washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Soak or drip? Watering advice for the hot season

August is the month for two garden W ’ s : weeding and watering .
Regular attention to both keeps a vegetable or flower garden pretty and productive well into autumn .
For now , let ’ s look at watering .
It ’ s not necessarily less rain that makes soils drier in August ; it ’ s August ’ s combination of heat and lush plant growth that quickly dries the soil .
Don ’ t expect to recharge your soil with water by standing in place with hose in hand , directing a shower of water onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this satisfying and relaxing on a hot summer evening , but no one has the patience to stand fixed in place long enough to do plants any good .
If you don ’ t believe me , scratch an inch or so into the soil with your finger the next time you finish watering in this manner .
Unless you held the hose immobile for about an hour , only the surface is wet .
Shallow watering develops shallow root systems that can ’ t reach water deeper in the ground .
Promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but thorough , soakings that wet the soil at least 6 inches deep .
One inch of water on top of the soil will do this , as measured in straight-sided cans set out with your sprinkler .
Or , equivalently , apply about a half a gallon of water over every square foot of ground .
You ’ ll probably do this weekly watering with a sprinkler .
Most sprinklers take about an hour to put down that inch of water .
Some gardeners shy away from watering when the sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the leaves will act as magnifying glasses and burn the leaves .
Not true !
( How many plants die after a sun shower ? )
Midday is not the best time to water because evaporation and wind will carry much of the water off target .
Nighttime also is not a good time to water because the leaves stay wet too long , promoting diseases .
Early morning or late afternoon , when the air is cooler and usually calmer and leaves dry off reasonably fast , are the best times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shallow watering and the resulting shallow rooting that I cautioned against are bad only if you can ’ t keep up with the shallow watering .
You CAN keep up with it — and reap other benefits — with an alternative method of watering called drip , or trickle , irrigation .
The essence of drip irrigation is simply a plastic pipe laid in the garden row , with emitters at intervals out of which water slowly drips .
Dripping takes longer but is more efficient than sprinkling ( it was developed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , because water can be applied slowly to approximately offset what plants are using .
Dripped water is less subject to evaporation and lessens the chance of diseases by not wetting plant leaves .
The shallow layers of soil are also where beneficial bacteria , fungi and other soil microorganisms are most active .
Drip irrigation , by pinpointing water near your garden plants , also results in less weeding .
A sprinkler spreads water not only to your garden plants , but also to paths and areas between rows , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is really more than just plastic pipes with holes in them .
The emitters are engineering marvels that drip consistent amounts of water along their lengths and are somewhat self-cleaning .
Despite that self-cleaning feature , every drip system should also begin with a sediment filter .
One of the best features of drip irrigation is that makes frequent , shallow watering possible simply by attaching a timer to your hose spigot .
I set my timer each spring and hardly think about watering at all until I bring it and the sediment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines can be left in place outdoors all year .
Reserve hand watering for the first few days that vegetable and flower transplants are in the ground , and for your weekly deep watering for newly planted trees and shrubs .
It might seem that almost every time you finish your hand watering , rain falls .
Cause and effect ?
No .
It ’ s your imagination ( chuckle , chuckle ) .
Lee Reich writes regularly about gardening for The Associated Press .
He has authored a number of books , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Ever Curious Gardener.
” He blogs at http : //www.leereich.com/blog .
He can be reached at [ email protected ]

August is the month for two garden W’s: weeding and watering. Regular attention to both keeps a vegetable or flower garden pretty and productive well into autumn.
For now, let’s look at watering.
It’s not necessarily less rain that makes soils drier in August; it’s August’s combination of heat and lush plant growth that quickly dries the soil.
Don’t expect to recharge your soil with water by standing in place with hose in hand, directing a shower of water onto your tomato plants. You may find this satisfying and relaxing on a hot summer evening, but no one has the patience to stand fixed in place long enough to do plants any good. If you don’t believe me, scratch an inch or so into the soil with your finger the next time you finish watering in this manner. Unless you held the hose immobile for about an hour, only the surface is wet.
INFREQUENT, DEEP WATERING FOR DEEP ROOTING
Shallow watering develops shallow root systems that can’t reach water deeper in the ground. Promote deep rooting by giving your soil weekly, but thorough, soakings that wet the soil at least 6 inches deep. One inch of water on top of the soil will do this, as measured in straight-sided cans set out with your sprinkler. Or, equivalently, apply about a half a gallon of water over every square foot of ground.
You’ll probably do this weekly watering with a sprinkler. Most sprinklers take about an hour to put down that inch of water.
Some gardeners shy away from watering when the sun shines for fear that beads of water on the leaves will act as magnifying glasses and burn the leaves. Not true! (How many plants die after a sun shower?) Midday is not the best time to water because evaporation and wind will carry much of the water off target. Nighttime also is not a good time to water because the leaves stay wet too long, promoting diseases.
Early morning or late afternoon, when the air is cooler and usually calmer and leaves dry off reasonably fast, are the best times to water with a sprinkler.
FREQUENT, SHALLOW WATERING IS AN OPTION
The shallow watering and the resulting shallow rooting that I cautioned against are bad only if you can’t keep up with the shallow watering. You CAN keep up with it — and reap other benefits — with an alternative method of watering called drip, or trickle, irrigation.
The essence of drip irrigation is simply a plastic pipe laid in the garden row, with emitters at intervals out of which water slowly drips. Dripping takes longer but is more efficient than sprinkling (it was developed for farming the desert by Israeli agricultural scientists), because water can be applied slowly to approximately offset what plants are using. Dripped water is less subject to evaporation and lessens the chance of diseases by not wetting plant leaves. The shallow layers of soil are also where beneficial bacteria, fungi and other soil microorganisms are most active.
Drip irrigation, by pinpointing water near your garden plants, also results in less weeding. A sprinkler spreads water not only to your garden plants, but also to paths and areas between rows, where it promotes weed growth.
Drip irrigation is really more than just plastic pipes with holes in them. The emitters are engineering marvels that drip consistent amounts of water along their lengths and are somewhat self-cleaning. Despite that self-cleaning feature, every drip system should also begin with a sediment filter.
One of the best features of drip irrigation is that makes frequent, shallow watering possible simply by attaching a timer to your hose spigot. I set my timer each spring and hardly think about watering at all until I bring it and the sediment filter back indoors in autumn. Drip lines can be left in place outdoors all year.
Reserve hand watering for the first few days that vegetable and flower transplants are in the ground, and for your weekly deep watering for newly planted trees and shrubs.
It might seem that almost every time you finish your hand watering, rain falls. Cause and effect? No. It’s your imagination (chuckle, chuckle).
___
Lee Reich writes regularly about gardening for The Associated Press. He has authored a number of books, including “Weedless Gardening” and “The Ever Curious Gardener.” He blogs at http://www.leereich.com/blog. He can be reached at garden@leereich.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Police: Driver who killed man in wheelchair was drunk

QUINCY , Mass .
( AP ) - A Massachusetts man charged with driving drunk when he struck and killed @ @ @ @ @ last weekend had been accused of operating under the influence of alcohol four previous times @ @ @ @ @ Bowering , 78 , of Quincy was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing at @ @ @ @ @ including fifth offense drunken driving and vehicular homicide .
Not guilty pleas were entered on @ @ @ @ @ and killed James Bouchie , 72 , as he crossed a Quincy street in his @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , authorities said .
One witness told police that Bowering hit Bouchie and then @ @ @ @ @ , and ran him over again .
Bowering got out of his car , checked @ @ @ @ @ tried to drive away , but was detained by a bystander , according to police @ @ @ @ @ an ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced dead .
He is due back @ @ @ @ @ hearing on Friday .

QUINCY, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts man charged with driving drunk when he struck and killed a man in a wheelchair last weekend had been accused of operating under the influence of alcohol four previous times, prosecutors said.
David Bowering, 78, of Quincy was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing at his arraignment Monday on charges including fifth offense drunken driving and vehicular homicide. Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf.
Bowering struck and killed James Bouchie, 72, as he crossed a Quincy street in his wheelchair at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, authorities said.
One witness told police that Bowering hit Bouchie and then put his car in reverse, and ran him over again. Bowering got out of his car, checked on the victim, then tried to drive away, but was detained by a bystander, according to police.
Bouchie was taken in an ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Messages seeking comment were left with Bowering’s attorney.
He is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on Friday.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Tom Cotton compares Portland 'insurrectionists' to secessionists

Sen. Tom Cotton on Tuesday likened “ insurrectionists ” in Portland , Oregon , to Civil War-era secessionists , saying President Trump and the federal government have every right to try to keep the peace .
“ These insurrectionists in the streets of Portland are a little different from the insurrectionists who seceded from the Union in 1861 in South Carolina and tried to take over Fort Sumter , ” Mr. Cotton , Arkansas Republican , said on “ Fox & Friends.
” “ And just like President Lincoln wouldn ’ t stand for that , the federal government today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firebombing , or any attacks on federal property , ” Mr. Cotton said .
“ It is right to send federal law enforcement in to defend federal property and federal facilities.
” The Department of Homeland Security has deployed forces to Portland in recent days to try to protect a federal courthouse from protesters .
But local leaders have decried the tactics and said they don ’ t need Mr. Trump and the federal government butting into their affairs .
Mr. Trump has said that he might send agents to other cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baltimore to try to quell recent violence .

Sen. Tom Cotton on Tuesday likened “insurrectionists” in Portland, Oregon, to Civil War-era secessionists, saying President Trump and the federal government have every right to try to keep the peace.
“These insurrectionists in the streets of Portland are little different from the insurrectionists who seceded from the Union in 1861 in South Carolina and tried to take over Fort Sumter,” Mr. Cotton, Arkansas Republican, said on “Fox & Friends.”
“And just like President Lincoln wouldn’t stand for that, the federal government today cannot stand for the vandalism, the firebombing, or any attacks on federal property,” Mr. Cotton said. “It is right to send federal law enforcement in to defend federal property and federal facilities.”
The Department of Homeland Security has deployed forces to Portland in recent days to try to protect a federal courthouse from protesters.
But local leaders have decried the tactics and said they don’t need Mr. Trump and the federal government butting into their affairs.
Mr. Trump has said that he might send agents to other cities such as Chicago, New York and Baltimore to try to quell recent violence.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--CEO of parent company of Coach and Kate Spade resigns

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The parent company of the Kate Spade , Stuart Weitzman and Coach fashion brands @ @ @ @ @ and CEO Jide Zeitlin has resigned from the company and board for personal reasons , @ @ @ @ @ who had been chairman since November 2014 of Tapestry Inc. took over as CEO in @ @ @ @ @ York-based company ousted its then-CEO Victor Luis .
Zeitlin was among only four black CEOs @ @ @ @ @ Joanne Crevoiserat , chief financial officer , has been appointed interim CEO of Tapestry while @ @ @ @ @ successor .
The company said it will look at both internal and external candidates .
@ @ @ @ @ chief administrative officer and company secretary , will serve as interim chief executive officer and @ @ @ @ @ Andrea Shaw Resnick , global head of investor relations and corporate communications , has been @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , Susan Kropf , the company ’ s lead independent director , @ @ @ @ @ the board .

NEW YORK (AP) - The CEO of the parent company of Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman and Coach fashion brands resigned Tuesday citing allegations of misconduct by a woman with whom he had a relationship more than a decade ago.
Jide Zeitlin had been Tapestry Inc.’s chairman since November 2014 and took over as CEO in September 2019 after the company ousted its then-CEO Victor Luis.
The Nigerian-born executive was one of only four Black CEOs in the Fortune 500.
“In the past month, a woman I photographed and had a relationship with more than 10 years ago reached out to various media organizations to express her concerns about what had occurred,” Zeitlin said in a statement. “I felt compelled to resign today because I do not want to create a distraction for Tapestry, a company I care deeply about.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, Tapestry’s board of directors has hired a law firm to investigate allegations raised by at least one woman. The woman accused Zeitlin of posing as a photographer under an alias to lure her into a relationship more than a decade ago, according to the report.
In a LinkedIn post Zeitlin acknowledged that the relationship was a mistake but said “I did not use power, wealth, or position to further that relationship.”
Tapestry declined to comment on the allegations.
Joanne Crevoiserat, Tapestry’s chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO while the company searches for a successor. The company said it will look at both internal and external candidates.
Todd Kahn, president and chief administrative officer and company secretary, will serve as interim chief executive officer and brand president of Coach. Andrea Shaw Resnick, global head of investor relations and corporate communications, has been named interim chief financial officer.
In addition, Susan Kropf, the company’s lead independent director, was appointed chair of the board, replacing Zeitlin.
Shares in New York-based Tapestry Inc. closed up 4% in Tuesday trading.
_____
Follow Anne D’Innocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Tropical Storm Douglas grows, far out in Pacific Ocean

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Newly formed Tropical Storm Douglas was strenghtening over the open Pacific Ocean on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ become a hurricane by Wednesday .
Douglas , which reached tropical storm force the day @ @ @ @ @ 1,085 miles ( 1,750 kilometers ) southwest of the southern tip of Mexico ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph ( 95 kph ) .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ was forecast to reach hurricane force on Wednesday , though it was likely to start @ @ @ @ @ week .
It was headed to the west-southwest at 14 mph ( 22 kph ) @ @ @ @ @ veer westward by Tuesday afternoon .
There were no immediate hazards to land .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Newly formed Tropical Storm Douglas was strengthening over the open Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, and forecasters projected it would grow into the region’s first hurricane of the season.
Douglas, which reached tropical storm force the day before, was centered about 2,110 miles (3,390 kilometers) east of Hilo, Hawaii, Tuesday and had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph).
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Douglas was forecast to reach hurricane force later Tuesday or Wednesday, though it was likely to start declining again later in the week.
It was headed to the west-southwest at 15 mph (24 kph), and was expected to veer to the west-northwest by Wednesday night.
There were no immediate hazards to land.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Stimulus package breaks new ground in European unity

FRANKFURT , Germany ( AP ) - European leaders took a historic step towards sharing financial burdens among the EU ’ s 27 countries by agreeing to borrow and spend together to pull the economy out of the deep recession caused by the virus outbreak .
Pushed by Germany ’ s Angela Merkel and France ’ s Emmanuel Macron , leaders agreed to borrow together by selling bonds , using the European Union ’ s collective strong credit rating to borrow at low interest costs .
The money will fill a 750 billion-euro ( $ 855 billion ) recovery fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebound next year and restore growth and jobs lost in this year ’ s plunge .
Two decisions - shared borrowing , and simply handing out much of the money as grants - broke longstanding resistance from some of the financially stronger countries to exposing their finances and taxpayers to troubles in southern Europe where bureaucracy and red tape continue to slow growth .
Germany , which had long resisted shared borrowing , played a decisive role by changing its approach in the face of the crisis as Merkel pressed for a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-border solidarity , the EU is sending a strong signal of internal cohesion , ” said Holger Schmieding , chief economist at Berenberg bank .
“ Near-term , the confidence effect can matter even more than the money itself.
” The EU ’ s executive commission predicts the bloc ’ s economy will shrink by 8.7 % this year and rebound by 6.1 % next year .
The goal of the spending is to support that upswing .
By turning to shared debt and spending , the EU is taking a different approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt crisis that pushed Greece and four other members of the 19-country euro currency union into international bailouts in 2010-2015 .
Greece was rescued with loans that have to be repaid , increasing its debt load .
That help came with tough conditions to rein in government spending that reduced growth , spread hardship and fueled resentment .
The four-day meeting nevertheless put the bloc ’ s deep-seated fault lines on display .
To overcome resistance from five European countries led by the Netherlands , they trimmed the amounts to be dispensed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans that have to be paid back .
The money will not kick in until next year and the fund is a one-off , meaning that while it sets an important precedent it does not necessarily lead to ongoing mutual support that could be counted on in any future crisis .
The grant provision is important because it will enable countries like Italy and Spain to spend more on their economies without adding to their national debt piles .
Both were hard hit by the virus outbreak and Italy in particular has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolled over with new borrowing .
A huge spike in debt could deter bond markets from lending at affordable rates .
Resistance from the Netherlands , Austria , Sweden , Finland and Denmark reflects skepticism about the pace of economic reform in the countries that need help .
Yet the trillions in financial support are starting to add up .
Although the European response is spread across EU institutions , the European Central Bank , and the individual nations governments , economists say the stimulus figure is weighty enough to impress international investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries such as Italy and avoid another debt crisis .
The 750 billion euro recovery fund comes on top of a 1.1 trillion euro EU budget that pays for the union ’ s agricultural support , projects to help poorer members catch up and myriad other programs .
That , in turn , follows up to 540 billion euros in aid for wage support programs to hold down unemployment , and credit lines that hard-hit countries could tap from the eurozone ’ s bailout fund .
Another 1.35 trillion euros is being printed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the economy through a series of bond purchases that hold down market borrowing costs for businesses , governments and consumers .
It ’ s those bond purchases that have kept the virus crisis from turning into a financial crisis while EU leaders debated .
Grants based on common borrowing “ is an enormous step towards solidarity in Europe , ” wrote economists Bert Colijn and Carsten Brzeski at ING bank .
“ From a positive perspective , the fact that government leaders negotiated to the bitter end to find a deal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision shows that all of them saw the sense of urgency , ” they said in a research note .
“ From a more negative perspective , the hard-fought compromise will have smashed some political porcelain and has not always sent a signal of strong unity .
Only time will tell which of these two perspectives will become the dominant narrative in financial markets .

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - European leaders took a historic step towards sharing financial burdens among the EU’s 27 countries by agreeing to borrow and spend together to pull the economy out of the deep recession caused by the virus outbreak.
Pushed by Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s Emmanuel Macron, leaders agreed to borrow jointly by selling bonds, using the European Union’s collective strong credit rating that keeps interest costs low. The money will fill a 750 billion-euro ($855 billion) recovery fund to be used to boost the hoped for economic rebound next year through 2023 and restore the growth and jobs lost in this year’s plunge.
Two decisions - shared borrowing, and simply handing out over half the money as grants - broke through longstanding opposition from some of the financially stronger countries to exposing their finances and taxpayers to troubles in southern Europe, where bureaucracy and red tape continue to slow growth. Germany, which had long resisted shared borrowing, played a decisive role by changing its approach in the face of the crisis as Merkel pressed for a deal.
“With the biggest-ever effort of cross-border solidarity, the EU is sending a strong signal of internal cohesion,” said Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg bank. “Near-term, the confidence effect can matter even more than the money itself.”
The EU’s executive commission predicts the bloc’s economy will shrink by 8.7% this year and rebound by 6.1% next year. The goal of the spending is to support that upswing.
By turning to shared debt and spending, the EU is taking a different approach to solidarity than during the 2010-2015 debt crisis that pushed Greece and four other members of the 19-country euro currency union into international bailouts. Greece was rescued with loans that have to be repaid, increasing its debt load. That help came with tough conditions to rein in government spending that reduced growth, spread hardship and fueled resentment.
The four-day meeting nevertheless put the bloc’s deep-seated fault lines on display. To overcome resistance from five European countries led by the Netherlands, they trimmed the amounts to be dispensed as grants and increased the amount offered as loans that have to be paid back. The money will not kick in until next year and the fund is a one-off, meaning that while it sets an important precedent it does not necessarily lead to ongoing mutual support that could be counted on in any future crisis.
The grant provision is important because it will give countries like Italy and Spain money they can spend without adding to their national debt piles. Both were hard hit by the virus outbreak and Italy in particular has a large debt burden that must be regularly rolled over with new borrowing. A huge spike in debt could deter bond markets from lending at affordable rates.
Resistance from the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark reflects skepticism about the pace of economic reform in the countries that need help.
Yet the trillions in financial support are starting to add up. Although the European response is spread across EU institutions, the European Central Bank, and the individual nations governments, economists say the stimulus figure is weighty enough to impress international investors so they will keep lending to indebted countries such as Italy and avoid another debt crisis.
The 750 billion euro recovery fund comes on top of a 1.1 trillion euro, seven-year EU budget that pays for the union’s agricultural support, projects to help poorer members catch up and myriad other programs. That, in turn, follows up to 540 billion euros in aid for wage support programs to hold down unemployment, and credit lines that hard-hit countries could tap from the eurozone’s bailout fund. Another 1.35 trillion euros is being printed by the European Central Bank and injected into the economy through a series of bond purchases that hold down market borrowing costs for businesses, governments and consumers. It’s those bond purchases that have kept the virus crisis from turning into a financial crisis while EU leaders debated.
Grants based on common borrowing “is an enormous step towards solidarity in Europe,” wrote economists Bert Colijn and Carsten Brzeski at ING bank. “From a positive perspective, the fact that government leaders negotiated to the bitter end to find a deal and did not simply decide to postpone the decision shows that all of them saw the sense of urgency,” they said in a research note.
“From a more negative perspective, the hard-fought compromise will have smashed some political porcelain and has not always sent a signal of strong unity. Only time will tell which of these two perspectives will become the dominant narrative in financial markets.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Cluster of coronavirus cases found at North Carolina casino

CHEROKEE , N.C. ( AP ) - Health officials in North Carolina are investigating a cluster of coronavirus cases after five casino employees tested positive for the virus within two weeks .
The cases were identified among Harrah ’ s Cherokee Casino employees who work in the table games section , the Jackson County Department of Public Health said in a news release Monday .
They are now following isolation orders .
“ Based on information provided by the employees and video surveillance records , no other employees or customers have been identified as close contacts as defined by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the casino ’ s regional manager .
“ All employees who test positive , show symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive have been directed not to come to work and to self isolate.
” The casino had closed in March after an executive order was issued by Gov .
Roy Cooper aimed at slowing the spread of the virus .
The business then announced it would be reopening in late May with 30 % capacity , social distancing protocols , and a mask requirement for employees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ health checks ” would also be conducted on casino employees .
Jackson County , where the casino is located , has nearly 280 confirmed coronavirus cases and three deaths due to the virus .

CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) - Health officials in North Carolina are investigating a cluster of coronavirus cases after five casino employees tested positive for the virus within two weeks.
The cases were identified among Harrah’s Cherokee Casino employees who work in the table games section, the Jackson County Department of Public Health said in a news release Monday. They are now following isolation orders.
“Based on information provided by the employees and video surveillance records, no other employees or customers have been identified as close contacts as defined by the CDC,” said Brooks Robinson, the casino’s regional manager. “All employees who test positive, show symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive have been directed not to come to work and to self isolate.”
The casino had closed in March after an executive order was issued by Gov. Roy Cooper aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. The business then announced it would be reopening in late May with 30% capacity, social distancing protocols, and a mask requirement for employees.
They said in May that daily “health checks” would also be conducted on casino employees.
Jackson County, where the casino is located, has nearly 280 confirmed coronavirus cases and three deaths due to the virus.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--White House: Gun charges against St. Louis couple are 'politically motivated nonsense'

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Tuesday decried new charges filed against a St. Louis , Missouri , couple @ @ @ @ @ outside their home last month as “ politically motivated nonsense.
” St. Louis Circuit Attorney @ @ @ @ @ Mark and Patricia McCloskey with illegally brandishing their weapons at protesters near their house in @ @ @ @ @ McEnany said the couple was about to have dinner on their front porch when “ @ @ @ @ @ through their gate ” and “ trespassed.
” “ This is an egregious abuse of @ @ @ @ @ described it , ” she said on “ Fox & Friends.
” “ This is @ @ @ @ @ They were threatened and they used their weapons in a lawful manner and what is @ @ @ @ @ prosecutor [ went ] after them instead of these dozens of violent rioters who have @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ms. McEnany said .

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Tuesday decried new charges filed against a St. Louis, Missouri, couple over brandishing guns at protesters outside their home last month as “politically motivated nonsense.”
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner on Monday charged Mark and Patricia McCloskey with illegally brandishing their weapons at protesters near their house in a threatening way.
Ms. McEnany said the couple was about to have dinner on their front porch when “300 to 500 rioters stormed through their gate” and “trespassed.”
“This is an egregious abuse of power is how the president described it,” she said on “Fox & Friends.” “This is politically motivated nonsense.”
“They were threatened and they used their weapons in a lawful manner and what is so wrong here is this prosecutor [went] after them instead of these dozens of violent rioters who have been brought to her attention,” Ms. McEnany said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Man arrested in shooting deaths of 3 people in Portland

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - Three people were killed in Portland on Friday and a man has been arrested on murder charges , police said Monday .
Brett Pruett , 58 , faces murder charges in the deaths of 40-year-old Tashia Cobb , 77-year-old Lawrence Murphy and 45-year-old Elmer Hughes , the Multnomah County District Attorney ’ s Office announced Monday .
Portland police didn ’ t notify the public of the incident until Monday , three days after the killings happened and after officers arrested Pruett .
Police have not explained the delay .
Police on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found the three people dead at 10 p.m. when they arrived at a home in the northeast part of the city .
Court records from 2019 list Pruett ’ s address on the same block , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
Police said officers arrested Pruett over the weekend .
He ’ s being held without bail in Multnomah County Jail .
It wasn ’ t immediately known if he has a lawyer .
Court documents say Pruett has been convicted of 13 felonies and had a warrant for his arrest in San Diego @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California in 1984 , according to state documents .
Pruett is charged with three counts of first-degree murder , three counts of unlawful use of a weapon , two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm , one count of burglary and one count of assault with a firearm .
Prosecutors said some of the charges are linked to the assault of a woman on Thursday .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Three people were killed in Portland on Friday and a man has been arrested on murder charges, police said Monday.
Brett Pruett, 58, faces murder charges in the deaths of 40-year-old Tashia Cobb, 77-year-old Lawrence Murphy and 45-year-old Elmer Hughes, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Portland police didn’t notify the public of the incident until Monday, three days after the killings happened and after officers arrested Pruett. Police have not explained the delay.
Police on Monday released few details. Officers said they found the three people dead at 10 p.m. when they arrived at a home in the northeast part of the city. Court records from 2019 list Pruett’s address on the same block, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
Police said officers arrested Pruett over the weekend. He’s being held without bail in Multnomah County Jail. It wasn’t immediately known if he has a lawyer.
Court documents say Pruett has been convicted of 13 felonies and had a warrant for his arrest in San Diego. He also escaped from jail in California in 1984, according to state documents.
Pruett is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of burglary and one count of assault with a firearm.
Prosecutors said some of the charges are linked to the assault of a woman on Thursday.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Report: Waterbury officer justified in using deadly force

WATERBURY , Conn. ( AP ) - Investigators have concluded that Waterbury police officer was justified in using deadly force @ @ @ @ @ 57-year-old man who struggled with him over a gun .
A report released Monday by @ @ @ @ @ Attorney Brian Preleski and Chief State ’ s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo Jr. found that @ @ @ @ @ reason to believe that Edward Gendron was going to shoot him .
Officers went to @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 20 , 2020 after getting a call from a property manager saying a tenant @ @ @ @ @ in a shared wall .
According to the report , Gendron raised a gun and @ @ @ @ @ to disarm him .
The two men struggled for the gun and Gendron refused orders @ @ @ @ @ report said .
Tompkins fired two rounds at Gendron , killing him .
The New @ @ @ @ @ has not been out on patrol since the shooting and was placed on administrative leave @ @

WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) - Investigators have concluded that Waterbury police officer was justified in using deadly force in the shooting of a 57-year-old man who struggled with him over a gun.
A report released Monday by New Britain State’s Attorney Brian Preleski and Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo Jr. found that Officer Ronald Tompkins III had reason to believe that Edward Gendron was going to shoot him.
Officers went to Gendron’s home on Jan. 20, 2020 after getting a call from a property manager saying a tenant reported finding a bullet hole in a shared wall.
According to the report, Gendron raised a gun and Tompkins charged Gendron, trying to disarm him.
The two men struggled for the gun and Gendron refused orders to drop it, the report said. Tompkins fired two rounds at Gendron, killing him.
The New Haven Register reports that Tompkins has not been out on patrol since the shooting and was placed on administrative leave Monday.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--State patrol: 1 dead, 1 injured after crash in stolen car

SANDY SPRINGS , Ga. ( AP ) - Authorities in Georgia said the driver of a stolen vehicle was killed @ @ @ @ @ crashed during a chase .
Georgia State Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Stephanie Stallings said the crash @ @ @ @ @ on Ga. 400 , news outlets reported .
Stallings said Sandy Springs police were pursuing @ @ @ @ @ driver made an “ erratic lane change ” while exiting the highway at Northridge Road @ @ @ @ @ roadway and hit several trees , killing the driver , Stallings said .
One passenger @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta hospital , Stallings said .
The two other passengers were taken into custody .
@ @ @ @ @ names weren ’ t immediately released .
The exit ramp was closed for more than @ @ @ @ @ 7:30 a.m .

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (AP) - Authorities in Georgia said the driver of a stolen vehicle was killed Tuesday morning when the car crashed during a chase.
Georgia State Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Stephanie Stallings said the crash happened after 2 a.m. Tuesday on Ga. 400, news outlets reported.
Stallings said Sandy Springs police were pursuing the stolen vehicle when the driver made an “erratic lane change” while exiting the highway at Northridge Road.
The car left the roadway and hit several trees, killing the driver, Stallings said.
One passenger was injured and taken to Atlanta hospital, Stallings said. The two other passengers were taken into custody. The driver and passengers’ names weren’t immediately released.
The exit ramp was closed for more than four hours but reopened around 7:30 a.m.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Vermont crews to remove now-empty propane tank from river

MARSHFIELD , Vt. ( AP ) - Crews are expected to remove Tuesday a now-empty propane tanker from the Winooski @ @ @ @ @ were no injuries in the 7:15 a.m. Monday crash , in which the tanker , @ @ @ @ @ propane , went into the river .
Crews off-loaded propane from the trailer Monday and @ @ @ @ @ off to reduce any additional hazard .
Police say the trailer will be removed from @ @ @ @ @ no longer poses a hazard to first responders .
The cause of the original crash @ @ @ @

MARSHFIELD, Vt. (AP) - Crews are expected to remove Tuesday a now-empty propane tanker from the Winooski River in Marshfield.
There were no injuries in the 7:15 a.m. Monday crash, in which the tanker, which held 12,500 gallons of propane, went into the river.
Crews off-loaded propane from the trailer Monday and any remaining fuel was burned off to reduce any additional hazard.
Police say the trailer will be removed from the river Tuesday when it no longer poses a hazard to first responders.
The cause of the original crash remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Ohio court to hear arguments in appeal over judge shot video

COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) - Surveillance video showing an Ohio judge being shot and wounded at a courthouse before the assailant was himself shot and killed is a public record that should be released , according to arguments by an attorney for The Associated Press in a case before the state Supreme Court .
The video shows Jefferson County Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. being shot outside a Steubenville courthouse in eastern Ohio in August 2017 by 51-year-old Nathaniel Richmond , and then Richmond being killed by a probation officer .
Richmond had a pending wrongful death lawsuit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The judge recovered and returned to the bench .
The Ohio Supreme Court planned oral arguments for Tuesday .
A decision isn ’ t expected for weeks .
The day of the shooting , the AP asked for a copy of the surveillance video recorded by a camera positioned in front of the courthouse , but Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin denied that request , saying the video was a confidential law enforcement record and part of the courthouse ’ s infrastructure security system , among other arguments .
In February 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appeal brought by the AP , saying the video doesn ’ t contain information used to protect a public office from “ attack , interference or sabotage.
” Hanlin appealed , and in September 2019 , the 7th District Court of Appeals in Youngstown agreed with the prosecutor , determining the video is exempt from being released under Ohio public record laws as part of the courthouse ’ s security measures .
The appeals court said , in part , that the Court of Claims should have considered affidavits submitted by Hanlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation , that the video met the security exemption under state law .
The appeals court acknowledged that the affidavits-which did not include any testimony from security experts-were based on hearsay .
But the documents could be used to argue against releasing the video because the AP waived its right to object to the affidavits , the appeals court said .
The AP appealed to the state Supreme Court , arguing that the appeals court ruling , if it stands , would make it easier for public agencies to deny requests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In its arguments to the Supreme Court , the AP ’ s attorney says Ohio case law is clear that the video is a public record , as the Ohio Court of Claims previously ruled , and should be released .
Hanlin , the prosecutor , argues that releasing the video could endanger lives of judges and their staffs by revealing how authorities officers responded to the situation and what types of weapons they possessed .
“ The substance of the video itself shows all that is really needed in this case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court filing in May .
“ Common sense dictates that the video is a security record .
Expert testimony was not necessary , whether hearsay or otherwise.
” Media advocacy groups and media companies supporting the AP in a court filing include the Ohio Coalition for Open Government , Ohio Association of Broadcasters , the Society of Professional Journalists , E.W .
Scripps Co. and Gannett Co .
The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association filed a brief siding with Hanlin .

An attorney for The Associated Press argued before the Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday that a county prosecutor did not provide “competent” evidence to prove that courthouse security camera footage of a judge being shot is a security record and should not be released to the public.
The attorney, Jack Greiner, argued that Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin’s three affidavits submitted to a special master at the Ohio Court of Claims amounted to nothing more than “hearsay,” as an appeals court referred to them, and does not prove her case.
“The special master wanted evidence and rationale to claim it was a security record,” Greiner argued.
The video shows Jefferson County Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. being shot outside a Steubenville courthouse in eastern Ohio in August 2017 by 51-year-old Nathaniel Richmond, and then Richmond being killed by a probation officer.
Richmond had a pending wrongful death lawsuit in front of Bruzzese at the time. The judge recovered and returned to the bench.
The day of the shooting, the AP asked for a copy of the surveillance video recorded by a camera positioned in front of the courthouse, but Hanlin denied that request, saying the video was a confidential law enforcement record and part of the courthouse’s infrastructure security system, among other arguments.
Hanlin throughout the case has maintained that releasing the footage would jeopardize the lives of judges and court personnel.
The Ohio Court of Claims in February 2019 sided with an appeal brought by the AP, saying the video doesn’t contain any information that could be used to protect a public office from “attack, interference or sabotage.”
Hanlin appealed to the 7th District Court of Appeals in Youngstown, which ruled in Jefferson County’s favor, saying the video is exempt under Ohio’s public record law because it would reveal courthouse security measures.
The appeals court said, in part, that the Court of Claims should have considered affidavits submitted by Hanlin, based on her personal knowledge of the situation, that the video met the security exemption under state law.
The appeals court acknowledged that the affidavits, which did not include any testimony from security experts, were based on hearsay. But the documents could be used to argue against releasing the video because the AP waived its right to object to the affidavits, the appeals court said.
The AP appealed to the state Supreme Court, arguing that the appeals court ruling, if it stands, would make it easier for public agencies to deny requests in the future by providing such affidavits.
In its arguments to the Supreme Court, the AP’s attorney says Ohio case law is clear that the video is a public record, as the Ohio Court of Claims previously ruled, and should be released.
The recent shooting of two family members of a federal judge in New Jersey shows “there are bounties on the heads of judges and so many public officials,” Hanlin told the justices. She added that releasing the courthouse footage to the public could provide a “training tape for those want to kill or harm us.”
A man suspected of posing as a FedEx driver opened fire Sunday at the home of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in North Brunswick, New Jersey, where 20-year-old Daniel Anderl was killed and his father, Mark Anderl, was wounded.
Some Ohio court justices appeared skeptical about Hanlin’s arguments that the tape is a security record.
“The prosecutor simply did not provide sufficient evidence to support” her argument, Greiner said.
Media advocacy groups and media companies supporting the AP in a court filing include the Ohio Coalition for Open Government, Ohio Association of Broadcasters, the Society of Professional Journalists, E.W. Scripps Co. and Gannett Co.
The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association filed a brief siding with Hanlin.
A decision by the Supreme Court isn’t expected for weeks.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Poll: Pandemic hurting Americans' finances in disparate ways

BURTON , Mich. ( AP ) - Crystal and Chris Martin put off some payments on their home in this blue-collar town near Flint and are pinching pennies to make ends meet until they return to work .
In Windsor , Connecticut , Anne Druce ’ s family canceled home improvement projects out of an abundance of caution but remains financially secure .
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on , a new poll finds it is having different effects on Americans ’ economic well-being .
For some , the virus has meant lost income or struggles to pay bills on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and younger Americans .
Others , most notably college-educated and older Americans , have transitioned to working from home or have experienced the nation ’ s economic decline through a dip in the value of their investments .
“ It ’ s just all been kind of frustrating , ” said Crystal Martin , who lost her job managing a roller skating rink in March and waited 10 weeks for her first unemployment check .
Her husband , an X-ray technician at a Flint hospital , was laid off for about month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baby in July , to reduce the chances of bringing home the virus .
“ We had to go into our savings , and we were crunching numbers to see how long it would last , ” said Martin , adding that the couple , who have six children in their blended family , still aren ’ t sure if their mortgage company will add the deferred house payments to the end of their loan or demand the money all at once later this year .
Overall , roughly a quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about as many have lost income , according to the latest COVID Response Tracking Study , conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago .
About 2 in 10 report losing a job and roughly another 2 in 10 say they have put themselves at risk of exposure to the virus for work .
Meanwhile , the survey also finds about a third of Americans say their investments were negatively impacted during the pandemic .
About a quarter say they have had to change their work routine , including having to work from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she and her husband , James , are fortunate to have well-paying jobs - she ’ s a process engineering consultant for an insurance company and he works for a mutual fund company - that allow working from home .
While feeling financially stable , they ’ re saving as much money as possible - aside from spending to take a beach vacation in August with their two young boys - because “ anything can change , ” Druce said .
“ I know it sounds insanely privileged , ” said Druce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortunate.
” The poll finds that disparities of economic experience during the pandemic by race and ethnicity , age and education are stark .
- More college-educated Americans have lost investments , 45 % , compared with 28 % of those without a college degree .
By contrast , Americans without a degree were more likely to have delayed paying bills - 26 % , compared with 10 % of college graduates .
- Hispanic and Black Americans were more likely than white Americans to have lost income ( 42 % and 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have delayed paying bills ( 38 % and 35 % vs. 14 % ) .
- Thirty-one percent of Hispanics say they have put themselves at risk of exposure for work , compared with 19 % of white Americans .
- Younger Americans were more likely to have lost a job , put themselves at risk of exposure or delayed paying bills , while more older Americans lost investments .
Beyond the dollars-and-cents impacts of the pandemic , the survey found the economic effects taking a toll on Americans ’ mental health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loss of income , a loss of savings and trouble paying bills .
Tom W. Smith , director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Society at NORC and the study ’ s lead investigator , said people are also feeling more lonely than might be expected given the recent easing of restrictions and the reopening of businesses .
That could be because people still are severely restricting normal activities , perhaps because of finances or because they ’ re “ not willing to take the chance yet ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adding to the uncertainty and anxiety : Some initiatives meant to help people get through the crisis - including extra unemployment compensation and moratoriums on evictions and utility shut-offs - are set to expire soon , said Joy Peterman , development director at the Salvation Army in Flint .
Her organization has seen a 25 % increase in requests for assistance during the pandemic , mostly from people who were forced to seek help for the first time and many of whom were still working .
“ They just didn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills ( because of ) shorter hours and less pay , ” said Peterman , who believes needs will increase in coming months .
“ You still have rent , you still have utilities , you still have a car payment , insurance and the phone bill .
And you still have to feed your children.
” The survey of 2,012 adults was conducted June 22-July 6 with funding from the National Science Foundation .
It uses a sample drawn from NORC ’ s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel , which is designed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3 percentage points .

BURTON, Mich. (AP) - Crystal and Chris Martin put off some payments on their home in this blue-collar town near Flint and are pinching pennies to make ends meet until they return to work. In Windsor, Connecticut, Anne Druce’s family canceled home improvement projects out of an abundance of caution but remains financially secure.
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, a new poll finds it is having different effects on Americans’ economic well-being. For some, the virus has meant lost income or struggles to pay bills on time - particularly among Hispanic, Black and younger Americans. Others, most notably college-educated and older Americans, have transitioned to working from home or have experienced the nation’s economic decline through a dip in the value of their investments.
“It’s just all been kind of frustrating,” said Crystal Martin, who lost her job managing a roller skating rink in March and waited 10 weeks for her first unemployment check. Her husband, an X-ray technician at a Flint hospital, was laid off for about month, then took parental leave after Crystal had a baby in July, to reduce the chances of bringing home the virus.
“We had to go into our savings, and we were crunching numbers to see how long it would last,” said Martin, adding that the couple, who have six children in their blended family, still aren’t sure if their mortgage company will add the deferred house payments to the end of their loan or demand the money all at once later this year.
Overall, roughly a quarter of Americans say they have lost savings and about as many have lost income, according to the latest COVID Response Tracking Study, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago. About 2 in 10 report losing a job and roughly another 2 in 10 say they have put themselves at risk of exposure to the virus for work.
Meanwhile, the survey also finds about a third of Americans say their investments were negatively impacted during the pandemic. About a quarter say they have had to change their work routine, including having to work from home.
That includes Druce, who said she and her husband, James, are fortunate to have well-paying jobs - she’s a process engineering consultant for an insurance company and he works for a mutual fund company - that allow working from home.
While feeling financially stable, they’re saving as much money as possible - aside from spending to take a beach vacation in August with their two young boys - because “anything can change,” Druce said.
“I know it sounds insanely privileged,” said Druce, “but I 1,000% feel fortunate.”
The poll finds that disparities of economic experience during the pandemic by race and ethnicity, age and education are stark.
- More college-educated Americans have lost investments, 45%, compared with 28% of those without a college degree. By contrast, Americans without a degree were more likely to have delayed paying bills - 26%, compared with 10% of college graduates.
- Hispanic and Black Americans were more likely than white Americans to have lost income (42% and 32% vs. 21%) and to have delayed paying bills (38% and 35% vs. 14%).
- Thirty-one percent of Hispanics say they have put themselves at risk of exposure for work, compared with 19% of white Americans.
- Younger Americans were more likely to have lost a job, put themselves at risk of exposure or delayed paying bills, while more older Americans lost investments.
Beyond the dollars-and-cents impacts of the pandemic, the survey found the economic effects taking a toll on Americans’ mental health, with stress rising among those who report a loss of income, a loss of savings and trouble paying bills.
Tom W. Smith, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Society at NORC and the study’s lead investigator, said people are also feeling more lonely than might be expected given the recent easing of restrictions and the reopening of businesses. That could be because people still are severely restricting normal activities, perhaps because of finances or because they’re “not willing to take the chance yet” on potentially exposing themselves to the virus.
Adding to the uncertainty and anxiety: Some initiatives meant to help people get through the crisis - including extra unemployment compensation and moratoriums on evictions and utility shut-offs - are set to expire soon, said Joy Peterman, development director at the Salvation Army in Flint.
Her organization has seen a 25% increase in requests for assistance during the pandemic, mostly from people who were forced to seek help for the first time and many of whom were still working.
“They just didn’t have enough money to continue to pay their bills (because of) shorter hours and less pay,” said Peterman, who believes needs will increase in coming months. “You still have rent, you still have utilities, you still have a car payment, insurance and the phone bill. And you still have to feed your children.”
___
The survey of 2,012 adults was conducted June 22-July 6 with funding from the National Science Foundation. It uses a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3 percentage points.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--California parents sue Gavin Newsom to reopen schools

A group of California parents sued Tuesday to reopen the schools for in-person learning , arguing that shutdown is discriminatory and scientifically unsound , given that children are at least risk from the novel coronavirus .
Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Friday that public , charter and private schools must provide “ distance learning ” until their counties meet targets for COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations , which will prevent more than 80 % of the state ’ s 5.9 million schoolchildren from receiving in-person classroom instruction .
“ The Governor ’ s decision to shut down educational facilities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these counties their right to a basic education , ” said San Francisco lawyer Harmeet K. Dhillon , CEO of the Center for American Liberty , which filed the lawsuit .
The complaint filed in U.S. District Court seeks an order blocking the state restrictions , and a ruling that the plaintiffs ’ children “ should be allowed in-person instruction without delay.
” “ With the school year commencing in mere weeks from the date of this filing , time is of the essence , and the Court should not hesitate to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meaningful education for their children are preserved and protected from Defendants ’ arbitrary actions , ” said the motion .
Thirty-four of the state ’ s 58 counties , including Los Angeles , Sacramento , San Diego and San Francisco , are currently on the COVID-19 watchlist and would thus be ineligible for in-person instruction until they stabilize their cases and hospitalizations .
“ Learning is non-negotiable , ” said Mr. Newsom in a Friday statement .
“ The virus will be with us for a year or more , and school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midst of this pandemic .
In California , health data will determine when a school can be physically open – and when it must close – but learning should never stop.
” California and other Sun Belt states have become the summer hotspots for the virus , with 400,769 confirmed cases as of Tuesday and about 9,000 new cases per day for the past week , but the lawsuit pointed out that no children ages 0-17 have died in California from COVID-19 .
The Centers for Disease Control reported that children are hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to an overall rate of 113.6 per 100,000 , while studies out of Europe , Asia and Australia show that children are not primary drivers of the virus .
The lawsuit cited a study released July 13 of 2,045 schoolchildren from the Dresden Technical University in Germany found that schools did not become hotspots after reopening , and that children may even serve as a “ brake on infection.
” Ms. Dhillon said that the governor ’ s “ inexplicable restrictions on school reopening [ are ] not based in scientific facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially in light of the fact that California allows all of the functional components of schools allowed in camps and childcare.
” “ More fundamentally , the school closing ‘ plan ’ is no plan at all , and ignores the state ’ s legal duties to California ’ s children , ” she said .
A few days before Mr. Newsom ’ s announcement , the state ’ s two largest school districts , Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified , announced that they would open in the fall for only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the California plan discriminates against disadvantaged and minority students with less access to the reliable technology required for successful online learning .
“ Wealthy parents can still hire tutors and educate their children at home , while most will be forced to choose between their jobs and their children , ” said Ms. Dhillon .
“ Special needs children are left out in the cold altogether , despite federal and state mandates .
”

A group of California parents sued Tuesday to reopen the schools for in-person learning, arguing that shutdown is discriminatory and scientifically unsound, given that children are at least risk from the novel coronavirus.
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that public, charter and private schools must provide “distance learning” until their counties meet targets for COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, which will prevent more than 80% of the state’s 5.9 million schoolchildren from receiving in-person classroom instruction.
“The Governor’s decision to shut down educational facilities in more than 30 counties denies children in these counties their right to a basic education,” said San Francisco lawyer Harmeet K. Dhillon, CEO of the Center for American Liberty, which filed the lawsuit.
The complaint filed in U.S. District Court seeks an order blocking the state restrictions, and a ruling that the plaintiffs’ children “should be allowed in-person instruction without delay.”
“With the school year commencing in mere weeks from the date of this filing, time is of the essence, and the Court should not hesitate to ensure that Plaintiffs’ fundamental interests in securing a meaningful education for their children are preserved and protected from Defendants’ arbitrary actions,” said the motion.
Thirty-four of the state’s 58 counties, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco, are currently on the COVID-19 watchlist and would thus be ineligible for in-person instruction until they stabilize their cases and hospitalizations.
“Learning is non-negotiable,” said Mr. Newsom in a Friday statement. “The virus will be with us for a year or more, and school districts must provide meaningful instruction in the midst of this pandemic. In California, health data will determine when a school can be physically open – and when it must close – but learning should never stop.”
California and other Sun Belt states have become the summer hotspots for the virus, with 400,769 confirmed cases as of Tuesday and about 9,000 new cases per day for the past week, but the lawsuit pointed out that no children ages 0-17 have died in California from COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control reported that children are hospitalized at a rate of 5.3 per 100,000 compared to an overall rate of 113.6 per 100,000, while studies out of Europe, Asia and Australia show that children are not primary drivers of the virus.
The lawsuit cited a study released July 13 of 2,045 schoolchildren from the Dresden Technical University in Germany found that schools did not become hotspots after reopening, and that children may even serve as a “brake on infection.”
BREAKING! @Liberty_Ctr has sued @GavinNewsom for barring most kids kids in CA from getting a basic education. This decision disproportionality impacts minority, poor, & single-parent families and it betrays CA’s constitutional duties. Read & support here: https://t.co/qv5dblGL4f — Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) July 21, 2020
“Learning is non-negotiable. Neither is safety.”
CA’s #COVID19 plan for schools shows how we will have safe in-person learning & rigorous distance learning to support students & staff.
Learn how schools will open & close, based on local health data here. https://t.co/C0s2qBVZZx — Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) July 17, 2020
Ms. Dhillon said that the governor’s “inexplicable restrictions on school reopening [are] not based in scientific facts, and [are] completely arbitrary especially in light of the fact that California allows all of the functional components of schools allowed in camps and childcare.”
“More fundamentally, the school closing ‘plan’ is no plan at all, and ignores the state’s legal duties to California’s children,” she said.
A few days before Mr. Newsom’s announcement, the state’s two largest school districts, Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified, announced that they would open in the fall for only online learning.
The lawsuit also argued that the California plan discriminates against disadvantaged and minority students with less access to the reliable technology required for successful online learning.
“Wealthy parents can still hire tutors and educate their children at home, while most will be forced to choose between their jobs and their children,” said Ms. Dhillon. “Special needs children are left out in the cold altogether, despite federal and state mandates.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--California's only gray wolf pack has 8 new pups

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - California ’ s only known gray wolf pack has eight new pups .
Eight youngsters were tallied in the Lassen Pack in northeastern California , according to an April-through-June report from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife .
Genetic testing of their excrement shows at least four are male and two are female , according to the agency .
The father is a black-furred male that began traveling with the pack last year .
He isn ’ t related to any other known California wolves , and his origin isn ’ t clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Lassen County now has at least 14 animals .
Gray wolves were eradicated in California early in the last century because of their perceived threat to livestock .
An Oregon wolf with a radio collar , dubbed OR-7 , arrived in 2011 , becoming the first confirmed wolf in the California wild since 1924 .
OR-7 later returned to Oregon , where he founded the Rogue Pack before vanishing last fall .
Other Oregon wolves , including several offspring of OR-7 , have turned up in California .
A male from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Lassen Pack , but he hasn ’ t been seen since last year .
A pack of seven wolves was seen in Shasta County in 2015 but vanished within a year .
“ We ’ re elated at the birth of the Lassen Pack ’ s endearing pups , who are breathing new life into the Golden State ’ s wolf recovery , ” said Amaroq Weiss , an advocate for West Coast wolves at the non-profit Center for Biological Diversity .
“ These little ones give hope to everyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places these beautiful animals once called home.
” Wolves are protected under California ’ s Endangered Species Act even as the federal Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to delist gray wolves as an endangered species .
The reappearance of wolves in the state has riled ranchers , who say wolves have preyed on their livestock on public or private land .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California’s only known gray wolf pack has eight new pups.
Eight youngsters were tallied in the Lassen Pack in northeastern California, according to an April-through-June report from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Genetic testing of their excrement shows at least four are male and two are female, according to the agency.
The father is a black-furred male that began traveling with the pack last year. He isn’t related to any other known California wolves, and his origin isn’t clear, the agency said.
The pack in Lassen County now has at least 14 animals.
Gray wolves were eradicated in California early in the last century because of their perceived threat to livestock. An Oregon wolf with a radio collar, dubbed OR-7, arrived in 2011, becoming the first confirmed wolf in the California wild since 1924.
OR-7 later returned to Oregon, where he founded the Rogue Pack before vanishing last fall. Other Oregon wolves, including several offspring of OR-7, have turned up in California. A male from the Rogue Pack was the first breeding male of the Lassen Pack, but he hasn’t been seen since last year.
A pack of seven wolves was seen in Shasta County in 2015 but vanished within a year.
“We’re elated at the birth of the Lassen Pack’s endearing pups, who are breathing new life into the Golden State’s wolf recovery,” said Amaroq Weiss, an advocate for West Coast wolves at the non-profit Center for Biological Diversity. “These little ones give hope to everyone who wants to see wolves reestablished in the places these beautiful animals once called home.”
Wolves are protected under California’s Endangered Species Act even as the federal Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to delist gray wolves as an endangered species.
The reappearance of wolves in the state has riled ranchers, who say wolves have preyed on their livestock on public or private land.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Fort Hood soldier's body found near base; 3rd death in month

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - U.S. Army officials on Tuesday said that the body of a Fort Hood solider was found near the Texas army base , marking the third time in a month that a Fort Hood soldier ’ s body has been discovered .
Pvt .
Mejhor Morta , 26 , was found unresponsive July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake , according to Fort Hood officials .
Stillhouse Hollow Lake is a reservoir located in Bell County and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ’ Fort Worth District .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta , ” said Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong , commander of 1st Brigade 5th Cavalry .
Regiment .
“ I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family , friends and loved ones.
” Morta , of Pensacola , Florida , entered the Army in September 2019 as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic .
Since May 2020 , he had been assigned to 1st Battalion , 5th Cavalry Regiment , 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team , 1st Cavalry Division , according to a statement from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal , National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon .
The incident is being investigated by the Bell County Sheriff ’ s Department , who did not immediately respond to a request from the Associated Press seeking comment .
Officials have not said whether the death is considered suspicious .
On June 21 , officials had discovered skeletal remains in a field in Killeen , just over 10 miles ( 16 kilometers ) from Stillhouse Hollow Lake , which were subsequently identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morales .
U.S. Army officials have said they suspect foul play in his death .
Then on July 1 , U.S. Army officials found more human remains , which were later identified as 20-year-old missing Fort Hood soldier Spc .
Vanessa Guillen , near the Leon River in Bell County , about 20 miles ( 32 kilometers ) east of Fort Hood .
There is no indication that the deaths of Morales and Guillen are connected .
Members of Congress joined advocates for women Tuesday to continue the call for changes in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment following the death of Guillen , whom investigators believe was killed and dismembered by someone stationed at the same base in Fort Hood .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — U.S. Army officials on Tuesday said that the body of a Fort Hood solider was found near the Texas army base, marking the third time in a month that a Fort Hood soldier’s body has been discovered.
Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, was found unresponsive July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, according to Fort Hood officials. Stillhouse Hollow Lake is a reservoir located in Bell County and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fort Worth District.
“The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta,” said Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong, commander of 1st Brigade 5th Cavalry. Regiment. “I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”
Morta, of Pensacola, Florida, entered the Army in September 2019 as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic. Since May 2020, he had been assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, according to a statement from Fort Hood. Morta’s awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
The incident is being investigated by the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, who did not immediately respond to a request from the Associated Press seeking comment.
Officials have not said whether the death is considered suspicious.
On June 21, officials had discovered skeletal remains in a field in Killeen, just over 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Stillhouse Hollow Lake, which were subsequently identified as 24-year-old missing Fort Hood soldier Gregory Morales. U.S. Army officials have said they suspect foul play in his death.
Then on July 1, U.S. Army officials found more human remains, which were later identified as 20-year-old missing Fort Hood soldier Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, near the Leon River in Bell County, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Fort Hood.
There is no indication that the deaths of Morales and Guillen are connected. Members of Congress joined advocates for women Tuesday to continue the call for changes in the way the military handles sexual abuse and harassment following the death of Guillen, whom investigators believe was killed and dismembered by someone stationed at the same base in Fort Hood.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Chamber of Commerce sue to stop Trump immigration crackdown

The country ’ s big business groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block President Trump ’ s new coronavirus immigration crackdown , begging the court to keep the pipeline of foreign labor flowing .
The National Association of Manufacturers , the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations banded together to file the challenge in federal court in California .
They said that while the law allows Mr. Trump the power to exclude some migrants , that doesn ’ t cover the large-scale blockade he announced in a proclamation last month covering some 500,000 temporary worker visas that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In this way , the Proclamation takes a sledgehammer to the statutes Congress enacted with respect to high-skilled and temporary worker immigration , ” the business groups said .
“ While the President ’ s powers under Section 212 ( f ) are broad , they do not authorize the president to nullify duly enacted statutory provisions.
” They also said the law requires any moves to be connected to stopping the virus , while Mr. Trump has sold his immigration pause as an economic salve instead .
The business groups said proof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proclamation ’ s scope , which doesn ’ t just ban guest workers but also their families .
“ Banning the entry of individuals who can not work , but nevertheless will demand products and services produced by American businesses and American workers , is not a rational response to an unemployment problem , ” the business groups argued .
Mr. Trump has made immigration policy a major part of his response to the coronavirus .
In April he blocked issuance of tens of thousands of green cards each month , then in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers under the H-1B , H-2B , H-4 and L visas categories through the end of the year .
The business groups said that amounts to 500,000 people .
Mr. Trump says he wants businesses to turn to Americans first when searching for workers as the economy recovers .
He said blocking new foreign workers will force the issue .
The business groups , though , counter that foreign workers actually help some parts of the economy .
They argued that tech workers , who often use H-1B visas , are critical to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among them is very low despite the pandemic .
Mr. Trump has already reversed course on another policy .
ICE had announced it would require foreign students to attend at least one in-person class in the fall semester or else go home .
A week after that announcement , the Justice Department told a federal judge it was rescinding the new policy .
Analysts said the back and forth is evidence of the internal debate within the Trump White House , with the pro-big business faction triumphing over the U.S. worker faction .

The country’s big business groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block President Trump’s new coronavirus immigration crackdown, begging the court to keep the pipeline of foreign labor flowing.
The National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations banded together to file the challenge in federal court in California.
They said that while the law allows Mr. Trump the power to exclude some migrants, that doesn’t cover the large-scale blockade he announced in a proclamation last month covering some 500,000 temporary worker visas that would have been issued this year.
“In this way, the Proclamation takes a sledgehammer to the statutes Congress enacted with respect to high-skilled and temporary worker immigration,” the business groups said. “While the President’s powers under Section 212(f) are broad, they do not authorize the president to nullify duly enacted statutory provisions.”
They also said the law requires any moves to be connected to stopping the virus, while Mr. Trump has sold his immigration pause as an economic salve instead.
The business groups said proof that Mr. Trump overstepped lies in his proclamation’s scope, which doesn’t just ban guest workers but also their families.
“Banning the entry of individuals who cannot work, but nevertheless will demand products and services produced by American businesses and American workers, is not a rational response to an unemployment problem,” the business groups argued.
Mr. Trump has made immigration policy a major part of his response to the coronavirus.
In April he blocked issuance of tens of thousands of green cards each month, then in June expanded that policy to include temporary workers under the H-1B, H-2B, H-4 and L visas categories through the end of the year. The business groups said that amounts to 500,000 people.
Mr. Trump says he wants businesses to turn to Americans first when searching for workers as the economy recovers. He said blocking new foreign workers will force the issue.
The business groups, though, counter that foreign workers actually help some parts of the economy. They argued that tech workers, who often use H-1B visas, are critical to the recovery, yet the unemployment rate among them is very low despite the pandemic.
Mr. Trump has already reversed course on another policy.
ICE had announced it would require foreign students to attend at least one in-person class in the fall semester or else go home. A week after that announcement, the Justice Department told a federal judge it was rescinding the new policy.
Analysts said the back and forth is evidence of the internal debate within the Trump White House, with the pro-big business faction triumphing over the U.S. worker faction.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Alaska Bar sidesteps contentious Dershowitz keynote choice

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - Just days after the announcement that famed trial attorney Alan Dershowitz would be the keynote speaker sparked a controversy among its members , the Alaska Bar Association has canceled this year ’ s annual conference .
The board cited several concerns for canceling , most importantly the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in Alaska .
The cancellation also ended the controversy over Dershowitz ’ s selection , made solely by Robert Stone , an Anchorage lawyer , as part of his job as the president of the board of governors to organize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to meet this week to see if the invitation would stand after complaints were made .
“ Once the convention was canceled , then all other issues became moot , so to speak , because the convention ’ s done , no speakers , no events , ” he said .
The consternation over Dershowitz , a retired Harvard University law professor , stemmed in part from some of the people he has represented over the years , from Jeffrey Epstein to O.J .
Simpson to Mike Tyson .
He also helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials .
In addition , Virginia Roberts Giuffre says after meeting Epstein as a teenager in Florida in 2000 , he flew her around the world and pressured her into having sex with numerous older men , including Dershowitz , which he denies .
Dershowitz told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the accusations are “ provably false ” and he “ did nothing wrong in my representation of anybody.
” But for critics like Anchorage lawyer Scott Kendall , a former chief of staff for ex-Gov .
Bill Walker , Dershowitz seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alaska , where rates of violence against women are among the highest in the nation .
Kendall said Dershowitz has made the decision to represent certain people .
“ Those have represented opportunities to him .
I ’ m sure he was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to represent Jeffrey Epstein , ” Kendall said .
“ That ’ s his right as an attorney .
If the downside to that is , he doesn ’ t get a free trip to Alaska and get paid $ 15,000 to give a speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have no sympathy for that.
” Stone said the bar association ’ s governing board will meet in September to discuss the selection process for keynote speaker going forward .
Dershowitz said he would love to come to Alaska and give the keynote in 2021 .
He also said he ’ d publicly debate Kendall .
“ By the criteria suggested by Mr. Kendall , they would have disinvited John Adams and Abraham Lincoln , ” Dershowitz said .
“ And so I hope that whatever criteria they select will be consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system.
” Kendall countered he “ truly wouldn ’ t have the hubris to compare myself to a founding father and , you know , arguably the greatest president in the history of the country.
” “ It ’ s our right as attorneys here who swear ourselves into the Alaska Bar to object if we think a keynote , as a place of honor , doesn ’ t reflect our values , ” Kendall said .
“ And I think that ’ s what happened , and I think the process worked @ @ @ @ @

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Just days after the announcement that famed trial attorney Alan Dershowitz would be the keynote speaker sparked a controversy among its members, the Alaska Bar Association has canceled this year’s annual conference.
The board cited several concerns for canceling, most importantly the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in Alaska.
The cancellation also ended the controversy over Dershowitz’s selection, made solely by Robert Stone, an Anchorage lawyer, as part of his job as the president of the board of governors to organize the annual conference. The board was going to meet this week to see if the invitation would stand after complaints were made.
“Once the convention was canceled, then all other issues became moot, so to speak, because the convention’s done, no speakers, no events,” he said.
The consternation over Dershowitz, a retired Harvard University law professor, stemmed in part from some of the people he has represented over the years, from Jeffrey Epstein to O.J. Simpson to Mike Tyson. He also helped defend President Donald Trump in the impeachment trials.
In addition, Virginia Roberts Giuffre says after meeting Epstein as a teenager in Florida in 2000, he flew her around the world and pressured her into having sex with numerous older men, including Dershowitz, which he denies.
Dershowitz told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the accusations are “provably false” and he “did nothing wrong in my representation of anybody.”
But for critics like Anchorage lawyer Scott Kendall, a former chief of staff for ex-Gov. Bill Walker, Dershowitz seems a complicated selection for the keynote in Alaska, where rates of violence against women are among the highest in the nation.
Kendall said Dershowitz has made the decision to represent certain people.
“Those have represented opportunities to him. I’m sure he was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to represent Jeffrey Epstein,” Kendall said. “That’s his right as an attorney. If the downside to that is, he doesn’t get a free trip to Alaska and get paid $15,000 to give a speech, then cry me a river. I have no sympathy for that.”
Stone said the bar association’s governing board will meet in September to discuss the selection process for keynote speaker going forward.
Dershowitz said he would love to come to Alaska and give the keynote in 2021. He also said he’d publicly debate Kendall.
“By the criteria suggested by Mr. Kendall, they would have disinvited John Adams and Abraham Lincoln,” Dershowitz said. “And so I hope that whatever criteria they select will be consistent with the values of our American legal system.”
Kendall countered he “truly wouldn’t have the hubris to compare myself to a founding father and, you know, arguably the greatest president in the history of the country.”
“It’s our right as attorneys here who swear ourselves into the Alaska Bar to object if we think a keynote, as a place of honor, doesn’t reflect our values,” Kendall said. “And I think that’s what happened, and I think the process worked in this case.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-21--Lawyer for Epstein's ex-girlfriend seeks gag order in case

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A lawyer for financier Jeffrey Epstein ’ s ex-girlfriend on Tuesday asked a judge presiding over her sex crimes case to impose a gag order on lawyers and others to reduce prejudicial pretrial publicity and protect her chances of a fair trial .
The attorney , Jeffrey Pagliuca , filed a letter in Manhattan federal court citing public comments made by Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss , the head of New York ’ s FBI office and lawyers for accusers of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell after her July 2 arrest in Bradford , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an order is necessary to prevent “ prejudicial pretrial publicity by the government , its agents , and lawyers for alleged witnesses.
” In particular , he cited comments at a news conference by William Sweeney , head of New York ’ s FBI office , that referenced Maxwell as “ one of the villains in this investigation ” and compared her to a snake that “ slithered away to a gorgeous property in New Hampshire.
” Prosecutors declined through a spokesperson to comment on the gag order request .
The request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Maxwell ’ s favor came during a White House news conference when President Donald Trump was asked about her and said : “ I just wish her well , frankly.
” Trump also said of Maxwell : “ I ’ ve met her numerous times over the years , especially since I lived in Palm Beach , and I guess they lived in Palm Beach .
But I wish her well.
” Maxwell , 58 , pleaded not guilty last week to charges that she recruited three girls , one as young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Epstein to sexually abuse during massage sessions she sometimes participated in at his Manhattan mansion and in Palm Beach , Florida ; Santa Fe , New Mexico , and London .
Epstein , 66 , took his life last August at a Manhattan federal jail while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges related to the sexual abuse of girls and women in Manhattan and Florida in the early 2000s .
Maxwell was ordered held without bail until a July 2021 trial by Judge Alison J. Nathan .
On Tuesday , Nathan issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ significant number of letters and messages from non-parties that purport to be related to this case.
” She called them “ procedurally improper or irrelevant ” to the judicial proceedings and said they would be ignored .
At a bail hearing last week , Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Moe argued against bail by saying Maxwell had been less than forthcoming when she was interviewed by Pretrial Services .
“ In addition to failing to describe in any way the absence of proposed cosigners of a bond , the defendant also makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or assets of her spouse whose identity she declined to provide , ” Moe said .

NEW YORK (AP) - A lawyer for financier Jeffrey Epstein’s ex-girlfriend on Tuesday asked a judge presiding over her sex crimes case to impose a gag order on lawyers and others to reduce prejudicial pretrial publicity and protect her chances of a fair trial.
The attorney, Jeffrey Pagliuca, filed a letter in Manhattan federal court citing public comments made by Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss, the head of New York’s FBI office and lawyers for accusers of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell after her July 2 arrest in Bradford, New Hampshire.
He said the comments show that an order is necessary to prevent “prejudicial pretrial publicity by the government, its agents, and lawyers for alleged witnesses.”
In particular, he cited comments at a news conference by William Sweeney, head of New York’s FBI office, that referenced Maxwell as “one of the villains in this investigation” and compared her to a snake that “slithered away to a gorgeous property in New Hampshire.”
Prosecutors declined through a spokesperson to comment on the gag order request.
The request came on the same day that publicity in Maxwell’s favor came during a White House news conference when President Donald Trump was asked about her and said: “I just wish her well, frankly.”
Trump also said of Maxwell: “I’ve met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach. But I wish her well.”
Maxwell, 58, pleaded not guilty last week to charges that she recruited three girls, one as young as 14, in the 1990s for Epstein to sexually abuse during massage sessions she sometimes participated in at his Manhattan mansion and in Palm Beach, Florida; Santa Fe, New Mexico, and London.
Epstein, 66, took his life last August at a Manhattan federal jail while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges related to the sexual abuse of girls and women in Manhattan and Florida in the early 2000s.
Maxwell was ordered held without bail until a July 2021 trial by Judge Alison J. Nathan.
On Tuesday, Nathan issued a written order saying she had received a “significant number of letters and messages from non-parties that purport to be related to this case.” She called them “procedurally improper or irrelevant” to the judicial proceedings and said they would be ignored.
At a bail hearing last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Moe argued against bail by saying Maxwell had been less than forthcoming when she was interviewed by Pretrial Services.
“In addition to failing to describe in any way the absence of proposed cosigners of a bond, the defendant also makes no mention whatsoever about the financial circumstances or assets of her spouse whose identity she declined to provide,” Moe said.