washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Clipped wings: Virus turns tennis pros' flights into ordeals

PARIS ( AP ) - For the part of their job that some tennis players have always disliked - flying - Jack Sock says he toyed with what would have been a novel solution to the problem of how to stay coronavirus-free on planes : Wear a head-to-toe beekeeper ’ s suit .
The American was joking , of course .
But the headache of how to globe-trot and stay healthy in the era of COVID-19 is no laughing matter for tennis pros who , unlike other business travelers , must keep flying for their paychecks to keep rolling in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 85 % from a year ago , according to industry figures .
But tennis players can not home-work .
There are no matches on Zoom .
And so , as now-rare world travelers , they ’ ve also become unwitting first-hand witnesses of how the pandemic is battering the airline industry .
With tournaments back on again , they ’ re finding themselves rattling around eerily quiet airports that once hummed , and worrying about how well filtered the air is aboard planes .
Those not wealthy enough to fly private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been transformed into a masked ordeal of gels , social distancing and stress .
“ Shocking ” and “ weird ” is how Sock , competing in Paris at the French Open , described his recent stopover at New York ’ s John F. Kennedy International Airport .
The huge hub averaged more than 5 million passengers per month in 2019 .
But it saw just 636,883 passengers this July , an 89 % plunge compared to the same month last year , according to the Port Authority ’ s most recent figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place open inside .
There were maybe 20 people in the airport , ” Sock said , speaking after winning his first-round match .
“ That was a weird sight - one of the biggest cities in the world.
” Flying and the unavoidable proximity with other passengers compounds the angst of players for whom staying virus-free has become as essential as their rackets .
They must present clean bills of health at tournaments like the French Open that subject them to batteries of tests , and not only be negative but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others who are positive .
In Paris , they ’ re shielded in two hotels and ferried in disinfected vehicles to play .
But outside tournament bubbles , flying in and out , limiting exposure becomes more of a challenge .
“ I thought about getting a beekeeper ’ s suit for the plane , ” Sock joked .
Then , more seriously , he listed what has become his travel routine : “ A little thing of hand sanitizer with me , mask at all times … check my bags as quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , get through security , kind of try to get in and out as quick as possible , stay away from people .
“ Obviously , you ’ re in an enclosed space .
Could be tough if someone in there is infected or something .
Knock on wood , everything has been great .
Tested negative 95,000 times the last few months .
Hopefully , keep that streak going.
” New Yorker Kristie Ahn , ranked 102nd , said her flight to Paris wasn ’ t crowded , middle seats were left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgical masks - “ you weren ’ t allowed to wear your own.
” Still , she tried to limit any exposure by “ making sure that my nose was covered and just making sure that my hands were sanitized , that I wasn ’ t touching my face , ” and by only drinking “ very quickly ” when thirsty .
“ It ’ s a bit nerve-wracking traveling just because I ’ m doing everything I can in my power to make sure that I am safe and I keep other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a first-round loss to fellow American Serena Williams .
“ It ’ s a two-way street , so we need people to reciprocate and sometimes they don ’ t so it ’ s a bit frustrating.
” Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova avoided the stress by riding a private jet to Paris .
“ That was much safer , ” she said after advancing to the second round .
Zhang Shuai , also a first-round winner , said that when she was growing up in China and had never taken a plane , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
But the novelty wore off after near-constant flying became part of her tennis job , until “ I really didn ’ t like it , especially long-haul.
” She , too , says she worries about her health aboard flights but “ I feel more reassured when I see that everyone is wearing a mask.
” For others , flying is simply a chore whatever the circumstances and one they didn ’ t miss when the pandemic grounded most flights and the tennis tour .
“ I completely hate flying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranked 143rd who lost in the first round .
“ The best thing during the lockdown was that I didn ’ t have to go on the plane .
”

PARIS (AP) - For the part of their job that some tennis players have always disliked - flying - Jack Sock says he toyed with what would have been a novel solution to the problem of how to stay coronavirus-free on planes: Wear a head-to-toe beekeeper’s suit.
The American was joking, of course. But the headache of how to globe-trot and stay healthy in the era of COVID-19 is no laughing matter for tennis pros who, unlike other business travelers, must keep flying for their paychecks to keep rolling in. Globally, air travel is down more than 85% from a year ago, according to industry figures. But tennis players cannot home-work. There are no matches on Zoom.
And so, as now-rare world travelers, they’ve also become unwitting first-hand witnesses of how the pandemic is battering the airline industry. With tournaments back on again, they’re finding themselves rattling around eerily quiet airports that once hummed, and worrying about how well filtered the air is aboard planes. Those not wealthy enough to fly private jets describe the flying experience as having been transformed into a masked ordeal of gels, social distancing and stress.
“Shocking” and “weird” is how Sock, competing in Paris at the French Open, described his recent stopover at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The huge hub averaged more than 5 million passengers per month in 2019. But it saw just 636,883 passengers this July, an 89% plunge compared to the same month last year, according to the Port Authority’s most recent figures.
“There wasn’t one place open inside. There were maybe 20 people in the airport,” Sock said, speaking after winning his first-round match. “That was a weird sight - one of the biggest cities in the world.”
Flying and the unavoidable proximity with other passengers compounds the angst of players for whom staying virus-free has become as essential as their rackets. They must present clean bills of health at tournaments like the French Open that subject them to batteries of tests, and not only be negative but also not have been in close contact with others who are positive. In Paris, they’re shielded in two hotels and ferried in disinfected vehicles to play. But outside tournament bubbles, flying in and out, limiting exposure becomes more of a challenge.
“I thought about getting a beekeeper’s suit for the plane,” Sock joked. Then, more seriously, he listed what has become his travel routine: “A little thing of hand sanitizer with me, mask at all times … check my bags as quick as possible, have my mask on, get through security, kind of try to get in and out as quick as possible, stay away from people.
“Obviously, you’re in an enclosed space. Could be tough if someone in there is infected or something. Knock on wood, everything has been great. Tested negative 95,000 times the last few months. Hopefully, keep that streak going.”
New Yorker Kristie Ahn, ranked 102nd, said her flight to Paris wasn’t crowded, middle seats were left empty and the crew ensured passengers wore surgical masks - “you weren’t allowed to wear your own.”
Still, she tried to limit any exposure by “making sure that my nose was covered and just making sure that my hands were sanitized, that I wasn’t touching my face,” and by only drinking “very quickly” when thirsty.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking traveling just because I’m doing everything I can in my power to make sure that I am safe and I keep other people safe,” Ahn said after a first-round loss to fellow American Serena Williams.
“It’s a two-way street, so we need people to reciprocate and sometimes they don’t so it’s a bit frustrating.”
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova avoided the stress by riding a private jet to Paris.
“That was much safer,” she said after advancing to the second round.
Zhang Shuai, also a first-round winner, said that when she was growing up in China and had never taken a plane, she longed to fly and see the world. But the novelty wore off after near-constant flying became part of her tennis job, until “I really didn’t like it, especially long-haul.”
She, too, says she worries about her health aboard flights but “I feel more reassured when I see that everyone is wearing a mask.”
For others, flying is simply a chore whatever the circumstances and one they didn’t miss when the pandemic grounded most flights and the tennis tour.
“I completely hate flying,” said Barbara Haas, an Austrian ranked 143rd who lost in the first round. “The best thing during the lockdown was that I didn’t have to go on the plane.”
___
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Dutch competition watchdog fines 4 tobacco companies

THE HAGUE , Netherlands ( AP ) - The Dutch consumer watchdog has fined four major tobacco companies a total of more than 82 million euros ( $ 96 million ) for distorting competition by indirectly exchanging pricing information for cigarettes and tobacco .
The fine was levied in May but only published Tuesday because three of the tobacco companies asked a court to ban publication , the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets said in a statement .
The companies involved , the Dutch arms of Philip Morris , British American Tobacco International , Van Nelle Tabak Nederland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objections to the decision to fine them , the authority said .
According to the ruling , from July 2008 through May 2011 , the tobacco companies “ accepted competitively-sensitive information concerning the future resale prices of competing cigarettes , and used that information in determining their own pricing strategies , .
” The Dutch authority said the case marks the first time it has imposed fines for the indirect exchange of information between competitors .
It said the companies “ gained insight into each other ’ s pricing strategies through their buyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is an illegal , anticompetitive practice , because it enabled the parties to coordinate their prices in advance with that of their competitors , ” the authority said .
The Dutch arm of Philip Morris said it had done nothing wrong .
“ We strongly contest this allegation , ” the company said in a statement .
“ And we reiterate that our activities are compliant with the Dutch and EU competition law.
” British American Tobacco also said in a statement that it complies with “ all applicable laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagree with the ACM ’ s conclusions .
”

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The Dutch consumer watchdog has fined four major tobacco companies a total of more than 82 million euros ($96 million) for distorting competition by indirectly exchanging pricing information for cigarettes and tobacco.
The fine was levied in May but only published Tuesday because three of the tobacco companies asked a court to ban publication, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets said in a statement.
The companies involved, the Dutch arms of Philip Morris, British American Tobacco International, Van Nelle Tabak Nederland and JT International Company Netherlands, have filed objections to the decision to fine them, the authority said.
According to the ruling, from July 2008 through May 2011, the tobacco companies “accepted competitively-sensitive information concerning the future resale prices of competing cigarettes, and used that information in determining their own pricing strategies,.”
The Dutch authority said the case marks the first time it has imposed fines for the indirect exchange of information between competitors.
It said the companies “gained insight into each other’s pricing strategies through their buyers,” particularly wholesalers and retail chains.
“This is an illegal, anticompetitive practice, because it enabled the parties to coordinate their prices in advance with that of their competitors,” the authority said.
The Dutch arm of Philip Morris said it had done nothing wrong.
“We strongly contest this allegation,” the company said in a statement. “And we reiterate that our activities are compliant with the Dutch and EU competition law.”
British American Tobacco also said in a statement that it complies with “all applicable laws and, as such, we strongly disagree with the ACM’s conclusions.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Man shot by deputy during raid settles suit for $6 million

MOOSE LAKE , Minn. ( AP ) - A Minnesota man who was shot by a sheriff ’ s deputy during a raid last year has settled a federal lawsuit for about $ 6 million .
Shawn Olthoff , 35 , was left paralyzed and uses a wheelchair after a Carlton County deputy shot him during the raid at a Moose Lake home he shared with his mother .
Law enforcement officers had gone to the home to arrest Olthoff who was accused of pointing a gun at a deputy during a traffic stop just days before .
Three officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Olthoff was unarmed and raised his hands when ordered to do so .
The fourth officer , Deputy Jason Warnygora , shot Olthoff and said he saw him with a handgun .
No weapon was found in the home .
Warnygora told an investigator from the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension he had two beers hours before the raid .
Olthoff ’ s attorney , Robert Bennett , said Warnygora knew he was going to be part of the raid and should have opted out of the assignment because he had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carlton County did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement with Olthoff .
No charges were filed in the shooting .

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) - A Minnesota man who was shot by a sheriff’s deputy during a raid last year has settled a federal lawsuit for about $6 million.
Shawn Olthoff, 35, was left paralyzed and uses a wheelchair after a Carlton County deputy shot him during the raid at a Moose Lake home he shared with his mother.
Law enforcement officers had gone to the home to arrest Olthoff who was accused of pointing a gun at a deputy during a traffic stop just days before. Three officers involved in the raid told investigators later that Olthoff was unarmed and raised his hands when ordered to do so.
The fourth officer, Deputy Jason Warnygora, shot Olthoff and said he saw him with a handgun. No weapon was found in the home.
Warnygora told an investigator from the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension he had two beers hours before the raid.
Olthoff’s attorney, Robert Bennett, said Warnygora knew he was going to be part of the raid and should have opted out of the assignment because he had been drinking, the Star Tribune reported.
Carlton County did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement with Olthoff. No charges were filed in the shooting.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--18-year-old dead after shooting in Missouri Bootheel region

PORTAGEVILLE , MO .
( AP ) - An 18-year-old female is dead after a shooting near the Missouri Bootheel @ @ @ @ @ reports that the shooting happened just after noon Monday .
The New Madrid County Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ call about a gunshot victim at a residence and found the victim .
She was @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities say a person of interest was arrested and is being held .
Formal @ @ @ @ @ as of Tuesday morning .

PORTAGEVILLE, MO. (AP) - An 18-year-old female is dead after a shooting near the Missouri Bootheel town of Portageville.
KFVS-TV reports that the shooting happened just after noon Monday. The New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department received a call about a gunshot victim at a residence and found the victim. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say a person of interest was arrested and is being held. Formal charges had not been filed as of Tuesday morning.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Killing investigated in St. Louis County

The shooting happened Monday night .
Officers responding to a call about a disturbance found a man believed to be @ @ @ @ @ courtyard near the rear of an apartment .
The man had been shot and was @ @ @ @ @ .
His name was not released .
Police say another person believed to be involved @ @ @ @ @ at the same location and is being detained pending further investigation .

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) - A man is charged with second-degree murder in a fatal shooting in St. Louis County.
Authorities say 25-year-old Kameron Dozier also was charged Tuesday with armed criminal action. The name of the victim, a man believed to be in his 20s, has not been released.
A probable cause statement says that Dozier and the victim were involved in an argument on Monday that turned into a fight outside Dozier’s apartment in north St. Louis County. Police say Dozier shot the victim three times. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Lawsuit: Georgia Diocese covered up sex abuse allegations

SAVANNAH , Ga. ( AP ) - A lawsuit filed against a diocese in Georgia alleges officials knew about and covered up allegations that a Catholic priest sexually abused young students and failed to prevent the crimes more than 30 years ago .
The lawsuit was filed last week in Chatham County against the Diocese of Savannah and its current bishop , accusing the Catholic jurisdiction of conspiracy and fraud in mishandling alleged abuse by former priest Wayland Brown in the 80s .
The priest , who died in 2019 while serving a 20-year prison sentence , was convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000s .
Pope John Paul II eventually dismissed him from the priesthood , and in 2018 , he was convicted of additional sex crimes against children .
The plaintiff in the Wednesday lawsuit joined several others in previous lawsuits alleging he was molested by Brown when he was a 13-year-old student at St. James Catholic School in Savannah .
The lawsuit alleges the then-bishop learned of abuse allegations and failed to surrender Brown to authorities , protecting him from investigation .
A 1987 internal memo from the diocese included in the lawsuit shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later placed at the school in Savannah where he would go on to molest the plaintiff .
A spokesperson for the diocese told news outlets that it had not been served the lawsuit and could not comment .
The diocese did not immediately return a request from The Associated Press for comment .
In 2016 , the diocese paid $ 4.5 million to settle a lawsuit by a man who said Brown sexually abused him .
Georgia authorities could not conduct a criminal investigation at the time because of the statute of limitations @

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - A lawsuit filed against a diocese in Georgia alleges officials knew about and covered up allegations that a Catholic priest sexually abused young students and failed to prevent the crimes more than 30 years ago.
The lawsuit was filed last week in Chatham County against the Diocese of Savannah and its current bishop, accusing the Catholic jurisdiction of conspiracy and fraud in mishandling alleged abuse by former priest Wayland Brown in the 80s.
The priest, who died in 2019 while serving a 20-year prison sentence, was convicted of child sex abuse charges in the early 2000s. Pope John Paul II eventually dismissed him from the priesthood, and in 2018, he was convicted of additional sex crimes against children.
The plaintiff in the Wednesday lawsuit joined several others in previous lawsuits alleging he was molested by Brown when he was a 13-year-old student at St. James Catholic School in Savannah.
The lawsuit alleges the then-bishop learned of abuse allegations and failed to surrender Brown to authorities, protecting him from investigation. A 1987 internal memo from the diocese included in the lawsuit shows that despite his record, Brown was later placed at the school in Savannah where he would go on to molest the plaintiff.
A spokesperson for the diocese told news outlets that it had not been served the lawsuit and could not comment. The diocese did not immediately return a request from The Associated Press for comment.
In 2016, the diocese paid $4.5 million to settle a lawsuit by a man who said Brown sexually abused him. Georgia authorities could not conduct a criminal investigation at the time because of the statute of limitations.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--New pro-Trump super PAC of moms forms, spending $3 million to win over suburban women

A new pro-Trump super PAC will spend $ 3 million on a national ad campaign aiming to turn suburban women concerned about neighborhood violence into voters for President Trump .
Moms for Safe Neighborhoods is hoping the trope of the ‘ soccer mom ’ is replaced with the ‘ safety mom ’ in 2020 and is leveraging recent rioting to help Mr. Trump persuade suburban women to his column .
Mothers for Safe Neighborhoods is led by Jessica Anderson , a former aide to the Trump White House and executive director of Heritage Action for America .
“ Mothers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of mothers horrified at the violence and see President Trump as the only candidate who can keep their families safe , ” Ms. Anderson said in a statement .
“ While Biden and Democrats are discussing how to divert resources from the police and waiting months to call out violence , MOMS supports President Trump standing with law enforcement and making our neighborhoods safe for our children.
” The initial $ 3 million ad buy will start running nationwide this week on TV channels including A & E , Bravo , Lifetime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows .
The 30-second ad depicts protesters surrounding a mom ’ s minivan and breaking its window while her child is in the backseat and accuses Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden and Democrats of wanting to ‘ defund the police.
’ “ They ’ ll defund police , they ’ ll disarm you , don ’ t let this nightmare come true , ” a narrator says in the ad .
On Thursday , MOMS is starting a get-out-the-vote campaign in North Carolina , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
The message MOMS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only option to restore safety and security and that the political left disregards safety under the guise of political correctness .
Among the members of MOMS ’ grassroots leadership board are Jenny Beth Martin , co-founder of Tea Party Patriots ; Penny Nance , CEO of Concerned Women for America ; and Kristen Short , whose spouse is Marc Short , Vice President Mike Pence ’ s chief of staff ; among several others .

A new pro-Trump super PAC will spend $3 million on a national ad campaign aiming to turn suburban women concerned about neighborhood violence into voters for President Trump.
Moms for Safe Neighborhoods is hoping the trope of the “soccer mom” is replaced with the “safety mom” in 2020 and is leveraging recent rioting to help Mr. Trump persuade suburban women to his column. Mothers for Safe Neighborhoods is led by Jessica Anderson, a former aide to the Trump White House and executive director of Heritage Action for America.
“Mothers for Safe Neighborhoods (MOMS) is a group of mothers horrified at the violence and see President Trump as the only candidate who can keep their families safe,” Ms. Anderson said in a statement. “While Biden and Democrats are discussing how to divert resources from the police and waiting months to call out violence, MOMS supports President Trump standing with law enforcement and making our neighborhoods safe for our children.”
The initial $3 million ad buy will start running nationwide this week on TV channels including A&E, Bravo, Lifetime, TLC and various Fox News shows. The 30-second ad depicts protesters surrounding a mom’s minivan and breaking its window while her child is in the backseat. It accuses Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden and Democrats of wanting to “defund the police.”
“They’ll defund police, they’ll disarm you, don’t let this nightmare come true,” a narrator says in the ad.
On Thursday, MOMS is starting a get-out-the-vote campaign in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The message MOMS is pushing is that Mr. Trump is the only option to restore safety and security and that the political left disregards safety under the guise of political correctness.
MOMS is also working to combat the notion that suburban women can be typecast as voters that prioritize any one issue.
“We are not single-issue voters,” reads MOMS’ website. “We are voting on all the issues: education, jobs, healthcare, local communities, and our kids and their future—but in every case, these things are made better when we have police and safe neighborhoods.”
Among the members of MOMS’ grassroots leadership board are Jenny Beth Martin, co-founder of Tea Party Patriots; Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America; Kristen Short, whose husband is Marc Short, Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff; Debbie Meadows, whose husband is White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows; and prominent GOP lawyer Cleta Mitchell, among many others.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Reggaeton redemption: Balvin, Bunny top Latin Grammy nods

NEW YORK ( AP ) - At last year ’ s Latin Grammy Awards , popular reggaeton and Latin trap musicians such as J Balvin , Bad Bunny and Ozuna were dismissed in the show ’ s top categories .
This year , they dominate .
Balvin scored a whopping 13 nominations for the 2020 Latin Grammys , including two nominations for album of the year and two for record of the year .
The Latin Academy announced Tuesday that Bad Bunny and Ozuna are behind Balvin with nine and eight nominations , respectively .
Balvin has a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prize - a category with 10 contenders - thanks to his fifth solo album “ Colores ” and “ Oasis , ” his collaborative project with Bad Bunny .
Other nominees include Bad Bunny ’ s sophomore release “ YHLQMDLG ” as well as albums from Ricky Martin , Carlos Vives , Jesse & Joy , Kany García , Natalia Lafourcade , Camilo and Fito Paez .
For record of the year , which also has 10 nominees , contenders include popular hip-hop-flavored Latin songs that have dominated the Latin music charts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , with some even reaching the billion-mark on YouTube , including Karol G and Nicki Minaj ’ s global hit “ Tusa ” and “ China ” by Anuel AA , Daddy Yankee , Karol G , Ozuna , Balvin and Marco Masis .
Other nominees include Balvin ’ s “ Rojo ” and Bad Bunny ’ s “ Vete.
” “ Tusa ” is the sole Latin trap nominee in the song of the year category , where 11 tracks are in contention .
It ’ s a departure for Karol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single nomination last year and was part of the group of uber-successful Latin trap and reggaeton artists who were dissed in top categories like album , song and record of the year .
This year , the Colombian performer who was named best new artist in 2018 has four nominations , including two shared with Minaj .
Karol G ’ s fiance , Puerto Rican rapper-singer Anuel AA , marked a major breakthrough this year as a first-time nominee .
He scored seven nominations , including a bid for best new artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we continued engaging in discussions with our members to improve the awards process and actively encouraged diverse Latin music creators to join and participate , ” Latin Academy President and CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. said in a statement , calling this year ’ s nominees “ a group that reflects the constant evolution of Latin music.
” As a result of last year ’ s debacle social media exploded as Latin artists posted images of the Grammy logo with a large red “ X″ across it , with words on the image reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s no Latin Grammys.
” Balvin even skipped the live show and Bad Bunny , who won best urban music album during the telecast , told the audience : “ With all due respect , reggaeton is part of the Latin culture.
” To honor Latin rap and reggaeton performers , the Latin Grammys added new categories this year , including best reggaeton performance and best rap/hip-hop song .
Balvin ’ s 13 nominations includes several categories where he will compete with himself : Outside of album and record of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee in the best urban music album , best urban fusion/performance and best reggaeton performance categories .
Ozuna and Bad Bunny will also compete with themselves in several categories .
Others who scored multiple nominations include Juanes , Martin , Alejandro Sanz , Camilo , Carlos Vives , Kany García and Residente , the most decorated winner in the history of Latin Grammys .
Rosalía , who won album of the year last year and became the first solo female performer to win the top honor since Shakira ’ s triumph in 2006 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apart from Minaj ’ s two nominations , other popular American artists who will compete for awards include rapper Travis Scott ( best short form music video for “ TKN ” with Rosalía ) ; jazz master Chick Corea and his Spanish Heart Band ( best Latin jazz/jazz album for “ Antidote ” ) ; DJ-producer Diplo ( best urban song for “ Rave de Favela ” ) ; and rapper Tyga ( best reggaeton performance for “ Loco Contigo ” with DJ Snake and Balvin ) .
Justin Bieber ’ s right-hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , earned an album of the year nomination for his work on Jesse & Joy ’ s “ Aire ( Versión Día ) .
” The 21st annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live on Nov. 19 on Univision .
The nominees in the 53 categories were selected from more than 18,000 entries .
Songs and albums released between June 1 , 2019 through May 31 , 2020 were eligible for nomination .

NEW YORK (AP) - At last year’s Latin Grammy Awards, popular reggaeton and Latin trap musicians such as J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Ozuna were dismissed in the show’s top categories. This year, they dominate.
Balvin scored a whopping 13 nominations for the 2020 Latin Grammys, including two nominations for album of the year and two for record of the year. The Latin Academy announced Tuesday that Bad Bunny and Ozuna are behind Balvin with nine and eight nominations, respectively.
Balvin has a chance to win his first album of the year prize - a category with 10 contenders - thanks to his fifth solo album “Colores” and “Oasis,” his collaborative project with Bad Bunny. Other nominees include Bad Bunny’s sophomore release “YHLQMDLG” as well as albums from Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Jesse & Joy, Kany García, Natalia Lafourcade, Camilo and Fito Paez.
For record of the year, which also has 10 nominees, contenders include popular hip-hop-flavored Latin songs that have dominated the Latin music charts and earned hundreds of millions plays on streaming services, with some even reaching the billion-mark on YouTube, including Karol G and Nicki Minaj’s global hit “Tusa” and “China” by Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna and Balvin. Other nominees include Balvin’s “Rojo” and Bad Bunny’s “Vete.”
“Tusa” is the sole Latin trap nominee in the song of the year category, where 11 tracks are in contention. It’s a departure for Karol G, who didn’t receive a single nomination last year and was part of the group of uber-successful Latin trap and reggaeton artists who were dissed in top categories like album, song and record of the year.
This year, the Colombian performer who was named best new artist in 2018 has four nominations, including two shared with Minaj. Karol G’s fiance, Puerto Rican rapper-singer Anuel AA, marked a major breakthrough this year as a first-time nominee. He scored seven nominations, including a bid for best new artist.
“Over the last year, we continued engaging in discussions with our members to improve the awards process and actively encouraged diverse Latin music creators to join and participate,” Latin Academy President and CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. said in a statement, calling this year’s nominees “a group that reflects the constant evolution of Latin music.”
As a result of last year’s debacle social media exploded as Latin artists posted images of the Grammy logo with a large red “X″ across it, with words on the image reading in Spanish: “Without reggaeton, there’s no Latin Grammys.” Balvin even skipped the live show and Bad Bunny, who won best urban music album during the telecast, told the audience: “With all due respect, reggaeton is part of the Latin culture.”
To honor Latin rap and reggaeton performers, the Latin Grammys added new categories this year, including best reggaeton performance and best rap/hip-hop song.
Balvin’s 13 nominations includes several categories where he will compete with himself: Outside of album and record of the year, he’s a double nominee in the best urban music album, best urban fusion/performance and best reggaeton performance categories. Ozuna and Bad Bunny will also compete with themselves in several categories.
Others who scored multiple nominations include Juanes, Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Kany García and Residente, the most decorated winner in the history of Latin Grammys. Rosalía, who won album of the year last year and became the first solo female performer to win the top honor since Shakira’s triumph in 2006, earned four nominations this year.
Apart from Minaj’s two nominations, other popular American artists who will compete for awards include rapper Travis Scott (best short form music video for “TKN” with Rosalía); jazz master Chick Corea and his Spanish Heart Band (best Latin jazz/jazz album for “Antidote”); DJ-producer Diplo (best urban song for “Rave de Favela” ); and rapper Tyga (best reggaeton performance for “Loco Contigo” with DJ Snake and Balvin). Justin Bieber’s right-hand songwriter, Jason Boyd aka Poo Bear, earned an album of the year nomination for his work on Jesse & Joy’s “Aire (Versión Día).”
The 21st annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live on Nov. 19 on Univision. The nominees in the 53 categories were selected from more than 18,000 entries. Songs and albums released between June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020 were eligible for nomination.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--New Japanese PM Suga urges Putin to resolve island dispute

TOKYO ( AP ) - Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that he wants to settle their territorial dispute and sign a peace treaty formally ending their World War II hostilities .
Suga took office two weeks ago , replacing Shinzo Abe who stepped down due to poor health .
Abe , during his nearly eight years in office , put a great deal of time and effort into improving ties with Russia in hopes of settling the territorial dispute , but with little progress .
The two countries both claim a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soviet Union in the final days of the war , preventing them from signing a peace treaty .
The islands , called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Kurils in Russia , are off the northern coast of Japan ’ s Hokkaido .
“ I told ( Putin ) that I hope to develop Japan-Russia relations holistically , including the signing of a peace treaty .
I said we should not leave the territorial problem to the next generations and put an end to it ourselves , ” Suga told reporters after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firmly tackle the problem with President Putin.
” Suga said he is confident he and Putin can develop a positive relationship in which they can frankly exchange views .
Putin said he hopes to maintain a dialogue to resolve any existing problems between the two countries , Suga said .
Settling the island dispute with Russia was one of Abe ’ s diplomatic goals .
He started joint economic projects on the Russian-held disputed islands .
Russia , however , has stepped up its military presence on the islands , and held troop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks .
Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Japan protested to Russia about the military exercise , saying it was unacceptable .
Suga has had a series of phone talks with global leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping , U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in .

TOKYO (AP) - Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that he wants to settle their territorial dispute and sign a peace treaty formally ending their World War II hostilities.
Suga took office two weeks ago, replacing Shinzo Abe who stepped down due to poor health. Abe, during his nearly eight years in office, put a great deal of time and effort into improving ties with Russia in hopes of settling the territorial dispute, but with little progress.
The two countries both claim a group of islands seized by the former Soviet Union in the final days of the war, preventing them from signing a peace treaty. The islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Kurils in Russia, are off the northern coast of Japan’s Hokkaido.
“I told (Putin) that I hope to develop Japan-Russia relations holistically, including the signing of a peace treaty. I said we should not leave the territorial problem to the next generations and put an end to it ourselves,” Suga told reporters after the telephone talks. “I will firmly tackle the problem with President Putin.”
Suga said he is confident he and Putin can develop a positive relationship in which they can frankly exchange views.
Putin said he hopes to maintain a dialogue to resolve any existing problems between the two countries, Suga said.
Settling the island dispute with Russia was one of Abe’s diplomatic goals. He started joint economic projects on the Russian-held disputed islands. Russia, however, has stepped up its military presence on the islands, and held troop exercises just hours before Tuesday’s talks.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Japan protested to Russia about the military exercise, saying it was unacceptable.
Suga has had a series of phone talks with global leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
___
Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Gas leak leads to explosion in Dubuque

Gas leak leads to explosion in Dubuque

DUBUQUE , Iowa ( AP ) - Fire officials are blaming a gas leak for an explosion that destroyed one @ @ @ @ @ others .
KCRG reports that Chief Rick Steines with the Dubuque Fire Department said a @ @ @ @ @ Monday while working in the area .
He said firefighters evacuated the closest house while @ @ @ @ @ company to arrive .
He said the gas company was in the process of shutting @ @ @ @ @ ignited and caused the explosion .
One house was destroyed and others had windows blown @ @ @ @ @ was taken to a hospital for a cut .
The City of Dubuque urged owners @ @ @ @ @ Facebook post to check in with tenants in the area .

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) - Fire officials are blaming a gas leak for an explosion that destroyed one Dubuque home and damaged several others.
KCRG reports that Chief Rick Steines with the Dubuque Fire Department said a machine struck a gas main Monday while working in the area. He said firefighters evacuated the closest house while they waited for the gas company to arrive. He said the gas company was in the process of shutting down the gas when it ignited and caused the explosion.
One house was destroyed and others had windows blown out. A firefighter also was taken to a hospital for a cut.
The City of Dubuque urged owners of rental properties in a Facebook post to check in with tenants in the area.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Kamala Harris dodges question on packing Supreme Court

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Kamala D. Harris on Monday dodged a question on whether Democrats should expand the number of seats on the U.S. Supreme Court if they control the House , Senate and White House next year .
Asked if the Supreme Court should be expanded if Judge Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed , Ms. Harris said her presidential running mate Joseph R. Biden has been clear about the fact that people are voting right now .
“ We ’ re actually in the election , ” she said on MSNBC .
“ They have a right in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then will make the decision about who will be the nominee.
” Mr. Biden has refused to engage on the question of whether Democrats should move to add seats to the court , saying it ’ s a distraction from Republicans ’ push to quickly confirm Judge Barrett to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Rather than try to pivot or deflect , Mr. Biden has simply said he ’ s not going to answer the question .
Liberals are demanding that Democrats retaliate by abolishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Senate Republicans push Judge Barrett ’ s nomination through this close to Election Day , which is Nov. 3 .
Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris are caught between those voices and moderate swing voters who don ’ t necessarily want to see Democrats embrace extreme remedies to counter President Trump .

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Kamala D. Harris on Monday dodged a question on whether Democrats should expand the number of seats on the U.S. Supreme Court if they control the House, Senate and White House next year.
Asked if the Supreme Court should be expanded if Judge Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed, Ms. Harris said her presidential running mate Joseph R. Biden has been clear about the fact that people are voting right now.
“We’re actually in the election,” she said on MSNBC. “They have a right in an election to elect their next president who then will make the decision about who will be the nominee.”
Mr. Biden has refused to engage on the question of whether Democrats should move to add seats to the court, saying it’s a distraction from Republicans’ push to quickly confirm Judge Barrett to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Rather than try to pivot or deflect, Mr. Biden has simply said he’s not going to answer the question.
Liberals are demanding that Democrats retaliate by abolishing the legislative filibuster and packing the court if Senate Republicans push Judge Barrett’s nomination through this close to Election Day, which is Nov. 3.
Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris are caught between those voices and moderate swing voters who don’t necessarily want to see Democrats embrace extreme remedies to counter President Trump.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--91-year-old found dead in vehicle that crashed into river

FLORENCE , Ore. ( AP ) - A 91-year-old Florence resident was found dead after his car went off the @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
A witness called police after seeing Parker Kendall ’ s Jeep Wrangler @ @ @ @ @ and crash into the river , KEZI-TV reported .
Divers with the Lane County Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ vehicle Sunday evening and located Kendall in the driver ’ s seat .
The vehicle @ @ @ @ @ river and the body was recovered .
Authorities say criminal activity is not suspected .
@ @ @ @ @ Siuslaw Valley Fire Department and Medical Examiner ’ s Office also helped in the incident @

FLORENCE, Ore. (AP) - A 91-year-old Florence resident was found dead after his car went off the road into the Siuslaw River on Sunday.
A witness called police after seeing Parker Kendall’s Jeep Wrangler swerve, leave the road and crash into the river, KEZI-TV reported.
Divers with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle Sunday evening and located Kendall in the driver’s seat. The vehicle was pulled out of the river and the body was recovered. Authorities say criminal activity is not suspected.
The US Coast Guard, Siuslaw Valley Fire Department and Medical Examiner’s Office also helped in the incident.


Recent Missouri editorials

At long last , the veil has been lifted from President Donald Trump ’ s tax returns , thanks to rigorous investigative reporting by The New York Times .
By all indications , Trump has for years been abusing federal tax law to claim all sorts of perks , from luxury retreats to hair stylists , as tax deductions .
For many years , those deductions enabled him to zero-out his tax bill while , in 2016 and 2017 , his tax bill resulted in an annual payment of only $ 750 .
The voluminous Times report , which took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s front page and six full inside pages , is simply too big for voters to ignore - especially moderate Republicans who are tired of being played as chumps .
Part of the Trump allure in 2016 was his mythical image as a successful billionaire businessman .
His tax returns are a portrait of utter failure .
Trump has managed to drive virtually everything he touches into unsustainable debt , if not bankruptcy .
His tax records show him so mired in debt and potentially fraudulent deduction claims that the end of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a potential $ 100 million tax bill and hundreds of millions more in loans coming due .
Reelection for Trump means buying four more years so he can figure out how to stave off financial ruin .
Equally important is the insulting message his tax evasion sends to law-abiding , tax-paying Americans .
While Trump was jetting around the world on his private plane , staying at Trump resorts or escaping to family-owned retreats , he was asserting to the Internal Revenue Service that his companies were so indebted that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way around .
He claimed , and received , a refund of $ 72.9 million in 2010 from the federal government along with $ 21.2 million in state and local refunds .
But America ’ s bills were still due .
When Trump evaded paying his fair share , that portion of the bill was passed to the rest of the tax-paying public .
It wasn ’ t Trump ’ s fabulous business acumen that furnished the funds for his lavish lifestyle ; it was the American taxpayer .
He wrote off silly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who concocted and sustained his weird hair style .
He charged taxpayers for “ consulting fees ” that included hundreds of thousands of dollars he paid to his daughter , Ivanka .
In short , the Times ’ reporting exposes Trump for the con man he is , which could help explain why he has gone to such great efforts to hide his tax returns from public view .
He ’ s gotten away for years with playing the government and American voters as chumps , suckers and losers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test to prove whether he made the right play , or whether voters have finally caught on to his con .
When it comes to public health , Missouri could be mistaken for misery .
As we recently reported , the state ’ s health rankings have been dropping for the past 30 years .
In the newest Scorecard on State Health System Performance , Missouri dropped seven spots to 48th ( third from the bottom ) .
The report is released annually by the Commonwealth Fund , a private foundation that aims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that achieves better access , improved quality and greater efficiency .
Dr. Randall Williams , director of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services , said the state has worked to make tangible improvements .
Williams said he has changed the culture since coming to the state four years ago , from an “ idle ” culture to one of action .
It has reduced the number of home health patients who suffered with limited mobility .
It made more anti-psychotic medication available for nursing home residents .
It got more adults treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year for the first time , in part because the state has focused its efforts in St. Louis , where 75 percent of the deaths occur .
The state also expanded access to Naloxone , which reverses opioid overdoses , and authorized pharmacists to distribute it without a prescription .
Through the pandemic , Williams and Gov .
Mike Parson have been in close contact with county health department administrators and organizations such as the Missouri Hospital Association .
We applaud the administration ’ s efforts , but more obviously needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there was a surge over the past year in the percentage of Missouri children who are overweight or obese , public health funding remained the lowest in the country and potentially avoidable emergency department visits jumped .
Obesity is a growing epidemic , and more needs to be done , especially in our state ’ s schools .
Among other things , nutrition standards and physical activity standards should be increased .
Overall , we ’ re still seeing too many carbs/starches on lunch plates , and too little fruits , vegetables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to spend taxpayer money to feed children , we should offer them healthier choices .
Missourians who want to buy marijuana to ease their pain are still waiting .
That ’ s a problem for them , and an issue for the rest of us .
It ’ s been nearly two years since voters amended the state ’ s constitution to allow marijuana sales for some medical conditions .
The measure - Amendment 2 , you ’ ll recall - passed by a nearly two-to-one margin in 2018 .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day after the election .
But there was a reasonable expectation that eligible citizens could get relief sometime in 2020 , a belief repeatedly encouraged by state officials .
Last December , cannabis was to be available “ a few months into the new year.
” Then , mid-summer , in “ late July , early August.
” No , late summer : mid-September , maybe .
But time moves on , and as September fades into October , and summer becomes fall , you still can ’ t take your medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for pain relief .
Dispensaries are ready - they just have nothing to sell .
“ We are still waiting on the first testing facility to ask us for their final approval to operate , ” said an email from Lisa Cox , a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services .
“ We ’ re told at least one is very close.
” “ Delay , delay , delay , delay , delay , delay , ” said a post on modispensaries.com , an unofficial clearinghouse for medical marijuana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report dozens of phone calls each day , most posing the same question : Are you open yet ?
“ We ’ ve heard many stories of our neighbors who are suffering various ailments and are growing tired of waiting for access to medicinal marijuana , ” said a spokeswoman for the 3rd Street Dispensary in Lee ’ s Summit , which nevertheless broadly supports the state ’ s approach to licensing and oversight .
“ Our hope is that when people are finally able to enter a dispensary , it will all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their emailed statement said .
There are excuses for the postponements , as there always are .
The COVID-19 pandemic certainly made it harder for the state to get where it needed to go for testing and oversight .
A series of ongoing licensing scandals suck up legislative and administrative oxygen , too .
Marijuana supporters say Missouri is doing better than other states that legalized sale of the drug , even with delays .
Arkansans , for example , had to wait 30 months to begin buying medicinal pot after approving it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on the other hand , began selling cannabis products well within a year after voters approved medical marijuana in 2018 .
It ’ s pretty popular , particularly in the middle of a pandemic .
Sales from the first six months of 2020 nearly equaled sales from all of 2019 in Oklahoma .
It will be popular in Missouri , too .
Some 60,000 patients have applied for medical marijuana cards .
While card holders can legally grow a small amount of marijuana at home , most are waiting for dispensaries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For two years .
Many in pain from debilitating diseases .
But these delays are a concern for more than patients .
All of us should be worried .
For most Americans , government isn ’ t about policy disputes or disagreements over philosophy .
Most Americans simply want the government to actually do what it promises to do .
When it snows , they want the snow cleared .
When they need to renew a driver ’ s license , they want it to be simple and quick .
When they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want the money as soon as possible .
And when voters say they want medical marijuana , they expect the state to provide it in a reasonable timeframe .
They judge their government on how well it does its job .
In Missouri , not well .
That ’ s a shame , both for those who want pain relief , and the rest of us , who want a government that works .

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Sept. 28
At long last, the veil has been lifted from President Donald Trump’s tax returns, thanks to rigorous investigative reporting by The New York Times. By all indications, Trump has for years been abusing federal tax law to claim all sorts of perks, from luxury retreats to hair stylists, as tax deductions. For many years, those deductions enabled him to zero-out his tax bill while, in 2016 and 2017, his tax bill resulted in an annual payment of only $750.
The voluminous Times report, which took up the top half of Monday’s front page and six full inside pages, is simply too big for voters to ignore - especially moderate Republicans who are tired of being played as chumps. Part of the Trump allure in 2016 was his mythical image as a successful billionaire businessman. His tax returns are a portrait of utter failure. Trump has managed to drive virtually everything he touches into unsustainable debt, if not bankruptcy.
His tax records show him so mired in debt and potentially fraudulent deduction claims that the end of his presidency could ultimately yield legal action along with a potential $100 million tax bill and hundreds of millions more in loans coming due. Reelection for Trump means buying four more years so he can figure out how to stave off financial ruin.
Equally important is the insulting message his tax evasion sends to law-abiding, tax-paying Americans. While Trump was jetting around the world on his private plane, staying at Trump resorts or escaping to family-owned retreats, he was asserting to the Internal Revenue Service that his companies were so indebted that the government owed him money, not the other way around. He claimed, and received, a refund of $72.9 million in 2010 from the federal government along with $21.2 million in state and local refunds.
But America’s bills were still due. When Trump evaded paying his fair share, that portion of the bill was passed to the rest of the tax-paying public. It wasn’t Trump’s fabulous business acumen that furnished the funds for his lavish lifestyle; it was the American taxpayer. He wrote off silly things, such as $70,000 for the people who concocted and sustained his weird hair style. He charged taxpayers for “consulting fees” that included hundreds of thousands of dollars he paid to his daughter, Ivanka.
In short, the Times’ reporting exposes Trump for the con man he is, which could help explain why he has gone to such great efforts to hide his tax returns from public view. He’s gotten away for years with playing the government and American voters as chumps, suckers and losers. The Nov. 3 election result is the ultimate test to prove whether he made the right play, or whether voters have finally caught on to his con.
_____
The Jefferson City News-Tribune, Sept. 24
When it comes to public health, Missouri could be mistaken for misery.
As we recently reported, the state’s health rankings have been dropping for the past 30 years. In the newest Scorecard on State Health System Performance, Missouri dropped seven spots to 48th (third from the bottom).
The report is released annually by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that aims to promote a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality and greater efficiency.
Dr. Randall Williams, director of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state has worked to make tangible improvements.
Williams said he has changed the culture since coming to the state four years ago, from an “idle” culture to one of action.
It has reduced the number of home health patients who suffered with limited mobility. It made more anti-psychotic medication available for nursing home residents. It got more adults treatment for mental illness.
Opioid deaths decreased this year for the first time, in part because the state has focused its efforts in St. Louis, where 75 percent of the deaths occur.
The state also expanded access to Naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses, and authorized pharmacists to distribute it without a prescription.
Through the pandemic, Williams and Gov. Mike Parson have been in close contact with county health department administrators and organizations such as the Missouri Hospital Association.
We applaud the administration’s efforts, but more obviously needs to be done.
On the negative side, there was a surge over the past year in the percentage of Missouri children who are overweight or obese, public health funding remained the lowest in the country and potentially avoidable emergency department visits jumped.
Obesity is a growing epidemic, and more needs to be done, especially in our state’s schools. Among other things, nutrition standards and physical activity standards should be increased.
Overall, we’re still seeing too many carbs/starches on lunch plates, and too little fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. If we’re going to spend taxpayer money to feed children, we should offer them healthier choices.
_____
The Kansas City Star, Sept. 27
Missourians who want to buy marijuana to ease their pain are still waiting. That’s a problem for them, and an issue for the rest of us.
It’s been nearly two years since voters amended the state’s constitution to allow marijuana sales for some medical conditions. The measure - Amendment 2, you’ll recall - passed by a nearly two-to-one margin in 2018.
No one expected marijuana to go on sale the day after the election. But there was a reasonable expectation that eligible citizens could get relief sometime in 2020, a belief repeatedly encouraged by state officials.
Last December, cannabis was to be available “a few months into the new year.” Then, mid-summer, in “late July, early August.” No, late summer: mid-September, maybe.
But time moves on, and as September fades into October, and summer becomes fall, you still can’t take your medical card into a shop and buy marijuana for pain relief. Dispensaries are ready - they just have nothing to sell.
“We are still waiting on the first testing facility to ask us for their final approval to operate,” said an email from Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “We’re told at least one is very close.”
“Delay, delay, delay, delay, delay, delay,” said a post on modispensaries.com, an unofficial clearinghouse for medical marijuana information. “October?”
Dispensaries report dozens of phone calls each day, most posing the same question: Are you open yet?
“We’ve heard many stories of our neighbors who are suffering various ailments and are growing tired of waiting for access to medicinal marijuana,” said a spokeswoman for the 3rd Street Dispensary in Lee’s Summit, which nevertheless broadly supports the state’s approach to licensing and oversight.
“Our hope is that when people are finally able to enter a dispensary, it will all have been worth the wait,” their emailed statement said.
There are excuses for the postponements, as there always are. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly made it harder for the state to get where it needed to go for testing and oversight. A series of ongoing licensing scandals suck up legislative and administrative oxygen, too.
Marijuana supporters say Missouri is doing better than other states that legalized sale of the drug, even with delays. Arkansans, for example, had to wait 30 months to begin buying medicinal pot after approving it at the polls.
Dispensaries in Oklahoma, on the other hand, began selling cannabis products well within a year after voters approved medical marijuana in 2018.
It’s pretty popular, particularly in the middle of a pandemic. Sales from the first six months of 2020 nearly equaled sales from all of 2019 in Oklahoma.
It will be popular in Missouri, too. Some 60,000 patients have applied for medical marijuana cards. While card holders can legally grow a small amount of marijuana at home, most are waiting for dispensaries to open.
They’ve been waiting. For two years. Many in pain from debilitating diseases. But these delays are a concern for more than patients. All of us should be worried.
For most Americans, government isn’t about policy disputes or disagreements over philosophy. Most Americans simply want the government to actually do what it promises to do.
When it snows, they want the snow cleared. When they need to renew a driver’s license, they want it to be simple and quick. When they’re owed a tax refund, they want the money as soon as possible.
And when voters say they want medical marijuana, they expect the state to provide it in a reasonable timeframe. They judge their government on how well it does its job.
In Missouri, not well. That’s a shame, both for those who want pain relief, and the rest of us, who want a government that works.
_____


Recent Kansas editorials

Quite a bit ’ s been made of President Trump ’ s refusal to commit this past week to a peaceful transfer of power after the election .
Too much , in our opinion .
Look , if Donald Trump loses the election , Joe Biden will be the next president .
There ’ s not going to be some sort of banana republic scene involving four-star generals dragging the ex-president out of the executive mansion by his ankles .
People who dislike Mr. Trump tend to strongly dislike him , and they seem to think he would do anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s almost understandable , since he ’ s willing to say anything that he thinks will immediately benefit himself .
But it ’ s still too much of a stretch .
It ’ s important to distinguish between what Mr. Trump says and what he does .
And it ’ s important to think about exactly why he says what he says .
This past week he said that “ we ’ re going to have to see what happens , ” in response to a reporter ’ s question about committing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know that I ’ ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots , and the ballots are a disaster.
” He was referring to mail-in ballots , which he has been saying — without any justification — could be fraudulent .
Why is he saying that ?
He ’ s saying that because he thinks it immediately benefits himself somehow .
It doesn ’ t matter whether it ’ s true or not — he thinks saying it will help his own political standing .
That could be because it will discourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — giving himself more time to make up ground in the polls , and tilting participation slightly more in favor of a Republican than a Democrat .
Or possibly because it will allow him to have a convenient excuse if he loses .
Either way , doesn ’ t matter .
That ’ s all the statement is about .
He took the same tack last time , and ultimately it worked — he beat Hillary Clinton .
Also , if Mr. Trump said , “ Sure , I would accept whatever the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be conceding the chance that the will of the people would be to boot him from office .
He ’ s never , ever going to portray himself as a loser .
He doesn ’ t see that as immediately beneficial to himself , so he just wouldn ’ t accept that framework .
But let ’ s say he does lose .
Maybe there ’ s a protracted court fight , and maybe a repeat of 2000 .
But even if it ’ s that , we ’ re not talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a court case .
And , should he lose , he ’ ll walk out of that office and the new guy will come in .
Mr. Trump will no doubt go on tweeting about fraud , and he ’ ll continue to try to make himself the center of attention for years afterward .
It will no doubt be ugly .
But there will be a peaceful transition .
Don ’ t lose any sleep over that .
The state ’ s Office of Rural Prosperity and the Kansas Sampler Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that may have gone overlooked by some .
Kansas Power Up and Go is targeted at young professionals and aims to collect information about how they want to live and work - all with the goal of revitalizing our state ’ s rural areas .
After all , Kansas is a state with a storied legacy of farms and frontier families , folks braving the odds to create new lives for themselves on the plains .
Our state ’ s history is one of determination and bravery , and of embracing this unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the state has struggled for decades with an exodus of young people .
They have either left Kansas altogether or deserted rural areas for the more densely populated Northeast corridor .
The new initiative aims , quite simply , to find out why .
Or as Sampler foundation executive director Marci Penner put it in a news release announcing the project : “ It is an asset to be young !
Why not round up the ideas , energy , talents , and vision of this age group ?
Instead of ignoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , let ’ s capitalize on it .
If we can make the state more attractive to the under-40 group , it would make Kansas stronger and better for everyone.
” It can be easy to dismiss these perspectives .
After all , the nature of youth is to rebel against or reject tradition - and valuing rural land and lifestyles is nothing if not traditional .
But traditions are a mixed bag .
Sometimes they nourish and sustain .
At other times they can hold back or choke off growth .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential if we hope to transform rural Kansas into a growing , thriving , exciting piece of our state .
Participating in the ongoing data-gathering project is easy .
According to the foundation , “ For individuals who are 21-39 , identify as rural , and would like to be interviewed , please contact the Kansas Sampler Foundation at marci @ kansassampler.org or 620-585-2374.
” So add your voice .
Let our state ’ s leaders and advocates know what you would like to see and do in a revitalized rural sector .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rethink their lives and careers in dense urban spaces , now is an opportune time to consider the wide variety of living options in the nation and our state .
Let ’ s respect and expand upon the rural legacy of Kansas .
Last we checked , Wichita State was a public university funded with public dollars .
But both the hiring and the sudden departure of President Jay Golden were shrouded in secrecy and anything but public .
WSU students , faculty , taxpayers and the Wichita community deserve better .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which oversees state universities and colleges , decided that the search for late President John Bardo ’ s replacement would be closed to the public .
The university spent about $ 129,000 to recruit and interview potential candidates .
Most members of a 20-person search committee - all except chairman Steve Clark , a Wichita real estate developer - were under a gag order and prohibited from discussing the search .
Regents met out of state , in a hotel conference room near the Kansas City airport , to interview finalists .
Reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The finalists ’ names were never released .
Then last Halloween , immediately following a vote by the regents at Wichita State , Golden was introduced as WSU ’ s new president .
It was telling - or foreboding , or perhaps just ironic ?
- that Golden vowed to move the university forward with transparency , shared governance , inclusion and respect .
“ I hope that I work hard to be able to earn the trust and respect of people in the community , ” he said last fall .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over , Golden is gone .
His resignation came without warning or explanation following a hastily-called Regents meeting .
And once again , no one is talking .
Jon Rolph , a Wichita restaurant owner and member of the Board of Regents , said the resignation was not related to Golden ’ s decision last spring to downplay a virtual commencement speech by Ivanka Trump .
But you can ’ t blame folks for presuming that was a factor .
Clark - a longtime booster , namesake of WSU ’ s new YMCA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that secret search committee - said major donors had threatened to pull support from the university if Golden didn ’ t go .
The new president appeared to survive that flap in June .
But why the silent , “ nothing to see here ” approach now ?
Wichita State ’ s president is one of the most prominent , powerful and highest paid education leaders in the state .
Closed searches for public university presidents are a recent phenomenon - and a mistake .
So that was bad enough .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shock to many , including high ranking members of WSU ’ s faculty and student government .
The Regents or Golden should spell out the reasons behind the resignation , and they should pledge to demystify the process for finding and hiring a replacement .
Kansas should return to its previous practice of open searches for public university presidents , allowing candidates to be introduced and thoroughly vetted by the public .
That ’ s the best way to ensure integrity in the process , that a variety of well-qualified candidates receives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerges is the right choice .
If universities don ’ t want to be upfront and open , state lawmakers should demand transparency .
Enough with the secrets .
Public universities should answer to the public .

Manhattan Mercury, Sept. 25
The transition question non-question
Quite a bit’s been made of President Trump’s refusal to commit this past week to a peaceful transfer of power after the election.
Too much, in our opinion.
Look, if Donald Trump loses the election, Joe Biden will be the next president. There’s not going to be some sort of banana republic scene involving four-star generals dragging the ex-president out of the executive mansion by his ankles.
People who dislike Mr. Trump tend to strongly dislike him, and they seem to think he would do anything to stay in power. It’s almost understandable, since he’s willing to say anything that he thinks will immediately benefit himself. But it’s still too much of a stretch.
It’s important to distinguish between what Mr. Trump says and what he does. And it’s important to think about exactly why he says what he says.
This past week he said that “we’re going to have to see what happens,” in response to a reporter’s question about committing to a peaceful transfer of power. “You know that I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster.”
He was referring to mail-in ballots, which he has been saying — without any justification — could be fraudulent.
Why is he saying that? He’s saying that because he thinks it immediately benefits himself somehow. It doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not — he thinks saying it will help his own political standing. That could be because it will discourage people from voting in advance by mail — giving himself more time to make up ground in the polls, and tilting participation slightly more in favor of a Republican than a Democrat. Or possibly because it will allow him to have a convenient excuse if he loses. Either way, doesn’t matter. That’s all the statement is about. He took the same tack last time, and ultimately it worked — he beat Hillary Clinton.
Also, if Mr. Trump said, “Sure, I would accept whatever the American people decide,” he would be conceding the chance that the will of the people would be to boot him from office. He’s never, ever going to portray himself as a loser. He doesn’t see that as immediately beneficial to himself, so he just wouldn’t accept that framework.
But let’s say he does lose. Maybe there’s a protracted court fight, and maybe a repeat of 2000. But even if it’s that, we’re not talking about civil war. We’re talking about a court case.
And, should he lose, he’ll walk out of that office and the new guy will come in. Mr. Trump will no doubt go on tweeting about fraud, and he’ll continue to try to make himself the center of attention for years afterward. It will no doubt be ugly.
But there will be a peaceful transition. Don’t lose any sleep over that.
_____
The Topeka Capital-Journal, Sept. 26
The state’s Office of Rural Prosperity and the Kansas Sampler Foundation announced an important partnership over the summer that may have gone overlooked by some. Kansas Power Up and Go is targeted at young professionals and aims to collect information about how they want to live and work - all with the goal of revitalizing our state’s rural areas.
It’s a most worthwhile goal.
After all, Kansas is a state with a storied legacy of farms and frontier families, folks braving the odds to create new lives for themselves on the plains. Our state’s history is one of determination and bravery, and of embracing this unique, windswept place.
Sadly, however, the state has struggled for decades with an exodus of young people. They have either left Kansas altogether or deserted rural areas for the more densely populated Northeast corridor. The new initiative aims, quite simply, to find out why.
Or as Sampler foundation executive director Marci Penner put it in a news release announcing the project: “It is an asset to be young! Why not round up the ideas, energy, talents, and vision of this age group? Instead of ignoring the perspective they bring to our state, let’s capitalize on it. If we can make the state more attractive to the under-40 group, it would make Kansas stronger and better for everyone.”
It can be easy to dismiss these perspectives. After all, the nature of youth is to rebel against or reject tradition - and valuing rural land and lifestyles is nothing if not traditional.
But traditions are a mixed bag. Sometimes they nourish and sustain. At other times they can hold back or choke off growth. That’s why gathering fresh perspectives is essential if we hope to transform rural Kansas into a growing, thriving, exciting piece of our state.
Participating in the ongoing data-gathering project is easy. According to the foundation, “For individuals who are 21-39, identify as rural, and would like to be interviewed, please contact the Kansas Sampler Foundation at marci@kansassampler.org or 620-585-2374.”
So add your voice. Let our state’s leaders and advocates know what you would like to see and do in a revitalized rural sector. With the COVID-19 pandemic prompting many to rethink their lives and careers in dense urban spaces, now is an opportune time to consider the wide variety of living options in the nation and our state.
Let’s respect and expand upon the rural legacy of Kansas.
—-
The Wichita Eagle, Sept. 28
Last we checked, Wichita State was a public university funded with public dollars.
But both the hiring and the sudden departure of President Jay Golden were shrouded in secrecy and anything but public.
WSU students, faculty, taxpayers and the Wichita community deserve better.
We deserve answers.
Last year the Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees state universities and colleges, decided that the search for late President John Bardo’s replacement would be closed to the public.
The university spent about $129,000 to recruit and interview potential candidates. Most members of a 20-person search committee - all except chairman Steve Clark, a Wichita real estate developer - were under a gag order and prohibited from discussing the search.
Regents met out of state, in a hotel conference room near the Kansas City airport, to interview finalists. Reporters were asked to leave the room. The finalists’ names were never released.
Then last Halloween, immediately following a vote by the regents at Wichita State, Golden was introduced as WSU’s new president.
It was telling - or foreboding, or perhaps just ironic? - that Golden vowed to move the university forward with transparency, shared governance, inclusion and respect.
“I hope that I work hard to be able to earn the trust and respect of people in the community,” he said last fall.
Now, less than a year after taking over, Golden is gone. His resignation came without warning or explanation following a hastily-called Regents meeting. And once again, no one is talking.
Jon Rolph, a Wichita restaurant owner and member of the Board of Regents, said the resignation was not related to Golden’s decision last spring to downplay a virtual commencement speech by Ivanka Trump.
But you can’t blame folks for presuming that was a factor.
Clark - a longtime booster, namesake of WSU’s new YMCA and Student Wellness Center and chairman of that secret search committee - said major donors had threatened to pull support from the university if Golden didn’t go.
The new president appeared to survive that flap in June. But why the silent, “nothing to see here” approach now?
Wichita State’s president is one of the most prominent, powerful and highest paid education leaders in the state. Closed searches for public university presidents are a recent phenomenon - and a mistake.
So that was bad enough. Now, Golden’s sudden departure comes as a shock to many, including high ranking members of WSU’s faculty and student government.
The Regents or Golden should spell out the reasons behind the resignation, and they should pledge to demystify the process for finding and hiring a replacement.
Kansas should return to its previous practice of open searches for public university presidents, allowing candidates to be introduced and thoroughly vetted by the public. That’s the best way to ensure integrity in the process, that a variety of well-qualified candidates receives consideration, and that the person who emerges is the right choice.
If universities don’t want to be upfront and open, state lawmakers should demand transparency.
Enough with the secrets. Public universities should answer to the public.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Reported shooting at Amazon facility in Florida

JACKSONVILLE , Fla. ( AP ) - There is has been a reported shooting at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in @ @ @ @ @ Jacksonville Sheriff ’ s Department said on its Twitter account Tuesday night that the scene @ @ @ @ @ information would follow .
In June , there was a targeted shooting outside this Amazon @ @ @ @ @ killed and two others slightly wounded .
A 20-year-old man who was fatally shot while @ @ @ @ @ Amazon warehouse to apply for a job , Jacksonville Sheriff ’ s Office Assistant Chief @ @ @ @ @ a news conference .
Kee said two men got out of a silver car at @ @ @ @ @ June 29 and ran up to the victim and started firing handguns before they drove @ @ @ @ @ grazed by bullets but did not require hospitalization , Kee said .
Authorities said the @ @ @ @ @ s north side does not appear to have been a case of workplace violence .

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A woman was killed and a man was hospitalized following a shooting at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Jacksonville, Florida, according to authorities.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to the center Tuesday night, where deputies found the woman dead at the scene, Lt. J.D. Stronko said at a news conference. The man was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not detailed.
The agency said late Tuesday that the scene was secure and it did not appear to be an active shooter situation.
Investigators said early findings appeared to show the man and woman may have been in a “domestic relationship.” They were both believed to be Amazon employees, Stronko said.
The sheriff’s office did not identify the people who were shot or name a shooter. The investigation remains ongoing.
In June, there was a targeted shooting outside this Amazon facility that left one person killed and two others slightly wounded.
A 20-year-old man who was fatally shot while waiting in line outside the Amazon warehouse to apply for a job, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Brian Kee had said during a news conference.
Kee said two men got out of a silver car at about 2 p.m., on June 29 and ran up to the victim and started firing handguns before they drove away. Two bystanders were grazed by bullets but did not require hospitalization, Kee said.
Authorities said the shooting on the city’s north side does not appear to have been a case of workplace violence.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Trump slams Biden's belief that Antifa 'is an idea'

President Trump and Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden feuded over Antifa and street protests during the first presidential debate Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ mocking Mr. Biden ’ s claim that the anarchist group “ is an idea , @ @ @ @ @ Almost everything I see is from the left wing , not from the right wing @ @ @ @ @ of the violence in cities this year during protests over social justice .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a left-wing problem.
” Mr. Biden cut in : “ Antifa is @ @ @ @ @ organization.
” The president replied , “ When a bat hits you over the head @ @ @ @ @ an idea.
” Mr. Trump told the Democrat , “ Antifa is bad .
Antifa @ @ @ @ @ group .
They ’ ll overthrow you if you ’ re president .
”

President Trump and Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden feuded over Antifa and street protests during the first presidential debate Tuesday night, with the president mocking Mr. Biden’s claim that the anarchist group “is an idea, not an organization.”
“Almost everything I see is from the left wing, not from the right wing,” the president said of the violence in cities this year during protests over social justice. “This is not a right-wing problem. This is a left-wing problem.”
Mr. Biden cut in: “Antifa is an idea, not an organization.”
The president replied, “When a bat hits you over the head, that’s not an idea.”
Mr. Trump told the Democrat, “Antifa is bad. Antifa is a dangerous, radical group. They’ll overthrow you if you’re president.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Joe Biden nickname for Donald Trump is 'Putin's puppy'

Joseph R. Biden has a new nickname for President Trump : “ Putin ’ s puppy.
” The jab came @ @ @ @ @ that features heated confrontations and numerous interruptions between the two candidates .
Mr. Biden said @ @ @ @ @ nation on the global stage and been a lapdog for Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ @ @ @

Joseph R. Biden has a new nickname for President Trump: “Putin’s puppy.”
The jab came during an at-times fiery debate that features heated confrontations and numerous interruptions between the two candidates.
Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump has weakened the nation on the global stage and been a lapdog for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lapdog.
“He is Putin’s puppy,” Mr. Biden said.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Charge dropped against woman dragged out car by police

CHICAGO ( AP ) - A misdemeanor charge has been dropped against a woman who was seen on video being yanked by her hair from a car by Chicago police officers during an encounter at a shopping mall .
Chicago ’ s law department and police officials wouldn ’ t comment Tuesday on the decision to drop the disorderly conduct charge against Mia Wright .
Attorney Nenye Uche says city officials also didn ’ t offer an explanation of the action to Wright .
“ I think this one speaks for itself , ” Uche said .
“ Watching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstance - it ’ s obvious that it ’ s baseless.
” The video shows officers on both sides of the car bashing the vehicle with their batons before pulling a woman , later identified as Wright , and another woman from the vehicle and pinning them to the ground .
Wright and several relatives had gone to the mall on May 31 because there had been looting at another mall they had wanted to visit .
But they quickly realized the Target store they wanted to visit was closed .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they tried to leave the parking lot .
Wright has said she was trying to get out of the car when police pulled her out .
The department said Wright was charged after she was “ observed by responding officers assembled with 3 or more persons for the purpose of using force or violence to disturb the peace.
” It is a claim Wright says “ makes no sense.
” Two officers were stripped of their police powers pending the outcome of an investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s attorney ’ s office said prosecutors are investigating for possible criminal charges against the officers .

CHICAGO (AP) - A misdemeanor charge has been dropped against a woman who was seen on video being yanked by her hair from a car by Chicago police officers during an encounter at a shopping mall.
Chicago’s law department and police officials wouldn’t comment Tuesday on the decision to drop the disorderly conduct charge against Mia Wright. Attorney Nenye Uche says city officials also didn’t offer an explanation of the action to Wright.
“I think this one speaks for itself,” Uche said. “Watching the video, assessing and evaluating the entire circumstance - it’s obvious that it’s baseless.”
The video shows officers on both sides of the car bashing the vehicle with their batons before pulling a woman, later identified as Wright, and another woman from the vehicle and pinning them to the ground.
Wright and several relatives had gone to the mall on May 31 because there had been looting at another mall they had wanted to visit. But they quickly realized the Target store they wanted to visit was closed. She said their vehicle was surrounded by police as they tried to leave the parking lot.
Wright has said she was trying to get out of the car when police pulled her out.
The department said Wright was charged after she was “observed by responding officers assembled with 3 or more persons for the purpose of using force or violence to disturb the peace.” It is a claim Wright says “makes no sense.”
Two officers were stripped of their police powers pending the outcome of an investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which probes police misconduct.
The Cook County state’s attorney’s office said prosecutors are investigating for possible criminal charges against the officers.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Trump demands answers on Hunter Biden's big-money deals: 'What did he do to deserve it?'

President Trump on Tuesday cornered Democratic challenger Joseph R. Biden about his son , Hunter , getting rich off foreign deals while his father was in the White House .
Mr. Trump asked Mr. Biden why his son pocketed more than $ 3.5 million from the wife of Moscow ’ s mayor .
“ What did he do to deserve it ?
” demanded Mr. Trump at his first debate with Mr. Biden in the 2020 presidential race .
Mr. Biden responded that it was “ totally discredited , ” referring to the longtime allegations of conflicts of interest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Mr. Biden spearheaded Obama administration policy .
Mr. Trump kept pressing him : “ What did he do for it ?
” The former vice president said that wasn ’ t what the American people wanted to hear about .
“ It doesn ’ t want this .
It wants to talk about you , the American people , that ’ s what we should talk about , ” Mr. Biden said .
Hunter Biden has long been under suspicion for cashing in on his father ’ s clout as vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of dollars in sweetheart deals in China , Ukraine and Russia .
As a result , the younger Mr. Biden has loomed large in the presidential race , though left-leaning news media mostly avoids the subject .
He was at the center of House Democrats ’ impeachment of Mr. Trump this year .
The abuse of power charges against Mr. Trump stemmed from his pressuring Ukraine to investigate alleged corruption involving Hunter Biden ’ s lucrative business deals while his father led Obama administration efforts in that graft-riddled country .
Everywhere the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed to cash in on mega deals , despite limited business experience and a history of drug addiction .
Joseph Biden and Hunter Biden have denied any wrongdoing .
A Senate Republican report last week detailed the then-vice president ’ s potential conflicts of interest involving his son ’ s startling business success in foreign countries , as well as the Treasury Department raising red flags for potential criminal activity with big-dollar money transfers to Hunter Biden and his businesses .
Hunter Biden collected millions of dollars from a Chinese business linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business relationship after jetting to Beijing with his father aboard Air Force 2 in 2013 .
A month after the elder Mr. Biden became the Obama point man in Ukraine in 2014 to tamp down corruption , Hunter Biden landed a seat on the board of directors of Ukraine energy company Burisma Holdings .
He made more than $ 50,000 a month despite having no energy industry experience .
Elena Baturina , Russia ’ s only woman billionaire and the widow of a former Moscow mayor , wired Hunter Biden $ 3.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Senate report noted that the money was sent the same month Russian troops invaded Ukraine ’ s Crimea .
She sent another $ 241,000 in 2015 .
Hunter Biden also sent thousands of dollars to people involved in transactions consistent with possible human trafficking , the adult entertainment industry or potentially prostitution , according to the report .

President Trump on Tuesday cornered Democratic challenger Joseph R. Biden about his son, Hunter, getting rich off foreign deals while his father was in the White House.
Mr. Trump asked Mr. Biden why his son pocketed more than $3.5 million from the wife of Moscow’s mayor.
“What did he do to deserve it?” demanded Mr. Trump at his first debate with Mr. Biden in the 2020 presidential race.
Mr. Biden responded that it was “totally discredited,” referring to the longtime allegations of conflicts of interest and sweetheart deals for his son in countries where Mr. Biden spearheaded Obama administration policy.
Mr. Trump kept pressing him: “What did he do for it?”
Mr. Biden repeatedly said, “It’s not true.”
The former vice president said that wasn’t what the American people wanted to hear about.
“It doesn’t want this. It wants to talk about you, the American people, that’s what we should talk about,” Mr. Biden said.
Hunter Biden has long been under suspicion for cashing in on his father’s clout as vice president in the Obama White House and pocketing millions of dollars in sweetheart deals in China, Ukraine and Russia.
As a result, the younger Mr. Biden has loomed large in the presidential race, though left-leaning news media mostly avoids the subject.
He was at the center of House Democrats’ impeachment of Mr. Trump this year. The abuse of power charges against Mr. Trump stemmed from his pressuring Ukraine to investigate alleged corruption involving Hunter Biden’s lucrative business deals while his father led Obama administration efforts in that graft-riddled country.
Everywhere the elder Mr. Biden went, Hunter Biden seemed to cash in on mega deals, despite limited business experience and a history of drug addiction.
Joseph Biden and Hunter Biden have denied any wrongdoing.
A Senate Republican report last week detailed the then-vice president’s potential conflicts of interest involving his son’s startling business success in foreign countries, as well as the Treasury Department raising red flags for potential criminal activity with big-dollar money transfers to Hunter Biden and his businesses.
Hunter Biden collected millions of dollars from a Chinese business linked to the Chinese Communist Party, sealing the business relationship after jetting to Beijing with his father aboard Air Force 2 in 2013.
A month after the elder Mr. Biden became the Obama point man in Ukraine in 2014 to tamp down corruption, Hunter Biden landed a seat on the board of directors of Ukraine energy company Burisma Holdings. He made more than $50,000 a month despite having no energy industry experience.
Elena Baturina, Russia’s only woman billionaire and the widow of a former Moscow mayor, wired Hunter Biden $3.5 million for consulting services in February 2014.
The Senate report noted that the money was sent the same month Russian troops invaded Ukraine’s Crimea.
She sent another $241,000 in 2015.
Hunter Biden also sent thousands of dollars to people involved in transactions consistent with possible human trafficking, the adult entertainment industry or potentially prostitution, according to the report.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--Biden: Trump 'wouldn't know a suburb unless he took a wrong turn'

President Trump on Tuesday said the “ suburbs would be gone ” if Joseph R. Biden took over the White @ @ @ @ @ nominee to retort the president “ wouldn ’ t know a suburb unless he took @ @ @ @ @ I was raised in the suburbs , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ dog whistles and racism don ’ t work any more.
” The exchange occurred during @ @ @ @ @ in American cities .
Mr. Trump says the violence could spill into the suburbs .
@ @ @ @ @ eliminated rules that would allow low-income housing to be built in the suburbs , a @ @ @ @ @ as racist dog-whistle .
Mr. Biden said Black , Hispanic and white kids often go @ @ @ @ @ same car and the greatest threat to neighborhoods is the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters @ @ @ @ @ change .
“ They ’ re dying in the suburbs , ” Mr. Biden said @ @ @ @ @ being flooded , they ’ re being burned out .
”

President Trump on Tuesday said the “suburbs would be gone” if Joseph R. Biden took over the White House, prompting the Democratic nominee to retort the president “wouldn’t know a suburb unless he took a wrong turn.”
“I was raised in the suburbs,” Mr. Biden said. “This is not 1950. All these dog whistles and racism don’t work any more.”
The exchange occurred during a discussion about violent unrest in American cities. Mr. Trump says the violence could spill into the suburbs.
Mr. Trump also says he eliminated rules that would allow low-income housing to be built in the suburbs, a move that Democrats have blasted as racist dog-whistle.
Mr. Biden said Black, Hispanic and white kids often go to sports practice in the same car and the greatest threat to neighborhoods is the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters that he blames on climate change.
“They’re dying in the suburbs,” Mr. Biden said. “They’re being flooded, they’re being burned out.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-29--California governor vetoes bill to aid low-income immigrants

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Gov .
Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have authorized California to give low-income immigrants $ 600 to buy groceries .
The bill was aimed at helping people , including those living in the country illegally , who have been impacted by the coronavirus but are not eligible for other state and federal assistance programs .
It ’ s unclear how much the program would have cost , with estimates ranging from the tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars .
But while the bill would have authorized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for it .
The bill said the program can only happen if the Legislature funds it or if the governor pays for it by using some of the emergency funding he has access to .
California lawmakers had to plug an estimated $ 54.3 billion shortfall in this year ’ s operating budget brought on by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
But the budget lawmakers approved in June includes $ 2.6 billion in a special fund Newsom has access to for emergencies .
It ’ s possible he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for the program .
But in a veto message , Newsom said he could not sign the bill because of its “ significant General Fund impact .
“ It has been my firm commitment that my Administration would support all Californians during the COVID-19 crisis , ” Newsom wrote .
“ To that end , my Administration has advanced efforts to provide relief that is both inclusive of and directed to undocumented Californians.
” Earlier this year , Newsom established the Disaster Relief for Immigrants Project .
It gave up to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country illegally .
Newsom put $ 75 million into the program , and all of it has been spent .
The program Newsom vetoed would have given low-income immigrants $ 600 , one time , loaded onto a debit card .
The card could have only been used at retailers that sell groceries .
Assemblyman Miguel Santiago , a Democrat from Los Angeles , authored the bill because he said “ kids and families are starving during this pandemic .
”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have authorized California to give low-income immigrants $600 to buy groceries.
The bill was aimed at helping people, including those living in the country illegally, who have been impacted by the coronavirus but are not eligible for other state and federal assistance programs.
It’s unclear how much the program would have cost, with estimates ranging from the tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.
But while the bill would have authorized the program, it would not have paid for it. The bill said the program can only happen if the Legislature funds it or if the governor pays for it by using some of the emergency funding he has access to.
California lawmakers had to plug an estimated $54.3 billion shortfall in this year’s operating budget brought on by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But the budget lawmakers approved in June includes $2.6 billion in a special fund Newsom has access to for emergencies. It’s possible he could have used some of that money to pay for the program.
But in a veto message, Newsom said he could not sign the bill because of its “significant General Fund impact.
“It has been my firm commitment that my Administration would support all Californians during the COVID-19 crisis,” Newsom wrote. “To that end, my Administration has advanced efforts to provide relief that is both inclusive of and directed to undocumented Californians.”
Earlier this year, Newsom established the Disaster Relief for Immigrants Project. It gave up to $500 to low-income people living in the country illegally. Newsom put $75 million into the program, and all of it has been spent.
The program Newsom vetoed would have given low-income immigrants $600, one time, loaded onto a debit card. The card could have only been used at retailers that sell groceries.
Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, a Democrat from Los Angeles, authored the bill because he said “kids and families are starving during this pandemic.”