washingtontimes--2020-09-09--Pac-12 programs differ on reporting student-athlete cases

While the Pac-12 will soon be able to rapidly test athletes , hopes that a fall football season might be salvaged remain premature .
Navigating the coronavirus has been uneven among the league ’ s athletic programs , often because of a patchwork of local regulations .
There is also disagreement about whether test results among student-athletes should be made public .
The argument is that revealing test results violates federal privacy laws , the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ( HIPAA ) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) .
Both are designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s health records .
But the laws don ’ t appear to preclude general information about the number of positive cases .
That will leave many questions unanswered once Pac-12 football eventually resumes - questions other conferences are already facing .
If numerous football players on a team have tested positive , doesn ’ t the opposing team have a right to know that ?
If a number of players suddenly become unavailable for a game , is the assumption that they ’ ve contracted COVID-19 ?
Can opposing players opt out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health risks ?
The Pac-12 announced on Aug. 11 that it was postponing all sports until after Jan. 1 .
Commissioner Larry Scott suggested last week that the league ’ s new rapid testing program with Quidel Corporation could provide a “ pathway ” to move up that return-to-play date , but he too urged caution .
“ This is a very important and significant step , but there ’ s other considerations that will go into our return to play .
First and foremost , government approvals , public health authority approvals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still have six universities - our four California schools , our two Oregon schools - that don ’ t have the requisite health approvals from public health authorities to engage in contact practice .
So , even if we were ready to start tomorrow , we couldn ’ t start what we think of as training camp and getting ready for the season.
” Rapid testing just means the chances of Pac-12 sports being played at some point during the academic year got markedly better .
Here ’ s a look at what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus testing among student-athletes .
OREGON : Does not report athlete cases .
According to the latest data , 54 total cases “ affiliated with the university ” have been recorded since June .
1 .
OREGON STATE : As of Wednesday , five athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 15 .
Student-athletes are tested upon arrival on campus , with random tests conducted each week .
UTAH : Does not report athlete cases .
The latest school-wide data available shows there were 96 self-reported cases on campus between Aug. 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Aug. 15 .
UCLA : Does not report athlete cases .
The school tracks total cases in the “ campus community , ” with 207 since March 16 .
COLORADO : Does not report athlete cases .
The university reported 133 “ positive PCR results from diagnostic testing by medical services ” since Aug. 24 .
ARIZONA STATE : Does not report athlete cases .
But the school recently reported 807 known positive tests among the student body and 18 among the faculty and staff .
ARIZONA : Arizona reported 13 positives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests were run again , and only two athletes were positive .
The school suspended all women ’ s soccer team activities in the wake of the positive tests , but they were allowed to return Wednesday .
“ As we do more comprehensive testing , both on and off campus , it is incumbent on our team to display the same determination and integrity that led to this result .
I also want to acknowledge the student-athletes impacted and apologize to them and their families for this disruption in their lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
WASHINGTON : The university reported that since June 15 it has conducted 1,305 PCR tests on student-athletes with 15 total positive cases .
WASHINGTON STATE : Athletic director Pat Chun said last month that over 800 tests were administered to student-athletes and seven were positive .
USC : The Trojans paused workouts for football and water polo after nine student-athletes tested positive .
Those workouts were allowed to resume Tuesday .
USC also said Tuesday that in three rounds of testing over the previous 11 days , there were no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stanford says 12 people had tested positive among 1,423 total tests on 277 student-athletes to date .
For football , there were 12 positives to date among 856 tests , and athletes have been cleared to return .
Overall , Stanford is aware of 137 people connected to the university who have tested positive .
CAL : As of Tuesday , Cal had conducted 1,144 tests with 13 positives since it began in mid-June .
Overall , University Health Services reports 166 positive tests since mid-April .

While the Pac-12 will soon be able to rapidly test athletes, hopes that a fall football season might be salvaged remain premature.
Navigating the coronavirus has been uneven among the league’s athletic programs, often because of a patchwork of local regulations. There is also disagreement about whether test results among student-athletes should be made public.
The argument is that revealing test results violates federal privacy laws, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Both are designed to protect the privacy of an individual’s health records. But the laws don’t appear to preclude general information about the number of positive cases.
That will leave many questions unanswered once Pac-12 football eventually resumes - questions other conferences are already facing.
If numerous football players on a team have tested positive, doesn’t the opposing team have a right to know that? If a number of players suddenly become unavailable for a game, is the assumption that they’ve contracted COVID-19? Can opposing players opt out of games where they feel there might be health risks?
The Pac-12 announced on Aug. 11 that it was postponing all sports until after Jan. 1. Commissioner Larry Scott suggested last week that the league’s new rapid testing program with Quidel Corporation could provide a “pathway” to move up that return-to-play date, but he too urged caution.
“This is a very important and significant step, but there’s other considerations that will go into our return to play. First and foremost, government approvals, public health authority approvals,” Scott said. “We still have six universities - our four California schools, our two Oregon schools - that don’t have the requisite health approvals from public health authorities to engage in contact practice. So, even if we were ready to start tomorrow, we couldn’t start what we think of as training camp and getting ready for the season.”
Rapid testing just means the chances of Pac-12 sports being played at some point during the academic year got markedly better.
Here’s a look at what Pac-12 schools report when it comes to coronavirus testing among student-athletes.
OREGON: Does not report athlete cases. According to the latest data, 54 total cases “affiliated with the university” have been recorded since June. 1.
OREGON STATE: As of Wednesday, five athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 15. Student-athletes are tested upon arrival on campus, with random tests conducted each week.
UTAH: Does not report athlete cases. The latest school-wide data available shows there were 96 self-reported cases on campus between Aug. 31 and Sept. 6, and 166 cases since Aug. 15.
UCLA: Does not report athlete cases. The school tracks total cases in the “campus community,” with 207 since March 16.
COLORADO: Does not report athlete cases. The university reported 133 “positive PCR results from diagnostic testing by medical services” since Aug. 24.
ARIZONA STATE: Does not report athlete cases. But the school recently reported 807 known positive tests among the student body and 18 among the faculty and staff.
ARIZONA: Arizona reported 13 positives for student-athletes on Sept. 3. Those tests were run again, and only two athletes were positive. The school suspended all women’s soccer team activities in the wake of the positive tests, but they were allowed to return Wednesday.
“As we do more comprehensive testing, both on and off campus, it is incumbent on our team to display the same determination and integrity that led to this result. I also want to acknowledge the student-athletes impacted and apologize to them and their families for this disruption in their lives,” university President Robert Robbins said in a statement.
WASHINGTON: The university reported that since June 15 it has conducted 1,305 PCR tests on student-athletes with 15 total positive cases.
WASHINGTON STATE: Athletic director Pat Chun said last month that over 800 tests were administered to student-athletes and seven were positive.
USC: The Trojans paused workouts for football and water polo after nine student-athletes tested positive. Those workouts were allowed to resume Tuesday. USC also said Tuesday that in three rounds of testing over the previous 11 days, there were no positive results among student-athletes.
STANFORD: Stanford says 12 people had tested positive among 1,423 total tests on 277 student-athletes to date. For football, there were 12 positives to date among 856 tests, and athletes have been cleared to return. Overall, Stanford is aware of 137 people connected to the university who have tested positive.
CAL: As of Tuesday, Cal had conducted 1,144 tests with 13 positives since it began in mid-June. Overall, University Health Services reports 166 positive tests since mid-April.
___
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


washingtontimes--2020-09-09--New Mexico frustrated with slow cleanup of radioactive waste

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - There ’ s growing frustration among New Mexico lawmakers and environmental regulators about the U.S. government ’ s slow pace in cleaning up contamination from decades of nuclear research and bomb-making at Los Alamos National Laboratory .
The officials shared their concerns during a legislative meeting Wednesday , saying New Mexico is taking a backseat to other states and that legal action might be their only leverage against the U.S. Energy Department as it sets priorities for the nation ’ s multibillion-dollar cleanup program for Cold War-era waste .
Since January , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Los Alamos to the government ’ s underground repository in southern New Mexico .
Meanwhile , the Idaho National Laboratory is sending two to three shipments a week , or more than three times the goal environmental managers at Los Alamos have set for the coming year .
Cleanup work at Los Alamos - the birthplace of the atomic bomb - is governed by a consent decree with the state .
New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said his agency would not be opposed to renegotiating that agreement given the growing concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The slow pace has been the subject of ongoing discussions among state and federal officials .
“ We ’ re seeing more and more that we ’ re trending towards an impasse on the movement of legacy contamination from Los Alamos , ” Kenney said , acknowledging that New Mexico may have to follow the lead of other states that have sued over contamination .
“ If that ’ s our only option , then that ’ s an option we ’ re going to explore and we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in a way that yields a better result for New Mexico , ” he said .
“ Because right now we ’ re at the bottom of the list and that ’ s unacceptable.
” Steve Hoffman , deputy manager of the Energy Department ’ s Office of Environmental Management at Los Alamos , said the coronavirus outbreak has complicated operations .
He said new policies and procedures had to be established to ensure workers ’ safety .
There also was a slowdown at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carved out of an ancient salt formation about a half-mile underground .
The idea is that the shifting salt will eventually entomb the radioactive tools , clothing , gloves and other debris that make up the waste .
Aside from developing a mobile loading system , Hoffman said a new indoor system will soon be tested to ensure work can continue regardless of weather conditions .
He pointed to a shipment that had been scheduled this week and was cancelled due to damaging winds that swept across the state .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the pace , ” he told lawmakers .
Environmental managers at the lab have set 2027 as the goal for completing cleanup of the Cold War-era waste .
Unacceptable is how state Rep. Christine Chandler described the goal .
The Los Alamos Democrat was visibly frustrated , shaking her head and scoffing at the suggestion that simply making demands of the federal government would entice it to develop a more robust cleanup plan .
“ We say we want a seat at the table , and all that ’ s great .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us a seat at the table ?
” Chandler asked .
Sen. Jeff Steinborn , a Las Cruces Democrat , said the state should negotiate an agreement that sets hard deadlines and includes penalties for missed milestones .
He also voiced concerns about the proposed federal budget request for cleanup work at Los Alamos , noting that more money is being funneled toward the production of plutonium cores used for the nuclear arsenal .
“ We have billions and billions and billions to expand the mission but yet we are continuing to shortchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priorities are kind of messed up , ” he said .
The lab submitted its annual cleanup plan in August , but state officials confirmed Wednesday that they countered the proposal after raising significant concerns .
State officials also noted that the environment department has collected $ 275,000 in penalties over the last 18 months for not complying with cleanup orders .

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - There’s growing frustration among New Mexico lawmakers and environmental regulators about the U.S. government’s slow pace in cleaning up contamination from decades of nuclear research and bomb-making at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The officials shared their concerns during a legislative meeting Wednesday, saying New Mexico is taking a backseat to other states and that legal action might be their only leverage against the U.S. Energy Department as it sets priorities for the nation’s multibillion-dollar cleanup program for Cold War-era waste.
Since January, only five shipments of waste have been sent from Los Alamos to the government’s underground repository in southern New Mexico. Meanwhile, the Idaho National Laboratory is sending two to three shipments a week, or more than three times the goal environmental managers at Los Alamos have set for the coming year.
Cleanup work at Los Alamos - the birthplace of the atomic bomb - is governed by a consent decree with the state. New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said his agency would not be opposed to renegotiating that agreement given the growing concerns of lawmakers, watchdog groups and environmentalists.
The slow pace has been the subject of ongoing discussions among state and federal officials.
“We’re seeing more and more that we’re trending towards an impasse on the movement of legacy contamination from Los Alamos,” Kenney said, acknowledging that New Mexico may have to follow the lead of other states that have sued over contamination.
“If that’s our only option, then that’s an option we’re going to explore and we’re going to need to figure out how to do that in a way that yields a better result for New Mexico,” he said. “Because right now we’re at the bottom of the list and that’s unacceptable.”
Steve Hoffman, deputy manager of the Energy Department’s Office of Environmental Management at Los Alamos, said the coronavirus outbreak has complicated operations. He said new policies and procedures had to be established to ensure workers’ safety.
There also was a slowdown at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, where the waste is stashed in rooms carved out of an ancient salt formation about a half-mile underground. The idea is that the shifting salt will eventually entomb the radioactive tools, clothing, gloves and other debris that make up the waste.
Aside from developing a mobile loading system, Hoffman said a new indoor system will soon be tested to ensure work can continue regardless of weather conditions. He pointed to a shipment that had been scheduled this week and was cancelled due to damaging winds that swept across the state.
“We’re with you. We want to increase the pace,” he told lawmakers.
Environmental managers at the lab have set 2027 as the goal for completing cleanup of the Cold War-era waste.
Unacceptable is how state Rep. Christine Chandler described the goal. The Los Alamos Democrat was visibly frustrated, shaking her head and scoffing at the suggestion that simply making demands of the federal government would entice it to develop a more robust cleanup plan.
“We say we want a seat at the table, and all that’s great. What’s the motivator to get us a seat at the table?” Chandler asked.
Sen. Jeff Steinborn, a Las Cruces Democrat, said the state should negotiate an agreement that sets hard deadlines and includes penalties for missed milestones. He also voiced concerns about the proposed federal budget request for cleanup work at Los Alamos, noting that more money is being funneled toward the production of plutonium cores used for the nuclear arsenal.
“We have billions and billions and billions to expand the mission but yet we are continuing to shortchange the cleanup and I just think those priorities are kind of messed up,” he said.
The lab submitted its annual cleanup plan in August, but state officials confirmed Wednesday that they countered the proposal after raising significant concerns. State officials also noted that the environment department has collected $275,000 in penalties over the last 18 months for not complying with cleanup orders.


washingtontimes--2020-09-09--California police chief retires amid community backlash

TIBURON , Calif. ( AP ) - The police chief of a wealthy San Francisco Bay Area town announced his retirement as the community reels over a confrontation between police and the Black owners of a business in town .
Tiburon police Chief Michael Cronin will step down Sept. 13 , city manager Greg Chanis said Tuesday .
Cronin has served 12 years at the helm of the department and logged over 50 years in public service .
The announcement came a week after a police sergeant resigned amid public backlash over a video in which he presses shopkeeper Yema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Black , to prove they had a right to be in their downtown store after hours , the Marin Independent Journal reported .
Chanis said Cronin ’ s departure was not connected to the incident and that the chief selected the retirement date to coincide with his military anniversary in 1966 .
“ He and I have been discussing the timing of his retirement for some time , but he only recently chose the date that corresponds with his entry into public service 54 years ago , ” Chanis wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hired by the town in 2007 after he retired as San Rafael police chief in 2004 .
He did not respond to requests for comment .
He previously drew criticism in June for a press release that warned residents that Sausalito and Tiburon might be targets of unrest linked to a Marin City demonstration over the death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis .
In the past two weeks , protesters in Tiburon called on Cronin to resign .
Activist Paul Austin said he believes the protests influenced Cronin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopefully , this may give him ( an ) opportunity to really reflect who he is today and really understand if this is the person he wants to be in ( the ) future , educate himself around the history that has negatively affected other people , ” Austin said .
Marin County Undersheriff Jamie Scardina will serve as interim chief during the search to replaxe Cronin .

TIBURON, Calif. (AP) - The police chief of a wealthy San Francisco Bay Area town announced his retirement as the community reels over a confrontation between police and the Black owners of a business in town.
Tiburon police Chief Michael Cronin will step down Sept. 13, city manager Greg Chanis said Tuesday. Cronin has served 12 years at the helm of the department and logged over 50 years in public service.
The announcement came a week after a police sergeant resigned amid public backlash over a video in which he presses shopkeeper Yema Khalif and his wife Hawi Awash, both Black, to prove they had a right to be in their downtown store after hours, the Marin Independent Journal reported.
Chanis said Cronin’s departure was not connected to the incident and that the chief selected the retirement date to coincide with his military anniversary in 1966.
“He and I have been discussing the timing of his retirement for some time, but he only recently chose the date that corresponds with his entry into public service 54 years ago,” Chanis wrote in a news release.
Cronin, 72, was hired by the town in 2007 after he retired as San Rafael police chief in 2004. He did not respond to requests for comment.
He previously drew criticism in June for a press release that warned residents that Sausalito and Tiburon might be targets of unrest linked to a Marin City demonstration over the death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis. In the past two weeks, protesters in Tiburon called on Cronin to resign.
Activist Paul Austin said he believes the protests influenced Cronin’s decision to retire now.
“Hopefully, this may give him (an) opportunity to really reflect who he is today and really understand if this is the person he wants to be in (the) future, educate himself around the history that has negatively affected other people,” Austin said.
Marin County Undersheriff Jamie Scardina will serve as interim chief during the search to replaxe Cronin.


washingtontimes--2020-09-09--A Mexican newspaper says a reporter slain, decapitated

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - A newspaper reporter in Mexico ’ s Gulf coast state of Veracruz was murdered and decapitated , his paper reported Wednesday .
The newspaper El Mundo in the city of Cordoba said the body of reporter Julio Valdivia was found near his motorcycle on railroad tracks in the town of Motzorongo .
Valdivia , who covered a rural zone near the border with Oaxaca state that has long been plagued by gang violence , was at least the sixth journalist to be killed in Mexico this year .
The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ urgent call ” for authorities to identify those responsible .
In August , an independent journalist died in police custody in a Mexican border city .
Juan Nelcio Espinoza had been arrested while covering a confrontation in the city of Piedras Negras , across from Eagle Pass , Texas .
Espinoza was reporting for his web page “ El Valedor TV , ” and was taken by police to a hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
Authorities in the northern border state of Coahuila told local media that Espinoza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a confrontation with polic , and that Espinoza choked to death .
More than 140 journalists have been killed in Mexico over the past 20 years .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - A newspaper reporter in Mexico’s Gulf coast state of Veracruz was murdered and decapitated, his paper reported Wednesday.
The newspaper El Mundo in the city of Cordoba said the body of reporter Julio Valdivia was found near his motorcycle on railroad tracks in the town of Motzorongo.
Valdivia, who covered a rural zone near the border with Oaxaca state that has long been plagued by gang violence, was at least the sixth journalist to be killed in Mexico this year.
The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the “terrible events” and issued an “urgent call” for authorities to identify those responsible.
In August, an independent journalist died in police custody in a Mexican border city. Juan Nelcio Espinoza had been arrested while covering a confrontation in the city of Piedras Negras, across from Eagle Pass, Texas.
Espinoza was reporting for his web page “El Valedor TV, ” and was taken by police to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities in the northern border state of Coahuila told local media that Espinoza and another man were arrested after engaging in a confrontation with polic, and that Espinoza choked to death.
More than 140 journalists have been killed in Mexico over the past 20 years.


washingtontimes--2020-09-09--Health officials report 1,337 new COVID-19 cases, 30 deaths

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday announced 1,337 new confirmed COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s positivity rate shows a dramatic drop .
The total number of @ @ @ @ @ now stands at 253,690 and the death toll has reached 8,214 since the start of @ @ @ @ @ health officials .
The COVID-19 cases confirmed Wednesday was among 48,029 coronavirus tests submitted to @ @ @ @ @ the seven-day positivity rate in the state to 3.7 % .
It is the first @ @ @ @ @ has dipped below 4 % since the end of July .
However , the death @ @ @ @ @ of reported fatalities in a week .
Speaking Wednesday at Illinois State University , Gov @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t going away .
He again encouraged state residents to “ wear your @ @ @ @ @ make sure you ’ re adhering to the capacity limits .
”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday announced 1,337 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 30 deaths as the state’s positivity rate shows a dramatic drop.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Illinois now stands at 253,690 and the death toll has reached 8,214 since the start of the pandemic, according to health officials.
The COVID-19 cases confirmed Wednesday was among 48,029 coronavirus tests submitted to the health department, bringing the seven-day positivity rate in the state to 3.7%. It is the first time that indicator of transmission has dipped below 4% since the end of July. However, the death toll was the highest number of reported fatalities in a week.
Speaking Wednesday at Illinois State University, Gov. J.B. Pritzker emphasized COVID-19 isn’t going away. He again encouraged state residents to “wear your mask, keep distance, make sure you’re adhering to the capacity limits.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Tennessee officials searching for tiger spotted by deputy

KNOXVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - Authorities were searching Thursday morning for a tiger in East Tennessee .
A @ @ @ @ @ night at an industrial park , the Knox County Sheriff ’ s Office said in @ @ @ @ @ .
Several agencies including animal control , the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and representatives with @ @ @ @ @ are helping with the search , the statement said .
There were unconfirmed tiger sightings @ @ @ @ @ part of the county , and the search was continuing Thursday morning , dispatchers told @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Tina Rolen said all of its tigers are accounted for , and the zoo @ @ @ @ @ the search .

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Authorities were searching Thursday morning for a tiger in East Tennessee.
A deputy spotted the animal Wednesday night at an industrial park, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on social media. Several agencies including animal control, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and representatives with the rescue organization Tiger Haven are helping with the search, the statement said.
There were unconfirmed tiger sightings reported overnight in the eastern part of the county, and the search was continuing Thursday morning, dispatchers told news outlets.
Knoxville Zoo spokeswoman Tina Rolen said all of its tigers are accounted for, and the zoo has not been involved in the search.
A trap has been set and if the animal is caught, it will be taken to Tiger Haven, the wildlife agency said in a statement Thursday. It wasn’t clear where the tiger might have come from, the statement said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Charles Schumer: Democrats' coronavirus bill would help Trump politically

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Thursday said that a “ robust ” coronavirus relief package Democrats are pursuing would help President Trump politically but that Mr. Trump is too blind to see it .
“ Trump is in his own bubble , ” the New York Democrat said on MSNBC ’ s “ Morning Joe.
” “ He doesn ’ t even know what ’ s good for him because he lies to himself.
” “ Even though a big , robust bill that we ’ re trying to get would actually benefit him , he doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ because ] he just follows what the stock market does and not what actually happens to people , ” Mr. Schumer said .
The Senate is expected to vote on Thursday on a roughly $ 500 billion Republican package that would partially extend enhanced unemployment benefits through late December and provide additional funding for small businesses and schools .
The package might win majority support in the GOP-led chamber , but it ’ s not expected to garner the 60 votes needed to thwart a possible filibuster .
Democrats are insisting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House passed in May that would extend a $ 600-per-week boost in unemployment benefits through January and provide nearly $ 1 trillion for cash-strapped states and localities , among other items .

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Thursday said that a “robust” coronavirus relief package Democrats are pursuing would help President Trump politically but that Mr. Trump is too blind to see it.
“Trump is in his own bubble,” the New York Democrat said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “He doesn’t even know what’s good for him because he lies to himself.”
“Even though a big, robust bill that we’re trying to get would actually benefit him, he doesn’t even get that and understand it [because] he just follows what the stock market does and not what actually happens to people,” Mr. Schumer said.
The Senate is expected to vote on Thursday on a roughly $500 billion Republican package that would partially extend enhanced unemployment benefits through late December and provide additional funding for small businesses and schools.
The package might win majority support in the GOP-led chamber, but it’s not expected to garner the 60 votes needed to thwart a possible filibuster.
Democrats are insisting on a nearly $3.5 trillion package the House passed in May that would extend a $600-per-week boost in unemployment benefits through January and provide nearly $1 trillion for cash-strapped states and localities, among other items.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--EU Parliament suspends Suu Kyi from Sakharov Prize community

BRUSSELS ( AP ) - The European Parliament on Thursday suspended Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi from the group of former winners of its top human rights prize because of her “ failure to act and her acceptance ” of the oppression of the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group .
A long-time political prisoner before she came to power , Suu Kyi was once admired for her non-violent struggle against Myanmar ’ s military rule and she won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize .
But in recent years , she has been rejected internationally for Myanmar ’ s oppression of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape the army ’ s brutal counterinsurgency campaign in 2017 .
“ The decision ( … ) to exclude Aung San Suu Kyi formally from all activities of the community of Sakharov Prize laureates is a response to her failure to act and her acceptance of the ongoing crimes against the Rohingya community in Myanmar , ” the EU Parliament said in a statement .
Suu Kyi won the Sakharov Prize in 1990 but was only able to collect it 23 years later .
She is currently Myanmar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facto head of state .
She looks set to keep her position after the Nov. 8 general election , with her National League for Democracy party widely expected to again win the most seats .
As state counsellor , Suu Kyi does not oversee the military , but she has repeatedly denied accusations that the army committed genocide against the Rohingya .

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Parliament on Thursday suspended Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi from the group of former winners of its top human rights prize because of her “failure to act and her acceptance” of the oppression of the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group.
A long-time political prisoner before she came to power, Suu Kyi was once admired for her non-violent struggle against Myanmar’s military rule and she won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize.
But in recent years, she has been rejected internationally for Myanmar’s oppression of the Rohingya. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape the army’s brutal counterinsurgency campaign in 2017.
“The decision (…) to exclude Aung San Suu Kyi formally from all activities of the community of Sakharov Prize laureates is a response to her failure to act and her acceptance of the ongoing crimes against the Rohingya community in Myanmar,” the EU Parliament said in a statement.
Suu Kyi won the Sakharov Prize in 1990 but was only able to collect it 23 years later.
She is currently Myanmar’s state counsellor, the de facto head of state. She looks set to keep her position after the Nov. 8 general election, with her National League for Democracy party widely expected to again win the most seats.
As state counsellor, Suu Kyi does not oversee the military, but she has repeatedly denied accusations that the army committed genocide against the Rohingya.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--US wholesale prices rise 0.3% in August as food costs drop

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.3 % in August , just half the July gain , @ @ @ @ @ decline .
The Labor Department said Thursday that the August advance in the producer price @ @ @ @ @ before it reaches consumers - followed a 0.6 % surge in July which was the @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Helping to moderate wholesale prices in August was a 0.4 % drop in @ @ @ @ @ straight decline after a big jump in May caused by supply bottlenecks related to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
Energy costs edged down 0.1 % in August after sizable gains in the previous @ @ @ @ @ in wholesale prices in August was an indication that inflation is remaining at low levels @ @ @ @ @ Reserve to keep its benchmark policy rate low for the foreseeable future .

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.3% in August, just half the July gain, as food and energy prices decline.
The Labor Department said Thursday that the August advance in the producer price index - which measures inflation before it reaches consumers - followed a 0.6% surge in July which was the biggest monthly gain since October 2018.
Helping to moderate wholesale prices in August was a 0.4% drop in food costs, the third straight decline after a big jump in May caused by supply bottlenecks related to coronavirus cases at meat packing plants. Energy costs edged down 0.1% in August after sizable gains in the previous three months.
The moderation in wholesale prices in August was an indication that inflation is remaining at low levels which will allow the Federal Reserve to keep its benchmark policy rate low for the foreseeable future in an effort to give a boost to an economy hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the past 12 months, wholesale prices are down 0.2% while core prices, which exclude volatile food and energy costs, are up a modest 0.6%.
“While some see high inflation luring around the corner, we believe there is little scope for prices to heat up meaningfully as the economy continues to only slowly recover from the Covid-19 crisis,” said Lydia Boussour, senior U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. “Inflation is likely to remain below 2% well past 2022, reinforcing the Fed’s strong easing bias.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Concerns raised over Delaware rodeo that hosted 1,500 people

BRIDGEVILLE , Del .
( AP ) - Delaware Gov .
John Carney says that a rodeo that was held @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coronavirus restrictions could be a COVID-19 “ superspreader.
” The News Journal reported @ @ @ @ @ 1,500 people attended the event on Saturday in Bridgeville in Sussex County .
Carney said @ @ @ @ @ briefing that the event “ is frankly a prescription for disaster.
” Video shows hundreds @ @ @ @ @ the day and into the evening .
Many were not wearing face masks .
Outdoor @ @ @ @ @ than 250 people under the state ’ s coronavirus restrictions .
Larger gatherings must receive @ @ @ @ @ .
Delaware State Police said that troopers arrived and closed the entrance to additional guests @ @ @ @ @ safest way to end the event was to allow it to “ come to a @ @ @ @ @ time.
” An investigation into how the event came to be is ongoing .

BRIDGEVILLE, Del. (AP) - Delaware Gov. John Carney says that a rodeo that was held in defiance of the state’s coronavirus restrictions could be a COVID-19 “superspreader.”
The News Journal reported Wednesday that as many as 1,500 people attended the event on Saturday in Bridgeville in Sussex County.
Carney said at his weekly coronavirus press briefing that the event “is frankly a prescription for disaster.”
Video shows hundreds of people packed together throughout the day and into the evening. Many were not wearing face masks.
Outdoor gatherings can have no more than 250 people under the state’s coronavirus restrictions. Larger gatherings must receive special permission from the state.
Delaware State Police said that troopers arrived and closed the entrance to additional guests. But they decided the safest way to end the event was to allow it to “come to a peaceful close at the scheduled time.”
An investigation into how the event came to be is ongoing.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--New wildfire threatens homes in seaside resort near Athens

ATHENS , Greece ( AP ) - A new wildfire on Thursday near Athens led to more home evacuations a day after a different blaze near the Greek capital forced thousands of residents to leave their dwellings .
The fire service said about 100 firefighters assisted by three water-dropping helicopters were trying to extinguish the blaze burning through low vegetation among scattered homes in the seaside resort of Artemis .
Residents were asked to leave their homes as strong winds whipped on the flames .
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries .
Another big fire broke out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region Thursday , the fire service said .
But the fire service said a major blaze south of Athens near the town of Anavyssos had been brought under control .
The fire forced thousands of home evacuations on Wednesday as a front headed for the town .
Wildfires are common during Greece ’ s hot , arid summers , gradually stripping away the country ’ s forest cover .
In 2018 , a blaze at the seaside resort of Mati east of Athens raged out of control , killing 102 people .
Large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Athens were ravaged in 2007 by forest fires that killed more than 70 people .

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - A new wildfire on Thursday near Athens led to more home evacuations a day after a different blaze near the Greek capital forced thousands of residents to leave their dwellings.
The fire service said about 100 firefighters assisted by three water-dropping helicopters took part in the operation to extinguish the blaze burning through low vegetation among scattered homes in the seaside resort of Artemis.
Residents were asked to leave their homes as strong winds whipped on the flames.
The blaze was brought under control later Thursday, the fire service said. There were no reports of damage or injuries.
Another big fire broke out in a forest in the southern Peloponnese region Thursday.
But the fire service said a major blaze south of Athens near the town of Anavyssos had been brought under control. The fire forced thousands of home evacuations on Wednesday as a front headed for the town.
Wildfires are common during Greece’s hot, arid summers, gradually stripping away the country’s forest cover. In 2018, a blaze at the seaside resort of Mati east of Athens raged out of control, killing 102 people.
Large sections of the Peloponnese and the countryside around Athens were ravaged in 2007 by forest fires that killed more than 70 people.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Pakistan detains 12 after gang rape of woman on highway

LAHORE , Pakistan ( AP ) - Pakistani police Thursday detained 12 people for questioning after two armed men allegedly @ @ @ @ @ front of her children after her car went out on a deserted highway , police @ @ @ @ @ made following the overnight incident near the eastern city of Lahore in which the men @ @ @ @ @ from the woman before fleeing .
None of the 12 was thought to be an @ @ @ @ @ The attack quickly drew widespread condemnation on social media with some activists demanding those involved @ @ @ @ @ Musarrat Cheema , a spokesperson in the eastern Punjab province , said raids were being @ @ @ @ @ the culprits .
Gang rape is rare in Pakistan , although sexual harassment and violence @ @ @ @ @ .
Nearly 1,000 women are killed in Pakistan each year in so-called “ honor killings @ @ @ @ @ norms on love and marriage .

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) - Pakistani police said they detained 15 people for questioning on Thursday, after two armed men allegedly gang raped a woman in front of her children after her car broke down on a deserted highway.
The arrests followed the overnight incident near the eastern city of Lahore in which the two men are said to have also stolen cash and jewelry from the woman before fleeing the scene. None of the 15 was thought to be an assailant, police said.
The police said the woman had locked her car doors when she ran out of fuel but the attackers broke a car window and dragged her outside where they raped her before her terrified children.
The attack quickly drew widespread condemnation on social media, with some activists demanding that those involved be hanged in public.
But in a shocking televised statement, recently appointed Lahore police chief Umar Sheikh blamed the victim for traveling alone with her two children after midnight without checking whether her car had enough fuel. His comment drew nationwide condemnation, although he also vowed to arrest the rapists within 48 hours.
Musarrat Cheema, a spokesperson in the eastern Punjab province, said raids were being conducted to find the culprits.
Prime Minister Imran Khan office said protection of women is a first priority and responsibility of the government, adding that “such brutality and bestiality cannot be allowed in any civilized society. Such incidents are a violation of our social values and a disgrace to society.”
Human rights activists urged the government to fire Sheikh, the police chief, for his remarks.
Gang rape is rare in Pakistan, although sexual harassment and violence against women is not uncommon. Nearly 1,000 women are killed in Pakistan each year in so-called “honor killings” for allegedly violating conservative norms on love and marriage.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Mom gets 25-year term for leaving her 2 dead babies in cars

TOLEDO , Ohio ( AP ) - The mother of two infants whose remains were left in separate abandoned cars was sentenced to 25 years in prison .
Jenna Cisneros had pleaded no contest last month to charges of involuntary manslaughter , endangering children , tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice .
Her husband is also charged in the investigation and his trial is scheduled to start next week .
Jenna Cisneros , 34 , was found competent to stand trial , but her attorney has said she has suffered from mental illness from an early age and did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband .
When she handed down the sentence Wednesday , Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Linda Jennings noted Cisneros has provided logic-defying and conflicting accounts of how she gave birth and abandoned her children over a span of about 2½ years , Cisneros and her husband , Jacob Cisneros , were arrested in February on charges accusing them of leaving the body of their infant son in a car in 2017 .
The boy was thought to be no more than 2 months old , according to authorities .
Investigators said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody , police found the remains of a second infant , a girl , inside another abandoned car at an apartment complex where the couple once lived .
Investigators have been unable to come up with a motive , prosecutors have said .
Both infants were found wrapped in household linens on the floors of the vehicles under the dashboards , according to an affidavit .
Officers also found several articles of clothing , a woman ’ s wallet and letters to both Jacob and Jenna Cisneros inside one of the cars , @ @ @ @

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - The mother of two infants whose remains were left in separate abandoned cars was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Jenna Cisneros had pleaded no contest last month to charges of involuntary manslaughter, endangering children, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice. Her husband is also charged in the investigation and his trial is scheduled to start next week.
Jenna Cisneros, 34, was found competent to stand trial, but her attorney has said she has suffered from mental illness from an early age and did not have a normal relationship with her husband.
When she handed down the sentence Wednesday, Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Linda Jennings noted Cisneros has provided logic-defying and conflicting accounts of how she gave birth and abandoned her children over a span of about 2½ years,
Cisneros and her husband, Jacob Cisneros, were arrested in February on charges accusing them of leaving the body of their infant son in a car in 2017. The boy was thought to be no more than 2 months old, according to authorities.
Investigators said that soon after the couple was taken into custody, police found the remains of a second infant, a girl, inside another abandoned car at an apartment complex where the couple once lived.
Investigators have been unable to come up with a motive, prosecutors have said.
Both infants were found wrapped in household linens on the floors of the vehicles under the dashboards, according to an affidavit. Officers also found several articles of clothing, a woman’s wallet and letters to both Jacob and Jenna Cisneros inside one of the cars, court records showed.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Maryland Univ. system chancellor cuts pay, warns of layoffs

COLLEGE PARK , Md .
( AP ) - The University System of Maryland ’ s chancellor announced he is taking a 10 % pay cut and warned that employees could face furloughs , pay reductions or layoffs as the system struggles to close a budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Chancellor Jay Perman laid out the temporary cut to his $ 960,744 salary in a statement Wednesday .
The university system expected its revenue would fall $ 500 million short of estimates for the budget year ending next summer , which could mean reductions in operating expenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salary reductions and layoffs , officials said .
“ I acknowledge that the size of our deficit means that , to some degree , employees will likely have to share in the pain of budget cuts , ” Perman said in the statement .
The budget gap includes a more than $ 100 million reduction in state funding that was announced earlier this year , and follows a $ 230 million revenue loss for the previous budget cycle after the system refunded some room and board money back to students when they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation of State , County and Municipal Employees criticized the system ’ s statement and alleged the administration had failed to bargain with the union on health and safety practices or finances .
Union leaders called for officials to negotiate about potential cuts and pointed to the state government ’ s Wednesday announcement that Maryland ended the year with a budget surplus to argue that the state does not need to cut jobs or salaries to balance its budget .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : @ @

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) - The University System of Maryland’s chancellor announced he is taking a 10% pay cut and warned that employees could face furloughs, pay reductions or layoffs as the system struggles to close a budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Chancellor Jay Perman laid out the temporary cut to his $960,744 salary in a statement Wednesday.
The university system expected its revenue would fall $500 million short of estimates for the budget year ending next summer, which could mean reductions in operating expenses, hiring freezes, furloughs, temporary salary reductions and layoffs, officials said.
“I acknowledge that the size of our deficit means that, to some degree, employees will likely have to share in the pain of budget cuts,” Perman said in the statement.
The budget gap includes a more than $100 million reduction in state funding that was announced earlier this year, and follows a $230 million revenue loss for the previous budget cycle after the system refunded some room and board money back to students when they were sent home in March.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees criticized the system’s statement and alleged the administration had failed to bargain with the union on health and safety practices or finances.
Union leaders called for officials to negotiate about potential cuts and pointed to the state government’s Wednesday announcement that Maryland ended the year with a budget surplus to argue that the state does not need to cut jobs or salaries to balance its budget.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--John Kennedy: I'd prefer to talk to Meat Loaf over Bob Woodward

Sen. John Kennedy on Thursday said there are plenty of people he would talk to for nine hours over Bob Woodward , implying that it might not have been wise for President Trump to offer up such extensive access to the veteran journalist for a damaging new book .
“ If I were president of the United States and I could talk to anybody I wanted to for nine hours — no offense to Mr. Woodward , but he wouldn ’ t make the top 10 list , ” the Louisiana Republican said on “ Fox & Friends.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Meat Loaf or Quentin Tarantino or somebody cool — not that he ’ s uncool , but you get my point , ” he said .
Excerpts of Mr. Woodward ’ s forthcoming book , “ Rage , ” were released on Wednesday , as were some of the author ’ s taped conversations with the president .
Mr. Trump told Mr. Woodward in one March conversation that he wanted to play the coronavirus threat down because he didn ’ t want to create a panic .
The president defended his statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheerleader for the country he didn ’ t want to create a panic over the deadly virus .
“ We know the president pretty well by now , ” Mr. Kennedy said .
“ It ’ s clear to me at least he grows anxious when he has an unexpressed thought .
Now , that may be an endearing quality for a human being , but it ’ s very dangerous when you ’ re a politician talking to a reporter.
” In a phone interview with Fox News ’ Sean Hannity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably wouldn ’ t read the book because he ’ s too busy .
“ But I thought I ’ d give Bob Woodward some time .
I gave him some time , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ But , as usual , with the books he writes , that didn ’ t work out too well , perhaps .
I don ’ t know … maybe it ’ s good .
Who knows ?
”

Sen. John Kennedy on Thursday said there are plenty of people he would talk to for nine hours over Bob Woodward, implying that it might not have been wise for President Trump to offer up such extensive access to the veteran journalist for a damaging new book.
“If I were president of the United States and I could talk to anybody I wanted to for nine hours — no offense to Mr. Woodward, but he wouldn’t make the top 10 list,” the Louisiana Republican said on “Fox & Friends.”
“I’d pick the Dalai Lama or Meat Loaf or Quentin Tarantino or somebody cool — not that he’s uncool, but you get my point,” he said.
Excerpts of Mr. Woodward’s forthcoming book, “Rage,” were released on Wednesday, as were some of the author’s taped conversations with the president.
Mr. Trump told Mr. Woodward in one March conversation that he wanted to play the coronavirus threat down because he didn’t want to create a panic.
The president defended his statements on Wednesday, saying that as a cheerleader for the country he didn’t want to create a panic over the deadly virus.
“We know the president pretty well by now,” Mr. Kennedy said. “It’s clear to me at least he grows anxious when he has an unexpressed thought. Now, that may be an endearing quality for a human being, but it’s very dangerous when you’re a politician talking to a reporter.”
In a phone interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Mr. Trump said on Wednesday that he probably wouldn’t read the book because he’s too busy.
“But I thought I’d give Bob Woodward some time. I gave him some time,” Mr. Trump said. “But, as usual, with the books he writes, that didn’t work out too well, perhaps. I don’t know … maybe it’s good. Who knows?”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Russia says West trying to victimize Moscow over Navalny

MOSCOW ( AP ) - Russia ’ s top diplomat on Thursday accused the West of leveling accusations of poisoning top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny without providing evidence , staunchly denying any official involvement .
Navalny , the most visible opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin , was flown to Germany two days after falling ill on Aug. 20 on a domestic flight in Russia .
German chemical weapons experts have determined that the 44-year-old was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent , prompting Berlin to demand that Russia investigate the case .
The German hospital treating him said Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowing doctors to take him out of an induced coma .
Russian authorities have prodded Germany to share the evidence that led them to conclude “ without doubt ” that Navalny was poisoned with a military nerve agent from the Novichok group , the same class of Soviet-era agent that British authorities said was used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018 .
Russian doctors said they had found no trace of poison in Navalny ’ s system .
Speaking at a news conference Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the United States and other Western allies who urge Russia to conduct a probe into Navalny ’ s poisoning squarely expect Russia to accept blame for something it hasn ’ t done .
“ If such logic prevails , that would only mean that they put themselves above the law , above everyone else , ” he said .
Germany ’ s Defense Ministry has said the data about Navalny had been provided to the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons .
Putin ’ s spokesman , Dmitry Peskov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Germany has handed over any information to the OPCW .
He underlined that it would like to receive the information firsthand to help investigate the case .
“ We don ’ t know what they have given to the OPCW , ” he said during a conference call with reporters .
“ We naturally prefer that they hand over those analyses directly to us.
” Peskov noted that Russian authorities had launched a preliminary check into what happened to Navalny , but emphasized that they need proof of his poisoning to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been left puzzling over what kind of difficulties could have prevented them from sharing their findings with us , ” he said .
Earlier this week , German Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s office indicated that she might be willing to rethink the fate of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that will bring Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea - a sign of Berlin ’ s growing frustration over Moscow ’ s stonewalling about the Navalny case .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told conservative radio host Ben Shapiro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the effort to poison a dissident , and they recognize that there is a substantial chance that this actually came from senior Russian officials , I think this is not good for the Russian people.
” “ I think the world has matured and come to an understanding that this is not how normal countries operate , and this will prove costly for the Russians , ” Pompeo said .
Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report .

MOSCOW (AP) - Russia’s top diplomat on Thursday accused the West of leveling accusations of poisoning top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny without providing evidence, staunchly denying any official involvement.
Navalny, the most visible opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was flown to Germany two days after falling ill on Aug. 20 on a domestic flight in Russia. German chemical weapons experts have determined that the 44-year-old was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent, prompting Berlin to demand that Russia investigate the case.
The German hospital treating him said Monday that Navalny’s condition has improved, allowing doctors to take him out of an induced coma.
Russian authorities have prodded Germany to share the evidence that led them to conclude “without doubt” that Navalny was poisoned with a military nerve agent from the Novichok group, the same class of Soviet-era agent that British authorities said was used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England, in 2018. Russian doctors said they had found no trace of poison in Navalny’s system.
Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov charged that Germany, the United States and other Western allies who urge Russia to conduct a probe into Navalny’s poisoning squarely expect Russia to accept blame for something it hasn’t done.
“We’re accustomed to unfounded accusations,” Lavrov said. “When the official representative of the German government says that the request from the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has been directed to independent judiciary agencies and so the German government can do nothing about it while demanding that we conduct an investigation, it resembles the precedent created by our Western colleagues following the Salisbury poisoning incident.”
“If such logic prevails, that would only mean that they put themselves above the law, above everyone else,” he added.
Germany’s Defense Ministry has said the data about Navalny had been provided to the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Thursday that Russia is still unaware whether Germany has handed over any information to the OPCW. He underlined that it would like to receive the information firsthand to help investigate the case.
“We don’t know what they have given to the OPCW,” he said during a conference call with reporters. “We naturally prefer that they hand over those analyses directly to us.”
Peskov noted that Russian authorities had launched a preliminary check into what happened to Navalny, but emphasized that they need proof of his poisoning to conduct a full-fledged criminal inquiry.
“We have been left puzzling over what kind of difficulties could have prevented them from sharing their findings with us,” he said.
Earlier this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office indicated that she might be willing to rethink the fate of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that will bring Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea - a sign of Berlin’s growing frustration over Moscow’s stonewalling about the Navalny case.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told conservative radio host Ben Shapiro that when people around the world “see the effort to poison a dissident, and they recognize that there is a substantial chance that this actually came from senior Russian officials, I think this is not good for the Russian people.”
“I think the world has matured and come to an understanding that this is not how normal countries operate, and this will prove costly for the Russians,” Pompeo said.
But when asked in another interview with Fox late Wednesday if there is a direct link between Putin or the Kremlin and Navalny’s poisoning, he said “I can’t answer that for you tonight.”
___
Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Cleaner dies after falling between tracks at subway yard

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A subway cleaner was killed Thursday when he fell between the tracks at a @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The 40-year-old man was trying to cross the tracks at the @ @ @ @ @ in the Wakefield section at about 5 a.m. when he fell , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ the scene .
The city medical examiner ’ s office will determine the cause of @ @ @ @ @ .
His name was not released .
The normally 24-hour subway system has been closed @ @ @ @ @ 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. since May 6 in an effort to contain the spread @ @ @ @

NEW YORK (AP) - A subway cleaner was killed Thursday when he fell between the tracks at a train yard in the Bronx, police said.
The 40-year-old man was trying to cross the tracks at the East 239th Street train yard in the Wakefield section at about 5 a.m. when he fell, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The city medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of the man’s death. His name was not released.
The normally 24-hour subway system has been closed for cleaning and disinfecting between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. since May 6 in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--St. Louis police shoot, injure man firing gun from porch

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - A man shot early Thursday by police officers in an exchange of gunfire in @ @ @ @ @ has been hospitalized in critical condition , police said .
The officers were called to @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Thursday for reports of a man repeatedly firing a gun from his porch , @ @ @ @ @ car carrying two officers first arrived on the scene and ordered the man to drop @ @ @ @ @ police .
The man then fired at the officers , who returned fire , hitting @ @ @ @ @ police said .
After being shot , the man ran around a corner and into @ @ @ @ @ collapsed before being rushed to a hospital , officials said .
Police did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ name .
St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden said officers recovered three guns from the @ @ @ @ @ believed the man had been firing .
At least 40 shell casings also were found @ @ @ @ @ said .
No officers were injured in the exchange , police said .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A man shot early Thursday by police officers in an exchange of gunfire in a north St. Louis neighborhood has been hospitalized in critical condition, police said.
The officers were called to the Penrose neighborhood around 5 a.m. Thursday for reports of a man repeatedly firing a gun from his porch, police said. A squad car carrying two officers first arrived on the scene and ordered the man to drop his gun, according to police. The man then fired at the officers, who returned fire, hitting him in the torso, police said.
After being shot, the man ran around a corner and into an ally, where he collapsed before being rushed to a hospital, officials said. Police did not immediately release the man’s name.
St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden said officers recovered three guns from the porch, including one officials believed the man had been firing. At least 40 shell casings also were found in the area, Hayden said.
No officers were injured in the exchange, police said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Danes tap migration envoy as EU eyes asylum system reforms

COPENHAGEN , Denmark ( AP ) - The Danish government on Thursday appointed an envoy to “ help open doors ” for a new approach on migration to Europe and to “ ensure that real refugees are helped faster and better in the surrounding areas.
” The move comes as the European Union ’ s executive body prepares to unveil vast reforms to the bloc ’ s asylum and migration system , and fits with the position of EU leaders who have mostly focused on beefing up Europe ’ s borders and outsourcing work to curb migration to Northern Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up migrant reception centers in one or more countries outside the EU to diminish the incentive for migrants to seek asylum in Denmark .
The Danish government also wants to improve the deportation of rejected asylum-seekers and to support agencies in countries along the most common migration routes .
The Danish Foreign Ministry said the new special envoy , Anders Tang Friborg , and a task force established on Sept. 1 would “ support the work for a fair and humane asylum system.
” Denmark is already involved in several projects designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to improve the process for getting those who do make it to return home .
Denmark ’ s Social Democratic government “ wants as few spontaneous asylum-seekers as possible ” to come into the country and “ we will achieve this goal , among other things , by establishing one or more reception centers outside the EU and thereby removing the migrants ’ incentive to cross the Mediterranean , ” Acting Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek said .
Denmark intends to take a lead in the outsourcing the job of curtailing migration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will be anything but easy .
But we are working on it and hope that the new ambassador and the strengthened task force can contribute to fulfilling the ambitions , ” Dybvad Bek said in a statement that did not say what non-EU countries Denmark was thinking about outsourcing to .
The arrival in 2015 of well over a million migrants and refugees seeking sanctuary or better lives sparked one of the European Union ’ s biggest recent political crises .
Coastal Mediterranean coastal countries felt abandoned by their fellow EU members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erected fences to keep migrants out .
Countries bickered over who should take responsibility and whether they should be obliged to help .
The foundation of Europe ’ s asylum system - a rule stating that migrants must apply for asylum and stay in the country where they first arrive - remains a contentious issue that the EU has not addressed .
Denmark received about 20,000 asylum-seekers in 2015 , a small number compared with its Swedish and German neighbors .
Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report .

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The Danish government on Thursday appointed an envoy to “help open doors” for a new approach on migration to Europe and to “ensure that real refugees are helped faster and better in the surrounding areas.”
The move comes as the European Union’s executive body prepares to unveil vast reforms to the bloc’s asylum and migration system, and fits with the position of EU leaders who have mostly focused on beefing up Europe’s borders and outsourcing work to curb migration to Northern Africa countries and Turkey.
Denmark wants to set up migrant reception centers in one or more countries outside the EU to diminish the incentive for migrants to seek asylum in Denmark. The Danish government also wants to improve the deportation of rejected asylum-seekers and to support agencies in countries along the most common migration routes.
The Danish Foreign Ministry said the new special envoy, Anders Tang Friborg, and a task force established on Sept. 1 would “support the work for a fair and humane asylum system.” Denmark is already involved in several projects designed to prevent migrants from reaching Europe and to improve the process for getting those who do make it to return home.
Denmark’s Social Democratic government “wants as few spontaneous asylum-seekers as possible” to come into the country and “we will achieve this goal, among other things, by establishing one or more reception centers outside the EU and thereby removing the migrants’ incentive to cross the Mediterranean,” Acting Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek said.
Denmark intends to take a lead in the outsourcing the job of curtailing migration, hoping other countries will follow.
“It will be anything but easy. But we are working on it and hope that the new ambassador and the strengthened task force can contribute to fulfilling the ambitions,” Dybvad Bek said in a statement that did not say what non-EU countries Denmark was thinking about outsourcing to.
The arrival in 2015 of well over a million migrants and refugees seeking sanctuary or better lives sparked one of the European Union’s biggest recent political crises. Coastal Mediterranean coastal countries felt abandoned by their fellow EU members as they struggled to cope. Others erected fences to keep migrants out.
Countries bickered over who should take responsibility and whether they should be obliged to help. The foundation of Europe’s asylum system - a rule stating that migrants must apply for asylum and stay in the country where they first arrive - remains a contentious issue that the EU has not addressed.
Denmark received about 20,000 asylum-seekers in 2015, a small number compared with its Swedish and German neighbors.
____
Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--House committee to hold 1st hearing on repeal of bailout law

COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) - Lawmakers in the Ohio House are preparing for the first committee hearing Thursday on efforts to repeal and replace a controversial bailout law that brought down their former speaker in the aftermath of a $ 60 million federal bribery probe .
The newly formed House Select Committee on Energy Policy and Oversight will convene to hear a Republican-backed proposal on how to repeal House Bill 6 and revive the law it replaced .
House Speaker Bob Cupp created the committee earlier this month after his predecessor , fellow GOP Rep. Larry Householder , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy company money for personal and political use as part of an effort to pass the legislation , then kill any attempt to repeal it at the ballot .
Householder , who was removed from his leadership post in a unanimous vote following his arrest , was one of the driving forces behind the disputed legislation , which added a fee to every electricity bill in the state and directed over $ 150 million a year , through 2026 , to the plants near Cleveland and Toledo .
The initial hearing will include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was introduced by GOP Reps. Laura Lanese and Mark Romanchuk on July 23 - two days after the federal affidavit was released .
While introducing the bill , Lanese told reporters the bailout law must be repealed not only because it “ was bad policy from the start , but because we need to reassure Ohioans that their representatives , Democrat or Republican , are truly working in their interest.
” The committee , led by GOP Rep. Jim Hoops , will comprise of nine Republicans and six Democrats .
Farnoush Amiri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The alleged corruption that led to passage of a nuclear plant bailout law and questions about whether the bailout was financially necessary demand the law’s immediate repeal and replacement, Democratic and Republican lawmakers testified Thursday.
Supporters of the energy policy contained within the law who worry a repeal throws the baby “out with the bath water” overlook the enormous problems with the law, said Rep. Laura Lanese.
“I would counter that what we have now isn’t bathwater, but mud,” Lanese told the House Select Committee on Energy Policy and Oversight, created to hear the repeal. “And once you have mud, you can’t cleanly separate the dirt from the water and still have confidence you got rid of all the dirt.”
At issue is the law passed last year and known as HB6, which would add a fee to every electricity bill in the state and direct over $150 million a year, through 2026, to the nuclear plants near Cleveland and Toledo.
The law is now at the center of a $60 million federal bribery probe that led to the ouster of former GOP House Speaker Larry Householder. Federal prosecutors in July accused Householder and four others of shepherding energy company money for personal and political use as part of an effort to pass the legislation, then kill any attempt to repeal it at the ballot.
Federal documents make clear the company was Akron-based FirstEnergy.
While FirstEnergy and its executives have denied wrongdoing and have not been criminally charged, federal investigators say the company secretly funneled millions to secure a $1 billion legislative bailout for two unprofitable Ohio nuclear plants then operated by an independently controlled subsidiary called FirstEnergy Solutions.
In addition to the corruption charges, there’s evidence that the plants didn’t need the bailout, said Lanese and fellow GOP Rep. Dave Greenspan. They noted that a FirstEnergy spinoff company announced an $800 million stock buyback in May, after the law was passed.
In addition, a portion of the bill also provided guaranteed profits for the company even if revenue dips, which could be worth $350 million to FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries, they said.
“The owner and operator of the nuclear plants has cash flow and is profitable today, months before the first cent from House Bill 6 is set to reach them,” Greenspan said.
In addition, by favoring nuclear energy over other clean energy options, the bill created winners and losers, Greenspan said.
Democratic Reps. Michael O’Brien, of Warren, and Michael Skindell, of suburban Cleveland, also testified in favor of a repeal. The effort has broad bipartisan support, including backing from Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.
Householder was removed from his leadership post in a unanimous vote following his arrest. He was one of the driving forces behind the energy law.
Householder remains a state lawmaker, has pleaded not guilty to a corruption charge and says he’s innocent and will fight the charge.
Newly elected House Speaker Bob Cupp and Republican committee chairperson Rep. Jim Hoops have promised a deliberate approach to the repeal but one which won’t replicate the hours of testimony that led to the energy bailout. Democrats want a speedy repeal and say Republicans are unnecessarily delaying the process.
___
Farnoush Amiri is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Police search for man, grandfather, went on motorcycle ride

NEWPORT , N.H. ( AP ) - Police in a New Hampshire town are looking for two adults , a @ @ @ @ @ who were reported missing after they went on a motorcycle ride .
The Newport Police @ @ @ @ @ 69 , and his grandson , Cody Pillsbury , 22 , went on the ride @ @ @ @ @ did not return home .
Pillsbury had a cellphone with him , but police said @ @ @ @ @ limited because of bad cell service .
Police said in a news release that they @ @ @ @ @ Newport area shortly after 2 p.m. that day , riding on a red 2001 Honda @ @ @ @ @ license plates .
Police said the two didn ’ t have a set destination , @ @ @ @ @ avid rider who frequently travels throughout the western New Hampshire and Lakes Region areas on @ @ @ @ @ asking the public for any assistance to help find them .

NEWPORT, N.H. (AP) - Police in a New Hampshire town are looking for two adults, a man and his grandfather, who were reported missing after they went on a motorcycle ride.
The Newport Police Department said Jerry Proper, 69, and his grandson, Cody Pillsbury, 22, went on the ride on Labor Day. They did not return home. Pillsbury had a cellphone with him, but police said information from the phone is limited because of bad cell service.
Police said in a news release that they believe the two left the Newport area shortly after 2 p.m. that day, riding on a red 2001 Honda GL18R1 Trike with New Hampshire license plates.
Police said the two didn’t have a set destination, but that Proper is an avid rider who frequently travels throughout the western New Hampshire and Lakes Region areas on his motorcycle.
Police are asking the public for any assistance to help find them.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Letters reveal public distaste for booze in JFK White House

BOSTON ( AP ) - It was a tempest in a teapot - or , more accurately , a whiskey tumbler .
Presidential transitions are always at least a little tricky .
Case in point : Researchers at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum have found a cache of letters from Americans objecting to JFK ’ s embrace of cocktails at White House events .
The letters shed new insight into President Dwight D. Eisenhower ’ s handoff to Kennedy early in 1961 , and the strikingly different attitudes that people held about alcohol at official functions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tongue , ” one disappointed citizen , Kenneth P. Kennedy of Sparta , Illinois - no relation to JFK - wrote to the nation ’ s newly minted 35th president .
“ Can we risk our national and international security on such potential incompetence ?
” Eisenhower was no teetotaler , but historians say he presided over a largely cocktail-free White House .
Enter Kennedy , who had already raised some eyebrows as the first Roman Catholic to be elected president .
JFK Library archivists say the letters of protest began arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first official event : a January 1961 reception honoring the new president ’ s appointees .
“ For the first time , there was a bar in the State Dining Room , with waiters to stir up martinis or pour vodka , Scotch , bourbon , or champagne , ” The Washington Post reported .
What followed was a sort of low-key Liquorgate .
Letters - some typed , others handwritten - expressed shock and worry that the U.S. would lose its dignity and standing in the world .
“ Dear Mr. President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgrace over our nation today when we learn of our White House turned into shameful drunken all-night carousal and dancing , ” reads one from Edith Fritz , of Idaho .
“ Dignity previously engendered - gone .
May God have pity upon your poor soul.
” “ Our nation was founded by men of Christian ideals .
Let ’ s keep it that way , ” reads another from Ruby Turner , of Dunkerton , Iowa .
At the time , scholars say , the Kennedy administration played down the public ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it received far more letters about civil rights unrest and the Cuban missile crisis .
In a JFK Library blog post Wednesday , archivists Dana Bronson and Stacey Chandler noted that transitions from one president to another are closely watched for shifts in both style and substance .
And presidents have held wide-ranging attitudes toward alcohol .
George Washington , the nation ’ s first , is said to have enjoyed whiskey ; President Donald Trump , its 45th , doesn ’ t drink at all , though he has had wine served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden , Trump ’ s Democratic opponent in November , doesn ’ t drink , either .
Like Trump , the former vice president has pointed to alcoholism in his family in explaining why he abstains .
Follow AP New England editor Bill Kole on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/billkole .

BOSTON (AP) - It was a tempest in a teapot - or, more accurately, a whiskey tumbler.
Presidential transitions are always at least a little tricky. Case in point: Researchers at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum have found a cache of letters from Americans objecting to JFK’s embrace of cocktails at White House events.
The letters shed new insight into President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s handoff to Kennedy early in 1961, and the strikingly different attitudes that people held about alcohol at official functions.
“Liquor dulls the brain and loosens the tongue,” one disappointed citizen, Kenneth P. Kennedy of Sparta, Illinois - no relation to JFK - wrote to the nation’s newly minted 35th president. “Can we risk our national and international security on such potential incompetence?”
Eisenhower was no teetotaler, but historians say he presided over a largely cocktail-free White House. Enter Kennedy, who had already raised some eyebrows as the first Roman Catholic to be elected president.
JFK Library archivists say the letters of protest began arriving after newspapers reported on Kennedy’s first official event: a January 1961 reception honoring the new president’s appointees.
“For the first time, there was a bar in the State Dining Room, with waiters to stir up martinis or pour vodka, Scotch, bourbon, or champagne,” The Washington Post reported.
What followed was a sort of low-key Liquorgate. Letters - some typed, others handwritten - expressed shock and worry that the U.S. would lose its dignity and standing in the world.
“Dear Mr. President, I think many feel humiliation and disgrace over our nation today when we learn of our White House turned into shameful drunken all-night carousal and dancing,” reads one from Edith Fritz, of Idaho. “Dignity previously engendered - gone. May God have pity upon your poor soul.”
“Our nation was founded by men of Christian ideals. Let’s keep it that way,” reads another from Ruby Turner, of Dunkerton, Iowa.
Another, scribbled by a writer from Louisiana whose name and hometown are illegible, reads: “The White House is a national shrine to us - all those who love America - and we would like to have it presented to other nations as a dignified, respectable home, not ‘a well-stocked bar, with scotch, gin and vodka flowing freely.’”
The letters were buried deep in the vast White House Public Opinion Mail collection, the presidential library said, noting the dispute “could easily have been lost to history.”
At the time, scholars say, the Kennedy administration played down the public’s reaction to the change, noting it received far more letters about civil rights unrest and the Cuban missile crisis.
In a JFK Library blog post Wednesday, archivists Dana Bronson and Stacey Chandler noted that transitions from one president to another are closely watched for shifts in both style and substance.
And presidents have held wide-ranging attitudes toward alcohol. George Washington, the nation’s first, is said to have enjoyed whiskey; President Donald Trump, its 45th, doesn’t drink at all, though he has had wine served at state dinners and other functions.
Joe Biden, Trump’s Democratic opponent in November, doesn’t drink, either. Like Trump, the former vice president has pointed to alcoholism in his family in explaining why he abstains.
___
Follow AP New England editor Bill Kole on Twitter at http://twitter.com/billkole.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--UW-Madison moves classes online as coronavirus cases rise

MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) - The University of Wisconsin-Madison is moving all classes online and quarantining students in two of its largest dorms as it deals with rising cases of COVID-19 .
Colleges across the country have been grappling with outbreaks in recent weeks after choosing to return to in-person instruction , but system President Tommy Thompson insisted on opening campuses this fall despite the warning signs .
According to UW-Madison data , 1,044 students and 26 employees have tested positive for the virus since Aug. 6 .
The city-county public health department said there are at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chancellor Rebecca Blank ordered the 2,230 residents living in Sellery Hall and Witte Hall to quarantine for 14 days , starting at 10 p.m. Wednesday , the State Journal reported .
“ I share the disappointment and frustration of students and employees who had hoped we might enjoy these first few weeks of the academic year together , ” Blank said .
“ Before we started this semester , we knew that no plan would be risk-free in the current environment.
” Blank ordered an end to in-person classes through at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parisi demanded Wednesday that the university immediately send all undergraduates living on campus home in an attempt to contain the coronavirus .
UW-Madison said it doesn ’ t believe such a step is warranted at this time , system spokesman Mark Pitsch said .

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The University of Wisconsin-Madison is moving all classes online and quarantining students in two of its largest dorms as it deals with rising cases of COVID-19.
Colleges across the country have been grappling with outbreaks in recent weeks after choosing to return to in-person instruction, but system President Tommy Thompson insisted on opening campuses this fall despite the warning signs.
According to UW-Madison data, 1,044 students and 26 employees have tested positive for the virus since Aug. 6. The city-county public health department said there are at least 46 separate outbreaks currently tied to UW-Madison.
Chancellor Rebecca Blank ordered the 2,230 residents living in Sellery Hall and Witte Hall to quarantine for 14 days, starting at 10 p.m. Wednesday, the State Journal reported.
“I share the disappointment and frustration of students and employees who had hoped we might enjoy these first few weeks of the academic year together,” Blank said. “Before we started this semester, we knew that no plan would be risk-free in the current environment.”
Blank ordered an end to in-person classes through at least Sept. 25.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi demanded Wednesday that the university immediately send all undergraduates living on campus home in an attempt to contain the coronavirus.
UW-Madison said it doesn’t believe such a step is warranted at this time, system spokesman Mark Pitsch said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Biden reluctantly admits Trump's USMCA 'better than NAFTA'

Joseph R. Biden on Thursday reluctantly gave President Trump credit for making a U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal that ’ s “ better than NAFTA.
” He conceded the president ’ s success in rewriting the long disparaged North American Free Trade Agreement , which Mr. Biden helped pass as a senator in 1993 , after repeated questioning by CNN ’ s Jake Tapper .
“ He renegotiated NAFTA and you didn ’ t is the point , ” Mr. Tapper said in an interview with the former vice president , noting that Mr. Biden and President Barack Obama both promised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight years in the White House .
After some back and forth , Mr. Biden , the Democratic presidential nominee , acknowledged Mr. Trump ’ s achievement with a caveat : “ It is better than NAFTA .
But look at what the overall trade policy has been , even with NAFTA ?
We now have this gigantic deficit in trade with Mexico .
Not because NAFTA wasn ’ t made better , because overall trade policy and how he deals with it made everything worse.
” NAFTA was blamed for killing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 60,000 U.S. factories by clearing a path for companies to move manufacturing to Mexico .
Mr. Trump ’ s promise to rip up NAFTA was one of his top campaign promises in 2016 and one that most pundits and politicians said couldn ’ t be done .
In the interview , Mr. Tapper put a fine point on the dichotomy in Mr. Biden ’ s new “ Made in America ” campaign pitch .
“ I ’ m sitting here listening to your pitch and I ’ m thinking , ‘ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s part of the establishment that has been selling my jobs down the river .
He supported NAFTA , he supported Most Favored Nation status for China and Trump renegotiated NAFTA and Obama and Biden didn ’ t , ’ ” said Mr. Tapper .
“ I ’ ll tell you what we did do , ” Mr. Biden responded .
“ We inherited the greatest recession short of a depression .
”

Joseph R. Biden on Thursday reluctantly gave President Trump credit for making a U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal that’s “better than NAFTA.”
He conceded the president’s success in rewriting the long disparaged North American Free Trade Agreement, which Mr. Biden helped pass as a senator in 1993, after repeated questioning by CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“He renegotiated NAFTA and you didn’t is the point,” Mr. Tapper said in an interview with the former vice president, noting that Mr. Biden and President Barack Obama both promised to renegotiate the trade deal before they spent eight years in the White House.
After some back and forth, Mr. Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, acknowledged Mr. Trump’s achievement with a caveat:
“It is better than NAFTA. But look at what the overall trade policy has been, even with NAFTA? We now have this gigantic deficit in trade with Mexico. Not because NAFTA wasn’t made better, because overall trade policy and how he deals with it made everything worse.”
NAFTA was blamed for killing more than 700,000 American jobs and shuttering at least 60,000 U.S. factories by clearing a path for companies to move manufacturing to Mexico.
Mr. Trump’s promise to rip up NAFTA was one of his top campaign promises in 2016 and one that most pundits and politicians said couldn’t be done.
In the interview, Mr. Tapper put a fine point on the dichotomy in Mr. Biden’s new “Made in America” campaign pitch.
“I’m sitting here listening to your pitch and I’m thinking, ‘I like what he has to sell but he’s part of the establishment that has been selling my jobs down the river. He supported NAFTA, he supported Most Favored Nation status for China and Trump renegotiated NAFTA and Obama and Biden didn’t,’” said Mr. Tapper.
“I’ll tell you what we did do,” Mr. Biden responded. “We inherited the greatest recession short of a depression.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--Explosions occur at Jordanian military munitions depot

ZARQA , Jordan ( AP ) - Several explosions occurred early Friday in a Jordanian military base warehouse where unsuitable @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The warehouses are in an isolated area east of the city @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson and the armed forces said .
The surrounding area was sealed by security forces @ @ @ @ @ have been recorded , the state-run new agency Petra reported , citing a government spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ preliminary investigation indicates the explosions were caused by an electrical fault in the warehouse , @ @ @ @ @ from the armed forces said a committee was formed to determine the causes of the @ @

ZARQA, Jordan (AP) - Several explosions occurred early Friday in a Jordanian military base warehouse where unusable mortar shells were being stored, with no immediate reports of any injuries, authorities said.
The warehouses are in an isolated area east of the city of Zarqa, which was sealed off by security forces. The army released a statement saying that recent high temperatures had caused a chemical reaction inside one of the shells, triggering the blast.
Government spokesman Amjad Adaileh was quoted by the state-run Petra news agency as saying there were no reports of injuries.
The region is still on edge following last month’s massive explosion in Beirut, which was caused by the apparently accidental ignition of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored at a warehouse in the Lebanese capital’s port for several years.
The Aug. 4 blast killed 192 people, wounded 6,500, left a quarter million people homeless and caused damage worth billions of dollars.


washingtontimes--2020-09-10--India, China agree to disengage thousands of border troops

NEW DELHI ( AP ) - The Indian and Chinese foreign ministers agreed their troops should disengage from a tense border standoff , maintain proper distance and ease tensions in the cold-desert Ladakh region where the two sides had their deadliest clash in decades in June .
India ’ s S. Jaishankar and China ’ s Wang Yi met in the Russian capital on Thursday night and concurred that “ the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side , ” according to the joint statement issued Friday .
Since last week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending soldiers into the rival ’ s territory and firing warning shots for the first time in 45 years , threatening a full-scale military conflict .
They did not set any any timeline for the disengagement of tens of thousands of troops in a standoff since May , but agreed that “ both sides shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs , maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and avoid any action that could escalate matters.
” Earlier this week , Jaishankar described the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ very serious ” and said the state of the border can not be separated from the state of the relationship .
On Thursday , the two countries agreed that as the situation eases , they should expedite work to conclude “ new confidence building measures to maintain and enhance peace and tranquility in the border areas.
” In a separate statement , Wang said “ China-India relations have once again come to a crossroads.
” Wang “ outlined China ’ s stern position on the situation in the border areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop provocations such as firing and other dangerous actions that violate the commitments made by the two sides , ” the statement said .
“ It is also important to move back all personnel and equipment that have trespassed .
The frontier troops must quickly disengage so that the situation may de-escalate , ” it quoted Wang as saying .
They met on the sidelines of a gathering of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization .
The body comprises China , India , Pakistan , Russia , Kazakhstan , Krgyzstan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2,175-mile ) border between the world ’ s two most populous countries stretches from the Ladakh region in the north to the Indian state of Sikkim .
The latest standoff is over portions of a pristine landscape that boasts the world ’ s highest landing strip and a glacier that feeds one of the largest irrigation systems in the world .
Both sides accuse the other of provocative behavior including crossing into each other ’ s territory and both have vowed to protect their territorial integrity .
The two nations fought a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce .
Since then , troops have guarded the undefined border area , occasionally brawling .
They have agreed not to attack each other with firearms .
Rival soldiers brawled in May and June with clubs , stones and their fists with a clash on a high ridge June 15 leaving 20 Indian soldiers dead .
China reported no casualties .

NEW DELHI (AP) — The Indian and Chinese foreign ministers have agreed that their troops should disengage from a tense border standoff, maintain proper distance and ease tensions in the cold-desert Ladakh region where the two sides in June had their deadliest clash in decades.
India’s S. Jaishankar and China’s Wang Yi met in the Russian capital on Thursday night and concurred that “the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side,” according to a joint statement issued Friday.
Since last week, the Asian giants have accused one another of sending soldiers into the other’s territory and firing warning shots for the first time in 45 years, threatening a full-scale military conflict.
The foreign ministers did not set any any timeline for the disengagement of tens of thousands of troops who have been locked in a standoff since May, but agreed that “both sides shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs, maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and avoid any action that could escalate matters.”
The disputed 3,500-kilometer (2,175-mile) border separates Chinese and Indian held territories from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety.
The latest standoff is over portions of a pristine landscape that boasts the world’s highest landing strip and a glacier that feeds one of the largest irrigation systems in the world.
Both sides accuse the other of provocative behavior including crossing into each other’s territory and both have vowed to protect their territorial integrity.
Earlier this week, Jaishankar described the situation along their shared boundary, known as the Line of Actual Control, as “very serious” and said the state of the border cannot be separated from the state of the relationship.
On Thursday, the two countries agreed that as the situation eases, they should expedite work to conclude “new confidence building measures to maintain and enhance peace and tranquility in the border areas.”
In a separate statement, Wang said “China-India relations have once again come to a crossroads.”
That statement said Wang “outlined China’s stern position on the situation in the border areas, emphasizing that the imperative is to immediately stop provocations such as firing and other dangerous actions that violate the commitments made by the two sides.”
“It is also important to move back all personnel and equipment that have trespassed. The frontier troops must quickly disengage so that the situation may de-escalate,” it quoted Wang as saying.
India did not release a statement of its own, but an official with the External Affairs Ministry said Jaishankar told Wang that India expected full adherence to all agreements on management of border areas and would not support any attempt to change the status quo unilaterally.
The official said Jaishankar said the immediate task was to ensure a comprehensive disengagement of troops at all flash points to prevent any untoward incident, with details of how that is to be done worked out by military commanders. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The two ministers met in Moscow on the sidelines of a gathering of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The body comprises China, India, Pakistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Krgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Vinod Bhatia, a retired Indian army general, said it’s going to be a long process to resolve the ongoing impasse.
“Disengagement is the first and the most important step that will guide the de-escalation process. The two armies will work out a mutually acceptable methodology for de-escalation,” Bhatia said.
He said “there is a political will and direction now to resolve the crisis.”
The two nations fought a border war in 1962 that spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce. Since then, troops have guarded the undefined border area, occasionally brawling. They have agreed not to attack each other with firearms.
Rival soldiers brawled in May and June with clubs, stones and their fists. A clash on a high ridge on June 15 left 20 Indian soldiers dead. China reported no casualties.
After that clash, both sides disengaged from the site in Galwan valley and at least two other places, but the crisis continued.
___
Associated Press journalist Aijaz Hussain in Srinagar, India, contributed to this report.