washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Debris falls from supertall NYC skyscraper; no one injured

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Debris fell from a supertall skyscraper nearing completion in New York City as the @ @ @ @ @ in the wind Thursday evening , but no one was injured , officials said .
@ @ @ @ @ showed the top of the crane revolving in a full circle in rainy weather at @ @ @ @ @ topped out at over 1,400 feet , on West 57th Street in Manhattan .
Fire @ @ @ @ @ at the building shortly before 7 p.m .
The Buildings Department sent inspectors .
Traffic @ @ @ @ @ area , and subway trains were rerouted .
The crane is stable and is being @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Rudansky said in an email .
The crane is designed to spin in the @ @ @ @ @ but inspectors are trying to determine what caused debris to fall .
There were no @ @ @ @ @ debris consisted of .
The skyscraper was developed by JDS Construction Group .
A message @ @ @ @ @ .

NEW YORK (AP) - Debris fell from a supertall skyscraper nearing completion in New York City as the top of a crane spun in the wind Thursday evening, but no one was injured, officials said.
Video posted to social media showed the top of the crane revolving in a full circle in rainy weather at the building, which has topped out at over 1,400 feet, on West 57th Street in Manhattan.
Fire officials said they started operations at the building shortly before 7 p.m. The Buildings Department sent inspectors. Traffic was shut down in the area, and subway trains were rerouted.
The crane is stable and is being evaluated, Buildings Department spokesperson Andrew Rudansky said in an email. The crane is designed to spin in the wind, he said, but inspectors are trying to determine what caused debris to fall.
There were no official details on what the debris consisted of.
The skyscraper was developed by JDS Construction Group. A message was left with the company.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Long absentee lines draw vote suppression criticism

MONTGOMERY , Ala. ( AP ) - The final day of in-person absentee voting in Alabama brought long lines , accusations of voter suppression and unsettled questions over the fate of some votes after a court fight temporarily altered ballot requirements .
A record 259,000 Alabamians have voted by absentee ballot so far this election amid pandemic rules and a push for early voting , and the number is expected to grow as the final votes come in .
That is nearly three times the state ’ s previous record for absentee voting .
Voters in Tuscaloosa County have waited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party said Thursday with one voter waiting five hours without getting in the courthouse and another had to leave before casting a ballot after waiting four hours in line .
“ No voter should have to wait in line for hours to exercise their rights .
We should leverage every tool we have to make voting easier , not harder , ” Wade Perry , executive director of the Alabama Democratic Party .
A lawyer for Sen. Doug Jones campaign sent a letter Wednesday to Tuscaloosa Circuit Clerk Magaria Bobo saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote of qualified Alabama voters.
” “ This is evidence that your office is not competently managing its absentee election rules , ” attorney Adam Plant wrote .
“ No voter should face such an undue burden on their fundamental right to vote during a pandemic.
” Bobo could not immediately be reached for comment .
But she told the Montgomery Advertiser that her office was working diligently to process the flood of absentee ballots .
The letter also cited Facebook comments from Bobo family ’ s members , who were helping with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unappreciative , stupid and classless for complaining about the long wait times .
She said that her family members had volunteered and that the posts had been taken down .
Another outstanding question is the fate of absentee ballots that might have been caught up in a court battle over witness requirements .
A federal judge in September said voters with health concerns could be exempt from absentee ballot witness and notary requirements because of the health risks of interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The state appealed and the 11th U.S .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 13 .
Before the order was blocked , election officials in Jefferson County had mailed out a waiver form for the notary and witness requirement with requested absentee ballots .
Jefferson County officials said Monday that ballots returned with a waiver that were postmarked on or before Oct. 13 will be counted .
The issue is with any ballots returned Oct. 14 or later .
County officials said they are trying to contact voters who might have returned their absentee ballots with the waiver that is no longer valid .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 13 Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said voters who have concerns about whether their vote was properly filed should contact their local absentee voting office .

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The final day of in-person absentee voting in Alabama brought long lines, accusations of voter suppression and unsettled questions over the fate of some votes after a court fight temporarily altered ballot requirements.
A record 259,000 Alabamians have voted by absentee ballot so far this election amid pandemic rules and a push for early voting, and the number is expected to grow as the final votes come in. That is nearly three times the state’s previous record for absentee voting.
Voters in Tuscaloosa County have waited in excessively long lines, the Alabama Democratic Party said Thursday with one voter waiting five hours without getting in the courthouse and another had to leave before casting a ballot after waiting four hours in line.
“No voter should have to wait in line for hours to exercise their rights. We should leverage every tool we have to make voting easier, not harder,” Wade Perry, executive director of the Alabama Democratic Party.
A lawyer for Sen. Doug Jones campaign sent a letter Wednesday to Tuscaloosa Circuit Clerk Magaria Bobo saying the long lines equated to “suppressing the vote of qualified Alabama voters.”
“This is evidence that your office is not competently managing its absentee election rules,” attorney Adam Plant wrote. “No voter should face such an undue burden on their fundamental right to vote during a pandemic.”
Bobo could not immediately be reached for comment. But she told the Montgomery Advertiser that her office was working diligently to process the flood of absentee ballots.
The letter also cited Facebook comments from Bobo family’s members, who were helping with absentee ballot processing, that called voters unappreciative, stupid and classless for complaining about the long wait times. She said that her family members had volunteered and that the posts had been taken down.
Another outstanding question is the fate of absentee ballots that might have been caught up in a court battle over witness requirements.
A federal judge in September said voters with health concerns could be exempt from absentee ballot witness and notary requirements because of the health risks of interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state appealed and the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the ruling on Oct. 13.
Before the order was blocked, election officials in Jefferson County had mailed out a waiver form for the notary and witness requirement with requested absentee ballots. Jefferson County officials said Monday that ballots returned with a waiver that were postmarked on or before Oct. 13 will be counted. The issue is with any ballots returned Oct. 14 or later.
County officials said they are trying to contact voters who might have returned their absentee ballots with the waiver that is no longer valid.
The county said it stopped mailing out waivers on Oct. 13
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said voters who have concerns about whether their vote was properly filed should contact their local absentee voting office.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Pompeo wraps up anti-China tour of Asia in Vietnam

HANOI , Vietnam ( AP ) - U , S .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is wrapping up an anti-China tour of Asia in Vietnam as the fierce American presidential election race enters its final stretch .
With just four days left in the campaign in which China has been a central theme , Pompeo was visiting Hanoi on Friday ostensibly to celebrate 25 years of U.S.-Vietnam relations .
But as he has at his previous stops in India , Sri Lanka , the Maldives and Indonesia , Pompeo is expected to highlight the Trump administration ’ s antipathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , its human rights record and aggressiveness towards its smaller neighbors .
Those issues , particularly the Chinese origin of the virus , have been highlighted by President Donald Trump as he seeks to beat back a stiff reelection challenge from former Vice President Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 polls .
Trump has sought to paint Biden as weak on China and beholden to it , repeatedly raising questions about alleged connections between Biden ’ s son , Hunter , and Chinese businesses .
Vietnam was a late addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about Chinese policies in the region .
Those range from Beijing ’ s territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea to its development activities along the Mekong River , which runs through much of mainland Southeast Asia and is a regional lifeline .
In a statement released ahead of Pompeo ’ s arrival in Vietnam , the State Department attacked China for reneging on cooperation pledges with other Mekong countries and for aggressively pursuing suspect claims in the South China Sea .
China ’ s “ malign and destabilizing actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mekong river water flows , negatively affect millions of people who depend on the river for their livelihoods , ” it said .
“ The United States stands with our Indo-Pacific allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources in the South China Sea , consistent with their rights and obligations under international law , ” it said .
It noted that earlier this year , Pompeo had rejected outright nearly all of Beijing ’ s maritime claims in the South China Sea .
“ The United States rejects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the waters surrounding Vanguard Bank off Vietnam ’ s coast , ” the statement said , “ We will oppose any efforts aimed at undermining the rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea or elsewhere.
” China has pressed ahead with attempts to enforce its claims to much of the South China Sea and has ignored an arbitration ruling won by the Philippines that invalidated China ’ s claims .
Pompeo arrived in Vietnam from Indonesia , where he praised Indonesian leadership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ unlawful ” South China Sea claims and denounced Beijing for its treatment of religious minorities , calling it “ the gravest threat to the future of religious freedom.
” Pompeo had traveled to Indonesia from the Maldives , Sri Lanka and India on stops where he steadily ratcheted up the pressure on China , which has rejected U.S. concerns and accused him and others in the Trump administration of fanning the flames of a new Cold War .
In the Maldives , Pompeo announced the United States would for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocean archipelago , a move that reflects growing U.S. concern about increasing Chinese influence and what he he called “ its lawless and threatening behavior ” in the Indo-Pacific region .
Just hours earlier in Sri Lanka , Pompeo had accusing China of being a ” predator ” in smaller countries by exploiting them with loans and development projects intended to benefit the Chinese more than the intended recipients .
At his first stop of the tour in India , Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper had stepped up the administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the Chinese to shore up a regional front against Beijing in the Indo-Pacific .
Just hours before the meetings in New Delhi began , the Trump administration notified Congress of plans for a $ 2.37 billion sale of Harpoon missile systems to Taiwan - the second major arms sale in two weeks to the democratic island that Beijing regards as a renegade province .
China angrily reacted by announcing sanctions on U.S. defense contractors .

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrapped up a five-nation, anti-China tour of Asia in Vietnam on Friday with a call for regional unity to counter Beijing’s growing assertiveness, as the fierce American presidential election race entered its final stretch.
With just four days left in the campaign in which China has been a central theme, Pompeo visited Hanoi ostensibly to celebrate 25 years of U.S.-Vietnam relations. But, as he has at his previous stops in India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia, Pompeo’s main aim was to shore up support for pushing back on China.
“We have enormous respect for the Vietnamese people and your country’s sovereignty,” Pompeo told Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
In brief comments heard by reporters, neither man mentioned China by name, but Pompeo’s use of the word “sovereignty” has become code for referring to opposition to Chinese encroachment, particularly in Asia.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to build on our relationship and to make the region - throughout Southeast Asia, Asia and the Indo-Pacific - safe and peaceful and prosperous,” Pompeo said.
Phuc said he seeks “sincere cooperation” between both sides in support of a peaceful region.
The Trump administration has made confronting China, its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, human rights record and aggressiveness toward its smaller neighbors one of its main foreign policy priorities. Those issues, particularly the Chinese origin of the virus, have been highlighted by President Donald Trump as he seeks to beat back a stiff reelection challenge from former Vice President Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 polls.
Trump has sought to paint Biden as weak on China and beholden to it, repeatedly raising questions about alleged connections between Biden’s son, Hunter, and Chinese businesses.
Amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Vietnam was a late addition to Pompeo’s itinerary and has numerous fears about Chinese policies in the region. Those range from Beijing’s territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea to its development activities along the Mekong River, which runs through much of mainland Southeast Asia and is a regional lifeline.
In a statement released ahead of Pompeo’s arrival in Vietnam, the State Department attacked China for reneging on cooperation pledges with other Mekong countries and for aggressively pursuing suspect claims in the South China Sea.
China’s “malign and destabilizing actions in the Mekong region, including manipulation of Mekong River water flows, negatively affect millions of people who depend on the river for their livelihoods,” it said.
“The United States stands with our Indo-Pacific allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources in the South China Sea, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law,” it said. It noted that earlier this year, Pompeo had rejected outright nearly all of Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, including those involving Vietnam.
China’s actions in the South China Sea, through which a third of global shipping passes, has drawn rebuke from the United States and become a flashpoint for a region in which Southeast Asian neighbors Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all have rival claims.
China has ignored an arbitration ruling won by the Philippines that invalidated most of Beijing’s claims, and built military outposts on seven man-made islands.
Pompeo arrived in Vietnam from Indonesia, where he praised Indonesian leadership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for pushing back on what he called China’s “unlawful” South China Sea claims and denounced Beijing for its treatment of religious minorities, calling it “the gravest threat to the future of religious freedom.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended Beijing’s policies toward religious minorities and accused Pompeo of acting out of “ideological prejudice and selfish political interests.”
“We urge Pompeo to stop fabricating all kinds of lies about China and stop using the religious issue to interfere in China’s internal affairs,” Wang told reporters at a daily briefing on Friday.
While China’s constitution technically protects freedom of religion, the officially atheist Communist Party strictly limits observance, especially among young people and those worshiping outside party-sanctioned religious bodies.
Pompeo had traveled to Indonesia from the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India on stops where he steadily ratcheted up the pressure on Beijing, which has rejected U.S. concerns and accused him and others in the Trump administration of fanning the flames of a new Cold War.
In the Maldives, Pompeo announced the United States would for the first time open an embassy in the Indian Ocean archipelago, a move that reflects growing U.S. concern about increasing Chinese influence and what he he called “its lawless and threatening behavior” in the Indo-Pacific region.
Just hours earlier in Sri Lanka, Pompeo had accusing China of being a ”predator” in smaller countries by exploiting them with loans and development projects intended to benefit the Chinese more than the intended recipients.
At his first stop of the tour in India, Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper had stepped up the administration’s anti-China message by playing on Indian suspicions about the Chinese to shore up a regional front against Beijing in the Indo-Pacific.
Just hours before the meetings in New Delhi began, the Trump administration notified Congress of plans for a $2.37 billion sale of Harpoon missile systems to Taiwan - the second major arms sale in two weeks to the democratic island that Beijing regards as a renegade province. China angrily reacted by announcing sanctions on U.S. defense contractors.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Florida man arrested in crash that killed NFL player's dad

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. ( AP ) - A Florida man has been charged in a traffic crash that killed @ @ @ @ @ was the father of New England Patriots running back James White .
Authorities said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ of Hollywood surrendered and was being held in the Broward County jail .
Court records @ @ @ @ @ for him , and a court appearance is set for Friday .
Investigators say Chamblin @ @ @ @ @ 152 kph ) when his car slammed into a vehicle driven by Lisa White , @ @ @ @ @ .
In the passenger seat was Tyrone White , the 59-year-old father of James White @ @ @ @ @ Miami-Dade County Police Department .
He was killed .
Officials say Lisa White was seriously @ @ @ @ @ .
Chamblin is charged with vehicular homicide , reckless driving and speeding .
James White @ @ @ @ @ national power St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale , starred at Wisconsin and been part @ @ @ @ @ teams .

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida man has been charged in a traffic crash that killed a longtime police captain who was the father of New England Patriots running back James White.
Authorities said Thursday that 32-year-old Daniel Tucker Chamblin of Hollywood surrendered and was being held in the Broward County jail. Court records did not list an attorney for him, and a court appearance is set for Friday.
Investigators say Chamblin was driving 95 mph (152 kph) when his car slammed into a vehicle driven by Lisa White, mother of the Patriots player. In the passenger seat was Tyrone White, the 59-year-old father of James White and a captain with the Miami-Dade County Police Department. He was killed.
Officials say Lisa White was seriously injured, but is recovering.
Chamblin is charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving and speeding.
James White played high school football at national power St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, starred at Wisconsin and been part of two Patriot Super Bowl-winning teams.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Hunter Biden FBI investigation: Trump campaign calls on Joe Biden to reveal what he knows

Trump campaign officials called on Democrat Joseph R. Biden on Thursday night to disclose whether he was aware that his son Hunter reportedly has been under investigation by the FBI since last year in a money-laundering probe .
“ It is not believable that Joe Biden was unaware that his son was under FBI investigation since last year , ” said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh .
“ Joe Biden must answer these questions.
” Tony Bobulinski , a former business partner of Hunter Biden , told James Rosen of Sinclair Broadcasting on Thursday that he was questioned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five hours on Oct. 23 .
Mr. Bobulinski said the FBI was listing him as a “ material witness ” in an ongoing investigation focused on Hunter Biden and his associates , and that his three cell phones were examined .
Mr. Rosen reported that he confirmed the probe with a Justice Department official .
The Justice Department did not immediately return a request for comment from The Washington Times .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday night that President Trump has not discussed the matter with Attorney General William P. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware of that when the reporting came out .
In fact , I saw the reporting on my phone and I showed it to him , ” she told reporters aboard Air Force One .
Mr. Murtaugh called on mainstream media outlets to cover the story , saying the media are ignoring allegations of Hunter Biden profiteering off his father ’ s position as Vice President during the Obama administration .
Mr. Bobulinski has said he met face-to-face with Joe Biden twice after he left office to discuss business deals involving the Chinese @ @ @ @

Trump campaign officials called on Democrat Joseph R. Biden on Thursday night to disclose whether he was aware that his son Hunter reportedly has been under investigation by the FBI since last year in a money-laundering probe.
“It is not believable that Joe Biden was unaware that his son was under FBI investigation since last year,” said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh. “Joe Biden must answer these questions.”
Tony Bobulinski, a former business partner of Hunter Biden, told James Rosen of Sinclair Broadcasting on Thursday that he was questioned by six FBI agents with counsel present for five hours on Oct. 23. Mr. Bobulinski said the FBI was listing him as a “material witness” in an ongoing investigation focused on Hunter Biden and his associates, and that his three cellphones were examined.
Mr. Rosen reported that he confirmed the probe with a Justice Department official. The Justice Department did not immediately return a request for comment from The Washington Times.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday night that President Trump has not discussed the matter with Attorney General William P. Barr.
“The president was not aware of that when the reporting came out. In fact, I saw the reporting on my phone and I showed it to him,” she told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Mr. Murtaugh called on mainstream media outlets to cover the story, saying the media are ignoring allegations of Hunter Biden profiteering off his father’s position as vice president during the Obama administration. Mr. Bobulinski has said he met face-to-face with Joe Biden twice after he left office to discuss business deals involving the Chinese and Hunter Biden.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Democrats lose suit over Arizona redistricting panel list

PHOENIX ( AP ) - A judge has rejected an effort by Democratic leaders of the Arizona Legislature to disqualify two of five independents chosen by a judicial panel as potential chairs of a commission that will redraw political district boundaries next year .
The lawsuit filed last week by House Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez and Senate Minority Leader David Bradley alleged the state Commission on Appellate Court Appointments failed to do its duty under the state constitution to properly vet the candidates .
They wanted the judge to order the nominating commission to replace the two nominees with qualified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four members of the redistricting commission .
They said one nominee wasn ’ t qualified because he is a lobbyist and the other was a Trump supporter who was not truly independent .
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Janice Crawford on Thursday denied the Democrats ‘ request to halt the process .
She said they waited too long to ask a court to step in .
The suit was filed after Republican House Speaker Rusty Bowers made his choice for the commission last week , picking David Mehl of Pima County to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel .
Bowers ’ pick set up a series of choices by the other leaders of the House and Senate , which must come a week apart under a provision of the state constitution that created the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission .
Democrats were trying to put that timeline on hold so two new independents could be chosen .
The judge said she would not alter the timeline , which is in the state constitution .
“ The public interest will not be furthered by the Court creating confusion into the constitutionally mandated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properly appointed member by restarting the process of submitting a pool of qualified applicants , ” Crawford wrote .
After the court ruling , Fernandez chose Shereen Lerner of Tempe to serve on the redistricting commission .
She is an anthropology and archaeology professor at Mesa Community College and has served as a volunteer on numerous advisory boards for Tempe .
The redistricting commission was created by voters in 2000 to limit political influence by taking the job of redrawing congressional and legislative district maps from the Legislature .
The process that follows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where districts ’ lines are drawn can influence what voices are heard and how loudly in the political debate , partly by limiting how many legislative and U.S. House seats each party can realistically win .
The commission is designed to have five members - two Democrats , two Republicans and an independent , who serves as chair .
The state Commission on Appellate Court Appointments , led by Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Brutinel , vets the candidates and presents a list of 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans to leaders of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then choose one member each from the list , and those four commissioners pick the chair from another list of five qualified candidates the judicial screening panel provides .
The chair often serves as a tiebreaker .
The next picks come from Republican Senate President Karen Fann and Bradley .

PHOENIX (AP) - A judge has rejected an effort by Democratic leaders of the Arizona Legislature to halt choices for a commission that will redraw political district boundaries next year while they seek to disqualify two of five independents chosen by a judicial panel as potential commission chairs.
The lawsuit filed last week by House Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez and Senate Minority Leader David Bradley alleged the state Commission on Appellate Court Appointments failed to do its duty under the state constitution to properly vet the candidates.
They wanted the judge to order the nominating commission to replace the two nominees with qualified people and halt selection of the other four members of the redistricting commission. They said one nominee wasn’t qualified because he is a lobbyist and the other was a Trump supporter who was not truly independent.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Janice Crawford on Thursday denied the Democrats’ request for an injunction halting the process of picking members of the redistricting panel while the Democrats’ effort to disqualify the candidates continues. She said they waited too long to ask a court to step in because one choice had already been made. Crawford said she’ll hold another hearing after next week’s election.
The suit was filed after Republican House Speaker Rusty Bowers made his choice for the commission last week, picking David Mehl of Pima County to serve as one of two Republicans on the panel.
Bowers’ pick set up a series of choices by the other leaders of the House and Senate, which must come a week apart under a provision of the state constitution that created the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. Democrats were trying to put that timeline on hold so two new independents could be chosen.
The judge said she would not alter the timeline, which is in the state constitution.
“The public interest will not be furthered by the Court creating confusion into the constitutionally mandated deadlines or the possibility of removing a properly appointed member by restarting the process of submitting a pool of qualified applicants,” Crawford wrote.
After the court ruling, Fernandez chose Shereen Lerner of Tempe to serve on the redistricting commission. She is an anthropology and archaeology professor at Mesa Community College and has served as a volunteer on numerous advisory boards for Tempe.
The redistricting commission was created by voters in 2000 to limit political influence by taking the job of redrawing congressional and legislative district maps from the Legislature. The process that follows each U.S. Census is politically important because where districts’ lines are drawn can influence what voices are heard and how loudly in the political debate, partly by limiting how many legislative and U.S. House seats each party can realistically win.
The commission is designed to have five members - two Democrats, two Republicans and an independent, who serves as chair. The state Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, led by Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Brutinel, vets the candidates and presents a list of 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans to leaders of the House and Senate.
The four leaders then choose one member each from the list, and those four commissioners pick the chair from another list of five qualified candidates the judicial screening panel provides. The chair often serves as a tiebreaker.
The next picks come from Republican Senate President Karen Fann and Bradley.
___
This story was first published on October 29, 2020. It was updated on October 30, 2020, to correct the action taken by the judge. She rejected Democrats’ request for an injunction halting the choices for the panel, but the case seeking to disqualify the two potential chairs will proceed.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Woman goes to prison over powder sent to Sen. Susan Collins

BANGOR , Maine ( AP ) - A woman convicted of mailing a letter containing powder to the Maine home of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins was sentenced Thursday to 30 months in prison .
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker imposed the sentence on Suzanne Muscara , 38 , of Burlington , Maine .
Muscara was convicted of mailing a threatening communication .
The letter contained white powder , a reference to anthrax and a stick figure with the letter X for eyes , prosecutors said .
The episode happened in October 2018 , two days after the Republican senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contain ricin .
No charges were announced after the letter claiming to contain ricin , but postal screeners began inspecting Collins ‘ mail and intercepted Muscara ’ s letter before it reached Collins ’ home .
The FBI tested the white powder and found that it did not contain anthrax or any other toxic substances .
Muscara , who was identified by a fingerprint , was upset with Collins over one of her votes in the Senate , prosecutors said .
She told investigators she didn ’ t think the letter would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frank said said there was nothing funny about anthrax , a deadly substance that has been used to terrorize .
“ American politics is premised on free speech and vigorous debate , ” Frank said .
“ True threats are not protected speech .
They are a crime.
” The FBI , the U.S .
Postal Inspection Service , the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal , the Maine State Police and the Old Town Police Department investigated the case .
“ Senator Collins and her husband , Tom Daffron , are grateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the employees at the Hampden processing center and at the Bangor Post Office who quickly intercepted the letter and the extraordinary professionalism and effective investigative work of state and federal law enforcement officers , ” Christopher Knight said .

BANGOR, Maine (AP) - A woman convicted of mailing a letter containing powder to the Maine home of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins was sentenced Thursday to 30 months in prison.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker imposed the sentence on Suzanne Muscara, 38, of Burlington, Maine.
Muscara was convicted of mailing a threatening communication. The letter contained white powder, a reference to anthrax and a stick figure with the letter X for eyes, prosecutors said.
The episode happened in October 2018, two days after the Republican senator’s husband opened a letter claiming to contain ricin.
No charges were announced after the letter claiming to contain ricin, but postal screeners began inspecting Collins’ mail and intercepted Muscara’s letter before it reached Collins’ home. The FBI tested the white powder and found that it did not contain anthrax or any other toxic substances.
Muscara, who was identified by a fingerprint, was upset with Collins over one of her votes in the Senate, prosecutors said. She told investigators she didn’t think the letter would be taken seriously.
U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank said said there was nothing funny about anthrax, a deadly substance that has been used to terrorize.
“American politics is premised on free speech and vigorous debate,” Frank said. “True threats are not protected speech. They are a crime.”
The FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal, the Maine State Police and the Old Town Police Department investigated the case.
A spokesperson for Collins expressed her appreciation.
“Senator Collins and her husband, Tom Daffron, are grateful for the vigilance of the postal inspectors and the employees at the Hampden processing center and at the Bangor Post Office who quickly intercepted the letter and the extraordinary professionalism and effective investigative work of state and federal law enforcement officers,” Christopher Knight said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Nevada high court revives Wynn defamation case against AP

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday reinstated a defamation lawsuit against The Associated Press based on a story about accounts to Las Vegas police from two women who alleged sexual misconduct by former casino mogul Steve Wynn .
The court revived Wynn ’ s claim that a February 2018 AP article , which cited police documents , failed to fully describe elements of a woman ’ s account that would have cast doubt on her allegation Wynn raped her in the 1970s in Chicago and that she gave birth to their daughter in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court instructed Clark County District Court Judge Ronald Israel to reconsider his August 2018 decision to dismiss AP from the case on grounds that AP fairly reported information based on an official document , a police complaint by Halina Kuta , even though authorities never investigated the allegation .
Las Vegas police at the time said too much time had elapsed since Kuta said the events occurred in 1973 or 1974 .
“ The AP article republished allegations … which were not investigated , evaluated or pursued by law enforcement in any way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote for the unanimous court .
The ruling said the lower court erred in dismissing AP from the case on fair report privilege grounds .
The trial court must now consider AP ’ s other arguments for dismissing the case under the Nevada anti-SLAPP statute , which is designed to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation .
The trial court judge later ruled that Kuta defamed Wynn with her claims , which the judge termed “ totally fanciful.
” Wynn was awarded a nominal damage amount of $ 1 .
Wynn , 78 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chief executive of Wynn Resorts .
He has consistently denied sexual misconduct allegations , which were first reported in January 2018 by the Wall Street Journal .
Wynn attorney Tamara Beatty Peterson said Wynn was pleased with Thursday ’ s ruling and “ looks forward to vindicating his reputation.
” Lauren Easton , the AP ’ s global director of media relations , said the AP was reviewing the court ’ s decision .
Wynn lawyer Todd Bice told the state Supreme Court during oral arguments in July that AP omitted relevant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would lead people to doubt the veracity of her rape allegation .
Neither accuser was identified in the AP report .
Their names and other identifying information were blacked out in documents obtained by AP under a public records request and Las Vegas police refused to provide additional details .
The AP typically does not publish names of people who say they are victims of sexual assault , but Kuta agreed to be named in later AP news reports .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday reinstated a defamation lawsuit against The Associated Press based on a story about accounts to Las Vegas police from two women who alleged sexual misconduct by former casino mogul Steve Wynn.
The court revived Wynn’s claim that a February 2018 AP article, which cited police documents, failed to fully describe elements of a woman’s account that would have cast doubt on her allegation Wynn raped her in the 1970s in Chicago and that she gave birth to their daughter in a gas station restroom.
The state high court instructed Clark County District Court Judge Ronald Israel to reconsider his August 2018 decision to dismiss AP from the case on grounds that AP fairly reported information based on an official document, a police complaint by Halina Kuta, even though authorities never investigated the allegation.
Las Vegas police at the time said too much time had elapsed since Kuta said the events occurred in 1973 or 1974.
“The AP article republished allegations … which were not investigated, evaluated or pursued by law enforcement in any way,” Supreme Court Justice Elissa Cadish wrote for the unanimous court.
The ruling said the lower court erred in dismissing AP from the case on fair report privilege grounds. The trial court must now consider AP’s other arguments for dismissing the case under the Nevada anti-SLAPP statute, which is designed to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation.
The trial court judge later ruled that Kuta defamed Wynn with her claims, which the judge termed “totally fanciful.” Wynn was awarded a nominal damage amount of $1.
Wynn, 78, resigned in February 2018 as chairman and chief executive of Wynn Resorts. He has consistently denied sexual misconduct allegations, which were first reported in January 2018 by the Wall Street Journal.
Wynn attorney Tamara Beatty Peterson said Wynn was pleased with Thursday’s ruling and “looks forward to vindicating his reputation.”
Lauren Easton, the AP’s global director of media relations, said the AP was reviewing the court’s decision.
Wynn lawyer Todd Bice told the state Supreme Court during oral arguments in July that AP omitted relevant elements of Kuta’s complaint that would lead people to doubt the veracity of her rape allegation.
Neither accuser was identified in the AP report. Their names and other identifying information were blacked out in documents obtained by AP under a public records request and Las Vegas police refused to provide additional details.
The AP typically does not publish names of people who say they are victims of sexual assault, but Kuta agreed to be named in later AP news reports.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Church: California city violated its rights during pandemic

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - When other church leaders protested coronavirus shutdown orders , saying they were following the word of the Lord , pastor Joe Garcia said he followed the word of the law .
He held services online for months during coronavirus restrictions and later his Pentecostal flock socially distanced outside the Word Aflame Tabernacle when worship could resume in person .
Despite that , he said he ’ s continuously been harassed by a Southern California city official and a church neighbor who have made false claims that he ’ s violated public health orders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit against La Habra Heights , City Manager Fabiola Huerta and a man who has repeatedly complained to the city .
The lawsuit says they violated the constitutional rights of the church and its leaders .
“ They ’ re just zeroing in on us , ” Garcia told The Associated Press on Thursday .
“ They ’ re just trying to catch us doing something wrong and we ’ re not .
There ’ s no case … to build on.
” Many churches across the U.S. have gone to court to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those have mainly been against government officials , alleging bans on religious gatherings during shutdown orders violate their First Amendment rights to assemble .
Besides targeting the city , Garcia ’ s lawsuit sweeps in Juan Garcia , who is not related to him , saying he reported the church to police and health officials , yelled at worshippers and shot photos and video of them .
The lawsuit says Huerta supported Juan Garcia ’ s false accusations and conspired with him to penalize the church .
“ They ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the church ’ s attorney , Mariah Gondeiro .
“ It simply is pure harassment.
” The pastor said he has followed proper social distancing protocols since services were allowed to resume in late May , and no member has become ill .
The lawsuit said Huerta and Juan Garcia have prompted the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to visit the church five times since Aug. 23 .
The department issued two inspection reports that found the church in compliance with social distancing and mask-wearing , the lawsuit said .
Huerta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP and said it “ came out of left field ” and she couldn ’ t immediately comment .
The city later issued a statement that did not address specific allegations .
Huerta has been spotted hiding in the bushes and in an unmarked car taking video of gatherings , the lawsuit alleged .
She called Los Angeles sheriff ’ s deputies to report that the church was holding indoor services , but the claim was unfounded , the lawsuit said .
The complaints began when Garcia moved services outdoors in late July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Gavin Newsom to halt indoor worship .
The city fined the church $ 3,000 for noise violations , the lawsuit said .
It also sent a letter demanding the church cease “ noncritical activities such as Bible study and prayer groups ” or face a $ 1,000 fine or up six months in jail .
The city ’ s statement said it had dismissed all fines for noise violations and was no longer asking the church to cease activities .
The city said it had accommodated the church by offering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it complied with noise limits in residential areas .
Joe Garcia said the church uses a decibel monitor to measure the volume and turns down music if it gets too loud during two services - in Spanish and English - on Sunday .
The pastor said Juan Garcia has never liked members of the Word Aflame Ministries , who rent the Hillcrest Congregational Church across the street from his house in a suburban neighborhood about 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) southeast of Los Angeles .
The pastor compared his battle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the underdog David vanquishing the giant Goliath .
“ He ’ s Goliath breathing out threatenings against the children of Israel , ” Joe Garcia said .
“ But we all know what happens at the end of that story … I know it ’ s going to be a victory for us .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - When other church leaders protested coronavirus shutdown orders, saying they were following the word of the Lord, pastor Joe Garcia said he followed the word of the law.
He held services online for months during coronavirus restrictions and later his Pentecostal flock socially distanced outside the Word Aflame Tabernacle when worship could resume in person. Despite that, he said he’s continuously been harassed by a Southern California city official and a church neighbor who have made false claims that he’s violated public health orders.
Garcia struck back Wednesday in a federal lawsuit against La Habra Heights, City Manager Fabiola Huerta and a man who has repeatedly complained to the city. The lawsuit says they violated the constitutional rights of the church and its leaders.
“They’re just zeroing in on us,” Garcia told The Associated Press on Thursday. “They’re just trying to catch us doing something wrong and we’re not. There’s no case … to build on.”
Many churches across the U.S. have gone to court to challenge public health closures during the pandemic. Those have mainly been against government officials, alleging bans on religious gatherings during shutdown orders violate their First Amendment rights to assemble.
Besides targeting the city, Garcia’s lawsuit sweeps in Juan Garcia, who is not related to him, saying he reported the church to police and health officials, yelled at worshippers and shot photos and video of them. The lawsuit says Huerta supported Juan Garcia’s false accusations and conspired with him to penalize the church.
“They’ve been acting in good faith,” said the church’s attorney, Mariah Gondeiro. “It simply is pure harassment.”
The pastor said he has followed proper social distancing protocols since services were allowed to resume in late May, and no member has become ill.
The lawsuit said Huerta and Juan Garcia have prompted the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to visit the church five times since Aug. 23. The department issued two inspection reports that found the church in compliance with social distancing and mask-wearing, the lawsuit said.
Huerta learned of the lawsuit when contacted by AP and said it “came out of left field” and she couldn’t immediately comment. The city later issued a statement that did not address specific allegations.
Huerta has been spotted hiding in the bushes and in an unmarked car taking video of gatherings, the lawsuit alleged. She called Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies to report that the church was holding indoor services, but the claim was unfounded, the lawsuit said.
The complaints began when Garcia moved services outdoors in late July after a surge in cases statewide led Gov. Gavin Newsom to halt indoor worship.
The city fined the church $3,000 for noise violations, the lawsuit said. It also sent a letter demanding the church cease “noncritical activities such as Bible study and prayer groups” or face a $1,000 fine or up six months in jail.
The city’s statement said it had dismissed all fines for noise violations and was no longer asking the church to cease activities. The city said it had accommodated the church by offering a permit to hold outdoor services as long as it complied with noise limits in residential areas.
Joe Garcia said the church uses a decibel monitor to measure the volume and turns down music if it gets too loud during two services - in Spanish and English - on Sunday.
The pastor said Juan Garcia has never liked members of the Word Aflame Ministries, who rent the Hillcrest Congregational Church across the street from his house in a suburban neighborhood about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles.
Juan Garcia did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
The pastor compared his battle with the neighbor to the biblical story of the underdog David vanquishing the giant Goliath.
“He’s Goliath breathing out threatenings against the children of Israel,” Joe Garcia said. “But we all know what happens at the end of that story … I know it’s going to be a victory for us.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Families of police shooting victims rally voters in Chicago

CHICAGO ( AP ) - Family members of three people who were victims of police actions gathered Thursday in a Chicago park for a get out the vote rally .
The relatives of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Jacob Blake gathered with others in Grant Park to promote voting and to use their relatives ’ fates to promote social change .
Breonna Taylor was shot to death by Louisville police earlier this year .
Her aunt , Stephanie Baskin , said her family stands in solidarity with the Blake and Floyd families .
She also said there are too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The fact that there are too many to remember is the reason why we all have to get out and vote , because what we ’ re finding more and more every day is that they have these laws designed to continue to keep their knee on our neck , to continue to hold us back , to continue to keep us in a place that they thought that we were going to stay in , ” Baskin said .
“ But we ’ re not .
We ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd ’ s younger brother , Philonese Floyd , urged voters to think about their children ’ s future , taxes , raising the minimum wage and Medicaid when they go to the polls .
“ Don ’ t listen to people when they say , ‘ Your vote doesn ’ t matter.
’ Your voice won ’ t be heard , ” added Philonese Floyd , who wore a face mask emblazoned with “ 8:46 , ” the length of time that the Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If people can stand for hours in a line to get new Air Jordan tennis shoes , stand in lines to get in clubs , camp out for Black Friday discounts , then I know that you should be able and willing to stand and vote , ” he said .
Jacob Blake Sr. , the father of the man shot and paralyzed by an officer in Kenosha , Wisconsin , earlier this year , said he and Blake ’ s other relatives attended the rally in solidarity with the other families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not get up and we do not stand for justice , then what are we ?
” Jacob Blake Sr. asked rhetorically , his voice rising .
“ We are fake , pretenders .
I do not pretend to do what I do.
” The rally also featured get out the vote video messages from California senator and Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris , Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot , and members of the band the Black Eyed Peas .

CHICAGO (AP) - Family members of three people who were victims of police actions gathered Thursday in a Chicago park for a get out the vote rally.
The relatives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake gathered with others in Grant Park to promote voting and to use their relatives’ fates to promote social change.
Breonna Taylor was shot to death by Louisville police earlier this year. Her aunt, Stephanie Baskin, said her family stands in solidarity with the Blake and Floyd families. She also said there are too many other victims of police violence.
“The fact that there are too many to remember is the reason why we all have to get out and vote, because what we’re finding more and more every day is that they have these laws designed to continue to keep their knee on our neck, to continue to hold us back, to continue to keep us in a place that they thought that we were going to stay in,” Baskin said. “But we’re not. We’re going to us our voices at the polls.”
George Floyd ’s younger brother, Philonese Floyd, urged voters to think about their children’s future, taxes, raising the minimum wage and Medicaid when they go to the polls.
“Don’t listen to people when they say, ‘Your vote doesn’t matter.’ Your voice won’t be heard,” added Philonese Floyd, who wore a face mask emblazoned with “8:46,” the length of time that the Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on George Floyd’s neck.
“If people can stand for hours in a line to get new Air Jordan tennis shoes, stand in lines to get in clubs, camp out for Black Friday discounts, then I know that you should be able and willing to stand and vote,” he said.
Jacob Blake Sr., the father of the man shot and paralyzed by an officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, earlier this year, said he and Blake’s other relatives attended the rally in solidarity with the other families attending the event.
“If we do not get up and we do not stand for justice, then what are we?” Jacob Blake Sr. asked rhetorically, his voice rising. “We are fake, pretenders. I do not pretend to do what I do.”
The rally also featured get out the vote video messages from California senator and Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and members of the band the Black Eyed Peas.


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Colorado jury convicts man in killing of sheriff's deputy

DENVER ( AP ) - A Colorado jury on Thursday convicted a man in the killing of a sheriff ’ s deputy in 2018 .
Dreion Dearing , 24 , faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of first-degree murder and felony murder of a peace officer .
Dearing also was convicted of first-degree burglary .
Prosecutors said Dearing shot 31-year-old Adams County Deputy Heath Gumm when the deputy tried to stop him for questioning because he matched the description of a suspect in an assault and burglary nearby .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ client was attempting to run away when he shot Gumm in self-defense after the deputy fired the initial shot .
Authorities said Dearing shot first .
Dearing ’ s attorneys argued that a pattern of racial discrimination wrongly skewed the legal system against their client , who is Black , the Denver Post reported .
Prosecutors denied that racial bias played a part in the case .
“ This case is not about race , ” 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young told the jury during closing arguments .
“ This is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t care who is sitting at that table .
Whatever that person ’ s actions are , they should be held accountable for those actions .
He ’ s guilty .
”

DENVER (AP) - A Colorado jury on Thursday convicted a man in the killing of a sheriff’s deputy in 2018.
Dreion Dearing, 24, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of first-degree murder and felony murder of a peace officer.
Dearing also was convicted of first-degree burglary.
Prosecutors said Dearing shot 31-year-old Adams County Deputy Heath Gumm when the deputy tried to stop him for questioning because he matched the description of a suspect in an assault and burglary nearby.
Dearing’s public defenders argued their client was attempting to run away when he shot Gumm in self-defense after the deputy fired the initial shot. Authorities said Dearing shot first.
Dearing’s attorneys argued that a pattern of racial discrimination wrongly skewed the legal system against their client, who is Black, the Denver Post reported.
Prosecutors denied that racial bias played a part in the case.
“This case is not about race,” 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young told the jury during closing arguments. “This is about his actions. And I don’t care who is sitting at that table. Whatever that person’s actions are, they should be held accountable for those actions. He’s guilty.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-29--Joe Biden ends Tampa, Florida rally due to rain

WASHINGTON — A little rain didn ’ t stop Joe Biden on Thursday night in Tampa , Florida .
But @ @ @ @ @ .
The Democratic presidential nominee was forced to wrap his speech up early at a @ @ @ @ @ State Fairgrounds after a brief shower turned into a torrential downpour .
Biden picked up @ @ @ @ @ the stage as the rain came down , scattering the crowd of people who had @ @ @ @ @ hear him speak .
The campaign said 285 cars were there .
Biden focused his @ @ @ @ @ ’ s handling of the coronavirus and his efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act @ @ @ @ @ the president for holding an earlier rally in Tampa without following social distancing guidelines to @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Biden said Trump “ just had a superspreader event here again , ” @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spreading more than just the virus – he ’ s spreading division and @ @ @

WASHINGTON — A little rain didn’t stop Joe Biden on Thursday night in Tampa, Florida. But a lot of rain did.
The Democratic presidential nominee was forced to wrap his speech up early at a drive-in rally at the Florida State Fairgrounds after a brief shower turned into a torrential downpour.
Biden picked up his binder and dashed off the stage as the rain came down, scattering the crowd of people who had gathered near the stage to hear him speak. The campaign said 285 cars were there.
Biden focused his remarks on President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus and his efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act. He also went after the president for holding an earlier rally in Tampa without following social distancing guidelines to avoid the spread of the virus.
Biden said Trump “just had a superspreader event here again,” but added, “he’s spreading more than just the virus – he’s spreading division and discord.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Alexandria City Public Schools revises contract with police

ALEXANDRIA , Va. ( AP ) - The Alexandria City Public Schools in northern Virginia is overhauling its contract with police in an effort to bring more accountability and equity to the district .
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the changes are being made amid a national debate over racism in American policing .
The new contract was approved Thursday by the school board .
Alexandria serves roughly 16,000 students .
The contract will require the gathering of disciplinary and policing data .
For instance , the information will be broken down by factors that include race and disability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public .
The contract also clarifies student rights .
It declares that children can not be questioned by school-assigned police until and unless their parent or guardian has been informed .
The contract also includes a new “ Fair Treatment ” statement .
“ Any action taken in response to disciplinary misconduct and/or criminal offense will be administered fairly and without regard to race , national origin , disability , religion , gender identity , gender expression , sexual orientation or marital or parental status , ” the contract reads .
The revisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutality and racism after George Floyd , a Black man , was killed in police custody in Minneapolis .

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - The Alexandria City Public Schools in northern Virginia is overhauling its contract with police in an effort to bring more accountability and equity to the district.
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the changes are being made amid a national debate over racism in American policing.
The new contract was approved Thursday by the school board. Alexandria serves roughly 16,000 students.
The contract will require the gathering of disciplinary and policing data. For instance, the information will be broken down by factors that include race and disability. And the analysis will be made public.
The contract also clarifies student rights. It declares that children cannot be questioned by school-assigned police until and unless their parent or guardian has been informed.
The contract also includes a new “Fair Treatment” statement.
“Any action taken in response to disciplinary misconduct and/or criminal offense will be administered fairly and without regard to race, national origin, disability, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or marital or parental status,” the contract reads.
The revisions follow the massive summer demonstrations against police brutality and racism after George Floyd, a Black man, was killed in police custody in Minneapolis.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Gov. Noem's campaign war chest tops $1 million

PIERRE , S.D .
( AP ) - Gov .
Kristi Noem has gotten more campaign donations in the last @ @ @ @ @ in the first five months of the year .
And , the governor isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ two more years .
Noem ’ s time in the national political spotlight likely has @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 million in contributions in the last six months , including $ 224,000 in @ @ @ @ @ according to filings with the South Dakota Secretary of State .
The Republican governor has @ @ @ @ @ campaigning on behalf of President Donald Trump this political season .
And , her hands-off @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in South Dakota has earned her praise from conservatives in the state and across @ @ @ @ @ donations between $ 100 and $ 4,000 from individuals residing in at least 42 states @ @ @ @ @ .
And of the 141 campaign contributions made in the last 10 days , 84 @ @ @ @ @ together giving nearly $ 168,000 .

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Gov. Kristi Noem has gotten more campaign donations in the last two weeks than she received in the first five months of the year. And, the governor isn’t up for reelection for two more years.
Noem’s time in the national political spotlight likely has helped her amass more than $1 million in contributions in the last six months, including $224,000 in the last 10 days, according to filings with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
The Republican governor has spent time on the road campaigning on behalf of President Donald Trump this political season. And, her hands-off approach to managing the coronavirus pandemic in South Dakota has earned her praise from conservatives in the state and across the country.
Noem received donations between $100 and $4,000 from individuals residing in at least 42 states, the Argus Leader reported. And of the 141 campaign contributions made in the last 10 days, 84 were from out-of-state donors, together giving nearly $168,000.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--US wages and benefits grow at sluggish pace amid pandemic

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Wages and benefits for U.S. workers grew slowly this summer for the second straight quarter , as employers sought to hold the line on pay gains in the midst of the pandemic .
U.S. workers ’ total compensation rose 0.5 % in the July-September quarter , the Labor Department said Friday , the same as in the April-June quarter .
That ’ s down from 0.8 % in the first three months of the year .
For the year ending in September , wages and benefits increased 2.4 % , the slowest pace in three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labor Department ’ s Employment Cost Index , which measures pay changes for workers that keep their jobs .
The data isn ’ t affected by the mass layoffs in the spring .
The figures suggest that businesses are holding the line on labor costs , even as they recall millions of the workers that were laid off in March and April when the coronavirus outbreak forced the closures of thousands of businesses nationwide .
Still , the U.S. has regained barely more than half the 22 million jobs lost to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.9 % , though that is down from its 14.7 % peak in April .

WASHINGTON (AP) - Wages and benefits for U.S. workers grew slowly this summer as employers sought to hold the line on pay gains in the midst of the pandemic.
U.S. workers’ total compensation rose 0.5% in the July-September quarter, the second straight quarter of slower growth in wages, the Labor Department said Friday. Growth was the same as in the April-June quarter. That’s down from 0.8% in the first three months of the year.
For the year ending in September, wages and benefits increased 2.4%, the slowest pace in three years. The data comes from the Labor Department’s Employment Cost Index, which measures pay changes for workers that keep their jobs. The data isn’t affected by the mass layoffs in the spring.
The figures suggest that businesses are holding the line on labor costs, even as they recall millions of the workers that were laid off in March and April when the coronavirus outbreak forced the closures of thousands of businesses nationwide. Still, the U.S. has regained barely more than half the 22 million jobs lost to the pandemic. The unemployment rate is a still-high 7.9%, though that is down from its 14.7% peak in April.
Pay and benefits fell in the third quarter for employees of colleges, universities and professional schools, for the first time since 2009, during the Great Recession. Compensation for those workers dropped 0.4%, compared with a gain of 0.6% in the second quarter.
Colleges and universities are struggling with declining enrollments amid the pandemic, with many classes conducted online.
Wages for state and local government employees increased just 0.1% in the third quarter, the slowest pace in seven years. State and local governments have also been forced to cut jobs as tax revenues fall. Most states are legally required to balance their budgets.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Police: Woman dies nearly 2 weeks after hit-and-run crash

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - A woman has died nearly two weeks after a hit-and-run crash at an intersection @ @ @ @ @ of St. Louis , police said .
Melissa Bassett , 39 , of St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ in the city ’ s Baden neighborhood just after midnight on Oct. 16 when another @ @ @ @ @ St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported .
Police said the second car was speeding when it hit @ @ @ @ @ tried to turn left .
Bassett was thrown from the car , and the driver @ @ @ @ @ other car ran from the scene , police said .
Bassett died Thursday at a @ @ @ @ @ police said .
No arrests in the case have been made .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A woman has died nearly two weeks after a hit-and-run crash at an intersection in the far north end of St. Louis, police said.
Melissa Bassett, 39, of St. Louis, was driving a car in the city’s Baden neighborhood just after midnight on Oct. 16 when another car hit hers, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Police said the second car was speeding when it hit Bassett’s as she tried to turn left. Bassett was thrown from the car, and the driver and a passenger of the other car ran from the scene, police said.
Bassett died Thursday at a hospital from her injuries, police said. No arrests in the case have been made.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Kuster aims for 5th term in 2nd District rematch with Negron

CONCORD , N.H. ( AP ) - Democrat Annie Kuster is hoping to be the first New Hampshire woman elected five times to federal office when she faces Republican challenger Steve Negron in the race for the 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday .
It ’ s a rematch of the 2018 race for Kuster and Negron , who runs a defense consulting and engineering firm in Nashua .
“ I ’ m uniquely situated for this district , having been raised in a Republican family and now running as a Democrat , ” said Kuster .
“ My whole approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job done.
” Negron , who feels that Kuster has been in lockstep with her party - a charge she disagrees with - says it ’ s time for a change .
“ You ’ ll find out I ’ m just a guy from my community who ’ s trying to make a difference , ” he said .
The candidates disagree on a range of issues including coronavirus relief aid , protections for police from lawsuits and abortion .
Kuster said the latest , House-passed $ 2 trillion aid package that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobless benefits , and assist schools , airlines , restaurants , and other groups contains $ 800 million for New Hampshire to make up for revenue lost during the pandemic .
If the bill isn ’ t passed , “ there ’ s going to be devastating cuts to the state and local budgets that will impact our schools , our infrastructure , our economy for years to come , ” she said .
But negotiations have stalled in Washington , and Negron said such items could be targeted separately .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could benefit from another round of PPP , ” he said , referring to the Paycheck Protection Program , a small-business coronavirus relief program .
“ But for whatever reason , we ’ re not looking at that in isolation , we want this entire thing , or nothing … let ’ s just pass the stuff we can agree on.
” Regarding the relief package , Kuster said , “ I think you want to try to accomplish as much as you can.
” The pandemic made it even more challenging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district that stretches from New Hampshire ’ s border with Canada to the Massachusetts line and includes the cities of Nashua and Concord .
Negron volunteers first put out 100 large signs and made lots of phone calls to get his name out ; Kuster held a number of virtual town hall meetings .
Negron eventually returned to door-to-door campaigning , while Kuster held short , small visits , mostly outdoors .
She said she always wears a mask .
Negron said he wears a mask in places that request them and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He declined to wear one for a Portsmouth rally for President Donald Trump .
On other issues , Negron and Kuster disagree on qualified immunity , which frequently protects law enforcement officers from lawsuits .
Negron , a retired U.S. Air Force officer , wants to keep that protection for police and received the endorsement of the New Hampshire Police Association .
Kuster voted for a far-reaching police overhaul bill in the House named for George Floyd , whose death sparked a national reconsideration of policing tactics and racial injustice .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposes abortion in all cases .
Kuster , who supports abortion rights , has been endorsed by NARAL Pro Choice America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund .
Negron said Kuster hasn ’ t shown that she ’ s been an independent voice for New Hampshire , not afraid to disagree with her party .
Kuster said she ’ s broken with House Democrats to work to repeal a tax on medical devices that was part of the Affordable Care Act .
She was one of two Democrats who cosponsored a Republican bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump signed into law in 2018 .
It helps veterans in states without a full-service VA hospital , like New Hampshire .
Kuster ’ s priorities include her House-passed health care bills to protect Americans with preexisting condition and to ensure the efficient distribution of a vaccine when one is deemed safe ; lowering the costs of prescription drugs ; providing treatment and resources during the opioid epidemic ; and investing in clean renewable energy to protect the environment and create jobs .
Negron wants to bring down the national budget deficit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Defense to find more efficient ways of using money and to increase health care access by eliminating barriers to entry for multiple insurance providers in New Hampshire and making costs transparent .

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Democrat Annie Kuster is hoping to be the first New Hampshire woman elected five times to federal office when she faces Republican challenger Steve Negron in the race for the 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday.
It’s a rematch of the 2018 race for Kuster and Negron, who runs a defense consulting and engineering firm in Nashua.
“I’m uniquely situated for this district, having been raised in a Republican family and now running as a Democrat,” said Kuster. “My whole approach is bringing people together to get the job done.”
Negron, who feels that Kuster has been in lockstep with her party - a charge she disagrees with - says it’s time for a change.
“You’ll find out I’m just a guy from my community who’s trying to make a difference,” he said.
The candidates disagree on a range of issues including coronavirus relief aid, protections for police from lawsuits and abortion.
Kuster said the latest, House-passed $2 trillion aid package that would include more stimulus payments, restore jobless benefits, and assist schools, airlines, restaurants, and other groups contains $800 million for New Hampshire to make up for revenue lost during the pandemic. If the bill isn’t passed, “there’s going to be devastating cuts to the state and local budgets that will impact our schools, our infrastructure, our economy for years to come,” she said.
But negotiations have stalled in Washington, and Negron said such items could be targeted separately. “There are folks out there like myself that could benefit from another round of PPP,” he said, referring to the Paycheck Protection Program , a small-business coronavirus relief program. “But for whatever reason, we’re not looking at that in isolation, we want this entire thing, or nothing … let’s just pass the stuff we can agree on.”
Regarding the relief package, Kuster said, “I think you want to try to accomplish as much as you can.”
The pandemic made it even more challenging to campaign in the large, mostly rural district that stretches from New Hampshire’s border with Canada to the Massachusetts line and includes the cities of Nashua and Concord. Negron volunteers first put out 100 large signs and made lots of phone calls to get his name out; Kuster held a number of virtual town hall meetings.
Negron eventually returned to door-to-door campaigning, while Kuster held short, small visits, mostly outdoors. She said she always wears a mask. Negron said he wears a mask in places that request them and when he’s close to people outdoors. He declined to wear one for a Portsmouth rally for President Donald Trump.
On other issues, Negron and Kuster disagree on qualified immunity, which frequently protects law enforcement officers from lawsuits. Negron, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, wants to keep that protection for police and received the endorsement of the New Hampshire Police Association. Kuster voted for a far-reaching police overhaul bill in the House named for George Floyd, whose death sparked a national reconsideration of policing tactics and racial injustice.
The candidates also differ on abortion. Negron opposes abortion in all cases. Kuster, who supports abortion rights, has been endorsed by NARAL Pro Choice America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
Negron said Kuster hasn’t shown that she’s been an independent voice for New Hampshire, not afraid to disagree with her party. Kuster said she’s broken with House Democrats to work to repeal a tax on medical devices that was part of the Affordable Care Act. She was one of two Democrats who cosponsored a Republican bill on health care for veterans that President Donald Trump signed into law in 2018. It helps veterans in states without a full-service VA hospital, like New Hampshire.
Kuster’s priorities include her House-passed health care bills to protect Americans with preexisting condition and to ensure the efficient distribution of a vaccine when one is deemed safe; lowering the costs of prescription drugs; providing treatment and resources during the opioid epidemic; and investing in clean renewable energy to protect the environment and create jobs.
Negron wants to bring down the national budget deficit, starting with an examination of the Department of Defense to find more efficient ways of using money and to increase health care access by eliminating barriers to entry for multiple insurance providers in New Hampshire and making costs transparent.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--US Forest Service investigating 'nail trap' in NC wilderness

ASHEVILLE , N.C. ( AP ) - The U.S. Forest Service has used leave blowers to clear a remote mountain road in North Carolina where a man recently stepped on a so-called “ nail trap.
” But they didn ’ t find any more of the crude devices .
The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Friday that incident is being investigated by the U.S. Forrest Service .
It occurred Sunday in a remote area of western North Carolina ’ s Pisgah National Forest .
Tyler Mayo was walking his dog with some friends and their dog when he suffered deep puncture wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a rut and covered with leaves .
The trap was made of plywood and 2-inch nails with the points facing up .
The area is used by hunters as well as by mountain bikers and hikers .
Mayo said the words “ PETA paybak ” were written on the trap and another one that he found , possibly referring to the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals .
The group is based more than 400 miles away in Norfolk , Virginia .
PETA denies any involvement and is offering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an arrest and conviction .

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service has used leave blowers to clear a remote mountain road in North Carolina where a man recently stepped on a so-called “nail trap.” But they didn’t find any more of the crude devices.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Friday that incident is being investigated by the U.S. Forrest Service. It occurred Sunday in a remote area of western North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest.
Tyler Mayo was walking his dog with some friends and their dog when he suffered deep puncture wounds from the trap. It was buried in a rut and covered with leaves. The trap was made of plywood and 2-inch nails with the points facing up.
The area is used by hunters as well as by mountain bikers and hikers. Mayo said the words “PETA paybak” were written on the trap and another one that he found, possibly referring to the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
The group is based more than 400 miles away in Norfolk, Virginia. PETA denies any involvement and is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Glenn Greenwald quits The Intercept after blackout of Hunter Biden, Joe Biden scandal

Investigative journalist Glenn Greenwald has resigned from the news outlet he co-founded , The Intercept , citing its censorship of an article he wrote about alleged influence-peddling deals involving Joseph R. Biden and his son Hunter Biden .
Mr. Greenwald claimed that The Intercept ’ s pro-Biden editors in New York refused to publish the article unless he “ remove all sections critical of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
” The story the editors wanted to block examined the questions the elder Mr. Biden has had to answer about his family ’ s foreign business deals , his knowledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , or whether Mr. Biden was involved in the schemes while vice president in the Obama administration .
Mr. Greenwald , who won the Pulitzer Prize for helping break the Edward Snowden revelation about National Security Agency ’ s widespread spying on Americans , said the censorship he suffered at his own organization was symptomatic of a partisan sickness infecting mainstream U.S. news media .
“ I could not sleep at night knowing that I allowed any institution to censor what I want to say and believe — least of all a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal of ensuring this never happens to other journalists , let alone to me , let alone because I have written an article critical of a powerful Democratic politician vehemently supported by the editors in the imminent national election , ” he wrote on substack.com explaining his decision to quit .
“ But the pathologies , illiberalism , and repressive mentality that led to the bizarre spectacle of my being censored by my own media outlet are ones that are by no means unique to The Intercept .
These are the viruses that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization , academic institution , and newsroom.
” The censorship targeted his article about the effort by mainstream news organizations and social media platforms to deep six the story because it is potentially damaging to the elder Mr. Biden , the Democratic presidential nominee .
Mr. Greenwald titled the article “ The Real Scandal : U.S. Media Uses Falsehoods to Defend Joe Biden from Hunter ’ s Emails.
” His examination of the evidence concluded that news media shielded the former vice president from hard questions about the business deals .
The evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belonging to Hunter Biden , which was first reported by The New York Post , and first-hand accounts and documents provided by Hunter Biden ’ s former business partner Tony Bobulinski .
It outlined an aggressive effort to cash in on the Biden name and political clout in countries such as Ukraine and China , where Joseph Biden wielded influence as vice president .
“ All of these new materials , the authenticity of which has never been disputed by Hunter Biden or the Biden campaign , raise important questions about whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate was aware of efforts by his son to peddle influence with the Vice President for profit , and also whether the Vice President ever took actions in his official capacity with the intention , at least in part , of benefitting his son ’ s business associates .
But in the two weeks since the Post published its initial story , a union of the nation ’ s most powerful entities , including its news media , have taken extraordinary steps to obscure and bury these questions rather than try to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in the article his editors refused to publish , which he posted online after his resignation .
He also posted the email exchanges with his editors that led to his decision to quit .

Investigative journalist Glenn Greenwald has resigned from the news outlet he co-founded, The Intercept, citing its censorship of an article he wrote about alleged influence-peddling deals involving Joseph R. Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
Mr. Greenwald claimed that The Intercept’s pro-Biden editors in New York refused to publish the article unless he “remove all sections critical of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.”
The story the editors wanted to block examined the questions the elder Mr. Biden has had to answer about his family’s foreign business deals, his knowledge of alleged influence-peddling by his son and his brother, or whether Mr. Biden was involved in the schemes while vice president in the Obama administration.
Mr. Greenwald, who won the Pulitzer Prize for helping break the Edward Snowden revelation about National Security Agency’s widespread spying on Americans, said the censorship he suffered at his own organization was symptomatic of a partisan sickness infecting mainstream U.S. news media.
“I could not sleep at night knowing that I allowed any institution to censor what I want to say and believe — least of all a media outlet I co-founded with the explicit goal of ensuring this never happens to other journalists, let alone to me, let alone because I have written an article critical of a powerful Democratic politician vehemently supported by the editors in the imminent national election,” he wrote on substack.com explaining his decision to quit.
“But the pathologies, illiberalism, and repressive mentality that led to the bizarre spectacle of my being censored by my own media outlet are ones that are by no means unique to The Intercept. These are the viruses that have contaminated virtually every mainstream center-left political organization, academic institution, and newsroom.”
The censorship targeted his article about the effort by mainstream news organizations and social media platforms to deep six the story because it is potentially damaging to the elder Mr. Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee.
Mr. Greenwald titled the article “The Real Scandal: U.S. Media Uses Falsehoods to Defend Joe Biden from Hunter’s Emails.”
His examination of the evidence concluded that news media shielded the former vice president from hard questions about the business deals. The evidence included emails from a laptop computer purportedly belonging to Hunter Biden, which was first reported by The New York Post, and first-hand accounts and documents provided by Hunter Biden’s former business partner Tony Bobulinski. It outlined an aggressive effort to cash in on the Biden name and political clout in countries such as Ukraine and China, where Joseph Biden wielded influence as vice president.
“All of these new materials, the authenticity of which has never been disputed by Hunter Biden or the Biden campaign, raise important questions about whether the former Vice President and current front-running presidential candidate was aware of efforts by his son to peddle influence with the Vice President for profit, and also whether the Vice President ever took actions in his official capacity with the intention, at least in part, of benefitting his son’s business associates. But in the two weeks since the Post published its initial story, a union of the nation’s most powerful entities, including its news media, have taken extraordinary steps to obscure and bury these questions rather than try to provide answers to them,” Mr. Greenwald wrote in the article his editors refused to publish, which he posted online after his resignation.
He also posted the email exchanges with his editors that led to his decision to quit.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--US consumer spending rose a moderate 1.4% in September

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - U.S. consumers increased their spending by 1.4 % in September , a modest gain but far less than the big increases of late spring , adding to concerns that Americans remain cautious with the viral pandemic resurging across the country and impeding the economy .
The September gain marked the fifth straight monthly increase in consumer spending , the primary driver of the U.S. economy , since the virus erupted in early spring and flattened the economy .
But the recent slight increases reflect an economy weakened by the virus and by the failure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling individuals and businesses .
Friday ’ s report from the Commerce Department also showed that income , which provides the fuel for spending , rose 0.9 % in September .
That moderate gain followed a sizable drop of 2.5 % in incomes in August .
The economy would weaken if consumers , who drive roughly two-thirds of economic activity , start cutting back on spending now that confirmed coronavirus cases are accelerating and the stimulus aid that Congress enacted in the spring for businesses , individuals and laid-workers has expired .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending freely on goods - from cars and clothing to furniture and sporting goods - while cutting back sharply on purchases in the service sector .
Services , which make up the bulk of the economy , include everything from bars , hotels and restaurants to airlines , hair salons and movie theaters .
The service industry and its employees have been hard hit by people ’ s reluctance or inability to shop , travel , dine out or attend entertainment events as they formerly did , a trend that is hampering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government estimated that the economy , as measured by the gross domestic product , surged by a record-shattering 33.1 % annual rate in the July-September quarter .
That increase followed a record 31.4 % annual plunge in the previous quarter , and it still left economic output about one-third below the peak it reached in the fourth quarter last year .
The third quarter rebound was led by a record 40.7 % increase in consumer spending in the third quarter .
But economists worry that this surge will not be sustained in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economists generally foresee annual GDP growth of around 5 % in the current fourth quarter .
But they warn that unless Congress can reach agreement on a new aid package for jobless Americans and small businesses struggling to survive , the economy could suffer a reversal early next year .

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. consumers increased their spending by 1.4% in September, a modest gain but far less than the big increases of late spring, adding to concerns that Americans remain cautious with the viral pandemic resurging across the country and impeding the economy.
The September gain marked the fifth straight monthly increase in consumer spending, the primary driver of the U.S. economy, since the virus erupted in early spring and flattened the economy. But the recent slight increases reflect an economy weakened by the virus and by the failure of Congress to provide another stimulus package to struggling individuals and businesses.
Friday’s report from the Commerce Department also showed that income, which provides the fuel for spending, rose 0.9% in September. That moderate gain followed a sizable drop of 2.5% in incomes in August.
The economy would weaken if consumers, who drive roughly two-thirds of economic activity, start cutting back on spending now that confirmed coronavirus cases are accelerating and the stimulus aid that Congress enacted in the spring for businesses, individuals and laid-workers has expired.
The 0.9% rise in incomes reflected strength in strength in the key component of wages and salaries, gains that reflect continuing employment increases as the labor market climbs back after 22 million jobs were lost in March and April.
Gregory Daco, chief economist at Oxford Economics, said that after an initial burst in spending as the first wave of lockdowns were ending, the prospect for spending going forward is “much grimmer.”
“In the absence of a fiscal stimulus package, slower employment gains will be insufficient to prevent incomes from falling below pre-Covid levels,” he wrote in a research note.
The September report showed that consumer spending on durable goods such as autos shot up 3% in September. Spending on nondurable goods, like food and clothing, rose by a smaller 1.5%.
By contrast, spending on services increased a modest 1%.
Since the pandemic struck, Americans have been spending freely on goods - from cars and clothing to furniture and sporting goods - while cutting back sharply on purchases in the service sector.
Services, which make up the bulk of the economy, include everything from bars, hotels and restaurants to airlines, hair salons and movie theaters. The service industry and its employees have been hard hit by people’s reluctance or inability to shop, travel, dine out or attend entertainment events as they formerly did, a trend that is hampering the overall economy.
On Thursday, the government estimated that the economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, surged by a record-shattering 33.1% annual rate in the July-September quarter. That increase followed a record 31.4% annual plunge in the previous quarter, and it still left economic output about one-third below the peak it reached in the fourth quarter last year.
The third quarter rebound was led by a record 40.7% increase in consumer spending in the third quarter. But economists worry that this surge will not be sustained in the final three months of this year.
Economists generally foresee annual GDP growth of around 5% in the current fourth quarter. But they warn that unless Congress can reach agreement on a new aid package for jobless Americans and small businesses struggling to survive, the economy could suffer a reversal early next year.
The spending and income report showed that inflation, as measured by the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge, was 0.2% in September and 1.4% over the past 12 months. Though that is up slightly from the 12-month gain of 1.3% in September, it remained well below the Fed’s 2% target for inflation.
The Fed will hold its latest policy meeting next week. The policymakers are widely expected to keep their benchmark short-term rate at a record low near zero in hopes of helping the economy emerge from the pandemic-induced recession.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Germany shuts down Telegram-based drugs marketplaces

BERLIN ( AP ) - German authorities said Friday that they have shut down online marketplaces for illegal drugs that @ @ @ @ @ Telegram .
Prosecutors in Frankfurt said police across Germany and in neighboring Austria on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ groups with a total of about 8,000 members .
Authorities said they have so far @ @ @ @ @ selling narcotics , forged documents , illegally obtained data and other items via Telegram .
@ @ @ @ @ names such as “ Silk Road , “ ” GermanRefundCrew “ and “ Cracked Accounts @ @ @ @ @ Telegram groups were used to advertise wares , while sales were conducted in private direct @ @

BERLIN (AP) - German authorities said Friday that they have shut down online marketplaces for illegal drugs that used the encrypted messaging service Telegram.
Prosecutors in Frankfurt said police across Germany and in neighboring Austria on Thursday took control of nine chat groups with a total of about 8,000 members.
Authorities said they have so far identified 28 people suspected of selling narcotics, forged documents, illegally obtained data and other items via Telegram.
The groups shut down had names such as “Silk Road,“ ”GermanRefundCrew“ and “Cracked Accounts Shop.”
Prosecutors said the Telegram groups were used to advertise wares, while sales were conducted in private direct chats.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Massachusetts man sentenced for raping coworker's child

FALL RIVER , Mass .
( AP ) - A Massachusetts man who authorities say repeatedly raped a coworker ’ s child has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison , prosecutors say .
Timothy Barker , 32 , of Norton , was sentenced this week after pleading guilty in Fall River Superior Court to several charges including forcible child rape , according to a statement Thursday from the office of Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn III .
The assaults occurred in 2012 and 2013 when the the victim was under 10 years old and Barker was 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years after they occurred .
The victim ’ s gender was not disclosed to better protect their identity , Quinn spokesman Gregg Miliote said .
Barker worked with the victim ’ s father and rented a room in their home , prosecutors said .
The victim was present in the courtroom during the sentencing on Tuesday and read a victim impact statement to the judge , prosecutors said .
“ The defendant took advantage of his access to an 8-year-old child to commit repeated sexual assaults against the young victim who trusted him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very offensive sexual crimes against an innocent victim who should have been enjoying childhood , ” Quinn said .

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts man who authorities say repeatedly raped a coworker’s child has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, prosecutors say.
Timothy Barker, 32, of Norton, was sentenced this week after pleading guilty in Fall River Superior Court to several charges including forcible child rape, according to a statement Thursday from the office of Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn III.
The assaults occurred in 2012 and 2013 when the the victim was under 10 years old and Barker was 23.
The victim reported the assaults six years after they occurred. The victim’s gender was not disclosed to better protect their identity, Quinn spokesman Gregg Miliote said.
Barker worked with the victim’s father and rented a room in their home, prosecutors said.
The victim was present in the courtroom during the sentencing on Tuesday and read a victim impact statement to the judge, prosecutors said.
“The defendant took advantage of his access to an 8-year-old child to commit repeated sexual assaults against the young victim who trusted him. The defendant engaged in persistent and very offensive sexual crimes against an innocent victim who should have been enjoying childhood,” Quinn said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Global travel and tourism projected to shed 174 million jobs

LONDON ( AP ) - The global travel and tourism industry is on course to lose 174 million jobs this year if current restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus remain in place , a leading industry group warned Friday .
While alarming , the projection from the World Travel & Tourism Council was lower than previously expected , largely because of a strong recovery in domestic travel in China and rebounds in other countries .
In June , the council warned that there could be 197 million job losses worldwide in a sector that many nations are hugely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed when the pandemic erupted this year effectively banned flights from abroad and closed down the hospitality sectors in many countries .
China , where COVID-19 first emerged , has since managed to contain the virus better than most nations and has reopened large parts of its economy , helped in part by widespread virus testing at airports alongside health and hygiene protocols .
Lockdown restrictions have been eased around the world , but the number of travelers is way down , partly because many countries require visitors to quarantine themselves for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fears that the resurgence of the virus , particularly in Europe , will further hit the sector .
The World Travel & Tourism Council said prolonged travel restrictions could eliminate $ 4.7 trillion in the sector ’ s contribution to global GDP this year , a 53 % reduction from 2019 .
“ The sector ’ s recovery will be delayed even further , with more jobs lost , unless quarantines are replaced with rapid , cost-effective testing at airports on departure , and air corridors , ” WTTC President and CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wait , the more the ailing travel and tourism sector faces total collapse , ” she added .

LONDON (AP) - The global travel and tourism industry is on course to lose 174 million jobs this year if current restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus remain in place, a leading industry group warned Friday.
While alarming, the projection from the World Travel & Tourism Council was lower than previously expected, largely because of a strong recovery in domestic travel in China and rebounds in other countries. In June, the council warned that there could be 197 million job losses worldwide in a sector that many nations are hugely reliant on economically.
Restrictions on travel imposed when the pandemic erupted this year effectively banned flights from abroad and closed down the hospitality sectors in many countries.
China, where COVID-19 first emerged, has since managed to contain the virus better than most nations and has reopened large parts of its economy, helped in part by widespread virus testing at airports alongside health and hygiene protocols.
Lockdown restrictions have been eased around the world, but the number of travelers is way down, partly because many countries require visitors to quarantine themselves for a number of days upon arrival.
There are fears that the resurgence of the virus, particularly in Europe, will further hit the sector. The World Travel & Tourism Council said prolonged travel restrictions could eliminate $4.7 trillion in the sector’s contribution to global GDP this year, a 53% reduction from 2019.
“The sector’s recovery will be delayed even further, with more jobs lost, unless quarantines are replaced with rapid, cost-effective testing at airports on departure, and air corridors,” WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said.
“The longer we wait, the more the ailing travel and tourism sector faces total collapse,” she added.


washingtontimes--2020-10-30--Police: 8-year-old boy accidentally shot, killed in N.C.

CONCORD , N.C. ( AP ) - An 8-year-old boy was shot and killed when a man accidentally fired a @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina early Friday morning , police said .
The child was dead when officers @ @ @ @ @ at 2:08 a.m. , Concord Police announced .
“ I just think you have to @ @ @ @ @ ” Maj. Robert Ledwell Jr. told WSOC-TV .
“ We have to be cognizant that @ @ @ @ @ firearm like we do an ink pen.
” Police said the man suspected of shooting @ @ @ @ @ of the home and has been cooperative with investigators .
Authorities are not looking for @ @ @

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - An 8-year-old boy was shot and killed when a man accidentally fired a gun inside a house in North Carolina early Friday morning, police said.
The child was dead when officers were called to the home at 2:08 a.m., Concord Police announced.
“I just think you have to practice extreme firearm safety,” Maj. Robert Ledwell Jr. told WSOC-TV. “We have to be cognizant that we are not treating a firearm like we do an ink pen.”
Police said the man suspected of shooting the child is a resident of the home and has been cooperative with investigators. Authorities are not looking for other suspects.