thetorontostar--2020-09-12--AP FACT CHECK: Trump vs. Trump on virus; Biden missteps

WASHINGTON - Explaining his deceptive assurances about the pandemic , President Donald Trump suggested he was doing what Winston Churchill had done , soothing the public in a time of danger .
That ’ s not how it went down in World War II .
Churchill did not tell Britons that Nazi Germany was “ under control ” or that , “ like a miracle , it will disappear , ” to cite Trump ’ s words on the virus .
The British prime minister spread fear , as well as resolve , as he summoned Britons to national purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” enslaving swaths of Europe and soon to be “ turned upon us.
” Trump ’ s statements about the pandemic have been rife with misinformation from the start .
But journalist Bob Woodward ’ s new book , “ Rage , ” reveals Trump admitting to using distortion as a tactic as he underplayed the threat of COVID-19 to Americans and young people in particular , while knowing better .
The president said his purpose was to avoid panic .
Details from the book and its recorded interviews with Trump dropped during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign for the Nov. 3 election entered its homestretch .
As the rhetoric flew , both Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden exaggerated their influence in reviving the auto industry .
In a mix-up , Biden vastly overstated military COVID-19 deaths .
Trump thoroughly misrepresented Biden ’ s positions .
TRUMP on Churchill during the German bombing of London : “ He always spoke with calmness .
He said , ‘ We have to show calmness.
’ “ — remarks to Michigan supporters Thursday .
TRUMP : “ As the British government advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War II , ‘ Keep calm and carry on.
’ That ’ s what I did.
’ “ — Michigan remarks .
THE FACTS : Historians take sharp issue with that .
“ Churchill understood that candour in crisis was vital , ” tweeted Erik Larson , author of “ The Splendid and the Vile , ” a history of Churchill and Britons during the German bombing campaign known as the Blitz .
” He did not sugarcoat the German threat.
” Fellow historian Jon Meacham responded to Trump with a quote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abbreviation : “ The British people can face any misfortune w/ fortitude & buoyancy as long as they are convinced that those in charge of their affairs are not deceiving them , or are not dwelling in a fool ’ s paradise.
“ The slogan to “ Keep calm and carry on ” was printed on British posters in preparation for war but did not gain favour and the posters were soon scrapped .
In his first BBC broadcast as prime minister , in May 1940 , Churchill described in chilling detail the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ columns and infantry through the ravaged French countryside and said it would be foolish “ to disguise the gravity of the hour.
” He said “ that hideous apparatus of aggression which gashed Holland into ruin and slavery in a few days will be turned upon us .
I am sure I speak for all when I say we are ready to face it ; to endure it.
” The Blitzkrieg started that September .
While Trump was repeatedly minimizing the danger of the outbreak in his public remarks , he was telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadlier than even a severe seasonal flu , that he was struck by how easily it spread and that “ plenty of young people ” were contracting it .
“ I wanted to always play it down , “ he said in March .
” I still like playing it down .
Because I don ’ t want to create a panic.
” TRUMP : “ We are going to have vaccines very soon , it may be much sooner than you think.
” — news conference Thursday .
TRUMP : “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ... in speed like nobody has ever seen before .
This could ’ ve taken two or three years , and instead it ’ s going to be — it ’ s going to be done in a very short of period of time .
Could even have it during the month of October.
” — news conference Monday .
THE FACTS : He ’ s almost certainly raising unrealistic hopes as the November election approaches .
The Food and Drug Administration already has told manufacturers it won ’ t consider any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % effective .
Getting the right math before November , as Trump has promised , is “ incredibly unlikely , ” said Dr. Larry Corey of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute , who is overseeing the U.S. government ’ s vaccine studies .
Public health experts are worried that Trump will press the FDA to approve a vaccine before it is proven to be safe and effective .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious diseases expert , has said he is “ cautiously optimistic ” that a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Even then , Fauci made clear that the vaccine would not be widely available right away .
“ Ultimately , within a reasonable period of time , the plans now allow for any American who needs a vaccine to get it within the year 2021 , ” Fauci told Congress last month .
Dr. Francis Collins , the director of the National Institutes of Health , also expressed “ cautious optimism ” this past week that one of the vaccines being tested will pan out by year ’ s end .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to predict whether it happens on a particular week before or after a particular date in early November is well beyond anything that any scientist right now could tell you.
” TRUMP : “ The approach to the virus is a very unscientific blanket lockdown by the Democrats.
” — news conference Thursday .
TRUMP : “ Biden ’ s plan for the China virus is to shut down the entire U.S. economy.
” — news conference Monday .
THE FACTS : That ’ s not Biden ’ s plan at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the economy only if scientists and public health advisers recommended he do so to stem the COVID-19 threat .
He said he would follow the science , not disregard it .
Biden told ABC last month he “ will be prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives ” when he was asked if he would even be willing to shut the country again .
“ I would listen to the scientists , “ he said .
If they said to shut it down , “ I would shut it down.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was vice-president , his failed approach to the swine flu was disastrous .
... And 60 million Americans got H1N1 in that period of time .
... We did everything wrong , it was a disaster.
” — news conference Thursday .
THE FACTS : This is a distorted history of a pandemic in 2009 that killed far fewer people in the United States than the coronavirus is killing now .
For starters , Biden as vice-president wasn ’ t running the federal response .
And that response was faster out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Then , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s flu surveillance network sounded the alarm after two children in California became the first people diagnosed with the new flu strain in this country .
About two weeks later , the Obama administration declared a public health emergency against H1NI , also known as the swine flu , and the CDC began releasing anti-flu drugs from the national stockpile to help hospitals get ready .
In contrast , Trump declared a state of emergency in early March , seven weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced , and the country ’ s health system struggled for months with shortages of critical supplies and testing .
More than 190,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S .
The CDC puts the U.S. death toll from the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic at about 12,500 .
BIDEN : “ President Obama and I rescued the auto industry and helped Michigan ’ s economy come roaring back.
“ — tweet Wednesday .
THE FACTS : Biden is assigning too much credit to Barack Obama and himself for saving the auto industry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration did was an expansion of pivotal steps taken by Obama ’ s predecessor , President George W. Bush .
In December 2008 , General Motors and Chrysler were on the brink of financial collapse .
The U.S. was in a deep recession and U.S. auto sales were falling sharply .
GM , Chrysler and Ford requested government aid , but Congress voted it down .
With barely a month left in office , Bush authorized $ 25 billion in loans to GM and Chrysler from the $ 700 billion bailout fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest U.S. banks .
Ford decided against taking any money .
Once in office , Obama appointed a task force to oversee GM and Chrysler , both of which eventually declared bankruptcy , took an additional roughly $ 55 billion in aid , and were forced to close many factories and overhaul their operations .
All three companies recovered and eventually started adding jobs again .
TRUMP : “ We brought you a lot of car plants , you know that right ?
...
I saved the U.S. auto industry.
“ — Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s economy : “ Donald Trump squandered it — and hardworking Michiganders are paying the price every day.
” —tweet Wednesday .
THE FACTS : Both Trump and Biden are overstating it .
Trump did not wreck Michigan ’ s economy , but he certainly didn ’ t bring an auto industry boom , either .
In fact , the number of auto and parts manufacturing jobs in the state fell slightly between Trump ’ s inauguration and February of this year , before the coronavirus took hold .
When Trump took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that dropped to 171,800 in February , according to Labor Department statistics .
While most plants shuttered for about eight weeks after the pandemic hit , many are back running near capacity again , at least for now .
In July , the most recent figures available , Michigan had 154,400 auto and parts manufacturing jobs .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , recently said the state ’ s economy was operating now at 87 % of pre-pandemic levels , citing figures from Moody ’ s Analytics and CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on radical ideology , my administration is focused on delivering real results .
And that ’ s what we have .
Right now we have the cleanest air ever we ’ ve ever had in this country — let ’ s say over the last 40 years.
” — remarks Tuesday in Jupiter , Florida .
FACTS : He ’ s not responsible for all of the progress — far from it .
All six air pollution measurements monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that in 2019 the U.S. air was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important pollutant , tiny particles , was essentially about the same as 2016 , only down 1 % , according to Carnegie Mellon University environmental engineering professor Neil Donahue .
The same figures also showed that air pollution rose in the first two years of the Trump administration before falling greatly in 2019 .
Donahue and three other outside experts in air pollution said the president was wrongly taking credit for what years , even decades , of ever-increasing emissions restrictions caused .
H. Christopher Frey , an engineering professor at North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EPA ’ s air quality scientific advisory board , said that “ current trends in air quality are for reasons irrespective of , or despite , policies of the Trump administration.
” Instead he and Donahue attributed it to a shift from use of dirtier coal — a shift the Trump administration has fought against — and to newer , cleaner cars replacing older vehicles .
TRUMP : “ We ’ re showing that we can create jobs , safeguard the environment and keep energy prices low for America and low for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You also see it when you pump the gas in your car and you ’ re sometimes paying a lot less than $ 2 lately .
So we ’ re doing well.
” — Florida remarks .
THE FACTS : Trump is wrongly taking credit .
Gasoline prices didn ’ t fall because of the Trump administration .
They plunged because the coronavirus forced people to abandon their offices , schools , business trips and vacations .
“ Reduced economic activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in energy demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the U.S. Energy Information Administration .
World demand for oil has fallen by 8 million barrels a day , the agency estimates .
Underscoring the connection to the pandemic shutdown , U.S. gas prices were at their lowest in April when people were staying home most now are up 33 cents a gallon on average , the agency says .
TRUMP : “ We ’ re pretty much out of Syria.
” — news conference Thursday .
THE FACTS : Not so much .
Last year close to 30 U.S. troops moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area where a Turkish attack on the country was initially centred .
But the U.S. currently has about 700 troops deployed to Syria , a number that hasn ’ t changed a lot lately .
BIDEN : “ Troops died in Iraq and Afghanistan : 6,922 .
... Military COVID deaths : 6,114 .
Folks , every one of these lives mattered.
” — remarks Wednesday in Warren , Michigan .
THE FACTS : He ’ s way off on the number of coronavirus deaths in the U.S. military .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military have died from COVID-19 , including reservists and those in the National Guard .
The Biden campaign acknowledged he had misspoken .
citing overall coronavirus deaths in Michigan instead of U.S. military deaths in a mix-up .
TRUMP : “ If you look at NATO , with the exception of eight countries — we ’ re one of them — every country is way behind .
They ’ re delinquent , especially Germany , in paying their NATO bills .
... And they ’ ve increased their spending now $ 130 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion a year .
It ’ s all because of me.
” — news conference Monday .
THE FACTS : He ’ s incorrect on several fronts .
First , countries don ’ t pay to be in NATO and don ’ t owe the organization anything other than contributions to a largely administrative fund that Trump is not talking about .
Member countries are not delinquent on NATO bills .
Nor have collections increased , as he asserted .
Trump ’ s actual beef is with how much NATO countries spend on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pressed them to spend more .
So did Obama .
And in 2014 , during the Obama administration , NATO members agreed to move “ toward ” spending 2 % of their gross domestic product on their own defence by 2024 .
Trump then mangles what happened next .
In December , NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced that by 2024 , military spending by non-U.S. members of the alliance will have increased by $ 400 billion since 2016 because of commitments from the member states .
That ’ s $ 400 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not “ $ 400 billion a year , “ as Trump put it .
And it ’ s not “ all because of me.
” TRUMP , retweeting an Associated Press analysis projecting the number of ballots that get rejected will soar this fall because of increased mail-in voting : “ Rigged Election !
” — tweet Tuesday .
THE FACTS : No , defective ballots do not equate to fraud .
The overwhelming majority aren ’ t .
According to the Brennan Center for Justice , the vast majority of ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a particular worry this year because of recent U.S .
Postal Service delays and an expected surge in mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic .
Ballots also are deemed defective if there is a missing signature — common with newer voters unfamiliar with the process — or it doesn ’ t match what ’ s on file .
In addition , some states require absentee voters to get a witness or notary to sign their ballots .
“ None of those are fraud , ” said Wendy Weiser , director of Brennan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law .
When suspected cases are investigated for potential fraud , studies have borne out the main reason for defects is voter mistake .
The AP analysis published Monday found that rejections of absentee ballots could triple compared with 2016 in some battleground states , potentially tipping the election outcome .
It said voters “ could be disenfranchised in key battleground states ” and that nullified votes could be “ even more pronounced in some urban areas where Democratic votes are concentrated and ballot rejection rates trended higher during this year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an election “ rigged ” against Trump .
Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard , Seth Borenstein , Josh Boak , Christopher Rugaber , Robert Burns , Lolita C. Baldor and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar in Washington , James LaPorta in Delray Beach , Florida , Tom Krisher in Detroit , Alexandra Jaffe in Warren , Michigan , and Tom Beaumont in Des Moines , Iowa , contributed to this report .
EDITOR ’ S NOTE — A look at the veracity of claims by political figures .

Hope Yen And Calvin Woodward - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Iran’s currency hits new record low against the dollar

TEHRAN , Iran - Iran ’ s currency on Saturday dropped to its lowest value ever against the dollar , and has seen its value fall by 30 % since June amid severe U.S. sanctions imposed on Tehran .
Money exchange shops traded the Iranian rial 262,000 for a dollar .
The rial had traded at 256,000 to $ 1 on Thursday , and markets were closed Friday , the start of the weekend in Iran .
The rial has tumbled from a rate of 200,000 in late June .
Iran ’ s currency was at 32,000 rials to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers .
The currency unexpectedly rallied for some time after President Donald Trump ’ s decision more than two years ago to withdraw the U.S. from the nuclear deal and reimpose crippling trade sanctions on Iran .
The sanctions have caused Iran ’ s oil exports , the country ’ s main source of income , to fall sharply .
On Friday , the head of Iran ’ s central bank Abdolnasser Hemmati said the government was trying its best to control the situation in the currency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned exporters to bring their foreign earnings home from abroad or face having their export licenses revoked , and central bank has warned it would publish the names of violators .
In June , the central bank reported that Iranian companies export more than $ 40 billion in non-oil products per year , and officials say some 50 % of that remains abroad .

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thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Pioneering British designer Terence Conran dies at age of 88

LONDON - Terence Conran , the pioneering British designer , retailer and restaurateur , has died .
He was 88 @ @ @ @ @ a statement that Conran died peacefully at his home on Saturday .
The statement called @ @ @ @ @ who “ revolutionized the way we live in Britain.
” Through his array of work @ @ @ @ @ , culture and the arts around the world .
His family said that “ at @ @ @ @ @ did was a very simple belief that good design improves the quality of people ’ @ @ @ @ @ the late forties to the present day , his energy and creativity thrived in his @ @ @ @ @ , cafes and hotels and through his many design , architecture and furniture making businesses @ @ @ @ @ .
Conran also founded The Design Museum in London , which his family described as @ @ @ @ @ moments .
”


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--China says Mars probe stable; no word on reusable spacecraft

BEIJING—China ’ s Mars probe Tianwen-1 , which blasted into space in July , is now more than 15 million kilometres from Earth en route to the red planet , the National Space Administration said Saturday .
The administration said that Tianwen-1 was in stable condition , having completed its first mid-course orbital correction early last month .
It will be about 195 million kilometres from Earth when it arrives at Mars around February , having travelled 470 million kilometres in all to get there .
The administration , however , has yet to release information about a mysterious reusable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ago after a two-day flight .
The spacecraft consists of an orbiter , a lander and a rover , and marks China ’ s most ambitious Mars mission yet as it seeks to join the United States in successfully landing a spacecraft on the planet .
It was blasted into space aboard a Long March-5 on July 23 during a month when the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. also took advantage of a shortened distance between the planets to launch similar missions .
China said the reusable spacecraft returned to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flight a breakthrough that will eventually provide convenient round-trip transport to space at a low cost .
No other details on the mission or the configuration of the spacecraft have been released .
That is also seen as an attempt to put China on the leading edge of space flight .
The U.S. has for years been operating the secretive X-37B space plane that remains in orbit for months .
China ’ s military-backed space program has developed rapidly since it became just the third country after Russia and the U.S. to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last year , China ’ s Chang ’ e-4 became the first spacecraft from any country to land on the far side of the moon .
The program has also suffered the occasional setback .
The northwestern satellite launch centre of Jiuquan reported that an optical satellite launched midday Saturday failed to enter its preset orbit after abnormalities were observed during the flight of its carrier rocket .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Toots Hibbert, beloved reggae star, dead at 77

NEW YORK - Toots Hibbert , one of reggae ’ s founders and most beloved stars who gave the music its name and later helped make it an international movement through such classics as “ Pressure Drop , ” “ Monkey Man ” and “ Funky Kingston , ” has died .
He was 77 .
Hibbert , frontman of Toots & the Maytals , had been in a medically-induced coma at a hospital in Kingston since earlier this month .
He was admitted in intensive care after complaints of having breathing difficulties according to his publicist .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was awaiting results from a COVID-19 test after showing symptoms .
News of the five-time Grammy nominee ’ s ill-health came just weeks after his last known performance , on a national live-stream during Jamaica ’ s Emancipation and Independence celebrations in August .
A family statement said Hibbert died Friday at University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston , Jamaica , surrounded by family .
A muscular ex-boxer , Hibbert was a bandleader , songwriter , multi-instrumentalist and showman whose concerts sometimes ended with dozens of audience members dancing with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the opinion of many , reggae ’ s greatest singer , so deeply spiritual he could transform “ Do re mi fa so la ti do “ into a hymn .
His raspy tenor , uncommonly warm and rough , was likened to the voice of Otis Redding and made him more accessible to American listeners than many reggae artists .
Original songs such as “ Funky Kingston ” and “ 54-46 That ’ s My Number ” had the emotion and call and response arrangements known to soul and gospel fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American hits , “ Toots In Memphis , ” which came out in 1988 .
Never as immersed in politics as his friend and great contemporary Bob Marley , Hibbert did invoke heavenly justice in “ Pressure Drop , ” preach peace in “ Revolution , ” righteousness in “ Bam Bam ” and scorn his 1960s drug arrest and imprisonment in “ 54-46 That ’ s My Number.
” He also captured , like few others , everyday life in Jamaica in the years following its independence from Britain in 1962 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweet and Dandy ” ) or of trying to pay the rent ( “ Time Tough ” ) .
One of his most popular and surprising songs was his reworking of John Denver ’ s nostalgic “ ( Take Me Home ) Country Roads , ” with the setting changed from West Virginia to a world Hibbert knew so well .
All my friends there As with other reggae stars , Hibbert ’ s following soared after the release of the landmark 1972 film , “ The Harder They Come , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who moves to Kingston and dreams of a career in music .
The Jamaican production was a word of mouth hit in the U.S. and the soundtrack , often ranked among the greatest in movie history , included the Maytals ’ “ Pressure Drop ” and “ Sweet and Dandy.
” Hibbert also appeared in the film , as himself , recording “ Sweet and Dandy ” in the studio while Cliff ’ s character looks on with awe .
Around the same time , the Maytals signed with Island Records and released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which the critic Lester Bangs called “ the most exciting and diversified set of reggae tunes by a single artist yet released.
” ( The album would eventually come out in two different versions ) .
By the mid-1970s , Keith Richards , John Lennon , Eric Clapton and countless other rock stars had become reggae fans and Hibbert would eventually record with some of them .
A tribute album from 2004 , the Grammy winning “ True Love , ” included cameos by Richards , Bonnie Raitt , Ryan Adams and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject of a 2011 BBC documentary , “ Reggae Got Soul , ” with Clapton , Richards and Willie Nelson among the commentators .
A guest appearance on “ Saturday Night Live ” in 2004 brought Hibbert an unexpected admirer , the show ’ s guest host , Donald Trump , who in his book “ Think Like a Billionaire ” recalled hearing the Maytals rehearse : “ My daughter Ivanka had told me how great they were , and she was right .
The music relaxed me , and surprisingly , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a vocal trio featuring Hibbert , Henry “ Raleigh ” Gordon and Nathaniel “ Jerry ” Mathias , with the group later adding such instrumentalists as bassist Jackie Jackson and drummer Paul Douglas .
They broke up in the early 1980s , but the following decade Hibbert began working with a new lineup of Maytals .
Hibbert ’ s career was halted in 2013 after he sustained a head injury from a vodka bottle thrown during a concert in Richmond , Virginia , and suffered from headaches and depression .
But by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing again and in 2020 he released his first album in nearly a decade , “ Got To Be Tough , ” which included contributions from Ziggy Marley , Bob Marley ’ s son ; and Ringo Starr , whose son , Zak Starkey , served as co-producer .
Grammy nominations for Hibbert included best reggae album of 2012 for “ Reggae Got Soul ” and best reggae album of 2007 for “ Light Your Light.
” Hibbert was ranked No .
71 on a Rolling Stone list , compiled in 2008 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2012 , he received the Order of Distinction by the government of Jamaica for outstanding contribution to the country ’ s music .
Married to his wife , Doreen , for nearly 40 years , Hibbert had eight children , including the reggae performers Junior Hibbert and Leba Hibbert .
Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert ( “ Toots ” was a childhood nickname ) was born in May Pen , Parish of Clarendon .
He was the son of Seventh-day Adventist ministers and would remember miles-long walks along dirt roads to schools , hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listening to such American stars on the radio as Ray Charles and Elvis Presley .
By adolescence , his parents had died and he had moved to Trench Town in Kingston , where the local music scene was thriving , moving from street parties to recording studios and drawing such future stars as Marley and Desmond Dekker .
He formed the Maytals , named for his hometown , with fellow singers Matthias and Gordon , started working with Jamaican record producer Coxsone Dodd and quickly became the star of the national festival competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( eventually renamed Toots & the Maytals ) won in the inaugural year with “ Bam Bam , ” prevailed in 1969 with “ Sweet and Dandy ” and 1972 with “ Pomp and Pride.
“ Hibbert would joke that he thought it best to start skipping the festival because winning came so easily , although he returned in 2020 with the bright , inspirational “ Rise Up Jamaica.
” The Maytals began when ska was the most popular music , continued to rise during the transition to the slowed down rocksteady and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faster , more danceable sound of the late ‘ 60s .
Their uptempo chant “ Do the Reggay ” is widely recognized as the song which gave reggae its name , even if the honour was unintended .
“ If a girl didn ’ t look so nice or she wasn ’ t dressed properly , we used to say she was streggay .
I was playing one day and I don ’ t know why but I started singing : ‘ Do the reggay , do the reggay ’ — it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star in 2012 .
” I might have stuck with calling it streggay if I ’ d thought longer .
That ’ d be something — everyone dancing to streggay music .
”


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Istanbul introduces limits to gatherings as virus spreads

ISTANBUL—The governor of Istanbul has banned boating companies from hosting weddings and similar gatherings as part of new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Turkey ’ s most populous city .
The governor ’ s office also reintroduced a ban on concerts and festivals in open spaces .
A statement from the office late Friday said the restrictions were needed because people were not adequately heeding precautions like physical distancing and confirmed virus cases have increased .
The bans were to go into effect on Saturday but were postponed until Monday .
Coronavirus infections and deaths began increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on public activity in June , returning to levels last seen in mid-May .
On Friday , the Health Ministry announced 56 more deaths and 1,671 new cases , bringing the country ’ s total death toll in the pandemic to 6,951 and cases to nearly 290,000 .
Officials have cited engagement parties and weddings as a key source for new infections and introduced restrictions on social gatherings .
Some turned to holding celebrations on party boats that cruise Istanbul ’ s scenic Bosporus strait , which bisects the city of about 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team Besiktas announced that technical director Sergen Yalcin had tested positive for the coronavirus during a check ahead of the club ’ s next match .
Besiktas is one of the top soccer teams in Turkey .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Warring Afghans meet to find peace after decades of war

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - Afghanistan ’ s warring sides started negotiations for the first time , bringing together the Taliban and delegates appointed by the Afghan government Saturday for historic meetings aimed at ending decades of war .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attended the opening ceremony in Qatar , where the meetings are taking place and where the Taliban maintain a political office .
The start of negotiations was the latest in a flurry of diplomatic activity by the Trump administration ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November .
“ Each of you carry a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants .
“ You have an opportunity to overcome your divisions.
“ While Saturday ’ s opening was about ceremony , the hard negotiations will be held behind closed doors and over a number of sessions .
But following a meeting with the Taliban on Saturday in Doha , Washington ’ s peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said the U.S. and every Afghan would like to see a deal “ sooner rather than later.
” The sides will be tackling tough issues in the negotiations , which will include the terms of a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minorities , and the disarming of tens of thousands of Taliban fighters and militias loyal to warlords , some of them aligned with the government .
Khalilzad said a quick , permanent cease-fire is unlikely , but held out hope for a gradual reduction in violence until both sides are ready to end their fighting .
Mistrust runs deep on both sides , he said .
The Afghan negotiation teams are also expected to discuss constitutional changes and power sharing during their talks .
Subsequent rounds of negotiations could be held outside Doha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to host future negotiations .
Even seemingly mundane issues like the flag and the name of the country — the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan , as the Taliban ’ s administration was known when it ruled — could find their way onto the negotiation table and roil tempers .
Among the government-appointed negotiators are four women , who have vowed to preserve women ’ s rights in any power-sharing deal with the hard-line Taliban .
This includes the right to work , education and participation in political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Taliban ruled Afghanistan for five years .
The Taliban were ousted in 2001 by a U.S.-led coalition for harbouring Osama bin Laden , the architect of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America .
No women are on the Taliban ’ s negotiation team , led by their chief justice Abdul Hakim .
The insurgent movement has said it accepted a woman ’ s right to work , go to school and participate in politics but would not accept a woman as president or chief justice .
Deeply conservative members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is overseeing the talks , also hold that women can ’ t serve in either post .
At the opening ceremonies , there was some sign of Taliban changes in attitudes .
Several Taliban jostled to to take photographs of leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as he addressed the ceremony .
Photography was banned during the Taliban rule as being against Islam .
Baradar said the Taliban envisioned an Islamic system that embraces all Afghans , without elaborating .
He also urged patience as the negotiations proceeded , urging both sides to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face of problems .
“ The negotiation process may have problems , but the request is that the negotiations move forward with a lot of patience , with a lot of attention , and it should be continued with such kind of attention , ” he said .
“ We want to give them ( people of Afghanistan ) this assurance that with full honesty we continue the Afghan peace negotiation , and we try for peace and tranquility , we will pave the ground in Afghanistan.
” Abdullah Abdullah , who heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reconciliation , said in his remarks that the sides do not need to agree on every detail , but should announce a humanitarian cease-fire .
Both sides will be “ peace heroes ” if negotiations bring about a lasting peace that protects Afghanistan ’ s independence and leads to a system based on Islamic principles that preserves the rights of all people , said Abdullaah.. Pompeo warned that their decisions and conduct will affect both the size and conduct of U.S. assistance .
He encouraged the negotiators to respect Afghanistan ’ s rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious minorities .
He said that while the choice of Afghanistan ’ s political system is theirs to make , the U.S. has found that democracy and rotation of political power works best .
“ I can only urge these actions .
You will write the next chapter of Afghan history , ” he said .
Pompeo spoke the day after the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks .
He said the U.S. will never forget the 9-11 , and that America welcomes the Taliban commitment not to host terrorist groups , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the carnage .
The intra-Afghan negotiations were laid out in a peace deal Washington signed with the Taliban on Feb. 29 .
At that time the deal was touted as Afghanistan ’ s best chance at peace in 40 years of war .
Yet Abdullah noted that since that agreement was reached , 1,200 people have been killed and more than 15,000 wounded in attacks across the country .
The United Nations has urged a reduction of violence and criticized civilian casualties on both sides .
The current talks had been originally expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement between the Taliban and the U.S .
But delays disrupted the timeline .
The Afghan government balked at releasing 5,000 Taliban prisoners , which was stipulated in the deal as a sign of good faith ahead of the negotiations .
The Taliban were required to release 1,000 government and military personnel in their custody .
Political turmoil in Kabul further delayed talks as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his rival in controversial presidential polls the year before , Abdullah Abdullah , squabbled over who won , with both declaring victory .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hindered the start of talks .
Still the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan does not hinge on the success of the talks .
Washington ’ s withdrawal is contingent on the Taliban honouring commitments to fight terrorist groups , in particular the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan , and ensure that Afghanistan can not again be used to attack America or its allies .
“ The Taliban have work to do .
We see progress , but they have work to do , ” said Khalilzad .
“ We have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed if the conditions are met by the end of April.
” The U.S. has refused to give specific of the guarantees citing security reasons , but the withdrawal of U.S. troops has already begun .
President Donald Trump has said tha “ t by November , about 4,000 soldiers will be in Afghanistan , down from 13,000 when the deal was signed in February .
All troops will be gone by April if Taliban fulfil their commitment to fight terrorists .
“ Washington ’ s goals are very simple : It wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because these give the White House political cover for an imminent withdrawal , ” said Michael Kugelman , deputy director of the Washington-based Wilson Center ’ s Asia program .
“ Trump likely wants a peace deal before the election , so that he can garner political benefits galore and pitch himself as a Nobel Peace Prize candidate .
But presumably even he realizes it ’ s wildly unrealistic to expect a deal so soon .
These types of negotiations tend to be measured in years , not weeks.
” The talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Israel by two Gulf Arab nations - Bahrain on Friday and the United Arab Emirates in August .
Gannon reported from Islamabad .
Associated Press Writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul , Afghanistan contributed to this report

Kathy Gannon And Aya Batrawy - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Antarctica is still free of COVID-19. Can it stay that way?

JOHANNESBURG - At this very moment a vast world exists that ’ s free of the coronavirus , where people can mingle without masks and watch the pandemic unfold from thousands of miles away .
That world is Antarctica , the only continent without COVID-19 .
Now , as nearly 1,000 scientists and others who wintered over on the ice are seeing the sun for the first time in weeks or months , a global effort wants to make sure incoming colleagues don ’ t bring the virus with them .
From the U.K. ’ s Rothera Research Station off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tip of South America , field guide Rob Taylor described what it ’ s like in “ our safe little bubble.
” In pre-coronavirus days , long-term isolation , self-reliance and psychological strain were the norm for Antarctic teams while the rest of the world saw their life as fascinatingly extreme .
“ In general , the freedoms afforded to us are more extensive than those in the U.K. at the height of lockdown , ” said Taylor , who arrived in October and has missed the pandemic entirely .
“ We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the gym , all within reason.
” Like teams across Antarctica , including at the South Pole , Taylor and his 26 colleagues must be proficient in all sorts of tasks in a remote , communal environment with little room for error .
They take turns cooking , make weather observations and “ do a lot of sewing , ” he said .
Good internet connections mean they ’ ve watched closely as the pandemic circled the rest of the planet .
Until this year , conversations with incoming colleagues focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes both ways .
“ I ’ m sure there ’ s a lot they can tell us that will help us adapt to the new way of things , ” Taylor said .
“ We haven ’ t had any practice at social distancing yet !
” At New Zealand ’ s Scott Base , rounds of mini-golf and a filmmaking competition with other Antarctic bases have been highlights of the Southern Hemisphere ’ s winter , which ended for the Scott team when they spotted the sun last Friday .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think there ’ s a little bit of dissociation , ” Rory O ’ Connor , a doctor and the team ’ s winter leader , said of watching the pandemic from afar .
“ You acknowledge it cerebrally , but I don ’ t think we have fully factored in the emotional turmoil it must be causing.
” His family in the U.K. still wouldn ’ t trade places with him .
“ They can ’ t understand why I came down here , ” he joked .
“ Months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of people .
Where ’ s the joy in that ?
” O ’ Connor said they will be able to test for the virus once colleagues start arriving as soon as Monday , weeks late because a huge storm dumped 20-feet ( 6-meter ) snowdrifts .
Any virus case will spark a “ red response level , ” he said , with activities stripped down to providing heating , water , power and food .
While COVID-19 has rattled some diplomatic ties , the 30 countries that make up the Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up early to keep the virus out .
Officials cite unique teamwork among the United States , China , Russia and others that elsewhere might engage in diplomatic sniping .
As a frightened world was locking down in March , the Antarctic programs agreed the pandemic could become a major disaster .
With the world ’ s strongest winds and coldest temperatures , the continent roughly the size of the United States and Mexico is already dangerous for workers at 40 year-round bases .
“ A highly infectious novel virus with significant mortality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment of Antarctica with limited sophistication of medical care and public health responses is High Risk with potential catastrophic consequences , ” according to a COMNAP document seen by The Associated Press .
Since Antarctica can only be reached through a few air gateways or via ship , “ the attempt to prevent the virus from reaching the continent should be undertaken IMMEDIATELY , ” it said .
No more contact with tourists , COMNAP warned .
“ No cruise ships should be disembarking.
” And for Antarctic teams located near each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between stations/facilities should be ceased.
” Antarctic workers have long been trained in hand-washing and “ sneeze etiquette , ” but COMNAP slipped in that reminder , adding , “ Don ’ t touch your face.
” In those hurried weeks of final flights , the U.S. “ thankfully ” augmented medical and other supplies for winter and beyond it , said Stephanie Short , head of logistics for the U.S. Antarctic program .
“ We re-planned an entire research season in a matter of weeks , facing the highest level of uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government career , ” she said .
Antarctic bases soon slipped into months of isolation known as winter .
Now , with the glimmer of spring , the next big test has begun .
Everyone is sending fewer people to the ice for the summer , COMNAP executive secretary Michelle Finnemore said .
In the gateway city of Christchurch , New Zealand , Operation Deep Freeze is preparing to airlift some 120 people to the largest U.S. station , McMurdo .
To limit contact between Antarctic workers and flight crew , the plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pallet .
The Americans ’ bubble began before leaving the U.S. in early August and continues until they reach the ice .
They ’ ve been isolated in hotel rooms well beyond New Zealand ’ s 14-day quarantine .
Bad weather has delayed their departure for weeks .
It ’ s now planned for Monday .
“ We ’ re trying to do a really good job keeping up their spirits , ” said Anthony German , the U.S. Antarctic program ’ s chief liaison there .
The U.S. is sending a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research will be affected , though investment in robotics and instrumentation that can transmit data from the field will help greatly , said Alexandra Isern , head of Antarctic sciences for the U.S. program with the National Science Foundation .
The COVID-19 disruptions are causing some sadness , she said .
“ In some cases , we ’ re going to have to have contingents digging instruments out of the snow to make sure we can still find it.
” Like other countries , New Zealand will prioritize long-term data sets , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate , ozone levels , seismic activity and more , said Sarah Williamson , chief executive of Antarctica New Zealand .
It ’ s sending 100 people to the ice instead of 350 , she said .
Some programs are deferring Antarctic operations to next year or even 2022 , said Nish Devanunthan , South Africa ’ s director of Antarctic support .
“ I think the biggest concern for every country is to be the one that is fingered for bringing the virus , ” he said .
“ Everyone is safeguarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gateway cities — Cape Town , Christchurch , Hobart in Australia , Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina .
Each has quarantine and testing protocols for workers boarding planes or ships heading south .
Antarctica always has its challenges , Devanunthan said , but when it comes to COVID-19 and the international community as a whole , “ I would say this is on the top of the list.
” A few weeks ago at McMurdo Station , workers carried out a drill to simulate what the rest of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
“ It will be difficult not to run up and hug friends ” once they arrive , station manager Erin Heard said .
He and the others will start wearing masks two days before the newcomers fly in , he said , “ to help us get muscle memory.
” For the masks , the team plundered McMurdo ’ s craft room , stocked with fabric , and found designs online .
As colleagues arrive , Heard will leave Antarctica .
He once might have planned to thaw out on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new normal .
“ Do I ask a friend to pick me up ?
I don ’ t know if I ’ m comfortable doing that , ” he said as he imagined stepping off the plane .
“ It will be super weird , to be honest , to be coming from what feels like another planet .
”

Cara Anna And Nick Perry - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--France: Yellow vest protests relaunched after virus hiatus

PARIS - Activists relaunched France ’ s yellow vest movement Saturday after the disruptive demonstrations against Emmanuel Macron ’ s @ @ @ @ @ off during the coronavirus pandemic .
Paris police said that more than 120 people were @ @ @ @ @ been placed in custody so far in the French capital .
Organizers hope the fresh @ @ @ @ @ thousands of participants .
Paris authorities designated areas such as the Champs-Elysees Avenue off-limits , @ @ @ @ @ metro along the famed avenue were temporarily closed .
The yellow vest movement began in @ @ @ @ @ fuel tax hike that was said to punish the poorest French .
Named for the @ @ @ @ @ to carry in France , it morphed into more than a year of weekly anti-government @ @ @ @ @ and hundreds of injuries .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Japan PM hopeful says he may need help from Abe on diplomacy

TOKYO - Japanese prime minister hopeful Yoshihide Suga said Saturday that he lacks the kind of diplomatic skills that outgoing leader Shinzo Abe has , including Abe ’ s personal friendship with President Donald Trump , and that he will need his assistance if he assumes the top job .
Abe in late August announced his intention to step down as prime minister due to health problems .
He has led Japan since he returned to power in December 2012 for a second stint as prime minister .
Suga , the chief Cabinet secretary , is expected to win Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsed in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday because of the majority held by the ruling bloc .
Abe has travelled to 80 overseas destinations during his tenure , bringing stability and consistency to Japanese diplomacy and raising the country ’ s profile in the international community , experts say .
He was noted especially for developing a personal friendship with Trump .
“ Prime Minister Abe ’ s leadership diplomacy was truly amazing .
I don ’ t think I can match that , ” Suga said as he joined the two other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defence Minister Shiberu Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida are also in the race .
“ I think there is a diplomatic stance that would fit me and I will stick to my own style , while also seeking assistance from the Foreign Ministry .
And of course I will consult with ( Abe ) , “ Suga said .
Suga said his top priorities are fighting the coronavirus and turning around an economy battered by the pandemic .
When asked about his policies on the economy , women ’ s empowerment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achievements under the Abe-led government .
Suga served as a policy co-ordinator and adviser to Abe , the point man behind the centralized power of the Prime Minister ’ s Office and its influence over bureaucrats in implementing policies .
The son of a strawberry farmer in northern Japan and a self-made politician , Suga is a rarity in the country ’ s largely hereditary world of politics .
But despite his influence and his political skills at home , Suga has hardly travelled overseas , and his diplomatic skills are unknown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abe ’ s priorities .
On Saturday , he noted the importance of Japan-China relations and said he would patiently work to improve ties with the world ’ s No .
2 economy .
Abe failed to achieve his goals to settle a territorial row and sign a peace treaty with Russia or to normalize ties with North Korea .
Suga would also inherit unfinished business on other challenges .
China continues its assertive actions in the East China Sea .
He will have to decide what to do with the Tokyo Olympics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallout .
And he will have to establish a good relationship with whoever wins the U.S. presidential race .
“ Suga has demonstrated influence in domestic policies , but his diplomatic skills are unknown , ” said Yu Uchiyama , a University of Tokyo politics professor .
“ But I think there will be little change.
“


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Historic Afghan peace talks fraught with uncertainty

ISLAMABAD - Historic negotiations between the Taliban and Afghanistan ’ s political leadership opened in Qatar on Saturday , offering the best chance of peace after decades of war .
The U.S. had hoped negotiations would start within two weeks of Feb. 29 , when it signed a peace deal with the Taliban , effectively acknowledging a military stalemate after nearly two decades of conflict .
The agreement called for direct intra-Afghan negotiations but required both sides to release prisoners as a sign of good faith ahead of talks .
The Afghan government , which was in the throes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election held last September , balked at being told to free 5,000 Taliban but eventually relented .
U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad , who invested a year and a half negotiating the peace deal , called negotiations between Afghanistan ’ s warring sides “ a historic opportunity for peace ... one that benefits all Afghans and contributes to regional stability and global security.
” But as negotiations begin , the issues that separate the two sides are many , the mistrust is deep and the way forward is fraught with uncertainty .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the talks .
One of the first items on the agenda will be a comprehensive and permanent cease-fire .
The government has been relentless in its demand for one , and the Taliban have repeatedly said it would be one of the first items on the agenda when negotiations begin .
The big hurdle is likely to be what to do with tens of thousands of armed Taliban fighters and the militias loyal to government-allied warlords .
Protection of rights , particularly women ’ s , will also be high on the agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is deeply conservative and in 19 years has refused to pass a women ’ s rights bill .
The eyes of the international community are likely to be the biggest motivator for making progress for women .
The Taliban have already said yes to women and girls attending school , women working , women in politics and as lawyers and judges .
However , they say they draw the line at a woman president or Supreme Court chief justice .
The Associated Press has surveyed numerous political leaders in Kabul — men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a compromise they can live with .
Not everyone agrees , including the former head of Afghanistan ’ s Human Rights Commission , Sima Samar .
constitutional changes are also expected to be high on the agenda , and big in many Afghans ’ minds will be the Taliban ’ s interpretation of Islamic rules .
Other housekeeping issues include deciding on the name of the country : Islamic Republic or Islamic Emirate ?
On the Taliban side , the 20-member negotiating team is a solid group that includes 13 members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is led by Taliban chief justice Abdul Hakim , whose appointment last weekend came as a surprise .
He replaced Sher Mohammed Abbas Stanikzai , who is now deputy head of the Taliban team .
Taliban chief Maulvi Hibatullah Akhunzada reshuffled the negotiating committee throughout August , removing a key negotiator Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi , who is considered close to Afghanistan ’ s neighbour Pakistan .
He added another four from the leadership council .
The strength of the team means they can make decisions pretty much on the spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the Americans and is a co-founder of the movement , Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar , heads the organization ’ s powerful office in Qatar ’ s capital , Doha .
The Afghan government ’ s negotiating team is led by Mohammad Mamoon Stanikzai , no relation to the Taliban head negotiator .
He is a former head of Afghan intelligence who was forced to resign after an anti-terrorist intelligence unit was implicated in civilian deaths .
The real power to make decisions will rest with the High Council for National Reconciliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the post in a political compromise with President Ashraf Ghani after challenging Ghani ’ s win in controversial presidential elections last year .
Abdullah ’ s council will seek expert opinions on legal , religious and constitutional issues as they come up before reaching any agreement .
Afghan observers and analysts have expressed fears that disgruntled former Taliban fighters could join other militant groups , most notably the Islamic State group ’ s affiliate in the country .
Taliban fighters have been battling the upstart affiliate , but the Taliban have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim group .
Many Taliban fighters are disillusioned at their leaders entering peace negotiations and believe they could win militarily , with nearly 50 % of the country already mostly in their control .
Washington ’ s watchdog , the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction , has expressed concerns that Taliban fighters returning to their homes could be targeted by corrupt officials or threatened by authorities .
This happened in 2001 when former fighters went home after their government was ousted by the U.S.-led coalition for harbouring al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and back into the ranks of a — at that time — largely destroyed Taliban .
The attacks against the returning fighters also exacerbated ethnic divisions , with most Taliban , who are ethnic Pashtuns , feeling marginalized .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--China releases 5 missing Indian nationals amid standoff

NEW DELHI - The Indian army said Saturday that China has released five Indian nationals who went missing earlier this month from the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh amid simmering tensions between the two countries along a disputed mountain frontier .
The five men were hunters and will be quarantined for 14 days as a precaution against the coronavirus before being handed over to their families , the army said in a statement .
China ’ s state-run Global Times newspaper disputed India ’ s claims , and said the released men were intelligence agents dressed as hunters .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding to the already heightened tensions between India and China .
The two countries have been locked in a bitter standoff for months in the Ladakh region , where in June they had their deadliest clash in decades .
Since last week , the Asian giants have accused each other of sending soldiers into rival territory and firing warning shots for the first time in 45 years , threatening a full-scale military conflict .
On Friday , the Indian and Chinese foreign ministers agreed to de-escalate the border tensions , but resolving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long process .
The two nations fought a border war in 1962 that spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce .
Since then , troops have guarded the undefined border area , occasionally brawling .
They have agreed not to attack each other with firearms .
Rival soldiers brawled in May and June with clubs , stones and their fists .
A clash on a high ridge on June 15 left 20 Indian soldiers dead .
China is believed to have had casualties as well , but has not given any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides disengaged from the site in the Galwan Valley and at least two other places , but the crisis continued .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--More than 50 killed at collapsed gold mine in eastern Congo

KINSHASA , Congo - More than 50 people are dead after landslides caused the collapse of three artisanal gold mines near the city of Kamituga in eastern Congo ’ s South Kivu province on Friday , officials said .
Heavy rains for days led to the disaster .
“ The diggers and the transporters of the stones were swallowed up by the waters , ” said the Kamituga mayor , Alexandre Bundya .
“ A team of rescuers with motor pumps came to recover the bodies of the victims.
” Diwa Honoré , who survived the tragedy , said more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three mines , which are about 50 metres ( 54 yards ) deep .
“ Kamituga is in mourning , ” wrote Dieudonné Bazika , sharing a video on social media showing the aftermath .
Hundreds of people gathered to observe and help in rescue efforts .
Most of the dead were young people , according to a statement from the office of the governor of South Kivu , Theo Ngwabidje Kasi , who offered condolences to families .
“ Investigations continue to identify our deceased compatriots , to provide assistance and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such tragedies , ” the statement said .
Artisanal mining quarries are often unsafe in eastern Congo and the Kasai region .
Women and children also work in the mines to make ends meet .
Deadly collapses occurred earlier this year in Maniema and in Katanga , killing at least 18 people .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Germany: Bus comes off highway, some passengers injured

BERLIN - A bus travelling from Prague to Hamburg came off a highway in northern Germany early Saturday and ended @ @ @ @ @ side , leaving three passengers seriously injured , police said .
The cause of the @ @ @ @ @ the A24 highway near Ludwigslust at about 5:45 a.m. , wasn ’ t immediately clear @ @ @ @ @ board the bus was taken to nearby hospitals nearby , and that 28 people had @ @ @ @ @ Flixbus said many of those who were taken to hospitals weren ’ t hurt , @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said the 31 people on board the bus included German , Czech , @ @ @ @ @ , British , Indian , Egyptian and Chinese citizens , as well as the Czech @ @


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Smoke chokes West Coast as wildfire deaths keep climbing

SALEM , Ore. - Wildfire smoke that posed a health hazard to millions choked the West Coast on Saturday as firefighters battled deadly blazes that obliterated some towns and displaced tens of thousands of people , the latest in a series of calamities this year .
For people already enduring the coronavirus pandemic , the resulting economic fallout and political tensions evident in the Black Lives Matter protests and far-right counter protests , the fires added a new layer of misery .
“ What ’ s next ?
You have the protests , coronavirus pandemic , now the wildfires .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lamented Danielle Oliver , 40 , of Happy Valley , southeast of Portland .
The death toll from the fires in California , Oregon and Washington stood at 31 and was expected to rise sharply .
Most of the fatalities were in California and Oregon .
Oregon ’ s emergency management director said officials were preparing for a possible “ mass fatality event ” if many more bodies turn up in the ash .
And the state fire marshal resigned after abruptly being placed on administrative leave .
The state police superintendent said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required a leadership change .
Oliver has an autoimmune disorder that makes her vulnerable to wildfire smoke , so she agreed to evacuate .
She was nervous about going to a shelter because of the virus , but sleeping in a car with her husband , 15-year-daughter , two dogs and a cat was not a viable option .
The temperature checks and social distancing at the American Red Cross shelter helped put her mind at ease .
Now the family waits , hoping their house will survive .
She has previously experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m tired of starting all over .
Getting everything , working for everything , then losing everything , ” she said .
Those who still had homes were not safe in them .
A half-million Oregonians were under evacuation warnings or orders to leave .
With air contamination levels at historic highs , people stuffed towels under door jambs to keep smoke out .
Some even wore N95 masks in their own homes .
Some communities resembled the bombed-out cities of Europe after World War II , with buildings reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Residents either managed to flee as the flames closed in , or perished .
Millicent Catarancuic ’ s body was found near a car on her 5-acre property in Berry Creek , California .
The flames came so quickly she did not have time to get out .
On Tuesday , she packed several of her dogs and cats in the car but later called her daughter to say she decided to stay .
Firefighters had made progress battling the blaze .
The wind was calm .
The flames still seemed far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property .
“ I feel like , maybe when they passed , they had an army of cats and dogs with her to help her through it , ” said her daughter , Holly Catarancuic .
In Oregon alone , more than 40,000 people have been evacuated and about 500,000 are in different levels of evacuation zones , Gov .
Kate Brown said .
Fires along Oregon ’ s Cascade Range grew Saturday , but at a slower rate than earlier in the week , when strong easterly winds acted like a bellows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beachie Creek Fire and the Riverside Fire — toward each other and the state ’ s major population centres , including Portland ’ s southeastern suburbs .
Fire managers did get a spot of good news : Higher humidity slowed the flames considerably .
In California , a total of 28 active major fires have burned 4,375 square miles , and 16,000 firefighters are trying to suppress the flames , Cal Fire Assistant Deputy Director Daniel Berlant said .
Large wildfires continued to burn in northeastern Washington state too .
In all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildfires began breaking out across the state in mid-August .
President Donald Trump will visit California on Monday for a briefing on the West Coast fires , the White House announced .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and the governors of California , Oregon and Washington state — all Democrats — have said the fires are a consequence of global warming .
“ We absolutely must act now to avoid a future defined by an unending barrage of tragedies like the one American families are enduring across the West today , ” Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California skies orange also helped crews corral the state ’ s deadliest blaze of the year by blocking the sun , reducing temperatures and raising humidity , officials said .
Smoke created cooler conditions in Oregon too , but it was also blamed for making the dirtiest air in at least 35 years in some places .
The air quality index reading Saturday morning in Salem , the state capital , was 512 .
The scale normally goes from zero to 500 .
“ Above 500 is literally off the charts , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality .
Because past air quality was rarely so poor , the government ’ s yardstick for measuring it capped out at 500 , Gleim said .
The department started monitoring in 1985 .
The weather conditions that led up to the fires and fed the flames were likely a once-in-a-generation event , said Greg Jones , a professor and research climatologist at Linfield University in McMinnville , Oregon .
A large high-pressure area stretching from the desert Southwest to Alaska brought strong winds from the east toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to as low as 8 % and bringing desert-like conditions , even to the coast , Jones said .
Instead of the offshore flows that the Pacific Northwest normally enjoys , the strong easterly winds pushed fires down the western slopes of the Cascade Range .
It isn ’ t clear if global warming caused the conditions , Jones said , but a warmer world can increase the likelihood of extreme events and contribute to their severity .
The smoke in Portland filled the air with an acrid metallic scent like dull pennies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kreitzer could not see the road when she headed out to work as a ride-hailing driver .
“ I couldn ’ t even see five feet ahead of me , ” she said .
“ I was panicking , I didn ’ t even know if I wanted to go out.
” George Coble had no home to return to .
He came with some of his employees Saturday to a wasteland of charred tree trunks just outside Mill City , Oregon .
Coble lost everything : his fence-and-post business , five houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a 1967 Mustang .
The family – three generations that lived in the compound — evacuated with seven people , three horses , five dogs and a cat .
“ We ’ ll just keep working and keep your head up and thank God everybody got out , ” Coble said .
“ There are other people that lost their family .
Just be thankful for what you did get out with.
” Erik Tucker spent the day hauling buckets of water through what remained of his neighbourhood to douse hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the wildfire tore through the area .
Tucker , who lives in Lyons , Oregon , had expected the worst but found his family ’ s home still standing while homes just down the street were gone .
He was coated in ash and smudged with charcoal .
“ No power , debris everywhere , smoke , can ’ t breathe , ” he said .
Whitehurst reported from Portland .
Associated Press writers Gillian Flaccus in Mill City , Oregon , Gene Johnson in Seattle and Adam Beam in Sacramento , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This story has been corrected to say rarely instead of never in this sentence : Because past air quality was rarely so poor , the government ’ s yardstick for measuring it capped out at 500 , Gleim said .

Andrew Selsky And Lindsay Whitehurst - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Philippines deports US Marine in transgender killing

MANILA , Philippines - A U.S. Marine convicted of killing a Filipino transgender woman was deported Sunday after a presidential pardon cut short his detention in a case that renewed outrage over a pact governing American military presence in the Philippines .
Lance Cpl .
Joseph Scott Pemberton left a message to President Rodrigo Duterte and to the family of Jennifer Laude , who he was convicted of killing in 2014 after finding out that she was a transgender in a motel northwest of Manila .
The message ’ s content will be released after his departure , his lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration officers and American security personnel escorted the 25-year-old Marine from his cell in the main military camp in metropolitan Manila to the airport , where he boarded a military aircraft .
Ahead of the flight , he was subjected to a coronavirus test , which turned negative , immigration spokeswoman Dana Sandoval told The Associated Press .
On Monday , Duterte granted an “ absolute and unconditional pardon ” to Pemberton in a move that caught many by surprise .
The Philippine leader has long been a vocal critic of U.S. security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
Duterte ’ s pardon was condemned by left-wing and LGBTQ groups .
Debate has brewed whether the Marine , whose detention was arranged under the treaty allies ’ Visiting Forces Agreement , can be covered by a Philippine law that grants shorter jail terms to ordinary prisoners for good conduct .
The Regional Trial Court in Olongapo city , which handled Pemberton ’ s case , ruled that the law covers Pemberton and ordered authorities on Sept. 1 to release him early for good conduct .
But Laude ’ s family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blocking his early release from a maximum prison term of up to 10 years .
He has served about half of that .
Duterte said he granted the pardon because Pemberton was not treated fairly after his early release , which he said the Marine may have deserved , was blocked .
The court order rekindled perceptions that American military personnel who run afoul of Philippine laws can get special treatment under the Visiting Forces Agreement , or VFA , which provides the legal terms for temporary visits by U.S. forces to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pemberton , an anti-tank missile operator from New Bedford , Massachusetts , was one of thousands of American and Philippine military personnel who participated in joint exercises in the country in 2014 .
He and a few other Marines were on leave after the exercises and met Laude and her friends at a bar in Olongapo , a city known for its nightlife outside Subic Bay , a former U.S. Navy base .
Laude was later found dead , her head slumped in a toilet bowl in a motel room , where witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A witness told investigators that Pemberton said he choked Laude after discovering she was transgender .
In December 2015 , a judge convicted Pemberton of homicide , not the more serious charge of murder that Philippine prosecutors sought .
The judge said at the time that factors such as cruelty and treachery had not been proven .
The VFA could have been abrogated last month if Duterte had not delayed an earlier decision to terminate the pact after President Donald Trump expressed readiness to help the Philippines deal with the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country can survive without America .
If the VFA had been scrapped , it would have removed a legal basis for Pemberton ’ s detention in the military camp and created pressure for him to be moved to one of the country ’ s notoriously overcrowded and high-risk prisons for ordinary criminals .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Latest: Three more found dead in Northern California blaze

The Latest on wildfires in the U.S. West ( all times local ) : CHICO , Calif. — Search and rescue workers found three more bodies in the rubble of a Northern California wildfire , raising the death toll in that fire to 12 and total deaths in the state ’ s recent blazes to 22 .
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea announced the additional deaths Saturday but did not provide any details .
He said 13 people remain unaccounted for .
The fire , which roared into Berry Creek and Feather Falls in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the small town of Berry Creek and other mountain communities in the shadow of a 2018 wildfire that killed 85 people .
PORTLAND , Ore. — A sheriff in Oregon says authorities responded to reports that armed people in rural areas were setting up roadblocks and demanding identification amid heightened tensions caused by wildfires .
Mike Reese , sheriff of Multnomah County , Oregon ’ s most populous county , said Saturday that deputies told people such activity was illegal and the roadways remained open .
Reese sad authorities have fielded extra patrols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not tolerate illegal activity of any kind , including civilian roadblocks , ” Reese said .
Earlier this week authorities refuted rumours that anti-fascist activists were setting fires in Oregon .
BERRY CREEK , Calif. — Search and rescue crews have found a puppy amid the rubble of a property destroyed by the deadliest wildfire in California this year .
The Butte County Sheriff ’ s Office said the puppy was covered in soot when it was found hiding Friday in what appears to be parts of a metal engine on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiny hamlet in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of San Francisco .
The puppy was taken to a veterinary ’ s office for treatment of minor burns .
Authorities later learned the owner of the property had several dogs and wasn ’ t able to grab them all before fleeing from the fast-moving flames .
Megan McMann , a spokeswoman for the sheriff ’ s office , says deputies temporarily named the puppy Trooper until it can be reunited with its family .
Nine people , including a 16-year-old boy , have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago merged into a monster that largely destroyed the town .
A search continued for 19 people who remained unaccounted for .
SALEM , Ore. — Oregon ’ s fire marshal has resigned after being placed on leave amid a personnel investigation .
Oregon State Police placed Fire Marshal Jim Walker on leave Friday night , and he resigned Saturday .
In a news release Saturday , State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton said only that a leadership change was needed to face the “ unprecedented crisis ” posed by the wildfires .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ message from The Associated Press seeking comment .
Mariana Ruiz-Temple , the chief deputy state fire marshal , has been named to replace him .
In a written statement Saturday , Gov .
Kate Brown said Ruiz-Temple had “ led with grace , transparency and courage ” and that she “ embodies the experience Oregon needs to face this crisis.
” LYON , Ore. — A hero of the movement to preserve old growth forests in the Northwest is missing in one of the many wildfires scorching Oregon .
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen since the Beachie Creek fire burned down his house near Lyon , southeast of Salem , last week .
His daughter , Aniese Mitchell , posted Friday night on Facebook that the family was reporting him as missing .
Atiyeh fought for years in the 1980s to block the U.S. Forest Service from clear-cutting the area around Opal Creek , a pristine area in the Willamette National Forest known for its ancient trees , including a 270-foot tall Douglas fir thought to be 1,000 years old .
Federal legislation protecting the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area was hit by the same fire that destroyed Atiyeh ’ s home , but the extent of the damage there is so far unknown because it remains inaccessible .
His daughter said she last talked to him on Monday night , and that he was determined to stay because he didn ’ t believe he was in danger .
She said search parties had been looking for him .
SACRAMENTO , Calif. — A California woman killed in one of the state ’ s wildfires was known as an animal lover who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities confirmed Friday that 77-year-old Millicent Catarancuic died near her home in Berry Creek , California .
Catarancuic ’ s nephew , Zygy Roe-Zurz , said she loved animals and had four dogs and several cats at her five acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of San Francisco .
Zurz said Catarancuic was “ sharp as a whip ” and loved to play FreeCell , saying she could win the game in about 80 seconds .
Authorities say nine people have died in the North Complex fire in Northern California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Violet Zurz , and his uncle , Phil Rubel , also lived at the property and are missing .
Holly Catarancuic , Millicent Catarancuic ’ s daughter , said her mom had lived in Berry Creek for about eight years .
She said her mom had been very happy and the property was a “ safe haven ” for the family .
This item has been updated to correct a name : It ’ s Suzan Violet Zurz , not Susan Zurs .
OREGON CITY , Ore. — A sheriff ’ s deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a video surfaced in which he suggested left-wing activists had been “ causing hell ” in setting wildfires — a claim that has been debunked by the FBI .
Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts said he placed the deputy on leave after learning of the video , which recorded the deputy referring to “ antifa ” and saying that people ’ s lives and property were at stake because “ these guys got some vendetta.
” The FBI and other law enforcement agencies in the Northwest say they have investigated such reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s identity was not immediately released .
The sheriff said he would be on leave pending an investigation of making inappropriate comments and violating policy .
Authorities say having to debunk conspiracy theories and misinformation take valuable resources away from local fire and police agencies working to fight the fires and protect lives .
WASHINGTON – The White House announced Saturday that President Donald Trump will visit California on Monday to receive a briefing on the devastating wildfires that are burning throughout the West Coast .
More than 20 people have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Washington .
In Oregon alone authorities have said more than 1,500 square miles ( 3,880 square kilometres ) have burned during recent days , nearly double the size of a typical year and an area larger than Rhode Island .
The Democratic governors of all three states have said the destruction and speed of the blazes are unprecedented and they blamed climate change for making conditions worse .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee called the blazes “ climate fires ” rather than wildfires .
“ This is not an act of God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has happened because we have changed the climate.
” SAN FRANCISCO — Favourable weather conditions were helping more than 16,000 firefighters battling 28 major wildfires across California on Saturday .
Containment increased on all the fires , with some quickly approaching full containment .
Nonetheless , gusty winds in the forecast for the far northern part of the state on Sunday have prompted warnings of high fire danger .
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention says wildfires have burned more than 3 million acres in California since the beginning of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 4,000 structures .
Nine people , including a 16-year-old boy , have been confirmed dead since lightning-caused fires that started weeks ago merged into a monster that largely destroyed Berry Creek , a tiny hamlet in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of San Francisco .
There was concern that the death toll could climb as crews reach devastated areas .
The Butte County Sheriff ’ s office said 19 people remained unaccounted for .
LYONS , Ore. — Fire crews in Oregon reported making progress on two blazes burning on opposite sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windy conditions that vexed them earlier in the week eased .
On Saturday morning authorities reported that the Almeda Fire in southern Oregon near the California state line was 50 % contained and barely grew overnight .
That blaze had destroyed about 700 structures .
In northern Oregon , crews were able to establish positions to limit the spread of the much larger Beachie Creek Fire in Clackamas County south of Portland .
They also said that better overnight weather limited the blaze ’ s growth .
There were still no estimates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assess the situation .
Authorities have said more than 1,500 square miles ( 3,880 square kilometres ) have burned in Oregon during recent days , nearly double the size of a typical year and an area larger than Rhode Island .
SALEM , Ore. — Oregon ’ s state fire marshal has been placed on paid administrative leave in the midst of devastating wildfires .
State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton made the announcement in a news release Saturday , saying the “ unprecedented crisis ” demanded an urgent response — and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Walker was placed on leave and replaced on an acting basis by Mariana Ruiz-Temple , the chief deputy state fire marshal .
Walker had served as the fire marshal since 2014 .
SALEM , Ore. — Oregon officials are urging employers to stop or delay outdoor work , including construction and harvesting , with wildfire smoke blanketing the region .
The Pacific Northwest continues to have some of the world ’ s unhealthiest air from fires raging in California , Washington and Oregon .
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take reasonable steps to protect workers when air quality becomes unhealthy .
That can include halting outdoor work , letting workers with underlying health conditions stay home , and providing N95 masks , as the masks many workers have worn to guard against COVID do not protect against smoke particles .
“ During this incredibly challenging and evolving emergency , we are encouraging employers—particularly those with outdoor operations—to take all reasonable and necessary precautions and steps to ensure the safety of their employees , ” Oregon OSHA administrator Michael Wood said in a @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Australia minister warns foreign journalists amid China spat

SYDNEY , Australia - A senior Australian government minister on Sunday warned foreign journalists working in the country they might come under the scrutiny of federal agencies if they provide a “ slanted view ” of Australian affairs .
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton made the comments during a television interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp. , referring to journalists reporting to “ a particular community.
” While he didn ’ t mention China , Dutton ’ s comments come after the evacuation from China last week of Australian journalists Bill Birtles and Mike Smith , who sheltered in Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Australian Cheng Lei , who works as a business anchor for CGTN , China ’ s English-language state broadcaster , earlier was taken into custody .
“ If people are here as journalists and they ’ re reporting fairly on the news , then that ’ s fine , ” Dutton told ABC TV ’ s Insiders program .
He said reporters shouldn ’ t provide “ a slanted view to a particular community.
” Dutton wouldn ’ t confirm reports four Chinese journalists were questioned by Australia ’ s national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there had been “ ASIO activity.
” “ Where ASIO has sufficient grounds for the execution of a search warrant or for activities otherwise , then they ’ ll undertake that activity , ” he said .
“ If people are masquerading as journalists or business leaders or whoever they might be and there ’ s evidence that they are acting in a contrary nature to Australian law , then ASIO and the Australian Federal Police and other agencies will act.
” He said there is no evidence that action by Australian agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
Asked about Cheng Lei , he said “ we want to work very closely with the Chinese in relation to that matter and we ’ ll continue to do that.
” Beijing accused Australia of an interference in China ’ s internal affairs and judicial sovereignty for providing diplomatic protection to Birtles , who reports for the ABC , and Smith , who works for the Australian Financial Review .
“ Australia ’ s actions in organizing the two journos to hide in the embassy completely exceeds the scope of consular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Chinese legal case , ” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Trump looks west, eyeing new paths to White House

WASHINGTON - Pushing for new roads to reelection , President Donald Trump is going on the offence this weekend in Nevada , which hasn ’ t supported a Republican presidential candidate since 2004 .
Trump is defying local authorities by holding public events Saturday and Sunday after officials blocked his initial plans for rallies in Reno and Las Vegas because they would have violated coronavirus health guidelines .
It ’ s the kind of fight that Trump ’ s team relishes and underscores the growing importance of Nevada in Trump ’ s quest for 270 electoral votes as the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of pivotal states .
Trump narrowly lost Nevada in 2016 to Hillary Clinton , and the state has trended further toward the Democrats in the past decade .
But Trump ’ s campaign has invested heavily in the state , relying on its ground game to turn out voters .
Democrats , by contrast , have largely relied on virtual campaign efforts during the pandemic , save for the casino workers ’ Culinary Union , which has sent workers door to door .
“ The Democrats are scared .
They know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the state GOP chairman , Michael McDonald .
Both candidates have spent about $ 4.5 million in Nevada , while Trump has made $ 5.5 million in future reservations in the state and Biden has allocated $ 2.5 million , according to the ad tracking firm Kantar/CMAG .
The Trump team originally planned rallies at airport hangars in Reno and Las Vegas , but those were scuttled by due to concerns the campaign would not abide by COVID-19 restrictions .
State Republicans blamed Democratic Gov .
Steve Sisolak for trying to hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though the Reno rally was cancelled by airport officials and Las Vegas airport officials said they were never contacted by the campaign .
Sisolak has limited in-person gatherings indoors and outdoors to 50 people since May , a recommendation based on White House reopening guidelines .
Instead , Trump scheduled an event in Minden , about 45 miles ( 72 kilometres ) south of Reno , on Saturday night .
He planned to host a “ Latinos for Trump ” roundtable Sunday morning in Las Vegas , followed by an evening rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Privately , the Trump campaign welcomed the fight , believing it highlighted a reelection theme : Trump ’ s insistence that the nation has turned the corner on the pandemic , while Democrats , including Biden and governors , are hurting the nation ’ s economy and psyche with stringent restrictions .
The pandemic , which has killed more than 190,000 Americans , still claims 1,000 lives a day .
“ The fact that Donald Trump is even considering holding these unsafe events in the midst of a global pandemic is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and complete disregard for Nevadans ’ public health and safety , ” said Madison Mundy of the state Democratic Party .
The White House announced Saturday that Trump will visit California on Monday to receive a briefing on the devastating wildfires racing through the region .
He has largely been silent on the blazes , which Oregon ’ s emergency management director said was a possible “ mass fatality event.
” Some Democrats fear a possible Trump momentum gain in Nevada , with the president showing increasing support from Latinos and noncollege educated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state .
The tightening race in a number of the most contested states has led to a renewed effort for Trump to expand his electoral map .
The campaign has lavished attention on three Great Lakes states that flipped his way narrowly in 2016 .
Several polls earlier this summer suggested Trump may be in trouble , but a handful in both Pennsylvania and Wisconsin following the nominating conventions showed a close race .
Polling in North Carolina and Florida also shows a competitive race , and there is increasing concern within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered fairly safely in Trump ’ s column , Arizona has been ravaged by the coronavirus and the Trump team has grown worried about a slip in support among the state ’ s older residents .
The president on Monday planned to return to Arizona , which he has visited multiple times since he resumed travelling during the pandemic .
If Arizona slips away , Trump campaign officials privately acknowledge that it would complicate his path to 270 electoral votes .
If he loses Arizona , winning Wisconsin — the most likely Midwest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be enough even if he keeps Florida and North Carolina .
It would require him to win somewhere else , which has led to a renewed focus on Minnesota , New Hampshire and the at-large congressional districts in Nebraska and Maine .
Nevada has become a particular focus , in part because Las Vegas is an appetizing location for Trump to raise money .
He scheduled at least one high-dollar fundraiser there over the weekend — as well as one in Washington before he flies west — as he looks to assuage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cash .
Couples were asked for $ 150,000 for the Las Vegas fundraiser .
The Republican National Committee said the $ 18 million expected to be raised over the weekend , including from a stop Saturday at his hotel in Washington , would be shared by Trump ’ s campaign , the committee and several state GOP committees .
Trump and Republicans raised $ 210 million in August , a robust sum but far behind the record $ 364.5 million taken in by Biden and his party that month .
Though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more resources on hand than it did at this time in 2016 , whispers about a financial disadvantage led Trump himself this past week to suggest he may put some of his own fortune into the race .
Nevada ’ s financial health is dependent on the national economy doing well because the state draws so much revenue from tourism .
When the pandemic hit , Nevada ’ s casinos and all gambling shuttered for about 11 weeks , and the state is trimming about one-quarter of its budget at a time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nevada .
Associated Press writers Michelle Price in Las Vegas and Hannah Fingerhut in Washington contributed to this report .
AP ’ s Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early , by mail or absentee from each state : https : //interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/

Jonathan Lemire And Scott Sonner - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Kansas City police engaged in standoff at Arrowhead Stadium after man shot at employees

KANSAS CITY , MO.—Kansas City police are containing a standoff in the Truman Sports Complex parking lot after a man with guns fired shots at employees in Arrowhead Stadium .
The man arrived at Arrowhead around 11:30 a.m. Saturday before firing shots at employees .
No one was hit , said Kansas City Police Department spokesman Capt .
Dave Jackson .
Since then , the standoff has been contained , Jackson said .
“ We think this is more of a mental health situation that has arrived at Arrowhead , ” Jackson said .
“ This is a dynamic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with guns and we are using all of our de-escalation techniques that we have in order to end this peacefully.
” At times , the man has pointed the guns and at other times placed the guns in his waistband as he moves around , Jackson said .
Some employees have sheltered inside , Jackson said , adding that police are confident the employees are safe where they are .
There are employees inside both Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead , he said .
“ It ’ s my understanding that he has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any way , ” Jackson said .
Jackson said negotiators with crisis intervention training are on site to try to talk to the man .
By 3:30 p.m. , they were still negotiating .
The Royals were scheduled to play Saturday evening .
“ The Royals game is probably not going to change our demeanour , ” Jackson said .
He said police will be there as long as needed to handle it safely .
Whether or not the game will continue is up to the Royals and the MLB .
Jackson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our goal is to keep him contained and to keep him away from innocent people that he could hurt , and then to use dialogue to end this peacefully , ” Jackson said .
The roads around the complex are still open while the area is on lockdown .
KC Royals manager Mike Matheny said the team is inside and moving forward like the game will be played .
He said all of the entrances are monitored and that access to the stadium is in lockdown .
However , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ordinary because of COVID-19 .
“ We kind of changed where we ’ re bringing the players in , ” Matheny said .
“ Just a different gate kind of further away from some of the issues that are going on and now we ’ ve got everybody in and it ’ s just business as usual .
”


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--Authorities: 1 dead in shooting at Indiana shopping mall

MISHAWAKA , Ind .
- A shooting at a northern Indiana mall left one person dead and sent shoppers running for safety , authorities said .
St. Joseph County Coroner Michael McGann said Saturday evening that one person was killed in the shooting about 3 p.m. at University Park Mall in Mishawaka .
He did not release further details or the identity of the person killed .
Police also did not release information on a possible shooting suspect .
The shooting prompted the evacuation of the mall in the city just east of South Bend .
Officers remained posted around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on social media showed people running out of the mall in the seconds after the shooting .
Renee Dominik , 44 , told the South Bend Tribune that she was in a mall play area with her husband and two children when she heard gunfire .
“ I heard a bang and saw people running , ” she said .
“ I thought it was maybe a tornado.
” Dominik said a shoe store employee directed people to take cover inside , and she and her family joined about 35 others who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the store before they later left .


thetorontostar--2020-09-12--New Orleans under hurricane watch from Tropical Storm Sally

ST. PETERSBURG , Fla. - Tropical Storm Sally formed Saturday off south Florida amid forecasts it would reach hurricane strength early in the week before striking the northern Gulf Coast with high winds and a possible life-threatening storm surge .
The earliest 18th-named storm in an Atlantic tropical season , Sally already was better organized within hours of forming and was expected to become a hurricane by late Monday , the National Hurricane Center said .
New Orleans and surrounding areas , along with a stretch of the coast from Grand isle , Louisiana , to the Alabama-Florida line , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Late Saturday , Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm , and officials in the New Orleans area issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas outside of levee protection , including Venetian Isles , Lake Catherine , and Irish Bayou .
The evacuation order was set to go into effect at 6 p.m. Sunday .
The National Hurricane Center said dangerous storm surge was possible along the northern Gulf Coast starting Monday and that hurricane conditions could set in there starting early Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending gusty winds and heavy rains over south Florida .
Maximum sustained winds were clocked at 40 mph ( 65 kph ) with higher gusts .
By nightfall , Sally was centred about 45 miles ( 70 kilometres ) west of Naples , Florida , and about 455 miles ( 735 kilometres ) east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River .
The storm was crawling away from south Florida into the Gulf at a pace of 8 mph ( 13 kph ) , heading in a west-northwest direction .
Sally became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic hurricane season , besting Stan when it formed on Oct. 2 , 2005 , said Colorado State hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach .
A tropical storm watch has been extended westward from the Okaloosa/Walton County line in Florida to the Alabama-Florida line .
A storm surge watch , meanwhile , was in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Florida line , including Lake Pontchartrain , Lake Maurepas , Lake Borgne in Louisiana — and Mobile Bay in Alabama .
Elsewhere , Tropical Storm Paulette had maximum sustained winds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 415 miles ( 670 kilometres ) southeast of Bermuda , where a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect .
Forecasters said Paulette was expected to become a “ dangerous hurricane “ when it nears Bermuda late Sunday night and Monday .
It also expected to drop up to 6 inches ( 15 centimetres ) of rain on the territory through Monday .
Tropical Storm Rene weakened in recent hours and was reclassified as a tropical depression .
It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph ( 55 kph ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kilometres ) east-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands .
Forecasters said Rene wasn ’ t expected to strengthen and did not pose any threat to land .