washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Father of teen killed near protest zone files $3B claims

SEATTLE ( AP ) - The father of a 19-year-old Seattle man shot and killed in the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone has filed wrongful death claims totaling $ 3 billion , seeking $ 1 billion each from the city of Seattle , King County and the state of Washington .
“ We don ’ t exactly know where blame lies so we ’ re putting all the entities on notice and will begin the discovery process and flush out justice , ” attorney Evan M. Oshan , who is representing Horace Anderson , told The Seattle Times about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the father of Lorenzo Anderson , who was shot June 20 and transported by volunteer medics to Harborview Medical Center , where he died , according to the Seattle Fire Department .
The city , county and state have 60 days to respond to the claims , which are precursors to lawsuits .
Last month , Lorenzo Anderson ’ s mother , Donnitta Sinclair Martin , filed a claim against the city , alleging officials created a dangerous environment by allowing protesters to occupy six city blocks and that police and fire officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son .
Her attorneys , who did not specify a dollar amount , say they plan to file a federal wrongful-death suit .
King County prosecutors on Aug. 5 charged 18-year-old Marcel Long with first-degree murder in the case , accusing him of fatally shooting Anderson and fleeing the state .
A warrant has been issued for Long ’ s arrest .
According to charging documents , Anderson and Long were in a fight a year ago and video of it was posted on YouTube .
Anderson apparently lost the fight and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , documents said .
The city ’ s Department of Finance and Administrative Services confirmed Thursday the claim filed on behalf of Horace Anderson had been received , according to spokesperson Melissa Mixon .
She said the city does not typically comment on pending claims .
Cameron Satterfield , a spokesperson for King County ’ s Department of Executive Services , also confirmed his department had received the claim and has started reviewing it .
Harold Goldes , a spokesperson for the the state ’ s Department of Enterprise Services , said as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not yet been received .
At 2:20 a.m. June 20 , several people called 911 to report the shooting , records show .
Fifteen minutes later , several police officers entered the protest zone and “ were confronted by an aggressive and volatile crowd , ” according to charging documents filed against Long .
Some people in the crowd yelled that the shooting victim had already been taken to the hospital .
Seattle Fire Department medics had staged nearby , but authorities said the scene was too dangerous for them to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2:43 a.m. , police were notified by a security official at Harborview Medical Center that a shooting victim , later identified as Anderson , had been dropped off at the hospital .
Anderson was pronounced dead at 2:53 a.m .

SEATTLE (AP) - The father of a 19-year-old Seattle man shot and killed in the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone has filed wrongful death claims totaling $3 billion, seeking $1 billion each from the city of Seattle, King County and the state of Washington.
“We don’t exactly know where blame lies so we’re putting all the entities on notice and will begin the discovery process and flush out justice,” attorney Evan M. Oshan, who is representing Horace Anderson, told The Seattle Times about the claims filed Wednesday.
Horace Anderson is the father of Lorenzo Anderson, who was shot June 20 and transported by volunteer medics to Harborview Medical Center, where he died, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
The city, county and state have 60 days to respond to the claims, which are precursors to lawsuits.
Last month, Lorenzo Anderson’s mother, Donnitta Sinclair Martin, filed a claim against the city, alleging officials created a dangerous environment by allowing protesters to occupy six city blocks and that police and fire officials failed to protect or medically assist her son. Her attorneys, who did not specify a dollar amount, say they plan to file a federal wrongful-death suit.
King County prosecutors on Aug. 5 charged 18-year-old Marcel Long with first-degree murder in the case, accusing him of fatally shooting Anderson and fleeing the state. A warrant has been issued for Long’s arrest.
According to charging documents, Anderson and Long were in a fight a year ago and video of it was posted on YouTube. Anderson apparently lost the fight and he and Long had been feuding ever since, documents said.
The city’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services confirmed Thursday the claim filed on behalf of Horace Anderson had been received, according to spokesperson Melissa Mixon. She said the city does not typically comment on pending claims.
Cameron Satterfield, a spokesperson for King County’s Department of Executive Services, also confirmed his department had received the claim and has started reviewing it.
Harold Goldes, a spokesperson for the the state’s Department of Enterprise Services, said as of Thursday afternoon, a tort claim had not yet been received.
At 2:20 a.m. June 20, several people called 911 to report the shooting, records show. Fifteen minutes later, several police officers entered the protest zone and “were confronted by an aggressive and volatile crowd,” according to charging documents filed against Long. Some people in the crowd yelled that the shooting victim had already been taken to the hospital.
Seattle Fire Department medics had staged nearby, but authorities said the scene was too dangerous for them to enter without police securing the area.
At 2:43 a.m., police were notified by a security official at Harborview Medical Center that a shooting victim, later identified as Anderson, had been dropped off at the hospital. Anderson was pronounced dead at 2:53 a.m.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Marsha and Carl Mueller, Kayla Mueller parents, praise killing of Al-Baghdadi

Marsha and Carl Mueller , whose daughter was murdered by ISIS , praised President Trump ’ s administration Thursday for @ @ @ @ @ ’ s killer Al-Baghdadi .
Speaking at the Republican National Convention , the Muellers said @ @ @ @ @ t do enough — they hid behind policy instead of helping rescue American hostages “ @ @ @ @ @ makes , ” Mr. Mueller said .
“ If Donald Trump had been president when @ @ @ @ @ would be here today.
” They said they found out the team , under Mr. @ @ @ @ @ that took out Al-Baghdadi also named the operation after Kayla ’ s birthday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ Trump because of his commitment to make and keep America great , not with the @ @ @ @ @ but with the passion of people like Kayla—Americans who , even in the darkest days @ @ @ @ @ left inside of them .
Americans who don ’ t just talk—they act , ” @ @ @ @

Marsha and Carl Mueller, whose daughter was murdered by ISIS, praised President Trump’s administration Thursday for taking out their daughter Kayla’s killer Al-Baghdadi.
Speaking at the Republican National Convention, the Muellers said the Obama administration didn’t do enough — they hid behind policy instead of helping rescue American hostages
“What a difference a president makes,” Mr. Mueller said. “If Donald Trump had been president when Kayla was captured, she would be here today.”
They said they found out the team, under Mr. Trump’s administration, that took out Al-Baghdadi also named the operation after Kayla’s birthday.
“Carl and I support Donald Trump because of his commitment to make and keep America great, not with the power of the government, but with the passion of people like Kayla—Americans who, even in the darkest days, always have more fight left inside of them. Americans who don’t just talk—they act,” said Mrs. Mueller.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Inside the Beltway: Trump sprints to the campaign trail

The White House has two things to be proud of at this moment .
It produced a remarkable national convention , and also maintained a formidable reelection campaign which never faltered despite the coronavirus pandemic , and the endless hostile attacks from the media and partisan foes .
The convention , however , is now one for the history books .
And President Trump ?
He has already sprinted on to the campaign trail with gusto .
On Friday , Mr. Trump will be in Londonderry , New Hampshire , for an outdoor rally at an aviation facility , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Complimentary face masks will be given to one and all when the time comes .
On Aug. 11 , New Hampshire Gov .
Chris Sununu issued a statewide order requiring people to wear face coverings when they attend organized gatherings of 100 people or more .
The governor will not attend the rally himself — which is likely to be followed by many more in pivotal regions .
Meanwhile , the Trump campaign raised a record-breaking $ 165 million in July , bringing their war chest to a total over $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , are Trump tradition .
During his 2016 campaign , Mr. Trump staged 323 rallies according to press reports of the time , the final one staged — interestingly enough in the aforementioned Manchester , before an audience of 12,000 on Nov. 7 , 2016 — Election Night Eve .
After his victory , Mr. Trump lost no time in readying for 2020 , establishing the new motto of “ Keep America Great ” and firing up his campaign offices by Jan. 18 , 2017 .
Mr. Trump also filed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissions on Jan. 20 , 2017 — Inauguration Day — and had by that time already raised $ 7 million for his new effort .
So all things considered , Mr. Trump appears to be keeping pace with his traditional — and winning — strategies .
This nimble Democrat bolted from his political calling on Dec. 19 , 2019 , joined up with the Republicans , and was welcomed to the GOP by President Trump himself .
That would be Rep. Jeff Drew of New Jersey , who has acquired a certain wisdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My decision to leave the Democratic Party was one that was not entered into lightly .
The pressure of party bosses , activists , and even my colleagues , was great , but the Democrat Party has changed .
It is no longer the party that my grandparents and I grew up admiring .
It is not the party that once allowed for and encouraged free thought and robust debate .
Now , it is a mob that drives policy decisions with the goal of starting over with a new system of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an op-ed for Fox News .
“ I was always told that Republicans would marginalize me , push me aside and treat me like dirt .
This could not be further from the truth .
I have been welcomed with open arms , and even when I have disagreed on some issues , my views have been respected .
The picture of Republicans that is painted by Democrats and their allies in the media is mostly false ; in fact , many of my former colleagues firmly believe the Republican Party is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Drew continues .
“ It is this unjustified logic that allows them to treat their colleagues , their constituents and their fellow citizens with disdain and call them deplorable , or worse .
We must work in concert to keep America unified and push back against that ignorance .
Many continue to run away from America .
I can not .
I must run toward America , ” the lawmaker says .
“ The path is open to a GOP sweep , ” writes John Hinderaker , founder of Powerlineblog.com , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to erupt , particularly in Democrat-dominated cities .
“ The riots , looting and arson that have broken out across America , with tacit or open support from many Democratic politicians , have radically changed the outlook for November ’ s elections , ” Mr. Hinderaker notes .
“ The Democrats have no idea how to reel back the whirlwind of crime and violence that they have unleashed .
I now think that President Trump will carry both Wisconsin and Minnesota , which will ensure his reelection.
” Americans for Tax Reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to cite the many benefits of President Trump ’ s tax cuts as defined by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act .
The organization has defined 1,200 cases of small business expansion , new hires , pay raises , Opportunity Zone job creation and utility rate reductions where the legislation was cited by managers , owners and proprietors as the “ key factor.
” The big list has been divided into state and speciality categories ; find it at ATR.org/list .
And one more item to note .
The Catholic Association has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pro-life accomplishments while in office , complete with citations in the press .
Find it — including the “ top-10 ” victories at TheCatholicAssociation.org/promises .
For sale : Stonehaven , spacious Colonial home built of stone on three acres by the banks of the Musconetcong River near Lebanon Township , New Jersey .
Three bedrooms , two baths ; living , dining and family rooms , library , three fireplaces , exposed stone interior walls , chef ’ s kitchen ; 2,720 square feet .
Stone walkways and patios , manicured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seetheproperty.com ; enter 354648 in property ID search .
• 49 % of U.S. adults “ strongly ” or “ somewhat ” disapprove of the job the U.S. Congress is doing ; 53 % of Republicans , 49 % of independents and 46 % of Democrats agree .
• 19 % overall neither approve nor disapprove of the job Congress is doing ; 20 % of Republicans , 17 % of independents and 20 % of Democrats agree .
• 19 % “ strongly ” or “ somewhat ’ approve ; 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 24 % of Democrats agree .
• 13 % overall are not sure ; 7 % of Republicans , 19 % of independents and 10 % of Democrats agree .

NEWS AND OPINION:
The White House has two things to be proud of at this moment. It produced a remarkable national convention, and also maintained a formidable reelection campaign which never faltered despite the coronavirus pandemic, and the endless hostile attacks from the media and partisan foes.
The convention, however, is now one for the history books. And President Trump? He has already sprinted on to the campaign trail with gusto.
On Friday, Mr. Trump will be in Londonderry, New Hampshire, for an outdoor rally at an aviation facility, his third appearance in the Granite State this year. Complimentary face masks will be given to one and all when the time comes.
Yes, well.
On Aug. 11, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu issued a statewide order requiring people to wear face coverings when they attend organized gatherings of 100 people or more. The governor will not attend the rally himself — which is likely to be followed by many more in pivotal regions. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign raised a record-breaking $165 million in July, bringing their war chest to a total over $1 billion.
Public events and fundraising, however, are Trump tradition.
During his 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump staged 323 rallies according to press reports of the time, the final one staged — interestingly enough in the aforementioned Manchester, before an audience of 12,000 on Nov. 7, 2016 — Election Night Eve. After his victory, Mr. Trump lost no time in readying for 2020, establishing the new motto of “Keep America Great” and firing up his campaign offices by Jan. 18, 2017.
Mr. Trump also filed his intentions for reelection with the Federal Election Commissions on Jan. 20, 2017 — Inauguration Day — and had by that time already raised $7 million for his new effort. So all things considered, Mr. Trump appears to be keeping pace with his traditional — and winning — strategies.
THE WISDOM OF DREW
This nimble Democrat bolted from his political calling on Dec. 19, 2019, joined up with the Republicans, and was welcomed to the GOP by President Trump himself. That would be Rep. Jeff Drew of New Jersey, who has acquired a certain wisdom about his decision to switch sides.
“My decision to leave the Democratic Party was one that was not entered into lightly. The pressure of party bosses, activists, and even my colleagues, was great, but the Democrat Party has changed. It is no longer the party that my grandparents and I grew up admiring. It is not the party that once allowed for and encouraged free thought and robust debate. Now, it is a mob that drives policy decisions with the goal of starting over with a new system of governance,” Mr. Drew writes in an op-ed for Fox News.
“I was always told that Republicans would marginalize me, push me aside and treat me like dirt. This could not be further from the truth. I have been welcomed with open arms, and even when I have disagreed on some issues, my views have been respected. The picture of Republicans that is painted by Democrats and their allies in the media is mostly false; in fact, many of my former colleagues firmly believe the Republican Party is the sole cause of many societal ills,” Mr. Drew continues.
“It is this unjustified logic that allows them to treat their colleagues, their constituents and their fellow citizens with disdain and call them deplorable, or worse. We must work in concert to keep America unified and push back against that ignorance. Many continue to run away from America. I cannot. I must run toward America,” the lawmaker says.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN
“The path is open to a GOP sweep,” writes John Hinderaker, founder of Powerlineblog.com, citing the social unrest and violence which continues to erupt, particularly in Democrat-dominated cities.
“The riots, looting and arson that have broken out across America, with tacit or open support from many Democratic politicians, have radically changed the outlook for November’s elections,” Mr. Hinderaker notes. “The Democrats have no idea how to reel back the whirlwind of crime and violence that they have unleashed. I now think that President Trump will carry both Wisconsin and Minnesota, which will ensure his reelection.”
WEEKEND READING
Americans for Tax Reform, a nonprofit taxpayer advocacy group, continues to cite the many benefits of President Trump‘s tax cuts as defined by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The organization has defined 1,200 cases of small business expansion, new hires, pay raises, Opportunity Zone job creation and utility rate reductions where the legislation was cited by managers, owners and proprietors as the “key factor.”
The big list has been divided into state and speciality categories; find it at ATR.org/list.
And one more item to note. The Catholic Association has released a master list of Mr. Trump’s pro-life accomplishments while in office, complete with citations in the press. Find it — including the “top-10” victories at TheCatholicAssociation.org/promises.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
For sale: Stonehaven, spacious Colonial home built of stone on three acres by the banks of the Musconetcong River near Lebanon Township, New Jersey. Three bedrooms, two baths; living, dining and family rooms, library, three fireplaces, exposed stone interior walls, chef’s kitchen; 2,720 square feet. Stone walkways and patios, manicured grounds. Priced at $579,000 through Seetheproperty.com; enter 354648 in property ID search.
POLL DU JOUR
• 49% of U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” disapprove of the job the U.S. Congress is doing; 53% of Republicans, 49% of independents and 46% of Democrats agree.
• 19% overall neither approve nor disapprove of the job Congress is doing; 20% of Republicans, 17% of independents and 20% of Democrats agree.
• 19% “strongly” or “somewhat’ approve; 20% of Republicans, 14% of independents and 24% of Democrats agree.
• 13% overall are not sure; 7% of Republicans, 19% of independents and 10% of Democrats agree.
Source: An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 adults conducted Aug. 23-25.
• Kindly follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Tom Cotton: Joe Biden would return to 'weak and dangerous past'

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas on Thursday said Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden would return the United States to a “ weak and dangerous past.
” Mr. Cotton pointed to the comments from Robert Gates , the former Defense Secretary in the Obama administration who said Mr. Biden has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades .
“ Joe Biden opposed the mission to kill Osama bin Laden , ” Mr. Cotton said on the final night of the Republican National Convention .
“ President Trump avenged the murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s terrorist mastermind , Qassem Soleimani.
” Mr. Cotton , who is up for re-election this year , said China is “ rooting ” for Mr. Biden to defeat Mr. Trump .
“ Joe Biden said Chinese Communists aren ’ t even our competitor , aren ’ t ‘ bad folks ’ - just months before they unleashed this plague on the world , ” he said .
“ President Trump is clear-eyed about the Chinese threat , and he ’ s making China pay.
” “ America ’ s other enemies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Cotton said .
“ But Joe Biden would be as wrong and weak over the next four years as he has been for the last fifty.
” “ We need a president who stands up for America - not one who takes a knee , ” he said .
Mr. Cotton , an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan , also served in the U.S. House before he was first elected to the Senate in 2014 .
His recent trip to New Hampshire , home of the first-in-the-nation presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans , though he tried to bat aside that talk earlier this week .

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas on Thursday said Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden would return the United States to a “weak and dangerous past.”
Mr. Cotton pointed to the comments from Robert Gates, the former Defense Secretary in the Obama administration who said Mr. Biden has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.
“Joe Biden opposed the mission to kill Osama bin Laden,” Mr. Cotton said on the final night of the Republican National Convention. “President Trump avenged the murder of hundreds of Americans by killing Iran’s terrorist mastermind, Qassem Soleimani.”
Mr. Cotton, who is up for re-election this year, said China is “rooting” for Mr. Biden to defeat Mr. Trump.
“Joe Biden said Chinese Communists aren’t even our competitor, aren’t ‘bad folks’ - just months before they unleashed this plague on the world,” he said. “President Trump is clear-eyed about the Chinese threat, and he’s making China pay.”
“America’s other enemies won’t give up either,” Mr. Cotton said. “But Joe Biden would be as wrong and weak over the next four years as he has been for the last fifty.”
“We need a president who stands up for America - not one who takes a knee,” he said.
Mr. Cotton, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, also served in the U.S. House before he was first elected to the Senate in 2014.
His recent trip to New Hampshire, home of the first-in-the-nation presidential primaries, stoked speculation about his 2024 plans, though he tried to bat aside that talk earlier this week.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Brazil legislators press president to keep ethanol tariff

BRASILIA , Brazil ( AP ) - A group of Brazilian lawmakers made a final push Thursday to try to convince President Jair Bolsonaro not to reduce tariffs on American ethanol , a major Trump administration request .
Bolsonaro has until Monday to decide whether he will renew or terminate a 20 % tariff on ethanol imposed on every gallon after the country after imports a tariff-free quota of 198 million gallons ( 750 million litres ) .
While U.S. diplomats and corn producers push for a zero-duty exemption for American ethanol from tariffs , Brazilian congressmen tied to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the quota and the reinstating of a 20 % tariff on all imported ethanol .
“ We have a great appreciation for the U.S. , a country we share values and ideals with , but American interests can not come before Brazilian ones , ” the 39 congressmen from 13 mostly right-wing and center-right parties across a wide ideological spectrum wrote in a letter sent to Bolsonaro .
Ethanol negotiations are currently a central piece in the trade relationship between the two countries .
In a letter sent last week to Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged the Trump administration to press Brazil to lift its tariffs .
“ Brazil ’ s inequitable treatment of U.S. ethanol creates economic strain throughout the U.S. ethanol industry , especially during a year in which COVID-19 is devastating fuel demand in our country ” , they argued in the letter dated from August 20 .
They said in the letter Brazil was the largest U.S. ethanol export market last year , purchasing $ 493 million in American ethanol .
Ambassador Todd Chapman has also pressed for Brazil to lift tariffs on ethanol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could influence Iowa ’ s vote in the U.S. presidential election , according to a person who spoke with Chapman and told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity .
Chapman ’ s lobbying on ethanol , which was reported last month without attribution by two local newspapers , prompted the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to demand Chapman provide written assurances he isn ’ t urging the Bolsonaro government to support Trump ’ s re-election .
Rep. Eliot Engel , in a July 31 letter to Chapman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hatch Act of 1939 , which bars executive branch employees from partisan politics .

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - A group of Brazilian lawmakers made a final push Thursday to try to convince President Jair Bolsonaro not to reduce tariffs on American ethanol, a major Trump administration request.
Bolsonaro has until Monday to decide whether he will renew or terminate a 20% tariff on ethanol imposed on every gallon after the country after imports a tariff-free quota of 198 million gallons (750 million litres).
While U.S. diplomats and corn producers push for a zero-duty exemption for American ethanol from tariffs, Brazilian congressmen tied to the sugarcane industry have lobbied for the end of the quota and the reinstating of a 20% tariff on all imported ethanol.
“We have a great appreciation for the U.S., a country we share values and ideals with, but American interests can not come before Brazilian ones,” the 39 congressmen from 13 mostly right-wing and center-right parties across a wide ideological spectrum wrote in a letter sent to Bolsonaro.
Ethanol negotiations are currently a central piece in the trade relationship between the two countries.
In a letter sent last week to Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, 20 American lawmakers urged the Trump administration to press Brazil to lift its tariffs.
“Brazil’s inequitable treatment of U.S. ethanol creates economic strain throughout the U.S. ethanol industry, especially during a year in which COVID-19 is devastating fuel demand in our country”, they argued in the letter dated from August 20.
They said in the letter Brazil was the largest U.S. ethanol export market last year, purchasing $493 million in American ethanol.
Ambassador Todd Chapman has also pressed for Brazil to lift tariffs on ethanol, on at least one occasion mentioning it could influence Iowa’s vote in the U.S. presidential election, according to a person who spoke with Chapman and told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Chapman’s lobbying on ethanol, which was reported last month without attribution by two local newspapers, prompted the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to demand Chapman provide written assurances he isn’t urging the Bolsonaro government to support Trump’s re-election. Rep. Eliot Engel, in a July 31 letter to Chapman, said that such actions would potentially violate the Hatch Act of 1939, which bars executive branch employees from partisan politics.
Chapman has vehemently denied crossing any lines.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Rudy Giuliani: Democrats will turn America into New York

Rudy Giuliani , former mayor of New York City , attacked Democrats leading major cities — like the big apple @ @ @ @ @ rising crime .
“ Don ’ t let Democrats do to America what they have @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Giuliani said .
Speaking at the Republican National Convention on Thursday , the @ @ @ @ @ all lives matter and the rioting that has usurped Black Lives Matter protests in several @ @ @ @ @ He said the Democratic Party is trying to go to war with police in their @ @ @ @ @ “ There is no question that this awesome job of restoring safety for these people @ @ @ @ @ your basement , Joe , ” Mr. Giuliani said , criticizing Democratic presidential nominee Joe @ @ @ @ @ campaigning virtually from his basement .

Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City, attacked Democrats leading major cities — like the big apple, saying they are seeing rising crime.
“Don’t let Democrats do to America what they have done to New York,” Mr. Giuliani said.
Speaking at the Republican National Convention on Thursday, the president’s attorney said all lives matter and the rioting that has usurped Black Lives Matter protests in several major cities must stop.
He said the Democratic Party is trying to go to war with police in their calls to defund departments.
“There is no question that this awesome job of restoring safety for these people cannot be done from your basement, Joe,” Mr. Giuliani said, criticizing Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden who has mostly been campaigning virtually from his basement.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Christopher Steele says FBI didn't pay for his dossier work

Dossier creator Christopher Steele testified at a defamation trial in London that the FBI stiffed him out of payments he was due for travel in his anti-Trump investigation .
His testimony came in a lawsuit brought by Russian entrepreneur Aleksej Gubarev .
Mr. Steele ’ s dossier accused the computer server CEO of being the culprit who hacked into Democratic Party computers in 2016 .
After the dossier ’ s publication in January 2017 by BuzzFeed , Mr. Gubarev quickly denied the claim .
The FBI concluded the hacking was done by Russian military intelligence units in Moscow , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gubarev ’ s attorney , led Mr. Steele through hours of testimony in late July about how he compiled the allegations against Donald Trump at the behest of the Democratic Party and the Hillary Clinton campaign .
According to transcripts obtained by The Washington Times , Mr. Steele testified that he became unhappy with the lack of public disclosure and FBI follow-through on his investigation .
In desperation , he did a Skype interview with David Corn of Mother Jones magazine to get his allegations to the American people before they voted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s allegations , such as that President Trump funded the Russian computer hacking and oversaw the supposed conspiracy .
Special counsel Robert Mueller reported in March 2019 that he didn ’ t find Trump-Russia election collusion .
Once the Mother Jones story ran on Oct. 31 , 2016 , Mr. Steele ’ s FBI handler telephoned to chew him out .
Mr. Steele met with the agent and other bureau officials in Rome in early October , and they promised to pay him significant sums to keep investigating Mr. Trump .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had been agreed in Rome for past work , were you ?
” Mr. Caldecott asked .
“ And you made no attempts to pursue that money , did you ?
” “ I think I did , actually , yes .
We were not paid our expenses for Rome either having gone to Rome at their request .
We were never paid the expenses , nor were we paid quite a large sum of money that we were owed previously for work we had done for them , ” Mr. Steele @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steele also testified about efforts by former Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott to obtain the dossier in November 2016 .
Mr. Steele said Mr. Talbott , a President Clinton appointee , received the “ package ” and planned to brief Secretary of State John F. Kerry .
Mr. Steele sent a message to State Department official Jonathan Winer saying he didn ’ t want to travel back to Washington , where he had briefed reporters and Obama administration officials in July , September and October .
But Mr. Talbott insisted .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twisted our arms and we are likely to leave on Wednesday and [ will ] be available for meetings over there Thurs/Fri if you want to pass that on to T , ” Mr. Steele told Mr. Winer in a message the same day the Mother Jones story appeared .
“ Glenn ” is Glenn R. Simpson of Fusion GPS , who handled Mr. Steele and worked to get dossier allegations into the news media to damage candidate Trump .
“ Mr .
Talbott called me and stated that he wanted to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State John Kerry and senior officials from the State Department at a forthcoming private meeting , ” Mr. Steele said .
“ He therefore requested a copy of the pre-election memoranda.
” Mr. Steele never made the trip .
He later spoke to Mr. Talbott by phone .
As Mr. Steele was concluding his testimony in July , a newly declassified FBI document was obtained by Senate Republicans .
It showed that Mr. Steele ’ s main dossier source was a U.S.-based Russian national , Igor Danchenko , who compiled the dossier claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told the FBI that his sources ’ information was not worth “ a grain of salt , ” according to a report by the Justice Department inspector general .
Mr. Danchenko is another dossier link to the Brookings Institution , where he formerly worked as a foreign policy analyst .
Mr. Talbott was Brookings president when he was working to obtain dossier copies and get them to Mr. Kerry .

Dossier creator Christopher Steele testified at a defamation trial in London that the FBI stiffed him out of payments he was due for travel in his anti-Trump investigation.
His testimony came in a lawsuit brought by Russian entrepreneur Aleksej Gubarev. Mr. Steele’s dossier accused the computer server CEO of being the culprit who hacked into Democratic Party computers in 2016.
After the dossier’s publication in January 2017 by BuzzFeed, Mr. Gubarev quickly denied the claim. The FBI concluded the hacking was done by Russian military intelligence units in Moscow, not Mr. Gubarev.
Andrew Caldecott, Mr. Gubarev’s attorney, led Mr. Steele through hours of testimony in late July about how he compiled the allegations against Donald Trump at the behest of the Democratic Party and the Hillary Clinton campaign.
According to transcripts obtained by The Washington Times, Mr. Steele testified that he became unhappy with the lack of public disclosure and FBI follow-through on his investigation. In desperation, he did a Skype interview with David Corn of Mother Jones magazine to get his allegations to the American people before they voted.
Subsequent government reports have discredited Mr. Steele’s allegations, such as that President Trump funded the Russian computer hacking and oversaw the supposed conspiracy. Special counsel Robert Mueller reported in March 2019 that he didn’t find Trump-Russia election collusion.
Once the Mother Jones story ran on Oct. 31, 2016, Mr. Steele’s FBI handler telephoned to chew him out. Mr. Steele met with the agent and other bureau officials in Rome in early October, and they promised to pay him significant sums to keep investigating Mr. Trump.
“You were never paid the $15,000 which had been agreed in Rome for past work, were you?” Mr. Caldecott asked.
“No, I wasn’t.”
“And you made no attempts to pursue that money, did you?”
“I think I did, actually, yes. We were not paid our expenses for Rome either having gone to Rome at their request. We were never paid the expenses, nor were we paid quite a large sum of money that we were owed previously for work we had done for them,” Mr. Steele said, according to transcripts.
Mr. Steele also testified about efforts by former Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott to obtain the dossier in November 2016. Mr. Steele said Mr. Talbott, a President Clinton appointee, received the “package” and planned to brief Secretary of State John F. Kerry.
Mr. Steele sent a message to State Department official Jonathan Winer saying he didn’t want to travel back to Washington, where he had briefed reporters and Obama administration officials in July, September and October. But Mr. Talbott insisted.
“However, Glenn and Strobe T have twisted our arms and we are likely to leave on Wednesday and [will] be available for meetings over there Thurs/Fri if you want to pass that on to T,” Mr. Steele told Mr. Winer in a message the same day the Mother Jones story appeared.
“Glenn” is Glenn R. Simpson of Fusion GPS, who handled Mr. Steele and worked to get dossier allegations into the news media to damage candidate Trump.
“Mr. Talbott called me and stated that he wanted to discuss the pre-election memoranda with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and senior officials from the State Department at a forthcoming private meeting,” Mr. Steele said. “He therefore requested a copy of the pre-election memoranda.”
Mr. Steele never made the trip. He later spoke to Mr. Talbott by phone.
A London judge heard the Gubarev case. A decision is pending.
As Mr. Steele was concluding his testimony in July, a newly declassified FBI document was obtained by Senate Republicans. It showed that Mr. Steele’s main dossier source was a U.S.-based Russian national, Igor Danchenko, who compiled the dossier claims from a group of friends in Moscow. He told the FBI that his sources’ information was not worth “a grain of salt,” according to a report by the Justice Department inspector general.
Mr. Danchenko is another dossier link to the Brookings Institution, where he formerly worked as a foreign policy analyst. Mr. Talbott was Brookings president when he was working to obtain dossier copies and get them to Mr. Kerry.
Mr. Steele disclosed that he needed to send a brand new copy of his dossier post-election to Mr. Simpson by encrypted message because Fusion GPS had destroyed the first copy and all the company’s related documents.
“Why did you send an encrypted copy to Fusion; I thought they already had the reports?” asked Mr. Caldecott.
Mr. Steele: “I was under the impression that they had destroyed them at the end of the contract along with all the other material.”
The new copy was delivered to Sen. John McCain who passed it on to FBI Director James B. Comey, whose agents had already acquire copies before the election.
McCain associate David J. Kramer also received a copy from Fusion. He proceeded to pass the material around Washington as Mr. Trump prepared to become president. It was Mr. Kramer’s copy that ended up in the hands of BuzzFeed.
• Rowan Scarborough can be reached at rscarborough@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Ben Carson comments on riots: 'America is great when we behave greatly'

Dr. Ben Carson , secretary of Housing and Urban Development , called on Americans Thursday to use their hearts , @ @ @ @ @ show the world how U.S. citizens treat each other .
His comments come as unrest @ @ @ @ @ several major cities across America following Black Lives Matter protests that turned violent with looting @ @ @ @ @ is great when we behave greatly , ” Mr. Carson said at the Republican National @ @ @ @ @ President Trump is transparent and doesn ’ t submit to political correctness .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ , we need real .
We need courage , ” he said .

Dr. Ben Carson, secretary of Housing and Urban Development, called on Americans Thursday to use their hearts, love, and intelligence to show the world how U.S. citizens treat each other.
His comments come as unrest and chaos have erupted in several major cities across America following Black Lives Matter protests that turned violent with looting and rioting.
“America is great when we behave greatly,” Mr. Carson said at the Republican National Convention.
Mr. Carson said President Trump is transparent and doesn’t submit to political correctness.
“He is real. Right now, we need real. We need courage,” he said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Patrick Lynch, NYC police union chief: Democrats 'have surrendered our streets'

Patrick Lynch , president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association , on Thursday said President Trump is a friend of law enforcement while Democrats “ surrendered ” the streets during recent unrest .
“ Democratic politicians have surrendered our streets and our institutions , ” Mr. Lynch said on the final night of the Republican National Convention .
“ I have been a New York City police officer for 36 years…I ’ ve never seen our streets go this bad so quickly.
” “ Unlike the Democrats , who froze in the face of rioting and looting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions , ” Mr. Lynch said .
“ He gives law enforcement the support and the tools we need to go out there and put a stop to it - period , end of story.
” In June , shortly after the Memorial Day death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody , Mr. Lynch and other officials fumed at the public treatment of law enforcement officers .
Mr. Lynch had specifically criticized New York Mayor Bill de Blasio for saying he wanted to see a “ light ” touch from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and violence .
“ We look great in our blue uniforms , ” Mr. Lynch said then .
“ We look great when we ’ re standing straight up on the corner , but the message of a soft touch means you look great but don ’ t get yourself dirty .
You look great , but look like a potted plant .
”

Patrick Lynch, president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, on Thursday said President Trump is a friend of law enforcement while Democrats “surrendered” the streets during recent unrest.
“Democratic politicians have surrendered our streets and our institutions,” Mr. Lynch said on the final night of the Republican National Convention. “I have been a New York City police officer for 36 years…I’ve never seen our streets go this bad so quickly.”
“Unlike the Democrats, who froze in the face of rioting and looting, President Trump matches his words with his actions,” Mr. Lynch said. “He gives law enforcement the support and the tools we need to go out there and put a stop to it - period, end of story.”
In June, shortly after the Memorial Day death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, Mr. Lynch and other officials fumed at the public treatment of law enforcement officers.
Mr. Lynch had specifically criticized New York Mayor Bill de Blasio for saying he wanted to see a “light” touch from the NYPD as they tried to quell protests and violence.
“We look great in our blue uniforms,” Mr. Lynch said then. “We look great when we’re standing straight up on the corner, but the message of a soft touch means you look great but don’t get yourself dirty. You look great, but look like a potted plant.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Biden-linked firm won California voter outreach contract

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - The California agency that oversees elections has signed a $ 35 million contract with a firm linked to Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign to produce advertising to encourage voters to participate in the November election .
Under the contract , SKD Knickerbocker , a Washington , D.C.-based public affairs firm , will help run the “ Vote Safe California ” campaign , which will urge people to vote during the pandemic .
Anita Dunn , the firm ’ s managing director , is a senior strategist for Biden ’ s presidential campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden is highlighted on its website , with a headline saying the company is “ proud to be a part of Team Biden.
” The disclosure of the contract comes at a time when a national debate has been underway over the security of mail-in voting , even though voter fraud has proved exceedingly rare .
“ This $ 35 million expedited state contract screams conflict of interest , ” Jessica Millan Patterson , chairwoman of the California Republican Party , said in a statement .
The Secretary of State ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics played no role in what companies were considered , the finalists selected or the eventual decision .
“ This is a nonpartisan effort ” aimed at Republicans , Democrats , independents and other voters , said Paula Valle , a spokeswoman for Secretary of State Alex Padilla , a Democrat who has endorsed Biden .
Valle said Padilla had no involvement with the contract or the review of contenders - the selection was made by a committee of senior staff members , including the agency ’ s chief counsel .
The contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first reported by the Sacramento Bee .
California plans to send every registered voter a mail-in ballot ahead of the Nov. 3 election and will still open in-person voting locations .
The state has long used widespread mail-in voting , but Gov .
Gavin Newsom chose to mail a ballot to every registered voter due to health concerns over the coronavirus .
Valle said the ad campaign will include television , digital , radio and billboards .
It ’ s intent is to remind voters that participating in an election during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As part of the contract , the firm will be responsible for messaging aimed at people voting by mail for the first time , and those who speak languages other than English .
“ There is nothing partisan in that , ” Valle said .
But Patterson faulted Padilla , saying he should “ know better than allowing Team Biden to run California ’ s absentee and get-out-the-vote efforts.
” Heather Wilson , head of SKD Knickerbocker ’ s California office , told the Bee the Vote Safe campaign is nonpartisan , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The California agency that oversees elections has signed a $35 million contract with a firm linked to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign to produce advertising to encourage voters to participate in the November election.
Under the contract, SKD Knickerbocker, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs firm, will help run the “Vote Safe California” campaign, which will urge people to vote during the pandemic.
Anita Dunn, the firm’s managing director, is a senior strategist for Biden’s presidential campaign. The firm’s work for Biden is highlighted on its website, with a headline saying the company is “proud to be a part of Team Biden.”
The disclosure of the contract comes at a time when a national debate has been underway over the security of mail-in voting, even though voter fraud has proved exceedingly rare. “This $35 million expedited state contract screams conflict of interest,” Jessica Millan Patterson, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, said in a statement.
The Secretary of State’s Office, which awarded the contract, said politics played no role in what companies were considered, the finalists selected or the eventual decision.
“This is a nonpartisan effort” aimed at Republicans, Democrats, independents and other voters, said Paula Valle, a spokeswoman for Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat who has endorsed Biden.
Valle said Padilla had no involvement with the contract or the review of contenders - the selection was made by a committee of senior staff members, including the agency’s chief counsel.
The contract, signed on Aug. 13, was first reported by the Sacramento Bee.
California plans to send every registered voter a mail-in ballot ahead of the Nov. 3 election and will still open in-person voting locations. The state has long used widespread mail-in voting, but Gov. Gavin Newsom chose to mail a ballot to every registered voter due to health concerns over the coronavirus.
Valle said the ad campaign will include television, digital, radio and billboards.
It’s intent is to remind voters that participating in an election during the pandemic is safe, simple and secure. As part of the contract, the firm will be responsible for messaging aimed at people voting by mail for the first time, and those who speak languages other than English.
“There is nothing partisan in that,” Valle said.
But Patterson faulted Padilla, saying he should “know better than allowing Team Biden to run California’s absentee and get-out-the-vote efforts.”
Heather Wilson, head of SKD Knickerbocker’s California office, told the Bee the Vote Safe campaign is nonpartisan, like much of the firm’s other work.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Montana drone technology company acquired for $350M

BOZEMAN , Mont .
( AP ) - An international electronic warfare company has acquired a drone technology company in southern Montana for $ 350 million .
CACI International purchased Ascent Vision Technology earlier this month , the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported .
Ascent Vision Technology develops and builds drone technology for military intelligence , surveillance and reconnaissance based in Belgrade , about 10 miles ( 16 kilometers ) northwest of Bozeman .
The merger “ brings unique advantages to our defense and national security customers , ” CACI International CEO John Mengucci said .
“ We welcome the talented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ascent Vision Technology President Lee Dingman said that while CACI International now owns the company , there are no plans to move any operations or employees out of Gallatin Valley .
“ They ’ re really pumped to keep us where we are .
The valley is great for laser photonics , optics , not only for research and development but manufacturing … our plans are expansion , not contraction , ” Dingman said , adding that there are plans to expand into an additional building at the airport in the coming years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year when a piece of counter-drone technology developed by the company disrupted an Iranian drone headed toward a U.S. Navy ship stationed in the Middle East .
The technology is able to detect a drone once it flies within a 3-mile ( 5-kilometer ) radius while a camera system identifies if the drone is hostile and sends a signal disruption .

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) - An international electronic warfare company has acquired a drone technology company in southern Montana for $350 million.
CACI International purchased Ascent Vision Technology earlier this month, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported. Ascent Vision Technology develops and builds drone technology for military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance based in Belgrade, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Bozeman.
The merger “brings unique advantages to our defense and national security customers,” CACI International CEO John Mengucci said. “We welcome the talented and mission-focused AVT employees to CACI.”
Ascent Vision Technology President Lee Dingman said that while CACI International now owns the company, there are no plans to move any operations or employees out of Gallatin Valley.
“They’re really pumped to keep us where we are. The valley is great for laser photonics, optics, not only for research and development but manufacturing … our plans are expansion, not contraction,” Dingman said, adding that there are plans to expand into an additional building at the airport in the coming years.
Ascent Vision Technology made national news last year when a piece of counter-drone technology developed by the company disrupted an Iranian drone headed toward a U.S. Navy ship stationed in the Middle East. The technology is able to detect a drone once it flies within a 3-mile (5-kilometer) radius while a camera system identifies if the drone is hostile and sends a signal disruption.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Ann Dorn, David Dorn widow, backs Donald Trump at RNC

Ann Dorn lost her husband , a police officer , earlier this year during the violent riots in St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ Thursday she backs President Trump for standing up for law enforcement .
Ms. Dorn , @ @ @ @ @ Convention , said she hopes America wakes up to the violence they are witnessing in @ @ @ @ @ the death of her husband , Officer David Dorn , every day .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ effect change , but we can not heal amid devastation and chaos .
President Trump @ @ @ @ @ in our communities , not fewer , ” she said .
Republican lawmakers have been @ @ @ @ @ , as the progressive wing has called for defunding police departments in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles and New York City have cut funding from their police .
The president @ @ @ @ @ and is making it a campaign issue ahead of November .

Ann Dorn lost her husband, a police officer, earlier this year during the violent riots in St. Louis, Missouri, and said Thursday she backs President Trump for standing up for law enforcement.
Ms. Dorn, speaking at the Republican National Convention, said she hopes America wakes up to the violence they are witnessing in major cities because she relives the death of her husband, Officer David Dorn, every day.
“We must heal before we can effect change, but we cannot heal amid devastation and chaos. President Trump knows we need more Davids in our communities, not fewer,” she said.
Republican lawmakers have been critical of the Democratic Party, as the progressive wing has called for defunding police departments in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests. Los Angeles and New York City have cut funding from their police.
The president objects to defunding law enforcement and is making it a campaign issue ahead of November.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Sean Reyes, Utah Attorney General, praises Trump support of American ideals

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes thanked President Trump for standing up for American ideals Thursday , saying he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Reyes told the Republican National Convention audience that his father escaped a dictator @ @ @ @ @ it to America and had the ability to live the American dream .
He said @ @ @ @ @ elites make it sound like the bright light of America is out , but Mr. @ @ @ @ @ not true and people — like his father — are inspired to come to the @ @

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes thanked President Trump for standing up for American ideals Thursday, saying he’s kept the American dream alive.
Mr. Reyes told the Republican National Convention audience that his father escaped a dictator in the Philippines, making it to America and had the ability to live the American dream.
He said the Democratic Party and liberal elites make it sound like the bright light of America is out, but Mr. Reyes said that narrative is not true and people — like his father — are inspired to come to the U.S.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--3 killed by falling trees as storm lashes Australian city

MELBOURNE , Australia ( AP ) - A wild storm that hit Australia ’ s second-largest city knocked out power to 56,000 homes , contaminated the water supply and felled trees that killed three people , authorities said Friday .
A 4-year-old boy was struck by a tree Thursday evening and died later in hospital , police said , as Melbourne was lashed by wind speeds up to 158 kph ( 98 mph ) .
A 59-year-old man was killed when a falling tree crushed the car he was driving .
And another tree truck a pickup truck on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 24-year-old male driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries , officials said .
Around 56,000 homes lost power , Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said .
Power was expected to be restored to all by Friday afternoon .
The power failure caused disruptions at a water purification plant .
Residents in 88 of Melbourne ’ s 523 suburbs were advised to boil their drinking water until further notice .
Melbourne is Australia ’ s coronavirus hot spot and is under lockdown for six weeks .
Andrews said restrictions would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the storm ’ s aftermath .
“ We know and understand this is unique and we don ’ t want those coronavirus rules to make it any harder , but we just have to find that balance point and I am confident that we can , ” Andrews said .
Emergency services received more than 1,700 calls for help .

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - A wild storm that hit Australia’s second-largest city knocked out power to 56,000 homes, contaminated the water supply and felled trees that killed three people, authorities said Friday.
A 4-year-old boy was struck by a tree Thursday evening and died later in hospital, police said, as Melbourne was lashed by wind speeds up to 158 kph (98 mph).
A 59-year-old man was killed when a falling tree crushed the car he was driving. And another tree truck a pickup truck on a highway, killing a 36-year-old woman passenger. The 24-year-old male driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries, officials said.
Around 56,000 homes lost power, Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said. Power was expected to be restored to all by Friday afternoon.
The power failure caused disruptions at a water purification plant. Residents in 88 of Melbourne’s 523 suburbs were advised to boil their drinking water until further notice.
Melbourne is Australia’s coronavirus hot spot and is under lockdown for six weeks.
Andrews said restrictions would be relaxed so that residents could respond to the storm’s aftermath.
“We know and understand this is unique and we don’t want those coronavirus rules to make it any harder, but we just have to find that balance point and I am confident that we can,” Andrews said.
Emergency services received more than 1,700 calls for help.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Debbie Flood, Wisconsin machine shop owner, backs Trump for taking on China

Debbie Flood , the owner of a Wisconsin machine shop , said Thursday that President Trump ’ s administration helped @ @ @ @ @ she lost half the business to China .
She credited the president ’ s America @ @ @ @ @ we lost nearly 50 % of our business to China in the mid-2000s , we @ @ @ @ @ like ours could continue to compete .
At the time , Joe Biden was a @ @ @ @ @ normalize trade with China and helped pave the way for them to join the WTO @ @ @ @ @ hurting American companies like ours , ” she said .
Ms .
Flood noted they @ @ @ @ @ way through the Great Recession and that Mr. Trump has been able to breathe life @ @ @ @ @ He actually fought for American workers and American craftsmen .
He actually cared about bringing @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Made in America.
’ We no longer had to succeed despite government , @ @ @ @

Debbie Flood, the owner of a Wisconsin machine shop, said Thursday that President Trump’s administration helped her rebuild her business after she lost half the business to China.
She credited the president’s America First agenda.
“When we lost nearly 50% of our business to China in the mid-2000s, we wondered how a small company like ours could continue to compete. At the time, Joe Biden was a senator. He voted to normalize trade with China and helped pave the way for them to join the WTO, even though they were hurting American companies like ours,” she said.
Ms. Flood noted they were able to fight their way through the Great Recession and that Mr. Trump has been able to breathe life into their business.
“He actually fought for American workers and American craftsmen. He actually cared about bringing back those three beautiful words, ‘Made in America.’ We no longer had to succeed despite government,” she said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Dana White lauds Trump, first responders

Dana White , president of Ultimate Fighting Championship , praised President Trump Thursday at the Republican National Convention for standing @ @ @ @ @ “ The first responders have always taken care of us and now more than ever @ @ @ @ @ of them , ” Mr. White said Thursday .
Republicans have been critical of the @ @ @ @ @ progressive wing has called for defunding police departments in the wake of Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ New York City have cut funding from their police .
Mr. Trump has made it @ @ @ @ @ up for law enforcement and police officers during the unrest in major cities .
Mr. @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ability to handle the COVID-19 pandemic and his attempts to get the country @ @ @ @ @ sports going again .

Dana White, president of Ultimate Fighting Championship, praised President Trump Thursday at the Republican National Convention for standing up for law enforcement.
“The first responders have always taken care of us and now more than ever we need to take care of them,” Mr. White said Thursday.
Republicans have been critical of the Democratic Party, as the progressive wing has called for defunding police departments in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests. Los Angeles and New York City have cut funding from their police.
Mr. Trump has made it a campaign issue to stand up for law enforcement and police officers during the unrest in major cities.
Mr. White also praised the president’s ability to handle the COVID-19 pandemic and his attempts to get the country back to normal and have sports going again.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--'WHATS POPPIN' remakes by 2 Georgia teachers go viral

ATLANTA ( AP ) - Two teachers were recently looking for ways to motivate their students for a new school year amid the coronavirus pandemic , which has hit their south Georgia community especially hard .
Their solution - remakes of rapper Jack Harlow ’ s ‘ WHATS POPPIN ’ - has gone viral .
Audrianna Williams and Callie Evans posted their versions of the popular rap song on social media on Aug. 16 , a day before the first day of school at Monroe Comprehensive High School in Albany , Georgia .
Since then , both videos have garnered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media attention and statements of support from celebrities ranging from Taraji P. Henson to Timbaland and Missy Elliot .
They were also surprised by Harlow himself during an appearance on Good Morning America last week .
“ That was a complete surprise , ” Williams told The Associated Press .
She came up with the idea to do a remix of the catchy tune , which is slang for “ What ’ s up ?
” or “ What ’ s going on ?
” Williams then approached Evans about it , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two wrote their lyrics , recorded the song in a studio and shot their separate videos all within a week .
This isn ’ t the first time the pair had done a back-to-school song .
But with the pandemic canceling their opportunity to have in-person interactions with their students since March , this year was different .
“ We had some students who lost their parents , their grandparents , their aunts and uncles and some of them even had COVID themselves , ” Evans told The AP .
In her video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us stressed , but it ’ s nothing , ” before adding “ We gon ’ overcome that ’ s facts no bluffing , ” as a cheer squad both teachers also coach dance behind her .
“ We wanted to make sure that we were motivating them to say no matter the adversity and no matter what was going on in your life , you can always push through and always be the best that you can be , ” Evans said .
It ’ s a timely message .
Dougherty County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hit hard by the coronavirus back in March .
And as of Thursday , about 180 people in the county had died and nearly 3,000 have tested positive .
“ Our school district is starting 100 % online so there were a lot of students and teachers nervous about what that would mean , ” said LaKisha Bryant Bruce , community relations director at Dougherty County School System .
The video has diverted that focus , helping calm the fears and nerves of those involved , including school administrators who danced alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days ago .
It has also been a bright spot for students .
“ They ’ re the first one to mention what site we ’ ve been posted on , ” Williams said .
“ They are probably more excited than we are .
”

ATLANTA (AP) - Two teachers were recently looking for ways to motivate their students for a new school year amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit their south Georgia community especially hard. Their solution - remakes of rapper Jack Harlow’s ‘WHATS POPPIN’ - has gone viral.
Audrianna Williams and Callie Evans posted their versions of the popular rap song on social media on Aug. 16, a day before the first day of school at Monroe Comprehensive High School in Albany, Georgia.
Since then, both videos have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, national media attention and statements of support from celebrities ranging from Taraji P. Henson to Timbaland and Missy Elliot. They were also surprised by Harlow himself during an appearance on Good Morning America last week.
“That was a complete surprise,” Williams told The Associated Press. She came up with the idea to do a remix of the catchy tune, which is slang for “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?”
Williams then approached Evans about it, who agreed to do the videos. The two wrote their lyrics, recorded the song in a studio and shot their separate videos all within a week.
This isn’t the first time the pair had done a back-to-school song. But with the pandemic canceling their opportunity to have in-person interactions with their students since March, this year was different.
“We had some students who lost their parents, their grandparents, their aunts and uncles and some of them even had COVID themselves,” Evans told The AP. In her video, she raps that “COVID-19 had us stressed, but it’s nothing,” before adding “We gon’ overcome that’s facts no bluffing,” as a cheer squad both teachers also coach dance behind her.
“We wanted to make sure that we were motivating them to say no matter the adversity and no matter what was going on in your life, you can always push through and always be the best that you can be,” Evans said.
It’s a timely message. Dougherty County, where the school is located, was hit hard by the coronavirus back in March. And as of Thursday, about 180 people in the county had died and nearly 3,000 have tested positive.
“Our school district is starting 100% online so there were a lot of students and teachers nervous about what that would mean,” said LaKisha Bryant Bruce, community relations director at Dougherty County School System.
The video has diverted that focus, helping calm the fears and nerves of those involved, including school administrators who danced alongside both teachers for another social media video a few days ago.
It has also been a bright spot for students.
“They’re the first one to mention what site we’ve been posted on,” Williams said. “They are probably more excited than we are.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Mexican army finds unfinished tunnel under Rio Grande river

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - The Mexican army said Thursday that soldiers patrolling along the Rio Grande river have @ @ @ @ @ was apparently dug under the river bed in a bid to reach U.S. territory .
@ @ @ @ @ and was found partly full of water .
The army said a small pump was @ @ @ @ @ the structure and was apparently used to clear water from it .
Photos distributed by @ @ @ @ @ had tried to shore up the walls of the shaft with timbers that appeared to @ @ @ @ @ said the tunnel was found earlier this week near the city of Matamoros , across @ @ @ @ @ Texas .
The tunnel was apparently used for illegal activities .
The river , known @ @ @ @ @ Bravo , is a frequent crossing point for drugs and migrant smuggling .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - The Mexican army said Thursday that soldiers patrolling along the Rio Grande river have found an unfinished tunnel that was apparently dug under the river bed in a bid to reach U.S. territory.
Predictably, the tunnel flooded and was found partly full of water. The army said a small pump was found at the mouth of the structure and was apparently used to clear water from it.
Photos distributed by the army showed the builders had tried to shore up the walls of the shaft with timbers that appeared to be buckling.
The army said the tunnel was found earlier this week near the city of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas. The tunnel was apparently used for illegal activities.
The river, known in Mexico as the Rio Bravo, is a frequent crossing point for drugs and migrant smuggling.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--Stacia Brightmon, Texas mom, says Trump empowered her to learn new skills

Texas mom Stacia Brightmon praised President Trump and his daughter Ivanka Thursday for building up America ’ s workforce , @ @ @ @ @ family through learning a new skill set after serving in the military .
Ms. Brightmon @ @ @ @ @ Republican National Convention that she worked hard and got promoted — and has even received @ @ @ @ @ Find a training program like the one I participated in .
And like me , @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to build a career and a life you ’ re proud of .
So @ @ @ @ @ now I ’ d like to talk to you about a different kind of training @ @ @ @ @

Texas mom Stacia Brightmon praised President Trump and his daughter Ivanka Thursday for building up America’s workforce, empowering her to support her family through learning a new skill set after serving in the military.
She’s a single mother who ended up homeless.
Ms. Brightmon told the audience watching the Republican National Convention that she worked hard and got promoted — and has even received a few raises.
“Find a training program like the one I participated in. And like me, you’ll have an opportunity to build a career and a life you’re proud of. So with that being said, now I’d like to talk to you about a different kind of training,” she said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-27--2 killed in midair collision over Fairbanks airstrip

FAIRBANKS , Alaska ( AP ) - Two people were killed Thursday when two planes collided over an airstrip in @ @ @ @ @ said .
One plane was a Piper Super Cub flown by Larry Dalrymple , 73 @ @ @ @ @ said .
The other was a Cessna 172 flown by Shane E. Bennett , 52 @ @ @ @ @ Troopers say the Cessna 172 burst into flames when the two planes hit the ground @ @ @ @ @ the crash , and Dalrymple was seriously injured , troopers said .
A passenger inside @ @ @ @ @ killed in the crash .
Another passenger was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries @ @ @ @ @ identify either .
.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Two people were killed Thursday when two planes collided over an airstrip in Fairbanks, Alaska State Troopers said.
One plane was a Piper Super Cub flown by Larry Dalrymple, 73, of Fairbanks, troopers said. The other was a Cessna 172 flown by Shane E. Bennett, 52, also of Fairbanks.
Troopers say the Cessna 172 burst into flames when the two planes hit the ground.
Bennett was killed in the crash, and Dalrymple was seriously injured, troopers said.
A passenger inside the Cessna 172 was also killed in the crash. Another passenger was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Troopers didn’t identify either. .


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Virginia colleges and universities have 500-plus virus cases

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - More than 550 people have tested positive for the coronavirus at colleges and universities in Virginia .
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Thursday that it surveyed 41 four-year colleges across the state .
It found at least 558 positive cases .
Twenty-one colleges reported at least one positive case .
Some schools say positive cases were inevitable and that they are prepared to handle them .
Other universities across the country have backtracked on plans to allow students on campus .
Many school websites are also posting COVID-19 dashboards that list positive cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 26,000 cases and 64 deaths at colleges around the nation since the beginning of the pandemic .
No school in Virginia has reported a death from the virus .
Among the schools impacted is Virginia Commonwealth University .
It has reported 110 cases and has created space in an honors residential hall to serve those in isolation .
James Madison University said a string of five positive tests among football players forced the team to shut down practice until at least early September .
Other members of the team were forced to @ @

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - More than 550 people have tested positive for the coronavirus at colleges and universities in Virginia.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Thursday that it surveyed 41 four-year colleges across the state. It found at least 558 positive cases. Twenty-one colleges reported at least one positive case.
Some schools say positive cases were inevitable and that they are prepared to handle them. Other universities across the country have backtracked on plans to allow students on campus.
Many school websites are also posting COVID-19 dashboards that list positive cases.
The New York Times reported that more than 26,000 cases and 64 deaths at colleges around the nation since the beginning of the pandemic. No school in Virginia has reported a death from the virus.
Among the schools impacted is Virginia Commonwealth University. It has reported 110 cases and has created space in an honors residential hall to serve those in isolation.
James Madison University said a string of five positive tests among football players forced the team to shut down practice until at least early September. Other members of the team were forced to quarantine.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Greek sniffer dog finds 100 kilos of Italy-bound cocaine

ATHENS , Greece ( AP ) - A sniffer dog in Greece led coast guard officers to more than 100 @ @ @ @ @ a truck bound for Italy , officials said Friday .
The coast guard said the @ @ @ @ @ the western Greek port of Patras as the truck was about to board an Italy-bound @ @ @ @ @ man was arrested on drug trafficking charges after 105 kilograms ( 231.5 pounds ) of @ @ @ @ @ in 100 plastic packages , the coast guard said .
Authorities said the drugs had @ @ @ @ @ at least 3 million euros ( $ 3.6 million ) .

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - A sniffer dog in Greece led coast guard officers to more than 100 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a truck bound for Italy, officials said Friday.
The coast guard said the discovery was made Thursday at the western Greek port of Patras as the truck was about to board an Italy-bound ferry.
A 63-year-old Greek man was arrested on drug trafficking charges after 105 kilograms (231.5 pounds) of cocaine were discovered, shrink-wrapped in 100 plastic packages, the coast guard said.
Authorities said the drugs had an estimated street value of at least 3 million euros ($3.6 million).


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Vermont man to buy campus of closed Green Mountain College

POULTNEY , Vt. ( AP ) - A Vermont businessman is poised to purchase the campus of Green Mountain College in Poultney , which closed in the spring of 2019 .
Raj Bhakta , the founder of Shoreham-based WhistlePig Whiskey , said he plans to buy the campus for more than $ 4.5 million , plus fees .
Vermont Public Radio reports the sale won ’ t be finalized until next month .
Bhakta said he hopes to resurrect a new kind of school that will benefit students and the local community .
“ It ’ ll probably be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You know , I ’ ve got a very , very strong track record of taking things that were going down the tube and making them roar back to life.
” He said the first thing he ’ ll do is look at where the needs are in education .
“ We know that we have a need for trades in Vermont , that in America people really aren ’ t being trained to do anything anymore , ” Bhakta said .
The 155-acre campus includes 26 buildings with 500,000 square feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he hasn ’ t yet finalized plans for the campus , but it will probably be what he calls “ a work college.
” In 2010 , Bhakta founded the Shoreham-based WhistlePig Whiskey .
He sold his stake in the distillery last year for an undisclosed price .

POULTNEY, Vt. (AP) - A Vermont businessman is poised to purchase the campus of Green Mountain College in Poultney, which closed in the spring of 2019.
Raj Bhakta, the founder of Shoreham-based WhistlePig Whiskey, said he plans to buy the campus for more than $4.5 million, plus fees.
Vermont Public Radio reports the sale won’t be finalized until next month.
Bhakta said he hopes to resurrect a new kind of school that will benefit students and the local community.
“It’ll probably be a work college,” he said. “You know, I’ve got a very, very strong track record of taking things that were going down the tube and making them roar back to life.”
He said the first thing he’ll do is look at where the needs are in education.
“We know that we have a need for trades in Vermont, that in America people really aren’t being trained to do anything anymore,” Bhakta said.
The 155-acre campus includes 26 buildings with 500,000 square feet and its own biomass plant. Bhakta says he hasn’t yet finalized plans for the campus, but it will probably be what he calls “a work college.”
In 2010, Bhakta founded the Shoreham-based WhistlePig Whiskey. He sold his stake in the distillery last year for an undisclosed price.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Maryland trooper fatally shoots driver accused of dragging

ELKRIDGE , Md .
( AP ) - A Maryland State Trooper shot and killed a suspect accused of dragging the officer more than 2,000 feet ( 610 meters ) down an interstate while attempting to escape a traffic stop early Friday , the agency said .
The trooper spotted the motorist weaving across multiple lanes of traffic on the highway in Howard County around 2 a.m. and pulled him over on suspicion of drunk driving , State Police said in a statement .
The trooper , joined by another officer , approached the driver , who refused to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported seeing multiple alcohol containers inside the vehicle and a machete under the driver ’ s seat , investigators said .
The driver accelerated when a trooper reached in to remove the keys from the ignition and dragged the officer down the road , officials said .
The trooper was able to pull out his gun , and shot the driver after he refused to stop , according to the statement .
The trooper was thrown into a median and was taken to a hospital with minor injuries .
Howard County emergency medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene , State Police said .
None of the people involved were immediately identified .
Both troopers were placed on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation .

ELKRIDGE, Md. (AP) - A Maryland State Trooper shot and killed a suspect accused of dragging the officer more than 2,000 feet (610 meters) down an interstate while attempting to escape a traffic stop early Friday, the agency said.
The trooper spotted the motorist weaving across multiple lanes of traffic on the highway in Howard County around 2 a.m. and pulled him over on suspicion of drunk driving, State Police said in a statement.
The trooper, joined by another officer, approached the driver, who refused to get out of the car.
The troopers reported seeing multiple alcohol containers inside the vehicle and a machete under the driver’s seat, investigators said.
The driver accelerated when a trooper reached in to remove the keys from the ignition and dragged the officer down the road, officials said. The trooper was able to pull out his gun, and shot the driver after he refused to stop, according to the statement.
The trooper was thrown into a median and was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Howard County emergency medical services pronounced the driver dead at the scene, State Police said.
None of the people involved were immediately identified.
Both troopers were placed on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--MBTA, several communities to open bus-only travel lanes

BOSTON ( AP ) - The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is joining the city of Boston and three suburban communities to create up to 14 miles of dedicated bus lanes it is hoped will improve reliability and reduce on-board crowding during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , officials said .
Several of the bus routes selected for the project that includes Somerville , Everett and Chelsea provide critical connections for people heading to essential jobs , and are among the agency ’ s busiest , the T said in a statement .
Bus lanes can reduce crowding on buses and limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close proximity to others while on the bus , officials said .
The new lanes will help the economy reopen and help the region recover from the pandemic .
“ The Rapid Response Bus Lanes Program is about addressing the needs of riders today while taking a transformative step forward to build a better T , ” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a statement .
The program will start this fall and run through the spring , according to a statement from the T. The bus lanes will be marked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minor signaling changes .
Emergency response vehicles and school buses will also be allowed to use the bus lanes .

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is joining the city of Boston and three suburban communities to create up to 14 miles of dedicated bus lanes it is hoped will improve reliability and reduce on-board crowding during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, officials said.
Several of the bus routes selected for the project that includes Somerville, Everett and Chelsea provide critical connections for people heading to essential jobs, and are among the agency’s busiest, the T said in a statement.
Bus lanes can reduce crowding on buses and limit the amount of time riders spend in close proximity to others while on the bus, officials said.
The new lanes will help the economy reopen and help the region recover from the pandemic.
“The Rapid Response Bus Lanes Program is about addressing the needs of riders today while taking a transformative step forward to build a better T,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a statement.
The program will start this fall and run through the spring, according to a statement from the T.
The bus lanes will be marked with striping, red paint, signage, and minor signaling changes.
Emergency response vehicles and school buses will also be allowed to use the bus lanes.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Shinzo Abe -- aka 'Super Mario' -- will miss Tokyo Olympics

TOKYO ( AP ) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a star at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics , parading before a sellout crowd at the Maracana Stadium as Nintendo game character Super Mario .
Abe ’ s humorous invitation to the next Olympics in Tokyo was a big hit among Brazilian fans , and to a worldwide television audience .
It turns out that Abe won ’ t be around - at least not in an official capacity - when the postponed Olympics are set to open on July 23 , 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ step down because of a chronic health problem .
Ironically , Japan ’ s longest serving prime minister would have been in the VIP box alongside International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach had the games opened as scheduled a month ago and not fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ I think this won ’ t make much difference , ” Jeff Kingston , who teaches Japanese politics at Temple University in Tokyo , wrote in an email .
“ The Olympics benefited from his backing but now the situation is beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His successor might not care as much , but so much depends on the IOC , the Tokyo organizing committee , and sports federations around the world.
” Abe called in “ gut wrenching ” to leave with so many plans unfinished .
The most visible one - at least to the public outside Japan - was the Olympics .
Abe was in the front row in 2013 in Buenos Aires when then-IOC president Jacques Rogge opened an envelop to announce Tokyo as the 2020 host , beating out Istanbul in the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IOC members at the time that the meltdown of three nuclear reactors in 2011 from an earthquake and tsunami was “ under control.
” In fact , it was not entirely and Japan is still dealing with the disaster in the northern Fukushima prefecture .
“ I think this likely is heartbreaking for Abe , ” David Leheny , who teaches politics at Tokyo ’ s Waseda University , wrote in an email .
Leheny said Abe leaves without any signature breakthroughs on women ’ s issues , amending the constitution , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olympics would have been the one major thing he could point to and say - ‘ yes ’ - I did that .
I made that happen .
He still might , and I think whoever the next prime minister is will ensure Abe has a prominent place at the Olympics , but it won ’ t be the same as his being in charge to welcome people.
” There is no guarantee the Olympics will even take place .
The IOC and organizers have said it will , but so far they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are questions about quarantines , fans being allowed , vaccines - and the logistics of getting 15,400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes safely into Tokyo .
Add to this thousands of officials , staff and media - and the fact the control of the outbreak is so different in countries or territories represented by 206 national Olympic committees .
Local Tokyo organizers have stopped holding regular news conferences to update progress , and few details are expected until the fall and into 2021 .
“ It is with great sadness that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abe , ” said Bach , who credited Abe with getting the Olympics back to Japan after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo .
“ All the Japanese athletes and the athletes of the entire world are very grateful to him , ” Bach said .
Yoshiro Mori , a former Japanese prime minister and the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee , also credited Abe .
“ We look forward to the prime minister ’ s guidance during the remainder of his time in office , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future regardless of his official position , ” Mori said in a statement .
A poll this month of almost 13,000 Japanese companies showed 53.6 % want the games canceled or postponed again .
The IOC has said if the Olympics can ’ t happen in 2021 , they will be canceled .
A poll in July found that two-thirds of the public also favors another postponement or cancellation .
Tokyo organizers say they are officially spending $ 12.6 billion to hold the Olympics , although a national audit board says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , local estimates say the bill for the delay could add on several billion more .
Organizers and the IOC have yet to give a detailed breakdown of the new costs .

TOKYO (AP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a star at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, parading before a sellout crowd at the Maracana Stadium as Nintendo game character Super Mario.
Abe’s humorous invitation to the next Olympics in Tokyo was a big hit among Brazilian fans, and to a worldwide television audience.
It turns out that Abe won’t be around - at least not in an official capacity - when the postponed Olympics are set to open on July 23, 2021. He announced on Friday he intends to step down because of a chronic health problem.
Ironically, Japan’s longest serving prime minister would have been in the VIP box alongside International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach had the games opened as scheduled a month ago and not fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think this won’t make much difference,” Jeff Kingston, who teaches Japanese politics at Temple University in Tokyo, wrote in an email. “The Olympics benefited from his backing but now the situation is beyond the prime minister’s control. His successor might not care as much, but so much depends on the IOC, the Tokyo organizing committee, and sports federations around the world.”
Abe called in “gut wrenching” to leave with so many plans unfinished. The most visible one - at least to the public outside Japan - was the Olympics.
Abe was in the front row in 2013 in Buenos Aires when then-IOC president Jacques Rogge opened an envelop to announce Tokyo as the 2020 host, beating out Istanbul in the final vote.
It was Abe who assured IOC members at the time that the meltdown of three nuclear reactors in 2011 from an earthquake and tsunami was “under control.” In fact, it was not entirely and Japan is still dealing with the disaster in the northern Fukushima prefecture.
“I think this likely is heartbreaking for Abe,” David Leheny, who teaches politics at Tokyo’s Waseda University, wrote in an email.
Leheny said Abe leaves without any signature breakthroughs on women’s issues, amending the constitution, or economic policy.
“I think the Olympics would have been the one major thing he could point to and say - ‘yes’ - I did that. I made that happen. He still might, and I think whoever the next prime minister is will ensure Abe has a prominent place at the Olympics, but it won’t be the same as his being in charge to welcome people.”
There is no guarantee the Olympics will even take place. The IOC and organizers have said it will, but so far they have not said how it can happen. There are questions about quarantines, fans being allowed, vaccines - and the logistics of getting 15,400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes safely into Tokyo. Add to this thousands of officials, staff and media - and the fact the control of the outbreak is so different in countries or territories represented by 206 national Olympic committees.
Local Tokyo organizers have stopped holding regular news conferences to update progress, and few details are expected until the fall and into 2021.
“It is with great sadness that I learned about the resignation of Prime Minister Abe,” said Bach, who credited Abe with getting the Olympics back to Japan after the 1964 Tokyo Games, 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo and 1998 Winter Games in Nagano.
“All the Japanese athletes and the athletes of the entire world are very grateful to him,” Bach said.
John Coates of Australia, who heads up the IOC Tokyo 2020 coordination commission, has worked closely with Abe in preparing for the delayed games.
“This is disappointing news from a professional and personal perspective,” Coates said in an Australian Olympic Committee statement Saturday . “My interactions with him have always been very positive and constructive.
“I certainly hope he can successfully overcome the current challenges he faces away from political office and I am sure a smooth transition will follow to ensure Japan’s momentum can continue. His support has been enormous.”
Yoshiro Mori, a former Japanese prime minister and the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, also credited Abe.
“We look forward to the prime minister’s guidance during the remainder of his time in office, and hope to receive his generous support in the future regardless of his official position,” Mori said in a statement.
A poll this month of almost 13,000 Japanese companies showed 53.6% want the games canceled or postponed again. The IOC has said if the Olympics can’t happen in 2021, they will be canceled.
A poll in July found that two-thirds of the public also favors another postponement or cancellation.
Tokyo organizers say they are officially spending $12.6 billion to hold the Olympics, although a national audit board says it’s twice that much. In addition, local estimates say the bill for the delay could add on several billion more. Organizers and the IOC have yet to give a detailed breakdown of the new costs.
___
AP Sports Writer Dennis Passa contributed to this story from Australia.
____
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--Alleged gang leader accused in violent attacks, robberies

BISMARCK , N.D. ( AP ) - A federal grand jury has indicted a man prosecutors say led a criminal @ @ @ @ @ string of violent attacks and robberies .
Prosecutors said 26-year-old Abbot Aho , of Fergus @ @ @ @ @ of a criminal gang known as the “ Slither Gang ” whose members stole from @ @ @ @ @ drugs they took .
Authorities say the gang members targeted alleged drug traffickers in North @ @ @ @ @ .
Aho and the co-conspirators often committed home invasions or set up victims to meet @ @ @ @ @ and then robbed them of drugs , money , firearms and personal property , according @ @ @ @ @ Drew Wrigley Thursday .
Aho is charged with using a gun in committing a crime @ @ @ @ @ criminal enterprise and conspiracy to commit robbery , among other counts .

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A federal grand jury has indicted a man prosecutors say led a criminal gang that carried out a string of violent attacks and robberies.
Prosecutors said 26-year-old Abbot Aho, of Fergus Falls, is the leader of a criminal gang known as the “Slither Gang” whose members stole from drug dealers and sold the drugs they took. Authorities say the gang members targeted alleged drug traffickers in North Dakota, Minnesota and elsewhere.
Aho and the co-conspirators often committed home invasions or set up victims to meet at a public place, and then robbed them of drugs, money, firearms and personal property, according to a statement U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley Thursday.
Aho is charged with using a gun in committing a crime of violence, continuing a criminal enterprise and conspiracy to commit robbery, among other counts.


washingtontimes--2020-08-28--2 South Florida women accused in sex-trafficking operation

LAKE WORTH , Fla. ( AP ) - Two South Florida women have been arrested on federal charges in connection with a sex-trafficking operation involving minors , investigators said .
Kiara Nunez , 21 , of Hollywood , and Alexandra Ramirez , 19 , of Coral Springs , were taken into custody by the Broward County Human Trafficking Task Force , the FBI announced .
The women are accused of renting at least five Airbnb locations in South Florida for the purposes of selling two teenage girls for sex , the Palm Beach Post reported .
One of the locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are accused of trafficking the teenagers from October through January .
A federal criminal complaint said one of the victims told investigators last month that she and the other teen were driven to an unknown location in Lake Worth Beach for the sole purpose of “ making money ” through sex , the Post reported .
The teen said only one “ date ” showed up and the women became angry because they weren ’ t making more money , the complaint said .
The girl told investigators she also had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When she resisted , the women threatened to kick her out of the home and leave her in Palm Beach County , the complaint said .
According to the complaint , Ramirez pointed a BB gun at one of the teens during an argument and frequently threatened to leave them in deserted locations .
A judge on Thursday , ordered that Ramirez be held on pretrial detention , while Nunez was placed on home detention with a $ 100,000 bond and electronic monitoring , according to court records .
Attorneys for the women @ @ @ @ @ @ @

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (AP) - Two South Florida women have been arrested on federal charges in connection with a sex-trafficking operation involving minors, investigators said.
Kiara Nunez, 21, of Hollywood, and Alexandra Ramirez, 19, of Coral Springs, were taken into custody by the Broward County Human Trafficking Task Force, the FBI announced.
The women are accused of renting at least five Airbnb locations in South Florida for the purposes of selling two teenage girls for sex, the Palm Beach Post reported. One of the locations was in the Lake Worth area.
They are accused of trafficking the teenagers from October through January.
A federal criminal complaint said one of the victims told investigators last month that she and the other teen were driven to an unknown location in Lake Worth Beach for the sole purpose of “making money” through sex, the Post reported.
The teen said only one “date” showed up and the women became angry because they weren’t making more money, the complaint said.
The girl told investigators she also had to take nude photos for online advertising. When she resisted, the women threatened to kick her out of the home and leave her in Palm Beach County, the complaint said.
According to the complaint, Ramirez pointed a BB gun at one of the teens during an argument and frequently threatened to leave them in deserted locations.
A judge on Thursday, ordered that Ramirez be held on pretrial detention, while Nunez was placed on home detention with a $100,000 bond and electronic monitoring, according to court records.
Attorneys for the women are not listed on court records.