Biden, effectively rendering President Trump’s challenges moot.
Still, Republicans said the allegations and suspicions about the Nov. 3 vote and the massive mail-in voting demanded lawmakers’ attention.
“The fraud happened. The election in many ways was stolen and the only way it will be fixed is by in the future reinforcing the laws,” Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican, said.
“This hearing should not be controversial,” said Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, Wisconsin Republican.
Democrats said the committee was elevating baseless allegations by Mr. Trump and undermining the election process.
“This inflammatory rhetoric is harmful to our democracy,” said the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan.
The hearing came to a head when Mr. Johnson labeled Mr. Peters a liar.
He accused Mr. Peters of falsely accusing Mr. Johnson of spreading Russian disinformation when the committee probed shady overseas deals by Mr. Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.
“You lied repeatedly in the press I was spreading Russian disinformation,” Mr. Johnson said. “That was an outright lie.”
“This isn’t about airing your grievances,” Mr. Peters fired back. “This is terrible what you are doing to this committee.”
Christopher C. Krebs, former director of the Homeland Security Department’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, dismissed security issues related to the election. He said the government not only protected against hacking but also against “perception hacks” used to spread disinformation.
“The 2020 election was the most secure in U.S. history,” Mr. Krebs testified. “This was a secure election. Of that, I have no doubt.”
Mr. Krebs worked at DHS from 2018 to 2020 before he was fired after issuing a statement undercutting Mr. Trump’s allegations of widespread voter fraud.
“We have to move on,” he said at the hearing. “This is not America.”
Mr. Trump chimed in on Twitter:
“Chris Krebs was totally excoriated and proven wrong at the Senate Hearing on the Fraudulent 2020 Election. Massive FRAUD took place with machines, people voting from out of state, illegals, dead people, no signatures—and so much more!”
Democratic senators rebutted allegations of voter fraud, saying judges have struck down 59 out of 61 of Mr. Trump’s legal challenges.
Republicans at the hearing countered that courts ignored to voting irregularities.
“We can’t just say it didn’t happen. We can’t just say ‘oh, 4,000 people voted in Nevada that were noncitizens’ and we’re just going to ignore it,” he said.
“The courts have not decided the facts. The courts never looked at the facts,” he said. “The courts don’t like [challenges to] elections. They stayed out of it by finding an excuse, standing or otherwise, to stay out of it.”
Ken Starr, former special counsel during the Clinton administration, noted that courts have not heard evidence of fraudulent voting because judges dismissed the cases based on procedural grounds.
Jesse Binnall, a lawyer who represented the Trump campaign in Nevada, said he uncovered tens of thousands of fraudulent votes including 42,000 people who had voted twice and a few thousand undocumented immigrants who voted.
Mr. Biden won Nevada by 33,596 votes or 2.4%.
“Transparency is not political,” Mr. Binnall said. “That’s what we were denied in Nevada.”
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-16--Michigan House adds drunken driving to expungement program

LANSING , Mich ( AP ) - People with drunken driving convictions would be added to an expungement program under a bill that was approved Wednesday in the Michigan House .
The legislation will go to the Senate .
First-time drunken driving offenses weren ’ t part of an expungement law that was signed earlier this year by Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
Supporters say hundreds of thousands of people could benefit .
In Michigan , an expungement clears the public record of a conviction so it does not appear in a background check .
Police still keep a non-public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disclose their criminal past on job applications or other forms .
Sen. Ed McBroom said one dumb mistake such as drunken driving shouldn ’ t impact a person for their rest of the life .
“ Everyone knows someone who has struggled with alcohol dependency , and anyone who has supported a friend or family member who has step-by-step reclaimed their lives is keenly aware that they have done the hard work to earn a second chance , ” Chief Justice Bridget McCormack said earlier this month .
Anna Liz Nichols is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

LANSING, Mich (AP) - People with drunken driving convictions would be added to an expungement program under a bill that was approved Wednesday in the Michigan House.
The legislation will go to the Senate.
First-time drunken driving offenses weren’t part of an expungement law that was signed earlier this year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Supporters say hundreds of thousands of people could benefit.
In Michigan, an expungement clears the public record of a conviction so it does not appear in a background check. Police still keep a non-public record, but people would not have to disclose their criminal past on job applications or other forms.
Sen. Ed McBroom said one dumb mistake such as drunken driving shouldn’t impact a person for their rest of the life.
“Everyone knows someone who has struggled with alcohol dependency, and anyone who has supported a friend or family member who has step-by-step reclaimed their lives is keenly aware that they have done the hard work to earn a second chance,” Chief Justice Bridget McCormack said earlier this month.
___
Anna Liz Nichols is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--French police detain modeling agent in Epstein probe

PARIS ( AP ) - A modeling agent who was close to disgraced U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein has been taken into custody in France , suspected of an array of crimes , including the rape of minors and trafficking minors for sexual exploitation , Paris prosecutors said Thursday .
The prosecutors ’ office said Jean-Luc Brunel was detained for questioning on Wednesday .
Police picked him up at Paris ‘ Charles de Gaulle airport , the prosecutors ’ office said , without specifying whether he was arriving or departing .
Brunel was being investigated as part of a broad French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and girls by Epstein and his circle .
Multiple women have identified themselves as victims and spoken to police since the French probe was opened in August last year .
Brunel was considered central to the French investigation because he was a frequent companion of Epstein , who killed himself Aug. 10 , 2019 , in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges .
Epstein traveled often to France and had apartments in Paris .
Brunel ’ s lawyer has previously said that he contests accusations against him in the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk to judicial officials .

LE PECQ, France (AP) - A former model who testified to French police that she was drugged and raped as a teenager by an associate of disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein said she wept “tears of joy” Thursday after the modeling agent was taken into custody at Paris’ main airport for an array of suspected sex crimes.
The French agent, Jean-Luc Brunel, was detained Wednesday at Charles de Gaulle airport and was being held in police custody for questioning, the Paris prosecutors’ office said. Prosecutors didn’t specify whether Brunel was arriving or departing when he was picked up. French media said he was preparing to fly to Senegal.
At this point, Brunel has not been formally charged.
His lawyer in Paris wasn’t immediately available to comment on his arrest. But she has previously said that Brunel “firmly contests” accusations against him and that he was available to talk to investigators.
Dutch former model Thysia Huisman is among women who have accused Brunel of rape and sexual assault, as part of what has become a broad French probe into alleged sexual exploitation of women and girls by Epstein and his circle.
Contacted for comment by The Associated Press, Huisman described Brunel’s arrest as “such great news. Best Christmas present ever.”
She broke down in tears when the prosecutors’ list of suspected sex crimes for which Brunel was detained was read to her over the telephone. The list includes multiple possible charges of rape and sexual assault, including of minors aged 15 and older, and the suspected trafficking of minors for sexual exploitation.
“It sounds like he is not getting out,” Huisman said. “That’s great. Absolutely. Tears of joy.”
Huisman is among at least a dozen people known to have given evidence for the French probe. She says she was drugged and raped in 1991 at age 18 by Brunel. She believes that her accusations now fall outside of French legal time-limits for prosecutions, meaning Brunel wouldn’t have to answer them. But she says she went public with them partly in hope that doing so might encourage other alleged victims to come forward.
Courtney Powell Soerensen, a former model who alleges that Brunel sought to pressure her into sex and assaulted her in 1988, when she was a 19-year-old starting a career in Paris, also welcomed his detention, calling it “wonderful news.” She lives in Livermore, California, and has not testified for the French probe. Speaking to AP by phone, she said: “My heart is rejoicing.”
Multiple women have identified themselves as victims and spoken to police since the French probe was opened in August last year. Prosecutors have previously said that police have questioned at least eight alleged victims of rape and other abuse, and four other people who say they were witnesses.
After women voiced frustration at the apparent glacial progress of the French probe, police last November ratcheted up the search for evidence, with an appeal also translated into English for victims and witnesses to come forward.
Brunel was considered central to the French investigation because he was a frequent companion of Epstein, who traveled often to France and had an apartment in Paris.
Epstein killed himself Aug. 10, 2019, in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, has alleged that Brunel procured women, some of them minors, for sex with Epstein and other people, luring them with promises of modeling work.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Joe Biden tells Georgia voters in ad: 'I need' Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff in Senate

President-elect Joseph R. Biden is telling Georgia voters in a new television ad that “ we need ” Democrats Jon @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Senate .
Mr. Biden says he is prepared to sign a robust COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ testing and vaccinations , as well as additional financial support for small businesses .
“ @ @ @ @ @ need Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate to get this done @ @ @ @ @ in the ad .
Mr. Biden visited Atlanta this week looking to boost Mr. Ossoff @ @ @ @ @ races against Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler .
A Democratic sweep of the @ @ @ @ @ election would flip control of the Senate , with Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris holding @ @ @ @ @ There are folks in Congress threatening to do everything in their power to block our @ @ @ @ @ says .
“ We need you to get out there and vote for Jon Ossoff @ @ @ @ @ .
We need them in the Senate .
”

President-elect Joseph R. Biden is telling Georgia voters in a new television ad that “we need” Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in the U.S. Senate.
Mr. Biden says he is prepared to sign a robust COVID-19 relief package that includes free-coronavirus testing and vaccinations, as well as additional financial support for small businesses.
“Let me be clear I need Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate to get this done,” Mr. Biden says in the ad.
Mr. Biden visited Atlanta this week looking to boost Mr. Ossoff and Mr. Warnock in their races against Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.
A Democratic sweep of the races in the Jan. 5 election would flip control of the Senate, with Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris holding the tie-breaking vote.
“There are folks in Congress threatening to do everything in their power to block our efforts,” Mr. Biden says. “We need you to get out there and vote for Jon Ossoff as well as Raphael Warnock. We need them in the Senate.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Senator's daughter married at Capitol closed due to COVID-19

MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) - The daughter of a state senator was married in the Wisconsin Capitol over the weekend , even though requests for other ceremonies have been denied because the building is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The small wedding for the daughter of Republican Sen. Howard Marklein , of Spring Green , appears to be the first private event unrelated to state business approved since the Department of Administration closed the Capitol in March .
The ceremony was approved by the Senate Sergeant at Arms office , but it comes at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of any size outside the home .
Sergeant at Arms Ted Blazel says there have been a-half dozen requests for wedding ceremonies at the Capitol since March , but only Marklein ’ s was approved because it involved 12 people , the State Journal reported .
Blazel said the other requests ranged from about 30 to as many as 130 people .
“ It ’ s not unique in that there have been multiple requests , ” Blazel said .
“ It ends up being unique in that it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I will tell you it ’ s all solely based upon numbers.
” Legislative meetings and activities at the Capitol have been limited since the pandemic began , and the building has opened to the public occasionally for public hearings or sessions .
However , the state administrators have denied all public requests for use of the building .

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The daughter of a state senator was married in the Wisconsin Capitol over the weekend, even though requests for other ceremonies have been denied because the building is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The small wedding for the daughter of Republican Sen. Howard Marklein, of Spring Green, appears to be the first private event unrelated to state business approved since the Department of Administration closed the Capitol in March.
The ceremony was approved by the Senate Sergeant at Arms office, but it comes at a time when public health officials are discouraging indoor gatherings of any size outside the home.
Sergeant at Arms Ted Blazel says there have been a-half dozen requests for wedding ceremonies at the Capitol since March, but only Marklein’s was approved because it involved 12 people, the State Journal reported. Blazel said the other requests ranged from about 30 to as many as 130 people.
“It’s not unique in that there have been multiple requests,” Blazel said. “It ends up being unique in that it’s the only one that’s taken place, and I will tell you it’s all solely based upon numbers.”
Legislative meetings and activities at the Capitol have been limited since the pandemic began, and the building has opened to the public occasionally for public hearings or sessions. However, the state administrators have denied all public requests for use of the building.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Building permits rise 6.2% in November, despite pandemic

CHARLOTTE , N.C. ( AP ) - The number of newly issued permits to build fresh housing rose 6.2 % @ @ @ @ @ adjusted basis .
Housing starts rose 1.2 % , and are 12.8 % higher than @ @ @ @ @ Commerce Department reported Thursday , to an annualized rate of 1.547 million .
Building permits @ @ @ @ @ .
The figure remains up 8.5 % from a year earlier , as the housing @ @ @ @ @ parts of the U.S. economy despite the widespread pandemic and increased lockdowns .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The number of newly issued permits to build fresh housing rose 6.2% in November on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Housing starts rose 1.2%, and are 12.8% higher than a year ago, the Commerce Department reported Thursday, to an annualized rate of 1.547 million. That’s a bit slower than October figures, when housing starts increased 4.7%.
Building permits, a good barometer of future activity, rose to 1.64 million annualized units. he figure remains up 8.5% from a year earlier, as the housing market remains one the strongest parts of the U.S. economy despite the widespread pandemic and increased lockdowns.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Woman sentenced for helping in fatal St. Louis carjacking

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - A woman who pleaded guilty to helping a man commit a fatal carjacking in @ @ @ @ @ to 15 years in prison .
Jana Stowers , 21 , of East St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting a carjacking that resulted in a death @ @ @ @ @ Federal prosecutors said Stowers helped Curtis Alford carjack a pickup truck during a Taste of @ @ @ @ @ .
Michael Arnold , 54 , of O ’ Fallon , witnessed the carjacking and @ @ @ @ @ was struck by the pickup .
Prosecutors said Arnold was struck intentionally .
Arnold , @ @ @ @ @ Gus Fun Bus , which was a party bus , died five days later , @ @ @ @ @ .
Alford was sentenced Dec. 2 to 20 years in prison .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A woman who pleaded guilty to helping a man commit a fatal carjacking in St. Louis has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Jana Stowers, 21, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting a carjacking that resulted in a death, federal prosecutors said.
Federal prosecutors said Stowers helped Curtis Alford carjack a pickup truck during a Taste of St. Louis event in 2018.
Michael Arnold, 54, of O’Fallon, witnessed the carjacking and was taking photos when he was struck by the pickup. Prosecutors said Arnold was struck intentionally.
Arnold, the owner of the Gus Gus Fun Bus, which was a party bus, died five days later, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Alford was sentenced Dec. 2 to 20 years in prison.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Germany takes in sick kids, others from Greek migrant camps

BERLIN ( AP ) - A plane carrying 88 asylum-seekers , including 19 sick children , arrived in Germany on @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s pledge to take in migrants from camps in Greece , the Interior @ @ @ @ @ flight was the last as part of fulfilling a promise by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer @ @ @ @ @ with a total of 243 sick children and their close families .
Three more families @ @ @ @ @ a commercial flight .
Overall , Germany has taken in 1,519 migrants from Greece since @ @ @ @ @ who had been left in need of emergency shelter after a series of fires destroyed @ @ @ @ @ refugee camp , Moria , on the island of Lesbos in September .
Included in @ @ @ @ @ of the 1,553 migrants - 408 families with children - that Germany has said it @ @ @ @ @ islands who already have been granted protected status in Greece , the ministry said .

BERLIN (AP) - A plane carrying 88 asylum-seekers, including 19 sick children, arrived in Germany on Thursday as part of the country’s pledge to take in migrants from camps in Greece, the Interior Ministry said.
The charter flight was the last as part of fulfilling a promise by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer in March to help Greece with a total of 243 sick children and their close families. Three more families were to arrive soon on a commercial flight.
Overall, Germany has taken in 1,519 migrants from Greece since April, including 150 children who had been left in need of emergency shelter after a series of fires destroyed the country’s largest refugee camp, Moria, on the island of Lesbos in September.
Included in that figure also are some of the 1,553 migrants - 408 families with children - that Germany has said it will take from various Greek islands who already have been granted protected status in Greece, the ministry said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--School board to pay $320K to teacher suit over dismissal

OPELIKA , Ala. ( AP ) - Opelika ’ s city school board will pay $ 320,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former teacher who claimed she was dismissed in retaliation for speaking out about the mistreatment of a special education student .
The Opelika-Auburn News reported that members agreed Monday to end the suit filed by Meagan Norris , who taught at Jeter Primary School .
Norris reported to an administrator in 2017 that she had been a physical education teacher improperly using a barrier made of tape to segregate a special needs student from other children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of meetings and a hearing , and two physical education teachers claimed they saw Norris drop a child .
The superintendent recommended against renewing Norris ’ contract in May 2018 , but a state child welfare investigation found no indicate that Norris had abused a child .
Principal David Carpenter and others said performance issues were behind the decision to get rid of Norris , she had received favorable written performance evaluations during her two years at the school , a judge ’ s memorandum said .
In a statement , the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaved appropriately at all times , ” but its attorneys recommended settling .

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) - Opelika’s city school board will pay $320,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former teacher who claimed she was dismissed in retaliation for speaking out about the mistreatment of a special education student.
The Opelika-Auburn News reported that members agreed Monday to end the suit filed by Meagan Norris, who taught at Jeter Primary School.
Norris reported to an administrator in 2017 that she had been a physical education teacher improperly using a barrier made of tape to segregate a special needs student from other children. The incident led to a series of meetings and a hearing, and two physical education teachers claimed they saw Norris drop a child.
The superintendent recommended against renewing Norris’ contract in May 2018, but a state child welfare investigation found no indicate that Norris had abused a child.
Principal David Carpenter and others said performance issues were behind the decision to get rid of Norris, she had received favorable written performance evaluations during her two years at the school, a judge’s memorandum said.
In a statement, the school board said it determined its employees “behaved appropriately at all times,” but its attorneys recommended settling.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--US jobless claims rise to 885,000 amid resurgence of virus

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose again last week to 885,000 , the highest weekly total since September , as a resurgence of coronavirus cases threatens the economy ’ s recovery from its springtime collapse .
The Labor Department said Thursday that the number of applications increased from 862,000 the previous week .
It showed that nine months after the viral pandemic paralyzed the economy , many employers are still slashing jobs as the pandemic forces more business restrictions and leads many consumers to stay home .
Before the coronavirus erupted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbered only about 225,000 .
The far-higher current pace of claims reflects an employment market under stress and diminished job security for many .
The total number of people who are receiving traditional state unemployment benefits fell to 5.5 million from 5.8 million .
That figure is down sharply from its peak of nearly 23 million in May .
It means that some jobless Americans are finding jobs and no longer receiving aid .
But it also indicates that many of the unemployed have used up their state benefits , which typically expire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevated and new confirmed viral cases in the United States now exceeding 200,000 a day on average , the economy ’ s modest recovery is increasingly in danger .
States and cities are issuing mask mandates , limiting the size of gatherings , restricting restaurant dining , closing gyms or reducing the hours and capacity of bars , stores and other businesses .
On Wednesday , the Federal Reserve signaled that it expects the economy to rebound at a healthy pace next year as viral vaccines become widely distributed .
But Chair Jerome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six months will likely be painful for the unemployed and small businesses as pandemic cases spike .
The Fed made clear that it ’ s prepared to keep interest rates ultra-low for the long run to help the economy withstand those threats .
Many jobless Americans are now collecting checks under two federal programs that were created this year to ease the economic pain inflicted by the pandemic .
But those programs are set to expire the day after Christmas .
Unless Congress acts to extend that aid , benefits will end completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some federal aid appears likely to arrive soon .
On Wednesday , congressional negotiators closed in on a $ 900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package that would deliver additional help to businesses , $ 300 per week jobless checks and $ 600 stimulus payments to most Americans .
But there was no deal quite yet .
The number of jobless people who are collecting aid from one of the two federal extended-benefit programs — the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program , which offers coverage to gig workers and others who don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.2 million from 8.6 million for the week that ended Nov. 28 .
But the number of people receiving aid under the second program - the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program , which provides 13 weeks of federal benefits to people who have exhausted their state aid - also rose from 4.5 million to 4.8 million .
All told , 20.6 million people are now receiving some type of unemployment benefits .
( Figures for the two pandemic-related programs aren ’ t adjusted for seasonal variations . )
The pandemic has been an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In March and April , employers slashed a dizzying 22 million jobs after the virus and the measures meant to contain it brought normal business activity to a halt .
The nation ’ s gross domestic product - the broadest measure of economic output - plummeted from April to June at a record annual rate of 31.4 % .
The comeback started strong , boosted by a $ 2 trillion federal rescue package in March .
But it has since lost momentum as confirmed COVID-19 cases have surged and Congress has thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Though GDP expanded at a record annual rate of 33.1 % from July-September , the annual pace of growth is thought to be slowing significantly in the current quarter — a slump that ’ s considered likely to extend into early next year .
The pace of job creation has diminished steadily - from 4.8 million added jobs in June to 1.8 million in July , 1.5 million in August , 711,000 in September , 610,000 in October and 245,000 in November .
On Wednesday , the Commerce Department reported that retail sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest drop in seven months and a troubling sign at the start of the all-important holiday shopping season .
Businesses seem to be retrenching as cases surge and the economy sputters .
The data firm Womply reports that 23 % of local businesses were closed Dec. 1 , up steadily from 17 % at the start of August .
Womply also found that 41 % of all local bars are closed along with 28 % of restaurants and 32 % of hair salons and other health and beauty shops .

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose again last week to 885,000, the highest weekly total since September, as a resurgence of coronavirus cases threatens the economy’s recovery from its springtime collapse.
The Labor Department said Thursday that the number of applications increased from 862,000 the previous week. It showed that nine months after the viral pandemic paralyzed the economy, many employers are still slashing jobs as the pandemic forces more business restrictions and leads many consumers to stay home.
Before the coronavirus erupted in March, weekly jobless claims had typically numbered only about 225,000. The far-higher current pace of claims reflects an employment market under stress and diminished job security for many.
The total number of people who are receiving traditional state unemployment benefits fell to 5.5 million from 5.8 million. That figure is down sharply from its peak of nearly 23 million in May. It means that some jobless Americans are finding jobs and no longer receiving aid. But it also indicates that many of the unemployed have used up their state benefits, which typically expire after six months.
With layoffs still elevated and new confirmed viral cases in the United States now exceeding 200,000 a day on average, the economy’s modest recovery is increasingly in danger. States and cities are issuing mask mandates, limiting the size of gatherings, restricting restaurant dining, closing gyms or reducing the hours and capacity of bars, stores and other businesses.
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve signaled that it expects the economy to rebound at a healthy pace next year as viral vaccines become widely distributed. But Chair Jerome Powell warned that the next three to six months will likely be painful for the unemployed and small businesses as pandemic cases spike. The Fed made clear that it’s prepared to keep interest rates ultra-low for the long run to help the economy withstand those threats.
Many jobless Americans are now collecting checks under two federal programs that were created this year to ease the economic pain inflicted by the pandemic. But those programs are set to expire the day after Christmas. Unless Congress acts to extend that aid, benefits will end completely for an estimated 9.1 million unemployed people.
Some federal aid appears likely to arrive soon. On Wednesday, congressional negotiators closed in on a $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package that would deliver additional help to businesses, $300 per week jobless checks and $600 stimulus payments to most Americans. But there was no deal quite yet.
The number of jobless people who are collecting aid from one of the two federal extended-benefit programs — the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which offers coverage to gig workers and others who don’t qualify for traditional benefits - surged to 9.2 million from 8.6 million for the week that ended Nov. 28.
But the number of people receiving aid under the second program - the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, which provides 13 weeks of federal benefits to people who have exhausted their state aid - also rose from 4.5 million to 4.8 million.
All told, 20.6 million people are now receiving some type of unemployment benefits. (Figures for the two pandemic-related programs aren’t adjusted for seasonal variations.)
The pandemic has been an economic as well as a health disaster. In March and April, employers slashed a dizzying 22 million jobs after the virus and the measures meant to contain it brought normal business activity to a halt. The nation’s gross domestic product - the broadest measure of economic output - plummeted from April to June at a record annual rate of 31.4%.
The comeback started strong, boosted by a $2 trillion federal rescue package in March. But it has since lost momentum as confirmed COVID-19 cases have surged and Congress has thus far failed to enact further aid. Though GDP expanded at a record annual rate of 33.1% from July-September, the annual pace of growth is thought to be slowing significantly in the current quarter — a slump that’s considered likely to extend into early next year.
The pace of job creation has diminished steadily - from 4.8 million added jobs in June to 1.8 million in July, 1.5 million in August, 711,000 in September, 610,000 in October and 245,000 in November.
On Wednesday, the Commerce Department reported that retail sales skidded 1.1% in November, the biggest drop in seven months and a troubling sign at the start of the all-important holiday shopping season.
Businesses seem to be retrenching as cases surge and the economy sputters. The data firm Womply reports that 23% of local businesses were closed Dec. 1, up steadily from 17% at the start of August. Womply also found that 41% of all local bars are closed along with 28% of restaurants and 32% of hair salons and other health and beauty shops.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--U-2 spy plane flies with artificial intelligence co-pilot

Air Force officials confirmed that the AI system , known as “ Artuμ , ” successfully operated the plane ’ s radar system during the flight and also served as “ mission commander ” for the plane .
The flight represents a major step forward for the Pentagon ’ s AI initiatives and could pave the way for machines to eventually pilot military aircraft on their own .
Military leaders say that the battles of the future will require humans and AI to work closely together .
“ For the first time , @ usairforce put # AI safely in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Call sign “ Artuμ , ” we modified world-leading μZero gaming algorithms to operate the U-2 ’ s radar , ” Will Roper , the Air Force ’ s assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition , technology and logistics , said in a Twitter post on Wednesday .
“ This first AI copilot even served as mission commander on its seminal training flight !
” “ Like any pilot , Artuμ ( even the real R2-D2 ) has strengths and weaknesses , ” he said .
“ Understanding them to prep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era of algorithmic warfare is our next imperative step .
We either become sci-fi or become history.
” AI systems will be central to military strategy in the years to come .
There already are signs that AI systems are capable of defeating even the most trained service members .
Earlier this year , the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency , or DARPA , held another round of combat simulations between AI and human pilots .
The AI system easily defeated the pilot .
The Defense Department is planning a 2024 showdown between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one controlled by a human .

The Air Force this week put a groundbreaking co-pilot aboard a U-2 spy plane flight: artificial intelligence.
Air Force officials confirmed that the AI system, known as “Artuμ,” successfully operated the plane’s radar system during the flight and also served as “mission commander” for the plane.
The flight represents a major step forward for the Pentagon’s AI initiatives and could pave the way for machines to eventually pilot military aircraft on their own. Military leaders say that the battles of the future will require humans and AI to work closely together.
“For the first time, @usairforce put #AI safely in charge of a US military system. Call sign “Artuμ,” we modified world-leading μZero gaming algorithms to operate the U-2’s radar,” Will Roper, the Air Force’s assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, said in a Twitter post on Wednesday. “This first AI copilot even served as mission commander on its seminal training flight!”
“Like any pilot, Artuμ (even the real R2-D2) has strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “Understanding them to prep both humans and AI for a new era of algorithmic warfare is our next imperative step. We either become sci-fi or become history.”
AI systems will be central to military strategy in the years to come. There already are signs that AI systems are capable of defeating even the most trained service members.
Earlier this year, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, held another round of combat simulations between AI and human pilots. The AI system easily defeated the pilot.
The Defense Department is planning a 2024 showdown between an actual F-16 piloted by AI and one controlled by a human.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Virus hospitalizations reach 400 as vaccine is distributed

DOVER , Del .
( AP ) - The number of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 in Delaware has risen to 400 for the firs time .
The Delaware State News reported Wednesday that the number was reached after hospitalizations went up by 24 .
The Delaware Division of Public Health said that 54 of the people who are hospitalized are considered to be critical cases .
The state also announced seven new COVID-19-related deaths .
The state ’ s total of deaths is now 833 .
The people who died ranged in age from 47 years old to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying health conditions .
Meanwhile , the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is being distributed in the state .
Many of the doses will go to the state ’ s health care systems .
“ This is a historic moment for us in Public Health , and I can ’ t express how eager I am to get the vaccine into the hands of our partners at the health care systems , so they can start to vaccinate their frontline and essential staff , ” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement .

DOVER, Del. (AP) - The number of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 in Delaware has risen to 400 for the firs time.
The Delaware State News reported Wednesday that the number was reached after hospitalizations went up by 24.
The Delaware Division of Public Health said that 54 of the people who are hospitalized are considered to be critical cases.
The state also announced seven new COVID-19-related deaths. The state’s total of deaths is now 833. The people who died ranged in age from 47 years old to 88 years old. All seven had underlying health conditions.
Meanwhile, the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is being distributed in the state. Many of the doses will go to the state’s health care systems.
“This is a historic moment for us in Public Health, and I can’t express how eager I am to get the vaccine into the hands of our partners at the health care systems, so they can start to vaccinate their frontline and essential staff,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--EU clears Google's purchase of Fitbit, with conditions

LONDON ( AP ) - The European Union on Thursday approved Google ’ s plan to buy fitness gadget maker Fitbit for $ 2.1 billion after it promised to restrict user data and ensure Android phones work with other wearable devices for at least 10 years .
Human rights and consumer groups had called on authorities to block the deal , citing privacy and antitrust concerns .
The deal also attracted scrutiny in Australia , where competition regulators are mulling a similar offer from Google .
The EU was initially worried the deal would expand Google ’ s “ data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the online ad industry .
The EU ’ s competition commissioner , Margrethe Vestager , said she approved the deal because Google ’ s commitments “ will ensure that the market for wearables and the nascent digital health space will remain open and competitive.
” Google said it “ worked constructively ” with EU regulators to resolve their concerns , including the set of legally binding commitments that the European Commission accepted .
“ These build on assurances we have made since the beginning that we are committed to protecting Fitbit users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and support manufacturers and developers , ” the company said in a statement .
Google made the commitments to get approval from the EU after the bloc ’ s competition watchdog launched an investigation of the deal this year .
The Silicon Valley tech giant ’ s commitments included a promise to silo off Fitbit user data from other Google data and not use it for advertising purposes .
The company also pledged to ensure phones running its Android operating system can continue to work with third-party fitness trackers .
That includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages to worsen the experiences of other fitness watches .
Google also vowed to continue giving outside health and fitness apps to access Fitbit data .

LONDON (AP) - The European Union on Thursday approved Google’s plan to buy fitness gadget maker Fitbit for $2.1 billion after it promised to restrict user data and ensure Android phones work with other wearable devices for at least 10 years.
Human rights and consumer groups, which had called on authorities to block the deal over privacy and antitrust concerns, were unhappy with the decision. The deal also attracted scrutiny in Australia, where competition regulators are mulling a similar offer from Google.
The EU was initially worried the deal would expand Google’s “data advantage” and raise barriers for rivals in the online ad industry.
The EU’s competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, said she cleared the deal because Google’s commitments “will ensure that the market for wearables and the nascent digital health space will remain open and competitive.”
Google said it “worked constructively” with EU regulators to resolve their concerns, including the set of legally binding commitments that the European Commission accepted.
“These build on assurances we have made since the beginning that we are committed to protecting Fitbit users’ privacy and will continue to invest in and support manufacturers and developers,” the company said in a statement.
Google made the commitments after the bloc’s competition watchdog launched an investigation of the deal this year.
The Silicon Valley tech giant’s commitments included a promise to silo off Fitbit user data from other Google data and not use it for advertising purposes. The company also pledged to ensure phones running its Android operating system can continue to work with third-party fitness trackers and agreed not to use warnings and error messages to worsen the user experiences of other fitness watches.
Google also vowed to continue giving outside health and fitness apps access to Fitbit data.
The EU dismissed concerns the deal would let Google dominate the continent’s digital healthcare sector because the market is still emerging and has many players. But Privacy International said the EU should have carried out a closer examination, saying there’s a chance Google could end up dominating health-related markets if they’re overlooked by regulators.
“Nothing seems to prevent Google from further enriching their massive data troves with vast quantities of sensitive health data and potentially exploiting our data in ways that go beyond digital advertising markets,” the London-based group said.
European consumer group BEUC echoed the concerns.
“There is a serious risk that Google will exploit Fitbit users’ data, including sensitive health data, in several markets,” said Director General Monique Goyens.
The deal’s approval came days after the EU unveiled proposals for a wide-ranging overhaul of digital regulations aimed in part at preventing big tech companies from dominating markets.
___
For all of AP’s tech coverage, visit https://apnews.com/apf-technology
___
Follow Kelvin Chan at https://www.twitter.com/chanman


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Judge declines to stop $1B power line in western Maine

PORTLAND , Maine ( AP ) - A federal judge declined to intervene to stop construction of a 145-mile ( 230-kilometer ) electricity transmission corridor aimed at bringing Canadian hydropower to the New England grid .
Three conservation groups sought the preliminary injunction to allow them time to argue for a more rigorous environmental review by the Army Corps of Engineers .
The lawsuit in federal court will proceed but so will construction under U.S. District Judge Lance Walker ’ s decision on Wednesday .
The parent company of Central Maine Power plans to begin site preparation work in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clean Energy Connect would provide a conduit for up to 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower , reducing greenhouse emissions and stabilizing energy costs in the region , supporters say .
Critics , however , say the benefits are overstated , and that the project would destroy unspoiled wilderness .
The Sierra Club , Natural Resources Council of Maine and Appalachian Mountain Club sued to force the Army Corps to conduct a more rigorous environmental impact statement instead of the less-stringent environmental assessment .
The Army Corps gave its approval in November .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Environmental Protection , Maine Land Use Planning Commission and Maine Public Utilities Commission .
That leaves a “ presidential permit ” issued by the U.S. Department of Energy for the cross-border connection as the only hurdle .
The project , which would be fully funded by Massachusetts ratepayers to meet the state ’ s clean energy goals , calls for construction of a high-voltage power line from Mount Beattie Township on the Canadian border to the regional power grid in Lewiston , Maine .
Much of the project calls for widening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be cut through 53 miles ( 85 kilometers ) of wilderness .
It would cross the Appalachian Trail and several hundred wetlands and streams , according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine .

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A federal judge declined to intervene to stop construction of a 145-mile (230-kilometer) electricity transmission corridor aimed at bringing Canadian hydropower to the New England grid.
Three conservation groups sought the preliminary injunction to allow them time to argue for a more rigorous environmental review by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The lawsuit in federal court will proceed, but so will construction, under U.S. District Judge Lance Walker’s decision Wednesday. The parent company of Central Maine Power plans to begin site preparation work in January.
The Natural Resources Council, one of the opponents, accused CMP of rushing to begin construction “before appropriate federal review has been completed and all the lawsuits challenging this project are fully heard and decided.”
Thorn Dickinson, of New England Clean Energy Connect LLC, praised the judge’s decision and said ground will be broken “in the coming weeks.”
The $1 billion New England Clean Energy Connect would provide a conduit for up to 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower, reducing greenhouse emissions and stabilizing energy costs in the region, supporters say. Critics say that the benefits are overstated and that the project would destroy unspoiled wilderness.
The Sierra Club and Appalachian Mountain Club joined the Natural Resources Council in suing to force the Army Corps to conduct a more rigorous environmental impact statement instead of the less-stringent environmental assessment.
“Given the enormous impact this project would have on the woods, waters and recreational economy of western Maine, Mainers deserve an answer to why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted their assessment behind closed doors and failed to properly assess the widespread damage that would be done,” said Sue Ely from NRCM.
The Army Corps gave its approval in November. The project previously received approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Land Use Planning Commission and Maine Public Utilities Commission.
That leaves a “presidential permit” issued by the U.S. Department of Energy for the cross-border connection as the only hurdle.
The project, which would be fully funded by Massachusetts ratepayers to meet the state’s clean energy goals, calls for construction of a high-voltage power line from Mount Beattie Township on the Canadian border to the regional power grid in Lewiston, Maine.
Much of the project calls for widening existing corridors, but a new swath would be cut through 53 miles (85 kilometers) of wilderness.
It would cross the Appalachian Trail and several hundred wetlands and streams, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Tunisia region at heart of revolution waits to reap rewards

TUNIS , Tunisia ( AP ) - Tunisia on Thursday marked 10 years since a local fruit and vegetable seller set himself ablaze in protest after police took his cart , an act that enraged the country and snowballed into the revolution that toppled the North African nation ’ s autocratic leader months later and triggered the Arab Spring .
The economically troubled region of Sidi Bouzid in central Tunisia where the self-immolation took place is still waiting - a decade later - to reap rewards from the uprising The gesture of despair on Dec. 17 , 2010 by Mohamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burns , triggered riots across the country that ended with the downfall the following January of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali .
The unrest snowballed across numerous countries in what is referred to as the Arab Spring .
“ The cradle of the revolution gained nothing , ” said Mohamed Lazhar Gamoud , head of the Regional Union of Workers .
“ We ’ re upset by unkept government promises , ” he said .
“ All the development projects planned for years are at a standstill , except the milk factory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local ceremony to mark the self-immolation of Bouazizi after dozens of people began marching to protest the government .
The unemployment rate is at 25 % in the region with families of five out of work , said a local journalist Kawthar Chaibi , noting routine sit-ins or roadblocks to protest the situation .
The national unemployment rate is 15 % .
The anniversary of the uprising is regularly marked with an “ international festival ” organized by the workers ’ union featuring outdoor concerts , sports and conferences .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Years … The Wait is Long.
” It was reduced from its usual 10 days of events to four by constraints linked to the coronavirus and because of “ the tense social situation due to the great disappointment felt by the population , ” festival director Youssef Jellali told The Associated Press .
Tunisia , struggling economically and targeted by deadly extremist attacks , emerged from the Arab Spring as a rare example of a stable but struggling democracy in the Arab world with numerous elections regarded as democratic , and a constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an activist in Tunisia ’ s civil society , said his country is “ like a reed that bends , but doesn ’ t break .
”

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) - Tunisia on Thursday marked 10 years since a local fruit and vegetable seller set himself ablaze in protest after police took his cart, an act that enraged the country and snowballed into the revolution that toppled the North African nation’s autocratic leader months later and triggered the Arab Spring.
The economically troubled region of Sidi Bouzid in central Tunisia where the self-immolation took place is still waiting - a decade later - to reap rewards from the uprising
The gesture of despair on Dec. 17, 2010 by Mohamed Bouazizi, who later died of his burns, triggered riots across the country that ended with the downfall the following January of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The unrest snowballed across numerous countries in what is referred to as the Arab Spring.
“The cradle of the revolution gained nothing,” said Mohamed Lazhar Gamoud, head of the Regional Union of Workers.
“We’re upset by unkept government promises,” he said. “All the development projects planned for years are at a standstill, except the milk factory of a private investor.”
Authorities canceled a local ceremony to mark the self-immolation of Bouazizi after dozens of people began marching to protest the government.
The unemployment rate is at 25% in the region with families of five out of work, said a local journalist Kawthar Chaibi, noting routine sit-ins or roadblocks to protest the situation. The national unemployment rate is 15%.
The anniversary of the uprising is regularly marked with an “international festival” organized by the workers’ union featuring outdoor concerts, sports and conferences. This year’s event is called “Ten Years … The Wait is Long.” It was reduced from its usual 10 days of events to four by constraints linked to the coronavirus and because of “the tense social situation due to the great disappointment felt by the population,” festival director Youssef Jellali told The Associated Press.
Tunisia, struggling economically and targeted by deadly extremist attacks, emerged from the Arab Spring as a rare example of a stable but struggling democracy in the Arab world with numerous elections regarded as democratic, and a constitution guaranteeing freedoms and rights. Ahmed Ammar, an activist in Tunisia’s civil society, said his country is “like a reed that bends, but doesn’t break.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Alabama man sentenced to life imprisonment in wife's slaying

DECATUR , Ala. ( AP ) - An Alabama man convicted of killing his former wife at her business the day after their divorce became final has been sentenced to life imprisonment .
A Morgan County judge handed down the penalty to Roger Dale Stevens , 68 , during a hearing Wednesday , the Decatur Daily reported .
Stevens was convicted of capital murder last month in the death of Kay Letson Stevens , 64 .
She was shot to death outside her bakery in Decatur in November 2015 .
The couple ’ s divorce had become final the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suggs , who was Stevens ’ sister and business partner , testified earlier that the man complained that his former wife got everything in the split .
Stevens shot the woman and then beat her head against a curb , evidence showed .
Speaking by Zoom from Rhode Island , Angela Stevens , the couple ’ s daughter , told the court she has been treated for post-traumatic stress disorder since the shooting and has nightmares almost every night .
Angela Stevens said that she lost both her mother and father the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never understand why my father did what he did , ” she said .
“ But , I forgive him .
”

DECATUR, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama man convicted of killing his former wife at her business the day after their divorce became final has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
A Morgan County judge handed down the penalty to Roger Dale Stevens, 68, during a hearing Wednesday, the Decatur Daily reported.
Stevens was convicted of capital murder last month in the death of Kay Letson Stevens, 64. She was shot to death outside her bakery in Decatur in November 2015.
The couple’s divorce had become final the day before the killing, and witness Brenda Suggs, who was Stevens’ sister and business partner, testified earlier that the man complained that his former wife got everything in the split. Stevens shot the woman and then beat her head against a curb, evidence showed.
Speaking by Zoom from Rhode Island, Angela Stevens, the couple’s daughter, told the court she has been treated for post-traumatic stress disorder since the shooting and has nightmares almost every night.
Angela Stevens said that she lost both her mother and father the day of the shooting.
“I can never understand why my father did what he did,” she said. “But, I forgive him.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Missouri high school coach charged with sex crimes

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - A high school football coach has been charged with sex crimes involving a female student that allegedly occurred more than a decade ago , Jackson County prosecutors said .
Park Hill High School Coach Joshua Hood , 43 , was charged Wednesday with five counts of statutory sodomy , second-degree attempted statutory rape , child molestation and second-degree statutory rape , .
Hood was a teacher and coach at Holden High School when the alleged crimes occurred in 2003 an 2004 .
The Missouri State Highway Patrol began investigating in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual encounters with Hood when she was younger than 17 .
She was a student at Holden High School at the time .
Hood ’ s attorney , Greg Watt , said Hood maintains his innocence .
He said Hood has no criminal history and has a “ stellar ” reputation in the community , The Kansas City Star reported .
“ We look forward to our opportunity to defend him in a court of law , ” Watt said .
The Park Hill School District said Hood , who has been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative leave .
School officials said they were not aware of any similar allegations against Hood at Park Hill .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A high school football coach has been charged with sex crimes involving a female student that allegedly occurred more than a decade ago, Jackson County prosecutors said.
Park Hill High School Coach Joshua Hood, 43, was charged Wednesday with five counts of statutory sodomy, second-degree attempted statutory rape, child molestation and second-degree statutory rape,.
Hood was a teacher and coach at Holden High School when the alleged crimes occurred in 2003 an 2004.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol began investigating in April when a woman reported that she had sexual encounters with Hood when she was younger than 17. She was a student at Holden High School at the time.
Hood’s attorney, Greg Watt, said Hood maintains his innocence. He said Hood has no criminal history and has a “stellar” reputation in the community, The Kansas City Star reported.
“We look forward to our opportunity to defend him in a court of law,” Watt said.
The Park Hill School District said Hood, who has been in the district since 2013, was on administrative leave. School officials said they were not aware of any similar allegations against Hood at Park Hill.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Cooper Hewitt acquires two emoji that symbolize inclusion

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The Cooper Hewitt , Smithsonian Design Museum has acquired two emoji that have helped broaden diversity for users of the tiny pictures , becoming the third museum to add emoji to their digital collections .
The New York museum acquired the “ person with headscarf ” and “ inter-skintone couple ” emoji for its burgeoning collection of digital assets .
The museum plans an exhibition on the significance of the two through interviews and images , but the pandemic has put an opening date in limbo , said Andrea Lipps , Cooper Hewitt ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The desire to acquire these particular emoji arose from what we were seeing as the desire for inclusion and representation of various groups and communities and couples on the emoji keyboard , ” Lipps told The Associated Press in an interview ahead of Thursday ’ s announcement .
The hijab emoji , as it ’ s informally known , was submitted in 2016 to the Unicode Consortium , a nonprofit that oversees emoji standards with voting members from the world ’ s top digital companies .
It arrived on phones and computers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabian girl , Rayouf Alhumedhi , attracted worldwide attention as she campaigned for its inclusion .
She was selected as one of Time magazine ’ s most influential teens of 2017 .
Roughly 550 million women in the world wear the hijab , Alhumedhi among them , yet there was no emoji to represent them .
The same was true of skin tones , and advocates remain vigilant in getting multiracial family emoji on keyboards , beyond the two-person couple options .
The interracial couple emoji was submitted to Unicode in 2018 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people their first chance to combine multiple skin tones in a single emoji .
It builds on the advocacy work of Katrina Parrott , a Black , Houston-based entrepreneur inspired to create diverse skin tones in emoji after her daughter lamented she couldn ’ t properly represent herself on keyboards .
As a third-party developer , Parrott was the first to put out multiracial emoji through her own app , iDiversicons , five years ago .
She advocated as a non-voting member of Unicode for the consortium to do the same for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading to the inclusion of interracial couples , later spearheaded by the dating app Tinder and others , received a Webby Award last year .
Parrott was not involved in development of the couples emoji but noted the significance in promoting greater diversity .
Parrott had no technical experience when she took on her project , but as a former NASA contract worker in logistics , she knew how to put together a team .
“ We said we don ’ t want to do just an app for African Americans .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was feeling the lack in emojis , ” Parrott told the AP of her pioneering app .
“ We did African American skin tone , we did Asian , Caucasian , folks from India and those who are Latino and Hispanic .
We covered all the bases.
” Now 19 and a sophomore at Stanford University , Alhumedhi said she decided to get involved after realizing she had no way to represent herself in a WhatsApp group chat with friends when they switched from photos to emoji in their profiles .
She stumbled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submit a proposal for new emoji to the Unicode Consortium , where heavy hitters like Apple , Twitter , Facebook and more decide what emoji are released for companies to choose from .
Media attention flowed after Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanion facilitated an Ask Me Anything session for Alhumedhi on his platform to get the word out on her emoji campaign .
She also received help from Emojination ’ s Jennifer 8 .
Lee .
“ We talked about how representation is so important , even if it appears in such a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Vienna , where she ’ s waiting out her return to her California campus .
“ We also wanted to trigger a dialogue about the hijab itself and what it means in today ’ s digital age .
I saw a lot of people having very big opinions about the hijab without really discussing it with someone who wears it or doing further introspection into what it means.
” The hijab and interracial couples emoji were designed by Aphelandra Messer , who was working at the time for Emojination , a grassroots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative emoji .
The designs have “ impacted billions of keyboards worldwide and reframed how people have seen themselves on the small screen .
It ’ s amazing to see their historic work archived in the nation ’ s greatest museums for current fans and future scholars , ” said Lee , producer of ” The Emoji Story , ” a new documentary film out Friday , and co-founder of Emojination .
The Cooper Hewitt announcement follows the 2016 acquisition of the original DoCoMo emoji set by the Museum of Modern Art in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile phone operator in Japan , where emoji began .
In 2018 , the Victoria & Albert Museum in London acquired the proposed mosquito emoji design .
All are part of a larger effort for museums and cultural institutions to preserve significant parts of digital history and culture .

NEW YORK (AP) - The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has acquired two emoji that have helped broaden diversity for users of the tiny pictures, becoming the third museum to add emoji to their digital collections.
The New York museum acquired the “person with headscarf” and “inter-skintone couple” emoji for its burgeoning collection of digital assets. The museum plans an exhibition on the significance of the two through interviews and images, but the pandemic has put an opening date in limbo, said Andrea Lipps, Cooper Hewitt’s associate curator of contemporary design.
“The desire to acquire these particular emoji arose from what we were seeing as the desire for inclusion and representation of various groups and communities and couples on the emoji keyboard,” Lipps told The Associated Press in an interview ahead of Thursday’s announcement.
The hijab emoji, as it’s informally known, was submitted in 2016 to the Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit that oversees emoji standards with voting members from the world’s top digital companies. It arrived on phones and computers in 2017. A then 15-year-old Saudi Arabian girl, Rayouf Alhumedhi, attracted worldwide attention as she campaigned for its inclusion. She was selected as one of Time magazine’s most influential teens of 2017.
Roughly 550 million women in the world wear the hijab, Alhumedhi among them, yet there was no emoji to represent them. The same was true of skin tones, and advocates remain vigilant in getting multiracial family emoji on keyboards, beyond the two-person couple options.
The interracial couple emoji was submitted to Unicode in 2018 and arrived on devices last year, giving people their first chance to combine multiple skin tones in a single emoji. It builds on the advocacy work of Katrina Parrott, a Black, Houston-based entrepreneur inspired to create diverse skin tones in emoji after her daughter lamented she couldn’t properly represent herself on keyboards.
As a third-party developer, Parrott was the first to put out multiracial emoji through her own app, iDiversicons, five years ago. She advocated as a non-voting member of Unicode for the consortium to do the same for a wide array of devices. A campaign leading to the inclusion of interracial couples, later spearheaded by the dating app Tinder and others, received a Webby Award last year. Parrott was not involved in development of the couples emoji but noted the significance in promoting greater diversity.
Parrott had no technical experience when she took on her project, but as a former NASA contract worker in logistics, she knew how to put together a team.
“We said we don’t want to do just an app for African Americans. We want to represent the world because everybody was feeling the lack in emojis,” Parrott told the AP of her pioneering app. “We did African American skin tone, we did Asian, Caucasian, folks from India and those who are Latino and Hispanic. We covered all the bases.”
Now 19 and a sophomore at Stanford University, Alhumedhi said she decided to get involved after realizing she had no way to represent herself in a WhatsApp group chat with friends when they switched from photos to emoji in their profiles. She stumbled across a Snapchat story on how to submit a proposal for new emoji to the Unicode Consortium, where heavy hitters like Apple, Twitter, Facebook and more decide what emoji are released for companies to choose from.
Media attention flowed after Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanion facilitated an Ask Me Anything session for Alhumedhi on his platform to get the word out on her emoji campaign. She also received help from Emojination’s Jennifer 8. Lee.
“We talked about how representation is so important, even if it appears in such a small way,” Alhumedhi told the AP from Vienna, where she’s waiting out her return to her California campus. “We also wanted to trigger a dialogue about the hijab itself and what it means in today’s digital age. I saw a lot of people having very big opinions about the hijab without really discussing it with someone who wears it or doing further introspection into what it means.”
The hijab and interracial couples emoji were designed by Aphelandra Messer, who was working at the time for Emojination, a grassroots group that advocates for more inclusive and representative emoji.
The designs have “impacted billions of keyboards worldwide and reframed how people have seen themselves on the small screen. It’s amazing to see their historic work archived in the nation’s greatest museums for current fans and future scholars,” said Lee, producer of ”The Emoji Story,” a new documentary film out Friday, and co-founder of Emojination.
The Cooper Hewitt announcement follows the 2016 acquisition of the original DoCoMo emoji set by the Museum of Modern Art in New York. DoCoMo is a top mobile phone operator in Japan, where emoji began. In 2018, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London acquired the proposed mosquito emoji design. All are part of a larger effort for museums and cultural institutions to preserve significant parts of digital history and culture.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Fisher Scones maker cited for overworking teenagers

TUMWATER , Wash. ( AP ) - The maker of Fisher Scones , which has been a favorite at the @ @ @ @ @ , has been cited for more than 1,500 instances of overworking teenagers .
The state @ @ @ @ @ said in a statemen Wednesday it ’ s the most work-hour violations involving minors the @ @ @ @ @ State investigators found Woodinville-based Conifer Specialties was responsible for 1,560 instances of teens working more @ @ @ @ @ .
The instances involved 78 teens between 14 and 15 years old and 139 teens @ @ @ @ @ according to Labor and Industries .
Of the 1,560 violations , 426 involved teens working @ @ @ @ @ were also more than 100 instances of teens missing meal breaks , the statement said @ @ @ @ @ teenager injured while using a commercial-grade mixer prompted the investigation in 2019 , state officials @ @ @ @ @ owned by John Patrick Heily , has until Dec. 23 to appeal the citation , @ @ @ @ @ fine .

TUMWATER, Wash. (AP) - The maker of Fisher Scones, which has been a favorite at the Washington State Fair for years, has been cited for more than 1,500 instances of overworking teenagers.
The state Department of Labor and Industries said in a statemen Wednesday it’s the most work-hour violations involving minors the state has ever uncovered.
State investigators found Woodinville-based Conifer Specialties was responsible for 1,560 instances of teens working more hours than state law allows. The instances involved 78 teens between 14 and 15 years old and 139 teens between 16 and 17, according to Labor and Industries. Of the 1,560 violations, 426 involved teens working during school hours.
There were also more than 100 instances of teens missing meal breaks, the statement said.
The report of a teenager injured while using a commercial-grade mixer prompted the investigation in 2019, state officials said.
The company, owned by John Patrick Heily, has until Dec. 23 to appeal the citation, which includes a $45,100 fine.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Issaquah high school closes after 2 staff get COVID-19

ISSAQUAH , Wash. ( AP ) - Issaquah High School announced it is closing for the remainder of the week @ @ @ @ @ members tested positive for COVID-19 .
KOMO-TV reports the high school says the staff members @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
The school district says the high school will shut down for the remaining @ @ @ @ @ Break .
The closure effects in-person learning , the school ’ s Light Parade scheduled @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for Thursday , and student athletics .
On Wednesday , Gov .
Jay Inslee @ @ @ @ @ return to in-person learning .
Under the new recommendations , all students can return to @ @ @ @ @ represent less than 50 residents per 100,000 .
When cases are greater than 50 per @ @ @ @ @ than 350 , districts can phase in students starting with elementary and middle school students @

ISSAQUAH, Wash. (AP) - Issaquah High School announced it is closing for the remainder of the week on Wednesday after two staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
KOMO-TV reports the high school says the staff members were last on campus on Tuesday. The school district says the high school will shut down for the remaining three day prior to Winter Break.
The closure effects in-person learning, the school’s Light Parade scheduled for Wednesday, meal distribution scheduled for Thursday, and student athletics.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced new recommendations for a return to in-person learning. Under the new recommendations, all students can return to in-person learning when COVID-19 cases represent less than 50 residents per 100,000.
When cases are greater than 50 per 100,000 residents, but less than 350, districts can phase in students starting with elementary and middle school students.


washingtontimes--2020-12-17--Bandits makes off with $100,000 in jewelry in NYC heist

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Police are searching for two armed men who robbed a New York City jewelry @ @ @ @ @ than $ 100,000 .
The heist occurred Wednesday afternoon in the Bronx , the New @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Police said one of the bandits pistol-whipped a 58-year-old employee before the pair @ @ @ @ @ from behind a counter .
The suspects , who were wearing face masks , feld @ @ @ @ @ was taken to the hospital with a cut on the back of his head .
@ @ @ @ @ .

NEW YORK (AP) - Police are searching for two armed men who robbed a New York City jewelry store of merchandise worth more than $100,000.
The heist occurred Wednesday afternoon in the Bronx, the New York Police Department said on Thursday.
Police said one of the bandits pistol-whipped a 58-year-old employee before the pair grabbed neck chains and pendants from behind a counter. The suspects, who were wearing face masks, feld on foot.
The employee was taken to the hospital with a cut on the back of his head. He was in stable condition.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--1 dead, 1 badly wounded in St. Louis County shooting

CLAYTON , Mo .
( AP ) - One man is dead and a second is badly injured after a @ @ @ @ @ .
The shooting happened just after 9 p.m. Thursday in the central part of the @ @ @ @ @ the scene found two male shooting victims .
One man was pronounced dead at the @ @ @ @ @ taken to a hospital with what police call life-threatening injuries .
Names of the victims @ @ @ @ @ the shooting , have not been released .

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) - One man is dead and a second is badly injured after a shooting in St. Louis County.
The shooting happened just after 9 p.m. Thursday in the central part of the county. Officers called to the scene found two male shooting victims. Police say 40-year-old Jerry Monroe was pronounced dead at the scene. The second was taken to a hospital with what police call life-threatening injuries.
Further details about the shooting have not been released.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--Former Standing Rock tribal chairman dies of COVID-19

FORT YATES , N.D. ( AP ) - The former chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has died after contracting COVID-19 , about a month after his wife passed away from the coronavirus , his family said .
Jesse “ Jay ” Taken Alive , 65 , was hospitalized in late October and died Monday , according to his brother , Virgil Taken Alive .
His wife , Cheryl Taken Alive , 64 , died Nov. 11 , according to an obituary .
Jesse Taken Alive taught Lakota culture and language at a school in his hometown of McLaughlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill , his brother said .
The students called him “ Lala Jay.
” Lala is the Lakota word for grandfather .
“ He took a lot of pride in that , ” Virgil Taken Alive told the Bismarck Tribune .
Jesse Taken Alive won a seat on the tribal council in 1991 and spent 24 years in tribal government , serving as its chairman from 1993 to 1997 .
He accumulated a lot of documents during that time and stored them in boxes at home , his brother said .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff , ” Virgil Taken Alive said , recalling a recent day when the family wanted to clear some space in the basement .
“ His oldest son said to me , ‘ I need your help because dad won ’ t let us throw this stuff away.
’ ” Jesse Taken Alive advocated for tribes as they sought the return of the remains of ancestors , as well as artifacts taken from their graves which sometimes ended up in museums or in the collections of federal agencies after they were excavated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act , which spells out the process by which remains and items are to be returned to tribes .
A private funeral service for Taken Alive and his wife will be held Dec. 22 at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge , South Dakota , and will be livestreamed on Facebook .

FORT YATES, N.D. (AP) - The former chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has died after contracting COVID-19, about a month after his wife passed away from the coronavirus, his family said.
Jesse “Jay” Taken Alive, 65, was hospitalized in late October and died Monday, according to his brother, Virgil Taken Alive. His wife, Cheryl Taken Alive, 64, died Nov. 11, according to an obituary.
Jesse Taken Alive taught Lakota culture and language at a school in his hometown of McLaughlin, South Dakota, until he became ill, his brother said. The students called him “Lala Jay.” Lala is the Lakota word for grandfather.
“He took a lot of pride in that,” Virgil Taken Alive told the Bismarck Tribune.
Jesse Taken Alive won a seat on the tribal council in 1991 and spent 24 years in tribal government, serving as its chairman from 1993 to 1997. He accumulated a lot of documents during that time and stored them in boxes at home, his brother said.
“He liked to hoard all this tribal council stuff,” Virgil Taken Alive said, recalling a recent day when the family wanted to clear some space in the basement. “His oldest son said to me, ‘I need your help because dad won’t let us throw this stuff away.’”
Jesse Taken Alive advocated for tribes as they sought the return of the remains of ancestors, as well as artifacts taken from their graves which sometimes ended up in museums or in the collections of federal agencies after they were excavated.
His advocacy prompted Congress in 1990 to pass the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which spells out the process by which remains and items are to be returned to tribes.
A private funeral service for Taken Alive and his wife will be held Dec. 22 at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge, South Dakota, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.
The Standing Rock Sioux Reservation straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--Personal watercrafts OK'd in some Alaska critical habitats

HOMER , Alaska ( AP ) - Personal watercrafts will be allowed on some Alaska waters that are considered critical wildlife habitats for the first time in 20 years after lobbying by recreational groups and a request by the governor for departments to streamline regulations .
The Department of Fish and Game announced last week that a rule that banned the watercrafts , often known as Jet Skis , in parts of Kachemak Bay and the Fox River Flats had been repealed , the Homer News reported .
The change will take effect on Jan. 9 .
A critical habitat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservation of an endangered or threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act .
Fish and Game proposed the rule change last year , reinvigorating the fight over recreational use and conservation in natural areas .
It came partly after groups like the Personal Watercraft Club of Alaska and the Alaska Outdoor Council asked for access to the waters .
Republican Gov .
Mike Dunleavy also had asked every state department to “ do an exercise to find out if there were any overburdensome regulations stopping Alaskans from doing business , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fish and Game commissioner .
He added that the department found no conclusive scientific data that showed Jet Skis would harm fish and other wildlife from existing in the bodies of water .
Opponents of the new law said during a public comment period earlier this year that Jet Skis could disturb fish , animals and the sensitive ecosystem .
Critics also said allowing personal watercrafts would be a detriment to existing eco-tourism businesses that rely on access to the area ’ s natural environment .

HOMER, Alaska (AP) - Personal watercrafts will be allowed on some Alaska waters that are considered critical wildlife habitats for the first time in 20 years after lobbying by recreational groups and a request by the governor for departments to streamline regulations.
The Department of Fish and Game announced last week that a rule that banned the watercrafts, often known as Jet Skis, in parts of Kachemak Bay and the Fox River Flats had been repealed, the Homer News reported. The change will take effect on Jan. 9.
A critical habitat is considered an area essential to the conservation of an endangered or threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Fish and Game proposed the rule change last year, reinvigorating the fight over recreational use and conservation in natural areas. It came partly after groups like the Personal Watercraft Club of Alaska and the Alaska Outdoor Council asked for access to the waters.
Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy also had asked every state department to “do an exercise to find out if there were any overburdensome regulations stopping Alaskans from doing business,” said Rick Green, special assistant to the Fish and Game commissioner.
He added that the department found no conclusive scientific data that showed Jet Skis would harm fish and other wildlife from existing in the bodies of water.
Opponents of the new law said during a public comment period earlier this year that Jet Skis could disturb fish, animals and the sensitive ecosystem. Critics also said allowing personal watercrafts would be a detriment to existing eco-tourism businesses that rely on access to the area’s natural environment.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--Delaware police officer who was shot has left the hospital

MILFORD , Del .
( AP ) - A police officer in Delaware who was shot multiple times has left @ @ @ @ @ facility .
The News Journal reports that Sr. Cpl .
T.J. Webb of the Milford @ @ @ @ @ Christiana Hospital on Thursday afternoon .
Webb was transferred to a rehabilitation facility to continue @ @ @ @ @ He was wheeled out on a stretcher .
People lining the path applauded and his @ @ @ @ @ drew a police escort .
Police said that Webb was assigned to the U.S .
@ @ @ @ @ in Delaware that was looking for a Pennsylvania man who was wanted for attempted murder @ @ @ @ @ , 37 , of Reading , Pennsylvania , was tracked down at a motel in @ @ @ @ @ other members of the task force were trying to arrest Rivera when he opened fire @ @ @ @ @ was shot and critically wounded .
Rivera was killed in a subsequent exchange of gunfire @

MILFORD, Del. (AP) - A police officer in Delaware who was shot multiple times has left a hospital for a rehabilitation facility.
The News Journal reports that Sr. Cpl. T.J. Webb of the Milford Police Department was released from Christiana Hospital on Thursday afternoon.
Webb was transferred to a rehabilitation facility to continue recovering from several surgeries. He was wheeled out on a stretcher. People lining the path applauded and his ride to the rehab facility drew a police escort.
Police said that Webb was assigned to the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force in Delaware that was looking for a Pennsylvania man who was wanted for attempted murder.
Police said Evelio Rivera, 37, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was tracked down at a motel in Rehoboth Beach. Webb and other members of the task force were trying to arrest Rivera when he opened fire.
Police said that Webb was shot and critically wounded. Rivera was killed in a subsequent exchange of gunfire.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--Health care company buys Naples Daily News building

NAPLES , Fla. ( AP ) - A healthcare company has purchased the Naples Daily News building in Southwest Florida @ @ @ @ @ that the property fetched a price of $ 27,985,000 .
The newspaper property was listed @ @ @ @ @ or for $ 188 per square foot - on LoopNet , an online commercial real @ @ @ @ @ System was the buyer , and the building is a few blocks west of the @ @ @ @ @ .
The newspaper headquarters , built in 2009 , spans more than 186,000 square feet @ @ @ @ @ in the Creekside Commerce Park , surrounded by the corporate campus for medical device manufacturer @ @ @ @ @ News will continue to use space on the second floor of the building , through @ @ @ @ @ is still being negotiated.In a news release , NCH said it plans to relocate some @ @ @ @ @ , such as accounting , billing , IT , business office , supply chain and @ @ @ @ @ central campus on Pine Ridge Road to the newly acquired newspaper building .

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) - A healthcare company has purchased the Naples Daily News building in Southwest Florida.
The newspaper reported Friday that the property fetched a price of $27,985,000. The newspaper property was listed at $35 million - or for $188 per square foot - on LoopNet, an online commercial real estate marketplace. NCH Healthcare System was the buyer, and the building is a few blocks west of the NCH North Naples Hospital campus.
The newspaper headquarters, built in 2009, spans more than 186,000 square feet, sitting on 18 acres in the Creekside Commerce Park, surrounded by the corporate campus for medical device manufacturer Arthrex.
The Naples Daily News will continue to use space on the second floor of the building, through a lease agreement, which is still being negotiated.In a news release, NCH said it plans to relocate some of its administrative support functions, such as accounting, billing, IT, business office, supply chain and system warehousing, from its central campus on Pine Ridge Road to the newly acquired newspaper building.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--Swedes want checks for hull damage in 1994 ferry disaster

COPENHAGEN , Denmark ( AP ) - Sweden said Friday it wants divers to inspect the wreck of one of Europe ’ s deadliest peacetime maritime disasters , the sinking of a ferry in the Baltic Sea in 1994 that killed 852 people , in order to probe claims of a large hole in the hull .
A 1997 report had concluded that the M/S Estonia - that was sailing from Tallinn to Stockholm - sank after the bow door locks failed in a storm , and flatly rejected the theory of a hole , which has long been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosion on board .
Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg said Sweden ’ s Accident Investigation Authority along with its counterparts in Finland and Estonia wanted to to send divers down to the wreck that lies on the Baltic seabed off Finland ’ s southwest to investigate the damaged hull claims .
No timeline for an official dive was announced .
A video of the wreck site showed a hole in the ferry ’ s hull measuring 4 meters ( 13 feet ) on the starboard side .
The images were included in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the 26th anniversary of the sinking .
“ The purpose is to find out what the hole is , ” said John Ahlberk , head of the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority .
Following the documentary ’ s airing , Sweden , Finland and Estonia said they will jointly assess what that they described “ new significant information ” about the disaster , although they ’ re relying on the conclusions of the 1997 report .
In 1996 , work began to entomb the wreck with textile , sand and cement to ward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wreck is considered a graveyard , which gives the site legal protection by criminalizing attempts to disturb it .
Most countries bordering the Baltic Sea prohibit trespassing on the site .
Despite this , regional coast guards can not stop any diving attempts because the wreck lies in international waters .
There have been several instances of private dives , usually paid for by victims ’ families or salvage companies .
Since the sinking , many private dives have taken place , including those that were part of the documentary .
Damberg said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeal a law that supports Estonia ‘ s designation of the wreck site as a graveyard .

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Sweden said Friday it wants divers to inspect the wreck of one of Europe’s deadliest peacetime maritime disasters, the sinking of a ferry in the Baltic Sea in 1994 that killed 852 people, in order to probe claims of a large hole in the hull.
A 1997 report had concluded that the M/S Estonia - that was sailing from Tallinn to Stockholm - sank after the bow door locks failed in a storm, and flatly rejected the theory of a hole, which has long been the focus of speculate on about a possible explosion on board.
Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg said Sweden’s Accident Investigation Authority along with its counterparts in Finland and Estonia wanted to to send divers down to the wreck that lies on the Baltic seabed off Finland’s southwest to investigate the damaged hull claims.
No timeline for an official dive was announced.
A video of the wreck site showed a hole in the ferry’s hull measuring 4 meters (13 feet) on the starboard side. The images were included in a television documentary aired in September to coincide with the 26th anniversary of the sinking.
“The purpose is to find out what the hole is,” said John Ahlberk, head of the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority.
Following the documentary’s airing , Sweden, Finland and Estonia said they will jointly assess what that they described “new significant information” about the disaster, although they’re relying on the conclusions of the 1997 report.
In 1996, work began to entomb the wreck with textile, sand and cement to ward off graveyard robbers and plundering. The wreck is considered a graveyard, which gives the site legal protection by criminalizing attempts to disturb it. Most countries bordering the Baltic Sea prohibit trespassing on the site.
Despite this, regional coast guards cannot stop any diving attempts because the wreck lies in international waters. There have been several instances of private dives, usually paid for by victims’ families or salvage companies. Since the sinking, many private dives have taken place, including those that were part of the documentary.
Damberg said Swedish lawmakers would reject any attempt to repeal a law that supports Estonia’s designation of the wreck site as a graveyard.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--Remains of 2 war missing Kosovars found

Remains of 2 war missing Kosovars found

PRISTINA , Kosovo ( AP ) - Kosovo authorities on Friday said they found remains of two people believed to be ethnic Albanians missing from the 1998-1999 war .
The Governmental Commission on Missing Persons said that following information from citizens they checked the public cemeteries in the western cities of Rahovec and Prizren , and found one body in each .
The exhumed remains will be checked for DNA identification and then handed over to their families , a statement said .
Last month a mass grave of ethnic Albanians from Kosovo was found in a disused coal mine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war , which ended with a 78-day NATO air campaign , left more than 10,000 people dead .
Over 1,640 people are still unaccounted-for in Kosovo .
Several mass graves with the bodies of Kosovo Albanians killed by Serb troops have been discovered in various parts of Serbia .
Serb army and paramilitary units often tried to hide evidence of war crimes by burying slain ethnic Albanians in public cemeteries or by moving victims from Kosovo to Serbia .
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 , but Serbia has not recognized that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have stalled since November 2018 and relations remain tense .

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Kosovo authorities on Friday said they found remains of two people believed to be ethnic Albanians missing from the 1998-1999 war.
The Governmental Commission on Missing Persons said that following information from citizens they checked the public cemeteries in the western cities of Rahovec and Prizren, and found one body in each.
The exhumed remains will be checked for DNA identification and then handed over to their families, a statement said.
Last month a mass grave of ethnic Albanians from Kosovo was found in a disused coal mine in southern Serbia.
Kosovo’s war, which ended with a 78-day NATO air campaign, left more than 10,000 people dead. Over 1,640 people are still unaccounted-for in Kosovo.
Several mass graves with the bodies of Kosovo Albanians killed by Serb troops have been discovered in various parts of Serbia.
Serb army and paramilitary units often tried to hide evidence of war crimes by burying slain ethnic Albanians in public cemeteries or by moving victims from Kosovo to Serbia.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia has not recognized that. EU-mediated talks aimed at normalizing relations have stalled since November 2018 and relations remain tense.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--Suspects arrested after burned body found in car

MOUNTAIN HOME , Ark .
( AP ) - A burned body has been found in a burned car near @ @ @ @ @ are in custody after being arrested on first-degree murder warrants , according to Baxter County @ @ @ @ @ car with the unidentified body inside was found Wednesday and appeared to have been at @ @ @ @ @ , Montgomery said .
One suspect was arrested later Wednesday near Mountain Home , Montgomery @ @ @ @ @ two suspects were arrested Thursday near Brownsville , Texas .
Court records do not show @ @ @ @ @ filed in the case .
The body has been sent to the state Crime Laboratory @ @ @ @ @ the cause of death , Montgomery said .

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (AP) - A burned body has been found in a torched car in the Ozarks, and two of three people suspected in the killing were arrested in Texas near the Mexico border, according to an Arkansas sheriff.
The car and the still-unidentified body were found Wednesday near Mountain Home, close to the Missouri state line, according to Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery. The vehicle appeared to have been where it was found for several days.
One suspect was arrested near Mountain Home later Wednesday, Montgomery said, and the two other suspects were arrested Thursday near Brownsville, Texas, more than 900 miles away.
Court records do not show that formal charges have been filed in the case.
The body has been sent to the state Crime Laboratory for identification and to determine the cause of death, Montgomery said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-18--St. Louis County's first charter school opening next fall

NORMANDY , Mo .
( AP ) - St. Louis County ’ s first charter school is expected to open next fall after reluctant approval from Missouri education leaders .
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Leadership School in Normandy will be Missouri ’ s first charter school outside of St. Louis or Kansas City .
The school is expected to open with 12 students in kindergarten through second grade and eventually grow to 450 students through eighth grade .
The Missouri school board voted on the charter school ’ s application at a special meeting Thursday .
Members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deny the school as long as it meets state requirements .
Board members said they were troubled by opposition from the Normandy community , including elected officials who have said the charter school amounts to an experiment on children .
Normandy schools have not been fully accredited for a decade , and test scores rank lowest in the state , with 15 % of students proficient in English and 7 % proficient in math in 2019 .
The school ’ s executive director , Kimberly Townsend , said families deserve a choice @ @ @ @

NORMANDY, Mo. (AP) - St. Louis County’s first charter school is expected to open next fall after reluctant approval from Missouri education leaders.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Leadership School in Normandy will be Missouri’s first charter school outside of St. Louis or Kansas City. The school is expected to open with 12 students in kindergarten through second grade and eventually grow to 450 students through eighth grade.
The Missouri school board voted on the charter school’s application at a special meeting Thursday. Members expressed frustration with their lack of power to deny the school as long as it meets state requirements.
Board members said they were troubled by opposition from the Normandy community, including elected officials who have said the charter school amounts to an experiment on children.
Normandy schools have not been fully accredited for a decade, and test scores rank lowest in the state, with 15% of students proficient in English and 7% proficient in math in 2019. The school’s executive director, Kimberly Townsend, said families deserve a choice in public schools.