thetorontostar--2020-10-04--The Latest: Israel’s environment minister tests positive

JERUSALEM — A member of Israel ’ s Cabinet has tested positive for the coronavirus as the country remains under lockdown while battling a second wave of infection .
Gila Gamliel , Israel ’ s environmental protection minister and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s Likud party , announced on Twitter Sunday that she had tested positive .
She was the fourth minister in Israel ’ s government to test positive for COVID-19 since March .
“ I feel good and hope to recover quickly with God ’ s help , ” she wrote on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown on Sept. 18 ahead of the Jewish High Holidays in an effort to rein in a runaway outbreak of the coronavirus .
The country has one of the highest daily infection rates per capita in the world .
According to Health Ministry figures , Israel has recorded over 264,000 cases and almost 1,700 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — Doctor : Trump improving , but not ‘ out of the woods ’ yet — South Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization to waive some provisions in the international agreements that regulate intellectual property rights to speed up efforts to prevent , treat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic .
— Madrid has started its first day under a partial lockdown with police controlling travel in and out of the Spanish capital .
The Madrid region has become Europe ’ s most critical hot spot in the second wave of the coronavirus .
— Pope Francis has travelled to the tomb of his nature-loving namesake to sign an encyclical laying out his vision of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and care for the environment .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. -- The Navajo Nation , which sprawls across Arizona , New Mexico and Utah , reported 17 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths Saturday .
The total number of deaths related to the virus on the huge reservation remains at 558 , and the total number of cases is now 10,421 .
NEW DELHI — India has registered 75,829 confirmed coronaviruses cases in the past 24 hours , a day after crossing 100,000 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s confirmed total to more than 6.5 million on Sunday and said at least 101,782 people have died of COVID-19 .
India is still registering the highest number of daily cases globally but with the recovery rate at more than 83 % , the number of those cured has surpassed 5.5 million , the Health Ministry said .
India also has the low fatality rate of 1.56 % , which is nearly half the global one .
The Health Ministry credited the increased testing in the country for a sustained low death rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests so far , according to official data .
India is preparing to reopen cinemas and entertainment parks with limited capacity beginning Oct. 15 , in an effort to revive the economy .
Health experts warn the move has the potential for the virus to spread during the upcoming religious festival and winter season .
MELBOURNE , Australia — The premier of Australia ’ s Victoria state has called on citizens to “ stay the course ” after large groups flooded beaches and parks at the weekend in defiance of strict lockdown regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter spike in coronavirus cases , relaxed lockdown regulations last weekend but still allowed only five people from up to two households to congregate outside .
Many ignored those regulations on Saturday and crowded parks and beaches , causing Premier Daniel Andrews to remind Victorians not to be selfish and maintain social distancing .
Victoria reported only 12 new coronavirus cases and one death Sunday , well down on the peaks of winter .
“ We are so , so close , ” Andrews said .
“ Let ’ s not any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very positive numbers .
Once we get them low , we can keep them low and we can open up again if we don ’ t do anything silly or anything selfish right now.
” Andrews said the situation in Victoria is “ delicately poised ” as the state moves toward further easing of lockdown rules .
“ It ’ s sunny , yes , and people love to go to the beach when it ’ s sunny but there ’ s a global pandemic on , ” he said .
“ Surely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see this thing , to defeat it and to have a normal summer and have a COVID normal Christmas and 2021.
” SEOUL , South Korea — South Korea has reported 64 new cases of the coronavirus , the fourth straight day its increase came below 100 , possibly reflecting the fewer number of tests conducted during one of the biggest holidays of the year .
The figures released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Sunday brought the national caseload to 24,091 , including 421 deaths .
Thirty-eight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ densely populated Seoul metropolitan area , which has been at the centre of a viral resurgence since August .
Health workers have struggled to track transmissions tied to churches , hospitals , schools and offices .
Seventeen of the new cases were linked to international arrivals , mostly from other Asian countries such as the Philippines , India , and Bangladesh .
There are concerns that infections could rise in coming weeks because of increased travel during the five-day Chuseok harvest holiday that continues through Sunday .
SANTA FE , N.M. — New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases and three more deaths , increasing the statewide totals to 30,296 cases with 890 deaths .
The additional cases reported Saturday included 75 in Bernalillo County , 67 in Dona Ana County , 32 in Chaves County , 22 in Lea County and 20 in Curry County .
The three deaths occurred one each in Bernalillo , Curry and Dona Ana counties and involving people in their 70s or 80s with underlying conditions .
PHOENIX — Numerous inmates say Arizona ’ s prison system has failed to provide necessary testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Arizona Republic reports that dozens of letters from inmates in recent months said the Arizona Department of Corrections , Rehabilitation and Reentry wasn ’ t protecting staff and inmates during the outbreak .
The Republic reports inmates ’ letters describing fears and frustrations , asking for help while others provided graphic details in personal narratives of surviving the virus .
A department spokesperson denied many allegations by inmates , including that sick inmates weren ’ t tested .
Department spokesperson Judy Keane also cited health and safety protocols announced during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12,872 new coronavirus infections , by far the highest daily total since the outbreak began , though the figure includes a backlog of previously unreported cases .
The government says the figure includes an unspecified number of deaths over the past week that have not been reported because of a now-resolved “ technical issue.
” Saturday ’ s total is more than 5,000 cases more than the previous high , recorded earlier this week .
Britain is seeing a second spike in coronavirus cases , though the daily number can ’ t directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.K. peak in April because many more tests are now being performed now .
The number of hospitalizations and deaths is also rising but remains far below the U.K. ’ s springtime peak .
Another 49 COVID-19 deaths were reported on Saturday .
Britain ’ s official coronavirus death toll is 42,317 .
The government has imposed restrictions on social gatherings to try and curb the spread of the virus , and almost a third of the country ’ s population of 66 million is under tighter local lockdown measures .
NEW YORK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count of new coronavirus cases is continuing to rise .
The state reported on Saturday that there were more than 1,700 new confirmed cases on Friday , up slightly from the day before with case totals not seen since May .
Some of the hot spots in the state included the New York City borough of Brooklyn , where more than 350 people tested positive , and in suburban Rockland County , which saw at least 120 new cases .
The hardest hit regions of the state , on a per capita basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pennsylvania border and the Mid-Hudson Valley .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--US push for Arab-Israel ties divides Sudanese leaders

CAIRO - Sudan ’ s fragile interim government is sharply divided over normalizing relations with Israel , as it finds itself under intense pressure from the Trump administration to become the third Arab country to do so in short order — after the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain .
Washington ’ s push for Sudan-Israel ties is part of a campaign to score foreign policy achievements ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November .
Sudan seemed like a natural target for the pressure campaign because of U.S. leverage — Khartoum ’ s desperate efforts to be removed from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sudan can only get the international loans and aid that are essential for reviving its battered economy once that stain is removed .
While Sudan ’ s transitional government has been negotiating the terms of removing the country from the list for more than a year , U.S. officials introduced the linkage to normalization with Israel more recently .
Top Sudanese military leaders , who govern jointly with civilian technocrats in a Sovereign Council , have become increasingly vocal in their support for normalization with Israel as part of a quick deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Now , whether we like it or not , the removal ( of Sudan from the terror list ) is tied to ( normalization ) with Israel , ” the deputy head of the council , Gen. Mohammed Dagalo , told a local television station on Friday .
“ We need Israel ... Israel is a developed country and the whole world is working with it , ” he said .
“ We will have benefits from such relations ... We hope all look at Sudan ’ s interests.
” Such comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a country where public hostility toward Israel remains strong .
The top civilian official in the coalition , Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok , has argued that the transitional government does not have the mandate to decide on foreign policy issues of this magnitude .
When U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Sudan last month , Hamdok urged him to move forward with removing Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and not link it to recognizing Israel .
“ It needs a deep discussion within our society , ” Hamdok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sudanese officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media , said civilian leaders prefer to wait with any deal until after the U.S. election .
The officials said military leaders seek a quick U.S.-Sudan deal , including normalization with Israel , in exchange for an aid package .
The officials said the military fears incentives being offered now could be withdrawn after the U.S. election .
One sticking point is the size of future aid to Sudan .
A meeting in Abu Dhabi last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Emirati officials — ended without agreement .
Less than $ 1 billion in cash was being offered , mostly to be paid by the Emirates , said a Sudanese official who took part in the meetings .
The Sudanese team , had asked for $ 3 billion to help rescue Sudan ’ s economy .
Dagalo , the military official , tweeted Friday , after meeting with the U.S. envoy to Sudan , Donald Booth , in South Sudan that he received a promise to remove Sudan from the terror list “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said the talks on normalization remain purely between the U.S. and Sudan .
“ We ’ re still not there , ” said the official , who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing a confidential diplomatic matter .
He said the Israeli government hopes a deal can be wrapped up before the U.S. election on Nov. 3 .
For Israel , a cordial relationship with Sudan would be a symbolic victory .
Sudan , a Muslim-majority African country , has long said it supports the Palestinian people in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted the historic Arab League summit after the 1967 Mideast War in which Israel captured the West Bank , Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem — lands the Palestinians seek for that state .
The conference approved a resolution that became known as the “ three no ’ s “ — no peace with Israel , no recognition of Israel and no negotiations .
The designation of Sudan as a “ state sponsor of terrorism ” dates to the 1990s , when the nation briefly hosted Osama bin Laden and other wanted militants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a pipeline for Iran to supply weapons to Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip .
Osman Mirghani , a Sudanese analyst and editor of the daily newspaper al-Tayar , said Sudanese leaders don ’ t have unlimited time to decide .
“ The U.S. offer of incentives .. will not last too long .
It is related to the U.S. presidential election on one side , and the number of Arab states that normalize , ” he said .
With Sudan ’ s long-time autocratic leader Omar al-Bashir deposed and facing war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s transitional authorities believe that the reasons behind the terrorism listing have evaporated .
But many in the U.S. maintain Sudan should atone for its previous government ’ s actions .
Sudan has already agreed with the U.S. State Department , in theory , to a compensation deal for victims of the 1998 bombings of the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania , which were orchestrated by bin Laden ’ s al-Qaida network while he was living in Sudan .
However , questions about the fairness of the proposed compensation deal to non-American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the embassies and have subsequently become U.S. citizens , have stalled its consideration in Congress which must approve the agreement .
Meanwhile , some families of the victims of the September 11 attacks have also started procedures to claim compensation from Sudan , though the country ’ s links to that terror plot are less clear .
Their complaint has complicated the embassy bombing compensation deal and could further deter the U.S. Congress from removing Sudan from the list .
In the meantime , Sudan ’ s government realizes it has only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We should get ourselves off that list , which the U.S. is using as leverage to get some benefits out of the relationship that it has with Sudan , which is completely legitimate , ” Sudan ’ s acting Foreign Minister Omar Qamar al-Din told reporters in Geneva last month .
Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Washington D.C. and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report .

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thetorontostar--2020-10-04--New Caledonia archipelago votes on independence from France

NOUMEA , New Caledonia - Voters in New Caledonia , a French archipelago in the South Pacific , were deciding Sunday whether they want independence from France in a referendum that marks a milestone in a three-decade decolonization effort .
More than 180,000 voters were invited to answer the question : “ Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent ?
” Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. ( 11 p.m. Saturday in mainland France ; 2100 GMT ) and will close 10 hours later .
Results were expected later Sunday .
If voters choose independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that the archipelago can get ready for its future status .
Otherwise , New Caledonia will remain a French territory .
Two years ago , 56.4 % of voters who participated in a similar referendum chose to keep ties with Paris instead of backing independence .
Both referendums are the final steps of a process that started 30 years ago after years of violence that pitched pro-independence Kanak activists against those willing to remain in France .
The archipelago now counts 270,000 inhabitants , including both native Kanaks , who once suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of European colonizers .
New Caledonia became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III — Napoleon ’ s nephew and heir — and was used for decades as a prison colony .
It became an overseas territory after World War II , with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957 .
Under French colonial rule , the Kanaks faced strict segregation policies and widespread discrimination .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--9-year-old girl killed in shooting in California, police say

SACRAMENTO , Calif. - A 9-year-old girl was killed and three others were injured in a drive-by shooting Saturday in Sacramento , police told the FOX40.com TV station and the Sacramento Bee .
The shooting happened at 1:10 p.m. in a park in the Del Paso Heights neighbourhood on the city ’ s north side , and a woman , man and 6-year-old girl were the people injured , police said .
Police spokesman Officer Karl Chan told the Bee that a family was gathering at Mama Marks Park when a gunman drove up and shot them .
The 9-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bee reported .
Police said the 6-year-old girl is in stable condition , and the woman is in critical condition .
Police told the Bee that a man had taken himself to a hospital , also suffering a gunshot wound .
He is in stable condition , police said .
Chan told the Bee that the site of the shooting is “ a very emotional scene.
” Officers are investigating a potential gang connection to the shooting , Chan told the Bee .
There is no information on a suspect or suspects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station .
On Sept. 11 , 2018 , 3-year-old Azalya Anderson died after she was hit by a stray bullet , the Bee reported .
A bullet fired from the street struck her in her living room .


thetorontostar--2020-10-03--Ex-pro baseball player sought in woman’s killing found dead

SCOTTSALE , Ariz. - A former professional baseball player sought in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend in a Phoenix suburb was found dead Saturday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Grand Canyon , police said .
The body of Charles Haeger , 37 , was discovered about 4 p.m. on a trail along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona , Sgt .
Ben Hoster , a Scottsdale Police Department spokesman said in a statement Saturday night .
Police were seeking Haeger on suspicion of murder and aggravated assault in the fatal shooting Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by police Saturday night as Danielle Breed , 34 .
Breed owned The Tipsy Coyote Bar and Grill in Scottsdale , the Arizona Republic reported .
Earlier Saturday , Haeger ’ s unoccupied vehicle was found near Flagstaff in northern Arizona , police said .
Flagstaff is 118 miles ( 190 kilometres ) north of Scottsdale .
According to mlb.com , Haeger was a pitcher drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2001 , and he played 83 innings in the the major leagues .
His career included stints with the Boston Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodgers organizations .
Hoster said investigators determined that a male roommate of the victim heard gunshots when he returned to the residence Friday and that moments later Haeger emerged from the victim ’ s bedroom with a handgun .
“ Haeger then pointed the handgun at the roommate .
The roommate quickly escaped out of the back of the residence , and he was able to get a neighbour to call 911 , “ Hoster said in a statement .
Responding police found the victim dead in her bedroom , Hoster said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-03--Texas police search for man who threw punch in viral video

DENTON , Texas - A man told police that a Donald Trump supporter sucker punched him outside a Texas convenience store in an incident that was captured on a viral video Saturday afternoon .
Denton police asked for the public ’ s help in identifying the man who committed the assault in a Buc-ee ’ s parking lot .
The video shows a man in a hat yelling profanities at the victim and screaming “ Turn it off !
” as an anti-Donald Trump rap song by YG appeared to be playing in the background .
The suspect , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing Trump T-shirts , then punched the victim in the face .
The victim , whose identity was not released , suffered a broken tooth and a wound under his right eyebrow , police said , according to news outlets .
Officers were dispatched about 12:40 p.m. to a local hospital and spoke with the victim about the incident .
Denton police did not release details about whether a pro-Trump rally was taking place at the time .
Police Chief Frank Dixon said the assailant was last seen driving a dark-colored Dodge Ram @ @


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Tropical Storm Gamma leaves 6 dead in southern Mexico

MEXICO CITY - At least 6 people died and thousands were evacuated in southeastern Mexico after Tropical Storm Gamma lashed the Yucatan Peninsula ’ s resort-studded coast with near-hurricane force winds and drenched Tabasco and Chiapas states , authorities said Sunday .
Mexico ’ s civil defence agency said in a statement that four of the deaths , including two children , were in Chiapas , where a landslide on a mountainous slope buried their home .
The other two deaths were in Tabasco state , where one person was dragged away by the water and another drowned.. Gamma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend to cause extreme rains in parts of the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas , affecting more than half a million people .
The hardest-hit state was Tabasco , where more than 3,400 were evacuated to shelters .
The storm came ashore Saturday near Tulum with maximum sustained winds of nearly 70 mph ( 110 kph ) — 4 mph ( 9 kph short of hurricane force ) , according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami .
Mexican authorities continued to warn people in the Yucatan on Sunday afternoon as Gamma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Gamma was about 130 miles ( 205 kms ) northeast of Progreso , Mexico , and had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph ( 95 kph ) .
The state ’ s tourism department reported Friday on Twitter that more than 41,000 tourists were present in Quintana Roo , with hotels in Cancun and Cozumel already at more than 30 % occupancy .
The area only recently reopened to tourism after a pandemic shutdown .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--NYC seeks to reinstate virus restrictions in some spots

New York City ’ s mayor said Sunday that he has asked the state for permission to close schools and reinstate restrictions on nonessential businesses in several neighbourhoods because of a resurgence of the coronavirus .
The action , if approved , would mark a disheartening retreat for a city that enjoyed a summer with less spread of the virus than most other parts of the country , and had only recently celebrated the return of students citywide to in-person learning in classrooms .
Shutdowns would happen starting Wednesday in nine ZIP codes in the city , Mayor Bill de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 200 private schools would have to close .
Indoor dining , which just resumed a few days ago , would be suspended .
Outdoor restaurant dining would shut down in the affected neighbourhoods as well , and gyms would close .
Houses of worship would be allowed to remain open with existing restrictions in place , de Blasio said .
The mayor , a Democrat , said he was taking the action in an attempt to stop the virus from spreading deeper into the city and becoming a “ second wave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 24,000 New Yorkers in the spring .
“ We ’ ve learned over and over from this disease that it is important to act aggressively , and when the data tells us it ’ s time for even the toughest and most rigorous actions we follow the data , we follow the science , ” de Blasio said .
Over the past two weeks , the number of new cases of the virus has been rising in pockets of the city , predominantly in neighbourhoods in Brooklyn and Queens that are home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish population .
Nearly 1,100 people have tested positive in Brooklyn in just the last four days , according to state figures .
De Blasio made the announcement shortly after Gov .
Andrew Cuomo complained that local governments with coronavirus hot spots had “ not done an effective job ” of enforcing social distancing rules .
“ If a local jurisdiction can not or will not perform effective enforcement of violating entities , notify the state and we will close all business activity in the hot spots where the local governments can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo did not immediately comment on de Blasio ’ s proposed shutdown in the areas where the virus is spiking .
As many as 500,000 people live in the neighbourhoods affected by the proposed shutdown , de Blasio said .
He said the lockdown could be lifted in 14 days or 28 days if the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 declines .
The coronavirus was estimated to have hit between 1 and 2 million people in New York City , mostly in the spring before testing was widely available .
Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By the summer ’ s end , the city appeared to have the virus partly in check , averaging fewer than 240 new cases per day citywide as recently as Sept. 7 .
Overall , the city ’ s infection rate remains relatively low , with around 420 new cases a day over the past few days , but those have been concentrated in a handful of neighbourhoods .
The nine ZIP codes singled out by the mayor have been responsible for more than 20 % of all new infections in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they represent only 7 % of the population .
De Blasio had said in the past that public schools were largely unaffected by the rise in virus infections in Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods , but he said Sunday that public schools in the hot spot neighbourhoods would be closed “ out of an abundance of caution.
” United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew praised the decision .
“ This is the right decision , one that helps protect our schools , our neighbourhoods , and ultimately our city , “ Mulgrew said Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn , one of the affected neighbourhoods , sent a letter to de Blasio on Thursday demanding that the school be closed .
Teacher Frances Hidalgo said it was unrealistic to think the school would be immune from infection when students and staff interact with people in the neighbourhood daily .
Hidalgo , a fourth grade teacher , pointed to the high positivity rate in Borough Park .
“ We don ’ t live in a bubble .
We ’ re part of the neighbourhood , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cuomo allowed New York City restaurants to resume indoor dining starting on Sept. 30 , but at only 25 % of their seating capacity .
Several friends in the restaurant business said Sunday that shutting down for a while might be better .
“ It ’ s going to be a hard winter , ” said Alejandra Benitez , who owns Beco Bar in a Brooklyn ZIP code affected by de Blasio ’ s shutdown proposal .
“ But it ’ s almost cheaper to close .
It ’ s just that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it.
” Mike Sternfield , who was dining with Benitez and other friends outside L & B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn , agreed with her .
“ As a bartender , I don ’ t think we should be going inside to eat and drink at all , ” Sternfield said .
“ But operating at 25 % capacity isn ’ t going to help anyone anyway.
” Associated Press photojournalist Kathy Willens contributed to this report .
AP writer Carolyn Thompson contributed from Buffalo , New York .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Letter: Top deputies accuse Texas attorney general of crimes

DALLAS - Several top deputies of Texas ’ attorney general have reported to law enforcement that their boss engaged in crimes including bribery and abuse of office , according to an internal letter .
In a single-page letter to the director of human resources in the attorney general ’ s office , the seven senior lawyers wrote that they reported Republican Ken Paxton to “ the appropriate law enforcement authority ” for potentially breaking the law “ in his official capacity as the current Attorney General of Texas.
” “ We have a good faith belief that the attorney general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibitions related to improper influence , abuse of office , bribery and other potential criminal offences , ” the Thursday letter states .
It was first reported jointly by the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV and subsequently obtained by The Associated Press .
The letter does not offer specifics but nonetheless stands as a remarkable accusation of criminal wrongdoing against the state ’ s top law enforcement officer by his own staff , including some longtime supporters of his conservative Christian politics .
It could deepen legal trouble for Paxton , who has spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under felony indictment for securities fraud , although the case has stalled for years over legal challenges .
Paxton pleaded not guilty in that case , and it is not clear whether the new accusations are related .
Philip Hilder , the attorney general ’ s defence lawyer , declined to comment Sunday .
“ We ’ re going to look into these allegations , ” Brian Wice , one of the special prosecutor on the securities case , said of the new claims of wrongdoing by Paxton .
He declined to elaborate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paxton ’ s office said : “ The complaint filed against Attorney General Paxton was done to impede an ongoing investigation into criminal wrongdoing by public officials including employees of this office .
Making false claims is a very serious matter and we plan to investigate this to the fullest extent of the law.
“ It ’ s unclear what investigation is being referenced in the statement .
Paxton ’ s office did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment Sunday .
“ These allegations raise serious concerns , ” Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a Sunday statement .
He declined to comment further “ until the results of any investigation are complete.
” “ Indicted Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is the top law enforcement official in the state , “ Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement .
“ Yet , he has proven for years that he can not follow the law himself.
” The letter was signed by the deputy attorneys general for policy , administration , civil litigation , criminal investigations and legal counsel , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeff Mateer , and Mateer ’ s deputy .
None of them responded to messages seeking comment Saturday or Sunday .
Mateer resigned from Paxton ’ s office Friday to rejoin a prominent conservative non-profit law firm in the Dallas-area , according to the Dallas Morning News .
The First Liberty Institute did not immediately respond to an inquiry about him Sunday .
Paxton , who is in his second term , has raised his national profile as a conservative crusader under President Donald Trump— including leading Lawyers for Trump , a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also spearheaded a lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act that goes before the U.S. Supreme Court this fall and was previously chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association .
A spokeswoman for the association declined to comment .
Michelle Lee , a spokeswoman for the FBI ’ s San Antonio office , said it ’ s agency policy not to comment on whether it has received allegations of crimes or is investigating .
A spokesman for the U.S .
Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas declined to comment .
Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ s worked for Republicans and Democrats , said he couldn ’ t think of any precedent for a current elected leader ’ s staff accusing them of crimes .
“ It ’ s like , wow , ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--French-Japanese designer Kenzo Takada dies from COVID-19

PARIS - Kenzo Takada , the iconic French-Japanese fashion designer famed for his jungle-infused designs and free-spirited esthetic that channeled global travel , has died .
He was 81 .
The family said in a statement to French media Sunday that Takada died from complications from COVID-19 in a hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine , near Paris .
A public relations officer for Kenzo ’ s brand confirmed that Takada died , but didn ’ t give a cause of death .
“ It is with immense sadness that KENZO has learned of the passing of our founder , ” the fashion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For half a century , Mr. Takada has been an emblematic personality in the fashion industry — always infusing creativity and colour into the world.
” Takada ’ s death came at the tail end of Paris Fashion Week , whose nine-day calendar is undertaking an unusual fashion season for spring-summer 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
It was only days ago that the Kenzo fashion house unveiled its bee-themed collection here .
Though Takada had been retired from his house since 1999 to pursue a career in art , Kenzo remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high Paris fashion .
Since 1993 , the Kenzo brand has been owned by the French luxury goods company LVMH .
“ His amazing energy , kindness , talent and smile were contagious , ” said Kenzo artistic director Felipe Oliveira Baptista , who unveiled the bee-themed collection to fashion editors Wednesday .
“ His kindred spirit will live forever.
” Kenzo ’ s styles used bold colour , clashing prints and were inspired by travels all over the world .
“ Kenzo Takada has , from the 1970s , infused into fashion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom which inspired many designers after him , “ said Bernard Arnault , chairman and chief executive of LVMH .
Takada was born on Feb. 27 , 1939 , in Himeji , in the Hyogo Prefecture in Japan to hoteliers , but after reading his sisters ’ fashion magazines his love of fashion began .
Studying at the Bunka College of Fashion in Tokyo , Kenzo Takada had a brief stint working in Japan , before relocating to Paris in 1965 , to work as a freelance designer .
In Paris , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crystallized his future ready-to-wear esthetic inspired in its decoration by the jungle scenes of painter Henri Rousseau , which he merged with Asian styles .
It became influential .
But it was lowly beginnings : Takada ’ s first collection at the store called was made entirely out of cotton because he had little money .
But the clothes spoke for themselves and a model of his was put on the cover of Elle magazine .
A short time after , pioneering shoulder forms , large armholes , dungarees , smock tent dresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store was featured in US Vogue .
Kenzo showed collections in New York and Tokyo in 1971 .
Yves Saint Laurent was an important inspiration , in his work , Takada has said .
Takada shared Saint Laurent ’ s penchant for theatrics .
in 1978 and 1979 , he showed in a circus tent , and it featured himself riding an elephant , and performers rode horses wearing see-through uniforms .
Takada ’ s love of travel and use of ethnic influences were strong features in his three decades atop his house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He championed a youthful esthetic and unstructured form , and did away with zippers to liberate silhouettes .
His signatures were of wider sleeves and arm holes , that harked to historic styles in his home continent of Asia .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Can Halloween be saved? Yes, experts say. Here’s how

It had already been a hard year for kids .
They lost time with friends and teachers at school , their summer vacations and their everyday routines to the coronavirus .
With the arrival of fall , and cases rising fast among children , another scary spectre raised its ugly head : Would they also have to give up Halloween ?
The answer is a resounding “ no , ” according to experts , but parents and children should know that this year will look different from previous ones .
You do have to take precautions .
First , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention warned in guidelines updated last month that traditional trick-or-treating would be higher risk than other ways of celebrating the holiday .
The guidelines were somewhat unexpected , given that epidemiologists and other scientists generally consider it safe to gather outdoors with face coverings .
“ Beyond doubt , this Halloween will be different than years past , ” said Christopher Gindlesperger , senior vice-president for public affairs and communications for the National Confectioners Association , a trade group for candy-makers .
“ But innovative approaches endorsed by the CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some fun to the month of October.
” That ’ s right — “ the month of October.
” Over the years , Halloween has grown from a night of spooky fun for children on Oct. 31 into a billion-dollar industry with weeks of celebrations , parties and parades enjoyed by people of all ages .
Cancelling it altogether might cause major economic disruption in a year that has had more than enough trauma from COVID-19 .
For weeks , cities , towns , retailers and confectioners across the country have braced for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all .
For the spookiest day of the year , the CDC listed activities in three categories : higher risk , moderate risk and lower risk .
Pumpkin carving with members of the same household and virtual costume contests were classified as lower risk , while trick-or-treating door to door and attending a crowded indoor haunted house were listed as higher risk .
On the list of moderate risks was “ trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goody bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior medical director at Grand Rounds , a digital health care company in San Francisco , said she was not surprised to see the CDC take what she called a “ middle of the road ” approach for the guidelines , which appear to balance science with personal freedom .
Ghosh , the former chief medical officer for the state of Colorado , said the concern with trick-or-treating stemmed from its inherent face-to-face interaction .
The risk is highest for adults who are around children and may have underlying medical conditions .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to participate in Halloween that could minimize risks.
” Gindlesperger , who recently welcomed a baby , said he and his family love Halloween , and they treat it more like a season than a one-night event .
This year , they ’ ll be safely celebrating by “ decorating the house , working on our co-ordinated family costumes , streaming ‘ It ’ s the Great Pumpkin , Charlie Brown , ’ carving pumpkins ” and hanging out with neighbours at a safe social distance .
According to Ghosh , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of candy outside your home ; having kids wear gloves and carry hand sanitizer ; and keeping parties and other gatherings outdoors and socially distanced .
You could set out pool noodles or other markers so children have visual markers for the prescribed two metres of distance , she suggested .
And while you don ’ t need to sanitize each and every candy wrapper , you should make sure your hands are clean before eating any sweets , Ghosh said .
What if you don ’ t have a porch , patio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treats ?
Ghosh recommended using a balcony if you have one , or consider investing in a heat lamp or heat structure “ that can help use outdoor space more ” if you have visitors .
At the very least , she stressed the importance of ventilation — opening windows and doors — if you do have people visit inside your home .
Dr. Robert Glatter , an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City , said a small group — 10 or fewer people — could have a costume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social distancing of at least 6 feet .
“ The key is to make it a brief get-together , which further reduces risk , ” he said .
“ It ’ s the time spent together that increases risk of transmission.
” Officials looking to prevent a public health disaster are asking that people beware of indoor activities and large groups of people as fall holidays , including Halloween , get underway .
Crowded indoor parties and haunted houses “ where people may be crowded together and screaming ” are on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trick-or-treating , according to the CDC .
The agency also lists travelling to rural fall festivals ( think harvest festivals ) if you ’ re coming from an area with high COVID-19 rates as “ higher risk.
” Glatter agreed with that advice and took it a step further : He recommended against attending Halloween parties outside your community .
“ Even though a mask and distancing mitigate risk , such events can generate superspreaders , placing even more people and families with older persons at risk , ” he said .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a higher-risk activity , as it can cloud your judgment and “ increase risky behaviours.
” Beware of Parades , if There Are Any Several traditional Halloween parades , which invite crowds of spectators to huddle on sidewalks , have already been cancelled or moved online , just as cities cancelled parades for St. Patrick ’ s Day in March and for Pride in June .
This year would have been the 47th annual Village Halloween Parade in New York City , but organizers scrapped the famed event , saying it was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to endanger you , and we care about your health and well-being.
” Parades were also cancelled in many other places , including several towns and cities in Pennsylvania , where the tradition is robust .
Bethlehem will be hosting its first virtual parade .
Portsmouth , New Hampshire , called off its parade after having considered “ all options , including a reverse parade , alternate locations , a rolling parade , route changes ” and concluding “ there is simply no way to keep both the spirit of the parade and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s important to remember that these spooky festivities mean a lot to kids , Ghosh said .
“ I think completely taking away Halloween could be detrimental to some of the mental health issues that kids are facing right now , ” Ghosh said .
She added that she always cautions people to “ balance the risk of whatever activity they ’ re doing with mental health risks as well and look for ways to minimize risk rather than reduce risk to zero because that ’ s just not possible.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association announced new tools to help people make decisions for the holiday , including a colour-coded risk-level map that was provided by the Harvard Global Health Institute .
A parent with two children herself , Ghosh said her family was planning to wear gloves and costumes ( which are crucial to the holiday experience ) and were going to homes “ that I know the owners of , where they will be placing candy outside.
” A Zoom Halloween party may also be in the works , and for her oldest , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — with everyone bringing their own food and chairs for socially distant seating .
“ Holidays help us maintain our sense of rituals and ‘ normalcy ’ during a not-so-normal time , ” Glatter said .
“ Whatever we can do to keep holiday celebrations and traditions at least partially intact — while remaining safe — serves as a guidepost or compass during these turbulent times .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Toomey won’t run for Senate again, or governor, source says

HARRISBURG , Pa. - Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania , a fiercely anti-tax and anti-regulation lawmaker who never entirely warmed to President Donald Trump , will not seek re-election in 2022 , according to a person with direct knowledge of Toomey ’ s plans .
But the biggest surprise is that , Toomey , 58 , will not run for governor in 2022 , when the seat becomes open , said the person , who did not want to be named divulging information from private conversations before Toomey announces it publicly .
Toomey , who is serving his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will make the announcement Monday , the person said .
His office scheduled an announcement for 10 a.m. in Bethlehem , near Toomey ’ s home in suburban Allentown .
A spokesperson at Toomey ’ s Senate office declined comment Sunday when asked whether the senator will announce that he is not running again .
The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported Toomey ’ s plans .
The timing of Toomey ’ s announcement — in the middle of the presidential election — and his reasons for not running again were a mystery Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toomey is a stalwart proponent of free markets and smaller government who was staunchly supported in the past by the billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch and the Club for Growth , the take-no-prisoners free-markets advocacy group Toomey used to head .
But Toomey had often expressed frustration with how the Senate operates and had never promised to run for a third term .
As Pennsylvania ’ s only statewide elected Republican official , outside of the courts , he had been widely considered the shoo-in nominee if he decided to run for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tom Wolf is term-limited .
Toomey had long expressed an interest in running for governor .
Now , Republicans in Pennsylvania will be tasked with finding nominees for both seats in a state where Democrats have a registration advantage .
“ I think he would have been the strong favourite , among party people “ to run for governor , said Christopher Nicholas , a veteran Republican campaign strategist in Pennsylvania .
“ The talk was more about who was going to be the nominee to succeed him in the Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a foregone conclusion if Toomey wants it .
Of course you go with him , someone who has has name ID , money in the bank , a proven track record .
All those things.
” While Toomey walked the Republican walk on cutting taxes and spending , outlawing abortion and advocating for public school alternatives , he also crossed lines that some Republicans haven ’ t dared to cross .
For instance , he sponsored legislation to expand background checks on guns , a measure that could not get out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provisions that gun rights groups had long sought .
In 2016 ’ s election , he ran TV ads showing a 3-year-old video of then-President Barack Obama praising Toomey for sponsoring the legislation .
Toomey , a Harvard-educated policy wonk and former investment banker , is rarely seen with Trump when the president visits the battleground state , and Toomey refused to say who he would vote for in 2016 ’ s presidential election until he voted , an hour before polls closed .
He has never been an eager defender of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he has been absent on the campaign trail for Trump .
He also occasionally has been the target of an angry Trump tweet , including one in January calling him a “ RINO “ — Republican in name only — after Toomey criticized Trump ’ s commutation of the sentence of Roger Stone .
To become Pennsylvania ’ s most-senior Republican office-holder , Toomey had to go from party maverick to party stalwart .
A three-term congressman from the Allentown area in 2004 , Toomey went against the party to take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican primary .
He lost , and left office under a self-imposed term limit .
But he returned in 2010 , when Specter had lost favour with the party over his critical vote to secure Senate backing for then-President Barack Obama ’ s recession rescue package .
Toomey has never won easily .
In 2010 , he won by 2 percentage points and , in 2016 , he won by slightly less than that in what was then the most expensive race in U.S. Senate history .
Democrats have often accused Toomey of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the Democratic Party on Sunday said Toomey is bowing out because of lousy approval ratings .
“ Pat Toomey has spent his entire term working for special interests , trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act , and giving handouts to the ultra-wealthy , ” Brendan Welch , a Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesperson , said in a statement .
“ By not seeking re-election , Pat Toomey has finally done something that benefits his constituents .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--The Latest: Campaign says Biden tests negative for virus

WASHINGTON - The Latest on coronavirus infections hitting President Donald Trump and others ( all times EDT ) : Joe Biden ’ s campaign says the Democratic presidential nominee tested negative for coronavirus Sunday .
The results come five days after Biden spent more than 90 minutes on the debate stage with President Donald Trump .
The president was diagnosed with COVID-19 days after the debate , and he remains hospitalized .
Biden had two negative tests on Friday , as well .
Biden is scheduled to travel Monday to Florida .
His campaign said it will continue to observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing and crowd sizes .
Attorney General William Barr will self-quarantine out of caution after President Donald Trump and several other lawmakers and aides tested positive for the coronavirus .
Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said Sunday that Barr has had four COVID-19 tests since Friday , and all have come back negative .
She says he will self-quarantine for several days out of an abundance of caution .
Barr attended one meeting at Justice Department headquarters on Friday and stayed home during the weekend , except to be tested .
He plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr attended the White House event for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett last weekend and was seen on video having a conversation with former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway , who has tested positive for coronavirus .
Neither was wearing a mask .
President Donald Trump is itching to get back out onto the campaign trail — and even attend the second presidential debate — if his doctors clear him to travel .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Fox News that Trump is “ very hopeful about getting out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it appropriate.
” Trump tested positive for the coronavirus late Thursday , two days after debating Democratic nominee Joe Biden in Cleveland and two weeks to the day before their next scheduled face-off in Miami .
He has been hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center since Friday afternoon .
He briefly left the hospital Sunday , riding in a vehicle to greet supporters gathered outside .
President Donald Trump briefly left the military hospital where he is being treated for COVID-19 , riding in a vehicle to greet supporters gathered outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armoured SUV and remained in the vehicle as he drove past a flag-waving and cheering crowd outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
Trump teased his surprise departure in a brief video posted to his Twitter page .
“ I also think we ’ re going to pay a little surprise to some of the great patriots that we have out on the street , ” he said , after thanking the doctors at the facility .
Trump did not alert the pool of reporters who are supposed to travel with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven months into the coronavirus pandemic , in which he has faced bipartisan criticism for playing down the disease , Trump said in the video that he had “ learned a lot ” about the virus getting it himself .
“ I learned it by really going to school , ” he said .
“ This is the real school , this isn ’ t the ‘ let ’ s read the books ’ school .
And I get it and I understand it .
And it ’ s a very interesting thing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jersey are contacting more than 200 people who were at President Donald Trump ’ s Bedminster golf club for Thursday ’ s campaign fundraiser and asking them to monitor for possible coronavirus symptoms .
If they were in close contact with the president or his staff , they are being asked to quarantine for 14 days .
Officials recommend waiting five to seven days from the event to get a COVID-19 test to prevent false negatives .
Trump announced early Friday that he and his wife had tested positive for the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the White House sent the New Jersey officials a list of 206 attendees .
Meanwhile , Somerset County officials are contacting employees who worked the event , most of whom live in the county .
State and county officials said the federal government is also conducting contact tracing .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement that a full contact tracing , consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , was completed for the president ’ s Bedminster trip .
Trump did not have any interactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be considered to be “ close ” based on the guidelines , Deere said .
All White House staff considered to be in close contact during the trip have been identified , contacted and recommended to quarantine , Deere said .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the doctors treating President Donald Trump for the coronavirus must provide trustworthy information to the public .
Pelosi said Sunday on CBS ’ “ Face the Nation ” : “ We need to have trust that what they ’ re telling us about the President ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the president ’ s medical team held a news conference at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where he is receiving treatment .
Pressed about the conflicting information he and the White House released the day before , Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged Sunday that he had tried to present a rosy description of the president ’ s condition .
The doctor also said Trump ’ s blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days , but he “ has continued to improve ” since then .
Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information the doctors are relaying to the public “ has to be approved by the president .
That ’ s not very scientific.
” Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife , Karen , have tested negative again for the coronavirus days after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Despite the president ’ s hospitalization , Pence is expected to resume regular campaigning this week with no changes to protocols meant to keep him from getting infected .
Pence is set to debate Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City .
President Donald Trump ’ s physician says he was trying to “ reflect the upbeat attitude ” of the president and his medical team when he declined to share Saturday that Trump was placed on oxygen the day before .
Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley was pressed Sunday on why his rosy picture of the president ’ s health was contradicted moments later by White House chief of staff Mark Meadows , who expressed that the medical team was very concerned with the president ’ s health Friday morning when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxygen levels and had a high fever .
Said Conley : “ I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team , that the president , that his course of illness has had.
” He added that he “ didn ’ t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction .
And in doing so , came off like we ’ re trying to hide something , which wasn ’ t necessarily true.
” President Donald Trump ’ s team of doctors says he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and could be discharged as early as Monday to continue his treatment .
Dr. Brian Garibaldi , a specialist in pulmonary critical care , said Trump received a second dose of the experimental drug remdesivir along with a first dose of dexamethasone Saturday and isn ’ t showing any side effects “ that we can tell.
” He said Sunday that Trump is “ up and well ” and the plan was to have him “ out of bed ” Sunday as much as possible .
Garibaldi and Trump ’ s doctor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to go well , Trump will be able to return to the White House on Monday to continue his five-day course of remdesivir treatment and other appropriate therapy .
The president ’ s physician says President Donald Trump was treated with a steroid after a drop in oxygen levels on Saturday .
Dr. Sean Conley said at a news conference on Sunday that he was given the steroid dexamethasone while he was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
Conley said the president ’ s oxygen level had dropped down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the president did not feel short of breath .
He says the president ’ s medical team is hoping Trump will be up and about , out of bed and eating and drinking throughout the day .
President Donald Trump ’ s doctors are set to brief the public on his condition late Sunday morning after he spent a second night hospitalized with COVID-19 .
Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley , the president ’ s physician , and the rest of his medical team are expected to provide an update on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Military Medical Center .
The briefing is expected to begin at 11:30 am .
Saturday ’ s briefing featured mixed messages , as Conley painted a rosy picture of the president ’ s health , only to see White House chief of staff Mark Meadows later say officials were very concerned with the president ’ s condition before he was hospitalized .
A small group of Trump supporters gathered outside the hospital on Sunday , some waving large blue Trump flags and others holding smaller American flags and Trump-Pence reelection signs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” played in the background , occasionally interrupted by the supportive honking of a car horn , as the group waved the flags and paced back-and-forth outside the entrance to the military installation .
A much larger group had gathered Saturday night cheering for the president .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Record-breaking California wildfires surpass 4 million acres

SAN FRANCISCO - In a year that has already brought apocalyptic skies and smothering smoke to the West Coast , California set a grim new record Sunday when officials announced that the wildfires of 2020 have now scorched a record 4 million acres — in a fire season that is far from over .
The unprecedented figure — an area larger than the state of Connecticut — is more than double the previous record for the most land burned in a single year in California .
“ The 4 million mark is unfathomable .
It boggles the mind , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Scott McLean , a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection , known as Cal Fire .
“ And that number will grow.
” So far , in this year ’ s historic fire season , more than 8,200 California wildfires have killed 31 people and scorched “ well over 4 million acres in California ” or 6,250 square miles , Cal Fire said Sunday in a statement .
The blazes have destroyed more than 8,400 buildings .
The astonishing figure is more than double the 2018 record of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles ) in California .
All large fire years since Cal Fire started recording figures in 1933 have remained well below the 4 million mark — “ until now , “ the agency said Sunday in a Tweet .
“ This year is far from over and fire potential remains high .
Please be cautious outdoors.
“ The enormity of the fires has meant that people living far from the flames experienced a degree of misery that in itself was unprecedented , with historically unhealthy air quality and smoke so dense that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some days even blotted out the sun .
Last month , a relentless heat wave hit the state that helped fuel the fires and caused so much air pollution that it seeped indoors , prompting stores across California to sell out of air purifiers .
Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal , oil and gas .
Scientists say climate change has made California much drier , meaning trees and other plants are more flammable .
Mike Flannigan , who directs the Western Partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s University of Alberta , says the escalation of fires in California and the U.S. West is “ largely , not solely , due to human-caused climate change.
” Despite Sunday ’ s grim milestone , there were signs for optimism .
Powerful winds that had been expected to drive flames in recent days hadn ’ t materialized , and warnings of extreme fire danger for hot , dry and gusty weather expired Saturday morning as a layer of fog rolled in .
Clearer skies in some areas allowed large air tankers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions several days earlier .
“ In certain areas , we were able to get quite a bit of aircraft in .
So we really pounded , a couple different areas hard with aircraft , ” Mclean said .
“ If the weather does what is predicted , we ’ re on that glide path I hope .
But that doesn ’ t diminish the amount of work that still needs to be done.
” Long-range forecast models hinted at the possibility of rain early in the week .
Fire officials said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past week was their top priority .
Easing winds over the weekend proved a mixed blessing for firefighters battling the giant blaze , which is currently 17 per cent contained .
“ We are seeing some relief in the weather , but it ’ s going to be three of four days before it really makes a difference on the fire , ” Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said at a Sunday news briefing about the Glass Fire .
“ The one good thing going forward , we ’ re not expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire.
” The Glass Fire began last Sunday as three fires merged and drove into vineyards and mountain areas , including part of the city of Santa Rosa .
More than 30,000 people were still under evacuation orders this Sunday , down from 70,000 earlier in the week .
Among those still unable to return home are the entire 5,000-plus population of Calistoga in Napa County .
Across the state about 17,000 firefighters were at work battling nearly two dozen major blazes .
Virtually all the damage has occurred since mid-August , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state history erupted .
Lightning strikes caused some of the most devastating blazes .
The wildfires have incinerated hundreds of homes and killed 31 people but large parts of them are burning in largely unpopulated land .
Many of the most destructive fires sparked in Northern California , where hills and mountains dotted with many dead trees have provided plenty of fuel for fires igniting amid high temperatures and strong winds fanning the flames .
Thick , gray smoke from the blazes has fouled the air in many hill communities and major cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond .
Flannigan , the fire scientist , estimates the area of land burned from wildfires in California has increased fivefold since the 1970s .
“ Temperature is really important to fire .
Temperature is key .
The warmer it is , the longer the fire season , ” he said .
“ This is an unprecedented year and the thing is there ’ s no vaccine for wildfires , “ Flanigan said .
“ We ’ re going to have to learn to live with wildfires and the associate smoke.
” Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this report .

Jocelyn Gecker And Suman Naishadham - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--2-term Louisiana governor Mike Foster dies at 90

NEW ORLEANS - Former Louisiana Gov .
Murphy J .
“ Mike ” Foster Jr. , a folksy millionaire businessman who pushed major changes in education policy and lawsuit rules through an increasingly conservative state Legislature in the 1990s , died Sunday .
He was 90 .
Marsanne Golsby , who was Foster ’ s press secretary when he was governor , said that Foster died Sunday at his home in Franklin , surrounded by relatives .
“ Our family and I are saddened to announce that after 90 remarkable years my dear husband has passed .
Our family will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alice Foster , said in a statement .
Foster had entered hospice care recently , with Golsby saying he had a variety of age-related illnesses .
Family members will announce funeral details later .
Foster was a political late-bloomer , first elected to the state Senate from south Louisiana ’ s St. Mary Parish as a Democrat at age 57 in 1987 .
Eight years later he switched to the Republican Party before launching a longshot bid to succeed retiring Gov .
Edwin Edwards , a Democrat who had dominated state politics for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not have been more different .
Edwards , silver haired , silver tongued and always nattily attired had been elected governor four times despite a penchant for scandal that eventually led to his imprisonment on federal corruption charges .
The bald and burly Foster was Edwards ’ equal in neither style nor oratory .
Still , he proved more adept at politics than many would have thought .
Perhaps it was in his blood : His grandfather , Murphy James Foster , had been governor in the late 19th century .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not because he wanted to be a politician but because he was angry : The incumbent state senator at the time wouldn ’ t return his phone calls .
He challenged the incumbent and won handily .
Among his causes : overhauling a workers compensation system that many said was a drag on business recruitment and changing rules governing lawsuits that conservative lobbyists complained were weighted too heavily against businesses .
“ If you know how to run a business and you have the knack to hire the right people , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , ” he said in an interview shortly after his first gubernatorial victory .
Foster and 15 others were on that 1995 ballot to succeed Edwards .
Former Gov .
Buddy Roemer , a Republican , was an early favourite and there were other heavyweights including then-state Treasurer Mary Landrieu ( later a U.S. senator ) and then-Congressman Cleo Fields , both Democrats .
Foster ’ s advertising included small newspaper ads and television commercials that portrayed him as a common man , one showing him in a welder ’ s mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been the state ’ s first Black governor since Reconstruction , wound up in a runoff , which Foster won .
He was easily re-elected four years later and served until January 2004 .
His tenure was largely scandal-free .
However , he became the first sitting governor fined by the state ethics board — $ 20,000 for failing to disclose his 1995 campaign purchase of mailing lists from Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke .
Foster staked out reliably conservative positions , critical of affirmative action and the legal profession , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abstinence instruction in sex education , and anti-abortion laws .
He broke with some conservatives , however , when he supported legislation and a constitutional amendment eliminating some sales taxes and replacing them with higher income taxes .
Foster is credited with significant reduction in state debt during his tenure .
He also refused to take his salary until he was able to raise teacher salaries to the Southern average — a target he never met .
His most enduring legacy may be in education .
He supported a public school accountability program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing the state to take over failing schools .
It laid the groundwork for the state ’ s seizing control of most New Orleans public schools after catastrophic flooding that followed Hurricane Katrina in 2005 .
He also was an enthusiastic backer of a community college system to offer academic training and work skills to those who don ’ t seek a four-year degree .
It passed the Legislature in the spring of 1998 and was approved by voters later that year .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Gay men take over Proud Boys hashtag on Twitter

Gay men reclaimed the label “ proud ” over the weekend , taking over the Twitter hashtag from the far-right Proud Boys who have been causing havoc and violence in the Pacific Northwest .
The hashtag , trending all weekend , was not populated by hate-filled messages and , since U.S. President Donald Trump refused to condemn white supremacists during Tuesday ’ s debate , calls to “ stand by , ” but rather with joyous photos and stories from gay men .
“ What if gay guys took pictures of themselves making out with each other or doing very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # ProudBoys , ” George Takei tweeted with the hashtag “ reclaiming my shine.
” “ I bet it would mess them up real bad.
” The Proud Boys , founded by Vice co-founder Gavin McInnes , have been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and its members have been accused of growing violence , particularly around Portland .
Despite that , the group got a seemingly positive order from the president during the debate .
“ Proud Boys , stand back and stand by , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denounce them and other white supremacist groups .
“ President Trump told the proud boys to stand by because someone needs to deal with ANTIFA ... well sir !
we ’ re ready !
!
” organizer Joe Biggs wrote on Telegram , according to NBC News .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Mali releases 180 jihadists in likely prisoner exchange

BAMAKO , Mali - Malian authorities have released 180 Islamic extremists from a prison in the capital and flown them to the country ’ s north , an official confirmed late Sunday , fueling speculation that a prominent opposition politician held by jihadists could soon be freed after more than six months in captivity .
The militants who abducted Soumaila Cisse back in late March were believed to be seeking a prisoner exchange with the Malian government .
Some 70 men were released on Saturday and another 110 on Sunday , according to an official who spoke on condition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
There was no immediate comment late Sunday from Mali ’ s transitional government , which was only recently put in place more than a month after the country ’ s democratically elected president was ousted in a military coup .
Cisse , a 70-year-old who has run for Mali ’ s presidency three times , was campaigning ahead of legislative elections not far from Timbuktu at the time of his abduction .
His bodyguard was killed in the attack , and the only proof of life has been a handwritten letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to negotiate his release were thrown into upheaval after the coup that forced President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita from power , though it did not appear progress was being made toward Cisse ’ s release .
Little is known about Cisse ’ s conditions in captivity after the initial abduction , when the assailants opened fire on his vehicule and he was injured by broken glass from the attack .
Islamic militants are active throughout northern and central Mali , though typically launch attacks on the Malian military and U.N. peacekeepers .
A 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who then regrouped and have expanded their reach in the years since .
Many fear that the political upheaval in Mali since the coup will allow them to do so again , a fear underscored by the weekend prisoner release .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--16 Yellowstone workers test positive for COVID in September

BOZEMAN , Mont .
- Yellowstone National Park officials say 16 employees tested positive for COVID-19 in September , marking a significant uptick in cases .
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports that the number of positive cases in September quadrupled from the number reported between May 18 and Aug. 30 .
During that time , four park employees and one contractor tested positive for the virus and have since recovered .
Seven of the employees who tested positive in September work for the National Park Service , and nine work for concessions .
Eight of the 16 employees have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive have been isolated according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Out of the estimated 2,000 Yellowstone employees , a total of .08 % have tested positive for the virus .
Testing also ramped up significantly in September .
The park recently reported that August was its second busiest on record , despite fewer visits in March , April , May and June .
Visitors are being urged to recreate responsibly and follow social distancing guidelines from the CDC and local health departments .
For most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--NJ officials contact 206 people at Trump event at Bedminster

State health officials in New Jersey have contacted more than 200 people who attended a campaign fundraiser at the Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster on Thursday , hours before the president announced he had COVID-19 , as they try to contain the spread of the deadly virus .
Somerset County officials were meanwhile contacting employees who worked the event , most of whom live in the county .
In a joint statement issued Sunday , the officials asked guests and employees to monitor their symptoms and , if they were close to President Trump or his staff , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who started seeking the information on Friday , said on Sunday that the White House had sent them a list of 206 guests .
They declined to say when they had received the names .
They were advising guests not to be tested for five to seven days out from the event .
“ While the risk is low , a negative test earlier than that time can not definitively rule out that COVID-19 will not develop , ” the statement said .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said the president had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ would be considered to be ‘ close ’ based on CDC guidelines ( more than 15 minutes and within 6 feet ) .
“ “ During the roundtable event and remarks , the President was more than 6 feet away from all participants , ” he said .
Dallas businessman Daniel Hux , who attended the event , said he was feeling fine Sunday , and had just undergone another test , as he and other donors had before the fundraiser .
“ I ’ m grateful our President engaged his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Hux said in a statement .
” My prayers are with our President and the first lady.
“ Hux , who owns a mortgage company , declined to say where he had travelled in the interim .
He said he was never within 6 feet of the president , but was quarantining just in case .
Dr. Rich Roberts , a pharmaceutical executive from New Jersey who made a video describing the event , said he sat a seat away from Trump during an indoor roundtable event , which he said involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes or more .
Roberts did not return messages Sunday from The Associated Press about the video , which was posted on a local news site , The Lakewood ( New Jersey ) Scoop .
Charlie Kolean , also from Dallas , said the coronavirus test he took upon returning home from New Jersey came back negative Sunday .
He ’ ll take another one in a few days .
Kolean , who works in investments , said from what he noticed at the event , Trump campaign members were all masked and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who also wore gloves .
During the photo opportunity with the president , the 25-year-old said donors were required to stand 6 feet from the president , on a marker taped to the floor .
“ I know there were rumours of him being lethargic or tired .
That was not the case at all at this event .
He was very high energy , happy to be there .
I noticed no difference in his health from previous times I ’ ve seen him , “ Kolean said .
___ Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Trump’s doctor’s comments on symptoms, care spark confusion

For the second day in a row , the Navy commander in charge of President Donald Trump ’ s care left the world wondering : Just how sick is the president ?
Dr. Sean Conley is trained in emergency medicine , not infectious disease , but he has a long list of specialists helping determine Trump ’ s treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
Conley said Sunday that Trump is doing well enough that he might be sent back to the White House in another day -- even as he announced the president was given a steroid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very sick .
Worse , steroids like dexamethasone tamp down important immune cells , raising concern about whether the treatment choice might hamper the ability of the president ’ s body to fight the virus .
Then there ’ s the question of public trust : Conley acknowledged that that he had tried to present a rosy description of the president ’ s condition in his first briefing of the weekend “ and in doing so , came off like we ’ re trying to hide something , which wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to directly answer on Saturday whether the president had been given any oxygen -- only to admit the next day that he had ordered oxygen for Trump on Friday morning .
It ’ s puzzling even for outside specialists .
“ It ’ s a little unusual to have to guess what ’ s really going on because the clinical descriptions are so vague , ” said Dr. Steven Shapiro , the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ’ s chief medical and science officer .
With the steroid news , “ there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disconnect.
” Conley has been Trump ’ s physician since 2018 -- and already has experienced some criticism about his decisions .
In May , Conley prescribed Trump a two-week course of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to protect against the coronavirus after two White House staffers had tested positive .
Rigorous studies have made clear that hydroxychloroquine , which Trump long championed , does no good in either treating or preventing COVID-19 .
This time around , Conley is being put to an even greater test , trying to balance informing a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president with a patient who dislikes appearing vulnerable .
Dr. Stephen Xenakis , a psychiatrist who retired from the Army medical corps as a brigadier general , said Conley would be obliged to follow Trump ’ s wishes regarding what information about his condition is released publicly , as is true in any doctor-patient relationship .
But Conley as a military medical officer is bound to adhere to the Uniform Code of Military Justice , which prohibits lying , he said .
A number of current and former military officials declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions to the White House .
But several said they were concerned that Conley ’ s efforts to spin a more upbeat characterization of the president ’ s current health condition is raising flags within the Navy about his credibility and the reputation of the Navy ’ s medical team .
They said his admission that he tried to give an optimistic description of Trump ’ s condition may lead the public to question future information he or the other doctors provide .
They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s medical team and therefore do not have details on his condition .
According to medical licensing records from Virginia , Conley graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006 .
Rather than having an M.D .
degree , Conley is a D.O.
, or doctor of osteopathic medicine -- a fully licensed physician but one that , according to the American Osteopathic Association , focuses more holistically on treating the “ whole person.
” Conley went on to a residency in emergency medicine at the Naval Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served at a NATO trauma hospital at Kandahar airfield in Afghanistan .
A trauma expert isn ’ t required to be up to speed on respiratory viruses -- but deciding to move Trump to Walter Reed meant Conley would be backed up by a team of critical care experts who specialize in pulmonary and infectious disease .
Several are Walter Reed staff , but the team also brought in Dr. Brian Garibaldi from nearby Johns Hopkins University , a well-known expert in acute lung injury who has cared for COVID-19 patients .
Garibaldi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had enrolled in a study testing if hydroxychloroquine could protect health workers -- even as he said doctors must “ resist the urge to give this medicine to everyone .
We all want to do something to help our patients but sometimes doing something can be more harmful than doing nothing and I think we need to keep that in mind.
” What ’ s known about Trump ’ s current treatment : He was given an experimental antibody drug that most people could get only in a research study -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an antiviral , earlier than most patients .
Pittsburgh ’ s Shapiro , who is both a lung and critical care specialist , called those reasonable decisions : The idea is to help the body fight the virus early , before it triggers a lung-damaging inflammatory overreaction .
What Trump ’ s medical team hasn ’ t mentioned : Whether he ’ s getting blood thinners , which are being given to nearly all hospitalized COVID-19 patients to prevent virus-triggered blood clots that in turn harm the lungs and other organs .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick patient disregards treatment guidelines from the National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization that say it ’ s only for people ill enough to need oxygen .
For seriously ill people , research shows that once the virus has escaped the immune system , dexamethasone can tamp down the resulting inflammation and save lives .
“ If they ’ re really talking about discharge tomorrow , and he really isn ’ t on oxygen , ” Shapiro said , “ then it ’ s more likely that the dexamethasone is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing that probably isn ’ t necessary and might not even be helpful.
” “ The next few days are going to be key , “ Shapiro noted .
AP reporters Lolita C. Baldor and Brian Witte contributed to this report .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Egypt outlet says reporter detained while covering unrest

CAIRO - Egyptian authorities detained a local journalist after she travelled to the southern city of Luxor to cover the alleged killing of a man during a police raid last week , her employer and family said Sunday .
Basma Mostafa arrived in Luxor on Saturday morning , according to the al-Manassa news website where she works , but her employer subsequently lost contact with her .
Al-Manassa said in a report that Mostafa believed she was being monitored by police while in the city .
Rights lawyer Karim Abdel-Rady , who is also her husband , said his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared Sunday at the headquarters of Egypt ’ s state security prosecution in the capital , Cairo .
Another lawyer , Khaled Ali , confirmed that she was brought before prosecutors .
Later Sunday , al-Manassa reported that prosecutors had interrogated Mostafa and ordered her to remain in custody for 15 days .
It said her lawyers did not know what charges she faced because they were not allowed to attend the questioning .
Rights lawyer Hala Doma , however , said she and Abdel-Rady attended the questioning and that Mostafa faces accusations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist group , an apparent reference to the Muslim Brotherhood group which the government banned since 2013 .
A government media officer did not immediately return calls seeking comment .
Egypt has in the past arrested journalists who it says are operating without proper permissions .
The outlet Mostafa works for is banned from operating in Egypt and its website is blocked .
Media outlets are required to have licenses to work in Egypt , but withholding accreditation is often used as a pretext to silence reporting that the state sees as critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on charges of “ spreading false news , ” a punishable crime .
Mostafa had recently reported on the death of a young man while in police detention in Cairo in September .
She was in Luxor to cover unrest in the village of el-Awamiya following the death of a man allegedly at the hands of police last week , according to Amnesty International .
Her detention is the latest in a widening government crackdown on dissent and media .
Egypt ’ s government , under general-turned-president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi , has overseen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and jailing thousands .
In recent years , Egypt has imprisoned dozens of reporters and occasionally expelled some foreign journalists .
It remains among the world ’ s worst jailers of journalists , along with Turkey and China , according to the Committee to Protect Journalists .
In June , authorities raided al-Manassa ’ s offices in Cairo and briefly arrested its editor , Nora Younis , who was released pending investigation into charges of managing a news website without an operating license .
Mahmoud Kamel , a board member of Egypt ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have arrested five journalists since the beginning of September .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--8 migrants drown, 12 missing while trying to reach Djibouti

JOHANNESBURG - The International Organization for Migration says at least eight migrants have drowned and 12 are missing after smugglers forced them off a boat near the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti .
The remaining 14 migrants survived and are receiving medical care , a statement said .
All were thought to be Ethiopian and making the passage to Djibouti from Yemen — a reversal of the usual migrant voyage to seek work in richer Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia .
The COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Yemen have made the journey to Gulf nations more dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is believed this boatload of migrants had failed to reach Saudi Arabia , the IOM statement said .
Witnesses said three smugglers forced the young men and women into the water .
“ Smugglers are known to exploit migrants on this route in this way , many having to pay or their families having to pay large sums to facilitate travel , ” the statement said .
Eight bodies washed up on shore and were buried by authorities in Djibouti .
The IOM said some 2,000 migrants have arrived in Djibouti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
And yet some migrants are still making the journey to the Gulf , it said .
“ This tragedy is a wake-up call , ” said IOM spokeswoman Yvonne Ndege , warning that further tragedies could occur as hundreds of migrants are leaving Yemen every day on the precarious voyage by boat across the Bab al-Mandeb strait .
In 2017 , up to 50 migrants from Somalia and Ethiopia were “ deliberately drowned ” when a smuggler forced them into the sea off Yemen ’ s coast .
And in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died when a boat capsized off Yemen , with survivors reporting gunfire .


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--Doctors: Trump’s blood oxygen level dropped twice recently

BETHESDA , Md .
- President Donald Trump ’ s blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days , his doctors revealed Sunday as they continued to evade basic questions about his health during treatment for COVID-19 .
Still , they said he “ continued to improve ” and suggested he could be discharged as early as Monday .
Speaking on the steps of the military hospital where Trump spent a third day , his doctors again sidestepped questions , including the timing of his second dip in oxygen , which they neglected to mention in multiple statements the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed any damage .
It was the second straight day of obfuscation from a White House already suffering from a credibility crisis .
And it raised serious questions about whether the doctors treating the president can be trusted to share accurate , timely information with the American public .
Pressed about conflicting information he and the White House released on Saturday , Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present a rosy description of the president ’ s condition .
“ I was trying to reflect the upbeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , that his course of illness has had .
Didn ’ t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction , “ Conley said .
“ And in doing so , came off like we ’ re trying to hide something , which wasn ’ t necessarily true .
The fact of the matter is that he ’ s doing really well.
” The briefing outside the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center lasted just 10 minutes .
Before walking away , Conley said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a blood oxygen level below 94 % on Friday and during “ another episode ” on Saturday .
He was evasive about the timing ( “ It was over the course of the day , yeah , yesterday morning , “ he said ) and when asked whether Trump ’ s level had dropped below 90 % ( ” We don ’ t have any recordings here on that.
” ) But he revealed that Trump was give a dose of the steroid dexamethasone in response .
Trump ’ s blood oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s medical team said .
Blood oxygen saturation is a key health marker for COVID-19 patients .
A normal reading is between 95 and 100 .
A drop below 90 is concerning .
The doctors also declined to say what they had found in scans of the president ’ s lungs .
“ There ’ s some expected findings , but nothing of any major clinical concern , ” Conley said .
He declined to outline those “ expected findings.
“ The virus can cause pneumonia and other damage that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is feeling very sick .
Trump offered his own assessment of his status the night before in a video from his hospital suite , saying he was beginning to feel better and hoped to “ be back soon.
” He was back on social media early Sunday morning , sharing a video of flag-waving supporters , most not wearing masks , gathered outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
Trump has been eager to return home and hates the image of himself at the hospital , according to people familiar with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to grips with the uncertainty of how long his illness will last and when he might be able to return to the campaign , with just weeks to go before the Nov. 3 election .
Trump ’ s Democratic challenger , Joe Biden , pulled his attack ads off the air during Trump ’ s hospitalization , and on Sunday , he dispatched senior aides to deliver a largely friendly message .
“ We are sincerely hoping that the president makes a very quick recovery , and we can see him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon , “ Biden adviser Symone Sanders said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” She added , “ This is a glaring reminder that the virus is real.
” Biden was at home in Wilmington , Delaware , on Sunday with no plans for in-person campaigning or other public appearances .
Having already tested negative , he is expected to release the results of a new coronavirus test later in the day .
His campaign has pledged to disclose those results and all other future test results for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House chief of staff Mark Meadows contradicted the rosy picture painted by Trump ’ s doctors when he told reporters outside the hospital , “ We ’ re still not on a clear path yet to a full recovery.
” Conley moments earlier had refused to say whether the president had ever required supplemental oxygen , before it was reported he indeed had .
In an update Saturday night , Trump ’ s chief doctor expressed cautious optimism but added that the president was “ not yet out of the woods.
” On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more positive , even while he acknowledged for the first time a second sudden drop in Trump ’ s blood oxygen level on Saturday .
Another member of the president ’ s medical team , Dr. Brian Garibaldi , said Trump on Sunday “ has been up and around ” and “ feels well.
“ “ Our plan for today is to have him eat and drink , to be up out of bed as much as possible , to be mobile , ” Garibaldi said .
“ And if he continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does today , our hope is that we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course.
” More than 209,000 Americans have been killed by the virus , by far the highest number of confirmed fatalities in the word .
In all , nearly 7.4 million people have been infected in the United States , and few have access to the kind of around-the-clock attention and experimental treatments as Trump .
Trump ’ s treatment with the steroid dexamethasone is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given Friday of an experimental drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. that supplies antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus .
Trump on Friday also began a five-day course of remdesivir , a Gilead Sciences drug currently used for moderately and severely ill patients .
The drugs work in different ways — the antibodies help the immune system rid the body of virus , and remdesivir curbs the virus ’ ability to multiply .
Garibaldi , a specialist in pulmonary critical care , said the president was not showing any side effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell.
” The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend against using dexamethasone in patients who do not require oxygen .
It has only been proven to help in more serious cases .
Among the concerns with earlier use is that steroids tamp down certain immune cells , hindering the body ’ s own ability to fight off infection .
Trump is 74 years old and clinically obese , putting him at higher risk of serious complications .
First lady Melania Trump has remained at the White House as she recovers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s administration has been less than transparent with the public throughout the pandemic about the president ’ s health and the spread of the virus inside the White House .
Several White House officials this weekend expressed frustration with the way things have been handled .
They were particularly upset by the whiplash between Conley ’ s rosy assessment Saturday and Meadows ’ more concerned outlook .
They privately acknowledge that the administration has little credibility on COVID-19 and that they have unnecessarily squandered what remains of it with the lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s condition .
Most of that frustration appears to be directed at Trump himself , with aides believing that he has restricted what Conley can say or that Conley has tried to appease the president by presenting an optimistic outlook .
They also blame Meadows for not establishing clear lines of communication and for making the situation worse Saturday .
Many in the White House are also shaken and scared — nervous that they have been exposed to the virus and confronting the reality that what seemed like a bubble of safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has been no mass directive sent to staff on how they should respond .
At the same time , the White House has been working to trace a flurry of new infections of close Trump aides and allies , including adviser Hope Hicks , former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie , former White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway and several Republican lawmakers .
The president ’ s campaign manager , Bill Stepien , and the head of the Republican National Committee , Ronna McDaniel , have also tested positive .
Peoples reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington .
Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard and Jonathan Lemire in Washington , and Bill Barrow in Wilmington , Del.
, and Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee contributed to this report .

Jill Colvin, Steve Peoples And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press