washingtontimes--2020-08-09--Midshipmen to return to U.S. Naval Academy for fall semester

A “ significant ” portion of academic learning for midshipmen at the U.S .
Naval Academy may be achieved in an online forum when classes begin in the fall , said academy superintendent Vice Admiral Sean Buck .
U.S.N.A .
leaders recently decided to return the Brigade of Midshipmen to Annapolis for the fall semester in a combination of in-person and virtual learning .
As a key source of Navy officers , the Naval Academy was designated as being mission essential by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper .
Vice Admiral Buck said critical sections of the training at the naval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I am a firm believer , however , that leadership development requires hands-on learning and training future leaders is the primary mission of this institution , ” he said .
“ Having the Brigade of Midshipmen back in one central location is critical to our mission accomplishment.
” Bancroft Hall , a dormitory that houses the entire Brigade of Midshipmen , will be temporarily limited to about 90 percent capacity because of COVID-19 concerns .
It ’ s part of an effort to maintain quarantine and isolation space and decrease the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
“ Several alternatives are being explored for appropriate accommodations for the remaining roughly 500 midshipmen , but the goal is for all midshipmen to reside in the Annapolis area this fall , ” Academy officials said .
The midshipmen began returning to Annapolis in mid-July as the first group of freshmen , or plebes , arrived for their initial summer training .
The remaining midshipmen will go through the same regime of quarantine and COVID-19 testing when they return to the campus , officials said .
The academy will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being and midshipmen will not be permitted liberty in town to minimize the spread of the virus , officials said .
“ The safety of midshipmen , faculty , staff , coaches and the entire U.S.N.A .
community , as well as the local Annapolis community , remains our number one priority , ” academy officials said .

A “significant” portion of academic learning for midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy may be achieved in an online forum when classes begin in the fall, said academy superintendent Vice Admiral Sean Buck.
U.S.N.A. leaders recently decided to return the Brigade of Midshipmen to Annapolis for the fall semester in a combination of in-person and virtual learning. As a key source of Navy officers, the Naval Academy was designated as being mission essential by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.
Vice Admiral Buck said critical sections of the training at the naval academy can only be done in person.
“I am a firm believer, however, that leadership development requires hands-on learning and training future leaders is the primary mission of this institution,” he said. “Having the Brigade of Midshipmen back in one central location is critical to our mission accomplishment.”
Bancroft Hall, a dormitory that houses the entire Brigade of Midshipmen, will be temporarily limited to about 90 percent capacity because of COVID-19 concerns. It’s part of an effort to maintain quarantine and isolation space and decrease the population density within the building, Navy officials said.
“Several alternatives are being explored for appropriate accommodations for the remaining roughly 500 midshipmen, but the goal is for all midshipmen to reside in the Annapolis area this fall,” Academy officials said.
The midshipmen began returning to Annapolis in mid-July as the first group of freshmen, or plebes, arrived for their initial summer training. The remaining midshipmen will go through the same regime of quarantine and COVID-19 testing when they return to the campus, officials said.
The academy will remain closed to the general public for time being and midshipmen will not be permitted liberty in town to minimize the spread of the virus, officials said.
“The safety of midshipmen, faculty, staff, coaches and the entire U.S.N.A. community, as well as the local Annapolis community, remains our number one priority,” academy officials said.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-09--Woman, 40, shot to death after street confrontation

CLEVELAND , Ohio ( AP ) - A woman was shot to death after a confrontation with a passenger in @ @ @ @ @ street , police said .
Cleveland police said the 40-year-old woman exchanged words with a @ @ @ @ @ that reportedly almost struck a child at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday .
The passenger then @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Officers called to the scene found the victim with a gunshot wound @ @ @ @ @ said .
They provided first aid and an ambulance took the woman to Metro , @ @ @ @ @ dead , police said .
The victim ’ s name wasn ’ t released and @ @ @ @ @ .

CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) - A woman was shot to death after a confrontation with a passenger in a car on a Cleveland street, police said.
Cleveland police said the 40-year-old woman exchanged words with a passenger of a speeding vehicle that reportedly almost struck a child at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday. The passenger then got out and fired, police said.
Officers called to the scene found the victim with a gunshot wound to the back, police said. They provided first aid and an ambulance took the woman to Metro, where she was later pronounced dead, police said.
The victim’s name wasn’t released and no arrests were immediately reported.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Race in Mauritius to empty oil tanker before it breaks up

JOHANNESBURG ( AP ) - Urgent efforts increased in Mauritius on Monday to empty a stranded Japanese ship of an estimated 2,500 tons of oil before the vessel breaks up and increases the contamination of the island ’ s once-pristine coastline .
Already more than 1,000 tons of the fuel has washed up on the eastern coast of Mauritius , polluting its coral reefs , protected lagoons and shoreline .
High winds and waves are pounding the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio , which ran aground on a coral reef two weeks ago and is showing signs of breaking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the Indian Ocean waters surrounding Mauritius .
“ We are expecting the worst , ” said Jean Hugues Gardenne of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation .
“ The ship is showing really big , big cracks .
We believe it will break into two at any time , at the maximum within two days , ” said Gardenne .
“ So much oil remains in the ship , so the disaster could become much worse .
It ’ s important to remove as much oil as possible .
Helicopters are taking out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ton.
” French experts have arrived from the nearby island of Reunion and are deploying booms to try to contain any new oil spill , Gardenne said .
France sent a navy ship , military aircraft and technical advisers after Mauritius appealed for international help .
“ The booms should be in place within hours , which we hope will help to protect the coastline from further damage , ” he said .
The booms will boost the improvised barriers that thousands of volunteers in Mauritius created from fabric tubes stuffed with straw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rough seas , efforts are also underway to get other ships close enough to pump large amounts of oil out of the Japanese bulk carrier .
“ The danger of the ship breaking into two is increasing hour by hour , ” said Sunil Dowarkasing , an environmental consultant and former member of parliament in Mauritius .
“ The cracks have now reached the base of the ship and there is still a lot of fuel on the ship .
Two ships are headed to the site so that fuel can be pumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult.
” The Japanese-owned ship ran aground on July 25 but work to remove its oil only started last week when the ship cracked and started emptying the fuel into the sea .
Pressure is mounting on the government of Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to explain why it did not take immediate action to avert the environmental disaster .
Jugnauth has declared the oil spill a national emergency , but some residents say he acted too late .
The opposition and activists are calling for the resignation of the environment and fisheries ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave the clean-up operation to local officials .
Japan on Sunday said it would send a six-member expert team to assist .
“ The Japanese should be doing more right now , ” said Dowarkasing .
“ They should send in experts who know how to deal with international oil spills immediately .
”

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Urgent efforts increased in Mauritius on Monday to empty a stranded Japanese ship of an estimated 2,500 tons of oil before the vessel breaks up and increases the contamination of the island’s once-pristine Indian Ocean coastline.
Already more than 1,000 tons of fuel has washed up on the eastern coast of Mauritius, polluting its coral reefs, protected lagoons and shoreline.
High winds and waves are pounding the MV Wakashio, which was showing signs of splitting apart and dumping its remaining cargo oil into the waters surrounding Mauritius. The bulk carrier ran aground on a coral reef two weeks ago.
“We are expecting the worst,” Mauritian Wildlife Foundation manager Jean Hugues Gardenne said.
“The ship is showing really big, big cracks. We believe it will break into two at any time, at the maximum within two days,” Gardenne said. “So much oil remains in the ship, so the disaster could become much worse. It’s important to remove as much oil as possible. Helicopters are taking out the fuel little by little, ton by ton.”
French experts arrived from the nearby island of Reunion and were deploying booms to try to contain any new oil spill, Gardenne said. France sent a navy ship, military aircraft and technical advisers after Mauritius appealed for international help Friday.
“The booms should be in place within hours, which we hope will help to protect the coastline from further damage,” he said. The booms will boost the improvised barriers that thousands of volunteers in Mauritius created from fabric tubes stuffed with straw and sugar cane leaves.
Amid the rough seas, efforts were also underway to get other ships close enough to pump large amounts of oil out of the MV Wakashio.
“The danger of the ship breaking into two is increasing hour by hour,” environmental consultant Sunil Dowarkasing, a former member of parliament in Mauritius, said. “The cracks have now reached the base of the ship and there is still a lot of fuel on the ship. Two ships are headed to the site so that fuel can be pumped into them, but it is very difficult.”
The ship ran aground on July 25 but work to remove the oil it was carrying only started last week when the hull cracked and started emptying the fuel into the sea, according to Dowarkasing.
The MV Wakashio’s owner, Nagashiki Shipping, said Monday that two shipss arrived at the scene to pump oil from the endangered vessel. “A hose connection has been successfully established … and the transfer of fuel oil is underway,” said the company in a statement. It said it is working with Mauritian authorities “to mitigate the spill. The primary focus at this time is reducing the effects of the spill and protecting the environment.”
Pressure is mounting on the government of Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to explain why it did not take immediate action to avert the environmental disaster. Jugnauth has declared the oil spill a national emergency, but some residents say he acted too late.
The opposition and activists are calling for the resignation of the environment and fisheries ministers. Volunteers have ignored a government order to leave the clean-up operation to local officials.
Japan said Sunday it would send a six-member expert team to assist.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--New guidelines for gyms go into effect in Washington state

SEATTLE ( AP ) - New guidelines for fitness centers and gyms will go into effect Monday in Washington state in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
KING TV reports under the updated guidelines , gyms and fitness facilities will need to nearly triple the minimum distance required for patrons exercising indoors , except for those practicing certain team sports .
The new COVID-19 guidance issued by Gov .
Jay Inslee for counties in Phase 2 or 3 of reopening increases the requirement of 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) of distance between patrons to 300-square-feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 5.1 meters ) of space .
The number of people allowed in gyms , fitness facilities , and fitness classes will be limited by the size of their space under the guidance .
The occupancy in facilities and gyms that are larger than 12,000-square-feet will be limited to 25 percent .
In addition , showers , hot tubs , saunas , and tanning beds at multi-use facilities will be closed , as will steam rooms , squash courts , and racquetball courts .
Locker rooms will also be limited for hand washing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be required to wear facial coverings while inside indoor fitness facilities , “ except while engaged in strenuous exercise.
” While many larger gyms may be able to accommodate the changes , the updated guidelines could be devastating for smaller facilities .
The Washington Fitness Alliance has been working with Gov .
Inslee ’ s office to come up with guidelines that would allow for people to be safe but for gyms to still operate as a business .
“ We looked at the states that were performing the very best thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Blair McHaney .
“ We looked at their guidance , and it ’ s generally 150-square-feet per person to maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
” McHaney said his coalition couldn ’ t get the governor ’ s office to go lower than 300-square-feet of distance between patrons .
“ Our board is not here to advocate for big clubs , ” said McHaney .
“ The WFA is here to advocate for fitness and indoor recreation , and we can ’ t leave those guys out .
We can ’ t @ @ @ @ @

SEATTLE (AP) - New guidelines for fitness centers and gyms will go into effect Monday in Washington state in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
KING TV reports under the updated guidelines, gyms and fitness facilities will need to nearly triple the minimum distance required for patrons exercising indoors, except for those practicing certain team sports.
The new COVID-19 guidance issued by Gov. Jay Inslee for counties in Phase 2 or 3 of reopening increases the requirement of 6 feet (1.8 meters) of distance between patrons to 300-square-feet, which is just over 17 feet (5.1 meters) of space.
The number of people allowed in gyms, fitness facilities, and fitness classes will be limited by the size of their space under the guidance. The occupancy in facilities and gyms that are larger than 12,000-square-feet will be limited to 25 percent.
In addition, showers, hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds at multi-use facilities will be closed, as will steam rooms, squash courts, and racquetball courts. Locker rooms will also be limited for hand washing and restrooms only.
All patrons will also be required to wear facial coverings while inside indoor fitness facilities, “except while engaged in strenuous exercise.”
While many larger gyms may be able to accommodate the changes, the updated guidelines could be devastating for smaller facilities.
The Washington Fitness Alliance has been working with Gov. Inslee’s office to come up with guidelines that would allow for people to be safe but for gyms to still operate as a business.
“We looked at the states that were performing the very best thing and mitigating COVID-19,” said WFA CEO Blair McHaney. “We looked at their guidance, and it’s generally 150-square-feet per person to maintain 6 feet of social distancing.”
McHaney said his coalition couldn’t get the governor’s office to go lower than 300-square-feet of distance between patrons.
“Our board is not here to advocate for big clubs,” said McHaney. “The WFA is here to advocate for fitness and indoor recreation, and we can’t leave those guys out. We can’t leave them out.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--3 critically wounded in shooting; Authorities seeking motive

BEAVER FALLS , Pa. ( AP ) - A shooting in a western Pennsylvania community has left three people critically @ @ @ @ @ The shooting in Beaver Falls was reported shortly after 11:30 p.m. Sunday .
Responding police @ @ @ @ @ victims , and two of them were flown to a hospital .
The other was @ @ @ @ @ The names of the victims and details on their injuries were not disclosed .
All @ @ @ @ @ early Monday .
A motive for the shooting remains under investigation .
Authorities have not @ @ @ @ @ was used or where the shooting occurred .
No arrests have been made .

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (AP) - A shooting in a western Pennsylvania community has left three people critically wounded, authorities said.
The shooting in Beaver Falls was reported shortly after 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
Responding police officers soon found the three victims, and two of them were flown to a hospital. The other was taken there by ambulance.
The names of the victims and details on their injuries were not disclosed. All three remained in critical condition early Monday.
A motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Authorities have not said what type of weapon was used or where the shooting occurred.
No arrests have been made.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Police: Serial bank robber arrested, said he was hungry

POTOMAC , Md .
( AP ) - Police in Maryland say they ’ ve arrested an aging , serial @ @ @ @ @ apparently being silent for four years .
The Washington Post reports that police in Montgomery @ @ @ @ @ , 71 , on Tuesday after authorities said he robbed a PNC branch in Potomac @ @ @ @ @ robbed a string of banks between 2012 and 2016 and took more than $ 50,000 @ @ @ @ @ counts .
His attorney during a bail review , Selena Alonzo , said that Wersick @ @ @ @ @ work had been drying up because of the coronavirus pandemic .
She added that he @ @ @ @ @ colitis .
Detectives said that Wersick told them in an interview that he was hungry @ @ @ @ @ .
Police also said that Wersick sometimes pointed his gun at bank employees and implied @ @ @ @ @ lived and could hurt their families .
Prosecutors said that Wersick greeted a teller on @ @ @ @ @ .

POTOMAC, Md. (AP) - Police in Maryland say they’ve arrested an aging, serial bank robber who resurfaced after apparently being silent for four years.
The Washington Post reports that police in Montgomery County arrested James Clyde Wersick, 71, on Tuesday after authorities said he robbed a PNC branch in Potomac.
Police said that Wersick robbed a string of banks between 2012 and 2016 and took more than $50,000. He faces 16 felony counts.
His attorney during a bail review, Selena Alonzo, said that Wersick is a master electrician whose work had been drying up because of the coronavirus pandemic. She added that he suffers from chronic diabetes and colitis.
Detectives said that Wersick told them in an interview that he was hungry and had bills to pay.
Police also said that Wersick sometimes pointed his gun at bank employees and implied that he knew where they lived and could hurt their families. Prosecutors said that Wersick greeted a teller on Tuesday by her first name.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--MTA asks Apple's help to solve iPhone mask issues

NEW YORK ( AP ) - New York ’ s mass transit agency wants Apple to come up with a better way for iPhone users to unlock their phones without taking off their masks , as it seeks to guard against the spread of the coronavirus in buses and subways .
In a letter to CEO Tim Cook obtained by The Associated Press , Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Patrick Foye said riders have been seen removing their masks to unlock their phones using face-recognition technology , despite a recent update by Apple that simplifies the unlock process for people wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a mask would have to wait a few seconds as face recognition software tried to identify them before they eventually could enter a passcode .
In response to the pandemic , Apple ’ s iOS 13.5 , released in May , automatically presents the passcode field after a user swipes up from the bottom of the lock screen .
Also , Apple Pay Express Transit , introduced last year , allows riders on some bus and subway lines to pay with their iPhone or Apple Watch without having to wake the device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address the issue and know that Apple has a range of technologies at its disposal as a global leader among tech companies , ” Foye wrote in the letter sent Sunday .
“ We urge Apple to accelerate the deployment of new technologies and solutions that further protect customers in the era of COVID-19.
” Foye added that the MTA would be willing to collaborate with Apple on messaging to make sure users know about the recent iPhone modification .
A message was left with Apple seeking comment on what additional steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use in New York and other cities plunged during the height of the pandemic .
The MTA lost more than 90 % of its subway ridership , which along with reduced revenue at its other properties has created a fiscal hole that will take years to fill , officials have said .
Ridership has slowly increased but still lags far behind pre-pandemic levels .
In addition to an aggressive cleaning program that has included the unprecedented step of shutting down the subway overnight , the MTA requires all riders to wear masks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks that more than 90 % are wearing some form of face covering .

NEW YORK (AP) - New York’s mass transit agency wants Apple to come up with a better way for iPhone users to unlock their phones without taking off their masks, as it seeks to guard against the spread of the coronavirus in buses and subways.
In a letter to CEO Tim Cook obtained by The Associated Press, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Patrick Foye said riders have been seen removing their masks to unlock their phones using face-recognition technology, despite a recent update by Apple that simplifies the unlock process for people wearing masks.
Previously, an iPhone user wearing a mask would have to wait a few seconds as face recognition software tried to identify them before they eventually could enter a passcode. In response to the pandemic, Apple’s iOS 13.5, released in May, automatically presents the passcode field after a user swipes up from the bottom of the lock screen. Also, Apple Pay Express Transit, introduced last year, allows riders on some bus and subway lines to pay with their iPhone or Apple Watch without having to wake the device.
“We understand Apple is working to address the issue and know that Apple has a range of technologies at its disposal as a global leader among tech companies,” Foye wrote in the letter sent Sunday. “We urge Apple to accelerate the deployment of new technologies and solutions that further protect customers in the era of COVID-19.”
Foye added that the MTA would be willing to collaborate with Apple on messaging to make sure users know about the recent iPhone modification.
“There’s nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers,” Apple said in an emailed statement that noted the upgrades it has already made. “We are fully committed to continuing to work with the MTA to support their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Bus and subway use in New York and other cities plunged during the height of the pandemic. The MTA lost more than 90% of its subway ridership, which along with reduced revenue at its other properties has created a fiscal hole that will take years to fill, officials have said. Ridership has slowly increased but still lags far behind pre-pandemic levels.
In addition to an aggressive cleaning program that has included the unprecedented step of shutting down the subway overnight, the MTA requires all riders to wear masks and socially distance. The authority has said in recent weeks that more than 90% are wearing some form of face covering.


Editorial Roundup:

Michigan ’ s school leaders have been trying to get the attention of lawmakers and Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer all summer , pleading for some budget certainty .
It ’ s true that the Legislature and Whitmer ’ s budget director had to make their first priority ironing out the shortfalls in the current fiscal year , and they were able to do this and shield schools from cuts .
But federal bailout funds largely made this possible , and the state can ’ t count on a similar influx of relief aid to fill the holes in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And time is of the essence for schools , as they try to figure out back-to-school plans .
The next fiscal year starts Oct. 1 , yet schools started their budget year July 1 and the school year opens after Labor Day - or before for many districts .
“ Districts have been putting together the best possible reopening plans throughout the summer , and the goal of every superintendent was to at least have an option for kids to return to classrooms this fall , ” says Robert McCann , executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education .
“ But as the summer has dragged on and we ’ ve seen no action from the Legislature on the K-12 budgets , it ’ s made implementing those plans nearly impossible.
” Congressional leaders claim they are close to an agreement on the next round of coronavirus aid , but nothing is certain .
Senate Republicans and House Democrats remain $ 2 trillion ( yes , with a “ t ” ) apart on their respective bailouts .
They agree a large influx is needed for schools .
At this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ K-12 than Democrats , with $ 70 billion set aside for schools .
Michigan ’ s budget director , Chris Kolb , has called on Congress for more support , as has Whitmer .
And even some Republican lawmakers have said they want to see what the federal government offers .
Still , there ’ s no guarantee aid will arrive .
Given the impending start of school , our state ’ s leaders must put together a budget based on current realities , and projections have shown a $ 3 billion shortfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget .
This comes at a time when schools say they need a significant increase in funds to help cover costs of PPE and other safety measures to protect children and staff from the virus .
The bottom line is school officials need to know what kind of budget cuts are coming , so that they can plan accordingly in regard to staffing and other decisions .
If federal assistance comes after that , then the state can make budget adjustments at that time .
But it ’ s not a good reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Speaker Lee Chatfield , R-Levering , says “ conversations are still going on between the two appropriations chairs and the state budget office.
” A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey , R-Clarklake , says talks have been “ productive ” and that the Senate is “ eager to provide certainty to schools and parents.
” That ’ s a hopeful sign , given lawmakers want to make sure they ’ ve reached an agreement with the governor ’ s budget office .
Remember last year that Whitmer vetoed about 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved large sums of money around in department budgets , which did not thrill GOP leaders .
Schools already face an incredible challenge in just figuring out how to reach their students .
The least our lawmakers and the governor can do is offer them clear guidance on funding - even if the news is that big cuts are needed .
Do this to ensure November ’ s election goes smoothly Mostly , things went well .
A record number of voters cast ballots in Tuesday ’ s primary election , 2.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make voting more accessible worked .
The number of Michiganders who voted by mail soared , thanks to that same referendum allowing voters to request absentee ballots without a reason .
Here ’ s the thing about voting : It ’ s a duty and a right .
And if one person isn ’ t able to vote , that ’ s one too many .
So fixing the things that didn ’ t work in Tuesday ’ s primary election should jump to the top of every Michigan lawmaker and clerk ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
Here ’ s the good news : The fixes aren ’ t that complicated .
Because of the unusually high number of absentee ballots , and increased voter turnout , some vote counts were delayed , arriving in Wednesday ’ s early morning hours , or later that day .
State lawmakers need to change the rule that bars clerks from beginning to count absentee ballots until Election Day .
At minimum , lawmakers should allow clerks to prepare to count the ballots before Election Day .
The state should continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ municipalities with too few of their own .
In Detroit , a dearth of workers meant some polling places didn ’ t open on time .
Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey told the Free Press that some workers were no-shows without warning , something she attributes to last-minute decisions because of the COVID-10 pandemic .
A childhood cancer diagnosis can come with a range of physical , emotional , social and financial challenges for the child and their family .
Due to this , the Lions Pediatric Cancer Program was developed as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are impacted by such a diagnosis .
The Single District 10 Lions , which is a group of 55 clubs located throughout the Upper Peninsula , uses a multi-pronged approach to help children and families through the many challenges that come with such a diagnosis .
One aspect is financial , as the Lions help families with “ some of the many costs that insurance does not cover , ” Christine Smith , chairman of the Single District 10 Lions Pediatric Cancer Program , said in a Tuesday Journal article .
The program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical needs that come with pediatric cancer .
“ Through a partnership with Bay Cliff Health Facility , Lions will cover expenses for families to participate in a fun family weekend at Camp Quality , May 7 – 9 , 2021 .
Planning for the camp is flexible and will adjust to the changing demands presented by COVID 19 , ” Smith told the Journal .
“ Lions funds will also help provide free wigs for children who have lost hair through chemotherapy .
Through a partnership with Maggie ’ s Wigs4Kids , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reaching out in September , during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month , to encourage donations of hair to make these wigs .
And Lions have partnered with Kids Kicking Cancer , a global organization dedicated to lowering the pain of children by teaching them martial arts as a therapy .
Children learn breath work , meditation , and traditional karate .
Lions are helping to stock backpacks for participants with books for children ages 2-18 , and $ 5 gift certificates from Target , Meijer and Walmart.
” We are glad to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multi-pronged approach to supporting children and families who are battling pediatric cancer .
This critical program is supported by grants , as well as donations from area residents .
A commendable community outpouring of support recently occurred , as a returnable can fundraiser held by Lions Clubs from Marquette , Engadine-Newberry and Gwinn amazingly allowed the clubs to garner around 80,000 returnable cans , raising a total of $ 8,172 for the program .
It also recently received a generous $ 7,500 grant from the Graymont Community and Economic Development Fund .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the can drives , as well as the Graymont Community and Economic Development Fund , for their contributions to this extremely worthy cause .
We encourage all who can donate , volunteer or help out otherwise to do so , as U.P .
children and families facing pediatric cancer need your support .
Furthermore , Smith told the Journal that the Lions are facing some challenges getting the word out to eligible families , and we join her in encouraging any U.P .
resident who has a child with cancer to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about resources .
Contact Chris Smith at [ email protected ] to get involved , or to learn more , visit the Facebook group Upper Peninsula Lions Supporting Kids With Cancer .

McCook Daily Gazette. Aug. 4, 2020
Now may be a good time to trade in your used car
The pandemic is affecting things in ways none of us could have imagined.
In May, the Nebraska State Patrol put out a news release stating that 200 speeders had been ticketed for exceeding 100 mph over the previous two months.
Perhaps the drivers were releasing pent-up energy from quarantine, or perhaps it was a fatalistic attitude that manifested itself in dangerous driving behavior.
Maybe it’s just us, but we’ve noticed a lot more “in transit” stickers in vehicles than normal.
Perhaps people are using their covid checks for down payments, or perhaps the confinement has given them time to look for a new vehicle.
Local drivers may be wise, according to a Wall Street Journal story, that pointed out that auto retailers sold 2.1 million preowned vehicles in May and June, a 9% increase over last year, and used-car stockpiles dwindled to just under 2.2 million vehicles by late July, roughly 22% lower than last year.
Earlier information from the IHS Markit consulting firm noted that the average age of a vehicle on American highways rose by a month this year to a record 11.9 years.
Before COVID-19 set in, dealers expected to sell a little under 17 million cars in 2020, but the pandemic cut that projection to 14 million for the year.
Cars are lasting longer, according to the figures, with the average age climbing to 12 years, compared to 10.6 years a decade ago.
Dealers paid an average of $14,895 for a used car in June, up from $12,548 in April.
Local trades are always more attractive to buyers, however, so if trading cars is something you’ve been thinking about, perhaps now is a good time.
—
Omaha World-Herald. Aug 8, 2020
Nebraska lawmakers must join together to finish 2020 session constructively
Nebraska state senators return to the Capitol on Tuesday, and only three days remain in this year’s legislative session. It’s a tight schedule. But lawmakers must complete a crucial task.
They must move the compromise on taxes and business incentives forward, amending it as appropriate, then give it final passage.
In doing so, they can demonstrate to the public that they can move past their honest differences and avoid the gridlock that so often afflicts Congress and burdens our nation.
This doesn’t mean all state senators will be happy with the outcome - it’s a compromise. Lawmakers and stakeholders have been woefully fractured for months on these tax, school funding and incentives issues. So, the only way forward is through a responsibly negotiated compromise. Which fortunately is what the Legislature has before it.
Lawmakers made an encouraging start in the first round of debate. From differing perspectives and interests, they identified areas for further discussion, scrutiny and, in some cases, amendment. They sent the much-needed message that they want to work together to hone the legislation into final form.
This week, they must finish that important task. They must demonstrate they can come together for the good of Nebraska.
—
Lincoln Journal Star. Aug 6, 2020
Adaptability imperative as schools set to reopen
Lincoln High juniors with last names beginning with A through G line up to have their photos taken for identification as part of readiness days last week. Unlike elementary and middle school students, high school students in LPS will begin classes on staggered schedules.
Ongoing debate about the proper way to reopen Nebraska’s K-12 schools this month – if at all – during the pandemic has shined a light on the numerous things expected of our education system that it was never intended to do.
Beyond learning, our schools provide child care when parents are at work. They ensure no child goes hungry. They often serve as the window into mental well being and problems at home.
Now, a school year unlike any other approaches, with the threat of an outbreak of a potentially deadly virus looming large over every decision. In light of everything, the demand to ensure children are in school has merit. But so, too, do calls to require remote learning until COVID-19 slows down, as a rise in infection rates could shutter schools.
However, this year will take flexibility and adaptability on the part of schools, parents, teachers and elected officials – not further politicization of education. The entire community, both in Lincoln and elsewhere in the state, must step up to the plate.
For one example of this, look at Lincoln’s Malone Center.
When Lincoln Public Schools and others statewide closed hurriedly in March as the coronavirus pandemic first reached Nebraska, the nonprofit provided a safe space, structure and the technology needed for students learn remotely.
Its only constraint? Too many interested students, too little space to accommodate all of them in a socially distant manner.
These are the kind of proactive steps Nebraskans will need to take as students and teachers return to school amid a pandemic. If we truly care about the academic and social growth of our youth and the health and safety of those returning to school buildings the way we say we do, we must find ways like this to accommodate children and families alike as we navigate these uncharted waters.
With news this week that 6,771 of the more than 42,000 students in LPS – nearly 17%, with the highest numbers in Title I schools – have elected thus far to start the school year remotely, such efforts assume added importance.
LPS, for instance, produced a substantive, detailed plan for reopening that exceeded 100 pages, one we previously wrote threaded the needle delicately in this difficult time.
But while they’ve since amended procedures to reduce the number of high school students in the building at once, not all districts in the state have needed such a detailed plan. In rural areas that have few, if any, documented cases of COVID-19, the restrictions won’t be as numerous.
Accordingly, the school year won’t look the same in Lincoln or Omaha classrooms as it will in Loup County or Osceola.
Getting through the 2020-21 school year will come with challenges. It will likely involve some school closures to combat outbreaks. But it will require creativity and ingenuity to ensure the safety of everyone involved and that students’ needs are met while the pandemic rages on.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Armed suspect fatally shot by deputy in Pierce County

GRAHAM , Wash. ( AP ) - A 39-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday night by a deputy in Pierce @ @ @ @ @ KIRO-TV reports the shooting happened on 150th Avenue near Graham .
Police responded to multiple @ @ @ @ @ the area .
One report also said the suspect held a knife to someone ’ @ @ @ @ @ told the suspect was armed .
Around 10:30 p.m. , police heard gunshots coming from @ @ @ @ @ to safely get three people out of the house .
The armed suspect remained inside @ @ @ @ @ the suspect came out of the house and started firing .
A deputy then shot @ @ @ @ @ declared dead on the scene .

GRAHAM, Wash. (AP) - A 39-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday night by a deputy in Pierce County, officials said.
KIRO-TV reports the shooting happened on 150th Avenue near Graham. Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots in the area. One report also said the suspect held a knife to someone’s throat.
Police were told the suspect was armed.
Around 10:30 p.m., police heard gunshots coming from a house nearby were able to safely get three people out of the house. The armed suspect remained inside.
At 11:35 p.m., the suspect came out of the house and started firing. A deputy then shot him and the man was declared dead on the scene.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Two dead in motorcycle, car crash in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
( AP ) - Two people have died in a traffic crash in Sioux Falls @ @ @ @ @ Olsen says the crash happened between a motorcycle and a car at an intersection east @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials say the two people died at the scene of the crash .
There @ @ @ @ @ what happened .
The Sioux Falls Police Department ’ s traffic services ’ unit is @ @ @ @ @ reported .

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Sioux Falls police have identified the two victims who died in a traffic crash in Sioux Falls Sunday night.
Police spokesman Sam Clemens said a motorcycle collided with a van killing the drivers of both vehicles.
Clemens says the motorcycle operated by 31-year-old Franklin Griffith, of Parker, was attempting to make a turn when he collided with the van driven by 75-year-old Eldon Guericke, of Sioux Falls.
After speaking with several witnesses, police said they believe speed may have been a factor in the crash.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Maryland rallies held against police brutality, for police

SEVERNA PARK , Md .
( AP ) - Opposing marches , one supporting police officers and the other demonstrating against police brutality , drew nearly 150 people to an area just outside Maryland ’ s capital , with both sides chanting and sharing strong opinions but no violence .
The “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ Blue Lives Matter ” groups both made their voices heard in dueling demonstrations Sunday in Severna Park , The Capital Gazette reported .
The larger group was demonstrating against police brutality .
Protesters began by kneeling for several minutes to highlight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man whose death in Minnesota police custody in May sparked global protests .
“ We feel like this town needed this , and we haven ’ t seen any marches or protests here , ” organizer Dylan DiMaggio told the newspaper .
At one point , one demonstrator with the rally supporting police officers drove by the kneeling protesters and shouted insults at them .
Tim Fazenbaker of Baltimore County attended the Blue Lives Matter rally .
He told the newspaper he ’ s against police brutality but sees the Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand for people that stand for us , this is about police families and police lives , ” Fazenbaker said .
“ We don ’ t want people to stereotype officers for the actions of few .
”

SEVERNA PARK, Md. (AP) - Opposing marches, one supporting police officers and the other demonstrating against police brutality, drew nearly 150 people to an area just outside Maryland’s capital, with both sides chanting and sharing strong opinions but no violence.
The “Black Lives Matter” and “Blue Lives Matter” groups both made their voices heard in dueling demonstrations Sunday in Severna Park, The Capital Gazette reported.
The larger group was demonstrating against police brutality. Protesters began by kneeling for several minutes to highlight the death of George Floyd, the Black man whose death in Minnesota police custody in May sparked global protests.
“We feel like this town needed this, and we haven’t seen any marches or protests here,” organizer Dylan DiMaggio told the newspaper.
At one point, one demonstrator with the rally supporting police officers drove by the kneeling protesters and shouted insults at them.
Tim Fazenbaker of Baltimore County attended the Blue Lives Matter rally. He told the newspaper he’s against police brutality but sees the Black Lives Matter movement as anti-American.
“I want to stand for people that stand for us, this is about police families and police lives,” Fazenbaker said. “We don’t want people to stereotype officers for the actions of few.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Kansas City police respond to 6 homicides over weekend

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Police in Kansas City responded to six homicides in the city @ @ @ @ @ the latest Sunday evening on the city ’ s west side .
Officers found a @ @ @ @ @ the parking lot of Tony Aguirre Community Center , police said .
The victim died @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , officers found a woman dead in a home near Ward Parkway .
Police @ @ @ @ @ was killed .
Minutes before the woman was discovered , police were called to a @ @ @ @ @ lot of the Kansas City Zoo , and early Sunday morning , man in his @ @ @ @ @ a home .
Saturday evening , two unresponsive men with gunshot wounds were found in @ @ @ @ @ in the Sterling Gardens neighborhood .
Both were declared dead at the scene , police @ @ @ @ @ are getting help investigating the deaths from federal agents with Operation Legend , a federal @ @ @ @ @ city police in high-crime areas .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Kansas City police are investigating five homicides and an apparently accidental shooting death in the city over the weekend, including the latest Sunday evening on the city’s west side.
Police said Monday a shooting in the parking lot of the Kansas City Zoo on Sunday evening that left one man dead appeared to be accidental. The man was shot while he was inside a car with three other men, police said.
On Sunday evening, police found a man suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot of Tony Aguirre Community Center, and he later died at a hospital. He was identified Monday as 19-year-old Maxwell Hill.
Earlier Sunday, officers found a woman dead in a home near Ward Parkway. Police said Stacey Bell, 56, died in what appeared to be a domestic dispute and a relative was in custody.
And on Sunday morning, police found Derrick Davis, 18, fatally shot inside a home. Police are searching for a suspect in that case.
And two men were found dead from gunshot wounds in the backyard of a home in central Kansas City Saturday. The victims were identified Monday as Arlan Jones, 67, and Kenneth Hanan, 59. Kevin McClanahan, 40, of Kansas City was charged Monday with two counts of first-degree murder in their deaths.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Back-to-back deployments for Minnesota National Guard unit

STILLWATER , Minn. ( AP ) - One of the first Minnesota National Guard units to respond to unrest following George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis is headed out on a new mission .
The 34th Military Police Company , based in Stillwater , is deploying on a yearlong mission to provide security at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base .
A send-off ceremony Sunday at the Stillwater armory was scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Company commander Capt .
Troy Davidson said while the unit has had a year to prepare for the Guantanamo Bay deployment , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unrest over Floyd ’ s death .
The unit went right back to training for Guantanamo Bay after it served in the Twin Cities .
The back-to-back deployments were emotional for many of the families at Sunday ’ s event , the Star Tribune reported .
“ Knowing for a year that he ’ s leaving , that ’ s hard , ” Kristy Stauffer said of the deployment of her husband , Staff Sgt .
Fred Stauffer .
“ But I was more scared for him during the state active duty than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the constant news coverage and it was at home .
There ’ s something to be said about feeling safe at home , and while it wasn ’ t in Cottage Grove , it was still very close to home.
” More than 7,000 soldiers across the state were deployed to the Twin Cities after Floyd , a handcuffed Black man , died May 25 after he was restrained by police .
A white officer held his knee to the neck of Floyd , who begged for air until he became motionless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard ’ s deployment to deal with the protests and violence that followed Floyd ’ s death the first full mobilization of the Guard since World War II and the largest deployment in state history .

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) - One of the first Minnesota National Guard units to respond to unrest following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis is headed out on a new mission.
The 34th Military Police Company, based in Stillwater, is deploying on a yearlong mission to provide security at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. A send-off ceremony Sunday at the Stillwater armory was scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Company commander Capt. Troy Davidson said while the unit has had a year to prepare for the Guantanamo Bay deployment, it had just hours to respond to the unrest over Floyd’s death. The unit went right back to training for Guantanamo Bay after it served in the Twin Cities.
The back-to-back deployments were emotional for many of the families at Sunday’s event, the Star Tribune reported.
“Knowing for a year that he’s leaving, that’s hard,” Kristy Stauffer said of the deployment of her husband, Staff Sgt. Fred Stauffer. “But I was more scared for him during the state active duty than I was for his last deployment because of the constant news coverage and it was at home. There’s something to be said about feeling safe at home, and while it wasn’t in Cottage Grove, it was still very close to home.”
More than 7,000 soldiers across the state were deployed to the Twin Cities after Floyd, a handcuffed Black man, died May 25 after he was restrained by police. A white officer held his knee to the neck of Floyd, who begged for air until he became motionless.
Gov. Tim Walz described the guard’s deployment to deal with the protests and violence that followed Floyd’s death the first full mobilization of the Guard since World War II and the largest deployment in state history.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Police: Boy, 13, playing with gun fatally shoots child

BILOXI , Miss .
( AP ) - A 13-year-old boy was arrested and accused of playing with a gun @ @ @ @ @ , authorities in Mississippi said .
Biloxi police said the teen shooter was charged Sunday @ @ @ @ @ of a “ male under the age of 18 , ” news outlets reported .
@ @ @ @ @ said officers arrived at an apartment before 4 p.m. and found the victim dead at @ @ @ @ @ said the victim was hanging out with friends when the 13-year-old started playing with a @ @ @ @ @ and pointing it at people .
The firearm was discharged and the victim was fatally @ @ @ @ @ .
The 13-year-old was charged as an adult .
Additional information on him and the @ @ @ @ @ released .

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) - A 13-year-old boy was arrested and accused of playing with a gun and fatally shooting another boy, authorities in Mississippi said.
Biloxi police said the teen shooter was charged Sunday with manslaughter in the death of a “male under the age of 18,” news outlets reported.
Police Maj. Christopher De Back said officers arrived at an apartment before 4 p.m. and found the victim dead at the scene.
De Back said the victim was hanging out with friends when the 13-year-old started playing with a gun, showing it off and pointing it at people.
The firearm was discharged and the victim was fatally shot, De Back said.
The 13-year-old was charged as an adult. Additional information on him and the victim weren’t immediately released.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Chris Sununu, N.H. gov., bullish on 'work from home' tax probe of Massachusetts

New Hampshire Gov .
Chris Sununu on Monday suggested that courts could ultimately strike down special rules from Massachusetts to levy taxes on out-of-state commuters working from home during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I think the laws are very clear — they clearly created a special rule to try to thwart the existing law , ” Mr. Sununu , a Republican , said on CNBC .
“ If people are living here in New Hampshire , if they ’ re residents of New Hampshire , if they ’ re working here six months plus a day , the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxed as if they are here and they are here , ” Mr. Sununu said .
“ These special rules — they never seem to go very far in the Supreme Court.
” New Hampshire recently announced it would investigate whether other states such as Massachusetts are improperly collecting income tax on its residents .
The move came after Massachusetts issued an emergency order earlier this year requiring out-of-state commuters working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic to continue to be assessed income taxes .
It ’ s less than an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
and parts of southeastern New Hampshire .
New Hampshire does not have an income tax on reportable wages , though it does collect taxes on dividends .
“ They ’ re going to want to try to pull every dollar they can , but we ’ re going to stand up for our citizens and do the right thing , ” Mr. Sununu said .
Mr. Sununu said he has talked about the issue with Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker , a Republican .
“ We ’ re not lucky for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a New Hampshire advantage , ” Mr. Sununu said .
“ We ’ re going to defend our citizens and defend our businesses .
”

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on Monday suggested that courts could ultimately strike down special rules from Massachusetts to levy taxes on out-of-state commuters working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think the laws are very clear — they clearly created a special rule to try to thwart the existing law,” Mr. Sununu, a Republican, said on CNBC.
“If people are living here in New Hampshire, if they’re residents of New Hampshire, if they’re working here six months plus a day, the majority of their time here they should be taxed as if they are here and they are here,” Mr. Sununu said. “These special rules — they never seem to go very far in the Supreme Court.”
New Hampshire recently announced it would investigate whether other states such as Massachusetts are improperly collecting income tax on its residents.
The move came after Massachusetts issued an emergency order earlier this year requiring out-of-state commuters working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic to continue to be assessed income taxes.
It’s less than an hour’s drive between Boston, Mass. and parts of southeastern New Hampshire.
New Hampshire does not have an income tax on reportable wages, though it does collect taxes on dividends.
“They’re going to want to try to pull every dollar they can, but we’re going to stand up for our citizens and do the right thing,” Mr. Sununu said.
Mr. Sununu said he has talked about the issue with Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican.
“We’re not lucky for not having taxes — we have fought hard to create a New Hampshire advantage,” Mr. Sununu said. “We’re going to defend our citizens and defend our businesses.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Delaware city elects new mayor, commissioners

REHOBOTH BEACH , Del .
( AP ) - Rehobeth Beach voters have elected a new mayor and two new @ @ @ @ @ incumbent Rehoboth Beach Mayor Paul Kuhns during Saturday ’ s municipal elections , the city @ @ @ @ @ .
Kuhns , who lost by nearly 290 votes , had served as the city @ @ @ @ @ , news outlets reported .
About 325 people voted in-person while nearly 1,146 people cast @ @ @ @ @ said .
Patrick Gossett and Jay Lagree were elected to fill the two open city @ @ @ @ @ winners will be sworn into office during a commissioners meeting next month to serve their @ @ @

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) - Rehobeth Beach voters have elected a new mayor and two new commissioners.
Stan Mills defeated incumbent Rehoboth Beach Mayor Paul Kuhns during Saturday’s municipal elections, the city said in a news release.
Kuhns, who lost by nearly 290 votes, had served as the city’s mayor since 2017, news outlets reported.
About 325 people voted in-person while nearly 1,146 people cast absentee ballots, the release said.
Patrick Gossett and Jay Lagree were elected to fill the two open city commissioners seats.
All the winners will be sworn into office during a commissioners meeting next month to serve their three-year terms.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--2 killed, many wounded during violent Philadelphia weekend

PHILADELPHIA ( AP ) - More than a dozen shootings in Philadelphia over the weekend left two people dead and @ @ @ @ @ said , including two children and a pregnant woman .
An 11-year-old boy suffered a @ @ @ @ @ Sunday night in a shooting that also left two adults wounded , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ another child suffered graze wounds to his head and shoulder when he was truck by @ @ @ @ @ pregnant woman was shot and wounded around 9:20 p.m. Saturday , when witnesses said several @ @ @ @ @ group of people who had gathered at a park for a barbecue .
Details on @ @ @ @ @ not disclosed .
Authorities say it ’ s not clear if any of the shootings @ @ @

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - More than a dozen shootings in Philadelphia over the weekend left two people dead and numerous others wounded, authorities said, including two children and a pregnant woman.
An 11-year-old boy suffered a graze wound to the back Sunday night in a shooting that also left two adults wounded, authorities said. That came a day after another child suffered graze wounds to his head and shoulder when he was truck by a stray bullet.
The pregnant woman was shot and wounded around 9:20 p.m. Saturday, when witnesses said several shooters opened fire on a group of people who had gathered at a park for a barbecue.
Details on the two fatal shootings were not disclosed.
Authorities say it’s not clear if any of the shootings were connected.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Dale Tallon, after 10 seasons, out as Florida Panthers' GM

The Florida Panthers will have a new general manager next season , making the announcement early Monday that Dale Tallon is leaving the franchise after 10 years .
Tallon ’ s contract as president of hockey operations and general manager expired July 1 , and was extended by Panthers owner Vincent Viola to get through the remainder of a season that was stretched out by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Panthers were eliminated from the playoffs on Friday , falling to the New York Islanders in four games .
That ouster , the end of yet another season of high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned , sealed Tallon ’ s fate .
The team said it was a mutual decision for Tallon to leave .
“ For the last decade , Dale raised the team ’ s profile , attracted key players to South Florida and brought character and class to our franchise , ” Viola said .
“ When we purchased the Panthers in 2013 , we did so with a singular goal - to win a Stanley Cup .
We have not seen our efforts come to fruition .
We will now begin an organizational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Panthers ‘ decision to seek a new GM came one day after the NHL first-round playoff matchups were set , and hours before the league was holding the second phase of its draft lottery - with Florida being one of the eight teams with an equal shot at the No .
1 overall pick and chance to draft prized winger Alexis Lafreniere .
“ I would like to thank the South Florida fans and community for the last 10 years , and the Viola family for the last seven with this franchise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had the opportunity to work with a group of first-class individuals , including a mentor of mine , the late William A. Torrey and I ’ ve had the privilege of watching the development of the organization ’ s young talent who have become great players and even better people.
” It ’ s believed that the Panthers will look outside the organization for a new GM .
Senior vice president of hockey operations and assistant general manager Eric Joyce will likely continue to oversee the team ’ s AHL club .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalie whose jersey was retired by the club earlier this year , is expected to remain with Florida .
Luongo was brought on this season as a special advisor to Tallon , but is not believed to be a GM candidate .
Tallon had been with Florida since May 17 , 2010 , coming in at a time when the Panthers were 10 years removed from what had been their most recent playoff appearance .
They went to the postseason three times in the decade that Tallon spent with the club , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series since the franchise ’ s lone run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996 .
Tallon had successes , such as drafting Jonathan Huberdeau , Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad - now cornerstones of the team .
He brought Luongo back to Florida in a trade , swung a deal in 2015 that added Jaromir Jagr to the club , assembled the 2015-16 that set team records for wins ( 47 ) and points ( 103 ) , and last year was instrumental in the talks that lured his close friend Joel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Panthers .
Oddly , history is repeating itself on that front .
Tallon , then in Chicago , hired Quenneville to coach the Blackhawks in 2008 and wound up watching him win three Stanley Cups there in a six-year span .
Tallon wasn ’ t there for those Chicago titles ; he was fired less than a year after delivering Quenneville .
And if Quenneville turns the Panthers into a winner , once again Tallon will be watching from elsewhere .
For more AP NHL coverage : https : //apnews.com/NHL and https @ @

The Florida Panthers will have a new general manager next season, making the announcement early Monday that Dale Tallon is leaving the franchise after 10 years.
Tallon’s contract as president of hockey operations and general manager expired July 1, and was extended by Panthers owner Vincent Viola to get through the remainder of a season that was stretched out by the coronavirus pandemic. The Panthers were eliminated from the playoffs on Friday, falling to the New York Islanders in four games.
That ouster, the end of yet another season of high expectations that didn’t deliver as planned, sealed Tallon’s fate. The team said it was a mutual decision for Tallon to leave.
“For the last decade, Dale raised the team’s profile, attracted key players to South Florida and brought character and class to our franchise,” Viola said. “When we purchased the Panthers in 2013, we did so with a singular goal - to win a Stanley Cup. We have not seen our efforts come to fruition. We will now begin an organizational search for the next General Manager.”
The Panthers’ decision to seek a new GM came one day after the NHL first-round playoff matchups were set, and hours before the league was holding the second phase of its draft lottery - with Florida being one of the eight teams with an equal shot at the No. 1 overall pick and chance to draft prized winger Alexis Lafreniere.
“I would like to thank the South Florida fans and community for the last 10 years, and the Viola family for the last seven with this franchise,” Tallon said. “I have had the opportunity to work with a group of first-class individuals, including a mentor of mine, the late William A. Torrey and I’ve had the privilege of watching the development of the organization’s young talent who have become great players and even better people.”
It’s believed that the Panthers will look outside the organization for a new GM. Senior vice president of hockey operations and assistant general manager Eric Joyce will likely continue to oversee the team’s AHL club.
And Roberto Luongo, the longtime Panthers goalie whose jersey was retired by the club earlier this year, is expected to remain with Florida. Luongo was brought on this season as a special advisor to Tallon, but is not believed to be a GM candidate.
Tallon had been with Florida since May 17, 2010, coming in at a time when the Panthers were 10 years removed from what had been their most recent playoff appearance. They went to the postseason three times in the decade that Tallon spent with the club, though still haven’t won a playoff series since the franchise’s lone run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996.
Tallon had successes, such as drafting Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad - now cornerstones of the team. He brought Luongo back to Florida in a trade, swung a deal in 2015 that added Jaromir Jagr to the club, assembled the 2015-16 that set team records for wins (47) and points (103), and last year was instrumental in the talks that lured his close friend Joel Quenneville to take over as coach of the Panthers.
Oddly, history is repeating itself on that front.
Tallon, then in Chicago, hired Quenneville to coach the Blackhawks in 2008 and wound up watching him win three Stanley Cups there in a six-year span. Tallon wasn’t there for those Chicago titles; he was fired less than a year after delivering Quenneville.
And if Quenneville turns the Panthers into a winner, once again Tallon will be watching from elsewhere.
___
For more AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--In Portugal, probes and attacks a routine for soccer clubs

Portugal is taking center stage for soccer during the next two weeks - a country where rivalries between clubs go well beyond the field of play .
The decisive stages of the Champions League will begin on Wednesday in the southern European nation where back-and-forth accusations and legal actions involving the country ’ s top teams are routine .
Club officials are not afraid of attacking each other publicly .
The government is often probing teams for alleged wrongdoing .
Not even players and their agents are free from controversy .
It wasn ’ t long ago that search-and-seizure operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benfica , Porto and Sporting Lisbon , the country ’ s three biggest clubs .
It happened just before the coronavirus pandemic struck , as authorities investigated possible tax fraud and irregularities in soccer in an operation called “ Offside.
” Presidents of all three clubs have been accused of some sort of wrongdoing over the past years , though they have always claimed innocence and actual convictions have been rare .
Benfica , a two-time European champion in the 1960s and Portugal ’ s most successful club with 37 league titles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handful of cases in the last five years .
Trading of its shares was temporarily suspended last month after the latest accusations were made against the club over alleged tax fraud .
Benfica is coming off one of its biggest legal victories , though , in a 2019 high-profile case in which a Porto media officer was accused of systematically releasing information from internal emails obtained from the rival .
Porto was ordered by a judge to pay nearly 2 million euros ( $ 2.3 million ) in damages to Benfica , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still possessed related to the case .
Porto said at the time the emails showed a corruption scheme that benefited Benfica , something that has not been proven in court .
Porto claimed it only released information that the court itself had considered to be true .
Details about the case were constantly discussed in sports shows and across Portuguese media outlets , which often resort to anonymous sources to publish information about court cases involving the clubs .
After a recent round of accusations against Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira were published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lawyers released a statement lamenting the way the official was being publicly scrutinized .
“ It ’ s regrettable , ” the statement said .
“ Judgments are being made in the court of public opinion and in the media .
Justice would be better served if everyone kept to their own businesses.
” Benfica , the nation ’ s most popular club , has also faced accusations – not yet proven — related to alleged match-fixing and corruption of referees .
Some of them were made public by former Sporting Lisbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was accused of wrongdoing while in charge of his club .
Among the charges De Carvalho faced was masterminding a fans ’ attack on players who were at odds with him .
About 50 fans with their faces covered forced their way into the team ’ s training center and assaulted players and staff in the incident that made worldwide headlines two years ago .
De Carvalho , who reportedly used to belong to a radical fan group , was detained but denied any wrongdoing and eventually was found not guilty .
Porto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year denied wrongdoing after a local magazine said the club and high-profile agent Jorge Mendes were being investigated for tax fraud and money laundering related to the transfer of players such as Radamel Falcão and Iker Casillas .
Mendes is the agent of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo .
Porto said at the time that neither the club nor Costa were ever approached by authorities about the investigation .
It said the timing of the release of the information was suspicious , coming just before a decisive Portuguese league match against rival Benfica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1987 and 2004 , is the second most successful club in Portugal with 29 league titles , including the one it won this season after the league resumed amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Sporting is next with 18 league titles .
Only two other clubs outside the top three have won the Portuguese league - Belenenses in 1946 and Boavista in 2001 .
They will all take a backseat during next two weeks as the Champions League arrives .
And maybe , just maybe , their off-the-field controversies will be put aside for @ @ @ @ @

Portugal is taking center stage for soccer during the next two weeks - a country where rivalries between clubs go well beyond the field of play.
The decisive stages of the Champions League will begin on Wednesday in the southern European nation where back-and-forth accusations and legal actions involving the country’s top teams are routine.
Club officials are not afraid of attacking each other publicly. The government is often probing teams for alleged wrongdoing. Not even players and their agents are free from controversy.
It wasn’t long ago that search-and-seizure operations took place simultaneously at the headquarters of Benfica, Porto and Sporting Lisbon, the country’s three biggest clubs. It happened just before the coronavirus pandemic struck, as authorities investigated possible tax fraud and irregularities in soccer in an operation called “Offside.”
Presidents of all three clubs have been accused of some sort of wrongdoing over the past years, though they have always claimed innocence and actual convictions have been rare.
Benfica, a two-time European champion in the 1960s and Portugal’s most successful club with 37 league titles, has been targeted in more than a handful of cases in the last five years. Trading of its shares was temporarily suspended last month after the latest accusations were made against the club over alleged tax fraud.
Benfica is coming off one of its biggest legal victories, though, in a 2019 high-profile case in which a Porto media officer was accused of systematically releasing information from internal emails obtained from the rival.
Porto was ordered by a judge to pay nearly 2 million euros ($2.3 million) in damages to Benfica, as well as to return any documents it still possessed related to the case. Porto said at the time the emails showed a corruption scheme that benefited Benfica, something that has not been proven in court. Porto claimed it only released information that the court itself had considered to be true.
Details about the case were constantly discussed in sports shows and across Portuguese media outlets, which often resort to anonymous sources to publish information about court cases involving the clubs.
After a recent round of accusations against Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira were published by local media, the club’s lawyers released a statement lamenting the way the official was being publicly scrutinized.
“It’s regrettable,” the statement said. “Judgments are being made in the court of public opinion and in the media. Justice would be better served if everyone kept to their own businesses.”
Benfica, the nation’s most popular club, has also faced accusations – not yet proven — related to alleged match-fixing and corruption of referees. Some of them were made public by former Sporting Lisbon president Bruno de Carvalho, who himself was accused of wrongdoing while in charge of his club.
Among the charges De Carvalho faced was masterminding a fans’ attack on players who were at odds with him. About 50 fans with their faces covered forced their way into the team’s training center and assaulted players and staff in the incident that made worldwide headlines two years ago.
De Carvalho, who reportedly used to belong to a radical fan group, was detained but denied any wrongdoing and eventually was found not guilty.
Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa earlier this year denied wrongdoing after a local magazine said the club and high-profile agent Jorge Mendes were being investigated for tax fraud and money laundering related to the transfer of players such as Radamel Falcão and Iker Casillas. Mendes is the agent of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Porto said at the time that neither the club nor Costa were ever approached by authorities about the investigation. It said the timing of the release of the information was suspicious, coming just before a decisive Portuguese league match against rival Benfica.
Porto, the European champion in 1987 and 2004, is the second most successful club in Portugal with 29 league titles, including the one it won this season after the league resumed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Sporting is next with 18 league titles. Only two other clubs outside the top three have won the Portuguese league - Belenenses in 1946 and Boavista in 2001.
They will all take a backseat during next two weeks as the Champions League arrives. And maybe, just maybe, their off-the-field controversies will be put aside for a while as well.
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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Mick Mulvaney: Trump executive action on unemployment will pressure blue state governors

Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney on Monday said President Trump ’ s executive action on unemployment insurance could force blue state governors to kick in money despite their protests .
Mr. Trump signed an executive memo over the weekend to provide a $ 400-per-week extra unemployment benefit — $ 300 of which would be covered by the federal government .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo called kicking the responsibility for the remaining 25 % to the states an “ impossibility.
” Mr. Mulvaney said governors such as Mr. Cuomo have a right not to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be very difficult for him to continue that if he turns out to be wrong and you go to a state like South Carolina , where I am , and the governor ’ s a Republican — decides to try and work with the federal government to get that extra supplement , ” Mr. Mulvaney said on Fox Business Network .
“ And if it starts working in those states , [ it will be ] very difficult for those blue state governors to sort of stay on the sidelines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after congressional leaders failed to come to an agreement on another round of coronavirus relief after weeks of negotiating .
A $ 600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit had expired at the end of July .
Democrats wanted to extend those $ 600-per-week benefits at least through the end of the year , while Republicans had offered $ 200 per week , saying they didn ’ t want to make it more lucrative for people to take the unemployment rather than return to work .
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said on Sunday that states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds they ’ ve already been allocated or that the president could waive the state share .
Mr. Trump also took executive action over the weekend to defer payroll tax collections and student loan payments and extend a moratorium on housing evictions .

Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney on Monday said President Trump’s executive action on unemployment insurance could force blue state governors to kick in money despite their protests.
Mr. Trump signed an executive memo over the weekend to provide a $400-per-week extra unemployment benefit — $300 of which would be covered by the federal government.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called kicking the responsibility for the remaining 25% to the states an “impossibility.”
Mr. Mulvaney said governors such as Mr. Cuomo have a right not to participate in the program.
“I think it would be very difficult for him to continue that if he turns out to be wrong and you go to a state like South Carolina, where I am, and the governor’s a Republican — decides to try and work with the federal government to get that extra supplement,” Mr. Mulvaney said on Fox Business Network.
“And if it starts working in those states, [it will be] very difficult for those blue state governors to sort of stay on the sidelines,” he said.
Mr. Trump acted after congressional leaders failed to come to an agreement on another round of coronavirus relief after weeks of negotiating.
A $600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit had expired at the end of July.
Democrats wanted to extend those $600-per-week benefits at least through the end of the year, while Republicans had offered $200 per week, saying they didn’t want to make it more lucrative for people to take the unemployment rather than return to work.
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said on Sunday that states could cover the 25% share through funds they’ve already been allocated or that the president could waive the state share.
Mr. Trump also took executive action over the weekend to defer payroll tax collections and student loan payments and extend a moratorium on housing evictions.
Democrats denounced the president’s moves as ineffective and/or unconstitutional.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Danville college collects facemasks for neighboring school

DANVILLE , Ill. ( AP ) - Danville Area Community College ’ s partnership last year with a nearby grade school fell by the wayside when the coronavirus pandemic hit .
The best way to restart it , DACC staff thought , was to make sure Meade Park Elementary School students had face coverings to keep them safe this fall .
The ( Danville ) Commercial-News reports that DACC collected 700 homemade cloth masks for Meade Park pupils after appealing to the community .
Sewing machines were installed at the Mary Miller Center at the school for employees to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois .
“ A woman from Mahomet made over 100 masks , ” said Susie Landers , assessment retention counselor in DACC ’ s adult education department .
“ We ’ ve got boys ’ masks and girls ’ masks .
Some are reversible , some have mermaids , motorcycles and rainbows on them.
” The partnership began last fall as part of DACC President Stephen Nacco ’ s BHAG Challenge , for “ Big Hairy Audacious Goal.
” Laura Williams , dean of adult education and literacy , decided her department ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngsters and getting them to consider college .
A warm outerwear collection was concluded in December .
The spring agenda included male mentors for the school ’ s large number of boys .
But the rapid spread of COVID-19 , the illness caused by coronavirus , closed schools statewide in March .
A statewide rule that schoolchildren wear masks for in-classroom instruction this fall inspired the mask collection .

DANVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Danville Area Community College’s partnership last year with a nearby grade school fell by the wayside when the coronavirus pandemic hit.
The best way to restart it, DACC staff thought, was to make sure Meade Park Elementary School students had face coverings to keep them safe this fall.
The (Danville) Commercial-News reports that DACC collected 700 homemade cloth masks for Meade Park pupils after appealing to the community. Sewing machines were installed at the Mary Miller Center at the school for employees to use and masks came in from around central Illinois.
“A woman from Mahomet made over 100 masks,” said Susie Landers, assessment retention counselor in DACC’s adult education department. “We’ve got boys’ masks and girls’ masks. Some are reversible, some have mermaids, motorcycles and rainbows on them.”
The partnership began last fall as part of DACC President Stephen Nacco’s BHAG Challenge, for “Big Hairy Audacious Goal.”
Laura Williams, dean of adult education and literacy, decided her department’s BHAG would be connecting with the youngsters and getting them to consider college. A warm outerwear collection was concluded in December. The spring agenda included male mentors for the school’s large number of boys. But the rapid spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus, closed schools statewide in March.
A statewide rule that schoolchildren wear masks for in-classroom instruction this fall inspired the mask collection.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Court: LA County owes $8M to man killed like George Floyd

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Los Angeles County must pay a full $ 8 million damage award to the family of a Black man whose death had similarities to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis , the California Supreme Court ruled Monday .
While subduing Darren Burley in 2012 , deputies “ used their knees to pin him to the ground with as much body weight as possible , ” according to the court ’ s unanimous ruling .
It said Deputy David Aviles put one knee on the center of Burley ’ s back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burley ’ s head , near the neck , ” while other deputies also were involved .
A jury awarded his family $ 8 million in damages while finding that Burley was 40 % responsible for his own death .
An appeals court later reduced the payout by $ 3.2 million .
The high court justices , however , ruled that the county owes the family the entire $ 8 million .
Attorney Olu Orange , who represents Burley ’ s family , said the ruling holds that “ in the state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be able to avail themselves of every law in the legal toolkit to redress violations of their civil rights.
” Los Angeles County and the sheriff ’ s department did not respond to requests for comment .
“ The facts of this case bear similarities to well-publicized incidents in which African Americans have died during encounters with police .
These incidents raise deeply troubling and difficult issues involving race and the use of police force , ” the court said in its ruling .
The justices said their decision centered on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1986 that assigned damages based on degrees of responsibility , not on Burley ’ s race or that he was killed during an encounter with law enforcement .
Aviles , who weighed 200 pounds , and another deputy were responding to a report of an ongoing assault in Compton when Burley approached them while “ foaming at the mouth and making grunting and growling noises , ” according to the court ’ s account .
It said Aviles knelt on Burley during a significant struggle while three other deputies Tasered him multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said one deputy also appeared to attempt a chokehold , a deputy hit Burley repeatedly in the head with a flashlight , and “ Burley appeared to be gasping for air.
” Orange said lawsuits alleging police battery , like the one he filed , are “ one of the most effective tools that folks in communities that are typically subject to police violence have in order to seek justice.
” Jurors are instructed to consider if a suspect ’ s actions justified the officers ’ reaction , as well as to assign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled that the county and its deputies can ’ t share the blame with Burley when it comes to apportioning damages for pain and suffering because deputies acted intentionally , as defined by previous court rulings , rather than negligently .
In a separate concurring opinion , Justice Goodwin Liu went even further in finding parallels with Floyd ’ s death in May , when a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee against Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes .
“ In all likelihood , the only reason Darren Burley is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not caught on videotape as Floyd ’ s was , ” Liu wrote .
“ But even as the wrongful death judgment here affords a measure of monetary relief to Burley ’ s family , it does not acknowledge the troubling racial dynamics that have resulted in state-sanctioned violence , including lethal violence , against Black people throughout our history to this very day , ” he added .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Los Angeles County must pay a full $8 million damage award to the family of a Black man whose death had similarities to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday.
While subduing Darren Burley in 2012, deputies “used their knees to pin him to the ground with as much body weight as possible,” according to the court’s unanimous ruling. It said Deputy David Aviles put one knee on the center of Burley’s back and the other “onto the back of Burley’s head, near the neck,” while other deputies also were involved.
Burley died 10 days later.
A jury awarded his family $8 million in damages while finding that Burley was 40% responsible for his own death. An appeals court later reduced the payout by $3.2 million.
The high court justices, however, ruled that the county owes the family the entire $8 million.
Attorney Olu Orange, who represents Burley’s family, said the ruling holds that “in the state of California, victims of police misconduct are going to be able to avail themselves of every law in the legal toolkit to redress violations of their civil rights.”
Los Angeles County and the sheriff’s department did not respond to requests for comment.
“The facts of this case bear similarities to well-publicized incidents in which African Americans have died during encounters with police. These incidents raise deeply troubling and difficult issues involving race and the use of police force,” the court said in its ruling.
The justices said their decision centered on a ballot initiative adopted by California voters in 1986 that assigned damages based on degrees of responsibility, not on Burley’s race or that he was killed during an encounter with law enforcement.
Aviles, who weighed 200 pounds, and another deputy were responding to a report of an ongoing assault in Compton when Burley approached them while “foaming at the mouth and making grunting and growling noises,” according to the court’s account.
It said Aviles knelt on Burley during a significant struggle while three other deputies Tasered him multiple times without apparent effect. A witness said one deputy also appeared to attempt a chokehold, a deputy hit Burley repeatedly in the head with a flashlight, and “Burley appeared to be gasping for air.”
Orange said lawsuits alleging police battery, like the one he filed, are “one of the most effective tools that folks in communities that are typically subject to police violence have in order to seek justice.”
Jurors are instructed to consider if a suspect’s actions justified the officers’ reaction, as well as to assign degrees of responsibility.
The high court ruled that the county and its deputies can’t share the blame with Burley when it comes to apportioning damages for pain and suffering because deputies acted intentionally, as defined by previous court rulings, rather than negligently.
In a separate concurring opinion, Justice Goodwin Liu went even further in finding parallels with Floyd’s death in May, when a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for several minutes.
“In all likelihood, the only reason Darren Burley is not a household name is that his killing was not caught on videotape as Floyd’s was,” Liu wrote.
“But even as the wrongful death judgment here affords a measure of monetary relief to Burley’s family, it does not acknowledge the troubling racial dynamics that have resulted in state-sanctioned violence, including lethal violence, against Black people throughout our history to this very day,” he added.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Honolulu closes city hall after employees contract virus

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell closed city hall on Monday after several people who work at @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Employees including Caldwell are being tested for the disease .
The mayor has @ @ @ @ @ he receives his results .
All city workers have been instructed to work from home @ @ @ @ @ .
City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson has postponed upcoming council and committee meetings because of @ @ @ @ @ city hall offices will remain open only by appointment and with stringent safety protocols .
@ @ @ @ @ critical business will continue to be conducted at Honolulu Hale with a new check-in system @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic began , 48 people who work for the city have tested positive .

HONOLULU (AP) - Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell closed city hall on Monday after several people who work at Honolulu Hale tested positive for COVID-19.
Employees including Caldwell are being tested for the disease. The mayor has entered quarantine at least until he receives his results.
All city workers have been instructed to work from home until Sept. 6 if possible.
City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson has postponed upcoming council and committee meetings because of the positive tests.
Satellite city hall offices will remain open only by appointment and with stringent safety protocols. Tax payment collection and other critical business will continue to be conducted at Honolulu Hale with a new check-in system in place.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, 48 people who work for the city have tested positive.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Stroudsburg Borough Council rejects 'Black Lives Matter' street mural

“ Black Lives Matter ” murals are sweeping the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in @ @ @ @ @ .
But officials in one Pennsylvania town aren ’ t signing off on having the @ @ @ @ @ A Change.org petition with about 300 signatures called for having “ Black Lives Matter ” @ @ @ @ @ around Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg , FOX 56 reported .
But the Stroudsburg Borough Council @ @ @ @ @ late last week .
Some members reportedly said they support the movement , but want @ @ @ @ @ way .
“ Maybe a sign of sorts possibly , but not just limited to @ @ @ @ @ said council member Jim Evanisko .
“ I mean children matter , religion matters , @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Black Lives Matter” murals are sweeping the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd’s death in the custody of Minneapolis police. But officials in one Pennsylvania town aren’t signing off on having the slogan on their streets.
A Change.org petition with about 300 signatures called for having “Black Lives Matter” painted on the prominent street around Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg, FOX 56 reported.
But the Stroudsburg Borough Council voted to deny the petition late last week. Some members reportedly said they support the movement, but want the message delivered in another way.
“Maybe a sign of sorts possibly, but not just limited to Black Lives Matter,” said council member Jim Evanisko. “I mean children matter, religion matters, a lot of things matter.”
• Jay LeBlanc can be reached at jleblanc@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Border Patrol agent in Arizona accused of drug trafficking

TUCSON , Ariz. ( AP ) - A U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Tucson Sector Ajo Border Patrol Station has been accused of drug trafficking , authorities said Monday .
Federal prosecutors said 53-year-old Carlos Victor Passapera Pinott of Buckeye was arrested Sunday on suspicion of multiple counts of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances .
Passapera had his initial court appearance Monday in Tucson .
It ’ s unclear if he has a lawyer yet .
Prosecutors said Passapera left his home early Sunday and drove to a remote area of the border west @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Passapera then drove to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport , where he allegedly loaded two duffel bags into another vehicle .
Law enforcement agents stopped the driver of that vehicle after it left the airport and searched the duffel bags .
Authorities said the bags contained 21 kilograms of cocaine , one kilogram of heroin and one kilogram of fentanyl plus some 350,000 pills believed to fentanyl .
Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Passapera ’ s home and reported finding about $ 329,000 in cash plus an additional $ 40,000 @ @ @ @

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Tucson Sector Ajo Border Patrol Station has been accused of drug trafficking, authorities said Monday.
Federal prosecutors said 53-year-old Carlos Victor Passapera Pinott of Buckeye was arrested Sunday on suspicion of multiple counts of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Passapera had his initial court appearance Monday in Tucson. It’s unclear if he has a lawyer yet.
Prosecutors said Passapera left his home early Sunday and drove to a remote area of the border west of the Lukeville Port of Entry.
Passapera then drove to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where he allegedly loaded two duffel bags into another vehicle.
Law enforcement agents stopped the driver of that vehicle after it left the airport and searched the duffel bags.
Authorities said the bags contained 21 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and one kilogram of fentanyl plus some 350,000 pills believed to fentanyl.
Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Passapera’s home and reported finding about $329,000 in cash plus an additional $40,000 in his vehicle.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Governor says virus tests may increase as schools reopen

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott said Monday that coronavirus testing in Texas could @ @ @ @ @ a sharp drop-off in the number of tests in recent weeks .
Texas has averaged @ @ @ @ @ day over the past week , down from a daily average of more than 60,000 @ @ @ @ @ the same time , Texas ’ rolling positivity rate has rapidly increased to nearly 20 @ @ @ @ @ rate of just over a week ago .
New cases and hospitalizations have stabilized and @ @ @ @ @ in Texas have reached nearly 8,500 .
Asked about the decrease in testing , Abbott @ @ @ @ @ ” previously deployed to hot spots that he said drove testing numbers up .
He @ @ @ @ @ trying to find ways to have a college football season that would protect player health @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump has joined a number of coaches in for the college football season @ @ @ @ @ pandemic-forced shutdown .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that coronavirus testing in Texas could increase as schools reopen amid a sharp drop-off in the number of tests in recent weeks.
Texas has averaged more than 34,000 tests a day over the past week, down from a daily average of more than 60,000 in late July. At the same time, Texas’ rolling positivity rate has rapidly increased to nearly 20 percent, nearly double its rate of just over a week ago.
New cases and hospitalizations have stabilized and decreased, and coronavirus deaths in Texas have reached nearly 8,500. Asked about the decrease in testing, Abbott pointed to “surge teams” previously deployed to hot spots that he said drove testing numbers up.
He also said colleges should continue trying to find ways to have a college football season that would protect player health in the coronavirus pandemic. President Donald Trump has joined a number of coaches in for the college football season to be saved from a pandemic-forced shutdown.


washingtontimes--2020-08-10--Illinois reports 1,319 confirmed new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority on Monday announced an emergency housing assistance program for Illinoisans financially impacted by COVID-19 .
The announcement came as the Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,319 new confirmed cases of coronavirus , with one death .
That brings to 195,399 confirmed cases and 7,637 deaths in the state .
The statewide positivity rate for the period of August 3 through August 9 is at 4.1 % .
The Housing Development Authority will allocate $ 150 million to help income-eligible residents pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will receive a one-time grant of $ 5,000 paid directly to their landlords to cover missed rent payments beginning from March 2020 or to alleviate rent debt through December 2020 .
“ I encourage those who have lost a job or seen their income decline as a result of COVID-19 visit our application portals to apply , ” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said in a statement .
The Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program will get underway on August 24 to assist homeowners who have experienced a loss of income or employment .
Approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid directly to their mortgage holder .

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority on Monday announced an emergency housing assistance program for Illinoisans financially impacted by COVID-19.
The announcement came as the Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,319 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, with one death. That brings to 195,399 confirmed cases and 7,637 deaths in the state. The statewide positivity rate for the period of August 3 through August 9 is at 4.1%.
The Housing Development Authority will allocate $150 million to help income-eligible residents pay rent. Tenants whose applications are approved will receive a one-time grant of $5,000 paid directly to their landlords to cover missed rent payments beginning from March 2020 or to alleviate rent debt through December 2020.
“I encourage those who have lost a job or seen their income decline as a result of COVID-19 visit our application portals to apply,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said in a statement.
The Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program will get underway on August 24 to assist homeowners who have experienced a loss of income or employment. Approved applicants will receive up to $15,000 paid directly to their mortgage holder.