washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Officials recover body of Portland man who drowned in river

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - The body of a Portland man presumed drowned after he was ejected from @ @ @ @ @ Columbia River was recovered Wednesday .
The Columbian reports the Multnomah County Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ along with Portland Fire and Rescue , responded about 5 p.m. to the North Portland @ @ @ @ @ a body in the river .
Marine deputies recovered the body , identified as Michael @ @ @ @ @ He was a passenger in a boat that flipped near Broughton Beach Park .
Trinh @ @ @ @ @ jacket .
He went under the water and did not resurface , the sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ hours of searching by air , boat and underwater , the man was not located @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office said .
The investigation is ongoing .
The sheriff ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ is cooperating with the investigation , and impairment does not appear to be a factor @

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The body of a Portland man presumed drowned after he was ejected from a boat Sunday on the Columbia River was recovered Wednesday.
The Columbian reports the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit, along with Portland Fire and Rescue, responded about 5 p.m. to the North Portland Harbor after someone reported seeing a body in the river.
Marine deputies recovered the body, identified as Michael Hoang Trinh, 45. He was a passenger in a boat that flipped near Broughton Beach Park.
Trinh was not wearing a life jacket. He went under the water and did not resurface, the sheriff’s office said.
Despite hours of searching by air, boat and underwater, the man was not located Sunday evening, the sheriff’s office said.
The investigation is ongoing. The sheriff’s office previously said the boat operator is cooperating with the investigation, and impairment does not appear to be a factor.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--North Carolina high school sports group delays fall sports

CHAPEL HILL , N.C. ( AP ) - The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has announced the fall sports @ @ @ @ @ for its member schools .
The association made the announcement on Thursday , a day @ @ @ @ @ extended the state ’ s current COVID-19 restrictions until at least Sept. 11 .
Under @ @ @ @ @ are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors , with some exceptions .
@ @ @ @ @ sports during the upcoming school year and are making plans to do so , ” @ @ @ @ @ ’ s commissioner , said on the group ’ s website .
“ However , @ @ @ @ @ all participants , including coaches and other essential staff , will be a priority as @ @ @ @ @ ” The association had previously delayed the start of fall sports from Aug. 1 to @ @ @ @ @ said they hope to announce a calendar for the sports season prior to Aug. 17 @

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has announced the fall sports season will be delayed again for its member schools.
The association made the announcement on Thursday, a day after Gov. Roy Cooper extended the state’s current COVID-19 restrictions until at least Sept. 11. Under the current plan, gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, with some exceptions.
“We want to play sports during the upcoming school year and are making plans to do so,” Que Tucker, the association’s commissioner, said on the group’s website. “However, the health and safety of all participants, including coaches and other essential staff, will be a priority as decisions and plans are made.”
The association had previously delayed the start of fall sports from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1. The group said they hope to announce a calendar for the sports season prior to Aug. 17.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Alabama city council votes to relocate Confederate monument

ANNISTON , Ala. ( AP ) - An Alabama city has voted to remove a Confederate monument from its downtown and relocate it to a park that houses a different Confederate memorial , according to officials .
The Anniston City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to relocate the obelisk honoring John Pelham , a Confederate military officer born in Calhoun County , news outlets reported .
Anniston ’ s mayor asked the council in June to consider removing the monument .
The memorial was set to be placed in Janney Furnace Park in Ohatchee where the Calhoun County Confederate Memorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A timeline for the relocation was not immediately given .
The city manager will be authorized to pay a civil penalty of $ 25,000 under Alabama ’ s memorial preservation act , which prohibits relocating , removing , altering or renaming public buildings , streets and memorials that have been standing for more than 40 years , WVTM-TV reported .
The decision comes as protesters around the world have called for Confederate monuments and other icons that many say are symbols of racism to be removed during this year ’ s demonstrations against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles ( 97 kilometers ) east of Birmingham .

ANNISTON, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama city has voted to remove a Confederate monument from its downtown and relocate it to a park that houses a different Confederate memorial, according to officials.
The Anniston City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to relocate the obelisk honoring John Pelham, a Confederate military officer born in Calhoun County, news outlets reported.
Anniston’s mayor asked the council in June to consider removing the monument.
The memorial was set to be placed in Janney Furnace Park in Ohatchee where the Calhoun County Confederate Memorial is located, news outlets said. A timeline for the relocation was not immediately given.
The city manager will be authorized to pay a civil penalty of $25,000 under Alabama’s memorial preservation act, which prohibits relocating, removing, altering or renaming public buildings, streets and memorials that have been standing for more than 40 years, WVTM-TV reported.
The decision comes as protesters around the world have called for Confederate monuments and other icons that many say are symbols of racism to be removed during this year’s demonstrations against racial injustice.
Anniston is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of Birmingham.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Man captured after 2 people found fatally shot in Ohio home

MEDINA , Ohio ( AP ) - A man sought in the fatal shooting of two people found in a @ @ @ @ @ captured , authorities said .
Police found the victims early Thursday night when they entered @ @ @ @ @ and authorities soon started searching for Robert Dick , 52 .
He eventually was found @ @ @ @ @ wooded area in West Salem .
The names of the victims and further details on @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities have not said why Dick was considered a suspect or if he had @ @ @ @ @ No other injuries were reported in the shooting , and it wasn ’ t clear @ @ @ @ @ the residence when the incident occurred .
A motive for the shooting has not been @ @ @ @ @ t clear Friday what charges Dick was facing or if he had retained an attorney @

MEDINA, Ohio (AP) - A man sought in the fatal shooting of two people found in a northeastern Ohio home has been captured, authorities said.
Police found the victims early Thursday night when they entered the home in Medina, and authorities soon started searching for Robert Dick, 52. The Medina man eventually was found shortly before midnight in a wooded area in West Salem.
Dick was charged with murder and was due to make his initial court appearance Friday. It’s not known if he’s retained an attorney.
The names of the victims and further details on the shooting were not disclosed. Authorities have not said why Dick was considered a suspect or if he had connections to either victim.
No other injuries were reported in the shooting, and it wasn’t clear if anyone else was in the residence when the incident occurred. A motive for the shooting has not been disclosed.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Man fatally shot by Kitsap County deputy identified

PORT ORCHARD , Wash. ( AP ) - The man shot and killed by a Kitsap County sheriff ’ s deputy was identified as David James Pruitte , 36 , of Poulsbo .
The Kitsap Sun reports deputies were called at 7:23 p.m. Tuesday to the Bethel-Burley Road overpass over Highway 16 after receiving multiple reports of a man seen sitting on the exterior of the overpass , dangling his legs .
Bremerton police Lt. Aaron Elton , part of the Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team - the inter-agency group investigating the incident - said shortly after arriving at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shooting .
“ At this point the specific details as to what happened just prior to the shooting are unknown , ” Elton said Tuesday .
One deputy has been placed on administrative leave following the shooting .
Scott Wilson , a spokesman for the sheriff ’ s office , declined to comment .
Deputies provided aid to Pruitte .
He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead , Elton said .
Pruitte was taken to a Pierce County hospital following the shooting , where he was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pierce County Medical Examiner ’ s Office sent the case back to Kitsap to have Pruitte identified and his next of kin notified .

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) - The man shot and killed by a Kitsap County sheriff’s deputy was identified as David James Pruitte, 36, of Poulsbo.
The Kitsap Sun reports deputies were called at 7:23 p.m. Tuesday to the Bethel-Burley Road overpass over Highway 16 after receiving multiple reports of a man seen sitting on the exterior of the overpass, dangling his legs.
Bremerton police Lt. Aaron Elton, part of the Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team - the inter-agency group investigating the incident - said shortly after arriving at the overpass that dispatchers received a report of a shooting.
“At this point the specific details as to what happened just prior to the shooting are unknown,” Elton said Tuesday.
One deputy has been placed on administrative leave following the shooting.
Scott Wilson, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, declined to comment.
Deputies provided aid to Pruitte. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, Elton said.
Pruitte was taken to a Pierce County hospital following the shooting, where he was pronounced dead.
Kitsap County Coroner Jeff Wallis said the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office sent the case back to Kitsap to have Pruitte identified and his next of kin notified.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Adin Steinsaltz, groundbreaking Talmud translator, dies

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz , a prolific Jewish scholar who spent 45 years compiling a monumental and ground-breaking translation of the Talmud , has died .
He was 83 .
The Steinsaltz Center , the Jerusalem educational institute he founded , said he died Friday in Jerusalem after suffering from pneumonia .
Steinsaltz , an educator who established a network of schools in Israel and the former Soviet Union , wrote more than 60 books on subjects ranging from zoology to theology .
But the Talmud , the central text in mainstream Judaism , was his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussions over the centuries pertaining to Jewish law , ethics , philosophy , customs and history .
But because of its complexity , obscurity and the fact that much of it is written in the ancient Aramaic language , the rarified text for centuries remained beyond the scope of comprehension of all but a select group of scholarly Jews .
The text , compiled in Mesopotamia in the 5th century , is broken into 63 sections and stretches over 2,700 double-sided pages .
“ I do believe that this knowledge , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is knowledge of ourselves , it is our own picture , ” Steinsaltz told The Associated Press in a 2010 interview at the end of his work .
“ Talmud is a book that has no real parallel … it is a constant search for truth , for absolute truth.
” Over 4 1/2 decades , working for up to 16 hours a day , he labored over the ancient texts , translating them from the Aramaic into modern Hebrew - along with editions in English , French and Russian .
The 45-volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , terms and concepts , as well as listing the rulings of Jewish law derived from the text .
Steinsaltz coined his quest to educate Jews “ Let my people know , ” a play on Moses ’ passage from Exodus : “ Let my people go.
” There have been other , partial translations into English and other languages , but none are as comprehensive or have as extensive a commentary .
In the AP interview , Steinsaltz explained that he took to the Talmud like a musician takes to an instrument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of math and music .
“ It is a different language and you have to think in that language .
It is a language of thought and not a language of words , ” he said .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remembered Steinsaltz as “ a Torah genius and a man of exemplary spirit.
” “ His important works will stand for generations at the foundation of Jewish heritage , as an eternal flame in his memory , ” Netanyahu said .
Steinsaltz , who also used the Hebraized surname Even-Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel in 1937 to secular parents but became observant in his teens , when he entered seminary schools and learned Aramaic .
After studying physics and chemistry at Hebrew University , he became a math teacher and at the age of 24 , according to his website , the youngest school principal in Israel ’ s history .
Three years later , in 1965 , he began working on what he called his “ hobby ” – the translation of the Talmud .
He wrote numerous commentaries on religious texts as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and memoir of his close relationship with the revered spiritual leader of the Chabad movement - the late Lubavitcher Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson .
His effort earned him the 1988 Israel Prize – the nation ’ s highest civilian honor , the President ’ s Medal and a number of honorary doctorates .
He is survived by his wife , Sara , three children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren , according to the center .
He was scheduled to be buried Friday on Jerusalem ’ s Mount of Olives .

JERUSALEM (AP) - Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, a prolific Jewish scholar who spent 45 years compiling a monumental and ground-breaking translation of the Talmud, has died. He was 83.
The Steinsaltz Center, the Jerusalem educational institute he founded, said he died Friday in Jerusalem after suffering from pneumonia.
Steinsaltz, an educator who established a network of schools in Israel and the former Soviet Union, wrote more than 200 books on subjects ranging from zoology to theology. But the Talmud, the central text in mainstream Judaism, was his greatest passion.
The Talmud details rabbinical discussions over the centuries pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history. But because of its complexity, obscurity and the fact that much of it is written in the ancient Aramaic language, the rarified text for centuries remained beyond the scope of comprehension of all but a select group of scholarly Jews. The text, compiled in Mesopotamia in the 5th century, is broken into 63 sections and stretches over 2,700 double-sided pages.
“I do believe that this knowledge, it is not just knowledge of history, it is knowledge of ourselves, it is our own picture,” Steinsaltz told The Associated Press in a 2010 interview at the end of his work. “Talmud is a book that has no real parallel … it is a constant search for truth, for absolute truth.”
Over 4 1/2 decades, working for up to 16 hours a day, he labored over the ancient texts, translating them from the Aramaic into modern Hebrew - along with editions in English, French and Russian. The 45-volume series added his own explanations of phrases, terms and concepts, as well as listing the rulings of Jewish law derived from the text.
Steinsaltz coined his quest to educate Jews “Let my people know,” a play on Moses’ passage from Exodus: “Let my people go.”
There have been other, partial translations into English and other languages, but none are as comprehensive or have as extensive a commentary.
In the AP interview, Steinsaltz explained that he took to the Talmud like a musician takes to an instrument and he compared comprehension of it to that of math and music. “It is a different language and you have to think in that language. It is a language of thought and not a language of words,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remembered Steinsaltz as “a Torah genius and a man of exemplary spirit.”
“His important works will stand for generations at the foundation of Jewish heritage, as an eternal flame in his memory,” Netanyahu said.
Steinsaltz, who also used the Hebraized surname Even-Israel, was born in what is now Israel in 1937 to secular parents but became observant in his teens, when he entered seminary schools and learned Aramaic.
After studying physics and chemistry at Hebrew University, he became a math teacher and at the age of 24, according to his website, the youngest school principal in Israel’s history. Three years later, in 1965, he began working on what he called his “hobby” – the translation of the Talmud.
He wrote numerous commentaries on religious texts as well as “My Rebbe,” a biography and memoir of his close relationship with the revered spiritual leader of the Chabad movement - the late Lubavitcher Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. He legally changed his last name to the Hebraicized Even-Israel under the guidance of the late Lubavitcher rebbe, though he continued to use the name Steinsaltz in professional settings.
Steinsaltz’s efforts earned him the 1988 Israel Prize – the nation’s highest civilian honor, the President’s Medal and a number of honorary doctorates.
He is survived by his wife, Sara, three children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, according to the center. He was scheduled to be buried Friday on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--President's virus swagger fuels anger ahead of Belarus vote

MINSK , Belarus ( AP ) - As Kseniya Milya ’ s grandfather lay dying of COVID-19 at a hospital in Belarus ‘ capital of Minsk , the country ’ s authoritarian leader was blithely dismissing the pandemic as “ psychosis , ” and recommending an unusual remedy : Have a regular shot of vodka and work hard in the fields .
Like many other Belarusians angry with the government ’ s cavalier approach to the pandemic , Milya joined large opposition protests ahead of Sunday ’ s presidential vote in which President Alexander Lukashenko is seeking a sixth term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most serious challenge yet to Lukashenko after 26 years in office .
Milya said her 86-year-old grandfather , Ivan Shelesny , believed Lukashenko and took no precautions as the pandemic swept through the ex-Soviet nation .
“ ( He ) trusted Lukashenko and TV , who said that COVID-19 doesn ’ t exist , and he died , ” said Milya , a 26-year-old movie producer .
“ That was a result of the government ’ s policy.
” “ He was attending veterans ’ meetings and visiting street markets , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatly surprised when he tested positive.
” Milya ’ s grandfather died of coronavirus-induced pneumonia at a hospital in March , after a week on a ventilator .
“ On the day they called me from intensive care to say that my granddad has died of confirmed COVID-19 , I switched on the TV and saw the president saying that no one has died of the virus in Belarus , ” Milya told The Associated Press .
It wasn ’ t until April that the government reported the country ’ s first COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all infected , and couldn ’ t attend the funeral .
Her 46-year-old father spent a month on a ventilator and barely survived , and her mother-in-law has remained in intensive care since April .
“ The government was refusing to recognize the virus ’ existence or provide assistance , wasting time , ” she said .
She said when her father was hospitalized , no one bothered to test him for COVID-19 .
Only after a week did authorities do a CT scan and put him on a ventilator for 31 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lukashenko ignored the World Health Organization ’ s call for a lockdown .
Instead , the 65-year-old former state farm director advised Belarusians to “ kill the virus with vodka , ” go to saunas and work in the fields to avoid infection .
“ Tractors will cure everybody !
” he proclaimed .
Lukashenko has refused to impose any restrictions , making Belarus the only country in Europe to keep holding professional soccer games with fans in the stands while the outbreak was in full swing .
Religious services and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive military parade was held in May to mark the 75th anniversary of the Nazi defeat in World War II .
Last month , Lukashenko abruptly announced that he got the virus himself but had no symptoms and allegedly recovered quickly thanks to doing sports .
He has staunchly defended the government response , claiming that extensive testing helped prevent the uncontrolled spread of the disease and arguing that a lockdown would have been deadly for the economy .
His approach , combined with a painful economic fallout from the global pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vote .
Previously apolitical , Milya was among the tens of thousands who flocked to campaign rallies for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , a 37-year-old former teacher and the wife of a jailed opposition blogger who is challenging Lukashenko in Sunday ’ s vote .
“ The offer to use tractors and vodka was like spitting in people ’ s faces , ” Tsikhanouskaya told the AP in an interview .
“ That disrespectful , disdainful attitude … had a strong impact at a time when people badly needed help amid the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boorishness.
” The country of 9.5 million has reported more than 68,500 confirmed infections and 580 deaths .
Critics have accused authorities of manipulating the figures .
“ No one , even the authorities themselves , trusts Belarus ‘ official statistics , ” said Pavel Paleichik , an ambulance doctor from the western city of Lida who was handed a 7-day jail term and lost his job after complaining - at an opposition rally - about the lack of protective gear .
Paleichik claimed that authorities urged doctors to attribute COVID-19 deaths to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horrible .
We lack protective gear , people have to wait for an ambulance for 3-4 hours , ” Paleichik told the AP .
“ I didn ’ t want to tolerate that and keep silent like others .
And I faced harsh reprisals from the authorities because of that.
” While the authorities have sat back , a broad volunteer movement has spread across the country to collect money for doctors and to help expand public awareness of the pandemic .
“ The outbreak has shown that the Belarusians are capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a coordinator for the BYCOVID-19 volunteer group that has collected money and protective gear for medical workers .
The volunteers have collected $ 350,000 for the hospitals and provided medical workers with 450,000 respirators , hazmat suits and other protective gear .
“ Everybody is equal in the face of the coronavirus , we have offered protective means to the military and police as well , ” Tkachev said .
Authorities in Belarus have seen the volunteer movement as a challenge .
Andrei Strizhak , one of the leaders of BYCOVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family after receiving threats .
“ The coronavirus has become an impulse that triggered massive discontent with the government , and specifically with Lukashenko , ” Tkachev said .
“ Many people have grown tired of being afraid and keeping silent.
” Although Belarus didn ’ t impose a lockdown , its economy has still been badly battered by the global pandemic .
Russia , which buys the bulk of Belarus ‘ exports , is in recession , and other export markets also have shrunk .
Amid economic disputes , Moscow this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies , depriving Lukashenko ’ s government of an estimated $ 700 million in annual revenues from exporting oil products made of cheap Russian crude .
Speaking outside the Minsk Tractor Plant where he works , 24-year-old Kirill Egotin lamented stagnant wages and mounting consumer prices .
“ I have grown up under Lukashenko , but increasing poverty , stagnation and helplessness in the fight against the coronavirus have undermined trust in his government , ” said Egotin , who makes the equivalent of $ 415 a month .
“ Everybody has got @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, Belarus (AP) - As Kseniya Milya’s grandfather lay dying of COVID-19 at a hospital in Belarus’ capital of Minsk, the country’s authoritarian leader was blithely dismissing the pandemic as “psychosis,” and recommending an unusual remedy: Have a regular shot of vodka and work hard in the fields.
Like many other Belarusians angry with the government’s cavalier approach to the pandemic, Milya joined large opposition protests ahead of Sunday’s presidential vote in which President Alexander Lukashenko is seeking a sixth term. The outpouring of public discontent poses the most serious challenge yet to Lukashenko after 26 years in office.
Milya said her 86-year-old grandfather, Ivan Shelesny, believed Lukashenko and took no precautions as the pandemic swept through the ex-Soviet nation.
“(He) trusted Lukashenko and TV, who said that COVID-19 doesn’t exist, and he died,” said Milya, a 26-year-old movie producer. “That was a result of the government’s policy.”
“He was attending veterans’ meetings and visiting street markets,” she added. “And he was greatly surprised when he tested positive.”
Milya’s grandfather died of coronavirus-induced pneumonia at a hospital in March, after a week on a ventilator.
“On the day they called me from intensive care to say that my granddad has died of confirmed COVID-19, I switched on the TV and saw the president saying that no one has died of the virus in Belarus,” Milya told The Associated Press.
It wasn’t until April that the government reported the country’s first COVID-19 deaths.
Milya and her family were all infected, and couldn’t attend the funeral. Her 46-year-old father spent a month on a ventilator and barely survived, and her mother-in-law has remained in intensive care since April.
“The government was refusing to recognize the virus’ existence or provide assistance, wasting time,” she said.
She said when her father was hospitalized, no one bothered to test him for COVID-19. Only after a week did authorities do a CT scan and put him on a ventilator for 31 days.
As the pandemic engulfed the world, Lukashenko ignored the World Health Organization’s call for a lockdown.
Instead, the 65-year-old former state farm director advised Belarusians to “kill the virus with vodka,” go to saunas and work in the fields to avoid infection. “Tractors will cure everybody!” he proclaimed.
Lukashenko has refused to impose any restrictions, making Belarus the only country in Europe to keep holding professional soccer games with fans in the stands while the outbreak was in full swing. Religious services and other mass gatherings continued unimpeded, and a massive military parade was held in May to mark the 75th anniversary of the Nazi defeat in World War II.
Last month, Lukashenko abruptly announced that he got the virus himself but had no symptoms and allegedly recovered quickly thanks to doing sports. He has staunchly defended the government response, claiming that extensive testing helped prevent the uncontrolled spread of the disease and arguing that a lockdown would have been deadly for the economy.
His approach, combined with a painful economic fallout from the global pandemic, has helped swell the opposition ranks ahead of the vote.
Previously apolitical, Milya was among the tens of thousands who flocked to campaign rallies for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a 37-year-old former teacher and the wife of a jailed opposition blogger who is challenging Lukashenko in Sunday’s vote.
“The offer to use tractors and vodka was like spitting in people’s faces,” Tsikhanouskaya told the AP in an interview. “That disrespectful, disdainful attitude … had a strong impact at a time when people badly needed help amid the pandemic. And all they got was that boorishness.”
The country of 9.5 million has reported more than 68,500 confirmed infections and 580 deaths. Critics have accused authorities of manipulating the figures.
“No one, even the authorities themselves, trusts Belarus’ official statistics,” said Pavel Paleichik, an ambulance doctor from the western city of Lida who was handed a seven-day jail term and lost his job after complaining - at an opposition rally - about the lack of protective gear.
Paleichik claimed that authorities urged doctors to attribute COVID-19 deaths to other reasons.
“The situation is horrible. We lack protective gear, people have to wait for an ambulance for 3-4 hours,” Paleichik told the AP. “I didn’t want to tolerate that and keep silent like others. And I faced harsh reprisals from the authorities because of that.”
While the authorities have sat back, a broad volunteer movement has spread across the country to collect money for doctors and to help expand public awareness of the pandemic.
“The outbreak has shown that the Belarusians are capable of strong solidarity,” said Andrei Tkachev, a coordinator for the BYCOVID-19 volunteer group that has collected money and protective gear for medical workers.
The volunteers have collected $350,000 for the hospitals and provided medical workers with 450,000 respirators, hazmat suits and other protective gear.
“Everybody is equal in the face of the coronavirus, we have offered protective means to the military and police as well,” Tkachev said.
Authorities in Belarus have seen the volunteer movement as a challenge. Andrei Strizhak, one of the leaders of BYCOVID-19, had to flee to Ukraine with his family after receiving threats.
“The coronavirus has become an impulse that triggered massive discontent with the government, and specifically with Lukashenko,” Tkachev said. “Many people have grown tired of being afraid and keeping silent.”
Although Belarus didn’t impose a lockdown, its economy has still been badly battered by the global pandemic.
Russia, which buys the bulk of Belarus’ exports, is in recession, and other export markets also have shrunk. Amid economic disputes, Moscow this year withdrew a steep discount on its oil supplies, depriving Lukashenko’s government of an estimated $700 million in annual revenues from exporting oil products made of cheap Russian crude.
Speaking outside the Minsk Tractor Plant where he works, 24-year-old Kirill Egotin lamented stagnant wages and mounting consumer prices.
“I have grown up under Lukashenko, but increasing poverty, stagnation and helplessness in the fight against the coronavirus have undermined trust in his government,” said Egotin, who makes the equivalent of $415 a month. “Everybody has got sick of him.”
___
Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--3 DNC workers test positive for COVID-19 after screening

MILWAUKEE ( AP ) - Three workers hired to help set up the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee have tested @ @ @ @ @ to the event ’ s organizers .
Daily screening for people working at the Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ preparation for the Aug. 17-20 convention .
Organizers wanted to identify positive cases before the @ @ @ @ @ were around others .
“ In consultation with public health officials and experts , the @ @ @ @ @ implemented stringent health and safety protocols - including daily testing for anyone accessing the convention @ @ @ @ @ ” convention organizers said Thursday , the Journal Sentinel reported .
Staff at the Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ set forth by our client regarding daily health screens , ” the center district said @ @ @ @ @ The Wisconsin Center has followed all of the guidelines established for everyone entering the building @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved with the convention is the @ @ @ @ @ and the venue alike .
”

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Three workers hired to help set up the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the event’s organizers.
Daily screening for people working at the Wisconsin Center began last week in preparation for the Aug. 17-20 convention. Organizers wanted to identify positive cases before the workers entered the venue and were around others.
“In consultation with public health officials and experts, the Democratic National Convention Committee has implemented stringent health and safety protocols - including daily testing for anyone accessing the convention complex and contact tracing,” convention organizers said Thursday, the Journal Sentinel reported.
Staff at the Wisconsin Center “followed the guidelines set forth by our client regarding daily health screens,” the center district said in a statement.
“The Wisconsin Center has followed all of the guidelines established for everyone entering the building,” the statement said. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved with the convention is the top priority of the client and the venue alike.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Bad week for Mexico tourism capped by mis-translations

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - It has been a bad week for Mexican tourism promotion , and it got worse Friday when the English language version of the country ’ s tourism website appeared with hilarious mis-translations .
Entire states like Hidalgo and Guerrero apparently got machine translated as “ Noble ” and “ Warrior.
” Worse for the VisitMexico.com site , there was systematic and inexplicable re-invention of the names of some fairly well-known tourist towns .
The Caribbean resort of Tulum somehow became “ Jumpsuit.
” The nearby lagoon of Bacalar , on the Caribbean coast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tabasco .
The snafu came one day after the U.S. State Department cited the high number of COVID-19 cases in Mexico for issuing a “ do not travel ” advisory for the country , its highest level of warning .
Hours earlier , the resort of Acapulco was forced to pull “ anything goes ” tourism ads that showed people partying without masks and the words “ there are no rules.
” But the problems at VisitMexico.com drew howls of hilarity - and anger .
The Pacific coast resort of Puerto Escondido @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literal translation , and the northern city of Torreon became “ Turret , ” which is kind of close .
Some name changes were just inexplicable and appeared to have as much to do with invention as simple translation .
The central Mexican town of Aculco somehow became “ I Blame , ” and the northern Gulf coast city of Ciudad Madero became “ Log.
” “ Stop making Mexico look ridiculous !
” former President Felipe Calderón wrote in his Twitter account .
Mexico ’ s Tourism Department issued a statement apologizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then made it sound like something sinister had been involved .
“ The Tourism Department expresses its most sincere apologies to the public and users for the effects that have occurred on the website VisitMexico , ” the statement said .
“ Moreover , we make it known that these acts aim to damage the image of the website and the department , and so therefore a criminal complaint has been filed and appropriate legal actions will be taken against those responsible.
” The department did not explain that claim , but local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ web services supplier angry about not being paid .
On Thursday , officials took down a pair of Acapulco video ads touting the faded resort ’ s reputation as a nightclubbing spot - despite the fact nightclubs are currently closed to enforce social distancing .
They said the ads weren ’ t appropriate during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We have stopped being a postcard from the past , today we have changed the rules , ” says a narration in one of the videos .
“ In fact , there are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as people can be seen eating bizarre meals and going out to night clubs .
“ Eat whatever you want , have fun day and night and into the early morning hours … find new friends and new loves .
”

MEXICO CITY (AP) - It has been a bad week for Mexican tourism promotion, and it got worse Friday when the English language version of the country’s tourism website appeared with hilarious mis-translations.
Entire states like Hidalgo and Guerrero apparently got machine translated as “Noble” and “Warrior.”
Worse for the VisitMexico.com site, there was systematic and inexplicable re-invention of the names of some fairly well-known tourist towns. The Caribbean resort of Tulum somehow became “Jumpsuit.” The nearby lagoon of Bacalar, on the Caribbean coast, was switched to the Gulf coast state of Tabasco.
The snafu came one day after the U.S. State Department cited the high number of COVID-19 cases in Mexico for issuing a “do not travel” advisory for the country, its highest level of warning. Hours earlier, the resort of Acapulco was forced to pull “anything goes” tourism ads that showed people partying without masks and the words “there are no rules.”
But the problems at VisitMexico.com drew howls of hilarity - and anger. The Pacific coast resort of Puerto Escondido became “Hidden Port,” a literal translation, and the northern city of Torreon became “Turret,” which is kind of close.
Some name changes were just inexplicable and appeared to have as much to do with invention as simple translation. The central Mexican town of Aculco somehow became “I Blame,” and the northern Gulf coast city of Ciudad Madero became “Log.”
“Stop making Mexico look ridiculous!” former President Felipe Calderón wrote in his Twitter account.
Mexico’s Tourism Department issued a statement apologizing for the apparently out-sourced errors, but then made it sound like something sinister had been involved.
“The Tourism Department expresses its most sincere apologies to the public and users for the effects that have occurred on the website VisitMexico,” the statement said. “Moreover, we make it known that these acts aim to damage the image of the website and the department, and so therefore a criminal complaint has been filed and appropriate legal actions will be taken against those responsible.”
The department did not explain that claim, but local media reported the dispute might involve a web services supplier angry about not being paid.
On Thursday, officials took down a pair of Acapulco video ads touting the faded resort’s reputation as a nightclubbing spot - despite the fact nightclubs are currently closed to enforce social distancing. They said the ads weren’t appropriate during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have stopped being a postcard from the past, today we have changed the rules,” says a narration in one of the videos. “In fact, there are no rules,” says another voice, as people can be seen eating bizarre meals and going out to night clubs. “Eat whatever you want, have fun day and night and into the early morning hours … find new friends and new loves.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Donald Trump says biggest risk from China, Russia is forging mail-in ballots

President Trump , responding to a government report Friday about continued foreign interference in the U.S. presidential election , said @ @ @ @ @ is meddling with mail-in ballots .
“ The biggest risk that we have is mail-in @ @ @ @ @ a much easier thing for a foreign power — whether it ’ s Russia , @ @ @ @ @ Korea , many others , people , countries you wouldn ’ t expect — it @ @ @ @ @ them to forge ballots and send them in , ” he said at a press @ @ @ @ @ Jersey .
The Director of National Intelligence office reported Friday that China and Iran don @ @ @ @ @ to win reelection .
The report also said Russia is taking action to “ denigrate @ @ @ @ @ Joseph R. Biden .
“ I don ’ t care what anybody says , ” @ @ @ @ @ that he has been tougher than any of his predecessors on Russia .
He said @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. if Mr. Biden were elected .

President Trump, responding to a government report Friday about continued foreign interference in the U.S. presidential election, said the biggest risk from adversaries is meddling with mail-in ballots.
“The biggest risk that we have is mail-in ballots. … It is a much easier thing for a foreign power — whether it’s Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, many others, people, countries you wouldn’t expect — it’s much easier for them to forge ballots and send them in,” he said at a press conference in Bedminster, New Jersey.
The Director of National Intelligence office reported Friday that China and Iran don’t want Mr. Trump to win reelection. The report also said Russia is taking action to “denigrate” presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden.
“I don’t care what anybody says,” Mr. Trump said, asserting that he has been tougher than any of his predecessors on Russia.
He said China “would own” the U.S. if Mr. Biden were elected.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--State Rep. Beth Doglio secures second place in 10th CD race

OLYMPIA , Wash. ( AP ) - Two women , both Democrats , have advanced to the general election in the the race for Washington ’ s 10th Congressional District .
Democratic state Rep. Beth Doglio secured the second spot on the November ballot Friday , with more than 14 % of the vote .
Former Tacoma mayor Marilyn Strickland advanced earlier in the week with about 21 % of the vote .
Under Washington ’ s top-two primary , all candidates appear on one ballot , and the top two vote getters advance to the November ballot , regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic U.S. Rep Denny Heck ’ s retirement from Congress and subsequent run for lieutenant governor , the open seat drew 19 candidates .
The district includes portions of Mason , Pierce and Thurston counties , including the state capital of Olympia .
Strickland , who most recently ran the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce , served two terms as mayor of Tacoma and was previously a council member .
Doglio , who was the founding executive director of Washington Conservation Voters , has served two terms in the Legislature , representing Olympia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of many voters weighed in on in Tuesday ’ s election , including governor , lieutenant governor and dozens of legislative races .
As of Friday , 54 % of the state ’ s nearly 4.6 million voters had returned their ballots , and more than 43 % had been processed as of Friday night .
The final turnout number won ’ t be known until Aug. 20 , when the election is certified , giving county canvassing boards time to assess challenged ballots .
If that number holds , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1964 ’ s 56 % rate .

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Two women, both Democrats, have advanced to the general election in the the race for Washington’s 10th Congressional District.
Democratic state Rep. Beth Doglio secured the second spot on the November ballot Friday, with more than 14% of the vote. Former Tacoma mayor Marilyn Strickland advanced earlier in the week with about 21% of the vote.
Under Washington’s top-two primary, all candidates appear on one ballot, and the top two vote getters advance to the November ballot, regardless of party. With the announcement of Democratic U.S. Rep Denny Heck’s retirement from Congress and subsequent run for lieutenant governor, the open seat drew 19 candidates.
The district includes portions of Mason, Pierce and Thurston counties, including the state capital of Olympia.
Strickland, who most recently ran the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, served two terms as mayor of Tacoma and was previously a council member.
Doglio, who was the founding executive director of Washington Conservation Voters, has served two terms in the Legislature, representing Olympia and surrounding areas.
The congressional race was one of many voters weighed in on in Tuesday’s election, including governor, lieutenant governor and dozens of legislative races.
As of Friday, 54% of the state’s nearly 4.6 million voters had returned their ballots, and more than 43% had been processed as of Friday night. The final turnout number won’t be known until Aug. 20, when the election is certified, giving county canvassing boards time to assess challenged ballots. If that number holds, it would be the highest primary turnout rate since 1964’s 56% rate.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Brazil soccer's Serie A begins as COVID-19 deaths at 100,000

SAO PAULO ( AP ) - Brazil ’ s main national soccer championship begins on Saturday after a three-month delay on the same day the South American nation is expected to reach the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 .
Three matches will open the country ’ s Serie A , in a big victory for President Jair Bolsonaro , who has downplayed the risks of the disease and has insisted life and sport should return to normal .
Brazil has counted a daily average of 1,000 fatalities by the virus for more than two months , and almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executives of the country ’ s soccer body felt confident enough to kick off the national championship , a step that neighboring Argentina , where about 4,200 have died of the disease , has yet to take .
Club executives and players have been quiet about the start-up , but others haven ’ t .
One of the most vocal critics is former footballer and TV Globo commentator Walter Casagrande .
“ We can ’ t forget what is happening in this country .
We will reach 100,000 deaths , a scary number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Casagrande , a former national team , Porto and Torino striker , said Wednesday during the first leg of the Sao Paulo state league final between Corinthians and Palmeiras .
“ I feel embarrassed about this situation , but it is my job .
I am here to talk about soccer.
” State leagues that open the Brazilian season started coming back in June after open pressure from Brazilian and South American champion Flamengo .
Those tournaments needed to be finished so the national competition could kick off .
Jorge Pagura , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s soccer confederation , said the anti-COVID-19 protocol for the national championship is “ at the maximum level of safety.
” The measures include tests three days before matches for all 23 members of each team , both coaches and the four referees .
The national championship will see teams flying around on a tight schedule in a country as big as the continental United States .
Players will be exposed to the risk of disease in multiple airports , airplanes and hotels , and travel to places where the pandemic could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hometowns .
The Brazilian protocols say no more than 300 people will attend matches , including players , club staffers , executives and the media .
Only six ball boys will be allowed , and all need to wash their hands and the soccer balls with alcohol whenever possible .
President Bolsonaro , who is a dedicated soccer fan , mentioned the opening of the Brazilian championship in a live broadcast Thursday night .
“ We regret every death , we will reach 100,000 , but let ’ s move on with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem , ” he said .
The Brazilian championship is scheduled to finish in February .
Flamengo is the favorite to retain its title .

SAO PAULO (AP) - Brazil’s main national soccer championship begins on Saturday after a three-month delay on the same day the South American nation is expected to reach the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19.
Three matches will open the country’s Serie A, in a big victory for President Jair Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the risks of the disease and has insisted life and sport should return to normal.
Brazil has counted a daily average of 1,000 fatalities by the virus for more than two months, and almost 3 million people are infected. But executives of the country’s soccer body felt confident enough to kick off the national championship, a step that neighboring Argentina, where about 4,200 have died of the disease, has yet to take.
Club executives and players have been quiet about the start-up, but others haven’t. One of the most vocal critics is former footballer and TV Globo commentator Walter Casagrande.
“We can’t forget what is happening in this country. We will reach 100,000 deaths, a scary number, and soccer is on,” Casagrande, a former national team, Porto and Torino striker, said Wednesday during the first leg of the Sao Paulo state league final between Corinthians and Palmeiras. “I feel embarrassed about this situation, but it is my job. I am here to talk about soccer.”
State leagues that open the Brazilian season started coming back in June after open pressure from Brazilian and South American champion Flamengo. Those tournaments needed to be finished so the national competition could kick off.
Jorge Pagura, the head of the medical commission of Brazil’s soccer confederation, said the anti-COVID-19 protocol for the national championship is “at the maximum level of safety.” The measures include tests three days before matches for all 23 members of each team, both coaches and the four referees.
The national championship will see teams flying around on a tight schedule in a country as big as the continental United States. Players will be exposed to the risk of disease in multiple airports, airplanes and hotels, and travel to places where the pandemic could be in a worse stage than in their hometowns.
The Brazilian protocols say no more than 300 people will attend matches, including players, club staffers, executives and the media. Only six ball boys will be allowed, and all need to wash their hands and the soccer balls with alcohol whenever possible.
President Bolsonaro, who is a dedicated soccer fan, mentioned the opening of the Brazilian championship in a live broadcast Thursday night.
“We regret every death, we will reach 100,000, but let’s move on with our lives and get away from this problem,” he said.
The Brazilian championship is scheduled to finish in February. Flamengo is the favorite to retain its title.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Donald Trump cites 'political activity' carve-out for lack of social distancing at club

President Trump on Friday said supporters at his New Jersey club didn ’ t have to observe social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ for a political-activity exemption .
“ It ’ s also a peaceful protest , ” @ @ @ @ @ club setting .
“ You have an exclusion in the law , which says peaceful @ @ @ @ @ Reporters in the room at Bedminster posted photos of many people in the room not @ @ @ @ @ aides later handed out face coverings .
New Jersey regulations , effective Tuesday , say @ @ @ @ @ to 25 persons , though the state provided exceptions for things like weddings , funerals @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s supporters booed a reporter for suggesting the gathering violated the rules .
@ @ @ @ @ task force has implored people across the country to maintain 6 feet of distance from @ @ @ @ @ possible .
Mr. Trump this week praised Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey , who was @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus in his state by breaking up large gatherings .

President Trump on Friday said supporters at his New Jersey club didn’t have to observe social distancing rules because his press conference qualified for a political-activity exemption.
“It’s also a peaceful protest,” he said at the country club setting. “You have an exclusion in the law, which says peaceful protest or political activity.”
Reporters in the room at Bedminster posted photos of many people in the room not wearing masks, though said aides later handed out face coverings.
New Jersey regulations, effective Tuesday, say rooms should limit their capacity to 25 persons, though the state provided exceptions for things like weddings, funerals and political activities.
Mr. Trump’s supporters booed a reporter for suggesting the gathering violated the rules.
The president’s coronavirus task force has implored people across the country to maintain 6 feet of distance from others and wear masks whenever possible.
Mr. Trump this week praised Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who was able to control the rampant spread of the coronavirus in his state by breaking up large gatherings.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--FAA employees who oversee airplane makers report pressure

Federal employees overseeing Boeing and other aircraft makers say they face pressure from the companies and fear retribution from their own bosses if they raise too many safety concerns , according to a survey of the workers that was delivered to Congress on Friday .
Many of the Federal Aviation Administration employees surveyed said they believe that agency managers are too concerned with the industry ’ s objectives and aren ’ t held accountable for decisions about safety .
One FAA employee said companies will say they will lose money if the FAA doesn ’ t certify its plane fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FAA workers is , “ ’ Don ’ t rock the boat ’ with Boeing.
” The summary and comments were contained in a private company ’ s report , dated in February , on the safety culture at the FAA .
The FAA faces scrutiny from Congress over its approval of the Boeing 737 Max , which remains grounded after two deadly crashes less than five months apart .
The report reflects “ a disturbing pattern of senior officials at a Federal agency rolling over for industry , ” said Rep. Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Transportation Committee .
“ That ’ s especially disturbing to see when it comes to Boeing , which , as we know now , pushed a plane through a broken regulatory process that resulted in the deaths of 346 innocent people.
” FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson said the report shows “ that we have work to do to address problems ” in the safety culture within the agency ’ s aviation safety organization .
“ It is completely unacceptable that there are employees who lack confidence that their safety concerns are taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a program to encourage FAA employees to report safety concerns .
Dickson , a former Delta Air Lines pilot and executive who became FAA chief a year ago , was spared from the sharpest criticism in the survey .
The report said employees perceive him to be demonstrating a commitment to safety .
It cited a video in which Dickson pushed back against comments by Boeing officials that were seen as pressuring the FAA to let the Max resume flying .
The FAA asked Mitre Corp. to conduct the survey and report last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its safety culture .
Mitre said it sent surveys to more than 7,000 employees in the FAA ’ s aviation safety group and 25 % responded .
FAA employees and managers in the survey and focus groups , who were not identified by name , reported strong pressure from industry “ to find win-win solutions that benefit industry.
” They said companies will complain to FAA senior leaders or Congress if they think that agency safety employees are getting in their way , according to the report .
The report portrays a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has a strong commitment to safety .
However , the report said , many employees in the field believe their top leaders “ are overly concerned with achieving the business-oriented outcomes of industry stakeholders and are not held accountable for safety-related decisions.
” Employees also said that management of the aviation safety organization within the FAA doesn ’ t back up front-line safety employees strongly enough .
“ There is a fallout of us not being able to do our job , ” one employee said .
“ Accidents happen and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier by Reuters .
David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter

Federal employees overseeing Boeing and other aircraft makers say they face pressure from the companies and fear retribution from their own bosses if they raise too many safety concerns, according to a survey of the workers that was delivered to Congress on Friday.
Many of the Federal Aviation Administration employees surveyed said they believe that agency managers are too concerned with the industry’s objectives and aren’t held accountable for decisions about safety.
One FAA employee said companies will say they will lose money if the FAA doesn’t certify its plane fast enough. Another said the message to FAA workers is, “’Don’t rock the boat’ with Boeing.”
The summary and comments were contained in a private company’s report, dated in February, on the safety culture at the FAA. The FAA faces scrutiny from Congress over its approval of the Boeing 737 Max, which remains grounded after two deadly crashes less than five months apart.
The report reflects “a disturbing pattern of senior officials at a Federal agency rolling over for industry,” said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Transportation Committee. “That’s especially disturbing to see when it comes to Boeing, which, as we know now, pushed a plane through a broken regulatory process that resulted in the deaths of 346 innocent people.”
FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson said the report shows “that we have work to do to address problems” in the safety culture within the agency’s aviation safety organization. “It is completely unacceptable that there are employees who lack confidence that their safety concerns are taken seriously.”
Dickson promised changes including creating a program to encourage FAA employees to report safety concerns.
Dickson, a former Delta Air Lines pilot and executive who became FAA chief a year ago, was spared from the sharpest criticism in the survey. The report said employees perceive him to be demonstrating a commitment to safety. It cited a video in which Dickson pushed back against comments by Boeing officials that were seen as pressuring the FAA to let the Max resume flying.
The FAA asked Mitre Corp. to conduct the survey and report last year after the agency promised to improve its safety culture. Mitre said it sent surveys to more than 7,000 employees in the FAA’s aviation safety group and 25% responded.
FAA employees and managers in the survey and focus groups, who were not identified by name, reported strong pressure from industry “to find win-win solutions that benefit industry.” They said companies will complain to FAA senior leaders or Congress if they think that agency safety employees are getting in their way, according to the report.
The report portrays a situation in which FAA headquarters staff believes that it has a strong commitment to safety. However, the report said, many employees in the field believe their top leaders “are overly concerned with achieving the business-oriented outcomes of industry stakeholders and are not held accountable for safety-related decisions.”
Employees also said that management of the aviation safety organization within the FAA doesn’t back up front-line safety employees strongly enough.
“There is a fallout of us not being able to do our job,” one employee said. “Accidents happen and people get killed.”
The Mitre survey was reported earlier by Reuters.
___
David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Joe Arpaio loses sheriff's race in 2nd failed comeback bid

PHOENIX ( AP ) — Joe Arpaio on Friday was narrowly defeated in his bid to win back the sheriff ’ s post in metro Phoenix that he held for 24 years before being voted out in 2016 amid voter frustrations over his taxpayer-funded legal bills , his penchant for self-promotion and a defiant streak that led to his now-pardoned criminal conviction .
Arpaio lost by more than 6,200 votes in the Republican primary for Maricopa County sheriff to his former top aide , Jerry Sheridan .
In the Nov. 3 general election , Sheridan will face Democrat Paul Penzone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Arpaio said he believes some supporters who have thanked him in recent years for his service really meant they wanted him to move on from politics .
“ What they meant is it ’ s time to go fishing , ” said Arpaio , who isn ’ t an angler .
“ I still took a shot at it .
I ’ m not ashamed .
I could have won this one.
” The loss marked Arpaio ’ s second failed attempt to return to politics .
He ran an unsuccessful primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not long after President Donald Trump had pardoned his 2017 criminal contempt of court conviction for disobeying a judge ’ s order in a racial profiling case .
As metro Phoenix ’ s sheriff from 1992 through 2016 , Arpaio rose to political prominence by creating old-time chain gangs and housing inmates in tents during triple-digit heat .
But he is most well-known for launching immigration crackdowns , some of which contributed significantly to his political downfall .
While his defiant streak played well with voters for many years , Arpaio faced heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew were controversial and racking up $ 147 million in taxpayer-funded legal bills .
His agency also botched the investigations of more than 400 sex-crimes complaints made to his office .
His political fortunes started to decline significantly in 2013 when his officers were found by a federal judge to have racially profiled Latinos in Arpaio ’ s traffic patrols that targeted immigrants .
In his latest campaign , Arpaio got only a fraction of the campaign money he was famous for raising and was criticized for his conviction .
Arpaio said many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running until they saw his name on the ballot .
His platform consisted of his unwavering support for Trump and bringing back practices that the courts have either deemed illegal or his successor has ended , such as immigration crackdowns .
He also was facing a far more moderate electorate than in earlier campaigns .
In the profiling case , both Arpaio and Sheridan were found in civil contempt of court for disobeying a 2011 court order to stop the sheriff ’ s immigration patrols , leading to Arpaio ’ s criminal contempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t charged with criminal contempt .
Arpaio and Sheridan vigorously dispute the contempt findings .
Sheridan , a 38-year veteran of the sheriff ’ s office who retired after Arpaio was defeated in 2016 , said he was unaware of the highly publicized court order and didn ’ t run the unit that carried out the immigration patrols .
Sheridan said he could help turn around the tarnished law enforcement agency and insisted that he is his own man .

PHOENIX (AP) — Joe Arpaio on Friday was narrowly defeated in his bid to win back the sheriff’s post in metro Phoenix that he held for 24 years before being voted out in 2016 amid voter frustrations over his taxpayer-funded legal bills, his penchant for self-promotion and a defiant streak that led to his now-pardoned criminal conviction.
Arpaio lost by more than 6,200 votes in the Republican primary for Maricopa County sheriff to his former top aide, Jerry Sheridan.
In the Nov. 3 general election, Sheridan will face Democrat Paul Penzone, who unseated Arpaio four years ago.
Arpaio said he believes some supporters who have thanked him in recent years for his service really meant they wanted him to move on from politics.
“What they meant is it’s time to go fishing,” said Arpaio, who isn’t an angler. “I still took a shot at it. I’m not ashamed. I could have won this one.”
The loss marked Arpaio’s second failed attempt to return to politics. He ran an unsuccessful primary campaign for U.S. Senate in 2018, not long after President Donald Trump had pardoned his 2017 criminal contempt of court conviction for disobeying a judge’s order in a racial profiling case.
As metro Phoenix’s sheriff from 1992 through 2016, Arpaio rose to political prominence by creating old-time chain gangs and housing inmates in tents during triple-digit heat. But he is most well-known for launching immigration crackdowns, some of which contributed significantly to his political downfall.
While his defiant streak played well with voters for many years, Arpaio faced heavy criticism for taking on policies that he knew were controversial and racking up $147 million in taxpayer-funded legal bills. His agency also botched the investigations of more than 400 sex-crimes complaints made to his office.
His political fortunes started to decline significantly in 2013 when his officers were found by a federal judge to have racially profiled Latinos in Arpaio’s traffic patrols that targeted immigrants.
In his latest campaign, Arpaio got only a fraction of the campaign money he was famous for raising and was criticized for his conviction. Arpaio said many people didn’t know he was running until they saw his name on the ballot.
His platform consisted of his unwavering support for Trump and bringing back practices that the courts have either deemed illegal or his successor has ended, such as immigration crackdowns.
He also was facing a far more moderate electorate than in earlier campaigns.
In the profiling case, both Arpaio and Sheridan were found in civil contempt of court for disobeying a 2011 court order to stop the sheriff’s immigration patrols, leading to Arpaio’s criminal contempt conviction in 2017. Sheridan wasn’t charged with criminal contempt.
Arpaio and Sheridan vigorously dispute the contempt findings. Sheridan, a 38-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who retired after Arpaio was defeated in 2016, said he was unaware of the highly publicized court order and didn’t run the unit that carried out the immigration patrols.
Sheridan said he could help turn around the tarnished law enforcement agency and insisted that he is his own man.
Sheridan didn’t immediately return call seeking comment on his primary victory.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Joe Arpaio loses bid to win back Arizona sheriff’s post that he held for nearly quarter-century befo

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Joe Arpaio loses bid to win back Arizona sheriff ’ s post that he held @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .

PHOENIX (AP) - Joe Arpaio loses bid to win back Arizona sheriff’s post that he held for nearly quarter-century before ouster in 2016.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Donald Trump: Portland protesters are 'really sick, disturbed people'

President Trump and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler finally found something to agree on — protesters have gotten out of hand , and are now guilty of attempted murder .
Mr. Trump , at a press conference in New Jersey Friday night , renewed his offer to send in National Guard troops to quell violence in the Oregon city , and said if the governor doesn ’ t make the request , he may still deploy the troops anyway .
“ These are really sick , disturbed people , ” the president said of the rioters .
Thursday night saw yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with officers facing lasers aimed at their eyes , bottles and eggs tossed at them , and fires set around a precinct building .
That followed another attack on Wednesday , where protesters barricaded the precinct , trapping about 20 officers inside , and tried to set fires .
Mr. Wheeler held a stunning press conference Thursday where he told protesters to stay home , and said attempts to burn the precinct with people inside was attempted murder .
Mr. Trump said Friday he agrees with that description .
Mr. Wheeler ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple weeks ago , when he said it was federal officers whose presence was inciting the violence .
Federal officials had deployed additional agents and officers to the U.S. courthouse in the city ’ s downtown after it became the target of the worst violence .
Each night would see peaceful mass protests at the beginning , but hundreds would stay later and attack the courthouse , attempting to pull down the fence around it , ignite fires , batter the officers with thrown objects and fire green lasers at their eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Kate Brown , the federal presence was lessened more than a week ago .
The violence , however , has continued — with only the target shifting .
Now it ’ s Portland city buildings , and particularly the city police , that are taking the brunt of the attacks .
Mr. Trump took a victory lap over the lessened attacks on the courthouse .
“ Just like we saved the courthouse , we will save the United States of America , ” Mr. Trump said .
And he said if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the violence aimed at city buildings and police could be stemmed .
“ We would be able to solve the Portland situation immediately , ” the president said .
Mr. Wheeler , in his Thursday press conference , told protesters they were playing into Mr. Trump ’ s reelection campaign , saying the violence would become video in his campaign ads .

President Trump and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler finally found something to agree on — protesters have gotten out of hand, and are now guilty of attempted murder.
Mr. Trump, at a press conference in New Jersey Friday night, renewed his offer to send in National Guard troops to quell violence in the Oregon city, and said if the governor doesn’t make the request, he may still deploy the troops anyway.
“These are really sick, disturbed people,” the president said of the rioters.
Thursday night saw yet another attack by demonstrators on Portland police, with officers facing lasers aimed at their eyes, bottles and eggs tossed at them, and fires set around a precinct building. That followed another attack on Wednesday, where protesters barricaded the precinct, trapping about 20 officers inside, and tried to set fires.
Mr. Wheeler held a stunning press conference Thursday where he told protesters to stay home, and said attempts to burn the precinct with people inside was attempted murder.
Mr. Trump said Friday he agrees with that description.
Mr. Wheeler’s remarks were a stark turnaround from a couple weeks ago, when he said it was federal officers whose presence was inciting the violence.
Federal officials had deployed additional agents and officers to the U.S. courthouse in the city’s downtown after it became the target of the worst violence. Each night would see peaceful mass protests at the beginning, but hundreds would stay later and attack the courthouse, attempting to pull down the fence around it, ignite fires, batter the officers with thrown objects and fire green lasers at their eyes.
After a deal was struck with Gov. Kate Brown, the federal presence was lessened more than a week ago. The violence, however, has continued — with only the target shifting. Now it’s Portland city buildings, and particularly the city police, that are taking the brunt of the attacks.
Mr. Trump took a victory lap over the lessened attacks on the courthouse.
“Just like we saved the courthouse, we will save the United States of America,” Mr. Trump said.
And he said if Ms. Brown would request federal assistance, the violence aimed at city buildings and police could be stemmed.
“We would be able to solve the Portland situation immediately,” the president said.
Mr. Wheeler, in his Thursday press conference, told protesters they were playing into Mr. Trump’s reelection campaign, saying the violence would become video in his campaign ads.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Sheriff, attorney general probing San Luis election issues

YUMA , Ariz ( AP ) - The Yuma County Sheriff ’ s Office on Friday said it asked the Arizona attorney general to help in an “ election tampering ” investigation stemming from Tuesday ’ s primary election .
Sheriff ’ s Capt .
Eben Bratcher said the investigation involved the possible mishandling or tampering with mail-in ballots in San Luis .
The small city of about 45,000 residents on the border with Mexico is about 25 miles ( 40 kilometers ) southwest of Yuma .
Bratcher said the investigation was launched after the Yuma County Recorder ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible election tampering on Tuesday .
The Recorder ’ s Office processed ballots from the election and turned over evidence to the sheriff ’ s office .
The sheriff asked Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich ’ s office to assist with the probe on Friday .
Brnovich spokesman Ryan Anderson confirmed they were asked to help but referred questions to the sheriff ’ s office .
Bratcher said the investigation was “ very preliminary ” and the goal is to ensure the integrity of the election .
In addition to primary elections for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of San Luis weighed in on races for county offices and city council members .

YUMA, Ariz (AP) - The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office on Friday said it asked the Arizona attorney general to help in an “election tampering” investigation stemming from Tuesday’s primary election.
Sheriff’s Capt. Eben Bratcher said the investigation involved the possible mishandling or tampering with mail-in ballots in San Luis. The small city of about 45,000 residents on the border with Mexico is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Yuma.
Bratcher said the investigation was launched after the Yuma County Recorder’s Office received “multiple complaints” about possible election tampering on Tuesday. The Recorder’s Office processed ballots from the election and turned over evidence to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff asked Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s office to assist with the probe on Friday. Brnovich spokesman Ryan Anderson confirmed they were asked to help but referred questions to the sheriff’s office.
Bratcher said the investigation was “very preliminary” and the goal is to ensure the integrity of the election.
In addition to primary elections for the state Legislature and corporation commission, residents of San Luis weighed in on races for county offices and city council members.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Donald Trump promises 'preexisting conditions' order, but light on details

President Trump said Friday he will sign a “ major executive order ” that forces insurance companies to cover preexisting conditions but did not say how it would differ from protections that already exist under Obamacare .
“ We have to cover preexisting conditions , ” Mr. Trump said at his golf club in New Jersey .
“ That ’ s a big thing.
” Ensuring coverage for sicker Americans has become gospel for many politicians in Washington since the Affordable Care Act passed a decade ago .
President Barack Obama ’ s 2010 law ensured coverage for people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage on the individual market .
But in doing so , it raised premiums for those who earn too much to qualify for federal assistance .
Republican lawmakers who favor the protections say it ’ s possible to take care of people with underlying conditions while offering cheaper coverage for everyone else .
Yet the issue twisted GOP majorities in knots during a failed bid to repeal and replace Obamacare in 2017 .
As a result , Mr. Trump had to find ways to tweak Obamacare on his own .
Mr. Trump in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on health care — though offered few details — as he eyes a tough reelection bid in November .

President Trump said Friday he will sign a “major executive order” that forces insurance companies to cover preexisting conditions but did not say how it would differ from protections that already exist under Obamacare.
“We have to cover preexisting conditions,” Mr. Trump said at his golf club in New Jersey. “That’s a big thing.”
Ensuring coverage for sicker Americans has become gospel for many politicians in Washington since the Affordable Care Act passed a decade ago.
President Barack Obama’s 2010 law ensured coverage for people with preexisting conditions and offered subsidies for private coverage on the individual market. But in doing so, it raised premiums for those who earn too much to qualify for federal assistance.
Republican lawmakers who favor the protections say it’s possible to take care of people with underlying conditions while offering cheaper coverage for everyone else.
Yet the issue twisted GOP majorities in knots during a failed bid to repeal and replace Obamacare in 2017. As a result, Mr. Trump had to find ways to tweak Obamacare on his own.
Mr. Trump in recent days has promised an executive order on health care — though offered few details — as he eyes a tough reelection bid in November.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Cowboys for Trump resists reveal of financial contributors

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - The support group Cowboys for Trump and its founder Couy Griffin are resisting pressure to disclose financial contributors in what could be a test case of a 2019 New Mexico state law that requires greater disclosures of independent political spending .
Griffin , an Otero County commissioner , is battling state campaign finance regulators in federal court , even as his recent comments about race and politics in the run-up to the November election have been met with outrage among civil rights groups including the NAACP and an array of Democratic New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supporters are unmasked and their names are known , then New Mexico is notorious for political hits , ” Griffin said .
“ Their names would be slandered , and they would be attacked for supporting a conservative political movement in New Mexico.
” The New Mexico secretary of state ’ s office says fines are accruing as Cowboys for Trump ignores an arbitration order to register with the state as a political committee and to disclose contributions and expenditures since January 2019 .
Griffin in June filed a lawsuit in U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom of speech and association to organize and vocally support the president of the United States , Donald J. Trump.
” The lawsuit describes Cowboys for Trump as an educational initiative that doesn ’ t spend money in support or in opposition to any candidate for office .
It accuses Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver of overstepping her authority and preempting federal campaign finance regulations .
“ Plaintiff Cowboys for Trump has accepted contributions from supporters to educate the public in support of President Trump ’ s agenda , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Mexico State Ethics Commission that shares enforcement authority of the state campaign reporting act declined to wade into the matter , voting unanimously against filing its own civil suit .
A proposal to further investigate by subpoena was defeated on a 4-2 vote of the commission .
The secretary of state ’ s office said through agency spokesman Alex Curtas that it is weighing legal options .
Cowboys for Trump members including Griffin have visited state capitals , Washington D.C. , and Mount Rushmore on horseback as they show support for Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights agenda .
Griffin has been criticized for a Facebook live video last month in which he says some Black NFL players should “ go back to Africa ” if they wanted to stand at games for “ Lift Ev ’ ry Voice and Sing ” - traditionally known as the Black national anthem - as a gesture of solidarity against racial injustice .
Griffin later said the reelection campaign for Trump would distance itself from Cowboys for Trump in response to the video .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The support group Cowboys for Trump and its founder Couy Griffin are resisting pressure to disclose financial contributors in what could be a test case of a 2019 New Mexico state law that requires greater disclosures of independent political spending.
Griffin, an Otero County commissioner, is battling state campaign finance regulators in federal court, even as his recent comments about race and politics in the run-up to the November election have been met with outrage among civil rights groups including the NAACP and an array of Democratic New Mexico politicians.
“If our donors and supporters are unmasked and their names are known, then New Mexico is notorious for political hits,” Griffin said. “Their names would be slandered, and they would be attacked for supporting a conservative political movement in New Mexico.”
The New Mexico secretary of state’s office says fines are accruing as Cowboys for Trump ignores an arbitration order to register with the state as a political committee and to disclose contributions and expenditures since January 2019.
Griffin in June filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court “to vindicate right of freedom of speech and association to organize and vocally support the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump.”
The lawsuit describes Cowboys for Trump as an educational initiative that doesn’t spend money in support or in opposition to any candidate for office. It accuses Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver of overstepping her authority and preempting federal campaign finance regulations.
“Plaintiff Cowboys for Trump has accepted contributions from supporters to educate the public in support of President Trump’s agenda,” the lawsuit says.
On Friday, the New Mexico State Ethics Commission that shares enforcement authority of the state campaign reporting act declined to wade into the matter, voting unanimously against filing its own civil suit. A proposal to further investigate by subpoena was defeated on a 4-2 vote of the commission.
The secretary of state’s office said through agency spokesman Alex Curtas that it is weighing legal options.
Cowboys for Trump members including Griffin have visited state capitals, Washington D.C., and Mount Rushmore on horseback as they show support for Trump and advocate for an anti-abortion and pro-gun rights agenda.
Griffin has been criticized for a Facebook live video last month in which he says some Black NFL players should “go back to Africa” if they wanted to stand at games for “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” - traditionally known as the Black national anthem - as a gesture of solidarity against racial injustice.
Griffin later said the reelection campaign for Trump would distance itself from Cowboys for Trump in response to the video.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Judge bans indoor services at defiant California church

VENTURA , Calif. ( AP ) - A California church that for weeks has held indoor worship in defiance of anti-coronavirus health orders must close its doors , a judge ruled Friday .
A temporary restraining order was issued that bars Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park from indoor worship services anywhere in the county .
“ The court finds that there is an immediate threat to public health and safety due to the 2019 novel coronavirus , ” Ventura County Superior Court Judge Matthew Guasco wrote .
The order will be in place until another hearing is held on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles and its health officer sued the church after Pastor Rob McCoy repeatedly defied health orders designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 .
Services for as many as 200 worshipers offered “ singing , hugging , no masks , ” in McCoy ’ s words .
The suit was filed last week , a day after the county Board of Supervisors authorized court actions to enforce the health orders .
The suit said permitting the church to keep holding indoor services could harm the public , “ including hospitalizations and deaths.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 10 of the most immediate irreparable harm possible , this is a 10 , ” Guasco said at the hearing .
“ It doesn ’ t get much more immediate or irreparable than the threat that a lot of people are going to spread a contagious and deadly disease.
” A message left at the church seeking comment from McCoy wasn ’ t immediately returned .
But McCoy has argued that the risk of spreading COVID-19 from its services is small and there hasn ’ t been a confirmed case among parishioners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that the health orders are overreach that are trumped by the Constitutional right to freedom of expression and worship .
A law firm representing the church argued that the risk of death from COVID-19 in the county is minimal .
“ We believe that COVID-19 can be fought with far less restrictive measures than banning all healthy persons from church and our expert witnesses will prove that , ” said a statement Friday from Tyler & Bursch , which is defending the church through a non-profit organization , Advocates for Faith & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a handful of churches in the state that have wound up in court over state or local health orders restricting services .
Judges have consistently ruled against the churches on grounds of public safety .
Earlier this year , the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state COVID-19 restrictions on religious gatherings in a suit filed by South Bay United Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista .
The Ventura County judge cited that case at the hearing .
“ The Constitution is not a suicide pact , ” Guasco said .
“ The exercise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health.
” On Friday , Ventura County reported 111 newly confirmed virus cases , including some dating back to tests done on July 31 .
There have now been more than 8,000 COVID-19 cases and 89 deaths in the county , which has a population of about 850,000 people .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and death .

VENTURA, Calif. (AP) - The pastor of a California church has vowed to continue holding indoor worship in defiance of coronavirus health orders after a judge issued a temporary restraining order barring the church from doing so.
“I wish it didn’t have to come to this, I really do, but we will be violating the judge’s order. We will be open this Sunday,” Rob McCoy said Friday, hours after the judge prohibited Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park from holding indoor worship services.
Ventura County Superior Court Judge Matthew Guasco cited “an immediate threat to public health and safety due to the 2019 novel coronavirus” in issuing the temporary restraining order.
The order will be in place until another hearing is held on Aug. 21.
The county north of Los Angeles and its health officer sued the church after McCoy repeatedly defied health orders designed to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Services for as many as 200 worshipers offered “singing, hugging, no masks,” in McCoy’s words.
The suit was filed last week, a day after the county Board of Supervisors authorized court actions to enforce the health orders.
The suit said permitting the church to keep holding indoor services could harm the public, “including hospitalizations and deaths.”
“On a scale of one to 10 of the most immediate irreparable harm possible, this is a 10,” Guasco said at the hearing. “It doesn’t get much more immediate or irreparable than the threat that a lot of people are going to spread a contagious and deadly disease.”
But McCoy has argued that the risk of spreading COVID-19 from its services is small and there hasn’t been a confirmed case among parishioners.
Lawyers for the church also have argued that the health orders are overreach that are trumped by the constitutional right to freedom of expression and worship.
A law firm representing the church argued that the risk of death from COVID-19 in the county is minimal.
“We believe that COVID-19 can be fought with far less restrictive measures than banning all healthy persons from church and our expert witnesses will prove that,” said a statement Friday from Tyler & Bursch, which is defending the church through a non-profit organization, Advocates for Faith & Freedom.
Godspeak Calvary Chapel is one of a handful of churches in the state that have wound up in court over state or local health orders restricting services. Judges have consistently ruled against the churches on grounds of public safety.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state COVID-19 restrictions on religious gatherings in a suit filed by South Bay United Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista.
The Ventura County judge cited that case at the hearing.
“The Constitution is not a suicide pact,” Guasco said. “The exercise of individual liberties has to be consistent with public health.”
On Friday, Ventura County reported 111 newly confirmed virus cases, including some dating back to tests done on July 31. There have now been more than 8,000 confirmed cases and 89 deaths in the county, which has a population of about 850,000 people.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
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--2020-08-07--MTV VMAS scraps indoor performances, moves to outdoor sets

NEW YORK ( AP ) - MTV says it is ditching plans for indoor performances for its upcoming Video Music Awards , opting for outdoor shows spread throughout New York City instead .
Organizers had planned for some performances inside Brooklyn ’ s Barclays Center for the Aug. 30 show , but say they will follow the guidance of state and local officials to move them outside .
The shift announced Friday is in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
New York City was one of the first U.S. cities hit hard by the virus , but cases have leveled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s announcement in June that the VMAs would be held at Barclays surprised many and was a signal of the city ’ s turnaround in its fight against the virus .
A statement by MTV and the Barclays Center promised the show would “ pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the City with limited or no audience.
” The show plans to return to Barclays for its 2021 edition .
The ceremony bestows new awards focused on live performances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande are the leading nominees with nine apiece .
BTS , Doja Cat and J Balvin are among the performances announced so far by MTV .

NEW YORK (AP) - MTV says it is ditching plans for indoor performances for its upcoming Video Music Awards, opting for outdoor shows spread throughout New York City instead.
Organizers had planned for some performances inside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for the Aug. 30 show, but say they will follow the guidance of state and local officials to move them outside.
The shift announced Friday is in response to the coronavirus pandemic. New York City was one of the first U.S. cities hit hard by the virus, but cases have leveled off and some restrictions are being loosened.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement in June that the VMAs would be held at Barclays surprised many and was a signal of the city’s turnaround in its fight against the virus.
A statement by MTV and the Barclays Center promised the show would “pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the City with limited or no audience.”
The show plans to return to Barclays for its 2021 edition.
The ceremony bestows new awards focused on live performances and music videos created at home during the pandemic. Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande are the leading nominees with nine apiece.
BTS, Doja Cat and J Balvin are among the performances announced so far by MTV.


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--Washington releases RB Guice after domestic violence arrest

The Washington Football Team released running back Derrius Guice on Friday after he was charged in multiple domestic violence incidents .
The Loudoun County Sheriff ’ s Department told The Associated Press that Guice was arrested on one count of strangulation , three counts of assault and battery and one count of destruction of property .
Strangulation is a Class 6 felony in Virginia .
The team said in a statement it learned of a potential domestic violence situation Thursday , immediately notified the NFL and met with Guice to excuse him from football activities pending a review .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reviewing the case and discussing the matter , Washington said it decided to release Guice .
The Loudoun County Sheriff ’ s Department said the incidents were reported to the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland where the victim lives .
Loudoun officials then learned July 22 that they happened in their jurisdiction in February , March and April .
Guice , 23 , turned himself in and was released on $ 10,000 bond , according to the Sheriff ’ s Department .
Washington selected Guice in the second round of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisiana native tore the ACL in his left knee in the preseason and didn ’ t make his pro debut until 2019 .
Guice played in just five games last season after injuring his his right knee and then his left knee again .
He was expected to be a part of Washington ’ s backfield and was signed through the 2021 season as part of his rookie contract .

The Washington Football Team released running back Derrius Guice on Friday after he was charged in multiple domestic violence incidents.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department told The Associated Press that Guice was arrested on one count of strangulation, three counts of assault and battery and one count of destruction of property. Strangulation is a Class 6 felony in Virginia.
The team said in a statement it learned of a potential domestic violence situation Thursday, immediately notified the NFL and met with Guice to excuse him from football activities pending a review. After learning of the multiple charges against him, reviewing the case and discussing the matter, Washington said it decided to release Guice.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department said the incidents were reported to the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland where the victim lives. Loudoun officials then learned July 22 that they happened in their jurisdiction in February, March and April.
Guice, 23, turned himself in and was released on $10,000 bond, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Washington selected Guice in the second round of the 2018 draft out of LSU. The Louisiana native tore the ACL in his left knee in the preseason and didn’t make his pro debut until 2019.
Guice played in just five games last season after injuring his his right knee and then his left knee again. He was expected to be a part of Washington’s backfield and was signed through the 2021 season as part of his rookie contract.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


washingtontimes--2020-08-07--New Mexico insurance authority warns schools on virus rules

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - The New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority board unanimously voted Thursday to send a letter warning schools and districts about the dangers of not complying with coronavirus guidelines .
The letter to member districts and charter schools warns that if they do not comply with state health restrictions , they may jeopardize their chances of receiving coverage for coronavirus-related work claims , The Santa Fe New Mexican reported .
Executive Director Richard Valerio said districts that violate mask-wearing mandates , bring students back to school too soon or prematurely order employees back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of losing their coverage .
The authority provides insurance for all school districts in the state except for Albuquerque .
The board also approved the creation of a task force to better understand the challenges of returning to school during a pandemic .
Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham announced in July that schools would not reopen in person until at least Sept. 7 .
Students will begin online classes on Aug. 20 .
The insurance authority is still trying to determine how to implement coverage for schools during a pandemic .
One idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 million for liability insurance if an outbreak occurs at a school .
The organization ’ s letter is evidence of a broader dilemma education insurers are facing , said Marty Esquivel , general counsel for the authority .
Esquivel said he is concerned that there “ may be a situation where some districts choose to circumvent the order intentionally or unintentionally and the question becomes , what happens in that case ?
” The authority is also still trying to determine how to proceed with worker compensation claims .
Valerio said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers compensation claims as a result of the coronavirus .
“ They were denied because we could not determine the employee caught the COVID virus from the workplace , ” he said .
“ I think it ’ s gon na be really hard to pinpoint or determine that , though contract tracing may come into play there.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority board unanimously voted Thursday to send a letter warning schools and districts about the dangers of not complying with coronavirus guidelines.
The letter to member districts and charter schools warns that if they do not comply with state health restrictions, they may jeopardize their chances of receiving coverage for coronavirus-related work claims, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported.
Executive Director Richard Valerio said districts that violate mask-wearing mandates, bring students back to school too soon or prematurely order employees back to in-person work can be at risk of losing their coverage.
The authority provides insurance for all school districts in the state except for Albuquerque.
The board also approved the creation of a task force to better understand the challenges of returning to school during a pandemic.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced in July that schools would not reopen in person until at least Sept. 7. Students will begin online classes on Aug. 20.
The insurance authority is still trying to determine how to implement coverage for schools during a pandemic. One idea that is being considered is setting aside $1 million for liability insurance if an outbreak occurs at a school.
The organization’s letter is evidence of a broader dilemma education insurers are facing, said Marty Esquivel, general counsel for the authority.
Esquivel said he is concerned that there “may be a situation where some districts choose to circumvent the order intentionally or unintentionally and the question becomes, what happens in that case?”
The authority is also still trying to determine how to proceed with worker compensation claims.
Valerio said Thursday the authority already has received several workers compensation claims as a result of the coronavirus.
“They were denied because we could not determine the employee caught the COVID virus from the workplace,” he said. “I think it’s gonna be really hard to pinpoint or determine that, though contract tracing may come into play there.”
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.