washingtontimes--2020-08-28--US consumer spending rose a moderate 1.9% in July

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - U.S. consumers increased their spending by 1.9 % last month , a dose of support for an economy struggling to emerge from the grip of a pandemic that has held back a recovery and kept roughly 27 million people jobless .
The July gain marked the third straight monthly increase in consumer spending , the primary driver of the U.S. economy .
Friday ’ s report from the Commerce Department also showed that income rose 0.4 % in July after two months of declines .
The consumer spending report arrives amid a hazy economic landscape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deep uncertainty about when the health crisis will be solved and when people and companies will feel confident enough to spend and hire normally again .
It also comes weeks after the expiration of a $ 600-a-week federal unemployment benefit deprived millions of a key source of income and dimmed the outlook for consumer spending .
The economy , after a catastrophic fall in the April-June quarter , is likely expanding again .
Home and auto sales have been strong .
Stock prices have set record highs .
A persistently high level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries , especially those involved with travel , tourism and entertainment , and is holding back growth .
On Thursday , the government reported that roughly 1 million people applied for unemployment benefits last week - a historically high level that has prevailed for weeks .
The Conference Board , a business research group , reported this week that consumer confidence has tumbled to its lowest level since 2014 .
And in survey results released this week by the National Association for Business Economics , two-thirds of economists who were polled said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nearly half said they didn ’ t expect it to return to pre-pandemic levels until mid-2022 .

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. consumers increased their spending by 1.9% last month, a dose of support for an economy struggling to emerge from the grip of a pandemic that has held back a recovery and kept roughly 27 million people jobless.
The July gain marked the third straight monthly increase in consumer spending, the primary driver of the U.S. economy, but represented a slowdown from the previous two months. Friday’s report from the Commerce Department also showed that income rose 0.4% in July after two months of declines.
The consumer spending report arrives amid a hazy economic landscape, with high unemployment, struggling businesses and deep uncertainty about when the health crisis will be solved and when people and companies will feel confident enough to spend and hire normally again. It also comes weeks after the expiration of a $600-a-week federal unemployment benefit deprived millions of a key source of income and dimmed the outlook for consumer spending.
Real-time tracking data from JPMorgan Chase shows that credit and debit card spending had softened by early this month in states with high unemployment compared with states with lower unemployment. But Chase economists said they saw little sign that the expiration of the $600 benefit has so far caused any major economic setback. Chase said its tracker of growth in spending by 30 million Chase card holders compared with a year ago had actually risen slightly since the $600 benefit expired late last month.
But economists have warned of more severe consequences if Congress fails to resolve a political impasse and reinstate federal unemployment benefits.
“The steep decline in federal support for unemployed workers and heightened uncertainty will depress consumer confidence and spending and weigh on the broader economic recovery,” said Lydia Boussour, senior U.S. economist at Oxford Economics.
After enacting a massive financial rescue package in March, congressional Republicans and Democrats have failed to agree on allocating more aid to the unemployed and to struggling states and localities. President Donald Trump signed an executive order offering a stripped-down version of the unemployment benefit. At least 39 states have accepted or said that they would apply for federal grants that let them increase weekly benefits by $300 or $400. But it’s unclear how soon that money will actually get to people or how long it will last.
In the meantime, the economy, after a catastrophic fall in the April-June quarter, is likely expanding again. Home and auto sales have been strong. Stock prices have set record highs.
But a persistently high level of confirmed viral cases has damaged several industries, especially those involved with travel, tourism and entertainment, and is holding back growth. On Thursday, the government said roughly 1 million people applied for unemployment benefits last week - a historically high level that has prevailed for weeks.
The Conference Board, a business research group, reported this week that consumer confidence has tumbled to its lowest level since 2014. And in survey results released this week by the National Association for Business Economics, two-thirds of economists who were polled said they thought the economy remains in recession. Nearly half said they didn’t expect it to return to pre-pandemic levels until mid-2022.
On Thursday, the Federal Reserve announced a major change in how it manages interest rates by saying it plans to keep rates near zero even after inflation has exceeded its 2% target level to help support the economy. The change means that borrowing rates for households and businesses - for everything from auto loans and home mortgages to corporate expansion - will likely remain ultra-low for years to come. Behind the Fed’s thinking is a stubbornly low inflation rate that has long defied its efforts to raise it and a belief that an exceedingly low jobless rate is critically important for the economy and for individual Americans.
Friday’s spending report showed that the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge was up just 1% in July compared with a year ago - just half the Fed’s 2% target.
The 0.4% rise in personal incomes in July followed declines of 1% in June and 4.2% in May after a 12.2% surge in April. Those shifts reflected government support in the form of the unemployment aid and $1,200 stimulus checks that went to many households. This assistance was part of the $3 trillion in relief packages that Congress enacted in response to the tens of millions of jobs that vanished in the recession and the sudden loss of revenue for millions of businesses.
The portion of income made up of wages and salaries part of incomes rose 1.4% in July, lower than the May and June gains, while government support payments fell 1.7%.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Suspected impaired driver shot and killed after dragging Maryland trooper down I-95

A Maryland state trooper reportedly shot and killed a suspected impaired driver early Friday morning after the driver dragged the officer along the Interstate 95 highway in an attempt to avoid a traffic stop .
In a statement , the Maryland State Police explained that the driver was pulled over after being seen swerving across multiple lanes shortly after 2 a.m .
When one trooper reached into the vehicle to turn off the ignition , the driver took off down the interstate , dragging the officer more than 2,000 feet “ Preliminary information indicates the trooper continued to yell at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to , ” the police statement read .
“ Fearing for his life while being dragged by the vehicle , the trooper fired his agency issued pistol at the driver.
” The trooper was found by another officer on the center median of I-95 after being thrown from the vehicle .
The driver , an unidentified Hispanic male , was pronounced dead on the scene .
The incident is being investigated the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit , and officers have found multiple alcohol containers and a machete they say was within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both officers involved in the traffic stop have been put on administrative leave during the investigation , a procedure for the department in every trooper-involved shooting .

A Maryland state trooper reportedly shot and killed a suspected impaired driver early Friday morning after the driver dragged the officer along the I-95 highway in an attempt to avoid a traffic stop.
The driver was identified later Friday morning by police as 36-year-old Baltimore resident Julio Cesar Moran-Ruiz.
In a statement, the Maryland State Police explained that Mr. Ruiz was pulled over after being seen swerving across multiple lanes shortly after 2 a.m.
When the trooper reached into the vehicle to turn off the ignition, the driver took off down the highway, dragging the officer more than 2,000 feet.
“Preliminary information indicates the trooper continued to yell at the driver to stop, but he refused to,” the statement read. “Fearing for his life while being dragged by the vehicle, the trooper fired his agency issued pistol at the driver.”
The trooper was found by another officer on the center median of the I-95 after being thrown from the vehicle.
The incident is being investigated by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit.
Police say they found multiple alcohol containers in the vehicle and a machete under the driver’s seat.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Tanker stranded off Malta with migrants rescued 3 weeks ago

ROME ( AP ) - A tanker that rescued 27 migrants at Malta ’ s request three weeks ago , was still awaiting permission Friday to bring them to land , and supplies aboard were reportedly running low .
The Danish-flagged Maersk Etienne , operated by Maersk Tankers , took aboard the migrants , including a pregnant woman and a child , from their foundering small boat shortly before it sank , according to Danish Shipping , a trade and employer organization .
The Etienne crew has supplied the passengers with blankets , water and food while it anchors off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Malta , in the central Mediterranean , insists that fellow European Union nations pledge to take in rescued migrants before letting them disembark .
Relatively few EU nations offer to take the migrants while they apply for asylum .
Many of those rescued are economic migrants and generally aren ’ t eligible for asylum in Europe .
Many set sail for Europe ’ s southern shores in flimsy boats launched by human traffickers , many of whom are based in Libya .
Maersk Tankers said it had no additional information Friday about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately respond to a request about what , if any , cargo the Etienne has aboard .

ROME (AP) - A tanker that rescued 27 migrants at Malta’s request three weeks ago, was still awaiting permission Friday to bring them to land, and supplies aboard were reportedly running low.
The Danish-flagged Maersk Etienne, operated by Maersk Tankers, took aboard the migrants, including a pregnant woman and a child, from their foundering small boat shortly before it sank, according to Danish Shipping, a trade and employer organization.
The Etienne crew has supplied the passengers with blankets, water and food while it anchors off Malta’s coast.
Like Italy, Malta, in the central Mediterranean, insists that fellow European Union nations pledge to take in rescued migrants before letting them disembark. Relatively few EU nations offer to take the migrants while they apply for asylum. Many of those rescued are economic migrants and generally aren’t eligible for asylum in Europe.
Many set sail for Europe’s southern shores in flimsy boats launched by human traffickers, many of whom are based in Libya.
Maersk Tankers said it had no additional information Friday about the stalemate. It didn’t immediately respond to a request about what, if any, cargo the Etienne has aboard.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--US consumer spending rose 1.9% in July, a slowdown from previous 2 months as pandemic still weighs o

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - US consumer spending rose 1.9 % in July , a slowdown from previous 2 months @ @ @ @ @ economy .

WASHINGTON (AP) - US consumer spending rose 1.9% in July, a slowdown from previous 2 months as pandemic still weighs on economy.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--2 missing Tennessee girls found in Florida; mom arrested

MIAMI ( AP ) - Police in South Florida say they have found two young girls who had been missing from Memphis , Tennessee , for nearly a year , and arrested their 45-year-old mother .
Authorities said a search is underway for their 15-year-old brother .
On Tuesday , Biscayne Park police officers found a confused and barefoot girl wandering the streets .
She told them her name and the agency asked Miami-Dade police dispatchers if there was a missing persons case for anyone matching her description , the Miami Herald reported .
A local search came up empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which also found nothing .
The teen was turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families , who discovered she was kidnapped from Tennessee , police said .
The girl was not able to tell officers where she was running from or where she was being held , the newspaper reported .
But she did provide the color of the house in Biscayne Park where she had been staying , along with two numbers of the street address .
Police discovered she was not the only child missing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police she had two other siblings with her when she went missing and that they could be “ possible victims of human trafficking , ” the Herald reported .
Biscayne officers began researching the case and found an article from Memphis dated Sept. 22 , 2019 , that identified the missing girl , her siblings and her mother , who was also missing , police said .
The story said two girls - ages 12 and 9 - ran away from their foster home and may be with their mother and 15-year-old brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child services officials along with Miami-Dade and Biscayne Park police found the girl ’ s mother at a home in Biscayne Park .
She had an outstanding warrant for kidnapping out of Memphis , Tennessee , police said .
When authorities searched the home , they found a 9-year-old girl hiding in a closet .
Authorities did not find a boy .
Memphis police put out a missing-persons alert for the missing 15-year-old .
Biscayne Park police did not identify any of the children , but the ages do match those of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who remains missing .
The mother was arrested and taken to jail in Miami , where she ’ s being held on a out-of-state fugitive warrant .
The state attorney ’ s office and the Biscayne Park police are still investigating .

MIAMI (AP) - Police in South Florida say they have found two young girls who had been missing from Memphis, Tennessee, for nearly a year, and arrested their 45-year-old mother.
Authorities said a search is underway for their 15-year-old brother.
On Tuesday, Biscayne Park police officers found a confused and barefoot girl wandering the streets. She told them her name and the agency asked Miami-Dade police dispatchers if there was a missing persons case for anyone matching her description, the Miami Herald reported. A local search came up empty, and dispatchers did a national search, which also found nothing.
The teen was turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families, who discovered she was kidnapped from Tennessee, police said.
The girl was not able to tell officers where she was running from or where she was being held, the newspaper reported. But she did provide the color of the house in Biscayne Park where she had been staying, along with two numbers of the street address.
Police discovered she was not the only child missing in the Tennessee case. Child services officials told police she had two other siblings with her when she went missing and that they could be “possible victims of human trafficking,” the Herald reported.
Biscayne officers began researching the case and found an article from Memphis dated Sept. 22, 2019, that identified the missing girl, her siblings and her mother, who was also missing, police said.
The story said two girls - ages 12 and 9 - ran away from their foster home and may be with their mother and 15-year-old brother, police said.
On Wednesday, child services officials along with Miami-Dade and Biscayne Park police found the girl’s mother at a home in Biscayne Park. She had an outstanding warrant for kidnapping out of Memphis, Tennessee, police said.
When authorities searched the home, they found a 9-year-old girl hiding in a closet.
Authorities did not find a boy. Memphis police put out a missing-persons alert for the missing 15-year-old.
Biscayne Park police did not identify any of the children, but the ages do match those of the girls who were found and the boy who remains missing.
The mother was arrested and taken to jail in Miami, where she’s being held on a out-of-state fugitive warrant.
The state attorney’s office and the Biscayne Park police are still investigating.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Congolese Nobel Peace laureate Mukwege faces death threats

The United Nations human rights chief is calling for a quick investigation into death threats against Congolese Nobel Peace Prize @ @ @ @ @ Michelle Bachelet on Friday said Mukwege is a “ true hero ” for his work @ @ @ @ @ .
The doctor founded a hospital in eastern Congo that is renowned for its work @ @ @ @ @ .
“ His life seems to be at serious risk , ” she said of @ @ @ @ @ assassination attempt in 2012 and has faced death threats before .
U.N. human rights office @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s difficult to say at this point exactly who is behind these death @ @ @ @ @ Mukwege has repeatedly denounced human rights violations in Congo , adding : “ The threats @ @ @ @ @ advocacy .
”

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -
The United Nations human rights chief is calling for a quick investigation into death threats against Congolese Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege.
Michelle Bachelet on Friday said Mukwege is a “true hero” for his work as a human rights defender. The doctor founded a hospital in eastern Congo that is renowned for its work treating survivors of sexual violence.
“His life seems to be at serious risk,” she said of Mukwege, who survived an assassination attempt in 2012 and has faced death threats before.
U.N. human rights office spokesman Rupert Colville said “it’s difficult to say at this point exactly who is behind these death threats.”
He noted that Mukwege has repeatedly denounced human rights violations in Congo, adding: “The threats appear linked more to his advocacy.”
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has made a public commitment to ensure Mukwege’s security.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Police: Girl, 9, dies when bike hit by car in Jericho

JERICHO , Vt. ( AP ) - A 9-year-old girl on her bicycle was hit by a car and died @ @ @ @ @ Route 15 from a side road in Jericho , police said .
Police have not @ @ @ @ @ girl until her relatives can be notified .
She died just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday @ @ @ @ @ by a westbound car whose driver was unable to stop when she entered the roadway @ @ @ @ @ impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash .
The Vermont State Police @ @ @ @ @ to investigate .

JERICHO, Vt. (AP) - A 9-year-old girl on her bicycle was hit by a car and died after she rode onto Vermont Route 15 from a side road in Jericho, police said.
Police have not released the name of the girl until her relatives can be notified. She died just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
The girl was hit by a westbound car whose driver was unable to stop when she entered the roadway.
Police say speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash.
The Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is continuing to investigate.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Kansas City police investigate city's 134th homicide of year

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Investigators are looking for clues as to who shot a man @ @ @ @ @ in his car outside a Kansas City gas station , police said .
The shooting @ @ @ @ @ along Prospect Avenue blocks east of U.S. 71 , police said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds .
The man was take to a @ @ @ @ @ died .
Police have not released the victim ’ s name or age .
No @ @ @ @ @ the case by Friday morning .
Data kept by The Kansas City Star shows the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 134th homicide of the year , compared with 102 homicides by this time @ @ @

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Investigators are looking for clues as to who shot a man to death as he sat in his car outside a Kansas City gas station, police said.
The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Thursday along Prospect Avenue blocks east of U.S. 71, police said in a news release. Responding officers found a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was take to a hospital, where he later died.
Police have not released the victim’s name or age. No arrests had been reported in the case by Friday morning.
Data kept by The Kansas City Star shows the shooting death was the city’s 134th homicide of the year, compared with 102 homicides by this time last year.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--North Carolina jail officer accused of fighting inmate

CHARLOTTE , N.C. ( AP ) - A North Carolina jail officer has been arrested and fired after picking a fight with an inmate who threw a cup at him , according to the sheriff ’ s office .
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said Thursday that Darryl Shavers , the fired officer , had been arguing with the inmate , who then threw an empty paper cup at Shavers , The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday .
McFadden said Shavers , 33 , then initiated physical contact with the inmate , and while there were no additional details of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Shavers ’ conduct “ deeply disappointing.
” In addition , the sheriff ’ s office said in a news release that Shavers ’ written report about his “ application of force ” omitted details of the incident that were “ clearly captured on video.
” Shavers , who had worked for the sheriff ’ s office since June 5 , 2019 , was arrested on a charged of assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury .
He was fired on Thursday , but online records indicate he had not yet been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no word on the condition of the inmate involved .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina jail officer has been arrested and fired after picking a fight with an inmate who threw a cup at him, according to the sheriff’s office.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said Thursday that Darryl Shavers, the fired officer, had been arguing with the inmate, who then threw an empty paper cup at Shavers, The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday.
McFadden said Shavers, 33, then initiated physical contact with the inmate, and while there were no additional details of the confrontation on Aug. 20, the sheriff called Shavers’ conduct “deeply disappointing.”
In addition, the sheriff’s office said in a news release that Shavers’ written report about his “application of force” omitted details of the incident that were “clearly captured on video.”
Shavers, who had worked for the sheriff’s office since June 5, 2019, was arrested on a charged of assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury.
He was fired on Thursday, but online records indicate he had not yet been jailed as of Thursday afternoon. There was no word on the condition of the inmate involved.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Katrina to COVID: New Orleans' Black community pounded again

NEW ORLEANS ( AP ) - Levee breaches from Hurricane Katrina dumped six feet of water into the New Orleans home of Mary Duplessis and her husband in 2005 .
The house was uninhabitable .
Rebuilding meant piles of paperwork in a mountain of bureaucracy .
She didn ’ t return to the city for a year .
But as the 15th anniversary of the storm approaches , and as another monster storm narrowly missed the city , it ’ s not memories of Katrina that weigh on Duplessis ’ mind .
It ’ s the coronavirus .
The Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lagging behind white residents before Katrina , was pummeled by the Category 3 storm that made landfall Aug. 29 , 2005 and by the lengthy rebuilding process .
Images of residents , mostly Black , on top of roofs , cars and at the Superdome stadium became the most iconic of a storm that revealed to the world a city starkly divided into haves and have-nots .
Today , the city is still majority African American but has nearly 100,000 fewer Black residents than it did before Katrina .
Many couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than it did from Katrina , but in some ways , that ’ s happening with the coronavirus pandemic .
Data show New Orleans ’ Black residents dying at greater rates - a trend mirrored nationally - and finding themselves less able to bounce back economically .
After Katrina , Duplessis ’ husband , Barrett , was back at work as a Sheraton Hotel maintenance mechanic within weeks .
Now , he ’ s been out of work for nearly six months .
They visit food banks and use disability checks and retirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill with the virus in March , she said , was hospitalized for seven days .
The list of people she knows who ’ ve died of COVID-19 is growing - a sister-in-law , two close friends .
“ Every night I go to sleep , I say , ‘ Is it going to ever be the same ?
’ ” Duplessis said .
“ We don ’ t know when this is going to be over with.
” Black New Orleanians account for 60 % of the city ’ s population but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of June , according to a study by The Data Center , a New Orleans-area think tank .
Among contributing factors , the study found : African Americans are more likely to live in multigenerational homes where it ’ s harder to self-isolate , and a larger proportion fill essential jobs that potentially put them in contact with infected people .
“ My estimation of the COVID health and economic crisis is that it will be more severe on Black New Orleanians than Katrina was in terms of personal trauma , in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially the number of deaths at the end of the day , ” said Allison Plyer , of The Data Center .
For Doreen Ketchens , the pandemic is economically much tougher than Katrina .
When she isn ’ t touring the world for clarinet concerts , she ’ s playing in the French Quarter with her husband ( sousaphone ) and daughter ( drums ) .
After Katrina , she could travel for gigs around the country , but that ’ s not an option now .
A once-full calendar has dwindled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sees the virus ’ s racial disparities .
In one day , she lost her brother and a teacher .
It ’ s frustrating , she said : “ It ’ s only serious if you are Black or brown.
” A sign on downtown ’ s Joy Theater reads , “ Everything you love about New Orleans is because of Black people ” - a testament to the food , music , and parades that African Americans have created in the city .
But for the Black people who make up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaners , Frenchman Street musicians , line cooks - the work usually doesn ’ t meant wealth .
“ This is still the best tourist destination in the world , ” said Jay H. Banks , a Black City Council member .
“ People want to come here because of this magic .
But it certainly has not been of great benefit to the people that make the magic happen.
” Black and Hispanic workers fill a disproportionate share of hotel-industry jobs paying less than $ 15 hourly , while the relatively small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white staffers , a 2018 Data Center report found .
That ’ s amid soaring housing costs .
Rents increased 50 % from pre-Katrina amounts , a 2015 Housing NOLA report said .
Black residents have more trouble making rent , with over 60 % using at least a third of income on housing .
Renter Shaun Mills sees how the housing landscape has changed since Katrina - the double shotguns converted to single-family homes , rebuilt public housing with fewer units , pricey condos springing up .
Even before he lost his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar amid the pandemic , he said , he struggled .
“ The prices of your rent , the prices of the insurance , the living expenses , the food expenses .
Everything goes up year after year except for the pay , ” he said .
“ How can you expect a grown person to be able to provide for his family ?
” After Katrina , billions of recovery dollars flowed into the city , largely rebuilding structural damage .
Yet Black New Orleans families are hurting , advocates say .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ half the city ’ s Black children live in poverty , compared with 9 % of white children , The Data Center says .
Analysts do point to some gains - the 2016 Medicaid expansion improved health care access , and the jail population has dropped .
Mary and Barrett Duplessis have found firmer footing since Katrina but still lived month-to-month pre-pandemic .
When the virus hit , and Mary was hospitalized , Barrett was glued to his phone , awaiting updates .
When she came home , he was still so worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself sick .
Prayer has helped .
So has staying busy at home - their iron fence is now painted black and gold , for their beloved New Orleans Saints .
They try to help neighbors by giving milk or vegetables from food-bank visits .
Mary ’ s attention was briefly diverted to Hurricane Laura , as she worried the storm could make a last-minute shift toward New Orleans .
They were largely spared .
Meanwhile , the bills keep coming , including September ’ s $ 900 one for health care .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s one expense the Duplessises can ’ t drop .
“ I ’ m really scared of that COVID , ” Barrett said .
“ It scares me.
” Associated Press reporter Kevin McGill in New Orleans and researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed .

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Levee breaches from Hurricane Katrina dumped six feet of water into the New Orleans home of Mary Duplessis and her husband in 2005. The house was uninhabitable. Rebuilding meant piles of paperwork in a mountain of bureaucracy. She didn’t return to the city for a year.
But as the 15th anniversary of the storm approaches, and as another monster storm narrowly missed the city, it’s not memories of Katrina that weigh on Duplessis’ mind. It’s the coronavirus.
The Black community of New Orleans, already economically lagging behind white residents before Katrina, was pummeled by the Category 3 storm that made landfall Aug. 29, 2005 and by the lengthy rebuilding process. Images of residents, mostly Black, on top of roofs, cars and at the Superdome stadium became the most iconic of a storm that revealed to the world a city starkly divided into haves and have-nots.
Today, the city is still majority African American but has nearly 100,000 fewer Black residents than it did before Katrina. Many couldn’t imagine the community taking a bigger hit than it did from Katrina, but in some ways, that’s happening with the coronavirus pandemic. Data show New Orleans’ Black residents dying at greater rates - a trend mirrored nationally - and finding themselves less able to bounce back economically .
After Katrina, Duplessis’ husband, Barrett, was back at work as a Sheraton Hotel maintenance mechanic within weeks. Now, he’s been out of work for nearly six months. They visit food banks and use disability checks and retirement saving to get by.
She fell ill with the virus in March, she said, was hospitalized for seven days. The list of people she knows who’ve died of COVID-19 is growing - a sister-in-law, two close friends.
“Every night I go to sleep, I say, ‘Is it going to ever be the same?’” Duplessis said. “We don’t know when this is going to be over with.”
Black New Orleanians account for 60% of the city’s population but 77% of its coronavirus-related deaths as of June, according to a study by The Data Center, a New Orleans-area think tank. Among contributing factors, the study found: African Americans are more likely to live in multigenerational homes where it’s harder to self-isolate, and a larger proportion fill essential jobs that potentially put them in contact with infected people.
“My estimation of the COVID health and economic crisis is that it will be more severe on Black New Orleanians than Katrina was in terms of personal trauma, in terms of financial impact, in terms of potentially the number of deaths at the end of the day,” said Allison Plyer, of The Data Center.
For Doreen Ketchens, the pandemic is economically much tougher than Katrina. When she isn’t touring the world for clarinet concerts, she’s playing in the French Quarter with her husband (sousaphone) and daughter (drums). After Katrina, she could travel for gigs around the country, but that’s not an option now. A once-full calendar has dwindled to nothing.
Around her, she sees the virus’s racial disparities. In one day, she lost her brother and a teacher. It’s frustrating, she said: “It’s only serious if you are Black or brown.”
A sign on downtown’s Joy Theater reads, “Everything you love about New Orleans is because of Black people” - a testament to the food, music, and parades that African Americans have created in the city.
But for the Black people who make up the tourism industry’s backbone - hotel cleaners, Frenchman Street musicians, line cooks - the work usually hasn’t meant wealth.
“This is still the best tourist destination in the world,” said Jay H. Banks, a Black City Council member. “People want to come here because of this magic. But it certainly has not been of great benefit to the people that make the magic happen.”
Black and Hispanic workers fill a disproportionate share of hotel-industry jobs paying less than $15 hourly, while the relatively small number paying more are largely filled by white staffers, a 2018 Data Center report found.
That’s amid soaring housing costs. Rents increased 50% from pre-Katrina amounts, a 2015 Housing NOLA report said. Black residents have more trouble making rent, with over 60% using at least a third of income on housing.
Renter Shaun Mills sees how the housing landscape has changed since Katrina - the double shotguns converted to single-family homes, rebuilt public housing with fewer units, pricey condos springing up.
Even before he lost his line-cook job at Harrah’s sports bar amid the pandemic, he said, he struggled.
“The prices of your rent, the prices of the insurance, the living expenses, the food expenses. Everything goes up year after year except for the pay,” he said. “How can you expect a grown person to be able to provide for his family?”
After Katrina, billions of recovery dollars flowed into the city, largely rebuilding structural damage. Yet Black New Orleans families are hurting, advocates say. Black households earn significantly less. About half the city’s Black children live in poverty, compared with 9% of white children, The Data Center says. Analysts do point to some gains - the 2016 Medicaid expansion improved health care access, and the jail population has dropped.
Mary and Barrett Duplessis have found firmer footing since Katrina but still lived month-to-month pre-pandemic. When the virus hit, and Mary was hospitalized, Barrett was glued to his phone, awaiting updates. When she came home, he was still so worried that Mary feared he’d make himself sick.
Prayer has helped. So has staying busy at home - their iron fence is now painted black and gold, for their beloved New Orleans Saints. They try to help neighbors by giving milk or vegetables from food-bank visits. Mary’s attention was briefly diverted to Hurricane Laura, as she worried the storm could make a last-minute shift toward New Orleans. They were largely spared.
Meanwhile, the bills keep coming, including September’s $900 one for health care. As long as coronavirus is around, that’s one expense the Duplessises can’t drop.
“I’m really scared of that COVID,” Barrett said. “It scares me.”
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Associated Press reporter Kevin McGill in New Orleans and researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--UCI relaxes COVID-19 exclusion rules at Tour de France

Cycling ’ s governing body has relaxed its COVID-19 exclusion rules on the eve of the Tour de France opening stage following complaints from teams that feared their riders would be unduly excluded from the race .
After meeting with team officials , the UCI said Friday that a team won ’ t be automatically sent home if two of its riders test positive for the virus as was initially planned .
According to the revised protocol , it will be up to Tour de France organizers to decide whether to throw a whole team out of the race .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more riders from the same team testing positive for COVID-19 within a period of seven days at a Grand Tour , the UCI will give the event organiser authorisation to announce the withdrawal of the team for health reasons , ” the UCI said .
Four staff members of the Belgian team Lotto-Soudal were sent home Thursday after “ non-negative ” coronavirus tests .
The team said a mechanic and a member of the rider support staff returned “ one positive and one suspicious result.
” Both left the race bubble along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest revisions “ come from the desire to optimise the interpretation of a positive viral diagnostic test and confirm that it indeed corresponds with a recent coronavirus infection.
” In case of a positive result , the UCI also urged organizers to “ do everything possible ” to perform a retest and a blood analysis before the next stage .
“ These complementary examinations will be a very useful additional element in the global medical assessment , which will make it possible to evaluate the contagious character or not of the rider ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The measure is aimed at avoiding false positive tests that could rule out healthy riders .
The UCI said team members who test positive during the race will be isolated and will have to leave if a second test can not be performed in time .
German team Bora-Hansgrohe was among those who expressed concern after one if its riders first tested positive and then tested negative Tuesday , prompting the withdrawal of its entire squad from the one-day Bretagne Classic race .
Initially , the Tour ’ s COVID-19 protocol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two or more of their riders or staff tested positive for the virus within a seven-day span .
“ The adjustments made today to the UCI protocol have enabled us to find the right balance between the legitimate concerns of teams faced with the risk of exclusion and the vital preservation of the peloton ’ s health , ” UCI President David Lappartient said .

Cycling’s governing body has relaxed the Tour de France’s COVID-19 exclusion rules on the eve of the race’s opening stage following complaints from teams that feared their riders would be unfairly excluded from the race.
After meeting with team officials, the UCI said Friday that a team won’t be automatically sent home if two of its riders test positive for the virus within a period of seven days as was initially planned. According to the revised protocol, it will be up to Tour de France organizers to decide whether to throw a whole team out of the race.
Tour director Christian Prudhomme said later Friday he was still waiting for French authorities to decide whether to allow organizers any leeway in making such decisions.
“In the case of two or more riders from the same team testing positive for COVID-19 within a period of seven days at a Grand Tour, the UCI will give the event organiser authorisation to announce the withdrawal of the team for health reasons,” the UCI said.
Initially, the Tour’s COVID-19 protocol stipulated that teams would be expelled if two or more of their riders or staff tested positive for the virus within a seven-day span. Under the new rules that will also be implemented at the Spanish Vuelta and Giro d’Italia, staff members will not be counted.
Speaking with reporters, UCI president David Lappartient said the new protocol is different from the one devised by Tour organizers ASO, but stringent enough.
“We also told the teams that they have to be strict,” he said. “We want the Tour de France to start, but we want the Tour de France to finish. That’s the goal for all of us.”
Four staff members of the Belgian team Lotto-Soudal were sent home Thursday after “non-negative” coronavirus tests. The team said a mechanic and a member of the rider support staff returned “one positive and one suspicious result.” Both left the race bubble along with their roommates.
The UCI said the latest revisions “come from the desire to optimise the interpretation of a positive viral diagnostic test and confirm that it indeed corresponds with a recent coronavirus infection.”
In case of a positive result, the UCI also urged organizers to “do everything possible” to perform a retest and a blood analysis before the next stage.
“These complementary examinations will be a very useful additional element in the global medical assessment, which will make it possible to evaluate the contagious character or not of the rider (or team member),” it said.
The measure is aimed at avoiding false positive tests that could rule out healthy riders.
The UCI said team members who test positive during the race will be isolated and will have to leave if a second test cannot be performed in time.
Tour organizers have set up a mobile coronavirus lab that can produce results in two hours and handle 50 tests a day on race days. However, Prudhomme said he can’t guarantee a rider will be given the additional tests before he is removed from the race following an initial positive result.
German team Bora-Hansgrohe was among those who expressed concern after one if its riders first tested positive and then tested negative Tuesday, prompting the withdrawal of its entire squad from the one-day Bretagne Classic race.
“The adjustments made today to the UCI protocol have enabled us to find the right balance between the legitimate concerns of teams faced with the risk of exclusion and the vital preservation of the peloton’s health,” Lappartient said.
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AP Sports writer John Leicester contributed to this story.
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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Authorities: Thief steals car with sleeping toddler inside

DAYTON , Ohio ( AP ) - A toddler who was sleeping in the backseat of a car stolen from @ @ @ @ @ found unharmed when a passing motorist spotted her strapped in her car seat in some @ @ @ @ @ a city street , authorities said .
The car was stolen around 4:30 p.m. Thursday @ @ @ @ @ father stopped at the station to use an ATM .
The thief drove off , @ @ @ @ @ in the backseat , authorities said .
The child was found about 30 minutes and @ @ @ @ @ family .
The car thief remained at large Friday .
The stolen vehicle has not @ @ @

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - A toddler who was sleeping in the backseat of a car stolen from a Dayton gas station was found unharmed when a passing motorist spotted her strapped in her car seat in some brush along the side of a city street, authorities said.
The car was stolen around 4:30 p.m. Thursday when the child’s father stopped at the station to use an ATM. The thief drove off, apparently unaware the child was in the backseat, authorities said.
The child was found about 30 minutes and was soon reunited with her family.
The car thief remained at large Friday. The stolen vehicle has not been recovered.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Tohono O'odham Nation: Officer killed in Arizona was beloved

TUCSON , Ariz. ( AP ) - The Tohono O ’ odham community is mourning the loss of a veteran police officer who was killed Thursday by a suspect who authorities say stole his patrol vehicle and ran him over with it .
The tribal nation released a statement Friday evening saying Officer Bryan Brown dedicated his life to his country and his community .
“ We are grateful for his selfless dedication to serving and protecting our communities .
His commitment made us all safer , ” Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said in the statement .
According to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown had responded to a call at a casino near Why , Arizona , when he encountered Carlos Maximilliano Galvan .
Police allege Galvan stole Brown ’ s patrol car , left , hit a Border Patrol vehicle and came back , striking Brown with the car .
Galvan faces murder and assault charges in federal court .
He told investigators he was high on meth and had been awake for days .
Brown , whose age was not released , was born in Washington state and served in the U.S. Army for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years .
He had been a Tohono O ’ odham police officer for 19 years and had served as a school resource officer for the last 10 .
Brown was “ much loved by students , parents and faculty , ” according to the Tohono O ’ odham statement .
Brown is survived by his wife , seven children , four stepchildren , eight grandchildren , seven siblings and his father .

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The Tohono O’odham community is mourning the loss of a veteran police officer who was killed Thursday by a suspect who authorities say stole his patrol vehicle and ran him over with it.
The tribal nation released a statement Friday evening saying Officer Bryan Brown dedicated his life to his country and his community.
“We are grateful for his selfless dedication to serving and protecting our communities. His commitment made us all safer,” Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said in the statement.
According to a report by the Arizona Daily Star, Brown had responded to a call at a casino near Why, Arizona, when he encountered Carlos Maximilliano Galvan.
Police allege Galvan stole Brown’s patrol car, left, hit a Border Patrol vehicle and came back, striking Brown with the car.
Galvan faces murder and assault charges in federal court. He told investigators he was high on meth and had been awake for days.
Brown, whose age was not released, was born in Washington state and served in the U.S. Army for eight years and as a civilian for three years.
He had been a Tohono O’odham police officer for 19 years and had served as a school resource officer for the last 10.
Brown was “much loved by students, parents and faculty,” according to the Tohono O’odham statement.
Brown is survived by his wife, seven children, four stepchildren, eight grandchildren, seven siblings and his father.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Judge agrees to free Chinese researcher in visa fraud case

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - A federal judge in California agreed Friday to release from jail a university researcher accused of lying about her ties to China ’ s military and Communist Party to gain access to the United States .
“ You ’ re getting a huge break here , ” U.S. Magistrate Judge Kendall Newman told Dr. Juan Tang during a Sacramento hearing , the Sacramento Bee reported .
Kendall said he was willing to allow Tang to be housed with a Chinese emigre who doesn ’ t know the woman but offered to put up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Bee said .
It could take until late next week to complete the paperwork for the bond .
Tang might yet be denied freedom from jail because the prosecutor is expected to ask another federal judge to review the decision , the paper said .
The former Chinese cancer researcher at the University of California Davis is charged with visa fraud .
She has been held without bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail since July 23 .
Tang falsely claimed to have no ties to China ’ s People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Communist Party , authorities contend .
She was preparing to return to China in June when FBI agents showed up at her door to question her .
They seized her passport .
She was considered a fugitive after fleeing to the Chinese consulate in San Francisco for a month .
Tang was arrested by FBI agents when she left the consulate to visit a doctor , authorities said .
Tang is one of several Chinese researchers working at American universities who have faced criminal charges .
A University of California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with destroying evidence in a federal investigation , authorities said Friday .
Guan Lei , 29 , of Alhambra , was charged with one federal count for allegedly throwing a destroyed hard drive into a dumpster outside of his apartment in order to thwart an FBI investigation of the researcher that began in July , according to an FBI affidavit filed with the criminal complaint earlier this week .
Guan is under investigation for the possible transfer of “ sensitive software or technical data ” to China ’ s military and its National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the affidavit .
The university is “ suspected of procuring U.S.-origin items to develop supercomputers with nuclear explosive applications , ” according to the affidavit .
The complaint said Guan also is being investigated for allegedly falsely denying his association with the Chinese military on his 2018 visa application .
Guan “ later admitted that he had participated in military training and wore military uniforms ” while at the National University of Defense Technology , according to the affidavit .
Guan is scheduled to be arraigned next month .
It wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who could speak on his behalf .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A federal judge in California agreed Friday to release from jail a university researcher accused of lying about her ties to China’s military and Communist Party to gain access to the United States.
“You’re getting a huge break here,” U.S. Magistrate Judge Kendall Newman told Dr. Juan Tang during a Sacramento hearing, the Sacramento Bee reported.
Kendall said he was willing to allow Tang to be housed with a Chinese emigre who doesn’t know the woman but offered to put up $750,000 in home equity as bond, the Bee said.
It could take until late next week to complete the paperwork for the bond. Tang might yet be denied freedom from jail because the prosecutor is expected to ask another federal judge to review the decision, the paper said.
The former Chinese cancer researcher at the University of California Davis is charged with visa fraud. She has been held without bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail since July 23.
Tang falsely claimed to have no ties to China’s People’s Liberation Army-Air Force or the country’s Communist Party, authorities contend.
She was preparing to return to China in June when FBI agents showed up at her door to question her. They seized her passport. She was considered a fugitive after fleeing to the Chinese consulate in San Francisco for a month.
Tang was arrested by FBI agents when she left the consulate to visit a doctor, authorities said.
Tang is one of several Chinese researchers working at American universities who have faced criminal charges.
A University of California, Los Angeles researcher from China was charged with destroying evidence in a federal investigation, authorities said Friday.
Guan Lei, 29, of Alhambra, was charged with one federal count for allegedly throwing a destroyed hard drive into a dumpster outside of his apartment in order to thwart an FBI investigation of the researcher that began in July, according to an FBI affidavit filed with the criminal complaint earlier this week.
Guan is under investigation for the possible transfer of “sensitive software or technical data” to China’s military and its National University of Defense Technology, according to the affidavit.
The university is “suspected of procuring U.S.-origin items to develop supercomputers with nuclear explosive applications,” according to the affidavit.
The complaint said Guan also is being investigated for allegedly falsely denying his association with the Chinese military on his 2018 visa application.
Guan “later admitted that he had participated in military training and wore military uniforms” while at the National University of Defense Technology, according to the affidavit.
Guan is scheduled to be arraigned next month. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--US now using several hotel chains to detain migrant children

HOUSTON ( AP ) - The U.S. government has detained children at several major hotel chains - more than previously known - during the coronavirus pandemic instead of transferring them to government-funded shelters , according to new data released Friday .
Since March , the Trump administration has used hotels to hold at least 660 children , most unaccompanied by a parent , before expelling them to their countries of origin .
The administration said it can not allow children to stay in the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic , though opponents of U.S. immigration policy contend that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deny access to asylum or other protections in federal law .
The hotels don ’ t provide the same schooling , legal services , and counseling as shelters , and allegations of mistreatment have already emerged .
A Haitian family said contractors at one border hotel told them to feed ice to their 1-year-old daughter in case their temperatures were checked as a screening for COVID-19 .
Immigration authorities denied the use of ice to circumvent screening measures .
Three Hampton Inn & Suites hotels in Phoenix and two Texas cities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of the stays up to the end of July , according to the data published Friday in federal court filings .
After the Associated Press first reported the three Hampton Inns were detention sites , Hilton said it expected all of its properties “ to reject business that would use a hotel in this way.
” Hilton owns the Hampton Inn brand , though the three properties are franchises .
But other Hilton hotels have also been used to detain children since March , the data shows .
So have properties at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inc. , which was previously unknown .
A Homewood Suites in San Antonio held 12 children and an Embassy Suites in San Antonio held 10 .
A DoubleTree hotel in Houston was also used twice .
All of those brands are owned by Hilton , which spokesman Nigel Glennie on Friday noted had “ no current information ” that children were being detained at its properties .
Hilton has reached out to immigration authorities to reiterate its opposition to its rooms being used to detain children , Glennie said .
The Courtyard by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was used to detain 55 children .
According to the data , many of the children were held there in July , though it ’ s unclear whether those bookings increased after the Hampton Inn near the same airport vowed to reject child detention .
A TownePlace Suites in Alexandria , Louisiana , was used for 17 children .
Alexandria is a major hub for deportation flights operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
Another 13 children total were detained at four other Marriott properties in San Antonio and McAllen , Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the company last month issued a policy “ making it clear that properties should decline any requests to use our hotels as detention facilities.
” “ If the government is making reservations through a third party , it becomes more challenging for hotels to identify the type of business that is being booked , ” Kim said , adding that the company was reviewing the specific bookings revealed in the data .
A Comfort Suites hotel in Alexandria was used 12 times .
Choice Hotels , which owns the Comfort Suites brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used for detention and was investigating .
All told , at least 25 hotels and motels have been used since March to detain children , according to the data .
The majority were used to hold fewer than 10 children .
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to comment on the data Friday , citing pending litigation , which includes a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union challenging hotel detention .
The contractor MVM , Inc. , which has a multimillion-dollar contract to transport and detain children in hotels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department has fought oversight of hotel detention in court , arguing the hotels fall outside a long-running court settlement known as the Flores agreement that governs the treatment of immigrant children in U.S. custody .
The U.S. government provides data on where it detains children as part of the settlement .
Melissa Adamson , an attorney with the National Center for Youth Law , said there were “ incredible inconsistencies ” in the latest data , with children listed in one set of documents not appearing in the other .
Advocates said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deported from the United States in secret to countries where they fled danger .
“ If they ’ re missing kids from either data set , are we missing kids entirely ?
We don ’ t know , ” she said .

HOUSTON (AP) - The U.S. government has detained children at several major hotel chains - more than previously known - during the coronavirus pandemic instead of transferring them to government-funded shelters, according to new data released Friday.
Since March, the Trump administration has used hotels to hold at least 660 children, most unaccompanied by a parent, before expelling them to their countries of origin. The administration said it cannot allow children to stay in the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic, though opponents of U.S. immigration policy contend that the pandemic is being used as a pretext to deny access to asylum or other protections in federal law.
The hotels don’t provide the same schooling, legal services, and counseling as shelters, and allegations of mistreatment have already emerged. A Haitian family said contractors at one border hotel told them to feed ice to their 1-year-old daughter in case their temperatures were checked as a screening for COVID-19. Immigration authorities denied the use of ice to circumvent screening measures.
Three Hampton Inn & Suites hotels in Phoenix and two Texas cities, El Paso and McAllen, comprise the majority of the stays up to the end of July, according to the data published Friday in federal court filings. After the Associated Press first reported the three Hampton Inns were detention sites, Hilton said it expected all of its properties “to reject business that would use a hotel in this way.” Hilton owns the Hampton Inn brand, though the three properties are franchises.
But other Hilton hotels have also been used to detain children since March, the data shows. So have properties at Marriott International Inc. and Choice Hotels International Inc., which was previously unknown.
A Homewood Suites in San Antonio held 12 children and an Embassy Suites in San Antonio held 10. A DoubleTree hotel in Houston was also used twice.
All of those brands are owned by Hilton, which spokesman Nigel Glennie on Friday noted had “no current information” that children were being detained at its properties. Hilton has reached out to immigration authorities to reiterate its opposition to its rooms being used to detain children, Glennie said.
The Courtyard by Marriott hotel near the El Paso airport was used to detain 55 children. According to the data, many of the children were held there in July, though it’s unclear whether those bookings increased after the Hampton Inn near the same airport vowed to reject child detention.
A TownePlace Suites in Alexandria, Louisiana, was used for 17 children. Alexandria is a major hub for deportation flights operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Another 13 children total were detained at four other Marriott properties in San Antonio and McAllen, Texas.
Marriott spokeswoman Connie Kim said Friday that the company last month issued a policy “making it clear that properties should decline any requests to use our hotels as detention facilities.”
“If the government is making reservations through a third party, it becomes more challenging for hotels to identify the type of business that is being booked,” Kim said, adding that the company was reviewing the specific bookings revealed in the data.
A Comfort Suites hotel in Alexandria was used 12 times. Choice Hotels, which owns the Comfort Suites brand, said it also opposed its rooms being used for detention and was investigating.
All told, at least 25 hotels and motels have been used since March to detain children, according to the data. The majority were used to hold fewer than 10 children.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to comment on the data Friday, citing pending litigation, which includes a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union challenging hotel detention. The contractor MVM, Inc., which has a multimillion-dollar contract to transport and detain children in hotels, has refused to comment.
The Justice Department has fought oversight of hotel detention in court, arguing the hotels fall outside a long-running court settlement known as the Flores agreement that governs the treatment of immigrant children in U.S. custody. The U.S. government provides data on where it detains children as part of the settlement.
Melissa Adamson, an attorney with the National Center for Youth Law, said there were “incredible inconsistencies” in the latest data, with children listed in one set of documents not appearing in the other. Advocates said they have long worried children are being detained and deported from the United States in secret to countries where they fled danger.
“If they’re missing kids from either data set, are we missing kids entirely? We don’t know,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Trump administration allows deferral of Social Security tax

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - The Trump administration on Friday allowed employers to suspend collection of some Social Security taxes , although business groups don ’ t like the idea and it may create political headaches for Republicans .
Democrats are already saying it would undermine retirement benefits .
The Treasury Department guidance came late in the day , less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention and a speech by President Donald Trump in which he promised to protect Social Security and Medicare .
It allows employers to offer their workers a temporary deferral of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the Social Security Trust Fund for the rest of this year .
The taxes owed would not be forgiven , and instead would come due in 2021 .
It ’ s unclear how many employers will take the option , since implementing it would involve additional effort and expenses on their part .
“ The guidance allows employers to defer withholding and paying the employee ’ s portion of the Social Security payroll tax if the employee ’ s wages are below a certain amount , ” Treasury said in a terse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 104,000 a year .
Trump had ordered the tax deferral in early August after Congress deadlocked on the latest coronavirus relief bill .
The president argues more money in workers ’ pockets for the rest of this year will translate to a boost for the economy .
But major business groups traditionally allied with the White House called the idea unworkable for employers and unfair to workers .
Employers wanted to avoid the hassle of having to collect the deferred taxes later on from their workers .
An analysis by the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worker making $ 75,000 a year would get nearly $ 179 more every two weeks through the rest of this year .
But that same worker would owe about $ 1,610 next year .
A worker making $ 35,000 would get about $ 83 more biweekly the rest of this year , and owe just over $ 750 next year .
More than 30 business groups urged the Trump administration to make it optional for employers to offer workers the tax deferral .
Either that , they said , or Congress should permanently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to tinker with Social Security .
Regardless of the practical impact of Treasury ’ s action , it appears Social Security will be thrust into the election maelstrom .
Trump has also teased that if he ’ s reelected he would press for a permanent cut in Social Security taxes .
Although the president argues it will help revive an economy battered by the coronavirus , many economists disagree .
“ At the end of the year , the assumption that I win , I ’ m going to terminate the payroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the great economists would like to see done , ” Trump told reporters earlier this month , adding that “ tremendous growth ” in the U.S. will cover the costs of Social Security .
“ We ’ ll be paying into Social Security through the general fund.
” White House aides insist that Trump is only referring to permanently forgiving the taxes that would be deferred this year , but the president himself has repeatedly indicated he has much bigger ideas in mind .
As a candidate in 2016 , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicare , and Democrats say he has now abandoned that promise .
“ He is defunding Social Security and breaking his promise - it ’ s staring us in the face , ” said Rep. John Larson , D-Conn. , who chairs a subcommittee that oversees the program .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has joined the criticism .
While the president has the authority to defer collection of the tax in a national emergency , only Congress can forgive the amounts owed .
Trump directed Mnuchin to work with lawmakers to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation would repay the Social Security Trust Fund as well .
But congressional Republicans have shown little interest in the idea .
Many economists say the policy is dubious .
While it would put more money in workers ’ pockets , people might not spend it if they ’ re afraid the government will ask for it back .
Also , a payroll tax deferral benefits those who are working , not the unemployed going without a $ 600 weekly benefit from the federal government that has lapsed .
The White House says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ironclad .

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration on Friday allowed employers to suspend collection of some Social Security taxes, although business groups don’t like the idea and it may create political headaches for Republicans. Democrats are already saying it would undermine retirement benefits.
The Treasury Department guidance came late in the day, less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention and a speech by President Donald Trump in which he promised to protect Social Security and Medicare.
It allows employers to offer their workers a temporary deferral of the 6.2% payroll tax employees pay into the Social Security Trust Fund for the rest of this year. The taxes owed would not be forgiven, and instead would come due in 2021.
It’s unclear how many employers will take the option, since implementing it would involve additional effort and expenses on their part.
“The guidance allows employers to defer withholding and paying the employee’s portion of the Social Security payroll tax if the employee’s wages are below a certain amount,” Treasury said in a terse press release. The earnings cutoff is $104,000 a year.
Trump had ordered the tax deferral in early August after Congress deadlocked on the latest coronavirus relief bill. The president argues more money in workers’ pockets for the rest of this year will translate to a boost for the economy.
But major business groups traditionally allied with the White House called the idea unworkable for employers and unfair to workers. Employers wanted to avoid the hassle of having to collect the deferred taxes later on from their workers.
An analysis by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that a hypothetical worker making $75,000 a year would get nearly $179 more every two weeks through the rest of this year. But that same worker would owe about $1,610 next year. A worker making $35,000 would get about $83 more biweekly the rest of this year, and owe just over $750 next year.
More than 30 business groups urged the Trump administration to make it optional for employers to offer workers the tax deferral. Either that, they said, or Congress should permanently forgive repayment. But lawmakers have little desire to tinker with Social Security.
Separately, AARP wrote Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to express concerns.
Regardless of the practical impact of Treasury’s action, it appears Social Security will be thrust into the election maelstrom.
Trump has also teased that if he’s reelected he would press for a permanent cut in Social Security taxes. Although the president argues it will help revive an economy battered by the coronavirus, many economists disagree.
“At the end of the year, the assumption that I win, I’m going to terminate the payroll tax, which is another thing that some of the great economists would like to see done,” Trump told reporters earlier this month, adding that “tremendous growth” in the U.S. will cover the costs of Social Security. “We’ll be paying into Social Security through the general fund.”
White House aides insist that Trump is only referring to permanently forgiving the taxes that would be deferred this year, but the president himself has repeatedly indicated he has much bigger ideas in mind.
As a candidate in 2016, Trump promised not to cut Social Security and Medicare, and Democrats say he has now abandoned that promise.
“He is defunding Social Security and breaking his promise - it’s staring us in the face,” said Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., who chairs a subcommittee that oversees the program. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has joined the criticism.
While the president has the authority to defer collection of the tax in a national emergency, only Congress can forgive the amounts owed. Trump directed Mnuchin to work with lawmakers to secure that goal. Administration officials say any legislation would repay the Social Security Trust Fund as well.
But congressional Republicans have shown little interest in the idea.
Many economists say the policy is dubious. While it would put more money in workers’ pockets, people might not spend it if they’re afraid the government will ask for it back. Also, a payroll tax deferral benefits those who are working, not the unemployed going without a $600 weekly benefit from the federal government that has lapsed.
The White House says Trump’s commitment to Social Security is ironclad.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--NYC tenants say they were misled into RNC video appearance

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Three of the four residents of New York City public housing whose criticisms of Mayor Bill de Blasio were used in a video at the Republican National Convention said they were never told their comments were to be showcased in that manner .
The New York Times reported Friday that Claudia Perez , Carmen Quinones and Manny Martinez didn ’ t know that their comments from an interview with Lynne Patton were going to be used in support of President Donald Trump .
Quinones , a Democrat , told the Times that Patton - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Housing and Urban Development - had called her and asked her to bring together some people to speak about the city ’ s housing authority and their concerns , but that she was never told it would be part of the convention .
In the almost 2 1/2-minute video , four tenants are interspersed with clips of Trump and de Blasio .
The tenants are heard criticizing the New York City mayor and praising the Trump administration ’ s efforts .
Perez told the Times she meant what she said about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was angry about being tricked into appearing in a convention video .
“ I am not a Trump supporter , ” she said .
“ I am not a supporter of his racist policies on immigration .
I am a first-generation Honduran .
It was my people he was sending back.
” The fourth person in the video was not mentioned in the Times ’ story .
On Twitter , Patton pushed back strongly against the idea the residents had been tricked , and condemned the Times , saying the reporter “ refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call w/me & the residents to set the record straight.
” She said each resident was on tape in unaired portions thanking Trump for “ the ‘ RNC platform ’ to highlight inhumane conditions and improvements ” under this administration .
She said she showed the video prior to airing and was “ told by them that it was ‘ amazing ’ and ‘ wholly accurate.
’ ” The federal Hatch Act prohibits certain government employees from using their official positions for political activities .
In a statement to the Times , Patton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video .
On Thursday night , de Blasio ’ s press secretary , Bill Neidhardt , criticized the video on Twitter .
“ After decades of disinvestment , Mayor de Blasio has made historic investments in NYCHA , ” he said .
“ But at least this much is true : The Mayor lives rent free in Trump ’ s head .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - Three of the four residents of New York City public housing whose criticisms of Mayor Bill de Blasio were used in a video at the Republican National Convention said they were never told their comments were to be showcased in that manner.
The New York Times reported Friday that Claudia Perez, Carmen Quinones and Manny Martinez didn’t know that their comments from an interview with Lynne Patton were going to be used in support of President Donald Trump.
Quinones, a Democrat, told the Times that Patton - a Trump administration appointee with the Department of Housing and Urban Development - had called her and asked her to bring together some people to speak about the city’s housing authority and their concerns, but that she was never told it would be part of the convention.
In the almost 2 1/2-minute video, four tenants are interspersed with clips of Trump and de Blasio. The tenants are heard criticizing the New York City mayor and praising the Trump administration’s efforts.
Perez told the Times she meant what she said about the New York City Housing Authority, but was angry about being tricked into appearing in a convention video.
“I am not a Trump supporter,” she said. “I am not a supporter of his racist policies on immigration. I am a first-generation Honduran. It was my people he was sending back.”
The fourth person in the video was not mentioned in the Times’ story.
On Twitter, Patton pushed back strongly against the idea the residents had been tricked, and condemned the Times, saying the reporter “refused multiple requests to have a joint conference call w/me & the residents to set the record straight.”
She said each resident was on tape in unaired portions thanking Trump for “the ‘RNC platform’ to highlight inhumane conditions and improvements” under this administration.
She said she showed the video prior to airing and was “told by them that it was ‘amazing’ and ‘wholly accurate.’”
The federal Hatch Act prohibits certain government employees from using their official positions for political activities. In a statement to the Times, Patton said the White House had cleared the video.
On Thursday night, de Blasio’s press secretary, Bill Neidhardt, criticized the video on Twitter.
“After decades of disinvestment, Mayor de Blasio has made historic investments in NYCHA,” he said. “But at least this much is true: The Mayor lives rent free in Trump’s head.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--California prison chief retires amid virus, protest pressure

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California ’ s corrections secretary is retiring after two years in a job that Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Friday said involved “ unparalleled challenges ” - most recently coronavirus outbreaks that swept state prisons and led to calls for new leadership amid increasing social pressure to ease mass incarceration .
Ralph Diaz will retire Oct. 1 after 30 years with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation .
The governor praised Diaz for overseeing “ incredible transformation as well as unparalleled challenges ” and said he had “ truly met the moment.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been far more critical , particularly after a botched transfer of inmates from a Southern California prison spread the coronavirus throughout San Quentin State Prison near San Francisco .
Twenty-six inmates and a correctional sergeant have since died there , and more than 2,200 inmates and 276 staff were infected at the peak of the outbreak .
Assemblyman Marc Levine on Friday called the outbreak at state prisons “ a preventable public health disaster and a failure of the department ’ s leadership at the highest level , ” leading to the deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ These infections and deaths are inexcusable , ” he said , calling for “ new leadership ” and expressing the hope that Allison ’ s background in health care “ will help her prioritize the public health needs of CDCR staff and incarcerated persons across California.
” State Sen. Mike McGuire last month also called the outbreak “ a failure of leadership ” but did not comment Friday .
Both are Democrats , like Newsom , and represent the San Quentin area .
Protesters calling for widespread inmate releases to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently held vigils outside the homes of both Diaz and Newsom .
Newsom ’ s announcement said Diaz had “ worked tirelessly ” to ease prison virus outbreaks , noting the number of infections is now at its lowest level since late May .
The state has sped the releases of more than 9,000 inmates who were nearing the end of their sentences as one response to the pandemic .
It also halted admissions from county jails , with the combination lowering the prison population to levels not seen in 30 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shorten prison sentences have led to criticism from law enforcement officials that the state is endangering public safety , and criticism from reform groups that it isn ’ t going far enough .
For his part , Diaz cited the department ’ s “ transformative focus on rehabilitation ” that he said “ will continue to result in safer prisons , healthier communities , and lower recidivism.
” Allison , 55 , of Sacramento , will be the third woman to lead the department , but the first to be designated “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruth Rushen was director in 1980-1982 and Jeanne Woodford in 2004-2005 , before what was then the Department of Corrections and the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency were reorganized into the current agency .
Allison started with the department in 1987 as a medical technician assistant , rising to warden , director of adult prisons and undersecretary of operations .
Her new position pays $ 279,216 and requires Senate confirmation .
Newsom said he is confident that Allison will continue to focus on “ rehabilitative opportunities for individuals both inside and outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restorative justice.
” Jeff Macomber , 50 , of Sacramento , who started as a correctional officer in 1992 , will become undersecretary for operations on Oct. 1 .
That job pays $ 208,872 and also requires Senate confirmation .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California’s corrections secretary is retiring after two years in a job that Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday said involved “unparalleled challenges” - most recently coronavirus outbreaks that swept state prisons and led to calls for new leadership amid increasing social pressure to ease mass incarceration.
Ralph Diaz will retire Oct. 1 after 30 years with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Newsom named department veteran Kathleen Allison to replace Diaz, also effective Oct. 1.
The governor praised Diaz for overseeing “incredible transformation as well as unparalleled challenges” and said he had “truly met the moment.”
Some lawmakers and advocates have recently been far more critical, particularly after a botched transfer of inmates from a Southern California prison spread the coronavirus throughout San Quentin State Prison near San Francisco. Twenty-six inmates and a correctional sergeant have since died there, and more than 2,200 inmates and 276 staff were infected at the peak of the outbreak.
Assemblyman Marc Levine on Friday called the outbreak at state prisons “a preventable public health disaster and a failure of the department’s leadership at the highest level,” leading to the deaths of 57 inmates and nine employees statewide.
“These infections and deaths are inexcusable,” he said, calling for “new leadership” and expressing the hope that Allison’s background in health care “will help her prioritize the public health needs of CDCR staff and incarcerated persons across California.”
State Sen. Mike McGuire last month also called the outbreak “a failure of leadership” but did not comment Friday. Both are Democrats, like Newsom, and represent the San Quentin area.
Protesters calling for widespread inmate releases to help slow the spread of the coronavirus have recently held vigils outside the homes of both Diaz and Newsom.
Newsom’s announcement said Diaz had “worked tirelessly” to ease prison virus outbreaks, noting the number of infections is now at its lowest level since late May.
The state has sped the releases of more than 9,000 inmates who were nearing the end of their sentences as one response to the pandemic. It also halted admissions from county jails, with the combination lowering the prison population to levels not seen in 30 years.
That and other steps to significantly reduce and shorten prison sentences have led to criticism from law enforcement officials that the state is endangering public safety, and criticism from reform groups that it isn’t going far enough.
For his part, Diaz cited the department’s “transformative focus on rehabilitation” that he said “will continue to result in safer prisons, healthier communities, and lower recidivism.”
Allison, 55, of Sacramento, will be the third woman to lead the department, but the first to be designated “secretary” instead of “director.”
Ruth Rushen was director in 1980-1982 and Jeanne Woodford in 2004-2005, before what was then the Department of Corrections and the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency were reorganized into the current agency.
Allison started with the department in 1987 as a medical technician assistant, rising to warden, director of adult prisons and undersecretary of operations. Her new position pays $279,216 and requires Senate confirmation.
Newsom said he is confident that Allison will continue to focus on “rehabilitative opportunities for individuals both inside and outside of prison, and continuing the path for restorative justice.”
Jeff Macomber, 50, of Sacramento, who started as a correctional officer in 1992, will become undersecretary for operations on Oct. 1. That job pays $208,872 and also requires Senate confirmation.
,


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Mexico president tries to shoo away crowds as virus persists

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador loves hugging supporters and shaking hands in crowds but even he appears to be spooked by the country ’ s continued high coronavirus infection rates , shooing away fans and warning them not to come to see him .
López Obrador visited the northern border city of Reynosa , across the Rio Grande from McAllen , Texas , on Friday and told an audience he considers anyone who joins a crowd to see him as an opponent , not a supporter .
“ From now on , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am going to look at you like you ’ re someone who doesn ’ t like us , ” the president said .
“ Anyone who shows up today is a conservative.
” Mexico reported 5,824 more confirmed coronavirus cases Friday , bringing the total to 585,738 , and 552 more COVID-19 deaths , for a total of 63,146 , the third-highest in the world .
Health Department figures show infection rates appear to have plateaued at relatively high levels .
Despite the continued high rates nationwide , Mexico moved nine more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ yellow ” or “ moderate ” risk on a four-color scale .
One state , Colima , remains in maximum alert and one state , Campeche , had already been in the moderate zone .
The rest , including Mexico City , remain in the “ orange ” or high-risk rating .
The moderate-risk rating now covers about one-third of Mexican states and means businesses can reopen to a greater extent , in some cases at full capacity .
They include the northern border states of Chihuahua , Sonora and Tamaulipas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tabasco and Campeche , and the Pacific coast states of Guerrero , Oaxaca and Chiapas .
On Thursday , in the nearby border city of Matamoros , he appeared to cut short one of his notoriously long speeches when he saw a crowd gather outside the event .
“ Yesterday a lot of people showed up to see us in Matamoros , ” he said .
“ Because of the pandemic we have tried to make these closed meetings to keep a safe distance , yesterday we didn ’ t achieve that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people to crowd together because of infection.
” However , López Obrador almost never wears a face mask and has resisted calls to stop touring the country during the pandemic .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador loves hugging supporters and shaking hands in crowds but even he appears to be spooked by the country’s continued high coronavirus infection rates, shooing away fans and warning them not to come to see him.
López Obrador visited the northern border city of Reynosa, across the Rio Grande from McAllen, Texas, on Friday and told an audience he considers anyone who joins a crowd to see him as an opponent, not a supporter.
“From now on, if I see you show up, I am going to look at you like you’re someone who doesn’t like us,” the president said. “Anyone who shows up today is a conservative.”
Mexico reported 5,824 more confirmed coronavirus cases Friday, bringing the total to 585,738, and 552 more COVID-19 deaths, for a total of 63,146, the third-highest in the world. Health Department figures show infection rates appear to have plateaued at relatively high levels.
Despite the continued high rates nationwide, Mexico moved nine more of the country’s 32 states to the “yellow”or “moderate” risk on a four-color scale. One state, Colima, remains in maximum alert and one state, Campeche, had already been in the moderate zone. The rest, including Mexico City, remain in the “orange” or high-risk rating.
The moderate-risk rating now covers about one-third of Mexican states and means businesses can reopen to a greater extent, in some cases at full capacity. They include the northern border states of Chihuahua, Sonora and Tamaulipas, the Gulf coast states of Veracruz, Tabasco and Campeche, and the Pacific coast states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas.
On Thursday, in the nearby border city of Matamoros, he appeared to cut short one of his notoriously long speeches when he saw a crowd gather outside the event.
“Yesterday a lot of people showed up to see us in Matamoros,” he said. “Because of the pandemic we have tried to make these closed meetings to keep a safe distance, yesterday we didn’t achieve that goal and it is very dangerous for a lot of people to crowd together because of infection.”
However, López Obrador almost never wears a face mask and has resisted calls to stop touring the country during the pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Fire near Grand Junction becomes largest in Colorado history

DENVER ( AP ) - The Denver Post has reported that a wildfire that grew to about 140,000 acres near Grand Junction on Thursday became the largest fire in state history , surpassing the Hayman fire near Denver in 2002 .
Authorities say the fire is still burning mostly on U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands , forcing evacuations , road closures and power outages and burning few structures in the area .
More than 900 firefighters have continued battling the fire since it first ignited by a lightning strike July 31 , about 18 miles north of Grand Junction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much the fire will cost .
The fire in 2002 destroyed 132 homes and 466 outbuildings northwest of Colorado Springs as it burned through numerous trees .
It was the second most costly fire in terms of insured losses , the Post reported .
The fire was started by Terry Lynn Barton , who was convicted in 2003 if starting the fire .
She served a federal prison sentence and was released in 2008 .
She was also ordered to pay $ 14 million in restitution .
The U.S. Forest Service said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including at least $ 39.1 million for rehabilitation .
Five firefighters died .

DENVER (AP) - The Denver Post has reported that a wildfire that grew to about 140,000 acres near Grand Junction on Thursday became the largest fire in state history, surpassing the Hayman fire near Denver in 2002.
Authorities say the fire is still burning mostly on U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands, forcing evacuations, road closures and power outages and burning few structures in the area.
More than 900 firefighters have continued battling the fire since it first ignited by a lightning strike July 31, about 18 miles north of Grand Junction.
It is has not been determined how much the fire will cost.
The fire in 2002 destroyed 132 homes and 466 outbuildings northwest of Colorado Springs as it burned through numerous trees. It was the second most costly fire in terms of insured losses, the Post reported.
The fire was started by Terry Lynn Barton, who was convicted in 2003 if starting the fire. She served a federal prison sentence and was released in 2008. She was also ordered to pay $14 million in restitution.
The U.S. Forest Service said that fire costed about $238 million, including at least $39.1 million for rehabilitation. Five firefighters died.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Witness: Texas officers arrested jogger because he's Black

SAN ANTONIO ( AP ) - A witness who saw Texas police officers arrest a Black man they suspected for a crime said authorities detained him while he was jogging because of the color of his skin .
San Antonio Police were called Tuesday to investigate a man suspected of choking and punching a woman at an apartment complex when they saw Mathias Ometu , a 33-year-old insurance adjuster , leave the complex on foot on the city ’ s North Side , a city police report states .
The two officers , one of whom is Black , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he matched the person ’ s description .
Police said they repeatedly asked Ometu for his name , but he declined to answer , the San Antonio Express-News reported .
The Texas Penal Code states that a person being detained or questioned by police is not required to provide identifying information .
A police department spokeswoman said in a statement released Thursday that the incident was under administrative review .
“ The individual contacted was in close proximity to the call , and he matched the physical and clothing description provided by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which did not indicate whether their intended suspect had been apprehended .
Jenny Rodriguez was jogging nearby when she captured the arrest on video , which shows the officers pushing Ometu towards the police car after he allegedly refused to get in .
He pushed back before the officers were able to force him into the car , while Ometu could be heard repeatedly screaming : “ You ’ re choking me.
” The report said that officers used “ only open hand techniques ” to get Ometu in the vehicle and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim of the violent incident later arrived to the scene where she then informed police that Ometu was not the man who assaulted her .
Ometu was still transported to Municipal Court for “ identification purposes , ” according to the report .
Ometu was arrested on two counts of assaulting a police officer .
He was initially assigned to a court-appointed defense attorney who died in 2011 .
Court records show that another lawyer has since been appointed to him .
Rodriguez said she saw Ometu trotting down the street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the only crime he committed was “ jogging while Black.
” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg tweeted Thursday that he is seeking “ a full accounting ” of the incident and that the situation needs to be approached “ seriously because every resident deserves fair and equitable treatment from their city.
” Victor Ometu , Mathias Ometu ’ s father , also noted that he contacted his son ’ s friend , who paid a portion of Mathias Ometu ’ s bail , which was set at $ 20,000 .
Mathias Ometu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , officials said .
“ You can ’ t just arrest someone for anything , ” Victor Ometu said .
“ I imagine he ’ s scared .
He ’ s never been in trouble before .
”

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A witness who saw Texas police officers arrest a Black man they suspected of a crime said authorities detained him while he was jogging because of the color of his skin.
San Antonio police were called Tuesday to investigate a man suspected of choking and punching a woman at an apartment complex when they saw Mathias Ometu, a 33-year-old insurance adjuster, leave the complex on foot on the city’s North Side, a city police report states.
The two officers, one of whom is Black, said they stopped him as he jogged because he matched the person’s description. Police said they repeatedly asked Ometu for his name, but he declined to answer, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The Texas Penal Code states that a person being detained or questioned by police is not required to provide identifying information.
A police department spokeswoman said in a statement released Thursday that the incident was under administrative review.
“The individual contacted was in close proximity to the call, and he matched the physical and clothing description provided by the victim,” the statement said, which did not indicate whether their intended suspect had been apprehended.
Jenny Rodriguez was jogging nearby when she captured the arrest on video, which shows the officers pushing Ometu towards the police car after he allegedly refused to get in. He pushed back before the officers were able to force him into the car, while Ometu could be heard repeatedly screaming: “You’re choking me.”
The report said that officers used “only open hand techniques” to get Ometu in the vehicle and that he also kicked both of the officers.
The victim of the violent incident later arrived to the scene where she then informed police that Ometu was not the man who assaulted her. Ometu was still transported to Municipal Court for “identification purposes,” according to the report.
Ometu was arrested on two counts of assaulting a police officer. He was initially assigned to a court-appointed defense attorney who died in 2011. Court records show that another lawyer has since been appointed to him.
Rodriguez said she saw Ometu trotting down the street before he was questioned by officers, and the only crime he committed was “jogging while Black.”
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg tweeted Thursday that he is seeking “a full accounting” of the incident and that the situation needs to be approached “seriously because every resident deserves fair and equitable treatment from their city.”
Victor Ometu, Mathias Ometu’s father, also noted that he contacted his son’s friend, who paid a portion of Mathias Ometu’s bail, which was set at $20,000.
Mathias Ometu was in the process of being released Thursday, officials said.
“You can’t just arrest someone for anything,” Victor Ometu said. “I imagine he’s scared. He’s never been in trouble before.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Family of man who died in police custody announces $30M suit

TACOMA , Wash. ( AP ) - The family of a Black man who died in Tacoma police custody announced Friday they plan to sue the police department for $ 30 million for his death .
Seattle lawyer James Bible , who represents Manuel Ellis ’ family in the legal action , announced the filing of a tort claim against Tacoma - a precursor to a lawsuit - outside Tacoma City Hall with Ellis ’ mother and other family members , The Seattle Times reported .
Ellis died in handcuffs on March 3 from lack of oxygen caused by being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Examiner determined was a homicide .
His final words , “ I can ’ t breathe , sir !
” were captured by a home security camera , and vaulted Ellis ’ name into the national movement calling for an overhaul of policing because of its unequal treatment of Black people .
Seattle lawyer James Bible , who represents Ellis ’ family in the legal action , announced the filing of a tort claim against Tacoma - a precursor to a lawsuit -outside Tacoma City Hall with Ellis ’ mother and other family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did everything it could to hide information .
The Pierce County Sheriff ’ s Department did everything they could to back the Tacoma Police Department , ” Bible said .
“ They created a false narrative in relation to what happened to Manny Ellis on that night.
” Gov .
Jay Inslee in June took the Pierce County Sheriff ’ s Department off the investigation into Ellis ’ death , citing conflict of interest , and moved it to the Washington State Patrol and attorney general ’ s office to determine if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The night before that decision , the Sheriff ’ s Department first acknowledged that one of its deputies was at the scene of Ellis ’ death and may have participated in restraining him .
In a statement Friday , Tacoma Mayor and City Manager Elizabeth Pauli said they understand the frustration that the family expressed and share their desire for a thorough independent investigation that is completed as swiftly as possible .
“ We can not begin to fathom the deep pain of the Ellis family , ” their statement said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state agency that will provide independent investigations for future cases , and we will continue to advocate for the establishment of this agency.
” The mayor and city manager also urged any witnesses or people with evidence and facts that could help in the investigation to come forward and share it with the Washington State Patrol .

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - The family of a Black man who died in Tacoma police custody announced Friday they plan to sue the police department for $30 million for his death.
Seattle lawyer James Bible, who represents Manuel Ellis’ family in the legal action, announced the filing of a tort claim against Tacoma - a precursor to a lawsuit - outside Tacoma City Hall with Ellis’ mother and other family members, The Seattle Times reported.
Ellis died in handcuffs on March 3 from lack of oxygen caused by being restrained, which the Pierce County Medical Examiner determined was a homicide. His final words, “I can’t breathe, sir!” were captured by a home security camera, and vaulted Ellis’ name into the national movement calling for an overhaul of policing because of its unequal treatment of Black people.
Seattle lawyer James Bible, who represents Ellis’ family in the legal action, announced the filing of a tort claim against Tacoma - a precursor to a lawsuit -outside Tacoma City Hall with Ellis’ mother and other family members.
“The Tacoma Police Department did everything it could to hide information. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department did everything they could to back the Tacoma Police Department,” Bible said. “They created a false narrative in relation to what happened to Manny Ellis on that night.”
Gov. Jay Inslee in June took the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department off the investigation into Ellis’ death, citing conflict of interest, and moved it to the Washington State Patrol and attorney general’s office to determine if the officers involved will face criminal charges. The night before that decision, the Sheriff’s Department first acknowledged that one of its deputies was at the scene of Ellis’ death and may have participated in restraining him.
In a statement Friday, Tacoma Mayor and City Manager Elizabeth Pauli said they understand the frustration that the family expressed and share their desire for a thorough independent investigation that is completed as swiftly as possible.
“We cannot begin to fathom the deep pain of the Ellis family,” their statement said. “We join them in their call for a state agency that will provide independent investigations for future cases, and we will continue to advocate for the establishment of this agency.”
The mayor and city manager also urged any witnesses or people with evidence and facts that could help in the investigation to come forward and share it with the Washington State Patrol.