washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Q&A: How to handle technology issues with online school

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Across the U.S. , the pandemic has forced students to attend virtual school to prevent spread of the coronavirus .
But the more we rely on technology , the bigger the consequences when gadgets or internet service let us down .
Technology being technology , all sorts of things can go wrong .
Your internet service may be inadequate for all-day videoconferencing or simply overstressed .
Hardware and software can be confusing , can break , and sometimes just fails to work .
There can be unanticipated consequences from turning on a new video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here are answers to some common questions from parents now forced to manage their kids ’ virtual educations .
Q : We don ’ t have a computer/enough computers/fast enough internet service for online school .
What do we do ?
A : This affects millions of people , and there are no perfect solutions .
It ’ s possible to use smartphones as hotspots for computers , but that ’ s an imperfect solution at best .
Not all plans let you run hotspots off your phone , and if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — which makes it impractical for all-day online school .
Some cable companies are offering low-cost service for eligible families , although those programs are typically limited to areas the companies already serve , often provide only minimum broadband speeds and frequently aren ’ t available to former customers who owe the cable company money .
Schools may provide internet hotspots or free internet at home for families without good service .
Get in touch with the district or talk to a teacher about how to get help from your schools .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tablets to kids , although there ’ s a shortage of education-style computers at the moment .
Q : Our service slows way down when several people do video calls at the same time .
Are there simple ways to fix that ?
A : Talk to your internet service provider .
It may be time to update your modem or router , and some offer Wi-Fi extenders to improve the network .
ISPs can also try repositioning your existing equipment to improve the range and strength of Wi-Fi connections .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks that let you position several base stations around a large house , giving you a stronger signal most everywhere .
If necessary , it may be time to pay up for higher-speed service .
You can also try talking to teachers and co-workers to reschedule calls to go easier on the network .
Turning off your own camera during video calls can help , too .
Sometimes teachers can record lessons and send them to kids to watch later if live streaming isn ’ t possible .
Q : Virtual-school programs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gadgets break .
Then what ?
A : Some districts have set up tech-support phone lines or live chats to help students and parents .
Chicago Public Schools , for example , has phone help available in English and Spanish and a website where you can open a ticket for help .
But there may not be much schools can do if there ’ s an issue with your own computer or the cable company .
Q : My kids are anxious about seeing themselves on camera and get frustrated in constant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
A : Keeping video cameras on is one way teachers try to ensure kids are paying attention and not beaming out to play video games , but not all kids react well .
Discuss any anxieties with teachers to work out solutions — for instance , your kid might not need to keep their head in frame at all times .
If a child definitely needs to be on screen , practice being on video calls with family members , said David Anderson , a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children get used to it .
Another option : Services like Zoom let you remove your own image from your screen while keeping your camera on .
Zoom explains how to do that online .
Kids frustrated by having to sit in front of a computer all day and missing their friends may act out , sighing loudly or disobeying the rules , Anderson said .
Instead of issuing punishments , try to come up with coping plans - offer breaks and activities they enjoy in return for participating in virtual school .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ them room to do the activities they love independently .
“ Remind them what they ’ re working toward and what they can look forward to , ” Anderson said .
“ Build up coping thoughts for kid to get through the rougher part of the day.
” Q : How do I hide the contents of my house from my kids ’ teachers and classmates ?
A : Many video services let you choose a virtual background — the Rocky Mountains , a field of flowers , the Death Star — that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen .
Sometimes you can also just blur the actual background .
Otherwise , situate your kids in a neutral space you all feel comfortable showing to the world — maybe somewhere they ’ ll sit with their backs to a wall — and have them wear headphones to limit both distracting noises and the possibility that unrelated family conversations might broadcast into the virtual classroom .

NEW YORK (AP) - Across the U.S., the pandemic has forced students to attend virtual school to prevent spread of the coronavirus. But the more we rely on technology, the bigger the consequences when gadgets or internet service let us down.
Technology being technology, all sorts of things can go wrong. Your internet service may be inadequate for all-day videoconferencing or simply overstressed. Hardware and software can be confusing, can break, and sometimes just fails to work. There can be unanticipated consequences from turning on a new video camera in your home for school lessons.
Here are answers to some common questions from parents now forced to manage their kids’ virtual educations.
Q: We don’t have a computer/enough computers/fast enough internet service for online school. What do we do?
A: This affects millions of people, and there are no perfect solutions.
It’s possible to use smartphones as hotspots for computers, but that’s an imperfect solution at best. Not all plans let you run hotspots off your phone, and if you can, you probably face data caps — which makes it impractical for all-day online school.
Some cable companies are offering low-cost service for eligible families, although those programs are typically limited to areas the companies already serve, often provide only minimum broadband speeds and frequently aren’t available to former customers who owe the cable company money.
Schools may provide internet hotspots or free internet at home for families without good service. Get in touch with the district or talk to a teacher about how to get help from your schools. They may also be able to send computers or tablets to kids, although there’s a shortage of education-style computers at the moment.
Q: Our service slows way down when several people do video calls at the same time. Are there simple ways to fix that?
A: Talk to your internet service provider. It may be time to update your modem or router, and some offer Wi-Fi extenders to improve the network. ISPs can also try repositioning your existing equipment to improve the range and strength of Wi-Fi connections.
Other options include “mesh” style Wi-Fi networks that let you position several base stations around a large house, giving you a stronger signal most everywhere. If necessary, it may be time to pay up for higher-speed service.
You can also try talking to teachers and co-workers to reschedule calls to go easier on the network. Turning off your own camera during video calls can help, too. Sometimes teachers can record lessons and send them to kids to watch later if live streaming isn’t possible.
Q: Virtual-school programs and computers can be hard to figure out. Gadgets break. Then what?
A: Some districts have set up tech-support phone lines or live chats to help students and parents. Chicago Public Schools, for example, has phone help available in English and Spanish and a website where you can open a ticket for help. But there may not be much schools can do if there’s an issue with your own computer or the cable company.
Q: My kids are anxious about seeing themselves on camera and get frustrated in constant video meetings. What can I do?
A: Keeping video cameras on is one way teachers try to ensure kids are paying attention and not beaming out to play video games, but not all kids react well. Discuss any anxieties with teachers to work out solutions — for instance, your kid might not need to keep their head in frame at all times. If a child definitely needs to be on screen, practice being on video calls with family members, said David Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Exposure to the scary situation helps children get used to it.
Another option: Services like Zoom let you remove your own image from your screen while keeping your camera on. Zoom explains how to do that online.
Kids frustrated by having to sit in front of a computer all day and missing their friends may act out, sighing loudly or disobeying the rules, Anderson said. Instead of issuing punishments, try to come up with coping plans - offer breaks and activities they enjoy in return for participating in virtual school. For older children and teens, give them room to do the activities they love independently. “Remind them what they’re working toward and what they can look forward to,” Anderson said. “Build up coping thoughts for kid to get through the rougher part of the day.”
Q: How do I hide the contents of my house from my kids’ teachers and classmates?
A: Many video services let you choose a virtual background — the Rocky Mountains, a field of flowers, the Death Star — that obscures everything but the person on the screen. Sometimes you can also just blur the actual background. Otherwise, situate your kids in a neutral space you all feel comfortable showing to the world — maybe somewhere they’ll sit with their backs to a wall — and have them wear headphones to limit both distracting noises and the possibility that unrelated family conversations might broadcast into the virtual classroom.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Maine's Common Ground Fair goes online this weekend

UNITY , Maine ( AP ) - The show will go on for Maine ’ s annual celebration of rural @ @ @ @ @ will be online .
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association ’ s Common Ground @ @ @ @ @ as a virtual event this weekend .
The fair typically draws around 60,000 people over @ @ @ @ @ .
This year , fair organizers have gotten creative because of the pandemic , which @ @ @ @ @ of all fairs in Maine .
Sarah Alexander from The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners @ @ @ @ @ disappointing to cancel the live fair .
But exhibitors will be online , and there @ @ @ @ @ those want to participate virtually .

UNITY, Maine (AP) - The show will go on for Maine’s annual celebration of rural living. But the show will be online.
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s Common Ground Country Fair is being held as a virtual event this weekend.
The fair typically draws around 60,000 people over the course of three days. This year, fair organizers have gotten creative because of the pandemic, which has led to the cancellation of all fairs in Maine.
Sarah Alexander from The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association says it’s disappointing to cancel the live fair. But exhibitors will be online, and there will be live videos for those want to participate virtually.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--URI cancels spring break over coronavirus concerns

KINGSTON , R.I. ( AP ) - The University of Rhode Island has joined a growing number of U.S. colleges @ @ @ @ @ travel and prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
University officials announced the measure Friday @ @ @ @ @ the Faculty Senate approved the change , according to The Providence Journal .
It was @ @ @ @ @ David Dooley .
Classes will continue from March 22 to 28 , the period originally @ @ @ @ @ , and the semester will end on April 27 , a week earlier than initially @ @ @ @ @ announcing the change , officials cited “ uncertainty ” created by the virus , “ @ @ @ @ @ for the likely persistence of existing outbreaks and potential for a new wave of infections.
@ @ @ @ @ announced similar measures in recent weeks , including Ohio State University , the University of @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin at Madison .

KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) - The University of Rhode Island has joined a growing number of U.S. colleges canceling spring break to reduce travel and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
University officials announced the measure Friday evening, a week after the Faculty Senate approved the change, according to The Providence Journal. It was also supported by university President David Dooley.
Classes will continue from March 22 to 28, the period originally set aside as spring break, and the semester will end on April 27, a week earlier than initially planned.
In a statement announcing the change, officials cited “uncertainty” created by the virus, “and the need to prepare for the likely persistence of existing outbreaks and potential for a new wave of infections.”
Several large universities have announced similar measures in recent weeks, including Ohio State University, the University of Kentucky and the University of Wisconsin at Madison.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Marchers called for end to violence after death of girl, 8

AKRON , Ohio ( AP ) - Family and friends of an 8-year-old Akron girl killed in a shooting last month are calling for an end to gun violence responsible for the deaths of the girl and other children in the Ohio city .
Relatives of 8-year-old Mikayla Pickett organized a “ Save Our Children ” walk Friday that started in the neighborhood where the girl was killed and ended in front of Akron City Hall .
Marchers repeatedly chanted “ Stop the violence !
Put the guns down !
” The girl died after shots were fired Aug. 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homicide remains unsolved .
“ We want them to find Mikayla ’ s killer .
We want justice for Mikayla .
We want him behind bars , ” said the girl ’ s mother , Shoskamika Risper .
Lt. Michael Miller used a megaphone at city hall to tell the family , “ We are working every day around the clock to solve her murder , ” the Akron Beacon Journal reported .
The group also called for justice for the murders of other children .
On Tuesday , 6-year-old Mar ’ Viyah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 shooting on an Akron street , according to the Summit County medical examiner ’ s office .
Authorities say two men in vehicles argued and exchanged gunfire , killing Jones , a passenger in one of the vehicles .
In June , a man and a 14-year-old girl were killed in an Akron shooting .
In July , a man was arrested on charges of using a sport utility vehicle to kill a man and his young daughter as the father pushed the girl in a stroller on an Akron sidewalk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ called such deaths “ heartbreaking.
” He and other officials said there should be more community recreation centers and activities available to young people .
“ When you ’ re running the street with no purpose , no destination and no purpose , it ’ s a breeding ground for trouble , ” Finney said .
After the death of Jones , Mayor Dan Horrigan said he was working to deploy new strategies to interrupt the cycle of shootings and build on the work of the Youth Violence Prevention Plan .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number one issue that keeps me up at night.
” “ We need to stand together as a community and say that we will not lose another child to gun violence this year , ” he said .

AKRON, Ohio (AP) - Family and friends of an 8-year-old Akron girl killed in a shooting last month are calling for an end to gun violence responsible for the deaths of the girl and other children in the Ohio city.
Relatives of 8-year-old Mikayla Pickett organized a “Save Our Children” walk Friday that started in the neighborhood where the girl was killed and ended in front of Akron City Hall.
Marchers repeatedly chanted “Stop the violence! Put the guns down!” The girl died after shots were fired Aug. 14 at a backyard birthday party. The homicide remains unsolved.
“We want them to find Mikayla’s killer. We want justice for Mikayla. We want him behind bars,” said the girl’s mother, Shoskamika Risper.
Lt. Michael Miller used a megaphone at city hall to tell the family, “We are working every day around the clock to solve her murder,” the Akron Beacon Journal reported.
The group also called for justice for the murders of other children. On Tuesday, 6-year-old Mar’Viyah Jones died of injuries from a Sept. 10 shooting on an Akron street, according to the Summit County medical examiner’s office. Authorities say two men in vehicles argued and exchanged gunfire, killing Jones, a passenger in one of the vehicles.
In June, a man and a 14-year-old girl were killed in an Akron shooting. In July, a man was arrested on charges of using a sport utility vehicle to kill a man and his young daughter as the father pushed the girl in a stroller on an Akron sidewalk.
Pastor Roderick Pounds of Second Baptist Church called such deaths “heartbreaking.” He and other officials said there should be more community recreation centers and activities available to young people.
“When you’re running the street with no purpose, no destination and no purpose, it’s a breeding ground for trouble,” Finney said.
After the death of Jones, Mayor Dan Horrigan said he was working to deploy new strategies to interrupt the cycle of shootings and build on the work of the Youth Violence Prevention Plan. On Friday, he said gun violence was “the number one issue that keeps me up at night.”
“We need to stand together as a community and say that we will not lose another child to gun violence this year,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Alabama home of MLK's brother gets historic designation

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. ( AP ) - The Alabama home once occupied by the Rev .
A.D. King , the brother of the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. , is being added to the government ’ s list of places that help tell the story of the civil rights movement .
Interior Secretary David L. Bernhardt visited Birmingham on Thursday as the one-time parsonage west of downtown was designated as part of the African American Civil Rights Network , al.com reported .
Martin Luther King Jr. often stayed at the home of his brother , who led the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits to Birmingham in the early 1960s .
A.D. King , wife Naomi King , and their four children were at the parsonage on the night of May 11 , 1963 , when a bomb exploded in the street outside and another blast went off in hedges at the front of the red-brick house .
A.D. King died the year after his brother was assassinated in 1968 .
The Birmingham Historical Society placed a historical plaque in 2006 at the house , which is privately owned , along with 60 churches that hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who attended the ceremony , said the federal designation “ means the world to me.
” “ People are people and love has no color , ” she said .
The network was created in 2017 .
Sites on it include the route of the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march ; Central High School , which was integrated in Little Rock , Arkansas , in 1957 ; the Lincoln Memorial in Washington , D.C. ; and Martin Luther King ’ s burial site in Atlanta .

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama home once occupied by the Rev. A.D. King, the brother of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., is being added to the government’s list of places that help tell the story of the civil rights movement.
Interior Secretary David L. Bernhardt visited Birmingham on Thursday as the one-time parsonage west of downtown was designated as part of the African American Civil Rights Network, al.com reported.
Martin Luther King Jr. often stayed at the home of his brother, who led the First Baptist Church of Ensley, during his visits to Birmingham in the early 1960s.
A.D. King, wife Naomi King, and their four children were at the parsonage on the night of May 11, 1963, when a bomb exploded in the street outside and another blast went off in hedges at the front of the red-brick house.
A.D. King died the year after his brother was assassinated in 1968. The Birmingham Historical Society placed a historical plaque in 2006 at the house, which is privately owned, along with 60 churches that hosted civil rights meetings.
Naomi King, who attended the ceremony, said the federal designation “means the world to me.”
“People are people and love has no color,” she said.
The network was created in 2017. Sites on it include the route of the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march; Central High School, which was integrated in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957; the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and Martin Luther King’s burial site in Atlanta.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Counties sue South Carolina over federal plutonium deal

BARNWELL , S.C. ( AP ) - A lawsuit against the state of South Carolina said a $ 600 million federal settlement over nuclear waste should go to the seven counties near the Savannah River Site instead of the whole state budget .
The lawsuit said those counties were the most hurt when the federal government failed to follow its agreement to remove tons of plutonium from the site near Aiken when a plan to convert what was once fuel for nuclear weapons into fuel to power nuclear reactors fell apart .
Allendale and Barnwell counties filed the suit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an economic development group that represents Allendale , Bamberg , Barnwell , Beaufort , Colleton , Hampton and Jasper counties , The State newspaper reported .
The lawsuit said not only did hundreds of jobs fail to materialize when the project fell through , but the stigma of having nuclear material remain in the area prevented businesses from coming to the area .
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson negotiated the deal with the federal government , which included that the money go to the state budget .
“ We believe the lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriately .
Our office will follow the law that says the General Assembly has the sole ability to appropriate funds , ” Wilson ’ s office said in a statement .
The settlement gives the federal government 20 more years to remove the plutonium .

BARNWELL, S.C. (AP) - A lawsuit against the state of South Carolina said a $600 million federal settlement over nuclear waste should go to the seven counties near the Savannah River Site instead of the whole state budget.
The lawsuit said those counties were the most hurt when the federal government failed to follow its agreement to remove tons of plutonium from the site near Aiken when a plan to convert what was once fuel for nuclear weapons into fuel to power nuclear reactors fell apart.
Allendale and Barnwell counties filed the suit, along with the Southern Carolina Alliance, an economic development group that represents Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties, The State newspaper reported.
The lawsuit said not only did hundreds of jobs fail to materialize when the project fell through, but the stigma of having nuclear material remain in the area prevented businesses from coming to the area.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson negotiated the deal with the federal government, which included that the money go to the state budget.
“We believe the lawsuit has no merit and we will respond appropriately. Our office will follow the law that says the General Assembly has the sole ability to appropriate funds,” Wilson’s office said in a statement.
The settlement gives the federal government 20 more years to remove the plutonium.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Minnesota voter group sues Minneapolis over election grant

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - A Minnesota voter advocacy group is suing Minneapolis to block it from accepting money to help cover a shortfall in funding to carry out the November election amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The Minnesota Voters Alliance filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota this week , arguing that the city can not accept funds from private organizations for election costs , the Star Tribune reported .
Minneapolis is currently applying for a grant between $ 2 million and $ 3 million from the Chicago-based nonprofit Center for Tech and Civic Life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to cover a shortfall of roughly $ 1.4 million for election costs due to coronavirus precautions .
The Minnesota Voters Alliance calls the grant an “ entanglement of public and private interests ” in its lawsuit .
The group is also working on a separate lawsuit , supported by Republicans , to block a face mask requirement at polling places .
Minneapolis City Attorney Jim Rowader said the grant money would be used to increase voter access regardless of party affiliation .
Center for Tech and Civic Life also released a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota voter advocacy group is suing Minneapolis to block it from accepting money to help cover a shortfall in funding to carry out the November election amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Minnesota Voters Alliance filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota this week, arguing that the city cannot accept funds from private organizations for election costs, the Star Tribune reported.
Minneapolis is currently applying for a grant between $2 million and $3 million from the Chicago-based nonprofit Center for Tech and Civic Life. The city is planning to use the money to cover a shortfall of roughly $1.4 million for election costs due to coronavirus precautions.
The Minnesota Voters Alliance calls the grant an “entanglement of public and private interests” in its lawsuit. The group is also working on a separate lawsuit, supported by Republicans, to block a face mask requirement at polling places.
Minneapolis City Attorney Jim Rowader said the grant money would be used to increase voter access regardless of party affiliation.
Center for Tech and Civic Life also released a statement calling the lawsuit “frivolous.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--At UN, India vows to help produce virus vaccine for world

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to help the world produce and deliver potential coronavirus vaccines while making no mention Saturday of the heavy toll the pandemic has taken on his own country , where the enormous population has suffered among the highest numbers of cases and deaths in the world .
Modi ’ s remarks to the U.N. General Assembly - pre-recorded because the gathering is virtual this year - also said nothing about growing tensions with neighboring Pakistan , whose prime minister , Imran Khan , devoted much of his speech Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharp exchange between the two countries ’ diplomats in the Assembly hall .
Nor did Modi discuss India ’ s dispute with China over the border region of Ladakh , where a months-long standoff has seen the deadliest violence between the two sides in decades .
Instead , Modi cast India as a country that treats “ the whole world as one family , ” emphasized the country ’ s push for a bigger role at the U.N. , and touted domestic initiatives in areas from technology to sewage sanitation .
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmaceutical industry would be an international asset in the pandemic .
“ India ’ s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis , ” Modi said , adding that his country would also help others boost their capacity to provide cold storage for the potential inoculations .
India , the world ’ s second-most populous country , has reported over 93,000 deaths from COVID-19 , fewer only than the U.S. and Brazil , according to figures collected by Johns Hopkins University .
India also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases , with 5.9 million reported so far .
However , India ’ s daily number of new cases has been declining , with recoveries exceeding reported new cases this week .
Modi said the U.N. hadn ’ t done enough in the virus fight - “ where is its effective response ?
” Saying the world body has fallen short on other issues over its 75 years , he used the anniversary to press for change .
“ For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose country has long sought a permanent seat on the Security Council , the U.N. ’ s most powerful body .
India starts a term as a non-permanent member in January .
He made no reference to India ’ s increasingly heated relations with neighbors China and Pakistan .
India and Pakistan split control over Kashmir , a Muslim-majority Himalayan area claimed by both .
The nuclear-armed neighbors have fought two wars over the territory .
India accuses Pakistan of arming and training insurgents fighting for Kashmir ’ s independence from India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it offers only diplomatic and moral support to the rebels .
The tension hit a new turning point in August 2019 , when Modi ’ s Hindu nationalist-led government stripped the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir and the neighboring Jammu district of their semi-autonomy , removed inherited protections on land and jobs and cracked down on security and communications .
An internet and social media blackout lasted until March .
Residents of the Indian-controlled area say security forces have arrested thousands of young men , raided people ’ s homes , inflicted beatings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away and marry their female relatives .
Thousands of protesters have been wounded by shotgun pellets over the past year .
U.N.-appointed independent human rights experts have called the situation “ alarming.
” Khan , in his pre-recorded speech shown Friday , urged the international community to investigate and “ prosecute the Indian civil and military personnel involved in state terrorism and serious crimes against humanity , ” and he called India a state sponsor of anti-Muslim hatred and prejudice .
India on Friday said Khan was spreading “ lies , misinformation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries traded barbed remarks in the Assembly hall , where rules allow nations to respond to one another ’ s speeches .
Meanwhile , India and China have been squaring off in Ladakh , a region abutting Kashmir .
A 1962 border war spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce .
The two countries have agreed not to attack each other with firearms , but troops guarding the border have brawled at times .
A new standoff began in May and escalated in June into a clash in which soldiers used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twenty Indian soldiers were killed and dozens of others were injured .
China is believed to have also suffered casualties but has not provided any details .
The rivals have since amassed tens of thousands of soldiers , backed by artilleries , tanks and fighter jets , in Ladakh .
In recent weeks , India and China have accused each other of sending soldiers into each other ’ s territory in an area near glacial Pangong Lake and have firing warning shots for the first time in 45 years , raising the specter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two nuclear-armed nations with the world ’ s largest populations .
Their foreign ministers met Sept. 10 and agreed that their troops should disengage from the tense border standoff , maintain proper distance and ease tensions .
But they did not set a timeline for disengagement .
Neither Modi nor Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned it in their speeches to the assembly this week .

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to help the world produce and deliver potential coronavirus vaccines while making no mention Saturday of the heavy toll the pandemic has taken on his own country, where the enormous population has suffered among the highest numbers of cases and deaths in the world.
Modi’s remarks to the U.N. General Assembly - pre-recorded because the gathering is virtual this year - also said nothing about growing tensions with neighboring Pakistan, whose prime minister, Imran Khan, devoted much of his speech Friday to assailing India, leading to a sharp exchange between the two countries’ diplomats in the Assembly hall. Nor did Modi discuss India’s dispute with China over the border region of Ladakh, where a months-long standoff has seen the deadliest violence between the two sides in decades.
Instead, Modi cast India as a country that treats “the whole world as one family,” emphasized the country’s push for a bigger role at the U.N., and touted domestic initiatives in areas from technology to sewage sanitation. And he promised that the country’s robust pharmaceutical industry would be an international asset in the pandemic.
“India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis,” Modi said, adding that his country would also help others boost their capacity to provide cold storage for the potential inoculations.
India, the world’s second-most populous country, has reported over 93,000 deaths from COVID-19, fewer only than the U.S. and Brazil, according to figures collected by Johns Hopkins University. India also is behind only the U.S. in number of cases, with 5.9 million reported so far. However, India’s daily number of new cases has been declining, with recoveries exceeding reported new cases this week.
Modi said the U.N. hadn’t done enough in the virus fight - “where is its effective response?” Saying the world body has fallen short on other issues over its 75 years, he used the anniversary to press for change.
“For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of the United Nations?” asked Modi, whose country has long sought a permanent seat on the Security Council, the U.N.’s most powerful body. India starts a term as a non-permanent member in January.
He made no reference to India’s increasingly heated relations with neighbors China and Pakistan.
India and Pakistan split control over Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan area claimed by both. The nuclear-armed neighbors have fought two wars over the territory.
India accuses Pakistan of arming and training insurgents fighting for Kashmir’s independence from India. Pakistan denies the charge and says it offers only diplomatic and moral support to the rebels.
The tension hit a new turning point in August 2019, when Modi’s Hindu nationalist-led government stripped the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir and the neighboring Jammu district of their semi-autonomy, removed inherited protections on land and jobs and cracked down on security and communications. An internet and social media blackout lasted until March.
Residents of the Indian-controlled area say security forces have arrested thousands of young men, raided people’s homes, inflicted beatings and electric shocks, and threatened to take away and marry their female relatives. Thousands of protesters have been wounded by shotgun pellets over the past five years. U.N.-appointed independent human rights experts have called the situation “alarming.”
Khan, in his pre-recorded speech shown Friday, urged the international community to investigate and “prosecute the Indian civil and military personnel involved in state terrorism and serious crimes against humanity,” and he called India a state sponsor of anti-Muslim hatred and prejudice.
India on Friday said Khan was spreading “lies, misinformation, warmongering and malice” as the two countries traded barbed remarks in the Assembly hall, where rules allow nations to respond to one another’s speeches.
Meanwhile, India and China have been squaring off in Ladakh, a region abutting Kashmir. A 1962 border war spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce. The two countries have agreed not to attack each other with firearms, but troops guarding the border have brawled at times.
A new standoff began in May and escalated in June into a clash in which soldiers used clubs, stones and their fists. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed and dozens of others were injured. China is believed to have also suffered casualties but has not provided any details.
The rivals have since amassed tens of thousands of soldiers, backed by artilleries, tanks and fighter jets, in Ladakh.
In recent weeks, India and China have accused each other of sending soldiers into each other’s territory in an area near glacial Pangong Lake and have firing warning shots for the first time in 45 years, raising the specter of a full-scale military conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations with the world’s largest populations.
Their foreign ministers met Sept. 10 and agreed that their troops should disengage from the tense border standoff, maintain proper distance and ease tensions. But they did not set a timeline for disengagement.
Neither Modi nor Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned it in their speeches to the assembly this week.
___
This story has been amended to correct that thousands of people in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir have been wounded over the past five years, not the past year.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Flag photo temporarily missing on some Mississippi ballots

PASCAGOULA , Miss .
( AP ) - Absentee ballots in at least one Mississippi county do not include a picture of the proposed new state flag with a magnolia , even though the flag picture is required .
Until the right type of ballot arrives in coastal Jackson County , the circuit clerk is posting a photo of the flag in each of the 12 booths that are set up for in-person absentee voting , the Sun Herald reported .
The county ’ s election commission chairman , Danny Glaskox , says the ballots are being printed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 180 miles from Pascagoula .
He said he hopes they will arrive by Monday .
Mississippi legislators voted in late June to retire the last state flag in the U.S. that included the Confederate battle emblem .
The change was made under pressure amid widespread protests over the killing of Black people by police officers in the U.S. Mississippi ’ s governor , lieutenant governor and House speaker appointed nine people to a commission to recommend a new flag , and that single proposal is on the Nov. 3 ballot for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnolia .
As required by the law that retired the old flag , it includes the phrase , “ In God We Trust .
”

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) - Absentee ballots in at least one Mississippi county do not include a picture of the proposed new state flag with a magnolia, even though the flag picture is required.
Until the right type of ballot arrives in coastal Jackson County, the circuit clerk is posting a photo of the flag in each of the 12 booths that are set up for in-person absentee voting, the Sun Herald reported.
The county’s election commission chairman, Danny Glaskox, says the ballots are being printed in the capital city of Jackson, which is about 180 miles from Pascagoula. He said he hopes they will arrive by Monday.
Mississippi legislators voted in late June to retire the last state flag in the U.S. that included the Confederate battle emblem. The change was made under pressure amid widespread protests over the killing of Black people by police officers in the U.S.
Mississippi’s governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker appointed nine people to a commission to recommend a new flag, and that single proposal is on the Nov. 3 ballot for a yes-or-no vote. The design has a magnolia. As required by the law that retired the old flag, it includes the phrase, “In God We Trust.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--APNewsBreak: Informant in top Venezuela case lied to feds

MEDELLIN , Colombia ( AP ) - A key informant against one of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ’ s closest aides has been accused of lying to his law enforcement handlers in a case involving millions of dollars transported on private jets in violation of U.S. sanctions , The Associated Press has learned .
The development could hurt the case against Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami , who the U.S. considers one of Venezuela ’ s most corrupt power brokers , giving oxygen to claims by the nation ’ s socialist elite that the U.S. is resorting to trumped-up charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It also follows embarrassing revelations in another sanctions case in which a federal judge excoriated the same unit of Manhattan prosecutors targeting El Aissami for withholding exculpatory information about an Iranian businessman seen as a nexus in growing ties between the Islamic republic and Venezuela .
Alejandro Marin , a Venezuelan-born pilot and businessman , was arrested Sept. 19 in Miami on three counts of knowingly making false statements to U.S. federal agents , according to court filings .
But it accuses Marin of lying about the equivalent of $ 140,000 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million euros in cash that he transported by private jet to the U.S. in July 2018 at the direction of federal law enforcement .
Marin , 46 , runs a chartered flight business out of Miami ’ s Opa Locka executive airport .
He was signed up as a confidential source to help investigate then Vice President El Aissami and his alleged frontman , businessman Samark Lopez , according to an individual familiar with the case speaking anonymously to discuss the ongoing probe .
The Trump administration sanctioned both men as drug kingpins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars from U.S. bank accounts , two yachts , a private plane and Miami real estate it said were the illegal proceeds of cocaine shipments to Mexican cartels coordinated at the highest levels of Venezuela ’ s government and military .
It later charged them with violating those same sanctions by allegedly using U.S.-based charter companies to arrange private flights on American-registered aircraft to Russia , Turkey and inside Venezuela during Maduro ’ s 2018 presidential campaign , which the opposition boycotted amid allegations of fraud and vote-rigging .
Both men are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 10 most wanted fugitives list .
Both have denied any wrongdoing and Lopez even appealed unsuccessfully to the U.S. Supreme Court to try and block kidnapping victims of Colombian rebels from taking a $ 318 million chunk of assets frozen in the U.S. following his designation as a “ drug kingpin ” by the U.S. Treasury Department .
A former student activist schooled in radical politics by his father , a Druse Syrian-Lebanese immigrant , the 45-year-old El Aissami has risen steadily through the ranks of Venezuela ’ s red-shirted revolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earned a reputation for ruthlessness but also pragmatism that stands in sharp contrast to his anti-imperialist sloganeering .
Perhaps more than any other of the dozens of Venezuelan officials under investigation , he ’ s been a thorn in the side of U.S. law enforcement , which has spent much of the past decade looking for evidence tying him to Colombia ’ s cartels and Middle Eastern terrorist groups .
But neither he nor Lopez have been charged for drug trafficking even as prosecutors in March added Maduro and others to sweeping narcoterrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government of being a criminal enterprise at the service of drug traffickers and terrorist groups .
Christian Dunham , a federal public defender representing Marin , declined to comment but said his client is expected to appear in court for a pre-trial detention hearing on Sept. 30 .
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney ’ s office in Manhattan declined to comment .
According to the arrest order , approximately $ 140,000 of the cash owed to the U.S. government was removed from the packages Marin helped transport on orders of a foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” U.S investigators instructed Marin to try and recover the missing funds by having them wired to an account under the control of Homeland Security Investigations , a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement that is the lead agency for financial crimes stretching beyond U.S. borders .
After two wire transfers were rejected , the money was finally deposited months later to a company controlled by Marin , who never told investigators .
About $ 90,000 came from an organization affiliated with an unnamed foreign soccer team associated with “ Individual 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Special Agent Timothy McCann .
Two years later , federal officials in August 2020 asked Marin about the funds that went missing from the package labeled “ Marin.
” In a series of phone calls with U.S. attorneys and in a subsequent meeting in Manhattan he reiterated that he didn ’ t recover any of the missing cash .
However , on Aug. 28 , he changed his story and said that after further consultation with his accountant he recalled that he had in fact received $ 130,000 from “ Individual-1 , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with the soccer club .
McCann didn ’ t name the soccer club in his testimony .
El Aissami , a huge soccer fan , in 2015 was added to the roster for a first-division Venezuelan soccer team from the state of Aragua , which he governed from 2012 to 2017 .
A spokeswoman for the soccer team wouldn ’ t comment .
It ’ s not clear what impact , if any , the new revelations will have on the sanctions-busting case against El Aissami , Lopez and three co-defendants who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Only one of them , Victor Mones , owner of the Florida-registered American Charter Services , has pleaded guilty .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Houle in a hearing this week for one of the co-defendants asked Judge Alvin Hellerstein for more time to produce evidence it is required to hand over to defendants that may help them prove their innocence .
“ Your Honor , given the developing situation with the confidential source , I don ’ t want to rule out the possibility that additional information could be collected in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without mentioning any arrest or referring to the source by name .
Judge Hellerstein , responding to complaints by the defendant ’ s attorney that the government has been dragging its feet for more than a year , gave the government a final 30-day extension , expressing disgust that it hadn ’ t already collected all information .
“ After that , there may be repercussions , ” he said .
Bonnie Klapper , a former federal prosecutor in New York , said the charges against a government informant for lying “ is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case but it ’ s not a death knell.
” She likened the development to what happened in another high profile Venezuela case , the narcotics trial of First Lady Cilia Flores ’ nephews , where the government had to tear up mid-way a cooperation agreement with a father-son informant team who were also found lying to the government .
The case nonetheless proceeded , and the two so-called “ narco nephews ” were convicted by a jury and sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2017 .
She said it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the southern district of New York is acting aggressively to disclose the misconduct in light of criticism it tried to bury evidence in the case against Ali Sadr Hshemi Nejad .
Prosecutors in June abruptly dropped charges against the Iranian businessman after he had been convicted over what it described as “ disclosure-related issues ” that would ’ ve altered his defense .
“ The government did the right thing by disclosing this , ” Klapper said about Marin .
“ Too often this sort of stuff gets buried under the rug @ @

MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP) - A key informant against one of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s closest aides has been accused of lying to his law enforcement handlers in a case involving millions of dollars transported on private jets in violation of U.S. sanctions, The Associated Press has learned.
The development could hurt the case against Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami, who the U.S. considers one of Venezuela’s most corrupt power brokers, giving oxygen to claims by the nation’s socialist elite that the U.S. is resorting to trumped-up charges to pursue its goal of regime change.
It also follows embarrassing revelations in another sanctions case in which a federal judge excoriated the same unit of Manhattan prosecutors targeting El Aissami for withholding exculpatory information about an Iranian businessman seen as a nexus in growing ties between the Islamic republic and Venezuela.
Alejandro Marin, a Venezuelan-born pilot and businessman, was arrested Sept. 19 in Miami on three counts of knowingly making false statements to U.S. federal agents, according to court filings.
A sworn affidavit accompanying the Sept. 4 arrest order doesn’t mention Venezuela or El Aissami.
But it accuses Marin of lying about the equivalent of $140,000 that went missing from a package of 1.3 million euros in cash that he transported by private jet to the U.S. in July 2018 at the direction of federal law enforcement.
Marin, 46, runs a chartered flight business out of Miami’s Opa Locka executive airport. He was signed up as a confidential source to help investigate then Vice President El Aissami and his alleged frontman, businessman Samark Lopez, according to an individual familiar with the case speaking anonymously to discuss the ongoing probe.
The Trump administration sanctioned both men as drug kingpins in 2017, seizing hundreds of millions of dollars from U.S. bank accounts, two yachts, a private plane and Miami real estate it said were the illegal proceeds of cocaine shipments to Mexican cartels coordinated at the highest levels of Venezuela’s government and military.
It later charged them with violating those same sanctions by allegedly using U.S.-based charter companies to arrange private flights on American-registered aircraft to Russia, Turkey and inside Venezuela during Maduro’s 2018 presidential campaign, which the opposition boycotted amid allegations of fraud and vote-rigging.
Both men are on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 10 most wanted fugitives list. Both have denied any wrongdoing and Lopez even appealed unsuccessfully to the U.S. Supreme Court to try and block kidnapping victims of Colombian rebels from taking a $318 million chunk of assets frozen in the U.S. following his designation as a “drug kingpin” by the U.S. Treasury Department.
A former student activist schooled in radical politics by his father, a Druse Syrian-Lebanese immigrant, the 45-year-old El Aissami has risen steadily through the ranks of Venezuela’s red-shirted revolution. Along the way he’s earned a reputation for ruthlessness but also pragmatism that stands in sharp contrast to his anti-imperialist sloganeering.
Perhaps more than any other of the dozens of Venezuelan officials under investigation, he’s been a thorn in the side of U.S. law enforcement, which has spent much of the past decade looking for evidence tying him to Colombia’s cartels and Middle Eastern terrorist groups.
But neither he nor Lopez have been charged for drug trafficking even as prosecutors in March added Maduro and others to sweeping narcoterrorist conspiracy charges effectively accusing Venezuela’s government of being a criminal enterprise at the service of drug traffickers and terrorist groups.
Christian Dunham, a federal public defender representing Marin, declined to comment but said his client is expected to appear in court for a pre-trial detention hearing on Sept. 30.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment.
According to the arrest order, approximately $140,000 of the cash owed to the U.S. government was removed from the packages Marin helped transport on orders of a foreign associate identified only as “Individual 1.” U.S investigators instructed Marin to try and recover the missing funds by having them wired to an account under the control of Homeland Security Investigations, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement that is the lead agency for financial crimes stretching beyond U.S. borders.
After two wire transfers were rejected, the money was finally deposited months later to a company controlled by Marin, who never told investigators. About $90,000 came from an organization affiliated with an unnamed foreign soccer team associated with “Individual 1,” according to the testimony of HSI Special Agent Timothy McCann.
Two years later, federal officials in August 2020 asked Marin about the funds that went missing from the package labeled “Marin.” In a series of phone calls with U.S. attorneys and in a subsequent meeting in Manhattan he reiterated that he didn’t recover any of the missing cash.
However, on Aug. 28, he changed his story and said that after further consultation with his accountant he recalled that he had in fact received $130,000 from “Individual-1,” part of which came from the organization associated with the soccer club.
McCann didn’t name the soccer club in his testimony. El Aissami, a huge soccer fan, in 2015 was added to the roster for a first-division Venezuelan soccer team from the state of Aragua, which he governed from 2012 to 2017. A spokeswoman for the soccer team wouldn’t comment.
It’s not clear what impact, if any, the new revelations will have on the sanctions-busting case against El Aissami, Lopez and three co-defendants who are currently in U.S. federal custody. Only one of them, Victor Mones, owner of the Florida-registered American Charter Services, has pleaded guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Houle in a hearing this week for one of the co-defendants asked Judge Alvin Hellerstein for more time to produce evidence it is required to hand over to defendants that may help them prove their innocence.
“Your Honor, given the developing situation with the confidential source, I don’t want to rule out the possibility that additional information could be collected in the next two weeks,” she said, without mentioning any arrest or referring to the source by name.
Judge Hellerstein, responding to complaints by the defendant’s attorney that the government has been dragging its feet for more than a year, gave the government a final 30-day extension, expressing disgust that it hadn’t already collected all information.
“After that, there may be repercussions,” he said.
Bonnie Klapper, a former federal prosecutor in New York, said the charges against a government informant for lying “is obviously detrimental to the government’s case but it’s not a death knell.”
She likened the development to what happened in another high profile Venezuela case, the narcotics trial of First Lady Cilia Flores’ nephews, where the government had to tear up mid-way a cooperation agreement with a father-son informant team who were also found lying to the government. The case nonetheless proceeded, and the two so-called “narco nephews” were convicted by a jury and sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2017.
She said it’s likely the terrorism and international narcotics unit in the southern district of New York is acting aggressively to disclose the misconduct in light of criticism it tried to bury evidence in the case against Ali Sadr Hshemi Nejad. Prosecutors in June abruptly dropped charges against the Iranian businessman after he had been convicted over what it described as “disclosure-related issues” that would’ve altered his defense.
“The government did the right thing by disclosing this,” Klapper said about Marin. “Too often this sort of stuff gets buried under the rug.”
-
Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Preventable diseases down, but Maine shot rate yet to budge

AUGUSTA , Maine ( AP ) - Public health experts in Maine say cases of chickenpox and whooping cough are falling in the state , but the number of children receiving immunizations for the diseases and others is still lower than it should be .
The rate of kindergarten-age children whose parents obtained religious or philosophical exemptions for them was 5.6 % in the school year that ended in June .
That was the same rate as the previous school year , the Portland Press Herald reported .
The rate of students receiving exemptions figures to fall dramatically next school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new laws that repeal religious and philosophical opt-outs to the shots .
The only exemptions will be for medical reasons , which aren ’ t common .
Maine has had 29 cases of whooping cough , also called pertussis , this year .
The five-year average is 223 .
The state has had 28 cases of chickenpox , also called varicella , this year .
That ’ s below the five-year average of 143 .
Public health experts say the number of cases has been reduced by social distancing and mask wearing precautions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Public health experts in Maine say cases of chickenpox and whooping cough are falling in the state, but the number of children receiving immunizations for the diseases and others is still lower than it should be.
The rate of kindergarten-age children whose parents obtained religious or philosophical exemptions for them was 5.6% in the school year that ended in June. That was the same rate as the previous school year, the Portland Press Herald reported.
The rate of students receiving exemptions figures to fall dramatically next school year, when the state will implement new laws that repeal religious and philosophical opt-outs to the shots. The only exemptions will be for medical reasons, which aren’t common.
Maine has had 29 cases of whooping cough, also called pertussis, this year. The five-year average is 223. The state has had 28 cases of chickenpox, also called varicella, this year. That’s below the five-year average of 143.
Public health experts say the number of cases has been reduced by social distancing and mask wearing precautions many people have been taking due to the coronavirus pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Man found dead near construction trailers at SoFi Stadium

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - A man was found dead near construction trailers at SoFi Stadium , the new @ @ @ @ @ s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers .
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner @ @ @ @ @ his 20s was pronounced dead near the Inglewood stadium at 2:34 a.m. A spokeswoman for @ @ @ @ @ are investigating the death , the Los Angeles Times reported .
A construction worker at @ @ @ @ @ after falling more than 110 feet ( 33.5 meters ) .
His family sued the @ @ @ @ @ Another construction worker died in July .
Turner-AECOM Hunt , the joint venture overseeing the @ @ @ @ @ said that he had exhibited “ signs of a health issue , ” but did @ @ @ @ @ The medical examiner has not yet released a cause of death or an autopsy .
@ @ @ @ @ Safety and Health is investigating the two construction workers ’ deaths , but a spokesman @ @ @ @ @ involved in investigating Friday ’ s death .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A man was found dead near construction trailers at SoFi Stadium, the new home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner said Friday a man in his 20s was pronounced dead near the Inglewood stadium at 2:34 a.m.
A spokeswoman for the development said Inglewood police are investigating the death, the Los Angeles Times reported.
A construction worker at the stadium died in June after falling more than 110 feet (33.5 meters). His family sued the project’s planners.
Another construction worker died in July. Turner-AECOM Hunt, the joint venture overseeing the project’s construction, said that he had exhibited “signs of a health issue,” but did not provide additional details. The medical examiner has not yet released a cause of death or an autopsy.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the two construction workers’ deaths, but a spokesman said the agency is not involved in investigating Friday’s death.
The stadium opened on Sept. 13.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Man fatally struck after exiting car, running onto highway

BLANDFORD , Mass .
( AP ) - Police say they are investigating the death of a man who was @ @ @ @ @ Interstate 90 after he got out of a stopped car and ran into the roadway @ @ @ @ @ Police say 49-year-old Harry Young , of Pittsfield , was a passenger in a car @ @ @ @ @ breakdown lane on I-90 Eastbound in Blandford when he jumped out of the car and @ @ @ @ @ 10 p.m. Friday .
Young was struck by an SUV and then by a tractor @ @ @ @ @ dead at the scene .
Police said they ’ re investigating why Young exited the @ @ @ @ @ driven by a 36-year-old woman from Becket .
No one has been charged in the @ @

BLANDFORD, Mass. (AP) - Police say they are investigating the death of a man who was struck by two vehicles on Interstate 90 after he got out of a stopped car and ran into the roadway on Friday night.
State Police say 49-year-old Harry Young, of Pittsfield, was a passenger in a car that had pulled into the breakdown lane on I-90 Eastbound in Blandford when he jumped out of the car and ran into the highway around 10 p.m. Friday.
Young was struck by an SUV and then by a tractor trailer. He was declared dead at the scene.
Police said they’re investigating why Young exited the vehicle, which was being driven by a 36-year-old woman from Becket. No one has been charged in the death.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Houston-area water may be tainted with brain-eating microbe

LAKE JACKSON , Texas ( AP ) - Texas officials on Saturday lifted a warning for all but one Houston-area community to stop using tap water because it might be tainted with a deadly brain-eating microbe .
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality warned the Brazosport Water Authority late Friday of the potential contamination of its water supply by naegleria fowleri .
The authority initially warned eight communities not to use tap water for any reason except to flush toilets , but on Saturday it lifted that warning for all communities but Lake Jackson .
The city of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority ’ s water treatment plant .
The advisory also was canceled for two state prisons and Dow Chemical ’ s massive Freeport works .
The advisory will remain in place until the authority ’ s water system has been thoroughly flushed and tests on water samples show the system ’ s water is again safe to use .
The authority said in a statement that it was unclear how long it would be before the tap water was again safe .
The authority ’ s water source is the Brazos River .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ died after contracting the microbe .
The investigation into his death led to the detection of the brain-eating amoeba after heath officials conducted water sample tests , Lake Jackson City Manager Modesto Mundo said in a news release Saturday .
Three of 11 sample tests indicated preliminary positive results for the brain-eating microbe , with one sample coming from the boy ’ s home hose bib , Mundo said .
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living microscopic amoeba , or single-celled living organism commonly found in warm freshwater and soil , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose .
From there it travels to the brain and can cause a rare and debilitating disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis .
The infection is usually fatal and typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places such as lakes and rivers .
In very rare instances , naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources ( such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated and contaminated tap water ) enters the nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water systems by the microbe is rare but not unheard of .
According to the CDC website , the first deaths from naegleria fowleri found in tap water from treated U.S. public drinking water systems occurred in southern Louisiana in 2011 and 2013 .
The microbe also was found in 2003 in an untreated geothermal well-supplied drinking water system in Arizona , as well as in disinfected public drinking water supplies in Australia in the 1970s and ‘ 80s and in 2008 in Pakistan .

LAKE JACKSON, Texas (AP) - Texas officials on Saturday lifted a warning for all but one Houston-area community to stop using tap water because it might be tainted with a deadly brain-eating microbe.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality warned the Brazosport Water Authority late Friday of the potential contamination of its water supply by naegleria fowleri.
The authority initially warned eight communities not to use tap water for any reason except to flush toilets, but on Saturday it lifted that warning for all communities but Lake Jackson. The city of more than 27,000 residents is the site of the authority’s water treatment plant. The advisory also was canceled for two state prisons and Dow Chemical’s massive Freeport works.
The advisory will remain in place until the authority’s water system has been thoroughly flushed and tests on water samples show the system’s water is again safe to use. The authority said in a statement that it was unclear how long it would be before the tap water was again safe.
The authority’s water source is the Brazos River.
Earlier this month, 6-year-old Josh McIntyre died after contracting the microbe. The investigation into his death led to the detection of the brain-eating amoeba after heath officials conducted water sample tests, Lake Jackson City Manager Modesto Mundo said in a news release Saturday.
Three of 11 sample tests indicated preliminary positive results for the brain-eating microbe, with one sample coming from the boy’s home hose bib, Mundo said.
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living microscopic amoeba, or single-celled living organism commonly found in warm freshwater and soil, according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. From there it travels to the brain and can cause a rare and debilitating disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
The infection is usually fatal and typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places such as lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated and contaminated tap water) enters the nose.
The contamination of U.S. treated public water systems by the microbe is rare but not unheard of. According to the CDC website, the first deaths from naegleria fowleri found in tap water from treated U.S. public drinking water systems occurred in southern Louisiana in 2011 and 2013. The microbe also was found in 2003 in an untreated geothermal well-supplied drinking water system in Arizona, as well as in disinfected public drinking water supplies in Australia in the 1970s and ‘80s and in 2008 in Pakistan.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Scores arrested in protest against Belarus' president

KYIV , Ukraine ( AP ) - Hundreds of women calling for the authoritarian president to step down protested in Belarus ’ capital on Saturday , continuing the large demonstrations that have rocked the country since early August .
Police blocked off the center of Minsk and arrested more than 80 demonstrators , according to the Viasna human rights organization .
Some of those arrested were chased down by police in building courtyards where they were trying to take refuge , Viasna said .
Protests , by far the largest and most persistent in Belarus since independence from the Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after an election that officials said gave President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office .
Opponents and some poll workers say the results , in which Lukashenko was tallied with 80 % support , were manipulated .
Despite wide-scale detentions of demonstrators and the arrest of many prominent opposition figures , the protests haven ’ t shown signs of abating .
Lukashenko further angered opponents this week by taking the oath of office for a new term in an unexpected ceremony .
Protesters on Saturday carried placards denouncing him as “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s main election opponent who went into exile in Lithuania after the vote , praised the female demonstrators and derided the police in a statement .
“ What about the men themselves , who , hiding their faces , use force against women ?
Is it possible to live peacefully with such men ?
” she said .
The election and Lukashenko ’ s defiance of the protesters have come under strong criticism from the West , and Tsikhanouskaya this month urged the United Nations to send monitors to Belarus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.N. General Assembly later Saturday .
A large protest is expected on Sunday , typically the day that sees the biggest demonstrations attracting crowds estimated at up to 200,000 .
Lukashenko , a former collective farm manager , has been in office since 1994 .
During that time he has repressed opposition and independent news media and kept most of the country ’ s economy under Soviet-style state control .
This story has been corrected to show that it will be the Belarusian foreign minister who speaks to the U.N. General Assembly @ @ @ @

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Hundreds of women calling for the authoritarian president to step down protested in Belarus’ capital on Saturday, continuing the large demonstrations that have rocked the country since early August.
Police blocked off the center of Minsk and arrested more than 80 demonstrators, according to the Viasna human rights organization. Some of those arrested were chased down by police in building courtyards where they were trying to take refuge, Viasna said.
Protests, by far the largest and most persistent in Belarus since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, began Aug. 9 after an election that officials said gave President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office.
Opponents and some poll workers say the results, in which Lukashenko was tallied with 80% support, were manipulated.
Despite wide-scale detentions of demonstrators and the arrest of many prominent opposition figures, the protests haven’t shown signs of abating. Lukashenko further angered opponents this week by taking the oath of office for a new term in an unexpected ceremony.
Protesters on Saturday carried placards denouncing him as “the secret president.”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenko’s main election opponent who went into exile in Lithuania after the vote, praised the female demonstrators and derided the police in a statement.
“What about the men themselves, who, hiding their faces, use force against women? Is it possible to live peacefully with such men?” she said.
The election and Lukashenko’s defiance of the protesters have come under strong criticism from the West, and Tsikhanouskaya this month urged the United Nations to send monitors to Belarus. The country’s foreign minister will address the U.N. General Assembly later Saturday.
A large protest is expected on Sunday, typically the day that sees the biggest demonstrations attracting crowds estimated at up to 200,000.
Lukashenko, a former collective farm manager, has been in office since 1994. During that time he has repressed opposition and independent news media and kept most of the country’s economy under Soviet-style state control.
___
This story has been corrected to show that it will be the Belarusian foreign minister who speaks to the U.N. General Assembly, not Lukashenko.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--N Korea accuses S Korea of intrusion to find official's body

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - North Korea accused South Korea of sending ships across the disputed sea boundary to find the body of a man recently killed by North Korean troops , warning Sunday the alleged intrusion could escalate tensions .
South Korea said earlier that North Korea sent a message including a rare apology by leader Kim Jong Un over the shooting death last week of a South Korean government official found on a floating object in North Korean waters .
Officials in Seoul say the 47-year-old was likely attempting to defect to North Korea but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We urge the South side to immediately halt the intrusion across the military demarcation line in the West Sea that may lead to escalation of tensions , ” the official Korean Central News Agency said .
“ It arouses our due vigilance as it may lead to another awful incident.
” It confirmed North Korea notified South Korea about its account of the incident on Friday .
But it didn ’ t say whether the notification included Kim ’ s apology .
South Korea didn ’ t immediately respond .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searched waters near the boundary on Friday and Saturday in case the man ’ s body drifts back .
The poorly marked boundary is a source of animosities between the rival Koreas .
They ’ ve fought at least three bloody naval skirmishes since 1999 and attacks blamed on North Korea killed 50 South Koreans there in 2010 .
According to Friday ’ s North Korean message publicized by Seoul , North Korean troops shot the man because he refused to answer questions and attempted to flee .
It also said the troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict anti-coronavirus rules , after failing to find his body .
South Korea said Saturday it would request North Korea to launch an additional investigation .
Kim ’ s apology was seen as an attempt to soothe anti-North sentiment in South Korea that could make it him difficult for him to win concessions in any negotiations .
Kim is currently struggling to overcome worsening economic woes caused by U.S.-led sanctions over his nuclear program and the pandemic that forced his country to close its border with China , its biggest trading partner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the risk of escalation of tensions between the rivals , conservatives in South Korea have launched a political offensive on liberal President Moon Jae-in for failing to prevent the man ’ s death .

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea accused South Korea of sending ships across the disputed sea boundary to find the body of a South Korean official recently killed by North Korean troops, warning Sunday the intrusion could escalate tensions. South Korea denied the accusation.
“We urge the South side to immediately halt the intrusion across the military demarcation line in the West Sea that may lead to escalation of tensions,” the official Korean Central News Agency said. “It arouses our due vigilance as it may lead to another awful incident.”
Along with its denial, South Korea proposed a joint investigation to resolve discrepancies in each country’s account of the South Korean official’s death last week. Officials in Seoul have said the 47-year-old was likely attempting to defect before North Korean troops aboard a boat fatally shot him and burned his body.
According to Seoul, North Korea on Friday sent a message including a rare apology by leader Kim Jong Un for the shooting death of the official, who was found floating on an object in its waters.
The North Korean message distributed by South Korea said its troops shot the official because he attempted to flee after refusing to answer to questions. It said North Korea maintained troops were unable to find the official’s body and burned the object he was floating on in line with anti-coronavirus rules.
Sunday’s KCNA report confirmed North Korea notified South Korea on Friday with its account of the incident, but it didn’t say whether the notification included an apology from Kim.
South Korea’s military and coast guard responded to North Korea’s claim of a border incursion by saying their ships and aircraft have been searching waters south of the boundary since Friday in case the official’s body drifts back.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in met with his National Security Council on Sunday. Moon’s office said the council viewed Kim’s apology positively and proposed a joint investigation with North Korea to find out what happened to the official.
Senior presidential official Suh Choo-suk said South Korea also wants North Korea to restore a suspended military hotline between the nations to facilitate communications.
Kim’s apology was seen as an attempt to soothe anti-North sentiment in South Korea that could make it difficult for him to win concessions in any negotiations. Kim is currently struggling to overcome worsening economic woes caused by U.S.-led sanctions over his nuclear program and the pandemic that forced his country to close its border with China, its biggest trading partner.
While Kim’s apology could help reduce the risk of escalation of tensions between the rivals, conservatives in South Korea have launched a political offensive against Moon for failing to prevent the man’s death.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Trump touts Amy Coney Barrett on campaign trail in Pennsylvania

President Trump rallied his supporters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania Saturday night , saying he plans to win the state and secure four more years in the White House .
It ’ s his second campaign stop in the key swing state this week , and he used the event to tout his announcement earlier in the day , tapping Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court .
“ She will defend your God-given rights and freedoms , ” the president told the crowd of more than 2,000 people in Middletown , Pennsylvania .
Supporters were gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little social distancing and few wearing masks .
Just about two hours before the rally , the president formally announced he picked Judge Barrett of the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals to be his nominee to fill the high court vacancy following the death of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
The president made jabs during the rally at his opponent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , saying they must vote for the president so the country can move on from the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr. Biden and Democrats have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its response to COVID-19 , which has killed more than 200,000 Americans .
The virus has become a top election issue , along with the economy , according to recent polling .
The president also told the crowd his opponent would adopt socialized medicine , which would hurt seniors .
He noted Mr. Biden first opposed fracking , and has since waffled on the topic .
Mr. Trump warned that if Mr. Biden won , there would be a great depression .
“ With us , you ’ re going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president won Pennsylvania by less than 1 % in 2016 , just over 44,200 votes .
In order to maintain his path to the White House , the president needs to win either Pennsylvania , Wisconsin or Michigan .
He secured all three of the battleground states four years ago , but by less than 1 % .
He ’ s currently behind Mr. Biden in those states with just about 37 days until the election .
The Real Clear Politics polling average currently shows Mr. Trump down 6.6 points in Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pennsylvania .

President Trump rallied his supporters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania Saturday night, saying he plans to win the state and secure four more years in the White House.
It’s his second campaign stop in the key swing state this week, and he used the event to tout his announcement earlier in the day, tapping Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court.
“She will defend your God-given rights and freedoms,” the president told the crowd of more than 2,000 people in Middletown, Pennsylvania.
Supporters were gathered outside at an airport hangar, with little social distancing and few wearing masks.
Just about two hours before the rally, the president formally announced he picked Judge Barrett of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to be his nominee to fill the high court vacancy following the death of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The president made jabs during the rally at his opponent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, saying they must vote for the president so the country can move on from the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Biden and Democrats have continuously criticized the president and his administration for its response to COVID-19, which has killed more than 200,000 Americans.
The virus has become a top election issue, along with the economy, according to recent polling.
The president also told the crowd his opponent would adopt socialized medicine, which would hurt seniors.
He noted Mr. Biden first opposed fracking, and has since waffled on the topic.
Mr. Trump warned that if Mr. Biden won, there would be a great depression.
“With us, you’re going to have incredible prosperity,” he said.
The president won Pennsylvania by less than 1% in 2016, just over 44,200 votes.
In order to maintain his path to the White House, the president needs to win either Pennsylvania, Wisconsin or Michigan. He secured all three of the battleground states four years ago, but by less than 1%.
He’s currently behind Mr. Biden in those states with just about 37 days until the election.
The Real Clear Politics polling average currently shows Mr. Trump down 6.6 points in Wisconsin, 5.2 points in Michigan and 4.3 in Pennsylvania.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--GOP Michigan Senate challenger John James: Amy Barrett is 'highly qualified'

FLINT , Mich. — Republican John James shed some light Saturday on how he feels about President Trump ’ s pick for the Supreme Court , saying Judge Amy Coney Barrett embodies many of the qualities needed in a justice .
Mr. Trump announced Saturday he was nominating Mrs. Barrett to fill the seat on the Supreme Court left vacant following the passing this month of liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
The pick marks the beginning of what is expected to be a nasty partisan battle on Capitol Hill .
It also is reshaping high-profile Senate races across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. James is challenging Democrat Sen. Gary Peters in a contest that will help determine which party controls the upper chamber next year .
“ I believe that President Trump selected someone who he believed would be a dispassionate , impartial , textualist justice , someone who would interpret the law and not legislative from the bench , ” Mr. James told The Washington Times minutes after Mr. Trump ’ s announcement at a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden .
“ I believe once we go through the constitutional process in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but all initial indications show that Judge Amy Coney Barret is highly qualified and deserves a hearing.
” “ Based on what I know right now , I believe she would be an impartial jurist , which is exactly what we need , to make sure that we uphold our Constitution , respect our separation of powers and make sure that we get out of the partisanship , ” he said .
Mr. Peters said the Supreme Court opening should be filled after voters have their say in the November election .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not support the Senate moving forward on a Supreme Court nomination until after Inauguration Day , ” he said .
“ I will vote against confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime appointment on our nation ’ s highest court.
” Mrs. Barnett , if confirmed , will tilt the court toward a 6-3 conservative majority .
The 48-year-old served on the federal appeals court judge since 2017 and is a favorite of social conservatives and the religious right .
It is a nightmare scenario for Democrats , who are scrambling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever they can to scuttle the lifetime appointment .
The GOP ’ s decision to plow ahead with the confirmation hearings has enraged Democrats , who say the GOP-controlled Senate should delay the confirmation until after the election just as they did in 2016 .
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden , the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee , is leading Mr. Trump in most national and swing-state polls .
In Michigan , Mr. James has been attacked for being wishy-washy on the issues — including whether he agrees with the GOP ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
Mr. James likely will not get a chance to cast a vote on the Barrett nomination , but the court battle has provided a glimpse into his judicial philosophy .
Prior to Saturday ’ s announcement , Mr. James said he would “ fairly and honestly evaluate every Supreme Court nominee , regardless of which political party nominates ” and cast Mr. Peters as an obstructionist .
Mr. Peters , meanwhile , has been adamant the Senate honor Ms. Ginsburg ’ s dying wish that she would not be replaced until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .
“ Jamming the Supreme Court nomination through now will without question further divide our country and disregard the fact that the American people are now voting or soon will be in many states , ” Mr. Peters recently said on the Senate floor .
The latest polls show the Senate race here is tightening and that Mr. James is well within striking distance .
It has added to Democrats ’ fears that they could be in for another disappointing night in a presidential election year .
Mr. Peters is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump won four years ago .
The other is in Alabama , where Sen. Doug Jones ’ re-election prospects against Republican Tommy Tuberville are dim .
The Supreme Court vacancy has added to the chaotic nature of a campaign that has been reshaped by the coronavirus , and Mr. Trump ’ s response to it .
It also has fed into the ongoing debate over the GOP ’ s legal push to do away with Obamacare , voting rights , and the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling finding a constitutional right to abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ultimate decision will effectively determine the date of healthcare for millions of Michiganders and Americans , ” Mr. Peters said on the Senate floor .
“ Women may lose their right to their reproductive freedom.
” Mr. James , meanwhile , said the Barrett nomination is going to show that Mr. Peters ’ attempt to cast himself as a bipartisan operator is bogus .
“ Senator Peters does not consider the qualifications , he votes party lines , ” Mr. James said .
David A. Dulio , a political science professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be seen who will benefit more in the Senate race here from the court battle .
“ Evangelicals in West Michigan will love the pick , ” Mr. Dulio said .
“ That could energize some who might be on the fence about Trump ( and/or James ) to come out and vote .
“ Of course , it could also energize the left ; although , I think the potential voters who would be fired up by the confirmation or the pick itself are already planning to vote , ” he @ @

FLINT, Mich. — Republican Senate candidate John James says the battle over President Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court shows that Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, is a fall-in-line Democrat — not the independent, follow-his-own-lead independent he claims to be.
Mr. Peters was quick to announce his opposition to Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination. He joined his Democratic colleagues in arguing too much is at stake in terms of health care and abortion rights to rush through the nomination before the next presidential inauguration.
Mr. James, meanwhile, has been noncommittal. The 39-year-old Black combat veteran says Judge Barrett is highly qualified for the job and says he wants to see the process play out before picking sides or weighing in on the confirmation timeline.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s death has added to the chaotic nature of a year transformed by the coronavirus.
The decision of Mr. Trump and Republicans to plow ahead with replacing Justice Ginsberg has enraged Democrats and liberal activists, and delighted social conservatives and the religious right.
Steve Mitchell, a Michigan-based GOP strategist, said the fight over the Barrett nomination is reshaping high-profile Senate races across the country, including here in Michigan where the candidates have clashed over their bipartisan bona fides in a contest that could determine which party controls the upper chamber next year.
“The only way the Democrats can prevent the confirmation is too completely undermine the nomination to the extent that the nominee withdrew, and therefore this potentially could get really ugly early,” Mr. Mitchell said. “If it does, what we saw last time, is that soft Trump voters really hardened as a result of the treatment [Justice Brett M.] Kavanaugh got.”
Mr. Mitchell said Democrats could suffer at the ballot box if votes perceive them as going overboard.
“All of a sudden soft Trump voters who were leaning toward Biden could watch that and say, ‘That’s unfair’ — especially if they are beating up on a woman,” he said.
An NBC/ Marist poll released Sunday found that 54% of likely voters in Michigan said the winner of the presidential race should decide who gets to fill the Supreme Court opening, compared to 35% who said Mr. Trump should fill the spot before the election. Another 7% of respondents said Mr. Trump should fill it after the election.
The poll showed former Vice President Joseph R. Biden leading Mr. Trump among likely voters by 52%-44% margin, and Mr. Peters leading Mr. James by a 49%-44% margin.
“The race is much closer between Peters and John James than Democrats would like,” said Ed Sarpolus, a Michigan pollster. “Gary Peters is starting to do mailing and to be more visible, which tells me he is concerned about his race.”
Mr. Peters staked out his opposition to the Barrett nomination shortly after Mr. Trump made it official in the White House Rose Garden.
“As I have said before, I do not support the Senate moving forward on a Supreme Court nomination until after Inauguration Day,” Mr. Peters said in a statement. “I will vote against confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime appointment on our nation’s highest court.”
In an interview with The Washington Times, Mr. James declined to say whether he backs Judge Barrett, but said she’s “highly qualified.”
Shortly after Mr. Trump’s announcement, Mr. James said, “Based on what I know right now, I believe she would be an impartial jurist, which is exactly what we need, to make sure that we uphold our Constitution, respect our separation of powers and make sure that we get out of the partisanship.”
Mr. James also went on the attack.
“Right now the process is too partisan and Gary is part of the problem,” he said. “We have a constitutional process and both parties have to rise above the partisanship.”
“Sen. Peters does not consider qualifications,” he said. “He votes party lines.”
Mr. James is trying to thread a political needle, according to political analysts.
They say the Michigan businessman is signaling to Republicans that he is on their side while trying not to scare away Black and independent voters who could be giving him a serious look.
Mr. Mitchell said the strategy is risky.
“If the Republican base thinks he is wishy-washy on this then the base is going to get angry,” Mr. Mitchell said.
For months, Democrats have charged that Mr. James is hiding his views from voters because he doesn’t want voters to know that he’s a GOP loyalist when it comes to backing Mr. Trump and the GOP push the push to scrap Obamacare.
“Michiganders saw again why they cannot trust John James, who hid his position on whether a vote should move forward for days, and still refuses to oppose the lawsuit that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act,” said Elena Kuhn, spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party.
“The bottom line is James hasn’t shown any independence from Trump — who he supports ‘2,000%’ — or [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell, and that puts Michiganders, especially the 1.7 million with preexisting conditions, at risk,” she said.
During his failed Senate bid in 2018, Mr. James called the Affordable Care Act a “monstrosity” and said he supports Mr. Trump “2,000%.”
Mr. James told The Times he plans to protect pre-existing conditions, but he has yet to sign off on a legislative replacement for Obamacare or layout his own.
He also declined to say whether he backs the Trump supported legal push to gut Obamacare that is going before the Supreme Court.
The editorial board of the Detroit Free Press endorsed Mr. Peters on Sunday and criticized Mr. James for not coming clean about where he stands on big issues.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-26--Belarus tells UN sanctions would be 'harmful for everyone'

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - Belarus ’ foreign minister warned Western nations Saturday against imposing sanctions over the country ’ s disputed presidential election and crackdown on protesters , saying their expressions of concern are “ nothing but attempts to bring chaos and anarchy to our country.
” With the European Union and Britain contemplating sanctions , Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei told the virtual U.N. General Assembly meeting of world leaders that “ interference in our internal affairs , sanctions and other restrictions on Belarus will have the opposite effect and are harmful for absolutely everyone.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wisdom , restraint and impartiality , ” he said in a pre-recorded speech for the U.N. session held online because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Makei ’ s speech was played hours after the latest in a series of large protests in Belarus over the Aug. 9 re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko , which his opponents say was rigged .
The authoritarian leader further angered opponents this week by taking the oath of office for a new term in an unexpected and secretive ceremony .
The demonstrations are by far the largest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the former Soviet Union in 1991 .
Makei ’ s remarks to the international community , which included saying “ the people made their choice ” in the election , could fuel further protests Sunday .
The rallies are typically largest on Sundays , sometimes drawing crowds of up to 200,000 people .
In the first three days of demonstrations in August , police used tear gas , truncheons and rubber bullets to disperse crowds .
Several protesters died , many were injured and around 6,000 were detained .
Amid international outrage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prosecuting top activists .
Many members of the Coordination Council , a group that the opposition formed to push for a transition of power , have been arrested or forced to leave the country .
Last week , the U.N. ’ s Human Rights Council passed a resolution calling for an investigation into possible human rights violations by Lukashenko ’ s government , with a report to come by the end of the year .
The United States and the European Union have questioned the election and criticized the police actions toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions for top Belarusian officials , but it failed to agree on imposing them this week and plans to continue discussions in the coming week .
Meanwhile , Britain said Thursday it was working on sanctions and also was in discussions with the U.S. and Canada .
EU Council President Charles Michel told the General Assembly on Friday in his own video speech that “ repression and intimidation must stop ” and those responsible must be held accountable .
“ We stand with the Belarusian people who must be free , without any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , ” Michel said , calling for inclusive national dialogue facilitated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe .
Lukashenko has bristled at suggestions of starting a dialogue with the opposition and has cast the protests as part of a Western plot to isolate Russia , Belarus ’ his main sponsor and ally .
Makei said the situation in Belarus “ indeed has become complex , ” but he dismissed Western countries ’ complaints as meddling “ statements brimming with cynicism.
” “ In actual fact , they are nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our country to make Belarus lose many years of development , ” the foreign minister said .

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Belarus’ foreign minister warned Western nations Saturday against imposing sanctions over the country’s disputed presidential election and crackdown on protesters, saying their expressions of concern are “nothing but attempts to bring chaos and anarchy to our country.”
With the European Union and Britain contemplating sanctions, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei told the virtual U.N. General Assembly meeting of world leaders that “interference in our internal affairs, sanctions and other restrictions on Belarus will have the opposite effect and are harmful for absolutely everyone.”
“We call on our partners to demonstrate wisdom, restraint and impartiality,” he said in a pre-recorded speech for the U.N. session held online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Makei’s speech was played hours after the latest in a series of large protests in Belarus over the Aug. 9 re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, which his opponents say was rigged. The authoritarian leader further angered opponents this week by taking the oath of office for a new term in an unexpected and secretive ceremony.
The demonstrations are by far the largest and most persistent in Belarus since its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Makei’s remarks to the international community, which included saying “the people made their choice” in the election, could fuel further protests Sunday. The rallies are typically largest on Sundays, sometimes drawing crowds of up to 200,000 people.
In the first three days of demonstrations in August, police used tear gas, truncheons and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Several protesters died, many were injured and around 6,000 were detained.
Amid international outrage over the crackdown, Belarusian authorities switched to prosecuting top activists. Many members of the Coordination Council, a group that the opposition formed to push for a transition of power, have been arrested or forced to leave the country.
Last week, the U.N.’s Human Rights Council passed a resolution calling for an investigation into possible human rights violations by Lukashenko’s government, with a report to come by the end of the year.
The United States and the European Union have questioned the election and criticized the police actions toward peaceful protesters. The EU is pondering sanctions for top Belarusian officials, but it failed to agree on imposing them this week and plans to continue discussions in the coming week. Meanwhile, Britain said Thursday it was working on sanctions and also was in discussions with the U.S. and Canada.
EU Council President Charles Michel told the General Assembly on Friday in his own video speech that “repression and intimidation must stop” and those responsible must be held accountable.
“We stand with the Belarusian people who must be free, without any external coercion, to choose their own future,” Michel said, calling for inclusive national dialogue facilitated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Lukashenko has bristled at suggestions of starting a dialogue with the opposition and has cast the protests as part of a Western plot to isolate Russia, Belarus’ his main sponsor and ally.
Makei said the situation in Belarus “indeed has become complex,” but he dismissed Western countries’ complaints as meddling “statements brimming with cynicism.”
“In actual fact, they are nothing but attempts to bring chaos and anarchy to our country to make Belarus lose many years of development,” the foreign minister said.