washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Black Lives Matter mural defacing in Martinez, California leads to charges

A pair of Martinez , California residents accused of painting over a Black Lives Matter mural were charged with hate crimes , local authorities said late Tuesday .
Nichole Anderson , 42 , and David Nelson , 53 , were each charged with three misdemeanor counts , including a hate crime , the Contra County District Attorney said in a statement .
The pair on Saturday arrived just after the mural was finished , prosecutors said .
Ms. Anderson used black paint and a large paint roller to cover up the letters “ B ” and “ L ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the statement .
Mr. Nelson , who was wearing a Make America Great Again hat , was caught on video defacing the mural .
He argued with onlookers as he brought Ms. Anderson more paint , according to the video which was widely shared on social media .
“ No one wants Black Lives Matter here , ” he said in the video .
“ We ’ re sick of this narrative .
The narrative of police brutality , the narrative of oppression , the narrative of racism .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lie.
” Both Ms. Anderson and Mr. Nelson were charged with violation of civil rights , vandalism under $ 400 and possession of tools to commit vandalism or graffiti .
If convicted , the pair could face up to a year in county jail .
“ The community spent a considerable amount of time putting the mural together only to have it painted over in a hateful and senseless manner , ” Martinez Police Chief Manjit Sappal said in a statement .
“ The city of Martinez values tolerance , and the damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Contra County District Attorney Diana Becton said discussions on racism must be elevated and called on residents to listen to each other .
“ We must address the root and byproduct of systemic racism in our country .
The Black Lives Matter movement is an important civil rights cause that deserves all of our attention , ” she said in a statement “ The mural completed last weekend was a peaceful and powerful way to communicate the importance of Black lives in Contra Costa County and the country.
” -

A pair of Martinez, California residents accused of painting over a Black Lives Matter mural were charged with hate crimes, local authorities said late Tuesday.
Nichole Anderson, 42, and David Nelson, 53, were each charged with three misdemeanor counts, including a hate crime, the Contra County District Attorney said in a statement.
The pair on Saturday arrived just after the mural was finished, prosecutors said. Ms. Anderson used black paint and a large paint roller to cover up the letters “B” and “L” in the word “Black,” according to the statement.
Mr. Nelson, who was wearing a Make America Great Again hat, was caught on video defacing the mural. He argued with onlookers as he brought Ms. Anderson more paint, according to the video which was widely shared on social media.
“No one wants Black Lives Matter here,” he said in the video. “We’re sick of this narrative. The narrative of police brutality, the narrative of oppression, the narrative of racism. It’s a lie. It’s a lie.”
Both Ms. Anderson and Mr. Nelson were charged with violation of civil rights, vandalism under $400 and possession of tools to commit vandalism or graffiti.
If convicted, the pair could face up to a year in county jail.
“The community spent a considerable amount of time putting the mural together only to have it painted over in a hateful and senseless manner,” Martinez Police Chief Manjit Sappal said in a statement. “The city of Martinez values tolerance, and the damage to the mural was divisive and hurtful.”
Contra County District Attorney Diana Becton said discussions on racism must be elevated and called on residents to listen to each other.
“We must address the root and byproduct of systemic racism in our country. The Black Lives Matter movement is an important civil rights cause that deserves all of our attention,” she said in a statement “The mural completed last weekend was a peaceful and powerful way to communicate the importance of Black lives in Contra Costa County and the country.”-
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Man in alleged police chokehold arrested in separate assault

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A man whose takedown by police last month led to an officer being charged for using what officials said was an illegal chokehold has himself been taken into custody in connection with an attempted robbery and slashing , the New York Police Department said Tuesday .
Ricky Bellevue , 35 , and another man approached two other men and made anti-gay statements around noon on Tuesday in the Bronx , police said .
According to police , Bellevue showed a box cutter and attempted to take one of the men ’ s bags , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ensuing struggle before being taken into custody by police .
The NYPD said charges including robbery as a hate crime and assault were pending .
Last month , cellphone video showed Officer David Afanador putting his arm around Bellevue ’ s neck after he had been tackled by police and as he lay face down on the boardwalk in Queens .
Afanador was suspended and charged with strangulation and attempted aggravated strangulation .
He pleaded not guilty , and his lawyer said he was facing a rush to judgment amid public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged misconduct following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Attorney Sanford Rubenstein , who is representing Bellevue in the June incident , said he suffers from mental illness , and had been admitted by his family to a mental health unit at a hospital in late June only to be discharged last week .
In regard to the incident on Tuesday , Rubenstein said , Bellevue is “ still a victim , he ’ s a victim of an illegal chokehold , this doesn ’ t change that .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - A man whose takedown by police last month led to an officer being charged for using what officials said was an illegal chokehold has himself been taken into custody in connection with an attempted robbery and slashing, the New York Police Department said Tuesday.
Ricky Bellevue, 35, and another man approached two other men and made anti-gay statements around noon on Tuesday in the Bronx, police said.
According to police, Bellevue showed a box cutter and attempted to take one of the men’s bags, slashing him in the face and hands in the ensuing struggle before being taken into custody by police.
The NYPD said charges including robbery as a hate crime and assault were pending.
Last month, cellphone video showed Officer David Afanador putting his arm around Bellevue’s neck after he had been tackled by police and as he lay face down on the boardwalk in Queens.
Afanador was suspended and charged with strangulation and attempted aggravated strangulation.
He pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer said he was facing a rush to judgment amid public pressure to hold police officers accountable for alleged misconduct following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Attorney Sanford Rubenstein, who is representing Bellevue in the June incident, said he suffers from mental illness, and had been admitted by his family to a mental health unit at a hospital in late June only to be discharged last week.
In regard to the incident on Tuesday, Rubenstein said, Bellevue is “still a victim, he’s a victim of an illegal chokehold, this doesn’t change that.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis homeless encampment, avoids police, sees sex assaults

A majority-White Minneapolis neighborhood that has embraced the “ defund the police ” movement has now witnessed three sexual assaults in two weeks as hundreds of homeless people have encamped in the neighborhood ’ s sprawling park .
The most recent attack occurred Sunday in Powderhorn Park , where the Star-Tribune reported more than 800 people now live in hundreds of tents .
The assault was publicized by the city ’ s Park and Recreation Board and not by the Minneapolis Police Department , which has been targeted for dissolution by the City Council since George Floyd was killed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Park Board spokeswoman announced that a girl was attacked on July 5 , four days after the Board “ rejected a plan that could have restricted homeless encampments in parks across the city , ” according to local reports .
The girl , whom the Star-Tribune did not name or provide an age , required hospitalization after the attack , which has led to an arrest but no charges as of Tuesday afternoon .
The July 5 sexual assault is the third to occur in the neighborhood , where the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 415 to 560 , according to a Board report Tuesday .
No arrest has been made in the first of the three attacks , which occurred sometime late June 26 or early June 27 , the same day a 911 caller reported another attack .
In that case , the victim and attacker allegedly knew each other , as a 40-year-old man , Jonathan Taylor , was arrested and charged with groping a woman in their tent that day and raping her on May 22 in a hotel .
But the neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd death , its residents voted to call the Minneapolis PD no longer , in an effort to protect people of color from it .
Powderhorn Park was also the site where a veto-proof majority on the City Council declared June 7 that they would vote to “ disband ” the police department .
Homeless people , who have apparently drifted about Minneapolis since some downtown neighborhoods were badly damaged by riots after Floyd ’ s death , arrived very quickly and almost immediately drew “ heavy car traffic into the neighborhood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The New York Times .
In addition to the sexual assaults , some residents in the park ’ s tent city have overdosed and been taken away by ambulance .
With hostility toward the Minneapolis PD growing , The Times said some residents had resolved to call the local American Indian Movement if “ they saw anyone in physical danger.
” “ I ’ m afraid , ” longtime progressive resident Shari Albers told The New York Times .
“ I know my neighbors are around , but I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anything could happen.
” In late June , The Times estimated the park ’ s population at around 300 multiracial people who “ do laundry , listen to music , and strategize about how to find permanent housing.
” The Star-Tribune ’ s recent report made no mention of the neighborhood ’ s recent determination to avoid calling the police , but quoted a community organizer as saying assaults “ can happen in any park ” and that the solution to the problem was more homes .
There appeared to be no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board ’ s website or Facebook page Tuesday .
The Board , which has an annual budget of $ 111 million and more than 500 full-time employees , declares itself among “ the premier park systems in the United States.
” Whites comprise 56 % of the neighborhood around the park that has long been noted for left-wing activism .
There is also a substantial Black and Hispanic population , according to the website Minnesota Compass.org .
The neighborhood has a median income of $ 50,824 .

A majority-White Minneapolis neighborhood that has embraced the “defund the police” movement has now witnessed three sexual assaults in two weeks as hundreds of homeless people have encamped in the neighborhood’s sprawling park.
The most recent attack occurred Sunday in Powderhorn Park, where the Star-Tribune reported more than 800 people now live in hundreds of tents.
The assault was publicized by the city’s Park and Recreation Board and not by the Minneapolis Police Department, which has been targeted for dissolution by the City Council since George Floyd was killed on Memorial Day by a White police officer.
A Park Board spokeswoman announced that a girl was attacked on July 5, four days after the Board “rejected a plan that could have restricted homeless encampments in parks across the city,” according to local reports.
The girl, whom the Star-Tribune did not name or provide an age, required hospitalization after the attack, which has led to an arrest but no charges as of Tuesday afternoon.
The July 5 sexual assault is the third to occur in the neighborhood, where the number of tents in Powderhorn Park has grown from 415 to 560, according to a Board report Tuesday.
No arrest has been made in the first of the three attacks, which occurred sometime late June 26 or early June 27, the same day a 911 caller reported another attack. In that case, the victim and attacker allegedly knew each other, as a 40-year-old man, Jonathan Taylor, was arrested and charged with groping a woman in their tent that day and raping her on May 22 in a hotel.
But the neighborhood wants no police assistance.
After the Floyd death, its residents voted to call the Minneapolis PD no longer, in an effort to protect people of color from it.
Powderhorn Park was also the site where a veto-proof majority on the City Council declared June 7 that they would vote to “disband” the police department.
Homeless people, who have apparently drifted about Minneapolis since some downtown neighborhoods were badly damaged by riots after Floyd’s death, arrived very quickly and almost immediately drew “heavy car traffic into the neighborhood, some from drug dealers,” according to The New York Times.
In addition to the sexual assaults, some residents in the park’s tent city have overdosed and been taken away by ambulance.
With hostility toward the Minneapolis PD growing, The Times said some residents had resolved to call the local American Indian Movement if “they saw anyone in physical danger.”
“I’m afraid,” longtime progressive resident Shari Albers told The New York Times. “I know my neighbors are around, but I’m not feeling grounded in my city at all. Anything could happen.”
In late June, The Times estimated the park’s population at around 300 multiracial people who “do laundry, listen to music, and strategize about how to find permanent housing.”
The Star-Tribune’s recent report made no mention of the neighborhood’s recent determination to avoid calling the police, but quoted a community organizer as saying assaults “can happen in any park” and that the solution to the problem was more homes.
There appeared to be no mention of the most recent attack at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s website or Facebook page Tuesday.
The Board, which has an annual budget of $111 million and more than 500 full-time employees, declares itself among “the premier park systems in the United States.”
Whites comprise 56% of the neighborhood around the park that has long been noted for left-wing activism. There is also a substantial Black and Hispanic population, according to the website Minnesota Compass.org.
The neighborhood has a median income of $50,824.
• James Varney can be reached at jvarney@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--D.C. Council gives first approval to $16.7 billion budget that cuts police funding

A harried but unanimous D.C. Council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to the city ’ s $ 16.7 billion budget for fiscal 2021 after several hours of debate on tax policy and some tension among lawmakers on the process .
Council Chairman Phil Mendelson , at-large Democrat , made public his budget proposal Monday afternoon , 15 hours before the council was to vote on it .
Mr. Mendelson and his colleagues were visibly frustrated Tuesday amid the rush to circulate amendments , including one that would end the Metropolitan Police Department ( MPD ) contract for officers at public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s budget is $ 50 million for repairing public housing and $ 5 million for Events DC ’ s undocumented workers cash assistance program .
The budget would cut MPD funding by $ 15 million , which will result in a decrease of about 200 officers .
Mr. Mendelson included a 3 % tax on advertising sales , a 10-cent increase on gas taxes and a reduction in a tax incentive for large technology companies .
In a letter to the council , Mayor Muriel Bowser listed concerns she had with the council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MPD budget , the removal of her expansion plan for the MPD cadet program and the increase in taxes .
“ As none of the committees have made this recommendation , and as the Chief Financial Officer predicts that the District will face uncertain times for two years , it would be foolhardy to raise taxes this year , ” Miss Bowser said in her letter .
The chairman asked his colleagues to hold off on other measures that would generate revenue , out of concern that revenues would fall later in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
Council member Brianne Nadeau , Ward 1 Democrat , said she was “ flabbergasted ” by Mr. Mendelson ’ s request .
“ It seems you ’ re fine doing tax policy at the dais , but only if the money goes where you want it to go , ” Ms. Nadeau said .
Council member Charles Allen , Ward 6 Democrat , introduced an amendment that would delay a tax break to publicly traded corporations for five years , generating about $ 7.4 million a year .
The council approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds at a later vote .
Council member Trayon White , Ward 8 Democrat , introduced an amendment that would reduce the amount of money high-income residents can exempt from their estate taxes , which would produce $ 1.7 million to be directed to services to help children impacted by violence .
During discussion on the amendment , which was approved , Mr. Mendelson admonished Mr. White for not having the most updated copy of the legislation and circulating it in the early hours of the morning .
“ I dare say no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was circulated at 12:45 a.m. , Mr. Mendelson said .
Council member Elissa Silverman , at-large independent , read aloud an email from a constituent commenting on the back-and-forth among lawmakers and the process .
The lawmakers also approved council member David Grosso ’ s amendment to transfer the public school security officer contract from the control of the police department to D.C. public schools .
Mr. Grosso , at-large independent , said his amendment wasn ’ t a political move resulting from recent protests on policing .
He said his amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who told him they don ’ t have good relationships with security guards and are scared of the police .
The council approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Support Act of 2020 and Fiscal Year 2021 Local Budget Act of 2020 in the Committee of the Whole markup meeting and later Tuesday voted on it for its first vote in a full council meeting .

A harried but unanimous D.C. Council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to the city’s $16.7 billion budget for fiscal 2021 after several hours of debate on tax policy and some tension among lawmakers on the process.
Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, at-large Democrat, made public his budget proposal Monday afternoon, 15 hours before the council was to vote on it.
Mr. Mendelson and his colleagues were visibly frustrated Tuesday amid the rush to circulate amendments, including one that would end the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) contract for officers at public schools.
Included in the council’s budget is $50 million for repairing public housing and $5 million for Events DC’s undocumented workers cash assistance program. The budget would cut MPD funding by $15 million, which will result in a decrease of about 200 officers.
Mr. Mendelson included a 3% tax on advertising sales, a 10-cent increase on gas taxes and a reduction in a tax incentive for large technology companies.
In a letter to the council, Mayor Muriel Bowser listed concerns she had with the council’s budget, including cuts to the MPD budget, the removal of her expansion plan for the MPD cadet program and the increase in taxes.
“As none of the committees have made this recommendation, and as the Chief Financial Officer predicts that the District will face uncertain times for two years, it would be foolhardy to raise taxes this year,” Miss Bowser said in her letter.
The chairman asked his colleagues to hold off on other measures that would generate revenue, out of concern that revenues would fall later in the year due to the public health crisis.
Council member Brianne Nadeau, Ward 1 Democrat, said she was “flabbergasted” by Mr. Mendelson’s request.
“It seems you’re fine doing tax policy at the dais, but only if the money goes where you want it to go,” Ms. Nadeau said.
Council member Charles Allen, Ward 6 Democrat, introduced an amendment that would delay a tax break to publicly traded corporations for five years, generating about $7.4 million a year. The council approved the amendment and decided to allocate it funds at a later vote.
Council member Trayon White, Ward 8 Democrat, introduced an amendment that would reduce the amount of money high-income residents can exempt from their estate taxes, which would produce $1.7 million to be directed to services to help children impacted by violence.
During discussion on the amendment, which was approved, Mr. Mendelson admonished Mr. White for not having the most updated copy of the legislation and circulating it in the early hours of the morning.
“I dare say no one was at their computer” when this was circulated at 12:45 a.m., Mr. Mendelson said.
Council member Elissa Silverman, at-large independent, read aloud an email from a constituent commenting on the back-and-forth among lawmakers and the process.
“This is crazy,” the email read.
The lawmakers also approved council member David Grosso’s amendment to transfer the public school security officer contract from the control of the police department to D.C. public schools.
Mr. Grosso, at-large independent, said his amendment wasn’t a political move resulting from recent protests on policing. He said his amendment emerged from public hearings with young people, who told him they don’t have good relationships with security guards and are scared of the police.
The council approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Support Act of 2020 and Fiscal Year 2021 Local Budget Act of 2020 in the Committee of the Whole markup meeting and later Tuesday voted on it for its first vote in a full council meeting.
• Sophie Kaplan can be reached at skaplan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Dan Gilbert would keep control under Quicken Loans IPO

DETROIT ( AP ) - Quicken Loans would become part of Rocket Companies under an initial public stock offering that @ @ @ @ @ in firm control .
A filing Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission said Gilbert @ @ @ @ @ % voting power in a multi-tiered stock structure .
Rocket Companies would be more than @ @ @ @ @ mortgage lender .
It would include a real estate title company , a home search @ @ @ @ @ provider and a used car business .
“ Essentially , Dan Gilbert is maintaining full @ @ @ @ @ ” said David Kudla , chief investment strategist at Mainstay Capital Management .
Gilbert , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Cleveland Cavaliers , has been recovering from a 2019 stroke .
He has @ @ @ @ @ buying and rehabbing commercial buildings all over downtown Detroit .
Rocket Companies had net income @ @ @ @ @ the first quarter of 2020 , according to the SEC filing .

DETROIT (AP) - Quicken Loans would become part of Rocket Companies under an initial public stock offering that would keep founder Dan Gilbert in firm control.
A filing Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission said Gilbert would have control with 79% voting power in a multi-tiered stock structure.
Rocket Companies would be more than Quicken Loans, the Detroit-based mortgage lender. It would include a real estate title company, a home search platform, a personal loan provider and a used car business.
“Essentially, Dan Gilbert is maintaining full control of the company,” said David Kudla, chief investment strategist at Mainstay Capital Management.
Gilbert, who also owns the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, has been recovering from a 2019 stroke. He has played a critical role in buying and rehabbing commercial buildings all over downtown Detroit.
Rocket Companies had net income of $97 million in the first quarter of 2020, according to the SEC filing.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Colorado sues Juul for marketing to minors

DENVER ( AP ) - Colorado has filed a lawsuit against an e-cigarette manufacturer saying the company marketed products to children and downplayed health risks .
The lawsuit filed in Denver District Court Tuesday says Juul Labs Inc. violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act , The Colorado Sun reported Tuesday .
State Attorney General Phil Weiser said Juul falsely suggested its vaping products are a healthy smoking alternative and can help people quit using cigarettes .
Weiser ’ s office has been investigating Juul for nearly a year .
“ Addiction to e-cigarettes poses major health risks to Colorado youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Juul must be held accountable for its reckless , deceptive and unconscionable marketing.
” A 2018 study found Colorado has double the national average of vaping teenagers at 27 % .
State lawmakers have taken steps to curb teen use , including banning indoor vaping and increasing regulation of nicotine product sales .
Colorado voters will decide in November whether to tax vaping products for the first time .
The lawsuit alleges Juul purposefully designed their e-cigarettes to make them more attractive to minors .
The attorney general ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruit-flavored products was another attempt to reach that demographic of users .
Juul , the largest U.S. manufacturer of e-cigarettes , has faced legal action from other states on similar grounds , including New York , California , Illinois , Massachusetts and North Carolina .
The company said it has worked to combat teen use and its vaping devices are not meant to be cessation products , but are another way to consume nicotine .

DENVER (AP) - Colorado has filed a lawsuit against an e-cigarette manufacturer saying the company marketed products to children and downplayed health risks.
The lawsuit filed in Denver District Court Tuesday says Juul Labs Inc. violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, The Colorado Sun reported Tuesday.
State Attorney General Phil Weiser said Juul falsely suggested its vaping products are a healthy smoking alternative and can help people quit using cigarettes.
Weiser’s office has been investigating Juul for nearly a year.
“Addiction to e-cigarettes poses major health risks to Colorado youth,” Weiser said in a statement. “Juul must be held accountable for its reckless, deceptive and unconscionable marketing.”
A 2018 study found Colorado has double the national average of vaping teenagers at 27%.
State lawmakers have taken steps to curb teen use, including banning indoor vaping and increasing regulation of nicotine product sales. Colorado voters will decide in November whether to tax vaping products for the first time.
The lawsuit alleges Juul purposefully designed their e-cigarettes to make them more attractive to minors. The attorney general’s office claims that Juul’s use of fruit-flavored products was another attempt to reach that demographic of users.
Juul, the largest U.S. manufacturer of e-cigarettes, has faced legal action from other states on similar grounds, including New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts and North Carolina.
The company said it has worked to combat teen use and its vaping devices are not meant to be cessation products, but are another way to consume nicotine.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Inside the Beltway: Kurt Schlichter's new book reveals the biggest lies about Trump

Townhall columnist Kurt Schlichter has a new book with a telling title — “ The 21 Biggest Lies about Donald Trump ( and you ! )
” — that makes the case that fans of President Trump are demonized by the hostile news media and political critics just as much as the president himself .
Mr. Schlichter has identified the 21 most glaring and persistent fibs about Mr. Trump which keep reappearing in the public discourse , even three years after Mr. Trump was elected .
“ Lies have always been a part of politics , but today defamation has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost quaint to hear someone offer a coherent , thoughtful argument instead of spewing a spray of cheesy slander .
When was the last time you heard someone provide a detailed , pointed critique of Donald Trump ’ s policies ?
Not of his character or his alleged personal failings but his policies ?
It ’ s been a while , hasn ’ t it ?
” writes the author .
He provides a clear reason for the endless hostility directed at Mr. Trump from media , rival politicians , elitists , globalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among others .
“ Defamation is all the Trump-haters have left because the facts aren ’ t working for them .
We have a booming economy , ( the viral tangent notwithstanding ) , no new wars and a renewed faith in the American Dream .
By all objective standards , President Trump is leaving his mark as a great American president , ” says Mr. Schlichter .
The author himself describes his book as “ hardcore conservative , pedal to the metal — with no apologies , no excuses , and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regnery , which asks : “ Has any president been more unjustly vilified than Donald Trump ?
” Inside the Beltway has featured the words of the late Charlie Daniels on numerous occasions .
Here ’ s one more citation , penned by the country music great on June 26 , as the nation ’ s was reeling with social unrest over multiple social and political issues .
“ America , in the next few months you ’ re going to have to make a choice , about how far you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , the kind of world you want your children to grow up in and which side of this debacle you stand on .
Stand tall or crawl , those are the choices .
What do you think ?
” Daniels asked in his “ Soapbox ” column at his personal website .
“ Pray for our troops our police and the peace of Jerusalem .
God Bless America , ” he concluded .
Know someone who is not particularly captivated by the bout between President Trump and Joseph R. Biden , covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Over one-third of Americans are paying very little attention — or zero attention — to the 2020 presidential election , according to a new Economist/YouGov survey .
See the full numbers in the Poll du Jour at column ’ s end .
The reasons why people are not interested in the minutiae of an election are complicated and many .
Sometimes they ’ re just too busy , irritated , annoyed , tired , fed up — or they find the whole process boring , too complicated or irrelevant .
The aforementioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 % of voters are not enthusiastic about voting in the presidential election when the time comes .
Such negative sentiments don ’ t necessarily mean they won ’ t vote in the election , however .
Verified nonvoters are a whole different breed , which the Beltway will address another time .
Sen. Tim Scott , South Carolina Republican , will host U.S. Attorney General William Barr in a “ community conversation ” with church leaders and pastors Wednesday at a church in Columbia , the capital of the Palmetto State .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement officers .
News of the outcome or insight on the events to come .
After hip-hop performer and billionaire entrepreneur Kanye West declared his plans on July 4 to run for president , many observers are convinced his entrance into the race will draw votes away from presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden and give the edge to the president .
Oddsmakers are in agreement now .
“ Kanye West ’ s Twitter announcement on Saturday that he will be throwing his hat into the 2020 presidential ring appears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on new betting odds , ” said betting aggregators US-Bookies.com in a statement Tuesday .
“ West ’ s odds on winning 2020 presidential election is a longshot though his odds improved from 500/1 on Friday , July 3 to 60/1 on Monday , ” the industry source noted .
“ When Kanye West revealed his intentions to run in the 2020 presidential election , Biden ’ s odds briefly went from 4/6 to 8/11 , while Trump ’ s went from 13/10 to 5/4 , as oddsmakers believed that Kanye would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said US-Bookies betting analyst Alex Donohue .
Compare.bet , another industry source , compiled a list of a dozen international betting houses to reveal that they give Mr. West between a 40/1 and 80/1 chance of winning the 2020 election .
• 36 % of U.S. adults are paying “ a lot of attention ” to the 2020 presidential election ; 38 % of Republicans , 28 % of independents and 42 % of Democrats agree .
• 30 % overall are paying “ some attention ” to the election ; 31 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 35 % of Democrats agree .
• 23 % overall are paying “ only a little attention ” to the election ; 27 % of Republicans , 24 % of independents and 19 % of Democrats agree .
• 12 % overall are paying “ no attention at all ” to the election ; 5 % of Republicans , 24 % of independents and 4 % of Democrats agree .
Source : An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,459 U.S. adults conducted June 28-30 and released Tuesday .

NEWS AND OPINION:
Townhall columnist Kurt Schlichter has a new book with a telling title — “The 21 Biggest Lies about Donald Trump (and you!)” — that makes the case that fans of President Trump are demonized by the hostile news media and political critics just as much as the president himself.
Mr. Schlichter has identified the 21 most glaring and persistent fibs about Mr. Trump which keep reappearing in the public discourse, even three years after Mr. Trump was elected.
But that’s a given.
“Lies have always been a part of politics, but today defamation has replaced actual debate. It’s almost quaint to hear someone offer a coherent, thoughtful argument instead of spewing a spray of cheesy slander. When was the last time you heard someone provide a detailed, pointed critique of Donald Trump’s policies? Not of his character or his alleged personal failings but his policies? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” writes the author.
He provides a clear reason for the endless hostility directed at Mr. Trump from media, rival politicians, elitists, globalists, academics and social media mavens, among others.
“Defamation is all the Trump-haters have left because the facts aren’t working for them. We have a booming economy, (the viral tangent notwithstanding), no new wars and a renewed faith in the American Dream. By all objective standards, President Trump is leaving his mark as a great American president,” says Mr. Schlichter.
The author himself describes his book as “hardcore conservative, pedal to the metal — with no apologies, no excuses, and no mercy.”
The book was published by Regnery, which asks: “Has any president been more unjustly vilified than Donald Trump?”
A MOMENT WITH CHARLIE
Inside the Beltway has featured the words of the late Charlie Daniels on numerous occasions. Here’s one more citation, penned by the country music great on June 26, as the nation’s was reeling with social unrest over multiple social and political issues.
“America, in the next few months you’re going to have to make a choice, about how far you’ll be pushed, the priorities of your vote, the kind of world you want your children to grow up in and which side of this debacle you stand on. Stand tall or crawl, those are the choices. What do you think?” Daniels asked in his “Soapbox” column at his personal website.
“Pray for our troops our police and the peace of Jerusalem. God Bless America,” he concluded.
Daniels died on Monday at 83.
ELECTION? WHAT ELECTION?
Know someone who is not particularly captivated by the bout between President Trump and Joseph R. Biden, covered with excruciating detail by the news media? Over one-third of Americans are paying very little attention — or zero attention — to the 2020 presidential election, according to a new Economist/YouGov survey. See the full numbers in the Poll du Jour at column’s end.
The reasons why people are not interested in the minutiae of an election are complicated and many. Sometimes they’re just too busy, irritated, annoyed, tired, fed up — or they find the whole process boring, too complicated or irrelevant.
The aforementioned YouGov poll, incidentally, found that 19% of voters are not enthusiastic about voting in the presidential election when the time comes. Such negative sentiments don’t necessarily mean they won’t vote in the election, however. Verified nonvoters are a whole different breed, which the Beltway will address another time.
ON THE RADAR
Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, will host U.S. Attorney General William Barr in a “community conversation” with church leaders and pastors Wednesday at a church in Columbia, the capital of the Palmetto State.
The two will then meet with local law enforcement officers.
News of the outcome or insight on the events to come.
THE KANYE EFFECT, PART 2
After hip-hop performer and billionaire entrepreneur Kanye West declared his plans on July 4 to run for president, many observers are convinced his entrance into the race will draw votes away from presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden and give the edge to the president.
Oddsmakers are in agreement now.
“Kanye West’s Twitter announcement on Saturday that he will be throwing his hat into the 2020 presidential ring appears to have slightly benefited President Trump, based on new betting odds,” said betting aggregators US-Bookies.com in a statement Tuesday.
“West’s odds on winning 2020 presidential election is a longshot though his odds improved from 500/1 on Friday, July 3 to 60/1 on Monday,” the industry source noted.
“When Kanye West revealed his intentions to run in the 2020 presidential election, Biden’s odds briefly went from 4/6 to 8/11, while Trump’s went from 13/10 to 5/4, as oddsmakers believed that Kanye would take more votes away from Biden,” said US-Bookies betting analyst Alex Donohue.
But wait there’s more.
Compare.bet, another industry source, compiled a list of a dozen international betting houses to reveal that they give Mr. West between a 40/1 and 80/1 chance of winning the 2020 election.
POLL DU JOUR
• 36% of U.S. adults are paying “a lot of attention” to the 2020 presidential election; 38% of Republicans, 28% of independents and 42% of Democrats agree.
• 30% overall are paying “some attention” to the election; 31% of Republicans, 24% of independents and 35% of Democrats agree.
• 23% overall are paying “only a little attention” to the election; 27% of Republicans, 24% of independents and 19% of Democrats agree.
• 12% overall are paying “no attention at all” to the election; 5% of Republicans, 24% of independents and 4% of Democrats agree.
Source: An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,459 U.S. adults conducted June 28-30 and released Tuesday.
• Helpful information to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--2 charged with hate crime after video shows defacing of sign

MARTINEZ , Calif. ( AP ) - A man and a woman shown on video while one defaced a Black Lives Matter sign on July Fourth in a San Francisco Bay Area city were charged with a hate crime Tuesday , authorities said .
Nichole Anderson , 42 , and David Nelson , 53 , both of Martinez , also face counts of vandalism and possession of tools to commit vandalism , the Contra Costa County District Attorney ’ s Office said .
District attorney ’ s spokesman Scott Alonso said Anderson is the woman in a viral video posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large roller to spread black paint on the yellow sign and saying , “ this isn ’ t happening in my town.
” Nelson is the person recording the incident with his cellphone who can be heard saying , “ there is no oppression , there is no racism .
It ’ s a leftist lie , ” Alonso said .
A message seeking comment left on a phone number listed for Anderson and Nelson was not immediately answered .
The temporary sign had the approval of the city and was painted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in downtown Martinez , prosecutors said .
In another incident , Martinez police on Sunday arrested Joseph Osuna , 30 , of Martinez on suspicion of pointing a gun at a Black Lives Matter supporter who police say was trying to write down Osuna ’ s license plate number after he yelled “ all lives matter ” in front of the sign , KNTV reported .
“ We must address the root and byproduct of systemic racism in our country , ” District Attorney Diana Becton said .
“ The mural completed last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to communicate the importance of Black lives.
” If convicted , Anderson and Nelson could face up to a year in county jail .

MARTINEZ, Calif. (AP) - A man and a woman shown on video while one defaced a Black Lives Matter sign on July Fourth in a San Francisco Bay Area city were charged with a hate crime Tuesday, authorities said.
Nichole Anderson, 42, and David Nelson, 53, both of Martinez, also face counts of vandalism and possession of tools to commit vandalism, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office said.
District attorney’s spokesman Scott Alonso said Anderson is the woman in a viral video posted on Twitter that shows a person using a large roller to spread black paint on the yellow sign and saying, “this isn’t happening in my town.” Nelson is the person recording the incident with his cellphone who can be heard saying, “there is no oppression, there is no racism. It’s a leftist lie,” Alonso said.
A message seeking comment left on a phone number listed for Anderson and Nelson was not immediately answered.
The temporary sign had the approval of the city and was painted earlier Saturday in front of the courthouse in downtown Martinez, prosecutors said.
In another incident, Martinez police on Sunday arrested Joseph Osuna, 30, of Martinez on suspicion of pointing a gun at a Black Lives Matter supporter who police say was trying to write down Osuna’s license plate number after he yelled “all lives matter” in front of the sign, KNTV reported.
“We must address the root and byproduct of systemic racism in our country,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “The mural completed last weekend was a peaceful and powerful way to communicate the importance of Black lives.”
If convicted, Anderson and Nelson could face up to a year in county jail.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Coronavirus disrupts California Legislature for second time

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - After 158 years without missing a scheduled day of deliberations , the California Legislature is headed toward its second interruption in four months because of the coronavirus pandemic - this time after five people who work in the state Assembly contracted the disease .
The outbreak appears connected to a June 26 floor session of the Assembly , when lawmakers interrupted their brief summer recess to vote on a $ 202 billion budget .
A memo from the Assembly Rules Committee says a staff member who tested positive was at the Capitol that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all times while in the building .
Assemblywoman Autumn Burke , a Democrat from Inglewood , says a representative from the Assembly Human Resources Department contacted her last week to say she was one of the people who had been exposed to the virus , even though Burke also wore a mask .
Burke said she tested positive on Saturday .
Before that , Burke had stopped taking in-person meetings and had not been in her office , said Tish Rylander , her chief of staff .
“ The only place she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rylander said .
Many state legislatures suspended their work at the start of the pandemic but after the delay were able to complete their work and adjourn .
Lawmakers in Hawaii and Georgia contracted the virus shortly after their legislatures recessed in March .
In Mississippi , officials announced Tuesday that at least eight lawmakers tested positive for the virus after lawmakers adjourned their session .
While all Assembly members were notified of the positive tests , not all were told they had personally been exposed and should self-isolate and be tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rules Committee chair Ken Cooley declined interview requests for this story .
Dr. George Rutherford , an epidemiologist at the University of California , San Francisco said even though most of the Assembly ’ s 80 members were in the same room for hours on June 26 , not all of them should isolate themselves and be tested .
That ’ s because lawmakers were required to wear masks while in the chamber and stay at least 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) away from each other .
Going forward , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out who Burke and others who have tested positive have been in contact with in recent days .
“ Instead of trying to figure out where she got it , we ’ ll figure out who she has been in contact with .
You are trying to break the chain of transmission , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a much more forward-looking process than a backward-looking process.
” Normally , county public health departments handle the process of “ contact tracing ” to figure out who might have been exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Janna Haynes said public health officials were aware of the cases at the Capitol but declined further comment .
Some lawmakers are voluntarily isolating themselves .
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez , a Democrat from San Diego , skipped the Assembly ’ s budget vote on June 26 after having come in contact with someone who had the virus .
Gonzalez tweeted Tuesday that she and her husband , San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher , have been isolating for nearly two weeks and have tested negative for the virus .
Meanwhile , Assemblyman Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has missed most of the legislative session this year because the 73-year-old lives in a retirement community and is worried about spreading the disease to his neighbors .
The state Senate is scheduled to return to work on Monday .
Rendon has not said when the Assembly would return .
In a memo to lawmakers , he said he has instructed his staff to “ develop a schedule for hearings and other Assembly business that will allow us to conduct our work but minimize the days in the Capitol building.
” That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who noted the Legislature already missed nearly two months of work earlier this year at the start of the pandemic .
In that time , Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued dozens of executive orders and authorized billions of dollars in public spending with little oversight from the Legislature .
Kiley said suspending the Legislature ’ s work every time someone tests positive “ is not a sustainable solution.
” “ If that ’ s what happens , then we ‘ re going to have no legislative branch for months on end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a better plan than that .
”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - After 158 years without missing a scheduled day of deliberations, the California Legislature is headed toward its second interruption in four months because of the coronavirus pandemic - this time after five people who work in the state Assembly contracted the disease.
The outbreak appears connected to a June 26 floor session of the Assembly, when lawmakers interrupted their brief summer recess to vote on a $202 billion budget. A memo from the Assembly Rules Committee says a staff member who tested positive was at the Capitol that day but wore a face covering at all times while in the building.
Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, a Democrat from Inglewood, says a representative from the Assembly Human Resources Department contacted her last week to say she was one of the people who had been exposed to the virus, even though Burke also wore a mask.
Burke said she tested positive on Saturday. Before that, Burke had stopped taking in-person meetings and had not been in her office, said Tish Rylander, her chief of staff.
“The only place she has been is on the Assembly floor,” Rylander said.
Many state legislatures suspended their work at the start of the pandemic but after the delay were able to complete their work and adjourn.
Lawmakers in Hawaii and Georgia contracted the virus shortly after their legislatures recessed in March. In Mississippi, officials announced Tuesday that at least eight lawmakers tested positive for the virus after lawmakers adjourned their session.
While all Assembly members were notified of the positive tests, not all were told they had personally been exposed and should self-isolate and be tested. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Assembly Rules Committee chair Ken Cooley declined interview requests for this story.
Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco said even though most of the Assembly’s 80 members were in the same room for hours on June 26, not all of them should isolate themselves and be tested. That’s because lawmakers were required to wear masks while in the chamber and stay at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) away from each other.
Going forward, he said public health officials should try to figure out who Burke and others who have tested positive have been in contact with in recent days.
“Instead of trying to figure out where she got it, we’ll figure out who she has been in contact with. You are trying to break the chain of transmission,” he said. “It’s a much more forward-looking process than a backward-looking process.”
Normally, county public health departments handle the process of “contact tracing” to figure out who might have been exposed to the virus. Sacramento County spokeswoman Janna Haynes said public health officials were aware of the cases at the Capitol but declined further comment.
Some lawmakers are voluntarily isolating themselves. Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, a Democrat from San Diego, skipped the Assembly’s budget vote on June 26 after having come in contact with someone who had the virus. Gonzalez tweeted Tuesday that she and her husband, San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, have been isolating for nearly two weeks and have tested negative for the virus.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Bill Quirk, a Democrat from Hayward, has missed most of the legislative session this year because the 73-year-old lives in a retirement community and is worried about spreading the disease to his neighbors.
The state Senate is scheduled to return to work on Monday. Rendon has not said when the Assembly would return. In a memo to lawmakers, he said he has instructed his staff to “develop a schedule for hearings and other Assembly business that will allow us to conduct our work but minimize the days in the Capitol building.”
That’s concerning to Republican Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, who noted the Legislature already missed nearly two months of work earlier this year at the start of the pandemic. In that time, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued dozens of executive orders and authorized billions of dollars in public spending with little oversight from the Legislature.
Kiley said suspending the Legislature’s work every time someone tests positive “is not a sustainable solution.”
“If that’s what happens, then we ‘re going to have no legislative branch for months on end,” he said. “There needs to be a better plan than that.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--Man dies after crashing head-on into Milwaukee squad car

MILWAUKEE ( AP ) - A 27-year-old man died Tuesday in a head-on crash with a Milwaukee squad car , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and @ @ @ @ @ Police Department squad car , police said .
The Milwaukee man had to be extricated @ @ @ @ @ of his injuries .
A 25-year-old Milwaukee woman who was his passenger was taken to @ @ @ @ @ .
The squad car was driven by a 54-year-old officer who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
He is a 17-year veteran of the force .
The crash is under @ @

MILWAUKEE (AP) - A 27-year-old man died Tuesday in a head-on crash with a Milwaukee squad car, police said.
The man’s vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and collided with the marked Milwaukee Police Department squad car, police said. The Milwaukee man had to be extricated from his vehicle and died of his injuries.
A 25-year-old Milwaukee woman who was his passenger was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The squad car was driven by a 54-year-old officer who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. He is a 17-year veteran of the force.
The crash is under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--University of Chicago removes tributes to Stephen Douglas

CHICAGO ( AP ) - The University of Chicago has removed a bronze plaque and stone that publicly honored Stephen @ @ @ @ @ from Illinois in the 1800s .
“ Douglas does not deserve to be honored on @ @ @ @ @ “ profited from his wife ’ s ownership of a Mississippi plantation where Black people @ @ @ @ @ President Robert Zimmer said in an email to students Tuesday .
Douglas probably is best @ @ @ @ @ debates with Abraham Lincoln in 1858 .
He was a U.S. senator who lost the @ @ @ @ @ .
Zimmer said a plaque and a stone from a university that preceded the University @ @ @ @ @ to a campus research center , the Chicago Sun-Times reported .
“ Douglas died in @ @ @ @ @ to the University of Chicago that was founded in 1890 as a new institution with @ @ @ @ @ Zimmer said .

CHICAGO (AP) - The University of Chicago has removed a bronze plaque and stone that publicly honored Stephen Douglas, a U.S. senator from Illinois in the 1800s.
“Douglas does not deserve to be honored on our campus” because he “profited from his wife’s ownership of a Mississippi plantation where Black people were enslaved,” university President Robert Zimmer said in an email to students Tuesday.
Douglas probably is best known for a series of debates with Abraham Lincoln in 1858. He was a U.S. senator who lost the 1860 presidential election to Lincoln.
Zimmer said a plaque and a stone from a university that preceded the University of Chicago would be moved to a campus research center, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
“Douglas died in 1861 and had no connection to the University of Chicago that was founded in 1890 as a new institution with a distinct mission,” Zimmer said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--University of California system names 1st Black president

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - Dr. Michael Drake was chosen Tuesday to be president of the University of California , the first Black leader in the system ’ s 150-year history .
Drake , a seasoned university administrator , replaces Janet Napolitano in overseeing a sprawling , 280,000-student system dealing with issues of accessibility for Blacks and other minorities along with slashed budgets and upended campus life because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Drake is a UC-trained physician who served as chancellor of the University of California , Irvine , and also led The Ohio State University before retiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m excited and ready to go , ” Drake told the board , noting the challenging times amid the pandemic , the threat of climate change , and “ the yawning wounds of social injustice that we see in so many ways that really tears at the fabric of our lives.
” He noted that the UC system is “ best equipped worldwide ” to be “ fully engaged in finding solutions.
” Napolitano , whose seven years as president end Aug. 1 , said Drake ’ s appointment is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ongoing effort to ensure that the university reflects the rich diversity of our state .
It follows other recent decisions by this board to address issues of inequity and systemic racism in our society.
” The first woman to serve as UC president , Napolitano added that : “ I recognize the significance of these firsts and while I hope that this kind of leadership diversity at our nation ’ s universities will soon become commonplace , I am humbled and grateful to have been part of this chapter in UC ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s chancellor from 2005 to 2014 , when the university increased the number of applicants for undergraduate admission by more than 90 % and added programs in law , public health , pharmaceutical sciences and nursing science .
Drake went on to become president at The Ohio State University .
In that position , he worked to increase the numbers of minority and underrepresented students .
The university boosted financial aid , and introduced changes to the tuition model .
He also worked to create minority representation during his years in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he served as vice chancellor for health affairs for the UC system .
He earned his medical degree in ophthalmology at UC San Francisco .
“ Michael is a wise and thoughtful leader , never afraid to do the right thing at the right time , ” said Kim A. Wilcox , UC Riverside ’ s chancellor , who served with Drake on the board of the University Innovation Alliance , a group of 11 public universities working to improve college access for low-income students , first-generation students , and students of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state budget cuts more than $ 470 million from the UC system , and many campuses have already announced plans for mostly online instruction in the fall .
The announcement also comes as the California State University system is searching for a new leader .
President Timothy White announced he would retire in June , but delayed his departure until the fall because of the pandemic .
Napolitano oversaw historic expansions at the 10-campus system and championed immigrant students .
When she took the post in 2013 , Napolitano seemed an unconventional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
She had no ties to UC and no experience in academic leadership in her career .
Napolitano has been governor of Arizona , secretary of U.S .
Homeland Security , a federal prosecutor and a partner in a prominent Phoenix law firm .
During her tenure at UC , Napolitano won praise for helping to boost enrollment to historic numbers .
UC schools now have 280,000 students and 227,000 employees .
She is also credited with reforming sexual misconduct policies .
However a state audit in 2016 found that Napolitano ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars in reserve funds that weren ’ t disclosed but that top aides also sought to suppress criticism of her office in surveys that were supposed to be confidential and sent directly to the state auditor .
State Auditor Elaine Howle ’ s report said there was “ insufficient evidence ” to conclude Napolitano knew or approved of any interference .
But the investigation and subsequent oversight prompted a rare public rebuke by the UC ’ s governing Board of Regents , and the university adopted measures to improve transparency .
Napolitano was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of immigrant students .
In 2017 , the university joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration ’ s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program , an action that led to injunctions that allowed hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients to extend their authorization to legally live and work in the U.S. , including students in the UC system .
Napolitano has battled a recurrence of breast cancer , but when she announced her resignation last September she said her health was good .
She plans to resume teaching at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Policy in the fall of 2021 .
Watson reported from San Diego and Robert Jablon in Los Angeles contributed .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Dr. Michael Drake was chosen Tuesday to be president of the University of California, the first Black leader in the system’s 150-year history.
Drake, a seasoned university administrator, replaces Janet Napolitano in overseeing a sprawling, 280,000-student system dealing with issues of accessibility for Blacks and other minorities, along with slashed budgets and upended campus life because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Drake is a UC-trained physician who served as chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, and also led The Ohio State University before retiring from that job last month.
The UC Board of Regents unanimously approved Drake’s appointment.
“I’m excited and ready to go,” Drake told the board, noting the challenging times amid the pandemic, the threat of climate change, and “the yawning wounds of social injustice that we see in so many ways that really tears at the fabric of our lives.”
He noted that the UC system is “best equipped worldwide” to be “fully engaged in finding solutions.”
Napolitano, whose seven years as president end Aug. 1, said Drake’s appointment is “one more step in our university’s ongoing effort to ensure that the university reflects the rich diversity of our state. It follows other recent decisions by this board to address issues of inequity and systemic racism in our society.”
Napolitano and Drake’s references to systemic racism and social injustice echo the topics of mass protests worldwide following the death of George Floyd, a black man, who died in Minnesota after a white officer pressed a knee to his neck.
The first woman to serve as UC president, Napolitano added that: “I recognize the significance of these firsts and while I hope that this kind of leadership diversity at our nation’s universities will soon become commonplace, I am humbled and grateful to have been part of this chapter in UC’s history.”
Drake was UC Irvine’s chancellor from 2005 to 2014, when the university increased the number of applicants for undergraduate admission by more than 90% and added programs in law, public health, pharmaceutical sciences and nursing science.
Drake went on to become president at The Ohio State University. In that position, he worked to increase the numbers of minority and underrepresented students. The university boosted financial aid, and introduced changes to the tuition model.
“I’m a firm believer in inclusion. It takes all of us to do our best work,” Drake said at an afternoon teleconference, adding that it will be “a critical part of our moving forward.”
Drake said that during his Ohio tenure, the school reversed a 20-year trend of decreasing African American enrollment, with the number of Blacks admitted to the university doubling between 2014 and 2020. The school also “dramatically” increased retention and graduation rates for all students, Drake said.
He also worked to create minority representation during his years in the UC system. Prior to UC Irvine, he served as vice chancellor for health affairs for the UC system. He earned his medical degree in ophthalmology at UC San Francisco.
“Michael is a wise and thoughtful leader, never afraid to do the right thing at the right time,” said Kim A. Wilcox, UC Riverside’s chancellor, who served with Drake on the board of the University Innovation Alliance, a group of 11 public universities working to improve college access for low-income students, first-generation students, and students of color.
Drake takes the helm as the state budget cuts more than $470 million from the UC system, and many campuses have already announced plans for mostly online instruction in the fall.
“I am confident that Dr. Drake is the leader we need to guide our world-class higher education system through this time of unprecedented challenge,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
The announcement also comes as the California State University system is searching for a new leader. President Timothy White announced he would retire in June, but delayed his departure until the fall because of the pandemic.
Napolitano oversaw historic expansions at the 10-campus system and championed immigrant students. When she took the post in 2013, Napolitano seemed an unconventional choice to lead the prestigious public university system. She had no ties to UC and no experience in academic leadership in her career.
Napolitano has been governor of Arizona, secretary of U.S. Homeland Security, a federal prosecutor and a partner in a prominent Phoenix law firm.
During her tenure at UC, Napolitano won praise for helping to boost enrollment to historic numbers and reforming sexual misconduct policies.
However a state audit in 2016 found that Napolitano’s office not only amassed millions of dollars in reserve funds that weren’t disclosed but that top aides also sought to suppress criticism of her office in surveys that were supposed to be confidential and sent directly to the state auditor.
State Auditor Elaine Howle’s report said there was “insufficient evidence” to conclude Napolitano knew or approved of any interference. But the investigation and subsequent oversight prompted a rare public rebuke by the UC’s governing Board of Regents, and the university adopted measures to improve transparency.
Napolitano has battled a recurrence of breast cancer, but when she announced her resignation last September she said her health was good. She plans to resume teaching at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy in the fall of 2021.
_____
Watson reported from San Diego and Robert Jablon in Los Angeles contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-07-07--San Francisco mayor decries gun violence after child killed

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - San Francisco ’ s mayor called for an end to gun violence at a rally for a 6-year-old African American boy who was outside enjoying fireworks on the Fourth of July when he was struck and killed .
Police are asking for witnesses to help find who killed Jace Young , who died in a part of San Francisco that tourists rarely see , the historically Black neighborhood of Bayview-Hunters Point .
Mayor London Breed ’ s voice cracked as she spoke about the pain that thee child ’ s parents now face , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I want us to remember this .
I want us to remember what this feels like , ” said Breed , who is African American and grew up in public housing in San Francisco .
“ Never forget how this hurts .
How this tears at our hearts and our souls.
” Young , a bright and loving child who loved computer games , was among several people killed in a spate of shootings across the country over the holiday weekend .
The deaths come amid global protests against police violence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time someone dies as a result of violence .
“ We are here because we want justice , ” she said .
“ We are here because we need y ’ all to put down the guns.
” Police say the shooting did not appear to be random but that Young and a 39-year-old man who was wounded were not the targets .
Young ’ s father , Jason Young , joined Breed , San Francisco Police Chief William Scott and Supervisor Shamann Walton , who represents the neighborhood , at a rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said one part of the city is for cable car riders and people living without fear while the other side can be a “ death penalty ” for young Black people .
“ Justice for Jace !
” Young yelled .
Walton , who also grew up in San Francisco , issued a joint statement with Breed Monday , saying they both saw too many people killed by gun violence .
They said supporting Black lives means making sure Black children have the chance to grow up and thrive .
“ If one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message of : stop killing each other , ” Walton said .
“ Of ending gun violence right here and right now.
” The child ’ s killing came less than 24 hours before another shooting Sunday in the neighborhood .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco’s mayor called for an end to gun violence at a rally for a 6-year-old African American boy who was outside enjoying fireworks on the Fourth of July when he was struck and killed.
Police are asking for witnesses to help find who killed Jace Young, who died in a part of San Francisco that tourists rarely see, the historically Black neighborhood of Bayview-Hunters Point.
Mayor London Breed’s voice cracked as she spoke about the pain that thee child’s parents now face, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday.
“I want us to remember this. I want us to remember what this feels like,” said Breed, who is African American and grew up in public housing in San Francisco. “Never forget how this hurts. How this tears at our hearts and our souls.”
Young, a bright and loving child who loved computer games, was among several people killed in a spate of shootings across the country over the holiday weekend. The deaths come amid global protests against police violence and Breed said residents should be outraged any time someone dies as a result of violence.
“We are here because we want justice,” she said. “We are here because we need y’all to put down the guns.”
Police say the shooting did not appear to be random but that Young and a 39-year-old man who was wounded were not the targets.
Young’s father, Jason Young, joined Breed, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott and Supervisor Shamann Walton, who represents the neighborhood, at a rally Tuesday to ask for information.
He said one part of the city is for cable car riders and people living without fear while the other side can be a “death penalty” for young Black people. “Justice for Jace!” Young yelled.
Walton, who also grew up in San Francisco, issued a joint statement with Breed Monday, saying they both saw too many people killed by gun violence. They said supporting Black lives means making sure Black children have the chance to grow up and thrive.
“If one message resonates, it should be the message of: stop killing each other,” Walton said. “Of ending gun violence right here and right now.”
The child’s killing came less than 24 hours before another shooting Sunday in the neighborhood.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--North Carolina high school to change its "Rebels" nickname

MONROE , N.C. ( AP ) - A high school in North Carolina will change its mascot and nickname .
@ @ @ @ @ Charlotte will no longer be called the Rebels .
The Charlotte Observer reported Tuesday that @ @ @ @ @ voted to make the change and find a news mascot .
The high school ’ @ @ @ @ @ an image of a Confederate soldier .
But that changed in 2009 after the local @ @ @ @ @ form of “ intimidation and harassment.
” The current logo has a shield and sword @ @ @ @ @ ” Other schools in the area have made similar changes over the last few decades @ @ @ @ @ High School changed its mascot from the Rebels to the Redhawks in 1995 .

MONROE, N.C. (AP) - A high school in North Carolina will change its mascot and nickname. Parkwood High School outside of Charlotte will no longer be called the Rebels.
The Charlotte Observer reported Tuesday that the Union County school board voted to make the change and find a news mascot.
The high school’s original logo had been an image of a Confederate soldier. But that changed in 2009 after the local NAACP chapter called it a form of “intimidation and harassment.” The current logo has a shield and sword and the letter “P.”
Other schools in the area have made similar changes over the last few decades. For instance, Monroe High School changed its mascot from the Rebels to the Redhawks in 1995.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--Russia, Turkey seeking immediate Libya cease-fire: Report

Russia and Turkey are reportedly trying to establish an immediate cease-fire deal in the conflict in Libya , Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ , as quoted by Russia ’ s Interfax news outlet .
Libya — which has @ @ @ @ @ war since 2014 — has gone without a stable government since a 2011 rebellion ousted @ @ @ @ @ Gadhafi .
Mr. Lavrov said that the Russian-backed Libyan National Army ( LNA ) has @ @ @ @ @ is ready to sign .
He said he hopes that Turkey will urge Libya ’ @ @ @ @ @ ( GNA ) to sign as well .
The United Nations in recent years recognized @ @ @ @ @ out of U.N.-mediated talks in 2015 .
Qatar and Italy have also supported Tripoli , @ @ @ @ @ its biggest backer .
On the other side , Russia , the United Arab Emirates @ @ @ @ @ seen to back the LNA ’ s rebel commander , Khalifa Haftar .

Russia and Turkey are reportedly trying to establish an immediate cease-fire deal in the conflict in Libya, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday, as quoted by Russia’s Interfax news outlet.
Libya — which has been locked in a civil war since 2014 — has gone without a stable government since a 2011 rebellion ousted and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
Mr. Lavrov said that the Russian-backed Libyan National Army (LNA) has approved a cease-fire agreement and is ready to sign. He said he hopes that Turkey will urge Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) to sign as well.
The United Nations in recent years recognized the GNA in Tripoli born out of U.N.-mediated talks in 2015.
Qatar and Italy have also supported Tripoli, although Turkey has emerged as its biggest backer. On the other side, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, France and Egypt are seen to back the LNA’s rebel commander, Khalifa Haftar.
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--Probation ordered in Bismarck assault, terrorizing case

BISMARCK , N.D. ( AP ) - A Bismarck man accused of driving over his girlfriend , forcing her into @ @ @ @ @ kill her has been sentenced to probation .
Ricky Schuh , 30 , pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ an agreement with prosecutors .
He was charged in March with kidnapping , aggravated assault @ @ @ @ @ charge was reduced to felonious restraint under the terms of the plea agreement , the @ @ @ @ @ said Schuh struck the woman with his SUV , ran over her and forced her @ @ @ @ @ .
She escaped in Jamestown and received threatening text messages from Schuh , officials said @ @ @ @ @ s Attorney Anna Argenti said probation with treatment for domestic violence was a better option @ @ @ @ @ .
South Central District Judge Thomas Schneider accepted the terms of the agreement , which @ @ @ @ @ with all but 91 days suspended , credit for 91 days served , and three @ @ @ @

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A Bismarck man accused of driving over his girlfriend, forcing her into his car and threatening to kill her has been sentenced to probation.
Ricky Schuh, 30, pleaded guilty Tuesday to reduced charges in an agreement with prosecutors. He was charged in March with kidnapping, aggravated assault and terrorizing.
The kidnapping charge was reduced to felonious restraint under the terms of the plea agreement, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
Police said Schuh struck the woman with his SUV, ran over her and forced her into the vehicle in Bismarck. She escaped in Jamestown and received threatening text messages from Schuh, officials said.
Burleigh County State’s Attorney Anna Argenti said probation with treatment for domestic violence was a better option than Schuh being in prison.
South Central District Judge Thomas Schneider accepted the terms of the agreement, which included a five-year prison sentence with all but 91 days suspended, credit for 91 days served, and three years of probation.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--Jim Jordan says Democrats are excluding Republicans from hearing with Big Tech CEOs

House Republicans on Tuesday accused Democrats of blocking the GOP ’ s presence at an upcoming hearing with the CEOs of Amazon , Apple , Facebook and Alphabet , Google ’ s parent company .
Jim Jordan , the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee , wrote a letter to Chairman Jerrold Nadler , New York Democrat , saying that the July 27 hearing on antitrust issues was deliberately scheduled before a Democratic subcommittee to limit Republicans ’ ability to participate in the hearing .
The Ohio Republican wrote about his concern that the smaller venue would limit congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this hearing , we were surprised to learn it would not occur at the full Committee — the venue that makes the most sense given the scope of the Committee ’ s investigation , the broad interest from Members of both parties who do not serve on the Subcommittee , and the significance of the witnesses who will testify , ” Mr. Jordan wrote .
“ Therefore , on behalf of Republican Members who you propose to exclude from participating in this hearing , I respectfully request that you reconsider this matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee so that all Members may participate fully and equally.
” Mr. Jordan ’ s listed concerns about partisanship potentially affecting the upcoming hearing ’ s utility was not limited to which representatives would get the chance to question the tech titans .
Mr. Jordan wrote that Democratic staffers working on the subcommittee chaired by Rep. David Cicilline , Rhode Island Democrat , talked with two companies under examination by the committee without Republicans present , which departs from standard practice and raised suspicions among Republicans .
Representatives for Mr. Nadler and Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .
The congressional hearing about antitrust issues in Big Tech comes at a time when political animosity toward some of the participating companies is reaching an all-time high on both sides of the aisle .
Liberals have called for breaking up large tech companies and criticized the companies alleged unwillingness to shutdown offensive speech , while the populist right has similarly alleged that Big Tech has too much power but is overly aggressive in silencing speech it deems offensive .

House Republicans on Tuesday accused Democrats of blocking the GOP’s presence at an upcoming hearing with the CEOs of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Alphabet, Google’s parent company.
Jim Jordan, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, wrote a letter to Chairman Jerrold Nadler, New York Democrat, saying that the July 27 hearing on antitrust issues was deliberately scheduled before a Democratic subcommittee to limit Republicans’ ability to participate in the hearing.
The Ohio Republican wrote about his concern that the smaller venue would limit congressional oversight.
“Although Republicans look forward to this hearing, we were surprised to learn it would not occur at the full Committee — the venue that makes the most sense given the scope of the Committee’s investigation, the broad interest from Members of both parties who do not serve on the Subcommittee, and the significance of the witnesses who will testify,” Mr. Jordan wrote. “Therefore, on behalf of Republican Members who you propose to exclude from participating in this hearing, I respectfully request that you reconsider this matter and convene the hearing at the full Committee so that all Members may participate fully and equally.”
Mr. Jordan’s listed concerns about partisanship potentially affecting the upcoming hearing’s utility was not limited to which representatives would get the chance to question the tech titans.
Mr. Jordan wrote that Democratic staffers working on the subcommittee chaired by Rep. David Cicilline, Rhode Island Democrat, talked with two companies under examination by the committee without Republicans present, which departs from standard practice and raised suspicions among Republicans.
Representatives for Mr. Nadler and Mr. Cicilline did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The congressional hearing about antitrust issues in Big Tech comes at a time when political animosity toward some of the participating companies is reaching an all-time high on both sides of the aisle. Liberals have called for breaking up large tech companies and criticized the companies alleged unwillingness to shutdown offensive speech, while the populist right has similarly alleged that Big Tech has too much power but is overly aggressive in silencing speech it deems offensive.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--Iowa summer kids program goes online amid health concerns

BURLINGTON , Iowa ( AP ) - An eastern Iowa summer school program has been been moved from in-person to online after several students screened for coronavirus symptoms registered fevers this week .
North Hill Elementary School in Burlington suspended it ’ s in-person summer school program on Tuesday - a day after the program began - after eight students showed up with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher , the Hawk Eye reported .
About 60 students attended the program .
Students were screened for symptoms and temperatures upon arrival to the building before getting out of the car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district is working closely with Des Moines County Public Health to determine if or when the summer program can resume in-person instruction , officials said .
North Hill is the only school in the district to have offered an in-person summer program .
Summer instruction at the middle and high school levels are taking place online only .
The in-person summer school program typically is targeted toward students in need , such as those struggling academically , those needing to work on their social skills and those with food insecurities .
The district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children under the age of 18 throughout the summer months .

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) - An eastern Iowa summer school program has been been moved from in-person to online after several students screened for coronavirus symptoms registered fevers this week.
North Hill Elementary School in Burlington suspended it’s in-person summer school program on Tuesday - a day after the program began - after eight students showed up with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher, the Hawk Eye reported.
About 60 students attended the program. Students were screened for symptoms and temperatures upon arrival to the building before getting out of the car, Principal Mark Taylor said.
The district is working closely with Des Moines County Public Health to determine if or when the summer program can resume in-person instruction, officials said.
North Hill is the only school in the district to have offered an in-person summer program. Summer instruction at the middle and high school levels are taking place online only.
The in-person summer school program typically is targeted toward students in need, such as those struggling academically, those needing to work on their social skills and those with food insecurities.
The district is continuing to provide free meals to children under the age of 18 throughout the summer months.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--Technical study begins on future of PawSox stadium

PAWTUCKET , R.I. ( AP ) - A technical survey is beginning at the minor league baseball stadium in Pawtucket @ @ @ @ @ explore possible future uses of the site .
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said engineers are @ @ @ @ @ data to determine the stability of the site .
The McCoy stadium was built in @ @ @ @ @ The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is funding the geotechnical survey with a $ 60,000 grant @ @ @ @ @ the last season the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate club played at the McCoy Stadium in @ @ @ @ @ minor league canceled its season due to the coronavirus pandemic at the end of June @ @ @ @ @ to move to a stadium still under construction in Worcester , Massachusetts , for the @ @ @ @ @ , the city put out a request for proposals for developing the stadium after the @ @ @ @ @ six bids , the Providence Journal reported .

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) - A technical survey is beginning at the minor league baseball stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to explore possible future uses of the site.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said engineers are doing ground borings and collecting data to determine the stability of the site. The McCoy stadium was built in the 1940s on wetlands.
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is funding the geotechnical survey with a $60,000 grant.
This would have been the last season the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate club played at the McCoy Stadium in Rhode Island, but the minor league canceled its season due to the coronavirus pandemic at the end of June.
The PawSox are scheduled to move to a stadium still under construction in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the 2021 season.
In April, the city put out a request for proposals for developing the stadium after the PawSox departure, and received six bids, the Providence Journal reported.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--3 charged in killing of boy inside Alabama shopping mall

HOOVER , Ala. ( AP ) - Three people are now charged in the killing of an 8-year-old boy who was shot to death inside Alabama ’ s largest shopping mall , news outlets reported .
Police in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover on Tuesday announced capital murder charges against King Gary Williams and Demetrius Dewayne Jackson Jr. , both 19 and of Birmingham .
They are charged in the killing last Friday of Royta Giles Jr. Montez Coleman , 22 , was charged in the killing on Sunday .
All three men were jailed without bond , and court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could speak on their behalf .
Police said the boy was caught in the crossfire of a shootout that began inside the Riverchase Galleria mall .
The child was waiting with his family to go inside a store to buy new outfits for July 4. , and three other people were wounded .
The mall has been the scene of other shootings including the police killing of Emantic “ E.J.
” Bradford Jr. on Thanksgiving night in 2018 .
Police often patrol the mall area , and officials in Hoover said security changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of those things are going to have to tie in to restore the confidence to those that visit that mall each and every day , ” Mayor Frank Brocato told WBRC-TV .

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - Three people are now charged in the killing of an 8-year-old boy who was shot to death inside Alabama’s largest shopping mall, news outlets reported.
Police in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover on Tuesday announced capital murder charges against King Gary Williams and Demetrius Dewayne Jackson Jr., both 19 and of Birmingham. They are charged in the killing last Friday of Royta Giles Jr.
Montez Coleman, 22, was charged in the killing on Sunday.
All three men were jailed without bond, and court records did not show defense attorneys who could speak on their behalf.
Police said the boy was caught in the crossfire of a shootout that began inside the Riverchase Galleria mall. The child was waiting with his family to go inside a store to buy new outfits for July 4., and three other people were wounded.
The mall has been the scene of other shootings including the police killing of Emantic “E.J.” Bradford Jr. on Thanksgiving night in 2018. Police often patrol the mall area, and officials in Hoover said security changes are needed to protect shoppers.
“All of those things are going to have to tie in to restore the confidence to those that visit that mall each and every day,” Mayor Frank Brocato told WBRC-TV.


washingtontimes--2020-07-08--Hottest commodity in Lebanon's economic chaos: The US dollar

BEIRUT ( AP ) - The lines snaked around the block .
Then they swelled to fill the whole street , before they turned into a raucous mob of men shoving to the front of the line .
There at the exchange bureau , they could buy rationed dollars , the hottest commodity in Lebanon .
The small Mediterranean country ’ s financial meltdown has thrown Lebanese into a frantic search for dollars as their local currency ’ s value evaporates .
To get the precious hard currency , they must navigate labyrinthine regulations , exploiting any loopholes they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from doctor fees to store purchases to rent , is negotiated day by day , juggling the tumbling Lebanese pound and multiple , changing dollar exchange rates .
Those who can are snapping up luxury goods or real estate , trying to use their dollars trapped in bank accounts frozen by the cash-strapped authorities .
The turmoil is deepening resentment of the political elite and the once flourishing banking system - and fueling desperation .
“ They are going to crash us into a wall , ” Chris Georgian , a 25-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 600 at an exchange bureau to send for his university fees in Armenia .
Last week , a 61-year-old man apparently distraught over his economic situation shot and killed himself on a Beirut commercial street , one of multiple suicides during the crisis .
Despite survival skills honed by political tension and wars , nothing prepared Lebanese for having to line up to buy money .
During the 15-year civil war and Israel ’ s invasion and occupation of the south and Beirut , there may have been queues for water or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with dollars .
Since 1997 , the local currency , the pound , was pegged at around 1,500 to the dollar , and Lebanese used the two interchangeably .
That stability was built on what experts say was essentially a Ponzi scheme that let banks and the elite profit while allowing Lebanese to live beyond their means .
Successive governments borrowed from private banks to finance massive public debt and pay for vital imports like fuel - but also luxury goods - eating into depositors ’ dollar accounts .
Most of those deposits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates .
It collapsed when remittances and direct foreign investments plunged in recent years .
In the ensuing liquidity crunch , the pound has lost nearly 85 % of its value .
Tens of thousands have fallen into poverty , wages are worth only a fraction of what they once were , and prices are skyrocketing - stripping Lebanon of its trademark joie de vivre and vibrancy .
Chain retailers have shut down , unable to import or price goods with the fluctuating rates .
Some vendors have either closed or only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been frozen , and those trapped dollars have become “ Monopoly money ” with no value outside Lebanon , said Dan Azzi , a former banker and analyst .
He coined a name for that currency , the “ Lollar ” or Lebanese dollar .
People began hoarding cash dollars , getting relatives living abroad to transfer dollars , which - unlike frozen local accounts - can be withdrawn from the bank .
Some sell gold for dollars .
“ We buy gold at the highest price $ 39- $ 55 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s marketing telephone message .
The peg remains in place officially , even as the black market price of a dollar has spiraled to at least five times that .
Meanwhile , authorities imposed rationing on exchange bureaus , limiting how many dollars a person can buy and setting a rate higher than the peg but lower than the black market .
That fanned the raucous lines .
Some bought dollars only to sell them on the black market .
New phone apps cropped up to keep track of multiple rates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” said Elie , a security guard keeping order at an exchange bureau .
“ When senior officials were making money , we were getting some of it .
Now they aren ’ t anymore , so they deny it to us , ” he said , declining to give his last name because of his job .
Many scramble for ways to use their trapped “ Lollars , ” fearing they could eventually lose them completely .
Lines formed outside luxury retailer Louis Vuitton because it was selling at a rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck dollars to settle bank loans , still valued at the official peg .
Azzi estimates loans up to $ 15 billion have been paid already .
Ghassan Frem , a dentist , paid a friend ’ s loan of over $ 30,000 with his “ Lollars.
” She paid him the money in an account abroad .
It is a win-win : He uses his “ dead ” dollars , and the friend settles her loan at a discount .
Meanwhile , Frem bought $ 950-worth of new air conditioners on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He pays his credit card bill at the official rate with pounds he bought on the black market for far fewer dollars .
Many use this loophole , buying merchandise or doing renovations whether they need it or not , to rescue trapped dollars .
“ Anyone who can get back at the banks is doing some good , ” Frem said .
“ We do to them what they have done to us.
” On social media , some proposed organizing a peer-to-peer platform to avoid using banks .
Meanwhile , real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first quarter of 2020 , according to the General Directorate of Land Registry .
One of Lebanon ’ s largest real estate companies , Solidere , reported a profit for the first time since 2018 .
For his dentist clinic , Frem negotiates purchasing supplies item by item , hour by hour .
One Monday afternoon , he ordered a product and by the time it arrived the next day , the dollar price had gone up 20 % .
“ The delivery guy got a text message with the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
For Georgian , the student , his education is on the line .
A third-year psychology student in a Yerevan university , he returned to Lebanon because of coronavirus .
With his parents ’ dollars locked up , he has to chase dollars to finance his return .
At the exchange office , he asked the guard to walk him through the documents he needed .
Under new rules to curb profiteering , you must prove you need rationed dollars to pay education fees , rent , medical fees or salaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash - the dollars you buy are sent directly to the destination .
Still , Georgian was relieved .
His school fees are $ 600 , and the cost for that at the exchange is about half what it would be on the black market , saving him enough to live for months in Yerevan .
“ If the dollar keeps rising , I will never go back , ” he said .
“ I will lose my education.
” Georgian questioned his parents ’ decision to remain in Lebanon despite constant complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t think it will be this bad , ” he said , shaking his head .

BEIRUT (AP) - The lines snaked around the block. Then they swelled to fill the whole street, before they turned into a raucous mob of men shoving to the front of the line. There at the exchange bureau, they could buy rationed dollars, the hottest commodity in Lebanon.
The small Mediterranean country’s financial meltdown has thrown Lebanese into a frantic search for dollars as their local currency’s value evaporates. To get the precious hard currency, they must navigate labyrinthine regulations, exploiting any loopholes they can to rescue their earnings.
Every transaction, from doctor fees to store purchases to rent, is negotiated day by day, juggling the tumbling Lebanese pound and multiple, changing dollar exchange rates. Those who can are snapping up luxury goods or real estate, trying to use their dollars trapped in bank accounts frozen by the cash-strapped authorities.
The turmoil is deepening resentment of the political elite and the once flourishing banking system - and fueling desperation.
“They are going to crash us into a wall,” Chris Georgian, a 25-year-old student, said, trying to buy $600 at an exchange bureau to send for his university fees in Armenia.
Last week, a 61-year-old man apparently distraught over his economic situation shot and killed himself on a Beirut commercial street, one of multiple suicides during the crisis.
Despite survival skills honed by political tension and wars, nothing prepared Lebanese for having to line up to buy money.
During the 15-year civil war and Israel’s invasion and occupation of the south and Beirut, there may have been queues for water or bread, but Lebanon was always flush with dollars.
Since 1997, the local currency, the pound, was pegged at around 1,500 to the dollar, and Lebanese used the two interchangeably.
That stability was built on what experts say was essentially a Ponzi scheme that let banks and the elite profit while allowing Lebanese to live beyond their means.
Successive governments borrowed from private banks to finance massive public debt and pay for vital imports like fuel - but also luxury goods - eating into depositors’ dollar accounts. Most of those deposits were from Lebanese expats attracted by high interest rates.
It collapsed when remittances and direct foreign investments plunged in recent years.
In the ensuing liquidity crunch, the pound has lost nearly 85% of its value. Tens of thousands have fallen into poverty, wages are worth only a fraction of what they once were, and prices are skyrocketing - stripping Lebanon of its trademark joie de vivre and vibrancy.
Chain retailers have shut down, unable to import or price goods with the fluctuating rates. Some vendors have either closed or only take payment in dollars.
Dollar accounts have been frozen, and those trapped dollars have become “Monopoly money” with no value outside Lebanon, said Dan Azzi, a former banker and analyst. He coined a name for that currency, the “Lollar” or Lebanese dollar.
People began hoarding cash dollars, getting relatives living abroad to transfer dollars, which - unlike frozen local accounts - can be withdrawn from the bank.
Some sell gold for dollars. “We buy gold at the highest price $39-$55 and in cash,” reads one jeweler’s marketing telephone message.
The peg remains in place officially, even as the black market price of a dollar has spiraled to at least five times that. Meanwhile, authorities imposed rationing on exchange bureaus, limiting how many dollars a person can buy and setting a rate higher than the peg but lower than the black market.
That fanned the raucous lines. Some bought dollars only to sell them on the black market. New phone apps cropped up to keep track of multiple rates.
“Isn’t all this humiliating?” said Elie, a security guard keeping order at an exchange bureau. “When senior officials were making money, we were getting some of it. Now they aren’t anymore, so they deny it to us,” he said, declining to give his last name because of his job.
Many scramble for ways to use their trapped “Lollars,” fearing they could eventually lose them completely.
Lines formed outside luxury retailer Louis Vuitton because it was selling at a rate half the black market. Others use stuck dollars to settle bank loans, still valued at the official peg. Azzi estimates loans up to $15 billion have been paid already.
Ghassan Frem, a dentist, paid a friend’s loan of over $30,000 with his “Lollars.” She paid him the money in an account abroad. It is a win-win: He uses his “dead” dollars, and the friend settles her loan at a discount.
Meanwhile, Frem bought $950-worth of new air conditioners on his credit card. The trick is: He pays his credit card bill at the official rate with pounds he bought on the black market for far fewer dollars.
Many use this loophole, buying merchandise or doing renovations whether they need it or not, to rescue trapped dollars.
“Anyone who can get back at the banks is doing some good,” Frem said. “We do to them what they have done to us.”
On social media, some proposed organizing a peer-to-peer platform to avoid using banks.
Meanwhile, real estate transactions jumped more than 16% in the first quarter of 2020, according to the General Directorate of Land Registry. One of Lebanon’s largest real estate companies, Solidere, reported a profit for the first time since 2018.
For his dentist clinic, Frem negotiates purchasing supplies item by item, hour by hour. One Monday afternoon, he ordered a product and by the time it arrived the next day, the dollar price had gone up 20%. “The delivery guy got a text message with the new price when he arrived,” Frem said.
For Georgian, the student, his education is on the line.
A third-year psychology student in a Yerevan university, he returned to Lebanon because of coronavirus. With his parents’ dollars locked up, he has to chase dollars to finance his return.
At the exchange office, he asked the guard to walk him through the documents he needed. Under new rules to curb profiteering, you must prove you need rationed dollars to pay education fees, rent, medical fees or salaries for foreign workers. No one gets cash - the dollars you buy are sent directly to the destination.
Still, Georgian was relieved. His school fees are $600, and the cost for that at the exchange is about half what it would be on the black market, saving him enough to live for months in Yerevan.
“If the dollar keeps rising, I will never go back,” he said. “I will lose my education.”
Georgian questioned his parents’ decision to remain in Lebanon despite constant complaints of corruption.
“They said they didn’t think it will be this bad,” he said, shaking his head.