washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Michigan leaders encourage residents to support local shops

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - State leaders are asking Michigan residents to beat lines and avoid crowds by shopping at local small businesses on Black Friday .
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is encouraging shopping , eating and traveling locally through a new “ Support Local ” campaign in order to make sure small businesses make it through the winter .
One in five jobs in Michigan are in the retail industry , according to the Michigan Retailers Association .
It says that in 2017 , Michigan residents spent $ 18.5 billion on out-of-state retailers .
If residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to local stores , the state would increase by $ 1.2 billion in economic activity , which could create 10,600 new jobs .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has been encouraging residents to support local and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Now more than ever , small businesses in Pure Michigan need your support .
By staying local , you can help Michigan workers , businesses , and communities thrive this season while enjoying the holidays and finding the perfect gift for everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
Michigan businesses , being in a northern state , are at a disadvantage to expand outdoors this winter to accommodate social distancing and comply with health orders , said Dave Lorenz , vice president of Travel Michigan .
They are being creative with providing curbside pickups and personal shoppers , but they need help more than ever , he said .
“ We need to kind of get back to this let ’ s support our local businesses mindset , because they ’ re the ones that are keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re the ones that are employing our kids and our neighbors and ourselves , ” Lorenz said .
It ’ s about making small choices to support the local businesses that support your community , Lorenz said about the “ Support Local ” campaign .
Using social media billboards , the campaign is set to run Monday through March 31 in collaboration with the Small Business Association of Michigan , Michigan Retailers Association and the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association , along with several other groups .
In order to promote confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a list of Michigan businesses that have taken a pledge to maintain disinfecting and social distancing protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
As of Wednesday , 438 businesses have taken the pledge .

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - State leaders are asking Michigan residents to beat lines and avoid crowds by shopping at local small businesses on Black Friday.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is encouraging shopping, eating and traveling locally through a new “Support Local” campaign in order to make sure small businesses make it through the winter. One in five jobs in Michigan are in the retail industry, according to the Michigan Retailers Association.
It says that in 2017, Michigan residents spent $18.5 billion on out-of-state retailers. If residents switched one in every 10 out-of-state purchases to local stores, the state would increase by $1.2 billion in economic activity, which could create 10,600 new jobs.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been encouraging residents to support local and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Now more than ever, small businesses in Pure Michigan need your support. By staying local, you can help Michigan workers, businesses, and communities thrive this season while enjoying the holidays and finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list,” Whitmer said in a statement.
Michigan businesses, being in a northern state, are at a disadvantage to expand outdoors this winter to accommodate social distancing and comply with health orders, said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. They are being creative with providing curbside pickups and personal shoppers, but they need help more than ever, he said.
“We need to kind of get back to this let’s support our local businesses mindset, because they’re the ones that are keeping our downtown’s vibrant, they’re the ones that are employing our kids and our neighbors and ourselves,” Lorenz said.
It’s about making small choices to support the local businesses that support your community, Lorenz said about the “Support Local” campaign. Using social media billboards, the campaign is set to run Monday through March 31 in collaboration with the Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Retailers Association and the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, along with several other groups.
In order to promote confidence in consumers, Pure Michigan has created a list of Michigan businesses that have taken a pledge to maintain disinfecting and social distancing protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19. As of Wednesday, 438 businesses have taken the pledge.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--VA woman pleads guilty to aiming laser pointer at plane

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - A Virginia woman pleaded guilty Monday to aiming a laser pointer at a @ @ @ @ @ at the Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond , federal prosecutors said .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ a news release that Amanda Robinson , 33 , of Henrico went to the traffic @ @ @ @ @ June 4 .
While there , Robinson directed her laser pointer at a surveillance aircraft @ @ @ @ @ , court records said .
The laser disrupted the pilot ’ s vision , authorities @ @ @ @ @ camera , police identified Robinson as the person who directed the laser pointer at the @ @ @ @ @ her location , authorities said .
Robinson was apprehended at the traffic circle and officers @ @ @ @ @ .
Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23 , 2021 .
She faces @ @ @ @ @ years in prison .

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A Virginia woman pleaded guilty Monday to aiming a laser pointer at a police aircraft during a demonstration at the Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond, federal prosecutors said.
The U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release that Amanda Robinson, 33, of Henrico went to the traffic circle at the monument on June 4. While there, Robinson directed her laser pointer at a surveillance aircraft operated by local law enforcement, court records said. The laser disrupted the pilot’s vision, authorities said.
With an onboard camera, police identified Robinson as the person who directed the laser pointer at the plane and directed officers to her location, authorities said. Robinson was apprehended at the traffic circle and officers recovered a green laser pointer.
Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23, 2021. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--New Michigan law to wipe clean misdemeanors, minor offenses

TRAVERSE CITY , Mich. ( AP ) - New legislation under Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer will allow thousands of Michigan residents to get their misdemeanors removed from public record .
The seven-bill package , the “ Clean Slate ” laws , was passed by both the state House and Senate with bipartisan support .
Under the legislation , misdemeanors will be automatically expunged seven years after sentencing , with felonies handled the same way 10 years after sentencing or the end of a sentence , according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle .
Supporters say the change will allow Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for housing and have access to previously off-limits opportunities .
Drunken driving offenses , as well as crimes involving minors , vulnerable elders , assaults , forgery and embezzlement , and other more serious felonies and misdemeanors will not be automatically expunged , according to a governor ’ s office release .
Only up to two felonies and four misdemeanors are eligible for automatic expungement , and up to three misdemeanors will be eligible to be wiped after an application is submitted to the sentencing court .
Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owed fines , costs and restitution , nor do they allow for resentencing in related convictions .
However , “ if they can turn their life around in a good way , they should then have the ability to pursue that and get expungements where appropriate , ” he said .

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - New legislation under Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will allow thousands of Michigan residents to get their misdemeanors removed from public record.
The seven-bill package, the “Clean Slate” laws, was passed by both the state House and Senate with bipartisan support. Under the legislation, misdemeanors will be automatically expunged seven years after sentencing, with felonies handled the same way 10 years after sentencing or the end of a sentence, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Supporters say the change will allow Michigan residents to seek better employment, apply for housing and have access to previously off-limits opportunities.
Drunken driving offenses, as well as crimes involving minors, vulnerable elders, assaults, forgery and embezzlement, and other more serious felonies and misdemeanors will not be automatically expunged, according to a governor’s office release.
Only up to two felonies and four misdemeanors are eligible for automatic expungement, and up to three misdemeanors will be eligible to be wiped after an application is submitted to the sentencing court.
Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell said expungements do not free an individual from owed fines, costs and restitution, nor do they allow for resentencing in related convictions. However, “if they can turn their life around in a good way, they should then have the ability to pursue that and get expungements where appropriate,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--'Tacky Lights Tour' will look different due to coronavirus

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - An annual holiday tradition of touring elaborate holiday displays at homes in and around Richmond will continue this year , but there won ’ t be quite as many lights .
The Tacky Lights Tour is still set to begin this weekend , although some longtime participants will skip it because of the need to limit crowds and maintain social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
The over-the-top holiday displays typically attract long lines of cars , buses and limos filled with people who get out and walk around so they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Esther Thompson on Wendhurst Drive in Glen Allen - one of the most recognizable houses on the tour - have decided to cancel their annual Grand Illumination on Thanksgiving night , an event which usually attracts hundreds of people .
Instead , the Thompsons will light up their display on Friday .
They ’ ve also posted signs saying that no more than 25 people will be allowed to stand in front of the house to comply with the state ’ s restrictions on gatherings .
Thompson said he ’ s also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that host Tacky Light tours , notifying them of the crowd limitation and asking them not to unload their guests .
“ I ’ m very serious about this .
I want people to be safe and I ’ m trying to do the best I can ( to keep people safe ) , ” he told the Times-Dispatch .
The Thompsons ’ home , which features over 170,000 lights , won $ 50,000 on ABC ’ s “ The Great Christmas Light Fight ” in 2016 .
The Live Grinch at 1411 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any live appearance this year , but his house will be lit and fully decorated .
“ It was a really difficult decision to make , ” said Brett Aliotti , who dresses up as the Grinch every year and poses for photos with fans .
“ But ultimately , I ’ m worried about crowding and there ’ s always crowding when the Grinch comes up.
” For others on the Tacky Light Tour , lighting up this year was even more important because of the ongoing pandemic .
“ People need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more important than ever to give people something to look forward to , ” said Frank Hudak , also known as “ Mr .
Christmas .
”

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - An annual holiday tradition of touring elaborate holiday displays at homes in and around Richmond will continue this year, but there won’t be quite as many lights.
The Tacky Lights Tour is still set to begin this weekend, although some longtime participants will skip it because of the need to limit crowds and maintain social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The over-the-top holiday displays typically attract long lines of cars, buses and limos filled with people who get out and walk around so they can see the lights up close.
Al and Esther Thompson on Wendhurst Drive in Glen Allen - one of the most recognizable houses on the tour - have decided to cancel their annual Grand Illumination on Thanksgiving night, an event which usually attracts hundreds of people. Instead, the Thompsons will light up their display on Friday.
They’ve also posted signs saying that no more than 25 people will be allowed to stand in front of the house to comply with the state’s restrictions on gatherings. Thompson said he’s also sent letters to limousine and bus companies that host Tacky Light tours, notifying them of the crowd limitation and asking them not to unload their guests.
“I’m very serious about this. I want people to be safe and I’m trying to do the best I can (to keep people safe),” he told the Times-Dispatch.
The Thompsons’ home, which features over 170,000 lights, won $50,000 on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2016.
The Live Grinch at 1411 Pennsylvania Avenue won’t be making any live appearance this year, but his house will be lit and fully decorated.
“It was a really difficult decision to make,” said Brett Aliotti, who dresses up as the Grinch every year and poses for photos with fans. “But ultimately, I’m worried about crowding and there’s always crowding when the Grinch comes up.”
For others on the Tacky Light Tour, lighting up this year was even more important because of the ongoing pandemic.
“People need a little holiday cheer. It’s more important than ever to give people something to look forward to,” said Frank Hudak, also known as “Mr. Christmas.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Police: driver, passenger killed in I-95 crash in snowstorm

WATERVILLE , Maine ( AP ) - A driver and his passenger were killed an Interstate 95 crash in a @ @ @ @ @ went over guardrails and became engulfed in fire , Maine State Police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ 71 , and Susan Pope , 63 , both of Sanford , were found dead @ @ @ @ @ Waterville crash on Wednesday morning , police said .
The pickup was traveling north when @ @ @ @ @ police said .
It ’ s believed that speed , weather conditions and traffic congestion @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Road signs warned drivers to reduce their speed to 45 miles @ @ @

WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) - A driver and his passenger were killed on Interstate 95 during a snowstorm when their pickup truck went over the guardrails and became engulfed in fire, Maine State Police said.
The driver, Gary Capehart, 71, and Susan Pope, 63, both of Sanford, were found dead when troopers arrived at the crash in Waterville on Wednesday morning, police said.
The pickup was traveling north when it left the road, police said.
It’s believed that speed, weather conditions and traffic congestion from another crash were factors, police said. Road signs warned drivers to reduce their speed to 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour).


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Authorities: Child wounded when shots fired at mother's car

CLEVELAND ( AP ) - A 3-year-old boy was shot in the hand when someone opened fire on a car @ @ @ @ @ a Cleveland neighborhood this week , authorities said .
The shooting late Tuesday night marked @ @ @ @ @ juvenile had been shot in the city this week .
The child was treated at @ @ @ @ @ to fully recover , but further details on the shooting were not disclosed .
A @ @ @ @ @ under investigation .
The mother was not injured , and it wasn ’ t clear @ @ @ @ @ vehicle or if the child was struck by a stray bullet .
The names of @ @ @ @ @ mother have not been released .
No arrests have been made .

CLEVELAND (AP) - A 3-year-old boy was shot in the hand when someone opened fire on a car his mother was driving in a Cleveland neighborhood this week, authorities said.
The shooting late Tuesday night marked the fifth time that a juvenile had been shot in the city this week, according to city police. They said the child was treated at a hospital and is expected to fully recover, but further details on the shooting were not disclosed.
A motive for the shooting remains under investigation. The mother was not injured, and it wasn’t clear if the shooter targeted the vehicle or if the child was struck by a stray bullet.
The names of the wounded boy and his mother have not been released.
No arrests have been made.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Baltimore County plants 300 trees to kick off Earth Day goal

TOWSON , Md .
( AP ) - Baltimore County officials say that they ’ ve planted the first 300 @ @ @ @ @ goal to plant 5,000 in honor of Earth Day 2021 in April .
The county @ @ @ @ @ saying that 325 trees were planted at apartment and townhome complexes in Cockeysville , Dundalk @ @ @ @ @ a local property owner .
The news release said the trees were planted by contractors @ @ @ @ @ part of its Tree Canopy Expansion program .
The county says the trees help reduce @ @ @ @ @ and also provide other environmental benefits .
The program lets property owners sign up to @ @ @ @ @ crews at no cost .
“ We remain committed to building and innovating toward a @ @ @ @ @ sustainable Baltimore County .
Like many jurisdictions , Baltimore County ’ s tree canopy has @ @ @ @ @ and tree plantings on private property is an important tool to combat climate change , @ @ @ @ @ beautify our neighborhoods , ” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski .

TOWSON, Md. (AP) - Baltimore County officials say that they’ve planted the first 300 trees as part of a goal to plant 5,000 in honor of Earth Day 2021 in April.
The county issued a news release Monday saying that 325 trees were planted at apartment and townhome complexes in Cockeysville, Dundalk and Essex in partnership with a local property owner.
The news release said the trees were planted by contractors working for the county as part of its Tree Canopy Expansion program. The county says the trees help reduce runoff into the Chesapeake Bay and also provide other environmental benefits.
The program lets property owners sign up to have trees planted by county crews at no cost.
“We remain committed to building and innovating toward a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Baltimore County. Like many jurisdictions, Baltimore County’s tree canopy has diminished over the decades, and tree plantings on private property is an important tool to combat climate change, strengthen environmental resiliency and help beautify our neighborhoods,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--New-look 'parade we need' kicks off in NYC, reflects coronavirus-tinged Thanksgiving

The 94th annual Macy ’ s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off Thursday but it — like everything else this year — looked a lot different , with a made-for-television performance in Manhattan replacing 3 million spectators in Midtown as the coronavirus pandemic exacts a toll on families and everyday life from coast to coast .
NBC ’ s Jimmy Fallon and The Roots kicked off festivities with an upbeat musical number in Herald Square while dancers wielded cheeky props reminding them to stay 6 feet apart .
“ It may not be the parade we wanted , but the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” host Al Roker said as he cut the opening ribbon with Macy ’ s CEO Jeffrey Gennette .
Giant balloons filtering through the limited route were pulled by vehicles instead of human handlers and the number of floats was slashed .
Spectators who showed up were told to remain physically distant from each other .
The cutbacks come as the coronavirus flares across the country .
An average of 175,000 infections were reported each day over the last week .
More than 1,600 people are dying from the virus each day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 800 who were dying per day a month ago .
And more than 88,000 people are in the hospital for COVID-19 nationwide , an all-time high that exceeds the springtime crush in the Northeast and summer surge in the Sun Belt .
More people are surviving known infections — the case-fatality rate is down to 2.1 % —but the virus tends to spread exponentially , and the combination of holiday gatherings and colder months has experts fearing the worst is yet to come .
The Thanksgiving holiday , though different , provided a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Presumptive President-elect Joseph R. Biden told Americans to “ hang on ” and keep up the fight , while President Trump has largely avoided the current crisis but is heralding sunnier days ahead through emerging vaccines .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi prodded Congress to pass another coronavirus relief bill in her Thanksgiving statement , as her demands clash with the GOP ’ s .
“ This vicious virus has torn through all our communities , and on this day in particular , we feel its devastating impacts , as many observe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence of family and friends , ” Mrs. Pelosi said .
“ During this extraordinarily challenging time , we must have empathy and compassion for all who are suffering .
We have a moral imperative to help them in a meaningful way.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans to avoid travel on Thanksgiving or take special precautions to avoid transmission on modes of transportation or in mixed households .
Many people hit the airports , anyway , with the Transportation Security Administration reporting it screened 1,070,967 people on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volume since March 16 and only the 4th time passenger throughput has topped 1 million since that date , ” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein tweeted .
Many pandemic-driven changes to travel and normal life hit in mid-March .
Volume at airports was still a far cry from a normal year .
Last year , the TSA screened 2.6 million people .
Many people are resorting to Zoom chats to mingle with family this year or getting creative , such as holding an outdoor meal if the weather permits it .
The quieter holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coast to coast resort to mask mandates or nighttime curfews on businesses to try and slow the spread .
The Supreme Court struck down restrictions from New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo that limited religious gatherings to 10 or 25 people in color-coded zones seeing spikes of the virus .
The 5-4 decision deemed them an infringement on religious freedoms .
The moves seemed targeted at Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods that have struggled with the pandemic .
The state said complaining entities weren ’ t subject to the restrictions at the moment , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserve the right to reimpose the limits at his whim .
Sen. Ben Sasse , Nebraska Republican , praised the ruling as a win for fundamental rights .
“ This Thanksgiving , Americans should be grateful for our First Amendment and for this straightforward ruling that simply affirms that government can not disregard religious liberty in a crisis , ” Mr. Sasse said .
“ The beating heart of America is the First Amendment , and this nasty virus won ’ t change that .
This is good news .
”

The 94th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off Thursday but it — like everything else this year — looked a lot different, with a made-for-television performance in Manhattan replacing 3 million spectators in Midtown as the coronavirus pandemic exacts a toll on families and everyday life from coast to coast.
NBC’s Jimmy Fallon and The Roots kicked off festivities with an upbeat musical number in Herald Square while dancers wielded cheeky props reminding them to stay 6 feet apart.
“It may not be the parade we wanted, but the year it’s the parade we need,” host Al Roker said as he cut the opening ribbon with Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette.
Giant balloons filtering through the limited route were pulled by vehicles instead of human handlers and the number of floats was slashed. Spectators who showed up were told to remain physically distant from each other.
The cutbacks come as the coronavirus flares across the country. An average of 175,000 infections were reported each day over the last week.
More than 1,600 people are dying from the virus each day, on average — double the roughly 800 who were dying per day a month ago. And more than 88,000 people are in the hospital for COVID-19 nationwide, an all-time high that exceeds the springtime crush in the Northeast and summer surge in the Sun Belt.
More people are surviving known infections — the case-fatality rate is down to 2.1% —but the virus tends to spread exponentially, and the combination of holiday gatherings and colder months has experts fearing the worst is yet to come.
The Thanksgiving holiday, though different, provided a nationwide moment of reflection amid the turmoil.
Presumptive President-elect Joseph R. Biden told Americans to “hang on” and keep up the fight, while President Trump has largely avoided the current crisis but is heralding sunnier days ahead through emerging vaccines.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi prodded Congress to pass another coronavirus relief bill in her Thanksgiving statement, as her demands clash with the GOP’s.
“This vicious virus has torn through all our communities, and on this day in particular, we feel its devastating impacts, as many observe the holiday virtually, without the in-person comforting presence of family and friends,” Mrs. Pelosi said. “During this extraordinarily challenging time, we must have empathy and compassion for all who are suffering. We have a moral imperative to help them in a meaningful way.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans to avoid travel on Thanksgiving or take special precautions to avoid transmission on modes of transportation or in mixed households. Many people hit the airports, anyway, with the Transportation Security Administration reporting it screened 1,070,967 people on Wednesday.
“It’s the highest volume since March 16 and only the 4th time passenger throughput has topped 1 million since that date,” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein tweeted. Many pandemic-driven changes to travel and normal life hit in mid-March.
Volume at airports was still a far cry from a normal year. Last year, the TSA screened 2.6 million people.
Many people are resorting to Zoom chats to mingle with family this year or getting creative, such as holding an outdoor meal if the weather permits it.
The quieter holiday comes as governors and city officials from coast to coast resort to mask mandates or nighttime curfews on businesses to try and slow the spread.
The Supreme Court struck down restrictions from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo that limited religious gatherings to 10 or 25 people in color-coded zones seeing spikes of the virus. The 5-4 decision deemed them an infringement on religious freedoms.
The moves seemed targeted at Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods that have struggled with the pandemic. The state said complaining entities weren’t subject to the restrictions at the moment, though critics said Mr. Cuomo shouldn’t reserve the right to reimpose the limits at his whim.
Sen. Ben Sasse, Nebraska Republican, praised the ruling as a win for fundamental rights.
“This Thanksgiving, Americans should be grateful for our First Amendment and for this straightforward ruling that simply affirms that government cannot disregard religious liberty in a crisis,” Mr. Sasse said. “The beating heart of America is the First Amendment, and this nasty virus won’t change that. This is good news.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Prison sentence for man who threatened Black renters

GREENVILLE , N.C. ( AP ) - A North Carolina man who pleaded guilty three months ago to charges that @ @ @ @ @ African American family for renting a home has been sentenced to more than two years @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Department of Justice , the prison sentenced handed down to Douglas Matthew Gurkins @ @ @ @ @ , is followed by three years of supervised release .
No hometown was given for @ @ @ @ @ ’ t say where the incidents occurred .
Court documents said Gurkins drove to the @ @ @ @ @ yelled racial slurs at them and told them they didn ’ t belong in the @ @ @ @ @ documents , Gurkins threatened to shoot the mother and four children and any other Black @ @ @ @ @ .
He then threatened the family with a metal rod , prosecutors said .
The @ @ @ @ @ days later .
The defendant made similar threats toward two other Black families living in @ @ @ @ @ to a Justice Department news release .

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina man who pleaded guilty three months ago to charges that he threatened to shoot an African American family for renting a home has been sentenced to more than two years in prison.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the prison sentenced handed down to Douglas Matthew Gurkins, 34, on Monday, is followed by three years of supervised release. No hometown was given for Gurkins, and officials didn’t say where the incidents occurred.
Court documents said Gurkins drove to the family’s home, yelled racial slurs at them and told them they didn’t belong in the home. According to the documents, Gurkins threatened to shoot the mother and four children and any other Black people who entered the property. He then threatened the family with a metal rod, prosecutors said. The family moved out a few days later.
The defendant made similar threats toward two other Black families living in the same neighborhood, according to a Justice Department news release.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Indianapolis Colts buying up parking lots near stadium

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - The Indianapolis Colts are on a property-buying spree around Lucas Oil Stadium to control more of its game day parking .
The Colts have spent at least $ 6.3 million in recent months to buy about nine acres of land that is mostly vacant and used for parking by other companies since the stadium opened in 2008 , the Indianapolis Business Journal reported .
Colts executive Pete Ward said it was important for the team to control parking near the downtown stadium .
“ Surface parking is particularly desirable for tailgating - an important and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many of our fans , ” Ward said .
Coronavirus-related attendance restrictions have reduced parking lot use so far this season .
Ward said recent games have drawn better crowds to the lots , “ but with the reduced capacity for this year , we don ’ t expect all spaces to be utilized.
” The newspaper cited city records for some of the property sales to determine how much the Colts paid .
Ward declined to comment on the purchase price for any of the properties , although he said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redevelop any of the land .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indianapolis Colts are on a property-buying spree around Lucas Oil Stadium to control more of its game day parking.
The Colts have spent at least $6.3 million in recent months to buy about nine acres of land that is mostly vacant and used for parking by other companies since the stadium opened in 2008, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported.
Colts executive Pete Ward said it was important for the team to control parking near the downtown stadium.
“Surface parking is particularly desirable for tailgating - an important and traditional element to the game day experience for many of our fans,” Ward said.
Coronavirus-related attendance restrictions have reduced parking lot use so far this season. Ward said recent games have drawn better crowds to the lots, “but with the reduced capacity for this year, we don’t expect all spaces to be utilized.”
The newspaper cited city records for some of the property sales to determine how much the Colts paid. Ward declined to comment on the purchase price for any of the properties, although he said the team didn’t have plans to redevelop any of the land.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Top court to review order to open police disciplinary files

TRENTON , N.J. ( AP ) - The New Jersey Supreme Court will decide if state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal can order the release of police disciplinary files dating back 20 years .
The decision came in an order issued Wednesday by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner .
It comes a few weeks after a state appellate court unanimously ruled that Grewal has the authority to release the files , rejecting arguments made by police and troopers unions seeking to block the releases .
A date for oral arguments before the top court has not been scheduled .
The announcement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police sparked protests and calls for more police accountability .
Grewal ’ s directives issued in June required law enforcement agencies across the state to begin publicly identifying officers who were fired , demoted or suspended for more than five days because of a disciplinary violation , and required state police to release data going back to 2000 .
The directives were suspended after police and troopers unions sued , saying Grewal didn ’ t have the authority to order the release of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records that are exempt under state open records laws .
They also alleged the directives were arbitrary and unreasonable and that the safety of officers and their families would be put at risk .

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The New Jersey Supreme Court will decide if state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal can order the release of police disciplinary files dating back 20 years.
The decision came in an order issued Wednesday by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. It comes a few weeks after a state appellate court unanimously ruled that Grewal has the authority to release the files, rejecting arguments made by police and troopers unions seeking to block the releases.
A date for oral arguments before the top court has not been scheduled.
The announcement of Grewal’s plans came in the days after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police sparked protests and calls for more police accountability.
Grewal’s directives issued in June required law enforcement agencies across the state to begin publicly identifying officers who were fired, demoted or suspended for more than five days because of a disciplinary violation, and required state police to release data going back to 2000.
The directives were suspended after police and troopers unions sued, saying Grewal didn’t have the authority to order the release of the files in part because they constitute personnel records that are exempt under state open records laws. They also alleged the directives were arbitrary and unreasonable and that the safety of officers and their families would be put at risk.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Hoosiers warned about deceptive mailings touting prizes

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - The state Attorney General ’ s office is warning Indiana residents to be wary of deceptive mailings that aim to mislead consumers into believing they ’ ve won significant prizes .
The deceptive mailings are often employed to lure people to locations where they are subjected to used-car sales pitches , the state agency said Wednesday in a news release .
Attorney General Curtis Hill said that advertising firms and auto dealerships continue to use deceptive mailings even through the state has previously taken successful legal actions against such mailings .
He urged Hoosiers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Indiana are good , honest , hard-working professionals , ” Hill said in a statement .
“ Unfortunately , every industry has its share of individuals who seem bent on skirting the law in order to maximize profits.
” The Attorney General ’ s office recently filed two complaints against auto prize mailing promoters engaging in such .
One of those promoters was in Bartholomew County in south-central Indiana and the other was in northwestern Indiana ’ s Lake County .
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint with the Attorney General ’ s office at indianaconsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516 .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The state Attorney General’s office is warning Indiana residents to be wary of deceptive mailings that aim to mislead consumers into believing they’ve won significant prizes.
The deceptive mailings are often employed to lure people to locations where they are subjected to used-car sales pitches, the state agency said Wednesday in a news release.
Attorney General Curtis Hill said that advertising firms and auto dealerships continue to use deceptive mailings even through the state has previously taken successful legal actions against such mailings. He urged Hoosiers to be vigilant.
“Most car dealers in Indiana are good, honest, hard-working professionals,” Hill said in a statement. “Unfortunately, every industry has its share of individuals who seem bent on skirting the law in order to maximize profits.”
The Attorney General’s office recently filed two complaints against auto prize mailing promoters engaging in such. One of those promoters was in Bartholomew County in south-central Indiana and the other was in northwestern Indiana’s Lake County.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam or targeted by scammers should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office at indianaconsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Oregon fines gym $90K for violating COVID order

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) - Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials have fined a fitness business $ 90,000 for defying Gov .
Kate Brown ’ s COVID-19 order and remaining open throughout a current two-week freeze .
The Statesman Journal reports officials with Oregon Occupational Safety & Health said the penalty is the result of citations against each of the four facilities operated by Courthouse Club Fitness .
People at the business did not immediately respond to request for comment Wednesday .
Before the statewide freeze went into effect on Nov. 18 , gym owner John Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown would push his business to the breaking point .
“ As a result of the harm done to our business from the first shutdown , we will not survive another closure , ” Miller said .
“ This is a horrible position I find myself in , and it leaves me with only one choice .
Courthouse Club Fitness will remain open ( Nov. 18 ) and the days to follow.
” On Wednesday , Brown said 21 Oregon counties will continue to be under restrictions when a two-week “ freeze ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain closed .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , about 50 citations have been issued to businesses for not complying with parts of the pandemic orders by OSHA , which is designed to protect employees .

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials have fined a fitness business $90,000 for defying Gov. Kate Brown’s COVID-19 order and remaining open throughout a current two-week freeze.
The Statesman Journal reports officials with Oregon Occupational Safety & Health said the penalty is the result of citations against each of the four facilities operated by Courthouse Club Fitness. People at the business did not immediately respond to request for comment Wednesday.
Before the statewide freeze went into effect on Nov. 18, gym owner John Miller said in a statement that a second shutdown would push his business to the breaking point.
“As a result of the harm done to our business from the first shutdown, we will not survive another closure,” Miller said. “This is a horrible position I find myself in, and it leaves me with only one choice. Courthouse Club Fitness will remain open (Nov. 18) and the days to follow.”
On Wednesday, Brown said 21 Oregon counties will continue to be under restrictions when a two-week “freeze” expires Dec. 3. Indoor gyms will remain closed.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, about 50 citations have been issued to businesses for not complying with parts of the pandemic orders by OSHA, which is designed to protect employees.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--U.S. Justice Department suing over Puyallup River pollution

SEATTLE ( AP ) - The U.S. Justice Department is suing the owners of the Electron dam for violating the Clean Water Act by polluting the Puyallup River .
The civil suit was filed against Electron Hydro , LLC , Wednesday at the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. District Court for the Western District , The Seattle Times reported .
A spill in the Puyallup River was caused when Electron Hydro in July without authorization used old field turf from a dump as an underlayment for a plastic liner placed in a channel .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ river was diverted into the channel .
The river tore off pieces of the turf into the river , according to the suit .
The material was plastic “ grass ” yarn and loose granular infill material composed of silica sand and crumb rubber .
About six cubic yards became loose in the river , according to the suit .
Hunks of plastic liner and waste field turf material were found throughout the Puyallup River , and the crumb rubber rapidly and widely dispersed into the river , traveling at least 19 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the suit .
The Puyallup flows to Commencement Bay and Puget Sound .
Officials at Electron Hydro could not immediately be reached for comment .
The State Department of Ecology in its own inspections of the spill , according to the suit , also found Electron Hydro had disturbed over 4.5 acres more than was authorized under its state construction storm water permit , did not stabilize exposed soils and did not provide required containment for equipment containing fuel to prevent spills .
The Clean Water Act violations continued from July 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 28 , according to the suit .
Field turf can break down in the river and potentially discharge toxins and other pollutants in the river .
The department is seeking a fine of $ 55,800 per day for each violation of the Clean Water Act happening under various sections .
The department also demands that Electron Hydro remove all remaining fill and pollutants from its spill .
The dam is located in the upper Puyallup watershed and generates power for about 20,000 electricity customers .
The river is home to spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Endangered Species Act .
The spill first came to light because of a social-media post by an employee of Electron Hydro who was outraged by the placement of the turf in a river he had fished all his life .
Pierce County is taking steps to remove the Electron Dam on the Puyallup River because of environmental harm caused by the dam and its operations .

SEATTLE (AP) - The U.S. Justice Department is suing the owners of the Electron dam for violating the Clean Water Act by polluting the Puyallup River.
The civil suit was filed against Electron Hydro, LLC, Wednesday at the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. District Court for the Western District, The Seattle Times reported.
A spill in the Puyallup River was caused when Electron Hydro in July without authorization used old field turf from a dump as an underlayment for a plastic liner placed in a channel. As part of a construction project, the river was diverted into the channel.
The river tore off pieces of the turf into the river, according to the suit. The material was plastic “grass” yarn and loose granular infill material composed of silica sand and crumb rubber. About six cubic yards became loose in the river, according to the suit.
Hunks of plastic liner and waste field turf material were found throughout the Puyallup River, and the crumb rubber rapidly and widely dispersed into the river, traveling at least 19 miles (31 kilometers) downstream, according to the suit.
The Puyallup flows to Commencement Bay and Puget Sound.
Officials at Electron Hydro could not immediately be reached for comment.
The State Department of Ecology in its own inspections of the spill, according to the suit, also found Electron Hydro had disturbed over 4.5 acres more than was authorized under its state construction storm water permit, did not stabilize exposed soils and did not provide required containment for equipment containing fuel to prevent spills.
The Clean Water Act violations continued from July 20 until the company removed what turf remained on Oct. 28, according to the suit. Field turf can break down in the river and potentially discharge toxins and other pollutants in the river.
The department is seeking a fine of $55,800 per day for each violation of the Clean Water Act happening under various sections. The department also demands that Electron Hydro remove all remaining fill and pollutants from its spill.
The dam is located in the upper Puyallup watershed and generates power for about 20,000 electricity customers. The river is home to spring chinook and other fish protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The spill first came to light because of a social-media post by an employee of Electron Hydro who was outraged by the placement of the turf in a river he had fished all his life.
Pierce County is taking steps to remove the Electron Dam on the Puyallup River because of environmental harm caused by the dam and its operations.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Sidney Powell files suits alleging 'massive fraud' in election in Georgia, Michigan

Pro-Trump attorney Sidney Powell filed lawsuits in Georgia and in Michigan late Wednesday night , alleging a massive voter fraud scheme in those states that “ rigged ” the presidential election in favor of presumptive President-elect Joseph R. Biden .
The Georgia suit , filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta , named as defendants Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp , Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and state election board officials.The 75-page complaint filed in Michigan alleges “ massive election fraud ” in violation of Michigan ’ s Elections Code and the U.S. Constitution .
Both suits target voting machines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are used in 28 states .
The Georgia complaint asserts that the election fraud scheme relied primarily on “ old-fashioned ballot stuffing.
” “ The scheme and artifice to defraud was for the purpose of illegally and fraudulently manipulating the vote count to make certain the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States , ” the lawsuit contends .
She said the same pattern of election fraud and voter fraud “ writ large occurred in all the swing states with only minor variations … regarding Michigan , Pennsylvania , Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that in Arizona at least 35,000 votes were illegally added to Mr. Biden ’ s vote count , ” Ms. Powell said in a footnote .
Ms. Powell was a member of President Trump ’ s post-election campaign legal team until she was bumped out last week .
But she vowed to move ahead with legal action seeking to overturn the election results , while the president ’ s lawyers are doing the same in several states .
Her 104-page complaint in Georgia asked the federal court to issue an injunction “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from transmitting the currently certified results to the Electoral College based on the overwhelming evidence of election tampering.
” The lawsuit states that at least 96,600 absentee ballots were requested and counted , but were never recorded as being returned to county election boards by the voter .
“ Thus , at a minimum , 96,600 votes must be disregarded , ” the suit said .
Georgia and Michigan have certified their election results , with Mr. Biden winning both states .
He won Georgia by 12,670 votes out of 5 million cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won Michigan by about 154,000 votes .
Ms. Powell argues that Mr. Kemp and Mr. Raffensperger “ rushed through the purchase of Dominion voting machines and software in 2019 for the 2020 Presidential Election ” without assessing whether the machines were secure from tampering .
“ There is incontrovertible physical evidence that the standards of physical security of the voting machines and the software were breached , and machines were connected to the internet in violation of professional standards and state and federal laws , ” the lawsuit states .
Ms. Powell filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president pardoned one of her clients , former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn .

Pro-Trump attorney Sidney Powell filed lawsuits in Georgia and in Michigan late Wednesday night, alleging a massive voter fraud scheme in those states that “rigged” the presidential election in favor of presumed President-elect Joseph R. Biden.
The Georgia suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, named as defendants Gov. Brian Kemp, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both Republicans, and state election-board officials. The 75-page complaint filed in Michigan alleges “massive election fraud” in violation of Michigan’s Elections Code and the U.S. Constitution.
Both suits target voting machines made by Dominion Voting Systems, which are used in 28 states. The Georgia complaint asserts that the election fraud scheme relied primarily on “old-fashioned ballot stuffing.”
“The scheme and artifice to defraud was for the purpose of illegally and fraudulently manipulating the vote count to make certain the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States,” Ms. Powell’s lawsuit contends.
She said the same pattern of election fraud and voter fraud “writ large occurred in all the swing states with only minor variations … regarding Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Wisconsin.”
“Indeed, we believe that in Arizona at least 35,000 votes were illegally added to Mr. Biden’s vote count,” Ms. Powell said in a footnote.
SEE ALSO: Pennsylvania state judge sides with GOP, halting election certification
Ms. Powell was a member of President Trump’s post-election campaign legal team until she was bumped out last week. But she vowed to move ahead with legal action seeking to overturn the election results, while the president’s lawyers are doing the same in several states.
Her 104-page complaint in Georgia asked the federal court to issue an injunction “prohibiting the Governor and Secretary of State from transmitting the currently certified results to the Electoral College based on the overwhelming evidence of election tampering.”
The lawsuit states that at least 96,600 absentee ballots were requested and counted, but were never recorded as being returned to county election boards by the voter.
“Thus, at a minimum, 96,600 votes must be disregarded,” the suit said.
Georgia and Michigan have certified their election results, with Mr. Biden winning both states. He won Georgia by 12,670 votes out of 5 million cast, or 0.2%, and Michigan by about 154,000 votes.
Ms. Powell argues that Mr. Kemp and Mr. Raffensperger “rushed through the purchase of Dominion voting machines and software in 2019 for the 2020 Presidential Election” without assessing whether the machines were secure from tampering.
“There is incontrovertible physical evidence that the standards of physical security of the voting machines and the software were breached, and machines were connected to the internet in violation of professional standards and state and federal laws,” the lawsuit states.
Ms. Powell filed the suits late on the same day that the president pardoned one of her clients, former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Hammond mayor wants to sell raw water to Joliet in Illinois

HAMMOND , Ind .
( AP ) - Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. wants to sell water from the Indiana city to Joliet in neighboring Illinois .
McDermott Jr. said this week that Joliet is considering Hammond and Chicago as options for a new water source , the ( Northwest Indiana ) Times reported .
City officials in Joliet began studying alternative water source options in 2018 because its underground aquifer that supplies water to its residents is expected to dry up by 2030 .
Raw water from Hammond would come from an intake along the Lake Michigan shoreline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pumped to Joliet ’ s water facilities , according to Joliet ’ s RethinkWaterJoliet website .
The water intake would have to be constructed .
The conceptual implementation costs range from $ 900 million to $ 1.1 billion depending upon capacity , the website said .
The other option is finished water from Chicago which would cost $ 500,000 to $ 600,000 , Joliet officials said .
Pumping facilities and transmission mains would need to be built to bring the water to Joliet and move it through the city ’ s water system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calumet City , Chicago Heights and other nearby Illinois communities .
Offers from Chicago and Hammond could be presented before the Joliet City Council next month .

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) - Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. wants to sell water from the Indiana city to Joliet in neighboring Illinois.
McDermott Jr. said this week that Joliet is considering Hammond and Chicago as options for a new water source, the (Northwest Indiana) Times reported.
City officials in Joliet began studying alternative water source options in 2018 because its underground aquifer that supplies water to its residents is expected to dry up by 2030.
Raw water from Hammond would come from an intake along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Indiana. The water then would be pumped to Joliet’s water facilities, according to Joliet’s RethinkWaterJoliet website.
The water intake would have to be constructed.
The conceptual implementation costs range from $900 million to $1.1 billion depending upon capacity, the website said.
The other option is finished water from Chicago which would cost $500,000 to $600,000, Joliet officials said.
Pumping facilities and transmission mains would need to be built to bring the water to Joliet and move it through the city’s water system.
Hammond also sells to Lansing, Calumet City, Chicago Heights and other nearby Illinois communities.
Offers from Chicago and Hammond could be presented before the Joliet City Council next month.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Azerbaijan slams French Senate's vote on Nagorno-Karabakh

BAKU , Azerbaijan ( AP ) - Azerbaijani officials have criticized a resolution adopted by the French Senate that urges the French government to recognize the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent republic .
The resolution , adopted on Wednesday , is symbolic and does not mean the French government will recognize a sovereign Nagorno-Karabakh .
No U.N. member state recognizes the region , over which Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a decades-long conflict , as independent .
Nevertheless , the move elicited outrage in Azerbaijan , which has previously criticized France for siding with Armenia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of the French embassy in the capital , Baku , on Thursday , chanting “ France , be fair !
” The country ’ s Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that the document can only be seen “ as a provocation.
” Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev denounced the resolution Thursday as a “ piece of paper adopted to serve narrow political ambitions , ” and said that France ’ s “ open pro-Armenian position… has become one of the main factors hindering the peaceful resolution of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s government to reach out to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in order to revoke France ’ s mandate as a co-chair of the Minsk Group set up by the Organization to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994 .
That war left Nagorno-Karabakh itself and substantial surrounding territory in Armenian hands .
Heavy fighting that erupted in late September marked the biggest escalation of a long-simmering conflict between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halted by a Russian-brokered truce two weeks ago .
The agreement stipulated that Armenia hand over control to Azerbaijan of some areas it holds outside Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s borders and was celebrated in Baku as a major victory .
Two out of three territories mentioned in the agreement have already been handed over to Azerbaijan .

BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) - Azerbaijani officials have criticized a resolution adopted by the French Senate that urges the French government to recognize the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent republic.
The resolution, adopted on Wednesday, is symbolic and does not mean the French government will recognize a sovereign Nagorno-Karabakh, but sends a message of support to France’s large Armenian community. No U.N. member state recognizes the region, over which Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a decades-long conflict, as independent.
Nevertheless, the move elicited outrage in Azerbaijan, which has previously criticized France for taking a “pro-Armenian” stand in the dispute.
Several dozen people protested in front of the French embassy in the capital, Baku, on Thursday, chanting “France, be fair!” Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that the document can only be seen “as a provocation” and stressed that it “has no legal force.”
Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev denounced the resolution Thursday as a “piece of paper adopted to serve narrow political ambitions,” and said that France’s “open pro-Armenian position… has become one of the main factors hindering the peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
Azerbaijan’s parliament urged the country’s government to reach out to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in order to revoke France’s status as a co-chair of the Minsk Group set up by the Organization to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The parliament also called on the government “to reconsider existing political relations” with France.
Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994. That war left Nagorno-Karabakh itself and substantial surrounding territory in Armenian hands.
Heavy fighting that erupted in late September marked the biggest escalation of a long-simmering conflict between the two ex-Soviet nations.
The violence was halted by a Russian-brokered truce two weeks ago. The agreement stipulated that Armenia hand over control to Azerbaijan of some areas it holds outside Nagorno-Karabakh’s borders and was celebrated in Baku as a major victory.
Two out of three territories mentioned in the agreement have already been handed over to Azerbaijan.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Coast Guard saves 3 stranded on island after boat drifts off

WILMINGTON , N.C. ( AP ) - Three people who went hunting on an island on the North Carolina coast @ @ @ @ @ stranded when their boat drifted off , the U.S. Coast Guard said .
A news @ @ @ @ @ Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received word on Tuesday that three people were @ @ @ @ @ their 21-foot craft drifted away , the news release said .
The island is in @ @ @ @ @ is between the mouths of the Pamlico and Neuse rivers .
The island is southwest @ @ @ @ @ center dispatched a boat crew from the Hobucken station , officials said .
The crew @ @ @ @ @ on the boat and took them to the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramp @ @ @ @ @ .

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) - Three people who went hunting on an island on the North Carolina coast were rescued after they became stranded when their boat drifted off, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
A news release says personnel at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received word on Tuesday that three people were stranded on Racoon Island after their 21-foot craft drifted away, the news release said. The island is in the Bay River, which is between the mouths of the Pamlico and Neuse rivers. The island is southwest of Hobucken.
The command center dispatched a boat crew from the Hobucken station, officials said. The crew put the three unidentified people on the boat and took them to the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramp. No injuries were reported.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Fire in Indian hospital kills 5 coronavirus patients

NEW DELHI ( AP ) - A fire broke out early Friday in a privately-run hospital treating coronavirus patients in @ @ @ @ @ least five of them and injuring 28 others .
Police officer K.N .
Bhukan said @ @ @ @ @ to one floor of the hospital and extinguished it within 30 minutes .
The cause @ @ @ @ @ investigated .
The Press Trust of India news agency said the fire started in the @ @ @ @ @ Shivanand Hospital that was treating 33 coronavirus patients .
Some of the patients with fire @ @ @ @ @ hospital in Rajkot , a city in western Gujarat state , nearly 1,100 kilometers ( @ @ @ @ @ New Delhi .
In August , a fire killed eight coronavirus patients in a hospital @ @ @ @ @ city in Gujarat state .
Poor maintenance and lack of proper firefighting equipment often causes @ @ @ @

NEW DELHI (AP) - A fire broke out early Friday in a privately-run hospital treating coronavirus patients in western India, killing at least five of them and injuring 28 others.
Police officer K.N. Bhukan said fire engines restricted the blaze to one floor of the hospital and extinguished it within 30 minutes.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
The Press Trust of India news agency said the fire started in the intensive care unit of Uday Shivanand Hospital that was treating 33 coronavirus patients.
Some of the patients with fire burns were evacuated to another hospital in Rajkot, a city in western Gujarat state, nearly 1,100 kilometers ( 685 miles) southwest of New Delhi.
In August, a fire killed eight coronavirus patients in a hospital in Ahmedabad, another key city in Gujarat state.
Poor maintenance and lack of proper firefighting equipment often causes deaths in India.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--North Carolina deputy shot; suspect in custody

WENTWORTH , N.C. ( AP ) - A North Carolina sheriff ’ s deputy was shot Thursday night while responding @ @ @ @ @ Lt. Kevin Suthard of the Rockingham County Sheriff ’ s Office told news outlets that @ @ @ @ @ a local hospital .
An unidentified suspect was taken into custody .
Authorities did not @ @ @ @ @ s condition or give additional details about the shooting .
Rockingham County is located north @ @ @ @ @ of the Virginia border .

WENTWORTH, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy was shot Thursday night while responding to a domestic call.
Lt. Kevin Suthard of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office told news outlets that the deputy was taken to a local hospital. An unidentified suspect was taken into custody.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the deputy’s condition or give additional details about the shooting.
Rockingham County is located north of Greensboro, just south of the Virginia border.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Asia Today: South Korea cases stay above 500 for 2nd day

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - South Korea ’ s daily virus tally hovered above 500 for the second straight day , as the country ’ s prime minister urged the public to stay home this weekend to contain a viral resurgence .
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Friday it ’ s found 569 new cases over the past 24 hours , raising the country ’ s total to 32,887 with 516 deaths .
South Korea on Thursday registered 583 new cases , the first time its daily tally had exceeded 500 since March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it ’ s tied to a variety of sources such as schools , offices , hospitals , an army boot camp , a public sauna and family gatherings .
South Korea has seen a spike in fresh infections since it eased tough social distancing rules last month .
Authorities subsequently restored distancing guidelines in Seoul and other areas earlier this week .
But they say South Korea is expected to report 400-600 new cases every day until early December before the distancing restrictions could show effects .
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings and stay home as much as possible this weekend .
He says the number of virus cases in South Korea has increased after weekends over the past two weeks .
In other developments in Asia and the Pacific : - From nearly 8,000 actives cases in August and more than 800 deaths in the Australian state of Victoria to the elimination of the coronavirus : It ’ s an achievement that one Melbourne doctor says he thought was unthinkable only three months ago .
Friday marked four weeks without a new case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours .
Health authorities say 28 days with no new cases means the virus has been eliminated from the community , given that the time represents two 14-day incubation periods .
Victoria reached 7,880 active cases on Aug. 11 .
The last COVID-19 patient in a Victorian hospital was discharged on Monday , leaving the state without an active case .
The resurgence had forced a lockdown in Melbourne , an overnight curfew and travel and family gathering restrictions .
Premier Daniel Andrews was criticized repeatedly over several months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an emotional thing .
My training makes me wary about ever saying we ’ ve reached the finish line here , ” Melbourne doctor Stephen Parnis told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio .
“ But the fact that in about three months we ’ ve gotten to this point , no one would have been able to suggest that would even come close to this.
” Australia ’ s death toll from the virus is 907 and 819 of them are from Victoria .
- Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his family will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ palace balcony due to concerns over the country ’ s struggles with a resurgence of coronavirus infections .
The Imperial Household Agency said in a statement Friday that the annual greetings on Jan. 2 will not be held .
The event traditionally draws tens of thousands of well-wishers to the palace garden .
The greeting was last canceled in 1990 following the death of Naruhito ’ s grandfather .
Emperor Naruhito and his family have rarely made public appearances since the pandemic due to cancelation of palace events .
Experts have urged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the holiday season because of a rise in serious coronavirus cases .

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea’s daily virus tally hovered above 500 for the second straight day, as the country’s prime minister urged the public to stay home this weekend to contain a viral resurgence.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Friday it’s found 569 new cases over the past 24 hours, raising the country’s total to 32,887 with 516 deaths.
South Korea on Thursday registered 583 new cases, the first time its daily tally had exceeded 500 since March. Officials say the latest outbreak is worrisome because it’s tied to a variety of sources such as schools, offices, hospitals, an army boot camp, a public sauna and family gatherings.
South Korea has seen a spike in fresh infections since it eased tough social distancing rules last month. Authorities subsequently restored distancing guidelines in Seoul and other areas earlier this week. But they say South Korea is expected to report 400-600 new cases every day until early December before the distancing restrictions could show effects.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Friday urged the public to avoid social gatherings and stay home as much as possible this weekend. He says the number of virus cases in South Korea has increased after weekends over the past two weeks.
In other developments in Asia and the Pacific:
- From nearly 8,000 active cases in August and more than 800 deaths in the Australian state of Victoria to the elimination of the coronavirus: It’s an achievement that one Melbourne doctor says he thought was unthinkable only three months ago. Friday marked four weeks without a new case of COVID-19 and 9,828 Victorians were tested in the past 24 hours. Health authorities say 28 days with no new cases means the virus has been eliminated from the community, given that the time represents two 14-day incubation periods. Victoria reached 7,880 active cases on Aug. 11. The last COVID-19 patient in a Victorian hospital was discharged on Monday, leaving the state without an active case. The resurgence had forced a lockdown in Melbourne, an overnight curfew and travel and family gathering restrictions. Premier Daniel Andrews was criticized repeatedly over several months for his strict guidelines. “It is an emotional thing. My training makes me wary about ever saying we’ve reached the finish line here,” Melbourne doctor Stephen Parnis told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio. “But the fact that in about three months we’ve gotten to this point, no one would have been able to suggest that would even come close to this.” Australia’s death toll from the virus is 907 and 819 of them are from Victoria.
- Thailand on Friday signed a $200 million deal to procure 26 million doses of the trial coronavirus vaccine developed by pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University. It is expected to be delivered in mid-2021. The doses would cover 13 million people in a population of about 69 million. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said officials are still considering how to prioritize vaccine recipients. “Those who work closely with COVID-19 patients, for example, doctors and nurses, should be among the first people. But this needs further discussion,” he said. Under a separate deal in October, the Health Ministry, Siam Bioscience Co. and the SCG business conglomerate signed a letter of intent with AstraZeneca on the manufacturing and supply of the vaccine candidate. It would allow Siam Bioscience to produce the vaccine at its own plant, with a starting date targeted for the middle of next year. Thailand has had 3,961 confirmed cases of the coronavirus since January, including 60 deaths.
- Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his family will not offer their New Year greetings from the palace balcony due to concerns over the country’s struggles with a resurgence of coronavirus infections. The Imperial Household Agency said in a statement Friday that the annual greetings on Jan. 2 will not be held. The event traditionally draws tens of thousands of well-wishers to the palace garden. The greeting was last canceled in 1990 following the death of Naruhito’s grandfather. Emperor Naruhito and his family have rarely made public appearances since the pandemic due to cancelation of palace events. Experts have urged the government to reduce social and business activity before the holiday season because of a rise in serious coronavirus cases. Tokyo reported 570 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, a new record for Japan’s capital city. Nationwide, Japan had nearly 140,000 cases and more than 2,000 deaths.
- India’s overall infections have maintained a steady downturn with 43,082 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. The Health Ministry says Thursday was the 20th straight day with cases below the 50,000-mark. Authorities are considering a night curfew in New Delhi, which recorded 5,475 fresh infections in the past 24 hours. The surge there started at the end of October and reached record highs this month, severely straining the city’s health care system and hospitals. India’s coronavirus tally has crossed 9.3 million, second behind the U.S. The Home Ministry has allowed states to impose local restrictions like night curfews but has asked them to consult before imposing lockdowns at state, district or city levels.
- Hong Kong on Friday reported 92 coronavirus infections as the city struggles to contain outbreaks linked to dance studios and a private hospital. Of the infections reported on Friday, 17 were not traceable. Hong Kong has reported 411 infections since Monday, with officials warning of a new virus outbreak in the city. Friday’s infections were the highest daily number of cases reported since Aug. 6. Most of the cases this week have been linked to dance studios, with officials ordering those who have visited those venues to undergo mandatory testing. The cluster is the city’s largest so far with 367 infections. This week, authorities tightened social distancing measures, ordering bars and nightclubs to close. Hong Kong has recorded 6,040 cases, including 108 deaths.
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Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--McGhee hits career-high 7 3s, Liberty beats Mississippi St

MELBOURNE , Fla. ( AP ) - Darius McGhee scored 23 points and made a career-high seven 3-pointers , Elijah Cuffee added 17 points and five 3s , and Liberty set a program record with 19 makes from distance in an 84-73 victory over Mississippi State on Thursday night in the consolation game of the Space Coast Challenge .
It ’ s the first time Mississippi State has started a season 0-2 since 1967 .
Coach Ben Howland will have to wait until Monday for a chance to win his 500th career game .
Chris Parker - a graduate transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points and 10 assists and Micaiah Abii added 10 points for Liberty ( 1-1 ) , which is coming off back-to-back conference tournament titles for the first time in program history .
Abii scored 19 on Wednesday for Liberty ’ s most points in a freshman debut since Seth Curry ( 23 points ) in 2008 .
Liberty has defeated six Power Five opponents under coach Ritchie McKay , including Mississippi State in the NCAA Tournament in 2019 .
D.J .
Stewart Jr. and Tolu Smith each scored 20 points for Mississippi State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but only attempted 10 3-pointers compared to Liberty ’ s 39 .
Mississippi State led 41-40 at halftime - a day after scoring 42 total points in an 11-point loss to Clemson .
Smith had 14 points and five rebounds in the half and Stewart scored 12 .

MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP) - Darius McGhee scored 23 points and made a career-high seven 3-pointers, Elijah Cuffee added 17 points and five 3s, and Liberty set a program record with 19 makes from distance in an 84-73 victory over Mississippi State on Thursday night in the consolation game of the Space Coast Challenge.
It’s the first time Mississippi State has started a season 0-2 since 1967. Coach Ben Howland will have to wait until Monday for a chance to win his 500th career game.
Chris Parker - a graduate transfer from D-II Henderson State - had 10 points and 10 assists and Micaiah Abii added 10 points for Liberty (1-1), which is coming off back-to-back conference tournament titles for the first time in program history. Abii scored 19 on Wednesday for Liberty’s most points in a freshman debut since Seth Curry (23 points) in 2008.
Liberty has defeated six Power Five opponents under coach Ritchie McKay, including Mississippi State in the NCAA Tournament in 2019.
D.J. Stewart Jr. and Tolu Smith each scored 20 points for Mississippi State. The Bulldogs outrebounded Liberty 29-17, but only attempted 10 3-pointers compared to Liberty’s 39.
Mississippi State led 41-40 at halftime - a day after scoring 42 total points in an 11-point loss to Clemson. Smith had 14 points and five rebounds in the half and Stewart scored 12.
___
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--AP Week in Pictures: Asia

AP Week in Pictures: Asia

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

NOV. 20-26, 2020
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and Pacific.
The gallery was curated by AP photo editor Shuji Kajiyama in Tokyo.
Follow AP visual journalism:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews
AP Images on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Images
AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--Police: 2 dead, 3 injured in Long Island stabbing

BRENTWOOD , N.Y. ( AP ) - Police on Long Island are investigating a stabbing that killed two Bronx men @ @ @ @ @ were leaving a house party early Thursday .
Suffolk County police said Jesus Ramos-Perez , @ @ @ @ @ , 19 , died from their injuries .
Three other men were hospitalized .
The @ @ @ @ @ in Brentwood .
Police did not release any other details .

BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (AP) - Police on Long Island are investigating a stabbing that killed two Bronx men and injured three others who were leaving a house party early Thursday.
Suffolk County police said Jesus Ramos-Perez, 28, and Rancel Montilla, 19, died from their injuries. Three other men were hospitalized.
The stabbing happened about 12:20 a.m. in Brentwood. Police did not release any other details.


washingtontimes--2020-11-26--American oil executives guilty of corruption, Venezuela judge rules

CARACAS , Venezuela — Six American oil executives held for three years in Venezuela were found guilty of corruption charges by a judge Thursday and immediately sentenced to prison , defense lawyers said , dashing hopes of a quick release that would send them home to their families in the United States .
Some relatives had been bracing for the disheartening outcome , which came on the evening of Thanksgiving Day .
Alirio Rafael Zambrano , brother to two of the men , said they were “ undeniably innocent ” and victims of “ judicial terrorism.
” No evidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ We , the family , are heartbroken to be separated even further from our loved ones , ” Zambrano said .
“ We pray that the leaders of our nation step forward and continue to fight unceasingly for their freedom and human rights.
” Attorney Maria Alejandra Poleo , who helped represent three of the men , said the case was “ void of evidence.
” “ Of course , the defense will appeal the decision , ” she said .
The so-called Citgo 6 are employees of Houston-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Venezuela ‘ s state oil company , PDVSA .
They had been lured to Venezuela three years ago for a business meeting and were arrested on corruption charges .
Their arrest launched a purge by President Nicolas Maduro ‘ s government of PDVSA and at a time when relations between Caracas and Washington were crumbling as Venezuela plummeted into economic and social crisis .
Five of the men were sentenced to prison terms of 8 years and 10 months , while one of them received a 13-year sentence .
Defense attorney Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be released on parole in a couple of years .
One of the men , Tomeu Vadel , has said in a letter written in a Caracas jail and provided exclusively to The Associated Press before the verdict that he had hopes for a fair trial so he could walk free with his name cleared and go home to his family in the United States .
Despite his circumstances , Vadell held out hope .
“ During the trial , the truth has proven undeniable , ” Vadell said in the four-page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am innocent.
” “ I ’ m now reaching an intersection where if justice is done , I will be able to rebuild my life and try to compensate my family for all the lost moments , ” he added .
“ The light is intense — the hope is great — give me freedom.
” Videll said it was especially painful to be separated during the Thanksgiving season from his wife , three adult children and a newborn grandson he has never held .
“ Before living this tragedy , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , ” Vadell wrote , saying he embraced the traditional American holiday after moving in 1999 from Caracas to Lake Charles , Louisiana , for a job with Citgo .
“ Now , they bring me a lot of sadness.
” It ’ s the first time Vadell , or any of the so-called Citgo 6 , had spoken publicly since being arrested and charged with in a purported big corruption scheme .
He has been held at a feared Caracas jail called El Helicoide .
The others convicted are Gustavo Cardenas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zambrano and Alirio Zambrano , all now U.S. citizens .
Jose Pereira , a permanent resident , received the longest sentence .
They were also charged with embezzlement stemming from a never-executed proposal to refinance some $ 4 billion in Citgo bonds by offering a 50 % stake in the company as collateral .
Maduro at the time accused them of “ treason.
” The men were summoned to the headquarters of PDVSA for what they were told was a budget meeting on Nov. 21 , 2017 .
A corporate jet shuttled them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be home for Thanksgiving .
Instead , military intelligence officers swarmed into the boardroom and hauled them off to jail .
Their trial started four months ago and closing arguments took place Thursday .
The judge immediately announced her verdict .
The proceeding played out one day a week in a downtown Caracas court .
Due to the pandemic , sessions were held in front of a bank of dormant elevators in a hallway , apparently to take advantage of air flowing through open windows .
News media and rights groups were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no response to a letter addressed to Judge Lorena Cornielles seeking permission for The Associated Press to observe .
The office of Venezuela ‘ s chief prosecutor said prior to the verdict in a statement to AP that investigators found “ serious evidence ” that corroborated financial crimes potentially damaging to the state-run company .
“ The Citgo case has developed normally during all the stages established by the Venezuelan criminal process , ” the statement said .
Loreto said his client appeared to have been caught up in a “ geopolitical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part .
He said Vadell ‘ s name never appeared on any of the documents prosecutors read into evidence .
“ There ’ s nothing that refers to Tomeu in any way — directly or indirectly , ” the lawyer said .
“ This is the story of a good guy being held against his will for all the wrong reasons.
” Former New Mexico Gov .
Bill Richardson , who has negotiated the release of other Americans held by hostile governments , traveled to Caracas in July and met with Maduro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom , but days later two of them – Cardenas and Toledo – were freed from jail and put in house detention .
Two weeks later , the long-delayed trial began .
Richardson told AP that conversations with the Venezuelan government continue despite his meeting with Maduro being “ a little stormy.
” He said he he believes there is an opening tied to President-elect Joe Biden and a desire by Maduro to improve relations with Washington .
“ I think the Venezuelans have been straight with me , but more progress needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the verdict .
“ My hope is to have something positive by Christmas.
” It is not clear what approach Biden will take toward Maduro .
Trump aggressively pressed to remove Maduro through sweeping financial sanctions and the U.S. Justice Department has indicted Maduro as a “ narcoterrorist , ” offering a $ 15 million reward for his arrest .
Vadell ’ s letter steered clear of politics .
He didn ’ t mention Maduro or speak about his jailers , though he did express concern about the “ consequences of repercussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his family , Vadell broke his silence , taking a risk relatives said was necessary .
“ I believe it ’ s more important that the light of hope illuminates us , ” Vadell wrote .
“ May the light of hope put an end to the sadness of my family.
” The five other men did not respond to invitations AP made through their lawyers to comment .
Vadell ’ s daughter , Cristina Vadell , said in a phone interview from Lake Charles that her father isn ’ t the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rather , he prefers to focus on work and his family .
During his 35-year career with PDVSA and Citgo , Vadell ended up running a refinery in Lake Charles and then became vice president of refining .
The letter attempts to expose this side of his life , she said .
“ I think he was willing to take some risks and open some hearts to allow him to come home , ” she said .
“ I think he ’ s still wondering ‘ What happened ?
’ He went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

CARACAS, Venezuela — Six American oil executives held for three years in Venezuela were found guilty of corruption charges by a judge Thursday and immediately sentenced to prison, defense lawyers said, dashing hopes of a quick release that would send them home to their families in the United States.
Some relatives had been bracing for the disheartening outcome, which came on the evening of Thanksgiving Day.
Alirio Rafael Zambrano, brother to two of the men, said they were “undeniably innocent” and victims of “judicial terrorism.” No evidence in the case supports a guilty conviction, he said.
“We, the family, are heartbroken to be separated even further from our loved ones,” Zambrano said. “We pray that the leaders of our nation step forward and continue to fight unceasingly for their freedom and human rights.”
Attorney Maria Alejandra Poleo, who helped represent three of the men, said the case was “void of evidence.” “Of course, the defense will appeal the decision,” she said.
The so-called Citgo 6 are employees of Houston-based Citgo refining company, which is owned by Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA. They had been lured to Venezuela three years ago for a business meeting and were arrested on corruption charges.
Their arrest launched a purge by President Nicolas Maduro’s government of PDVSA and at a time when relations between Caracas and Washington were crumbling as Venezuela plummeted into economic and social crisis.
Five of the men were sentenced to prison terms of 8 years and 10 months, while one of them received a 13-year sentence. Defense attorney Jesus Loreto said the five with lesser terms could be released on parole in a couple of years.
Venezuelan officials did not immediately comment.
One of the men, Tomeu Vadel, has said in a letter written in a Caracas jail and provided exclusively to The Associated Press before the verdict that he had hopes for a fair trial so he could walk free with his name cleared and go home to his family in the United States.
Despite his circumstances, Vadell held out hope.
“During the trial, the truth has proven undeniable,” Vadell said in the four-page hand-written letter. “It proves that I am innocent.”
“I’m now reaching an intersection where if justice is done, I will be able to rebuild my life and try to compensate my family for all the lost moments,” he added. “The light is intense — the hope is great — give me freedom.”
Videll said it was especially painful to be separated during the Thanksgiving season from his wife, three adult children and a newborn grandson he has never held.
“Before living this tragedy, these celebrations were very special times for our family,” Vadell wrote, saying he embraced the traditional American holiday after moving in 1999 from Caracas to Lake Charles, Louisiana, for a job with Citgo. “Now, they bring me a lot of sadness.”
It’s the first time Vadell, or any of the so-called Citgo 6, had spoken publicly since being arrested and charged with in a purported big corruption scheme. He has been held at a feared Caracas jail called El Helicoide.
The others convicted are Gustavo Cardenas, Jorge Toledo, brothers Jose Luis Zambrano and Alirio Zambrano, all now U.S. citizens. Jose Pereira, a permanent resident, received the longest sentence.
They were also charged with embezzlement stemming from a never-executed proposal to refinance some $4 billion in Citgo bonds by offering a 50% stake in the company as collateral. Maduro at the time accused them of “treason.”
They all pleaded innocence.
The men were summoned to the headquarters of PDVSA for what they were told was a budget meeting on Nov. 21, 2017. A corporate jet shuttled them to Caracas and they were told they would be home for Thanksgiving. Instead, military intelligence officers swarmed into the boardroom and hauled them off to jail.
Their trial started four months ago and closing arguments took place Thursday. The judge immediately announced her verdict.
The proceeding played out one day a week in a downtown Caracas court. Due to the pandemic, sessions were held in front of a bank of dormant elevators in a hallway, apparently to take advantage of air flowing through open windows.
News media and rights groups were denied access to the hearings. There was no response to a letter addressed to Judge Lorena Cornielles seeking permission for The Associated Press to observe.
The office of Venezuela’s chief prosecutor said prior to the verdict in a statement to AP that investigators found “serious evidence” that corroborated financial crimes potentially damaging to the state-run company.
“The Citgo case has developed normally during all the stages established by the Venezuelan criminal process,” the statement said.
Loreto said his client appeared to have been caught up in a “geopolitical conflict” of which he was not a part. He said Vadell’s name never appeared on any of the documents prosecutors read into evidence.
“There’s nothing that refers to Tomeu in any way — directly or indirectly,” the lawyer said. “This is the story of a good guy being held against his will for all the wrong reasons.”
Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who has negotiated the release of other Americans held by hostile governments, traveled to Caracas in July and met with Maduro.
He didn’t win their freedom, but days later two of them – Cardenas and Toledo – were freed from jail and put in house detention. Two weeks later, the long-delayed trial began.
Richardson told AP that conversations with the Venezuelan government continue despite his meeting with Maduro being “a little stormy.” He said he he believes there is an opening tied to President-elect Joe Biden and a desire by Maduro to improve relations with Washington.
“I think the Venezuelans have been straight with me, but more progress needs to be made,” Richardson said before the verdict. “My hope is to have something positive by Christmas.”
It is not clear what approach Biden will take toward Maduro. Trump aggressively pressed to remove Maduro through sweeping financial sanctions and the U.S. Justice Department has indicted Maduro as a “narcoterrorist,” offering a $15 million reward for his arrest.
Vadell’s letter steered clear of politics. He didn’t mention Maduro or speak about his jailers, though he did express concern about the “consequences of repercussions” of speaking out.
With encouragement from his family, Vadell broke his silence, taking a risk relatives said was necessary.
“I believe it’s more important that the light of hope illuminates us,” Vadell wrote. “May the light of hope put an end to the sadness of my family.”
The five other men did not respond to invitations AP made through their lawyers to comment.
Vadell’s daughter, Cristina Vadell, said in a phone interview from Lake Charles that her father isn’t the kind of person who seeks attention. Rather, he prefers to focus on work and his family.
During his 35-year career with PDVSA and Citgo, Vadell ended up running a refinery in Lake Charles and then became vice president of refining. The letter attempts to expose this side of his life, she said.
“I think he was willing to take some risks and open some hearts to allow him to come home,” she said. “I think he’s still wondering ‘What happened?’ He went to a work meeting and never came home.”