washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Oxford scientists expect COVID-19 vaccine data by Christmas

LONDON ( AP ) - University of Oxford scientists expect to report results from the late-stage trials of their COVID-19 vaccine by Christmas , a key researcher said Thursday as he discussed the team ’ s latest findings .
Dr. Andrew Pollard , an expert in pediatric infection and immunity at Oxford , said research was slowed by low infection rates over the summer , but the Phase III trials are now accumulating the data needed to report results as a renewed surge of the pandemic hits countries around the world .
Oxford is developing its vaccine in conjunction with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re getting close , and it ’ s definitely going to be before Christmas based on the progress , ” Pollard said in an interview with the BBC .
Pollard discussed progress in the late-stage trials as Oxford released a study based on earlier research that found the vaccine was well tolerated and produced a strong immune response in people over 70 .
This is important because vaccines often don ’ t work as well in older people , Pollard said .
“ The reason that we ’ re so delighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune responses look exactly the same , even in those who are over 70 years of age , ” Pollard said .
The findings were based on a so-called phase II trial of 560 people , including 240 over the age of 70 .
The results of the peer-reviewed study were published Thursday in the Lancet , an international medical journal .
Phase II vaccine trials provide important preliminary data but don ’ t prove whether they ultimately prevent people from getting sick .
Oxford and AstraZeneca are waiting for the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world to show whether their vaccine is safe and effective .
Two other drugmakers , Pfizer and Moderna , this week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing that their COVID-19 vaccines were almost 95 % effective .
Pollard said there is no competition between the various research teams , because several vaccines will be needed to bring the global pandemic under control and allow life to return to normal .
Despite recent progress , Pollard said the world is still in the early stages of the effort to protect people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved by regulators , drugmakers and public health officials still face the task of producing billions of doses and administering them to people around the world , he said .
Pollard , an amateur mountaineer , compared the task to the work involved in climbing a mountain .
“ I think we ’ re still at the bottom of that mountain in some ways , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve done the route into the bottom of the mountain , the long trek to get to the start .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data about the vaccines in front of regulators for them to scrutinize it and approve the first vaccines .
And then we ’ ve got that huge effort to climb up to the top where we ’ ve got a vast majority of those who are at risk vaccinated .
”

LONDON (AP) - University of Oxford scientists expect to report results from the late-stage trials of their COVID-19 vaccine by Christmas, a key researcher said Thursday as he discussed the team’s latest findings.
Dr. Andrew Pollard, an expert in pediatric infection and immunity at Oxford, said research was slowed by low infection rates over the summer, but the Phase III trials are now accumulating the data needed to report results as a renewed surge of the pandemic hits countries around the world. Oxford is developing its vaccine in conjunction with the drugmaker AstraZeneca.
“I think we’re getting close, and it’s definitely going to be before Christmas based on the progress,” Pollard said in an interview with the BBC.
Pollard discussed progress in the late-stage trials as Oxford released a study based on earlier research that found the vaccine was well tolerated and produced a strong immune response in people over 70. This is important because vaccines often don’t work as well in older people, Pollard said.
“The reason that we’re so delighted is the we’re seeing the immune responses look exactly the same, even in those who are over 70 years of age,” Pollard said.
The findings were based on a so-called phase II trial of 560 people, including 240 over the age of 70. The results of the peer-reviewed study were published Thursday in the Lancet, an international medical journal.
Phase II vaccine trials provide important preliminary data but don’t prove whether they ultimately prevent people from getting sick. Oxford and AstraZeneca are waiting for the results of phase III trials on thousands of people around the world to show whether their vaccine is safe and effective.
Two other drugmakers, Pfizer and Moderna, this week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing that their COVID-19 vaccines were almost 95% effective.
Pollard said there is no competition between the various research teams, because several vaccines will be needed to bring the global pandemic under control and allow life to return to normal.
Despite recent progress, Pollard said the world is still in the early stages of the effort to protect people against COVID-19. Even after vaccines are approved by regulators, drugmakers and public health officials still face the task of producing billions of doses and administering them to people around the world, he said.
Pollard, an amateur mountaineer, compared the task to the work involved in climbing a mountain.
“I think we’re still at the bottom of that mountain in some ways,” he said. “We’ve done the route into the bottom of the mountain, the long trek to get to the start. Now we’ve got to get the data about the vaccines in front of regulators for them to scrutinize it and approve the first vaccines. And then we’ve got that huge effort to climb up to the top where we’ve got a vast majority of those who are at risk vaccinated.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--No problems reported for new driver registration system

ST. PAUL , Minn. ( AP ) - The replacement for Minnesota ’ s troubled driver and vehicle registration system known as MNLARS seems to be off to a good start , according to state officials .
Driver and Vehicle Services spokeswoman Megan Leonard says agents for the new MNDrive system handled more than 21,600 transactions on Monday , the first day the system went live .
Leonard says no major problems were reported as customers conducted business online and in person , the Star Tribune reported .
“ The launch is off to a smooth start overall , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 100 million on MNLARS before eventually giving up on the troubled system .
The Legislature directed the Department of Public Safety to replace it by the end of 2020 .
MNDrive is being used at 15 exam stations , deputy registrar offices and driver ’ s license agent offices across Minnesota .
MNDrive automatically calculates registration taxes and fees to ensure that drivers are paying the correct amount .
Drivers can also upload and submit documents required for some transactions online , eliminating the need to visit an office .
Auto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plate on-site , eliminating the need for drivers to display a temporary paper permit in the back window .
Auto dealers submitted 850 title and temporary permit applications on Monday , DVS said .

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The replacement for Minnesota’s troubled driver and vehicle registration system known as MNLARS seems to be off to a good start, according to state officials.
Driver and Vehicle Services spokeswoman Megan Leonard says agents for the new MNDrive system handled more than 21,600 transactions on Monday, the first day the system went live. Leonard says no major problems were reported as customers conducted business online and in person, the Star Tribune reported.
“The launch is off to a smooth start overall,” she said.
The state spent more than $100 million on MNLARS before eventually giving up on the troubled system. The Legislature directed the Department of Public Safety to replace it by the end of 2020.
MNDrive is being used at 15 exam stations, deputy registrar offices and driver’s license agent offices across Minnesota.
MNDrive automatically calculates registration taxes and fees to ensure that drivers are paying the correct amount. Drivers can also upload and submit documents required for some transactions online, eliminating the need to visit an office.
Auto dealers can print a special 21-day license plate on-site, eliminating the need for drivers to display a temporary paper permit in the back window. Auto dealers submitted 850 title and temporary permit applications on Monday, DVS said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo to serve third 1-year term

NEW YORK ( AP ) - U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo will serve a third , one-year term and has launched an online project that celebrates Native American poets around the country .
Her reappointment was announced Thursday by the Library of Congress , and her new term begins in September .
“ This has been a challenging year for the country , for our earth .
Poetry has provided doorways for joy , grief and understanding in the midst of turmoil and pandemic , ” Harjo , the first Native American to be named poet laureate , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity of a third term to activate my project and visit communities to share Native poetry .
The story of America begins with Native presence , thoughts and words .
Poetry is made of word threads that weave and connect us.
” Previous laureates include Tracy K. Smith , Natasha Tretheway and Robert Pinsky , the only other laureate in recent years to serve three terms .
Harjo ’ s project is called “ Living Nations , Living Words.
” It features a digital map of 47 contemporary writers , including Harjo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ map links to audio recordings of the writers reading and discussing an original poem .

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo will serve a third, one-year term and has launched an online project that celebrates Native American poets around the country.
Her reappointment was announced Thursday by the Library of Congress, and her new term begins in September.
“This has been a challenging year for the country, for our earth. Poetry has provided doorways for joy, grief and understanding in the midst of turmoil and pandemic,” Harjo, the first Native American to be named poet laureate, said in a statement. “I welcome the opportunity of a third term to activate my project and visit communities to share Native poetry. The story of America begins with Native presence, thoughts and words. Poetry is made of word threads that weave and connect us.”
Previous laureates include Tracy K. Smith, Natasha Tretheway and Robert Pinsky, the only other laureate in recent years to serve three terms.
Harjo’s project is called “Living Nations, Living Words.” It features a digital map of 47 contemporary writers, including Harjo, Louise Erdrich and Natalie Diaz. The map links to audio recordings of the writers reading and discussing an original poem.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--EU leaders try to solve political fight blocking big budget

BRUSSELS ( AP ) - EU leaders will on Thursday try to find ways to resolve a diplomatic dispute with members Poland and Hungary to unlock a 1.8 trillion-euro ( $ 2.1 trillion ) budget and recovery package aimed at putting the economy back on track after the pandemic .
Several EU countries , including France , have already warned they don ’ t expect the talks , initially planned to focus on the COVID-19 crisis , will settle the bloc ’ s latest crisis .
The deal for the budget and recovery fund looked well on track to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Poland vetoed it this week .
They objected to a new “ rule-of-law mechanism ” that would allow the bloc to deny funds to countries that violate democratic norms - something that both Poland and Hungary have been accused of doing for years .
The dispute risks delaying the rollout of funds that are urgently needed to weather the economic impact of a new wave of coronavirus infections that risks pushing the region into another recession .
“ It is in the interest of everyone that we move quickly on this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” EU commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said .
“ Our economic recovery depends on this .
All that is being asked of member states is to respect the treaties they have signed and ratified .
That ’ s it.
” Poland and Hungary say they vetoed the budget for 2021-2027 and the massive aid plan because they think the “ rule-of-law ” mechanism will be used as an ideological weapon to punish them .
In September , the EU ’ s executive commission said in its first report on adherence to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big challenges in Hungary and Poland , noting threats to the judicial systems , anti-corruption frameworks and media freedom .
The EU has opened legal procedures against the two countries over what it considers systemic threats to the rule of law .
“ All I can say is that many member states of the European Union are watching very carefully how the issue of rule of law is handled , ” said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas , whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council .
He added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise .
“ That ’ s why the starting point is difficult , and at the same time many countries in Europe are waiting for the funds to be released .
The precondition for that is that we find a solution.
” In France , European affairs minister Clement Beaune warned that if Poland and Hungary stick to their positions , all other member states could try to find a way forward without the pair .
“ As a last resort , we would look at ways to go ahead without the countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be held hostage by a certain number of governments who don ’ t want to move forward , ” Beaune said .
Guy Verhofstadt , an influential lawmaker , echoed Beaune ’ s stance in proposing that the 750 billion-euro recovery fund could be implemented anyway .
“ This means we could finance the recovery fund by contributions and new own resources from 25 member countries , limited to the projects introduced by the governments of the 25 countries that apply the criteria , including a solid rule of law mechanism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Like the euro , it would be open for Hungary and Poland to join once they fully accept and fulfil the conditions.
” In terms of the budget , if leaders fail to break the stalemate before the end of the year , the bloc will continue to spend but function on limited resources , with a maximum of one twelfth of the budget for the previous financial year to be spent each month .
Many projects for Poland and Hungary could be held up .

BRUSSELS (AP) - European Union leaders made no progress Thursday toward resolving a dispute to unlock a 1.8 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and pandemic recovery package which is held up by Poland’s and Hungary’s rejection of a linkage between rule of law standards and budget disbursements.
Instead, they were happy to hand the work over to veteran powerbroker Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and likely push it toward another summit next month, only weeks before the new 7-year budget is to come into force on Jan. 1.
Merkel said plenty of work was left to reconcile the veto-wielding recalcitrant couple with the rest of the bloc which is eager to start spending its way out of the worst economic downturn in the bloc’s history.
“We have a duty to try and find a way,” Merkel said, but added that even though time was pressing, “we are still very much at the beginning.”
During a carefully choreographed 20-minute session at the start of their video summit, the leaders from the opposing sides stuck closely to their positions but did not acerbate the existing tensions.
European Council president Charles Michel, who chaired the meeting, acknowledged it will be a tall order to break the stalemate, adding he will join Merkel in looking for solutions with all the parties involved before next month’s EU summit.
“The European Union’s magic is its ability to find solutions even when one believes it’s impossible,” Michel said.
The deal for the budget and recovery fund looked well on track to enter into force in January - until Hungary and Poland vetoed it this week. They objected to a new “rule-of-law mechanism” that would allow the bloc to deny funds to countries that violate democratic norms - something that both Poland and Hungary have been accused of doing.
The dispute risks delaying the rollout of funds that are urgently needed to weather the economic impact of a new wave of coronavirus infections that risks pushing the region into another recession.
“It is in the interest of everyone that we move quickly on this. People’s jobs depend on this,” European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said. “Our economic recovery depends on this. All that is being asked of member states is to respect the treaties they have signed and ratified. That’s it.”
Poland and Hungary say they vetoed the budget for 2021-2027 and the massive aid plan because they think the “rule-of-law” mechanism will be used as an ideological weapon to punish them. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa is backing the two countries’ objections.
The Polish parliament passed a resolution Thursday backing the government’s plan to veto the EU budget if it included the rule-of-law condition. The resolution was largely symbolic, its stated purpose being to strengthen Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s position.
The resolution calls it unacceptable and inconsistent with the EU treaty to apply “different standards” to different members.
In September, the EU’s executive commission said in its first report on adherence to the rule of law that democratic standards face big challenges in Hungary and Poland, noting threats to the judicial systems, anti-corruption frameworks and media freedom. The EU has opened legal procedures against the two countries over what it considers systemic threats to the rule of law.
In France, European affairs minister Clement Beaune warned that if Poland and Hungary stick to their positions, all other member states could try to find a way forward without the pair.
“As a last resort, we would look at ways to go ahead without the countries who block, as Europe can’t be held hostage by a certain number of governments who don’t want to move forward,” Beaune said.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said however, that leaving two member countries behind and “to do something with 24, 25 nations would be the nuclear option but that is not part of the discussion now.”
If leaders fail to break the stalemate before the end of the year, the bloc will continue to spend but function on limited resources, with a maximum of one twelfth of the budget for the previous financial year to be spent each month. Many projects for Poland and Hungary could be held up.
___
Frank Jordans in Berlin, Raf Casert in Brussels, and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--WHO warns of deadly second wave of virus across Middle East

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - As winter nears and coronavirus cases surge across the Middle East , the regional director for the World Health Organization said Thursday that the only way to avoid mass deaths is for countries to quickly tighten restrictions and enforce preventative measures .
In a press briefing from Cairo , Ahmed al-Mandhari , director of WHO ’ s eastern Mediterranean region , which comprises most of the Middle East , expressed concern that countries in the area were lowering their guard after tough lockdowns imposed earlier this year .
The fundamentals of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing , “ are still not being fully practiced in our region , ” he said , adding that the result is apparent throughout the region ’ s crowded hospitals .
Noting that the virus had sickened over 3.6 million people and killed more than 76,000 in the region over the past nine months , al-Mandhari warned “ the lives of as many people - if not more - are at stake , ” urging action to “ prevent this tragic premonition from becoming a reality.
” More than 60 % of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported from Iran , Jordan and Morocco , he said .
Cases are also up in Pakistan and Lebanon , which went under lockdown earlier this week .
Jordan , Tunisia and Lebanon have reported the biggest single-day death spikes from the region .
Worst off in the region has been Iran , where infections have soared in recent months , filling up hospitals and driving up the death toll .
Iran shattered its single-day death toll six times in the last two weeks , bringing the total count of fatalities past 43,400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Surging deaths have pushed the Iranian government , long reluctant to impose a lockdown for fear of cratering its sanctions-hit economy , to tighten restrictions in the capital of Tehran and other major cities .
But with little enforcement , the outbreak shows no sign of abating .
From Pakistan , Faisal Sultan , special assistant to the prime minister for national health services , told reporters the winter surge had arrived .
Although Pakistan managed to control the outbreak with targeted restrictions earlier this year , the forecast turned more alarming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The second wave is just as risky if not more than the first , ” Sultan said , adding that winter in Pakistan brings an increase in social interaction , with schools , events and wedding parties in full swing .
“ There is a sense of complacency and fatigue in compliance.
” Tunisia is another country that thought its worst virus days were in the past , only to see cases soar in recent weeks .
It loosened restrictions in a bid “ to cautiously coexist ” with the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general of health , after officials decided the lockdown was killing the economy and creating “ catastrophic social consequences.
” While al-Mandhari cautiously welcomed news of viable vaccine candidates , he said the pandemic was far from over .
“ We can not - and should not - wait until a safe and effective vaccine becomes readily available for all , ” he said .
“ We simply do not know when this will be .
”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - As winter nears and coronavirus cases surge across the Middle East, the regional director for the World Health Organization said Thursday that the only way to avoid mass deaths is for countries to quickly tighten restrictions and enforce preventative measures.
In a press briefing from Cairo, Ahmed al-Mandhari, director of WHO’s eastern Mediterranean region, which comprises most of the Middle East, expressed concern that countries in the area were lowering their guard after tough lockdowns imposed earlier this year.
The fundamentals of pandemic response, from social-distancing to mask wearing, “are still not being fully practiced in our region,” he said, adding that the result is apparent throughout the region’s crowded hospitals.
Noting that the virus had sickened over 3.6 million people and killed more than 76,000 in the region over the past nine months, al-Mandhari warned “the lives of as many people - if not more - are at stake,” urging action to “prevent this tragic premonition from becoming a reality.”
More than 60% of all new infections in the past week were reported from Iran, Jordan and Morocco, he said. Cases are also up in Pakistan and Lebanon, which went under lockdown earlier this week. Jordan, Tunisia and Lebanon have reported the biggest single-day death spikes from the region.
Worst off in the region has been Iran, where infections have soared in recent months, filling up hospitals and driving up the death toll. Iran shattered its single-day death toll six times in the last two weeks, bringing the total count of fatalities past 43,400 - the highest in the Middle East.
Surging deaths have pushed the Iranian government, long reluctant to impose a lockdown for fear of cratering its sanctions-hit economy, to tighten restrictions in the capital of Tehran and other major cities. But with little enforcement, the outbreak shows no sign of abating.
From Pakistan, Faisal Sultan, special assistant to the prime minister for national health services, told reporters the winter surge had arrived. Although Pakistan managed to control the outbreak with targeted restrictions earlier this year, the forecast turned more alarming as the country unlocked, he said.
“The second wave is just as risky if not more than the first,” Sultan said, adding that winter in Pakistan brings an increase in social interaction, with schools, events and wedding parties in full swing. “There is a sense of complacency and fatigue in compliance.”
Tunisia is another country that thought its worst virus days were in the past, only to see cases soar in recent weeks. It loosened restrictions in a bid “to cautiously coexist” with the virus, said Faycal Ben Salah, director general of health, after officials decided the lockdown was killing the economy and creating “catastrophic social consequences.”
While al-Mandhari cautiously welcomed news of viable vaccine candidates, he said the pandemic was far from over.
“We cannot - and should not - wait until a safe and effective vaccine becomes readily available for all,” he said. “We simply do not know when this will be.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Turkish central bank hikes rates to support currency

ANKARA , Turkey ( AP ) - Turkey ’ s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate on Thursday , when it held its first meeting under its new chief , in a bid to tame inflation and to prop up the struggling currency .
The bank said it was raising the one-week repo rate by 4.75 percentage points to 15 % .
The hike met market expectations for an increase that would help support the lira and contain inflation .
The policy meeting was being closely watched after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week promised reforms and a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attract foreign investments .
Erdogan is known to have pressured previous central bank governors to keep rate lows to spur economic growth .
Low rates , however , can also hurt a currency and cause inflation , scaring away foreign investors “ The Committee has decided to implement a transparent and strong monetary tightening in order to eliminate risks to the inflation outlook , contain inflation expectations and restore the disinflation process , ” the bank said in a statement .
“ In the periods ahead , all factors affecting inflation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightness of monetary policy will be decisively sustained until a permanent fall in inflation is achieved , ” the statement added .
Erdogan ousted the previous central bank chief this month , after the lira hit record lows .
He appointed Naci Agbal , a former finance minister , to the post .
Agbal ’ s appointment was followed by the resignation of Erdogan ’ s son-in-law and finance minister Berat Albayrak , who was later replaced by Lutfi Elvan , a former deputy prime minister .
The markets reacted favorably to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lira has been firming against the dollar .
Before that , the lira plunged to record lows this year over concerns about the management of the economy , the impact of the coronavirus outbreak , reports that the central bank ’ s reserves have been depleted and tensions with allies , including EU-members Greece and France .
Annual inflation stands at around 12 % and unemployment at around 13 % although opposition parties and economists caution that the official figures do not represent the full picture .

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkey’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate on Thursday, when it held its first meeting under its new chief, in a bid to tame inflation and to prop up the struggling currency.
The bank said it was raising the one-week repo rate by 4.75 percentage points to 15%. The hike met market expectations for an increase that would help support the lira and contain inflation.
The policy meeting was being closely watched after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week promised reforms and a new era in the management of the economy to attract foreign investments. Erdogan is known to have pressured previous central bank governors to keep rate lows to spur economic growth. Low rates, however, can also hurt a currency and cause inflation, scaring away foreign investors
“The Committee has decided to implement a transparent and strong monetary tightening in order to eliminate risks to the inflation outlook, contain inflation expectations and restore the disinflation process,” the bank said in a statement.
“In the periods ahead, all factors affecting inflation will be taken into account, and the tightness of monetary policy will be decisively sustained until a permanent fall in inflation is achieved,” the statement added.
Erdogan ousted the previous central bank chief this month, after the lira hit record lows. He appointed Naci Agbal, a former finance minister, to the post. Agbal’s appointment was followed by the resignation of Erdogan’s son-in-law and finance minister Berat Albayrak, who was later replaced by Lutfi Elvan, a former deputy prime minister.
The markets reacted favorably to the new appointments and promises of reform and the lira has been firming against the dollar.
Before that, the lira plunged to record lows this year over concerns about the management of the economy, the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, reports that the central bank’s reserves have been depleted and tensions with allies, including EU-members Greece and France.
Annual inflation stands at around 12% and unemployment at around 13% although opposition parties and economists caution that the official figures do not represent the full picture.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--US to allow settlement products to be labeled 'Made in Israel' in change to longstanding policy

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - US to allow settlement products to be labeled ‘ Made in Israel ’ in change @ @ @ @

JERUSALEM (AP) - US to allow settlement products to be labeled ‘Made in Israel’ in change to longstanding policy.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Man who killed artist, inmate dies in New Jersey prison

TRENTON , N.J. ( AP ) - A man who raped and killed a Pennsylvania artist and who fatally beat a fellow inmate on New Jersey ’ s death row has died in prison .
Ambrose Harris , 68 , died Tuesday at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton , the state Department of Corrections said .
Officials did not release a cause of death .
Harris was sentenced to death and sent to prison in 1994 for kidnapping , raping and killing 22-year-old Kristin Huggins .
The Bucks County , Pennsylvania , artist and recent Temple University graduate was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1992 .
While in prison , authorities said Harris viciously beat inmate Robert “ Mudman ” Simon , 48 , to death in a recreation area in 1999 .
Simon was a motorcycle gang member who was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Franklin Township Police Sgt .
Ippolito Gonzalez .
A jury acquitted Harris of Simon ’ s death , saying he acted in self-defense .
Retired Trenton Deputy Police Chief Joe Constance , who led the team of detectives on the Huggins case , told NJ Advance Media Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person I ’ ve encountered in the 32 years I was on the job.
” Harris ‘ life was spared when New Jersey abolished the death penalty in 2007 .

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A man who raped and killed a Pennsylvania artist and who fatally beat a fellow inmate on New Jersey’s death row has died in prison.
Ambrose Harris, 68, died Tuesday at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, the state Department of Corrections said. Officials did not release a cause of death.
Harris was sentenced to death and sent to prison in 1994 for kidnapping, raping and killing 22-year-old Kristin Huggins. The Bucks County, Pennsylvania, artist and recent Temple University graduate was painting a community mural in Trenton in 1992.
While in prison, authorities said Harris viciously beat inmate Robert “Mudman” Simon, 48, to death in a recreation area in 1999. Simon was a motorcycle gang member who was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Franklin Township Police Sgt. Ippolito Gonzalez.
A jury acquitted Harris of Simon’s death, saying he acted in self-defense.
Retired Trenton Deputy Police Chief Joe Constance, who led the team of detectives on the Huggins case, told NJ Advance Media Wednesday that Harris was “the most evil person I’ve encountered in the 32 years I was on the job.”
Harris’ life was spared when New Jersey abolished the death penalty in 2007.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Tampa suspends fire chief, 2 others amid misconduct charges

TAMPA , Fla. ( AP ) - Tampa ’ s fire chief and two top assistants have been suspended over @ @ @ @ @ Fire Chief Nick LoCicero , Division Chief of Training Susan Tamme and Training Officer John @ @ @ @ @ the Tampa Bay Times reported .
No details of the alleged misconduct were released .
@ @ @ @ @ a fair , thorough and expeditious investigation to determine the facts of what took place @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
LoCicero is a three-decade employee of the fire department and @ @ @ @ @ .
LoCicero , Tamme and Muralt did not release any statement .

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Tampa’s fire chief and two top assistants have been suspended over unspecified allegations of misconduct.
Fire Chief Nick LoCicero, Division Chief of Training Susan Tamme and Training Officer John Muralt were suspended Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
No details of the alleged misconduct were released.
“The City will conduct a fair, thorough and expeditious investigation to determine the facts of what took place,” Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement.
The city named Division Chief Barbara Tripp as interim fire chief.
LoCicero is a three-decade employee of the fire department and became chief two years ago.
LoCicero, Tamme and Muralt did not release any statement.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Danish PM taps new minister after mink culling fiasco

COPENHAGEN , Denmark ( AP ) - Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen appointed a new agriculture minister Thursday to succeed Mogens Jensen , who resigned after the government ordered the culling of all Danish mink without having the necessary legislation in place .
Development Cooperation Minister Rasmus Prehn was tapped to replace Jensen , who was in charge of agriculture and fisheries .
The mass cull was ordered after it was discovered that a mutated version of the coronavirus found among minks in Danish farms can be transmitted to people , though there is no evidence so far that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this month , authorities said that 11 people were sickened by it .
The cull was ordered despite the government lacking a legal basis for killing healthy animals , an embarrassing oversight that caused it to scramble to build political consensus for a new law that now has the backing of a majority in the Danish parliament .
The left-leaning parties that support the Social Democratic one-party , minority government said they no longer had confidence in 57-year-old Jensen , prompting his departure .
The center-right opposition also expressed similar reservations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presentation of a new government member to Queen Margrethe , who formally is the country ’ s head of state , didn ’ t happen because one of Frederiksen ’ s family members had tested positive to the coronavirus .
In a statement , Frederiksen said that she will “ out of an extra precautionary measure not meet the Queen , ” neither will the outgoing agriculture minister .
Frederiksen who later tested negative , said she informed the 80-year-old monarch of the ministerial change by telephone .

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen appointed a new agriculture minister Thursday to succeed Mogens Jensen, who resigned after the government ordered the culling of all Danish mink without having the necessary legislation in place.
Development Cooperation Minister Rasmus Prehn was tapped to replace Jensen, who was in charge of agriculture and fisheries.
The mass cull was ordered after it was discovered that a mutated version of the coronavirus found among minks in Danish farms can be transmitted to people, though there is no evidence so far that it is more dangerous or resistant to vaccines. Earlier this month, authorities said that 11 people were sickened by it.
Other countries have noted the Danish example. The Irish government on Thursday recommended culling mink in Ireland despite tests for the virus not yielding any positive results to date.
The Department of Agriculture in Ireland said it had worked closely with the owners of the country’s three mink farms.
“Mink farmers continue to operate in full compliance with all legislative and animal welfare requirements and have co-operated fully with these efforts,” the department said in a statement.
The move followed the cull ordered in Denmark despite the government lacking a legal basis for killing healthy animals. The embarrassing oversight caused it to scramble to build political consensus for a new law that now has the backing of a majority in the Danish parliament.
The left-leaning parties that support the Social Democratic one-party, minority government said they no longer had confidence in 57-year-old Jensen, prompting his departure. The center-right opposition also expressed similar reservations.
The prime minister’s traditional presentation of a new government member to Queen Margrethe, who formally is the country’s head of state, didn’t happen because one of Frederiksen’s family members had tested positive to the coronavirus.
In a statement, Frederiksen said that she will “out of an extra precautionary measure not meet the Queen,” neither will the outgoing agriculture minister.
Frederiksen who later tested negative, said she informed the 80-year-old monarch of the ministerial change by telephone.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Wounded K-9 dies; Police chief: 'Our hearts are broken'

LA VERGNE , Tenn. ( AP ) - A Tennessee K-9 officer wounded in a shooting earlier this week has @ @ @ @ @ The La Vergne Police Department tweeted that K-9 Sjaak underwent surgery Wednesday evening for his @ @ @ @ @ the operation .
“ Our hearts are broken , ” said Interim Chief Chip Davis @ @ @ @ @ to news outlets .
“ Our K9s are members of the LPD family .
Sjaak @ @ @ @ @ dog.
” Sjaak was shot three times Tuesday when the dog ’ s handler , @ @ @ @ @ out of the department parking lot and another vehicle pulled up beside the officer ’ @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The suspect then drove to an apartment complex , where he @ @ @ @ @ pursuing officers , who returned fire , officials said .
The suspect , later identified @ @ @ @ @ , had a bullet wound and was declared dead at the hospital , the Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ The dog had been part of the police force since 2014 .

LA VERGNE, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee K-9 officer wounded in a shooting earlier this week has died, police said.
The La Vergne Police Department tweeted that K-9 Sjaak underwent surgery Wednesday evening for his wounds but did not survive the operation.
“Our hearts are broken,” said Interim Chief Chip Davis in a statement, according to news outlets. “Our K9s are members of the LPD family. Sjaak was an amazing and loyal dog.”
Sjaak was shot three times Tuesday when the dog’s handler, Officer Justin Darby, pulled out of the department parking lot and another vehicle pulled up beside the officer’s car and began firing, authorities said. The suspect then drove to an apartment complex, where he got out and shot at pursuing officers, who returned fire, officials said.
The suspect, later identified as Javon Brice, 39, had a bullet wound and was declared dead at the hospital, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said.
The dog had been part of the police force since 2014.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Mayor: Honolulu rail project to open 8 years late, cost more

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Honolulu ’ s rail project will cost over $ 1 billion more than expected a month ago and won ’ t be completed until eight years after the state had initially scheduled , according to estimates sent by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to the Federal Transit Administration .
The estimates sent last Friday are $ 1.1 billion higher than estimates from October , when staff at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation increased the project ’ s evaluation from $ 8.3 billion to $ 9.1 billion .
Friday ’ s estimate projects a total cost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 billion in financing cost .
The state now projects the rail line will be completed in 2033 after originally estimating an opening in 2025 .
Caldwell ’ s seven-page letter asked the FTA to give the city another year to come up with a financing plan before the agency decides to cut the city off from $ 250 million in federal grant money that is set to expire at the end of the year .
The $ 250 million is part of a $ 744 million allotment in promised funding FTA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content with the city ’ s financing plan , the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported .
The FTA had first agreed to fund $ 1.55 billion for the then- $ 5.3 billion project .
The plan was contingent upon the city building a 20-mile ( 32-kilometer ) line with 21 stations from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center .
But it has become clear that the state ’ s projected revenue will not permit the city to fully pay off the costs for the project .
Caldwell said that the projections laid out in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the technical expertise and the detailed cost information that is available at HART.
” While the letter was co-signed by Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Chairman Tobias Martyn and City Council Budget Chairman Joey Manahan , HART CEO and Executive Director Andrew Robbins was not on board .
The Star-Advertiser reported that Robbins has disagreed with Caldwell , Manahan and a majority of the HART ’ s board over how the project should proceed .
Robbins ’ contract with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation expires at the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are indications the board will not renew it .

HONOLULU (AP) - Honolulu’s rail project will cost over $1 billion more than expected a month ago and won’t be completed until eight years after the state had initially scheduled, according to estimates sent by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to the Federal Transit Administration.
The estimates sent last Friday are $1.1 billion higher than estimates from October, when staff at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation increased the project’s evaluation from $8.3 billion to $9.1 billion. Friday’s estimate projects a total cost of $10.2 billion, not including about $1 billion in financing cost.
The state now projects the rail line will be completed in 2033 after originally estimating an opening in 2025.
Caldwell’s seven-page letter asked the FTA to give the city another year to come up with a financing plan before the agency decides to cut the city off from $250 million in federal grant money that is set to expire at the end of the year.
The $250 million is part of a $744 million allotment in promised funding FTA officials have been withholding until they are content with the city’s financing plan, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
The FTA had first agreed to fund $1.55 billion for the then-$5.3 billion project. The plan was contingent upon the city building a 20-mile (32-kilometer) line with 21 stations from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center.
But it has become clear that the state’s projected revenue will not permit the city to fully pay off the costs for the project.
Caldwell said that the projections laid out in his letter were made “without the benefit of the technical expertise and the detailed cost information that is available at HART.” While the letter was co-signed by Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Chairman Tobias Martyn and City Council Budget Chairman Joey Manahan, HART CEO and Executive Director Andrew Robbins was not on board.
The Star-Advertiser reported that Robbins has disagreed with Caldwell, Manahan and a majority of the HART’s board over how the project should proceed. Robbins’ contract with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation expires at the end of the year, and the Star-Advertiser reported that there are indications the board will not renew it.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--COVID-19 outbreak at Alaska's largest prison doubles in size

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - A coronavirus outbreak at Alaska ’ s largest prison has doubled in size since a week ago .
The Goose Creek Correctional Center reported 204 inmates tested positive as of Wednesday .
The outbreak was first reported on Nov. 2 , when the state Department of Corrections said that 22 inmates and five staff members had tested positive for the virus .
By last week , the number had ballooned to 110 .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus without feeling sick .
The correctional facility typically houses more than 1,000 pretrial and sentenced inmates .
The outbreak began in a housing unit and spread to other units , the Anchorage Daily News reported .
Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Gallagher has said that inmates who have tested positive for the coronavirus or those who are showing symptoms are isolated and monitored twice per day by medical staff .
“ Staff are required to wear masks in the facility , and inmates are strongly encouraged to do so , ” Gallagher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to operate as a ‘ family unit ’ in order to minimize the risk of transmission between mods.
” Transfers to and from the prison have been suspended , the Daily News reported .
Across the country , virus outbreaks in prisons have increased in the last few weeks , with at least 182,776 inmates testing positive as of Nov. 10 , according to data compiled by the Marshall Project and the Associated Press .
Alaska currently has the sixth lowest number of total cases for inmates in the country .
For most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A coronavirus outbreak at Alaska’s largest prison has doubled in size since a week ago.
The Goose Creek Correctional Center reported 204 inmates tested positive as of Wednesday. The outbreak was first reported on Nov. 2, when the state Department of Corrections said that 22 inmates and five staff members had tested positive for the virus.
By last week, the number had ballooned to 110.
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.
The correctional facility typically houses more than 1,000 pretrial and sentenced inmates. The outbreak began in a housing unit and spread to other units, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Gallagher has said that inmates who have tested positive for the coronavirus or those who are showing symptoms are isolated and monitored twice per day by medical staff.
“Staff are required to wear masks in the facility, and inmates are strongly encouraged to do so,” Gallagher said. “Each housing unit continues to operate as a ‘family unit’ in order to minimize the risk of transmission between mods.”
Transfers to and from the prison have been suspended, the Daily News reported.
Across the country, virus outbreaks in prisons have increased in the last few weeks, with at least 182,776 inmates testing positive as of Nov. 10, according to data compiled by the Marshall Project and the Associated Press.
Alaska currently has the sixth lowest number of total cases for inmates in the country.
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.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Hawaii health department creates new contact tracing team

HONOLULU ( AP ) - The Hawaii Department of Health has created a contact tracing team that will perform their duties in languages such as Samoan , Marshallese and Chuukese .
The new Pacific Islanders Outreach Team will comprise of 10 people who , along with their contact-tracing duties , will host online educational seminars about the coronavirus in a viewer ’ s native language , KITV-TV reported Tuesday .
Pacific Islanders make up about 4 % of the state ’ s population but have about 28 % of the state ’ s coronavirus infections , according to state Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I believe the more education the Pacific Islanders can get in a language and culture that speaks to them will help take down that number , ” said Chantelle Matagi , the leader of the outreach team .
Matagi said that some people learn about the coronavirus for the first time during presentations in their native language .
“ It ’ s taken away a lot of the fear , the misinformation , it ’ s addressed that , ” Matagi said .
“ It ’ s given them direct information on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive , what to do if you ’ re a contact of someone who ’ s tested positive.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and death .

HONOLULU (AP) - The Hawaii Department of Health has created a contact tracing team that will perform their duties in languages such as Samoan, Marshallese and Chuukese.
The new Pacific Islanders Outreach Team will comprise of 10 people who, along with their contact-tracing duties, will host online educational seminars about the coronavirus in a viewer’s native language, KITV-TV reported Tuesday.
Pacific Islanders make up about 4% of the state’s population but have about 28% of the state’s coronavirus infections, according to state Department of Health data updated last Friday.
“I believe the more education the Pacific Islanders can get in a language and culture that speaks to them will help take down that number,” said Chantelle Matagi, the leader of the outreach team.
Matagi said that some people learn about the coronavirus for the first time during presentations in their native language.
“It’s taken away a lot of the fear, the misinformation, it’s addressed that,” Matagi said. “It’s given them direct information on what to do if you’re positive, what to do if you’re a contact of someone who’s tested positive.”
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.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Plymouth Colony account reprinted for 400th anniversary

BOSTON ( AP ) - A first-hand account of the first permanent European colony in New England , including the fall harvest meal that inspired America ’ s Thanksgiving tradition , has been reprinted for a wider audience as Massachusetts marks 400 years since the arrival of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower this year .
Massachusetts ’ State Library and Plimoth Patuxet Museums ( formerly Plimoth Plantation ) are unveiling on Thursday a new printed version of the historical account of Plymouth Colony by William Bradford , a Mayflower passenger and the English colony ’ s longest serving governor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time Bradford ’ s handwritten manuscript , entitled “ Of Plimoth Plantation , ” has been put into print since 1896 .
Revisiting Bradford ’ s words in his own hand is a unique way of marking the Mayflower anniversary during a challenging year , said Thomas Begley , who edited and managed the project for the museum .
Many public celebrations of the seminal voyage , including the recent return of the restored replica of the Mayflower to Plymouth , were tempered by the pandemic , which has hit Massachusetts particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing Elvis on vinyl .
It brings that same level of authenticity , ” he said .
“ A lot of people are already familiar with this history , but many of us don ’ t know ho w we know this history.
” Bradford , who served as the colony governor from roughly 1621 to 1657 , wrote the account over twenty years , starting in 1630 .
The handwritten journal recounts the Pilgrim ’ s famed sea voyage and details life in the early years of the colony , including an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people .
It also includes the colony ’ s famous governing document , the Mayflower Compact , as well as a list of Mayflower passengers .
The manuscript was lost during the American Revolution , presumably removed from the Old South Church in Boston by British soldiers during the American Revolution , according to the State Library .
It turned up almost a century later in 1855 in the library of the Bishop of London in England .
It was returned to Massachusetts in 1897 , where it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State Library collection .
Begley said the reprint effort drew on high-resolution digital images of the original manuscript made by the State Library in recent years as part of its conservation work .
The result is a reprint that showcases the work much in the way Bradford originally wrote it - including his scribbles , scratches and cross-outs .
The new edition ’ s pages are even cut to the same size as the original manuscript .
“ We ’ re fortunate he had such great handwriting , ” Begley said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a 400-year-old book .
Some parts of it look like it was written yesterday .
They ’ re crystal clear.
” The organizations are hosting a virtual book launch Thursday evening , and will be making the book available at Plimoth Patuxet ’ s gift shops and its website .

BOSTON (AP) - A first-hand account of the first permanent European colony in New England, including the fall harvest meal that inspired America’s Thanksgiving tradition, has been reprinted for a wider audience as Massachusetts marks 400 years since the arrival of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower this year.
Massachusetts’ State Library and Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation) are unveiling on Thursday a new printed version of the historical account of Plymouth Colony by William Bradford, a Mayflower passenger and the English colony’s longest serving governor.
The organizations said it’s the first time Bradford’s handwritten manuscript, entitled “Of Plimoth Plantation,” has been put into print since 1896.
Revisiting Bradford’s words in his own hand is a unique way of marking the Mayflower anniversary during a challenging year, said Thomas Begley, who edited and managed the project for the museum.
Many public celebrations of the seminal voyage, including the recent return of the restored replica of the Mayflower to Plymouth, were tempered by the pandemic, which has hit Massachusetts particularly hard.
“It’s like hearing Elvis on vinyl. It brings that same level of authenticity,” he said. “A lot of people are already familiar with this history, but many of us don’t know ho w we know this history.”
Bradford, who served as the colony governor from roughly 1621 to 1657, wrote the account over twenty years, starting in 1630.
The handwritten journal recounts the Pilgrim’s famed sea voyage and details life in the early years of the colony, including an account of the Thanksgiving meal between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. It also includes the colony’s famous governing document, the Mayflower Compact, as well as a list of Mayflower passengers.
The manuscript was lost during the American Revolution, presumably removed from the Old South Church in Boston by British soldiers during the American Revolution, according to the State Library.
It turned up almost a century later in 1855 in the library of the Bishop of London in England. It was returned to Massachusetts in 1897, where it has been one of the crown jewels of the State Library collection.
Begley said the reprint effort drew on high-resolution digital images of the original manuscript made by the State Library in recent years as part of its conservation work.
The result is a reprint that showcases the work much in the way Bradford originally wrote it - including his scribbles, scratches and cross-outs. The new edition’s pages are even cut to the same size as the original manuscript.
“We’re fortunate he had such great handwriting,” Begley said. “It’s amazing to think it’s a 400-year-old book. Some parts of it look like it was written yesterday. They’re crystal clear.”
The organizations are hosting a virtual book launch Thursday evening, and will be making the book available at Plimoth Patuxet’s gift shops and its website.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Anchorage School District in Alaska projects a $15.2M loss

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - The Anchorage School District ’ s finance team has projected a loss of $ 15.2 million for the fiscal year ending on June 30 because of lower enrollment .
The district ’ s finance team presented the report to the Anchorage School Board finance committee on Monday .
Most of the district ’ s funding comes from student enrollment , which fell more than 9 % this year , Alaska Public Media reported .
Many families have pulled their children out of the district and into private schools or homeschools as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The school district has conducted class from home since March despite at least three different attempts to resume in-person instruction .
The school district ’ s Chief Financial Officer Jim Anderson said in the meeting that funding is currently sufficient for the rest of the year .
“ We have the funds to operate this year , ” Anderson said .
” We ’ re continuing to move forward .
We ’ re continuing to push even more PPE and other safety devices at the schools and we ’ re funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school district handles its long-term budget is more unclear .
The report projects a budget shortfall of about $ 30 to $ 40 million for the next fiscal year and about $ 60 to $ 70 million over the next three years .
The report said the deficit could result in layoffs of up to 750 jobs .
Superintendent Deena Bishop said that while the district was able to avoid layoffs this school year , they will be harder to avoid if current trends persist .
“ Moving into the new budget year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining the same , ” Bishop said during the meeting .
“ Given that our budget is over 90 % human resources , we may be impacting human resources and having to make some of those decisions .
”

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The Anchorage School District’s finance team has projected a loss of $15.2 million for the fiscal year ending on June 30 because of lower enrollment.
The district’s finance team presented the report to the Anchorage School Board finance committee on Monday.
Most of the district’s funding comes from student enrollment, which fell more than 9% this year, Alaska Public Media reported.
Many families have pulled their children out of the district and into private schools or homeschools as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the report said.
The school district has conducted class from home since March despite at least three different attempts to resume in-person instruction.
The school district’s Chief Financial Officer Jim Anderson said in the meeting that funding is currently sufficient for the rest of the year.
“We have the funds to operate this year,” Anderson said. ”We’re continuing to move forward. We’re continuing to push even more PPE and other safety devices at the schools and we’re funded to operate this year.”
How the school district handles its long-term budget is more unclear. The report projects a budget shortfall of about $30 to $40 million for the next fiscal year and about $60 to $70 million over the next three years. The report said the deficit could result in layoffs of up to 750 jobs.
Superintendent Deena Bishop said that while the district was able to avoid layoffs this school year, they will be harder to avoid if current trends persist.
“Moving into the new budget year, we’re less assured of remaining the same,” Bishop said during the meeting. “Given that our budget is over 90% human resources, we may be impacting human resources and having to make some of those decisions.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Holy smoke! German customs seizes 10 tons of shisha tobacco

BERLIN ( AP ) - German authorities have seized 10.2 metric tonnes ( 11.2 tons ) of water pipe tobacco @ @ @ @ @ into Berlin from the Mideast to avoid import taxes , officials said Thursday .
The @ @ @ @ @ police and customs officials Tuesday came as the culmination of an investigation that began during @ @ @ @ @ network that distributed illegal tobacco to hookah bars Europe-wide , German officials said .
Authorities @ @ @ @ @ the ages of 27 and 35 operated three legal shops and also the illegal smuggling @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 237,000 ) in import duties should have been paid on the tobacco seized @ @ @ @ @ 35-year-old accused of being the ringleader is an alleged member of a known Berlin crime @ @ @ @ @ of the suspects nor the family were released .
Authorities did not say where in @ @ @ @ @ came from .

BERLIN (AP) - German authorities have seized 10.2 metric tonnes (11.2 tons) of water pipe tobacco they say was being smuggled into Berlin from the Mideast to avoid import taxes, officials said Thursday.
The overnight operation carried out by police and customs officials Tuesday came as the culmination of an investigation that began during the summer of a German-Iraqi network that distributed illegal tobacco to hookah bars Europe-wide, German officials said.
Authorities allege that three suspects between the ages of 27 and 35 operated three legal shops and also the illegal smuggling operation. Some 200,000 euros ($237,000) in import duties should have been paid on the tobacco seized, authorities said.
The 35-year-old accused of being the ringleader is an alleged member of a known Berlin crime family. Neither the names of the suspects nor the family were released.
Authorities did not say where in the Middle East the tobacco came from.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Court denies call to stop work on Mountain Valley Pipeline

ROANOKE , Va. ( AP ) - A legal attempt by environmental groups to stall work on the Mountain Valley @ @ @ @ @ The Roanoke Times reported Wednesday that a federal appeals court let stand a finding that @ @ @ @ @ not jeopardize endangered species .
The Sierra Club and other groups contend that two species @ @ @ @ @ pushed closer to extinction if the controversial project pollutes their waters .
The fish are @ @ @ @ @ candy darter .
The groups also argued that cutting down trees for the pipeline ’ @ @ @ @ @ of the Indiana and northern long-eared bats .
But the 4th U.S .
Circuit Court @ @ @ @ @ ’ s request to stay construction .
The decision allows much of the work on @ @ @ @ @ Virginia and southwest Virginia to continue .

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) - A legal attempt by environmental groups to stall work on the Mountain Valley Pipeline has fallen short.
The Roanoke Times reported Wednesday that a federal appeals court let stand a finding that construction on the project would not jeopardize endangered species.
The Sierra Club and other groups contend that two species of protected fish could be pushed closer to extinction if the controversial project pollutes their waters. The fish are the Roanoke logperch and the candy darter.
The groups also argued that cutting down trees for the pipeline’s path could destroy habitats of the Indiana and northern long-eared bats.
But the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the group’s request to stay construction. The decision allows much of the work on the 300-mile pipeline through West Virginia and southwest Virginia to continue.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Atlanta mayor vows 'top to bottom review' of policing

ATLANTA ( AP ) - Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has brought in a consulting firm to conduct a “ top to bottom review ” of the city ’ s police department , in keeping with her vow to reform public safety after the fatal police shooting of Rayshard Brooks .
“ We are moving forward on our Administration ’ s commitment to build lasting , healthy relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve , ” she said in a Wednesday press release .
Bottoms said department changes will come quickly .
The Washington , D.C.-based Police Executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show police departments alternate methods in public safety , the release said .
Atlanta Police Union President Jason Segura told the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the consultants will likely face resistance from officers , particularly the ones who feel that the department is under intense scrutiny following the death of Brooks .
Brooks was fatally shot twice in back in June by Officer Garrett Rolfe , who was trying to arrest him at a fast food restaurant for being intoxicated behind the wheel of his car .
Brooks tried to flee after wrestling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rolfe was later charged with felony murder .
Another officer at the scene outside a Wendy ’ s restaurant , Devin Brosnan , was charged with aggravated assault and violation of his oath .
Segura and others have said both officers followed protocol .
Bottoms vowed to reform the department and emphasize de-escalation training .
“ They keep wanting to change the laws to give advantage to the lawbreakers , ” Segura said .
“ I think it ’ s ridiculous , really .
APD is one of the most progressive departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s making the city a lot more dangerous.
” The Research Forum will be paid by the Atlanta Committee for Progress , a coalition of CEOs and other civic leaders who regularly consult with the mayor .

ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has brought in a consulting firm to conduct a “top to bottom review” of the city’s police department, in keeping with her vow to reform public safety after the fatal police shooting of Rayshard Brooks.
“We are moving forward on our Administration’s commitment to build lasting, healthy relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” she said in a Wednesday press release. Bottoms said department changes will come quickly.
The Washington, D.C.-based Police Executive Research Forum was created in 1976 to show police departments alternate methods in public safety, the release said.
Atlanta Police Union President Jason Segura told the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the consultants will likely face resistance from officers, particularly the ones who feel that the department is under intense scrutiny following the death of Brooks.
Brooks, a Black man, was fatally shot twice in back in June by Officer Garrett Rolfe, who was trying to arrest him at a fast food restaurant for being intoxicated behind the wheel of his car. Brooks tried to flee after wrestling with officers and grabbing a stun gun.
Rolfe was later charged with felony murder. Another officer at the scene outside a Wendy’s restaurant, Devin Brosnan, was charged with aggravated assault and violation of his oath.
Segura and others have said both officers followed protocol. Bottoms vowed to reform the department and emphasize de-escalation training.
“They keep wanting to change the laws to give advantage to the lawbreakers,” Segura said. “I think it’s ridiculous, really. APD is one of the most progressive departments in the country. Ultimately, it’s making the city a lot more dangerous.”
The Police Executive Research Forum will be paid by the Atlanta Committee for Progress, a coalition of CEOs and other civic leaders who regularly consult with the mayor.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Arthur Imperatore, NY Waterway founder, dies at 95

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The founder of NY Waterway , the ferry company that has transported millions of commuters and sightseers across the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York , has died .
Arthur Imperatore was 95 .
A company spokesman said Imperatore died Wednesday in New York after a long illness .
A memorial service is planned for a future date .
NY Waterway ferries helped to evacuate 150,000 people from New York on Sept. 11 , 2001 , according to the company .
Its boats sprang into action again on Jan. 15 , 2009 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency landing on the Hudson River after losing engine power and aided in the rescue of 143 people on board .
Imperatore was born in West New York , New Jersey , one of 10 children whose family operated a grocery store .
He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II .
He started NY Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken , New Jersey , and created a bus-to-ferry network that served the surrounding area and helped drive waterfront development in the towns along the Hudson .
Imperatore was inducted into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 along with actor Ray Liotta , singer Connie Francis and television host Kelly Ripa , among others .

NEW YORK (AP) - The founder of NY Waterway, the ferry company that has transported millions of commuters and sightseers across the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York, has died. Arthur Imperatore was 95.
A company spokesman said Imperatore died Wednesday in New York after a long illness. A memorial service is planned for a future date.
NY Waterway ferries helped to evacuate 150,000 people from New York on Sept. 11, 2001, according to the company. Its boats sprang into action again on Jan. 15, 2009 when US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson River after losing engine power and aided in the rescue of 143 people on board.
Imperatore was born in West New York, New Jersey, one of 10 children whose family operated a grocery store. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
He started NY Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken, New Jersey, and created a bus-to-ferry network that served the surrounding area and helped drive waterfront development in the towns along the Hudson.
Imperatore was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2017 along with actor Ray Liotta, singer Connie Francis and television host Kelly Ripa, among others.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Aspirus saving hospital beds for the 'sickest of the sick'

WAUSAU , Wis. ( AP ) - One of central Wisconsin ’ s largest health systems is planning to send some coronavirus patients home in order to make sure there are enough hospital beds for the “ sickest of the sick.
” Aspirus CEO Matt Heywood said at a news conference Wednesday that facilities at its Wausau hospital are nearly full and staff resources are strained .
As a result , Heywood said , the hospital is going to move some patients who would otherwise be hospitalized into home care .
Heywood said they will rely on nursing calls and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members to help provide care , Wisconsin Public Radio reported .
“ We ’ re going to call upon the community and their loved ones to help us care for these patients , ” Heywood said .
Aspirus Wausau Hospital is the latest Wisconsin hospital to reach capacity as patient counts spike in Wisconsin .
Earlier this month , Mayo Clinic Health System in western Wisconsin announced that it would suspend elective medical procedures to try to manage its hospital capacities .
And earlier this week , Children ’ s Hospital of Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take pressure off other Milwaukee area hospitals .
As of Wednesday afternoon , Wisconsin Hospital Association data showed 2,277 coronavirus patients are hospitalized across the state , the highest recorded so far in the pandemic .

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Faced with hospitals running out of beds and staff to treat the rising number of COVID-19 patients, the leader of the Wisconsin Hospital Association pleaded Thursday with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and state legislative leaders to come together immediately to fight the virus before the current crisis becomes a catastrophe.
The governor and lawmakers should take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, address immediate hospital bed shortages and staffing needs, create alternative care facilities and expand contact tracing, Hospital Association President Eric Borgerding wrote in the letter.
“Wisconsin faces a public health crisis the likes of which we have not experienced in three generations,” Borgerding said. “A crisis of this magnitude caused by a virus that is so clearly raging across all of Wisconsin demands a unified and substantial response. Your joint leadership is critical to improve this situation, allowing everyone to get back to our way of life sooner.”
Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who has sued Evers over his orders to slow the virus and who has not put forth any specific alternative plan of his own, said in a statement that he agreed more needed to be done to fight the virus.
“I join the call for unity in Wisconsin and hope my Senate colleagues and the governor can join me in putting aside partisan differences to find bipartisan answers,” Vos said.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Evers’ spokeswoman reacted by referring to Evers’ previous comments that mirrored the exhortation from Borgerding for policy makers to come together.
Evers earlier this week proposed a roughly half-billion dollar package of ideas to address the virus. Vos responded by outlining broad ideas Republicans support, but not specific legislation. Evers and Republican leaders were expected to meet Friday to discuss ideas, their first such meeting in months.
The Legislature hasn’t met since April when it approved a COVID-19 relief bill. Republicans have fought Evers in court over his attempts to curb the virus spread, including his “safer at home” order that was struck down by the conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court in May and his current mask mandate that the court heard arguments over on Monday.
As of Thursday, there were 2,104 coronavirus patients hospitalized across the state, down slightly from an all-time high recorded Tuesday.
There were 83 more deaths and 6,635 new positive cases reported by the state Department of Health Services on Thursday. That brings the total number of cases to nearly 338,500 and deaths to 2,876. There were 1,606 new cases per 100,000 people in Wisconsin over the past two weeks, which ranks fifth in the country for new cases per capita, according to data from Johns Hopkins.
Meanwhile, Dane County authorities say a significant number of inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Between Wednesday and Thursday, a total of 38 inmates tested positive - after only one inmate had a positive test a week ago. So far, all are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Sheriff David Mahoney is requesting the release of as many COVID-19-positive inmates as possible, while those who need to stay in jail will be isolated and monitored.
In a sign of how bad the situation is for hospitals, one of central Wisconsin’s largest health systems is planning to send some coronavirus patients home in order to make sure there are enough hospital beds for the “sickest of the sick.”
Aspirus CEO Matt Heywood said Wednesday that facilities at its Wausau hospital are nearly full and staff resources are strained, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. Aspirus Wausau Hospital is the latest Wisconsin hospital to reach capacity as patient counts spike in Wisconsin.
Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic Health System in western Wisconsin announced that it would suspend elective medical procedures to try to manage its hospital capacities. And earlier this week, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin said it would accept non-COVID-19 adult patients to take pressure off other Milwaukee area hospitals.
“We must do much better as a state and with greater urgency,” Borgerding wrote to Evers and legislative leaders.
He called for instituting a statewide mask policy; affirming the authority of counties and municipalities to adopt their own strategies; passing a version of the state chamber of commerce’s “back to business” plan; passing the Evers proposal to provide hospitals with $105 million to increase hospital capacity and workers; and opening more alternative care facilities across the state so people don’t have to travel to the only one outside of Milwaukee.
He also called for maintaining and expanding testing capacity and contact tracing and permanently allow out-of-state health care license holders to work in Wisconsin. The current exemption is scheduled to end on Jan. 20, Borgerding said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Jurors to hear texts between woman, husband charged in death

COLUMBIANA , Ala. ( AP ) - Jurors in the trial of a man charged with murder in the death of his wife , an online adult model , can hear text messages that reveal both tension and a passionate side to their relationship , a judge ruled .
The decision by Shelby County Judge Bill Bostick , sought by prosecutors and opposed by the defense , could give the jury a glimpse into the lives of William Jeffrey West , 47 , and Kathleen Dawn West , 42 , who was found dead along the street in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News outlets reported that in one text , read aloud in court Wednesday during a hearing outside the presence of jurors , the woman told West he was “ throwing away 14 years of marriage.
” She also sent him nude photos of herself and said in one message : “ Thank you for making me feel sexy.
” Prosecutors contend the messages reveal tension that led to West killing his wife with a blow to the head from a liquor bottle .
Outside court , defense lawyer John Robbins said the texts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims .
“ To me , it ’ s a bunch of baloney , ” said Robbins .
“ It ’ s supposed to show the volatile marriage they had .
She ’ s mad at him one minute and sending naked pictures to him and saying she loves him the next.
” Kathleen West publicly posted lingerie photos online and charged viewers to see sexier images .
The defense told jurors during opening statements that her adult pictures - posted under the name “ Kitty Kat West ” - did not cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West assisted her .

COLUMBIANA, Ala. (AP) - Jurors in the trial of a man charged with the murder of his wife, an online adult model who lived a double life as a stay-at-home mom, reviewed text messages Thursday that showed discord in their marriage in the days before she died.
Eight days before she was found dead outside their suburban home on Jan. 12, 2018, Kathleen Dawn West texted husband William Jeffrey West: “I know you’re scared to tell me you don’t want to be with me, but it’s only hurting me more by lying,” al.com reported.
Text messages shown to the Shelby County jury showed she also wrote: “If you don’t want me say it.” The man replied: “Baby, I want you. Do you want me? We really never talked after NYE.”
Jurors were allowed to see the messages based on a decision by Circuit Judge Bill Bostick. The woman told West he was “throwing away 14 years of marriage.” But she also sent him nude photos of herself and said in one message: “Thank you for making me feel sexy.”
Prosecutors contend West, 47, killed his 42-year-old wife with a blow to the head from a liquor bottle. Her body was found along the street in front of their suburban home.
The defense argues that the woman, who was heavily intoxicated at the time of her death, fell accidentally and hit her head.
Forensic evidence showed that traces of the women’s blood were found on the bottom of the bottle, and her blood also was found on a towel in the master bathroom and a white tank top retrieved from a laundry basket.
Prosecutors contend the messages reveal tension that led to West killing his wife with a blow to the head from a liquor bottle. Outside court, defense lawyer John Robbins said the texts do not make the case the prosecution claims.
“To me, it’s a bunch of baloney,” said Robbins. “It’s supposed to show the volatile marriage they had. She’s mad at him one minute and sending naked pictures to him and saying she loves him the next.”
Kathleen West publicly posted lingerie photos online and charged viewers to see sexier images. The defense told jurors during opening statements that her adult pictures - posted under the name “Kitty Kat West” - did not cause discord between the couple and that Jeff West assisted her.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Man accused of illegal autopsies charged with federal counts

TOPEKA , Kan. ( AP ) - A Kansas man accused of performing illegal autopsies has been indicted on 10 counts of federal wire fraud .
The indictment accuses Shawn Parcells , 41 , of Leawood , of falsely leading his clients to believe they would receive an autopsy report from a pathologist , federal prosecutors for Kansas said in a news release .
The indictment also seeks to recover more than $ 1 million in fees paid to Parcells by clients .
Parcells is a self-taught pathology assistant with no formal education .
From 1996 to 2003 , Parcells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson County Medical Examiner ’ s Office in Missouri .
Parcells owned National Autopsy Services in Topeka , where he provided private autopsy services .
Clients using his service typically paid Parcells $ 3,000 plus expenses up front for a full pathological study and diagnosis of the cause of death of a family member , according to U.S. Attorney for Kansas Stephen McAllister .
The indictment says that from May 2016 to May 2019 , Parcells received payments from at least 375 clients for a total of more than $ 1.1 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of the cases .
If convicted of the federal counts , Parcells could face up to 20 years in prison on each count .
Earlier this year , Parcells was ordered by a Shawnee County Court to stop offering any services related to the coronavirus pandemic .
Parcells was offering to perform swabs for COVID-19 testing and to examine people who died to see if they tested positive .

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas man accused of performing illegal autopsies has been indicted on 10 counts of federal wire fraud and the government wants to recover more than $1 million in fees paid to him by clients.
The indictment accuses Shawn Parcells, 41, of Leawood, of falsely leading people to believe they would receive an autopsy report from a pathologist, federal prosecutors for Kansas said in a news release.
An attorney who has represented Parcells in other matters, Eric Kjorlie, did not immediately return a message left Thursday morning seeking comment.
Parcells is a self-taught pathology assistant with no formal education. From 1996 to 2003, Parcells worked as a pathology assistant for the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office in Missouri.
Parcells owned National Autopsy Services in Topeka, where he provided private autopsy services. Clients using his service typically paid Parcells $3,000 plus expenses up front for a full pathological study and diagnosis of the cause of death of a family member, according to U.S. Attorney for Kansas Stephen McAllister.
From May 2016 to May 2019, Parcells received payments from at least 375 clients for a total of more than $1.1 million, but never provided a full report in most of the cases, the indictment said.
If convicted of the federal counts, Parcells could face up to 20 years in prison on each count.
Parcells already was banned from providing autopsy services in Kansas. Earlier this year, he also was ordered by a Shawnee County Court to stop offering any services related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Parcells was offering to perform swabs for COVID-19 testing and to examine people who died to see if they tested positive.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Coronavirus prevents crowds from seeing Punxsutawney Phil

PUNXSUTAWNEY , Pa. ( AP ) - The coronavirus pandemic means Groundhog Day won ’ t be the same in a Pennsylvania town long associated with a prognosticating rodent .
Organizers said Punxsutawney Phil will predict whether spring will come early or winter will last longer in 2021 without the usual crowds who gather at Gobbler ’ s Knob , a tiny hill just outside the town about 65 miles ( 105 kilometers ) northeast of Pittsburgh .
Phil and his inner circle on Feb. 2 will deliver the prediction virtually by means of a live internet steam and website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been determined that there will not be any in person attendance or guests on the grounds as the potential Covid risks to overcome are too great , ” they said .
Organizers will continue to monitor the pandemic .
“ It is very unlikely , but it if it is determined that we can logistically and safety hold any in person activities related to Groundhog Day , we will make that information available if developed.
” The annual event has its origin in a German legend that says if a furry rodent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter continues .
If not , spring comes early .
Records dating to 1887 show Phil has predicted longer winters more than 100 times .
The 2020 forecast called for an early spring .

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) - The coronavirus pandemic means Groundhog Day won’t be the same in a Pennsylvania town long associated with a prognosticating rodent.
Organizers said Punxsutawney Phil will predict whether spring will come early or winter will last longer in 2021 without the usual crowds who gather at Gobbler’s Knob, a tiny hill just outside the town about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh.
Phil and his inner circle on Feb. 2 will deliver the prediction virtually by means of a live internet stream and website, organizers said. “But it has been determined that there will not be any in person attendance or guests on the grounds as the potential Covid risks to overcome are too great,” they said.
Organizers will continue to monitor the pandemic.
“It is very unlikely, but it if it is determined that we can logistically and safety hold any in person activities related to Groundhog Day, we will make that information available if developed.”
The annual event has its origin in a German legend that says if a furry rodent casts a shadow on Feb. 2, winter continues. If not, spring comes early.
Records dating to 1887 show Phil has predicted longer winters more than 100 times. The 2020 forecast called for an early spring.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--NH Statehouse recounts completed, no change in winners

Concord , N.H. ( AP ) - All recounts for this month ’ s elections have been completed in New @ @ @ @ @ in the winners .
Sixteen recounts were requested after the Nov. 3 elections involving 12 @ @ @ @ @ Senate seats and one seat on the Executive Council .
The Executive Council recount was @ @ @ @ @ completed .
Recounts for two of the House seats and one of the Senate seats @ @ @ @ @ .
The others resulted in no change to the initial announced winners .
Republicans won @ @ @ @ @ the Legislature and the council .

Concord, N.H. (AP) - All recounts for this month’s elections have been completed in New Hampshire, with no change in the winners.
Sixteen recounts were requested after the Nov. 3 elections involving 12 House seats, three state Senate seats and one seat on the Executive Council. The Executive Council recount was called off Wednesday before being completed.
Recounts for two of the House seats and one of the Senate seats had been called off earlier. The others resulted in no change to the initial announced winners.
Republicans won control of both chambers of the Legislature and the council.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Rental housing planned for Dartmouth-Hitchcock workers

LEBANON , N.H. ( AP ) - Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health is planning to develop up to 400 units of rental housing @ @ @ @ @ .
The Valley News reports the health organization last week issued a request for proposals @ @ @ @ @ build the complex on a 40-acre site it owns on Route 120 , along the @ @ @ @ @ goal is to have below-market-rate housing units ready in 2022 .
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is @ @ @ @ @ ’ s building a $ 150 million patient tower that will require hiring hundreds more @ @ @ @ @ .

LEBANON, N.H. (AP) - Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health is planning to develop up to 400 units of rental housing for hospital workers in Lebanon.
The Valley News reports the health organization last week issued a request for proposals from developers to design and build the complex on a 40-acre site it owns on Route 120, along the Lebanon-Hanover town line. The goal is to have below-market-rate housing units ready in 2022.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is a half-mile away. It’s building a $150 million patient tower that will require hiring hundreds more medical providers and other staff.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--Suspect in Boston Public Garden rape held without bail

BOSTON ( AP ) - A man charged with raping a woman in the Boston Public Garden has been held without bail pending a hearing to determine whether he is a danger to society .
Francisco Romero , 38 , of Chelsea , was held at his arraignment Wednesday after not guilty pleas to charges of aggravated rape , kidnapping , and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon were entered on his behalf .
The woman was walking across the Public Garden in the early morning hours of Nov. 8 after attending a party when a man approached her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride , the prosecutor said in court .
The woman told police the man grabbed her around the waist and carried her to another area where he raped her , the prosecutor said .
Romero was identified as a suspect by someone who recognized him from surveillance images posted by authorities , and by the victim who picked him out of a photo array as someone who resembled her attacker .
Romero ’ s attorney , Mike Reinhardt , questioned the validity of the photo identification .
“ None of these are really @ @ @ @ @ @ @

BOSTON (AP) - A man charged with raping a woman in the Boston Public Garden has been held without bail pending a hearing to determine whether he is a danger to society.
Francisco Romero, 38, of Chelsea, was held at his arraignment Wednesday after not guilty pleas to charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon were entered on his behalf.
The woman was walking across the Public Garden in the early morning hours of Nov. 8 after attending a party when a man approached her and asked her if she needed a ride, the prosecutor said in court.
The woman told police the man grabbed her around the waist and carried her to another area where he raped her, the prosecutor said.
Romero was identified as a suspect by someone who recognized him from surveillance images posted by authorities, and by the victim who picked him out of a photo array as someone who resembled her attacker.
Romero’s attorney, Mike Reinhardt, questioned the validity of the photo identification. “None of these are really solid identifications,” he said.
A dangerousness hearing was scheduled for Nov. 25.


washingtontimes--2020-11-19--2 suspects arrested after man fatally shot during robbery

FIFE , Wash. ( AP ) - Two suspects are in custody after a man was shot and killed Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ in Fife .
KING5 News reports officers responded after receiving reports of “ multiple shots @ @ @ @ @ 6 p.m. , according to a statement from Fife police .
Police say at least @ @ @ @ @ home from work .
When he got out of his vehicle and was approaching his @ @ @ @ @ robbed him .
“ The victim and the two suspects exchanged gunfire and the victim @ @ @ @ @ police said .
“ The two suspects then fled the area.
” When officers arrived @ @ @ @ @ performing CPR on the man who was shot .
First responders continued medical aid , @ @ @ @ @ the scene , police said .
One suspect was arrested for investigation of murder .
@ @ @ @ @ treated at an Auburn hospital .

FIFE, Wash. (AP) - Two suspects are in custody after a man was shot and killed Wednesday evening in a residential neighborhood in Fife.
KING5 News reports officers responded after receiving reports of “multiple shots being fired” just after 6 p.m., according to a statement from Fife police.
Police say at least two suspects followed the victim home from work. When he got out of his vehicle and was approaching his residence, the two suspects robbed him.
“The victim and the two suspects exchanged gunfire and the victim was mortally wounded,” police said. “The two suspects then fled the area.”
When officers arrived, a Good Samaritan was performing CPR on the man who was shot. First responders continued medical aid, but the man died at the scene, police said.
One suspect was arrested for investigation of murder. A second suspect is being treated at an Auburn hospital.