washingtontimes--2020-08-18--To keep pets in homes, animal welfare groups help owners

Early in May , Nydia Bonefont was concerned when her dog wouldn ’ t eat and seemed lethargic .
She realized that Papi , a 9-year-old Beagle/Cavalier mix , must have hurt himself - he cried when he was touched .
But she was without income to pay for vet care .
“ I lost my job a while ago , and then the pandemic started , ” she says .
“ I went in March to see the doctor for very bad bronchitis and asthma , and he said that I have to stay home because I was high-risk.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a clinic in her Brooklyn , New York , neighborhood where she had taken Papi before .
She got him some pain medication and free dog food there , and after a few days he was his old self again , running and playing with her son .
Many pet owners are finding themselves in financial straits during the pandemic .
At the same time , there ’ s a growing recognition among animal welfare organizations that to help animals , they need to help struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care and critical resources for pets that are living in poverty is the best way to keep pets out of the shelter , ″ says Matt Bershadker , president and CEO of the ASPCA .
“ If we can provide those services , we can keep animals in a home where they ’ re bonded and loved.
” Bershadker said the need is rising : “ We estimate that another 4.2 million pets will likely enter poverty over the next six months as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the ensuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 percent increase in the number of pets living in poverty , bringing that to about 24.4 million pets living in poverty.
” Since it was launched in March , the ASPCA ’ s $ 5 million COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative has provided $ 2 million in grant funding , set up new pet-food distribution centers in cities including Los Angeles , Miami , New York and Asheville , N.C. , and helped more than 268,000 dogs , cats and horses nationwide , including distributing about 1,800 tons of food .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of this work into hyperdrive , ” says Bershadker .
“ We made grants to about 50 organizations across 30 states to support them as they navigate the crisis.
” Another organization offering subsidized veterinary care to low-income pet owners is Mission Animal Hospital , a nonprofit in Minnesota .
Executive Director Dr. Susan Miller says the price of care is a common reason people give when surrendering their pets to shelters and rescues .
“ They can ’ t afford it , so they think their only option is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe that everyone is entitled to the relationship you can have with a pet , no matter what your finances , because I so strongly believe in what pets bring to our quality of life and our humanity.
” Mission opened up their subsidized price program to anyone in need due to the pandemic .
“ We ’ re seeing about 200-250 more pets per month due to COVID-related issues - so that would be 10-15 percent more pets per month , ” she says .
“ And that number ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the past four months.
” Mission also has formed partnerships with organizations that distribute free pet food .
“ We never had that before as a resource for our clients , but now we know we really need it , ” Miller says .
“ We had a thousand pounds of food delivered a few days ago and it was gone in a little over two days.
” Bershadker notes that so far most shelters are not seeing an increase in surrendered pets .
While they ’ re tracking this carefully – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of particular concern – it ’ s not a surprise to him that even when people have to cut back , caring for their pets is a priority .
“ We see people go to extraordinary lengths to keep and care for their pets , ” he says .
“ I think that speaks to the power of the human-animal bond .
They are part of the family.
” Bonefort agrees .
“ I don ’ t even use that word , ‘ give him up.
’ I don ’ t even want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she says .
“ He ’ s adorable , he ’ s my baby , he ’ s my companion .
I love him so much .
”

Early in May, Nydia Bonefont was concerned when her dog wouldn’t eat and seemed lethargic. She realized that Papi, a 9-year-old Beagle/Cavalier mix, must have hurt himself - he cried when he was touched. But she was without income to pay for vet care.
“I lost my job a while ago, and then the pandemic started,” she says. “I went in March to see the doctor for very bad bronchitis and asthma, and he said that I have to stay home because I was high-risk.”
Fortunately, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a clinic in her Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood where she had taken Papi before. She got him some pain medication and free dog food there, and after a few days he was his old self again, running and playing with her son.
Many pet owners are finding themselves in financial straits during the pandemic. At the same time, there’s a growing recognition among animal welfare organizations that to help animals, they need to help struggling pet owners.
“Increasing access to health care and critical resources for pets that are living in poverty is the best way to keep pets out of the shelter,″ says Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. “If we can provide those services, we can keep animals in a home where they’re bonded and loved.”
Bershadker said the need is rising: “We estimate that another 4.2 million pets will likely enter poverty over the next six months as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the ensuing economic fallout. That’s a 21 percent increase in the number of pets living in poverty, bringing that to about 24.4 million pets living in poverty.”
Since it was launched in March, the ASPCA’s $5 million COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative has provided $2 million in grant funding, set up new pet-food distribution centers in cities including Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Asheville, N.C., and helped more than 268,000 dogs, cats and horses nationwide, including distributing about 1,800 tons of food.
“In response to COVID, we put a lot of this work into hyperdrive,” says Bershadker. “We made grants to about 50 organizations across 30 states to support them as they navigate the crisis.”
Another organization offering subsidized veterinary care to low-income pet owners is Mission Animal Hospital, a nonprofit in Minnesota.
Executive Director Dr. Susan Miller says the price of care is a common reason people give when surrendering their pets to shelters and rescues.
“They can’t afford it, so they think their only option is to surrender,” she says. “I believe that everyone is entitled to the relationship you can have with a pet, no matter what your finances, because I so strongly believe in what pets bring to our quality of life and our humanity.”
Mission opened up their subsidized price program to anyone in need due to the pandemic.
“We’re seeing about 200-250 more pets per month due to COVID-related issues - so that would be 10-15 percent more pets per month,” she says. “And that number’s only been getting larger month after month for the past four months.”
Mission also has formed partnerships with organizations that distribute free pet food.
“We never had that before as a resource for our clients, but now we know we really need it,” Miller says. “We had a thousand pounds of food delivered a few days ago and it was gone in a little over two days.”
Bershadker notes that so far most shelters are not seeing an increase in surrendered pets. While they’re tracking this carefully – the potential for an eviction crisis is of particular concern – it’s not a surprise to him that even when people have to cut back, caring for their pets is a priority.
“We see people go to extraordinary lengths to keep and care for their pets,” he says. “I think that speaks to the power of the human-animal bond. They are part of the family.”
Bonefort agrees. “I don’t even use that word, ‘give him up.’ I don’t even want to put that phrase in my mouth,” she says. “He’s adorable, he’s my baby, he’s my companion. I love him so much.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Group: 1 million people displaced in Burkina Faso

COPENHAGEN , Denmark ( AP ) - The Norwegian Refugee Council said Tuesday that a record one million people are @ @ @ @ @ Faso amid the COVID-19 outbreak , saying it results “ in some of the worst @ @ @ @ @ and bombings perpetrated against civilians , many of whom are children.
” The Oslo-based humanitarian @ @ @ @ @ to flee , said the levels of displacement occurred as the coronavirus pandemic worsens an @ @ @ @ @ the violence-stricken country .
“ Burkina Faso is on fire and the deadliest epidemic right @ @ @ @ @ perpetrated against civilians , ” said Manenji Mangundu , of the Norwegian Refugee Council in @ @ @ @ @ 450,000 people were newly displaced in 2020 , with 184 attacks against civilians recorded according @ @ @ @ @ Burkinabe Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation .
The number of internally displaced people soared @ @ @ @ @ to over one million in August 2020 - an increase of more than 1,000 per @ @ @ @ @ Council said in a statement .

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The Norwegian Refugee Council said Tuesday that a record one million people are displaced by violence in Burkina Faso amid the COVID-19 outbreak, saying it results “in some of the worst crimes including murders, kidnappings and bombings perpetrated against civilians, many of whom are children.”
The Oslo-based humanitarian group that helps people forced to flee, said the levels of displacement occurred as the coronavirus pandemic worsens an already critical humanitarian crisis in the violence-stricken country.
“Burkina Faso is on fire and the deadliest epidemic right now is the widespread violence perpetrated against civilians,” said Manenji Mangundu, of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Burkina Faso.
More than 450,000 people were newly displaced in 2020, with 184 attacks against civilians recorded according to new figures by the Burkinabe Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation. The number of internally displaced people soared from 87,000 in January 2019 to over one million in August 2020 - an increase of more than 1,000 per cent, the Norwegian Refugee Council said in a statement.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Gardening: Winter radishes can add off-season color, flavor

Put a “ wow ” in your radishes by growing winter varieties .
Winter radishes grow more slowly than spring radishes , requiring about two months to mature , and they remain crisp and tasty for eating throughout the winter .
I ’ m not a great fan of radishes , but a few winter ones do add variety to what you can eat from your garden during the cold season .
These radishes are also good pickled .
The “ wow ” might come from the size of winter radishes .
One seed catalog demonstrates the size of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman whose head is dwarfed by the substantial radish she holds in her hands .
A single Sakurajima radish can grow to more than 25 pounds and 2 feet in diameter if given a long enough growing season .
Not that anyone would want a radish that big .
Just give it less time to grow .
Winter radishes grow best in the same rich , fertile soil that spring radishes do .
In addition to inherent differences between varieties , the pungency of any radish is influenced by growing conditions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , can be used as a substitute for horseradish .
Slow growth , from lack of water or fertility , makes for hotter radishes .
Faster growth makes for more succulent , milder roots .
Once radish seedlings are up , you have to thin them , taking into account their enormous eventual size .
Four to 6 inches between seedlings is about right .
I like to do two or more thinnings as the radishes grow because some of the later thinnings can be harvested for use .
YES , YOU CAN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t give winter radishes too long a growing season because I don ’ t want them too large .
One year , I sowed Daikon Long White — a Japanese winter radish with a thick , pearly-white root — too early .
By the time they stopped growing in fall , I was left with a row of enormous , white , radish-flavored clubs whose tops were pushing up out of the soil .
Restraint is needed to avoid a late fall and winter version of the midsummer zucchini syndrome - that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use large vegetables .
Winter radishes can be left in the ground into late fall or even through the winter in frigid winter climates if you cover them with a thick , insulating blanket of leaves or straw .
Then just pull the mulch aside and dig the roots as needed .
Alternatively , dig the roots up and store them as you would carrots , in the refrigerator or a naturally cool , damp place such as an unheated basement .
Names of most varieties of winter radishes allude to Asia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular .
Besides Sakurajima , another Asian variety is China Rose , 6-inch-long , pale rose cylinders .
Red King variety ’ s name does not allude to Asia , but the radish resembles China Rose .
Aomarukoshin is a flat-bottomed radish with a green skin and white interior pierced by purplish red rays , like something from outer space .
Minowase is a pure white , mildly flavored radish usually growing 1 to 2 feet long by 3 inches in diameter .
A few winter radish varieties , in name at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanish is round and black with a white interior .
Schwarzer Runder looks similar , and is sometimes called the “ beer radish ” ; it ’ s traditionally sliced whisper-thin and washed down with beer during Oktoberfest in Germany .
And then there is watermelon radish , so named for the resemblance of its interior to watermelon .
Don ’ t expect it to taste like watermelon , though !
Lee Reich writes regularly about gardening for The Associated Press .
He has authored a number of books , including “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Book.
” He blogs at http : //www.leereich.com/blog .
He can be reached at [ email protected ]

Put a “wow” in your radishes by growing winter varieties. Winter radishes grow more slowly than spring radishes, requiring about two months to mature, and they remain crisp and tasty for eating throughout the winter.
I’m not a great fan of radishes, but a few winter ones do add variety to what you can eat from your garden during the cold season. These radishes are also good pickled.
The “wow” might come from the size of winter radishes. One seed catalog demonstrates the size of the variety Sakurajima with a picture of a woman whose head is dwarfed by the substantial radish she holds in her hands. A single Sakurajima radish can grow to more than 25 pounds and 2 feet in diameter if given a long enough growing season.
Not that anyone would want a radish that big. Just give it less time to grow.
GROWING IS STRAIGHTFORWARD
Winter radishes grow best in the same rich, fertile soil that spring radishes do. In addition to inherent differences between varieties, the pungency of any radish is influenced by growing conditions. The winter variety Green Skin, for instance, can be used as a substitute for horseradish.
Slow growth, from lack of water or fertility, makes for hotter radishes. Faster growth makes for more succulent, milder roots.
Once radish seedlings are up, you have to thin them, taking into account their enormous eventual size. Four to 6 inches between seedlings is about right. I like to do two or more thinnings as the radishes grow because some of the later thinnings can be harvested for use.
YES, YOU CAN ENJOY THEM ALL WINTER
I don’t give winter radishes too long a growing season because I don’t want them too large. One year, I sowed Daikon Long White — a Japanese winter radish with a thick, pearly-white root — too early. By the time they stopped growing in fall, I was left with a row of enormous, white, radish-flavored clubs whose tops were pushing up out of the soil.
Restraint is needed to avoid a late fall and winter version of the midsummer zucchini syndrome - that is, trying to think up ways to use large vegetables.
Winter radishes can be left in the ground into late fall or even through the winter in frigid winter climates if you cover them with a thick, insulating blanket of leaves or straw. Then just pull the mulch aside and dig the roots as needed. Alternatively, dig the roots up and store them as you would carrots, in the refrigerator or a naturally cool, damp place such as an unheated basement.
They’re also tasty in kimchi (Korean fermented vegetables).
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Names of most varieties of winter radishes allude to Asia, where they are most widely grown and popular.
Besides Sakurajima, another Asian variety is China Rose, 6-inch-long, pale rose cylinders. Red King variety’s name does not allude to Asia, but the radish resembles China Rose. Aomarukoshin is a flat-bottomed radish with a green skin and white interior pierced by purplish red rays, like something from outer space. Minowase is a pure white, mildly flavored radish usually growing 1 to 2 feet long by 3 inches in diameter.
A few winter radish varieties, in name at least, are of European origin. Black Spanish is round and black with a white interior. Schwarzer Runder looks similar, and is sometimes called the “beer radish”; it’s traditionally sliced whisper-thin and washed down with beer during Oktoberfest in Germany. And then there is watermelon radish, so named for the resemblance of its interior to watermelon. Don’t expect it to taste like watermelon, though!
___
Lee Reich writes regularly about gardening for The Associated Press. He has authored a number of books, including “The Ever Curious Gardener” and The Pruning Book.” He blogs at http://www.leereich.com/blog. He can be reached at garden@leereich.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Ban on utility shutoffs is to set to end in North Carolina

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - A moratorium on utility shutoffs in North Carolina is set to expire at the end of the month .
The Raleigh News & Observer reports that the ban issued by North Carolina ’ s Utilities Commission expires on Sept. 1 .
The utility commission , however , has directed utilities to allow customers at least 12 months to repay overdue bills .
That means a doubling of a six-month grace period that was previously in place .
The Utilities Commission reported last month that more than 1.3 million residential customers in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of June 30 , state utilities said they were owed $ 257 million in past-due bills .
Duke Energy is urging customers to pay their bills if they ’ re behind on payments .
And Duke says it will give customers an extra 30 days to pay overdue bills .
The company said that customers who need more time to pay overdue bills can establish flexible payment plans without a down payment .
Duke also says it will continue to waive late fees until further notice .
Duke has also urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s Crisis Intervention Program and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A moratorium on service shutoffs for customers of North Carolina’s large for-profit utilities, designed to assist them during the coronavirus pandemic, is set to expire at the end of the month.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that the ban issued by North Carolina’s Utilities Commission expires on Sept. 1.
The commission, however, has directed utilities it regulates - Duke Energy and Dominion Energy among them - to allow customers at least 12 months to repay overdue bills. That’s double a previous grace period.
Gov. Roy Cooper had issued an order prohibiting shutoffs for all residential customers behind on their bills - including municipal and co-op customers - but that expired in late July. The commission, however, extended a prohibition another month to utilities it scrutinizes.
The commission reported last month that over 1.3 million residential customers have avoided shutoffs because of the moratorium. As of June 30, state utilities said they were owed $257 million in past-due bills.
Duke Energy is urging customers to pay their bills if they’re behind and giving them an extra 30 days to pay overdue bills.
The company said customers who need more time to pay overdue bills can establish flexible payment plans without a down payment. Duke’s late fees also continue to be waived.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Illinois woman killed in Mississippi River crash in Iowa

LeCLAIRE , Iowa ( AP ) - Authorities in eastern Iowa are seeking information on a boat crash in the Mississippi River near LeClaire that killed an Illinois woman .
The collision of a large black center-console boat and a blue and white 19-foot ski boat on the river happened Sunday evening , the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said in a news release .
The crash killed Dr. Anita Pinc , 52 , of Moline , Illinois , an obstetrician and gynecologist with The Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists in Davenport , according to a statement from the clinic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat with Pinc also suffered critical injuries in the crash , investigators said .
A woman in the other boat suffered minor injuries .
Pinc delivered more than 2,000 babies during her 19-year practice in Davenport , according to the clinic ’ s website .
She also served as medical director for the clinic ’ s sister company , Revive at The Group Medical Spa , and was a mother of four .
The state Natural Resources Department has asked that anyone who witnessed the crash or has information on it to contact @ @ @

LeCLAIRE, Iowa (AP) - Authorities in eastern Iowa are seeking information on a boat crash in the Mississippi River near LeClaire that killed an Illinois woman.
The collision of a large black center-console boat and a blue and white 19-foot ski boat on the river happened Sunday evening, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said in a news release. The crash killed Dr. Anita Pinc, 52, of Moline, Illinois, an obstetrician and gynecologist with The Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists in Davenport, according to a statement from the clinic.
A 61-year-old man in the same boat with Pinc also suffered critical injuries in the crash, investigators said. A woman in the other boat suffered minor injuries.
Pinc delivered more than 2,000 babies during her 19-year practice in Davenport, according to the clinic’s website. She also served as medical director for the clinic’s sister company, Revive at The Group Medical Spa, and was a mother of four.
The state Natural Resources Department has asked that anyone who witnessed the crash or has information on it to contact the department.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Donald Trump slams Barack, Michelle Obama after DNC kickoff, defends record on the economy

President Trump lashed out at former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama Tuesday morning after the former first lady criticized the current commander in chief as the wrong fit for the country during a Monday night speech at the virtual Democratic National Convention .
“ Somebody please explain to Michelle Obama that Donald J. Trump would not be here , in the beautiful White House , if it weren ’ t for the job done by your husband , Barack Obama , ” Mr. Trump tweeted .
“ Biden was merely an afterthought , a good reason for that very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also defended his record on building the economy and vowed to help rebuild it after it was locked down by health concerns during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ My Administration and I built the greatest economy in history , of any country , turned it off , saved millions of lives , and now am building an even greater economy than it was before .
Jobs are flowing , NASDAQ is already at a record high , the rest to follow .
Sit back & watch !
” Mrs. Obama was the headliner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the convention , where she said Mr. Trump is incapable of leading the country through the current coronavirus and economic crises and that his rival Joseph R. Biden , the former vice president , is a better choice for president .
“ He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job , but he is clearly over his head , ” Mrs. Obama said of Mr. Trump .
“ He can not meet this moment .
He simply can not be who we need him to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is.
” She also argued that it was her husband ’ s administration that created a strong economy for Mr. Trump to inherit .

President Trump on Tuesday criticized former first lady Michelle Obama for undercounting COVID-19 deaths and being too “divisive” in her prerecorded speech late Monday to the virtual Democratic National Convention.
“She was over her head and frankly she should have made the speech live, which she didn’t do,” Mr. Trump said of Mrs. Obama’s endorsement of Joseph R. Biden. “It was not only taped, it was taped a long time ago because she had the wrong deaths. She didn’t even mention the vice presidential candidate in the speech.”
Mr. Trump was referring to the more than 170,000 people who have died in the U.S. from the pandemic, which caused economic woe and upended the president’s reelection-year plans, as he combats criticism over this handling of the crisis.
In her taped address, Mrs. Obama used different numbers as she argued that the Obama-Biden administration handed Mr. Trump an economy that was on strong footing and a revamped health care system that extended coverage to millions of Americans.
“Four years later, the state of this nation is very different,” she said. “More than 150,000 people have died and our economy is in shambles because of a virus that this president downplayed for too long.”
Mr. Trump said the speech was divisive and discounted his efforts to slash drug prices.
SEE ALSO: Michelle Obama: Donald Trump ‘clearly over his head’
“She gets these fawning reviews,” he said. “If you gave a real review, it wouldn’t be so fawning.”
Earlier Tuesday, Mr. Trump said the Obamas only had themselves to blame for his presidency.
“Somebody please explain to Michelle Obama that Donald J. Trump would not be here, in the beautiful White House, if it weren’t for the job done by your husband, Barack Obama,” Mr. Trump tweeted. “Biden was merely an afterthought, a good reason for that very late & unenthusiastic endorsement.”
He also defended his record on building the economy and vowed to help rebuild it after it was shuttered by health concerns during the pandemic.
“My Administration and I built the greatest economy in history, of any country, turned it off, saved millions of lives, and now am building an even greater economy than it was before,” he wrote. “Jobs are flowing, NASDAQ is already at a record high, the rest to follow. Sit back & watch!”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com. • Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Man, woman found dead in Anoka County home

BLAINE , Minn. ( AP ) - Two people have been found dead at a home in Blaine .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ about 8:30 p.m. Monday and learned a man in the house was armed with a @ @ @ @ @ County sheriff ’ s officials .
The sheriff ’ s department ’ s SWAT team @ @ @ @ @ .
While officers were on the scene , multiple gunshots could be heard inside the @ @ @ @ @ Law enforcement officers tried to contact anyone inside the house , but got no response @ @ @ @ @ and found a man and a woman had died .
Two children were taken from @ @ @ @ @ and conditions have not been released .
The investigation is ongoing .

BLAINE, Minn. (AP) - Two people have been found dead at a home in Blaine.
Officers responded to a domestic call about 8:30 p.m. Monday and learned a man in the house was armed with a gun, according to Anoka County sheriff’s officials.
The sheriff’s department’s SWAT team was called to the scene. While officers were on the scene, multiple gunshots could be heard inside the home, KARE-TV reported.
Law enforcement officers tried to contact anyone inside the house, but got no response. They entered the home and found a man and a woman had died.
Two children were taken from the house. Their ages and conditions have not been released. The investigation is ongoing.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Maeda takes no-hitter through 6 for Twins vs. Brewers

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - Minnesota Twins right-hander Kenta Maeda has a no-hitter through six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers @ @ @ @ @ the club record with eight consecutive strikeouts in the process .
Maeda fanned Ben Gamel @ @ @ @ @ his eighth straight punchout , passing Jim Merritt ( 1966 ) and Francisco Liriano ( @ @ @ @ @ fanned seven batters in a row for the Twins .
The major league record is @ @ @ @ @ by Tom Seaver for the New York Mets in 1970 .
Maeda ’ s streak @ @ @ @ @ out to start the sixth .
The 32-year-old got two more groundouts by the Brewers @ @ @ @ @ , having thrown 77 pitches with just one walk .
Maeda is in his first @ @ @ @ @ acquired him this winter from the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota Twins right-hander Kenta Maeda lost his no-hit bid when Eric Sogard of the Milwaukee Brewers led off the ninth inning with a soft single to center field Tuesday night.
The ball fell just beyond the reach of leaping shortstop Jorge Polanco, and Maeda bent at the waste and grinned as he watched the ball bounce in the outfield grass.
Maeda’s bid included a club record eight consecutive strikeouts, and Sogard’s hit came on Maeda’s 115th pitch of the night, the most thrown by a pitcher in a game during this pandemic-shortened major league season.
Maeda finished with two walks and 12 strikeouts. His previous high for pitches this season was 84. The Twins led 3-0 entering the ninth.
Maeda fanned Ben Gamel to finish the fifth for his eighth straight punchout, passing Jim Merritt (1966) and Francisco Liriano (2010), who both fanned seven batters in a row for the Twins. The major league record is 10 consecutive strikeouts, set by Tom Seaver for the New York Mets in 1970.
Maeda’s streak ended when Luis Urías grounded out to start the sixth. The 32-year-old got two more groundouts by the Brewers to cruise through the inning and retired his 20th straight batter, Justin Smoak, with a strikeout to finish the seventh.
Maeda is in his first season with Minnesota, which acquired him this winter from the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol.
The Twins franchise has seven previous no-hitters, including five since moving to Minnesota. The last was by Liriano on May 3, 2011 against the White Sox.
___
More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Chuck Schumer presents liberal wish list for Biden White House, Democratic Senate in 2021

At the Democratic National Convention , Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Tuesday promised to accomplish a long list of Democratic priorities with Joseph R. Biden in the White House , from fighting systemic racism to ending coronavirus and putting broadband in every American home .
Mr. Schumer , speaking in a video from his hometown New York City with the Statue of Liberty in the background , stressed that a President Biden would need a Democratic majority in the Senate go deliver “ bold and dramatic change to our country.
” “ Today Donald Trump has divided our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything that this statue represents and even hid in a bunker as Americans were tear-gassed and beaten , ” said Mr. Schumer .
With Mr. Biden in the White House and a Democratic-run Senate , Mr. Schumer promised : • Affordable healthcare for all • An end to “ vicious ” inequality of income and wealth .
• Stong decisive action to fight climate change and “ save the planet.
” • Protect voting rights • Fight systemic racism in the criminal justice system and the economy .
• Restore a Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not corporations.
” • Rebuild infrastructure and provide broadband Internet service to “ every home from the inner city to rural America.
” • Save the U.S .
Postal Service .
• Defeat COVID-19 “ once and for all.
” • Reform the immigration system so that “ immigrants yearning to be free will at last become American citizens.
” Mr. Schumer said the unity of Senate Democratic , from the most conservative members to the most far-left members , would make it possible to realize the mostly liberal wish list he presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope once felt by millions of men and women , huddled masses on creaking ships who glimpsed this mighty woman with her torch knowing they could build a better life here in America , ” said Mr. Schumer .
“ And out of this long national nightmare , America will finally awaken to a brighter future and a new day .
”

At the Democratic National Convention, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Tuesday promised to accomplish a long list of Democratic priorities with Joseph R. Biden in the White House, from fighting systemic racism to ending coronavirus and putting broadband in every American home.
Mr. Schumer, speaking in a video from his hometown New York City with the Statue of Liberty in the background, stressed that a President Biden would need a Democratic majority in the Senate to deliver “bold and dramatic change to our country.”
“Today Donald Trump has divided our country, diminished our greatness and demeaned everything that this statue represents and even hid in a bunker as Americans were tear-gassed and beaten,” said Mr. Schumer.
With Mr. Biden in the White House and a Democratic-run Senate, Mr. Schumer promised:
• Affordable healthcare for all
• An end to “vicious” inequality of income and wealth.
• Stong decisive action to fight climate change and “save the planet.”
• Protect voting rights
• Fight systemic racism in the criminal justice system and the economy.
• Restore a Supreme Court that “looks out for people, not corporations.”
• Rebuild infrastructure and provide broadband Internet service to “every home from the inner city to rural America.”
• Save the U.S. Postal Service.
• Defeat COVID-19 “once and for all.”
• Reform the immigration system so that “immigrants yearning to be free will at last become American citizens.”
Mr. Schumer said the unity of Senate Democratic, from the most conservative members to the most far-left members, would make it possible to realize the mostly liberal wish list he presented.
“Together we can reignite the hope once felt by millions of men and women, huddled masses on creaking ships who glimpsed this mighty woman with her torch knowing they could build a better life here in America,” said Mr. Schumer. “And out of this long national nightmare, America will finally awaken to a brighter future and a new day.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Bill Clinton zings Donald Trump in DNC speech

Former President Bill Clinton on Tuesday cast the race for the White House as a choice between a tweeter-in-chief who refuses to take responsibility in President Trump or a “ get the job done guy ” in Joseph R. Biden .
Speaking in a taped address to the Democratic National Convention , Mr. Clinton said the presidential election is the “ most important job interview ” in the world , and said the coronavirus has exposed Mr. Trump ’ s shortcomings .
“ In this job interview , the difference is stark .
You know what Donald Trump will do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bully and belittle , and you know what Joe Biden will : do , ‘ Build , Back , Better , ” Mr. Clinton said , referencing the Democrat ’ s policy agenda .
“ If you want a president who defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media he is your man , ” Mr. Clinton said of Mr. Trump .
“ Denying , distracting , and demeaning works great if you are trying to entertain and inflame , but in a real crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Clinton said Mr. Biden is a “ down to Earth get the job done guy ” and a “ man with a mission to take responsibility , not shift the blame.
” He touted the chief role that Mr. Biden played in 2009 to pass the Recovery Act in response to the economic recession , saying it helped fuel strong job growth under President Obama .
“ Now Joe is committed to building American back again , ” he said , citing his “ detailed ” plans to invest in small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridges , and fighting for minority communities , and those who have been left behind .
“ Joe won ’ t just put a signature on a check and try to fool you into thinking it came from him , ” Mr. Clinton said , taking a shot at the stimulus checks issued by The White House .
“ He will work to make sure your paycheck reflects your contribution to and your stake in a growing economy .
”

Former President Bill Clinton on Tuesday cast the race for the White House as a choice between a tweeter-in-chief who refuses to take responsibility in President Trump or a “get the job done guy” in Joseph R. Biden.
Speaking in a taped address to the Democratic National Convention, Mr. Clinton said the presidential election is the “most important job interview” in the world, and said the coronavirus has exposed Mr. Trump’s shortcomings.
“In this job interview, the difference is stark. You know what Donald Trump will do with four more years: blame, bully and belittle, and you know what Joe Biden will: do, ‘Build, Back, Better,” Mr. Clinton said, referencing the Democrat’s policy agenda.
“If you want a president who defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media he is your man,” Mr. Clinton said of Mr. Trump. “Denying, distracting, and demeaning works great if you are trying to entertain and inflame, but in a real crisis it collapses like a house of cards.”
Mr. Clinton said Mr. Biden is a “down to Earth get the job done guy” and a “man with a mission to take responsibility, not shift the blame.”
He touted the chief role that Mr. Biden played in 2009 to pass the Recovery Act in response to the economic recession, saying it helped fuel strong job growth under President Obama.
“Now Joe is committed to building American back again,” he said, citing his “detailed” plans to invest in small business, green energy and roads and bridges, and fighting for minority communities, and those who have been left behind.
“Joe won’t just put a signature on a check and try to fool you into thinking it came from him,” Mr. Clinton said, taking a shot at the stimulus checks issued by The White House. “He will work to make sure your paycheck reflects your contribution to and your stake in a growing economy.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Officials: Man fakes his kidnapping to get money from father

TUPELO , Miss .
( AP ) - A man has been accused of faking his own kidnapping in Mississippi to extort money from his father who lives in Virginia .
The investigation into the case began Thursday when Andrew Blake Hawks ’ father told deputies he had received a video call that showed his son tied against a tree with a gun pointed to his head , the Lee County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a statement Monday .
Hawks ’ father told investigators the incident happened in Lee County , and that the alleged kidnappers had demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s life .
When they did not receive the money by the deadline that same day , deputies said the alleged kidnappers threatened to cut off Hawks ’ fingers and fired gunshots that led his father to believe Hawks was killed .
Later that evening , the suspects were told the money had been transferred through Western Union .
Police did not disclose how much money Hawks was trying to receive .
When investigators arrived at the store where the money would be picked up , deputies said they saw Hawks , 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was arrested at the scene .
Deputies said his accomplice , David Fisher Jr. , 36 , was in the store shopping at that time and was also arrested .
They have both been charged with extortion .
It was not clear if they had attorneys who could comment .

TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - A man has been accused of faking his own kidnapping in Mississippi to extort money from his father who lives in Virginia.
The investigation into the case began Thursday when Andrew Blake Hawks’ father told deputies he had received a video call that showed his son tied against a tree with a gun pointed to his head, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Monday.
Hawks’ father told investigators the incident happened in Lee County, and that the alleged kidnappers had demanded money in exchange for his son’s life.
When they did not receive the money by the deadline that same day, deputies said the alleged kidnappers threatened to cut off Hawks’ fingers and fired gunshots that led his father to believe Hawks was killed.
Later that evening, the suspects were told the money had been transferred through Western Union. Police did not disclose how much money Hawks was trying to receive. When investigators arrived at the store where the money would be picked up, deputies said they saw Hawks, 24, attempting to get the money. He was arrested at the scene.
Deputies said his accomplice, David Fisher Jr., 36, was in the store shopping at that time and was also arrested. They have both been charged with extortion.
It was not clear if they had attorneys who could comment.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Ross Spano loses Florida primary to Scott Franklin

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. — Florida Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin defeated U.S. Rep. Ross Spano in a Republican primary in Florida on Tuesday .
Franklin is a former Navy pilot and insurance business owner who challenged Spano because of ethics issues that have dogged him since being elected two years ago .
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Spano for alleged campaign finance violations .
The House Ethics Committee was looking into allegations that Spano borrowed more than $ 100,000 from two friends and then loaned the money to his campaign .
But it paused the review when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaign that he doesn ’ t disagree with Spano on policy , but his decision to run was based on questions about Spano ’ s ethics .
District 15 sits east of Tampa in central Florida .
Franklin ’ s victory may give Republicans a better chance at winning in November .
The district has traditionally voted Republican .
Democrats were largely targeting Spano and hoped the ethics cloud hanging over him would give them a chance to flip the seat .
Spano is a lawyer who was elected to the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was elected to Congress in 2018 .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin defeated U.S. Rep. Ross Spano in a Republican primary in Florida on Tuesday.
Franklin is a former Navy pilot and insurance business owner who challenged Spano because of ethics issues that have dogged him since being elected two years ago.
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Spano for alleged campaign finance violations. The House Ethics Committee was looking into allegations that Spano borrowed more than $100,000 from two friends and then loaned the money to his campaign. But it paused the review when the criminal investigation began.
Franklin said during the campaign that he doesn’t disagree with Spano on policy, but his decision to run was based on questions about Spano’s ethics.
District 15 sits east of Tampa in central Florida. Franklin’s victory may give Republicans a better chance at winning in November. The district has traditionally voted Republican. Democrats were largely targeting Spano and hoped the ethics cloud hanging over him would give them a chance to flip the seat.
Spano is a lawyer who was elected to the state House in 2012 and served until he was elected to Congress in 2018.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Chicago schools issue framework on operations for the year

CHICAGO ( AP ) - Chicago Public Schools on Tuesday released a “ final reopening framework ” that gives specifics on how much time each grade will spend daily learning remotely as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
The Chicago Teachers Union immediately criticized school officials , saying they created a plan without imagination and without consulting union officials .
“ As we prepare for an unprecedented start to the upcoming school year , we ’ ve set clear expectations for students and staff to improve remote instruction and ensure that our students are supported and their unique needs are met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson said in a statement .
The district ’ s plan establishes expectations for remote learning , instruction time by grade , emotional and social supports for its approximately 350,000 students , plans to assist non-English speaking students and the distribution of devices to students who need them .
Instruction time will vary by grade , with pre-kindergarten students getting 60 minutes of real-time instruction .
Kindergarten through second grade students will get 180 minutes of real-time instruction .
Third through fifth grade students will receive 205 minutes of real-time instruction .
Sixth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes of real-time instruction .
High school students will see 80 % of the day for real-time instruction .
Each grade will receive varying amount of time on “ learning activities , ” based on their grade level .
Student attendance will be taken each day and they will receive grades .
President Jesse Sharkey said the teachers union has filed a grievance about the district ’ s remote learning guidance .
He contends it fails to provide teachers with the instructional tools necessary to deliver proper instruction in a remote context as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials initially planned on having students in schools for in-person learning twice a week .
Earlier this month , Mayor Lori Lightfoot and school officials decided to switch to remote learning because of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the city and concerns parents expressed about the safety of their children .
Officials said schools will be fully remote through early November , when they will decide if the district will move to a hybrid model .

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Public Schools on Tuesday released a “final reopening framework” that gives specifics on how much time each grade will spend daily learning remotely as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The Chicago Teachers Union immediately criticized school officials, saying they created a plan without imagination and without consulting union officials.
“As we prepare for an unprecedented start to the upcoming school year, we’ve set clear expectations for students and staff to improve remote instruction and ensure that our students are supported and their unique needs are met,” schools CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson said in a statement.
The district’s plan establishes expectations for remote learning, instruction time by grade, emotional and social supports for its approximately 350,000 students, plans to assist non-English speaking students and the distribution of devices to students who need them.
Instruction time will vary by grade, with pre-kindergarten students getting 60 minutes of real-time instruction. Kindergarten through second grade students will get 180 minutes of real-time instruction. Third through fifth grade students will receive 205 minutes of real-time instruction. Sixth through eighth grade students will get 230 minutes of real-time instruction. High school students will see 80% of the day for real-time instruction. Each grade will receive varying amount of time on “learning activities,” based on their grade level. Student attendance will be taken each day and they will receive grades.
President Jesse Sharkey said the teachers union has filed a grievance about the district’s remote learning guidance. He contends it fails to provide teachers with the instructional tools necessary to deliver proper instruction in a remote context as required by the labor contract.
School officials initially planned on having students in schools for in-person learning twice a week. Earlier this month, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and school officials decided to switch to remote learning because of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the city and concerns parents expressed about the safety of their children.
Officials said schools will be fully remote through early November, when they will decide if the district will move to a hybrid model.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--AOC nominates Bernie Sanders for president at DNC

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , New York Democrat , on Tuesday hailed a “ historic grassroots movement ” for economic , racial and social justice as she seconded the nomination for Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont to be the Democratic presidential nominee .
In a videotaped segment at the Democratic National Convention , Ms. Ocasio-Cortez hailed “ a mass people ’ s movement working to establish 21st century social , economic and human rights including guaranteed health care , higher education , living wages and labor rights for all people in the United States.
” She said the movement is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of racial injustice , colonization , misogyny and homophobia and to propose and build reimagined systems of immigration and foreign policy that turn away from the violence and xenophobia of our past.
” She did not mention Joseph R. Biden , who Democrats are nominating to take on President Trump .
Some liberal activists had questioned why Ms. Ocasio-Cortez had been given less speaking time compared to other speakers at the virtual Democratic National Convention .
A coalition of 225 delegates had petitioned to make Ms. Ocasio-Cortez the keynote speaker or at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio Gov .
John Kasich , a Republican who was featured on Monday night .
Mr. Sanders himself spoke on Monday evening , saying it was vital for his followers to get behind Joseph R. Biden to help defeat President Trump .

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat, on Tuesday hailed a “historic grassroots movement” for economic, racial and social justice as she seconded the nomination for Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont to be the Democratic presidential nominee.
In a videotaped segment at the Democratic National Convention, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez hailed “a mass people’s movement working to establish 21st century social, economic and human rights including guaranteed health care, higher education, living wages and labor rights for all people in the United States.”
She said the movement is “striving to recognize and repair the wounds of racial injustice, colonization, misogyny and homophobia and to propose and build reimagined systems of immigration and foreign policy that turn away from the violence and xenophobia of our past.”
She did not mention Joseph R. Biden, who Democrats are nominating to take on President Trump, in her address, but she congratulated Mr. Biden on Twitter and said “let’s go win in November.”
Some liberal activists had questioned why Ms. Ocasio-Cortez had been given less speaking time compared to other speakers at the virtual Democratic National Convention.
A coalition of 225 delegates had petitioned to make Ms. Ocasio-Cortez the keynote speaker or at least get as much speaking time as former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican who was featured on Monday night.
Mr. Sanders himself spoke on Monday evening, saying it was vital for his followers to get behind Joseph R. Biden to help defeat President Trump.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Wisconsin presses to keep Kanye West off ballot

MADISON , Wis. — Staff for the Wisconsin Elections Commission recommended Tuesday that rapper Kanye West be kept off the @ @ @ @ @ ballot in November because he missed a deadline to submit nomination papers .
The staff @ @ @ @ @ mate Michelle Tidball missed a 5 p.m. deadline on Aug. 5 , the last day @ @ @ @ @ submit the required 2,000 signatures of Wisconsin voters to get on the ballot .
West @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin ’ s ballot as a third-party candidate .
Staff reviewed his nominating papers and @ @ @ @ @ The commission , split 3-3 between Republicans and Democrats , meets Thursday and will decide @ @ @ @ @ ballot .
Democrats allege that Republicans are pushing West ’ s candidacy in several states @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
Wisconsin is expected to be a key swing state @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump narrowly won the state in 2016 .

MADISON, Wis. — Staff for the Wisconsin Elections Commission recommended Tuesday that rapper Kanye West be kept off the battleground state’s presidential ballot in November because he missed a deadline to submit nomination papers.
The staff determined that West and running mate Michelle Tidball missed a 5 p.m. deadline on Aug. 5, the last day for independent presidential candidates to submit the required 2,000 signatures of Wisconsin voters to get on the ballot.
West is trying to get on Wisconsin’s ballot as a third-party candidate. Staff reviewed his nominating papers and found 2,422 valid signatures. The commission, split 3-3 between Republicans and Democrats, meets Thursday and will decide if West gets on the ballot.
Democrats allege that Republicans are pushing West’s candidacy in several states to siphon votes away from Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Wisconsin is expected to be a key swing state in the race after President Donald Trump narrowly won the state in 2016.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--NBA's non-Disney teams can train in individual team bubbles

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. ( AP ) - The teams that didn ’ t get invited to Walt Disney World now have instructions on how they can get back to basketball - in their own bubbles .
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association finalized an agreement Tuesday that allows the eight teams that didn ’ t qualify for the restart to have voluntary group workouts in their facilities beginning next month .
Much like the 22 teams that resumed play after the season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic , teams will need to have all players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which everyone will be tested daily for the virus .
A two-phase system will be used for the program that will run from Sept. 14-Oct. 6 , which will have players “ residing in a campus-like environment under controlled conditions.
” The first phase , from Sept. 14-20 , will be a continuation of voluntary individual workouts at team facilities .
Players and staff who plan to take part in group workouts will begin daily coronavirus testing at that time .
Teams can then practice and scrimmage from Sept. 21-Oct. 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus in its home market , which will include the team ’ s facilities and private living accommodations for players and team staff - all of whom must remain on the campus .
The eight teams that weren ’ t within six games of a playoff spot at the time play was suspended on March 11 didn ’ t qualify for the restart .
Those teams were Atlanta , Golden State , New York , Minnesota , Charlotte , Cleveland , Chicago and Detroit .
There was concern among those teams about not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potentially long layoff , with the 2020-21 season expected to start no earlier than December .

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - The teams that didn’t get invited to Walt Disney World now have instructions on how they can get back to basketball - in their own bubbles.
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association finalized an agreement Tuesday that allows the eight teams that didn’t qualify for the restart to have voluntary group workouts in their facilities beginning next month.
Much like the 22 teams that resumed play after the season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, teams will need to have all players and staff remaining in a campus environment in which everyone will be tested daily for the virus.
A two-phase system will be used for the program that will run from Sept. 14-Oct. 6, which will have players “residing in a campus-like environment under controlled conditions.”
The first phase, from Sept. 14-20, will be a continuation of voluntary individual workouts at team facilities. Players and staff who plan to take part in group workouts will begin daily coronavirus testing at that time.
Teams can then practice and scrimmage from Sept. 21-Oct. 6. Each team will have to create a campus in its home market, which will include the team’s facilities and private living accommodations for players and team staff - all of whom must remain on the campus.
The eight teams that weren’t within six games of a playoff spot at the time play was suspended on March 11 didn’t qualify for the restart. Those teams were Atlanta, Golden State, New York, Minnesota, Charlotte, Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit.
There was concern among those teams about not getting to work with their players during a potentially long layoff, with the 2020-21 season expected to start no earlier than December.
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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--The Latest: Franklin beats US Rep. Spano in Fla. GOP primary

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. ( AP ) - The Latest on the 2020 primary elections ( all times local ) : Florida Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin defeated U.S. Rep. Ross Spano in a Republican primary in Florida on Tuesday .
Franklin is a former Navy pilot and insurance business owner who challenged Spano because of ethics issues that have dogged him since being elected two years ago .
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Spano for alleged campaign finance violations .
The House Ethics Committee was looking into allegations that Spano borrowed more than $ 100,000 from two friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
But it paused the review when the criminal investigation began .
Franklin said during the campaign that he doesn ’ t disagree with Spano on policy , but his decision to run was based on questions about Spano ’ s ethics .
“ Politically , ideologically we ’ re pretty close on the issues , but with the ethics and the investigations hanging over him it just really made the seat vulnerable , and that was my concern , ” Franklin said .
“ This has been a conservative , strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fearful of that seat being flipped in November.
” District 15 sits east of Tampa in central Florida .
Franklin ’ s victory may give Republicans a better chance at winning in November .
The district has traditionally voted Republican .
Democrats were largely targeting Spano and hoped the ethics cloud hanging over him would give them a chance to flip the seat .
Spano is a lawyer who was elected to the state House in 2012 and served until he was elected to Congress in 2018 .
Kat Cammack has won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho .
The 32-year-old Cammack owns a political consulting firm and previously served as Yoho ’ s deputy chief of staff and his former campaign manager .
She prominently featured her connection to Yoho during the campaign .
Cammack beat a Republican field of 10 candidates and is likely to be the next member of Congress for District 3 , a firmly Republican north Florida district that runs from Ocala to just south of Jacksonville .
Yoho opted not to seek reelection after four terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits , he stuck to an original campaign pledge to serve only eight years .
In each of his four elections , he easily beat his Democratic opponents .
Cammack will face Democrat Adam Christensen , Philip Dodds or Tom Wells in November .

The Latest on the 2020 primary elections (all times local):
9:40 p.m. Alaska time
Independent Al Gross has won the Democratic primary in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race.
Gross, 58, will face first-term Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan in the November general election. Sullivan was unopposed in his primary.
Politically unaffiliated candidates - those registered as nonpartisan or undeclared and who in Alaska are often described as independents - can run in Alaska’s Democratic primary. Gross, who is a nonpartisan, previously won the party’s endorsement.
Gross faced two challengers, Edgar Blatchford and Chris Cumings, neither of whom mounted significant campaigns.
Gross, an orthopedic surgeon, said he left his full-time practice in 2013 and increasingly got involved in health care advocacy after seeing what he called injustices in the system. He said he supports a public option for individuals and small businesses on the health insurance exchange as a “starting point towards developing a more comprehensive public system.”
He also said he’s interested in working on issues related to climate change and renewable energy.
Gross has won support from The Lincoln Project, which includes current and former Republicans working to defeat President Donald Trump and those in Congress seen as allied with him. The group has taken aim at Sullivan.
___
9:35 p.m. Alaska time
Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan advanced to the November election, emerging unopposed from his primary Tuesday.
Sullivan, 55, will face the winner of the Democratic primary, which featured nonpartisan candidate Al Gross, an orthopedic surgeon who has gotten national attention and was the only candidate on that side to mount a significant campaign.
Sullivan, a former state natural resources commissioner and attorney general, was elected to the Senate in 2014. He ousted Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Begich in an expensive and closely watched race.
Leading to this year’s primary, Sullivan ran an ad focused on efforts to provide pandemic relief and one that was more biographical, featuring his wife.
One of Sullivan’s campaign events was marred by protesters, one of whom attempted to hand him a caribou heart.
Sullivan campaign manager Matt Shuckerow described the incident as unnerving, as the woman approached the Sullivans and reached into a bag for an object, later identified as the heart. Two of those involved said they had not intended any harm and wanted to send a message about Sullivan’s support for drilling in a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
___
8:54 p.m. Mountain Time
University of Wyoming ecology professor and climate activist Merav Ben-David has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Wyoming.
Ben-David, 61, of Laramie, beat two Democrats who actively campaigned: social justice and environmental activist Yana Ludwig, of Laramie; and climate-change think tank vice president Nathan Wendt, of Jackson.
Ben-David seeks to replace Republican Sen. Mike Enzi, who is retiring after four terms. Ben-David will face Republican former U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis in the November election.
Lummis is a 65-year-old former Cheyenne Frontier Days Miss Frontier who has been active in Wyoming politics for over 40 years.
Lummis is a former state treasurer and state legislator in addition to serving in Congress. Lummis beat nine less-known opponents to win the GOP primary.
Ben-David’s research over the years includes studying how polar bears are responding to climate change.
Ben-David wants to refocus Wyoming’s economy to encourage new energy technologies. Ben-David says concern about climate change motivates her to run for office.
____
10:50 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Sheriff Gregory Tony has claimed victory in the Broward County Democratic primary over his predecessor who was fired after the Parkland massacre.
Tony replaced Scott Israel in 2019 after Gov. Ron DeSantis dismissed Israel over his handling of the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead.
Tony’s campaign drew criticism of its own over his failure to disclose that in 1993 he fatally shot an 18-year-old when he was 14 in Philadelphia. He was convicted of no crime, but he did not disclose what happened to his subsequent employers.
____
8:45 p.m. Mountain Time
Northern Arapaho tribal member and indigenous women’s advocate Lynnette Grey Bull has won the Democratic nomination for Wyoming’s lone seat in the U.S. House.
Grey Bull, 43, of Fort Washakie, beat Carl Beach, an educator who has spent years teaching at American schools overseas. Grey Bull in November will face Republican U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, who’s seeking a third term.
Cheney, 54, easily beat a little-known challenger, Blake Stanley, of Banner, who did little campaigning for the GOP House nomination.
Grey Bull is vice president of the Global Indigenous Council, a human rights advocacy organization made up of over 200 tribes. Grey Bull also advocates for reducing violent crime against indigenous women.
Grey Bull has called for boosting public transportation, improving access to public lands and establishing a “treatment to works” program for opioid addicts.
____
8:35 p.m. Mountain Time
Republican former U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis will be on the ballot for a contested U.S. Senate seat in Wyoming in November.
Lummis seeks to replace Republican Sen. Mike Enzi, who is retiring after four terms.
Lummis beat nine less-known opponents to win Wyoming’s GOP primary. They included Converse County Commissioner Robert Short, of Douglas, and Sheridan businessman and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bryan Miller.
Lummis in November will face the winner of a Democratic primary featuring three active candidates. They include University of Wyoming ecology professor and climate activist Merav Ben-David, 61, of Laramie; social justice and environmental activist Yana Ludwig, 49, of Laramie; and climate-change think tank vice president Nathan Wendt, 39, of Jackson.
Lummis is a 65-year-old former Cheyenne Frontier Days Miss Frontier who has been active in Wyoming politics for over 40 years.
She served two terms as state treasurer and four as Wyoming’s lone congresswoman. Lummis also served in the Wyoming Legislature in the 1980s and 1990s.
____
8:30 p.m. Mountain Time
Liz Cheney has won the Republican nomination to seek re-election to a third term as Wyoming’s lone congressperson.
The elder daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney easily beat a little-known challenger, Blake Stanley, who campaigned little and only raised a couple thousand dollars against Cheney’s over $2 million.
Cheney in November will likely face either of two Democrats running for U.S. House: Global Indigenous Council Vice President Lynnette Grey Bull, of Fort Washakie, or overseas educator Carl Beach, of Ryan Park.
Cheney beat her Democratic opponents by wide margins in 2016 and 2018. She’s heavily favored to win again in GOP-dominated Wyoming.
Cheney has quickly risen to the Republican Party’s third-highest leadership job in the U.S. House. Her job as Republican Conference Chair gives her considerable influence over communicating Republican priorities in Congress.
Some Republican colleagues recently criticized Cheney’s support of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, which they said was disloyal to President Donald Trump.
____
9:40 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Florida Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin defeated U.S. Rep. Ross Spano in a Republican primary in Florida on Tuesday.
Franklin is a former Navy pilot and insurance business owner who challenged Spano because of ethics issues that have dogged him since being elected two years ago.
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Spano for alleged campaign finance violations. The House Ethics Committee was looking into allegations that Spano borrowed more than $100,000 from two friends and then loaned the money to his campaign. But it paused the review when the criminal investigation began.
Franklin said during the campaign that he doesn’t disagree with Spano on policy, but his decision to run was based on questions about Spano’s ethics.
“Politically, ideologically we’re pretty close on the issues, but with the ethics and the investigations hanging over him it just really made the seat vulnerable, and that was my concern,” Franklin said. “This has been a conservative, strong conservative seat, for decades and I was fearful of that seat being flipped in November.”
District 15 sits east of Tampa in central Florida. Franklin’s victory may give Republicans a better chance at winning in November. The district has traditionally voted Republican. Democrats were largely targeting Spano and hoped the ethics cloud hanging over him would give them a chance to flip the seat.
Spano is a lawyer who was elected to the state House in 2012 and served until he was elected to Congress in 2018.
___
9:20 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Kat Cammack has won the GOP primary for the Florida congressional seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho.
The 32-year-old Cammack owns a political consulting firm and previously served as Yoho’s deputy chief of staff and his former campaign manager. She prominently featured her connection to Yoho during the campaign.
Cammack beat a Republican field of 10 candidates and is likely to be the next member of Congress for District 3, a firmly Republican north Florida district that runs from Ocala to just south of Jacksonville.
Yoho opted not to seek reelection after four terms in Congress. A supporter of term limits, he stuck to an original campaign pledge to serve only eight years. In each of his four elections, he easily beat his Democratic opponents.
Cammack will face Democrat Adam Christensen, Philip Dodds or Tom Wells in November.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--17 'next generation' speakers deliver DNC keynote

Instead of a traditional “ keynote ” speaker , Democrats instead rolled out 17 up-and-coming leaders to deliver a collective keynote address to help kick off the second night of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Tuesday .
The speakers included 2018 Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams as well as Democratic Reps. Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania and Colin Allred of Texas .
“ Our choice is clear - a steady experienced public servant who can lead us out of this crisis just like he has done before or a man who only knows how to deny and distract , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ segment .
“ A leader who cares about our families , or a president who only cares about himself .
We know Joe Biden .
America - we need Joe Biden.
” Ms. Abrams , who had rather openly campaigned to be Mr. Biden ’ s running mate , did not appear until toward the end of the video and then helped close it out .
Earlier , others teamed up to blame President Trump for some of the ongoing public health and economic issues in the country .
“ Make no mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be this bad , ” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried .
“ While working families are struggling , he ’ s looking out for the people who are already doing just fine , ” Mr. Lamb said of Mr. Trump .
They also recounted some of Mr. Biden ’ s personal history and touted the former vice president ’ s accomplishments in areas ranging from the Obama administration ’ s auto bailout to Obamacare .
“ He knows what it ’ s like to work hard for everything you ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania .
The other participants were : The DNC ’ s keynote address has been a springboard for relatively little-known politicians in the past .
Then an Illinois state senator , former President Barack Obama delivered his now-famous “ Red state , blue state ” speech in 2004 as he was making a bid for the U.S. Senate .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was more of a household name , at least in political circles , when she gave the keynote address four years ago ahead of her 2020 presidential run .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate and Obama administration official , gave the keynote speech at the 2012 convention when he was mayor of San Antonio , Texas .
Clips of the speeches from Mr. Obama and Mr. Castro were featured in a montage of past DNC keynote addresses .

Seth McLaughlin, David Sherfinski and David Sherfinski, Seth McLaughlin

Instead of a traditional “keynote” speaker, Democrats instead rolled out 17 up-and-coming leaders to deliver a collective keynote address to help kick off the second night of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Tuesday.
The speakers included 2018 Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams as well as Democratic Reps. Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania and Colin Allred of Texas.
“Our choice is clear - a steady experienced public servant who can lead us out of this crisis just like he has done before or a man who only knows how to deny and distract,” Ms. Abrams said in the taped video segment. “A leader who cares about our families, or a president who only cares about himself. We know Joe Biden. America - we need Joe Biden.”
Ms. Abrams, who had rather openly campaigned to be Mr. Biden’s running mate, did not appear until toward the end of the video and then helped close it out.
Earlier, others teamed up to blame President Trump for some of the ongoing public health and economic issues in the country.
“Make no mistake: it didn’t have to be this bad,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.
“While working families are struggling, he’s looking out for the people who are already doing just fine,” Mr. Lamb said of Mr. Trump.
They also recounted some of Mr. Biden’s personal history and touted the former vice president’s accomplishments in areas ranging from the Obama administration’s auto bailout to Obamacare.
“He knows what it’s like to work hard for everything you’ve got,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania.
The other participants were:
Tennessee State Sen. Raumesh Akbari
Nevada State Sen. Yvanna Cancela
Former Ohio State Rep. Kathleen Clyde
Long Beach, California Mayor Robert Garcia
Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta
South Carolina State Sen. Marlon Kimpson
Michigan State Rep. Mari Manoogian
Texas State Rep. Victoria Neave
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez
Georgia State Rep. Sam Park
New Hampshire State Rep. Denny Ruprecht
Birmingham, Alabama Mayor Randall Woodfin
The DNC’s keynote address has been a springboard for relatively little-known politicians in the past.
Then an Illinois state senator, former President Barack Obama delivered his now-famous “Red state, blue state” speech in 2004 as he was making a bid for the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was more of a household name, at least in political circles, when she gave the keynote address four years ago ahead of her 2020 presidential run.
Julián Castro, the former 2020 presidential candidate and Obama administration official, gave the keynote speech at the 2012 convention when he was mayor of San Antonio, Texas.
Clips of the speeches from Mr. Obama and Mr. Castro were featured in a montage of past DNC keynote addresses.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com. • David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Navajo man on federal death row seeks stay of execution

FLAGSTAFF , Ariz. ( AP ) - The only Native American on federal death row is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to put his execution on hold while he seeks review of a lower court decision over potential racial bias in his case .
It ’ s rare but not unheard of for the high court to grant a stay .
The Supreme Court has so far refused to halt any of the most recent federal executions , though legal volleying in some of the cases delayed the inmates ’ deaths by hours .
Lezmond Mitchell , who is Navajo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death Aug. 26 at the federal prison in Indiana where he ’ s been held .
He was convicted in the 2001 killings of Alyce Slim and her granddaughter during a carjacking on the Navajo reservation .
Mitchell , 38 , lost a bid in the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to interview jurors in his case .
His attorneys say there ’ s a “ substantial likelihood ” that the jury was impacted by racial bias .
The appeals court said Mitchell failed to show any discrimination occurred among the jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The only Native American on federal death row is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to put his execution on hold while he seeks review of a lower court decision over potential racial bias in his case.
It’s rare but not unheard of for the high court to grant a stay. The Supreme Court has so far refused to halt any of the most recent federal executions, though legal volleying in some of the cases delayed the inmates’ deaths by hours.
Lezmond Mitchell, who is Navajo, is scheduled to be put to death Aug. 26 at the federal prison in Indiana where he’s been held. He was convicted in the 2001 killings of Alyce Slim and her granddaughter during a carjacking on the Navajo reservation.
Mitchell, 38, lost a bid in the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to interview jurors in his case. His attorneys say there’s a “substantial likelihood” that the jury was impacted by racial bias.
The appeals court said Mitchell failed to show any discrimination occurred among the jury and pointed out several safeguards that were in place.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Nevada joins 14-state Postal Service lawsuit against Trump

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - Nevada joined 13 other states suing President Donald Trump on Tuesday to block changes at the U.S .
Postal Service , amid fears of problems with mail-in ballots in November .
The multi-state legal effort was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington state , headed by state Attorney General Robert Ferguson there .
It accuses Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , a major Trump donor , of making illegal operational changes that Nevada Attorney Gen. Aaron Ford said could hurt crucial mail delivery in the Silver State .
The lawsuit focuses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribution center operations and removing mail sorting equipment .
It alleges the moves will slow handling of critical mail including Social Security checks and medical prescriptions .
DeJoy said Tuesday he ’ ll suspend closures of mail processing facilities , cuts in retail hours and an overtime ban .
Ferguson said the lawsuit remains active .
The civil complaint also points to plans to nearly triple rates for election ballot mail , possibly costing states tens of millions of dollars in November .
Trump insists , without foundation , that mail-in voting will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional elections .
The state attorney general in Pennsylvania said Tuesday he also plans to file a federal lawsuit against DeJoy , joined by California , Massachusetts and three other states .

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada joined 13 other states suing President Donald Trump on Tuesday to block changes at the U.S. Postal Service, amid fears of problems with mail-in ballots in November.
The multi-state legal effort was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington state, headed by state Attorney General Robert Ferguson there.
It accuses Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a major Trump donor, of making illegal operational changes that Nevada Attorney Gen. Aaron Ford said could hurt crucial mail delivery in the Silver State.
The lawsuit focuses on cuts including eliminating staff overtime, altering distribution center operations and removing mail sorting equipment. It alleges the moves will slow handling of critical mail including Social Security checks and medical prescriptions.
DeJoy said Tuesday he’ll suspend closures of mail processing facilities, cuts in retail hours and an overtime ban. Ferguson said the lawsuit remains active.
The civil complaint also points to plans to nearly triple rates for election ballot mail, possibly costing states tens of millions of dollars in November.
Trump insists, without foundation, that mail-in voting will lead to widespread fraud in presidential and congressional elections.
The state attorney general in Pennsylvania said Tuesday he also plans to file a federal lawsuit against DeJoy, joined by California, Massachusetts and three other states.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in E. Washington

OLYMPIA , Wash. ( AP ) - State health officials say mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are being reported in Eastern Washington ’ s Benton and Yakima counties .
The Washington Department of Health said Tuesday that seven positive samples have been reported in Washington so far this year .
No human cases have yet been reported .
In Washington , the West Nile virus season starts as early as July and can last until early October .
Officials say it can be a serious , even fatal , illness that can affect people , horses , birds , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito , which becomes infected after feeding on birds that carry the virus .
Health officials urge people to avoid mosquito bites .
The majority of people infected with the virus do not get sick .
About one in five will develop symptoms that go away without medical treatment .
Even fewer , about one in 150 people infected , will have more severe symptoms , officials said .
Severe symptoms may include headache , high fever , neck stiffness , stupor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weakness , paralysis , and coma .
People with any of those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider right away .

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - State health officials say mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are being reported in Eastern Washington’s Benton and Yakima counties.
The Washington Department of Health said Tuesday that seven positive samples have been reported in Washington so far this year. No human cases have yet been reported.
In Washington, the West Nile virus season starts as early as July and can last until early October.
Officials say it can be a serious, even fatal, illness that can affect people, horses, birds, and other animals.
The virus is almost always spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito, which becomes infected after feeding on birds that carry the virus. Health officials urge people to avoid mosquito bites.
The majority of people infected with the virus do not get sick. About one in five will develop symptoms that go away without medical treatment. Even fewer, about one in 150 people infected, will have more severe symptoms, officials said.
Severe symptoms may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma. People with any of those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider right away.


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Colombia warlord asks US court to force deportation to Italy

MIAMI ( AP ) - A lawyer for a former Colombian paramilitary leader is asking a U.S. federal court to force Attorney General William Barr to immediately deport the former warlord to Italy after he completed a long drug sentence .
The emergency petition was filed Monday in Washington , DC federal court on behalf of Salvatore Mancuso , the former top commander of the United Defense Forces of Colombia , known as the AUC .
It comes as Colombia is mounting a last-minute campaign to block Mancuso ’ s removal to Italy after it bungled an extradition request that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mancuso ’ s lawyer argues that Barr , Chad Wolf , the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security , and four other senior officials at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have unlawfully kept Mancuso in federal custody beyond the maximum 90 days allowed for the removal of aliens .
Included in the petition is a copy of a final administrative removal order dated April 15 that compels DHS and ICE to remove Mancuso to Italy , where he also has citizenship .
Immigration attorney Hector Mora attributes the delay to strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he claims is working closely with the U.S. State Department to bring Mancuso back to Colombia .
If returned home , he argues his client is likely to be jailed , or even killed , despite having fulfilled his obligations under a 2003 peace deal he negotiated , which caps prison terms at eight years for militia leaders who confess their crimes .
“ He and his family are terrified with his possible return to Colombia , ” Mora wrote to ICE officials on March 27 - the same day Mancuso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for cocaine trafficking .
Mancuso , 55 , was the most remorseful of the former right-wing militia leaders after demobilizing and his eagerness to discuss the paramilitaries ’ war crimes has already shaken Colombia ’ s politics .
His boast in 2005 that a third of Colombia ’ s congress was elected with paramilitary support triggered a wave of judicial investigations that ended with dozens of elected officials behind bars .
Mora said others still in power have not hidden their desire to find a Colombian court to order Mancuso ’ s arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him.
” Mancuso “ through his extensive declarations made enemies at the highest levels of power , including high ranking officers of the ruling party in Colombia and inner circle of the current administration , ” Mora wrote .
Colombian President Iván Duque this month called for Mancuso ’ s return and immediate imprisonment for “ crimes against humanity.
” Meanwhile , the chief prosecutor ’ s office said it was working on a new extradition request after the AP revealed how the first attempt had to be withdrawn when authorities realized a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Colombian courts have judged Mancuso responsible for more than 1,500 acts of murder or forced disappearance , many of the crimes are not recognized as offenses under U.S. law because they stem from his position atop AUC ’ s chain of command - not specific orders he gave .
In 2001 , the U.S. designated the AUC a foreign terror organization .
In 2008 , then President Alvaro Uribe stealthily extradited Mancuso and 13 other warlords to face drug charges in the U.S. His critics say the shock move , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to quiet the men just as they began to reveal secrets about their crimes and politician collaborators - including Uribe , who as a governor in the 1990s backed the creation of legal , armed groups to protect ranchers ’ land from leftist guerrilla fighters .
Monday ’ s emergency filing - known as a writ of mandamus - contains new insight into how Mora and Joaquin Perez , Mancuso ’ s criminal defense lawyer in Miami , managed to outmaneuver Colombian officials .
The fight over Mancuso ’ s future has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many victims as well as Human Rights Watch , which accused Colombian officials of being “ notably negligent ” in their pursuit of Mancuso ’ s extradition .
According to correspondence submitted with the petition , Mancuso applied for asylum in the U.S. - where his ex-wife and youngest child were granted protection - as well as indicated that he would not oppose removal to Italy but would fight any orders sending him to Colombia .
Mora , in correspondence with U.S. officials in March , said his client had already purchased a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address in Italy where he will stay in quarantine during the 14 days after arrival to Italy .
To expedite the removal , the Mancuso family also offered to purchase tickets for two ICE officials that were required to escort the ex-felon .
Mora included as part of his petition Mancuso ’ s Italian passport , which expired in 2001 ; travel documents were furnished by the Italian consulate in Miami on Aug. 14 , according to correspondence included in the petition .
The U.S. Justice Department and ICE did not immediately respond @ @ @ @ @ @

MIAMI (AP) - A lawyer for a former Colombian paramilitary leader is asking a U.S. federal court to force Attorney General William Barr to immediately deport the former warlord to Italy after he completed a long drug sentence.
The emergency petition was filed Monday in Washington, DC federal court on behalf of Salvatore Mancuso, the former top commander of the United Defense Forces of Colombia, known as the AUC. It comes as Colombia is mounting a last-minute campaign to block Mancuso’s removal to Italy after it bungled an extradition request that had to be withdrawn last month.
Mancuso’s lawyer argues that Barr, Chad Wolf, the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security, and four other senior officials at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have unlawfully kept Mancuso in federal custody beyond the maximum 90 days allowed for the removal of aliens. Included in the petition is a copy of a final administrative removal order dated April 15 that compels DHS and ICE to remove Mancuso to Italy, where he also has citizenship.
Immigration attorney Hector Mora attributes the delay to strong pressure from Colombia’s conservative government, which he claims is working closely with the U.S. State Department to bring Mancuso back to Colombia. If returned home, he argues his client is likely to be jailed, or even killed, despite having fulfilled his obligations under a 2003 peace deal he negotiated, which caps prison terms at eight years for militia leaders who confess their crimes.
“He and his family are terrified with his possible return to Colombia,” Mora wrote to ICE officials on March 27 - the same day Mancuso completed a 12-year sentence in the U.S. for cocaine trafficking.
Mancuso, 55, was the most remorseful of the former right-wing militia leaders after demobilizing and his eagerness to discuss the paramilitaries’ war crimes has already shaken Colombia’s politics.
His boast in 2005 that a third of Colombia’s congress was elected with paramilitary support triggered a wave of judicial investigations that ended with dozens of elected officials behind bars. Mora said others still in power have not hidden their desire to find a Colombian court to order Mancuso’s arrest in a “desperate effort to silence him.”
Mancuso “through his extensive declarations made enemies at the highest levels of power, including high ranking officers of the ruling party in Colombia and inner circle of the current administration,” Mora wrote.
Colombian President Iván Duque this month called for Mancuso’s return and immediate imprisonment for “crimes against humanity.” Meanwhile, the chief prosecutor’s office said it was working on a new extradition request after the AP revealed how the first attempt had to be withdrawn when authorities realized a judge had already cancelled the arrest order.
While Colombian courts have judged Mancuso responsible for more than 1,500 acts of murder or forced disappearance, many of the crimes are not recognized as offenses under U.S. law because they stem from his position atop AUC’s chain of command - not specific orders he gave. In 2001, the U.S. designated the AUC a foreign terror organization.
In 2008, then President Alvaro Uribe stealthily extradited Mancuso and 13 other warlords to face drug charges in the U.S. His critics say the shock move, an apparent peace accord violation, was an attempt to quiet the men just as they began to reveal secrets about their crimes and politician collaborators - including Uribe, who as a governor in the 1990s backed the creation of legal, armed groups to protect ranchers’ land from leftist guerrilla fighters.
Monday’s emergency filing - known as a writ of mandamus - contains new insight into how Mora and Joaquin Perez, Mancuso’s criminal defense lawyer in Miami, managed to outmaneuver Colombian officials. The fight over Mancuso’s future has garnered the attention of Mancuso’s many victims as well as Human Rights Watch, which accused Colombian officials of being “notably negligent” in their pursuit of Mancuso’s extradition.
According to correspondence submitted with the petition, Mancuso applied for asylum in the U.S. - where his ex-wife and youngest child were granted protection - as well as indicated that he would not oppose removal to Italy but would fight any orders sending him to Colombia.
Mora, in correspondence with U.S. officials in March, said his client had already purchased a one-way ticket to Rome and had an address in Italy where he will stay in quarantine during the 14 days after arrival to Italy. To expedite the removal, the Mancuso family also offered to purchase tickets for two ICE officials that were required to escort the ex-felon.
Mora included as part of his petition Mancuso’s Italian passport, which expired in 2001; travel documents were furnished by the Italian consulate in Miami on Aug. 14, according to correspondence included in the petition.
The U.S. Justice Department and ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
-
Follow Goodman on Twitter; @APJoshGoodman


washingtontimes--2020-08-18--Fort Hood soldier killed assisting at accident site ID'd

KILLEEN , Texas ( AP ) - The Army has released the identity of a Fort Hood soldier killed while directing traffic at a vehicle accident scene .
Spc .
Cole Jakob Aton , 22 , of Science Hill , Kentucky , had been a Patriot missile operator with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade since August 2018 , according to a Fort Hood statement issued Tuesday .
Aton had stopped the night of Aug. 12 at a minor traffic accident scene on Interstate 14 in Killeen , near Fort Hood , according to the Texas Department of Public Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadway trying to direct traffic around the scene when he was hit by a car that had just crested an overpass and whose driver didn ’ t see him in time , DPS Sgt .
Bryan Washko said in an email .
No charges were filed .
Col. Ethan Hall , commander of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade , offered Aton ’ s family his condolences and paid tribute to the soldier .
“ His selfless service and care for others are in keeping with the highest traditions of the ‘ Lightning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said in a statement .

KILLEEN, Texas (AP) - The Army has released the identity of a Fort Hood soldier killed while directing traffic at a vehicle accident scene.
Spc. Cole Jakob Aton, 22, of Science Hill, Kentucky, had been a Patriot missile operator with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade since August 2018, according to a Fort Hood statement issued Tuesday.
Aton had stopped the night of Aug. 12 at a minor traffic accident scene on Interstate 14 in Killeen, near Fort Hood, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The soldier was standing in the roadway trying to direct traffic around the scene when he was hit by a car that had just crested an overpass and whose driver didn’t see him in time, DPS Sgt. Bryan Washko said in an email. No charges were filed.
Col. Ethan Hall, commander of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, offered Aton’s family his condolences and paid tribute to the soldier.
“His selfless service and care for others are in keeping with the highest traditions of the ‘Lightning Brigade’ and our Army,” he said in a statement.