washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Missouri ex-governor rushes to scene of double homicide

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - Former Missouri Gov .
Eric Greitens was on the scene of a double homicide near Saint Louis University , where he rendered first aid to the shooting victims , according to news reports .
Greitens and a friend were in the area having dinner when a barrage of gunshots rang out just after 8 p.m. Monday .
Greitens and the friend rushed to the scene to try to help two men who had been shot until medics arrived , St. Louis television station KTVI reported .
Police said a 20-year-old man died at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died at a hospital .
Police had not released the names of the victims by Tuesday morning , and no arrests had been reported .
Greitens , a former Navy SEAL , told the news station that he put a tourniquet on one of the victims .
“ It is unfortunately one of the most dangerous places in the country , ” Greitens said of St. Louis .
Greitens resigned in 2018 amid a number of political scandals , including campaign misconduct and accusations that he took a compromising photo of a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affair .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens was on the scene of a double homicide near Saint Louis University, where he rendered first aid to the shooting victims, according to news reports.
Greitens and a friend were in the area having dinner when a barrage of gunshots rang out just after 8 p.m. Monday. Greitens and the friend rushed to the scene to try to help two men who had been shot until medics arrived, St. Louis television station KTVI reported.
Police said a 20-year-old man died at the scene, and a 21-year-old man later died at a hospital. Police had not released the names of the victims by Tuesday morning, and no arrests had been reported.
Greitens, a former Navy SEAL, told the news station that he put a tourniquet on one of the victims.
“It is unfortunately one of the most dangerous places in the country,” Greitens said of St. Louis.
Greitens resigned in 2018 amid a number of political scandals, including campaign misconduct and accusations that he took a compromising photo of a woman without her consent during a 2015 extramarital affair.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Banned Olympic medalist now charged for false evidence

MONACO ( AP ) - Olympic race walk silver medalist Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez lost her appeal against a four-year ban for doping and faced new charges on Tuesday for using false evidence .
The Athletics Integrity Unit published a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport which dismissed an appeal this month by the 20-kilometer walk runner-up at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics .
Gonzalez blamed her positive test for the anabolic steroid trenbolone in 2018 on contaminated meat in tacos .
Steroids are used in cattle farming in her native Mexico .
In a written statement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false details of the meat she had eaten .
Athletes who prove how they ingested a doping product can avoid a ban .
Gonzalez “ expressly accepts that she lied and presented and relied upon fabricated documents ” in an apology to the CAS panel , the appeal ruling stated .
The AIU , which prosecutes cases in track and field , said it now “ charged the athlete with a second violation for tampering.
” The 31-year-old race walker , better known as Lupita Gonzalez , is banned into November 2022 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge .
Gonzalez will keep her silver medals from the 20-kilometer walk at the 2016 Olympics and the 2017 world championships in London .

MONACO (AP) - Olympic race walk silver medalist Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez lost her appeal against a four-year ban for doping and faced new charges on Tuesday for using false evidence.
The Athletics Integrity Unit published a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport which dismissed an appeal this month by the 20-kilometer walk runner-up at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Gonzalez blamed her positive test for the anabolic steroid trenbolone in 2018 on contaminated meat in tacos. Steroids are used in cattle farming in her native Mexico.
In a written statement to her original disciplinary hearing, she cited false details of the meat she had eaten. Athletes who prove how they ingested a doping product can avoid a ban.
Gonzalez “expressly accepts that she lied and presented and relied upon fabricated documents” in an apology to the CAS panel, the appeal ruling stated.
The AIU, which prosecutes cases in track and field, said it now “charged the athlete with a second violation for tampering.”
The 31-year-old race walker, better known as Lupita Gonzalez, is banned into November 2022 and faces a further ban for the new charge.
Gonzalez will keep her silver medals from the 20-kilometer walk at the 2016 Olympics and the 2017 world championships in London.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Suspect in stabbing at Massachusetts mall held without bail

WORCESTER , Mass .
( AP ) - The suspect in a stabbing at a Massachusetts mall has been held @ @ @ @ @ to determine whether he is a danger to society .
Yohance Jones , 19 , @ @ @ @ @ Monday in Worcester District Court on assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charges in @ @ @ @ @ inside the Auburn Mall .
Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf .
The @ @ @ @ @ of dispute , according to the office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr .
@ @ @ @ @ the hospital in critical condition and remained hospitalized as of Monday , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ The altercation was caight on surveillance video and shows the suspect repeatedly slashing the victim @ @ @ @ @ , feet and head , according to prosecutors .
Jones was held without bail pending @ @ @ @ @ July 21 .

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - The suspect in a stabbing at a Massachusetts mall has been held without bail pending a hearing to determine whether he is a danger to society.
Yohance Jones, 19, of Webster, was arraigned Monday in Worcester District Court on assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charges in connection with the stabbing Friday inside the Auburn Mall.
Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf.
The stabbing stemmed from some sort of dispute, according to the office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.
The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition and remained hospitalized as of Monday, authorities said. No name was disclosed. The altercation was caight on surveillance video and shows the suspect repeatedly slashing the victim in the arms, torso, feet and head, according to prosecutors.
Jones’ attorney says his client denies involvement.
Jones was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for July 21.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Spiking cost of gasoline pushes June consumer prices up 0.6%

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - U.S. consumer prices increased 0.6 % in June , after three months of declines , @ @ @ @ @ gasoline prices accounting for over half of the gain .
The Labor Department reported Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ consumer price index followed declines of 0.4 % in March , 0.8 % in April @ @ @ @ @ as the hit to demand caused by the widespread shutdowns of the economy kept a @ @ @ @ @ June report showed that energy prices jumped 5.1 % with gasoline costs surging 12.3 % @ @ @ @ @ that gain gasoline pump prices are 23.4 % below where they were a year ago @ @ @ @ @ exlcudes food and energy , rose a more modest 0.2 % in June .

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. consumer prices increased 0.6% in June, after three months of declines, with a big jump in gasoline prices accounting for over half of the gain.
The Labor Department reported Tuesday that the increase in its consumer price index followed declines of 0.4% in March, 0.8% in April and 0.1% in May as the hit to demand caused by the widespread shutdowns of the economy kept a lid on prices.
The June report showed that energy prices jumped 5.1% with gasoline costs surging 12.3%. However, even with that gain gasoline pump prices are 23.4% below where they were a year ago.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose a more modest 0.2% in June the first monthly increase since February.
Over the past 12 months, consumer prices have increased a modest 0.8% while core inflation is up just 1.2%.
That is well below the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for annual gains in inflation. Economists believe given the uncertain economic outlook with virus cases climbing again in many parts of the country, inflation pressures are likely to remain low for some time to come.
“Don’t be fooled by today’s jump in CPI prices as the longer downturn in the economy from the coronavirus second wave all but guarantees that inflation isn’t going anywhere,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at global financial group MUFG in New York. “Inflation isn’t likely to reappear on the radar screens of Federal Reserve officials for years.”
Other economists said the June rise in prices would ease concerns that the country could be in danger of slipping into a destabilizing period of deflation, something not seen in the United States since the Great Depression.
“The immediate threat of deflation is over,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC Financial Services Group. “Deflation, when prices are falling broadly, can be disastrous for an economy. It can cause consumers and businesses to put off purchases in the hopes of buying at a lower price lager on, exacerbating economic downturns.”
With analysts seeing no risk that inflation will suddenly accelerate to worrisome levels, the Fed will have the leeway to keep providing significant support to the economy through record-low interest rates and sizable backed purchases of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities.
In addition to the 5.1% gain in energy costs, food pries were up 0.6% in June after a 0.7% May increase.
The food at home index rose 0.7% in June after a 1% gain in May. Five of the six major grocery store food groups rose in June with beef prices up 4.8% in June, contributing to a 20.4% gain in beef prices over the last three months. The shutdown of several major meat packing plants because of coronavirus outbreaks contributed to the spike in meat prices.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Dan Gelber, Miami Beach mayor: We're a week or two away from 'shelter-in-place'

Dan Gelber , the mayor of Miami Beach , said his jurisdiction and other spots in Florida are likely a week or two away from resorting to strict “ shelter-in-place ” orders if the coronavirus situation does not improve .
“ If our hospitals are incapable of providing care to the community , that ’ s a hard stop for everybody , ” Mr. Gelber said on CNN .
“ So I suspect if in a week or two this is not changed in any way , then we ’ re all going to do it.
” “ Whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll do it , the county will do it , lots of the cities will do it — it ’ ll just be a shelter in place again , ” he said .
Mr. Gelber said people can stop that outcome from happening if they “ stop listening to people telling them that everything ’ s fine.
” Florida on Sunday reported more than 15,000 new coronavirus cases , setting a single-day record for any U.S. state .
“ For crying out loud , we had the vice president here last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a much better place and then immediately — it ’ s [ as ] if the virus had a heightened sense of irony and karma — we had the worst couple days in the history of the pandemic anywhere in the world , literally , in Florida , ” Mr. Gelber said .
“ You can ’ t keep telling people that everything is just fine and not to worry , because this is not a virus that responds to political speaking points , ” he said .
Other states are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Monday announced he was closing bars and indoor eating at restaurants .
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday said he proposed a “ two-week shutdown ” for his city to Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott to try to help get things back under control .

Dan Gelber, the mayor of Miami Beach, said his jurisdiction and other spots in Florida are likely a week or two away from resorting to strict “shelter-in-place” orders if the coronavirus situation does not improve.
“If our hospitals are incapable of providing care to the community, that’s a hard stop for everybody,” Mr. Gelber said on CNN. “So I suspect if in a week or two this is not changed in any way, then we’re all going to do it.”
“Whether the governor wants us to or not, we’ll do it, the county will do it, lots of the cities will do it — it’ll just be a shelter in place again,” he said.
Mr. Gelber said people can stop that outcome from happening if they “stop listening to people telling them that everything’s fine.”
Florida on Sunday reported more than 15,000 new coronavirus cases, setting a single-day record for any U.S. state.
“For crying out loud, we had the vice president here last week telling us that we’re in a much better place and then immediately — it’s [as] if the virus had a heightened sense of irony and karma — we had the worst couple days in the history of the pandemic anywhere in the world, literally, in Florida,” Mr. Gelber said.
“You can’t keep telling people that everything is just fine and not to worry, because this is not a virus that responds to political speaking points,” he said.
Other states are also pausing their reopening plans or dialing things back.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced he was closing bars and indoor eating at restaurants.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday said he proposed a “two-week shutdown” for his city to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to try to help get things back under control.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--13 million COVID-19 cases reported globally

There have been more than 13 million cases of COVID-19 reported around the world as of Tuesday , according to the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker .
The tracker showed 573,288 have died from the virus , and more than 7.2 million have recovered .
The world population currently stands at 7.8 billion .
The U.S. has reported the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths from the coronavirus , with more than 3.3 million confirmed cases , 135,615 deaths and 1,031,939 recoveries .
More than 40 million have been tested across the U.S. , which has a population of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 out of any other U.S. state at 32,395 , and 71,643 have recovered .
With a population of 209.5 million , Brazil has emerged as an epicenter of the virus and has tallied the second-highest number of confirmed cases behind the U.S. at over 1.8 million and 72,833 deaths .
One million cases of coronavirus were reported just 83 days after the outbreak originated in China last November .
It took just five days for the number of global confirmed cases to jump from 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .

There have been more than 13 million cases of COVID-19 reported around the world as of Tuesday, according to the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker.
The tracker showed 573,288 have died from the virus, and more than 7.2 million have recovered. The world population currently stands at 7.8 billion.
The U.S. has reported the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths from the coronavirus, with more than 3.3 million confirmed cases, 135,615 deaths and 1,031,939 recoveries.
More than 40 million have been tested across the U.S., which has a population of 328 million.
New York state has reported the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 out of any other U.S. state at 32,395, and 71,643 have recovered.
With a population of 209.5 million, Brazil has emerged as an epicenter of the virus and has tallied the second-highest number of confirmed cases behind the U.S. at over 1.8 million and 72,833 deaths.
One million cases of coronavirus were reported just 83 days after the outbreak originated in China last November. It took just five days for the number of global confirmed cases to jump from 12 million on July 8 to 13 million on Monday.
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Wells Fargo loses $2.4 billion in 2Q, first loss since 2008

Silver Spring , Md .
( AP ) - Wells Fargo lost $ 2.4 billion in the second quarter , the first quarterly loss for the bank since the real estate crash of 2008 .
Wells said it set aside an additional $ 8.4 billion for loan loss provisions - the money set aside to cover potentially bad loans - more than double last quarter ’ s $ 3.83 billion as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic ravaged almost every aspect of its business .
The bank said it had a loss of 66 cents per share .
Analysts surveyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cents per share .
In the first full reporting period under coronavirus restrictions , the San Francisco-based bank said it had revenue of $ 17.84 billion in the quarter , down from $ 21.58 billion for the same period in 2019 .
The results fell short of Wall Street expectations of $ 18.4 billion , which was lower than usual due to the virus outbreak .
Wells also said it would reduce its third quarter 2020 common stock dividend to 10 cents per share from 51 cents per share .
“ Our view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic downturn has deteriorated considerably from the assumptions used last quarter , ” said Chief Executive Officer Charlie Scharf .

Silver Spring, Md. (AP) - Wells Fargo lost $2.4 billion in the second quarter, the first quarterly loss for the bank since the real estate crash of 2008.
Wells said it set aside an additional $8.4 billion for loan loss provisions - the money set aside to cover potentially bad loans - more than double last quarter’s $3.83 billion as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic ravaged almost every aspect of its business.
With the coronavirus pandemic now in its fifth month in the U.S., Wells said the number of its loans that were 90 days or more past due jumped more than 34% from the same quarter last year. Infections are at record highs in several states and economies are shutting down again. Enhanced unemployment benefits for millions of people run out at the end of the month unless Congress acts, painting a potentially grim picture for the months ahead.
“Our view of the length and severity of the economic downturn has deteriorated considerably from the assumptions used last quarter,” said Chief Executive Officer Charlie Scharf. The bank set aside $3.83 billion for potential loan losses in the first quarter.
Wells said it lost 66 cents per share in the April-June quarter. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected a loss of 16 cents per share. The bank said its results were hit by losses in its portfolio of loans to the oil and gas and commercial real estate industries. The division that lends money and provides services to consumers and small businesses also lost money.
In the first full reporting period under coronavirus restrictions, the San Francisco-based bank said it had revenue of $17.84 billion in the quarter, down from $21.58 billion for the same period in 2019. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations of $18.4 billion.
Wells also said it would reduce its third quarter 2020 common stock dividend to 10 cents per share from 51 cents per share.
The nation’s biggest mortgage lender said its interest income fell to $9.9 billion, down $1.4 billion from the first quarter.
As if the current business environment wasn’t difficult enough, Wells has been operating under strict federal guidelines, limiting its ability to grow.
In 2018, the Fed capped the size of Wells Fargo’s assets after a number of beginning in 2016 with the uncovering of millions of fake checking accounts its employees opened to meet sales quotas. The Fed lifted that cap earlier in April as part of the federal government’s Payroll Protection Program because many of Wells’ small business customers were getting shut out from applying.
Shares in Wells Fargo fell nearly 6% in premarket trading.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Car crashes into trooper's car, colliding with ambulance

BENSON , Ariz. ( AP ) - Arizona law enforcement officials said a car collided with a state trooper ’ @ @ @ @ @ the side of a highway near Benson on Tuesday , shoving the SUV into an @ @ @ @ @ of Public Safety said the driver of the car , a 23-year-old California man , @ @ @ @ @ were not life-threatening .
The trooper was not in the SUV at the time of @ @ @ @ @ injured .
The people inside the ambulance were also not injured in the crash , @ @ @ @ @ and trooper were on the side of the Interstate 10 after responding to an earlier @ @ @ @ @ was driving a Tesla , which was in an autopilot mode , DPS said .
@ @ @ @ @ still investigating if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash .

BENSON, Ariz. (AP) - Arizona law enforcement officials said a car collided with a state trooper’s SUV pulled over on the side of a highway near Benson on Tuesday, shoving the SUV into an ambulance.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the driver of the car, a 23-year-old California man, was injured but his injuries were not life-threatening.
The trooper was not in the SUV at the time of the crash and was not injured. The people inside the ambulance were also not injured in the crash, KPHO-TV reported.
The ambulance and trooper were on the side of the Interstate 10 after responding to an earlier accident.
The California man was driving a Tesla, which was in an autopilot mode, DPS said. The agency said it is still investigating if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--2 killed, including 15-year-old boy, in Queens shooting

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A 15-year-old boy and 34-year-old man were shot and killed Tuesday in Queens .
@ @ @ @ @ p.m. to a residence on Deerfield Road in Far Rockaway for a report of shooting @ @ @ @ @ two with gunshot wounds to their torsos , according to the NYPD .
First responders @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Episcopal Hospital , where they were pronounced dead .
Police have not made @ @ @ @ @ is ongoing .
The names of the victims are being withheld while family is notified @

NEW YORK (AP) - A 15-year-old boy and 34-year-old man were shot and killed Tuesday in Queens.
Officers went at about 2 p.m. to a residence on Deerfield Road in Far Rockaway for a report of shooting victims. They found the two with gunshot wounds to their torsos, according to the NYPD.
First responders took them to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Police have not made any arrests. The investigation is ongoing.
The names of the victims are being withheld while family is notified.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Texas reports record number of virus cases, hospitalizations

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - A record number of people with the coronavirus were in Texas hospitals on Tuesday as the state also set a record for the number of new cases reported .
The number of people in Texas hospitals has continued to climb after topping 10,000 for the first time on Friday , and the state recorded 10,569 people hospitalized Tuesday as it tries to contain the spread in what has become one of America ’ s biggest hot zones .
Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott has warned that the worst is yet to come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soared in the aftermath of Abbott embarking on what had been one of the most aggressive reopenings in America .
Texas surpassed 10,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day for the first time last week and set a record Tuesday with 10,745 new cases .
The new cases reported Tuesday now brings the state ’ s total to 275,058 .
The true number of cases , though , is likely far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 87 more deaths reported in Texas , putting the total so far at 3,322 .
For most people , the 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 .
The record number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations came as Texas voters also went to the polls Tuesday for the U.S. Senate primary runoff between two Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The runoff was originally slated for May , but Abbott pushed back the date in March as the virus began to take hold in the U.S. , saying it would help keep people safe .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A record number of people with the coronavirus were in Texas hospitals on Tuesday as the state also set a record for the number of new cases reported.
The number of people in Texas hospitals has continued to climb after topping 10,000 for the first time on Friday, and the state recorded 10,569 people hospitalized Tuesday as it tries to contain the spread in what has become one of America’s biggest hot zones.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has warned that the worst is yet to come in Texas. Hospitalizations and infection rates have soared in the aftermath of Abbott embarking on what had been one of the most aggressive reopenings in America.
Texas surpassed 10,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day for the first time last week and set a record Tuesday with 10,745 new cases. The new cases reported Tuesday now brings the state’s total to 275,058. The true number of cases, though, is likely far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
State health officials said there were also 87 more deaths reported in Texas, putting the total so far at 3,322.
For most people, the 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.
The record number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations came as Texas voters also went to the polls Tuesday for the U.S. Senate primary runoff between two Democrats, congressional primary and other party runoffs. The runoff was originally slated for May, but Abbott pushed back the date in March as the virus began to take hold in the U.S., saying it would help keep people safe.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Teen surfer helps save swimmer off beach in Kennebunk

KENNEBUNK , Maine ( AP ) - A 14-year-old surfer saved a woman from drowning at Gooch ’ s Beach @ @ @ @ @ onto his surfboard .
Lucas Drinkwater told WGME-TV that the drama unfolded last weekend when @ @ @ @ @ screams and paddled to a mother and daughter in the water .
He helped one @ @ @ @ @ on a boogie board helped the other .
“ She was struggling to stay up @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I said , ‘ Yeah , we ’ re going to be @ @ @ @ @ .
And then I looked back at the beach and said , ‘ OMG , @ @ @ @ @ away , ’ ” he told WGME-TV .
Kennebunk Fire Rescue Division Chief John Brady @ @ @ @ @ got in trouble at the beach despite being experienced and familiar with it .
He @ @ @ @ @ rough conditions .

KENNEBUNK, Maine (AP) - A 14-year-old surfer saved a woman from drowning at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk by pulling her onto his surfboard.
Lucas Drinkwater told WGME-TV that the drama unfolded last weekend when he and another person heard screams and paddled to a mother and daughter in the water.
He helped one of the women while someone on a boogie board helped the other.
“She was struggling to stay up, exhausted,” Drinkwater said. “I said, ‘Yeah, we’re going to be fine,’ reassuring her. And then I looked back at the beach and said, ‘OMG, we’re so far away,’” he told WGME-TV.
Kennebunk Fire Rescue Division Chief John Brady said that the two women got in trouble at the beach despite being experienced and familiar with it. He blamed storms offshore for creating rough conditions.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Powerful thunderstorms dump hail on Maine's York County

SANFORD , Maine ( AP ) - Powerful thunderstorms pummeled parts of southern Maine on Tuesday , knocking down trees @ @ @ @ @ .
The storm also brought copious amounts of hail .
The hail was so thick @ @ @ @ @ brought out a snow plow to clear roads .
Two to four inches of of @ @ @ @ @ in Sanford , which enlisted a plow to clean up the mess , the fire @ @ @ @ @ knocked out power to hundreds of people across the state , but the number of @ @ @ @ @ dark numbered about 132 by Tuesday evening .

SANFORD, Maine (AP) - Powerful thunderstorms pummeled parts of southern Maine on Tuesday, knocking down trees and leaving some without electricity. The storm also brought copious amounts of hail.
The hail was so thick that at least one community brought out a snow plow to clear roads.
Two to four inches of of hail fell during the storm in Sanford, which enlisted a plow to clean up the mess, the fire chief said.
The storm knocked out power to hundreds of people across the state, but the number of homes and businesses in the dark numbered about 132 by Tuesday evening.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Jeff Sessions loses in Alabama Senate primary

Former football coach Tommy Tuberville cruised to victory Tuesday night in Alabama ’ s Republican U.S. Senate runoff , apparently spelling the end of the political career of Jeff Sessions , a former senator and U.S. attorney general .
Mr .
Sessions was trying to regain the seat , but Mr. Tuberville , who once coached the Auburn Tigers and enjoyed the endorsement of President Trump , held a commanding lead throughout the night as the vote poured in .
The Associated Press and other news outlets called the race around 9:15 p.m. , with Mr. Tuberville getting 63 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ 37 % .
Mr. Tuberville predicted a united Republican front come November , saying Mr .
Sessions graciously threw his support behind the former coach right away .
“ Jeff Sessions and his supporters are going to be behind us , ” he told supporters .
“ This is going to be hard .
I haven ’ t taken anything for granted.
” The results were not held up by mail-in ballots , as more than half of the 43,683 absentee ballots requested were turned in before Tuesday , according to election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now try to consolidate support to defeat Sen. Doug Jones , considered the most vulnerable Democratic senator this November .
Alabama is a deeply Republican state that President Trump won with more than 73 % of the vote in 2016 .
Alabama ’ s GOP had maintained a studied neutrality throughout the runoff , but the National Republican Senatorial Committee congratulated Mr. Tuberville early in the evening .
“ As a true political outsider , Tommy Tuberville has what it takes to stand up for the people of Alabama , conservative values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , defeat Doug Jones , ” NRSC Chairman Todd Young said .
“ I look forward to another victory for Tuberville in November and working with him to build on President Trump ’ s and our Republican Senate Majority ’ s record of accomplishment.
” The ensure victory in November , Republican officials said they must increase voter turnout from what they got in the 2017 special senate election to take Mr.
Sessions ’ seat after he became attorney general .
In that race , an estimated 600,000 GOP voters stayed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state supreme court justice Roy Moore , who had been accused of sexual misconduct with younger women decades ago .
Mr. Trump has worked hard for Mr. Tuberville since he endorsed the former coach prior to the March primary .
On Monday night , in a “ telephone town hall ” Mr. Trump reiterated his attack against Mr .
Sessions , 73 , who recused himself almost immediately from the investigation into charges of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin , which proved unfounded .
“ I made a mistake when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Mr. Trump said of Mr .
Sessions , who had been the first senator to back Mr. Trump ’ s presidential bid .
“ He had his chance and he blew it.
” In the closing weeks of the runoff Mr. Tuberville fended off two issues that Democrats will likely revive in the upcoming campaign .
First , he was accused of being unduly soft on disciplining Auburn University football players who had been arrested or charged with crimes and , second , he was a partner in a failed investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parties .
Investigators cleared Mr. Tuberville of illegal activity with the fund , however , concluding he had been one of its biggest victims and he claims to have lost $ 2 million .
Mr. Jones is nowhere near as liberal as much of the present Democratic Party leadership but he has cast several votes that put him out of line with many Alabama voters , including voting against confirming Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and for impeaching Mr. Trump .
Money will not be an issue for Mr. Jones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million cash he had had at the end of March were employees of Google and the University of Alabama system .
Mr. Tuberville cited judicial appointments in his victory speech , and vowed to protect the Second Amendment .
“ In Doug Jones ’ Alabama the rule of law is mob rule , ” he said .
“ Doug Jones is running for re-election with the slogan ‘ One Alabama.
’ Well , make no mistake about it , what Doug really means is one liberal Alabama .
”

Former football coach Tommy Tuberville cruised to victory Tuesday night in Alabama’s Republican U.S. Senate runoff, apparently spelling the end of the political career of Jeff Sessions, a former senator and U.S. attorney general.
Mr. Sessions was trying to regain the seat, but Mr. Tuberville, who once coached the Auburn Tigers and enjoyed the endorsement of President Trump, held a commanding lead throughout the night as the vote poured in.
The Associated Press and other news outlets called the race around 9:15 p.m., with Mr. Tuberville getting 63% of the vote, over Mr. Sessions’ 37%.
Mr. Tuberville predicted a united Republican front come November, saying Mr. Sessions graciously threw his support behind the former coach right away.
“Jeff Sessions and his supporters are going to be behind us,” he told supporters. “This is going to be hard. I haven’t taken anything for granted.”
The results were not held up by mail-in ballots, as more than half of the 43,683 absentee ballots requested were turned in before Tuesday, according to election officials.
Mr. Tuberville, 65, will now try to consolidate support to defeat Sen. Doug Jones, considered the most vulnerable Democratic senator this November. Alabama is a deeply Republican state that President Trump won with more than 73% of the vote in 2016.
Alabama’s GOP had maintained a studied neutrality throughout the runoff, but the National Republican Senatorial Committee congratulated Mr. Tuberville early in the evening.
“As a true political outsider, Tommy Tuberville has what it takes to stand up for the people of Alabama, conservative values and President Trump – and most importantly, defeat Doug Jones,” NRSC Chairman Todd Young said. “I look forward to another victory for Tuberville in November and working with him to build on President Trump’s and our Republican Senate Majority’s record of accomplishment.”
The ensure victory in November, Republican officials said they must increase voter turnout from what they got in the 2017 special senate election to take Mr. Sessions’ seat after he became attorney general. In that race, an estimated 600,000 GOP voters stayed on the sideline as Mr. Jones squeaked past former state supreme court justice Roy Moore, who had been accused of sexual misconduct with younger women decades ago.
Mr. Trump has worked hard for Mr. Tuberville since he endorsed the former coach prior to the March primary. On Monday night, in a “telephone town hall” Mr. Trump reiterated his attack against Mr. Sessions, 73, who recused himself almost immediately from the investigation into charges of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin, which proved unfounded.
“I made a mistake when I put him in as attorney general,” Mr. Trump said of Mr. Sessions, who had been the first senator to back Mr. Trump’s presidential bid. “He had his chance and he blew it.”
In the closing weeks of the runoff Mr. Tuberville fended off two issues that Democrats will likely revive in the upcoming campaign.
First, he was accused of being unduly soft on disciplining Auburn University football players who had been arrested or charged with crimes and, second, he was a partner in a failed investment fund that led to fraud convictions for other parties.
Investigators cleared Mr. Tuberville of illegal activity with the fund, however, concluding he had been one of its biggest victims and he claims to have lost $2 million.
Mr. Jones is nowhere near as liberal as much of the present Democratic Party leadership but he has cast several votes that put him out of line with many Alabama voters, including voting against confirming Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and for impeaching Mr. Trump.
Money will not be an issue for Mr. Jones, whose biggest sources of the $8.2 million cash he had had at the end of March were employees of Google and the University of Alabama system.
Mr. Tuberville cited judicial appointments in his victory speech, and vowed to protect the Second Amendment.
“In Doug Jones’ Alabama the rule of law is mob rule,” he said. “Doug Jones is running for re-election with the slogan ‘One Alabama.’ Well, make no mistake about it, what Doug really means is one liberal Alabama.”
• James Varney can be reached at jvarney@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Board of Regents name Pitney interim president for UA

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - The University of Alaska Board of Regents on Tuesday named Pat Pitney interim president , a position she is expected to hold at least a year while a search for a permanent president is underway .
Pitney is expected to take over Aug. 1 , according to a system release .
Michelle Rizk has been acting president .
Rizk was named to that position last month , after Jim Johnsen resigned .
Pitney is director of the Legislative Finance Division , which provides budget and revenue analyses for the Legislature .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walker and has a long history with the university system , including work as a vice chancellor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks .
The university has faced enrollment and budget challenges , which Regents Chair Sheri Buretta said Pitney will bring a fresh perspective in helping address .
Pitney was one of five finalists for the role .
Pitney agreed to serve for up to 18 months or until the board appoints the next president , whichever is first , the release states .
Austin Baird , Alaska House majority communications director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee will be charged with finding a new Legislative Finance Division director

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The University of Alaska Board of Regents on Tuesday named Pat Pitney interim president, a position she is expected to hold at least a year while a search for a permanent president is underway.
Pitney is expected to take over Aug. 1, according to a system release. Michelle Rizk has been acting president. Rizk was named to that position last month, after Jim Johnsen resigned.
Pitney is director of the Legislative Finance Division, which provides budget and revenue analyses for the Legislature. She was budget director under former Gov. Bill Walker and has a long history with the university system, including work as a vice chancellor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The university has faced enrollment and budget challenges, which Regents Chair Sheri Buretta said Pitney will bring a fresh perspective in helping address.
Pitney was one of five finalists for the role. Pitney agreed to serve for up to 18 months or until the board appoints the next president, whichever is first, the release states.
Austin Baird, Alaska House majority communications director, said the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee will be charged with finding a new Legislative Finance Division director


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Kate Bedingfield: Trump should reimburse taxpayers for Rose Garden 'spectacle'

Joseph R. Biden ’ s campaign said taxpayers should be reimbursed after President Trump ’ s used a Rose Garden press conference to unload a series of attacks against his Democratic rival .
Biden campaign spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said the “ spectacle ” showed Mr. Trump realizes his re-election hopes are fading away .
“ What we heard in the Rose Garden today wasn ’ t a president at all , ” Ms. Bedingfield said .
“ It was a politician who sees his re-election slipping away from him and who is furious that his own botched response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events he so craves , ” she said.
” The American taxpayer should be reimbursed for the abuse of funds this spectacle represented.
” Mr. Trump repeatedly slammed Mr. Biden , mentioning the former vice president , who leads national and swing-state polls , over two dozen times .
Mr. Trump said the far-left of the Democratic party has brainwashed Mr. Biden into embracing ideas that would wreak havoc on the economy and open the door to more illegal immigration .
The criticism came hours after Mr. Biden rolled out a $ 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden-Sanders unity task force that was co-chaired by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York .
Ms. Bedingfield said Mr. Biden displayed the sort of leadership in his address on Tuesday that Mr. Trump ’ s press conference sorely lacked .
“ Donald Trump made clear over the course of 63 minutes this afternoon just how badly that leadership is lacking and needed , ” she said .

Joseph R. Biden’s campaign said taxpayers should be reimbursed after President Trump’s used a Rose Garden press conference to unload a series of attacks against his Democratic rival.
Biden campaign spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said the “spectacle” showed Mr. Trump realizes his re-election hopes are fading away.
“What we heard in the Rose Garden today wasn’t a president at all,” Ms. Bedingfield said.
“It was a politician who sees his re-election slipping away from him and who is furious that his own botched response to the coronavirus pandemic has denied him the campaign events he so craves,” she said.”The American taxpayer should be reimbursed for the abuse of funds this spectacle represented.”
Mr. Trump repeatedly slammed Mr. Biden, mentioning the former vice president, who leads national and swing-state polls, over two dozen times.
Mr. Trump said the far-left of the Democratic party has brainwashed Mr. Biden into embracing ideas that would wreak havoc on the economy and open the door to more illegal immigration.
The criticism came hours after Mr. Biden rolled out a $2 trillion clean energy plan derived from a Biden-Sanders unity task force that was co-chaired by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Ms. Bedingfield said Mr. Biden displayed the sort of leadership in his address on Tuesday that Mr. Trump’s press conference sorely lacked.
“Donald Trump made clear over the course of 63 minutes this afternoon just how badly that leadership is lacking and needed,” she said.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Trump slams Joe Biden's agenda to combat climate change

President Trump and Joseph R. Biden both delivered speeches Tuesday on the same topic : the Biden agenda .
Mr. Biden , the presumed Democratic presidential nominee , rolled out a $ 2 trillion plan to combat climate change during his first term in the Oval Office .
The proposed environmental rebuild of the country , he said , would set America on a path for “ net-zero emissions no later than 2050.
” He said Mr. Trump ’ s refusal to address climate change and his bungled response to the coronavirus pandemic call for a massive downpayment on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs and fewer carbon emissions .
“ There is no more consequential challenge that we must meet in the next decade than the onrushing climate crisis , ” Mr. Biden said in his hometown of Wilmington , Delaware .
“ Left unchecked , it is literally an existential threat to our planet and to our very survival.
” “ When Donald Trump thinks about climate change , the only word he can muster is ‘ hoax , ’ ” Mr. Biden said .
“ When I think about climate change , the word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A couple of hours later , Mr. Trump had his turn .
In a Rose Garden speech predicated on announcing tough new policies on China , Mr. Trump spent nearly an hour picking apart Mr. Biden ’ s plans .
“ Joe Biden gave a speech in which he said that the core of his economic agenda is a hard left crusade against American energy , ” said the president .
“ He wants to kill American energy.
” He railed against Mr. Biden allowing far-left champions Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies .
“ In other words , he wants to impose the Green New Deal on our country , ” said Mr. Trump .
“ When I first saw the green new deal I thought it was a joke.
” Mr. Biden stopped short of adopting the Green New Deal environmental makeover of the economy but his $ 2 trillion plan represented a big step in that direction .
The president also blasted Mr. Biden for adopting a “ unity platform ” devised by his and Mr. Sanders ’ teams that checks off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mandatory 12-week paid family leave for all workers , an end to deportations , and citizenship rights to 11 million illegal immigrants .
“ Think of that — abolish immigration enforcement , ” said Mr. Trump .
“ Basically , as you know , what they ’ re going to do is they ’ re going to rip down the wall.
” A reporter asked whether Mr. Trump believes he is the underdog against Mr. Biden , who leads in most polls as the president ’ s job approval ratings plummet amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump said he isn ’ t the underdog , predicted he will win in November , and said the polls are wrong .
“ I think the enthusiasm now is greater than it was in 2016 , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ I think a lot of people don ’ t want to talk about it .
I think you have a silent majority , the likes [ of which ] this country has never seen before .
I think we have a great chance.
” But he added that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote because I think it ’ s subject to tremendous fraud.
” Mr. Biden ’ s energy plan is part of an economic recovery package that grew out of the recommendations from the Biden-Sanders unity task force on climate change .
The task force was co-chaired by Ms. Ocasio-Cortez and former Secretary of State John Kerry , the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee .
The Biden camp believes that it can make inroads against Mr. Trump by highlighting his failure to deliver on his promise to revamp the nation ’ s infrastructure .
Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 , ” retrofitting 4 million buildings in an environmentally friendly way and establishing universal broadband access .
Mr. Biden also borrowed from the plan laid out by Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee , who made climate change the centerpiece of his failed 2020 presidential run .
Mr. Biden adopted Mr. Inslee ’ s proposal to establish an Environmental and Climate Justice Division within the U.S. Department of Justice to hold corporate polluters accountable .
Mr. Biden said his plan would generate good-paying union jobs , improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ crumbling roads and bridges and ports.
” “ When Donald Trump thinks about renewable energy , he sees windmills somehow causing cancer , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ When I think about these windmills , I see American manufacturing , Americans workers racing to dominate the market.
” Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump and Republican lawmakers have failed to act .
In the Rose Garden , Mr. Trump flipped the accusation back at Mr. Biden , noting that his rival was the vice president in the Obama White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure languished .
“ Why didn ’ t he fix them ?
He was there for eight years with President Obama .
Why didn ’ t they fix them , ” he said .
“ Three years ago is not a long time .
And he didn ’ t do any of those things He never did anything except make very bad decisions .
”

Seth McLaughlin, S.A. Miller and Seth McLaughlin, S.A. Miller

President Trump and Joseph R. Biden both delivered speeches Tuesday on the same topic: the Biden agenda.
Mr. Biden, the presumed Democratic presidential nominee, rolled out a $2 trillion plan to combat climate change during his first term in the Oval Office.
The proposed environmental rebuild of the country, he said, would set America on a path for “net-zero emissions no later than 2050.”
He said Mr. Trump’s refusal to address climate change and his bungled response to the coronavirus pandemic call for a massive downpayment on a pro-environment agenda that will lead to new jobs and fewer carbon emissions.
“There is no more consequential challenge that we must meet in the next decade than the onrushing climate crisis,” Mr. Biden said in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. “Left unchecked, it is literally an existential threat to our planet and to our very survival.”
“When Donald Trump thinks about climate change, the only word he can muster is ‘hoax,’” Mr. Biden said. “When I think about climate change, the word I think about is ‘jobs.’”
A couple of hours later, Mr. Trump had his turn.
In a Rose Garden speech predicated on announcing tough new policies on China, Mr. Trump spent nearly an hour picking apart Mr. Biden’s plans.
“Joe Biden gave a speech in which he said that the core of his economic agenda is a hard left crusade against American energy,” said the president. “He wants to kill American energy.”
He railed against Mr. Biden allowing far-left champions Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to write his policies.
“In other words, he wants to impose the Green New Deal on our country,” said Mr. Trump. “When I first saw the green new deal I thought it was a joke.”
Mr. Biden stopped short of adopting the Green New Deal environmental makeover of the economy but his $2 trillion plan represented a big step in that direction.
The president also blasted Mr. Biden for adopting a “unity platform” devised by his and Mr. Sanders’ teams that checks off a far-left wish list including universal pre-K, mandatory 12-week paid family leave for all workers, an end to deportations, and citizenship rights to 11 million illegal immigrants.
“Think of that — abolish immigration enforcement,” said Mr. Trump. “Basically, as you know, what they’re going to do is they’re going to rip down the wall.”
A reporter asked whether Mr. Trump believes he is the underdog against Mr. Biden, who leads in most polls as the president’s job approval ratings plummet amid the public health and economic crises.
Mr. Trump said he isn’t the underdog, predicted he will win in November, and said the polls are wrong.
“I think the enthusiasm now is greater than it was in 2016,” Mr. Trump said. “I think a lot of people don’t want to talk about it. I think you have a silent majority, the likes [of which] this country has never seen before. I think we have a great chance.”
But he added that he is “very worried about the mail-in vote because I think it’s subject to tremendous fraud.”
Mr. Biden’s energy plan is part of an economic recovery package that grew out of the recommendations from the Biden-Sanders unity task force on climate change.
The task force was co-chaired by Ms. Ocasio-Cortez and former Secretary of State John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee.
The Biden camp believes that it can make inroads against Mr. Trump by highlighting his failure to deliver on his promise to revamp the nation’s infrastructure.
Mr. Biden’s plan calls for a “carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035,” retrofitting 4 million buildings in an environmentally friendly way and establishing universal broadband access.
Mr. Biden also borrowed from the plan laid out by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who made climate change the centerpiece of his failed 2020 presidential run. Mr. Biden adopted Mr. Inslee’s proposal to establish an Environmental and Climate Justice Division within the U.S. Department of Justice to hold corporate polluters accountable.
Mr. Biden said his plan would generate good-paying union jobs, improve air quality, and restore the nation’s “crumbling roads and bridges and ports.”
“When Donald Trump thinks about renewable energy, he sees windmills somehow causing cancer,” Mr. Biden said. “When I think about these windmills, I see American manufacturing, Americans workers racing to dominate the market.”
Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump and Republican lawmakers have failed to act.
In the Rose Garden, Mr. Trump flipped the accusation back at Mr. Biden, noting that his rival was the vice president in the Obama White House for eight years while America’s infrastructure languished.
“Why didn’t he fix them? He was there for eight years with President Obama. Why didn’t they fix them,” he said. “Three years ago is not a long time. And he didn’t do any of those things He never did anything except make very bad decisions.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com. • S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Louisiana board sets minimum standards for school reopenings

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - Teachers and students will have to wear face coverings as much as possible , schools will be limited to visitors and classrooms for young students could become a sort of one-room schoolhouse , under new coronavirus regulations for Louisiana schools approved Tuesday by the state ’ s top school board .
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted the minimum safety standards for schools reopening this fall without objection , a day before the deadline set by state lawmakers .
“ These restrictions will be onerous on any school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the best position possible to minimize spread ( of the virus ) and absenteeism , ” Dr. Joseph Kanter , assistant state medical director with the Louisiana Department of Health , told board members , according to a report from The Advertiser .
The rules include a mask mandate for students in grades 3 through 12 , though with language applying the face coverings “ to the greatest extent possible and practical.
” Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley recommended the regulations governing the reopening of about 1,700 schools across Louisiana in coordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts .
Younger students in second grade and below - who are not required to wear face coverings and are less likely to maintain a physical distance from other students or adults - are expected to be placed in assigned static groups , rather than using class changes .
Brumley equated it to the old model of a one-room schoolhouse .
Among the other regulations , schools must limit groups , follow distancing standards and employ frequent cleaning .
People who show signs of being sick must be isolated in a separate area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter school premises .
School buses will have capacity limits , and students will have to be spaced out when riding .
Those testing positive for the virus are not to return to campus until determined to be non-infectious by their doctor , but “ a positive case of COVID-19 does not necessarily warrant the closure of schools , ” Brumley said .
Dr. Leron Finger , chief qualify officer at Children ’ s Hospital New Orleans , said the minimum standards were “ medically sound ” and that “ it is safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state education board and education department won ’ t enforce the standards , Brumley said .
That will fall to individual school districts .
Medical or disability exceptions to the protocols will be addressed individually by school districts , which also will be submitting operations plans to the state Department of Education before the first day of school this fall .
Brumley said school systems must submit plans that indicate whether they will teach classes in person , online or in a hybrid model ; how they ’ ll deliver meals ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and how they ’ ll communicate to families .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Teachers and students will have to wear face coverings as much as possible, schools will be limited to visitors and classrooms for young students could become a sort of one-room schoolhouse, under new coronavirus regulations for Louisiana schools approved Tuesday by the state’s top school board.
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted the minimum safety standards for schools reopening this fall without objection, a day before the deadline set by state lawmakers.
“These restrictions will be onerous on any school, but they will put the school in the best position possible to minimize spread (of the virus) and absenteeism,” Dr. Joseph Kanter, assistant state medical director with the Louisiana Department of Health, told board members, according to a report from The Advertiser.
The rules include a mask mandate for students in grades 3 through 12, though with language applying the face coverings “to the greatest extent possible and practical.”
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley recommended the regulations governing the reopening of about 1,700 schools across Louisiana in coordination with state health officials and other medical experts.
Younger students in second grade and below - who are not required to wear face coverings and are less likely to maintain a physical distance from other students or adults - are expected to be placed in assigned static groups, rather than using class changes. Brumley equated it to the old model of a one-room schoolhouse.
Among the other regulations, schools must limit groups, follow distancing standards and employ frequent cleaning. People who show signs of being sick must be isolated in a separate area. Temperature checks will be required to enter school premises. School buses will have capacity limits, and students will have to be spaced out when riding.
Those testing positive for the virus are not to return to campus until determined to be non-infectious by their doctor, but “a positive case of COVID-19 does not necessarily warrant the closure of schools,” Brumley said.
Dr. Leron Finger, chief qualify officer at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, said the minimum standards were “medically sound” and that “it is safe and reasonable to return to school.”
The state education board and education department won’t enforce the standards, Brumley said. That will fall to individual school districts.
Medical or disability exceptions to the protocols will be addressed individually by school districts, which also will be submitting operations plans to the state Department of Education before the first day of school this fall.
Brumley said school systems must submit plans that indicate whether they will teach classes in person, online or in a hybrid model; how they’ll deliver meals; what staff and student attendance they expect; and how they’ll communicate to families.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Steve Watkins, Kansas congressman, charged with illegal voting

TOPEKA , Kan. — A freshman Kansas congressman who had listed a UPS Inc. store as his residence on a voter registration was charged Tuesday with three felonies , including illegal voting .
Republican Rep. Steve Watkins is accused of voting illegally in advance in the 2019 local city and school board election , voting when not qualified and interfering with law enforcement by providing false information .
Those felony charges were filed in state district court in Shawnee County , which includes Watkins ’ hometown of Topeka .
District Attorney Mike Kagay also filed a misdemeanor charge of failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a change in addresses .
Kagay , a Republican , announced the charges Tuesday evening , shortly before Watkins and his two opponents in the Aug. 4 Republican primary had their first and only televised debate .
Watkins called the charges “ hyper-partisan ” because of the timing and said he ’ s done nothing wrong .
Watkins filed a voter registration form in late August 2019 on which we listed a postal box at a UPS store in southwest Topeka .
That UPS box was listed as his residential address when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Topeka City Council race in November .
Watkins later listed the address for an apartment complex about 2 miles north of the UPS store as his residence , then corrected his voter registration form in mid-January to list an apartment number .

TOPEKA, Kan. — A freshman Kansas congressman who had listed a UPS Inc. store as his residence on a voter registration was charged Tuesday with three felonies, including illegal voting.
Republican Rep. Steve Watkins is accused of voting illegally in advance in the 2019 local city and school board election, voting when not qualified and interfering with law enforcement by providing false information. Those felony charges were filed in state district court in Shawnee County, which includes Watkins’ hometown of Topeka.
District Attorney Mike Kagay also filed a misdemeanor charge of failing to notify the state Division of Vehicles of a change in addresses.
Kagay, a Republican, announced the charges Tuesday evening, shortly before Watkins and his two opponents in the Aug. 4 Republican primary had their first and only televised debate. Watkins called the charges “hyper-partisan” because of the timing and said he’s done nothing wrong.
Watkins filed a voter registration form in late August 2019 on which he listed a postal box at a UPS store in southwest Topeka. That UPS box was listed as his residential address when he cast a ballot that included a Topeka City Council race in November.
Watkins later listed the address for an apartment complex about 2 miles north of the UPS store as his residence, then corrected his voter registration form in mid-January to list an apartment number.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--AP sources: MLB players may have Kessler lead grievance

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The baseball players ’ association has discussed hiring noted sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler to litigate a contemplated grievance against clubs accusing Commissioner Rob Manfred and management of failing to act in good faith to complete the longest season economically feasible .
Talks to hire Kessler were disclosed to The Associated Press by several people familiar with the conversations who spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made .
A grievance has not yet been filed and an agreement with Kessler has not been finalized , the people said .
In divisive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work stoppages from 1972-95 , the sides failed to reach an economic agreement last month .
Management initially proposed 82 games and a sliding scale of salaries , while the union countered at 114 games and full prorated pay under the formula of the initial March 26 agreement that dealt with the pandemic .
MLB ’ s final proposal of 60 games at prorated pay was rejected by players , who had wanted 70 games and instead preferred leaving open the possibility of a grievance before arbitrator Mark Irvings .
Players dared Manfred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB called for 60 games over 67 days starting July 23 in ballparks without spectators .
While the union maintains a longer season was economically feasible consistent with the March deal , MLB says it feared a second wave of the virus that could cause cancellation of the postseason , when $ 787 million in broadcast revenue is earned .
Manfred also has cited provisions in the agreement that said MLB had no obligation to start the season while there were legal limits on playing in front of fans .
Union officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of financial relationships with regional sports networks and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks and could ask Irvings to order document production .
The 66-year-old Kessler is co-executive chairman of Winston & Strawn and co-chair of its antitrust/competition and sports law practices .
Then at Weil , Gotshal & Manges , he was a leading lawyer retained by the NFL Players Association in the Freeman McNeil lawsuit that led to a jury in 1992 striking down the NFL ’ s limited free agency system .
Kessler also has represented the National Basketball Players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association and Major League Soccer players in their antitrust suit against the league that failed to succeed in 2000 , prior to unionization .
He currently is representing American women players in their pending discrimination suit against the U.S. Soccer Federation ; wage claims were dismissed but working condition allegations are scheduled for trial in September .
Kessler left Weil in 2003 for Dewey Ballantine and in 2012 joined Winston & Strawn .
He helped college athletes win a judgment last year that the NCAA had violated antitrust laws by adopting rules that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he worked with Bruce Meyer , who was hired by the Major League Baseball Players Association in 2018 as its senior director of collective bargaining and legal .
Irvings ruled against the union this year in the grievance claiming the Chicago Cubs violated the collective bargaining agreement when they delayed his major league debut .

NEW YORK (AP) - The baseball players’ association has discussed hiring noted sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler to litigate a contemplated grievance against clubs accusing Commissioner Rob Manfred and management of failing to act in good faith to complete the longest season economically feasible.
Talks to hire Kessler were disclosed to The Associated Press by several people familiar with the conversations who spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made. A grievance has not yet been filed and an agreement with Kessler has not been finalized, the people said.
In divisive talks reminiscent of baseball’s eight work stoppages from 1972-95, the sides failed to reach an economic agreement last month.
Management initially proposed 82 games and a sliding scale of salaries, while the union countered at 114 games and full prorated pay under the formula of the initial March 26 agreement that dealt with the pandemic. MLB’s final proposal of 60 games at prorated pay was rejected by players, who had wanted 70 games and instead preferred leaving open the possibility of a grievance before arbitrator Mark Irvings.
Players dared Manfred to set the schedule unilaterally, and MLB called for 60 games over 67 days starting July 23 in ballparks without spectators.
While the union maintains a longer season was economically feasible consistent with the March deal, MLB says it feared a second wave of the virus that could cause cancellation of the postseason, when $787 million in broadcast revenue is earned. Manfred also has cited provisions in the agreement that said MLB had no obligation to start the season while there were legal limits on playing in front of fans.
Union officials have asked for a broad disclosure by teams of financial relationships with regional sports networks and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks and could ask Irvings to order document production.
The 66-year-old Kessler is co-executive chairman of Winston & Strawn and co-chair of its antitrust/competition and sports law practices.
Then at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, he was a leading lawyer retained by the NFL Players Association in the Freeman McNeil lawsuit that led to a jury in 1992 striking down the NFL’s limited free agency system. Kessler also has represented the National Basketball Players Association, the National Hockey League Players Association and Major League Soccer players in their antitrust suit against the league that failed to succeed in 2000, prior to unionization.
He currently is representing American women players in their pending discrimination suit against the U.S. Soccer Federation; wage claims were dismissed but working condition allegations are scheduled for trial in September.
Kessler left Weil in 2003 for Dewey Ballantine and in 2012 joined Winston & Strawn. He helped college athletes win a judgment last year that the NCAA had violated antitrust laws by adopting rules that were illegal restraints.
While at Weil he worked with Bruce Meyer, who was hired by the Major League Baseball Players Association in 2018 as its senior director of collective bargaining and legal.
Irvings ruled against the union this year in the grievance claiming the Chicago Cubs violated the collective bargaining agreement when they delayed his major league debut.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Walz, Flanagan announce $100M housing assistance program

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz and Lt. Gov .
Peggy Flanagan on Tuesday announced a $ 100 million housing assistance program to help Minnesotans hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
The program is aimed at helping prevent evictions and homelessness and to maintain housing stability for individuals and families .
The investment will be funded with federal money through the Coronavirus Relief Fund , authorized by the coronavirus relief bill .
Walz said he hopes the program will bring some relief to Minnesotans who are struggling to pay their bills because of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state hard .
I ’ ve said throughout this fight that my top priority is Minnesotans ’ safety , health , and well-being .
And we know that stable housing is key to safety , health , and well-being , ” Walz said in a statement .
Flanagan said the housing assistance “ will help us keep individuals and families in their homes throughout the pandemic.
” The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has launched a request for proposals to select local organizations to administer the housing assistance program .
Walz on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic to allow evictions in “ additional limited circumstances ” and to require landlords to give tenants a seven-day notice of intent to file an eviction .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Tuesday announced a $100 million housing assistance program to help Minnesotans hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
The program is aimed at helping prevent evictions and homelessness and to maintain housing stability for individuals and families. The investment will be funded with federal money through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, authorized by the coronavirus relief bill.
Walz said he hopes the program will bring some relief to Minnesotans who are struggling to pay their bills because of the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit families across the state hard. I’ve said throughout this fight that my top priority is Minnesotans’ safety, health, and well-being. And we know that stable housing is key to safety, health, and well-being,” Walz said in a statement.
Flanagan said the housing assistance “will help us keep individuals and families in their homes throughout the pandemic.”
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has launched a request for proposals to select local organizations to administer the housing assistance program.
Walz on Tuesday also modified his suspension of evictions during the pandemic to allow evictions in “additional limited circumstances” and to require landlords to give tenants a seven-day notice of intent to file an eviction.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--$500 relief checks OK'd for people waiting for benefits

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) - An Oregon legislative committee on Tuesday unanimously approved the distribution of one-time $ 500 relief checks to people who are still waiting for unemployment benefits .
But , when and how the payment program will operate is still a work in progress .
The $ 35 million program , which could reach up to 70,000 people , was approved by the Legislature ’ s Joint Emergency Board as coronavirus cases in the state continue to rise .
The Oregon Health Authority reported 380 new confirmed cases Tuesday , bringing the total amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12,805 .
In addition there were seven new deaths , matching the state ’ s current record of deaths reported in a singe day .
While the virus has infected and killed residents it also caused a surge in unemployment .
More than 500,000 people filed unemployment claims since the start of the pandemic , causing major delays in people receiving funds .
The purpose of the new relief program , which would use funds from the CARES Act , is to provide support to Oregonians while the agency continues to work through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t a fix , this is a band-aid , ” Senate President Peter Courtney , D-Salem , said last week .
“ We need to get cash into the hands of Oregonians who have been waiting on their benefits for months .
As the department continues to clear claims , this money will help those who are still waiting.
” The Department of Administrative Services , which would administer the relief checks , is working with financial institutions to develop a process for Oregon workers to apply and receive the payment .
Katy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department , wrote to lawmakers and asked for additional guidance on how to determine who is eligible for the benefits , the Oregonian reported .
Coba said it will take at least six weeks to set up the payments .
On Tuesday the legislative committee also approved of allocating $ 200 million from the Coronavirus Relief Funds to help Oregonians still feeling the impacts of this virus , including small businesses , Black communities , music and cultural organizations and workers who contracted , or were exposed to the virus , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Speaker Tina Kotek , D-Portland , said while the funding helps those facing the “ disparate impacts ” of COVID-19 , more still needs to be done .
“ Without additional support from the federal government , our state and her people stand on the brink of catastrophe , ” Kotek said .
“ Congress must act to pass urgently needed relief funds so we can weather this storm together .
”

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon legislative committee on Tuesday unanimously approved the distribution of one-time $500 relief checks to people who are still waiting for unemployment benefits.
But, when and how the payment program will operate is still a work in progress.
The $35 million program, which could reach up to 70,000 people, was approved by the Legislature’s Joint Emergency Board as coronavirus cases in the state continue to rise.
The Oregon Health Authority reported 380 new confirmed cases Tuesday, bringing the total amount of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state to 12,805.
In addition there were seven new deaths, matching the state’s current record of deaths reported in a singe day.
While the virus has infected and killed residents it also caused a surge in unemployment. More than 500,000 people filed unemployment claims since the start of the pandemic, causing major delays in people receiving funds.
The purpose of the new relief program, which would use funds from the CARES Act, is to provide support to Oregonians while the agency continues to work through its backlog.
“This isn’t a fix, this is a band-aid,” Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, said last week. “We need to get cash into the hands of Oregonians who have been waiting on their benefits for months. As the department continues to clear claims, this money will help those who are still waiting.”
The Department of Administrative Services, which would administer the relief checks, is working with financial institutions to develop a process for Oregon workers to apply and receive the payment.
Katy Coba, the chief operating officer for the department, wrote to lawmakers and asked for additional guidance on how to determine who is eligible for the benefits, the Oregonian reported. Coba said it will take at least six weeks to set up the payments.
On Tuesday the legislative committee also approved of allocating $200 million from the Coronavirus Relief Funds to help Oregonians still feeling the impacts of this virus, including small businesses, Black communities, music and cultural organizations and workers who contracted, or were exposed to the virus, but do not qualify for traditional sick leave
House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, said while the funding helps those facing the “disparate impacts” of COVID-19, more still needs to be done.
“Without additional support from the federal government, our state and her people stand on the brink of catastrophe,” Kotek said. “Congress must act to pass urgently needed relief funds so we can weather this storm together.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--California woman sentenced to 21 years in landlord slaying

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - A Southern California woman was sentenced Tuesday to 21 years in state prison for @ @ @ @ @ and attempting to bury him in the backyard of his home , prosecutors said .
@ @ @ @ @ , had pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter for the 2018 shooting of Royce Leon @ @ @ @ @ County District Attorney ’ s Office said .
Authorities found Lanham ’ s body wrapped @ @ @ @ @ next to a shovel and a freshly dug grave .
Lanham , 62 , had @ @ @ @ @ from the home in Gardena due to her erratic behavior , prosecutors said .
When @ @ @ @ @ , 2008 , Olson initially barricaded herself inside the home , but eventually surrendered .
@ @ @ @ @ murder and faced a possible maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison @ @ @ @ @ trial .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Southern California woman was sentenced Tuesday to 21 years in state prison for shooting and killing her landlord and attempting to bury him in the backyard of his home, prosecutors said.
Kristen King Olson, 41, had pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter for the 2018 shooting of Royce Leon Lanham, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.
Authorities found Lanham’s body wrapped in tarp in the backyard next to a shovel and a freshly dug grave.
Lanham, 62, had been attempting to evict Olson from the home in Gardena due to her erratic behavior, prosecutors said.
When officers responded on Sept. 12, 2008, Olson initially barricaded herself inside the home, but eventually surrendered.
Olson was originally charged with murder and faced a possible maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison had the case gone to trial.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Dozens injured in collision of trains near Czech capital

PRAGUE ( AP ) - A passenger train and a freight train collided near the Czech capital on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
The Czech Rail Safety Inspectorate said the accident occurred near the station @ @ @ @ @ east of Prague shortly after 21.30 p.m. ( 1930 GMT ) .
It said the @ @ @ @ @ standing freight train .
The regional rescue service said up to 60 passengers could be @ @ @ @ @ been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment .
The major track linking the capital with @ @ @ @ @ country is expected to be closed until Wednesday morning , the Czech Railways said .
@ @ @ @ @ of the accident .

PRAGUE (AP) - A passenger train and a freight train collided near the Czech capital on Tuesday, injuring dozens of passengers, officials said.
The Czech Rail Safety Inspectorate said the accident occurred near the station of Cesky Brod located just east of Prague shortly after 21.30 p.m. (1930 GMT). It said the passenger train smashed into the standing freight train.
The regional rescue service said up to 60 passengers could be injured. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The major track linking the capital with the eastern part of the country is expected to be closed until Wednesday morning, the Czech Railways said.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Lawmakers returning to vote on absentee ballot, police bills

Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont said Tuesday the state ’ s COVID-19 infection rate is currently low enough for the General Assembly to return for a special legislative session to consider a limited number of bills , including one allowing more people to vote by absentee in the November general election .
The Democrat , who spoke with Democratic and Republican legislative leaders earlier in the day , said the tentative plan is to consider four bills .
Besides expanding the eligibility for using absentee ballots , just for the upcoming election because of the pandemic , Lamont said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountability , insurance coverage for tele-health services and a cap on the price of insulin .
“ Assuming we can get agreement in principle on what those bills are going to be , I ’ m going to issue the call for the special session on Friday , ” Lamont said .
Lawmakers , who acknowledged the details of the bills are still being worked out , are expected to vote sometime before the end of January .
Lamont said it will be up to the House of Representatives and Senate to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tentatively virtually - and votes in a safe manner , given the continuing pandemic .
The two bodies are not expected to return to the Capitol on the same day in order to reduce the number of people in attendance .
A spokesman for the House Democrats said the Judiciary Committee may hold an online informational hearing Friday on the police accountability bill while other hearings are planned tentatively for early next week .
A vote by the House could potentially be held later in the week , with the Senate to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have House members vote remotely in their offices while senators might vote in small groups in the Senate chamber .
“ Both the House and Senate will be taking a number of measures to protect legislators and staff during debates and votes in the special session , ” legislative leaders said in a joint written statement .
Lamont already used his executive authority under the state ’ s public health emergency to lift restrictions on absentee ballots and allowed any eligible , registered Democrat or Republican to use them in the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s authority expires in September , before the general election , so he asked lawmakers to pass legislation lifting the restrictions in November as well .
“ We don ’ t know what the COVID epidemic is going to look like , but assuming COVID is still with us , this would be a COVID-related opportunity to have absentee balloting so you can vote safely , ” Lamont said .
Some Republicans , however , have raised concerns about the ballots .
Senate GOP Leader Len Fasano said he has “ no problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , ” but he is worried that a small percentage of ballot applications for the primary sent in the mail by Secretary of the State Denise Merrill ’ s office were undeliverable , creating the potential for fraud .
The state GOP announced this week it is launching a Ballot Integrity Alert System to let citizens report suspicious election activity , dead voters , old or inaccurate information .
Merrill has said 8 % of applications came back to her office , which her office contends is below the average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. As of Tuesday , there have been more than 47,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Connecticut , an increase of 30 since Monday .
That number , however , does not include results from several of the largest testing laboratories due to a network connectivity problem .
Meanwhile , the number of COVID-associated deaths in Connecticut is now 4,372 , an increase of one person since Monday .
Hospitalizations declined by eight , to a total of 66 patients .
Lamont said the state ’ s infection rate continues to be less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more states with high positive rates of COVID-19 - Minnesota , New Mexico , Ohio and Wisconsin - will now be required to quarantine for 14 days after entering Connecticut , New York or New Jersey .
One state , Delaware , has been removed from the list .
As of Tuesday , there were 22 states that met the criteria of having a new daily positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a positive rate of 10 % over a seven-day rolling average .
The list now includes Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , Georgia , Iowa , Idaho , Kansas , Louisiana , Minnesota , Mississippi , North Carolina , New Mexico , Nevada , Ohio , Oklahoma , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Utah and Wisconsin .
Meanwhile , Lamont said he now believes it will be “ about a week ” before out-of-state air passengers from those states who arrive at Bradley International Airport will be required to fill out a form certifying they understand the quarantine , provide information about where they will be quarantining and how they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are no plans for fines in Connecticut for violators .

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday the state’s COVID-19 infection rate is currently low enough for the General Assembly to return for a special legislative session to consider a limited number of bills, including one allowing more people to vote by absentee in the November general election.
The Democrat, who spoke with Democratic and Republican legislative leaders earlier in the day, said the tentative plan is to consider four bills. Besides expanding the eligibility for using absentee ballots, just for the upcoming election because of the pandemic, Lamont said they agreed to take up legislation concerning police accountability, insurance coverage for tele-health services and a cap on the price of insulin.
“Assuming we can get agreement in principle on what those bills are going to be, I’m going to issue the call for the special session on Friday,” Lamont said. Lawmakers, who acknowledged the details of the bills are still being worked out, are expected to vote sometime before the end of January.
Lamont said it will be up to the House of Representatives and Senate to decide how they plan to hold hearings - tentatively virtually - and votes in a safe manner, given the continuing pandemic. The two bodies are not expected to return to the Capitol on the same day in order to reduce the number of people in attendance.
A spokesman for the House Democrats said the Judiciary Committee may hold an online informational hearing Friday on the police accountability bill while other hearings are planned tentatively for early next week. A vote by the House could potentially be held later in the week, with the Senate to follow. Legislative leaders have been considering whether to have House members vote remotely in their offices while senators might vote in small groups in the Senate chamber.
“Both the House and Senate will be taking a number of measures to protect legislators and staff during debates and votes in the special session,” legislative leaders said in a joint written statement.
Lamont already used his executive authority under the state’s public health emergency to lift restrictions on absentee ballots and allowed any eligible, registered Democrat or Republican to use them in the upcoming Aug. 11 primary. But Lamont’s authority expires in September, before the general election, so he asked lawmakers to pass legislation lifting the restrictions in November as well.
“We don’t know what the COVID epidemic is going to look like, but assuming COVID is still with us, this would be a COVID-related opportunity to have absentee balloting so you can vote safely,” Lamont said.
Some Republicans, however, have raised concerns about the ballots. Senate GOP Leader Len Fasano said he has “no problem with expanding absentee voting excuses to include the COVID-19 pandemic,” but he is worried that a small percentage of ballot applications for the primary sent in the mail by Secretary of the State Denise Merrill’s office were undeliverable, creating the potential for fraud.
The state GOP announced this week it is launching a Ballot Integrity Alert System to let citizens report suspicious election activity, dead voters, old or inaccurate information. Merrill has said 8% of applications came back to her office, which her office contends is below the average 15% for election mailings in the U.S.
As of Tuesday, there have been more than 47,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Connecticut, an increase of 30 since Monday. That number, however, does not include results from several of the largest testing laboratories due to a network connectivity problem.
Meanwhile, the number of COVID-associated deaths in Connecticut is now 4,372, an increase of one person since Monday. Hospitalizations declined by eight, to a total of 66 patients. Lamont said the state’s infection rate continues to be less than 1%.
___
TRI-STATE QUARANTINE
Visitors from four more states with high positive rates of COVID-19 - Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin - will now be required to quarantine for 14 days after entering Connecticut, New York or New Jersey.
One state, Delaware, has been removed from the list. As of Tuesday, there were 22 states that met the criteria of having a new daily positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a positive rate of 10% over a seven-day rolling average. The list now includes Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, Lamont said he now believes it will be “about a week” before out-of-state air passengers from those states who arrive at Bradley International Airport will be required to fill out a form certifying they understand the quarantine, provide information about where they will be quarantining and how they can be reached. At this point, there are no plans for fines in Connecticut for violators.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Prosecutors: California officer justified in killing teen

SANTA ANA , Calif. ( AP ) - A police officer was justified in killing a 17-year-old girl who pointed what appeared to be a gun at him on a packed Southern California freeway last year , according to an investigation released Tuesday .
Fullerton Officer Scott Flynn reasonably believed that the teenager was going to kill him with what was later found to be a realistic-looking BB gun , the Orange County district attorney ’ s office said .
“ Based on the totality of all the circumstances , it was necessary for Officer Flynn to react by firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , ” Deputy District Attorney Avery Harrison wrote in a letter about the investigation sent to the Fullerton police chief on June 22 .
The letter was made public Tuesday .
“ Although the incident is deeply saddening , resulting in the death of a minor with mental illness , Officer Flynn did not commit a crime , ” the prosecutor wrote .
The letter didn ’ t name the teen , but her family previously identified her as Hannah Linn Williams , the Orange County Register reported .
The girl had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the July 5 , 2019 , killing , authorities said .
Flynn was driving an injured police dog to a veterinarian when the SUV sped past him at more than 100 mph on an Anaheim freeway , then slowed , forcing him to brake and change lanes to avoid a crash , Harrison wrote .
The SUV then turned and hit the front end of the patrol car and ended up parked the wrong way on a freeway ramp .
Video from Flynn ’ s body-worn camera shows him walking toward the SUV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what appears to be a gun at him , the newspaper reported .
Flynn fired several shots , and the teen died at a hospital .
Her family said Williams had tried to run away and kill herself in the past , the Register said .
In 2018 , she was found with a hunting knife on a street and told officers she had planned to kill someone , the prosecutor ’ s letter said .

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A police officer was justified in killing a 17-year-old girl who pointed what appeared to be a gun at him on a packed Southern California freeway last year, according to an investigation released Tuesday.
Fullerton Officer Scott Flynn reasonably believed that the teenager was going to kill him with what was later found to be a realistic-looking BB gun, the Orange County district attorney’s office said.
“Based on the totality of all the circumstances, it was necessary for Officer Flynn to react by firing his weapon in self-defense and defense of others,” Deputy District Attorney Avery Harrison wrote in a letter about the investigation sent to the Fullerton police chief on June 22. The letter was made public Tuesday.
“Although the incident is deeply saddening, resulting in the death of a minor with mental illness, Officer Flynn did not commit a crime,” the prosecutor wrote.
The letter didn’t name the teen, but her family previously identified her as Hannah Linn Williams, the Orange County Register reported.
The girl had disappeared in a rented SUV hours before the July 5, 2019, killing, authorities said.
Flynn was driving an injured police dog to a veterinarian when the SUV sped past him at more than 100 mph on an Anaheim freeway, then slowed, forcing him to brake and change lanes to avoid a crash, Harrison wrote.
The SUV then turned and hit the front end of the patrol car and ended up parked the wrong way on a freeway ramp.
Video from Flynn’s body-worn camera shows him walking toward the SUV and facing the teenager, who points what appears to be a gun at him, the newspaper reported.
Flynn fired several shots, and the teen died at a hospital.
Her family said Williams had tried to run away and kill herself in the past, the Register said.
In 2018, she was found with a hunting knife on a street and told officers she had planned to kill someone, the prosecutor’s letter said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Mom accused of drunk driving at 121 mph before fatal crash

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Authorities in Las Vegas have accused a 23-year-old mother of driving drunk at 121 mph ( 195 kph ) when she crashed her car into another car during the weekend , killing her infant son .
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that a judge on Tuesday set bail at $ 50,000 for Lauren Loanna Prescia after noting the “ excessive ” speed on a city street and calling it a danger to the community .
Prescia appeared with a court-appointed public defender and was not asked to enter a plea .
The judge set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Prescia posts bail for release from jail she will be on home confinement with electronic monitoring and is not allowed to drive .
Prescia was arrested Sunday on felony charges of DUI causing death , reckless driving and child abuse or neglect after police said her Hyundai Sonata slammed into a Nissan Sentra in a residential area in northwest Las Vegas .
A police arrest report said the boy ’ s father was driving nearby after having given their 1-year-old son to Prescia in a custody exchange .
It said Prescia told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to beat him home .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Authorities in Las Vegas have accused a 23-year-old mother of driving drunk at 121 mph (195 kph) when she crashed her car into another car during the weekend, killing her infant son.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that a judge on Tuesday set bail at $50,000 for Lauren Loanna Prescia after noting the “excessive” speed on a city street and calling it a danger to the community.
Prescia appeared with a court-appointed public defender and was not asked to enter a plea.
The judge set another hearing July 20 and said that if Prescia posts bail for release from jail she will be on home confinement with electronic monitoring and is not allowed to drive.
Prescia was arrested Sunday on felony charges of DUI causing death, reckless driving and child abuse or neglect after police said her Hyundai Sonata slammed into a Nissan Sentra in a residential area in northwest Las Vegas.
Prescia and a 36-year-old woman driving the Nissan received minor injuries.
A police arrest report said the boy’s father was driving nearby after having given their 1-year-old son to Prescia in a custody exchange. It said Prescia told him on phone that she was going to beat him home.


washingtontimes--2020-07-15--Man accused in murder conspiracy wants separate trial

BISMARCK , N.D. ( AP ) - A man accused of killing the husband of his co-defendent near Bismarck last winter wants to be tried separately from the woman .
An attorney for Earl Howard argued at a hearing in Burleigh County Tuesday that the criminal background of his client and Nikkisue Entzel are different and that trying them together would be unfair and could lead to a mistrial .
Howard is charged with murder , arson and three conspiracy counts in the death of Chad Entzel , whose body was found Jan. 2 after a house fire northeast of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of gunshot wounds , the Bismarck Tribune reported .
Nikkisue Entzel is charged with three counts of conspiracy .
Burleigh County Deputy Sheriff Brian Thompson has testified that Entzel and Howard were in a relationship and plotted the victim ’ s death with plans to cash in on a life insurance policy .
Howard ’ s attorney , Philip Becher , told South Central District Judge Douglas Bahr that Nikkisue Entzel has a significant criminal history , unlike Howard and that forcing them to stand trial together presents “ the opportunity for unfairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Bahr said he will likely rule on the motion sometime next week .
He also denied Becher ’ s request to reduce Howard ’ s $ 1 million cash bail .

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A man accused of killing the husband of his co-defendent near Bismarck last winter wants to be tried separately from the woman.
An attorney for Earl Howard argued at a hearing in Burleigh County Tuesday that the criminal background of his client and Nikkisue Entzel are different and that trying them together would be unfair and could lead to a mistrial.
Howard is charged with murder, arson and three conspiracy counts in the death of Chad Entzel, whose body was found Jan. 2 after a house fire northeast of Bismarck. An autopsy showed Entzel died of gunshot wounds, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
Nikkisue Entzel is charged with three counts of conspiracy. Burleigh County Deputy Sheriff Brian Thompson has testified that Entzel and Howard were in a relationship and plotted the victim’s death with plans to cash in on a life insurance policy.
Howard’s attorney, Philip Becher, told South Central District Judge Douglas Bahr that Nikkisue Entzel has a significant criminal history, unlike Howard and that forcing them to stand trial together presents “the opportunity for unfairly impugning him in the eyes of jury.”
Bahr said he will likely rule on the motion sometime next week. He also denied Becher’s request to reduce Howard’s $1 million cash bail.