washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Honduran journalist dies of COVID-19 contracted in prison

TEGUCIGALPA , Honduras ( AP ) - A Honduran journalist known as a strong critic of President Juan Orlando Hernandez died Saturday at a hospital of COVID-19 that he apparently contracted while in prison on a defamation sentence .
The National Cardio-pulmonary Institute confirmed the death of Radio Globo director David Romero due to respiratory failure associated with the novel coronavirus .
He had been imprisoned since March 2019 , when Honduran police broke down the door of a radio station and arrested him .
Defamation has since been decriminalized under a new law in Honduras that took effect in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eligible for release .
Former President Manuel Zelaya wrote in his Twitter account that “ the death of David Romero is a murder by the regime of JOH , ” referring to the current president ’ s initials .
“ The order was given that he serve an unfair sentence and to not take him out of prison until he had caught COVID-19.
” The Honduras Journalists Association said via Twitter that it regretted Romero ’ s death .
It said the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights had been pushing for his release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud in the government social security system in which state money was channeled to the election campaign of Hernandez .
Romero ’ s imprisonment stemmed from his reporting on Sonia Inez Galvez Ferrari , the wife of former Attorney General Rigoberto Cuellar .
He was convicted in 2016 of defaming Galvez , who as a prosecutor in 2005 had won a conviction against Romero for raping his own daughter .
Romero was later released .
Romero had repeatedly denounced Hernández and his family , accusing them of involvement in corruption and drug trafficking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me and , if that happens , the person responsible is the president , ” Romero said as he was forced into a police vehicle when he was arrested in 2019 .
U.S. federal prosecutors won a drug trafficking conviction against Hernández ’ s brother Juan Antonio “ Tony ” Hernández last year in New York .
U.S. prosecutors have alleged that the president fueled his political ascent in part with money from drug traffickers .
He has not been charged and has repeatedly denied those allegations .
The president himself was diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital earlier this month .

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) - A Honduran journalist known as a strong critic of President Juan Orlando Hernandez died Saturday at a hospital of COVID-19 that he apparently contracted while in prison on a defamation sentence.
The National Cardio-pulmonary Institute confirmed the death of Radio Globo director David Romero due to respiratory failure associated with the novel coronavirus. He had been imprisoned since March 2019, when Honduran police broke down the door of a radio station and arrested him.
Defamation has since been decriminalized under a new law in Honduras that took effect in June, and Romero could have been eligible for release.
Former President Manuel Zelaya wrote in his Twitter account that “the death of David Romero is a murder by the regime of JOH,” referring to the current president’s initials. “The order was given that he serve an unfair sentence and to not take him out of prison until he had caught COVID-19.”
The Honduras Journalists Association said via Twitter that it regretted Romero’s death. It said the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights had been pushing for his release.
In 2015, Romero exposed a fraud in the government social security system in which state money was channeled to the election campaign of Hernandez.
Romero’s imprisonment stemmed from his reporting on Sonia Inez Galvez Ferrari, the wife of former Attorney General Rigoberto Cuellar. He was convicted in 2016 of defaming Galvez, who as a prosecutor in 2005 had won a conviction against Romero for raping his own daughter. Romero was later released.
Romero had repeatedly denounced Hernández and his family, accusing them of involvement in corruption and drug trafficking.
“I know they can kill me and, if that happens, the person responsible is the president,” Romero said as he was forced into a police vehicle when he was arrested in 2019.
U.S. federal prosecutors won a drug trafficking conviction against Hernández’s brother Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández last year in New York. U.S. prosecutors have alleged that the president fueled his political ascent in part with money from drug traffickers. He has not been charged and has repeatedly denied those allegations.
The president himself was diagnosed with COVID-19 in June and released from the hospital earlier this month.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Virginia police chief helps subdue stabbing suspect

CHANTILLY , Va. ( AP ) - The police chief of Virginia ’ s biggest county was injured when subduing @ @ @ @ @ people at a church on Saturday .
WRC-TV reports that Fairfax County Police Chief Ed @ @ @ @ @ study class at Grace Covenant Church when a man walked into the room and stabbed @ @ @ @ @ .
Roessler and another person disarmed the suspect , police said .
Police said two @ @ @ @ @ ’ t considered life threatening .
Police did not immediately release details about the suspect @

CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) - The police chief of Virginia’s biggest county was injured when subduing a suspect who stabbed two people at a church on Saturday.
WRC-TV reports that Fairfax County Police Chief Ed Roessler was in a Bible study class at Grace Covenant Church when a man walked into the room and stabbed the pastor leading the class. Roessler and another person disarmed the suspect, police said.
Police said two people suffered injuries that weren’t considered life threatening. Police did not immediately release details about the suspect.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Paroled convicted killer arrested for Arkansas slaying

BENTONVILLE , Ark .
( AP ) - A man on parole for killing a man in Louisiana has been @ @ @ @ @ in northwest Arkansas .
The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports Anthony Ballett , 39 , of @ @ @ @ @ with the Dec. 26 stabbing death of Keundra Allen , 25 , of Little Rock @ @ @ @ @ Allen ’ s girlfriend , who is Ballett ’ s ex-girlfriend .
Bentonville is about @ @ @ @ @ ) northwest of Little Rock .
Louisiana corrections spokesman Ken Pastorick said Ballett was paroled @ @ @ @ @ years of a 35-year prison sentence for manslaughter in connection with a fatal shooting in @ @ @ @ @ Pastorick said Ballett ’ s probation was transferred to Arkansas in 2017 .
Benton County @ @ @ @ @ being held without bond , but do not list an attorney to speak on his @ @ @ @ @ arrested Ballett the same day of the fatal stabbing during a traffic stop between Maysville @ @ @ @ @ the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line .

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) - A man on parole for killing a man in Louisiana has been arrested on a murder warrant in northwest Arkansas.
The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports Anthony Ballett, 39, of Rogers was arrested in connection with the Dec. 26 stabbing death of Keundra Allen, 25, of Little Rock outside the Bentonville apartment of Allen’s girlfriend, who is Ballett’s ex-girlfriend.
Bentonville is about 155 miles (249 kilometers) northwest of Little Rock.
Louisiana corrections spokesman Ken Pastorick said Ballett was paroled in 2013 after serving 19 years of a 35-year prison sentence for manslaughter in connection with a fatal shooting in Madison Parish, Louisiana.
Pastorick said Ballett’s probation was transferred to Arkansas in 2017.
Benton County jail records show Ballett is being held without bond, but do not list an attorney to speak on his behalf.
Arkansas State Police arrested Ballett the same day of the fatal stabbing during a traffic stop between Maysville and Cherokee City, near the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--2 juveniles arrested in shooting death of provost's husband

CHARLESTON , S.C. ( AP ) - Two teenagers are in custody in South Carolina accused of a shooting that left the husband of a provost at the College of Charleston dead .
It happened about 6:15 a.m. Friday in a robbery along a downtown street of upscale shops and restaurants just weeks after Tom DiLorenzo and his wife moved to the state , authorities said .
DiLorenzo ’ s wife , Suzanne Austin , was not hurt , College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu wrote in an open letter to the school .
Austin had just started a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of academic affairs at the school , Hsu said .
DiLorenzo retired in June after seven years as provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of North Dakota , he said .
The college is offering counseling to anyone who needs it .
“ This act of violence against one of our community members is deeply unsettling , and in this season of constant hardships , the pain and shock may seem unbearable , ” Hsu said .
Charleston Police late Friday said they arrested a 15- and 16-year-old suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being charged with murder and attempted armed robbery .
One is also charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a violent crime , police said .
Their names have not been released because of their ages .
They are being held in the juvenile detention center and will have a hearing before a family court judge .
Police did not indicate if either teen has an attorney who could speak for them .
According to police , the couple was walking and were approached by the juveniles .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handgun and demanded money from the couple .
DiLorenzo , 63 , later died at the hospital .
“ Our prayers are with the victim ’ s family during this terrible time , ” Police Chief Luther Reynolds said .
“ We also want to thank the community for the support they ’ ve given our investigators in this case .
”

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Two teenagers are in custody in South Carolina accused of a shooting that left the husband of a provost at the College of Charleston dead.
It happened about 6:15 a.m. Friday in a robbery along a downtown street of upscale shops and restaurants just weeks after Tom DiLorenzo and his wife moved to the state, authorities said. DiLorenzo’s wife, Suzanne Austin, was not hurt, College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu wrote in an open letter to the school.
Austin had just started a new job as provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at the school, Hsu said. DiLorenzo retired in June after seven years as provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of North Dakota, he said.
The college is offering counseling to anyone who needs it.
“This act of violence against one of our community members is deeply unsettling, and in this season of constant hardships, the pain and shock may seem unbearable,” Hsu said.
Charleston Police late Friday said they arrested a 15- and 16-year-old suspect in the shooting. Each boy is being charged with murder and attempted armed robbery. One is also charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a violent crime, police said.
Their names have not been released because of their ages. They are being held in the juvenile detention center and will have a hearing before a family court judge. Police did not indicate if either teen has an attorney who could speak for them.
According to police, the couple was walking and were approached by the juveniles. One of the boys was armed with a handgun and demanded money from the couple.
DiLorenzo, 63, later died at the hospital.
“Our prayers are with the victim’s family during this terrible time,” Police Chief Luther Reynolds said. “We also want to thank the community for the support they’ve given our investigators in this case.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--SC county's public schools missing almost 4,000 laptops

GREENVILLE , S.C. ( AP ) - Nearly 4,000 laptops issued last school year to students in Greenville County are missing .
The machines - Chromebooks that individually cost about $ 300 - are worth a combined $ 1.19 million , and the district will soon have to turn the matter over to police , Greenville County Schools spokesman Tim Waller told The Post and Courier .
“ We will report whatever information is necessary to recover our devices , ” Waller said .
“ That may include the names of parents/guardians.
” Waller said the district ’ s IT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing machines since June .
Initially 4,992 machines were missing , Waller said , but recovery efforts turned up another 800 .
Families reported that 208 were lost or stolen .
With nearly 4,000 machines still unaccounted for , the district will have to submit an insurance claim .
The only way the claim will be honored is if the machines have been reported as lost or stolen to local law enforcement , Waller said .
“ Since the end of the last school year , there have been multiple , multiple attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waller said .
Parents and guardians of children who failed to give their laptops back at the end of the school year have been contacted multiple times by phone , email and with visits to their homes , he said .
In a final effort to recover the machines , Greenville County Schools issued a district-wide phone message and email blast to parents late Thursday asking that any machines still out there be returned .
“ We are making repeated attempts to contact families , ” the message says , “ but pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to notify law enforcement and report the missing devices as stolen so we can begin the replacement process .
If your child has a school district issued Chromebook and has not received special permission to keep that device over the summer , please contact your school and return the device as soon as possible.
” Families can call 864-355-1289 to talk about options , the district message said .
It also asked parents to let other families know , in case they have a Chromebook and have missed the district ’ s alerts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department needs time to refurbish machines that will be reissued in the fall .
In the 2019-2020 school year , the district maintained 58,429 Chromebooks for students in grades three through 12 .
That number will jump to 77,754 in the upcoming school year as the district prepares to issue Chromebooks to every student in the district , pre-kindergarten through 12th grade .
Waller said the district currently has 77,000 Chromebooks on hand , including a pool of loaner devices available while other machines are being repaired .

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - Nearly 4,000 laptops issued last school year to students in Greenville County are missing.
The machines - Chromebooks that individually cost about $300 - are worth a combined $1.19 million, and the district will soon have to turn the matter over to police, Greenville County Schools spokesman Tim Waller told The Post and Courier.
“We will report whatever information is necessary to recover our devices,” Waller said. “That may include the names of parents/guardians.”
Waller said the district’s IT department has been trying to recover the missing machines since June. Initially 4,992 machines were missing, Waller said, but recovery efforts turned up another 800. Families reported that 208 were lost or stolen.
With nearly 4,000 machines still unaccounted for, the district will have to submit an insurance claim. The only way the claim will be honored is if the machines have been reported as lost or stolen to local law enforcement, Waller said.
“Since the end of the last school year, there have been multiple, multiple attempts to get these Chromebooks back,” Waller said.
Parents and guardians of children who failed to give their laptops back at the end of the school year have been contacted multiple times by phone, email and with visits to their homes, he said.
In a final effort to recover the machines, Greenville County Schools issued a district-wide phone message and email blast to parents late Thursday asking that any machines still out there be returned.
“We are making repeated attempts to contact families,” the message says, “but pretty soon we will have no choice but to notify law enforcement and report the missing devices as stolen so we can begin the replacement process. If your child has a school district issued Chromebook and has not received special permission to keep that device over the summer, please contact your school and return the device as soon as possible.”
Families can call 864-355-1289 to talk about options, the district message said. It also asked parents to let other families know, in case they have a Chromebook and have missed the district’s alerts.
The school district’s IT department needs time to refurbish machines that will be reissued in the fall.
In the 2019-2020 school year, the district maintained 58,429 Chromebooks for students in grades three through 12. That number will jump to 77,754 in the upcoming school year as the district prepares to issue Chromebooks to every student in the district, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Waller said the district currently has 77,000 Chromebooks on hand, including a pool of loaner devices available while other machines are being repaired.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Parson says pardon likely if St. Louis couple charged

O ’ FALLON , Mo .
( AP ) - Missouri Gov .
Mike Parson told a radio host that based on the information he ’ s received , it ’ s likely he would pardon a white St. Louis couple if they are charged for brandishing guns during a racial injustice protest outside their mansion .
Democratic Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is investigating Mark and Patricia McCloskey , both in their 60s , for an incident on June 28 .
Protesters who were marching to the nearby home of Mayor Lyda Krewson walked onto the private street where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of knocking down an iron gate marked with “ No Trespassing ” and “ Private Street ” signs , though a protest leader has said the gate was already open and no protesters damaged it .
The McCloskeys came outside with weapons - him with a long-barreled gun and her with a small handgun .
Their actions , captured on video and viewed by millions , drew praise from some who said they were legally defending their home , but scorn from others who said they risked bloodshed by displaying the weapons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the gun debate .
Gardner has not disclosed whether she intends to file charges , but several leading Republicans - including President Donald Trump , Sen. Josh Hawley and Parson - have criticized her for even deciding to investigate the couple .
Parson cited Missouri ’ s “ castle doctrine ” law that justifies lethal force for those protecting their homes .
Hawley is seeking a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of Gardner .
In an interview Friday on the Marc Cox Morning Show on 97.1 FM in St. Louis , Parson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pardon .
“ I think that ’ s exactly what would happen , ” Parson said .
He later added that based on what he knows about the case , “ I don ’ t think they ’ re going to spend any time in jail.
” Parson on Saturday retweeted a link to the interview on his personal Twitter page .
An email message left with his spokeswoman was not immediately returned .

O’FALLON, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Mike Parson told a radio host that based on the information he’s received, it’s likely he would pardon a white St. Louis couple if they are charged for brandishing guns during a racial injustice protest outside their mansion.
Democratic Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is investigating Mark and Patricia McCloskey, both in their 60s, for an incident on June 28. Protesters who were marching to the nearby home of Mayor Lyda Krewson walked onto the private street where the McCloskeys live.
The couple accused demonstrators of knocking down an iron gate marked with “No Trespassing” and “Private Street” signs, though a protest leader has said the gate was already open and no protesters damaged it. The McCloskeys came outside with weapons - him with a long-barreled gun and her with a small handgun.
Their actions, captured on video and viewed by millions, drew praise from some who said they were legally defending their home, but scorn from others who said they risked bloodshed by displaying the weapons. Photos emerged as memes on both sides of the gun debate.
Gardner has not disclosed whether she intends to file charges, but several leading Republicans - including President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley and Parson - have criticized her for even deciding to investigate the couple. Parson cited Missouri’s “castle doctrine” law that justifies lethal force for those protecting their homes. Hawley is seeking a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of Gardner.
In an interview Friday on the Marc Cox Morning Show on 97.1 FM in St. Louis, Parson was asked if he would consider a pardon.
“I think that’s exactly what would happen,” Parson said. He later added that based on what he knows about the case, “I don’t think they’re going to spend any time in jail.”
Parson on Saturday retweeted a link to the interview on his personal Twitter page. An email message left with his spokeswoman was not immediately returned.
A spokeswoman for Gardner declined comment, citing the ongoing investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Southwest Missouri school district settles lawsuit for $250K

REEDS SPRINGS , Mo .
( AP ) - A southwest Missouri school district has settled a third lawsuit stemming @ @ @ @ @ former superintendent .
The Springfield News-Leader reports that the district agreed to pay $ 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ with former counselor Janie Dennison , who alleged she was unfairly targeted by the district @ @ @ @ @ colleague who alleged sexual harassment by the now-retired superintendent Michael Mason .
That colleague successfully @ @ @ @ @ alleging retaliation the second time .
The district agreed to pay $ 500,000 to settle @ @ @ @ @ the stipulation that she resign , and $ 187,500 to settle the second .
In @ @ @ @ @ denied any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $ 937,500 to settle the three lawsuits .
@ @ @ @ @ contract extension and pay increases in the middle of the suits , retired a year @ @ @ @ @ wrongdoing and has never been criminally charged .
The new superintendent , Cody Hirschi , @ @ @ @ @ for the district and there has been significant turnover on the school board .

REEDS SPRINGS, Mo. (AP) - A southwest Missouri school district has settled a third lawsuit stemming from allegations involving its longtime former superintendent.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that the district agreed to pay $250,000 as part of an agreement with former counselor Janie Dennison, who alleged she was unfairly targeted by the district after voicing support for a colleague who alleged sexual harassment by the now-retired superintendent Michael Mason.
That colleague successfully sued the district twice, alleging retaliation the second time. The district agreed to pay $500,000 to settle the first case, with the stipulation that she resign, and $187,500 to settle the second.
In total, the district has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $937,500 to settle the three lawsuits.
Mason, who received a contract extension and pay increases in the middle of the suits, retired a year ago. He repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has never been criminally charged.
The new superintendent, Cody Hirschi, recently unveiled a five-year plan for the district and there has been significant turnover on the school board.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Florida emergency operations center hit with COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE , Fla ( AP ) - The Florida Division of Emergency Management closed down part of its facilities after @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
The areas where the employees work were going through a deep clean over @ @ @ @ @ to reopen Monday , said agency spokesman Jason Mahon .
The agency has been going @ @ @ @ @ employees for several weeks .
On Thursday , four tested positive raising the total to @ @ @ @ @ closure , Mahon said , The closing came while the agency was at its highest @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus .
It ’ s also in the middle of hurricane season in @ @ @ @ @ already been six named storms that have formed in the Atlantic .
No storms were @ @ @ @ @ Employees who remained on the job were told to work in other areas of the @ @ @ @ @ to work from home .
None of those who tested positive showed symptoms of the @ @ @ @ @

TALLAHASSEE, Fla (AP) - The Florida Division of Emergency Management closed down part of its facilities after 12 employees tested positive for coronavirus.
The areas where the employees work were going through a deep clean over the weekend and were expected to reopen Monday, said agency spokesman Jason Mahon.
The agency has been going through biweekly virus testing of employees for several weeks. On Thursday, four tested positive raising the total to 12. That prompted the closure, Mahon said,
The closing came while the agency was at its highest activation level as a response to the coronavirus. It’s also in the middle of hurricane season in a year when there have already been six named storms that have formed in the Atlantic. No storms were active over the weekend.
Employees who remained on the job were told to work in other areas of the division’s complex or to work from home. None of those who tested positive showed symptoms of the disease, Mahon said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Social media for Rubio, Sullivan confuses Cummings, Lewis

MIAMI ( AP ) - Social media of Republican Sens .
Marco Rubio of Florida and Dan Sullivan of Alaska mistakenly posted photos of the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings with comments meant to honor the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis .
The posts were quickly revised with photos of Lewis , a Democratic lawmaker who died Friday at the age of 80 .
Rubio acknowledged the Twitter error and displayed a video of himself with Lewis .
“ Earlier today I tweeted an incorrect photo , ” he wrote in the updated post .
“ John Lewis was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appear together in Miami 3 years ago at an event captured in video below .
May God grant him eternal rest.
” Sullivan ’ s initial Facebook tribute to Lewis featured a photo of Sullivan and Cummings at the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture .
The revised tribute omitted the reference to the museum , and the photo of the pair was replaced with a picture of Lewis alone .
The changes were made without comment .
In response to an email , Sullivan spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s staff made a mistake trying to honor an American legend.
” Lewis , a Democrat from Atlanta , was the last survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists , led by the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr .
He was best known for leading 600 protesters in the 1965 Bloody Sunday march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma , Alabama .
Lewis was knocked to the ground and beaten by state troopers .
Televised images forced the country ’ s attention on racial oppression .
Cummings , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms in Congress representing a district in the state of Maryland , died in October at age 68 .

MIAMI (AP) - Social media of Republican Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Dan Sullivan of Alaska mistakenly posted photos of the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings with comments meant to honor the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis.
The posts were quickly revised with photos of Lewis, a Democratic lawmaker who died Friday at the age of 80.
Rubio acknowledged the Twitter error and displayed a video of himself with Lewis.
“Earlier today I tweeted an incorrect photo,” he wrote in the updated post. “John Lewis was a genuine American hero. I was honored to appear together in Miami 3 years ago at an event captured in video below. May God grant him eternal rest.”
Sullivan’s initial Facebook tribute to Lewis featured a photo of Sullivan and Cummings at the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The revised tribute omitted the reference to the museum, and the photo of the pair was replaced with a picture of Lewis alone.
The changes were made without comment. In response to an email, Sullivan spokesman Mike Anderson wrote: “Senator Sullivan’s staff made a mistake trying to honor an American legend.”
Lewis, a Democrat from Atlanta, was the last survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists, led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He was best known for leading 600 protesters in the 1965 Bloody Sunday march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Lewis was knocked to the ground and beaten by state troopers. Televised images forced the country’s attention on racial oppression.
Cummings, a fellow civil rights activist who won 12 terms in Congress representing a district in the state of Maryland, died in October at age 68.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Police: Trucker with female hostage arrested after chase

CINCINNATI , Ohio ( AP ) - Authorities in Ohio said they have arrested the driver of a tractor-trailer who held a female hostage and led police on a wild chase Saturday along Interstate 275 .
The Ohio State Highway Patrol began pursuing the rig in the eastbound lanes of I-275 in Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon .
Hours later , after the hostage was freed , police were able to disable the truck by firing into the engine block , and the driver , who was armed with a knife , was subdued with a stun device .
Cincinnati police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic violence situation , and the hostage - believed to be his wife - was taken to a hospital for treatment .
Police said she might have a broken leg .
The driver was treated for minor injuries following his arrest , police said .
Authorities did not release the driver ’ s name .
Assistant Police Chief Paul Neudigate told reporters that during the chase the driver crossed over repeatedly into opposing lanes of the interstate “ putting numerous people at risk of serious physical harm.
” He said the driver appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticks , one of which disabled a tire , and repeatedly backed up the tractor-trailer at the pursuing vehicles .
Neudigate said highway patrol officers , Hamilton county sheriffs and other agencies helped to shut the interstate down in both directions “ because he would have killed somebody … the way he was recklessly driving a 5,000- , 10,000-pound vehicle - somebody would have been dead today.
” A SWAT team used a 50-caliber rifle to shoot rounds into the engine block of the truck , which eventually disabled the vehicle .
Neudigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of felonious assault in Hamilton County , and it was his understanding that there was also an aggravated assault warrant out of Georgia but he hadn ’ t confirmed that .
“ I haven ’ t seen anything like this in 30-plus years of policing , having to stop a semi-tractor on the highway that ’ s going to kill somebody - that ’ s a new one for us , ” Neudigate said , terming it “ a very good outcome .
”

CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) - Authorities in Ohio said they have arrested the driver of a tractor-trailer who held a female hostage and led police on a wild chase Saturday along Interstate 275.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol began pursuing the rig in the eastbound lanes of I-275 in Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon. Hours later, after the hostage was freed, police were able to disable the truck by firing into the engine block, and the driver, who was armed with a knife, was subdued with a stun device.
Cincinnati police said the chase stemmed from an apparent domestic violence situation, and the hostage - believed to be his wife - was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said she might have a broken leg.
The driver was treated for minor injuries following his arrest, police said.
Authorities did not release the driver’s name.
Assistant Police Chief Paul Neudigate told reporters that during the chase the driver crossed over repeatedly into opposing lanes of the interstate “putting numerous people at risk of serious physical harm.” He said the driver appeared to aim at police laying down stop sticks, one of which disabled a tire, and repeatedly backed up the tractor-trailer at the pursuing vehicles.
Neudigate said highway patrol officers, Hamilton county sheriffs and other agencies helped to shut the interstate down in both directions “because he would have killed somebody … the way he was recklessly driving a 5,000-, 10,000-pound vehicle - somebody would have been dead today.”
A SWAT team used a 50-caliber rifle to shoot rounds into the engine block of the truck, which eventually disabled the vehicle.
Neudigate said the driver will likely face multiple counts of felonious assault in Hamilton County, and it was his understanding that there was also an aggravated assault warrant out of Georgia but he hadn’t confirmed that.
“I haven’t seen anything like this in 30-plus years of policing, having to stop a semi-tractor on the highway that’s going to kill somebody - that’s a new one for us,” Neudigate said, terming it “a very good outcome.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--Davis Riley wins second Korn Ferry Tour title of year

SAN ANTONIO ( AP ) - Davis Riley won the TPC San Antonio Championship at the Oaks on Saturday for his second Korn Ferry Tour title of the season .
Riley birdied three of the last four holes for a 5-under 67 and a two-stroke victory over Taylor Pendrith and Paul Barjon in the tour ’ s second straight event at TPC San Antonio .
Riley earned $ 108,000 and jumped from third to first in the points race for 25 PGA Tour cards .
The Panama Championship winner in February , the former Alabama player also moved within a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m really proud of the way I handled myself , ” Riley said .
“ I give a lot of props to Panama week , being able to pull from those memories.
” Riley holed out from a bunker for birdie on the par-4 15th , hit to 1 1/2 feet on the par-3 16th .
just missed another birdie on the par-17th and hit his third to 2 feet on the par-5 18th .
“ I tried to control my breathing , ” Riley said about approaching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a 95-yard wedge shot .
I ’ ve hit that shot a thousand times within 10 feet.
” Riley passed roommate Will Zalatoris , the TPC Colorado Championship winner , in the season standings .
“ We just push each other every day and play a lot of golf together , ” Riley said .
“ It ’ s good to have someone just as good or maybe better than you to play with , it ’ s a lot of fun.
” Pendrith closed with a 67 , and Barjon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada , had his third straight top-three finish .
He was second last week behind David Lipsky on the adjacent Canyons Course .
He moved from 12th to third in the standings .
Barjon , the former Texas Christian University player from France , tied for third last week .
He went from 15th to fifth in the points race .

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Davis Riley won the TPC San Antonio Championship at the Oaks on Saturday for his second Korn Ferry Tour title of the season.
Riley birdied three of the last four holes for a 5-under 67 and a two-stroke victory over Taylor Pendrith and Paul Barjon in the tour’s second straight event at TPC San Antonio.
Riley earned $108,000 and jumped from third to first in the points race for 25 PGA Tour cards. The Panama Championship winner in February, the former Alabama player also moved within a victory of an immediate PGA Tour promotion.
“I’m really proud of the way I handled myself,” Riley said. “I give a lot of props to Panama week, being able to pull from those memories.”
Riley holed out from a bunker for birdie on the par-4 15th, hit to 1 1/2 feet on the par-3 16th. just missed another birdie on the par-17th and hit his third to 2 feet on the par-5 18th.
“I tried to control my breathing,” Riley said about approaching the water-guarded 18th green. “Because it’s a 95-yard wedge shot. I’ve hit that shot a thousand times within 10 feet.”
Riley passed roommate Will Zalatoris, the TPC Colorado Championship winner, in the season standings.
“We just push each other every day and play a lot of golf together,” Riley said. “It’s good to have someone just as good or maybe better than you to play with, it’s a lot of fun.”
Pendrith closed with a 67, and Barjon had a 69.
Pendrith, from Canada, had his third straight top-three finish. He was second last week behind David Lipsky on the adjacent Canyons Course. He moved from 12th to third in the standings.
Barjon, the former Texas Christian University player from France, tied for third last week. He went from 15th to fifth in the points race.


washingtontimes--2020-07-18--St. Louis police pull body from River Des Peres

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - Authorities are investigating after a man with a possible gunshot wound to his head @ @ @ @ @ in St. Louis .
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that police spotted the man just @ @ @ @ @ the River Des Peres .
Homicide detectives are investigating .
The name of the name @ @ @ @ @ .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Authorities are investigating after a man with a possible gunshot wound to his head was pulled from a river in St. Louis.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that police spotted the man just before 8:30 p.m. Friday in the River Des Peres. Homicide detectives are investigating. The name of the name wasn’t immediately released.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--States set goals to jump-start transition to electric trucks

ALBANY , N.Y. ( AP ) - A coalition of states is following California ’ s lead in setting goals to jump-start a transition to electric-powered trucks , vans and buses in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for communities choked by diesel fumes .
The 15 states , plus Washington , D.C. , announced last week that they ’ ve agreed to develop an action plan aimed at having 100 % of all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold be zero-emission by 2050 , with an interim target of 30 % zero-emission vehicle sales by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big deal in sending a powerful signal to industry with directions on where we need to be going with transportation , ” said Bill Van Amburg , executive vice president of CALSTART , a nonprofit consortium focused on building a clean transportation industry .
“ You can now justify further investment to develop more products.
” Details are yet to be worked out .
One option would be to adopt the mandate California ’ s Air Resources Board announced in June requiring that all new commercial trucks and vans purchased must be zero-emission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
Or the states could focus more on subsidies and incentives , as well as investment in charging infrastructure .
“ This memorandum of understanding magnifies what California did in adopting its regulation , ” said Paul Cort , an attorney for the environmental group Earthjustice .
“ It tells manufacturers that they not only have to produce these trucks for California but also for these other states , ” which represent the market for 40 % of truck sales .
The states that signed the agreement are California , Connecticut , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Massachusetts , New Jersey , New York , North Carolina , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , Vermont and Washington .
The group had already committed to an action plan to foster electrification of passenger vehicles .
“ The important step will be the details that emerge from this agreement , ” said Jimmy O ’ Dea , a vehicles analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists .
“ The direction the states need to go should be in response to the urgency of the situation , both on air quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 million trucks and buses - about 10 % of all vehicles - in the United States , according to a 2019 report authored by O ’ Dea .
They account for 28 % of total carbon emissions in the transportation sector .
Truck and engine manufacturers , oil companies , and farming and other industries opposed California ’ s mandate , saying it was expensive and unrealistic .
Jed Mandel , president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association , said the California rule would “ collapse ” for lack of charging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry could be fast-tracked by federal incentives to support charging infrastructure and purchases of zero-emission trucks .
In New York , a package of clean transportation initiatives announced by Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on Thursday includes a utility-funded program to deploy more than 50,000 charging stations by 2025 .
There ’ s also an allocation of nearly $ 50 million from the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement to boost the use of electric transit and school buses and expand charging infrastructure .
The U.S. and Canada are on track to have 169 models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of 2020 , compared to 95 models in 2019 , according to projections from CALSTART ’ s Zero-Emission Technology Inventory , launched in March .
The fastest-growing segments are transit buses and urban delivery trucks that have known routes and the ability to recharge at depots overnight .
Amazon , IKEA , FedEx and UPS have made commitments and investments in manufacturers of zero-emission commercial vehicle companies such as Rivian , Arriva and Chanje in recent months .
It will take longer for zero-emissions technology to meet the distance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Benjamin Mandel , CALSTART ’ s Northeast regional director .
Daimler , Tesla , Volvo and China ’ s BYD are among the manufacturers working on electric big rigs .

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A coalition of states is following California’s lead in setting goals to jump-start a transition to electric-powered trucks, vans and buses in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for communities choked by diesel fumes.
The 15 states, plus Washington, D.C., announced last week that they’ve agreed to develop an action plan aimed at having 100% of all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold be zero-emission by 2050, with an interim target of 30% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030.
“This is a really big deal in sending a powerful signal to industry with directions on where we need to be going with transportation,” said Bill Van Amburg, executive vice president of CALSTART, a nonprofit consortium focused on building a clean transportation industry. “You can now justify further investment to develop more products.”
Details are yet to be worked out. One option would be to adopt the mandate California’s Air Resources Board announced in June requiring that all new commercial trucks and vans purchased must be zero-emission by 2045, with milestones along the way. Or the states could focus more on subsidies and incentives, as well as investment in charging infrastructure.
“This memorandum of understanding magnifies what California did in adopting its regulation,” said Paul Cort, an attorney for the environmental group Earthjustice. “It tells manufacturers that they not only have to produce these trucks for California but also for these other states,” which represent the market for 40% of truck sales.
The states that signed the agreement are California, Connecticut, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. The group had already committed to an action plan to foster electrification of passenger vehicles.
“The important step will be the details that emerge from this agreement,” said Jimmy O’Dea, a vehicles analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “The direction the states need to go should be in response to the urgency of the situation, both on air quality and climate change.”
There are about 28 million trucks and buses - about 10% of all vehicles - in the United States, according to a 2019 report authored by O’Dea. They account for 28% of total carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Truck and engine manufacturers, oil companies, and farming and other industries opposed California’s mandate, saying it was expensive and unrealistic. Jed Mandel, president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, said the California rule would “collapse” for lack of charging infrastructure.
Van Amburg said growth of the industry could be fast-tracked by federal incentives to support charging infrastructure and purchases of zero-emission trucks.
In New York, a package of clean transportation initiatives announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday includes a utility-funded program to deploy more than 50,000 charging stations by 2025. There’s also an allocation of nearly $50 million from the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement to boost the use of electric transit and school buses and expand charging infrastructure.
The U.S. and Canada are on track to have 169 models of zero-emission commercial vehicles available for purchase by the end of 2020, compared to 95 models in 2019, according to projections from CALSTART’s Zero-Emission Technology Inventory, launched in March.
The fastest-growing segments are transit buses and urban delivery trucks that have known routes and the ability to recharge at depots overnight. Amazon, IKEA, FedEx and UPS have made commitments and investments in manufacturers of zero-emission commercial vehicle companies such as Rivian, Arriva and Chanje in recent months.
It will take longer for zero-emissions technology to meet the distance and payload capacities needed by heavy-duty trucking fleets, said Benjamin Mandel, CALSTART’s Northeast regional director. Daimler, Tesla, Volvo and China’s BYD are among the manufacturers working on electric big rigs.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Retired police chief now motor vehicle enforcement chief

The retired Montpelier police chief has a new job as chief of enforcement and safety for the Vermont Department of @ @ @ @ @ of Anthony Facos of Montpelier , was announced Friday by Motor Vehicles Commissioner Wanda Minoli @ @ @ @ @ a wealth of law enforcement knowledge and experience with modern policing practices that will truly @ @ @ @ @ , ” Minoli said in a statement .
Facos will start Aug. 10 , succeeding @ @ @ @ @ Elovirta , who is retiring after 33 years with the state , including 22 years @ @ @ @ @ years as enforcement and safety director .
The division is responsible for vehicle inspections , @ @ @ @ @ dealer regulations , investigations , commercial vehicle regulation , and motor carrier safety .

The retired Montpelier police chief has a new job as chief of enforcement and safety for the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
The appointment of Anthony Facos of Montpelier, was announced Friday by Motor Vehicles Commissioner Wanda Minoli.
“Director Facos has a wealth of law enforcement knowledge and experience with modern policing practices that will truly benefit the DMV and Vermonters,” Minoli said in a statement.
Facos will start Aug. 10, succeeding Col. William “Jake” Elovirta, who is retiring after 33 years with the state, including 22 years at the DMV and five years as enforcement and safety director.
The division is responsible for vehicle inspections, licensing and training management, dealer regulations, investigations, commercial vehicle regulation, and motor carrier safety.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Another invasive plant found in central Maine lake

MONMOUTH , Maine ( AP ) - The Maine Department of Environmental Protection said a third species of invasive plant @ @ @ @ @ large lake in central Maine .
The plant is variable-leaved water-milfoil , and it was @ @ @ @ @ the department said .
Plant surveyors with Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed found the plant @ @ @ @ @ just downstream from the Annabessacook Lake dam .
The stream is not far from the @ @ @ @ @ Friends of the Cobbosse Watershed is working with Maine DEP to find and remove the @ @ @ @ @ , and find out if it ’ s established elsewhere in it , the department @ @ @ @ @ important to prevent infestation of the plant because it can cause habitat disruption , the @ @ @ @ @ invasive plants were located in the lake in 2018 , officials said .

MONMOUTH, Maine (AP) - The Maine Department of Environmental Protection said a third species of invasive plant has been discovered in a large lake in central Maine.
The plant is variable-leaved water-milfoil, and it was found in Cobbosseecontee Lake, the department said. Plant surveyors with Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed found the plant recently in Jug Stream, just downstream from the Annabessacook Lake dam.
The stream is not far from the Cobbosseecontee Lake boat launch. Friends of the Cobbosse Watershed is working with Maine DEP to find and remove the invasive plant from the lake, and find out if it’s established elsewhere in it, the department said.
It’s important to prevent infestation of the plant because it can cause habitat disruption, the department said. Two other invasive plants were located in the lake in 2018, officials said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Turkey hunters set record for spring with 5,719 birds

CONCORD , N.H. ( AP ) - It was a record season for turkey hunting in New Hampshire this spring @ @ @ @ @ Game Department said hunters killed 5,719 turkeys during the season , an increase of 643 @ @ @ @ @ a new record since the department has been keeping track .
Officials say large gobblers @ @ @ @ @ 60 of the birds weighed 24 or 25 pounds .
Two dozen towns recorded 50 @ @ @ @ @ with particularly high numbers in Weare , Concord , Gilmanton and Claremont .

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - It was a record season for turkey hunting in New Hampshire this spring.
The state Fish and Game Department said hunters killed 5,719 turkeys during the season, an increase of 643 compared to last year and a new record since the department has been keeping track.
Officials say large gobblers were abundant. More than 60 of the birds weighed 24 or 25 pounds.
Two dozen towns recorded 50 or more turkeys harvested, with particularly high numbers in Weare, Concord, Gilmanton and Claremont.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Man dies after emergency crews pull him from Cranston pool

CRANSTON , R.I. ( AP ) - A man has died after emergency crews pulled him from a swimming pool @ @ @ @ @ .
Police responded to an emergency call at 5:24 p.m. Saturday for a possible drowning @ @ @ @ @ Cranston police said .
Police and fire personnel found a man floating face down in @ @ @ @ @ pulled him out and performed CPR , police said .
They continued life-saving measures while @ @ @ @ @ hospital where he pronounced dead , police said .
The circumstances and cause of his @ @ @ @ @ police said .

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) - A man has died after emergency crews pulled him from a swimming pool in Cranston, police said.
Police responded to an emergency call at 5:24 p.m. Saturday for a possible drowning in a residential pool, Cranston police said. Police and fire personnel found a man floating face down in the pool.
Emergency crews pulled 89-year-old Ernest Saraiva from the pool and performed CPR, police said. They continued life-saving measures on him while he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
“The investigation continues into this tragic accident and there are no immediate signs of foul play at this time,” Maj. Todd Patalano of the Cranston police said on Sunday. “We express our condolences during this difficult time to the Saraiva family.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--The one big winner amid the coronavirus shutdown: pets

The only ones benefiting from this coronavirus pandemic might be the dogs .
Think about it : A lot of dog owners who used to leave for work all day are now home , meaning extra walks , treats and belly rubs .
More importantly , abandoned dogs ( and cats , too ) who once waited desperately at local shelters for someone to want them now have people standing in line to take them home .
At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in West Tampa , people have been arriving before dawn to stand in line alongside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening .
Some have even camped out overnight , calling Uber Eats for food , to get the best chance at scoring a canine companion .
“ I never thought I ’ d see people spending the night in our parking lot , ” said Humane Society chief executive officer Sherry Silk .
“ It ’ s crazy good that people care that much.
” And these days , adoptable dogs go fast .
“ We can ’ t keep animals on the floor , ” she said .
“ We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefuls there recently , the consensus seemed to be that the time was right .
“ We ’ ve been wanting to , ” said Rich Clark , who ’ s in banking .
“ And now that we ’ re working from home , we ’ ll be around to raise him.
” Jessica Shaw , who works in home health care coding and billing , and Gabriel Macklin , a barber , were particularly taken with a dog called Olaf , a name their 2-year-old daughter Jahzara , a big Frozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that working from home means she has time for a dog , and as a bonus , a dog would get the family out walking .
“ I was just ready to get one , and one for her to grow up with , ” she said of Jahzara , who sat in her stroller watching the shelter kittens play .
“ This is the bright spot with COVID , these people here waiting everyday , ” said Susan Lowry Marlow , cuddling a kitten she pronounced “ super precious.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we ’ ll be able to do this , ” she said .
Normally this time of the year , the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter in Largo would have a full cat adoption room and between 65 and 85 dogs needing homes .
A dog could wait in the shelter for a year .
“ Since this whole pandemic started , we have actually run out of adoptable animals several times , ” director Doug Brightwell said on Thursday .
“ We ran out of adoptable cats yesterday , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find homes within hours , and no animal is staying more than 30 days , he said .
At the Pasco County Animal Services Adoption Center in Land O ’ Lakes , adoptions have been steady , with animals staying at the shelter an average of four to seven days .
Scott Trebatoski , director of the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center in Tampa , said he would not have imagined dogs might benefit in the coronavirus crisis .
“ I thought it would just be a lot of bad news , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep their pets , a lot of sad stories , ” he said .
“ But we ’ ve seen more positive stories than sad stories.
” Also good news : The number of adopted pets returned - in Pinellas , usually about 5 percent - hasn ’ t increased .
And shelter officials say the high adoption rates are giving them time for attention to animals that need extra care and for maintenance that ’ s difficult when shelters are crowded .
It ’ s also a boost for morale .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes , too .
People are “ making an emotional connection , and they ’ re making ( animals ) part of their family , because of the availability of time now they didn ’ t have when the world was so busy , ” Brightwell said .
At the Humane Society , Sarah Logar , who ’ s working at home for University of South Florida Athletics , filled out paperwork for a doe-eyed brown retriever mix called Omar , soon to be Nike , splayed across her lap .
She recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , and misses “ having someone in the house.
” Soon-to-be Nike is an active pup , and she ’ s looking forward to the runs they ’ ll take together .
“ I was planning on getting a Lab , ” she said .
“ But then I saw him .
He ’ s adorable.
” “ However long it lasts , ” Brightwell said , “ we ’ re going to relish in it .
”

The only ones benefiting from this coronavirus pandemic might be the dogs.
Think about it: A lot of dog owners who used to leave for work all day are now home, meaning extra walks, treats and belly rubs.
More importantly, abandoned dogs (and cats, too) who once waited desperately at local shelters for someone to want them now have people standing in line to take them home.
And that’s no exaggeration.
At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in West Tampa, people have been arriving before dawn to stand in line alongside the construction-dusty parking lot for the 10 a.m. opening.
Some have even camped out overnight, calling Uber Eats for food, to get the best chance at scoring a canine companion.
“I never thought I’d see people spending the night in our parking lot,” said Humane Society chief executive officer Sherry Silk. “It’s crazy good that people care that much.”
And these days, adoptable dogs go fast.
“We can’t keep animals on the floor,” she said. “We’ve been very blessed.”
Among the human hopefuls there recently, the consensus seemed to be that the time was right.
“We’ve been wanting to,” said Rich Clark, who’s in banking. “And now that we’re working from home, we’ll be around to raise him.”
Jessica Shaw, who works in home health care coding and billing, and Gabriel Macklin, a barber, were particularly taken with a dog called Olaf, a name their 2-year-old daughter Jahzara, a big Frozen fan, could get behind.
Shaw said that working from home means she has time for a dog, and as a bonus, a dog would get the family out walking.
“I was just ready to get one, and one for her to grow up with,” she said of Jahzara, who sat in her stroller watching the shelter kittens play.
“This is the bright spot with COVID, these people here waiting everyday,” said Susan Lowry Marlow, cuddling a kitten she pronounced “super precious.”
“I”m working at home, so we’ll be able to do this,” she said.
What a difference a pandemic makes.
Normally this time of the year, the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter in Largo would have a full cat adoption room and between 65 and 85 dogs needing homes. A dog could wait in the shelter for a year.
“Since this whole pandemic started, we have actually run out of adoptable animals several times,” director Doug Brightwell said on Thursday. “We ran out of adoptable cats yesterday, and we only have two adoptable dogs.” Some find homes within hours, and no animal is staying more than 30 days, he said.
At the Pasco County Animal Services Adoption Center in Land O’ Lakes, adoptions have been steady, with animals staying at the shelter an average of four to seven days.
Scott Trebatoski, director of the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center in Tampa, said he would not have imagined dogs might benefit in the coronavirus crisis.
“I thought it would just be a lot of bad news, a lot of people not being able to keep their pets, a lot of sad stories,” he said. “But we’ve seen more positive stories than sad stories.”
Also good news: The number of adopted pets returned - in Pinellas, usually about 5 percent - hasn’t increased. And shelter officials say the high adoption rates are giving them time for attention to animals that need extra care and for maintenance that’s difficult when shelters are crowded. It’s also a boost for morale.
And cats are seeing an uptick in finding homes, too.
People are “making an emotional connection, and they’re making (animals) part of their family, because of the availability of time now they didn’t have when the world was so busy,” Brightwell said.
At the Humane Society, Sarah Logar, who’s working at home for University of South Florida Athletics, filled out paperwork for a doe-eyed brown retriever mix called Omar, soon to be Nike, splayed across her lap.
She recently had to put down her dog, she said, and misses “having someone in the house.” Soon-to-be Nike is an active pup, and she’s looking forward to the runs they’ll take together.
“I was planning on getting a Lab,” she said. “But then I saw him. He’s adorable.”
“However long it lasts,” Brightwell said, “we’re going to relish in it.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Storyteller entertains kids in Mexico City apartment complex

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Percibald Garcia recognized that confinement during the coronavirus lockdown is especially tedious for children .
So the young architect decided to read them stories .
Almost every day since the beginning of May , the 27-year-old has gone out in an enormous Mexico City apartment complex with his “ wandering microphone ” to broadcast stories to children who gather at their windows to listen .
While most kids these days have cellphones , tablets or computers , Garcia wants them to hear the human voice and the world of shared tales .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even from a distance , the public plazas that have served as the anchor of life in Mexico for centuries .
“ We realized that almost nobody was looking after the way that kids were experiencing this lockdown , ” Garcia said Saturday .
Setting up his microphone in one of the green spaces that sit between rows of apartment buildings , he read ” El Tlacuache Lunatico ” ( “ The Crazy Opossum ” ) .
It ’ s a story by David Martín del Campo about a possum who suffers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possum tries to reach the moon to feel taller .
Once there , he eats the moon - and then has to figure out , with fellow animals , how to bring it back .
Other stories follow the same vein .
Garcia often precedes a story by playing songs by the celebrated Mexican children ’ s composer Francisco Gabilondo Soler , who performed as Cri-Cri the cricket .
Sometimes other storytellers perform , as does a puppet troop .
And always , just as on Saturday , children appear at the windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show .
In the end , it is an act of mutual comfort , similar to the Italians who serenaded each other from their balconies early in the pandemic , but also a cry to reclaim shared public spaces and stem the migration to a digital , virtual world .
“ In the last three months , everything has gone online , -work , contacts , shopping , ” said Garcia .
“ This is an act of resistance in the face of this ferocious digitalization we are experiencing.
” Rogelio Morales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his grandmother ’ s apartment .
Since March , the 9-year-old has spent much of his time playing video games .
“ The only thing I go out for is to walk my dog , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a little boring .
I miss school.
” “ It ’ s nice , ” Rogelio said of the storytelling .
“ If we have something to do , or if we ’ re very frustrated , we can relax a little.
” Luna Gonzalez , came with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the stories from a safe distance , both wearing face masks .
“ I imagine the characters , I imagine what the animals are like , ” said Luna , who used the opportunity to go out to dress up in her finest .
“ Sometimes we go out , because I get bored at home.
” Garcia calls his project “ De la Casa a la Plaza ” ( “ From the house to the plaza ” ) - a reference to the town squares where historically Mexicans have gathered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this aspect of life hard , because people have been encouraged not to go out or gather for fear of contagion .
It ’ s a tradition that also has been altered in the modern neighborhoods of Mexico ’ s big cities , where shopping malls have often replaced plazas and parks as gathering spots .
But due to the coronavirus , the malls also have been ordered closed in Mexico City .
Garcia ’ s family has lived in the capital ’ s Tlatelolco neighborhood since 1967 , just a few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally contained nearly 12,000 apartments and spread over 232 acres ( 94 hectares ) .
The government-built complex was erected during a period when architects still felt they had to provide open , communal spaces , something private developers have largely abandoned .
“ The public plaza has been extremely important in Mexico since the time of our ancestors , ” since the Aztecs , Garcia noted .
“ It is where people meet , talk , where the life of a neighborhood develops.
” “ The shopping mall is now the plaza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to pay , ” he added .
“ This kills the public plaza , kills the social structures.
” Some children have even approached Garcia to read their own stories , and other guest storytellers are invited to join .
“ This is an invitation to people to continue using the public plaza , ” he said .
It is not only children who listen .
Rogelio ’ s grandmother , Maria Elena Sevilla , also leaned out her ground-floor window .
“ This young man will get a special reward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just children he is entertaining , it is people of my age , too , ” she said .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Percibald Garcia recognized that confinement during the coronavirus lockdown is especially tedious for children. So the young architect decided to read them stories.
Almost every day since the beginning of May, the 27-year-old has gone out in an enormous Mexico City apartment complex with his “wandering microphone” to broadcast stories to children who gather at their windows to listen.
While most kids these days have cellphones, tablets or computers, Garcia wants them to hear the human voice and the world of shared tales. He also wants them to realize they can use, even from a distance, the public plazas that have served as the anchor of life in Mexico for centuries.
“We realized that almost nobody was looking after the way that kids were experiencing this lockdown,” Garcia said Saturday.
Setting up his microphone in one of the green spaces that sit between rows of apartment buildings, he read ”El Tlacuache Lunatico” (“The Crazy Opossum”). It’s a story by David Martín del Campo about a possum who suffers because he is so short. The possum tries to reach the moon to feel taller. Once there, he eats the moon - and then has to figure out, with fellow animals, how to bring it back. Other stories follow the same vein.
Garcia often precedes a story by playing songs by the celebrated Mexican children’s composer Francisco Gabilondo Soler, who performed as Cri-Cri the cricket. Sometimes other storytellers perform, as does a puppet troop. And always, just as on Saturday, children appear at the windows of the multistory building to take in the show.
In the end, it is an act of mutual comfort, similar to the Italians who serenaded each other from their balconies early in the pandemic, but also a cry to reclaim shared public spaces and stem the migration to a digital, virtual world.
“In the last three months, everything has gone online, -work, contacts, shopping,” said Garcia. “This is an act of resistance in the face of this ferocious digitalization we are experiencing.”
Rogelio Morales listened to the stories from the window of his grandmother’s apartment. Since March, the 9-year-old has spent much of his time playing video games. “The only thing I go out for is to walk my dog,” he said. “It’s a little boring. I miss school.”
“It’s nice,” Rogelio said of the storytelling. “If we have something to do, or if we’re very frustrated, we can relax a little.”
Luna Gonzalez, came with her mother, Tatiana Vega, to listen to the stories from a safe distance, both wearing face masks.
“I imagine the characters, I imagine what the animals are like,” said Luna, who used the opportunity to go out to dress up in her finest. “Sometimes we go out, because I get bored at home.”
Garcia calls his project “De la Casa a la Plaza” (“From the house to the plaza”) - a reference to the town squares where historically Mexicans have gathered to socialize and share.
The pandemic hit this aspect of life hard, because people have been encouraged not to go out or gather for fear of contagion.
It’s a tradition that also has been altered in the modern neighborhoods of Mexico’s big cities, where shopping malls have often replaced plazas and parks as gathering spots. But due to the coronavirus, the malls also have been ordered closed in Mexico City.
Garcia’s family has lived in the capital’s Tlatelolco neighborhood since 1967, just a few years after it opened in 1964. It originally contained nearly 12,000 apartments and spread over 232 acres (94 hectares). The government-built complex was erected during a period when architects still felt they had to provide open, communal spaces, something private developers have largely abandoned.
“The public plaza has been extremely important in Mexico since the time of our ancestors,” since the Aztecs, Garcia noted. “It is where people meet, talk, where the life of a neighborhood develops.”
“The shopping mall is now the plaza, but it’s private … you have to pay,” he added. “This kills the public plaza, kills the social structures.”
Some children have even approached Garcia to read their own stories, and other guest storytellers are invited to join.
“This is an invitation to people to continue using the public plaza,” he said.
It is not only children who listen.
Rogelio’s grandmother, Maria Elena Sevilla, also leaned out her ground-floor window.
“This young man will get a special reward from God, because it is not just children he is entertaining, it is people of my age, too,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--As pandemic surges, election officials seek poll workers

CHARLESTON , W.Va. ( AP ) - Wanted : Poll workers willing to brave a global pandemic in November .
Governments across the country are scrambling to find people to staff polling places for the presidential election this fall as the coronavirus sows doubt about how safe it will be to cast a ballot in person and thins out an already scarce pool of workers .
Recruitment efforts are increasingly targeting younger people , who are less at risk of developing serious illness from the virus , as officials and advocates aim strategies toward professional associations , students and sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open .
Still , a big unknown remains .
“ Everything having to do with this election will be determined by where we are with the virus , and obviously , indicators are not very encouraging , ” said Neil Albrecht , former executive director of the Milwaukee election commission , which had worker shortages and was forced to shutter all but five of the city ’ s 180 polling places earlier this year .
Expert say finding enough poll workers is always difficult , even when there isn ’ t a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdowns and spawning a series of evolving safety rules .
Normally , long hours , low pay and lots of stress might keep folks away .
Now add face shields , protective barriers and fears of getting sick .
More than two-thirds of poll workers are over age 61 , putting them at higher risk of the COVID-19 disease .
Scores of workers dropped out during this year ’ s primary season , taking with them decades of experience as the pandemic stifled efforts to train replacements .
Richard Dayton , 68 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in Columbus , Ohio , but decided not to work the state ’ s primary over concerns about the pandemic .
He ’ s not yet certain whether he ’ ll be staffing an election site in the fall .
“ I ’ m not a young man anymore , and I have to look out for my health , ” he said .
State and local elections officials hope to have their recruiting and polling place staffing in place well before Election Day in November .
In primaries held during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were late to open after poll workers failed to report .
“ If on Election Day morning people just weren ’ t showing up for work , that would be among the worst case scenarios , ” said Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose .
Local governments are typically responsible for recruiting poll workers , but states have been stepping in as the pandemic exacerbates an already fragile system .
Some states are partnering with professional organizations such as real estate commissions and state bar associations to have their members staff the polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio has a program to encourage high schoolers to work election sites .
In Georgia , local election officials and the Atlanta Hawks have announced they will use the NBA team ’ s arena as an early voting site for a primary runoff in August , and will train stadium and team staffers to be election workers .
Other sports teams are moving forward with or are considering similar measures .
West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner has urged young people to work the polls as a call-to-arms similar to joining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What that poll worker effort does is it keeps those options to vote open , ” he said , adding that officials have been reaching out to county clerks , civic groups , rotary clubs , athletic teams and other groups .
Kayleigh Bergh , a 23-year-old recent college graduate from Haverhill , Massachusetts , plans to work a polling place this November .
She said her decision to do so was about stepping up during a pandemic and getting politically engaged .
Plus , she said , it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to help the state and make everything better since I know my generation is going to take over at some point , ” said Bergh , adding that she ’ s been trying to recruit friends who have been furloughed from their jobs .
Scott Duncombe of Power the Polls , a newly-formed poll worker recruitment group that includes Comedy Central , Levi Strauss & Co. , the Fair Elections Center , Uber and several other organizations , said it plans to flood digital media , offer incentives for poll workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Duncombe said the group will gear a lot of its campaign toward young people , hoping that it can harness the nation ’ s recent political activism into civic duty .
“ This is really the first step to make sure the government and civic life looks like us and feels like us , ” he said of becoming a poll worker .
Election officials said making sure poll workers feel safe on the job is key to the recruitment effort .
Mary Cringan is a 65-year-old retired school principal in Fitchburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls in just about every election over the last five years .
She plans to wear a mask when she staffs a polling place later this year .
“ I would just hate to have the scare of health not allow people to go out and exercise their right to vote , ” she said .
“ The clerks in all the cities and towns have their work cut out for them.
” The Associated Press produced this coverage with the support of the Carnegie Corp. of New York .

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Wanted: Poll workers willing to brave a global pandemic in November.
Governments across the country are scrambling to find people to staff polling places for the presidential election this fall as the coronavirus sows doubt about how safe it will be to cast a ballot in person and thins out an already scarce pool of workers.
Recruitment efforts are increasingly targeting younger people, who are less at risk of developing serious illness from the virus, as officials and advocates aim strategies toward professional associations, students and sports teams to make sure election sites stay open. Still, a big unknown remains.
“Everything having to do with this election will be determined by where we are with the virus, and obviously, indicators are not very encouraging,” said Neil Albrecht, former executive director of the Milwaukee election commission, which had worker shortages and was forced to shutter all but five of the city’s 180 polling places earlier this year.
Experts say finding enough poll workers is always difficult, even when there isn’t a pandemic killing thousands of people, forcing widespread shutdowns and spawning a series of evolving safety rules. Normally, long hours, low pay and lots of stress might keep folks away. Now add face shields, protective barriers and fears of getting sick.
More than two-thirds of poll workers are over age 61, putting them at higher risk of the COVID-19 disease. Scores of workers dropped out during this year’s primary season, taking with them decades of experience as the pandemic stifled efforts to train replacements.
Richard Dayton, 68, has been a poll worker for five years in Columbus, Ohio, but decided not to work the state’s primary over concerns about the pandemic. He’s not yet certain whether he’ll be staffing an election site in the fall.
“I’m not a young man anymore, and I have to look out for my health,” he said.
State and local elections officials hope to have their recruiting and polling place staffing in place well before Election Day in November. In primaries held during the initial coronavirus outbreak, some polling places were late to open after poll workers failed to report.
“If on Election Day morning people just weren’t showing up for work, that would be among the worst case scenarios,” said Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
Local governments are typically responsible for recruiting poll workers, but states have been stepping in as the pandemic exacerbates an already fragile system. Some states are partnering with professional organizations such as real estate commissions and state bar associations to have their members staff the polls in exchange for continuing education credits. Ohio has a program to encourage high schoolers to work election sites.
In Georgia, local election officials and the Atlanta Hawks have announced they will use the NBA team’s arena as an early voting site for a primary runoff in August, and will train stadium and team staffers to be election workers. Other sports teams are moving forward with or are considering similar measures.
West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner has urged young people to work the polls as a call-to-arms similar to joining the military after the 9/11 terror attacks.
“What that poll worker effort does is it keeps those options to vote open,” he said, adding that officials have been reaching out to county clerks, civic groups, rotary clubs, athletic teams and other groups.
Kayleigh Bergh, a 23-year-old recent college graduate from Haverhill, Massachusetts, plans to work a polling place this November. She said her decision to do so was about stepping up during a pandemic and getting politically engaged. Plus, she said, it doesn’t look bad on a resume.
“I want to help the state and make everything better since I know my generation is going to take over at some point,” said Bergh, adding that she’s been trying to recruit friends who have been furloughed from their jobs.
Advocacy groups also are mobilizing.
Scott Duncombe of Power the Polls, a newly-formed poll worker recruitment group that includes Comedy Central, Levi Strauss & Co., the Fair Elections Center, Uber and several other organizations, said it plans to flood digital media, offer incentives for poll workers and have companies encourage staffers to volunteer. Duncombe said the group will gear a lot of its campaign toward young people, hoping that it can harness the nation’s recent political activism into civic duty.
“This is really the first step to make sure the government and civic life looks like us and feels like us,” he said of becoming a poll worker.
Election officials said making sure poll workers feel safe on the job is key to the recruitment effort. Mary Cringan is a 65-year-old retired school principal in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, who has worked the polls in just about every election over the last five years. She plans to wear a mask when she staffs a polling place later this year.
“I would just hate to have the scare of health not allow people to go out and exercise their right to vote,” she said. “The clerks in all the cities and towns have their work cut out for them.”
___
The Associated Press produced this coverage with the support of the Carnegie Corp. of New York.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--How the Black Lives Matter generation remembers John Lewis

Of all the ways that John Lewis influenced American life and politics , his indelible impact on young people may be among the most enduring .
From student activist to elder statesman , Lewis continually encouraged the nation ’ s youth to start “ good trouble ” - and modeled just how to do that .
He was arrested alongside millennial activists pushing for comprehensive reform of U.S. immigration laws in 2013 .
He led a sit-in in the House of Representatives over gun control following a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando in 2016 .
And when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping young people understand history , as when he cosplayed as his younger self at San Diego ’ s Comic-Con to celebrate the release of his Selma , Alabama-themed graphic novel series in 2015 .
Lewis , the Black civil rights icon who some called the “ conscience of Congress , ” died Friday .
In one of his last public appearances , he posed for a picture in June , standing on the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural painted just outside of the White House amid nationwide protests over the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter generation , the connection to Lewis is deeper than many may realize .
As a young man , through clouds of teargas and a hail of billy clubs , Lewis nearly lost his life marching against segregation and for voting rights .
As a Georgia congressman , Lewis was generous with his time , taking meetings and sharing stages with activists who , from Sanford , Florida , to Ferguson , Missouri , Baltimore to Minneapolis , also withstood teargas - as well as rubber bullets , pepper spray and arrests - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He didn ’ t have to stand with us , he chose to , ” Malkia Devich Cyril , the founder and senior fellow of MediaJustice , which advocates for open and democratic media and technology platforms , told The Associated Press .
“ That ’ s real leadership.
” In exclusive interviews with the AP , prominent organizers from the Black Lives Matter movement reflected on Lewis ’ example and his kinship with their generation : “ I remember sitting on the other side of President Obama from ( Lewis ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights meeting , and understanding the optical placement of the generations in that moment .
And I just kept thinking to myself , do not let John Lewis down .
… I was finally able to thank him , face to face , eye to eye , for treading the path my generation was now walking .
… With kindness in his eyes and determination in his voice , he reminded me that the road to freedom is never easy - and that ’ s precisely why we have to keep taking it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ he told me .
‘ Keep going .
Be consistent .
You will get there.
’ ” PHILLIP AGNEW , co-founder of the Dream Defenders , a police and prison abolition group , and organizer in the Movement for Black Lives : “ I think the first time I ever met him was at ( Congressional Black Caucus Foundation ) , the legislative forum that they have every year .
This is kind of after Dream Defenders had taken over the Capitol of Florida , and there was a big buzz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
I didn ’ t think that he would know who I was - I absolutely knew who he was .
… And I remember him coming and speaking to me and saying how proud he was , looking at the things that we had done in Florida.
” PATRISSE CULLORS , co-founder of Black Lives Matter and its global network of chapters : “ The first time I was introduced to Congressman Lewis was through ( the 1990 PBS docuseries ) ‘ Eyes on the Prize.
’ And I was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me.
’ He was a young , radical Black man who was challenging not just the status quo in government , but also the older leadership in the movement .
And I felt really moved by him .
… What I witnessed significantly in ‘ Eyes on the Prize ’ was police terror and police brutality , and the way that it was used against the ( Edmund ) Pettus Bridge protesters … who were brutalized fighting for a more equitable America , for Black people in particular .
And so , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been in the streets , and the same tactics of the police being used against us as a way to deter us from fighting for Black freedom .
And yet , that never deterred Congressman Lewis .
… That is a deeply moving commitment to Black people.
” “ I had the opportunity to staff ( former Democratic presidential candidate ) Sen. Elizabeth Warren , when we did the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing , the Sunday before Super Tuesday , when I was working on her campaign .
And ( Lewis ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literally passing the torch to everyone who was there .
… That symbol of him coming from his sick bed , all the way to Selma was just so , wow , I ’ m actually getting emotional thinking about that .
… He was so intentional and persistent about ensuring that people who are fighting know that they have his support and his admiration .
He talked about how he admires how young people are showing up now.
” ASH-LEE WOODARD HENDERSON , co-executive director of the Highlander Center for Research and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school : “ I ’ ve been thinking about how important John Lewis ’ life has been and will continue to be for weeks .
And this moment still feels so freaking unfair .
… I remember the stories and encouragement .
The never-wavering mandate .
… I will remember a man who reminded us all that our optimism isn ’ t futile .
That building a global neighborhood and a building beloved community are similar but not the same .
… That ’ s the legacy .
That ’ s the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this sea of grief , for such a divine human who loved us so deeply.
” CHARLENE CARRUTHERS , founding national director of BYP100 , a Black youth organizing group , and Movement for Black Lives organizer : “ Looking at his work and his story , if I can even do half of that with my life then I ’ d consider it a worthy contribution .
And it ’ s not about being perfect .
But it is about saying , ‘ I ’ m going to be in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m in this thing .
Not for fame , not for glory .
He could have done something else .
His legacy is one of making a lifetime commitment to Black people.
” CHELSEA FULLER , spokesperson for the Movement for Black Lives and deputy communications director for Blackbird , which supports grassroots movements : “ In 2000 , I was 12 years old and , like most children that age , struggling to comprehend the possibilities of who I could become .
… He asked me if I liked school and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all grown up .
I told him I didn ’ t know , but that I liked to write and that I liked Black history , but didn ’ t think there was much I could do outside of being a professor .
He took my hand and looked me square in the eye and said that loving my people and being a storyteller were not small things ; but that they were powerful .
… Congressman John Lewis encouraged me to see the power in stories about our people and our fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the AP ’ s Race and Ethnicity team .
Follow him on Twitter at https : //www.twitter.com/aaronlmorrison .

Of all the ways that John Lewis influenced American life and politics, his indelible impact on young people may be among the most enduring. From student activist to elder statesman, Lewis continually encouraged the nation’s youth to start “good trouble” - and modeled just how to do that.
He was arrested alongside millennial activists pushing for comprehensive reform of U.S. immigration laws in 2013. He led a sit-in in the House of Representatives over gun control following a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando in 2016. And when he was not protesting, he was helping young people understand history, as when he cosplayed as his younger self at San Diego’s Comic-Con to celebrate the release of his Selma, Alabama-themed graphic novel series in 2015.
Lewis, the Black civil rights icon who some called the “conscience of Congress,” died Friday.
In one of his last public appearances, he posed for a picture in June, standing on the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural painted just outside of the White House amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd.
For the Black Lives Matter generation, the connection to Lewis is deeper than many may realize. As a young man, through clouds of teargas and a hail of billy clubs, Lewis nearly lost his life marching against segregation and for voting rights. As a Georgia congressman, Lewis was generous with his time, taking meetings and sharing stages with activists who, from Sanford, Florida, to Ferguson, Missouri, Baltimore to Minneapolis, also withstood teargas - as well as rubber bullets, pepper spray and arrests - in their own protests against racism.
“He didn’t have to stand with us, he chose to,” Malkia Devich Cyril, the founder and senior fellow of MediaJustice, which advocates for open and democratic media and technology platforms, told The Associated Press. “That’s real leadership.”
In exclusive interviews with the AP, prominent organizers from the Black Lives Matter movement reflected on Lewis’ example and his kinship with their generation:
BRITTANY PACKNETT CUNNINGHAM, Ferguson activist and educator:
“I remember sitting on the other side of President Obama from (Lewis) at this pretty historic, multigenerational civil rights meeting, and understanding the optical placement of the generations in that moment. And I just kept thinking to myself, do not let John Lewis down. … I was finally able to thank him, face to face, eye to eye, for treading the path my generation was now walking. … With kindness in his eyes and determination in his voice, he reminded me that the road to freedom is never easy - and that’s precisely why we have to keep taking it. ‘You’ll have setbacks,’ he told me. ‘Keep going. Be consistent. You will get there.’”
PHILLIP AGNEW, co-founder of the Dream Defenders, a police and prison abolition group, and organizer in the Movement for Black Lives:
“I think the first time I ever met him was at (Congressional Black Caucus Foundation), the legislative forum that they have every year. This is kind of after Dream Defenders had taken over the Capitol of Florida, and there was a big buzz about our little fledgling group at that time. I didn’t think that he would know who I was - I absolutely knew who he was. … And I remember him coming and speaking to me and saying how proud he was, looking at the things that we had done in Florida.”
PATRISSE CULLORS, co-founder of Black Lives Matter and its global network of chapters:
“The first time I was introduced to Congressman Lewis was through (the 1990 PBS docuseries) ‘Eyes on the Prize.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, that’s me.’ He was a young, radical Black man who was challenging not just the status quo in government, but also the older leadership in the movement. And I felt really moved by him. … What I witnessed significantly in ‘Eyes on the Prize’ was police terror and police brutality, and the way that it was used against the (Edmund) Pettus Bridge protesters … who were brutalized fighting for a more equitable America, for Black people in particular. And so, we fast forward to 2020, when we have been in the streets, and the same tactics of the police being used against us as a way to deter us from fighting for Black freedom. And yet, that never deterred Congressman Lewis. … That is a deeply moving commitment to Black people.”
ALENCIA JOHNSON, political strategist:
“I had the opportunity to staff (former Democratic presidential candidate) Sen. Elizabeth Warren, when we did the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing, the Sunday before Super Tuesday, when I was working on her campaign. And (Lewis) came. It was like he was literally passing the torch to everyone who was there. … That symbol of him coming from his sick bed, all the way to Selma was just so, wow, I’m actually getting emotional thinking about that. … He was so intentional and persistent about ensuring that people who are fighting know that they have his support and his admiration. He talked about how he admires how young people are showing up now.”
ASH-LEE WOODARD HENDERSON, co-executive director of the Highlander Center for Research and Education, a social justice leadership training school:
“I’ve been thinking about how important John Lewis’ life has been and will continue to be for weeks. And this moment still feels so freaking unfair. … I remember the stories and encouragement. The never-wavering mandate. … I will remember a man who reminded us all that our optimism isn’t futile. That building a global neighborhood and a building beloved community are similar but not the same. … That’s the legacy. That’s the work. I’m so grateful, in this sea of grief, for such a divine human who loved us so deeply.”
CHARLENE CARRUTHERS, founding national director of BYP100, a Black youth organizing group, and Movement for Black Lives organizer:
“Looking at his work and his story, if I can even do half of that with my life then I’d consider it a worthy contribution. And it’s not about being perfect. But it is about saying, ‘I’m going to be in this for my entire life.’ I’m in this thing. Not for fame, not for glory. He could have done something else. His legacy is one of making a lifetime commitment to Black people.”
CHELSEA FULLER, spokesperson for the Movement for Black Lives and deputy communications director for Blackbird, which supports grassroots movements:
“In 2000, I was 12 years old and, like most children that age, struggling to comprehend the possibilities of who I could become. … He asked me if I liked school and what I wanted to do when I was all grown up. I told him I didn’t know, but that I liked to write and that I liked Black history, but didn’t think there was much I could do outside of being a professor. He took my hand and looked me square in the eye and said that loving my people and being a storyteller were not small things; but that they were powerful. … Congressman John Lewis encouraged me to see the power in stories about our people and our fight for freedom.”
___
Morrison is a member of the AP’s Race and Ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/aaronlmorrison.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Iran's top court halts death sentence of young protesters

TEHRAN , Iran ( AP ) - Iran suspended the execution of three young men who participated in a November protest after the country ’ s Supreme Court decided to review their case , state TV reported on Sunday .
An appeals court had upheld their death sentence over leading riots , committing robbery and sending video of their activities to foreign media .
But lawyers for the three expressed hope that a new review of the case would lead to a “ nullification ” of the death sentence .
If the Supreme Court agrees , Iranian law allows those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals court has upheld the original verdict .
The death sentence identifies the three as Amir Hossein Moradi , Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi .
Their case has prompted an outcry in the country and a popular hashtag for stopping the implementation of their death sentence topped Iran ’ s Twitter trends and had been retweeted more than 4 million times .
Protests swept across the country last November fueled by anger over the country ’ s anemic economy .
Amnesty International reported that at least 300 people were killed in the unrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and thousands were detained .
The demonstrations showed the widespread economic discontent gripping Iran since May 2018 , when President Donald Trump imposed crushing sanctions after unilaterally withdrawing the United States from the nuclear deal that Tehran struck with world powers .
That decision led to Iran beginning to break limits of the deal , as well as a series of attacks across the Mideast that America has blamed on Tehran .

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran suspended the execution of three young men who participated in a November protest after the country’s Supreme Court decided to review their case, state TV reported on Sunday.
An appeals court had upheld their death sentence over leading riots, committing robbery and sending video of their activities to foreign media. But lawyers for the three expressed hope that a new review of the case would lead to a “nullification” of the death sentence.
If the Supreme Court agrees, Iranian law allows those convicted to appeal again even after an appeals court has upheld the original verdict.
The death sentence identifies the three as Amir Hossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi. Their case has prompted an outcry in the country and a popular hashtag for stopping the implementation of their death sentence topped Iran’s Twitter trends and had been retweeted more than 4 million times.
Protests swept across the country last November fueled by anger over the country’s anemic economy. Amnesty International reported that at least 300 people were killed in the unrest, many shot dead by security forces, and thousands were detained.
The demonstrations showed the widespread economic discontent gripping Iran since May 2018, when President Donald Trump imposed crushing sanctions after unilaterally withdrawing the United States from the nuclear deal that Tehran struck with world powers. That decision led to Iran beginning to break limits of the deal, as well as a series of attacks across the Mideast that America has blamed on Tehran.