washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Fiat Chrysler posts record Q3 profit ahead of PSA merger

MILAN ( AP ) - A rebound in car production in Fiat Chrysler on Wednesday reported record third-quarter earnings as production returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels .
The Italian-American automaker , which is finalizing its full merger with French rival PSA Peugeot , reported a net profit in the three months ending Sept. 30 of 1.2 billion ( $ 1.4 billion ) .
That compares with a loss of 179 million euros a year earlier .
The carmaker reported adjusted earnings before tax and interest in North America of 2.5 billion euros .
That offset deepening losses in Europe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Latin America , the only other region to post a profit , saw it narrow by two-thirds to 46 million euros .
Overall , the carmaker said global earnings before tax and interest were a record 2.3 billion euros despite a 6 % fall in revenues to 26 billion euros .
Global shipments were down 3 % , due largely to plant retooling in North American to produce the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer in the luxury SUV segment and the discontinuation of the Dodge Grand Caravan classic minivan .
Fiat Chrysler announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peugeot is on track to be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2021 , as planned .
To meet regulatory concerns , the French carmaker is selling a small stake in a components maker to get below 40 % ownership .
The new automaker , to be called Stellantis , will be the fourth biggest producer in the world .

MILAN (AP) - Fiat Chrysler on Wednesday reported record third-quarter earnings as production returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels.
The Italian-American automaker, which is finalizing its full merger with French rival PSA Peugeot, reported a net profit in the three months ending Sept. 30 of 1.2 billion ($1.4 billion). That compares with a loss of 179 million euros a year earlier.
The carmaker reported adjusted earnings before tax and interest in North America of 2.5 billion euros. That offset deepening losses in Europe, Asia and at its Maserati luxury marquee. Latin America, the only other region to post a profit, saw it narrow by two-thirds to 46 million euros.
Overall, the carmaker said global earnings before tax and interest were a record 2.3 billion euros despite a 6% fall in revenues to 26 billion euros.
“It was a remarkable quarter for our group, despite the lingering effects of COVID-19,” CEO Mike Manley told a conference call. ”We continue to navigate through this crisis by taking decisive action.”
Global shipments were down 3%, due largely to plant retooling in North American to produce the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer in the luxury SUV segment and the discontinuation of the Dodge Grand Caravan classic minivan.
Fiat Chrysler announced earlier Wednesday that its merger with PSA Peugeot is on track to be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2021, as planned. To meet regulatory concerns, the French carmaker is selling a small stake in a components maker to ensure the new company does not maintain a controlling share.
The new automaker, to be called Stellantis, will be the fourth biggest producer in the world, with the capacity to produce 8.7 million cars a year.
The merger, agreed last year, is aimed at creating a carmaker with the scale to confront the challenges of stricter emissions regulations and the transition to new driving technologies. PSA’s CEO Carlos Tavares will lead the group, with Fiat Chrysler chairman John Elkann head of the board.
PSA on Wednesday said that revenue in its auto division grew by 1.2% in the quarter to 12 billion euros, as a strong product mix offset lower volumes.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Growing area with rural roots a window into swing state Ohio

BOWLING GREEN , Ohio ( AP ) - Ohio ’ s Wood County is a mix of just about everything that makes the entire state an election bellwether with its growing suburbs , a farm culture rooted in conservative values and a university that attracts younger , liberal-leaning voters .
It ’ s also one of nine counties in the state that flipped for President Donald Trump after backing Democrat Barack Obama in the previous two elections .
Only once since 1964 has Wood County not picked the presidential winner .
That ’ s why its sleepy suburbs and rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being closely watched in this election , and not just in Ohio - a state Trump must win again as no Republican has taken the White House without it .
Not surprisingly , both parties believe the perennial swing county is trending their way this year .
The head of the local Republican party says blue collar voters who embraced Trump in 2016 are even more enthused now .
Democrats are just as optimistic that voters in Toledo ’ s bedroom communities , especially women and college graduates , are moving toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years after Trump won Ohio relatively easily , most polls show the state is again a toss-up .
One of the keys to watch across the state are two clusters of “ pivot ” counties - four each in northeastern and northwestern Ohio - that both Trump and Obama won on their way to the White House .
Wood County , which anchors the cluster of counties on the state ’ s western end , is home to both the largest solar manufacturing facility in the United States and the National Tractor Pulling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is almost entirely white , the county ’ s diversity in voting preferences can be traced to its varied economic base , said Melissa Miller , a political science professor at Bowling Green State University , the area ’ s single largest employer .
“ That ’ s why Wood County always swings , ” Miller said .
The university and its college-educated workforce tends to push the county ’ s voters to the left , but the blue-collar workers in agriculture and manufacturing - the county ’ s biggest overall employment sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump ’ s winning formula four years ago was based on overwhelming support from working-class , white voters in small communities who embraced his “ America first ” message and his promise of reviving manufacturing .
“ I don ’ t see them changing .
I see that vote increasing this year , ” said Jonathan Jakubowski , the county ’ s Republican party chairman .
Republicans hold nearly every elected office in Wood County and have long dominated local politics .
But the last time the county didn ’ t mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1976 , when voters went with Gerald Ford over Democrat Jimmy Carter .
John Moser , whose family has been farming for six generations in the county , said Trump has been good to farmers when they ’ ve needed federal aid to combat weather-related trouble or the depressed grain prices and exports that followed the president ’ s trade war with China .
“ He ’ s just putting his foot down , and telling you like it is , ” Moser said .
“ I guess my argument is I haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party about what they ’ d do for farmers.
” It ’ s likely that this presidential election in Wood County will come down to the suburbs , where houses , strip malls and light-manufacturing plants have been sprouting over the past decade .
Marjorie Elden , a retired teacher from Perrysburg , said she was surprised and happy to see so much support for Biden while taking part in a car parade with other Democrats around the suburb a few weeks ago .
She said she ’ s fed up with Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealings with Russia .
“ I was willing to give him a chance because he ’ s our president , it ’ s our country and I did want him to succeed , but the more lies he told , that ’ s not what I want from our president , ” she said .
“ I want someone who ’ s got moral character .
My image of President Trump has gotten worse and worse for all the decisions he ’ s making.
” Mike Devore , who lives alongside a soybean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he can ’ t imagine Trump losing based on what he sees around him .
He drove to a Trump rally in suburban Toledo a month ago just to get a glimpse of the scene and said “ there were lines as long as train smoke on both sides of the road .
”

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) - Ohio’s Wood County is a mix of just about everything that makes the entire state an election bellwether with its growing suburbs, a farm culture rooted in conservative values and a university that attracts younger, liberal-leaning voters.
It’s also one of nine counties in the state that flipped for President Donald Trump after backing Democrat Barack Obama in the previous two elections. Only once since 1964 has Wood County not picked the presidential winner. That’s why its sleepy suburbs and rural communities that sit just south of Toledo are being closely watched in this election, and not just in Ohio - a state Trump must win again as no Republican has taken the White House without it.
Not surprisingly, both parties believe the perennial swing county is trending their way this year. The head of the local Republican party says blue collar voters who embraced Trump in 2016 are even more enthused now. Democrats are just as optimistic that voters in Toledo’s bedroom communities, especially women and college graduates, are moving toward Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Four years after Trump won Ohio relatively easily, most polls show the state is again a toss-up. One of the keys to watch across the state are two clusters of “pivot” counties - four each in northeastern and northwestern Ohio - that both Trump and Obama won on their way to the White House.
Wood County, which anchors the cluster of counties on the state’s western end, is home to both the largest solar manufacturing facility in the United States and the National Tractor Pulling Championships every summer.
While its population is almost entirely white, the county’s diversity in voting preferences can be traced to its varied economic base, said Melissa Miller, a political science professor at Bowling Green State University, the area’s single largest employer.
“That’s why Wood County always swings,” Miller said.
The university and its college-educated workforce tends to push the county’s voters to the left, but the blue-collar workers in agriculture and manufacturing - the county’s biggest overall employment sector - pull it back to the right.
Trump’s winning formula four years ago was based on overwhelming support from working-class, white voters in small communities who embraced his “America first” message and his promise of reviving manufacturing.
“I don’t see them changing. I see that vote increasing this year,” said Jonathan Jakubowski, the county’s Republican party chairman.
Republicans hold nearly every elected office in Wood County and have long dominated local politics. But the last time the county didn’t mirror the nation in the presidential election was 1976, when voters went with Gerald Ford over Democrat Jimmy Carter.
John Moser, whose family has been farming for six generations in the county, said Trump has been good to farmers when they’ve needed federal aid to combat weather-related trouble or the depressed grain prices and exports that followed the president’s trade war with China.
“He’s just putting his foot down, and telling you like it is,” Moser said. “I guess my argument is I haven’t heard anything from the other party about what they’d do for farmers.”
It’s likely that this presidential election in Wood County will come down to the suburbs, where houses, strip malls and light-manufacturing plants have been sprouting over the past decade.
Marjorie Elden, a retired teacher from Perrysburg, said she was surprised and happy to see so much support for Biden while taking part in a car parade with other Democrats around the suburb a few weeks ago.
She said she’s fed up with Trump over everything from health care to his dealings with Russia.
“I was willing to give him a chance because he’s our president, it’s our country and I did want him to succeed, but the more lies he told, that’s not what I want from our president,” she said. “I want someone who’s got moral character. My image of President Trump has gotten worse and worse for all the decisions he’s making.”
Mike Devore, who lives alongside a soybean field about 15 miles from Bowling Green, said he can’t imagine Trump losing based on what he sees around him.
He drove to a Trump rally in suburban Toledo a month ago just to get a glimpse of the scene and said “there were lines as long as train smoke on both sides of the road.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Japan PM says plan to release Fukushima water coming soon

TOKYO ( AP ) - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that his government is working on the final details of a plan to release massive amounts of radioactive water being stored at the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant , a decision that has been delayed by protests .
More than nine years after the disaster , the government still hasn ’ t made clear what it will do with the water at the plant , though a release into the ocean has been largely speculated on in recent years .
“ We can not put off our decision forever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told a parliamentary session Wednesday , saying the plant is running out of storage space .
“ Based on discussions and expertise we ’ ve had , we will further deepen our discussion and responsibly make a decision at an appropriate time.
” A government panel in February issued a report recommending releasing the water into the ocean as the most realistic plan .
The government and the plant operator , Tokyo Electric Power Co. , or TEPCO , say all radioactive materials but tritium can be safely removed , and that tritium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has more than 1.2 million tons of the water stored in 1,000 huge tanks that occupy a large amount of space at the plant .
TEPCO says that it will run out of space in the summer of 2022 and that the tanks hamper the decommissioning process .
Suga did not give a timeline , though a decision is expected in weeks , if not months .
An actual release would be about two years away because TEPCO still has to set up a facility for a release and have it authorized by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A controlled release of the water will take decades .
The plant suffered a triple meltdown in the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami and is undergoing decades-long decommissioning .
The contaminated water , a mixture of injected cooling water and groundwater that flows into the reactor area , has accumulated since the accident .
The government and TEPCO say water treatment systems can remove all but water-soluble tritium , though currently 70 % of the water contains other radioactive materials exceeding allowable limits .
TEPCO says it can meet the safety standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round of treatment before releasing it .
Suga visited the Fukushima plant last month and said he hoped to make a decision as soon as possible .
Government officials said they need more time to discuss ways to mitigate reputational damage to the local industries and gain public understanding .
Fishermen especially have opposed a release , saying their already badly hurt business would die .
Their local and national representatives visited Tokyo last week to protest to environment and agriculture ministers .
On Wednesday , Japanese officials from the foreign and industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomats to provide updates on the water situation .
Nuclear officials inside and outside of Japan have said a controlled release of the water into the ocean is the only realistic way of getting rid of the water safely .
Nuclear Regulation Authority chairman Toyoshi Fuketa recently said that tritium below allowable limits is routinely released from nuclear plants around the world .
He said he is not concerned about safety , but understands psychological and reputational concerns about the water associated with the Fukushima disaster .
He said careful monitoring of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding .
But some scientists say the long-term environmental impact from radioactive water is unknown and could pose higher risks than explained .
Ken Buesseler , a marine biologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution , said in a recent article that not only tritium but how other isotopes affect marine life should be carefully examined .

TOKYO (AP) - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that his government is working on the final details of a plan to release massive amounts of radioactive water being stored at the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant, a decision that has been delayed by protests.
More than nine years after the disaster, the government still hasn’t made clear what it will do with the water at the plant, though a release into the ocean has been largely speculated on in recent years.
“We cannot put off our decision forever without making a plan,” Suga told a parliamentary session Wednesday, saying the plant is running out of storage space. “Based on discussions and expertise we’ve had, we will further deepen our discussion and responsibly make a decision at an appropriate time.”
A government panel in February issued a report recommending releasing the water into the ocean as the most realistic plan. The government and the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co., or TEPCO, say all radioactive materials but tritium can be safely removed, and that tritium is largely harmless.
The plant now has more than 1.2 million tons of the water stored in 1,000 huge tanks that occupy a large amount of space at the plant. TEPCO says that it will run out of space in the summer of 2022 and that the tanks hamper the decommissioning process.
Suga did not give a timeline, though a decision is expected in weeks, if not months. An actual release would be about two years away because TEPCO still has to set up a facility for a release and have it authorized by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, officials said. A controlled release of the water will take decades.
The plant suffered a triple meltdown in the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami and is undergoing decades-long decommissioning. The contaminated water, a mixture of injected cooling water and groundwater that flows into the reactor area, has accumulated since the accident.
The government and TEPCO say water treatment systems can remove all but water-soluble tritium, though currently 70% of the water contains other radioactive materials exceeding allowable limits. TEPCO says it can meet the safety standard by running the water for a second round of treatment before releasing it.
Suga visited the Fukushima plant last month and said he hoped to make a decision as soon as possible.
Government officials said they need more time to discuss ways to mitigate reputational damage to the local industries and gain public understanding. Fishermen especially have opposed a release, saying their already badly hurt business would die. Their local and national representatives visited Tokyo last week to protest to environment and agriculture ministers.
On Wednesday, Japanese officials from the foreign and industry ministries provided an online session for foreign diplomats to provide updates on the water situation.
Nuclear officials inside and outside of Japan have said a controlled release of the water into the ocean is the only realistic way of getting rid of the water safely.
Nuclear Regulation Authority chairman Toyoshi Fuketa recently said that tritium below allowable limits is routinely released from nuclear plants around the world. He said he is not concerned about safety, but understands psychological and reputational concerns about the water associated with the Fukushima disaster. He said careful monitoring of the water samples is crucial to gain public understanding.
But some scientists say the long-term environmental impact from radioactive water is unknown and could pose higher risks than explained. Ken Buesseler, a marine biologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, said in a recent article that not only tritium but how other isotopes affect marine life should be carefully examined.
___
Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Driver dies in Interstate 89 crash

Driver dies in Interstate 89 crash

SUTTON , N.H. ( AP ) - A driver died after crashing into the median and a tree on Interstate @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized in critical condition , the New Hampshire State Police said .
Police found that @ @ @ @ @ off the road and crashed Tuesday along the interstate in Sutton .
The driver , @ @ @ @ @ of Woodland , Maine , was pronounced dead at the scene .
The passenger , @ @ @ @ @ to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center .
Interstate 89 North was shut down for several hours following @ @ @ @ @ investigating .

SUTTON, N.H. (AP) - A driver died after crashing into the median and a tree on Interstate 89 and a passenger was hospitalized in critical condition, the New Hampshire State Police said.
Police found that a pickup truck had driven off the road and crashed Tuesday along the interstate in Sutton.
The driver, Sarah Grier, 64, of Woodland, Maine, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a woman, was taken to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Interstate 89 North was shut down for several hours following the crash. Police are investigating.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Meghan seeks to postpone trial in privacy suit against paper

LONDON ( AP ) - The Duchess of Sussex is seeking to delay the start of the trial in her privacy lawsuit against a British newspaper over its publication of excerpts from a letter she wrote to her father .
The former Meghan Markle made the request ahead of a preliminary hearing on the case scheduled for Thursday , court documents said .
The move comes after a ruling to allow a book on the the decision by the duchess and her husband , Prince Harry , to step back from royal duties to be included in the case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The postponement application is the latest episode in the legal tussle that has served as a prelude to a 10-day trial scheduled to start in January .
The request will be considered Thursday by High Court Judge Mark Warby during an online hearing that will begin in private .
Meghan ’ s civil lawsuit accuses the Mail on Sunday and its publisher , Associated Newspapers , of copyright infringement , misuse of private information and violating the U.K. ’ s data protection law .
The newspaper published excerpts of a letter Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry ’ s wedding in May 2018 .
The newspaper argues there is “ huge and legitimate public interest in the royal family and the activities , conduct and standards of behavior of its members″ and maintains such interest extends “ to their personal and family relationships because those are integral to the proper functioning of the monarchy .
”

LONDON (AP) - The Duchess of Sussex is seeking to delay the start of the trial in her privacy lawsuit against a British newspaper over its publication of excerpts from a letter she wrote to her father.
The former Meghan Markle made the request ahead of a preliminary hearing on the case scheduled for Thursday, court documents said. The move comes after a ruling to allow a book on the the decision by the duchess and her husband, Prince Harry, to step back from royal duties to be included in the case, opening up a new line of questioning.
The postponement application is the latest episode in the legal tussle that has served as a prelude to a 10-day trial scheduled to start in January. The request will be considered Thursday by High Court Judge Mark Warby during an online hearing that will begin in private.
Meghan’s civil lawsuit accuses the Mail on Sunday and its publisher, Associated Newspapers, of copyright infringement, misuse of private information and violating the U.K.’s data protection law. The newspaper published excerpts of a letter Meghan wrote to her father after her and Harry’s wedding in May 2018.
The newspaper argues there is “huge and legitimate public interest in the royal family and the activities, conduct and standards of behavior of its members″ and maintains such interest extends “to their personal and family relationships because those are integral to the proper functioning of the monarchy.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Military aircraft perform fly-bys on Greek national holiday

ATHENS , Greece ( AP ) - Greek military jets and helicopters performed flybys over the capital and other cities , towns and islands Wednesday to mark Greece ’ s national holiday while traditional military and student parades were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Known as Ohi Day , or “ No Day , ” the Oct. 28 holiday commemorates the day in 1940 when Greece rejected an ultimatum from fascist Italy to allow Axis troops to enter the country and occupy strategic locations .
The refusal marked Greece ’ s entry into World War II on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in recent weeks , with a record 1,259 new cases and 12 new deaths announced Tuesday .
The country ’ s total number of confirmed cases stands at just over 32,700 , with 593 deaths in this country of around 11 million people .
In his address for the national holiday , Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appealed to Greeks to show the same unity and solidarity they did in 1940 .
“ Today , our country is facing different challenges than those it faced 80 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we must marshal the same virtues that made Greece then too : national unity , a high mindset , the sense of solidarity.
” In the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki , authorities intervened after about 50 people attempted to hold a march to commemorate Oct. 28 despite the current restrictions on gatherings due to the pandemic .
Emergency lockdown restrictions have been imposed on four regions in Greece with coronavirus outbreaks .
Lighter restrictions are in force in many other areas , including in Athens and Thessaloniki , where wearing facemasks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nine people and a night-time curfew runs from 12:30 a.m. until 5 a.m .

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greek military jets and helicopters performed flybys over the capital and other cities, towns and islands Wednesday to mark Greece’s national holiday while traditional military and student parades were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Known as Ohi Day, or “No Day,” the Oct. 28 holiday commemorates the day in 1940 when Greece rejected an ultimatum from fascist Italy to allow Axis troops to enter the country and occupy strategic locations. The refusal marked Greece’s entry into World War II on the Allied side.
Greece has reported a rise in confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in recent weeks, with a record 1,259 new cases and 12 new deaths announced Tuesday. The country’s total number of confirmed cases stands at just over 32,700, with 593 deaths in this country of around 11 million people.
In his address for the national holiday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appealed to Greeks to show the same unity and solidarity they did in 1940.
“Today, our country is facing different challenges than those it faced 80 years earlier,” Mitsotakis said. “But we must marshal the same virtues that made Greece then too: national unity, a high mindset, the sense of solidarity.”
In the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, authorities intervened after about 50 people attempted to hold a march to commemorate Oct. 28 despite the current restrictions on gatherings due to the pandemic.
Emergency lockdown restrictions have been imposed on four regions in Greece with coronavirus outbreaks. Lighter restrictions are in force in many other areas, including in Athens and Thessaloniki, where wearing facemasks is mandatory outdoors, gatherings are restricted to nine people and a night-time curfew runs from 12:30 a.m. until 5 a.m.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--16 die amid coronavirus outbreak at Virginia nursing home

CHESTER , Va. ( AP ) - Health officials in Virginia say that 16 residents at a skilled nursing facility @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Chesterfield County health officials confirmed the deaths on @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Samuel also said that the outbreak has infected 69 residents and 36 staff at @ @ @ @ @ Iron Bridge .
The facility is owned by Ohio-based Saber Health Care Group .
The @ @ @ @ @ return requests for comment from the newspaper .
The Virginia Department of Health reports that @ @ @ @ @ 478 COVID-19 outbreaks , 13,000 cases and 1,754 deaths .
Nursing homes and assisted living @ @ @ @ @ % of the 3,600 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the state .
Long-term care facilities have @ @ @ @ @ relief from the federal government .
But the U.S. Senate recessed this week after confirming @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Supreme Court , ending the possibility for a new relief package before the election @

CHESTER, Va. (AP) - Health officials in Virginia say that 16 residents at a skilled nursing facility have died amidst a coronavirus outbreak.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Chesterfield County health officials confirmed the deaths on Tuesday.
Chesterfield Health Director Alexander Samuel also said that the outbreak has infected 69 residents and 36 staff at Tyler’s Retreat at Iron Bridge.
The facility is owned by Ohio-based Saber Health Care Group. The company and facility did not return requests for comment from the newspaper.
The Virginia Department of Health reports that long-term care facilities have had 478 COVID-19 outbreaks, 13,000 cases and 1,754 deaths.
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities account for about 49% of the 3,600 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the state.
Long-term care facilities have been calling for additional emergency relief from the federal government. But the U.S. Senate recessed this week after confirming a new justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, ending the possibility for a new relief package before the election.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--VW recalls Jettas to fix fuel leaks that can cause fires

DETROIT ( AP ) - Volkswagen is recalling more than 218,000 Jetta sedans in the U.S. to fix a fuel @ @ @ @ @ fires .
The recall covers certain cars from the 2016 through 2018 model years .
@ @ @ @ @ Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators that bolts holding some high-pressure tubing can come loose over @ @ @ @ @ leak and increasing the risk of a fire .
The German automaker hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ will do to fix the problem , but it expects to start notifying owners around @ @ @ @ @ have 1.4-liter engines built from June 18 , 2015 to Dec. 9 , 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration don ’ t say if there have been any fires @ @ @ @ @ unspecified number of claims .
The documents say owners could smell a fuel odor or @ @ @ @ @ engine compartment .
Messages were left Wednesday seeking comment from Volkswagen about what owners should @ @ @ @ @ leak or whether the vehicles should be parked outdoors .

DETROIT (AP) - Volkswagen is recalling more than 218,000 Jetta sedans in the U.S. to fix a fuel leak problem that can cause fires.
The recall covers certain cars from the 2016 through 2018 model years.
Volkswagen says in documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators that bolts holding some high-pressure tubing can come loose over time, allowing fuel to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
The German automaker hasn’t figured out yet what it will do to fix the problem, but it expects to start notifying owners around Dec. 20. Affected vehicles have 1.4-liter engines built from June 18, 2015 to Dec. 9, 2017.
Documents posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration don’t say if there have been any fires, but they mention an unspecified number of claims. The documents say owners could smell a fuel odor or see fuel leaking from the engine compartment.
Volkswagen says it’s not aware of any fires or injuries. The company said customers should contact a VW dealer immediately if they smell fuel or suspect a leak.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Suspected robber picked wrong victim: Judo champion

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Kansas City , Missouri , police say a would-be robber is @ @ @ @ @ wrong guy to victimize - a Judo champion .
WDAF-TV reports that 36-year-old Josh Henges @ @ @ @ @ Monday night when someone came up from behind , grabbed his shoulder and tried to @ @ @ @ @ traveled around the world competing in Judo events and training others .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ national Judo team .
Henges turned to see a gun pointed directly at him .
@ @ @ @ @ the ground , pinned him , and called police .
Henges says he forgives the @ @ @ @ @ s glad he didn ’ t permanently injure him .
The suspect faces one count @ @ @ @ @ gun turned out to be a BB gun .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Kansas City, Missouri, police say a would-be robber is in custody after picking the wrong guy to victimize - a Judo champion.
WDAF-TV reports that 36-year-old Josh Henges was in the Midtown area Monday night when someone came up from behind, grabbed his shoulder and tried to rob him. Henges has traveled around the world competing in Judo events and training others. He’s a former member of the national Judo team.
Henges turned to see a gun pointed directly at him. He took the suspect to the ground, pinned him, and called police.
Henges says he forgives the 20-year-old suspect and he’s glad he didn’t permanently injure him.
The suspect faces one count of attempted robbery. The gun turned out to be a BB gun.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Longer transition allowed for $16B in contracts at Hanford

TRI-CITIES , Wash. ( AP ) - The Department of Energy has announced it will take more time to transition to two new contractors at a decommissioned nuclear site in Washington state .
The new $ 10 billion central Hanford cleanup contract and the new $ 6 billion site services contract are now expected to take effect on Jan. 24 and last up to 10 years , the Tri-City Herald reported .
The central cleanup contract awarded to Central Plateau Cleanup Company originally had a 60-day transition period and was to end Dec. 3 .
The current contract is held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The services contract awarded to Hanford Mission Integration Solutions originally had a 120-day transition period and was to end Dec. 14 .
The current contract is held by Mission Support Alliance .
Department officials said the longer transition is expected to help manage larger numbers of employees switching to new companies while complying with safety guidelines intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
Central Plateau Cleanup Co. is owned by a team led by Amentum and including Fluor Federal Services and Atkins Nuclear Secured .
Hanford Mission Integration Solutions is owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two contractors employ about 1,650 people , officials said .

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) - The Department of Energy has announced it will take more time to transition to two new contractors at a decommissioned nuclear site in Washington state.
The new $10 billion central Hanford cleanup contract and the new $6 billion site services contract are now expected to take effect on Jan. 24 and last up to 10 years, the Tri-City Herald reported.
The central cleanup contract awarded to Central Plateau Cleanup Company originally had a 60-day transition period and was to end Dec. 3. The current contract is held by CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company.
The services contract awarded to Hanford Mission Integration Solutions originally had a 120-day transition period and was to end Dec. 14. The current contract is held by Mission Support Alliance.
Department officials said the longer transition is expected to help manage larger numbers of employees switching to new companies while complying with safety guidelines intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Central Plateau Cleanup Co. is owned by a team led by Amentum and including Fluor Federal Services and Atkins Nuclear Secured. Hanford Mission Integration Solutions is owned by Leidos, Centerra and Parsons.
The two contractors employ about 1,650 people, officials said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Man gets 3 years for operating illegal butane honey oil lab

BEND , Ore. ( AP ) - A Bend-area man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for running an illegal butane honey oil , or BHO extraction lab , on rural Alfalfa-area property , authorities said .
U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said Tuesday that Jacob Robe , 31 , also will face three years ’ supervised release after his prison term , KTVZ reported .
“ BHO extraction is a highly volatile and dangerous process that has resulted in explosions injuring and killing Oregon residents , ” Williams said in a news release .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grew marijuana , manufactured BHO and distributed it in other states for significant profit .
On March 27 , 2018 , an Oregon State Police trooper stopped Robe for a traffic violation near Klamath Falls .
The officer recognized signs of drug trafficking and eventually found over $ 20,000 in cash , BHO and hallucinogenic mushrooms , court documents said .
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had previously received information regarding Robe and his brothers .
Detectives later served a search warrant on the brothers ’ property , finding an indoor marijuana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed-loop BHO lab , 18 pounds of BHO , 200 pounds of marijuana and 13 firearms , prosecutors said .
On Jan. 29 , Robe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana .
He also forfeited $ 23,000 in U.S. currency .

BEND, Ore. (AP) - A Bend-area man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for running an illegal butane honey oil, or BHO extraction lab, on rural Alfalfa-area property, authorities said.
U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said Tuesday that Jacob Robe, 31, also will face three years’ supervised release after his prison term, KTVZ reported.
“BHO extraction is a highly volatile and dangerous process that has resulted in explosions injuring and killing Oregon residents,” Williams said in a news release.
According to court documents, Robe and his brother grew marijuana, manufactured BHO and distributed it in other states for significant profit.
On March 27, 2018, an Oregon State Police trooper stopped Robe for a traffic violation near Klamath Falls. The officer recognized signs of drug trafficking and eventually found over $20,000 in cash, BHO and hallucinogenic mushrooms, court documents said.
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had previously received information regarding Robe and his brothers. Detectives later served a search warrant on the brothers’ property, finding an indoor marijuana grow with hundreds of plants, a closed-loop BHO lab, 18 pounds of BHO, 200 pounds of marijuana and 13 firearms, prosecutors said.
On Jan. 29, Robe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. He also forfeited $23,000 in U.S. currency.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Italian regulator investigates Google over digital ads

ROME ( AP ) - Italian regulators opened an investigation Wednesday into Google over alleged abuse of its dominant role in the country ’ s online ad market , adding to the global scrutiny that the Silicon Valley company is facing .
The Italian Competition Authority said it suspects the U.S. tech giant of using the vast amounts of data it collects through its various services to prevent rivals in the digital advertising market from competing effectively .
The watchdog said it carried out a joint inspection of Google ’ s offices with Italian tax police on Tuesday .
Italian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of data for display ads - the space that publishers and website owners make available to sell advertising content .
Google allegedly used tracking elements that allowed its ad broker services “ to achieve a targeting capability that some equally efficient competitors are unable to replicate , ” the authority said .
Reduced competition in the digital ad market could be bad for consumers , the authority said .
It could starve news sites and publishers of resources , resulting in lower quality online content .
It could also discourage innovation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s online advertising market was worth more than 3.3 billion euros ( $ 4.9 billion ) last year , with display ad revenue accounting for 1.2 billion euros of the total , the authority said .
The investigation comes a week after the U.S. Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google , including allegations that the company ’ s “ exclusionary ” conduct stifles competition in search advertising , thus harming advertisers .
Last year , European Union regulators fined Google 1.49 billion euros for freezing out rivals in the online @ @ @

ROME (AP) - Italian regulators opened an investigation Wednesday into Google over alleged abuse of its dominant role in the country’s online ad market, adding to the global scrutiny that the Silicon Valley company is facing.
The Italian Competition Authority said it suspects the U.S. tech giant of using the vast amounts of data it collects through its various services to prevent rivals in the digital advertising market from competing effectively.
The watchdog said it carried out a joint inspection of Google’s offices with Italian tax police on Tuesday.
Italian authorities are focusing on the availability and use of data for display ads - the space that publishers and website owners make available to sell advertising content.
The authority said Google allegedly used tracking elements that allowed its ad broker services “to achieve a targeting capability that some equally efficient competitors are unable to replicate.”
It is also alleged to have discriminated against competitors by refusing to let them use third-party tracking tools. Advertisers use these tools to determine how effective their ad campaigns are by measuring how many views and clicks an online ad gets.
Google said it was abiding by the European Union’s data privacy rules.
“We’ll continue to work constructively with the Italian authorities on these important areas so that everyone can make the most of the web,” it said in a statement.
Reduced competition in the digital ad market could be bad for consumers, the authority said. It could starve news sites and publishers of resources, resulting in lower quality online content. It could also discourage innovation in new, less-intrusive advertising technologies.
Italy’s online advertising market was worth more than 3.3 billion euros ($4.9 billion) last year, with display ad revenue accounting for 1.2 billion euros of the total, the authority said.
The investigation comes a week after the U.S. Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, including allegations that the company’s “exclusionary” conduct stifles competition in search advertising, thus harming advertisers. Last year, EU regulators fined Google 1.49 billion euros for freezing out rivals in the online ad market.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Road rage apparent cause of shooting that injured toddler

FERGUSON , Mo .
( AP ) - A toddler is recovering from gunshot wounds after a shooting in the @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson that was apparently spurred by road rage .
KSDK-TV reports that police are still @ @ @ @ @ the shooting that happened Friday .
The girl was shot in an arm and a @ @ @ @ @ Armstrong says the father told detectives that he and his daughter were driving on Bermuda @ @ @ @ @ he cut off the driver of a van that was going too slow .
The @ @ @ @ @ started shooting .
Armstrong says several shell casings were recovered at the scene .
The @ @ @ @ @ .
The child was treated at a hospital and is now home .

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) - A toddler is recovering from gunshot wounds after a shooting in the St. Louis County town of Ferguson that was apparently spurred by road rage.
KSDK-TV reports that police are still searching for the gunman following the shooting that happened Friday. The girl was shot in an arm and a leg.
Police Chief Jason Armstrong says the father told detectives that he and his daughter were driving on Bermuda Road. The father said he cut off the driver of a van that was going too slow. The van driver got out and started shooting.
Armstrong says several shell casings were recovered at the scene.
The father wasn’t hurt. The child was treated at a hospital and is now home.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--NH gov race pits Sununu against Statehouse opponent Feltes

CONCORD , N.H. ( AP ) - Two men who ’ ve spent years opposing each other at the Statehouse will be in opposite columns on the ballot Tuesday in the race for New Hampshire ’ s governor .
Republican incumbent Chris Sununu , who is seeking a third two-year term , faces Democrat Dan Feltes , the state Senate majority leader whose bills he repeatedly vetoed .
While Sununu portrays himself as an experienced manager who has safeguarded public health and the economy , Feltes casts himself as the true fighter for working families .
But the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual for a relatively unknown challenger to take on a popular governor , said Dante Scala , a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire .
Sununu has been front-and-center in public view since March , and recent polls have shown him enjoying both a comfortable lead over Feltes and widespread , bipartisan support for his handling of the pandemic .
“ People look to the governor in times of emergency .
This year , we ’ ve had this rolling , long-term emergency situation , ” Scala said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the election , but whether he can actually lengthen his coattails enough to bring in state legislators.
” Feltes , a former legal aid lawyer , often contrasts his upbringing in a blue-collar family with Sununu , whose political family includes a father who was governor in the 1980s and a brother who served in Congress .
His family owns Waterville Valley ski area .
Feltes also has relentlessly tried to link Sununu to President Donald Trump , reminding voters that Sununu once called himself “ a Trump guy through and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s record of public service and said he was proud to work as the ski area ’ s general manager before being elected to the Executive Council and later governor .
In his view , the race comes down to management skills and experience .
“ Sen .
Feltes has no management experience whatsoever .
Literally , none , ” Sununu said in an interview .
He said his business experience , on the other hand , was important for getting the economy back on track .
And he brushed off attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost New Hampshire to Hillary Clinton in 2016 , saying it ’ s no surprise that a Republican governor supports a Republican president .
He sought to focus the race instead on his pandemic response .
Democrats “ don ’ t want to talk about the success the state has had .
They don ’ t want to talk about our successful economy , how we ’ ve handled the pandemic or any of that because they know we ’ ve done a very , very good job here , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sununu ’ s response to the pandemic , saying he hasn ’ t done enough to protect vulnerable elderly residents or schoolchildren .
And he argues he would be a better leader than Sununu on health care issues that could fall to the states now that Amy Coney Barrett has been confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court .
Though New Hampshire joined a multi-state effort to defend the Affordable Care Act at Sununu ’ s direction earlier this year , Feltes calls that too little , too late , and points to Sununu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care law .
“ Chris Sununu has a 10-plus year history of supporting repealing Obamacare without a replacement , ” Feltes said in an interview .
New Hampshire needs a governor who supports maintaining and strengthening the law , he said .
“ At the end of the day , the question for Granite State voters is , whether they be Republican , Democrat or independent , is : Who do you trust on health care ?
” Though Sununu has been ahead in the polls , the candidates were closer when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oct. 14 , Feltes had raised about $ 1.4 million compared to Sununu ’ s $ 1.7 million , and Feltes took in more after the Sept. 8 primary than Sununu did .
But he also spent more , and Sununu reported having about six times as much money left to spend in the final weeks of the campaign .

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Two men who’ve spent years opposing each other at the Statehouse will be in opposite columns on the ballot Tuesday in the race for New Hampshire’s governor.
Republican incumbent Chris Sununu, who is seeking a third two-year term, faces Democrat Dan Feltes, the state Senate majority leader whose bills he repeatedly vetoed. While Sununu portrays himself as an experienced manager who has safeguarded public health and the economy, Feltes casts himself as the true fighter for working families.
But the coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult than usual for a relatively unknown challenger to take on a popular governor, said Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire. Sununu has been front-and-center in public view since March, and recent polls have shown him enjoying both a comfortable lead over Feltes and widespread, bipartisan support for his handling of the pandemic.
“People look to the governor in times of emergency. This year, we’ve had this rolling, long-term emergency situation,” Scala said. “I think Sununu’s biggest challenge is not the election, but whether he can actually lengthen his coattails enough to bring in state legislators.”
Feltes, a former legal aid lawyer, often contrasts his upbringing in a blue-collar family with Sununu, whose political family includes a father who was governor in the 1980s and a brother who served in Congress. His family owns Waterville Valley ski area. Feltes also has relentlessly tried to link Sununu to President Donald Trump, reminding voters that Sununu once called himself “a Trump guy through and through.”
Sununu defends his family’s record of public service and said he was proud to work as the ski area’s general manager before being elected to the Executive Council and later governor. In his view, the race comes down to management skills and experience.
“Sen. Feltes has no management experience whatsoever. Literally, none,” Sununu said in an interview. He said his business experience, on the other hand, was important for getting the economy back on track. And he brushed off attempts to tie him to Trump, who narrowly lost New Hampshire to Hillary Clinton in 2016, saying it’s no surprise that a Republican governor supports a Republican president. He sought to focus the race instead on his pandemic response.
Democrats “don’t want to talk about the success the state has had. They don’t want to talk about our successful economy, how we’ve handled the pandemic or any of that because they know we’ve done a very, very good job here,” he said.
Feltes, however, has criticized Sununu’s response to the pandemic, saying he hasn’t done enough to protect vulnerable elderly residents or schoolchildren. And he argues he would be a better leader than Sununu on health care issues that could fall to the states now that Amy Coney Barrett has been confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Though New Hampshire joined a multi-state effort to defend the Affordable Care Act at Sununu’s direction earlier this year, Feltes calls that too little, too late, and points to Sununu’s previous statements opposing the Obama-era health care law.
“Chris Sununu has a 10-plus year history of supporting repealing Obamacare without a replacement,” Feltes said in an interview. New Hampshire needs a governor who supports maintaining and strengthening the law, he said. “At the end of the day, the question for Granite State voters is, whether they be Republican, Democrat or independent, is: Who do you trust on health care?”
Though Sununu has been ahead in the polls, the candidates were closer when it comes to fundraising. As of Oct. 14, Feltes had raised about $1.4 million compared to Sununu’s $1.7 million, and Feltes took in more after the Sept. 8 primary than Sununu did. But he also spent more, and Sununu reported having about six times as much money left to spend in the final weeks of the campaign.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Applications open for more hazard pay; 100,000 tests at UVM

MONTPELIER , Vt. ( AP ) - The state is starting to take applications Wednesday for a second round of hazard pay for Vermont frontline workers who worked last spring during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
Officials say in this round the program has been expanded from mostly health care workers to include grocery store , pharmacy and essential child care workers who provided essential services between March 13 through May 15 and were at an elevated risk of exposure to the virus .
Former employees are also eligible for hazard pay in this round .
Only employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22.5 million is available on a first-come , first-served basis .
In other developments related to the coronavirus in Vermont : The University of Vermont says it has administered 100,000 coronavirus tests since the start of the fall semester .
UVM President Suresh Garimella thanked students on Tuesday “ for all of their cooperation and efforts to protect our university and our community from COVID-19.
” A total of 27 UVM students have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Oct. 25 .
The school has a cumulative test positivity rate of 0.03 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said .
The mayor of Burlington , where UVM is located , also thanked students for their “ commitment to wearing mask , ” that he sees as a neighbor .
“ It ’ s really been just an outstanding effort and one that is very much appreciated by the people of Burlington , ” said Mayor Miro Weinberger in a written statement .
Garimella warned students not to let their guard down .
“ With cases spiking throughout the nation , including here in Vermont , and the number of tourists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain our good practices , ” he said .

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The state is starting to take applications Wednesday for a second round of hazard pay for Vermont frontline workers who worked last spring during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials say in this round the program has been expanded from mostly health care workers to include grocery store, pharmacy and essential child care workers who provided essential services between March 13 through May 15 and were at an elevated risk of exposure to the virus. Former employees are also eligible for hazard pay in this round. Only employers may apply.
A total of $22.5 million is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In other developments related to the coronavirus in Vermont:
___
UNIVERSITY TESTS
The University of Vermont says it has administered 100,000 coronavirus tests since the start of the fall semester.
UVM President Suresh Garimella thanked students on Tuesday “for all of their cooperation and efforts to protect our university and our community from COVID-19.”
A total of 27 UVM students have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Oct. 25. The school has a cumulative test positivity rate of 0.03% going back to August, a spokesman has said.
The mayor of Burlington, where UVM is located, also thanked students for their “commitment to wearing mask,” that he sees as a neighbor.
“It’s really been just an outstanding effort and one that is very much appreciated by the people of Burlington,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger in a written statement.
Garimella warned students not to let their guard down.
“With cases spiking throughout the nation, including here in Vermont, and the number of tourists arriving in our state, we must maintain our good practices,” he said.
___
NUMBERS
On Thursday the Vermont Department of Health reported six new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to 2,120.
There are currently seven people hospitalized across the state who are being treated for COVID-19, the highest daily number since early May.
The number of deaths remains at 58, where it has remained for three months.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Norfolk Southern's 3Q profit down 13% as railroad hauls less

OMAHA , Neb .
( AP ) - Norfolk Southern ’ s third-quarter profit fell more than 13 % as the railroad delivered fewer shipments and the results were weighed down by a one-time charge .
The railroad said Wednesday that it earned $ 569 million , or $ 2.22 per share .
That is down from $ 657 million , or $ 2.49 per share , a year earlier .
But excluding a one-time $ 99 million asset impairment charge , the railroad earned $ 2.51 per share .
The railroad ’ s results beat Wall Street expectations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research expected earnings of $ 2.36 per share .
Norfolk Southern said its revenue declined 12 % to $ 2.51 billion , which was below the $ 2.53 billion that analysts predicted .
The railroad said it hauled 7 % less freight during the quarter .
That weighed down its earnings , but it represents a significant improvement from the second quarter when volume was down 26 % at the height of the virus-related shutdowns .
Norfolk Southern cut its operating expenses 10 % to $ 1.67 billion during the quarter and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were down 15 % .
Norfolk Southern shares have increased nearly 5 % since the beginning of the year , while the S & P ; 500 index has increased roughly 5 % .
The stock has risen 8.5 % in the last 12 months .
The Norfolk , Virginia-based railroad operates about 19,500 miles ( 31,382.21 kilometers ) of track in 22 states and the District of Columbia .
Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights ( http : //automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research .
Access a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //www.zacks.com/ap/NSC

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Norfolk Southern’s third-quarter profit fell more than 13% as the railroad delivered fewer shipments and the results were weighed down by a one-time charge.
The railroad said Wednesday that it earned $569 million, or $2.22 per share. That is down from $657 million, or $2.49 per share, a year earlier. But excluding a one-time $99 million asset impairment charge, the railroad earned $2.51 per share.
The railroad’s results beat Wall Street expectations. The seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected earnings of $2.36 per share.
Norfolk Southern said its revenue declined 12% to $2.51 billion, which was below the $2.53 billion that analysts predicted.
The railroad said it hauled 7% less freight during the quarter. That hurt its earnings, but it represents a significant improvement from the second quarter when volume was down 26% at the height of the virus-related shutdowns.
Norfolk Southern cut its operating expenses 10% to $1.67 billion during the quarter and if the one-time charge were excluded, expenses were down 15%.
The railroad is in the midst of changing its operations to run on a tighter schedule and move more freight with fewer people. Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said Norfolk Southern’s results show it is making good progress on those changes because it significantly reduced costs even as it handled the large increase in volume during the quarter.
Norfolk Southern CEO Jim Squires said the railroad managed to reduce its employee headcount by 2% during the quarter even as it handled the surge in volume because of the changes it is making.
Norfolk Southern shares have increased nearly 5% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 index has increased roughly 5%. The stock has risen 8.5% in the last 12 months.
The Norfolk, Virginia-based railroad operates about 19,500 miles (31,382.21 kilometers) of track in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
_____
Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on NSC at https://www.zacks.com/ap/NSC


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--St. Louis police union has new president

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - A St. Louis police union founded by a group of Black officers nearly 50 @ @ @ @ @ president .
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Sgt .
Donnell Walters ‘ election as @ @ @ @ @ of Police was announced Tuesday .
He replaces Sgt .
Heather Taylor , who resigned @ @ @ @ @ the police force .
Walters says Taylor “ has paved the way and done so @ @ @ @ @ in 1972 to address racism in the city police department .
Its membership is smaller @ @ @ @ @ union , the St. Louis Police Officers Association .
Walters ran unopposed in this week @ @ @ @ @ The next regular election is in February 2021 .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A St. Louis police union founded by a group of Black officers nearly 50 years ago has a new president.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Sgt. Donnell Walters’ election as leader of the Ethical Society of Police was announced Tuesday. He replaces Sgt. Heather Taylor, who resigned upon her September retirement from the police force.
Walters says Taylor “has paved the way and done so much.”
ESOP was founded in 1972 to address racism in the city police department. Its membership is smaller than the other city police union, the St. Louis Police Officers Association.
Walters ran unopposed in this week’s special election. The next regular election is in February 2021.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Police investigating death near Eugene park footbridge

EUGENE , Ore. ( AP ) - Eugene police are investigating after finding a person dead under a park footbridge @ @ @ @ @ fire department got a call to the footbridge over Amazon Creek near Kincaid Park concerning @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday afternoon , police said .
Emergency responders discovered the body under the bridge and @ @ @ @ @ arson investigators are part of the investigation .
No further information was immediately available .

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Eugene police are investigating after finding a person dead under a park footbridge.
The Register-Guard reports the fire department got a call to the footbridge over Amazon Creek near Kincaid Park concerning a fire and an explosion Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Emergency responders discovered the body under the bridge and called police. Police said arson investigators are part of the investigation. No further information was immediately available.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Community college continues to investigate cyberattack

GREENSBORO , N.C. ( AP ) - A data breach at a North Carolina community college may have affected many @ @ @ @ @ students .
The Greensboro News & Records reported Tuesday that Guilford Technical Community College was @ @ @ @ @ in mid-September .
The college said it ’ s investigating the cyberattack “ to determine @ @ @ @ @ impacted systems.
” State agencies , cybersecurity experts and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have @ @ @ @ @ said it has contacted students , faculty and staff members who were potentially affected .
@ @ @ @ @ credit monitoring and identity restoration services for a year .
The college declined further comment @ @ @ @ @ ongoing nature of this investigation .
”

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) - A data breach at a North Carolina community college may have affected many of its current and former students.
The Greensboro News & Records reported Tuesday that Guilford Technical Community College was hit with a ransomware cyberattack in mid-September.
The college said it’s investigating the cyberattack “to determine what happened and to remediate impacted systems.” State agencies, cybersecurity experts and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have provided assistance.
The college said it has contacted students, faculty and staff members who were potentially affected. It said it will offer credit monitoring and identity restoration services for a year.
The college declined further comment further “due to the ongoing nature of this investigation.”
GTCC discovered the data breach Sept. 14.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--New Orleans Police: Suspect in 4-year-old's death captured

NEW ORLEANS ( AP ) - A Louisiana man was captured almost two weeks after being named a suspect in the death of his girlfriend ’ s 4-year-old daughter , authorities said .
Anfernee Steele , 21 , was arrested Tuesday and charged with cruelty to a juvenile and second-degree murder in the Oct. 3 death of Jo ’ nyri Hawkins , news outlets reported .
New Orleans police said Steele had been on the run since Oct. 15 .
New Orleans police , Houma police , Terrebonne Parish sheriff ’ s deputies , the U.S .
Marshals , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday at an apartment complex in Houma .
Police said Jo ’ nyri ’ s mother left Jo ’ nyri and her siblings alone with Steele in a room at the Sheraton Hotel on Oct. 3 .
When the mother returned , she realized Jo ’ nyri was unresponsive , authorities said .
An autopsy revealed Jo ’ nyri died of “ massive internal bleeding ” following blunt trauma to her abdomen .
The autopsy said she was likely hit in the stomach with so much force that it ruptured her liver and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s body also showed signs of previous physical and sexual abuse .
Police questioned Steele prior to the autopsy .
He told police Jo ’ nyri soiled herself and he put her in the bathtub but stepped away from the bathroom to take a nap because he had smoked marijuana earlier .
Steele told police he heard the girl fall in the tub , so he pulled her out and put her to bed .
Investigators searched the hotel room but did not find evidence supporting Steele ’ s claim .
Following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Jo ’ nyri ’ s death .
If convicted , Steele would face a mandatory life sentence .
It ’ s unclear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf .

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A Louisiana man was captured almost two weeks after being named a suspect in the death of his girlfriend’s 4-year-old daughter, authorities said.
Anfernee Steele, 21, was arrested Tuesday and charged with cruelty to a juvenile and second-degree murder in the Oct. 3 death of Jo’nyri Hawkins, news outlets reported.
New Orleans police said Steele had been on the run since Oct. 15. New Orleans police, Houma police, Terrebonne Parish sheriff’s deputies, the U.S. Marshals, and Crimestoppers worked together to find Steele on Tuesday at an apartment complex in Houma.
Police said Jo’nyri’s mother left Jo’nyri and her siblings alone with Steele in a room at the Sheraton Hotel on Oct. 3.
When the mother returned, she realized Jo’nyri was unresponsive, authorities said.
An autopsy revealed Jo’nyri died of “massive internal bleeding” following blunt trauma to her abdomen. The autopsy said she was likely hit in the stomach with so much force that it ruptured her liver and spleen.
Authorities said the child’s body also showed signs of previous physical and sexual abuse.
Police questioned Steele prior to the autopsy. He told police Jo’nyri soiled herself and he put her in the bathtub but stepped away from the bathroom to take a nap because he had smoked marijuana earlier.
Steele told police he heard the girl fall in the tub, so he pulled her out and put her to bed.
Investigators searched the hotel room but did not find evidence supporting Steele’s claim.
Following the autopsy, police believed Steele was responsible for Jo’nyri’s death.
If convicted, Steele would face a mandatory life sentence. It’s unclear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Love blossoms amid pandemic, TikTok turmoil for two creators

NEW YORK ( AP ) - With love and pranks , Ian Paget and Chris Olsen are among millions of U.S. newbies looking to soak up social media stardom on TikTok .
The Los Angeles boyfriends have amassed a steady stream of fans , with more than 4 million followers laughing and encouraging them in comments on their goofy dance videos , heartfelt vlogs , and affirmations during a tumultuous time for the world and for the popular platform .
While Paget and Olsen , along with millions of other creators , aren ’ t breakout stars like dancer Charli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guy with the cranberry juice and long board ) , they symbolize something else on TikTok .
Their care for each other shines through for a range of supporters , from middle-age moms to LGBTQ youth struggling to come out .
And they ’ ve grabbed their chunk of success after meeting last year and moving in together just a few months ago to wait out the coronavirus crisis as their new love blossomed .
Paget , 33 , is an actor thrown out of work by the pandemic .
Olsen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school on Zoom .
Paget is the wildly articulate one who ’ s endlessly surprised by Olsen , the deadpan trickster .
They ’ ve made more of the platform than the average TikToker , sharing their coming-out stories and milestones , their daily lives and kisses , along with some tears and rough times , like Olsen ’ s hard-fought victory over alcohol .
You ’ ll find no maskless “ Karens ” on their account , @ olsennchris , or police confrontations , natural disasters or bullying neighbors .
What you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become the two gay dads to many of their “ bloomers , ” as they ’ ve nicknamed their tribe .
And they often do it with shirts off and sculpted six-packs on display .
“ We ’ re going to make the most of it and enjoy doing what we do , ” Paget told The Associated Press .
Added Olsen : “ We ’ re letting people into our lives .
It ’ s something new that people hadn ’ t seen , especially from two gay men.
” Adorable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And politically engaged ones at that .
They recently chatted on Instagram about the need to vote with Rep. Katie Porter , the California Democrat who loves her white boards .
For the record , Olsen and Paget don ’ t have kids or plans to marry any time soon , to the chagrin of some diehard followers .
Other fans fret that TikTok will pull them apart .
They make it clear to their audience that they ’ re still getting to know each other after celebrating their first anniversary in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 11 million active users in the U.S. By this August , more than 100 million Americans were on the platform , according to legal documents filed by the company .
Globally , it went from about 55 million users at the start of 2018 to nearly 700 million this July .
Olsen and Paget arrived on TikTok in April , considering it a fun distraction in lockdown .
By July , they were gaining about 120,000 new followers a day , with their count now at more than 4.3 million and climbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down TikTok in the U.S. , the pair added YouTube about two months ago and hit 100,000 in a month .
With admirers following them over from TikTok , they have more than 134,000 YouTube subscribers ( find them at Chris & Ian ) and continue to draw more .
Their audience is a bit surprising , Olsen said .
It ’ s mostly women and girls in a range of ages and ethnicities .
The couple ’ s support and advice for LGBTQ young people has landed on grateful ears , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under their minute-long videos .
“ I thought when we started it as two gay men , maybe our following was going to be mostly gay people , ” Olsen said .
” Part of it is that we are not playing into our gayness , in a way .
Not that there ’ s anything to play into .
We are just being ourselves .
That just is .
With our comfortability with each other , it ’ s kind of just showing people these are people that you know.
” Paget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also for the art and theater of it all .
His stream-of-consciousness reactions to Olsen ’ s pranks ( stock-in-trade on TikTok ) just might make him one of the planet ’ s most patient people .
After Olsen flicked his hand away to gauge his reaction in one video , Paget thought-traveled to homophobic hydrangeas that can ’ t focus on their blooming because they ’ re filled with hate , leading to one of the catchphrases - “ focus on your blooming ” - that adorn the thousands of dollars in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to say what I want to say and be real .
There was no pretense .
That ’ s how I talk .
This is how I passionately convey what I ’ m feeling in a sometimes loving and sometimes emphatic way , ” Paget said .
His at times edited reactions have led some fans to wonder whether scripts are involved , especially as Olsen continues to ensnare Paget with crazy couples challenges that have him fake sniping at his loved one or hopping in his boyfriend ’ s shower , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprised all these challenges later ?
“ Certain ones , yes .
Sometimes I get a morning briefing , ” he admits .
Whether dancing , vlogging or pranking , they ’ re a pandemic success story no matter where the coronavirus and TikTok lead them .
“ Ian and I found each other at a perfect time in each other ’ s lives , I think , ” Olsen said .
“ There was an instant attraction.
” And they found TikTok at the perfect time as well .
Now , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Timberland boots and the meal prep service Hello Fresh , and companies are dropping into their comments in search of collaborations .
“ TikTok really found its way into everyone ’ s life during the pandemic , ” Paget said .
“ It was like a medicine everyone needed .
The way Instagram makes you compare yourself in a sort of perfect world , TikTok was not that .
TikTok is like silly , fun , quirk , enjoy , imperfection , support .
There ’ s a lot of rooting for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lives in Ohio .
It just came at the right time and brought people a lot of joy .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - With love and pranks, Ian Paget and Chris Olsen are among millions of U.S. newbies looking to soak up social media stardom on TikTok.
The Los Angeles boyfriends have amassed a steady stream of fans, with more than 4 million followers laughing and encouraging them in comments on their goofy dance videos, heartfelt vlogs, and affirmations during a tumultuous time for the world and for the popular platform.
While Paget and Olsen, along with millions of other creators, aren’t breakout stars like dancer Charli D’Amelio or Nathan Apodaca (the guy with the cranberry juice and long board), they symbolize something else on TikTok. Their care for each other shines through for a range of supporters, from middle-age moms to LGBTQ youth struggling to come out.
And they’ve grabbed their chunk of success after meeting last year and moving in together just a few months ago to wait out the coronavirus crisis as their new love blossomed.
Paget, 33, is an actor thrown out of work by the pandemic. Olsen, 22, is a college senior finishing school on Zoom. Paget is the wildly articulate one who’s endlessly surprised by Olsen, the deadpan trickster. They’ve made more of the platform than the average TikToker, sharing their coming-out stories and milestones, their daily lives and kisses, along with some tears and rough times, like Olsen’s hard-fought victory over alcohol.
You’ll find no maskless “Karens” on their account, @olsennchris, or police confrontations, natural disasters or bullying neighbors. What you’ll discover are two guys who have become the two gay dads to many of their “bloomers,” as they’ve nicknamed their tribe. And they often do it with shirts off and sculpted six-packs on display.
“We’re going to make the most of it and enjoy doing what we do,” Paget told The Associated Press.
Added Olsen: “We’re letting people into our lives. It’s something new that people hadn’t seen, especially from two gay men.”
Adorable uncles would be more like it. And politically engaged ones at that. They recently chatted on Instagram about the need to vote with Rep. Katie Porter, the California Democrat who loves her white boards.
For the record, Olsen and Paget don’t have kids or plans to marry any time soon, to the chagrin of some diehard followers. Other fans fret that TikTok will pull them apart. They make it clear to their audience that they’re still getting to know each other after celebrating their first anniversary in September.
In 2018, TikTok had more than 11 million active users in the U.S. By this August, more than 100 million Americans were on the platform, according to legal documents filed by the company. Globally, it went from about 55 million users at the start of 2018 to nearly 700 million this July.
Olsen and Paget arrived on TikTok in April, considering it a fun distraction in lockdown. By July, they were gaining about 120,000 new followers a day, with their count now at more than 4.3 million and climbing. After President Donald Trump threatened to shut down TikTok in the U.S., the pair added YouTube about two months ago and hit 100,000 in a month. With admirers following them over from TikTok, they have more than 134,000 YouTube subscribers (find them at Chris & Ian) and continue to draw more.
Their audience is a bit surprising, Olsen said. It’s mostly women and girls in a range of ages and ethnicities. The couple’s support and advice for LGBTQ young people has landed on grateful ears, reflected in the mostly positive comments left under their minute-long videos.
“I thought when we started it as two gay men, maybe our following was going to be mostly gay people,” Olsen said. ”Part of it is that we are not playing into our gayness, in a way. Not that there’s anything to play into. We are just being ourselves. That just is. With our comfortability with each other, it’s kind of just showing people these are people that you know.”
Paget is in it for that, but also for the art and theater of it all. His stream-of-consciousness reactions to Olsen’s pranks (stock-in-trade on TikTok) just might make him one of the planet’s most patient people. After Olsen flicked his hand away to gauge his reaction in one video, Paget thought-traveled to homophobic hydrangeas that can’t focus on their blooming because they’re filled with hate, leading to one of the catchphrases - “focus on your blooming” - that adorn the thousands of dollars in merch they sell.
“I just want to say what I want to say and be real. There was no pretense. That’s how I talk. This is how I passionately convey what I’m feeling in a sometimes loving and sometimes emphatic way,” Paget said.
His at times edited reactions have led some fans to wonder whether scripts are involved, especially as Olsen continues to ensnare Paget with crazy couples challenges that have him fake sniping at his loved one or hopping in his boyfriend’s shower, clothes and all.
Is Paget truly surprised all these challenges later?
“Certain ones, yes. Sometimes I get a morning briefing,” he admits.
Whether dancing, vlogging or pranking, they’re a pandemic success story no matter where the coronavirus and TikTok lead them.
“Ian and I found each other at a perfect time in each other’s lives, I think,” Olsen said. “There was an instant attraction.”
And they found TikTok at the perfect time as well. Now, they’re soaking up product placements like Timberland boots and the meal prep service Hello Fresh, and companies are dropping into their comments in search of collaborations.
“TikTok really found its way into everyone’s life during the pandemic,” Paget said. “It was like a medicine everyone needed. The way Instagram makes you compare yourself in a sort of perfect world, TikTok was not that. TikTok is like silly, fun, quirk, enjoy, imperfection, support. There’s a lot of rooting for the stranger who’s a great singer who lives in Ohio. It just came at the right time and brought people a lot of joy.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--White House says Donald Trump is ready to send federal help to stop rioting in Philadelphia

The White House said on Wednesday that it stands ready to deploy “ any and all federal resources ” to stop rioting in Philadelphia after the shooting death of a Black man by police officers .
“ The riots in Philadelphia are the most recent consequence of the liberal Democrats ’ war against the police , ” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .
“ We can never allow mob rule.
” She said the administration “ stands proudly with law enforcement , and stands ready , upon request , to deploy any and all federal resources to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was mobilized Tuesday night to quell a second night of violent protests and looting , as city officials urging residents in some neighborhoods to remain indoors .
It was the second time in five months that the city has been roiled by violent protests over racial injustice .
“ Law enforcement is an incredibly dangerous occupation , and thousands of officers have given their lives in the line of duty , ” Ms. McEnany said .
“ All lethal force incidents must be fully investigated .
The facts must be followed wherever they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In America , we resolve conflicts through the courts and the justice system .
”

The White House said on Wednesday that it stands ready to deploy “any and all federal resources” to stop rioting in Philadelphia after the shooting death of a Black man by police officers.
“The riots in Philadelphia are the most recent consequence of the liberal Democrats’ war against the police,” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. “We can never allow mob rule.”
She said the administration “stands proudly with law enforcement, and stands ready, upon request, to deploy any and all federal resources to end these riots.”
The Pennsylvania National Guard was mobilized Tuesday night to quell a second night of violent protests and looting, as city officials urging residents in some neighborhoods to remain indoors.
It was the second time in five months that the city has been roiled by violent protests over racial injustice.
“Law enforcement is an incredibly dangerous occupation, and thousands of officers have given their lives in the line of duty,” Ms. McEnany said. “All lethal force incidents must be fully investigated. The facts must be followed wherever they lead to ensure fair and just results. In America, we resolve conflicts through the courts and the justice system.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Turkey threatens new military operation into Syria

ANKARA , Turkey ( AP ) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened Wednesday to launch a new military operation in northern Syria if Kurdish militants are not cleared from areas along its border with Syria .
In an address to his ruling party ’ s legislators in parliament , the Turkish leader also said a Russian airstrike that targeted Turkey-backed Syrian rebels in Idlib earlier this week was an indication that Moscow was not looking for a lasting peace in the region .
“ If all of the terrorists aren ’ t removed … as it has been promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we have a legitimate reason to intervene at any moment we feel the need to , ” Erdogan said .
His comments came days after a suspected Kurdish militant - whom officials said had infiltrated into Turkey from Syria - blew himself up in a town in the border province of Hatay , following a police chase .
Security officials killed a second militant .
In his first remarks on Monday ’ s airstrike that killed dozens of fighters , Erdogan said : “ Russia ’ s attack targeting the Syrian National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign that a lasting peace and calm is not wanted in the region.
” The strike was the deadliest in Idlib since a Turkish-Russian-brokered truce there came into effect in March .
It occurred as relations between Russia and Turkey show increasing signs of strain over Ankara ’ s military involvement in Syria , the Caucasus Mountains and in Libya , where Moscow also has interests .
In Syria , Russia is a main supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad ’ s government .
Turkey has carried out three major forays into Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the Islamic State group from the border area .
Last year , it sent troops into northeastern Syria to expel Syrian Kurdish fighters it considers to be terrorists from the area and to create a “ safe-zone ” where it hoped to resettle refugees .
Turkey halted the offensive following separate deals with the United States and Russia that promised the withdrawal of the Kurdish fighters .

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened Wednesday to launch a new military operation in northern Syria if Kurdish militants are not cleared from areas along its border with Syria.
In an address to his ruling party’s legislators in parliament, the Turkish leader also said a Russian airstrike that targeted Turkey-backed Syrian rebels in Idlib earlier this week was an indication that Moscow was not looking for a lasting peace in the region.
“If all of the terrorists aren’t removed … as it has been promised to us, I repeat once again that we have a legitimate reason to intervene at any moment we feel the need to,” Erdogan said.
His comments came days after a suspected Kurdish militant - whom officials said had infiltrated into Turkey from Syria - blew himself up in a town in the border province of Hatay, following a police chase. Security officials killed a second militant.
In his first remarks on Monday’s airstrike that killed dozens of fighters, Erdogan said: “Russia’s attack targeting the Syrian National Army forces’ training center is a sign that a lasting peace and calm is not wanted in the region.”
The strike was the deadliest in Idlib since a Turkish-Russian-brokered truce there came into effect in March. It occurred as relations between Russia and Turkey show increasing signs of strain over Ankara’s military involvement in Syria, the Caucasus Mountains and in Libya, where Moscow also has interests. In Syria, Russia is a main supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government.
Turkey has carried out three major forays into Syria since 2016 to drive away Kurdish militants or the Islamic State group from the border area.
Last year, it sent troops into northeastern Syria to expel Syrian Kurdish fighters it considers to be terrorists from the area and to create a “safe-zone” where it hoped to resettle refugees. Turkey halted the offensive following separate deals with the United States and Russia that promised the withdrawal of the Kurdish fighters.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--32 arrested at NYC protest over Philadelphia police killing

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Thirty-two people were arrested during a protest in New York City over the police @ @ @ @ @ in Philadelphia , police said Wednesday .
Protesters in Brooklyn broke store windows , set @ @ @ @ @ during the chaos at about 10 p.m. Tuesday , police said .
Videos posted on @ @ @ @ @ a car and trying to stop it .
The car kept going , driving slowly @ @ @ @ @ on bicycles .
A New York Police Department spokesperson said five officers suffered minor injuries @ @ @ @ @ vandalized .
The spokesperson said 32 people were arrested .
He did not know what @ @ @ @ @ police fatally shot Walter Wallace Jr. , 27 , on Monday after he ignored orders @ @ @ @ @ Wallace ’ s parents said the officers knew their son was in a mental health @ @ @ @ @ to the family ’ s house three times that day .

NEW YORK (AP) - Thirty-two people were arrested during a protest in New York City over the police shooting of a Black man in Philadelphia, police said Wednesday.
Protesters in Brooklyn broke store windows, set fires and vandalized police cars during the chaos at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, police said. Videos posted on social media show officers surrounding a car and trying to stop it. The car kept going, driving slowly through a line of officers on bicycles.
A New York Police Department spokesperson said five officers suffered minor injuries and nine police vehicles were vandalized. The spokesperson said 32 people were arrested. He did not know what charges they faced.
Philadelphia police fatally shot Walter Wallace Jr., 27, on Monday after he ignored orders to drop a knife. Wallace’s parents said the officers knew their son was in a mental health crisis because they had been to the family’s house three times that day.


washingtontimes--2020-10-28--Asia Today: Virus arrives in Marshall Islands with 2 cases

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) - The Marshall Islands has reported its first cases of the coronavirus after two people who flew from Hawaii to a U.S. military base tested positive .
The small Pacific nation had been among the last places in the world to have no reported cases of the virus .
The Office of the Chief Secretary said in a statement that a 35-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man had tested positive this week after flying directly from Honolulu to the base on Kwajalein Atoll .
The office said the two cases weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine , and that there was no chance of community transmission .
The office asked people to remain calm and said all businesses and government operations would continue as normal .
Home to about 78,000 people , the Marshall Islands maintains close military and civilian ties with the U.S. under a compact of free association .
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region : - Officials in the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang believe they have contained the country ’ s latest coronavirus outbreak .
All 23 newly active cases there were people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet developed symptoms , according to the National Health Commission .
Thursday was the second concurrent day with testing not showing a spread of the virus .
Such a development appears to show that new infections have been curbed , Wang Xijiang , deputy director of the center for disease prevention and control in Xinjiang ’ s Kashgar prefecture .
More than 4.7 million people in Kashgar have been tested .
- Australia has sought to prevent new coronavirus cases from reaching its shores by banning most of its residents from leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creates a heartbreaking burden on its multicultural population , around half of whom were born overseas or has an immigrant parent .
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has held up Australia ’ s travel ban as an example to the world of how to avoid severe subsequent coronavirus waves spread by citizens who are infected while traveling on vacation .
But with Australia becoming one of the most successful countries in containing the spread of the virus , some are questioning how long the ban can be justified .

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The Marshall Islands has reported its first cases of the coronavirus after two people who flew from Hawaii to a U.S. military base tested positive.
The small Pacific nation had been among the last places in the world to have no reported cases of the virus.
The Office of the Chief Secretary said in a statement that a 35-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man had tested positive this week after flying directly from Honolulu to the base on Kwajalein Atoll.
The office said the two cases weren’t connected, that both people remained in quarantine, and that there was no chance of community transmission.
The office asked people to remain calm and said all businesses and government operations would continue as normal.
Home to about 78,000 people, the Marshall Islands maintains close military and civilian ties with the U.S. under a compact of free association.
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:
- India’s confirmed coronavirus toll crossed 8 million with daily cases dipping to the lowest level this week. The Health Ministry reported 49,881 new infections in the past 24 hours. The ministry on Thursday also reported 517 additional deaths, taking total fatalities to 120,527. Life in India is edging back to pre-virus levels with shops, businesses, subway trains and movie theaters reopening. But health experts warn a major Hindu festival season and the approach of winter could lead to more localized outbreaks.
- Long lines formed at supermarkets and pharmacies in Sri Lanka’s capital and surrounding areas after the authorities announced they will impose a three-day curfew amid a virus surge. The curfew will be imposed from midnight Thursday until Monday morning in Western province, the key economic and administrative region of the country. Two new outbreak clusters emerged early this month, centered around a garment factory and fish market. By Thursday, infections traced to the two clusters had reached 5,730 - more than half of the cases the country has seen since the pandemic began.
- Officials in the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang believe they have contained the country’s latest coronavirus outbreak. All 23 newly active cases there were people who previously had tested positive but had not yet developed symptoms, according to the National Health Commission. Thursday was the second straight day with testing not showing a spread of the virus. The development appears to show that new infections have been curbed, said Wang Xijiang, deputy director of the center for disease prevention and control in Xinjiang’s Kashgar prefecture. More than 4.7 million people in Kashgar have been tested.
- Australia has sought to prevent new coronavirus cases from reaching its shores by banning most of its residents from leaving in the first place. The ban creates a heartbreaking burden on its multicultural population, around half of whom were born overseas or have an immigrant parent. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has held up Australia’s travel ban as an example to the world of how to avoid severe subsequent coronavirus waves spread by citizens who are infected while traveling on vacation. But with Australia becoming one of the most successful countries in containing the spread of the virus, some are questioning how long the ban can be justified.
- Taiwan has hit 200 days without any domestically transmitted cases of COVID-19, highlighting the island’s continued success at keeping the virus under control even as cases surge in other parts of the world. Taiwan’s Center for Disease Control last reported a domestic case on April 12. CDC officials noted Thursday’s milestone and thanked the public, urging them to continue to wear masks and to wash their hands often. Since the pandemic began, Taiwan has recorded 553 cases of COVID-19, and just seven deaths. While it has stopped domestic transmission, it continues to record new cases in people arriving from abroad.