freebeacon--2020-09-02--Joe Kennedy III Makes History

Joe Kennedy III Makes History

America is polarized .
There are n't too many electoral outcomes that could actually unify , rather than divide , our beautiful country .
Fortunately , one of those outcomes has been achieved .
America prevailed .
Rep. Joe Kennedy III ( D. , Mass . )
made history on Tuesday by becoming the first member of the Kennedy dynasty to lose an election in Massachusetts .
It is also the first time in 27 attempts that a dude named Kennedy has failed to win a Democratic primary in the state .
Incumbent senator Ed Markey won the Democratic primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote as of late Tuesday evening , when Decision Desk HQ called the race .
Kennedy called Markey to conced the race just after 10 p.m. Kennedy 's closing message , which included a campaign mailer that was ruthlessly mocked for misspelling the name of Worcester , a prominent city , did little to answer the central question of his candidacy .
The same could be said about his entire campaign .
As the Atlantic put it : `` Why Is Joe Kennedy Doing This ? ''
The candidate never came up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vague insistence that Massachusetts deserved `` new leadership '' in the Senate .
Some context : Kennedy 's uncle Teddy served as the state 's senator for almost half a century , notwithstanding his fondness for the occasional `` waitress sandwich '' and that time he left a woman to drown in his car .
Last-minute endorsements from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) , a family friend , and Beto O'Rourke , the `` Kennedyesque '' presidential hopeful whose failed candidacy was also based on nothing , did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the primary .
Nor did they provide an explanation as to why Massachusetts voters should elect another Kennedy , especially one who is n't very attractive .
Kennedy , 39 , pulled all the right strings to advance his career .
After serving a couple terms in Congress , he got his Great Aunt Caroline to persuade gal pal Nancy Pelosi to let him give the Democratic response to President Trump 's State of the Union address in 2018 .
Unfortunately , the only memorable aspect of Kennedy 's speech that night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man 's mouth .
Our fractured country has many needs .
Another wet-mouthed rich kid in the U.S. Senate is n't one of them .
Americans of all political persuasion should celebrate Kennedy 's defeat , not to mention the demise of a political dynasty defined by death , addiction , sexual assault , and sympathy for the Third Reich .
Kennedy 's historic failure does not , however , mean Americans should let their guards down .
John Bouvier `` Jack '' Kennedy Schlossberg , a sentient boat shoe whose grandfather may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Rafael Cruz in 1963 , is definitely going to give politics a try at some point .
Schlossberg , 27 , recently appeared alongside his mother , Caroline Kennedy , at the DNC convention on a night that featured two of the most prominent names in Democratic sexual deviance .
He 's better looking than Joe , has normal-colored hair , and a direct line to Pelosi .
He does n't need a real job .
( Trying to track down the most expensive cocaine on Earth does n't count . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Remain vigilant , Americans .
Our great country shall prevail , because she must .

America is polarized. There aren't too many electoral outcomes that could actually unify, rather than divide, our beautiful country. Fortunately, one of those outcomes has been achieved. America prevailed.
Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D., Mass.) made history on Tuesday by becoming the first member of the Kennedy dynasty to lose an election in Massachusetts. It is also the first time in 27 attempts that a dude named Kennedy has failed to win a Democratic primary in the state.
Incumbent senator Ed Markey won the Democratic primary with more than 54 percent of the vote as of late Tuesday evening, when Decision Desk HQ called the race. Kennedy called Markey to conced the race just after 10 p.m.
Kennedy's closing message, which included a campaign mailer that was ruthlessly mocked for misspelling the name of Worcester, a prominent city, did little to answer the central question of his candidacy. The same could be said about his entire campaign. As the Atlantic put it: "Why Is Joe Kennedy Doing This?" The candidate never came up with a reasonable answer to that question beyond a vague insistence that Massachusetts deserved "new leadership" in the Senate.
Some context: Kennedy's uncle Teddy served as the state's senator for almost half a century, notwithstanding his fondness for the occasional "waitress sandwich" and that time he left a woman to drown in his car.
Last-minute endorsements from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), a family friend, and Beto O'Rourke, the "Kennedyesque" presidential hopeful whose failed candidacy was also based on nothing, did little to boost Kennedy's chances heading into the primary. Nor did they provide an explanation as to why Massachusetts voters should elect another Kennedy, especially one who isn't very attractive.
Kennedy, 39, pulled all the right strings to advance his career. After serving a couple terms in Congress, he got his Great Aunt Caroline to persuade gal pal Nancy Pelosi to let him give the Democratic response to President Trump's State of the Union address in 2018. Unfortunately, the only memorable aspect of Kennedy's speech that night was the astonishing wetness of the young man's mouth.
Was that drool coming out of Joe Kennedy’s mouth?https://t.co/6a0AM3HLMR pic.twitter.com/8J60GndCV1 — POLITICO (@politico) January 31, 2018
Our fractured country has many needs. Another wet-mouthed rich kid in the U.S. Senate isn't one of them. Americans of all political persuasion should celebrate Kennedy's defeat, not to mention the demise of a political dynasty defined by death, addiction, sexual assault, and sympathy for the Third Reich.
Kennedy's historic failure does not, however, mean Americans should let their guards down. John Bouvier "Jack" Kennedy Schlossberg, a sentient boat shoe whose grandfather may or may not have been gunned down by Rafael Cruz in 1963, is definitely going to give politics a try at some point.
Schlossberg, 27, recently appeared alongside his mother, Caroline Kennedy, at the DNC convention on a night that featured two of the most prominent names in Democratic sexual deviance. He's better looking than Joe, has normal-colored hair, and a direct line to Pelosi. He doesn't need a real job. (Trying to track down the most expensive cocaine on Earth doesn't count.) What else is he going to do?
Remain vigilant, Americans. Our great country shall prevail, because she must.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to more accurately reflect the opinion of the author and of the Washington Free Beacon, neither of which are of the belief that all redheads, often referred to as "gingers," pose an existential threat to the future of American democracy and to all of Western civilization. The text has been modified to reflect the fact that female redheads, and a small percentage of male gingers who have never played lacrosse, do not significantly threaten the existence of our cherished institutions. The Free Beacon regrets the error.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Anti-Collins Small Business Owners Are Longtime Dem Activists

Two Maine restaurateurs accused Republican senator Susan Collins in an attack ad of crafting corporate loopholes in the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) while leaving small businesses like theirs out to dry .
The ad , however , failed to note that the two small business owners are veteran Democratic activists who received PPP loans within one month of the program 's start .
While the ad portrayed Andrew and Briana Volk as hapless restaurant owners betrayed by Collins , the Volks are actually cofounders of a political group that encouraged restaurant owners across the country to donate part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campaign Committee .
In the 30-second super PAC ad , which started airing on Tuesday , the couple said they felt `` totally abandoned '' by the senator and heavily implied that their businesses never received PPP loans because Collins allowed big businesses to drain the fund before they could access it .
`` We really needed the PPP loan to just keep our business .
But Susan Collins wrote a loophole to let corporate chains take the small business loans , '' the restaurant owners said .
`` Big corporate chains scarfed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like ours had a chance . ''
The Volks ' business received thousands in PPP loans as early as April , a fact Andrew Volk acknowledged in numerous media interviews critical of the program .
The pair did not disclose in the ad , nor in press reports , that they are longtime partisan activists .
The Volks are cofounders of Collins Against Collins , a group established in 2018 to raise money for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other national Democrats .
The group , which is not registered with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise money and awareness for down-ticket Democratic races '' by urging restaurants to donate a portion of their sales from Collins cocktails to Democrats .
The ad is the latest attempt by the Democratic party to attack Collins on all fronts to get a leg up in a competitive Senate race .
Collins has received bipartisan acclaim for her central role in the creation of the PPP—a program that had a bumpy rollout but has since saved millions of small businesses throughout the pandemic-induced depression by offering more than $ 500 billion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discount Collins 's role in the popular program for months , falsely accusing her of using the program to divert money to her big corporate donors .
The couple also erroneously claimed that Collins `` wrote loopholes '' for big corporate chains , citing a report that Collins allowed corporate hotel chains to receive PPP loans .
Both Democrats and Republicans supported the so-called loophole for hotel industries , which gave money to the franchisees of big hotel brand names .
The franchisee hotels usually operate with a large degree of autonomy from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small businesses rather than appendages of a larger corporation , according to a Washington Post fact check that declared the attack against Collins `` highly misleading . ''
The Volks did not respond to a request for comment .
The ad was released by Change Now PAC , which has received lucrative donations dating back to 2018 from media heir James Murdoch , billionaire Mike Bloomberg , and the dark money group Sixteen Thirty Fund , according to the Center for Responsive Politics .
The group has spent $ 3.2 million in attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona senator Martha McSally ( R. ) and President Donald Trump along with Collins .

Two Maine restaurateurs accused Republican senator Susan Collins in an attack ad of crafting corporate loopholes in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) while leaving small businesses like theirs out to dry. The ad, however, failed to note that the two small business owners are veteran Democratic activists who received PPP loans within one month of the program's start.
While the ad portrayed Andrew and Briana Volk as hapless restaurant owners betrayed by Collins, the Volks are actually cofounders of a political group that encouraged restaurant owners across the country to donate part of their sales to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In the 30-second super PAC ad, which started airing on Tuesday, the couple said they felt "totally abandoned" by the senator and heavily implied that their businesses never received PPP loans because Collins allowed big businesses to drain the fund before they could access it.
"We really needed the PPP loan to just keep our business. But Susan Collins wrote a loophole to let corporate chains take the small business loans," the restaurant owners said. "Big corporate chains scarfed up the money before most small businesses like ours had a chance."
The Volks' business received thousands in PPP loans as early as April, a fact Andrew Volk acknowledged in numerous media interviews critical of the program. The pair did not disclose in the ad, nor in press reports, that they are longtime partisan activists. The Volks are cofounders of Collins Against Collins, a group established in 2018 to raise money for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other national Democrats. The group, which is not registered with the Federal Elections Committee, hopes to "raise money and awareness for down-ticket Democratic races" by urging restaurants to donate a portion of their sales from Collins cocktails to Democrats.
The ad is the latest attempt by the Democratic party to attack Collins on all fronts to get a leg up in a competitive Senate race. Collins has received bipartisan acclaim for her central role in the creation of the PPP—a program that had a bumpy rollout but has since saved millions of small businesses throughout the pandemic-induced depression by offering more than $500 billion in forgivable loans. Democrats have tried to discount Collins's role in the popular program for months, falsely accusing her of using the program to divert money to her big corporate donors.
The couple also erroneously claimed that Collins "wrote loopholes" for big corporate chains, citing a report that Collins allowed corporate hotel chains to receive PPP loans. Both Democrats and Republicans supported the so-called loophole for hotel industries, which gave money to the franchisees of big hotel brand names. The franchisee hotels usually operate with a large degree of autonomy from their franchisers, making them function like small businesses rather than appendages of a larger corporation, according to a Washington Post fact check that declared the attack against Collins "highly misleading."
The Volks did not respond to a request for comment.
The ad was released by Change Now PAC, which has received lucrative donations dating back to 2018 from media heir James Murdoch, billionaire Mike Bloomberg, and the dark money group Sixteen Thirty Fund, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The group has spent $3.2 million in attack ads in the 2020 cycle, targeting Arizona senator Martha McSally (R.) and President Donald Trump along with Collins.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Chamber of Commerce Backs Democrats Pushing $15 Minimum Wage

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is endorsing 18 House Democrats who voted in favor of raising the federal minimum wage to $ 15 , a policy the business group said would cost the country 3.7 million jobs .
The endorsements are part of a decision from the group 's political advocacy committee to back a slate of 23 freshman House Democrats and 29 freshman Republicans , according to an internal memo obtained by the Hill .
Of the 23 Democrats endorsed by the chamber , 18 voted in favor of the Raise the Wage Act of 2019 , which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 15 by 2025 .
The endorsements could alienate top conservative donors and members , threatening the chamber 's historical status as a Republican electoral powerhouse .
The group backed just seven Democrats in 2018—compared with 191 Republicans—and has given nearly $ 3.1 million in direct contributions to Republicans since 2000 .
The chamber was also a strong proponent of the 2017 tax cuts championed by President Donald Trump , crediting the move with `` unleashing a new era of growth for the American economy . ''
By contrast , the chamber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act .
Executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley urged House members to vote against it in a July 2019 letter , citing a then-recent Congressional Budget Office report .
The report found that the bill `` would have disruptive impacts on employers , particularly small businesses , as well as negative effects on the job opportunities for first and lower skilled workers , '' according to Bradley .
`` The report stated that , when fully implemented , a $ 15 per hour minimum wage could result in as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total real family income dropping by $ 9 billion , '' Bradley wrote .
He went on to pledge to `` strongly oppose and work against the current politically driven proposal to more than double the minimum wage to $ 15 per hour . ''
Competitive Enterprise Institute research fellow Sean Higgins questioned the endorsements , telling the Washington Free Beacon that there 's `` no strong , rational argument '' for a nationwide $ 15 minimum wage .
`` It 's a bit inexplicable as to why the Chamber of Commerce would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Maybe they suspect that there is n't enough support in Congress to get the Raise the Wage Act through , so they do n't think it will happen . ''
The 23 Democrats backed by the chamber are among the top targets for Republicans looking to flip the House in November .
The endorsement list includes embattled Reps. Abby Finkenauer ( Iowa ) , Cindy Axne ( Iowa ) , T.J. Cox ( Calif. ) , Abigail Spanberger ( Va. ) , Elaine Luria ( Va. ) , and Andy Kim ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted in favor of the Raise the Wage Act , and all six seats are rated as toss-ups by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report .
Some Republican congressional hopefuls have already responded to the endorsements by labeling the chamber as out of touch .
After the group endorsed Rep. Colin Allred ( D. , Texas ) , his Republican opponent—Dallas businesswoman Genevieve Collins—said the chamber `` has completely lost its way . ''
`` When I speak to business owners large and small here in the 32nd district , they do n't care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloated D.C. special interest U.S. Chamber , '' Collins told the Dallas Morning News .
Some of the 23 chamber-backed Democrats vocally opposed the Raise the Wage Act .
Rep. Joe Cunningham ( S.C. ) mirrored the business group 's criticism of the bill in a July 2019 statement , saying he refused to support legislation that would `` cause 3.7 million Americans to lose their jobs '' and `` place a burden on Lowcountry businesses that they could not sustain . ''
Rep. Ben McAdams ( Utah ) also painted the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution that works in New York City or Los Angeles does n't work for Utah . ''
Employment Policies Institute managing director Michael Saltsman told the Free Beacon that increasing the federal minimum wage to $ 15 would be especially harmful due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Many of the lost jobs that would be brought on by the Raise the Wage Act are in the service industry , which has been absolutely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic , '' Saltsman said .
`` The idea that you would endorse an unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means to help small businesses runs totally contrary to the evidence . ''
The chamber did not respond to a request for comment .

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is endorsing 18 House Democrats who voted in favor of raising the federal minimum wage to $15, a policy the business group said would cost the country 3.7 million jobs.
The endorsements are part of a decision from the group's political advocacy committee to back a slate of 23 freshman House Democrats and 29 freshman Republicans, according to an internal memo obtained by the Hill. Of the 23 Democrats endorsed by the chamber, 18 voted in favor of the Raise the Wage Act of 2019, which would more than double the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025.
The endorsements could alienate top conservative donors and members, threatening the chamber's historical status as a Republican electoral powerhouse. The group backed just seven Democrats in 2018—compared with 191 Republicans—and has given nearly $3.1 million in direct contributions to Republicans since 2000. The chamber was also a strong proponent of the 2017 tax cuts championed by President Donald Trump, crediting the move with "unleashing a new era of growth for the American economy."
By contrast, the chamber has vehemently opposed the Raise the Wage Act. Executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley urged House members to vote against it in a July 2019 letter, citing a then-recent Congressional Budget Office report. The report found that the bill "would have disruptive impacts on employers, particularly small businesses, as well as negative effects on the job opportunities for first and lower skilled workers," according to Bradley.
"The report stated that, when fully implemented, a $15 per hour minimum wage could result in as many as 3.7 million workers losing jobs and total real family income dropping by $9 billion," Bradley wrote. He went on to pledge to "strongly oppose and work against the current politically driven proposal to more than double the minimum wage to $15 per hour."
Competitive Enterprise Institute research fellow Sean Higgins questioned the endorsements, telling the Washington Free Beacon that there's "no strong, rational argument" for a nationwide $15 minimum wage.
"It's a bit inexplicable as to why the Chamber of Commerce would overlook this," Higgins said. "Maybe they suspect that there isn't enough support in Congress to get the Raise the Wage Act through, so they don't think it will happen."
The 23 Democrats backed by the chamber are among the top targets for Republicans looking to flip the House in November. The endorsement list includes embattled Reps. Abby Finkenauer (Iowa), Cindy Axne (Iowa), T.J. Cox (Calif.), Abigail Spanberger (Va.), Elaine Luria (Va.), and Andy Kim (N.J.). The six Democrats all voted in favor of the Raise the Wage Act, and all six seats are rated as toss-ups by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
Some Republican congressional hopefuls have already responded to the endorsements by labeling the chamber as out of touch. After the group endorsed Rep. Colin Allred (D., Texas), his Republican opponent—Dallas businesswoman Genevieve Collins—said the chamber "has completely lost its way."
"When I speak to business owners large and small here in the 32nd district, they don't care about an endorsement from the disconnected and bloated D.C. special interest U.S. Chamber," Collins told the Dallas Morning News.
Some of the 23 chamber-backed Democrats vocally opposed the Raise the Wage Act. Rep. Joe Cunningham (S.C.) mirrored the business group's criticism of the bill in a July 2019 statement, saying he refused to support legislation that would "cause 3.7 million Americans to lose their jobs" and "place a burden on Lowcountry businesses that they could not sustain." Rep. Ben McAdams (Utah) also painted the bill as excessively liberal, saying "a solution that works in New York City or Los Angeles doesn't work for Utah."
Employment Policies Institute managing director Michael Saltsman told the Free Beacon that increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 would be especially harmful due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Many of the lost jobs that would be brought on by the Raise the Wage Act are in the service industry, which has been absolutely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic," Saltsman said. "The idea that you would endorse an unprecedented increase in the minimum wage as a means to help small businesses runs totally contrary to the evidence."
The chamber did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Student Activists Pledge to Occupy University of Chicago Provost’s House Until Campus Cops Are Aboli

Student Activists Pledge to Occupy University of Chicago Provost’s House Until Campus Cops Are Abolished

University of Chicago students affiliated with the student group # CareNotCops have staged a now week-long `` occupation '' outside of University of Chicago provost Ka Yee Lee 's home , spray painting vulgar messages such as `` F—k your mother '' outside the house .
Blocking streets and sidewalks , the students are refusing to leave until the university agrees to meet their demands : the abolition of the university 's police force , the formation of cultural centers , and the development of a `` Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Department . ''
The new department , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teach `` revolutionary histories , abolish all academic penalties… [ and ] redistribute resources to students and communities of color . ''
The students ' interactions with the Chicago Police Department and university officials , though infrequent , have been aggressive .
According to the university 's student paper , the Chicago Maroon , on Monday night , protesters repeatedly screamed , `` good night , good evening , we 're not f—king leaving '' at the provost ’ s house .
The demonstrators spray painted messages in the street immediately outside her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` Do n't you care about your reputation '' and , more offensively , `` F—k your mother . ''
As CPD officers began to arrive on the scene , protesters then blocked the streets , chanting , `` Who keeps us safe ?
We keep us safe ! ''
The graffiti , meanwhile , has drawn an intense outcry from students , even those on the left , who accused # CareNotCops of anti-Asian racism and harassment .
Provost Ka Yee Lee , born in Hong Kong , studied at Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Chicago since 1998 .
Posts on the popular University of Chicago Facebook page , UChicago Secrets , reflect this sentiment .
In the face of overwhelming criticism , # CareNotCops leadership and its supporters decided to double down .
Activist attempts to disband the University of Chicago ’ s police are not a new phenomenon .
Earlier this summer , the # CareNotCops activist group staged an after-hours sit-in at the University of Chicago Police Department Headquarters .
Unable to use the building ’ s locked bathrooms , students resorted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make it through the night .
On Tuesday , in an official university statement , Provost Lee responded to the students camped outside of her house .
She wrote that student activists have gone `` beyond any civil bounds , '' as they have `` harassed and directed personal attacks and vulgar language at [ her ] family members and [ herself ] , verbally and in writing . ''
Contrary to what activists were claiming , she revealed , the university has offered to meet with representatives from # CareNotCops since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , affirmed that `` the University has no intention of disbanding the UCPD . ''
Updated 8:45 p.m. to include response from the activists to Lee 's statement .

University of Chicago students affiliated with the student group #CareNotCops have staged a now week-long "occupation" outside of University of Chicago provost Ka Yee Lee's home, spray painting vulgar messages such as "F—k your mother" outside the house.
Blocking streets and sidewalks, the students are refusing to leave until the university agrees to meet their demands: the abolition of the university's police force, the formation of cultural centers, and the development of a "Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Department." The new department, the group writes, would be required to teach "revolutionary histories, abolish all academic penalties… [and] redistribute resources to students and communities of color."
The students' interactions with the Chicago Police Department and university officials, though infrequent, have been aggressive. According to the university's student paper, the Chicago Maroon, on Monday night, protesters repeatedly screamed, "good night, good evening, we're not f—king leaving" at the provost’s house. The demonstrators spray painted messages in the street immediately outside her house. Written in Chinese characters was, "Don't you care about your reputation" and, more offensively, "F—k your mother." As CPD officers began to arrive on the scene, protesters then blocked the streets, chanting, "Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!"
The graffiti, meanwhile, has drawn an intense outcry from students, even those on the left, who accused #CareNotCops of anti-Asian racism and harassment. Provost Ka Yee Lee, born in Hong Kong, studied at Brown University and has been a professor at the University of Chicago since 1998.
Posts on the popular University of Chicago Facebook page, UChicago Secrets, reflect this sentiment.
In the face of overwhelming criticism, #CareNotCops leadership and its supporters decided to double down.
https://twitter.com/kosilovesyou/status/1300794701486985216
Activist attempts to disband the University of Chicago’s police are not a new phenomenon. Earlier this summer, the #CareNotCops activist group staged an after-hours sit-in at the University of Chicago Police Department Headquarters. Unable to use the building’s locked bathrooms, students resorted to using "children's diapers" to make it through the night.
On Tuesday, in an official university statement, Provost Lee responded to the students camped outside of her house. She wrote that student activists have gone "beyond any civil bounds," as they have "harassed and directed personal attacks and vulgar language at [her] family members and [herself], verbally and in writing." Contrary to what activists were claiming, she revealed, the university has offered to meet with representatives from #CareNotCops since their June sit-in.
Lee, however, affirmed that "the University has no intention of disbanding the UCPD."
In response to Lee’s statement, student protesters reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their occupation. As of Wednesday night, students have zip-tied themselves to a canopy set up in the street, remarking that they’re "here to f—ing stay!" Update, 8:45 p.m.: This piece was updated to include new actions by student protesters.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Pelosi Demands Apology From Salon: ‘It Was a Setup’

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) on Wednesday blamed the salon where she flouted coronavirus restrictions for setting her up , and she called for the salon to apologize .
`` I take responsibility for trusting the word of the neighborhood salon that I ’ ve been to over the years many times , '' Pelosi said .
`` As it turns out , it was a set up , and so I take responsibility for falling for a setup .
And that 's all I 'm going to say on that . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the next question was about a barber who said Pelosi owes the service industry an apology .
`` I think that this salon owes me an apology for setting this up , '' Pelosi said .
Pelosi visited the salon Monday in defiance of local ordinances put in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
San Francisco guidance allowed salons to reopen on Tuesday for outdoor services only , but Pelosi was seen on security footage inside the salon not wearing any face covering .
Local ordinances require customers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done .
Pelosi excused her lack of face covering by saying that she does n't wear a mask while washing her hair .
A Pelosi spokesman said the business told Pelosi she could come in on Monday .
The salon owner told Fox News that an independent hair stylist who rents a chair from the owner provided the service for Pelosi .
`` The Speaker always wears a mask and complies with local COVID requirements , '' Pelosi 's spokesman said Tuesday after news of Pelosi 's visit broke .
`` This business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday and told her they were allowed by the city to have one customer at a time in the business .
The Speaker complied with the rules as presented to her by this establishment . ''

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) on Wednesday blamed the salon where she flouted coronavirus restrictions for setting her up, and she called for the salon to apologize.
"I take responsibility for trusting the word of the neighborhood salon that I’ve been to over the years many times," Pelosi said. "As it turns out, it was a set up, and so I take responsibility for falling for a setup. And that's all I'm going to say on that."
But that was not all she said, since the next question was about a barber who said Pelosi owes the service industry an apology. "I think that this salon owes me an apology for setting this up," Pelosi said.
Pelosi visited the salon Monday in defiance of local ordinances put in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus. San Francisco guidance allowed salons to reopen on Tuesday for outdoor services only, but Pelosi was seen on security footage inside the salon not wearing any face covering. Local ordinances require customers to wear a mask while getting their hair done.
Pelosi excused her lack of face covering by saying that she doesn't wear a mask while washing her hair.
A Pelosi spokesman said the business told Pelosi she could come in on Monday. The salon owner told Fox News that an independent hair stylist who rents a chair from the owner provided the service for Pelosi.
"The Speaker always wears a mask and complies with local COVID requirements," Pelosi's spokesman said Tuesday after news of Pelosi's visit broke. "This business offered for the Speaker to come in on Monday and told her they were allowed by the city to have one customer at a time in the business. The Speaker complied with the rules as presented to her by this establishment."


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Catholic Student Sues FSU for Discrimination

A Florida State University student is suing the university for punishing him after he privately expressed his Catholic beliefs .
In June , FSU Student Senate president Jack Denton was removed from the senate for private messages in which he defended Catholic teachings on abortion and transgenderism .
The faith-based advocacy law firm Alliance Defending Freedom ( ADF ) filed a lawsuit against the university on behalf of Denton after the school refused to address the `` unconstitutional violation '' of Denton 's First Amendment rights .
`` All students should be able to peacefully share their personal convictions without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel Tyson Langhofer said .
`` Students and administrators have repeatedly failed to respect Jack 's constitutionally protected freedoms .
That 's why we 're filing a federal lawsuit to defend Jack . ''
The lawsuit claims that FSU 's student government—which is established by state law and operated by the university—discriminated against Denton for his beliefs , violating both the student body constitution and the First Amendment .
Langhofer explained that Denton went through the formal appeals procedure to prove he was improperly removed , but the administration refused to respond or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Catholic student union GroupMe chat .
Denton said that some of the policies embraced by Black Lives Matter , Reclaim the Block , the ACLU , and other left-leaning groups `` advocate for things that are explicitly anti-Catholic , '' such as abortion and transgenderism .
`` I do n't mean to anger anyone.… It is important to know what you 're supporting when you 're Catholic , '' Denton wrote in the chat .
`` If I stay silent while my brothers and sisters may be supporting an organization that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through my silence . ''
Denton was replaced in the student senate by Ahmad Daraldik , who called an Israeli a `` stupid Jew '' and wrote `` f—k Israel '' in a social media post .
He also created a website comparing the `` occupation of Palestine '' to the Holocaust .
When these comments came to light , the student government voted to keep Daraldik in office .
Denton did not respond to requests for comment .
Update 5:00 PM : This post was updated to include information about Denton 's @ @ @ @ @ @

A Florida State University student is suing the university for punishing him after he privately expressed his Catholic beliefs.
In June, FSU Student Senate president Jack Denton was removed from the senate for private messages in which he defended Catholic teachings on abortion and transgenderism. The faith-based advocacy law firm Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) filed a lawsuit against the university on behalf of Denton after the school refused to address the "unconstitutional violation" of Denton's First Amendment rights.
"All students should be able to peacefully share their personal convictions without fear of retaliation," ADF senior counsel Tyson Langhofer said. "Students and administrators have repeatedly failed to respect Jack's constitutionally protected freedoms. That's why we're filing a federal lawsuit to defend Jack."
The lawsuit claims that FSU's student government—which is established by state law and operated by the university—discriminated against Denton for his beliefs, violating both the student body constitution and the First Amendment. Langhofer explained that Denton went through the formal appeals procedure to prove he was improperly removed, but the administration refused to respond or cooperate.
The messages in question appeared in a Catholic student union GroupMe chat. Denton said that some of the policies embraced by Black Lives Matter, Reclaim the Block, the ACLU, and other left-leaning groups "advocate for things that are explicitly anti-Catholic," such as abortion and transgenderism.
"I don't mean to anger anyone.… It is important to know what you're supporting when you're Catholic," Denton wrote in the chat. "If I stay silent while my brothers and sisters may be supporting an organization that promotes grave evils, I have sinned through my silence."
Denton was replaced in the student senate by Ahmad Daraldik, who called an Israeli a "stupid Jew" and wrote "f—k Israel" in a social media post. He also created a website comparing the "occupation of Palestine" to the Holocaust. When these comments came to light, the student government voted to keep Daraldik in office.
Denton did not respond to requests for comment.
Update 5:00 PM: This post was updated to include information about Denton's replacement in the student senate.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--FLASHBACK: Media, Activists Say Washington, Jefferson Memorials Are Safe

With a Washington , D.C. , committee recommending the federal government `` remove , relocate , or contextualize '' landmarks @ @ @ @ @ and Jefferson Memorial because their namesakes owned slaves , the Washington Free Beacon looks back @ @ @ @ @ and activists who claimed such overtures against the Founding Fathers would not occur .
David @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Free Beacon .
He was previously a sports reporter for two years in @ @ @ @ @ sports reporting for the Washington Post .
He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2010 and @ @ @ @ @ His Twitter handle is @ DavidRutz .
He can be reached at rutz @ freebeacon.com @

With a Washington, D.C., committee recommending the federal government "remove, relocate, or contextualize" landmarks such as the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial because their namesakes owned slaves, the Washington Free Beacon looks back on historians, reporters, and activists who claimed such overtures against the Founding Fathers would not occur.
Published under: SUPERcuts , Video


freebeacon--2020-09-02--CNN’s Brian Stelter Recounts Attempted ‘Honey Trap’ by Undercover Fox News Intern

Brian Stelter 's new book about the `` incestuous '' relationship between Fox News and President Donald Trump contains at least one amusing anecdote .
In Hoax : Donald Trump , Fox News , and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth , the author recounts a curious encounter with an undercover Fox News intern in the early 2000s .
At the time , Stelter was just another citizen journalist publishing media gossip on his TVNewser blog .
His mostly negative reporting on Fox News drew the ire of Roger Ailes and the network 's public relations department , which made him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's how Stelter described the network 's `` sophomoric '' attempt to keep tabs on him using the time-honored `` honey trap '' method : At one point the Fox News PR department dispatched an intern to strike up a relationship with me .
We went out a couple of times in New York City—we went to the late great Coffee Shop restaurant in Union Square , we rode the subway uptown , we even spent a late evening on her rooftop .
There were moments when I thought these were dates—but her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stelter found out `` years later '' that the undercover intern was n't interested in romance , but had merely been `` assigned to take copious notes and feed information back to her bosses . ''
She was even summoned to Ailes 's office the morning after one of their `` dates '' for interrogation .
The operation , which allegedly resulted in a photo of Stelter in beer-stained trousers being published on a rival blog under the headline , `` TVBOOZER , '' was of dubious success .
It does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real threats that journalists , particularly the male ones , must confront on a daily basis .
Hoax has received a lukewarm reception in the mainstream media since its publication earlier this month .
The New York Times , for example , decried its `` easy-to-digest '' and `` unannounced '' arguments , as well as Stelter 's reliance on `` gratuitous gossip '' and `` name calling '' to titillate his liberal audience .
Stelter was recently named to Fortune magazine 's `` 40 Under 40 '' list , which describes him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

'There were moments when I thought these were dates—but her flirtatiousness was all part of the ruse'
Brian Stelter's new book about the "incestuous" relationship between Fox News and President Donald Trump contains at least one amusing anecdote.
In Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth, the author recounts a curious encounter with an undercover Fox News intern in the early 2000s. At the time, Stelter was just another citizen journalist publishing media gossip on his TVNewser blog. His mostly negative reporting on Fox News drew the ire of Roger Ailes and the network's public relations department, which made him a target of corporate espionage.
Here's how Stelter described the network's "sophomoric" attempt to keep tabs on him using the time-honored "honey trap" method:
At one point the Fox News PR department dispatched an intern to strike up a relationship with me. We went out a couple of times in New York City—we went to the late great Coffee Shop restaurant in Union Square, we rode the subway uptown, we even spent a late evening on her rooftop. There were moments when I thought these were dates—but her flirtatiousness was all part of the ruse.
Stelter found out "years later" that the undercover intern wasn't interested in romance, but had merely been "assigned to take copious notes and feed information back to her bosses." She was even summoned to Ailes's office the morning after one of their "dates" for interrogation.
The operation, which allegedly resulted in a photo of Stelter in beer-stained trousers being published on a rival blog under the headline, "TVBOOZER," was of dubious success. It does, however, serve to highlight the very real threats that journalists, particularly the male ones, must confront on a daily basis.
Hoax has received a lukewarm reception in the mainstream media since its publication earlier this month. The New York Times, for example, decried its "easy-to-digest" and "unannounced" arguments, as well as Stelter's reliance on "gratuitous gossip" and "name calling" to titillate his liberal audience.
Stelter was recently named to Fortune magazine's "40 Under 40" list, which describes him as a "34-year-old Maryland native."


freebeacon--2020-09-02--U.S. Sanctions International Criminal Court Officials

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced new sanctions on individuals affiliated with the International Criminal Court as a result of the court 's efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged U.S. war crimes .
The United States and ICC have been locked in a tense standoff over the court 's investigations into war crimes it claims American soldiers perpetrated in the Middle East .
Similar investigations have been ongoing against Israel , which has joined with the Trump administration in opposing the court 's actions .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States has designated ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court 's Jurisdiction , Complementarity , and Cooperation Division , for assisting in investigations into the United States .
Pompeo said that `` any individuals and entities that continue to materially support those individuals risk exposure to sanctions as well . ''
Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark . )
, a former Army captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan , lauded the State Department 's new sanctions .
`` The United States will not tolerate political attacks against its service members by the ICC , a court which has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` By sanctioning prosecutor Bensouda , the administration is defending American sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens . ''
The designations mark a significant escalation in the United States ' battle against ICC investigations , which the Trump administration views as politically motivated .
The administration is at odds with many international bodies , including the United Nations Security Council and the World Health Organization , which America accuses of helping China obfuscate information about the coronavirus pandemic .
At the U.N. , the administration has warred with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom over the reimposition of economic sanctions on Iran .
All of these European powers balked at U.S. efforts to extend an arms ban on the country .
The Trump administration authorized economic sanctions against the ICC and foreign individuals affiliated with efforts to investigate American personnel and those of its allies , including Israel .
In addition to Wednesday 's sanctions , the administration restricted the issuance of visas for any individual involved in the ICC 's investigation .
The Washington Free Beacon first reported in May that the ICC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States with several organizations and individuals tied to terrorism .

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced new sanctions on individuals affiliated with the International Criminal Court as a result of the court's efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged U.S. war crimes.
The United States and ICC have been locked in a tense standoff over the court's investigations into war crimes it claims American soldiers perpetrated in the Middle East. Similar investigations have been ongoing against Israel, which has joined with the Trump administration in opposing the court's actions. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States has designated ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko, head of the court's Jurisdiction, Complementarity, and Cooperation Division, for assisting in investigations into the United States. Pompeo said that "any individuals and entities that continue to materially support those individuals risk exposure to sanctions as well."
Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.), a former Army captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, lauded the State Department's new sanctions.
"The United States will not tolerate political attacks against its service members by the ICC, a court which has no jurisdiction over Americans," Cotton said. "By sanctioning prosecutor Bensouda, the administration is defending American sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens."
The designations mark a significant escalation in the United States' battle against ICC investigations, which the Trump administration views as politically motivated. The administration is at odds with many international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council and the World Health Organization, which America accuses of helping China obfuscate information about the coronavirus pandemic. At the U.N., the administration has warred with traditional allies France, Germany, and the United Kingdom over the reimposition of economic sanctions on Iran. All of these European powers balked at U.S. efforts to extend an arms ban on the country.
The Trump administration authorized economic sanctions against the ICC and foreign individuals affiliated with efforts to investigate American personnel and those of its allies, including Israel. In addition to Wednesday's sanctions, the administration restricted the issuance of visas for any individual involved in the ICC's investigation.
The Washington Free Beacon first reported in May that the ICC was working on its case against the United States with several organizations and individuals tied to terrorism.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Kanye Campaign Blows Past Signatures Needed for Ariz. Ballot

Rapper and 2020 independent presidential contender Kanye West on Wednesday presented over 57,000 signatures supporting his candidacy to the Arizona secretary of state in a bid to appear on the state 's ballot in November .
West will file 57,892 signatures with Secretary of State Katie Hobbs on Wednesday , according to a letter from his campaign obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
That number is in excess of the 39,039 he needs to appear on the ballot , but represents only part of the more than 90,000 signatures that the campaign expects to file by Friday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West in contention for another 11 electoral votes for him and his running mate , Wyoming-based pastor Michelle Tidball .
Success is not guaranteed , however—the quixotic candidate has been denied access to the ballot in a number of states , and an Arizona resident has already sued to block West on the grounds that he is a registered Republican .
That challenge is just the latest legal offensive against West , with another , filed Tuesday , spearheaded by prominent Democratic lawyer Marc Elias .
West 's strong showing in Arizona—and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be more impactful than many observers have assumed .
`` 39,039 signatures are needed to get Kanye on the ballot in Arizona ; our partial turn-in today will show we collected nearly 58,000 signatures without breaking a sweat , '' Kanye campaign adviser Gregg Keller told the Free Beacon .
`` When our filing is completed it will show more than 90,000 Arizonans want Kanye West on the ballot . ''
West 's campaign is filing 57,000 of its more than 90,000 signatures early , according to the letter , after `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office in which it was agreed that the partial filing would `` aid in processing '' the large number of signatures .
West 's Wednesday filing includes nominating papers for himself , Tidball , and their 11 electors , as well as the signatures .
The large number of signatures reflects the fact that independent candidates in Arizona face a high barrier to entry .
The 39,000 they need is more than five times the number required for Republican or Democratic candidates .
If West 's petition is approved , Arizona will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whose ballot he will appear , including expected swing states such as Minnesota and Iowa .
West has been denied access to the ballot in a number of states , and his campaign has promised an aggressive legal campaign to overturn those denials , including filings already in West Virginia , Wisconsin , and Ohio .
The potential for West to disrupt the 2020 cycle appears to have made some Democratic operatives nervous .
Two of West 's electors in Virginia filed suit against him on Tuesday , alleging that they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel is Elias , who previously served as general counsel for Hillary Clinton 's 2016 presidential campaign .
`` National liberals and the media are awake now to the intense energy behind Kanye 's candidacy , '' Keller said .
`` It terrifies them and they 're working overtime to thwart the will of the people and to prevent a qualified Black man from having access to the ballot .
It 's shameful . ''

Rapper and 2020 independent presidential contender Kanye West on Wednesday presented over 57,000 signatures supporting his candidacy to the Arizona secretary of state in a bid to appear on the state's ballot in November.
West will file 57,892 signatures with Secretary of State Katie Hobbs on Wednesday, according to a letter from his campaign obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. That number is in excess of the 39,039 he needs to appear on the ballot, but represents only part of the more than 90,000 signatures that the campaign expects to file by Friday.
The filing, if successful, would put West in contention for another 11 electoral votes for him and his running mate, Wyoming-based pastor Michelle Tidball. Success is not guaranteed, however—the quixotic candidate has been denied access to the ballot in a number of states, and an Arizona resident has already sued to block West on the grounds that he is a registered Republican.
That challenge is just the latest legal offensive against West, with another, filed Tuesday, spearheaded by prominent Democratic lawyer Marc Elias. West's strong showing in Arizona—and the legal energy behind stopping it—suggests his campaign may be more impactful than many observers have assumed.
"39,039 signatures are needed to get Kanye on the ballot in Arizona; our partial turn-in today will show we collected nearly 58,000 signatures without breaking a sweat," Kanye campaign adviser Gregg Keller told the Free Beacon. "When our filing is completed it will show more than 90,000 Arizonans want Kanye West on the ballot."
West's campaign is filing 57,000 of its more than 90,000 signatures early, according to the letter, after "conversations" with the secretary of state's office in which it was agreed that the partial filing would "aid in processing" the large number of signatures. West's Wednesday filing includes nominating papers for himself, Tidball, and their 11 electors, as well as the signatures.
The large number of signatures reflects the fact that independent candidates in Arizona face a high barrier to entry. The 39,000 they need is more than five times the number required for Republican or Democratic candidates.
If West's petition is approved, Arizona will be added to the list of states on whose ballot he will appear, including expected swing states such as Minnesota and Iowa. West has been denied access to the ballot in a number of states, and his campaign has promised an aggressive legal campaign to overturn those denials, including filings already in West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ohio.
The potential for West to disrupt the 2020 cycle appears to have made some Democratic operatives nervous. Two of West's electors in Virginia filed suit against him on Tuesday, alleging that they were deceived into signing on. Their legal counsel is Elias, who previously served as general counsel for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.
"National liberals and the media are awake now to the intense energy behind Kanye's candidacy," Keller said. "It terrifies them and they're working overtime to thwart the will of the people and to prevent a qualified Black man from having access to the ballot. It's shameful."


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Portland Mayor to Move After Rioters Target His Condo Building

Portland mayor Ted Wheeler ( D. ) told his neighbors on Tuesday he ’ s looking to move after anti-police rioters repeatedly targeted his Pearl District condominium complex , the Oregonian reported .
Wheeler ’ s announcement followed a massive demonstration outside of the 114-unit high-rise on Monday , where more than 200 rioters gathered around the building , vandalized it with spray paint , and threw burning objects inside .
He said his move would be `` best for me and for everyone else ’ s safety and peace '' and apologized for the damage .
`` I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage to our home and the fear that you are experiencing due to my position , '' Wheeler said in an email to his neighbors in the building .
`` It ’ s unfair to all of you who have no role in politics or in my administration . ''
Multiple community leaders have called out the mayor for `` endorsing '' the riots and failing to protect businesses from repeated swarms of looters , which have led many local business owners to move or close their stores indefinitely .
Both those on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wheeler 's inability to quell violent nightly riots that have plagued the city for months .
President Donald Trump recently called the mayor a `` fool '' in a tweet , and on Monday , six leftist groups released a joint statement calling on the mayor to resign for his `` repeated failures '' to keep Portland safe .
Further , Portland police and other city officials say the mayor has yet to provide the city ’ s police department with clear steps for addressing riots .
Instead , Wheeler insists the violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Wheeler is up for reelection in November .
In addition to the repeated demonstrations outside of the mayor ’ s home , anti-police rioters have targeted government buildings throughout the summer .
Throughout June and July , rioters repeatedly attacked the Mark O. Hatfield federal courthouse , at one point launching fireworks and other explosives at the building after first barricading officers inside .
Nightly riots in Portland began in May following the police-involved death of George Floyd .

Portland mayor Ted Wheeler (D.) told his neighbors on Tuesday he’s looking to move after anti-police rioters repeatedly targeted his Pearl District condominium complex, the Oregonian reported.
Wheeler’s announcement followed a massive demonstration outside of the 114-unit high-rise on Monday, where more than 200 rioters gathered around the building, vandalized it with spray paint, and threw burning objects inside. He said his move would be "best for me and for everyone else’s safety and peace" and apologized for the damage.
"I want to express my sincere apologies for the damage to our home and the fear that you are experiencing due to my position," Wheeler said in an email to his neighbors in the building. "It’s unfair to all of you who have no role in politics or in my administration."
Multiple community leaders have called out the mayor for "endorsing" the riots and failing to protect businesses from repeated swarms of looters, which have led many local business owners to move or close their stores indefinitely.
Both those on the right and the left have condemned Wheeler's inability to quell violent nightly riots that have plagued the city for months. President Donald Trump recently called the mayor a "fool" in a tweet, and on Monday, six leftist groups released a joint statement calling on the mayor to resign for his "repeated failures" to keep Portland safe.
Further, Portland police and other city officials say the mayor has yet to provide the city’s police department with clear steps for addressing riots. Instead, Wheeler insists the violence will eventually "burn itself out."
Wheeler is up for reelection in November.
In addition to the repeated demonstrations outside of the mayor’s home, anti-police rioters have targeted government buildings throughout the summer. Throughout June and July, rioters repeatedly attacked the Mark O. Hatfield federal courthouse, at one point launching fireworks and other explosives at the building after first barricading officers inside. Nightly riots in Portland began in May following the police-involved death of George Floyd.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Judge Rules University of California Cannot Use Standardized Tests in Admissions

The University of California school system is no longer allowed to use SAT and ACT test scores as part of its admissions process after a California judge ruled that the tests give an unfair advantage to non-disabled students .
The university system has not required students to submit standardized test scores as part of their college applications since May when the university board of regents voted to phase out the test requirements .
Applicants could still voluntarily submit their test scores , however , which , according to Alameda County Superior Court Judge Brad Seligman 's Tuesday ruling , gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over others .
`` Non-disabled , economically advantaged , and white test-takers have an inherent advantage in the testing process , '' Seligman said in his ruling .
The injunction prohibits schools from considering applicants ' standardized test scores in admissions while the lawsuit is ongoing .
University of California president Michael Drake said the ruling hinders the schools ' ability to `` enroll students of diverse backgrounds and experiences . ''
`` UC respectfully disagrees with the court 's ruling , '' Drake and other regents said in a joint statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ university 's efforts to implement appropriate and comprehensive admissions policies , and its ability to attract and enroll students of diverse backgrounds and experiences . ''
A group of students filed a lawsuit in December that claimed standardized tests were unfair to non-native English speakers , students who could not afford test preparation , and students with disabilities .
Some schools in the system , including Berkeley , Santa Cruz , and Irvine , already removed standardized test scores from their admissions process , while other schools made the tests optional .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of California 's decision could have a `` ripple effect , '' leading other colleges and universities to also drop the tests from their application requirements .

The University of California school system is no longer allowed to use SAT and ACT test scores as part of its admissions process after a California judge ruled that the tests give an unfair advantage to non-disabled students.
The university system has not required students to submit standardized test scores as part of their college applications since May when the university board of regents voted to phase out the test requirements. Applicants could still voluntarily submit their test scores, however, which, according to Alameda County Superior Court Judge Brad Seligman's Tuesday ruling, gave some students an "inherent advantage" over others.
"Non-disabled, economically advantaged, and white test-takers have an inherent advantage in the testing process," Seligman said in his ruling.
The injunction prohibits schools from considering applicants' standardized test scores in admissions while the lawsuit is ongoing.
University of California president Michael Drake said the ruling hinders the schools' ability to "enroll students of diverse backgrounds and experiences."
"UC respectfully disagrees with the court's ruling," Drake and other regents said in a joint statement. "An injunction may interfere with the university's efforts to implement appropriate and comprehensive admissions policies, and its ability to attract and enroll students of diverse backgrounds and experiences."
A group of students filed a lawsuit in December that claimed standardized tests were unfair to non-native English speakers, students who could not afford test preparation, and students with disabilities. Some schools in the system, including Berkeley, Santa Cruz, and Irvine, already removed standardized test scores from their admissions process, while other schools made the tests optional.
Some experts have said that they believe the University of California's decision could have a "ripple effect," leading other colleges and universities to also drop the tests from their application requirements.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--All Israel-UAE Flights Allowed To Fly Through Saudi Airspace

All flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates have the green light to fly through Saudi Arabian airspace after diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration , Axios reported Wednesday .
The first flight from Israel to the UAE occurred on Monday , when Israeli and American delegations landed in the UAE to enter trilateral discussions regarding commerce and regional security .
Talks over airspace use commenced Tuesday between Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jared Kushner , in which Riyadh approved civilian aviation transport through its airspace .
Importantly , Israel does not currently have normalized or formal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this agreement a potential step toward increased Israeli-Saudi engagement .
Calling the move `` a huge breakthrough , '' Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted the agreement would bring down costs of transport to the UAE and increase tourism between the countries .
`` These are the fruits of peace , '' he said , predicting that `` more good news '' would be coming .
Experts wonder if prolonged Israeli-Emirati engagement may lead to a regional domino effect that will increase cooperation between Israel and Gulf States concerned by Iran 's destabilizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia will probably eventually follow a similar path , but it will be more hesitant and move slower , '' Ayham Kamel , Middle East head at the political-risk advisory firm Eurasia Group , said .
Washington officials now express increased optimism about the highest prize in the region—normalized relations between the Saudis and Israelis .
`` Israel and the UAE are putting the region on a truly transformative path , '' National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said .

All flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates have the green light to fly through Saudi Arabian airspace after diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration, Axios reported Wednesday.
The first flight from Israel to the UAE occurred on Monday, when Israeli and American delegations landed in the UAE to enter trilateral discussions regarding commerce and regional security.
Talks over airspace use commenced Tuesday between Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jared Kushner, in which Riyadh approved civilian aviation transport through its airspace. Importantly, Israel does not currently have normalized or formal diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, rendering this agreement a potential step toward increased Israeli-Saudi engagement.
Calling the move "a huge breakthrough," Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted the agreement would bring down costs of transport to the UAE and increase tourism between the countries. "These are the fruits of peace," he said, predicting that "more good news" would be coming.
Experts wonder if prolonged Israeli-Emirati engagement may lead to a regional domino effect that will increase cooperation between Israel and Gulf States concerned by Iran's destabilizing influence on the Middle East.
"Saudi Arabia will probably eventually follow a similar path, but it will be more hesitant and move slower," Ayham Kamel, Middle East head at the political-risk advisory firm Eurasia Group, said.
Washington officials now express increased optimism about the highest prize in the region—normalized relations between the Saudis and Israelis.
"Israel and the UAE are putting the region on a truly transformative path," National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Report: China Moving To Double Its Nuclear Warhead Stockpile

A Pentagon report on Chinese military strength indicates that Beijing plans to double its nuclear warhead stockpile in the next decade , Defense News reported Tuesday .
While such an action would not threaten to surpass America ’ s own missile inventory of 3,800 active nuclear warheads with more stored away , China would be able to project significantly more geopolitical power than it can with its current stockpile of missiles in the low 200s .
The Pentagon sees China 's nuclear aspirations as a significant concern .
The People ’ s Liberation Army ( PLA ) and its associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be merely a showpiece of Chinese modernity , '' but an explicit means for more powerful Chinese statecraft , according to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Chad Sbragia .
`` The Communist Party has spent the last several years completely tearing out and rewiring the PLA organizationally with the goal of transforming into a joint force that is more combat-ready , innovative , and global , '' Sbragia added .
Chinese military advancement is not just limited to warhead development .
China plans to fashion itself into a `` space great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its above-earth strike capabilities aimed at satellites and further hone lightning-fast communications and missile early-warning technology .
`` They ’ ve chosen to make those investments , and they ’ ve chosen for a reason , which is that their aspirations are not small , '' Sbragia told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` They have a very clear and definitive aspiration for becoming a global power preeminent by all measures , at least in terms of status , to any others .
And space is not the least of that . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ commands a larger navy than the United States with over 350 deployable ships and submarines , compared to the U.S. Navy ’ s fleet of 293 .
Historically , the American Navy has for decades been the largest and most powerful in the world , ensuring freedom of navigation and the assertion of national interest in far-reaching waters .
The Chinese fleet—and the regime 's interest in developing ports in the Indian Ocean , Persian Gulf , and African coast—stand to challenge American maritime supremacy .
`` I don ’ t think they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those yet , '' Sbragia said .
`` But their aspirations are not small , and they ’ re not limited to a single geographic location .
This is global in scale . ''
Maritime security experts have called for an in-kind expansion of the American Navy , especially as President Donald Trump promised to build a 350-ship fleet as a candidate in 2016 .
`` The U.S. Navy has been a key foundation of this Pax Americana , '' wrote current National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien in 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that we should do lightly , as the dangers , which we have merely glimpsed over the past decade , are serious indeed .
The American people voted for and deserve such a Navy , and our sailors and Marines , who serve on those ships , do as well . ''

A Pentagon report on Chinese military strength indicates that Beijing plans to double its nuclear warhead stockpile in the next decade, Defense News reported Tuesday.
While such an action would not threaten to surpass America’s own missile inventory of 3,800 active nuclear warheads with more stored away, China would be able to project significantly more geopolitical power than it can with its current stockpile of missiles in the low 200s.
The Pentagon sees China's nuclear aspirations as a significant concern. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its associated technological apparatus are "not intended to be merely a showpiece of Chinese modernity," but an explicit means for more powerful Chinese statecraft, according to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Chad Sbragia.
"The Communist Party has spent the last several years completely tearing out and rewiring the PLA organizationally with the goal of transforming into a joint force that is more combat-ready, innovative, and global," Sbragia added.
Chinese military advancement is not just limited to warhead development. China plans to fashion itself into a "space great power," allowing it to improve its above-earth strike capabilities aimed at satellites and further hone lightning-fast communications and missile early-warning technology.
"They’ve chosen to make those investments, and they’ve chosen for a reason, which is that their aspirations are not small," Sbragia told the Washington Free Beacon. "They have a very clear and definitive aspiration for becoming a global power preeminent by all measures, at least in terms of status, to any others. And space is not the least of that."
Perhaps even more critically, China now commands a larger navy than the United States with over 350 deployable ships and submarines, compared to the U.S. Navy’s fleet of 293.
Historically, the American Navy has for decades been the largest and most powerful in the world, ensuring freedom of navigation and the assertion of national interest in far-reaching waters. The Chinese fleet—and the regime's interest in developing ports in the Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and African coast—stand to challenge American maritime supremacy.
"I don’t think they’ve reached final conclusions on any of those yet," Sbragia said. "But their aspirations are not small, and they’re not limited to a single geographic location. This is global in scale."
Maritime security experts have called for an in-kind expansion of the American Navy, especially as President Donald Trump promised to build a 350-ship fleet as a candidate in 2016.
"The U.S. Navy has been a key foundation of this Pax Americana," wrote current National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien in 2017. "Abandoning that successful strategy is not something that we should do lightly, as the dangers, which we have merely glimpsed over the past decade, are serious indeed. The American people voted for and deserve such a Navy, and our sailors and Marines, who serve on those ships, do as well."


freebeacon--2020-09-02--China’s Apology Tour to Europe Fails

China’s Apology Tour to Europe Fails

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi ’ s two-week trip to mend fences with European economic partners and counter Washington ’ s stand against China has so far brought little dividend , the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday .
Wang ’ s visit was Beijing ’ s first mission to the continent since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic , which has strained economic partnerships between Beijing and members of the European Union .
Many EU states have joined Washington in shutting out state-backed Chinese tech firm Huawei from 5G and infrastructure development , favoring a `` clean path '' approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on China ’ s access to Europe have led Wang to focus on restoring economic ties—especially those that contribute to Beijing 's Belt and Road initiative , which attempts to connect the Far East to high-demand European consumer bases .
`` Today the choice is confrontation or cooperation , multilateralism or unilateralism , openness or isolation , '' Wang said at a press conference in Germany , a Chinese trading partner and European economic heavyweight .
`` China and Germany must open to each other more . ''
So far , Wang ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen on deaf ears , evidenced by a Tuesday speech from Czech president of the senate Milos Vystrcil in Taiwan excoriating Beijing .
At one point in the speech , he said in Mandarin , `` I am Taiwanese . ''
The speech earned threatening rebuke from the Chinese Communist Party , further straining relations between China and Europe .
`` In the European Union we deal with our international partners together and with respect , and threats do not fit into that approach , '' German foreign minister Heiko Maass said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Vystrcil .
Wang ’ s failed bridge-building followed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s own July tour of Europe , marshaling a `` coalition '' of democracies to push back against China .
The height of Pompeo ’ s visit was a landmark speech given in a historic Czech castle , warning against the dual authoritarian threats to European democracy posed by Beijing and Moscow .
`` China 's world dominance is not inevitable .
We are the authors of our fate , '' Pompeo said in August .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the obligation to speak clearly and plainly to our people and without fear .
We must confront the complex questions presented by this challenge , and we must do so together . ''

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s two-week trip to mend fences with European economic partners and counter Washington’s stand against China has so far brought little dividend, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
Wang’s visit was Beijing’s first mission to the continent since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, which has strained economic partnerships between Beijing and members of the European Union.
Many EU states have joined Washington in shutting out state-backed Chinese tech firm Huawei from 5G and infrastructure development, favoring a "clean path" approach to technological upgrades. The new limits on China’s access to Europe have led Wang to focus on restoring economic ties—especially those that contribute to Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, which attempts to connect the Far East to high-demand European consumer bases.
"Today the choice is confrontation or cooperation, multilateralism or unilateralism, openness or isolation," Wang said at a press conference in Germany, a Chinese trading partner and European economic heavyweight. "China and Germany must open to each other more."
So far, Wang’s attempts to restore partnership seem to have fallen on deaf ears, evidenced by a Tuesday speech from Czech president of the senate Milos Vystrcil in Taiwan excoriating Beijing. At one point in the speech, he said in Mandarin, "I am Taiwanese." The speech earned threatening rebuke from the Chinese Communist Party, further straining relations between China and Europe.
"In the European Union we deal with our international partners together and with respect, and threats do not fit into that approach," German foreign minister Heiko Maass said, referring to China’s treatment of Vystrcil.
Wang’s failed bridge-building followed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s own July tour of Europe, marshaling a "coalition" of democracies to push back against China.
The height of Pompeo’s visit was a landmark speech given in a historic Czech castle, warning against the dual authoritarian threats to European democracy posed by Beijing and Moscow.
"China's world dominance is not inevitable. We are the authors of our fate," Pompeo said in August. "It will take us working together.... We have the obligation to speak clearly and plainly to our people and without fear. We must confront the complex questions presented by this challenge, and we must do so together."


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Dem Bullock Changes Voting Rules As He Eyes Senate Seat

Bullock—who is running to unseat Sen. Steve Daines ( R. , Mont . )
in a race vital to determining the Senate majority in 2020—issued an August order that allows counties to conduct all-mail voting in the upcoming November election .
Republicans are asking a federal district court to block the implementation of the order , saying that the Democratic governor overstepped his authority in `` a direct usurpation of the legislature ’ s authority . ''
The suit said the order was a nakedly political move designed to boost Bullock 's candidacy .
`` The Governor ’ s power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly egregious .
The Governor is running for U.S. Senate as a member of the Democratic Party , and his race is one of the most competitive in the country , '' the suit says .
`` He is using his current position to force a brand-new election system on Montanans that , according to his own party , will sway the election in his favor . ''
`` Voting by mail in Montana is safe , secure , and was requested by a bipartisan coalition of Montana election officials seeking to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe and healthy , '' Bullock told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` This is the same directive that the Republican President of the Senate and Republican Speaker of the House said was the right thing to do for the June primary .
Today , we have many more active cases of COVID-19 than we did back in June . ''
Bullock 's office did not respond to a follow-up on his order 's constitutionality .
Trump campaign general counsel Matthew Morgan called the order a `` unilateral power grab , '' noting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' would `` stack the deck for his own Senate race . ''
`` The power to direct Montana 's elections lies with the state 's legislature , which already has key safeguards in place to protect each Montana voter 's ballot , '' Morgan said in a statement .
The RNC went on to accuse Bullock of `` manipulating the state 's election processes while he is also a candidate on the ballot for the U.S .
Senate . ''
Bullock 's order allows counties to determine their own vote-by-mail and early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election code with no uniform procedures , '' according to RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel .
While Montana 's current vote-by-mail system requires voters to request a ballot , Bullock 's order allows counties to send unsolicited ballots to all registered voters .
`` Upending our elections process in the 11th hour is a recipe for disaster , '' McDaniel said in a statement .
Update 1:52 p.m. : This post has been updated to include comment from Bullock 's office .

Bullock—who is running to unseat Sen. Steve Daines (R., Mont.) in a race vital to determining the Senate majority in 2020—issued an August order that allows counties to conduct all-mail voting in the upcoming November election. Republicans are asking a federal district court to block the implementation of the order, saying that the Democratic governor overstepped his authority in "a direct usurpation of the legislature’s authority." The suit said the order was a nakedly political move designed to boost Bullock's candidacy.
"The Governor’s power grab under the cover of COVID-19 is particularly egregious. The Governor is running for U.S. Senate as a member of the Democratic Party, and his race is one of the most competitive in the country," the suit says. "He is using his current position to force a brand-new election system on Montanans that, according to his own party, will sway the election in his favor."
Bullock called the challenge a "template lawsuit."
"Voting by mail in Montana is safe, secure, and was requested by a bipartisan coalition of Montana election officials seeking to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and keep Montanans safe and healthy," Bullock told the Washington Free Beacon. "This is the same directive that the Republican President of the Senate and Republican Speaker of the House said was the right thing to do for the June primary. Today, we have many more active cases of COVID-19 than we did back in June."
Bullock's office did not respond to a follow-up on his order's constitutionality.
Trump campaign general counsel Matthew Morgan called the order a "unilateral power grab," noting that the "last-minute election rule changes" would "stack the deck for his own Senate race."
"The power to direct Montana's elections lies with the state's legislature, which already has key safeguards in place to protect each Montana voter's ballot," Morgan said in a statement. The RNC went on to accuse Bullock of "manipulating the state's election processes while he is also a candidate on the ballot for the U.S. Senate."
Bullock's order allows counties to determine their own vote-by-mail and early voting measures, creating a "patchwork election code with no uniform procedures," according to RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. While Montana's current vote-by-mail system requires voters to request a ballot, Bullock's order allows counties to send unsolicited ballots to all registered voters.
"Upending our elections process in the 11th hour is a recipe for disaster," McDaniel said in a statement.
Update 1:52 p.m.: This post has been updated to include comment from Bullock's office.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--NJ Dem Owns up to $75,000 in Chinese Stock

New Jersey Democrat Amy Kennedy , who has attacked President Donald Trump 's hardline economic approach to China , owns up to $ 75,000 in investments in China-based companies , including some backed by the Communist regime .
Kennedy—who is married to Patrick Kennedy , son of late senator Ted Kennedy ( D. , Mass . )
, and running for Congress in New Jersey 's competitive Second Congressional District—owns stock in five companies headquartered in China , including at least one state-owned insurance firm .
Meanwhile , she has advocated for easing economic pressure on China on the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump and Republicans of engaging in `` reckless and irrational trade wars '' with Beijing and calls to expand trade with China .
The companies Kennedy is invested in could benefit from a less forceful approach to China 's economy .
University of California San Diego political economist Victor Shih told NPR late last year that Trump 's policies were having `` a pretty major impact '' on the Chinese economy .
Vipshop , a Guangzhou-based discount e-commerce site in which Kennedy holds stock , for example , has seen its shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
Kennedy 's financial disclosure form also shows investments in the China Life Insurance Company , which is 70 percent state-owned .
The Democrat is also invested in China Maple Leaf Educational Systems , China YuHua Education Corporation , and Hong Kong-based Sun Art Retail , which works with e-commerce .
Kennedy holds up to $ 15,000 worth of stock in each of the Chinese companies .
Kennedy 's campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the investments .
Trump 's approach to China , ranging from tariffs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and human rights abuses , is among the biggest issues of the 2020 election .
Kennedy 's advocacy for restoring trade with the Communist regime matches the Democratic Party 's platform .
On her campaign website , Kennedy calls for `` opening up access to markets , building alliances , and promoting our agricultural products abroad , '' saying , `` We can stand up to countries like China while also putting our workers and farmers first . ''
Kennedy , a former teacher , is locked in a tight race against Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , who was elected as a Democrat in 2018 but switched to the Republican Party earlier this year .
The race is considered a toss-up by a number of election forecasters , including Cook Political Report and Inside Elections .

New Jersey Democrat Amy Kennedy, who has attacked President Donald Trump's hardline economic approach to China, owns up to $75,000 in investments in China-based companies, including some backed by the Communist regime.
Kennedy—who is married to Patrick Kennedy, son of late senator Ted Kennedy (D., Mass.), and running for Congress in New Jersey's competitive Second Congressional District—owns stock in five companies headquartered in China, including at least one state-owned insurance firm. Meanwhile, she has advocated for easing economic pressure on China on the campaign trail. Her campaign site accuses President Donald Trump and Republicans of engaging in "reckless and irrational trade wars" with Beijing and calls to expand trade with China.
The companies Kennedy is invested in could benefit from a less forceful approach to China's economy. University of California San Diego political economist Victor Shih told NPR late last year that Trump's policies were having "a pretty major impact" on the Chinese economy. Vipshop, a Guangzhou-based discount e-commerce site in which Kennedy holds stock, for example, has seen its shares fall during Trump's crackdown on the country.
Kennedy's financial disclosure form also shows investments in the China Life Insurance Company, which is 70 percent state-owned. The Democrat is also invested in China Maple Leaf Educational Systems, China YuHua Education Corporation, and Hong Kong-based Sun Art Retail, which works with e-commerce. Kennedy holds up to $15,000 worth of stock in each of the Chinese companies.
Kennedy's campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the investments.
Trump's approach to China, ranging from tariffs to criticism over the country's coronavirus response and human rights abuses, is among the biggest issues of the 2020 election. Kennedy's advocacy for restoring trade with the Communist regime matches the Democratic Party's platform. On her campaign website, Kennedy calls for "opening up access to markets, building alliances, and promoting our agricultural products abroad," saying, "We can stand up to countries like China while also putting our workers and farmers first."
Kennedy, a former teacher, is locked in a tight race against Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R., N.J.), who was elected as a Democrat in 2018 but switched to the Republican Party earlier this year. The race is considered a toss-up by a number of election forecasters, including Cook Political Report and Inside Elections.


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Putin Critic Navalny Was Poisoned With Novichok, Germany Says

BERLIN ( Reuters ) – A critic of President Vladimir Putin who fell into a coma in Russia and is being treated in Berlin was attacked with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent , a German government spokesman said on Wednesday .
Tests conducted at a German military laboratory produced `` unequivocal evidence '' that Alexei Navalny , Russia ’ s most prominent opposition figure , had been poisoned with Novichok , Steffen Seibert said in an emailed statement .
An agent of the same family was used two years ago to poison a Russian defector living in Britain .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the EU and NATO of the results of the investigation , '' Seibert added .
`` It will discuss an appropriate joint response with the partners in the light of the Russian response . ''
Russia is already under Western sanctions after its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine six years ago , and another stand-off with European nations or the United States may hurt its economy further .
Russian prosecutors said last Thursday they saw no need for a criminal investigation as they had found no sign that any crime had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the euro after the German government statement .
Navalny , 44 , was airlifted to Germany late last month after collapsing on a flight from the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow , which had to make an emergency landing in Omsk .
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged Russia to investigate Navalny ’ s poisoning now that clinical tests had shown he had been attacked with a chemical nerve agent .
`` This makes it all the more urgent that those responsible in Russia be identified and held accountable , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this attack in the strongest terms . ''
A Kremlin spokesman said Germany had not informed it that it believed Navalny had been poisoned with Novichok , according to the RIA news agency .
Novichok is a deadly group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s .
Britain says Russia used Novichok to poison former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the British city of Salisbury in 2018 .
Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attack , which the Skripals survived .
A member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was killed .

By Joseph Nasr
BERLIN (Reuters) - A critic of President Vladimir Putin who fell into a coma in Russia and is being treated in Berlin was attacked with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent, a German government spokesman said on Wednesday.
Tests conducted at a German military laboratory produced "unequivocal evidence" that Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition figure, had been poisoned with Novichok, Steffen Seibert said in an emailed statement.
An agent of the same family was used two years ago to poison a Russian defector living in Britain.
"The federal government will inform its partners in the EU and NATO of the results of the investigation," Seibert added. "It will discuss an appropriate joint response with the partners in the light of the Russian response."
Russia is already under Western sanctions after its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine six years ago, and another stand-off with European nations or the United States may hurt its economy further.
Russian prosecutors said last Thursday they saw no need for a criminal investigation as they had found no sign that any crime had been committed.
The Russian ruble extended losses against the euro after the German government statement.
Navalny, 44, was airlifted to Germany late last month after collapsing on a flight from the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow, which had to make an emergency landing in Omsk.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged Russia to investigate Navalny’s poisoning now that clinical tests had shown he had been attacked with a chemical nerve agent.
"This makes it all the more urgent that those responsible in Russia be identified and held accountable," Maas told reporters. "We condemn this attack in the strongest terms."
A Kremlin spokesman said Germany had not informed it that it believed Navalny had been poisoned with Novichok, according to the RIA news agency.
Novichok is a deadly group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s.
Britain says Russia used Novichok to poison former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the British city of Salisbury in 2018. Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attack, which the Skripals survived. A member of the public, 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess, was killed.
(Additional reporting by Paul Carrel and Michael Nienaber; Editing by Kevin Liffey)


freebeacon--2020-09-02--Pentagon Official: China Working Toward ‘Space Great Power Status’

A top Pentagon official announced on Tuesday that the Chinese People ’ s Liberation Army is building its capacities toward `` space great power status . ''
`` When you listen to the Chinese Communist leadership—particularly Xi Jinping , who serves as the core of the party—he ’ s outlined very specific requirements and expectations , '' Chad Sbragia , the deputy assistant secretary of defense for China , told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` Xi 's done the same in terms of having space great power status—and that ’ s being a space great power by every measurable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not least of which is capacity for their military . ''
Sbragia 's comments came at an American Enterprise Institute event rolling out the 2020 China Military Power Report .
The report offers a bird ’ s-eye view assessment of China 's military capacities , as well as its long-term strategy and trajectory .
It also details Beijing ’ s development of a militarized space program .
`` The PRC ’ s space enterprise continues to mature rapidly .
Beijing has devoted significant resources to growing all aspects of its space program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications such as profit-generating launches , scientific endeavors , and space exploration , '' the report reads .
`` Its primary target is the United States . ''
Beijing is taking active steps toward achieving `` space great power status . ''
It now boasts the second-largest fleet of satellites , regularly works with Russia on weapons development , and has launched a series of rockets and rovers as it takes aim at Mars .
The report also details China ’ s plans to have its own space station able to house astronauts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2025 .
Significant portions of China ’ s missile warning and military communication networks are also planned to reside in space .
Such efforts have required the full thrust of Chinese Communist Party investment and commitment .
`` They ’ ve chosen to make those investments , and they ’ ve chosen for a reason , which is that their aspirations are not small , '' Sbragia told the Free Beacon .
`` They have a very clear and definitive aspiration for becoming a global power preeminent by all measures , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any others .
And space is not the least of that . ''
Washington has taken notice of Beijing 's significant advancements in space and continues to fine-tune its measures against Chinese space supremacy .
President Donald Trump ’ s 49-point agenda for a second term includes launching the Space Force in earnest , after approving its creation in the president 's first term .
Meanwhile , the landmark 2018 National Defense Strategy explicitly outlines space as a potential `` warfighting domain , '' calling for extensive investment in space-facing defensive capabilities .

A top Pentagon official announced on Tuesday that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is building its capacities toward "space great power status."
"When you listen to the Chinese Communist leadership—particularly Xi Jinping, who serves as the core of the party—he’s outlined very specific requirements and expectations," Chad Sbragia, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, told the Washington Free Beacon. "Xi's done the same in terms of having space great power status—and that’s being a space great power by every measurable yardstick that you can throw out there, not least of which is capacity for their military."
Sbragia's comments came at an American Enterprise Institute event rolling out the 2020 China Military Power Report. The report offers a bird’s-eye view assessment of China's military capacities, as well as its long-term strategy and trajectory. It also details Beijing’s development of a militarized space program.
"The PRC’s space enterprise continues to mature rapidly. Beijing has devoted significant resources to growing all aspects of its space program, from military space applications to civil applications such as profit-generating launches, scientific endeavors, and space exploration," the report reads. "Its primary target is the United States."
Beijing is taking active steps toward achieving "space great power status." It now boasts the second-largest fleet of satellites, regularly works with Russia on weapons development, and has launched a series of rockets and rovers as it takes aim at Mars.
The report also details China’s plans to have its own space station able to house astronauts by 2022 and a lunar research station by 2025. Significant portions of China’s missile warning and military communication networks are also planned to reside in space.
Such efforts have required the full thrust of Chinese Communist Party investment and commitment.
"They’ve chosen to make those investments, and they’ve chosen for a reason, which is that their aspirations are not small," Sbragia told the Free Beacon. "They have a very clear and definitive aspiration for becoming a global power preeminent by all measures, at least in terms of status, to any others. And space is not the least of that."
Washington has taken notice of Beijing's significant advancements in space and continues to fine-tune its measures against Chinese space supremacy.
President Donald Trump’s 49-point agenda for a second term includes launching the Space Force in earnest, after approving its creation in the president's first term. Meanwhile, the landmark 2018 National Defense Strategy explicitly outlines space as a potential "warfighting domain," calling for extensive investment in space-facing defensive capabilities.