thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Ex-World Anti-Doping Agency President John Fahey dies at 75

John Fahey , a former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency and a key player in getting the 2000 Summer Olympics for Sydney , has died .
He was 75 .
New South Wales state government officials on Saturday confirmed Fahey ’ s death , but gave no details .
Fahey was premier of New South Wales from 1992 to 1995 .
He later went into federal politics and served as a cabinet minister in the government of Prime Minister John Howard .
Fahey retired from politics in 2001 shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer , and had one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and became WADA president in 2007 , holding the post for six years .
The Picton , New Zealand-born Fahey , a former top-flight rugby league player in Sydney , also was known for his big leap in the air in 2003 when Sydney was confirmed as host of the 2000 Olympics .
“ Many of us would remember the celebrations that immediately swept the nation after Sydney was announced as the winner — and the image of Mr. Fahey jumping for joy at the news , ” New South Wales state Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monte Carlo for the 1993 announcement and was standing next to bid chief Rod McGeoch .
When IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch announced Sydney as the winning bid , Fahey leapt out of his chair , turning to hug McGeoch .
“ This is a very sad day , particularly as we approach the 20-year anniversary of the Sydney Olympics , ” Australian Olympic Committee John Coates , who was also heavily involved in the bid , said in a statement .
“ Aside from all John ’ s considerable achievements in politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olympic movement in Australia was immense , “ Coates said .
” His drive and commitment was absolutely crucial in Sydney winning the bid ... and Australia owes him an enormous debt of gratitude for that alone.
” “ Personally , I am grateful for John ’ s support and encouragement , ” she said in a statement .
“ He has always been a wonderful role model to generations .
“ Fahey is also remembered for crash-tackling a student who fired blank shots at Prince Charles , the eldest son of Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darling Harbour in Sydney in 1994 .
“ History will also remember him as a brave man , for his quick-thinking and selfless action to protect Prince Charles from an attack on Australia Day in 1994 , ” Berejiklian said .
Fahey is survived by his wife , Colleen , his children and grandchildren .
Berejiklian said a state memorial service has been offered to Fahey ’ s family .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Amid ashes, California governor fires away on climate change

SACRAMENTO , Calif. - California Gov .
Newsom offered some of his most impassioned comments on climate change , denouncing the “ ideological BS ” of those who deny the danger and vowing Friday to accelerate the state ’ s already ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gases .
Newsom spoke against a backdrop of ghost-like trees and ground covered in snow-like gray ash left by the deadliest of the record-breaking fires that have charred huge swaths of California in recent weeks .
“ The data is self-evident , the experience that we have in the state of California just underscoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , ” he said .
“ Mother Nature is physics , biology and chemistry .
She bats last and she bats one thousand .
That ’ s the reality we ’ re facing , the smash mouth reality — this perfect storm .
The debate is over around climate change.
“ Two Republican state lawmakers who represent the Northern California region where Newsom spoke countered that the governor is using climate change as an excuse for years of failed policies by fellow Democrats who control nearly all aspects of California government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jerry Brown , who championed combating climate change , said Friday in an interview with The Associated Press that the massive fires in the West may get more people thinking about the role of climate change “ as they cough and choke on this terrible air.
” But he said it won ’ t change the minds of those who view global warming as fiction .
“ This is not enough , ” he said .
“ But don ’ t worry , we ’ re going to have this over and over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subways in places in Florida and New Orleans and Texas , “ he said .
“ The weather is changing , and human beings can ’ t snap their fingers and tell the weather : ‘ Don ’ t change , ’ “ said Brown , who left office last year and now serves as chairman of the California-China Climate Institute at the University of California , Berkeley.. “ The weather is changing because of the chemicals that human beings are putting into the air all over the world.
” Newsom was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our act together on climate change , unless we disabuse ourselves of all the BS that ’ s being spewed by a very small group of people , “ then time to take action will be lost .
Newsom noted that just in the last month , California had its hottest August , with world-record-setting heat in Death Valley .
It had 14,000 dry lightning strikes that set off hundreds of fires , some that combined into creating five of the 10 largest fires in the state ’ s recorded history .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Labor Day weekend .
California already is leading the nation in lowering its carbon output , Newsom said , but “ we ’ re going to have to do more and we ’ re going to have to fast-track our efforts.
” The state ’ s ambitious goal of using 100 % clean energy by 2045 “ is inadequate , ” Newsom argued .
“ We ’ re going to have to be more aggressive in terms of meeting our goals much sooner.
” He said the state must push to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transportation , and ordered the heads of his environmental protection and natural resources agencies to explore more changes to the state ’ s industrial and agricultural policies .
Newsom finally called for voters to unseat politicians “ across the spectrum ” who deny the effects of climate change , saying he was not just criticizing President Donald Trump .
Republican state Sen. Jim Nielsen and Assemblyman James Gallagher countered that the cause of recent devastating wildfires and electricity blackouts “ is decades of bad policy enacted by Democrats , not climate change.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be used to deflect from the fundamental failure to address the fuels build-up in our forests that are the cause of these devastating fires , “ they said in a statement .
“ These same misguided policy decisions have led to rolling blackouts and an energy grid that is falling apart .
”

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thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Venezuelan president says US spy captured near refineries

CARACAS , Venezuela - President Nicolás Maduro said Friday that Venezuelan authorities captured a U.S. spy targeting a pair of refineries on the north Caribbean coast as this nation once wealthy from oil is gripped by a deep gasoline shortage .
The spy , Maduro alleged , was a Marine who had served as a CIA operative in Iraq .
He gave no identity or other immediate proof to support the claim , saying more details would follow , such as photos and video .
The suspect was captured Thursday while possessing specialized weapons and a large sum of dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was being interrogated about his activities around the Amuay and Cardon refineries in Falcon state .
Maduro , an adversary of the United States , also said Venezuelan authorities had dismantled a plot on Wednesday that was aimed at blowing up a third refinery , El Palito in Carabobo state .
He urged the nation ’ s oil workers to be on alert for more attacks .
“ The gringo empire wants revenge against Venezuela , ” he said .
“ It wants to prevent Venezuela from producing all petroleum products , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealthy nation , but critics of Maduro say two decades of socialist rule have left it near ruin .
Its dilapidated oil fields and refineries barely produce , and the nation today relies on imports from Iran , another U.S. foe .
A second , deep scarcity of gasoline struck in recent days , frustrating drivers stuck in lines for hours and days to fuel up , even in the capital of Caracas .
Analysts say the next three Iranian ships hauling fuel won ’ t arrive for weeks .
While Venezuela ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stiff U.S. sanctions have also blocked Maduro from importing gasoline .
If Maduro ’ s claim of netting a U.S. citizen prove correct , the suspect would join two ex-Green Beret soldiers already jailed in Venezuela for allegedly participating in a failed attempt to overthrow the socialist leader .
The two former U.S. special forces soldiers were arrested in early May among more than 80 rebel Venezuelan fighters who staged a failed beach attack called Operation Gideon aimed at arresting Maduro .
The ex-green berets — Luke Denman Airan Berry Venezuela — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison .
Authorities say the two men confessed to being part of the plot .
While the Trump administration denied having anything to do with the blundered May incursion , Washington backs Venezuelan opposition politician Juan Guaidó who seeks to overthrow Maduro .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Egypt journalist arrested over coverage of detainee’s death

CAIRO - A prominent Egyptian journalist who reported on a young man ’ s death in police custody has been detained on charges of reporting fake news , his employer said Friday , the latest blow to press freedoms in the country .
The arrest of journalist Islam el-Kalhy comes after the arrest of several other local reporters in recent weeks , despite fears of the spread of the coronavirus in Egyptian prisons .
The government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has squeezed space for traditional media outlets and stamped out nearly all dissent as part of a wide-ranging crackdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightly controlled , while most privately owned news media in the country has been acquired by Egyptian intelligence services or supporters of el-Sissi .
The Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment .
Egyptian authorities in the past have denied rights violations and justified arrests on grounds of national security .
El-Kalhy was picked up by police “ while he was doing his work , ” said his employer , Darb , a news outlet owned by a socialist opposition party in Egypt .
He was forcibly disappeared for 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office , where he was ordered detained for 15 days on charges of broadcasting fake news .
He had been reporting on the “ repercussions ” of a young man ’ s death in detention , the outlet said , a contested case that touched off a rare burst of street protests earlier this week .
The family of the 26-year-old detainee accuses the police of killing him , which the Interior Ministry denies .
The ministry insists the man who died had been wounded in clashes stemming from a financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The spontaneous street protests outside the police station were swiftly dispersed , but more broadly evoked the outrage over police brutality that helped spark the 2011 uprising that toppled Egypt ’ s longtime autocrat , President Hosni Mubarak .
Demonstrations have been banned since 2013 , when el-Sissi led the military ’ s overthrow of Mohammed Morsi , a democratically elected but divisive Islamist president , amid mass protests against his rule .
Khaled el-Balshy , editor-in-chief of Darb and former syndicate board member , vigorously denounced the arrest of el-Kalhy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the point where doing journalistic work is more like committing a crime , ” he said .
Government censors have blocked Darb , as well as his two previous publications , from easy internet access within the country , he said .
“ The long line of imprisoned Egyptian journalists does not end , “ said el-Balshy .
” Everyday another is added , the latest of which is my dear colleague.
” Egypt is ranked among the world ’ s worst jailers of journalists , along with Turkey and China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a U.S.-based watchdog .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--US remembers 9-11, with virus altering familiar tributes

NEW YORK - Americans commemorated 9-11 on Friday as another national crisis , the coronavirus , reconfigured ceremonies and as a presidential campaign carved a path through the memorials .
In New York , victims ’ relatives gathered Friday morning for split-screen remembrances at the World Trade Center ’ s Sept. 11 memorial plaza and on a nearby corner , set up by separate organizations that differed on balancing tradition with virus safety .
Standing on the plaza , with its serene waterfall pools and groves of trees , Jin Hee Cho said she couldn ’ t erase the memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kyung , in the 2001 terrorist attack that destroyed the trade centre ’ s twin towers .
“ It ’ s just hard to delete that in my mind .
I understand there ’ s all this , and I understand now that we have even COVID , “ said Cho , 55 .
” But I only feel the loss , the devastating loss of my flesh-and-blood sister.
” Around the country , some communities cancelled9-11 ceremonies , while others went ahead , sometimes with modifications .
The Pentagon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims ’ families could attend , though small groups could visit its memorial later in the day .
On an anniversary that fell less than two months before the presidential election , President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden both headed for the Flight 93 National Memorial in the election battleground state of Pennsylvania — at different times of day .
Biden also attended the ceremony at ground zero in New York , exchanging a pandemic-conscious elbow bump with Vice-President Mike Pence before the observance began .
In short , the 19th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. soil was a complicated occasion in a maelstrom of a year , as the U.S. grapples with a pandemic , searches its soul over racial injustice and prepares to choose a leader to chart a path forward .
Still , families say it ’ s important for the nation to pause and remember the hijacked-plane attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people at the trade centre , at the Pentagon outside Washington and in a field near Shanksville , Pennsylvania , on Sept. 11 , 2001 — shaping American policy , perceptions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from airports to office buildings .
“ People could say , ‘ Oh , 19 years.
’ But I ’ ll always be doing something this day .
It ’ s history , ” said Annemarie D ’ Emic , who lost her brother Charles Heeran , a stock trader .
She went to the alternative ceremony in New York , which kept up the longstanding tradition of in-person readers .
Speaking at the Pennsylvania memorial , Trump recalled how the plane ’ s crew and passengers tried to storm the cockpit as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The heroes of Flight 93 are an everlasting reminder that no matter the danger , no matter the threat , no matter the odds , America will always rise up , stand tall , and fight back , ” the Republican president said .
Biden visited the memorial later Friday , laid a wreath and greeted relatives of victims including First Officer LeRoy Homer .
Biden expressed his respect for those aboard Flight 93 , saying sacrifices like theirs “ mark the character of a country.
” “ This is a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never , never , never gives up , ” he said .
At the Sept. 11 memorial in New York hours earlier , Biden offered condolences to victims ’ relatives including Amanda Barreto , 27 , and 90-year-old Maria Fisher , empathizing with their loss of loved ones .
Biden ’ s first wife and their daughter died in a car crash , and his son Beau died of brain cancer .
Biden didn ’ t speak at that ceremony , which customarily doesn ’ t let politicians make remarks .
Pence went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation , where he read the Bible ’ s 23rd Psalm .
His wife , Karen , read a passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes .
“ For the families of the lost and friends they left behind , I pray these ancient words will comfort your heart and others , ” said the vice-president , drawing applause from the audience of hundreds .
Formed in honour of a firefighter killed on 9-11 , the foundation felt in-person readers were crucial to the ceremony ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping a safe distance .
By contrast , recorded names emanated from speakers placed around the memorial plaza .
Leaders said they wanted to keep readers and listeners from clustering at a stage .
As in past years on the plaza , many readers at the alternative ceremony added poignant tributes to their loved ones ’ character and heroism , urged the nation not to forget the attacks and recounted missed family milestones : “ How I wish you could walk me down the aisle in just three weeks , ” Kaitlyn Strada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bond broker .
One reader thanked essential workers for helping New York City endure the pandemic , which has killed at least 24,000 people in the city and over 190,000 nationwide .
Another reader , Catherine Hernandez , said she became a police officer to honour her family ’ s loss .
Other victims ’ relatives , however , weren ’ t bothered by the switch to a recording at the ground zero ceremony , which also drew hundreds .
“ I think it should evolve .
It can ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frank Dominguez , who lost his brother , Police Officer Jerome Dominguez .
The Sept. 11 memorial and the Tunnel to Towers foundation also tussled over the Tribute in Light , a pair of powerful beams that shine into the night sky near the trade centre , evoking the twin towers .
The 9-11 memorial initially cancelled the display , citing virus safety concerns for the installation crew .
After the foundation vowed to put up the lights instead , the memorial changed course with help from its chair , former Mayor Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lights again went on at dusk Friday .
Tunnel to Towers , meanwhile , arranged to display single beams for the first time at the Shanksville memorial and the Pentagon .
The anniversary has become a day for volunteering , with the 9-11 National Day of Service and Remembrance organization encouraging people this year to make donations or take other actions from home because of the pandemic .
Contributing to this report were Associated Press journalists Alexandra Jaffe and Ted Shaffrey in New York , Darlene Superville in Shanksville , Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania .

Michael R. Sisak, Karen Matthews And Jennifer Peltz - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Family believes boy died in fire trying to save grandmother

LYONS , Ore. - The fire was 15 miles away , so the Oregon family went to sleep but planned to leave soon .
On Monday evening , Angela Mosso had packed a few things for the family to take with them and her husband , Chris Tofte , drove to town to borrow a friend ’ s trailer to carry the family , their dog and their belongings .
But as family members slept , the Beachie Creek Fire bore down , the Statesman Journal reported .
Eventually , it reached their house , turning a night of calm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kate Brown said more than 40,000 Oregonians have been evacuated from their homes as two large windblown wildfires rage across the Pacific Northwest .
About 500,000 people are in different levels of evacuation zones , either having been told to leave or to prepare to do so .
Dozens of people are reported missing and at least six fatalities have been reported .
Thirteen-year-old Wyatt Tofte of Lyons , Oregon , and his grandmother Peggy Mosso , 71 , are among them .
They died trying to escape the fire that engulfed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escaped the house with their dog and three cats , setting out in one of the family ’ s cars .
But they didn ’ t make it far .
Lonnie Bertalotto , Angela ’ s brother , thinks the tires melted and the car caught fire .
As the flames grew around them , Angela Mosso realized she had to save Wyatt .
She told him to run for it with the dog .
She also realized that if she wanted to survive , she had no choice but to leave behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family says died that night but whose remains have not yet been found .
She had a broken knee that was to be operated on in a few days , Bertalotto said Friday .
Angela Mosso walked nearly three miles on the hot asphalt .
Sometime around 4 a.m. , Chris Tofte returned with the trailer , driving through a blockade that separated him from the inferno and his family .
As Tofte struggled to navigate the dark , smokey road , he almost ran over a barefoot woman in her underwear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Toft helped her into his car , telling her that he was looking for his wife and son .
She told him : “ I am your wife.
“ Once in the car , Toft turned around and sped back toward the blockade .
He left his wife of 24 years with paramedics and turned back to find his son , Wyatt .
But at that point , the fires had spread even farther .
Tofte couldn ’ t make it as far as he did the first time , so he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and night .
On social media , friends and relatives posted photos of Wyatt and thousands of people shared his image .
Finally , on Wednesday , Tofte spoke with sheriff ’ s deputies from Marion County .
They said Wyatt was found behind the wheel of the family ’ s vehicle back at the property with his dog Duke on his lap .
“ I don ’ t need to go into too much detail but obviously ... he turned around to go try and save his grandma , ” Bertalotto told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being treated at the Legacy Emanuel Hospital Burn Center in Portland .
She was told Thursday that she lost her son and her mother .
Bertalotto said he has not seen his sister or Tofte , his brother-in-law , since the fire because the hospital allows only one guest per patient to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
“ It ’ s just unbelievable when a fire can move that fast , “ he said .
“ Everything was lined up to be a disaster ... and no one knew it .
@


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--The Latest: Tribute in Light rises from twin towers site

NEW YORK - The Latest on the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terror attacks ( all times local ) : NEW YORK — The skies where the twin towers of the World Trade Center formerly stood are once again being lit up with the Tribute in Light .
The annual display sends up two powerful beams that can be seen from miles around from dusk to dawn , in memory of those lost in the Sept. 11 attacks 19 years ago .
The tribute had almost been put aside this year , as its display was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memorial & Museum over concerns for the safety of the installation crew from the coronavirus .
That caused an outcry , and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation pledged to put the lights up nearby , until the memorial got support from its chair , former Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Gov .
Andrew Cuomo to have the lights shine .
Tunnel to Towers also arranged to display single beams for the first time at the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon .
SHANKSVILLE , Pa. — Former Vice-President Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homer ’ s name at the Flight 93 memorial , before going to greet some of Homer ’ s family members with elbow bumps .
Biden went on to greet another family of a Flight 93 victim , as well as a young bagpipe player , whom he asked about her college plans .
He spoke to a few people gathered about his respect for the passengers on the flight that sacrificed themselves to help bring it down , and said sacrifices like theirs “ mark the character of a country.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never , never , never , never , never gives up , ” he said .
Biden then visited the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department , where he delivered a Bundt cake and pastries to a couple of firefighters .
About two dozen community members were gathered to see the former Vice-President and his wife .
Biden said that the last time he was there , he said he ’ d bring beer - and he came through , presenting two six packs to a group of firefighters there .
FREEPORT , Maine — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag ladies ” came out of retirement on the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks .
Decked out in red , white and blue , Elaine Greene , Carmen Footer , and JoAnn Miller joined Friday in a commemoration in their hometown .
“ Our country is going through so much right now .
If we can just bring them back to the day after 9-11 , when everyone came together , ” Greene said .
“ No one was red and blue .
We were red , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any political ideologies .
We were all Americans.
” The women waved their flags on Main Street after the 9-11 attacks , and it became a weekly ritual over the next 18 years .
They officially ended the weekly tradition last year , citing health concerns .
They range from 75 to 84 in age .
Several dignitaries , including Republican Sen. Susan Collins , joined them for the event on Friday .
Flags were at half-staff across the state .
Maine Gov .
Janet Mills said the terrorist attacks united the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from us our loved ones , including cherished members of our Maine community , they also revealed the unshakable character and strength of the American spirit , ” she said .
NEW YORK — Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said it ’ s “ disgraceful ” that the official 9-11 commemoration event features only prerecorded name readings .
“ If I were the mayor of this city you wouldn ’ t be allowed to hold a ceremony with prerecorded names , ” Giuliani told reporters before a separate ceremony nearby ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recording and burn it.
” Sept. 11 memorial plaza officials said they made the change as a coronavirus-safety precaution .
The separate ceremony held near the memorial included people reading victims ’ names aloud .
“ I find it disgraceful that their names are being recited , prerecorded .
I see that , whether it ’ s witting or unwitting , as part of the movement of denial , ” Giuliani said .
Giuliani , who was widely lauded for his empathetic response to the attacks , said he promised that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t mean to be divisive or anything else , but I remember who killed them .
I remember who did it .
I remember the movement that did it , ” he said .
“ And unlike some people who practice denial , I know they want to come here and kill us again.
” NEW YORK — Jin Hee Cho ’ s younger sister , Kyung , died in the Sept. 11 attacks .
She worked on the 99th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center complex and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 , said she feels immense loss at the annual event at the memorial plaza .
She said she can ’ t shake the thought of her sister dying , taken back to that day as she stands amid a rebuilt tower , memorial pool , a museum and extravagant transit hub .
“ When the tower went down , it ’ s just hard to delete that in my mind .
I understand there ’ s all this , and I understand now that we have even COVID , “ she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I only feel the loss , the devastating loss of my flesh and blood sister .
I just can ’ t delete that and in my mind .
I understand it ’ s been 19 years and all the changes , but that devastation of the loss , it ’ s still there .
I can ’ t delete it .
I tried .
I just can ’ t. ” Cho attended the annual ceremony on the memorial plaza and said she wasn ’ t aware of the simultaneous event run by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day remains profound to families of people who died that day , even if is fading from prominence among the greater populace .
“ You really have to know the true feeling of the loss , ” Cho said .
“ If you ’ re not family , I understand they try to support you as best as they can , but if you ’ re not a family member , it ’ s hard to understand that the true depth of the feeling.
” SHANKSVILLE , Pa. — President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 terror attacks on Friday with a patriotic message for the world : “ No matter the threat .
No matter the odds .
America will always rise up , stand tall and fight back.
” Trump delivered a sobering speech in rural Shanksville , Pennsylvania where Flight 93 , hijacked by terrorists , crashed in a field , killing all 40 aboard .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden is to visit Shanksville later Friday after attending the 9-11 Memorial & Museum ’ s annual commemoration at ground zero in New York .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died in Shanksville , New York and at the Pentagon .
“ To the family members of Flight 93 , today every heartbeat in America is wedded to yours , ” Trump said .
“ Your pain and anguish is the shared grief of our whole nation .
...
While we can not erase your pain , we can help to shoulder your burden.
” Trump also noted that America came together after 9-11 .
“ It was a unity based on love for our families , care for our neighbours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our great flag , gratitude for our police and first responders , faith in God and a refusal to bend our will to the depraved forces of violence , intimidation , oppression and evil.
“ NEW YORK — At the World Trade Center memorial plaza , Michael Brady said he wasn ’ t going to let the coronavirus deter him from honouring his brother this year .
Brady ’ s brother , David , had a breakfast meeting on 9-11 atop one of the fallen towers .
This year ’ s scaled-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims instead of the usual custom of family members reading them aloud .
Michael Brady said that ’ s OK with him and his family .
“ We just want to hear his name , ” said Brady , who has been a name reader at past 9-11 ceremonies .
The Wyckoff , New Jersey resident said his brother , who had four children under nine when he died , was the focal point of the family .
He is still desperately missed .
“ When you come every year you see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said “ We still get the same text messages from the same people every year thinking about David , and no , people don ’ t forget at all.
” SHANKSVILLE , Pa. — In a speech marking the Sept. 11 attacks on America , President Donald Trump said that the victims will forever be a reminder that “ no matter the threat , no matter the odds , America will always rise up , stand tall and fight back.
” Trump is delivering a sobering , patriotic speech in rural Shanksville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by terrorists , crashed in a field , killing all 40 on board .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden is to visit Shanksville later Friday after attending the 9-11 Memorial & Museum ’ s annual commemoration at ground zero in New York .
Trump said that during the attacks , which killed nearly 3,000 people in Shanksville , New York and at the Pentagon , the world witnessed American courage and sacrifice .
He is honouring first responders and said that the “ deadly strike at the heart of American democracy was the courage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – the amazing passengers and crew of Flight 93.
” SHANKSVILLE , Pa. — President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are attending the ceremony to remember the 40 passengers and crew who died after terrorists commandeered Flight 93 on Sept. 11 , 2001 .
The Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville in western Pennsylvania marks the spot where the plane crashed in a rural area at 10:03 a.m. Before stepping off the plane , the president and Melania Trump observed a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. , marking the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center 19 years ago .
NEW YORK — Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife , Karen , read Bible passages at the 9-11 commemoration organized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation .
Before the beginning of the ceremony at nearby ground zero , Pence and Joe Biden greeted each other with an elbow bump .
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — President Donald Trump and the first lady observed a moment of silence aboard Air Force One at 8:46 p.m. , marking the moment the first plane hit the World Trade Center 19 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president were invited to join the couple in the plane ’ s conference room .
The president was en route to Shanksville , Pennsylvania , where he is scheduled to speak at the annual event commemorating the site where the hijacked Flight 93 crashed in a field , killing all on board .
Trump ’ s 2020 Democratic rival , Joe Biden , will be visiting the site late Friday .
NEW YORK — The chime of a bell at the World Trade Center memorial plaza has signalled the start of commemorations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks .
New York is observing a citywide moment of silence to mark the moment a hijacked plane struck the Trade Center ’ s north tower .
Five more moments of silence will follow in the ceremony .
They recognize the moments when other aircraft struck the second tower , the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field , and when each Trade Center tower collapsed .
A dispute over coronavirus precautions means there are two commemorations in New York Friday .
At the official ceremony on the memorial plaza , organizers concerned about bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording of people reading the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks .
At a simultaneous ceremony up the street , loved ones will continue the tradition of having those names read in person .
WASHINGTON — Vowing to never forget the nearly 3,000 people who died on 9-11 , President Donald Trump headed on Friday to Shanksville , Pennsylvania .
His Democratic challenger Joe Biden was travelling to New York , saying that he will be taking a break from politics to mark the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is honouring a commitment made in 2001 to always remember the nearly 3,000 “ innocent Americans who were senselessly killed.
” Biden told reporters before boarding a plane in Wilmington , Delaware , headed for New York that his campaign has taken its advertising down and won ’ t be holding any press conferences .
The former vice-president plans to visit Shanksville later in the afternoon .
NEW YORK — Kathy Swift , 61 , arrived early to the Tunnel to Towers ceremony .
Swift , of Jersey City , wore a T-shirt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 30 and working for Morgan Stanley when he died in the South Tower .
A dispute over coronavirus-safety precautions is leading to two simultaneous remembrances Friday , one at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza at the World Trade Center and another on a nearby corner , held by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation .
Another brother , Patrick Swift , will be among the readers .
“ We ’ ve still got ta come , ” Kathy Swift said .
“ We still have to remember ...
The whole country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing after another , and now with the COVID .
I ’ m glad they ’ re still having this , though , Tunnel to Towers.
“ On the anniversary of 9-11 , Bernard Kerik , Former NYPD Commissioner and a member of the Advisory Board of Donald J. Trump For President Inc. , issued the following statement on behalf of the Campaign : “ Today we honour the memories of the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished on September 11 , 2001 at the hands of radical Islamic terrorists .
Those Americans will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget the extraordinary heroism of our first responders and the ordinary Americans who gave everything to save others on that terrible day .
We are also eternally grateful to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in defence of our freedom and flag since then.
” Americans are set to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks with tributes altered by the coronavirus .
President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden both plan to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In New York , a dispute over coronavirus precautions is leading to separate remembrances .
The National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum cancelled its tradition of having relatives read the names of the dead aloud .
It will offer a recording instead to those gathered at the World Trade Center site .
Some victims ’ relatives felt the change robbed the observance of its emotional impact .
A different 9-11 group , the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation , set up a simultaneous ceremony .
Vice-President Mike Pence plans to attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main New York observance before heading to Pennsylvania .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Chiefs, Texans booed as racial justice stand sparks outrage

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
- The NFL ’ s new stance encouraging players to take a stand against racial injustice got its first test as some fans of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs booed during a moment of silence to promote the cause , touching off a fresh debate on how players should use their voice .
The controversy erupted Thursday night just moments before the league ’ s 101st season kicked off .
After the Houston Texans remained in the locker room during the national anthem , fans booed them when they emerged from the tunnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the two teams walked to midfield and shook hands , their interlocked arms stretched from one end zone to the other during what was supposed to be a moment of silence .
Fans , politicians and players all weighed in on social media and in interviews .
Kansas City Councilman Eric Bunch described what happened in a tweet as “ embarrassing.
” “ Some NFL fans booing the players for standing and locking arms in a moment of silent unity proves that for them ‘ standing for the flag ’ was always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bunch , who is white .
New York Jets offensive tackle George Fant , who is Black , praised the Chiefs and Texans for taking a stance during a Zoom call with reporters in which he only took questions about social justice .
“ We just want to be treated equally , “ he said .
“ Everyone needs to be treated the same .
Everyone needs to be held accountable .
And for people to boo ?
It ’ s unbelievable.
” After George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injustice and police brutality , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell apologized to players for not listening sooner and encouraged them to protest peacefully .
Floyd , who was Black , died after a white former police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
His death in May awakened many people , including NFL owners , to the root of the social injustice issues that led Colin Kaepernick to kneel during “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” in 2016 .
The league didn ’ t respond to a request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump and many of his supporters continue to criticize players across all sports leagues for keeling during the national anthem .
Among them is Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri , who rushed to defend fans after some on social media called them “ classless trash.
” “ ’ Classless trash ’ ?
The left showing their usual contempt for middle America , ” tweeted Hawley , who is white .
“ Missouri has the best fans in the country .
Don ’ t blame them for being tired of NFL/corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The exact details of what happened were debated on social media , with some claiming that the boos were lingering from the Texans reentering the stadium .
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas , who is Black and has attended racial justice protests , said that wasn ’ t what he saw while at the game .
“ What I did catch was that the Chiefs had flashed a few messages , one of which said End Police Brutality and We Believe Black Lives Matter , “ Lucas said in an interview .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was probably only a few seconds .
It didn ’ t sound particularly loud .
It didn ’ t sound like that was the consensus of the stadium whatsoever .
It was one of those that I thought was unfortunate because when everyone else is silent , even if you have 50 people booing or 100 , particularly with our reduced capacity , anything can be heard.
” He posted on social media that there are “ hundreds of thousands more around here who respect the message the players are sharing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t even hear the boos , while quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the goal was “ we wanted to show unity and we wanted to show how we ’ re going to come together and keep fighting the good fight and I hope our fans will support us like they do on the game every single day.
” Stacy Shaw , a Kansas City attorney and activist who has participated in recent protests for racial injustice , said what happened was “ disgraceful , ” especially given that it was the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field since winning the Super Bowl .
“ I was disappointed but not surprised because no matter how people are protesting systemic racism , people are going to disapprove of it , ” said Shaw , who is Black .
“ It doesn ’ t matter if they are kneeling , if they are locking arms , or whatever demonstration they have against racism , people are going to oppose it.
” Fans were widely expecting players to take a stand for racial injustice as they headed into the stands , especially because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from wearing headdresses and war paint amid a push for more cultural sensitivity .
“ I feel like I understand people ’ s concerns about racial injustice , ” said Chris Moore , a 59-year-old information technology specialist from Shawnee , Kansas , who is white .
“ Again it ’ s hard for me to put myself into the shoes of an African American or a Hispanic or someone of a different race and understand what they ’ ve gone through .
I probably haven ’ t lived that .
But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us , we are all Americans .
Every life matters ; all lives matter .
That is not a disrespect to the Black Lives Matter or any other life .
We are Americans , and we should be all working together.
“ Other fans at the game voiced full support for anything the players did to promote the cause , including Derek Swinford , 30 , of Kansas City , Missouri , who works in sales and is white .
“ If they want to not show up for the anthem or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s all done , whatever they want to do , that is their right as an American , “ he said .
“ I feel like anyone who is trying to dictate what another American can do in that situation is being an oxymoron .
It doesn ’ t make sense .
That is what an American is , saying whatever you think.
” Dennis Waszak Jr. in New York contributed to this report .

Heather Hollingsworth - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Mexico rights agency faults gov’t in migrant COVID-19 death

MEXICO CITY - Mexico ’ s National Human Rights Commission said Friday the country ’ s immigration agency was to @ @ @ @ @ a Salvadoran migrant who died of COVID-19 after a stay at a detention centre in @ @ @ @ @ commission said the National Immigration Institute displayed “ negligence ” in the woman ’ s @ @ @ @ @ institute ’ s agents failed to provide adequate medical care or send her to a @ @ @ @ @ given that the woman had unspecified risk factors for the disease .
It said the @ @ @ @ @ provide adequate sanitation measures to prevent people from getting infected , putting both detainees and @ @ @ @ @ of contagion.
” The commission has the power to make recommendations to government agencies , @ @ @ @ @ explain why they won ’ t .
The immigration agency said it was studying the @ @ @ @ @ it .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Dozens missing as firefighters battle two large Oregon fires

SALEM , Ore. - Hundreds of firefighters battled two large wildfires Friday that threatened to merge near the most populated part of Oregon , including the suburbs of Portland , and the governor said dozens of people are missing in other parts of the state .
The state ’ s emergency management director , Andrew Phelps , said officials are “ preparing for a mass fatality event ” and that thousands of structures have been destroyed .
Gov .
Kate Brown said more than 40,000 Oregonians have been evacuated and about 500,000 are in different levels of evacuation zones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare to do so .
She was dialing back on a statement late Thursday issued by the state Office of Emergency Management that said a half-million people had been ordered to evacuate statewide .
Dozens of people are missing in Jackson County in the south and Marion County , where a fire continues to burn east of Salem , Brown told a news conference Friday .
Also Friday , authorities announced that a man had been arrested on two counts of arson for allegedly starting a fire in southern Oregon on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was among the buildings being transformed into shelters for evacuees .
Portland , shrouded in smoke from the fires , on Friday had the worst air quality of the world ’ s major cities , according to IQAir .
National Guard troops and corrections officers transferred about 1,300 inmates from a women ’ s prison in a southern suburb of Portland “ out of an abundance of caution , ” the Oregon Department of Corrections said .
Spokeswoman Vanessa Vanderzee said it took 20 hours to transfer the inmates Thursday to another prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the weather , with winds dropping and shifting direction and humidity rising , greatly helped firefighters struggling to prevent the two fires from advancing farther west into more-populated areas .
“ The wind laid down quite a bit for us yesterday .
There also wasn ’ t that strong eastern wind that was pushing the fire more to the west , “ said Stefan Myers of the state ’ s fire information team .
Winds coming from the Pacific Ocean also neutralized the fires ’ advance and even pushed them back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working on the fires , which were just a few miles ( kilometres ) apart , with rugged terrain between them that limits boots-on-the-ground efforts to keep them apart , Myers said .
If they merge , they could generate such heat that it causes embers to fly thousands of feet into the air , potentially igniting other areas , Myers said .
The high number of fires occurring simultaneously in the span of just a few days in Oregon was fueled by dry conditions , high temperatures and especially strong , swirling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,400 square miles ( 3,600 square kilometres ) have burned in Oregon over the past three days , nearly double the land that burns in a typical year in the state and an area greater than the size of Rhode Island .
Oregon officials haven ’ t released an exact death count for the wildfires , but at least six fatalities have been reported in the state .
A 1-year-old boy was killed in wildfires in Washington .
A Northern California fire that tore through several hamlets in the foothills of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making it the deadliest of the year .
In Oregon , evacuation centres opened across the state .
Kim Carbaugh fled from her home in Lyons with her husband , two children and two horses Monday .
“ When we were driving away and I could see actual fire , the red and orange flames , at the time I didn ’ t feel scared , I had so much adrenaline — we just had to leave , ” she said Friday from the livestock stables of the evacuation centre at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approached Molalla , triggering a mandatory evacuation order for the community of about 9,000 located 30 miles ( 48 kilometres ) south of Portland .
A police car rolled through the streets with a loudspeaker blaring “ evacuate now.
” With the two large fires — called the Beachie Fire and the Riverside Fire — threatening to merge , some firefighters in Clackamas County , which encompasses Molalla , were told to disengage temporarily Thursday because of the danger .
Officials tried to reassure residents who abandoned their homes and law enforcement officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent looting .
The change in weather also aided efforts to contain a fire near Lincoln City , on the Oregon Coast , that according to an estimate has damaged or destroyed at least 100 structures .
“ Thank God , we got a wind shift .
The wind started coming from the west , pushing the fire back towards the east , and that ’ s what kept it within its footprint and kept it from growing , ” fire spokesperson Ashley Lertora said .
Oregon ’ s congressional delegation announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s request for an emergency declaration that will help provide immediate assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler said Friday that a 41-year-old man was jailed on two charges of arson for a fire that started Tuesday in the Phoenix area in southern Oregon .
Sickler said the Almeda fire , which burned hundreds of homes , had ignition points in Ashland near the spot where a man was found dead , and in Phoenix .
Authorities said the man was arrested at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he denied starting the fire .
Police are still investigating the first ignition point in Ashland .
In southern Oregon near the California state line , much of the small town of Phoenix was wiped out .
A mobile home park , houses and businesses were burned , leaving twisted remains on charred ground .
Many of the residents were immigrants , with few resources to draw on .
Artemio Guterrez , a single father of four , had been at work at a vineyard when he saw thick smoke spreading through Rogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to safety .
They escaped with only the clothes they were wearing .
“ I ’ m going to start all over again .
It ’ s not easy but it ’ s not impossible either , ” said Guterrez .
In a news conference Friday , Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee noted that the amount of land burned in just the past five days amounted to the state ’ s second-worst fire season , after 2015 .
He called the blazes “ climate fires ” rather than wildfires .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inslee said .
“ This has happened because we have changed the climate of the state of Washington in dramatic ways.
” Associated Press writers Gillian Flaccus in Phoenix , Oregon and Lisa Baumann and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report .
AP freelance photographer Paula Bronstein also contributed to this report from Talent and Phoenix , Oregon .

Andrew Selsky And Sara Cline - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Tropical depression off south Florida forecast to strengthen

MIAMI - A tropical depression that is expected to reach near hurricane intensity early next week formed Friday off south Florida , threatening heavy rains as it heads toward the peninsula .
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Tropical Depression 19 was centred at 8 p.m. EDT about 50 miles ( 80 kilometres ) east-southeast of Miami and was moving west-northwest at 8 mph ( 13 kph ) with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph ( 55 kph ) .
The depression is forecast to move inland over south Florida early Saturday and pass into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system could become a named tropical storm even before moving across south Florida overnight .
Tropical storm status is expected by Sunday with gradual strengthening expected through Monday , according to the Miami-based hurricane centre .
Forecasters said the system is expected to approach near-hurricane intensity early next week as it moves into the northeastern Gulf .
A tropical storm watch was issued Friday for the coast of southeastern Florida from south of Jupiter Inlet to north of Ocean Reef .
The watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches ( 2.5 to 7 centimetres ) with isolated maximums up to 5 inches ( 12 centimetres ) are expected across central and southern Florida , including the Florida Keys .
Forecasters said the rains could produce isolated flash flooding and prolong ongoing minor flooding on rivers in the Tampa Bay area .
Elsewhere , according to the hurricane centre , the system could pose a threat in coming days anywhere along the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to southeastern Louisiana .
Those impacts could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy rains , according to the hurricane centre .
Tropical storms Paulette and Rene are already moving through the Atlantic Ocean , meaning the next storm to reach sustained winds of 39 mph ( 63 kph ) would be named Tropical Storm Sally .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--2 drivers dead, 4 children injured in southeast Alaska crash

JUNEAU , Alaska - Two drivers are dead and four children were injured following a vehicle collision Friday on southeast @ @ @ @ @ Wales Island , Alaska State Troopers said .
The troopers in an online dispatch said @ @ @ @ @ one of the drivers , whom they identified as 35-year-old Jennifer Dietrick of Naukati , @ @ @ @ @ Thorne Bay Road , causing a head-on collision .
The other vehicle was driven by @ @ @ @ @ of Thorne Bay , troopers said .
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene @ @ @ @ @ .
Dietrick had a child in her vehicle and Hansen had three children in hers @ @ @ @ @ taken to receive medical treatment for what were reported to be serious injuries , the @ @ @ @ @ the children were restrained at the time of the accident , the troopers said .
@ @ @ @ @ to show the day of the crash was Friday , not Thursday .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Ex-Baltimore mayoral aide gets prison in book sales scam

A former aide who helped ex-Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh fraudulently sell her self-published children ’ s books to nonprofits was sentenced Friday to more than two years in federal prison .
Gary Brown Jr. apologized for his actions and expressed regret for bringing shame to his family and friends before U.S. District Judge Deborah Chasanow sentenced him to 27 months .
In February , Chasanow sentenced Pugh to three years in prison for her role in the scheme to profit from sales of her “ Healthy Holly ” books .
The judge said the scam ’ s victims extended beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The victims are all of us who have lost some faith in our institutions , ” Chasanow said .
Brown , 38 , pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to commit wire fraud , two counts of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and filing a false tax return .
The judge ordered him to report to prison by Nov. 2 .
Brown abused his position as a public servant through an “ eight-year pattern of nonstop criminality , ” federal prosecutors said in a court filing last month .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go-to man , her confidante and partner in crime ” as they pitched her books to companies and organizations with ongoing or pending government contracts .
Between 2011 and 2019 , Brown worked as Pugh ’ s legislative aide in the state Senate before becoming deputy director of special events in the mayor ’ s office .
While on the government payroll , he served as Pugh ’ s “ right-hand man from start to finish ” on the fraudulent book sales , prosecutors wrote .
Brown and Pugh , 70 , raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than 132,000 books , although fewer than 74,000 copies of the paperbacks were printed , according to prosecutors .
They described Pugh as “ the face of the company , ” luring customers while Brown oversaw operations and received sales commissions .
Chasanow said Brown played an “ essential ” role in the scheme .
“ Without him , this doesn ’ t happen , ” added the judge , who also ordered him to pay $ 14,000 in restitution .
Defence attorney Barry Pollack described Brown as a dedicated public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minion , ” not an equal partner .
“ He wanted to serve his community and wanted to serve Mayor Pugh , ” Pollack told the judge , seeking a sentence of home detention .
In June , Pugh began serving her sentence at a prison in Aliceville , Alabama .
During her sentencing hearing , Pugh apologized through tears and said she accepted full responsibility for her actions .
Brown ’ s sentencing guidelines called for a prison term ranging from 33 to 41 months .
Prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ an adequate and just punishment ” while deterring other government corruption .
Another former Pugh associate , Roslyn Wedington , awaits sentencing for her guilty plea in November to related charges .
Pugh was elected mayor in 2016 and resigned under pressure in May 2019 as authorities investigated her book sales .
Pugh was a member of the board of directors of the University of Maryland Medical System , which paid a total of $ 500,000 for 100,000 copies of Pugh ’ s books .
They were meant to be distributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those books were sent to a city warehouse and a Pugh office before going to other customers , and she never delivered the other 40,000 copies to the health system , prosecutors said .
In late 2016 , Brown was appointed to fill the state House of Delegates seat vacated by Pugh ’ s mayoral election .
However , before Brown could be sworn into office , Gov .
Larry Hogan rescinded the appointment after Brown was indicted by a Baltimore grand jury on charges he violated state campaign finance laws during Pugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used money from the book business account to fraudulently inflate the amount of political contributions made to her mayoral campaign , giving her an unfair advantage over competitors , according to federal prosecutors .
They said Brown illegally converted checks from book sales into untraceable cash to fund tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions in the names of straw donors .
In 2017 , Brown reached a plea deal in the case brought by the Maryland State Prosecutor ’ s Office without implicating Pugh .
Pugh kept him on her staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brown also pleaded guilty last year to separate federal charges that he operated a fraudulent tax preparation business and that he abused his position as board chairman of the Maryland Center for Adult Training Inc. , which employed Wedington as its executive director .
For five years , prosecutors said , Brown helped Wedington evade payroll taxes on her $ 80,000 annual salary .
Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano contributed to this report .

Michael Kunzelman - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Alabama Ex-House speaker reports to begin prison sentence

MONTGOMERY , Ala. - Former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard , for years once of the state ’ s most influential politicians , reported to jail Friday to begin a prison sentence for his 2016 ethics conviction .
Hubbard reported to the Lee County Detention Center in Opelika , according to jail records , to begin his four-year sentence .
The Auburn Republican was for years one of the state ’ s most powerful politicians until the ethics conviction in a corruption case ended his political career .
Prosecutors accused Hubbard of leveraging his powerful public office to obtain clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence lawyers maintained the transactions were all aboveboard .
“ Mike Hubbard is a strong Christian man and has accepted the current situation but firmly believes in his innocence and looks forward to exploring other options to clear his name , ” attorney Lance Bell said .
A jury in 2016 convicted Hubbard of 12 counts of violating the state ethics law , but six were overturned on appeal .
The Alabama Supreme Court last month refused to reconsider the case .
The Alabama attorney general ’ s office said Hubbard had until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be processed and turned over to the Department of Corrections .
He had been free on appeal since his 2016 conviction as he unsuccessfully fought to completely overturn his conviction .
Attorney David McKnight said they are considering additional appeals or asking a judge to reduce his sentence since some counts have been overturned .
Hubbard , the architect of the GOP ’ s takeover of the Alabama Legislature in 2010 , was a legislator from Auburn and former chairman of the Alabama Republican Party .
He was elected House speaker soon after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chambers .
Hubbard was automatically removed from office after his 2016 felony conviction .


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--Authorities defend response to toy gun seen in online class

COLORADO SPRINGS , Colo. - Authorities are defending their decision to send two school resource officers to a Colorado home where a 12-year-old Black boy pointed a gun that turned out to be a toy at a friend during an online class they were taking together .
Following criticism from the boy ’ s mother about how the school and El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office handled the Aug. 27 situation , the sheriff ’ s office on Thursday released body camera video of the officers ’ visit as well as a quick clip showing the boy briefly aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear to be horsing around .
In a statement , the sheriff ’ s office said the school contacted them out of concern for the welfare of the students and said the teacher did not know if the gun was real or not .
The body camera footage shows officers talking to the father of one of the boys , and then speaking with the boys .
The officer who mainly spoke said they were not going to charge the boys with the crime of interfering with a school but said they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened again .
He told the father that besides checking on whether the gun was real they wanted to the boys to know how serious the situation was .
“ The School Resource Officer took the appropriate action and was kind and respectful throughout the interaction .
His goal was to educate the involved parties , ” the office said .
In a Facebook video , the mother of the boy with the toy gun , Dani Elliott , said the school called the sheriff ’ s office after she told school officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she later learned that the officers were going to her house , Elliott , who was not home , said she was afraid for her son ’ s safety and called him to tell him to put the gun on the counter and hide in the basement .
Elliott said she feared her son could face the same fate as Tamir Rice , a 12-year-old Black boy who was shot and killed by a police officer in Cleveland in 2014 while holding a toy gun .
Even now she thinks he will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encounter with law enforcement officers .
“ This is going to have a lifelong impact on my son , ” she said .
In a statement to The Gazette , the Widefield School District # 3 said it was looking “ at the bigger picture ” and wanted to focus on working with the family .
“ We are focused on collaborative problem-solving and examining our current system and how it fits in the world today .
Our hope is to move forward as a district , as a community , and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-09-11--About 8,800 unaccompanied children are expelled at US border

SAN FRANCISCO - About 8,800 unaccompanied children have been quickly expelled from the United States along the Mexico border under a pandemic-related measure that effectively ended asylum , authorities said Friday .
The Trump administration has expelled more than 159,000 people since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emergency order took effect in March , a figure that also includes more than 7,600 adults and children who crossed the border in families .
The figures on children were reported for the first time in a declaration by Raul Ortiz , the Border Patrol ’ s deputy chief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal of an order to stop housing children in hotels .
The administration “ immediately ” expelled most children and families to Mexico but more than 2,200 unaccompanied children and 600 people who came in families were held until flights could be arranged to return home , Ortiz said .
The administration asked the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a ruling last week that found use of hotels skirted “ fundamental humanitarian protections.
” U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles ruled that using hotels for long-term detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children in custody .
She ordered border agencies to stop placing children in hotels by Tuesday .
Justice Department attorneys argued that settlement doesn ’ t apply during the public health emergency and that hotels were appropriate .
“ While in these hotels , the government provides minors with supervision by specialists , recreation , amenities , and protective measures against COVID-19 , ” the attorneys wrote .
Before the pandemic , unaccompanied children were sent to state-licensed shelters operated by the Department of Health and Human Services and often released to family @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Pro-reform Iranian religious leader dies aged 83

TEHRAN , Iran - Iran ’ s state-run IRNA news agency on Saturday reported that a pro-reform religious leader , who sided with an opposition presidential candidate during the turmoil following the controversial 2009 elections , has died .
He was 83 .
Ayatollah Yousef Saanei died in a hospital in the holy city of Qom after being hospitalized for two days with a broken hip and wrist , IRNA said .
Qom is known for its Shiite seminaries that attract students from across Iran and other countries .
In 2009 , Saanei had supported opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat Mousavi in that year ’ s disputed elections .
Mousavi ’ s electoral defeat led to the widespread Green Movement protests , which were put down by Iranian security forces .
That year , some opposition websites quoted Saanei as saying , “ Ahmadinejad is not the president and co-operation with him is haram ( forbidden by Islamic law ) .
” Many religious hard-liners in Iran isolated Saanei because of the positions he staked out after the 2009 elections .
The Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom stripped him of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his website was blocked a year later .
Saanei also supported Iran ’ s current Iranian President Hassan Rouhani , a relative moderate within the country ’ s political system , during his successful 2013 presidential run .
Many members of Rouhani ’ s Cabinet visited Saanei after taking office .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Woman travels 8,600 miles to donate kidney in Virginia

NORFOLK , Va. - Lesley Jenkins sat at her kitchen table in the glow of her computer screen .
It was about midnight when she logged on to talk to a Sentara Healthcare medical team , which included a nutritionist , social worker and surgeon .
They spoke for an hour about the risks of surgery and how to take care of her health for the long haul .
There were medical history and consent forms to sort out .
Before the Zoom session ended , she gave them a tour , showing them a bit of the Hibiscus Coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the team , not just because of where Jenkins was in the world but what it represented .
Despite the 8,600 miles between Jenkins and her brother , Steve Morrison , they were planning for her journey to him in July to donate her left kidney .
No donor has ever travelled that far for a transplant surgery in Norfolk .
The distance pushed Sentara to use telehealth technology in its preliminary intake process , a first for the hospital system .
The medical team says this could open the doors for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now any out-of-town , living donors can do evaluations remotely , potentially saving prohibitive travel costs .
The challenge alone — a surgery with a donor who comes from a different health care system on the other side of the world — made Morrison ’ s transplant extraordinary .
But in the age of the coronavirus , an infectious disease that has swept the globe , the siblings overcame countless other obstacles : lockdowns , travel restrictions , a surgery delay of 3 1/2 months , multiple quarantines and nail-biting days waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-clear .
“ I feel like I ’ ve been on this roller coaster for a few months , ” Jenkins said .
The coronavirus has had an unprecedented impact on organ transplants .
Leading up to the pandemic , about 370 deceased-donor kidneys were recovered in the United States weekly .
At the end of March , after the disease had sufficiently made landfall , there were about 200 , according to the United Network for Organ Sharing , a private non-profit that manages the U.S. organ transplant system .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving living donors .
Prior to COVID-19 , surgeons were conducting about 140 a week nationwide .
That dropped to about 10 , with essentially all transplant programs grinding to a halt in early April .
While hospitals reckoned with how to safely resume the surgeries , many would-be recipients were “ inactivated ” on organ waitlists , meaning program leaders believed their risk of getting the illness during and after surgery outweighed the urgency of their procedure .
Margaret Sullivan , Sentara ’ s director of transplant services , said Norfolk General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transplants this spring while they worked on new protocols .
That decision came around the same time Gov .
Ralph Northam issued an executive order postponing non-urgent medical procedures to free up bed space and resources .
The ban , however , wasn ’ t a factor because transplants weren ’ t restricted .
“ We pushed back living donors to keep them safe , ” she said .
“ They ’ re well people .
You don ’ t want to bring them in and make them sick.
” For Morrison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Old Dominion University , that meant his surgery , scheduled for April 28 , was delayed .
His classes had been put on hold , too , because of the virus , but he couldn ’ t imagine that lasting for more than a couple of weeks .
As the outlook worsened for the pandemic , he started to get more nervous and felt time running out .
His kidney function was at about 12 % in July , he recalls .
He knew that when it got down to 8 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialysis .
“ I had about three or four months left , if I declined at the same rate , ” he said .
“ That was a big concern .
I really didn ’ t want to go on dialysis , but I was just so exhausted.
” Morrison , 56 , didn ’ t know he had a health problem until he was playing soccer one day and accidentally got a whack on the back from another player .
That night , about a decade ago , he passed a kidney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s when doctors discovered he had polycystic kidney disease .
About two years ago , he was verging on kidney failure , and doctors recommended he get on a transplant waitlist .
His wife , sister-in-law and friends had been considered as donors .
None was a match .
Morrison didn ’ t know how he was going to tell his then 86-year-old mother .
But when he asked Jenkins for advice , she offered something better .
“ What if I gave you a kidney ?
” she asked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In December , Jenkins , 61 , got her work-up to determine if she was a candidate and enrol her in the transplant program .
She saw a nephrologist and had tests conducted in her home country , which has a socialized health care system .
Normally , exams and labs would be free , but she opted to pay the equivalent of about $ 1,350 for certain services to ensure they happened quickly .
Roland French , a transplant co-ordinator who facilitated Morrison ’ s case from Norfolk , said costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foremost issues that stymie family members abroad from donating .
In addition to medical expenses , they ’ ve had to pay for travel back and forth for their preliminary screenings .
Then came travel costs for the surgery .
This year , as the virus hopped from one continent to another , some countries quickly threw up travel restrictions .
At one point , all flights were cancelled out of New Zealand , a small island nation of about 5 million people that aggressively instituted infectious disease controls .
Since the onset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,400 cases of COVID-19 and 22 deaths .
The anxiety of not being able to get to Virginia was amplified when the transplant program tabled his surgery : When , then ?
Dr. Tom McCune , a Sentara nephrologist , said Morrison should have gotten a transplant immediately , but they feared his sister would be at risk of exposure travelling through airports and on airplanes .
Organ recipients also are at higher risk of dying of a coronavirus infection because of the immune system-suppressing drugs they take to prevent rejection of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. public health officials were struggling to even nail down accurate testing methods and getting results quickly enough to have an impact .
Meanwhile , Morrison and his wife , Denise , both health professionals , said they did all they could to avoid getting sick .
They wore masks in public and only visited with friends outdoors .
They wiped down groceries , washed their hands frequently and hoped that hand sanitizer could help fend off the bug .
When the surgery was rescheduled for Aug. 11 , the tables had turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Virginia was handling cases .
Hampton Roads was having a surge , with Northam restricting businesses more to try to curb the disease .
While nasal swab tests were coming back positive about 6 % of the time throughout the state , the Tidewater region was seeing higher rates of 9 % to 18 % .
But as long as flights were taking off , Jenkins resolved to be on one .
When she arrived in San Francisco on July 26 , she almost was denied entry .
Born in Scotland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which raised eyebrows at Customs .
When she explained she was donating a kidney to her brother , she said she was asked if she could show his passport .
After some back-and-forth and looking up her brother on the internet , she was cleared .
“ I told them , ‘ I am the package , ’ ” she said .
But perhaps the most nerve-wracking stop was in Atlanta , a busy international hub where people were nearly bumping and colliding as they rushed to their terminals .
Not a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
When she reached Norfolk , she had one more in-person exam .
Doctors reviewed a CT scan of the arteries and veins connected to her kidneys .
Poor findings could have stopped the procedure from going forward .
Both Jenkins and Morrison underwent COVID-19 tests about 72 hours before the operation .
A positive result could have also been a roadblock .
Fortunately , they made it to Surgery Day , unscathed by the virus , but weary of the ride it had taken them on .
When the surgery was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Morrison was up to three .
His two were left in place , sputtering along .
Three days later , Jenkins and Morrison were discharged .
Today , living-donor organ transplants are returning to pre-pandemic levels .
That has been the case at Norfolk General , which is one of seven transplant centres in Virginia .
After the public health crisis is in the rear-view mirror , some of the new transplant protocols may be here to stay , McCune said .
Doctors will likely be more upfront about explaining to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take to avoid getting infections before surgery , and short-term quarantines might become routine .
Jenkins touched down in the states just in the nick of time .
As she began her two-week , pre-op quarantine at Morrison ’ s house , New Zealand locked down again .
Officials have been trying to stop a small resurgence in Auckland , the country ’ s largest city .
For the siblings living on different hemispheres , separated by the Pacific Ocean and the breadth of the United States , recovery turned out to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadn ’ t lived together since college , when they shared a house with their older brother .
Morrison is a better roommate than in those days , Jenkins said .
Even on the brink of kidney failure , he does more dishes .
For a few weeks , they binged on “ Seinfeld ” and “ Umbrella Academy ” and took short daily walks around the block with Morrison ’ s two little dogs .
He watched his sister crush five 1,000-piece puzzles , all in the span of their post-op quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side effect on their taste buds .
Jenkins noticed tea has become super sweet since surgery , and Morrison had found even bland foods to be flavourful .
“ Green beans , the most innocuous thing , just explode in my mouth , ” he said .
After a follow-up exam and another nasal swab test , Jenkins returned to New Zealand last week .
There she ’ s undergoing yet another 14-day quarantine in an isolation hotel paid for by her government .
Though she wishes she could heal at home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her to stay busy .
She also plans to keep in close touch with her four children and nine grandchildren .
As for Morrison , he ’ s now the caretaker of the family kidney , which at the moment requires about 12 medications to help it function .
But having a pandemic transplant has been worth every bump in the road , he says .
He feels fortunate to have had a Kiwi sister who is also A-positive .
“ Probably the easiest ’ A ’ I ’ ve ever gotten @ @ @ @ @

Elisha Sauers, The Virginian-Pilot - AP Member


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Expect US election to have consequences for troops overseas

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden both say they want to pull U.S. forces out of Iraq and Afghanistan .
But their approaches differ , and the outcome of the Nov. 3 election will have long-term consequences not only for U.S. troops , but for the wider region .
During his election campaign four years ago , Trump pledged to bring all troops home from “ endless wars , “ at times triggering pushback from military commanders , defence leaders and even Republican lawmakers worried about abruptly abandoning partners on the ground .
In recent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to fulfil that promise and get forces home before Election Day .
More broadly , Trump ’ s ‘ America First ’ mantra has buoyed voters weary of war and frustrated with the billions of dollars spent on national defence at the expense of domestic needs .
But it has also alienated longtime European partners whose forces have fought alongside the United States , and has bruised America ’ s reputation as a loyal ally .
Biden has been more adamant about restoring U.S. relations with allies and NATO , and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He says troops must be withdrawn responsibly and that a residual force presence will be needed in Afghanistan to ensure terrorist groups can ’ t rebuild and attack America again .
That approach , however , angers progressives and others who believe the U.S. has spent too much time , money and blood on battlefields far from home .
“ We ’ re getting out of the endless wars , ” Trump told White House reporters recently .
He said the “ top people in the Pentagon ” probably don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy.
” He continued : “ Let ’ s bring our soldiers back home .
Some people don ’ t like to come home .
Some people like to continue to spend money.
” Biden , the former vice-president , has sounded less absolute about troop withdrawal .
In response to a candidate questionnaire from the Center for Foreign Relations , he said some troops could stay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Americans are rightly weary of our longest war ; I am , too .
But we must end the war responsibly , in a manner that ensures we both guard against threats to our homeland and never have to go back , ” he said .
While both talk about troops withdrawals , each has , in some ways , tried and failed .
Trump came into office condemning the wars and declaring he would bring all troops home .
When he took over , the number of forces in Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some time by his predecessor , President Barack Obama .
But within a year that total climbed to about 15,000 , as Trump approved commanders ’ requests for additional troops to reverse setbacks in the training of Afghan forces , fight an increasingly dangerous Islamic State group and put enough pressure on the Taliban to force it to the peace table .
Biden was part of the Obama administration ’ s failed effort to negotiate an agreement with Iraqi leaders in 2011 , and as a result the U.S. pulled all American forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was short-lived .
Just three years later , as IS militants took over large swaths of Iraq , the U.S. again deployed troops into Iraq and neighbouring Syria to defeat IS .
With an eye toward the election , Trump has accelerated his push to bring troops home .
Gen. Frank McKenzie , the top U.S. military commander for the Middle East , said in recent days that by November , the number of troops in Afghanistan could drop to 4,500 , and the number in Iraq could dip from about 5,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director at the Cato Institute , is skeptical of both candidates .
He said Biden , if elected , will struggle with pressure to pull troops out , but will be drawn to getting things back to normal , “ which means being there for allies , reupping our commitment to NATO.
” Glaser said he believes Trump really wants to pull troops out , but is driven by his electoral self-interest .
“ He wants to get out but he doesn ’ t know how to do so in a way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and running.
” He added that if Trump is reelected , “ I ’ m a little nervous that he will lose a little electoral incentive .
If there aren ’ t votes to be against I frankly don ’ t know what he will do .
He could slip into another conflict , given his belligerence on any given issue.
” McKenzie and other military leaders , however , have consistently argued that conditions on the ground and the activities of the enemy must dictate troop levels .
They suggest that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure enemies don ’ t regain a foothold .
Michele Flournoy , a former top Pentagon leader who is often mentioned as a potential defence chief in a Biden administration , warned against any “ precipitous ” withdrawal from Afghanistan that could jeopardize peace .
In remarks to the Aspen Security forum , she said that while the U.S. doesn ’ t want to be in Afghanistan forever , a counterterrorism force should remain until a peace agreement between the Taliban and the Afghan government is solidified .
Rep. Mac Thornberry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Armed Services Committee , said Trump will provide more money for the military while the Democrats probably will try to cut the defence budget .
But he also echoed troop withdrawal concerns , reflecting a broader reluctance on the committee to abandon Afghanistan while the Taliban continue to launch attacks and a stubborn IS insurgency threatens to take hold .
“ Everybody wants to be able to bring troops home from Afghanistan and elsewhere .
I think the differences are largely about whether you only do it when certain conditions are met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the best , ” said Thornberry .
“ Really what I ’ m thinking of is the way President Obama withdrew from Iraq .
... We withdrew and kind of said ‘ Good luck.
’ Obviously , things did not go so well .
”


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Mali talks on post-coup transition government wrapping up

BAMAKO , Mali - Days of consultations to map out Mali ’ s transition to a civilian government will conclude Saturday , though transition leaders won ’ t be decided upon until next week .
The leaders of the military junta that deposed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last month led talks with some 300 political party and civil society leaders in an effort to map out a way forward for the unstable West African nation .
It ’ s likely the transition will be led by a civilian , with strong military presence in the other positions of power , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Institute for Security Studies who is closely following the talks .
“ We must nevertheless expect a civilian very close to the junta who will lead this transition , ” he said , adding that it ’ s likely other civilian participants will have links to the opposition coalition M5-RFP that held huge anti-government protests for weeks before the coup .
The 15-nation West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS has warned the junta that it must designate a transitional civilian leader by next week or face further sanctions .
ECOWAS has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has closed its borders with Mali .
The military junta , known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People , previously proposed a three-year transition , saying that a new constitution should be written first .
They also favour a transition leader from the military .
The international pressure for a quick transition is intended to avoid a protracted political crisis that could be taken advantage of by Mali ’ s growing Islamic insurgency .
A military coup in Mali in 2012 led to a power vacuum that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seize major towns in the north before France led a military intervention the following year to oust them .
Armed groups from Mali ’ s north , notably the Coordination for the Movement of Azawad , who had signed a peace agreement with the government , did not travel to the capital , Bamako , to participate in the consultations .
The junta had intended to travel to Kidal in the north to hold talks last week but were prevented by weather conditions .
“ We have men , weapons and we control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no more legitimate than us , ” said Sidi Brahim Ould Sidatt , the president of the Azawad group .
“ We have two choices to make now : Either we enter the transition process and have made a new constitution of Mali together in which we recognize ourselves , or we wait after the transition and we continue negotiations with the government that will be put in place.
“ ECOWAS leaders will hold a summit in Ghana on Tuesday to discuss the Mali transition with the junta .
The president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be appointed .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Trump aides sought to meddle with CDC’s virus reports, Politico says

U.S. health department spokesperson Michael Caputo and his aides asked for the right to read and suggest changes to the @ @ @ @ @ Prevention ’ s weekly COVID-19 reports , Politico reported , citing emails and three people @ @ @ @ @ Communications aides from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services complained to CDC director @ @ @ @ @ that the agency ’ s reports would undermine President Donald Trump ’ s optimistic messaging @ @ @ @ @ to the report .
CDC employees pushed back against changes but have increasingly agreed to @ @ @ @ @ the virus reports , and have agreed to amend language in some cases , Politico @ @ @ @ @ under criticism for intentionally downplaying the severity of the virus publicly after saying in an @ @ @ @ @ that he knew how dangerous it was .
The U.S. president has defended his comments @ @ @ @ @ t want to cause panic or price spikes .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--The Latest: Illinois reports more than 2,000 new virus cases

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday reported 2,145 newly confirmed coronavirus cases and 32 confirmed deaths .
The new cases came as 30 of 102 counties reached two or more benchmarks that indicate the coronavirus is spreading there .
The cases Friday were from 56,661 tests , resulting in a seven-day statewide positivity rate of 3.9 per cent .
There have been 4.6 million tests conducted in Illinois .
The total number of known infections in Illinois is 257,788 , and the statewide confirmed death toll is 8,273 since the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK — Antarctica is still free of COVID-19 .
Can it stay that way ?
— Daily US virus deaths decline , but trend may reverse in fall — India ’ s confirmed coronavirus tally has crossed 4.6 million after a record surge of 97,570 new cases in 24 hours .
India reported another 1,201 deaths Saturday , bringing total deaths to 77,472 , the third highest in the world .
— The Istanbul governor is banning boating companies from hosting weddings and other gatherings to combat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s most populous city .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : BERLIN — A town in the German Alps has stepped up coronavirus restrictions after a spike in infections that local authorities say was likely caused by a visitor from the United States .
The restrictions imposed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Friday include all restaurants to close at 10 p.m. for the next week and the number of people meeting in public limited to five .
Local council spokesman Stephan Scharf told news agency dpa Saturday the American woman is believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town .
The council says the 26-year-old , who wasn ’ t identified , arrived in Germany in late August or early September .
It wasn ’ t clear whether she brought the virus from the U.S. or violated quarantine regulations .
Authorities say 23 people tested positive at the accommodation where she stayed .
The U.S. is on a long list of countries classified by German authorities as “ risk areas.
” People arriving from those areas must have a coronavirus test after arriving in Germany and quarantine until the results are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 83 million , has more than 260,000 confirmed cases and 9,351 deaths .
The U.S. , with a population of 328 million , leads the world with 6.4 million cases more than 193,000 deaths .
BUDAPEST , Hungary — Hungary has registered another record number 916 newly infected people with the coronavirus .
The total Saturday is more than 25 % higher than the previous record of 716 cases , reached Friday .
Prime Minister Viktor Orban ’ s government is taking a less generalized approach to the pandemic during this second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case-by-case basis .
Orban said Saturday in a video posted on his Facebook page that the aim was not just to save lives but also to keep the country running .
During the second quarter of the year , the Hungarian economy contracted by 13.6 % , the largest fall in the region .
Hungary has confirmed 11,825 cases of the virus and 633 deaths .
ISTANBUL — Istanbul ’ s governor has introduced new measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus , banning all boating companies from hosting weddings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , the governor ’ s office also reintroduced a ban on concerts and festivals in open spaces .
The statement said the restrictions were needed because precautions like physical distancing were not being adequately heeded and the virus ’ spread had increased .
Istanbul , with about 16 million residents , is Turkey ’ s most populous city .
Turkey has seen a spike in COVID-19 infections and deaths , which began increasing after Turkey loosened restrictions in June but has intensified since late August , returning to levels last seen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry announced 56 deaths and 1,671 new cases , bringing the total death toll to 6,951 and number of cases to nearly 290,000 .
PRAGUE — The coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in the Czech Republic , infecting a record number of people in one day for the third time this week .
The Health Ministry says the day-to-day increase in the new confirmed coronavirus cases reached 1,447 on Friday , surpassing 1,000 for the fourth day this week .
Of a total of 33,860 confirmed cases of the virus in the Czech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in the last five working days , prompting the government to tighten restrictive measure to slow the spread .
Currently , 264 virus patients are hospitalized , including 65 in intensive care .
A confirmed total of 450 people have died in the country .
NEW YORK — The New York City teachers union warns it won ’ t let the nation ’ s largest school district reopen for in-person classes this month if the city doesn ’ t issue protective equipment , conduct testing and properly clean schools .
Union leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of not acting with enough urgency on the pandemic .
The return of public school students to classrooms was delayed from Sept. 10 to Sept. 21 so coronavirus safety precautions could be worked out .
Mulgrew says the city knows what it needs to do to make schools safe and “ if you can ’ t make that happen before the children come into schools , then we ’ re not going to let you open these schools.
” The city says it will work with the union .
MEXICO CITY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32 states ready for partial reopening , marking the first time no state is listed at a “ red ” level maximum alert .
The 24 states listed at “ orange ” or high risk may allow many non-essential businesses to re-open at 30 % capacity .
The eight other states are listed at “ yellow ” or moderate risk , allowing even more business activities .
However , bars , nightclubs and dance halls remain closed and sporting events and concerts can not have spectators .
Mexico reported 5,930 newly confirmed coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks ago .
The country has recorded a total of 658,299 infections .
Officials reported 534 more deaths from COVID-19 , for a total of 70,183 — the fourth-highest in the world .
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a resolution on tackling the coronavirus over objections from the United States and Israel , which protested a successful last-minute Cuban amendment that strongly urges countries to oppose unilateral economic , financial or trade sanctions .
The world body adopted the resolution Friday by a vote of 169-2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the U.N. ’ s most representative body in addressing the coronavirus , though many countries had hoped for adoption by consensus .
The resolution is not legally binding .
It “ calls for intensified international co-operation and solidarity to contain , mitigate and overcome the pandemic ” and it urges member states “ to enable all countries to have unhindered timely access to quality , safe , efficacious and affordable diagnosis , therapeutics , medicines and vaccines.
” NEW ORLEANS — Bars in a handful of Louisiana parishes will be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Gov .
John Bel Edwards .
Bars in the state have been closed since July unless they have licenses to operate as restaurants .
Under the guidelines announced Friday , bars in parishes where the percentage of positive COVID-19 deaths is 5 % or below for four weeks can open if parish leaders give the OK , Edwards said .
Bars that are allowed to open will be limited to 25 % capacity .
They will have to shut down alcohol sales at 10 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. Bar openings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where Mayor LoToya Cantrell is maintaining stricter rules .
The latest plans were released on the day the number of coronavirus-related deaths in Louisiana surpassed 5,000 .
Hospitalizations , continue to drop , totalling 723 in Friday ’ s figures .
Nearly 2,000 were hospitalized in early April , when the state was a U.S. hot spot for infections .