washingtontimes--2020-08-04--Mike Trout calls for daily virus testing in return to Angels

Mike Trout remains skeptical about the wisdom of completing the full baseball season amid the coronavirus outbreak , and the Los Angeles Angels ‘ three-time AL MVP would like to see the addition of daily testing to the sport ’ s safety measures .
Trout spoke Tuesday after rejoining the Angels in Seattle following the birth of his first child .
He missed four games after his wife , Jessica , gave birth to son Beckham Aaron Trout last Thursday .
The sleep-deprived superstar got on the Angels ‘ team plane Monday night with excitement and wariness .
Trout was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely through the pandemic before the shortened season began , and his growing family has only heightened those concerns .
“ I think the protocols are good , but it ’ s just the testing , ” Trout said .
“ I ’ ve said this since Day One , I think if you don ’ t have testing every day , it ’ s going to be tough .
You ’ re always trying to catch up and trying to catch it .
You know , if we get tested Friday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the results back , you don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen in between .
You ’ ve seen it with the Marlins .
You ’ ve seen it with the Cardinals .
It spreads fast.
” Trout praised the Angels organization and his teammates for taking the pandemic seriously , noting their stringent adherence to safety rules so far .
But he remains wary , particularly with his newborn son at home with his exhausted wife .
“ There ’ s a lot of things flying through my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obviously , Jessica is worried .
With this team , the Angels , we ’ ve been safe , and I feel safe here .
Everybody is being accountable , staying in the hotel room , doing the right thing and making the right choices .
Until something happens , I feel I feel like it ’ s been good so far .
It ’ s definitely scary for baseball , because it only takes one person.
” Trout was in a lighter mood when describing the new parents ’ thought process in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Beckham is simply a name that both parents liked , while the middle name is in honor of Jessica ’ s late brother , Aaron Cox .
“ We knew the whole time that his middle name was going to be Aaron , ” said Trout , who had talked to his wife and son on FaceTime “ about 30 times ” already Tuesday .
Baseball fans noticed an added benefit to the Trouts ’ name choice immediately after its announcement - and so did the parents .
“ We kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Man , his initials are B.A.T.
, ’ ” Trout said with a laugh .
“ Just a coincidence.
” Trout rejoined the Angels ‘ lineup on the same day as the major league debut of Jo Adell , the Angels ‘ 21-year-old top prospect .
Adell will play right field alongside Trout for the foreseeable future with the Angels , who want him to be an everyday player in the majors .
“ I think it ’ s a great opportunity for him because he can just go out and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s no fans in the stadium , so you can just go out there , relax and play ( your ) game .
I talked to him last night , and he ’ s really excited to be here .
I think everybody is looking forward to it .
”

Mike Trout remains skeptical about the wisdom of completing the full baseball season amid the coronavirus outbreak, and the Los Angeles Angels’ three-time AL MVP would like to see the addition of daily testing to the sport’s safety measures.
Trout spoke Tuesday after rejoining the Angels in Seattle following the birth of his first child. He missed four games after his wife, Jessica, gave birth to son Beckham Aaron Trout last Thursday.
The sleep-deprived Trout showed no rust in return, hitting a home run in his first at-bat.
Trout got on the Angels’ team plane Monday night with excitement and wariness. Trout was already concerned about the chances of playing safely through the pandemic before the shortened season began, and his growing family has only heightened those concerns.
“I think the protocols are good, but it’s just the testing,” Trout said. “I’ve said this since Day One, I think if you don’t have testing every day, it’s going to be tough. You’re always trying to catch up and trying to catch it. You know, if we get tested Friday and we have to wait two days to get the results back, you don’t know what’s going to happen in between. You’ve seen it with the Marlins. You’ve seen it with the Cardinals. It spreads fast.”
Trout praised the Angels organization and his teammates for taking the pandemic seriously, noting their stringent adherence to safety rules so far. But he remains wary, particularly with his newborn son at home with his exhausted wife.
“There’s a lot of things flying through my head,” Trout said. “Obviously, Jessica is worried. With this team, the Angels, we’ve been safe, and I feel safe here. Everybody is being accountable, staying in the hotel room, doing the right thing and making the right choices. Until something happens, I feel I feel like it’s been good so far. It’s definitely scary for baseball, because it only takes one person.”
Trout was in a lighter mood when describing the new parents’ thought process in choosing their baby boy’s name. Beckham is simply a name that both parents liked, while the middle name is in honor of Jessica’s late brother, Aaron Cox.
“We knew the whole time that his middle name was going to be Aaron,” said Trout, who had talked to his wife and son on FaceTime “about 30 times” already Tuesday.
Baseball fans noticed an added benefit to the Trouts’ name choice immediately after its announcement - and so did the parents.
“We kind of looked at each other, like, ‘Man, his initials are B.A.T.,’” Trout said with a laugh. “Just a coincidence.”
Trout rejoined the Angels’ lineup on the same day as the major league debut of Jo Adell, the Angels’ 21-year-old top prospect. Adell will play right field alongside Trout for the foreseeable future with the Angels, who want him to be an everyday player in the majors.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for him because he can just go out and be himself,” Trout said. “There’s no fans in the stadium, so you can just go out there, relax and play (your) game. I talked to him last night, and he’s really excited to be here. I think everybody is looking forward to it.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://apnews.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-04--Rapper Kanye West files in Wisconsin to run for president

MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) - Rapper Kanye West filed signatures in Wisconsin Tuesday to run for president as an independent candidate in November .
The Wisconsin Elections Commission said signatures were submitted on behalf of West on the last day for independent presidential candidates to submit the required 2,000 signatures of Wisconsin voters to get on the ballot .
But those signatures could be challenged .
West and running mate Michelle Tidball listed themselves as candidates of the BDY , The Birthday Party .
A former supporter of Republican President Donald Trump , West broke with Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Wisconsin Elections Commission staff will be reviewing the petitions in coming days to determine if there are enough valid signatures and if the candidates meet all qualifications to get on the ballot .
Trump narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016 , snapping a string of Democratic presidential candidates winning the state going back to 1988 .
West also submitted signatures in Arkansas this week to appear on that state ’ s ballot this fall , and he also has submitted paperwork on appear on the ballot in Oklahoma .
But West withdrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate on New Jersey ’ s ballot .

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Rapper Kanye West filed signatures in Wisconsin Tuesday to run for president as an independent candidate in November.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission said signatures were submitted on behalf of West on the last day for independent presidential candidates to submit the required 2,000 signatures of Wisconsin voters to get on the ballot. But those signatures could be challenged.
West and running mate Michelle Tidball listed themselves as candidates of the BDY, The Birthday Party. A former supporter of Republican President Donald Trump, West broke with Trump and announced his own presidential bid last month.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission staff will be reviewing the petitions in coming days to determine if there are enough valid signatures and if the candidates meet all qualifications to get on the ballot. Trump narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016, snapping a string of Democratic presidential candidates winning the state going back to 1988.
West also submitted signatures in Arkansas this week to appear on that state’s ballot this fall, and he also has submitted paperwork on appear on the ballot in Oklahoma. But West withdrew his petition to appear as a presidential candidate on New Jersey’s ballot.


washingtontimes--2020-08-04--Portland protests continue as feds curtail presence

Federal officers have curtailed their presence in Portland but violent protests have continued in the Oregon city , with police saying they had to declare a riot Monday night after demonstrators invaded the perimeter of a city office building .
Rioters punched and struck officers with batons , and used lasers and strobe lights to try to blind officers , who in turn used tear gas to try to disperse the unruly crowd .
It ’ s the second time violence has erupted near the Penumbra Kelly Building , suggesting that the protests , which had centered on the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have migrated east across the Willamette River .
But the marches near the federal courthouse have calmed down , sowing confusion on all sides over what to make of the chaotic situation .
Testifying to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday , Ken Cuccinelli , the No .
2 official at Homeland Security , said federal agents and officers are still in place to respond , and gave a deeply troubling look at the tactics used .
He showed photos of shields fashioned by rioters , with holes cut just large enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated one of the lasers to senators , pulling his hand away from the beam after only a moment because the heat was so uncomfortable .
That , he said , is the kind of firepower that was being aimed at federal officers ’ eyes , with 35 Federal Protective Service officers reporting being targeted in the eyes .
Mr. Cuccinelli also said protesters would pour gasoline onto the grounds of the federal courthouse then try to ignite it using commercial-grade fireworks , while also barricading exits .
And he said some rioters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forty-nine years for the [ Federal Protective Service ] , they have never seen anything like Portland , ” Mr. Cuccinelli said .
He also said protesters have begun to shield themselves as journalists , after a federal judge issued an order directing police to treat them with special care during the protests .
Mr. Cuccinelli said some protesters quickly added press insignias to their regular black clothing .
“ They will literally stand in the middle of a gap between police and rioters , ” he said .
“ They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counter that it ’ s federal officers that are inciting the violence by their presence .
Rep. Jamie Raskin , Maryland Democrat , hosted an online forum complaining about “ acts of aggression by federal officers , ” and said he ’ s seen evidence of “ agents ’ blatant disregard for the Constitution.
” “ The armed forces have to be servants to the people , and not dominator of the people , ” he said , referring to President Trump ’ s demand that police must “ dominate ” cities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who appeared at his forum , Oregon state Sen. Lew Frederick , accused right-wing “ militia ” activists of fomenting the violence , saying he recognized some figures in the crowd who would throw objects to foment the crowd , they fade into the background as the violence escalated .
Mr. Frederick also complained that the press has ignored instances where protesters have policed themselves , stopping more radical elements .
Instead , he said , cameras focus on the fires that are set .
“ When a fluid is sprayed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flames for a moment , the cameras go there .
Flames are more interesting , though they may actually have little impact , or be put out by others , ” he said .
He said matters have calmed down significantly five days after the feds lessened their prominence in defending the federal courthouse , giving the lead role instead to Oregon State Police , whom the governor belatedly deployed .
Indeed , the area now patrolled by state police around the federal courthouse has been the site of marches but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seen the kinds of clashes that were prevalent for much of July .
Instead , those have shifted east to the Penumbra Kelly building .
Portland police had to declare a riot there Monday night , and blamed protesters for forcing fire trucks to detour en route to a blazing house .
When they tried to move the crowd , police said , one officer was punched and another was injured by someone swinging a baton .
“ Over the course of hours , some members of the group began throwing objects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bright flashlights , and strobe lights in the officers ’ eyes , ” the city police said in a recap of Monday ’ s clashes .
Protesters said on Twitter that police then deployed tear gas against them .

Federal officers have curtailed their presence in Portland but violent protests have continued in the Oregon city, with police saying they had to declare a riot Monday night after demonstrators invaded the perimeter of a city office building.
Rioters punched and struck officers with batons, and used lasers and strobe lights to try to blind officers, who in turn used tear gas to try to disperse the unruly crowd.
It’s the second time violence has erupted near the Penumbra Kelly Building, suggesting that the protests, which had centered on the federal courthouse in Portland’s downtown area, have migrated east across the Willamette River.
But the marches near the federal courthouse have calmed down, sowing confusion on all sides over what to make of the chaotic situation.
Testifying to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Ken Cuccinelli, the No. 2 official at Homeland Security, said federal agents and officers are still in place to respond, and gave a deeply troubling look at the tactics used.
He showed photos of shields fashioned by rioters, with holes cut just large enough to fire lasers through. He also demonstrated one of the lasers to senators, pulling his hand away from the beam after only a moment because the heat was so uncomfortable.
That, he said, is the kind of firepower that was being aimed at federal officers’ eyes, with 35 Federal Protective Service officers reporting being targeted in the eyes.
Mr. Cuccinelli also said protesters would pour gasoline onto the grounds of the federal courthouse then try to ignite it using commercial-grade fireworks, while also barricading exits. And he said some rioters tossed “homemade hand grenades.”
“Forty-nine years for the [Federal Protective Service], they have never seen anything like Portland,” Mr. Cuccinelli said.
He also said protesters have begun to shield themselves as journalists, after a federal judge issued an order directing police to treat them with special care during the protests.
Mr. Cuccinelli said some protesters quickly added press insignias to their regular black clothing.
“They will literally stand in the middle of a gap between police and rioters,” he said. “They’re actively performing a shield function.”
Democrats counter that it’s federal officers that are inciting the violence by their presence.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, Maryland Democrat, hosted an online forum complaining about “acts of aggression by federal officers,” and said he’s seen evidence of “agents’ blatant disregard for the Constitution.”
“The armed forces have to be servants to the people, and not dominator of the people,” he said, referring to President Trump’s demand that police must “dominate” cities to quell violent protests.
One of those who appeared at his forum, Oregon state Sen. Lew Frederick, accused right-wing “militia” activists of fomenting the violence, saying he recognized some figures in the crowd who would throw objects to foment the crowd, they fade into the background as the violence escalated.
Mr. Frederick also complained that the press has ignored instances where protesters have policed themselves, stopping more radical elements. Instead, he said, cameras focus on the fires that are set.
“When a fluid is sprayed on the concrete in front of a marble building and flames for a moment, the cameras go there. Flames are more interesting, though they may actually have little impact, or be put out by others,” he said.
He said matters have calmed down significantly five days after the feds lessened their prominence in defending the federal courthouse, giving the lead role instead to Oregon State Police, whom the governor belatedly deployed.
Indeed, the area now patrolled by state police around the federal courthouse has been the site of marches but, save for a few fires, has not seen the kinds of clashes that were prevalent for much of July.
Instead, those have shifted east to the Penumbra Kelly building.
Portland police had to declare a riot there Monday night, and blamed protesters for forcing fire trucks to detour en route to a blazing house.
When they tried to move the crowd, police said, one officer was punched and another was injured by someone swinging a baton.
“Over the course of hours, some members of the group began throwing objects at officers and flashing laser pointers, bright flashlights, and strobe lights in the officers’ eyes,” the city police said in a recap of Monday’s clashes.
Protesters said on Twitter that police then deployed tear gas against them.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-04--Ex-Google exec sent to prison for stealing robocar secrets

SAN RAMON , Calif. ( AP ) - A former Google engineer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading to guilty to stealing trade secrets before joining Uber ’ s effort to build robotic vehicles for its ride-hailing service .
The sentence handed down Tuesday by U.S. District Judge William Alsup came more than four months after former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski reached a plea agreement with the federal prosecutors who brought a criminal case against him last August .
Levandowski , who helped steer Google ’ s self-driving car project before landing at Uber , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 850,000 .
Alsup had taken the unusual step of recommending the Justice Department open a criminal investigation into Levandowski while presiding over a high-profile civil trial between Uber and Waymo , a spinoff from a self-driving car project that Google began in 2007 after hiring Levandowski to be part of its team .
Levandowski eventually became disillusioned with Google and left the company in early 2016 to start his own self-driving truck company , called Otto , which Uber eventually bought for $ 680 million .
Before leaving Google , though , Levandowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-driving car technology , resulting in him being facing 33 counts of intellectual property theft .
He wound up pleading guilty to once count , culminating in Tuesday ’ s sentencing .
The accusations turned Levandowski , once highly regarded for his early inroads into self-driving cars , into a notorious figure “ almost synonymous with greed run amok in Silicon Valley , ” his own lawyers acknowledged in court documents filed last week .
The lawyers argued Levandowski deserved some leniency because there was never any evidence that he used Google ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s self-driving car division .
He lost that job in 2017 while asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when Uber was still defending itself against Waymo ’ s civil lawsuit .
Uber settled its case with Waymo for $ 245 million a few days into a trial that featured its former CEO , Travis Kalanick , speaking about some of his discussions with Levandowski about the ride-hailing service ’ s desire to win the race to build self-driving cars .
Levandowski , 40 , faced a maximum prison sentence of 10 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentencing Levandowski to 18 months in prison , Alsup fined him $ 95,000 and order him to pay Waymo $ 756,499 to reimburse the company for the costs it incurred in helping the government with its investigation .
It appears uncertain whether Levandowski will be able to afford to make the payments .
He filed for bankruptcy earlier this year after another court upheld a arbitration ruling requiring him to pay Google $ 179 million , most of which consisted of a bonus he received for his work on self-driving cars .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Levandowski ’ s “ misconduct was enormously disruptive and harmful to Waymo , constituted a betrayal , and the financial effects would likely have been even more severe had it gone undetected.
” In documents arguing why Levandowski deserved prison time , U.S. Attorney David Anderson called his theft a “ brazen and shocking ” act that seemed driven by ego as much as greed .
“ Levandowski ’ s actions suggest he wanted to be seen as the singular inventor of the self-driving car , the way Alexander Graham Bell is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anderson wrote .

SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) - A former Google engineer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing trade secrets before joining Uber’s effort to build robotic vehicles for its ride-hailing service.
The sentence handed down Tuesday by U.S. District Judge William Alsup came more than four months after former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski reached a plea agreement with the federal prosecutors who brought a criminal case against him last August.
Levandowski, who helped steer Google’s self-driving car project before landing at Uber, was also ordered to pay more than $850,000.
Alsup had taken the unusual step of recommending the Justice Department open a criminal investigation into Levandowski while presiding over a high-profile civil trial between Uber and Waymo, a spinoff from a self-driving car project that Google began in 2007 after hiring Levandowski to be part of its team.
Levandowski eventually became disillusioned with Google and left the company in early 2016 to start his own self-driving truck company, called Otto, which Uber eventually bought for $680 million.
Before leaving Google, though, Levandowski downloaded a trove of Google’s self-driving car technology, resulting in him facing 33 counts of intellectual property theft. He wound up pleading guilty to one count, culminating in Tuesday’s sentencing.
The accusations turned Levandowski, once highly regarded for his early inroads into self-driving cars, into a notorious figure “almost synonymous with greed run amok in Silicon Valley,” his own lawyers acknowledged in court documents filed last week.
The lawyers argued Levandowski deserved some leniency because there was never any evidence that he used Google’s trade secrets while overseeing Uber’s self-driving car division. He lost that job in 2017 while asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when Uber was still defending itself against Waymo’s lawsuit.
Uber settled its case with Waymo for $245 million a few days into a trial that featured its former CEO, Travis Kalanick, speaking about some of his discussions with Levandowski about the ride-hailing service’s desire to win the race to build self-driving cars.
Levandowski, 40, faced a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. Besides sentencing Levandowski to 18 months in prison, Alsup fined him $95,000 and ordered him to pay Waymo $756,499 to reimburse the company for the costs it incurred in helping the government with its investigation.
It appears uncertain whether Levandowski will be able to make the payments. He filed for bankruptcy earlier this year after another court upheld an arbitration ruling requiring him to pay Google $179 million, most of which consisted of a bonus he received for his work on self-driving cars.
In its victim statement, Waymo told Alsup that Levandowski’s “misconduct was enormously disruptive and harmful to Waymo, constituted a betrayal, and the financial effects would likely have been even more severe had it gone undetected.”
In documents arguing why Levandowski deserved prison time, U.S. Attorney David Anderson called his theft a “brazen and shocking” act that seemed driven by ego as much as greed.
“Levandowski’s actions suggest he wanted to be seen as the singular inventor of the self-driving car, the way Alexander Graham Bell is credited with inventing the telephone,” Anderson wrote.


washingtontimes--2020-08-04--GOP protests Nevada law to mail ballots to all active voters

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - A few hundred people in Las Vegas chanted “ open up the polls ” and “ recall Sisolak ” Tuesday as they held signs for President Donald Trump and protested a law signed this week by Gov .
Steve Sisolak to mail ballots to all of the state ’ s active voters ahead of the November election .
The law has drawn criticism from Republicans , most prominently by President Donald Trump , who has promised a lawsuit to block the law .
The Nevada Republican Party on Tuesday organized the protest outside a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vegas .
The party planned similar demonstrations elsewhere Tuesday , including protests in Carson City and Reno .
Nevada is now among eight states that plan to automatically send voters mail ballots this November amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump said at a Monday news conference at the White House that Nevada ’ s plan was “ a disgrace ” and said Republicans were planning to file a lawsuit soon to block the law .
There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud through mail-in voting and election security experts say voter fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including voting by mail .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A few hundred people in Las Vegas chanted “open up the polls”and “Recall Sisolak” Tuesday as they held signs for President Donald Trump and protested a law signed this week by Gov. Steve Sisolak to mail ballots to all of the state’s active voters ahead of the November election.
The law has drawn criticism from Republicans, most prominently by President Donald Trump, whose reelection campaign filed a lawsuit Tuesday to try to block the law.
The Nevada Republican Party on Tuesday organized the protest outside a outside a state government building in Las Vegas. The party planned similar demonstrations elsewhere Tuesday, including protests in Carson City and Reno.
Nevada is now among eight states that plan to automatically send voters mail ballots this November amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump said at a Monday news conference at the White House that Nevada’s plan was “a disgrace.”
There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud through mail-in voting and election security experts say voter fraud is rare in all forms of balloting, including voting by mail.


washingtontimes--2020-08-04--SC biz leaders call for protections from virus liability

COLUMBIA , S.C. ( AP ) - Wary of possible vulnerability to coronavirus-related lawsuits , hundreds of members of South Carolina ’ s business community are calling on the state ’ s federal lawmakers to support liability protections they see as vital for the state ’ s economic recovery .
In a letter sent Tuesday to all nine members of the state ’ s federal delegation and organized by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce , employers from major manufacturers and institutions of higher learning to health care providers and mom-and-pop businesses ask members of the House and Senate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They argued the act “ provides targeted and temporary liability relief that would protect businesses , healthcare providers , and educational institutions against unfair and costly COVID-19 related lawsuits that threaten to derail our state ’ s economic recovery.
” Introduced in by Texas Republican John Cornyn , the measure has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee , chaired by South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham .
Chamber President and CEO Ted Pitts told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the federal legislation would benefit both customers and employees , including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reconvene classes in just a few weeks as the outbreak continues .
“ We just want our federal delegation to understand how important this is , ” Pitts said .
“ If they ’ re really looking out for South Carolina businesses and schools , then they ’ ll make it a priority.
” In the months since the pandemic began , South Carolina Gov .
Henry McMaster has consistently stressed the parallel needs to quash the virus while not unnecessarily hampering the state ’ s economy , which has experienced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he convened a re-opening task force , which made recommendations on staggered steps toward bringing back the thousands of jobs lost .
In the weeks since , McMaster has gradually allowed businesses to reopen , issuing an order taking effect Monday that allowed the last of those - entertainment venues , among them - to do so .
On Tuesday , state health officials announced that confirmed positive tests had risen to about 93,600 in the state , amounting to more than 1,770 deaths since the pandemic began .
Also noted in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina has not passed such liability protections on the state level , a step already taken in dozens of other states .
South Carolina lawmakers didn ’ t get to the issue when they briefly convened in Columbia this summer , focusing on the allocation of federal aid .
On Tuesday , Pitts said he was hopeful state-level progress on the issue could be made when lawmakers return for several weeks in September .
“ There ’ s been a good strong bill introduced in South Carolina that we hope the leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pitts said .
“ It is one of those things that the business community needs.
” Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .
Meg Kinnard can be reached at http : //twitter.com/MegKinnardAP

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Wary of possible vulnerability to coronavirus-related lawsuits, hundreds of members of South Carolina’s business community are calling on the state’s federal lawmakers to support liability protections they see as vital for the state’s economic recovery.
In a letter sent Tuesday to all nine members of the state’s federal delegation and organized by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, employers from major manufacturers and institutions of higher learning to health care providers and mom-and-pop businesses ask members of the House and Senate to support the SAFE TO WORK Act.
They argued the act “provides targeted and temporary liability relief that would protect businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions against unfair and costly COVID-19 related lawsuits that threaten to derail our state’s economic recovery.”
Introduced in by Texas Republican John Cornyn, the measure has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Chamber President and CEO Ted Pitts told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the federal legislation would benefit both customers and employees, including those at educational institutions grappling with safe ways to reconvene classes in just a few weeks as the outbreak continues.
“We just want our federal delegation to understand how important this is,” Pitts said. “If they’re really looking out for South Carolina businesses and schools, then they’ll make it a priority.”
In the months since the pandemic began, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has consistently stressed the parallel needs to quash the virus while not unnecessarily hampering the state’s economy, which has experienced a steep decline. Earlier this year, he convened a re-opening task force, which made recommendations on staggered steps toward bringing back the thousands of jobs lost.
In the weeks since, McMaster has gradually allowed businesses to reopen, issuing an order taking effect Monday that allowed the last of those - entertainment venues, among them - to do so.
On Tuesday, state health officials announced that confirmed positive tests had risen to about 93,600 in the state, amounting to more than 1,770 deaths since the pandemic began.
Also noted in the businesses’ letter is the fact that South Carolina has not passed such liability protections on the state level, a step already taken in dozens of other states. South Carolina lawmakers didn’t get to the issue when they briefly convened in Columbia this summer, focusing on the allocation of federal aid.
On Tuesday, Pitts said he was hopeful state-level progress on the issue could be made when lawmakers return for several weeks in September.
“There’s been a good strong bill introduced in South Carolina that we hope the leaders will take up and pass,” Pitts said. “It is one of those things that the business community needs.”
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
___
Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Former officer who shot Rayshard Brooks sues over firing

ATLANTA ( AP ) - The former Atlanta police officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks is suing the mayor and interim police chief , saying his firing violated his constitutional rights and the city code .
Meanwhile , prosecutors have asked a judge to revoke his bond .
Garrett Rolfe was fired June 13 , the day after he fatally shot Brooks outside a Wendy ’ s restaurant in Atlanta .
In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Fulton County Superior Court , he says he was fired “ without an investigation , without proper notice , without a disciplinary hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ municipal code of the City of Atlanta.
” Also Tuesday , prosecutors filed a motion to revoke Rolfe ’ s bond , saying he had traveled to Florida without permission .
The bond order “ expressly states that the Defendant is only allowed to leave home for medical , legal , or work related obligations , ” the motion says .
Police body cameras showed Rolfe and another officer , Devin Brosnan , having a calm and respectful conversation with Brooks for more than 40 minutes after complaints that the 27-year-old Black man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Wendy ’ s drive-thru lane on June 12 .
But when officers told him he ’ d had too much to drink to be driving and tried to handcuff him , Brooks resisted .
A struggle was caught on dash camera video .
Brooks grabbed one of their Tasers and fled , firing the Taser at Rolfe as he ran away .
An autopsy found Brooks was shot twice in the back .
Rolfe now faces 11 charges in all , including felony murder , and was granted bond June 30 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ violating his oath and is also free on bond .

ATLANTA (AP) - The former Atlanta police officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks is suing the mayor and interim police chief, saying his firing violated his constitutional rights and the city code. Meanwhile, prosecutors have asked a judge to revoke his bond.
Garrett Rolfe was fired June 13, the day after he fatally shot Brooks outside a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Fulton County Superior Court, he says he was fired “without an investigation, without proper notice, without a disciplinary hearing, and in direct violation of the municipal code of the City of Atlanta.”
Rolfe, 27, faces 11 charges, including felony murder. He was granted bond June 30.
Also Tuesday, prosecutors filed a motion to revoke Rolfe’s bond, saying he had traveled to Florida without permission. The bond order “expressly states that the Defendant is only allowed to leave home for medical, legal, or work related obligations,” the motion says.
Police body cameras showed Rolfe and another officer, Devin Brosnan, having a calm and respectful conversation with Brooks for more than 40 minutes after complaints that the 27-year-old Black man had fallen asleep in his car in a Wendy’s drive-thru lane on June 12.
But when officers told him he’d had too much to drink to be driving and tried to handcuff him, Brooks resisted. A struggle was caught on dash camera video. Brooks grabbed one of their Tasers and fled, firing the Taser at Rolfe as he ran away.
An autopsy found Brooks was shot twice in the back.
Brosnan, 26, is charged with aggravated assault and violating his oath and is also free on bond.
Rolfe’s lawsuit, which was first reported by the Daily Report, argues that Rolfe used deadly force “within the scope and course of his duties” in response to “Brooks’ violent, unlawful, aggressive resistance to a lawful arrest.”
The lawsuit says that Rolfe could only be disciplined or terminated for cause and that he has a right to due process. The proper steps, outlined in the city code, were not taken before Rolfe was fired by then-Chief Erika Shields, who resigned the same day.
The lawsuit also notes that Brosnan and many other Atlanta police officers who have been charged with crimes have remained employed while their criminal charges were pending.
Rolfe “has suffered irreparable injury to his personal and professional reputation as a result of his unlawful dismissal,” the lawsuit says, adding that he “has become a public spectacle and object of ridicule.”
The lawsuit asks a judge to hold a hearing and to order that Rolfe be immediately reinstated with back pay and other benefits.
Atlanta police on Wednesday declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Prosecutors received an email Monday afternoon from one of Rolfe’s attorneys notifying them that Rolfe had traveled to Florida for vacation, according to the motion to revoke his bond. A location report from the company that owns the ankle monitor Rolfe is wearing shows that he left home early Sunday and was in Daytona Beach, the motion says.
Prosecutors aren’t aware of him having been granted permission to travel and they argue that Rolfe “has clearly shown that he will not abide by the conditions of bond imposed by the Court.”
Lawyers for Rolfe did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--$80M solar facilities approved for 2 Mississippi counties

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) - The chairman of Mississippi ’ s public service commission has approved $ @ @ @ @ @ two counties , according to statements from the official ’ s office .
Public Service @ @ @ @ @ orders on Tuesday that would allow developers of the Moonshot Solar project in Hancock County @ @ @ @ @ project in Clarke County to move forward with construction plans for their solar farms , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office .
The projects would bring separate 78.5-megawatt electric generating stations to each @ @ @ @ @ power directly to the Mississippi Power Company/Southern Company transmission grid , the statements said .
@ @ @ @ @ create about 300 temporary construction jobs and five permanent positions in their respective areas , @ @ @ @ @ said in the Tuesday statements that he was pleased to see the projects move forward @ @ @ @ @ win all the way around .
”

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The chairman of Mississippi’s public service commission has approved $80 million solar facilities for two counties, according to statements from the official’s office.
Public Service Commission Chairman Dane Maxwell drafted orders on Tuesday that would allow developers of the Moonshot Solar project in Hancock County and the Cane Creek Solar project in Clarke County to move forward with construction plans for their solar farms, according to statements from Maxwell’s office.
The projects would bring separate 78.5-megawatt electric generating stations to each county that would deliver wholesale power directly to the Mississippi Power Company/Southern Company transmission grid, the statements said.
Both projects were expected to create about 300 temporary construction jobs and five permanent positions in their respective areas, according to officials.
Maxwell said in the Tuesday statements that he was pleased to see the projects move forward and called both “a win all the way around.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Fourth U.S. service member dies from COVID-19

A fourth U.S. service member has died from COVID-19 , according to new Pentagon data .
The Defense Department has @ @ @ @ @ the person other than they died over the weekend , marking the first death of @ @ @ @ @ over two months .
According to data released by the Pentagon this week , 28,769 @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 .
Of that number , 495 have been hospitalized while 14,557 have recovered @ @ @ @ @ the highest number of COVID-19 cases of any service branch with 9,697 cases , the @ @ @ @ @ , the Air Force has reported 4,595 , the National Guard has reported 3,857 cases @ @ @ @ @ has reported 3,445 cases .
Capt .
Douglas Hickok , a Physician ’ s Assistant @ @ @ @ @ Jersey Army National Guard , died in March .
He was the first service member @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Thacker , who is assigned to the U.S.S @ @ @ @ @ the first active duty military member to die from COVID-19 .

A fourth U.S. service member has died from COVID-19, according to new Pentagon data.
The Defense Department has released very little information about the person other than they died over the weekend, marking the first death of a U.S. service member in over two months.
According to data released by the Pentagon this week, 28,769 service members have tested positive for COVID-19. Of that number, 495 have been hospitalized while 14,557 have recovered.
The Army has reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases of any service branch with 9,697 cases, the Navy has reported 6,888 cases, the Air Force has reported 4,595, the National Guard has reported 3,857 cases, and the Marine Corps has reported 3,445 cases.
Capt. Douglas Hickok, a Physician’s Assistant and member of the New Jersey Army National Guard, died in March. He was the first service member to succumb following the coronavirus outbreak.
Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Thacker, who is assigned to the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, was the first active duty military member to die from COVID-19.
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--UConn becomes 1st FBS program to cancel football over virus

STORRS , Conn. ( AP ) - UConn canceled its 2020-2021 football season Wednesday , becoming the first FBS program to suspend football because of the coronavirus pandemic , as other schools had taken the Huskies off their schedules and the governor was reluctant to allow UConn to travel to states with high infection rates .
“ After receiving guidance from state and public health officials and consulting with football student-athletes , we ’ ve decided that we will not compete on the gridiron this season , ” athletic director David Benedict said .
” The safety challenges created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable level of risk.
” UConn had been scheduled to play its first season as an independent after leaving the American Athletic Conference .
The Huskies had already been taken off the schedules of Illinois , Indiana , Maine and Mississippi by those schools , and games against North Carolina and Virginia remained uncertain , UConn officials said .
Many of the Power Five conferences are playing league-only games this season .
The Huskies began spring practice on Feb. 4 and were one of the only teams in the country to complete a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to campus in early July and no one has tested positive for the coronavirus , UConn officials said .
The football team will remain enrolled in classes either in-person or virtually , and will keep access to facilities and support services under NCAA rules .
“ We engaged and listened to the concerns of our football student-athletes and feel this is the best decision for their health , safety , and well-being , ” coach Randy Edsall said .
“ Our team is united in this approach and we will use this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gear ourselves to the 2021 season.
” Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont had expressed reluctance to allow the football team to travel to any state with a high virus infection rate .
He said the team would be subject to the state ’ s 14-day quarantine rule upon its return to Storrs from away games .
Connecticut , New York and New Jersey have travel advisories that require visitors from more than 30 states and Puerto Rico to quarantine for 14 days , with certain exceptions .
UConn officials said they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming days to explain refunds and other options .

STORRS, Conn. — UConn canceled its 2020-2021 football season Wednesday, becoming the first FBS program to do so because of the coronavirus pandemic, as other schools had taken the Huskies off their schedules and the governor was reluctant to allow UConn to travel to states with high infection rates.
“After receiving guidance from state and public health officials and consulting with football student-athletes, we’ve decided that we will not compete on the gridiron this season,” athletic director David Benedict said. ”The safety challenges created by COVID-19 place our football student-athletes at an unacceptable level of risk.”
UConn had been scheduled to play its first season as an independent after leaving the American Athletic Conference.
The Huskies had already been taken off the schedules of Illinois, Indiana, Maine and Mississippi by those schools, and games against North Carolina and Virginia remained uncertain, UConn officials said. Many of the Power Five conferences are playing league-only games this season.
The Huskies began spring practice on Feb. 4 and were one of the only teams in the country to complete a full spring schedule. The team returned to campus in early July and no one has tested positive for the coronavirus, UConn officials said.
The football team will remain enrolled in classes either in-person or virtually, and will keep access to facilities and support services under NCAA rules.
“We engaged and listened to the concerns of our football student-athletes and feel this is the best decision for their health, safety, and well-being,” coach Randy Edsall said. “Our team is united in this approach and we will use this time to further player development within the program and gear ourselves to the 2021 season.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont had expressed reluctance to allow the football team to travel to any state with a high virus infection rate. He said the team would be subject to the state’s 14-day quarantine rule upon its return to Storrs from away games.
Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have travel advisories that require visitors from more than 30 states and Puerto Rico to quarantine for 14 days, with certain exceptions.
UConn officials said they will be reaching out to season ticket holders in the coming days to explain refunds and other options.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Treasury ramps up auctions as borrowing, virus surges

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - The Treasury Department will ramp up the size of the bonds and other securities it auctions across-the-board in the face of the unprecedented borrowing needs of the the U.S. government as cases of COVID-19 surge in parts of the country .
Treasury officials said Wednesday that the billions of dollars in auction increases include a $ 2 billion increase in the three-year note , a $ 9 billion increase in its 10-year note and a $ 7 billion increase in its 30-year bond .
Those three securities will be auctioned next week as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it raises a significant part of its borrowing needs each quarter .
The Treasury laid out plans to increase the size of other securities and to keep increasing those sizes over the next few months .
“ Treasury continues to face unprecedented borrowing needs as a result of the federal government ’ s response to the COVID-19 outbreak , ” said Brian Smith , deputy assistant secretary for federal finance .
The increases announced Wednesday include an $ 8 billion boost to the new 20-year bond to a total of $ 25 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back the 20-year bond , which had last been issued in 1986 .
Treasury announced on Monday that it projects government borrowing of $ 947 in the current quarter that runs through September , which would be a record for this three-month period , but down from the all-time high of $ 2.75 trillion of borrowing last quarter .
The Treasury expects borrowing will hit $ 1.22 trillion in the October-December quarter .
The estimate for this quarter and the next include $ 1 trillion in expected borrowing to finance another economic relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently and Treasury officials said the $ 1 billion estimate would be adjusted based on the final size of the legislation that Congress approves .

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Treasury Department will ramp up the size of the bonds and other securities it auctions across-the-board in the face of the unprecedented borrowing needs of the the U.S. government as cases of COVID-19 surge in parts of the country.
Treasury officials said Wednesday that the billions of dollars in auction increases include a $2 billion increase in the three-year note, a $9 billion increase in its 10-year note and a $7 billion increase in its 30-year bond.
Those three securities will be auctioned next week as part of the government’s quarterly refunding where it raises a significant part of its borrowing needs each quarter.
The Treasury laid out plans to increase the size of other securities and to keep increasing those sizes over the next few months.
“Treasury continues to face unprecedented borrowing needs as a result of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Brian Smith, deputy assistant secretary for federal finance.
The increases announced Wednesday include an $8 billion boost to the new 20-year bond to a total of $25 billion in August. Treasury in May brought back the 20-year bond, which had last been issued in 1986.
Treasury announced on Monday that it projects government borrowing of $947 in the current quarter that runs through September, which would be a record for this three-month period, but down from the all-time high of $2.75 trillion of borrowing last quarter.
The Treasury expects borrowing will hit $1.22 trillion in the October-December quarter. The estimate for this quarter and the next include $1 trillion in expected borrowing to finance another economic relief package. That package is being negotiated currently and Treasury officials said the $1 billion estimate would be adjusted based on the final size of the legislation that Congress approves.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Tropic storm Isaias whips up eastern US, killing at least 7

WINDSOR , N.C. ( AP ) - At least seven people were killed as Tropical Storm Isaias battered the U.S. East Coast with rain and fierce winds after making landfall as a hurricane in North Carolina .
Millions of people were without power on Wednesday after felled trees downed power lines .
The sound of generators and chainsaws punctuated the sunrise in New Jersey , where more than 1 million homes and businesses were without electricity .
NJ Transit train service remained suspended while crews cleared about 150 trees and repair signals and overhead wires .
Regional rail service was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Schuylkill River and sent an unsecured construction barge into a bridge .
Inspectors were checking for damage .
Interstate 676 , which crosses the bridge , was also closed in both directions .
Patrick Foye , chairman of New York ’ s Metropolitan Transportation Authority , said more than 2,000 trees fell across the system ’ s train and bus network .
“ This storm caused severe damage , ” Foye said Wednesday .
“ Not since Superstorm Sandy has our system experienced this type of wind.
” Two people died when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a North Carolina mobile home park .
Another person died in Pennsylvania when their vehicle was overtaken by water and swept downstream .
Three others were killed by falling trees toppled by the storm in Maryland , Connecticut and New York City , and a seventh person died in Delaware when a tree branch fell on them , authorities said .
Isaias sustained top winds of up to 65 mph ( 105 kph ) more than 18 hours after coming ashore , but it was down to 45 mph max winds as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hurricane Center .
Isaias toggled between hurricane and tropical storm strength as it churned toward the East Coast .
Fueled by warm ocean waters , the storm got a late burst of strength as a rejuvenated hurricane with top sustained winds of 85 mph ( 136 km/h ) before coming ashore late Monday near Ocean Isle Beach , North Carolina .
Its tropical storm status was sustained , but weakened , as it headed north into Canada on Tuesday night .
Before making landfall late Monday , Isaias killed two people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past Florida .
Tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service in Virginia , Maryland , Delaware and New Jersey .
Power outages also spread as trees fell , with more than 3.7 million customers losing electricity across multiple states as of late Tuesday , according to PowerOutage.US , which tracks utility reports .
New York City ’ s power utility said it saw more outages from Isaias than from any storm except Superstorm Sandy in 2012 .
In Doylestown , Pennsylvania , officials said four children were treated for minor injuries after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day care center .
Also in the Philadelphia suburbs , rescue workers in Delaware County were searching for a young person who fell or jumped into the fast-moving water of a swollen creek , said Timothy Boyce , the county emergency services director .
Some of the worst damageseemed to be east and north of where the hurricane ’ s eye struck land in North Carolina .
“ Fortunately , this storm was fast-moving and has already left our state , ” Gov .
Roy Cooper said Tuesday .
Morgan reported from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press contributors include science writer Seth Borenstein in Kensington , Maryland ; Gerry Broome in Southport , North Carolina ; Jonathan Drew in Durham , North Carolina ; Michelle Liu in Columbia , South Carolina ; Michael Kunzelman in College Park , Maryland ; Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River , New Jersey ; Shawn Marsh in Trenton , New Jersey ; and Michael Sisak in New York .
Bryan Anderson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to report on undercovered issues .
”

WINDSOR, N.C. (AP) - At least nine people, including a 5-year-old girl with autism, were killed as Tropical Storm Isaias battered the U.S. East Coast with rain and fierce winds after making landfall as a hurricane in North Carolina. Millions of people were without power on Wednesday after felled trees downed power lines.
The sound of generators and chainsaws punctuated the sunrise in New Jersey, where more than 1 million homes and businesses were without electricity. NJ Transit train service remained suspended while crews cleared about 150 trees and repair signals and overhead wires.
Regional rail service was also suspended in Philadelphia after Isaias raised the Schuylkill River and sent an unsecured construction barge into a bridge. Inspectors were checking for damage. Interstate 676, which crosses the bridge, was also closed in both directions.
Patrick Foye, chairman of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said more than 2,000 trees fell across the system’s train and bus network.
“This storm caused severe damage,” Foye said Wednesday. “Not since Superstorm Sandy has our system experienced this type of wind.”
Two people died when Isaias spun off a tornado that struck a North Carolina mobile home park. Another person died in Pennsylvania when their vehicle was overtaken by water and swept downstream. The 5-year-old girl had gone missing from her Philadelphia-area home during the height of the storm Tuesday and was found dead Wednesday. Authorities said they believed she was swept away by floodwaters in the creek behind her house.
Three others were killed by falling trees toppled by the storm in Maryland, Connecticut and New York City, and another person died in Delaware when a tree branch fell on them, authorities said. A woman was found dead inside a New Hampshire house Tuesday evening.
Isaias sustained top winds of up to 65 mph (105 kph) more than 18 hours after coming ashore, but it was down to 40 mph max winds as of early Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Isaias toggled between hurricane and tropical storm strength as it churned toward the East Coast. Fueled by warm ocean waters, the storm got a late burst of strength as a rejuvenated hurricane with top sustained winds of 85 mph (136 km/h) before coming ashore late Monday near Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Its tropical storm status was sustained, but weakened, as it headed north into Canada on Tuesday night.
Before making landfall late Monday, Isaias killed two people in the Caribbean and battered the Bahamas before brushing past Florida.
Tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. Power outages also spread as trees fell, with more than 2.1 million customers without electricity across multiple states as of Wednesday night, according to PowerOutage.US, which tracks utility reports.
With many people facing several days in the dark, New York and Connecticut’s governors called for investigations into how utilities responded to the storm. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo blasted the companies for showing “reckless disregard” for storm planning and said it can’t happen again.
Con Ed, the New York City power utility that saw more outages from Isaias than from any storm except Superstorm Sandy in 2012, set up stations Wednesday to hand out ice to people who were still without power.
In Doylestown, Pennsylvania, officials said four children were treated for minor injuries after high winds partially tore the roof off a day care center. Also in the Philadelphia suburbs, rescue workers in Delaware County were searching for a young person who fell or jumped into the fast-moving water of a swollen creek, said Timothy Boyce, the county emergency services director.
Some of the worst damage seemed to be east and north of where the hurricane’s eye struck land in North Carolina.
“Fortunately, this storm was fast-moving and has already left our state,” Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday.
______
Morgan reported from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Associated Press contributors include science writer Seth Borenstein in Kensington, Maryland; Gerry Broome in Southport, North Carolina; Jonathan Drew in Durham, North Carolina; Michelle Liu in Columbia, South Carolina; Michael Kunzelman in College Park, Maryland; Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River, New Jersey; Shawn Marsh in Trenton, New Jersey; and Michael Sisak in New York.
___
Bryan Anderson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--A shattered Beirut emerges from the rubble stunned, wounded

BEIRUT ( AP ) - Residents of Beirut -stunned , sleepless and stoic - emerged Wednesday from the aftermath of a catastrophic explosion searching for missing relatives , bandaging their wounds and retrieving what ’ s left of their homes .
The sound of ambulance sirens and the shoveling of glass and rubble could be heard across the Lebanese capital .
Almost nothing was left untouched by the blast , which obliterated the port and sent a tide of destruction through the city center .
Elegant stone buildings , fashionable shopping districts and long stretches of the famed seaside promenade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ’ s blast .
The explosion appeared to have been caused by a blaze at a fireworks warehouse that ignited a stockpile of ammonium nitrate stored at the port since 2013 .
But many blamed the catastrophe on the country ’ s long-entrenched political class , with some saying it marked the final straw after decades of corruption and neglect .
At least 100 people were killed and more than 4,000 wounded .
The number of dead was expected to rise as rescuers sifted through the rubble .
“ Beirut is gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver making his way through the mangled streets .
“ We don ’ t deserve this , ” said Riwa Baltagi , a 23-year-old who was helping friends retrieve valuables from their demolished homes .
Some of the worst damage was in the leafy neighborhoods of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh , where the blast damaged some of the few historic buildings that survived the 1975-1990 civil war .
Balconies had dropped to street level , where shops and restaurants were buried and chairs and tables turned upside down .
“ I have nowhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she wept in what remained of her home in Gemayzeh .
“ What am I supposed to do ?
” she screamed into her mobile phone .
Furniture and cushions were strewn along the streets amid the endless shards of glass .
The damage could be seen across town in the popular shopping district of Hamra , and at the international airport south of the city .
The blast could be felt as far off as Cyprus , a Mediterranean island some 200 kilometers ( 120 miles ) away .
Few lamented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state electricity company , a symbol of the corruption and poor governance that has bedeviled Lebanon since the end of the war .
Many blamed the latest catastrophe on the country ’ s long-entrenched political class .
“ They are so irresponsible that they ended up destroying Beirut , ” said Sana , a retired schoolteacher who was preparing to leave her heavily damaged apartment in Mar Mikhael .
“ I worked for 40 years to make this home and they destroyed it for me in less than a minute.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is becoming totally hopeless , ” she said .
“ It can not get worse.
” Lebanon was already mired in a severe economic crisis , with soaring unemployment and a plunging exchange rate that had erased many people ’ s life savings .
The blast demolished a major wheat silo at the port , raising concerns that the small country , which relies on imports , may soon struggle to feed itself .
There were some glimmers of hope amid the tragedy : Volunteers could be seen ferrying the wounded to hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided first aid .
A widely circulated video showed a crowd erupting in applause as a civil defense worker was rescued from under the rubble .
In another , showing the moment of the blast , a nanny grabs a little girl and pulls her to safety as the windows of the apartment shatter inward .
Throughout the night , radio presenters read the names of missing or wounded people .
An Instagram page called “ Locating Victims Beirut ” sprung up with photos of missing people .
Another account helped to connect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were willing to host them .
Lebanese have been forced to learn self-reliance throughout the country ’ s painful history .
Beirut was split in half during the 1975-1990 civil war , and in the years since has been rocked by a war with Israel , targeted killings and terror attacks .
But Tuesday ’ s explosion was the worst the city has ever seen .
Children were among the thousands rushed to hospitals , where many patients had to be treated in hallways and parking lots once the wards filled up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two , said he ’ s had enough .
He estimates the blast caused up to $ 20,000 worth of damage to his pub , where business was already suffering because of the economic crisis and a coronavirus lockdown .
“ If the ruling class wants us to leave , let them give us tickets and we will go , ” he said .
Associated Press writer Aya Batrawy contributed to this report from Dubai , United Arab Emirates .

BEIRUT (AP) - As black smoke billowed into the sky, Shiva Karout stepped out of his gym with his colleagues and customers to watch. His gym, Barbell House, sits just across the coastal highway from Beirut’s port where a fire raged. They were curious.
Then a first boom shook them, and curiosity turned to fear realizing how close they were. “We got a bit scared, and we all went back in,” Karout recounted. Tense moments passed, waiting inside, and one of his customers panicked and ran out. Karout went after him.
That was when hell erupted. A gigantic explosion threw up a towering mushroom cloud and sucked out the air, and a wave of destructive energy shot across Lebanon’s capital.
The force threw Karout to the ground. He was cut and bruised, his full arm and leg tattoos of the Hindu god Shiva, after whom he is named, were punctured with lacerations and clotted blood.
But his gym - and everyone still in it - took the brunt of the blast. It smashed out the windows, knocked holes in the walls. Blood now stains the welcome counter. One of his clients took a major head injury and lies in a coma in a hospital and nearly a dozen others sustained medium to serious injuries.
That flashing instant, when a heavy fire on the horizon turned into an unimaginable burst of megatonnage, united Beirutis in a shared trauma and on Wednesday, the day after, they were still reeling with it and its aftermath.
In multiple videos posted on social media, whether shot from high-rise balconies or nearby streets, that instant hits with the same blunt force: Rising black smoke, then a sudden freight train of dust and pink smoke that barrels across the city at the camera and sends it - and whoever holds it - tumbling amid wreckage and confusion.
As the initial pall of smoke rose Tuesday afternoon, a team of 10 firefighters raced to the Port of Beirut to put out the fire raging in Warehouse 12, one a row of warehouses by the water’s edge next to the port’s large grain silo.
“They went down, thinking it was caused by fireworks,” one firefighter named Freddy said of his colleagues who first responded. He asked to be identified only by his first name to speak freely to the Associated Press about the events still under investigation. Pops and flashes lit up the smoke, and it was reported the initial fire set off a stash of fireworks stored there.
The team was at the epicenter when, at around 6:05 p.m., the giant explosion blasted a crater into the port and turned every building around to twisted metal . It is under investigation whether the fire touched off the cargo of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate - a highly explosive component of fertilizers - that had been stored there since 2013.
Freddy and the second team of firefighters arrived about 20 minutes later. They each took a section of the port. For the next 24 hours, they pulled out bodies - Freddy said he found 10 - but only one was of their fellow firefighters, Sahar.
“We were looking for our friends but there were also lots of people dead,” he said, standing at the main road, covered in soot and his face darkened with dust, smoke and sorrow. “It is total destruction inside. Nothing is where it should be.”
His eyes welled with tears at the thought of losing his colleagues and his city. Lebanon is used to destruction, but not like this. “Not a house on the coast has not been damaged,” he said.
At least 130 people were killed and more than 5,000 wounded, and elegant stone buildings, fashionable shopping districts and long stretches of the famed seaside promenade were reduced to rubble in the blast.
On Wednesday, Beirutis searched for missing relatives and bandaged their wounds. They surveyed damaged homes, assessing if they could stay in them, retrieving what possessions they could and searching out places to stay.
“We don’t deserve this,” said Riwa Baltagi, a 23-year-old who was helping friends retrieve valuables from their demolished homes.
The sound of ambulance sirens and the crunching of broken glass could be heard everywhere. Furniture and cushions were strewn along streets covered with wreckage. Elevators were dislocated from their shafts. Cars were crushed under the weight of debris.
Some of the worst damage was in the leafy neighborhoods of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh in east Beirut, where the blast damaged some of the few historic buildings that survived the 1975-1990 civil war. Balconies had dropped to street level, where bars and restaurants were buried and chairs and tables turned upside down.
The stench of alcohol from broken bottles filled some narrow alleys, as if the neighborhood’s late night parties had turned bad. Nuns toured the churches along the streets, offering prayers and help. Supermarket owners filled plastic bags with the few remaining products in good shape- one saying he will take what is left home to use before it rots in the summer heat.
“I have nowhere to go,” a woman said as she wept in what remained of her home in Gemayzeh. “What am I supposed to do?” she screamed into her mobile phone.
Throughout the night, radio presenters read the names of missing or wounded people. An Instagram page called “Locating Victims Beirut” sprung up with photos of missing people. Another account helped to connect the newly displaced with hotels and homeowners who were willing to host them.
Hospitals, already struggling with the financial crisis and coronavirus pandemic, were overwhelmed by the wave of injured. Many patients had to be treated in hallways and parking lots once the wards filled up.
Karout, the gym owner, said a “complete mess” followed the initial shock of explosion. Three hospitals in the area were in the orbit of the blast and were put out of service, unable to offer treatment. Others were unable to help. “They are not equipped for such things,” he said. “We are not equipped.”
Now he mourns the fate of Barbell. The blast has destroyed what he said was the fruit of years of “really hard work.”
“Who will pay for this?” he said. “This is not fixable.”
“Beirut is already gone.”
___
Associated Press writer Aya Batrawy contributed to this report from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Turkey announces inspections, measures to curb COVID-19 rise

ISTANBUL ( AP ) - Turkey ’ s interior ministry announced new measures Wednesday to curb the spread of COVID-19 as daily confirmed cases peaked back above 1,000 .
In a circular , the interior ministry said its units would conduct “ one-on-one monitoring ” for people who have been required to self-quarantine , especially in the first seven days of isolation .
The ministry warned it would not accept any violations of the obligation to wear masks and maintain social distancing iat gatherings such as weddings or circumcision ceremonies , on pain of fines and temporary closures .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To encourage precautions , businesses and transport services that meet safety requirements would be awarded a “ safe space ” logo after three inspections , the ministry said .
The ministry also said contact tracers would be assisted by law enforcement in urban and some rural areas , or by teachers and imams elsewhere .
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu tweeted that a wide-ranging inspection would take place across Turkey on Thursday .
Latest statistics show nearly 235,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 5,765 fatalities in Turkey .
Daily cases had dropped below 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June to prop up the economy , especially tourism , but went up to an average of 1,360 after mid-June .
The cases had decreased to an average of 945 for the past three weeks but climbed back up to 1,083 Tuesday .

ISTANBUL (AP) - Turkey’s interior ministry announced new measures Wednesday to curb the spread of COVID-19 as daily confirmed cases peaked back above 1,000.
In a circular, the interior ministry said its units would conduct “one-on-one monitoring” for people who have been required to self-quarantine, especially in the first seven days of isolation.
The ministry warned it would not accept any violations of the obligation to wear masks and maintain social distancing at gatherings such as weddings or circumcision ceremonies, on pain of fines and temporary closures. It said gatherings after funerals would be restricted.
To encourage precautions, businesses and transport services that meet safety requirements would be awarded a “safe space” logo after three inspections, the ministry said.
The ministry also said contact tracers would be assisted by law enforcement in urban and some rural areas, or by teachers and imams elsewhere.
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu tweeted that a wide-ranging inspection would take place across Turkey on Thursday.
Latest statistics show more than 236,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 5,784 fatalities in Turkey. More than 5 million tests have been conducted.
Daily cases had dropped below 1,000 before Turkey began reopening businesses in early June to prop up the economy, especially tourism, but went up to an average of 1,360 after mid-June. The cases had decreased to an average of 945 for the past three weeks but climbed back up to 1,083 Tuesday and 1,178 Wednesday.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Mourners honor Nobel laureate and peace advocate John Hume

LONDON ( AP ) - Mourners remembered activist John Hume on Wednesday , celebrating the visionary politician who devoted his life to peace and forged the agreement that ended violence in his native Northern Ireland .
Only close family , friends and a smattering of politicians mourned the Catholic leader at his funeral at St. Eugene ’ s Cathedral in Londonderry , also known as Derry , as the COVID-19 pandemic ’ s social distancing rules kept numbers low .
But Pope Francis , the Dalai Lama and U2 singer Bono were among those offering tributes to the man seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Good Friday peace agreement .
“ Even in the darkest moments , when people would have been forgiven for having no hope , John made peace visible for others , ” Father Paul Farren said .
“ His vision revealed what could be , and with time and determination and single-mindedness and stubbornness he convinced others that peace could be a reality.
” Hume , who died Monday at age 83 , shared the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with the Protestant leader of the Ulster Unionist Party , David Trimble .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region for three decades and left more than 3,500 people dead .
Starting out as a civil rights activist , Hume fought for equal rights in what was then a Protestant-ruled state .
But he condemned the Irish Republican Army because he detested violence and said injustice did not merit the taking of even one human life .
Although he advocated for a united Ireland , Hume believed change could not come to Northern Ireland without the consent of its Protestant majority .
He also realized that better relations needed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ireland and between London and Dublin .
Hume created a broad agenda for the discussions , arguing they must be driven by close cooperation between the British and Irish governments .
Neutral figures like U.S. mediator George Mitchell oversaw the process , with decisions having to be ratified by public referendums in both parts of Ireland .
In other words , the people had to be part of the answer .
“ We were looking for revolution and found it in parish halls with tea and biscuits and late-night meetings under fluorescence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bono said .
“ We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no one wins unless everyone wins and that peace is the only victory … We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant .
We found John Hume.
” Under normal circumstances , Hume ’ s funeral would have been mobbed .
Though the pandemic made that impossible , the family took the opportunity of international attention to stress that if Hume had the opportunity , he ’ d discuss our “ common humanity , the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect and deepen democracy , to value education , and to place non-violence at the absolute center.
” Amid the sadness , there were lighthearted moments .
His son , John Hume Jr. , pointed out that his father had a few weaknesses .
“ He also kept the Irish chocolate industry in healthy profits for many years .
Yorkies , Crunchies , Creme Eggs , Double Deckers , Wispas , you name it , he loved them all , ” he said .
“ We often found it odd how a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prize could seriously believe that Crunchies were less fattening because they are full of air .
”

LONDON (AP) - Mourners remembered activist John Hume on Wednesday, celebrating the visionary politician who devoted his life to peace and forged the agreement that ended violence in his native Northern Ireland.
Only close family, friends and a smattering of politicians mourned the Catholic leader at his funeral at St. Eugene’s Cathedral in Londonderry, also known as Derry, as the COVID-19 pandemic’s social distancing rules kept numbers low.
But Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama and U2 singer Bono were among those offering tributes to the man seen as the architect of Northern Ireland’s Good Friday peace agreement.
“Even in the darkest moments, when people would have been forgiven for having no hope, John made peace visible for others,” Father Paul Farren said. “His vision revealed what could be, and with time and determination and single-mindedness and stubbornness he convinced others that peace could be a reality.”
Hume, who died Monday at age 83, shared the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with the Protestant leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, David Trimble. Their efforts ended the sectarian violence that plagued the region for three decades and left more than 3,500 people dead.
Starting out as a civil rights activist, Hume fought for equal rights in what was then a Protestant-ruled state. But he condemned the Irish Republican Army because he detested violence and said injustice did not merit the taking of even one human life.
Although he advocated for a united Ireland, Hume believed change could not come to Northern Ireland without the consent of its Protestant majority. He also realized that better relations needed to be forged between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and between London and Dublin.
Hume created a broad agenda for the discussions, arguing they must be driven by close cooperation between the British and Irish governments. Neutral figures like U.S. mediator George Mitchell oversaw the process, with decisions having to be ratified by public referendums in both parts of Ireland.
In other words, the people had to be part of the answer.
“We were looking for revolution and found it in parish halls with tea and biscuits and late-night meetings under fluorescence,” a tribute from the singer Bono said. “We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no one wins unless everyone wins and that peace is the only victory … We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant. We found John Hume.”
Under normal circumstances, Hume’s funeral would have been mobbed. Though the pandemic made that impossible, the family took the opportunity of international attention to stress that if Hume had the opportunity, he’d discuss our “common humanity, the need to respect diversity and difference, to protect and deepen democracy, to value education, and to place non-violence at the absolute center.”
Amid the sadness, there were lighthearted moments. His son, John Hume Jr., pointed out that his father had a few weaknesses.
“He also kept the Irish chocolate industry in healthy profits for many years. Yorkies, Crunchies, Creme Eggs, Double Deckers, Wispas, you name it, he loved them all,” he said. “We often found it odd how a man with the intelligence to win a Nobel Prize could seriously believe that Crunchies were less fattening because they are full of air.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Anne Hathaway, John Amos, Eli Manning in NJ Hall of Fame

PALMYRA , N.J ( AP ) - Super Bowl champion Eli Manning , Grammy Award-winning singer Cissy Houston and “ Good Times ” actor John Amos are among this year ’ s inductees into the New Jersey Hall of Fame .
The winners for the Hall ’ s 12th class were announced Wednesday morning .
Others known as the state ’ s best and brightest include Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway , author Fran Lebowitz and Fairleigh Dickinson , benefactor of the university named after him .
Poet and journalist Joyce Kilmer , who has had a New Jersey Turnpike rest stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be inducted into the new class .
She lived in New Brunswick .
“ These Garden State heroes perfectly represent what makes our state great , ” says Jon Hanson , chairman of the Hall of Fame .
In the category of arts and entertainment , inductees also include film star Danny Aiello , who appears in “ Do The Right Thing , ” The Godfather Part II ” and “ The Last Don.
” He lived in Ramsey and Saddle River .
Others are singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tenafly ; comedian Ernie Kovacs , of Trenton ; TV stars Ozzie , Harriet and Ricky Nelson , of Jersey City ; and comedian Flip Wilson , of Jersey City .
Houston and Amos are from Newark , and Hathaway is from Millburn .
In addition to Manning , who lives in Summit , sports inductees include : NBA star Rick Barry , of Roselle Park ; boxer Gerry Cooney , of Fanwood ; former Rutgers athletic director Robert Mulcahy III , of Mendham ; and head Rutgers women ’ s basketball coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the category of public service include : Apgar score inventor Dr. Virginia Apgar , of Westfield ; former CEO of St. Joseph ’ s Health Sister Jane Brady , of Paterson ; former Army Gen. Martin Dempsey , of Jersey City ; former Gov .
Alfred Driscoll , of Haddonfield ; and Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman , of Rahway .
In the arts and letters category : Addams Family creator Charles Addams , of Westfield ; “ The Red Badge of Courage ” author Stephen Crane , of Newark ; longtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Lebowitz , of Morristown ; and Kilmer .
Inductees in the enterprise category include : The Borg Family , of Hackensack , publishers of The Record ; regional PNC Bank president Linda Bowden , of East Brunswick ; car and truck company chairman Steve Kalafer ; former chairman of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority Joseph Simunovich , of West New York ; and Dickinson , of Rutherford .
Several of the honors are awarded posthumously .
This year ’ s induction ceremony will be Oct. 18 .
Because of the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event broadcast on television , radio and social media .

PALMYRA, N.J (AP) - Super Bowl champion Eli Manning, Grammy Award-winning singer Cissy Houston and “Good Times” actor John Amos are among this year’s inductees into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
The winners for the Hall’s 12th class were announced Wednesday morning.
Others known as the state’s best and brightest include Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway, author Fran Lebowitz and Fairleigh Dickinson, benefactor of the university named after him.
Poet and journalist Joyce Kilmer, who has had a New Jersey Turnpike rest stop plaza named after him for years, will also be inducted into the new class. He lived in New Brunswick.
“These Garden State heroes perfectly represent what makes our state great,” says Jon Hanson, chairman of the Hall of Fame.
In the category of arts and entertainment, inductees also include film star Danny Aiello, who appears in “Do The Right Thing,” The Godfather Part II” and “The Last Don.” He lived in Ramsey and Saddle River.
Others are singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter, of Princeton; actor Ed Harris, of Tenafly; comedian Ernie Kovacs, of Trenton; TV stars Ozzie, Harriet and Ricky Nelson, of Jersey City; and comedian Flip Wilson, of Jersey City.
Houston and Amos are from Newark, and Hathaway is from Millburn.
In addition to Manning, who lives in Summit, sports inductees include: NBA star Rick Barry, of Roselle Park; boxer Gerry Cooney, of Fanwood; former Rutgers athletic director Robert Mulcahy III, of Mendham; and head Rutgers women’s basketball coach Vivian Stringer, of Piscataway.
Inductees in the category of public service include: Apgar score inventor Dr. Virginia Apgar, of Westfield; former CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Sister Jane Brady, of Paterson; former Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, of Jersey City; former Gov. Alfred Driscoll, of Haddonfield; and Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman, of Rahway.
In the arts and letters category: Addams Family creator Charles Addams, of Westfield; “The Red Badge of Courage” author Stephen Crane, of Newark; longtime Star-Ledger editor Mort Pye, of Tewksbury; Lebowitz, of Morristown; and Kilmer.
Inductees in the enterprise category include: The Borg Family, of Hackensack, publishers of The Record; regional PNC Bank president Linda Bowden, of East Brunswick; car and truck company chairman Steve Kalafer; former chairman of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority Joseph Simunovich, of West New York; and Dickinson, of Rutherford.
Several of the honors are awarded posthumously.
This year’s induction ceremony will be Oct. 18. Because of the pandemic, it will be a virtual, prerecorded event broadcast on television, radio and social media.
___
This story has been corrected to show that poet Joyce Kilmer is male, not female.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Patrol: Illinois man drowns in eastern Missouri creek

STEELVILLE , Mo .
( AP ) - An Illinois man drowned in an eastern Missouri creek over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ Highway Patrol .
Dalton Newkirk , 24 , of Highland , Illinois , was in @ @ @ @ @ to struggle in the water Saturday evening , went under and did not resurface , @ @ @ @ @ .
Investigators said Newkirk was near a confluence in the water that ’ s popular @ @ @ @ @ when he went under .
Newkirk ’ s body was pulled from the water by @ @ @ @ @ .
Newkirk was working at Scott Air Force Base as a contractor at the time @ @ @ @ @ was set to marry in October .

STEELVILLE, Mo. (AP) - An Illinois man drowned in an eastern Missouri creek over the weekend, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.
Dalton Newkirk, 24, of Highland, Illinois, was in Huzzah Creek when he began to struggle in the water Saturday evening, went under and did not resurface, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Investigators said Newkirk was near a confluence in the water that’s popular for float trips and kayakers when he went under. Newkirk’s body was pulled from the water by family members, officials said.
Newkirk was working at Scott Air Force Base as a contractor at the time of his death. He was set to marry in October.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Virginia's Kings Dominion theme park won't reopen this year

DOSWELL , Va. ( AP ) - A Virginia theme park that is one of the state ’ s biggest @ @ @ @ @ will not open this year because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Richmond-Times Dispatch reported @ @ @ @ @ Hanover County will remain closed for the rest of 2020 .
It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 1975 opening that visitors won ’ t ride the Dominator or reach the @ @ @ @ @ the Eiffel Tower .
Tony Johnson , the park ’ s vice president and general @ @ @ @ @ s Phase Three reopening restriction of limiting the park to only 1,000 guests .
Kings @ @ @ @ @ that the 1,000-people limit was not economically sustainable .
The park employs up to 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ is one of the state ’ s top employers .

DOSWELL, Va. (AP) - A Virginia theme park that is one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions and economic boosters will not open this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Richmond-Times Dispatch reported Tuesday that Kings Dominion in Hanover County will remain closed for the rest of 2020.
It’s the first time since the park’s 1975 opening that visitors won’t ride the Dominator or reach the top a 323-foot reproduction of the Eiffel Tower.
Tony Johnson, the park’s vice president and general manager, cited Virginia’s Phase Three reopening restriction of limiting the park to only 1,000 guests.
Kings Dominion said in late June that the 1,000-people limit was not economically sustainable.
The park employs up to 4,000 seasonal employees each year and is one of the state’s top employers.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Driver, passenger arrested following fight that rolled SUV

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
( AP ) - A Sioux Falls driver and a passenger have been arrested following @ @ @ @ @ vehicle to roll over with two others inside , including a 3-year-old .
Sioux Falls @ @ @ @ @ riding in the car grabbed the steering wheel during the fight about 2 a.m. Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ male driver to lose control and crash the SUV .
Police spokesman Sam Clemens said @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle and the woman started hitting the man who walked away from the crash @ @ @ @ @ the four were seriously injured , the Argus Leader reported .
Officials say the woman @ @ @ @ @ charge of aggravated assault and several other counts .
The driver , who was found @ @ @ @ @ arrested on suspicion of driving drunk and hit-and-run .

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A Sioux Falls driver and a passenger have been arrested following an argument that caused their vehicle to roll over with two others inside, including a 3-year-old.
Sioux Falls police say a 19-year-old woman riding in the car grabbed the steering wheel during the fight about 2 a.m. Tuesday. That caused the 26-year-old male driver to lose control and crash the SUV.
Police spokesman Sam Clemens said the two got out of the vehicle and the woman started hitting the man who walked away from the crash. Clemens says none of the four were seriously injured, the Argus Leader reported.
Officials say the woman was arrested on a tentative charge of aggravated assault and several other counts. The driver, who was found several blocks away, was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk and hit-and-run.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Donald Trump slams Obama's eulogy for John Lewis: 'I think it was a terrible speech'

President Trump on Wednesday excoriated the eulogy former President Barack Obama delivered last week during the funeral of late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis .
“ I think it was a terrible speech .
It was an angry speech .
It showed there ’ s anger there that people don ’ t see , ” Mr. Trump said during an interview aired on Fox News .
Speaking on the “ Fox & Friends ” show , Mr. Trump proceeded to slam his predecessor for delivering a speech he described as “ ridiculous , ” “ totally inappropriate ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought his speech the other day at the funeral was a terrible , terrible representation of what our country is all about , ” Mr. Trump continued .
“ I thought it was absolutely terrible.
” Mr. Obama spoke for roughy 40 minutes during a funeral held last Thursday for Lewis , a Georgia Democrat who first gained prominence during the civil rights movement in the 1960s .
Without mentioning Mr. Trump by name , Mr. Obama accused his successor of essentially trying to reverse progress made possible by the efforts of Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Black suffrage .
“ [ E ] ven as we sit here , there are those in power are doing their darnedest to discourage people from voting — by closing polling locations , and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws , and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision , even undermining the Postal Service in the run-up to an election that is going to be dependent on mailed-in ballots so people don ’ t get sick , ” said Mr. Obama .
“ Now , I know this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Mr. Obama continued .
“ There are some who might say we shouldn ’ t dwell on such things .
But that ’ s why I ’ m talking about it .
John Lewis devoted his time on this Earth fighting the very attacks on democracy and what ’ s best in America that we are seeing circulate right now.
” Near the end of the eulogy , Mr. Obama urged politicians to honor Lewis and his legacy by taking several steps to reform the U.S. electoral process , including automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling places and expanding early voting , as well as eliminating the filibuster , a process used in the U.S. Senate to delay or block legislation from advancing .
Lewis died July 17 at the age of 80 .
Mr. Trump did not attend his funeral .

President Trump on Wednesday excoriated the eulogy former President Barack Obama delivered last week during the funeral of late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis.
“I think it was a terrible speech. It was an angry speech. It showed there’s anger there that people don’t see,” Mr. Trump said during an interview aired on Fox News.
Speaking on the “Fox & Friends” show, Mr. Trump proceeded to slam his predecessor for delivering a speech he described as “ridiculous,” “totally inappropriate” and “very bad.”
“I thought his speech the other day at the funeral was a terrible, terrible representation of what our country is all about,” Mr. Trump continued. “I thought it was absolutely terrible.”
Mr. Obama spoke for roughy 40 minutes during a funeral held last Thursday for Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who first gained prominence during the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
Without mentioning Mr. Trump by name, Mr. Obama accused his successor of essentially trying to reverse progress made possible by the efforts of Lewis and other civil rights leaders who fought for Black suffrage.
“[E]ven as we sit here, there are those in power are doing their darnedest to discourage people from voting — by closing polling locations, and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws, and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision, even undermining the Postal Service in the run-up to an election that is going to be dependent on mailed-in ballots so people don’t get sick,” said Mr. Obama.
“Now, I know this is a celebration of John’s life,” Mr. Obama continued. “There are some who might say we shouldn’t dwell on such things. But that’s why I’m talking about it. John Lewis devoted his time on this Earth fighting the very attacks on democracy and what’s best in America that we are seeing circulate right now.”
Near the end of the eulogy, Mr. Obama urged politicians to honor Lewis and his legacy by taking several steps to reform the U.S. electoral process, including automatically registering every American to vote, adding polling places and expanding early voting, as well as eliminating the filibuster, a process used in the U.S. Senate to delay or block legislation from advancing.
Lewis died July 17 at the age of 80. Mr. Trump did not attend his funeral.
• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Tuscaloosa to limit nightlife as college students return

TUSCALOOSA , Ala. ( AP ) - Leaders in Tuscaloosa are moving to limit nightlife in the college town during the pandemic as thousands of students return to school for the fall semester .
The Tuscaloosa News reports that a divided City County approved a measure Tuesday night that allows Mayor Walt Maddox to enact rules aimed at combatting a surge in coronavirus cases in the city .
Among the regulations is a move to reduce the capacity at bars to 50 % after 9 p.m.
There ’ s currently no limit .
Another rule would reduce the occupancy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 50 % .
The limits , which are expected to take effect Thursday , are in addition to statewide rules that include masks for anyone who is in public and can ’ t socially distance .
Students already are arriving for the fall at the University of Alabama , where classes begin Aug. 19 .
The city of about 100,000 people also is home to Shelton State Community College and Stillman College .
Maddox said it might be impossible the protect Tuscaloosa residents from the spread of the coronavirus without additional rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in Tuscaloosa County has grown by 750 , almost 23 % , over the past two weeks .

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Leaders in Tuscaloosa are moving to limit nightlife in the college town during the pandemic as thousands of students return to school for the fall semester.
The Tuscaloosa News reports that a divided City Council approved a measure Tuesday night that allows Mayor Walt Maddox to enact rules aimed at combatting a surge in coronavirus cases in the city.
Among the regulations is a move to reduce the capacity at bars to 50% after 9 p.m.; there’s currently no limit. Another rule would reduce the occupancy of entertainment venues to 25%, down from 50%.
The limits, which are expected to take effect Thursday, are in addition to statewide rules that include masks for anyone who is in public and can’t socially distance.
“To take no action is to resign Tuscaloosa to a health care and economic fate that we would regret,” Maddox said Wednesday. “The stakes have never been higher on this issue.”
Students already are arriving for the fall at the University of Alabama, where classes begin Aug. 19. The city of about 100,000 people also is home to Shelton State Community College and Stillman College.
Maddox said it might be impossible the protect Tuscaloosa residents from the spread of the coronavirus without additional rules. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tuscaloosa County has grown by 750, almost 23%, over the past two weeks.


washingtontimes--2020-08-05--Surgery Partners: 2Q Earnings Snapshot

Surgery Partners: 2Q Earnings Snapshot

BRENTWOOD , Tenn. ( AP ) _ Surgery Partners Inc. ( SGRY ) on Wednesday reported a loss of $ @ @ @ @ @ quarter .
The Brentwood , Tennessee-based company said it had a loss of 86 cents @ @ @ @ @ adjusted for non-recurring costs and stock option expense , came to 48 cents per share @ @ @ @ @ posted revenue of $ 374.7 million in the period .
Surgery Partners shares have increased @ @ @ @ @ of the year .
The stock has more than doubled in the last 12 months @ @ @ @ @ by Automated Insights ( http : //automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research .
@ @ @ @ @ on SGRY at https : //www.zacks.com/ap/SGRY

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (AP) _ Surgery Partners Inc. (SGRY) on Wednesday reported a loss of $32.5 million in its second quarter.
The Brentwood, Tennessee-based company said it had a loss of 86 cents per share. Losses, adjusted for non-recurring costs and stock option expense, came to 48 cents per share.
The surgical facilities operator posted revenue of $374.7 million in the period.
Surgery Partners shares have increased 2% since the beginning of the year. The stock has more than doubled in the last 12 months.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on SGRY at https://www.zacks.com/ap/SGRY