washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Student arrested for attending school in person, in protest

MASTIC BEACH , N.Y. ( AP ) - A high school senior was arrested Thursday after repeatedly showing up to the building in protest on days he had been scheduled for remote learning .
Maverick Stow , 17 , was issued a five-day suspension for appearing Tuesday at William Floyd High School on Long Island and returned on the following two days , Newsday reported .
He said he believes students should be in school five days a week .
Officials warned Wednesday that he would be arrested , and on Thursday he was arrested by Suffolk County police on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to appear in court Sept. 24 .
If Stow continues to try to attend school in person , the high school will have to close , school spokesperson James Montalto said .
“ We are still in the midst of a pandemic and will abide by the regulations set in place by our government and health officials designed to keep our students and staff safe , ” Montalto said in a written statement .
“ As we have said , Mr. Stow ’ s rights as a student do not surpass the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students.
” Most in-person classes are at capacity , and it would be impossible to have all students back under social distancing guidelines , Montalto said .
The school district said in the statement that it was naming Stow and his family because , while it “ takes student privacy seriously … the student and his family already disclosed the information in public forums.
” The Associated Press is also identifying Stow because he has spoken publicly .
Stow has vowed to continue to attempt to attend school five days per week after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t feel my son should have been arrested , ” said Nora Kaplan-Stow .
“ I certainly didn ’ t like seeing my son in handcuffs , but I support him 1,000 % .
”

MASTIC BEACH, N.Y. (AP) - A high school senior was arrested Thursday after repeatedly showing up to the building in protest on days he had been scheduled for remote learning.
Maverick Stow, 17, was issued a five-day suspension for appearing Tuesday at William Floyd High School on Long Island and returned on the following two days, Newsday reported. He said he believes students should be in school five days a week.
Officials warned Wednesday that he would be arrested, and on Thursday he was arrested by Suffolk County police on a charge of third-degree criminal trespass and told to appear in court Sept. 24.
If Stow continues to try to attend school in person, the high school will have to close, school spokesperson James Montalto said.
“We are still in the midst of a pandemic and will abide by the regulations set in place by our government and health officials designed to keep our students and staff safe,” Montalto said in a written statement. “As we have said, Mr. Stow’s rights as a student do not surpass the rights of any of our other 8,799 students.”
Most in-person classes are at capacity, and it would be impossible to have all students back under social distancing guidelines, Montalto said.
The school district said in the statement that it was naming Stow and his family because, while it “takes student privacy seriously … the student and his family already disclosed the information in public forums.”
The Associated Press is also identifying Stow because he has spoken publicly.
Stow has vowed to continue to attempt to attend school five days per week after his suspension is served.
“I don’t feel my son should have been arrested,” said Nora Kaplan-Stow. “I certainly didn’t like seeing my son in handcuffs, but I support him 1,000%.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--NY jobless to get $300 per week boost until funding dries up

ALBANY , N.Y. ( AP ) - As many as 2 million unemployed New Yorkers will start receiving their share of an extra $ 300-a-week assistance boost next week from a temporary federal fund that ’ s running out of money .
The state is contacting another 435,000 individuals who are eligible for the boost once they submit additional documentation , according to a state Department of Labor press release Thursday .
State labor officials say eligible New Yorkers will start receiving payments for the weeks ending Aug. 2 , 9 , and 16 .
The federal government has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth of the $ 300-a-week boost over a period that ended Sept. 5 .
But that temporary boost implemented by President Donald Trump is about to end , with no extension in sight .
The Federal Emergency Management Agency told The Associated Press on Thursday that it has distributed $ 30 billion of the $ 44 billion it had set aside to cover six weeks of the benefit .
Trump created the program after a more generous $ 600-a-week benefit adopted by Congress expired .
New York is not among a handful of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 per person to enhance the payment .
Congress has yet to agree on a new coronavirus relief package that could extend the unemployment supplement .
Nationwide , 13.4 million Americans continue to receive state unemployment benefits that have helped keep recipients afloat as the economy cratered amid stay-at-home orders and business closings .
New York has paid $ 43.7 billion in unemployment benefits to 3.5 million individuals amid the pandemic - a monumental sum that represents over 20 typical years ’ worth of benefits paid in just six months .
The state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications from unemployed individuals since mid-March , including another 100,000 claims in the week ending Sept. 5 .

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - As many as 2 million unemployed New Yorkers will start receiving their share of an extra $300-a-week assistance boost next week from a temporary federal fund that’s running out of money.
The state is contacting another 435,000 individuals who are eligible for the boost once they submit additional documentation, according to a state Department of Labor press release Thursday.
State labor officials say eligible New Yorkers will start receiving payments for the weeks ending Aug. 2, 9, and 16.
The federal government has said all eligible recipients will receive six weeks worth of the $300-a-week boost over a period that ended Sept. 5.
But that temporary boost implemented by President Donald Trump is about to end, with no extension in sight.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency told The Associated Press on Thursday that it has distributed $30 billion of the $44 billion it had set aside to cover six weeks of the benefit.
Trump created the program after a more generous $600-a-week benefit adopted by Congress expired.
New York is not among a handful of states that kicked in an additional $100 per person to enhance the payment.
Congress has yet to agree on a new coronavirus relief package that could extend the unemployment supplement.
Nationwide, 13.4 million Americans continue to receive state unemployment benefits that have helped keep recipients afloat as the economy cratered amid stay-at-home orders and business closings.
New York has paid $43.7 billion in unemployment benefits to 3.5 million individuals amid the pandemic - a monumental sum that represents over 20 typical years’ worth of benefits paid in just six months. The state’s received about 3.68 million unemployment applications from unemployed individuals since mid-March, including another 100,000 claims in the week ending Sept. 5.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Business leaders send letter of concern to de Blasio

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The leaders of a number of businesses urged Mayor Bill de Blasio in a @ @ @ @ @ immediate action ” on public safety and other issues in New York City as part @ @ @ @ @ ’ s longer-term economic concerns .
Among the more than 150 people on the letter @ @ @ @ @ , Macys , and the WNBA .
In the letter , the signers cited the @ @ @ @ @ containing the virus , but said “ there is widespread anxiety over public safety , @ @ @ @ @ life issues that are contributing to deteriorating conditions in commercial districts and neighborhoods across the @ @ @ @ @ people would be “ slow to return unless their concerns about security and the livability @ @ @ @ @ The letter said restoring essential services was “ a necessary precursor for solving the city @ @ @ @ @ complex , economic challenges.
” On Twitter , de Blasio said , “ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ community and are partnering to rebuild a fairer , better city .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - The leaders of a number of businesses urged Mayor Bill de Blasio in a letter Thursday “to take immediate action” on public safety and other issues in New York City as part of dealing with the city’s longer-term economic concerns.
Among the more than 150 people on the letter were the heads of Citigroup, Macys, and the WNBA.
In the letter, the signers cited the city’s success in containing the virus, but said “there is widespread anxiety over public safety, cleanliness and other quality of life issues that are contributing to deteriorating conditions in commercial districts and neighborhoods across the five boroughs.”
They said people would be “slow to return unless their concerns about security and the livability” were dealt with.
The letter said restoring essential services was “a necessary precursor for solving the city’s longer term, complex, economic challenges.”
On Twitter, de Blasio said, “We’re grateful for our business community and are partnering to rebuild a fairer, better city.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--North Carolina deputy shot to death; suspect killed

HENDERSONVILLE , N.C. ( AP ) - A suspect in a vehicle break-in fatally shot a deputy before the suspect was killed by other officers during an early morning encounter , a North Carolina sheriff said Thursday .
Henderson County Deputy Ryan Hendrix died Thursday afternoon , hours after he was shot while he and other deputies responded to a call about a vehicle break-in , news outlets reported .
Sheriff Lowell Griffin said a homeowner had noticed someone breaking into a car around 3 a.m. Thursday .
Griffin said the homeowner yelled at the man , who then shattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowbar .
Griffin said the man and the homeowner exchanged gunfire after the suspect took a gun from the vehicle and before deputies arrived .
Griffin said the suspect appeared to comply with commands to show deputies his hands before firing once and shooting Hendrix in the face .
The sheriff said two other deputies returned fire and that the suspect , identified as Robert Ray Doss Jr , died at the scene .
Hendrix , who had been with the sheriff ’ s office since 2012 , was a Marine veteran and @ @ @ @ @ @

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) - A suspect in a vehicle break-in fatally shot a deputy before the suspect was killed by other officers during an early morning encounter, a North Carolina sheriff said Thursday.
Henderson County Deputy Ryan Hendrix died Thursday afternoon, hours after he was shot while he and other deputies responded to a call about a vehicle break-in, news outlets reported.
Sheriff Lowell Griffin said a homeowner had noticed someone breaking into a car around 3 a.m. Thursday.
Griffin said the homeowner yelled at the man, who then shattered a window at the home with a crowbar. Griffin said the man and the homeowner exchanged gunfire after the suspect took a gun from the vehicle and before deputies arrived.
Griffin said the suspect appeared to comply with commands to show deputies his hands before firing once and shooting Hendrix in the face. The sheriff said two other deputies returned fire and that the suspect, identified as Robert Ray Doss Jr, died at the scene.
Hendrix, who had been with the sheriff’s office since 2012, was a Marine veteran and the father of two children.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Virginia House of Delegates advances MARCUS alert bill

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - The House of Delegates approved a bill Thursday that would create teams of mental health service providers and peer recovery specialists to accompany police officers responding to individual crises .
House Bill 5043 , introduced by Del .
Jeffrey Bourne , D-Richmond , was approved by a vote of 57-39 .
The legislation needs passage from the state Senate and a signature from Gov .
Ralph Northam to become law .
“ This was brought about by a tragedy , ” Bourne said .
Dubbed the mental health awareness response and community understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bourne ’ s proposal references the death of a Black man who was shot and killed during an encounter with the Richmond Police Department in 2018 .
Marcus-David Peters , a 24-year-old high school biology teacher and Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus , was shot and killed by a Richmond Police officer as he charged the officer after a taser was deployed .
Peters was unarmed and his family said he was experiencing a mental health crisis .
“ It ’ s horrific to watch , ” Bourne said about police body camera footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill would require the Virginia Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and Criminal Justice Services departments to work together to create evidence-based training programs for the care teams and to develop a plan by June 1 , 2021 for statewide implementation .
Del .
Carrie Coyner , R-Chesterfield , said she supports the end goal of the proposal but is concerned it will endanger more people without a slower rollout and because mental health resources are “ stretched thin.
” Coyner said she is “ very emotional ” about the issue after growing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabilities and who attempted suicide multiple times .
She said while over time , “ mental health providers did everything they could , ” her family ultimately had to call 911 for the police ’ s help .
“ If we had to wait longer for someone to arrive , she may not have been with us still , ” Coyner said .
Del .
Michael Mullin , D-Newport News , said he appreciated Coyner ’ s words and understands the concern for public safety .
However , Mullin - an assistant commonwealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state has “ criminalized mental health issues.
” “ So much of the work we have been doing today and in the days preceding this has been to reverse 30 years of overcriminalization , ” Mullin said .
“ This bill does a small step in making sure that individuals who are in crisis are not treated as criminals.
” Princess Blanding , Peters ’ sister , recently testified during the bill ’ s hearing before the House Public Safety Committee .
She said her brother “ absolutely deserved help , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatal shooting .
“ When a person ’ s kidneys stop functioning properly , they receive dialysis if needed , ” Blanding said .
“ When a person ’ s heart stops functioning properly , they receive bypass surgery if needed .
But the brain is the only major organ that , when it stops functioning properly , we demonize , we incarcerate , and in the case of so many Black people , death is the final answer.
” Blanding has spoken at multiple demonstrations in Richmond since protests sparked by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , demanding the city fully fund the alert system as well as establish a civilian review board to investigate allegations of police misconduct .
Senate Bill 5038 , introduced by Sen. Jeremy McPike , D-Woodbridge , also seeks to establish an alert system .
It still needs to pass the Senate before moving to the House of Delegates .
This article was provided to The Associated Press by Virginia Commonwealth University Capital News Service .

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The House of Delegates approved a bill Thursday that would create teams of mental health service providers and peer recovery specialists to accompany police officers responding to individual crises.
House Bill 5043, introduced by Del. Jeffrey Bourne, D-Richmond, was approved by a vote of 57-39. The legislation needs passage from the state Senate and a signature from Gov. Ralph Northam to become law.
“This was brought about by a tragedy,” Bourne said.
Dubbed the mental health awareness response and community understanding services (MARCUS) alert system, Bourne’s proposal references the death of a Black man who was shot and killed during an encounter with the Richmond Police Department in 2018.
Marcus-David Peters, a 24-year-old high school biology teacher and Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus, was shot and killed by a Richmond Police officer as he charged the officer after a taser was deployed. Peters was unarmed and his family said he was experiencing a mental health crisis.
“It’s horrific to watch,” Bourne said about police body camera footage of the incident.
Bourne’s bill would require the Virginia Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and Criminal Justice Services departments to work together to create evidence-based training programs for the care teams and to develop a plan by June 1, 2021 for statewide implementation.
Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, said she supports the end goal of the proposal but is concerned it will endanger more people without a slower rollout and because mental health resources are “stretched thin.”
Coyner said she is “very emotional” about the issue after growing up with an aunt who suffered from intellectual disabilities and who attempted suicide multiple times. She said while over time, “mental health providers did everything they could,” her family ultimately had to call 911 for the police’s help.
“If we had to wait longer for someone to arrive, she may not have been with us still,” Coyner said.
Del. Michael Mullin, D-Newport News, said he appreciated Coyner’s words and understands the concern for public safety. However, Mullin - an assistant commonwealth’s attorney for Hampton - said the state has “criminalized mental health issues.”
“So much of the work we have been doing today and in the days preceding this has been to reverse 30 years of overcriminalization,” Mullin said. “This bill does a small step in making sure that individuals who are in crisis are not treated as criminals.”
Princess Blanding, Peters’ sister, recently testified during the bill’s hearing before the House Public Safety Committee. She said her brother “absolutely deserved help, not death” on the day of his fatal shooting.
“When a person’s kidneys stop functioning properly, they receive dialysis if needed,” Blanding said. “When a person’s heart stops functioning properly, they receive bypass surgery if needed. But the brain is the only major organ that, when it stops functioning properly, we demonize, we incarcerate, and in the case of so many Black people, death is the final answer.”
Blanding has spoken at multiple demonstrations in Richmond since protests sparked by the death of George Floyd began in late May, demanding the city fully fund the alert system as well as establish a civilian review board to investigate allegations of police misconduct.
Senate Bill 5038, introduced by Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Woodbridge, also seeks to establish an alert system. It still needs to pass the Senate before moving to the House of Delegates.
____
This article was provided to The Associated Press by Virginia Commonwealth University Capital News Service.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Alton Sterling case: Baton Rouge nixes $5M settlement offer

NEW ORLEANS ( AP ) - Attorneys representing the children of Alton Sterling , a Black man fatally shot by a Baton Rouge police officer in 2016 , said Thursday that a decision by local officials against offering $ 5 million to settle a pending civil case showed they were uninformed about the matter .
Sterling was fatally shot on July 5 , 2016 , outside a Baton Rouge convenience store during a struggle .
Lawyers for Sterling ’ s five children subsequently filed a wrongful death suit in 2017 against the city , its police department and former police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The suit alleges the shooting fit a pattern of racist behavior and excessive force by Baton Rouge Police .
it also claims poor training and inadequate police procedures led to Sterling ’ s death .
Officer Blane Salamoni shot and killed Sterling outside the store where the 37-year-old black man was selling homemade CDs .
Officer Howie Lake II helped wrestle Sterling to the ground , but Lake didn ’ t fire his gun .
Two cellphone videos of the shooting quickly spread on social media after the killing , leading to protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were arrested .
Both the East Baton Rouge Parish attorney and lawyers for Sterling ’ s family met with a mediator on Oct. 3 , 2019 , about the case and they agreed on a proposed $ 5 million figure .
On Wednesday , the East Baton Rouge Metro Council heard the matter , which needed seven votes for the settlement to be approved .
Six council members voted yes , five voted no and one abstained , meaning the judgment failed .
Barring a settlement , the lawsuit is set to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Stewart said at a news conference in Baton Rouge that he was surprised by the decision .
“ It was perfectly clear that the city council had no clue what is going on in this case , ” Stewart said .
“ It was clear they were not informed about anything going on in this case and that puts the city at risk .
The misinformation that was given lay in the hands of the parish attorney.
” “ When a jury actually hears all the horrific things , not just what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed up , but what supervisors and superiors did to allow him to remain on the force , that jury verdict could easily be $ 100 million , ” Stewart added .
Stewart and Sterling ’ s other attorneys accused Parish Attorney Andy Dotson of failing to provide council members with appropriate legal advice or information related to the case .
Attorneys said the family would have considered the $ 5 million judgment if it had passed , but were shocked at how little “ accurate ” information the Council members had as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would have heard the council last night you would ’ ve thought they were never part of those conversations , ” said attorney Mike Adams .
Dotson told The Advocate he couldn ’ t comment on pending litigation and noted that his door is always open to council members .
“ We have been , and always will be , available for our Metro-Council members to discuss any pending litigation in our office , ” Dotson said .

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Attorneys representing the children of Alton Sterling, a Black man fatally shot by a Baton Rouge police officer in 2016, said Thursday that a decision by local officials against offering $5 million to settle a pending civil case showed they were uninformed about the matter.
Sterling was fatally shot on July 5, 2016, outside a Baton Rouge convenience store during a struggle.
Lawyers for Sterling’s five children subsequently filed a wrongful death suit in 2017 against the city, its police department and former police chief and the two officers involved. The suit alleges the shooting fit a pattern of racist behavior and excessive force by Baton Rouge Police. it also claims poor training and inadequate police procedures led to Sterling’s death.
Officer Blane Salamoni shot and killed Sterling outside the store where the 37-year-old black man was selling homemade CDs. Officer Howie Lake II helped wrestle Sterling to the ground, but Lake didn’t fire his gun. Two cellphone videos of the shooting quickly spread on social media after the killing, leading to protests that year in which nearly 200 people were arrested.
Both the East Baton Rouge Parish attorney and lawyers for Sterling’s family met with a mediator on Oct. 3, 2019, about the case and they agreed on a proposed $5 million figure. On Wednesday, the East Baton Rouge Metro Council heard the matter, which needed seven votes for the settlement to be approved. Six council members voted yes, five voted no and one abstained, meaning the judgment failed.
Barring a settlement, the lawsuit is set to go to trial in March 2021.
Attorney Chris Stewart said at a news conference in Baton Rouge that he was surprised by the decision.
“It was perfectly clear that the city council had no clue what is going on in this case,” Stewart said. “It was clear they were not informed about anything going on in this case and that puts the city at risk. The misinformation that was given lay in the hands of the parish attorney.”
“When a jury actually hears all the horrific things, not just what officer Salamoni did, which the video backed up, but what supervisors and superiors did to allow him to remain on the force, that jury verdict could easily be $100 million,” Stewart added.
Stewart and Sterling’s other attorneys accused Parish Attorney Andy Dotson of failing to provide council members with appropriate legal advice or information related to the case.
Attorneys said the family would have considered the $5 million judgment if it had passed, but were shocked at how little “accurate” information the Council members had as they considered the measure.
“If you would have heard the council last night you would’ve thought they were never part of those conversations,” said attorney Mike Adams.
Dotson told The Advocate he couldn’t comment on pending litigation and noted that his door is always open to council members.
“We have been, and always will be, available for our Metro-Council members to discuss any pending litigation in our office,” Dotson said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Russia clashes with Germany and West over Navalny poisoning

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - Russia clashed with Germany and five of its Western allies Thursday over the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny , with Moscow ’ s ambassador demanding evidence that a Soviet-era nerve agent was responsible and Germany ’ s envoy countering that his country ’ s findings have been handed over to the international chemical weapons watchdog .
The confrontation came at the monthly U.N. Security Council meeting on chemical weapons in Syria , with the United States , Belgium , Britain , Estonia and France expressing grave concern at Germany ’ s determination that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemical weapons attack using a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group .
Britain ’ s acting U.N. ambassador , Jonathan Allen , said a similar nerve agent was used “ with lethal effect ” in southern England in 2018 on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter .
A woman exposed to the contents of a perfume bottle reportedly used in the attack died several months later .
Russia vehemently denied any involvement , but Britain has charged two men it called Russian military intelligence officers with the nerve-agent poisoning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom stands with Germany ’ s findings on Navalny and called on Russia to “ urgently conduct a full and transparent investigation into this use of a banned chemical weapon ” and to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention that bans their use .
Acting U.S. deputy ambassador Cherith Norman Chalet called Navalny ’ s poisoning by a chemical weapon “ completely reprehensible ” and urged Russia “ to be fully transparent and to bring those responsible to justice.
” Navalny , the most visible opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin , fell ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk after the plane made an emergency landing .
He was flown to Germany two days later .
German scientists concluded that “ without doubt ” Navalny was poisoned by a Novichok agent .
The German hospital treating Navalny said Monday his condition had improved , allowing doctors to take him out of an induced coma .
Russia ’ s U.N. ambassador , Vassily Nebenzia , told the Security Council that “ we are the most interested party to know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share its evidence .
He said the Russian doctors who saved Navalny ’ s life found no “ chemical weapons substances.
” Nebenzia cited an Aug. 27 request from Russia ’ s prosecutor to Germany for information under a Russian-German agreement , which has had no response .
“ If you demand explanations , put the facts on the table and we ’ ll compare notes , ” he said .
“ Why should we trust allegations uncorroborated by evidence ?
.
” “ This whole incident can not but raise questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nebenzia added .
Germany ’ s Defense Ministry has said the data about Navalny has been provided to the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons , which implements the Chemical Weapons Convention .
Stressing that point , Germany Ambassador Christoph Heusgen accused Russia of using “ another smoke screen ” and said Navalny ’ s poisoning isn ’ t an issue between Germany and Russia but “ an issue of international concern ” about chemical weapons use .
Germany “ is doing what it is supposed to do under the Chemical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence to the OPCW , Heusgen said .
“ And it would be very good if Russia would work with OPCW in finding all the background to the case of the use of Novichok , ” he said .
Nebenzia replied that it is a case Russia-German relations and not an international issue .
He quoted a Russian Foreign Ministry statement issued Wednesday saying if the evidence requested by Moscow isn ’ t provided , Russia will regard it as Germany ’ s refusal “ to establish truth ” in an investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this would be regarded as “ a blatant and hostile provocation against Russia , which would definitely undermine Russian-German relations and international relations as a whole .
”

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Russia clashed with Germany and five of its Western allies Thursday over the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, with Moscow’s ambassador demanding evidence that a Soviet-era nerve agent was responsible and Germany’s envoy countering that his country’s findings have been handed over to the international chemical weapons watchdog.
The confrontation came at the monthly U.N. Security Council meeting on chemical weapons in Syria, with the United States, Belgium, Britain, Estonia and France expressing grave concern at Germany’s determination that 44-year-old Navalny was the victim of a chemical weapons attack using a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group.
Britain’s acting U.N. ambassador, Jonathan Allen, said a similar nerve agent was used “with lethal effect” in southern England in 2018 on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. A woman exposed to the contents of a perfume bottle reportedly used in the attack died several months later. Russia vehemently denied any involvement, but Britain has charged two men it called Russian military intelligence officers with the nerve-agent poisoning.
Allen told the council that the United Kingdom stands with Germany’s findings on Navalny and called on Russia to “urgently conduct a full and transparent investigation into this use of a banned chemical weapon” and to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention that bans their use.
Acting U.S. deputy ambassador Cherith Norman Chalet called Navalny’s poisoning by a chemical weapon “completely reprehensible” and urged Russia “to be fully transparent and to bring those responsible to justice.”
Navalny, the most visible opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, fell ill on a flight to Moscow on Aug. 20 and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk after the plane made an emergency landing. He was flown to Germany two days later.
German scientists concluded that “without doubt” Navalny was poisoned by a Novichok agent. The German hospital treating Navalny said Monday his condition had improved, allowing doctors to take him out of an induced coma.
Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told the Security Council that “we are the most interested party to know what happened” and Moscow wants Germany to share its evidence. He said the Russian doctors who saved Navalny’s life found no “chemical weapons substances.”
Nebenzia cited an Aug. 27 request from Russia’s prosecutor to Germany for information under a Russian-German agreement, which has had no response.
“If you demand explanations, put the facts on the table and we’ll compare notes,” he said. “Why should we trust allegations uncorroborated by evidence?.”
“This whole incident cannot but raise questions about some foul play being staged,” Nebenzia added.
Germany’s Defense Ministry has said the data about Navalny has been provided to the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which implements the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Stressing that point, Germany Ambassador Christoph Heusgen accused Russia of using “another smoke screen” and said Navalny’s poisoning isn’t an issue between Germany and Russia but “an issue of international concern” about chemical weapons use.
Germany “is doing what it is supposed to do under the Chemical Weapons Convention” by giving all the evidence to the OPCW, Heusgen said.
“And it would be very good if Russia would work with OPCW in finding all the background to the case of the use of Novichok,” he said.
Nebenzia replied that it is a case Russia-German relations and not an international issue. He quoted a Russian Foreign Ministry statement issued Wednesday saying if the evidence requested by Moscow isn’t provided, Russia will regard it as Germany’s refusal “to establish truth” in an investigation.
Nebenzia also quoted the ministry as saying this would be regarded as “a blatant and hostile provocation against Russia, which would definitely undermine Russian-German relations and international relations as a whole.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Ex-Driscoll's exec sentenced for stealing from berry giant

SAN JOSE , Calif. ( AP ) - A former executive for one of the world ’ s largest berry suppliers was sentenced to federal prison Thursday and ordered to repay nearly $ 1.5 million .
Marc Marier , 42 , of Napierville , Illinois , was sentenced in a San Jose federal courtroom to 29 months in prison after pleading guilty in June to wire fraud and money laundering .
Prosecutors say Marier embezzled from Driscoll ’ s , a Watsonville , California , firm that works with growers worldwide and sells strawberries , blueberries and other berries in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a third of the global berry market .
In 2017 , Marier was hired as director of real estate and workplace services and relocated from Illinois to California ’ s Central Valley .
Shortly after being employed , Marier began submitting and approving false invoices from a phony business , and routing the payments to a bank account he controlled , according to a statement from the U.S. attorney ’ s office .
Marier cashed in on at least 15 phony invoices between November 2017 and May 2018 , prosecutors said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to buy a five-bedroom home in Illinois and to provide a $ 75,000 cashier ’ s check to his girlfriend , authorities said .
Marier resigned after learning that the company was investigating him .
The case later was referred to the FBI .
The government seized the home , a truck and more than $ 700,000 in cash from bank accounts associated with Marier and his phony company , authorities said .

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - A former executive for one of the world’s largest berry suppliers was sentenced to federal prison Thursday and ordered to repay nearly $1.5 million.
Marc Marier, 42, of Napierville, Illinois, was sentenced in a San Jose federal courtroom to 29 months in prison after pleading guilty in June to wire fraud and money laundering.
Prosecutors say Marier embezzled from Driscoll’s, a Watsonville, California, firm that works with growers worldwide and sells strawberries, blueberries and other berries in dozens of countries. The company has about a third of the global berry market.
In 2017, Marier was hired as director of real estate and workplace services and relocated from Illinois to California’s Central Valley.
Shortly after being employed, Marier began submitting and approving false invoices from a phony business, and routing the payments to a bank account he controlled, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office.
Marier cashed in on at least 15 phony invoices between November 2017 and May 2018, prosecutors said.
Among other things, Marier used the money to buy a five-bedroom home in Illinois and to provide a $75,000 cashier’s check to his girlfriend, authorities said.
Marier resigned after learning that the company was investigating him. The case later was referred to the FBI.
The government seized the home, a truck and more than $700,000 in cash from bank accounts associated with Marier and his phony company, authorities said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Ted Wheeler tear gas ban draws Portland police ire

Portland police cried foul Thursday after Mayor Ted Wheeler banned them from using tear gas to dispel riots , saying they have to have the tools to deal with the most dangerous crowds .
Mr. Wheeler , who as mayor is also the police commissioner , said his move was an attempt to break through more than 100 days of protests that have often erupted into full riots .
He said police should still make arrests , but will have to do so without CS gas , the type of chemical agent the department uses .
But the police department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas is actually a kinder way of dispersing crowds , and forgoing it “ will require higher levels of force.
” “ CS , while effective , is a significantly lower level of force than impact weapons , which would very likely be necessary to disperse riotous groups with its prohibition , ” the department said .
Mr. Wheeler has been searching for ways to calm the city without criticizing the broader protests that have spawned the riots .
He ’ s asked for the National Guard , but the governor refused .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ police themselves , but that hasn ’ t worked .
He said Thursday his tear gas decision was meant to be a step forward .
“ I call on everyone to step up and tamp down the violence .
I ’ m acting .
It ’ s time for others to join me , ” he said .
He said he still expects police to arrest those engaging in violence , but they ’ ll have to do it without tear gas .
Protesters complaint that tear gas is banned for use in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its use in Portland is an affront to the city ’ s citizens .
Police counter that protesters have threatened to kill them , have attacked multiple police stations , and fired lasers and tossed Molotov cocktails at officers .
They said tear gas isn ’ t being used as general crowd control , but rather to clear areas when there ’ s a specific “ life safety event.
” It was last used over the weekend when protesters tossed a Molotov cocktail at police but it ended up igniting a protester ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this gas seeped into nearby homes and that is not something we desire .
However , the community should be asking the rioters why they are committing violence that threatens the very lives of others nearby , ” the police said .

Portland police cried foul Thursday after Mayor Ted Wheeler banned them from using tear gas to dispel riots, saying they have to have the tools to deal with the most dangerous crowds.
Mr. Wheeler, who as mayor is also the police commissioner, said his move was an attempt to break through more than 100 days of protests that have often erupted into full riots.
He said police should still make arrests, but will have to do so without CS gas, the type of chemical agent the department uses.
But the police department, in a statement, said tear gas is actually a kinder way of dispersing crowds, and forgoing it “will require higher levels of force.”
“CS, while effective, is a significantly lower level of force than impact weapons, which would very likely be necessary to disperse riotous groups with its prohibition,” the department said.
Mr. Wheeler has been searching for ways to calm the city without criticizing the broader protests that have spawned the riots.
He’s asked for the National Guard, but the governor refused. He’s pleaded with protesters to police themselves, but that hasn’t worked. He said Thursday his tear gas decision was meant to be a step forward.
“I call on everyone to step up and tamp down the violence. I’m acting. It’s time for others to join me,” he said.
He said he still expects police to arrest those engaging in violence, but they’ll have to do it without tear gas.
Protesters complaint that tear gas is banned for use in war under international conventions, and say its use in Portland is an affront to the city’s citizens.
Police counter that protesters have threatened to kill them, have attacked multiple police stations, and fired lasers and tossed Molotov cocktails at officers.
They said tear gas isn’t being used as general crowd control, but rather to clear areas when there’s a specific “life safety event.”
It was last used over the weekend when protesters tossed a Molotov cocktail at police but it ended up igniting a protester’s clothes instead.
“We understand that this gas seeped into nearby homes and that is not something we desire. However, the community should be asking the rioters why they are committing violence that threatens the very lives of others nearby,” the police said.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--AP Week in Pictures: Asia

AP Week in Pictures: Asia

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and @ @ @ @ @ curated by AP photo editor Masayo Yoshida in Tokyo .

Sept. 4-10, 2020
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and Pacific.
The gallery was curated by AP photo editor Masayo Yoshida in Tokyo.
Follow AP visual journalism:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews
AP Images on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Images
AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--New Mexico governor considers easing sports restrictions

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - It ’ s possible restrictions on youth sports and training could be eased if New Mexico continues to make progress in limiting the spread of COVID-19 , Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham indicated during an online briefing Thursday .
With the public health order due to expire soon , the governor said her administration will be taking another look at the current restrictions early next week .
The review will take into account the latest data on cases and transmission rates as well as the effectiveness of the state ’ s COVID-19 safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first wave of school openings .
“ But again , the focus is on education .
No .
1 priority , ” Lujan Grisham said .
“ Because if we do that successfully , then we know we can do more business opening and that ’ s really important to the state.
” The governor and health officials said the seven-day average case count has reached one of its lowest levels in months , the rate of transmission is meeting targets and hospitalizations remain low .
An additional 161 COVID-19 cases were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s total to more than 26,420 confirmed infections since the pandemic began .
The death toll stands at 816 .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia , and death .
State officials were pleased with the numbers and congratulated residents for wearing face masks , keeping their distance from one another , avoiding large gatherings and staying home as much as possible .
There are some areas of the state where improvements are still needed if school districts want to reopen their classrooms to teachers and students , officials said .
This marked the first week of limited in-person learning for nearly 50 schools - and about 3,600 elementary students - that are in what education officials call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates are low .
Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said the state has set a high bar for bringing back students under a hybrid model , which involves both time in the classroom and virtual learning from home .
That includes making infrastructure improvements at schools and ensuring they ’ re all stocked with the necessary personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies .
“ We are really bringing in every resource from across the state to make sure that we get this right , ” he said .
“ New Mexico wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , how you keep schools open , how you contain any infection that happens.
” Fire marshals from around the state have been helping with the effort by providing guidance to school districts on the use of protective gear and social distancing .
Testing surveillance also will be expanded , with the aim of reaching at least 5 % of the staff a week .
The Public Education Department also is planning next week to start a series of focus groups for teachers and families to get feedback on how the reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room for improvements .

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - It’s possible restrictions on youth sports and training could be eased if New Mexico continues to make progress in limiting the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham indicated during an online briefing Thursday.
With the public health order due to expire soon, the governor said her administration will be taking another look at the current restrictions early next week. The review will take into account the latest data on cases and transmission rates as well as the effectiveness of the state’s COVID-19 safe practices and what has been learned during the first wave of school openings.
“But again, the focus is on education. No. 1 priority,” Lujan Grisham said. “Because if we do that successfully, then we know we can do more business opening and that’s really important to the state.”
The governor and health officials said the seven-day average case count has reached one of its lowest levels in months, the rate of transmission is meeting targets and hospitalizations remain low. An additional 161 COVID-19 cases were reported Thursday, bringing the state’s total to more than 26,420 confirmed infections since the pandemic began. The death toll stands at 816.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
State officials were pleased with the numbers and congratulated residents for wearing face masks, keeping their distance from one another, avoiding large gatherings and staying home as much as possible.
There are some areas of the state where improvements are still needed if school districts want to reopen their classrooms to teachers and students, officials said. This marked the first week of limited in-person learning for nearly 50 schools - and about 3,600 elementary students - that are in what education officials call a green zone where cases and spread rates are low.
Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said the state has set a high bar for bringing back students under a hybrid model, which involves both time in the classroom and virtual learning from home. That includes making infrastructure improvements at schools and ensuring they’re all stocked with the necessary personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
“We are really bringing in every resource from across the state to make sure that we get this right,” he said. “New Mexico wants to be a model for how you reopen schools, how you keep schools open, how you contain any infection that happens.”
Fire marshals from around the state have been helping with the effort by providing guidance to school districts on the use of protective gear and social distancing. Testing surveillance also will be expanded, with the aim of reaching at least 5% of the staff a week.
The Public Education Department also is planning next week to start a series of focus groups for teachers and families to get feedback on how the reopening is going and where there might be room for improvements.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Rio Tinto CEO to leave over destruction of Australian sites

CANBERRA , Australia ( AP ) - Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques will leave the Anglo-Australian mining giant by March over the destruction of Australian Indigenous sacred sites to access iron ore , the company said on Friday .
“ Significant stakeholders have expressed concerns about executive accountability for the failings identified , ” Rio Tinto said in a statement .
By mutual agreement , Jacques will step down once a replacement has been appointed or on March 31 , whichever happens sooner , the statement said .
Executives Chris Salisbury and Simone Niven will leave the company on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that Jacques would lose $ 3.5 million in bonuses and Salisbury and Niven around $ 700,000 each over the destruction in May of two rock shelters in Juukan George in Western Australia state that had been inhabited for 46,000 years .
Rio Tinto concluded in an internal review last month that there was “ no single root cause or error that directly resulted in the destruction of the rock shelters.
” But internal documents revealed last week that Rio Tinto had engaged a law firm in case the traditional owners , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied for a court injunction to save the rock shelters The Western Australian government has promised to update Indigenous heritage laws that allowed Rio Tinto to legally destroy the sacred sites .
Jamie Lowe , chief executive of the National Native Title Council , which represents Australia ’ s traditional owners of the land , said he had called on Rio Tinto to take more action than cutting executive bonuses .
Lowe welcomed the decision to replace the three executives .
“ There needs to be a consistent theme of them showing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its protection , ” Lowe said of mining companies .

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques will leave the Anglo-Australian mining giant by March over the destruction of Australian Indigenous sacred sites to access iron ore, the company said on Friday.
“Significant stakeholders have expressed concerns about executive accountability for the failings identified,” Rio Tinto said in a statement.
By mutual agreement, Jacques will step down once a replacement has been appointed or on March 31, whichever happens sooner, the statement said.
Executives Chris Salisbury and Simone Niven will leave the company on Dec. 31.
Rio Tinto announced last month that Jacques would lose $3.5 million in bonuses and Salisbury and Niven around $700,000 each over the destruction in May of two rock shelters in Juukan George in Western Australia state that had been inhabited for 46,000 years.
Rio Tinto concluded in an internal review last month that there was “no single root cause or error that directly resulted in the destruction of the rock shelters.”
But internal documents revealed last week that Rio Tinto had engaged a law firm in case the traditional owners, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people, applied for a court injunction to save the rock shelters
The Western Australian government has promised to update Indigenous heritage laws that allowed Rio Tinto to legally destroy the sacred sites.
Jamie Lowe, chief executive of the National Native Title Council, which represents Australia’s traditional owners of the land, said he had called on Rio Tinto to take more action than cutting executive bonuses.
Lowe welcomed the decision to replace the three executives.
“There needs to be a consistent theme of them showing that they are conscious of Aboriginal cultural heritage and its protection,” Lowe said of mining companies.
The rock shelters’ traditional owners had no comment to make on the Rio Tinto leadership changes, Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corp. said.
“We will continue to work with Rio Tinto in the aftermath of the Juukan Gorge disaster. Our focus continues to rest heavily on preserving Aboriginal heritage and advocating for wide-ranging changes to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again,” the corporation said in a statement.
“We cannot and will not allow this type of devastation to occur ever again,” the statement added.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Navajo Nation reports 18 new COVID-19 cases, 3 more deaths

WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. ( AP ) - Navajo Nation health officials on Thursday reported 18 new confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ .
The latest numbers increase the total number of people infected to 9,933 with the @ @ @ @ @ 530 .
Tribal health officials said 98,408 people have been tested for COVID-19 and 7,169 @ @ @ @ @ the Navajo Nation has been closed since March as the coronavirus swept through the vast @ @ @ @ @ Mexico , Utah and Arizona .
Tribal officials are extending partial weekend lockdowns and daily @ @ @ @ @ control the spread of the coronavirus .
The majority of people who are diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ people it causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough .
But for @ @ @ @ @ , especially those who are older or have underlying health conditions , it can cause @ @ @ @ @ .

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - Navajo Nation health officials on Thursday reported 18 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and three additional deaths.
The latest numbers increase the total number of people infected to 9,933 with the known death toll now at 530.
Tribal health officials said 98,408 people have been tested for COVID-19 and 7,169 have recovered.
Much of the Navajo Nation has been closed since March as the coronavirus swept through the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona.
Tribal officials are extending partial weekend lockdowns and daily curfews through September to help control the spread of the coronavirus.
The majority of people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 recover. For some people it causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough.
But for others who contract the virus, especially those who are older or have underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness and death.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Las Vegas shooting victims closer to getting $800M payout

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - More than 4,400 relatives and victims of the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history could receive a total of $ 800 million in payouts from MGM Resorts International and its insurers by January , the casino giant and attorneys said Thursday .
After a year arranging details , Robert Eglet , the attorney handling the settlement of dozens of lawsuits , submitted documents asking a Nevada court judge to approve sweeping negotiations involving an eye-popping number of plaintiffs from nearly every state in the U.S. , at least eight Canadian provinces , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The line-by-line list of victims , identified by initials only , runs for more than 170 pages of a 225-page civil complaint seeking compensation and punitive damages from MGM Resorts .
It accuses the casino company of negligence , wrongful death and liability in the 2017 shooting that killed 58 people and injured more than 850 others on the Las Vegas Strip .
A man with military-style weapons rained gunfire into a crowd at an outdoor country music festival from his room on the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay resort , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no liability .
It will pay $ 49 million , while insurance companies will pay $ 751 million , both sides said .
A separate document declares the case settled and asks Clark County District Court Judge Linda Marie Bell to set a date to field any objections .
Bell could set a hearing by the third anniversary of the Oct. 1 , 2017 , massacre .
“ Clearly , the case has been settled in good faith , ” said Eglet , speaking on behalf of his 2,000-plus clients and dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 states who initially filed lawsuits and eventually joined the consolidated settlement .
“ Everybody recognized there are no winners in long , drawn-out litigation with multiple trials where people and the community are reliving the event every time we try a case , ” he told The Associated Press .
In a statement , MGM Resorts called the court filings “ the next steps in the settlement process … thereby bringing all parties closer to closure so the community can continue to heal.
” Millions of dollars could go to the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , depending on factors including age , number of dependents , type of injuries , previous and future medical treatment , and ability to work .
A minimum $ 5,000 would go to each person who filed a claim for unseen injuries and did not seek medical attention or therapy , he said .
Eglet said amounts disbursed will be determined by two administrators - retired Nevada Judge Jennifer Togliatti and retired California Judge Louis Meisinger - with help from the Virginia-based claims management legal firm BrownGreer .
“ We ’ re hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , but a lot could depend on appeals and how quickly and efficiently the administrators can finish their work .
They ’ ve got a lot of work to do , ” Eglet said .
This week ’ s court filings don ’ t mention the gunman , Stephen Paddock , who killed himself as police closed in .
Las Vegas police and the FBI determined the 64-year-old retired accountant and high-stakes poker player meticulously planned the attack and acted alone .
They theorized he may have sought notoriety , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the attack .
In various lawsuits , victims and families accused MGM Resorts of failing to protect people at the concert venue it owned or stop the shooter from amassing an arsenal of assault-style weapons and ammunition over several days before he opened fire .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - More than 4,400 relatives and victims of the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history could receive a total of $800 million in payouts from MGM Resorts International and its insurers by January, the casino giant and attorneys said Thursday.
After a year arranging details, Robert Eglet, the attorney handling the settlement of dozens of lawsuits, submitted documents asking a Nevada court judge to approve sweeping negotiations involving an eye-popping number of plaintiffs from nearly every state in the U.S., at least eight Canadian provinces, the United Kingdom, Iran and Ireland.
The line-by-line list of victims, identified by initials only, runs for more than 170 pages of a 225-page civil complaint seeking compensation and punitive damages from MGM Resorts. It accuses the casino company of negligence, wrongful death and liability in the 2017 shooting that killed 58 people and injured more than 850 others on the Las Vegas Strip.
A man with military-style weapons rained gunfire into a crowd at an outdoor country music festival from his room on the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay resort, which MGM Resorts owns.
The company acknowledged no liability. It will pay $49 million, while insurance companies will pay $751 million, both sides said.
A separate document declares the case settled and asks Clark County District Court Judge Linda Marie Bell to set a date to field any objections. Bell could set a hearing by the third anniversary of the Oct. 1, 2017, massacre.
“Clearly, the case has been settled in good faith,” said Eglet, speaking on behalf of his 2,000-plus clients and dozens of legal firms and attorneys in at least 10 states who initially filed lawsuits and eventually joined the consolidated settlement.
“Everybody recognized there are no winners in long, drawn-out litigation with multiple trials where people and the community are reliving the event every time we try a case,” he told The Associated Press.
In a statement, MGM Resorts called the court filings “the next steps in the settlement process … thereby bringing all parties closer to closure so the community can continue to heal.”
Millions of dollars could go to the most severely and permanently injured, Eglet said, depending on factors including age, number of dependents, type of injuries, previous and future medical treatment, and ability to work.
A minimum $5,000 would go to each person who filed a claim for unseen injuries and did not seek medical attention or therapy, he said.
Eglet said amounts disbursed will be determined by two administrators - retired Nevada Judge Jennifer Togliatti and retired California Judge Louis Meisinger - with help from the Virginia-based claims management legal firm BrownGreer.
“We’re hopeful it will be by the end of this year, but a lot could depend on appeals and how quickly and efficiently the administrators can finish their work. They’ve got a lot of work to do,” Eglet said.
This week’s court filings don’t mention the gunman, Stephen Paddock, who killed himself as police closed in. Las Vegas police and the FBI determined the 64-year-old retired accountant and high-stakes poker player meticulously planned the attack and acted alone. They theorized he may have sought notoriety, but said they never determined a clear motive for the attack.
In various lawsuits, victims and families accused MGM Resorts of failing to protect people at the concert venue it owned or stop the shooter from amassing an arsenal of assault-style weapons and ammunition over several days before he opened fire.


washingtontimes--2020-09-11--Child shot in face when she answers knock on family's door

BETHLEHEM , Pa. ( AP ) - An 11-year-old girl answering a knock on a door at her family ’ @ @ @ @ @ the face and seriously injured by someone who then ran off , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ shortly before midnight Wednesday .
Authorities do not believe the shooting was a random attack @ @ @ @ @ t think the child was the shooter ’ s intended target .
The child suffered @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized , authorities said , but she is expected to recover .
Her name has @ @ @ @ @ authorities have released few details about the shooting , citing the ongoing investigation .
No @ @ @ @ @ the incident .

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) - An 11-year-old girl answering a knock on a door at her family’s home was shot in the face and seriously injured by someone who then ran off, authorities said.
The shooting in Bethlehem occurred shortly before midnight Wednesday. Authorities do not believe the shooting was a random attack, but they don’t think the child was the shooter’s intended target.
The child suffered significant facial trauma and remains hospitalized, authorities said, but she is expected to recover. Her name has not been released, and authorities have released few details about the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation.
No other injuries were reported in the incident.


washingtontimes--2020-09-11--Trump, Biden commemorating 9/11 at Flight 93 memorial

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - As the nation marks the 19th anniversary of the Sept 11 attacks in the midst of another unfolding tragedy , the men vying to lead the nation next year will pay their respects at the same memorial - without crossings paths .
President Donald Trump and his Democratic opponent , Joe Biden , will both be traveling to rural Shanksville , Pennsylvania , Friday , where the hijacked Flight 93 crashed in a field , killing everyone on board .
While Trump will speak at the site ’ s annual memorial ceremony held Friday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the afternoon , after attending the 9/11 Memorial & Museum ’ s annual commemoration at Ground Zero in New York , along with Vice President Mike Pence .
While Trump and Biden ’ s visits will not overlap , the day will nonetheless bring the two candidates the closest they ’ ve been in months .
And though the candidates and country will be focused on the commemorations , the political significance of their visits to Shanksville is hard to ignore , with Pennsylvania a crucial battleground state .
Trump won there by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , and Democrats hope they can return it to their column in less than two months .
Still , Biden insisted that he would steer clear of politics on a national day of mourning .
“ I ’ m not gon na make any news today .
I ’ m not gon na talk about anything other than 9/11 , ” he told reporters .
“ We took all our advertising down , it ’ s a solemn day , and that ’ s how we ’ re going to keep it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address reporters before boarding Air Force One and his campaign did not respond to questions about whether it intended to halt ads as well .
Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik issued a statement on the campaign ’ s behalf honoring the memories of those who died , as well as first responders and “ the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in defense of our freedom and flag since then.
” The National Park Service , which co-hosts the annual Flight 93 memorial event , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremony this year to minimize the spread of the coronavirus .
The agency had been planning a 20-minute “ Moment of Remembrance ” without a keynote speaker or musical guests .
Instead , the name of each passengers and crew member was to be read aloud with the ringing of the “ Bells of Remembrance , ” according to the agency ’ s website .
But after Biden and then the White House announced their plans , the website was updated to reflect a new schedule that included remarks from Trump and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The events come as the president is grappling with fallout from a new book by veteran journalist , Bob Woodward , which has refocused attention on Trump ’ s handling of the virus .
In interviews , Trump admitted to Woodward that had played down the threat posed by the virus this winter , even though he knew how deadly it was .
In 2016 , the 9/11 memorial events became a flashpoint in the campaign after then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton abruptly left the Ground Zero 9/11 ceremony and was caught on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to get into a van .
Trump also spent the day in New York and paid his own visit to the memorial in lower Manhattan .
Pence on Friday will be attending the National September 11 Memorial & Museum ’ s 19th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony with Biden , along with a second event , the Tunnel to Towers Foundation ’ s September 11th Memorial Ceremony .
Friday will mark Trump ’ s second time observing the 9/11 anniversary in Shanksville , where he made remarks in 2018 .
Biden spoke at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was vice president .
The 2,200-acre Flight 93 National Memorial marks the spot in rural Pennsylvania where the hijacked flight crashed , killing all 40 people on board .
Three other planes hijacked that day were crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon .
Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks .

JILL COLVIN, ALEXANDRA JAFFE and DARLENE SUPERVILLE

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. (AP) - One spent time quietly consoling families.
The other proclaimed America’s might.
President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden marked the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on Friday at memorial services where their differences in style couldn’t have been more sharply on display.
As Biden approached those who’d lost loved ones at Ground Zero and shared the pain of his own losses, Trump vowed that “America will always rise up, stand tall and fight back,” speaking at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania, site where hijacked Flight 93 crashed after passengers rushed the cockpit.
Biden also visited Shanksville later in the day, laying a wreath at the memorial and meeting with families, but the two did not cross paths. And while Americans were focused on the commemorations, the political significance of the visits to Shanksville was hard to ignore: Pennsylvania is a crucial battleground state in the 2020 election. Trump won there by less than 1 percentage point four years ago, and Democrats hope they can return it to their column this year.
Biden insisted that he would steer clear of politics on a national day of mourning taking place in the midst of another unfolding tragedy, the pandemic.
“I’m not gonna make any news today. I’m not gonna talk about anything other than 9/11,” Biden told reporters. “We took all our advertising down, It’s a solemn day, and that’s how we’re going to keep it, OK?” The Trump campaign did not follow suit, in a break with tradition, and was quick to point out Biden ads that were still running Friday.
Biden’s campaign said that any airings had been inadvertent and that they were reaching out to affiliate stations for an explanation and to remedy.
In Shanksville, Trump shared the story of Flight 93, which officials say had been headed for Washington, D.C. until passengers teamed up against the hijackers, memorably declaring “let’s roll” as they took them on mid-flight.
“The heroes of Flight 93 are an everlasting reminder that no matter the danger, no matter the threat, no matter the odds, America will always rise up, stand tall, and fight back,” Trump said as he voiced empathy for the families of the victims, singing out several by name and telling them their pain “is the shared grief of our whole nation.”
Trump also noted that the country had come together after 9/11, which was a striking contrast to the stark divisions on display today as the nation grapples with the pandemic, economic turmoil and a reckoning over race and police violence.
“It was a unity based on love for our families, care for our neighbors, loyalty to our fellow citizens, pride in our great flag, gratitude for our police and first responders, faith in God and a refusal to bend our will to the depraved forces of violence, intimidation, oppression and evil,” Trump said.
It was a different scene in Lower Manhattan as Biden attended the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s annual commemoration at Ground Zero, along with Vice President Mike Pence.
In a rare moment of detente in a vitriolic campaign, Biden approached Pence after arriving and tapped him on the shoulder to say hello. The current and former vice presidents then shared an elbow bump - the popular COVID-era handshake replacement - as did Biden and Karen Pence.
Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, spoke at a memorial ceremony in Northern Virginia, a few miles from the Pentagon where terrorists crashed yet another plane on Sept. 11, 2001.
While public officials were not part of the official program in New York, Biden spent time at the ceremony consoling families in attendance. At one point, as the names of victims were being read, he spotted a woman crying in the crowd. Amanda Barreto, 27, of Teaneck, New Jersey, lost her godmother and aunt in the 9/11 attacks.
She said Biden “wanted to let me know to keep the faith.” He told her “he knows what it means to lose someone. He wanted me to stay strong. And he’s so sorry for my loss.” She said she appreciated his comments and would be voting for him this fall.
Biden also spotted 90-year-old Maria Fisher, who lost her son in the attacks. He told her he, too, had lost a son, a reference to his son Beau’s death from cancer. “It never goes away, does it?” he lamented, and handed her a rose.
“It takes a lot of courage for someone that lost someone to come back today,” Biden later told The Associated Press. “I know from experience, losing my wife, my daughter, my son, you relive it, the moment as if it’s happening. It’s hard. … So I admire the families who come.”
In Shanksville later Friday, Biden laid a wreath at the memorial and greeted the families of several victims, voicing respect for the sacrifices they’d made. He then paid a visit to the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, delivering a Bundt cake, pastries and refreshments. Biden said the last time he’d visited, he’d promised to bring beer - and he came through, presenting two six-packs to a group of firefighters, to cheers.
The National Park Service, which co-hosts the annual Flight 93 memorial event in Pennsylvania, had originally said it was planning an abbreviated ceremony this year with no speakers to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. But after Biden and then the White House announced their plans to visit, the agency’s website was updated to reflect a new schedule that included remarks from Trump.
In 2016, the 9/11 memorial events became a flashpoint in the presidential campaign after then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton abruptly left the Ground Zero ceremony and was seen stumbling as she tried to get into a van. Trump, who spoke repeatedly of that during the campaign, also spent the day in New York and paid his own visit to the memorial in Lower Manhattan.
____
Jaffe reported from New York and Colvin from Washington. Associated Press writer Deb Riechmann contributed to this report.
AP’s Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early, by mail or absentee from each state: https://interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020


washingtontimes--2020-09-11--Lawyers ask judge to dismiss charges against state senator

PORTSMOUTH , Va. ( AP ) - Attorneys for a Virginia state senator have asked a judge to dismiss charges that allege that she conspired to damage a Confederate monument .
The Virginian-Pilot reported Thursday that the lawyers for Sen. Louise Lucas argue that the case stems from “ an illegal and unsanctioned police action.
” Attorneys Don Scott and Verbena Askew argue that a criminal investigation of an elected official must be requested by the governor , the attorney general or a grand jury .
The lawyers say that Portsmouth police investigated without “ permission or approval ” from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney , governor or attorney general .
“ Permitting any rogue local law enforcement agency to investigate an elected official without oversight would create a system whereby localities could attempt to intimidate and influence state officials at will , ” Scott and Askew wrote .
Victoria Varnedoe , spokeswoman for Portsmouth police , did not respond to an email seeking comment .
Police charged Lucas and several others with conspiracy to commit a felony and injury to a monument in excess of $ 1,000 .
The charges stem from a June 10 protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confederate monument in Portsmouth .
The heads of Confederate statues were ripped off .
And one statue was pulled down , critically injuring a demonstrator .

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (AP) - Attorneys for a Virginia state senator have asked a judge to dismiss charges that allege that she conspired to damage a Confederate monument.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Thursday that the lawyers for Sen. Louise Lucas argue that the case stems from “an illegal and unsanctioned police action.”
Attorneys Don Scott and Verbena Askew argue that a criminal investigation of an elected official must be requested by the governor, the attorney general or a grand jury.
The lawyers say that Portsmouth police investigated without “permission or approval” from state police, the commonwealth’s attorney, governor or attorney general.
“Permitting any rogue local law enforcement agency to investigate an elected official without oversight would create a system whereby localities could attempt to intimidate and influence state officials at will,” Scott and Askew wrote.
Victoria Varnedoe, spokeswoman for Portsmouth police, did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Police charged Lucas and several others with conspiracy to commit a felony and injury to a monument in excess of $1,000.
The charges stem from a June 10 protest that drew hundreds of people to a Confederate monument in Portsmouth. The heads of Confederate statues were ripped off. And one statue was pulled down, critically injuring a demonstrator.


washingtontimes--2020-09-11--Pompeo touts 'great strides to defeat al Qaeda' on 9/11 anniversary

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo marked the anniversary of 9/11 on Friday by emphasizing America ’ s success in the battle to defeat al Qaeda , and by vowing the nation will never forget the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the attacks carried out by the terror group 19 years ago .
“ Today , we join with people across the globe in remembering the victims of 9/11 , ” Mr. Pompeo said in a statement remembering those who perished when al Qaeda operatives slammed hijacked airplanes into the Pentagon , the twin towers of the World Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania field .
“ Those who were lost will never be forgotten .
We continue to pray for guidance , wisdom , and protection for the men and women in uniform who fight each day to guard the world against terrorism , and we pray for the families whose loved ones were lost nineteen years ago , ” the secretary of state said .
Friday ’ s anniversary comes at a moment of debate and concern over the future of extremist jihadi and terrorist movements around the world , and of the true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the group ’ s founder was killed during a U.S. Special Forces raid on his compound in Pakistan .
Some analysts criticize the Trump administration for overstating the terror group ’ s demise , asserting that while Washington has focused on battling the more recent threat posed by the Islamic State , bin Laden ’ s original terror group has continued to maintain a viable foothold on the global jihadist landscape .
“ It is true that al Qaeda no longer boasts the same ability to plot and execute the kinds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in the years leading up to 9/11 .
But the Trump administration ’ s claim that al Qaeda is in terminal decline overlooks the group ’ s stubborn resilience , ” analysts Asfandyar Mir and Colin P. Clarke wrote in an article published this week by Foreign Affairs .
Mr. Mir , a fellow with Stanford University ’ s Center for International Security , and Mr. Clarke , a fellow at the Soufan Center and an associate of the RAND Corporation , argued that the Trump administration should be particularly careful in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations with the Taliban , which provided safe haven for al Qaeda during the lead up to 9/11 .
“ The United States must trade its rose-tinted glasses for a sober assessment of al Qaeda ’ s trajectory — and of the organization ’ s enduring ties to the Taliban , ” they wrote .
“ The current administration has politicized assessments of groups like al Qaeda to overstate its own gains in counterterrorism and deflect questions about the withdrawal process in Afghanistan , ” they wrote , concluding that Washington “ needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posed by al Qaeda and similar groups ” and “ more realistic about the political trajectory of the Taliban.
” U.S. officials expressed hope Thursday for success in long-awaited peace talks between the U.S.-backed Afghan government and Taliban militants , after it was announced that the talks will begin Saturday in Doha , Qatar , with Mr. Pompeo traveling there to observe the opening .
Under an initial February deal , the Taliban vowed to no longer harbor any outside terrorist groups , such as al Qaeda and the Islamic State , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan government in exchange for a Trump administration commitment to draw down the 13,000 American troops in Afghanistan that were there at the beginning of 2020 .
In his statement Friday , Mr. Pompeo asserted that “ we have made great strides to defeat al-Qa ’ ida and other terrorist groups that seek to do us harm , and our efforts to protect our homeland continue today.
” “ The men and women of the U.S. Department of State are proud to stand side-by-side with partners from all over the world in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our resolve to hold terrorists accountable as we pursue peace , security , and justice , ” the secretary of state said .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo marked the anniversary of 9/11 on Friday by emphasizing America’s success in the battle to defeat al Qaeda, and by vowing the nation will never forget the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the attacks carried out by the terror group 19 years ago.
“Today, we join with people across the globe in remembering the victims of 9/11,” Mr. Pompeo said in a statement remembering those who perished when al Qaeda operatives slammed hijacked airplanes into the Pentagon, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and a Pennsylvania field.
“Those who were lost will never be forgotten. We continue to pray for guidance, wisdom, and protection for the men and women in uniform who fight each day to guard the world against terrorism, and we pray for the families whose loved ones were lost nineteen years ago,” the secretary of state said.
Friday’s anniversary comes at a moment of debate and concern over the future of extremist jihadi and terrorist movements around the world, and of the true status of al Qaeda nearly nine years after the group’s founder was killed during a U.S. Special Forces raid on his compound in Pakistan.
Some analysts criticize the Trump administration for overstating the terror group’s demise, asserting that while Washington has focused on battling the more recent threat posed by the Islamic State, bin Laden’s original terror group has continued to maintain a viable foothold on the global jihadist landscape.
“It is true that al Qaeda no longer boasts the same ability to plot and execute the kinds of spectacular transnational terrorist attacks that it carried out in the years leading up to 9/11. But the Trump administration’s claim that al Qaeda is in terminal decline overlooks the group’s stubborn resilience,” analysts Asfandyar Mir and Colin P. Clarke wrote in an article published this week by Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Mir, a fellow with Stanford University’s Center for International Security, and Mr. Clarke, a fellow at the Soufan Center and an associate of the RAND Corporation, argued that the Trump administration should be particularly careful in its pursuit of peace in Afghanistan through negotiations with the Taliban, which provided safe haven for al Qaeda during the lead up to 9/11.
“The United States must trade its rose-tinted glasses for a sober assessment of al Qaeda’s trajectory — and of the organization’s enduring ties to the Taliban,” they wrote.
“The current administration has politicized assessments of groups like al Qaeda to overstate its own gains in counterterrorism and deflect questions about the withdrawal process in Afghanistan,” they wrote, concluding that Washington “needs to be more transparent about the challenge posed by al Qaeda and similar groups” and “more realistic about the political trajectory of the Taliban.”
U.S. officials expressed hope Thursday for success in long-awaited peace talks between the U.S.-backed Afghan government and Taliban militants, after it was announced that the talks will begin Saturday in Doha, Qatar, with Mr. Pompeo traveling there to observe the opening.
Under an initial February deal, the Taliban vowed to no longer harbor any outside terrorist groups, such as al Qaeda and the Islamic State, and to begin direct peace talks with the Afghan government in exchange for a Trump administration commitment to draw down the 13,000 American troops in Afghanistan that were there at the beginning of 2020.
In his statement Friday, Mr. Pompeo asserted that “we have made great strides to defeat al-Qa’ida and other terrorist groups that seek to do us harm, and our efforts to protect our homeland continue today.”
“The men and women of the U.S. Department of State are proud to stand side-by-side with partners from all over the world in this effort, and we will not waver in our resolve to hold terrorists accountable as we pursue peace, security, and justice,” the secretary of state said.
• Guy Taylor can be reached at gtaylor@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-11--Catholic dispensation for Sunday Mass is expiring

GREEN BAY , Wis. ( AP ) - Catholic dioceses across the state are lifting the Sunday dispensation which means parishioners are once again obligated to attend Mass .
Catholic churches lifted the obligation and stopped holding in-person Mass when coronavirus cases started growing in mid-March .
Masses were once again held in-person at 25 % capacity in June , but the dispensation was still in place .
The dispensation officially ends next week , WLUK-TV reported .
The diocese says there are circumstances when it ’ s OK not to follow the obligation including when someone is ill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill , there isn ’ t room to safely worship , or if a person has grave fear of contracting COVID-19 .
Rev .
John Girotti of the Diocese of Green Bay says the obligation is a gentle nudge to return to church .
Girotti says the Diocese of Green Bay has two main reasons why the time is right for Catholics to return to church .
One , the diocese believes it knows how to keep people safe from the coronavirus and the other is the need to worship together , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time and we need to get back to it , ” Girotti said .
Precautions that have been in place throughout the pandemic remain .
People should social distance , every other pew is blocked off to help with that , and people are urged to wear masks .

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Catholic dioceses across the state are lifting the Sunday dispensation which means parishioners are once again obligated to attend Mass.
Catholic churches lifted the obligation and stopped holding in-person Mass when coronavirus cases started growing in mid-March.
Masses were once again held in-person at 25% capacity in June, but the dispensation was still in place. The dispensation officially ends next week, WLUK-TV reported.
The diocese says there are circumstances when it’s OK not to follow the obligation including when someone is ill, is taking care of someone who is ill, there isn’t room to safely worship, or if a person has grave fear of contracting COVID-19.
Rev. John Girotti of the Diocese of Green Bay says the obligation is a gentle nudge to return to church.
Girotti says the Diocese of Green Bay has two main reasons why the time is right for Catholics to return to church. One, the diocese believes it knows how to keep people safe from the coronavirus and the other is the need to worship together, he said.
“Six months is a long time and we need to get back to it,” Girotti said.
Precautions that have been in place throughout the pandemic remain. People should social distance, every other pew is blocked off to help with that, and people are urged to wear masks.


washingtontimes--2020-09-11--US consumer prices rose 0.4% in August as energy moderated

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4 % in August as energy prices moderated after big gains @ @ @ @ @ .
The Labor Department reported Friday that the August increase in the consumer price index @ @ @ @ @ in both July and June as prices rebounded following the virus-related shutdowns in earlier months @ @ @ @ @ inflation reflected moderation in energy costs , which were up 0.9 % last month following @ @ @ @ @ June and 2.5 % in July .
Food costs edged up a modest 0.1 % @ @ @ @ @ 0.4 % in July .
The report painted a picture of continued moderation in inflation @ @ @ @ @ % from a year ago .
Core inflation , which excludes the volatile food and @ @ @ @ @ % in August and 1.7 % over the past 12 months .

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4% in August as used car prices surged by the largest amount in 51 years, the Labor Department reported Friday.
The August increase in the consumer price index reflected some moderation following big gains of 0.6% in both June and July as the pace of energy price gains slowed.
However, there were still areas that showed bigger price increases, led by a 5.4% jump in used car prices, the biggest monthly gain since March 1969. New car prices were unchanged in August but analysts predict prices are likely to rise in coming months, reflecting supply shortages. Motor vehicle production closed completely during the spring as the pandemic shut down wide swaths of the economy.
Other big gains were seen in household furnishings, which jumped 0.9%, the largest monthly increase since February 1991. Prices of furniture, bedding and appliances all showed big gains.
Still, even with the recent gains, inflation increases over the past year are modest. Overall inflation is up 1.3% while core inflation, which excludes energy and food, is up 1.7%.
“Consumer inflation has been accelerating as economic activity has resumed and these readings bear watching for further acceleration even though the trend remains subdued against a backdrop of weak demand and excess capacity,” said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics.
Used car prices are up largely because auto sales crashed in March and April as factories and dealerships shut down to stop the spread of the coronavirus. With few new vehicles sold or produced for about eight weeks, there also were few vehicles being traded in, cutting off supplies.
Then, as states eased restrictions, there was high demand for used cars as people tried to avoid mass transit and ride services, creating supply problems and driving up prices, said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist for Cox Automotive.
Barring an economic collapse that limits credit or a massive increase in repossessions, the high prices aren’t likely to fall soon, Chesbrough said.
“If you are in the used market, it’s not a situation that’s going to be changing anytime soon in terms of an influx of supply,” he said.
Sales of new vehicles are still down substantially, meaning fewer trade-ins. Plus rental car companies and other fleet customers aren’t buying many vehicles, and leasing of new vehicles has dropped. So used vehicle supplies will be limited into the future, Chesbrough said.
Rising used car prices are putting the squeeze on people with lower incomes, and they don’t have many alternatives when it comes to new vehicles because the Detroit automakers and others are exiting the lower-priced new car market, Chesbrough said.
“They’re focused on much more expensive vehicles,” he said. “They’re saying ‘if you only want to spend $20,000 on a vehicle, you’re a used car buyer.’”
According to Cox’s Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a used car rose 8.3% from February through August, to $21,932. During the same period, the average new vehicle price rose 2% to $38,635.
The slowdown in overall inflation in August after bigger gains in June and July reflected moderation in energy costs, which were up 0.9% last month following gains of 5.1% in June and 2.5% in July. The cost of gasoline was up 2% in August but is 16.7% lower than a year ago.
Food costs edged up a modest 0.1% in August after having fallen 0.4% in July. The price of beef fell 4.4% after an 8.2% July drop reflecting easing price pressures as supply disruptions at packing plants due to the coronavirus eased.
Inflation remains below the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Last month Fed officials changed their operating policy to say that they were prepared to allow inflation to run above 2% for a time to make up for the many years that the central bank has failed to reach the 2% target.
Because of that change, many economists believe the Fed will leave its benchmark interest rate, which influences consumer and business loans, at a record low near zero at its meeting next week - and for the foreseeable future - as it tries to boost the country out of a recession that has cost millions of jobs.
____
AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher contributed to this report from Detroit.


washingtontimes--2020-09-11--Donald Trump vows to eliminate any Election Day unrest 'within minutes'

President Trump said any riots on Election Day would be “ put … down very quickly , ” furthering his @ @ @ @ @ In a clip that aired Friday of an upcoming interview with Fox News ’ Jeanine @ @ @ @ @ asked how he would handle any riots that might break out should he win reelection @ @ @ @ @ air on Saturday .
“ We have the right to do that , ” Mr. @ @ @ @ @ have the power to do that , if we want .
Look , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ just send in and we do it very easy .
“ I ’ d rather @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no reason for it .
But if we had to , we do @ @ @ @ @ down within minutes , ” he added .
As protests and demonstrations broke out en @ @ @ @ @ in response to the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , Mr. Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ cracking down on violent participants and vandalism while shoring up law enforcement officials .

President Trump said any riots on Election Day would be “put … down very quickly,” furthering his law and order message.
In a clip that aired Friday of an upcoming interview with Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro, the president was asked how he would handle any riots that might break out should he win reelection. The full interview will air on Saturday.
“We have the right to do that,” Mr. Trump said. “We have the power to do that, if we want. Look, it’s called insurrection. We just send in and we do it very easy.
“I’d rather not do that because there’s no reason for it. But if we had to, we do that and we put it down within minutes,” he added.
As protests and demonstrations broke out en masse over the summer, in response to the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Mr. Trump’s emphasis has been on cracking down on violent participants and vandalism while shoring up law enforcement officials.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.