washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Joe Biden's Kamala Harris notes: 'Do not hold grudges'

WILMINGTON , Del .
— Joe Biden was uncharacteristically tight-lipped on Tuesday about the final stretch of his search for a vice president .
But the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee seemed prepared to talk about at least one leading contender : California Sen. Kamala Harris .
As he took questions from reporters on Tuesday , Biden held notes that were captured by an Associated Press photographer .
Harris ’ name was scrawled across the top , followed by five talking points .
“ Do not hold grudges.
” “ Campaigned with me & Jill.
” “ Talented.
” “ Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her.
” Those are all observations Biden has made about Harris before .
But they take on new significance following a recent Politico report that one of Biden ’ s closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee , former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd , still harbors concerns about Harris ’ tough debate stage performance and that she hasn ’ t expressed regret .
The comments attributed to Dodd have drawn condemnation , especially from influential Democratic women who maintain that Harris is being held to a standard that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for president .
The debate-stage skirmish was one of the seminal moments of the Democratic primary .
Harris , who is Black , said Biden made “ very hurtful ” comments about his past work with segregationist senators before she slammed his opposition to busing as schools began to integrate .
“ There was a little girl in California who was a part of the second class to integrate her public schools , and she was bused to school every day , ” she said .
“ And that little girl was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called her comments “ a mischaracterization of my position.
” Their relationship has become considerably more amicable .
Biden has praised Harris publicly many times and noted that he ’ s thought highly of her personally and professionally since she became close to his late son , Beau Biden , when both were state attorneys general .
It is common for high-profile politicians to take notes with them to the podium , either handwritten additions to formal remarks or a bullet-point list like what Biden held on stationery featuring his full name : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , early in the coronavirus pandemic , President Donald Trump ’ s notes were photographed to show “ Chinese ” written over “ corona , ” part of the president ’ s efforts to blame the pandemic on a foreign adversary .
Last year , as Trump faced impeachment for pressuring Ukraine officials to help his reelection by finding dirt on Biden , the president had notes that read : “ I want nothing ” and “ I want no quid pro quo.
” Biden ’ s list , at the least , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tensions around his relationship with Harris .
As reflected in his notes , Harris has become a reliable surrogate for Biden , appearing with him in online fundraisers amid the unusual social distancing standards forced on the campaign by the COVID-19 pandemic .
As recently as last week , Harris headlined her own event for Biden , one focused on the Raleigh area in North Carolina , a battleground state where Harris ’ dual appeal to Black voters and college-educated white women could boost Democrats ’ prospects .
Biden ultimately did not field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson for Harris did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
In just his third extended news conference in four months , Biden also sidestepped specific questions about the timing of his decision on a running mate , an approach reflected in another entry on Biden ’ s notepad .
Under the heading “ VP , ” Biden wrote “ highly qualified ” and “ diverse group , ” signifying his intention not to tease out any more details .
Beyond vice presidential politics , Biden ’ s topics included the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General William Barr testifying Tuesday on Capitol Hill .
His notes did not name Barr , but Biden referenced “ the people ’ s lawyer … not the president ’ s lawyer , ” echoing his previous assertions that Barr has used his post as the latter .
On the “ Last 100 days ” of the campaign , Biden wrote that he ’ d be “ offering clearest contrast , ” “ tell the truth , ” “ take responsibility ” and “ listen to the scientists ” – all swipes at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original three-part slogan of Biden ’ s campaign : “ Restore soul ” of the nation , “ Rebuild MC ” ( the middle class ) and “ unite country .
”

WILMINGTON, Del. — Joe Biden was uncharacteristically tight-lipped on Tuesday about the final stretch of his search for a vice president. But the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee seemed prepared to talk about at least one leading contender: California Sen. Kamala Harris.
As he took questions from reporters on Tuesday, Biden held notes that were captured by an Associated Press photographer. Harris’ name was scrawled across the top, followed by five talking points.
“Do not hold grudges.” “Campaigned with me & Jill.” “Talented.” “Great help to campaign.” “Great respect for her.”
Those are all observations Biden has made about Harris before. But they take on new significance following a recent Politico report that one of Biden’s closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, still harbors concerns about Harris’ tough debate stage performance and that she hasn’t expressed regret.
The comments attributed to Dodd have drawn condemnation, especially from influential Democratic women who maintain that Harris is being held to a standard that wouldn’t apply to a man running for president.
The debate-stage skirmish was one of the seminal moments of the Democratic primary. Harris, who is Black, said Biden made “very hurtful” comments about his past work with segregationist senators before she slammed his opposition to busing as schools began to integrate.
“There was a little girl in California who was a part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day,” she said. “And that little girl was me.”
At the time, Biden called her comments “a mischaracterization of my position.”
Their relationship has become considerably more amicable.
Biden has praised Harris publicly many times and noted that he’s thought highly of her personally and professionally since she became close to his late son, Beau Biden, when both were state attorneys general.
It is common for high-profile politicians to take notes with them to the podium, either handwritten additions to formal remarks or a bullet-point list like what Biden held on stationery featuring his full name: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
In March, early in the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump’s notes were photographed to show “Chinese” written over “corona,” part of the president’s efforts to blame the pandemic on a foreign adversary. Last year, as Trump faced impeachment for pressuring Ukraine officials to help his reelection by finding dirt on Biden, the president had notes that read: “I want nothing” and “I want no quid pro quo.”
Biden’s list, at the least, suggests that he wants to defuse any tensions around his relationship with Harris. As reflected in his notes, Harris has become a reliable surrogate for Biden, appearing with him in online fundraisers amid the unusual social distancing standards forced on the campaign by the COVID-19 pandemic. As recently as last week, Harris headlined her own event for Biden, one focused on the Raleigh area in North Carolina, a battleground state where Harris’ dual appeal to Black voters and college-educated white women could boost Democrats’ prospects.
Biden ultimately did not field a question specifically about Harris. A spokesperson for Harris did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In just his third extended news conference in four months, Biden also sidestepped specific questions about the timing of his decision on a running mate, an approach reflected in another entry on Biden’s notepad. Under the heading “VP,” Biden wrote “highly qualified” and “diverse group,” signifying his intention not to tease out any more details.
Beyond vice presidential politics, Biden’s topics included the Justice Department, an allusion to Attorney General William Barr testifying Tuesday on Capitol Hill. His notes did not name Barr, but Biden referenced “the people’s lawyer … not the president’s lawyer,” echoing his previous assertions that Barr has used his post as the latter.
On the “Last 100 days” of the campaign, Biden wrote that he’d be “offering clearest contrast,” “tell the truth,” “take responsibility” and “listen to the scientists” – all swipes at Trump.
The list also included the original three-part slogan of Biden’s campaign: “Restore soul” of the nation, “Rebuild MC” (the middle class) and “unite country.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Hundreds wait hours for coronavirus care in Ecuador capital

QUITO , Ecuador ( AP ) - Hundreds of people with breathing problems waited for hours in long lines in Ecuador ’ s capital Tuesday seeking medical attention and tests to determine if they were infected with the new coronavirus .
Hospitals and funeral homes have been overwhelmed for weeks in Quito , where city officials have reported 12,747 confirmed cases and 605 deaths so far in the pandemic .
The result is that long lines of people observing social distancing snake from hospitals , with waits of up to four hours before they can undergo clinical examinations and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very big demand for hospital beds and beds that have been adapted to care for critical patients who require ventilation and intensive care beds , ” he said .
“ We are in a position that doesn ’ t compare in any way to what is happening in the rest of Latin America.
” Infections have escalated since authorities decided to loosen social isolation measures at the beginning of June and eased up even more earlier this month .
For Ecuador as a whole , 82,279 confirmed cases have been reported since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first COVID-19 case was detected .
COVID-19 has killed 5,584 people , by the official tally , though experts say 3,353 more deaths probably were caused by the virus .

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Hundreds of people with breathing problems waited for hours in long lines in Ecuador’s capital Tuesday seeking medical attention and tests to determine if they were infected with the new coronavirus.
Hospitals and funeral homes have been overwhelmed for weeks in Quito, where city officials have reported 12,747 confirmed cases and 605 deaths so far in the pandemic.
The result is that long lines of people observing social distancing snake from hospitals, with waits of up to four hours before they can undergo clinical examinations and a quick coronavirus test.
Health Minister Juan Carlos Zevallos said Quito is “in a critical situation.”
“There is a very big demand for hospital beds and beds that have been adapted to care for critical patients who require ventilation and intensive care beds,” he said. “We are in a position that doesn’t compare in any way to what is happening in the rest of Latin America.”
Infections have escalated since authorities decided to loosen social isolation measures at the beginning of June and eased up even more earlier this month.
For Ecuador as a whole, 82,279 confirmed cases have been reported since the end of February, when the first COVID-19 case was detected. COVID-19 has killed 5,584 people, by the official tally, though experts say 3,353 more deaths probably were caused by the virus.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Phased reopening pause due to virus extended indefinitely

OLYMPIA , Wash. ( AP ) - Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that the statewide pause for counties @ @ @ @ @ current stage of COVID-19 economic reopening will continue indefinitely .
It ’ s the second @ @ @ @ @ extended since first implemented earlier this month .
The extension comes days after Inslee tightened @ @ @ @ @ indoor activities in a further effort to stem a surge in COVID-19 cases .
Seventeen @ @ @ @ @ of a four-part reopening process , 17 counties are currently in phase two and five @ @ @ @ @ phase one of reopening .
State officials confirmed 875 more cases Tuesday , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ to more than 54,200 .
Thirty more deaths also were reported , raising the death @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients , and the vast @ @ @ @ @ is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and death in some patients , particularly @ @ @ @ @ underlying health conditions .

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that the statewide pause for counties looking to advance from their current stage of COVID-19 economic reopening will continue indefinitely.
It’s the second time the pause has been extended since first implemented earlier this month. The extension comes days after Inslee tightened restrictions throughout the state for indoor activities in a further effort to stem a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Seventeen counties are in phase three of a four-part reopening process, 17 counties are currently in phase two and five counties are in a modified phase one of reopening.
State officials confirmed 875 more cases Tuesday, bringing the total number of positive cases to more than 54,200. Thirty more deaths also were reported, raising the death toll to at least 1,548.
The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients, and the vast majority recover. But it is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and death in some patients, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Sheriff threatens library that drafted diversity statement

RENO , Nevada ( AP ) - A Nevada sheriff posted a letter on his office ’ s website telling his county ’ s library to not bother calling 911 for help anymore after the library considered supporting the Black Lives Matter movement .
Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley posted the letter after the Douglas County Public Library considered publishing a statement in support of diversity and inclusion .
A public meeting to consider the statement was later canceled , the Reno Gazette-Journal reported .
“ We support # BlackLivesMatter , ” a part of the statement said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms of racism , hatred , inequality and injustice don ’ t belong in our society.
” Coverley wrote in response , “ Due to your support of Black Lives Matter and the obvious lack of support or trust with the Douglas County Sheriff ’ s Office , please do not feel the need to call 911 for help .
I wish you good luck with disturbances and lewd behavior , since those are just some of the recent calls my office has assisted you with in the past.
” Library Director Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reinforce that the library welcomes individuals of all backgrounds .
“ It simply was meant to state our inclusivity at the library , that we are open and welcoming to everyone and we treat everyone equally , ” Dodson said .
The police killing of George Floyd prompted protests across the U.S. and around the world against police brutality and racial injustice .
Floyd , a Black man , died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck while he was handcuffed and lying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests “ resulted in violence , property damage and the closing of local businesses.
” A county spokeswoman , Melissa Blosser , later walked back the notion that the sheriff ’ s office would no longer respond to 911 calls from the library .
“ Sheriff Coverley would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that the Douglas County Sheriff ’ s Office will continue to respond to all 911 calls , including those at the Library , ” Blosser said in a written news release .
Coverley later wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide public comment about their proposed diversity statement and to further provide open commentary about how this could affect our local law enforcement profession.
” Coverley did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Reno Gazette Journal .

RENO, Nevada (AP) - A Nevada sheriff posted a letter on his office’s website telling his county’s library to not bother calling 911 for help anymore after the library considered supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley posted the letter after the Douglas County Public Library considered publishing a statement in support of diversity and inclusion. A public meeting to consider the statement was later canceled, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.
“We support #BlackLivesMatter,” a part of the statement said. “We resolutely assert and believe that all forms of racism, hatred, inequality and injustice don’t belong in our society.”
Coverley wrote in response, “Due to your support of Black Lives Matter and the obvious lack of support or trust with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, please do not feel the need to call 911 for help. I wish you good luck with disturbances and lewd behavior, since those are just some of the recent calls my office has assisted you with in the past.”
Library Director Amy Dodson said the diversity statement was meant to reinforce that the library welcomes individuals of all backgrounds.
“It simply was meant to state our inclusivity at the library, that we are open and welcoming to everyone and we treat everyone equally,” Dodson said.
The police killing of George Floyd prompted protests across the U.S. and around the world against police brutality and racial injustice. Floyd, a Black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck while he was handcuffed and lying on the ground.
Coverley said numerous protests “resulted in violence, property damage and the closing of local businesses.”
A county spokeswoman, Melissa Blosser, later walked back the notion that the sheriff’s office would no longer respond to 911 calls from the library.
“Sheriff Coverley would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to respond to all 911 calls, including those at the Library,” Blosser said in a written news release.
Coverley later wrote in a statement that his open letter was “to provide public comment about their proposed diversity statement and to further provide open commentary about how this could affect our local law enforcement profession.”
Coverley did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Reno Gazette Journal.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--No prosecution in alleged 2019 assault on comedian Andy Dick

NEW ORLEANS ( AP ) - A man arrested last year in an alleged assault on comedian Andy Dick won ’ t be prosecuted , a spokesman for New Orleans ’ district attorney said Tuesday .
Ken Daley , spokesman for District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro ’ s office , said in a statement that Dick has not kept in touch with prosecutors and hasn ’ t been cooperative , The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported .
Video recorded outside a French Quarter night club last August showed the comedian being knocked unconscious .
Daley ’ s statement said the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the district attorney ’ s office .
“ We have long believed that this matter was only a case due to the infamy of the alleged victim , ” attorneys Michael Kennedy and Miles Swanson said in a statement on behalf of Hale .
“ For the first time in almost 12 months , Mr. Hale will be able to rest easy tonight.
” There was not an immediate response Tuesday evening to messages seeking comment that the news outlet submitted through Dick ’ s website and by email to a management @ @

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Comedian Andy Dick told a New Orleans news outlet Wednesday that he’s willing to return to the city and testify against a man accused of knocking him unconscious last year.
Dick spoke to The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate by telephone a day after the district attorney’s office in New Orleans said it was dropping the case.
A spokesman for the prosecutor’s office said that Dick had not been cooperative and had not kept in touch with prosecutors.
Dick did not deny losing touch with prosecutors, but he said it was because of his poor mental and physical state since the encounter with the suspect, David Hale.
The comedian said he is afraid of Hale, “But I want him held accountable.”
Video recorded outside a French Quarter night club in August showed the comedian being knocked unconscious.
A district attorney spokesman, Ken Daley, said Tuesday that the case could be revived if Dick reestablishes contact with the district attorney’s office.
Hale’s attorneys, Michael Kennedy and Miles Swanson, said Tuesday that the district attorney’s office made the right call to not prosecute.
“If anything further comes from this matter, we don’t expect any different outcome, and we remain committed to our client’s vindication,” Kennedy told the news outlet Wednesday.
Hale, 47, had told police he struck Dick, 54, after the comedian grabbed his genitals. Dick denied that in Wednesday’s interview, saying that after he finished his set in the club, Hale came up and requested a picture with him. Dick said he rolled his eyes when Hale lifted his shirt and asked the comedian to place his hand on Hale’s bare stomach - but Dick did it to please someone he thought was a fan.
___
An earlier version of this story was corrected to note efforts made by The Associated Press to reach Andy Dick for comment.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--William Barr revokes Obama-era legal opinion justifying DACA

Attorney General William P. Barr has finally revoked an Obama-era Justice Department legal opinion used to give legal backing to the DACA program .
The Office of Legal Counsel opinion had been written in 2014 to justify President Obama ’ s attempt to expand DACA for illegal immigrant “ Dreamers ” and add a new program , DAPA , to grant a similar deportation amnesty for millions more illegal immigrants .
Immigration crackdown advocates and some legal scholars had urged the Trump administration to revoke the memo when it came into office in 2017 , but that didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bite the administration as it later tried to phase out DACA , arguing the program was illegal , even though the Justice Department ’ s own guidance said otherwise .
Mr. Barr revoked the OLC memo in June , though the move wasn ’ t revealed publicly until Tuesday , when Homeland Security released a letter Mr. Barr wrote to the department concerning DACA .
In it , Mr. Barr said he was also erasing guidance former Attorney General Jeff Sessions had given on DACA ’ s legality .
“ I wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Barr wrote to acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf .
Mr. Wolf announced an update of the DACA program on Tuesday , cutting the period of amnesty from two years to one year for those renewing their status , and blocking any new applicants from joining the program .
He also announced a full legal review with an eye toward determining whether to phase out DACA altogether .
President Trump ’ s first attempt at a phaseout was erased by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision last month — though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he gave better reasons .
President Obama created DACA in 2012 .
He ’ d spent years saying he didn ’ t have power to grant a blanket deportation amnesty to illegal immigrants , but reversed himself in the months before the election and decided he had such powers after all .
Officially known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals , the program protected Dreamers , young adult illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16 , had pursued education and kept a relatively clean criminal rap sheet .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eight years of the program .
In 2014 , Mr. Obama attempted to expand the policy , announcing Deferred Action for Parental Accountability , which could have granted similar deportation protections and work permits to as many as 4 million other illegal immigrants who had U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident children .
The OLC memo said since those children could eventually sponsor the parents for legal status years in the future , it was legal for the president to block their deportation in the meantime .
The memo also gave a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DACA was legal as long as it wasn ’ t an automatic grant of authority , and Homeland Security officers could decide each case individually .
In practice , more than 99 % of DACA applications were approved in the early months of the program , and even in the last days of the Obama administration nearly 85 % were approved .

Attorney General William P. Barr has finally revoked an Obama-era Justice Department legal opinion used to give legal backing to the DACA program.
The Office of Legal Counsel opinion had been written in 2014 to justify President Obama’s attempt to expand DACA for illegal immigrant “Dreamers” and add a new program, DAPA, to grant a similar deportation amnesty for millions more illegal immigrants.
Immigration crackdown advocates and some legal scholars had urged the Trump administration to revoke the memo when it came into office in 2017, but that didn’t happen.
The memo would come back to bite the administration as it later tried to phase out DACA, arguing the program was illegal, even though the Justice Department’s own guidance said otherwise.
Mr. Barr revoked the OLC memo in June, though the move wasn’t revealed publicly until Tuesday, when Homeland Security released a letter Mr. Barr wrote to the department concerning DACA. In it, Mr. Barr said he was also erasing guidance former Attorney General Jeff Sessions had given on DACA’s legality.
“I wish to wipe the slate clean,” Mr. Barr wrote to acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf.
Mr. Wolf announced an update of the DACA program on Tuesday, cutting the period of amnesty from two years to one year for those renewing their status, and blocking any new applicants from joining the program.
He also announced a full legal review with an eye toward determining whether to phase out DACA altogether.
President Trump’s first attempt at a phaseout was erased by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision last month — though the justices said he could try again, if he gave better reasons.
President Obama created DACA in 2012. He’d spent years saying he didn’t have power to grant a blanket deportation amnesty to illegal immigrants, but reversed himself in the months before the election and decided he had such powers after all.
Officially known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program protected Dreamers, young adult illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16, had pursued education and kept a relatively clean criminal rap sheet. More than 800,000 people have been approved over the eight years of the program.
In 2014, Mr. Obama attempted to expand the policy, announcing Deferred Action for Parental Accountability, which could have granted similar deportation protections and work permits to as many as 4 million other illegal immigrants who had U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident children.
The OLC memo said since those children could eventually sponsor the parents for legal status years in the future, it was legal for the president to block their deportation in the meantime.
The memo also gave a belated justification to DACA.
It said DACA was legal as long as it wasn’t an automatic grant of authority, and Homeland Security officers could decide each case individually.
In practice, more than 99% of DACA applications were approved in the early months of the program, and even in the last days of the Obama administration nearly 85% were approved.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Joe Biden says voters feel he's 'antithesis' of Donald Trump

Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden says voters have come to see him as the “ antithesis ” of President Trump — and he shares that point of view .
After largely avoiding the press for months , Mr. Biden switched gears Tuesday , fielding questions from reporters in Wilmington , Delaware , for nearly a half-hour , vowing to tap his running mate next week , raising doubts about the professional baseball season , and saying Mr. Trump ’ s polarizing approach is a threat to the nation .
“ I think our democracy is at stake — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And what seems to be the case is many Americans , those who don ’ t like me and those that do , view me as the antithesis of Trump , and I believe that I am.
” Mr. Biden delivered the assessment after unveiling the fourth and final installment of his “ Build Back Better ” agenda .
He called for more spending on programs aimed at combating systemic racism and racial inequality , which he said has been exacerbated by the coronavirus and Mr. Trump ’ s failures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he ’ s failed it , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ The duty to care for the entire country , not just his reelection prospects.
” “ He ’ s shown he can ’ t beat the pandemic and keep you safe , ” the former vice president continued .
“ And he is , horrifyingly , and not surprisingly , intentionally stoking the flames of division and racism in this country.
” Despite trailing in most polls , pollsters have pointed out that Mr. Trump ’ s supporters tend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him this fall , and thus actually likely to turn up on Election Day , sparking concerns among Democrats that this could be Mr. Biden ’ s Achilles heel .
Asked about the enthusiasm gap , Mr. Biden said voters know him “ warts and all ” and said he hopes the policy plans he has been rolling out will help voters recognize that a vote for him is more than a vote against Mr. Trump .
“ If I am elected and this passes , I am going to be good to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive presidents in American history , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ So I ’ m hoping that people will take a look at what I ’ ve done , what I ’ m proposing , why it ’ s in their interest that they move in the direction I ’ m suggesting , ” he said .
“ And I think that is what we ’ re seeing some response to.
” Mr. Biden ’ s latest plan calls for redirecting $ 150 billion to boost minority-owned small businesses through a mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to low-interest business loans .
He pledged to tweak the “ Opportunity Zones ” to ensure they do more to benefit low-income communities , and also to make moves to increase access to affordable housing .
The three other pillars of Mr. Biden ’ s plan advocate increasing federal investment in research and development and a “ buy American ” proposal where the federal government would spend $ 400 billion into purchasing products and materials from U.S. manufacturers .
He wants to invest $ 2 trillion to boost clean energy and rebuild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 .
He also is vowing to invest $ 775 billion in expanding child care and home care services for older Americans and people with disabilities .

Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden says voters have come to see him as the “antithesis” of President Trump — and he shares that point of view.
After largely avoiding the press for months, Mr. Biden switched gears Tuesday, fielding questions from reporters in Wilmington, Delaware, for nearly a half-hour, vowing to tap his running mate next week, raising doubts about the professional baseball season, and saying Mr. Trump’s polarizing approach is a threat to the nation.
“I think our democracy is at stake — for real,” Mr. Biden said. “And what seems to be the case is many Americans, those who don’t like me and those that do, view me as the antithesis of Trump, and I believe that I am.”
Mr. Biden delivered the assessment after unveiling the fourth and final installment of his “Build Back Better” agenda.
He called for more spending on programs aimed at combating systemic racism and racial inequality, which he said has been exacerbated by the coronavirus and Mr. Trump’s failures.
“Donald Trump faces a real test, and he’s failed it,” Mr. Biden said. “The duty to care for the entire country, not just his reelection prospects.”
“He’s shown he can’t beat the pandemic and keep you safe,” the former vice president continued. “And he is, horrifyingly, and not surprisingly, intentionally stoking the flames of division and racism in this country.”
Despite trailing in most polls, pollsters have pointed out that Mr. Trump’s supporters tend to be more enthusiastic about voting for him this fall, and thus actually likely to turn up on Election Day, sparking concerns among Democrats that this could be Mr. Biden’s Achilles heel.
Asked about the enthusiasm gap, Mr. Biden said voters know him “warts and all” and said he hopes the policy plans he has been rolling out will help voters recognize that a vote for him is more than a vote against Mr. Trump.
“If I am elected and this passes, I am going to be good to go down as one of the most progressive presidents in American history,” Mr. Biden said.
“So I’m hoping that people will take a look at what I’ve done, what I’m proposing, why it’s in their interest that they move in the direction I’m suggesting,” he said. “And I think that is what we’re seeing some response to.”
Mr. Biden’s latest plan calls for redirecting $150 billion to boost minority-owned small businesses through a mix of public-private investments and opening up more access to low-interest business loans.
He pledged to tweak the “Opportunity Zones” to ensure they do more to benefit low-income communities, and also to make moves to increase access to affordable housing.
The three other pillars of Mr. Biden’s plan advocate increasing federal investment in research and development and a “buy American” proposal where the federal government would spend $400 billion into purchasing products and materials from U.S. manufacturers.
He wants to invest $2 trillion to boost clean energy and rebuild infrastructure and put the United States on a path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He also is vowing to invest $775 billion in expanding child care and home care services for older Americans and people with disabilities.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Norwegian flag mistaken for Confederate flag removed

ST. JOHNS , Mich. ( AP ) - Owners of a Michigan bed and breakfast have removed a Norwegian flag outside of their business after being accused of promoting racism from people who think that it is a Confederate flag .
Kjersten and Greg Offenecker , owners of The Nordic Pineapple , hung the flag opposite of the American flag after they moved into the Civil War-era mansion in 2018 , the Lansing State Journal reported .
They took both flags down last week .
The red flag , with a blue cross superimposed on a white cross , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandfather , who was born in Norway .
The Norwegian flag has the same colors as the Confederate flag , but the patterns and symbols are different .
The Confederate flag is red with a blue “ X ” containing white stars .
The couple said they never would have thought anyone would mistake the Norwegian flag for something else .
“ I don ’ t see it because I grew up with the Norwegian Flag , ” Kjersten Offenbecker said .
“ To me , they are two distinct flags.
” Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put the Norwegian flag back up , but the Offenbeckers say they won ’ t until they can figure out a way to make sure it is not mistaken for the the Confederate flag .
The couple wrote in a July 20 post on The Nordic Pineapple ’ s Facebook page : “ We love being members of the St Johns community and are heartbroken to have had to make this decision .
Given the current cultural climate and the idea that people are judging us based on the misconception of the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is what is best for our family and our Inn.
” The couple , who has two Black children , said they are have done their best to help their children navigate racism in America and the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis .
Floyd died after an officer pressed his knew into Floyd ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
The death of Floyd sparked protests worldwide against racial injustice and police brutality .
“ It ’ s more than this one instance for Black people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not just this one person .
This was the straw that broke the proverbial back .
”

ST. JOHNS, Mich. (AP) - Owners of a Michigan bed and breakfast have removed a Norwegian flag outside of their business after being accused of promoting racism from people who think that it is a Confederate flag.
Kjersten and Greg Offenecker, owners of The Nordic Pineapple, hung the flag opposite of the American flag after they moved into the Civil War-era mansion in 2018, the Lansing State Journal reported. They took both flags down last week.
The red flag, with a blue cross superimposed on a white cross, is a nod to Kjersten Offenbecker’s grandfather, who was born in Norway. The Norwegian flag has the same colors as the Confederate flag, but the patterns and symbols are different. The Confederate flag is red with a blue “X” containing white stars.
The couple said they never would have thought anyone would mistake the Norwegian flag for something else.
“I don’t see it because I grew up with the Norwegian Flag,” Kjersten Offenbecker said. “To me, they are two distinct flags.”
Several community members have urged the couple to put the Norwegian flag back up, but the Offenbeckers say they won’t until they can figure out a way to make sure it is not mistaken for the the Confederate flag.
The couple wrote in a July 20 post on The Nordic Pineapple’s Facebook page: “We love being members of the St Johns community and are heartbroken to have had to make this decision. Given the current cultural climate and the idea that people are judging us based on the misconception of the national Norwegian flag vs. the Confederate flag, this is what is best for our family and our Inn.”
The couple, who has two Black children, said they are have done their best to help their children navigate racism in America and the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
Floyd died after an officer pressed his knew into Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes. The death of Floyd sparked protests worldwide against racial injustice and police brutality.
“It’s more than this one instance for Black people,” Kjersten Offenbecker said. “It’s not just this one person. This was the straw that broke the proverbial back.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Sheriff: Jealousy drove kidnapping, slaying of Georgia woman

PHENIX CITY , Ala. ( AP ) - Jealously appeared to be behind the abduction and slaying of a Georgia woman whose body was dumped in Alabama , authorities said Tuesday .
Tameka Skinner , 39 , of Columbus , Georgia , was shot early Monday and her body was left in Seale , Alabama , Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said .
Skinner was abducted around 1 a.m. Monday from a Columbus apartment complex where four suspects - three men and a woman - attacked her and her boyfriend , according to the sheriff .
Taylor said among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had a previous relationship with Skinner ’ s boyfriend , The Ledger-Enquirer reported .
“ At this point in the investigation , the motive appears to be jealousy , ” Taylor said in a statement , adding that Johnson had children with Skinner ’ s boyfriend .
“ Demetria recruited the other three men to help her with the kidnapping and killing of Tameka Skinner , to get her out of the way.
” Taylor identified the other suspects as Jayvonn Phillips , 23 , of Seale ; and Shaun Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both of Columbus .
Along with Demetria Johnson , each is charged with kidnapping and capital murder , he said .
It was unknown if any of the suspects had attorneys who could speak on their behalf .
All are being held in the Russell County Jail , waiting to appear Wednesday before a judge , said Madison Grantham , a prosecutor with the county district attorney ’ s office .
She said the four are expected to remain held without bond , as they are facing a capital offense .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states .
Authorities said the case also involved a car chase from Seale to Wetumpka , where the four suspects were captured after their vehicle wrecked .
Deputies found Skinner ’ s car , partially burned , soon after the chase .
A few hours later , they found her body .
Taylor said a handgun believed used in the killing was recovered .
He added that investigators think they know which suspect shot Skinner .

PHENIX CITY, Ala. (AP) - Jealously appeared to be behind the abduction and slaying of a Georgia woman whose body was dumped in Alabama, authorities said Tuesday.
Tameka Skinner, 39, of Columbus, Georgia, was shot early Monday and her body was left in Seale, Alabama, Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said.
Skinner was abducted around 1 a.m. Monday from a Columbus apartment complex where four suspects - three men and a woman - attacked her and her boyfriend, according to the sheriff.
Taylor said among the suspects was Demetria Johnson, 30, who had a previous relationship with Skinner’s boyfriend, The Ledger-Enquirer reported.
“At this point in the investigation, the motive appears to be jealousy,” Taylor said in a statement, adding that Johnson had children with Skinner’s boyfriend. “Demetria recruited the other three men to help her with the kidnapping and killing of Tameka Skinner, to get her out of the way.”
Taylor identified the other suspects as Jayvonn Phillips, 23, of Seale; and Shaun Johnson, 40, and Joshua Tolbert, 30, both of Columbus. Along with Demetria Johnson, each is charged with kidnapping and capital murder, he said.
It was unknown if any of the suspects had attorneys who could speak on their behalf. All are being held in the Russell County Jail, waiting to appear Wednesday before a judge, said Madison Grantham, a prosecutor with the county district attorney’s office. She said the four are expected to remain held without bond, as they are facing a capital offense.
Their arrests followed an hourslong investigation across two states. Authorities said the case also involved a car chase from Seale to Wetumpka, where the four suspects were captured after their vehicle wrecked. Deputies found Skinner’s car, partially burned, soon after the chase. A few hours later, they found her body.
Taylor said a handgun believed used in the killing was recovered. He added that investigators think they know which suspect shot Skinner.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Suspect in a Tucson homicide in November arrested in Mexico

TUCSON , Ariz. ( AP ) - A suspect in a Tucson homicide case last year is in custody after @ @ @ @ @ authorities said .
Pima County Sheriff ’ s officials said 27-year-old Brian Altland has been @ @ @ @ @ jail on suspicion of first-degree murder .
They said Altland was arrested last Saturday in @ @ @ @ @ coordinated effort between the U.S .
Marshals Service and Mexican authorities .
Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a report of a man down in Tucson on Nov. 18 .
Upon arrival , @ @ @ @ @ at the scene and had obvious signs of trauma .
The victim was subsequently identified @ @ @ @ @ .
A possible motive for the killing hasn ’ t been released and it was @ @ @ @ @ a lawyer who can speak on his behalf .

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A suspect in a Tucson homicide case last year is in custody after being arrested in Mexico, authorities said.
Pima County Sheriff’s officials said 27-year-old Brian Altland has been booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of first-degree murder.
They said Altland was arrested last Saturday in Caborca, Sonora through a coordinated effort between the U.S. Marshals Service and Mexican authorities.
Sheriff’s officials said deputies responded to a report of a man down in Tucson on Nov. 18.
Upon arrival, deputies said man was dead at the scene and had obvious signs of trauma.
The victim was subsequently identified as 46-year-old Eric Duncan McCormick.
A possible motive for the killing hasn’t been released and it was unclear Tuesday if Altland has a lawyer who can speak on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Small plane makes emergency landing on California highway

SAN ONOFRE , Calif. ( AP ) - The pilot of a small plane that lost engine power made a @ @ @ @ @ Southern California highway , authorities said .
After rejecting the Pacific Coast Highway as a @ @ @ @ @ was too narrow , the pilot opted to set the Piper PA24 down on Interstate @ @ @ @ @ Register reported .
He timed the landing for a break in traffic around 12:45 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ , said California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Latulippe .
“ The pilot … landed ( @ @ @ @ @ freeway lanes without hitting any vehicles and veered to the right shoulder to remove the @ @ @ @ @ ) , ” Latulippe said .
The 55-year-old pilot , the sole occupant of the @ @ @ @ @ route from Orange County ’ s John Wayne Airport to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San @ @ @ @ @ , the newspaper reported .
The plane was loaded onto a truck and hauled to @ @ @ @ @ , Latulippe said .

SAN ONOFRE, Calif. (AP) - The pilot of a small plane that lost engine power made a safe emergency landing on a Southern California highway, authorities said.
After rejecting the Pacific Coast Highway as a possible landing spot because it was too narrow, the pilot opted to set the Piper PA24 down on Interstate 5, the Orange County Register reported.
He timed the landing for a break in traffic around 12:45 p.m. on Monday near Camp Pendleton, said California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Latulippe.
“The pilot … landed (the plane) on the freeway lanes without hitting any vehicles and veered to the right shoulder to remove the aircraft from the (roadway),” Latulippe said.
The 55-year-old pilot, the sole occupant of the late 1950s-model plane was en route from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego when the engine failed, the newspaper reported.
The plane was loaded onto a truck and hauled to Oceanside Municipal Airport for repairs, Latulippe said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Prosecutors: 'Alarming' that Maxwell may publicize victims

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Some witnesses in the criminal case against Jeffrey Epstein ’ s former girlfriend may face harassment and intimidation and could be reluctant to cooperate with the government if defense attorneys are allowed to discuss them publicly , prosecutors said Tuesday .
Prosecutors asked a Manhattan federal court judge to block lawyers for British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell from publicly identifying women who have already spoken about the financier or Maxwell on a public forum .
“ The victims of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein have suffered enough , ” prosecutors said , urging privacy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are part of the criminal case against Maxwell .
Defense lawyers said Monday that banning them from publicly identifying alleged victims or potential witnesses in the case will hinder their ability to investigate , prepare witnesses for trial and advocate on Maxwell ’ s behalf .
“ Permitting defense counsel to publicly identify witnesses who have not identified themselves on the record in this case risks subjecting witnesses to harassment and intimidation , with no conceivable benefit to the defense other than perhaps discouraging witnesses from cooperating with the Government , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said defense lawyers said they believed they could reference victims by name publicly prior to trial because the individuals had gotten a “ benefit ” by publicly identifying themselves .
“ Beyond the offensive notion that victims of sexual abuse experience a ‘ benefit ’ by making the incredibly difficult decision to share their experience publicly , the suggestion that victims who receive this supposed ‘ benefit ’ should receive fewer protections than the law ordinarily offers to victims in criminal cases is alarming , ” prosecutors wrote .
The dispute arose as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the rules of secrecy about evidence prior to a July 12 trial , when Maxwell will face charges that she recruited three teenage girls for Epstein to abuse in London and the United States in the 1990s .
Maxwell , 58 , incarcerated since her July 2 arrest at her New Hampshire estate , has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging she sometimes joined in the abuse of the girls , which included one who was 14 .
Epstein , 66 , was facing sex trafficking charges in Manhattan when he killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The defense believes it should not be restricted from publicly disclosing or disseminating the identity of any alleged victims or potential witnesses referenced in the discovery materials who have already identified themselves by speaking on the public record , ” defense lawyers wrote in their submission .
Prosecutors , though , said “ victims should be able to continue to come forward , in the ways and in the venues they themselves choose , without fear of reprisal , shaming , or other consequence arising from having their identities broadcast by defense @ @ @ @ @ @

NEW YORK (AP) - Some witnesses in the criminal case against Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend may face harassment and intimidation and could be reluctant to cooperate with the government if defense attorneys are allowed to discuss them publicly, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Prosecutors asked a Manhattan federal court judge to block lawyers for British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell from publicly identifying women who have already spoken about the financier or Maxwell on a public forum.
“The victims of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein have suffered enough,” prosecutors said, urging privacy for accusers except for anyone who acknowledges publicly they are part of the criminal case against Maxwell.
Defense lawyers said Monday that banning them from publicly identifying alleged victims or potential witnesses in the case will hinder their ability to investigate, prepare witnesses for trial and advocate on Maxwell’s behalf.
“Permitting defense counsel to publicly identify witnesses who have not identified themselves on the record in this case risks subjecting witnesses to harassment and intimidation, with no conceivable benefit to the defense other than perhaps discouraging witnesses from cooperating with the Government,” prosecutors wrote in court papers.
They said defense lawyers said they believed they could reference victims by name publicly prior to trial because the individuals had gotten a “benefit” by publicly identifying themselves.
“Beyond the offensive notion that victims of sexual abuse experience a ‘benefit’ by making the incredibly difficult decision to share their experience publicly, the suggestion that victims who receive this supposed ‘benefit’ should receive fewer protections than the law ordinarily offers to victims in criminal cases is alarming,” prosecutors wrote.
The dispute arose as lawyers on both sides tried to agree on the rules of secrecy about evidence prior to a July 12 trial, when Maxwell will face charges that she recruited three teenage girls for Epstein to abuse in London and the United States in the 1990s.
Maxwell, 58, incarcerated since her July 2 arrest at her New Hampshire estate, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging she sometimes joined in the abuse of the girls, which included one who was 14.
Epstein, 66, was facing sex trafficking charges in Manhattan when he killed himself last August while awaiting trial.
“The defense believes it should not be restricted from publicly disclosing or disseminating the identity of any alleged victims or potential witnesses referenced in the discovery materials who have already identified themselves by speaking on the public record,” defense lawyers wrote in their submission.
Prosecutors, though, said “victims should be able to continue to come forward, in the ways and in the venues they themselves choose, without fear of reprisal, shaming, or other consequence arising from having their identities broadcast by defense counsel in this case.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--Alabama corrections officers face excessive force charges

MONTGOMERY , Ala. ( AP ) - Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that four Alabama corrections officers will face federal charges after a state inmate was kicked and hit with batons while he lay on the ground in a fetal position .
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictments a week after accusing the state prison system of having a pattern of using excessive force on prisoners .
Prosecutors said Sgt .
Keith Finch and corrections Officers Jordan Thomas and Kevin Blaylock are charged with deprivation of rights under color of law and Thomas and Sgt .
Orlanda Walker are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not immediately clear if they have attorneys .
The indictment alleges that on Sept. 12 , 2018 , Finch , Thomas and Blaylock used excessive force to punish a prisoner who ran out of his cell in the Bibb Correctional Facility .
The Department of Justice said in a news release that after two officers took the prisoner to the ground , the prisoner curled up in a fetal position and then Finch , Thomas and Blaylock kicked the prisoner and hit him multiple times with their batons .
The prisoner was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walker , are accused of filing false reports that claimed “ all force ceased ” once the prisoner was on the ground .

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that four Alabama corrections officers will face federal charges after a state inmate was kicked and hit with batons while he lay on the ground in a fetal position.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictments a week after accusing the state prison system of having a pattern of using excessive force on prisoners.
Prosecutors said Sgt. Keith Finch and corrections Officers Jordan Thomas and Kevin Blaylock are charged with deprivation of rights under color of law and Thomas and Sgt. Orlanda Walker are charged with obstruction of justice. It is not immediately clear if they have attorneys.
The indictment alleges that on Sept. 12, 2018, Finch, Thomas and Blaylock used excessive force to punish a prisoner who ran out of his cell in the Bibb Correctional Facility.
The Department of Justice said in a news release that after two officers took the prisoner to the ground, the prisoner curled up in a fetal position and then Finch, Thomas and Blaylock kicked the prisoner and hit him multiple times with their batons. The prisoner was injured.
Thomas and his supervisor, Walker, are accused of filing false reports that claimed “all force ceased” once the prisoner was on the ground.


washingtontimes--2020-07-28--County in oil-production zone fights stay-at-home order

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - A county in New Mexico ’ s southeastern oil production region is backing a legal challenge against a statewide ban on indoor dining amid surging coronavirus infections across the state .
Eddy County filed a legal brief with the New Mexico Supreme Court in solidarity with restaurants that say Democratic Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham has overstepped her authority under a stay-at-home order that bans indoor dining .
County officials say summer heat in southeastern New Mexico makes it especially difficult to operate a restaurant without indoor dining , putting an outsized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lujan Grisham says restaurant service can be riskier than other business activity because face masks are removed when people eat .
It was unclear when the court will reach a decision .
The Jalisco Cafe in Silver City on Tuesday joined the New Mexico Restaurant Association in urging the court to strike down the indoor dining ban .
The restaurant was sanctioned by environmental officials last month for flouting the ban on indoor service .
Separately , a lawsuit backed by the state Republican Party is challenging the governor ’ s authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Oral arguments are scheduled in that case next week .
State health officials reinstated the ban in mid-July amid a surge in COVID-19 infections .
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Mexico has risen over the past two weeks by about 28 % , from 253 newly confirmed cases per day on July 13 to 296 additional reported cases per day on July 27 , according to an Associated Press analysis of data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average for virus-related deaths has increased from 4.57 per day to 6.14 over the same period .
On Tuesday , health officials confirmed 301 additional cases of COVID-19 infection , with nearly 20,000 infected since the pandemic reached New Mexico .
Seven additional deaths were linked to the virus , all in people ages 60 or older .
There were 160 hospitalized for treatment .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A county in New Mexico’s southeastern oil production region is backing a legal challenge against a statewide ban on indoor dining amid surging coronavirus infections across the state.
Eddy County filed a legal brief with the New Mexico Supreme Court in solidarity with restaurants that say Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has overstepped her authority under a stay-at-home order that bans indoor dining.
County officials say summer heat in southeastern New Mexico makes it especially difficult to operate a restaurant without indoor dining, putting an outsized strain on the area’s economy. Lujan Grisham says restaurant service can be riskier than other business activity because face masks are removed when people eat.
It was unclear when the court will reach a decision.
The Jalisco Cafe in Silver City on Tuesday joined the New Mexico Restaurant Association in urging the court to strike down the indoor dining ban. The restaurant was sanctioned by environmental officials last month for flouting the ban on indoor service.
Separately, a lawsuit backed by the state Republican Party is challenging the governor’s authority to levy fines against businesses that defy public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Oral arguments are scheduled in that case next week.
State health officials reinstated the ban in mid-July amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Mexico has risen over the past two weeks by about 28%, from 253 newly confirmed cases per day on July 13 to 296 additional reported cases per day on July 27, according to an Associated Press analysis of data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. The seven-day average for virus-related deaths has increased from 4.57 per day to 6.14 over the same period.
On Tuesday, health officials confirmed 301 additional cases of COVID-19 infection, with nearly 20,000 infected since the pandemic reached New Mexico. Seven additional deaths were linked to the virus, all in people ages 60 or older. There were 160 hospitalized for treatment.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Insurer Anthem's 2Q profit swells, helped by drop in claims

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - Anthem ’ s second-quarter profit doubled to nearly $ 2.3 billion , as a pandemic-induced drop in claims and a new business pushed the Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer ’ s earnings past expectations .
But the nation ’ s second-largest insurer left its 2020 earnings forecast unchanged , following a pattern established by its competitors .
Insurers haven ’ t touched their guidance despite big quarterly earnings growth because they aren ’ t sure what lies ahead .
The COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the economy in the second quarter , which meant fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But companies expect at least some of those postponed procedures to take place later this year .
Anthem said Wednesday that its adjusted earnings jumped to $ 9.20 per share in the quarter that ended June 30 .
Operating revenue , which excludes investment gains , climbed 16 % to $ 29.18 billion .
That was lighter than Wall Street ’ s expectations .
Analysts expected , on average , earnings of $ 8.77 per share on $ 29.43 billion in revenue , according to Zacks Investment Research .
Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc. covers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , including big markets like New York and California .
It also started a pharmacy benefits management business called IngenioRx , with help from CVS Health Corp. That new business injected a $ 304-million operating gain into the insurer ’ s second-quarter performance .
But the operating gain from its commercial and specialty insurance business - which excludes government programs like Medicare Advantage - soared nearly 40 % to $ 1.37 billion mainly due to lower benefits use during the pandemic .
Insurers have emphasized that they aren ’ t hoarding all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of claims .
Anthem ’ s earnings report , for instance , starts with three dozen bullet points emphasizing things the insurer has done to support customers or care providers .
That includes providing $ 2.5 billion in financial assistance , as it offered premium credits and waived costs for COVID-19 related care and treatment .
The insurer also set aside some money to help shareholders .
It resumed buying back its stock again in late June , a practice that can boost share value .
Anthem spent $ 55 million on share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Anthem still expects adjusted earnings to be greater than $ 22.30 per share .
Analysts forecast earnings of $ 22.33 per share , according to FactSet .
Anthem shares have fallen 12 % since the beginning of the year .
The stock has fallen 11 % in the last 12 months .
Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights ( http : //automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research .
Access a Zacks stock report on ANTM at https : //www.zacks.com/ap/ANTM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Anthem’s second-quarter profit doubled to nearly $2.3 billion, as a pandemic-induced drop in claims and a new business pushed the Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer’s earnings past expectations.
The insurer’s stock jumped 6% at the start of trading Wednesday, erasing about half of the loss it had incurred so far this year.
The nation’s second-largest insurer also said Wednesday it was leaving its 2020 earnings forecast unchanged, following a pattern established by its competitors. Insurers haven’t touched their guidance despite big quarterly earnings growth because they aren’t sure what lies ahead.
The COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the economy in the second quarter, which meant fewer surgery bills or other big claims. But companies expect at least some of those postponed procedures to take place later this year.
Anthem executives told analysts during a Wednesday morning call that they don’t expect another full shutdown like earlier this year, even as COVID-19 cases spike in many regions of the country. They also said they’re already seeing some surgeries like joint replacement procedures rebound.
“Some things can only be delayed so long,” noted Chief Financial Officer John Gallina.
Anthem said its adjusted earnings jumped to $9.20 per share in the quarter that ended June 30. Operating revenue, which excludes investment gains, climbed 16% to $29.18 billion. That was lighter than Wall Street expected.
Analysts expected, on average, earnings of $8.77 per share on $29.43 billion in revenue, according to Zacks Investment Research.
Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc. covers more than 42 million people in several states, including big markets like New York and California. It also started a pharmacy benefits management business called IngenioRx, with help from CVS Health Corp.
That new business injected a $304-million operating gain into the insurer’s second-quarter performance.
But the operating gain from its commercial and specialty insurance business - which excludes government programs like Medicare Advantage - soared nearly 40% to $1.37 billion mainly due to lower benefits use during the pandemic.
The insurer’s total enrollment grew 4% to 42.4 million compared to last year’s quarter. That was helped by a jump in enrollees for the government-funded Medicaid program that Anthem manages in several states.
Insurers have emphasized that they aren’t hoarding all the money they save from the lack of claims. Anthem’s earnings report, for instance, starts with three dozen bullet points emphasizing things the insurer has done to support customers or care providers.
That includes providing $2.5 billion in financial assistance, as it offered premium credits and waived costs for COVID-19 related care and treatment.
The insurer also set aside some money to help shareholders. It resumed buying back its stock again in late June, a practice that can boost share value. Anthem spent $55 million on share repurchases in the quarter.
For 2020, Anthem still expects adjusted earnings to be greater than $22.30 per share.
Analysts forecast earnings of $22.33 per share, according to FactSet.
The price of Anthem shares climbed more than $16 to $281.91 Wednesday morning, while broader indexes rose slightly.
Anthem’s stock price had dropped 12% so far this year after closing 2019 slightly above $300. The S&P 500 is up slightly in the same time frame.
_____
Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ANTM at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ANTM


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Joe Biden's lead over Donald Trump narrows across six battleground states: Poll

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden ’ s lead over President Trump across six battleground states has dipped in @ @ @ @ @ polling released on Wednesday .
Mr. Biden held a 3-point , 48 % to 45 @ @ @ @ @ among likely voters in Arizona , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania and @ @ @ @ @ Change Research/CNBC polling .
Two weeks ago , Mr. Biden had held a 6-point , @ @ @ @ @ lead .
Mr. Biden did still hold an edge over Mr. Trump in all six @ @ @ @ @ from 2-point edges in Arizona and Pennsylvania to a 5-point lead in Wisconsin .
The @ @ @ @ @ across the six states was taken from July 24-26 and has a margin of error @ @ @ @ @ 2 percentage points .

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden’s lead over President Trump across six battleground states has dipped in recent weeks, according to polling released on Wednesday.
Mr. Biden held an average 3-point, 48% to 45%, lead over Mr. Trump among likely voters in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, according to the Change Research/CNBC polling.
Two weeks ago, Mr. Biden had held a 6-point, 49% to 43% lead.
Mr. Biden did still hold an edge over Mr. Trump in all six states.
His leads ranged from 2-point edges in Arizona and Pennsylvania to a 5-point lead in Wisconsin.
The survey of 2,565 likely voters across the six states was taken from July 24-26 and has a margin of error of approximately plus or minus 2 percentage points.
And a new poll by Zogby Analytics on Wednesday shows Mr. Trump continuing to close the gap nationally with Mr. Biden.
The Democrat led the president 44% to 40% in the survey of likely voters, with 9% undecided.
In a Zogby survey in late May, Mr. Biden led the president by 13 percentage points.
• Dave Boyer contributed to this report.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Police investigate fatal shooting on Providence street

The victim , who is about 20 years old , was shot at about 6 p.m. Tuesday on Herschel Street @ @ @ @ @ .
He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital by a private party and later pronounced @ @ @ @ @ The victim ’ s name has not been made public .
Lapatin said no one @ @ @ @ @ other information was immediately available .

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A 20-year-old man has been shot and killed near his Providence home, police said.
Manee Castillo was shot at about 6 p.m. Tuesday, Maj. David Lapatin said at a news conference Wednesday.
He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital by family members where he was later pronounced dead.
“What we’re getting is it might have been a verbal argument that was going to turn into a physical altercation when the gun was brought out,” Lapatin said. Several people may have been involved, police said.
Police did not say what sparked the argument.
The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been announced.
Castillo’s death was the city’s fifth homicide of the year.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Police: Delaware man lunged at hotel employee with knife

REHOBOTH BEACH , Del .
( AP ) - Authorities said a Delaware man was arrested after he attempted to @ @ @ @ @ a knife .
The alleged incident happened Tuesday at a Holiday Inn Express in Rehoboth @ @ @ @ @ said in a news release .
When officers arrived , they learned Christopher Campbell , @ @ @ @ @ victim in the hotel ’ s lobby , the release said .
Police said Campbell @ @ @ @ @ lunged towards him with a knife .
The victim wrestled the knife away from Campbell @ @ @ @ @ officers arrived , police said .
The man was not harmed during the incident , @ @ @ @ @ at the scene , police said .
Campbell was arrested for aggravated menacing and disorderly @ @ @ @ @ booked into a correctional Institution on bond .
It was not immediately clear if he @ @ @ @ @ comment on his behalf .

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) - Authorities said a Delaware man was arrested after he attempted to attack a hotel employee with a knife.
The alleged incident happened Tuesday at a Holiday Inn Express in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware State police said in a news release. When officers arrived, they learned Christopher Campbell, 26, had confronted the victim in the hotel’s lobby, the release said.
Police said Campbell then threatened the man and lunged towards him with a knife. The victim wrestled the knife away from Campbell and held him down until officers arrived, police said.
The man was not harmed during the incident, and the knife was recovered at the scene, police said.
Campbell was arrested for aggravated menacing and disorderly conduct. He has been booked into a correctional Institution on bond. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Police: Man arrested in slaying also confesses to 2nd murder

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A 41-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested for one homicide and confessed to a second killing three weeks later , police said Wednesday .
Hason Rink was arrested Tuesday in the July 2 shooting of 20-year-old Deondraye Moore .
He surprised investigators by also confessing to killing 39-year-old Ancil Blackman last Friday , police said .
Rink told police he shot the first victim because someone paid him to do it and the second because the man had flirted with Rink ’ s girlfriend , authorities said .
Rink was awaiting arraignment in Brooklyn criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t clear if he had an attorney to speak for him .
Surveillance video from Moore ’ s killing released by police shows a man walking up to the victim on a street corner and shooting him in the head .
A female bystander was shot in the arm and upper body but survived .
A witness picked Rink out of a photo lineup , police said .
“ I ’ m still trying to wrap my head around it , ” Derrick Moore , the victim ’ s father , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m shocked.
” Blackman , the second victim , was killed as he was heading home from his job as a building porter .
Police said Rink and Blackman had been involved in some sort of dispute over Rink ’ s companion .

NEW YORK (AP) - A 41-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested for one homicide and confessed to a second killing three weeks after the first, police said Wednesday.
Hason Rink was arrested Tuesday in the July 2 shooting of 20-year-old Deondraye Moore. He surprised investigators by also confessing to killing 39-year-old Ancil Blackman last Friday, police said.
Rink told police he shot the first victim because someone paid him to do it and the second because the man had flirted with Rink’s girlfriend, authorities said.
Rink was awaiting arraignment in Brooklyn criminal court on Wednesday. It wasn’t clear if he had an attorney to speak for him.
Surveillance video from Moore’s killing released by police shows a man walking up to the victim on a street corner and shooting him in the head. A female bystander was shot in the arm and upper body but survived. A witness picked Rink out of a photo lineup, police said.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Derrick Moore, the victim’s father, told the Daily News at the time. “I’m shocked.”
Blackman, the second victim, was killed as he was heading home from his job as a building porter. Police said Rink and Blackman had been involved in some sort of dispute over Rink’s companion.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--North Carolina city enacts curfew, state of emergency

ROXBORO , N.C. ( AP ) - A city in North Carolina has declared a state of emergency after a police officer fatally shot a Black man , resulting in recent demonstrations .
Roxboro , located 55 miles ( 89 kilometers ) northwest of Raleigh , enacted the order and put a curfew on parts of the city Tuesday .
The curfew began at 5 p.m. Tuesday and ran until 6 a.m. Wednesday .
The curfew was also set to occur from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday before it will then be rescinded , the order posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enact the curfew after they became aware of an “ outside presence ” that “ may attempt to disrupt ” the city , according to the proclamation obtained by WRAL-TV .
The proclamation said officials have determined there is an “ imminent threat ” that could result in “ widespread or severe damage ” to lives and property .
There have been demonstrations in Roxboro since Friday , the day David Brooks Jr. died during an officer-involved shooting .
On Saturday , police made arrests after a group of nearly 30 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to disperse , the city ’ s police department said in a news release .
Officers had responded to a call about a man wearing a mask and carrying what appeared to be a shotgun walking down U.S. Highway 158 , Roxboro Police Chief David Hess said .
Brooks , 45 , was shot in the chest by one officer , Person County District Attorney Mike Waters said , according to The News & Observer .
Brooks was given first aid , but died from the wound to his chest , Waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shotgun , which is illegal in the state , at the scene of the shooting , Hess said .
Authorities have not said whether Brooks had been carrying the weapon .
Two officers have been placed on paid leave as state investigators continue to review what happened during the incident .

ROXBORO, N.C. (AP) - Footage from a dashboard camera shows a Black man shot and killed by police in a North Carolina city appears to have pointed a gun at an officer.
Release of the footage on Wednesday comes hours after officials in Roxboro declared a state of emergency and enacted a curfew for portions of the city following the shooting of David Brooks Jr., 45, last Friday.
The 46-second video opens with a view of Brooks standing alongside a road, holding a white bag in his left hand. That’s followed by an officer who encounters the man before commanding him to drop the gun. Two voices then are heard telling the man to drop the gun before a shot is fired and Brooks falls to the ground.
Investigators say they found a loaded sawed-off shotgun at the scene, but they haven’t said whether Brooks was carrying the weapon.
Roxboro enacted a curfew on parts of the city beginning Tuesday at 5 p.m. and continuing until 6 a.m. Wednesday, and was to resume on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and last until 6 a.m. Thursday, when officials said it would be rescinded.
The city council voted to enact the curfew after it became aware of an “outside presence” that “may attempt to disrupt” the city, according to the proclamation obtained by WRAL. The proclamation said officials have determined there is an “imminent threat” that could result in “widespread or severe damage” to lives and property.
There have been demonstrations in Roxboro since Friday, the day Brooks died during an officer-involved shooting. On Saturday, police made arrests after a group of nearly 30 people, some armed with incendiary devices, refused to disperse, the city’s police department said in a news release.
Officers had responded to a call about a man wearing a mask and carrying what appeared to be a shotgun walking down U.S. Highway 158, Roxboro Police Chief David Hess said. Brooks was shot in the chest by one officer, Person County District Attorney Mike Waters said, according to The News & Observer of Raleigh.
Brooks was given first aid, but died from the wound to his chest, Waters said. Investigators found a loaded sawed-off shotgun, which is illegal in the state, at the scene of the shooting, Hess said. Authorities have not said whether Brooks had been carrying the weapon.
Two officers have been placed on paid leave as state investigators continue to review what happened during the incident.
Roxboro is about 55 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of Raleigh, the state capital.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Sheriff: South Carolina man killed over basketball game

ORANGEBURG , S.C. ( AP ) - Authorities in South Carolina have arrested a man accused of shooting another man @ @ @ @ @ over a basketball game .
The Orangeburg County Sheriff ’ s Office charged Rodney Rivers @ @ @ @ @ in the death of Tashon S. Grant , 28 , the agency said in a @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said Rivers and Grant were playing a “ one-on-one ” @ @ @ @ @ court behind an Orangeburg elementary school when they got into an argument over the game @ @ @ @ @ and retrieved a handgun before fatally shooting Grant , witnesses told investigators .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ a game , ” Ravenell said in the statement .
Rivers was set to appear @ @ @ @ @ was unclear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf .

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) - Authorities in South Carolina have arrested a man accused of shooting another man to death during an argument over a basketball game.
The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office charged Rodney Rivers, 25, with murder in the death of Tashon S. Grant, 28, the agency said in a statement obtained by news outlets Tuesday.
Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said Rivers and Grant were playing a “one-on-one” game of basketball on a court behind an Orangeburg elementary school when they got into an argument over the game.
Rivers left the court and retrieved a handgun before fatally shooting Grant, witnesses told investigators.
“A man lost his life over a game,” Ravenell said in the statement.
Rivers was set to appear in court Wednesday. It was unclear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Police: Baby died after being left alone in vehicle

CHESAPEAKE , Va. ( AP ) - Authorities in the Virginia city of Chesapeake say that a baby girl has @ @ @ @ @ in an unoccupied vehicle .
The Virginian-Pilot reports that the infant had been in the @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
The Chesapeake Police Department said officers responded to the report of an unattended @ @ @ @ @ 12:38 p.m. First responders rendered aid and rushed the 8-month-old to a local hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Temperatures were in the high 90s on Tuesday , while heat index values climbed @ @ @ @ @

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) - Authorities in the Virginia city of Chesapeake say that a baby girl has died after being left alone in an unoccupied vehicle.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that the infant had been in the car for several hours on Tuesday.
The Chesapeake Police Department said officers responded to the report of an unattended child in a vehicle about 12:38 p.m. First responders rendered aid and rushed the 8-month-old to a local hospital. But she was pronounced dead.
Temperatures were in the high 90s on Tuesday, while heat index values climbed to near 110 degrees.
The incident remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Harvard professor faces tax charges for ties to China

BOSTON ( AP ) - A Harvard University professor already facing federal charges for allegedly lying about his ties to a Chinese-run recruitment program now faces additional charges of failing to report income from a Chinese university to the IRS , federal prosecutors say .
Chemistry professor Charles Lieber , 61 , was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of failing to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts and two counts of making and subscribing a false income tax return , the office of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said in a statement Tuesday .
Lieber was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to federal authorities .
“ The notion that Professor Lieber was engaged in improper work with China is laughable , ” Marc Mukasey said in an email to The Boston Globe .
“ He didn ’ t hide anything , and he didn ’ t get paid as the government alleges .
… He is innocent and his name will be cleared.
” The Ivy League school placed him on administrative leave in January when he was first arrested .
He was charged then with hiding his involvement in China ’ s Thousand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lure people with knowledge of foreign technology and intellectual property to China .

BOSTON (AP) - A Harvard University professor already facing federal charges for allegedly lying about his ties to a Chinese-run recruitment program now faces additional charges of failing to report income from a Chinese university to the IRS, federal prosecutors said.
Chemistry professor Charles Lieber, 61, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of failing to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts and two counts of making and subscribing a false income tax return, the office of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said in a statement Tuesday. Lieber is accused of failing to report income from Wuhan University of Technology.
Lieber was previously indicted on two counts of lying to federal authorities and pleaded not guilty.
His attorney disputed the allegations.
“The notion that Professor Lieber was engaged in improper work with China is laughable,” Marc Mukasey said in an email to The Boston Globe. “He didn’t hide anything, and he didn’t get paid as the government alleges. … He is innocent and his name will be cleared.”
A Harvard spokesman declined to comment.
The Ivy League school put Lieber on administrative leave in January when he was first arrested.
He was charged then with hiding his involvement in China’s Thousand Talents Plan, a program designed to lure people with knowledge of foreign technology and intellectual property to China.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Whale beached in Ocean Shores died from blunt force trauma

OCEAN SHORES , Wash. ( AP ) - A female humpback whale found beached in Ocean Shores , Washington , @ @ @ @ @ after suffering blunt force trauma consistent with a ship strike , according to the National @ @ @ @ @ The 30.5-foot-long ( 9 meters ) juvenile whale was in “ good nutritional condition , @ @ @ @ @ Michael Milstein .
The cause of death was “ blunt force trauma consistent with a @ @ @ @ @ on the whale ’ s death is expected to be released this week .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ whale was reportedly struck by a state ferry in Puget Sound .
That whale was @ @ @ @

OCEAN SHORES, Wash. (AP) - A female humpback whale found beached in Ocean Shores, Washington, Monday appears to have died after suffering blunt force trauma consistent with a ship strike, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The 30.5-foot-long (9 meters) juvenile whale was in “good nutritional condition,” according to NOAA spokesperson Michael Milstein.
The cause of death was “blunt force trauma consistent with a ship strike.”
More information on the whale’s death is expected to be released this week.
Earlier in July, a humpback whale was reportedly struck by a state ferry in Puget Sound. That whale was not immediately found.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Shooting deaths of 2 found in burning home ruled homicides

AKRON , Ohio ( AP ) - The shooting deaths of two people found inside a burning home this week @ @ @ @ @ authorities said .
Justin Lee Walker , 34 , and Melinda Kay Pointer , 47 @ @ @ @ @ the head and torso , according to the Summit County Medical Examiner ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ found early Tuesday by firefighters who had extinguished a fire at their residence .
Neighbors @ @ @ @ @ before the blaze erupted and quickly engulfed the home .
Authorities declined to release further @ @ @ @ @ citing the ongoing investigation .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear if the two victims @ @ @ @ @ they had lived at the home .
No other injuries were reported in the fire @ @ @ @ @ blaze remains under investigation .

AKRON, Ohio (AP) - The shooting deaths of two people found inside a burning home this week have been ruled homicides, authorities said.
Justin Lee Walker, 34, and Melinda Kay Pointer, 47, were both shot in the head and torso, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Akron residents were found early Tuesday by firefighters who had extinguished a fire at their residence. Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom before the blaze erupted and quickly engulfed the home.
Authorities declined to release further details about the shootings, citing the ongoing investigation. It wasn’t immediately clear if the two victims were related or how long they had lived at the home.
No other injuries were reported in the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Trump administration moving forward with social media executive order

The White House on Wednesday said the Trump administration is moving forward to implement a recent presidential executive order on social media , ahead of testimony from top tech company executives on Capitol Hill .
The Commerce Department this week filed a petition to clarify that social media companies can be held liable if they “ alter or editorialize users ’ speech , ” according to the White House .
The petition also requested that the Federal Communications Commission clarify online platforms ’ curation methods .
“ President Trump will continue to fight back against unfair , un-American , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .
The announcement came hours before top tech company executives were slated to testify on Capitol Hill .
It also came after Twitter , Facebook and YouTube removed a viral video earlier this week of a doctor touting hydroxychloroquine as a cure for the coronavirus and saying masks aren ’ t necessary .
Mr. Trump had shared the video on social media .
“ I don ’ t know which country she comes from , but she said that she ’ s had tremendous success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president said on Tuesday .
“ And I thought her voice was an important voice , but I know nothing about her .
”

The White House on Wednesday said the Trump administration is moving forward to implement a recent presidential executive order on social media, ahead of testimony from top tech company executives on Capitol Hill.
The Commerce Department this week filed a petition to clarify that social media companies can be held liable if they “alter or editorialize users’ speech,” according to the White House.
The petition also requested that the Federal Communications Commission clarify online platforms’ curation methods.
“President Trump will continue to fight back against unfair, un-American, and politically biased censorship of Americans online,” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
The announcement came hours before top tech company executives were slated to testify on Capitol Hill.
It also came after Twitter, Facebook and YouTube removed a viral video earlier this week of a doctor touting hydroxychloroquine as a cure for the coronavirus and saying masks aren’t necessary.
SEE ALSO: Big Tech CEOs expect to be grilled over antitrust issues, role in elections by Congress
Mr. Trump had shared the video on social media.
“I don’t know which country she comes from, but she said that she’s had tremendous success with hundreds of different patients,” the president said on Tuesday. “And I thought her voice was an important voice, but I know nothing about her.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Colombian riders sent home as precaution over coronavirus

MADRID ( AP ) - Three riders competing at the Vuelta a Burgos cycling race in Spain have been dropped @ @ @ @ @ in contact with someone infected with the coronavirus , their team said Wednesday .
UAE @ @ @ @ @ Sebastian Molano , Cristian Munoz and Camilo Ardila did not start the second stage after @ @ @ @ @ person they were in contact with on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 .
All three @ @ @ @ @ sent home and will undergo another test ” for COVID-19 in accordance with protocols by @ @ @ @ @ body UCI , the team said .
The three riders returned two negative tests three @ @ @ @ @ the team said .
The Vuelta a Burgos is being run in northern Spain .
@ @ @ @ @ will finish on Saturday .

MADRID (AP) - Three riders competing at the Vuelta a Burgos cycling race in Spain have been dropped from the event after being in contact with someone infected with the coronavirus, their team said Wednesday.
UAE Team Emirates said Colombian riders Sebastian Molano, Cristian Munoz and Camilo Ardila did not start the second stage after it became known that a person they were in contact with on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19.
All three riders were “isolated, sent home and will undergo another test” for COVID-19 in accordance with protocols by the team and international cycling body UCI, the team said.
The three riders returned two negative tests three days before the race, the team said.
The Vuelta a Burgos is being run in northern Spain. It began on Tuesday and will finish on Saturday.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Man dies in El Paso after campus police use stun gun on him

EL PASO , Texas ( AP ) - A naked man who was chasing a female driver in an El @ @ @ @ @ university police used a stun gun on him , officials said .
The driver called @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday to report a nude man who was running after her car , University of @ @ @ @ @ said .
UTEP police officers arrived and used a stun gun on the man because @ @ @ @ @ told the El Paso Times .
Officers then called for medical help because the man @ @ @ @ @ the man , whose name has not been released , was pronounced dead at University @ @ @ @ @ .
The cause of death is not yet known .
The Texas Department of Public @ @ @ @ @ are investigating the death , officials said .

EL PASO, Texas (AP) - A naked man who was chasing a female driver in an El Paso intersection has died after university police used a stun gun on him, officials said.
The driver called police at about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday to report a nude man who was running after her car, University of Texas at El Paso officials said.
UTEP police officers arrived and used a stun gun on the man because he was combative, officials told the El Paso Times. Officers then called for medical help because the man was unresponsive.
Officials said the man, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at University Medical Center of El Paso. The cause of death is not yet known.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers are investigating the death, officials said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--Searchers find body of teen swept away by Kansas City creek

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - The body of a teenager who was swept away in the @ @ @ @ @ creek has been found , officials said .
Search crews found the body of Trevion @ @ @ @ @ Monday afternoon near a spot where he went under the water of Indian Creek , @ @ @ @ @ .
Investigators said Mcafee had been with friends in the creek Sunday evening when he @ @ @ @ @ ’ s swift current , went under the water and didn ’ t resurface .
@ @ @ @ @ him told police they tried to help Mcafee , but couldn ’ t reach him @ @ @ @ @ has said he couldn ’ t swim .
Mcafee was a sophomore at Metropolitan Community @ @ @ @ @ School graduate

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The body of a teenager who was swept away in the current of a Kansas City creek has been found, officials said.
Search crews found the body of Trevion Mcafee, 19, on Monday afternoon near a spot where he went under the water of Indian Creek, the Kansas City Star reported.
Investigators said Mcafee had been with friends in the creek Sunday evening when he was caught by the creek’s swift current, went under the water and didn’t resurface. One of the friends with him told police they tried to help Mcafee, but couldn’t reach him. Mcafee’s family has said he couldn’t swim.
Mcafee was a sophomore at Metropolitan Community College and a Center High School graduate


washingtontimes--2020-07-29--State moves prisoner intake from St. Cloud due to COVID-19

ST .
CLOUD , Minn. ( AP ) - The Minnesota Department of Corrections is moving the state ’ s prisoner intake operations from the St .
Cloud prison where the number of coronavirus cases has spiked .
The intake function will move to the Lino Lakes prison north of the Twin Cities this week , and will remain there “ for the foreseeable future ” to allow the St .
Cloud facility to stabilize its number of cases , Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said .
The St .
Cloud prison had 122 positive COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late June .
Many of those tested didn ’ t have any symptoms , Schnell said .
Until this week , all incarcerated men initially went to the St .
Cloud prison where they ’ re quarantined for 14 days .
Once they are sent to another prison they are quarantined for another two weeks .
The same 14-day quarantine process for new arrivals will be used at Lino Lake , officials said .
Schnell compared the spike at the St .
Cloud facility to an outbreak at the Faribault prison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 earlier this month , then leveled off , Minnesota Public Radio News reported .
The design of older prisons like St .
Cloud , which has bars on cells instead of solid doors , can make it easier for the virus to spread , Schnell said .

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Department of Corrections is moving the state’s prisoner intake operations from the St. Cloud prison where the number of coronavirus cases has spiked.
The intake function will move to the Lino Lakes prison north of the Twin Cities this week, and will remain there “for the foreseeable future” to allow the St. Cloud facility to stabilize its number of cases, Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said.
The St. Cloud prison had 122 positive COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, a big jump from just two cases in late June. Many of those tested didn’t have any symptoms, Schnell said.
Until this week, all incarcerated men initially went to the St. Cloud prison where they’re quarantined for 14 days. Once they are sent to another prison they are quarantined for another two weeks.
The same 14-day quarantine process for new arrivals will be used at Lino Lakes, officials said.
Schnell compared the spike at the St. Cloud facility to an outbreak at the Faribault prison, where the number of positive cases broke 200 earlier this month, then leveled off, Minnesota Public Radio News reported.
The design of older prisons like St. Cloud, which has bars on cells instead of solid doors, can make it easier for the virus to spread, Schnell said.