washingtontimes--2020-10-13--UVA to give option of course credit instead of letter grade

CHARLOTTESVILLE , Va. ( AP ) - The University of Virginia is giving students the option of receiving course credit without a letter grade .
The Daily Progress reported Monday that the move is being made in the wake of students suffering stress , anxiety and internet connectivity troubles in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Students will be allowed to choose a grading system that includes received a credit or no credit rather than the usual letter grading system .
Classes taken under the credit system will have no impact on a student ’ s grade point average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the change .
Those efforts included online petitions as well as lobbying and a resolution by the UVa Student Council .
“ We decided to revisit our grading decision after many exchanges with students , student leaders , and faculty and staff who work most closely with students , ” UVa Provost Liz Magill wrote Friday in an open letter to students , faculty and staff .
“ They reported high levels of stress , anxiety , and personal and family challenges among large numbers of students , and all encouraged both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grading options this semester , ” she wrote .

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - The University of Virginia is giving students the option of receiving course credit without a letter grade.
The Daily Progress reported Monday that the move is being made in the wake of students suffering stress, anxiety and internet connectivity troubles in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students will be allowed to choose a grading system that includes received a credit or no credit rather than the usual letter grading system. Classes taken under the credit system will have no impact on a student’s grade point average.
The move follows student efforts to make the change. Those efforts included online petitions as well as lobbying and a resolution by the UVa Student Council.
“We decided to revisit our grading decision after many exchanges with students, student leaders, and faculty and staff who work most closely with students,” UVa Provost Liz Magill wrote Friday in an open letter to students, faculty and staff.
“They reported high levels of stress, anxiety, and personal and family challenges among large numbers of students, and all encouraged both the deans and me to consider flexible grading options this semester,” she wrote.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Warner, Gade focus on health issues in final debate

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia and his Republican opponent , Daniel Gade , sparred over how best to respond to the coronavirus and other health care issues Tuesday in their third and final debate .
The televised event , sponsored by the AARP , focused heavily on the pandemic as well as issues important to seniors , like prescription drug prices and the Affordable Care Act .
Warner , a former governor , cast himself as a trusted problem solver .
“ The truth is , what I ’ m counting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , ” Warner said .
Gade , a first-time candidate and retired Army officer who lost a leg when his Humvee was blown up in Iraq , offered himself up as an energetic fresh face unafraid of special interests .
“ One you look at my personal history , you ’ ll know this : I will never quit when things are hard , ” Gade said .
Warner is considered the heavy favorite to win reelection for a third Senate term representing Virginia , which hasn ’ t elected a Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade .
The race has been largely low key , especially compared to more competitive races in other states that could determine partisan control of the Senate .
Much of the debate Tuesday centered on the coronavirus and President Donald Trump ’ s handling of the crisis , familiar topics from the previous two debates .
Warner blasted Gade for backing the president and being unrealistic about what ’ s needed to defeat the virus and restart the economy .
“ We can ’ t say Donald Trump ’ s done a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t , ” Warner said .
Gade repeatedly attacked Warner for voting against GOP coronavirus relief legislation , which Gade said was desperately needed in Virginia .
“ Even a flawed bill is better than nothing at all , ” Gade said .
Warner said he wants another relief bill , but a bigger one than Republicans proposed .
On prescription drugs , Gade said Warner can ’ t be trusted because he ’ s taken significant donations from the pharmaceutical industry .
Warner said he ’ s working to lower drug prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill to allow the federal government to negotiate drug prices paid through Medicare , which he said the entire industry opposes .
Warner said Gade wanted to repeal the Affordable Care Act and end protections for people with preexisting conditions , something Gade strenuously denied .
Gade said he wants to modernize and improve the health care law .
“ I will always protect people with pre-existing conditions , ” Gade said .
A professor at American University in Washington , Gade was seriously injured in Iraq in 2005 .
He advised President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues and was Trump ’ s appointee to serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission , but withdrew his nomination after a lengthy delay in the Senate over his confirmation .
Warner , a businessman who co-founded the company that became Nextel , served as governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006 .
He was first elected in 2008 to the Senate , where he now serves as vice chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence .

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia and his Republican opponent, Daniel Gade, sparred over how best to respond to the coronavirus and other health care issues Tuesday in their third and final debate.
The televised event, sponsored by the AARP, focused heavily on the pandemic as well as issues important to seniors, like prescription drug prices and the Affordable Care Act. Warner, a former governor, cast himself as a trusted problem solver.
“The truth is, what I’m counting on most, is that Virginians knows me,” Warner said.
Gade, a first-time candidate and retired Army officer who lost a leg when his Humvee was blown up in Iraq, offered himself up as an energetic fresh face unafraid of special interests.
“One you look at my personal history, you’ll know this: I will never quit when things are hard,” Gade said.
Warner is considered the heavy favorite to win reelection for a third Senate term representing Virginia, which hasn’t elected a Republican to statewide office in more than a decade. The race has been largely low key, especially compared to more competitive races in other states that could determine partisan control of the Senate.
Much of the debate Tuesday centered on the coronavirus and President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis, familiar topics from the previous two debates.
Warner blasted Gade for backing the president and being unrealistic about what’s needed to defeat the virus and restart the economy.
“We can’t say Donald Trump’s done a great job managing COVID when he hasn’t,” Warner said.
Gade repeatedly attacked Warner for voting against GOP coronavirus relief legislation, which Gade said was desperately needed in Virginia.
“Even a flawed bill is better than nothing at all,” Gade said.
Warner said he wants another relief bill, but a bigger one than Republicans proposed.
On prescription drugs, Gade said Warner can’t be trusted because he’s taken significant donations from the pharmaceutical industry. Warner said he’s working to lower drug prices and that he’s backed a bill to allow the federal government to negotiate drug prices paid through Medicare, which he said the entire industry opposes.
Warner said Gade wanted to repeal the Affordable Care Act and end protections for people with preexisting conditions, something Gade strenuously denied. Gade said he wants to modernize and improve the health care law.
“I will always protect people with pre-existing conditions,” Gade said.
A professor at American University in Washington, Gade was seriously injured in Iraq in 2005. He advised President George W. Bush on military and disability issues and was Trump’s appointee to serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but withdrew his nomination after a lengthy delay in the Senate over his confirmation.
Warner, a businessman who co-founded the company that became Nextel, served as governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006. He was first elected in 2008 to the Senate, where he now serves as vice chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Thai protest rally plans complicated by king's itinerary

BANGKOK , Thailand ( AP ) - Thai activists hope to keep up the momentum in their campaign for democratic change with a third major rally in Bangkok on Wednesday , though there are concerns about possible confrontation with police or rival government supporters .
Plans for the rally at Bangkok ’ s Democracy Monument have been complicated by King Maha Vajiralongkorn ’ s duties , which include him being driven around the protest venue to attend a royal ceremony .
The protest leaders said they will make way for the king , and police said they are confident they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is possibility that protesters , widely seen as unsympathetic to the king , could at a minimum show public disrespect for the crown .
The king made a similar drive on Tuesday after police cleared tents set up near the monument and arrested 21 people on minor charges .
“ The Democracy Monument arrests raise serious concerns that the government will impose even harsher repression of people ’ s fundamental freedoms in Thailand , ” said Brad Adams , Asia director at Human Rights Watch .
“ Thailand ’ s international friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arresting peaceful protesters , listen to their views , and allow them to freely and safely express their visions for the future.
” Protesters on Wednesday also planned to march to Government House - the office of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha - and surround it for at least a night .
The crowds at the last two rallies , held on weekends , were significant in number , with the Sept. 19 event estimated to be have attracted at least 20,000 people .
But turnout could be weaker this time , because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A call for a general strike was abandoned .
The protesters have drawn attention , and scorn in some quarters , because of their demands for reforms in Thailand ’ s constitutional monarchy , which they claim does not properly operate in a democratic framework .
That demand has caused a huge controversy , because the royal institution has long been considered sacrosanct and a pillar of Thai identity .
It is also protected by a lese majeste law that mandates three to 15 years in prison for defaming the monarchy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters , accusing them of seeking to end the monarchy , an allegation they deny .
However , the activists identify closely with the 1932 revolution that ended the absolute monarchy .
Their movement has in a few months gone through several names , but they recently dubbed themselves the Khana Ratsadon , or People ’ s Party , after the group of civil servants and military officers behind the historic change .
Several royalist groups announced plans to stage counter-demonstrations near the rally , but their previous efforts have gained little popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about violence , ” protest leader Parit “ Penguin ” Chiwarak told reporters .
“ Police should take care of safety for us and the other groups .
We protest in a peaceful way.
” The other historical link claimed by Wednesday ’ s protesters is the date of the rally , which is the anniversary of the 1973 popular uprising that led to the toppling of a military dictatorship .
The protest movement was launched in March by university students but quickly put on hold as Thailand was gripped by surges in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , when the threat from the virus eased , and since then has again been spearheaded by students and publicized on social media .
The movement ’ s original core demands were new elections , changes in the constitution to make it more democratic , and an end to intimidation of activists .
The protesters charge that Prime Minister Prayuth , who as army commander led a 2014 coup toppling an elected government , was returned to power unfairly in last year ’ s general election because the laws had been changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say a constitution promulgated under military rule is undemocratic .
Prayuth ’ s government also faces broader criticism that it is ineffective and without direction as the economy , hit hard by the pandemic , sputters and the country remains closed to foreign tourists , the main source of income .

BANGKOK (AP) - Thai activists hoping to keep up the momentum in their campaign for democratic change held a third major rally in Bangkok on Wednesday, amid concerns about a possible confrontation with police or rival groups supporting the government.
Despite a massive security presence and harassment from counter-demonstrators, thousands of protesters marched from Bangkok’s Democracy Monument toward Government House, the offices of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. “Prime minister, get out!” they chanted.
Before leaving Democracy Monument, several small clashes broke out between protesters and their opponents, who traded punches and threw plastic bottles as police tried to keep them apart.
There was speculation that the counter-protesters were organized by the authorities, with videos on social media showing municipal trucks carrying groups to the site.
The protesters negotiated or pushed their way without much resistance past several police roadblocks before reaching their target, the streets outside Government House, after almost four hours. Protest leaders announced plans to stay there for at least three days. Deputy police spokesman Col. Kissana Phathanacharoen estimated the crowd at 8,000.
The protest got off to a rocky start after organizers issued a post-midnight call for followers to begin assembling at Democracy Monument at 8 a.m. to assure they could secure the venue for the rally’s scheduled 2 p.m. start.
The area was blanketed with police, stationed in an organized manner but wearing yellow sports shirts instead of standard uniforms. Yellow shirts are a symbol of devotion to the monarchy, and are strongly associated with conservative politics.
The situation had already been complicated by King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s plans, which included a scheduled drive past the protest venue to attend a royal ceremony. The protesters said they would make way but there was a possibility that they could at a minimum show public disrespect for the crown. Several cars normally used by the royal family later were seen on nearby streets but their occupants could not be confirmed. Unverified video and photos on social media showed what was purported to be protesters gesturing and shouting close to the vehicles, which would be unprecedented for Thailand, where the royal family has traditionally been revered.
The king made a similar drive past the area on Tuesday after police cleared tents set up near the monument and arrested 21 people on minor charges.
Wednesday’s protest was held on the anniversary of a key date in a 1973 popular uprising that led to the toppling of a military dictatorship.
Historically, attempts to bring democratic reform to Thailand have eventually been reversed by military coups.
“We have to fight,” said university student Kanokwan Kawkaew, 20. “If we don’t fight, we will lose again.”
The crowds at the previous two rallies, held on weekends, were significant, with an estimated 20,000 people attending a Sept. 19 event. But turnout appeared to be lower for this rally, launched on a weekday amid daily rain.
The protesters have drawn attention because of their demands for reforms to Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, which they claim does not properly operate in a democratic framework.
That demand has caused a huge controversy because the royal institution has long been considered sacrosanct and a pillar of Thai identity. It is also protected by a lese majeste law that mandates three to 15 years in prison for defaming the monarchy.
Conservative royalist Thais accuse them of seeking to end the monarchy, an allegation they deny.
Efforts by several royalist groups to counter the previous rallies fell flat, but the turnout of counter-demonstrators was much larger Wednesday.
The protest movement was launched in March by university students but quickly put on hold as Thailand was gripped by surges in coronavirus cases. It came back in July, when the threat from the virus eased, and since then has again been spearheaded by students and publicized on social media.
The movement’s original core demands were new elections, changes in the constitution to make it more democratic, and an end to intimidation of activists.
The protesters charge that Prime Minister Prayuth, who as army commander led a 2014 coup that toppled an elected government, was returned to power unfairly in last year’s general election because laws had been changed to favor a pro-military party. Protesters say a constitution promulgated under military rule is undemocratic.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Gardner defends record, Trump's morality in final debate

DENVER ( AP ) - Republican Sen. Cory Gardner on Tuesday defended his record , alliance with President Donald Trump and the president ’ s morality in the final debate of the heated Colorado Senate race .
Gardner rescinded his endorsement of Trump in 2016 after the release of the Access Hollywood tape , saying he was ashamed of the then-candidate boasting of sexual assault .
But he has endorsed Trump this time around , which has become a central issue in Gardner ’ s reelection campaign .
At the close of the hourlong debate , Gardner was asked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether he thought Trump was moral and ethical .
“ Yes , ” Gardner said , quickly adding “ I wish he could be more specific in his communications with the American people.
” Gardner is considered one of the most vulnerable Republican senators in the country because Colorado has turned sharply Democratic since Trump ’ s election .
The president lost the former swing state by 5 percentage points in 2016 and Democrats swept all statewide races in 2018 , winning the governor ’ s office by 11 percentage points .
Gardner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partisanship .
He said he had stood up to his own party by backing legalization for people brought illegally to the United States as children and marijuana legalization , and by convincing Trump to support increased conservation funding .
“ I ’ m sure not every Democrat in the state , including John Hickenlooper , is happy with my record , because Gardner ends in R , ” he said in an allusion to the realities of partisan politics .
That sums up Gardner ’ s dilemma - Democrats have targeted him since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 , so he needs solid Republican support to survive .
But to keep his party ’ s voters happy , he ’ s had to support the president ’ s top priorities and not criticize him too explicitly , Gardner did chastise Trump once during the debate over the president ’ s refusal to commit to a peaceful transition of power if he loses in November .
“ The president should be crystal clear , ” Gardner said .
“ Every single person in this country should be crystal clear .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also repeatedly criticized the QAnon conspiracy theory that Trump has spoken positively about and white supremacism following Trump ’ s inability to critique right-wing extremists on the debate stage last month .
Much of the debate covered familiar ground .
Gardner slammed Hickenlooper for being found to have twice violated state ethics laws as governor - which led Gardner to not answer yes or no when asked if he viewed the man who spent two terms as a popular governor as an ethical man .
He also criticized Hickenlooper for calling for environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in the oil and gas industry out of work and for his support for what Gardner said were excessive gun control measures , like a vow to require a national license to own a firearm .
Hickenlooper went after Gardner on the senator ’ s support for repealing the Affordable Care Act , his votes to roll back restrictions on the oil and gas industry and donations from corporate political committees .
The former governor also refused to say whether he ’ d support expanding the number of Supreme Court Justices if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett , is confirmed .
Both candidates said the most important way to fight the coronavirus is for Congress to pass another relief bill .
Senate Republicans have been deadlocked over the issue for months , even as Trump has ricocheted wildly between calling for no more aid and calling for more money than House Democrats have approved .
Gardner criticized Hickenlooper , who had once said he opposed a Republican proposal for relief that died in the Senate in August for lack of Democratic votes .
Hickenlooper responded by proposing Gardner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s confirmation , demand a vote on coronavirus relief before the nominee is seated on the high court .
Hickenlooper was more aggressive than he has been in prior debates .
He rose in Colorado politics as an avowedly nonpartisan administrator uninterested in the nuts and bolts of legislating , but in his senate bid he ’ s often adopted standard Democratic positions .
But for a moment Tuesday , Hickenlooper sounded like his old self in critiquing both parties .
“ We haven ’ t seen any willingness on the Republican side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and roll up their sleeves , ” Hickenlooper said .
“ This is what I ’ d go to Washington to change .
”

DENVER (AP) - Republican Sen. Cory Gardner on Tuesday defended his record, alliance with President Donald Trump and the president’s morality in the final debate of the heated Colorado Senate race.
Gardner rescinded his endorsement of Trump in 2016 after the release of the Access Hollywood tape, saying he was ashamed of the then-candidate boasting of sexual assault. But he has endorsed Trump this time around, which has become a central issue in Gardner’s reelection campaign.
At the close of the hourlong debate, Gardner was asked, as a yes or no question, whether he thought Trump was moral and ethical. “Yes,” Gardner said, quickly adding “I wish he could be more specific in his communications with the American people.”
Gardner’s Democratic opponent, former Gov. John Hickenlooper, answered with a simple: “No.”
Gardner is considered one of the most vulnerable Republican senators in the country because Colorado has turned sharply Democratic since Trump’s election. The president lost the former swing state by 5 percentage points in 2016 and Democrats swept all statewide races in 2018, winning the governor’s office by 11 percentage points.
Gardner said his priority is Colorado rather than partisanship. He said he had stood up to his own party by backing legalization for people brought illegally to the United States as children and marijuana legalization, and by convincing Trump to support increased conservation funding.
“I’m sure not every Democrat in the state, including John Hickenlooper, is happy with my record, because Gardner ends in R,” he said in an allusion to the realities of partisan politics.
That sums up Gardner’s dilemma - Democrats have targeted him since he narrowly won his first race in 2014, so he needs solid Republican support to survive. But to keep his party’s voters happy, he’s had to support the president’s top priorities and not criticize him too explicitly,
Gardner did chastise Trump once during the debate over the president’s refusal to commit to a peaceful transition of power if he loses in November. “The president should be crystal clear,” Gardner said. “Every single person in this country should be crystal clear. There will be a peaceful transition.”
He also repeatedly criticized the QAnon conspiracy theory that Trump has spoken positively about and white supremacism following Trump’s inability to critique right-wing extremists on the debate stage last month.
Much of the debate covered familiar ground. Gardner slammed Hickenlooper for being found to have twice violated state ethics laws as governor - which led Gardner to not answer yes or no when asked if he viewed the man who spent two terms as a popular governor as an ethical man.
He also criticized Hickenlooper for calling for environmental policies that would put “230,000 Coloradans” in the oil and gas industry out of work and for his support for what Gardner said were excessive gun control measures, like a vow to require a national license to own a firearm.
Hickenlooper went after Gardner on the senator’s support for repealing the Affordable Care Act, his votes to roll back restrictions on the oil and gas industry and donations from corporate political committees. The former governor also refused to say whether he’d support expanding the number of Supreme Court Justices if Trump’s nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, is confirmed.
Both candidates said the most important way to fight the coronavirus is for Congress to pass another relief bill. Senate Republicans have been deadlocked over the issue for months, even as Trump has ricocheted wildly between calling for no more aid and calling for more money than House Democrats have approved.
Gardner criticized Hickenlooper, who had once said he opposed a Republican proposal for relief that died in the Senate in August for lack of Democratic votes. Hickenlooper responded by proposing Gardner, a key expected vote in Barrett’s confirmation, demand a vote on coronavirus relief before the nominee is seated on the high court.
Hickenlooper was more aggressive than he has been in prior debates. He rose in Colorado politics as an avowedly nonpartisan administrator uninterested in the nuts and bolts of legislating, but in his senate bid he’s often adopted standard Democratic positions. But for a moment Tuesday, Hickenlooper sounded like his old self in critiquing both parties.
“We haven’t seen any willingness on the Republican side or the Democratic side to sit down and roll up their sleeves,” Hickenlooper said. “This is what I’d go to Washington to change.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Man charged in Detroit-area slayings of child, 2 adults

WARREN , Mich. ( AP ) - A man was charged Tuesday in the deaths of a 6-year-old boy , the child ’ s father and a woman , three slayings that have been linked to drugs in the Detroit area .
Nicholas Bahri , 37 , of Bloomfield Hills appeared in a Warren court on 15 charges , including first-degree murder .
He asked for a lawyer and was returned to jail without bond .
Detroit police on Oct. 1 found the body of Tukoyo Moore , 31 , in a burned-out car .
Investigators contacted Warren police to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police then found the bodies of Moore ’ s son , Tai ’ raz Moore , and Isis Rimson , 28 , in the basement of a house .
They had been shot , too .
“ The execution-style killing of a baby - a 6-year-old - has shaken not only the tri-county area , but has shocked the nation , ” said Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer said , adding that the murder of a child is “ even intolerable in the criminal world.
” Dwyer said the U.S. Attorney ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If police can show the slayings were related to drugs , it ’ s possible the government could take over and pursue the death penalty in federal court .
“ It was all about drugs and money , ” Dwyer said .

WARREN, Mich. (AP) - A man was charged Tuesday in the deaths of a 6-year-old boy, the child’s father and a woman, three slayings that have been linked to drugs in the Detroit area.
Nicholas Bahri, 37, of Bloomfield Hills appeared in a Warren court on 15 charges, including first-degree murder. He asked for a lawyer and was returned to jail without bond.
Detroit police on Oct. 1 found the body of Tukoyo Moore, 31, in a burned-out car. Investigators contacted Warren police to notify the man’s family. Police then found the bodies of Moore’s son, Tai’raz Moore, and Isis Rimson, 28, in the basement of a house. They had been shot, too.
“The execution-style killing of a baby - a 6-year-old - has shaken not only the tri-county area, but has shocked the nation,” said Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer said, adding that the murder of a child is “even intolerable in the criminal world.”
Dwyer said the U.S. Attorney’s Office is aware of the case. If police can show the slayings were related to drugs, it’s possible the government could take over and pursue the death penalty in federal court.
“It was all about drugs and money,” Dwyer said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Marine relieved of command after deadly California sinking

CAMP PENDLETON , Calif. ( AP ) - The leader of a Marine landing team was relieved of command Tuesday after an amphibious assault vehicle sank off the Southern California coast in July , killing nine people , the military announced Tuesday .
Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner was relieved of command Tuesday based on “ a substantial amount of information and data , ” according to a statement by Lt. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl , the commanding general of the I Marine Expeditionary Force .
The statement did not provide more details .
Regner commanded the battalion landing team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regiment , 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit .
“ Heckl relieved Regner due to a loss in trust and confidence in his ability to command ” as a result of the July 30 accident , according to a Marine Corps statement .
The military is investigating what caused the tank-like amphibious vehicle to sink off San Clemente Island on July 30 after completing routine training .
The troops were heading back to a Navy ship from the island , which lies about 70 miles west of San Diego .
The amphibious vehicle , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 385 feet ( 117 meters ) of water .
Another Marine was pronounced dead at the scene .
The bodies of seven Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman were later recovered by an underwater salvage team .
Those who died ranged in age from 18 to 22 .

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) - The leader of a Marine landing team was relieved of command Tuesday after an amphibious assault vehicle sank off the Southern California coast in July, killing nine people, the military announced Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner was relieved of command Tuesday based on “a substantial amount of information and data,” according to a statement by Lt. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl, the commanding general of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. The statement did not provide more details.
Regner commanded the battalion landing team of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“Heckl relieved Regner due to a loss in trust and confidence in his ability to command” as a result of the July 30 accident, according to a Marine Corps statement.
The military is investigating what caused the tank-like amphibious vehicle to sink off San Clemente Island on July 30 after completing routine training. The troops were heading back to a Navy ship from the island, which lies about 70 miles west of San Diego.
The amphibious vehicle, with 16 people on board, rapidly sank in 385 feet (117 meters) of water.
Seven Marines were rescued.
Another Marine was pronounced dead at the scene. The bodies of seven Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman were later recovered by an underwater salvage team.
Those who died ranged in age from 18 to 22.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Source: Friction with mayor behind top NYPD official's exit

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A top commander seen as a rising star in the leadership ranks of the New York Police Department abruptly gave notice Tuesday that he is retiring , less than a year after taking the job .
Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo ’ s sudden exit , after months of dealing with street protests and the coronavirus pandemic , was borne out of frustration with Mayor Bill de Blasio that boiled over last week , according to a police official with knowledge of Pichardo ’ s reasons for leaving .
The official was not authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did so on condition of anonymity .
Pichardo filed retirement paperwork Tuesday , the department said in a written statement .
De Blasio ’ s press secretary , Bill Neidhardt , didn ’ t respond to a question about the alleged dispute .
“ Chief of Patrol Pichardo is a deeply respected leader in the NYPD and City Hall is continuing to have conversations with him regarding his future , ” Neidhardt said .
A message seeking comment was left with Pichardo , who the department said would stay on the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement official , Pichardo felt de Blasio and his staff were meddling in police work and ignoring the department ’ s chain of command by communicating with him directly , instead of through the police commissioner .
The issue came to a head last week , after Pichardo was summoned to City Hall and upbraided for not answering a call from the mayor the night before , the official said .
Pichardo said he initially missed the mayor ’ s call because of a problem with his phone .
The next day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns that a house party in the Bronx was violating social distancing restrictions .
Pichardo was appointed chief of patrol in December , becoming the first person of Dominican heritage in that role .
He was seen within the NYPD as a prime candidate to someday become chief of department , the highest-ranking position other than police commissioner .
The NYPD described Pichardo in its statement as “ one of the most highly respected leaders in policing ” and said he had “ worked tirelessly in recent months to guide the men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging issues that have strained the city and the agency.
” Last month , Pichardo joined de Blasio ’ s daily media briefing to discuss a plan to keep violence in check during Labor Day weekend and West Indian Day celebrations .
At the time , de Blasio praised Pichardo , saying : “ He ’ s done extraordinary work in his role as Chief of Patrol and he is someone who really understands our communities and listens to our communities .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - A top commander seen as a rising star in the leadership ranks of the New York Police Department abruptly gave notice Tuesday that he is retiring, less than a year after taking the job.
Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo’s sudden exit, after months of dealing with street protests and the coronavirus pandemic, was borne out of frustration with Mayor Bill de Blasio that boiled over last week, according to a police official with knowledge of Pichardo’s reasons for leaving.
The official was not authorized to speak publicly about sensitive internal affairs and did so on condition of anonymity.
Pichardo filed retirement paperwork Tuesday, the department said in a written statement.
De Blasio’s press secretary, Bill Neidhardt, didn’t respond to a question about the alleged dispute.
“Chief of Patrol Pichardo is a deeply respected leader in the NYPD and City Hall is continuing to have conversations with him regarding his future,” Neidhardt said.
A message seeking comment was left with Pichardo, who the department said would stay on the job until mid-November.
According to the law enforcement official, Pichardo felt de Blasio and his staff were meddling in police work and ignoring the department’s chain of command by communicating with him directly, instead of through the police commissioner.
The issue came to a head last week, after Pichardo was summoned to City Hall and upbraided for not answering a call from the mayor the night before, the official said. Pichardo said he initially missed the mayor’s call because of a problem with his phone. The next day, the mayor contacted Pichardo directly again with concerns that a house party in the Bronx was violating social distancing restrictions.
Pichardo was appointed chief of patrol in December, becoming the first person of Dominican heritage in that role. He was seen within the NYPD as a prime candidate to someday become chief of department, the highest-ranking position other than police commissioner.
The NYPD described Pichardo in its statement as “one of the most highly respected leaders in policing” and said he had “worked tirelessly in recent months to guide the men and women in uniform through a series of challenging issues that have strained the city and the agency.”
Last month, Pichardo joined de Blasio’s daily media briefing to discuss a plan to keep violence in check during Labor Day weekend and West Indian Day celebrations.
At the time, de Blasio praised Pichardo, saying: “He’s done extraordinary work in his role as Chief of Patrol and he is someone who really understands our communities and listens to our communities.”
___
Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mikesisak


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Golden Globe group gives $5.1 million in grants

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Some of entertainment ’ s biggest names from Nicole Kidman to George Clooney shared encouraging words for aspiring young creators whose organizations were collectively granted millions by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association .
More than $ 5.1 million in funds were given to over 70 nonprofit organizations during the “ HFPA Philanthropy : Empowering the Next Generation ” virtual event on Tuesday .
The event , formerly known as the Grants Banquet , celebrated some of the organizations with aspiring artists , filmmakers and storytellers .
“ Self-expression is one of the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human beings , particularly for young people , ” said “ Tenet ” star John David Washington .
“ It is an instrumental part of how we view ourselves as we learn to navigate the world .
For those in communities that have suffered from historic lack of representation , this is even more critical.
” Mary J. Blige , Millie Bobby Brown , Billie Eilish , Anna Kendrick , Method Man and others were among the entertainers who appeared to discuss the charities that benefit from HFPA grants .
The organization is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each celebrity presenter spoke for a couple minutes during the hour-long ceremony , which was hosted by James Corden .
The ceremony also included a performance by Jennifer Hudson , who sang her soulful “ Burden Down.
” Billy Porter ’ s advice to young creators was “ honor your craft.
” Meanwhile , Lin-Manuel Miranda suggested that aspiring filmmakers should “ create what you think is missing.
” Kidman acknowledged the importance of the HFPA program and organization ’ s efforts saying “ the next generation of talent in our industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The program will showcase recent work in film , dance , music and spoken word by students of supported schools .
“ The faces and creations we see showcased to you remind us that movies and arts will not only continue to help us survive , but will also offer comfort , hope and inspiration to a world that is striving to become more just , peaceful and inclusive , ” said Meher Tatna , a chair board member of the HFPA .
Salma Hayek paid homage to the Las Fotos Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls through photography .
“ Growing up in Mexico , I have fond memories of not only finding my own creative voice , but also being inspired by my parents who stressed the importance of philanthropy , ” Hayek said .
“ What a pleasure to highlight these young Latinas who channel their creativity through the lens of the camera and become agents of change.
” The HFPA gave a social justice grant to the Urban Peace Institute .
The donation of $ 300,000 was given to the organization for its diligence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform to end violence and mass incarceration .
Tracee Ellis Ross presented the grant to UPI founder and civil rights leader Connie Rice .
“ This is a profound and deep honor , ” Rice said .
“ The driving vision behind the Urban Peace Institute is the foundational and - first of all - human rights safety .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Some of entertainment’s biggest names from Nicole Kidman to John David Washington shared encouraging words for aspiring young creators whose organizations were collectively granted millions by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
More than $5.1 million in funds were given to over 70 nonprofit organizations during the “HFPA Philanthropy: Empowering the Next Generation” virtual event on Tuesday. The event, formerly known as the Grants Banquet, celebrated some of the organizations with aspiring artists, filmmakers and storytellers.
“Self-expression is one of the most important ways we can connect and grow as human beings, particularly for young people,” said Washington, the star of “Tenet.” “It is an instrumental part of how we view ourselves as we learn to navigate the world. For those in communities that have suffered from historic lack of representation, this is even more critical.”
Mary J. Blige, Millie Bobby Brown, Billie Eilish, Anna Kendrick, Method Man and others were among the entertainers who appeared to discuss the charities that benefit from HFPA grants. The organization is known for putting on the Golden Globes.
Each celebrity presenter spoke for a couple minutes during the hour-long ceremony, which was hosted by James Corden. The ceremony also included a performance by Jennifer Hudson, who sang her soulful “Burden Down.”
Billy Porter’s advice to young creators was “honor your craft.” Meanwhile, Lin-Manuel Miranda suggested that aspiring filmmakers should “create what you think is missing.”
Kidman acknowledged the importance of the HFPA program and organizations’ efforts, saying “the next generation of talent in our industry are important now more than ever before.”
The program will showcase recent work in film, dance, music and spoken word by students of supported schools.
“The faces and creations we see showcased to you remind us that movies and arts will not only continue to help us survive, but will also offer comfort, hope and inspiration to a world that is striving to become more just, peaceful and inclusive,” said Meher Tatna, board chair of the HFPA.
Salma Hayek paid homage to the Las Fotos Project, a nonprofit organization that inspires teenage girls through photography.
“Growing up in Mexico, I have fond memories of not only finding my own creative voice, but also being inspired by my parents who stressed the importance of philanthropy,” Hayek said. “What a pleasure to highlight these young Latinas who channel their creativity through the lens of the camera and become agents of change.”
The HFPA gave a social justice grant to the Urban Peace Institute. The donation of $300,000 was given to the organization for its diligence in the field of community safety and systemic reform to end violence and mass incarceration.
Tracee Ellis Ross presented the grant to UPI founder and civil rights leader Connie Rice, who called it “a profound and deep honor.”
“The driving vision behind the Urban Peace Institute … is safety,” Rice said, a mission she called “foundational for human rights.”
“We take gladiator cops and transform them into guardians,” she said. “We create police who are invested in the community.”
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrLandrum31


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Anchorage mayor resigns after admitting to relationship

ANCHROAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has submitted his resignation , a day after admitting he had an inappropriate texting relationship with a local television anchorwoman .
Berkowitz ’ s chief of staff , Jason Bockenstedt , announced Berkowitz ’ s resignation Tuesday night at the Anchorage Assembly meeting .
Berkowitz did not attend .
It is effective Oct. 23 .
“ It is with profound sadness and humility I resign as mayor of Anchorage , ” Berkowitz said , according to the statement read by Bockenstedt .
Berkowtiz said it was unacceptable personal conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to perform his duties as mayor .
A small but vocal crowd , including one man waving two flags , stood and cheered after the announcement was made .
Berkowitz ’ s resignation came four days after the anchor for a combined Fox/ABC station posted a story on Facebook saying Berkowitz posted nude photos to a website and she would air the story later that night .
However , Maria Athens was later arrested after getting into a physical altercation with her station manager , whom charging documents described as her boyfriend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also posted what she claimed were naked photos of the mayor ’ s back side on her Facebook account .
Berkowitz on Friday adamantly denied Athens ’ allegations , and Anchorage police and FBI investigated , finding no criminal conduct on Berkowitz ’ s part .
However , late Monday afternoon Berkowitz , who is married , released another statement , in which he admitted to having the relationship with Athens .
“ I apologize to the people of Anchorage for a major lapse in judgment I made several years ago when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with reporter Maria Athens , ” Berkowitz said .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A stunning tale of inappropriate behavior between a politician and a television anchor, death threats and nude photos culminated in a joint police and FBI investigation, the arrest of the journalist and the resignation of the mayor of Anchorage.
Ethan Berkowitz, the top elected Democrat in Alaska, submitted his resignation to the Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday night, just days after he vehemently denied allegations by YourAlaskaLink anchor Maria Athens that he had posted nude photos of himself on an underage website.
The mayor’s resignation followed Berkowitz’s jaw-dropping admission Monday that he was involved in an inappropriate sexting - he called it “messaging” - relationship with Athens, the anchor of a combined Fox/ABC station in Anchorage. She says their relationship started in 2016, and declined to say whether it ever became sexual in nature.
“My resignation results from unacceptable personal conduct that has compromised my ability to perform my duties with the focus and trust that is required,” Berkowitz wrote.
“I apologize to the people of Anchorage for a major lapse in judgment I made several years ago when I had a consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship with reporter Maria Athens. I’m embarrassed and ashamed for the hurt I’ve caused my family and our community. I take responsibility for my actions,” Berkowitz added.
The five days that roiled Alaska’s largest city began Friday morning, when Athens allegedly placed a profanity- and racist-laden phone call to Berkowitz. The voicemail, a copy of which was obtained by The Alaska Landmine online blog, started with the caller announcing herself as Athens and rattling off her various network affiliations.
The caller claimed to have learned from sources that Berkowitz had been posting nude photos on an underage website, and that she planned to report this on that evening’s news. The caller threatened to kill Berkowitz, who is Jewish, and his wife, in a diatribe laced with racist insults.
“You either turn yourself in, kill yourself or do what you need to do,” the voicemail says.
“I can’t believe I am such a good person and thought I loved you,” the caller continued. “I don’t even hate you. I will pray for your Zionist f——-g ass. … And I’m putting this on the news tonight. Bye. Have a great Friday!”
The caller also predicted she would win an Emmy for her reporting.
Later Friday, Athens taped a tease for the story and posted it to her Facebook page, prompting this denial from the mayor’s office: “The slanderous allegations from Your Alaska Link reporter Maria Athens are categorically false and appear to be the product of someone who is hostile and unwell.”
The same afternoon, Athens then posted what she claims to be a photo of Berkowitz’s nude backside as proof of her allegations.
Here is what happened later that day, according to the district attorney’s charging documents:
Athens and the station’s manager, who is described as her boyfriend in the documents, got into an argument while driving in Anchorage. He made her get out of the car and told her she was barred from returning to the station.
Athens nevertheless went back to the television studio and attacked him. When police arrived, she hit an officer trying to arrest her and was placed in full restraints after she tried to kick out the back window of the police cruiser with her high heels.
Athens was charged with assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, and released after posting bail.
Anchorage police and the FBI investigated the allegations and the death threat, but an FBI statement released Tuesday said it found “no immediate evidence to support a violation of federal law; however, the FBI Anchorage Field Office continues to monitor the situation.”
Athens told the Anchorage Daily News she and Berkowitz began communicating in 2016 on the messaging platform WhatsApp.
“When he slided into my texts, he was so smooth with his little witty slogans and pictures,” Athens told the newspaper. She has not returned messages left by The Associated Press.
Athens, a graduate of Seton Hall University in New Jersey, said she was feeling isolated in Alaska. “He gave me attention when I was lonely.” She declined to say whether the texting relationship ever became physical.
Athens said she deleted the messages from her phone, which she said is now in the hands of law enforcement.
She also declined to elaborate on her assertion that Berkowitz was involved in illegal activities, saying it was based on what sources told her. She did not say who the sources were.
Messages left with Berkowitz through his office and with station management were not returned to the AP. Berkowitz’s resignation is effective Oct. 23.
According to the city charter, Felix Rivera, chairman of the Anchorage Assembly, will serve as acting mayor until a special election is held if the assembly doesn’t choose to reorganize. If Rivera does become mayor, he will hold a trio of distinctions: the city’s first openly gay mayor, the first Latino and at age 31, the youngest. The next youngest would be James Delaney Sr., who was either 32 or 33 when he was elected in 1929.
Berkowitz was elected to his second three-year term as mayor in 2018. The officially non-partisan position is limited to two terms.
Berkowitz, a native of San Francisco, is also a lawyer and Anchorage businessman. He served as a Democrat in the Alaska House of Representative from 1997 to 2006, serving the last two years as minority leader.
___
AP investigative researcher Randy Herschaft in New York contributed to this report


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Joe Biden says Donald Trump won Ohio and Florida 'the last two times' in latest gaffe

Donald Trump has only run for president once , but that ’ s not how former Vice President Joseph R. Biden remembers it .
The Democratic presidential candidate said Monday that President Trump won Florida and Ohio “ significantly the last two times.
” The last two presidential elections were in 2012 and 2016 .
“ If we win Ohio , the game ’ s over , ” Mr. Biden told WKRC-TV in Cincinnati .
“ I think Ohio and Florida are two critically important states that are very close that Trump won significantly the last two times.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , running on the Democratic ticket , won Florida and Ohio in 2012 .
Mr. Trump was not a candidate that year .
In addition , Mr. Trump did not win Florida “ significantly ” in 2016 .
The Republican squeaked out a victory in Florida with 49 % of the vote versus 48 % for Democrat Hillary Clinton .
His margin of victory in Ohio was greater .
Mr. Trump defeated Mrs. Clinton in the Buckeye State by 52 % to 44 % in 2016 .
The Trump campaign was quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeting , “ What is wrong with Biden ?
”

Donald Trump has only run for president once, but that’s not how former Vice President Joseph R. Biden remembers it.
The Democratic presidential candidate said Monday that President Trump won Florida and Ohio “significantly the last two times.” The last two presidential elections were in 2012 and 2016.
“If we win Ohio, the game’s over,” Mr. Biden told WKRC-TV in Cincinnati. “I think Ohio and Florida are two critically important states that are very close that Trump won significantly the last two times.”
In fact, President Barack Obama and Mr. Biden, running on the Democratic ticket, won Florida and Ohio in 2012. Mr. Trump was not a candidate that year.
In addition, Mr. Trump did not win Florida “significantly” in 2016. The Republican squeaked out a victory in Florida with 49% of the vote versus 48% for Democrat Hillary Clinton.
His margin of victory in Ohio was greater. Mr. Trump defeated Mrs. Clinton in the Buckeye State by 52% to 44% in 2016.
The Trump campaign was quick to pick up on the error, tweeting, “What is wrong with Biden?”
Joe Biden is confused again. He said President Trump “significantly” won Ohio and Florida “the last TWO times.” What is wrong with Biden? pic.twitter.com/Zdvx2DjW8l — Trump War Room - Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) October 13, 2020
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--AP FACT CHECK: Trump falsifies Biden stance on fracking

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - President Donald Trump is persisting with the myth that Democratic rival Joe Biden proposes to ban fracking .
Biden doesn ’ t .
TRUMP : “ One of the most important issues for Pennsylvania is the survival of your fracking industry .
Joe Biden has repeatedly pledged to abolish fracking .
He ’ s a liar .
He ’ s a liar.
” - remarks Tuesday night at a rally in Johnstown , Pennsylvania .
THE FACTS : That ’ s false .
Biden has repeatedly pledged not to abolish fracking .
His running mate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point multiple times in the vice presidential debate .
None of that has dissuaded the president from repeatedly and wholly distorting Biden ’ s position .
At one of the Democratic primary debates , Biden misspoke when he addressed the subject , saying that if he became president , there would be “ no more - no new - fracking.
” Biden ’ s campaign quickly corrected his mistake .
Biden ’ s actual position , which he frequently states , is that he would ban new gas and oil permits - including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The vast majority of oil and gas does not come from federal lands .
He ’ s hewed closely to that middle-of-the-road position , going so far as to tell an anti-fracking activist that he “ ought to vote for somebody else ” if he was in a hurry to see fracking abolished .
Fracking , or hydraulic fracturing , opened up a yearslong oil and gas boom in parts of the Southwest , High Plains and Northeast - including battleground Pennsylvania .
The technique went into widespread use during the Obama-Biden administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking a tougher line against fracking now .
But he isn ’ t .
Associated Press writer Kevin Freking in Johnstown , Pennsylvania , contributed to this report .
EDITOR ’ S NOTE - A look at the veracity of claims by political figures .

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is persisting with the myth that Democratic rival Joe Biden proposes to ban fracking. Biden doesn’t.
TRUMP: “One of the most important issues for Pennsylvania is the survival of your fracking industry. Joe Biden has repeatedly pledged to abolish fracking. He’s a liar. He’s a liar.” - remarks Tuesday night at a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
THE FACTS: That’s false. Biden has repeatedly pledged not to abolish fracking.
His running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, underscored that point multiple times in the vice presidential debate. None of that has dissuaded the president from repeatedly and wholly distorting Biden’s position.
At one of the Democratic primary debates, Biden misspoke when he addressed the subject, saying that if he became president, there would be “no more - no new - fracking.” Biden’s campaign quickly corrected his mistake.
Biden’s actual position, which he frequently states, is that he would ban new gas and oil permits - including fracking - on federal lands only. The vast majority of oil and gas does not come from federal lands.
He’s hewed closely to that middle-of-the-road position, going so far as to tell an anti-fracking activist that he “ought to vote for somebody else” if he was in a hurry to see fracking abolished.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, opened up a yearslong oil and gas boom in parts of the Southwest, High Plains and Northeast - including battleground Pennsylvania. The technique went into widespread use during the Obama-Biden administration.
Some liberal Democrats wish Biden were taking a tougher line against fracking now. But he isn’t.
___
Associated Press writer Kevin Freking in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.
___
EDITOR’S NOTE - A look at the veracity of claims by political figures.
___
Find AP Fact Checks at http://apnews.com/APFactCheck
Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Court stops 10-day extension of Indiana absentee ballots

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - Absentee ballots cast in Indiana must arrive by noon on Election Day to be counted , a federal appeals court said Tuesday , spiking a 10-day extension ordered by a judge .
A judge had cited slow mail delivery because of the coronavirus as a reason for extending the count if ballots were postmarked by Nov. 3 .
But the appeals court , in a 3-0 opinion , overturned the decision and said Indiana ’ s noon rule still stands .
The “ pandemic has caused great loss but is not a good reason for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belong to politically responsible officials , ” said Judge Frank Easterbrook of the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
“ It is rational to require absentee votes to be received by Election Day , just as in-person voting ends on Election Day .
… Counting the votes , and announcing the results , as soon as possible after the polls close serves a civic interest , ” Easterbrook wrote .
The lawsuit was filed by Common Cause Indiana and the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP .
They said about 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indianapolis , and 400 in Hamilton County were rejected in the primary election because they arrived after the noon deadline .
Indiana voters who want a mail-in ballot must apply by Oct. 22 .
They also must have a reason accepted by the state .
The 7th Circuit has stopped an effort to count late-arriving ballots in Wisconsin .
Republicans in Michigan are in a different court appealing a decision to count absentee ballots that arrive 14 days after the election .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Absentee ballots cast in Indiana must arrive by noon on Election Day to be counted, a federal appeals court said Tuesday, spiking a 10-day extension ordered by a judge.
A judge had cited slow mail delivery because of the coronavirus as a reason for extending the count if ballots were postmarked by Nov. 3. But the appeals court, in a 3-0 opinion, overturned the decision and said Indiana’s noon rule still stands.
The “pandemic has caused great loss but is not a good reason for the federal judiciary to assume tasks that belong to politically responsible officials,” said Judge Frank Easterbrook of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
“It is rational to require absentee votes to be received by Election Day, just as in-person voting ends on Election Day. … Counting the votes, and announcing the results, as soon as possible after the polls close serves a civic interest,” Easterbrook wrote.
The lawsuit was filed by Common Cause Indiana and the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP. They said about 1,500 ballots in Marion County, which includes Indianapolis, and 400 in Hamilton County were rejected in the primary election because they arrived after the noon deadline.
Indiana voters who want a mail-in ballot must apply by Oct. 22. They also must have a reason accepted by the state.
The 7th Circuit has stopped an effort to count late-arriving ballots in Wisconsin. Republicans in Michigan are in a different court appealing a decision to count absentee ballots that arrive 14 days after the election.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Navajo Nation reports 9 new coronavirus cases, but no deaths

WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. ( AP ) - Navajo Nation health officials on Tuesday reported nine new confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ The latest numbers bring the total number of cases to 10,737 with the known death @ @ @ @ @ Tribal health officials said 113,141 people on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona @ @ @ @ @ have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,352 have recovered .
A @ @ @ @ @ , daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation .
Most @ @ @ @ @ symptoms with the coronavirus , such as fever and cough that clear up in two @ @ @ @ @ for some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can @ @ @ @ @ including pneumonia and death .

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - Navajo Nation health officials on Tuesday reported nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19 but no deaths.
The latest numbers bring the total number of cases to 10,737 with the known death toll remaining at 571.
Tribal health officials said 113,141 people on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,352 have recovered.
A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation.
Most people experience mild or moderate symptoms with the coronavirus, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
But for some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Texas ban on abortion procedure blocked again by court

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Texas can not ban a common @ @ @ @ @ statehouses across the U.S. have sought to outlaw in recent years .
The law signed @ @ @ @ @ Abbott in 2017 was never enforced and was previously blocked by a federal judge in @ @ @ @ @ decision , but the 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans said @ @ @ @ @ a woman ’ s constitutionally-protected right.
” Abortion rights groups say the procedure , known @ @ @ @ @ is the safest and most common second-trimester procedure and that eliminating it would force women @ @ @ @ @ The Texas law used the non-medical term “ dismemberment abortion ” to describe the procedure @ @ @ @ @ other instruments are used to remove the fetus from the womb .
Courts have also @ @ @ @ @ other GOP-controlled statehouses in recent years .
Last year , the U.S. Supreme Court declined @ @ @ @ @ similar Alabama law .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Texas cannot ban a common second-trimester abortion procedure that Republican-led statehouses across the U.S. have sought to outlaw in recent years.
The law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in 2017 was never enforced and was previously blocked by a federal judge in Austin. Texas appealed that decision, but the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans said the measure “unduly burdens a woman’s constitutionally-protected right.”
Abortion rights groups say the procedure, known as dilation and evacuation, is the safest and most common second-trimester procedure and that eliminating it would force women to choose less-safe options. The Texas law used the non-medical term “dismemberment abortion” to describe the procedure, in which forceps and other instruments are used to remove the fetus from the womb.
Courts have also blocked similar measures passed by other GOP-controlled statehouses in recent years. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear arguments over a similar Alabama law.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Thailand protesters seeks to limit power of King Maha Vajiralongkorn

BANGKOK — Their revolutionary symbol is the anti-government three-finger salute made famous in Hollywood ’ s “ Hunger Games ” movies .
But Thailand is no dystopian fiction .
A string of surprisingly durable protests here are demanding democratic reforms to the government , monarchy , education system and laws controlling human rights , posing a major challenge to the authoritarian government of a longtime U.S. ally .
In an often traditional society , the protesters aren ’ t afraid to push the boundaries .
Activists from the LGBTQ community stage risque skits calling for equal rights .
Abortion rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anatomy to attract attention to their petitions .
Others mock and insult leaders with scathing posters and public performances .
The most audacious target of the largely student-led protests is one of the world ’ s wealthiest monarchs , King Maha Vajiralongkorn .
Protesters are risking imprisonment with their rhetoric and defiant acts criticizing the throne , which is constitutionally protected from criticism and has long been considered an unassailable pillar of Thai national identity .
Thai police on Tuesday were tearing down tents and making preemptive arrests of activists who were camped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route that the king was expected to take for a royal ceremony .
Some protesters resisted by throwing blue paint at police as they have done in other recent rallies , The Associated Press reported .
Protest leaders insist they don ’ t want to overthrow the monarchy but say the king ’ s powers should be curtailed .
They have broken many taboos concerning debate about the monarchy in pressing their case .
“ The monarchy has to be under the constitution ; that is how it supposed to be , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Reuters news agency this week .
King Vajiralongkorn ’ s defenders include the U.S.-trained army , the military-backed government and an influential elite of royalists , business leaders and academics .
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha , a powerful former army chief , warned the protesters last week against going too far .
“ Can we allow what they have proposed : that they hate and disrespect the monarchy ?
” Mr. Prayuth said Friday .
“ If so , I don ’ t think Thailand can survive.
” The peaceful student-led protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s government , installed under a constitution that Mr. Prayuth largely wrote , and replace the hierarchic “ feudalism ” with democracy , a new constitution and fresh elections .
Protesters named themselves the People ’ s Group , a pointed reference to the movement that led a June 1932 coup that changed the absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy .
Protesters also have chosen rally dates coinciding with previous coups and protests , symbolizing , they say , decades of repression .
Since July , protests expanded in streets and on campuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bangkok in front of the Grand Palace on Sept. 19 and 20 — 14 years to the day after the military coup that toppled the elected civilian government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra .
The period of instability that followed led Mr. Prayuth to effectively secure power as head of a military-dominated junta in 2014 .
Many analysts fear this latest bid to bring democracy to Buddhist-majority Thailand will end in bloodshed , entrenching the military and royalists deeper into controlling this Southeast Asian nation .
Some government supporters , noting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Embassy of siding with the protesters .
U.S. diplomats denied the charge .
“ The United States does not support any individual or political party , ” the embassy said in a statement .
“ We support the democratic process and rule of law.
” Despite the tensions , the protests have been largely peaceful , like a festive outdoor concert with strident speeches instead of music echoing from huge makeshift stages .
Audiences picnic , buy political souvenirs , take selfies and stroll about .
But the relaxed ambiance in August and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press an agenda that the government is unlikely to support .
During their biggest gathering in front of the Grand Palace , crowds cheered when student leaders demanded 10 limits to the powerful monarchy .
They voiced anti-monarchical statements that are considered illegal to express , for local and foreign journalists to quote , or for people within Thailand to post on the internet .
The demonstrators want “ not to destroy the monarchy but to modernize it , to adapt it to our society , ” said Panusaya “ Rung ” Sithijirawattanakul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the 10 demands .
She and protest leader Parit “ Penguin ” Chiwarak helped crease a plate-sized brass “ plaque ” with a three-finger salute in the center , with a Thai inscription that read : “ The people have expressed the intention that this country belongs to the people , and not the king.
” They planted the plaque in front of the Grand Palace , handed their demands to the king ’ s Royal Guard and vowed to emphasize those limits at rallies .
Officials removed the plaque , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stencil graffiti , tattoos , key rings and T-shirts .
Videos of students ’ speeches and caustic political memes also appeared online .
The government has demanded that social media sites such as Facebook , YouTube , Twitter and Instagram delete hundreds of posts and sites .
Authorities filed a “ cybercrime ” complaint Sept. 24 against U.S. companies that did not comply .
Although he has cultivated relations with the Trump White House , capped by a cordial October 2017 meeting with the president in the Oval Office , Mr. Prayuth ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rankled many in his country .
After taking power , he rewrote the constitution , secured effective control of the national legislature and extended his term in office with a victory in the general election last year .
But a vote that was supposed to cement his power instead has been followed by some of the biggest protests of Mr. Prayuth ’ s tenure .
“ In [ the government ’ s ] belief system , the people are but cattle , smiley peasants laboring in blissful ignorance , grateful for the shackles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the imprisonment of our human spirits , ” columnist Voranai Vanijaka wrote .
“ Welcome to the year 2020 .
We are no longer slaves.
” The protesters ’ strength is drawn from university and high school students who communicate online and are more outspoken than previous generations .
A supportive Bad Student movement ’ s slogan is “ Our first dictatorship is school.
” But the street protests also have attracted older , battle-hardened supporters of the previous civilian governments known as the Red Shirts .
A decade ago , the Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , staged a failed , bloody , nine-week pro-election insurrection .
Clashes with army troops in Bangkok left more than 90 dead , mostly Red Shirt supporters .
Voters last year who supported candidates of the liberal opposition Future Forward Party have also joined the protests .
FFP backers were angry that their leader , multimillionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit , 39 , was quickly forced out of politics for violating election laws .
The FFP was banned in February .
The fervor of the protests is even more striking considering the prestige and legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the king can result in prison sentences of up to 15 years .
Thailand ’ s constitutions , included the newest version promulgated by Mr. Prayuth , enshrine the monarchy as a “ position of revered worship.
” “ No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action , ” the constitution reads .
Despite the arrests Tuesday , the government appears reluctant to offer a full crackdown on the protests .
Charges against leading demonstrators have been relatively mild and in all known cases they have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
⦁ This article is based in part on wire service reports .

Richard S. Ehrlich - Special to The Washington Times

BANGKOK — Their revolutionary symbol is the anti-government three-finger salute made famous in Hollywood’s “Hunger Games” movies.
But Thailand is no dystopian fiction. A string of surprisingly durable protests here are demanding democratic reforms to the government, monarchy, education system and laws controlling human rights, posing a major challenge to the authoritarian government of a longtime U.S. ally.
In an often traditional society, the protesters aren’t afraid to push the boundaries.
Activists from the LGBTQ community stage risque skits calling for equal rights. Abortion rights advocates display colorful drawings of the female anatomy to attract attention to their petitions.
Others mock and insult leaders with scathing posters and public performances.
The most audacious target of the largely student-led protests is one of the world’s wealthiest monarchs, King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Protesters are risking imprisonment with their rhetoric and defiant acts criticizing the throne, which is constitutionally protected from criticism and has long been considered an unassailable pillar of Thai national identity.
Thai police on Tuesday were tearing down tents and making preemptive arrests of activists who were camped out for a Wednesday rally along the route that the king was expected to take for a royal ceremony. Some protesters resisted by throwing blue paint at police as they have done in other recent rallies, The Associated Press reported.
Protest leaders insist they don’t want to overthrow the monarchy but say the king’s powers should be curtailed. They have broken many taboos concerning debate about the monarchy in pressing their case.
“The monarchy has to be under the constitution; that is how it supposed to be,” protester Waranya Siripanya, 21, told the Reuters news agency this week.
King Vajiralongkorn’s defenders include the U.S.-trained army, the military-backed government and an influential elite of royalists, business leaders and academics. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a powerful former army chief, warned the protesters last week against going too far.
“Can we allow what they have proposed: that they hate and disrespect the monarchy?” Mr. Prayuth said Friday. “If so, I don’t think Thailand can survive.”
The peaceful student-led protesters also want to oust Mr. Prayuth’s government, installed under a constitution that Mr. Prayuth largely wrote, and replace the hierarchic “feudalism” with democracy, a new constitution and fresh elections.
Protesters named themselves the People’s Group, a pointed reference to the movement that led a June 1932 coup that changed the absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. Protesters also have chosen rally dates coinciding with previous coups and protests, symbolizing, they say, decades of repression.
Since July, protests expanded in streets and on campuses. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Bangkok in front of the Grand Palace on Sept. 19 and 20 — 14 years to the day after the military coup that toppled the elected civilian government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The period of instability that followed led Mr. Prayuth to effectively secure power as head of a military-dominated junta in 2014.
Many analysts fear this latest bid to bring democracy to Buddhist-majority Thailand will end in bloodshed, entrenching the military and royalists deeper into controlling this Southeast Asian nation.
Some government supporters, noting a long U.S.-Thai alliance, accused the U.S. Embassy of siding with the protesters. U.S. diplomats denied the charge.
“The United States does not support any individual or political party,” the embassy said in a statement. “We support the democratic process and rule of law.”
Festive atmosphere
Despite the tensions, the protests have been largely peaceful, like a festive outdoor concert with strident speeches instead of music echoing from huge makeshift stages. Audiences picnic, buy political souvenirs, take selfies and stroll about.
But the relaxed ambiance in August and September could give way as the demonstrators press an agenda that the government is unlikely to support.
During their biggest gathering in front of the Grand Palace, crowds cheered when student leaders demanded 10 limits to the powerful monarchy. They voiced anti-monarchical statements that are considered illegal to express, for local and foreign journalists to quote, or for people within Thailand to post on the internet.
The demonstrators want “not to destroy the monarchy but to modernize it, to adapt it to our society,” said Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, the 21-year-old university student who read out the 10 demands.
She and protest leader Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak helped crease a plate-sized brass “plaque” with a three-finger salute in the center, with a Thai inscription that read: “The people have expressed the intention that this country belongs to the people, and not the king.”
They planted the plaque in front of the Grand Palace, handed their demands to the king’s Royal Guard and vowed to emphasize those limits at rallies.
Officials removed the plaque, but pictures of it multiplied on decals, stencil graffiti, tattoos, key rings and T-shirts. Videos of students’ speeches and caustic political memes also appeared online.
The government has demanded that social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram delete hundreds of posts and sites. Authorities filed a “cybercrime” complaint Sept. 24 against U.S. companies that did not comply.
Although he has cultivated relations with the Trump White House, capped by a cordial October 2017 meeting with the president in the Oval Office, Mr. Prayuth’s moves to cement his power have rankled many in his country. After taking power, he rewrote the constitution, secured effective control of the national legislature and extended his term in office with a victory in the general election last year.
But a vote that was supposed to cement his power instead has been followed by some of the biggest protests of Mr. Prayuth’s tenure.
“In [the government’s] belief system, the people are but cattle, smiley peasants laboring in blissful ignorance, grateful for the shackles on our freedom, and thankful for the imprisonment of our human spirits,” columnist Voranai Vanijaka wrote. “Welcome to the year 2020. We are no longer slaves.”
The protesters’ strength is drawn from university and high school students who communicate online and are more outspoken than previous generations. A supportive Bad Student movement’s slogan is “Our first dictatorship is school.”
But the street protests also have attracted older, battle-hardened supporters of the previous civilian governments known as the Red Shirts. A decade ago, the Red Shirts, backing the ousted Mr. Thaksin, staged a failed, bloody, nine-week pro-election insurrection. Clashes with army troops in Bangkok left more than 90 dead, mostly Red Shirt supporters.
Voters last year who supported candidates of the liberal opposition Future Forward Party have also joined the protests. FFP backers were angry that their leader, multimillionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, 39, was quickly forced out of politics for violating election laws. The FFP was banned in February.
The fervor of the protests is even more striking considering the prestige and legal protections afforded the monarchy, where criticisms of the king can result in prison sentences of up to 15 years. Thailand’s constitutions, included the newest version promulgated by Mr. Prayuth, enshrine the monarchy as a “position of revered worship.”
“No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action,” the constitution reads.
Despite the arrests Tuesday, the government appears reluctant to offer a full crackdown on the protests. Charges against leading demonstrators have been relatively mild and in all known cases they have been released on bail, the AP reported.
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Cut cable shuts down Virginia voter portal; lawsuit filed

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - An accidentally severed fiber optic cable that shut down Virginia ’ s online voter registration system for several hours Tuesday , the last day to register before the November general election , has prompted a lawsuit from a civil rights organization .
The Virginia Department of Elections said in a statement on Twitter that a “ fiber cut ” affected connectivity for multiple agencies , including the department ’ s citizen portal and registrar ’ s offices .
The cable was inadvertently cut during a Chesterfield County roadside utilities project , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Six hours later , the Department of Elections issued a statement saying the portal was back online .
But the fallout led to concerns that voters were being disenfranchised at a crucial moment .
Voting advocates said the accident couldn ’ t have come at a worse time and lambasted state officials for the technological failure .
The day of the deadline is when many Virginians decide to register , particularly after being reminded on social media and in the news .
The Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be extended for 48 hours and that the state should make “ a significant effort ” to tell the public about the change .
Named as defendants in the lawsuit are the Virginia Department of Elections ; the Virginia State Board of Elections ; elections board chairman Robert H. Brink and vice chairman John O ’ Bannon ; Christopher Piper , commissioner of the Department of Elections ; and Jamilah D. Lecruise , secretary of the board of elections .
“ Absent relief , voters who attempted to register to vote through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , but were unable through no fault of their own , will be absolutely disenfranchised in the upcoming elections , ” the lawsuit said .
If the deadline isn ’ t extended , the lawsuit said , “ Plaintiffs themselves will be prevented from helping citizens register to vote through the online voter registration system , frustrating their core mission and activities in advancing that mission , and thereby disenfranchising those citizens in the coming general election.
” Kristen Clarke , president and executive director of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news release that Virginia “ failed the public and it must grant a significant extension to ensure all Virginians are given an equal opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
” Democratic members of Virginia ’ s congressional delegation had called for a 72-hour extension .
U.S. Reps. Don Beyer , Gerry Connolly and Jennifer Wexton said in a statement that they “ hope the courts will swiftly grant such an extension ” and account for the time it will take to inform the public of a new deadline .
Virginia Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference that he supports extending the deadline .
But he said it appears that only the courts have the ability to change it .
Northam , a Democrat , said the state did not have a backup plan for this particular cable and the episode shows the need for the state to continue its efforts at creating a secure network .
“ Obviously , we still have a lot of work to do , ” Northam said .
Secretary of Administration Keyanna Conner said the cut occurred on a 10-gigabit optical fiber circuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state handle increased web demand during the coronavirus .
She said backup circuits aren ’ t as large as the main circuit , but plans are in place to upgrade them .
Virginia , which has 13 electoral votes , is not considered a marquee battleground state in the presidential race by political observers .
But three congressional races are considered highly competitive , and their outcomes could affect the makeup of the U.S. House .
Democratic freshmen Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Elaine Luria are facing tough challenges in the 7th District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 5th District seat is open .
The races in the 2nd and 5th districts are considered a “ toss up ” by the Cook Political Report .
Spanberger ’ s seat is listed as leaning Democratic .
While the site was down , people who wanted to register could still fill out applications in person .
They could also mail paper copies , as long as they are postmarked Tuesday , said Vicki Lewis , the voter registrar for the city of Newport News .
People who wanted to vote early were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted the day after this year ’ s Nov. 3 election .
This isn ’ t the first time technical problems affected Virginians ’ ability to register to vote under a looming deadline .
In 2016 , an unknown number of people were not able to register because of unprecedented demand , in part because of social media postings reminding people of the registration deadline that year .
A voter advocacy group , the New Virginia Majority Education Fund , sued for an extension and a federal judge granted a brief one to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred .
This story has been corrected to show it was a 10-gigabit cable , not 10-gigabyte .

BEN FINLEY, ALAN SUDERMAN and DENISE LAVOIE

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - An accidentally severed fiber optic cable that shut down Virginia’s online voter registration system for several hours Tuesday, the last day to register before the November general election, has prompted a lawsuit from a civil rights organization.
The Virginia Department of Elections said in a statement on Twitter that a “fiber cut” affected connectivity for multiple agencies, including the department’s citizen portal and registrar’s offices. The cable was inadvertently cut during a Chesterfield County roadside utilities project, according to the state’s information technology agency.
Six hours later, the Department of Elections issued a statement saying the portal was back online. But the fallout led to concerns that voters were being disenfranchised at a crucial moment.
Voting advocates said the accident couldn’t have come at a worse time and lambasted state officials for the technological failure. The day of the deadline is when many Virginians decide to register, particularly after being reminded on social media and in the news.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed a lawsuit Tuesday night saying voter registration must be extended for 48 hours and that the state should make “a significant effort” to tell the public about the change. Named as defendants in the lawsuit are the Virginia Department of Elections; the Virginia State Board of Elections; elections board chairman Robert H. Brink and vice chairman John O’Bannon; Christopher Piper, commissioner of the Department of Elections; and Jamilah D. Lecruise, secretary of the board of elections.
“Absent relief, voters who attempted to register to vote through the online portal on October 13, 2020, but were unable through no fault of their own, will be absolutely disenfranchised in the upcoming elections,” the lawsuit said.
If the deadline isn’t extended, the lawsuit said, “Plaintiffs themselves will be prevented from helping citizens register to vote through the online voter registration system, frustrating their core mission and activities in advancing that mission, and thereby disenfranchising those citizens in the coming general election.”
Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said in a news release that Virginia “failed the public and it must grant a significant extension to ensure all Virginians are given an equal opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote.”
Democratic members of Virginia’s congressional delegation had called for a 72-hour extension.
U.S. Reps. Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly and Jennifer Wexton said in a statement that they “hope the courts will swiftly grant such an extension” and account for the time it will take to inform the public of a new deadline.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said at a press conference that he supports extending the deadline. But he said it appears that only the courts have the ability to change it.
Northam, a Democrat, said the state did not have a backup plan for this particular cable and the episode shows the need for the state to continue its efforts at creating a secure network.
“Obviously, we still have a lot of work to do,” Northam said.
Secretary of Administration Keyanna Conner said the cut occurred on a 10-gigabit optical fiber circuit that was installed this spring to help the state handle increased web demand during the coronavirus. She said backup circuits aren’t as large as the main circuit, but plans are in place to upgrade them.
Virginia, which has 13 electoral votes, is not considered a marquee battleground state in the presidential race by political observers. But three congressional races are considered highly competitive, and their outcomes could affect the makeup of the U.S. House.
Democratic freshmen Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Elaine Luria are facing tough challenges in the 7th District and 2nd District, respectively, and the 5th District seat is open. The races in the 2nd and 5th districts are considered a “toss up” by the Cook Political Report. Spanberger’s seat is listed as leaning Democratic.
While the site was down, people who wanted to register could still fill out applications in person. They could also mail paper copies, as long as they are postmarked Tuesday, said Vicki Lewis, the voter registrar for the city of Newport News. People who wanted to vote early were given provisional ballots, which will be counted the day after this year’s Nov. 3 election.
This isn’t the first time technical problems affected Virginians’ ability to register to vote under a looming deadline.
In 2016, an unknown number of people were not able to register because of unprecedented demand, in part because of social media postings reminding people of the registration deadline that year.
A voter advocacy group, the New Virginia Majority Education Fund, sued for an extension and a federal judge granted a brief one to make up for the computer glitches that occurred.
___
Finley reported from Norfolk.
___
This story has been corrected to show it was a 10-gigabit cable, not 10-gigabyte.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Amy Coney Barrett responds to 'White colonizers' attack over adopted children

An emotional Judge Amy Coney Barrett said Tuesday that her family has been hurt by “ cruel ” comments from anti-Trump opponents who derided her adoption of two children from Haiti .
During the tail end of the first day of questions at her confirmation hearing , she was asked to respond to Boston University Professor Ibram X. Kendi , who talking about the judge ’ s nomination said “ some White colonizers ‘ adopted ’ Black children.
” He went on to say people were “ using them as props.
” Judge Barrett said knowing those kinds of attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to think hard before pursuing the high court nomination .
She said those attacks “ are not only hurtful to me , but are hurtful to my children , who are my children who we love , who we brought home and made part of our family.
” Sen. John Kennedy , who gave her the chance to respond , called the professor a “ butthead ” and said the judge shouldn ’ t have had to endure that .
He said he waited until her children , most of whom had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , were gone from the room so they didn ’ t have to hear the exchange .
Earlier in the day Judge Barrett talked about the “ distinct ” choices to have a large , interracial family — she has seven children , including the two adopted from Haiti — and to have a law career .
“ We knew our lives would be combed over for any negative detail , we knew our faith would be caricatured , our family would be attacked , and sop we had to decide whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because what sane person would go through that if there was not a benefit on the other side ?
” she said .
“ The benefit is that I am committed to the rule of law and the role of the Supreme Court and dispensing equal justice for all.
” She concluded : “ I ’ m not the only person who could do this job , but I was asked , and it would be difficult for anyone , so why should I say someone else should do the difficulty if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no .
I should serve my country .
And my family is all in on that because they share my belief in the rule of law .
”

An emotional Judge Amy Coney Barrett said Tuesday that her family has been hurt by “cruel” comments from anti-Trump opponents who derided her adoption of two children from Haiti.
During the tail end of the first day of questions at her confirmation hearing, she was asked to respond to Boston University Professor Ibram X. Kendi, who talking about the judge’s nomination said “some White colonizers ‘adopted’ Black children.”
He went on to say people were “using them as props.”
Judge Barrett said knowing those kinds of attacks were coming made her and her husband have to think hard before pursuing the high court nomination.
She said those attacks “are not only hurtful to me, but are hurtful to my children, who are my children who we love, who we brought home and made part of our family.”
Sen. John Kennedy, who gave her the chance to respond, called the professor a “butthead” and said the judge shouldn’t have had to endure that.
He said he waited until her children, most of whom had sat through much of the proceedings this week, were gone from the room so they didn’t have to hear the exchange.
Earlier in the day Judge Barrett talked about the “distinct” choices to have a large, interracial family — she has seven children, including the two adopted from Haiti — and to have a law career.
“We knew our lives would be combed over for any negative detail, we knew our faith would be caricatured, our family would be attacked, and sop we had to decide whether those difficulties would be worth it. Because what sane person would go through that if there was not a benefit on the other side?” she said. “The benefit is that I am committed to the rule of law and the role of the Supreme Court and dispensing equal justice for all.”
She concluded: “I’m not the only person who could do this job, but I was asked, and it would be difficult for anyone, so why should I say someone else should do the difficulty if the difficulty is the only reason to say no. I should serve my country. And my family is all in on that because they share my belief in the rule of law.”
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Judge: Flint must check water lines in newer neighborhoods

FLINT , Mich. ( AP ) - A judge on Tuesday ordered Flint to check for lead or galvanized steel water lines in neighborhoods built since the 1990s , despite the city ’ s belief that the homes have copper pipes .
Flint is in the homestretch of digging down to water lines at more than 20,000 properties and replacing them if necessary , the result of a deal that settled a lawsuit by residents and the Natural Resources Defense Council .
But the city has been reluctant to turn dirt at 180 homes in the University Park and Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unlikely that the neighborhoods have lead or steel lines because the homes were built in the 1990s or later .
But U.S. District Judge David Lawson said a deal is a deal .
“ The parties agreed that physical excavation at all eligible homes was the only permissible method of verifying service line composition , ” Lawson said .
Flint ’ s water system was contaminated by lead in 2014-15 when corrosive water flowed through old pipes and into homes .
The city was pulling water from the Flint River but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge noted that property owners still can refuse the work .
The city said the cost of adding the neighborhoods could be around $ 300,000 .
Nearly $ 100 million in state and federal money is being used for the water line project .

FLINT, Mich. (AP) - A judge on Tuesday ordered Flint to check for lead or galvanized steel water lines in neighborhoods built since the 1990s, despite the city’s belief that the homes have copper pipes.
Flint is in the homestretch of digging down to water lines at more than 20,000 properties and replacing them if necessary, the result of a deal that settled a lawsuit by residents and the Natural Resources Defense Council. But the city has been reluctant to turn dirt at 180 homes in the University Park and Smith Village neighborhoods.
Flint officials believe it’s unlikely that the neighborhoods have lead or steel lines because the homes were built in the 1990s or later. But U.S. District Judge David Lawson said a deal is a deal.
“The parties agreed that physical excavation at all eligible homes was the only permissible method of verifying service line composition,” Lawson said.
Flint’s water system was contaminated by lead in 2014-15 when corrosive water flowed through old pipes and into homes. The city was pulling water from the Flint River but failed to properly treat it.
The judge noted that property owners still can refuse the work. The city said the cost of adding the neighborhoods could be around $300,000. Nearly $100 million in state and federal money is being used for the water line project.


washingtontimes--2020-10-13--Trump says Biden's brain 'shot': 'How do you lose to a guy like this?'

JOHNSTOWN , Pa. — President Trump on Tuesday mocked Democratic challenger Joseph R. Biden for saying he doesn ’ t want votes from people who think they ’ re better off than four years ago .
“ He ’ s shot , ” Mr. Trump told a rally crowd of about 10,000 people at an airport .
“ I ’ m running against the single worst candidate in elected politics .
You know what kind of pressure that puts on me ?
Can you imagine if you lose to that ?
” Mr. Biden made the comment when asked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that found 54 % of Americans say they are better off now than four years ago .
Mr. Biden , who served as vice president under Barack Obama , said people shouldn ’ t vote for him if they think that .
“ They probably shouldn ’ t , ” he said .
“ They think 54 % of the American people are better off economically today than they were under our administration ?
Well , their memory is not very good , quite frankly .
And in addition to that , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share the values of most Americans.
” Mr. Trump said his rival “ has no idea what he ’ s saying.
” “ How do you lose to a guy like this ?
” he asked .

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — President Trump on Tuesday mocked Democratic challenger Joseph R. Biden for saying he doesn’t want votes from people who think they’re better off than four years ago.
“He’s shot,” Mr. Trump told a rally crowd of about 10,000 people at an airport. “I’m running against the single worst candidate in elected politics. You know what kind of pressure that puts on me? Can you imagine if you lose to that?”
Mr. Biden made the comment when asked by WKRC-TV in Cincinnati about a Gallup poll that found 54% of Americans say they are better off now than four years ago.
Mr. Biden, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, said people shouldn’t vote for him if they think that.
“They probably shouldn’t,” he said. “They think 54% of the American people are better off economically today than they were under our administration? Well, their memory is not very good, quite frankly. And in addition to that, we have a president who doesn’t share the values of most Americans.”
Mr. Trump said his rival “has no idea what he’s saying.”
“How do you lose to a guy like this?” he asked.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.