washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Maryland group offers students media, career training

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - As filmmaker Lendl Tellington starts his residency at the Creative Alliance , a community arts space near Patterson Park , he ’ s drawing on the media grounding and camera skills he learned at Wide Angle Youth Media as a high school student .
Tellington , who is Black , is one of more than 5,800 young people the Baltimore nonprofit has taught since its founding two decades ago .
He said Wide Angle gave him exposure to the power of media , space for experimental work and a foundation for his career .
Tellington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of African Americans in astronomy and photography capturing students and teachers affected by Philadelphia ’ s underfunded schools .
Wide Angle works to share experiences and perspectives of the city ’ s youth to help challenge stereotypes in media from advertising campaigns to Hollywood script writing .
The students ’ photography , videos , public service campaigns and other media have reached an audience of 2 million people around the world .
“ Wide Angle is always a proving ground for how to leverage the arts , ” said Tellington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Arts .
“ Wide Angle matches the hustle that a lot of Baltimore kids have to have with real , tangible skills .
“ You are given tools and you learn how systems work.
” Susan Malone , the group ’ s director , said the events of the year , from the disparate impact of the pandemic on racial minorities to police-involved killings of African Americans , have underscored the importance of diverse representation in government , media and all industries .
Wide Angle works to make sure young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and underrepresented can participate in making decisions that affect their lives , she said .
For example , when city schools hosted a forum for parents on bullying , Wide Angle students made a video on the subject to help frame the discussion .
The organization built a “ Why Black Lives Matter ” curriculum to share with teachers across the country to encourage students to reflect on racial identity and become politically engaged .
Wide Angle also assists youth in publishing their stories in the open platform Medium and in The Afro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oldest Black publications .
“ We want to make sure we are uplifting the perspectives of young people as part of the larger conversation , whether it is a law that impacts them or a discussion about where tax dollars are going , ” Malone said .
The organization typically works with about 400 young people , ages 10 to 24 , in workshops , apprenticeships and other activities .
Courses include how to host a virtual event using social media to promote it and how to create a documentary film using cameras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Malone said the goal is to help young people compete for jobs , while teaching them communications skills .
She said the education also can help them supplement their income with freelance work coordinating live events or making music videos .
Destiny Brown said working with Wide Angle taught her everything from how to add lighting on a set to how to pitch a proposal to a potential client .
The 18-year-old joined Wide Angle as a high school sophomore to work on a public service announcement promoting safety at railroad crossings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at New York University ’ s Tisch School of the Arts and teaches online courses such as virtual event planning part-time at Wide Angle .
“ Wide Angle has been such a rock for my life , ” said Brown , whose mother is Black and late father was white .
“ This work is so important .
You grow as a human being simultaneously as you grow as an artist.
” The projects produced by Brown and other young people can help tear down generational and cultural barriers , Malone said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the University of California , Los Angeles , that shows 5 % of film directors and 13.9 % of writers were people of color , although racial and ethnic minorities combined make up 40 % of the U.S. population .
Christopher Holloway joined Wide Angle for a couple years in middle school when the organization came to the Cherry Hill library with video camcorders .
But it wasn ’ t until after he had experimented with different possible occupations that he knew he wanted to use the skills he learned at Wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earned a degree from Full Sail University in Florida , where he studied film and visual effects for cinematography .
He worked in the film industry in Canada before returning recently to Baltimore .
“ I found myself infatuated with film , ” said Holloway , 28 , who is Filipino and Black .
He worked on visual effects and lighting for the film “ Cats.
” “ It all started with Wide Angle , ” he said , “ in them believing in us enough.
” Sean Mussenden , data editor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a senior lecturer at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism , said the young people Wide Angle works with elevate the media they create .
The Howard Center and the group worked together on an award-winning “ Code Red ” climate change project that looked at heat islands in Baltimore .
The students wrote blog posts , took photographs and helped build the sensors used in the project .
“ We were deeply impressed with their ability to produce professional-level work under the guidance of the organization , ” Mussenden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sophisticated understanding about Baltimore and necessary empathy to families the team reported on , he said .
“ Partnering with them made our project richer and better , ” he said .
LaTrisha E. Milton , young adult services coordinator for the Enoch Pratt Free Library , and a Wide Angle board member , said the organization ’ s success is rooted in allowing young people to be creative .
“ It allows them to dream further , ” Milton said .
“ Finding their creative vein and cultivating that is not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be an entire career.
” Ly-Anh McCoy said Wide Angle helped her to do just that .
She recently started a job at the spice maker McCormick & Co. in Hunt Valley as internal corporate communications content and campaign manager .
McCoy , 27 , whose father is Black and mother is Vietnamese , said it was the exposure Wide Angle gave her as a junior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute that set her on her career track .
Her homeroom teacher mentioned the organization was looking for young people to participate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of absenteeism in the city .
She said their work ended up on mouse pads , posters and advertisements on the side of buses .
“ It helped me decide what I wanted to do when I went to college , ” said McCoy , of Hanover .
“ I could see myself retiring from doing this work.
” FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT WIDE ANGLE YOUTH MEDIA The budget is supplemented by revenue from professional products the young people and their teachers create for clients , including Under Armour .
Other funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and corporate and individual donors .
The staff includes about 30 people made up of full- and and part-time employees and paid apprentices , ages 18 to 24 .

BALTIMORE (AP) - As filmmaker Lendl Tellington starts his residency at the Creative Alliance, a community arts space near Patterson Park, he’s drawing on the media grounding and camera skills he learned at Wide Angle Youth Media as a high school student.
Tellington, who is Black, is one of more than 5,800 young people the Baltimore nonprofit has taught since its founding two decades ago. He said Wide Angle gave him exposure to the power of media, space for experimental work and a foundation for his career.
Tellington’s portfolio includes short films detailing the lack of African Americans in astronomy and photography capturing students and teachers affected by Philadelphia’s underfunded schools.
Wide Angle works to share experiences and perspectives of the city’s youth to help challenge stereotypes in media from advertising campaigns to Hollywood script writing. The students’ photography, videos, public service campaigns and other media have reached an audience of 2 million people around the world.
“Wide Angle is always a proving ground for how to leverage the arts,” said Tellington, 33, a graduate of Baltimore School for the Arts. “Wide Angle matches the hustle that a lot of Baltimore kids have to have with real, tangible skills.
“You are given tools and you learn how systems work.”
Susan Malone, the group’s director, said the events of the year, from the disparate impact of the pandemic on racial minorities to police-involved killings of African Americans, have underscored the importance of diverse representation in government, media and all industries.
Wide Angle works to make sure young people from communities that have historically been marginalized and underrepresented can participate in making decisions that affect their lives, she said.
For example, when city schools hosted a forum for parents on bullying, Wide Angle students made a video on the subject to help frame the discussion. The organization built a “Why Black Lives Matter” curriculum to share with teachers across the country to encourage students to reflect on racial identity and become politically engaged. Wide Angle also assists youth in publishing their stories in the open platform Medium and in The Afro, one of the country’s oldest Black publications.
“We want to make sure we are uplifting the perspectives of young people as part of the larger conversation, whether it is a law that impacts them or a discussion about where tax dollars are going,” Malone said.
The organization typically works with about 400 young people, ages 10 to 24, in workshops, apprenticeships and other activities. Courses include how to host a virtual event using social media to promote it and how to create a documentary film using cameras, capturing sound and editing the video.
Malone said the goal is to help young people compete for jobs, while teaching them communications skills. She said the education also can help them supplement their income with freelance work coordinating live events or making music videos.
Destiny Brown said working with Wide Angle taught her everything from how to add lighting on a set to how to pitch a proposal to a potential client. The 18-year-old joined Wide Angle as a high school sophomore to work on a public service announcement promoting safety at railroad crossings.
She is now a drama major at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and teaches online courses such as virtual event planning part-time at Wide Angle.
“Wide Angle has been such a rock for my life,” said Brown, whose mother is Black and late father was white. “This work is so important. You grow as a human being simultaneously as you grow as an artist.”
The projects produced by Brown and other young people can help tear down generational and cultural barriers, Malone said.
Malone noted the 2020 Hollywood Diversity Report by the University of California, Los Angeles, that shows 5% of film directors and 13.9% of writers were people of color, although racial and ethnic minorities combined make up 40% of the U.S. population.
Christopher Holloway joined Wide Angle for a couple years in middle school when the organization came to the Cherry Hill library with video camcorders. But it wasn’t until after he had experimented with different possible occupations that he knew he wanted to use the skills he learned at Wide Angle to build a career.
He earned a degree from Full Sail University in Florida, where he studied film and visual effects for cinematography. He worked in the film industry in Canada before returning recently to Baltimore.
“I found myself infatuated with film,” said Holloway, 28, who is Filipino and Black. He worked on visual effects and lighting for the film “Cats.”
“It all started with Wide Angle,” he said, “in them believing in us enough.”
Sean Mussenden, data editor at the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism and a senior lecturer at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism, said the young people Wide Angle works with elevate the media they create.
The Howard Center and the group worked together on an award-winning “Code Red” climate change project that looked at heat islands in Baltimore. The students wrote blog posts, took photographs and helped build the sensors used in the project.
“We were deeply impressed with their ability to produce professional-level work under the guidance of the organization,” Mussenden said.
The city youth brought a sophisticated understanding about Baltimore and necessary empathy to families the team reported on, he said.
“Partnering with them made our project richer and better,” he said.
LaTrisha E. Milton, young adult services coordinator for the Enoch Pratt Free Library, and a Wide Angle board member, said the organization’s success is rooted in allowing young people to be creative.
“It allows them to dream further,” Milton said. “Finding their creative vein and cultivating that is not just about a side hustle, but it could be an entire career.”
Ly-Anh McCoy said Wide Angle helped her to do just that. She recently started a job at the spice maker McCormick & Co. in Hunt Valley as internal corporate communications content and campaign manager.
McCoy, 27, whose father is Black and mother is Vietnamese, said it was the exposure Wide Angle gave her as a junior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute that set her on her career track. Her homeroom teacher mentioned the organization was looking for young people to participate in a truancy campaign to target the high rates of absenteeism in the city. She said their work ended up on mouse pads, posters and advertisements on the side of buses.
“It helped me decide what I wanted to do when I went to college,” said McCoy, of Hanover. “I could see myself retiring from doing this work.”
FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT WIDE ANGLE YOUTH MEDIA
Wide Angle operates on a $1.2 million budget.
The budget is supplemented by revenue from professional products the young people and their teachers create for clients, including Under Armour.
Other funding comes from government grants, private foundations and corporate and individual donors.
The staff includes about 30 people made up of full- and and part-time employees and paid apprentices, ages 18 to 24.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--West Virginia students raise awareness on homelessness

RACHEL , W.Va. ( AP ) - Colton Daft remembers when America ’ s homeless issue struck him for the first time .
“ Our DECA organization had traveled to New York City for a conference and I remember seeing so many homeless people on the street there , ” he said .
“ When we returned to West Virginia , I began to notice people living on the streets here , too.
” Daft , a former DECA state president , helped launched “ One Night Without a Home , ” an annual event that calls attention to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , students from the Marion County Technical Center gather to spend evening hours on the street outside the center , constructing makeshift shelters from cardboard boxes or relying on flimsy tents as their only defense against the elements .
“ We decided to start the event here after returning from New York .
We wanted to do something to make a change or at least call attention to the homeless issue , ” Daft said .
“ We ’ ve done it for several years now and everyone who participates learns that homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by any means .
Often , when you pass a homeless person , you think nothing of it .
Homelessness is a terrible situation.
” One Night Without a Home begins after dark and last several hours .
During that time , students get a feel for the concrete streets that homeless individuals know so well or the crude accommodations that often offer them their only shelter .
“ We ask the students to put their phones away and take the time to see what it ’ s like to be without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tonight , we ’ re only getting a tiny sliver of what they deal with on a daily basis .
We don ’ t really realize what these people are going through all the time.
” Daft , who has since graduated from North Marion High School and is now a theatre major at Fairmont State University , returned this year to experience One Night Without a Home with his former DECA colleagues .
DECA , which formerly stood for Distributive Education Clubs of America , is a nonprofit career and technical student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all U.S. states and several countries .
The high school division includes 215,000 members in 3,375 schools , according to the organization .
Setareh Gump is the current Marion County DECA chapter president .
A senior at North Marion , she , too , was enlightened to the homeless problem during a club trip to another state .
“ Two years ago , we went to Florida for DECA nationals and I saw several homeless populations down there , people who are terribly struggling .
We ’ re beginning to see it here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Gump said .
“ There here are many homeless people here in Marion County and it ’ s beginning to get cold outside.
” Gump said the annual DECA event is designed to get students and others to consider the predicament in which homeless individuals find themselves in , in order to help them better empathize with their quandary .
“ Homelessness is not a choice most of the time .
There are people who try their hardest , but still end up without a home .
We all need to practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There are also some people in our own community who are on the verge of becoming homeless , but who aren ’ t quite there yet .
We need to help them , too.
” As part of the One Night Without a Home project , the county ’ s DECA chapter also collected canned goods , clothing items and toiletries to provide to area homeless shelters .
Aydyn Boyce is a DECA newcomer ; a freshman at North Marion who recently joined the chapter .
Boyce was seated on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , struggling to construct a cardboard home in which he ’ d spend the evening .
“ Homeless people have to make do with whatever they can find in order to survive , ” Boyce said .
“ I ’ m going to spend some time in a box here on the sidewalk to try to get a better understanding of what the homeless go through.
” Lilaina Cavendish is a senior at North Marion and a current DECA state officer .
This year marks the fourth time she has participated in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a small dome tent .
“ From my previous experience , I ’ ve discovered it ’ s a pretty hard way to live .
There are long hours .
You ’ re pretty much cold all the time .
You have to build a fire to keep warm , ” Cavendish said .
“ Most of us are much luckier than the homeless people in Marion County and West Virginia and elsewhere.
” Brenna Wilfong , a sophomore at North Marion who is the DECA chapter ’ s vice president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with issues facing homelessness , but was realistic about how much they actually replicate what homeless citizens face on a continual basis .
“ I honestly won ’ t be able to fully experience how a homeless person feels by just doing this for one evening .
In the morning , I ’ ll be home , safe and sound , ” Wilfong said .
“ But I hope to get a little bit better understanding of what they go through.
” Kathy Lupo is the advisor for Marion County ’ s DECA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an evening , she had her students conduct research and write reports on the nation ’ s homeless crisis .
“ Between the students ’ research and being outside for an evening , they ’ re developing empathy and a better understanding of what homeless people are up against , ” Lupo said .

RACHEL, W.Va. (AP) - Colton Daft remembers when America’s homeless issue struck him for the first time.
“Our DECA organization had traveled to New York City for a conference and I remember seeing so many homeless people on the street there,” he said. “When we returned to West Virginia, I began to notice people living on the streets here, too.”
Daft, a former DECA state president, helped launched “One Night Without a Home,” an annual event that calls attention to the plight of the homeless.
Each fall, students from the Marion County Technical Center gather to spend evening hours on the street outside the center, constructing makeshift shelters from cardboard boxes or relying on flimsy tents as their only defense against the elements.
“We decided to start the event here after returning from New York. We wanted to do something to make a change or at least call attention to the homeless issue,” Daft said. “We’ve done it for several years now and everyone who participates learns that homeless people don’t have it easy by any means. Often, when you pass a homeless person, you think nothing of it. Homelessness is a terrible situation.”
One Night Without a Home begins after dark and last several hours. During that time, students get a feel for the concrete streets that homeless individuals know so well or the crude accommodations that often offer them their only shelter.
“We ask the students to put their phones away and take the time to see what it’s like to be without a home,” Daft said. “Tonight, we’re only getting a tiny sliver of what they deal with on a daily basis. We don’t really realize what these people are going through all the time.”
Daft, who has since graduated from North Marion High School and is now a theatre major at Fairmont State University, returned this year to experience One Night Without a Home with his former DECA colleagues.
DECA, which formerly stood for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a nonprofit career and technical student organization with more than 225,000 members in all U.S. states and several countries. The high school division includes 215,000 members in 3,375 schools, according to the organization.
Setareh Gump is the current Marion County DECA chapter president. A senior at North Marion, she, too, was enlightened to the homeless problem during a club trip to another state.
“Two years ago, we went to Florida for DECA nationals and I saw several homeless populations down there, people who are terribly struggling. We’re beginning to see it here, too, more and more,” Gump said. “There here are many homeless people here in Marion County and it’s beginning to get cold outside.”
Gump said the annual DECA event is designed to get students and others to consider the predicament in which homeless individuals find themselves in, in order to help them better empathize with their quandary.
“Homelessness is not a choice most of the time. There are people who try their hardest, but still end up without a home. We all need to practice compassion and sympathy,” Gump said. “There are also some people in our own community who are on the verge of becoming homeless, but who aren’t quite there yet. We need to help them, too.”
As part of the One Night Without a Home project, the county’s DECA chapter also collected canned goods, clothing items and toiletries to provide to area homeless shelters.
DECA students will continue collecting items through Nov. 20.
Aydyn Boyce is a DECA newcomer; a freshman at North Marion who recently joined the chapter. Boyce was seated on the asphalt parking lot outside the technical center, struggling to construct a cardboard home in which he’d spend the evening.
“Homeless people have to make do with whatever they can find in order to survive,” Boyce said. “I’m going to spend some time in a box here on the sidewalk to try to get a better understanding of what the homeless go through.”
Lilaina Cavendish is a senior at North Marion and a current DECA state officer. This year marks the fourth time she has participated in the event. Her home for the evening was a small dome tent.
“From my previous experience, I’ve discovered it’s a pretty hard way to live. There are long hours. You’re pretty much cold all the time. You have to build a fire to keep warm,” Cavendish said. “Most of us are much luckier than the homeless people in Marion County and West Virginia and elsewhere.”
Brenna Wilfong, a sophomore at North Marion who is the DECA chapter’s vice president, said the event helps students better identify with issues facing homelessness, but was realistic about how much they actually replicate what homeless citizens face on a continual basis.
“I honestly won’t be able to fully experience how a homeless person feels by just doing this for one evening. In the morning, I’ll be home, safe and sound,” Wilfong said. “But I hope to get a little bit better understanding of what they go through.”
Kathy Lupo is the advisor for Marion County’s DECA chapter. Before hitting the streets for an evening, she had her students conduct research and write reports on the nation’s homeless crisis.
“Between the students’ research and being outside for an evening, they’re developing empathy and a better understanding of what homeless people are up against,” Lupo said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Virginia boy runs for Nickelodeon's 'Kid of the Year'

CHESTERFIELD , Va. ( AP ) - Elijah Lee was only in first grade when the world as he knew it became a much darker place .
He was all of 6 years old the day he noticed the bruises on the leg of a classmate .
When he innocently asked what happened , if she ’ d fallen down or somehow hurt herself , the young girl confided in him that her parents , in the midst of a fight , had hit her .
He didn ’ t quite understand the magnitude of the situation , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing he knew to do : He told his mom , and he told a teacher .
Now 12 years old , Elijah is planning his fourth march against child abuse , a small but mighty voice for the many children - like his classmate - who can ’ t speak up for themselves .
For his efforts , Elijah is among 20 children in the running for the first “ Kid of the Year ” honor , a collaboration among Nickelodeon , Time magazine and Time for Kids .
The distinction honors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t letting their age stop them from making differences in their communities .
More than 5,000 children were nominated .
It ’ s not the first accolade for Elijah .
In 2018 , after his first organized march against child abuse , he was recognized by the Marvel Hero Project for his efforts , including being featured in a Marvel comic as “ The Incredible Elijah.
” The Nickelodeon-Time award , which the family just learned about this summer , will be announced during a special Nickelodeon broadcast Dec. 5 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday , which makes it all the more exciting for a kid on the cusp of teenhood , a kid who has braces and a dog named Max , a kid who loves playing chess and a kid who , most of the time , revels in the sibling rivalry with his older brothers and his younger sister .
Yet , for all the things an adolescent could be doing , Elijah feels the weight of the world on his young shoulders .
The feelings he had back then , that one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Led by his faith and supported by his family , this young soul is tackling a heavy issue , and he ’ s inviting the world to join him , one child at a time .
According to the National Children ’ s Alliance , roughly 700,000 children are abused each year .
Some get the help they need .
Many do not .
The reality is staggering and horrific .
It ’ s a harsh subject , even for adults to comprehend .
But Elijah ’ s strength of his convictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved her family to Chesterfield County for her work in July from Roanoke Rapids , a rural town in northeastern North Carolina near the Virginia border .
It has a population of roughly 15,000 people , many of whom are low-income individuals and families .
Her husband - Elijah ’ s dad - died when Elijah was 3 .
On a recent school night , Elijah talked about his experiences and his new community , which is much different from his old one in lots of ways .
He attends Swift Creek Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never actually been there , and even though Chesterfield school students can elect to go back to school , he chose to remain virtual .
His new community is a lot bigger than his old one , he said - but it ’ s also ripe for new opportunities to spread his message .
On this night , Elijah was wearing a T-shirt with a phrase he adopted on the back : “ When one rises , we all rise ; but when one falls , we all fall.
” In first grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse , ” Elijah said .
“ I was very blessed to have a home with a mother that loves me , with siblings that have my back , with people around me that I knew I could lean on and trust - but unfortunately , the same thing isn ’ t with every kid.
” “ When I first heard that my friend had been abused , I didn ’ t know what to do , ” he said , and it led to discussions with his mom about child abuse .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home afraid ; there are some kids that go home hungry ; there are some kids that go home knowing that … they ’ re gon na probably get hit , ” he said .
“ It definitely left my heart with something to think about.
” As her son spoke , Lee sat back and listened .
She chimed in occasionally , reminding him about this or that .
But for nearly six years , she ’ s watched her son walk in his purpose , gaining the strength on his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She guides , but she ’ s not his mouthpiece .
Elijah can hold his own , in large part , because of his natural calling to preach the gospel .
By 10 , Elijah was an ordained minister and was preaching in their former church every fifth Sunday until this past March , when the pandemic halted services .
At their former church , when youth members would be given time to sing before the congregation or read Scripture , “ he would go up there , ( and ) you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we didn ’ t even know where this was coming from , ” Lee said .
“ Yeah , it ’ s weird , ” she acknowledged .
While theirs is a family of faith , “ that was not something I was expecting at all.
” But the more he did it , “ he got bolder with it , and you could just see it manifest , ” she said .
At the same time , he was becoming more aware of child abuse .
Lee recalled the day Elijah came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She talked to him about child abuse .
No parent wants to introduce such atrocities into their child ’ s life , but she wanted him to hear it from her and to understand it in the context of their family ’ s values .
“ To be frank , I thought it was going to be a general conversation and we ’ d be done with it and we ’ d be able to move on , ” she said .
But Elijah didn ’ t let it go , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I saw his heart hurting.
” “ You want your children to stay as innocent as possible , for as long as possible , ” Lee said .
“ But I would rather him understand it from our perspective as a family.
” Elijah began to think of ways to help , and in the year or two that followed , as he was learning about people such as the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activist John Lewis , he put the pieces together himself .
King and Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they believed in by marching and using their voice , ” Elijah said , so he decided to organize a march against child abuse .
“ When I presented the idea to my mom , … she thought I was crazy.
” As a second- or third-grader , however , “ that was my life , ” Elijah said .
“ I was huge on presenting these big massive ideas , … but this was something I really felt I needed to do.
” Elijah ’ s first march , which took place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drew about 200 people .
The second one drew a few more , somewhere around 250 .
Last year ’ s march , held just before the pandemic shuttered everything , drew nearly 450 people , some from up and down the East Coast .
In addition to the gatherings , Elijah organizes speakers , including himself .
He ’ s had to learn how to get a permit for an event , how to talk to local government officials and how to work with local law enforcement to make sure people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to give media interviews .
Chuck Hasty is the former Roanoke Rapids police chief .
By phone from North Carolina earlier this month , Hasty said Elijah was a big force within their small community .
“ We need more young people like this , trying to make an impact , ” he said , noting that he met Elijah when the young man was organizing his first march , and needed help with permitting and park access .
Hasty said not only was Elijah passionate about the subject and raising awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right way , from a citizen ’ s standpoint .
“ He wanted to know how he could make a positive change , and the right way to make a change , ” Hasty said .
“ He was such a good influence , and the message was hitting home with a lot of people.
” Hasty said he learned just as much from Elijah as the other way around .
“ I took ahold of him and his family , ” Hasty said , “ and he took ahold of me.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for March 6 , 2021 .
It ’ s always the first Saturday , though this one will be virtual .
It ’ s from 1 to 2 p.m. , and links will be sent out via social media .
Speakers so far include Gov .
Ralph Northam and Jon Hatami , the California prosecutor for the Gabriel Fernandez case in which the 8-year-old boy died in May 2013 after being tortured and abused by his mother and her boyfriend .
The theme for 2021 is “ Justice 4 Children.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those things that no one wants to think about , ” Elijah said .
“ We all understand it occurs ; we all understand it happens - we all know there ’ s a possibility our neighbors are abusing their children.
” He added : “ We see children as these innocent , vulnerable beings , and when child abuse comes into play , that innocence and vulnerability is not only being violated , it ’ s being taken away.
” Part of learning about child abuse was also learning what happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , child protective services , laws .
Elijah even visited a hospital in his former hometown to see where children go when they ’ ve been abuse victims .
He said the dark , cold walls of a hospital room aren ’ t the sort of place a child can feel comfortable .
“ I was just trying to think what ’ s going through this child ’ s mind , ” he said , “ putting myself in their shoes , where I ’ ve just seen my parent being taken away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely have scars on me.
” Then entering that sort of hospital environment , “ that ’ s not helping them , ” Elijah said .
It led him to start a GoFundMe initiative to raise money to transform a hospital room into a kid-friendly environment .
He raised $ 3,000 - then was bolstered by being a guest on “ The Kelly Clarkson Show ” and given an additional $ 1,000 there .
The hospital , Vidant North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids , offered to match his funding , and also provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both of the rooms will be in the hospital ’ s emergency department .
They ’ ll feature fresh paint , in either neutral or colorful tones , and one room will have games , a computer and more .
The other will have wobble chairs , toys , a big-screen television and other features .
They hope to be done with the rooms by next spring .
“ We are inspired by Elijah ’ s passion and are honored to work closely with him and his family on this important issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately end , child abuse , ” said Vidant North Hospital President Jason Harrell by email .
“ The pediatric safe rooms will provide a safe , comforting place for those that use them.
” The marches , the speaking events , the hospital initiative - though he ’ s making a difference already , Elijah said his work is just beginning .
Elijah wants to be a prosecutor .
He wants to be a congressman .
He has a way of drawing people in with his determination .
The way he talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathlessly , sometimes soft and quiet - show that he ’ s got the gift of gab , even now .
He refers to other children as “ our young people , ” as if he ’ s not a young person himself .
But Elijah doesn ’ t just want people to listen to him - he wants to inspire other young people to do what he ’ s doing .
“ I came from the same place as you , the same economic status , ” he said he used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former hometown .
“ I was able to do this , so what stands in your way ?
” He continued : “ We can march all we want ; we can talk all we want .
( But ) what really matters is us as young people getting involved in these politics so we can really change the laws to better the safety of our young people.
” “ Your best friend could be going home right now afraid that their stepdad or their dad or their mom … is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But “ once children understand that , they ’ re gon na know that ’ s not right and they understand they can do something about it.
” “ That ’ s really where our change starts to happen .
”

HOLLY PRESTIDGE, Richmond Times-Dispatch

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (AP) - Elijah Lee was only in first grade when the world as he knew it became a much darker place. He was all of 6 years old the day he noticed the bruises on the leg of a classmate. When he innocently asked what happened, if she’d fallen down or somehow hurt herself, the young girl confided in him that her parents, in the midst of a fight, had hit her.
He didn’t quite understand the magnitude of the situation, but it scared him. He did the only thing he knew to do: He told his mom, and he told a teacher.
Elijah’s life changed in that moment.
Now 12 years old, Elijah is planning his fourth march against child abuse, a small but mighty voice for the many children - like his classmate - who can’t speak up for themselves.
For his efforts, Elijah is among 20 children in the running for the first “Kid of the Year” honor, a collaboration among Nickelodeon, Time magazine and Time for Kids. The distinction honors young movers and shakers nationwide who aren’t letting their age stop them from making differences in their communities. More than 5,000 children were nominated.
It’s not the first accolade for Elijah.
In 2018, after his first organized march against child abuse, he was recognized by the Marvel Hero Project for his efforts, including being featured in a Marvel comic as “The Incredible Elijah.”
The Nickelodeon-Time award, which the family just learned about this summer, will be announced during a special Nickelodeon broadcast Dec. 5.
That happens to be Elijah’s 13th birthday, which makes it all the more exciting for a kid on the cusp of teenhood, a kid who has braces and a dog named Max, a kid who loves playing chess and a kid who, most of the time, revels in the sibling rivalry with his older brothers and his younger sister.
Yet, for all the things an adolescent could be doing, Elijah feels the weight of the world on his young shoulders. The feelings he had back then, that one day in first grade, remain with him. Led by his faith and supported by his family, this young soul is tackling a heavy issue, and he’s inviting the world to join him, one child at a time.
According to the National Children’s Alliance, roughly 700,000 children are abused each year. Some get the help they need. Many do not. The reality is staggering and horrific.
It’s a harsh subject, even for adults to comprehend. But Elijah’s strength of his convictions belies his young age.
Jessica Lee moved her family to Chesterfield County for her work in July from Roanoke Rapids, a rural town in northeastern North Carolina near the Virginia border. It has a population of roughly 15,000 people, many of whom are low-income individuals and families. Her husband - Elijah’s dad - died when Elijah was 3.
On a recent school night, Elijah talked about his experiences and his new community, which is much different from his old one in lots of ways. He attends Swift Creek Middle School now, though he’s never actually been there, and even though Chesterfield school students can elect to go back to school, he chose to remain virtual. His new community is a lot bigger than his old one, he said - but it’s also ripe for new opportunities to spread his message.
On this night, Elijah was wearing a T-shirt with a phrase he adopted on the back: “When one rises, we all rise; but when one falls, we all fall.”
In first grade, “I knew nothing of child abuse,” Elijah said. “I was very blessed to have a home with a mother that loves me, with siblings that have my back, with people around me that I knew I could lean on and trust - but unfortunately, the same thing isn’t with every kid.”
“When I first heard that my friend had been abused, I didn’t know what to do,” he said, and it led to discussions with his mom about child abuse.
“There are some kids that go home afraid; there are some kids that go home hungry; there are some kids that go home knowing that … they’re gonna probably get hit,” he said. “It definitely left my heart with something to think about.”
As her son spoke, Lee sat back and listened. She chimed in occasionally, reminding him about this or that. But for nearly six years, she’s watched her son walk in his purpose, gaining the strength on his own to tackle a seemingly insurmountable problem. She guides, but she’s not his mouthpiece.
Elijah can hold his own, in large part, because of his natural calling to preach the gospel.
By 10, Elijah was an ordained minister and was preaching in their former church every fifth Sunday until this past March, when the pandemic halted services. At their former church, when youth members would be given time to sing before the congregation or read Scripture, “he would go up there, (and) you would just get this full sermon, and we didn’t even know where this was coming from,” Lee said.
“Yeah, it’s weird,” she acknowledged. While theirs is a family of faith, “that was not something I was expecting at all.”
But the more he did it, “he got bolder with it, and you could just see it manifest,” she said. At the same time, he was becoming more aware of child abuse.
Lee recalled the day Elijah came home and told her about his classmate. She talked to him about child abuse. No parent wants to introduce such atrocities into their child’s life, but she wanted him to hear it from her and to understand it in the context of their family’s values.
“To be frank, I thought it was going to be a general conversation and we’d be done with it and we’d be able to move on,” she said. But Elijah didn’t let it go, and “what really changed (was) I saw his heart hurting.”
“You want your children to stay as innocent as possible, for as long as possible,” Lee said. “But I would rather him understand it from our perspective as a family.”
Elijah began to think of ways to help, and in the year or two that followed, as he was learning about people such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activist John Lewis, he put the pieces together himself.
King and Lewis were “people who fought for what they believed in by marching and using their voice,” Elijah said, so he decided to organize a march against child abuse. “When I presented the idea to my mom, … she thought I was crazy.”
As a second- or third-grader, however, “that was my life,” Elijah said. “I was huge on presenting these big massive ideas, … but this was something I really felt I needed to do.”
Elijah’s first march, which took place in a park near his old home, drew about 200 people. The second one drew a few more, somewhere around 250. Last year’s march, held just before the pandemic shuttered everything, drew nearly 450 people, some from up and down the East Coast. In addition to the gatherings, Elijah organizes speakers, including himself.
He’s had to learn how to get a permit for an event, how to talk to local government officials and how to work with local law enforcement to make sure people remain safe during the events - and how to give media interviews.
Chuck Hasty is the former Roanoke Rapids police chief. By phone from North Carolina earlier this month, Hasty said Elijah was a big force within their small community.
“We need more young people like this, trying to make an impact,” he said, noting that he met Elijah when the young man was organizing his first march, and needed help with permitting and park access. Hasty said not only was Elijah passionate about the subject and raising awareness, but also about doing it the right way, from a citizen’s standpoint.
“He wanted to know how he could make a positive change, and the right way to make a change,” Hasty said. “He was such a good influence, and the message was hitting home with a lot of people.”
Hasty said he learned just as much from Elijah as the other way around.
“I took ahold of him and his family,” Hasty said, “and he took ahold of me.”
Elijah is currently planning his fourth march, for March 6, 2021. It’s always the first Saturday, though this one will be virtual. It’s from 1 to 2 p.m., and links will be sent out via social media. Speakers so far include Gov. Ralph Northam and Jon Hatami, the California prosecutor for the Gabriel Fernandez case in which the 8-year-old boy died in May 2013 after being tortured and abused by his mother and her boyfriend.
The theme for 2021 is “Justice 4 Children.”
“I feel like child abuse is one of those things that no one wants to think about,” Elijah said. “We all understand it occurs; we all understand it happens - we all know there’s a possibility our neighbors are abusing their children.”
He added: “We see children as these innocent, vulnerable beings, and when child abuse comes into play, that innocence and vulnerability is not only being violated, it’s being taken away.”
Part of learning about child abuse was also learning what happens on the other side - foster care, child protective services, laws. Elijah even visited a hospital in his former hometown to see where children go when they’ve been abuse victims. He said the dark, cold walls of a hospital room aren’t the sort of place a child can feel comfortable.
“I was just trying to think what’s going through this child’s mind,” he said, “putting myself in their shoes, where I’ve just seen my parent being taken away in handcuffs, (and) I definitely have scars on me.”
Then entering that sort of hospital environment, “that’s not helping them,” Elijah said.
It led him to start a GoFundMe initiative to raise money to transform a hospital room into a kid-friendly environment. He raised $3,000 - then was bolstered by being a guest on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and given an additional $1,000 there. The hospital, Vidant North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, offered to match his funding, and also provide two rooms for children instead of one.
Both of the rooms will be in the hospital’s emergency department. They’ll feature fresh paint, in either neutral or colorful tones, and one room will have games, a computer and more. The other will have wobble chairs, toys, a big-screen television and other features. They hope to be done with the rooms by next spring.
“We are inspired by Elijah’s passion and are honored to work closely with him and his family on this important issue … to raise awareness for, and ultimately end, child abuse,” said Vidant North Hospital President Jason Harrell by email. “The pediatric safe rooms will provide a safe, comforting place for those that use them.”
The marches, the speaking events, the hospital initiative - though he’s making a difference already, Elijah said his work is just beginning.
Elijah wants to be a prosecutor. He wants to be a congressman. He has a way of drawing people in with his determination.
The way he talks, his cadence with words - sometimes breathlessly, sometimes soft and quiet - show that he’s got the gift of gab, even now. He refers to other children as “our young people,” as if he’s not a young person himself.
But Elijah doesn’t just want people to listen to him - he wants to inspire other young people to do what he’s doing.
Kids like him.
“I came from the same place as you, the same economic status,” he said he used to tell people during the marches in his former hometown. “I was able to do this, so what stands in your way?”
He continued: “We can march all we want; we can talk all we want. (But) what really matters is us as young people getting involved in these politics so we can really change the laws to better the safety of our young people.”
“Your best friend could be going home right now afraid that their stepdad or their dad or their mom … is going to hit them,” Elijah said. But “once children understand that, they’re gonna know that’s not right and they understand they can do something about it.”
“That’s really where our change starts to happen.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Virginia professor offers caregivers encouragement, advice

WINCHESTER , Va. ( AP ) - Aaron Blight was just 29 years old and the father of three young children when his mother-in-law came to live with his family .
Surgery to remove a brain tumor had left her weak , and she needed someone to help her through the subsequent surgeries , radiation and chemotherapy .
Helping to care for his mother-in-law for the nearly the two years she lived in his house was difficult , he said .
Even after she moved out , her mind continued to deteriorate , and Blight or his wife was constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something in her home , give her a ride or even pick her up off the floor .
Attending to a child ’ s needs feels right .
But taking care of another adult can sometimes stir feelings of shame , resentment , self-pity and anger .
“ I honestly didn ’ t know what was going on or why it was so hard on me , ” Blight said of his experience of caring for his mother-in-law .
To help other caregivers who may struggle with the same emotions , Blight has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a primer on how to navigate a life experience that can be physically and emotionally draining - but also rewarding and life-affirming as Blight discovered .
Published by Rivertowns Books , “ When Caregiving Calls ” is available at the Winchester Book Gallery on the Loudoun Street Mall and online booksellers .
Blight will sign copies of his book Saturday at the Winchester Book Gallery .
“ It ’ s something that I felt compelled to write , ” said Blight , now in his early 50s .
“ I just wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences give the book its humanity , but it ’ s his professional expertise and educational background that give it authority .
Blight spent the first part of his career writing national healthcare policy for a federal agency .
After leaving the government , he earned his doctoral degree in caregiving and became the owner of the local franchise of Home Instead Senior Care , where he hired hundreds of caregivers to assist thousands of families in caring for their loved ones .
He sold Home Instead Senior Care in 2017 and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues and as an adjunct professor at Shenandoah University , where he teaches Aging and Public Health as well as Healthcare Management .
In short , easy-to-read chapters “ When Caregiving Calls ” delves into such subjects as time management , loneliness and stress .
Each chapter ends with several questions that he hopes caregivers will spend some time reflecting on and answering .
The book can also be used with support groups , with the questions to jump start discussions .
Taking time to write out answers to the questions is key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book , Blight said .
“ Intentional reflection is a key component of transformational learning , ” he said .
An estimated 1 in 5 adults will serve as caregivers to another adult during their lifetime .
They need help and resources , Blight said , who wrote “ When Caregiving Calls ” to make sure caregivers didn ’ t feel so alone .
The book also explains the differences between assisted living , skilled nursing , independent living and continuing care retirement communities for those seeking guidance on long-term care facilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book contains practical advice , such as recommending caregivers check out the curriculum in a certified nursing assistant course .
CNAs are on the front lines of caregiving and their coursework teaches them how to give a bed bath , transfer someone from the bed to a wheelchair , take vital signs and protect people from falling and hurting themselves .
“ Caregiving will teach you things you never knew - and perhaps never wanted to know - about the human body , ” Blight writes in the book .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the lifting , the bathing , the dressing - that make caregiving difficult .
Caregiving can also take a toll on relationships , not only between the caregiver and the one being cared for but among siblings who squabble about sharing duties or with other family members who resent the attention being paid to the care receiver .
Blight especially feels sympathy for people who are caring for someone they harbor hard feelings about , such as an adult child who felt neglected by their parent when they were younger .
Days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Caregiving is a selfless act , Blight said , whether it ’ s done out of love or out of obligation .
It ’ s this extension of oneself , particularly with end-of-life care , that makes for profound growth .
“ Caregiving makes us better people , ” he said .
“ The very essence of a caregiver is selflessness .
It teaches us what it ’ s like to be human and what it means to be vulnerable .
”

WINCHESTER, Va. (AP) - Aaron Blight was just 29 years old and the father of three young children when his mother-in-law came to live with his family.
Surgery to remove a brain tumor had left her weak, and she needed someone to help her through the subsequent surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy. Helping to care for his mother-in-law for the nearly the two years she lived in his house was difficult, he said. Even after she moved out, her mind continued to deteriorate, and Blight or his wife was constantly being called to her apartment to fix something in her home, give her a ride or even pick her up off the floor.
Attending to a child’s needs feels right. But taking care of another adult can sometimes stir feelings of shame, resentment, self-pity and anger.
“I honestly didn’t know what was going on or why it was so hard on me,” Blight said of his experience of caring for his mother-in-law.
To help other caregivers who may struggle with the same emotions, Blight has written “When Caregiving Calls,” a primer on how to navigate a life experience that can be physically and emotionally draining - but also rewarding and life-affirming as Blight discovered.
Published by Rivertowns Books, “When Caregiving Calls” is available at the Winchester Book Gallery on the Loudoun Street Mall and online booksellers. Blight will sign copies of his book Saturday at the Winchester Book Gallery.
“It’s something that I felt compelled to write,” said Blight, now in his early 50s. “I just wanted to help people.”
Blight’s personal experiences give the book its humanity, but it’s his professional expertise and educational background that give it authority.
Blight spent the first part of his career writing national healthcare policy for a federal agency. After leaving the government, he earned his doctoral degree in caregiving and became the owner of the local franchise of Home Instead Senior Care, where he hired hundreds of caregivers to assist thousands of families in caring for their loved ones.
He sold Home Instead Senior Care in 2017 and now works as a public speaker on caregiving issues and as an adjunct professor at Shenandoah University, where he teaches Aging and Public Health as well as Healthcare Management.
In short, easy-to-read chapters “When Caregiving Calls” delves into such subjects as time management, loneliness and stress.
Each chapter ends with several questions that he hopes caregivers will spend some time reflecting on and answering. The book can also be used with support groups, with the questions to jump start discussions.
Taking time to write out answers to the questions is key to getting the full benefit of the book, Blight said. “Intentional reflection is a key component of transformational learning,” he said.
An estimated 1 in 5 adults will serve as caregivers to another adult during their lifetime. They need help and resources, Blight said, who wrote “When Caregiving Calls” to make sure caregivers didn’t feel so alone.
The book also explains the differences between assisted living, skilled nursing, independent living and continuing care retirement communities for those seeking guidance on long-term care facilities.
In addition to several personal stories, the book contains practical advice, such as recommending caregivers check out the curriculum in a certified nursing assistant course. CNAs are on the front lines of caregiving and their coursework teaches them how to give a bed bath, transfer someone from the bed to a wheelchair, take vital signs and protect people from falling and hurting themselves.
“Caregiving will teach you things you never knew - and perhaps never wanted to know - about the human body,” Blight writes in the book.
But it’s not just the physical stress - the lifting, the bathing, the dressing - that make caregiving difficult. Caregiving can also take a toll on relationships, not only between the caregiver and the one being cared for but among siblings who squabble about sharing duties or with other family members who resent the attention being paid to the care receiver.
Blight especially feels sympathy for people who are caring for someone they harbor hard feelings about, such as an adult child who felt neglected by their parent when they were younger. Days filled with resentment can feel particularly long.
Caregiving is a selfless act, Blight said, whether it’s done out of love or out of obligation. It’s this extension of oneself, particularly with end-of-life care, that makes for profound growth.
“Caregiving makes us better people,” he said. “The very essence of a caregiver is selflessness. It teaches us what it’s like to be human and what it means to be vulnerable.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Trump blasts 'ANTIFA SCUM' as D.C. descends into Chaos

President Trump late Saturday slammed “ ANTIFA SCUM ” , the media and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser as pro-Trump supporters and leftist activists violently clashed in Washington .
Scores of Mr. Trump ’ s backers marched in downtown D.C. on Saturday afternoon to support his unproven allegations that the presidential election was stolen from him .
While the demonstration , known as the Million MAGA March , was largely peaceful , skirmishes between Trump supporters and counter-protesters broke out as night fell .
More than 20 people were arrested , according to statements from the U.S. Park Police and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said two of its officers were injured late Saturday evening .
Mr. Trump blamed Antifa activists for the mayhem , saying they waited until the cover over darkness to stir up trouble .
“ Radical left ANTIFA SCUM was easily rebuffed today by the big D.C. MAGA Rally crowd , only to return at night , after 99 percent of the crowd had left , to assault elderly people and families .
Police got there , but late .
Mayor is not doing her job !
, ” Mr. Trump tweeted just before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hills today when they tried attacking the people at the Trump Rally , because those people aggressively fought back .
Antifa waited until tonight when 99 % were gone to attack innocent # MAGA people .
DC Police get going — do your job and don ’ t hold back !
!
!
, ” he continued .
The president soon turned his attention to the “ silent media , ” accusing them of ignoring the violence and retweeting a message from Rep. Lee Zeldin , New York Republican , who claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of “ abhorrent ” attacks against Trump supporters .
“ The Silent Media is the Enemy of the People !
!
!
, ” Mr. Trump wrote in response to Mr. Zeldin ’ s tweet .
The U.S. Park Police said it arrested one person for simple assault .
D.C. police said it made arrests near Freedom Plaza and Black Lives Matter Plaza , the two epicenters for this summer ’ s racial justice protests in the city .
* One person arrested for assault on a police officer ; * Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrests for simple assault ; * One person arrested for no permit .
* Two people busted or disorderly conduct .
It is not known if anyone arrested was part of a specific group .
D.C. Police said that a man was stabbed multiple times near the intersection of New York Ave. and 11th Street , but the injuries were not life-threatening .
It is not known if he is affiliated with any group .
Videos posted to social media showed two groups fighting , but it was unclear from the videos which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouted profanities as the fights escalated .
Leftist agitators allegedly hurled eggs at Trump supporters , stole their pro-Trump signs , hats and banners , lighting them on fire , according to social media videos .
One video allegedly showed anti-Trump demonstrators harassing an elderly woman carrying a Trump flag .
Members from both right and left groups descended on the city , including the Proud Boys , a conservative group that has brawled in other cities , and supporters of shadowy anarchist Antifa movement .
The Trump administration has blamed Antifa for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this summer ’ s racial justice protests .

President Trump late Saturday slammed “ANTIFA SCUM”, the media and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser as pro-Trump supporters and leftist activists violently clashed in Washington.
Scores of Mr. Trump’s backers marched in downtown D.C. on Saturday afternoon to support his unproven allegations that the presidential election was stolen from him.
While the demonstration, known as the Million MAGA March, was largely peaceful, skirmishes between Trump supporters and counter-protesters broke out as night fell.
More than 20 people were arrested, according to statements from the U.S. Park Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. D.C. Police said two of its officers were injured late Saturday evening.
Mr. Trump blamed Antifa activists for the mayhem, saying they waited until the cover over darkness to stir up trouble.
“Radical left ANTIFA SCUM was easily rebuffed today by the big D.C. MAGA Rally crowd, only to return at night, after 99 percent of the crowd had left, to assault elderly people and families. Police got there, but late. Mayor is not doing her job!,” Mr. Trump tweeted just before midnight.
“ANTIFA SCUM ran for the hills today when they tried attacking the people at the Trump Rally, because those people aggressively fought back. Antifa waited until tonight when 99% were gone to attack innocent #MAGA people. DC Police get going — do your job and don’t hold back!!!,” he continued.
The president soon turned his attention to the “silent media,” accusing them of ignoring the violence and retweeting a message from Rep. Lee Zeldin, New York Republican, who claimed there was a “total media blackout” of “abhorrent” attacks against Trump supporters.
“The Silent Media is the Enemy of the People!!!,” Mr. Trump wrote in response to Mr. Zeldin’s tweet.
The U.S. Park Police said it arrested one person for simple assault.
D.C. police said it made arrests near Freedom Plaza and Black Lives Matter Plaza, the two epicenters for this summer’s racial justice protests in the city.
A preliminary statement from the D.C. police revealed
* One person arrested for assault on a police officer;
* Four arrests for firearms violations;
* Two arrests for simple assault;
* One person arrested for no permit.
* Two people busted or disorderly conduct.
It is not known if anyone arrested was part of a specific group.
D.C. Police said that a man was stabbed multiple times near the intersection of New York Ave. and 11th Street, but the injuries were not life-threatening. It is not known if he is affiliated with any group.
Videos posted to social media showed two groups fighting, but it was unclear from the videos which side the brawlers were on. Onlookers shouted profanities as the fights escalated.
Leftist agitators allegedly hurled eggs at Trump supporters, stole their pro-Trump signs, hats and banners, lighting them on fire, according to social media videos. One video allegedly showed anti-Trump demonstrators harassing an elderly woman carrying a Trump flag.
Members from both right and left groups descended on the city, including the Proud Boys, a conservative group that has brawled in other cities, and supporters of shadowy anarchist Antifa movement.
The Trump administration has blamed Antifa for the violence in Portland and other cities during this summer’s racial justice protests.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Rhode Island man struck, killed after running across highway

A Rhode Island man who got out of a pickup truck and ran across a highway after an argument was @ @ @ @ @ oncoming vehicle , Massachusetts state police said Sunday .
Police said the 47-year-old man from @ @ @ @ @ was a passenger in a truck traveling west on Route 195 in Swansea early Saturday @ @ @ @ @ an argument with the driver .
The driver , a 51-year-old man from Providence , @ @ @ @ @ victim got out and ran across the highway to the eastbound side .
The man @ @ @ @ @ by a pickup truck driven by a 21-year-old Lincoln , Rhode Island , man .

A Rhode Island man who got out of a pickup truck and ran across a highway after an argument was struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle, Massachusetts state police said Sunday.
Police said Ulise Pena, 47, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was a passenger in a truck traveling west on Route 195 in Swansea early Saturday evening when he got in an argument with the driver. The driver, a 51-year-old man from Providence, pulled over, and the victim got out and ran across the highway to the eastbound side.
The man was then struck and killed by a pickup truck driven by a 21-year-old Lincoln, Rhode Island, man.
The crash remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Golden: Independence still key to winning in Maine

BANGOR , Maine ( AP ) - Democratic Rep. Jared Golden said there ’ s a lesson to be learned @ @ @ @ @ his party lost ground in the U.S. House .
Politicians who can not prove to @ @ @ @ @ run the risk of being tied to hot-button national issues , he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ represent them , not a party platform , ” Golden told the Bangor Daily News @ @ @ @ @ a double-digit lead , enough that his party pulled its money , assuming he would @ @ @ @ @ ended up being much closer .
Golden won his second term by just six percentage @ @ @ @ @ Dale Crafts , R-Lisbon Falls .
“ I think you should all stop looking at @ @ @ @ @ said .
His own polls showed a 12- to 14-point lead .
But the polls @ @ @ @ @ of undecided voters who would likely break against him .

BANGOR, Maine (AP) - Democratic Rep. Jared Golden said there’s a lesson to be learned from the election in which his party lost ground in the U.S. House.
Politicians who cannot prove to be independent of their party run the risk of being tied to hot-button national issues, he said.
“People want their representatives to represent them, not a party platform,” Golden told the Bangor Daily News.
Polls showed Golden with a double-digit lead, enough that his party pulled its money, assuming he would coast to victory.
It ended up being much closer. Golden won his second term by just six percentage points over former state Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon Falls.
“I think you should all stop looking at public polling,” Golden said. His own polls showed a 12- to 14-point lead. But the polls also shows a large number of undecided voters who would likely break against him.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Rebel leaders who inked deal with government return to Sudan

CAIRO ( AP ) - Sudan ’ s rebel leaders returned to the capital , Khartoum on Sunday , signaling the first major steps toward implementing a peace agreement with the government that aims to end the country ’ s decades-long civil war .
Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan , head of Sudan ‘ s ruling sovereign council , welcomed leaders of the Sudan Revolutionary Front as “ partners and peacemakers ” upon their arrival from South Sudan .
The front - a coalition of several armed groups centered in the western Darfur region , South Kordofan and Blue Nile - inked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 3 after months of arduous negotiations in South Sudan ’ s capital , Juba .
Al-Hadi Idriss , head of the rebel front , told a televised news conference in Khartoum that their return to Sudan “ means that we have become part of the transitional government.
” Rebel leaders are to hold seats in the sovereign council currently running the country and Cabinet , according to the peace deal .
Additionally , the front ’ s armed factions are to be integrated into Sudan ’ s armed forces .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provinces of Blue Nile , South Kordofan and West Kordofan .
Idriss said they would share responsibilities with the transitional government in efforts to ease the suffering of millions in Sudan amid widespread shortages of essential goods , including fuel , bread and medicine .
The transitional government has been struggling to revive Sudan ’ s battered economy , which has suffered under the weight of decades of U.S. sanctions and mismanagement under former ruler Omar al-Bashir , who came to power in an Islamist-backed military coup in 1989 and ruled the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump announced last month that Washington would remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism , opening a path for the African country to attract foreign investment and engage with the international community .
Trump ’ s move coincided with a U.S.-backed push for Sudan to start normalizing ties with Israel , despite concerns the move was made by a transitional leadership and without public support .
Achieving peace with Sudan ’ s rebel groups has been a crucial goal for the transitional government , which assumed power after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overthrow of al-Bashir from power .
Sudanese civilian leaders hope the deal helps in reviving the economy by slashing military spending , which takes up much of the national budget .
Prime Minister Abddalla Hamdok also welcomed the arrival of rebel leaders to Khartoum , describing it as the “ true launching ” of the peace process .
“ Today , we launch the first steps to end the suffering of displaced people and address their issues , ” Hamdok said after receiving the rebel leaders at his office .
Hundreds of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Square ” waving Sudanese flags and welcoming the returning rebel leaders amid tight security .
The gathering took place despite warnings by health authorities about the spread of the coronavirus .
In attendance were military members of Sudan ‘ s 11-member sovereign council , including Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo , the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces .
Dagalo and his forces , which grew out of the notorious Janjaweed militias , have fought fierce battles against the rebels in the past .
Sudan ’ s largest single rebel group , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was involved in the Juba talks but has yet to reach a deal with the government .
Another major rebel group , the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army led by Abdel-Wahid Nour , rejects the transitional government and has not taken part in the talks .

CAIRO (AP) - Sudan’s rebel leaders returned to the capital, Khartoum on Sunday, signaling the first major steps toward implementing a peace agreement with the government that aims to end the country’s decades-long civil war.
Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of Sudan’s ruling sovereign council, welcomed leaders of the Sudan Revolutionary Front as “partners and peacemakers” upon their arrival from South Sudan.
The front - a coalition of several armed groups centered in the western Darfur region, South Kordofan and Blue Nile - inked a peace agreement with the transitional government on Oct. 3 after months of arduous negotiations in South Sudan’s capital, Juba.
Al-Hadi Idriss, head of the rebel front, told a televised news conference in Khartoum that their return to Sudan “means that we have become part of the transitional government.”
Rebel leaders are to hold seats in the sovereign council currently running the country and Cabinet, according to the peace deal. Additionally, the front’s armed factions are to be integrated into Sudan’s armed forces. The deal also grants self-rule for the southern provinces of Blue Nile, South Kordofan and West Kordofan.
Idriss said they would share responsibilities with the transitional government in efforts to ease the suffering of millions in Sudan amid widespread shortages of essential goods, including fuel, bread and medicine.
The transitional government has been struggling to revive Sudan’s battered economy, which has suffered under the weight of decades of U.S. sanctions and mismanagement under former ruler Omar al-Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed military coup in 1989 and ruled the country until his ouster in 2019.
President Donald Trump announced last month that Washington would remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, opening a path for the African country to attract foreign investment and engage with the international community. Trump’s move coincided with a U.S.-backed push for Sudan to start normalizing ties with Israel, despite concerns the move was made by a transitional leadership and without public support.
Achieving peace with Sudan’s rebel groups has been a crucial goal for the transitional government, which assumed power after a popular uprising led to the military overthrow of al-Bashir from power. Sudanese civilian leaders hope the deal helps in reviving the economy by slashing military spending, which takes up much of the national budget.
Prime Minister Abddalla Hamdok also welcomed the arrival of rebel leaders to Khartoum, describing it as the “true launching” of the peace process.
“Today, we launch the first steps to end the suffering of displaced people and address their issues,” Hamdok said after receiving the rebel leaders at his office.
Hundreds of people gathered in Khartoum’s “Freedom Square” waving Sudanese flags and welcoming the returning rebel leaders amid tight security. The gathering took place despite warnings by health authorities about the spread of the coronavirus.
In attendance were military members of Sudan’s 11-member sovereign council, including Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Dagalo and his forces, which grew out of the notorious Janjaweed militias, have fought fierce battles against the rebels in the past.
Sudan’s largest single rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement-North led by Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu, was involved in the Juba talks but has yet to reach a deal with the government.
Another major rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army led by Abdel-Wahid Nour, rejects the transitional government and has not taken part in the talks.
In an address to the gathering, Dagalo called on al-Hilu and Nour to join other rebel groups in reaching a peace deal with the government.
“We need a new approach to build the county; come unify our effort and start over,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Bulgarian news agency chief Maxim Minchev dies at 67

SOFIA , Bulgaria ( AP ) - Bulgarian journalist Maxim Minchev , who was at the helm of the Bulgarian @ @ @ @ @ away Sunday at 67 .
The agency did not state a cause of death , @ @ @ @ @ after a short illness .
Other Bulgarian media said last week Minchev had been taken @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
Minchev worked as a radio journalist at Bulgarian national radio and Radio Free @ @ @ @ @ of BTA in 2003 .
In 2016 , he was elected secretary-general of the News @ @ @ @ @ of the Association of Balkan News Agencies .
A passionate globetrotter , he wrote down @ @ @ @ @ the world in numerous books .
Minchev is survived by his wife and his son @

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) - Bulgarian journalist Maxim Minchev, who was at the helm of the Bulgarian news agency BTA, passed away Sunday at 67.
The agency did not state a cause of death, saying only that he died after a short illness. Other Bulgarian media said last week Minchev had been taken to the hospital with COVID-19 symptoms.
Minchev worked as a radio journalist at Bulgarian national radio and Radio Free Europe before being appointed director-general of BTA in 2003.
In 2016, he was elected secretary-general of the News Agencies World Congress and president of the Association of Balkan News Agencies.
A passionate globetrotter, he wrote down his impressions from countries around the world in numerous books.
Minchev is survived by his wife and his son.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Vermont to issue free hunting licenses to Native Americans

MONTPELIER , Vt. ( AP ) - The state of Vermont is set to begin issuing free hunting licenses to @ @ @ @ @ state-recognized Native American tribes still have to buy hunting and fishing licenses if they want @ @ @ @ @ year .
But free tribal citizen hunting and fishing licenses will become available in January @ @ @ @ @ member of a Native American tribe must present an Abenaki Hunting and Fishing License Tribal @ @ @ @ @ appropriate tribal official .
In addition , the applicant must provide a copy of current @ @ @ @ @ , a Vermont license application , proof of having held a previous hunting license in @ @ @ @ @ or a hunter safety card .
If the applicant has held a hunting license previously @ @ @ @ @ a copy , a license affidavit form may be included .

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The state of Vermont is set to begin issuing free hunting licenses to Native Americans. Members of state-recognized Native American tribes still have to buy hunting and fishing licenses if they want to hunt or fish this year. But free tribal citizen hunting and fishing licenses will become available in January.
To qualify, a member of a Native American tribe must present an Abenaki Hunting and Fishing License Tribal Certification form certified by the appropriate tribal official.
In addition, the applicant must provide a copy of current and valid tribal identification card, a Vermont license application, proof of having held a previous hunting license in the United States or Canada or a hunter safety card.
If the applicant has held a hunting license previously but is unable to locate a copy, a license affidavit form may be included.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Columbia Falls man making wine with Montana-grown grapes

COLUMBIA FALLS , Mont .
( AP ) - In a former auction house on U.S. Highway 2 in Columbia Falls , White Raven Winery co-owner Dan Murphy is making wines that most people have never heard of , with names like Marquette and Petit Pearl , out of Montana-grown grapes .
While the most common grapes used in wines like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon come from temperate climates on the West Coast and Europe , there are around 30 small vineyards in the state that produce a more acidic Montana-branded wine flavor .
After opening in late October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grapes that came from Finley Point , Thompson Falls , Hamilton and Laurel .
“ We ’ re trying to make Montana wines , ” Murphy said .
“ I want to make all of our wines and use as much Montana grapes as possible because I think that ’ s what ’ s really going to set us apart to the public.
” The Montana grapes , which are in the vitis riparia category , are bred in Wisconsin and Minnesota to handle cold temperatures .
Even though the grapes are meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Columbia Falls is still a challenging climate for growing grapes because of the unpredictable late spring and early fall frosts .
That ’ s why he also sources about 60 % of his grapes from the West Coast .
“ We ’ ll source grapes from out of state , ” Murphy said .
“ Being a major tourist alley , we want to make sure we have wines that people are comfortable with and some Montana wines that they get to try .
It ’ ll be something new and different that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will eventually produce more Montana wines and use his own grapes from his 18-acre vineyard just south of the business once the grapes are mature .
While the grapes take three years to mature , Murphy says a proper vineyard needs poor soil to thrive .
When grapes reach their peak , he takes the fertilizer , water and nutrients away to make them suffer .
“ The grape freaks out saying , ‘ Oh my god , I need to make the best berries so I get the best seeds so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It puts all the flavor into the berries , then you give it back the water and nutrients and make it happy and it shuts down for winter .
They need to suffer because it makes better wine.
” Born and raised in Columbia Falls , Murphy and his wife and business partner , Rebecca , are in the process of returning home after running a wine-bottling business in California for nearly 10 years .
“ It ’ s always been the dream to come back home , ” Murphy said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs with you , so we did.
” Murphy hired his childhood friend , Will Neiman , who just moved back to Columbia Falls last year .
Now , he ’ s the winery ’ s self-described lab rat , doing everything from building furniture to creating the perfect wine formula .
“ This is a labor of love , ” Neiman said .
“ I knew a little about wine coming in , but I ’ ve learned a lot about pairing wine with food and the process of taking a grape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a glass.
” Wine and food pairings will be a focal point for the business in the near future , Murphy said , with winemaker dinners and pairings in the works , and he plans to have specialty meals once a month where he ’ ll hire a caterer to develop a meal , like steak and smoked salmon , that pairs with specific wines .
“ I want people to experience the wine , and it ’ s totally different with food , ” he said .
Murphy plans to run the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not only with Montana grapes but also with earlier hours .
“ The main focus is , come in do some tastings , buy a couple bottles , go home and cook a wonderful meal and share with friends , ” Murphy said .

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. (AP) - In a former auction house on U.S. Highway 2 in Columbia Falls, White Raven Winery co-owner Dan Murphy is making wines that most people have never heard of, with names like Marquette and Petit Pearl, out of Montana-grown grapes.
While the most common grapes used in wines like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon come from temperate climates on the West Coast and Europe, there are around 30 small vineyards in the state that produce a more acidic Montana-branded wine flavor. After opening in late October, Murphy now has three Montana wines with grapes that came from Finley Point, Thompson Falls, Hamilton and Laurel.
“We’re trying to make Montana wines,” Murphy said. “I want to make all of our wines and use as much Montana grapes as possible because I think that’s what’s really going to set us apart to the public.”
The Montana grapes, which are in the vitis riparia category, are bred in Wisconsin and Minnesota to handle cold temperatures. Even though the grapes are meant to survive in Montana, Murphy says Columbia Falls is still a challenging climate for growing grapes because of the unpredictable late spring and early fall frosts. That’s why he also sources about 60% of his grapes from the West Coast.
“We’ll source grapes from out of state,” Murphy said. “Being a major tourist alley, we want to make sure we have wines that people are comfortable with and some Montana wines that they get to try. It’ll be something new and different that they’ve never had.”
Murphy will eventually produce more Montana wines and use his own grapes from his 18-acre vineyard just south of the business once the grapes are mature.
While the grapes take three years to mature, Murphy says a proper vineyard needs poor soil to thrive. When grapes reach their peak, he takes the fertilizer, water and nutrients away to make them suffer.
“The grape freaks out saying, ‘Oh my god, I need to make the best berries so I get the best seeds so I can procreate,’” Murphy said. “It puts all the flavor into the berries, then you give it back the water and nutrients and make it happy and it shuts down for winter. They need to suffer because it makes better wine.”
Born and raised in Columbia Falls, Murphy and his wife and business partner, Rebecca, are in the process of returning home after running a wine-bottling business in California for nearly 10 years. “It’s always been the dream to come back home,” Murphy said. “But you need to bring jobs with you, so we did.”
Murphy hired his childhood friend, Will Neiman, who just moved back to Columbia Falls last year. Now, he’s the winery’s self-described lab rat, doing everything from building furniture to creating the perfect wine formula.
“This is a labor of love,” Neiman said. “I knew a little about wine coming in, but I’ve learned a lot about pairing wine with food and the process of taking a grape off the bush to pouring it into a glass.”
Wine and food pairings will be a focal point for the business in the near future, Murphy said, with winemaker dinners and pairings in the works, and he plans to have specialty meals once a month where he’ll hire a caterer to develop a meal, like steak and smoked salmon, that pairs with specific wines.
“I want people to experience the wine, and it’s totally different with food,” he said.
Murphy plans to run the White Raven slightly different than other wineries, not only with Montana grapes but also with earlier hours.
“The main focus is, come in do some tastings, buy a couple bottles, go home and cook a wonderful meal and share with friends,” Murphy said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--Contractors sought to help plow New Hampshire roads

CONCORD , N.H. ( AP ) - The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is looking for private contractors to help @ @ @ @ @ The department is seeking contractors with three- to five-ton and 10-wheel dump trucks , with @ @ @ @ @ plow and operator , in Chichester , Bow , Candia , Londonderry , Chester , @ @ @ @ @ , Derry , Milton , Strafford , Northwood , Lee , Exeter , Epping , @ @ @ @ @ , Hooksett , Merrimack , Hampton , and Rochester .
Those interested in learning more @ @ @ @ @ encouraged to call David Gray , winter maintenance program specialist , at ( 603 ) @ @

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is looking for private contractors to help plow roads this winter.
The department is seeking contractors with three- to five-ton and 10-wheel dump trucks, with a minimum of a front plow and operator, in Chichester, Bow, Candia, Londonderry, Chester, Hollis, Canterbury, Warner, Derry, Milton, Strafford, Northwood, Lee, Exeter, Epping, Dover, Rye, Kingston, Hooksett, Merrimack, Hampton, and Rochester.
Those interested in learning more about the available opportunities are encouraged to call David Gray, winter maintenance program specialist, at (603) 419-9017.
___
Online: https://www.nh.gov/dot/org/operations/highwaymaintenance/winter-operations.htm


washingtontimes--2020-11-15--In a moment of turmoil, US Catholic bishops meet virtually

Catholic bishops of the United States open a national meeting Monday under dramatic circumstances .
A pandemic has compelled them to meet virtually from their far-flung dioceses .
A hard-fought presidential election has caused sharp divisions in their own ranks .
And six days before the meeting , the Vatican released a revelatory report detailing how clerics in the U.S. and abroad failed to hold ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to account until many years after suspicions of serial sexual misconduct had become widespread .
“ The shadow of the McCarrick report hangs over this meeting , ” said John Gehring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network called Faith in Public Life .
McCarrick , who was defrocked by Pope Francis last year , headed up dioceses in Metuchen and Newark , New Jersey , and in Washington , D.C .
The report found that three decades of bishops , cardinals and popes dismissed or downplayed reports of McCarrick ’ s misconduct with young men .
For U.S. clergy , one of the most embarrassing revelations was that three New Jersey bishops - all now deceased - provided “ inaccurate and incomplete information ” about McCarrick to the Vatican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just a few months before he became a cardinal and archbishop of Washington .
The bishops will discuss the McCarrick report twice Monday , first in a private session and later in a public livestream , according to the communications office of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops .
Among the opening speakers at USCCB ’ s two-day meeting will be its president , Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez .
He has described the report as “ another tragic chapter in the Church ’ s long struggle to confront the crimes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speakers include the Vatican ’ s ambassador to the U.S. , Archbishop Christophe Pierre , and one of the conference ’ s top advisers on the prevention of clerical sex abuse , National Review Board chair Suzanne Healy .
Gehring noted that the U.S. bishops already vary in their views of Pope Francis , with some skeptical of his exhortations on issues such as climate change and social justice , and said it ’ s important to avoid having the latest McCarrick revelations further divide the U.S. church .
“ It will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report to create even more factions and fissures , ” Gehring said .
“ They need to address the moral and systemic failures revealed in the report head-on.
” Also on the meeting ’ s agenda are discussions of how the church can best respond to the coronavirus pandemic and to racism and racial inequality .
A budget for 2021 is expected to be approved , though some bishops may point out that their dioceses are suffering financially as attendance and offerings have declined during the pandemic .
This is the bishops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when Gomez was elected the USCCB ’ s first Hispanic president .
A scheduled June gathering was canceled because of the coronavirus .
Gomez is considered a pragmatic conservative in terms of church doctrine , though he has made clear his dismay over restrictive immigration policies during the Trump administration .
He drew criticism last week from some staunch conservatives for congratulating the Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for their victory in the presidential election .
Biden , who is a practicing Catholic , has been reviled by some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative bishops , for supporting abortion rights even while saying he personally accepts the church ’ s teachings against the procedure .
“ A dark cloud has descended on this nation when the USCCB and Planned Parenthood speak in unison in support of a Biden-Harris administration that supports the slaughter of innocents by abortion , ” Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler , Texas , tweeted Tuesday , alluding to Gomez ’ s statement .
Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville , Tennessee , has suggested , also on Twitter , that Biden supports “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election campaign , Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence , Rhode Island , openly questioned Biden ’ s faith : “ Biden-Harris .
First time in a while that the Democratic ticket hasn ’ t had a Catholic on it .
Sad , ” he tweeted .
USCCB policy discourages bishops from endorsing political candidates , and Rev .
James Martin , a prominent Jesuit priest , said such comments appear to violate that .
“ Why did so many bishops seem to do so by telling people they could not vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More liberal bishops in the conference also spoke out during the campaign , saying neither of the two major political parties fully embraces Catholic teaching .
Bishop John Stowe of Lexington , Kentucky , who like Gomez has congratulated Biden on his victory , wrote an op-ed for the Lexington Herald-Leader in October arguing that while Biden contradicted church doctrine by supporting abortion rights , Trump did too through certain policies and comments related to immigration , racial inequality and other issues .
And Bishop Mark Seitz of the border city of El @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent article for the Jesuit magazine America that anti-abortion fervor has led some Catholics to “ turn a blind eye ” to other important matters .
Seitz said he was encouraged by the Biden campaign ’ s promises to “ address climate change , create a path to citizenship for the undocumented , restore protections for asylum seekers and never repeat the criminal practice of separating families at the border.
” Trump “ has voiced his support for unborn life , ” Seitz wrote .
“ But the president has also tainted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wealth , greed and celebrity that very quickly erode solidarity and cheapen life.
” Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .

Catholic bishops of the United States open a national meeting Monday under dramatic circumstances.
A pandemic has compelled them to meet virtually from their far-flung dioceses. A hard-fought presidential election has caused sharp divisions in their own ranks. And six days before the meeting, the Vatican released a revelatory report detailing how clerics in the U.S. and abroad failed to hold ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to account until many years after suspicions of serial sexual misconduct had become widespread.
“The shadow of the McCarrick report hangs over this meeting,” said John Gehring, Catholic program director at a Washington-based clergy network called Faith in Public Life.
McCarrick, who was defrocked by Pope Francis last year, headed up dioceses in Metuchen and Newark, New Jersey, and in Washington, D.C. The report found that three decades of bishops, cardinals and popes dismissed or downplayed reports of McCarrick’s misconduct with young men.
For U.S. clergy, one of the most embarrassing revelations was that three New Jersey bishops - all now deceased - provided “inaccurate and incomplete information” about McCarrick to the Vatican as part of an investigation in 2000, just a few months before he became a cardinal and archbishop of Washington.
The bishops will discuss the McCarrick report twice Monday, first in a private session and later in a public livestream, according to the communications office of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Among the opening speakers at USCCB’s two-day meeting will be its president, Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez. He has described the report as “another tragic chapter in the Church’s long struggle to confront the crimes of sexual abuse by clergy.”
Other scheduled speakers include the Vatican’s ambassador to the U.S., Archbishop Christophe Pierre, and one of the conference’s top advisers on the prevention of clerical sex abuse, National Review Board chair Suzanne Healy.
Gehring noted that the U.S. bishops already vary in their views of Pope Francis, with some skeptical of his exhortations on issues such as climate change and social justice, and said it’s important to avoid having the latest McCarrick revelations further divide the U.S. church.
“It will be a disservice to survivors if bishops allow the report to create even more factions and fissures,” Gehring said. “They need to address the moral and systemic failures revealed in the report head-on.”
Also on the meeting’s agenda are discussions of how the church can best respond to the coronavirus pandemic and to racism and racial inequality.
A budget for 2021 is expected to be approved, though some bishops may point out that their dioceses are suffering financially as attendance and offerings have declined during the pandemic.
This is the bishops’ first national meeting since November 2019, when Gomez was elected the USCCB’s first Hispanic president. A scheduled June gathering was canceled because of the coronavirus.
Gomez is considered a pragmatic conservative in terms of church doctrine, though he has made clear his dismay over restrictive immigration policies during the Trump administration.
He drew criticism last week from some staunch conservatives for congratulating the Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for their victory in the presidential election.
Biden, who is a practicing Catholic, has been reviled by some members of the faith, including several conservative bishops, for supporting abortion rights even while saying he personally accepts the church’s teachings against the procedure.
“A dark cloud has descended on this nation when the USCCB and Planned Parenthood speak in unison in support of a Biden-Harris administration that supports the slaughter of innocents by abortion,” Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, tweeted Tuesday, alluding to Gomez’s statement.
Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, has suggested, also on Twitter, that Biden supports “the ultimate child abuse.”
And during the election campaign, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, openly questioned Biden’s faith: “Biden-Harris. First time in a while that the Democratic ticket hasn’t had a Catholic on it. Sad,” he tweeted.
USCCB policy discourages bishops from endorsing political candidates, and Rev. James Martin, a prominent Jesuit priest, said such comments appear to violate that.
“Why did so many bishops seem to do so by telling people they could not vote for Joe Biden?” he said.
More liberal bishops in the conference also spoke out during the campaign, saying neither of the two major political parties fully embraces Catholic teaching.
Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky, who like Gomez has congratulated Biden on his victory, wrote an op-ed for the Lexington Herald-Leader in October arguing that while Biden contradicted church doctrine by supporting abortion rights, Trump did too through certain policies and comments related to immigration, racial inequality and other issues.
And Bishop Mark Seitz of the border city of El Paso, Texas, contended in a recent article for the Jesuit magazine America that anti-abortion fervor has led some Catholics to “turn a blind eye” to other important matters.
Seitz said he was encouraged by the Biden campaign’s promises to “address climate change, create a path to citizenship for the undocumented, restore protections for asylum seekers and never repeat the criminal practice of separating families at the border.”
Trump “has voiced his support for unborn life,” Seitz wrote. “But the president has also tainted the pro-life cause with the individualism and cult of wealth, greed and celebrity that very quickly erode solidarity and cheapen life.”
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.