washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Britain coronavirus vaccinations to give U.S. answers to shot biggest questions

The U.K. is set to begin vaccinating residents for COVID-19 on Tuesday , offering the world a real-life test of a delicate operation that requires shots from Pfizer and BioNTech to be stored at Antarctic temperatures , thawed and diluted before going into arms .
Britain ’ s National Health Service has 800,000 doses to start its campaign , or enough for 400,000 people .
The vials are being made in Belgium and flown to the U.K. in “ thermal shippers ” that keep vials at minus-94 degrees and can be transferred to ultra-low freezers or be used out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days with replenishments of dry ice .
The British undertaking isn ’ t as huge as the vaccination campaign the U.S. could launch by this weekend , though it offers a glimpse at how a nation handles the biggest questions around the actual shots , said Litjen Tan , chief strategy officer at the Immunization Action Coalition .
“ How are the thermal shippers working ?
Are people seeing problems with the dry-ice rejuvenation ?
How are they managing smaller facilities who do not need 975 doses of vaccine ?
” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does in each tray of vaccines from Pfizer .
Russia started its mass-vaccination campaign Saturday , though it is using a Sputnik V that hasn ’ t undergone full and comprehensive testing , so the U.K. ’ s rollout is a better model for what the Americans have planned .
The Food and Drug Administration will meet with an advisory panel Thursday to discuss the Pfizer shots , paving the way for emergency approval in the U.S. Once that happens , the first vaccines will be put on FedEx and UPS planes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The U.K. ’ s head start is only a few days but it offers some benefit , as U.S. agencies speak to their British liaisons and report any lessons to the states , said Claire Hannah , executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers .
“ It will be definitely good to know if they ’ re having any immediate problems and know how much time it takes to mix the vaccine and administer it , ” she said .
The U.K. will also provide an early glimpse at whether patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement , Pfizer said it is sending doses to designated locations in the U.K. “ and moving forward , vaccinations will be overseen by the Department for Health and Social Services ( DHSS ) and the National Health Service ( NHS ) .
” “ Pfizer remains on hand to support as needed in ensuring this medical breakthrough reaches the people that need it most , ” the company said .
U.S. officials are pushing to vaccinate 20 million Americans between FDA approval and the end of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will be set aside for health workers and people in long-term care , will reduce the death rate from COVID-19 , especially among those in nursing homes .
Bringing transmission to manageable levels will take time , however , as officials distribute limited and gradual supply to prioritized groups before offering the vaccines to the general public by the spring .
“ Likely , you ’ re not going to see a measurable diminution [ of virus ] for at least several weeks or if not longer .
But it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told CNN .
Dr. Fauci said he expects younger , healthier people to access the vaccines from April to June .
If at least seven in 10 Americans get vaccinated , “ we should be in good shape ” by mid-summer , he told New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo by video-link at the Democratic governor ’ s press conference .
In the meantime , Mr. Cuomo ordered hospitals in his state to increase bed capacity by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York ’ s spread has been traced to household gatherings , putting the focus on Christmas activities as the U.S. tallies nearly 200,000 known infections per day .
“ Without substantial mitigation , the middle of January can be a really dark time for us , ” Dr. Fauci told Mr. Cuomo .
More than 101,000 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. as of Sunday , the highest level of the pandemic .
More than 2,000 people are dying , on average , per day from the virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on indoor restaurant dining if the health system is stretched too thin .
“ If you ’ re going to overwhelm the hospital system , then we have no choice but to go to closedown , ” he said .
On the West Coast , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued restrictions Sunday that affect wide swaths of the state .
The rules ban residents from gathering with people outside their households and restrict retail-store capacity to 20 % , while shutting down restaurant-dining , salons and movie theaters .
Restrictions on outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giroir , the White House ’ s coronavirus testing czar .
“ The evidence clearly does not support limitations on things like outdoor dining , particularly that are spaced , outdoor bars , ” Adm. Giroir , an assistant health secretary and four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service , told Fox News .
“ You know , the evidence just isn ’ t there , ” he said .
“ And remember , shutting down completely , particularly if you don ’ t have evidence , can be counterproductive.
” As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior administration officials denied a New York Times report that said President Trump passed up a chance to secure additional doses from Pfizer in the late summer .
They said there will be a sufficient number of doses for every American who wants them by the second quarter of 2021 .
“ We have continued to negotiate with all of the vaccine manufacturers , ” a senior administration official said .
“ We ’ re not going to talk about those because those negotiations are underway.
” Mr. Trump plans to sign an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House on Tuesday that directs his administration to satisfy the needs of Americans who want a COVID-19 vaccine before agencies try to help foreign nations that need doses .
The summit will also feature panel discussions with a key FDA official , Peter Marks , vaccine distributors and Republican governors who will praise the federal partnership with their states .
On Friday , all the states locked in where they want the first shipments of vaccine to go .
Ms. Hannan said there are three main approaches to storing the Pfizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a centralized form of storage , where they would store the vaccine and redistribute it in smaller amounts .
Others are using a “ hub-and-spoke ” model where regions have a coordinated system in which one hospital might receive the package of doses and share doses with other facilities in the area .
The third consists of having the vaccines sent directly to a distribution site , where they will be administered within five days so handlers don ’ t have to replenish dry ice .
States should get the chance to road-test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The anxiety level is high , ” Ms. Hannan said .
“ But it ’ s in a good way .
”

The U.K. began vaccinating residents for COVID-19 on Tuesday, offering the world a real-life test of a delicate operation that requires shots from Pfizer and BioNTech to be stored at Antarctic temperatures, thawed and diluted before going into arms.
The first shot was given to Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week, at University Hospital Coventry, one of several hospitals around the country that are handling the initial phase of the program on what has been dubbed “V-Day.”
“I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19,” said the former jewelry shop assistant, who wore a surgical mask and a blue Merry Christmas T-shirt decorated with a cartoon penguin wearing a Santa hat and red scarf. “It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year.”
Britain’s National Health Service has 800,000 doses to start its campaign, or enough for 400,000 people. The vials are being made in Belgium and flown to the U.K. in “thermal shippers” that keep vials at minus-94 degrees and can be transferred to ultra-low freezers or be used out of the shipping boxes for up to 15 days with replenishments of dry ice.
The British undertaking isn’t as huge as the vaccination campaign the U.S. could launch by this weekend, though it offers a glimpse at how a nation handles the biggest questions around the actual shots, said Litjen Tan, chief strategy officer at the Immunization Action Coalition.
“How are the thermal shippers working? Are people seeing problems with the dry-ice rejuvenation? How are they managing smaller facilities who do not need 975 doses of vaccine?” he said, referring to the minimum amount of does in each tray of vaccines from Pfizer.
Russia started its mass-vaccination campaign Saturday, though it is using a Sputnik V that hasn’t undergone full and comprehensive testing, so the U.K.’s rollout is a better model for what the Americans have planned.
The Food and Drug Administration will meet with an advisory panel Thursday to discuss the Pfizer shots, paving the way for emergency approval in the U.S. Once that happens, the first vaccines will be put on FedEx and UPS planes and sent to the sites designated by states.
The U.K.’s head start is only a few days but it offers some benefit, as U.S. agencies speak to their British liaisons and report any lessons to the states, said Claire Hannah, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers.
“It will be definitely good to know if they’re having any immediate problems and know how much time it takes to mix the vaccine and administer it,” she said.
The U.K. will also provide an early glimpse at whether patients who receive the shots experience side effects.
In a statement, Pfizer said it is sending doses to designated locations in the U.K. “and moving forward, vaccinations will be overseen by the Department for Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the National Health Service (NHS).”
“Pfizer remains on hand to support as needed in ensuring this medical breakthrough reaches the people that need it most,” the company said.
U.S. officials are pushing to vaccinate 20 million Americans between FDA approval and the end of the year. They’re hoping the first vaccinations, which will be set aside for health workers and people in long-term care, will reduce the death rate from COVID-19, especially among those in nursing homes.
Bringing transmission to manageable levels will take time, however, as officials distribute limited and gradual supply to prioritized groups before offering the vaccines to the general public by the spring.
“Likely, you’re not going to see a measurable diminution [of virus] for at least several weeks or if not longer. But it will come, I guarantee you,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN.
Dr. Fauci said he expects younger, healthier people to access the vaccines from April to June. If at least seven in 10 Americans get vaccinated, “we should be in good shape” by mid-summer, he told New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo by video-link at the Democratic governor’s press conference.
In the meantime, Mr. Cuomo ordered hospitals in his state to increase bed capacity by 25%. He said most of New York’s spread has been traced to household gatherings, putting the focus on Christmas activities as the U.S. tallies nearly 200,000 known infections per day.
“Without substantial mitigation, the middle of January can be a really dark time for us,” Dr. Fauci told Mr. Cuomo.
More than 101,000 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. as of Sunday, the highest level of the pandemic. More than 2,000 people are dying, on average, per day from the virus in the U.S.
Mr. Cuomo threatened to clamp down on indoor restaurant dining if the health system is stretched too thin.
“If you’re going to overwhelm the hospital system, then we have no choice but to go to closedown,” he said.
On the West Coast, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued restrictions Sunday that affect wide swaths of the state. The rules ban residents from gathering with people outside their households and restrict retail-store capacity to 20%, while shutting down restaurant-dining, salons and movie theaters.
Restrictions on outdoor dining drew a rebuke from Adm. Brett Giroir, the White House’s coronavirus testing czar.
“The evidence clearly does not support limitations on things like outdoor dining, particularly that are spaced, outdoor bars,” Adm. Giroir, an assistant health secretary and four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service, told Fox News.
“You know, the evidence just isn’t there,” he said. “And remember, shutting down completely, particularly if you don’t have evidence, can be counterproductive.”
As localities try to manage the surge, senior administration officials denied a New York Times report that said President Trump passed up a chance to secure additional doses from Pfizer in the late summer. They said there will be a sufficient number of doses for every American who wants them by the second quarter of 2021.
“We have continued to negotiate with all of the vaccine manufacturers,” a senior administration official said. “We’re not going to talk about those because those negotiations are underway.”
Mr. Trump plans to sign an executive order during a vaccine summit at the White House on Tuesday that directs his administration to satisfy the needs of Americans who want a COVID-19 vaccine before agencies try to help foreign nations that need doses.
The summit will also feature panel discussions with a key FDA official, Peter Marks, vaccine distributors and Republican governors who will praise the federal partnership with their states.
On Friday, all the states locked in where they want the first shipments of vaccine to go.
Ms. Hannan said there are three main approaches to storing the Pfizer shots. Some states are relying on a centralized form of storage, where they would store the vaccine and redistribute it in smaller amounts. Others are using a “hub-and-spoke” model where regions have a coordinated system in which one hospital might receive the package of doses and share doses with other facilities in the area. The third consists of having the vaccines sent directly to a distribution site, where they will be administered within five days so handlers don’t have to replenish dry ice.
States should get the chance to road-test their preferred methods within days.
“The anxiety level is high,” Ms. Hannan said. “But it’s in a good way.”
• This article was based in part on wire service reports.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Rebekah Jones, fired Florida coronavirus data curator, home raided

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. — Florida authorities investigating an alleged hack into the state ’ s emergency response system raided the home Monday of a woman fired earlier this year from her job as COVID-19 data curator .
Florida Department of Law Enforcement said that Rebekah Jones , who was fired for unauthorized public comments about the data in May , has been under investigation since early November when someone illegally accessed the state ’ s emergency alert health system .
Jones was fired from her post in May after she raised questions about Florida ’ s COVID-19 data .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately fired for violating Health Department policy by making public remarks about the information , state records show .
Since her firing , she has lit up social media with posts criticizing Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis and his state agencies .
For months , she has tried to promote herself as a victim who was fired for telling the truth , although there is no evidence that supports her claims .
Early in the pandemic , Jones wrote blog posts and reached out to media outlets and researchers sowing doubt about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no longer in that role .
She said Health Department managers urged her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture and that she pushed back .
The data was crucial as the governor was trying to make highly controversial decisions on whether to reopen Florida ’ s economy State health officials strenuously deny any issue with the information ’ s accuracy .
The office of Gov .
Ron DeSantis declined comment Monday night , but the Republican governor has previously said Jones had a pattern of “ insubordination ” and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the search warrant on her Tallahassee home after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to its emergency alert system , according to a statement from FDLE .
“ Agents believe someone at the residence on Centerville Court illegally accessed the system , ” spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said in a statement .
Jones initially refused to answer the door for 20 minutes and hung up when agents called her , according to FDLE .
According to video footage Jones posted of the incident , multiple officers who entered Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One pointed his gun up the stairs as authorities urged Jones to call her husband and children downstairs .
The officer then lowered his weapon after Jones yelled , “ Do not point that gun at my children !
” “ They pointed a gun in my face .
They pointed guns at my kids , ” Jones later tweeted .
It is unclear whether authorities pointed weapons at anyone in Jones ‘ home .
The Tampa Bay Times reported someone hacked into the Department of Health ’ s system in early November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before another 17,000 people are dead .
You know this is wrong .
You don ’ t have to be a part of this .
Be a hero .
Speak out before it ’ s too late.
” “ This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly , ” Jones tweeted on Monday .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida authorities investigating an alleged hack into the state’s emergency response system raided the home Monday of a woman fired earlier this year from her job as COVID-19 data curator.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement said that Rebekah Jones, who was fired for unauthorized public comments about the data in May, has been under investigation since early November when someone illegally accessed the state’s emergency alert health system.
Jones was fired from her post in May after she raised questions about Florida’s COVID-19 data. She had been reprimanded several times and was ultimately fired for violating Health Department policy by making public remarks about the information, state records show.
Since her firing, she has lit up social media with posts criticizing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and his state agencies. For months, she has tried to promote herself as a victim who was fired for telling the truth, although there is no evidence that supports her claims.
Early in the pandemic, Jones wrote blog posts and reached out to media outlets and researchers sowing doubt about the credibility of the data now that she is no longer in that role. She said Health Department managers urged her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture and that she pushed back. The data was crucial as the governor was trying to make highly controversial decisions on whether to reopen Florida’s economy
State health officials strenuously deny any issue with the information’s accuracy. The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis declined comment Monday night, but the Republican governor has previously said Jones had a pattern of “insubordination” and should have been fired sooner.
Agents served the search warrant on her Tallahassee home after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to its emergency alert system, according to a statement from FDLE.
“Agents believe someone at the residence on Centerville Court illegally accessed the system,” spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said in a statement.
Jones initially refused to answer the door for 20 minutes and hung up when agents called her, according to FDLE.
According to video footage Jones posted of the incident, multiple officers who entered Jones’ home had their guns drawn. One pointed his gun up the stairs as authorities urged Jones to call her husband and children downstairs. The officer then lowered his weapon after Jones yelled, “Do not point that gun at my children!”
“They pointed a gun in my face. They pointed guns at my kids,” Jones later tweeted.
It is unclear whether authorities pointed weapons at anyone in Jones’ home.
The Tampa Bay Times reported someone hacked into the Department of Health’s system in early November, warning recipients to “speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong. You don’t have to be a part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before it’s too late.”
“This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly,” Jones tweeted on Monday.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Texas to distribute rapid COVID-19 tests to small businesses

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - With new cases of the coronavirus and hospitalizations spiking in Texas as winter approaches , Gov .
Greg Abbott on Monday launched a program to provide small businesses with rapid tests for their employees .
Abbott said the Texas Division of Emergency Management will give local chambers of commerce testing supplies that will be allocated to participating businesses .
A similar program for school systems was implemented in October .
“ This effective strategy will help us detect and mitigate this virus while ensuring that Texas remains safely open for business , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .
On Monday , the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 8,712 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 33 new deaths .
Health officials said Monday that 8,790 people were hospitalized with coronavirus in Texas .
For several days last week , Texas surpassed a daily count of 9,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients , marking the first time that happened since a deadly summer outbreak .
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University say the state has recorded more than 23,000 deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over the past two weeks , the rolling average number of daily new cases has increased by about 22 % , according to Johns Hopkins researchers .
The researchers said one in every 294 people in Texas tested positive in the past week .
The true number of infections in Texas is likely higher because many haven ’ t been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks .
But for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with existing health problems , the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal .
The vast majority of people recover .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - With new cases of the coronavirus and hospitalizations spiking in Texas as winter approaches, Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday launched a program to provide small businesses with rapid tests for their employees.
Abbott said the Texas Division of Emergency Management will give local chambers of commerce testing supplies that will be allocated to participating businesses. A similar program for school systems was implemented in October.
“This effective strategy will help us detect and mitigate this virus while ensuring that Texas remains safely open for business,” said Abbott, who said the tests were provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
On Monday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 8,712 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 33 new deaths.
Health officials said Monday that 8,790 people were hospitalized with coronavirus in Texas. For several days last week, Texas surpassed a daily count of 9,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients, marking the first time that happened since a deadly summer outbreak.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University say the state has recorded more than 23,000 deaths, the second highest in the country.
Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has increased by about 22%, according to Johns Hopkins researchers. The researchers said one in every 294 people in Texas tested positive in the past week.
The true number of infections in Texas is likely higher because many haven’t been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. The vast majority of people recover.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Lloyd Austin tapped as defense secretary by Joe Biden: report

Presumptive President-elect Joseph R. Biden is expected to tap retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin as his nominee to be the next secretary of Defense , according to multiple reports on Monday .
If confirmed , Gen. Austin will be the first African-American defense secretary .
Gen. Austin retired in 2016 after leading U.S. Central Command , where he made history as the command ’ s first Black commander .
The four-star general also served as the vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army until 2013 and was the last commanding general of U.S .
Forces Iraq , Operation New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would need a congressional waiver to fill the post as he has not met the required seven years of being removed from the military to fill the Pentagon ’ s top civilian job .
Former Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis also required a waiver after being tapped by President Trump to lead the Pentagon .
Politico first reported the news on Monday that Mr. Biden plans to pick Gen. Austin as his nominee for defense secretary .
Mr. Biden ’ s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
Mr. Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce his pick for defense secretary on Friday .
His team later said the pick would come before the end of the week .
Michèle Flournoy , who had been mentioned for some time as a leading contender for defense secretary , had fallen out of favor with antiwar activists on the left because of her ties to the defense industry .
Ms. Flournoy , a former under secretary of defense for policy in the Obama administration , sits on the board of Booz Allen , a defense contracting firm .
Gen. Austin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another giant defense contractor .
Jeh Johnson , a former Homeland Security secretary during the Obama administration , had also been named as a potential defense secretary pick for Mr. Biden .
Mr. Biden has come under recent pressure to put up more Black nominees for top-level Cabinet posts .
Mr. Biden and presumptive Vice President-elect Sen. Kamala D. Harris are scheduled to meet with the leaders of various civil rights organizations on Tuesday .
The presumptive president-elect had also suggested Monday that his pick for attorney general could be coming soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first Black Homeland Security secretary , had been mentioned as a possible candidate for that post as well .
Other potential nominees include Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama and former deputy attorney general Sally Yates .
Mr. Jones lost his bid for re-election this year to Republican Tommy Tuberville .
President Trump fired Ms. Yates from her acting attorney general post in 2017 after she refused to defend Mr. Trump ’ s ban on travel from many majority-Muslim countries .
California attorney general Xavier Becerra , who Mr. Biden named Monday as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Human Services , was also thought to have been in the mix for attorney general .

David Sherfinski, Lauren Toms and Lauren Toms, David Sherfinski

Presumptive President-elect Joseph R. Biden is expected to tap retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin as his nominee to be the next secretary of Defense, according to multiple reports on Monday.
If confirmed, Gen. Austin will be the first African American defense secretary.
Gen. Austin retired in 2016 after leading U.S. Central Command, where he made history as the command’s first Black commander. The four-star general also served as the vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army until 2013 and was the last commanding general of U.S. Forces Iraq, Operation New Dawn.
If nominated, Gen. Austin would need a congressional waiver to fill the post as he has not met the required seven years of being removed from the military to fill the Pentagon’s top civilian job.
Former Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis also required a waiver after being tapped by President Trump to lead the Pentagon.
Politico first reported the news on Monday that Mr. Biden plans to pick Gen. Austin as his nominee for defense secretary.
Mr. Biden’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mr. Biden had said Monday that he planned to announce his pick for defense secretary on Friday. His team later said the pick would come before the end of the week.
Michèle Flournoy, who had been mentioned for some time as a leading contender for defense secretary, had fallen out of favor with antiwar activists on the left because of her ties to the defense industry.
Ms. Flournoy, a former under secretary of defense for policy in the Obama administration, sits on the board of Booz Allen, a defense contracting firm.
Gen. Austin is on the board of Raytheon Technologies, another giant defense contractor.
Jeh Johnson, a former Homeland Security secretary during the Obama administration, had also been named as a potential defense secretary pick for Mr. Biden.
Mr. Biden has come under recent pressure to put up more Black nominees for top-level Cabinet posts.
Mr. Biden and presumptive Vice President-elect Sen. Kamala D. Harris are scheduled to meet with the leaders of various civil rights organizations on Tuesday.
The presumptive president-elect had also suggested Monday that his pick for attorney general could be coming soon.
Mr. Johnson, who was the first Black Homeland Security secretary, had been mentioned as a possible candidate for that post as well.
Other potential nominees include Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama and former deputy attorney general Sally Yates.
Mr. Jones lost his bid for re-election this year to Republican Tommy Tuberville.
President Trump fired Ms. Yates from her acting attorney general post in 2017 after she refused to defend Mr. Trump’s ban on travel from many majority-Muslim countries.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who Mr. Biden named Monday as his pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, was also thought to have been in the mix for attorney general.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com. • Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Ex-Los Angeles councilman pleads not guilty to corruption

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Former City Council member Jose Huizar pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges that he took bribes to help developers win favors for large building projects in the city ’ s burgeoning downtown district .
Huizar entered the plea to a new racketeering indictment that added additional charges .
The 41-count complaint includes allegations of bribery , honest services fraud and money laundering .
Huizar was arrested in June on allegations that he masterminded a $ 1.5 million pay-to-play scheme tied to the approval of developments .
They included a 77-story tower in Huizar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River .
The developer , who already had a hotel in the district , was accused of providing cash and benefits worth $ 800,000 to Huizar and others that included a dozen trips to Las Vegas casinos and funds to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against the councilman .
Huizar left office earlier this year and pleaded not guilty to the earlier 34-count indictment .
His trial was set for June 22 .
The superseding indictment also names Raymond Chan , a deputy mayor who oversaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garcetti in 2016 and 2017 .
He also is a former general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety .
His attorney previously said Chan will plead not guilty .
Others indicted include the billionaire chairman of a Chinese real estate company and a Bel Air developer .
The case has already resulted in guilty pleas from a former Huizar aide , a City Hall lobbyist and two real estate consultants .
In another case , former City Council member Mitchell Englander pleaded guilty in March to obstructing an FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of dollars in cash , escort services and other perks from a businessman involved in major developments .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former City Council member Jose Huizar pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges that he took bribes to help developers win favors for large building projects in the city’s burgeoning downtown district.
Huizar entered the plea to a new racketeering indictment that added additional charges. The 41-count complaint includes allegations of bribery, honest services fraud and money laundering.
Huizar was arrested in June on allegations that he masterminded a $1.5 million pay-to-play scheme tied to the approval of developments.
They included a 77-story tower in Huizar’s district that would have been the largest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River. The developer, who already had a hotel in the district, was accused of providing cash and benefits worth $800,000 to Huizar and others that included a dozen trips to Las Vegas casinos and funds to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against the councilman.
Huizar left office earlier this year and pleaded not guilty to the earlier 34-count indictment. His trial was set for June 22.
The superseding indictment also names Raymond Chan, a deputy mayor who oversaw economic development for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2016 and 2017. He also is a former general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety.
His attorney previously said Chan will plead not guilty.
Others indicted include the billionaire chairman of a Chinese real estate company and a Bel Air developer.
The case has already resulted in guilty pleas from a former Huizar aide, a City Hall lobbyist and two real estate consultants.
In another case, former City Council member Mitchell Englander pleaded guilty in March to obstructing an FBI investigation into his acceptance of tens of thousands of dollars in cash, escort services and other perks from a businessman involved in major developments.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Georgia 'RINOS' will cost Republicans the Senate, Donald Trump warns

President Trump has already started the blame game in races that aren ’ t even over yet .
In a tweet Monday evening , the president said Georgia “ RINOS ” will be to blame for losses by the state ’ s two Republican incumbent senators facing runoff elections next month .
“ RINOS @ BrianKempGA @ GeoffDuncanGA , & Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger , will be solely responsible for the potential loss of our two GREAT Senators from Georgia , ” he said , referring to , respectively , the state ’ s governor and lieutenant governor by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tagged Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler and said the state ’ s officials need to do more to help him in his efforts to reverse the certified victory in Georgia by Democrat Joseph R. Biden in the presidential election .
“ Won ’ t call a Special Session or check for Signature Verification !
People are ANGRY !
” he said of the “ RINOS.
” Republicans hold a 50-48 edge in the Senate .
If Democrats Jon Ossoff and the Rev .
Raphael Wornock win , and polling has both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take control of the Senate because the casting vote in the case of ties would be cast by presumed Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris .

President Trump has already started the blame game in races that aren’t even over yet.
In a tweet Monday evening, the president said Georgia “RINOS” will be to blame for losses by the state’s two Republican incumbent senators facing runoff elections next month.
“RINOS @BrianKempGA @GeoffDuncanGA, & Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, will be solely responsible for the potential loss of our two GREAT Senators from Georgia,” he said, referring to, respectively, the state’s governor and lieutenant governor by their Twitter handles.
RINOS @BrianKempGA, @GeoffDuncanGA, & Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, will be solely responsible for the potential loss of our two GREAT Senators from Georgia, @sendavidperdue & @KLoeffler. Won’t call a Special Session or check for Signature Verification! People are ANGRY! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 8, 2020
His tweet also tagged Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler and said the state’s officials need to do more to help him in his efforts to reverse the certified victory in Georgia by Democrat Joseph R. Biden in the presidential election.
“Won’t call a Special Session or check for Signature Verification! People are ANGRY!” he said of the “RINOS.”
Republicans hold a 50-48 edge in the Senate. If Democrats Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Wornock win, and polling has both races dead even, their party will take control of the Senate because the casting vote in the case of ties would be cast by presumed Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Florida agents raid home of ousted COVID-19 data curator

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. ( AP ) - Florida authorities investigating an alleged hack into the state ’ s emergency response system raided the home Monday of a woman fired earlier this year from her job as COVID-19 data curator .
Florida Department of Law Enforcement said that Rebekah Jones , who was fired for unauthorized public comments about the data in May , has been under investigation since early November when someone illegally accessed the state ’ s emergency alert health system .
Jones was fired from her post in May after she raised questions about Florida ’ s COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times and was ultimately fired for violating Health Department policy by making public remarks about the information , state records show .
Since her firing , she has lit up social media with posts criticizing Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis and his state agencies .
For months , she has tried to promote herself as a victim who was fired for telling the truth , although there is no evidence that supports her claims .
Early in the pandemic , Jones wrote blog posts and reached out to media outlets and researchers sowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now that she is no longer in that role .
She said Health Department managers urged her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture and that she pushed back .
The data was crucial as the governor was trying to make highly controversial decisions on whether to reopen Florida ’ s economy State health officials strenuously deny any issue with the information ’ s accuracy .
The office of Gov .
Ron DeSantis declined comment Monday night , but the Republican governor has previously said Jones had a pattern of “ insubordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Agents served the search warrant on her Tallahassee home after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to its emergency alert system , according to a statement from FDLE .
“ Agents believe someone at the residence on Centerville Court illegally accessed the system , ” spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said in a statement .
Jones initially refused to answer the door for 20 minutes and hung up when agents called her , according to FDLE .
According to video footage Jones posted of the incident , multiple officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns drawn .
One pointed his gun up the stairs as authorities urged Jones to call her husband and children downstairs .
The officer then lowered his weapon after Jones yelled , “ Do not point that gun at my children !
” “ They pointed a gun in my face .
They pointed guns at my kids , ” Jones later tweeted .
It is unclear whether authorities pointed weapons at anyone in Jones ’ home .
The Tampa Bay Times reported someone hacked into the Department of Health ’ s system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ speak up before another 17,000 people are dead .
You know this is wrong .
You don ’ t have to be a part of this .
Be a hero .
Speak out before it ’ s too late.
” “ This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly , ” Jones tweeted on Monday .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida authorities investigating an alleged hack into the state’s emergency response system raided the home Monday of a woman fired earlier this year from her job as COVID-19 data curator.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement said that Rebekah Jones, who was fired for unauthorized public comments about the data in May, has been under investigation since early November when someone illegally accessed the state’s emergency alert health system.
Jones was fired from her post in May after she raised questions about Florida’s COVID-19 data. She had been reprimanded several times and was ultimately fired for violating Health Department policy by making public remarks about the information, state records show.
Since her firing, she has lit up social media with posts criticizing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and his state agencies. For months, she has tried to promote herself as a victim who was fired for telling the truth, although there is no evidence that supports her claims.
Early in the pandemic, Jones wrote blog posts and reached out to media outlets and researchers sowing doubt about the credibility of the data now that she is no longer in that role. She said Health Department managers urged her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture and that she pushed back. The data was crucial as the governor was trying to make highly controversial decisions on whether to reopen Florida’s economy
State health officials strenuously deny any issue with the information’s accuracy. The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis declined comment Monday night, but the Republican governor has previously said Jones had a pattern of “insubordination” and should have been fired sooner.
Agents served the search warrant on her Tallahassee home after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to its emergency alert system, according to a statement from FDLE.
“Agents believe someone at the residence on Centerville Court illegally accessed the system,” spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said in a statement.
Jones initially refused to answer the door for 20 minutes and hung up when agents called her, according to FDLE.
According to video footage Jones posted of the incident, multiple officers who entered Jones’ home had their guns drawn. One pointed his gun up the stairs as authorities urged Jones to call her husband and children downstairs. The officer then lowered his weapon after Jones yelled, “Do not point that gun at my children!”
“They pointed a gun in my face. They pointed guns at my kids,” Jones later tweeted.
It is unclear whether authorities pointed weapons at anyone in Jones’ home.
The Tampa Bay Times reported someone hacked into the Department of Health’s system in early November, warning recipients to “speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong. You don’t have to be a part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before it’s too late.”
“This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly,” Jones tweeted on Monday.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Shares in online platform JD Health up 40% in trading debut

BEIJING ( AP ) - Shares in China ’ s biggest online health care platform rose 40 % in their Hong Kong stock market debut Tuesday , reflecting investor enthusiasm for the fledgling industry as the country emerges from the coronavirus pandemic .
JD Health , an arm of JD.Com Inc. , China ’ s biggest online retailer , sells medications , hospital care packages and online consulting by doctors .
Chinese internet companies increasingly offer health services in a society where hospitals are crowded and distribution of drugs and medical supplies outside major cities is uneven .
Online consulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China who live in the West or other developing countries .
JD Health ’ s Chinese competitors include e-commerce giant Alibaba Group ’ s Alibaba Health ; Baidu Health , run by search giant Baidu.com Inc. , and WeDoctor , run by Tencent Holding , operator of the popular WeChat messaging service .
The coronavirus pandemic has boosted demand for Chinese online platforms .
Patients switched from using them mostly for urgent care to staying in touch with doctors about chronic conditions , according to industry analyst Kevin Chang of Bain & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engagements is likely to continue and to increase the frequency of consultations , deepening the doctor-patient relationship , ” Chang said in a report .
China , where the pandemic began in December , declared the disease under control in March and eased most controls on travel and business .
Restrictions on travelers coming from abroad still are in place and visitors to public buildings are checked for fever .
But consumer spending and most other activity have rebounded to above pre-pandemic levels .
JD Health raised about $ 3.8 billion by selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shareholders .
It was Hong Kong ’ s second-biggest stock offering this year behind parent JD.Com , which has shares traded in New York and raised $ 4.5 billion in June when it joined the Hong Kong exchange .
The ruling Communist Party says it plans to encourage use of online health services as a way to reduce the burden on hospitals .
JD Health said it plans to expand its online pharmacy business and invest in developing “ smart healthcare solutions ” supported by artificial intelligence to work with physicians .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users in June , up 30 % over a year earlier .

BEIJING (AP) - Shares in China’s biggest online health care platform rose 50% in their Hong Kong stock market debut Tuesday, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the fledgling industry as the country emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.
JD Health, an arm of JD.Com Inc., China’s biggest online retailer, sells medications, hospital care packages and online consulting by doctors.
Chinese internet companies increasingly offer health services in a society where hospitals are crowded and distribution of drugs and medical supplies outside major cities is uneven. Online consulting with Chinese-speaking physicians is popular with families from China who live in the West or in developing countries.
Other competitors include e-commerce giant Alibaba Group’s Alibaba Health; Baidu Health, run by search giant Baidu.com Inc.; and WeDoctor, run by Tencent Holding, operator of the popular WeChat messaging service.
The coronavirus pandemic has boosted demand for Chinese online platforms.
Investors have “high hopes for this kind of companies to develop in China,” said Jackson Wong, asset management director for Amber Hill Capital Ltd. in Hong Kong.
The ruling Communist Party has encouraged growth of the industry by authorizing online pharmacies to deliver prescription drugs.
JD Health speeded up its stock market debut due to the spike in industry growth caused by the pandemic, said CEO Lijun Xin.
“The capital market is positive about our prospects, but we know very clearly that what it’s positive about is the entire health market in China,” Xin told reporters at the company’s Beijing headquarters.
“The pandemic boosted the entire health industry, so we had to act fast,” Xin said. “Originally the (development) speed for health may be one, but now it’s three.”
During the pandemic, patients switched from going online only for urgent care to staying in touch with doctors about chronic conditions, according to industry analyst Kevin Chang of Bain & Co.
“This new pattern of digital engagements is likely to continue and to increase the frequency of consultations,” Chang said in a report.
Consumer spending and business activity have rebounded to above pre-pandemic levels after China, where the pandemic emerged in December, declared the disease under control in March and eased most controls. Restrictions on travelers coming from abroad still are in place and visitors to public buildings are checked for fever.
JD Health raised about $3.8 billion by selling 20% of the company to public shareholders.
It was Hong Kong’s second-biggest stock offering this year behind parent JD.Com, which has shares traded in New York and raised $4.5 billion in June when it joined the Hong Kong exchange.
The ruling party is encouraging use of online health services to reduce the burden on hospitals.
JD Health said it plans to expand its online pharmacy and develop “smart healthcare solutions” supported by artificial intelligence to work with physicians.
The company says it had 72.5 million active users in June, up 30% from a year earlier.
The industry might face tougher competition once the coronavirus is brought under control and patients have more offline options, Wong said.
“If vaccines are very effective and people start going out again, the growth of these online service providers might not be as high,” he said. “That would be the biggest risk for this kind of company.”
___
Associated Press journalists Alice Fung in Hong Kong and Sam McNeil in Beijing contributed to this report.
___
JD Health (in Chinese): https://jiankang.jd.com


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Sacramento police chief condemns violent protests

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Weekend clashes between opposing protesters near the state Capitol are pulling hundreds of officers away from other crime-fighting , terrorizing downtown and causing a “ ripple effect ” of damage in a city already struggling with the pandemic and a rash of homicides , the police chief said Monday .
“ This is not protesting .
These acts are not demonstrating their constitutionally protected rights .
This is unwarranted , unjustified criminal behavior , ” Police Chief Daniel Hahn said in a video .
The chief ’ s video followed another face-off Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tossed by counter-demonstrators at a group waving American flags and banners supporting Donald Trump .
Such confrontations have been occurring every weekend since the Nov. 3 election .
The Sacramento Bee reported that the pro-Trump contingent has included members of the Proud Boys - a right-wing organization that has been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center - and the counter-demonstrators were part of the local antifa movement , an umbrella term for leftist militants .
The chief ’ s video included police body camera footage that showed some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing against a metal barricade separating the two groups .
Police have said they used non-lethal weapons such as pepper balls to protect the barricade .
Police said at least 10 cars were vandalized by marchers .
More than 150 officers were deployed , and three received minor injuries from thrown objects or lasers being flashed in their eyes , police said .
Hahn said hundreds of officers , including “ homicide detectives , gang detectives , community outreach officers and police dispatchers , ” have been pulled away from their main assignments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement said there have been at least 40 homicides in the city this year , a 30 % increase over the same period last year , and aggravated assaults are up nearly 20 % .
“ Detectives who would normally follow-up on these cases have been tasked with protest duties every week , ” the statement said .
Hahn condemned the violent confrontations , saying they “ terrorize the downtown community ” and must end .
“ They create a ripple effect of negative impacts on our community that is already suffering too @ @ @ @ @ @

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Weekend clashes between opposing protesters near the state Capitol are pulling hundreds of officers away from other crime-fighting, terrorizing downtown and causing a “ripple effect” of damage in a city already struggling with the pandemic and a rash of homicides, the police chief said Monday.
“This is not protesting. These acts are not demonstrating their constitutionally protected rights. This is unwarranted, unjustified criminal behavior,” Police Chief Daniel Hahn said in a video.
The chief’s video followed another face-off Saturday afternoon during which bottles and fireworks were tossed by counter-demonstrators at a group waving American flags and banners supporting Donald Trump.
Such confrontations have been occurring every weekend since the Nov. 3 election. The Sacramento Bee reported that the pro-Trump contingent has included members of the Proud Boys - a right-wing organization that has been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center - and the counter-demonstrators were part of the local antifa movement, an umbrella term for leftist militants.
The chief’s video included police body camera footage that showed some of the black-clad demonstrators holding homemade shields and pushing against a metal barricade separating the two groups.
Police have said they used non-lethal weapons such as pepper balls to protect the barricade.
Police said at least 10 cars were vandalized by marchers.
More than 150 officers were deployed, and three received minor injuries from thrown objects or lasers being flashed in their eyes, police said.
Hahn said hundreds of officers, including “homicide detectives, gang detectives, community outreach officers and police dispatchers,” have been pulled away from their main assignments to monitor the protests.
A police statement said there have been at least 40 homicides in the city this year, a 30% increase over the same period last year, and aggravated assaults are up nearly 20%.
“Detectives who would normally follow-up on these cases have been tasked with protest duties every week,” the statement said.
Hahn condemned the violent confrontations, saying they “terrorize the downtown community” and must end.
“They create a ripple effect of negative impacts on our community that is already suffering too much,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--No winner yet in NY House race as candidates spar in court

ALBANY , N.Y. ( AP ) - A state judge probed for a way forward Monday in the ultra-tight congressional race between U.S. Democratic U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi and his Republican challenger , former U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney .
With as few as a dozen votes separating the candidates , Judge Scott DelConte heard oral arguments on how to handle hundreds of disputed absentee and affidavit ballots , and what to do about a string of recordkeeping problems that have led to confusion over vote totals .
DelConte expressed frustration about a race that ’ s featured counties sending in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozens of ballots belatedly discovered uncounted , and an issue with critical records on ballot objections being lost when the sticky notes on which they had been written lost their stick .
The judge said he ’ ll issue a ruling soon that both campaigns hope will clear up just how a winner will be declared .
Brindisi ’ s campaign is asking the judge to order counties to audit some results and provide records about ballot objections .
His attorney has argued a “ significant portion ” were improperly rejected by county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in turn , have lambasted Brindisi ’ s request as a “ unprecedented , unworkable , flawed , time-consuming process.
” Her team has asked the judge to allow counties to certify her as the winner now .
The judge didn ’ t indicate how he intended to resolve the disputes but appeared sour on the idea of simply declaring the race over or doing targeted recounts or audits in areas cherrypicked by the Brindisi campaign .
Meanwhile , one of the counties involved in tabulating results , Oneida County , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election staff member had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Assistant County Attorney Robert Pronteau said the employee took the test Thursday and received the result Sunday .
“ The employee worked on Friday , so it is probable that all employees at the Board of Elections were exposed , ” Pronteau said .
Election workers having to isolate themselves might further delay results .

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A state judge probed for a way forward Monday in the ultra-tight congressional race between U.S. Democratic U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi and his Republican challenger, former U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney.
With as few as a dozen votes separating the candidates, Judge Scott DelConte heard oral arguments on how to handle hundreds of disputed absentee and affidavit ballots, and what to do about a string of recordkeeping problems that have led to confusion over vote totals.
DelConte expressed frustration about a race that’s featured counties sending in shifting and at-times incomplete vote tallies, dozens of ballots belatedly discovered uncounted, and an issue with critical records on ballot objections being lost when the sticky notes on which they had been written lost their stick.
The judge said he’ll issue a ruling soon that both campaigns hope will clear up just how a winner will be declared.
Brindisi’s campaign is asking the judge to order counties to audit some results and provide records about ballot objections. His attorney has argued a “significant portion” were improperly rejected by county elections officials.
Tenney’s attorneys, in turn, have lambasted Brindisi’s request as a “unprecedented, unworkable, flawed, time-consuming process.” Her team has asked the judge to allow counties to certify her as the winner now.
The judge didn’t indicate how he intended to resolve the disputes but appeared sour on the idea of simply declaring the race over or doing targeted recounts or audits in areas cherrypicked by the Brindisi campaign.
Meanwhile, one of the counties involved in tabulating results, Oneida County, told the court Monday that a Board of Election staff member had tested positive for COVID-19.
Assistant County Attorney Robert Pronteau said the employee took the test Thursday and received the result Sunday. “The employee worked on Friday, so it is probable that all employees at the Board of Elections were exposed,” Pronteau said.
Election workers having to isolate themselves might further delay results.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Brad Raffensperger, Georgia secretary of state, recertifies Joe Biden win after recount

ATLANTA — Georgia ’ s top elections official on Monday recertified the state ’ s election results after a recount requested by President Donald Trump confirmed once again that Democrat Joe Biden won the state , and the governor then recertified the state ’ s 16 presidential electors .
“ We have now counted legally cast ballots three times , and the results remain unchanged , ” Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said during a news conference at the state Capitol before the results were recertified .
Georgia law allows a losing candidate to request a recount if the margin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump requested the recount after the results certified by Raffensperger showed that Biden led by a margin of 12,670 votes , or 0.25 % of the roughly 5 million ballots cast .
During the recount , which was done using scanners that read and tally the votes , there were discrepancies in vote totals in some counties .
Since the results of a recount become the official results , those counties had to recertify their results .
Once that was done the secretary of state recertified the statewide results , his office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then recertified the state ’ s slate of 16 presidential electors - all prominent Democrats - as required by state law , spokesman Cody Hall said .
The recertification of results comes before the federal “ safe harbor ” deadline on Tuesday - electors named by that date in accordance with state law can not be disregarded by Congress .
The recount was the third tally of votes in the presidential race in the state .
After the initial count following Election Day , Raffensperger selected the presidential race for an audit required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant the audit required the roughly 5 million votes in that contest to be recounted by hand , he said .
That count also affirmed Biden ’ s victory .
The total number of votes in the recount results certified Monday and posted on the secretary of state ’ s website was 766 fewer than the number certified when the ballots were first tallied after the election .
Biden ’ s lead dropped from 12,670 to 11,779 .
That appears to be largely due to a discrepancy in Fulton County , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of Atlanta .
Fulton County ’ s recount results showed 880 fewer votes than the results certified after election night , with an overwhelming majority of those votes coming from Biden ’ s total in the county .
Gabriel Sterling , who oversaw the implementation of the state ’ s new voting system , called the discrepancy in the county “ a little worrisome ” but said it ’ s a big county that ’ s had managerial issues .
He also noted the difference isn ’ t enough to change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of would-be Republican presidential electors by former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell .
The suit alleged widespread fraud and sought to decertify the results of the presidential race in Georgia , among other things .
In the lawsuit , “ the plaintiffs essentially ask the court for perhaps the most extraordinary relief ever sought in any federal court in connection with an election .
They want this court to substitute its judgment for that of 2 and a half million Georgia voters who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am unwilling to do , ” U.S. District Judge Timothy Batten as he dismissed the suit following a hearing .
Separately , an election challenge filed Friday by Trump , his campaign and Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer was rejected by the Fulton County Superior Court because the paperwork was improperly completed and it lacked the appropriate filing fees .
Even as lawsuits filed by Trump and his allies have been rejected around the country , the president has continued to make repeated baseless claims of widespread fraud .
In Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp , both fellow Republicans .
Raffensperger , meanwhile , has been steadfast in his defense of the integrity of the election in the state and Kemp has said he has no power to intervene in elections .
“ I know there are people that are convinced the election was fraught with problems , but the evidence , the actual evidence , the facts tell us a different story , ” Raffensperger said during the news conference Monday .
Hours before coming to Georgia for a rally Saturday night , Trump called Kemp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative session .
The governor declined .
In a tweet Sunday , Trump criticized Kemp and Lt. Gov .
Geoff Duncan for inaction and again called for a special session .
After four Republican state lawmakers on Sunday also requested a special session , Kemp and Duncan put out a statement saying that convening a special session to select a different slate of presidential electors would not be allowed under state or federal law .

ATLANTA — Georgia’s top elections official on Monday recertified the state’s election results after a recount requested by President Donald Trump confirmed once again that Democrat Joe Biden won the state, and the governor then recertified the state’s 16 presidential electors.
“We have now counted legally cast ballots three times, and the results remain unchanged,” Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said during a news conference at the state Capitol before the results were recertified.
Georgia law allows a losing candidate to request a recount if the margin between the candidates is within 0.5%. Trump requested the recount after the results certified by Raffensperger showed that Biden led by a margin of 12,670 votes, or 0.25% of the roughly 5 million ballots cast.
During the recount, which was done using scanners that read and tally the votes, there were discrepancies in vote totals in some counties. Since the results of a recount become the official results, those counties had to recertify their results. Once that was done the secretary of state recertified the statewide results, his office said in a news release.
Kemp then recertified the state’s slate of 16 presidential electors - all prominent Democrats - as required by state law, spokesman Cody Hall said. The recertification of results comes before the federal “safe harbor” deadline on Tuesday - electors named by that date in accordance with state law cannot be disregarded by Congress.
The recount was the third tally of votes in the presidential race in the state. After the initial count following Election Day, Raffensperger selected the presidential race for an audit required by state law. The tight margin meant the audit required the roughly 5 million votes in that contest to be recounted by hand, he said. That count also affirmed Biden’s victory.
The total number of votes in the recount results certified Monday and posted on the secretary of state’s website was 766 fewer than the number certified when the ballots were first tallied after the election. Biden’s lead dropped from 12,670 to 11,779. That appears to be largely due to a discrepancy in Fulton County, the state’s most populous county that includes most of Atlanta.
Fulton County’s recount results showed 880 fewer votes than the results certified after election night, with an overwhelming majority of those votes coming from Biden’s total in the county. Gabriel Sterling, who oversaw the implementation of the state’s new voting system, called the discrepancy in the county “a little worrisome” but said it’s a big county that’s had managerial issues. He also noted the difference isn’t enough to change the overall outcome of the election.
Also Monday, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of would-be Republican presidential electors by former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell. The suit alleged widespread fraud and sought to decertify the results of the presidential race in Georgia, among other things.
In the lawsuit, “the plaintiffs essentially ask the court for perhaps the most extraordinary relief ever sought in any federal court in connection with an election. They want this court to substitute its judgment for that of 2 and a half million Georgia voters who voted for Joe Biden and this I am unwilling to do,” U.S. District Judge Timothy Batten as he dismissed the suit following a hearing.
Separately, an election challenge filed Friday by Trump, his campaign and Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer was rejected by the Fulton County Superior Court because the paperwork was improperly completed and it lacked the appropriate filing fees.
Even as lawsuits filed by Trump and his allies have been rejected around the country, the president has continued to make repeated baseless claims of widespread fraud. In Georgia, he has rained criticism on Raffensperger and Kemp, both fellow Republicans. Raffensperger, meanwhile, has been steadfast in his defense of the integrity of the election in the state and Kemp has said he has no power to intervene in elections.
“I know there are people that are convinced the election was fraught with problems, but the evidence, the actual evidence, the facts tell us a different story,” Raffensperger said during the news conference Monday.
Hours before coming to Georgia for a rally Saturday night, Trump called Kemp and asked him to call a special legislative session. The governor declined.
In a tweet Sunday, Trump criticized Kemp and Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan for inaction and again called for a special session.
After four Republican state lawmakers on Sunday also requested a special session, Kemp and Duncan put out a statement saying that convening a special session to select a different slate of presidential electors would not be allowed under state or federal law.


washingtontimes--2020-12-07--Religious high schools sue to reopen for in-person classes

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - Nonpublic schools sued Monday after Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s administration extended a coronavirus order that prevents in-person instruction at Michigan high schools , saying it violates the First Amendment right to practice religion .
The federal lawsuit , filed in Michigan ’ s Western District , was brought by a group representing more than 400 nonpublic schools across the state , as well as three Catholic high schools and 11 parents .
The state health department lengthened the restriction by 12 days , through Dec. 20 .
It took effect Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools and all colleges and universities .
The plaintiffs include Lansing Catholic High School , Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor and Everest Collegiate Academy in Clarkston .
They said they can safely provide face-to-face learning and sought an injunction to block enforcement of the order .
“ The state ’ s latest order inhibits the faith formation of students and violates their constitutional right to practice religion while leaving open secular businesses where transmission of COVID-19 is more likely to occur , ” said Brian Broderick , executive director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokeswoman said Whitmer ’ s office does not comment on pending litigation .
An email seeking comment was sent to the state Department of Health and Human Services late Monday .
Director Robert Gordon told lawmakers last week that there is significantly more risk of the virus spreading in high schools than in lower grades , and the educational loss from online learning is more detrimental to younger students than it is to high schoolers .

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Nonpublic schools sued Monday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration extended a coronavirus order that prevents in-person instruction at Michigan high schools, saying it violates the First Amendment right to practice religion.
The federal lawsuit, filed in Michigan’s Western District, was brought by a group representing more than 400 nonpublic schools across the state, as well as three Catholic high schools and 11 parents. The state health department lengthened the restriction by 12 days, through Dec. 20. It took effect Nov. 18 and also applies to public high schools and all colleges and universities.
The plaintiffs include Lansing Catholic High School, Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor and Everest Collegiate Academy in Clarkston. They said they can safely provide face-to-face learning and sought an injunction to block enforcement of the order.
“The state’s latest order inhibits the faith formation of students and violates their constitutional right to practice religion while leaving open secular businesses where transmission of COVID-19 is more likely to occur,” said Brian Broderick, executive director of the Michigan Association of Nonpublic Schools.
A spokeswoman said Whitmer’s office does not comment on pending litigation. An email seeking comment was sent to the state Department of Health and Human Services late Monday.
Director Robert Gordon told lawmakers last week that there is significantly more risk of the virus spreading in high schools than in lower grades, and the educational loss from online learning is more detrimental to younger students than it is to high schoolers.
___
Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00


washingtontimes--2020-12-08--Man charged with killing police officer faces August trial

BARNSTABLE , Mass .
( AP ) - A man charged with shooting and killing a Massachusetts police officer in @ @ @ @ @ go on trial next summer .
A Barnstable Superior Court judge on Mondey scheduled Thomas @ @ @ @ @ for Aug. 2 , the Cape Cod Times reported .
He ; s charged in @ @ @ @ @ shooting of Yarmouth K-9 Officer Sean Gannon .
Gannon , 32 , was killed while @ @ @ @ @ serving an arrest warrant at a Barnstable home .
Gannon ’ s dog was also @ @ @ @ @ Latanowich ’ s attorney , Joseph Krowski , also asked the judge to move the @ @ @ @ @ massive media coverage of the case has created an “ overwhelmingly negative community sentiment ” @ @ @ @ @ impossible to sit an impartial jury .
Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Michael Trudeau @ @ @ @ @ to a different jurisdiction , saying media coverage has significantly decreased since the shooting .
@ @ @ @ @ rule on the change of venue request .

BARNSTABLE, Mass. (AP) - A man charged with shooting and killing a Massachusetts police officer in 2018 has been scheduled to go on trial next summer.
A Barnstable Superior Court judge on Monday scheduled Thomas Latanowich’s murder trial for Aug. 2, the Cape Cod Times reported.
He’s charged in the April 12, 2018, shooting of Yarmouth K-9 Officer Sean Gannon. Gannon, 32, was killed while he and other officers were serving an arrest warrant at a Barnstable home. Gannon’s dog was also shot, but survived.
Latanowich’s attorney, Joseph Krowski, also asked the judge to move the trial off Cape Cod because massive media coverage of the case has created an “overwhelmingly negative community sentiment” toward his client, making it impossible to sit an impartial jury.
Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Michael Trudeau argued against moving the trial to a different jurisdiction, saying media coverage has significantly decreased since the shooting.
The judge did not immediately rule on the change of venue request.


washingtontimes--2020-12-08--Carroll Foy resigns from House to focus on governor's race

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - Democratic state Del .
Jennifer Carroll Foy is resigning her seat to focus on her bid to be Virginia ’ s next governor .
The two-term lawmaker who represents Prince William and Stafford counties announced her resignation Tuesday in a bid to help distinguish herself among a crowded Democratic field for governor .
“ I ’ m stepping down from the House of Delegates to focus 100 % of my time on building a grassroots movement to meet this moment , ” Carroll Foy said in a statement .
By resigning her seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from fundraising during next year ’ s legislative session .
Her campaign said in a statement that the extra time fundraising will give her the best chance to “ take on entrenched career politicians like Terry McAuliffe.
” The former governor is expected to announce his bid for the Democratic primary shortly .
State Sen. Jennifer McClellan and Lt. Gov .
Justin Fairfax are also running for the nomination .
Part of a blue wave in 2017 that flipped 15 Republican-held seats , Carroll Foy , who lives in Woodbridge , handily defeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 with over 60 % of the vote .
Carroll Foy grew up in Petersburg , one of the state ’ s poorest cities , and was among the first women to graduate from the traditionally all-male Virginia Military Institute .
She ’ s also been a foster parent and worked as a public defender .
She took on a high-profile role as one of the sponsors of a resolution that the new Democratic majority quickly advanced , making Virginia the critical 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and increasing COVID-19 related benefits to families affected by the pandemic .
Her seat will be filled via a special election .
A date has not yet been set .

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Democratic state Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy is resigning her seat to focus on her bid to be Virginia’s next governor.
The two-term lawmaker who represents Prince William and Stafford counties announced her resignation Tuesday in a bid to help distinguish herself among a crowded Democratic field for governor.
“I’m stepping down from the House of Delegates to focus 100% of my time on building a grassroots movement to meet this moment,” Carroll Foy said in a statement.
By resigning her seat, Carroll Foy will not be barred from fundraising during next year’s legislative session. Her campaign said in a statement that the extra time fundraising will give her the best chance to “take on entrenched career politicians like Terry McAuliffe.”
The former governor is expected to announce his bid for the Democratic primary shortly. State Sen. Jennifer McClellan and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax are also running for the nomination.
Current Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam cannot serve consecutive terms.
On the Republican side, former House Speaker Kirk Cox and state Sen. Amanda Chase have announced they are running for governor. Chase said recently that she’s going to run as an independent in protest of the state GOP’s decision to hold a convention instead of a primary to pick the Republican nominee.
Part of a blue wave in 2017 that flipped 15 Republican-held seats, Carroll Foy, who lives in Woodbridge, handily defeated a Republican challenger and then won re-election in 2019 with over 60% of the vote.
Carroll Foy grew up in Petersburg, one of the state’s poorest cities, and was among the first women to graduate from the traditionally all-male Virginia Military Institute. She’s also been a foster parent and worked as a public defender.
She took on a high-profile role as one of the sponsors of a resolution that the new Democratic majority quickly advanced, making Virginia the critical 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. She’s also supported criminal justice reforms and increasing COVID-19 related benefits to families affected by the pandemic.
Her seat will be filled via a special election, which Northam announced Tuesday would be held Jan. 5.


washingtontimes--2020-12-08--Police arrest man in shooting of teen near Iowa Capitol

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) - A man has been arrested and charged in the shooting of a @ @ @ @ @ State Capitol over the weekend as a rally for President Donald Trump was being held @ @ @ @ @ 25 , was arrested Sunday night hours after the shooting that occurred in a parking @ @ @ @ @ police said in a news release .
Police said the shooting stemmed from a confrontation @ @ @ @ @ of people , and investigators believe McKinney fired the shot into a vehicle driving through @ @ @ @ @ injuring the teenage girl inside the vehicle .
The girl was taken to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ wound to her leg .
She is expected to recover .
Des Moines Police Sgt @ @ @ @ @ he can ’ t confirm a connection between the shooting and the rally .
He @ @ @ @ @ be traffic-related .
McKinney is charged with attempted murder and was being held in the @ @ @ @ @ 500,000 bond .

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A man has been arrested and charged in the shooting of a 15-year-old girl near the Iowa State Capitol over the weekend as a rally for President Donald Trump was being held there.
Michael McKinney, 25, was arrested Sunday night hours after the shooting that occurred in a parking lot near the Capitol, police said in a news release. Police said the shooting stemmed from a confrontation that occurred among a gathering of people, and investigators believe McKinney fired the shot into a vehicle driving through the lot, hitting and injuring the teenage girl inside the vehicle.
The girl was taken to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to her leg. She is expected to recover.
Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek has said he can’t confirm a connection between the shooting and the rally. He said the shooting appeared to be traffic-related.
McKinney is charged with attempted murder and was being held in the Polk County Jail on $500,000 bond.


washingtontimes--2020-12-08--National Museum of African American Music to open next month

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - A new museum in Tennessee that focuses on African American music will open @ @ @ @ @ .
The National Museum of African American Music will host a socially distanced ribbon cutting @ @ @ @ @ officially opens in Nashville , news outlets reported .
Members of the museum will be @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 23-24 and the facility will open to the public on Jan. 30 .
Museum @ @ @ @ @ Hicks III said officials look forward to welcoming music lovers and celebrating the history of @ @ @ @ @ “ We have been preparing for this day for more than 20 years , but @ @ @ @ @ more than 400 years in the making.
” he said .
Due to rising cases @ @ @ @ @ museum said it would limit the number of people inside the museum and all visitors @ @ @ @ @ masks .

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A new museum in Tennessee that focuses on African American music will open next month in Nashville.
The National Museum of African American Music will host a socially distanced ribbon cutting on Jan. 18 when it formally opens, news outlets reported. Members of the museum will be able to take tours on Jan. 23-24 and the facility will open to the public on Jan. 30.
Museum President and CEO H. Beecher Hicks III said officials look forward to welcoming music lovers and celebrating the history of of African American music.
“We have been preparing for this day for more than 20 years, but this museum has actually been more than 400 years in the making.” he said.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the museum said, it would limit the number of people inside the museum and all visitors would be required to wear masks.


washingtontimes--2020-12-08--Libya's east-based forces seize Turkish-owned vessel

CAIRO ( AP ) - Forces of a Libyan commander who rules the eastern half of the country and who was behind a year-long military attempt to capture the capital , Tripoli , have seized a Turkish vessel heading to the western town of Misrata .
The development by Khalifa Hifter ’ s forces could escalate tensions in the conflict-stricken Libya , since Turkey is the main foreign backer of Hifter ’ s rivals , the U.N.-backed administration in Tripoli , in western Libya .
The North African country has been split west to east since it descended into chaos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi .
Hifter ’ s forces stopped the Jamaica-flagged cargo vessel , Mabrouka , on Monday off the eastern port town of Derna , said Ahmed al-Mosmari , the spokesman for Hifter ’ s forces The vessel ’ s crew includes nine Turkish sailors , seven from India and one from Azerbaijan , he said .
Al-Mosmari said the vessel entered a “ no sail ” zone and did not respond to calls from the naval forces .
The private security firm Dryad Global said in a statement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Port Said to Libya ’ s Mediterranean city of Misrata .
It said satellite imagery on Tuesday morning showed the vessel was held at Ras al-Hilal port , which is controlled by Hifter ’ s forces .
It ’ s the second Turkish-owned vessel seized by Hifter ’ s forces this year , according to Ambrey Intelligence , a British private maritime intelligence firm .
In 2020 , Hifter ’ s forces seized at least six ships .
Hifter ’ s forces launched an offensive in April 2019 to try and capture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , however , collapsed in June , when Tripoli-allied militias , with heavy Turkish support , gained the upper hand in the fighting .
In October , the warring sides agreed to a U.N.-brokered cease-fire , a deal that envisioned the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya within three months .

CAIRO (AP) - Forces of a Libyan commander who rules the eastern half of the country and who was behind a year-long military attempt to capture the capital, Tripoli, have seized a Turkish vessel heading to the western town of Misrata.
The development by Khalifa Hifter’s forces could escalate tensions in the conflict-stricken Libya, since Turkey is the main foreign backer of Hifter’s rivals, the U.N.-backed administration in Tripoli, in western Libya.
The North African country has been split west to east since it descended into chaos following the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
Hifter’s forces stopped the Jamaica-flagged cargo vessel, Mabrouka, on Monday off the eastern port town of Derna, said Ahmed al-Mosmari, the spokesman for Hifter’s forces
The vessel’s crew includes nine Turkish sailors, seven from India and one from Azerbaijan, he said. Al-Mosmari said the vessel entered a “no sail” zone and did not respond to calls from the naval forces.
The private security firm Dryad Global said in a statement that the vessel was sailing from Egypt’s Port Said to Libya’s Mediterranean city of Misrata. It said satellite imagery on Tuesday morning showed the vessel was held at Ras al-Hilal port, which is controlled by Hifter’s forces.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday confirmed the vessel’s seizure, warning about “dire consequences” and calling on Hifter’s forces to allow the ship to resume its planned voyage, according to a statement carried by the state-run Anadolu news agency.
It’s the second Turkish-owned vessel seized by Hifter’s forces this year, according to Ambrey Intelligence, a British private maritime intelligence firm. In 2020, Hifter’s forces seized at least six ships.
Hifter’s forces launched an offensive in April 2019 to try and capture Tripoli from the U.N.-supported government. His campaign, however, collapsed in June, when Tripoli-allied militias, with heavy Turkish support, gained the upper hand in the fighting.
In October, the warring sides agreed to a U.N.-brokered cease-fire, a deal that envisioned the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya within three months.


washingtontimes--2020-12-08--Delaware brewery releases beer that honors Joe Biden

WILMINGTON , Del .
( AP ) - A brewery in Delaware is making a beer that honors President-elect Joe Biden and his long association with Amtrak .
The News Journal in Wilmington reports that Wilmington Brew Works released its new IPA on Monday .
The beer is called “ Rail Car One : Wilmington to Washington.
” Biden has long been known for commuting on Amtrak during his decades as a U.S. senator .
The triple dry-hopped brew is made with mosaic , citra and sultana Hops .
It has an ABV of 8 % .
The brewery tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
Ironically , Biden doesn ’ t drink beer .
He ’ s well known as a life-long teetotaler .
Wilmington Brew Works decided against using Biden ’ s likeness on the can .
It instead went with an Amtrak Acela train design .
“ Joe Biden famously doesn ’ t drink alcohol , and I didn ’ t think it was fair to him to put his likeness on a can , ” said John Fusco , Wilmington Brew Works ’ vice president of creative and brand marketing .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Works Progress Administration ) -era train-style poster .
”

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - A brewery in Delaware is making a beer that honors President-elect Joe Biden and his long association with Amtrak.
The News Journal in Wilmington reports that Wilmington Brew Works released its new IPA on Monday.
The beer is called “Rail Car One: Wilmington to Washington.” Biden has long been known for commuting on Amtrak during his decades as a U.S. senator.
The triple dry-hopped brew is made with mosaic, citra and sultana Hops. It has an ABV of 8%. The brewery tweeted Monday that its first batch had sold out.
Ironically, Biden doesn’t drink beer. He’s well known as a life-long teetotaler.
Wilmington Brew Works decided against using Biden’s likeness on the can. It instead went with an Amtrak Acela train design.
“Joe Biden famously doesn’t drink alcohol, and I didn’t think it was fair to him to put his likeness on a can,” said John Fusco, Wilmington Brew Works’ vice president of creative and brand marketing. “I also enjoyed the challenge of recreating a (Works Progress Administration)-era train-style poster.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-08--LSU's review request denied in case of frat pledge's death

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - The U.S. Supreme Court has turned away an appeal from Louisiana State University , which spent years arguing that it should be immune from a lawsuit filed by the parents of a fraternity pledge from Georgia who died of acute alcohol poisoning .
The court announced Monday that it won ’ t review a May appellate ruling that LSU can ’ t claim immunity from a lawsuit filed by Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver , whose son Maxwell Gruver died after a Phi Delta Theta fraternity party in 2017 , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally have to defend the case on the merits , ” said the Gruvers ’ attorney , Jonathon Fazzola .
He said he ’ s confident that compelling the university to present testimony and evidence in the discovery phase “ will further show the reason why LSU has fought so hard to avoid doing that.
” The lawsuit , which seeks $ 25 million , alleges that LSU responded with “ deliberate indifference ” to allegations of hazing at fraternities .
It also said Phi Delta has “ a long history of dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The university claimed sovereign immunity , but the 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that because LSU accepts federal funding under Title IX , it waives immunity from lawsuits claiming sexual discrimination .
The suit said LSU discriminates by policing sorority hazing incidents more strictly than hazing at fraternities - a higher tolerance of wrongdoing on the male side of Greek life that exposes young men to greater risk of injury .
Max Gruver , from the Atlanta suburb of Roswell , Georgia , had been at LSU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had a blood alcohol level of 0.495 % .
Matthew Naquin , 21 , of Fair Oaks Ranch , Texas was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced in November 2019 to five years in prison , but a judge suspended all but 2½ years .
LSU also has been criticized recently for its handling of sexual assault cases .
And in November , Phi Kappa Psi member Terry Pat Reynolds II was charged with criminal and misdemeanor hazing of a student who was dropped off at a hospital and immediately put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 0.451 % - nearly six times the level considered legal proof of intoxication .
That victim survived .

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The U.S. Supreme Court has turned away an appeal from Louisiana State University, which spent years arguing that it should be immune from a lawsuit filed by the parents of a fraternity pledge from Georgia who died of acute alcohol poisoning.
The court announced Monday that it won’t review a May appellate ruling that LSU can’t claim immunity from a lawsuit filed by Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver, whose son Maxwell Gruver died after a Phi Delta Theta fraternity party in 2017, The Advocate reported.
LSU will now “finally have to defend the case on the merits,” said the Gruvers’ attorney, Jonathon Fazzola. He said he’s confident that compelling the university to present testimony and evidence in the discovery phase “will further show the reason why LSU has fought so hard to avoid doing that.”
LSU attorney David Bienvenu Jr. declined to comment.
The lawsuit, which seeks $25 million, alleges that LSU responded with “deliberate indifference” to allegations of hazing at fraternities. It also said Phi Delta has “a long history of dangerous misconduct at universities across the country.”
The university claimed sovereign immunity, but the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that because LSU accepts federal funding under Title IX, it waives immunity from lawsuits claiming sexual discrimination.
The suit said LSU discriminates by policing sorority hazing incidents more strictly than hazing at fraternities - a higher tolerance of wrongdoing on the male side of Greek life that exposes young men to greater risk of injury.
Max Gruver, from the Atlanta suburb of Roswell, Georgia, had been at LSU for a month when he died. He had a blood alcohol level of 0.495%.
Matthew Naquin, 21, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced in November 2019 to five years in prison, but a judge suspended all but 2½ years.
LSU also has been criticized recently for its handling of sexual assault cases. And in November, Phi Kappa Psi member Terry Pat Reynolds II was charged with criminal and misdemeanor hazing of a student who was dropped off at a hospital and immediately put on life support with a blood alcohol level of 0.451% - nearly six times the level considered legal proof of intoxication. That victim survived.