washingtontimes--2020-12-29--'Columbo,' 'Murder, She Wrote' co-creator William Link dies

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - William Link , who co-created the hit series “ Columbo ” and “ Murder , She Wrote ” and made 1970s and ’ 80s TV movies about social issues then largely shunned by television , has died .
He was 87 .
Link died of congestive heart failure Sunday in Los Angeles , his wife of more than 40 years , Margery Nelson , said in a statement Tuesday .
The family helped Link mark his Dec. 15 birthday by playing YouTube videos of interviews in which he recounted his long career , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He loved it .
It was the best birthday present we could have given him , ” she said .
“ Columbo ” was a highlight of Link ’ s award-winning body of work .
The series featured a brilliant , deceptively unkempt police detective that he and his longtime writing-producing partner , Richard Levinson , originally created for a 1960 TV anthology episode .
The pair earned a writing Emmy for the series , with four acting trophies going to star Peter Falk .
He played the role in the 1971-78 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the crime drama moved to ABC from 1989 to 2003 as more occasional TV movies .
Link and Levinson , Philadelphia-area natives who met as mystery-loving teens and soon began collaborating on stories and radio scripts , aimed to produce more than entertainment , Salko Robertson said in an interview .
The fight “ for justice and equality ” was a central theme in their projects , she said - including “ Columbo , ” which tended to pit the wily detective against wealthy and powerful criminals .
The collaborators ’ TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweet Charlie , ” a rare small-screen depiction of an interracial romance that earned them a writing Emmy , and “ That Certain Summer ” ( 1972 ) , a groundbreaker for its sympathetic portrayal of gay characters .
Dramas such as those “ were not getting on TV , and they really fought for them , ” said Salko Robertson , a producer who handled business matters for her uncle .
Link , an Army veteran , and Levinson wrote and were executive producers for the Emmy-winning “ The Execution of Private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a WWII soldier who became the first executed for desertion since the Civil War .
“ Murder , She Wrote , ” with film and stage star Angela Lansbury as an amateur sleuth , was created by Link , Levinson and Peter S. Fischer .
The series was a durable , 12-season success for CBS , airing from 1984 to 1996 .
Link and Levinson ’ s other series included the 1967-75 crime drama “ Mannix ” and 1973-74 ’ s “ Tenafly , ” an early show with an African American lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James McEachin .
The pair wrote screenplays for the ’ 70s big-screen films “ The Hindenburg , ” “ Rollercoaster ” and for 1980 ’ s “ The Hunter , ” among actor Steve McQueen ’ s final movies .
After Levinson ’ s death in 1987 , Link continued to write , including stories for Alfred Hitchcock ’ s Mystery Magazine .
Besides his wife and Salko Robertson , Link ’ s survivors include nieces and nephews John Robertson , Karen Salko Nieberg and Owen Nieberg .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - William Link, who co-created the hit series “Columbo” and “Murder, She Wrote” and made 1970s and ’80s TV movies about social issues then largely shunned by television, has died. He was 87.
Link died of congestive heart failure Sunday in Los Angeles, his wife of more than 40 years, Margery Nelson, said in a statement Tuesday.
The family helped Link mark his Dec. 15 birthday by playing YouTube videos of interviews in which he recounted his long career, said his niece, Amy Salko Robertson.
“He loved it. It was the best birthday present we could have given him,” she said.
“Columbo” was a highlight of Link’s award-winning body of work. The series featured a brilliant, deceptively unkempt police detective that he and his longtime writing-producing partner, Richard Levinson, originally created for a 1960 TV anthology episode.
The pair earned a writing Emmy for the series, with four acting trophies going to star Peter Falk. He played the role in the 1971-78 “Columbo” run on NBC and when the crime drama moved to ABC from 1989 to 2003 as more occasional TV movies.
Link and Levinson, Philadelphia-area natives who met as mystery-loving teens and soon began collaborating on stories and radio scripts, aimed to produce more than entertainment, Salko Robertson said in an interview.
The fight “for justice and equality” was a central theme in their projects, she said - including “Columbo,” which tended to pit the wily detective against wealthy and powerful criminals.
The collaborators’ TV movies included 1970’s “My Sweet Charlie,” a rare small-screen depiction of an interracial romance that earned them a writing Emmy, and “That Certain Summer” (1972), a groundbreaker for its sympathetic portrayal of gay characters.
Dramas such as those “were not getting on TV, and they really fought for them,” said Salko Robertson, a producer who handled business matters for her uncle.
Link, an Army veteran, and Levinson wrote and were executive producers for the Emmy-winning “The Execution of Private Slovik” (1974), about a WWII soldier who became the first executed for desertion since the Civil War.
“Murder, She Wrote,” with film and stage star Angela Lansbury as an amateur sleuth, was created by Link, Levinson and Peter S. Fischer. The series was a durable, 12-season success for CBS, airing from 1984 to 1996.
Link and Levinson’s other series included the 1967-75 crime drama “Mannix” and 1973-74’s “Tenafly,” an early show with an African American lead character, a private eye played by James McEachin.
The pair wrote screenplays for the ’70s big-screen films “The Hindenburg,” “Rollercoaster” and for 1980’s “The Hunter,” among actor Steve McQueen’s final movies.
After Levinson’s death in 1987, Link continued to write, including stories for Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine.
Besides his wife and Salko Robertson, Link’s survivors include nieces and nephews John Robertson, Karen Salko Nieberg and Owen Nieberg.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--N Korea's Kim reviews agenda for congress in early January

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reviewed the agenda for an important ruling party congress set for early next month , state media reported Tuesday , dispelling outside speculation the North might delay the meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Workers ’ Party Congress is the first in five years .
It is North Korea ’ s biggest political conference and is mainly intended to set new political and economic priorities , reshuffle top officials and review past projects .
Kim , 36 , is facing his toughest challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has called for stronger internal unity to overcome what he called “ multiple crises ” caused by the pandemic , a series of natural disasters last summer and persistent U.S.-led sanctions .
The North ’ s official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday that Kim and other top officials held a Politburo meeting on Tuesday to study and discuss important issues to be referred to the party congress and decided it would be held “ in early January.
” The Politburo participants assessed that preparations were going smoothly and examined the qualification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congress ’ presidium and secretariat , and scheduling issues , the report said .
It ’ s not clear how long the congress will meet .
The last congress , in 2016 , was the first such meeting in 36 years and was held for four days .
North Korea had previously said the 2021 congress would be held sometime in January , but South Korea ’ s spy agency and other observers later speculated the North might delay it due to COVID-19 .
North Korea has repeatedly insisted it hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soil - a claim widely doubted - but has taken some of the world ’ s most stringent steps to guard against the illness , including mass quarantines and border closings .
The closure of its border with China , its biggest trading partner and economic pipeline , has dealt a telling blow to North Korea ’ s already-troubled economy because more than 90 % of its external trade goes through China .
According to South Korea ’ s spy agency , North Korea ’ s trade volume with China in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75 % and the North ’ s factory operation rate dropped to its lowest level since Kim took office .
During the congress , North Korea could also lay out a new stance on the United States and South Korea as President-elect Joe Biden is to be inaugurated later in January .
Kim held three summits with President Donald Trump on the future of his advancing nuclear arsenal , but their diplomacy has made little headway for about two years due to a U.S. refusal to provide North Korea with sweeping sanctions relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The party congress date has still not been made public , perhaps to give Kim some flexibility and perhaps out of security concerns .
But if it occurs in early January , that would notably be before Inauguration Day in the United States .
Kim may want to preempt rather than react to the Biden administration ’ s policies , ” Leif-Eric Easley , a professor at Ewha University in Seoul , said .

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reviewed the agenda for an important ruling party congress set for early next month, state media reported Tuesday, dispelling outside speculation the North might delay the meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Workers’ Party Congress is the first in five years. It is North Korea’s biggest political conference and is mainly intended to set new political and economic priorities, reshuffle top officials and review past projects.
Kim, 36, is facing his toughest challenge since taking power in late 2011. He has called for stronger internal unity to overcome what he called “multiple crises” caused by the pandemic, a series of natural disasters last summer and persistent U.S.-led sanctions.
The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday that Kim and other top officials held a Politburo meeting on Tuesday to study and discuss important issues to be referred to the party congress and decided it would be held “in early January.”
The Politburo participants assessed that preparations were going smoothly and examined the qualification of delegates, the formation of the congress’ presidium and secretariat, and scheduling issues, the report said.
It’s not clear how long the congress will meet. The last congress, in 2016, was the first such meeting in 36 years and was held for four days. North Korea had previously said the 2021 congress would be held sometime in January, but South Korea’s spy agency and other observers later speculated the North might delay it due to COVID-19.
North Korea has repeatedly insisted it hasn’t found a single virus case on its soil - a claim widely doubted - but has taken some of the world’s most stringent steps to guard against the illness, including mass quarantines and border closings.
The closure of its border with China, its biggest trading partner and economic pipeline, has dealt a telling blow to North Korea’s already-troubled economy because more than 90% of its external trade goes through China. According to South Korea’s spy agency, North Korea’s trade volume with China in the first 10 months of this year plunged by 75 % and the North’s factory operation rate dropped to its lowest level since Kim took office.
During the congress, North Korea could also lay out a new stance on the United States and South Korea as President-elect Joe Biden is to be inaugurated later in January. Kim held three summits with President Donald Trump on the future of his advancing nuclear arsenal, but their diplomacy has made little headway for about two years due to a U.S. refusal to provide North Korea with sweeping sanctions relief in return for a partial denuclearization step.
“The party congress date has still not been made public, perhaps to give Kim some flexibility and perhaps out of security concerns. But if it occurs in early January, that would notably be before Inauguration Day in the United States. Kim may want to preempt rather than react to the Biden administration’s policies,” Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Navajo Nation reports 153 new virus cases, four more deaths

WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. ( AP ) - Officials on the Navajo Nation reported 153 new cases of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
The figures bring the total number of cases on the reservation that extends @ @ @ @ @ and Utah to 22,526 .
More than half of those people have recovered , the @ @ @ @ @ .
The death toll is 781 .
Navajo President Jonathan Nez said the tribe is @ @ @ @ @ number of cases reported daily but is expecting an increase as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ residents to celebrate the new year with only those in their immediate household .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the more that people hold in-person gatherings , the greater the risk of spreading the @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
Tribal officials have scheduled a virtual meeting Thursday to provide information @ @ @ @ @ .
Nez said he and other tribal officials will be vaccinated against the coronavirus during @ @ @

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - Officials on the Navajo Nation reported 153 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday and four more deaths.
The figures bring the total number of cases on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 22,526. More than half of those people have recovered, the Navajo Department of Health said. The death toll is 781.
Navajo President Jonathan Nez said the tribe is seeing some improvement in the number of cases reported daily but is expecting an increase as a result of the Christmas holiday. He urged residents to celebrate the new year with only those in their immediate household.
“The more we travel and the more that people hold in-person gatherings, the greater the risk of spreading the coronavirus,” he said in a statement.
Tribal officials have scheduled a virtual meeting Thursday to provide information and updates regarding the pandemic. Nez said he and other tribal officials will be vaccinated against the coronavirus during the meeting.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Inside the Beltway: Trump's media coverage among most censored stories of 2020

Americans can ’ t wait for 2020 to be over .
A year marred by COVID-19 , lockdowns , social unrest , economic woes , a contested election and constant outcry from a biased and hostile news media .
2020 has been maligned almost as much as President Trump in the past 12 months .
Almost .
Mr. Trump has been subject to negative coverage , and censorship as well .
In the last four years , the press conveniently suppressed the president ’ s significant victories in the economy and the diplomatic realms , plus his push to rejuvenate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shore up the southern U.S. border and bulk up the U.S. military .
Journalists were also selectively silent as Mr. Trump engaged millions of overlooked heartland voters with good cheer and much purpose .
First lady Melania Trump was ignored by fashion magazines and women ’ s publications .
These are but a few examples .
The phenomenon has prompted Frank Miele — a columnist for RealClear Politics and a long time Montana-based newspaper editor — to examine this shameful practice and identify five of the “ biggest suppressed stories of 2020.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown ” which found most Americans huddled at home while politicians and celebrities continued to socialize and party .
“ The uneven effects of the lockdown on different states and different sectors have resulted in the shift of trillions of dollars of capital in ways that will reshape the economy for generations to come , yet we are not supposed to talk about it , ” writes Mr. Miele .
He also puzzles over the vilification of hydroxychloroquine in the fight against COVID-19 and the media ’ s failure to acknowledge Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The columnist also ponders the situation of President-elect Joseph R. Biden ’ s son and his overseas business dealings .
“ Hunter Biden ’ s laptop : The ability to bury the Hunter Biden story throughout the 2020 presidential campaign ranks as one of the greatest victories in the history of propaganda , ” Mr. Miele observes .
“ It turned out that everything that happened in 2020 before Nov. 3 was just prologue for the greatest deception in American history — namely the hijacking of a presidential election through means both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every state that changed its election procedures without the consent of its legislature violated the U.S. Constitution .
That ’ s why Republicans plan to challenge the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6 .
Whether you like Donald Trump or not should be irrelevant .
You either follow the Constitution or you don ’ t , ” the columnist said .
Amazingly enough , a new Gallup poll found that President Trump was cited as the most “ admired man ” of 2020 with solid support from members of his political party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , with no other public figure receiving more than 2 % of Republicans ’ votes , ” noted the poll of 1,108 U.S , adults , conducted Dec. 1-17 and released Tuesday .
“ This year marks the 10th time Trump has finished among the top 10 men , including four times before he entered party politics — 1988 through 1990 and 2011 , ” Gallup said .
It is also of note that Ronald Reagan made the top 10 most admired list 31 times in recent years , bested only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times in previous polls .
Gallup , incidentally , has been conducting this particular survey since 1946 .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is revisiting a phrase closely associated with her attitude as a lawmaker .
The Massachusetts Democrat has penned a new book simply titled “ Persist , ” due to arrive in April from MacMillan Books .
The Massachusetts Democrat became associated with the word “ persist ” after she continued to speak on the Senate floor in 2017 despite the objections of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
“ Senator Warren was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to violate the rule .
She was warned .
She was given an explanation .
Nevertheless , she persisted , ” the Kentucky Republican noted at the time .
The publishers describes “ Persist ” the book as “ candid and provocative ” and “ a powerful call to action.
” The “ persist ” theme has considerable allure , though .
Hillary Clinton is also making use of the “ persist ” — with some additions .
Mrs. Clinton latest signature phrase is “ resist , insist , persist , enlist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent public speeches .
Former Republican presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina has a new role in politics of the 18th century variety .
Ms. Fiorina has just become chairman of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation — the force behind the famed historic site in Virginia what now appears to be in transition .
“ Fiorina will guide the museum ’ s continued evolution into a destination that celebrates diverse and inclusive viewpoints through programming that explores the social and political complexities negotiated by America ’ s founding generation , ” the foundation said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipation around building a better future by learning from our ancestors ’ stories and struggles , seeking inspiration from their aspirations and ingenuity , and reflecting upon the nation they built .
This historic destination is uniquely suited to play a pivotal role in helping Americans understand the complexities and contradictions of our past and how they inform our future , ” Ms. Fiorina noted , also in a statement .
Sheila Johnson , cofounder of BET and vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment , which owns the Washington Wizards , Mystics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foundation board , Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and retired Justice Anthony Kennedy are among the members of the foundation itself .
⦁ 27 % of U.S. adults are “ upset ” about the next four years with President-elect Joseph R. Biden as president ; 63 % of Republicans , 24 % of independents and 2 % of Democrats agree .
⦁ 25 % overall are “ enthusiastic ” about the next four years ; 2 % of Republicans , 13 % of independents and 60 % of Democrats agree .
⦁ 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enthusiastic ” about the next four years ; 6 % of Republicans , 26 % of independents and 30 % of Democrats agree .
⦁ 15 % overall are “ dissatisfied but not upset ” about the next four years ; 25 % of Republicans , 19 % of independents and 2 % of Democrats agree .
⦁ 11 % overall are “ not sure ” how they feel ; 3 % of Republicans , 19 % of independents and 6 % of Democrats agree .
Source : An Economist/YOuGov poll of 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @

NEWS AND OPINION:
Americans can’t wait for 2020 to be over. A year marred by COVID-19, lockdowns, social unrest, economic woes, a contested election and constant outcry from a biased and hostile news media. 2020 has been maligned almost as much as President Trump in the past 12 months. Almost.
Mr. Trump has been subject to negative coverage, and censorship as well. In the last four years, the press conveniently suppressed the president’s significant victories in the economy and the diplomatic realms, plus his push to rejuvenate the nation’s global image, shore up the southern U.S. border and bulk up the U.S. military. Journalists were also selectively silent as Mr. Trump engaged millions of overlooked heartland voters with good cheer and much purpose. First lady Melania Trump was ignored by fashion magazines and women’s publications. These are but a few examples.
The phenomenon has prompted Frank Miele — a columnist for RealClear Politics and a long time Montana-based newspaper editor — to examine this shameful practice and identify five of the “biggest suppressed stories of 2020.” He puzzles over the “mysterious mutating lockdown” which found most Americans huddled at home while politicians and celebrities continued to socialize and party.
“The uneven effects of the lockdown on different states and different sectors have resulted in the shift of trillions of dollars of capital in ways that will reshape the economy for generations to come, yet we are not supposed to talk about it,” writes Mr. Miele.
He also puzzles over the vilification of hydroxychloroquine in the fight against COVID-19 and the media’s failure to acknowledge Mr. Trump’s successful push for a vaccine. The columnist also ponders the situation of President-elect Joseph R. Biden’s son and his overseas business dealings.
“Hunter Biden’s laptop: The ability to bury the Hunter Biden story throughout the 2020 presidential campaign ranks as one of the greatest victories in the history of propaganda,” Mr. Miele observes.
Then there’s the grand finale.
“It turned out that everything that happened in 2020 before Nov. 3 was just prologue for the greatest deception in American history — namely the hijacking of a presidential election through means both legal and illegal. Most importantly, every state that changed its election procedures without the consent of its legislature violated the U.S. Constitution. That’s why Republicans plan to challenge the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6. Whether you like Donald Trump or not should be irrelevant. You either follow the Constitution or you don’t,” the columnist said.
THE TOP TEN
Amazingly enough, a new Gallup poll found that President Trump was cited as the most “admired man” of 2020 with solid support from members of his political party.
“Forty-eight percent of Republicans name Trump this year, with no other public figure receiving more than 2% of Republicans’ votes,” noted the poll of 1,108 U.S, adults, conducted Dec. 1-17 and released Tuesday.
“This year marks the 10th time Trump has finished among the top 10 men, including four times before he entered party politics — 1988 through 1990 and 2011,” Gallup said.
It is also of note that Ronald Reagan made the top 10 most admired list 31 times in recent years, bested only by evangelist Billy Graham, cited 61 times in previous polls. Gallup, incidentally, has been conducting this particular survey since 1946.
PERSIST, THE BOOK
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is revisiting a phrase closely associated with her attitude as a lawmaker. The Massachusetts Democrat has penned a new book simply titled “Persist,” due to arrive in April from MacMillan Books. The Massachusetts Democrat became associated with the word “persist” after she continued to speak on the Senate floor in 2017 despite the objections of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“Senator Warren was giving a lengthy speech. She had appeared to violate the rule. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted,” the Kentucky Republican noted at the time.
The publishers describes “Persist” the book as “candid and provocative” and “a powerful call to action.” The “persist” theme has considerable allure, though. Hillary Clinton is also making use of the “persist” — with some additions. Mrs. Clinton latest signature phrase is“resist, insist, persist, enlist” — deployed with gusto in her most recent public speeches.
CARLY GETS HISTORIC
Former Republican presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina has a new role in politics of the 18th century variety. Ms. Fiorina has just become chairman of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation — the force behind the famed historic site in Virginia what now appears to be in transition.
“Fiorina will guide the museum’s continued evolution into a destination that celebrates diverse and inclusive viewpoints through programming that explores the social and political complexities negotiated by America’s founding generation,” the foundation said in a statement.
“There is tremendous anticipation around building a better future by learning from our ancestors’ stories and struggles, seeking inspiration from their aspirations and ingenuity, and reflecting upon the nation they built. This historic destination is uniquely suited to play a pivotal role in helping Americans understand the complexities and contradictions of our past and how they inform our future,” Ms. Fiorina noted, also in a statement.
Sheila Johnson, cofounder of BET and vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Wizards, Mystics and Capitals, is also on the foundation board, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and retired Justice Anthony Kennedy are among the members of the foundation itself.
POLL DU JOUR
⦁ 27% of U.S. adults are “upset” about the next four years with President-elect Joseph R. Biden as president; 63% of Republicans, 24% of independents and 2% of Democrats agree.
⦁ 25% overall are “enthusiastic” about the next four years; 2% of Republicans, 13% of independents and 60% of Democrats agree.
⦁ 22% overall are “satisfied but not enthusiastic” about the next four years; 6% of Republicans, 26% of independents and 30% of Democrats agree.
⦁ 15% overall are “dissatisfied but not upset” about the next four years; 25% of Republicans, 19% of independents and 2% of Democrats agree.
⦁ 11% overall are “not sure” how they feel; 3% of Republicans, 19% of independents and 6% of Democrats agree.
Source: An Economist/YOuGov poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted Dec. 19-22.
⦁ Helpful information to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--MLS invokes clause reopening CBA discussions with union

Major League Soccer has invoked a clause in the agreement with its players that could lead to renegotiation of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and union .
The “ force majeure ” clause invoked by the MLS on Tuesday obligates the league and the MLSPA to negotiate modifications to the existing collective bargaining agreement in good faith for 30 days .
If an agreement on the modifications can not be reached , the CBA agreed to in June when the league returned with the MLS is Back tournament could be terminated .
The players association had expressed concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the CBA following a season when MLS said its clubs lost “ nearly $ 1 billion ” due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
MLS teams rely mostly on gameday revenue and the league estimated those were down about 95 % across the league in 2020 , and bigger crowds may not return until later in 2021 .
A revised CBA proposal has not been issued by the league to the union , but is expected soon .
“ Unfortunately , based on the assessment of public health officials , it is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on attendance at sporting events will continue into the 2021 MLS season , ” MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said in a statement .
“ We recognize the impact that the pandemic has had on our players and appreciate their efforts to restart and complete the 2020 season .
But , like the other leagues in the United States and Canada , MLS needs to address the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic and will engage in good faith discussions with our players about ways to manage the significant economic issues we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement last February , but it had not been ratified when the season was put on hold in March by the pandemic .
The sides renegotiated the deal in June ahead of the tournament in Florida , agreeing to a new one that included across-the-board pay cuts and reduced bonuses .
When the league returned to playing in its home markets following the Florida tournament , most games were played without fans or in front of small crowds due to attendance restrictions .
The league also faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all teams .
The 2020 season concluded on Dec. 12 , with Columbus beating Seattle in the MLS Cup final .
Earlier this month , MLSPA executive director Bob Foose said the players association was concerned this was the direction the league would go and players may balk at a third contract negotiation in less than a year .
“ After a 2020 season of extreme sacrifice , immeasurable risk to personal health , and a remarkable league-wide effort to successfully return to play , this tone-deaf action by the league discredits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the enormous challenges they overcame in 2020 , ” the MLSPA said Tuesday in a statement .

Major League Soccer has invoked a clause in the agreement with its players that could lead to renegotiation of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and union.
The “force majeure” clause invoked by the MLS on Tuesday obligates the league and the MLSPA to negotiate modifications to the existing collective bargaining agreement in good faith for 30 days.
If an agreement on the modifications cannot be reached, the CBA agreed to in June when the league returned with the MLS is Back tournament could be terminated.
The players association had expressed concern over the league trying to reopen negotiations on the CBA following a season when MLS said its clubs lost “nearly $1 billion” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MLS teams rely mostly on gameday revenue and the league estimated those were down about 95% across the league in 2020, and bigger crowds may not return until later in 2021.
A revised CBA proposal has not been issued by the league to the union, but is expected soon.
“Unfortunately, based on the assessment of public health officials, it is clear that the impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions on attendance at sporting events will continue into the 2021 MLS season,” MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said in a statement. “We recognize the impact that the pandemic has had on our players and appreciate their efforts to restart and complete the 2020 season. But, like the other leagues in the United States and Canada, MLS needs to address the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic and will engage in good faith discussions with our players about ways to manage the significant economic issues we are facing.”
The league and the union reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement last February, but it had not been ratified when the season was put on hold in March by the pandemic.
The sides renegotiated the deal in June ahead of the tournament in Florida, agreeing to a new one that included across-the-board pay cuts and reduced bonuses.
When the league returned to playing in its home markets following the Florida tournament, most games were played without fans or in front of small crowds due to attendance restrictions. The league also faced increased costs for testing and charter flights for all teams.
The 2020 season concluded on Dec. 12, with Columbus beating Seattle in the MLS Cup final.
Earlier this month, MLSPA executive director Bob Foose said the players association was concerned this was the direction the league would go and players may balk at a third contract negotiation in less than a year.
“After a 2020 season of extreme sacrifice, immeasurable risk to personal health, and a remarkable league-wide effort to successfully return to play, this tone-deaf action by the league discredits the previous sacrifices made by players and the enormous challenges they overcame in 2020,” the MLSPA said Tuesday in a statement.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Paramedic gets 13-year prison sentence for assaulting woman

URBANA , Ill. ( AP ) - A central Illinois paramedic was sentenced Tuesday to 13 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman while she was in an ambulance .
In sentencing Jeffrey Sanford Jr. , Champaign County Circuit Judge Randy Rosenbaum said the paramedic destroyed the public trust in calling for an ambulance .
The judge in October found the 48-year-old Sanford of Gifford guilty of criminal sexual assault .
Sanford was accused of forcing a 49-year-old suicidal woman to perform oral sex on him in an ambulance on July 21 , 2019 .
Assistant State ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sexually inappropriate conduct with a 10-year-old girl , a woman who called for an ambulance and an 89-year-old woman with dementia .
The victim of the crime Sanford was convicted of read an impact statement to the judge , describing herself as paranoid , unable to leave her home , be in small spaces or sleep well .
Arguing for the maximum 15-year prison sentence , Alferink said Sanford ’ s victim is “ broken ” and had attempted to take her life recently .
Defense defense attorney Anthony Bruno called his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has saved at least 25 people from cardiac arrest and delivered 36 babies in his 20-plus years as a paramedic .
vered 36 babies in his 20-plus years as a paramedic .

URBANA, Ill. (AP) - A central Illinois paramedic was sentenced Tuesday to 13 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman while she was in an ambulance.
In sentencing Jeffrey Sanford Jr., Champaign County Circuit Judge Randy Rosenbaum said the paramedic destroyed the public trust in calling for an ambulance.
The judge in October found the 48-year-old Sanford of Gifford guilty of criminal sexual assault. Sanford was accused of forcing a 49-year-old suicidal woman to perform oral sex on him in an ambulance on July 21, 2019. Assistant State’s Attorney Kristin Alferink presented evidence linking Sanford to sexually inappropriate conduct with a 10-year-old girl, a woman who called for an ambulance and an 89-year-old woman with dementia.
The victim of the crime Sanford was convicted of read an impact statement to the judge, describing herself as paranoid, unable to leave her home, be in small spaces or sleep well.
Arguing for the maximum 15-year prison sentence, Alferink said Sanford’s victim is “broken” and had attempted to take her life recently.
Defense defense attorney Anthony Bruno called his client “imperfect” but noted he has saved at least 25 people from cardiac arrest and delivered 36 babies in his 20-plus years as a paramedic.
vered 36 babies in his 20-plus years as a paramedic.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Never Trumpers' split ballots helped Joe Biden, House GOP win races, analysis finds

Never Trump Republicans ’ impact in the Nov. 3 election can be seen in the widespread split ballots that handed wins to President-elect Joseph R. Biden and congressional Republicans , according to an analysis of election results .
In other words , the Never Trumpers won .
“ Biden really does seem to be elected by the so-called Never Trump Republicans .
They are the people who came out for him , ” said Michael Miller , a political science professor at Barnard College .
That helps explain how Republicans picked up nearly a dozen seats in the House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin in decades even as President Trump lost the White House .
A Fox News Voter Analysis revealed that Mr. Biden won 96 % of voters who also cast their ballot for a House Democratic candidate , while Mr. Trump won 93 % of voters who also voted for a House Republican .
“ That gap seems small , but can be very important in close states , ” Mr. Miller said .
“ One of the conclusions from the data here is that Joe Biden was elected by Republicans.
” There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when turnout is high , it hurts the Republican Party .
Mr. Miller said an analysis of congressional district races in Texas and Florida suggests that was not true in the 2020 election .
“ It seems like Republicans can craft a winning coalition there if they are driving turnout in the right places , ” he said .
“ The game , as always , is identifying who those people are who you want to vote for and working hard to get them out.
” Christopher Mooney , a professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reasoned that the turnout was higher than anticipated for both sides because voters had a strong opinion of Mr. Trump , either good or bad .
“ To have both sides be so energized is pretty unusual , ” he said .
“ The Democrats just had harder seats to defend , so that is part of it.
” The president had an opportunity to unite the country during a crisis much like President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War or President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression and World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach .
He could have done photo ops and press conferences with face masks , Mr. Mooney suggested , noting he could have pushed various drives to help combat COVID-19 , but he did not .
“ COVID was a gift from God to Donald J. Trump .
It was exactly what he needed — he needed to demonstrate a level of competence , ” he said .
“ There are a million opportunities for that sort of thing , and he just threw it in the garbage.
” The president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public sectors to produce a significant amount of ventilators for coronavirus patients .
No patient was left without one , which was not the case in other countries .
Bringing in the private sector also helped produce more personal protective equipment such as face masks .
The Trump administration ’ s Operation Warp Speed also succeeded in producing a COVID-19 vaccine in less than a year , which is a record time for developing a vaccine .
The announcement of the vaccine ’ s approval , however , arrived after the Nov. @ @ @

Never Trump Republicans’ impact in the Nov. 3 election can be seen in the widespread split ballots that handed wins to President-elect Joseph R. Biden and congressional Republicans, according to an analysis of election results.
In other words, the Never Trumpers won.
“Biden really does seem to be elected by the so-called Never Trump Republicans. They are the people who came out for him,” said Michael Miller, a political science professor at Barnard College.
That helps explain how Republicans picked up nearly a dozen seats in the House, slicing the Democratic majority to the smallest margin in decades even as President Trump lost the White House.
A Fox News Voter Analysis revealed that Mr. Biden won 96% of voters who also cast their ballot for a House Democratic candidate, while Mr. Trump won 93% of voters who also voted for a House Republican.
“That gap seems small, but can be very important in close states,” Mr. Miller said. “One of the conclusions from the data here is that Joe Biden was elected by Republicans.”
There’s also an assumption among political strategists that when turnout is high, it hurts the Republican Party.
Mr. Miller said an analysis of congressional district races in Texas and Florida suggests that was not true in the 2020 election.
“It seems like Republicans can craft a winning coalition there if they are driving turnout in the right places,” he said. “The game, as always, is identifying who those people are who you want to vote for and working hard to get them out.”
Christopher Mooney, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois, reasoned that the turnout was higher than anticipated for both sides because voters had a strong opinion of Mr. Trump, either good or bad.
“To have both sides be so energized is pretty unusual,” he said. “The Democrats just had harder seats to defend, so that is part of it.”
The president had an opportunity to unite the country during a crisis much like President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War or President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression and World War II. Mr. Trump took a different approach.
He could have done photo ops and press conferences with face masks, Mr. Mooney suggested, noting he could have pushed various drives to help combat COVID-19, but he did not.
“COVID was a gift from God to Donald J. Trump. It was exactly what he needed — he needed to demonstrate a level of competence,” he said. “There are a million opportunities for that sort of thing, and he just threw it in the garbage.”
The president’s supporters say he did use the private and public sectors to produce a significant amount of ventilators for coronavirus patients. No patient was left without one, which was not the case in other countries.
Bringing in the private sector also helped produce more personal protective equipment such as face masks.
The Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed also succeeded in producing a COVID-19 vaccine in less than a year, which is a record time for developing a vaccine.
The announcement of the vaccine’s approval, however, arrived after the Nov. 3 election.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Probe: Lax oversight let alleged cheats get Cyprus passport

NICOSIA , Cyprus ( AP ) - Authorities in Cyprus should consider stripping citizenship from a dozen individuals over their alleged involvement in acts of theft and fraud , according to the findings of a probe into 42 foreign nationals who obtained a Cypriot passport in exchange for millions in investments .
A redacted , 53-page report from the review of the country ’ s now-defunct citizenship-for-investment program was published Tuesday .
The government released the report compiled by a three-member committee in what it said was a demonstration of its commitment to transparency and amid strong opposition criticism that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the carpet .
Along with those facing the loss of Cypriot citizenship , another five individuals could face charges for allegedly lying on their applications , the report said .
The report detailed how lax vetting procedures allowed some investors to submit incomplete applications or to provide false information .
It also illustrated that some “ promoters ’ ” - law firms , accountants and other companies that prepared applications for their clients - apparently broke the rules because of a lack of oversight .
According to the report , one investor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open bank accounts with each of them Another investor paid over 3.2 million euros ( $ 3.9 million ) to obtain citizenship in 25 credit card installments inside of 30 minutes without raising any red flags .
The report faulted the Cypriot Interior Ministry for acting as a “ filing office ” for passport applications without properly checking on applicants ’ backgrounds or the sources of their money .
In one instance , the ministry failed to inform the Cabinet - which had final say on the applications of investors-about media reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a financial scandal involving a trust fund .
The citizenship-for-investment program started in 2007 but ramped up after 2013 , when a financial crisis nearly drove Cyprus into bankruptcy .
Investors needed to pour at least 2.5 million euros ( $ 3 million ) into companies and property to obtain citizenship .
The program raised more 7 billion euros ( $ 8.57 billion ) until the government scrapped it on Nov. 1 .
The cancellation came following an undercover news report that allegedly caught on video the parliament speaker and another long-serving lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fictitious Chinese investor with a supposed criminal conviction .
The two legislators have since resigned .
In October , the European Union ’ s executive arm launched infringement procedures against Cyprus and Malta , which has a similar program for big investors , saying the arrangements violated the bloc ’ s treaties and undermined “ the essence of EU citizenship.
” The report was based on reviews of a dozen files pertaining to applications from 42 investors and their families during 2008-2018 .
Identifying information about the investors was redacted , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report after criminal investigations into the program are completed .
A wider , more in-depth probe ordered by the Mediterranean island nation ’ s attorney general involves the applications of more than 6,000 investors and their relatives who received a Cyprus passport since 2013 .

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Authorities in Cyprus should consider stripping citizenship from a dozen individuals over their alleged involvement in acts of theft and fraud, according to the findings of a probe into 42 foreign nationals who obtained a Cypriot passport in exchange for millions in investments.
A redacted, 53-page report from the review of the country’s now-defunct citizenship-for-investment program was published Tuesday. The government released the report compiled by a three-member committee in what it said was a demonstration of its commitment to transparency and amid strong opposition criticism that it was trying to sweep the matter under the carpet.
Along with those facing the loss of Cypriot citizenship, another five individuals could face charges for allegedly lying on their applications, the report said.
The report detailed how lax vetting procedures allowed some investors to submit incomplete applications or to provide false information. It also illustrated that some “promoters’”- law firms, accountants and other companies that prepared applications for their clients - apparently broke the rules because of a lack of oversight.
According to the report, one investor used two different names and had tried to open bank accounts with each of them Another investor paid over 3.2 million euros ($3.9 million) to obtain citizenship in 25 credit card installments inside of 30 minutes without raising any red flags.
The report faulted the Cypriot Interior Ministry for acting as a “filing office” for passport applications without properly checking on applicants’ backgrounds or the sources of their money. In one instance, the ministry failed to inform the Cabinet - which had final say on the applications of investors-about media reports saying that one investor was embroiled in a financial scandal involving a trust fund.
The citizenship-for-investment program started in 2007 but ramped up after 2013, when a financial crisis nearly drove Cyprus into bankruptcy. Investors needed to pour at least 2.5 million euros ($3 million) into companies and property to obtain citizenship. The program raised more 7 billion euros ($8.57 billion) until the government scrapped it on Nov. 1.
The cancellation came following an undercover news report that allegedly caught on video the parliament speaker and another long-serving lawmaker promising to help circumvent the rules for a fictitious Chinese investor with a supposed criminal conviction. The two legislators have since resigned.
In October, the European Union’s executive arm launched infringement procedures against Cyprus and Malta, which has a similar program for big investors, saying the arrangements violated the bloc’s treaties and undermined “the essence of EU citizenship.”
The report was based on reviews of a dozen files pertaining to applications from 42 investors and their families during 2008-2018. Identifying information about the investors was redacted, but the government promised to release the full report after criminal investigations into the program are completed.
A wider, more in-depth probe ordered by the Mediterranean island nation’s attorney general involves the applications of more than 6,000 investors and their relatives who received a Cyprus passport since 2013.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Police: Suspect in officer shooting nabbed in West Virginia

PITTSBURGH ( AP ) - A man who police say was handcuffed when he allegedly shot a Pennsylvania police officer three times with a gun police didn ’ t know he had was captured in West Virginia after more than a week on the run , authorities said .
Koby Lee Francis , 22 , of McKeesport was taken into custody by federal marshals shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday at an apartment complex in Clarksburg , West Virginia , Allegheny County police said in a release .
He will be held at the North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francis is charged with aggravated assault , criminal attempt homicide , person not to possess a firearm , flight to avoid apprehension trial or punishment , and escape in the shooting .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether he had a lawyer to comment on his behalf .
Authorities said Officer Gerasimos Athans , 32 , who has been on the McKeesport force for four years , had wounds that weren ’ t life-threatening .
Authorities said earlier that Francis had been arrested after allegedly violating a protection from abuse order before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station in McKeesport , which is located near Pittsburgh .
Francis was accused of having violated the protection from abuse order twice soon after it was served .
He was arrested and a pistol was found in his vehicle .
On a video released by police , the officer is seen opening the passenger side door of the police vehicle parked outside the station and then staggering back after police said he took fire from within the vehicle .
The video shows Francis then emerging from the vehicle with hands handcuffed in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before fleeing .
Police Superintendent Coleman McDonough told reporters last week that Francis “ was searched , obviously ” when he was arrested but “ was able to secrete a weapon and that was the weapon he used … to shoot ( the officer ) .
” Video confirmed that he had been handcuffed with his hands in back of him , but he somehow managed to get his hands in front of him before his escape , McDonough said .
After he was shot , the officer “ emptied his weapon ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence Francis was hit , McDonough said .

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A man who police say was handcuffed when he allegedly shot a Pennsylvania police officer three times with a gun police didn’t know he had was captured in West Virginia after more than a week on the run, authorities said.
Koby Lee Francis, 22, of McKeesport was taken into custody by federal marshals shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday at an apartment complex in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Allegheny County police said in a release. He will be held at the North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility in Doddridge County while awaiting extradition.
Francis is charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt homicide, person not to possess a firearm, flight to avoid apprehension trial or punishment, and escape in the shooting. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had a lawyer to comment on his behalf.
Authorities said Officer Gerasimos Athans, 32, who has been on the McKeesport force for four years, had wounds that weren’t life-threatening.
Authorities said earlier that Francis had been arrested after allegedly violating a protection from abuse order before the Dec. 20 gunfire outside the police station in McKeesport, which is located near Pittsburgh.
Francis was accused of having violated the protection from abuse order twice soon after it was served. He was arrested and a pistol was found in his vehicle.
On a video released by police, the officer is seen opening the passenger side door of the police vehicle parked outside the station and then staggering back after police said he took fire from within the vehicle. The video shows Francis then emerging from the vehicle with hands handcuffed in front of him and firing at the officer before fleeing.
Police Superintendent Coleman McDonough told reporters last week that Francis “was searched, obviously” when he was arrested but “was able to secrete a weapon and that was the weapon he used … to shoot (the officer).” Video confirmed that he had been handcuffed with his hands in back of him, but he somehow managed to get his hands in front of him before his escape, McDonough said.
After he was shot, the officer “emptied his weapon” in returning fire, but there was no evidence Francis was hit, McDonough said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--D.C. program to warn risky drivers about crashes

The District is preparing to conduct a pilot program aimed at reducing traffic collisions by sending warning messages to drivers deemed to be highly likely to be involved in a crash .
Officials are planning to identify high-risk drivers using statistics from the District ’ s Automated Traffic Enforcement System , which takes photos and videos of cars that run red lights , roll past stop signs and exceed the speed limit .
Drivers who commit such violations may receive a citation .
“ Evidence from multiple jurisdictions suggests that drivers with multiple violations are more likely to be involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small number of drivers are responsible for a large number of crashes , ” according to the website for The Lab @ D.C. , an agency within Mayor Muriel Bowser ’ s office that is leading the project .
As part of the research initiative , a group of randomly assigned high-risk motorists will receive customized messages that might address their previous violations and the potential risk of a fatal crash .
The number of red light and speed violations , as well as crashes from the group of high-risk drivers who receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group that did not receive messages .
The goal of the “ Identifying and Intervening with High Risk Drivers ” project is to determine “ whether proactive , customized messaging can change driver behavior and make our roads safer , ” according to the website .
As of Tuesday , the project is reportedly in the “ implementation ” phase .
The results are expected to be released in 2022 and they may be used to help shape programs and policies to help curtail serious crashes .
Several city agencies are listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Transportation ( DDOT ) , the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles and the Metropolitan Police Department .
“ Through this study , we hope to see a correlation between education and behavior changes among drivers who repeatedly speed and run red lights , two violations that we know are extremely dangerous for all users of our transportation network , ” a DDOT spokesperson said in an email .
The program is part of the mayor ’ s commitment to the “ Vision Zero ” initiative , which aims to eliminate traffic-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2024 by using data , education , enforcement and engineering .
“ Every life lost on our roadways is one too many , ” DDOT Director Jeff Marootian said in a statement on the website .
“ Under Mayor Bowser ’ s leadership , we continuously focus our efforts on advancing our Vision Zero goals and creating safer streets , especially in those corridors where fatalities are more frequent.
” City data show that 11 of the 36 fatal traffic crashes this year occurred in Ward 8 , which makes up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 .
Ward 8 also accounted for the majority of fatal crashes last year and in 2018 .
In addition , nine of last year ’ s 36 fatalities were linked to drunken driving , which is a 125 % increase compared to 2018 , when four such fatalities were recorded , according to a report released Monday by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments .
The Lab @ D.C. did not respond to requests for information about the project ’ s cost , the statistics will determine which drivers receive messages and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The agency is an applied research team housed within the Office of the City Administrator that is supported by Arnold Ventures , a philanthropic organization that seeks to help solve public issues .

The District is preparing to conduct a pilot program aimed at reducing traffic collisions by sending warning messages to drivers deemed to be highly likely to be involved in a crash.
Officials are planning to identify high-risk drivers using statistics from the District’s Automated Traffic Enforcement System, which takes photos and videos of cars that run red lights, roll past stop signs and exceed the speed limit. Drivers who commit such violations may receive a citation.
“Evidence from multiple jurisdictions suggests that drivers with multiple violations are more likely to be involved in traffic crashes, and that a small number of drivers are responsible for a large number of crashes,” according to the website for The Lab @ D.C., an agency within Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office that is leading the project.
As part of the research initiative, a group of randomly assigned high-risk motorists will receive customized messages that might address their previous violations and the potential risk of a fatal crash.
The number of red light and speed violations, as well as crashes from the group of high-risk drivers who receive messages, will then be compared to a group that did not receive messages.
The goal of the “Identifying and Intervening with High Risk Drivers” project is to determine “whether proactive, customized messaging can change driver behavior and make our roads safer,” according to the website.
As of Tuesday, the project is reportedly in the “implementation” phase. The results are expected to be released in 2022 and they may be used to help shape programs and policies to help curtail serious crashes.
Several city agencies are listed as program partners, including the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles and the Metropolitan Police Department.
“Through this study, we hope to see a correlation between education and behavior changes among drivers who repeatedly speed and run red lights, two violations that we know are extremely dangerous for all users of our transportation network,” a DDOT spokesperson said in an email.
The program is part of the mayor’s commitment to the “Vision Zero” initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries in the city by 2024 by using data, education, enforcement and engineering.
“Every life lost on our roadways is one too many,” DDOT Director Jeff Marootian said in a statement on the website. “Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, we continuously focus our efforts on advancing our Vision Zero goals and creating safer streets, especially in those corridors where fatalities are more frequent.”
City data show that 11 of the 36 fatal traffic crashes this year occurred in Ward 8, which makes up the majority, followed by 10 in Ward 7. Ward 8 also accounted for the majority of fatal crashes last year and in 2018.
In addition, nine of last year’s 36 fatalities were linked to drunken driving, which is a 125% increase compared to 2018, when four such fatalities were recorded, according to a report released Monday by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
The Lab @ D.C. did not respond to requests for information about the project’s cost, the statistics will determine which drivers receive messages and how the messages will be sent.
The agency is an applied research team housed within the Office of the City Administrator that is supported by Arnold Ventures, a philanthropic organization that seeks to help solve public issues.
• Emily Zantow can be reached at ezantow@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Authorities arrest man after body parts scattered in Arizona

PRESCOTT , Ariz. ( AP ) - Authorities in central Arizona have made an arrest in an investigation into human body parts that were found scattered in remote areas .
Walter Harold Mitchell , 59 , was booked into jail in Yavapai County late Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of dumping more than two dozen body parts outside of Prescott that are believed to be connected to medical research , the Yavapai County Sheriff ’ s Office said .
Sheriff ’ s officials initially received calls over the weekend from a woodcutter and a hunter who found two limbs and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Further searches by detectives and volunteers on foot , and using drones and dogs revealed more than two dozen body parts , including arms , legs and more heads , said sheriff ’ s spokesman Dwight D ’ Evelyn .
Authorities said the remains likely were connected to a Seattle-based business that Mitchell owned and that managed cadavers for research .
According to the sheriff ’ s office , Mitchell left Seattle earlier this year with human remains belonging to five people .
“ This situation is unimaginable , and I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones were donated to research and treated in such a horrific fashion , ” Sheriff Scott Mascher , who retires Friday , said in a statement .
Mitchell was arrested in Scottsdale on the outskirts of Phoenix .
Authorities said evidence , including tags and white absorbent sheets , found along with the body parts tied Mitchell to the case .
Mitchell will have an initial appearance in a justice court , where he will be appointed an attorney if needed .
He hasn ’ t formally been charged with any crimes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ already has legal representation .
County officials either could not say Tuesday or did not respond to emails sent by The Associated Press .

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities in central Arizona have made an arrest in an investigation into human body parts that were found scattered in remote areas.
Walter Harold Mitchell, 59, was booked into jail in Yavapai County late Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of dumping more than two dozen body parts outside of Prescott that are believed to be connected to medical research, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said.
Sheriff’s officials initially received calls over the weekend from a woodcutter and a hunter who found two limbs and two severed heads near Prescott, authorities said. Further searches by detectives and volunteers on foot, and using drones and dogs revealed more than two dozen body parts, including arms, legs and more heads, said sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn.
Authorities said the remains likely were connected to a Seattle-based business that Mitchell owned and that managed cadavers for research. According to the sheriff’s office, Mitchell left Seattle earlier this year with human remains belonging to five people.
“This situation is unimaginable, and I am so sorry for the families whose loved ones were donated to research and treated in such a horrific fashion,” Sheriff Scott Mascher, who retires Friday, said in a statement.
Mitchell was arrested in Scottsdale on the outskirts of Phoenix. Authorities said evidence, including tags and white absorbent sheets, found along with the body parts tied Mitchell to the case.
Mitchell will have an initial appearance in a justice court, where he will be appointed an attorney if needed. He hasn’t formally been charged with any crimes.
It was unclear late Tuesday whether Mitchell already has legal representation. County officials either could not say Tuesday or did not respond to emails sent by The Associated Press.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Authorities investigate uprising at Maryland juvenile center

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - Maryland authorities are investigating what state police describe as a riot at a privately run treatment center on the grounds of a state juvenile detention facility .
The Baltimore Sun reports that the disturbance occurred Dec. 24 at the Chesapeake Treatment Center on the grounds of the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School .
Police said in court documents that troopers were called to the facility by a staff member and encountered juveniles and adults conspiring to takeover the center , destroying furniture and breaking windows and doors .
“ A locked ‘ nurse ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window and various controlled narcotics , syringes and medical supplies were taken , ” police wrote in charging documents .
The center ’ s executive director , Sandra Whitney , said in a statement that the damage was “ relatively limited.
” Police said 19 detainees were involved in the uprising .
Seven have been charged as adults with rioting , second-degree escape and malicious destruction of property and were ordered to be held without bail , according to court records .
Eric Solomon , a spokesman for the Department of Juvenile Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff were injured , and that DJS is working with state police and center officials to investigate the incident .

BALTIMORE (AP) - Maryland authorities are investigating what state police describe as a riot at a privately run treatment center on the grounds of a state juvenile detention facility.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the disturbance occurred Dec. 24 at the Chesapeake Treatment Center on the grounds of the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School.
Police said in court documents that troopers were called to the facility by a staff member and encountered juveniles and adults conspiring to takeover the center, destroying furniture and breaking windows and doors.
“A locked ‘nurse’s station’ was breached by breaking a window and various controlled narcotics, syringes and medical supplies were taken,” police wrote in charging documents.
The center’s executive director, Sandra Whitney, said in a statement that the damage was “relatively limited.”
Police said 19 detainees were involved in the uprising. Seven have been charged as adults with rioting, second-degree escape and malicious destruction of property and were ordered to be held without bail, according to court records.
Eric Solomon, a spokesman for the Department of Juvenile Services, said Tuesday that no youth or staff were injured,and that DJS is working with state police and center officials to investigate the incident.
¶


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--SC high court suspends ex-Richland County official's license

COLUMBIA , S.C. ( AP ) - A former South Carolina county ’ s councilwoman , accused of paying for vacations and shopping sprees with taxpayers ’ money , has been temporarily barred from practicing law .
The South Carolina Supreme Court , in an order posted Tuesday , suspended ex-Richland County Councilwoman Dalhi Myers ’ law license following her indictment on Dec. 17 on 24 charges , including embezzlement , news outlets reported .
She is listed as being “ Not in good standing ” and under “ interim suspension “ without a specified length of time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working as an attorney “ until further order of this court , ” wrote Chief Justice Don Beatty , who appointed another attorney to take over her clients ’ cases .
Her attorney , in a statement Tuesday , called the court ’ s suspension normal procedure based solely on the indictment .
An interim suspension of a law license occurs “ when any lawyer is indicted for a felony or what the Court defines as a ‘ serious crime , ’ ” read the statement from Desa Ballard , an attorney representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the criminal charges .
“ The Court has made no review or analysis of the merits of the accusation ” against Myers , she said , adding that her client “ maintains her innocence on all charges.
” Myers graduated from Howard Law School in 1995 , according to the South Carolina Bar .
The state ’ s bar admitted her in 2002 .
She specialized in business law .
The state grand jury indicted Myers on charges that included embezzlement and using her position for personal gain , news outlets reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public funds that prosecutors said Myers spent on herself since March 2018 .
Myers used her county issued credit card to take a trip to Greece , travel to Detroit , pay for family to go to Illinois and stay in a resort hotel in Nashville , according to an indictment .
She also spent taxpayer money on everyday expenses like her phone bill , phone repairs and items at department stores .
Asked in June to reimburse the county , she wrote a $ 27,000 check that bounced and later denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better monitoring her card , a state attorney said .
She knew the money wasn ’ t in her account , according to state prosecutors .
The South Carolina Attorney General ’ s Office is prosecuting the corruption case against Myers , who was elected to Richland County Council District 10 in 2016 .
District 10 covers the majority of Lower Richland , including Eastover , Gadsden and Hopkins .
Myers , whose term was set to end Dec. 31 , was removed from office two weeks early by Gov .
Henry McMaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who defeated Myers in the Democratic primary and was set to replace her Jan. 1 .

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A former South Carolina county’s councilwoman, accused of paying for vacations and shopping sprees with taxpayers’ money, has been temporarily barred from practicing law.
The South Carolina Supreme Court, in an order posted Tuesday, suspended ex-Richland County Councilwoman Dalhi Myers’ law license following her indictment on Dec. 17 on 24 charges, including embezzlement, news outlets reported. She is listed as being “Not in good standing” and under “interim suspension“ without a specified length of time, the order said.
She is barred from working as an attorney “until further order of this court,” wrote Chief Justice Don Beatty, who appointed another attorney to take over her clients’ cases.
Her attorney, in a statement Tuesday, called the court’s suspension normal procedure based solely on the indictment.
An interim suspension of a law license occurs “when any lawyer is indicted for a felony or what the Court defines as a ‘serious crime,’ ” read the statement from Desa Ballard, an attorney representing Myers on the professional disciplinary matter but not the criminal charges.
“The Court has made no review or analysis of the merits of the accusation” against Myers, she said, adding that her client “maintains her innocence on all charges.”
Myers graduated from Howard Law School in 1995, according to the South Carolina Bar. The state’s bar admitted her in 2002. She specialized in business law.
The state grand jury indicted Myers on charges that included embezzlement and using her position for personal gain, news outlets reported. The 24-page indictment details $27,000 in public funds that prosecutors said Myers spent on herself since March 2018.
Myers used her county issued credit card to take a trip to Greece, travel to Detroit, pay for family to go to Illinois and stay in a resort hotel in Nashville, according to an indictment. She also spent taxpayer money on everyday expenses like her phone bill, phone repairs and items at department stores.
Asked in June to reimburse the county, she wrote a $27,000 check that bounced and later denied fault and blamed county officials for not better monitoring her card, a state attorney said. She knew the money wasn’t in her account, according to state prosecutors.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the corruption case against Myers, who was elected to Richland County Council District 10 in 2016.
District 10 covers the majority of Lower Richland, including Eastover, Gadsden and Hopkins. Myers, whose term was set to end Dec. 31, was removed from office two weeks early by Gov. Henry McMaster. The Republican governor appointed Cheryl English, who defeated Myers in the Democratic primary and was set to replace her Jan. 1.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Paralympian Melissa Stockwell named to Olympic panel

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Paralympian Melissa Stockwell and University of Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens are among the picks for a Congressional committee tasked with studying possible reforms in America ’ s Olympic system .
Also chosen by Rep. Greg Walden , R-Oregon , who announced the picks Tuesday , were former Indiana governor Mitch Daniels and former Defense Department inspector general Joe Schmitz .
Walden ’ s picks make up one-fourth of the 16-person commission being created as part of the “ Empowering Olympic , Paralympic , and Amateur Athletes Act ” that was passed this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Paralympic Committee .
Stockwell , a Paralympic triathlete and swimmer , was the first Iraq veteran chosen for those games in 2008 .
She is a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart .
One Democrat and one Republican in both houses of Congress are each allowed to appoint four members to the committee .
Sen. Roger Wicker , R-Miss.
, has named two Olympians - John Dane , a member of the 2008 sailing team , and Brittney Reese , an Olympic champion long jumper in 2012 .
The commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year that includes recommendations and suggested policy changes .
The law was written in response to multiple investigations about the failings of the USOPC and affiliated sports organizations in the wake of sex-abuse scandals .
Since the bill was introduced , the USOPC has been working separately on reforms to increase the number of athletes in policy-making roles and improve oversight of national governing bodies that run the individual sports .

WASHINGTON (AP) - Paralympian Melissa Stockwell and University of Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens are among the picks for a Congressional committee tasked with studying possible reforms in America’s Olympic system.
Also chosen by Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, who announced the picks Tuesday, were former Indiana governor Mitch Daniels and former Defense Department inspector general Joe Schmitz.
Walden’s picks make up one-fourth of the 16-person commission being created as part of the “Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act” that was passed this year. It seeks reforms of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Stockwell, a Paralympic triathlete and swimmer, was the first Iraq veteran chosen for those games in 2008. She is a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
One Democrat and one Republican in both houses of Congress are each allowed to appoint four members to the committee. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has named two Olympians - John Dane, a member of the 2008 sailing team, and Brittney Reese, an Olympic champion long jumper in 2012.
The commission is required to submit a report next year that includes recommendations and suggested policy changes.
The law was written in response to multiple investigations about the failings of the USOPC and affiliated sports organizations in the wake of sex-abuse scandals.
Since the bill was introduced, the USOPC has been working separately on reforms to increase the number of athletes in policy-making roles and improve oversight of national governing bodies that run the individual sports.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Officials worry large NYE event in Vegas will spread virus

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - A New Year ’ s Eve event at a canopied casino-mall in Las Vegas expected to be attended by at least 14,000 people could be a superspreader event that overruns hospitals , members of Nevada ’ s coronavirus task force said Tuesday .
Nevada COVID-19 response director Caleb Cage said plans for the Fremont Street Experience ’ s annual event could hamper the state ’ s ability to contain the virus amid the ongoing surge in hospitalizations .
“ It seems an awful lot like the city worked very hard in order to skirt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directives as they are written in order to protect us , ” he said .
Since November , Nevada has limited capacity at events to 25 % or 50 people to contain the virus .
Cage said the Fremont Street event not only violated the current restrictions , but wouldn ’ t be allowed under any of the past 10 months ’ looser restrictions .
Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration denied Fremont Street Experience a permit to host its annual celebration , but the city of Las Vegas issued the venue a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access and enforce crowd control .
City spokesman David Riggleman said , by issuing a special-use permit , Las Vegas wasn ’ t sanctioning any event but recognizing that many planned to gather in a public place and attempting to make it as safe as possible .
“ People are coming to the Fremont Street Experience and the question for the city was : What was it going to do to prepare for the fact that people were coming ?
” said Wesley Harper , the executive director of the Nevada League of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas .
“ If they ’ re going to come , let ’ s do some things to try and make this as responsible as possible.
” Harper implored officials to view the event as a “ protest ” that couldn ’ t be stopped without violating the First Amendment .
He said the $ 25 cost wasn ’ t for tickets , but for a “ service fee ” to subsidize the cost of necessary law enforcement .
According to the outdoor mall ’ s website , everyone will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay 6 feet away from each other .
Unlike past years , Thursday ’ s event will not include street performers or live music .
But guests will be able to watch a light show , see the Slotzilla Zoomline and walk the corridor ’ s six blocks .
Guests of Fremont Street hotels will also be allowed on the premises for festivities .
Clark County Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick told the state task force she was concerned the event could push Las Vegas-area hospitals beyond their capacity .
In Clark County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 78 % of ICU beds - were occupied as of Monday , the most recently available data .
Kirkpatrick said she worried it would be hospitals and their staff , rather than New Year ’ s Eve street party-goers , who will pay the price for the event .
While it does not fall under county jurisdiction , she said she planned to ask organizers to cut the size of the event to 7,000 and cancel the light show .
Las Vegas Metropolitan police Deputy Chief Kelly McMahill said at a Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcing Nevada ’ s mask mandate and or social distancing requirement on New Year ’ s Eve , but they plan to ask pedestrians to comply .
“ We welcome you to have a good time but we also don ’ t want to send ourselves back months in this pandemic where we have more and more people going to the hospital and we ’ re closing down the city , ” McMahill said .
Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A New Year’s Eve event at a canopied casino-mall in Las Vegas expected to be attended by at least 14,000 people could be a superspreader event that overruns hospitals, members of Nevada’s coronavirus task force said Tuesday.
Nevada COVID-19 response director Caleb Cage said plans for the Fremont Street Experience’s annual event could hamper the state’s ability to contain the virus amid the ongoing surge in hospitalizations.
“It seems an awful lot like the city worked very hard in order to skirt the spirit and the letter of the directives as they are written in order to protect us,” he said.
Since November, Nevada has limited capacity at events to 25% or 50 people to contain the virus. Cage said the Fremont Street event not only violated the current restrictions, but wouldn’t be allowed under any of the past 10 months’ looser restrictions.
“I understand that on New Year’s Eve, particularly in Las Vegas, it’ll be difficult to prevent the organic gatherings of people. That’s why it’s critical that businesses and leaders are vocal about the risks. But to organize and promote a gathering with a ticket, or a fee, as if it’s business as usual, that’s just plain irresponsible,” Gov. Steve Sisolak said at a Wednesday news conference.
Clark County’s Recovery Organization Enforcement Workgroup, which is made up of health officials, law enforcement and representatives from city governments, denied Fremont Street Experience a permit, but the city of Las Vegas issued the venue a special-use permit so it could charge for access and enforce crowd control.
City spokesman David Riggleman said, by issuing a special-use permit, Las Vegas wasn’t sanctioning any event but recognizing that many planned to gather in a public place and attempting to make it as safe as possible.
“People are coming to the Fremont Street Experience and the question for the city was: What was it going to do to prepare for the fact that people were coming?” said Wesley Harper, the executive director of the Nevada League of Cities, who spoke on behalf of Las Vegas. “If they’re going to come, let’s do some things to try and make this as responsible as possible.”
Harper implored officials to view the event as a “protest” that couldn’t be stopped without violating the First Amendment. He said the $25 cost wasn’t for tickets, but for a “service fee” to subsidize the cost of necessary law enforcement.
Fremont Street Experience’s public relations representative Terri Maruca declined to comment.
According to the outdoor mall’s website, everyone must to wear masks at all times and stay 6 feet away from each other. Unlike past years, Thursday’s event will not include street performers or live music. But guests will be able to watch a light show, see the Slotzilla Zoomline and walk the corridor’s six blocks.
Clark County Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick told the task force she was concerned the event could push Las Vegas-area hospitals beyond capacity. In Clark County, 87% of licensed hospital beds - including 78% of ICU beds - were occupied as of Monday, the most recently available data.
Kirkpatrick said she worried it would be hospitals and their staff, rather than New Year’s Eve party-goers, who will pay the price for the event. While it does not fall under county jurisdiction, she said she planned to ask organizers to cut the size of the event to 7,000 and cancel the light show.
Las Vegas Metropolitan police Deputy Chief Kelly McMahill said at a Tuesday news conference that officers will not be enforcing Nevada’s mask mandate and or social distancing requirement on New Year’s Eve, but plan to ask pedestrians to comply.
“We welcome you to have a good time but we also don’t want to send ourselves back months in this pandemic where we have more and more people going to the hospital and we’re closing down the city,” McMahill said.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that Clark County’s Recovery Organization Enforcement Workgroup denied Fremont Street Experience a permit for its New Year’s Eve celebration, not the state Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
___
Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Joe Biden assures Americans that 'President-elect Harris' took COVID-19 vaccine

It ’ s Déjà vu for President-elect Joseph R. Biden , who referred to his running mate as the incoming @ @ @ @ @ 78-year-old Democrat raised eyebrows prior to election day for doing the same thing ; at @ @ @ @ @ to himself as a Senate candidate .
Ms. Harris also made a similar gaffe during @ @ @ @ @ a future “ Harris administration ” come 2021 .
“ I hope the president will @ @ @ @ @ Americans to take the vaccine once it ’ s available , ” Mr. Biden said @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I took it to instill public confidence in the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ today for the same reason.
” Tuesday ’ s gaffe once again sparked social media @ @ @ @ @ the plan was always to use Mr. Biden as a vessel to usher in a @ @ @ @ @

It’s President-elect Kamala Harris once again.
It’s Déjà vu for President-elect Joseph R. Biden, who referred to his running mate as the incoming commander-in-chief on Tuesday.
The 78-year-old Democrat raised eyebrows prior to Election Day for doing the same thing; at one time he also referred to himself as a Senate candidate.
Ms. Harris also made a similar gaffe during the campaign by talking about a future “Harris administration” come 2021.
“I hope the president will clearly and unambiguously urge all Americans to take the vaccine once it’s available,” Mr. Biden said during press conference commentary on the coronavirus pandemic. “I took it to instill public confidence in the vaccine. President-elect Harris took hers today for the same reason.”
Tuesday’s gaffe once again sparked social media chatter from critics who claim the plan was always to use Mr. Biden as a vessel to usher in a more politically extreme candidate.
Joe Biden again says the quiet part out loud: “President-elect Harris” pic.twitter.com/e6kSlwDlnr — Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) December 29, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Diddy providing some COVID-19 relief for Miami neighborhood

MIAMI ( AP ) - Rapper Sean “ Diddy ” Combs provided some coronavirus relief in a Miami neighborhood on @ @ @ @ @ 50 bills amid a crowd of hundreds .
He was joined by his children at @ @ @ @ @ help Overtown neighborhood residents facing economic hardship during the pandemic .
In addition to the @ @ @ @ @ supermarket gift cards and bags containing hygiene products also were handed out .
Diddy ’ @ @ @ @ @ working with music festival and nightlife organizer Michael Gardner and the local group Teens Exercising @ @ @ @ @ assistance for 175 families .
Diddy wore a clear face shield and black gloves as @ @ @ @ @ the crowd , greeting fans and families .

MIAMI (AP) - Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs provided some coronavirus relief in a Miami neighborhood on Tuesday, handing out $50 bills amid a crowd of hundreds.
He was joined by his children at the event set up to help Overtown neighborhood residents facing economic hardship during the pandemic.
In addition to the cash, $50 Publix supermarket gift cards and bags containing hygiene products also were handed out.
Diddy’s charitable foundation is also working with music festival and nightlife organizer Michael Gardner and the local group Teens Exercising Extraordinary Success to provide rental assistance for 175 families.
Diddy wore a clear face shield and black gloves as he worked his way through the crowd, greeting fans and families.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Young sea lion recovers from shark bite, returns to ocean

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - A feisty young sea lion is back in the Northern California wild after five @ @ @ @ @ a severe shark bite , domoic acid poisoning and malnutrition .
The Marine Mammal Center @ @ @ @ @ it had successfully released Jenya last week at Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands .
@ @ @ @ @ rescued from San Francisco ’ s Aquatic Park by Fisherman ’ s Wharf in November @ @ @ @ @ of a lethargic sea lion with a large left shoulder wound .
Jenya gained back @ @ @ @ @ once he had regained full motion and weight distribution on his left front flipper , @ @ @ @ @ Jenya ’ s road to recovery was one of the most inspiring patient cases I @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Emily Trumbull , veterinarian at The Marine Mammal Center .
The center @ @ @ @ @ hospital in the world and has cared for more than 440 seals and sea lions @ @ @

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A feisty young sea lion is back in the Northern California wild after five weeks of rehabilitation to treat a severe shark bite, domoic acid poisoning and malnutrition.
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito said Monday that it had successfully released Jenya last week at Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands.
The male sea lion was rescued from San Francisco’s Aquatic Park by Fisherman’s Wharf in November after the center received reports of a lethargic sea lion with a large left shoulder wound.
Jenya gained back 25 pounds and was released once he had regained full motion and weight distribution on his left front flipper, the center said.
“Jenya’s road to recovery was one of the most inspiring patient cases I’ve seen this year,” said Emily Trumbull, veterinarian at The Marine Mammal Center.
The center is the largest marine mammal hospital in the world and has cared for more than 440 seals and sea lions this year.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Family of suspect in Illinois shooting expresses condolences

ROCKFORD , Ill. ( AP ) - Family of a U.S. Army special forces sergeant charged in a deadly shooting at a northern Illinois bowling alley released a statement Tuesday extending their thoughts and prayers to victims and the wider community .
Duke Webb , 37 , faces three counts of murder for each person killed and three counts of first-degree attempted murder for each person injured in the Saturday night shooting at Don Carter Lanes , in Rockford , some 80 miles ( 130 kilometers ) northwest of Chicago .
“ We are shocked and saddened to learn of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a brief written statement .
“ The Webb family is grieving for all those involved .
We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to those impacted and the community of Rockford.
” Webb was taken into custody shortly after shooting and without officers firing a shot , Rockford Police Chief Dan O ’ Shea said Sunday .
He has no known ties to the victims and authorities “ believe this was a completely random act , ” O ’ Shea said .
At an initial hearing Monday , Duke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told the court her client may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder .
Webb joined the Army in 2008 and did multiple tours in Afghanistan , the Army said .
He was on leave Saturday .
Tuesday ’ s statement , released on the Webb family ’ s behalf by Sikeston , Missouri , -based attorney James M. McClellan , cited Webb ’ s military service , saying , “ Duke has served his country Honorably for twelve years in special forces as a Green Beret.
” Winnebago County State ’ s Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Rockford area visiting family .
He declined to comment on possible motives .
Those fatally shot were identified as Thomas Furseth , 65 ; Dennis Steinhoff , 73 ; and Jerome Woodfork , 69 .
The injured included Tyrone Lewis , 62 , as well as a 16-year-old girl , and a 14-year-old boy .
Fundraising programs have been established to assist those injured and the families of those killed , the Rockford Register Star reported .
A GoFundMe account has been set up and representatives of Rockford ’ s Miracle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts .
Webb , who was denied bond , is set to be arraigned on Feb. 16 .

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - Family of a U.S. Army special forces sergeant charged in a deadly shooting at a northern Illinois bowling alley released a statement Tuesday extending their thoughts and prayers to victims and the wider community.
Duke Webb, 37, faces three counts of murder for each person killed and three counts of first-degree attempted murder for each person injured in the Saturday night shooting at Don Carter Lanes, in Rockford, some 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Chicago.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of this tragedy,” the Webb family said in a brief written statement. “The Webb family is grieving for all those involved. We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to those impacted and the community of Rockford.”
Webb was taken into custody shortly after shooting and without officers firing a shot, Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea said Sunday. He has no known ties to the victims and authorities “believe this was a completely random act,” O’Shea said.
At an initial hearing Monday, Duke Webb’s lawyer, Elizabeth Bucko, told the court her client may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Webb joined the Army in 2008 and did multiple tours in Afghanistan, the Army said. He was on leave Saturday.
Tuesday’s statement, released on the Webb family’s behalf by Sikeston, Missouri,-based attorney James M. McClellan, cited Webb’s military service, saying, “Duke has served his country Honorably for twelve years in special forces as a Green Beret.”
Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley said Monday that Webb was in the Rockford area visiting family. He declined to comment on possible motives.
Those fatally shot were identified as Thomas Furseth, 65; Dennis Steinhoff, 73; and Jerome Woodfork, 69. The injured included Tyrone Lewis, 62, as well as a 16-year-old girl, and a 14-year-old boy.
Fundraising programs have been established to assist those injured and the families of those killed, the Rockford Register Star reported. A GoFundMe account has been set up and representatives of Rockford’s Miracle Mile business district have also announced fundraising efforts.
Webb, who was denied bond, is set to be arraigned on Feb. 16.


washingtontimes--2020-12-29--Derailed oil train cars removed north of Bellingham

BELLINGHAM , Wash. ( AP ) - Crews on Tuesday removed the train cars carrying crude oil that derailed north of Bellingham and near the Canadian border last week .
BNSF employees and contractors loaded the cars onto flatbed trucks for removal from the derailment site in Custer .
BNSF spokeswoman Courtney Wallace said all the cars would be removed on Tuesday .
She also confirmed Tuesday that ten cars of the tanker train hauling oil derailed on Dec. 22 , which was several more than previously reported .
Five cars caught fire , sending a large plume of black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Three cars were punctured and leaked oil .
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation by the FBI and Wallace said she had no new information about the investigation on Tuesday .
The derailment happened when the train was moving at about 7 mph , making it a low-speed derailment , she said .
Officials with the Department of Ecology also remain at the site with soil testing and remediation work to start this week , she said .
On Sunday , Ecology officials said on Twitter that crews were continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ed , spilling an unknown amount of crude oil onto the ground .

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) - Crews on Tuesday removed the train cars carrying crude oil that derailed north of Bellingham and near the Canadian border last week.
BNSF employees and contractors loaded the cars onto flatbed trucks for removal from the derailment site in Custer. BNSF spokeswoman Courtney Wallace said all the cars would be removed on Tuesday. She also confirmed Tuesday that ten cars of the tanker train hauling oil derailed on Dec. 22, which was several more than previously reported.
Five cars caught fire, sending a large plume of black smoke into the sky and prompting evacuations. Three cars were punctured and leaked oil.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation by the FBI and Wallace said she had no new information about the investigation on Tuesday. The derailment happened when the train was moving at about 7 mph, making it a low-speed derailment, she said.
Officials with the Department of Ecology also remain at the site with soil testing and remediation work to start this week, she said. On Sunday, Ecology officials said on Twitter that crews were continuing to remove oil from the site.
ed, spilling an unknown amount of crude oil onto the ground.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--China urges migrant workers not to travel home during February's Lunar New Year holiday to prevent f

BEIJING ( AP ) - China urges migrant workers not to travel home during February ’ s Lunar New Year @ @ @ @ @ spread .

BEIJING (AP) - China urges migrant workers not to travel home during February’s Lunar New Year holiday to prevent further virus spread.
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