washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Cape Coral canals are helping researchers find what works

CAPE CORAL , Fla. ( AP ) - Scientists and officials are using Cape Coral ’ s cyanobacteria slicks as a living laboratory to test ways to fight freshwater algae blooms with potentially global impact .
A team including city staff and nationally prominent researchers have deployed a variety of algae-fighting measures in several canals , lakes and ponds on and around the Palmetto Pine Country Club ’ s golf course .
They ’ re testing floating barriers , sheets of absorbent foam and clay as ways to knock back the algae , about which Lee County ’ s health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one Friday .
Though cyanobacteria is a naturally occurring microorganism , sometimes conditions conspire to create huge proliferations called blooms that can create problems that range from obnoxious to toxic .
Some species have been linked to health problems including liver and neurodegenerative diseases .
Children and pets are more vulnerable , so keeping them away from the water during a bloom is especially important , the health department warns .
This summer , three Cape Coral canals – Makai , Boris and Highlander – have been severely affected by the blooms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blooms have become more frequent and severe , and the hunt for solutions has intensified , said algae scholar Don Anderson , senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts , where he ’ s been studying those solutions for decades .
The sprayed clay technique , called flocculation , was most recently used by Sarasota ’ s Mote Marine Laboratory in 2018 to combat saltwater red tide , which is also caused by a toxin-producing microorganism .
The idea is to mix dry , powdered clay with water , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ponds , where it captures and sinks the algae .
Instead of remaining in the water column , they become trapped in a layer on the bottom .
“ This whole idea of flocculation for water purification ( and ) clarification is used in many different ways in countries like Korea and China , ” Anderson said .
“ They use it routinely over very large areas for bloom control .
Those large areas are in some cases 40 or 50 square miles .
Korea has like seven ships that are used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas in the ocean .
China has some big operations as well .
And they ’ ve been doing this for 10 or 20 years in these Asian countries , but we are trying to make it work here in the U.S .
The technology is sound , but we just have different environmental restrictions.
” FGCU professor and algae scholar Barry Rosen calls it a “ good idea … It ’ ll precipitate everything out , and that ’ s great.
” Rosen also appreciates the singular research opportunity .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do before and after water samples , so next month they can figure out , ‘ OK , what did it really do ?
’ ” Palmetto Pine course manager Gerald Karlen said the goal is to make the course ’ s lake water as clear as rainwater .
“ You can see where we ’ re pumping in from the Makai , it ’ s green , ” Karlen said .
After the treatment , “ Hopefully within a week , ( the ponds ) will be clear and you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The privately-owned golf course uses the Makai canal as both a reservoir and an overflow receptacle , a feedback loop that ’ s been problematic in this especially hot , dry summer , with cyanobacteria flourishing .
Palmetto Pine discharges pond water into the canal , and a permit from the South Florida Water Management District also allows the course , which is not hooked up to the city ’ s irrigation system , to take water from the canal to spray its greens , said city spokeswoman Maureen Buice .
When it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into the canal .
“ Deep turbidity curtains have been deployed in an attempt to contain the algae bloom , ” Buice wrote in an email .
“ Also , booms of biochar/Aquaflex ( an absorbent sponge product ) are being tested to determine their efficiency in absorbing toxins .
Staff is focusing on the mats of algae accumulated in the Highlander and Makai Canals , ” which are connected .
“ A modified clay is another product that is being tested to mitigate the algae.
” The clay , which comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tank of water , then applied to the water ’ s surface “ using a 100-foot hose that provides a spray similar to a fire hose .
The system is trailered by a pickup truck , which enables the City to utilize vacant lots and the City-owned right-of-way to get as close to the water as possible , ” Buice wrote in an email .
“ The clay is non-toxic and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection.
” Any treatment methods must be approved by the DEP , she said , since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
The clay technique made a high-profile appearance in 2018 , when a virulent red tide gripped Southwest Florida ’ s Gulf coast .
As the state scrambled for solutions , Florida ’ s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission gave $ 2.2 million to Mote Marine Laboratory for field testing the sprayed clay , working with scientists at Woods Hole , which has been researching the technique for decades .
The project wasn ’ t a hit with some environmental groups and sparked some sharp criticism and debate over whether funding would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blooms at their source .
Most agree , though , that more research is needed – and quickly .
“ This is among the most challenging and controversial aspects of the research that we do , yet it is also the least developed , ” Anderson said .
“ It is the research line that people think would be at the top of our agenda and at the top of all the funding agency agendas – yet it really hasn ’ t been … So we ’ re still very much in the @ @ @ @ @ @

AMY BENNETT WILLIAMS, Fort Myers News-Press

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (AP) - Scientists and officials are using Cape Coral’s cyanobacteria slicks as a living laboratory to test ways to fight freshwater algae blooms with potentially global impact.
A team including city staff and nationally prominent researchers have deployed a variety of algae-fighting measures in several canals, lakes and ponds on and around the Palmetto Pine Country Club’s golf course.
They’re testing floating barriers, sheets of absorbent foam and clay as ways to knock back the algae, about which Lee County’s health department has issued several warnings, including one Friday.
Though cyanobacteria is a naturally occurring microorganism, sometimes conditions conspire to create huge proliferations called blooms that can create problems that range from obnoxious to toxic.
Some species have been linked to health problems including liver and neurodegenerative diseases. Children and pets are more vulnerable, so keeping them away from the water during a bloom is especially important, the health department warns. This summer, three Cape Coral canals – Makai, Boris and Highlander – have been severely affected by the blooms.
As the Earth’s climate changes, blooms have become more frequent and severe, and the hunt for solutions has intensified, said algae scholar Don Anderson, senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts, where he’s been studying those solutions for decades.
The sprayed clay technique, called flocculation, was most recently used by Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory in 2018 to combat saltwater red tide, which is also caused by a toxin-producing microorganism. The idea is to mix dry, powdered clay with water, then spray it into the affected canals or ponds, where it captures and sinks the algae. Instead of remaining in the water column, they become trapped in a layer on the bottom.
“This whole idea of flocculation for water purification (and) clarification is used in many different ways in countries like Korea and China,” Anderson said. “They use it routinely over very large areas for bloom control. Those large areas are in some cases 40 or 50 square miles. Korea has like seven ships that are used to disperse this around fish farms and other areas in the ocean. China has some big operations as well. And they’ve been doing this for 10 or 20 years in these Asian countries, but we are trying to make it work here in the U.S. The technology is sound, but we just have different environmental restrictions.”
FGCU professor and algae scholar Barry Rosen calls it a “good idea … It’ll precipitate everything out, and that’s great.” Rosen also appreciates the singular research opportunity.
“If it were me, I’d do before and after water samples, so next month they can figure out, ‘OK, what did it really do?’”
Palmetto Pine course manager Gerald Karlen said the goal is to make the course’s lake water as clear as rainwater.
“You can see where we’re pumping in from the Makai, it’s green,” Karlen said. After the treatment, “Hopefully within a week, (the ponds) will be clear and you’ll be able to see the bottom.”
The privately-owned golf course uses the Makai canal as both a reservoir and an overflow receptacle, a feedback loop that’s been problematic in this especially hot, dry summer, with cyanobacteria flourishing. Palmetto Pine discharges pond water into the canal, and a permit from the South Florida Water Management District also allows the course, which is not hooked up to the city’s irrigation system, to take water from the canal to spray its greens, said city spokeswoman Maureen Buice. When it rains, fertilizer- and algae-laden runoff flushes back into the canal.
“Deep turbidity curtains have been deployed in an attempt to contain the algae bloom,” Buice wrote in an email. “Also, booms of biochar/Aquaflex (an absorbent sponge product) are being tested to determine their efficiency in absorbing toxins. Staff is focusing on the mats of algae accumulated in the Highlander and Makai Canals,” which are connected. “A modified clay is another product that is being tested to mitigate the algae.”
The clay, which comes powdered, is mixed in a 400-gallon tank of water, then applied to the water’s surface “using a 100-foot hose that provides a spray similar to a fire hose. The system is trailered by a pickup truck, which enables the City to utilize vacant lots and the City-owned right-of-way to get as close to the water as possible,” Buice wrote in an email. “The clay is non-toxic and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection.”
Any treatment methods must be approved by the DEP, she said, since the canals are considered waters of the state.
The clay technique made a high-profile appearance in 2018, when a virulent red tide gripped Southwest Florida’s Gulf coast. As the state scrambled for solutions, Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission gave $2.2 million to Mote Marine Laboratory for field testing the sprayed clay, working with scientists at Woods Hole, which has been researching the technique for decades.
The project wasn’t a hit with some environmental groups and sparked some sharp criticism and debate over whether funding would be better used to fight harmful algae blooms at their source.
Most agree, though, that more research is needed – and quickly.
“This is among the most challenging and controversial aspects of the research that we do, yet it is also the least developed,” Anderson said. “It is the research line that people think would be at the top of our agenda and at the top of all the funding agency agendas – yet it really hasn’t been … So we’re still very much in the research or pilot-scale stage.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Thai protesters reinstall plaque symbolizing democracy

BANGKOK ( AP ) - Anti-government demonstrators occupying a historic field in the Thai capital on Sunday installed a plaque symbolizing the country ’ s transition to democracy to replace the original one that was mysteriously ripped and stolen three years ago , as they vowed to press on with calls for new elections and reform of the monarchy .
The mass student-led rally that began Saturday is the largest in a series of protests this year , with thousands camping overnight at Sanam Luang field near the royal palace .
On Sunday , they began marching to an undisclosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a petition to the king ’ s adviser .
A group of activists drilled a hole in front of a makeshift stage in Sanam Luang and laid down a round brass plaque , commemorating a 1932 revolution that changed Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy .
“ At the dawn of Sept. 20 , here is where the people proclaim that this country belongs to the people , ” read part of the inscription on the plaque .
In April 2017 , the original plaque vanished from Bangkok ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one praising the monarchy .
“ The nation does not belong to only one person , but belongs to us all .
Therefore , I would like to ask holy spirits to stay with us and bless the people ’ s victory , ” student leader Parit “ Penguin ” Chirawak told the crowd .
Another activist , Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul , said their demands do not propose getting rid of the monarchy .
“ They are proposals with good intentions to make the institution of the monarchy remain graciously above the people under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the nation by surprise .
Protesters ’ demands seek to limit the king ’ s powers , establish tighter controls on palace finances and allow open discussion of the monarchy .
Their boldness was unprecedented , as the monarchy is considered sacrosanct in Thailand with a harsh law that mandates a three- to 15-year prison term for defaming it .
Organizers had predicted that as many as 50,000 people would take part in the weekend ’ s protest , but Associated Press reporters estimated that around 20,000 people were present by Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sanam Luang - a long-time site of recreation and protest for the people , taken over in recent years by the monarchy - the protestors have won a significant victory , ” said Tyrell Haberkorn , a Thai studies scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison .
“ Their resounding message is that Sanam Luang , and the country , belong to the people.
” The crowd were a disparate batch .
They included an LGBTQ contingent waving iconic rainbow banners while red flags sprouted across the area , representing Thailand ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s military in Bangkok ’ s streets 10 years ago .
There were skits and music , and speakers gave fiery speeches late Saturday accusing the government of incompetence , corruption in the military and failing to protect women ’ s rights .
At least 8,000 police officers were reportedly deployed for the event .
“ The people who came here today came here peacefully and are really calling for democracy , ” said Panupong Jadnok , one of the protest leaders .
Their core demands were the dissolution of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitution and an end to intimidation of political activists .
They believe that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha , who as army commander led a 2014 coup toppling an elected government , was returned to power unfairly in last year ’ s general election because the laws had been changed to favor a pro-military party .
Protesters say a constitution promulgated under military rule is undemocratic .
The students are too young to have been caught up in the sometimes violent partisan battles that roiled Thailand a decade ago , said Kevin Hewison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a veteran Thai studies scholar .
“ This is why they look and act differently and why they are so confounding for the regime , ” he said .
“ What the regime and its supporters see is relatively well-off kids turned against them and this confounds them.
” The appearance of the Red Shirts , while boosting the protest numbers , links the new movement to mostly poor rural Thais , supporters of former populist billionaire Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a 2006 coup .
Thaksin was opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establishment .
The sometimes violent struggle between Thaksin ’ s supporters and the conservative foes left Thai society polarized .
Thaksin , who now lives in exile , noted on Twitter on Saturday that it was the anniversary of his fall from power and posed the rhetorical question of how the nation had fared since then .
“ If we had a good government , a democratic government , our politics , our education and our health care system would be better than this , ” said protester Amorn Panurang .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our dream would come true.
” Arrests for earlier actions on charges including sedition have failed to faze the young activists .
They had been denied permission to enter the Thammasat University campus and Sanam Luang on Saturday , but when they pushed , the authorities retreated , even though police warned them that they were breaking the law .

BANGKOK (AP) - Anti-government demonstrators occupying a historic field in the Thai capital on Sunday installed a plaque symbolizing the country’s transition to democracy to replace the original one that was mysteriously ripped out and stolen three years ago, as they vowed to press on with calls for new elections and reform of the monarchy.
The mass student-led rally that began Saturday was the largest in a series of protests this year, with thousands camping overnight at Sanam Luang field near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
A group of activists drilled a hole in front of a makeshift stage and, after Buddhist rituals, laid down a round brass plaque in cement to commemorate the 1932 revolution that changed Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
“At the dawn of Sept. 20, here is where the people proclaim that this country belongs to the people,” read part of the inscription on the plaque. In April 2017, the original plaque vanished from Bangkok’s Royal Plaza and was replaced by one praising the monarchy.
“The nation does not belong to only one person, but belongs to us all,” student leader Parit “Penguin” Chirawak told the crowd. “Therefore, I would like to ask holy spirits to stay with us and bless the people’s victory.”
Another activist, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, said their demands do not propose getting rid of the monarchy. “They are proposals with good intentions to make the institution of the monarchy remain graciously above the people under democratic rule,” Panusaya said.
Still, such calls took the nation by surprise. Protesters’ demands seek to limit the king’s powers, establish tighter controls on palace finances and allow open discussion of the monarchy. Their boldness was unprecedented, as the monarchy is considered sacrosanct in Thailand, with a harsh law that mandates a three- to 15-year prison term for defaming it.
The protesters later attempted to march toward the Grand Palace to hand over a petition seeking royal reforms to the head of the Privy Council, the king’s advisers, but were blocked by police barricades. One of them, Panusaya, was allowed to deliver the petition, which was addressed to the king. It was received by a police official, who promised to forward it to the council.
Just before the rally ended, Parit called for a general strike on Oct. 14, the anniversary of a popular student uprising in 1973 that ended a military dictatorship after dozens were killed by police. He also urged people to withdraw their funds and close their accounts at Siam Commercial Bank, in which the king is the biggest shareholder. Calls for comment to the bank, also known as SCB, and several of its corporate communications executives went unanswered or did not connect.
Parit also called for another protest Thursday outside parliament to follow up on the protesters’ demands.
Organizers had predicted that as many as 50,000 people would take part in the weekend protest, but Associated Press reporters estimated that around 20,000 were present by Saturday evening.
Tyrell Haberkorn, a Thai studies scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that by holding their protest at Sanam Luang, a longtime “site of recreation and protest for the people, taken over in recent years by the monarchy,” the protesters “have won a significant victory.”
“Their resounding message is that Sanam Luang, and the country, belong to the people,” he said in an email.
The crowd were a disparate batch. They included an LGBTQ contingent waving iconic rainbow banners while red flags sprouted across the area, representing Thailand’s Red Shirt political movement, which battled the country’s military in Bangkok’s streets 10 years ago.
There were skits and music, and speakers gave fiery speeches late Saturday accusing the government of incompetence, corruption in the military and failing to protect women’s rights. At least 8,000 police officers were reportedly deployed for the event.
“The people who came here today came here peacefully and are really calling for democracy,” said Panupong Jadnok, one of the protest leaders.
Their core demands were the dissolution of parliament with fresh elections, a new constitution and an end to intimidation of political activists.
They believe that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who as army commander led a 2014 coup toppling an elected government, was returned to power unfairly in last year’s general election because the laws had been changed to favor a pro-military party. Protesters say a constitution promulgated under military rule is undemocratic.
The students are too young to have been caught up in the sometimes violent partisan battles that roiled Thailand a decade ago, said Kevin Hewison, a University of North Carolina professor emeritus and a veteran Thai studies scholar.
“What the regime and its supporters see is relatively well-off kids turned against them and this confounds them,” he said.
The appearance of the Red Shirts, while boosting the protest numbers, links the new movement to mostly poor rural Thais, supporters of former populist billionaire Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. Thaksin was opposed by the country’s traditional royalist establishment.
The sometimes violent struggle between Thaksin’s supporters and the conservative foes left Thai society polarized. Thaksin, who now lives in exile, noted on Twitter on Saturday that it was the anniversary of his fall from power and posed the rhetorical question of how the nation had fared since then.
“If we had a good government, a democratic government, our politics, our education and our healthcare system would be better than this,” said protester Amorn Panurang. “This is our dream. And we hope that our dream will come true.”
Arrests for earlier actions on charges including sedition have failed to faze the young activists. They had been denied permission to enter the Thammasat University campus and Sanam Luang on Saturday, but when they pushed, the authorities retreated, even though police warned them that they were breaking the law.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Shots fired inside Lehigh Valley Mall, no injuries reported

WHITEHALL TWP.
, Pa. ( AP ) - Shots were fired late Saturday afternoon inside Lehigh Valley Mall but there are no victims that authorities have found , Whitehall Township Police said .
A large police presence remained at the scene Saturday evening as officials said on Twitter that officers were still searching the mall .
around 7:30 p.m. Police had arrived on the scene shortly before 5 p.m. Police Chief Michael Marks said at an 8 p.m. news conference that shots were fired in the mall ’ s lower level but police have not yet found anyone wounded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Allentown man Steve Royer told The Morning Call that he was walking out of J.C. Penney when he heard four or five gunshots and people started to race toward the mall ’ s exits .
“ It sounded like they were right next to me , ” he said .
Ashley Giammona told the newspaper she was with her husband on the second floor when they heard the shots .
“ I will never forget the second of silence that happened after the shots , as we processed what we heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone started screaming.
” The mall was put on lockdown .
Video posted on social media shows several officers walking through the mall with guns drawn .
Allentown Police Captain Mike Becker told The Associated Press that his department was assisting Whitehall Township Police but had no other information to share .

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. (AP) - Shots were fired late Saturday afternoon inside Lehigh Valley Mall but there are no victims that authorities have found, Whitehall Township Police said.
A large police presence remained at the scene Saturday evening as officials said on Twitter that officers were still searching the mall. around 7:30 p.m. Police had arrived on the scene shortly before 5 p.m.
Police Chief Michael Marks said at an 8 p.m. news conference that shots were fired in the mall’s lower level but police have not yet found anyone wounded. No arrests have been made, he said.
Allentown man Steve Royer told The Morning Call that he was walking out of J.C. Penney when he heard four or five gunshots and people started to race toward the mall’s exits.
“It sounded like they were right next to me,” he said.
Ashley Giammona told the newspaper she was with her husband on the second floor when they heard the shots.
“I will never forget the second of silence that happened after the shots, as we processed what we heard,” she said. “Then everyone started screaming.”
The mall was put on lockdown. Video posted on social media shows several officers walking through the mall with guns drawn.
Allentown Police Captain Mike Becker told The Associated Press that his department was assisting Whitehall Township Police but had no other information to share.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--New Haven artist, residents paint Black Lives Matter mural

NEW HAVEN , Conn. ( AP ) - Residents and a local artist joined together Saturday to paint a Black Lives Matter mural on a New Haven street , the first of several planned art projects in the city aimed at supporting the racial justice movement .
Artist Kwadwo Adae directed local residents as they painted each letter of Black Lives Matter in bright yellow on Bassett Street .
“ I am overjoyed to see so many public art projects being installed in the City of New Haven during the difficult times we have all been collectively experiencing during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement released by the city .
The New Haven mural is the latest of similar murals that have been painted on city and town streets across the country .
“ I was so grateful to be a part of this celebration of Black and brown culture in New Haven , ” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said .
” I am looking forward to future art installations across the city.
” Members of Black Lives Matters New Haven also took part in Saturday ’ s events , which included art vendors , music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter registration .

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Residents and a local artist joined together Saturday to paint a Black Lives Matter mural on a New Haven street, the first of several planned art projects in the city aimed at supporting the racial justice movement.
Artist Kwadwo Adae directed local residents as they painted each letter of Black Lives Matter in bright yellow on Bassett Street.
“I am overjoyed to see so many public art projects being installed in the City of New Haven during the difficult times we have all been collectively experiencing during the pandemic,” Adae said in a statement released by the city.
The New Haven mural is the latest of similar murals that have been painted on city and town streets across the country.
“I was so grateful to be a part of this celebration of Black and brown culture in New Haven,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said. ”I am looking forward to future art installations across the city.”
Members of Black Lives Matters New Haven also took part in Saturday’s events, which included art vendors, music performers and tables for community organizations and voter registration.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Longtime baseball pro scout Gary Hughes dies at 79

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - Gary Hughes , a beloved professional scout for numerous big league organizations during a 54-year career , has died in Northern California after a battle with cancer .
He was 79 .
Hughes was a regular at Bay Area ballparks in recent years working for the Red Sox and Diamondbacks .
Arizona announced his death in a statement Saturday , saying he passed earlier in the day .
“ Gary Hughes was the quintessential baseball man , ” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said .
“ He coached at various levels .
He scouted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ put together major league rosters.
” Hughes had lived for years in the scenic coastal city of Santa Cruz .
“ Gary ’ s impact on the game of baseball was exceeded only by the number of friends he made throughout it , ” the Diamondbacks said .
“ He was a member of the Giants , Mariners , Mets , Yankees , Expos , Marlins , Rockies , Reds , Cubs and Red Sox organizations before joining the D-backs and it was an honor to have a legend like him be part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A member of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame , Hughes always was a popular figure when he turned up before games with a briefcase and a big grin , ready to work or share his baseball knowledge with genuine care and love for the game .
“ He scouted me in high school , I ’ ve known Gary for that long , ” A ’ s manager Bob Melvin said .
“ I consider him a friend , a good friend .
I knew he was struggling some , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s awful.
” During his years with the Cubs , Hughes was Jim Hendry ’ s right-hand man assisting in many matters - even handling media duties at the winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista , Florida , in December 2006 when Hendry was rushed to a hospital .
“ Without Gary Hughes , I probably would have never played a day in the big leagues , ” said Kevin Millar , a 12-year major league veteran .
“ Gary was one of the most genuine , sweet-hearted baseball minds that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full circle as he signed me in 1993 and released me in 2010 .
He was my first and last hug in pro ball .
I will always be grateful for him believing in me , this undrafted kid , who loved the game and just wanted to fulfill his dream of playing in the big leagues.
” Hughes was thrilled to share tales of his days scouting baseball players who became NFL stars : John Elway and John Lynch before they picked football instead .
“ They threw away the mold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siegle said .
“ He was always at the right place at the right time .
Gary set a standard for helping to make teams win .
There will never be another like him.
” Hughes worked as the Expos ’ scouting director and Marlins assistant general manager .
In Montreal , he helped acquire catcher Jerry Goff from Seattle in 1990 .
Jerry is father to star Rams quarterback Jared Goff .
Hughes was thrilled when Jared Goff reached the Super Bowl in February 2019 .
“ More than anything , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storyteller and a friend to everyone whose path he crossed , ” the Diamondbacks said .
“ He will be missed by so many and our thoughts are with his family including his sons , Sam and ( Michael ) ‘ Rock , ’ who carry on his legacy in the game.
” On Aug. 21 , 2017 , Hughes made sure to get down to the field to greet Milwaukee ’ s Craig Counsell on the Brewers ’ manager ’ s birthday .
Hughes ’ son , Michael “ Rock ” Hughes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is married to Counsell ’ s sister .
Another son , Sam , is the Yankees ’ national crosschecker .
“ Gary was one of the game ’ s great personalities and became one of the all-time greats in the world of scouting , ” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said .
“ He started with the Yankees in 1978 , his first full-time scouting job for nine years .
He had a heavy hand in multiple world championships for many teams but most importantly he was an amazing person and a tremendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Gary was one of the great baseball scouts , ” former baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said , “ and one of the great baseball minds of our generation .
”

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Gary Hughes, a beloved professional scout for numerous big league organizations during a 54-year career, has died in Northern California after a battle with cancer. He was 79.
Hughes was a regular at Bay Area ballparks in recent years working for the Red Sox and Diamondbacks. Arizona announced his death in a statement Saturday, saying he passed earlier in the day.
“Gary Hughes was the quintessential baseball man,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “He coached at various levels. He scouted. He developed players. And he helped put together major league rosters.”
Hughes had lived for years in the scenic coastal city of Santa Cruz.
“Gary’s impact on the game of baseball was exceeded only by the number of friends he made throughout it,” the Diamondbacks said. “He was a member of the Giants, Mariners, Mets, Yankees, Expos, Marlins, Rockies, Reds, Cubs and Red Sox organizations before joining the D-backs and it was an honor to have a legend like him be part of our family for two seasons.”
A member of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame, Hughes always was a popular figure when he turned up before games with a briefcase and a big grin, ready to work or share his baseball knowledge with genuine care and love for the game.
“He scouted me in high school, I’ve known Gary for that long,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “I consider him a friend, a good friend. I knew he was struggling some, I knew he went into hospice. It’s awful.”
During his years with the Cubs, Hughes was Jim Hendry’s right-hand man assisting in many matters - even handling media duties at the winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in December 2006 when Hendry was rushed to a hospital.
“Without Gary Hughes, I probably would have never played a day in the big leagues,” said Kevin Millar, a 12-year major league veteran. “Gary was one of the most genuine, sweet-hearted baseball minds that you could ever be around. We went the full circle as he signed me in 1993 and released me in 2010. He was my first and last hug in pro ball. I will always be grateful for him believing in me, this undrafted kid, who loved the game and just wanted to fulfill his dream of playing in the big leagues.”
Hughes was thrilled to share tales of his days scouting baseball players who became NFL stars: John Elway and John Lynch before they picked football instead.
“They threw away the mold after Gary,” longtime executive Tony Siegle said. “He was always at the right place at the right time. Gary set a standard for helping to make teams win. There will never be another like him.”
Hughes worked as the Expos’ scouting director and Marlins assistant general manager. In Montreal, he helped acquire catcher Jerry Goff from Seattle in 1990. Jerry is father to star Rams quarterback Jared Goff. Hughes was thrilled when Jared Goff reached the Super Bowl in February 2019.
“More than anything, he was a tremendous person, a great storyteller and a friend to everyone whose path he crossed,” the Diamondbacks said. “He will be missed by so many and our thoughts are with his family including his sons, Sam and (Michael) ‘Rock,’ who carry on his legacy in the game.”
On Aug. 21, 2017, Hughes made sure to get down to the field to greet Milwaukee’s Craig Counsell on the Brewers’ manager’s birthday. Hughes’ son, Michael “Rock” Hughes, longtime Marlins visiting clubhouse manager, is married to Counsell’s sister.
Another son, Sam, is the Yankees’ national crosschecker.
“Gary was one of the game’s great personalities and became one of the all-time greats in the world of scouting,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “He started with the Yankees in 1978, his first full-time scouting job for nine years. He had a heavy hand in multiple world championships for many teams but most importantly he was an amazing person and a tremendous father. He will be dearly missed.”
Hughes was born on Feb. 2, 1941.
“Gary was one of the great baseball scouts,” former baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said, “and one of the great baseball minds of our generation.”
___
AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Gabriel throws 4 TD passes, No. 14 UCF beats Ga Tech 49-21

ATLANTA ( AP ) - Dillon Gabriel made sure Central Florida didn ’ t let another game slip away on the road .
The sophomore threw for a career-best 417 yards and four touchdowns , leading the No .
14 Knights to a 49-21 victory over Georgia Tech in their season opener Saturday .
It was a rewarding performance for UCF , coming off the uncertainty of the pandemic-affected summer and a bit of a disappointing season by its standards in 2019 .
The Knights lost three games - all on the road - by a total of seven points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tech closed within a touchdown early in the fourth quarter .
But Gabriel led a dominating performance the rest of the way , finishing 27 of 41 to eclipse his previous career high of 365 yards in a game last season at East Carolina .
“ We had so many guys making plays all over the field , ” Gabriel said .
” When that happens , you see what we can do.
” UCF bounced back after giving up a long return on the opening kickoff and falling behind less than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Marlon Williams each hauled in a pair of TD passes .
Showing off its running back depth , UCF got touchdowns on the ground from Greg McCrae , Otis Anderson and Bentavious Thompson .
Gabriel , a left-hander from Hawaii who claimed the starting job early in his freshman year , is the one who makes the fast-paced offense go .
“ From the first snap on , he had his eyes in the right place , he understood protections , ” UCF coach Josh Heupel said .
“ We made tons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was flawless in doing all that .
That ’ s extremely hard to do .
That speaks to his growth from year one to year two .
” Coming off a 3-9 season in Geoff Collins ’ coaching debut , Georgia Tech opened 2020 by rallying for a 16-13 win at Florida State .
The Yellow Jackets ( 1-1 ) had similar hopes after closing to 28-21 on a pair of scores by freshman Jahmyr Gibbs , who also had a long kickoff return to set up their first TD .
But Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game played before a socially distanced crowd of about 11,000 at 55,000-seat Bobby Dodd Stadium .
“ We put up a lot of numbers and a lot of yards , but we have to capitalize in the red zone and we can not turn the ball over , ” said Collins , whose team was missing several key players .
The Yellow Jackets got off to a brilliant start .
Gibbs returned the opening kickoff 75 yards , setting up quarterback Jeff Sims ’ 1-yard touchdown run 55 seconds into the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capped by Gabriel ’ s 6-yard touchdown pass to Nixon .
Georgia Tech squandered a couple of chances to reclaim control of the game , coming up with no points on two drives deep into UCF territory .
Sims fumbled the ball away at the Knights 8 and freshman Jude Kelley ’ s 27-yard field goal was blocked .
“ You can not do those things versus a really good football team , ” Collins said .
It was the fourth blocked kick in two games for Kelley , who had two field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the victory at Florida State .
Another freshman , Gavin Stewart , handled the extra points after Georgia Tech ’ s other TDs .
BEST IN THE SUNSHINE STATE “ You saw what happened last week , ” he said .
“ I guess you can say we ’ re the best team in Florida.
” UCF : The Knights are again one of the leading contenders from the Group of Five .
Gabriel is a dynamic quarterback who fits perfectly in the up-tempo offense , and he ’ s got plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 10 catches for 154 yards , and Jaylon Robinson added six catches for 105 yards .
Both came up big after Nixon left the game with an undisclosed injury .
He appeared to land hard on his shoulder making a 25-yard TD catch and didn ’ t return in the second half .
McCrae also hobbled off , a blow to his hopes of staying healthy after an injury-plagued 2019 season .
Georgia Tech : Sims again showed flashes of promise in his second college game , but he simply made too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCF ’ s caliber .
He was 18 of 36 for 244 yards with a pair of interceptions .
The Yellow Jackets also lost three fumbles .
Georgia Tech did not have its leading runner and a top defensive lineman .
Jordan Mason and Curtis Ryans were among six players unavailable for the game .
The school did not give a reason for their absence .
Mason led Georgia Tech with 899 yards rushing last season .
He had 55 yards and a touchdown in the victory at Florida State , while Ryans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Yellow Jackets also were without two other potential defensive starters , cornerback Tre Swilling and defensive end Antonneous Clayton , both of whom missed their second straight game with apparent injuries .
Tight ends Dylan Leonard and Dylan Deveney were missing , as well .
UCF : Plays its second straight road game to begin the season , facing East Carolina next Saturday in its American Athletic Conference opener .
Georgia Tech : Returns to Atlantic Coast Conference play with a trip to Syracuse next Saturday .
Follow Paul Newberry on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be found at https : //apnews.com/search/paulnewberry

ATLANTA (AP) - Dillon Gabriel made sure Central Florida didn’t let another game slip away on the road.
The sophomore threw for a career-best 417 yards and four touchdowns, leading the No. 14 Knights to a 49-21 victory over Georgia Tech in their season opener Saturday.
It was a rewarding performance for UCF, coming off the uncertainty of the pandemic-affected summer and a bit of a disappointing season by its standards in 2019. The Knights lost three games - all on the road - by a total of seven points.
After falling behind 28-7, Georgia Tech closed within a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. But Gabriel led a dominating performance the rest of the way, finishing 27 of 41 to eclipse his previous career high of 365 yards in a game last season at East Carolina.
“We had so many guys making plays all over the field,” Gabriel said. ”When that happens, you see what we can do.”
UCF bounced back after giving up a long return on the opening kickoff and falling behind less than a minute into the game.
Tre Nixon and Marlon Williams each hauled in a pair of TD passes. Showing off its running back depth, UCF got touchdowns on the ground from Greg McCrae, Otis Anderson and Bentavious Thompson.
Gabriel, a left-hander from Hawaii who claimed the starting job early in his freshman year, is the one who makes the fast-paced offense go.
“From the first snap on, he had his eyes in the right place, he understood protections,” UCF coach Josh Heupel said. “We made tons of adjustments on the sideline and he was flawless in doing all that. That’s extremely hard to do. That speaks to his growth from year one to year two. ”
Coming off a 3-9 season in Geoff Collins’ coaching debut, Georgia Tech opened 2020 by rallying for a 16-13 win at Florida State.
The Yellow Jackets (1-1) had similar hopes after closing to 28-21 on a pair of scores by freshman Jahmyr Gibbs, who also had a long kickoff return to set up their first TD.
But Georgia Tech simply made too many mistakes in a game played before a socially distanced crowd of about 11,000 at 55,000-seat Bobby Dodd Stadium.
“We put up a lot of numbers and a lot of yards, but we have to capitalize in the red zone and we cannot turn the ball over,” said Collins, whose team was missing several key players.
The Yellow Jackets got off to a brilliant start. Gibbs returned the opening kickoff 75 yards, setting up quarterback Jeff Sims’ 1-yard touchdown run 55 seconds into the game.
UCF responded with a 75-yard drive capped by Gabriel’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Nixon.
Georgia Tech squandered a couple of chances to reclaim control of the game, coming up with no points on two drives deep into UCF territory.
Sims fumbled the ball away at the Knights 8 and freshman Jude Kelley’s 27-yard field goal was blocked.
“You cannot do those things versus a really good football team,” Collins said.
It was the fourth blocked kick in two games for Kelley, who had two field goals and an extra point swatted away in the victory at Florida State. Another freshman, Gavin Stewart, handled the extra points after Georgia Tech’s other TDs.
BEST IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
Gabriel couldn’t resist a little poke at Florida State.
“You saw what happened last week,” he said. “I guess you can say we’re the best team in Florida.”
THE TAKEAWAY
UCF: The Knights are again one of the leading contenders from the Group of Five. Gabriel is a dynamic quarterback who fits perfectly in the up-tempo offense, and he’s got plenty of weapons at his disposal. Williams had 10 catches for 154 yards, and Jaylon Robinson added six catches for 105 yards. Both came up big after Nixon left the game with an undisclosed injury. He appeared to land hard on his shoulder making a 25-yard TD catch and didn’t return in the second half. McCrae also hobbled off, a blow to his hopes of staying healthy after an injury-plagued 2019 season.
Georgia Tech: Sims again showed flashes of promise in his second college game, but he simply made too many mistakes to beat a team of UCF’s caliber. He was 18 of 36 for 244 yards with a pair of interceptions. The Yellow Jackets also lost three fumbles.
MISSING IN ACTION
Georgia Tech did not have its leading runner and a top defensive lineman. Jordan Mason and Curtis Ryans were among six players unavailable for the game. The school did not give a reason for their absence.
Mason led Georgia Tech with 899 yards rushing last season. He had 55 yards and a touchdown in the victory at Florida State, while Ryans had two sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Yellow Jackets also were without two other potential defensive starters, cornerback Tre Swilling and defensive end Antonneous Clayton, both of whom missed their second straight game with apparent injuries. Tight ends Dylan Leonard and Dylan Deveney were missing, as well.
UP NEXT
UCF: Plays its second straight road game to begin the season, facing East Carolina next Saturday in its American Athletic Conference opener.
Georgia Tech: Returns to Atlantic Coast Conference play with a trip to Syracuse next Saturday.
___
Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963. His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/paulnewberry
___
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Trump on Supreme Court pick: It will be a woman

President Trump said Saturday it can not be “ more clear ” that he ’ s empowered to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and that his pick will be a woman , beaming as a North Carolina crowd chanted , “ Fill that seat !
” “ That ’ s what we ’ re going to do , we ’ re going to fill that seat , ” Mr. Trump told supporters at an outdoor rally in Fayetteville .
“ It will be a woman — a very talented , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Trump said he ’ s got a constitutional right to ensure the high court has a full complement of justices , as the Senate gears up for a nasty fight over filling a vacancy so close to Election Day .
“ Nobody said , ‘ Oh , let ’ s not fill the seat , ’ ” Mr. Trump said .
Mr. Trump soaked in his right to name a third justice in his first term after paying homage to Justice Ginsburg , who died late Friday of pancreatic cancer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rulings and her “ devoted to justice.
” “ You may agree , you may not agree with her , but she was a tremendous inspiration to all Americans , ” Mr. Trump said .
The president highlighted Justice Ginsburg ’ s well-documented friendship with late Justice Antonin Scalia , a conservative who was popular with his base .
“ Our thoughts and prayers are with her family , thank you very much , ” he said .
The crowd responded with respectful silence before erupting in vocal support for Mr. Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” responsibility and fill the seat “ We have plenty of time , there ’ s a lot of time .
You ’ re talking about January 20th , right ?
” he said .
Mr. Trump is rallying in swing states on an almost-daily basis , as polls show him trailing to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden , the Democratic nominee .
North Carolina ’ s 15 electoral votes will be a key prize on Nov. 3 .
Mr. Trump won the state by over 3 percentage points in 2016 but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , with Mr. Biden leading by less than 1 point in Real Clear Politics ’ average of polls .
The president isn ’ t suffering from a lack of confidence .
“ If I lose to him , I don ’ t know what I ’ m going to do .
I will never speak to you again .
You ’ ll never say no .
How do you lose ?
” he told supporters Saturday .
Justice Ginsburg had been ill for some time , but her death sent shockwaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who controls the White House and Congress — the Senate , in particular .
“ It does change the focus , without a doubt , ” Mr. Trump ’ s chief of staff , Mark Meadows , told reporters on the flight into North Carolina .
The president covered other topics nonetheless , from his insistence the country is “ turning the corner ” on the coronavirus pandemic to lambasting Hunter Biden , the former vice president ’ s son , who ’ s had done business in Ukraine and China .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they failed to cover his twin nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize by Scandinavian lawmakers .
“ I got the Nobel Peace Prize nomination , a peace-prize Nobel nomination and they didn ’ t cover it , ” he said .
Mr. Trump said “ Fill the seat ” should be emblazoned on a T-shirt and polled the crowd on whether they want a woman to sit on the court or not .
The “ man ” option received tepid cheers compared to raucous cheers for the female option .
“ I actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men , ” Mr. Trump said .
Mr. Trump also gave a shout-out to Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina , one of several vulnerable Senate Republicans in this cycle .
His Democratic challenger , Cal Cunningham , is leading by the low-single digits in most polls .
Mr. Trump also told the crowd to back Dan Forest , the Republican taking on Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper .
“ Handsome , looks like Cary Grant .
I hear you ’ re doing really well , ” Mr. Trump said .

President Trump said Saturday it cannot be “more clear” that he’s empowered to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and that his pick will be a woman, beaming as a North Carolina crowd chanted, “Fill that seat!”
“That’s what we’re going to do, we’re going to fill that seat,” Mr. Trump told supporters at an outdoor rally in Fayetteville.
“It will be a woman — a very talented, very brilliant woman,” he said.
Mr. Trump said he’s got a constitutional right to ensure the high court has a full complement of justices, as the Senate gears up for a nasty fight over filling a vacancy so close to Election Day.
“Nobody said, ‘Oh, let’s not fill the seat,’” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump soaked in his right to name a third justice in his first term after paying homage to Justice Ginsburg, who died late Friday of pancreatic cancer. He extolled her record of delivering landmark rulings and her “devoted to justice.”
“You may agree, you may not agree with her, but she was a tremendous inspiration to all Americans,” Mr. Trump said.
The president highlighted Justice Ginsburg’s well-documented friendship with late Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative who was popular with his base.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, thank you very much,” he said.
The crowd responded with respectful silence before erupting in vocal support for Mr. Trump’s push to fulfill his “moral” responsibility and fill the seat
“We have plenty of time, there’s a lot of time. You’re talking about January 20th, right?” he said.
Mr. Trump is rallying in swing states on an almost-daily basis, as polls show him trailing to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the Democratic nominee.
North Carolina’s 15 electoral votes will be a key prize on Nov. 3.
Mr. Trump won the state by over 3 percentage points in 2016 but it appears to be a tighter race this year, with Mr. Biden leading by less than 1 point in Real Clear Politics’ average of polls.
The president isn’t suffering from a lack of confidence.
“If I lose to him, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I will never speak to you again. You’ll never say no. How do you lose?” he told supporters Saturday.
Justice Ginsburg had been ill for some time, but her death sent shockwaves through Washington and 2020 races to determine who controls the White House and Congress — the Senate, in particular.
“It does change the focus, without a doubt,” Mr. Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, told reporters on the flight into North Carolina.
The president covered other topics nonetheless, from his insistence the country is “turning the corner” on the coronavirus pandemic to lambasting Hunter Biden, the former vice president’s son, who’s had done business in Ukraine and China.
He also complained about the media, saying they failed to cover his twin nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize by Scandinavian lawmakers.
“I got the Nobel Peace Prize nomination, a peace-prize Nobel nomination and they didn’t cover it,” he said.
Mr. Trump said “Fill the seat” should be emblazoned on a T-shirt and polled the crowd on whether they want a woman to sit on the court or not. The “man” option received tepid cheers compared to raucous cheers for the female option.
“I actually like women much more than I like men,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump also gave a shout-out to Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, one of several vulnerable Senate Republicans in this cycle.
His Democratic challenger, Cal Cunningham, is leading by the low-single digits in most polls.
Mr. Trump also told the crowd to back Dan Forest, the Republican taking on Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
“Handsome, looks like Cary Grant. I hear you’re doing really well,” Mr. Trump said.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner has died at 91

TORONTO ( AP ) - John Turner , a Liberal party politician who served stints as Canada ’ s justice and finance ministers before a very brief turn as the country ’ s 17th prime minister , has died at age 91 , his family reported Saturday .
Marc Kealey , a former aide speaking on behalf of Turner ’ s relatives as a family friend , said Turner died peacefully in his sleep at home in Toronto on Friday night .
Turner failed to live up to the great expectations of his early career , serving as prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difficult , decades-long climb to the top job .
A track star , Turner graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1949 , winning a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University .
After studying law , he went to Paris to work on a doctorate at the Sorbonne .
The young lawyer caused a stir when he danced with Princess Margaret at a party in 1959 , giving rise to speculation that the two would become a couple .
The two remained friends for life .
Turner moved to Montreal to practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1962 .
As justice minister in Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau ’ s Cabinet from 1968 to 1972 , Turner proposed a national legal aid system - an issue close to his heart - and created the Federal Court , among other reforms .
He defended the decriminalization of homosexuality and abortion in the 1960s He was named finance minister in 1972 and held the job for three turbulent years , marked by high unemployment and high rates of inflation .
He decisively lost the 1988 federal election to Brian Mulroney over the Canada-U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed .
This story has been corrected to show that Turner was prime minister in 1984 .

TORONTO (AP) - John Turner, a Liberal party politician who served stints as Canada’s justice and finance ministers before a very brief turn as the country’s 17th prime minister, has died at age 91, his family reported Saturday.
Marc Kealey, a former aide speaking on behalf of Turner’s relatives as a family friend, said Turner died peacefully in his sleep at home in Toronto on Friday night.
Turner failed to live up to the great expectations of his early career, serving as prime minister for just 79 days in 1984 after a difficult, decades-long climb to the top job.
A track star, Turner graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1949, winning a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University. After studying law, he went to Paris to work on a doctorate at the Sorbonne.
The young lawyer caused a stir when he danced with Princess Margaret at a party in 1959, giving rise to speculation that the two would become a couple. The two remained friends for life.
Turner moved to Montreal to practice law but was lured into politics in 1962.
As justice minister in Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s Cabinet from 1968 to 1972, Turner proposed a national legal aid system - an issue close to his heart - and created the Federal Court, among other reforms. He defended the decriminalization of homosexuality and abortion in the 1960s
He was named finance minister in 1972 and held the job for three turbulent years, marked by high unemployment and high rates of inflation.
He decisively lost the 1988 federal election to Brian Mulroney over the Canada-U.S. free trade agreement, which Turner vehemently opposed.
—
This story has been corrected to show that Turner was prime minister in 1984.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Tucson police: 2 men found fatally shot in double homicide

TUCSON , Ariz. ( AP ) - Two men were killed in a double homicide , with one victim found @ @ @ @ @ and the other in a nearby alley , police said Saturday .
Manaury Acevedo , @ @ @ @ @ night mortally wounded on a street near a stopped SUV while Javier Araiza Anaya , @ @ @ @ @ shot in an alley as officers canvassed the neighborhood for evidence , police said in @ @ @ @ @ was found near Acevada and detectives determined that he and Anaya were both in the @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
No immediate arrest was made and additional information on the case @ @ @ @ @ as detectives followed up leads , the statement said .

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Two men were killed in a double homicide with one victim found on a midtown Tucson street and the other in a nearby alley, police said Saturday.
Manaury Acevedo, 21, was found Friday night mortally wounded on a street near a stopped SUV while Javier Araiza Lugo, 20, was found fatally shot in an alley as officers canvassed the neighborhood for evidence, police said.
Police originally identified one of the victims as 26-year-old Javier Azaiza Anaya on Saturday, but later corrected his last name and age.
A handgun was found near Acevada and detectives determined that he and Lugo were both in the SUV when the shooting occurred, police said.
No immediate arrest was made and additional information on the case couldn’t be released as detectives followed up leads, the statement said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Police: The two victims who were killed in a shooting early Saturday in Rochester, N.Y., were not th

ROCHESTER , N.Y. ( AP ) - Police : The two victims who were killed in a shooting early Saturday @ @ @ @ @ were not the intended targets .

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - Police: The two victims who were killed in a shooting early Saturday in Rochester, N.Y., were not the intended targets.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Arkansas reported coronavirus cases rise by 803, deaths by 8

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - The number of reported coronavirus cases increased by 803 in Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ eight more deaths due to COVID-19 , the illness caused by the disease , the @ @ @ @ @ .
There are a reported 73,141 confirmed cases of the virus and 1,181 deaths , @ @ @ @ @ 1,173 COVID-19 deaths reported Friday .
The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely @ @ @ @ @ not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick @ @ @ @ @ confirmed active cases of the virus in the state and that 67,418 people have recovered @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and a cough @ @ @ @ @ to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health @ @ @ @ @ more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The number of reported coronavirus cases increased by 803 in Arkansas on Saturday and there are eight more deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the disease, the Arkansas Department of Health reported.
There are a reported 73,141 confirmed cases of the virus and 1,181 deaths, up from 72,338 cases and 1,173 COVID-19 deaths reported Friday. The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The department reported 6,101 confirmed active cases of the virus in the state and that 67,418 people have recovered.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--New Mexico reports 164 more virus cases; death toll up by 6

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - State officials on Saturday reported 164 additional COVID-19 cases with six additional deaths in New Mexico , increasing its totals to 27,512 cases and 847 deaths .
Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties each had 31 additional cases and Lea County has 23 , including 18 involving state corrections inmates at the Lea County Correctional Facility .
Among other counties , Eddy County had 10 additional cases and Chaves County had 10 .
Of the six new deaths , two each were from Chaves and San Juan counties and one each from Bernalillo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press , the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Mexico and daily deaths both decreased over the past two weeks .
The daily new case average went from 127 on Sept. 4 to 110 on Friday .
The daily deaths average went from 3.9 to 2.9 .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
For most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - State officials on Saturday reported 164 additional COVID-19 cases with six additional deaths in New Mexico, increasing its totals to 27,512 cases and 847 deaths.
Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties each had 31 additional cases and Lea County has 23, including 18 involving state corrections inmates at the Lea County Correctional Facility. Among other counties, Eddy County had 10 additional cases and Chaves County had 10.
Of the six new deaths, two each were from Chaves and San Juan counties and one each from Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties.
According to Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press, the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Mexico and daily deaths both decreased over the past two weeks.
The daily new case average went from 127 on Sept. 4 to 110 on Friday. The daily deaths average went from 3.9 to 2.9.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Demonstrators arrested at NYC protest against ICE, police

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Demonstrators were arrested Saturday in New York City ’ s Times Square while protesting @ @ @ @ @ police , authorities said .
City police said in an email to The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ were taken into custody , but did not release details of the charges .
WINS-AM @ @ @ @ @ were arrested when they refused to move from a city street where they sat down @ @ @ @ @ protesters accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of mistreating migrants , including claims that migrants @ @ @ @ @ at a detention center in Georgia .
ICE ’ s acting director , Tony Pham @ @ @ @ @ agency was looking into the allegations and if they are true officials would “ make @ @ @ @ @ demonstrators shouted “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ abolish the police .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - Demonstrators were arrested Saturday in New York City’s Times Square while protesting federal immigration officials and city police, authorities said.
City police said in an email to The Associated Press that “several” protesters were taken into custody, but did not release details of the charges.
WINS-AM reported that dozens of people were arrested when they refused to move from a city street where they sat down and blocked traffic.
Many protesters accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of mistreating migrants, including claims that migrants were subjected to questionable hysterectomies at a detention center in Georgia. ICE’s acting director, Tony Pham, said Friday that the agency was looking into the allegations and if they are true officials would “make the corrections necessary.”
Other demonstrators shouted “Black Lives Matter” and “abolish the police.”
No injuries were reported.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--NC unemployment rate falls to nearly half of lockdown's peak

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - North Carolina ’ s unemployment rate dropped markedly in August , according to state figures , falling to nearly half the record rate during the spring at the height of business and movement restrictions issued during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The 6.5 % jobless rate is 2 percentage points lower than the seasonally adjusted rate in July , according to the state Department of Commerce .
The July rate had increased compared to June .
The national rate for August was 8.4 % .
The state rate for April was 12.9 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for North Carolina since 1976 , when the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics began keeping records in the manner it currently does .
The jobless figures for August , revealed on Friday , mask partly the reduction in the overall number of people in the workforce by almost 72,000 compared to July , falling to 4.83 million people .
That could signal that some residents have stopped looking for work .
Meanwhile , the overall number of people employed grew by 28,000 compared to July , or to 4.51 million people .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August compared to August 2019 .
About 891,600 North Carolina workers have been approved for unemployment benefits since the pandemic began , the Division of Employment Security said in a release .
Nearly $ 8 billion in federal and state benefits have been disbursed to the qualifying workers .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped markedly in August, according to state figures, falling to nearly half the record rate during the spring at the height of business and movement restrictions issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 6.5% jobless rate is 2 percentage points lower than the seasonally adjusted rate in July, according to the state Department of Commerce. The July rate had increased compared to June. The national rate for August was 8.4%.
The state rate for April was 12.9%, which marks the highest seasonally adjusted rate for North Carolina since 1976, when the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics began keeping records in the manner it currently does.
The jobless figures for August, revealed on Friday, mask partly the reduction in the overall number of people in the workforce by almost 72,000 compared to July, falling to 4.83 million people. That could signal that some residents have stopped looking for work. Meanwhile, the overall number of people employed grew by 28,000 compared to July, or to 4.51 million people. Still, almost 388,000 fewer people were working in August compared to August 2019.
About 891,600 North Carolina workers have been approved for unemployment benefits since the pandemic began, the Division of Employment Security said in a release. Nearly $8 billion in federal and state benefits have been disbursed to the qualifying workers.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Arizona Senate race could play crucial role in confirmation

PHOENIX ( AP ) - If Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly wins a seat in the U.S. Senate , he could take office as early as Nov. 30 , shrinking the GOP ’ s Senate majority at a crucial moment and complicating the path to confirmation for President Donald Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee .
Kelly has maintained a consistent polling lead over Republican Sen. Martha McSally , who was appointed to the seat held by John McCain , who died in 2018 .
Because the contest is a special election to finish McCain ’ s term , the winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results are officially certified .
Other winners in the November election won ’ t take office until January .
Trump has pledged to nominate a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , a liberal icon who died Friday , and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed that Trump ’ s nominee “ will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate.
” If Kelly wins , the timing when he formally takes office could be crucial in determining who replaces Ginsburg .
It could eliminate a Republican vote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP currently has 53 seats in the 100-member chamber - or require McConnell to speed up the nomination process .
With McSally in the Senate , four GOP defections could defeat a nomination , while a tie vote could be broken by Vice President Mike Pence .
McSally quickly laid down a marker , declaring on Twitter within hours of the announcement of Ginsberg ’ s death that “ this U.S. Senate should vote on President Trump ’ s next nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court.
” She has not elaborated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or after the election .
But she highlighted the renewed stakes of her race in a fundraising pitch on Saturday .
“ If Mark Kelly comes out on top , HE could block President Trump ’ s Supreme Court Nominee from being confirmed , ” she wrote .
Democrats in 2018 found success in Arizona , a state long dominated by the GOP , by appealing to Republicans and independent voters disaffected with Trump .
The Supreme Court vacancy could shake up the race and boost McSally ’ s lagging campaign by keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said late Saturday that “ the people elected to the presidency and Senate in November should fill this vacancy.
” “ When it comes to making a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court , Washington shouldn ’ t rush that process for political purposes , ” Kelly said in a statement .
Arizona law requires election results to be officially certified on the fourth Monday after the election , which falls this year on Nov. 30 .
The certification could be delayed up to three days if the state has not received election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mary O ’ Grady , a Democratic lawyer with expertise in election law , said the deadlines are firm and there ’ s little room for delay .
“ I don ’ t see ambiguity here , ” said O ’ Grady , who was Arizona ’ s solicitor general under two Democratic attorneys general .
Arizona law allows recounts and election challenges only under very limited circumstances , she said .
“ Usually , the Secretary of the Senate ’ s office goes out of its way to accommodate the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Historian Don Ritchie told The Arizona Republic , which first reported on the prospect for Kelly taking office early a day before Ginsburg ’ s death .
“ The old senator is out of their office there .
I mean , they actually literally put a lock on the door so their staff can ’ t go in .
”

PHOENIX (AP) - If Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly wins a seat in the U.S. Senate, he could take office as early as Nov. 30, shrinking the GOP’s Senate majority at a crucial moment and complicating the path to confirmation for President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee.
Kelly has maintained a consistent polling lead over Republican Sen. Martha McSally, who was appointed to the seat held by John McCain, who died in 2018.
Because the contest is a special election to finish McCain’s term, the winner could be sworn in as soon as the results are officially certified. Other winners in the November election won’t take office until January.
Trump has pledged to nominate a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal icon who died Friday, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed that Trump’s nominee “will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate.”
If Kelly wins, the timing when he formally takes office could be crucial in determining who replaces Ginsburg. It could eliminate a Republican vote in favor of Trump’s nominee - the GOP currently has 53 seats in the 100-member chamber - or require McConnell to speed up the nomination process.
With McSally in the Senate, four GOP defections could defeat a nomination, while a tie vote could be broken by Vice President Mike Pence.
McSally quickly laid down a marker, declaring on Twitter within hours of the announcement of Ginsberg’s death that “this U.S. Senate should vote on President Trump’s next nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court.”
She has not elaborated on whether the confirmation vote should come before or after the election. But she highlighted the renewed stakes of her race in a fundraising pitch on Saturday.
“If Mark Kelly comes out on top, HE could block President Trump’s Supreme Court Nominee from being confirmed,” she wrote.
Democrats in 2018 found success in Arizona, a state long dominated by the GOP, by appealing to Republicans and independent voters disaffected with Trump. The Supreme Court vacancy could shake up the race and boost McSally’s lagging campaign by keeping those voters in her camp.
Kelly said late Saturday that “the people elected to the presidency and Senate in November should fill this vacancy.”
“When it comes to making a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, Washington shouldn’t rush that process for political purposes,” Kelly said in a statement.
Arizona law requires election results to be officially certified on the fourth Monday after the election, which falls this year on Nov. 30. The certification could be delayed up to three days if the state has not received election results from any of the 15 counties.
Mary O’Grady, a Democratic lawyer with expertise in election law, said the deadlines are firm and there’s little room for delay.
“I don’t see ambiguity here,” said O’Grady, who was Arizona’s solicitor general under two Democratic attorneys general.
Arizona law allows recounts and election challenges only under very limited circumstances, she said.
“Usually, the Secretary of the Senate’s office goes out of its way to accommodate the new senators coming in,” former Senate Historian Don Ritchie told The Arizona Republic, which first reported on the prospect for Kelly taking office early a day before Ginsburg’s death. “The old senator is out of their office there. I mean, they actually literally put a lock on the door so their staff can’t go in.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Trump backs proposed deal to keep TikTok operating in U.S.

NEW YORK ( AP ) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he ’ s given his “ blessing ” to a proposed deal that would see the popular video-sharing app TikTok partner with Oracle and Walmart to become a U.S. company .
Trump has targeted Chinese-owned TikTok for national security and data privacy concerns .
The announcement comes just a day after the Commerce Department announced restrictions that if put in place could eventually make it nearly impossible for TikTok fans to use the app .
Trump said if completed the deal would create a new company likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the deal my blessing , ” he said .
“ If they get it done , that ’ s great .
If they don ’ t , that ’ s OK too.
” Trump said the new company will be hiring at least 25,000 people and making a $ 5 billion contribution to a fund dedicated to education for Americans .
“ That ’ s their contribution that I ’ ve been asking for , ” he said .
“ We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok , Oracle , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Administration and settle questions around TikTok ’ s future in the U.S. , ” TikTok said in a statement .
TikTok said both Oracle and Walmart will take part in a financing round before an initial public offering of stock , where they can take up to a 20 % cumulative stake in the company .
The deal will make Oracle responsible for hosting all TikTok ’ s U.S. user data and securing computer systems to ensure U.S. national security requirements are satisfied .
TikTok said it ’ s also working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” but gave no other details .
Oracle said in a separate statement that it would take a 12.5 % stake in TikTok Global .
Representatives for Walmart could not be immediately reached for comment late Saturday .
Trump has been demanding that the U.S. operations of TikTok , a video app popular with younger people , be sold to a U.S. company or else be shut down .
He ’ s also been targeting WeChat , another Chinese-owned app .
The dispute over the two apps is the latest flashpoint in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two largest economies .
Ttrump said the new company - to be known as TikTok Global - “ will have nothing to do with China.
” Just a day earlier , the U.S. Commerce Department said it would bar TikTok from U.S. app stores as of late Sunday .
Further restrictions that would prevent TikTok from accessing essential internet services in the country would go into effect on Nov. 12 .
Commerce said Saturday that it will delay the barring of TikTok from U.S. app stores until Sept. 27 at 11:59 p.m Commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although all of the restrictions on WeChat are set to go into effect Sunday night at 11:59 p.m .
Earlier Saturday , WeChat users asked a U.S. judge to block the moves targeting the app , saying they would restrict free speech .
WeChat is an all-in-one app with instant-messaging , social media and other communication tools .
The U.S. government argued that it is not restricting free speech because WeChat users still “ are free to speak on alternative platforms that do not pose a national security threat.
” The aggressive tactics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to counter the influence of China , a rising economic superpower .
Since taking office in 2017 , Trump has waged a trade war with China , blocked mergers involving Chinese companies and stifled the business of Chinese firms like Huawei , a maker of phones and telecom equipment .
China-backed hackers , meanwhile , have been blamed for data breaches of U.S. federal databases and the credit agency Equifax , and the Chinese government strictly limits what U.S. tech companies can do in China .
China ’ s ministry of commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop what it called bullying behavior .
It also said China may take “ necessary measures ” to protect Chinese companies .
The U.S. Treasury Department said that TikTok ’ s deal with Oracle and Walmart also still needs documentation and conditions to be approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States .

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he’s given his “blessing” to a proposed deal that would see the popular video-sharing app TikTok partner with Oracle and Walmart to become a U.S. company.
Trump has targeted Chinese-owned TikTok for national security and data privacy concerns. The announcement comes just a day after the Commerce Department announced restrictions that if put in place could eventually make it nearly impossible for TikTok fans to use the app.
Trump said if completed the deal would create a new company likely to be based in Texas.
“I have given the deal my blessing,” he said. “If they get it done, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s OK too.”
Trump said the new company will be hiring at least 25,000 people and making a $5 billion contribution to a fund dedicated to education for Americans. “That’s their contribution that I’ve been asking for,” he said.
“We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok, Oracle, and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the U.S. Administration and settle questions around TikTok’s future in the U.S.,” TikTok said in a statement.
TikTok said both Oracle and Walmart will take part in a financing round before an initial public offering of stock, where they can take up to a 20% cumulative stake in the company.
The deal will make Oracle responsible for hosting all TikTok’s U.S. user data and securing computer systems to ensure U.S. national security requirements are satisfied. TikTok said it’s also working with Walmart on a “commercial partnership” but gave no other details.
Oracle said in a separate statement that it would take a 12.5% stake in TikTok Global. Representatives for Walmart could not be immediately reached for comment late Saturday.
Trump has been demanding that the U.S. operations of TikTok, a video app popular with younger people, be sold to a U.S. company or else be shut down. He’s also been targeting WeChat, another Chinese-owned app. The dispute over the two apps is the latest flashpoint in the rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Ttrump said the new company - to be known as TikTok Global - “will have nothing to do with China.”
Just a day earlier, the U.S. Commerce Department said it would bar TikTok from U.S. app stores as of late Sunday. Further restrictions that would prevent TikTok from accessing essential internet services in the country would go into effect on Nov. 12. Commerce said Saturday that it will delay the barring of TikTok from U.S. app stores until Sept. 27 at 11:59 p.m
Commerce is imposing similar restrictions on WeChat, although all of the restrictions on WeChat are set to go into effect Sunday night at 11:59 p.m.
Earlier Saturday, WeChat users asked a U.S. judge to block the moves targeting the app, saying they would restrict free speech. WeChat is an all-in-one app with instant-messaging, social media and other communication tools. The U.S. government argued that it is not restricting free speech because WeChat users still “are free to speak on alternative platforms that do not pose a national security threat.”
The aggressive tactics are part of Trump’s latest attempt to counter the influence of China, a rising economic superpower. Since taking office in 2017, Trump has waged a trade war with China, blocked mergers involving Chinese companies and stifled the business of Chinese firms like Huawei, a maker of phones and telecom equipment.
China-backed hackers, meanwhile, have been blamed for data breaches of U.S. federal databases and the credit agency Equifax, and the Chinese government strictly limits what U.S. tech companies can do in China.
China’s ministry of commerce condemned the U.S. moves and urged it to stop what it called bullying behavior. It also said China may take “necessary measures” to protect Chinese companies.
The U.S. Treasury Department said that TikTok’s deal with Oracle and Walmart also still needs documentation and conditions to be approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Missouri reports nearly 1,400 new COVID-19 cases

JEFFERSON CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Missouri added nearly 1,400 new COVID-19 cases and 13 more deaths @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health and Senior Services reported that the 1,387 new cases bring the total @ @ @ @ @ began .
The death toll in the state now stands at 1,793 .
The seven-day @ @ @ @ @ cases in Missouri has risen over the past two weeks from 1,317.57 new cases per @ @ @ @ @ 1,567 new cases per day on Friday , according to data from Johns Hopkins University @ @ @ @ @ COVID Tracking Project shows that the positivity rate dropped over that period , going from @ @ @ @ @ .

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri added nearly 1,400 new COVID-19 cases and 13 more deaths on Saturday.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported that the 1,387 new cases bring the total to 111,516 since the pandemic began. The death toll in the state now stands at 1,793.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Missouri has risen over the past two weeks from 1,317.57 new cases per day on Sept. 4 to 1,567 new cases per day on Friday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
But data from The COVID Tracking Project shows that the positivity rate dropped over that period, going from 13.75% to 11.69%.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Department: 2 prison officers stabbed by inmate

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections said Saturday that @ @ @ @ @ officers at a state prison .
The state agency said in a news release that @ @ @ @ @ at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center .
The prison system said charges are pending against 41-year-old @ @ @ @ @ two officers with a homemade knife .
One officer was stabbed in the chest and @ @ @ @ @ and arm .
Both officers were treated and released from a local hospital .
It @ @ @ @ @ Jones has an attorney .
The Department of Corrections and the Iberville Parish Sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ incident .
Jones is serving two life sentences for two 2010 second-degree murder convictions out @ @ @ @ @ has been at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center since January .
He was transferred Saturday to @ @ @ @

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections said Saturday that an inmate stabbed two corrections officers at a state prison.
The state agency said in a news release that the incident occurred Friday night at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. The prison system said charges are pending against 41-year-old Willie Jones for stabbing the two officers with a homemade knife.
One officer was stabbed in the chest and the other in the abdomen and arm. Both officers were treated and released from a local hospital.
It was not immediately clear if Jones has an attorney.
The Department of Corrections and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
Jones is serving two life sentences for two 2010 second-degree murder convictions out of Bossier Parish. Jones has been at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center since January. He was transferred Saturday to another state prison.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Trump says he has given his 'blessing' to a deal between Oracle, Walmart and TikTok; new company to

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Trump says he has given his ‘ blessing ’ to a deal between Oracle , @ @ @ @ @ company to be based in Texas .

WASHINGTON (AP) - Trump says he has given his ‘blessing’ to a deal between Oracle, Walmart and TikTok; new company to be based in Texas.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Spring classes at Virginia community colleges to stay online

NEWPORT NEWS , Va. ( AP ) - Most classes at Virginia ’ s community colleges will remain online early next year , the system ’ s head announced months before the spring semester to “ minimize the disruptions ” for students from COVID-19 .
Chancellor Glenn DuBois sent word of the system ’ s plan to students at the 23 colleges on Friday , The Daily Press of Newport News reported .
“ In announcing this decision now , we prioritize your safety , your family ’ s safety , and that of your community — all while giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan your spring semester , ” DuBois wrote .
Staying online is the “ safest and most prudent choice ” with the continued pandemic and the traditional cold and flu season arriving , he added .
Like the current fall semester , some in-person classes will be held in the spring for short-term career credential and technical programs .
About 72 % of community courses during the fall are fully online , according to data presented to a recent state community college system board meeting .
Another 14 % are on campus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with optional face-to-face components .
The number of people enrolled this year is almost 10 % below last year ’ s totals , or more than 14,000 students , according to data .
Much of the decline can be attributed to a drop in the number of high school students who also would be enrolled at community colleges .

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) - Most classes at Virginia’s community colleges will remain online early next year, the system’s head announced months before the spring semester to “minimize the disruptions” for students from COVID-19.
Chancellor Glenn DuBois sent word of the system’s plan to students at the 23 colleges on Friday, The Daily Press of Newport News reported.
“In announcing this decision now, we prioritize your safety, your family’s safety, and that of your community — all while giving you as much time as possible to plan your spring semester,” DuBois wrote. Staying online is the “safest and most prudent choice” with the continued pandemic and the traditional cold and flu season arriving, he added.
Like the current fall semester, some in-person classes will be held in the spring for short-term career credential and technical programs.
About 72% of community courses during the fall are fully online, according to data presented to a recent state community college system board meeting. Another 14% are on campus, with the rest either online hybrids or those with optional face-to-face components.
The number of people enrolled this year is almost 10% below last year’s totals, or more than 14,000 students, according to data. Much of the decline can be attributed to a drop in the number of high school students who also would be enrolled at community colleges.


washingtontimes--2020-09-19--Texas health department reports 3,433 new coronavirus cases

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - Texas health officials on Saturday reported 3,433 new coronavirus cases and 135 more @ @ @ @ @ the illness caused by the virus .
There are a reported 686,068 total cases and @ @ @ @ @ 682,241 confirmed cases and 14,713 deaths reported Friday , according to the state health department @ @ @ @ @ cases is likely higher though because many people haven ’ t been tested and studies @ @ @ @ @ and not feel sick .
The department estimates that 605,522 people have recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ 65,698 active cases .
The true number of cases is likely higher though because many @ @ @ @ @ tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
For most @ @ @ @ @ mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and a cough that clear up in @ @ @ @ @ For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can @ @ @ @ @ including pneumonia , and death .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas health officials on Saturday reported 3,433 new coronavirus cases and 135 more deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
There are a reported 686,068 total cases and 14,848 deaths, up from 682,241 confirmed cases and 14,713 deaths reported Friday, according to the state health department. The true number of cases is likely higher though because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The department estimates that 605,522 people have recovered from the virus and that there are 65,698 active cases.
The true number of cases is likely higher though because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.