freebeacon--2020-10-30--Clergy Slam Newsom for Targeting Churches as Dodgers Fans Run Wild

California clergy challenging state coronavirus restrictions ripped Democratic leaders for targeting churches as large crowds gathered in the streets after the Dodgers ' World Series championship .
`` How dare Los Angeles County food and garbage inspectors issue $ 1,000 fines to Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church because the parish let 11 women into their spacious sanctuary to pray , while county officials turn a blind eye to revelry in the streets , with massive crowds shouting and chanting in close proximity over a period of hours , '' Paul Jonna , special counsel for the Thomas More Society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thousands rioted and looted in Los Angeles after the Dodgers ' World Series victory on Tuesday .
Despite multiple arrests and the condemnation of the Los Angeles Police Department , Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D. ) tweeted a congratulatory note to the Dodgers without mentioning the violent crowds .
Both Newsom 's office and Los Angeles County authorities declined to comment on the size of the crowd .
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti ( D. ) warned about the crowd size on Twitter .
`` As we celebrate this incredible @ Dodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that COVID-19 is still here and still dangerous , '' he wrote .
`` Please do n't host or attend victory parties , or gather in large groups to celebrate .
Let 's keep L.A .
safe . ''
The massive celebrations , as well as Black Lives Matter protests that have drawn tens of thousands , came even as Los Angeles County fined churches that have taken the state government to court .
Father Trevor Burfitt , a priest who is also challenging Newsom 's restrictions , said state leaders are demonstrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious institutions in the state .
`` Governor Newsom 's endless shutdowns and discriminatory edicts are interfering in the worship by God 's people , something that was expressly forbidden in the foundational documents of this nation and is echoed in the constitutions of states across the country , '' Burfitt said .
Massive crowds also gathered in the streets after the Lakers won the NBA championship in October .
The gathering resulted in more than 70 arrests and violent clashes with police officers .
Afterward , Newsom described the gathering as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relates to the transmission of the virus . ''
`` We just ask people to be cautious , to be mindful , at the same time they celebrate this historic victory , '' he said .
Newsom told Politico that California is preparing for civil unrest on Election Day .
`` As it relates to making sure people are safe , making sure not only the process of voting is a safe and healthy one , but keeping people safe after the election for whatever may occur , the answer is yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and making sure that we are prepared , '' he said .

California clergy challenging state coronavirus restrictions ripped Democratic leaders for targeting churches as large crowds gathered in the streets after the Dodgers' World Series championship.
"How dare Los Angeles County food and garbage inspectors issue $1,000 fines to Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church because the parish let 11 women into their spacious sanctuary to pray, while county officials turn a blind eye to revelry in the streets, with massive crowds shouting and chanting in close proximity over a period of hours," Paul Jonna, special counsel for the Thomas More Society, told the Washington Free Beacon.
Thousands rioted and looted in Los Angeles after the Dodgers' World Series victory on Tuesday. Despite multiple arrests and the condemnation of the Los Angeles Police Department, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.) tweeted a congratulatory note to the Dodgers without mentioning the violent crowds.
In photos: Dodgers World Series celebration in Downtown Los Angeles Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/rM3MjwssqL — JP (@jaypowers__) October 28, 2020
Newsom's office declined to comment on the size of the crowd.
Los Angeles County said mass celebrations have been linked to the spread of the virus.*
"There have been too many instances of people unknowingly spreading the virus at these gatherings, which, sadly, has led to new infections, serious illness and death," a county spokesman said in an email. The county stood by worship restrictions, saying the "vast majority of the County’s religious institutions" comply with its guidelines.
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti (D.) warned about the crowd size on Twitter. "As we celebrate this incredible @Dodgers victory tonight, we need to remember that COVID-19 is still here and still dangerous," he wrote. "Please don't host or attend victory parties, or gather in large groups to celebrate. Let's keep L.A. safe."
The massive celebrations, as well as Black Lives Matter protests that have drawn tens of thousands, came even as Los Angeles County fined churches that have taken the state government to court. Father Trevor Burfitt, a priest who is also challenging Newsom's restrictions, said state leaders are demonstrating "biased and inequitable treatment" toward religious institutions in the state.
"Governor Newsom's endless shutdowns and discriminatory edicts are interfering in the worship by God's people, something that was expressly forbidden in the foundational documents of this nation and is echoed in the constitutions of states across the country," Burfitt said.
Massive crowds also gathered in the streets after the Lakers won the NBA championship in October. The gathering resulted in more than 70 arrests and violent clashes with police officers. Afterward, Newsom described the gathering as a "point of obvious concern as it relates to the transmission of the virus." "We just ask people to be cautious, to be mindful, at the same time they celebrate this historic victory," he said.
Newsom told Politico that California is preparing for civil unrest on Election Day.
"As it relates to making sure people are safe, making sure not only the process of voting is a safe and healthy one, but keeping people safe after the election for whatever may occur, the answer is yes, we are always gaming out different scenarios and making sure that we are prepared," he said.
*Update: This Piece has been updated with comment from Los Angeles County


freebeacon--2020-10-30--Instagram Blocks Iranian Leader’s French-Language Page Over Holocaust Denial

Instagram blocked the French-language page of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Friday after he published an open letter to @ @ @ @ @ , according to reports in Iran ’ s state-controlled media .
`` Why is it @ @ @ @ @ about the Holocaust ? ''
Khamenei wrote in his Wednesday post .
`` Why should @ @ @ @ @ doubts be imprisoned while insulting the [ Islamic ] Prophet is allowed ? ''
Muslims @ @ @ @ @ protests in recent days following French president Emmanuel Macron ’ s vow to protect free @ @ @ @ @ including controversial cartoons portraying the prophet Muhammad , the Islamic religion ’ s central figure @ @ @ @ @ banned under Islamic law .
Macron also has come under fire for his government ’ @ @ @ @ @ rise of hardline Islamists in the country and promote further integration into French society .
@ @ @ @ @ a new French-language Instagram page following the ban on his initial account .

Instagram blocked the French-language page of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Friday after he published an open letter to French youths promoting Holocaust denial, according to reports in Iran’s state-controlled media.
"Why is it a crime to raise doubts about the Holocaust?" Khamenei wrote in his Wednesday post. "Why should anyone who writes about such doubts be imprisoned while insulting the [Islamic] Prophet is allowed?"
Muslims across the globe have launched protests in recent days following French president Emmanuel Macron’s vow to protect free speech in the country, including controversial cartoons portraying the prophet Muhammad, the Islamic religion’s central figure. Depictions of Muhammad are banned under Islamic law. Macron also has come under fire for his government’s efforts to combat the rise of hardline Islamists in the country and promote further integration into French society.
Iran’s Khamenei opened a new French-language Instagram page following the ban on his initial account.


freebeacon--2020-10-30--Biden’s Korea Policy Brings No New Ideas, Experts Say

Defense experts panned presidential candidate Joe Biden 's op-ed in a South Korean newspaper that sought to lay out his foreign policy vision to a key ally .
Titled `` Hope for Our Better Future , '' the article ran through a series of policy issues , from the coronavirus pandemic to tactics for denuclearizing North Korea .
Some national security experts said the Democrat demonstrated little strategic thinking .
While Biden took aim at President Donald Trump , he failed to distinguish the Biden ticket 's position on the Koreas from the Trump administration 's actions in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Carafano .
`` I saw it as an utter nothingburger , '' Carafano told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` Basically , it was an admission that there 's nothing new to offer . ''
The piece promised a new era of `` principled diplomacy '' for East Asia , where a Biden administration would reaffirm the alliance between Seoul and Washington .
Biden made these assurances in contrast with what he described as the Trump administration `` extorting Seoul with reckless threats to remove our troops . ''
`` As president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , strengthening our alliance to safeguard peace in East Asia and beyond , rather than extorting Seoul with reckless threats to remove our troops .
I 'll engage in principled diplomacy and keep pressing toward a denuclearized North Korea and a unified Korean Peninsula , '' Biden said .
The Trump administration did weigh a proposal to reduce the 28,500-strong U.S. troop presence in South Korea in July .
Trump officials cited high costs and a lack of cooperation with allied countries as a primary motivator for this consideration .
But there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American troop presence in South Korea .
The proposal was taken seriously in Seoul .
A September report indicated that South Korea may spend $ 44.7 billion on defense in 2021 , a 5.5 percent increase from 2020 's defense budget .
The budget focuses on developing capacities for security operations along South Korea 's borders , often a task previously underwritten by American forces .
Carafano said that Biden 's overtures to South Korea will amount to very little by way of policy change .
`` So many of these intractable issues—whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , Iran , or transatlantic relations—if you could change them with different words , I think somebody would have thought of that by now , '' Carafano said .
`` The reaffirmation of the alliance really does n't change North Korea 's behavior in any way . ''
The Trump administration , however , has made serious efforts to reorient North Korea 's behavior internationally .
A new sanctions regime under the Republican administration has brought Pyongyang 's already flailing economy to a screeching halt , with North Korean strongman Kim Jong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his economic planning has failed .
`` This administration has really cranked down on sanctions , '' Carafano said .
`` This is the quietest they 've ever been in four years . ''
Despite communicating critiques of the president to a foreign audience , American Enterprise Institute scholar Zack Cooper said Biden 's view of Korean relations is little different from that of Trump 's national security team .
`` The only line in the op-ed that really went after Trump was the critique of the focus on burden sharing costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most Koreans ( and American experts as well ) , so I do n't think this will undermine efforts with Korea , '' Cooper said .
`` Seoul was already delaying these negotiations in the hopes of getting a more cooperative American leader post-election , so that is unlikely to change . ''

Defense experts panned presidential candidate Joe Biden's op-ed in a South Korean newspaper that sought to lay out his foreign policy vision to a key ally.
Titled "Hope for Our Better Future," the article ran through a series of policy issues, from the coronavirus pandemic to tactics for denuclearizing North Korea. Some national security experts said the Democrat demonstrated little strategic thinking. While Biden took aim at President Donald Trump, he failed to distinguish the Biden ticket's position on the Koreas from the Trump administration's actions in the region, according to Heritage Foundation vice president James Carafano.
"I saw it as an utter nothingburger," Carafano told the Washington Free Beacon. "Basically, it was an admission that there's nothing new to offer."
The piece promised a new era of "principled diplomacy" for East Asia, where a Biden administration would reaffirm the alliance between Seoul and Washington. Biden made these assurances in contrast with what he described as the Trump administration "extorting Seoul with reckless threats to remove our troops."
"Words matter—and a president's words matter even more," Biden wrote.
"As president, I'll stand with South Korea, strengthening our alliance to safeguard peace in East Asia and beyond, rather than extorting Seoul with reckless threats to remove our troops. I'll engage in principled diplomacy and keep pressing toward a denuclearized North Korea and a unified Korean Peninsula," Biden said.
The Trump administration did weigh a proposal to reduce the 28,500-strong U.S. troop presence in South Korea in July. Trump officials cited high costs and a lack of cooperation with allied countries as a primary motivator for this consideration. But there has not yet been definitive action taken on American troop presence in South Korea.
The proposal was taken seriously in Seoul. A September report indicated that South Korea may spend $44.7 billion on defense in 2021, a 5.5 percent increase from 2020's defense budget. The budget focuses on developing capacities for security operations along South Korea's borders, often a task previously underwritten by American forces.
Carafano said that Biden's overtures to South Korea will amount to very little by way of policy change.
"So many of these intractable issues—whether it's North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, or transatlantic relations—if you could change them with different words, I think somebody would have thought of that by now," Carafano said. "The reaffirmation of the alliance really doesn't change North Korea's behavior in any way."
The Trump administration, however, has made serious efforts to reorient North Korea's behavior internationally. A new sanctions regime under the Republican administration has brought Pyongyang's already flailing economy to a screeching halt, with North Korean strongman Kim Jong Un even telling his people in August that his economic planning has failed.
"This administration has really cranked down on sanctions," Carafano said. "This is the quietest they've ever been in four years."
Despite communicating critiques of the president to a foreign audience, American Enterprise Institute scholar Zack Cooper said Biden's view of Korean relations is little different from that of Trump's national security team.
"The only line in the op-ed that really went after Trump was the critique of the focus on burden sharing costs, which is a view shared by most Koreans (and American experts as well), so I don't think this will undermine efforts with Korea," Cooper said. "Seoul was already delaying these negotiations in the hopes of getting a more cooperative American leader post-election, so that is unlikely to change."


freebeacon--2020-10-30--U.S. Postal Service Likely Lost Thousands of Mail-In Ballots, Election Official Says

A Pittsburgh , Pa. , election official said Wednesday that the U.S .
Postal Service has potentially lost thousands of mail-in ballots , CBS 2 Pittsburgh reported .
Leslie Osche , chair of the Butler County board of commissioners , said that , based on the number of phone calls and emails her office has received , thousands of voters have likely not yet received their mail-in ballots .
With just days until the election , her office is scrambling to get new ballots out to voters .
In the meantime , election officials have advised voters to fill out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day .
The Postal Service said it was unaware of any delay in services and that it 's working with the county board of elections to justify the problem .
The Pennsylvania Department of State has asked the county and post office to investigate the error .
The possible mixup is just the latest mail-in voting problem in Pennsylvania , a battleground state in an election in which record numbers of people will vote by mail .
Earlier this month , an IT outage shut down the Pennsylvania State Department website , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applying for mail-in ballots .
Federal investigators are also looking into an incident in Luzerne County in which nine mail-in ballots were found in a dumpster .
President Trump narrowly leads Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in Pennsylvania , according to the most recent Trafalgar Group poll .

A Pittsburgh, Pa., election official said Wednesday that the U.S. Postal Service has potentially lost thousands of mail-in ballots, CBS 2 Pittsburgh reported.
Leslie Osche, chair of the Butler County board of commissioners, said that, based on the number of phone calls and emails her office has received, thousands of voters have likely not yet received their mail-in ballots.
With just days until the election, her office is scrambling to get new ballots out to voters.
In the meantime, election officials have advised voters to fill out provisional ballots in-person at polling locations on Election Day.
The Postal Service said it was unaware of any delay in services and that it's working with the county board of elections to justify the problem. The Pennsylvania Department of State has asked the county and post office to investigate the error.
The possible mixup is just the latest mail-in voting problem in Pennsylvania, a battleground state in an election in which record numbers of people will vote by mail. Earlier this month, an IT outage shut down the Pennsylvania State Department website, preventing residents from registering to vote and applying for mail-in ballots. Federal investigators are also looking into an incident in Luzerne County in which nine mail-in ballots were found in a dumpster.
President Trump narrowly leads Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in Pennsylvania, according to the most recent Trafalgar Group poll.


freebeacon--2020-10-30--New Hampshire Democrat Has History of Domestic Violence

A New Hampshire Democrat seeking state office in next week ’ s election was arrested and charged on multiple counts of domestic violence last year , Patch reported Wednesday .
Brett Gagnon was arrested in January 2019 for assaulting a woman in his home while arguing over a child .
According to a police report , the victim said Gagnon twisted her hand , left scratches on her chest , and hit her on the nose .
Police said in the report they suspected he was under the influence of alcohol at the time .
Three of the charges were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and one assault charge was added to his record for two years `` pending good behavior . ''
Gagnon is required to attend a batterer ’ s intervention program and must refrain from using drugs or alcohol during the two years the charge is on his record .
According to Patch , after news of Gagnon ’ s charges broke , Ray Buckley , the Democratic state party chair , asked voters to pick one of the other Democratic candidates on the ballot .
He said the party would immediately call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state house seat next week .
Gagnon told Patch in an email that the incident led him to run for office because he feels he was treated unfairly .
`` I do not agree with the accusations that lead [ sic ] me to be arrested , '' he said .
The candidate faces 10 other Democrats and 11 Republicans in next week ’ s general election to represent Hudson and Pelham in the state house next year .

A New Hampshire Democrat seeking state office in next week’s election was arrested and charged on multiple counts of domestic violence last year, Patch reported Wednesday.
Brett Gagnon was arrested in January 2019 for assaulting a woman in his home while arguing over a child. According to a police report, the victim said Gagnon twisted her hand, left scratches on her chest, and hit her on the nose. Police said in the report they suspected he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Three of the charges were dropped during a hearing in March 2019, and one assault charge was added to his record for two years "pending good behavior." Gagnon is required to attend a batterer’s intervention program and must refrain from using drugs or alcohol during the two years the charge is on his record.
According to Patch, after news of Gagnon’s charges broke, Ray Buckley, the Democratic state party chair, asked voters to pick one of the other Democratic candidates on the ballot. He said the party would immediately call for Gagnon’s resignation if he wins the state house seat next week.
Gagnon told Patch in an email that the incident led him to run for office because he feels he was treated unfairly. "I do not agree with the accusations that lead [sic] me to be arrested," he said.
The candidate faces 10 other Democrats and 11 Republicans in next week’s general election to represent Hudson and Pelham in the state house next year.


freebeacon--2020-10-31--Biden Flubs His Way Through Election’s Final Week

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden labored through the final full week of his campaign , failing to recall the sex @ @ @ @ @ , the name of the current president , and how to spell `` respect .
@

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden labored through the final full week of his campaign, failing to recall the sex of Kamala Harris's spouse, the name of the current president, and how to spell "respect."
Published under: Joe Biden


freebeacon--2020-10-31--This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 17

This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 17

Welcome back to Campus Insanity , a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation 's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education .
6 .
Emory Student Government Agrees to Purchase 400 Copies of Anti-Racism Books | The College Fix Emory University 's student government approved a measure to purchase 400 copies of the anti-racism book Are Prisons Obsolete ?
—a book that can be read in full for free online .
Activists at Brown University released the `` Burn Brown Book , '' a 175-page guide outlining the history of on-campus racism , capitalism , and activism with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for minority students . ''
4 .
Oregon State University Professor Wants to ‘ Decolonize ' Mapping by Recentering Indigenous Cartography | Willamette Weekly An Oregon State University professor claims that the boundaries that make up the United States are illegitimate , since they were created by English and Spanish colonizers .
Harvard Medical School announced that one of its main priorities for the coming year is fostering a commitment to `` anti-racism . ''
2 .
Michigan State University Provost Announces Elimination of the Terms ‘ Foreign ' and ‘ Alien ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provost Teresa Woodruff announced the school would no longer use the terms `` foreign '' and `` alien , '' opting instead for `` non-pejorative terms that describe geography '' to create a more inclusive environment .
1 .
Virginia Tech Professor Says Phrase ‘ American People ' is Racist , As Is Beer | Campus Reform A professor at Virginia Tech claims the phrase `` the American people '' —and beer—are racist , in his new book titled , Beer and Racism : How Beer Became White , Why It Matters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Want more Campus Insanity ?
Read Vol .
16 here .
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy @ freebeacon.com & nester @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome back to Campus Insanity, a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education.
6. Emory Student Government Agrees to Purchase 400 Copies of Anti-Racism Books | The College Fix
Emory University's student government approved a measure to purchase 400 copies of the anti-racism book Are Prisons Obsolete?—a book that can be read in full for free online.
5. Brown University Students Create 'Burn Brown Book,' Outlining Racism and Activism on Campus | CBS News
Activists at Brown University released the "Burn Brown Book," a 175-page guide outlining the history of on-campus racism, capitalism, and activism with the goal of "providing a safe space for minority students."
4. Oregon State University Professor Wants to 'Decolonize' Mapping by Recentering Indigenous Cartography | Willamette Weekly
An Oregon State University professor claims that the boundaries that make up the United States are illegitimate, since they were created by English and Spanish colonizers.
3. Harvard Medical School Says Anti-Racism Is Top Priority | Washington Free Beacon
Harvard Medical School announced that one of its main priorities for the coming year is fostering a commitment to "anti-racism."
2. Michigan State University Provost Announces Elimination of the Terms 'Foreign' and 'Alien' | The Morning Watch
Michigan State University provost Teresa Woodruff announced the school would no longer use the terms "foreign" and "alien," opting instead for "non-pejorative terms that describe geography" to create a more inclusive environment.
1. Virginia Tech Professor Says Phrase 'American People' is Racist, As Is Beer | Campus Reform
A professor at Virginia Tech claims the phrase "the American people"—and beer—are racist, in his new book titled, Beer and Racism: How Beer Became White, Why It Matters, and the Movements to Change It.
Want more Campus Insanity? Read Vol. 16 here.
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy@freebeacon.com & nester@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-11-01--White Obama Strikes Again

White Obama Strikes Again

Pete Buttigieg has written another book , his second political memoir in as many years , because of course he has .
Trust : America 's Best Chance is `` not an election book , '' he writes , `` but I believed it was important to share these thoughts ahead of the November 2020 elections . ''
Buttigieg , 38 , remains determined as ever to become the next Barack Obama , the serial memoirist turned savior of the Democratic Party .
And if there 's one thing the two men have in common , it 's a shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts .
That , and a devoted following among wealthy whites in `` boat shoe '' strongholds like Nantucket and Martha 's Vineyard .
( Alas , Buttigieg 's support among black voters rarely rose to a level of statistical significance . )
It 's an unusual choice for the hyper-ambitious wunderkind , unlikely to improve Buttigieg 's odds when he inevitably challenges Sen. Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif. ) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) in the next Democratic primary , whenever that may be .
Obama was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even his former vice president , Joe Biden , who won the nomination after Obama urged him not to run , seems ready to move on , vowing to improve Obamacare by rebranding it , `` Bidencare . ''
The thoughts expressed in Trust—the ones the author believed just had to be shared before Election Day—are not particularly fresh or insightful .
Most of his policy prescriptions are repackaged platitudes from the 2008 Democratic platform : Get money out of politics .
Make `` civilian service '' a `` national norm . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxed `` fairly '' so that government can `` invest boldly . ''
This `` decisive moment '' requires a `` wartime '' mobilization to address challenges that are n't just `` daunting , '' but `` ferociously daunting . ''
Buttigieg does have one somewhat-controversial idea that seems to be gaining steam on the left : a truth and reconciliation commission , which `` might very well be the best way for America to fully confront its past '' and could even `` offer the basis for a kind of shared moral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg 's central argument in the book—that America suffers from a deficit of trust—is n't wrong .
His suggestions for fixing the problem , on the other hand , are as indecipherable as neoliberal Mad Libs .
The author warns at the outset : This moment in American history is `` so pivotal , so decisive , that it is nearly impossible to describe without falling into some kind of cliché . ''
Apparently so .
The solution to our problems , Buttigieg argues , is to `` develop a readiness to better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward a broader and more inclusive definition of who can belong in the trusted community of Americans participating in a common project . ''
Simple enough .
As for racism , the `` most pernicious form of distrust , '' Buttigieg submits that `` real change … requires the work of examining introspectively as well as collectively how every white person makes choices shaped by being white , in a society where whiteness is the default . ''
Slap that on a bumper sticker .
No adjective is spared in the process of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vital , unseen , powerful , and needed resource '' that has been `` squandered , sacrificed , abused , [ and ] stolen . ''
Most troubling of all , he argues , is the American public 's lack of faith in `` the credibility of expertise itself , '' especially when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change .
Yet Buttigieg is unwilling to assign much blame to the experts themselves .
For example , he laments the demise of Dr. Anthony Fauci , whose March 2020 assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be walking around with a mask '' was in line with what other medical experts were saying .
The `` scientific consensus '' on whether large protests were dangerous changed depending on what was being protested .
Even Buttigieg 's own claim that `` other countries fared far better '' in handling the COVID-19 crisis—because they trusted the experts—does n't really hold up .
No matter .
The media , whom we must also trust to reliably report on what the experts are saying , will continue to have a soft spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Obama .
He cites all the right sources : James Baldwin , Ezra Klein , the `` feminist writer Jessica Valenti . ''
He devotes several paragraphs to nerd-splaining Ronald Reagan 's Cold War quip— '' Trust , but verify '' —which `` rhymes in the original Russian , '' by the way .
He went to Harvard and Oxford , in case you did n't know .
`` In April , while the average stir-crazy citizen was binge-watching ‘ Tiger King , ' Pete Buttigieg took a different tack : He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became ] a best seller . ''
So reads the New York Times 's take on Buttigieg 's `` kamikaze literary endeavor , '' which reportedly involved converting a guest room into a study and waking up early to write .
Like they said , he 's `` different . ''
Whereas the `` average '' citizen might have lacked the insight to hire two separate Los Angeles-based talent agencies , Buttigieg went the extra mile .
If you 've been too busy dealing with the global pandemic to pick up a copy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The third Buttigieg memoir will be here before you know it .
White Obama is in this for the long haul .
Trust the process .

Pete Buttigieg has written another book, his second political memoir in as many years, because of course he has. Trust: America's Best Chance is "not an election book," he writes, "but I believed it was important to share these thoughts ahead of the November 2020 elections."
Buttigieg, 38, remains determined as ever to become the next Barack Obama, the serial memoirist turned savior of the Democratic Party. And if there's one thing the two men have in common, it's a shared belief in the importance of their own thoughts. That, and a devoted following among wealthy whites in "boat shoe" strongholds like Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. (Alas, Buttigieg's support among black voters rarely rose to a level of statistical significance.)
It's an unusual choice for the hyper-ambitious wunderkind, unlikely to improve Buttigieg's odds when he inevitably challenges Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) in the next Democratic primary, whenever that may be. Obama was conspicuously absent from the 2020 primary. Even his former vice president, Joe Biden, who won the nomination after Obama urged him not to run, seems ready to move on, vowing to improve Obamacare by rebranding it, "Bidencare."
The thoughts expressed in Trust—the ones the author believed just had to be shared before Election Day—are not particularly fresh or insightful. Most of his policy prescriptions are repackaged platitudes from the 2008 Democratic platform: Get money out of politics. Make "civilian service" a "national norm." Make sure rich people and corporations are taxed "fairly" so that government can "invest boldly." This "decisive moment" requires a "wartime" mobilization to address challenges that aren't just "daunting," but "ferociously daunting."
Buttigieg does have one somewhat-controversial idea that seems to be gaining steam on the left: a truth and reconciliation commission, which "might very well be the best way for America to fully confront its past" and could even "offer the basis for a kind of shared moral understanding." Bless his heart.
Buttigieg's central argument in the book—that America suffers from a deficit of trust—isn't wrong. His suggestions for fixing the problem, on the other hand, are as indecipherable as neoliberal Mad Libs. The author warns at the outset: This moment in American history is "so pivotal, so decisive, that it is nearly impossible to describe without falling into some kind of cliché." Apparently so.
The solution to our problems, Buttigieg argues, is to "develop a readiness to better trust one another while our country advances toward a broader and more inclusive definition of who can belong in the trusted community of Americans participating in a common project." Simple enough.
As for racism, the "most pernicious form of distrust," Buttigieg submits that "real change ... requires the work of examining introspectively as well as collectively how every white person makes choices shaped by being white, in a society where whiteness is the default." Slap that on a bumper sticker.
No adjective is spared in the process of making his case. Trust is "a vital, unseen, powerful, and needed resource" that has been "squandered, sacrificed, abused, [and] stolen." Most troubling of all, he argues, is the American public's lack of faith in "the credibility of expertise itself," especially when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
Yet Buttigieg is unwilling to assign much blame to the experts themselves. For example, he laments the demise of Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose March 2020 assessment that "there’s no reason to be walking around with a mask" was in line with what other medical experts were saying. The "scientific consensus" on whether large protests were dangerous changed depending on what was being protested. Even Buttigieg's own claim that "other countries fared far better" in handling the COVID-19 crisis—because they trusted the experts—doesn't really hold up.
No matter. The media, whom we must also trust to reliably report on what the experts are saying, will continue to have a soft spot for Buttigieg—another thing he has in common with Obama. He cites all the right sources: James Baldwin, Ezra Klein, the "feminist writer Jessica Valenti." He devotes several paragraphs to nerd-splaining Ronald Reagan's Cold War quip—"Trust, but verify"—which "rhymes in the original Russian," by the way. He went to Harvard and Oxford, in case you didn't know.
"In April, while the average stir-crazy citizen was binge-watching 'Tiger King,' Pete Buttigieg took a different tack: He started writing a book ... [which became] a best seller." So reads the New York Times's take on Buttigieg's "kamikaze literary endeavor," which reportedly involved converting a guest room into a study and waking up early to write. Like they said, he's "different." Whereas the "average" citizen might have lacked the insight to hire two separate Los Angeles-based talent agencies, Buttigieg went the extra mile.
If you've been too busy dealing with the global pandemic to pick up a copy of Trust, don't worry. The third Buttigieg memoir will be here before you know it. White Obama is in this for the long haul. Trust the process.


freebeacon--2020-11-01--This Week in Leftist Violence and Intimidation Vol. 10

This week Portland continued to be a battleground between federal agents and Antifa militants , protesters in Brooklyn called for `` death to America , '' and Philadelphia saw mass looting as well as the destruction of an immigrant church .
Protesters in Brooklyn smashed up a Bank of America and graffitied `` Death 2 America '' on its windows .
Portland protesters clashed with federal officers outside the city ’ s ICE building again this week , leading to unrest and yet another round of arrests .
Black Lives Matter protesters smashed the windows of D.C. Police ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their way inside .
Unrest over a black man who died in a scooter crash while being pursued by police has so far led to police buildings and vehicles being vandalized , while demonstrators also shot off fireworks and fire crackers .
A black sedan plowed through a line of police officers during a protest in Brooklyn on Tuesday , when unrest led to 32 arrests and at least five officers being injured .
After a black man wielding a knife was shot when he charged police , rioters torched the Vietnam Baptist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The church 's pastor Philip Pham said , `` They threw flammable chemicals on the roof and [ flames ] burned through the roof '' and the facility is a `` total loss . ''
Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets of Philadelphia this week , and soon local businesses were looted , police officers were attacked , and the National Guard was called in .

This week Portland continued to be a battleground between federal agents and Antifa militants, protesters in Brooklyn called for "death to America," and Philadelphia saw mass looting as well as the destruction of an immigrant church.
6. Brooklyn Rioters Smash Bank and Spray-Paint 'Death to America'
Protesters in Brooklyn smashed up a Bank of America and graffitied "Death 2 America" on its windows.
A bank of America’s windows were smashed and tagged with 'death to America" while a black person was still in it! The fire in the background makes the video look more cinematic pic.twitter.com/UMrfoGixIU — Elad Eliahu (@elaadeliahu) October 28, 2020
5. Antifa Clashes With ICE Agents in Portland
Portland protesters clashed with federal officers outside the city’s ICE building again this week, leading to unrest and yet another round of arrests.
More unrest in Portland tonight as BLM-antifa gathered in front of the @ICEgov building again. #PortlandRiots https://t.co/QucvoQL3M4 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) October 29, 2020
4. BLM Attacks D.C. Police’s Fourth District
Black Lives Matter protesters smashed the windows of D.C. Police’s Fourth District building and tried to force their way inside. Unrest over a black man who died in a scooter crash while being pursued by police has so far led to police buildings and vehicles being vandalized, while demonstrators also shot off fireworks and fire crackers.
https://twitter.com/KittyLists/status/1321224729047363584
3. Anti-Police Protester Drives Car Through a Police Line
A black sedan plowed through a line of police officers during a protest in Brooklyn on Tuesday, when unrest led to 32 arrests and at least five officers being injured.
https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1321284498349318144
2. Baptist Church in Philadelphia Burned by Rioters
After a black man wielding a knife was shot when he charged police, rioters torched the Vietnam Baptist Church in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. The church's pastor Philip Pham said, "They threw flammable chemicals on the roof and [flames] burned through the roof" and the facility is a "total loss."
1. Philadelphia Rioters Loot Stores, Fight Cops
Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets of Philadelphia this week, and soon local businesses were looted, police officers were attacked, and the National Guard was called in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=000kRKHMi4c


freebeacon--2020-11-01--Republican Candidate’s Home Vandalized With Communist Symbol

Republican congressional candidate Sean Parnell on Sunday said his Pennsylvania home was vandalized with graffiti containing left-wing messages and a @ @ @ @ @ `` ELECTIONS NO , REVOLUTION YES ! ''
and a hammer and sickle on the @ @ @ @ @ driveway .
In a statement Sunday , Parnell condemned `` socialism , violence , and @ @ @ @ @ should express their disagreements with candidates by voting .
`` No matter who we support @ @ @ @ @ it with our vote , and not through destruction of property and violence to our @ @ @ @ @ Republican said .
Parnell , who is running to unseat Rep. Conor Lamb ( D. @ @ @ @ @ 's 17th Congressional District , tweeted an image of the vandalism .
`` My house @ @ @ @ @ cowards under the cover of darkness , '' Parnell said .

Republican congressional candidate Sean Parnell on Sunday said his Pennsylvania home was vandalized with graffiti containing left-wing messages and a communist symbol.
Vandals spraypainted "ELECTIONS NO, REVOLUTION YES!" and a hammer and sickle on the combat veteran's garage and driveway.
In a statement Sunday, Parnell condemned "socialism, violence, and destruction" and said Americans should express their disagreements with candidates by voting. "No matter who we support and oppose, we do it with our vote, and not through destruction of property and violence to our fellow Americans," the Republican said.
Parnell, who is running to unseat Rep. Conor Lamb (D., Pa.) in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, tweeted an image of the vandalism. "My house was vandalized last night by cowards under the cover of darkness," Parnell said.


freebeacon--2020-11-01--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Endorses Trump

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Endorses Trump

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette endorsed President Donald Trump for reelection on Saturday as Trump and Joe Biden focus on the battleground state of Pennsylvania in the final days of the race .
`` This newspaper has not supported a Republican for president since 1972 , '' the Post-Gazette said in its endorsement .
`` But we believe Mr. Trump , for all his faults , is the better choice this year . ''
The Post-Gazette , Pittsburgh 's largest newspaper , said Trump 's record on the economy , China , and the Supreme Court motivated its endorsement .
The paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for fracking , a major industry in the swing state , and said Biden 's promises to end it `` will cost the economy and the people who most need work right now . ''
`` ‘ Good-paying green jobs ' are probably not jobs for Pittsburgh , or Cleveland , or Toledo , or Youngstown , '' the paper said .
The editorial board also said Trump is `` seemingly robust , '' unlike Biden , whom the paper said is `` fragile . ''
`` Mr. Biden is too old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a very real chance he will not make it through the term , '' the Post-Gazette said .
`` Sen. Kamala Harris gives no evidence of being ready to be president . ''
Pennsylvania is the most visited state by the presidential candidates this election cycle .
Winning the battleground state could be the tipping point for either candidate in the narrow race .
Trump is scheduled to appear in multiple rallies in the state in the closing days of the race , and Biden is scheduled to speak in Philadelphia on @ @

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette endorsed President Donald Trump for reelection on Saturday as Trump and Joe Biden focus on the battleground state of Pennsylvania in the final days of the race.
"This newspaper has not supported a Republican for president since 1972," the Post-Gazette said in its endorsement. "But we believe Mr. Trump, for all his faults, is the better choice this year."
The Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh's largest newspaper, said Trump's record on the economy, China, and the Supreme Court motivated its endorsement. The paper's editorial board also highlighted Trump's support for fracking, a major industry in the swing state, and said Biden's promises to end it "will cost the economy and the people who most need work right now."
"'Good-paying green jobs' are probably not jobs for Pittsburgh, or Cleveland, or Toledo, or Youngstown," the paper said.
The editorial board also said Trump is "seemingly robust," unlike Biden, whom the paper said is "fragile." "Mr. Biden is too old for the job and fragile. There is a very real chance he will not make it through the term," the Post-Gazette said. "Sen. Kamala Harris gives no evidence of being ready to be president."
Pennsylvania is the most visited state by the presidential candidates this election cycle. Winning the battleground state could be the tipping point for either candidate in the narrow race. Trump is scheduled to appear in multiple rallies in the state in the closing days of the race, and Biden is scheduled to speak in Philadelphia on Sunday.


freebeacon--2020-11-03--Biden Loses Spotlight to Obama

Biden Loses Spotlight to Obama

On the eve of the 2020 election , CNN and MSNBC cut away from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to @ @ @ @ @ 's last pitch to voters in Miami .
MSNBC broadcast Biden 's speech to supporters @ @ @ @ @ two minutes before choosing to split the screen between him and Obama .
The network @ @ @ @ @ 's speech for three more minutes before switching entirely to Obama 's , which they @ @ @ @ @ CNN covered Biden 's speech for a little less than 10 minutes before cutting to @ @ @ @ @ afterward with Obama 's remarks in Miami , eventually covering Obama for twice as much @ @ @ @ @ before Obama finished his remarks , CNN switched once more to President Donald Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ Mich .

CNN and MSNBC go with Obama over Biden on eve of election
On the eve of the 2020 election, CNN and MSNBC cut away from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to cover former president Barack Obama's last pitch to voters in Miami.
MSNBC broadcast Biden's speech to supporters in Pittsburgh for less than two minutes before choosing to split the screen between him and Obama. The network then continued to broadcast Biden's speech for three more minutes before switching entirely to Obama's, which they covered for its duration.
CNN covered Biden's speech for a little less than 10 minutes before cutting to a commercial break and returning afterward with Obama's remarks in Miami, eventually covering Obama for twice as much time as Biden. Shortly before Obama finished his remarks, CNN switched once more to President Donald Trump's rally in Traverse City, Mich.


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Yale Professor Says Hitler Improved Lives of His Followers, Unlike Trump

A Yale University professor and psychiatrist compared President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler in a series of tweets and said Hitler , unlike Trump , improved the lives of his followers .
`` Donald Trump is not an Adolf Hitler , '' Bandy X. Lee tweeted Monday .
`` At least Hitler improved the daily life of his followers , had discipline , and required more of himself to gain the respect of his followers .
Even with the same pathology , there are varying degrees of competence . ''
She continued : `` A refusal to make comparisons has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such similarities .
Donald Trump ’ s death count is higher than Hitler ’ s at the same period . ''
Lee later deleted the tweet but defended her comparison .
`` My statement was about how little Donald Trump believes he needs to do to retain his followership , NOT to minimize Adolf Hitler ’ s atrocities , '' she said .
A forensic psychiatrist and assistant clinical psychiatry professor at Yale , Lee is a longtime Trump critic .
In 2017 , she edited a book of essays from other psychiatrists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In another tweet in January , the professor diagnosed Trump supporters with a `` shared psychosis . ''
In March , Lee tweeted that Nazi Germany was a `` more rational society '' than America under the Trump administration .
She ’ s compared Trump and his supporters to Nazis on Twitter before .
Lee has been a member of the Yale University faculty for nearly two decades and is president of the World Mental Health Coalition .

A Yale University professor and psychiatrist compared President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler in a series of tweets and said Hitler, unlike Trump, improved the lives of his followers.
"Donald Trump is not an Adolf Hitler," Bandy X. Lee tweeted Monday. "At least Hitler improved the daily life of his followers, had discipline, and required more of himself to gain the respect of his followers. Even with the same pathology, there are varying degrees of competence."
She continued: "A refusal to make comparisons has been a problem, when they have such similarities. Donald Trump’s death count is higher than Hitler’s at the same period."
Lee later deleted the tweet but defended her comparison. "My statement was about how little Donald Trump believes he needs to do to retain his followership, NOT to minimize Adolf Hitler’s atrocities," she said.
A forensic psychiatrist and assistant clinical psychiatry professor at Yale, Lee is a longtime Trump critic. In 2017, she edited a book of essays from other psychiatrists analyzing the president’s mental state. In another tweet in January, the professor diagnosed Trump supporters with a "shared psychosis."
In March, Lee tweeted that Nazi Germany was a "more rational society" than America under the Trump administration. She’s compared Trump and his supporters to Nazis on Twitter before.
Lee has been a member of the Yale University faculty for nearly two decades and is president of the World Mental Health Coalition.


freebeacon--2020-11-02--2020 Sets All-Time Gun Sales Record

2020 Sets All-Time Gun Sales Record

With the election looming , 2020 became the all-time best year for gun sales in American history .
More than 16.5 million guns were sold through the month of October , according to a Washington Free Beacon analysis of FBI data released on Monday .
That 's about 1.6 million more than all of 2016—the previous record holder .
It also represents four million more sales than in 2019—an increase of over 33 percent .
The National Shooting Sports Foundation ( NSSF ) , the gun industry 's trade group , also estimated nearly seven million people purchased a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October .
The record sales come during a year in which Americans have faced a pandemic , economic downturn , prisoner releases , racial tension , and rioting .
Those factors , as well as a contentious presidential election , have driven sales throughout the year , according to industry experts .
And those gun sales—especially to new owners—are now likely to drive votes .
`` This much is clear as we head into Election Day : Americans of all political persuasions are exercising their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' NSSF spokesman Mark Oliva said in a statement .
As in 2016 , it is likely the stark contrast between gun policies offered by President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden will motivate gun owners to vote .
Oliva said gun owners will be motivated to turn out because of Democrats ' embrace of far-left gun-control measures .
Biden has expressed support for gun bans , while vice presidential candidate and California senator Kamala Harris previously endorsed gun confiscation .
`` It can not be discounted that today 's gun buyers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to protecting Second Amendment rights , '' Oliva said .
`` President Donald Trump vowed to safeguard this right and former vice president Joe Biden and his running mate , Senator Kamala Harris , have both embraced outright confiscation of lawfully owned firearms as the headliner of the most far-reaching gun-control agenda to be presented to the American voter . ''
Oliva argued the surge in sales was evidence that Americans were already showing their disinterest in new gun-control policies .
He said October 2020 saw the most sales of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued for seven months .
`` America is watching and is already voting with their wallets when it comes to lawful firearm ownership , '' he said .
`` This has been a sustained period of firearm sales since March .
This is clearly not a one-off event . ''
He expects the record pace to continue as November and December have historically been the busiest months for gun sales .

With the election looming, 2020 became the all-time best year for gun sales in American history.
More than 16.5 million guns were sold through the month of October, according to a Washington Free Beacon analysis of FBI data released on Monday. That's about 1.6 million more than all of 2016—the previous record holder. It also represents four million more sales than in 2019—an increase of over 33 percent. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the gun industry's trade group, also estimated nearly seven million people purchased a gun for the first time between January and October.
The record sales come during a year in which Americans have faced a pandemic, economic downturn, prisoner releases, racial tension, and rioting. Those factors, as well as a contentious presidential election, have driven sales throughout the year, according to industry experts. And those gun sales—especially to new owners—are now likely to drive votes.
"This much is clear as we head into Election Day: Americans of all political persuasions are exercising their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms and doing so in record numbers," NSSF spokesman Mark Oliva said in a statement.
As in 2016, it is likely the stark contrast between gun policies offered by President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden will motivate gun owners to vote. Oliva said gun owners will be motivated to turn out because of Democrats' embrace of far-left gun-control measures. Biden has expressed support for gun bans, while vice presidential candidate and California senator Kamala Harris previously endorsed gun confiscation.
"It cannot be discounted that today's gun buyers are faced with polar opposites of presidential candidates when it comes to protecting Second Amendment rights," Oliva said. "President Donald Trump vowed to safeguard this right and former vice president Joe Biden and his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, have both embraced outright confiscation of lawfully owned firearms as the headliner of the most far-reaching gun-control agenda to be presented to the American voter."
Oliva argued the surge in sales was evidence that Americans were already showing their disinterest in new gun-control policies. He said October 2020 saw the most sales of any October on record—a trend that has continued for seven months.
"America is watching and is already voting with their wallets when it comes to lawful firearm ownership," he said. "This has been a sustained period of firearm sales since March. This is clearly not a one-off event."
He expects the record pace to continue as November and December have historically been the busiest months for gun sales.


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Sixteen Thirty Fund Steers $55 Million in Hidden Cash to Pro-Biden PACs

A liberal dark money group has steered $ 55 million from deep-pocketed donors into super PACs backing Joe Biden this election cycle , filings show .
The Sixteen Thirty Fund , a 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) nonprofit incubator , pushed the tens of millions of dollars into Democratic super PACs while masking the original sources of the contributions .
Wealthy individuals have used the network to conceal hundreds of millions in nonprofit spending in recent years .
During the 2020 cycle , they 've used it to pump large sums into the election as well .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for `` increased transparency of election spending '' and an `` end [ to ] dark money groups . ''
Nearly two dozen left-wing groups supporting Biden 's candidacy have received contributions that first passed through the dark money network .
The Sixteen Thirty Fund 's largest donation this cycle was $ 7.7 million to Victory 2020 , a joint fundraising venture between David Brock 's American Bridge PAC and the Unite the Country PAC .
The two groups merged earlier this year to build a $ 175 million anti-Trump network to hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and Michigan .
The League of Conservation Voters Victory Fund , an environmental group that has also spent large sums on the elections , took in $ 6.8 million from the Sixteen Thirty Fund , and the Change Now PAC , which is backed by labor groups and receives administrative support from the Sixteen Thirty Fund , has hauled in $ 5 million .
Other prominent liberal super PACs , such as Priorities USA Action , Future Forward USA , America 's Progressive Promise , PACRONYM , the Black PAC , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 million and $ 4.5 million from the Sixteen Thirty Fund .
`` The Sixteen Thirty Fund is confronting the biggest social challenges in our country through fiscal sponsorship , advocacy , and electoral action , '' group executive director Amy Kurtz previously told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` We support investing in the health and strength of our democracy and have lobbied in favor of reform to the current campaign finance system ( through H.R .
1 ) , but we are equally committed to following the current laws to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election . ''
The 2020 cycle marks the first time the Sixteen Thirty Fund has been used as a pass-through avenue to fund secret election activity .
The $ 55 million had gone to the liberal super PACs through September 30 , meaning the total could be even higher .
The Sixteen Thirty Fund is managed by Arabella Advisors , a D.C.-based consulting group .
More than $ 1 billion in anonymous cash has passed to left-wing nonprofits through the four funds that Arabella manages since Trump was elected .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democracy Alliance , also use it .

A liberal dark money group has steered $55 million from deep-pocketed donors into super PACs backing Joe Biden this election cycle, filings show.
The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit incubator, pushed the tens of millions of dollars into Democratic super PACs while masking the original sources of the contributions. Wealthy individuals have used the network to conceal hundreds of millions in nonprofit spending in recent years. During the 2020 cycle, they've used it to pump large sums into the election as well.
The secret cash comes despite Biden's calls for "increased transparency of election spending" and an "end [to] dark money groups." Nearly two dozen left-wing groups supporting Biden's candidacy have received contributions that first passed through the dark money network.
The Sixteen Thirty Fund's largest donation this cycle was $7.7 million to Victory 2020, a joint fundraising venture between David Brock's American Bridge PAC and the Unite the Country PAC. The two groups merged earlier this year to build a $175 million anti-Trump network to hit the president in battleground states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan.
The League of Conservation Voters Victory Fund, an environmental group that has also spent large sums on the elections, took in $6.8 million from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, and the Change Now PAC, which is backed by labor groups and receives administrative support from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, has hauled in $5 million.
Other prominent liberal super PACs, such as Priorities USA Action, Future Forward USA, America's Progressive Promise, PACRONYM, the Black PAC, and Senate Majority PAC, have received between $1 million and $4.5 million from the Sixteen Thirty Fund.
"The Sixteen Thirty Fund is confronting the biggest social challenges in our country through fiscal sponsorship, advocacy, and electoral action," group executive director Amy Kurtz previously told the Washington Free Beacon. "We support investing in the health and strength of our democracy and have lobbied in favor of reform to the current campaign finance system (through H.R. 1), but we are equally committed to following the current laws to level the playing field for progressives in this election."
The 2020 cycle marks the first time the Sixteen Thirty Fund has been used as a pass-through avenue to fund secret election activity. The $55 million had gone to the liberal super PACs through September 30, meaning the total could be even higher.
The Sixteen Thirty Fund is managed by Arabella Advisors, a D.C.-based consulting group. More than $1 billion in anonymous cash has passed to left-wing nonprofits through the four funds that Arabella manages since Trump was elected. Some of the biggest liberal-donor groups, including the Democracy Alliance, also use it.


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Businesses in Major Cities Prepare for Election Day Violence

Businesses in major U.S. cities are preparing for another round of rioting , looting , and vandalism , which they anticipate will follow Tuesday 's presidential election .
Plywood boards now cover blocks of storefronts in New York City , Chicago , Los Angeles , and elsewhere , as some business owners worry the election could stoke another wave of civil unrest that strained the country this summer .
Business associations and local police are coordinating safety strategies with retailers to prepare for violent protests .
Stores and restaurants in New York City 's Times Square boarded up their windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked with Manhattan businesses last week to prepare for Tuesday 's general election and warned stores that were previously targeted by rioters and looters this summer to secure outdoor furniture .
In addition to boarding up windows , some Manhattan businesses told the Wall Street Journal they plan on hiring extra security officers for this week .
Stores in Chicago 's Magnificent Mile—a string of high-end retailers that looters repeatedly targeted this summer—boarded up this weekend .
The Magnificent Mile Association , which represents the luxury stores , created a real-time communication system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council asked Mayor Eric Garcetti ( D. ) to impose a curfew on election night to ward off potential rioters .
And Beverly Hills will close Rodeo Drive , a street lined with luxury clothing retailers and other high-end stores , to protect from potential looters .
Business owners along that block have also boarded up their windows .
In Portland—where nightly riots lasted for more than 100 consecutive days this summer—police warned shopkeepers to secure outdoor furniture that rioters could use as projectiles or to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's police union headquarters and launched fireworks and other projectiles at a federal courthouse this summer .
Businesses and government buildings across Washington , D.C. , have boarded up in preparation for protests this week , as one activist group called # ShutDownDC has planned a weeklong series of demonstrations targeting federal agencies and Republican organizations .
Federal authorities are building a non-scalable wall around the White House to prepare for potential attacks .
Anti-police protests turned violent in 140 cities this summer .
Axios reported in September that the nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in property damages—more than any other event of civil unrest in the country 's history .

Businesses in major U.S. cities are preparing for another round of rioting, looting, and vandalism, which they anticipate will follow Tuesday's presidential election.
Plywood boards now cover blocks of storefronts in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere, as some business owners worry the election could stoke another wave of civil unrest that strained the country this summer. Business associations and local police are coordinating safety strategies with retailers to prepare for violent protests.
Stores and restaurants in New York City's Times Square boarded up their windows as of Monday afternoon. The NYPD worked with Manhattan businesses last week to prepare for Tuesday's general election and warned stores that were previously targeted by rioters and looters this summer to secure outdoor furniture. In addition to boarding up windows, some Manhattan businesses told the Wall Street Journal they plan on hiring extra security officers for this week.
Stores in Chicago's Magnificent Mile—a string of high-end retailers that looters repeatedly targeted this summer—boarded up this weekend. The Magnificent Mile Association, which represents the luxury stores, created a real-time communication system with area businesses to send emergency alerts.
The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council asked Mayor Eric Garcetti (D.) to impose a curfew on election night to ward off potential rioters. And Beverly Hills will close Rodeo Drive, a street lined with luxury clothing retailers and other high-end stores, to protect from potential looters. Business owners along that block have also boarded up their windows.
In Portland—where nightly riots lasted for more than 100 consecutive days this summer—police warned shopkeepers to secure outdoor furniture that rioters could use as projectiles or to start fires. Rioters there set fire to the city's police union headquarters and launched fireworks and other projectiles at a federal courthouse this summer.
Businesses and government buildings across Washington, D.C., have boarded up in preparation for protests this week, as one activist group called #ShutDownDC has planned a weeklong series of demonstrations targeting federal agencies and Republican organizations. Federal authorities are building a non-scalable wall around the White House to prepare for potential attacks.
Anti-police protests turned violent in 140 cities this summer. Axios reported in September that the nationwide protests caused up to $2 billion in property damages—more than any other event of civil unrest in the country's history.


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Anti-Police Student Group Launches Fireworks, Bricks at Police in Riot

An anti-police student activist group at Northwestern University rioted this weekend , launching fireworks and bricks at police officers and vandalizing city property .
Officers say that about 150 students involved with the `` NU Community Not Cops '' activist group gathered on Saturday night to call on Northwestern officials to abolish the school 's police department .
Evanston , Ill. , police chief Demetrius Cook said his department allowed the protest to continue until students began throwing projectiles , including bricks and fireworks , at officers .
Protesters also graffitied traffic signs and damaged other city property , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riot follows a recent squabble between NU Community Not Cops and university president Morton Schapiro , which began last month after the group led six consecutive nights of protests on campus .
During that time , students marched to Schapiro 's home and chanted the anti-Semitic slur `` Piggy Morty . ''
As the Washington Free Beacon reported , students also graffitied signs around the university and vandalized the school 's Weber Arch .
Those protests prompted Schapiro to condemn the group 's violence and anti-Semitism in an Oct. 19 statement .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's statement by siding with NU Community Not Cops in a `` Letter of Concern '' they wrote last week .
NU Community Not Cops has protested daily since Oct. 12 , according to the Daily Northwestern .
Evanston mayor Stephen Hagerty said he believes the group 's protests have cost city police tens , if not hundreds , of thousands in overtime dollars .

An anti-police student activist group at Northwestern University rioted this weekend, launching fireworks and bricks at police officers and vandalizing city property.
Officers say that about 150 students involved with the "NU Community Not Cops" activist group gathered on Saturday night to call on Northwestern officials to abolish the school's police department.
Evanston, Ill., police chief Demetrius Cook said his department allowed the protest to continue until students began throwing projectiles, including bricks and fireworks, at officers. Protesters also graffitied traffic signs and damaged other city property, the police said in a statement.
The riot follows a recent squabble between NU Community Not Cops and university president Morton Schapiro, which began last month after the group led six consecutive nights of protests on campus.
During that time, students marched to Schapiro's home and chanted the anti-Semitic slur "Piggy Morty." As the Washington Free Beacon reported, students also graffitied signs around the university and vandalized the school's Weber Arch.
Those protests prompted Schapiro to condemn the group's violence and anti-Semitism in an Oct. 19 statement. Some of the school's faculty responded to the president's statement by siding with NU Community Not Cops in a "Letter of Concern" they wrote last week.
NU Community Not Cops has protested daily since Oct. 12, according to the Daily Northwestern. Evanston mayor Stephen Hagerty said he believes the group's protests have cost city police tens, if not hundreds, of thousands in overtime dollars.


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Congress Probes Claim U.N. Gave Names of Uighur Dissidents to China

Congress is investigating new allegations the United Nations fed the names of Chinese dissidents to the Communist Party , the Washington Free Beacon has learned .
Emma Reilly , a human-rights lawyer and former U.N. official , alleged in a Sunday interview that the U.N. handed over the names of Uighur dissidents to Communist Party officials , potentially endangering the dissidents and their families .
China routinely surveils political opponents and could have used this information to punish those involved in exposing the Communist Party ’ s campaign against the Uighur community , an ethnic minority population that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view as one of the globe ’ s most pressing human-rights emergencies .
Rep. Michael McCaul ( R. , Texas ) , an outspoken critic of China , told the Free Beacon he is investigating the allegations in his role as the House Foreign Affairs Committee ’ s lead Republican .
`` The U.N. was founded on protecting human rights , '' McCaul said .
`` If this report is true , it is very troubling .
We are looking into these allegations . ''
Sources at the Foreign Affairs Committee also confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could implicate the U.N. in China ’ s efforts to spy on the Uighur community .
The U.N. has come under scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers for its role in helping the Communist Party obfuscate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic .
McCaul and other Republicans on the House China Task Force unearthed evidence earlier this year that the U.N. and World Health Organization ran interference for Beijing as it attempted to downplay the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic .
The U.N. ’ s close relationship with China , which controls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading organizations , has also drawn fierce criticism from the Trump administration in recent months .
Reilly , the U.N. whistleblower who formerly worked with the body ’ s Human Rights Council ( UNHRC ) , claimed in an interview this weekend with a British news outlet that the names of Uighur dissidents who came to testify before the council about China ’ s human-rights abuses had their identities leaked to the Communist regime , a practice she claims has been ongoing for years .
Reilly first disclosed the practice and accompanying documentation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the UNHRC .
Since that time , she claims , the U.N. has continued to provide Beijing with information about dissidents to curry favor with the Communist regime .
`` It is completely against the rules to hand over that information to any government .
But the U.N. makes an exception for China and only for China and it gives them the name , '' Reilly said .
`` China uses that information to go harass the people ’ s families that are still based in China . ''
Reilly also posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations .
She provided similar evidence to Congress and senior U.S. diplomats in a letter sent last December .
The U.N. did not immediately respond to requests for comment .

Congress is investigating new allegations the United Nations fed the names of Chinese dissidents to the Communist Party, the Washington Free Beacon has learned.
Emma Reilly, a human-rights lawyer and former U.N. official, alleged in a Sunday interview that the U.N. handed over the names of Uighur dissidents to Communist Party officials, potentially endangering the dissidents and their families. China routinely surveils political opponents and could have used this information to punish those involved in exposing the Communist Party’s campaign against the Uighur community, an ethnic minority population that has been targeted by the CCP in what many view as one of the globe’s most pressing human-rights emergencies.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R., Texas), an outspoken critic of China, told the Free Beacon he is investigating the allegations in his role as the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s lead Republican.
"The U.N. was founded on protecting human rights," McCaul said. "If this report is true, it is very troubling. We are looking into these allegations." Sources at the Foreign Affairs Committee also confirmed they are probing the allegations, which could implicate the U.N. in China’s efforts to spy on the Uighur community.
The U.N. has come under scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers for its role in helping the Communist Party obfuscate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. McCaul and other Republicans on the House China Task Force unearthed evidence earlier this year that the U.N. and World Health Organization ran interference for Beijing as it attempted to downplay the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic. The U.N.’s close relationship with China, which controls many of the international body’s leading organizations, has also drawn fierce criticism from the Trump administration in recent months.
Reilly, the U.N. whistleblower who formerly worked with the body’s Human Rights Council (UNHRC), claimed in an interview this weekend with a British news outlet that the names of Uighur dissidents who came to testify before the council about China’s human-rights abuses had their identities leaked to the Communist regime, a practice she claims has been ongoing for years. Reilly first disclosed the practice and accompanying documentation in 2013, when she began work at the UNHRC. Since that time, she claims, the U.N. has continued to provide Beijing with information about dissidents to curry favor with the Communist regime.
"It is completely against the rules to hand over that information to any government. But the U.N. makes an exception for China and only for China and it gives them the name," Reilly said. "China uses that information to go harass the people’s families that are still based in China."
Reilly also posted documents online that she says support her allegations. She provided similar evidence to Congress and senior U.S. diplomats in a letter sent last December.
A U.N. spokesperson told the Free Beacon the organization no longer is sharing the names of dissidents with China, calling this practice "discontinued."
"The names of HRC participants were occasionally confirmed to States in limited circumstances, with care taken to ensure that no action taken by OHCHR would endanger human rights activists," the official said. "We are not aware of any evidence whatsoever that any action by the Office in this regard resulted in harm to any participant."
Dissident identifications have not been shared with member nations for the past five years, according to the U.N. official. "We unequivocally reject Ms. Reilly’s claims of improper action," the official said.
Update November 3, 2020 7:48 p.m.: This post has been updated with comment from a U.N. spokesperson.


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Several Likely Killed in Suspected Vienna Terror Attack, Says Interior Minister

VIENNA ( Reuters ) – Several people were wounded in central Vienna and some probably killed in exchanges of gunfire late on Monday in what the interior minister said was believed to be a terror attack .
An area of central Vienna had been cordoned off and police said a large deployment was under way .
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer told Austrian broadcaster ORF that the attack was believed to have been carried out by several people .
`` At the moment I can confirm we believe this is an apparent terror attack , '' he said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are also several injured , probably also dead . ''
A police officer was shot and seriously injured and one person was arrested , news agency APA said , citing the Interior Ministry .
One person had been killed , likely one of the attackers , local media reported .
Local media reported also that a synagogue had been attacked and shots had been fired in the area of a nearby square , Schwedenplatz .
There were unconfirmed reports of coordinated attacks nearby .
`` Shots fired in the Inner City district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AWAY from all public places or public transport , '' the police said on Twitter .
Jewish community leader Oskar Deutsch said on Twitter that it was not clear whether the Vienna synagogue and adjoining offices had been the target of an attack , and said they were closed at the time .
Videos began to circulate on social media of a gunman running down a cobblestone street shooting and shouting .
Reuters could not immediately verify the videos .
Vienna police urged people not to share videos and photos via social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the civilian population , '' they said on Twitter .
In 1981 , two people were killed and 18 people were injured during an attack by two Palestinians at the same synagogue .
In 1985 , a Palestinian extremist group attacked Vienna airport with hand grenades and attack rifles , killing three civilians .
In recent years Austria has been spared the sort of large-scale attacks seen in Paris , Berlin and London .
In August , authorities arrested a 31-year-old Syrian refugees suspected of trying to attack a Jewish community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graz .
The leader was unhurt .

By Francois Murphy
VIENNA (Reuters) - Several people were wounded in central Vienna and some probably killed in exchanges of gunfire late on Monday in what the interior minister said was believed to be a terror attack.
An area of central Vienna had been cordoned off and police said a large deployment was under way.
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer told Austrian broadcaster ORF that the attack was believed to have been carried out by several people.
"At the moment I can confirm we believe this is an apparent terror attack," he said.
"We believe there are several perpetrators. Unfortunately there are also several injured, probably also dead."
A police officer was shot and seriously injured and one person was arrested, news agency APA said, citing the Interior Ministry. One person had been killed, likely one of the attackers, local media reported.
Local media reported also that a synagogue had been attacked and shots had been fired in the area of a nearby square, Schwedenplatz. There were unconfirmed reports of coordinated attacks nearby.
"Shots fired in the Inner City district - there are persons injured - KEEP AWAY from all public places or public transport," the police said on Twitter.
Jewish community leader Oskar Deutsch said on Twitter that it was not clear whether the Vienna synagogue and adjoining offices had been the target of an attack, and said they were closed at the time.
Videos began to circulate on social media of a gunman running down a cobblestone street shooting and shouting. Reuters could not immediately verify the videos.
Vienna police urged people not to share videos and photos via social media. "This jeopardizes police forces as well as the civilian population," they said on Twitter.
In 1981, two people were killed and 18 people were injured during an attack by two Palestinians at the same synagogue. In 1985, a Palestinian extremist group attacked Vienna airport with hand grenades and attack rifles, killing three civilians.
In recent years Austria has been spared the sort of large-scale attacks seen in Paris, Berlin and London.
In August, authorities arrested a 31-year-old Syrian refugees suspected of trying to attack a Jewish community leader in the country's second city Graz. The leader was unhurt.
(Reporting by Francois Murphy in Vienna and Andrea Shalal in Washington, Writing by Rosalba O'Brien, Editing by Howard Goller)


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Iranian Foreign Minister: Biden a ‘More Promising’ Candidate

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that the Biden ticket is his country 's `` more promising '' option in the 2020 presidential election .
`` The statements by the Biden camp have been more promising , but we will have to wait and see , '' Zarif told CBS News .
Zarif said he would not renegotiate the Iran deal with a Biden administration but hopes it would `` act differently '' from the Trump administration .
During the Obama administration , Biden and top Middle East hands supported increased engagement with Tehran .
Obama 's presidency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fits and starts in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel .
Many current top Biden advisers have had similar qualms about the Trump administration 's Iran policy , in which the United States has moved closer to Israel and engaged with Gulf countries .
Despite criticisms , Trump 's moves have helped Israel retain its cutting-edge defense capabilities while normalizing ties between the Jewish state and Muslim-majority countries such as Bahrain , the United Arab Emirates , and Sudan .
Those same countries have also increasingly condemned Iran and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iran continues to fare badly under the administration 's crippling maximum pressure campaign .
The Iranian rial hit an all-time low last month , and Iranian officials admit that U.S. sanctions have caused the country `` serious damage . ''
In recent weeks , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and special Iran envoy Elliott Abrams have ramped up efforts to freeze Iranian trade , taking new aim at the country 's oil industry .
In spite of Zarif 's `` wait and see '' claim , the FBI reports that Tehran has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American voter data and state election websites .
In response , the Department of Homeland Security has unveiled its most complex and comprehensive operation ever to defend against foreign influence and maintain a free and fair election .
`` I anticipate possibly thousands of local election officials coming in to share information in real time , to coordinate , to track down what 's real and what 's not , separate fact from fiction on the ground , '' DHS senior cybersecurity adviser Matt Masterson told the Washington Post .
`` We 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening and identify : Is this a typical election event or is this something larger ? ''

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that the Biden ticket is his country's "more promising" option in the 2020 presidential election.
"The statements by the Biden camp have been more promising, but we will have to wait and see," Zarif told CBS News.
Zarif said he would not renegotiate the Iran deal with a Biden administration but hopes it would "act differently" from the Trump administration.
During the Obama administration, Biden and top Middle East hands supported increased engagement with Tehran. Obama's presidency also brought the Iran nuclear deal—and many fits and starts in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel.
Many current top Biden advisers have had similar qualms about the Trump administration's Iran policy, in which the United States has moved closer to Israel and engaged with Gulf countries.
Despite criticisms, Trump's moves have helped Israel retain its cutting-edge defense capabilities while normalizing ties between the Jewish state and Muslim-majority countries such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan. Those same countries have also increasingly condemned Iran and the Palestinian Authority.
At the same time, Iran continues to fare badly under the administration's crippling maximum pressure campaign. The Iranian rial hit an all-time low last month, and Iranian officials admit that U.S. sanctions have caused the country "serious damage."
In recent weeks, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and special Iran envoy Elliott Abrams have ramped up efforts to freeze Iranian trade, taking new aim at the country's oil industry.
In spite of Zarif's "wait and see" claim, the FBI reports that Tehran has already launched a campaign to hack into American voter data and state election websites.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security has unveiled its most complex and comprehensive operation ever to defend against foreign influence and maintain a free and fair election.
"I anticipate possibly thousands of local election officials coming in to share information in real time, to coordinate, to track down what's real and what's not, separate fact from fiction on the ground," DHS senior cybersecurity adviser Matt Masterson told the Washington Post. "We'll be able to sort through what's happening and identify: Is this a typical election event or is this something larger?"


freebeacon--2020-11-02--DC Public Schools Cave to Teachers’ Union on Return to Classrooms

Washington , D.C. , has caved to teachers protesting the scheduled return to in-person learning for at-risk students .
Teachers in the District of Columbia organized a `` sick out '' to protest the district 's reopening plan for next Monday , Nov. 9 , which would offer in-person learning to students in special education classes , English-language learners , and homeless children .
The Washington Teachers ' Union urged its members to describe their absence as a `` mental health day '' when requesting the day off .
Within hours of teachers calling out of work , District of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a district-wide email halting the return to the classroom .
`` While we planned to offer in-person learning at the start of Term 2 for select elementary students , this timeline will need to be adjusted , '' Ferebee said .
`` This means all students in grades PK-12 will now begin Term 2 on Monday , November 9 with learning at home . ''
The teachers ' union and school district have reached a stalemate in negotiating a return date .
The union argues the now-halted plan does little to protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the community . ''
The union also approved a motion of `` no confidence '' against Democratic mayor Muriel Bowser after she signed off on the reopening plan .
Bowser did not respond to requests for comment .
Elizabeth Davis , the union president , told members to take the day off from interacting with administrators and the school district but not with students .
`` We do not want the appearance that we are abandoning our students , '' Davis said .
`` Stay in touch with students via text messaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zoom meetings . ''
One D.C. resident with children in the school system told the Washington Free Beacon that teachers have not interacted with students , and families are not privy to their teachers ' personal contact information .
The mother of three also noted that one of her children 's teachers did not communicate that they would be absent from online learning ahead of time .
`` Throughout this entire effort , parents and teachers have had to partner… .
What happened this morning is a slap in the face to families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side with their teachers , '' the mother said .
`` The teachers effectively said , ‘ We are going to play politics with your children . '
''

Washington, D.C., has caved to teachers protesting the scheduled return to in-person learning for at-risk students.
Teachers in the District of Columbia organized a "sick out" to protest the district's reopening plan for next Monday, Nov. 9, which would offer in-person learning to students in special education classes, English-language learners, and homeless children. The Washington Teachers' Union urged its members to describe their absence as a "mental health day" when requesting the day off.
Within hours of teachers calling out of work, District of Columbia Public Schools chancellor Lewis Ferebee sent a district-wide email halting the return to the classroom. "While we planned to offer in-person learning at the start of Term 2 for select elementary students, this timeline will need to be adjusted," Ferebee said. "This means all students in grades PK-12 will now begin Term 2 on Monday, November 9 with learning at home."
The teachers' union and school district have reached a stalemate in negotiating a return date. The union argues the now-halted plan does little to protect the health of "students, teachers, and the community." The union also approved a motion of "no confidence" against Democratic mayor Muriel Bowser after she signed off on the reopening plan. Bowser did not respond to requests for comment.
Elizabeth Davis, the union president, told members to take the day off from interacting with administrators and the school district but not with students. "We do not want the appearance that we are abandoning our students," Davis said. "Stay in touch with students via text messaging, phone calls, emails, or Zoom meetings."
One D.C. resident with children in the school system told the Washington Free Beacon that teachers have not interacted with students, and families are not privy to their teachers' personal contact information. The mother of three also noted that one of her children's teachers did not communicate that they would be absent from online learning ahead of time.
"Throughout this entire effort, parents and teachers have had to partner…. What happened this morning is a slap in the face to families who have done everything they can to side with their teachers," the mother said. "The teachers effectively said, 'We are going to play politics with your children.'"


freebeacon--2020-11-02--Navy Seals Rescue American Hostage in Nigeria

The U.S. Navy 's SEAL Team Six rescued an American hostage held in Nigeria on Saturday in a `` precision '' operation that killed six captors .
Pentagon chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman outlined the mission to reporters .
`` U.S. forces conducted a hostage rescue operation during the early hours of 31 October in Northern Nigeria to recover an American citizen held hostage by a group of armed men , '' Hoffman said .
`` This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State .
No U.S. military personnel were injured during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. citizen Philip Walton last week on his farm in Niger after attempting to extort him for money .
When Walton only offered $ 40 to the men , they reportedly detained him and brought him across the border to neighboring Nigeria , demanding a ransom of over $ 1 million .
Acting quickly , Washington dispatched Navy SEALs to retrieve Walton days after the assailants kidnapped him .
The SEALs killed six of the seven kidnappers , rescuing Walton unharmed and evacuating him by helicopter .
The operation was a success , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter told ABC News .
`` They were all dead before they knew what happened , '' the source said .
Walton is only the latest American citizen to be safely rescued after spending time as a hostage overseas .
Last week , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the return of an American citizen detained in Belarus amid severe instability stemming from a presidential election in a country rife with voter intimidation and fraud .
Earlier in October , the White House also secured the freedom of two Americans held hostage by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has made securing American hostages abroad a major priority for its foreign policy .
In total , the administration has brought home over 50 hostages from 22 countries , often from highly dangerous situations and oppressive conditions .
`` The United States is committed to the safe return of all U.S. citizens taken captive , '' Pompeo said in a statement Saturday .
`` We will never abandon any American taken hostage . ''

The U.S. Navy's SEAL Team Six rescued an American hostage held in Nigeria on Saturday in a "precision" operation that killed six captors.
Pentagon chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman outlined the mission to reporters. "U.S. forces conducted a hostage rescue operation during the early hours of 31 October in Northern Nigeria to recover an American citizen held hostage by a group of armed men," Hoffman said. "This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State. No U.S. military personnel were injured during the operation."
Assailants captured 27-year-old U.S. citizen Philip Walton last week on his farm in Niger after attempting to extort him for money. When Walton only offered $40 to the men, they reportedly detained him and brought him across the border to neighboring Nigeria, demanding a ransom of over $1 million.
Acting quickly, Washington dispatched Navy SEALs to retrieve Walton days after the assailants kidnapped him. The SEALs killed six of the seven kidnappers, rescuing Walton unharmed and evacuating him by helicopter.
The operation was a success, a counterterrorism source with knowledge of the matter told ABC News. "They were all dead before they knew what happened," the source said.
Walton is only the latest American citizen to be safely rescued after spending time as a hostage overseas. Last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the return of an American citizen detained in Belarus amid severe instability stemming from a presidential election in a country rife with voter intimidation and fraud.
Earlier in October, the White House also secured the freedom of two Americans held hostage by an Iran-backed Yemeni militia.
The Trump administration has made securing American hostages abroad a major priority for its foreign policy. In total, the administration has brought home over 50 hostages from 22 countries, often from highly dangerous situations and oppressive conditions.
"The United States is committed to the safe return of all U.S. citizens taken captive," Pompeo said in a statement Saturday. "We will never abandon any American taken hostage."