washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Races for president, Senate top Kentucky ballot

FRANKFORT , Ky. ( AP ) - Races featuring re-election bids by President Donald Trump and his top ally on Capitol Hill , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , top the ballot in Kentucky .
Other races to watch include all six Kentucky House seats , a seat on the Kentucky Supreme Court and two constitutional amendments .
Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden are at the top of the ballot in a state where the GOP has dominated federal elections for more than 20 years .
That includes the last presidential election , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The last Democrat to carry Kentucky was Bill Clinton in 1996 .
Neither candidate campaigned in Kentucky , instead focusing on swing states elsewhere .
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democrat Amy McGrath , a retired Marine combat pilot , are capping a bruising , mega-spending campaign in Kentucky .
McConnell has touted his leadership post and close ties to Trump as a political asset for Kentucky as he seeks a seventh term .
McGrath is running as a political outsider and supports term limits for senators .
She has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a symptom of what ails American politics .
Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and Democratic challenger Josh Hicks are vying for the 6th District seat in central Kentucky .
For decades , the district stretching from the bluegrass region to the Appalachian foothills had swung between Republicans and Democrats , but lately it has stayed in GOP hands .
Barr , who has been a target of national Democrats , has been a loyal supporter of President Donald Trump .
Hicks is an attorney who previously served as a Marine and police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican who says he switched parties because of GOP policies favoring the wealthy .
The 5th District candidates are incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and Democratic challenger Matthew Ryan Best .
The 4th District candidates are incumbent Republican Rep. Thomas Massie , who drew Trump ’ s ire on coronavirus relief , and Democratic challenger Alexandra Owensby .
The 3rd District candidates include incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth and Republican challenger Rhonda Palazzo .
The 2nd District candidates include incumbent Republican U.S. Rep , Brett Guthrie and Democratic challenger Hank Linderman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incumbent U.S. Rep. James Comer and Democratic challenger James Rhodes .
Republicans appear poised to maintain overwhelming majorities in both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly .
Democrats are targeting suburban districts in hopes of whittling away at the GOP ’ s strength in rural districts .
Republican Rep. Jason Nemes of Louisville is in a tough reelection fight and Democrats are hoping to pick up the Lexington seat of retiring GOP Rep. Stan Lee .
A state Senate race in eastern Kentucky features candidates with the same last name .
Democratic Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Johnnie Turner .
Kentucky lawmaker Chris Harris and Circuit Judge Robert Conley are vying to represent a Supreme Court district in eastern Kentucky .
Harris , a Democrat , has represented Martin County and part of Pike County in the House since 2015 .
As an attorney he has argued cases in state and federal courtrooms across the state .
Conley hears cases as a circuit judge in Greenup and Lewis counties .
He was recently reprimanded by the state ’ s Judicial Conduct Commission , in part for throwing a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of court without conducting a hearing .
One amendment known as Marsy ’ s law would add a series of crime victims ’ rights to Kentucky ’ s Constitution .
The measure was a reprise of a 2018 constitutional amendment that cleared the legislature and was approved by Kentucky voters , but was voided when the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that the wording was too vague .
It ’ s worded differently this time , but would have similar effects .
It guarantees , among other things , that crime victims have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another amendment would lengthen the terms of district judges and state prosecutors .
It calls for district judges , who currently serve four-year terms , to start serving eight-year terms in 2022 .
It also increases the time they have to be a licensed attorney before becoming a judge .
In addition , the amendment would add two years to the term of a commonwealth ’ s attorney .

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Races featuring re-election bids by President Donald Trump and his top ally on Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, top the ballot in Kentucky. Other races to watch include all six Kentucky House seats, a seat on the Kentucky Supreme Court and two constitutional amendments.
PRESIDENT
Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden are at the top of the ballot in a state where the GOP has dominated federal elections for more than 20 years. That includes the last presidential election, when Trump carried Kentucky by 30 percentage points. The last Democrat to carry Kentucky was Bill Clinton in 1996. Neither candidate campaigned in Kentucky, instead focusing on swing states elsewhere.
SENATE
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democrat Amy McGrath, a retired Marine combat pilot, are capping a bruising, mega-spending campaign in Kentucky. McConnell has touted his leadership post and close ties to Trump as a political asset for Kentucky as he seeks a seventh term. McGrath is running as a political outsider and supports term limits for senators. She has described McConnell’s decades-long Senate career as a symptom of what ails American politics.
HOUSE RACES
Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and Democratic challenger Josh Hicks are vying for the 6th District seat in central Kentucky. For decades, the district stretching from the bluegrass region to the Appalachian foothills had swung between Republicans and Democrats, but lately it has stayed in GOP hands. Barr, who has been a target of national Democrats, has been a loyal supporter of President Donald Trump. Hicks is an attorney who previously served as a Marine and police officer. He’s a former Republican who says he switched parties because of GOP policies favoring the wealthy. The 5th District candidates are incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and Democratic challenger Matthew Ryan Best. The 4th District candidates are incumbent Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who drew Trump’s ire on coronavirus relief, and Democratic challenger Alexandra Owensby. The 3rd District candidates include incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth and Republican challenger Rhonda Palazzo. The 2nd District candidates include incumbent Republican U.S. Rep, Brett Guthrie and Democratic challenger Hank Linderman. The 1st District candidates include Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. James Comer and Democratic challenger James Rhodes.
LEGISLATURE
Republicans appear poised to maintain overwhelming majorities in both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly. Democrats are targeting suburban districts in hopes of whittling away at the GOP’s strength in rural districts. Republican Rep. Jason Nemes of Louisville is in a tough reelection fight and Democrats are hoping to pick up the Lexington seat of retiring GOP Rep. Stan Lee. A state Senate race in eastern Kentucky features candidates with the same last name. Democratic Sen. Johnny Ray Turner is being challenged by Republican Johnnie Turner.
SUPREME COURT
Kentucky lawmaker Chris Harris and Circuit Judge Robert Conley are vying to represent a Supreme Court district in eastern Kentucky. Harris, a Democrat, has represented Martin County and part of Pike County in the House since 2015. As an attorney he has argued cases in state and federal courtrooms across the state. Conley hears cases as a circuit judge in Greenup and Lewis counties. He was recently reprimanded by the state’s Judicial Conduct Commission, in part for throwing a man in jail for three days for contempt of court without conducting a hearing.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
One amendment known as Marsy’s law would add a series of crime victims’ rights to Kentucky’s Constitution. The measure was a reprise of a 2018 constitutional amendment that cleared the legislature and was approved by Kentucky voters, but was voided when the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that the wording was too vague. It’s worded differently this time, but would have similar effects. It guarantees, among other things, that crime victims have the right to timely notification of court proceedings. Another amendment would lengthen the terms of district judges and state prosecutors. It calls for district judges, who currently serve four-year terms, to start serving eight-year terms in 2022. It also increases the time they have to be a licensed attorney before becoming a judge. In addition, the amendment would add two years to the term of a commonwealth’s attorney.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Wanna go for a walk? Westminster dog show leaves NYC for '21

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The Westminster dog show is set to take a long walk .
The nation ’ s top pooch pageant will be held outdoors at an estate about 25 miles north of Manhattan on June 12-13 because of the pandemic , the Westminster Kennel Club said Wednesday .
The shift to the Lyndhurst site along the Hudson River in Tarrytown , New York , will mark the first time in more than 100 years that best in show at Westminster hasn ’ t been awarded at Madison Square Garden .
In 1920 , the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York .
Four different versions of the Garden have hosted Westminster since 1880 — the show began three years earlier .
The show is typically held in February , around Valentine ’ s Day .
“ The wide-open outdoor space at this extraordinary venue allows us to hold a dog show safely while following current social distancing guidelines and public health regulations , ” WKC President Charlton Reynders III said in a statement .
Breed and group judging will be held both days , and best in show will be chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 67-acre Lyndhurst site has hosted dog shows over the years .
There will be 207 breeds eligible at the next Westminster , including three newcomers : the Belgian Laekenois , the dogo Argentino and the barbet .
Siba the standard poodle won best in show last February at the Garden .

NEW YORK (AP) - The Westminster dog show is set to take a long walk.
The nation’s top pooch pageant will be held outdoors at an estate about 25 miles north of Manhattan on June 12-13 because of the pandemic, the Westminster Kennel Club said Wednesday.
The shift to the Lyndhurst site along the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, will mark the first time in more than 100 years that best in show at Westminster hasn’t been awarded at Madison Square Garden. In 1920, the top prize was presented at Grand Central Palace in New York.
Four different versions of the Garden have hosted Westminster since 1880 — the show began three years earlier. The show is typically held in February, around Valentine’s Day.
“The wide-open outdoor space at this extraordinary venue allows us to hold a dog show safely while following current social distancing guidelines and public health regulations,” WKC President Charlton Reynders III said in a statement.
Breed and group judging will be held both days, and best in show will be chosen June 13 and televised by Fox. The 67-acre Lyndhurst site has hosted dog shows over the years.
“The Lyndhurst estate is absolutely gorgeous and even with the show moving outside, I think it keeps with the prestige of being Westminster, if not even adds to it,” said Clint Livingston, who has handled dogs at Westminster every year since 1983.
“Nothing could replace the electricity in the air of showing dogs at MSG,” he said. “I have no doubt the committee will do all it takes to make the whole event incredible. Making the best of a COVID-19 situation, in my opinion I think it will be even better.”
There will be 207 breeds eligible at the next Westminster, including three newcomers: the Belgian Laekenois, the dogo Argentino and the barbet.
Siba the standard poodle won best in show last February at the Garden.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Education Department survey shows sex assault reports at schools on rise

Reports of sexual assaults at primary and secondary public schools across the U.S. jumped by 55 % in 2017-2018 from the previous two years , according to new Education Department data .
The increase in the department ’ s latest Civil Rights Data Collection survey “ may reflect under-reporting in 2015-16 , an increased sensitivity to this issue in 2017-2018 , or an actual increase in incidents of sexual violence from 2015-16 to 2017-18 , ” the Office of Civil Rights said in a news release .
The biennial survey , which collects data from more than 17,000 public school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14,152 reports of sexual assault during the 2017-2018 school year .
Two years earlier , the same survey reported fewer than 9,500 such incidents .
Officials in the Office of Civil Rights say schools received 15 times more complaints of sexual harassment in 2019 than a decade earlier .
The numbers , while alarming , are not surprising to federal officials who track data on sexual assault .
In January , Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced a new effort to combat the “ troubling rise of sexual assault in K-12 public schools.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality assurance measures we have put into place help make this data more reliable than ever before , ” Mrs. DeVos said .
The Education Department said past collections contained “ statistical anomalies ” and it has worked to increase outreach to schools to improve data validity .
In some instances , states with smaller populations fluctuated widely year-to-year .
Vermont , for example , had the highest rate in the nation , with 0.036 incidents of rape or attempted rape occurring per 1,000 students in 2015-16 .
For a state with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , even two sexual attacks could represent statistical significance .
“ We have to be very careful when using national data to talk about Vermont because our population size is so relatively small , ” a Vermont Agency of Education spokesperson said in an email to The Washington Times .
According to federal data , Vermont schools — along with schools in 11 other states and the District of Columbia — reported zero incidents of rape or attempted rape in 2017-2018 .
The state reporting the lowest rates of sexual assault in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per 1,000 students ) .
Nevada ( 2.25 incidents per 1,000 students ) recorded the highest rates of sexual assault at preK-12 schools , according to the survey .
Over a dozen state attorneys general criticized the Trump administration for updating nonbinding guidance on Title IX complaints this year , changes the administration said were needed to bring accountability to the complaints process .
On Wednesday , a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro , who formally challenged the rules change in court , said the rise in sexual assault reports calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme for Title IX compliance .
“ In light of this data , it is even harder to understand the Department of Education ’ s decision to adopt a rule in May that weakened Title IX ’ s protections against sexual harassment and made it harder for schools to provide a safe and equitable education experience to every student , ” the spokesperson said via email .
The survey data raised eyebrows on another topic of concern for education experts : the use of restraint and seclusion on children .
Federal authorities say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restraint or seclusion during the 2017-2018 school year .
While students eligible for disability services account for 13 % of the nation ’ s student body , they represent 80 % of those pupils subjected to physical restraint , according to the survey .
Such disciplinary practices have prompted dozens of legislative attempts to prohibit or regulate the use of mechanical restraint and seclusion on children .
Colorado , for example , enacted legislation in 2017 to mandate annual reviews of when school officials use a prone restraint on a student or @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Reports of sexual assaults at primary and secondary public schools across the U.S. jumped by 55% in 2017-2018 from the previous two years, according to new Education Department data.
The increase in the department’s latest Civil Rights Data Collection survey “may reflect under-reporting in 2015-16, an increased sensitivity to this issue in 2017-2018, or an actual increase in incidents of sexual violence from 2015-16 to 2017-18,” the Office of Civil Rights said in a news release.
The biennial survey, which collects data from more than 17,000 public school districts comprising 50 million students, documented 14,152 reports of sexual assault during the 2017-2018 school year. Two years earlier, the same survey reported fewer than 9,500 such incidents.
Officials in the Office of Civil Rights say schools received 15 times more complaints of sexual harassment in 2019 than a decade earlier.
The numbers, while alarming, are not surprising to federal officials who track data on sexual assault. In January, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced a new effort to combat the “troubling rise of sexual assault in K-12 public schools.”
“While self-reported data poses challenges, the quality assurance measures we have put into place help make this data more reliable than ever before,” Mrs. DeVos said.
The Education Department said past collections contained “statistical anomalies” and it has worked to increase outreach to schools to improve data validity. In some instances, states with smaller populations fluctuated widely year-to-year.
Vermont, for example, had the highest rate in the nation, with 0.036 incidents of rape or attempted rape occurring per 1,000 students in 2015-16. For a state with fewer than 80,000 public school students, however, even two sexual attacks could represent statistical significance.
“We have to be very careful when using national data to talk about Vermont because our population size is so relatively small,” a Vermont Agency of Education spokesperson said in an email to The Washington Times.
According to federal data, Vermont schools — along with schools in 11 other states and the District of Columbia — reported zero incidents of rape or attempted rape in 2017-2018.
The state reporting the lowest rates of sexual assault in 2017-2018 was South Dakota (0.01 incidents per 1,000 students). Nevada (2.25 incidents per 1,000 students) recorded the highest rates of sexual assault at preK-12 schools, according to the survey.
Over a dozen state attorneys general criticized the Trump administration for updating nonbinding guidance on Title IX complaints this year, changes the administration said were needed to bring accountability to the complaints process.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who formally challenged the rules change in court, said the rise in sexual assault reports calls for a more “robust” enforcement scheme for Title IX compliance.
“In light of this data, it is even harder to understand the Department of Education’s decision to adopt a rule in May that weakened Title IX’s protections against sexual harassment and made it harder for schools to provide a safe and equitable education experience to every student,” the spokesperson said via email.
The survey data raised eyebrows on another topic of concern for education experts: the use of restraint and seclusion on children.
Federal authorities say school officials subjected more than 100,000 students to restraint or seclusion during the 2017-2018 school year. While students eligible for disability services account for 13% of the nation’s student body, they represent 80% of those pupils subjected to physical restraint, according to the survey.
Such disciplinary practices have prompted dozens of legislative attempts to prohibit or regulate the use of mechanical restraint and seclusion on children. Colorado, for example, enacted legislation in 2017 to mandate annual reviews of when school officials use a prone restraint on a student or shut a student inside a room.
• Christopher Vondracek can be reached at cvondracek@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Five stand out for David Grosso's at-large D.C. Council seat

More than 20 independent candidates are vying for the at-large seat on the D.C. Council being vacated by David Grosso .
Council member Robert White is expected to retain his at-large seat in November ’ s elections .
Here ’ s a brief look at five leading contenders based on fundraising , endorsements and political experience : • Ed Lazere .
The former executive director of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute is back on the campaign trail after losing to council Chairman Phil Mendelson in 2018 .
The 56-year-old policy analyst has raised $ 493,000 and secured 37 endorsements , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s .
Equity in education and housing are some of his top concerns , and he supports more funding for public schools and more investment in affordable housing .
He also favors a permanent ban on evictions caused by the pandemic and more police budget cuts .
His campaign says : “ D.C .
voters should vote for Ed Lazere because of his 20-year track record as an advocate and budget expert at the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute .
Ed has watched politicians protect the interest of corporate lobbyists , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of D.C. residents instead .
He knows it takes ( seven ) votes for a bill to pass on [ the council ] , and he has been counting to ( seven ) for important victories for D.C. residents for two decades .
Ed is proud to be a progressive champion fighting for more affordable housing , a fair minimum wage , equitable education , sustainable energy and using the District ’ s budget as a moral document that reflects our values .
Once elected , he will make bold changes to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the council ’ s agenda.
” • Vincent Orange .
A former council member , Mr. Orange , 63 , resigned before the end of his third term amid allegations of ethics violations for accepting a new job as president and CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce after having lost his 2016 reelection bid .
He left the Chamber of Commerce in June .
His campaign has raised $ 210,000 and received four endorsements , including the D.C. Association of Realtors ’ .
It is aimed at boosting the economy rattled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grants ” and the establishment of a “ Business Recovery Commission.
” His campaign says : “ D.C .
voters should vote for Vincent Orange # 2 on the ballot because I provide mature experienced leadership , institutional knowledge and sound judgment to plan and execute the successful come-back of the District of Columbia for the benefit and general welfare of its citizens .
As an elected official , Ward 5 Councilmember , At-Large Councilmember and D.C. Democratic National Committeeman , I worked with Mayor Anthony Williams and Chairwoman Linda Cropp to eliminate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund which has helped the District financially survive the 2008 Great Recession , 2017 federal shutdown and now the coronavirus .
Today , we shall define the ‘ new normal in D.C. ’ caused by coronavirus , civil unrest , and a severely damaged D.C. economy , and [ come back ] better and stronger together.
” • Marcus Goodwin .
The 30-year-old real estate developer is vying again for an at-large council seat after being defeated in 2018 by Anita Bonds .
Among his top priorities are expanding after-school programs and providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
He does not support more police budget cuts but says officers need more training and funds should be directed to entities that can better handle certain situations like mental health crisis ’ or homelessness .
Mr. Goodwin has raised $ 390,274 and garnered six endorsements , including Teamsters Local 639 ’ s .
His campaign says : “ Marcus is a practical bridge builder focused on delivering equitable community growth for residents .
If elected , Marcus will fight to expand homeownership opportunities , bridge the education achievement gap , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vocational training programs .
Marcus is a D.C. native who has lived through these longstanding inequities and has feasible plans to improve the quality of life for all District residents , especially those with the greatest needs .
Marcus puts people over politics.
” • Christina Henderson .
A 33-year-old staffer for Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer , Ms. Henderson is a first-time candidate running on a progressive platform that touts access and affordability in education , healthcare and housing .
She has raised $ 350,006 and received seven endorsements , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has worked .
She has supported more police budget cuts and has said it is too early to decide whether the coronavirus pandemic-related eviction moratorium should be extended through winter of 2021 .
Her campaign says : “ I have a commonsense approach to [ policy making ] , embrace collaboration with stakeholders and communities , and possess a tireless commitment to equity .
A trusted advisor to US Senators , D.C. councilmembers , and state and local education officials , I have experience fighting for policies to help working families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also nationwide .
As a staffer at the D.C. Council , I crafted and helped advance nearly 50 pieces of legislation on [ an ] array of issues from improving public schools to healthcare .
My career has been guided by the principle that your zip code should not determine opportunity for success , and as a councilmember I will fight each and every day to make that a reality.
” • Markus Batchelor .
The 27-year-old is the vice president of the D.C. State Board of Education .
He has raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Washington Teachers Union ’ s .
His top priorities include investing more in public schools , ending chronic homelessness , expanding rent control , and redirecting police funding to “ other community-building ” initiatives .
His campaign did not respond to a request for comment .

More than 20 independent candidates are vying for the at-large seat on the D.C. Council being vacated by David Grosso.
Council member Robert White is expected to retain his at-large seat in November’s elections.
Here’s a brief look at five leading contenders based on fundraising, endorsements and political experience:
• Ed Lazere. The former executive director of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute is back on the campaign trail after losing to council Chairman Phil Mendelson in 2018.
The 56-year-old policy analyst has raised $493,000 and secured 37 endorsements, including D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine’s. Equity in education and housing are some of his top concerns, and he supports more funding for public schools and more investment in affordable housing. He also favors a permanent ban on evictions caused by the pandemic and more police budget cuts.
His campaign says: “D.C. voters should vote for Ed Lazere because of his 20-year track record as an advocate and budget expert at the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute. Ed has watched politicians protect the interest of corporate lobbyists, and he’s running to represent the interests of D.C. residents instead. He knows it takes (seven) votes for a bill to pass on [the council], and he has been counting to (seven) for important victories for D.C. residents for two decades. Ed is proud to be a progressive champion fighting for more affordable housing, a fair minimum wage, equitable education, sustainable energy and using the District’s budget as a moral document that reflects our values. Once elected, he will make bold changes to put racial and economic justice at the center of the council’s agenda.”
• Vincent Orange. A former council member, Mr. Orange, 63, resigned before the end of his third term amid allegations of ethics violations for accepting a new job as president and CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce after having lost his 2016 reelection bid. He left the Chamber of Commerce in June.
His campaign has raised $210,000 and received four endorsements, including the D.C. Association of Realtors’. It is aimed at boosting the economy rattled by the pandemic via “business interruption grants” and the establishment of a “Business Recovery Commission.”
His campaign says: “D.C. voters should vote for Vincent Orange #2 on the ballot because I provide mature experienced leadership, institutional knowledge and sound judgment to plan and execute the successful come-back of the District of Columbia for the benefit and general welfare of its citizens. As an elected official, Ward 5 Councilmember, At-Large Councilmember and D.C. Democratic National Committeeman, I worked with Mayor Anthony Williams and Chairwoman Linda Cropp to eliminate the Control Board and build a rainy-day fund which has helped the District financially survive the 2008 Great Recession, 2017 federal shutdown and now the coronavirus. Today, we shall define the ‘new normal in D.C.’ caused by coronavirus, civil unrest, and a severely damaged D.C. economy, and [come back] better and stronger together.”
• Marcus Goodwin. The 30-year-old real estate developer is vying again for an at-large council seat after being defeated in 2018 by Anita Bonds.
Among his top priorities are expanding after-school programs and providing relief for businesses suffering due to the pandemic. He does not support more police budget cuts but says officers need more training and funds should be directed to entities that can better handle certain situations like mental health crisis’ or homelessness. Mr. Goodwin has raised $390,274 and garnered six endorsements, including Teamsters Local 639’s.
His campaign says: “Marcus is a practical bridge builder focused on delivering equitable community growth for residents. If elected, Marcus will fight to expand homeownership opportunities, bridge the education achievement gap, and create more good-paying jobs by improving our vocational training programs. Marcus is a D.C. native who has lived through these longstanding inequities and has feasible plans to improve the quality of life for all District residents, especially those with the greatest needs. Marcus puts people over politics.”
• Christina Henderson. A 33-year-old staffer for Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Ms. Henderson is a first-time candidate running on a progressive platform that touts access and affordability in education, healthcare and housing.
She has raised $350,006 and received seven endorsements, including that of Mr. Grosso, for whom she has worked. She has supported more police budget cuts and has said it is too early to decide whether the coronavirus pandemic-related eviction moratorium should be extended through winter of 2021.
Her campaign says: “I have a commonsense approach to [policy making], embrace collaboration with stakeholders and communities, and possess a tireless commitment to equity. A trusted advisor to US Senators, D.C. councilmembers, and state and local education officials, I have experience fighting for policies to help working families and children not only here in DC, but also nationwide. As a staffer at the D.C. Council, I crafted and helped advance nearly 50 pieces of legislation on [an] array of issues from improving public schools to healthcare. My career has been guided by the principle that your zip code should not determine opportunity for success, and as a councilmember I will fight each and every day to make that a reality.”
• Markus Batchelor. The 27-year-old is the vice president of the D.C. State Board of Education.
He has raised $184,000 and secured three endorsements, including the Washington Teachers Union’s. His top priorities include investing more in public schools, ending chronic homelessness, expanding rent control, and redirecting police funding to “other community-building” initiatives.
His campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
• Emily Zantow can be reached at ezantow@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Pappas, Mowers trade barbs on virus response, police reform

Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican challenger Matt Mowers attacked each other Wednesday night over everything from the coronavirus response to health care in a heated debate that was often a shouting match .
The early part of the debate was dominated by the coronavirus response , and Mowers went on the offensive , accusing Pappas of not doing enough to get a new relief package done .
Pappas responded that it was President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans who have prevented Congress from reaching a deal .
Pappas then accused Mowers , who has been endorsed by Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism of the Trump administration ’ s handling of the pandemic .
Given the opportunity to criticize Trump ’ s response , Mowers avoided answering it and focused instead on the need for ramped-up testing and his support for a vaccine .
“ We need a better response from this administration , ” Pappas said during the WMUR-TV debate .
“ My opponent has been a cheerleader for the Trump administration every step of the way .
They hid valuable information from the American people that was needed to keep us all safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing .
They called testing a double-edged sword.
” Mowers then took aim at Pappas over his support for a far-reaching police overhaul bill that passed the House after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
He focused his criticism on language that would end qualified immunity for officers that shields them from liability .
“ Here is what Congressman Pappas did .
Despite the fact he told law enforcement two years ago he would support them , he didn ’ t , ” Mowers said .
“ In June , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Let me tell you what that would do .
It would allow criminals to launch frivolous lawsuits against our cops.
” Pappas didn ’ t directly address his support for ending qualified immunity , saying only that his vote reflected a desire to do something to address “ policing in our country and try to save lives.
” The bill would have also restricted police chokeholds and set up new training procedures , including beefed-up use of body cameras .
“ I wasn ’ t willing to look the other way after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pappas said .
“ I think we have got to bring the country together around the conversation that can figure out how to solve these problems.
” They also clashed over health care , with Pappas accusing Mowers of wanting to do away with the Affordable Care Act and not having a plan to replace it .
Mowers denied this and said he wanted to expanded health care access , offer tax credits for small businesses to provide better health care to their employees , and increase health care savings accounts .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeating , “ Matt , you have no plan.
” Moments like that occurred throughout the debate .
The two repeatedly talked over each other and accused the other of being behind false and misleading mailers , and of being influenced by corporate interests .
Climate change was another issue on which they offered sharply contrasting views .
Mowers acknowledged that humans are playing a role in climate change , and he called for unspecified “ common sense solutions ” to address the problem .
But he said that he wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bus ” when China and India continue to pollute .
“ We also have to make sure that we are holding polluters from other countries accountable , ” he said , adding that he would support levying tariffs on companies in China and countries “ that do not hold themselves to the same environmental standards that we do here in the U.S. ” Pappas laid out an ambitious plan to address climate change , saying he supports legislation that calls for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 .
He also called for making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more funding for rail projects and for the expansion of bike and pedestrian infrastructure .
“ This is the future we can build together if we have the right leadership in Congress , ” he said .

Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican challenger Matt Mowers attacked each other Wednesday night over everything from the coronavirus response to health care in a heated debate that was often a shouting match.
The early part of the debate was dominated by the coronavirus response, and Mowers went on the offensive, accusing Pappas of not doing enough to get a new relief package done. Pappas responded that it was President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans who have prevented Congress from reaching a deal.
Pappas then accused Mowers, who has been endorsed by Trump, of largely remaining silent amid the criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic. Given the opportunity to criticize Trump’s response, Mowers avoided answering it and focused instead on the need for ramped-up testing and his support for a vaccine.
“We need a better response from this administration,” Pappas said during the WMUR-TV debate.
“My opponent has been a cheerleader for the Trump administration every step of the way. They hid valuable information from the American people that was needed to keep us all safe. They politicized the use of masks wearing. They called testing a double-edged sword.”
Mowers then took aim at Pappas over his support for a far-reaching police overhaul bill that passed the House after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. He focused his criticism on language that would end qualified immunity for officers that shields them from liability.
“Here is what Congressman Pappas did. Despite the fact he told law enforcement two years ago he would support them, he didn’t,” Mowers said. “In June, he voted to strip away this qualified immunity. Let me tell you what that would do. It would allow criminals to launch frivolous lawsuits against our cops.”
Pappas didn’t directly address his support for ending qualified immunity, saying only that his vote reflected a desire to do something to address “policing in our country and try to save lives.” The bill would have also restricted police chokeholds and set up new training procedures, including beefed-up use of body cameras.
“I wasn’t willing to look the other way after George Floyd’s murder,” Pappas said. “I think we have got to bring the country together around the conversation that can figure out how to solve these problems.”
They also clashed over health care, with Pappas accusing Mowers of wanting to do away with the Affordable Care Act and not having a plan to replace it. Mowers denied this and said he wanted to expanded health care access, offer tax credits for small businesses to provide better health care to their employees, and increase health care savings accounts.
As Mowers detailed his plan, Pappas kept repeating, “Matt, you have no plan.”
Moments like that occurred throughout the debate. The two repeatedly talked over each other and accused the other of being behind false and misleading mailers, and of being influenced by corporate interests.
Climate change was another issue on which they offered sharply contrasting views.
Mowers acknowledged that humans are playing a role in climate change, and he called for unspecified “common sense solutions” to address the problem. But he said that he wouldn’t throw American manufactures and businesses “under the bus” when China and India continue to pollute.
“We also have to make sure that we are holding polluters from other countries accountable,” he said, adding that he would support levying tariffs on companies in China and countries “that do not hold themselves to the same environmental standards that we do here in the U.S.”
Pappas laid out an ambitious plan to address climate change, saying he supports legislation that calls for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. He also called for making future construction resilient to climate change, for more funding for rail projects and for the expansion of bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
“This is the future we can build together if we have the right leadership in Congress,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Puerto Rico shutters 911 call centers amid coronavirus cases

SAN JUAN , Puerto Rico ( AP ) - Both of Puerto Rico ’ s 911 call centers were shut down Wednesday night after several employees tested positive for the coronavirus , officials announced .
Public Safety Secretary Pedro Janer said people should call the island ’ s emergency management agency at 787-724-0124 or police at 787-343-2020 in an emergency .
He said both agencies are operating 24 hours a day .
However , people calling the first number that Janer provided get a recording asking them to call 911 for an emergency .
Then the recording provided callers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Nazario Lugo , president of Puerto Rico ’ s Association of Emergency Managers , told The Associated Press .
He said he was shocked at the government ’ s temporary plan to handle emergencies in the U.S. territory of 3.2 million people .
Lugo said officials should relay 911 calls through to another number , rather than forcing people to call a long number that they would have to read or hear about on the news .
“ Response times will definitely be affected , ” he said .
Kiara Hernández @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department , said she could not immediately comment on why officials were unable to automatically route emergency calls to another number .
“ It ’ s an option that ’ s being evaluated , ” she said .
She also said she didn ’ t know why officials decided to close both 911 centers before ensuring that such alternatives were in place .
It is the first time Puerto Rico has shut down its primary and secondary 911 call centers .
Janer said the buildings will be thoroughly cleaned and that he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call centers will resume .
It was unclear how many employees tested positive .
Puerto Rico has reported more than 29,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections .
It has had more than 770 deaths from COVID-19 , the disease that can be caused by the virus .

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Both of Puerto Rico’s 911 call centers were shut down Wednesday night after several employees tested positive for the coronavirus, officials announced.
Public Safety Secretary Pedro Janer said people should call the island’s emergency management agency at 787-724-0124 or police at 787-343-2020 in an emergency. He said both agencies are operating 24 hours a day.
However, people calling the first number that Janer provided get a recording asking them to call 911 for an emergency. Then the recording provided callers with a directory.
“This is serious,” Nazario Lugo, president of Puerto Rico’s Association of Emergency Managers, told The Associated Press. He said he was shocked at the government’s temporary plan to handle emergencies in the U.S. territory of 3.2 million people.
Lugo said officials should relay 911 calls through to another number, rather than forcing people to call a long number that they would have to read or hear about on the news.
“Response times will definitely be affected,” he said.
Kiara Hernández, a spokeswoman for the Public Safety Department, said she could not immediately comment on why officials were unable to automatically route emergency calls to another number.
“It’s an option that’s being evaluated,” she said.
She also said she didn’t know why officials decided to close both 911 centers before ensuring that such alternatives were in place.
It is the first time Puerto Rico has shut down its primary and secondary 911 call centers. Janer said the buildings will be thoroughly cleaned and that he will soon announce when operations at the 911 call centers will resume.
It was unclear how many employees tested positive.
Puerto Rico has reported more than 29,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections. It has had more than 770 deaths from COVID-19, the disease that can be caused by the virus.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Obama to campaign for Biden in Miami

Obama to campaign for Biden in Miami

Former President Obama is headed to Florida over the weekend on behalf of his former right hand man , Joseph @ @ @ @ @ previewed what ’ s to come Wednesday when he traveled to Philadelphia to vouch for @ @ @ @ @ as his vice president for eight years — and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ at President Trump .
The Biden campaign announced Mr. Obama is slated to be in @ @ @ @ @ Obama carried Florida and Pennsylvania in the 2008 and 2012 elections before Mr. Trump flipped @ @ @ @ @

Former President Obama is headed to Florida over the weekend on behalf of his former right hand man, Joseph R. Biden.
Mr. Obama previewed what’s to come Wednesday when he traveled to Philadelphia to vouch for Mr. Biden — who served as his vice president for eight years — and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, while also hammering away at President Trump.
The Biden campaign announced Mr. Obama is slated to be in Miami on Saturday.
Mr. Obama carried Florida and Pennsylvania in the 2008 and 2012 elections before Mr. Trump flipped both states in 2016.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Richard Jones, Butler County Sheriff, floats 'special fund' for celebs to leave U.S. if Trump wins

Bruce Springsteen may be born in the U.S.A. , but an Ohio sheriff is willing to help him die in Australia if President Trump wins a second term .
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones posted a video offering to help celebrities who have said they will leave the country unless it votes for Democrat Joseph R. Biden .
“ Good for you .
I hope you do leave and if there ’ s any way I can help , ” he ’ d would , the sheriff said .
“ I ’ m not a rich person , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 to a special fund to help get you a flight — or whatever it takes , a ship ride — to whatever country of your choice , ” Sheriff Jones said in a video posted by Alabama TV station WBRC .
With his tongue probably in his cheek a bit , he also wished the best to such celebrities — none of whom he named but who include Mr. Springsteen ( Australia ) , Tommy Lee ( Europe ) , Barbra Streisand ( Australia or Canada ) , Bryan Cranston ( Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Cher and Jon Stewart ( another planet ) .
But there ’ s one catch , Sheriff Jones said .
“ Most of you can afford to leave , but if I put in $ 10 to help get you a ticket out of here , the rule is that you can ’ t come back .
You have to stay there and make a better life for yourself and hopefully get along with that country that you choose , ” he elaborated .
In a post on the Butler County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered more than $ 10 to those he called “ the special people.
” “ Hell , I ’ ll even help them pack , ” Sheriff Jones said .
The sheriff is an outspoken Trump supporter , who also made national headlines this summer by saying he would not enforce the Ohio governor ’ s mask mandates .
But he said the offer wasn ’ t about presidential politics .
“ This is the greatest country in the world to live , regardless of who the president is , ” Sheriff Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks are relevant to his mission as a lawman .
“ The celebrities that are coming out … that say they ’ re gon na leave if President Trump gets elected … are mostly the same people that don ’ t like the police , that don ’ t like first responders .
So I feel obligated to make a response to that , ” he said .

Bruce Springsteen may be born in the U.S.A., but an Ohio sheriff is willing to help him die in Australia if President Trump wins a second term.
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones posted a video offering to help celebrities who have said they will leave the country unless it votes for Democrat Joseph R. Biden.
“Good for you. I hope you do leave and if there’s any way I can help,” he’d would, the sheriff said.
“I’m not a rich person, but I would be willing to throw in $10 to a special fund to help get you a flight — or whatever it takes, a ship ride — to whatever country of your choice,” Sheriff Jones said in a video posted by Alabama TV station WBRC.
With his tongue probably in his cheek a bit, he also wished the best to such celebrities — none of whom he named but who include Mr. Springsteen (Australia), Tommy Lee (Europe), Barbra Streisand (Australia or Canada), Bryan Cranston (Canada), Lena Dunham (Canada), and Cher and Jon Stewart (another planet).
But there’s one catch, Sheriff Jones said.
“Most of you can afford to leave, but if I put in $10 to help get you a ticket out of here, the rule is that you can’t come back. You have to stay there and make a better life for yourself and hopefully get along with that country that you choose,” he elaborated.
In a post on the Butler County Sheriff’s Office page, he offered more than $10 to those he called “the special people.”
“Hell, I’ll even help them pack,” Sheriff Jones said.
The sheriff is an outspoken Trump supporter, who also made national headlines this summer by saying he would not enforce the Ohio governor’s mask mandates.
But he said the offer wasn’t about presidential politics.
“This is the greatest country in the world to live, regardless of who the president is,” Sheriff Jones said, also noting that the celebrity attacks are relevant to his mission as a lawman.
“The celebrities that are coming out … that say they’re gonna leave if President Trump gets elected … are mostly the same people that don’t like the police, that don’t like first responders. So I feel obligated to make a response to that,” he said.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Man faces state, federal charges in death of Houston officer

HOUSTON ( AP ) - A man accused of fatally shooting a Houston police officer during a domestic disturbance call is facing both state and federal charges and could face the death penalty , authorities announced on Wednesday .
In state court , Elmer Manzano is facing a capital murder charge for the death of 65-year-old Sgt .
Harold Preston .
Manzano , 51 , has also been charged in state court with attempted capital murder for shooting and injuring Officer Courtney Waller in addition to aggravated assault for shooting and injuring his 14-year-old son .
Houston Police Chief Art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Salvador , was in the country illegally .
U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick announced that his office in Houston has also filed federal charges of an alien in possession of a firearm and a felon in possession of a firearm .
Manzano had a prior felony conviction for evading in a motor vehicle in Harris County , where Houston is located , and two misdemeanor convictions in Dallas County for assault of a family member .
“ This is a very evil person , ” Acevedo said of Manzano .
Manzano , Waller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , all in stable condition , Acevedo said .
Court records did not list an attorney for Manzano .
Prosecutors have filed a motion asking that Manzano be held without bond once he is released from the hospital .
The district attorney ’ s office has said it will probably seek the death penalty against Manzano , but no final decision has been made yet .
The shooting happened Tuesday morning when officers were called to an apartment in southwest Houston after Manzano ’ s wife had reached out to police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was moving out of her apartment but Manzano would not let her in , police said .
The teenage son and police went to the apartment and when he opened the door , Manzano came out and began shooting at officers , according to police .
Acevedo said Wednesday that Preston , who was shot multiple times , was able to return fire and hit Manzano in the abdomen .
Manzano barricaded himself in the apartment but later surrendered to authorities .
Preston , who had been with Houston police for 41 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retiring , Acevedo said .
Waller has been with the police department for three years .
Before Tuesday ’ s shooting , Manzano ’ s wife had filed a family disturbance report with police on Saturday and officers had responded to a domestic disturbance call at the apartment on Sunday .
Acevedo said that as part of his agency ’ s investigation , it will review whether charges could have been filed against Manzano prior to Tuesday ’ s shooting .
“ Based on what I ’ ve seen so far in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with what we knew at the time and so did the DA ’ s office , ” Acevedo added .
“ We didn ’ t have enough for them to accept charges.
” Police will also review whether letting Manzano ’ s son open the door to the apartment was the best approach by officers at the scene , he said .
“ But right now , let ’ s just be real clear .
There ’ s only one person responsible for the death of a police officer … and that person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Acevedo noted .
The shooting came amid an uptick in domestic violence in Houston and other cities as the coronavirus pandemic has forced people to spend more time in their homes .
Acevedo said Manzano prevented his wife from leaving him by threatening to reveal to authorities that she was in the U.S. illegally .
“ I want her to know and all victims of domestic violence to know , that this department is here for you , ” Acevedo said .
“ It doesn ’ t matter if you are rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black or white … and it doesn ’ t matter whether you are documented or undocumented .
”

HOUSTON (AP) - A man accused of fatally shooting a Houston police officer during a domestic disturbance call is facing both state and federal charges and could face the death penalty, authorities announced on Wednesday.
In state court, Elmer Manzano is facing a capital murder charge for the death of 65-year-old Sgt. Harold Preston. Manzano, 51, has also been charged in state court with attempted capital murder for shooting and injuring Officer Courtney Waller in addition to aggravated assault for shooting and injuring his 14-year-old son.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Manzano, who is from El Salvador, was in the country illegally.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick announced that his office in Houston has also filed federal charges of an alien in possession of a firearm and a felon in possession of a firearm. Manzano had a prior felony conviction for evading in a motor vehicle in Harris County, where Houston is located, and two misdemeanor convictions in Dallas County for assault of a family member.
“This is a very evil person,” Acevedo said of Manzano.
Manzano, Waller and Manzano’s son remained hospitalized on Wednesday, all in stable condition, Acevedo said.
Court records did not list an attorney for Manzano.
Prosecutors have filed a motion asking that Manzano be held without bond once he is released from the hospital. The district attorney’s office has said it will probably seek the death penalty against Manzano, but no final decision has been made yet.
The shooting happened Tuesday morning when officers were called to an apartment in southwest Houston after Manzano’s wife had reached out to police on a domestic disturbance call. She was moving out of her apartment but Manzano would not let her in, police said.
The teenage son and police went to the apartment and when he opened the door, Manzano came out and began shooting at officers, according to police.
Acevedo said Wednesday that Preston, who was shot multiple times, was able to return fire and hit Manzano in the abdomen. Manzano barricaded himself in the apartment but later surrendered to authorities.
Preston, who had been with Houston police for 41 years, was about two weeks away from retiring, Acevedo said. Waller has been with the police department for three years.
Before Tuesday’s shooting, Manzano’s wife had filed a family disturbance report with police on Saturday and officers had responded to a domestic disturbance call at the apartment on Sunday.
Acevedo said that as part of his agency’s investigation, it will review whether charges could have been filed against Manzano prior to Tuesday’s shooting.
“Based on what I’ve seen so far in our review we did our best to deal with what we knew at the time and so did the DA’s office,” Acevedo added. “We didn’t have enough for them to accept charges.”
Police will also review whether letting Manzano’s son open the door to the apartment was the best approach by officers at the scene, he said.
“But right now, let’s just be real clear. There’s only one person responsible for the death of a police officer … and that person … is Manzano, solely Manzano,” Acevedo noted.
The shooting came amid an uptick in domestic violence in Houston and other cities as the coronavirus pandemic has forced people to spend more time in their homes.
Acevedo said Manzano prevented his wife from leaving him by threatening to reveal to authorities that she was in the U.S. illegally.
“I want her to know and all victims of domestic violence to know, that this department is here for you,” Acevedo said. “It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, if you’re Black or white … and it doesn’t matter whether you are documented or undocumented.”
___
Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Supreme Court ruling allows Alabama to ban curbside voting

The Supreme Court issued a ruling Wednesday that will allow Alabama to block communities that wanted to offer curbside voting , shooting down objections from some justices that disabled voters will now have to risk contracting the coronavirus if they want to vote in-person .
The 5-3 decision blocked a lower court ’ s injunction against the ban .
Justice Sonia Sotomayor led the three dissenters , saying that communities that were prepared to help disabled people vote without getting out of their vehicles should be allowed to do it , even if Alabama law doesn ’ t envision that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act , because those voters will have to suffer heightened risk during the pandemic .
They do have the option to vote an absentee ballot by mail , but Justice Sotomayor listed a number of hurdles such as having to show an ID and get a witness ’ s signature .
She also pointed out that mail ballots might “ arrive too late or be rejected for failure to comply ” with requirements .
That was a striking evaluation of mail-in balloting , which many Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic .
Justice Sotomayor said voters should have the choice .
“ Absentee and in-person voting are different benefits , and voters with disabilities are entitled to equal access to both , ” she wrote .

The Supreme Court issued a ruling Wednesday that will allow Alabama to block communities that wanted to offer curbside voting, shooting down objections from some justices that disabled voters will now have to risk contracting the coronavirus if they want to vote in-person.
The 5-3 decision blocked a lower court’s injunction against the ban.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor led the three dissenters, saying that communities that were prepared to help disabled people vote without getting out of their vehicles should be allowed to do it, even if Alabama law doesn’t envision that.
She wrote that blocking curbside voting runs afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act, because those voters will have to suffer heightened risk during the pandemic.
They do have the option to vote an absentee ballot by mail, but Justice Sotomayor listed a number of hurdles such as having to show an ID and get a witness’s signature. She also pointed out that mail ballots might “arrive too late or be rejected for failure to comply” with requirements.
That was a striking evaluation of mail-in balloting, which many Democrats have argued is preferable to in-person voting during the pandemic.
Justice Sotomayor said voters should have the choice.
“Absentee and in-person voting are different benefits, and voters with disabilities are entitled to equal access to both,” she wrote.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--Sergeant arrested after alleging police misconduct in Joliet

JOLIET , Ill. ( AP ) - A suburban Chicago police officer who made public allegations of misconduct in the death of a Black criminal suspect while in custody was arrested Wednesday , according to Joliet police .
Sgt .
Javier Esqueda was arrested and charged with two counts of official misconduct .
The charges are a result of Esqueda releasing video that shows the actions of officers prior to the January death of Eric Lurry Jr. while he was in custody on drug-related charges .
“ It is the mission of the Joliet Police Department to maintain the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Chief Alan Roechner said in a statement .
“ Sgt .
Esqueda ’ s conduct violates not only the law , more importantly , it threatens the trust and confidence we strive for daily in our service to the citizens of Joliet.
” Esqueda , 51 , was booked into the Kendall County Jail and later released after posting bond .
Esqueda , who was stripped of his police powers and placed on administrative leave in July , said he released the video because he believed the police department was trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows an officer slapping Lurry , calling him a profanity and pinching his nose shut .
It also shows the officer striking Lurry while he was in handcuffs and putting a police baton into his mouth .
After Lurry died , police said officers believed there was a bag of drugs in his mouth .
Esqueda has said officers shouldn ’ t have taken action that could have cut off Lurry ’ s air supply , even if he had drugs in his mouth .
“ I can ’ t think of anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the academy where you slap a man , call him a bad name , cut off his airway , go for his throat , ” Esqueda said to WBBM-TV in Chicago .
The Will County coroner ’ s office ruled his death an accident due to heroin , fentanyl and cocaine intoxication , saying that Lurry had more than 10 times the lethal dosage of the combined drugs in his system .
The state ’ s attorney determined in July there was no wrongdoing by police .
Joliet police eventually released three hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lurry .
Lurry ’ s wife , Nicole , has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Joliet and four police officers , claiming they engaged in “ willful and wanton acts and reckless conduct ” that led her husband ’ s death .

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - A suburban Chicago police officer who made public allegations of misconduct in the death of a Black criminal suspect while in custody was arrested Wednesday, according to Joliet police.
Sgt. Javier Esqueda was arrested and charged with two counts of official misconduct. The charges are a result of Esqueda releasing video that shows the actions of officers prior to the January death of Eric Lurry Jr. while he was in custody on drug-related charges.
“It is the mission of the Joliet Police Department to maintain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism,” Police Chief Alan Roechner said in a statement. “Sgt. Esqueda’s conduct violates not only the law, more importantly, it threatens the trust and confidence we strive for daily in our service to the citizens of Joliet.”
Esqueda, 51, was booked into the Kendall County Jail and later released after posting bond.
Esqueda, who was stripped of his police powers and placed on administrative leave in July, said he released the video because he believed the police department was trying to cover up the arrest. The video shows an officer slapping Lurry, calling him a profanity and pinching his nose shut. It also shows the officer striking Lurry while he was in handcuffs and putting a police baton into his mouth.
After Lurry died, police said officers believed there was a bag of drugs in his mouth.
Esqueda has said officers shouldn’t have taken action that could have cut off Lurry’s air supply, even if he had drugs in his mouth.
“I can’t think of anywhere where I was taught CPR or in the academy where you slap a man, call him a bad name, cut off his airway, go for his throat,” Esqueda said to WBBM-TV in Chicago.
The Will County coroner’s office ruled his death an accident due to heroin, fentanyl and cocaine intoxication, saying that Lurry had more than 10 times the lethal dosage of the combined drugs in his system. The state’s attorney determined in July there was no wrongdoing by police.
Joliet police eventually released three hours of video related to the arrest of Lurry.
Lurry’s wife, Nicole, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Joliet and four police officers, claiming they engaged in “willful and wanton acts and reckless conduct” that led her husband’s death.


washingtontimes--2020-10-21--James Randi, dazzling magician and skeptic, dies at 92

James Randi , a magician who later challenged spoon benders , mind readers and faith healers with such voracity that he became regarded as the country ’ s foremost skeptic , has died , his foundation announced .
He was 92 .
The James Randi Educational Foundation confirmed the death , saying simply that its founder succumbed to “ age-related causes ” on Tuesday .
Entertainer , genius , debunker , atheist ̶ Randi was them all .
He began gaining attention not long after dropping out of high school to join the carnival .
As the Amazing Randi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in water and from a straitjacket as he dangled over Niagara Falls .
Magical as his feats seemed , Randi concluded his shows around the globe with a simple statement , insisting no otherworldly powers were at play .
“ Everything you have seen here is tricks , ” he would say .
“ There is nothing supernatural involved.
” The magician ’ s transparency gave a glimpse of what would become his longest-running act , as the country ’ s skeptic-in-chief .
In that role , his first widely seen exploit was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1972 episode of “ The Tonight Show , ” he helped Johnny Carson set up Uri Geller , the Israeli performer who claimed to bend spoons with his mind .
Randi ensured the spoons and other props were kept from Geller ’ s hands until showtime to prevent any tampering .
The result was an agonizing 22 minutes in which Geller was unable to perform any tricks .
Randi had bushy white eyebrows and beard , a bald head , and gold-rimmed glasses , and bounced his 5-foot-6 ( 1.6 meter ) frame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He sought to disprove not just those who read palms and minds , but chiropractors , homeopaths and others he saw as predators seeking innocent people ’ s money .
Randi targeted those he saw as frauds with a tenacity and dedication he admitted was an obsession .
His efforts were reminiscent of those of his great predecessor Harry Houdini , who devoted large portions of his time to debunking spiritualists and their seances .
“ I see people being swindled every day by medical quackery , frauds of every sort , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who claim to be able to find lost children or to help them invest their money , ” Randi told The Associated Press in 1998 .
“ I know they are being swindled because I know the methods being used.
” Once , awaiting the chance to sift through the trash of a faith healer , Randi spent days in his car , eating Twinkies and drinking Pepsi .
“ I suffer from this obsession that I have something important to do , ” he explained in a 2007 interview with The AP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : He once showed the messages television faith healer Peter Popoff claimed to be getting from God about his audience were actually coming from his wife through an earpiece .
But the vast majority of those he aimed to show were frauds were lesser known , lured to prove their abilities by the James Randi Educational Foundation .
Through that organization , Randi was guardian of a $ 1 million prize he promised to give anyone who could prove either their own supernatural powers or the presence of a supernatural being .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the money even existed , but Randi had the bank documentation .
No one ever came close to collecting .
Randi gave up the day-to-day operation of his foundation in 2009 and retired in 2015 .
Born Randall James Hamilton Zwinge in Toronto on Aug. 7 , 1928 , Randi ̶ known by everyone simply by that surname ̶ had a nagging desire to question from a young age .
Academically , he said he was bored in school and teachers acknowledged he was prodigy far ahead of his peers .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to college but in 1986 was awarded a prestigious MacArthur fellowship , often known simply as a “ genius grant.
” He spoke with certainty .
While he said he never really questioned his beliefs , he acknowledged there was always a chance he was wrong .
“ I am probably right .
But I ’ m always only probably right , ” he said .
“ Absolutes are very hard to find.
” For all the analysis Randi put into seemingly everything , he still found delight in observing magic he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film that was just fantasy .
He talked about the crushing feelings of watching a friend die and spoke of the magic of love .
In 2010 , he announced he was gay .
In 2013 , he married his longtime partner , Deyvi Pena , at a ceremony in Washington , D.C .
He was the subject of a 2014 documentary , “ An Honest Liar.
” Penn Jillette , a magician in the mold of Randi , mourned his friend on Twitter on Wednesday night , writing : “ We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be Penn & Teller .
It ’ s really that simple.
” Randi said he couldn ’ t help feeling angry that his targets always seemed to perform escape acts of their own , continuing to win new followers and earn checks he said were cashed at reality ’ s expense .
He wanted to see frauds punished , but he recognized most people wanted to believe .
“ The true believers , ” he said , “ will not pay any attention to evidence that does not show that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrating to Randi and fueled an underlying anger toward those he labeled frauds .
When he let his displeasure slip out , though , it often was mixed with wit , as when asked about his final wishes and how he ’ d like his ashes disposed .
“ My best friend is instructed to throw them in Uri Geller ’ s eyes , ” he said .
“ I ’ d like him to get an eyeful of my ashes .
I think that would be appropriate.
” The day of death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .

James Randi, a magician who later challenged spoon benders, mind readers and faith healers with such voracity that he became regarded as the country’s foremost skeptic, has died, his foundation announced. He was 92.
The James Randi Educational Foundation confirmed the death, saying simply that its founder succumbed to “age-related causes” on Tuesday.
Entertainer, genius, debunker, atheist ̶ Randi was them all. He began gaining attention not long after dropping out of high school to join the carnival. As the Amazing Randi, he escaped from a locked coffin submerged in water and from a straitjacket as he dangled over Niagara Falls.
Magical as his feats seemed, Randi concluded his shows around the globe with a simple statement, insisting no otherworldly powers were at play.
“Everything you have seen here is tricks,” he would say. “There is nothing supernatural involved.”
The magician’s transparency gave a glimpse of what would become his longest-running act, as the country’s skeptic-in-chief. In that role, his first widely seen exploit was also his most enduring.
On a 1972 episode of “The Tonight Show,” he helped Johnny Carson set up Uri Geller, the Israeli performer who claimed to bend spoons with his mind. Randi ensured the spoons and other props were kept from Geller’s hands until showtime to prevent any tampering.
The result was an agonizing 22 minutes in which Geller was unable to perform any tricks.
Randi had bushy white eyebrows and beard, a bald head, and gold-rimmed glasses, and bounced his 5-foot-6 (1.6 meter) frame energetically, even in his final years. He sought to disprove not just those who read palms and minds, but chiropractors, homeopaths and others he saw as predators seeking innocent people’s money.
Randi targeted those he saw as frauds with a tenacity and dedication he admitted was an obsession. His efforts were reminiscent of those of his great predecessor Harry Houdini, who devoted large portions of his time to debunking spiritualists and their seances.
“I see people being swindled every day by medical quackery, frauds of every sort, psychics and their hot lines, people who claim to be able to find lost children or to help them invest their money,” Randi told The Associated Press in 1998. “I know they are being swindled because I know the methods being used.”
Once, awaiting the chance to sift through the trash of a faith healer, Randi spent days in his car, eating Twinkies and drinking Pepsi.
“I suffer from this obsession that I have something important to do,” he explained in a 2007 interview with The AP.
There were other coups for Randi: He once showed the messages television faith healer Peter Popoff claimed to be getting from God about his audience were actually coming from his wife through an earpiece. But the vast majority of those he aimed to show were frauds were lesser known, lured to prove their abilities by the James Randi Educational Foundation.
Through that organization, Randi was guardian of a $1 million prize he promised to give anyone who could prove either their own supernatural powers or the presence of a supernatural being.
His loudest detractors said they didn’t believe the money even existed, but Randi had the bank documentation. No one ever came close to collecting.
Randi gave up the day-to-day operation of his foundation in 2009 and retired in 2015.
Born Randall James Hamilton Zwinge in Toronto on Aug. 7, 1928, Randi ̶ known by everyone simply by that surname ̶ had a nagging desire to question from a young age. Academically, he said he was bored in school and teachers acknowledged he was prodigy far ahead of his peers. He never earned a high school diploma or went to college but in 1986 was awarded a prestigious MacArthur fellowship, often known simply as a “genius grant.”
He spoke with certainty. While he said he never really questioned his beliefs, he acknowledged there was always a chance he was wrong.
“I am probably right. But I’m always only probably right,” he said. “Absolutes are very hard to find.”
For all the analysis Randi put into seemingly everything, he still found delight in observing magic he knew was a stunt or watching a film that was just fantasy. He talked about the crushing feelings of watching a friend die and spoke of the magic of love. In 2010, he announced he was gay. In 2013, he married his longtime partner, Deyvi Pena, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. He was the subject of a 2014 documentary, “An Honest Liar.”
Penn Jillette, a magician in the mold of Randi, mourned his friend on Twitter on Wednesday night, writing: “We will never forget that without Randi, there would not be Penn & Teller. It’s really that simple.”
Randi said he couldn’t help feeling angry that his targets always seemed to perform escape acts of their own, continuing to win new followers and earn checks he said were cashed at reality’s expense. He wanted to see frauds punished, but he recognized most people wanted to believe.
“The true believers,” he said, “will not pay any attention to evidence that does not show that they believe to be untrue.”
It was frustrating to Randi and fueled an underlying anger toward those he labeled frauds. When he let his displeasure slip out, though, it often was mixed with wit, as when asked about his final wishes and how he’d like his ashes disposed.
“My best friend is instructed to throw them in Uri Geller’s eyes,” he said. “I’d like him to get an eyeful of my ashes. I think that would be appropriate.”
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The day of death has been corrected to Tuesday, not Monday.