washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Overturning Roe v. Wade ruling not only way to end legal abortion access, experts say

Legal analysts say overturning Roe v. Wade , the 1973 decision that legalized abortion , isn ’ t the only way a conservative-led Supreme Court might cut access to it .
More than a dozen pending federal cases on rights and restrictions to abortion only indirectly concern Roe and could soon be appearing on the Supreme Court ’ s docket .
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has yet to rule on Ohio ’ s ban on abortions of fetuses with Down syndrome , which the state ’ s attorney general defended earlier this year .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5th Circuit is considering a Texas law that strikes down an abortion procedure known as dilation and evacuation , typically used in the second-trimester of a pregnancy .
Meanwhile , two other cases are pending petition before the Supreme Court this term : • Food and Drug Administration v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concerns whether abortion medication needs to be distributed only in-person by a health care provider , even during a pandemic .
• Dobbs v. Jackson Women ’ s Health Organization addresses the constitutionality of a Mississippi law banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cases of medical emergencies or severe fetal abnormalities .
“ That ’ s [ Dobbs v. Jackson ] where I would expect them to go , ” said Teresa Stanton Collett , a law professor and director of the Prolife Center at St. Thomas University in St. Paul , Minnesota .
“ Why are we letting abortion clinics and abortion doctors say they ’ re representing the interest of their patients when they ’ re attacking health and safety laws ?
” Pro-life and pro-choices advocates anticipate a Supreme Court challenge to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died Friday of pancreatic cancer at age 87 .
“ Her seat should be filled by a Justice who carries forward the vision of a fair , equal , and just society under law , ” Nancy Northup , president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights , said in an emailed statement to The Washington Times .
A post-Roe America , legal experts say , would see a patchwork of laws restricting and allowing various procedures .
More than a dozen states — such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Montana , have sought to preserve expand abortion rights in recent years .
Likewise , 24 states — including Texas , Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and the Dakotas — have sought to ban or severely limit abortions , according to the Center for Reproductive Rights .
“ This is one of the most important times that we have had for everyday people to stand up , ” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , New York Democrat , said Sunday at a press conference .
“ We all need to be more courageous and we all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that our rights are stabilized.
” Abortion rights supporters note that public polling is higher than at any other point in three decades for Roe v. Wade .
Last year , fully 6 in 10 Americans said abortion should be legal in all or most cases , having rebounded from below 50 % in 2009 , according to Pew Forum Research .
While many progressives fear the Roe firewall in the nation ’ s highest court could be breached , conservatives have been stymied before at the Supreme Court .
In June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the four liberal justices to strike down a Louisiana law that would have required credentialing privileges of doctors performing abortions at local hospitals .
Chief Justice Roberts said the ruling was in accordance with legal precedent , noting the court had struck down a nearly identical law in Texas just a few years earlier .
However , court observers point out that the chief justice wrote in his concurring opinion that “ neither party has asked us to reassess the constitutional validity ” of the 1992 abortion case , Planned Parenthood v. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a federal standard prohibiting any states from passing laws that cause an “ undue burden ” upon people seeking an abortion .

Legal analysts say overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion, isn’t the only way a conservative-led Supreme Court might cut access to it.
More than a dozen pending federal cases on rights and restrictions to abortion only indirectly concern Roe and could soon be appearing on the Supreme Court’s docket.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has yet to rule on Ohio’s ban on abortions of fetuses with Down syndrome, which the state’s attorney general defended earlier this year.
And the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit is considering a Texas law that strikes down an abortion procedure known as dilation and evacuation, typically used in the second-trimester of a pregnancy.
Meanwhile, two other cases are pending petition before the Supreme Court this term:
• Food and Drug Administration v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concerns whether abortion medication needs to be distributed only in-person by a health care provider, even during a pandemic.
• Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization addresses the constitutionality of a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy except in cases of medical emergencies or severe fetal abnormalities.
“That’s [Dobbs v. Jackson] where I would expect them to go,” said Teresa Stanton Collett, a law professor and director of the Prolife Center at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota. “Why are we letting abortion clinics and abortion doctors say they’re representing the interest of their patients when they’re attacking health and safety laws?”
Pro-life and pro-choices advocates anticipate a Supreme Court challenge to Roe if the Trump administration replaces the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday of pancreatic cancer at age 87.
“Her seat should be filled by a Justice who carries forward the vision of a fair, equal, and just society under law,” Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in an emailed statement to The Washington Times.
A post-Roe America, legal experts say, would see a patchwork of laws restricting and allowing various procedures. More than a dozen states — such as New York, Massachusetts, Virginia and Montana, have sought to preserve expand abortion rights in recent years. Likewise, 24 states — including Texas, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and the Dakotas — have sought to ban or severely limit abortions, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.
“This is one of the most important times that we have had for everyday people to stand up,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat, said Sunday at a press conference. “We all need to be more courageous and we all must act in unprecedented ways to make sure that our rights are stabilized.”
Abortion rights supporters note that public polling is higher than at any other point in three decades for Roe v. Wade. Last year, fully 6 in 10 Americans said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, having rebounded from below 50% in 2009, according to Pew Forum Research.
While many progressives fear the Roe firewall in the nation’s highest court could be breached, conservatives have been stymied before at the Supreme Court.
In June, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. joined the four liberal justices to strike down a Louisiana law that would have required credentialing privileges of doctors performing abortions at local hospitals. Chief Justice Roberts said the ruling was in accordance with legal precedent, noting the court had struck down a nearly identical law in Texas just a few years earlier.
However, court observers point out that the chief justice wrote in his concurring opinion that “neither party has asked us to reassess the constitutional validity” of the 1992 abortion case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, in which the court found a federal standard prohibiting any states from passing laws that cause an “undue burden” upon people seeking an abortion.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--New Mexico agency to provide more help for child care access

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - The state agency in charge of child care has amended rules to allow eligible parents who work or study remotely to receive assistance with child care costs .
The Early Childhood Education and Care Department announced Tuesday that it will permanently add “ teleworking ” to the definition of employment and “ online courses ” to the definition of a student parent under subsidy eligibility rules .
“ The Early Childhood Education and Care Department is committed to responding flexibly and adaptively amid the health emergency - and that means modifying our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the support they need , ” department Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said .
It ’ s unclear how many families may have been disqualified because they did not fall within the previous definitions .
An agency spokesman did not immediately return a message for comment .
Across the country , women have disproportionately left the workforce among increased pressure to care for children and other family members .
The inclusion of remote workers and students is the latest effort by New Mexico officials to support access to child care .
That may come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult choices on child care weeks ago .
In August , parents scrambled for limited child care when many child care programs ended , along with co-payment waivers for those families that were eligible for subsidies .
Weeks later , the subsidies were reinstated .
Child care providers have also struggled to stay afloat with higher costs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and lower profits because fewer children are allowed in their buildings under the state ’ s public health order .
The state child care agency has subsidized child care worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effort to support the industry .
New Mexico families are eligible for child care subsidies when household income is at 200 % or less of the federal poverty level .
That ’ s around $ 52,400 for a family of four .
Attanasio is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues .
Follow Attanasio on Twitter .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The state agency in charge of child care has amended rules to allow eligible parents who work or study remotely to receive assistance with child care costs.
The Early Childhood Education and Care Department announced Tuesday that it will permanently add “teleworking” to the definition of employment and “online courses” to the definition of a student parent under subsidy eligibility rules.
“The Early Childhood Education and Care Department is committed to responding flexibly and adaptively amid the health emergency - and that means modifying our rules to ensure that children and families have the support they need,” department Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said.
It’s unclear how many families may have been disqualified because they did not fall within the previous definitions. An agency spokesman did not immediately return a message for comment.
Across the country, women have disproportionately left the workforce among increased pressure to care for children and other family members.
The inclusion of remote workers and students is the latest effort by New Mexico officials to support access to child care. That may come rather late for some parents who faced difficult choices on child care weeks ago.
In August, parents scrambled for limited child care when many child care programs ended, along with co-payment waivers for those families that were eligible for subsidies. Weeks later, the subsidies were reinstated.
Child care providers have also struggled to stay afloat with higher costs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and lower profits because fewer children are allowed in their buildings under the state’s public health order. The state child care agency has subsidized child care worker salaries and has taken other actions in an effort to support the industry.
New Mexico families are eligible for child care subsidies when household income is at 200% or less of the federal poverty level. That’s around $52,400 for a family of four.
___
Attanasio is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Official accused of letting people take government asphalt

CLINTON , La .
( AP ) - The president of a local government body in Louisiana is accused of @ @ @ @ @ by the government .
East Feliciana Parish Police Jury President Louis Kent , 67 , @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday and faces a felony charge of malfeasance in office .
A news release says @ @ @ @ @ allowed several people to remove aggregate from a parish storage yard .
News outlets quote @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office as saying the material was asphalt .
It was not immediately clear @ @ @ @ @ who could speak for him .
State police say the sheriff ’ s office asked @ @ @ @ @ investigate allegations of malfeasance involving the police jury .
Police said they are not currently @ @ @ @ @ the investigation is continuing .
Kent has been a police juror for more than a @ @ @ @ @ .

CLINTON, La. (AP) - The president of a local government body in Louisiana is accused of letting acquaintances take asphalt owned by the government.
East Feliciana Parish Police Jury President Louis Kent, 67, of Clinton, surrendered on Tuesday and faces a felony charge of malfeasance in office.
A news release says state police learned that Kent allowed several people to remove aggregate from a parish storage yard. News outlets quote officials with the parish sheriff’s office as saying the material was asphalt.
It was not immediately clear whether Kent has an attorney who could speak for him.
State police say the sheriff’s office asked them on Sept. 8 to investigate allegations of malfeasance involving the police jury.
Police said they are not currently releasing any additional information because the investigation is continuing.
Kent has been a police juror for more than a decade, news outlets reported.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Prosecutor: DNA evidence links man to Racine officer's death

RACINE , Wis. ( AP ) - A Milwaukee man accused of fatally shooting a police officer at a bar in Racine last year can be connected to the crime by solid DNA evidence , a prosecutor said Tuesday in the opening day of trial for Dalquavis Ward .
Ward , 27 , faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide , armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the death of John Hetland , a 24-year police department veteran .
Hetland was off-duty when he tried to intervene in a robbery at Teezers Bar and Grill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot Hetland once , killing him , before fleeing on foot .
Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley described surveillance showing a struggle between Hetland and a masked man and told the jury that Ward ’ s DNA was found in four separate locations .
“ You will see the last 13 seconds of John Hetland ’ s life , ” Graveley said .
“ I will submit to you now , those seconds will stay with you because ultimately , they reveal what this defendant is willing to do.
” Charles Glynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the various suspect descriptions provided by witnesses and said Ward played no part in the robbery and killing , WITI-TV reported .
“ What ’ s not true is that the person that went in there is Mr. Ward , ” Glynn said .

RACINE, Wis. (AP) - A Milwaukee man accused of fatally shooting a police officer at a bar in Racine last year can be connected to the crime by solid DNA evidence, a prosecutor said Tuesday in the opening day of trial for Dalquavis Ward.
Ward, 27, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the death of John Hetland, a 24-year police department veteran. Hetland was off-duty when he tried to intervene in a robbery at Teezers Bar and Grill in June 2019.
Investigators said Ward shot Hetland once, killing him, before fleeing on foot.
Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley described surveillance showing a struggle between Hetland and a masked man and told the jury that Ward’s DNA was found in four separate locations.
“You will see the last 13 seconds of John Hetland’s life,” Graveley said. “I will submit to you now, those seconds will stay with you because ultimately, they reveal what this defendant is willing to do.”
Charles Glynn, Ward’s attorney, questioned the various suspect descriptions provided by witnesses and said Ward played no part in the robbery and killing, WITI-TV reported.
“What’s not true is that the person that went in there is Mr. Ward,” Glynn said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Firefighter who died in blaze was on elite Hotshot crew

A California firefighter killed while battling a blaze in the mountains east of Los Angeles was identified Tuesday as a member of an elite Hotshot crew dedicated to fighting wildfires .
Charles Morton , 39 , a San Diego native , was a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service and a squad boss for the Big Bear Interagency Hotshots in San Bernardino National Forest , officials said .
He was married and had a daughter .
Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen said Morton was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to Charlie ’ s loved ones , coworkers , friends and the Big Bear Hotshots , ” she said .
” We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
” On Tuesday , a procession escorted Morton ’ s body from San Bernardino to an Orange County mortuary .
Ramon Herrera , also with the U.S. Forest Service , told KTLA he had worked with Morton .
“ He always had my back , ” Herrera said .
“ I mean , to lose such a good man , not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good person , and I ’ m going to miss him terribly.
” The U.S. Hotshots Association posted a photo of a belt buckle on social media after Morton ’ s death , writing : “ Rest easy brother , may the wind be at your back.
” Hotshots , according to the Forest Service , are highly skilled hand crews and often assigned to work on the most challenging parts of wildfires .
They must meet stringent standards for physical fitness and training .
Toni Atkins , president pro tempore of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the state , lost a true hero last week.
” Patrick Gaines , who served on a Wyoming Hotshot crew in the 1990s , said the work is not for people that hold desk jobs during the week .
“ This is arduous .
It ’ s serious.
” he said .
“ It ’ s very strenuous .
It ’ s very demanding - not just physically , but mentally.
” Morton died Thursday while fighting the El Dorado fire some 80 miles ( 129 kilometers ) east of Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burned more than 22,000 acres and was 60 % contained .
It was sparked when a couple used a device that was supposed to emit blue or pink smoke to reveal their baby ’ s gender .
Fire officials said the couple fired off the device in a field and it ignited grasses and quickly spread with sweltering temperatures , low humidity and a stiff breeze .
The couple tried to put out the flames but couldn ’ t and called 911 .
It was one of more than two dozen fires in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weber in Los Angeles contributed this report .

A California firefighter killed while battling a blaze in the mountains east of Los Angeles was identified Tuesday as a member of an elite Hotshot crew dedicated to fighting wildfires.
Charles Morton, 39, a San Diego native, was a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service and a squad boss for the Big Bear Interagency Hotshots in San Bernardino National Forest, officials said. He was married and had a daughter.
Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen said Morton was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times.
“Our hearts go out to Charlie’s loved ones, coworkers, friends and the Big Bear Hotshots,” she said. ”We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
On Tuesday, a procession escorted Morton’s body from San Bernardino to an Orange County mortuary. Ramon Herrera, also with the U.S. Forest Service, told KTLA he had worked with Morton.
“He always had my back,” Herrera said. “I mean, to lose such a good man, not just a firefighter, but he was a good person, and I’m going to miss him terribly.”
The U.S. Hotshots Association posted a photo of a belt buckle on social media after Morton’s death, writing: “Rest easy brother, may the wind be at your back.”
Hotshots, according to the Forest Service, are highly skilled hand crews and often assigned to work on the most challenging parts of wildfires. They must meet stringent standards for physical fitness and training.
Toni Atkins, president pro tempore of the California Senate said, “San Diego, and the state, lost a true hero last week.”
Patrick Gaines, who served on a Wyoming Hotshot crew in the 1990s, said the work is not for people that hold desk jobs during the week.
“This is arduous. It’s serious.” he said. “It’s very strenuous. It’s very demanding - not just physically, but mentally.”
Morton died Thursday while fighting the El Dorado fire some 80 miles (129 kilometers) east of Los Angeles. On Tuesday, it had burned more than 22,000 acres and was 60% contained. It was sparked when a couple used a device that was supposed to emit blue or pink smoke to reveal their baby’s gender.
Fire officials said the couple fired off the device in a field and it ignited grasses and quickly spread with sweltering temperatures, low humidity and a stiff breeze. The couple tried to put out the flames but couldn’t and called 911.
It was one of more than two dozen fires in the state.
___
Associated Press writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed this report.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Chicago puts Wisconsin on quarantine list for second time

CHICAGO ( AP ) - Chicago officials Tuesday told visitors from Wisconsin for the second time that they must remain in quarantine for two weeks if they visit the city .
The order set to take effect Friday comes as Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers declared a “ new public health emergency ” because of a spike in coronavirus cases in that state and extended a statewide mask mandate there until Nov. 21 .
“ Unfortunately , Wisconsin is currently in very poor control when it comes to COVID , ” Allison Arwady , Chicago ’ s health commissioner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added to the 14-day quarantine order in late July by Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s administration , before it was taken off the list in mid-August when case numbers fell .
Tuesday ’ s order was not surprising after Arwady said last week that Wisconsin would land on the list again if the state ’ s case rate did not fall below 15 cases per 100,000 .
But Wisconsin is not even close to that rate .
On Tuesday , Arwady said with 31 cases per 100,000 residents , Wisconsin has the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dakota and South Dakota .
Along with Wisconsin , Chicago added Montana , Idaho , Minnesota and Puerto Rico to its quarantine list on Tuesday and took Kentucky and Louisiana off the list .
Also Tuesday , Illinois health officials reported 1,531 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 30 additional deaths attributed to the virus in the last 24 hours .
The latest figures bring the statewide total of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 277,266 and the number of deaths to 8,486 .

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago officials Tuesday told visitors from Wisconsin for the second time that they must remain in quarantine for two weeks if they visit the city.
The order set to take effect Friday comes as Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a “new public health emergency” because of a spike in coronavirus cases in that state and extended a statewide mask mandate there until Nov. 21.
“Unfortunately, Wisconsin is currently in very poor control when it comes to COVID,” Allison Arwady, Chicago’s health commissioner, told reporters Tuesday. Wisconsin was first added to the 14-day quarantine order in late July by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration, before it was taken off the list in mid-August when case numbers fell.
Tuesday’s order was not surprising after Arwady said last week that Wisconsin would land on the list again if the state’s case rate did not fall below 15 cases per 100,000.
But Wisconsin is not even close to that rate. On Tuesday, Arwady said with 31 cases per 100,000 residents, Wisconsin has the third highest rate in the nation behind North Dakota and South Dakota.
Along with Wisconsin, Chicago added Montana, Idaho, Minnesota and Puerto Rico to its quarantine list on Tuesday and took Kentucky and Louisiana off the list.
Also Tuesday, Illinois health officials reported 1,531 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 30 additional deaths attributed to the virus in the last 24 hours.
The latest figures bring the statewide total of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 277,266 and the number of deaths to 8,486.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--'Trump 2020' painted signs appear on Boston roads

A spate of painted “ Trump 2020 ” signs appearing on Boston highways have Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials scrambling .
MassDot officials responding to political signs along Route 44 — six in total — say they are working expeditiously to handle the situation .
“ [ We ] will be dispatching contractor crews to temporarily cover the markings as soon as possible , ” MassDOT said in a statement , a local CBS affiliate reported Monday .
The yellow messages , unauthorized on the state ’ s highways , follow months in which “ Black Lives Matter ” has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities across the nation .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio personally oversaw the painting of a “ Black Lives matter ” message on Fifth Avenue , between 56th and 57th streets , across the street from Trump Tower in July .
Similarly , District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser called 16th Street near Lafayette Square and the White House “ Black Lives Matter Plaza ” in June after the “ Black Lives Matter ” phrase was painted on the street .
Massachusetts State Police have not yet obtained information on the incidents @ @ @ @ @

A spate of painted “Trump 2020” signs appearing on Boston highways have Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials scrambling.
MassDot officials responding to political signs along Route 44 — six in total — say they are working expeditiously to handle the situation.
“[We] will be dispatching contractor crews to temporarily cover the markings as soon as possible,” MassDOT said in a statement, a local CBS affiliate reported Monday.
The yellow messages, unauthorized on the state’s highways, follow months in which “Black Lives Matter” has been painted on the streets of various cities across the nation.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio personally oversaw the painting of a “Black Lives matter” message on Fifth Avenue, between 56th and 57th streets, across the street from Trump Tower in July.
Similarly, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser called 16th Street near Lafayette Square and the White House “Black Lives Matter Plaza” in June after the “Black Lives Matter” phrase was painted on the street.
Massachusetts State Police have not yet obtained information on the incidents, the station added.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Lawsuit filed over Arkansas absentee ballot rejections

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - A lawsuit filed Tuesday asks a federal judge to require Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ voters a chance to correct their ballots before they ’ re rejected due to signature @ @ @ @ @ Women Voters of Arkansas argues in the lawsuit that Arkansas law regarding absentee ballots disenfranchises @ @ @ @ @ not given any notice or chance to cure any deficiencies .
State law requires election @ @ @ @ @ that are missing a voter ’ s signature or if there ’ s a mismatch @ @ @ @ @ or date of birth on the absentee ballot and the application materials .
According to @ @ @ @ @ provides notification to absentee voters if there are photo ID issues with their ballots .
@ @ @ @ @ is expected in the state because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Gov .
Asa Hutchinson @ @ @ @ @ order stating that concerns about the virus were a valid excuse to vote absentee .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s office declined to comment on the lawsuit .

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A lawsuit filed Tuesday asks a federal judge to require Arkansas election officials to give absentee voters a chance to correct their ballots before they’re rejected due to signature issues.
The League of Women Voters of Arkansas argues in the lawsuit that Arkansas law regarding absentee ballots disenfranchises voters because they’re not given any notice or chance to cure any deficiencies.
State law requires election officials to reject absentee ballots that are missing a voter’s signature or if there’s a mismatch between the signature, address or date of birth on the absentee ballot and the application materials.
According to the lawsuit, Arkansas already provides notification to absentee voters if there are photo ID issues with their ballots.
A spike in absentee ballots is expected in the state because of the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Asa Hutchinson last month signed an executive order stating that concerns about the virus were a valid excuse to vote absentee.
Secretary of State John Thurston’s office declined to comment on the lawsuit.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Nike shakes off pandemic blues with surging online sales

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Nike appears to have recovered from its pandemic slump , posting a solid quarterly profit driven by soaring online sales of its sneakers and workout apparel .
The world ’ s largest sports apparel maker on Tuesday reported a net profit of $ 1.5 billion profit , or 95 cents per share , in the three-month period ending Aug. 31 , up 11 % from the same 2019 quarter .
That was well ahead of Wall Street analysts ’ expectations of 47 cents a share , according to FactSet .
Nike ’ s stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of the results .
In previous quarter that ended May 31 , the Beaverton , Oregon-based company reported an unexpected loss , with its revenue falling 38 % after digital sales failed to make up for losses in physical stores shuttered to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
But analysts had predicted a rebound because Nike has been popular with online shoppers .
In the latest quarter , Nike ’ s digital sales rose 82 % , helping offset declines in its wholesale business and Nike-owned stores .
Revenue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10.6 billion , a 1 % decline from the previous year .
Sales in China rose 6 % while North America sales fell 2 % .
Most of Nike ’ s stores are now open worldwide but sales continue to be slow because of lower customer traffic and safety measures related to COVID-19 , the company said .
Shipping costs and promotions aimed at reducing inventory continued to eat at margins but order cancellations fell .
Nike has stepped up its direct-to-consumer online strategy amid the pandemic , leveraging its workout app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now make up at least 30 % of its revenue , a goal the company had set for 2023 .

NEW YORK (AP) - Nike appears to have recovered from its pandemic slump, posting a solid quarterly profit driven by soaring online sales of its sneakers and workout apparel.
The world’s largest sports apparel maker on Tuesday reported a net profit of $1.5 billion profit, or 95 cents per share, in the three-month period ending Aug. 31, up 11% from the same 2019 quarter.
That was well ahead of Wall Street analysts’ expectations of 47 cents a share, according to FactSet. Nike’s stock surged 13% in after-hours trading following the release of the results.
In previous quarter that ended May 31, the Beaverton, Oregon-based company reported an unexpected loss, with its revenue falling 38% after digital sales failed to make up for losses in physical stores shuttered to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
But analysts had predicted a rebound because Nike has been popular with online shoppers.
In the latest quarter, Nike’s digital sales rose 82%, helping offset declines in its wholesale business and Nike-owned stores.
Revenue in the fiscal first quarter held steady at $10.6 billion, a 1% decline from the previous year. Sales in China rose 6% while North America sales fell 2%.
Analysts had expected revenue of $9.2 billion.
Most of Nike’s stores are now open worldwide but sales continue to be slow because of lower customer traffic and safety measures related to COVID-19, the company said. Shipping costs and promotions aimed at reducing inventory continued to eat at margins but order cancellations fell.
Nike has stepped up its direct-to-consumer online strategy amid the pandemic, leveraging its workout app to drive digital sales. Online sales now make up at least 30% of its revenue, a goal the company had set for 2023.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Editorial Roundup: Excerpts from South Dakota editorials

The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a profound loss to the judicial conscience of this nation .
But in our mourning , there is no escaping the political firestorm that has erupted with her passing - as if this election year needed even more flammable fuel .
Within two hours after the news of Ginsburg ’ s death broke , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared that the Senate would proceed with all due speed on confirming the nominee put forth by President Donald Trump .
This contradicts what memorably happened in 2016 when Justice Antonin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama put forth a nominee but McConnell refused to even consider the nomination on the grounds that , it being an election year , the next president should make that decision .
So , in 2016 , a Democratic president ’ s nominee was stonewalled for 10 months because it was an election year , but in 2020 , just six weeks before the election , a Republican president ’ s nominee will apparently proceed full steam ahead .
South Dakota Sen. John Thune has embraced McConnell ’ s approach .
“ As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Supreme Court nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
” This in contrast to what Thune said of Obama ’ s ability to nominate a justice in March 2016 : “ Since the next presidential election is underway , the next president should make this lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.
” Of course , this is 1 ) naked hypocrisy , and 2 ) utterly unsurprising .
In this political climate , no one can pretend otherwise .
One rationalization for this flip-flop is the argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing if given the chance .
That may well be true , for it is a politically irresistible temptation .
But that supposition also functions as self-fulfilling prophesy , for Democrats would now likely do just that in response to this .
Trump may indeed send a nomination to the Senate and could get a vote prior to the election - although , at this writing , that isn ’ t a sure thing as a few Republican senators are mulling whether to adhere to the 2016 precedent .
In this scenario , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rightward tilt to the court that may last a generation ( although , given the turnover we ’ ve seen lately , maybe 5-10 years at best ) .
However , should the Republicans proceed with this but Joe Biden then wins the presidency and Democrats take the Senate - which is a real possibility - the Democrats could opt to scrap the filibuster rule and expand the Supreme Court by two or four or six ( or more ) justices , a maneuver that would not fall under constitutional constraints .
Thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ slippery slope ” territory with this situation .
( As an aside , an expansion of the Supreme Court has intriguing arguments for it both ways , but that ’ s another debate for another time . )
At this point , it ’ s hard to see who stands down in this political confrontation .
It ’ s also difficult to see how one action on one side ( other than enough Republicans refusing to move with this until after the election ) can diffuse the other and bring a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our history .
This is high drama in real time , and it may remain so for quite some time .
It ’ s far too early to make final conclusions about an alleged fatal accident involving South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and Joseph Boever in rural Hyde county .
The incident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety , the Hyde County Sheriff ’ s Office and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation .
Preliminary conclusions are that Ravnsborg was driving on the highway when he struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the roadway at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday .
We should wait for the investigation to be completed before we make final conclusions .
But we should still discuss the seemingly frequent accidents and close calls between vehicles and pedestrians .
In recent weeks , there have been news reports of vehicles hitting pedestrians in Sioux Falls .
We ’ ve read about vehicle-pedestrian accidents on Native American reservations .
We ’ ve heard of close calls between vehicles and pedestrians , as well as the angry exchanges that have occurred afterward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both parties can share blame .
Drivers may be texting , changing a radio station or otherwise distracted .
There is no question that enforcement of distracted driving laws should continue to be a public safety priority .
And we ’ ve seen plenty of pedestrians walking on roadways when they shouldn ’ t be , including those who are impaired by alcohol .
Recently , we saw runners on the shoulder of Highway 81 north of Madison an hour before dawn .
We need to fix both sides of the equation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ahead on the road , whether it ’ s a person , animal or debris .
Pedestrians shouldn ’ t walk on highways or roads .
If it ’ s unavoidable , pedestrians should walk in the ditch , even though it would be more difficult .
And municipalities should continue to construct and maintain sidewalks throughout their jurisdictions .
Madison ’ s long-running sidewalk plan has certainly spared many people the heartbreak of a car-pedestrian accident .

Yankton Press and Dakotan, Yankton, Sept. 21
Chaos lurks after death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a profound loss to the judicial conscience of this nation.
But in our mourning, there is no escaping the political firestorm that has erupted with her passing - as if this election year needed even more flammable fuel.
Within two hours after the news of Ginsburg’s death broke, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared that the Senate would proceed with all due speed on confirming the nominee put forth by President Donald Trump. This contradicts what memorably happened in 2016 when Justice Antonin Scalia died that winter and President Barack Obama put forth a nominee but McConnell refused to even consider the nomination on the grounds that, it being an election year, the next president should make that decision. So, in 2016, a Democratic president’s nominee was stonewalled for 10 months because it was an election year, but in 2020, just six weeks before the election, a Republican president’s nominee will apparently proceed full steam ahead.
South Dakota Sen. John Thune has embraced McConnell’s approach. “As Leader McConnell said, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate.” This in contrast to what Thune said of Obama’s ability to nominate a justice in March 2016: “Since the next presidential election is underway, the next president should make this lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.”
Of course, this is 1) naked hypocrisy, and 2) utterly unsurprising. In this political climate, no one can pretend otherwise.
One rationalization for this flip-flop is the argument that the Democrats would do the same thing if given the chance. That may well be true, for it is a politically irresistible temptation. But that supposition also functions as self-fulfilling prophesy, for Democrats would now likely do just that in response to this.
And here lurks chaos.
Trump may indeed send a nomination to the Senate and could get a vote prior to the election - although, at this writing, that isn’t a sure thing as a few Republican senators are mulling whether to adhere to the 2016 precedent. In this scenario, it could put an even more pronounced rightward tilt to the court that may last a generation (although, given the turnover we’ve seen lately, maybe 5-10 years at best).
However, should the Republicans proceed with this but Joe Biden then wins the presidency and Democrats take the Senate - which is a real possibility - the Democrats could opt to scrap the filibuster rule and expand the Supreme Court by two or four or six (or more) justices, a maneuver that would not fall under constitutional constraints.
Thus, we may be on the precipice of “slippery slope” territory with this situation. (As an aside, an expansion of the Supreme Court has intriguing arguments for it both ways, but that’s another debate for another time.)
At this point, it’s hard to see who stands down in this political confrontation. It’s also difficult to see how one action on one side (other than enough Republicans refusing to move with this until after the election) can diffuse the other and bring a sense of order to this extraordinary moment in our history.
This is high drama in real time, and it may remain so for quite some time.
___
Daily Leader, Madison, Sept. 16
Increase in vehicle-pedestrian accidents concerning
It’s far too early to make final conclusions about an alleged fatal accident involving South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and Joseph Boever in rural Hyde county. The incident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety, the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Preliminary conclusions are that Ravnsborg was driving on the highway when he struck and killed Boever, who was walking along the roadway at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
We should wait for the investigation to be completed before we make final conclusions. But we should still discuss the seemingly frequent accidents and close calls between vehicles and pedestrians.
In recent weeks, there have been news reports of vehicles hitting pedestrians in Sioux Falls. We’ve read about vehicle-pedestrian accidents on Native American reservations. We’ve heard of close calls between vehicles and pedestrians, as well as the angry exchanges that have occurred afterward.
In many cases, we believe, both parties can share blame. Drivers may be texting, changing a radio station or otherwise distracted. There is no question that enforcement of distracted driving laws should continue to be a public safety priority.
And we’ve seen plenty of pedestrians walking on roadways when they shouldn’t be, including those who are impaired by alcohol. Recently, we saw runners on the shoulder of Highway 81 north of Madison an hour before dawn.
We need to fix both sides of the equation. Drivers must be more attentive to what’s ahead on the road, whether it’s a person, animal or debris. Pedestrians shouldn’t walk on highways or roads. If it’s unavoidable, pedestrians should walk in the ditch, even though it would be more difficult.
And municipalities should continue to construct and maintain sidewalks throughout their jurisdictions. Madison’s long-running sidewalk plan has certainly spared many people the heartbreak of a car-pedestrian accident.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Illinois reports 1,531 new COVID-19 cases, 30 deaths

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - The Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported 1,531 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 , and 30 confirmed deaths .
The numbers announced by the health department bring to 277,266 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic and 8,486 deaths .
The health department reports the latest reported cases were the result of 41,829 tests in the past 24 hours , Putting Illinois ’ seven-day positivity rate to 3.5 % .
The latest COVID-19 numbers come as the city of Chicago placed Wisconsin on its 14-day quarantine list .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaging more than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over a seven-day period .
Also joining the list are Montana , Idaho , Minnesota and Puerto Rico .
Authorities say the surge of coronavirus cases in Wisconsin is being driven by students at the various campuses of the University of Wisconsin .
As a result the state ’ s governor has declared a public health emergency .
Despite the threat by Chicago officials to levy fines , the travel advisory is more educational than real .
Compliance is voluntary .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Hall has gone to enforce the advisory .
“ Our travel quarantine orders are primarily focused on education , ” said Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady .

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported 1,531 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 30 confirmed deaths.
The numbers announced by the health department bring to 277,266 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic and 8,486 deaths. The health department reports the latest reported cases were the result of 41,829 tests in the past 24 hours, Putting Illinois’ seven-day positivity rate to 3.5%.
The latest COVID-19 numbers come as the city of Chicago placed Wisconsin on its 14-day quarantine list. Placement on the list is triggered by averaging more than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over a seven-day period. Also joining the list are Montana, Idaho, Minnesota and Puerto Rico.
Authorities say the surge of coronavirus cases in Wisconsin is being driven by students at the various campuses of the University of Wisconsin. As a result the state’s governor has declared a public health emergency.
Despite the threat by Chicago officials to levy fines, the travel advisory is more educational than real. Compliance is voluntary. So far, warning letters are as far as City Hall has gone to enforce the advisory.
“Our travel quarantine orders are primarily focused on education,” said Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Utah governor increases pandemic restrictions in 2 cities

SALT LAKE CITY ( AP ) - Gov .
Gary Herbert will increase pandemic restrictions in two Utah cities .
But he stopped short of implementing any mask mandates as COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the state , state officials announced Tuesday .
Herbert is imposing new restrictions in the cities of Provo and Orem that will limit social gatherings to 20 people starting Wednesday .
The state health department is granting one exception to the new rules that will allow team sports , but without spectators .
The cities are in Utah County , where cases have grown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Dr. Angela Dunn , the state epidemiologist .
The county accounted for 42 % of the state ’ s cases despite having only 20 % of state ’ s population .
Local leaders are considering a countywide mask mandate , but the state has not set a deadline for how quickly they must make that decision , Herbert said .
The county ’ s sole face-covering mandate is in the city of Provo .
Many of the new cases are being driven by college-age students in Utah County , home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two colleges issued a joint statement Tuesday warning students that they may implement “ more dramatic action ” or even close campuses if case numbers do not improve over the next two weeks .
Statewide , the rolling 7-day average for positive tests is 857 per day , up from 522 per day last week .
The rolling 7-day average for percent of positive laboratory tests increased from 10.6 % last week to 13.9 % .
The number of people hospitalized because of COVID-19 has also increased from 115 last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s trying to use “ a scalpel approach instead of a shotgun approach.
” But he warned that he may consider increasing restrictions across Utah County if new case rates continue to rise .
“ We ’ re hoping to do it in a way that cuts out the cancer , but doesn ’ t kill the patient , ” he said .
Herbert , a Republican , has urged residents to wear masks for months but has stopped short of ever implementing a statewide mask mandate .
He has instead allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There have been 65,000 reported virus cases in Utah , and 443 people have died , according to state data .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including pneumonia , and death .
Sophia Eppolito is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Gov. Gary Herbert will increase pandemic restrictions in two Utah cities. But he stopped short of implementing any mask mandates as COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the state, state officials announced Tuesday.
Herbert is imposing new restrictions in the cities of Provo and Orem that will limit social gatherings to 20 people starting Wednesday. The state health department is granting one exception to the new rules that will allow team sports, but without spectators.
The cities are in Utah County, where cases have grown by 81% in the last week, said Dr. Angela Dunn, the state epidemiologist. The county accounted for 42% of the state’s cases despite having only 20% of state’s population.
Local leaders are considering a countywide mask mandate, but the state has not set a deadline for how quickly they must make that decision, Herbert said. The county’s sole face-covering mandate is in the city of Provo.
Many of the new cases are being driven by college-age students in Utah County, home to Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. The two colleges issued a joint statement Tuesday warning students that they may implement “more dramatic action” or even close campuses if case numbers do not improve over the next two weeks.
Statewide, the rolling 7-day average for positive tests is 857 per day, up from 522 per day last week. The rolling 7-day average for percent of positive laboratory tests increased from 10.6% last week to 13.9%. The number of people hospitalized because of COVID-19 has also increased from 115 last week to 161.
The governor said he’s trying to use “a scalpel approach instead of a shotgun approach.” But he warned that he may consider increasing restrictions across Utah County if new case rates continue to rise.
“We’re hoping to do it in a way that cuts out the cancer, but doesn’t kill the patient,” he said.
Herbert, a Republican, has urged residents to wear masks for months but has stopped short of ever implementing a statewide mask mandate. He has instead allowed counties to decide if they needed bans.
There have been 65,000 reported virus cases in Utah, and 443 people have died, according to state data. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
___
Sophia Eppolito is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Louisiana university sets enrollment record despite pandemic

NATCHITOCHES , La .
( AP ) - A 136-year-old Louisiana university has set an enrollment record in spite of @ @ @ @ @ has caused problems in higher education nationwide .
The record “ is remarkable and especially @ @ @ @ @ the global pandemic , ” Northwestern State University President Chris Maggio told The Times of @ @ @ @ @ newspaper , the school this fall has an enrollment of 11,447 .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ or 547 students over last year ’ s enrollment of 10,900 .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ , Northwestern State has campuses in Shreveport and Alexandria and other sites which include online @ @ @ @ @ first published on Sept. 18 , 2020 .
It was updated on Sept. 22 , @ @ @ @ @ and statistics that were erroneously used from an outdated 2017 press release .

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) - A 136-year-old Louisiana university has set an enrollment record in spite of the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused problems in higher education nationwide.
The record “is remarkable and especially gratifying in the midst of the global pandemic,” Northwestern State University President Chris Maggio told The Times of Shreveport.
According to the newspaper, the school this fall has an enrollment of 11,447. That’s an increase of 5% or 547 students over last year’s enrollment of 10,900.
In addition to the main campus in Natchitoches, Northwestern State has campuses in Shreveport and Alexandria and other sites which include online classes.
___
This story was first published on Sept. 18, 2020. It was updated on Sept. 22, 2020, to remove quotes and statistics that were erroneously used from an outdated 2017 press release.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Historical panel votes to keep Cenotaph in Alamo Plaza

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - A state historical review panel voted overwhelmingly Tuesday against relocating a monument to the 200 Alamo defenders killed by the Mexican army in 1836 .
The killings during the war for Texas independence gave birth to a rallying cry used during the eventual defeat of the Mexican forces .
The Texas Historical Commission voted on Tuesday 12-2 to reject a proposal by the city of San Antonio to repair and relocate the Alamo Cenotaph that has stood since 1939 in Alamo Plaza .
Planners of a $ 450 million Alamo renovation project had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the south .
A commission advisory board had endorsed the relocation proposal by a 6-3 vote earlier Tuesday .
However , Republican Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick spoke out forcefully against the proposal , saying it would “ erase history.
” The 58-foot-tall marble slab has been a focal feature of Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio since 1939 .
The Alamo Defender Descendants Association is fighting to keep the Cenotaph within the area once surrounded by the Alamo ’ s walls .
It hopes to have the monument declared a cemetery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A state historical review panel voted overwhelmingly Tuesday against relocating a monument to the 200 Alamo defenders killed by the Mexican army in 1836.
The killings during the war for Texas independence gave birth to a rallying cry used during the eventual defeat of the Mexican forces.
The Texas Historical Commission voted on Tuesday 12-2 to reject a proposal by the city of San Antonio to repair and relocate the Alamo Cenotaph that has stood since 1939 in Alamo Plaza. Planners of a $450 million Alamo renovation project had wanted to move it about 500 feet to the south.
A commission advisory board had endorsed the relocation proposal by a 6-3 vote earlier Tuesday. However, Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke out forcefully against the proposal, saying it would “erase history.”
The 58-foot-tall marble slab has been a focal feature of Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio since 1939.
The Alamo Defender Descendants Association is fighting to keep the Cenotaph within the area once surrounded by the Alamo’s walls. It hopes to have the monument declared a cemetery in the hope of stopping the move.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Hawaii to loosen some COVID-19 rules after new cases decline

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday the city plans to allow some activities that were shut down last month to control the spread of the coronavirus to resume under new guidelines .
Beginning Thursday , the city will allow social gatherings of up to five people , including at beaches and hiking trails .
Retail businesses will be allowed to open at 50 % of capacity .
Caldwell said Gov .
David Ige verbally approved the new guidelines , but had not signed them yet .
Restaurants would be allowed to seat up to five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patrons provide their names and contact information so tracers can reach them later if necessary .
Diners will have to wear masks when they are not eating .
Honolulu again adopted strict restrictions a month ago after cases began to spike after hovering at low levels when the pandemic began .
Honolulu ’ s new daily case count has since declined .
The guidelines call for restrictions to be relaxed further if cases continue to drop .
The city will consider COVID-19 seven-day average case counts and seven-day average percentage of positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be .
The city developed the new framework in consultation with state Department of Health epidemiologists and officials .

HONOLULU (AP) - Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday the city plans to allow some activities that were shut down last month to control the spread of the coronavirus to resume under new guidelines.
Beginning Thursday, the city will allow social gatherings of up to five people, including at beaches and hiking trails. Retail businesses will be allowed to open at 50% of capacity.
Caldwell said Gov. David Ige verbally approved the new guidelines, but had not signed them yet.
Restaurants would be allowed to seat up to five diners at a table as long as the patrons provide their names and contact information so tracers can reach them later if necessary. Diners will have to wear masks when they are not eating.
Honolulu again adopted strict restrictions a month ago after cases began to spike after hovering at low levels when the pandemic began. Honolulu’s new daily case count has since declined.
The guidelines call for restrictions to be relaxed further if cases continue to drop.
The city will consider COVID-19 seven-day average case counts and seven-day average percentage of positive tests when determining how loose or restrictive to be.
The city developed the new framework in consultation with state Department of Health epidemiologists and officials.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Air Force Two, carrying Mike Pence, makes emergency landing

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence ’ s airplane struck a bird Tuesday on takeoff in New Hampshire , causing @ @ @ @ @ the airport out of caution , the White House said .
Pence was flying home @ @ @ @ @ event at an airport hangar in nearby Gilford , New Hampshire .
When Air Force @ @ @ @ @ Regional Airport , it struck a bird .
A senior administration official , who wasn @ @ @ @ @ the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity , said the vice president and @ @ @ @ @ danger .
Pence ended up flying home on a cargo aircraft that the Secret Service @ @ @ @ @ during his travel .

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence’s airplane struck a bird Tuesday on takeoff in New Hampshire, causing the pilot to return to the airport out of caution, the White House said.
Pence was flying home to Washington from a campaign event at an airport hangar in nearby Gilford, New Hampshire.
When Air Force Two took off from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, it struck a bird. A senior administration official, who wasn’t authorized to address the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the vice president and his entourage were in no danger.
Pence ended up flying home on a cargo aircraft that the Secret Service uses to transport his vehicles during his travel.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--U.S. government executes former soldier who said obsession with witchcraft led him to kill Georgia n

TERRE HAUTE , Ind .
( AP ) - U.S. government executes former soldier who said obsession with witchcraft led @ @ @ @ @ .

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - U.S. government executes former soldier who said obsession with witchcraft led him to kill Georgia nurse.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--AP PHOTOS: Xi's portrait adorns new homes for China's poor

LIANGSHAN , China ( AP ) - Communist Party leader Xi Jinping ’ s smiling visage looks down from the walls of virtually every home inhabited by members of the Yi minority group in a remote corner of China ’ s Sichuan province .
Xi has replaced former leader Mao Zedong for pride of place in new brick and concrete houses built to replace crumbling traditional structures in Sichuan ’ s Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture , which is home to about 2 million Yi .
A considerable cult of personality has developed around Xi since he took over the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containing his speeches have been distributed and an array of items from decorative plates to key chains display his image and that of his glamorous military singer-wife , Peng Liyuan , who also features in some of the posters hung in Yi houses .
Hanging portraits of Chinese leaders in private homes has generally declined since the days of Mao , when a perceived lack of deference to the leader could bring dire consequences .
A giant portrait of Mao continues to hang on Beijing ’ s Tiananmen Gate .
For the Yi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a decorative choice , brightening whitewashed walls while lacking other options , but it also continues the cultural and political assimilation into the greater Chinese nation that began as early as the Ming Dynasty 400 years ago .
The process has accelerated under Communist rule , particularly as China ’ s leaders seek to impose a single national language , Mandarin , in education and public life , while continuing to portray China as a multiethnic nation made up of 56 groups , the vast majority being Han .
The Yi total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China ’ s southwest , with some communities also found in Vietnam and Thailand .
They speak a language related to Burmese with its own writing system and traditionally practice a form of shamanism , although some are also Buddhist and Christian .

LIANGSHAN, China (AP) - Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s smiling visage looks down from the walls of virtually every home inhabited by members of the Yi minority group in a remote corner of China’s Sichuan province.
Xi has replaced former leader Mao Zedong for pride of place in new brick and concrete houses built to replace crumbling traditional structures in Sichuan’s Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, which is home to about 2 million Yi.
A considerable cult of personality has developed around Xi since he took over the ruling party in 2012. Millions of books containing his speeches have been distributed and an array of items from decorative plates to key chains display his image and that of his glamorous military singer-wife, Peng Liyuan, who also features in some of the posters hung in Yi houses.
Hanging portraits of Chinese leaders in private homes has generally declined since the days of Mao, when a perceived lack of deference to the leader could bring dire consequences. A giant portrait of Mao continues to hang on Beijing’s Tiananmen Gate.
For the Yi, displaying Xi’s portrait may be a decorative choice, brightening whitewashed walls while lacking other options, but it also continues the cultural and political assimilation into the greater Chinese nation that began as early as the Ming Dynasty 400 years ago. The process has accelerated under Communist rule, particularly as China’s leaders seek to impose a single national language, Mandarin, in education and public life, while continuing to portray China as a multiethnic nation made up of 56 groups, the vast majority being Han.
The Yi total 9 million people, spread across Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China’s southwest, with some communities also found in Vietnam and Thailand. They speak a language related to Burmese with its own writing system and traditionally practice a form of shamanism, although some are also Buddhist and Christian.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Body found in California golf course lake; 2 arrested

SANTA MARIA , Calif. ( AP ) - Two people were arrested Tuesday in connection with the murder of a person whose dismembered body was found in a lake at a California golf course , authorities said .
Kimberly Machleit , 35 , of Santa Maria , was arrested on suspicion of murder with special circumstances and conspiracy , according to a statement from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Office .
Donald Anderson , 37 , of Santa Maria , was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t released , is believed to be a person who went missing nearly two years ago , the Sheriff ’ s Office said .
The missing-person investigation led to Blacklake Golf Course in Nipomo , where divers found human remains Monday , authorities said .
“ It appears that the victim was murdered in the city of Santa Maria and dismembered before being disposed of at the golf course in December 2018 , ” the Sheriff ’ s Office said .
“ The suspects and the victim knew each other , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” No other details were immediately provided .
Machleit , Anderson and another man had been free on bail after they were arrested last month in Santa Maria on suspicion of possessing drugs for sale and being felons in possession of firearms .
Authorities seized methamphetamine , heroin , materials related to narcotics sales and several illegal or stolen guns , including a sawed-off shotgun , according to the Sheriff ’ s Office .

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) - Two people were arrested Tuesday in connection with the murder of a person whose dismembered body was found in a lake at a California golf course, authorities said.
Kimberly Machleit, 35, of Santa Maria, was arrested on suspicion of murder with special circumstances and conspiracy, according to a statement from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Office.
Donald Anderson, 37, of Santa Maria, was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether they had attorneys.
The victim, whose name wasn’t released, is believed to be a person who went missing nearly two years ago, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The missing-person investigation led to Blacklake Golf Course in Nipomo, where divers found human remains Monday, authorities said.
“It appears that the victim was murdered in the city of Santa Maria and dismembered before being disposed of at the golf course in December 2018,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “The suspects and the victim knew each other, and this was not a random act.”
No other details were immediately provided.
Machleit, Anderson and another man had been free on bail after they were arrested last month in Santa Maria on suspicion of possessing drugs for sale and being felons in possession of firearms.
Authorities seized methamphetamine, heroin, materials related to narcotics sales and several illegal or stolen guns, including a sawed-off shotgun, according to the Sheriff’s Office.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Mike Bloomberg pays off fines of Florida felons so they can vote

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. ( AP ) - Just days after after Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis won a court victory to keep felons from voting until they ’ ve paid off fines , restitution and court fees , billionaire Mike Bloomberg has stepped in to help them pay off the debts .
The former Democratic presidential candidate has helped raise more than $ 20 million so that felons who completed their prison sentences can vote in the presidential election .
Bloomberg also has pledged $ 100 million to help Joe Biden win Florida .
“ The right to vote is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be denied that right .
Working together with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition , we are determined to end disenfranchisement and the discrimination that has always driven it , ” Bloomberg said in a written statement .
A federal appellate court ruled on Sept. 11 that in addition to serving their sentences , Florida felons must pay all fines , restitution and legal fees before they can regain their right to vote .
The case could have broad implications for the November elections .
Florida has 29 electoral college votes that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes of staying in the White House .
Under Amendment 4 , which Florida voters passed overwhelmingly in 2018 , felons who have completed their sentences would have voting rights restored .
Republican lawmakers then moved to define what it means to complete a sentence .
In addition to prison time served , lawmakers directed that all legal financial obligations , including unpaid fines and restitution , would also have to be settled before a felon could be eligible to vote .
The Florida Rights Restitution Coalition had raised about $ 5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 17 million more , according to Bloomberg staffers .
The money is targeted for felons who registered to vote while the law was in question and who owe $ 1,500 or less .
That accounts for about 31,100 people , the staffers said .
In a state that decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes , that could be critical in a year when polls show Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in a dead heat .
Organizers for the group say they aren ’ t targeting people registered with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hell with politics , to hell with any other implications or inuations , at the end of the day it ’ s about real people , real lives , American citizens who want to be a part of this , ” said Desmond Meade , the group ’ s executive director .
“ People with felony convictions have had their voices silenced for so long.
” The group said other donors include John Legend , LeBron James , Michael Jordan , MTV , Comedy Central , VH1 , Ben & Jerry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami Dolphins , the Orlando Magic , the Miami Heat and Stephen Spielberg .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Just days after after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won a court victory to keep felons from voting until they’ve paid off fines, restitution and court fees, billionaire Mike Bloomberg has stepped in to help them pay off the debts.
The former Democratic presidential candidate has helped raise more than $20 million so that felons who completed their prison sentences can vote in the presidential election. Bloomberg also has pledged $100 million to help Joe Biden win Florida.
“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and no American should be denied that right. Working together with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, we are determined to end disenfranchisement and the discrimination that has always driven it,” Bloomberg said in a written statement.
A federal appellate court ruled on Sept. 11 that in addition to serving their sentences, Florida felons must pay all fines, restitution and legal fees before they can regain their right to vote. The case could have broad implications for the November elections. Florida has 29 electoral college votes that are crucial to President Donald Trump’s hopes of staying in the White House.
Under Amendment 4, which Florida voters passed overwhelmingly in 2018, felons who have completed their sentences would have voting rights restored. Republican lawmakers then moved to define what it means to complete a sentence.
In addition to prison time served, lawmakers directed that all legal financial obligations, including unpaid fines and restitution, would also have to be settled before a felon could be eligible to vote.
The Florida Rights Restitution Coalition had raised about $5 million before Bloomberg made calls to raise almost $17 million more, according to Bloomberg staffers.
The money is targeted for felons who registered to vote while the law was in question and who owe $1,500 or less. That accounts for about 31,100 people, the staffers said. In a state that decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes, that could be critical in a year when polls show Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in a dead heat.
Organizers for the group say they aren’t targeting people registered with a particular political party.
“To hell with politics, to hell with any other implications or inuations, at the end of the day it’s about real people, real lives, American citizens who want to be a part of this,” said Desmond Meade, the group’s executive director. “People with felony convictions have had their voices silenced for so long.”
The group said other donors include John Legend, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, Ben & Jerry’s, Levi Strauss & Co., the Miami Dolphins, the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat and Stephen Spielberg.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Police: No arrest in Montana fatal shooting during assault

BILLINGS , Mont .
( AP ) - Montana authorities have not filed charges against a man involved in a @ @ @ @ @ what police said was an ongoing assault of a woman .
The Yellowstone County coroner @ @ @ @ @ of Roundup died of multiple gunshot wounds during the shooting in Billings Monday .
Kolter @ @ @ @ @ backyard of a home around 4:20 p.m. , authorities said .
A 34-year-old Billings man @ @ @ @ @ shot Kolter , Billings Police Department Lt. Brandon Wooley said in a statement .
Kolter @ @ @ @ @ a 33-year-old woman .
He drove about 50 miles ( 80 kilometers ) from Roundup @ @ @ @ @ , choked and “ pistol whipped ” the woman while trying to force her to @ @ @ @ @ said .
Kolter placed a handgun against the woman ’ s head , at which @ @ @ @ @ Kolter multiple times , Wooley said .
The Billing ’ s police detectives division is @ @ @ @ @ said .

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Montana authorities have not filed charges against a man involved in a fatal shooting in response to what police said was an ongoing assault of a woman.
The Yellowstone County coroner said 43-year-old Robert Aven Kolter of Roundup died of multiple gunshot wounds during the shooting in Billings Monday.
Kolter was shot while in the backyard of a home around 4:20 p.m., authorities said.
A 34-year-old Billings man who lived in the home shot Kolter, Billings Police Department Lt. Brandon Wooley said in a statement.
Kolter was in a relationship with a 33-year-old woman. He drove about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Roundup to the home and assaulted, choked and “pistol whipped” the woman while trying to force her to leave with him, police said.
Kolter placed a handgun against the woman’s head, at which point the other man shot Kolter multiple times, Wooley said.
The Billing’s police detectives division is investigating the shooting, Wooley said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Divers find body of missing Maine canoeist in rural lake

DEAD RIVER TOWNSHIP , Maine ( AP ) - Authorities in Maine said a dive team recovered the body of @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s rural interior on Tuesday .
Caitlin Giunta of York , Maine @ @ @ @ @ other people on Flagstaff Lake in northern Maine on Saturday when their canoe capsized , @ @ @ @ @ Fisheries & Wildlife said .
The group had been motoring across the lake back to @ @ @ @ @ rough lake conditions and heavy wind , the agency said .
The inland fisheries department @ @ @ @ @ covered more than 4 miles and 350 acres of water .
Game wardens worked with @ @ @ @ @ Maine Marine Patrol on the search .

DEAD RIVER TOWNSHIP, Maine (AP) - Authorities in Maine said a dive team recovered the body of a missing 31-year-old canoeist in the state’s rural interior on Tuesday.
Caitlin Giunta of York, Maine, was canoeing with two other people on Flagstaff Lake in northern Maine on Saturday when their canoe capsized, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife said. The group had been motoring across the lake back to a campsite when they encountered rough lake conditions and heavy wind, the agency said.
The inland fisheries department said the search for Giunta covered more than 4 miles and 350 acres of water. Game wardens worked with Maine State Police and the Maine Marine Patrol on the search.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Attorney: Black man shot by LA deputies wasn't holding a gun

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - A Black man shot and killed by Los Angeles County sheriff ’ s deputies wasn ’ t holding a gun when they opened fire , attorneys for his family said Tuesday , contradicting a claim that he had picked up a dropped weapon during a struggle .
Dijon Kizzee , 29 , “ posed no threat ” to deputies when they fired 19 shots at him , civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump said at a news conference .
Crump also represents the families of George Floyd and Jacob Blake .
Floyd was killed when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Blake was left paralyzed by a police shooting in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
Those incidents prompted nationwide protests .
Kizzee ’ s death also sparked a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations .
“ It is with a heavy heart that I ’ m standing with yet another Black family who has lost a loved one because of the excessive brutal force of the people who are supposed to protect and serve them , ” Crump said .
Kizzee ’ s family stood with Crump and the other attorneys , including his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , buttons and shirts that said “ Justice for Dijon Kizzee.
” Several wept .
“ All I want is justice for my nephew , ” said Fletcher Fair , Kizzee ’ s aunt , as she called for the deputies to be arrested .
“ He didn ’ t have to be killed like that .
He ’ s no animal .
He ’ s human like we are.
” Kizzee was killed Aug. 31 in South Los Angeles after sheriff ’ s deputies tried to stop him for riding a bicycle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were unaware he had a weapon wrapped in a piece of clothing he was carrying at the time .
Two deputies told investigators they fatally shot Kizzee after he picked up the handgun he had dropped during a struggle with one of them , authorities said last week .
A video shows him stooping down .
But a wall blocks a full view , and no weapon can be seen .
It doesn ’ t appear the deputies tried to de-escalate the situation before shooting Kizzee .
Authorities previously said Kizzee had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun but last week reported that the deputies claimed he had picked it up .
Kizzee was shot multiple times in the chest and arms and once in the back , authorities have said .
The full autopsy hasn ’ t been completed yet .
Carl Douglas , another civil rights attorney who is representing Kizzee ’ s family , said witnesses said the deputies fired three or four shots at Kizzee , followed by a pause and then a second volley while he was on the ground .
An independent autopsy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 times , Douglas said .
The attorney said the independent autopsy shows that Kizzee did not die instantly and instead writhed on the ground in pain .
“ We have no comment about the private autopsy results , ” Sheriff ’ s Homicide Bureau Capt .
Kent Wegener said in a statement .
Douglas said 19 gunshots shows poor police training and a pervasive “ warrior mentality ” among law enforcement nationwide .
“ Until we change that warrior mentality to more of a guardian mentality , there ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost loved ones , ” he said .
“ There ’ s a scourge that patrols the county of Los Angeles.
” The attorneys also questioned why the deputies sought to stop Kizzee while he was bicycling , calling it another example of “ biking while Black ” and racial profiling .
Crump called Kizzee ’ s death part of racial injustice and police brutality that have been part of the U.S. for centuries .
“ We in Black America are dealing with the 1619 pandemic , ” he said , referring to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were brought to Jamestown , Virginia .
“ This is an epidemic .
The 1619 pandemic has claimed its latest victim .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Black man shot and killed by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies wasn’t holding a gun when they opened fire, attorneys for his family said Tuesday, contradicting a claim that he had picked up a dropped weapon during a struggle.
Dijon Kizzee, 29, “posed no threat” to deputies when they fired 19 shots at him, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump said at a news conference.
Crump also represents the families of George Floyd and Jacob Blake. Floyd was killed when a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck, and Blake was left paralyzed by a police shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Those incidents prompted nationwide protests. Kizzee’s death also sparked a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations.
“It is with a heavy heart that I’m standing with yet another Black family who has lost a loved one because of the excessive brutal force of the people who are supposed to protect and serve them,” Crump said.
Kizzee’s family stood with Crump and the other attorneys, including his stepbrother and aunts. They wore masks, buttons and shirts that said “Justice for Dijon Kizzee.” Several wept.
“All I want is justice for my nephew,” said Fletcher Fair, Kizzee’s aunt, as she called for the deputies to be arrested. “He didn’t have to be killed like that. He’s no animal. He’s human like we are.”
Kizzee was killed Aug. 31 in South Los Angeles after sheriff’s deputies tried to stop him for riding a bicycle in the wrong direction. They said they were unaware he had a weapon wrapped in a piece of clothing he was carrying at the time.
Two deputies told investigators they fatally shot Kizzee after he picked up the handgun he had dropped during a struggle with one of them, authorities said last week. A video shows him stooping down. But a wall blocks a full view, and no weapon can be seen.
It doesn’t appear the deputies tried to de-escalate the situation before shooting Kizzee. Authorities previously said Kizzee had only “made a motion” toward the gun but last week reported that the deputies claimed he had picked it up.
Kizzee was shot multiple times in the chest and arms and once in the back, authorities have said. The full autopsy hasn’t been completed yet.
Carl Douglas, another civil rights attorney who is representing Kizzee’s family, said witnesses said the deputies fired three or four shots at Kizzee, followed by a pause and then a second volley while he was on the ground.
An independent autopsy commissioned by relatives shows he was struck 15 times, Douglas said. The attorney said the independent autopsy shows that Kizzee did not die instantly and instead writhed on the ground in pain.
“We have no comment about the private autopsy results,” Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau Capt. Kent Wegener said in a statement.
Douglas said 19 gunshots shows poor police training and a pervasive “warrior mentality” among law enforcement nationwide.
“Until we change that warrior mentality to more of a guardian mentality, there’s going to be more (families) who have lost loved ones,” he said. “There’s a scourge that patrols the county of Los Angeles.”
The attorneys also questioned why the deputies sought to stop Kizzee while he was bicycling, calling it another example of “biking while Black” and racial profiling.
Crump called Kizzee’s death part of racial injustice and police brutality that have been part of the U.S. for centuries.
“We in Black America are dealing with the 1619 pandemic,” he said, referring to the year when the first enslaved Africans were brought to Jamestown, Virginia. “This is an epidemic. The 1619 pandemic has claimed its latest victim.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--NY urged to avoid another surge of virus in jails, prisons

ALBANY , N.Y. ( AP ) - Family members of incarcerated New Yorkers and corrections officers are calling on the state ’ s lawmakers and governor to ensure prisons and jails won ’ t again face a staffing shortage , barriers to social distancing and dangerous rationing of protective gear ahead of the next COVID-19 surge or pandemic .
Testing of people with symptoms at the state ’ s prisons and New York City jails revealed thousands of COVID-19 infections among incarcerated individuals and guards , who called on the state and New York City to act at a Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance , wash their hands , access hand sanitizer and get their hands on masks and other face coverings in the early days of the pandemic , according to Jermaine Barrett , who said he was released July 28 from a maximum security prison north of New York City .
“ Initially when everything was shut down , more or less we were left to our own devices , ” Barrett said .
And guards were forced to work overtime amid severe staffing shortages , while their union in New York City sued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more sanitization at jails .
“ I have not , as of today , seen a written action plan from the DOC to ensure that the litany of mistakes made the first time around , never happens again , ” Benny Boscio , president of the union representing city correction officers , said referring to the city ’ s corrections department .
Other unions and reform groups urged New York to require regular COVID-19 testing , improve ventilation systems , increase funding and hiring for correctional health care services and ensure all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March and April , corrections officials scrambled to contain a virus known to spread quickly in enclosed , crowded spaces .
In New York City alone , over 1,400 corrections staffers and 570 incarcerated individuals at jails have tested positive for COVID-19 , according to city data .
That ’ s on top of over 1,300 staffers and 773 inmates at state prisons , according to the state Department of Corrections .
And roughly 400 corrections workers and 200 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 at county jails outside New York City .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo have said that New York appears to have averted worries of widespread fatalities behind bars this year , at a time when the number of prison inmates has plummeted to roughly 37,000 inmates .
That ’ s the lowest level since 1986 , according to Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci .
New York reported 17 inmates and five corrections staffers at state prisons died after testing positive for COVID-19 , according to the state Department of Corrections .
New York City jails have reported the deaths of four inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the latest state data provided to The Associated Press .
Other county jails have not reported any COVID-19 deaths .
New York corrections officials and criminal justice advocacy groups alike have lauded the state ’ s efforts to release nearly 3,000 prisoners alone amid the pandemic , on top of a new law this year that abolished cash bail for most crimes .
But critics worried about rising incarceration in New York City jails urged state lawmakers to further reduce incarceration by expanding elder parole , and criticized Cuomo for granting just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carter-Young said her 60-year-old brother Leonard Carter died of COVID-19 on April 14 while at Queensboro Correctional Facility - weeks before his release date .
“ While nothing can bring my brother back , New York can take action to ensure other families do not suffer the pain my family experienced , ” she said in testimony to state lawmakers .

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Family members of incarcerated New Yorkers and corrections officers are calling on the state’s lawmakers and governor to ensure prisons and jails won’t again face a staffing shortage, barriers to social distancing and dangerous rationing of protective gear ahead of the next COVID-19 surge or pandemic.
Testing of people with symptoms at the state’s prisons and New York City jails revealed thousands of COVID-19 infections among incarcerated individuals and guards, who called on the state and New York City to act at a Tuesday legislative hearing.
Inmates struggled to socially distance, wash their hands, access hand sanitizer and get their hands on masks and other face coverings in the early days of the pandemic, according to Jermaine Barrett, who said he was released July 28 from a maximum security prison north of New York City.
“Initially when everything was shut down, more or less we were left to our own devices,” Barrett said.
And guards were forced to work overtime amid severe staffing shortages, while their union in New York City sued the city to provide masks, testing and more sanitization at jails.
“I have not, as of today, seen a written action plan from the DOC to ensure that the litany of mistakes made the first time around, never happens again,” Benny Boscio, president of the union representing city correction officers, said referring to the city’s corrections department.
Other unions and reform groups urged New York to require regular COVID-19 testing, improve ventilation systems, increase funding and hiring for correctional health care services and ensure all guards and inmates wear masks.
In March and April, corrections officials scrambled to contain a virus known to spread quickly in enclosed, crowded spaces. In New York City alone, over 1,400 corrections staffers and 570 incarcerated individuals at jails have tested positive for COVID-19, according to city data.
That’s on top of over 1,300 staffers and 773 inmates at state prisons, according to the state Department of Corrections. And roughly 400 corrections workers and 200 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 at county jails outside New York City.
Still, state officials including Gov. Andrew Cuomo have said that New York appears to have averted worries of widespread fatalities behind bars this year, at a time when the number of prison inmates has plummeted to roughly 37,000 inmates.
That’s the lowest level since 1986, according to Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci.
New York reported 17 inmates and five corrections staffers at state prisons died after testing positive for COVID-19, according to the state Department of Corrections.
New York City jails have reported the deaths of four inmates and 10 staffers from COVID-19, according to the latest state data provided to The Associated Press. Other county jails have not reported any COVID-19 deaths.
New York corrections officials and criminal justice advocacy groups alike have lauded the state’s efforts to release nearly 3,000 prisoners alone amid the pandemic, on top of a new law this year that abolished cash bail for most crimes.
But critics worried about rising incarceration in New York City jails urged state lawmakers to further reduce incarceration by expanding elder parole, and criticized Cuomo for granting just three clemencies in the pandemic.
Cynthia Carter-Young said her 60-year-old brother Leonard Carter died of COVID-19 on April 14 while at Queensboro Correctional Facility - weeks before his release date.
“While nothing can bring my brother back, New York can take action to ensure other families do not suffer the pain my family experienced,” she said in testimony to state lawmakers.


washingtontimes--2020-09-22--Trump at Moon Township, Pennsylvania rally rips Biden on Supreme Court

President Trump went after his opponent Democratic presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden Tuesday during a campaign rally in Moon Township , Pennsylvania over his unwillingness to reveal the type of judges he would tap for the Supreme Court and waffling on fracking .
Mr. Trump , who has released a list of his potential Supreme Court picks during his 2016 campaign which has been continuously updated , is readying to announce his next Supreme Court nominee on Saturday following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
He says his opponent won ’ t release the type of justice he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do away with the Second Amendment .
“ He can only put super left radical judges on .
People that would destroy your country , ” the president warned .
Energy production was also a top issue Mr. Trump emphasized while at the rally , noting Pennsylvania is an energy-rich state .
“ We are the dominant energy producer .
We are going to keep it that way , ” the president said , noting Mr. Biden has waffled on the issue of fracking during the campaign — at first saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to walk that back .
It ’ s likely an issue to be discussed during the upcoming presidential debates , with the first one taking place next week .
Mr. Trump also took a swipe at Mr. Biden during his speech over always wearing a face mask even when he is several yards away from anyone .
Mr. Biden has pushed for a national mask mandate during the coronavirus pandemic — unlike Mr. Trump , who is rarely seen in a face mask .
“ Will he leave it on during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Is he going to walk in with a mask ?
” “ He feels good about the mask and that ’ s ok — whatever makes you feel good , ” Mr. Trump said .
The president won the state of Pennsylvania in 2016 against Hillary Clinton by less than 1 % .
The current Real Clear Politics average has Mr. Biden up by 3.9 points .

President Trump went after his opponent Democratic presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden Tuesday during a campaign rally in Moon Township, Pennsylvania over his unwillingness to reveal the type of judges he would tap for the Supreme Court and waffling on fracking.
Mr. Trump, who has released a list of his potential Supreme Court picks during his 2016 campaign which has been continuously updated, is readying to announce his next Supreme Court nominee on Saturday following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
He says his opponent won’t release the type of justice he would nominate because they would be extreme and do away with the Second Amendment.
“He can only put super left radical judges on. People that would destroy your country,” the president warned.
Energy production was also a top issue Mr. Trump emphasized while at the rally, noting Pennsylvania is an energy-rich state.
“We are the dominant energy producer. We are going to keep it that way,” the president said, noting Mr. Biden has waffled on the issue of fracking during the campaign — at first saying he would ban it, but since has attempted to walk that back.
It’s likely an issue to be discussed during the upcoming presidential debates, with the first one taking place next week.
Mr. Trump also took a swipe at Mr. Biden during his speech over always wearing a face mask even when he is several yards away from anyone.
Mr. Biden has pushed for a national mask mandate during the coronavirus pandemic — unlike Mr. Trump, who is rarely seen in a face mask.
“Will he leave it on during the debate?” the president said. “Is he going to walk in with a mask?”
“He feels good about the mask and that’s ok — whatever makes you feel good,” Mr. Trump said.
The president won the state of Pennsylvania in 2016 against Hillary Clinton by less than 1%. The current Real Clear Politics average has Mr. Biden up by 3.9 points.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.