CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in the evening in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area. Lows in the upper 50s. West winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the north after midnight.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds

5 to 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. Northwest

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds around

5 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny with chance of rain showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of

precipitation 30 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with chance of showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Lows around 60. Chance of precipitation

40 percent.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the morning. Highs in the mid 70s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny with chance of rain showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of

precipitation 30 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with chance of rain showers and

slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of

precipitation 40 percent.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny with chance of rain showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of

precipitation 30 percent.

 

Severe thunderstorms are possible from mid afternoon through the
evening. The main hazards will be very large hail up to tennis
ball size and damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph.

There is a chance of thunderstorms Thursday night through Monday.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session, Monday morning to continue with budgeting for the 2020 City Budget.  All members were present.

Highlights from  Monday’s meeting, include, City Auditor Avis Richter said, one insurance policy was eliminated from the budget, reducing the Mill Levy by one mill,  which left the mill levy increase at  $137,00 over last year, a seven percent increase over the 2019 budget.

Previous budget requests were reviewed.

Transfer of funds were approved, to balance the budget.

City County Health’s budget request was untouched.

Bridges Arts Council’s request of $1,000 in the budget was approved. Other funding sources are also available.

The Public Library request was put at 8 Mills, including covering part of the branch library expansion.

The library is also supported with Barnes County Funding.

South Central Adult Services, transportation request of $10,000 was left in the budget.

The City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the  2020 Preliminary Budget, with the preliminary budget numbers, including the mill levy, mill levy increase, and the mill value and changes over the 2019 budget included, in  the First Reading of the Ordinance, by the  City Commission.

From that point on the 2020 budget numbers may be reduced but not increased at any subsequent city budget meeting.

 

Monday’s Budget Meeting was recorded by CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

 

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.

 

  • HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE: Eva Wiest who has rental property on 12th Avenue, Southeast, brought a matter of dust control and excessive speed.  She requested traffic control signage.  She also brought up, as a landlord, having to pay the water utility bill, when left unpaid by renters who have left the property.
  • Mayor Heinrich said the road matter will be addressed, needing the city’s attention.
  • Opening bids

 

  • Bid received with irregularity waived by the City Council for the Jamestown Civic Center Roofing Removal and Replacement Area “A” Project. To be awarded later in the meeting.

 

  • Bids received for the Jamestown Civic Center Expansion Joint Removal and Replacement Project.

The Council the contractor’s  for one bid was recommended not be accepted  due to a lack of a notary signature on the bid bond.  A second bid will be considered.

 

NO CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY…

 

  • The City Council accepted the reports of the Municipal Judge, Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Departments, Inspection Department, Forestry Department, Civic Center, Central Valley Health Unit, and financial status.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

RESOLUTIONS:   NONE…

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

As discussed earlier.

 

  • A Bid received was approved for the Jamestown Civic Center Roofing Removal and Replacement Area “A” Project in the amount of $103,000 from Herzog Roofing from Detroit Lakes Minnesota.

 

The Bid received was approved for the Jamestown Civic Center Expansion Joint Removal and Replacement Project, in the amount of $39,740, from Sticky Construction from Thompson, North Dakota.

ORDINANCES:

 

  • FIRST READING: An ordinance to amend and re-enact a section of the City Code, increase the City Sales Tax by one-half percent from two percent (2%) to two and one-half percent (2.5%) effective January 1, 2020, and remain in force until, January 2, 2040. A half percent would generate $600,000 to the city annually.
  • The City reports in the draft ordinance, that dedication of the tax proceeds are earmarked for infrastructure capital improvements, including, the Civic Center maintenance, infrastructure capital improvements and operations. The governing body, shall determine the amounts dedicated if any to infrastructure capital improvements and the Civic Center.  All revenues shall be placed in a separate sales and use tax fund, to be kept separate from all other funds.

With the Preliminary 2020 budget:

 

  • FIRST READING: An ordinance pertaining to the appropriation of the General and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.
  • FIRST READING: An ordinance pertaining to the appropriation of the Revenue and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

 

Following the First Readings, the Preliminary Budget numbers may be reduced, but not increased at any subsequent City Budget Meetings.

 

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich said the Preliminary Budget, in part, addresses the “Free-fall,” in the Reserve Fund, now at $877,000 by adding $254,000, for a reserve balance of $1,132,167.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

ppointed Brian Paulsen, Don Fry, and Mitchell Ostle, to serve as members of the Planning Commission with five year terms to expire August 2024.

 

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

Pam Phillips said another Census Committee meeting is upcoming to help organize taking the 2020 Census.

 

David Steele visited Valley City to find out more information and observe the work in progress on the current street project including bump outs.

 

Daniel Buchanan said the west side of the outside of the Civic Center, has improved landscaping.

 

Mayor Heinrich thanked the City Administrator, Council Members and city staff, for their parts in drafting the 2020 City Budget.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

  • The City Council approved the request from Jonny B’s Brickhouse to conduct a dance in the parking lot behind the business, on September 6, 2019. Owner Jon Beyer indicated the sale of alcoholic beverages, with the tap truck present.
  • Approved was the request from Buffalo Lanes, Inc., for an alley closure between 9th St and 10th St SE from 3:00 PM, August 10, 2019, to 1:00 AM, August 11, 2019, for a Cornhole Tournament & music.

 

Also approved was  the request from Buffalo Lanes, Inc., to allow the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the rear (east) parking lot and alley from 6:00 PM, August 10, 2019, to 12:00 AM, August 11, 2019, for a Cornhole Tournament & music.

 

  • The City Council approved the request to recognize Layered Education Association as an other public spirited organization and authorize the issuance of a raffle permit.

 

The meeting was shown live on CSi cable 67 followed by replays…

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Community is invited to National Night Out on Tues Aug 6 from 6 pm to 9 pm at McElroy Park in Jamestown.

The Jamestown Police Department, and the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office  will be on hand at the Second Annual event, where the community is invited to get to know the local agencies, officials and  residents of the Jamestown/Stutsman County area and support the mission and vision of the law enforcement agencies, to unite and support the community.

There will be activities, hot dogs, and refreshments while they last, plus games music and more.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer, more caring places to live.

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.  It Also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  — Jamestown Regional Medical Center Hospice along with the Jamestown Area Grief Support Team (JAGST) is hosting a Memorial Service on Tuesday, August 13th at McElroy Park in Jamestown. The service starts at 6:30 p.m. in the shelter near the flagpole. This service is open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. JRMC Hospice will also be planting a tree in loving memory.

Grief can be an isolating and lonely experience. JRMC Hospice and JAGST are committed to providing support and an opportunity for individuals to share their grief and loss in a supportive environment.

Maren Radi, the Hospice Coordinator for JRMC, says, The annual Memorial Service and tree planting ceremony is a celebration of life and to affirm the bonds of community, memory and hope that sustain us in sorrow. It is an opportunity for bereaved families and the hospice staff to honor the loved ones who have died and an opportunity to support each other.”

The memorial service is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to sit on if desired. For more information on this event, please call JRMC Hospice at (701) 952-4847.

About Jamestown Regional Medical Center

Jamestown Regional Medical Center is located at 2422 20th St. SW, Jamestown, ND and serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. JRMC was named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” as well as a “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” in 2017 and 2018. For more information on services at JRMC, visit www.jrmcnd.com or call 701-952-1050.

 

Bismarck  (NDDOT)  A construction project is underway on I-94 from the east of the Dawson Interchange to west of Crystal Springs on the eastbound roadway.  During the project, the eastbound roadway will be reduced to one lane.

During construction

  • Travel is reduced to 65 mph in the lane closure and 40 mph where workers are present
  • A 14 ft. width restriction is in place through the construction zone
  • Flaggers will be present
  • Motorists can expect minimal delays through the work zone

The project is expected to be completed by mid-September

The NDDOT would like to remind motorists to slow down and use caution throughout the work zone. For more information about construction projects and road conditions throughout North Dakota, call 511 from any type of phone or visit the Travel Information Map on the NDDOT website at  http://www.dot.nd.gov/travel-info-v2/

 

Grafton  (NDHP)   On Sunday, August 4, at 4:54 P.M. a North Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper attempted a traffic stop on a motorist for expired registration on US Highway 81 south of Grafton.  28 year old Julio Mendoza of Grafton, fled the scene on foot after stopping his motor vehicle and entered a building associated with Campbell Farms. North Dakota Highway Patrol and Walsh County law enforcement secured the scene and conducted a search of the building. Mendoza was not located and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

The report says, Mendoza  turned himself in Monday night at the Walsh County Law Enforcement Center.  He has been taken into custody and has been charged accordingly.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal appeals court has affirmed a decision by a North Dakota judge who blocked a state law meant to protect farm equipment dealers.

Four major manufacturers of farm implements filed a lawsuit two years ago challenging the law that permits North Dakota implement dealers to sell generic rather than name-brand replacement parts. They say the law is unconstitutional.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday upheld U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland’s decision to prevent the law from taking effect.

The legislation sailed through the Legislature in 2017 with strong bipartisan support.

The lawsuit was filed by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and manufacturers Agco, CNH, Deere & Company and Kubota. The companies argued the law interferes with federal right-to-contract and copyright protection claims.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The Standing Rock Sioux has requested a hearing on a plan by the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline to double the line’s capacity.

Tribal Chairman Mike Faith says in a letter to state regulators that doubling the pipeline’s capacity increases the “consequences as well as the likelihood” of an oil spill.

State regulators agreed last month to consider a hearing if one was formally requested. The tribe was the first to submit a request. The Sierra Club says it also will file a request by the Friday deadline.

Energy Transfer announced in June it plans to expand the pipeline’s capacity from more than 500,000 barrels per day to as much as 1.1 million barrels.

The pipeline sparked massive protests in North Dakota before it began moving oil in 2017.

 

Update…

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The Fargo man accused of killing his girlfriend and setting fire to his apartment claims he’s innocent.

Sheldon Davis was charged Monday with murder, endangering by fire or explosion, and arson in the death of 52-year-old Denise Marie Anderson. Davis is scheduled to be in court Tuesday. Authorities say Anderson died of traumatic injuries before the fire Thursday.

Davis is in the Cass County Jail where he has talked to several media outlets about the case. Davis says that even if he thought he could get away with it, he wouldn’t want to do it “just for conscience sakes.”

The 44-year-old Davis says he left his apartment early the morning Anderson’s body was found, went to a friend’s house and didn’t find out about the fire and her death until that afternoon. When asked why the friend wouldn’t verify his alibi, Davis blamed the man’s criminal history and alleged drug use.

 

DRAKE, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota lawmakers are planning a legislative study to better understand how to ensure groceries are available in rural areas where shops have been closing.

Jim Dotzenrod is a Democratic state senator. Dotzenrod sponsored a resolution calling for an investigation into the distribution and transportation of food in the state.

The Minot Daily News reports that the town of Drake is likely to lose its only grocery store beginning next year. Closure will mean customers will have to drive 30 miles (50 kilometers) to Harvey or Velva to buy groceries.

Dotzenrod says he would consider the use of state transportation and excess storage to create distribution centers for small groceries to benefit food deserts.

The Commerce Committee will lead the study. The first meeting is Aug. 12 in Bismarck.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A World War II veteran from Bismarck has been reunited with a dog tag he lost in New Guinea about 75 years ago.

Ninety-seven-year-old Ed Boger has the dog tag back thanks to a stranger who found it while digging a hole for a school flagpole in Lemieng, Papua New Guinea. The Bismarck Tribune says Kenneth Muo knew that only American soldiers wore dog tags and felt the need to return it. So he posted his find on World War II Facebook groups and years later made contact with Ed’s son, Charles Boger.

He says his dad got all choked up and emotional when the tag came in the mail. Muo wrote a letter saying he was proud to be able to return it to Boger.

 

In sports…

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION…

Fargo-Moorhead 7, Winnipeg 1

 

North Dakota Amateur Baseball Association

Class A and AA State Tournaments

At Jack Brown Stadium

On Sunday

Class A: Tolna 11, Walsh County 10

Class A: Walsh County 5, Tarno Townies 0.

 

On Wednesday…

Class A: Tarno Townies vs. Tolna, 6 p.m.

Class AA: Greyhounds vs. Valley City, 8 p.m.

 

MLB…

UNDATED (AP) —  Miguel Sanó’s pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth gave the Minnesota Twins a 5-3 victory the Atlanta Braves. Sanó’s 19th home run of the season went an estimated 443 feet off reliever Chris Martin, hitting high off the wall in center field.

_ Javier Báez hit two of Chicago’s four homers and the Cubs’ bullpen barely held on without Craig Kimbrel, closing out a 6-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics. Ian Happ and Nicholas Castellanos also connected as Chicago improved to 40-18 at home with its fourth straight win. It was Castellanos’ first homer since he was acquired in a trade with Detroit on Wednesday.

_ AL All-Star Mike Minor struck out seven over seven innings and Nomar Mazara drove in Elvis Andrus with a sacrifice fly in the fourth, lifting the Texas Rangers to a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Minor, who did not pitch in the All-Star Game at Progressive Field last month, allowed seven hits and walked one as Texas won its fifth in a row.

Jeff McNeil welcomed Robert Dugger to the major leagues with a home run on his first pitch, Jacob deGrom gave himself a cushion with a two-run single off the 24-year-old rookie and the New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins 6-2 in the opener of a Monday’s twi-night doubleheader to reach .500 for the first time since late May.

Amed Rosario broke a 1-1 tie with a third-inning homer off Dugger (0-1), brought up by the Marlins despite a 9.34 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A.

Game 2

N-Y Mets 5 Miami 4

 

_ The New York Yankees hit five more home runs at Camden Yards, including two by Mike Tauchman, to set a major league record and win their 13th straight game in Baltimore, 9-6 over the Orioles. New York’s power surge overshadowed a memorable night for Baltimore’s Jonathan Villar (vee-AHR’), who became the fifth Orioles player to hit for the cycle and first since Felix Pie in 2009.

_ Vince Velasquez allowed two runs in a season-high seven innings and Scott Kingery homered in his hometown ballpark, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Velasquez (4-6) gave up six hits, struck out three and got help from a running catch in left field by Adam Haseley with a runner on and two outs in the seventh, taking a hit away from Arizona’s Carson Kelly.

_ Erick Fedde pitched six innings to win for the first time in eight starts and Anthony Rendon’s early run-scoring single held up as the Washington Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 4-0. Rendon’s single in the third put the Nationals ahead, with Adam Eaton starting the two-out effort with a single and scoring from first with aggressive baserunning. Rendon showed off his own snazzy footwork with a steal of home in the ninth.

 

_ All-Star Lucas Giolito ended a five-start winless streak, Tim Anderson had three hits and scored twice, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 7-4. All nine starters for the White Sox had at least one hit and seven either scored or drove in a run. Chicago has won three of four after a 2-8 homestand.

_ Rookie Bo Bichette homered and scored both runs, Jacob Waguespack pitched six impressive innings and the Toronto Blue Jays ended Tampa Bay’s six-game winning streak, beating the Rays 2-0. Bichette opened the game with a double off Charlie Morton, the sixth straight game in which he has doubled. He hit his third home run leading off the third.

 

_ Rick Porcello pitched six innings of one-run ball, Sam Travis hit a two-run homer and the Boston Red Sox halted their eight-game losing streak with a 7-5 victory over the struggling Kansas City Royals. Rafael Devers added a solo shot for the Red Sox.

_ Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer and rookie Tony Gonsolin pitched six stellar innings of two-hit ball for his first victory in the Dodgers’ 8-0 win over the Cardinals. Gonsolin retired 14 of the Cardinals’ first 15 batters and took a no-hitter into the fifth inning of his second career start. Michael Wacha couldn’t get out of the fourth inning for the Cardinals, who dropped to 0-3 on their five-game California road trip.

MLB-NEWS

Cano back on injured list

UNDATED (AP) _ New York Mets second baseman Robinson Canó is back on the injured list, this time because of a strained left hamstring. In his first season with the Mets after being acquired from Seattle, the 36-year-old was limited to one game between May 22 and June 16 because of a strained left quadriceps. He is hitting .252 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs, including nine hits in his last 15 at-bats. New York recalled infielder Luis Guillorme from theTriple-A Syracuse Mets.

Elsewhere in the majors:

_ The Atlanta Braves have recalled right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (fohl-tih-NAY’-vihch) from Triple-A Gwinnett to take a spot in the starting rotation after Kevin Gausman was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. Foltynewicz was a 13-game winner and an All-Star for the Braves in 2018 but struggled to regain that form after battling an injury in spring training. He was demoted to the minors on June 22 after going 2-5 with a 6.37 ERA in 11 starts. He will start Tuesday night at Minnesota.

 

NFL-BILLS-WADDLE

Waddle expected to miss season

UNDATED, N.Y. (AP) _ A person with direct knowledge of the injury confirms that Buffalo Bills offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle has a torn right quadriceps and is expected to miss the season. Waddle was hurt Sunday while working with the third-string offense and was unable to place any weight on his right leg while being loaded into a cart.

Waddle’s injury is the latest to hit Buffalo’s offensive line just two weeks into training camp.

Center Mitch Morse has missed a week after suffering a concussion. Linemen Jon Feliciano and Spencer Long have missed sessions due to shoulder and ankle injuries.

Cornerback EJ Gaines also missed practice Monday, a day after suffering a groin injury.

In other NFL news:

_ Suspended Browns running back Kareem Hunt has promised to “lay low” following a recent argument outside a bar that led to police questioning and raised team concerns. Hunt is barred by the NFL from Cleveland’s first eight games for two physical altercations while he played for the Kansas City Chiefs. Last month, he argued with a friend outside a bar. Hunt says he will now be more cautious and focus on football.

_ A $1.9 billion stadium being built for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders when the team moves to Las Vegas is being named for Allegiant Travel Co. Officials made the announcement Monday during a ceremony marking the installation of the final steel beam for the roof of the 65,000-seat indoor stadium. Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel is the publicly traded corporate parent of Allegiant Air. Terms of the agreement weren’t made public. The Raiders are moving after the upcoming season.

_ The $1.9 billion stadium being built for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders when they move to Las Vegas is being named for Allegiant Travel Co. Officials made the announcement during a ceremony marking installation of the final steel beam for the roof of the 65,000-seat indoor stadium. Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel is the corporate parent of Allegiant Air. Terms of the agreement weren’t made public. The Raiders are moving after the upcoming season.

NBA-HAWKS-CARTER

AP source: Carter returning to Hawks for 22nd NBA season

UNDATED (AP) — A person familiar with the situation says Vince Carter is returning to the Atlanta Hawks for his record 22nd season in the NBA.

The person confirmed that the 42-year-old Carter has agreed to terms with the Hawks. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

The agreement was first reported by ESPN.

Carter will continue to serve as a mentor to some of the NBA’s most promising young talent, including first-round picks D’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish. He’ll also eclipse the record shared with Robert Parish, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis and recently retired Dirk Nowitzki for most seasons in the NBA.

Carter showed last season that he’s still got some playing skills, as well. He played 76 games in his first year with the Hawks, including nine starts, while averaging 17.5 minutes and 7.4 points per contest.

In other NBA news:

_ The Memphis Grizzlies have hired former Notre Dame women’s associate head coach Niele (knee-L) Ivey among the new assistants on Taylor Jenkins’ staff. There are now nine women coaches in the NBA. The Grizzlies also announced the hiring of Brad Jones, David McClure, James “Scoonie” Penn, Vitaly Potapenko and Neven Spahija. Ivey spent the past 12 seasons at her alma mater with the last four as Notre Dame’s associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.

NHL-LIGHTNING-SHATTENKIRK

Lightning sign veteran defenseman Shattenkirk

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Lightning vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced the deal Monday.

Shattenkirk played 73 games for the New York Rangers last season, finishing with two goals and ranking first among the team’s defensemen in assists (26) and points (28).

The 30-year-old has spent nine seasons in the league, also playing for Washington, St. Louis and Colorado.

He has 75 goals, 349 points and 368 penalty minutes during his career of 609 games. He was an All-Star with the Blues in 2015 and has five goals and 34 points in 60 career playoff games.

FIFA INVESTIGATION

Swiss indict 4 over payment linked to German 2006 World Cup

BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss prosecutors have charged three German organizers of the 2006 World Cup and a former FIFA official with involvement in fraud over the true purpose of a 6.7 million euro ($7.5 million) payment linked to soccer’s world governing body.

The Swiss attorney general’s office said Tuesday that Horst R. Schmidt, Theo Zwanziger and Swiss ex-FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi are accused of jointly committing fraud, while Wolfgang Niersbach is charged with being complicit in fraud. Zwanziger and Niersbach are former presidents of the German soccer federation.

The office said that proceedings against Franz Beckenbauer, who headed the World Cup organizing committee, will be conducted separately because he is currently “unable for health reasons” to participate in the main proceedings.

The payment in April 2005 was falsely declared as being for a World Cup opening gala.

 

In world and national news…

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Authorities in two U.S. cities scoured leads in a pair of weekend mass shootings that killed 31, trying to piece together the motives that led two young men to unleash violence on innocent people in crowded public places. In El Paso, Texas, the death toll creeped upward Monday from the shooting two days earlier at a Walmart store, with two additional victims succumbing to injuries. In Dayton, Ohio, even more questions remained about what spurred the suspected shooter.

The back-to-back shootings hours apart and 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) away from each other quickly turned political, with Washington lining up along typical party contours in response. President Donald Trump cited mental illness and video games but steered away from talk of curbing sales of guns, including the military-style weapons believed to have been used in the attacks.

 

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s Republican governor says he’ll run through a set of proposals to deal with gun violence and mental health just days after nine people died in the latest mass shooting in the U.S.

Gov. Mike DeWine says he’ll go into more detail on Tuesday about what he wants do.

The governor was thrust into the gun debate this week after being met with chants of “Do something!” while he spoke at a vigil in Dayton for the victims who died early Sunday in the shooting outside a strip of nightclubs.

Police have said 24-year-old Connor Betts was wearing a mask and body armor when he opened fire with an AR-15 style gun.

Authorities have said there was nothing in the gunman’s background that would have prevented him buying a weapon.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — A senior Russian lawmaker has denounced the U.S. freeze of all Venezuelan government assets as a crude interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Konstantin Kosachev is the head of the Russian upper house’s international affairs committee and said Tuesday the Trump administration’s action amounts to “international banditry.” He added in remarks carried by the state RIA Novosti news agency that Washington’s move represents an “open meddling into Venezuela’s internal affairs.”

The U.S. ban blocks American companies and individuals from doing business with President Nicolás Maduro’s (nee-koh-LAHS’ mah-DOO’-rohz) government and its top supporters. It’s the first of its kind in the western hemisphere in more than three decades.

Russia has staunchly backed Maduro, while the U.S. and dozens of other nations have cast their support behind opposition leader Juan Guaidó (gwy-DOH’) and recognized him as Venezuela’s interim president.

The Maduro government has yet to respond.

 

 

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Letters and postcards the former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick wrote to three men he allegedly sexually abused and harassed show how he groomed his victims, experts say.

Two abuse prevention experts reviewed the correspondence at the request of The Associated Press. They said McCarrick’s use of familiarity and boasts about his own power were ways he made the men feel special.

AP is publishing the correspondence ahead of the promised release of the Vatican’s own report into who knew what and when about McCarrick’s misconduct.

Pope Francis defrocked McCarrick in February. McCarrick denies the allegations.

 

 

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Americans are engaged in a heated national debate on race, and President Donald Trump’s provocations are often at the heart of the discussion.

In interviews with The Associated Press across a half-dozen states, voters see a country divided by racial animus. They say race relations are better than a generation ago, but worse than before Trump’s presidency.

Opinions break down largely along ideological lines. The debate has been fanned by Trump’s use of white identity politics and inflamed by white supremacist violence like last weekend’s shooting in El Paso, Texas.

Scott Bremner is a talk-radio host in Pennsylvania. He has often found himself refereeing race issues on the air. He tried to establish whether his listeners could agree on what racism is. He realized that the answer was no.