washingtontimes--2020-08-23--Conservatives urge Trump to fight effort to kill Alaska mine

An intraparty squabble over the fate of the Pebble Mine has broken out on the eve of the Republican National Convention as President Trump comes under pressure from members of his inner circle — including Donald Trump Jr. — to kill the billion-dollar project in Alaska ’ s Bristol Bay .
Trump supporters and free-market groups mobilized Sunday behind the Pebble Mine , urging the president to place principles over politics by allowing the project to finish the permitting process instead of shutting it down at the behest of political allies , as the Obama administration did in 2014 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some elitist and wealthy hunters and fishermen that want to have an area the size of Ohio that is state and private land , not federal land , declared by the federal government to be their private playground , and that ’ s just outrageous , ” said Pebble Limited Partnership CEO Tom Collier .
“ We just need to make sure that ’ s not how decisions are made in America.
” The partnership seeks to activate the president ’ s base during the RNC with an ad on digital and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praising Mr. Trump for “ restoring order to the regulatory review process , unlike the previous administration that vetoed projects that didn ’ t fit their politics .
“ In Alaska , Obama officials blocked a project that has now finished a rigorous environmental review , ” says the ad , which is slated to begin airing Tuesday .
“ Development that will create jobs and opportunity to native villages , provide essential minerals for our economy and coexist with Alaska ’ s natural habitats.
” The ad concludes , “ President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t let politics enter the Pebble Mine review process.
” The proposed gold-copper-molybdenum mine has long been opposed by environmentalists , who cite the risk to the region ’ s salmon fisheries , but the Environmental Protection Agency in July 2019 lifted the Obama-era hold , allowing a review on the project ’ s wetlands impact to proceed .
Last month , the Army Corps of Engineers cleared the project in its Final Environmental Impact Statement .
A week later , Donald Trump Jr. and Nick Ayers , former chief-of-staff to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Mr. Ayers predicting that the president would order the EPA to block the project .
“ Like millions of conservationists and sportsmen , I am hoping @ realDonaldTrump will direct @ EPA to block the Pebble mine in Bristol Bay , ” tweeted Mr. Ayers on Aug. 4 .
“ A Canadian company will unnecessarily mine the USA ’ s greatest fishery at a severe cost .
This should be stopped and I believe @ POTUS will do so !
” All that remains before the Corps signs a Record of Decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , but Politico , citing “ six people familiar with the plans , ” reported Saturday that the administration would use the opportunity to kill the project as early as Monday .
Backers of Mr. Trump ’ s push to streamline and depoliticize the regulatory process urged the president to stay the course .
“ The president should reject this last-minute push by DC elites to dictate what happens in Alaska , ” said American Energy Alliance president Tom Pyle , who headed the Trump energy transition .
“ That is how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
The EIS has made it clear that with mitigation , this project and the environment can coexist.
” He was joined by a host of conservative groups , including the Congressional Western Caucus , Competitive Enterprise Institute , Americans for Limited Government , Americans for Tax Reform , National Mining Association , Americans for Prosperity , and others .
“ Pebble Mine has met the regulatory requirements , ” tweeted JunkScience ’ s Steve Milloy , a member of the Trump EPA transition team .
“ What opponents want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Trump said at an Aug. 6 press briefing that he would “ certainly listen to both sides , ” adding that his son “ has some very strong opinions and my son is very much an environmentalist.
” Afterward , Alaska Gov .
Mike Dunleavy issued a statement calling for “ regulatory and permitting stability in Alaska , ” while Competitive Enterprise Institute ’ s Myron Ebell said “ science , rather than uninformed opinion , should direct important decisions on natural resource development .
“ I am disappointed to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thoroughly discredited Obama EPA position on the Pebble Mine , rather than the conclusion of one of the most exhaustive Environmental Impact Statements ever undertaken , ” said Mr. Ebell , who led the Trump EPA transition team .
Environmentalists have called the Bristol Bay “ the wrong place for any mine to be built , ” noting that the watershed includes the world ’ s largest sockeye salmon fishery , while the Pebble Partnership has countered that the mine ’ s footprint will take up just 5.3 square miles of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mine , Mr. Collier said it would send a warning to developers and discourage U.S. projects .
The Pebble Partnership has sunk about $ 1 billion into the project over 15 years .
“ That ’ s the reason that the conservative community across the board is up in arms about this , ” Mr. Collier said , adding , “ Nobody is going to put up that kind of money if at the 11th hour an administration can because of political influences kill the project .
”

An intraparty squabble over the fate of the Pebble Mine has broken out on the eve of the Republican National Convention as President Trump comes under pressure from members of his inner circle — including Donald Trump Jr. — to kill the billion-dollar project in Alaska’s Bristol Bay.
Trump supporters and free-market groups mobilized Sunday behind the Pebble Mine, urging the president to place principles over politics by allowing the project to finish the permitting process instead of shutting it down at the behest of political allies, as the Obama administration did in 2014.
“What we’re up against are some elitist and wealthy hunters and fishermen that want to have an area the size of Ohio that is state and private land, not federal land, declared by the federal government to be their private playground, and that’s just outrageous,” said Pebble Limited Partnership CEO Tom Collier. “We just need to make sure that’s not how decisions are made in America.”
The partnership seeks to activate the president’s base during the RNC with an ad on digital and television outlets, including Fox News, praising Mr. Trump for “restoring order to the regulatory review process, unlike the previous administration that vetoed projects that didn’t fit their politics.
“In Alaska, Obama officials blocked a project that has now finished a rigorous environmental review,” says the ad, which is slated to begin airing Tuesday. “Development that will create jobs and opportunity to native villages, provide essential minerals for our economy and coexist with Alaska’s natural habitats.”
The ad concludes, “President Trump, continue to stand tall, and don’t let politics enter the Pebble Mine review process.”
The proposed gold-copper-molybdenum mine has long been opposed by environmentalists, who cite the risk to the region’s salmon fisheries, but the Environmental Protection Agency in July 2019 lifted the Obama-era hold, allowing a review on the project’s wetlands impact to proceed.
Last month, the Army Corps of Engineers cleared the project in its Final Environmental Impact Statement. A week later, Donald Trump Jr. and Nick Ayers, former chief-of-staff to Vice President Mike Pence raised objections, with Mr. Ayers predicting that the president would order the EPA to block the project.
“Like millions of conservationists and sportsmen, I am hoping @realDonaldTrump will direct @EPA to block the Pebble mine in Bristol Bay,” tweeted Mr. Ayers on Aug. 4. “A Canadian company will unnecessarily mine the USA’s greatest fishery at a severe cost. This should be stopped and I believe @POTUS will do so!”
All that remains before the Corps signs a Record of Decision is to draw up a compensatory mitigation plan, but Politico, citing “six people familiar with the plans,” reported Saturday that the administration would use the opportunity to kill the project as early as Monday.
Backers of Mr. Trump’s push to streamline and depoliticize the regulatory process urged the president to stay the course.
“The president should reject this last-minute push by DC elites to dictate what happens in Alaska,” said American Energy Alliance president Tom Pyle, who headed the Trump energy transition. “That is how the Obama-Biden administration operated, not this one. The EIS has made it clear that with mitigation, this project and the environment can coexist.”
He was joined by a host of conservative groups, including the Congressional Western Caucus, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Americans for Limited Government, Americans for Tax Reform, National Mining Association, Americans for Prosperity, and others.
“Pebble Mine has met the regulatory requirements,” tweeted JunkScience’s Steve Milloy, a member of the Trump EPA transition team. “What opponents want to do is to keep moving the goalposts back.”
Mr. Trump said at an Aug. 6 press briefing that he would “certainly listen to both sides,” adding that his son “has some very strong opinions and my son is very much an environmentalist.”
As a sportsman who has spent plenty of time in the area I agree 100%. The headwaters of Bristol Bay and the surrounding fishery are too unique and fragile to take any chances with. #PebbleMine https://t.co/4ffLdF4Qqe — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 4, 2020
Afterward, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a statement calling for “regulatory and permitting stability in Alaska,” while Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Myron Ebell said “science, rather than uninformed opinion, should direct important decisions on natural resource development.
“I am disappointed to see Donald Trump, Jr. endorse the illegitimate and thoroughly discredited Obama EPA position on the Pebble Mine, rather than the conclusion of one of the most exhaustive Environmental Impact Statements ever undertaken,” said Mr. Ebell, who led the Trump EPA transition team.
Environmentalists have called the Bristol Bay “the wrong place for any mine to be built,” noting that the watershed includes the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery, while the Pebble Partnership has countered that the mine’s footprint will take up just 5.3 square miles of the 40,000-square-mile region.
If Mr. Trump deep-sixes the mine, Mr. Collier said it would send a warning to developers and discourage U.S. projects. The Pebble Partnership has sunk about $1 billion into the project over 15 years.
“That’s the reason that the conservative community across the board is up in arms about this,” Mr. Collier said, adding, “Nobody is going to put up that kind of money if at the 11th hour an administration can because of political influences kill the project.”
The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the #PebbleMine says the mine can be safe.
It holds:
- $500 billion in copper and gold.
- $150 million in annual revenue for Alaska
- Jobs for poor Alaskans
But elitists imagine their fishing will be affected.@realDonaldTrump https://t.co/uTEeD86sfG — Steve Milloy (@JunkScience) August 22, 2020
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-23--Kirk Franklin makes splash at Stellar Gospel Music Awards

The singer took home six trophies during the 35th annual awards on Sunday night .
The two-hour virtual ceremony honored late civil rights icon and Georgia congressman John Lewis with a musical tribute from CeCe Winans who sang “ Bridge over Troubled Water.
” The awards also paid homage to first responder heroes who were on the front lines in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic .
Thanks to his “ Long Live Love ” album , Franklin collected male vocalist , album , producer , contemporary male vocalist and contemporary album of the year honors .
He also won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love Theory.
” Franklin returned to host the awards with Jonathan Reynolds and Koryn Hawthorne .
The ceremony aired on BET and BET Her .
Tasha Cobbs Leonard won the show ’ s top award as best artist .
She also took home contemporary female vocalist of the year through her album “ Heart .
Passion .
Pursuit.
” Donald Lawrence ’ s “ Deliver Me ( This is My Exodus ) ” was named song of the year .
He won the second most awards with four .
The best new artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also claimed top honors for best rap/hip-hop gospel album of the year .
Some of the performers include Tamela Mann , Marvin Sapp , James Fortune , Tye Tribbett and Anthony Brown .
This story has been corrected to show that Franklin won 6 awards , not 5 .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kirk Franklin made a splash at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
The singer took home six trophies during the 35th annual awards on Sunday night. The two-hour virtual ceremony honored late civil rights icon and Georgia congressman John Lewis with a musical tribute from CeCe Winans who sang “Bridge over Troubled Water.”
The awards also paid homage to first responder heroes who were on the front lines in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
Thanks to his “Long Live Love” album, Franklin collected male vocalist, album, producer, contemporary male vocalist and contemporary album of the year honors. He also won music video of the year for “Love Theory.”
Franklin returned to host the awards with Jonathan Reynolds and Koryn Hawthorne. The ceremony aired on BET and BET Her.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard won the show’s top award as best artist. She also took home contemporary female vocalist of the year through her album “Heart. Passion. Pursuit.”
Donald Lawrence’s “Deliver Me (This is My Exodus)” was named song of the year. He won the second most awards with four.
The best new artist went to Pastor Mike Jr., who also claimed top honors for best rap/hip-hop gospel album of the year.
Some of the performers include Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune, Tye Tribbett and Anthony Brown.
___
Online: http://www.thestellarawards.com
___
This story has been corrected to show that Franklin won 6 awards, not 5.


washingtontimes--2020-08-23--Screenwriter John Ridley to write new Batman comic series

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - John Ridley will write the new Batman comic series with plans of the Dark @ @ @ @ @ color .
The Oscar-winning screenwriter and DC publisher Jim Lee announced plans for Ridley to @ @ @ @ @ DC FanDome virtual panel on Saturday .
The four-issue comic is scheduled to release in @ @ @ @ @ series will focus on the family of Lucius Fox , who is one of Bruce @ @ @ @ @ .
Fox was also the president of Wayne Enterprises .
The panel revealed an illustration @ @ @ @ @ Ridley won an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay in 2013 for his work on @ @ @ @ @ .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - John Ridley will write the new Batman comic series with plans of the Dark Knight being a person of color.
The Oscar-winning screenwriter and DC publisher Jim Lee announced plans for Ridley to write the miniseries during a DC FanDome virtual panel on Saturday. The four-issue comic is scheduled to release in January.
Ridley said the series will focus on the family of Lucius Fox, who is one of Bruce Wayne’s closest allies. Fox was also the president of Wayne Enterprises.
The panel revealed an illustration of a leaping Batman.
Ridley won an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay in 2013 for his work on “12 Years of Slave.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-23--Democratic Party platform drops 'One China' language on Taiwan

The Democratic Party platform adopted at last week ’ s nominating convention dropped any reference to the U.S. policy of recognizing a single China in reference to unofficial American ally Taiwan .
The new platform issued for presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden on Thursday states that Democrats are committed to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act , which calls upon the U.S. to defend Taiwan from mainland attack .
The platform then states that Democrats “ will continue to support a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan.
” By contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ One China ” policy hammered out in the 1970s , when the U.S. dropped formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and shifted recognition to Beijing .
The 2016 document said Democrats were “ committed to a ‘ One China ‘ policy.
” Asked about the change , Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian said the Taiwan issue “ is the most important and sensitive issue between China and the U.S. ” “ The One China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations and a common consensus of the international community , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abide by the One China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqus , and prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues.
” The mild criticism of the Democrats from the Chinese government , some analysts say , reflects Beijing ’ s interest in seeing Mr. Biden defeat President Trump in November ’ s election .
Vice President Mike Pence has charged China with meddling in the U.S. election and said in a recent speech that Beijing “ wants a different president.
” Chinese state media also warned the Democratic platform ’ s omission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change of tone will likely further strain China-U.S. relations , ” the Chinese Communist Party outlet Global Times states .
A Democratic National Committee spokesman did not respond to an email seeking comment on the platform change .
Taiwan is an independent island-state known as the Republic of China located about 100 miles from the Chinese coast .
It was a refuge for Chinese Nationalist forces that fled from the mainland during the 1949 civil war that brought the communist regime to power .
The Trump administration has sharply increased ties to Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft deal , sailing warships repeatedly through the Taiwan Strait as a challenge to Beijing and earlier this month sending Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II to the island .
In yet another sign of warming relations likely to anger Beijing , the U.S. envoy to Taiwan joined President Tsai Ing-wen at a military memorial service Sunday .
The director of the American Institute in Taiwan , William Brent Christensen and Ms. Tsai reportedly did not address the annual event for soldiers killed by Chinese bombing in 1958 on Kinmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coast .
The Democratic platform also takes a tougher tone on China than in the past but also calls for more moderate policies than Mr. Trump has pursued .
It calls China ’ s trade practices unfair and criticizes its currency manipulation and technology theft .
“ Democrats ’ approach to China will be guided by America ’ s national interests and the interests of our allies , and draw on the sources of American strength — the openness of our society , the dynamism of our economy , and the power of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ norms that reflect our values , ” the document said .
“ Undermining those strengths will not make us ‘ tough on China.
’ It would be a gift to the Chinese Communist Party , ” the platform adds .
The part promised to be “ clear , strong , and consistent ” in pressing China on differences over economic , security and human rights .
Democrats argued that the threat from China is “ not primarily ” military , but are prepared to deter and respond to aggression .
“ We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navigation and resist the Chinese military ’ s intimidation in the South China Sea , ” the document said .
China since 2012 has been building up disputed islands in the sea and in 2018 began deploying missiles and electronic warfare systems — in what U.S. officials say is a violation of a pledge made by President Xi Jinping not to militarize the islands .
The platform also states that a Democratic administration would support activists in Hong Kong with sanctions .
It also condemned China ’ s placement of more than 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ concentration camps.
” “ Democrats will pursue this strategy without resorting to self-defeating , unilateral tariff wars or falling into the trap of a new Cold War , ” the platform says .
“ Those mistakes would only serve to exaggerate China ’ s weight , over-militarize our policy , and hurt American workers.
” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the U.S. hardline policy toward Taipei earlier this month .
Asked in an interview with One America News about Chinese threats against Taiwan , Mr. Pompeo said : “ We thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with respect to the historical understandings between the United States and China on Taiwan.
” The high-profile visit to Taiwan by Mr. Azar , a Cabinet secretary , was “ wholly consistent with those commitments , and we ’ ve told both the Chinese and the Taiwanese that we are going to continue to abide by that set of understandings.
” During his visit to the island , Mr. Azar criticized the Beijing for mishandling the coronavirus outbreak that cases the current pandemic .
Taiwan has been widely praised for its public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mainland .
“ China could have — and should have — disclosed more information , more transparently , and more cooperatively regarding COVID-19 , ” he said .
“ They should have disclosed the rapid human-to-human transmission of the disease that they knew about .
They should have disclosed the asymptomatic carriage and transmission of the disease .
”

The Democratic Party platform adopted at last week’s nominating convention dropped any reference to the U.S. policy of recognizing a single China in reference to unofficial American ally Taiwan.
The new platform issued for presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden on Thursday states that Democrats are committed to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which calls upon the U.S. to defend Taiwan from mainland attack.
The platform then states that Democrats “will continue to support a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan.”
By contrast, the 2016 platform explicitly supported the “One China” policy hammered out in the 1970s, when the U.S. dropped formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and shifted recognition to Beijing. The 2016 document said Democrats were “committed to a ‘One China’ policy.”
China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the platform change.
Asked about the change, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian said the Taiwan issue “is the most important and sensitive issue between China and the U.S.”
“The One China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations and a common consensus of the international community,” he said. “We urge relevant sides to abide by the One China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqus, and prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues.”
The mild criticism of the Democrats from the Chinese government, some analysts say, reflects Beijing’s interest in seeing Mr. Biden defeat President Trump in November’s election.
Vice President Mike Pence has charged China with meddling in the U.S. election and said in a recent speech that Beijing “wants a different president.”
Chinese state media also warned the Democratic platform’s omission will worsen U.S.-China ties.
“The change of tone will likely further strain China-U.S. relations,” the Chinese Communist Party outlet Global Times states.
A Democratic National Committee spokesman did not respond to an email seeking comment on the platform change.
Taiwan is an independent island-state known as the Republic of China located about 100 miles from the Chinese coast. It was a refuge for Chinese Nationalist forces that fled from the mainland during the 1949 civil war that brought the communist regime to power.
The Trump administration has sharply increased ties to Taiwan, agreeing to a multibillion dollar F-16 aircraft deal, sailing warships repeatedly through the Taiwan Strait as a challenge to Beijing and earlier this month sending Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II to the island.
In yet another sign of warming relations likely to anger Beijing, the U.S. envoy to Taiwan joined President Tsai Ing-wen at a military memorial service Sunday.
The director of the American Institute in Taiwan, William Brent Christensen and Ms. Tsai reportedly did not address the annual event for soldiers killed by Chinese bombing in 1958 on Kinmen, a Taiwanese-controlled island near the mainland coast.
The Democratic platform also takes a tougher tone on China than in the past but also calls for more moderate policies than Mr. Trump has pursued. It calls China’s trade practices unfair and criticizes its currency manipulation and technology theft.
“Democrats’ approach to China will be guided by America’s national interests and the interests of our allies, and draw on the sources of American strength — the openness of our society, the dynamism of our economy, and the power of our alliances to shape and enforce international norms that reflect our values,” the document said.
“Undermining those strengths will not make us ‘tough on China.’ It would be a gift to the Chinese Communist Party,” the platform adds. The part promised to be “clear, strong, and consistent” in pressing China on differences over economic, security and human rights.
Defining the threat
Democrats argued that the threat from China is “not primarily” military, but are prepared to deter and respond to aggression.
“We will underscore our global commitment to freedom of navigation and resist the Chinese military’s intimidation in the South China Sea,” the document said.
China since 2012 has been building up disputed islands in the sea and in 2018 began deploying missiles and electronic warfare systems — in what U.S. officials say is a violation of a pledge made by President Xi Jinping not to militarize the islands.
The platform also states that a Democratic administration would support activists in Hong Kong with sanctions. It also condemned China’s placement of more than 1 million ethnic Uighurs and other minorities in “concentration camps.”
“Democrats will pursue this strategy without resorting to self-defeating, unilateral tariff wars or falling into the trap of a new Cold War,” the platform says. “Those mistakes would only serve to exaggerate China’s weight, over-militarize our policy, and hurt American workers.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the U.S. hardline policy toward Taipei earlier this month.
Asked in an interview with One America News about Chinese threats against Taiwan, Mr. Pompeo said: “We thoroughly intend to uphold our obligations and commitments with respect to the historical understandings between the United States and China on Taiwan.”
The high-profile visit to Taiwan by Mr. Azar, a Cabinet secretary, was “wholly consistent with those commitments, and we’ve told both the Chinese and the Taiwanese that we are going to continue to abide by that set of understandings.”
During his visit to the island, Mr. Azar criticized the Beijing for mishandling the coronavirus outbreak that cases the current pandemic. Taiwan has been widely praised for its public health campaign to contain the virus spreading from the mainland.
“China could have — and should have — disclosed more information, more transparently, and more cooperatively regarding COVID-19,” he said. “They should have disclosed the rapid human-to-human transmission of the disease that they knew about. They should have disclosed the asymptomatic carriage and transmission of the disease.”
• Bill Gertz can be reached at bgertz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--AGT winner Murphy earns high school equivalency diploma

LOGAN , W.Va. ( AP ) - “ America ’ s Got Talent ” winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. put @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic to good use , earning his high school equivalency diploma 30 years after @ @ @ @ @ road performances eliminated by the virus shutdown , the singer took online classes during the @ @ @ @ @ My manager and a few close friends kind of teamed up and encouraged me to @ @ @ @ @ for something , and I ’ m so glad I did , ” Murphy , @ @ @ @ @ native , said in a statement .
Murphy dropped out of school in the 11th @ @ @ @ @ haunted him for years .
He worked numerous odd jobs and at one point was @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2011 , Murphy ’ s smooth renditions of Frank Sinatra hits helped earn @ @ @ @ @ his own Las Vegas show and a recording contract when he won the NBC talent @ @

LOGAN, W.Va. (AP) - “America’s Got Talent” winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. put his down time during the coronavirus pandemic to good use, earning his high school equivalency diploma 30 years after dropping out.
With his road performances eliminated by the virus shutdown, the singer took online classes during the spring and summer.
“My manager and a few close friends kind of teamed up and encouraged me to make this downtime really count for something, and I’m so glad I did,” Murphy, a Logan, West Virginia native, said in a statement.
Murphy dropped out of school in the 11th grade, a decision that haunted him for years. He worked numerous odd jobs and at one point was living out of his car.
In 2011, Murphy’s smooth renditions of Frank Sinatra hits helped earn him $1 million, his own Las Vegas show and a recording contract when he won the NBC talent show.
“Landau is a great example that determination leads to success”, said Mike York, an adult education instructor who helped Murphy prepare to take the equivalency test.
Now Murphy has become an advocate for adult literacy.
“You’ve got to do this for yourself, to give you a shot at creating a better life,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Crews search Kansas River for missing 11-year-old girl

KANSAS CITY , Kan. ( AP ) - Emergency crews from Kansas City , Kansas , continued over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ for an 11-year-old girl who went missing in its waters and is presumed to have @ @ @ @ @ at least 10 firefighters searched the river Sunday , a day after witnesses said the @ @ @ @ @ water while trying to retrieve a beach ball , the Kansas City Star reported .
@ @ @ @ @ with the ball near a sand bar on the river near Interstate 435 and Woodend @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
An adult and two other minors tried to save the girl @ @ @ @ @ having to be rescued , Assistant Fire Chief Scott Hawley said .

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Emergency crews from Kansas City, Kansas, continued over the weekend to search the Kansas River for an 11-year-old girl who went missing in its waters and is presumed to have drowned.
Several boats and at least 10 firefighters searched the river Sunday, a day after witnesses said the girl was pulled under the water while trying to retrieve a beach ball, the Kansas City Star reported.
A family had been playing with the ball near a sand bar on the river near Interstate 435 and Woodend Avenue when the incident happened, officials said. An adult and two other minors tried to save the girl, but ended up also having to be rescued, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Hawley said.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--74 days, 1 mile later, giant Tennessee turtle returns home

ASHLAND CITY , Tenn. ( AP ) - A 150-pound ( 68-kilogram ) tortoise who escaped from a Tennessee home has been returned after 74 days , managing to make it less than a mile during his slow and steady journey .
Though the African Sulcata Tortoise named Soloman crawled away from his Ashland City enclosure more than two months ago , he was discovered just an eighth of a mile ( 1.2 kilometers ) away from home last week , his owner , Lynn Cole , told WKRN-TV on Friday .
Cole said a man and his son spotted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction site and returned him within minutes .
He didn ’ t seem to make it far , but Cole said the true extent of the 15-year-old tortoise ’ s trek remains a mystery .
“ I guess that we will never know the full details of Solomon ’ s great adventure and how he managed to elude us all for so long , ” Cole told the news outlet .
“ No matter his traveled course or intent , thanks to the gentleman and his son who happened to be driving by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely at home and , as such , so much joy has been returned to our family.
” Cole said Solomon is a beloved pet who has been with their family since birth .
The owners said they would pay his rescuers a reward for returning him home .

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. (AP) - A 150-pound (68-kilogram) tortoise who escaped from a Tennessee home has been returned after 74 days, managing to make it less than a mile during his slow and steady journey.
Though the African Sulcata Tortoise named Soloman crawled away from his Ashland City enclosure more than two months ago, he was discovered just an eighth of a mile away from home last week, his owner, Lynn Cole, told WKRN-TV on Friday.
Cole said a man and his son spotted Solomon grazing in a valley at a construction site and returned him within minutes.
He didn’t seem to make it far, but Cole said the true extent of the 15-year-old tortoise’s trek remains a mystery.
“I guess that we will never know the full details of Solomon’s great adventure and how he managed to elude us all for so long,” Cole told the news outlet. “No matter his traveled course or intent, thanks to the gentleman and his son who happened to be driving by at that moment, Solomon is now safely at home and, as such, so much joy has been returned to our family.”
Cole said Solomon is a beloved pet who has been with their family since birth. The owners said they would pay his rescuers a reward for returning him home.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Kansas City police investigate cutting death of man

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Police in Kansas City are looking for a suspect in the @ @ @ @ @ outside a closed business on the east side of the city .
Officers were called @ @ @ @ @ 9 p.m. Sunday for a report of a cutting , police said in a news @ @ @ @ @ a man gravely injured on the ground .
He was taken to a hospital , @ @ @ @ @ His name had not been released by Monday morning .
The death was the 131st @ @ @ @ @ year , compared with 102 homicides by the same time last year , according to @ @ @ @ @ City Star .
A reward up to $ 25,000 is available for information leading to @ @ @ @ @ .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Police in Kansas City are looking for a suspect in the violent death of a man outside a closed business on the east side of the city.
Officers were called to the area just before 9 p.m. Sunday for a report of a cutting, police said in a news release. Arriving officers found a man gravely injured on the ground. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. His name had not been released by Monday morning.
The death was the 131st homicide in Kansas City this year, compared with 102 homicides by the same time last year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star.
A reward up to $25,000 is available for information leading to an arrest in the homicide.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Bail denied again to Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono

HARARE , Zimbabwe ( AP ) - A Zimbabwean journalist who has been held in prison for more than a month has been denied bail for the third time , while police continue arresting government critics .
Journalist Hopewell Chin ’ ono should remain in jail , a Harare magistrate ruled Monday .
Chin ’ ono is awaiting trial for allegedly encouraging people to participate in an anti-government demonstration planned for July 31 , but which was foiled by police and military .
He has been in custody since his arrest on July 20 .
His trial date has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to court for a routine remand hearing in September .
“ I will be strong .
I am fine , ” said Chin ’ ono from inside a prison van as he arrived at court Monday .
Roslyn Hanzi , one of his lawyers , said prison authorities have barred the lead lawyer in the case , Beatrice Mtetwa , from visiting or consulting with Chin ’ ono , who is being held at Chikurubi , a maximum security prison known for its harsh conditions and which is usually reserved for hardcore criminals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled that Mtetwa , a prominent human rights advocate , should step down as Chin ’ ono ’ s lawyer , accusing her of being responsible for comments posted on a Facebook page , although she denied that she has any control over the page .
“ They are essentially stripping Hopewell Chin ’ ono of his right to legal representation at all levels , ” said Hanzi .
Hanzi said arrests of critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa ’ s government and the ruling ZANU-PF party , which intensified in July , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts have been hearing cases of lawyers , nurses , journalists and politicians who are among scores arrested for criticizing the government , assisting activists or demanding better working conditions , according to lawyers .
The latest arrests include that of Job Sikhala , a member of parliament for the main opposition MDC Alliance party who had been in hiding for weeks after being accused of mobilizing anti-government protests .
Another opposition legislator , Prince Dubeko Dube , has been charged with inciting violence after he gave employees of a supermarket two face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must go .
”

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - A Zimbabwean journalist who has been held in prison for more than a month has been denied bail for the third time, while police continue arresting government critics.
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono should remain in jail, a Harare magistrate ruled Monday. Chin’ono is awaiting trial for allegedly encouraging people to participate in an anti-government demonstration planned for July 31, but which was foiled by police and military. He has been in custody since his arrest on July 20. His trial date has not yet been set but he will return to court for a routine remand hearing in September.
“I will be strong. I am fine,” said Chin’ono from inside a prison van as he arrived at court Monday.
Roslyn Hanzi, one of his lawyers, said prison authorities have barred the lead lawyer in the case, Beatrice Mtetwa, from visiting or consulting with Chin’ono, who is being held at Chikurubi, a maximum security prison known for its harsh conditions and which is usually reserved for hardcore criminals and government critics.
A court recently ruled that Mtetwa, a prominent human rights advocate, should step down as Chin’ono’s lawyer, accusing her of being responsible for comments posted on a Facebook page, although she denied that she has any control over the page.
“They are essentially stripping Hopewell Chin’ono of his right to legal representation at all levels,” said Hanzi.
Hanzi said arrests of critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government and the ruling ZANU-PF party, which intensified in July, have continued “unabated.”
Zimbabwe’s courts have been hearing cases of lawyers, nurses, journalists and politicians who are among scores arrested for criticizing the government, assisting activists or demanding better working conditions, according to lawyers.
The latest arrests include that of Job Sikhala, a member of parliament for the main opposition MDC Alliance party who had been in hiding for weeks after being accused of mobilizing anti-government protests. Another opposition legislator, Prince Dubeko Dube, has been charged with inciting violence after he gave employees of a supermarket two face masks marked with the words “ZANU-PF must go.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Officials: Fort Rucker solider found dead off base

FORT RUCKER , Ala. ( AP ) - A solider stationed at an Alabama U.S. Army post was found dead @ @ @ @ @ .
Fort Rucker officials said the soldier was found off the base near the town @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Information on the solider and details surrounding the solider ’ s death weren @ @ @ @ @ Fort Rucker is in southeast Alabama , about 25 miles ( 40 kilometers ) from @ @ @ @ @ the primary flight training installation for U.S. Army Aviators and is home to the United @ @ @ @ @ Excellence and the United States Army Aviation Museum .

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (AP) - A solider stationed at an Alabama U.S. Army post was found dead Sunday morning, officials said.
Fort Rucker officials said the soldier was found off the base near the town of Clayhatchee, news outlets reported.
Information on the solider and details surrounding the solider’s death weren’t immediately released.
Fort Rucker is in southeast Alabama, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Dothan. The base is the primary flight training installation for U.S. Army Aviators and is home to the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and the United States Army Aviation Museum.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Jim Bakker gets PPP loans during legal fight on fraud claims

When the U.S. government extended pandemic hardship loans to thousands of religious institutions , Jim Bakker and Morningside USA , his ministry in Blue Eye , Missouri , were among the most high-profile recipients .
On April 28 , the pastor received approval for an amount between $ 650,000 and $ 1.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds .
Weeks before , the New York and Missouri attorneys general , as well as the Federal Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission , filed complaints alleging Bakker engaged in deceptive practices by touting purported health benefits of a silver product on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestion it could be used to treat or prevent COVID-19 infection , something the FDA says is false .
In June , the Arkansas attorney general ’ s office followed with its own lawsuit .
Applicants seeking PPP loans were asked to certify they weren ’ t engaged in any activity that is illegal under federal , state or local law .
The question is whether Bakker ’ s involvement in ongoing litigation and fraud allegations will rise to the level of a Small Business Administration review .
It ’ s likely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former federal prosecutor who worked in the Justice Department for 15 years .
“ There is every reason to think that an entity , led by a person with the profile he has , given his history , and given the ongoing fraud issues surrounding the product he was selling , that those ongoing investigations and the ongoing attention … it would be realistic to think that would lead to further investigation of his PPP loans , ” Grooms said .
An SBA spokesperson refused to comment on any specific loan recipient .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the loan program was administered , saying the agency made no eligibility determinations during the approval process .
After the fact , the SBA will review organizations and companies to identify those that may have submitted inaccurate self-certifications .
The agency may seek repayment with the potential for civil or criminal penalties if a fraudulent application was submitted .
Bakker ’ s attorneys argue no laws were violated and provided this statement : “ We strongly believe that Morningside ’ s offering of a legal product , sold by stores across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; a fact underscored by the FDA taking no action against Morningside and issuing its letter closing the warning letter process on July 14th .
The allegations made by the Missouri and Arkansas attorneys general concern only this product , and Morningside had suspended its offering of that product prior to the date of its PPP loan application.
” Baker gained notoriety in the late 1980s and 1990s as a result of his trial and financial fraud conviction relating to Heritage USA , his TV studio , Christian-oriented theme park and water park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Fort Mill , South Carolina .
After serving five years in federal prison , he shifted from preaching the prosperity gospel to an apocalyptic end-times message .
“ We ’ ve gone through quite a year , ” a tearful Bakker told his TV congregants this month .
On Feb. 12 , before any governor had ordered a coronavirus lockdown , Bakker touted the health benefits of Silver Solution on his show .
Bakker was joined by guest Sherrill Sellman , who practices naturopathic medicine and is not a licensed physician .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the globe , you ’ re saying that Silver Solution would be effective , ” he said , holding a bottle throughout the TV segment .
Sellman explained that the silver product , previously promoted on the show and sold through its online store , had not been tested against COVID-19 , “ but it ’ s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it in 12 hours - totally eliminate it .
It kills it .
Deactivates it , ” she said .
What followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning letters , multiple state complaints and a temporary restraining order to stop promoting or selling the product .
Bakker ’ s co-counsel is Jay Nixon , a former four-term Missouri attorney general and two-term Democratic governor .
Nixon has framed this as a First Amendment and religious freedom fight .
Nixon says the pastor and his family use silver products in gel , lozenge and liquid form .
He said Bakker complied immediately with orders to stop offering Silver Solution on his show and website .
“ What we ’ re trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a targeting of a pastor for work said in his church as opposed to some sort of massive consumer issue that they ’ ve been after for a long time , which they have not , ” Nixon said .
Bakker ’ s legal team filed a suit against the Arkansas state attorney ’ s office to prevent the pursuit of his congregation ’ s personal information as part of its investigation .
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge pushes back on framing the lawsuit as a religious freedom infringement .
She wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I have a long track record of protecting the First Amendment and religious liberties for Arkansans and all Americans .
What I will not tolerate are the illegal schemes used by Mr. Bakker that directly relate to harming Arkansas consumers financially or physically .
By using his celebrity status to peddle fraudulent COVID-19 cures - stealing over $ 60,000 - Bakker has historically cloaked his illegal action in the name of religion , yet he continues to deceive Arkansans for his own glory and wealth.
” Bakker , wife Lori and daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of Morningside Church Productions , appealed for donations during a show which aired April 20 .
They referenced financial difficulties , and Bakker singled out “ enemies ” who were behind their problems .
“ The only way that we can stay on is if you help me .
It ’ s just sad to see what ’ s happening to America .
We are living in the final days , and if we go the wrong direction , America is through , ” he said .
“ Don ’ t let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A week later , Arvest Bank , as the lender , released three PPP loans to Bakker ’ s church management , production and retreat entities .
Bakker declined to comment , but Woodall responded in an email via the attorneys : The PPP program , she said , “ has been another blessing for our ministry , and for so many other ministries and small businesses.
” Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .

When the U.S. government extended pandemic hardship loans to thousands of religious institutions, Jim Bakker and Morningside USA, his ministry in Blue Eye, Missouri, were among the most high-profile recipients.
On April 28, the pastor received approval for an amount between $650,000 and $1.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds.
Weeks before, the Missouri attorney general filed a complaint, the New York attorney general sent a cease-and-desist warning and the Federal Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters alleging Bakker engaged in deceptive practices by touting purported health benefits of a silver product on The Jim Bakker Show - including a suggestion it could be used to treat or prevent COVID-19 infection, something the FDA says is false. In June, the Arkansas attorney general’s office followed with its own lawsuit.
Applicants seeking PPP loans were asked to certify they weren’t engaged in any activity that is illegal under federal, state or local law. The question is whether Bakker’s involvement in ongoing litigation and fraud allegations will rise to the level of a Small Business Administration review.
It’s likely, according to attorney Daniel Grooms, a former federal prosecutor who worked in the Justice Department for 15 years. “There is every reason to think that an entity, led by a person with the profile he has, given his history, and given the ongoing fraud issues surrounding the product he was selling, that those ongoing investigations and the ongoing attention … it would be realistic to think that would lead to further investigation of his PPP loans,” Grooms said.
An SBA spokesperson refused to comment on any specific loan recipient. However, he provided an explanation about how the loan program was administered, saying the agency made no eligibility determinations during the approval process. After the fact, the SBA will review organizations and companies to identify those that may have submitted inaccurate self-certifications. The agency may seek repayment with the potential for civil or criminal penalties if a fraudulent application was submitted.
Bakker’s attorneys argue no laws were violated and provided this statement: “We strongly believe that Morningside’s offering of a legal product, sold by stores across the country, did not violate any laws; a fact underscored by the FDA taking no action against Morningside and issuing its letter closing the warning letter process on July 14th. The allegations made by the Missouri and Arkansas attorneys general concern only this product, and Morningside had suspended its offering of that product prior to the date of its PPP loan application.”
Bakker gained notoriety in the late 1980s and 1990s as a result of his trial and financial fraud conviction relating to Heritage USA, his TV studio, Christian-oriented theme park and water park attraction with shopping, hotels and condominiums in Fort Mill, South Carolina. After serving five years in federal prison, he shifted from preaching the prosperity gospel to an apocalyptic end-times message.
“We’ve gone through quite a year,” a tearful Bakker told his TV congregants this month.
On Feb. 12, before any governor had ordered a coronavirus lockdown, Bakker touted the health benefits of Silver Solution on his show. Bakker was joined by guest Sherrill Sellman, who practices naturopathic medicine and is not a licensed physician.
“This influenza that is now circling the globe, you’re saying that Silver Solution would be effective,” he said, holding a bottle throughout the TV segment.
Sellman explained that the silver product, previously promoted on the show and sold through its online store, had not been tested against COVID-19, “but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it in 12 hours - totally eliminate it. It kills it. Deactivates it,” she said.
What followed was a succession of cease-and-desist orders, warning letters, multiple state complaints and a request for a temporary restraining order to stop promoting or selling the product.
Bakker’s co-counsel is Jay Nixon, a former four-term Missouri attorney general and two-term Democratic governor. Nixon has framed this as a First Amendment and religious freedom fight.
Nixon says the pastor and his family use silver products in gel, lozenge and liquid form. He said Bakker complied immediately with orders to stop offering Silver Solution on his show and website.
“What we’re trying to do is to show that this is a targeting of a pastor for work said in his church as opposed to some sort of massive consumer issue that they’ve been after for a long time, which they have not,” Nixon said.
Bakker’s legal team filed a suit against the Arkansas state attorney’s office to prevent the pursuit of his congregation’s personal information as part of its investigation.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge pushes back on framing the lawsuit as a religious freedom infringement. She wrote in a statement to the AP, “I have a long track record of protecting the First Amendment and religious liberties for Arkansans and all Americans. What I will not tolerate are the illegal schemes used by Mr. Bakker that directly relate to harming Arkansas consumers financially or physically. By using his celebrity status to peddle fraudulent COVID-19 cures - stealing over $60,000 - Bakker has historically cloaked his illegal action in the name of religion, yet he continues to deceive Arkansans for his own glory and wealth.”
Bakker, wife Lori and daughter Maricela Bakker Woodall, who serves as president of Morningside Church Productions, appealed for donations during a show which aired April 20. They referenced financial difficulties, and Bakker singled out “enemies” who were behind their problems. “The only way that we can stay on is if you help me. It’s just sad to see what’s happening to America. We are living in the final days, and if we go the wrong direction, America is through,” he said. “Don’t let me have to file for bankruptcy.”
A week later, Arvest Bank, as the lender, released three PPP loans to Bakker’s church management, production and retreat entities.
Bakker declined to comment, but Woodall responded in an email via the attorneys: The PPP program, she said, “has been another blessing for our ministry, and for so many other ministries and small businesses.”
__
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--The Latest: Norway to lift travel ban for soccer match

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world : The Norwegian government says it @ @ @ @ @ its travel ban to accommodate a Nations League soccer game against Austria on Sept. 4 @ @ @ @ @ sports minister Abid Q. Raja says “ we make this exception to ensure that both @ @ @ @ @ crew.
” Raja adds “ this is not a general exception … this is an @ @ @ @ @ Norway captain Omar Elabdellaoui and striker Alexander Soerloth both play in Turkey .

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
___
North Carolina State has paused all athletics activities due to a coronavirus cluster within its programs.
The school announced the move Monday evening, though it didn’t specify which programs were impacted by the cluster. In a separate release, the school said that not all of 27 positive cases reported involved athletes.
In a statement, athletics director Boo Corrigan said the school is working to determine “the most responsible path moving forward.”
In a tweet Monday, athletics spokesman Fred Demarest said the athletics department has conducted 2,053 tests to athletes, coaches and staff with 30 total positives for an infection rate of 1.5%. But those figures include 693 tests and 22 positives in the most recent set of results.
The school also announced two other coronavirus clusters Monday, one involving nine positive cases in a campus residence hall and the second in an off-campus apartment complex with five positive cases involving students.
___
Louisville anticipates admitting 18,000 spectators at Cardinal Stadium with appropriate seat distancing along with increased physical distancing at entrances. The plan is subject to change and the school is working with state officials.
Plans call for the former ticket office and a store at one gate to be removed for 16 openings and 32 entrances, with additional staffing. Safety measures include distancing inside the 60,800-seat stadium and parking lots for tailgating, temperature checks and face coverings.
Season ticket holders will have the opportunity to select seat location from physically distanced sets in priority point order. Priority points are awarded each year for season ticket holder longevity and donations to the Cardinal Athletic Fund.
Louisville opens on Sept. 12 against Western Kentucky in its lone non-conference game before a 10-game Atlantic Coast Conference schedule.
___
The board of directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has voted unanimously to reschedule this winter’s two Era Committee elections because of concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark says the Era Committee process requires in-person dialogue involving the members of the 16-person voting committee. In view of those concerns, she said the board decided that the Golden Days Committee and the Early Days Committee will instead meet during the winter of 2021.
The Golden Days Era Committee considers Hall of Fame candidates whose primary contributions to the game came from 1950 to 1969, and the Early Baseball Era Committee considers candidates whose primary contributions came prior to 1950. Each committee will consider a ballot of 10 candidates compiled by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s Historical Overview Committee, and those candidates will be announced in autumn 2021. Both committees will consider the ballots later that year and anybody elected will be enshrined in 2022.
___
Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney and men’s basketball coach Brad Brownell are among 15 members of the school’s athletic department taking a voluntary 10% salary cut as a way to offset expected losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The university also announced Monday a furlough program for affected employees starting Sept. 1 through the end of the year.
Clemson said about half of its full-time employees will be impacted by the cost-saving measures. University President Jim Clements is also subject to the 10% voluntary salary reduction.
___
An attorney representing the families of 11 Nebraska football players says Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren has not responded to a letter seeking documents and other material outlining specifics of how the conference decided to not play football in the fall.
Mike Flood said in a statement that his “clients believe that transparency in decision making is not too much to ask when the health of student athletes, their future opportunities and the very survival of men’s and women’s sporting programs are at stake.”
A former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, Flood asked the conference to produce documents relating to voting by the university presidents as well as meeting minutes and audio and video recordings and transcripts of meetings where votes were cast. He also asked for copies of studies, scientific data and medical information or advice considered by the presidents.
Flood threatened to file a federal lawsuit if he didn’t receive the requested material.
___
Iowa’s athletic department is working to secure a $75 million loan to cushion the blow of losing a projected $100 million in revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Athletic director Gary Barta said the Hawkeyes had built a strong financial foundation before the coronavirus forced cancellation of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and led to the Big Ten’s postponement of football until after Jan. 1. Now the athletic department faces a $60-$75 million deficit.
Iowa announced initial budget reductions in July, and after the Big Ten pulled the plug on fall football earlier this month the Hawkeyes announced Friday they would drop men’s gymnastics, men’s tennis, and men’s and women’s swimming and diving.
Barta said there are no plans to eliminate other sports and figures it will take about 15 years for the athletic department to pay off the loan. He said he had a “guestimate” for how much money Iowa could bring in from post-Jan. 1 football, but he declined to disclose the figure.
___
The Baltimore Ravens won’t have any fans at home games for the first part of the upcoming season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The team had outlined a plan to accommodate a crowd of 7,500, but decided against it “based on the recommendations of public health experts.”
In a statement, the team said that “for the time being, it is in the best interest of the general public and our organization that fans not attend games.”
The Ravens said they will continue to work with health officials about finding a way to eventually make the stadium safe for fans during home games.
___
Jamaican world record holder Usain Bolt says on social media he is awaiting the result of a coronavirus test and is quarantining himself as a precaution.
The 34-year-old retired sprinter who won gold in the 100 and 200 meters at the last three Olympics posted a video Monday on his official Instagram account to explain the situation.
“Good morning everybody. Just waking up. Like everybody, checked social media and saw that social media says I’m confirmed of COVID-19,” he said. “I did a test Saturday, because I work. I’m trying to be responsible, so I’m going to stay in and stay here for my friends.”
Bolt added he has no symptoms.
“Just to be safe, I’ll quarantine myself and just take it easy,” he said.
Bolt set the world records in the 100 and 200 meters at the 2009 world championships in Berlin. He retired after worlds in 2017.
___
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was one of the numerous COVID-19 false positive tests reported Sunday by the NFL’s lab partner.
Stefanski was at home with his wife and three children when he got word that he may have the virus.
“It wasn’t fun,” Stefanski said on a Zoom call. “I can laugh about it now, but truly it wasn’t fun to have that phone call very early in the morning and not get news that it was potentially an error until later.”
Stefanski said he immediately left his house as not to put his family in any more danger. He went to a condominium near the team’s facility where he stayed before moving his family to Ohio from Minnesota in the offseason. He spent the previous 13 seasons on the Vikings’ staff.
It took four hours before Stefanski learned he was negative. He was not able to coach on Sunday, when the Browns initially called off their workout before holding it when they learned of the flawed lab results.
Stefanski did not disclose how many false positives affected the Browns. He said 12 more players need to be cleared before they can practice Monday.
The 38-year-old coach praised the Browns for the way they handled “a fire drill” with their virus protocols.
- Tom Withers reporting from Cleveland.
___
Army has finalized its football schedule and the Black Knights will play 11 games, eight at home. Navy and Air Force remain on the schedule.
Attendance for the first two games in West Point, New York, is expected to be limited to the Corps of Cadets and exclude the general public.
Decisions on fan attendance for the remaining home games at Michie Stadium will be decided later.
The Black Knights will open the season Sept. 5 at home against Middle Tennessee State. The rest of the home slate includes Louisiana-Monroe, BYU, Abilene Christian, The Citadel, Mercer, Air Force and Georgia Southern.
Road games are at UTSA, Tulane and Philadelphia for the 121st Army-Navy matchup.
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Bundesliga team Schalke has reported a positive case of the coronavirus in an unidentified member of staff at its training camp in Austria.
“The affected person is currently self-isolating after the test result. Contact tracing is already underway,” the club says on its website.
Schalke was due to play Würzburger Kickers in a friendly game later Monday but that has been called off as the club conducts further tests.
Team doctor Patrick Ingelfinger is liaising with local authorities on what the club should do next.
“We will do everything we are told to do by the authorities. The health and safety of everyone involved is the most important thing,” sports director Jochen Schneider said.
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Duke will open its season for football and other fall sports with no fans at home games because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Duke says traditional parking lots used by fans on gameday will be closed. The school will contact football fans who have purchased season or single-game tickets or have seating and suite contracts in Blue Devil Tower regarding potential options.
The school will allow fans to purchase a fan cutout of a person or pet to be placed in seats for football games. The school will offer varied packages and stadium locations along with weekly prize drawings and the ability to have football coach David Cutcliffe autograph the cutout.
The school says sales proceeds will go to Duke Athletics for student-athlete support.
Athletics director Kevin White says it is “imperative to be both adaptable and compliant in anticipation of hosting fans in the near future.”
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The Norwegian government says it will make an exception from its travel ban to accommodate a Nations League soccer game against Austria on Sept. 4 in Oslo.
Culture and sports minister Abid Q. Raja says “we make this exception to ensure that both teams can field a full crew.”
Raja adds “this is not a general exception … this is an exception for this match.”
Norway captain Omar Elabdellaoui and striker Alexander Soerloth both play in Turkey.
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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Illinois, Missouri get award for Mississippi River bridge

PITTSFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - Illinois and Missouri ’ s partnership that replaced the 92-year-old Champ Clark Bridge @ @ @ @ @ earned the two states a regional transportation award for the second year in a row @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Omer Osman said the regional transportation award for Midwest states comes from the American @ @ @ @ @ Transportation Officials .
The bridge connecting the two states along U.S. 54 took top honors @ @ @ @ @ Life/Community Development , Medium Project ” category .
Illinois and Missouri shared the cost of @ @ @ @ @ , which links Louisiana , Missouri and Pike County in Illinois , about 90 miles @ @ @ @ @ of St. Louis .
The project doubled the width of the original bridge and eliminated @ @ @ @ @ adding lanes for bikes and pedestrians .
The first bridge was built in 1928 and @ @ @ @ @ Bowling Green , Missouri , who was U.S. House Speaker from 1911-1919 .
The last @ @ @ @ @ demolished last November .

PITTSFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois and Missouri’s partnership that replaced the 92-year-old Champ Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River has earned the two states a regional transportation award for the second year in a row.
Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said the regional transportation award for Midwest states comes from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
The bridge connecting the two states along U.S. 54 took top honors in the “Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium Project” category.
Illinois and Missouri shared the cost of the $60 million bridge, which links Louisiana, Missouri and Pike County in Illinois, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of St. Louis. The project doubled the width of the original bridge and eliminated a 40-ton weight restriction while adding lanes for bikes and pedestrians.
The first bridge was built in 1928 and honors James Beauchamp Clark of Bowling Green, Missouri, who was U.S. House Speaker from 1911-1919. The last of the original span was demolished last November.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Illinois tourism had another record year, before pandemic

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - Illinois set another record for tourism before the coronavirus pandemic essentially shut down normal life around the world , state officials said .
The Illinois Office of Tourism Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Friday that the state welcomed 120 million visitors in 2019 .
That was the ninth consecutive year that Illinois saw tourism growth .
Officials noted that COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus , has devastated the tourism industry and has shuttered schools , businesses and required people to stay at home for periods .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top destinations for travel in the country , supporting thousands of jobs and economic growth for our communities , ” said Michael Negron , acting director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity , which houses the tourism office .
The U.S. Travel Association estimates that tourists spent $ 43.1 billion in Illinois last year .
That was a 3 % increase over the prior year .
The tourism office said the money directly supported 344,100 jobs , which is up 1,800 from 2018 .
It generated $ 2.5 billion in state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up nearly 8 % over a year earlier .
Negron predicted that when the threat from COVID-19 has abated , the 2019 tourism numbers prove Illinois can rebound .

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois set another record for tourism before the coronavirus pandemic essentially shut down normal life around the world, state officials said.
The Illinois Office of Tourism Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Friday that the state welcomed 120 million visitors in 2019. That was the ninth consecutive year that Illinois saw tourism growth.
Officials noted that COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, has devastated the tourism industry and has shuttered schools, businesses and required people to stay at home for periods.
“Pre-COVID-19, Illinois offered one of the top destinations for travel in the country, supporting thousands of jobs and economic growth for our communities,” said Michael Negron, acting director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which houses the tourism office.
The U.S. Travel Association estimates that tourists spent $43.1 billion in Illinois last year. That was a 3% increase over the prior year.
The tourism office said the money directly supported 344,100 jobs, which is up 1,800 from 2018. It generated $2.5 billion in state sales tax revenue. That’s up nearly 8% over a year earlier.
Negron predicted that when the threat from COVID-19 has abated, the 2019 tourism numbers prove Illinois can rebound.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Jeff Flake among slew of former GOP lawmakers endorsing Joe Biden

Former Sen. Jeff Flake , along with more than two-dozen former Republican lawmakers , is marking the kick-off day of the Republican National Convention by formally going to bat for Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden .
The “ Republicans for Biden ” group is an effort organized by the Biden campaign , which sees the slew of endorsements as a “ strong rebuke ” against President Trump , according to Fox News .
“ These former members of Congress cited Trump ’ s corruption , destruction of democracy , blatant disregard for moral decency , and urgent need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reason why they support Biden , ” a Biden campaign official told Fox News .
“ These former members of Congress are supporting Joe Biden because they know what ’ s at stake in this election and that Trump ’ s failures as president have superseded partisanship.
” Mr. Flake of Arizona , during his tenure on Capitol Hill , repeatedly clashed with the president over the years , even publishing an op-ed last year at the start of the impeachment inquiry urging Republican lawmakers to “ save your souls ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes former Sens .
Gordon Humphrey of New Hampshire and John Warner of Virginia .
• Steve Bartlett of Texas .
• Bill Clinger of Pennsylvania .
• Tom Coleman of Missouri .
• Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania .
• Charles Djou of Hawaii .
• Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma .
• Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland .
• Jim Greenwood of Pennsylvania .
• Bob Inglis of South Carolina .
• Jim Kolbe of Arizona .
• Steve Kuykendall of California .
• Ray LaHood of Illinois .
• Jim Leach of Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Mike Parker of Mississippi .
• Jack Quinn of New York .
• Claudine Schneider of Rhode Island .
• Chris Shays of Connecticut .
• Peter Smith of Vermont .
• Alan Steelman of Texas .
• Bill Whitehurst of Virginia .
• Dick Zimmer of New Jersey .
• Jim Walsh of New York .
It is part of a larger effort from the Biden campaign to cross into the president ’ s Republican turf .
There will also be a “ Vote Joe ” app and other tools to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events .
At the Democratic National Convention , which wrapped up last week , several Republicans participated in and endorsed Mr. Biden , such as former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich .
Others , such as former Trump DHS Chief of Staff Miles Taylor , didn ’ t directly participate in the convention but still made news with their cross-party endorsement .
The Trump campaign shrugged off the new endorsements , saying its just more evidence Mr. Biden is a creature of the “ swamp ” that Mr. Trump is trying to dismantle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure in the Washington swamp for a half-century , so one should be surprised when swamp creatures gather to protect one of their own .
President Trump has unprecedented support — over 95 percent — among real Republican voters and is also making strong inroads in Biden ’ s core Democrat constituencies , like Black Americans , Latinos , and union members .
President Trump ’ s record of success for all Americans will carry him to victory in November , ” Tim Murtaugh , Trump campaign communications director , told Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will last through Thursday .

Former Sen. Jeff Flake, along with more than two-dozen former Republican lawmakers, is marking the kick-off day of the Republican National Convention by formally going to bat for Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden.
The former vice president’s campaign announced the “Republicans for Biden” group, which sees the slew of endorsements as a “strong rebuke” against the president.
“These former members of Congress cited Trump’s corruption, destruction of democracy, blatant disregard for moral decency, and urgent need to get the country back on course as a reason why they support Biden,” the Biden campaign said in a statement. “These former members of Congress are supporting Joe Biden because they know what’s at stake in this election and that Trump’s failures as president have superseded partisanship.”
Fox News first reported the new endorsement group.
Mr. Flake of Arizona, during his tenure on Capitol Hill, repeatedly clashed with the president over the years, even publishing an op-ed last year at the start of the impeachment inquiry urging Republican lawmakers to “save your souls” and abandon Mr. Trump.
The group also includes former Sens. Gordon Humphrey of New Hampshire and John Warner of Virginia.
House alumni include:
• Steve Bartlett of Texas.
• Bill Clinger of Pennsylvania.
• Tom Coleman of Missouri.
• Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania.
• Charles Djou of Hawaii.
• Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma.
• Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland.
• Jim Greenwood of Pennsylvania.
• Bob Inglis of South Carolina.
• Jim Kolbe of Arizona.
• Steve Kuykendall of California.
• Ray LaHood of Illinois.
• Jim Leach of Iowa.
• Connie Morella of Maryland.
• Mike Parker of Mississippi.
• Jack Quinn of New York.
• Claudine Schneider of Rhode Island.
• Chris Shays of Connecticut.
• Peter Smith of Vermont.
• Alan Steelman of Texas.
• Bill Whitehurst of Virginia.
• Dick Zimmer of New Jersey.
• Jim Walsh of New York.
It is part of a larger effort from the Biden campaign to cross into the president’s Republican turf. There will also be a “Vote Joe” app and other tools to try and recruit GOP voters and organize events.
At the Democratic National Convention, which wrapped up last week, several Republicans participated in and endorsed Mr. Biden, such as former Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
Others, such as former Trump DHS Chief of Staff Miles Taylor, didn’t directly participate in the convention but still made news with their cross-party endorsement.
The Trump campaign shrugged off the new endorsements, saying its just more evidence Mr. Biden is a creature of the “swamp” that Mr. Trump is trying to dismantle.
“Joe Biden has been a failure in the Washington swamp for a half-century, so one should be surprised when swamp creatures gather to protect one of their own. President Trump has unprecedented support — over 95 percent — among real Republican voters and is also making strong inroads in Biden’s core Democrat constituencies, like Black Americans, Latinos, and union members. President Trump’s record of success for all Americans will carry him to victory in November,” Tim Murtaugh, Trump campaign communications director, told Fox News.
The RNC kicks off Monday night and will last through Thursday.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--After Beirut explosion, helpers tend to shock and trauma

When a massive explosion ripped through Beirut this month , Yorgo Younes scurried to flee his building .
He saw children crying and adults screaming as they scrambled for safety , one running barefoot over jagged pieces of glass in a state of shock and fear .
A clinical psychologist , Younes thought of the toll this moment would exact .
“ I had a choice either to panic , too , or to do something.
” Online , Younes and others offered to help those grappling with the shock and trauma of a blast that devastated a people wearied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and related hardship .
“ Already , we were going through a very tough period in Lebanon , ” he said .
“ And then came this explosion .
It made everyone , in a way , blow up as well.
” The blast - caused by the ignition of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate warehoused at the city ’ s port - killed nearly 180 people , left many missing , injured thousands more , destroyed homes and shattered a facade of normalcy .
After his offer to provide what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Younes says he has received dozens of calls and messages seeking help .
People have turned to him with complaints of anxiety , difficulty breathing , insomnia or having nightmares .
Some had feelings of survivor ’ s guilt : Why did others lose their lives or homes while they were spared , they wondered .
One mother described how her son constantly feared another explosion would hit and was getting jumpy at any noise .
Younes usually starts by telling them that their reactions are normal , works to calm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how to deal with anxiety .
Offers to help navigate the trauma are part of a wider effort by many in Lebanon who , bound by catastrophe , closed ranks to tend to their collective wounds .
They opened their homes for strangers or swept up streets strewn with glass and rubble , helping fill what many say is a void left by the state .
“ In a moment where we all lost hope , in a way , I don ’ t know how it is that right away we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Younes said .
“ We got back on our feet , and everyone tried to help in the way they know and to offer the skills they have.
” Nadine Ghanimeh , a psychotherapist who has also volunteered her services , said she wanted to offer presence and emotional support to those who are struggling .
“ My generation knew war for long periods of time ” - the Lebanese civil war started in 1975 and ended in 1990 - “ and we all know how important the human presence is … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Once they understand that whatever they are feeling is normal and it will pass with time , this helps.
” Ghanimeh derives hope from the scenes of solidarity playing out amid the devastation .
“ In this desolation , you would feel helpless , ” she said .
“ Being able to act and do something about it helps both those doing the work and those at the receiving end.
” Fatima Ismail , a painter , also turned to social media offering to use art to help people navigate their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent Zoom session she hosted , she urged a small group to pour their feelings on paper in the form of a painting , or to visualize painting as she offered guidance .
When they finished , Ismail encouraged participants to share their feelings .
One wrote that he was happy with the experience .
Another said she felt sadness .
“ How about you scribble this sadness on paper ?
” Ismail suggested .
“ The goal…is not to erase the feelings but , simply , to accept the feeling as is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it take its time , and let it pass , ” she said , “ because tomorrow we will rebuild.
” While nonstop news about the effects of the coronavirus has become commonplace , so , too , have tales of kindness .
“ One Good Thing ” is a series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time .
Read the series here : https : //apnews.com/OneGoodThing Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is @ @ @ @ @ @

When a massive explosion ripped through Beirut this month, Yorgo Younes scurried to flee his building. He saw children crying and adults screaming as they scrambled for safety, one running barefoot over jagged pieces of glass in a state of shock and fear.
A clinical psychologist, Younes thought of the toll this moment would exact. “I had a choice either to panic, too, or to do something.”
Online, Younes and others offered to help those grappling with the shock and trauma of a blast that devastated a people wearied by severe economic turmoil and the coronavirus pandemic and related hardship.
“Already, we were going through a very tough period in Lebanon,” he said. “And then came this explosion. It made everyone, in a way, blow up as well.”
The blast - caused by the ignition of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate warehoused at the city’s port - killed nearly 180 people, left many missing, injured thousands more, destroyed homes and shattered a facade of normalcy.
After his offer to provide what he describes as “psychological first aid,” Younes says he has received dozens of calls and messages seeking help.
People have turned to him with complaints of anxiety, difficulty breathing, insomnia or having nightmares. Some had feelings of survivor’s guilt: Why did others lose their lives or homes while they were spared, they wondered. One mother described how her son constantly feared another explosion would hit and was getting jumpy at any noise.
Younes usually starts by telling them that their reactions are normal, works to calm them with breathing exercises and provides tips on how to deal with anxiety.
Offers to help navigate the trauma are part of a wider effort by many in Lebanon who, bound by catastrophe, closed ranks to tend to their collective wounds. They opened their homes for strangers or swept up streets strewn with glass and rubble, helping fill what many say is a void left by the state.
“In a moment where we all lost hope, in a way, I don’t know how it is that right away we decided we needed to do something,” Younes said. “We got back on our feet, and everyone tried to help in the way they know and to offer the skills they have.”
Nadine Ghanimeh, a psychotherapist who has also volunteered her services, said she wanted to offer presence and emotional support to those who are struggling.
“My generation knew war for long periods of time” - the Lebanese civil war started in 1975 and ended in 1990 - “and we all know how important the human presence is … at such times,” she said. “Once they understand that whatever they are feeling is normal and it will pass with time, this helps.”
Ghanimeh derives hope from the scenes of solidarity playing out amid the devastation.
“In this desolation, you would feel helpless,” she said. “Being able to act and do something about it helps both those doing the work and those at the receiving end.”
Fatima Ismail, a painter, also turned to social media offering to use art to help people navigate their emotions after the explosion.
In a recent Zoom session she hosted, she urged a small group to pour their feelings on paper in the form of a painting, or to visualize painting as she offered guidance. When they finished, Ismail encouraged participants to share their feelings.
One wrote that he was happy with the experience. Another said she felt sadness.
“How about you scribble this sadness on paper?” Ismail suggested. “The goal…is not to erase the feelings but, simply, to accept the feeling as is,” she said.
“Let it take its time, and let it pass,” she said, “because tomorrow we will rebuild.”
___
While nonstop news about the effects of the coronavirus has become commonplace, so, too, have tales of kindness. “One Good Thing” is a series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time. Read the series here: https://apnews.com/OneGoodThing
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Offices of Mozambican opposition newspaper burned in arson

The premises of one of Mozambique ’ s leading opposition newspapers , the weekly Canal de Mozambique and the daily CanalMoz , were attacked with petrol bombs and burned , the newspapers ’ editor Matias Guente confirmed Monday .
The office and its equipment were thoroughly burned in the fire Sunday night and a container of gasoline fuel used in the attack was found at the site , Guente told the Zitamar news agency .
The incident has been reported to the police , said Guente .
Several prominent civil rights campaigners have condemned the attack .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , ” Adriano Nuvunga of the Center for Democracy and Development wrote on Twitter .
The fire-bombing could be linked to a report Canal printed days earlier about bribery and the efforts of prominent Mozambicans to win control of part of the fuel retail business worth millions of dollars , said the Center for Democracy in a statement .
Erik Charas , founder of the newspaper A Verdade , tweeted that the attack was “ a premeditated criminal act , ” as the door to the building had been sabotaged earlier in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Savana and Mediafax , has invited Canal to use its premises and facilities to ensure it can continue publishing uninterrupted .

MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) -
The premises of two of Mozambique’s leading independent newspapers, the weekly Canal de Mozambique and the daily CanalMoz, were attacked with petrol bombs and burned, the newspapers’ editor Matias Guente confirmed Monday.
The office and its equipment were thoroughly burned in the fire Sunday night and a container of gasoline fuel used in the attack was found at the site, Guente told the Zitamar news agency. The papers are privately owned and often critical of the government.
The incident has been reported to the police, said Guente.
Several prominent civil rights campaigners have condemned the attack. “This is barbaric … Freedom of expression is under attack,” Adriano Nuvunga of the Center for Democracy and Development wrote on Twitter.
The fire-bombing could be linked to a report Canal printed days earlier about bribery and the efforts of prominent Mozambicans to win control of part of the fuel retail business worth millions of dollars, said the Center for Democracy in a statement.
Erik Charas, founder of the newspaper A Verdade, tweeted that the attack was “a premeditated criminal act,” as the door to the building had been sabotaged earlier in the day.
Mediacoop, the publisher of Savana and Mediafax, has invited Canal to use its premises and facilities to ensure it can continue publishing uninterrupted.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Husband charged after wife's beaten body found in their home

BRIGANTINE , N.J. ( AP ) - A man was charged with murder after his wife ’ s beaten body @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey home .
Brigantine police found Rachel Declementi , 30 , when they responded @ @ @ @ @ 4:30 a.m. Saturday , according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor ’ s Office .
She @ @ @ @ @ body , but further details were not disclosed and a cause of death has not @ @ @ @ @ Declementi , 36 , was charged with murder and remains in the county jail , @ @ @ @ @ will likely be held this week .
It wasn ’ t known Monday if he @ @ @ @ @ A motive for the slaying remains under investigation .

BRIGANTINE, N.J. (AP) - A man was charged with murder after his wife’s beaten body was found in their southern New Jersey home.
Brigantine police found Rachel Declementi, 30, when they responded to a 911 call around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. She had numerous injuries to her body, but further details were not disclosed and a cause of death has not yet been determined.
Robert Declementi, 36, was charged with murder and remains in the county jail, pending a detention hearing that will likely be held this week. It wasn’t known Monday if he has retained an attorney.
A motive for the slaying remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--Woman whose husband had cancer in prison loses lawsuit

ADRIAN , Mich. ( AP ) - A woman who blamed prison medical staff for failing to diagnose her husband @ @ @ @ @ to persuade an appeals court to revive her lawsuit .
Jeff Barrett , 59 , @ @ @ @ @ lung cancer in 2015 , a month after he was released on parole .
Judith @ @ @ @ @ Adrian violated her husband ’ s rights by not finding the cancer in time , @ @ @ @ @ problems and other health woes .
But a medical expert testified that the cancer could @ @ @ @ @ a chest X-ray , which revealed only a pulmonary disease .
Judith Barrett “ understandably @ @ @ @ @ , especially given his untimely passing right after he was paroled , ” the appeals @ @ @ @ @ the record contains no genuine issue of material fact on whether defendants were deliberately indifferent @ @

ADRIAN, Mich. (AP) - A woman who blamed prison medical staff for failing to diagnose her husband’s cancer has failed to persuade an appeals court to revive her lawsuit.
Jeff Barrett, 59, of Newaygo County died of lung cancer in 2015, a month after he was released on parole.
Judith Barrett claimed prison staff in Adrian violated her husband’s rights by not finding the cancer in time, despite multiple appointments for breathing problems and other health woes.
But a medical expert testified that the cancer could have developed after staff viewed a chest X-ray, which revealed only a pulmonary disease.
A federal appeals court recently affirmed a decision to dismiss Barrett’s lawsuit.
Judith Barrett “understandably mourns Barrett’s death, especially given his untimely passing right after he was paroled,” the appeals court said. “But the record contains no genuine issue of material fact on whether defendants were deliberately indifferent.”


washingtontimes--2020-08-24--First phase of Dossin museum enhancements completed

DETROIT ( AP ) - The first phase of a $ 4.9 million outdoor enhancement project at Belle Isle ’ @ @ @ @ @ has been completed .
Sponsors and supporters of the project are scheduled to mark the @ @ @ @ @ ceremony and ribbon cutting .
The museum ’ s outdoor maritime artifacts , including the @ @ @ @ @ S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald , have been re-displayed and upgraded as part of the project .
@ @ @ @ @ and was immortalized by Gordon Lightfoot ’ s song .
Several new gardens have been @ @ @ @ @ controlling erosion along the waterfront .
A new cove also stabilizes the shoreline adjacent to @ @ @ @ @ new launch point for Belle Isle ’ s water sport enthusiasts .
Other phases will @ @ @ @ @ trail and a landscape that would approximate the natural setting of Belle Isle before it @ @ @ @ @ Isle is located in the Detroit River , just northeast of downtown Detroit .

DETROIT (AP) - The first phase of a $4.9 million outdoor enhancement project at Belle Isle’s Dossin Great Lakes Museum has been completed.
Sponsors and supporters of the project are scheduled to mark the occasion on Saturday with a ceremony and ribbon cutting.
The museum’s outdoor maritime artifacts, including the famous bow anchor from the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, have been re-displayed and upgraded as part of the project. The freighter sank in 1975 and was immortalized by Gordon Lightfoot’s song.
Several new gardens have been planted with a focus on controlling erosion along the waterfront. A new cove also stabilizes the shoreline adjacent to the museum and provides a new launch point for Belle Isle’s water sport enthusiasts.
Other phases will include work on a riverfront trail and a landscape that would approximate the natural setting of Belle Isle before it became a park.
Belle Isle is located in the Detroit River, just northeast of downtown Detroit.