thetorontostar--2020-10-13--IMF envisions a sharp 4.4% drop in global growth for 2020

WASHINGTON - The International Monetary Fund foresees a steep fall in international growth this year as the global economy struggles to recover from the pandemic-induced recession , its worst collapse in nearly a century .
The IMF estimated Tuesday that the global economy will shrink 4.4 % for 2020 .
That would be the worst annual plunge since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
By comparison , the international economy contracted by a far smaller 0.1 % after the devastating 2008 financial crisis .
The monetary fund ’ s forecast for 2020 in its latest World Economic Outlook does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its previous forecast in June .
The IMF attributed the slightly less dire forecast to faster-than-expected rebounds in some countries , notably China , and to government rescue aid that was enacted by the United States and other major industrial countries .
But the 189-nation lending agency cautioned that many developing countries , notably India , are faring worse than expected , in large part because of a resurgent virus .
Many nations face the threat of economic reversals if government support is withdrawn too quickly , the IMF warned .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the ascent will be long , uneven and uncertain , ” Gita Gopinath , the IMF ’ s chief economist , wrote in the new outlook .
“ Recovery is not assured while the pandemic continues to spread.
” While forecasting a global contraction this year after 2.8 % growth last year , the IMF predicts a rebound to global growth of 5.2 % next year , 0.2 percentage point lower than in its June forecast .
For the United States , the IMF forecasts an economic contraction of 4.3 % this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its June forecast .
The less-pessimistic outlook reflects a stronger-than-expected bounce from the $ 3 trillion in relief aid that Congress enacted earlier this year .
For next year , the IMF envisions 3.1 % growth in the United States , 1.4 percentage points less than in its June outlook and in line with the view of private forecasters .
Last year , the U.S. economy grew 2.2 % .
China , the world ’ s second-largest economy , is expected to grow 1.9 % this year , a sharp slowdown from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then expand 8.2 % in 2021 .
The IMF said that while a swift recovery in China had surprised forecasters , the global rebound remains vulnerable to setbacks .
It noted that “ prospects have worsened significantly in some developing countries where where infections are rising rapidly ” and that in India and in poorer nations in Africa and Asia , the pandemic has continued to spread and in some areas even accelerate .
“ Preventing further policy setbacks , ” the IMF said , “ will require that policy support is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , a variety of economic aid programs , including small business loans to prevent layoffs and a $ 600-a-week unemployment benefit , have expired .
Congress has so far failed to reach a compromise agreement to provide further financial assistance to individuals and businesses .
The scale of disruptions in hard-hit economic sectors of the U.S. economy , notably restaurants , retail stores and airlines , suggests that without an available vaccine and effective drugs to combat the virus , many areas of the economy “ face a particularly difficult path back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IMF said .
Even as China has rebounded much faster than many expected , India , another populous country in Asia , is enduring difficulties .
India ’ s economy is expected to contract 10.3 % this year — 5.8 percentage points deeper than the decline the IMF had forecast in June .
The monetary fund predicted that the euro area , which covers the 19 European nations that use the euro currency , would contract 8.3 % this year but rebound 5.2 % next year .
The IMF produced the updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings of the 189-nation lending institution and its sister institution , the World Bank .
Those meetings are expected to be dominated by discussions of how to provide more aid to the world ’ s poorest countries in the form of medical aid and debt relief .
One idea being considered is to extend for six months a debt-payment freeze for the poorest nations that took effect May 1 but is due to expire at year ’ s end .
Many aid groups are pressing for rich nations to go further and forgive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt repayments .
Poor countries have been hurt the most by the pandemic .
The World Bank has estimated that the pandemic has thrown between 88 million and 114 million people into extreme poverty , which is defined as living on less than $ 1.90 a day .
That would mark the largest increase in extreme poverty on data going back to 1990 .
And it would end a period of more than two decades in which the rate of extreme poverty had declined .

Martin Crutsinger - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Thai police arrest protesters camping out ahead of rally

BANGKOK - Police in Thailand have arrested several political activists who planned to camp out at the site of a rally scheduled for Wednesday in Bangkok that is along the route the country ’ s king is expected to travel for an unrelated royal ceremony .
The arrests Tuesday came after police started to tear down tents put up by the protesters , who had travelled to the capital from northeastern Thailand .
The protesters resisted and pushed back against the police , sparking a mild brawl .
Police said they initially asked the protesters to remove the tents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest has been called by a coalition of mostly student-led groups that several months ago adopted three core demands : new elections , changes in the constitution to make it more democratic and an end to intimidation of political activists .
The protesters later adopted another major demand , for reform of the monarchy , which they claim does not properly operate within the framework of a democracy .
That demand has caused a huge controversy , since the royal institution has long been considered sacrosanct and a pillar of Thai identity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ majeste law that mandates three to 15 years in prison for defaming the monarchy .
One of those arrested was a leading activist , Jatupat Boonpattararaksa , better known as Pai Dao Din , who was imprisoned for 2 1/2 years for lese majeste and violation of the Computer Crime Act for sharing online a 2016 biography of King Maha Vajiralongkorn from the Facebook page of the BBC ’ s Thai-language service .
Police Col. Kissana Phathanacharoen , deputy spokesperson for the police department , said the demonstrators were being interrogated while police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said they were likely to face many charges , including defying police orders , violating a public gathering law invoked due to the coronavirus , and obstructing traffic and public roads .
He said he was uncertain how many were arrested .
Most protest leaders already have been arrested previously on charges ranging from blocking streets to sedition , which is punishable by up to seven years in prison .
Although they have piled up charges against the protesters , the authorities have generally been careful not to act too harshly against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after protesters were summoned to turn themselves in , and in all known cases they have been released on bail .
Tuesday ’ s remaining protesters decided to relocate while they considered their next move .
The protesters have said they do not intend to interfere with the passage of the king ’ s car through the street where they will hold their rally Wednesday , but the authorities have not made clear how they will deal with the situation .
Streets are normally cleared along routes travelled by the king .

Busaba Sivasomboon - The Associated Press

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thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Thai protest rally plans complicated by king’s itinerary

BANGKOK - Thai activists hope to keep up the momentum in their campaign for democratic change with a third major rally in Bangkok on Wednesday , though there are concerns about possible confrontation with police or rival government supporters .
Plans for the rally at Bangkok ’ s Democracy Monument have been complicated by King Maha Vajiralongkorn ’ s duties , which include him being driven around the protest venue to attend a royal ceremony .
The protest leaders said they will make way for the king , and police said they are confident they can control the crowds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , widely seen as unsympathetic to the king , could at a minimum show public disrespect for the crown .
The king made a similar drive on Tuesday after police cleared tents set up near the monument and arrested 21 people on minor charges .
“ The Democracy Monument arrests raise serious concerns that the government will impose even harsher repression of people ’ s fundamental freedoms in Thailand , ” said Brad Adams , Asia director at Human Rights Watch .
“ Thailand ’ s international friends should call on the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their views , and allow them to freely and safely express their visions for the future.
” Protesters on Wednesday also planned to march to Government House — the office of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha — and surround it for at least a night .
The crowds at the last two rallies , held on weekends , were significant in number , with the Sept. 19 event estimated to be have attracted at least 20,000 people .
But turnout could be weaker this time , because it falls on a weekday amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general strike was abandoned .
The protesters have drawn attention , and scorn in some quarters , because of their demands for reforms in Thailand ’ s constitutional monarchy , which they claim does not properly operate in a democratic framework .
That demand has caused a huge controversy , because the royal institution has long been considered sacrosanct and a pillar of Thai identity .
It is also protected by a lese majeste law that mandates three to 15 years in prison for defaming the monarchy .
Conservative royalist Thais are suspicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking to end the monarchy , an allegation they deny .
However , the activists identify closely with the 1932 revolution that ended the absolute monarchy .
Their movement has in a few months gone through several names , but they recently dubbed themselves the Khana Ratsadon , or People ’ s Party , after the group of civil servants and military officers behind the historic change .
Several royalist groups announced plans to stage counter-demonstrations near the rally , but their previous efforts have gained little popular support .
“ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Parit “ Penguin ” Chiwarak told reporters .
“ Police should take care of safety for us and the other groups .
We protest in a peaceful way.
” The other historical link claimed by Wednesday ’ s protesters is the date of the rally , which is the anniversary of the 1973 popular uprising that led to the toppling of a military dictatorship .
The protest movement was launched in March by university students but quickly put on hold as Thailand was gripped by surges in coronavirus cases .
It came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus eased , and since then has again been spearheaded by students and publicized on social media .
The movement ’ s original core demands were new elections , changes in the constitution to make it more democratic , and an end to intimidation of activists .
The protesters charge that Prime Minister Prayuth , who as army commander led a 2014 coup toppling an elected government , was returned to power unfairly in last year ’ s general election because the laws had been changed to favour a pro-military party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military rule is undemocratic .
Prayuth ’ s government also faces broader criticism that it is ineffective and without direction as the economy , hit hard by the pandemic , sputters and the country remains closed to foreign tourists , the main source of income .

Tassanee Vejpongsa - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Former Idaho governor candidate indicted in 1984 killing

DENVER - A former longshot Idaho gubernatorial candidate was indicted Tuesday in the murder of Jonelle Matthews , a 12-year-old Colorado girl whose disappearance after a holiday concert in 1984 was a mystery for decades .
Her former neighbour Steve D. Pankey was charged with murder , kidnapping and other counts .
He was arrested Monday at his Idaho home and being held without bail as he awaited extradition to Colorado , officials said .
Jonelle died from a single gunshot wound to her forehead , Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke said .
Her remains went undiscovered until 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years as her picture was printed on milk cartons during a national missing-children campaign in the 1980s .
“ Always in the back of your mind you might have a little bit of of hope , ” said Jennifer Mogensen , her sister .
“ We ’ re extremely grateful we ’ re getting this next step toward justice.
” Mogensen was a few years older , and she doesn ’ t remember Pankey .
In the decades since he lived in Colorado , he has run as a Constitution Party candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican primary in 2018 .
It ’ s the same year authorities said he became a person of interest in the girl ’ s death .
He did not immediately return phone or email messages Tuesday from The Associated Press .
But last week told the Times-News in Twin Falls , Idaho , that he was being framed in the case .
He said his family had few connections to Jonelle or her family .
The two families did worship at the same church in Greeley , Colorado , and Pankey had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowledge about the commission of the crime “ that was not public information , Rourke said .
Pankey had watched children from the Jonelle ’ s middle school walk home , according to charging documents .
In 2008 , his former wife heard him say at his son ’ s funeral : “ I hope God didn ’ t allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews , “ prosecutors wrote .
Jonelle disappeared on Dec. 20 , 1984 , after being dropped home by a friend and the friend ’ s father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , entering the ranch-style home where she lived with her father , Jim ; mother , Gloria ; and sister .
But when her father returned from her older sister ’ s basketball game an hour later , Jonelle was gone .
The case came to the attention of then-President Ronald Reagan as his administration launched a national effort to find missing children .
Her picture was printed on milk cartons across the U.S. as part of a project by the National Child Safety Council .
“ For over three decades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community with many unanswered questions and a void that has not been filled .
With the arrest of Steve Pankey ... some of these questions are starting to be answered , ” said Greeley police department Chief Mark Jones .
Jonelle was considered missing for more than 30 years until workers digging a pipeline in July 2019 discovered human remains matching her dental records in a rural area southeast of Greeley , a city about 50 miles ( 80 kilometres ) north of Denver .
Police then labeled her death a homicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in the case , and last year he contacted the Idaho Statesman to tell his side of the story , fearing a possible arrest .
He told the newspaper that he was home with his then-wife the night Jonelle went missing , their car packed for an early-morning trip the next day to visit family in California .
They took the trip and returned home six days later in 1984 , Pankey said , and he heard the news of a missing child on the radio .
The ex-wife told prosecutors the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , Pankey “ uncharacteristically listened to the radio , searching for news accounts of Jonelle ’ s disappearance , ” according to the indictment .
Mogensen told the AP in 2019 that the girl was strong and fiercely independent .
In one family photo , Jonelle stood in the family ’ s home , with a hand on her hip .
In another , she stares directly into the camera with her mouth set and eyes slightly narrowed .
In countless others , her grin is wide and unguarded .
Nieberg is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City contributed to this story .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--China and Russia win seats on UN rights council, Saudis lose

TANZANIA , Tanzania - China , Russia and Cuba won seats on the U.N. ’ s premiere human rights body Tuesday despite opposition from activist groups over their abysmal human rights records , but another target , Saudi Arabia , lost .
Russia and Cuba were running unopposed , but China and Saudi Arabia were in a five-way race in the only contested race for seats on the Human Rights Council .
In secret-ballot voting in the 193-member U.N. General Assembly on that race , Pakistan received 169 votes , Uzbekistan 164 , Nepal 150 , China 139 and Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Saudis won a seat with 152 votes .
Despite announced reform plans by Saudi Arabia , Human Rights Watch and others strongly opposed its candidacy saying the Middle East nation continues to target human rights defenders , dissidents and women ’ s rights activists and has demonstrated little accountability for past abuses , including the killing of Washington Post columnist and Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul two years ago .
Sarah Leah Whitson , executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now , the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of dollars spent by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin on public relations “ to cover his grotesque abuses , the international community just isn ’ t buying it.
” “ Unless Saudi Arabia undertakes dramatic reforms to release political prisoners , end its disastrous war in Yemen and allow its citizens meaningful political participation , it will remain a global pariah , ” Whitson said .
Under the Human Rights Council ’ s rules , seats are allocated to regions to ensure geographical representation .
Except for the Asia-Pacific contest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47-member Human Rights Council was all but decided in advance because all the other regional groups had uncontested slates .
Four countries won four Africa seats : Ivory Coast , Malawi , Gabon and Senegal .
Russia and Ukraine won the two East European seats .
In the Latin American and Caribbean group , Mexico , Cuba and Bolivia won the three open seats .
And Britain and France won the two seats for the Western European and others group .
“ Saudi Arabia ’ s failure to win a seat on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the need for more competition in U.N. elections , “ Human Rights Watch ’ s U.N. director , Louis Charbonneau , said after the results were announced , “ Had there been additional candidates , China , Cuba and Russia might have lost too , “ he said .
“ But the addition of these undeserving countries won ’ t prevent the council from shining a light on abuses and speaking up for victims .
In fact , by being on the council , these abusers will be directly in the spotlight.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Western nations , saying : “ They don ’ t want competition .
...
Essentially these are backroom deals that are worked out among the regional groups.
” Last week , a coalition of human rights groups from Europe , the United States and Canada called on U.N. member states to oppose the election of China , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Cuba , Pakistan and Uzbekistan , saying their human rights records make them “ unqualified.
” “ Electing these dictatorships as U.N. judges on human rights is like making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brigade , ” said Hillel Neuer , executive director of UN Watch .
The Geneva-based rights organization published a 30-page joint report with the Human Rights Foundation and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights evaluating candidates for council seats .
The report lists Bolivia , Ivory Coast , Nepal , Malawi , Mexico , Senegal and Ukraine — all winners — as having “ questionable ” credentials due to problematic human rights and U.N. voting records that need improvement .
It gave “ qualified ” ratings only to the United Kingdom and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented call by 50 U.N. experts on June 26 for “ decisive measures to protect fundamental freedoms in China , ” warning about its mass rights violations in Hong Kong and Tibet and against ethnic Uighurs in the Chinese province of Xinjiang as well as attacks on rights defenders , journalists , lawyers and government critics .
Their call was echoed by over 400 civil society groups from more than 60 countries .
Of the four winners of seats in the Asia-Pacific group , China got the lowest vote — 139 compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat in 2016 .
The rights group said Russia ’ s military operations with the Syrian government “ have deliberately or indiscriminately killed civilians and destroyed hospitals and other protected civilian infrastructure in violation of international humanitarian law , ” and noted Russia ’ s veto of U.N. Security Council resolutions on Syria , including blocking Damascus ’ referral to the International Criminal Court .
The Geneva-based Human Rights Council can spotlight abuses and has special monitors watching certain countries and issues .
It also periodically reviews human rights in every U.N. member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a commission discredited because of some members ’ poor rights records , the new council soon came to face similar criticism , including that rights abusers sought seats to protect themselves and their allies .
The United States announced its withdrawal from the council in June 2018 partly because it considered the body a forum for hypocrisy about human rights , though also because Washington says the council is anti-Israel .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday ’ s election of China , Russia and Cuba and last year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abhorrent human rights records ” -- further validate the U.S. withdrawal from the council .
He said the U.S. has taken its own actions to punish “ human rights abusers in Xinjiang , Myanmar , Iran , and elsewhere.
” Israel ’ s U.N .
Ambassador Gilad Erdan called on all democracies on the council “ to immediately resign from this shameful and anti-Semitic body.
” Human Rights Council spokesman Rolando Gomez said when the newly elected members start their three-year terms in January , 119 of the 193 UN member States will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its diversity and giving the council “ legitimacy when speaking out on human rights violations in all countries.
” “ If a State thinks they can conceal the human rights violations they may have committed , or escape criticism by sitting on the Human Rights Council , they are greatly mistaken , “ Gomez said .
Jamey Keaten contributed to this report from Geneva


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Supreme Court halts census in latest twist of 2020 count

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the Trump administration can end census field operations early , in a blow to efforts to make sure minorities are properly counted in the crucial once-a-decade tally .
The decision was not a total loss for plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the administration ’ s decision to end the count early .
They managed to get nearly two extra weeks of counting people as the case made its way through the courts .
However , the ruling increased the chances of the Trump administration retaining control of the process that decides how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by extension how much voting power each state has .
The Supreme Court justices ’ ruling came as the nation ’ s largest association of statisticians , and even the bureau ’ s own census takers and partners , have been raising questions about the quality of the data being gathered — numbers that are used to determine how much federal funding and how many congressional seats are allotted to states .
At issue was a request by the Trump administration that the Supreme Court suspend a lower court ’ s order extending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October following delays caused by the pandemic .
The Trump administration argued that the head count needed to end immediately to give the bureau time to meet a year-end deadline .
Congress requires the bureau to turn in by Dec. 31 the figures used to decide the states ’ congressional seats — a process known as apportionment .
By sticking to the deadline , the Trump administration would end up controlling the numbers used for the apportionment , no matter who wins next month ’ s presidential election .
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court ’ s decision “ regrettable and disappointing , ” and said the administration ’ s actions “ threaten to politically and financially exclude many in America ’ s most vulnerable communities from our democracy.
” Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the high court ’ s decision , saying “ respondents will suffer substantial injury if the Bureau is permitted to sacrifice accuracy for expediency.
” The Supreme Court ruling came in response to a lawsuit by a coalition of local governments and civil rights groups , arguing that minorities and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the census ended early .
They said the schedule was cut short to accommodate a July order from President Donald Trump that would exclude people in the country illegally from being counted in the numbers used for apportionment .
Opponents of the order said it followed the strategy of the late Republican redistricting guru , Thomas Hofeller , who had advocated using voting-age citizens instead of the total population when it came to drawing legislative seats since that would favour Republicans and non-Hispanic whites .
Last month , U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plaintiffs and issued an injunction suspending a Sept. 30 deadline for finishing the 2020 census and a Dec. 31 deadline for submitting the apportionment numbers .
That caused the deadlines to revert back to a previous Census Bureau plan that had field operations ending Oct. 31 and the reporting of apportionment figures at the end of April 2021 .
When the Census Bureau , and the Commerce Department , which oversees the statistical agency , picked an Oct. 5 end date , Koh struck that down too , accusing officials of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the next ... and undermining the credibility of the Census Bureau and the 2020 Census.
” An appellate court panel upheld Koh ’ s order allowing the census to continue through October but struck down the part that suspended the Dec. 31 deadline for turning in apportionment numbers .
The panel of three appellate judges said that just because the year-end deadline is impossible to meet doesn ’ t mean the court should require the Census Bureau to miss it .
The plaintiffs said the ruling against them was not a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted during the extra two weeks .
“ Every day has mattered , and the Supreme Court ’ s order staying the preliminary injunction does not erase the tremendous progress that has been made as a result of the district court ’ s rulings , ” said Melissa Sherry , one of the attorneys for the coalition .
Besides deciding how many congressional seats each state gets , the census helps determine how $ 1.5 trillion in federal funding is distributed each year .
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said that his city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the decade following the 2010 census , and he feared it would lose more this time around .
The California city was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit .
With plans for the count hampered by the pandemic , the Census Bureau in April had proposed extending the deadline for finishing the count from the end of July to the end of October , and pushing the apportionment deadline from Dec. 31 to next April .
The proposal to extend the apportionment deadline passed the Democratic-controlled House , but the Republican-controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request .
Then , in late July and early August , bureau officials shortened the count schedule by a month so that it would finish at the end of September .
The Senate Republicans ’ inaction coincided with Trump ’ s order directing the Census Bureau to have the apportionment count exclude people who are in the country illegally .
The order was later ruled unlawful by a panel of three district judges in New York , but the Trump administration appealed that case to the Supreme Court .
The Supreme Court decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Statistical Association has found that a shortened schedule , dropped quality control procedures , pending lawsuits and the outside politicization of some parts of the 2020 census have raised questions about the quality of the nation ’ s head count that need to be answered if the final numbers are going to be trusted .
The Census Bureau says it has counted 99.9 % of households nationwide , though some regions of the country such as parts of Mississippi and hurricane-battered Louisiana fall well below that .
As the Census Bureau winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , there will be a push to get communities in those two states counted , said Kristen Clarke , president and executive director of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law , one of the litigants in the lawsuit .
“ That said , the Supreme Court ’ s order will result in irreversible damage to the 2020 Census , “ Clarke said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Marine relieved of command after deadly California sinking

CAMP PENDLETON , Calif. - The leader of a Marine landing team was relieved of command Tuesday after an amphibious assault vehicle sank off the Southern California coast in July , killing nine people , the military announced Tuesday .
Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner was relieved of command Tuesday based on “ a substantial amount of information and data , ” according to a statement by Lt. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl , the commanding general of the I Marine Expeditionary Force .
The statement did not provide more details .
Regner commanded the battalion landing team of the 1st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marine Expeditionary Unit .
“ Heckl relieved Regner due to a loss in trust and confidence in his ability to command “ as a result of the July 30 accident , according to a Marine Corps statement .
The military is investigating what caused the tank-like amphibious vehicle to sink off San Clemente Island on July 30 after completing routine training .
The troops were heading back to a Navy ship from the island , which lies about 70 miles west of San Diego .
The amphibious vehicle , with 16 people on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 117 metres ) of water .
Another Marine was pronounced dead at the scene .
The bodies of seven Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman were later recovered by an underwater salvage team .
Those who died ranged in age from 18 to 22 .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Source: Friction with mayor behind top NYPD official’s exit

NEW YORK - A top commander seen as a rising star in the leadership ranks of the New York Police Department abruptly gave notice Tuesday that he is retiring , less than a year after taking the job .
Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo ’ s sudden exit , after months of dealing with street protests and the coronavirus pandemic , was borne out of frustration with Mayor Bill de Blasio that boiled over last week , according to a police official with knowledge of Pichardo ’ s reasons for leaving .
The official was not authorized to speak publicly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on condition of anonymity .
Pichardo filed retirement paperwork Tuesday , the department said in a written statement .
De Blasio ’ s press secretary , Bill Neidhardt , didn ’ t respond to a question about the alleged dispute .
“ Chief of Patrol Pichardo is a deeply respected leader in the NYPD and City Hall is continuing to have conversations with him regarding his future , ” Neidhardt said .
A message seeking comment was left with Pichardo , who the department said would stay on the job until mid-November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pichardo felt de Blasio and his staff were meddling in police work and ignoring the department ’ s chain of command by communicating with him directly , instead of through the police commissioner .
The issue came to a head last week , after Pichardo was summoned to City Hall and upbraided for not answering a call from the mayor the night before , the official said .
Pichardo said he initially missed the mayor ’ s call because of a problem with his phone .
The next day , the mayor contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house party in the Bronx was violating social distancing restrictions .
Pichardo was appointed chief of patrol in December , becoming the first person of Dominican heritage in that role .
He was seen within the NYPD as a prime candidate to someday become chief of department , the highest-ranking position other than police commissioner .
The NYPD described Pichardo in its statement as “ one of the most highly respected leaders in policing ” and said he had “ worked tirelessly in recent months to guide the men and women in uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have strained the city and the agency.
” Last month , Pichardo joined de Blasio ’ s daily media briefing to discuss a plan to keep violence in check during Labor Day weekend and West Indian Day celebrations .
At the time , de Blasio praised Pichardo , saying : “ He ’ s done extraordinary work in his role as Chief of Patrol and he is someone who really understands our communities and listens to our communities .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--FBI seeking former Arizona DPS officer in a $9M fraud scheme

PHOENIX - The FBI is looking for a retired Arizona Department of Public Safety officer who is wanted in connection with a $ 9 million fraud scheme .
FBI officials in Phoenix said Tuesday that a reward of up to $ 25,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of 54-year-old Frederick Arias , who worked for DPS from 1987-2008 as a patrol officer and in both Maricopa County and Pinal County as a detective .
They said that between December 2015 and October of 2017 , Arias allegedly told investors that The Joseph Project was a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Arias allegedly withdrew funds to pay personal expenses and wired funds overseas .
Arias reportedly has ties to Canada , Norway , Australia , the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic .
In June 2019 , a warrant was issued for Arias ’ arrest on suspicion of forgery , theft , conspiracy , fraudulent schemes and artifices , money laundering and illegal control of an enterprise .
He was arrested in Kirkland , Washington and was released on bond but failed to appear for an extradition hearing .
Federal authorities issued another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--The Latest: Trump holds 2nd rally since contracting virus

WASHINGTON - The Latest on the 2020 presidential race ( all times local ) : President Donald Trump has anchored his second rally since contracting the coronavirus , telling voters in Pennsylvania that a Democratic administration could threaten the suburbs .
Speaking of his Democratic challenger , Joe Biden , Trump told a big rally crowd in Johnstown : “ He ’ s shot , folks .
I hate to tell you , he ’ s shot.
” Trump spoke for more than an hour to a crowd of thousands packed in tightly and mostly maskless .
Like the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and his rhetoric on the pandemic — including the dubious claim that it was mostly a thing of the past — changed little despite his own illness , except for his threat to kiss audience members to prove his immunity .
Trump touted his elimination of a federal rule that would have brought more low-income housing to the suburbs and zeroed in on groups whose support he has struggled to retain , including female voters turned off by his rhetoric .
Trump said , “ So I ask you to do me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you please like me ?
Please .
Please .
I saved your damn neighbourhood , OK ?
” HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT ’ S HAPPENING IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE : President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are campaigning Tuesday , Trump in Pennsylvania and Biden in Florida .
Both states are key to the 2020 presidential election .
— Biden on idea of court expansion : “ I ’ m not a fan.
” — Trump and Biden : Where they stand on health care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ELSE IS GOING ON : Democrat Joe Biden is criticizing President Donald Trump for a campaign ad that wrongly suggests that Dr. Anthony Fauci is in the president ’ s corner .
Making his second stop in Broward County , Florida , on Tuesday , Biden blasted Trump for “ quoting Dr. Fauci out of context ” after the president spent months downplaying the COVID-19 threat .
Biden told hundreds of supporters at a drive-in rally in Miramar that “ we are so much better than this.
” Fauci , the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN on Monday that the Trump campaign should take down the ad , calling it “ really unfortunate and really disappointing that they did that.
” The Democratic challenger is making a late push for Florida in hopes of cutting off Trump ’ s path to an Electoral College majority .
Trump won Florida narrowly in 2016 , and he likely needs the state again to win reelection .
Biden drew a racially and ethnically diverse crowd in Miramar .
He spoke earlier Tuesday at a community centre for seniors .
Nonwhite voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base , while many older white voters can be swing voters in the perennial battleground state .
Joe Biden has built a wide network of surrogates out of the massive field of Democratic presidential candidates he defeated to win the party ’ s nomination .
But that apparently doesn ’ t include Mayor Wayne Messam of Miramar , Florida .
Messam attended Biden ’ s drive-in campaign rally in his city Tuesday , but he wasn ’ t onstage and Biden didn ’ t recognize him by name during his remarks .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two dozen-plus Democrats who sought the nomination , and he was critical of Biden before the former vice-president had even formally launched his campaign in late April 2019 .
Messam said at the time that Democrats needed “ fresh leadership ” and “ can not afford a nominee bogged down by the past.
” Joe Biden is urging older voters in Florida to punish President Donald Trump at the ballot box for his “ divisive and chaotic ” leadership and his “ careless and reckless ” response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior community centre in Broward County on Tuesday that “ the only senior Donald Trump seems to care about ” is himself .
The Democrat noted the disproportionate effect that the coronavirus has had on older Americans and said Trump is “ stuck in the sand traps ” at his golf club .
Trump won Florida narrowly four years ago and has almost no path to victory if he doesn ’ t win the state ’ s 29 electoral votes again .
Democrats say shifts among older voters in a state heavy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Biden .
Biden blasted Trump ’ s efforts to upend the 2010 Affordable Care Act that boosted some Medicare coverage for seniors .
And he panned Trump ’ s proposals to suspend Social Security taxes and send $ 200 prescription cards to seniors .
Biden noted that both moves would drain the trust funds that pay for the programs ’ current benefits .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy says officials aren ’ t aware of any COVID-19 cases stemming from the campaign fundraiser that President Donald Trump held recently at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors and staff were at the Oct. 1 event .
The Democratic governor said Tuesday that state and county officials have been working to contact all attendees but have not heard of any cases that trace back to the event .
The White House said last week that the president did not have what Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines would consider close contact .
Trump announced he was positive for COVID-19 less than 24 hours after the fundraiser .
Murphy spoke at an unrelated event in the same county where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe Biden says former President Barack Obama “ will be out on the trail ” and is “ doing well.
” The Democratic nominee did not offer more details but told reporters Tuesday ahead of a campaign trip to Florida that he thinks Obama is “ doing enough ” for the campaign .
Biden mentioned his service as Obama ’ s vice-president often during the Democratic primaries but has not emphasized those ties as frequently as he makes his closing arguments against President Donald Trump .
Obama delivered a blistering critique of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August , and he ’ s headlined large grassroots fundraisers for Biden and Democrats this year .
But the 44th president has not otherwise been a frequent campaign presence during the coronavirus pandemic , which has curtailed in-person campaigning for Democrats ’ surrogates .
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is calling on “ leaders of all stripes ” to “ tone it down , ” warning that the high-pitched , election-season rhetoric will lead to “ dangerous action ” from their followers .
The Utah senator calls out both President Donald Trump and House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has “ moved away from spirited debate to a vile , vituperative , hate-filled morass that is unbecoming of any free nation.
” Romney cites Trump ’ s comments calling Sen. Kamala Harris , Democrat Joe Biden ’ s running mate , a “ monster ” and Pelosi “ crazy , ” among other things .
He charges that Democrats , too , “ launch blistering attacks , ” though he offers fewer examples : Only the moment Pelosi ripped up Trump ’ s State of the Union Speech and a recent video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sports commentator , calling Trump a “ terrorist.
” Romney , the 2012 GOP presidential nominee says Biden “ refuses to stoop as low as others.
” Romney has said he won ’ t vote for Trump this fall but hasn ’ t said if he supports Biden .
The moderate Republican has been a critic of Trump ’ s and breaks with his party at times on key votes .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Trump makes water demand of farms priority for new office

President Donald Trump on Tuesday created what he called a “ subcabinet ” for federal water issues , with a mandate that includes water-use changes sought by corporate farm interests and oil and gas .
An executive order from Trump put Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler in charge of the interagency water body .
Establishment of a water subcabinet “ will streamline decision-making processes “ across federal agencies , the EPA said in a statement .
The first priority set out by the executive order is increasing dam storage and other water storage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests in the West in particular .
That includes California ’ s Westlands Water District , the nation ’ s largest agricultural water district .
Westlands was one of Bernhardt ’ s main lobbying and legal clients before his appointment to the Interior Department under Trump .
Asked about whether the move would benefit his old client or represent a conflict for Bernhardt , Interior Department spokesman Nicholas Goodwin said , “ The Secretary is resolute in upholding his legal and ethical responsibilities.
” The Interior Department has said previously Bernhardt follows ethics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions involving the water district and other past clients .
Environmental groups say the amount of water sought by corporate farming would leave habitats and wildlife without enough water to survive .
Another of the many directives for the new interagency is implementing a water reuse plan .
Oil and gas companies have supported one aspect of the plan that could allow them to dispose of briny , often chemical-laden oilfield wastewater on crops or in aquifers .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Cut cable shuts down Virginia voter portal; lawsuit filed

RICHMOND , Va. - An accidentally severed fiber optic cable that shut down Virginia ’ s online voter registration system for several hours Tuesday , the last day to register before the November general election , has prompted a lawsuit from a civil rights organization .
The Virginia Department of Elections said in a statement on Twitter that a “ fiber cut ” affected connectivity for multiple agencies , including the department ’ s citizen portal and registrar ’ s offices .
The cable was inadvertently cut during a Chesterfield County roadside utilities project , according to the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , the Department of Elections issued a statement saying the portal was back online .
But the fallout led to concerns that voters were being disenfranchised at a crucial moment .
Voting advocates said the accident couldn ’ t have come at a worse time and lambasted state officials for the technological failure .
The day of the deadline is when many Virginians decide to register , particularly after being reminded on social media and in the news .
The Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed a lawsuit Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 48 hours and that the state should make “ a significant effort ” to tell the public about the change .
Named as defendants in the lawsuit are the Virginia Department of Elections ; the Virginia State Board of Elections ; elections board chairman Robert H. Brink and vice chairman John O ’ Bannon ; Christopher Piper , commissioner of the Department of Elections ; and Jamilah D. Lecruise , secretary of the board of elections .
“ Absent relief , voters who attempted to register to vote through the online portal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were unable through no fault of their own , will be absolutely disenfranchised in the upcoming elections , ” the lawsuit said .
If the deadline isn ’ t extended , the lawsuit said , “ Plaintiffs themselves will be prevented from helping citizens register to vote through the online voter registration system , frustrating their core mission and activities in advancing that mission , and thereby disenfranchising those citizens in the coming general election.
” Kristen Clarke , president and executive director of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia “ failed the public and it must grant a significant extension to ensure all Virginians are given an equal opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
” Democratic members of Virginia ’ s congressional delegation had called for a 72-hour extension .
U.S. Reps. Don Beyer , Gerry Connolly and Jennifer Wexton said in a statement that they “ hope the courts will swiftly grant such an extension ” and account for the time it will take to inform the public of a new deadline .
Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports extending the deadline .
But he said it appears that only the courts have the ability to change it .
Northam , a Democrat , said the state did not have a backup plan for this particular cable and the episode shows the need for the state to continue its efforts at creating a secure network .
“ Obviously , we still have a lot of work to do , “ Northam said .
Secretary of Administration Keyanna Conner said the cut occurred on a 10-gigabit optical fiber circuit that was installed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased web demand during the coronavirus .
She said backup circuits aren ’ t as large as the main circuit , but plans are in place to upgrade them .
Virginia , which has 13 electoral votes , is not considered a marquee battleground state in the presidential race by political observers .
But three congressional races are considered highly competitive , and their outcomes could affect the makeup of the U.S. House .
Democratic freshmen Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Elaine Luria are facing tough challenges in the 7th District and 2nd District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat is open .
The races in the 2nd and 5th districts are considered a “ toss up ” by the Cook Political Report .
Spanberger ’ s seat is listed as leaning Democratic .
While the site was down , people who wanted to register could still fill out applications in person .
They could also mail paper copies , as long as they are postmarked Tuesday , said Vicki Lewis , the voter registrar for the city of Newport News .
People who wanted to vote early were given provisional ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after this year ’ s Nov. 3 election .
This isn ’ t the first time technical problems affected Virginians ’ ability to register to vote under a looming deadline .
In 2016 , an unknown number of people were not able to register because of unprecedented demand , in part because of social media postings reminding people of the registration deadline that year .
A voter advocacy group , the New Virginia Majority Education Fund , sued for an extension and a federal judge granted a brief one to make up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story has been corrected to show it was a 10-gigabit cable , not 10-gigabyte .

Ben Finley, Alan Suderman And Denise Lavoie - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Supreme Court nominee Barrett says she can set aside Catholic beliefs in second day of confirmation

Supreme Court nominee Barrett says she can set aside Catholic beliefs in second day of confirmation hearings

WASHINGTON - The Latest on the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett ( all times local ) : The second day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is finished after nearly 12 hours .
GOP senators are moving at a breakneck pace to confirm Barrett ahead of the Nov. 3 election .
President Donald Trump nominated her just days after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18 .
Barrett told Senate Judiciary Committee members she could not say whether she ’ d rule to overturn the Affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court , or what she would do on other major culture-war issues like abortion or same-sex marriage .
She said she would first need to read the litigation and confer with her colleagues before she could make any decisions .
One of Democrats ’ biggest fears is that Barrett ’ s all-but-certain confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate would create a 6-3 conservative majority on the court that could well overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion .
She will be questioned again Wednesday .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has spent a long day batting back Democrats ’ tough questioning as her Senate confirmation hearings continue .
— Barrett avoids taking positions on a variety of subjects and rulings .
— AP Fact Check looks at the debate over the Affordable Care Act .
— Barrett adheres to the judicial philosophy of originalism .
Amy Coney Barrett says she doesn ’ t recall seeing President Donald Trump ’ s statements that he planned to nominate Supreme Court justices who would repeal the Affordable Care Act prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her comments came in response to questions from Sen. Kamala Harris of California , the Democratic nominee for vice-president .
Harris questioned Barrett via video stream from her office in the Capitol rather than attend in person due to coronavirus concerns .
Asked if she was aware of Trump ’ s comments before her nomination , Barrett said she could not give a yes or no answer .
“ I don ’ t recall hearing about or seeing such statements , ” she said .
She later said Democratic senators may have referenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her nomination but prior to her confirmation hearings .
Harris also noted that Barrett wrote an article critical of the court ’ s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act five months before Trump nominated her to an appellate court in May 2017 .
Harris ’ focus on the Affordable Care Act mirrored her campaign messaging about access to health care amid the pandemic .
President Donald Trump ’ s nominee for the Supreme Court is declining to get involved in the question of whether the president should commit to a peaceful transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t go his way .
Trump has said that he ’ ll “ see what happens ” before agreeing to any election outcome .
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker , a Democrat , asked Barrett about the issue Tuesday on the second day of her confirmation hearing .
Booker asked : “ Do you believe that every president should make a commitment unequivocally and resolutely to the peaceful transfer of power ?
” “ Well , senator , that seems to me to be pulling me in a little bit into this question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would not peacefully leave office and so to the extent that this is a political controversy right now as a judge I want to stay out of it , ” she responded .
“ One of the beauties of America from the beginning of the republic is that we have had peaceful transfers of power and that disappointed voters have accepted the new leaders that come into office , and that ’ s not true in every country , and I think it is part of the genius of our Constitution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett is clarifying her use of the phrase “ sexual preference , ” apologizing to those who interpreted her word choice as suggesting hostility toward LGBT rights .
Earlier in her confirmation hearing , Barrett told senators that she has not “ discriminated on the basis of sexual preference , ” a phrase that is not used by LGBT advocates because of its suggestion that sexual orientation or gender identity is a choice .
Democratic senators seized on that moment , with Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii warning Barrett that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett later clarified that she intended to suggest no hostility with her use of the term and offered an apology when prompted by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa .
The judge also said that her declining to state her views on the high court ’ s 2015 decision upholding same-sex marriage rights is “ not indicating disagreement with it.
” Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has declined to say whether she views the criminalizing of in vitro fertilization as constitutional , describing it as an abstract question .
The appeals court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the nation ’ s highest court signed a 2006 statement opposing “ abortion on demand ” that was circulated by a group in her home state of Indiana that has also criticized IVF .
While the statement Barrett signed didn ’ t address IVF , Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois has urged her colleagues to reject Barrett ’ s nomination , citing her daughter ’ s conception using the common reproductive technology .
During her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing , Barrett has so far said it would be “ inappropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion as a public official and that she signed the 2006 statement “ in my personal capacity.
” The Roman Catholic Church , of which Barrett is a member , is opposed to abortion .
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has described IVF as “ in disagreement ” with church teachings .
The Barrett children attended their mother ’ s Senate confirmation hearing just days after multiple cases of coronavirus were reported at the private Christian school in Indiana attended by some of the older siblings .
Mark D. Fox , deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Joseph County , Indiana , said on Tuesday that three cases were reported Friday from the Trinity School at Greenlawn .
The school , affiliated with the People of Praise religious community , has been holding in-person classes with such precautions as daily temperature screenings , wearing masks when indoors and social distancing .
Fox said it is his understanding that one teacher and two students tested positive .
It was not immediately clear whether any of the Barrett children had close contact with those infected .
A White House official said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily for COVID-19 and that her children had also recently tested negative for the virus , though the official declined to provide the dates of those tests .
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says an article she wrote criticizing Chief Justice John Roberts ’ 2012 opinion saving the Affordable Care Act does not reflect any “ hostility ” toward the law .
Barrett was answering questions from Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware , who brought up the article she wrote in 2017 before she became a judge that said Roberts had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its plausible meaning to save the statute.
” Democrats have focused much of their questioning on the health care law , as the court will hear a new case in November that could overturn it .
Barrett said that case is very different , and her “ critique of the reasoning ” in the previous case does not mean she doesn ’ t like the law .
“ I can promise you that ’ s not my view , that ’ s not my approach to the law , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly relevant to the upcoming case and that in many ways Barrett has signalled how she would rule .
He said he believes Republicans are rushing her confirmation partly so she can rule on that case .
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she signed a statement in 2006 opposing “ abortion on demand ” on her way out of church and “ in my personal capacity , ” separate from her current status as a federal judge .
The 2006 statement , which Barrett did not initially include in materials provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her confirmation hearings this week , has raised questions for some critics about whether the appeals court judge can separate her personal views from her judicial decision-making .
Barrett , nominated by President Donald Trump to succeed the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , told senators Tuesday that she sees as “ distinct my personal moral religious views and my task of applying law as a judge.
” She noted that the substance of the 2006 statement , which framed life as beginning at conception , is in line with the Roman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Barrett also said that while she shared her views publicly as a private citizen at that time , she doesn ’ t “ feel it is appropriate ” to disclose similar views now .
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she doesn ’ t consider the high court ’ s Roe v. Wade decision on abortion a “ super-precedent ” that can ’ t be overruled .
Barrett said the court ’ s 1973 ruling that affirmed the right to abortion isn ’ t in the same category as the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Education ruling , which declared segregated public schools unconstitutional .
Barrett said in an exchange with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar that the Roe decision does not have the same secure place in the law as Brown v. Board of Education .
Barrett says no one talks about overturning the Brown decision .
But she says all the questions she ’ s gotten in her confirmation hearing about her views of abortion “ indicates Roe doesn ’ t fall in that category.
” She says it ’ s “ not a case that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has said he would appoint justices who would overturn a woman ’ s constitutional right to an abortion .
Democrats worry that the court could have enough anti-abortion justices to threaten abortion rights if Barrett is confirmed .
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is defending an opinion she wrote arguing that a person who ’ s convicted of a nonviolent felony should not automatically be disqualified from owning a gun .
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois challenged Barrett ’ s argument , saying it would make it easier for felons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chicago , which is plagued by gun violence caused in part by guns brought in from Barrett ’ s home state of Indiana .
In a dissent in the 2019 gun rights case of Kanter v. Barr , Barrett argued a conviction for a nonviolent felony such as mail fraud was not enough to disqualify someone from owning a gun .
Durbin accused Barrett of judicial activism , noting a Supreme Court ruling by Barrett ’ s mentor , the late Justice Antonin Scalia , upheld the idea that felons can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT ’ S HAPPENING IN THE SUPREME COURT CONFIRMATION HEARINGS : Barrett is facing senators ’ questions during a second day of confirmation hearings .
Republicans control the Senate and want to confirm President Donald Trump ’ s pick to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day to cement a conservative court majority .
— Health care law on line at court , but is it likely to fall ?
— Barrett hearing turns to discussion of few high court cases HERE ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett says the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May had a “ very personal ” effect on her family and she and her children wept over his death .
President Donald Trump ’ s nominee to the Supreme Court made the comments at her Senate confirmation hearings on Tuesday , three weeks before Election Day .
Barrett was asked by Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin whether she had seen the footage of a police officer pressing a knee to the Black man ’ s neck until he stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett has two Black adopted children .
She says the Floyd video was “ very , very personal ” for her family and they “ wept together.
” Floyd ’ s death touched off mass demonstrations about police brutality and reform around the country .
Barrett made a distinction between her feelings as a person and her role as a judge , refusing to give her thoughts on systemic racism as Durbin had requested .
She said commenting on what policies should be used to combat racism would be “ kind of beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a judge.
” Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett insists she does not necessarily oppose the Affordable Care Act , the health care law that ’ s being challenged in a case heading to the court next month .
Barrett told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday she ’ s “ not hostile to the ACA.
” Barrett is being questioned about her past writings , including a piece in which she was critical of Chief Justice John Roberts ’ previous rulings on the Obama-era law .
The appellate court judge distanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not addressing specific aspects of the law as she would if confirmed .
The court is set to hear a challenge to the law Nov. 10 .
Barrett told the senators , “ I apply the law .
I follow the law .
You make the policy.
” Still , Barrett appeared stumped when grilled by Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Virginia about particulars of the law , also called Obamacare .
Barrett could not recite specifics , including that 23 million people are covered by the law or that more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health insurance .
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she can ’ t give an opinion on whether she ’ d recuse herself from any election-related litigation involving President Donald Trump .
Barrett said Tuesday in her confirmation hearing that she has not been asked by Trump or anyone else how she ’ d rule in possible upcoming cases , including the election .
She says it would be a gross violation of judicial independence to make a commitment on how she ’ d rule .
She says it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put a justice on the court as a means of obtaining a particular result .
But Trump has said he would look for justices who were anti-abortion .
He ’ s said he wanted the full nine justices to decide election-related matters .
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she can ’ t answer whether President Donald Trump has the power to delay the general election .
Trump floated the idea earlier this year as the coronavirus pandemic worsened .
The Republican president has derided mail-in voting as rife with fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
But , Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally change the date of the election .
Article II of the Constitution gives Congress the power to choose the timing of the general election .
An 1845 federal law made the date the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November .
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein asked Barrett during her confirmation hearing on Tuesday if she could say whether Trump had that authority .
Barrett said she ’ d need to confer with her colleagues and read litigation to decide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett is declining to say whether she thinks Roe v. Wade , the 1973 decision that established the right to abortion , should be struck down .
Barrett sidestepped questions about that landmark case from the Senate Judiciary Committee ’ s top Democrat , California Sen. Dianne Feinstein , as the panel held a second day of hearings on Barrett ’ s nomination .
Barrett says she won ’ t answer questions about whether she would rule that Roe v. Wade should be overturned because she would not join the court with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She says her only agenda is to “ stick to the rule of law and decide cases as they come.
” Feinstein told Barrett that it was “ distressing to not get a straight answer ” to her question .
The conservative Barrett was nominated by President Donald Trump last month to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
One of Democrats ’ biggest fears is that Barrett ’ s all but certain confirmation by the Republican controlled Senate would create a 6-3 conservative majority on the court that could well overturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett says the confirmation process is “ excruciating ” but that that she accepted President Donald Trump ’ s nomination because she is “ committed to the rule of law ” and the role of the Supreme Court .
Barrett said that “ if the difficulty is the only reason to say no , I should serve my country.
” She added that even though there are “ momentous consequences ” for her family , they are “ all-in ” on the decision because they share her belief in the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has tried to be on a “ media blackout for the sake of my mental health.
” Barrett said she and her husband “ knew that our lives would be combed over for any negative detail , we knew that our faith would be caricatured , we knew our family would be attacked.
” Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she will be able to put aside her Catholic beliefs when ruling if she ’ s confirmed as a justice on the nation ’ s highest court .
Barrett told Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday she “ can ” set aside her Catholic beliefs and has “ done that ” since her confirmation as an appeals court judge in 2017 .
Graham chairs the Judiciary Committee overseeing Barrett ’ s Supreme Court confirmation hearing .
Barrett was nominated by President Donald Trump to fill the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s seat on the court .
She ’ s fielding questions from senators on the judiciary panel this week .
Republicans have warned Democrats against criticizing Barrett ’ s religion or making it an issue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear they have no plans to do so this week .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Pandemic forces Colombia family to live in banquet hall

BOGOTA - Jamer Gonzalez used to organize about nine weddings , birthday parties or company lunches each month at his banquet hall in a working class district of Colombia ’ s capital , earning enough to live comfortably and send his two eldest daughters to college .
Now , after months of pandemic restrictions , he is on the verge of bankruptcy and can ’ t even afford rent for a family home .
So his daughters have dropped out of university , and the family has moved into the Pegasus Events Hall , which once provided a living .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat sleep in rooms that were used to store tables , chairs and party props , including a giant throne used for quinceanera celebrations — the festive parties held by families when a daughter reaches her 15th birthday .
A vintage Ford sedan Gonzalez provided for weddings is parked in the main hall , next to a desk that he brought from their old apartment .
“ We are not asking for charity , ” said Gonzalez , who hasn ’ t been able to host any parties since March because of lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is to let us work.
” Colombia has been gradually reopening the economy following six months of restrictions imposed for the pandemic .
But some businesses , including movie theatres , bars and banquet halls , remain closed as officials try to limit indoor gather .
Representatives of these industries are urging the government to let them open -- with bio-security measures .
They warn that thousands of family-owned businesses are about to disappear .
“ Our sector has been hit extremely hard , ” said Francy Salazar , president of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade group with 1,700 members .
Salazar said two event planners have committed suicide during the pandemic as they became overwhelmed with debt and uncertainty .
Others have moved in with relatives and struggle to make health insurance payments .
Event planners were considered too well off before the pandemic to qualify for free government health care .
“ The government says we need to reinvent ourselves , ” Salazar said .
“ But we haven ’ t had any kind of support.
“ Local officials have been reluctant to authorize indoor gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections like the one currently hitting Western European countries .
In Bogota , where Gonzalez has his business , Mayor Claudia Lopez said last week that clubs , bars and banquet halls will not be allowed to open until next year .
“ There will be lots of families getting together in December ... and that will increase contagion , its inevitable , ” the mayor said .
To help businesses survive , President Ivan Duque ’ s administration gave debtors a two-month moratorium on their loan payments at the beginning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 % of payrolls at small- and medium-size businesses .
Gonzalez said it has been impossible for him to tap into the subsidy because his business is entirely family run and does not have a steady payroll .
“ When we do an event , my daughter takes photographs , my wife takes care of decoration and my other daughter does the videos , ” he said .
“ We work collectively , but none of us are listed as employees.
” He said that before the pandemic hit , his banquet hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of around $ 4,500 a month on sales of $ 15,000 .
The family is getting by on about $ 250 each month that they make selling balloon and floral arrangements to people who hold parties at home .
Gonzalez said that in starting the business , he invested about $ 250,000 , including construction of the banquet hall , permits , furniture and props .
He is several months behind on the $ 1,100 monthly mortgage payment for the hall and is being pressured by the bank to refinance the loan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to repossess the hall , leaving them without their business and the place they now call home .
“ Before the pandemic we used to be a normal family with dreams ” said Gonzalez ’ s wife , Angela Camargo .
“ Now we can ’ t even afford to go out for a meal .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Agent: Michigan, Virginia governors mentioned in kidnap plot

GRAND RAPIDS , Mich. - Members of anti-government paramilitary groups implicated in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan ’ s governor ahead of the November election because of her measures to slow the coronavirus also discussed abducting Virginia ’ s governor , an FBI agent testified Tuesday .
The disclosure came during a federal court hearing in Grand Rapids , where agent Richard Trask revealed new details about investigators ’ use of confidential informants , undercover agents and encrypted communication to thwart the purported scheme to abduct Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
A judge ordered three of six men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until trial , delaying rulings on two defendants .
Another was ordered returned to Michigan from Delaware .
“ They discussed possible targets , taking a sitting governor , specifically issues with the governor of Michigan and Virginia based on the lockdown orders ” they had issued to deal with the pandemic , Trask said , referring to a June 6 meeting in Dublin , Ohio , attended by roughly 15 members of anti-government groups from “ four or five states.
“ A criminal complaint said at least two of the defendants were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately clear if talk of targeting Virginia ’ s Democratic governor , Ralph Northam , continued beyond the meeting .
Nothing from the complaint or Trask ’ s testimony indicated that anyone had been charged with plotting against Northam .
But the mention of another governor who , like Whitmer , has drawn attacks from President Donald Trump — and the alleged intent to carry out the kidnapping shortly before the bitterly divisive U.S. election — escalated political tension surrounding the case .
Trump urged supporters to “ LIBERATE ” Michigan , Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April , encouraging protesters who turned up at state Capitols to oppose restrictions aimed at minimizing the spread of the virus .
Trump falsely claimed in a recent interview on Fox News that Northam , a supporter of abortion rights , had “ executed a baby.
” The president “ regularly encourages violence against those who disagree with him , “ Northam ’ s spokeswoman , Alena Yarmosky , said in a statement Tuesday .
“ The rhetoric coming out of this White House has serious and potentially deadly consequences .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similarly accused Trump of emboldening extremists .
Following the arrests last week , the White House said the president has condemned hate , and Trump tweeted : “ I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence.
” Northam said during a news conference he and his family felt safe with security Virginia ’ s state police provide , and that he had been threatened before .
His protection was tightened this year after he signed gun control legislation .
“ I ’ m continuing my work for the commonwealth as I would any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the FBI had alerted key members of Northam ’ s security team during the investigation .
But in keeping with security protocols for highly classified information , neither the governor nor members of his staff were informed .
During the hearing in Grand Rapids , Magistrate Judge Sally Berens ordered Kaleb Franks , Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta held without bond .
She said she would rule later on Adam Fox and Ty Garbin .
All five are from Michigan .
The sixth defendant , Delaware resident Barry Croft , was ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trask , the FBI agent , testified that authorities learned of the June meeting in Ohio while investigating various anti-government groups .
Authorities have said the men wanted to retaliate against Whitmer because of what they considered her “ uncontrolled power ” during the coronavirus outbreak .
Trask said Fox , whom investigators describe as a ringleader and was the only defendant without a mask at the hearing , had said during a post-arrest interview he ’ d considered taking Whitmer from her vacation home out onto Lake Michigan and stranding her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the complaint , Fox also spoke of taking her to “ a secure location in Wisconsin for ‘ trial.
’ “ Some defendants conducted surveillance of her northern Michigan house in August and September , according to the complaint .
Authorities said four of the men had planned to meet last week to pay for explosives and exchange tactical gear .
Several defence attorneys suggested during cross-examination that their clients were “ big talkers ” who didn ’ t intend to follow through with action .
When investigating paramilitary-type groups , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about things , but they ’ re never a threat to do anything .
It ’ s fairly common in these groups ?
“ Scott Graham , attorney for Franks , asked Trask .
“ Big talk between crackpots — you ’ ve seen that , haven ’ t you ?
People who talk a lot , brashly , boldly , but are never going to do anything about that talk.
” Graham described Franks as a “ follower , not a leader ” and argued he shouldn ’ t be detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drug addict but had turned his life around and posed no flight risk .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler countered that Franks should not be released .
“ There ’ s a serious public safety risk , ” he said , although not disputing that Franks was more of a follower in the matter .
The judge also acknowledged some of the defendants did not have leadership roles , but said their participation in repeated discussions about kidnapping Whitmer and in surveillance of the governor ’ s home indicated they should remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the plot along the way that is clearly very dangerous , ” Berens said .
“ This is a very , very serious crime.
” The men could get up to life in prison if convicted .
“ Anyone who is facing a charge like this would be very concerned , ” Gary Springstead , an attorney for Garbin , told reporters outside the courthouse .
“ Literally your life and liberty are on the line.
” During the brief hearing in Wilmington , Delaware , Croft waived his right to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one in Michigan .
Whitmer , who was considered as Joe Biden ’ s running mate and is nearly halfway through a four-year term , has been widely praised for her response to the virus outbreak but also criticized by Republican lawmakers and people in conservative areas of Michigan .
The state capitol has been the site of many rallies , some with gun-toting protesters demanding her ouster .
Michigan , and particularly the Detroit area , were hit hard early during the pandemic , leading Whitmer to tightly restrict personal movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits have been lifted since spring .
Seven other men linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen were charged in state court with allegedly seeking to storm the Michigan Capitol and providing material support for terrorist acts by seeking a “ civil war.
” Foody reported from Chicago , and John Flesher reported from Traverse City .
Associated Press writer Alan Suderman in Richmond , Virginia , also contributed to this report .

David Eggert And Kathleen Foody And John Flesher - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--New Mexico governor renews restrictions as virus cases rise

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. - New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Tuesday she will renew public health restrictions and warned that more stringent rules could be imposed because of a rise in COVID-19 cases .
The updated regulations will take effect later this week .
They will include limiting gatherings to five people or less , a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors from states deemed high-risk , reduced hotel capacities and a 10 p.m. closing time for food or drink establishments serving alcohol .
Lujan Grisham said the virus is spiking in New Mexico right now and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increases in the U.S. so far this fall .
Without a vaccine , she said officials have only a few tools to fight the virus — such as making people wear masks , staying home as much as possible and avoiding groups of people .
“ This kind of overwhelming and dramatic statewide spread signals one thing : Too many of us , succumbing to COVID fatigue , are no longer using those tools , ” the Democratic governor said .
“ We ’ re no longer taking those precautions .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread.
” State health officials have reported more than 33,710 cases since the pandemic began , with 355 cases added to the tally Tuesday .
Officials have said 918 residents have died .
New Mexico lost ground with its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as newly reported daily infections hit a record of 488 last Friday .
That was followed the next day by 486 cases .
The high numbers have continued in recent days .
The state for several weeks has missed benchmarks set by health officials for reopening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily case totals .
Hospitalizations also have increased .
Lujan Grisham said New Mexico is fast approaching the point when community spread of the virus becomes uncontrollable and the only option is to shut down opportunities for the virus to spread .
“ Rollbacks will mean more economic turmoil for so many workers and business owners in our state who have already suffered and sacrificed so much , ” she said .
“ But it is our only chance to prevent more devastating illness and to save lives .
No one wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the governor ’ s office said the state will again restrict indoor dining service and roll back maximum occupancy allowances at other retail and dining establishments .
Steve Pearce , chairman of the state Republican Party , criticized the governor ’ s latest announcement as haphazard and illogical .
“ Such arbitrary changes won ’ t fix our state ’ s problems — our drowning economy , lost jobs , lost revenue — or get students back to classes any sooner , ” he said in a statement .
As for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for establishments that serve alcohol , the governor ’ s office said other states such as Kentucky , Ohio , South Carolina and Washington have imposed similar limits on operating hours .
New Mexico officials promised rigorous enforcement .
Under the new rules , hotels will have their maximum occupancy reduced from 75 % to 60 % for those that have completed state virus prevention training .
For those that haven ’ t , the occupancy rate will be reduced to 25 % .
The state previously had loosened the rules for gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be reduced again to no more than five people .
It will apply to public and private gatherings , including organized events and sports .
The governor is expected to discuss the revised health mandates Thursday during a public briefing .
In Albuquerque , city officials on Tuesday announced a new program to supply local businesses with personal protective equipment and COVID-19 screening supplies .
The city plans to spend more than $ 1 million on the effort .

Susan Montoya Bryan - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--LA County agrees to settle immigration suit for $14 million

Los Angeles County agreed Tuesday to pay $ 14 million to settle a lawsuit that said the Sheriff ’ s Department improperly held thousands of people in jail beyond their release dates at the request of immigration officials .
The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to settle the class-action suit that was filed in 2012 , although the agreement still needs a judge ’ s approval .
The lawsuit alleged that between 2010 and 2014 , the Sheriff ’ s Department routinely held people in jail for days , weeks or even months beyond the dates of their release and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solely because of immigration detention requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
In 2018 , a federal judge ruled that the practice violated the inmates ’ rights .
More than 18,500 people could qualify for a share of the settlement , attorneys for the plaintiffs told the Los Angeles Times .
“ It should send a very strong message to law enforcement agencies around the country who continue to blindly comply with ICE ’ s requests that are patently unlawful , ” said Jennie Pasquarella , an attorney with the American Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department agreed to stop honouring ICE detainer requests in 2014 .
“ I kicked ICE out of the jails and I banned all transfers of inmates to custody of ICE , ” Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tuesday .
In August , Villanueva permanently banned inmate transfers from county jails to ICE unless the agency obtained a judicial warrant .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--Cameroonian asylum-seekers accuse US of forcing deportation

A group of asylum-seekers from Cameroon facing deportation back to their conflict-ridden country say they were pressured with force by U.S. immigration officers to sign their deportation paperwork , and that they and a slew of others facing an imminent return flight are at risk of persecution and death .
The eight men recounted their experiences in a complaint filed by a number of immigrant advocate groups including the Southern Poverty Law Center with the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties .
“ Officers grabbed me , forced me on the ground , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handcuffed me , “ said a man identified in the complaint as C.A.
, who went on to add that an officer broke his finger .
“ I was crying , ‘ I need to talk to my attorney , ’ and I said , ‘ They are going to kill me.
’ “ The man said his fingerprint was forced onto the paperwork needed for his deportation back to Cameroon .
The other men ’ s stories followed similar lines .
The SPLC provided the man ’ s full name and identification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s in the complaint to The Associated Press so that specific queries could be made to Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
Bryan Cox , a spokesman for ICE , said the agency “ does not comment on specific matters presented to the Office of the Inspector General , which provides independent oversight and accountability within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security .
That said , in general , sensationalist unsubstantiated allegations are irresponsible , and should be treated with the greatest of skepticism.
“ The men had been in detention in Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transferred to Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado , Texas , said Luz Lopez , senior supervising attorney at the SPLC ’ s Immigration Justice Project .
There , they have joined at least 100 other asylum seekers and potentially up to 200 people for what Lopez said is believed to be a chartered flight , the first in months , that would head to the African nation .
The idea of returning has the asylum seekers , many of whom are saying they face torture or worse in their homeland , very frightened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrified to go back , they know they ’ ll either disappear or be murdered , “ she said .
It was unclear when the flight would depart , but advocates said the flight may have already left by Tuesday evening , the same day the process of moving people from the detention centre to the plane appeared to have started .
ICE has not confirmed whether the flight has taken off .
Katie Shepherd of the American Immigration Council said authorities told her that two men , including C.A.
, had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ICE does not confirm removals until after they ’ ve taken place .
Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi , chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security , and Rep. Karen Bass of California , both Democrats , sent a letter to ICE on Tuesday .
They urged ICE to investigate the allegations of abuse and other concerns before any action is taken regarding the detained asylum seekers .
Asylum-seeking Cameroonians , who are escaping bloodshed that has killed tens of thousands , are mostly English speakers fleeing torture inflicted by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many share personal accounts of Cameroonian soldiers burning their villages , shooting indiscriminately and torturing any perceived opponents .
Cameroonians began arriving at the U.S. border with Mexico in large numbers last year .
They typically flew to Ecuador and travelled by foot and on bus through eight countries .
Many died , were assaulted or got robbed in the Panamanian jungle .
Cameroonians have fared extremely well in U.S. immigration courts , with 80 % winning asylum claims in the U.S. government ’ s 2019 fiscal year , compared to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Syracuse University ’ s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse .
Their success rate fell to 53 % for the 11-month period that ended Aug. 31 , compared to 26 % for all nationalities .
It is unclear why the Cameroonians described in the complaint are being flown home by the U.S. government but many from the African nation have been denied permission to stay in the United States under new policies that have put asylum virtually out of reach .
In June , a federal judge in Washington , D.C. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration that denied asylum to people who travel through other countries to reach the U.S. border with Mexico without first seeking protection in those countries .
The Justice Department is appealing .
The ruling ’ s impact was diminished by a pandemic-related measure introduced in March — also being challenged in court — to quickly expel people who cross the border illegally and block asylum-seekers at official crossings .
The administration has relied on a little-known public health law designed to prevent the spread of disease .

Deepti Hajela And Elliot Spagat - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--India sets free top Kashmiri politician after a year

SRINAGAR , India - Indian authorities on Tuesday released a top Kashmiri politician from detention more than a year after New Delhi scrapped Indian-controlled Kashmir ’ s special status , a move that triggered widespread anger and economic ruin amid a harsh security clampdown .
Mehbooba Mufti had been held in detention since August 2019 alongside thousands of politicians and activists after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’ s government passed legislation in Parliament that stripped Jammu and Kashmir ’ s statehood , annulled its separate constitution and removed inherited protections on land and jobs .
The decision also split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir .
Mufti , 61 , was set free late Tuesday , an official order said .
In an audio message posted Tuesday on Twitter , Mufti called India ’ s Aug. 5 , 2019 , action a “ black decision on a black day.
“ “ None among us can ever forget the political heist and insult on that day , ” Mufti said .
“ Now , we all will have to reiterate to take back what Delhi snatched from us unconstitutionally , illegally and undemocratically.
” Her release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set by India ’ s Supreme Court was set to expire .
Mufti was a coalition partner of Modi ’ s Bharatiya Janata Party in the region for nearly two years after the 2016 state elections .
Mufti headed the coalition government .
She is considered pro-India and has never supported Muslim-majority Kashmir ’ s independence from India or its merger with Pakistan .
The Indian government imposed overarching restrictions , ranging from curfews to communication blackouts , and enacted new laws after last year ’ s decision , creating a climate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chalk out their political strategy following the release of several pro-India leaders in recent months from detention .
Some restrictions in the region have been removed .
In August , Mufti ’ s party along with three other Kashmiri and two Indian political parties , including the main opposition Congress Party , said in the first joint statement in a year that India ’ s constitutional changes “ unrecognizably changed the relationship ” between Kashmir and New Delhi .
The grouping called the changes “ spitefully shortsighted and unconstitutional ” and sought to @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--How a probe of Trump-Russia ties turned into a GOP rally cry

WASHINGTON - In 2016 , Donald Trump ’ s campaign chairman shared polling data with an associate suspected of ties to Russian intelligence .
Another Trump associate sought inside information about Democratic emails stolen by Kremlin operatives .
The candidate himself invited Russia to hunt for his opponent ’ s emails , then tried to stifle investigators once he entered the White House .
These were among the findings of the special counsel investigation of ties between Russia and Trump ’ s 2016 campaign .
It produced a trove of damaging , or at least embarrassing , information about Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats are largely ignoring the Russia probe .
It ’ s Republicans who are making it a top campaign issue .
Trump and his supporters have cast the investigation as a witch hunt .
It ’ s a refrain in Trump tweets and speeches and on conservative media .
In the run-up to the election , Trump-appointed officials are ordering the declassification of documents that Trump hopes will boost his campaign .
While some of the revelations from the steady drip of newly declassified documents are serious , they do not undercut the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its principal findings .
An inspector general and a bipartisan Senate panel have both concluded that the probe was valid .
A look at the Russia probe : WHY WAS THE INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED ?
The FBI opened “ Crossfire Hurricane ” on July 31 , 2016 , after learning a Trump campaign aide may have had advance knowledge that Russian intelligence operatives had stolen Democratic emails .
A diplomat revealed that the aide , George Papadopoulos , had boasted to him that he had heard Russia had damaging information on Democrat Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
That May 2016 conversation triggered alarms within the FBI since the Russian hacking operation , which resulted in the public disclosure of thousands of hacked emails , was not yet public knowledge .
WHAT DID THE INVESTIGATION FIND ?
The investigation was taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller , whose team documented substantial contacts between Trump associates and Russia .
That included a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer that Trump ’ s oldest son , Donald Trump Jr. , took with the expectation of receiving dirt on Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manafort , who shared internal polling data with a contact whom a Senate Intelligence committee report characterized as a Russian intelligence officer .
A separate Justice Department inspector general report found the investigation was opened for a valid reason and did not find evidence of partisan bias .
The Senate committee ’ s report found Manafort ’ s Russian contacts posed a “ grave ” counterintelligence risk .
He was not criminally charged , but he wasn ’ t vindicated .
It is true Mueller said his investigation did not find sufficient evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or his associates , and Russia to sway the election .
But the investigation also described broad Russian interference as well as a campaign that was eager to receive the help and expected to benefit from it .
Mueller also investigated multiple episodes in which he found Trump tried to exert control over the investigation , including by firing his FBI director , but Mueller did not push forward with obstruction of justice charges , citing Justice Department policy against indicting a sitting president .
WHAT ARE THE CRITICISMS OF THE INVESTIGATION @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI ’ s suspicion that former campaign adviser Carter Page was a Russian agent .
Page has denied that and was not charged with any wrongdoing .
The inspector general identified major errors and omissions in applications the FBI submitted to a secretive court for permission to eavesdrop on Page .
For instance , the FBI failed to update the court as it received new information that undercut its original premise about Page .
It also highlighted how the warrant applications relied in part on Democratic-funded research conducted by former British spy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they suggest the FBI misused intrusive surveillance powers or withheld information from the court .
The FBI was alerted that Russian disinformation could have made its way into the dossier of research , and a key source for Steele was himself once investigated by the FBI for possible connections to Russian intelligence , newly declassified documents show .
Multiple former FBI and Justice Department officials have said they would not have certified the applications had they know then what they know now .
FBI Director Chris Wray has issued more than 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recurring .
But the Page aspect of the probe accounted for only a fraction of it , and the dossier — though the target of much derision — had nothing to do with the decision to open the investigation .
The Page problems don ’ t relate to the criminal convictions that Mueller ’ s team produced against six Trump associates , or the 25 Russians indicted on charges related to election interference .
HOW ARE REPUBLICANS WEAPONIZING IT ?
In an extraordinary mix of politics in America ’ s national security apparatus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department officials act to discredit the Russia investigation before the Nov. 3 election .
To a large extent , they ’ ve complied .
Much of the declassified material involves Page and the dossier .
But they ’ ve also released information that , while creating buzz in conservative media , offer scant evidence of wrongdoing .
Officials declassified the names of Obama administration officials who had requested the “ unmasking ” of an American — in this case , former national security adviser Michael Flynn — who surveillance revealed had interacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wasn ’ t identified by name in intelligence reports .
While Trump cast the unmasking as sinister , it ’ s a routine action and proper procedures were followed .
The Washington Post reported Tuesday that a probe commissioned by Barr and focused on the “ unmasking ” question had concluded without criminal charges or any findings of substantive wrongdoing .
Separately , some Republican senators are seeking an inspector general investigation after records showed multiple members of Mueller ’ s team had forgotten their work phone passcodes or entered the wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be lost .
One of the prosecutors , Andrew Weissmann , has said in media interviews that the issue is overblown since the information was backed up .
More recently , the national intelligence director , John Ratcliffe , a Trump loyalist , declassified what he said was Russian intelligence analysis even though he acknowledged the information might not be accurate .
Meanwhile , Attorney General William Barr has appointed a prosecutor to investigate the origins of the Russia probe .
That prosecutor , U.S. Attorney John Durham of Connecticut , has secured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer for altering an email related to Page ’ s surveillance .
Trump has demanded big-name indictments and called for the probe to be completed by Election Day .
But it ’ s not clear when Durham will finish his work or what it will reveal .
HOW IS THE RUSSIA PROBE FIGURING IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ?
Even before it was released , the Mueller report was seen as potentially devastating to Trump , with its details about campaign ties to Russia and the president ’ s efforts to hinder the probe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leading in the polls , Democratic nominee Joe Biden has focused instead on Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the divisiveness of his presidency , issues that may be more likely to resonate with voters .
Meanwhile , attacking the Russia probe is a core part of Trump ’ s campaign .
Trump and his supporters have often mischaracterized the investigation , with Trump falsely claiming that President Barack Obama spied on his campaign .
Vice-President Mike Pence falsely suggested at a debate last week that the investigation had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia probe may not win over many undecided voters .
But they could energize Trump ’ s base at a time when the campaign needs a strong turnout in crucial battleground states .


thetorontostar--2020-10-13--500 volunteers fighting fire on Africa’s tallest mountain

NAIROBI , Kenya - Tanzanian authorities say 500 volunteers have been trying to put out a fire on Mount Kilimanjaro @ @ @ @ @ peak .
The flames can be seen from miles away .
A Tanzania National Parks @ @ @ @ @ volunteers have managed to limit the fire ’ s spread .
Spokesman Pascal Shelutete said @ @ @ @ @ known as Kifunika Hill .
He said the cause of the fire has yet to @ @ @ @ @ , head of Tanzania National Parks , said the fire has consumed 28 square kilometres @ @ @ @ @ tourists tourists of their safety .
The mountain is popular with hikers and climbers .
@ @ @ @ @ single free-standing mountain in the world , with a height of 19,443 feet ( 5,926 @ @ @