Report: Bitcoin’s (BTC) Weekly Chart Hints of a $10k Retest – Ethereum World News

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In summary:

In their most recent market analysis, the team at Crypterium research explained to readers that Bitcoins weekly chart was showing serious signs of weakness and should not be ignored. According to the report, Bitcoins weekly RSI and Stochastic indicators are overbought and foreshadow a possible fall for BTC to $10k in the future.

At the same time, with a high probability, we can see the price of $10,000 per Bitcoin in the near future.

On the weekly timeframe, the RSI and Stochastic indicators are still in the overbought zone. In addition, candlestick patterns also indicate a trend reversal. All this foreshadows the imminent fall of Bitcoin.

Furthermore, and using Metcalfes law, the team explained that Bitcoins user base was decreasing and this was another warning sign that a move down was in the making.

In addition, we have big doubts about current and future growth. This is due to Metcalfes law, which says that the value of the network directly depends on the number of users

We see a large divergence. The price is growing much more actively than the network itself, which is not typical for global growth cycles.

Moreover, for Bitcoin, active addresses have always been a leading indicator. The price followed the activity, not the other way around. The opinion that the asset will grow first, and then the network activity will grow, does not pass the test in its 11 years of history.

The weekend is once again upon us, and with it, Bitcoins weekly close tomorrow, August 30th. Since the $11,600 support level was lost earlier this week, $11,200 will be the level to watch this weekend.

Additionally, and on the following day, August 31st, Bitcoins monthly close is also on the horizon. These back to back events will most definitely set the pace for Bitcoin in the month of September. A monthly close above $11,200 will be a second for Bitcoin. The last time the King of Crypto opened and closed a month above $11,200 was in December 2017.

To note is that Bitcoin opened the month of August above $11,300. Therefore, a close above $11,200 would provide some level of confidence for bulls.

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Report: Bitcoin's (BTC) Weekly Chart Hints of a $10k Retest - Ethereum World News

Why ConsenSys Is Buying The Quorum Platform From JPMorgan – Pulse 2.0

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ConsenSys an industry-leading blockchain software company recently announced the acquisition of Quorum, an enterprise-variant of the Ethereum blockchain developed by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM). And with the addition of Quorum, ConsenSys now offers a full range of products, services, and support for Quorum, thus accelerating the availability of features and capabilitiessuch as digital asset functionality and document management.

JPMorgan and ConsenSys are two leading organizations in Enterprise Ethereum and they have a long history of collaboration after leading the creation of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, helping bring a Mainnet Ethereum client Hyperledger Besu to The Linux Foundation,and working together on industry applications built on Quorum like komgo and Covantis. And since the launching of Quorum in 2016, ConsenSys and JPMorgan have collaborated to make Ethereum the platform of choice for enterprises building secure and customizable business networks at scale.

ConsenSys is merging its existing protocol engineering roadmap with Quorum, leveraging the best of both codebases. And all Enterprise Ethereum protocol technology at ConsenSys will fall under the ConsenSys Quorum brand and developers will have the option to choose their underlying technology stack. Quorum will remain open source and become interoperable with ConsenSys other leading blockchain products like Codefis finance and commerce application suite. JP Morgan will be a customer of ConsenSys advanced features and services deployed on Quorum.

In addition to ConsenSys acquisition of the Quorum, JP Morgan made a strategic investment in ConsenSys to support its mission to help developers build next-generation networks and enable enterprises to launch more powerful financial infrastructure.

KEY QUOTES:

The creation of Quorum was a first for J.P. Morgan, both in terms of developing its own blockchain protocol, and open sourcing software for the developer community. Were incredibly proud of the usage of Quorum over the past few years and are excited to have ConsenSys as a partner to take the vision forward.

Umar Farooq, Global Head of Blockchain, J.P. Morgan

Even before the very first block on Ethereum was mined and ConsenSys was formed, weve collaborated with J.P. Morgan on Ethereum proofs of concept and production systems. We are enormously excited to onboard Quorum into the ConsenSys Enterprise Ethereum stack, and look forward to unifying our Hyperledger Besu-based Enterprise Ethereum client with Quorum, and supporting all of the Quorum installations globally. We look forward to continuing our multifaceted partnership with J.P. Morgan for many years and ushering in an era of enterprise and mainnet compatibility.

Joseph Lubin, Founder and CEO of ConsenSys and Co-creator of Ethereum

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Why ConsenSys Is Buying The Quorum Platform From JPMorgan - Pulse 2.0

Ambazonia, Remedies, and the First Amendment Reason.com – Reason

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I had never heard of Ambazonia before Friday, but I now see that it is a breakaway part of Cameroon, in an area also known as the South Cameroons, though it's actually northwest of much of Cameroon. Here's the opinion that enlightened me on the subject, decided Feb. 6, but just added to Westlaw; it's by Judge Percy Anderson (C.D. Cal.), Cameroon Ass'n of Victims of Ambazonia Terrorism Inc. v. Ambazonia Foundation Inc.:

According to the Complaint, defendants Ambazonia Foundation Inc. ("AFI"), Ambazonia Interim Government ("AIG"), Ambazonia Governing Council ("AGC"), Ambazonia Defense Forces ("ADF"), Tapang Ivo Tanku ("Tanku"), and Christopher Anu Fobeneh ("Fobeneh") (collectively "Defendants"), are associated with and control an armed militia group seeking to overthrow the government in the Northwest and Southwest ("NOSO") region of Cameroon. [Some of the defendants allegedly live in the U.S. or are organized here. -EV] The Complaint alleges that Defendants announced on January 7, 2020, that there will be a "total lockdown of NOSO during the periods of February 6, 2020 through February 12, 2020" and instructed fighters associated with the militia "that anyone who steps out of their homes during that lockdown, or operates any business, will be abducted, or killed." These allegations are similar to allegations contained in the prior actions filed by Plaintiff's counsel, in which the plaintiffs in those prior action alleged that the militia's leaders announced lockdowns for other periods of time. CAVAT asserts that the lockdown threats, as well as abductions and killings in Cameroon, harm CAVAT's efforts to provide humanitarian services in the region.

Plaintiff's Complaint alleges claims against Defendants for: (1) conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, or injure persons or damage property in a foreign county in violation of 18 U.S.C. 956; (2) providing material support to terrorists in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2339A; (3) expedition against a friendly country in violation of the Neutrality Act, 18 U.S.C. 960; and (4) financing of terrorism in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2339C. The Ex Parte TRO seeks to temporarily restrain Defendants from:

"1. Engaging in conduct or actions, or conspire to engage in such conducts or actions, including actions such as abductions, arson, arrests, killings, kidnappings, human rights violations, war crimes, assault, battery, harass, intimidate, molest, attack, strike, stalk, threaten, hit, abuse, or disturb the peace of plaintiff, its members, its victims, or those similarly situated.

"2. Providing any assistance like money, logistics, expert advise or assistance, personnel, weapons, bullets, to the armed non-state groups in Cameroon.

"3. Providing or preparing for, or furnishing the money for, any military expedition or enterprise to be carried out against the Republic of Cameroon.

"4. Collecting funds, directly or indirectly, with the intention that such funds be used, or knowledge that the funds will be used, to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such an act is to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to abstain from doing any act.

"5. Ordered to declare, by spokesman and de facto leader, Ivo Tanku Tapang for AGC defendants, and Communications Secretary Christoperh Anu Fobeneh a.k.a. Chris Anu for AIG defendants, and post on their social media forums on Facebook and YouTube that: 'Any civilians who do not obey their 'total lockdown' orders on February 6, 2020 through February 12, 2020, will not be harmed and they will not agree or provide funding to the armed groups to commit any acts of killings, abductions, destruction of property, torture, maiming of anyone.'"

Trying to stop an alleged civil war / revolution / reprisal against civilians in Cameroon via a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court seems like a tall order, and Judge Anderson doesn't go for it. He rejects the demand on procedural grounds (such as failure to adequately explain why notice wasn't given to the defendants), but adds:

The Court additionally concludes that CAVAT has not satisfied its burden to satisfy the requirements for injunctive relief or to establish that the injunction it seeks would prevent the irreparable harm it claims it will suffer as a result of the most recent lockdown threats.

Unfortunately, it is not clear that any injunction the Court could issue would provide Plaintiff with the relief it seeks. The criminal statutes on which CAVAT bases its civil claims already prohibit the activities CAVAT seeks to prevent Defendants from conducting, and at least two of those statutes do not appear to create a private right of action. "It would be doubly difficult to find a private damage action within the Neutrality Act, since this would have the practical effect of eliminating prosecutorial discretion in an area where the normal desirability of such discretion is vastly augmented by the broad leeway traditionally accorded the Executive in matters of foreign affairs."

Additionally, although the Antiterrorism Act ("ATA") authorizes a civil remedy for nationals of the United States to sue for injuries they have suffered "by reason of an act of international terrorism" and recover treble damages, the statute does not expressly provide for injunctive relief. Plaintiff cites to no authority applying the ATA in which a court has granted injunctive relief like that sought here. Instead, the injunctive relief Plaintiff seeks appears to be designed more to trigger future contempt proceedings than to prevent Plaintiff's irreparable harm.

The Court additionally notes that by seeking an order requiring Defendants to make certain statements disavowing a lockdown, CAVAT asks this Court to compel Defendants to make certain statements. That type of relief raises significant First Amendment considerations. See Riley v. Nat'l Fed'n of Blind, Inc. (1988). The First Amendment protects not only "the right to speak freely," but also "the right to refrain from speaking at all." Wooley v. Maynard (1977); see also Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Group of Boston (1995) ("[O]ne important manifestation of the principle of free speech is that one who chooses to speak may also decide what not to say.").

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Ambazonia, Remedies, and the First Amendment Reason.com - Reason

Online Platforms and the First Amendment Problem – The McGill International Review

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Although online platforms have existed for decades, their potentially counterproductive influence on electoral integrity has given rise to an impasse. Tech stars, like Facebook, Twitter, and Google, and state bodies are seldom on the same page when it comes to managing the power of technology services, promoting freedom of speech, and protecting First Amendment rights. Actors on each side have actively debated whether global technology firms threaten free expression, and how this can be regulated to preserve Americans (and other international users) rights. Moreover, the two parties represent differing goals and constituents. Whereas legislative bodies operate within government structures and are beholden to the electorate, tech giants must maintain a business model that drives profits for shareholders. As such, both governmental intervention and civil action are required to overcome challenges that powerful tech firms pose to society.

Tech executives argue that their role extends beyond their services, as they empower social mediators across all segments of contemporary society. Anyone with the privilege of internet access can speak to a global audience with greater ease than ever before. Under current legislation, companies can freely interpret the bounds of good faith content moderation, meaning they claim to be maintaining a healthy level of oversight on harmful content like hate speech, terrorist propaganda, and other forms of objectionable expression.

Tech companies efforts to justify their intentions would not be needed in the absence of doubters. For example, in 2018, YouTube evaded a lawsuit in which Prager University accused the company of censoring conservative content and having a political identity and viewpoint. Ultimately, the case was dismissed because YouTube does not qualify as a state actor. In other words, private entities have the same First Amendment rights as individuals, allowing them to make their own decisions about the content on their platforms. This case illustrates how online service providers do not have to be neutral or fact check. Even if they exhibit a strong desire to be neutral, this would be impossible, considering the subjective nature of objectionable content, wherein definitions vary based a countrys free speech laws.

Widespread concern regarding the political and social consequences of tech giants unfettered freedom has prompted legal investigations led by the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and state-level prosecutors. However, many challenges stand in legislators way when deciding on the best legal course of action to govern online service providers.

For one, lawmakers usually struggle to penetrate the digital bubble of software and algorithms that are incomprehensible to most outsiders. Senators often display frustration when trying to get a straight answer from the executives being questioned in congressional hearings. Even if being vague allows these executives to protect their private intellectual property during public hearings, it is unlikely that lawmakers know enough about these companies behind-the-scenes content regulation procedures. Capitol Hill recently expressed concern over the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 and climate change on Facebook, subsequently demanding greater information about how the platform handles fact-checking, and if its size impedes this process. However, previous attempts suggest that many lawmakers are technologically inept.

Evelyn Doueks essay, The Rise of Content Cartels, poses a question that encapsulates the two main options considered by government bodies in response to internet giants power over free speech standards. Douek asks: Should platforms work together to ensure that the online ecosystem as a whole realizes these standards, or would society benefit more if it is every platform for itself?

Doueks every platform for itself option implies enacting stricter antitrust enforcement on these technology companies and promoting healthy competition levels. For instance, Facebook already differs from other social media platforms, like Twitter, due to its less aggressive approach for policing inflammatory comments and fact-checking. By increasing the number of players in the market, the industry may align itself with the type of moderation that is most palatable to consumers. However, this approach has numerous flaws. Considering no ideal moderation method has surfaced as of 2020, it is uncertain whether this is possible. Also, if online platforms have not broken any legitimate laws, then arbitrary exercise of antitrust enforcement can be seen as an abuse of power by the government, something the First Amendment is intended to protect private entities from.

The other option entails shared standards, which is arguably harder to put in place, as it requires amending or re-writing current communication and media laws. Mark Zuckerberg expressed his feeling of being caught in the polarity of the American political system, saying: The Trump administration has said we have censored too much content and Democrats and civil rights groups are saying that we arent taking down enough. The challenge lies in Facebooks and the governments ability to find a middle ground between protecting the First Amendment rights of citizens and policing disinformation. Still, whoever defines this middle ground may be subject to ideological bias themselves.

Mark Zuckerberg should listen to his employees and explain what the company will do if Donald Trump uses its platform to try to undermine the results of the presidential election. https://t.co/QfUAmdTL3t

Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 9, 2020

Aside from the government and other actors in positions of power, it is important to remember that members of the public also play an important role by engaging informed discussions about the influence of technology. More individuals need to consider exercising their freedom responsibly. People often view technology companies executives as genius figures because of their contributions to human society. However, such successes do not mean these individuals are messiahs, holding the answers to all of societys problems. Thus, the public needs to be critical of their actions and claims, and how they affect politics, the law, and free speech.

Whether there will soon be an overarching set of regulations to govern the technology sector remains uncertain, as industry players and legislative bodies have been unable to converge their respective expertise to tackle the current issues of content regulation. In the meantime, it is crucial to be critical of the way the internet currently functions, because each individual is inevitably part of the vision that tech giants set for the future.

Featured image: Youve Been Zucked by Annie Spratt, viaUnsplash.

Edited by Asher Laws

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Online Platforms and the First Amendment Problem - The McGill International Review

Buffalo man shoved by police speaks on incident, his recovery and the First Amendment – The Times Telegram

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It was his name that gave him away.

"Hey, are you the 75-year-old guy who was hit in Buffalo?" a post office worker asked.

Martin Gugino, 75, of Amherst, wasnt expecting to be recognized in public, especially wearing a face mask.

But the videos that captured the moment when Buffalo Police officers shoved Gugino backward in front of Buffalos City Hall in June during a protest over the death of George Floyd, causing him to fall and crack his skull on the pavement, had been seen around the world.

Gugino, speaking to the USA TODAYNetwork's New York State Team last week in his first extended interview, was reluctant to go into detail about the incident, which sent him to the hospital for a month to recover from a brain injury and a fractured skull.

That's because he doesnt remember the moment he was shoved, and he has flashes of memory in the minutes before or after. Video recordings helped him fill in the blank spots of what happened that evening.

He is seemingly uninterested in becoming a symbol of a trend or a movement, or drawing attention to himself.

When asked about the context surrounding his fall and injuries, he noted that "a lot of people are injured, and a lot of people are killed," and often, nothing is done about those incidents, especially if there was no record of it on video.

Still, he called the incident a "turning point" for him.

He will continue to participate in grassroots activism around the First Amendment, as he has done for decades. Hell continue to write about climate change and injustices at Guantanamo Bay on his blog and on Twitter.

"My life is headed in a new direction," Gugino said. "How is it different? Im not really sure yet."

Why are they carrying batons?

Gugino showed up at a Black Lives Matter rally in downtown Buffalo on June 4 at around 7:45 p.m., 15 minutes before the city-imposed curfew went into effect.

The night prior, a number of Buffalo police officers tooka knee with community members in solidarity with the protests around the murder of Floyd by police in Minneapolis on May 25.

Just minutes before police began moving toward the crowd, Gugino noticed they were outfitted with helmets, vests and batons:"I thought, Why are they carrying batons?'"

Earlier in the evening, he had approached several police officers to ask whether they thought the Mayor Byron Browns curfew order could legitimately make an assembly illegal.

They didnt respond, other than to offer to read the mayors statements to him.

Gugino also had a conversation with several bystanders, which was caught on video and appeared to show at least one person expressing anger toward him.

Gugino said one individual thought he was an undercover cop, which Gugino denies.

At around 8:10 p.m., as seen in several videos of the incident, a group of officers began walking toward a few dozen rally attendees who were still in the downtown area after curfew.

Video footage shows a tall, white-haired Gugino approaching the officers head on.

Gugino said he remembers alarmed thoughts flashing through his head when he saw officers moving toward the demonstrators, but "has no idea" what he said to police in that moment.

"I thought, Oh my God and thats all I can remember," he said.

In the seconds following, two officers in the advancing group shoved Gugino away from them and he stumbled and fell backward, his head audibly cracking against the pavement.

Emergency personnel arrived soon after, and Gugino was whisked to the Erie County Medical Center.

The two officers involved, Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski, were suspended without pay and later charged with second-degree assault.

They pleaded not guilty, and are currently suspended with pay, as officers cannot be suspended without pay for more than 30 days, according to a city spokesperson.

The City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Police Department declined to comment further on the incident.

More: Buffalo police officers seen pushing man to ground charged with assault

More: New York signs sweeping police reforms into law after George Floyd death. What they will do

Take your best shot

What followed for Gugino werean avalanche of tests, scans and physical therapy for the hospital. After weeks in bed, standing or walking became a challenge, and he had vivid nightmares.

"Every time youd sit up, you would get dizzy," he said. "It was like you were on a boat all the time."

His pain was manageable with Tylenol, which he said he rarely used for minor aches and pains, even at 75.

He was monitored by medical staff day and night, and couldnt get out of bed or go to the bathroom without their help.

On the positive side, hed be offered cookies in the middle of the night. His flavor of choice? Coconut.

Meanwhile, cards, letters and other well wishes poured in. He slept for hours in the days after the incident, disconnected from the whirlwind of global internet commentary around his actions and the police response.

He has since seen and heard snippets of strangers accusations that he was a "leftist provocateur," that his fall was a hoax or that he was wearing a pack of fake blood under his mask.

President Donald Trump publicly considered the validity of such theories about Gugino on Twitter the following week, saying that Gugino "could be an antifa provocateur" and that he "was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment."

Guginos lawyers got angry emails questioning why theyd defend "a faker," he said. But Gugino is unfazed by the accusations.

"I was like, Go ahead, take your best shot," he said.

The incident didnt cloud his view of police; he still regards them as regular citizens who work within a system he believes is broken.

"I come from the suburbs, and theres no problem with police in a white neighborhood," he said. "Im not scared of the policemen, but the system is screwed up."

After about a month, Gugino was released from the hospital and was able to walk out using a cane.

Hes living with family outside of New York and plans to close on a new home in Buffalo in September.

'Black Lives Matter': Amherst man pushed by police responds after Trump tweet

Martin Gugino's lawyer: He has brain injury, fractured skull after being pushed by police

When it comes to justice, Gugino is interested in so many causes that hell start talking about a new one before hes finished discussing the first.

He retired in 2003 after decades of working at FirstEnergy Corp. in Cleveland, Ohio, and a stint living in California. He eventually moved back to Buffalo to care for his ailing mother, who died six years ago. He has no spouse or children.

Even after a brain injury, he has split-second recall for specific details about years-old court cases, such as the Benny Warr case in Rochester, in which a black man in a wheelchair alleged that he was unlawfully arrested and beaten by police.

Guginos values rest solidly on the rights enshrined in the Constitutions First Amendment, which reads that "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech...or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

But he believes these values are often lost on modern government and law enforcement officials.

He used the example of a 2010 Veterans for Peace rally in front of the White House, which protested the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and other conflicts. More than 130 attendees were arrested.

"Youre going to the White House and youre saying, Stop the war. That means the United States should come out and say, Thank you so much, and were writing down all your complaints," Gugino said.

Given the countrys foundation, those involved in more recent protests and rallies should be treated with personal and ideological respect, and law enforcement officials should know whether the laws they protect are themselves legal, he said.

Still, he has hope, because of his countrys democratic roots.

He pointed to Mao Zedongs Hundred Flowers campaign in Communist China in the 1950s, where Zedongs solicitation of feedback on his government from the intellectual community quickly turned into a crackdown on ideological critics.

"In America, we decided to let a hundred flowers bloom," Gugino said.

"And you know what that means? People are going to get together and start complaining, and realizing how theyre being treated. Are you going to invite them in? Are you going to understand what theyre up to? Thats what democracy does. Thats the difference between Mao Zedong and George Washington."

More: Buffalo protester Martin Gugino released from hospital and 'looks great'

More: Its time has come and gone; lets retire the word 'elderly'

Sarah Taddeo is the consumer watchdog reporter for USA Today Network's New York State Team.She investigates stories about your consumer rights, including scams, negligent landlords, safety issues and wayward businesses.

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Buffalo man shoved by police speaks on incident, his recovery and the First Amendment - The Times Telegram

Lawsuit seeks to block Tennessee abortion reversal law – Minneapolis Star Tribune

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. Abortion rights groups on Monday filed a lawsuit challenging a newly enacted Tennessee law that would require women undergoing drug-induced abortions be informed the procedure can be reversed.

The complaint is the second legal battle targeting a sweeping anti-abortion measure Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed off on earlier this year.

The law focuses mainly on banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected about six weeks into pregnancy, before many women know they're pregnant. That portion was challenged just hours after the GOP-dominated Statehouse advanced the bill during the final hours of the annual legislative session.

However, also tucked in the 38-page law is a requirement that doctors must inform women that drug-induced abortions may be halted halfway. Medical groups say the claim isn't backed up by science and there is little information about the reversal procedure's safety

Those who fail to comply with the law which doesn't go into effect until Oct. 1 will face a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison. The lawsuit filed Monday seeks to prevent that requirement from being implemented.

A federal judge in North Dakota blocked a similar law last year.

"This medically unsound and factually inaccurate requirement is part of the coordinated war on truth and has no basis in science," Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement.

"Patients shouldn't be subjected to misinformation just to get a medication abortion. Adding insult to injury, threatening doctors with prison time makes this law that much more dangerous," McGill added.

Along with Planned Parenthood, plaintiffs include the Center for Reproductive Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union. These same groups filed the initial lawsuit challenging the fetal heartbeat ban.

A federal judge has since granted a temporary restraining order on the festal heartbeat ban, arguing that he was "bound by the Supreme Court holdings prohibiting undue burdens on the availability of pre-viability abortions."

According to the lawsuit submitted Monday, attorneys argue the law infringes on the First Amendment because it requires doctors to "communicate a content-based, viewpoint-based, and/or controversial government-mandated message that they would not otherwise recite concerning an experimental medical treatment that has not been shown to be safe or effective."

The suit also claims the law violates the Fourteenth Amendment because it illegally singles out abortion patients and physicians who provide the procedure.

Meanwhile, Lee has previously promised to do "whatever it takes in court" to defend the anti-abortion law. The Republican frequently touted that "protecting life" by limiting abortion is a top priority for his administration.

Later, as COVID-19 first began sweeping across Tennessee earlier this year, Lee attempted to block abortions under an executive order banning nonessential medical procedures that was issued to slow the spread of COVID-19.

A federal judge later ruled that Tennessee had to continue allowing abortions, arguing the state did not show any appreciable amount of personal protective equipment would be saved if the ban was applied to abortions.

The plaintiffs in that legal case are now seeking to have the state cover nearly $100,000 in legal fees.

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Lawsuit seeks to block Tennessee abortion reversal law - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Why Did Gov. Baker Activate the National Guard? – NBC10 Boston

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Gov. Charlie Baker called 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard into active duty Friday, but almost 72 hours later the administration will not say what, if anything, the activated Guardsmen have done since then or whether the Guard remains active Monday.

Though the governor's order did not give a detailed reason for the activation and his administration said the order was given "in the event that municipal leaders require their assistance," the call-up coincided with a weekend that saw violence crop up at and around demonstrations over policing and racial justice in other parts of the country.

"Governor Baker today signed an order activating up to 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard in the event that municipal leaders require their assistance. National Guard personnel are deployed only at the request of, and in coordination with, the communities seeking support," a spokesman of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security said in a statement Friday evening.

The governor's order says the Guard was being called upon "to provide necessary assistance to State and local civilian authorities and/or special duty and emergency assistance for the preservation of life and property, preservation of order, and to afford protection to persons."

The order is to remain in effect until further notice from Adjutant General Gary Keefe.

The administration's announcement of the call-up suggested that the National Guard was being tapped to function in a law enforcement capacity. The administration noted that National Guard military police units go through federally-accredited police training and are trained to Massachusetts standards and that members of the National Guard assisted local law enforcement agencies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project is a private-public partnership involving the state and local governments as well as entities such as MGM, Winn Companies and MassMutual.

It was not immediately clear whether or where the Guard was actually deployed. On Sunday, one Boston-area reporter shared video that appeared to show about two dozen Guard personnel and rows of Guard vehicles in Boston. Another reporter posted a photo from a demonstration in Roxbury where attendees held signs critical of Baker's decision to call upon the National Guard.

Karyn Regal, a reporter for WBZ Newsradio, reported late Monday morning that Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason said there was no specific threat to Massachusetts but that the National Guard was called up as part of "an abundance of caution" to "staff up and we prepare for all those contingencies."

"I think the call-up of the National Guard was a nod to ensuring that we would have the capacity to continue to be able to facilitate those First Amendment gatherings and make sure people can be heard and make sure people can execute their right, or utilize their right, of public gathering, and they can deliver the message," Mason said at an unrelated press conference, according to Regal. "We certainly have heard the message. And so we want to make sure we continue that people can peacefully gather, that they can voice their concerns, and that they can provide an opportunity for us to hear them."

A spokesman for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security did not say Monday afternoon whether the Guard remained activated as of Monday, what the activated Guard members had done since being called up, or whether there had been any change in the limited details provided Friday.

Baker last held a public event on Thursday, in Springfield.

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Why Did Gov. Baker Activate the National Guard? - NBC10 Boston

Hearing for Kevin Lindke’s appeal of Port Huron election commission decision set for Sept. 14 – The Times Herald

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Mayoral candidate Kevin Lindke delivers remarks during a hearing regarding his qualifications to run for mayor Tuesday, July 28, 2020, in the Municipal Office Center in Port Huron. Port Huron's election commission agreed unanimously to reject his qualifications to run for mayor based on the city's one-year residency requirement.(Photo: Brian Wells/Times Herald)

The Port Huron mayoral hopeful whose qualifications to run for office were rejected by an election commission this summer is seeking to have that decision reversed in court.

Kevin Lindke, whos picked up a local social media following for being critical of officials, filedto run for mayor by the July deadline. Days after a fraud investigation by police, however, the citys election commission ruled he was ineligible to run because he didn't meet thecitys one-year residency requirement.

Now, a hearing is set for Sept. 14 beforeCircuit Judge Michael West.

Lindke is asking the court to reverse the commissions decision.

The issue for me is, the burden is on them, Lindkesaid last week. Like you ask for leases, I gave you leases. You ask for a verified statement, I gave you a verified statement. You don't get to then tell me where I live (and) where I don't live.

The city is asking the courtto dismiss Lindkes request, reiterating concerns from officials over alleged discrepancies among the multiple addresses he provided to the city as his place of residence.

Todd Shoudy, contracted attorney for the city of Port Huron, speaks during a hearing regarding mayoral candidate Kevin Lindke's qualifications to run for mayor Tuesday, July 28, 2020, in the Municipal Office Center in Port Huron.(Photo: Brian Wells/Times Herald)

In the citys reply to Lindkes courtfiling and in a July police report, the cityalleges Lindke provided addresses on 21st, 23rd and Minnie streets on separate occasions while trying to confirm residency in petition forms to file to run for mayor. It also reported he registered to vote using a commercial address on Poplar Street.

According to the city, officials were unable to verify concrete residency at any of them. They pointed to interviews of neighbors and other associates, lack of utility use and real estate changes.

During their July 28 hearing, members of Port Hurons election commission asked if Lindke could provide other evidence he resides in the city. Candidates for mayor and City Council must live in the city for at least a year before the election to be eligible.

But Lindke told officials he didnt believe he had to provide additional proof.

In his circuit court request, Lindke claims the investigation didnt disprove residency and that the commission very suspiciously convened and conspired to deny his candidacy.

The citys reply maintains the city clerk had received information from Lindke that cast serious doubt on whether he met requirements. It also mentions that Lindke did not obtain an order to show cause or set the matter for a timely hearing.

Todd Shoudy, the citys attorney, said they had requested the hearing, expecting to move forward with the Sept. 14 date despite time constraints on when election ballots would be printed.

Lindke, who is litigating the issue without a lawyer, said he thought the citys fraud investigation of his addresses seemed to confirm his fear that officials would use reported residences to put me under surveillance. On Friday, he acknowledged hes always used the address of a relatives house in East China for court documents for the same reason.

Lindke also has two open federal lawsuits one against Port Huron City Manager James Freed and another against Circuit Judge Cynthia Lane. Both involve social media and First Amendment rights.

The latter was first filed in June 2019 after Lane granted a personal protection order against Lindke for an ex-spousal relative.It was over Facebook posts referencingthat relative and the proximity of a sex offender to his young daughter while visiting amid an ongoing custody dispute.

The original complaint called Lanes granting the PPO a social media injunction that constitutes a content-based legal prohibition on constitutionally protected free speech. Philip Ellison, Lindkes attorney in both lawsuits, called it a gag order.

An amended complaint later incorporated St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon as an additional defendant over enforcement of the PPO.

Circuit Judge Cynthia Lane speaks during a sentencing hearing in February 2017.(Photo: JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD)

St. Clair Countys reply to the complaints rejected the claims, maintaining officials acted on statute and adding that Lindke should be required to complete a pending hearing on his motion to terminate the PPO.

After Lindkes complaint was twice updated, Shoudy, whose firm also represents the county, said another motion to dismiss is still pending.

But he said theres also another underlying question about the case.

When should a federal court get involved in a state circuit court ruling where the allegation is that a PPO violated Mr. Lindkes First Amendment rights? Shoudy said. So, it'd be like the ex parte PPO that was entered. So, the question is, if he wants to challenge that, should he go to the Michigan Court of Appeals? Or can he go to the federal United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan? That's the procedural issue that is currently awaiting a judicial ruling. And I don't expect a ruling any time soon.

The lawsuit against Freed is more recent.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed discusses measurements being taken by the city to prevent the spread of coronavirus during a media briefing Thursday, March 12, 2020, in the Municipal Office Center in Port Huron.(Photo: Brian Wells/Times Herald)

It was filed in April after comments by Lindkeon Freeds Facebook page were deleted and Lindke was blocked. That complaint alleges Lindkes First Amendment rights were once again violated and that Freed only deleted comments about the citys response to COVID-19 to suppress dissent in a public forum.

In its reply to the complaint, the city admits Freed has kept a Facebook page categorized as a public figure but that, despite sharing some local goings-on about the city, he also posts personal items, such as pictures of his family. Shoudy said there remained a question of how personal the page was, entitling Freed to discretion.

Currently, Shoudy said that case is in its discovery phase and that hes awaiting more information after requesting details on Lindkes own social media use.

Lindkes reply asked the federal court to reject that request questioning relevancy and keeping the focus on Freeds Facebook. In response, the citys alleges a long history of Lindke using cyberbullying or cyberstalking tactics in an attempt to harm or destroy the personal life of both private and public individuals on social media.

Ellison said his client is trying to hold people accountable who are generally not, and that in one case, to question those who put a wedge minimally between him and his daughter.

I think what's important behind it is if Kevin was alone in his own thinking, he wouldn't have the following that he has, Ellison said, referring to Lindkes Facebook following. And I think the fact that his following, for the Port Huron area itself, is large and continues to grow is a reflection of (the) disenchantment by citizens of the area who probably have been suffering from the same sort of discontent from their local leaders as Kevin has.

Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Jackie20Smith.

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Hearing for Kevin Lindke's appeal of Port Huron election commission decision set for Sept. 14 - The Times Herald

Some NJ beaches are extending the summer season. Here’s the list – Asbury Park Press

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Social distancing on beaches gains grudging acceptance and becomes the new normal at the Jersey Shore. Asbury Park Press

A growing number of Jersey Shore towns are planning on extending the beach season past Labor Day this year.

That means beach badges will still be required -- and lifeguards will be present --when beaches are open in September.

This list will be updated as more towns finalize their plans.

July Fourth in the Seasides in Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. (Photo: Peter Ackerman)

The beach season will be extended through Sept. 30. Beaches are scheduled to be open seven days a week.

Beaches will be staffed through Sept. 30, and will be open seven days a week..

The trusted place to find the best home service providers. Find local pros.

Ocean Grove

The beach will be open and staffed -- weather permitting -- on the weekends of September 12 to 14 and 19 to 20. Beach badges will be required and capacity will be limited.

For questions about the beach, call 732-988-5533.

Airport expansion: Ocean County Airport in Berkeley to undergo $2.8M expansion

On the boardwalk: MTV VMAs Moon Persons hit Asbury Park boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach is next

A visitor to Ocean Grove beach sits in the shade of the pier as she looks over selecton on her iphone. Ocean Grove - Bradley Beach: Day at the Beach on July 15, 2020. (Photo: Peter Ackerman)

Beaches will be open and staffed seven days a week through Sept.30. All beaches will be open on weekends, while during the week, four of the borough's beaches are scheduled to be staffed. The Borough Council is expected to finalize plans for extending the summer season at its Sept. 2 meeting.

Beaches will be open and staffed on weekends through September.

More: 14 great Shore spots for dock and dine

Jean Mikle: 732-643-4050, jmikle@gannettnj.com

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Swimming Is One Thing in The Pandemic. The Crowd at The Beach Is Something Else – ScienceAlert

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As summer comes to an end, Americans are eager to make the most of the last remaining beach days and across the country, some public pools and beaches are open with restrictions.

In Los Angeles County, for example, beaches reopened on May 13 for recreational activities including swimming and surfing. In Georgia, pools reopened the same day, provided the facilities could follow guidelines like limiting capacity to 10 people if they can't maintain six feet between patrons.

New York City reopened 15 of its public swimming pools on July 24 and Aug. 1. In Florida, lap swimmers can exercise in pools while following precautions like remaining six feet from other swimmers, limiting their time to one hour, and being prepared to swim only, since the showers and locker rooms are closed.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware opened state beaches and lakeshores (though not those in New York City) at half capacity on May 22. Outside of the US, the French Riviera is open to recreationalists including swimmers, but they can't sunbathe afterwards.

But some swimmers are wary: Some viruses, bacteria, and parasites thrive in water. Last year, for example, there was an uptick in crypto infections, which can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting, at pools and water parks due to a parasite called cryptosporidium that's highly resistant to chlorine.

Fortunately, it seems highly unlikely you'll catch the coronavirus through water, but, as always, you can catch it from other people. Here's what to know about the risks of swimming, and how to make the smartest decision for you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas." It says that treating these types of facilities with chemicals including chlorine should "should inactivate the virus in the water."

Even fresh or salt water is highly unlikely to spread the coronavirus since other coronaviruses aren't stable in water, Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, told The New York Times.

That seems to be in part due to the fact that water dilutes the spit droplets that can transmit the disease, Dr. Leonard A. Mermel, a professor of medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, said during an Infectious Diseases Society of America seminar on May 19.

And, although coronavirus RNA has been found in faeces, which could theoretically spread through water if you accidentally get some in your mouth, the virus in faeces "doesn't appear to be in an infective state," Krista Wigginton, an associate professor of environmental engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, told Insider.

"The bigger risk from all of these activities would be from interacting with others who are talking, coughing, or sneezing nearby," she said.

Plus, because catching the coronavirus usually involves inhaling it, not swallowing it, water is an unlikely route of transmission, Joseph Eisenberg, chair of the epidemiology department at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health, told Business Insider.

"In general, respiratory pathogens don't survive in the water," he said.

There's still a lot researchers don't know for sure about how this coronavirus acts in water.

There's a chance it could be spread in places where ocean water mixes with untreated wastewater that's contaminated by the virus. The waves could then, in theory, launch the virus into particles that the wind carries back to shore, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Kim Prather, an atmospheric chemist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, is currently studying whether that's the case.

Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Arizona, told WebMD the virus could be in ocean water near sewage runoffs, but isn't particularly worried about it.

"I'd be more worried about hepatitis, swimming in raw sewage discharge, or many of the other pathogens," he said. "They present a far greater magnitude of risk, even if it turns out that coronavirus is transmitted by water."

No matter the activity, the risk of contracting COVID-19 mostly depends on the same few factors: How close are you to how many people, and for how long?

"The general principle should be: Outside is better than inside; open is better than closed; fewer is better than more people; and stay away from sick people," Dr. Erich Anderer, a neurosurgeon and founding member of the North Brooklyn Runners group, previously told Insider.

When it comes to swimming, then, "swimming in an uncrowded pool, lake, or ocean is likely low risk compared to indoor activities and crowded outdoor activities like going to restaurants, malls, stores, and concerts," Wigginton said.

Broken down further: Jumping in a private chlorinated outdoor pool is about as safe as you can get, while riding waves on a busy ocean-front is riskier, particularly if you're clamoring for space to set up your towel on the sand afterward.

As for pools, lap swimming in a well-treated pool where you have your own lane and empty lanes next to you is pretty low-risk, while splashing around in a crowded indoor pool is higher risk because you'll likely be in close contact with others' spit as they yell "Marco Polo" or cough when accidentally gulping down some water.

It's even more dangerous if you're also using the locker room, where you may not only be in close proximity to strangers who aren't wearing masks, but also touching surfaces like doorknobs and shower handles that can harbour the virus.

Ultimately, use common sense. Swimming brings massive physical and mental benefits. If you can do it with a risk level you're comfortable with, dive in.

This article was originally published by Business Insider.

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Delaware beach guide: What you need to know for your late August trip – The News Journal

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Heading to the Delaware beaches this weekend?

Here's what you need to know if you're planning to stick your toes in the sandthe weekend of Aug. 28-30 and what might be different than normal at the beaches in the summer of COVID-19.

Delaware's beach towns are open to the public, but government and public health officials warn that everyone's help is neededto curb the spread of COVID-19.

Social distancing is encouraged in all public spaces, and people should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from those who are not members of their immediate household.

CORONAVIRUS IN DELAWARE: Our latest coverage

As for face masks, they are required to be wornin public spaces where social distancing is difficult, and inside businesses that are open.

Face masks are recommended,but not required, on most beaches themselves, but social distancing is a must.

Masks must be worn on the streets, sidewalks, boardwalk and inside businesses in Rehoboth Beach city limits.

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Lewes also requires masks to be worn outdoors in the city's downtown area, public beach parking lots, and while crossing the Savannah Road drawbridge between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. There are similar guidelines inBethany Beach, where people in violation of mask rules can face up to a $100 fine.

Swimming is permitted at all beachesunless dangerous weather conditions arise.Make sure to check in with the local lifeguards before you dive in to learn about any potential hazards in the water or on the sand.

At beaches within the Delaware State Parks system, like Cape Henlopen State Park, Fenwick Island State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park near the Indian River Inlet, there are limits on how many people will be admitted.

The number of vehicles allowed in iscapped at 60% of parking capacity, according to parks officials. Masks or face coverings are required in bathhouse and concession areas at all three parks and strongly encouraged on the beach, as well.

At Cape Henlopen, when the gates are closed, admission also is restricted for those with surf-fishing tags. Natural Resources police will be enforcing the 20-foot minimum distance between vehicles on drive-on beaches.

Delaware is in its second phase of reopening businesses previously restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. John Carney announced in late June that the state was pausing moving into the next phasedue to concerns about people not following guidelines.

In late June, he also announced that bar service at the Delaware beaches had to shut downahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

This affects taprooms and bar service in the following towns: Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Long Neck, Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick Island, Ocean View and Millville, according to the order.

Customers can still get service at tables or outdoors.

Crowds came out on July 4th to Rehoboth Beach, as seen from atop the Atlantic Sands.(Photo: Chuck Snyder/Special to Delaware News Journal)

Current reopening plans allow restaurants to have up to 60% of the people who would be allowed in the building by the fire marshal, not including staff, but they must still adhere to social distancing guidelines. Some have increased outdoor seating to try to accommodate more diners.

Carney's additional restriction on beach bars means bar seating within restaurants is also off-limits. Those bar restrictions have not yet been lifted.

People are encouraged to call ahead for reservationsand to check on any changes in normal operating hours or other restrictions.

Hot weather and clear skies brought thousands of visitors to Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Social distancing did not appear to be followed very strictly on either the beach or boardwalk, with mask usage also not ubiquitous.(Photo: Chuck Snyder/Special to Delaware News Journal)

That 60% capacity cap also applies to personal care services such as hair and nail salons, tanning, tattoo, massage therapy services and spasthat were previously required to keep occupancy at 30%.

No additional announcements have been made on when Delaware will enter phase three of the state's rolling reopening plan. For more details on the state's reopening, go togovernor.delaware.gov/delawares-recovery.

Parking permits or metered parking are in effect in all of Delaware's beach towns from Lewes to Fenwick Island.

In Lewes, city officials are supporting businesses by offering free downtown parking from 9 a.m. to noon for shoppers. Rehoboth Beach is offering free parking on Monday nights through Sept. 14, and Dewey Beach also offers free parking in the evening Monday through Wednesday. Bethany Beach, too, is offering free parking from 4-11 p.m. onTuesdays in August, followed by a whole month of free parking in September.

Each town has different rules and rates for parking. For more information, visit an individual beach town's website or call Town Hall in the beach town you plan to visit before arriving.

Below are links to each oceanfront beach town's parking policies:

Bans on out-of-state travelers and short-term rentalswerelifted in early June. Delaware's reopening plan saysleisure travel "should be avoided" at this time, but it's allowed if people and businesses can adhere to social-distancing-related recommendations, according to the state.

Meanwhile, Delaware has been on and off ofquarantine lists for a few neighboring states, but as of Thursday, Aug. 26, First State travelers were in the clear.

Delaware hotels and other accommodations are accepting reservations for vacation stays, though there may be limits and restrictions in gathering areas like lobbies.

Delaware's daily DART beach bus service is running. People can take advantage of the Park & Ride options in Lewes and Rehoboth to avoid heavy beach traffic south of Lewes.

Face coverings are required on public transportation.

Hot weather and clear skies brought thousands of visitors to Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Social distancing did not appear to be followed very strictly on either the beach or boardwalk, with mask usage also not universal.(Photo: Chuck Snyder/Special to Delaware News Journal)

The Lewes Park & Ride is at 17616 Coastal Highway, just south of Five Points, and the Rehoboth Park & Ride is off Route 1 at 20055 Shuttle Road, just north of the entrance to Rehoboth Avenue. Parking is free at both lots.

Cash-only fare for aone-way trip,due upon boarding, is $2, and an all-day daily pass is $4.20. Seven-daypasses also are available for $18, while a 30-day pass costs$65. For more information, go towww.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/beachbus/index.shtml#parkride.

DART's beach connection, which runs from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach on weekends and holidays, is also now available.

This weekend's weather forecast might put a damper on some people's beach plansunless the rain holds off. Forecasts can change as the weekend gets closer.

The National Weather Service forecast for Friday, Aug. 28,inRehoboth Beach is mostly sunny with a high near 87degrees. There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening.

Saturday will be mostly cloudy, windy and likely rainywith a high near 84degrees. There is a 60% chance of showers, mainly after 3 p.m. Patchy fog is expected in the morning, before 9 a.m.

Sunday should be a breezy, sunny day with a high near 80.

Water temperatures off the coast of Lewes are reaching thehigh 70s this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As of Friday, Aug. 28, Delaware hasseen a total of 16,976 cases since the first case was detected in March, data shows.

Of those cases, 7,927have beenin New Castle County, the most populated county in the state. Another 6,208 have been detected in Sussex County.

The pandemic has been linked to the deaths of 604people in Delaware.So far, over 228,000 people have been tested statewide, and 9,101 people have recovered from the viral disease. As of Friday, Aug. 27, 57 people were hospitalized in Delaware, 15of whom were considered critical.

Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608,mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford.

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Manti Te’o introduces fans to the real ‘Mrs. Te’o’ after beach wedding – New York Post

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The COVID-19 pandemic didnt dampen Manti Teos wedding day.

Over the weekend, the NFL linebacker who was at the center of a catfishing scandal in 2013 revealed he had married longtime love Jovi Nicole on Saturday in an intimate beach ceremony.

I couldnt give you the world but I think I did betterI gave you my last name and it looks good on you Mrs. Teo, Teo captioned the Instagram snaps from the couples special day.

Jovi, a personal trainer, also shared a collection of photos from the pairs nuptials, which had been altered due to the global health crisis.

Yesterday I got to marry my best friend and the love of my life in an intimate beach ceremony, Jovi posted. Although this was not how we envisioned our ceremony, it was perfect. We will be having our reception and celebration when Temples and venues open back up so we can share this special occasion with our families and I couldnt be more excited. #joviteo.

Teo was first linked to Jovi in early 2016.

Prior to his romance with Jovi, the 29-year-old athlete fell victim to an elaborate hoax, in which his terminally ill girlfriend is said to have never existed.

Teo was selected 38th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 NFL Draft. Four years later, he signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. Teo is currently a free agent.

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Swimming advisory issued for Shell Point Beach due to high levels of bacteria – WTXL ABC 27

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WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla.(WTXL) The Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County has issued a high bacterial level advisory for Shell Point Beach.

Officials say swimming is not recommended at this time due to an increased risk of illness.

DOH-Wakulla will be conducting follow up sampling and testing and will remove the advisory when levels are within an acceptable range.

In order to protect the health of the public visiting Floridas coastal and intracoastal waters, DOH-Wakulla has been systematically sampling the local beach waters for indicators of human and animal pathogens.

Authorities say enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals.

The presence of enteric bacteria in beach water can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.

If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and are ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause human disease, infections or rashes.

For more information, visit the Florida Healthy Beaches website here.

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Swimming advisory issued for Shell Point Beach due to high levels of bacteria - WTXL ABC 27

Marthas Vineyard beach named the best on the East Coast, beating out Florida, Jersey Shore – MassLive.com

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If youre looking for a bit of last minute summer fun, it might be worth checking out Marthas Vineyard.

Rough Guides, a global travel brand that provides travel advice, named Menemsha Beach the best beach on the East Coast.

Calm waters lap the shore of the peaceful haven of Menemsha Beach in Massachusetts, which boasts sprawling views of the Elizabeth Islands and surf ideal for relaxed swimming, Rough Guides wrote. Make sure you stay for sundown, as Menemsha Beach is most stunning come early evening, when its one of the best spots to catch sunset on the island.

The Chilmark beach beat out multiple Florida beaches, including Siesta Beach in Sarasota and South Beach in Miami. Neither made the top three.

Coney Island in New York and Cape May, New Jersey were ranked second and third on the list.

With more states spanning the coastline than its western counterpart, the best East Coast beaches in the USA, reaching from ruggedly charming Maine down to the tropical climes of Florida, offer style and substance to rival the most famous west coast beauty spots, the website states.

Earlier this year Race Point Beach in Provincetown was one of only two New England beaches to land on Trip Advisors top 25 list.

On that list Florida and Hawaii cluttered the top 25. Four Florida beaches fell within the top five with Floridas Siesta Beach in Siesta Key ranking No. 1.

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Nearly 2 dozen vehicles found with slashed tires in Eaglewood area of Virginia Beach – WAVY.com

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) An act of vandalism marred what should have been a typical Sunday morning for residents in the Eaglewood area of Virginia Beach.

They woke up to find their tires slashed.

Troy Brimmer lives in Eaglewood. He provided WAVY TV 10 surveillance video that shows individuals going around the neighborhood vandalizing cars that were parked along the street.

If you listen closely, you can actually hear the air escaping from a newly slashed tire in the video.

You feel violated. You get upset when you see this happening to your neighbors, said Brimmer.

He first noticed the damage on his Sunday morning walk.

I was walking my dog this morning and I saw a few people working on their cars. I thought they were just getting a little work done on the weekend until I noticed car after car and really, as Im walking my dog, I just saw a whole string of cars with flat tires, he said.

Brimmer said it wasnt long before he put the pieces together.

On the Nextdoor app a lot of people were alerting each other and I had three neighbors right in a row all three changing tires at the same time as well as many others. So, you could definitely see that this was a little bit more than your typical vandalism, he said.

Almost every car along Dove Drive, parts of Woodcock Lane, and parts of Hummingbird Lane had damage to either one or two tires.

I dont feel good, said resident Joe Doherty.

He had two of his vehicles damaged. He says he didnt realize one of them until he was already driving and had to change the tire on a busy road.

You need to test drive your vehicles today because even if it doesnt look like it flat, it could be flat, he offered as advice.

Doherty seemed in good spirits despite the damage, but pointed out he feels like the people responsible were being inconsiderate.

If 22 vehicles, according to the police, have flat tires, thats in the neighborhood of $5,000. When does that add up? And its disrupting everybodys life. Why do it, you know? said Doherty.

Officers are investigating several destruction of property cases of vehicles in the Eaglewood area. If you reside in the area and have discovered damage to your vehicle overnight please call Virginia Beach Police non emergency at 385-5000 to file a police report @CityofVaBeach

Brimmer said the only good thing he saw from this was his neighbors willingness to help each other.

Police are still investigating this incident. If you are in the area and believe your vehicle was damaged, youre encouraged to reach the Virginia Beach non-emergency number at 757-385-5000 and file a report.

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Man shot and killed on 405 Freeway in Seal Beach – Los Angeles Times

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Authorities are searching for a suspect who shot and killed a motorist on the 405 Freeway in Seal Beach on Saturday.

Officers responded shortly after 6 p.m. to reports of shots fired on the northbound freeway, just south of the 605 Freeway, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement.

They found a light blue Hyundai Elantra in the center divider area; inside was a man in his mid-20s who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound, according to investigators. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not released.

Investigators are looking for a white Mercedes-Benz S550 that witnesses described as the suspect vehicle, the CHP said.

The Hyundai had also collided with a maroon Honda before coming to a stop, authorities said. That driver remained on the scene and was cooperating with the investigation.

The northbound lanes of the 405 were shut down for about six hours while police investigated. Anyone with information was asked to call the California Highway Patrols Westminster Area office at (714) 892-4426.

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Man shot and killed on 405 Freeway in Seal Beach - Los Angeles Times

Locals rediscover streets and beaches in resorts absent of foreign tourists – The Guardian

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It is usually the domain of hangover-nursing sunbathers and rowdy tourists getting an early start on beach parties. But this year as quarantines, restrictions and advisories take a toll on travel the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of Magaluf on the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca have some new visitors: Mallorcans.

This is the first time weve ever come Mallorcans do not come to Magaluf, laughed Laura, 31, as she settled in for a day on the beach with her friends. We came this year only because we knew there were no tourists.

Its a scene playing out across Europe as locals reclaim sites ceded long ago to throngs of tourists. Plazas once filled with the sounds of suitcases rattling over cobblestones now ring with childrens voices, while near-vacant landmarks offer locals an intimate experience of the top sights in their backyards.

Earlier this year Mallorcans began quietly spreading word of a nearly deserted, picture-perfect beach, resulting in a stream of locals traipsing out to Magaluf.

I would have never brought my daughter here before, Consuelo Merchante told the news website Ultima Hora. It was her first time visiting Magalufs beach in four decades. We stayed away because of the British tourists, she said.

The novelty of being a hometown tourist, however, comes at a steep cost. In Magaluf and across tourist sites in Europe, the backdrop is one of shuttered shops and hotels, hinting at the devastating economic impact of the plunge in tourists.

Its bittersweet, said Vesna Celebic, a tour guide in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. In recent years locals had resigned themselves to sharing the walled old town with millions of visitors, enduring the relentless arrivals of mammoth cruise ships and the clatter of helicopter tours overhead.

Then the pandemic brought these drawbacks into sharp relief. At the moment its wonderful, she said. The old town is definitely the place that the locals reclaimed. Now you see a lot of kids riding bikes and playing soccer in some of the public squares, you hear the locals again. You hear the local language.

Still, the dire reality facing the tourism-dependent city was unescapable. Celebic had just wrapped up her fifth tour of the season, when normally she would have racked up 100 or so at this point. The things is, there is this economic disaster looming upon us, she said.

In Italy, cities and beaches usually thronged with foreign tourists have become a draw for Italians. Locals have flocked to the Riviera Romagnola, a stretch of golden beaches overlooking the Adriatic sea.

With the advent of low-cost flights to foreign destinations, young Italians had preferred to spend their holidays in Spain or Greece, the deputy mayor of Rimini, Gloria Lisi, told the Guardian.

But the pandemic appears to have reversed this flow, with the riviera now playing host to a crop of first-time visitors. This summer, Rimini is crowded with people in their 20s who come from neighbouring regions. This hasnt happened for decades.

At some of the continents most popular landmarks, the emptiness itself has become an attraction. Last month photos circulated online of nearly deserted rooms at the Louvre gallery in Paris, in jarring contrast to last year when almost 10 million people passed through its doors.

The chance to take in some of the worlds best art without elbowing through crowds has been a draw for some. Morning at the Louvre to take advantage of the lack of tourists, author Mira Kamdar wrote on Twitter last week. Paris as we Parisians rarely get to experience it.

For many, its an experience that has been tempered by fears over what lies ahead for the economy in Europe, where tourism contributes about 10% of the GDP. In Spain, one industry lobby group estimated that the steep fall in tourists could translate to nearly 100bn (90bn) in lost revenues, with the Balearic Islands, home to Magaluf, and Catalonia expected to be among the hardest-hit regions.

In Barcelona, which before the pandemic was receiving an average of 155,000 visitors a day, arrivals have slowed to a trickle. Tourism had been pushing out residents, in some ways, said Arlene Bayliss, a marketing professional based in the city. Now its the reverse: its tourists that get lost among the locals.

She is now seeing the city in a new light, marvelling at the ability to snap photos alone on the steps of the citys cathedral, or use the time she had once spent navigating a sea of tourists to focus on the citys stunning architecture.

The lack of visitors, coupled with the departure of city residents on August vacations, has emptied the usual tourist haunts such as the Gothic quarter. You can wander through and theres not a soul, she said. Then you come across a plaza filled with locals and kids playing. Its very different.

The situation has demonstrated what is at stake for cities and other hotspots in striking a balance between attracting tourists and catering for local residents.

Celebic, the tour guide in Dubrovnik, raised the issue of packed public transport and the proliferation of tourist flats that price out residents. While I think this is a disaster and economically its scary, I think its also a moment to pause and reflect, she said. Tourism should be a pleasure, not only for those coming in but also for those staying in and residing in [the city].

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Locals rediscover streets and beaches in resorts absent of foreign tourists - The Guardian

Here are eight traffic initiatives planned for Pensacola Beach this off season – Pensacola News Journal

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Escambia County is planning eight traffic initiatives on Pensacola Beach during the off season.

With the exception of a $1.8 million access road that has been planned for years, most of the projects do not include new construction.Rather, they are meant to reconfigure traffic to improve safety and flow, as well as increase parking.

Commissioner Robert Bender, who represents the beach and will propose the projects to the Escambia County Commission for approval, said the other seven projects will likely total under $500,000. The projects are much smaller than the massive overhauls of the traffic infrastructure that have been studiedin the past.

Most recently, a$9.2 millionplan for a roundabout is on hold because Bender said the county didn't have the funding for it and he still has questions about how well it would operate.

Eight traffic improvement initiatives are planned for this offseason on Pensacola Beach. They include a new access road near Quietwater and the restriping of the Casino Beach parking lot, and improving parking lot exits. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

"They are all projects that we saw were short-term improvements that, again, were a better use of the existing space. None of them would impact the ability to do any future plans," Bender said.

The off-season efforts are in addition to adjustments to the traffic signal system to help with record high traffic,which includehaving an engineer watch intersections and operate signals during the busy weekends.

Rusty Branch,executive director of the Escambia CountyDestination Marketing Organization, said hoteliers on the beach want the county to follow the previous studies on how to improve traffic, like the roundabout plan.

"Small Band-aids aren't going to fix the traffic problem. They're going to continue to be there. And we saw that bared out this year during June when the toll booth was open and we had large numbers coming through," Branch said. "The engineers have told us that you have two choke points, the toll booth itself and thenthe signalized intersection. If you're going to open a free flow of traffic on Pensacola Beach, you have to deal with both of those."

On the other side,Rhonda Dorfman, who lives near Fort Pickens and is vice president of Pensacola Beach Advocates, said her organization didn't support the roundabout plan because it would be confusing to tourists. She said she's seen improvements in traffic flow on the beach with the signalized light and cashless tollchanges.

"As far as all the proposed changes, I am in support of everything that they're doing," Dorfman said. "(Especially) if they want to try to repave that parking lot, because the residents do feel that the parking is the issue as far as with traffic and everything."

The access road will be two lanes and run from Quietwater to the fishing pier parallel to Pensacola Beach Boulevard and include a continuous sidewalk. The idea is to provide better access to Quietwater and the businesses on the east side.

"We're trying to just do a better job with managing the space that's already here," Bender said. "We think that it will actually have some great improvements for everybody out here."

Escambia County staff found that if crews changed the striping of the Casino Beach parking lot, they could add an additional 120 spaces, or an entire lane of parking, to the existing 1,252 spaces.

Instead of the current 90 degree-angled parking spots with two-way aisles, next year, the parking lot will have 45 degree-angled spots with one-way aisles.

Crews also plan to restripe the Bob Sikes Bridge bike lane and install a barrier. Along with that effort, the number of toll booth lanes will drop to two to provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians as they enter the island.

"This way you can get across the bridge safely and now that you only have two lanes from the toll plaza, you're not going to have somebody try to cut you off as you've just gotten off the bridge and so we think this is important for pedestrian safety," Bender said.

Once the toll was converted to cashless earlier this year, the county has kept only two toll lanes open. The idea is that it avoids cars needing to merge back into two lanes after the plaza.

Bender said residents still have a lot of questions about why there are only two lanes open but during the busiest four hours, an average of 245 more cars have gone through the toll than in previous years.

Crews will also improve the bike lane or trail markings along the southbound section of Pensacola Beach Boulevard. Bender said a lot of vehicles don't recognize it as a pedestrian access and pull over on it.

Often during the busiest times on the beach, traffic coming from the Fort Pickens area doesn't let traffic exit from the Casino Beach parking lot, so much so that sheriff's deputies have to control traffic at times.

To solve this, the county plans to change around the configuration of the lanes on Fort Pickens Road as it approaches the Pensacola Beach Boulevard intersection.

Accessibility: Much-anticipated Pensacola Bay Bridge pedestrian path opens to public

Infrastructure: Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach interchange could be in store for major changes

System changes: Pensacola Beach traffic system explained: How Escambia County is adapting after record June

Currently, there is an acceleration lane in front of the Surf and Sand Hotel. That will be turned into a left turn lane onto Pensacola Beach Road to shift the lanes over and allow spaces for a lane exclusively for those exiting the Casino Beach parking lot.

Once onto Fort Pickens Road, Casino Beach traffic will have to merge after the exclusive area ends.

"Giving this protected area to the cars exiting the beach parking lot we think would again help traffic flow within the parking lot and then also cars that are coming down Fort Pickens," Bender said.

The county has plans to extend the right turn lane on Pensacola Beach Boulevard to Fort Pickens Road by 800 feet and use the existing asphalt on the road.

The county completed a one-hour study between 9 and 10 a.m.the Saturday before Memorial Day this year that showed36% of the cars turned right at the intersection.

Bender said while this won't necessarilybe needed in the off season,it will allow more cars to exit the main lanes at the light.

Bender is also proposing a u-turn on Pensacola Beach Boulevard just south of the toll plaza. This will provide another option, in addition to the access road, for cars leaving the Grand Marlin area to turn left.

"You're not going to feel like you're adding a lot of time just by going up a few extra hundred feet to make a u-turn. More importantly though, this is safer way to make that left turn from the parking lots on the east side of Pensacola Beach," he said.

Escambia County will begin a marketing campaign to educate beachgoers about other transportation options on the beach, including the ferry from downtown to Fort Pickens as well as the beach trolley and shuttle service.

"It's really just a marketing campaign that we can do. ... Let everybody know what the options are, let our visitors know that maybeyou don't need to take your car to Quietwater in the evening. You can grab the trolley," Bender said.

Madison Arnold can be reached at marnold@pnj.com and 850-435-8522.

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Here are eight traffic initiatives planned for Pensacola Beach this off season - Pensacola News Journal

Beach Road Reconstruction Work Set to Begin Sept. 8 – The Vineyard Gazette – Martha’s Vineyard News

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The long-planned reconstruction of a half-mile stretch of Beach Road in Vineyard Haven is scheduled to begin Sept. 8, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced.

Running from Five Corners to the start of the bike path at Winds Up, the $5.2 million project has been years in the making and aims to improve the main artery running along a busy stretch of coastal road toward the Marthas Vineyard Hospital.

MassDOT is performing the road work, scheduled to take place between Labor Day and Memorial Day for the next three years.

The reconstruction project will include widening and adding sidewalks, relocating utility poles that currently block pedestrians and adding a separated path to take cyclists and other users between Winds Up and Tisbury Marketplace.

From the marketplace to Five Corners there will be sidewalks only, said Bill Veno, a senior planner at the Marthas Vineyard Commission who worked with the state and Tisbury to design the plan.

There was never any intent to run the shared use path all the way to Five Corners, Mr. Veno said, speaking to the Gazette by phone Monday.

Under the new layout, a network of planned and existing town paths will allow inbound cyclists to reach downtown Vineyard Haven and the ferry terminal without sharing Beach Road, by following a route from the marketplace to Cromwell Lane, Mr. Veno said.

The plan is part of the commissions long-term goal of linking and extending the Islands network of shared-use paths for cyclists, walkers and joggers, Mr. Veno said.

The next project is scheduled to [go out to] bid this fall, and thats to continue the shared-use path from the drawbridge to the end of County Road, and then the next phase is on to Oak Bluffs, Mr. Veno said.

Like a lot of planning, its been a long time coming, but all the pieces are coming together.

Finalized by the state in 2018, the Beach Road project originally was slated to be finished by 2021. The new completion date is 2023, according to an announcement from Mass DOT that went out from Tisbury police chief Mark Saloio late last week.

The announcement includes a detailed schedule of road detours that will be in effect once construction begins.

From 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, depending on the weather, motorists can expect delays, temporary lane closures and detours, the announcement said. A one-way westbound detour will be used, as needed, to facilitate travel to and from the ferry terminal.

Emergency vehicle access will not be restricted.

The westbound detour will begin on Beach Road in Oak Bluffs and will continue as follows:

Beach Road to Eastville Ave to County Road;

County Road to Barnes Road;

Barnes Road to Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road;

Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road to State Road.

For additional information from MassDOT, motorists can dial 511 or visit the mass511.com website for real-time updates. The department also has a mobile app and a Twitter account, @MassDOT.

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Beach Road Reconstruction Work Set to Begin Sept. 8 - The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News

Bethel Park’s Psotka taking Division I volleyball talents to the beach | Trib HSSN – TribLIVE

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By: Michael LoveMonday, August 31, 2020 | 2:18 PM

Lynda Scahill | Simply Sisters Photography

Bethel Park senior outside hitter Alexa Psotka earned second-team All-WPIAL Class AAAA honors in 2019.

Submitted by Dalibor Psotka

Alexa Psotka attempts to keep the ball alive during a sand volleyball tournament match in Columbus, Ohio, this summer.

Alexa Psotka is looking forward to putting her feet in the sand on the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina.

No, shes not eyeing up a sunny and warm vacation spot but rather a golden opportunity in volleyball at the Division I level.

The Bethel Park senior standout recently gave a verbal commitment to play volleyball at the College of Charleston. It is a package deal as she will join the regular hard court indoor squad and also hopes to make her mark in beach volleyball, a sport that is on the rise in the NCAA.

The campus is beautiful, and the volleyball program has an amazing coaching staff with a very high level of play, said Psotka, an All-WPIAL second-team selection at outside hitter last season.

The opportunity to play beach is an added bonus. It is just a great fit for me. I am really excited.

Psotka, who also garnered Division I interest from schools such as Akron, Rhode Island and Wisconsin Green Bay, connected with the College of Charleston coaches while attending an on-campus camp last summer, and the idea of also playing beach volleyball was born.

Most of the players in the program at the College of Charleston play on both the indoor and beach volleyball teams.

The Cougars beach program was one of 64 at the NCAA Division I level for the 2019-20 season. There also were 16 at the Division II level and five in Division III with several others hoping to join.

Kaitlin Fournier, a senior at Elizabeth Forward, committed to play volleyball at the University of Georgia last December, and the Bulldogs athletic department is exploring the possibility of adding beach volleyball to its ranks.

Psotka, also a member of the Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball club, said it is a relief to have the decision finalized.

I had visits set up for a few other schools, and unfortunately, they had to cancel, said Psotka, whose father, Dalibor, is a former Czech ice hockey world champion and a former professional player in the U.S.

I was really nervous about all of it with the pandemic. Everything was on pause. It was stressful because the NCAA kept pushing back the dead period. I was kind of losing hope. But then it started picking back up, and everything went well. Now, I can just focus on what (College of Charleston head coach Jason Kepner) wants me to improve on before I head to college.

Lynda Scahill, Pittsburgh Elite founder and coach, knows the type of player and person the College of Charleston is getting.

Alexas a very hard-working kid and a fierce competitor, Scahill said. (Coach Kepner) is really excited to have her come into the program. She is the first from the area, that I am aware of, who will play beach volleyball in a collegiate setting.

In the first couple months of the quarantine shutdown in many parts of Pennsylvania, Psotka hoped to find a place to train. She turned to an opportunity out of state at the Elite Volleyball Training Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Pennsylvania opened up in early June under the green phase of recovery, and Psotka returned to hard-court training with her Pitt Elite teammates. But, on the encouragement of the training center staff, she continued to travel to Columbus twice a week throughout the summer to train and play in doubles tournaments on the centers beach courts with Pittsburgh Elite teammate Charlie Allison, a Washington County resident who attends The Linsly School in Wheeling, W.Va.

We got a lot of good experience on the sand courts this summer, Psotka said. We played against some of the best players in the country. I think it also really helped with my indoor skills.

Psotka also trained close to home during the pandemic quarantine. Her parents set up a net in the back yard, and she would also set out on running workouts to stay fit.

Weight training also was a staple of her fitness regimen. Former Pittsburgh Penguins star Tyler Kennedy, a family friend and Dalibors hockey training colleague, helped Alexa by providing training equipment and tips for workouts in the basement of her home.

Psotka said shes motivated to begin the girls volleyball season. Bethel Park hopes to return to the WPIAL playoffs after missing out last fall.

The Black Hawks advanced to the WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals in 2018, and Psotka earned second-team All-Section 2 recognition.

We had a lot of skill last year, but it just didnt fall into place for us, Psotka said. We really bonded as a team over the summer, and the chemistry among the players is strong. I think we have everything we need, and we should be a team everyone wants to beat.

Bethel Park coach Brooke Muraco likes what she sees from Psotka as a team leader.

Alexa is a solid outside hitter for us with a ton of energy, Muraco said. Her skills are helping the team become a well-oiled machine.

Michael Love is a Tribune-Review Staff Writer. You can contact Michael by email at mlove@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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Bethel Park's Psotka taking Division I volleyball talents to the beach | Trib HSSN - TribLIVE