washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Move Oregon's Border for a Greater Idaho puts initiative on one ballot

Rural Oregonians are ready to bolt for Idaho after nearly two months of daily protests and rioting in Portland .
Move Oregon ’ s Border for a Greater Idaho , a group that seeks to take eastern and rural counties out of Oregon and put them into Idaho , reached a milestone Saturday .
It announced that volunteers have collected enough signatures to place the initiative on the November ballot in Wallowa County , Oregon .
Fueling the separatist effort : Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown ’ s coronavirus shutdown and the escalating protest violence in Portland .
Police declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists attacked the North Precinct and ignited a fire inside the Portland Police Association office .
“ We want to move the border because the political atmosphere in Oregon is getting too intense , ” Michael McCarter , president of Greater Idaho , said in a release .
“ We ’ ve seen political violence in Portland and Eugene this year and it could get worse .
Instead of fighting , Oregon could let citizens in each region of the state choose which state ’ s governance is more suitable to them.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best — no state has done so since West Virginia left Virginia in 1863 — but the inability or unwillingness of Portland authorities to quell the unrest has created a political climate in which the old rules no longer appear to apply .
The Department of Homeland Security sent in officers last week to protect federal buildings such as the Mark O. Hatfield U.S .
Courthouse , which has been covered repeatedly with graffiti and vandalized , but Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has made it clear that the Trump administration ’ s help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing is , they ’ re sharply escalating the situation , ” Mr. Wheeler said Sunday on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” “ Their presence here is actually leading to more violence and more vandalism .
And it ’ s not helping the situation at all .
They ’ re not wanted here.
” The mayor , who faces reelection in November against a pro-Antifa candidate , has directed police to keep federal officers out of the Portland incident command .
He said protesters “ are literally being scooped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by federal agents .
“ We haven ’ t asked them here .
In fact , we want them to leave , ” Mr. Wheeler said .
Even so , he has been rebuked by elected officials such as Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty .
On Saturday , she blasted the “ federal occupying force ” and the police bureau ’ s “ aggressive clampdown of peaceful protest.
” “ I demand action right now , ” Ms. Hardesty said in a statement .
“ Mayor Wheeler , if you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Portland Police Bureau.
” Meanwhile , President Trump kept up the pressure Sunday on officials in the city , which has become the center of national protest violence since the dismantling two weeks ago of Seattle ’ s occupied autonomous zone .
“ We are trying to help Portland , not hurt it , ” Mr. Trump tweeted .
“ Their leadership has , for months , lost control of the anarchists and agitators .
They are missing in action .
We must protect Federal property , AND OUR PEOPLE .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the real deal !
” That said , the protests are making inroads .
Since they began , Portland Police Chief Jami Resch has stepped down , clearing the way for a Black successor , and the Portland City Council voted to slash police funding by $ 15 million in response to calls to “ defund the police.
” At a Friday rally and vigil outside the federal courthouse , activist Lilith Sinclair drew cheers from the crowd of about 200 and other speakers , including clergy , when they said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the militarized police state , but also the United States as we know it.
” Meanwhile , the Portland Police Association executive board issued a vote of no confidence July 8 against the City Council , saying “ our officers have endured weeks of rocks , bricks , bottles , mortars , and other objects hurled at them with hate.
” Against such a backdrop , the idea of 17 counties breaking off from Oregon and joining Idaho seems a lot less radical than it once did .
After launching last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 of those counties for ballot measures that direct local officials to participate in negotiations on redrawing Idaho ’ s state line , a process that has been hampered by the statewide shutdown by Ms. Brown , a Democrat .
The organization filed a lawsuit June 30 in federal court to reduce the number of required valid signatures , arguing that the stay-at-home order has hampered the ability of volunteers to meet the Aug. 5 petition deadline on county ballot measures .
A hearing is scheduled for Monday .
“ This lockdown has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. McCarter said .
“ We ’ ve got volunteers in every single county that has our petition .
We would have filed this suit earlier , but we were hoping the lockdown wouldn ’ t last this long.
” He has reason for optimism .
Last week , U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane ordered the state to reduce by 50 % the signature threshold for Politicians Not People , a statewide ballot campaign , and extend the deadline from July 2 to Aug. 17 , citing the state lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an emergency stay on his order .
In three counties — Jefferson , Union and Douglas — he said volunteers have collected more than half of the required signatures but need an extension to meet the deadline .
Other counties lag further behind .
Then there ’ s Sherman County , which requires only 60 valid signatures to qualify .
“ We hope some volunteer will knock that one out , ” Mr. McCarter said .
Greater Idaho is nothing if not grassroots .
Although he estimates that the movement has 9,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid , and the campaign has none of the “ corporate money necessary to send mass mailings of petitions to citizens.
” The effort does have the support of some Oregon Republican legislators .
Idaho Gov .
Brad Little , a Republican , has said he would welcome any would-be Idahoans from Oregon , although he said the movement has a long way to go given that both state legislatures and Congress would need to sign off on redrawing the state lines .
For Mr. McCarter and others , however , the attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concerns of rural Oregon have been ignored or dismissed as political power concentrates in the increasingly left-wing population centers of Portland and Eugene .
“ Our message to Oregon ’ s state political leadership is : let our people go !
” Greater Idaho said in a statement on its website .
“ Your counties have different goals , different values , and different economies .
Your primary voters will be glad to get rid of ‘ Trump-voting low-income counties.
’ Let us be governed by a state that understands us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rural Oregonians are ready to bolt for Idaho after nearly two months of daily protests and rioting in Portland.
Move Oregon’s Border for a Greater Idaho, a group that seeks to take eastern and rural counties out of Oregon and put them into Idaho, reached a milestone Saturday. It announced that volunteers have collected enough signatures to place the initiative on the November ballot in Wallowa County, Oregon.
Fueling the separatist effort: Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s coronavirus shutdown and the escalating protest violence in Portland. Police declared a riot Saturday night after hundreds of activists attacked the North Precinct and ignited a fire inside the Portland Police Association office.
“We want to move the border because the political atmosphere in Oregon is getting too intense,” Michael McCarter, president of Greater Idaho, said in a release. “We’ve seen political violence in Portland and Eugene this year and it could get worse. Instead of fighting, Oregon could let citizens in each region of the state choose which state’s governance is more suitable to them.”
Such border-shifting movements are long shots at best — no state has done so since West Virginia left Virginia in 1863 — but the inability or unwillingness of Portland authorities to quell the unrest has created a political climate in which the old rules no longer appear to apply.
The Department of Homeland Security sent in officers last week to protect federal buildings such as the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, which has been covered repeatedly with graffiti and vandalized, but Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has made it clear that the Trump administration’s help is unwelcome.
SEE ALSO: Ted Wheeler says feds patrolling protests is ‘leading to more violence’
“What they are doing is, they’re sharply escalating the situation,” Mr. Wheeler said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Their presence here is actually leading to more violence and more vandalism. And it’s not helping the situation at all. They’re not wanted here.”
The mayor, who faces reelection in November against a pro-Antifa candidate, has directed police to keep federal officers out of the Portland incident command. He said protesters “are literally being scooped off the streets in unmarked vans” by federal agents.
“We haven’t asked them here. In fact, we want them to leave,” Mr. Wheeler said.
Even so, he has been rebuked by elected officials such as Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. On Saturday, she blasted the “federal occupying force” and the police bureau’s “aggressive clampdown of peaceful protest.”
“I demand action right now,” Ms. Hardesty said in a statement. “Mayor Wheeler, if you can’t control the police, give me the Portland Police Bureau.”
Meanwhile, President Trump kept up the pressure Sunday on officials in the city, which has become the center of national protest violence since the dismantling two weeks ago of Seattle’s occupied autonomous zone.
SEE ALSO: Ken Cuccinelli: DHS would deploy Portland-like response if there are threats elsewhere
“We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it,” Mr. Trump tweeted. “Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal!”
That said, the protests are making inroads. Since they began, Portland Police Chief Jami Resch has stepped down, clearing the way for a Black successor, and the Portland City Council voted to slash police funding by $15 million in response to calls to “defund the police.”
At a Friday rally and vigil outside the federal courthouse, activist Lilith Sinclair drew cheers from the crowd of about 200 and other speakers, including clergy, when they said she was “organizing for the abolition not just of the militarized police state, but also the United States as we know it.”
Meanwhile, the Portland Police Association executive board issued a vote of no confidence July 8 against the City Council, saying “our officers have endured weeks of rocks, bricks, bottles, mortars, and other objects hurled at them with hate.”
‘Let our people go!’
Against such a backdrop, the idea of 17 counties breaking off from Oregon and joining Idaho seems a lot less radical than it once did.
After launching last year, Greater Idaho is collecting signatures in 15 of those counties for ballot measures that direct local officials to participate in negotiations on redrawing Idaho’s state line, a process that has been hampered by the statewide shutdown by Ms. Brown, a Democrat.
The organization filed a lawsuit June 30 in federal court to reduce the number of required valid signatures, arguing that the stay-at-home order has hampered the ability of volunteers to meet the Aug. 5 petition deadline on county ballot measures. A hearing is scheduled for Monday.
“This lockdown has hurt our ability to collect signatures,” Mr. McCarter said. “We’ve got volunteers in every single county that has our petition. We would have filed this suit earlier, but we were hoping the lockdown wouldn’t last this long.”
He has reason for optimism. Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane ordered the state to reduce by 50% the signature threshold for Politicians Not People, a statewide ballot campaign, and extend the deadline from July 2 to Aug. 17, citing the state lockdown.
Oregon Attorney General Bev Clarno filed Wednesday for an emergency stay on his order.
In three counties — Jefferson, Union and Douglas — he said volunteers have collected more than half of the required signatures but need an extension to meet the deadline. Other counties lag further behind.
Then there’s Sherman County, which requires only 60 valid signatures to qualify. “We hope some volunteer will knock that one out,” Mr. McCarter said.
Greater Idaho is nothing if not grassroots. Although he estimates that the movement has 9,000 volunteers, Mr. McCarter said nobody is paid, and the campaign has none of the “corporate money necessary to send mass mailings of petitions to citizens.”
The effort does have the support of some Oregon Republican legislators. Idaho Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, has said he would welcome any would-be Idahoans from Oregon, although he said the movement has a long way to go given that both state legislatures and Congress would need to sign off on redrawing the state lines.
For Mr. McCarter and others, however, the attempt is worth the trouble. They say the concerns of rural Oregon have been ignored or dismissed as political power concentrates in the increasingly left-wing population centers of Portland and Eugene.
“Our message to Oregon’s state political leadership is: let our people go!” Greater Idaho said in a statement on its website. “Your counties have different goals, different values, and different economies. Your primary voters will be glad to get rid of ‘Trump-voting low-income counties.’ Let us be governed by a state that understands us. Please negotiate a deal with Idaho.”
• Alex Swoyer contributed to this report.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Rahm's wild day ends with Memorial win and No. 1 ranking

DUBLIN , Ohio ( AP ) - The drama was more than Jon Rahm wanted .
The result was what he always imagined .
Rahm became the No .
1 player in the world Sunday with a victory in the Memorial in which he watched an eight-shot lead at the turn shrink to three shots with three holes to play , and then hit what he called the greatest shot of his life that turned into a bogey because of a penalty .
All that mattered was that fist-bump - not a handshake - with Jack Nicklaus , and taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the only Spaniards to reach No .
1 in the world .
With a two-shot penalty for his ball moving the length of a dimple on his chip-in behind the 16th green , Rahm closed with 3-over 75 for a three-shot victory over Ryan Palmer .
Rahm got up-and-down on the final four greens , which made it feel even sweeter .
“ One of the best performances of my life , ” Rahm said .
“ Yesterday was probably one of the best rounds of my life , and finished today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spaniard , I ’ m kind of glad it happened that way.
” The fiery emotion is his hallmark .
He showed it with a tee shot that sailed left into a creek on the 11th hole , Rahm slamming his club into the ground in a pique of anger .
And it was evident with that ferocious fist-pump when his flop shot from deep rough behind the 16th green rolled into the cup .
Birdie or bogey , it was a winner , a shot that would have made Ballesteros proud .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , I ’ m not going to lie , ” he told Nicklaus off the 18th green .
With the penalty - Rahm had no idea it was an issue after his round , but accepted the penalty when he saw a video that zoomed in close on the ball - he finished at 9-under 279 for his 10th career victory , fourth on the PGA Tour .
Muirfield Village played its toughest in 42 years , with only five players under par , the fewest for the final round since this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 75 was the highest finish by a winner since Roger Maltbie shot 76 the inaugural year .
The rough wasn ’ t cut all week .
The greens were allowed to go to the edge because they are being replaced .
Crews already had stripped the entire fifth green as the leaders were on the back nine .
Rahm looked to be playing a different course .
He played bogey-free on the front nine with birdies on the two par 5s .
That put him eight shots clear on his way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made bogey on the 10th .
Not a problem .
He yanked his tee shot into a creek on the par-5 11th , and that was a bigger problem based on how hard he slammed the club into the ground in a pique of anger .
He made double bogey .
Palmer made birdie on the 12th , and then Rahm made another bogey from the bunker on the 14th .
Just like that , the lead was three shots .
Only a week ago at Muirfield Village for the Workday Charity Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with three holes to play and wound up losing in a playoff to Collin Morikawa .
Rahm was worried his tee shot might find the back bunker , though the rough was not a great option with how fast the greens were running .
Rahm was thinking anything inside 10 feet would be good .
This was perfect , the ball landing on the fringe and sliding down the slope into the cup .
As for the penalty ?
“ It doesn ’ t change the outcome of the tournament , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit of an asterisk in it in the sense of I wish I could just keep that birdie because it was one of the greatest shots of my life , right ?
” The chip was similar - but from a different angle - to Tiger Woods chipping in from behind the 16th green when he won the Memorial for the fifth time in 2012 .
Woods , in his first competition since Feb. 16 because of the COVID-19 pandemic , shot 76 and tied for 40th .
“ Tough , tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , Thursday and Sunday , ” Woods said .
“ But it was good to get the feel and the flow of competing again.
” Matthew Fitzpatrick had a 68 for the low score of the final day to finish third .
The consolation prize went to Palmer ( 74 ) and Mackenzie Hughes ( 72 ) , who earned spots in the U.S. Open at Winged Foot in September as the leading two players from the top 10 who were not already eligible .
Henrik Norlander could have taken the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he missed the fairway well to the right , couldn ’ t reach the green and made bogey .
Norlander and Hughes tied at 3-under 285 , but the spot went to Hughes because he had the better world ranking .
That ranking now starts with Rahm , who only four years ago was at the Memorial to receive the Jack Nicklaus Award as the nation ’ s best college player .
Now he ’ s the best in the world , a ranking that McIlroy had since Feb. 9 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said after his tie for 32nd .
“ He ’ s been playing great for a long time .
Even the display this week , it ’ s pretty impressive .
”

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) - The drama was more than Jon Rahm wanted. The result was what he always imagined.
Rahm became the No. 1 player in the world Sunday with a victory in the Memorial in which he watched an eight-shot lead at the turn shrink to three shots with three holes to play, and then hit what he called the greatest shot of his life that turned into a bogey because of a penalty.
All that mattered was that fist-bump - not a handshake - with Jack Nicklaus, and taking his place along his idol Seve Ballesteros as the only Spaniards to reach No. 1 in the world.
With a two-shot penalty for his ball moving the length of a dimple on his chip-in behind the 16th green, Rahm closed with 3-over 75 for a three-shot victory over Ryan Palmer.
Rahm got up-and-down on the final four greens, which made it feel even sweeter.
“One of the best performances of my life,” Rahm said. “Yesterday was probably one of the best rounds of my life, and finished today with some clutch up-and-downs. As a Spaniard, I’m kind of glad it happened that way.”
The fiery emotion is his hallmark. He showed it with a tee shot that sailed left into a creek on the 11th hole, Rahm slamming his club into the ground in a pique of anger. And it was evident with that ferocious fist-pump when his flop shot from deep rough behind the 16th green rolled into the cup.
Birdie or bogey, it was a winner, a shot that would have made Ballesteros proud.
“I still can’t believe it, I’m not going to lie,” he told Nicklaus off the 18th green.
With the penalty - Rahm had no idea it was an issue after his round, but accepted the penalty when he saw a video that zoomed in close on the ball - he finished at 9-under 279 for his 10th career victory, fourth on the PGA Tour.
Muirfield Village played its toughest in 42 years, with only five players under par, the fewest for the final round since this tournament began in 1976. Rahm’s 75 was the highest finish by a winner since Roger Maltbie shot 76 the inaugural year.
The rough wasn’t cut all week. The greens were allowed to go to the edge because they are being replaced. Crews already had stripped the entire fifth green as the leaders were on the back nine.
Rahm looked to be playing a different course. He played bogey-free on the front nine with birdies on the two par 5s. That put him eight shots clear on his way to No. 1.
And then he made bogey on the 10th. Not a problem.
He yanked his tee shot into a creek on the par-5 11th, and that was a bigger problem based on how hard he slammed the club into the ground in a pique of anger. He made double bogey. Palmer made birdie on the 12th, and then Rahm made another bogey from the bunker on the 14th.
Just like that, the lead was three shots.
Only a week ago at Muirfield Village for the Workday Charity Open, Justin Thomas had a three-shot lead with three holes to play and wound up losing in a playoff to Collin Morikawa.
Rahm was worried his tee shot might find the back bunker, though the rough was not a great option with how fast the greens were running. Rahm was thinking anything inside 10 feet would be good. This was perfect, the ball landing on the fringe and sliding down the slope into the cup.
As for the penalty?
“It doesn’t change the outcome of the tournament,” he said. “It just puts a little bit of an asterisk in it in the sense of I wish I could just keep that birdie because it was one of the greatest shots of my life, right?”
The chip was similar - but from a different angle - to Tiger Woods chipping in from behind the 16th green when he won the Memorial for the fifth time in 2012.
Woods, in his first competition since Feb. 16 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, shot 76 and tied for 40th.
“Tough, tough conditions to start out my first week back, Thursday and Sunday,” Woods said. “But it was good to get the feel and the flow of competing again.”
Matthew Fitzpatrick had a 68 for the low score of the final day to finish third.
The consolation prize went to Palmer (74) and Mackenzie Hughes (72), who earned spots in the U.S. Open at Winged Foot in September as the leading two players from the top 10 who were not already eligible.
Henrik Norlander could have taken the final spot with a par on the 18th, but he missed the fairway well to the right, couldn’t reach the green and made bogey. Norlander and Hughes tied at 3-under 285, but the spot went to Hughes because he had the better world ranking.
That ranking now starts with Rahm, who only four years ago was at the Memorial to receive the Jack Nicklaus Award as the nation’s best college player.
Now he’s the best in the world, a ranking that McIlroy had since Feb. 9.
“He deserves it,” McIlroy said after his tie for 32nd. “He’s been playing great for a long time. Even the display this week, it’s pretty impressive.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Kanye West addresses abortion at campaign event in North Charleston, South Carolina

COLUMBIA , S.C. — Rapper Kanye West , in his first event since declaring himself a presidential candidate , delivered a lengthy monologue Sunday touching on topics from abortion and religion to international trade and licensing deals .
Whether he ’ s actually seeking the nation ’ s highest office remains a question .
West said that while he believes abortion should be legal , financial incentives to help struggling mothers could be a way to discourage the practice .
“ Everybody that has a baby gets a million dollars , ” he said as an example .
Wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaved into his head , the entertainer spoke before a crowd in North Charleston , South Carolina .
According to a livestream of the event , it appeared that several hundred people had gathered in a venue , where gospel music played before West ’ s appearance .
The event was reportedly for registered guests only , although a campaign website had no registration or RSVP information .
Speaking without a microphone , West became tearful at one point while talking about his mother , who died following plastic surgery complications in 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualify for the ballot in several states , and it ’ s unclear if he is willing or able to collect enough signatures required to qualify in others .
Last week , he qualified to appear on Oklahoma ’ s presidential ballot , the first state where he met the requirements before the filing deadline .
West needs to collect 10,000 signatures by noon Monday to appear on the South Carolina ballot , according to state law .
The entertainer tweeted out a list of locations around the Charleston area where petitions could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purportedly associated with the campaign was not returned Sunday afternoon .
West , who is married to reality television star Kim Kardashian West , initially announced his candidacy on July 4 .

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Rapper Kanye West, in his first event since declaring himself a presidential candidate, delivered a lengthy monologue Sunday touching on topics from abortion and religion to international trade and licensing deals. Whether he’s actually seeking the nation’s highest office remains a question.
West said that while he believes abortion should be legal, financial incentives to help struggling mothers could be a way to discourage the practice.
“Everybody that has a baby gets a million dollars,” he said as an example.
Wearing a protective vest and with “2020” shaved into his head, the entertainer spoke before a crowd in North Charleston, South Carolina. According to a livestream of the event, it appeared that several hundred people had gathered in a venue, where gospel music played before West’s appearance.
The event was reportedly for registered guests only, although a campaign website had no registration or RSVP information.
Speaking without a microphone, West became tearful at one point while talking about his mother, who died following plastic surgery complications in 2007.
West has missed the deadline to qualify for the ballot in several states, and it’s unclear if he is willing or able to collect enough signatures required to qualify in others. Last week, he qualified to appear on Oklahoma’s presidential ballot, the first state where he met the requirements before the filing deadline.
West needs to collect 10,000 signatures by noon Monday to appear on the South Carolina ballot, according to state law. The entertainer tweeted out a list of locations around the Charleston area where petitions could be signed. Email to an address purportedly associated with the campaign was not returned Sunday afternoon.
West, who is married to reality television star Kim Kardashian West, initially announced his candidacy on July 4.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--The United Arab Emirates says its 'Amal' space probe functioning after launch as it heads toward Mar

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - The United Arab Emirates says its ‘ Amal ’ space probe @ @ @ @ @ heads toward Mars .

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The United Arab Emirates says its ‘Amal’ space probe functioning after launch as it heads toward Mars.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--New Mexico charting surge in coronavirus around Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - State health officials are charting a recent surge in coronavirus cases in the Albuquerque area as New Mexico nears 17,000 reported cases of the COVID-19 illness .
The Albuquerque Journal reported Sunday the number of infections tallied by the New Mexico Department of Health nearly doubled from mid-June to mid-July in Bernalillo County , including the state ’ s most urban area .
That compared with a 60 % increase statewide over the same period .
State health officials say at least 571 people have died during the COVID-19 pandemic .
State Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Bernalillo County had “ almost a vertical line uptick ” in cases , and blamed the recent increase on people growing tired of health restrictions , leaving homes more often and becoming less cautious .
Scrase said the surge also could be traced to Fourth of July social gatherings , .
McKinley County in northwestern New Mexico still has the most infections per person of any county .
It has recorded 199 deaths from COVID-19 , compared with 100 in Bernalillo County .
For most people , the virus causes mild or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Older adults and people with existing health problems can face severe illness and death .
The vast majority recover .

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - State health officials are charting a recent surge in coronavirus cases in the Albuquerque area as New Mexico nears 17,000 reported cases of the COVID-19 illness.
The Albuquerque Journal reported Sunday the number of infections tallied by the New Mexico Department of Health nearly doubled from mid-June to mid-July in Bernalillo County, including the state’s most urban area.
That compared with a 60% increase statewide over the same period.
State health officials say at least 571 people have died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Human Services Secretary David Scrase told the Journal that Bernalillo County had “almost a vertical line uptick” in cases, and blamed the recent increase on people growing tired of health restrictions, leaving homes more often and becoming less cautious.
Scrase said the surge also could be traced to Fourth of July social gatherings,.
McKinley County in northwestern New Mexico still has the most infections per person of any county. It has recorded 199 deaths from COVID-19, compared with 100 in Bernalillo County.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms for up to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems can face severe illness and death. The vast majority recover.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Kanye West criticizes Harriet Tubman at his political rally

COLUMBIA , S.C. ( AP ) - Rapper Kanye West , in his first event since declaring himself a presidential candidate , ranted against historical figure Harriet Tubman on Sunday , saying the Underground Railroad conductor “ never actually freed the slaves , she just had them work for other white people , ” comments that drew shouts of opposition from some in the crowd .
West delivered a lengthy monologue , touching on topics from abortion and religion to international trade and licensing deals , before a crowd in North Charleston , South Carolina .
Whether he is actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains a question .
Tubman is one of the most respected figures of 19th century America .
An African American who escaped slavery , she helped enslaved Black men and women travel north to freedom and fought for the Union during the Civil War .
She later became a supporter of women ’ s suffrage .
On abortion , West said that while he believes it should be legal , financial incentives to help struggling mothers could be a way to discourage the practice .
“ Everybody that has a baby gets a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an example .
Wearing a protective vest and with “ 2020 ” shaved into his head , the entertainer appeared on a livestream of the event .
Several hundred people gathered in a venue , where gospel music played before West ’ s appearance .
The event was reportedly for registered guests only , although a campaign website had no registration or RSVP information .
Speaking without a microphone , West became tearful at one point while talking about his mother , who died following plastic surgery complications in 2007 .
West missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in several states , and it was unclear if he was willing or able to collect enough signatures required to qualify in others .
Last week , he qualified to appear on Oklahoma ’ s presidential ballot , the first state where he met the requirements before the filing deadline .
West needed to collect 10,000 signatures by noon Monday to appear on the South Carolina ballot , according to state law .
The entertainer tweeted out a list of locations around the Charleston area where petitions could be signed .
Email to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not returned Sunday afternoon .
West , who is married to reality television star Kim Kardashian West , initially announced his candidacy on July 4 .
Meg Kinnard can be reached at http : //twitter.com/MegKinnardAP

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Rapper Kanye West, in his first event since declaring himself a presidential candidate, ranted against historical figure Harriet Tubman on Sunday, saying the Underground Railroad conductor “never actually freed the slaves, she just had them work for other white people,” comments that drew shouts of opposition from some in the crowd.
West delivered a lengthy monologue, touching on topics from abortion and religion to international trade and licensing deals, before a crowd in North Charleston, South Carolina. Whether he is actually seeking the nation’s highest office remains a question.
Tubman is one of the most respected figures of 19th century America. An African American who escaped slavery, she helped enslaved Black men and women travel north to freedom and fought for the Union during the Civil War. She later became a supporter of women’s suffrage.
On abortion, West said that while he believes it should be legal, financial incentives to help struggling mothers could be a way to discourage the practice.
“Everybody that has a baby gets a million dollars,” he said as an example.
Wearing a protective vest and with “2020” shaved into his head, the entertainer appeared on a livestream of the event. Several hundred people gathered in a venue, where gospel music played before West’s appearance.
The event was reportedly for registered guests only, although a campaign website had no registration or RSVP information.
Speaking without a microphone, West became tearful at one point while talking about his mother, who died following plastic surgery complications in 2007.
West missed the deadline to qualify for the ballot in several states, and it was unclear if he was willing or able to collect enough signatures required to qualify in others. Last week, he qualified to appear on Oklahoma’s presidential ballot, the first state where he met the requirements before the filing deadline.
West needed to collect 10,000 signatures by noon Monday to appear on the South Carolina ballot, according to state law. The entertainer tweeted out a list of locations around the Charleston area where petitions could be signed. Email to an address purportedly associated with the campaign was not returned Sunday afternoon.
West, who is married to reality television star Kim Kardashian West, initially announced his candidacy on July 4.
___
Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Inside the Beltway: Black conservative takes on Maxine Waters

Joe E. Collins III grew up in South-Central Los Angeles in a neighborhood where crime literally struck home the day a drive-by shooting left bullet holes in both the windows and the family sofa .
Inner city life did not faze the young man , who later joined the Navy , became a fighter-jet mechanic , saw combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom , served as a Navy recruiter , and was certified as both a financial planner and a mental health counselor .
Following the 2016 election , Mr. Collins became acutely aware of the huge populations of disenfranchised Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and politicians who were failing their constituents .
So he decided to run for Congress , and is now opposing Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters in California ’ s 43rd District — determined , he says — to bring “ integrity and opportunity ” back to his community .
He has endorsements from both the California and Los Angeles County GOP organizations , and currently operates a free food pantry from his campaign headquarters .
“ There is no secret that the policies of the Democratic Party have destroyed the very fabric of minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of quality jobs , poor education and Joe Biden ’ s 1994 crime bill have directly contributed to the demise of our communities , ” Mr. Collins tells Inside the Beltway .
He notes that Mr. Biden ’ s legislation “ introduced mass incarceration of men of color because he thinks that Black people are super predators.
” The candidate is determined to take care of his district .
“ There has never been a Democratic leader , including former President Obama and Maxine Waters , who has taken productive steps towards improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of their party have caused .
Maxine Waters and other so called leaders of the Democratic Party are pathetic and they prove it daily .
We don ’ t need anymore pandering .
We need action and opportunity , ” he says .
A faithful sector of the U.S. economy appears to be on the rebound .
“ While small-business owners remain less optimistic about their current and future business situations than they were pre-pandemic , the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey highlights improvement in sentiment since early April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners are more optimistic than pessimistic about their business , up from 47 % in early April but still off from the 80 % in January , before the weight of the pandemic hit , ” Gallup reports .
“ In addition to their generalized optimism about their business , small-business owners express increased positivity about their financial situation , revenue and cash flow over the next 12 months , ” the pollster says .
The source is a poll of 1,478 small-business owners , conducted May 29-June 5 and released Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ public ’ s distrust of the news media continues .
Almost two-thirds of likely U.S. voters — 63 % — believe major news organizations have their own political agendas according to a new Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 likely voters conducted July 15-16 .
Only 27 % say these large-scale news operations are impartial .
“ Democrats ( 42 % ) , however , are far less likely than Republicans ( 87 % ) and voters not affiliated with either major party ( 63 % ) to believe most news organizations are politically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another 58 % of voters agree that the public still pines for news that is accurate and balanced — and that “ once-great journalistic institutions ” have violated such traditional standards .
There ’ s a revealing partisan divide : 79 % of Republicans , 55 % of independents and 42 % of Democrats also say news consumers want a quality product and believe the news organizations have dropped their standards .
Meanwhile , just 30 % of voters trust the political news they get , while 44 % believe most reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s agenda .
By contrast , 48 % thought reporters were trying to help President Obama pass his agenda in 2010 , according to a similar poll conducted that year .
Even then , two-thirds of the respondents were “ angry ” at the media .
Conservative talk show host and columnist Dennis Prager ’ s online “ Prager U ” — which offers free scholarly videos reflecting Judeo-Christian values — has a new outreach .
The “ Back the Blue ” social media campaign is centered on hashtags # BackTheBlue ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we need to defend the police not defund the police.
” Mr. Prager invites one and all to start blanketing Twitter with the hashtags at 10 a.m. EDT Monday .
Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2021 White House Internship Program , a three-month experience which starts Jan. 27 .
Hopefuls must be at least 18 , a U.S. citizen and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college , community college , or university , or have recently completed the degree .
U.S. military veterans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also welcome as long as they have served on active duty for any length of time in the past two years .
“ Applicants are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to public service , leadership in the community , and commitment to the Trump administration , ” the organizers advise .
The online application process will be open until Aug. 28 .
Consult Whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships .
• 65 % of U.S. adults say there are cases of COVID-19 in their community ; 60 % of Republicans , 64 % of independents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47 % say the pandemic in the U.S. overall is going to get worse ; 26 % of Republicans , 46 % of independents and 67 % of Democrats agree .
• 21 % say their community is in the “ worst part ” of the pandemic ; 26 % of Republicans , 19 % of independents and 19 % of Democrats agree .
• 16 % say the worst part of the pandemic is behind them ; 33 % of Republicans , 14 % of independents and 5 % of Democrats agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 15 % of Republicans , 21 % of independents and 9 % of Democrats agree .
Source : An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted July 12-14 , with an error margin of 3.3 percentage points .

NEWS AND OPINION:
Joe E. Collins III grew up in South-Central Los Angeles in a neighborhood where crime literally struck home the day a drive-by shooting left bullet holes in both the windows and the family sofa. Inner city life did not faze the young man, who later joined the Navy, became a fighter-jet mechanic, saw combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom, served as a Navy recruiter, and was certified as both a financial planner and a mental health counselor.
Following the 2016 election, Mr. Collins became acutely aware of the huge populations of disenfranchised Americans, a news media which promoted outrage and politicians who were failing their constituents.
So he decided to run for Congress, and is now opposing Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters in California’s 43rd District — determined, he says — to bring “integrity and opportunity” back to his community. He has endorsements from both the California and Los Angeles County GOP organizations, and currently operates a free food pantry from his campaign headquarters.
“There is no secret that the policies of the Democratic Party have destroyed the very fabric of minority communities. No economic development, lack of quality jobs, poor education and Joe Biden’s 1994 crime bill have directly contributed to the demise of our communities,” Mr. Collins tells Inside the Beltway.
He notes that Mr. Biden’s legislation “introduced mass incarceration of men of color because he thinks that Black people are super predators.” The candidate is determined to take care of his district.
“There has never been a Democratic leader, including former President Obama and Maxine Waters, who has taken productive steps towards improving or reversing the decades of destruction the members of their party have caused. Maxine Waters and other so called leaders of the Democratic Party are pathetic and they prove it daily. We don’t need anymore pandering. We need action and opportunity,” he says.
Find his campaign here.
TURNING THE CORNER
A faithful sector of the U.S. economy appears to be on the rebound.
“While small-business owners remain less optimistic about their current and future business situations than they were pre-pandemic, the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey highlights improvement in sentiment since early April. Two-thirds (67%) of small-business owners are more optimistic than pessimistic about their business, up from 47% in early April but still off from the 80% in January, before the weight of the pandemic hit,” Gallup reports.
“In addition to their generalized optimism about their business, small-business owners express increased positivity about their financial situation, revenue and cash flow over the next 12 months,” the pollster says.
The source is a poll of 1,478 small-business owners, conducted May 29-June 5 and released Tuesday.
STILL UP TO THEIR OLD TRICKS
The public’s distrust of the news media continues. Almost two-thirds of likely U.S. voters — 63% — believe major news organizations have their own political agendas according to a new Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 likely voters conducted July 15-16. Only 27% say these large-scale news operations are impartial.
“Democrats (42%), however, are far less likely than Republicans (87%) and voters not affiliated with either major party (63%) to believe most news organizations are politically biased,” the poll analysis said.
Another 58% of voters agree that the public still pines for news that is accurate and balanced — and that “once-great journalistic institutions” have violated such traditional standards. There’s a revealing partisan divide: 79% of Republicans, 55% of independents and 42% of Democrats also say news consumers want a quality product and believe the news organizations have dropped their standards.
Meanwhile, just 30% of voters trust the political news they get, while 44% believe most reporters are trying to block President Trump‘s agenda. By contrast, 48% thought reporters were trying to help President Obama pass his agenda in 2010, according to a similar poll conducted that year. Even then, two-thirds of the respondents were “angry” at the media.
#BACKTHEBLUE
Conservative talk show host and columnist Dennis Prager‘s online “Prager U” — which offers free scholarly videos reflecting Judeo-Christian values — has a new outreach.
The “Back the Blue” social media campaign is centered on hashtags #BackTheBlue” and #DefendThePolice — and touts the motto “we need to defend the police not defund the police.”
Mr. Prager invites one and all to start blanketing Twitter with the hashtags on Monday. Find the complete “toolkit” here.
“Our brave police men and women are under attack by the mainstream media and radical Leftist groups who want people to believe that most law enforcement officers are racist,” said Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU. “But they aren’t all bad cops. They put their lives on the line for us every day, and they need to know that we value them.”
WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP ALERT
Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2021 White House Internship Program, a three-month experience which starts Jan. 27. Hopefuls must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university, or have recently completed the degree. U.S. military veterans with a high school diploma or equivalent are also welcome as long as they have served on active duty for any length of time in the past two years.
“Applicants are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to public service, leadership in the community, and commitment to the Trump administration,” the organizers advise.
The online application process will be open until Aug. 28. Consult Whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships.
POLL DU JOUR
• 65% of U.S. adults say there are cases of COVID-19 in their community; 60% of Republicans, 64% of independents and 71% of Democrats agree.
• 47% say the pandemic in the U.S. overall is going to get worse; 26% of Republicans, 46% of independents and 67% of Democrats agree.
• 21% say their community is in the “worst part” of the pandemic; 26% of Republicans, 19% of independents and 19% of Democrats agree.
• 16% say the worst part of the pandemic is behind them; 33% of Republicans, 14% of independents and 5% of Democrats agree.
• 15% are not sure; 15% of Republicans, 21% of independents and 9% of Democrats agree.
Source: An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted July 12-14, with an error margin of 3.3 percentage points.
• Follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--American Action Network asks Justice Department to help it fend off suit demanding donor disclosure

A conservative nonprofit group has asked the Trump Justice Department to help fend off a lawsuit attempting to force the disclosure of its donors .
It is the latest twist in a unique legal battle that is testing the separation of powers over campaign finance litigation .
American Action Network says the left-leaning watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ( CREW ) has waged a nearly decade-long legal battle to force it to reveal the names of its donors .
CREW says the organization is operating as a political committee and therefore must disclose its donor list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which requires reporting and other measures for groups that spend money to influence elections .
The Federal Election Commission has refused to pursue violations against American Action Network , so CREW used an obscure federal law to take the group to court in the District of Columbia .
On Monday , American Action Network petitioned the court to have the Justice Department get involved , saying the constitutional issues in the case could have serious ramifications .
“ If CREW were to prevail , it would dramatically alter the separation of powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Ian Prior , a spokesman for American Action Network .
“ Attorney General Bill Barr has long been an advocate of a strong and independent executive branch , and it is important that the Department of Justice join this suit to prevent a political organization from hijacking an executive branch prosecution and using the courts to weaken our American system of checks and balances , ” he added .
The group charges that part of the federal law allowing CREW to usurp the government ’ s authority in pursuing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against it is unlawful , as it violates the Constitution by infringing on the authority given to the executive branch and getting the judiciary involved .
In court documents , the group argues that CREW can ’ t seek court intervention over the FEC ’ s decision not to pursue any charges against the conservative organization .
“ Neither the Constitution nor the law permits CREW ’ s effort to usurp executive enforcement authority to pursue stale and repeatedly dismissed allegations , ” American Action Network argues .
CREW first filed a complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the commission failed to act against American Action Network , CREW filed a federal lawsuit in 2018 , arguing the conservative group spent 71 % of its spending on campaign activities .
The watchdog group said American Action Network received nearly $ 3 million in contributions during its first fiscal year , 2009-2010 , and spent money on broadcast and digital advertisements in 29 primary and general elections , supporting Republican candidates .
A representative from CREW said the organization would not comment on pending litigation .
District Court Judge Christopher R. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to dismiss the case , ruling CREW has the legal standing to bring the suit due to “ informational injury ” in not being able to obtain access to American Action Network ’ s list of donors .
“ Because CREW has suffered a cognizable informational injury , it has established injury in fact , ” the judge wrote in an opinion issued in September .
The case has proceeded into discovery , but the Justice Department would have 60 days to file court papers to intervene .
A spokesperson from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment from The Washington Times .
William Yeatman , a research fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute , said the legal battle raises red flags and serious questions about the statute allowing citizens to bring suits such as the CREW case .
“ Given what we have seen in terms of the evidence — political fallout — this seems to fall evenly on partisan lines and there is nothing stopping the right-leaning groups suing the left-leaning groups , ” he said .
“ The whole thing stinks .
”

A conservative nonprofit group has asked the Trump Justice Department to help fend off a lawsuit attempting to force the disclosure of its donors.
It is the latest twist in a unique legal battle that is testing the separation of powers over campaign finance litigation.
American Action Network says the left-leaning watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has waged a nearly decade-long legal battle to force it to reveal the names of its donors.
CREW says the organization is operating as a political committee and therefore must disclose its donor list under the Federal Election Act of 1971, which requires reporting and other measures for groups that spend money to influence elections.
The Federal Election Commission has refused to pursue violations against American Action Network, so CREW used an obscure federal law to take the group to court in the District of Columbia.
On Monday, American Action Network petitioned the court to have the Justice Department get involved, saying the constitutional issues in the case could have serious ramifications.
“If CREW were to prevail, it would dramatically alter the separation of powers between the executive branch and the courts,” said Ian Prior, a spokesman for American Action Network.
“Attorney General Bill Barr has long been an advocate of a strong and independent executive branch, and it is important that the Department of Justice join this suit to prevent a political organization from hijacking an executive branch prosecution and using the courts to weaken our American system of checks and balances,” he added.
The group charges that part of the federal law allowing CREW to usurp the government’s authority in pursuing a private action over possible election law violations against it is unlawful, as it violates the Constitution by infringing on the authority given to the executive branch and getting the judiciary involved.
In court documents, the group argues that CREW can’t seek court intervention over the FEC’s decision not to pursue any charges against the conservative organization.
“Neither the Constitution nor the law permits CREW’s effort to usurp executive enforcement authority to pursue stale and repeatedly dismissed allegations,” American Action Network argues.
CREW first filed a complaint to the FEC in 2012, but after the commission failed to act against American Action Network, CREW filed a federal lawsuit in 2018, arguing the conservative group spent 71% of its spending on campaign activities.
The watchdog group said American Action Network received nearly $3 million in contributions during its first fiscal year, 2009-2010, and spent money on broadcast and digital advertisements in 29 primary and general elections, supporting Republican candidates.
A representative from CREW said the organization would not comment on pending litigation.
District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper, an Obama appointee, has refused to dismiss the case, ruling CREW has the legal standing to bring the suit due to “informational injury” in not being able to obtain access to American Action Network’s list of donors.
“Because CREW has suffered a cognizable informational injury, it has established injury in fact,” the judge wrote in an opinion issued in September.
The case has proceeded into discovery, but the Justice Department would have 60 days to file court papers to intervene.
A spokesperson from the Justice Department did not return a request for comment from The Washington Times.
William Yeatman, a research fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, said the legal battle raises red flags and serious questions about the statute allowing citizens to bring suits such as the CREW case.
“Given what we have seen in terms of the evidence — political fallout — this seems to fall evenly on partisan lines and there is nothing stopping the right-leaning groups suing the left-leaning groups,” he said. “The whole thing stinks.”
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--UAE's Amal spacecraft rockets toward Mars in Arab world 1st

TOKYO ( AP ) - A United Arab Emirates spacecraft rocketed away Monday on a seven-month journey to Mars , kicking off the Arab world ’ s first interplanetary mission .
The liftoff of the Mars orbiter named Amal , or Hope , from Japan marked the start of a rush to fly to Earth ’ s neighbor that includes attempts by China and the United States .
The UAE said its Amal was functioning after launch as it heads toward Mars .
Omran Sharaf , the project director of Emirates Mars Mission , told journalists in Dubai about an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the probe was sending signals .
Sharaf said his team now would examine the data , but everything appeared good for now .
People cheered and clapped , with one woman with offering a celebratory cry common for weddings .
Hope is set to reach Mars in February 2021 , the year the UAE celebrates 50 years since the country ’ s formation .
It blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center on a small southern Japanese island aboard a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ’ H-IIA rocket , on time at 6:58 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue sky .
Mitsubishi said the probe has been successfully separated from the rocket and is now on its solo journey .
The launch had been delayed for five days because of stormy weather .
At Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center in Dubai , Emirati men in their traditional white kandora robes and women in their black abayas watched transfixed as the rocket lifted off .
As its stages separated , a cheer went out from a group of Emirati men seated on the floor .
They began clapping , one using his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wipe away a tear .
“ It was great to see everything going according to schedule today .
It looks like things are all on track .
It ’ s a huge step in terms of space exploration to have a nation like the UAE taking that giant leap to send a spacecraft to Mars , ” Astronomer Fred Watson said .
“ Being on route to a planet like Mars is an exceptional achievement.
” A newcomer in space development , the UAE has successfully put three Earth observation satellites into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea and launched by Russia , and a third - its own - was launched by Japan .
A successful Hope mission to Mars would be a major step for the oil-dependent economy seeking a future in space , coming less than a year after the launch of the first UAE astronaut , Hazzaa Ali Almansoori .
He spent over a week at the International Space Station last fall .
The UAE has set a goal to build a human colony on Mars by 2117 .
“ It sends a very strong message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAE is able to reach Mars in less than 50 years , they could do much more , ” Omran Sharaf , the project director of Emirates Mars Mission , told The Associated Press on Sunday as his colleagues prepared for the launch .
The Emiratis involved in the program also acknowledged it represented a step forward for the Arab world , the home of mathematicians and scientists for centuries before the wars and chaos that have gripped wide swathes of it in recent times .
“ So the region has been going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if not centuries , ” Sharaf said .
“ Now we have the case of the UAE , a country that ’ s moving forward with its plans , looking at the future and the future of region also.
” For its first Mars mission , the UAE chose partners instead of doing it all on its own .
“ Developing a spacecraft is not easy even if there is ample funding , ” said Junya Terazono , an astronomer at Aizu University .
Emirati scientists worked with researchers at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Berkeley and Arizona State University .
The spacecraft was assembled at Boulder and transported to Japan as the two countries looked to expand their ties with the rich and politically stable Middle Eastern nation .
The Amal spacecraft , along with its launch , cost $ 200 million , according to Omran Sharaf , the UAE project manager .
Operation costs at Mars have yet to be divulged .
Amal , about the size of a small car , carries three instruments to study the upper atmosphere and monitor climate change while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years .
It is set to follow up on NASA ’ s Maven orbiter sent to Mars in 2014 to study how it went from a warm , wet world that may have harbored microbial life during its first billion years , to the cold , barren place of today .
Hope also plans to send back images of weather changes .
Japan , a U.S. ally , has already long collaborated in defense and space technology .
Resource-poor Japan has traditionally kept friendly ties with Middle Eastern countries .
In recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade and defense ties with the UAE , and now seeks to expand its space business .
Two other Mars missions are planned in the coming days by the U.S. and China .
The U.S. plans to send a rover named Perseverance to search for signs of ancient life and collect rock and soil samples for return to Earth .
Liftoff is targeted for July 30 .
China aims to explore Mars with an orbiter and rover to study the planet ’ s surface , and search for water and ice .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Japan has its own Mars mission planned in 2024 .
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency , or JAXA , plans to send a spacecraft to the Martian moon Phobos to collect samples to bring back to Earth in 2029 .
Milko reported from Jakarta , Indonesia .
Associated Press writers Malak Harb and Jon Gambrell in Dubai , United Arab Emirates , contributed to this report .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely @ @ @ @ @

TOKYO (AP) - A United Arab Emirates spacecraft rocketed into blue skies from a Japanese launch center Monday at the start of a seven-month journey to Mars on the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission.
The liftoff of the Mars orbiter named Amal, or Hope, starts a rush to fly to Earth’s neighbor that is scheduled to be followed in the next few days by China and the United States.
At the space center in Dubai, people watching were transfixed by the liftoff, then cheered and clapped, with one woman with offering a celebratory cry common for weddings.
Amal blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center aboard a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ H-IIA rocket on time at 6:58 a.m. (2158 GMT Sunday) after being delayed five days by bad weather.
Mitsubishi later said the probe successfully separated from the rocket and was now on its solo journey to Mars.
The probe was sending signals that would be analyzed later but everything appeared good for now, Omran Sharaf, the UAE Mars mission director told journalists in Dubai about an hour and a half after liftoff.
Amal is set to reach Mars in February 2021, the year the UAE celebrates 50 years since the country’s formation. In September that year, Amal will start transmitting Martian atmospheric data, which will be made available to the international scientific community, Sharaf said.
“The UAE is now a member of the club and we will learn more and we will engage more and we’ll continue developing our space exploration program,” UAE Space Agency chief Mohammed Al Ahbabi told a joint online news conference from Tanegashima.
At Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center in Dubai, Emirati men in their traditional white kandora robes and women in their black abayas watched the liftoff. As its stages separated, a cheer went out from men seated on the floor. They began clapping, one using his face mask, worn due to the coronavirus pandemic, to wipe away a tear.
“It was great to see everything going according to schedule today. It looks like things are all on track. It’s a huge step in terms of space exploration to have a nation like the UAE taking that giant leap to send a spacecraft to Mars,” said Fred Watson, Australia’s astronomer-at-large. “Being on route to a planet like Mars is an exceptional achievement.”
A newcomer in space development, the UAE has successfully put three Earth observation satellites into orbit. Two were developed by South Korea and launched by Russia, and a third - its own - was launched by Japan.
A successful mission to Mars would be a major step for the oil-dependent economy seeking a future in space, coming less than a year after the launch of the first UAE astronaut, Hazzaa Ali Almansoori. He spent over a week at the International Space Station last fall.
The UAE has set a goal to build a human colony on Mars by 2117.
“It sends a very strong message to the Arab youth that if the UAE is able to reach Mars in less than 50 years, they could do much more,” Sharaf told The Associated Press on Sunday as his colleagues prepared for the launch.
The Emiratis also acknowledged it represented a step forward for the Arab world, the home of mathematicians and scientists for centuries before the wars and chaos that have gripped wide swathes of it in recent times.
“So the region has been going through tough times in the past decades, if not centuries,” Sharaf said. “Now we have the case of the UAE, a country that’s moving forward with its plans, looking at the future and the future of region also.”
For its first Mars mission, the UAE chose partners instead of doing it all on its own.
“Developing a spacecraft is not easy even if there is ample funding,” said Junya Terazono, an astronomer at Aizu University.
Emirati scientists worked with researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, University of California, Berkeley, and Arizona State University. The spacecraft was assembled at Boulder and transported to Japan as the two countries looked to expand their ties with the rich and politically stable Middle Eastern nation.
The Amal spacecraft, along with its launch, cost $200 million, according to Sharaf. Operation costs at Mars have yet to be divulged.
Amal, about the size of a small car, carries three instruments to study the upper atmosphere and monitor climate change while circling the red planet for at least two years. It is set to follow up on NASA’s Maven orbiter sent to Mars in 2014 to study how the planet went from a warm, wet world that may have harbored microbial life during its first billion years, to the cold, barren place of today. Hope also plans to send back images of weather changes.
Japan has long collaborated with the U.S. and other partners in defense and space technology, and the resource-poor country has traditionally kept friendly ties with Middle Eastern countries. Japan’s launch services are known for accuracy and an on-time record, but the providers are working to cut costs to be more internationally competitive.
Two other Mars missions are planned in coming days. China aims to explore the Martian surface with an orbiter and rover and to search for water and ice with a launch expected around Thursday. The U.S. plans to send a rover named Perseverance to search for signs of ancient life and collect rock and soil samples for return to Earth. Liftoff is targeted for July 30.
Japan has its own Mars mission planned in 2024. It plans to send spacecraft to the Martian moon Phobos to collect samples to bring back to Earth in 2029.
___
Milko reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. Associated Press writers Malak Harb and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Police: Shooting leaves man dead at Missouri gas station

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Police are investigating a Sunday shooting at a Missouri gas station @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers were dispatched to a gas station in Kansas City , Missouri , just @ @ @ @ @ disturbance with a person armed with a gun , the Kansas City Police Department said @ @ @ @ @ When they arrived , the officers found a man unresponsive next to a vehicle .
@ @ @ @ @ .
The person who called police said the victim had gotten into an altercation with @ @ @ @ @ shots being fired .
Other officers stopped a vehicle that had been described by witnesses @ @ @ @ @ police arrived .
Its occupants are in custody pending further investigation .
Police are processing @ @ @ @ @ piece together what led up to the shooting .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Police are investigating a Sunday shooting at a Missouri gas station that left a man dead.
Officers were dispatched to a gas station in Kansas City, Missouri, just before 3 p.m. on a disturbance with a person armed with a gun, the Kansas City Police Department said in a news release.
When they arrived, the officers found a man unresponsive next to a vehicle. He died at the scene.
The person who called police said the victim had gotten into an altercation with another person which led to shots being fired.
Other officers stopped a vehicle that had been described by witnesses as leaving the scene before police arrived. Its occupants are in custody pending further investigation.
Police are processing the scene and trying to piece together what led up to the shooting.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Jerrold Nadler 'alarmed' by Trump tactics against Portland, Oregon protesters

PORTLAND , Ore. ( — Top leaders in the U.S. House said Sunday they were “ alarmed ” by the Trump administration ’ s tactics against protesters in Portland , Oregon , and other cities , including Washington , D.C. , and called on federal inspectors general investigate .
“ This is a matter of utmost urgency , ” wrote House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler , D-New York , Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson , D-Mississippi , and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-New York , in a letter to the inspectors general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security .
The Democratic lawmakers are seeking an investigation “ into the use of federal law enforcement agencies by the Attorney General and the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security to suppress First Amendment protected activities in Washington , D.C. , Portland , and other communities across the United States.
” The mayor of Oregon ’ s largest city said Sunday the presence of federal agents is exacerbating tensions in Portland , which has seen nearly two months of nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Speaking on CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler said federal officers “ are not wanted here .
We haven ’ t asked them here .
In fact , we want them to leave.
” President Donald Trump has decried the demonstrations , and Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf blasted the protesters as “ lawless anarchists ” in a visit to the city on Thursday .
“ We are trying to help Portland , not hurt it , ” Trump tweeted Sunday .
“ Their leadership has , for months , lost control of the anarchists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
We must protect Federal property , AND OUR PEOPLE .
These were not merely protesters , these are the real deal !
” Late Saturday , protesters broke into a building , set it on fire and started dumpster fires , police said .
The fire at the Portland Police Association building was put out a short time later , Portland police said on Twitter .
The department declared the gathering a riot , and began working to clear the area in North Portland .
“ As the crowd was dispersed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested and officers were able to extinguish the fire .
Portland Police did not use any CS gas , ” the bureau said in a statement early Sunday .
Police said protesters had first gathered at the Portland Police Bureau ’ s North Precinct , vandalizing patrol vehicles and taunting officers as they reported for work .
Police dispersed the group , which then went to the Portland Police Association building .
Tear gas was deployed against another group of demonstrators near the federal courthouse in downtown Portland on Saturday night , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been placed around the courthouse had also been removed by protesters and made into barricades , police tweeted .
Before the aggressive language and action from federal officials , the unrest had frustrated Wheeler and other local authorities , who had said a small cadre of violent activists were drowning out the message of peaceful protesters in the city .
But Wheeler said the federal presence in the city is now exacerbating a tense situation .
“ What we ’ re seeing is a blatant abuse of police tactics by the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Ellen Rosenblum sued Homeland Security and the Marshals Service in federal court late Friday .
The complaint said unidentified federal agents have grabbed people off Portland ’ s streets “ without warning or explanation , without a warrant , and without providing any way to determine who is directing this action.
” Rosenblum said she was seeking a temporary restraining order to “ immediately stop federal authorities from unlawfully detaining Oregonians.
” However , federal officers and Portland police advanced simultaneously on demonstrators to clear the streets early Saturday , making arrests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metal fencing .
The action by Portland ’ s police was condemned by Jo Ann Hardesty , a prominent member of the City Council .
Hardesty said Saturday that local police “ joined in the aggressive clampdown of peaceful protest.
” Hardesty also slammed Wheeler , telling the mayor he needed to better control local law enforcement .
Hardesty , who oversees the city ’ s fire department and other first-responder agencies , said in an open letter to Wheeler if “ you can ’ t control the police , give me the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , Portland Police said as they responded to the overnight protests some federal agencies took action “ under their own supervision and direction.
” Portland Police said city officers arrested seven people , and one officer sustained a minor injury .

PORTLAND, Ore. (— Top leaders in the U.S. House said Sunday they were “alarmed” by the Trump administration’s tactics against protesters in Portland, Oregon, and other cities, including Washington, D.C., and called on federal inspectors general investigate.
“This is a matter of utmost urgency,” wrote House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, D-Mississippi, and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-New York, in a letter to the inspectors general of Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.
The Democratic lawmakers are seeking an investigation “into the use of federal law enforcement agencies by the Attorney General and the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security to suppress First Amendment protected activities in Washington, D.C., Portland, and other communities across the United States.”
The mayor of Oregon’s largest city said Sunday the presence of federal agents is exacerbating tensions in Portland, which has seen nearly two months of nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Speaking on CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler said federal officers “are not wanted here. We haven’t asked them here. In fact, we want them to leave.”
President Donald Trump has decried the demonstrations, and Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf blasted the protesters as “lawless anarchists” in a visit to the city on Thursday.
“We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it,” Trump tweeted Sunday. “Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal!”
Late Saturday, protesters broke into a building, set it on fire and started dumpster fires, police said.
The fire at the Portland Police Association building was put out a short time later, Portland police said on Twitter. The department declared the gathering a riot, and began working to clear the area in North Portland.
“As the crowd was dispersed, several people in the crowd were arrested and officers were able to extinguish the fire. Portland Police did not use any CS gas,” the bureau said in a statement early Sunday.
Police said protesters had first gathered at the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct, vandalizing patrol vehicles and taunting officers as they reported for work. Police dispersed the group, which then went to the Portland Police Association building.
Tear gas was deployed against another group of demonstrators near the federal courthouse in downtown Portland on Saturday night, the Oregonian/Oregon Live reported. Fencing that had been placed around the courthouse had also been removed by protesters and made into barricades, police tweeted.
Before the aggressive language and action from federal officials, the unrest had frustrated Wheeler and other local authorities, who had said a small cadre of violent activists were drowning out the message of peaceful protesters in the city. But Wheeler said the federal presence in the city is now exacerbating a tense situation.
“What we’re seeing is a blatant abuse of police tactics by the federal government, Wheeler said Sunday.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued Homeland Security and the Marshals Service in federal court late Friday. The complaint said unidentified federal agents have grabbed people off Portland’s streets “without warning or explanation, without a warrant, and without providing any way to determine who is directing this action.”
Rosenblum said she was seeking a temporary restraining order to “immediately stop federal authorities from unlawfully detaining Oregonians.”
However, federal officers and Portland police advanced simultaneously on demonstrators to clear the streets early Saturday, making arrests as protesters threw bottles and pieces of metal fencing.
The action by Portland’s police was condemned by Jo Ann Hardesty, a prominent member of the City Council. Hardesty said Saturday that local police “joined in the aggressive clampdown of peaceful protest.”
Hardesty also slammed Wheeler, telling the mayor he needed to better control local law enforcement. Hardesty, who oversees the city’s fire department and other first-responder agencies, said in an open letter to Wheeler if “you can’t control the police, give me the Portland Police Bureau.”
In a statement Saturday, Portland Police said as they responded to the overnight protests some federal agencies took action “under their own supervision and direction.” Portland Police said city officers arrested seven people, and one officer sustained a minor injury.


washingtontimes--2020-07-19--Gov. Steve Sisolak: No second special session for now

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak announced he no longer plans to keep lawmakers in the state capital for a second special legislative session to address criminal justice and coronavirus-related concerns of business and worker groups legal liability and worker protections .
In a statement Sunday afternoon , the governor said he originally intended to call a special session after lawmakers wrap up proceedings on the state budget to address issues he believes “ can not and should not wait.
” He has since reconsidered , he said , due to the continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the special session underway to address the state ’ s budget shortfall .
“ I have serious reservations about having our lawmakers convene again for a similar – or longer – period of time in the midst of this spike in our State , ” he said .
State health officials reported Saturday that 35,765 people have tested positive for the virus and at least 647 have died .
The Legislative Counsel Bureau announced last week that one person participating in the special session had tested positive .
For most people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
The vast majority recover .
Sisolak said he planned to convene a second special session at an unspecified date before the Legislature reconvenes in 2021 and outlined its agenda , which will include : criminal justice reform , election management amid the pandemic , protections for businesses and workers , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance system .

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced he no longer plans to keep lawmakers in the state capital for a second special legislative session to address criminal justice and coronavirus-related concerns of business and worker groups legal liability and worker protections.
In a statement Sunday afternoon, the governor said he originally intended to call a special session after lawmakers wrap up proceedings on the state budget to address issues he believes “cannot and should not wait.” He has since reconsidered, he said, due to the continued spread of the virus and the length of the special session underway to address the state’s budget shortfall.
“I have serious reservations about having our lawmakers convene again for a similar – or longer – period of time in the midst of this spike in our State,” he said.
State health officials reported Saturday that 35,765 people have tested positive for the virus and at least 647 have died. The Legislative Counsel Bureau announced last week that one person participating in the special session had tested positive.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority recover.
Sisolak said he planned to convene a second special session at an unspecified date before the Legislature reconvenes in 2021 and outlined its agenda, which will include: criminal justice reform, election management amid the pandemic, protections for businesses and workers, and problems with the Nevada’s unemployment insurance system.


washingtontimes--2020-07-20--Nashville International Airport opens new concourse

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - Nashville International Airport has opened its fourth major concourse , featuring six domestic @ @ @ @ @ the new Concourse D opened Friday , with 115,000 square feet of terminal space and @ @ @ @ @ .
The concourse includes two public art installations and art cases , Wi-Fi , restrooms @ @ @ @ @ room and an indoor service animal relief area .
Additional space is available for future @ @ @ @ @ anchors a $ 292 million , 25-month-long project that also includes a 200,000-square-foot expansion of @ @ @ @ @ , a 136,000-square-foot renovation of terminal space and an 11,000 square-foot central utility plant .
@ @ @ @ @ growing airport began its BNA Vision plan to complete a variety of upgrade projects by @ @

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Nashville International Airport has opened its fourth major concourse, featuring six domestic gates.
The airport says the new Concourse D opened Friday, with 115,000 square feet of terminal space and gates serviced by Southwest Airlines.
The concourse includes two public art installations and art cases, Wi-Fi, restrooms, a mother’s room and an indoor service animal relief area. Additional space is available for future concessions.
The new concourse anchors a $292 million, 25-month-long project that also includes a 200,000-square-foot expansion of north and south ticket wings, a 136,000-square-foot renovation of terminal space and an 11,000 square-foot central utility plant.
In July 2016, the growing airport began its BNA Vision plan to complete a variety of upgrade projects by 2023.


washingtontimes--2020-07-20--Officials: 19-year-old Kansas man killed in Gardner crash

GARDNER , Kan. ( AP ) - A 19-year-old man has died in a crash on Interstate 35 at the @ @ @ @ @ , Kansas , police said .
The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday , television @ @ @ @ @ was caused when the man ’ s northbound car missed an exit , launched into @ @ @ @ @ , investigators said .
The man was pronounced dead at the scene .
Police had @ @ @ @ @ Monday morning .
An investigation into the crash continues .

GARDNER, Kan. (AP) - A 19-year-old man has died in a crash on Interstate 35 at the Kansas City suburb of Gardner, Kansas, police said.
The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, television station WDAF reported. It was caused when the man’s northbound car missed an exit, launched into a grassy area and rolled, investigators said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police had not released his name by Monday morning. An investigation into the crash continues.


washingtontimes--2020-07-20--Police: Georgia man shot, killed on interstate

NORCROSS , Ga. ( AP ) - A man was shot and killed while driving on a Georgia interstate Sunday @ @ @ @ @ Vallejo , 31 , of Norcross , was shot on Interstate 85 near the southbound @ @ @ @ @ Road around 12:30 a.m. Sunday , news outlets reported .
Gwinnett County police said Vallejo @ @ @ @ @ someone shot at his car .
Vallejo was hospitalized and later died .
Police said @ @ @ @ @ sign and fled the scene .
Authorities believe the vehicle was a silver or gray @ @ @ @ @ that now has damage to the front end .
A motive for the shooting hasn @ @ @ @ @ police believe road rage could be a factor .
Police have encouraged anyone with any @ @ @ @ @ .

NORCROSS, Ga. (AP) - A man was shot and killed while driving on a Georgia interstate Sunday, authorities said.
Steven Vallejo, 31, of Norcross, was shot on Interstate 85 near the southbound exit for Indian Trail Lilburn Road around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, news outlets reported.
Gwinnett County police said Vallejo was exiting the interstate when someone shot at his car. Vallejo was hospitalized and later died.
Police said the shooter hit the exit sign and fled the scene.
Authorities believe the vehicle was a silver or gray Chevrolet Malibu or Impala, that now has damage to the front end.
A motive for the shooting hasn’t been determined but police believe road rage could be a factor.
Police have encouraged anyone with any information to contact local authorities.


washingtontimes--2020-07-20--Woman, 8-year-old girl killed as fire roars through home

WOODWARD , Pa. ( AP ) - A woman and a young girl were killed when a fast-moving fire roared through a northern Pennsylvania home , but a firefighter who was passing by while headed to a training session was able to rescue a man from the burning residence .
The fire at the two-story home in Woodward was reported around 6:25 a.m. Sunday , authorities said .
The firefighter saw the blaze and reported it , then kicked in a door and got the man to safety .
As this was happening , a woman crawled out of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then either fell or jumped to the ground .
She was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later .
Firefighters tried to rescue an 8-year-old girl who was trapped in a second-floor bedroom , authorities said , but they couldn ’ t reach her due to the intense heat and smoke .
No firefighters were injured in the blaze , which took about 90 minutes to bring under control , authorities said .
It wasn ’ t clear if the rescued man suffered any injuries .
The names of the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The cause of the fire remains under investigation .

LINDEN, Pa. (AP) - A woman and a young girl were killed when a fast-moving fire roared through a northern Pennsylvania home, but a firefighter who was passing by while headed to a training session was able to rescue a man from the burning residence.
The fire at the two-story home in Linden, Lycoming County was reported around 6:25 a.m. Sunday, authorities said. The firefighter saw the blaze and reported it, then kicked in a door and got the man to safety.
Coroner Charles Kiessling Jr. said 67-year-old Carolyn Barner jumped from a second-floor window and was found on the ground by arriving fire and emergency medical personnel. Kiessling said she was pronounced dead at the scene at about 7:30 a.m. Sunday and died of thermal injuries.
Firefighters tried to rescue a girl who was trapped in a second-floor bedroom, authorities said, but they couldn’t reach her due to the intense heat and smoke. Kiessling said 8-year-old Riley Welch was found in bed dead of smoke inhalation.
No firefighters were injured in the blaze, which took about 90 minutes to bring under control, authorities said. It wasn’t clear if the rescued man suffered any injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Kiessling said there didn’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
___
Corrects dateline and location in story to Linden rather than Woodward.


washingtontimes--2020-07-20--Brooklyn eatery serves soul food — and food for the soul

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Growing up in Crown Heights , Brooklyn , Kiana Muschett-Owes treasured one spot above all : the family ’ s round dining table .
There , family members would gather to recount their days , debate issues , celebrate any occasion they could think of - and of course , to eat .
Along with basic nourishment , the table provided sustenance for the soul , says Muschett-Owes .
She ’ s tried to replicate that feeling at her own restaurant , Katie O ’ s , which she launched six years ago in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soul food .
And now , she ’ s trying to give a little of both - soul food , and food for the soul - back to her community , amidst a pandemic that has exposed just how easy it is to go hungry in New York .
Each weekend , Muschett-Owes distributes between 1,000 and 1,500 meals to Brooklyn ’ s needy , accompanied by uplifting notes tucked into the boxes , with prayers or thoughts like “ We ’ ll get through this ” or “ What doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also asks questions : how are people doing , whether they ’ ve lost their jobs .
“ This isn ’ t just , ‘ grab your food and go , ’ ” she says .
A former school guidance counselor , Muschett-Owes , 40 , opened Katie O ’ s with money and inspiration from her late grandparents , Eugene and Dolores Owes .
She chose the name - her own pet name - when she learned “ The Round Table ” was already taken .
As it did for everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the city essentially shut down overnight .
“ We already knew there was food insecurity in under-served neighborhoods , ” she says .
“ And we thought , if they shut down the city , what happens to those people who depend on things like Meals on Wheels , food pantries and church pantries ?
” That first weekend , she gave away 1,000 meals , she says .
A few weeks later , she was watching the local news and learned about Rethink Food NYC , which directs unused food from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now partnered with the organization , which provides about $ 4,500 a week to fund meals for her initiative , Soul Food for the People .
“ She ’ s the real deal .
She just ran with it , ” says Matt Jozwiak , Rethink ’ s founder , of Muschett-Owes .
“ The vibe , the positivity , the energy - that ’ s really what she ’ s sharing , and that ’ s really important .
The entire world is terrified , and a sense of community is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight COVID-19.
” Ask Muschett-Owes to describe the cuisine of her counter-style restaurant , and prepare for a long answer .
“ Southern comfort food , ” she begins .
” Mac and cheese , sweet yams , collard greens , string beans , cabbage , potato salad , macaroni salad , banana pudding , red velvet cake.
” At the food giveaways , she says , “ you might get a platter that has Southern-style rice with curried chicken and vegetables , or chicken wraps , or turkey with white rice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal is food that is not just nutritious , but , well , tastes really good .
Shopping day is Wednesday ; food prep happens Thursday and Friday .
Early Saturday , meals are ready for distribution , with volunteer drivers , to several sites : home deliveries to seniors , a church in East New York , a housing project in Clinton Hill .
The city estimates a staggering 2 million New Yorkers are experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic - nearly double the pre-pandemic number .
Muschett-Owes hopes to continue her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a G oFundMe page .
She knows food insecurity is a global issue .
“ Let ’ s start with Brooklyn , ” she says .
“ People are hungry .
They ’ re really hungry.
” While nonstop news about the effects of the coronavirus has become commonplace , so , too , have tales of kindness .
“ One Good Thing ” is a series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time .
Read the series here : https : //apnews.com/OneGoodThing

NEW YORK (AP) - Growing up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Kiana Muschett-Owes treasured one spot above all: the family’s round dining table. There, family members would gather to recount their days, debate issues, celebrate any occasion they could think of - and of course, to eat.
Along with basic nourishment, the table provided sustenance for the soul, says Muschett-Owes. She’s tried to replicate that feeling at her own restaurant, Katie O’s, which she launched six years ago in nearby Prospect Lefferts Gardens, specializing in soul food.
And now, she’s trying to give a little of both - soul food, and food for the soul - back to her community, amidst a pandemic that has exposed just how easy it is to go hungry in New York.
Each weekend, Muschett-Owes distributes between 1,000 and 1,500 meals to Brooklyn’s needy, accompanied by uplifting notes tucked into the boxes, with prayers or thoughts like “We’ll get through this” or “What doesn’t kill you will build you.” She also asks questions: how are people doing, whether they’ve lost their jobs. “This isn’t just, ‘grab your food and go,’” she says.
A former school guidance counselor, Muschett-Owes, 40, opened Katie O’s with money and inspiration from her late grandparents, Eugene and Dolores Owes. She chose the name - her own pet name - when she learned “The Round Table” was already taken.
As it did for everyone, life changed for Muschett-Owes in mid-March, when the city essentially shut down overnight.
“We already knew there was food insecurity in under-served neighborhoods,” she says. “And we thought, if they shut down the city, what happens to those people who depend on things like Meals on Wheels, food pantries and church pantries?”
That first weekend, she gave away 1,000 meals, she says. A few weeks later, she was watching the local news and learned about Rethink Food NYC, which directs unused food from restaurants to the hungry. She has now partnered with the organization, which provides about $4,500 a week to fund meals for her initiative, Soul Food for the People.
“She’s the real deal. She just ran with it,” says Matt Jozwiak, Rethink’s founder, of Muschett-Owes. “The vibe, the positivity, the energy - that’s really what she’s sharing, and that’s really important. The entire world is terrified, and a sense of community is really all we have, together, to fight COVID-19.”
Ask Muschett-Owes to describe the cuisine of her counter-style restaurant, and prepare for a long answer. “Southern comfort food,” she begins. ”Mac and cheese, sweet yams, collard greens, string beans, cabbage, potato salad, macaroni salad, banana pudding, red velvet cake.”
Also: “Fried chicken, smothered chicken, baked chicken, barbecued chicken, jerk chicken, turkey and stuffing, honey barbecue wings, garlic Parmesan wings.”
At the food giveaways, she says, “you might get a platter that has Southern-style rice with curried chicken and vegetables, or chicken wraps, or turkey with white rice, with maybe some smothered gravy.” The goal is food that is not just nutritious, but, well, tastes really good.
Shopping day is Wednesday; food prep happens Thursday and Friday. Early Saturday, meals are ready for distribution, with volunteer drivers, to several sites: home deliveries to seniors, a church in East New York, a housing project in Clinton Hill.
The city estimates a staggering 2 million New Yorkers are experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic - nearly double the pre-pandemic number. Muschett-Owes hopes to continue her project indefinitely, and has set up a G oFundMe page.
She knows food insecurity is a global issue.
“Let’s start with Brooklyn,” she says. “People are hungry. They’re really hungry.”
___
While nonstop news about the effects of the coronavirus has become commonplace, so, too, have tales of kindness. “One Good Thing” is a series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time. Read the series here: https://apnews.com/OneGoodThing


washingtontimes--2020-07-20--Police: Woman behaving erratically was carrying dead baby

ROANOKE , Va. ( AP ) - Police in Virginia say that a woman has been arrested after attacking a @ @ @ @ @ be carrying a shopping bag that contained the body of a dead baby .
The @ @ @ @ @ incident occurred Sunday at the Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke County .
Roanoke County spokeswoman Amy @ @ @ @ @ responded to the mall for a report “ of a female behaving erratically.
” She @ @ @ @ @ was attacked and suffered a minor injury .
Police said the woman is Mandy Lavonne @ @ @ @ @ child ’ s death remains under investigation .
Lacy was taken into custody and charged @ @ @ @ @ .
Whittaker said other charges are pending as the investigation continues .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ hired an attorney .
Whittaker said police believe that Lacy is transient .
Authorities did @ @ @ @ @ the baby or the baby ’ s relationship to Lacy .

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) - Police in Virginia say that a woman has been arrested after attacking a police officer and found to be carrying a shopping bag that contained the body of a dead baby.
The Roanoke Times reports that the incident occurred Sunday at the Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke County.
Roanoke County spokeswoman Amy Whittaker said that police initially responded to the mall for a report “of a female behaving erratically.” She said an officer who responded was attacked and suffered a minor injury.
Police said the woman is Mandy Lavonne Lacy, 34. The child’s death remains under investigation.
Lacy was taken into custody and charged with assaulting a police officer. Whittaker said other charges are pending as the investigation continues. It’s unclear if she’s hired an attorney.
Whittaker said police believe that Lacy is transient. Authorities did not release any information about the baby or the baby’s relationship to Lacy.
.