EFTA00150469.pdf

From: To: Subject: - u Ic airs ews rie mg on ay, u y , Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2020 10:30:01 +0000 Important Normal e: Mobile version and searchable archives available at fbi.bulletinintelligence.com. FBI News Briefing TO: THE DIRECTOR AND SENIOR STAFF DATE: MONDAY, JULY 27, 2020 6:30 AM EDT TODAY'S TABLE OF CONTENTS LEADING THE NEWS • 18 Charged By DO3 In Connection With Violence In Portland. PROTESTS • Black Activists, White Militia Group Protest In Louisville. • Seattle Mayor, Washington Governor Object To Plan To Send In Federal Agents. • Lightfoot Says She Won't Allow Federal Agents To "Play Police" In Chicago. • Cleveland Mayor, Police Chief Seek To Calm Unease About Federal Agents. • US Charges Philadelphia Man With Stealing From Bank During Protests. • Trump: Protesters "Are Actually Anarchists Who Hate Our Country." • Cotton Says Founders Called Slavery A "Necessary Evil." • Protests Turned Violent In Several Cities Over The Weekend. • Gun Purchases Rise Among Black Americans In Response To Pandemic, Protests. • Sharpton: Trump Running On "A Platform Of Race-Baiting And Fear." • AP Analysis: "Cancel Culture" Movement Ill-Defined. • Lexington, Virginia Reexamines Its Confederate History. • Some Minneapolis Residents Establishing Armed Patrols. • WPost Al: Sons Of Confederate Veterans Building New Confederate Monuments As Others Fall. • Protests Have Idea Of Slavery Reparations Receiving Increased Attention. COUNTER-TERRORISM • Arizona Woman Arrested For Attempting To Send Money To Al-Qaeda. • Defense Attorney Demands FBI Release Paperwork In Connection To Virginia White Nationalist Case. • Texas Man Indicted Over Bomb Detonation. • 9/11 Trial Faces Another Delay As New Guantanamo Lawyer Wants 30 Months To Prepare. • Compensation Disparity For 1998 Embassy Bombing Victims Could Derail Efforts To Remove Sudan From Terror List. • Peter Kassig's Family Calls On Trump Administration To Bring ISIS Members To Trial In US. • Hezbollah Says All-out War With Israel Unlikely In Coming Months. COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE • Graham: FBI Lied To Congress About Steele Dossier EFTA00150469 • Sarah Sanders Says New FBI Documents Are More Evidence Of "Mass Conspiracy" Against Trump. • Trump Raises Prospect Of "Really Bad" Revelations In John Durham Investigation. • Op-Ed: Republicans And Democrats May Regret Wanting Mueller To Testify Again. • Trump Open To Pardoning 2016 Campaign Staffers. • Singaporean Man Pleads Guilty To Acting As Chinese Spy. • Chinese Researcher Who Took Refuge In San Francisco Consulate Charged With Lying About Military Status. • Lawsuit Accuses Virginia Man Of Stealing Trade Secrets From Navy Contractor. • DO) Opposes Early Release For Imprisoned Leaker Reality Winner. • NCSC Director Warns China, Russia, Iran Looking To Disrupt 2020 Election, Calls For Sharing Threat Information With Voters. • Questions Raised About Neutrality Of Ukrainian Group Hired As Facebook Fact Checkers. • New Intelligence-Community Al Principles Seek To Make Tools Useful. • EU Data Watchdogs Warn No Grace Period After Schrems II Privacy Shield Ruling. • New UK Report Offers Insights On British Intelligence. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Why VA Hospital Employee Gave Several Veterans Deadly Insulin Doses Is Still Unknown. • Suspect In Killing Of Federal Judge's Son Had List Of Other Potential Targets. • California Man Charged With Smuggling Roman-Era Mosaic From Syria. • Search Continues For Missing Amish Teen In Pennsylvania. • FBI Supporting Manhunt For Ohio Men Connected To Murder Of Toddler. • Continuing Coverage: FBI Supporting Michigan Murder Investigation. • Indiana Police Investigating Shooting Death Of Woman. • Arizona Man Indicted Over Murder • Vermont Sex Offender Charged With Child Pornography Possession. • Oklahoma Police Investigating Fatal Shooting. • Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating 2019 Murders Of Father, Son. • FBI Supporting Double Murder Investigation In Georgia. • FBI Investigating ATM Robbery In Missouri. • Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating Disappearance Of Iowa Teenager • FBI Continuing Investigation Into Shooting At California Garlic Festival. • Rhode Island Man Arrested In Georgia After Faking Death. • Virginia Men Arrested Following Escape From Juvenile Correctional Center • Continuing Coverage: California Police Arrest Parents In Connection To Toddler's Disappearance. • Texas Teacher Arrested For Solicitation Of Minor • New Jersey Man Sentenced Over Drug Possession. • Former California Mayor To Be Tried In October For Bribery. • Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating Missouri Lobbyist. • Colorado Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Drug Sales. • Records Link Two Former Law Enforcement Workers To Raided Marijuana Business. • Connection Between Search Operation In Maine, Drug Offender Highlighted. • Authorities: 18 People Charged In Connection With Massachusetts Drug Investigation. • Suspect Arrested In Connection With Anti-Crime Operation Facing Drug Charges. • Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Men Accused Of Distributing Fentanyl. • FBI Asking For Public's Help To Track Down Fugitive. • Two Plead Guilty To Participating In Scheme To Smuggle Drugs Into Jail In Ohio. • Meth Case Defendant Sentenced To Nearly 27 Years In Prison. FINANCIAL CRIME & CORPORATE SCANDALS EFTA00150470 • WSJournal Al: Goldman Sachs To Pay Malaysia Billions For Role In 1MBD Scandal. • Ohio GOP Looking To Replace House Speaker Arrested In Bribery Probe. • Ex-Head Of Howard University Bursar's Office Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement. • Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement. • US Charges New York Man With $6.9M Fraud. • Woman Pleads Guilty To Orchestrating $400M Ponzi Scheme In California. • CEO Of Virginia Startup Faces Federal Fraud Charges. • Executive At Defunct Ohio Firm Charged With Fraud. • Indivior To Pay $600M To Resolve Allegations Concerning Illicit Scheme To Raise Prescriptions Of Opioid Treatment. CYBER DIVISION • New Report Finds Election Officials Are Vulnerable to Email Attacks. • Sources Report Garmin Global Outage Caused By Ransomware Attack. • Op-Ed: Cyberespionage Is Now A Permanent Part Of Geopolitics. • Russia's GRU Hackers Hit US Government And Energy Targets. • FBI Warns US Companies About Backdoors In Chinese Tax Software. • WPost: Countries Should Be Figuring Out To Share Vaccine Information, Not Steal It. • European Commission Says EU Countries Must Urgently Diversify SG Suppliers. • France Says It's Not Banning Huawei Though Phase Out Started. • Op-Ed: Cyberattack Attribution And International Law Is Not Well Understood. • CISA, NSA Release Security Advisory On Operational Technology. • WSJournal Welcomes EU Report Calling For 5G Diversification. LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES • US Prison Population Fell 8% Between March, June. • Report On Alabama Prisons Finds That Corrections Officers Often Utilized Excessive Force. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS • Harry Dunn's Parents Drop Legal Claim Against Police Force. OTHER FBI NEWS • Female FBI Trainees Lose Bid To Block Reprisals In Bias Lawsuit. OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Meadows, Mnuchin Say GOP Relief Bill Coming Monday. • White House Launching Regional Media Campaign In COVID Hot Spots. • Trump Says Pelosi, Biden Opposed His Decision To Ban Travelers From China. • AP-NORC Poll Shows Trump's Approval On Virus Falling. • Meadows Defends US Coronavirus Testing Regime. • Meadows Expects "Good News" On Therapeutics And Vaccine In Coming Weeks. • CDC Echoes Trump's Recommendation That Schools Reopen. • Nursing Homes Say FEMA Sent Them Faulty PPE. • Fauci Discusses Resumption Of Pro Sports Seasons. • Florida's COVID Case Count Surpasses New York's. • California Sees Consecutive Days Of Record Fatalities. • Houston Had More COVID Deaths In July Than Previous Four Months Combined. • Some Police Chiefs, Sheriffs Won't Enforce State Mask Mandates. • Texas Family Contracts Coronavirus Despite Efforts To Protect Themselves. • WTimes Analysis: Administration Believes DACA Ruling Confirms Executive Action Authority. INTERNATIONAL NEWS EFTA00150471 • WPost Analysis: US Global Standing "At A Low Ebb," Made Worse By Pandemic. • North Korea Locks Down Border Town As First Suspected COVID Cases Emerges. • Latin America's Coronavirus Case Tally Surpasses Combined Total Of US, Canada. • Mexico Raises Spring Death Toll For 20 Of 32 States. • Spain Reimposes Lockdowns On Some Bars And Beaches. • Russia Seizes Control Of Two Libyan Oil Facilities. • Hook: Dispute Between Qatar, Neighbors Has Gone On Too Long. • McConnell, Rubio Defend NCSC Official Over Remarks On Election Interference. • Debt Of Developing Nations Could Pose World's Next Economic Crisis. THE BIG PICTURE • Headlines From Today's Front Pages. WASHINGTON'S SCHEDULE • Today's Events In Washington. LEADING THE NEWS 18 Charged By DO) In Connection With Violence In Portland. Reuters (7/24) reports that on Friday, the Justice Department "said it has arrested 18 people and charged them for alleged crimes committed during recent anti-racism protests in Portland." Billy Williams, the Portland United States Attorney, "said that five people were charged for allegedly committing crimes including assaulting a federal officer, trespassing and creating a disturbance during protests on the night of July 20-21. Prosecutors said that seven people have been charged in connection with criminal conduct during a July 21-22 night protest. Another six were charged for their alleged actions in protests during the night of July 22-23." The CBS Evening NewsVi (7/24, story 9, 1:52, O'Donnell, 4.11M) provided similar coverage. Federal Agents Move Against Portland Protesters After Judge Denies Injunction. The New York Times (7/25, Baker, Fuller, Olmos, 18.61M) reports "dozens of federal officers in camouflage and tactical gear" advanced on protesters in Portland Friday, moving two blocks from the courthouse they were sent to protect and "stretching the legal limits of federal law enforcement." The move comes after District Judge Michael W. Mosman on Friday struck down a lawsuit from the state attorney general's office seeking to prevent federal officers from acting to stop violent protests. In a Friday interview, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum called the action "absolutely improper" and "beyond their authority." In another article, the New York Times (7/24, Fuller, 18.61M) says the lawsuit "called on the court to order the agents to stop arresting individuals without probable cause and to clearly identify themselves and their agency before detaining or arresting 'any person off the streets in Oregon." In his ruling, Mosman held the AG "did not have standing to bring the case because it had not shown that the issue was 'an interest that is specific to the state itself." The Hill (7/24, Axelrod, 2.98M) reports Mosman's "ruling comes a day after another federal judge issued a restraining order barring federal officers from arresting or using force against journalists and legal observers at the demonstrations." Bloomberg (7/24, Roth, Nayak, 4.73M) says the ruling "probably means the end of the lawsuit and could make it harder for local officials elsewhere to resist deployments of federal agents, said Stanford Law School professor David Sklansky." According to the AP (7/25, Flaccus, Cline), "six federal officers were injured and one person was arrested" in confrontations that "continued into the early morning Saturday as demonstrations that have happened every night for two months showed no signs of letting up." The AP says "federal agents entered the crowd around 2:30 a.m. Saturday and marched in a EFTA00150472 line down the street, clearing remaining protesters with volleys of tear gas at close range," after the Federal Protective Service declared the gathering an "unlawful assembly." The CBS Weekend NewsVi (7/25, story 10, 1:12, Yuccas, 2.41M) reported "thousands demonstrated again near the federal courthouse" on Friday night, amid intensifying unrest over the presence of federal officers in the city. In addition, "Portland police say protesters shot fireworks and threw objects at federal law enforcement." The Wall Street Journal (7/24, Paul, Lazo, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports the Justice Department earlier on Friday announced charges against 18 people in Portland over alleged crimes at a federal courthouse, including assaulting officers, trespassing, and arson. The Associated Press (7/25, Flaccus, Cline) and The Hill (7/25, Johnson, 2.98M) provide similar coverage of the Saturday morning confrontation. Group Of Veterans Forms Wall At Portland Protest. The New York Times (7/25, Baker, 18.61M) reports "a group of military veterans on Friday joined the front lines of" the protests in Portland, to ensure "federal officers did not infringe on the free speech of protesters." The group formed a wall "in front of a fence erected outside the federal courthouse," and "stayed together until a cloud of tear gas scattered much of the crowd." ABC World News TonightVi (7/25, story 9, 0:51, Norman, 4.36M) reported the veterans were "outraged by video showing federal officers tear gassing and hitting Navy Veteran Christopher David with a baton last week," and joined similar walls being formed by "moms and dads...protecting Black Lives Matter protesters." NBC Nightly NewsVi (7/25, story 14, 0:33, Perry, 3.83M) also reported on the "wall of veterans" briefly. FBI Defends Federal Action In Portland. The Hill (7/25, Moreno, 2.98M) reports the "FBI defended its actions in ongoing confrontations between federal agents and demonstrators in Portland" in a Friday statement, saying it was investigating "specific violations of federal law, including arson, the use of improvised explosive devices, and interstate transportation of stolen goods." Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of Portland's FBI field office, said the agency's "focus is not on membership in particular groups but on individuals who commit violence and criminal activity that constitutes a federal crime or poses a threat to national security," adding that "The FBI does not and will not police ideology." WPost Details Legal Justification For Federal Presence In Portland. In an analysis, the Washington Post (7/25, Vladeck, 14.2M) examines the legal authority President Trump has "to deploy federal law enforcement officers to Portland, Ore., Seattle and other cities." The Post explains that the federal "government lacks a general 'police power," but "may unquestionably use federal law enforcement officers to protect federal buildings like the three U.S. courthouses the Trump administration says it's defending in Portland" and "to arrest those who commit federal crimes." When acting within its constitutional limits, the federal government "can override local and state authority, even when local and state officials object." However, the "deployments might very well be unlawful" if the government deploys "large numbers of federal officers away from federal property in circumstances where there is no evidence of federal crimes." Ayres: Trump Focus On China, Portland Will "Reinforce" Base "On Both Sides." The Wall Street Journal (7/25, Seib, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports President Trump is increasingly focusing on China and the Portland protesters in his 2020 re-election bid. Republican pollster Whit Ayres believes the strategy will not work, and will only serve to "reinforce people who are dug in on both sides." Border Patrol's Elite Bortac Unit Sent To Portland. The Wall Street Journal (7/25, Caldwell, Hackman, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports agents from the Border Patrol's elite Bortac unit have been sent to Portland. Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott explained the decision, saying "FPS needed help, and Bortac was the right team," adding he "didn't want to send line Border Patrol agents" due to the challenges of an "urban environment." EFTA00150473 The AP (7/25, Fox) reports the Department of Homeland Security has also "dispatched air marshals as well as the Customs and Border Protection Special Response Team and even members of the Coast Guard" to the city. Though the deployment "is legal, both under existing law and an executive order President Donald Trump signed June 26," the House Homeland Security Committee plans to hold a "hearing on the federal response to the protests in Portland and Trump's announcement that he plans to send federal agents to Chicago and Albuquerque." PROTESTS Black Activists, White Militia Group Protest In Louisville. The AP (7/25, Easley) reports, "Hundreds of armed, predominantly Black, activists demanded justice for Breonna Taylor during peaceful demonstrations Saturday in her Kentucky hometown that drew counter-protesters from a white militia group." Police sealed off streets and erected barricades to ensure the separation of the two groups "as tensions remained on edge in Louisville, where protests have flared for months over the death of Taylor, a Black woman killed when police busted into her apartment in March." By when Black activists showed up "in the heart of downtown Saturday afternoon, most of the white militia members had already left." The AP adds, "Earlier in the day, three people were accidentally shot at a park where Black activists had gathered, police said. The victims, all of whom were members of the militia group, were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said." The CBS Weekend NewsVi (7/25, story 11, 0:14, Bacchus, 2.41M), ABC World News TonightVi (7/25, story 8, 1:00, Llamas, 4.36M), NBC Nightly NewsVi (7/25, story 13, 1:08, Diaz-Balart, 3.83M), and another NBC Nightly NewsVi (7/25, story 15, 0:13, Diaz-Balart, 3.83M) segment provided similar coverage. Police Arrest 76 Demonstrators In Louisville. The Hill (7/25, Johnson, 2.98M) reports 76 demonstrators in Louisville were arrested Friday after police deemed their assembly an unlawful one. The Hill adds, "Police squared off with a large gathering of protestors who cordoned off Market Street in Louisville's Nulu neighborhood Friday afternoon, creating a block party." Organizers chanted, "Whose streets? Our streets" as they closed off the area using metal barricades. Police began arresting demonstrators just prior to 5 p.m., and the Post- Courier indicated that a large number of the police had riot gear on. Seattle Mayor, Washington Governor Object To Plan To Send In Federal Agents. Reuters (7/24, Trotta) reports that "as with Portland, the Trump administration sent a tactical team to Seattle on Thursday in anticipation of protests this weekend despite the objections of the Seattle mayor and Washington state governor, who warn of Portland-like escalation of tensions. ... 'I made clear to Acting Secretary (Chad) Wolf that deployments in Seattle - like we have seen in Portland - would undermine public safety and break community trust,' Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said on Twitter late on Thursday, referring to the acting secretary of Homeland Security." Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D) "warned federal officers might 'make the thing worse and throw gasoline on a fire." Seattle Police Clash With Demonstrators. The Wall Street Journal (7/25, Ansari, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports police officials in Seattle indicated that officers and demonstrators clashed in confrontations on Saturday. The demonstrations occurred in the wake of US District Judge James Robart on Friday having temporarily blocked a city law that would forbid police from utilizing tear gas. The AP (7/25, Ho, Grygiel) reports, "Seattle police declared a riot...following large demonstrations in the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood and deployed flash bangs and pepper spray to try to clear an area near where weeks earlier people had set up an 'occupied protest zone' that stretched for several blocks." Police tweeted that "they had made more than two dozen arrests for assault on officers, obstruction and failure to disperse." The AP adds, "They EFTA00150474 also said they were 'investigating a possible explosive damage' to the walls of the city's East Precinct police station." Authorities indicate that various projectiles, including bottles and mortars, were thrown "at officers as they attempted to clear the area over the course of several hours stretching into Saturday night. One officer was hospitalized with a leg injury caused by an explosive." Judge Orders Seattle Media To Turn Over Photos, Videos Of Rioters. The Washington Post (7/24, Elfrink, 14.2M) reports King County Superior Court Judge Nelson Lee on Thursday "ordered five news organizations to turn over...unpublished material" that would help police identify violent rioters in downtown Seattle "smashed windows, set police cars on fire and looted businesses." Seattle Times executive editor Michele Matassa Flores warned the decision could endanger reporters, arguing the media doesn't "work in concert with government, and it's important to our credibility and effectiveness to retain our independence from those we cover." Danny Gawlowski, the Times's assistant managing editor, said "the perception that a journalist might be collaborating with police or other public officials poses a very real, physical danger to journalists, particularly when they are covering protests or civil unrest...Enforcing the subpoena also will aggravate the distrust journalist already face in covering protests." Lightfoot Says She Won't Allow Federal Agents To "Play Police" In Chicago. The Washington Examiner (7/26, Soellner, 448K) reports Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot "remains adamant that she will not allow federal troops to quell her city despite President Trump's push to send them." Appearing on CNN's State Of The UnionVi, Lightfoot said, "We can't just allow anyone to come into Chicago, play police in our streets and our neighborhoods when they don't know the first thing about our city. That's a recipe for disaster, and that's what you're seeing playing out in Portland on a nightly basis. We don't need that here. That is not a value add, and it doesn't help enhance our public safety." Kansas City Mayor, New Mexico Governor Also Voice Concerns About Deployments. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas (D), on Fox News SundayVi (7/26, 976K), said, "Our local US Attorney had contacted my office the day before a White House press briefing and said would you like federal support? Typically, we work with federal agencies all the time. The question is what type of support is it? And when we heard from the Press Secretary in a press conference, no real heads up on the nature of the scope and how long there was some surprise there. I would put it this way, yes, would we like help solving a violent crime? Absolutely. ... But do you want a thousand agents on the border of Kansas City with the state of Kansas, the answer to that would be no." New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), on ABC's This WeekVi (7/26, 2.47M), said, "The issue of making sure [New Mexicans] civil rights are protected is forefront for everything we do every day. That stands less of a litigation threat but a re-recognition that we're going to put New Mexicans first. I have talked to the Attorney General and made it clear, we have 35 agents. ... They'll integrate into the operations that we already have, and he certainly gave me every indication that he's willing to do that. The interesting thing here is that we've asked for federal agents to cooperate with us on a number of strategies. They haven't provided the federal funding that was promised to Albuquerque for police and crime interventions. And earlier in this Administration, they closed down Border Patrol check points and we had to cover those with state police, so the timing of their efforts remains to be a bit suspect." Cleveland Mayor, Police Chief Seek To Calm Unease About Federal Agents. The Cleveland Plain Dealer (7/24, Heisig, 895K) reports, "Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and his top law enforcement official on Friday tried to assuage residents' concerns about a group of federal agents that The White House announced would come to Cleveland, repeatedly saying the goal was to do nothing more than address violent crime." The Plain Dealer adds that Jackson and Cleveland police Chief Calvin Williams said "that the number of agents were EFTA00150475 already allocated to Cleveland under a previously announced Justice Department operation. Williams said these are not 'federal troops' seen in cities such as Portland but rather criminal investigators that will partner with city officers. 'I want to stress there are no federal troops coming to the city of Cleveland,' Williams said. Still, Jackson expressed dismay that he only learned about the new Justice Department initiatives when reporters started calling the city about it, saying that's not how partnerships should work." US Charges Philadelphia Man With Stealing From Bank During Protests. Fox News (7/24, Carter, 27.59M) reports, "A Philadelphia man was ordered detained pending trial on charges of stealing $104,000. The incident occurred inside a Wells Fargo Bank May 31, following a surge of protests across the country in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis a week earlier. 'Amid peaceful protests and an outbreak of civil unrest, criminal opportunists sought to take advantage of the chaos,' Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division, said in a statement. 'Numerous banks across the city experienced vandalism and forced entry, but this daylight forklift burglary was the most brazen incident by far. The FBI/Philadelphia Police Violent Crimes Task Force continues to work the case, to identify the others involved. Our message to those folks: we'll see you soon." Trump: Protesters "Are Actually Anarchists Who Hate Our Country." President Trump tweeted Sunday evening, "The 'protesters' are actually anarchists who hate our Country. The line of innocent 'mothers' were a scam that Lamestream refuses to acknowledge, just like they don't report the violence of these demonstrations!" Administration Officials Voice Support For Deployment Of Federal Agents. The Washington Examiner (7/26, Soellner, 448K) reports Acting DHS Secretary Wolf on Sunday warned against a "dangerous" trend of demonizing law enforcement. Wolf, on Fox News' Sunday Morning FuturesVi , "said...there's been an inaccurate description of what agents are doing to control the situation and that calling the demonstrations 'peaceful' is misleading." Said Wolf, "We're standing up for law and order. And anyone who says otherwise is not being accurate. I will say that the other side that wants to criticize law enforcement, what they don't do, they do not condemn these acts of violence in Portland. I have talked with a number of Democratic members of Congress, and all but one, only one, have asked me about the health of my officers. All they want to do is condemn law enforcement for doing their job." Chief of Staff Meadows, on ABC's This WeekVI (7/26, 2.47M), said, "In Portland, we have federal officers that are protecting a courthouse that actually has not only been vandalized, they're trying to burn it down. We can't have this in American cities. ... You've got people there throwing Molotov cocktails and doing all kinds of rioting in Portland around a courthouse they desire to burn down, that's very different than what we're doing in Chicago, New Mexico and Kansas and in other areas. What we're trying to do there is come in and help with gang violence and making sure we make arrests." Protesters Gather Outside Wolf's Home. The Washington Post (7/26, George, 14.2M) reports that "a group of about 30 gathered Sunday morning" outside Wolf's home in Alexandria, Virginia. According to the Post, the "demonstrators stood in a circle, listening to a range of speakers decry DHS's involvement in separating immigrant families, deporting longtime U.S. residents for immigration violations and for what many termed the 'kidnapping' of Portland protesters." Democrats Take Aim At Homeland Security Spending Bill Amid Protests. The Washington Times (7/26, Sherfinski, Dinan, 492K) reports that Democrats "eager to take a swipe at President Trump's deployment of federal forces to quell protests against police brutality have a new avenue of attack - the Homeland Security spending bill, which House leaders hope to bring to the floor in the coming days." The Times notes that "when it emerged from committee earlier this month, the $51 billion measure called for a 25% cut to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's deportation force, but left Customs and Border Protection largely EFTA00150476 untouched." Now, however, "some liberal House Democrats say the events of recent days demand deeper cuts to ICE and CBP, whose officers have been among the more active federal forces in handling protests." Cotton Says Founders Called Slavery A "Necessary Evil." The Arkansas Democrat Gazette (7/26, Lockwood, 307K) reports Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced legislation last week "that would prevent the use of federal tax dollars to spread the historical reinterpretation" of slavery in the 1619 Project school curriculum in US classrooms. Cotton said in an interview, "We have to study the history of slavery and its role and impact on the development of our country because otherwise we can't understand our country. As the Founding Fathers said, it was the necessary evil upon which the union was built, but the union was built in a way, as Lincoln said, to put slavery on the course to its ultimate extinction." Protests Turned Violent In Several Cities Over The Weekend. NBC Nightly NewsVI (7/26, story 5, 1:50, Snow, 2.87M) reported, "At protests across the country this weekend, we've seen some of the worst violence yet. Gunmen opened fire in two different states. One person was killed." NBC's Gadi Schwartz added, "In Austin, Texas, a protest and then gunfire as people run for cover. Police say a protester with a rifle was shot and killed by a man in a car driving through a crowd. In Aurora, Colorado, [an] SUV driving down an interstate towards protesters was fired at by someone in the crowd." Over the weekend, a total of five people were shot at protests across the country. The Wall Street Journal (7/26, Belkin, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports police in Austin said the shooter was detained. The New York Times (7/26, Montgomery, Fernandez, 18.61M) identifies the victim in the Austin shooting as Garrett Foster, who "was carrying an AK- 47 rifle as he joined a Black Lives Matter demonstration blocks." Austin Police Chief Brian Manley told reporters the shooter said "Foster pointed the weapon directly at him and he fired his handgun at Mr. Foster." The CBS Weekend NewsVi (7/26, story 5, 1:40, Yuccas, 2.32M) reported, "Violence exploded overnight beyond Portland, Oregon, to cities across the country. From Seattle, Washington, to Richmond, Virginia, thousands turned out demanding the removal of the federal agents deployed to several cities." CBS' Meg Oliver added, "Heavily armed local police and federal agents on Seattle streets in one of the nation's most intense protests Saturday." After reporting on the protests in Austin and Aurora, CBS said in Richmond, Virginia, "police and protestors faced off. One group torched a truck, police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Much of this sparked by anger at President Trump's deployment of federal forces sent to Portland over the objections of local officials." ABC World News TonightVi (7/26, story 5, 1:55, Llamas, 6.14M) reported, "A growing number of cities with violent and even deadly protests, as once peaceful demonstrations now spiral out of control." In Seattle, a "youth detention center set on fire" and police fired "flash grenades into a crowd of about 2,000 protesters." Reporting on the protests in Seattle, Reuters (7/26, Scruggs) says "dozens were arrested and many police injured in clashes" that erupted "with a renewed energy sparked by violent clashes between activists and federal agents in nearby Portland." Along similar lines, the Washington Post (7/26, Davenport, Scruggs, 14.2M) reports that "protests in several major cities across the country turned violent this weekend, as weeks of civil unrest and clashes between activists and authorities boiled over, sending thousands of people teeming into public squares demanding racial justice." The New York Times (7/26, Baker, Bogel-Burroughs, 18.61M) likewise says "weeks of violent clashes between federal agents and protesters in Portland, Ore., galvanized thousands of people to march through the streets of American cities on Saturday, injecting new life into protests that had largely waned in recent weeks." EFTA00150477 The New York Post (7/26, Celona, Feis, 4.57M) reports that "anti-cop demonstrators wreaked havoc in Lower Manhattan on Saturday night, setting fires and vandalizing several NYPD vehicles." In Oakland, California, the AP (7/26) reports protesters "set fire to a courthouse, damaged a police station and assaulted officers after a peaceful demonstration intensified late Saturday." Atlanta ICE Field Office Vandalized. WSB-TV Atlanta (7/26, Pozen, 105K) reports on its website that a "group vandalized the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in downtown Atlanta overnight Sunday." The Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and immigration court offices "are also located inside" the building, which suffered "significant" damage. The Washington Examiner (7/26, Mastrangelo, 448K) reports police "said they believe a group broke windows and spray-painted the building and others nearby." Seattle Business Owners Feel Abandoned By City Officials. The Washington Times (7/26, Varney, 492K) profiles a Seattle business owner, Bill Donner, who says city leaders went "MIA when protesters took over his neighborhood." Donner has now "joined a lawsuit to hold Seattle officials responsible for turning the city into a nightmare." Said Donner, "The mayor and City Council abandoned this neighborhood." Gun Purchases Rise Among Black Americans In Response To Pandemic, Protests. Politico (7/26, King, 4.29M) reports that since the beginning of the pandemic, "there has been growing interest among African Americans in arming themselves, as evidenced by increased membership in Black gun owner organizations." The interest further increased in the wake of George Floyd's death. Phillip Smith, president of the National African American Gun Owners' Association, "said his organization's annual membership has increased by up to 2,000 new members per day - a figure he used to see annually." Sharpton: Trump Running On "A Platform Of Race-Baiting And Fear." Al Sharpton said on MSNBC's Politics NationVI (7/26, 786K), "The President is officially running on a platform of segregation in the suburbs. No need to adjust your television. It is still 2020, but Donald Trump is trying to run for reelection on a platform of race-baiting and fear. His latest move to is scrap the affirmatively furthering fair housing rule, which was enacted under President Obama with the intent of reducing segregation in American suburbs. The move has been widely decried as racist among fair housing activists." Toluse Olorunnipa of the Washington Post said on CNN's Inside PoliticsVi (7/26, 642K), "The President is using a well-worn political playbook saying, 'You may not like me very much, but I am the person who can protect you, I can reinstate law and order in your neighborhoods." AP Analysis: "Cancel Culture" Movement Ill -Defined. The AP (7/26, Italie) reports, "So you've probably read a lot about 'cancel culture.' Or know about a new poll that shows a plurality of Americans disapproving of it. Or you may have heard about a letter in Harper's Magazine condemning censorship and intolerance." The AP says the term, however, is "hard to define, in part because there is nothing confined about it - no single cause, no single ideology, no single fate for those allegedly canceled." To some, it "is the coming of the thought police," while "for others, it contains important chances to be heard that didn't exist before." Lexington, Virginia Reexamines Its Confederate History. The New York Times (7/26, Epstein, 18.61M) reports Lexington, Virginia, "has long been tethered to the iconography of the Civil War and its two most famous Confederate generals, whose legacy has seeped into the town's culture like the July humidity. But Lexington is no longer a bastion of conservatism. It is a liberal college town of about 7,000 people that voted 60 percent for Hillary Clinton four years ago." To the Times, "these dueling sensibilities place EFTA00150478 Lexington at particularly delicate intersection of the national debate over Confederate monuments and emblems. As Americans protesting racial injustice have torn down statues and memorials to Confederates, the town finds itself reassessing its identity." Some Minneapolis Residents Establishing Armed Patrols. The Wall Street Journal (7/25, Barrett, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports some Minneapolis residents are establishing armed neighborhood patrols to combat an increase in crime that's materialized following George Floyd's killing. The establishment of these patrols comes amid demands to defund Minneapolis' police department, permanent cuts to which were approved on Friday. WPost Al: Sons Of Confederate Veterans Building New Confederate Monuments As Others Fall. The Washington Post (7/25, Al, Fisher, 14.2M) reports on its front page that even though popular support for the Sons of Confederate Veterans seems be declining each day, "the guardians of America's 700-plus Confederate monuments are mounting a serious defense - filing lawsuits and demanding control of statues slated for removal." The Post adds that the group is additionally initiating "a concerted offensive." The Sons of Confederate Veterans "and, in a quieter way, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the group that erected many of the monuments that are now the target of the biggest removal campaign in history, are pushing back by building new statues, buying land to house torn-down memorials, and airing radio and online ads seeking public support for their cause." Virginia Communities Grappling With What To Do With Confederate Monuments. The Washington Post (7/25, Sullivan, 14.2M) reports Virginia communities "are finally grappling with whether to renounce their veneration of the Confederacy, more than 150 years after the Civil War ended." According to the Post, "Many of the statues and monuments that still dot courthouse lawns and traffic circles, commemorating the Southern troops and leaders, were erected in the Jim Crow era of the early 20th century or as the civil rights movement gained strength in the 1960s." This summer, a number of them are beginning to come down. Mark Rozell, dean of George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, said, "This is a unique moment and a politically perishable one," adding, "That is why [activists and political leaders] are acting now. It's not going to last — for them it's an opportunity without going through a legalistic process at a time when they know they can." Protests Have Idea Of Slavery Reparations Receiving Increased Attention. The Wall Street Journal (7/25, Schlesinger, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports racial- justice demonstrations are shifting the idea of slavery reparations for Black Americans toward the middle of the national discussion. Leaders in the House of Representatives anticipate passing a proposal that would establish a commission to create a formal government apology as well as a redress plan. COUNTER-TERRORISM Arizona Woman Arrested For Attempting To Send Money To Al-Qaeda. The Arizona Republic (7/24, 869K) reported Jill Marie Jones "was arrested Wednesday at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after attempting to send money to a member of al- Qaeda, a terrorist group, for rifle scopes that would be used to 'kill American soldiers." She "was in contact with two undercover FBI employees, one of whom she believed was an al- Qaeda member." The AP (7/24) reports that she "contemplated using her federal coronavirus relief payment to support al-Qaida," but the FBI could no confirm if she did. EFTA00150479 Fox News (7/24, Carter, 27.59M) reported that she "wanted to travel abroad to help the terrorist organization," and she "bought a ticket to fly overseas to join al Qaeda in Afghanistan." Also reporting are KJZZ-FM Phoenix (7/25, 10K) and KGUN-TV Tucson (AZ) Tucson, AZ (7/24, 61K). Defense Attorney Demands FBI Release Paperwork In Connection To Virginia White Nationalist Case. The AP (7/25) reported James Alex Fields Jr's defense attorney has demanded that the FBI "provide documents used in its criminal case against [James Alex Fields Jr), who with others is being sued in a civil rights complaint over the violence in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia." The lawyers "want a judge to force the government lawyers to provide in part documents the FBI collected from Fields' computer and cellphone, as well as recordings of his phone calls while in federal custody." Texas Man Indicted Over Bomb Detonation. KWES-TV Odessa, TX (7/24, 11K) reported Jeffrey Allen Smerud, who is "accused of detonating a bomb at a Lowe's in Odessa," has been "indicted by a federal grand jury." He "admitted to officers that he had manufactured and planted the explosive device at Lowe's," and he "could face up to 10 years in prison and pay up to $250,000 in fines." The FBI is supporting the investigation. 9/11 Trial Faces Another Delay As New Guantanamo Lawyer Wants 30 Months To Prepare. NPR (7/24, Pfeiffer, 3.12M) reported there's yet another "setback at the US military court in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba." Jury selection in the 9/11 trial "was scheduled to begin there this coming January, but that now looks increasingly unlikely because a new defense lawyer in the case says he needs 2 1/2 years to get ready." David Bruck, "whose past clients include Charleston, SC, church shooter Dylann Roof and Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, is the new lead attorney for Ramzi bin al-Shibh, one of the five men charged in the September 11, 2001, terrorism attacks." Bruck was appointed in April "after al-Shibh's previous lead attorney, James P. Harrington, asked to leave the case citing health issues and 'incompatibility' with his client." In a legal filing Wednesday, Bruck "said he has not yet met al-Shibh and faces hundreds of hours of work just reading the more than 33,000 pages of hearing transcripts so far." Compensation Disparity For 1998 Embassy Bombing Victims Could Derail Efforts To Remove Sudan From Terror List. The New York Times (7/25, Jakes, 18.61M) reports a settlement to compensate victims of the 1998 attacks carried out by al Qaeda militants on American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania would award more money to victims who were Americans at the time of the bombings than those who were not. That payment disparity has delayed, and could possibly derail, "a yearslong process to remove Sudan from a U.S. government list of state sponsors of terrorism," which would "open the way for the East African country to move toward economic stability, and potentially greater democracy, after a generation of oppression." The disparity has also "divided Congress and created a rift between the victims and their lawyers as the United States grapples with how to correct unequal or discriminatory standards in its legal system." Peter Kassig's Family Calls On Trump Administration To Bring ISIS Members To Trial In US. The Indianapolis Star (7/24, Gerike, 633K) reported the parents of slain Indianapolis humanitarian worker Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig "addressed the media Monday, saying their 'hearts are battered but they will mend." The family of Peter Kassig, "an Indianapolis native EFTA00150480 and aid worker who was beheaded by the Islamic State in 2014, joined three other families Thursday in asking the Trump Administration to bring two ISIS members back to the US to stand trial." Kassig, who "converted to Islam and went by Abdul-Rahman Kassig at the time of his death, was captured in 2013 while doing humanitarian work in the Middle East." British and US authorities "say Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, ISIS members who are part of a group nicknamed the `Beatles,' are responsible for 27 killings, including Kassig's." Hezbollah Says All-out War With Israel Unlikely In Coming Months. Reuters (7/26, Bassam) reports the deputy leader of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement on Sunday "dismissed the prospect of an escalation of violence between the Iran-backed movement and Israel despite increased tensions in the last week." Sheikh Naim Qassem said in an interview with pro-Damascus television station al Mayadeen, "The atmosphere does not indicate a war ... It's unlikely, the atmosphere of war in the next few months." Tensions rose "along Israel's frontier with Syria and Lebanon after Lebanon's Hezbollah militia said a fighter was killed in an apparent Israeli strike on the edge of Damascus last week." The Israeli military has since "boosted its forces on its northern front." An Israeli military spokeswoman "said on Sunday that an Israeli drone crashed inside Lebanon during operational activity along the border." COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE Graham: FBI Lied To Congress About Steele Dossier. The Daily Caller (7/26, Ross, 716K) reports that on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures (7/26) Sunday, Senate Judiciary Chairman Graham "teased the release of evidence showing that the FBI `lied their a$$ off' to Congress regarding the reliability of the Steele dossier, which the bureau used as part of its investigation of the Trump campaign." Graham said, "Here is what I think I'm going to be able to show to the public. Not only did the FBI lie to the court about the reliability about the Steele dossier, they also lied to the Congress. That's a separate crime. ... Stay tuned next week, you're going to find that not only did the FBI lie to the FISA court, they lied their a$$ off to the Congress." The Washington Examiner (7/26, Dunleavy, 448K) quotes Graham as saying, "Not only do we now know that the FBI lied to the FISA court about the reliability of dossier, they told the court that the subsource was truthful and cooperative and Russian-based - the truth is that the subsource was American-based. ... He was an employee of Christopher Steele, who was on the payroll of the Democratic Party, and he told Christopher Steele this is all a bunch hearsay. And when the FBI understood the dossier was no longer reliable they continued to use it." In a separate article, the Washington Examiner (7/25, Chaitin, 448K) reported sources "told the outlet that Danchenko agreed to talk to investigators in 2017 about the dossier on the condition that the bureau keep his identity secret to protect himself, his sources, family, and friends in Russia safe." The Washington Times (7/26, Scarborough, 492K) reports that the "shadowy figure who funneled information" to Steele for the dossier "is Igor Danchenko, a Ukraine-born, Russian- educated researcher who worked in the US and traveled to Moscow to find supposed dirt on candidate Donald Trump." Attorney Mark E. Schamel "told The New York Times that Mr. Danchenko is his client." Schamel said, "Igor Danchenko has been identified as one of the sources who provided data and analysis." Fox News (7/25, Schultz, 27.59M) reported a lawyer for Igor Danchenko "confirmed to The New York Times that his client — a former Brookings Institution senior research analyst in Washington, DC, and not a `Russian-based' source - provided the information to Steele, the British former spy whose dossier was used by the FBI to obtain wiretaps of Carter Page, the former Trump campaign adviser." EFTA00150481 The Daily Caller (7/24, 716K) reported the mystery of the "primary source for dossier author Christopher Steele has finally been solved." Igor Danchenko, who previously worked at the Brookings Institution, "told the FBI in January 2017 that he was Steele's source." He "undermined several of Steele's core allegations regarding Donald Trump and members of his campaign." Op-Ed: More Willful Blindness By The Media On Spying By Obama Administration. In an op-ed in The Hill (7/25, 2.98M), Jonathan Turley, the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University, wrote, "The Washington press corps seems engaged in a collective demonstration of the legal concept of willful blindness, or deliberately ignoring the facts, following the release of yet another declassified document which directly refutes prior statements about the investigation into Russia collusion. ... The media covered the original leak and the collusion narrative, despite mounting evidence that it was false. ... Virtually none of these journalists or experts have acknowledged that the collusion leaks were proven false, let alone pursue the troubling implications of national security powers being used to target the political opponents of an administration. But in Washington, success often depends not on what you see but what you can unsee." Swalwell Says FBI Were Right In Russia Probe. Fox News (7/24, Garcia, 27.59M) reported Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) "reacted to the revelation that an FBI agent involved in the 'Crossfire Hurricane' Russia investigation 'actively listened' for certain topics during a briefing on election interference given to the Trump campaign in August 2016, saying 'they were right to do it." Swalwell said Friday on 'The Story with Martha MacCallum,'"I hope they do it if a Democratic candidate ever does that with any country. So, Martha, remember right before this meeting occurred, candidate Trump said, 'Russia, if you're listening, I hope you have Hillary's emails.' And what do they do? They actually did it. So think about it." Law Enforcement Officials Aided In Unmasking Of FBI Source Who Wanted Anonymity. The New York Times (7/25, Goldman, Savage, 18.61M) said that shorty after the "2017 publication of a notorious dossier about President Trump jolted Washington, an expert in Russian politics told the F.B.I. he had been one of its key sources." The bureau "had approached the expert, a man named Igor Danchenko, as it vetted the dossier's claims." Danchenko consented to disclose his knowledge to investigators "with an important condition, people familiar with the matter said - that the F.B.I. keep his identity secret." Last week, however, his hope of staying anonymous disappeared after Attorney General Barr instructed the FBI "to declassify a redacted report about its three-day interview of Mr. Danchenko in 2017 and" give it to Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsay Graham, who "made the interview summary public." While the report censored Danchenko's name, a post on a blog called "'I Found the Primary Subsource' identified him, citing clues left visible in the F.B.I. document." Sarah Sanders Says New FBI Documents Are More Evidence Of "Mass Conspiracy" Against Trump. Fox News (7/24, Nelson, 27.59M) reported former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on Friday "reacted to the newly released document revealing that the FBI agent who delivered the defensive briefing on election interference to the Trump campaign in August 2016 'actively listened' for certain topics." Sanders told 'Outnumbered Overtime,' "I think this report confirms what we've known all along, the level of corruption and how outrageous members of the Obama Administration were to try to take down a democratically elected president." Sanders said, "This is not the type of thing that should happen in the US. People like disgraced former FBI director, liar and leaker James Comey, I think, have fingerprints all over this and I think it is a good thing that the Administration and the president have held their feet to the fire and made sure we got to the bottom of this." Trump Raises Prospect Of "Really Bad" Revelations In John Durham Investigation. EFTA00150482 The Washington Examiner (7/24, Chaitin, 448K) reported President Trump "suggested that the findings in US Attorney John Durham's criminal inquiry into the Russia investigation could be more troubling than what is publicly known." The commander in chief "clued in a prime-time audience on Thursday when host Sean Hannity asked him to react to his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, saying over the weekend he expects criminal indictments and newly declassified FBI documents." Trump said, "It's just more and more things that you see. And that's only what you see. It is really bad. It is a terrible thing that happened. It should never happen to another president." Op-Ed: Republicans And Democrats May Regret Wanting Mueller To Testify Again. In a commentary in Politico (7/26, 4.29M) reports Andrew Desiderio writes, "Despite the public bipartisan agreement, there are real obstacles and risks to securing Mueller's testimony. For Republicans, a strong defense by Mueller could shed unwelcome light on President Donald Trump's previous statements and conduct in the final stretch of the election. For Democrats, another halting performance by the ex-FBI chief could give Trump and his allies more ammunition for their attacks on the investigations that have dogged Trump and his associates for years." He concludes "Democrats insist they're not afraid of what could come out of a Mueller hearing, even if it happens so close to the election. They said Americans would see through what they perceive to be a partisan stunt." Trump Open To Pardoning 2016 Campaign Staffers. The Washington Times (7/24, Blake, 492K) reports "President Trump signaled...he may pardon former members of his election campaign," during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity on Thursday. When asked by Hannity if he would consider the pardons, Trump said, "I've looked at a lot of different people, they have been treated extremely unfairly, and I think I probably would, yes." Though "Trump did not mention any former campaign members by name...several pleaded guilty or were convicted of charges brought as a result of the government's probe of the presidential race." Singaporean Man Pleads Guilty To Acting As Chinese Spy. Reuters (7/24, Lambert) reports Singaporean man Jun Wei Yeo "has pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent of Chinese intelligence, the Justice Department said on Friday." Yeo "set up a fake consulting site to solicit information from U.S. government and military workers," and will be sentenced "in October, according to the department." Reuterws adds that the "U.S. is cracking down on Chinese spying, with the FBI having interviewed dozens of visa holders about their possible ties to Chinese intelligence." The Washington Post (7/24, Hsu, 14.2M) reports that Yeo, 39, "a doctoral degree candidate at the National University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, pleaded guilty as charged in a one-count June 11 criminal information before U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. In plea papers, Yeo admitted trying to cultivate relationships with Americans - including U.S. government and military officials with high-level security clearances - since 2015 while serving in academic posts at Singapore's top university and at George Washington University in D.C. According to court documents, Yeo identified those with `nonpublic information' of value to Chinese intelligence." Fox News (7/24, McFall, 27.59M) reports, "Yeo pled guilty to involvement in a scheme that used career networking sites and posed as a false consulting firm to attract American citizens with access to intelligence, who were potentially of interest to Beijing. Yeo originally worked to attract people from various Asian countries before focusing on the U.S. At the direction of intelligence officials, he worked to find and target Americans who had access to sensitive information, such as people who had top security clearances in the military and the government. `Mr. Yeo admitted that he not only provided valuable information to Chinese EFTA00150483 intelligence, but also that he knowingly recruited others in the U.S. to do the same,' Timothy R. Slater, FBI Washington field office assistant director in charge, said." Chinese Researcher Who Took Refuge In San Francisco Consulate Charged With Lying About Military Status. CNBC (7/24, Macias, 3.62M) reports that "a researcher who took refuge in the Chinese consulate in San Francisco after allegedly lying to investigators about her Chinese military service was arrested and will appear in court on Monday." CNBC says that "according to court documents unsealed earlier this week in the Eastern District of California, Juan Tang, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, applied for a nonimmigrant J1 visa in October 2019." and "allegedly made fraudulent statements on her visa application by concealing that she served in the Chinese military." According to CNBC, "On Thursday evening, the FBI arrested Tang, who had avoided arrest by taking refuge in the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco." Reuters (7/24) reports that a senior Justice Department official "told reporters Tang was detained on Thursday night and did not have diplomatic immunity as she was not declared as a diplomatic official." The San Francisco Chronicle (7/24, Serrano, 2.67M) reports, "Federal authorities accused a former UC Davis researcher of lying on a visa application and arrested her after she allegedly sought refuge at the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco, officials said Friday." Juan Tang "was arrested by the FBI on an arrest warrant and criminal complaint alleging she lied by responding 'no' to a question about whether she ever served in the military on an application for a nonimmigrant J-1 visa in October 2019, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. Federal authorities said in court documents that Tang was a uniformed officer of the People's Liberation Army, which was described as China's military forces." Beijing Slams US Over "Forced Entry" To Houston Consulate, Vows To Respond "As Necessary." Bloomberg (7/24, News, 4.73M) reports Beijing on Saturday "slammed the 'forced entry' to its Houston consulate by U.S. personnel hours earlier and vowed to respond 'as necessary." Beijing officials "said that U.S. had broken diplomatic conventions by entering 'China's national property." In a Q&A posted on the Foreign Ministry's website late on Saturday, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "According to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the Sino-U.S. Consular Treaty, the United States must not infringe on the premises of the Chinese Consulate in Houston in any way." US Staff Leaves Consulate In Chengdu. The Washington Times (7/26, Wolfgang, 492K) reports that "Chinese onlookers filled the streets Sunday as American diplomats packed boxes, boarded buses and prepared to abandon the US consulate in Chengdu, the latest casualty of an increasingly bitter tit-for-tat exchange between Washington and Beijing." The Times describes that scene outside the complex as "mostly peaceful as American personnel prepared" to exit ahead of Monday's deadline. Bloomberg (7/25, 4.73M) reports hundreds of people gathered on Saturday "outside the U.S. consulate in Chengdu...as American employees prepared to leave after China ordered the shutdown of the mission. The U.S. emblem was removed from the building, but the American flag remained near the entrance." Meanwhile, "police set up barricades and cut off traffic from the street in front of the building on Saturday, while dozens of security officers urged onlookers to keep moving after taking pictures and videos." Analyses: US Losing Key Listening Post With Closure Of Chengdu Consulate. Reuters (7/24, Tian, McWilliams) reports that on Friday, the Chinese government "ordered the United States to close its consulate in Chengdu in response to a U.S. order for China to shut its Houston consulate, where staff packed up belongings watched by jeering protesters amid a sharp deterioration in relations between the world's two largest economies." According to Reuters, "About 100 Chinese activists gathered at the consulate on Friday, shouting slogans denouncing communism and heckling consulate staff." Reuters says that on Thursday, Secretary of State Pompeo "said...the [Houston) consulate had been 'a hub of spying and intellectual EFTA00150484 property theft." Reuters also reports that on Friday, "Senior U.S. officials said...espionage activity by China's diplomatic missions was occurring all over the country, but its activity out of the Houston consulate went well over the line of what was acceptable." The AP (7/24, McDonald) reports that the US consulate in Chengdu is "responsible for monitoring Tibet and other areas in the southwest inhabited by nonethnic Chinese minorities that are considered especially sensitive by Beijing." Bloomberg (7/24, 4.73M) reports that "security agents and curious onlookers descended on central Chengdu" on Friday, and "dozens of police and army personnel patrolled the street outside the building, checking IDs, searching phones and ordering passersby to delete photos and videos of the area." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin "told a regular news briefing Friday in Beijing that some consulate staff had 'engaged in activities inconsistent with their capacity, interfered in China's internal affairs and harmed China's national security interests." In a front-page article, the Wall Street Journal (7/24, Al, Wong, Lin, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports that the US consulate in Chengdu has a staff of almost 200, including 150 Chinese citizens. The AP (7/24, McDonald) reports that "also Friday, the U.S. State Department sent out a notice warning Americans in China of a `heightened risk of arbitrary detention." The State Department notice says, "U.S. citizens may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention for reasons related to 'state security.' ... Americans may be detained or deported for `sending private electronic messages critical' of the Chinese government, it said." According to the AP, "The notice gave no indication of what prompted the warning." The New York Times (7/24, Bradsher, Myers, 18.61M) reports that the Communist Party's "propaganda outlets struck a nationalistic note on Friday, vowing that Beijing would hold firm in the face of mounting pressure from the United States. `The United States has recently stirred up troubles in relations with China to the point of hysteria,' said the official Xinhua News Agency, in an editorial." The Times also reports that Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying claimed Secretary of State Pompeo and others are "launching a new crusade against China in a globalized world." The Washington Post (7/24, Fifield, 14.2M) reports from Beijing, "While analysts here called the retaliation measured, they said there was no end in sight to a conflict that spans trade and technology, freedom of the press and religion, students and scientists, human rights and the race for a coronavirus vaccine. 'Even though the relationship is worsening, we have not yet reached the worst point,' said Cheng Xiaohe, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing." The Post adds, "The bottom, he said, would be measured by two things: The closure of embassies in each country or military confrontation, whether intentional or accidental." Bloomberg (7/24, 4.73M) says, "Beijing's decision will not only oust American diplomats from the capital of Sichuan province - a region with a population rivaling Germany - it will close a key listening post for developments in neighboring Tibet." According to Bloomberg, "The move will probably have a bigger impact than shutting the U.S. consulate in Wuhan, but less than closing U.S. missions in the key financial centers of Hong Kong or Shanghai." CNBC (7/24, Cheng, 3.62M) reports that Eurasia Group's Michael Hirson pointed out that "the consulates in Chengdu and Houston had comparable status." Hirson is quoted as saying, "If they were to choose an important but still secondary consulate like Chengdu or Shenyang, that would be in keeping with the role that the Houston consulate serves." Hirson "said targeting the consulates in Shanghai or Guangzhou 'would be a notch above Houston." Hirson said, "If they were to close the Hong Kong consulate, that would be then thrusting this dispute into what's already very serious impasse of course with the future of Hong Kong and Hong Kong's autonomy. So I think that would be the most escalatory move in terms of closing the consulate." The Wall Street Journal (7/24, Board, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) editorializes the US closure of the China consulate in Houston and the retaliatory closure of the US consulate by China in Chengdu represents the latest incident in the diplomatic discord defining the most EFTA00150485 important bilateral relationship worldwide. The Journal concludes the move also represents a change that Beijing cannot continue thinking it will not face consequences for its abuses. The CBS Evening NewsVi (7/24, story 10, 0:22, O'Donnell, 4.11M) and ABC World News TonightVi (7/24, story 10, 1:38, Llamas, 6.68M) provided similar broadcast coverage. Senior DO) Official Explains Why Houston Consulate Was Closed. Politico (7/24, Forgey, 4.29M) reports that on Friday, Trump Administration officials "provided further details...regarding their decision to close China's consulate in Houston, claiming the diplomatic outpost was one of several across the country facilitating influence efforts on behalf of Beijing that the U.S. government said veered into 'the coercive or the covert." A "senior Justice Department official" is quoted as saying, "The sum total of the Houston consulate's activities went well over the line of what we're willing to accept, and unless we disrupted it, it threatened to become even more aggressive in Houston and in other Chinese consulates nationwide." Politico says the senior Justice Department official also "referenced the DOJ's announcement Thursday that four individuals had recently been charged with visa fraud 'in connection with a scheme to lie about their status' as members of the People's Liberation Army, China's military, while conducting research in the U.S." Reuters (7/24, Brunnstrom, Psaledakis) reports a "senior State Department official linked espionage activity at the Houston consulate to China's pursuit of research into a vaccine for the new coronavirus," and "said China had been very clear about its intent to be first to the market with a coronavirus vaccine." Reuters notes that "Texas is home to the Galveston National Laboratory," which is "located on the campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch, where researchers have been conducting COVID-19 vaccine research." Bloomberg (7/24, Strohm, 4.73M) reports the closure "followed years of frustration about criminal and covert activity directed by Beijing to steal trade secrets and carry out malign influence operations across the U.S." Administration officials also told reporters Friday that the "activity conducted through the Houston consulate represented the 'tip of the iceberg' when it comes to concerns about China." One official explained that the US has "about 2,000 active cases related to Chinese counterintelligence operations." The AP (7/24) reports that on Friday, "workers at China's consulate in Houston loaded up moving trucks...ahead of an afternoon deadline to shut down the facility, as ordered by the Trump administration." According to the AP, on Friday morning, "moving trucks were parked outside the consulate and workers were seen carrying large bags out of the building." According to Reuters (7/24, Brunnstrom), a group of men including one "who appeared to be the State Department's top official for foreign missions, Cliff Seagroves," were "seen forcing open a door at the Chinese consulate" after it was ordered closed. "Consulate staff had exited the Houston building shortly after 4 p.m. and left in vehicles before the door was forced open," Reuters adds. NCSC Director Warns China, Russia, Iran Looking To Disrupt 2020 Election, Calls For Sharing Threat Information With Voters. Bloomberg (7/24, Martin, 4.73M) reports William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, on Friday warned that "China, Russia and Iran are looking to disrupt the U.S. electoral process before November's vote, including attempts at compromising the private communications of political campaigns and candidates." Using traditional news outlets and social media, they are trying to "sway U.S. voters' preferences and perspectives, to shift U.S. policies, to increase discord and to undermine confidence in our democratic process," he said. Evanina added that "the coronavirus pandemic and recent protests...continue to serve as fodder for foreign influence and disinformation efforts in America." Reuters (7/24, Hosenball) reports Evanina said "it was `imperative' his agency share with voters some of the information about possible interference that U.S. spies have given to campaigns and legislators." He explained, "the American public has a role to play in securing the election, particularly in maintaining vigilance against foreign influence...At the most basic level, we encourage Americans to consume information with a critical eye, check out sources EFTA00150486 before reposting or spreading messages, practice good cyber hygiene and media literacy, and report suspicious election-related activity to authorities." The AP (7/24, Jalonick) reports Congressional Democrats released a letter Friday in response to Evanina's comments, urging the Trump Administration "to make a 'concrete and specific statement' to inform voters ahead of the 2020 contest." The letter "did not detail exactly what they want the administration to say," but "said Evanina's statement 'does not go nearly far enough in arming the American people with the knowledge they need about how foreign powers are seeking to influence our political process' and falsely paints the three countries as equivalent in their efforts." China Seizes Assets Of Property Tycoon Who Criticized Xi. The New York Times (7/24, Hernandez, 18.61M) reports that the Chinese Communist Party has "expelled an outspoken and prominent property tycoon who denounced the country's authoritarian leader, Xi Jinping, paving the way for his criminal prosecution and escalating its efforts to quash dissent among the elite." According to the Times, the party "announced the expulsion of the tycoon, Ren Zhiqiang, late Thursday, and said that it had seized his assets for 'serious violations of discipline and law' that included the possession of golf club memberships." The Times adds, "Officials also took aim at Mr. Ren's family, accusing him of 'colluding with his children to accumulate wealth without restraint." Trade Becomes A Point Of Stability As US-China Relations Fray Over Coronavirus, Accusations Of Espionage. The New York Times (7/25, Swanson, Bradsher, 18.61M) reports that "trade, long the most contentious part of the U.S.-China relationship, has suddenly become an area of surprising stability" as relations between Washington and Beijing fray "over the coronavirus, which the Trump administration accuses China of failing to control, as well as accusations of espionage, intellectual property theft and human rights violations." The article says, "Neither side is threatening to rip up the initial trade deal they signed in January, which took years of painful negotiations to complete," though "the reasons have more to do with politics than diplomacy. Both the Trump administration and Chinese leaders invested time and political capital in reaching their initial trade deal." As a result, "both sides appear to think they have more to lose from rupturing the agreement than they would gain." US, Chinese Officials Pushing Countries Toward New Era of Confrontation. In a front-page article, the New York Times (7/25, Wong, Myers, 18.61M) reports, "The United States and China are dismantling decades of political, economic and social engagement, setting the stage for a new era of confrontation shaped by the views of the most hawkish voices on both sides." With President Trump down in polls ahead of the election, "his national security officials have intensified their attack on China in recent weeks, targeting its officials, diplomats and executives. While the strategy has reinforced a key campaign message, some American officials...are also trying to engineer irreversible changes, according to people familiar with the thinking." Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping "has inflamed the fight, brushing aside international concern about the country's rising authoritarianism to consolidate his own political power and to crack down on basic freedoms. ... By doing so, he has hardened attitudes in Washington, fueling a clash that at least some in China believe could be dangerous to the country's interests." Bloomberg Analysis: US-China Trade Deal Risks Coming Undone As Relations Continue To Deteriorate. In an analysis, Bloomberg (7/24, News, 4.73M) says the US-China trade deal, which "has served as sort of a linchpin" as ties between the two countries have deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic, could now "be coming undone." President Trump "said Thursday the phase-one trade deal 'means less to me now than when I made it.' He spoke shortly after the U.S. shut down China's consulate in Houston for spying and theft of intellectual property, which prompted Beijing to retaliate Friday by ordering American diplomats to abandon their Chengdu outpost." Eswar Prasad, former head of the International Monetary Fund's China team, said, "The phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China hangs by a thread. China EFTA00150487 has an incentive to keep the trade deal with the U.S. from crumbling, even as the bilateral relationship becomes more toxic, in order to try and limit damage to its economic recovery." Beijing Braces For Additional Conflict, Possible Change Amid US Election. Reuters (7/24, Zhai, Martina, Munroe) reports, "With bilateral relations in free-fall, Beijing is bracing for more turbulence in the run-up to the U.S. election in November, and the possibility that a Joe Biden presidency presents an opportunity to avoid a deeper conflict." The US' "demand this week that China shut its Houston consulate in 72 hours infuriated Beijing and forced a retaliatory order to close the U.S. consulate in Chengdu." However, Reuters adds that "along with exasperation over [President] Trump's unpredictability and penchant for tariffs, and wariness of Washington's hostility on multiple fronts, is rising worry over the risk of sharper confrontation, according to six Chinese officials and people with ties to the leadership." Lawsuit Accuses Virginia Man Of Stealing Trade Secrets From Navy Contractor. The Hampton Roads (VA) Virginian-Pilot (7/26, Brennan, 227K) reports, "For years, an Alaska- based defense contractor worked to develop relationships with the Navy. Clarus Fluid Intelligence LLC knew how to flush some of the Navy's vital mechanical systems. And more importantly from a business aspect, the company knew how to win the necessary Department of Defense contracts to keep the lights on," but "according to a new lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, that competitive edge may have walked out the door earlier this year with a disgruntled employee versed in not only the company's technical systems - but also its pricing structure." The Virginian-Pilot adds, "Clarus' parent company, Ohio-based RelaDyne, sued Charles Bronder of Virginia Beach this week claiming he violated various state and federal laws intended to protect the company's trade secrets and computer systems. It also claims multiple contract breaches." DO) Opposes Early Release For Imprisoned Leaker Reality Winner. The Washington Times (7/25, Blake, 492K) reported convicted leaker Reality Leigh Winner "received further pushback from the US government Friday in her bid to be released early." The Department of Justice "said in a court filing that Winner recently tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, but appears to be asymptomatic and should stay imprisoned." In a supplemental brief "entered in federal appeals court, the Justice Department said it stands by the claims it previously made against granting Winner's request for compassionate release." NCSC Director Warns China, Russia, Iran Looking To Disrupt 2020 Election, Calls For Sharing Threat Information With Voters. Bloomberg (7/24, Martin, 4.73M) reports William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, on Friday warned that "China, Russia and Iran are looking to disrupt the U.S. electoral process before November's vote, including attempts at compromising the private communications of political campaigns and candidates." Using traditional news outlets and social media, they are trying to "sway U.S. voters' preferences and perspectives, to shift U.S. policies, to increase discord and to undermine confidence in our democratic process," he said. Evanina added that "the coronavirus pandemic and recent protests...continue to serve as fodder for foreign influence and disinformation efforts in America." Politico (7/24, Matishak, 4.29M) calls it the Administration's "most pointed public warning to date about foreign election interference." Reuters (7/24, Hosenball) reports Evanina said "it was 'imperative' his agency share with voters some of the information about possible interference that U.S. spies have given to campaigns and legislators." He explained, "the American public has a role to play in securing the election, particularly in maintaining vigilance against foreign influence...At the most basic level, we encourage Americans to consume information with a critical eye, check out sources EFTA00150488 before reposting or spreading messages, practice good cyber hygiene and media literacy, and report suspicious election-related activity to authorities." CBS News (7/24, Gazis, 3.68M) reports that Evanina said that China is "expanding its influence efforts to shape the policy environment in the United States." Russia "continues to spread disinformation in the United States that is designed to undermine confidence in our democratic process and denigrate what it sees as an anti-Russia `establishment' in America," while Iran's efforts "center around online influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media." The Hill (7/24, Miller, Rodrigo, 2.98M) reports that Evanina also warned, "Our adversaries also seek to compromise our election infrastructure, and we continue to monitor malicious cyber actors trying to gain access to U.S. state and federal networks, including those responsible for managing elections." Still, the Washington Times (7/24, Blake, 492K) reports that Evanina, "a veteran of both the FBI and CIA, said multiple factors have made it `extraordinarily difficult' for adversaries to broadly disrupt or change vote tallies undetected." ABC News (7/24, Bruggeman, 2.97M) reports that "perhaps most notably, Evanina noted efforts to compromise the private communications' of campaigns - a startling echo of Russia's actions in 2016 to hack and disseminate the private emails of John Podesta, at the time a senior campaign advisor to Clinton." NBC News (7/24, Dilanian, 6.14M) reports that Evanina "made no mention of what American intelligence analysts have concluded about whether Russia is trying to help President Trump, as intelligence agencies assessed happened in 2016. The official who is coordinating the intelligence community's efforts on election interference, Shelby Pierson, told Congress months ago that there was evidence Russia again sought to boost Trump." Fox News (7/24, Singman, 27.59M) reports that Evanina "was tapped in May to handle briefing presidential candidates, their campaigns and major political parties on election security threats." The Washington Times (7/26, Lovelace, 492K) also covers Evanina's statement, as does Hearst Television (7/25, Albert), Voice of America (7/24, Schwartz, 48K), The Independent (UK) (7/24, Tidman, 1.36M), the Washington Examiner (7/24, Dunleavy, 448K), and Axios (7/24, Rummler, 521K). Democrats Criticize Evanina For Lack Of Specifics. The AP (7/24, Jalonick) reports Congressional Democrats released a letter Friday in response to Evanina's comments, urging the Trump Administration "to make a concrete and specific statement' to inform voters ahead of the 2020 contest." The letter "did not detail exactly what they want the administration to say," but "said Evanina's statement `does not go nearly far enough in arming the American people with the knowledge they need about how foreign powers are seeking to influence our political process' and falsely paints the three countries as equivalent in their efforts." The Hill (7/24, Miller, 2.98M) reports that the statement, from House Speaker Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Schumer, SSCI Vice Chair Mark Warner, and House Intel Chair Adam Schiff, said that Evanina's warning "fails to fully delineate the goal, nature, scope and capacity to influence our election, information the American people must have as we go into November." CNN (7/24, Cohen, 83.16M) also covers Evanina's statement, but leads with the Democrats' criticism. Mother Jones (7/24, Friedman, 881K) also reports on the Democrats' statement. McConnell, Rubio Defend Evanina. The Hill (7/26, Klar, 2.98M) reports Senate Majority Leader McConnell and SSCI Acting Chair Marco Rubio "defended a senior intelligence official over an assessment released Friday that warned of foreign election interference from Russia, Iran and China." McConnell and Rubio "also slammed Democrats" for their statement claiming Evanina had not gone "far enough in alarming the American people" in the assessment. In a joint statement, McConnell and Rubio said, "We are disappointed by the statement from Senator Schumer, Senator Warner, Speaker Pelosi, and Representative Schiff about Bill Evanina," who they called "a career law enforcement and intelligence professional with extensive experience in counterintelligence." EFTA00150489 The Washington Examiner (7/26, Dunleavy, 448K) reports that the pair said, "Evanina is a career law enforcement and intelligence professional with extensive experience in counterintelligence. His reputation as a straight-shooter immune from politics is well-deserved. It is for this reason that Evanina received overwhelming support from the Senate when he was confirmed to be Director of the NCSC and again when the Administration tapped him to lead the nation's efforts to protect the 2020 elections from foreign interference." Op-Ed: Russia's Disinformation Campaigns Are Targeting African Americans. In an op-ed in the Washington Post (7/24, 14.2M), 2iivinas 'vedkauskas, a PhD researcher at the Institute of Political Science at Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen in Germany, Chonlawit Sirikupt from Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen, and Michel Salzer from Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen, wrote, "During this summer's historic Black Lives Matter protests across the US, social media platforms have been rife with disinformation. That's not a coincidence. Since 2016, Russian disinformation campaigns have focused particularly on race and social issues related to African Americans, exploiting the fact that race remains a highly volatile area in US politics." They contended, "Our research found that the messaging itself has remained steady." Questions Raised About Neutrality Of Ukrainian Group Hired As Facebook Fact Checkers. The New York Times (7/26, Troianovski, 18.61M) reports that Facebook hired the "small Ukrainian fact-checking group StopFake" earlier this year "to help curb the flow of Russian propaganda and other false news across its platform in Ukraine." While the group "signed a pledge to be nonpartisan and not to focus its checks 'on any one side," in "recent weeks, StopFake has been battling accusations of ties to the Ukrainian far right and of bias in its fact- checking." This has "raised thorny questions for Facebook over whom it allows to separate truth from lies - and who is considered a neutral fact checker in a country at war." New Intelligence-Community AI Principles Seek To Make Tools Useful. NextGov (7/24, Tucker) reported the promise of artificial intelligence "comes with new challenges for the intelligence community, which needs AI-driven results to be useful to analysts, transparent to lawmakers, and in line with privacy and other laws." The ODNI on Thursday released "a list of principles to guide its use of AI and the development of new tools." The list and accompanying framework "call on the IC to use 'explainable and understandable methods;"mitigate potential undesired bias;' and routinely test and review algorithms and be sure that they comply with law, among other guidelines." Dean Souleles, the chief technology advisor to the PDDNI, "says such bias is widespread." Souleles said on a phone call with reporters on Thursday, "Every single algorithm, every signal datasat, has bias." ExecutiveGov (7/24, Edwards) reported NDI Ratcliffe said in a statement, "The IC leads in developing and using technology crucial to our national security mission, and we cannot do so without recognizing and acting on its ethical implications. These principles and their accompanying framework will help guide our mission leads and data scientists as they implement technology to solve intelligence problems." The Principles of AI Ethics for the IC document "seeks to ensure that AI platforms are developed and implemented in a way that respects the law and safeguards privacy and civil rights." The principles also "call for the community to consider transparency and accountability, apply human judgment, adopt best practices to build up security and resilience and engage with the scientific and technology communities when it comes to AI development and use." EU Data Watchdogs Warn No Grace Period After Schrems II Privacy Shield Ruling. TechCrunch (7/24, Lomas, 605K) reported European data watchdogs "have issued updated guidance in the wake of last week's landmark ruling striking down a flagship transatlantic data transfer mechanism called Privacy Shield." In an FAQ on the Schrems II judgment, the EFTA00150490 European Data Protection Board (EDPB) "warns there will be no regulatory grace period." The EU-U.S. Privacy Shield "is dead, and any companies still relying on it to authorize transfers of EU citizens' personal data are doing so illegally is the top-line message." The EDPB writes, "Transfers on the basis of this legal framework are illegal." Entities that "wish to keep on transferring personal data to the US need to use an alternative mechanism - but must first determine whether they can meet the legal requirement to protect the data from US surveillance." The Wall Street Journal (7/24, Stupp, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reported a surprise ruling from the EU's top court last week creates challenges for how companies will transfer data outside of the bloc. It has also caused new difficulties for the people tasked with making sure the appropriate rules are adhered to. New UK Report Offers Insights On British Intelligence. The Washington Examiner (7/24, Rogan, 448K) reported the British Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee "has published its annual report on the nation's intelligence services." It offers some "interesting takeaways on the intelligence activity of America's closest partner." There are a few things "that stand out with regard to the three major intelligence services: the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service, and Government Communications Headquarters." GCHQ is "lauded for launching 'a new Engineering Accelerator which will allow GCHQ engineers to work with - and learn from - startups working on areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning:" There is also a "salute to GCHQ's efforts to counter credit card fraud." Though details are "not provided, this very likely centers around offensive actions to dismantle dark web sites selling stolen credit card details." CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Why VA Hospital Employee Gave Several Veterans Deadly Insulin Doses Is Still Unknown. The Washington Post (7/23, Born, Rein, 14.2M) says Reta Mays, who killed seven veterans at a Veterans Affairs hospital in West Virginia by injecting them with deadly doses of insulin, "pleaded guilty last week to seven counts of second-degree murder and one count of assault with the intent to commit an eighth murder." However, why Mays, a veteran herself, did what she did is still unknown, though the Post adds that she "provided a potential clue at her plea hearing, telling the judge she was taking medication for post-traumatic stress disorder." Suspect In Killing Of Federal Judge's Son Had List Of Other Potential Targets. The New York Times (7/25, Rashbaum, 18.61M) reports, "An openly misogynistic lawyer who is believed to have killed the son of a female federal judge in New Jersey had a list of more than a dozen other possible targets, including three other judges and two doctors, three people with knowledge of the matter said." According to the Times, "The list was found on Monday inside a rented car on a rural road in the Catskills in New York, where the lawyer, Roy Den Hollander, 72, had killed himself. Hours earlier, law enforcement officials believe, Mr. Den Hollander walked up to a house belonging to Judge Esther Sales on a suburban street in North Brunswick, N.J., and fatally shot her 20-year-old son when he answered the door." The Times adds, "Investigators have now concluded that Mr. Den Hollander traveled eight days earlier by train to California to murder Marc Angelucci, 52, a men's rights lawyer whom he considered a professional rival." The Orange County (CA) Register (7/24, Percy, 546K) reports, "Roy Den Hollander traveled by train to San Bernardino four days before he allegedly shot and killed attorney Marc Angelucci near Crestline, authorities said Friday, July 24." According to the OCR, "San Bernardino Homicide detectives said he arrived at the San Bernardino train station July 7 and rented a car, which he would drive to Angelucci's Cedar Pines Park home July 11. After the EFTA00150491 shooting, Den Hollander, 72, immediately fled in the rental car to Union Station in Los Angeles, where he boarded a train and left California. Detectives also released still images from surveillance cameras at both train stations marking his arrival and departure from the state." California Man Charged With Smuggling Roman-Era Mosaic From Syria. The AP (7/25) reports from Los Angeles, "A Southern California man has been charged with smuggling an ancient mosaic that authorities believe was looted from war-torn Syria and falsely underestimating its value to avoid import duties." Mohamad Yassin Alcharihi, 53, "claimed in paperwork the 18-foot-long mosaic was part of a shipment worth only about $2,200, according to a federal indictment announced Friday," but "an expert retained by the government believes the artwork was worth more than that. The mosaic, seized by FBI investigators at his Palmdale house in 2016, depicts Hercules and dates back to the Roman Empire. Experts believe the mosaic was similar to others found in and around the city of Idlib, Syria." Search Continues For Missing Amish Teen In Pennsylvania. The Harrisburg (PA) Patriot-News (7/25, Wise, 427K) reports, "Authorities are continuing the search on Saturday for missing 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos, who is believed to have been kidnapped after leaving a church service on Father's Day." The Patriot-News adds, "The Stoltzfoos family shared the news that an organized search would take place today on Facebook, alongside a photo of a foggy Saturday morning - likely in Lancaster County, where Stoltzfoos lived with her family on an Amish farm in Bird-in-Hand." According to the Patriot- News, "It's unclear where Saturday's search is being conducted," but it "is one of many that has been organized by authorities or 'dedicated, trained' volunteers. Stoltzfoos' quiet Amish community rallied together when she disappeared June 21. Amish men and women from neighboring communities also volunteered to hold searches of their own. Earlier this month, 34- year-old Justo Smoker, of Paradise, was charged with her kidnapping. He remains in Lancaster County Prison, but hasn't given authorities any information regarding her whereabouts, police said." FBI Supporting Manhunt For Ohio Men Connected To Murder Of Toddler. Akron (OH) Beacon Journal (7/24, Steineck, 198K) reported that the FBI is supporting a manhunt for three unidentified men, who were caught on film in connection to the murder of one-year-old Ace Lucas. The agency is offering a $5,000 reward for information. Also reporting are ABC World News TonightVi (7/26, story 6, 1:25, Llamas, 6.14M) and WBTV-TV Charlotte, NC (7/24, Vadaj, Nicks, 57K). Continuing Coverage: FBI Supporting Michigan Murder Investigation. CNN (7/24, Riess, Hassan, 83.16M) reported that the FBI Michigan field offices are "providing technical and other assistance to support the investigation" into the death of professional poker player Susie Zhao, whose body "was found in a state recreation area" on July 13. The Daily Beast (7/24, 1.39M) reported that authorities "are scrambling to understand the motive behind her 'mysterious death' and are asking any witnesses who may have seen the pro poker player, known on the circuit as 'Susie Q,' during the hours she was missing." Indiana Police Investigating Shooting Death Of Woman. The Indianapolis Star (7/26, 633K) reports that Indiana police officers are investigating the death of Jessica Doty-Whitaker, who was shot and killed on July 4. Lutheran pastor Mark J. Powell, who organized a rally to remember Doty-Whitaker, has called on the FBI to investigated her death. Arizona Man Indicted Over Murder. EFTA00150492 The Arizona Daily Sun (7/26, 32K) reports Justin Colorado "is facing accusations in state and federal courts after allegedly shooting and killing [Jessica Biakeddy) in Flagstaff and then firing his weapon again while in Kaibeto, Ariz." He "is being held in the Coconino County jail on a federal complaint, and a grand jury has charged him with killing Biakeddy." Vermont Sex Offender Charged With Child Pornography Possession. The AP (7/26) reports convicted sex offender Ryan Beaulieu "has been charged with possessing child pornography" after an unidentified social media company sent a confidential tip to the FBI that Beaulieu "was distributing child pornography online." The FBI raided his home, and "found numerous images and videos of child pornography on Beaulieu's devices." Oklahoma Police Investigating Fatal Shooting. KJRH-TV Tulsa, OK (7/26) reports that Tulsa police officers are investigating the shooting death of Daniel Morgan, who died on July 25. The FBI "is likely to take over the investigation because the alleged suspect would be tried in a federal court." Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating 2019 Murders Of Father, Son. Santa Fe New Mexican (7/25, 69K) reported that the FBI is continuing its investigations into the deaths of Antonio Romero and Buck Romero, whose bodies were found on June 1, 2019. The FBI "is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information 'that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible' for the homicides." FBI Supporting Double Murder Investigation In Georgia. All On Georgia Chattooga County (7/25) reported that the FBI supported the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's inquiry into the deaths of Vanita Richardson and Truvenia Campbell. FBI Investigating ATM Robbery In Missouri. The Missourian (7/24, 41K) reported that the FBI "is leading the investigation of an ATM robbery at the First Bank in Washington July 4." Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating Disappearance Of Iowa Teenager. KWQC-TV Davenport, IA (7/24, 79K) reported that the FBI Omaha field office "s now offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to finding missing 10-year-old Breasia Terrell or the arrest of anyone who was involved in her disappearance." Police "have Henry Earl Dinkins, 47, of Davenport, a person of interest in the case." FBI Continuing Investigation Into Shooting At California Garlic Festival. The Gilroy (CA) Patch (7/24, 1.03M) reported that the FBI "is continuing its investigation into the Gilroy Garlic Festival mass shooting that occurred nearly a year ago." FBI San Francisco SAC John Bennett "confirmed earlier this month that the circumstances surrounding the July 28, 2019 massacre were ongoing." Rhode Island Man Arrested In Georgia After Faking Death. GoLocalProv (RI) (7/25, Fenton) reported David Staveley "was arrested on July 23, 2020, by the U.S. Marshals Service in Georgia" after he attempted to fake his death in order to avoid prosecution in connection to CARES act fraud. The FBI arrested Staveley on May 5 and he was "charged in the District of Rhode Island with allegedly filing bank loan applications fraudulently seeking more than a half-million dollars in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act." Also reporting are Lincoln (RI) Valley Breeze (7/25, 92K) and Providence (RI) Journal (7/25, Mulvaney, 259K). EFTA00150493 Virginia Men Arrested Following Escape From Juvenile Correctional Center. The Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch (7/25, 277K) reported Jabar A. Taylor and Rashad E. Williams, who "escaped from the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center in Chesterfield County on July 13," were "arrested without incident in Michigan on Saturday." The FBI supported the manhunt. Continuing Coverage: California Police Arrest Parents In Connection To Toddler's Disappearance. The Fresno CA Bee (7/26, 246K) reported that the Madera police department has arrested the parents of two-year-old Thaddeus Sran, who "was reported missing July 15," after police officers "said they recovered charred human remains they believe to be the toddler." Madera Police Chief Dino Lawson "said the parents, Briseida G. Sran and Sukhjinder Sran, were taken into custody on a warrant charging them both with murder." Texas Teacher Arrested For Solicitation Of Minor. The El Paso (TX) Times (7/24, 123K) reported Horizon High School teacher Ricardo Ortiz "was arrested by FBI El Paso agents this weekend for allegedly attempting to meet and have sex with a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app." The arrest was a part of a FBI-led sting operation into sexual predators. New Jersey Man Sentenced Over Drug Possession. NJ News (7/25, 1.72M) reported Tahir Gregory "was sentenced to 15 years in state prison after he was convicted of drug crimes by a jury trial." He was "dubbed a `persistent offenders" during his sentencing. Former California Mayor To Be Tried In October For Bribery. The Palm Springs (CA) Desert Sun (7/24, 131K) reported former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, who is charged with accepting bribes, will be tried in October. Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating Missouri Lobbyist. Politico (7/25, Zhang, 4.29M) reported that the FBI is investigating Missouri marijuana lobbyist Steve Tilley, who "represented lucrative clients who appeared to receive a boost in the licensing process" after Missouri legalized medical marijuana in 2018. Colorado Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Drug Sales. The Pueblo (CO) Chieftain (7/24, 61K) reported Ace gang member Jose Angel Martinez "admitted this week that he conspired with other members of the Ace criminal gang to sell drugs." He "made the admission when he pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to commit racketeering and to having heroin with the intent of selling it." The case was the result of a FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigation. Records Link Two Former Law Enforcement Workers To Raided Marijuana Business. The Portland (ME) Press Herald (7/24, 244K) reported that according to state records in Maine, two former Franklin County Sheriff's Office employees are linked to Narrow Gauge Distributors, a marijuana business that the DEA and the FBI recently raided. The records show that "Brad Scovil of Farmington, a former lieutenant in the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, and Derrick Doucette of Livermore, the department's former canine officer, are the treasurer and a member of the board of directors of Narrow Gauge Distributors." An unidentified spokesperson "for the FBI's regional office outside Boston declined comment on what she called an ongoing criminal investigation." The Lewiston (ME) Sun Journal (7/24, 25K) also covered this story. Connection Between Search Operation In Maine, Drug Offender Highlighted. EFTA00150494 The Lewiston (ME) Sun Journal (7/24, Perry, 25K) reported that records show there is a connection between convicted drug trafficker Robert Sirois and a search operation that targeted two companies in Maine, The Home Grown Connection and Narrow Gauge Distributors. The Home Grown Connection, which the DEA and the FBI searched last week, is located in a building that Robert owns. That business, as well as Narrow Gauge Distributors, is owned by Robert's son, Maine resident Lucas Sirois. The Sun Journal added, "Federal authorities remained tight-lipped Thursday about the ongoing investigation involving marijuana-related businesses searched throughout" Maine, including the two Lucas Sirois-owned companies. The Sun Journal article is also posted to the Portland (ME) Press Herald (7/24, 244K) website. Authorities: 18 People Charged In Connection With Massachusetts Drug Investigation. The Worcester (MA) Telegram & Gazette (7/24, Petrishen, 124K) reported that federal authorities have announced that 18 people have been charged in connection with an investigation of an suspected illegal drug operation in Massachusetts. The article highlighted the FBI's involvement with the investigation. Suspect Arrested In Connection With Anti-Crime Operation Facing Drug Charges. The Kansas City (MO) Star (7/24, Stark, 549K) reported that Steven L. Younce has been charged in connection with a federal operation that aims to reduce violent crime in some US cities, including Kansas City, Missouri. The DEA was "involved in the investigation" that led to the arrest of Younce, who is "charged with possessing methamphetamine to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms." In an online story with similar coverage, KSHB-TV Kansas City, MO (7/24, 90K) reported that the federal operation which led to Younce's arrest includes agents from the DEA, the FBI and other federal law enforcement organizations. Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Men Accused Of Distributing Fentanyl. The Sacramento (CA) Bee (7/24, Ahumada, 567K) reported that a federal grand jury recently indicted Steven Lawrence Robinson and Nathaniel Opondo Hubbert, who are "accused of distributing fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, that resulted in at least one overdose." Prosecutors "said Robinson and Hubbert conspired to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl from June 2 through June 24, according to the indictment." The article highlighted the DEA's involvement with the investigation of this case. FBI Asking For Public's Help To Track Down Fugitive. In online coverage, WVEC-TV Hampton Roads, VA (7/24, 49K) reported, "The FBI is asking for the public's help to track down" LaShawn Robertson. A federal arrest warrant that was issued earlier this month charges the "31-year-old Robertson with felon in possession of a firearm, distributing heroin or cocaine or cocaine base or methamphetamine, amphetamine and oxycodone as well as providing firearms to a convicted felon." A similar WTKR-TV Norfolk, VA (7/24, 163K) website report says the Roberston "case is being investigated by the FBI's Peninsula Safe Streets Task Force." Another online WTKR-TV Norfolk, VA (7/26, 163K) article says people who have "information regarding Roberston's whereabouts" are asked to "please call FBI Norfolk at 757- 455-0100 or call 1-800CALL-FBI." The Newport News (VA) Daily Press (7/24, Nolte, Subscription Publication, 176K) and the WAVY-TV Norfolk, VA (7/24, 64K) website also covered this story. Two Plead Guilty To Participating In Scheme To Smuggle Drugs Into Jail In Ohio. EFTA00150495 The Cleveland Patch (7/24, 1.03M) reported that two individuals have pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to smuggle drugs into the Cuyahoga County Jail in Ohio. Marvella Sullivan, a "former corrections officer, pleaded guilty to attempted bribery and drug trafficking of marijuana," while inmate Lamar Speights "pleaded guilty to bribery, money laundering and illegal conveyance of drugs into a detention facility." The article said the FBI and other law enforcement organizations investigated this case. The Akron (OH) Beacon Journal (7/24, 198K) also covered this story. Meth Case Defendant Sentenced To Nearly 27 Years In Prison. The Sidney (MT) Herald (7/24, 9K) reported that Montana resident Maurice Joseph Fregia, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, "possession with intent to distribute meth and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime," has been "sentenced to 26 years and 10 months in prison and five years of supervised release." The Fregia case "was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI and the Billings Police Department." FINANCIAL CRIME & CORPORATE SCANDALS WS3ournal A1: Goldman Sachs To Pay Malaysia Billions For Role In 1MBD Scandal. On its front page, the Wall Street Journal (7/24, Al, Otto, Tay, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports Goldman Sachs is going to pay Malaysia $2.5 billion for its involvement in the alleged thievery of billions of dollars from the country's 1MDB investment fund. Moreover, the agreement indicates Goldman additionally guaranteed the retrieval of $1.4 billion worth of assets allegedly pilfered from the fund. Ohio GOP Looking To Replace House Speaker Arrested In Bribery Probe. The AP (7/24, Amiri) reports Ohio House lawmakers on Friday put out a list of potential candidates to replace current Republican Speaker Larry Householder after his arrest "amid a $60 million federal bribery probe." Former Ohio Supreme Court justice and GOP Rep. Bob Cupp "is being promoted as someone who could bring what Householder could not to the House floor: unity." Meanwhile, "Rep. Rick Carfagna, a central Ohio Republican, is pushing his own candidacy, touting that he voted against the energy bill, didn't receive any money tied to the scandal, and didn't vote for Householder for speaker." "Unholy Alliance" Of Money, Power Fueled Corruption Scheme. The AP (7/25, Gillispie, Smyth) reports from Columbus, Ohio, "An accused co-conspirator called it an 'unholy alliance' - dealings between a longtime Ohio politician seeking to restore his power and an energy company in desperate need of a billion-dollar bailout to rescue two nuclear plants in the state." According to the AP, "Both the politician, current Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, and FirstEnergy Corp., identified in an FBI complaint as 'Company A,' got what they wanted last year from what federal officials say was a $60 million bribery scheme funded by an unidentified company the complaint makes clear is FirstEnergy and its affiliates. What Householder and his alleged co-conspirators might not have realized until their arrests on Tuesday and the affidavit was made public was that the FBI had insider help from people who cooperated with agents, recorded phone calls and dinner conversations, and shared text messages from members of the alleged conspiracy." Ex-Head Of Howard University Bursar's Office Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement. The Washington Post (7/24, Alexander, 14.2M) reports, "A former top director of Howard University's bursar's office pleaded guilty Friday to stealing nearly $140,000 from the university." Doemini Mosley, 35, "pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in U.S. District Court. As part of the plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Mosley faces 10 EFTA00150496 to 24 months in prison and must repay nearly $140,000 in restitution as well as an additional $86,000 in forfeiture funds. Mosley worked at Howard from 2011 through 2017, initially in the university's financial aid office and then as associate director of the university's bursar's office. An ongoing investigation by the FBI's Washington office determined that she conspired with another Howard financial aid office employee to steal from the university, the government said." Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement. The Bridgeport (a) Daily Voice (7/26) reports, "A Fairfield County man has admitted to an embezzlement scheme of more than $1 million involving a Hartford company, federal authorities have announced." Anthony Teixeira, 50, of Danbury, Connecticut, "was employed by Joseph Merritt & Company, a Hartford-based printing company, for more than 25 years, and most recently oversaw the JMC branch located in Danbury. The loss to the company attributable to Teixeira through his schemes is approximately $1.1 million, John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced." The Daily Voice adds that federal prosecutors said that "between approximately January 2012 and February 2019, Teixeira defrauded JMC and its customers by presenting sales orders, or test sales orders, to customers as though they were actually invoices. Customers, believing they were paying JMC for the work, then delivered payments into accounts that Teixeira controlled." US Charges New York Man With $6.9M Fraud. Newsday (NY). (7/24, Valenti, 932K) reports, "A Queens man who authorities said fraudulently used' the credentials of a Long Island-based physician to submit $6.9 million in false medical claims was indicted Friday in federal court in Central Islip, charging him with conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District Seth D. DuCharme said." Arkadiy Khaimov, 37, of Forest Hills, Queens, "faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled for arraignment at a later date. The indictment details a scheme that alleges Khaimov, also known as Alex Khaimov, and co-conspirators used a copay program established through two Queens-based pharmacies to submit false claims for reimbursement for medications `never actually dispensed.' The unnamed physician, whose credentials the government said were fraudulently used, was described only as being `Nassau County-based.' Woman Pleads Guilty To Orchestrating $400M Ponzi Scheme In California. MLive (MI) (7/24, Clark, 925K) reports from Ann Arbor, Michigan, "An Ann Arbor native accused of orchestrating a $400 million Ponzi scheme in California for nearly a decade has pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and fraud charges." Gina Champion-Cain, 54, "pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Southern District of California on July 22, to one count each of conspiracy, securities fraud and obstruction of justice in association with her role as CEO of American National Investments Inc. in San Diego, according to court records. American National Investments Chief Financial Officer and a co-conspirator Crispin Torres Jr. also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy." Champion-Cain, "a 1983 Pioneer High School graduate who later earned a degree from the University of Michigan in 1987, was embroiled in an elaborate scheme to defraud investors from multiple states through fraudulent escrow accounts tied to pending California liquor license transfers, according to the court filing by the Securities and Exchange Commission." CEO Of Virginia Startup Faces Federal Fraud Charges. The ARLnow (VA) (7/24) reports, "A once high-flying Arlington startup is now at the center of a federal fraud case." Trustify, "a Crystal City-based technology firm that provided an online marketplace for private investigations, went bankrupt last year. Just two years prior to that, the company moved into a swanky new office and was touted by the governor's office for its plan to create 184 new jobs in Arlington. Now, federal prosecutors are charging CEO and co-founder Danny Boice with investment fraud, saying he bilked investors out of millions of dollars while EFTA00150497 overstating the company's financial performance." Boice, 41, of Alexandria, Virginia, "was charged with five counts of wire fraud, one count of securities fraud, and two counts of money laundering." Executive At Defunct Ohio Firm Charged With Fraud. The Akron (OH) Beacon Journal (7/24, 198K) reports, "The vice president of a now-defunct tour company has been indicted in federal court on numerous charges." Joseph A. Cipolletti, 45, of Hudson, Ohio, "the president of Discovery Tours, was charged in U.S. District Court with wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud and making a false statement. Federal prosecutors say Cipolletti's victims were families across Ohio who bought pre-paid school field trips and then weren't able to go. Akron-area districts that had booked trips with the agency include Hudson, Twinsburg and Perry." Indivior To Pay $600M To Resolve Allegations Concerning Illicit Scheme To Raise Prescriptions Of Opioid Treatment. Reuters (7/24, Raymond) reports Indivior "has agreed to pay $600 million and have a subsidiary plead guilty to a felony charge to resolve U.S. allegations that it engaged in an illegal scheme to boost prescriptions of its opioid addiction treatment Suboxone." The Justice Department "announced the agreement on Friday after the subsidiary, Indivior Solutions Inc, pleaded guilty in Abingdon, Virginia, to making false statements related to healthcare matters." The deal followed the parent company having been "indicted in April 2019 in one of the few corporate prosecutions related to the U.S. opioid addiction epidemic." Reuters adds, "The indictment alleged Indivior deceived doctors and healthcare benefit programs into believing the film version of Suboxone, which has an opioid component, was safer and less susceptible to abuse than similar drugs." CYBER DIVISION New Report Finds Election Officials Are Vulnerable to Email Attacks. The Wall Street Journal (7/26, McMillan, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports a new study determined local election officials across the country who are handling November's presidential election are using email systems that may be vulnerable to online attacks, Cybersecurity vendor Area 1 Security Inc. assessed more than 12,000 local officials and concluded more than 1,600 used free or nonstandard email software does not have the appropriate protection found with large cloud-service providers. The findings emphasize challenges with the country's wide- ranging election systems. Sources Report Garmin Global Outage Caused By Ransomware Attack. TechCrunch (7/25, Whittaker, 605K) reported that, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the incident, "an ongoing global outage at sport and fitness tech giant Garmin was caused by a ransomware attack." The incident began late Wednesday and "continued through the weekend, causing disruption to the company's online services for millions of users, including Garmin Connect, which syncs user activity and data to the cloud and other devices." The attack also" took down flyGarmin, its aviation navigation and route-planning service." Garmin has "said little about the incident so far." A banner on its website reads: "We are currently experiencing an outage that affects Garmin.com and Garmin Connect. This outage also affects our call centers, and we are currently unable to receive any calls, emails or online chats. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and apologize for this inconvenience." Op-Ed: Cyberespionage Is Now A Permanent Part Of Geopolitics. EFTA00150498 In an op-ed in the Globe and Mail (CAN) (7/24, 1.04M), Ben Buchanan, an assistant teaching professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, wrote, "In the past week, citizens of Canada, the US and the UK have had a behind-the-curtain peek on how espionage works today. The governments of the three countries warned that hackers working for Russian intelligence services had spied on COVID-19 vaccine research. ... These incidents confirm just how vital hacking to steal secrets is to modern statecraft." He concludes, "We should recognize that cyberespionage is here to stay as part of modern geopolitics, whether we like it or not. ... For some, this realization will be saddening and will suggest that norms of restraint are further away than they might like; for others, it is simply a recognition of the inevitable, of how far we are from the optimal world of greater co-operation against disease and other shared risks." Russia's GRU Hackers Hit US Government And Energy Targets. Ars Technica (7/25, 1.36M) reported the FBI notified organizations in May "that Russia's elite hackers had targeted them." The campaign "likely remains ongoing." Russia's GRU military intelligence agency "has carried out many of the most aggressive acts of hacking in history: destructive worms, blackouts, and - closest to home for Americans - a broad hacking-and- leaking operation designed to influence the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election." Now it "appears the GRU has been hitting US networks again, in a series of previously unreported intrusions that targeted organizations ranging from government agencies to critical infrastructure." The revelation of a "potentially ongoing US-targeted GRU hacking spree is especially troubling in light of the GRU's past operations, which have often gone beyond mere espionage to include embarrassing email leaks or even disruptive cyberattacks." FBI Warns US Companies About Backdoors In Chinese Tax Software. ZDNet (7/24, Cimpanu, 299K) reported the FBI "has sent an alert on Thursday warning US companies about backdoor malware that is silently being installed on the networks of foreign companies operating in China via government-mandated tax software." The backdoors "allow threat actors to execute unauthorized code, infiltrate networks, and steal proprietary data from branches operating in China." The FBI "says that all foreign companies are required by local Chinese laws to install this particular piece of software in order to handle value-added tax (VAT) payments to the Chinese tax authority." FBI officials "said the backdoor malware was spotted in the VAT software of two Chinese tech companies - namely Baiwang and Aisino." WPost: Countries Should Be Figuring Out To Share Vaccine Information, Not Steal It. The US and China "in particular have been playing a coronavirus blame game over the past few months," exemplified by reporting hacking attempts to steal vaccine research, the Washington Post (7/25, 14.2M) editorializes. The Post editorial board writes: "The reality is that every country will benefit from every other country having access to a vaccine. They should be figuring out how to share the wealth, not how to steal it." European Commission Says EU Countries Must Urgently Diversify 5G Suppliers. Reuters (7/24, Chee) reported the European Commission "said on Friday EU countries must take urgent action to diversify their 5G suppliers, a move set to shrink Fluawers presence in Europe as the US pressured the bloc to follow Britain and ban the Chinese company from 5G networks." The EU executive said, reporting on the progress made by the 27 EU countries, "Progress is urgently needed to mitigate the risk of dependency on high-risk suppliers, also with a view to reducing dependencies at (European) Union level. Challenges have been identified in designing and imposing appropriate multi-vendor strategies for individual MNOs (mobile network operator) or at national level due to technical or operational difficulties." France Says It's Not Banning Huawei Though Phase Out Started. EFTA00150499 Bloomberg (7/24, 4.73M) reported France is seeking "to assure China that it isn't banning Chinese telecom equipment supplier Huawei from participating in its fifth-generation mobile roll-out, even after announcing new security regulations that may effectively do just that." The head of the country's cybersecurity agency "said this month it will grant time-limited waivers on 5G for wireless operators that use Huawei products, a decision that will likely begin a 'phasing out' of the company's products." The fact that Americans "are publicly praising France for its latest action has observers thinking that a change in policy is afoot." A spokesman for the finance ministry said "any talk of a ban is rumor and speculation." Op-Ed: Cyberattack Attribution And International Law Is Not Well Understood. In a commentary in Just Security (7/24, Eichensehr), Kristen Eichensehr wrote, "Last week the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment accusing two men linked to China's Ministry of State Security of a decade-long campaign of hacking dissidents, human rights activists, and a variety of private sector targets, including most recently entities working on COVID-19 treatments, tests, and vaccines. ... But the relationship of these and other cyberattack attributions to international law is not well understood" He contended, "In a new article, I argue that states should establish a customary international law requirement that governments that make public attributions of cyberattacks to other states must provide enough evidence to enable crosschecking or corroboration of their attributions." He concluded, "But for now, the interplay between cyberattack attributions and the still unsettled rules for state behavior in cyberspace make establishing an evidentiary standard in the cyberattack context an important first step." CISA, NSA Release Security Advisory On Operational Technology. ExecutiveGov (7/24, Martin) reported the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) "partnered with NSA to jointly issue a guidance document on the protection of critical infrastructure and control systems associated with operational technology." CISA said Thursday that the joint advisory "includes information on observed tactics and techniques employed by cyber actors and potential impacts on operational technology systems." Anne Neuberger, director of NSA's Cybersecurity Directorate, said, "Operational technology assets are pervasive and underpin many essential national security functions, as well as the Defense Industrial Base." The government released the advisory "to help operational technology users evaluate their cybersecurity against threats." Gov Info Security (7/25, Asokan) reported the alert also "warns of a 'perfect storm' of vulnerabilities that hackers are looking to exploit." This includes "remote access to critical operational technology systems by a decentralized workforce." The agencies also "note that older OT systems are not designed to defend against modern attacks." Neuberger said, "Operational technology assets are pervasive and underpin many essential national security functions, as well as the defense industrial base." WS3ournal Welcomes EU Report Calling For 5G Diversification. A Wall Street Journal (7/26, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) editorial welcomes a report issued Friday by the European Commission calling for the bloc to diversify its 5G suppliers. The Journal calls the report a sign the EU is beginning to recognize the security threat posed by China. LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES US Prison Population Fell 8% Between March, June. The AP (7/24, Sharma, Lavoie) reports a significant decline in the US prison population has occurred, as an analysis by The Marshall Project and the AP indicates that "between March and June, more than 100,000 people were released from state and federal prisons, a decrease of EFTA00150500 8%." Prisoner totals "have dropped largely because prisons stopped accepting new prisoners from county jails to avoid importing the [coronavirus], court closures meant fewer people were receiving sentences and parole officers sent fewer people back inside for low-level violations, according to data and experts." Report On Alabama Prisons Finds That Corrections Officers Often Utilized Excessive Force. The New York Times (7/24, Vigdor, 18.61M) says the Justice Department on Thursday put out a report concerning Alabama's prison system that "said that corrections officers frequently used excessive force." The report is the most recent troubling peek "at what life is like in the state's overcrowded and understaffed prisons, which for several years have drawn scrutiny from civil rights investigators at the Justice Department and prison reform advocates." The Times adds, "Investigators said that they had reason to believe that episodes of excessive force had been underreported or not reported at all." INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Harry Dunn's Parents Drop Legal Claim Against Police Force. The Guardian (UK) (7/26, 4.19M) reports Harry Dunn's parents have "dropped their legal claim against Northamptonshire police after concluding the force was `absolved of any blame' over their son's death." The 19-year-old's family "are set for a two-day judicial review at the high court in November where they allege the foreign secretary `obstructed justice' by allowing the suspect in the case, Anne Sacoolas, to leave the UK." Northamptonshire police were "brought into the legal claim in January as Dunn's mother, Charlotte Charles, and father, Tim Dunn, sought to understand how Sacoolas, the wife of a CIA agent working at the US intelligence base RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire, was able to claim diplomatic immunity following the fatal crash in August last year." It is understood the force "will now only be involved in the claim as an `interested party' on the request of its chief constable, Nick Adderley." OTHER FBI NEWS Female FBI Trainees Lose Bid To Block Reprisals In Bias Lawsuit. In a paywall-protected article, Law360 (7/24, Subscription Publication, 8K) reports, "Female FBI employees suing the agency for gender bias weren't able to secure a court order shielding them from retaliation, as a D.C. federal judge said she can't bar the FBI from doing something that's only tenuously linked to the employees' allegations." According to Law360, "The women, who allege the FBI's training program systematically pushes female trainees out, said the law enforcement agency had responded to the suit by targeting the accusers who are still working there, including by threatening to fire one of the intelligence analysts named in the litigation and shunning one of their witnesses, who's an FBI supervisor." OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Meadows, Mnuchin Say GOP Relief Bill Coming Monday. On the CBS Weekend NewsVI (7/26, story 2, 2:15, 2.32M), Jamie Yuccas reported, "President Trump has returned to Washington after spending the weekend at his New Jersey golf club. For millions of Americans, these are desperate times. Infections are spreading, and deaths adding up. And for those looking for a new relief check from Washington, it could be a while." CBS' Paula Reid reported Trump's "top advisors were back on Capitol Hill today, working on what to do about federal jobless benefits Congress approved in April, $600 per person per week, which EFTA00150501 are about to expire." Chief of Staff Meadows: "We are going to be prepared on Monday to provide unemployment insurance extension that would be 70% of whatever the wages you were prior to being unemployed." Reid said House Speaker Pelosi said Sunday that "the Republicans' new formula is too complicated." Pelosi: "Figuring out 70% of somebody's wage - people don't all make a salary. Maybe they do, they make wages. And sometimes they have it varied. So why don't we just keep it simple?" On ABC World News TonightVi (7/26, story 4, 1:20, Llamas, 6.14M), Andrew Dymburt reported, "Democrats want to extend the full benefit; Republicans proposing instead to reimburse Americans up to 70% of lost wages." The AP (7/26, Mascaro, Superville) reports Meadows and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin "spent a few hours at the Capitol later Sunday to put what Meadows described as 'final touches' on a $1 trillion relief bill" that Senate Majority Leader McConnell is "expected to bring forward Monday afternoon. ... Meadows said as the White House was `looking for clarity' on a `handful' of remaining issues ahead of Monday." Reuters (7/26, Chiacu, Volcovici) reports Mnuchin and Meadows "would not discuss details, but the $1 trillion Republican offer was expected to include another round of direct payments to individuals, a reduced federal supplement to unemployment benefits and liability protections against coronavirus-related lawsuits." USA Today (7/26, Elbeshbishi, 10.31M) reports, "GOP leaders had previously hoped to release the package on Thursday but delayed the release after the Trump administration requested additional time to review the bill," according to McConnell. The New York Times (7/26, Fandos, Cochrane, 18.61M) says that with Democrats "already on record in opposition to a piecemeal approach, a narrow fix is almost certainly dead on arrival. Republicans know that, suggesting their Sunday proposal may in part be a negotiating tactic laying the groundwork to blame the opposition party when the funds ultimately expire." House Democrats "passed their own $3 trillion proposal - which also includes money to bail out states and cities, fully fund the $600 federal jobless benefit and infuse billions more into the nation's health care system - in May." The Washington Post (7/26, Al, Werner, Stein, 14.2M) also says Pelosi "has rejected the piecemeal approach, but time is running short because the temporary unemployment benefits are set to expire at the end of this week." The Los Angeles Times (7/26, King, 4.64M) reports, "Negotiations between the two parties have barely begun, largely because internal dissent among Senate Republicans and disagreements with the White House have stymied Republican efforts to produce a proposal." Pelosi, on CBS' Face The NationVi (7/26, 2.68M), said, "We've been anxious to negotiate for two months and 10 days, when we put forth our proposal. ... They're in disarray, and it's causing suffering for America's families." However, Mnuchin said on Fox News SundayVi (7/26, 976K), "The Administration and the Senate Republicans are completely on the same page. Mark Meadows and I were up yesterday just working on technical issues in the drafts. We have previously agreed on all these issues earlier in the week. We want to move forward quickly. The bill will be introduced Monday, and we are prepared to act quickly." CNN (7/26, Westwood, Robertson, Main, Kelly, 83.16M) reports on its website that NEC Director Kudlow said Sunday "that $1,200 checks to Americans will be part of the new recovery package, in addition to reemployment bonuses, retention bonuses and tax credits for small businesses and restaurants." The Washington Post (7/26, Al, Farzan, Shepherd, 14.2M) reports, "Kudlow and other administration officials denied intraparty conflict was at play as lawmakers rush to pass legislation before the enhanced jobless aid expires. Hinting at developments, Kudlow said that the federal government would extend a four-month moratorium on evictions that ended Friday." Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), on Fox News' Sunday Morning FuturesVi (7/26, 1.5M), said, "Our goal is to give you 70% of the money lost when you were employed, not to give you a pay raise in unemployment. We have to take care of that." Politico (7/26, O'Brien, 4.29M) reports Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Sunday "reiterated his opposition to an extension of a boost to jobless benefits in a new round of coronavirus relief legislation while taking aim at Democratic positions EFTA00150502 on further aid to those affected by the pandemic." Cruz told CBS' Face The NationVi (7/26, 2.68M), "[Pelosi's) objectives are shoveling cash at the problem and shutting America down." The Wall Street Journal (7/26, Al, Duehren, Ballhaus, Subscription Publication, 7.57M), Washington Times (7/26, Lovelace, 492K), Washington Examiner (7/26, Soellner, 448K), and The Hill (7/26, Budryk, 2.98M) are among the other sources providing coverage. Mnuchin, Kudlow Still Expect Rapid Recovery. The Wall Street Journal (7/26, Mauldin, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports Mnuchin and Kudlow said Sunday that they still expect the US economy to recover rapidly despite the surges in coronavirus cases in several states. Kudlow, on CNN's State Of The UnionVi (7/26, 846K), said, "I don't think the economy is going south. I think it's going north, and I think that there's a bunch of indicators. ... You're in a housing boom right now. You're in a retail sales boom right now. You're in an auto, car boom right now. Manufacturing, look at the ISM Index. All are booming." White House Launching Regional Media Campaign In COVID Hot Spots. Axios (7/26, Treene, 521K) cites "White House officials" who say that "to show President Trump's 'renewed focus' on combating COVID-19, the White House is launching a heavy regional media campaign in states that are coronavirus hot spots to educate the public on the importance of following mitigation measures." The White House "will be blanketing designated marketing areas throughout the Southwest and Midwest with White House doctors and administration officials on air." Trump Says Pelosi, Biden Opposed His Decision To Ban Travelers From China. In a tweet Sunday morning, President Trump said House Speaker Pelosi opposed his decision to ban people from China from entering US even though it saved "tens of thousands of lives." Trump added that Joe Biden agreed with Pelosi, but later admitted Trump was correct. Trump wrote, "Crazy Nancy Pelosi said I made a mistake when I banned people from infected China from entering the U.S. in January. Tens of thousands of lives were saved, as she danced in the Streets of Chinatown (SF) in late February. Biden agreed with her, but soon admitted that I was right!" AP-NORC Poll Shows Trump's Approval On Virus Falling. The AP (7/26, Pace, Fingerhut) reports a new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that with the election 100 days away, "more Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction than at any previous point in Donald Trump's presidency, putting the incumbent in a perilous position as his reelection bid against Democrat Joe Biden enters a pivotal stretch." The poll shows "Trump's approval for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic falling to a new low, with just 32% of Americans supportive of his approach." Moreover, "8 in 10 Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction," and "just 38% of Americans say the national economy is good, down from 67% in January, before the pandemic upended most aspects of everyday life." Meadows Defends US Coronavirus Testing Regime. The Hill (7/26, Coleman, 2.98M) reports that in an interview with ABC's This WeekVI Sunday, Chief of Staff Meadows defended US COVID-19 testing on Sunday "amid criticism over the delays to receive results." Asked by host George Stephanopoulos what the White House's plan is to fix testing, Meadows "said the country is testing more than 1 million people every day, and that additional quick testing at nursing homes, long-term care facilities, schools, health care providers and child care 'may help." Meadows said, "But when we look at the regime that we've got, we're testing more than any other country in the world. ... Other countries, all they do is test when you come to the hospital. We're finding more cases because we're testing more, but, EFTA00150503 indeed, what we need to do is make sure that we focus on those nursing homes, long-term care so that we can bring that death count down because those are the ones that are most at risk." Azar Blames States For Testing Delays. Politico (7/26, Roubein, 4.29M) reports that on CBS' Face The NationVi Sunday, HHS Secretary Azar "blamed the current delays in coronavirus testing on the states, which he said have been too slow to spend federal dollars to boost the country's testing amid the virus's spread." Azar said, "Our governors have to take that initiative and get their public health labs fully up and running." Politico adds that Azar "said that public health labs are running at 58 percent capacity, and claimed the federal government is meeting every need for supplies and testing." Azar "put the onus on the states to boost this." He said, "We're certainly talking to the governors and telling them that they've got to use this money to get up and running." On CNN's State Of The UnionVi (7/26, 830K), Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) took a different view. Hogan argued, "The real need right now is on ramping up a robust testing program because we're starting to with the spikes around the country, you know, see waits of ten days or more in some of these states that are actually affecting states like ours that aren't having a big problem but it's slowing down the testing at the national labs and I think that is something that the federal government has really got to focus on. Instead last week, the President was talking about cutting funding for testing programs." Giroir Says He Is Unhappy With Testing Turnaround Times. The Washington Examiner (7/26, Leonardi, 448K) reports HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brett Giroir said on CNN's State Of The UnionVi that "he's not content with the coronavirus test turnaround time." Giroir "told [host Jake Tapper] he's unhappy with the time it takes for test results to come back after hearing that former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney's son waited five to seven days for results." Asked why testing is "not where it needs to be," Giroir said, "We are not going to stop our efforts until testing is exactly where we want it to be with rapid turnaround times. ... About one-quarter of the tests in this country are done as point-of-care. That's a 15-minute turnaround. About another quarter are done at local hospitals and laboratories, which is generally within 24 hours. The delays that most people talk about are at the large commercial labs that perform about half the testing in our country. Now, the data are the average turnaround is 4.27 days. ... I'm never gonna be happy until we have this under control." Politico (7/26, Roubein, 4.29M) reports Giroir "said that anyone who needs' a coronavirus test can get one," but he "didn't define what `need' meant." Politico adds that "some testing sites across the country are prioritizing people who are already sick, even as schools and businesses will need more quick testing as they reopen." Meadows Expects "Good News" On Therapeutics And Vaccine In Coming Weeks. The New York Post (7/26, Nelson, 4.57M) reports Chief of Staff Meadows told ABC's This Week Vi Sunday that he is "hopeful" that an announcement on new COVID-19 treatments will be coming within days. Meadows said, "We're hopeful that, with some of the breakthrough technology on therapeutics, that we will be able to announce some new therapies in the coming days." While he "did not elaborate on what the new therapies may be," Meadows repeated later in the interview, "I'm hopeful that, in the next couple of days, that we will have some very good news on the therapeutic and vaccine fronts, as we try to address this China virus." BARDA Gives Moderna Another $472M To Support Vaccine Development. Reuters (7/26, Ponnezhath) reports that Moderna announced Sunday that "it has received an additional $472 million from the U.S. government's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support development of its novel coronavirus vaccine." Politico (7/26, Roubein, 4.29M) says BARDA "is pouring the additional dollars the day before the phase three trial of the vaccine candidate is slated to start." The funds will help Moderna "expand the trial to 30,000 people" in the US. It comes "on the heels of months of discussions with FDA and the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed, an interagency effort to accelerate the timeline for a vaccine." EFTA00150504 Experts Say Vaccine Protection May Only Last Months Or Years. Emerging science and health experts say that potentially successful COVID-19 vaccines may only protect people for months or years rather than the rest of their lives, the Wall Street Journal (7/26, Al, Hopkins, Hernandez, Loftus, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports. NIH's Collins Says Black, Latino, Native American Communities Must Be Represented In Vaccine Trial. The Washington Post (7/26, Al, Johnson, 14.2M) reports that a vaccine "must work for everyone - young and old; black, brown and white." With "the first massive coronavirus vaccine trial in people" set top begin Monday, "many of the 30,000 volunteers for each trial must come from diverse communities. It's a scientific necessity, but also a moral imperative, as younger people of color die of coronavirus at twice the rate of white people, and black, Hispanic and Native Americans are hospitalized at four to five times the rate of white people in the same age groups." NIH Director Collins said, "If this is a vaccine trial that enrolls a bunch of 20-somethings or white college graduates, it will not give us the information we need." CDC Echoes Trump's Recommendation That Schools Reopen. In a front-page article, the New York Times (7/24, Al, Goodnough, 18.61M) reports that on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "issued a full-throated call to reopen schools in a package of new `resources and tools' posted on its website...that opened with a statement that sounded more like a political speech than a scientific document, listing numerous benefits for children of being in school and downplaying the potential health risks." According to the Times, "The package of materials began with the opening statement, titled `The Importance of Reopening America's Schools This Fall,' and repeatedly described children as being at low risk for being infected by or transmitting the coronavirus, even though the science on both aspects is far from settled." The Times points out that the CDC "published the new guidance two weeks after President Trump criticized its earlier recommendations on school reopenings as `very tough and expensive." NBC Nightly NewsVi (7/24, story 4, 1:43, Dahlgren, 5.54M) reported the "guidelines address downsize of remote learning and benefits of in-person classes, adding `COVID poses a relatively low risk to kids,' but also noting 64 children in the US have died since the pandemic began." The CDC is also "pressing districts to welcome students back in person; encouraging cloth face coverings, hand hygiene and disinfecting often; spacing out students to maintain social distancing; even repurposing buildings or holding classes outside; keeping groups of students in cohorts or pods together throughout the day." In a front-page article, the Wall Street Journal (7/24, Al, McCabe, Brody, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) quotes CDC Director Robert Redfield as saying, "It is critically important for our public health to open schools this fall." The Journal reports that Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, emphasized that the CDC was not backing away from it's recommendations for schools to protect students and faculty from the coronavirus even as it encourages them to reopen. In another front-page article, the Washington Post (7/24, Al, Meckler, Weiner, 14.2M) reports Redfield "said there should be exceptions for `hot spots,' and he used a metric that would include parts of at least 33 states." The Post suggests the "mixed messaging was another indication of how public health officials at the CDC have been squeezed between Trump's demand for a normal school year and an out-of-control virus." The Washington Post (7/24, Hawkins, 14.2M) reports that on Friday, NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci "said the country should try `as best as we possibly can' to keep children in school but stressed that school reopenings should depend on the level of virus transmission in individual communities." Fauci is quoted as saying, "It depends on where you are. We live in a very large country that is geographically and demographically diverse and certainly different in the extent to which there is covid virus activity." EFTA00150505 The CBS Evening NewsVi (7/24, story 2, 1:02, Bojorquez, 4.11M) reported the debate over school openings is "leaving some teachers in fear," because some CDC "language, like 'teach and reinforce use of cloth face coverings' written in May are now labeled recommendations." Similarly, ABC World News TonightVi (7/24, story 2, 1:46, Oquendo, 6.68M) reported "only 44% of parents are willing to send their kids to school," according to an ABC News/Ipsos poll. The segment added that a "large study in South Korea" found "that children under the age of 10 are the only group that spreads the virus less than adults." Los Angeles Superintendent Discusses Challenges Of School Reopenings. In an interview with NBC Nightly NewsVi (7/24, story 5, 3:24, Holt, 5.54M), Austin Beutner, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent says that reopening is an "incredibly tough call because we understand students need to be in school. But we can't compromise on the health and safety of all the school community." Beutner adds that COVID-19 infection "rates are still skyrocketing" in Los Angeles, and the community is "not ready" to return to school. However, he adds that "this fall, in addition to online learning, we're going to offer individual tutoring, both online and in person. We're going to do everything we can to try to help students catch up." Barron Trump's School Not Planning To Fully Reopen. The Washington Post (7/24, Stein, 14.2M) reports that "even as President Trump urges U.S. schools to reopen, his youngest son would probably not be able to return to his own private school full-time in the fall." According to the Post, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, "the Maryland private school that Trump's 14-year-old son Barron Trump attends, told families that they should prepare for an all-distance or hybrid learning model in the fall." Pence: Reopening Schools "Is The Best Thing For Our Kids." The AP (7/24) reports Vice President Pence "kept up the Trump administration's push for reopening schools and universities, insisting Friday that it can be done safely even amid public worries about the health risks posed by the coronavirus." The Vice President "told a small audience at Marian University in Indianapolis that having children back in classrooms was a necessary step to seeing more parents returning to jobs." Said Pence, "Opening up our schools again is the best thing for our kids," adding, "It's also the best thing for working families." Nursing Homes Say FEMA Sent Them Faulty PPE. According to the New York Times (7/24, Jacobs, 18.61M) , "Nursing home employees across the country have been dismayed by what they've found when they've opened boxes of protective medical gear sent by the federal government, part of a $134 million effort to provide facilities a 14-day supply of equipment considered critical for shielding their vulnerable residents from the coronavirus." The Times says "the shipments have included loose gloves of unknown provenance stuffed into unmarked Ziploc bags, surgical masks crafted from underwear fabric and plastic isolation gowns without openings for hands that require users to punch their fists through the closed sleeves. Adhesive tape must be used to secure them." The Times adds that "none of the shipments have included functional N95 respirators, the virus-filtering face masks that are the single most important bulwark against infection." The Times reports that FEMA "said it had addressed the complaints." The CBS Evening NewsVi (7/24, story 4, 0:09, Bojorquez, 4.11M) provided brief coverage of the controversy. Fauci Discusses Resumption Of Pro Sports Seasons. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal (7/26, Cohen, Subscription Publication, 7.57M), NIAID Director Fauci discussed the resumption of professional sports seasons and highlighted the approaches taken by Major League Baseball and the NBA. Sinclair Pulls Segment Featuring Conspiracy Theory About Fauci. The AP (7/26, Bauder) reports the Sinclair Broadcast Group announced Saturday that it is pulling an edition of EFTA00150506 its "America This Week" program that discusses a conspiracy theory which suggests that Fauci created the coronavirus. The show "featured an interview with Judy Mikovits, maker of the widely discredited 'Plandemic' video, and her lawyer, Larry Klayman." Mikovits "said she believed that Fauci manufactured the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and shipped it to China. There has been no evidence that the virus was produced in a lab, much less any of Fauci's involvement." Host Eric Bolling "did not push back on the claim, or show any evidence of checking its veracity." A spokesman "said Sinclair hopes to add context and other viewpoints and still air the controversial segment on the next week's edition of 'America This Week." Florida's COVID Case Count Surpasses New York's. Reuters (7/26, Craft) reports that Florida has become "the second state after California to overtake New York, the worst-hit state at the start of the U.S. novel coronavirus outbreak." On Sunday, total COVID-19 cases in Florida "rose by 9,300 to 423,855," putting the state "just one place behind California, which now leads the country with 448,497 cases. New York is in third place with 415,827 cases." However, "New York has recorded the most deaths of any U.S. state at more than 32,000 with Florida in eighth place with nearly 6,000 deaths." ABC World News TonightVi (7/26, story 2, 3:35, Llamas, 6.14M) described "an alarming surge in infections among children" in Florida, "nearly 8,000 under the age of 17 testing positive for the virus in the past week." The CBS Weekend NewsVi (7/26, story 4, 2:00, Yuccas, 2.32M) provided similar coverage. California Sees Consecutive Days Of Record Fatalities. NBC Nightly NewsVI (7/26, story 2, 1:45, Snow, 2.87M) reported that in California, there have been "several straight days of record fatalities and a firefighter succumbing to COVID. In nearby Newport Beach, 10 firefighters and 11 lifeguards testing positive, contributing to community spread." Houston Had More COVID Deaths In July Than Previous Four Months Combined. NBC Nightly NewsVi (7/26, story 2, 1:45, Snow, 2.87M) reported that "Houston's mayor announced more COVID deaths in July in that city than the previous four months combined. At the same time, some Lone Star State bars opening in defiance of the governor's orders." Some Police Chiefs, Sheriffs Won't Enforce State Mask Mandates. The AP (7/26, Demillo) reports that a number of police chiefs and sheriffs "say they won't enforce statewide mask requirements, even within their departments." While some "say they don't have the manpower to respond to every mask complaint," others "reject the legal validity of mask requirements." According to health officials, "a lack of enforcement could undermine what they say is a much-needed and simple step that can be taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus." Texas Family Contracts Coronavirus Despite Efforts To Protect Themselves. The New York Times (7/26, Fink, 18.61M) reports that Elaine Roberts, a bagger at a supermarket in Houston, took steps to protect herself from the coronavirus, including wearing masks and gloves, but many of the customers at the store where she works did not wear masks. Roberts, "who has autism and lives with her parents, got sick first, sneezing and coughing. Then her father, Paul, and mother, Sheryl, who had been so cautious after the pandemic struck that their rare ventures out were mostly for bird-watching in a nearly empty park, were hospitalized with breathing problems." The Times says that what happened to the Roberts family "is in many ways the story of Texas. ... For weeks, politicians were divided over keeping the economy open, citizens were polarized about wearing masks, doctors were warning that careless behavior could imperil others, and families were put at risk by their young." EFTA00150507 WTimes Analysis: Administration Believes DACA Ruling Confirms Executive Action Authority. The Washington Times (7/26, Boyer, 492K) reports President Trump "is turning increasingly to executive action to push through his election-year agenda, buoyed by" the June Supreme Court ruling on President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which the Administration "believes has expanded the president's power of the pen." Trump "signed five executive actions last week alone. Four orders Friday were aimed at lowering prescription drug prices," while one eliminated undocumented immigrants from the census count for reapportionment. INTERNATIONAL NEWS WPost Analysis: US Global Standing "At A Low Ebb," Made Worse By Pandemic. The Washington Post (7/26, Balz, 14.2M) reports in an analysis that the United States' "standing in the world is at a low ebb." The nation "is now seen as withdrawn and inward- looking, a reluctant and unreliable partner at a dangerous moment for the world. The coronavirus pandemic has only made things worse." In place of the "principle of robust American leadership in the world through alliances and multilateral institutions," President Trump "has substituted his America First doctrine and what his critics say is a zero-sum-game sensibility about international relationships." The world "sees the United States not as a leader in dealing with the coronavirus but as the country with the highest number of coronavirus infections and covid-19 deaths, and with the disease far from under control." North Korea Locks Down Border Town As First Suspected COVID Cases Emerges. Reuters (7/26, Cha, Smith) reports North Korean state media said Sunday that Kim Jong-un has "declared an emergency and a lockdown in a border town after a person suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus returned from South Korea after illegally crossing the border." The case, if confirmed, would be the first officially acknowledged by North Korean officials. North Korea's KCNA state news reported that a person who defected to South Korea three years ago, returned to the town Kaesong this month with symptoms of COVID-19. The Washington Post (7/26, Kim, 14.2M) says test results "were described as 'uncertain' but the person was still put under quarantine while health officials launched an investigation into those who might have come in contact with the individual in Kaesong, the state media reported." The Post adds that an outbreak "would pose a significant threat to North Korea's limited health system, which lacks basic protective equipment and medical supplies." Latin America's Coronavirus Case Tally Surpasses Combined Total Of US, Canada. Reuters (7/26, Desantis, Leira) reports the number of "coronavirus cases in Latin America for the first time...surpassed the combined infections in the United States and Canada, a Reuters tally showed on Sunday, amid a surge of infections in Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina." Mexico Raises Spring Death Toll For 20 Of 32 States. Bloomberg (7/26, Zerpa, 4.73M) reports that Mexico "is raising its estimate for the death toll for about two-thirds of the country by 55% between mid-March and late June." Mexico "said in 20 out of 32 states alone, fatalities from Covid-19 and other causes increased by 71,315 to a total of 202,077 from March 15 to June 27." The total "compares with the 130,763 earlier expected, according to a report by the health ministry on Saturday." Bloomberg adds that "43,680 have died in Mexico from coronavirus, the fourth-highest number of fatalities globally, according to Johns Hopkins University data." EFTA00150508 Spain Reimposes Lockdowns On Some Bars And Beaches. The AP (7/26, Wilson) reports that Spain's nightclubs, bars, and beaches "are facing new lockdown restrictions after turning into coronavirus hot spots. ... The northeast region of Catalonia now hosts two of the most worrying virus hotspots in Spain, prompting authorities to tighten restrictions in Barcelona and a rural area around Lleida that were relaxed only a month ago when Spain had its devastating outbreak in check." Meanwhile, Reuters (7/26, Melander, Allen) reports that the Spanish government "insisted" Sunday that the country is safe "after Britain abruptly imposed a two-week coronavirus quarantine on travelers returning from there, a decision that filled holidaymakers with dismay." Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya told reporters, "Spain is safe, it is safe for Spaniards, it is safe for tourists." Russia Seizes Control Of Two Libyan Oil Facilities. The Wall Street Journal (7/26, Faucon, Malsin, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports Russian military contractors have seized control of two of Libya's largest oil facilities. In response, the US Treasury Department cited Russian involvement in Libya in a new round of sanctions applied in July to a Russian businessman with ties to President Vladimir Putin. The Department is also threatening sanctions against Russia's Libyan ally, Khalifa Haftar. Hook: Dispute Between Qatar, Neighbors Has Gone On Too Long. Reuters (7/26, Cornwell) reports US Special Envoy for Iran Brian Hook said Sunday that a rift between Qatar and its Gulf Arab allies "had lasted too long and urged them to rebuild trust and unity." During a visit to Qatar, Hook told reporters, "The dispute has continued for too long and it ultimately harms our shared regional interests in stability, prosperity and security. Bringing an end to this dispute really will advance the collective interests of all the parties to this conflict." McConnell, Rubio Defend NCSC Official Over Remarks On Election Interference. The Hill (7/26, Klar, 2.98M) reports Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Senate Intelligence Chairman Marco Rubio "defended a senior intelligence official over an assessment released Friday that warned of foreign election interference from Russia, Iran and China." McConnell and Rubio "also slammed Democrats" for their statement claiming William Evanina, the Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), of not going "far enough in alarming the American people" in the assessment. Debt Of Developing Nations Could Pose World's Next Economic Crisis. The Wall Street Journal (7/26, Chilkoti, Steinhauser, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports that the world is preparing for a battle over developing country debt as governments struggle to find money to prepare their health systems for COVID-19 cases even as large amounts of their revenue are taken up by debt service. THE BIG PICTURE Headlines From Today's Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: At Boeing And Airbus, Finished Airplanes Pile Up Investors Set Aside Coronavirus Worries, Driving A 'Melt-Up' In Markets GOP to Propose Aid Bill, With Extra Jobless Benefits Set to Expire Covid's Next Economic Crisis: Developing-Nation Debt Learning To Ride A Bicycle As An Adult Can Be Hazardous To Your Dignity A Big Unknown In Covid-19 Vaccine Development: How Long Will Protection Last? EFTA00150509 New York Times: Cities In Bind As Turmoil Spreads Far Beyond Portland They Crossed Oceans To Lift Their Families Out Of Poverty. Now, They Need Help. Inside The Violent And Misogynistic World Of Roy Den Hollander 'You Do the Right Things, And Still You Get It' For The NBA, A Long Strange Road Trip To The Finals A Liberal Town Built Around Confederate Generals Rethinks Its Identity Washington Post: Trump Touts Vote Fraud Case, Leaving Out Facts New Urgency On Narrow Relief Bill A Key Test For Vaccine Trials: Ensuring Diversity Colombia Factions Use Curfews For Control 'GWTW' Star Helped Topple Studio System World Of Crises Shows US Influence At A Low Ebb Financial Times: Infection Surges Force Countries To Curb European Travel Banks Across Europe Braced For Further Heavy Loan-Loss Charges Anti-Corruption Drive Floundering Under Bolsonaro, Says Ex-Minister Chinese Listinas Surge On Wall Street Despite Tensions Washington Times: Meadows: GOP Unemployment Insurance Extension Plan To Cut $600 Per Week Allotment 'Remarkably Dangerous': Agents Increase Force Against Portland Protesters Using Lasers Trump Uses Ruling On Obama-Era Policy As Cause For Flurry Of 'Exciting' Executive Orders Huge Crowds Gather As US Packs Up, Leaves Chinese Consulate Seattle Business Owners Feel Abandoned By The City They Once Loved Source For Steele Discredited Anti-Trump Dossier Outed Story Lineup From Last Night's Network News: ABC: Texas-Hurricane; Coronavirus-Rising Cases; Election 2020; Congress-Relief Bill; Violent Protests; Ohio-FBI Searching for Gunmen Who Killed 1 Year Old; John Lewis Tribute; Utah- Small Plane Crash; Phoenix-Kidnapping Caught On Video; Death of Gone With The Wind Actress; Reporter Filmed Son's World Travels. CBS: Texas-Hurricane; Coronavirus-Rising Cases; Hurricane Douglas; John Lewis Tribute; Violent Protests; Election 2020; Death of Gone With The Wind Actress; Coronavirus-Schools; Severe Weather; New York-Artist From Los Angeles Sends Paintings To Healthcare Workers. NBC: Texas-Hurricane; Coronavirus-Rising Cases; Hurricane Douglas; John Lewis Tribute; Violent Protests; Election 2020; Death of Gone With The Wind Actress; Coronavirus-Schools; Severe Weather; New York-Artist From Los Angeles Sends Paintings To Healthcare Workers. Network TV At A Glance: Coronavirus - 11 minutes, 30 seconds John Lewis Tribute - 8 minutes, 35 seconds Texas-Hurricane - 5 minutes, 55 seconds Violent Protests - 5 minutes, 25 seconds Election 2020 - 5 minutes, 15 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning's Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Election 2020; Congress-Relief Bill; John Lewis Tribute; Americans With Disability Act Anniversary. EFTA00150510 CBS: Hurricane Douglas; Texas-Hurricane; Congress-Relief Bill; HHS Sec. Azar-Reopening Schools; John Lewis Tribute; China-US Closes Consulate in Chengdu. FOX: Congress-Relief Bill; Texas-Hurricane; Hurricane Douglas; Trump-Texas Visit; Biden- Campaign Ads. NPR: Congress-Relief Bill; Coronavirus-Rising Cases; Coronavirus-Testing; 2020 Census. WASHINGTON'S SCHEDULE Today's Events In Washington. White House: • President Trump — Participates in a greeting with the Walking Marine, Terry Sharpe; participates in a tour of Bioprocess Innovation Center at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies; participates in a coronavirus briefing at Bioprocess Innovation Center at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies • Vice President Pence — Visits Miami to mark the beginning of Phase III trials for a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, participating in a roundtable with university leadership and researchers at the University of Miami, followed by a press briefing US Senate: • Dem Rep. John Lewis lies in state at the U.S. Capitol - Democratic Rep. John Lewis lies in state at the U.S. Capitol, following his death 17 Jul, from pancreatic cancer, aged 80 * Agenda includes invitation-only arrival ceremony (1:30 PM EDT); and public viewing at the top of the East Front Steps (6:00 PM EDT - 10:00 PM EDT) * Public viewing continues tomorrow from 8:00 AM EDT to 10:00 PM EDT * Lewis died on the same day as late civil rights leader Rev. C.T. Vivian, whose funeral was held last week * He is the second Black lawmaker to lie in state, alongside late Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died in October 2019 Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC; 1:30 PM • Senate debates judicial nominee - Senate convenes and proceeds to executive session to resume consideration of the nomination of William Scott Hardy to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania * Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination passed by 60 votes to 32 last week Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC; 4:00 PM US House: • House Foreign Affairs and Oversight Committees hold joint deposition in probe of firing of State Department IG - House Committee on Foreign Affairs and House Committee on Oversight and Reform conduct joint deposition of Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs R. Clarke Cooper, as part of their investigation into President Donald Trump's 15 May firing of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, and whether President Trump removed Linick in order to stop his office's work looking into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's conduct; /0:00 AM • Dem Rep. John Lewis lies in state at the U.S. Capitol - Democratic Rep. John Lewis lies in state at the U.S. Capitol, following his death 17 Jul, from pancreatic cancer, aged 80 * Agenda includes invitation-only arrival ceremony (1:30 PM EDT); and public viewing at the top of the East Front Steps (6:00 PM EDT - 10:00 PM EDT) * Public viewing continues tomorrow from 8:00 AM EDT to 10:00 PM EDT * Lewis died on the same day as late civil rights leader Rev. C.T. Vivian, whose funeral was held last week * He is the second Black lawmaker to lie in state, alongside late Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died in October 2019Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC; 1:30 PM • House Rules Committee hearing - Hearing on 'H.R. 7617 - Defense, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, EFTA00150511 Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2021', held via Cisco Webex; 2:00 PM Cabinet Officers: • Annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations held in the U.S. - Annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN 2020), with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper co-hosting Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds Location: State Department, Washington, DC Visitors: • No visitors scheduled This Town: • FCC Hospital Robocall Protection Group meeting Location: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street Southwest, Washington, DC; 10:00 AM • Environmental Protection Agency Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee meeting concludes; 1:00 PM • Dem Rep. John Lewis lies in state at the U.S. Capitol - Democratic Rep. John Lewis lies in state at the U.S. Capitol, following his death 17 Jul, from pancreatic cancer, aged 80 * Agenda includes invitation-only arrival ceremony (1:30 PM EDT); and public viewing at the top of the East Front Steps (6:00 PM EDT - 10:00 PM EDT) * Public viewing continues tomorrow from 8:00 AM EDT to 10:00 PM EDT * Lewis died on the same day as late civil rights leader Rev. C.T. Vivian, whose funeral was held last week * He is the second Black lawmaker to lie in state, alongside late Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died in October 2019Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC; 1:30 PM • Atlantic Council online discussion on Germany's role in transatlantic defense - 'Germany's role in the future of transatlantic defense' Atlantic Council Future Europe Initiative and Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative online event, with German Parliamentary State Secretary Thomas Silberhorn discussing Germany's agenda for European defense initiatives during its EU Presidency, the country's current operations abroad from Afghanistan to Mali, and transatlantic security cooperation; 4:00 PM Copyright 2020 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. 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