thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Winds intensifying as firefighters battle fire in California

SAN FRANCISCO - Winds grew stronger Thursday in California ’ s wine country , threatening to escalate a massive wildfire that has burned for days and destroyed nearly 250 buildings .
More fire crews and equipment were deployed in and around Calistoga , a town of 5,000 people known for hot springs , mud baths and wineries in the hills of Napa County about 70 miles ( 110 kilometres ) north of San Francisco .
Winds gusting to 30 mph were forecast to push through the hills Thursday night and Friday , according to the National Weather Service .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thick smoky air .
Fire and public safety officials warned that more evacuation are possible .
They asked the public to remain vigilant , stay out of evacuation zones and quit demanding that officers let them back into off-limits neighbourhoods .
“ It ’ s been a long fire season and we ’ re still at the heart of fire season here in California , “ said Billy See , an incident commander with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection , also known as Cal Fire .
By the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play nice for a bit so my folks can get a little more aggressive on the ground , “ he said .
More than 2,000 firefighters were battling the Glass Fire , which has charred 89 square miles ( 230 square kilometres ) in Napa and Sonoma counties with almost no containment .
It has destroyed about 250 buildings , including 143 homes .
It ’ s the fourth major fire there in three years and comes ahead of the third anniversary of an Oct. 8 , 2017 , wildfire that killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by gusty winds and high temperatures , merged into one on Sunday , tearing into vineyards and mountain areas , including part of the city of Santa Rosa .
About 70,000 people were under evacuation orders , including the entire population of Calistoga .
Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter said wildfires have scorched more than 3.6 million acres in California since mid-August , an astonishing record even in a state that has had its fair share of fires .
The state is battling some two dozen major fires with crews scrambling to snuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s likely that over the next day or two we will crest the 4 million-acre mark .
The biggest year before this year was 1.54 million , “ Porter said .
“ We are dwarfing that previous record and we have a lot of season left to go .
Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal , oil and gas .
Scientists say climate change has made California much drier , meaning trees and other plants are more flammable .
California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntary conservation of electricity from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday , as high heat is expected to grip the state , taxing electricity supplies , primarily from the use of air conditioning .
About 150 miles ( 240 kilometres ) to the north of wine country , the Zogg Fire , which also erupted during Sunday ’ s high winds and grew quickly , has killed four people .
The Shasta County sheriff ’ s office released two of their names Thursday : Karin King , 79 , who was found on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kenneth Vossen , 52 , who suffered serious burns and later died in a hospital .
Both were from the small town of Igo .
The deadly blaze that spread to neighbouring Tehama County has burned 86 square miles ( 223 square kilometres ) and destroyed 147 buildings , about half of them homes .
It was 25 % contained .
Since the beginning of the year , thousands of wildfires have burned over 6,000 square miles ( 15,500 square kilometres ) in California .
More than 96,000 residents are under evacuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said .

Olga R. Rodriguez - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Texas governor restricts mail-in ballot drop-off locations

AUSTIN , Texas - Texas Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott on Thursday ordered counties to have only one mail-in ballot drop-off site , shuttering dozens of locations in some of the state ’ s largest cities and key Democratic strongholds just as voters started to return ballots .
Abbott called his order a move to enhance poll security , while Democrats blasted it as a naked effort to suppress voters .
Beginning on October 2 , eligible voters can deliver their mail ballots in person to locations designated by the county ’ s early voting clerk .
There will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county .
Poll watchers may observe ballot deliveries at each location .
“ These enhanced security protocols will ensure greater transparency and will help stop attempts at illegal voting , ” Abbott said .
Harris County , which includes Houston , had 12 drop-off locations for its more than 2 million registered voters as of September .
Travis County , which includes the state capital of Austin , had four .
Harris County covers an area of more than 1,700 square miles ( 4,400 square kilometres ) , while Travis County stretches over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,600 square kilometres ) .
Other counties are individually as large as 6,000 square miles ( 15,500 square kilometres ) — larger than the entire state of Connecticut .
Texas has 254 counties .
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo told the Associated Press that the county will “ fight this to the extent that we can “ and that county lawyers were considering legal action .
She said Abbott ’ s action was another effort to suppress voters and an additional obstacle to democracy .
Earlier on Twitter , Hidalgo pointed out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rhode Island .
“ Mail ballot voters shouldn ’ t have to drive 30 miles to drop off their ballot , or rely on a mail system that ’ s facing cutbacks , ” she said .
The U.S .
Postal Service informed Texas in July that given the state ’ s current mail ballot request deadline , some ballots may not be delivered to voters by Election Day , and that even if all ballots reached voters on time , there was a “ significant risk ” that completed ballots postmarked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be received by the state ’ s Nov. 4 deadline .
The Texas Secretary of State ’ s office has not responded to Associated Press requests for comment on its plans to ensure the timely delivery of ballots .
Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins said in a statement that he had applauded Abbott ’ s July proclamation allowing voters to drop off their mail ballots before Election Day because it “ gave voters more options to vote safely during the global pandemic and alleviated concerns over mail delivery.
” He said Abbott ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to widespread confusion and voter suppression .
“ Our office is more than willing to accommodate poll watchers at mail ballot drop-off locations , ” Hollins said .
“ But to force hundreds of thousands of seniors and voters with disabilities to use a single drop-off location in a county that stretches over nearly 2,000 square miles is prejudicial and dangerous.
” Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement following the proclamation that Republicans were “ on the verge of losing , so Gov .
Abbott is trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said courts nationwide have held that it is too late to make changes to election rules .
“ Make no mistake : Democracy itself is on the ballot , ” Hinojosa said in a statement .
Polls show unusually tight races this year in America ’ s biggest red state , intensifying battles over voting access .
Texas is one of just five states not allowing widespread mail-in voting this year .
Abbott has resisted calls to expand eligibility and courts have sided with GOP leaders who say fear of catching COVID-19 doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To qualify for a mail-in ballot in Texas , voters must be : away from their county of residence on Election Day and during the early voting period ; sick or disabled ; confined in jail but otherwise eligible to vote ; or 65 years old or more .
Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/ Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

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thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Ex-congressman seeks to delay going to prison, citing COVID

NEW YORK - The first member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump for president four years ago cited the coronavirus Thursday as he asked to delay or modify his 26-month prison sentence .
Christopher Collins , 70 , is supposed to report to a federal prison camp in Pensacola , Florida , on Oct. 13 after pleading guilty last year to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and lying to law enforcement officials .
In a letter , lawyers for the former Republican congressman asked a judge who sentenced him in January to modify the sentence to eliminate incarceration or let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ With a vaccine predicted in the near future , it is particularly prudent for a short additional delay , ” they wrote , suggesting a Dec. 8 date to report .
They cited the coronavirus , saying it “ continues to rage in Florida ” and Collins ’ age and health condition put him at great risk of serious or life-threatening complications if he contracts it .
They said prosecutors opposed the request .
Collins was representing the 27th Congressional District of New York when prosecutors said he fed inside information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his son and friends could avoid $ 800,000 in stock losses before an announcement of a failed drug trial caused the stock to plunge 92 per cent .
According to an indictment , Collins learned the bad news in an email from the chief executive of Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd. while Collins was attending the Congressional Picnic at the White House on June 22 , 2017 .
At the time , Collins sat on the company board and was its largest shareholder , with nearly 17 % of the shares of the biotechnology company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has offices in Auckland , New Zealand .
Prosecutors said Collins and his son , Cameron , were worth $ 35 million when they conspired to sell the shares .
Cameron Collins also pleaded guilty in the conspiracy but was spared a prison sentence .
Christopher Collins was a vocal Trump supporter when he became the first member of Congress to endorse him as a presidential candidate .
When he was charged in 2018 , he vehemently denied wrongdoing , with a spokesperson calling a House Ethics Committee inquiry into Collins a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Congress when he decided to plead guilty , leaving his district ’ s constituents without representation in Congress .
Prosecutors faulted Collins for campaigning for a reelection race he won after his arrest and then continuing to serve .
“ I stand here today as a disgraced former member of Congress , ” Collins said at sentencing .
“ My life has been shattered .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Louisiana trooper indicted; suit says she shot teen in back

BATON ROUGE , La .
- A Louisiana trooper accused of shooting a 19-year-old man in the back during a traffic stop two years ago has been indicted on charges of aggravated second-degree battery and illegal use of a weapon .
A state police news release said Trooper Kasha Domingue was indicted Thursday by an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury .
Her attorney , John McLindon , declined to comment because he hadn ’ t read the indictment , The Advocate reported .
Clifton Scott Dilley , who sued Domingue , the department and the state last year in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wheelchair when the indictment was handed up , the newspaper said .
He did not comment .
But his attorney issued a statement that Dilley and his family were grateful for “ this first step in the prosecution of Kasha Domingue.
” The bullet damaged a bone and the spinal cord in Dilley ’ s lower back , according to the lawsuit .
Attorney Don Cazayoux has told news outlets that Dilley ’ s lower body is paralyzed .
“ The family understands the difficulties associated with these prosecutions and also respects the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law-enforcement do every day to protect us and keep us safe from harm , ” the statement said .
The police news release said Domingue was put on paid leave and troopers would arrest her once a grand jury warrant was issued .
It said only that the shooting occurred during a traffic stop on July 10 , 2018 .
Dilley ’ s lawsuit accused Domingue of shooting him in the back and then lying about it .
She first reported the incident with a radio code that indicated she had used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , then said she shot him as he charged at her , according to the lawsuit .
A business surveillance camera recording showed “ unequivocally that Trooper Domingue ’ s story of being attacked was completely false , and that she instead shot a fleeing , unarmed passenger of a car stopped for a minor traffic violation , ” the lawsuit said .
State police said Domingue , who began working for the department in August 2015 , was placed on desk duty after the shooting .
Colonel Kevin Reeves , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news release that Louisiana State Police began an immediate investigation into the shooting and has co-operated fully with the East Baton Rouge District Attorney ’ s Office .
“ I remain confident in our investigative process .
Through the judicial system , I expect a fair and just outcome to this incident , “ Reeves said in the statement .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Conservative hoaxers face charges over false voter robocalls

Two conservative operatives were charged Thursday in connection with false robocalls that aimed to dissuade Black residents in Detroit and other Democratic-leaning U.S. cities from voting by mail , Michigan ’ s attorney general announced .
Jacob Wohl , 22 , and Jack Burkman , 54 , each face four felony counts in Detroit , including conspiring to intimidate voters in violation of election law and using a computer to commit crimes , Attorney General Dana Nessel said .
The calls falsely warned residents in majority-Black Detroit and cities in at least four other states that if they vote by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be subjected to arrest , debt collection and forced vaccination , Nessel said .
The men , who have a history of staging hoaxes and spreading lies about prominent Democrats and government officials , are not in custody , and no date for their arraignments has been set .
Nessel said her office would work with local law enforcement to secure their appearances , saying they could face arrest and extradition or could voluntarily travel to Michigan to face the charges .
The charges carry the potential for years in prison and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer charges carry up to seven years apiece , while election law violations could bring up to five .
Nessel ’ s office warned the public about the calls and launched an investigation in August after thousands of Detroit residents received them .
Wohl and Burkman both denied involvement at the time .
Burkman didn ’ t reply to a Thursday voicemail seeking comment and Wohl didn ’ t reply to an email .
Nessel said the investigation found that Burkman and Wohl created and funded the robocalls to deter voters of colour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re all well aware of the frustrations caused by the millions of nuisance robocalls flooding our cellphones and landlines each day , but this particular message poses grave consequences for our democracy and the principles upon which it was built , ” Nessel said .
“ Michigan voters are entitled to a full , free and fair election in November , and my office will not hesitate to pursue those who jeopardize that.
” The pair was behind 85,000 calls nationwide , including nearly 12,000 in Detroit ’ s 313 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls also blanketed urban pockets of Pennsylvania , Ohio , Illinois and New York , she said .
She encouraged anyone who received such a call to file a complaint with her office .
Wohl and Burkman have a history of supporting President Donald Trump and attacking his opponents .
Trump narrowly won the key battleground state of Michigan in 2016 in part due to a drop in turnout for Hillary Clinton in heavily Democratic Detroit .
In Michigan , voters can cast an absentee ballot for any reason .
The robocalls sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters are expected to do in record numbers this election cycle to avoid crowded polling places during the coronavirus pandemic .
Republicans are limiting mail-in voting in several states and Trump has warned , without evidence , that it will lead to fraud .
The president also encouraged his supporters during Tuesday ’ s debate to “ go into the polls and watch very carefully ” on Election Day .
A woman on the robocalls said she was part of Project 1559 , a group founded by Wohl and Burkman .
The calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in personal information going into databases that will be used by police to resolve old warrants , credit card companies to collect debts and federal officials to track mandatory vaccines .
“ Don ’ t be finessed into giving your private information to the man , ” the caller said .
“ Beware of vote by mail.
” Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson , like Nessel a Democrat , in August called the robocalls “ an unconscionable , indefensible , blatant attempt to lie to citizens about their right to vote.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , saying the charges show the state will “ use every tool at our disposal to dispel false rhetoric “ and protect voting rights .
Wohl lives in Los Angeles , and investigators served search warrants in California as part of the inquiry last week , Nessel said .
Wohl and Burkman have made a name for themselves by orchestrating political dirty tricks and hoaxes , including spreading false claims of sexual misconduct by Robert Mueller and former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg .
The pair came under scrutiny in Michigan last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they recruited him to pretend he was raped by Buttigieg , then published the smear without the student ’ s permission .
Last month , the Washington Post said it was duped into falsely reporting that FBI agents had conducted a raid at Burkman ’ s home in Arlington , Virginia , when it was actually a staged event featuring actors .
In August , Wohl told The Associated Press that they suspected “ leftist pranksters ” were behind the robocalls because the caller ID was Burkman ’ s cellphone number .
Burkman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” saying nobody would use their own number for a robocall and threatening to sue Benson for defamation .
Associated Press writer David Eggert contributed to this story from Lansing , Michigan .
This story has been corrected to reflect that Nessel said nearly 12,000 residents in the 313 area code , not ZIP code , received the calls in Detroit .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Ex-Chicago officer who fled trial sentenced on drug charges

CHICAGO - A former Chicago police officer who was captured nearly 15 years after he fled while awaiting trial on drug charges was sentenced Thursday to 13 years in federal prison .
Eddie Hicks , 71 , was convicted last year on racketeering , drug and gun charges , and jumping bail after his arrest .
Prosecutors accused the ex-sergeant of being the ringleader of a crew of five men who posed as federal drug agents to shake down drug dealers for cash and narcotics .
Hicks was under federal investigation when he retired from the police force in 2000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial and was arrested in 2017 in Detroit where he was living incognito .
In handing down his sentence , U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow told Hicks he “ dishonoured the badge ” and should stand as an example .
“ There are other officers out there who also have the opportunity to do what you did , and they need to get the message that the punishment will follow the conduct , ” Lefkow said , noting he has never taken responsibility for his actions .
Before sentencing , Hicks complained about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying he was an otherwise law-abiding citizen and not looking at committing any kind of crime “ at this point.
” Hicks ’ attorney , John Beal , asked for the mandatory-minimum sentence of 10 years , citing Hicks ’ advanced age and the threat of COVID-19 .
Prosecutors cited the value society places on the integrity of police officers and the devastating consequences that result when it is lost .
“ Not only did Hicks fail to arrest drug dealers , he became a drug dealer himself , robbing drug dealers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for profit , ” Assistant U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual wrote in a court filing .
During his trial , prosecutors alleged Hicks thought robbing drug dealers was the perfect crime .
The only witnesses were criminals who weren ’ t about to call the “ honest police , ” Pasqual said .
Hicks was tipped off to stash house locations by informants , and assisted by a police department mechanic who had access to the keys to unmarked squad cars and a designated crew member who typed up phoney search warrants in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they encountered any law enforcement , the crew simply flashed their badges and got a pass , Pasqual said .
And when a raid was done , there were never any arrests or paperwork .
During Hick ’ s trial , prosecutors present secret video and audio recordings made during two FBI stings in late 2000 and early 2001 at South Side Chicago apartments that were set up to look like drug stash houses in order to catch Hicks ’ crew in the act .


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Inflation slump in Europe could presage more stimulus

FRANKFURT - Annual inflation in the 19-country eurozone sagged further below zero in September , bolstering expectations that the European Central Bank will add to its emergency stimulus efforts to help cushion the impact of the pandemic on the economy .
The consumer price index was down 0.3 % in September , even lower than the minus 0.2 % figure in August , according to new figures released Friday by the European Union statistics agency .
Excluding volatile food and fuel prices , the inflation rate was 0.2 % in September , down from 0.4 % in August .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the better measure of price movements in the economy as a whole .
Low inflation is a major reason why analysts predict the ECB will add to its 1.35 trillion-euro ( $ 1.6 trillion ) program of regular bond purchases , which push newly printed money into the financial system .
The pandemic emergency purchases are credited with keeping borrowing costs down and preventing turmoil on financial markets that would have worsened the recession caused by the virus .
Frederik Ducrozet , strategist at Pictet Wealth Management , said that the central bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earliest occasion to add stimulus as that is when the ECB will issue updated forecasts for growth and inflation to help form a decision .
“ That said , we wouldn ’ t completely rule out a decision at the 29 October meeting depending on macro developments and financial conditions , ” he wrote in an emailed research note .
He said the ECB could boost its bond purchases by 500 billion euros .
Rosie Colthorpe , European economist at Oxford Economics , pointed to temporary factors lowering inflation , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of that country ’ s crisis stimulus .
That suggests the ECB could wait until December before acting .
“ But for now , the continuation of eurozone deflation certainly adds ammunition to the dovish voices on the council , ” she said .
Monetary “ doves ” in financial jargon are officials advocating for more stimulus .
The ECB ’ s goal is to have annual inflation of just under 2 % .
Economists say the pandemic is contributing to low inflation as merchants keep prices down in hopes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity .
While low inflation can benefit consumers up to a point , weak prices over a period of time can be a sign of slack in the economy as businesses have to resort to discounts to attract buyers .
Weak inflation can also make it harder for indebted countries in the eurozone to improve their competitiveness compared with the other members of the currency bloc .
At the ECB ’ s Sept. 10 meeting President Christine Lagarde gave little indication that more stimulus was coming but said the bank stood ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ECB , based in Frankfurt , Germany , is the chief monetary authority for the EU member countries that use the euro .


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--California voters weigh in again on care at dialysis clinics

SAN FRANCISCO - California voters will again weigh in on the quality of care dialysis clinics provide to about 80,000 people in the state with kidney failure .
Proposition 23 would require a doctor or highly trained nurse at each of the state ’ s 600 dialysis clinics whenever patients are being treated to improve patient care .
It was placed on the ballot by unions that represent health care workers .
Opponents , financed by dialysis clinic companies , say that under that mandate , between two and three doctors would be required at every facility because most are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , creating a financial burden that could lead some clinics to close .
“ There are a tremendous number of complications that can occur during and around dialysis , and a doctor onsite will be able to respond not only to emergencies such as cardiac arrest , bleeding , dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure — all other common side effects of dialysis — but they also will be able to oversee the overall quality of care , ” said Steve Trossman , a spokesman for the Oakland-based Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 million in a signature drive to get it on the ballot .
Proposition 23 is the second attempt by the union to increase regulations of dialysis clinics in California , where DaVita Inc. and Fresenius Medical Care — two of the country ’ s largest for-profit dialysis providers — operate about three-quarters of the state ’ s dialysis market .
Early voting begins Monday for the Nov. 3 contest .
In 2018 , the union-backed Proposition 8 , which sought to cap dialysis clinics ’ profits and force them to invest more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voters rejected the measure but not before it became the most expensive initiative on the 2018 ballot , generating more than $ 130 million in campaign spending — more than $ 111 million from dialysis companies to kill the initiative and about $ 19 million from unions that supported it .
Dialysis providers say most California clinics already offer high-quality care and are regulated by federal and state authorities .
They also point out all patients already have a nephrologist — a kidney specialist — who oversees their care and that nephrologists also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the initiatives are part of a tactic to pressure the dialysis companies to let workers unionize .
“ The motive is to force the dialysis community to spend a bunch of money to defeat it because ultimately this is more about a union organizing battle .
I have no doubt that in 2022 there will be another initiative on the ballot targeting dialysis providers and dialysis patients , ” said Kathy Fairbanks , a spokeswoman for No on Prop .
23 , a coalition led by DaVita and Fresenius that also includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association-California .
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst ’ s Office estimates dialysis companies currently make roughly $ 3 billion a year from their California operations .
So far this year , the union has raised nearly $ 6.2 million backing it and the coalition against Proposition 23 has raised more than $ 93 million .
To stay alive , dialysis patients typically undergo four-hour treatments at least three times a week , during which the machines remove the blood in the patient ’ s body , filter toxins out , then put the blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functions of the kidneys but outside the body .
Rick Barnett , who runs the largest non-profit dialysis provider in California , Satellite Healthcare , which operates 60 clinics in the state , said highly trained nurses and technicians already staff the clinics , and having to pay for two or three doctors per clinic would force most of the non-profit ’ s clinics to close .
“ And then what happens to those patients ?
” Barnett asked .
DeWayne Cox , who is working with the opposition campaign and receives treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said if the goal were improving patient care , then proponents would focus on facilities that have issues .
“ If there are facilities that have problems and poor outcomes , then let ’ s focus on those facilities , don ’ t just do a broad stroke and make everyone incur these costs that are unnecessary and dangerous , ” because they could lead to shorter clinic hours or closures , meaning patients would miss life-sustaining treatments , said Cox , 57 , who has been on dialysis for 10 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialysis three times a week at a DaVita clinic in Walnut Creek and is working with the union to promote Proposition 23 .
She said she was convinced a doctor should always be at her clinic after seeing another patient drop to the floor bleeding .
She says the woman was taken to a hospital and later died .
“ I don ’ t want to see somebody else die on that chair , ” she said .
“ It ’ s a medical facility .
I should feel safe .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--US hiring slows for 3rd month but jobless rate falls to 7.9%

WASHINGTON - America ’ s employers added 661,000 jobs in September , the third straight month of slower hiring and evidence from the final jobs report before the presidential election that the economic recovery has weakened .
With September ’ s hiring gain , the economy has recovered only slightly more than half the 22 million jobs that were wiped out by the viral pandemic .
The roughly 10 million jobs that remain lost exceed the number that the nation shed during the entire 2008-2009 Great Recession .
The unemployment rate for September fell to 7.9 % , down from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department said Friday .
Since April , the jobless rate has tumbled from a peak of 14.7 % .
The September jobs report coincides with other data that suggests that while the economic picture may be improving , the gains have slowed since summer .
The economy is under pressure from a range of threats .
They include the expiration of federal aid programs that had fueled rehiring and sustained the economy — from a $ 600-a-week benefit for the unemployed to $ 500 billion in forgivable short-term loans to small businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ final look at the most important barometer of the U.S. economy before the Nov. 3 presidential election — an election whose outcome was thrown into deeper uncertainty by the announcement early Friday that President Donald Trump has tested positive for the coronavirus .
The rise in confirmed viral cases that is occurring in much of the country could force new business shutdowns or discourage consumers from travelling , shopping or visiting restaurants .
A recent wave of layoffs by large companies has heightened fears that the viral outbreak still poses a serious threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that it ’ s cutting 28,000 jobs , a consequence of reduced customer traffic and capacity limits at Disney World in Florida and the ongoing closure of Disneyland in California .
Allstate said it will shed 3,800 jobs , or 7.5 % of its workforce .
Marathon Petroleum , the Ohio refiner , is slashing 2,000 jobs .
And tens of thousands of airline workers are losing their jobs this month as federal aid to the airlines expires .
The airlines had been barred from cutting jobs as long as they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations , led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , continue , the prospect of a major new economic aid package before the November elections is highly uncertain .
The United States is hardly alone in struggling with a weakened job market .
Unemployment has risen for a fifth straight month in Europe in August and is expected to grow further amid concern that government support programs won ’ t be able keep many businesses hit by coronavirus restrictions afloat indefinitely .
So far , U.S. hiring has rebounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gains have mainly reflected millions of temporarily laid-off Americans who were called back to work when retailers , restaurants , medical offices and other businesses reopened , at least partly , from their pandemic-induced shutdowns .
Yet the number of people seeking unemployment aid , reflecting the pace of layoffs , remains unusually elevated , with 837,000 jobless claims filed last week .
That ’ s about 35,000 lower than the previous week but still historically high .
Until a vaccine is developed , many economists say that hiring and economic growth won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , rehired many employees over the summer as outdoor dining picked up .
But as temperatures cool , business may fall off again , which could force many restaurants to lay off workers again .
One in six restaurants have shut down because of the viral pandemic , the National Restaurant Association says .
Slowing job growth has raised the spectre of a prolonged downturn that feeds on itself and becomes harder to fully reverse .
Many temporary layoffs are becoming permanent as hotels , restaurants , airlines , retailers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer slump than they initially expected .
There is also growing fear of a resurgence of the virus , which would compound the threat .
The longer that laid-off workers fail to find jobs , the more likely it is that they will have to look for new work with new employers or in different occupations .
Doing so can require additional training or education and take much longer to achieve than just returning to a previous job .
The delay in landing a new job also erodes spending among the longer-term unemployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force further job cuts as other businesses see their revenue decline and are forced to retrench .
Americans ’ incomes slipped in August , the first decline since the depths of the pandemic in early spring .
A sharp fall in government support payments offset a rise in wages and salaries earned by newly rehired workers .

Christopher Rugaber - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Trump adds to election anxiety by pushing legal boundaries

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has floated the unconstitutional idea of delaying the Nov. 3 election .
His administration may have violated a judge ’ s order on the 2020 census and could be held in contempt .
Another court ruled that he illegally sidestepped Congress to find billions for his border wall .
In ways large and small , in multiple corners of the government , the president has demonstrated a willingness to push the boundaries of federal law , if not outright flout them .
And in the heat of a presidential campaign , that track record only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abide by the results of the election .
“ When the president talks about being the law-and-order candidate , it ’ s clear that when he says the word ‘ law ’ he means the laws he personally cares about enforcing , ” said Liz Hempowicz , public policy director at the private Project On Government Oversight .
“ That ’ s not how a law-and-order system works .
You can ’ t pick and chose .
It ’ s just a complete breakdown of our democratic systems happening in front of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election will be rigged , and he has pointedly declined to promise a peaceful transfer of power if he loses .
He jokes about staying in office beyond two terms , prompting supporters in Atlanta last week to chant “ 12 more years !
” But it ’ s no joke to critics who see a callous attitude toward the laws he claims to uphold .
They point to a series of instances in which Trump or officials in his administration have violated the spirit of the law , ignored it or made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies .
“ We are used to presidents bowing to a court determination , bowing to a finding by an inspector general ... but if the president refuses to do that , what is the mechanism to hold him and his administration accountable ?
” asked Trevor Potter , president of the private Campaign Legal Center .
Trump ’ s defenders say such concerns are overblown .
David Rivkin Jr. , a constitutional lawyer who served in the White House counsel ’ s office and the Justice Department in the Reagan and George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause for alarm when it comes to Trump abiding by the election results .
“ There is every reason to believe that he would use only lawful means to contest the electoral outcome , if a situation arises where the outcome is contestable , ” he said by email .
Trump has already telegraphed that he ’ s expecting the election to be determined in the courts .
He quickly nominated Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg , a move that many Republicans hope will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to potential election litigation .
But Trump has also raised a multitude of doubts and objections about whether the election will be fair , and tossed out his own suggestions that could well contribute to confusion .
He urged people in North Carolina to vote twice , which is a felony .
The president said later he was only suggesting that voters check to make sure their mail-in votes had been counted by trying to vote again in-person .
But some states do not even tally mail-in ballots until the polls close on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his supporters go to polling places in Philadelphia , which has a heavily minority population , but if they interfere with voting , that could violate state law .
If supporters tried to intimidate or keep a person from voting , they could be found in violation of the Civil Rights Act or the Ku Klux Klan Act , Potter said .
In a move that dovetails with the Trump administration ’ s claim that irregular voting will skew the election , a U.S. attorney in Pennsylvania last week sent out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots — some for Trump — that were found in a trash can .
That raised eyebrows because Justice Department officials typically do not reveal details about ongoing criminal investigations , especially ones linked to the election or a particular political party .
Beyond election law , government watchdog groups have been tracking a raft of other examples where they allege that Trump is flouting laws .
There ’ s ongoing drama over whether the Commerce Department violated a federal judge ’ s order when it chose Oct. 5 , 2020 , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even after U.S. District Judge Luch Koh had issued an injunction allowing the nation ’ s head count to continue through October .
But Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross decided to end the count early anyway .
A hearing is scheduled for Friday to consider whether Ross ’ move was a violation of the judge ’ s order and whether commerce officials should be held in contempt .
August Flentje , an attorney for the Trump administration , said the suggestion that the federal government should be held in contempt was “ unfair.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has ousted from government and those he ’ s brought on under questionable circumstances .
Last spring , Trump used his authority to force out five inspectors general from various federal agencies who were tasked with sniffing out government mismanagement , waste and fraud .
The president has the authority to fire inspector generals for failure to perform their duties , but he does not have broad authority to fire someone for the wrong reason .
The removals were described as retaliation for doing things that displeased Trump .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired had given Congress the whistleblower complaint that led to Trump ’ s impeachment .
It claimed the president had asked Ukraine to investigate his political rival , Democrat Joe Biden , and Biden ’ s son , Hunter , in exchange for military assistance .
Two top officials at the Department of Homeland Security , a sprawling agency with 230,000 people , were found to have been wrongly appointed to their positions and ineligible to serve , according to the Government Accountability Office , the independent investigative arm of Congress .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post of secretary permanently .
On Thursday , a judge ruled that a national commission on law enforcement , created earlier this year by Trump and Attorney General William Barr , violated federal law because its members lacked diversity and did not provide public access to meetings .
The Office of Special Counsel has cited the president ’ s top advisers multiple times for violating the Hatch Act , which restricts partisan political activity by federal employees .
Special counsel Henry Kerner , a Trump appointee , recommended that Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House ignored that .
Concern also persists that the president is improperly benefiting personally when foreign governments spend money , rent rooms and schedule events at Trump ’ s historic hotel in Washington .
“ If he is taking money from foreign governments without congressional consent , he is violating the Constitution , ” said Potter , a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission .
Associated Press writer Mike Schneider in Orlando , Florida contributed to this report .

Deb Riechmann And Colleen Long - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Belarus announces retaliatory sanctions against the EU

KYIV , Ukraine - Belarusian authorities on Friday announced they were imposing sanctions against the European Union , and threatened to revise the country ’ s diplomatic relations with the bloc , in response to EU sanctions on several dozen Belarus officials accused of falsifying presidential election results and leading a crackdown on peaceful protesters .
The EU in the early hours of Friday decided to impose sanctions on about 40 officials , with the exception of President Alexander Lukashenko , who was re-elected in August in a vote the opposition sees as rigged .
In response , the Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own sanctions against European officials .
“ The Belarusian side , starting from today , puts into effect a retaliatory sanctions list , ” the statement said .
The ministry didn ’ t reveal the list and gave no details as to how many officials were on it .
If the EU further ratchets up “ the sanctions flywheel , “ there could be “ more serious consequences , ” according to the statement , such as Belarus pulling out of joint programs and projects or revising its diplomatic relations with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in words and in deeds , against confrontation .
We are for dialogue and understanding .
But as a sovereign state , we ’ re also determined , albeit not without regret , to respond to unfriendly actions in order to naturally defend our national interests , ” the statement read .
The official results of the Aug. 9 presidential election handed Lukashenko , who has run Belarus with an iron fist for 26 years , a crushing victory with 80 % of the vote .
His main challenger Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya got only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to recognize the results as valid , and mass protests have rocked Belarus ever since , with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets and demanding Lukashenko ’ s resignation .
The authorities ’ brutal response to the protests immediately after the vote , with police detaining thousands and injuring scores with truncheons , rubber bullets and stun grenades , elicited international outrage .
The government has scaled down on the violence , but kept the pressure on , detaining hundreds of protesters and prosecuting top activists .
Many prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the opposition to push for a transition of power , have been either arrested of forced to leave the country .
Tsikhanouskaya is currently in exile in Lithuania .
Her top associate Maria Kolesnikova remains in jail on the charges of undermining state security that could bring a five-year prison term if she is convicted .
The West doesn ’ t have much leverage in the current crisis in Belarus , Minsk-based political analyst Artyom Shraybman told The Associated Press : “ Lukashenko doesn ’ t care about the West ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU sanctions “ meagre ” and symbolic .
“ The EU countries adopt these sanctions solely for themselves , in order to show themselves that they ’ re not cynics and that human rights matter for them , ” Shraybman said .
Daria Litvinova in Moscow contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--In big states, tiny counties, Trump attacking voting rules

RALEIGH , N.C. - When Donald Trump ’ s campaign took issue with a new rule on processing some votes in North Carolina , it didn ’ t just complain to the Board of Elections and file a lawsuit .
It wrote to some of the state ’ s 100 local election offices with extraordinary guidance : Ignore that rule .
“ The NC Republican Party advises you to not follow the procedures , ” Trump campaign operative Heather Ford wrote in an email to county officials last week .
The email urging defiance was a small glimpse at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign is activating as voting begins .
Through threatening letters , lawsuits , viral videos and presidential misinformation , the campaign and its GOP allies are going to new lengths to contest election procedures county-by-county across battleground states .
That means piling new pressure on the often low-profile election officials on the frontline of the vote count , escalating micro-disputes over voting rules and seeking out trouble in their backyards .
The local approach already is producing a blizzard of voting-related complaints .
Trump and his allies have then seized on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sow broad doubts of fairness and accuracy .
“ It ’ s clearly based on an overall strategy to disrupt the election as much as possible , ” said Barry Richard , who represented President George W. Bush ’ s campaign in the 2000 Florida recount .
“ You ’ re really seeing a broad-based , generalized strategy to suppress the vote by the Republican Party.
“ Trump ’ s campaign says it ’ s simply trying to ensure a fair election .
It says the explosion of disputes is a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way America votes during the coronavirus pandemic , largely by expanding access to mail-in voting .
More than 200 lawsuits have been filed over voting procedures in the election .
“ Since when is fairness a bad thing ?
” campaign spokesperson Thea McDonald said in a statement .
But election experts and lawyers say the GOP efforts demonstrate a new willingness to fight and amplify relatively minor , even legally dubious issues .
The strategy was on display last week when Trump tweeted about nine “ discarded ” ballots in Luzerne County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot spot was a Philadelphia fight over whether Trump campaign poll monitors could be allowed into newly opened satellite election offices .
Trump poll monitors requested entry , but city election offices said neither party ’ s observers had a legal right to access the buildings .
Under state law , poll monitors can only observe live , in-person voting and not places where people can register , fill out early ballots and drop them off to be counted weeks later .
The campaign sent observers to the sites , and in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican on the city election commission .
The campaign sued the city Thursday night in an effort to gain access to the sites .
Richard described this fight as largely “ for public consumption.
” Trump brought up the episode in Tuesday night ’ s debate , mentioning none of the legal subtleties .
Instead , he held it up as a broad-brushed indictment of the reliability of the vote count .
“ Today there was a big problem in Philadelphia , ” Trump said at the debate .
“ You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia , bad things.
” The next day , Trump ’ s son Eric and other supporters tweeted a video apparently recorded by a member of the campaign as a Philadelphia election official expelled him from a city building .
“ Now they are throwing poll watchers out of City Hall in Philly !
” Eric Trump wrote .
President Trump for months has cast doubt on the integrity of the U.S. voting system .
His primary target has been mail ballots , which may be used by as many as half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowded polling places .
Trump has baselessly claimed they will lead to massive fraud .
Trump ’ s campaign is now pushing to ensure scrutiny on those mail-in ballots as they are returned .
In North Carolina , where Black voters were sending in a disproportionate number of ballots with errors , the Board of Elections settled a lawsuit with a voting rights group making it easier for voters to fix mistakes .
The board ’ s two Republicans quit in protest , and the GOP sued to block the settlement .
North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court papers included a Trump campaign email to some local board of election members as an example of how he said the party was improperly undermining an official state directive .
Says McDonald , the Trump campaign spokesperson : “ County board members need guidance on how to proceed in the wake of these unelected Democrats ’ attempt to radically rewrite the law 40 days out from Election Day.
“ On Thursday , the state Board of Elections , which has a Democratic majority , told counties to halt using the new cure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week and next .
Regardless of the outcome of the litigation , voting rights specialists were stunned at the Trump campaign ’ s step .
“ What we ’ re talking about is an effort to deliberately place these barriers in front of people .
And many may be discouraged from trying to cure , or making it impossible for them to cure , a deficiency , ” said Irving Joyner , a law professor at North Carolina Central University who ’ s not involved in the case .
North Carolina is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upheavals to its election procedures even as ballots are being filled out .
Many of the more than 200 lawsuits filed over voting issues are still lingering , an enormous question mark over the election as more and more states start early voting .
Republicans have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a ruling in South Carolina on how to handle errors in mail ballots and a judgment in Pennsylvania allowing the count of some ballots arriving after Election Day .
Also in Pennsylvania , the Trump campaign is asking a federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that requires poll watchers to live in the county where they are monitoring .
It ’ s become a major obstacle to Republican plans to send out some 50,000 poll watchers in battlegrounds .
But the GOP ’ s scrutiny of local elections offices isn ’ t always over complex legal issues .
In Wisconsin , Republicans warned the city of Madison against holding a “ Democracy in the Park ” event , sending a cease and desist letter late last week warning it could be a venue for illegal collection of ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went ahead anyway , and city officials say about 10,000 participated .
On Wednesday , there was a new warning to Milwaukee and its sports teams .
It covered not only players but mascots such as the Brewers ’ famed racing sausages as enticements for people to vote .
“ It seems kind of silly to be worried about racing sausages , but the larger point is the law is pretty clear , ” GOP state party chair Andrew Hitt told The Associated Press by phone on Wednesday .
Wisconsin state elections officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once after it sent a survey to local elections offices asking for details on procedures .
Such surveys can help find issues to be litigated — but they also are a way for campaigns to make connections with local election officials who will help determine their success .
The Trump campaign noted that such surveys are standard and also sent by Democrats .
Rick Hasen , a law professor at the University of California , Irvine who has been a frequent critic of Trump ’ s approach to voting , said there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election offices and trying to pressure them .
“ To know the rules of the game you ’ re going to play under , it ’ s different than trying to work the refs , ” Hasen said .
“ All of this conduct is so beyond the pale — it ’ s hard to put in context because there ’ s been nothing like it in modern American campaigns.
” Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg , Pa. , contributed to this report .
This story has been corrected t show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watcher law was in federal court , not U.S. Supreme Court .

Nicholas Riccardi, Jonathan Drew And Scott Bauer - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Denying, defending and numb: Voters not moved by Trump taxes

OSHKOSH , Wis. - Danielle Fairbank closed the tailgate of her fire-engine red pickup truck in a Target parking lot in Oshkosh , Wisconsin and offered a hearty “ Fake news !
“ to dismiss reports that President Donald Trump paid only $ 750 in income taxes in 2017 .
The assembly worker at a nearby military vehicle plant just as swiftly brushed aside the notion that Trump ’ s tiny tax bill put him out of touch with blue-collar workers like herself .
Her job — which she ’ s held throughout the recession and pandemic — is proof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the side of the working-class .
“ I know in my heart he ’ s doing more for this economy , for people like me and for me personally , than anyone is giving him credit , “ Fairbank said .
“ That stuff is made up , and it would have come out by now if it were true.
” Trump ’ s standing with white , working-class voters has proven resilient through federal investigations , impeachment and countless episodes of chaotic governing .
But if those issues were too distant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports about his tax avoidance might have had the potential to hit closer to home during a time of economic upheaval .
Yet , interviews with voters in swing-voting Wisconsin show scant evidence of damaging impact from The New York Times ’ reporting this week on Trump ’ s long-secret tax returns .
In the hub of swing-voting Winnebago County and Milwaukee ’ s dynamic suburbs , the reactions fit into categories of flat-out disbelief , like Fairbanks , defence of a tax strategy as smart business and an overall fatigue many voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is was one common reaction , it ’ s laughter , though not joyful .
Seth Willer snickered from the front porch of his home in the upscale neighbourhood of Bellhaven Estates near the shores of Lake Winnebago on Oshkosh ’ s east side when asked what he thought about Trump ’ s income taxes .
“ Nah , that ’ s the game , right ?
“ said the 40-year-old industrial laundry equipment distributor who supports Trump .
“ We all try to lower our tax burden .
You can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 60-year-old part-time employee from the north Milwaukee suburb of Shorewood echoed , “ I just feel he ’ s a smart business owner.
” Mary Herrick , down the street from Willer in Oshkosh ’ s upscale subdivision notes Trump ’ s donation of the president ’ s salary as a counter to criticism of his tax burden .
“ That ’ s giving back to the country , “ said Herrick , who works from home .
In fact , Trump donates his salary to charities , and continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2018 , he reported making more than $ 434 million in a federal disclosure .
That same year he reported losses to the IRS of $ 47 million , according to the New York Times report .
Some national polls have shown esteem for Trump ’ s performance in business ebbing somewhat after similar stories that have suggested tax avoidance in the past .
However , national polls have shown the president ’ s support to be relatively stable at roughly 42 to 45 per cent of voters nationally throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Helmers also laughed about Trump ’ s tax records , which he has refused to release as other presidents have , but out of exasperation .
“ None of it surprises me , “ the 49-year-old mental health counsellor said unloading her groceries outside Pick ‘ n Save on Oshkosh ’ s middle-income south side .
“ He ’ s got supporters thinking he ’ s a patriot .
But it ’ s another example of the fraud he is.
” Even before the coronavirus pandemic ’ s economic upheaval , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of steel and machined parts in Oshkosh and the surrounding Fox River Valley , among the most politically competitive regions in the country .
Bob Poeschl , a politically independent member of Oshkosh ’ s city council , calls revelations of Trump ’ s tax manoeuvrs “ appalling , but typical of this president.
“ “ I find it out of touch with the American public and how hard they have to work to get , “ Poeschl , a low-income housing manager , said on the front porch in Oshkosh ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I have a hard time accepting my independently conservative friends who say how much he is doing for the economy.
” Trump campaigned in Oshkosh in mid-August and is expected in Green Bay , the northern end of the valley , on Saturday .
Democratic nominee Joe Biden campaigned in Manitowoc , part of the same media market , last week .
Wendy Taylor says no one she knows in her tiny hometown of Clintonville , east of Oshkosh , trust reports Trump has avoided paying taxes .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information technology manager said .
“ He ’ s not the miser and cheat the media make him out to be.
” She noted the $ 72,000 in coronavirus relief her town of about 4,300 received was proof Trump was concerned about the well-being of low and middle-income Americans .
“ That was a lot of frickin ’ money for our little city.
“ Retiree Lee Houk of Pewaukee , a booming exurb west of Milwaukee , was just as dismissive of the tax claims .
“ I think it ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Houk , 69 , said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Israeli tourism minister resigns to protest Netanyahu

JERUSALEM - Israel ’ s tourism minister resigned from the fractious government Friday , saying he doesn ’ t have an “ ounce of trust ” in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accusing him of putting his personal and legal issues ahead of the response to the coronavirus crisis .
Asaf Zamir is a member of the centrist Blue and White Party , which battled Netanyahu ’ s right-wing Likud in three successive elections in under a year before forming an emergency government with it in May to combat the pandemic .
Israel went into a second nationwide lockdown last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the worst outbreaks in the world on a per capita basis .
The emergency government has been roiled by infighting and has faced widespread criticism over its confusing and often contradictory response to the pandemic .
“ I can no longer sit in a government in which I don ’ t have an ounce of trust in the person at its head , ” Zamir tweeted .
“ I have unfortunately determined that the coronavirus crisis and its terrible impact is at best in second place in the list of priorities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerations are at the top of Netanyahu ’ s priorities.
” Netanyahu has been the target of weekly demonstrations outside his official residence for months , with protesters calling on him to resign over his trial on multiple corruption allegations and his response to the pandemic .
Earlier this week , Israel ’ s parliament passed a law that would allow the government to curtail public protests during the lockdown , as Netanyahu ’ s critics accused him of trying to muzzle dissent .
Netanyahu says the restrictions are needed to prevent transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zamir ’ s decision to step down , accusing him of playing politics at a time when Netanyahu is “ fighting around the clock in order to save the lives and the livelihoods of Israeli citizens.
” “ Blue and White needs to decide if they are working in unison within the government in fighting the coronavirus or if they are continuing to create chaos within the government and therefore harm the necessary actions for the sake of Israeli citizens.
” Israel garnered praise last spring when it moved quickly to seal its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict stay-at-home orders .
By May the rate of new daily cases had dropped to around a dozen .
But that month authorities abruptly reopened the economy , lifting nearly all restrictions .
Case numbers have soared since then , with the country now reporting more than 7,000 new infections a day and authorities warning that hospitals could soon be overwhelmed .
The economy has meanwhile been slow to recover .
Israel , with a population of just 9 million , has reported a total of more than 250,000 cases and more than @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--AP Explains: What lies behind Turkish support for Azerbaijan

ANKARA , Turkey - Turkey has firmly put its weight behind oil-rich Azerbaijan as a decades-old territorial dispute flared anew into an armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a mountainous region situated within Azerbaijan controlled by Armenia-backed ethnic separatists .
Turkey , a NATO member with regional and global aspirations , has vowed to support longtime ally Azerbaijan “ on the battlefield or the negotiating table , ” if needed .
However , the Turkish government has denied Armenian claims that it is sending Syrian fighters and F-16 combat jets to assist Azerbaijani forces in the conflict that broke out Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what lies behind Turkey ’ s support for Azerbaijan , its involvement in the conflict and its implications .
Turkey and Azerbaijan are bound by strong ethnic , cultural and historic ties and refer to their relationship as being one between “ two states , one nation.
” Turkey was the first country to recognize Azerbaijan ’ s independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union , and the two have forged robust economic ties .
Turkey is the main conduit for Azerbaijan ’ s oil and gas exports , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investor in Turkey .
On the other hand , Turkey has no diplomatic relations with Armenia and sealed its border with the nation in 1993 to show solidarity with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh .
Relations between Armenia and Turkey already were tenuous due to the the mass killings and deporations of Armenians by Ottoman Turks a century ago , Scholars consider those events to be the first genocide of the 20th century , which Turkey denies .
In 2009 , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stepped back from reconciliation efforts with Armenia that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of formal ties with Armenia conditional on its withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh .
HOW IS TURKEY INVOLVED IN THE CONFLICT ?
Turkey ’ s military has been training Azerbaijani officers for decades .
In August , their armed forces conducted large-scale military exercises in Azerbaijan .
Turkey is also Azerbaijan ’ s third-largest supplier of military equipment after Russia and Israel .
It is known to have sold drones and rocket launchers , according to Ozgur Unluhisarcikli , Ankara director of the German Marshall Fund .
Turkey may have sent military drone operators to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Turkey has repeatedly said that it would come to Azerbaijan ’ s aid , if asked , but there is no evidence so far that Turkey is actively involved in the conflict .
Ankara has asserted that Azerbaijan has the capacity to fight without Turkish support .
The Turkish government has denied sending Syrian mercenaries to help Azerbaijan in the battle even though the Britain-based opposition war monitor , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , reported that as many as 850 Syrian fighters have arrived in Azerbaijan .
Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims by Armenia that a Turkish F-16 fighter jet shot down an Armenian SU-25 jet .
Turkey ’ s military involvement in the conflict for now is “ more rhetoric than substance , ” Unluhisarcikli said .
Although Russia and Armenia do not share a border , Armenia is a close Russian ally of Russia in the Caucasus region between the Black and Caspian seas , including hosting a large Russian military base .
The base , with a garrison of about 3,000 soldiers , is in Gyumri , about 200 kilometres ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than 10 kilometres ( 6.2 miles ) from the Turkish border .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has characterized the base as a key bulwark against a possible Turkish invasion .
Armenia and Russia are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization , a military alliance of some former Soviet republics , not including Azerbaijan , raising the possibility that Armenia could call for military help from the alliance .
Pashinian this week said he does not see an immediate need for calling on Russian forces to take action .
Experts see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of Turkey ’ s aspirations for global and regional leadership and Ankara ’ s increasing efforts to resolve disputes through “ gunboat diplomacy.
” The country has flexed its military muscle in Syria in a bid to prevent Kurdish militants from entrenching in a border region , in Libya where it has sided with the Tripoli-based government to safeguard a maritime delimitation agreement , and in the eastern Mediterranean where it sent a search vessel , accompanied by warships , to explore for energy in disputed waters with Greece .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tendency has been to militarize the problem , ” the Marshall Fund ’ s Unluhisarcikli said .
With the conflict threatening to draw Russia in , experts think Azerbaijan will act with caution and limit any Turkish intervention .
“ The support that Azerbaijan would request ( from Turkey ) would fall beneath the threshold that would anger Russia , ” Unluhisarcikli said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--TV’s ‘Warrior’ latest proof that Bruce Lee still holds sway

PHOENIX - Even nearly 50 years after his death , Bruce Lee can still make ripples .
From this summer ’ s ESPN documentary , “ Be Water , ” to Quentin Tarantino ’ s heavily criticized depiction of him in “ Once Upon a Time ...
In Hollywood , ” the martial arts legend continues to captivate audiences .
That continues with “ Warrior , ” a Cinemax historical drama inspired by his original idea and premiering its second season Friday .
A screen icon who struggled with racism , Lee is now influencing the careers of the mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckoning on race and representation .
“ I ’ m more proud of something like ‘ Warrior ’ than if I was putting on a superhero costume and being the token Asian , ” said leading man Andrew Koji , who credits the show with helping him land the role of Storm Shadow opposite Henry Golding in the upcoming “ G.I .
Joe ” movie “ Snake Eyes.
” “ It has helped me open doors , literally , but also in terms of confidence in my ability.
” Koji plays the series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sahm who arrives in 1870s San Francisco .
“ Game of Thrones ” level carnage ensues .
Instead of warring houses , there are warring Chinatown gangs known as tongs .
The crime drama doesn ’ t shy away from showing anti-Chinese racism — painfully relatable 150 years later in the COVID-19 era .
“ They wrote this a year and a half ago , ” Koji said .
“ It ’ s just scary how relevant it is because we haven ’ t learned.
” The production came from an eight-page , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1971 .
But the studio “ wouldn ’ t sign off on having a Chinese man star in an American TV series , ” according to daughter , Shannon Lee .
The treatment and Lee ’ s accompanying handwritten notes sat in his family ’ s garage until 2015 , when “ The Fast and the Furious ” franchise director Justin Lin asked Shannon Lee about it .
Lin helped get the concept on the development track and became an executive producer .
Jonathan Tropper , co-creator of the show “ Banshee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as showrunner .
Koji , who is of Japanese and British descent , studied martial arts growing up but knew little about Lee .
He ’ s since consumed Lee ’ s movies , writings and philosophies .
In the beginning , Koji was worried that he was essentially playing Lee and that people would compare them .
But Shannon Lee assured him that they wanted the best actor , not martial artist .
“ She said ’ No , just keep doing your thing .
Don ’ t worry about finding out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Koji said .
It remains unclear whether “ Warrior ” will get a third season .
Cinemax decided earlier this year to stop producing original programming .
Canceling it would especially hurt in a TV landscape with few Asian-led vehicles .
Shannon Lee isn ’ t giving up on finding a new home for “ Warrior , ” which will eventually be available on HBO Max .
It ’ s helped reveal another side of her father , she said .
“ I think he ’ s really getting his due as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story-tell , ” Shannon Lee said .
“ We ’ re finally getting to see he wasn ’ t just a flash in the pan.
” Any fan of Lee — who died in 1973 at age 32 after an allergic reaction to pain medication — will recognize his DNA in the brutal , blood-spilling fights .
Dustin Nguyen , a star on the original “ 21 Jump Street ” series in the ’ 80s , plays a menacing tong leader and directed an episode this season .
A huge fan who studied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nguyen helped sprinkle in nods to his idol .
“ It ’ s just little things that the writers put in there to pay homage to Bruce Lee without being a caricature , which I think is the danger zone whenever you get to the subject of Bruce Lee , ” Nguyen said .
“ There ’ s lots of bad caricatures and portrayals of who he is and what people think he is.
” One of those , in Shannon Lee ’ s view , was her father ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Once Upon a Time ...
In Hollywood ” movie .
She was incensed watching a boastful Bruce challenge Brad Pitt ’ s stuntman to a fight .
It was especially “ irresponsible ” as Tarantino never consulted her but spoke with families of other real-life characters .
“ He was not a bully and he was not arrogant , ” she said .
“ Quite frankly , my father was treated in that film like he was by white Hollywood when he was alive.
” It was sheer coincidence that the documentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ESPN in June .
Almost like a tonic to Tarantino ’ s film , director Bao Nguyen fleshed out the difficult path Lee had to stardom through archival footage and interviews , including with Shannon Lee .
The title comes from Lee ’ s belief that fighters need to be “ formless ” and adapt like water .
If Lee were alive , his daughter believes he would be part of the current national conversation about Hollywood white privilege and support Black Lives Matter .
“ He believed in celebrating people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it against them , ” Shannon Lee said .
“ He was interested in people showing up as themselves and being authentic.
” Tang reported from Phoenix and is a member of The Associated Press ’ Race and Ethnicity team .
Follow her on Twitter at https : //twitter.com/ttangAP


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Wildlife habitat reopened as fire danger eases

LONGVIEW , Wash. - About 15,000 acres of PacifiCorp-managed wildlife habitat near the Lewis River reopened Thursday as fire danger @ @ @ @ @ to ease .
The Daily News reports the company had closed the lands , which @ @ @ @ @ River reservoirs and are usually open in fall for hunting , on Sept. 11 due @ @ @ @ @ including poor air quality conditions and the nearby Big Hollow Fire .
As of Sunday @ @ @ @ @ nearly 25,000-acre blaze near the Gifford Pinchot National Forest south of the Swift Reservoir was @ @ @ @ @ the national forest also had been lifted .
PacifiCorp last week reopened several camping , @ @ @ @ @ sites along the Lewis River , which also had been closed due to the fires @ @ @ @ @ for the season or closed temporarily due to construction , according to a news release @


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Police: 5 officers resign after Black man’s death in custody

CHARLOTTE , N.C. - Five North Carolina police officers have resigned amid accusations they failed to seek immediate medical attention for a Black man who died after fatally ingesting drugs before being taken into custody , officials announced .
The four Charlotte Mecklenburg police officers and one sergeant left their roles after Chief Johnny Jennings recommended them for dismissal , the official said at a news conference Thursday in which the department also released video of the January encounter .
Jennings had recommended their termination for not following department policy of seeking medical assistance for Harold Easter , a 41-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene of a drug investigation .
The policy required that anyone suspected of ingesting drugs must be evaluated before being taken to jail , The Charlotte Observer reported .
“ If they had followed policy , we would have at the minimum given Harold Easter a chance , ” Jennings said Thursday .
Authorities have said that during a low-speed car chase , Easter ate a large amount of crack cocaine and he continued to eat , or try to eat , cocaine as he struggled during his arrest .
Officers were aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to video of the arrest .
He suffered a medical emergency in a police interview room , where he had been left unattended for more than 40 minutes .
At the time of his arrest , officers were required to visually check on people in custody every 15 minutes , The Observer said .
“ He was clearly in need of medical attention , ” Jennings has said .
District Attorney Spencer Merriweather III said in a September report to the State Bureau of Investigation that prosecutors could not file involuntary manslaughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be able to prove that Easter would have lived even if he had received immediate medical attention .


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Trump and first lady test positive for coronavirus

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said early Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus , a stunning announcement that plunges the country deeper into uncertainty just a month before the presidential election .
Trump , who has spent much of the year downplaying the threat of a virus that has killed more than 205,000 Americans , said he and Mrs. Trump were quarantining .
The White House physician said the president is expected to continue carrying out his duties “ without disruption ” while recovering .
Still , Trump ’ s diagnosis was sure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , raising questions about how far the virus had spread through the highest levels of the U.S. government .
Hours before Trump announced he had contracted the virus , the White House said a top aide who had travelled with him during the week had tested positive .
“ Tonight , @ FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19 .
We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately , ” Trump tweeted just before 1 a.m. “ We will get through this TOGETHER !
” Trump was last seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday evening and did not appear visibly ill. Trump is 74 years old , putting him at higher risk of serious complications from a virus that has infected more than 7 million people nationwide .
The president ’ s physician said in a memo that Trump and the first lady , who is 50 , “ are both well at this time ” and “ plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.
” The diagnosis marks a devastating blow for a president who has been trying desperately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst of the pandemic is behind them .
In the best of cases , if he develops no symptoms , which can include fever , cough and breathing trouble , it will likely force him off the campaign trail just weeks before the election and puts his participation in the second presidential debate , scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami , into doubt .
Trump ’ s handling of the pandemic has already been a major flashpoint in his race against Democrat Joe Biden , who spent much of the summer off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delaware because of the virus .
Biden has since resumed a more active campaign schedule , but with small , socially distanced crowds .
He also regularly wears a mask in public , something Trump mocked him for at Tuesday night ’ s debate .
“ I don ’ t wear masks like him , ” Trump said of Biden .
“ Every time you see him , he ’ s got a mask .
He could be speaking 200 feet away from me , and he shows up with the biggest mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no immediate comment from the Biden campaign on whether the former vice-president had been tested since appearing at the debate with Trump or whether he was taking any additional safety protocols .
World leaders offered the president and first family their best wishes after their diagnosis , as governments used their case as a reminder for their citizens to wear masks and practice social distancing measures .
On Friday , Trump had been scheduled to receive an intelligence briefing , attend a fundraiser and hold another campaign rally in Sanford , Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House released a revised schedule with only one event : a phone call on “ COVID-19 support to vulnerable seniors.
” Trump ’ s announcement came hours after he confirmed that Hope Hicks , one of his most trusted and longest-serving aides , had been diagnosed with the virus Thursday .
Hicks began feeling mild symptoms during the plane ride home from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday evening , according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose private information .
She was isolated from other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Hicks had been with Trump and other senior staff aboard Marine One and Air Force One en route to that rally and had accompanied the president to Tuesday ’ s presidential debate in Cleveland , along with members of the Trump family .
They did not wear masks during the debate , in violation of the venue rules .
Multiple White House staffers have previously tested positive for the virus , including Vice-President Mike Pence ’ s press secretary , Katie Miller , national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valets .
But Trump has consistently played down concerns about being personally vulnerable , even after White House staff and allies were exposed and sickened .
Since the coronavirus emerged earlier this year , Trump has refused to abide by basic public health guidelines — including those issued by his own administration — such as wearing face coverings in public and practicing social distancing .
Instead , he has continued to hold campaign rallies that draw thousands of often maskless supporters .
“ I felt no vulnerability whatsoever , ” he said told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sure to rattle an already shaken nation still grappling with how to safely reopen the economy without driving virus transmission .
The White House has access to near-unlimited resources , including a constant supply of quick-result tests , and still failed to keep the president safe , raising questions about how the rest of the country will be able to protect its workers , students and the public as businesses and schools reopen .
U.S. stock futures fell on the news of Trump ’ s diagnosis .
Questions remain about why it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested and why he and his aides continued to come to work and travel after Hicks fell ill. Trump travelled to New Jersey on Thursday for a fundraiser , exposing attendees to the virus .
Pence ’ s aides had no immediate comment on whether the vice-president had been tested or in contact with Trump .
It is unclear where the Trumps and Hicks may have caught the virus , but in his Fox interview , Trump seemed to suggest it may have been spread by someone in the military or law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very hard when you are with people from the military or from law enforcement , and they come over to you , and they want to hug you , and they want to kiss you , ” he said , “ because we really have done a good job for them .
And you get close .
And things happen.
” The White House began instituting a daily testing regimen for the president ’ s senior aides after earlier positive cases close to the president .
Anyone in proximity to the president or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including reporters .
Yet since the early days of the pandemic , experts have questioned the health and safety protocols at the White House and asked why more wasn ’ t being done to protect the commander in chief .
Trump continued to shake hands with visitors long after public health officials were warning against it , and he initially resisted being tested .
Trump is far from the first world leader to test positive for the virus , which previously infected Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including three nights in intensive care .
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was hospitalized last month while fighting what he called a “ hellish ” case of COVID-19 .
While there is currently no indication that Trump is seriously ill , the positive test raises questions about what would happen if he were to become incapacitated due to illness .
The Constitution ’ s 25th Amendment spells out the procedures under which the president can declare himself “ unable to discharge the powers and duties ” of the presidency .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump would transmit a written note to the Senate president pro tempore , Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa , and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. Pence would serve as acting president until Trump transmitted “ a written declaration to the contrary.
” The vice-president and a majority of either the Cabinet or another body established by law can also declare the president unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office , in which case Pence would “ immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaration to the contrary .

Jill Colvin And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--David and Nicola Yoon launch YA imprint for people of colour

NEW YORK - Bestselling authors David and Nicola Yoon are launching a Random House Children ’ s Books imprint for young adult romance novels by and about people of colour .
They are calling the imprint Joy Revolution and plan to release the first books in 2022 .
“ I loved romantic comedies and romance novels when I was younger .
Loved the meet-cutes , the breakups , the make-ups , and the final chase scene followed by the big speech declaring one person ’ s love for the other , “ Nicola Yoon said in a statement Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ The Princess Bride , ” along with Harlequin romances .
“ But as much as I loved those titles , they always left me with nagging questions : Where were the girls who looked like me ?
Didn ’ t Black girls ever fall in love ?
” Joy Revolution continues the publishing industry ’ s efforts to diversify an historically white business , whether hiring Dana Canedy to run Simon & Schuster ’ s flagship imprint or the announcement earlier this week that Jamia Wilson would next year join Random @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice-president and executive editor .
“ All readers deserve to see themselves represented in the books they read , “ Barbara Marcus , president and publisher of Random House Children ’ s Books , said in a statement .
David Yoon is known for such novels as “ Frankly In Love ” and “ Super Fake Love Song.
” Books by Nicola Yoon , his wife , include “ The Sun Is Also a Star “ and “ Everything , Everything .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Trump debate comment pushing Black Americans, others to vote

DETROIT - When President Donald Trump refused to outright condemn white nationalists in this week ’ s presidential debate and urged his supporters to monitor polling sites , Portia Roberson was reminded of earlier eras when Black Americans were intimidated at the polls to deter them from voting .
Roberson , a 51-year-old Black woman who lives in Detroit , found the comments chilling — but also felt a renewed resolve to vote .
For many Black Americans and other people of colour , Trump ’ s comments in his debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden were a harsh reminder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grapple with systemic racism laid bare this year by protests against police killings of Black people , the coronavirus pandemic , and the resulting economic fallout .
But they were also a call to action .
“ I hope that we take some of that frustration , anger and sadness that we ’ ve all been feeling for the better part of 2020 , and use it to motivate ourselves to go to the polls and make sure we vote and vote for candidates who really reflect what Black folks need in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Detroit non-profit Focus : Hope .
Trump tried to walk back his debate comments on Wednesday , but the moment when he told one far-right group to “ stand back and stand by ” had already been cemented in the minds of many Americans , experts and activists say .
A day after the debate , the president said he didn ’ t know the group but that it should “ let law enforcement do their work.
” During the debate , he also urged his “ supporters to go into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s what has to happen.
” Eric Sheffield , a Black real estate developer in Atlanta whose parents hail from the Deep South , said Trump ’ s comments reminded him of the Jim Crow era .
“ I hear the ghost of voter suppressionists past , ” said Sheffield , 52 .
“ It ’ s the same soup .
It ’ s just warmed over now.
” It ’ s not just Black Americans who took notice — and umbrage — at the president ’ s debate comments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other backgrounds , said Anna Mach , a biracial Filipino American woman who is a master ’ s student at the University of Denver .
“ I ’ m disgusted and angry and terrified by those comments , ” Mach , 22 , said .
“ But I ’ m not surprised.
” Since the coronavirus , which first flared in China , spread to the United States , Mach said she ’ s seen a surge in hate directed toward Asian Americans .
Trump himself has been criticized for referring to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m worried there will be more hate crimes from white supremacists , ” she said .
On Thursday , when asked for a definitive statement on whether the president denounces white supremacism , White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that Trump had said the day before : “ I have always denounced any form of that.
” Some organizations are working to transform the fears elicited by Trump ’ s comments into votes .
The New Georgia Project has identified about 600,000 , Black , Latino , Asian American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage to vote in November , said CEO Nse Ufot .
She said that doesn ’ t include an additional 90,000 Black voters who live in Georgia ’ s “ rural Black belt ” who didn ’ t vote in 2016 and who they ’ re also trying to reach .
“ The debate was not about communicating his ( Trump ’ s ) vision for America , ” Ufot said .
“ It was about making it super unpleasant and awful and distasteful and to encourage people to withdraw from the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that happen.
” Dr. Elvin Geng , a professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis helped establish Asian Americans Against Trump , which has been funding digital and print ads in Asian-language media outlets in battleground states .
Geng hopes younger Asian Americans who don ’ t support Trump will talk to their relatives who do about their thinking and maybe change some minds .
“ In many realms ... immigrants do look to their kids for what they think , how to think about what ’ s happening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s comments — and his record on race — may have unsettled many Americans , for some Black people they evoke a particularly dark history .
The rhetoric conjured up memories of Southern segregationists and voter intimidation tactics for the Rev .
Wendell H. Paris , 75 , who was involved in voting rights work in the 1960s including registration drives in Alabama and the Selma-to-Montgomery march .
“ Whenever you hear him say , ‘ law and order , ’ that ’ s coded language , ” said Paris .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial situation of the 1950s and the 1960s.
” Even after the Voting Rights Act in 1965 offered greater protections , Paris recalled the way white deputies in uniform would show up at voting precincts in mostly Black areas to watch over voters — which had the effect of intimidating them given the history of racist mistreatment .
Because of that history , University of Michigan political science professor Vincent Hutchings said he believes Trump ’ s comments are stirring legitimate concerns that overzealous supporters will cause trouble at polling sites , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of things would represent violations or fraud ?
” Hutchings asked .
“ It ’ s very murky and so , as a consequence , people have to exercise their own discretion , and when that happens , all bets are off , so it is certainly dangerous in that regard.
” Chicago resident Cynthia Bell , who said the debate “ broke my heart , ” has decided to vote early out of concern over potential intimidation at the polls .
“ How is this possible in this day and age ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior centre in her mostly Black community .
“ What have we gotten ourselves into ?
” Reeves reported from Birmingham , Alabama , and Fernando from East Greenwich , Rhode Island .
Associated Press writers Aaron Morrison in New York , Terry Tang in Phoenix and Tammy Webber in Oak Park , Illinois , also contributed .
Stafford , Reeves , Fernando , Morrison and Tang are members of The Associated Press ’ Race and Ethnicity team .

Kat Stafford, Jay Reeves And Christine Fernando - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Bernie Sanders resuming in-person campaigning to back Biden

WILMINGTON , Del .
- Bernie Sanders is returning to in-person campaigning for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March , heading to the battleground states of New Hampshire and Michigan to promote Joe Biden and sooth any lingering tensions between the Democratic Party ’ s progressive and centrist wings .
Spokesman Mike Casca says the Vermont senator will hold a socially distanced , outdoor rally Saturday in Lebanon , New Hampshire which will be capped to keep crowds from growing too large .
On Monday , Sanders will host a drive-in rally in Macomb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that voted Republican in 2016 and was instrumental in clinching the White House for President Donald Trump .
Sanders ended his presidential primary campaign in April and endorsed Biden just days later , as both candidates worked to promote party unity that largely eluded Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
Some of Sanders ’ top advisers and supporters later formed joint task forces with their counterparts from Biden ’ s camp to hammer out agreements on major policy issues that were reflected in the Democratic Party platform .
Also , high ranking Sanders campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promote Biden — despite Sanders personally opposing outside money in politics .
Sanders hitting the road again comes as Trump has increasingly sought to paint Biden as beholden to progressive activists and the “ radical left.
” Biden , who won the primary largely as a moderate , says he wants to build a broad coalition of support from all Democrats and as many Republicans as possible — but has noted that he doesn ’ t support some of Sanders ’ most progressive ideas .
That includes not embracing fully government-funded health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , nor a sweeping package of climate change-fighting measures known as the Green New Deal .
Biden has said he “ beat the socialist ” referring to Sanders .
And , amid sharp criticism from Trump about embracing some of Sanders ’ policies during the first presidential debate in Cleveland on Tuesday , the former vice-president noted , “ Right now , I ’ m the Democratic Party.
” Sanders reiterated on ABC ’ s “ The View ” this week that Biden doesn ’ t share his support for “ Medicare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree with me , though I wish he did , ” Sanders said .
Even before his scheduled trips , Sanders spent months staging virtual town halls and other events around the country on Biden ’ s behalf .
Since the Democratic convention in August , he ’ s held more than a dozen online rallies , targeting voters in Kentucky , West Virginia , Iowa , Wisconsin , Colorado , Texas , Vermont , Pennsylvania and Michigan , as well as virtual events focused on Latino and rural voters .
All told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 million views of clips and livestreams .
Sanders also endorsed 76 candidates for elected office around the country this cycle and saw three-fourths of those win .
Sanders argues that Trump poses an existential threat to American democracy , warning that the president may use election results that could be delayed by high volumes of mail-in ballots cast amid the pandemic to declare victory illegitimately .


thetorontostar--2020-10-02--Stock markets sink after Trump tests positive for virus

U.S. stock futures and world markets fell Friday after President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the new coronavirus .
The future contracts for the S & P 500 and the Dow industrials dropped 1.6 % and 1.5 % , respectively while the price of oil tumbled almost 4 % .
Trump tweeted news of his test results just hours after the White House announced that senior aide Hope Hicks had come down with the virus after travelling with the president several times this week .
The positive test reading for the leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heaps uncertainty onto a growing pile of unknowns investors are grappling with , first among them how it might affect the Nov. 3 election and American policies on trade , tariffs and many other issues beyond then .
“ To say this potentially could be a big deal is an understatement , ” analysts at Rabobank said in a commentary .
“ Anyway , everything now takes a backseat to the latest incredible twist in this U.S. election campaign.
” A statement issued by Trump ’ s doctor saying both he and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue his duties appeared to calm the markets ’ reaction .
Germany ’ s DAX gave up 1.4 % to 12,558 and the CAC 40 in Paris lost 1.1 % to 4,771 after new inflation figures increased the likelihood that the European Central Bank will add to its stimulus efforts this winter .
Britain ’ s FTSE 100 dropped 0.9 % to 5,826 .
Trading in Asia was thin , with markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong closed .
The Nikkei 225 index shed strong early gains , losing 0.7 % to 23,029.90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following an all day outage due to a technical failure .
Reports that the Japanese government is preparing new stimulus measures to help the economy recover from a prolonged downturn worsened by the coronavirus pandemic provided only a temporary lift .
Prices fell further after Trump ’ s announcement .
Australia ’ s benchmark S & P/ASX 200 slipped 1.4 % to 5,791.50 .
Shares in Singapore , Thailand and Indonesia also fell .
Big swings in markets have become routine as investors assess chances of a deal on Capitol Hill to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits for laid-off workers and deliver assistance to airlines and other industries hit particularly hard by the pandemic .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin continued their talks on Thursday , but no breakthrough arrived before stock trading ended on Wall Street .
Instead , there were only hopes that were periodically raised and dashed as government officials took turns criticizing each other .
“ Things remain fluid ; we all know what is at stake if this deal does not go through , “ Stephen Innes of Axi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developments , investors will be watching for job figures due out Friday .
Data released Thursday painted a mixed picture for the economy , with one report showing the number of workers filing for unemployment benefits last week fell to 837,000 from 873,000 .
That was less than economists expected , but incredibly high compared with before the pandemic .
With airlines and other major companies announcing layoffs and furloughs , another round of economic aid from Congress is seen as crucial .
Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping to drive through the previous economic rescue approved by Congress in March .
But the country ’ s deepening partisan divide has stymied progress , with the presidential election only about a month away .
The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 0.66 % from 0.67 % .
U.S. benchmark crude lost $ 1.39 to $ 37.33 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange .
It gave up $ 1.50 to $ 38.72 on Thursday .
Brent crude , the international standard , lost $ 1.46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar weakened to 105.21 Japanese yen from 105.54 yen .
The euro weakened to $ 1.1728 from $ 1.1747 .

Elaine Kurtenbach - The Associated Press