washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Special session possible to renew industrial incentives

MONTGOMERY , Ala. ( AP ) - Two of Alabama ’ s major industrial incentive acts that the state used to lure businesses will expire later this year without legislative action , raising the possibility that lawmakers could be called back to Montgomery for a special session .
The Alabama Jobs Act , which provides tax credits and rebates to new industries , will expire on Dec. 31 and the Growing Alabama Act , which provides tax credits for donations to economic development organizations , will expire Sept. 31 unless they are renewed by lawmakers .
Lawmakers were originally slated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session , but it was cut short because of COVID-19 concerns .
Calling a special session would require lawmakers to return during the pandemic .
No action would leave the incentives - two of the major tools the state uses to recruit industries to the state - lapsed until at least February when lawmakers return to the Alabama Statehouse for the 2021 regular legislative session .
“ This would impact future projects and our ability to negotiate future job creating projects as we move forward in time , ” said Commerce Secretary Greg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chief industrial recruiter .
Canfield said it would not impact projects that have already been announced and for which incentive agreements have been signed .
The decision on whether to call lawmakers back to Montgomery falls solely to Gov .
Kay Ivey .
A spokeswoman said the governor has not made a decision either way .
“ We have been aware of those concerns , as well as others .
The governor continues to have discussions with legislative leadership , but no decisions have been made at this time .
All options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Gina Maiola said .
The chairman of a House budget committee said it was a possibility that lawmakers will be called back .
“ I think it ’ s a possibility before the end of the year , ” Rep. Steve Clouse , the Ozark Republican who chairs the House General Fund committee , said .
“ I think we could get in and get out , ” he said .
However he noted that there are still “ concerns in the House about being able to operate under COVID-19.
” It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread out in the chamber .
Clouse said while the acts would only lapse for a number of weeks , it would leave the state without one of the “ tools in the toolkit ” during that time while competing with other states for projects .
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said he could see the possibility of a special session in December , “ but not before.
” “ I think a lot of people would like to see one .
I know the Commerce Department would .
But only the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Cam Ward , a Republican from Alabaster .

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Two of Alabama’s major industrial incentive acts that the state used to lure businesses will expire later this year without legislative action, raising the possibility that lawmakers could be called back to Montgomery for a special session.
The Alabama Jobs Act, which provides tax credits and rebates to new industries, will expire on Dec. 31 and the Growing Alabama Act, which provides tax credits for donations to economic development organizations, will expire Sept. 31 unless they are renewed by lawmakers.
Lawmakers were originally slated to consider them in the last legislative session, but it was cut short because of COVID-19 concerns. Calling a special session would require lawmakers to return during the pandemic. No action would leave the incentives - two of the major tools the state uses to recruit industries to the state - lapsed until at least February when lawmakers return to the Alabama Statehouse for the 2021 regular legislative session.
“This would impact future projects and our ability to negotiate future job creating projects as we move forward in time,” said Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, who is the state’s chief industrial recruiter.
Canfield said it would not impact projects that have already been announced and for which incentive agreements have been signed.
The decision on whether to call lawmakers back to Montgomery falls solely to Gov. Kay Ivey. A spokeswoman said the governor has not made a decision either way.
“We have been aware of those concerns, as well as others. The governor continues to have discussions with legislative leadership, but no decisions have been made at this time. All options are on the table,” Ivey spokeswoman Gina Maiola said.
The chairman of a House budget committee said it was a possibility that lawmakers will be called back.
“I think it’s a possibility before the end of the year,” Rep. Steve Clouse, the Ozark Republican who chairs the House General Fund committee, said.
“I think we could get in and get out,” he said. However he noted that there are still “concerns in the House about being able to operate under COVID-19.” It is difficult for the 105-member House to spread out in the chamber.
Clouse said while the acts would only lapse for a number of weeks, it would leave the state without one of the “tools in the toolkit” during that time while competing with other states for projects.
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said he could see the possibility of a special session in December, “but not before.”
“I think a lot of people would like to see one. I know the Commerce Department would. But only the governor can make the decision,” said Sen. Cam Ward, a Republican from Alabaster.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Concrete wall goes up around Seattle police precinct

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Seattle city workers have built a wall of concrete blocks around the police department ’ s East Precinct following a suspected arson fire at the building earlier this week while officers were inside the building .
The barrier wraps around the precinct in the Capitol Hill neighborhood , The Seattle Times reported .
That ’ s where amid confrontations this spring , police temporarily abandoned the precinct , while demonstrators set up the Capitol Hill Organized Protest or “ CHOP ” zone before the city cleared it in early July .
A city statement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stationed in the precinct and respond to emergency calls .
The federal government this week charged a 19-year-old Alaska man , Desmond David-Pitts , with arson .
He ’ s accused of setting trash bags on fire Monday night in the sally-port , where police cars exit a secure steel door .
David-Pitts participated in protests against police brutality in Alaska this year after his 16-year-old brother was killed by Anchorage police , according to local news reports .
Mike Solan , president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild , called Monday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism.
” City departments will take other steps to protect the East Precinct so it ’ s more like the newer West Precinct , Mayor Jenny Durkan ’ s staff said in a statement Friday .
The city will equip it with additional fire extinguishers and secure exposed windows , staff said .
Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated in Seattle streets , as in many U.S. cities , to protest the killing of Black people by law enforcement after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted at police .
Police on Capitol Hill on several occasions sprayed tear gas and shot stun grenades toward protest crowds , in one case apparently causing a young woman to go into cardiac arrest .
The triple-stacked wall erected Friday is in addition to a shorter barrier , and a chain-link fence , previously set next to the police station .

SEATTLE (AP) - Seattle city workers have built a wall of concrete blocks around the police department’s East Precinct following a suspected arson fire at the building earlier this week while officers were inside the building.
The barrier wraps around the precinct in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, The Seattle Times reported.
That’s where amid confrontations this spring, police temporarily abandoned the precinct, while demonstrators set up the Capitol Hill Organized Protest or “CHOP” zone before the city cleared it in early July.
A city statement said Friday that officers will continue to be stationed in the precinct and respond to emergency calls.
The federal government this week charged a 19-year-old Alaska man, Desmond David-Pitts, with arson. He’s accused of setting trash bags on fire Monday night in the sally-port, where police cars exit a secure steel door.
David-Pitts participated in protests against police brutality in Alaska this year after his 16-year-old brother was killed by Anchorage police, according to local news reports.
Mike Solan, president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, called Monday’s fire an “act of domestic terrorism.”
City departments will take other steps to protect the East Precinct so it’s more like the newer West Precinct, Mayor Jenny Durkan’s staff said in a statement Friday. The city will equip it with additional fire extinguishers and secure exposed windows, staff said.
Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated in Seattle streets, as in many U.S. cities, to protest the killing of Black people by law enforcement after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.
Some protesters have damaged buildings and fireworks targeted at police. Police on Capitol Hill on several occasions sprayed tear gas and shot stun grenades toward protest crowds, in one case apparently causing a young woman to go into cardiac arrest.
The triple-stacked wall erected Friday is in addition to a shorter barrier, and a chain-link fence, previously set next to the police station.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--UN expresses concern over 'dramatic turn' in Libya crisis

CAIRO ( AP ) - The United Nations on Saturday voiced alarm over what it called “ a dramatic turn of events ” in Libya ’ s civil war , after a power struggle between leaders of the Tripoli-based government surfaced in the wake of anti-corruption protests .
“ Libya is witnessing a dramatic turn of events that underlines the urgent need to return to a full and inclusive political process , ” the U.N. support mission in Libya said .
Protests over deteriorating economic conditions erupted earlier this week in the capital and elsewhere in western Libya , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.N.-supported government .
In Tripoli , local militia allied with the government opened fire on the demonstrators using rifles and truck-mounted guns , and abducted some of the protesters .
Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj and his interior minister , Fathi Bashaga , initially accused “ outlawed infiltrators ” over the violence .
The prime minister also said the protesters “ did not obtain necessary permits ” for their rally and described their demonstrations as “ riots.
” However on Friday , Sarraj suspended Bashaga and referred him to an administrative investigation after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking the peaceful protesters in Tripoli this week .
Bashaga , who was excluded from two high-profile military and security meetings in the capital over the past few days , quickly responded .
He said in a statement he accepted the premier ’ s decision but demanded a public and live questioning “ to expose the facts ” of the incident .
Following the suspension of the interior minister , militias in Tripoli celebrated the decision by firing into the air , while others in Bashaga ’ s hometown of Misrata took to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister .
The U.N. mission in Libya , known as UNSMIL , said it was still concerned about “ the excessive use of force against demonstrators as well as the arbitrary arrest of a number of civilians.
” It did not say how many people were detained .
Retweeting the UNSMIL ’ s statement , the U.S. embassy in Libya urged Sarraj and Bashaga toward “ cooperation ” in the interests “ the Libyan people.
” Over the past two days , militias sealed off main streets and roads to prevent the demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the epicenter of the protests , according to two residents who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear reprisals .
A group of women however protested in the city center before being dispersed .
Two women were wounded and four others were arrested , according to the protest movement , known as “ Hirak Aug. 23.
” The movement called for civil disobedience until achieving their demands that include handing over power to the Supreme Judicial Council to work towards presidential and parliamentary elections .
Protests also spread to the southern town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quba , both under the control of rival east-based Libyan forces led by Khalifa Hifter .
The U.N. also said it is concerned about “ on-going human rights violations and abuses ” in the coastal city of Sirte , which is controlled by Hifter ’ s forces since January .
It said at least one civilian was killed and several others were arrested .
“ The prolific use of hate speech and incitement to violence appears designed to further divide Libyans , increase polarization and tear at the country ’ s social fabric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oil-rich Libya was plunged into chaos when a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi , who was later killed .
The country is now split between rival east- and west-based administrations , each backed by different armed groups and foreign governments .

CAIRO (AP) - The United Nations on Saturday voiced alarm over what it called “a dramatic turn of events” in Libya’s civil war, after a power struggle between leaders of the Tripoli-based government surfaced in the wake of anti-corruption protests.
Protests over deteriorating economic conditions erupted earlier this week in the capital and elsewhere in western Libya, which is controlled by forces loyal to the U.N.-supported government. In Tripoli, local militia allied with the government opened fire on demonstrators with rifles and truck-mounted guns and abducted some of the protesters.
“Libya is witnessing a dramatic turn of events that underlines the urgent need to return to a full and inclusive political process,” the U.N. support mission in Libya said.
Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj and his interior minister, Fathi Bashaga, initially accused “outlawed infiltrators” of instigating the violence. The prime minister also said protesters “did not obtain necessary permits” for their rally and described their demonstrations as “riots.”
However on Friday, Sarraj suspended Bashaga and initiated an administrative investigation after Bashaga accused a government-allied militia of attacking the peaceful protesters in Tripoli this week.
Bashaga, who was excluded from two high-profile military and security meetings in the capital over the past few days, quickly responded. He said in a statement he accepted the premier’s decision but demanded a public and live questioning “to expose the facts” to the Libyan people. He did not elaborate.
Following the suspension of the interior minister, militias in Tripoli celebrated the decision by firing weapons into the air, while others in Bashaga’s hometown of Misrata took to the streets to show support for the minister.
The dispute between Sarraj and Bashaga threatens to deepen a rift within the U.N.-supported government less than three months after Tripoli-allied forces, with Turkish support, ended a 14-month siege by rival forces of military commander Khalifa Hifter.
Hifter’s forces launched an offensive in April 2019 trying to capture Tripoli. But his campaign collapsed in June when the Tripoli-allied militias, with heavy Turkish support, gained the upper hand, driving his forces from the outskirts of the city and other western towns.
The U.N. mission in Libya, known as UNSMIL, said it was still concerned about “the excessive use of force against demonstrators as well as the arbitrary arrest of a number of civilians.” It did not say how many people were detained.
Retweeting the UNSMIL’s statement, the U.S. Embassy in Libya urged Sarraj and Bashaga toward “cooperation” in the interests “the Libyan people.”
Over the past two days, militias sealed off main streets and roads to prevent the demonstrators from reaching Tripoli’s Martyrs Square, the epicenter of the protests, according to two residents who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear reprisals.
A group of women however protested in the city center before being dispersed. Two women were wounded and four others were arrested, according to the protest movement, known as “Hirak Aug. 23.”
The movement called for civil disobedience until achieving their demands that include handing over power to the Supreme Judicial Council to work towards presidential and parliamentary elections.
The Libyan Crimes Watch, a local rights group monitoring the conflict, said Saturday a protester died of his wounds after he was shot Friday when a militia dispersed the protesters in the city center.
Protests also spread to the southern town of Sabah and the eastern town of Quba, both under the control of rival east-based Libyan forces led by Khalifa Hifter.
The U.N. also said it is concerned about “on-going human rights violations and abuses” in the coastal city of Sirte, which is controlled by Hifter’s forces since January. It said at least one civilian was killed and several others were arrested.
Oil-rich Libya was plunged into chaos when a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. The country is now split between rival east- and west-based administrations, each backed by different armed groups and foreign governments.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Amid virus lockdowns, prison ministry groups had to adapt

Normally Teresa Stanfield spends her days in prisons talking with inmates about how she changed the course of her troubled life , and how they can do the same .
But the coronavirus has locked her on the outside .
“ When COVID came and shut down programming , I was extremely disappointed , ” said Stanfield , Oklahoma field director with Virginia-based Prison Fellowship .
“ But I also knew that God had a plan and we were going to do everything we could to continue to encourage our returning citizens and keep our volunteers connected.
” For Stanfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March after correctional facilities closed to visitors , it ’ s a collection of spiritual and inspirational programming that ’ s delivered online and via closed-circuit television to prisons across the country , reaching a total of over 400,000 inmates - 1,000 times more than Stanfield ’ s largest in-person presentations .
It ’ s one of the most ambitious and successful examples of how faith-based organizations have adapted and innovated during the pandemic to keep up their prison ministries and services .
Some , like Prison Fellowship , are producing content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are recording religious services and prayers for specific correction systems to distribute through prison television systems .
Some are turning to direct mail to inmates in the form of letters of spiritual encouragement , study lessons , Bibles and religious magazines , or sending supplies to prison officials and chaplains of various faiths and denominations to distribute .
Jehovah ’ s Witnesses , for example , “ looked for every way possible ” to continue outreach to incarcerated populations with their message of hope at the 3,315 correctional facilities where the faith ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hendriks said .
That has ranged from online content via CCTV to personal messages via the Postal Service .
“ It was not an option for us to stop our ministry , ” Hendriks said .
Prisons , by design restrictive and with little personal space , have been fertile grounds for the spread of the coronavirus .
According to data compiled by The Associated Press and The Marshall Project , more than 108,000 inmates had tested positive for the virus as of Aug. 25 , and there have been 928 reported deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses , correctional officers , chaplains and administrators tested positive as well , and 72 deaths have been publicly reported .
Overall , the rate of known infections among inmates is nearly three times that of the general U.S. population .
Jim Bright , a longtime prison volunteer with Jehovah ’ s Witnesses in Marion , Ohio , knows that firsthand - at one of the lockups he visits , more than 80 % of the inmates tested came up positive , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the first weekend in 47 years I won ’ t be doing something at one of the prisons , ” Bright said .
“ It ’ s a big part of my life as far as getting to know those guys and helping them take care of their needs.
” Now unable to visit , Bright has been sending religious literature to inmates through a prison chaplain and writing personal letters offering “ scriptural encouragement.
” One inmate wrote back to say he and a couple others were planning to teach and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The last time Matthew Perry , with Jewish Prison Services International , was inside the six Washington state facilities he usually visits was in early March , for the Purim holiday .
He was at his second lockup of the day when authorities abruptly ushered all the volunteers out .
“ All the religious groups were , ‘ What do we do next ?
’ ” Perry said .
“ No one knew anything at that point.
” Perry ’ s group is capable of producing video content , but the prisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for inmates to view it individually or allow them to congregate in groups for safety reasons .
So like Bright , he has turned to old-fashioned mail , sending religious materials directly to Jewish inmates .
“ It ’ s been a lot of adjusting , ” Perry said .
Dawud Walid , executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations , said his group has been shooting video of sermons and prayer services at mosques for distribution in state prisons .
In fact the new , system-wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessible to Muslim inmates , as many of Michigan ’ s facilities are in areas lacking locally based imams to make in-person visits .
“ There ’ s actually inmates who are getting religious sermons every Friday that they normally would not get , ” Walid said .
One of most expansive outreach operations is run by Prison Fellowship , founded by the late Charles Colson , a top aide to Richard Nixon who served time for his role in the Watergate scandal .
Staff and volunteers operate programs in hundreds of lockups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and building community support networks to help .
President and CEO James Ackerman said that after the Fellowship ’ s volunteers were locked out , the California Department of Corrections called to say it had a CCTV network to distribute whatever his group could produce , and was “ desperate for inspirational , faith-centric content.
” Thus Floodlight was born .
Partner organizations provided video streams and other viewing materials , while Prison Fellowship called on employees to share their own stories of inspiration and redemption .
It launched April 14 in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day .
There ’ s also religious programming produced by the state Corrections Department featuring chaplains from various denominations , as well as from outside religious groups .
Floodlight has since expanded to prisons in 43 states and will continue permanently even after lockups reopen to visitors .
Prison Fellowship ’ s in-house production team met up with Stanfield in Oklahoma City to put together her video presentation .
In it , the mother of two candidly tells how she spent 20 years in and out of prison due to drug addiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her a second chance .
Her story can have great impact coming from someone “ who ’ s actually been in that life , ” she said .
“ If God can use me so somebody else doesn ’ t go out and die from addiction , ” Stanfield said , “ that ’ s a calling.
” Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .

Normally Teresa Stanfield spends her days in prisons talking with inmates about how she changed the course of her troubled life, and how they can do the same. But the coronavirus has locked her on the outside.
“When COVID came and shut down programming, I was extremely disappointed,” said Stanfield, Oklahoma field director with Virginia-based Prison Fellowship. “But I also knew that God had a plan and we were going to do everything we could to continue to encourage our returning citizens and keep our volunteers connected.”
For Stanfield, the answer was Floodlight. Developed in March after correctional facilities closed to visitors, it’s a collection of spiritual and inspirational programming that’s delivered online and via closed-circuit television to prisons across the country, reaching a total of over 400,000 inmates - 1,000 times more than Stanfield’s largest in-person presentations.
It’s one of the most ambitious and successful examples of how faith-based organizations have adapted and innovated during the pandemic to keep up their prison ministries and services.
Some, like Prison Fellowship, are producing content for wide distribution behind bars. Others are recording religious services and prayers for specific correction systems to distribute through prison television systems. Some are turning to direct mail to inmates in the form of letters of spiritual encouragement, study lessons, Bibles and religious magazines, or sending supplies to prison officials and chaplains of various faiths and denominations to distribute.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, “looked for every way possible” to continue outreach to incarcerated populations with their message of hope at the 3,315 correctional facilities where the faith’s volunteers are active, spokesman Robert Hendriks said. That has ranged from online content via CCTV to personal messages via the Postal Service.
“It was not an option for us to stop our ministry,” Hendriks said.
Prisons, by design restrictive and with little personal space, have been fertile grounds for the spread of the coronavirus.
According to data compiled by The Associated Press and The Marshall Project, more than 108,000 inmates had tested positive for the virus as of Aug. 25, and there have been 928 reported deaths. More than 24,000 staff members including nurses, correctional officers, chaplains and administrators tested positive as well, and 72 deaths have been publicly reported.
Overall, the rate of known infections among inmates is nearly three times that of the general U.S. population.
Jim Bright, a longtime prison volunteer with Jehovah’s Witnesses in Marion, Ohio, knows that firsthand - at one of the lockups he visits, more than 80% of the inmates tested came up positive, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“I thought, Wow, this will be the first weekend in 47 years I won’t be doing something at one of the prisons,” Bright said. “It’s a big part of my life as far as getting to know those guys and helping them take care of their needs.”
Now unable to visit, Bright has been sending religious literature to inmates through a prison chaplain and writing personal letters offering “scriptural encouragement.” One inmate wrote back to say he and a couple others were planning to teach and preach to fellow prisoners, he said.
The last time Matthew Perry, with Jewish Prison Services International, was inside the six Washington state facilities he usually visits was in early March, for the Purim holiday. He was at his second lockup of the day when authorities abruptly ushered all the volunteers out.
“All the religious groups were, ‘What do we do next?’” Perry said. “No one knew anything at that point.”
Perry’s group is capable of producing video content, but the prisons where it operates aren’t set up for inmates to view it individually or allow them to congregate in groups for safety reasons. So like Bright, he has turned to old-fashioned mail, sending religious materials directly to Jewish inmates.
“It’s been a lot of adjusting,” Perry said.
Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said his group has been shooting video of sermons and prayer services at mosques for distribution in state prisons. In fact the new, system-wide distribution is making its ministry far more accessible to Muslim inmates, as many of Michigan’s facilities are in areas lacking locally based imams to make in-person visits.
“There’s actually inmates who are getting religious sermons every Friday that they normally would not get,” Walid said.
One of most expansive outreach operations is run by Prison Fellowship, founded by the late Charles Colson, a top aide to Richard Nixon who served time for his role in the Watergate scandal. Staff and volunteers operate programs in hundreds of lockups, including preparing prisoners to re-enter society and building community support networks to help.
President and CEO James Ackerman said that after the Fellowship’s volunteers were locked out, the California Department of Corrections called to say it had a CCTV network to distribute whatever his group could produce, and was “desperate for inspirational, faith-centric content.”
Thus Floodlight was born. Partner organizations provided video streams and other viewing materials, while Prison Fellowship called on employees to share their own stories of inspiration and redemption.
It launched April 14 in California prisons with new content shown three times a day. There’s also religious programming produced by the state Corrections Department featuring chaplains from various denominations, as well as from outside religious groups.
Floodlight has since expanded to prisons in 43 states and will continue permanently even after lockups reopen to visitors.
Prison Fellowship’s in-house production team met up with Stanfield in Oklahoma City to put together her video presentation. In it, the mother of two candidly tells how she spent 20 years in and out of prison due to drug addiction, she said, before God gave her a second chance.
Her story can have great impact coming from someone “who’s actually been in that life,” she said.
“If God can use me so somebody else doesn’t go out and die from addiction,” Stanfield said, “that’s a calling.”
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--France's horses killed in mysterious ritual-like mutilations

PARIS ( AP ) - Armed with knives , some knowledge of their prey and a large dose of cruelty , attackers are going after horses and ponies in pastures across France in what may be ritual mutilations .
Police are stymied by the macabre attacks that include slashings and worse .
Most often , an ear - usually the right one - has been cut off , recalling the matador ’ s trophy in a bullring .
Up to 30 attacks have been reported in France , from the mountainous Jura region in the east to the Atlantic coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said Friday .
One attack was registered in February , according to the newsmagazine Le Point .
With each attack , the mystery only seems to grow .
“ We are excluding nothing , ” Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said Friday on France-Info , before heading to a riding club in the Saone-et-Loire region , in east central France , where a horse was attacked a day earlier .
“ Ears are cut off , eyes removed , an animal is emptied of its blood … , ” he said , spelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France ’ s most beloved animals .
“ All means are in motion to end this terror , ” the minister tweeted .
After the first solid sighting of an attacker , gendarmes in Auxerre , in Burgundy , released a composite sketch this week based on a description by a man who wrangled with two attackers at his animal refuge in a village in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comte region .
“ I used to have confidence putting my horses out to pasture .
Today , I have fear in my gut , ” Nicolas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ranch of Hope , ” said Thursday on regional TV station France 3 .
Alerted by his squealing pigs , Damajean faced down two attackers last Monday .
He himself was injured in the arm in a struggle with one intruder wielding a pruning knife as the other slashed the sides of two ponies , now recovering but “ traumatized , ” he said .
The men fled in a vehicle .
The following day , an attacker or attackers bled a young pony in the Saone-et-Loire .
In another case , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed .
A donkey who reportedly participated in the past in the Christmas market in Paris was killed in a gruesome attack in June .
Theories abound as to whether the acts are a morbid rite of an unknown cult , a chilling “ challenge ” relayed by social media or copycat acts .
Speculation is widespread as to how barbaric acts , some surgical , could be perpetrated without solid knowledge of equine anatomy or on a horse in a pasture presumably able to flee .
“ A fearful horse in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The horse who feels confident with people … he ’ ll come , find it normal that you put a harness on it or a rope around its neck , ” said veterinarian Aude Giraudet , chief of the equine division at the prestigious National Veterinary School of Alfort , outside Paris .
“ I ’ m not sure you need great knowledge of horses , ” Giraudet said in an interview .
Knowing how to approach them , from the front not the rear , is important .
An ear can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the animal would need to be prostate for grislier mutilations , she said .
The veterinarian stressed that she didn ’ t want to describe how to put a horse on the ground so as not to “ give the least sort of tools to make it easier ” for those out to kill them .
“ If I were in Normandy , I think I would be very very worried about this epidemic , ” she said , adding that security measures should be taken - at the very least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in Normandy , France ’ s horse country .
Pauline Sarrazin , the owner of one victim , Lady , mounted a private Facebook group , “ Justice for our Horses ” after the savage June 6 killing of her horse near Dieppe , on the Atlantic coast .
Aimed at sharing stories and advice , the group now has nearly 17,000 members .
The president of the French Federation of Equitation offered on Friday to help police investigating the scattered cases .
Serge Lecomte said earlier the federation would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re all afraid , ” said Veronique Dupin , an official of a riding club in the Yvelines region west of Paris , asking that the exact location of the stable not be identified out of caution .
Her club installed cameras last year because of intruders , and someone sleeps there nightly .
“ Despite that , we ’ re not at ease , ” she said , stressing how vulnerable horses can be .
“ They may be big , but they ’ re lambs .
”

PARIS (AP) - Armed with knives, some knowledge of their prey and a large dose of cruelty, attackers are going after horses and ponies in pastures across France in what may be ritual mutilations.
Police are stymied by the macabre attacks that include slashings and worse. Most often, an ear - usually the right one - has been cut off, recalling the matador’s trophy in a bullring.
Up to 30 attacks have been reported in France, from the mountainous Jura region in the east to the Atlantic coast, many this summer, the agriculture minister said Friday. One attack was registered in February, according to the newsmagazine Le Point. With each attack, the mystery only seems to grow.
“We are excluding nothing,” Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said Friday on France-Info, before heading to a riding club in the Saone-et-Loire region, in east central France, where a horse was attacked a day earlier.
“Ears are cut off, eyes removed, an animal is emptied of its blood …,” he said, spelling out the morbid fates befalling one of France’s most beloved animals.
“All means are in motion to end this terror,” the minister tweeted.
After the first solid sighting of an attacker, gendarmes in Auxerre, in Burgundy, released a composite sketch this week based on a description by a man who wrangled with two attackers at his animal refuge in a village in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comte region.
“I used to have confidence putting my horses out to pasture. Today, I have fear in my gut,” Nicolas Demajean, who runs the refuge, Ranch of Hope,” said Thursday on regional TV station France 3.
Alerted by his squealing pigs, Damajean faced down two attackers last Monday. He himself was injured in the arm in a struggle with one intruder wielding a pruning knife as the other slashed the sides of two ponies, now recovering but “traumatized,” he said. The men fled in a vehicle.
The following day, an attacker or attackers bled a young pony in the Saone-et-Loire. In another case, some of a horse’s organs were removed.
A donkey who reportedly participated in past Christmas markets in Paris was killed in a gruesome attack in June.
The mutilation of horses is not a French phenomenon, or is it new. In the 1980s and 1990s, hundreds of horses in Britain, then in Germany, were mutilated while in medieval times, the tails, lips or ears of horses would be cut as acts of vengeance against owners.
In France, theories abound as to whether the mutilations are a morbid rite of an unknown cult, a chilling “challenge” relayed by social media or copycat acts. Speculation is widespread as to how barbaric acts, some surgical, could be perpetrated without solid knowledge of equine anatomy or on a horse in a pasture presumably able to flee.
“A fearful horse in a pasture won’t get caught. The horse who feels confident with people … he’ll come, find it normal that you put a harness on it or a rope around its neck,” said veterinarian Aude Giraudet, chief of the equine division at the prestigious National Veterinary School of Alfort, outside Paris.
“I’m not sure you need great knowledge of horses,” Giraudet said in an interview. Knowing how to approach them, from the front not the rear, is important. An ear can be slashed off while the horse is standing, but the animal would need to be prostate for grislier mutilations, she said. The veterinarian stressed that she didn’t want to describe how to put a horse on the ground so as not to “give the least sort of tools to make it easier” for those out to kill them.
“If I were in Normandy, I think I would be very very worried about this epidemic,” she said, adding that security measures should be taken - at the very least installing cameras.
Two mutilations have been reported in Normandy, France’s horse country. Pauline Sarrazin, the owner of one victim, Lady, mounted a private Facebook group, “Justice for our Horses” after the savage June 6 killing of her horse near Dieppe, on the Atlantic coast. Aimed at sharing stories and advice, the group now has nearly 17,000 members.
France’s horse world is increasingly gripped by fear.
The president of the French Federation of Equitation offered on Friday to help police investigating the scattered cases. Serge Lecomte said earlier the federation would be a civil party in each case.
“We’re all afraid,” said Veronique Dupin, an official of a riding club in the Yvelines region west of Paris, asking that the exact location of the stable not be identified out of caution. Her club installed cameras last year because of intruders, and someone sleeps there nightly.
“Despite that, we’re not at ease,” she said, stressing how vulnerable horses can be. “They may be big, but they’re lambs.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--2-story restaurant collapses in China, killing 13 people

BEIJING ( AP ) - Thirteen people were killed in China after a two-story restaurant collapsed during a gathering Saturday @ @ @ @ @ .
State broadcaster CCTV said in a social media post that 30 other people were @ @ @ @ @ , including four with serious injuries .
The restaurant was in Shanxi province ’ s @ @ @ @ @ kilometers ( 400 miles ) southwest of Beijing .
The cause of the collapse was @ @ @ @ @ of rescue workers , wearing hardhats and face masks , searched for trapped people in @ @ @ @ @ posted by CCTV showed them hefting heavy pieces of concrete .
At least once , @ @ @ @ @ building shook but didn ’ t fall .

BEIJING (AP) - Seventeen people were killed in China after a two-story restaurant collapsed during a gathering Saturday morning, state media said.
The official Xinhua News Agency said 28 other people were injured in the accident, including seven in serious condition.
The restaurant was in Shanxi province’s Xiangfen county, about 630 kilometers (400 miles) southwest of Beijing.
The cause of the collapse was not immediately clear.
Hundreds of rescue workers, wearing hardhats and face masks, searched for trapped people in a daylong operation.
Video posted on social media by state broadcaster China Central Television showed them hefting heavy pieces of concrete. At least once, the remaining frame of the building shook but didn’t fall.
___
This story has been corrected to show that seven of the injured were in serious condition.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Chadwick Boseman, who embodied Black icons, dies of cancer

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - First Chadwick Boseman slipped on the cleats of Jackie Robinson , then the Godfather of Soul ’ s dancing shoes , portraying both Black American icons with a searing intensity that commanded respect .
When the former playwright suited up as Black Panther , he brought cool intellectual gravitas to the Marvel superhero whose “ Wakanda forever !
” salute reverberated worldwide .
As his Hollywood career boomed , though , Boseman was privately undergoing “ countless surgeries and chemotherapy ” to battle colon cancer , his family said in a statement announcing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ d been diagnosed at stage 3 in 2016 but never spoke publicly about it .
The cancer was there when his character T ’ Challa visited the ancestors ’ “ astral plane ” in poignant scenes from the Oscar-nominated “ Black Panther , ” there when he first became a producer on the action thriller “ 21 Bridges , ” and there last summer when he shot an adaptation of a play by his hero August Wilson .
It was there when he played a radical Black leader - seen only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is mourned by Vietnam War comrades-in-arms in Spike Lee ’ s “ Da 5 Bloods.
” “ A true fighter , Chadwick persevered through it all , and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much , ” his family said .
“ It was the honor of his career to bring King T ’ Challa to life in Black Panther.
” Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side , his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife and a parent and had no children , Fioravante said .
Born and raised in South Carolina , where he played Little League baseball and AAU basketball , Boseman graduated from Howard University in Washington , D.C .
He wrote plays , acted and directed in theater and had small roles in television before landing his breakthrough role .
His striking portrayal of the color-line-demolishing baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013′s “ 42 ” drew attention in Hollywood and made him a star .
A year later , he wowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get On Up.
” Boseman died on a day that Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day .
“ His transcendent performance in ‘ 42 ’ will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie ’ s story to audiences for generations to come , ” the league wrote in a tweet .
Expressions of shock and despair poured in late Friday from fellow actors , athletes , musicians , Hollywood titans , fans and politicians .
Viola Davis , who acted alongside Boseman in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson adaptation , said : “ Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you .
Your talent , your spirit , your heart , your authenticity.
” “ He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist , who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances , ” said Denzel Washington , who funded a scholarship Boseman used to study theater at Oxford and produced the upcoming Wilson film .
Disney executive chairman Bob Iger called Boseman “ an extraordinary talent , and one of the most gentle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Captain America ” actor Chris Evans called Boseman “ a true original .
He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist .
He had so much amazing work still left to create.
” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tweeted that Boseman “ inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want - even super heroes.
” Boseman ’ s final tweet was an image of himself and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris , celebrating her selection as Biden ’ s running mate .
His T ’ Challa character was first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016′s “ Captain America : Civil War , ” and his “ Wakanda forever ” salute became a pop culture landmark after the release of “ Black Panther ” two years ago .
“ I don ’ t think the world was ready for a ‘ Black Panther ’ movie before this moment .
Socially and politically , it wasn ’ t ready for it , ” he told AP at the time .
The film ’ s vision of Afrofuturism and the technologically advanced civilization of Wakanda resonated with audiences , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showings and helped propel “ Black Panther ” to more than $ 1.3 billion in global box office .
It is the only Marvel Studios film to receive a best picture Oscar nomination .
Boseman said he more easily identified with the film ’ s antagonist , played by Michael B. Jordan , who had been cut off from his ancestral roots : “ I was born with some Killmonger in me , and I have learned to T ’ Challa throughout my studies , ” he told AP while promoting the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where you start .
All African Americans , unless they have some direct connection , have been severed from that past .
There ’ s things that can not be tracked , ” he continued .
“ You were a product , sold .
So it ’ s very difficult as an African American to connect at some points directly to Africa .
I have made that part of my search in my life .
So those things were already there when I got into the role.
” The character was last seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Tony Stark ’ s funeral in “ Avengers : Endgame.
” A “ Black Panther ” sequel had been announced , and was one of the studio ’ s most anticipated upcoming films .
Even at the outset of his Hollywood career , Boseman was clear-eyed about - and even skeptical of - the industry in which he would become an international star .
“ You don ’ t have the same exact experience as a Black actor as you do as a white actor .
You don ’ t have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and true , ” he told AP while promoting “ 42.
” “ The best way to put it is : How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story … he has a spirituality .
He has an intellect .
It ’ s weird to say it , but it doesn ’ t happen that often.
” “ Black Panther , ” written and directed by Ryan Coogler , helped drive a conversation in Hollywood about the importance of featuring non-white characters in and hiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Actor Simu Liu , starring in Marvel ’ s first film centered on an Asian character , tweeted : “ Without Chadwick , and what he gave to his character , there is no Shang Chi .
Period .
My career rides on the coattails of a great man.
” In addition to Robinson and Brown , Boseman portrayed the future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017′s “ Marshall.
” He humanized the larger-than-life historical figures with the same soulful , reserved dignity - interrupted by flashes of sparkling wit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T ’ Challa .
He took on his first producing job in last year ’ s action thriller “ 21 Bridges , ” in which he also starred .
Boseman completed one last performance , in a Netflix adaptation of August Wilson ’ s “ Ma Rainey ’ s Black Bottom.
” He revered the playwright famous for his depiction of the Black experience , writing in a 2013 Los Angeles Times essay : “ For the songs , rituals and folklore that were lost in slavery ’ s middle passage , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the struggles of adapting to these shores … In the similar way that Wilson ’ s work was influenced by the blues of Bessie Smith , Muddy Waters and W.C .
Handy , my plays were infused with Tupac , Biggie and Black Star.
” Boseman first got into theater , acting and writing plays as an undergrad at Howard .
He visited Africa for the first time during college with director and theater professor Mike Malone , working in Ghana to preserve and celebrate rituals with performances on a proscenium stage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ one of the most significant learning experiences of my life.
” Boseman had roles on TV shows like ABC Family ’ s “ Lincoln Heights ” and NBC ’ s “ Persons Unknown , ” but before “ 42 ” he had only acted in one film , 2008 ’ s football drama “ The Express.
” Asked about his own childhood heroes and icons , Boseman cited Black political leaders and musicians : Malcolm X , Martin Luther King Jr. , Bob Marley , Public Enemy , A Tribe Called Quest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often guarded in his public appearances and interviews , he made clear that he understood the significance of his work and its impact on the broader culture .
At the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards , “ Black Panther ” won best ensemble , electrifying the room .
Before an auditorium full of actors , Chadwick Boseman stepped to the microphone .
He quoted Nina Simone : “ To be young , gifted and black , ” and put the moment in context .
“ We know what it ’ s like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen for you to be featured on , a stage for you to be featured on .
… We know what ’ s like to be beneath and not above .
And that is what we went to work with every day , ” said Boseman .
“ We knew that we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see .
We knew that we had something to give .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - First Chadwick Boseman slipped on the cleats of Jackie Robinson, then the Godfather of Soul’s dancing shoes, portraying both Black American icons with a searing intensity that commanded respect. When the former playwright suited up as Black Panther, he brought cool intellectual gravitas to the Marvel superhero whose “Wakanda forever!” salute reverberated worldwide.
As his Hollywood career boomed, though, Boseman was privately undergoing “countless surgeries and chemotherapy” to battle colon cancer, his family said in a statement announcing his death at age 43 on Friday. He’d been diagnosed at stage 3 in 2016 but never spoke publicly about it.
The cancer was there when his character T’Challa visited the ancestors’ “astral plane” in poignant scenes from the Oscar-nominated “Black Panther,” there when he first became a producer on the action thriller “21 Bridges,” and there last summer when he shot an adaptation of a play by his hero August Wilson. It was there when he played a radical Black leader - seen only in flashbacks and visions - whose death is mourned by Vietnam War comrades-in-arms in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods.”
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said. “It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.” Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.
Boseman is survived by his wife and a parent and had no children, Fioravante said.
Born and raised in South Carolina, where he played Little League baseball and AAU basketball, Boseman graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. He wrote plays, acted and directed in theater and had small roles in television before landing his breakthrough role.
His striking portrayal of the color-line-demolishing baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013′s “42” drew attention in Hollywood and made him a star. A year later, he wowed audiences as Brown in the biopic “Get On Up.”
Boseman died on a day that Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day. “His transcendent performance in ‘42’ will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come,” the league wrote in a tweet.
Expressions of shock and despair poured in late Friday from fellow actors, athletes, musicians, Hollywood titans, fans and politicians. Viola Davis, who acted alongside Boseman in “Get On Up” and the upcoming Wilson adaptation, said: “Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity.”
“He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances,” said Denzel Washington, who funded a scholarship Boseman used to study theater at Oxford and produced the upcoming Wilson film.
Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, a Howard alumna, wrote the actor “was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference.”
Disney executive chairman Bob Iger called Boseman “an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met.” “Captain America” actor Chris Evans called Boseman “a true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create.”
His T’Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel cinematic universe in 2016′s “Captain America: Civil War,” and his “Wakanda forever” salute became a pop culture landmark after the release of “Black Panther” two years ago.
“I don’t think the world was ready for a ‘Black Panther’ movie before this moment. Socially and politically, it wasn’t ready for it,” he told AP at the time.
The film’s vision of Afrofuturism and the technologically advanced civilization of Wakanda resonated with audiences, some of whom wore African attire to showings and helped propel “Black Panther” to more than $1.3 billion in global box office. It is the only Marvel Studios film to receive a best picture Oscar nomination.
Boseman said he more easily identified with the film’s antagonist, played by Michael B. Jordan, who had been cut off from his ancestral roots: “I was born with some Killmonger in me, and I have learned to T’Challa throughout my studies,” he told AP while promoting the film.
“It’s the place where you start. All African Americans, unless they have some direct connection, have been severed from that past. There’s things that cannot be tracked,” he continued. “You were a product, sold. So it’s very difficult as an African American to connect at some points directly to Africa. I have made that part of my search in my life. So those things were already there when I got into the role.”
The character was last seen standing silently dressed in a black suit at Tony Stark’s funeral in “Avengers: Endgame.” A “Black Panther” sequel had been announced, and was one of the studio’s most anticipated upcoming films.
Even at the outset of his Hollywood career, Boseman was clear-eyed about - and even skeptical of - the industry in which he would become an international star.
“You don’t have the same exact experience as a Black actor as you do as a white actor. You don’t have the same opportunities. That’s evident and true,” he told AP while promoting “42.” “The best way to put it is: How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story … he has a spirituality. He has an intellect. It’s weird to say it, but it doesn’t happen that often.”
“Black Panther,” written and directed by Ryan Coogler, helped drive a conversation in Hollywood about the importance of featuring non-white characters in and hiring non-white filmmakers for its most high-profile films. Actor Simu Liu, starring in Marvel’s first film centered on an Asian character, tweeted: “Without Chadwick, and what he gave to his character, there is no Shang Chi. Period. My career rides on the coattails of a great man.”
In addition to Robinson and Brown, Boseman portrayed the future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017′s “Marshall.” He humanized the larger-than-life historical figures with the same soulful, reserved dignity - interrupted by flashes of sparkling wit - that he would later bring to T’Challa.
He took on his first producing job in last year’s action thriller “21 Bridges,” in which he also starred. Boseman completed one last performance, in a Netflix adaptation of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
He revered the playwright famous for his depiction of the Black experience, writing in a 2013 Los Angeles Times essay: “For the songs, rituals and folklore that were lost in slavery’s middle passage, his plays are those forgotten songs remixed for the struggles of adapting to these shores … In the similar way that Wilson’s work was influenced by the blues of Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters and W.C. Handy, my plays were infused with Tupac, Biggie and Black Star.”
Boseman first got into theater, acting and writing plays as an undergrad at Howard. He visited Africa for the first time during college with director and theater professor Mike Malone, working in Ghana to preserve and celebrate rituals with performances on a proscenium stage. He told AP the trip had been “one of the most significant learning experiences of my life.”
Boseman had roles on TV shows like ABC Family’s “Lincoln Heights” and NBC’s “Persons Unknown,” but before “42” he had only acted in one film, 2008’s football drama “The Express.”
Asked about his own childhood heroes and icons, Boseman cited Black political leaders and musicians: Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Marley, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest and Prince.
While deeply private and often guarded in his public appearances and interviews, he made clear that he understood the significance of his work and its impact on the broader culture.
At the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards, “Black Panther” won best ensemble, electrifying the room. Before an auditorium full of actors, Chadwick Boseman stepped to the microphone. He quoted Nina Simone: “To be young, gifted and black,” and put the moment in context.
“We know what it’s like to be told there isn’t a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on. … We know what’s like to be beneath and not above. And that is what we went to work with every day,” said Boseman. “We knew that we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see. We knew that we had something to give.”
___
AP Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Zimbabwe's 'keyboard warriors' hold protests off the streets

HARARE , Zimbabwe ( AP ) - Unable to protest on the streets , some in Zimbabwe are calling themselves “ keyboard warriors ” as they take to graffiti and social media to pressure a government that promised reform but is now accused of gross human rights abuses .
Activists use the hashtag # zimbabweanlivesmatter to encourage global pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa ’ s government .
Tens of thousands of people , from Jamaican reggae stars to U.S. rap and hip-hop musicians , have joined African celebrities , politicians and former presidents in tweeting with the hashtag .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be enough to move Mnangagwa , who increasingly relies on security forces to crush dissent despite promising reforms when he took power after a coup in 2017 .
Tensions are rising anew in the once prosperous southern African country .
Inflation is over 800 % , amid acute shortages of water , electricity , gas and bank notes and a health system collapsing under the weight of drug shortages and strikes by nurses and doctors .
Revelations of alleged corruption related to COVID-19 medical supplies led to the sacking of the health minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has responded to the rising dissent with arrests and alleged abductions and torture .
Before July , few Zimbabweans knew about Jacob Ngarivhume , a fringe opposition politician .
Then he went on social media to announce an anti-government protest planned for the end of July .
Soon , # July31 swelled into a movement .
The government panicked , jailed Ngarivhume and journalist Hopewell Chin ’ ono , deployed the military and police to thwart the protest and arrested dozens of people who tweeted about it .
“ Social media is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really helping people access information about government scandals faster and cheaper so it makes them want to act , ” said Elias Mambo , publisher of ZimMorning Post , which publishes investigative stories online and on WhatsApp groups .
Angry , but afraid to take to the streets , Zimbabweans are turning to their computers and smartphones to protest .
They are also splashing graffiti with colorful anti-government messages on the walls of stadiums , cemeteries and city buildings .
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the chairman of the African Union Commission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the government ’ s alleged abuses .
“ The online campaign massively helped place the political crisis and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe on the global map .
Zimbabweans are realizing that social media has a massive international influence , ” said the Human Rights Watch director for southern Africa , Dewa Mavhinga .
Cyril Ramaphosa , president of neighboring South Africa and chairman of the African Union , dispatched special envoys to meet Mnangagwa .
But they returned without meeting the opposition despite having kept them on standby , inviting anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had earlier used social media to protest against the previous government of Robert Mugabe .
The army briefly allowed street protests in 2017 , but only to use the crowds as pressure to force Mugabe out .
Now , activists say , the same military is making the streets dangerous for them .
“ Digital activism can not be ignored and can not be confronted by traditional authoritarian tactics , as shown by the # zimbabweanlivesmatter campaign , ” said Alexander Rusero , a political analyst based in the capital , Harare .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous ones , appears to have only hardened the government ’ s resolve to crush dissent .
In response to the online campaign amid renewed international pressure , Mnangagwa during a national address described his rivals and critics as “ destructive terrorist opposition groupings , ” “ dark forces ” and “ a few bad apples ” that should be “ flushed out.
” Security agents have continued arresting activists even after the July protest was foiled , according to human rights groups and the main opposition MDC Alliance party .
Analysts said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns without “ ground activism ” are unlikely to force the ruling ZANU-PF party to institute reforms that could weaken its hold on power and related economic benefits .
“ Online activism needs to correlate to , and not supplant , ground activism .
A delicate balance of the two will render ZANU-PF ineffective , ” Rusero said .
The ruling party “ has demonstrated that it will do anything , including crude repression , to stay in power .
So it is up to citizens and activists to raise the costs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights group has been documenting alleged abuses .
“ Keyboard warriors help to amplify the voices of agony from within Zimbabwe , but without robust and sustained campaigns on the ground , the social media campaigns would fizzle out , ” he said .
“ Beyond tweeting about Hopewell ( Chin ’ ono ) and Jacob ( Ngarivhume ) , what citizen actions can we do to put pressure for their release , ” 21-year-old Namatai Kwekwedza tweeted days after the foiled protest .
She faces multiple charges related to breaching the peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brave enough to participate in anti-government marches in recent months .
She faces a fine or up to five years in prison on each charge .
“ Some of us are ready , ( but ) it only works with the numbers , ” she said , adding : “ This whole business of being too afraid is stupid .
We are already dead .
We have to fight for our future .
”

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Unable to protest on the streets, some in Zimbabwe are calling themselves “keyboard warriors” as they take to graffiti and social media to pressure a government that promised reform but is now accused of gross human rights abuses.
Activists use the hashtag #zimbabweanlivesmatter to encourage global pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
Tens of thousands of people, from Jamaican reggae stars to U.S. rap and hip-hop musicians, have joined African celebrities, politicians and former presidents in tweeting with the hashtag.
But some analysts say online protests might not be enough to move Mnangagwa, who increasingly relies on security forces to crush dissent despite promising reforms when he took power after a coup in 2017.
Tensions are rising anew in the once prosperous southern African country. Inflation is over 800%, amid acute shortages of water, electricity, gas and bank notes and a health system collapsing under the weight of drug shortages and strikes by nurses and doctors.
Revelations of alleged corruption related to COVID-19 medical supplies led to the sacking of the health minister and further pressure on Mnangagwa.
His government has responded to the rising dissent with arrests and alleged abductions and torture.
Before July, few Zimbabweans knew about Jacob Ngarivhume, a fringe opposition politician. Then he went on social media to announce an anti-government protest planned for the end of July.
Soon, #July31 swelled into a movement. The government panicked, jailed Ngarivhume and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, deployed the military and police to thwart the protest and arrested dozens of people who tweeted about it.
“Social media is making waves in Zimbabwe. It is really helping people access information about government scandals faster and cheaper so it makes them want to act,” said Elias Mambo, publisher of ZimMorning Post, which publishes investigative stories online and on WhatsApp groups.
Angry, but afraid to take to the streets, Zimbabweans are turning to their computers and smartphones to protest. They are also splashing graffiti with colorful anti-government messages on the walls of stadiums, cemeteries and city buildings.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, have expressed concern over the government’s alleged abuses.
“The online campaign massively helped place the political crisis and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe on the global map. Zimbabweans are realizing that social media has a massive international influence,” said the Human Rights Watch director for southern Africa, Dewa Mavhinga.
Cyril Ramaphosa, president of neighboring South Africa and chairman of the African Union, dispatched special envoys to meet Mnangagwa. But they returned without meeting the opposition despite having kept them on standby, inviting anger in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Zimbabweans had earlier used social media to protest against the previous government of Robert Mugabe. The army briefly allowed street protests in 2017, but only to use the crowds as pressure to force Mugabe out. Now, activists say, the same military is making the streets dangerous for them.
“Digital activism cannot be ignored and cannot be confronted by traditional authoritarian tactics, as shown by the #zimbabweanlivesmatter campaign,” said Alexander Rusero, a political analyst based in the capital, Harare.
Yet the latest online campaign, like previous ones, appears to have only hardened the government’s resolve to crush dissent.
In response to the online campaign amid renewed international pressure, Mnangagwa during a national address described his rivals and critics as “destructive terrorist opposition groupings,” “dark forces” and “a few bad apples” that should be “flushed out.”
Security agents have continued arresting activists even after the July protest was foiled, according to human rights groups and the main opposition MDC Alliance party.
Analysts said such a hardline reaction shows that online campaigns without “ground activism” are unlikely to force the ruling ZANU-PF party to institute reforms that could weaken its hold on power and related economic benefits.
“Online activism needs to correlate to, and not supplant, ground activism. A delicate balance of the two will render ZANU-PF ineffective,” Rusero said.
The ruling party “has demonstrated that it will do anything, including crude repression, to stay in power. So it is up to citizens and activists to raise the costs of abuses,” said Mavhinga, whose rights group has been documenting alleged abuses.
“Keyboard warriors help to amplify the voices of agony from within Zimbabwe, but without robust and sustained campaigns on the ground, the social media campaigns would fizzle out,” he said.
Some activists are raising similar questions.
“Beyond tweeting about Hopewell (Chin’ono) and Jacob (Ngarivhume), what citizen actions can we do to put pressure for their release,” 21-year-old Namatai Kwekwedza tweeted days after the foiled protest.
She faces multiple charges related to breaching the peace for being one of the few Zimbabweans brave enough to participate in anti-government marches in recent months. She faces a fine or up to five years in prison on each charge.
“Some of us are ready, (but) it only works with the numbers,” she said, adding: “This whole business of being too afraid is stupid. We are already dead. We have to fight for our future.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--UAE formally ends Israel boycott amid US-brokered deal

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - The ruler of the United Arab Emirates issued a decree Saturday formally ending the country ’ s boycott of Israel amid a U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two countries .
The announcement now allows trade and commerce between the UAE , home to oil-rich Abu Dhabi and skyscraper-studded Dubai , and Israel , home to a thriving diamond trade , pharmaceutical companies and tech start-ups .
The announcement further cements the Aug 13 deal opening up relations between the two nations , which required Israel to halt its contentious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought by the Palestinians .
The state-run WAM news agency said the decree formally ending the boycott came on the orders of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Emirates ’ leader .
WAM said the new decree allows Israelis and Israeli firms to do business in the UAE , a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula .
It also allows for the purchase and trade of Israeli goods .
“ The decree of the new law comes within the UAE ’ s efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel , ” WAM said .
It lays out “ a roadmap toward launching joint cooperation , leading to bilateral relations by stimulating economic growth and promoting technological innovation.
” Already , some Israeli firms had signed deals with Emirati counterparts .
But the repeal of the law widens the likelihood of other joint ventures , such as in aviation or in banking and finance .
Dubai International Airport , home to the long-haul carrier Emirates , has been the world ’ s busiest for international travel for years .
The Dubai International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade in the hours between Asian and European markets .
Dubai already has a major gold market and growing diamond trade .
Emirati firms likely also want to access Israeli technological know-how .
Some already had even before the deal - with the cybersecurity firm DarkMatter reportedly hiring Israeli military-trained hackers .
On Monday , the first direct commercial flight by Israel ’ s flagship carrier El Al is expected in Abu Dhabi , carrying U.S. and Israeli officials including President Donald Trump ’ s son-in-law , Jared Kushner .
Telephone calls already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The decree formally eliminates a 1972 law on the UAE ’ s books since just after the country ’ s formation .
That law mirrored the widely held stance by Arab nations at that time that recognition of Israel would only come after the Palestinians had an independent state of their own .
The UAE is becoming the third Arab nation after Egypt and Jordan to currently have diplomatic relations with Israel .
However , while widespread public distrust of Israel persists in those nations , the UAE never fought a war against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic Jewish population .
In recent years , the UAE has held quiet talks with Israel and allowed Israelis with second passports into the country for trade and talks .
Opening ties may also help the Emirates access advanced American weaponry , like the F-35 fighter jet that right now only Israel flies in the Mideast .
Sheikh Khalifa has ruled the UAE since 2004 .
He suffered a stroke on Jan. 24 , 2014 , and underwent emergency surgery .
He has been rarely seen since in public , though state media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holidays .
Abu Dhabi ’ s crown prince , Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , has served as the UAE ’ s day-to-day ruler since Sheikh Khalifa ’ s stroke .
Sheikh Mohammed has focused on increasing the Emirates ’ military might amid his suspicions of Iran - an enmity shared by Israel .
While Sheikh Khalifa holds the title of president , the UAE is governed by autocratic sheikhs .
Abu Dhabi , as the country ’ s oil-rich capital , has grown increasingly powerful since the UAE ’ s founding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own affairs .
The decree comes after a trip through the Mideast in recent days by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , who hoped to build on the UAE-Israel deal .
The accord also came as a major foreign policy win to Trump as he campaigns ahead of the November election against Democratic candidate Joe Biden .
Both Israel and the UAE have viewed the Republican president as an ally .

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The ruler of the United Arab Emirates issued a decree Saturday formally ending the country’s boycott of Israel amid a U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two countries.
The announcement now allows trade and commerce between the UAE, home to oil-rich Abu Dhabi and skyscraper-studded Dubai, and Israel, home to a thriving diamond trade, pharmaceutical companies and tech start-ups.
The announcement further cements the Aug 13 deal opening up relations between the two nations, which required Israel to halt its contentious plan to annex occupied West Bank land sought by the Palestinians. But Palestinians so far have criticized the accord as undercutting one of its few bargaining chips with Israelis in moribund peace negotiations.
The state-run WAM news agency said the decree formally ending the boycott came on the orders of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Emirates’ leader.
WAM said the new decree allows Israelis and Israeli firms to do business in the UAE, a U.S.-allied federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula. It also allows for the purchase and trade of Israeli goods.
“The decree of the new law comes within the UAE’s efforts to expand diplomatic and commercial cooperation with Israel,” WAM said. It lays out “a road map toward launching joint cooperation, leading to bilateral relations by stimulating economic growth and promoting technological innovation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the decree. “This is an important step toward advancing peace and prosperity in the region,” he said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said in a statement the UAE decision “is an important step towards peace, which will yield substantial economic and commercial achievements for both people while strengthening the stability in the region.”
Already, some Israeli firms had signed deals with Emirati counterparts. But the repeal of the law widens the likelihood of other joint ventures, such as in aviation or in banking and finance.
Dubai International Airport, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates, has been the world’s busiest for international travel for years. The Dubai International Financial Center also hosts major firms who trade in the hours between Asian and European markets. Dubai already has a major gold market and growing diamond trade.
Emirati firms likely also want to access Israeli technological know-how. Some already had even before the deal - with the cybersecurity firm DarkMatter reportedly hiring Israeli military-trained hackers.
On Monday, the first direct commercial flight by Israel’s flagship carrier El Al is expected in Abu Dhabi, carrying U.S. and Israeli officials including President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Telephone calls already can be made between the nations.
The decree formally eliminates a 1972 law on the UAE’s books since just after the country’s formation. That law mirrored the widely held stance by Arab nations at that time that recognition of Israel would only come after the Palestinians had an independent state of their own.
Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official, criticized the UAE’s decree Saturday as undercutting the efforts of the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement targeting Israel. Israel has accused BDS activists of seeking to delegitimize its existence.
“While #BDS is proving to be an effective tool of peaceful resistance & responsible, ethical investment & consumer responsibility to hold Israel to account, this happens!” Ashrawi wrote on Twitter.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group governing the Gaza Strip since seizing it in 2007, has reiterated its rejection of the UAE-Israel deal and the ending of the boycott.
The decree “boosts the normalization with the Israeli occupation and legitimizes it on the Palestinian land,” Hamas official Bassem Naim said.
The decree shows the UAE’s eagerness to advance ties and maximize its potential benefits such as trade amid an economic slowdown, said Elham Fakhro, the senior Gulf analyst at the International Crisis Group.
“The decision sends a clear message that the UAE is committed to its decision to normalize relations with Israel,” Fakhro said. “It does also raise questions about possible repercussions for anyone in the country calling for the boycott of Israeli goods, now that doing so contradicts the state policy.”
The UAE is becoming the third Arab nation after Egypt and Jordan to currently have diplomatic relations with Israel. However, while widespread public distrust of Israel persists in those nations, the UAE never fought a war against Israel, nor did it have a historic Jewish population.
In recent years, the UAE has held quiet talks with Israel and allowed Israelis with second passports into the country for trade and talks. Opening ties may also help the Emirates access advanced American weaponry, like the F-35 fighter jet that right now only Israel flies in the Mideast.
Sheikh Khalifa has ruled the UAE since 2004. He suffered a stroke on Jan. 24, 2014, and underwent emergency surgery. He has been rarely seen since in public, though state media typically publishes images of him around Islamic holidays.
Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has served as the UAE’s day-to-day ruler since Sheikh Khalifa’s stroke. Sheikh Mohammed has focused on increasing the Emirates’ military might amid his suspicions of Iran - an enmity shared by Israel.
While Sheikh Khalifa holds the title of president, the UAE is governed by autocratic sheikhs. Abu Dhabi, as the country’s oil-rich capital, has grown increasingly powerful since the UAE’s founding in 1971 despite each sheikhdom largely governing its own affairs.
The decree comes after a trip through the Mideast in recent days by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who hoped to build on the UAE-Israel deal.
The accord also came as a major foreign policy win to Trump as he campaigns ahead of the November election against Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Both Israel and the UAE have viewed the Republican president as an ally.
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Associated Press writer Fares Akram in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Caravan of Trump supporters rallies in Oregon's biggest city

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - A caravan of supporters of President Donald Trump drove into downtown Portland Saturday night to show their support of him in a part of the city that has been the site of nightly protests for three months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
The caravan of about 600 vehicles headed for downtown after a rally in the parking lot of the Clackamas Town Center shopping mall .
Many of the rally-goers waved Trump flags .
“ This rally is not a protest , ” Alex Kyzik , an organizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com .
“ This rally is a celebration of a great president.
” The caravan left for downtown about 5:15 p.m. Saturday ’ s rally was the third consecutive weekend that pro-Trump demonstrators converged in and around Portland , leading to clashes with counter protesters , the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com reported .
The Black Lives Matter demonstrations usually target police buildings and federal buildings .
Some protesters have called for reductions in police budgets while the city ’ s mayor and some in the Black community have decried the violence , saying it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set outside a police union building that ’ s a frequent site for protests in prompted police to declare a riot .
An accelerant was used to ignite a mattress and other debris that was laid against the door of the Portland Police Association building , police said in a statement .
At least one dumpster had also been set on fire in the street nearby .
The commotion followed a sit-in in the lobby of the Portland mayor ’ s condo building Friday night .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - One person was shot and killed late Saturday in Portland, Oregon, as a large caravan of President Donald Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protesters clashed in the streets, police said.
It wasn’t clear if the shooting was linked to fights that broke out as a caravan of about 600 vehicles was confronted by protesters in the city’s downtown.
An Associated Press freelance photographer heard three gunshots and then observed police medics working on the body of the victim, who appeared to be a white man. The freelancer said the man was wearing a hat bearing the insignia of Patriot Prayer, a right-wing group whose members have frequently clashed with protesters in Portland in the past.
Police did not release any additional details and were at the scene investigating late Saturday.
“Portland Police officers heard sounds of gunfire from the area of Southeast 3rd Avenue and Southwest Alder Street. They responded and located a victim with a gunshot wound to the chest. Medical responded and determined that the victim was deceased,” the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement.
Portland has been the site of nightly protests for more than three months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Many of them end in vandalism and violence, and hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested by local and federal law enforcement since late May. The caravan arrived downtown just as a protest planned for Saturday was getting underway. Police made several arrests before the shooting and advised residents to avoid the city core.
The chaotic scene came two days after Trump invoked Portland as a liberal city overrun with violence in a speech at the Republican National Convention as part of his “law and order” re-election campaign theme. The caravan marked the third Saturday in a row that Trump supporters have rallied in the city.
Trump and other speakers at this week’s convention evoked a violent, dystopian future if Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden wins in November and pointed to Portland as a cautionary tale for what would be in store for Americans.
The pro-Trump rally’s organizer, who coordinated a similar caravan in Boise, Idaho, earlier in the week, said in a video posted on Twitter Saturday afternoon that attendees should only carry concealed weapons and the route was being kept secret for safety reasons.
The caravan had gathered earlier in the day at a suburban mall and drove as a group to the heart of Portland. As they arrived in the city, protesters attempted to stop them by standing in the street and blocking bridges.
Videos from the scene showed sporadic fighting, as well as Trump supporters firing paintball pellets at opponents and using bear spray as counter-protesters threw things at the Trump caravan.
The shooting happened shortly before 9 p.m. Pacific, several hours after the caravan began arriving in Portland.
The Black Lives Matter demonstrations usually target police buildings and federal buildings. Some protesters have called for reductions in police budgets while the city’s mayor and some in the Black community have decried the violence, saying it’s counterproductive.
Early Saturday morning, fires set outside a police union building that is a frequent site for protests prompted police to declare a riot.
An accelerant was used to ignite a mattress and other debris that was laid against the door of the Portland Police Association building, police said in a statement. At least one dumpster had also been set on fire in the street nearby.
The commotion followed a sit-in in the lobby of the Portland mayor’s condominium building Friday night.
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Associated Press freelancer Paula Bronstein contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Death toll rises to 29 in north China restaurant collapse

BEIJING ( AP ) - Chinese authorities say the death toll has risen to 29 in the collapse of a @ @ @ @ @ province of Shanxi .
The Ministry of Emergency Management says another 28 people were injured @ @ @ @ @ , when the building suddenly tumbled on Saturday .
It said Sunday that rescue operations @ @ @ @ @ there was no immediate word on what caused the collapse .
The restaurant was in @ @ @ @ @ county , about 630 kilometers ( 400 miles ) southwest of Beijing .
Hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ face masks had searched the rubble , lifting slabs of concrete in hopes of freeing @ @

BEIJING (AP) - Rescue efforts ended at a two-story restaurant in a northern Chinese village that collapsed during a local resident’s 80th birthday celebration, leaving 29 people dead, authorities said Sunday.
The Ministry of Emergency Management said another 28 people were injured, seven of them seriously, when the building suddenly crumbled on Saturday.
There was no immediate word on what caused the collapse or on the fate of the birthday guest and other celebrants.
Hundreds of rescue workers using sniffer dogs, cranes and high-tech sensors had searched the rubble, lifting slabs of concrete in hopes of freeing survivors.
The official China Daily newspaper said the building collapsed at 9:40 a.m. Saturday. It said the Cabinet’s Work Safety Commission would oversee the investigation into the accident’s cause.
While China has seen major improvements in industrial safety, building standards are sometimes ignored, particularly in rural areas such as Shanxi province’s Xiangfen county, about 630 kilometers (400 miles) southwest of Beijing, where the restaurant was located.
The region lies in the heart of China’s coal country, where thousands of miners have died in explosions, collapses and floods over the years.
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This story has been corrected to remove the reference to 57 people being pulled alive from the rubble. Fifty-seven is the total number of dead and injured.


washingtontimes--2020-08-29--Walker sharp in Blue Jays debut, a 5-0 win over Orioles

BUFFALO , N.Y. ( AP ) - Taijuan Walker pitched six shutout innings in his Toronto debut and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio each hit two-run singles as the Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 on Saturday night .
Walker ( 3-2 ) , acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a trade two days earlier , allowed four hits and three walks and struck out four .
Walker pitched for the first time since learning that his father and siblings , who live in Lake Charles , Louisiana , lost their property and belongings in Hurricane Laura .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wilmer Font each worked an inning to preserve Toronto ’ s first shutout since last Sept. 11 against Boston .
The Blue Jays improved to 5-0 against the Orioles this season .
Guerrero singled off the left-field wall in the first inning to drive in two runs and Biggo ’ s soft single made it 5-0 in the fourth .
Toronto won its third straight game .
Anthony Santander and José Iglesias each had two hits for Baltimore , which lost its fourth straight .
Alex Cobb ( 1-3 ) allowed eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Guerrero extended his hit streak to a career-best 11 games , while Teoscar Hernández matched his career-high 10-game hit streak .
Biggio reached base for a 21st straight game , tying Justin Turner for the longest streak in the MLB this season .
The Orioles and Blue Jays elected to wear their No .
42 jerseys for the rest of the weekend .
All big league teams wore the No .
42 on Friday night as a tribute to Jackie Robinson , who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option this morning and as a club we ’ re going to wear the No .
42 jerseys for the next couple days , ” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said .
Orioles : RH reliever Shawn Armstrong was placed on the 10-day injured list ( retroactive to Aug. 26 ) with a lower back soreness .
RH Evan Phillips was recalled to take his place .
… Hyde said Iglesias felt no lingering pain following his start Friday night at DH , his first action since a stint on the IL with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at SS .
… RH reliever Hunter Harvey ( shoulder ) should be activated from the IL on Sunday or Monday , Hyde said .
Blue Jays : RHP Jordan Romano ( middle finger sprain ) , who exited Friday ’ s game after feeling numbness , underwent an MRI and was placed on the 10-day IL .
RHP Sean Reid-Foley was called up .
… Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said RHP Nate Pearson ( elbow tightness ) played catch from 90 feet , a quick progression from the 60-foot distance he threw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giles ( forearm strain ) is scheduled to throw live BP on Tuesday .
… SS Bo Bichette ( knee sprain ) continued to swing off a tee and also play catch .
RHP Matt Shoemaker ( shoulder inflammation ) will begin a throwing progression on Sunday .
Orioles : RHP Jorge López ( 0-0 , 8.38 ERA ) gets his first start with the Orioles on Sunday .
Lopez has pitched in three games out of the bullpen for Baltimore since being signed off waivers from Kansas City earlier this month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2-1 , 4.91 ERA ) will start Sunday in the third game of a four-game series against Baltimore .

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Taijuan Walker pitched six shutout innings in his Toronto debut and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio each hit two-run singles as the Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 on Saturday night.
Walker (3-2), acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a trade two days earlier, allowed four hits and three walks and struck out four.
Walker pitched for the first time since learning that his father and siblings, who live in Lake Charles, Louisiana, lost their property and belongings in Hurricane Laura.
“It’s definitely been an emotional couple of days,” Walker said. ”Hopefully I was able to bring a little bit of joy to them. It’s a tough time for everyone right now, and especially down in Louisiana.”
Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo marveled at the newest member of his starting rotation.
“He wants to show what he can do,” Montoyo said. “When somebody’s having trouble and going through problems, it’s good to play and forget about that for a minute.”
Along with personal circumstances, Walker also had the added pressure of showing his new team what he was capable of.
“It’s still baseball,” Walker said. “I wanted to keep my same game plan, the same mentality I’ve had all year. We have a really good group of guys. I had to learn all new names, and it kind of felt like the first day of school again.”
Relievers Ryan Borucki, A.J. Cole and Wilmer Font each worked an inning to preserve Toronto’s first shutout since last Sept. 11 against Boston. The Blue Jays improved to 5-0 against the Orioles this season.
Guerrero singled off the left-field wall in the first inning to drive in two runs and Biggio’s soft single made it 5-0 in the fourth. Toronto won its third straight game.
Anthony Santander and José Iglesias each had two hits for Baltimore, which was held to five hits in losing its fourth straight.
“Today was the first time we looked like a tired team,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “I think we’re physically tired and we’re emotionally tired. Tonight was the first time our bats looked slow to me. We showed more frustration offensively. It just wasn’t happening tonight.”
Alex Cobb (1-3) allowed eight hits and two walks over four-plus innings.
“Once you get on a losing streak it weighs on your more,” Cobb said. “It definitely doesn’t feel like 30 games into the season and we’re fresh and good. It feels like we’re on Game 230 right now.”
STREAKING
Guerrero extended his hit streak to a career-best 11 games, while Teoscar Hernández matched his career-high 10-game hit streak.
Biggio reached base for a 21st straight game, tying Justin Turner for the longest streak in the MLB this season.
NO. 42
The Orioles and Blue Jays elected to wear their No. 42 jerseys for the rest of the weekend.
All big league teams wore the No. 42 on Friday night as a tribute to Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947.
“We were given the option this morning and as a club we’re going to wear the No. 42 jerseys for the next couple days,” Hyde said.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Orioles: RH reliever Shawn Armstrong was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Aug. 26) with a lower back soreness. RH Evan Phillips was recalled to take his place. … Hyde said Iglesias felt no lingering pain following his start Friday night at DH, his first action since a stint on the IL with a left quad injury. Iglesias started Saturday at SS. … RH reliever Hunter Harvey (shoulder) should be activated from the IL on Sunday or Monday, Hyde said.
Blue Jays: RHP Jordan Romano (middle finger sprain), who exited Friday’s game after feeling numbness, underwent an MRI and was placed on the 10-day IL. RHP Sean Reid-Foley was called up. … Montoyo said RHP Nate Pearson (elbow tightness) played catch from 90 feet, a quick progression from the 60-foot distance he threw from on Friday. … Closer Ken Giles (forearm strain) is scheduled to throw live BP on Tuesday. … SS Bo Bichette (knee sprain) continued to swing off a tee and also play catch. RHP Matt Shoemaker (shoulder inflammation) will begin a throwing progression on Sunday.
UP NEXT
Orioles: RHP Jorge López (0-0, 8.38 ERA) gets his first start with the Orioles on Sunday. Lopez has pitched in three games out of the bullpen for Baltimore since being signed off waivers from Kansas City earlier this month.
Blue Jays: RHP Tanner Roark (2-1, 4.91 ERA) will start Sunday in the third game of a four-game series against Baltimore.
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