thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Israeli minister resigns to protest expected virus lockdown

JERUSALEM - A prominent Israeli minister resigned on Sunday in protest over an expected government decision to impose a nationwide lockdown this week ahead of the Jewish New Year due to rising coronavirus cases .
Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman , who served as health minister during the initial outbreak of the virus in Israel , criticized the anticipated lockdown measure as extreme and said it would cause undue suffering to the public .
Litzman , who heads an influential ultra-Orthodox faction in the coalition government , expressed particular ire toward restrictions that will limit observant Jews from attending communal prayers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The decision to impose a full lockdown over the holidays was planned in advance out of a lack of appreciation to the Jewish holidays , ” he said in his resignation letter .
“ My heart is with the hundreds of thousands of Jews who come to synagogue once a year and won ’ t this year because of the lockdown.
” Israel earned praise earlier this year for its initial handling of the coronavirus domestically , moving quickly to seal the country ’ s borders and appearing to bring the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticized for opening businesses and schools too quickly and allowing the virus to spread once again .
With the country reporting record levels of new coronavirus cases each day , the government is expected to vote Sunday in favour of another nationwide lockdown to curb the outbreak .
Israel has had more than 150,000 confirmed cases of virus and more than 1,100 deaths .
Given its population of 9 million , the country now has one of the world ’ s worst outbreaks .
Litzman himself contracted the virus earlier this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ national furor over his handling of the pandemic .
Weekly protests demanding his resignation over corruption charges have now grown to include those demanding he resign over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak .
Perhaps more damaging politically is the anger boiling among ultra-Orthodox Jews , who have been among Netanyahu ’ s strongest supporters .
Their leaders have used their political weight thus far to curb sweeping restrictions against their lifestyle of group study and prayer .
Infection rates in ultra-Orthodox communities have been among the highest in the country .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowded neighbourhoods where the virus can quickly spread .
Synagogues , the centerpiece of social life , bring men together to pray and socialize in small spaces .
Last week , Netanyahu announced overnight curfews on some 40 cities and towns hit hardest by the coronavirus , including several with large ultra-Orthodox populations , but backed away from reported recommendations for full lockdowns after an uproar by politically powerful religious politicians .
Israelis typically hold large family gatherings and pack synagogues during the important fast of Yom Kippur , which comes days after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of his weekly Cabinet meeting , Netanyahu expressed regret over Litzman ’ s resignation , though he said he respected it .
He said severe measures were now needed after health officials “ raised a red flag .
”


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Asia Today: India cases climb to 4.75M as recovery improves

NEW DELHI - India has registered a single-day spike of 94,372 new coronavirus cases , driving the country ’ s overall tally to 4.75 million .
The Health Ministry on Sunday also reported 1,114 deaths in the past 24 hours , taking total fatalities up to 78,586 .
Even as infections are growing faster in India than anywhere else in the world , the number of people recovering from the virus has also risen sharply .
The country ’ s recovery rate stands at 77.77 % and nearly 70,000 recoveries have been reported every day in the month of September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ministry attributed India ’ s COVID-19 recovery pace to aggressive testing and prompt surveillance , but experts say India needs to test more due to its huge population .
It ’ s climbed to the second worst-hit country behind the United States , and is now testing more than 1 million people every day .
India ’ s Parliament is expected to resume work on Monday with strict physical distancing .
Parliament adjourned in March just before a nationwide lockdown was announced to contain the pandemic .
The harsh lockdown caused a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s economy contracting nearly 24 % in the second quarter , the worst among the world ’ s top economies .
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region : — South Korea says it will ease stringent social distancing rules in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area , following a gradually declining number of new coronavirus infections .
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told an online briefing Sunday that the greater Seoul area recorded about 80-110 new virus cases each day last week , down from 110-180 in the previous week .
Under eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks , Park says authorities will lift a ban on dining at restaurants after 9 p.m. in the Seoul area .
They ’ ve been allowed to provide only takeouts and deliveries after 9 p.m. since late August .
— Domestic air travel in Wuhan , the original epicenter of the pandemic , has returned to pre-pandemic levels .
The virus was first detected in Wuhan late last year and the city underwent a draconian 76-day lockdown as its hospitals struggled to deal with a tidal wave of cases that required the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening in early April , life has gradually returned to normal and numbers of domestic flights serving the city , as well as the number of passengers , had both fully recovered , according to the operator of Wuhan Tianhe International airport .
It says 64,700 passengers were transported aboard 500 domestic flights on Friday .
The airport is preparing to eventually resume international flights to destinations such as Seoul , Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta , Qu Xiaoni , an airport representative was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eastern China says seven Filipino sailors aboard a Cyprus-flagged ship have tested positive for the coronavirus and been transferred to a hospital onshore .
A statement released Sunday by the government of Daishan county in Zheijiang province said it first received a notice on Sept. 9 that crew members on board the ship that was undergoing repairs had fallen ill and tested positive for the coronavirus .
One close contact on shore who had delivered water to the sailors was placed under monitoring but tested negative for the virus .
The seven were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in what the statement called a “ closed loop ” to prevent other infections .
Their ship is being quarantined offshore , the statement said .

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thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Former UK leaders unite to slam Boris Johnson on Brexit plan

LONDON - Two former British prime ministers who played crucial roles in bringing peace to Northern Ireland joined forces Sunday to urge lawmakers to reject government plans to override the Brexit deal with the European Union , arguing that it imperils that peace and damages the U.K. ’ s reputation .
In an article in The Sunday Times , John Major and Tony Blair slammed the current British government for “ shaming ” the country with legislation that , in places , goes against the very deal it signed to allow for the U.K. ’ s smooth departure from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Conservative prime minister from 1990 to 1997 , and Blair , his Labour successor for a decade , said Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s Internal Market Bill “ questions the very integrity “ of the U.K. “ This government ’ s action is shaming itself and embarrassing our nation , “ they said .
The planned legislation , which will be debated by British lawmakers this week , has led to a furious outcry within the EU as it would diminish the bloc ’ s previously agreed oversight of trade between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.K.-EU trade agreement isn ’ t secured .
The British government has admitted that the legislation would break international law , but argues that it ’ s an insurance policy for that potential ‘ no-deal ’ scenario .
Johnson has said the legislation is needed to end EU threats to impose a “ blockade ” in the Irish Sea that the prime minister asserted could “ carve up our country.
” Britain ’ s Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told the BBC on Sunday that the legislation was a “ break the glass in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that he would resign if he believed the rule of law was broken in an “ unacceptable ” way .
“ I don ’ t believe we ’ re going to get to that stage , ” he said .
EU leaders have furiously rejected Johnson ’ s charge that the bloc is planning a major disruption to normal trade between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland .
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told the BBC that the “ kind of inflammatory language ” coming from the British government was “ spin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British government showing no sign of changing course , there are real concerns that the talks on a future trade deal between the U.K. and the EU could collapse within weeks .
If that happens , tariffs and other impediments to trade will be imposed by both sides at the start of 2021 .
The U.K. left the EU on Jan. 31 , but it is in a transition period that effectively sees it benefit from the bloc ’ s tariff-free trade until the end of the year while a future relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standoff , discussions between the EU ’ s chief negotiator , Michel Barnier , and his U.K. counterpart , David Frost , had made very little progress .
One major element of the Brexit withdrawal agreement is the section related to ensuring an open border on the island of Ireland to protect the peace process in Northern Ireland .
The issue proved thorny during the more than two years of discussions it took to get a Brexit deal done , as the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland is the only land link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The EU wanted assurances the border would not be used as a back route for unlicensed goods arriving in Ireland from the rest of the U.K. — England , Scotland and Wales .
As a result , the two sides agreed there would be some kind of regulatory border between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland .
Major and Blair , who both vociferously opposed Brexit , said the planned legislation puts the 1998 Good Friday agreement that ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland at risk .
Th pair said the bill “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal clarity that are integral to the delicate balance between the north and south of Ireland that is at the core of the peace process.
” It ’ s unclear whether the planned legislation will get through the British Parliament , with a number of Johnson ’ s fellow Conservatives uneasy at the prospect of the government breaching international law .
Tobias Ellwood is one lawmaker who has said he could not accept the legislation , arguing that the bill diminishes “ our role-model status as defender of global standards.
” Follow AP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British politics at https : //www.apnews.com/Brexit


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Pakistan detains a suspect in rape of mother on a highway

LAHORE , Pakistan - Pakistani police on Sunday said they have arrested one of two suspects in the rape of a woman who was dragged from her car and attacked in front of her children after her car broke down on a desolate highway in central Punjab province .
The police said the woman had locked her car doors when she ran out of fuel .
She called highway police for help .
As she waited , police said two attackers broke her car window , dragged her outside and raped her in front of her terrified children .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and jewelry from the woman before fleeing .
Chief of the criminal investigation wing of the Punjab police , Atif Nazeer , said the arrest of one of the men was made after security tracked phone records and collected forensic evidence from the scene near the eastern city of Lahore .
Nazeer said the suspect denies any involvement in the rape , which took place Wednesday .
Some local media are reporting that the suspect turned himself over to police to plead his innocence .
The assault drew widespread condemnation on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly hanged .
Recently appointed Lahore police chief Umar Sheikh has been criticized for apparently blaming the victim for travelling alone with her two children after midnight without checking whether her car had enough fuel .
Women ’ s rights activists have urged the government to fire Sheikh over his remarks .
Gang rape is rare in Pakistan , although sexual harassment and violence against women is commonly reported .
Nearly 1,000 women are killed in Pakistan each year in so-called “ honour killings ” for allegedly violating conservative norms on love and @ @


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--The Latest: Distancing rules to be eased in Seoul area

SEOUL , South Korea — South Korea says it will ease social distancing rules in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area following a declining number of new coronavirus cases .
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told an online briefing Sunday that the greater Seoul area recorded about 80-110 new virus cases each day last week , down from 110-180 in the previous week .
Under eased rules that are effective from Monday for two weeks , Park says authorities will lift a ban on dining at restaurants after 9 p.m. in the Seoul area .
They ’ ve been allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. since late August .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK — As virus rises in the Dakotas , freedom argument trumps masks — Peeps holiday treats are going on hiatus — another consequence of the coronavirus .
PennLive.com reports that Just Born Quality Confections says it won ’ t be producing the popular sweets for Halloween , Christmas or Valentine ’ s Day as the Bethlehem , Pennsylvania-based company prepares for next Easter .
— Oxford University says trials of a coronavirus vaccine its developing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a pause due to a reported side-effect in a U.K. patient .
— Antarctica is still free of COVID-19 .
Can it stay that way ?
Nearly 1,000 scientists have wintered on the ice and are getting a peek of the sun for the first time in months .
Now the task is making sure incoming colleagues don ’ t bring the virus .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : BERLIN — Austria ’ s leader says his country is seeing the start of a “ second wave ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his compatriots to comply with newly reinforced rules to keep down infections .
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced Friday that the government would reimpose measures such as an obligation to wear masks in shops to curb a rise in new infections .
Austria recorded 859 new infections on Friday , the highest daily figure since late March .
Kurz stepped up his rhetoric on Sunday .
He told the Austria Press Agency in a written statement that “ what we are experiencing at the moment is the beginning of a second wave.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vienna , are “ particularly dramatic , ” with the city accounting for around half of new cases .
Kurz said that Austria will soon hit the 1,000 per day mark .
He called on Austrians to reduce social contacts , wear masks and keep their distance “ as well as possible.
” He predicted “ a tough autumn and winter , ” though he stuck to his assessment that things should be largely normal by next summer .
PRAGUE — Coronavirus infections continue to grow in the Czech Republic , reaching a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The Health Ministry says the day-to-day increase in new cases reached 1,541 on Saturday , a record high for the country .
The Czech Republic has had 35,401 cases overall , including 453 deaths .
NEW DELHI — India has registered a single-day spike of 94,372 new confirmed coronavirus cases , driving the country ’ s overall tally to 4.75 million .
The Health Ministry on Sunday also reported 1,114 deaths in the past 24 hours , taking total fatalities up to 78,586 .
Even as infections are growing faster in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the number of people recovering from the virus has also risen sharply .
The country ’ s recovery rate stands at 77.77 % and nearly 70,000 recoveries have been reported every day in the month of September , according to the Health Ministry .
The ministry attributed India ’ s COVID-19 recovery pace to aggressive testing and prompt surveillance , but experts say India needs to test more due to its huge population .
It ’ s climbed to the second worst-hit country behind the United States , and is now testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
India ’ s Parliament is expected to resume work on Monday with strict physical distancing .
Parliament adjourned in March just before a nationwide lockdown was announced to contain the pandemic .
The harsh lockdown caused a severe economic crisis , with India ’ s economy contracting nearly 24 % in the second quarter , the worst among the world ’ s top economies .
BEIJING — Domestic air travel in Wuhan , the epicenter of the global coronavirus outbreak , has returned to pre-pandemic levels , authorities say .
The virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and the city underwent a draconian 76-day lockdown as its hospitals struggled to deal with a tidal wave of cases that required the rapid construction of field hospitals to handle the overflow .
Since reopening in early April , life has gradually returned to normal and numbers of domestic flights serving the city , as well as the number of passengers , had both fully recovered , according to the operator of Wuhan Tianhe International airport .
It said 64,700 passengers were transported aboard 500 domestic flights on Friday .
The airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights to destinations such as Seoul , Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta , Qu Xiaoni , an airport representative was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency .
International cargo routes have already re-opened connecting the major industrial city and centre of the Chinese auto industry with destinations such as Amsterdam and New Delhi .
China has gone almost a month without registering a new case of local transmission and on Sunday , the National Health Commission reported just 10 new cases , all of them imported .
Hospitals are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 357 people are in isolation after testing positive for the disease without showing any symptoms , the commission said .
China has reported a total of 85,184 cases of COVID-19 with 4,634 deaths .
FRANKFORT , Ky. — A prominent Kentucky infectious disease specialist who was hailed by the governor as a “ front line hero ” has died after a nearly four-month battle against COVID-19 .
Dr. Rebecca Shadowen , who tested positive for the virus on May 13 , died on Friday night , Med Center Health in Bowling Green said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was “ heartbroken ” to hear of her death and urged people to follow her advice and “ wear a mask in her honour.
” Connie Smith , president and CEO of Med Center Health , said Shadowen “ will forever be remembered as a nationally recognized expert who provided the very best care for our patients and community .
She was a dear friend to many.
” Before contracting the virus , Shadowen led Med Center Health ’ s work in National Institute of Health trials of patients ’ treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Shadowen had said she believed she contracted the virus after an elderly family member received care at home from an infected caregiver .
“ COVID-19 does not discriminate in its ability to penetrate our homes and communities , ” Shadowen said when announcing in the spring that she had tested positive for the virus .
While battling the virus , she surprised members of the Bowling Green–Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup by joining in a conference call , telling the group : “ It ’ s a great day to be alive.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask in public .
In his social media tribute Saturday , Beshear referred to Shadowen as a “ front line hero who worked tirelessly to protect the lives of others.
” JEFFERSON CITY , Mo .
— Missouri has topped 100,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus .
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services ’ coronavirus dashboard cited 1,974 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Saturday , bringing the total since the pandemic began to 101,134 .
The true number is likely much higher since many people with the virus go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new deaths .
All told , 1,704 Missourians have died from COVID-19 .
The number of cases in the state is growing at a rate faster than most places .
Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that over the seven-day period of Sept. 4-10 , Missouri saw the nation ’ s sixth-highest number of new cases .
PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Health Services officials on Saturday reported more than 600 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and 27 additional deaths as the state ’ s coronavirus outbreak continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statewide total to 208,128 as the death toll increased to 5,315 .
COVID-19-related hospitalizations reported by the department continued to drop , a trend that began in July after the state became a national hot spot in June .
Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press showed drops in seven-day rolling averages of daily new cases and daily deaths over the past two weeks .
The average of daily new cases went from 537 on Aug. 28 to 406 on Friday while the average of daily deaths went from 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Nevada health officials on Saturday reported 414 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and 10 additional deaths , increasing the statewide totals to 73,220 cases and 1,439 deaths .
Meanwhile , Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press showed seven-day rolling averages for Nevada ’ s daily new cases and daily deaths dropping over the past two weeks .
The average of daily deaths went from 488 on Aug. 28 to 299 on Friday while the average of daily deaths dropped from 15 to 9 .
EAST LANSING , Mich. — Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students living on or near the school ’ s East Lansing campus self-quarantine because of an outbreak of the coronavirus .
The Ingham County Health Department says at least a third of the 342 people affiliated with the university testing positive for the virus since Aug. 24 attended parties or social gatherings .
At least one third of the gatherings were associated with fraternities or sororities .
The health department says in the three weeks before the surge , only 23 people affiliated with the university had tested positive .
The state has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 6,500 deaths .
BLACKSBURG , Va. — The coronavirus pandemic disrupted college sports again Saturday , with Virginia and Virginia Tech postponing their Sept. 19 football opener because of issues at Virginia Tech .
Virginia Tech reported Friday it had 219 positive tests among students and staff for the coronavirus in the previous seven days , putting its total infections at 633 since testing began Aug. 3 .
The numbers have risen steadily since students returned Aug. 24 .
Virginia Tech won ’ t hold football practice for four days .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set for Virginia Tech ’ s Lane Stadium .
ANCHORAGE , Alaska — Anchorage will receive federal support to aid in lessening the coronavirus outbreak in its homeless population .
There have been 168 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Anchorage ’ s homeless shelters and one death .
Anchorage Health Department Epidemiologist Janet Johnston says about 100 of those cases are associated with an outbreak at the Brother Francis Shelter .
The city was assigned three employees from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and one from the Department of Housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffers will help with on-site epidemiology , contact tracing and other management of the city ’ s outbreak .
HONOLULU — The federal Department of Veterans Affairs has sent a team of health care staffers to help contain a coronavirus outbreak at a veterans ’ home in Hawaii .
Officials says 10 residents have died at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo .
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports most of the veteran home ’ s 74 residents have tested positive for the coronavirus after an asymptomatic staffer is thought to have brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implored the VA this week to help after asserting the home was understaffed and not equipped to halt the outbreak .
The federal health care team includes an infectious disease doctor , a facilities engineer , an infectious disease nurse , a safety officer , an industrial hygienist and a nurse manager .
The team will investigate infection control issues at the home and recommend procedures to manage the outbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--On Western swing, Trump aims to court pivotal Latino voters

LAS VEGAS - President Donald Trump on Sunday aimed for further inroads with Latinos who could prove vital in closely contested states that could determine the White House race , promoting economic gains they made before the coronavirus pandemic .
Though Trump has made scores of inflammatory and derogatory comments about Latinos , his campaign is growing confident that he has won some support that could help in Florida , Arizona and Nevada , his target this weekend .
He hosted a roundtable discussion with Latinos in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon before a nighttime rally , his first indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was blamed for a surge of coronavirus infections .
Winning support from Latinos has been an uphill climb for Trump , whose hard-line immigration policies and sometimes virulent depiction of immigrants have alienated many Hispanics .
In the first moments of his 2016 campaign , he declared that many Mexican immigrants were “ rapists.
” He has drawn criticism for his tepid response to a hurricane that ravaged Puerto Rico , his polices to separate children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border and his efforts to dismantle an Obama-era program that allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were brought here as children to remain in the U.S. “ They understand the situation at the southern border .
They want people to come in , and so do I , but they want them to do it legally , “ Trump told a small group of supporters in Las Vegas .
“ While Joe Biden has failed , I have delivered for Latinos.
” There is increasing concern about Democrats that their nominee , the former vice-president , has not done enough to court Latino voters .
His running mate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did little to sway Florida ’ s booming and politically influential Latino population during a stop there this past week .
Biden has not set foot in Arizona or Nevada during the general election campaign , which he has mainly conducted virtually because of the coronavirus .
Trump tailored his pitch to Latinos on Sunday , noting their low unemployment rate before COVID-19 reached American shores and affirming his anti-abortion stance .
He again hammered home his recent push on law and order , saying that recent violence in American cities endangered Latinos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47 years in politics being terrible to Hispanics .
Now he is relying on Castro lover Bernie Sanders to help him out , ” Trump tweeted Sunday .
“ That won ’ t work !
” Sanders , a Vermont senator who ran against Biden in the primary but later endorsed his rival , took heat earlier this year for a television interview in which he lauded Fidel Castro for a literacy program and asserted that it was “ unfair to simply say everything is bad ” in Cuba .
Estimates from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that about 3 in 10 Latino voters supported Trump in 2016 and Republican candidates in 2018 .
That ’ s also consistent with long-term trends in party identification among Latino voters , according to Pew .
Like Arizona and Nevada , Florida has a heterogeneous population , but Hispanic voters there tend to be somewhat more Republican-leaning than Hispanic voters nationwide because of the state ’ s Cuban American population .
A recent Florida poll shows support from Latinos about even between Trump and Biden .
Nationally , little public polling is available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year and whether they differ from four years ago .
The Biden campaign has consistently denounced Trump ’ s policies as hurting Latino immigrants and workers .
The push for Latinos comes during a Western swing in which Trump has looked to expand his paths to victory while unleashing a torrent of unsubstantiated claims that Democrats were trying to steal the election .
After holding a pair of fundraisers in the Las Vegas area on Sunday , expected to raise $ 18 million , Trump will hold an indoor rally in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henderson .
After abandoning rallies for months when the pandemic first arrived , Trump scheduled one in June in a Tulsa arena that featured seas of empty seats and , per local officials , prompted a spike in cases .
Recognizing that many supporters were uncomfortable to gather in a large group indoors , where the virus spreads more easily , the Trump campaign shifted to holding smaller , outdoor rallies , usually at airplane hangers .
But those rallies have grown in size in recent weeks , with little social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they return indoors , in part as a nod to the Las Vegas heat .
Temperature checks will given to all upon entrance while masks will be encouraged but not mandated .
“ If you can join tens of thousands of people protesting in the streets , gamble in a casino , or burn down small businesses in riots , you can gather peacefully under the 1st Amendment to hear from the President of the United States , “ campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said .
Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak has limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people since May , a recommendation based on White House reopening guidelines .
Trump defied local authorities the night before by holding a rally in tiny Minden after his initial plan for such a gathering in Reno was stopped out of concern it would have violated coronavirus health guidelines .
In 90-plus minutes of grievances and attacks before supporters , Trump charged that the state ’ s Democratic governor tried to block him and repeated his false claim that mail-in ballots would taint the election result .
Trump narrowly lost Nevada in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state has trended further toward the Democrats in the past decade .
But Trump ’ s campaign has built its ground game to turn out voter while Democrats , by contrast , have largely relied on virtual campaign efforts during the pandemic , save for the casino workers ’ Culinary Union , which has sent workers door to door .
After Nevada , Trump planned to visit California on Monday for a briefing on the devastating wildfires racing through the region .
He has largely been silent on the blazes .
Afterward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state his campaign fears may be slipping away , where he will host another event aimed at Latinos .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Sheriff: Deputy on video punching Black man in Georgia fired

A sheriff ’ s deputy in Georgia has been fired after being captured on video repeatedly punching a Black man during a traffic stop , authorities said Sunday .
The deputy was being let go for “ excessive use of force , ” the Clayton County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a statement .
It did not identify the deputy , but said a criminal investigation has been turned over to the district attorney ’ s office .
Roderick Walker , 26 , was arrested and beaten after Clayton County sheriff ’ s deputies pulled over the vehicle he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their 5-month-old child and his stepson for an alleged broken taillight , his attorney , Shean Williams of The Cochran Firm in Atlanta said Sunday .
The deputies asked for Walker ’ s identification and got upset and demanded he get out of the vehicle when he questioned why they needed it since he wasn ’ t driving , Williams said .
The subsequent arrest , captured on video by a bystander and shared widely , shows two deputies on top of Walker , one of whom repeatedly punches him .
Walker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputies Walker said he can ’ t breathe .
A child in the vehicle yells , “ Daddy.
” As Walker is handcuffed , the deputy who punched him tells the bystander that Walker bit him .
Williams said his client denies biting the deputy .
Walker was trying to survive and lost consciousness at least twice during the beating , Williams said .
A photo of Walker taken later in jail shows a welt under his left eye .
“ My reaction to the video is that it just shows unfortunately another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s civil rights have been violated by people and officers and law enforcement who have the duty first to protect and serve , ” he said .
Walker later wobbles and appears to try to jerk free as deputies get him on his feet .
He was arrested on suspicion of obstructing officers and battery , according to jail records .
Williams demanded his release on bond and said he has asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to review the case .
He also accused investigators of improperly talking to his client without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person who answered a call to the sheriff ’ s office said he could not comment further , citing an ongoing investigation .
He declined to provide his full name .
The sheriff ’ s office said in its statement a court denied bond for Walker because of outstanding warrants , including a felony probation warrant out of Fulton County for cruelty to children and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon .
It said Walker had received medical attention and was being monitored by a doctor at the jail hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had dropped off a rental car and found a driver willing to take them home for $ 10 , Williams said .
The driver was also Black .
Williams said he was released without a citation , though he , too , did not have identification .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Winds a worry as death toll reaches 35 from West Coast fires

BEAVERCREEK , Ore. - Nearly all the dozens of people reported missing after a devastating blaze in southern Oregon have been accounted for , authorities said over the weekend as crews battled wildfires that have killed at least 35 from California to Washington state .
The flames up and down the West Coast have destroyed neighbourhoods , leaving nothing but charred rubble and burned-out cars , forced tens of thousands to flee and cast a shroud of smoke that has given Seattle , San Francisco and Portland , Oregon , some of the worst air quality in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acrid metallic smell like pennies and spread to nearby states .
While making it difficult to breathe , it helped firefighters by blocking the sun and turning the weather cooler as they tried to get a handle on the blazes , which were slowing in some places .
But warnings of low moisture and strong winds that could fan the flames added urgency to the battle .
The so-called red flag warnings stretched from hard-hit southern Oregon to Northern California and extended through Monday evening .
Lexi Soulios , her husband and son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a second time because of the weather .
They left their small southern Oregon town of Talent last week when they saw a “ big , huge flow of dark smoke coming up , “ then went past roadblocks Friday to pick through the charred ruins of their home .
While they are staying farther south in Ashland , known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival , she said by text message that the forecast may mean they could be on the move again .
“ So this isn ’ t over yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we feel prepared , “ Lexi Soulios wrote .
Authorities last week reported as many as 50 people could be missing after a wildfire in the Ashland area .
But the Jackson County sheriff ’ s office said late Saturday that four people had died in the blaze and that the number of missing was down to one .
At least 10 people have been killed in the past week throughout Oregon .
Officials have said more people are missing from other fires , and the number of fatalities is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how high the toll could go as they search .
In California , 24 people have died , and one in Washington state .
Thousands of homes and other buildings have burned .
Barbara Rose Bettison , 25 , left her farm among the trees and fields of Eagle Creek , outside Portland , when a sheriff ’ s deputy knocked on her door Tuesday .
They drove away on a road that became an ominous dividing line , with blue skies on one side and the other filled with black and brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elks Lodge near Portland , where evacuees wrapped themselves in blankets and set up tents out back .
“ It ’ s terrifying .
We ’ ve never had any form of natural disaster , ” she said .
Bettison , a UPS driver , was able to get out with her chickens , rabbits and cats .
She hasn ’ t been back , but neighbours said it is so smoky they can ’ t see their hands in front of their faces .
“ I ’ m hoping there has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break my heart , ” she said .
Farther south in the town of Talent , Dave Monroe came to his burned home , partially hoping he ’ d find his three cats .
“ We thought we ’ d get out of this summer with no fires , “ he said .
“ There is something going on , that ’ s for sure , man .
Every summer we ’ re burning up.
” Numerous studies in recent years have linked bigger wildfires in the U.S. to global warming from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Democratic governors of all three states say the fires are a consequence of climate change , taking aim at President Donald Trump ahead of his visit Monday to California for a fire briefing .
“ It is maddening right now that when we have this cosmic challenge to our communities , with the entire West Coast of the United States on fire , to have a president to deny that these are not just wildfires , these are climate fires , “ Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee said Sunday on ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rally in Nevada , Trump blamed inadequate forest management , which White House adviser Peter Navarro echoed on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union , ” saying that for many years in California , “ particularly because of budget cutbacks , there was no inclination to manage our forests.
” Firefighter Steve McAdoo has run from one blaze to another in Oregon for six days , seeing buildings burn and trees light up like candles .
“ We lost track of time because you can ’ t see the sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many days , ” he said .
“ Forty-eight to 72 hours nonstop , you feel like you ’ re in a dream.
” As he and his team battled the blazes , McAdoo worried about his wife and daughter at home just miles away .
They evacuated safely , but at times he could communicate with them only in one-word text messages : “ busy.
” McAdoo and other firefighters got their first real break Sunday to take showers , shave and check their equipment .
And though it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he can finally see the sun .
“ It ’ s nice today to at least see the dot in the sky , ” he said .
Meanwhile , Oregon ’ s fire marshal , who resigned after being placed on leave amid a personnel investigation , says he was trying to help a colleague and “ didn ’ t do anything wrong.
” Jim Walker told TV news station KOIN in Portland that state police leaders put him on leave after he tried to help a co-worker whose family was missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superiors decided he had overstepped his authority .
Whitehurst reported from Beavercreek , and Cline from Salem .
Associated Press journalist Manuel Valdes in Talent contributed .

Lindsay Whitehurst And Sara Cline - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Sally set to become hurricane and threaten U.S. Gulf Coast

WAVELAND , Miss .
- Tropical Storm Sally slowed down Sunday as it churned northward toward the U.S. Gulf Coast , increasing the risk of heavy rain and dangerous storm surge before an expected strike as a Category 2 hurricane in southern Louisiana .
“ I know for a lot of people this storm seemed to come out of nowhere , ” said Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards .
“ We need everybody to pay attention to this storm .
Let ’ s take this one seriously.
” Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Sally is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reach shore by early Tuesday , bringing dangerous weather conditions , including risk of flooding , to a region stretching from Morgan City , Louisiana , to Ocean Springs , Mississippi .
Edwards urged people to prepare for the storm immediately .
He also said there are still many from southwestern Louisiana who evacuated from Hurricane Laura into New Orleans — exactly the area that could be hit by Sally , which is a slow moving storm .
“ Based on all of the available information , we have every reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said , adding that the coronavirus adds a layer of complexity to storm preparations .
There are still some 5,400 members of the state ’ s National Guard mobilized from Laura , and they will assist with Sally .
In Mandeville , a city about 35 miles north of New Orleans , resident Chris Yandle has purchased a week ’ s worth of groceries and moved all his patio furniture into his family ’ s house and shed in preparation for the storm .
“ I ’ m mostly trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family of four and a dog to worry about , ” Yandle said .
“ I ’ ve lived through many hurricanes growing up in Louisiana , but I haven ’ t felt this anxious about a hurricane in my life.
” Mississippi officials warned that the storm was expected to coincide with high tide , leading to significant storm surge .
“ It needs to be understood by all of our friends in the coastal region and in south Mississippi that if you live in low-lying areas , the time to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Tate Reeves said late Sunday .
In Waveland , Mississippi , Joey Chauvin used rope to tie down a tall wooden post topped with a statue of a pelican serving as a marker at the driveway leading to his weekend camp .
He said a matching pelican marker on the opposite side of the driveway was washed away in Tropical Storm Cristobal earlier this summer .
That storm pushed more than 3 feet of water into the area .
“ If this one hits the coast as a Cat 2 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na have at least six to seven feet of water where we ’ re standing at , ” Chauvin said .
“ So , yeah , we ’ re definitely not going to stay.
“ The system was moving west-northwest at 9 mph ( 15 kph ) on Sunday evening .
It was centred 165 miles ( 265 kilometres ) south of Panama City , Florida , and 195 miles ( 315 kilometres ) east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River .
On Sunday , Florida ’ s Gulf Coast was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pensacola , on Florida ’ s Panhandle , was bracing for 10 to 15 inches ( 25 to 38 centimetres ) of rain .
Sally could produce rain totals up to 20 inches ( 51 centimetres ) by the middle of the week , forecasters said .
Its maximum sustained winds Sunday evening were 60 mph ( 95 kph ) .
“ That system is forecast to bring not only damaging winds but a dangerous storm surge , ” said Daniel Brown of the Hurricane Center .
” Because it ’ s slowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rainfall over the coming days.
” This isn ’ t the only storm in the Atlantic basin .
Paulette gained hurricane status late Saturday and was expected to bring storm surge , coastal flooding and high winds to Bermuda , according to a U.S. National Hurricane Center advisory .
On Sunday evening , it was located about 120 miles ( 195 kilometres ) southeast of Bermuda .
Its maximum sustained winds were 85 miles per hour ( 137 kph ) .
Once a tropical storm , Rene was forecast to become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expected to strengthen this week and become a tropical storm by Tuesday , forecasters said .
“ This week is essentially the peak of the hurricane season , ” said Brown .
“ It is quite active across the tropics today.
” A mandatory evacuation has already been issued in Grand Isle , Louisiana , ahead of the storm .
On Saturday , New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a mandatory evacuation order for Orleans Parish residents living outside of the parish ’ s levee protection system .
Louisiana Gov .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference on the storm Sunday .
He declared a state of emergency on Saturday .
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Morgan City , Louisiana , to Ocean Springs , Mississippi .
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for east of Ocean Springs to the Alabama/Florida border .
All northern Gulf Coast states are urging residents to prepare .
“ It is likely that this storm system will be impacting Alabama ’ s Gulf Coast .
While it is currently not being predicted as a direct hit to our coastal areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not take the threat lightly , “ said Alabama Gov .
Kay Ivey .
She urged residents to prepare and stay informed of the storm ’ s path in the coming days .
Lush reported from St. Petersburg , Florida .
AP journalists Julie Walker in New York , Haleluya Hadero in Lancaster , Pennsylvania , and Sudhin Thanawala in Roswell , Georgia , contributed to this report .

Stacey Plaisance And Tamara Lush - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--TikTok picks Oracle over Microsoft in Trump-forced sales bid, sources say

The owner of TikTok has chosen Oracle over Microsoft as its preferred suitor to buy the popular video-sharing app , according to a source familiar with the deal who was not authorized to speak publicly about it .
Microsoft announced Sunday that its bid for TikTok was rejected , removing the tech giant from the running a week before President Donald Trump promises to follow through with a plan to ban the Chinese-owned app in the U.S. over spying concerns .
TikTok declined to comment Sunday .
Oracle didn ’ t return a request for comment but has previously declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban TikTok by Sept. 20 and ordered ByteDance to sell its U.S. business , claiming national-security risks due to its Chinese ownership .
The government worries about user data being funneled to Chinese authorities .
TikTok denies it is a national-security risk and is suing to stop the administration from the threatened ban .
It ’ s not clear if the proposed acquisition will only cover TikTok ’ s U.S. business , and , if so , how it will be split from the rest of TikTok ’ s social media platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also owns a second app , Douyin , for the Chinese market .
Any deal must still be reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States , known as CFIUS , a U.S. government group chaired by the Treasury Secretary that studies mergers for national-security reasons .
The president can approve or disapprove a transaction recommended by the panel , though Trump has already voiced support for Oracle as a “ great company ” that could handle the acquisition .
Microsoft said in a Sunday statement that Bytedance “ let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling TikTok ’ s US operations to Microsoft.
” Microsoft added it was “ confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok ’ s users , while protecting national security interests.
” The company said it “ would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest standards for security , privacy , online safety , and combating disinformation.
” TikTok , which says it has 100 million U.S. users and about 700 million globally , is known for its fun , goofy videos of dancing , lip-syncing , pranks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become home to more political content such as the comedian Sarah Cooper , who drew a large audience by lip-syncing Trump ’ s own often-disjointed statements from public appearances .
But the app has also raised concerns because of its Chinese ownership .
The White House has cracked down on a range of Chinese businesses , including telecom equipment makers Huawei and ZTE and messaging app WeChat , over worries that they would enable Chinese authorities to get U.S. user data .
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about censorship and children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has shared user data with the Chinese government or that it would do so if asked .
The company says it has not censored videos at the request of Chinese authorities and insists it is not a national-security threat .
TikTok has sued to stop the ban , but not the sale order .
The negotiations have been complicated by several factors , including Trump ’ s repeated demands that the U.S. government should get a “ cut ” of any deal , a stipulation and role for the president that experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese government in late August unveiled new regulations that restrict exports of technology , likely including the artificial intelligence system TikTok uses to choose which videos to spool up to its users .
That means ByteDance would have to obtain a license from China to export such technology to a foreign company .
The deal had come together rapidly after the administration ramped up its threats against TikTok this summer , despite TikTok ’ s efforts to put distance between its app and its Chinese ownership .
It installed former Disney executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he resigned in August after just a few months on the job , saying the “ political environment has sharply changed.
” Both Microsoft and Oracle are known more for their business software offerings than for those intended for consumers .
Oracle primarily makes database software .
It competes with tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon that provide cloud services as well as business-software specialists like Salesforce .
Some analysts see Oracle ’ s interest in a consumer business as misguided .
Oracle should focus on enterprise-market acquisitions and not invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t fit with the rest of its business , said Jefferies analyst Brent Thill , who compares the idea to Delta Airlines buying a motorcycle company .
“ It doesn ’ t make any sense , ” he said .
Thill suggested that TikTok competitors like Facebook and Snapchat should be “ cheering on Oracle ” as a buyer , because Oracle wouldn ’ t “ add a lot of value to the app.
” Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is unusual among tech executives for his public support of President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February at his Rancho Mirage , California , estate .
The company also hired a former top aide to Vice-President Mike Pence ; its CEO , Safra Catz , also served on Trump ’ s transition team .
The president said on Aug. 18 that Oracle was “ a great company ” that “ could handle ” buying TikTok .
He declined to state his preference between Oracle and Microsoft as buyers .

Matt O'Brien And Tali Arbel - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Ethiopia opens facility to make coronavirus test kits

ADDIS ABABA , Ethiopia - With increasing cases of COVID-19 , Ethiopia has opened a facility to produce kits to test for the coronavirus and says its researchers are working to develop and test a vaccine .
The company producing the testing kits is a joint venture with a Chinese company , called BGI Health Ethiopia .
Ethiopia ’ s number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen to nearly 64,000 causing almost 1,000 deaths , according to government figures .
On Sunday , Ethiopia also opened a field hospital to hold up to 200 severely affected Covid-19 patients , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ethiopia has conducted more than 1.1 million tests , making it the African country that has carried out the third-highest number of tests , according to Ethiopian health officials .
The country is struggling with a shortage of testing kits , ventilators , and intensive care beds , they said .
Ethiopia ’ s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said during the factory ’ s opening Sunday that the lab will produce 10 million testing kits per year , which will be used in the country and exported , with priority given to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also provide commercial laboratory services for a total of 3 million transit passengers at Bole International Airport and in Addis Ababa city , ” the prime minister stated , adding this will boost the testing capacity of Ethiopia and other African countries .
“ After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic , the manufacturing centre will switch to the production of other types of nucleic acid detection reagents , such as AIDS testing kits , tuberculosis nucleic acid test kits , and other locally needed RT PCR test kit products , ” Abiy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers have been working to develop a vaccine , which is now entering a laboratory trial stage .
The local production of the testing kits will have a “ huge impact ” in boosting Ethiopia ’ s ability to combat the disease , Yared Agidew , head of Ethiopia ’ s main COVID-19 treatment centre in the capital , Addis Ababa , told The Associated Press .
“ By conducting more tests , we will be able to identify positive cases in the community and take appropriate measures to control the spread , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Minister Lia Tadesse said community transmissions are the main cause of the increasing cases .
“ It is mostly related to how communities are behaving and the existence of other risk facts like living in congested settings , ” she said .
Ethiopian migrants returning from Middle Eastern countries are not seen as a cause of the rising numbers of cases , she said , explaining that all returnees must go through a quarantine period .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--First US spring flight to Antarctica aims to keep out virus

WELLINGTON , New Zealand - The first U.S. flight into Antarctica following months of winter darkness left from New Zealand on Monday with crews taking extra precautions to keep out the coronavirus .
Antarctica is the only continent without the virus , and there is a global effort to make sure incoming scientists and workers don ’ t bring it with them .
The U.S. Air Force flight left from the gateway city of Christchurch carrying 106 passengers and crew , said Tony German , the U.S. Antarctic program ’ s representative in New Zealand .
He said the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer and swap out with skeleton crews who have spent the Southern Hemisphere winter in Antarctica .
The flight was delayed for three weeks by big storms , resulting in an extended six-week quarantine for those aboard .
German said the crews were first isolated in San Francisco for four days and then spent another five weeks isolated in New Zealand , undergoing several virus tests along the way .
When they arrive at McMurdo Station , he said , the facility will be at Code Yellow , meaning everybody will wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being meticulous to ensure nothing happens , ” German said .
If the virus was to break out at the station , he said , they have protocols in place to test and isolate anybody who is infected .
Still , the flight delays over recent weeks underscore how difficult it can be to quickly evacuate people from Antarctica who are suffering severe medical problems .
German said it took more than a week for winter crews at McMurdo , the main U.S. station on the continent , to dig out from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the flight to proceed .
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster is due to arrive Monday afternoon , the first U.S. flight to the continent since early May .
Officials say there was unusual teamwork among the United States , China , Russia and other countries this year to ensure they keep the virus out .
All are planning reduced numbers at their stations .
The number of people at McMurdo is set to peak at 450 this summer , about one-third of the usual number .
Some planned research and construction will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to keep the facilities running and prepare for next year ’ s winter-over , while trying to do some science along the way .
“ The show must go on , ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Gunman sought after California deputies shot in patrol car

LOS ANGELES - Authorities searched Sunday for a gunman who shot and critically wounded two Los Angeles County sheriff ’ s deputies who were sitting in their squad car — an apparent ambush that drew a reward for information and an angry response from the president .
The 31-year-old female deputy and 24-year-old male deputy underwent surgery Saturday evening , Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a late-night news conference .
Both graduated from the academy 14 months ago , he said .
“ They performed in an admirable fashion in spite of grave adversity , “ Villanueva said Sunday during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ God bless them , it looks like they ’ re going to be able to recover.
” He said the wounded female deputy was able to get help for the male deputy by calling in on the police radio despite having been shot .
The deputies were shot while sitting in their patrol car at a Metro rail station , the sheriff said .
Villanueva , whose department has been criticized during recent protests over racial unrest , expressed frustration during his Saturday night briefing over anti-police sentiment as he urged people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It pisses me off .
It dismays me at the same time , ” he said .
The department tweeted video of the shooting that shows a person approach the parked patrol car on foot and shoot through the passenger-side window .
“ The gunman walked up on the deputies and opened fire without warning or provocation , ” the department stated .
An extended version of the video reviewed by the Los Angeles Times shows the shooter running away in the direction he came .
He turns a corner out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the sidewalk , according to the Times .
It ’ s unclear if the second person was involved in the attack .
A sheriff ’ s department spokeswoman declined to comment , citing the ongoing investigation .
Moments after the shooting , the passenger door opens and a deputy stumbles out , hand on head , according to the newspaper .
The driver ’ s-side door opens soon after .
The video sparked a reaction from President Trump who responded on Twitter , “ Animals that must be hit hard !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perpetrator must be brought to justice , ” Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted .
“ Violence of any kind is wrong ; those who commit it should be caught and punished.
” A handful of protesters gathered outside the hospital where the injured deputies were being treated .
The protesters tried to provoke deputies stationed outside and at one point were prevented from entering the emergency room , Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez with the Churches in Action group told the TV station KABC .
“ Unacceptable behaviour .
The hospital should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals alone , ” he said .
Mendez and members of his group gathered nearby in prayer for the wounded deputies .
Although the sheriff ’ s department tweeted that the protesters were blocking emergency entrances and exits to the hospital , video showed only a handful of men outside , some taking video on their phones .
A radio reporter who was near the protest scene was taken into custody .
The sheriff ’ s department later tweeted that the reporter interfered with the arrest of a male protester .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a member of the press , did not identify herself as press and later admitted she did not have proper press credentials on her person , ” the department stated .
After being released , Josie Huang , a reporter for public radio station KPCC , a National Public Radio affiliate , said on Twitter Sunday that she had been covering the sheriff ’ s news conference when she returned to the hospital after hearing protesters shouting .
She was wearing her press pass and called out to deputies that she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several videos Huang said she shot moments before her arrest showed two men carrying red , black and green flags and yelling at deputies outside the hospital while a few other people stood by recording on their cellphones .
Huang tweeted that she began walking behind deputies who were following the small group of protesters .
“ I was filming an arrest when suddenly deputies shout ‘ back up.
’ Within seconds , I was getting shoved around .
There was nowhere to back up , “ Huang said on Twitter .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouting “ I ’ m a reporter ...
I ’ m with KPCC ” as she falls to the ground .
The executive editor of the station , Megan Garvey , expressed outrage over the arrest and said her reporter appeared to be wearing her credentials and had shouted her KPCC affiliation .
NPR ’ s Editorial Director Nancy Barnes said the network was “ appalled ” by the arrest of a reporter doing her job .
The office of the Los Angeles County Inspector General , which oversees investigations and actions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened an investigation into the reporter ’ s arrest .
Meanwhile , the search for the gunman continued .
Sheriff ’ s officials announced a $ 100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest .
Capt .
Kent Wegener said Saturday that officers were blanketing the area in search of the suspect seen on the video opening fire with a pistol .
“ We have a very , very generic description , “ he said .
The incident happened around 7 p.m. a short distance from the Compton sheriff ’ s station south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department would assist sheriff ’ s investigators with “ all federal tools available , ” spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said on Twitter .
Protesters have railed against the LA Sheriff ’ s Department for weeks over recent shootings by deputies , including the killing of a man on a bicycle last month .
There was no known connections between the recent shootings and Saturday ’ s ambush and investigators are “ chasing all leads , ” Villanueva told the Times .
“ Of course , there ’ s an important conversation going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are folks who put their lives on the line for us , and we will find justice for them , ” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said on CNN Sunday .

Christopher Weber - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Latest: Veterinarian staff cares for animals burned by fires

The Latest on wildfires in the U.S. West ( all times local ) : MEDFORD , Ore. — Almost a dozen cats rescued amid scorching wildfires in Oregon are being cared for at a veterinary hospital and staff members have posted their photos on social media hoping to reunite them with their owners .
The cats have burned paws covered in bandages .
Some of their bellies are seared and , in one case , a cat nicknamed Depot because he was found by the Home Depot , is hooked up to oxygen because its lungs suffered damage from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterinarian at Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center , says staff members are working even though some of them have had to evacuate or had family impacted by the blazes .
Applegate says the fires are a “ huge emotional toll ” on the staff but they are balancing out the management of critical patients and making sure they can stay stable themselves .
She said she expects animals to feel the impact of the heavy smoke in the coming days , too .
The hospital is trying to reunite cats with their owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page .
SALEM , Ore. — Nearly a week after wildfires ignited across Oregon , which forced thousands of residents to flee their homes , firefighters spent Sunday setting and holding containment lines and starting to assess the damage .
The U.S. Forest Service said weather conditions in areas of the state , which include mist and favourable wind , was helping to limit the rapid spread of the blaze and dispersing smoke and fog to better firefighting conditions .
Two of the Oregon ’ s largest fires that continue to threaten communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncontained Sunday , but more favourable weather and an easing of some evacuation warnings in areas indicate an improving situation .
One of the large fires ravaging the area , the Riverside Fire was still within half a mile of the small city of Estacada , but the spread of the blaze has slowed .
In Marion County , where firefighters have been battling the Lionshead and Beachie Creek fires , evacuation levels of several cities were reduced during the weekend .
SALEM , Ore. — Oregon ’ s fire marshal who resigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel investigation says was trying to help a colleague and he “ didn ’ t do anything wrong.
” Oregon State Police placed Fire Marshal Jim Walker on leave Friday night , and he resigned Saturday .
In a news release Saturday , State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton said only that a leadership change was needed to face the “ unprecedented crisis ” posed by the wildfires burning across the state .
Walker told KOIN that he was placed on leave after trying to help a co-worker whose family was missing in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the specific understanding that my visit had been cleared with the appropriate team personnel , ” said Walker , who added his superiors decided he had overstepped his authority .
“ And although I ’ m losing my job because of it , I would do it again .
Mariana Ruiz-Temple , the chief deputy state fire marshal , has been named to replace him .
Authorities have arrested a man accused of posting threats on social media that he would kill another man who was organizing a benefit for survivors of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 12 people .
The Butte County Sheriff ’ s Office said Sunday that Songkham Sirivongsa , 40 , was taken into custody Saturday after authorities were alerted to the threats by the benefit organizer .
He was being held on one felony count of making criminal threats .
The motives for the threats were not immediately clear .
Sheriff ’ s officials said the suspect threatened to use a firearm to kill the organizer and his friends .
An investigation led to a home in Willows , where a suspect was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ammunition .
It wasn ’ t immediately known if Sirivongsa had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf .
The collection of fires north of Sacramento has been burning for more than three weeks , engulfing over 400 square miles in Butte and Plumas counties .
According to Cal Fire , about a quarter of the fire has been contained .
It has destroyed more than 300 structures .
SALEM , Ore. — The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for southwest Oregon on Sunday , citing dry weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The weather service said that the wind , humidity and fire danger will “ likely contribute to a significant spread of new and existing fires.
” Gusts of wind are expected to reach up to 40 mph ( 64 kph ) .
The warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday SALEM , Ore. — People in central and northeast Oregon , including in Eugene , Portland and Salem , continued to face hazardous air quality Sunday .
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reported Air Quality Index numbers that were off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hazardous between 301 and 500 .
Portland ’ s index is currently at 426 .
Values above 500 -- which two cities , Madras and Roseburg both reported having -- are beyond the index ’ s scale .
Officials advised people to stay indoors and that the low visibility , caused by fog and smoke , is creating hazardous driving conditions .
In Salem , where the Air Quality Index is 394 , a dense smokey haze that clouded roads and homes made it difficult to see further than 50 yards ahead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that rain is expected Monday night , which could help clear smoke in Oregon next week .
LOS ANGELES — Firefighters in California are bracing for a shift in weather that could bring stronger winds Monday and stoke dozens of fires still raging across the state .
Red flag warnings are already in place because of gusty winds and low humidity across Northern California , adding urgency to the battle against more than two dozen fires across the state .
More than 16,750 firefighters were doing battle with fires that have already killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structures and engulfed scores of communities from the Oregon border to Mexico .
The city of Arcadia , a northern suburb of Los Angeles , ordered the residents of one neighbourhood to evacuate as the 29,000-acre Bobcat Fire continued to grow over the weekend .
Evacuation orders were also in place in many parts of the state .
The fires on the West Coast have been among the worst ever recorded .
MEDFORD , Ore. — Authorities say almost all of the people listed as missing from a deadly wildfire in southern Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Jackson County Sheriff ’ s office said that four people had died in the Almeda Fire that burned in the Ashland area .
Authorities earlier this week said as many as 50 people could be missing from the blaze , but now say the number of people unaccounted for is down to one .
The sheriff ’ s office said in a statement that the number could fluctuate .
At least 10 people were killed in wildfires that burned the past week throughout Oregon .
Officials have said more people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fatalities is likely to rise .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Racial injustice themes fill empty NFL stadiums

Jason Myers kicked off to start the Seahawks ’ season-opener against the Falcons , and the ball sailed through the end zone for a touchback .
No one moved a step .
Instead , the players all dropped to one knee .
After years of pleading with the NFL to act against systemic racism , they were willing to wait another 10 seconds to make their point .
Teams opening the year in empty stadiums knelt , locked arms , raised fists in protest or stayed off the field entirely for the “ Star-Spangled Banner ” and the Black anthem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday as the once-reluctant league brought racial injustice to the forefront on the NFL ’ s first full slate of games .
In Atlanta , the teams wore armbands honouring civil rights leader John Lewis and staged the most striking of the day ’ s gestures : They barely flinched as the opening kickoff landed beyond the end line , took a knee , and remained there for about 10 seconds before trotting off the field to resume the game .
“ It ’ s a start , “ Falcons running back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Are we going to keep doing this ?
... You don ’ t want to make it a one-time thing — just like having a good game , and then the rest of the season you do nothing.
” Lewis , the Georgia Congressman who died in July , was an honorary captain for the game .
The Falcons also wore shirts with his quote : “ The Vote is the most powerful , nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society.
” And that ’ s just what the Falcons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Everybody voted and said we ’ re going to come together as a unit , ” Atlanta receiver Julio Jones said .
“ Collectively , we can move mountains.
” While fans were absent everywhere except Jacksonville because of the coronavirus pandemic , the Minnesota Vikings hosted the family of George Floyd , who died in May in a videotaped killing that sparked national protests over police brutality against Black people .
Vikings players locked arms in the end zone about a half-hour before their game against Green Bay for “ Lift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before each game in Week 1 along with the national anthem as part of the NFL ’ s social awakening .
At least six Vikings knelt during the “ Star-Spangled Banner , ” something coach Mike Zimmer had opposed previously .
“ A couple years back , kneeling was the worst thing you could do .
And now if you stand , people have something to say about that , “ Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr said .
” There ’ s always going to be people trying to divide from inside .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should express it your way.
” About 10 of Floyd ’ s relatives were then shown on the stadium video board from their perch in the upper concourse near the Gjallarhorn .
The symbol from Norse mythology , which gave the Vikings their name , had been sounded before every game since 2007 .
On Sunday , the team said , it remained silent “ to call attention to these silenced voices and collectively work toward a better , more just society.
” The Packers remained in their locker room for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Miami Dolphins , who relased a video last week saying they would stay off the field for the national anthem rather than participate in “ another publicity parade.
” “ This attempt to unify only creates more divide , “ the Miami players said in the video .
” So we will skip the song and dance and as a team we ’ ll stay inside.
” The Jacksonville Jaguars , Buffalo Bills , New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals also remained in their locker rooms for both songs .
Before Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , the teams were booed when they locked arms in a pregame sign of unity ; there was no sign of vitriol in Jacksonville , where the Jaguars distributed 14,000 tickets for the only NFL game with fans in attendance on Sunday .
A few dozen players knelt during the anthem , a silent echo of the 2016 protest by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick that forced the NFL to confront racial injustice in a way that Commissioner Roger Goodell and many of the league ’ s most powerful owners wanted to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one knee , and his players noticed .
“ Frank is the leader of this team ... and he ’ s the one who says ‘ You know it starts with me , ’ “ Indianapolis linebacker Darius Leonard said .
“ That definitely means a lot and that ’ s why we stand behind coach Frank , he stands behind us , and we all stand together.
” The Colts were among the teams denying that their protest was unpatriotic , a point Kaepernick also made , but which has often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump — latching onto the issue .
“ To be clear — we were not protesting the flag , the anthem , or the men and women who wear the uniform , ” the Colts said in a statement .
Patriots owner Robert Kraft lined up with his team when the Black anthem was played before New England ’ s game against Miami .
Quarterback Cam Newton , who made his Patriots debut , appeared to be singing along .
The Dolphins remained in their locker room .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCain said afterward .
“ We have a platform and we ... will keep using it.
” When the anthem began in Detroit , a slew of Lions walked off the field and headed toward their locker room ; some remained on the field and knelt .
On the other sideline , several Bears players knelt while 20 others waited for the anthem to end before jogging onto the field .
The NFL had been at the centre of social justice protests in American sports ever since Kaepernick began kneeling during the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the systematic oppression of Black Americans .
Kaepernick , who led San Francisco to the Super Bowl in 2012 and the NFC title game the next year , was unable to get a job in the league in 2017 — or since .
But the football league was in its off-season when Breonna Taylor was shot in her own apartment by Louisville police in March ; when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes in May , killing him ; when Jacob Blake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin , police in August ; and when protests over those and other acts of violence against Black Americans erupted across the nation .
Goodell posted a video in June conceding that the league had been late in acknowledging the problem .
Since then , the league has taken largely symbolic steps like allowing racial justice messages in end zones and on helmets and T-shirts .
Some team owners have pledged money toward social justice causes or offered their stadiums as polling places for the November election .
“ For me , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears tight end Jimmy Graham said .
” Obviously , it ’ s a hot topic .
And it needs to stay a hot topic until some legislation ’ s passed to hold people accountable and for total reform .
That ’ s all we ’ re asking .
I don ’ t think anything ’ s gon na stop until it happens.
” AP Sports Writers Steve Reed in Charlotte , North Carolina ; Larry Lage in Detroit ; Mark Long in Jacksonville , Florida ; Kyle Hightower in Foxborough , Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newberry in Atlanta ; Josh Dubow Santa Clara , California ; Brett Martel in New Orleans ; Joe Kay in Cincinnati ; Dave Ginsburg in Baltimore ; John Wawrow in Buffalo , New York ; Mike Marot in Indianapolis ; and Andrew Seligman in Chicago contributed .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--South Dakota’s attorney general involved in fatal crash

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
- South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg was involved in a traffic accident that led @ @ @ @ @ .
Kristi Noem said Sunday .
The accident happened about 10:30 p.m. Saturday in Hyde @ @ @ @ @ Noem announced that Secretary of Public Safety Craig Price will oversee the Highway Patrol ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
Price did not release any further details on the crash .
Ravnsborg said in @ @ @ @ @ am shocked and filled with sorrow following the events of last night.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ investigation .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Police: Deputy’s gun accidentally fires in diner, injures 2

CAMDEN , N.Y. - An upstate New York police deputy ’ s gun accidentally discharged in a restaurant and injured @ @ @ @ @ to state police .
The gun discharged Saturday evening at the Grape and Grog restaurant @ @ @ @ @ miles northeast of Syracuse .
State police said an off-duty Otsego County deputy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ was seated at a table .
The bullet went through the bottom of his pants @ @ @ @ @ and struck a 38-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl .
The woman suffered a minor @ @ @ @ @ , and the girl was treated for a laceration to her right thigh and elbow @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
State police are investigating but said evidence indicates the discharge was accidental @


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Officials say east Libya government resigns amid protests

CAIRO - An interim government in eastern Libya resigned on Sunday amid street protests that erupted across the divided country over dire living conditions , officials said .
Prime Minister Abdallah al-Thani submitted the resignation of his government to Aguila Saleh , speaker of the eastern-based House of Representatives , said the government ’ s spokesman , Ezzel-Deen al-Falih .
Abdallah Abaihig , a spokesman for the parliament , confirmed the government ’ s resignation , saying lawmakers would review it in their next meeting .
No date set for the session .
The parliament on Friday accused the Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tripoli of “ plundering ” the country and neglecting the east , in apparent efforts to deflect blame for the deterioration of public services .
Libya was plunged into chaos when a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi , who was later killed .
The country has since split between rival east- and west-based administrations , each backed by armed groups and foreign governments .
Both the parliament and al-Thani ’ s government , which is not internationally recognized , are allied with Khalifa Hifter , commander of the self-styled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya ’ s east and south .
Hundreds of young Libyans flooded the streets of Benghazi and other eastern cities in the past couple of days in a spontaneous outburst of anger over the area ’ s crippling electricity shortages .
Protesters in eastern Libya set piles of tires a blaze and blocked traffic in several major roads .
On Saturday , protesters attempted to storm a security headquarters in eastern town of Marj .
The U.N. Support Mission in Libya , or UNSMIL , said at least one civilian was reportedly killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for “ a thorough and immediate ” investigation into “ the reported excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrations ” and the speedy release of a number of detained protesters .
The demonstrations mirror similar recent protests over power cuts and corruption in the capital Tripoli and other western cities in recent weeks .
The protests have led to a power struggle within the U.N.-supported government .
The recent protests across Libya were “ motivated by deep-seated frustrations about sustained poor living conditions , shortages of electricity and water , rampant corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service provision throughout the country , ” the UNSMIL said .
The U.N. mission said the protests underscore “ the urgent need to lift the oil blockade ” and the return to a “ full and inclusive ” political process to end Libya ’ s yearslong conflict .
Powerful tribes in eastern Libya loyal to Hifter closed oil export terminals and choked off major pipelines at the start of the year to pressure the Tripoli-based government , which is accused of using oil revenues to fund militias and mercenaries .
The U.S. Embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil fields and terminals no later than Saturday .
By Sunday evening , it was not clear whether the blockade had been lifted .
Hifter ’ s spokesman did not answer phone calls and messages seeking comment .
Hifter ’ s forces launched an offensive in April 2019 trying to capture Tripoli .
But his campaign collapsed in June when the Tripoli-allied militias , with heavy Turkish support , gained the upper hand , driving his forces from the outskirts of the city and other western towns .
Fighting has died down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including from the United States , to establish a lasting cease-fire and avert a battle over the strategic city of Sirte , the gateway for vital oil facilities .


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Colorado official sues postal service over election mailer she says misleads voters

Colorado ’ s top election official filed a federal lawsuit Saturday against the postmaster general and other postal service leaders , claiming that a mailer sent to voters in the state was an attempt to disenfranchise them by offering misleading information about how to vote by mail .
The lawsuit , initiated by Jena Griswold , the secretary of state of Colorado , in Federal District Court , is the latest indication of broad concerns that have emerged in recent weeks over how the leadership of the postal service , including a group of Republicans installed by U.S. President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be a record number of mail-in ballots in the run-up to November ’ s election .
Democrats have expressed worry that under the stewardship of Louis DeJoy , a Republican megadonor and supporter of Trump , the agency is working to undermine voting by mail , which the president has assailed as fraudulent and a way to rig the election against him .
The postal service “ intends to mail an official notice to all Colorado voters that provides false statements about voting in Colorado , ” the lawsuit states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters , including its uniform military and overseas voters ; mislead them about Colorado ’ s election procedures ; infringe Colorado ’ s constitutional rights to conduct its elections ; and interfere with the secretary of state ’ s ability to oversee Colorado elections.
” But even as the postal service defended its mailer as an attempt to ensure that voters send their ballots with ample time for them to be processed , Trump continued his attacks on voting by mail , signalling that he had no plans to stop promoting baseless claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Unsolicited Mail In Ballot Scam is a major threat to our Democracy , & the Democrats know it , ” the president wrote on Twitter , undercutting the postal service ’ s defence .
“ Almost all recent elections using this system , even though much smaller & with far fewer Ballots to count , have ended up being a disaster .
Large numbers of missing Ballots & Fraud !
” After Griswold announced the lawsuit , secretaries of state from five other states contacted her office to request copies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filing their own suits , she said in an interview Saturday .
She said that when she had first learned of the mailer a few days ago , she had contacted postal service officials to ask them not to send it to Colorado addresses but had been rebuffed .
She said she was also seeking a restraining order barring the postal service from continuing to send the mailer into her state .
“ They know that they ’ re about to send misinformation to millions of voters in the 2020 election , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of misinformation and undermining of the elections from the White House , ” she said in the interview .
The postal service sent the mailer as part of a campaign to reassure voters of its ability to handle a surge in voting by mail as a result of the pandemic and to quell criticism that its leaders were trying to sabotage voting by mail before the election .
The mailer does not encourage voting by mail , though it does encourage those who opt to do so to send their ballots early .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ broad , and it does not account for differences in state rules , angering top elections officials in several jurisdictions .
Places like Colorado , for instance , automatically send all voters mail-in ballots .
A spokesperson for the postal service said in a statement that the mailer was intended to provide “ general , all-purpose guidance on the use of the mail , and not guidance on state election rules.
” “ We are aware that each state has its own specific rules , deadlines and requirements , and the mail piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , David A. Partenheimer , said , adding , “ The postal service ’ s guidance remains that individuals need to understand their state ’ s rules and deadlines and to plan ahead.
” As Trump has railed against mail-in voting and DeJoy has come under fire for cost-cutting measures that have slowed mail delivery , the agency has begun an advertising campaign , including a television spot , intended to assuage concerns about its ability to process the anticipated surge in voting by mail .
Some postal officials have cautioned against appearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — including about 1,000 in Colorado , according to Griswold — started receiving the mailers in recent days .
The mailer , which was sent to all 50 states and the District of Columbia , is set to be delivered to 161 million addresses to which the postal service delivers , according to a person familiar with the plans who insisted on anonymity to describe them .
It encourages voters to request an absentee ballot at least 15 days before the election .
But nine states and the District of Columbia are mailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making it unnecessary for the voters to request one .
In nine other states , election officials are mailing an absentee ballot request to every registered voter .
In Maryland , the top election official , Linda Lamone , told the state board of elections that she and leaders of other states discussed the mailer on a call Friday and are trying to block the postal service from sending any more .
“ I ’ m trying to stop the mailing of this postcard to Maryland residents because it ’ s only going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I ’ m very disappointed that the national postal service would do that .
My colleagues around the country are infuriated , as we all should be.
” One board member asked why the postal service would listen .
Lee Moak , a Democratic appointee to the postal service ’ s board of governors , pushed back Saturday on the suggestion that the mailer was confusing and said it was meant to help voters intending to vote by mail , regardless of where they lived .
“ The mailer was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the board ’ s election mail committee , which was involved in putting together the plan for the mailer , said in an interview .
He added that the mailer provides the address of a postal service website that directs users to individual states ’ election administration bodies .
The postal service has been warning states for months that it may not be able to meet their deadlines for delivering last-minute mail-in ballots .
Postal officials said the letter was the agency ’ s attempt to take the message directly to voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots early and avoid waiting until the week before the election to send them back .
“ We recommend you mail your ballot at least seven days before election day , ” the mailer states .
But Griswold said she recommended at least eight days , which she said was the length of time that it could take for mail to be delivered from an Indian reservation in Colorado , and asserted the postal service should have consulted state election leaders before sending the mailer .
“ This may have started off as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but their refusal to listen to election experts combined with the recent postal slowdown in some parts of the country is beyond suspect , ” Griswold wrote on Twitter .
The secretary of state in Washington also took to Twitter to correct statements in the mailer .
“ You may soon receive a mailer from USPS encouraging you to request your mail-in ballot , ” the message said .
“ WA voters DO NOT need to request an absentee ballot .
Ballots are automatically mailed to all active registered voters at least 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wyman , the Washington secretary of state , said neither her office nor county election officials were told that the mailer would be sent to residents , nor were they told what it would say .
“ By the time we learned of the mailer and reached out to the postal service to inquire further , the mailers were already in the mail stream , ” she said in a statement .

Luke Broadwater - The New York Times,Kenneth P. Vogel


thetorontostar--2020-09-13--Whistleblower’s claims on Russian interference fit pattern

WASHINGTON - A whistleblower ’ s allegation that he was pressured to suppress intelligence about Russian election interference is the latest in a series of similar accounts involving former Trump administration officials , raising concerns the White House risks undercutting efforts to stop such intrusions if it plays down the seriousness of the problem .
There is no question the administration has taken actions to counter Russian interference , including sanctions and criminal charges on Thursday designed to call out foreign influence campaigns aimed at American voters .
But Trump ’ s resistance to embracing the gravity of the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and powerful voice of deterrence at the top of the government heading into an election that U.S. officials say is again being targeted by Russia .
Russian President Vladimir Putin “ is not deterred , ” said Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes , a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee .
Himes said Putin feels “ empowered , probably inoculated in the U.S. because of the president ’ s behaviour.
” Brian Murphy , the former top intelligence official at the Department of Homeland Security , alleges in the complaint made public Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence on Russian interference because it “ made the president look bad.
” That follows reports that Trump berated his then-intelligence director after a congressional briefing about Moscow ’ s interference , and that the president sought the firing of another official who told Congress he supported intelligence agencies ’ assessment that Russia had interfered in 2016 with a preference for Trump .
The department denied Murphy ’ s allegation , and the White House issued a statement describing instances in which it said the president had it taken action against Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any foreign adversary seeking to disrupt our elections will face tremendous consequences , “ White House spokeswoman Sarah Matthews said .
Senior Trump administration officials have been eager to focus more on China in discussing election interference , asserting that Beijing is the more potent danger .
Though career intelligence officials do say China is a major espionage concern , there is also bipartisan consensus , including in a Republican-led Senate intelligence committee report , that Russia directly interfered in 2016 with the goal of helping Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is working to denigrate Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Murphy is not alone in alleging that he felt stymied from raising the Russia threat head-on .
Miles Taylor , as chief of staff to former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen , participated in high-level administration meetings and has in recent weeks publicly conveyed his concerns about Trump ’ s leadership .
In an interview , Taylor said Nielsen had to create a “ shadow ” National Security Council to deal with the issue because she felt the president ’ s own team had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response .
Once when Nielsen tried to communicate the seriousness of the threat heading into the 2018 election , Trump responded that the whole issue was “ all ( expletive ) , “ Taylor said .
In addition , Taylor said Trump president once tried to have the Homeland Security Department ’ s then-intelligence chief fired after hearing that the official had told lawmakers that he agreed with the assessment of Russian interference during the 2016 election .
” The president himself has threatened to fire multiple individuals in the administration for even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , and that had a direct and chilling effort on the ability of key Cabinet secretaries to get out and do what they needed to do to thwart foreign interference in our democracy , “ Taylor said .
Trump ’ s stance on Russian interference , including publicly questioning intelligence agencies ’ assessment at a Helsinki news conference with Putin , has colored his relationship with spy chiefs .
Last February , Trump erupted after learning of a congressional briefing involving Russian interference , a senior administration official has said , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Joseph Maguire .
In arguing that Trump has been tough on Russia , the White House pointed to actions including the closure of Russian consulates on the West Coast , the expulsion of dozens of Russian agents from the U.S. , sanctions on hundreds of targets , the U.S. suspension of a decades-old nuclear arms treaty and millions of dollars in election-related funding .
The administration has also issued public statements acknowledging ongoing efforts by Russia and its proxies to interfere in the election , including one last month that said Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday sanctioned a Ukraine lawmaker who has leaked recordings of Biden ’ s calls that Trump has promoted on Twitter but that his own administration has said rely on a false narrative .
Also Thursday , the Trump administration Justice Department announced charges against a Russian national in a plot to sow discord in the U.S .
But Taylor said that when he was in the administration , far tougher options that were contemplated were not always pursued when it came to Russia .
“ We felt like it was mission critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russians and punish Moscow for their interference and punish them hard enough that they would be dissuaded from engaging in foreign meddling again , ” Taylor said .
“ The president didn ’ t want to do that.
” Some administration officials contend that China , which has been aggressive in efforts to steal American intellectual property , is the more assertive adversary .
Intelligence officials say China prefers that Trump lose because it views him as unpredictable and has been expanding its influence operations and weighing risks and benefits of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence officials that accused Russia of actively trying to undermine Biden suggested that China ’ s actions against Trump were less direct .
Microsoft , in identifying both countries as well as Iran as being involved in election-related hacking , has said that people associated with the Biden campaign were among those targeted by Chinese state-backed hackers .
Himes , the House Intelligence Committee member , said he was concerned heading into the Nov. 3 election about intelligence being twisted for political reasons .
“ I ’ m not sure people naturally understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that can be caused by the politicization of intelligence.
” Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report .