washingtontimes--2020-11-29--Andy Beshear order closing Kentucky religious schools upheld by judges

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — A federal appeals panel has upheld Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear ’ s order to stop in-person classes at religious schools during the coronavirus pandemic .
A three-member panel of the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati on Sunday issued a stay of a federal judge ’ s order from last week .
U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove ruled Wednesday that the Democratic governor ’ s order can not apply to religious schools as the “ First Amendment protects the right of religious institutions ‘ to decide for themselves , free from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as those of faith and doctrine.
” ’ But the appellate court said Sunday that it is likely to rule that Beshear ’ s order was “ neutral and of general applicability ” in that all schools were affected .
Under Beshear ’ s new restrictions , middle and high schools are required to continue with remote learning until January .
Elementary schools may reopen Dec. 7 if the county they are located in is not in a “ red zone , ” the highest category for COVID-19 incidence rates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our kids back to in-person instruction , the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recognized that doing so now would endanger the health and lives of Kentucky children , educators and families , ” Beshear said Sunday on Twitter .
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron , a Republican , had supported the religious schools in their bid to stay open to in-person learning .
“ We ’ re disappointed with the Sixth Circuit ’ s ruling allowing the Governor to close religious schools , but we ’ re already hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States Supreme Court , ” Cameron said Sunday on Twitter .
The state Supreme Court upheld the governor ’ s authority to issue coronavirus-related mandates in an unanimous ruling on Nov. 12 .
Coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout Kentucky .
The state reported more than 2,400 new confirmed cases and 14 virus-related deaths Saturday .
Almost all of Kentucky ’ s 120 counties are reported to be in the red zone – the most serious category for COVID-19 incidence rates .
People in those counties are asked to follow stricter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks .
But for others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal .
The vast majority of people recover .

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal appeals panel has upheld Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s order to stop in-person classes at religious schools during the coronavirus pandemic.
A three-member panel of the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati on Sunday issued a stay of a federal judge’s order from last week.
U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove ruled Wednesday that the Democratic governor’s order cannot apply to religious schools as the “First Amendment protects the right of religious institutions ‘to decide for themselves, free from state interference, matters of church government as well as those of faith and doctrine.”’
But the appellate court said Sunday that it is likely to rule that Beshear’s order was “neutral and of general applicability” in that all schools were affected.
Under Beshear’s new restrictions, middle and high schools are required to continue with remote learning until January. Elementary schools may reopen Dec. 7 if the county they are located in is not in a “red zone,” the highest category for COVID-19 incidence rates.
“While we all want to get our kids back to in-person instruction, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recognized that doing so now would endanger the health and lives of Kentucky children, educators and families,” Beshear said Sunday on Twitter.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a Republican, had supported the religious schools in their bid to stay open to in-person learning.
“We’re disappointed with the Sixth Circuit’s ruling allowing the Governor to close religious schools, but we’re already hard at work to take this matter to the United States Supreme Court,” Cameron said Sunday on Twitter.
The state Supreme Court upheld the governor’s authority to issue coronavirus-related mandates in an unanimous ruling on Nov. 12.
Coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout Kentucky. The state reported more than 2,400 new confirmed cases and 14 virus-related deaths Saturday.
Almost all of Kentucky’s 120 counties are reported to be in the red zone – the most serious category for COVID-19 incidence rates. People in those counties are asked to follow stricter recommended guidelines to contain the virus.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. The vast majority of people recover.


washingtontimes--2020-11-29--Detroit mayor:  5K residents a day could get vaccine in 2021

DETROIT ( AP ) - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said on a Sunday talk show that he expected 5,000 residents a day would receive vaccines once they are made widely available .
He also spoke on CBS ’ s “ Face the Nation ” about the logistics of vaccinating some 700,000 city residents , saying convention centers and parking areas near stadiums would play major roles .
“ The magnitude of what we ’ re talking about , this county has never experienced , ” the Democrat said .
Hospital workers , first-responders , those over 65 and other groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be first in line to receive vaccinations , Duggan said .
While there is currently no clear timetable for the distribution of several potential vaccines , Duggan said he expected some to be available to the wider public early in 2021 .
At 5,000 vaccinations a day , Duggan said it would still likely take three or four months to complete vaccinations once they start in Detroit .
Michigan has had around 9,000 confirmed deaths and some 350,000 confirmed cases since March .
Since January , when the first infections were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s total number of cases has surpassed 13 million .
More than 265,000 people have died .

DETROIT (AP) - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said on a Sunday talk show that he expected 5,000 residents a day would receive vaccines once they are made widely available.
He also spoke on CBS’s “Face the Nation” about the logistics of vaccinating some 700,000 city residents, saying convention centers and parking areas near stadiums would play major roles.
“The magnitude of what we’re talking about, this county has never experienced,” the Democrat said.
Hospital workers, first-responders, those over 65 and other groups more at risk of coronavirus infection were expected to be first in line to receive vaccinations, Duggan said.
While there is currently no clear timetable for the distribution of several potential vaccines, Duggan said he expected some to be available to the wider public early in 2021.
At 5,000 vaccinations a day, Duggan said it would still likely take three or four months to complete vaccinations once they start in Detroit.
Michigan has had around 9,000 confirmed deaths and some 350,000 confirmed cases since March.
Since January, when the first infections were reported in the U.S., the nation’s total number of cases has surpassed 13 million. More than 265,000 people have died.


washingtontimes--2020-11-29--Navajo Nation health director named to Biden COVID-19 board

PHOENIX ( AP ) - The executive director of the Navajo Nation Department of Health has been named a member of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s COVID-19 advisory board .
Dr. Jill Jim was among the board members announced Saturday as part of Biden ’ s transition team preparing to implement the president-elect ’ s coronavirus containment plans , KPHO-TV reported .
Jim ’ s work has focused on preventing chronic diseases and addressing healthcare and health disparities involving Native Americans and Alaska Natives , a statement from the transition team said .
The Navajo Nation member served urban and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , state and federal agencies .
She most recently served as a cabinet member in the administration of Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer .
“ I look forward to working with fellow members of the advisory board to help prepare an urgent , robust , and professional response to the global public health crisis , for President-elect Biden to lead with on day one , ” Jim said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

PHOENIX (AP) - The executive director of the Navajo Nation Department of Health has been named a member of President-elect Joe Biden’s COVID-19 advisory board.
Dr. Jill Jim was among the board members announced Saturday as part of Biden’s transition team preparing to implement the president-elect’s coronavirus containment plans, KPHO-TV reported.
Jim’s work has focused on preventing chronic diseases and addressing healthcare and health disparities involving Native Americans and Alaska Natives, a statement from the transition team said.
The Navajo Nation member served urban and tribal communities for 18 years in nonprofit, state and federal agencies.
She most recently served as a cabinet member in the administration of Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer.
“I look forward to working with fellow members of the advisory board to help prepare an urgent, robust, and professional response to the global public health crisis, for President-elect Biden to lead with on day one,” Jim said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.


washingtontimes--2020-11-29--Bill de Blasio: New York City to reopen schools

NEW YORK — New York City will reopen its school system to in-person learning and increase the number of days @ @ @ @ @ class even as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies in the city .
Mayor Bill de Blasio @ @ @ @ @ schools and pre-kindergarten programs will resume classes Dec. 7 .
Others will take longer to @ @ @ @ @ announcement marks a major policy reversal for the nation ’ s largest school system .
@ @ @ @ @ after de Blasio announced that schools were shutting down because of a rising number of @ @ @ @ @ reopening middle and high schools is still being developed .
Some elementary schools and pre-kindergarten @ @ @ @ @ 7 , a week from Monday , the mayor said .
Others will take longer @ @ @ @ @

NEW YORK — New York City will reopen its school system to in-person learning and increase the number of days a week many children attend class even as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies in the city.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that some elementary schools and pre-kindergarten programs will resume classes Dec. 7. Others will take longer to reopen their doors. The announcement marks a major policy reversal for the nation’s largest school system.
It comes just 10 days after de Blasio announced that schools were shutting down because of a rising number of cases. The plan for reopening middle and high schools is still being developed.
Some elementary schools and pre-kindergarten programs will resume classes Dec. 7, a week from Monday, the mayor said. Others will take longer to reopen their doors.


washingtontimes--2020-11-29--PACs, outside groups working together on Georgia Senate runoffs

Campaigns may not be allowed to coordinate work with political action committees and other outside groups .
But that doesn ’ t mean PACs and other outside groups can ’ t coordinate with each other .
That ’ s just what is happening in Georgia ’ s two runoff elections for Senate on Jan. 5 .
Behind the scenes , the groups that ring doorbells , operate phone banks and urge their voters to get out to the polls are meshing .
That ’ s not always possible in the general election , where the campaign foot soldiers and backers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
With all eyes on Georgia — and party control of the Senate hanging in the balance — that ’ s changed .
“ You have a lot of conservative groups working in tandem , ” said Bill Pascoe , political director of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund , which is among the active groups in the Georgia runoff races .
“ That ’ s no easy thing to do , but it must be done as both sets of polls show things are dead even in both races.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the candidates in the primaries and general election .
The images are locked in the contests of Republican Sen. David Perdue vs. Democrat Jon Ossoff , and Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler vs. Democrat Raphael Warnock .
The PACs and issue groups on each side now are working in unison to get out the vote .
On the liberal side , the Democratic-allied hotel and service industry union Unite Here is sending as many as 3,700 canvassers .
An activist network established by former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams , which includes Fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia Shift , also is ramping up its efforts and operating under the “ # WinBothSeats ” umbrella .
Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang , who in March launched the activist group Humanity Forward , announced on Twitter his family was moving to Georgia to vote in the Jan. 5 runoffs .
There is no evidence , however , that Mr. Yang or any other left-wing celebrity activists have followed through on moving .
Establishing residency for voting is a felony in Georgia , although it ’ s unclear how that law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrity and monetary power behind it , boasting of support from former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo , actress Sophia Bush and Wall Street billionaire Michael Novogratz .
It raised more than $ 700,000 within 24 hours of launching on Nov. 12 and said its ultimate goal is to contribute $ 2.5 million to these boots-on-the-ground efforts and is more than halfway there .
All of this work is beyond the high-profile PACs and the like that are pouring money into the runoffs .
For conservatives , then , there are groups beyond the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Mr. Pascoe ’ s organization .
The brigades of volunteers and paid operatives are particularly important in an election both sides believe will be decided by turnout .
While the hundreds of millions being spent on media could have an impact in close races like these , it is the work in the trenches that makes the biggest difference , according to Andra Gillespie , a political science professor at Emory University .
“ It takes money to stage a successful get-out-the-vote operation , but I argue that get-out-the-vote is essential to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ms. Gillespie said .
“ Whichever party has the strongest get-out-the-vote operation will win.
” Understandably , the Democratic operatives are chiefly active around Atlanta and other urban areas , while Republicans have said they must get out the vote in GOP strongholds across rural Georgia .
Two questions gnaw at the operatives involved in Georgia , according to discussions with people involved with outside groups on both sides .
First , how much untapped turnout potential is left ?
Turnout for the 2020 elections was at record levels , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia .
Some of the glamorous liberals backing Mr. Warnock and Mr. Ossoff , such as Mr. Novogratz , have tweeted claims that “ Georgia still has 700,000 unregistered minority voters.
” The second question is whether with the presidential race no longer atop the ticket , will the motivation that drove voters on Nov. 3 hold strong on Jan. 5 ?
Given there were fewer votes in the Senate races than the presidential contest , particularly in the Senate races , it could mean antipathy to Mr. Trump was a driving factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handful of previous Georgia runoff elections for Senate , turnout dropped 40 % to 60 % , although those races were far lower-stakes .

Campaigns may not be allowed to coordinate work with political action committees and other outside groups. But that doesn’t mean PACs and other outside groups can’t coordinate with each other.
That’s just what is happening in Georgia’s two runoff elections for Senate on Jan. 5.
Behind the scenes, the groups that ring doorbells, operate phone banks and urge their voters to get out to the polls are meshing. That’s not always possible in the general election, where the campaign foot soldiers and backers working on behalf of candidates are scattered across the country. With all eyes on Georgia — and party control of the Senate hanging in the balance — that’s changed.
“You have a lot of conservative groups working in tandem,” said Bill Pascoe, political director of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund, which is among the active groups in the Georgia runoff races. “That’s no easy thing to do, but it must be done as both sets of polls show things are dead even in both races.”
Georgia voters already got an eyeful for the candidates in the primaries and general election. The images are locked in the contests of Republican Sen. David Perdue vs. Democrat Jon Ossoff, and Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler vs. Democrat Raphael Warnock.
The PACs and issue groups on each side now are working in unison to get out the vote.
On the liberal side, the Democratic-allied hotel and service industry union Unite Here is sending as many as 3,700 canvassers. An activist network established by former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, which includes Fair Fight, the New Georgia Project and Georgia Shift, also is ramping up its efforts and operating under the “#WinBothSeats” umbrella.
Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who in March launched the activist group Humanity Forward, announced on Twitter his family was moving to Georgia to vote in the Jan. 5 runoffs.
There is no evidence, however, that Mr. Yang or any other left-wing celebrity activists have followed through on moving. Establishing residency for voting is a felony in Georgia, although it’s unclear how that law would be enforced.
#WinBothSeats has celebrity and monetary power behind it, boasting of support from former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, actress Sophia Bush and Wall Street billionaire Michael Novogratz. It raised more than $700,000 within 24 hours of launching on Nov. 12 and said its ultimate goal is to contribute $2.5 million to these boots-on-the-ground efforts and is more than halfway there.
All of this work is beyond the high-profile PACs and the like that are pouring money into the runoffs. For conservatives, then, there are groups beyond the GOP’s Senate Leadership Fund such as Mr. Pascoe’s organization.
The brigades of volunteers and paid operatives are particularly important in an election both sides believe will be decided by turnout.
While the hundreds of millions being spent on media could have an impact in close races like these, it is the work in the trenches that makes the biggest difference, according to Andra Gillespie, a political science professor at Emory University.
“It takes money to stage a successful get-out-the-vote operation, but I argue that get-out-the-vote is essential to determining the outcome of the Georgia runoffs,” Ms. Gillespie said. “Whichever party has the strongest get-out-the-vote operation will win.”
Understandably, the Democratic operatives are chiefly active around Atlanta and other urban areas, while Republicans have said they must get out the vote in GOP strongholds across rural Georgia.
Two questions gnaw at the operatives involved in Georgia, according to discussions with people involved with outside groups on both sides.
First, how much untapped turnout potential is left? Turnout for the 2020 elections was at record levels, with roughly 5 million people casting ballots in Georgia.
Some of the glamorous liberals backing Mr. Warnock and Mr. Ossoff, such as Mr. Novogratz, have tweeted claims that “Georgia still has 700,000 unregistered minority voters.”
The second question is whether with the presidential race no longer atop the ticket, will the motivation that drove voters on Nov. 3 hold strong on Jan. 5?
Given there were fewer votes in the Senate races than the presidential contest, particularly in the Senate races, it could mean antipathy to Mr. Trump was a driving factor of the eye-popping turnout.
In the handful of previous Georgia runoff elections for Senate, turnout dropped 40% to 60%, although those races were far lower-stakes.
• James Varney can be reached at jvarney@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-29--Kate Bedingfield tap be Biden White House communications director

WILMINGTON , Del .
— President-elect Joe Biden will have an all-female senior communications team at his White House , led by campaign communications director Kate Bedingfield .
Bedingfield will serve as Biden ‘ s White House communications director , and Jen Psaki , a longtime Democratic spokeswoman , will be his press secretary .
Biden also plans to name Neera Tanden , the president and CEO of the Center for American Progress , a liberal think tank , as director of the Office of Management and Budget , according to a person familiar with the transition process granted anonymity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All three are veterans of the Obama administration .
Bedingfield served as communications director for Biden while he was vice president ; Psaki was a White House communications director and a spokesperson at the State Department ; and Tanden served as a senior adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius .
“ Communicating directly and truthfully to the American people is one of the most important duties of a President , and this team will be entrusted with the tremendous responsibility of connecting the American people to the White House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ These qualified , experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better , ” he added .
Karine Jean Pierre , who was Vice President-elect Kamala Harris ’ chief of staff , will serve as a principal deputy press secretary for the president-elect .
She ’ s another Obama administration alum , having served as a regional political director for the White House office of political affairs .
Pili Tobar , who was communications director for coalitions on Biden ‘ s campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director .

WILMINGTON, Del. — President-elect Joe Biden will have an all-female senior communications team at his White House, led by campaign communications director Kate Bedingfield.
Bedingfield will serve as Biden’s White House communications director, and Jen Psaki, a longtime Democratic spokeswoman, will be his press secretary.
Biden also plans to name Neera Tanden, the president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, as director of the Office of Management and Budget, according to a person familiar with the transition process granted anonymity to speak freely about internal deliberations.
All three are veterans of the Obama administration. Bedingfield served as communications director for Biden while he was vice president; Psaki was a White House communications director and a spokesperson at the State Department; and Tanden served as a senior adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
“Communicating directly and truthfully to the American people is one of the most important duties of a President, and this team will be entrusted with the tremendous responsibility of connecting the American people to the White House,” Biden said in a statement.
“These qualified, experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better,” he added.
Karine Jean Pierre, who was Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ chief of staff, will serve as a principal deputy press secretary for the president-elect. She’s another Obama administration alum, having served as a regional political director for the White House office of political affairs.
Pili Tobar, who was communications director for coalitions on Biden’s campaign, will be his deputy White House communications director.


washingtontimes--2020-11-29--Diego Maradona death probe looking at Leopoldo Luque, personal doctor

BUENOS AIRES , Argentina — Argentine police searched the home and office of Diego Maradona ‘ s personal doctor on Sunday as part of investigations into the death of the 60-year-old soccer star , which caused a wave of grief across the country .
Reporters saw several police officers stationed at the door of the offices of neurologist Dr. Leopoldo Luque in Buenos Aires ‘ Belgrano neighborhood .
Court investigators have been taking declarations from Maradona ‘ s relatives , according to a statement from the San Isidro prosecutor ’ s office , which is overseeing a probe into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death on Wednesday .
It said investigators were trying to secure Maradona ‘ s medical records .
Maradona was buried Thursday in a private ceremony attended by only two dozen people following a vigil at the presidential palace where tens of thousands of weeping fans lined up to filed past his coffin .
Maradona died of a heart attack in a house outside Buenos Aires where he had been recovering from a brain operation Nov. 3 .
He had suffered from a long series of medical issues , some related to overindulgence in @ @ @ @

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentine police searched the home and office of Diego Maradona’s personal doctor on Sunday as part of investigations into the death of the 60-year-old soccer star, which caused a wave of grief across the country.
Reporters saw several police officers stationed at the door of the offices of neurologist Dr. Leopoldo Luque in Buenos Aires’ Belgrano neighborhood.
Court investigators have been taking declarations from Maradona’s relatives, according to a statement from the San Isidro prosecutor’s office, which is overseeing a probe into the medical attention Maradona received prior to his death on Wednesday.
It said investigators were trying to secure Maradona’s medical records.
Maradona was buried Thursday in a private ceremony attended by only two dozen people following a vigil at the presidential palace where tens of thousands of weeping fans lined up to filed past his coffin.
Maradona died of a heart attack in a house outside Buenos Aires where he had been recovering from a brain operation Nov. 3. He had suffered from a long series of medical issues, some related to overindulgence in drugs and alcohol.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Police in suburban St. Louis investigate shooting death

OVERLAND , Mo .
( AP ) - Police in the suburban St. Louis city of Overland are investigating a @ @ @ @ @ victim was found around 3 p.m. Sunday on the street , investigators with the Major @ @ @ @ @ Louis said .
The man was already dead by the time he was found , @ @ @ @ @ not released the name of the 32-year-old victim , nor have authorities released any other @ @ @ @ @ led to the shooting or whether detectives have any suspects in the case .

OVERLAND, Mo. (AP) - Police in the suburban St. Louis city of Overland are investigating a shooting death there.
The victim was found around 3 p.m. Sunday on the street, investigators with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis said. The man was already dead by the time he was found, police said.
Police have not released the name of the 32-year-old victim, nor have authorities released any other information on what may have led to the shooting or whether detectives have any suspects in the case.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Man slain in Chicago dispute over hands in Thanksgiving food

CHICAGO ( AP ) - A Chicago man has been charged with murder after a fatal fight that began when @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving leftovers , authorities said .
James Dixon , 28 , is charged with killing @ @ @ @ @ who was the boyfriend of the Thanksgiving party host .
Jackson was trying to escort @ @ @ @ @ house because he had put his hands in leftovers early Friday , Assistant State ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fight moved to the porch , where Jackson was stabbed at least nine @ @ @ @ @ judge Sunday .
Dixon fled but was caught with a blood-covered knife , the prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ Ryan said Dixon was properly defending himself .
A judge set bond at $ 350,000 @ @ @ @ @ .

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago man has been charged with murder after a fatal fight that began when he put his hands in Thanksgiving leftovers, authorities said.
James Dixon, 28, is charged with killing Vincell Jackson, 52, who was the boyfriend of the Thanksgiving party host.
Jackson was trying to escort Dixon out of the Chicago house because he had put his hands in leftovers early Friday, Assistant State’s Attorney Susie Bucaro said. The fight moved to the porch, where Jackson was stabbed at least nine times, Bucaro told a judge Sunday.
Dixon fled but was caught with a blood-covered knife, the prosecutor said.
Defense attorney Patrick Ryan said Dixon was properly defending himself. A judge set bond at $350,000, the Chicago Tribune reported.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Wintry blast expected to hit much of West Virginia

CHARLESTON , W.Va. ( AP ) - A significant blast of wintry weather is expected to hit most of West @ @ @ @ @ Service has issued a winter storm warning for portions of the northern and eastern mountains @ @ @ @ @ morning with up to 7 inches of snow expected .
The snow will be a @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s ski resorts that are scheduled to open for the season later this @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lower elevations , up to 4 inches of snow is forecast starting Monday @ @

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A significant blast of wintry weather is expected to hit most of West Virginia.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for portions of the northern and eastern mountains from early Tuesday to Wednesday morning with up to 7 inches of snow expected.
The snow will be a boon to some of the state’s ski resorts that are scheduled to open for the season later this week.
In the state’s lower elevations, up to 4 inches of snow is forecast starting Monday night.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--2 dead, 2 hospitalized after shooting in Tennessee

MEMPHIS , Tenn. ( AP ) - Two people have died and two other victims have been hospitalized for wounds @ @ @ @ @ in Tennessee .
Responding officers found the four victims at the scene of the shooting @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , the Memphis Police Department said Monday in a Twitter post .
Two of @ @ @ @ @ at the scene , and the other two were transported to a hospital in non-critical @ @ @ @ @ released the identity of the deceased victims .
No arrests have been made .
Police @ @ @ @ @ to contact them .

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Two people have died and two other victims have been hospitalized for wounds they suffered during a shooting in Tennessee.
Responding officers found the four victims at the scene of the shooting in Memphis around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the Memphis Police Department said Monday in a Twitter post.
Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and the other two were transported to a hospital in non-critical condition. Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased victims.
No arrests have been made. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--The Latest: William & Mary basketball pauses over virus

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world : William & Mary has paused @ @ @ @ @ activities following a positive COVID-19 test , forcing the postponement of at least five games @ @ @ @ @ s game at N.C. State .
The school says the positive test came within its @ @ @ @ @ the NCAA defines as individuals for whom physical distancing and face coverings are not possible @ @ @ @ @ or competition .
The team was notified of the positive result Sunday as part of @ @ @ @ @ all players , coaches , trainers and managers will quarantine for at least 14 days @ @ @ @ @ team hopes to return to activity Dec. 14 .

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
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Florida’s men’s basketball team has signed on for a trip to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut for two midweek games in “Bubbleville.”
The Gators will face Army on Wednesday and Boston College on Thursday night.
Florida had been scheduled to open its season at “Bubbleville” on Nov. 25 and 27, but it was forced to pull out and pause team activities because of COVID-19 test results and contact tracing. The 11-day event maintained enough scheduling flexibility that the Gators were able to get back in the mix.
Florida had been scheduled to play at Oklahoma on Wednesday, but the Sooners had to cancel because of their own COVID issues.
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Boise State says it will resume football practice on Tuesday following the latest round of COVID-19 testing results.
The school announced the decision on Monday night after receiving the results of testing conducted Sunday.
The Broncos game against San Jose State last Saturday was canceled just a few hours before kickoff after testing and contact tracing ruled out nine players for the game and left Boise State with limited numbers at specific position groups.
The Broncos are scheduled to play at UNLV on Friday night.
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The UCLA men’s basketball home opener has been postponed.
The Bruins were set to host Long Beach State on Monday night. UCLA spokesman Alex Timiraos says the game is off “out of an abundance of caution” based on COVID-19 protocols in the Long Beach State program.
There was no immediate word on when the game might be rescheduled.
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Tennessee State has postponed the start of its men’s basketball season because COVID-19 test protocols mean the Tigers won’t have enough players available.
The Tigers had been scheduled to host Belmont on Wednesday night, but Tennessee State announced Monday that game now has been postponed to Dec. 18.
Athletic director Mikki Allen says the decision was made with the Ohio Valley Conference’s medical advisory group and Tennessee State’s pandemic task force. Allen says it’s unfortunate the home opener will be delayed but the health and safety of the players matter most.
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It’s shaping up to be a quiet week for the Pepperdine men’s basketball team.
The Waves’ home opener against San Jose State on Wednesday has been canceled because of new COVID-19 policies in Santa Clara County, where San Jose State is located. The county has imposed a three-week ban on practices and games for contact sports and is requiring players to quarantine for 14 days anytime they travel over 150 miles.
Fresno State won’t be traveling to Malibu for Saturday’s game because its program has been halted for two weeks after positive COVID-19 cases.
Pepperdine’s next scheduled game is against California on Dec. 9 in Malibu. However, the Waves may try to replace this week’s games with other opponents.
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Wake Forest’s men’s basketball program is pausing team activities for the rest of this week and won’t play Troy on Wednesday due to recent COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.
The school announced the move Monday. It comes two days after the school announced that its football program would suspend team activities through at least Wednesday and wouldn’t host No. 9 Miami on Saturday.
At the time, athletics director John Currie said there had been a “handful” of positive cases for the football program but that he remained confident that the Demon Deacons would play again this year.
Men’s basketball is next scheduled to host Presbyterian on Dec. 13.
The Demon Deacons have won their first two games under new coach Steve Forbes.
___
Tuesday night’s college basketball game between Maryland and in-state foe Towson has been canceled following a positive test among the Towson support staff.
Although no Towson players or coaches tested positive, the game was called off because of Big Ten policy and with a prudent amount of caution.
Maryland (3-0) will next face George Mason on Friday.
___ The Carolina Panthers have placed starting rookie defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos on the COVID/reserve list following Sunday’s 28-27 loss to the Vikings.
Gross-Matos has played in eight games with three starts and has registered 1.5 sacks among his 16 tackles, two quarterback hits, and has forced one fumble.
The Panthers (4-8) have a bye this week and players aren’t required to return to team headquarters until next Monday.
___
The Big 12/BIG EAST Battle basketball matchup between No. 17 Texas Tech and St. John’s has been canceled due to concerns over COVID-19.
The Red Storm administration announced that its decision not to travel was due to too many risks associated with the disease.
The game was scheduled to be played on Thursday at the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Over 400 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Sunday in the city.
St. John’s has now added a game for Wednesday night against BYU as part of the Roman Legends Classic at Mohegan Sun Arena.
___
The Georgia Bulldogs have hastily scheduled another men’s basketball game, announcing they’ll host Division II North Georgia on Wednesday night.
The game is a make-up for last Wednesday’s scheduled season opener against Columbus State, which was canceled a few hours before tipoff because of a positive COVID-19 test.
Georgia wound up opening the season Sunday with an 85-75 win over Florida A&M, another game that was arranged on short notice after a contest against Gardner-Webb was canceled because of coronavirus concerns.
___
Northern Arizona’s two-game basketball series with Eastern Washington this weekend has been pushed back due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Lumberjacks and Eagles were slated to play Thursday and Saturday in Flagstaff. Those games will now be played Dec. 18-19.
Northern Arizona’s opening game against Arizona last Wednesday was canceled due to a positive test with the Lumberjacks’ program.
___
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh says team meetings that were scheduled to be done in person will be conducted virtually on Monday after an increased number of presumptive positive COVID-19 tests.
Harbaugh says the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution,” by medical professionals, athletic department staff, athletic trainers and doctors.
The Wolverines (2-4) are scheduled to play Maryland (2-2) on Saturday at Michigan Stadium, where they are 0-3 this season.
The Terrapins, who had two games canceled due to a coronavirus outbreak within the program, played for the first time in three weeks on Saturday and lost 27-11 to then-No. 12 Indiana.
___
Minnesota has canceled its game against Northwestern on Saturday, the second straight football cancellation for the Gophers because of a spike in their COVID-19 cases.
The decision was made by university officials Monday in consultation with the Big Ten. Since Nov. 19, Minnesota has had 47 positive cases, including 21 players and 26 staff members. Seven of those cases were reported on Monday.
The Gophers paused all team-related activities six days ago. They canceled their game at Wisconsin last week.
Northwestern leads the Big Ten West Division at 5-1.
___
The Charlotte Hornets will not allow fans to attend home games to start the season because of the pandemic.
The team said Monday it made the decision after consulting with state and local government officials. It will continue to work on a plan that will allow fans to safely return to Spectrum Center later this season.
The Hornets open the preseason Dec. 12 at home.
___
Vanderbilt’s men’s basketball team will not play in a Connecticut tournament because of a positive COVID-19 test. The team has paused basketball activities.
The Commodores had been scheduled to play at the Legends Classic and face UConn on Tuesday. They were to have played Southern California or BYU on Thursday in that event.
Vanderbilt had opened season with a win over Valparaiso on Nov. 27.
___
The Presbyterian women’s basketball team postponed its next three games because of a positive COVID-19 test for a member of the program. The team has paused all basketball activities.
Called off were a road game at Furman on Tuesday, a home game against Mercer on Dec. 10 and a visit to East Tennessee on Dec. 12.
Presbyterian competes in the Big South Conference. The Blue Hose’s opener against Kennesaw State was called off on Nov. 25 because of a COVID-19 issue at Kennesaw State.
Presbyterian coach Alaura Sharp stressed that the health and safety of the team and staff was the priority.
___
William & Mary has paused all men’s basketball activities following a positive COVID-19 test, forcing the postponement of at least five games, including Monday night’s game at N.C. State.
The school says the positive test came within its Tier 1 personnel, which the NCAA defines as individuals for whom physical distancing and face coverings are not possible or effective during athletic training or competition.
The team was notified of the positive result Sunday as part of regular testing. It says all players, coaches, trainers and managers will quarantine for at least 14 days.
Barring setbacks, the team hopes to return to activity Dec. 14.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Suspect in New Bedford double shooting heads to court

NEW BEDFORD , Mass .
( AP ) - The suspect in a shooting in New Bedford last week that @ @ @ @ @ another injured faces arraignment Monday on murder and other charges .
Jon Zell , 18 @ @ @ @ @ to be arraigned in New Bedford District Court .
It was not clear if he @ @ @ @ @ responding to 911 calls at about 10:30 a.m. Friday found the first victim , identified @ @ @ @ @ .
He was taken to St. Luke ’ s Hospital , where he was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ got into a car and was driving to the hospital when he crashed .
He @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Hospital before being transferred to Rhode Island Hospital .
His name was not @ @ @ @ @ tracked down about 45 minutes later .
He fired at police , according to a @ @ @ @ @ Attorney ’ s office , but no officers were hurt and they did not return @ @

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) - The attorney for a suspect in a shooting in New Bedford last week that left one man dead and another injured asked Monday at the arraignment that his client undergo a competency evaluation.
Jon Zell, 18, of Mattapoisett was held without bail after pleading not guilty to murder and several other charges in district court. It was not clear when the evaluation would take place.
His attorney, James Caramanica, also asked the judge to revoke Zell’s bail in a pending juvenile case. If bail is revoked, Zell would be sent to a juvenile center where he would receive better care than at the county jail, Caramanica said.
Prosecutors allege Zell shot two people on Friday morning. One victim, identified as Angel Cruz, 40, was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A second victim got into a car and was driving to the hospital when he crashed. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital before being transferred to Rhode Island Hospital. His name was not released.
The suspect was tracked down about 45 minutes later. He fired at police, according to a statement from the Bristol District Attorney’s office, but no officers were hurt and they did not return fire.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--DoorDash looking for a valuation of nearly $30B

NEW YORK ( AP ) - DoorDash is looking for a valuation of nearly $ 30 billion when it takes itself public , reflecting how integral food delivery has become in millions of people ’ s lives during the pandemic .
The company is planning to raise up to approximately $ 2.8 billion from an initial public offering of 33 million shares .
The offering is expected to be priced between $ 75 and $ 85 per share , according to a regulatory filing Monday .
Last year , the company generated $ 885 million in revenue .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than doubled that to $ 1.9 billion .
It was already growing before the pandemic .
In 2018 it brought in $ 291 million in revenue .
But DoorDash has lost money each year since its founding and the company has warned potential investors that losses could continue as the company anticipates increasing expenses .
It had a net loss of $ 667 million in 2019 and $ 149 million in the first nine months of 2020 .
The company did turn a profit of $ 23 million in the second quarter this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 43 million loss in the third quarter .
DoorDash , which was was founded in 2013 in Palo Alto , California , has more than 18 million customers and 1 million “ dashers ” who deliver food in the U.S. , Canada and Australia .
It has more than 390,000 merchants in its network .
DoorDash Inc. will list on the New York Stock Exchange under the DASH ticker symbol .

NEW YORK (AP) - DoorDash is looking for a valuation of nearly $30 billion when it takes itself public, reflecting how integral food delivery has become in millions of people’s lives during the pandemic.
The company is planning to raise up to approximately $2.8 billion from an initial public offering of 33 million shares. The offering is expected to be priced between $75 and $85 per share, according to a regulatory filing Monday.
DoorDash has experienced explosive growth this year.
Last year, the company generated $885 million in revenue. During the first nine months of 2020 revenue more than doubled that to $1.9 billion. It was already growing before the pandemic. In 2018 it brought in $291 million in revenue.
But DoorDash has lost money each year since its founding and the company has warned potential investors that losses could continue as the company anticipates increasing expenses. It had a net loss of $667 million in 2019 and $149 million in the first nine months of 2020. The company did turn a profit of $23 million in the second quarter this year, but followed that with a $43 million loss in the third quarter.
DoorDash, which was was founded in 2013 in Palo Alto, California, has more than 18 million customers and 1 million “dashers” who deliver food in the U.S., Canada and Australia. It has more than 390,000 merchants in its network.
DoorDash Inc. will list on the New York Stock Exchange under the DASH ticker symbol.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Baltimore County schools still closed following cyber attack

TOWSON , Md .
( AP ) - School continues to be out for more than 100,000 students in Baltimore County following a ransomware attack on the district ’ s network .
The Baltimore Sun reported Monday that Superintendent Darryl L. Williams said he has no timeline for when school will resume .
School officials say an investigation into the attack is ongoing .
They are working with state and federal law enforcement agencies , including the FBI .
The school system ’ s 115,000 students have been attending classes entirely online due to the coronavirus pandemic .
School officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s website , email system and grading system .
Schools officials said offices will be open while school remains closed .
“ This provides much-needed time for our staff to continue working to set up the instructional platform and to communicate next steps regarding devices , ” the school system said on social media .
A state audit released a day before the attack found “ significant risks ” in the computer network .
The audit said that it was not adequately secured and that sensitive personal information was not properly safeguarded @

TOWSON, Md. (AP) - School continues to be out for more than 100,000 students in Baltimore County following a ransomware attack on the district’s network.
The Baltimore Sun reported Monday that Superintendent Darryl L. Williams said he has no timeline for when school will resume.
School officials say an investigation into the attack is ongoing. They are working with state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
The school system’s 115,000 students have been attending classes entirely online due to the coronavirus pandemic. School officials said the attack has affected the district’s website, email system and grading system.
Schools officials said offices will be open while school remains closed.
“This provides much-needed time for our staff to continue working to set up the instructional platform and to communicate next steps regarding devices,” the school system said on social media.
A state audit released a day before the attack found “significant risks” in the computer network. The audit said that it was not adequately secured and that sensitive personal information was not properly safeguarded.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Police: Teen suspected in carjacking killed by car owner

JENNINGS , Mo .
( AP ) - A 14-year-old boy suspected in an attempted carjacking was shot to death @ @ @ @ @ owner in suburban St. Louis , police there said .
The incident happened just before @ @ @ @ @ gas station parking lot in Jennings , police said .
Officers called to the gas @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wounds and a 53-year-old man suspected of shooting him at the scene .
The @ @ @ @ @ hospital , where he died about an hour later , police said .
Police said @ @ @ @ @ boy ran away and has not been found .
Police have not released the names @ @ @ @ @ the man who shot him .
The man was taken in for questioning .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ and the boy who was shot , police said .

JENNINGS, Mo. (AP) - A 14-year-old boy suspected in an attempted carjacking was shot to death by the car’s owner in suburban St. Louis, police there said.
The incident happened just before 4 p.m. Sunday at a gas station parking lot in Jennings, police said. Officers called to the gas station found the boy - later identified as Damaurio Thomas, 14, of St. Louis - with gunshot wounds and a 53-year-old man suspected of shooting him at the scene. Thomas was taken to a hospital, where he died about an hour later, police said.
Police said an accomplice with Thomas ran away when shots were fired and was not immediately found.
Police have not released the name of the man, who was taken in for questioning. Officers took guns from the man and from Thomas, police said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--NJ Transit adjusts schedule for derailment repairs

NEWARK , N.J. ( AP ) - Some NJ Transit rail passengers had to adjust their schedules beginning Monday while @ @ @ @ @ repairs following last week ’ s derailment .
North Jersey Coast Line trains were operating @ @ @ @ @ the week , the railroad said , and NJ Transit also made minor adjustments to @ @ @ @ @ Coast Line and Northeast Corridor passengers may experience delays of up to 15 minutes , @ @ @ @ @ Crews have been working around the clock to make necessary track repairs in order to @ @ @ @ @ the railroad said in a statement .
Eight cars of a New York City-bound commuter @ @ @ @ @ Perth Amboy .
The cars remained upright and no one was injured .
The cause @ @ @ @ @ investigated .

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Some NJ Transit rail passengers had to adjust their schedules beginning Monday while the railroad continued to make repairs following last week’s derailment.
North Jersey Coast Line trains were operating on a modified schedule through the week, the railroad said, and NJ Transit also made minor adjustments to Northeast Corridor train schedules.
Coast Line and Northeast Corridor passengers may experience delays of up to 15 minutes, NJ Transit said.
Buses were honoring rail tickets.
“Crews have been working around the clock to make necessary track repairs in order to restore full service,” the railroad said in a statement.
Eight cars of a New York City-bound commuter train derailed early Tuesday in Perth Amboy. The cars remained upright and no one was injured.
The cause of the derailment was being investigated.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Annual Christmas tree lighting goes virtual due to COVID-19

BISMARCK , N.D. ( AP ) - Plans to light North Dakota ’ s state Christmas tree have been altered this year to accommodate the coronavirus pandemic .
Gov .
Doug Burgum and his wife , Kathryn Burgum , plan to light the tree virtually on Tuesday evening with a livestream on Facebook .
This year ’ s Christmas tree theme is “ creating connections , ” a reminder to stay socially connected this holiday season through a video chat , phone call or staying physically distanced , according to the governor ’ s office .
The public is invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles along the driveway of the Capitol Mall .
Hospitalizations due to complications from the coronavirus rose for a fourth straight day in North Dakota , according to data posted Sunday by state health officials .
Officials said there are 323 patients in medical facilities around the state , an increase of six in the last day .
There were about 1,982 new cases per 100,000 people in North Dakota over the past two weeks , which ranks first in the country for new cases per capita , according to The COVID Tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Dakota tested positive in the past week .
A total of 725 positive tests were confirmed in the last day .
Officials reported five new deaths , increasing the cumulative number of fatalities to 920 .

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Plans to light North Dakota’s state Christmas tree have been altered this year to accommodate the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Doug Burgum and his wife, Kathryn Burgum, plan to livestream the tree lighting ceremony on Facebook on Tuesday evening. After that, people can view the tree from their cars along the driveway of the Capitol Mall.
This year’s Christmas tree theme is “creating connections,” a reminder to stay socially connected from a safe distance this holiday season, including by video chat or phone, according to the governor’s office.
Hospitalizations due to complications from the coronavirus rose for a fifth straight day in North Dakota, according to data posted Monday by state health officials.
Officials said there are 331 patients in medical facilities around the state, an increase of eight in the last day.
There were about 1,955 new cases per 100,000 people in North Dakota over the past two weeks, which ranks first in the country for new cases per capita, according to The COVID Tracking Project. One in every 127 people in North Dakota tested positive in the past week.
A total of 598 new positive tests were reported Monday. Officials reported seven new deaths, increasing the total number of fatalities to 927. Health officials say that as of Monday, 6,477 people in North Dakota actively have COVID-19.
Also Monday, the North Dakota Department of Human Services approved grant funding of more than $2.5 million for 63 skilled nursing facilities and 31 basic care facilities to help them enhance their HVAC air purification equipment. The Legislature approved the department’s request to use money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act for this purpose in late October.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that when used properly, air cleaners and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a building or small space. Air filtration can be part of a plan to reduce the potential for airborne spread of the COVID-19 virus indoors.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--1 killed, 1 injured in shooting in South Seattle

SEATTLE ( AP ) - One person was killed and another was slightly wounded during a shooting in South Seattle @ @ @ @ @ reports officers and medics were called to South College Street just before 2:30 a.m. for @ @ @ @ @ person dead inside a car and another person who had been grazed by a bullet @ @ @ @ @ .
The injured person was taken to Harborview Medical Center to be treated .
Investigators @ @ @ @ @ started near a 7-Eleven store in the area .
Police dogs and officers are searching @ @ @ @ @ , but so far have come up empty .
Detectives are still looking into the @ @ @ @ @ to the shooting .

SEATTLE (AP) - One person was killed and another was slightly wounded during a shooting in South Seattle early Monday morning.
KOMO-TV reports officers and medics were called to South College Street just before 2:30 a.m. for a shooting to find one person dead inside a car and another person who had been grazed by a bullet, according to Seattle Police.
The injured person was taken to Harborview Medical Center to be treated.
Investigators believe the gunfire may have started near a 7-Eleven store in the area. Police dogs and officers are searching the scene for the shooter, but so far have come up empty.
Detectives are still looking into the motive and what led up to the shooting.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Delaware man accused of stealing jewelry booked after crash

GREENWOOD , Del .
( AP ) - Authorities said a Delaware man who stole jewelry and a car from @ @ @ @ @ he crashed the vehicle after a pursuit with troopers .
Jesse A. Nichols , of @ @ @ @ @ a correctional Institution last week on a nearly $ 16,000 bond , the Delaware State @ @ @ @ @ release .
Troopers said the pursuit happened after a relative of the person whose house @ @ @ @ @ was missing , and contacted another family member .
That family member saw the car @ @ @ @ @ Highway , and contacted authorities .
A traffic stop was then initiated on the car @ @ @ @ @ failed to stop .
He was taken into custody without incident when he crashed the @ @ @ @ @ stolen jewelry and “ property ” from the residence was found inside the vehicle , @ @ @ @ @ , 37 , faces many charges , including second degree burglary .
It was not @ @ @ @ @ an attorney who could comment on his behalf .

GREENWOOD, Del. (AP) - Authorities said a Delaware man who stole jewelry and a car from a residence was arrested when he crashed the vehicle after a pursuit with troopers.
Jesse A. Nichols, of Seaford, was booked into a correctional Institution last week on a nearly $16,000 bond, the Delaware State Police said in a news release.
Troopers said the pursuit happened after a relative of the person whose house was burglarized discovered the vehicle was missing, and contacted another family member. That family member saw the car traveling on the Milford Harrington Highway, and contacted authorities.
A traffic stop was then initiated on the car, but troopers said Nichols failed to stop. He was taken into custody without incident when he crashed the vehicle.
Several pieces of stolen jewelry and “property” from the residence was found inside the vehicle, the release said.
Nichols, 37, faces many charges, including second degree burglary. It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Poland, Hungary PMs to meet over EU budget veto strategy

WARSAW , Poland ( AP ) - The prime ministers of Poland and Hungary are meeting Monday to discuss their @ @ @ @ @ Union ’ s next budget and massive pandemic aid package that links the disbursement of @ @ @ @ @ rule of law standards .
Poland and Hungary have been in conflict with the EU @ @ @ @ @ records and fear they may be targeted by the new mechanism that allows funds to @ @ @ @ @ the EU ‘ s 27 members who do not meet the bloc ’ s standards @ @ @ @ @ Morawiecki is hostinf Hungary ’ s Viktor Orban late Monday for talks on their protest @ @ @ @ @ EU summit that should approve the bloc ’ s urgently needed aid package and its @ @ @ @ @ trillion euros ( $ 2.1 trillion ) .
It will be the leaders ’ second @ @ @ @ @ less than a week .

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland and Hungary have declared openness to new proposals from the European Union regarding the bloc’s next budget and major coronavirus pandemic aid package that they are threatening to veto because it draws a link between bloc funding and members’ adherence to democratic standards.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hosted Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban late Monday for around 90 minutes of talks on their protest strategy for the Dec. 10-11 EU summit and later European Council meeting that should approve the bloc’s urgently needed aid package and its 2021-2027 budget, totaling 1.8 trillion euros ($2.1 trillion).
Following the meeting, Morawiecki’s spokesman said that the two governments are “open to new proposals” from the EU presidency that is currently held by Germany.
“We wish to stress that the deal on the budget must be in line with the (EU founding) treaties” and with the agreement that the leaders reached on in July, spokesman Piotr Mueller said.
Poland and Hungary have been in conflict with the EU for years over their democracy records and fear they may be targeted by the new mechanism attached to the financial package that allows funds to be withheld from any of the EU’s 27 members that fall short of the bloc’s standards.
The two leaders argue that the conditionality of disbursement of funds goes against the EU treaties.
It was the two leaders’ second meeting on the subject in less than a week.
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday that for her, the rule of law is “the foundation of the European project” and that finding consensus in the summit won’t be easy.
“We know that we absolutely want to have a result. We also know how difficult that is if all 27 member states can’t agree on that result,” Merkel told a virtual gathering of members of parliaments’ European affairs committees.
She said it was up to politicians to come up with results “with which all can live.” But she warned that it won’t work without compromise “from all sides.”
Holding the EU’s rotating presidency, Germany is tasked with finding a compromise that will pave the way for January’s scheduled implementation of the financial package.
Hoping to mollify the EU’s stance, Morawiecki recently vowed full transparency of the EU funds spending procedures in Poland.
______
Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Police ID body found in Kansas City neighborhood

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Police have identified a man whose body was found over the @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood .
The body of Martez Brock , 34 , was found near a residential @ @ @ @ @ responding to a report of “ suspicious party , ” authorities said .
Police spokesman @ @ @ @ @ Brock ’ s injuries were consistent with foul play , but police have not said @ @ @ @ @ was .
The Kansas City killing marked the city ’ s 174th homicide this year @ @ @ @ @ .
By the same time last year , there had been 139 killings .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Police have identified a man whose body was found over the weekend in a Kansas City neighborhood.
The body of Martez Brock, 34, was found near a residential area Friday night by officers responding to a report of “suspicious party,” authorities said. Police spokesman Capt. David Jackson said Brock’s injuries were consistent with foul play, but police have not said what the cause of death was.
The Kansas City killing marked the city’s 174th homicide this year, up sharply from 2019. By the same time last year, there had been 139 killings.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Western Maine tourism, recreation gets a funding boost

FRYEBURG , Maine ( AP ) - The federal government is making an investment in the tourism and recreation industries @ @ @ @ @ area popular with hikers , campers and outdoor adventurers .
The University of Maine has @ @ @ @ @ workforce training for the industries , U.S. Sens .
Susan Collins , a Republican , @ @ @ @ @ independent , said .
The money is through a partnership between the Northern Border Regional @ @ @ @ @ of Agriculture .
Collins and King said in a statement that UMaine ’ s work @ @ @ @ @ western Maine ’ s rich history and beautiful landscapes by expanding workforce and professional development @ @ @ @ @

FRYEBURG, Maine (AP) - The federal government is making an investment in the tourism and recreation industries in western Maine, an area popular with hikers, campers and outdoor adventurers.
The University of Maine has received $286,800 to provide workforce training for the industries, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, a Republican, and Angus King, an independent, said. The money is through a partnership between the Northern Border Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Collins and King said in a statement that UMaine’s work “will preserve and protect western Maine’s rich history and beautiful landscapes by expanding workforce and professional development opportunities for Mainers.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--'World’s loneliest elephant' arrives safely in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH , Cambodia ( AP ) - The pachyderm dubbed the “ world ’ s loneliest elephant ” after languishing alone for years in a Pakistani zoo was greeted on his arrival in Cambodia on Monday by chanting Buddhist monks and was then sent on his way to a wildlife sanctuary .
Like other travelers during these times , Kaavan needed to be tested for COVID-19 before his flight .
Once his large metal crate was safely on board , Kaavan was provided with in-flight snacks - 200 kilograms ( 440 pounds ) of them - for the seven-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flight , eating his food and even getting a little bit of sleep standing in his crate , said Amir Khalil , a veterinarian who accompanied him on the flight and works with Four Paws , the Vienna-headquartered animal rescue group that organized the move .
“ He behaves like a frequent flier .
The flight was uneventful , which is all you can ask for when you transfer an elephant , ” Khalil said .
The 36-year-old , 4,080 kilogram ( 9,000 pound ) elephant received a warm welcome on arrival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Buddhist monks , who chanted prayers for his harmony and prosperity .
Kaavan , a 1985 gift from Sri Lanka to Pakistan , had been living in the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad with his partner Saheli , who died in 2012 .
The zoo fell on hard times and conditions got so bad that a court in the Pakistani capital ordered the zoo closed in August .
The plight of the male Asian elephant has captured worldwide attention , including from the American singer and actor Cher , who has been closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cambodia for Kaavan ‘ s arrival .
Cher ’ s animal welfare group Free the Wild has worked with Four Paws and the American syndicated columnist and philanthropist , Eric Margolis , to relocate Kaavan - a mission that ’ s cost about $ 400,000 .
According to Four Paws , very few adult elephants have ever been relocated by plane , so preparations were arduous .
Veterinarians and elephant experts working for Four Paws spent three months in Islamabad , coaching Kaavan three times a day on how to enter and exit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crate , which includes a system that can hold up to 200 liters ( 53 gallons ) of urine .
He was also dangerously overweight due to his unsuitable diet of around 250 kilograms ( 550 pounds ) of sugar cane each day .
With Khalil ’ s help , Kaavan lost 1,000 pounds ( 450 kilograms ) over the past three months .
Kaavan ’ s wounds are emotional as well as physical .
He would spend his days throwing his head from side to side , a stereotypical sign of boredom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin Bauer , a spokesman for Four Paws .
The loss of his mate Saheli took a toll on Kaavan ’ s mental health .
Elephants are social animals that thrive on the company of other elephants , Bauer explained .
For Kaavan , the last eight years have been akin to living in quarantine - something the world has come to understand all too well amid the coronavirus pandemic , he said .
Late Monday , Kaaven was being driven by truck to a camp in northern Cambodia where he should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Once Kaavan feels at home in a controlled setting , he will be released in a wildlife sanctuary , in Oddar Meanchey province , in the northern section of Cambodia , where some 600 Asian elephants live in peace and tranquility , ” said a statement from Neth Pheaktra , a spokesman for the Environment Ministry .
“ Pachyderms can live for many years and even at 36 , we hope that he will contribute to the gene pool .
”

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - The pachyderm dubbed the “ world’s loneliest elephant ” after languishing alone for years in a Pakistani zoo was greeted on his arrival in Cambodia on Monday by chanting Buddhist monks and was then sent on his way to a wildlife sanctuary.
Like other travelers during these times, Kaavan needed to be tested for COVID-19 before his flight. Once his large metal crate was safely on board, Kaavan was provided with in-flight snacks - 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of them - for the seven-hour journey.
Kaavan was not stressed during the flight, eating his food and even getting a little bit of sleep standing in his crate, said Amir Khalil, a veterinarian who accompanied him on the flight and works with Four Paws, the Vienna-headquartered animal rescue group that organized the move.
“He behaves like a frequent flier. The flight was uneventful, which is all you can ask for when you transfer an elephant,” Khalil said.
The 36-year-old, 4,080 kilogram (9,000 pound) elephant received a warm welcome on arrival in Cambodia from officials, conservationists and the Buddhist monks, who chanted prayers for his harmony and prosperity.
Kaavan, a 1985 gift from Sri Lanka to Pakistan, had been living in the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad with his partner Saheli, who died in 2012. The zoo fell on hard times and conditions got so bad that a court in the Pakistani capital ordered the zoo closed in August.
The plight of the male Asian elephant has captured worldwide attention, including from the American singer and actor Cher, who has been closely involved in his rescue and was in Cambodia for Kaavan’s arrival.
Cher’s animal welfare group Free the Wild has worked with Four Paws and the American syndicated columnist and philanthropist, Eric Margolis, to relocate Kaavan - a mission that’s cost about $400,000.
According to Four Paws, very few adult elephants have ever been relocated by plane, so preparations were arduous.
Veterinarians and elephant experts working for Four Paws spent three months in Islamabad, coaching Kaavan three times a day on how to enter and exit safely and without stress his four-ton travel crate, which includes a system that can hold up to 200 liters (53 gallons) of urine.
He was also dangerously overweight due to his unsuitable diet of around 250 kilograms (550 pounds) of sugar cane each day. With Khalil’s help, Kaavan lost 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) over the past three months.
Kaavan’s wounds are emotional as well as physical. He would spend his days throwing his head from side to side, a stereotypical sign of boredom and misery in an elephant, said Martin Bauer, a spokesman for Four Paws.
The loss of his mate Saheli took a toll on Kaavan’s mental health. Elephants are social animals that thrive on the company of other elephants, Bauer explained. For Kaavan, the last eight years have been akin to living in quarantine - something the world has come to understand all too well amid the coronavirus pandemic, he said.
Late Monday, Kaaven was being driven by truck to a camp in northern Cambodia where he should be able to leave his crate on Tuesday.
“Once Kaavan feels at home in a controlled setting, he will be released in a wildlife sanctuary, in Oddar Meanchey province, in the northern section of Cambodia, where some 600 Asian elephants live in peace and tranquility,” said a statement from Neth Pheaktra, a spokesman for the Environment Ministry. “Pachyderms can live for many years and even at 36, we hope that he will contribute to the gene pool.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Officials: 2 children, adult killed in Tennessee house fire

MEMPHIS , Tenn. ( AP ) - Two children and an adult were killed when a house caught fire early @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee fire officials .
Firefighters received a call just before 7 a.m. and arrived to @ @ @ @ @ Memphis home , Fire Department Lt. Wayne Cooke said .
Cooke said an adult man @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
A boy was taken to a children ’ s hospital in critical @ @ @ @ @ afternoon , Memphis police added .
Nearly 40 emergency responders were dispatched , including police @ @ @ @ @ in statements .
The victims were not immediately identified and it was not yet known @ @ @ @ @ according to officials .
The cause of the fire remained under investigation , Cooke said @

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Two children and an adult were killed when a house caught fire early Sunday morning, according to Tennessee fire officials.
Firefighters received a call just before 7 a.m. and arrived to find smoke coming from the Memphis home, Fire Department Lt. Wayne Cooke said.
Cooke said an adult man and a girl died at the scene. A boy was taken to a children’s hospital in critical condition where he died Sunday afternoon, Memphis police added.
Nearly 40 emergency responders were dispatched, including police officers, the agencies said in statements.
The victims were not immediately identified and it was not yet known whether they were related, according to officials.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation, Cooke said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Hong Kong closes government offices in new anti-virus curbs

HONG KONG ( AP ) - Hong Kong on Monday imposed sweeping curbs to stop a fresh spike in coronavirus infections , closing government offices and swimming pools and limiting public gatherings to two people .
The announcement follows Sunday ’ s decision to close schools for in-person teaching the rest of the year .
The territory ’ s leader , Chief Executive Carrie Lam , announced 76 new confirmed cases on Monday , including nine that were untraceable .
That was on top of 115 infections reported Sunday .
“ I don ’ t want the public to mistakenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over already , ” she said .
Lam said government employees , except those in emergency services , would work from home .
She appealed to private employers to do so as well if they could .
That marks the third time government employees have been told to stay home this year in an attempt to control repeated surges of the virus .
The government will take over two hotels with a total of 800 rooms for use as quarantine centers , Lam said .
She said three government facilities with 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for quarantine would be reopened .
Restaurants were ordered to limit diners to two people per table and move up mandatory closing to 10 p.m. from midnight .
Gyms will be limited to two people at one time .
Fines for violations will increase , Lam said , but she gave no details .
“ We are now closing everything , almost everything , except the restaurants because we are meeting the daily needs of the people , Lam said .

HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong on Monday imposed sweeping curbs to stop a fresh spike in coronavirus infections, closing government offices and swimming pools and limiting public gatherings to two people.
The announcement follows Sunday’s decision to close schools for in-person teaching the rest of the year.
The territory’s leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, announced 76 new confirmed cases on Monday, including nine that were untraceable. That was on top of 115 infections reported Sunday.
The upsurge is “very severe,” Lam told reporters.
“I don’t want the public to mistakenly reckon that the peak of the epidemic is over already,” she said.
Lam said government employees, except those in emergency services, would work from home. She appealed to private employers to do so as well if they could.
That marks the third time government employees have been told to stay home this year in an attempt to control repeated surges of the virus.
The government will take over two hotels with a total of 800 rooms for use as quarantine centers, Lam said. She said three government facilities with 600 to 700 beds that were used earlier for quarantine would be reopened.
Restaurants were ordered to limit diners to two people per table and move up mandatory closing to 10 p.m. from midnight. Gyms will be limited to two people at one time.
Fines for violations will increase, Lam said, but she gave no details.
“We are now closing everything, almost everything, except the restaurants because we are meeting the daily needs of the people, Lam said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Aurora Festival of Lights opens for 14th year

AURORA , Ill. ( AP ) - One of the largest outdoor displays of holiday lights in northern Illinois has @ @ @ @ @ .
The Aurora Festival of Lights is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through @ @ @ @ @ p.m. on Friday to Sunday .
It ’ s a drive-thru event of more than @ @ @ @ @ and will run through Dec. 27 .
Organizers promise “ more dazzling displays that will @ @ @ @ @ ” The event is free , but donations are needed and can be offered online @ @ @ @ @ , there will be no volunteers collecting donations at the end of the route .

AURORA, Ill. (AP) - One of the largest outdoor displays of holiday lights in northern Illinois has opened for its 14th year.
The Aurora Festival of Lights is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday to Sunday. It’s a drive-thru event of more than a mile in Phillips Park and will run through Dec. 27.
Organizers promise “more dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children.”
The event is free, but donations are needed and can be offered online. Because of the pandemic, there will be no volunteers collecting donations at the end of the route.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--Results from Alaska's general election certified

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - The results of Alaska ’ s general election were certified Monday , the Division of Elections announced .
Certification followed a review of ballots , voter registers and other materials by a bipartisan board .
Certification initially was targeted for Nov. 25 .
Nationally , state-by-state certification of results has generated interest as President Donald Trump and some supporters have sought to sow doubt about the outcome of his race , won by Democrat Joe Biden .
Alaska was among the states Trump won .
In a tight Anchorage House race , Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lance Pruitt by 16 votes in unofficial results ahead of certification .
The certified results show Snyder with a 13-vote lead .
Pruitt did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he would seek a recount .
Lt. Gov .
Kevin Meyer , who oversees elections , has said he plans to seek an audit of votes cast on a ballot initiative to address questions raised about the “ validity ” of election results tied to vote tabulation equipment .
It wasn ’ t clear what that would cost or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which would end party primaries and institute ranked choice voting in general elections , passed .
Meyer has said he believes it passed fairly .

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The results of Alaska’s general election were certified Monday, the Division of Elections announced.
Certification followed a review of ballots, voter registers and other materials by a bipartisan board. Certification initially was targeted for Nov. 25.
Nationally, state-by-state certification of results has generated interest as President Donald Trump and some supporters have sought to sow doubt about the outcome of his race, won by Democrat Joe Biden. Alaska was among the states Trump won.
In a tight Anchorage House race, Democrat Liz Snyder led Republican House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt by 16 votes in unofficial results ahead of certification. The certified results show Snyder with a 13-vote lead. Pruitt did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he would seek a recount.
Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer, who oversees elections, has said he plans to seek an audit of votes cast on a ballot initiative to address questions raised about the “validity” of election results tied to vote tabulation equipment. It wasn’t clear what that would cost or when it would occur.
The initiative, which would end party primaries and institute ranked choice voting in general elections, passed. Meyer has said he believes it passed fairly.


washingtontimes--2020-11-30--2 face federal terror charge over train track interference

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Federal authorities in Seattle have charged two people with a terrorist attack on train tracks , suggesting they were motivated by opposition to the construction of a natural gas pipeline across British Columbia when they interfered with the operation of a railroad in Washington state .
Samantha Frances Brooks , 27 , and Ellen Brennan Reiche , 23 , both of Bellingham , are accused of placing “ shunts ” on Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks Saturday night .
Such devices consist of a wire strung across the tracks , mimicking the electrical signal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trains to automatically brake and can disable railroad crossing guards , investigators said in a complaint filed Monday .
The pair are charged only in Saturday night ’ s incident , but there have been 41 such cases involving the BNSF tracks since January , with a message claiming responsibility posted on an anarchist website early this year , the FBI ’ s Joint Terrorism Task Force said .
In one , shunts were placed in three locations in northwest Washington on Oct. 11 , prompting emergency brakes to engage on a train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas .
The braking caused a bar connecting the train ’ s cars to fail ; the cars became separated and could have derailed , U.S. Attorney Brian Moran said in a news release .
Brooks and Reiche were arrested after triggering a game camera on BNSF property , the complaint said .
They made an initial court appearance Monday and were released pending a Dec. 14 hearing .
Their attorneys declined to comment Monday afternoon .
The charge carries a prison term of up to 20 years .
Opponents say the 416-mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would worsen environmental damage and infringe on the rights of First Nations people in British Columbia .
The message claiming responsibility for the shunts said the goal was to keep supplies from reaching the U.S.-Canada border .
“ This tactic is fast and discreet , ” the message said .
“ On a single rail track with a Centralized Traffic Control ( CTC ) system , this simple action can generate enough confusion in the system to cause big slow downs and bureaucratic delays.
” TC Energy , the Alberta company behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to partnering with the 20 First Nations that have executed agreements related to the project and has provided them an opportunity to invest in it .

SEATTLE (AP) - Federal authorities in Seattle have charged two people with a terrorist attack on train tracks, suggesting they were motivated by opposition to the construction of a natural gas pipeline across British Columbia when they interfered with the operation of a railroad in Washington state.
Samantha Frances Brooks, 27, and Ellen Brennan Reiche, 23, both of Bellingham, are accused of placing “shunts” on Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks Saturday night. Such devices consist of a wire strung across the tracks, mimicking the electrical signal of a train. The devices can cause trains to automatically brake and can disable railroad crossing guards, investigators said in a complaint filed Monday.
The pair are charged only in Saturday night’s incident, but there have been 41 such cases involving the BNSF tracks since January, with a message claiming responsibility posted on an anarchist website early this year, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force said.
In one, shunts were placed in three locations in northwest Washington on Oct. 11, prompting emergency brakes to engage on a train that was hauling hazardous materials and flammable gas. The braking caused a bar connecting the train’s cars to fail; the cars became separated and could have derailed, U.S. Attorney Brian Moran said in a news release.
“These crimes endanger our community,” Moran said.
Brooks and Reiche were arrested after triggering a game camera on BNSF property, the complaint said. They made an initial court appearance Monday and were released pending a Dec. 14 hearing. Their attorneys declined to comment Monday afternoon.
The charge carries a prison term of up to 20 years.
Opponents say the 416-mile (670-km) Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project would worsen environmental damage and infringe on the rights of First Nations people in British Columbia. The message claiming responsibility for the shunts said the goal was to keep supplies from reaching the U.S.-Canada border.
“This tactic is fast and discreet,” the message said. “On a single rail track with a Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) system, this simple action can generate enough confusion in the system to cause big slow downs and bureaucratic delays.”
TC Energy, the Alberta company behind the pipeline proposal, has said it is committed to partnering with the 20 First Nations that have executed agreements related to the project and has provided them an opportunity to invest in it.