thetorontostar--2020-10-22--Nigerian president leaves protest shootings out of speech

LAGOS , Nigeria - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari spoke to the nation about the unrest that has gripped the country in recent days , but without making any mention of the shootings of peaceful protesters at Lekki toll plaza on Tuesday night that prompted international outrage .
The military opened fire without warning on thousands of peaceful protesters singing the national anthem Tuesday night , killing at least 12 people , according to Amnesty International .
The shootings have been widely condemned but Buhari did not speak of them at all during his Thursday address , instead urging protestors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not allow anybody or ( any ) groups to disrupt the peace of the nation , ” he warned in his televised address , urging protesters to “ resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.
“ “ For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and law and order , “ he said .
” Under no circumstances would this be tolerated.
” He called on Nigeria ’ s youths “ to discontinue the street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding solutions .
Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.
” Buhari responded to the criticism he has received from fellow African heads of state and other world leaders by calling on them “ to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position , or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.
” Even as Buhari was speaking , irate Nigerians flooded social media with denunciations .
“ President Buhari during his speech refused to acknowledge those dead as a result of military attacked on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Usman Okai Austin .
“ With this speech , it is confirmed we are on our own .
May the souls of our brothers and sisters who died at # LekkiMassacre2020 and other places on # EndSARS protest rest in peace .
Sad , ” posted Henry Okechukwu .
The street demonstrations began early this month with calls for Nigeria ’ s government to shut down the Special Anti-Robbery Squad , a police unit known as SARS .
The squad was launched to fight crime , but it carried out torture and killings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # EndSARS campaign spread across the country and Buhari ’ s government announced that it would disband the SARS unit .
The protest persisted with demonstrators calling for more widespread reforms of the police and an end to corruption .
But on Tuesday night security forces fired without warning into crowds of thousands of protesters singing Nigeria ’ s national anthem , killing 12 , Amnesty said , citing witnesses and camera images .
Nigeria ’ s military has denied shooting at the protesters .
Violent unrest erupted Wednesday in Lagos as mobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , TV stations and a hotel .
Smoke billowed from several locations in the city as police battled angry crowds with tear gas and gunfire .
Looting and gunfire continued in Nigeria ’ s second-largest city on Thursday .
As looting gangs stormed through parts of Nigeria ’ s largest city , spreading violence for a second day in Lagos .
Plumes of smoke rose from a prison where gunfire could be heard on Thursday , and a resident of the neighbourhood where the Ikoyi Correctional Center is located , Tunde Oguntola , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers put down what appeared to be an attempted jailbreak .
Police spokesman Olamuyiwa Adejobi told The Associated Press later Thursday that an incident inside the prison “ has been put under control as our men have moved in there to assist prison security.
” He did not describe the nature of the disturbance or say if anyone had been killed .
Gangs continued to vandalize properties in Lagos , he said .
The police spokesman distinguished the “ hoodlums ” from the thousands of demonstrators who had been peacefully protesting police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They are looting properties , looting shopping malls and attacking ATM machines , ” Adejobi said .
Scores of rioters broke into a warehouse and stole food .
Gunfire was heard in several parts of Lagos .
By the afternoon , eight people with bullet wounds had been taken to Ikeja General Hospital , said a medic who spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorization to speak to journalists .
In other parts of the sprawling city of 14 million , the streets were empty and shops were shuttered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew meant to curb the chaos .
Protesters active on social media disavowed the violence , saying their demonstrations had been hijacked by criminals .
The # EndSARS demonstrations began early this month with calls for Nigeria ’ s government to shut down the Special Anti-Robbery Squad , a police unit known as SARS .
The squad was launched to fight crime , but it carried out torture and killings , according to Amnesty International .
The government has agreed to disband the unit , but the protesters broadened their demands to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuses and pervasive government corruption .
Nigeria has massive oil wealth and one of Africa ’ s largest economies , but many of its more than 200 million people live in deep poverty and without basic services because of rampant graft , according to rights groups .
The protesters on the streets earlier blocked traffic throughout Lagos and other cities in Nigeria but were peaceful , although 10 people died during the demonstrations , according to Amnesty International , which accused authorities of using unnecessary force .
But on Tuesday night security forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protesters singing Nigeria ’ s national anthem , killing 12 , Amnesty said .
The shootings drew international outrage and new attention from around the globe to the protests .
Violent unrest erupted Wednesday in Lagos as mobs vandalized and burned police stations , courthouses , TV stations and a hotel .
Smoke billowed from several locations in the city as police battled angry crowds with tear gas and gunfire .
Activists in the U.S.-based Black Lives Matter movement issued a statement Thursday in support of Nigeria ’ s anti-police brutality protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world in demanding the Nigerian government end the attack on protesters and we call for justice for those who have been injured and killed by all Nigerian forces , ” said the statement from the Movement for Black Lives , a coalition of more than 150 grassroots groups that make up the broader Black American liberation movement .
Following a summertime surge of U.S. and international protests over the killing of Black people by law enforcement , the BLM activists said the reason Nigerians were demanding an end to SARS is the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defunding of police .
“ The epidemic of police violence against Black people in a country led by Black faces proves what we have said time and again : violence imposed by law enforcement is about more than a few bad apples , the institution itself is irredeemable and exists to use violence to maintain a false sense of order in an unequal and unjust society , ” the statement read .
“ We are one movement , one people , and we stand with the people of Nigeria.
” Also Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly condemning “ the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos , causing death and injury.
“ “ We welcome an immediate investigation into any use of excessive force by members of the security forces .
Those involved should be held to account in accordance with Nigerian law , ” the State Department said .
International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said her office in the Netherlands was closely following the events around the current protests in Nigeria and the reaction of Nigeria ’ s law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of life and injury is concerning .
We have received information alleging crimes and are keeping a close eye on developments , in case violence escalates ...
I call for calm and restraint.
” AP journalists Aaron Morrison in New York , Mike Corder in The Hague , Netherlands , and Andrew Meldrum in Johannesburg contributed .
This story has been corrected to show that the Movement for Black Lives is a coalition of more than 150 grassroots groups , not a coalition of more than 50 groups .


thetorontostar--2020-10-22--Slain Utah college student’s family gets $13.5M settlement

SALT LAKE CITY - The parents of a University of Utah track athlete who was killed by her ex-boyfriend on campus two years ago reached a $ 13.5 million settlement Thursday with the university , which acknowledged that it didn ’ t handle the woman ’ s case properly .
University of Utah President Ruth Watkins and the parents of Lauren McCluskey announced the settlement at a joint news conference in Salt Lake City that came on the second anniversary of her death .
The case brought new national attention to campus safety and dating-violence issues at universities , spurring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McCluskey , 21 of Pullman , Washington , had contacted university police more than 20 times to report harassment by the man she had dated before she was found fatally shot in a car near on-campus student housing in October 2018 “ We failed Lauren and her family , ” Watkins said .
“ If these employees had more complete training and protocols to guide their responses , the university believes they would have been better equipped to protect Lauren.
” That marked a shift from what Watkins said back in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t found anything in an initial review of the case to indicate McCluskey ’ s death could have been prevented .
Jill and Matt McCluskey bristled at those comments and sued the university in 2019 , seeking $ 56 million while claiming the college was negligent in failing to protect their daughter .
An independent review commissioned by the university found multiple missed warning signs before Lauren McCluskey was killed by 37-year-old Melvin Shawn Rowland after she dumped him because she discovered he had been lying about his name , age and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took his own life after the attack as police tracked him down .
The university will pay the McCluskeys $ 10.5 million and give another $ 3 million to a foundation founded in their daughter ’ s name that is designed to improve campus safety , as well as help collegiate track athletes and animal shelters .
An indoor track facility will also be built and named after Lauren McCluskey as part of the settlement .
The McCluskeys said all the money will go to the Lauren McCluskey foundation .
“ This settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jill McCluskey said .
“ It addresses how Lauren died , but it also honours how she lived.
“

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thetorontostar--2020-10-22--Ex-49er Dana Stubblefield sentenced to 15 years to life

SAN JOSE , Calif. - Former San Francisco 49er Dana Stubblefield was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison Thursday for raping a developmentally disabled woman who prosecutors said he lured to his home with the promise of a babysitting job .
The sentence was issued by a judge in San Jose after denying a defence motion for a new trial , the Mercury News reported .
Last week , the Sixth District Court of Appeal denied a related petition filed on behalf of Stubblefield by his attorneys .
A jury in July found Stubblefield , 49 , guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a gun .
He was also convicted of forcible oral copulation and false imprisonment .
He has been held in the Santa Clara County Main Jail since the verdict .
Stubblefield began his 11-year lineman career in the NFL with the 49ers in 1993 as the league ’ s defensive rookie of the year .
He later won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year honours in 1997 before leaving the team to play for Washington .
He returned to the Bay Area to finish his career , playing with the 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A day before the April 2015 assault , Stubblefield contacted the then 31-year-old woman on a babysittingwebsite and arranged an interview , prosecutors said .
According to a report by the Morgan Hill Police Department , the interview lasted about 20 minutes .
She later received a text from Stubblefield saying he wanted to pay her for her time that day , and she went back to the house .
After raping her , Stubblefield gave her $ 80 and let her go , according to the report .
The woman immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DNA evidence matched that of Stubblefield , the report said .
Defence attorneys argued that there was no rape and that the woman consented to sex .
Allen Sawyer , one of Stubblefield ’ s trial attorneys , said the defence team was precluded from showing the jury strong evidence that would have supported the contention .
After the sentencing Thursday , Sawyer emphasized that the jury rejected two felony charges alleging that Stubblefield exploited a woman who was mentally incapable of providing consent to sex .
“ We proved it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true , ” Sawyer said .
“ That false narrative corrupted this trial from start to finish .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Nagorno-Karabakh fighting rages as US hosts talks

Heavy fighting raged Friday over Nagorno-Karabakh even as top diplomats from Armenia and Azerbaijan travelled to Washington for negotiations on settling the neighbouring countries ’ decades-long conflict .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s scheduled talks with Armenia and Azerbaijan ’ s foreign ministers follow two failed Russian attempts to broker a cease-fire in the worst outbreak of hostilities over the region for more than a quarter-century .
The warring sides traded accusations early Friday involving the shelling of residential areas .
Authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh said the town of Martakert and several villages in the Martuni region were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defence Ministry denied the claim and accused Armenian forces of targeting the Terter , Agdam and Agjabedi regions of Azerbaijan overnight .
Amid the relentless shelling , many residents have sought protection from rockets and artillery shells by moving into squalid basements .
A few families , including children and elderly women , found refuge in the basement of a school in Stepanakert , the regional capital of Nagorno-Karabakh .
One of the residents who found shelter there , Nurvart , said her five sons were all at the frontline along with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the military amid the recent armed conflict .
“ They are fighting for our right to live here , ” said Nurvart , who refrained from mentioning her last name amid the hostilities .
Small children played and laughed as women cooked food and tried to warm up the cold , damp school basement .
Another woman hiding in the basement , Marina , vented her anger at the Azerbaijani authorities : “ All they know is how to kill , “ she said , not giving her last name in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know , maybe there are people who feel the same as we do , but there is a government that has created all this.
” Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a war there ended in 1994 .
The current fighting that started Sept. 27 marks the worst escalation in the conflict since the war ’ s end .
According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials , 927 of their troops have been killed , and more than 30 civilians also have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military losses , but says 63 civilians have been killed and 292 have been wounded .
Armenia officially isn ’ t engaged in the fighting ) Azerbaijan has accused Armenia of targeting its towns and villages with artillery and missiles , which Armenian authorities have denied .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow ’ s information indicated that the combined death toll from the nearly four weeks of fighting was approaching 5,000 , a significantly higher number than officially reported by the warring parties .
Russia has co-chaired the so-called Minsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security and Cooperation in Europe to mediate in the conflict .
Putin said the country is doing its best to negotiate a lasting truce .
He voiced hope that the United States would work co-operatively to help end hostilities and mediate a political settlement .
With a military base in Armenia and a security pact obliging Moscow to protect its ally , Moscow has been involved in a delicate balancing act , trying to also maintain good ties with Azerbaijan and avoid a showdown with Turkey .
Turkey has thrown its weight behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan “ on the battlefield or the negotiating table.
” It has trained Azerbaijani military and provided it with strike drones and long-range rocket systems that gave Azerbaijan a strong edge on the battlefield .
Armenian officials say Turkey is directly involved in the conflict and is sending Syrian mercenaries to fight on Azerbaijan ’ s side .
Turkey has denied deploying combatants to the region , but a Syrian war monitor and Syria-based opposition activists have confirmed that Turkey has sent hundreds of Syrian opposition fighters to fight in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Avet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sultanova in London and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Resentment, smoke linger in Nigeria’s streets after unrest

LAGOS , Nigeria - Resentment lingered with the smell of charred tires Friday as Nigeria ’ s streets were relatively calm after days of protests over police abuses , as authorities barely acknowledged reports of the military killing at least 12 peaceful demonstrators earlier this week .
President Muhammadu Buhari in his first comments on the unrest didn ’ t mention the shootings that sparked international outrage , instead warning protesters against being used by “ subversive elements ” and “ undermining national security and law and order ” during a national address Thursday night .
Soldiers remained in parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , on Friday .
A 24-hour curfew had not yet been lifted .
One witness of Tuesday night ’ s deadly shooting , 33-year-old Isaiah Abor , ventured out anyway to visit the scene where soldiers opened fire on thousands of peaceful protesters holding flags and singing the national anthem .
He managed to escape the chaos .
“ When ( the soldiers ) were making comments that the flag is not bulletproof , that ’ s when I knew this was going to go out of hand , ” Abor said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground .
The president ’ s speech annoyed him .
“ Look at those youths that died , at least even for the sake that they were carrying the flag alone , and the blood that stained a whole Nigerian flag , those youths were not even mentioned , ” Abor said .
He added : “ We are not cowards .
We will always come to this ground , and we will always feel for those that are gone.
” But citing the president ’ s comments , one influential group behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged youth to stay at home Friday , saying that “ we need to stay alive to pursue our dreams to build the future.
” The group said it had stopped collecting donations for the protests .
An angry crowd shouted at the governor of Lagos state over the unrest as officials toured burned-out vehicles and the sacked palace of a Lagos ceremonial leader .
The leader , or oba , isn ’ t popular with some Nigerians who see him as a product of the country ’ s often corrupt politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact in Lagos , and the inequality sharpens grievances in Nigeria , Africa ’ s most populous country .
Meanwhile , Buhari met with former presidents and top officials on how to move forward from some of Nigeria ’ s worst unrest in years .
This week ’ s scenes have touched a chord with Black Lives Matter supporters in the United States , while the U.S. government has strongly condemned the “ use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos , causing death and injury.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without warning , killing at least 12 people , according to Amnesty International .
The protests turned violent Wednesday after the shooting as mobs vandalized and burned police stations , courthouses , TV stations and a hotel .
Police battled angry crowds with tear gas and gunfire .
The looting and gunfire continued Thursday .
On Friday the Lagos deputy governor , Kadri Obafemi Hamzat , told a local radio station that the peaceful protests with an understandable grievance had been hijacked by hoodlums .
The demonstrations began early this month with calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the Special Anti-Robbery Squad , a police unit known as SARS .
The squad was launched to fight crime , but it carried out torture and killings , according to Amnesty International .
The # EndSARS campaign spread across the country and Buhari ’ s government announced that it would disband the SARS unit .
The protest persisted with demonstrators calling for more widespread reforms of the police and an end to corruption .
In one attempt at calming tensions on Friday , the Lagos state government shared a list of ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights abuses .
“ Today seems like a good day to get on to the work of rebuilding Lagos and ending police brutality , ” Gov .
Babajide Sanwo-Olu said .
And yet tensions remained high .
Near the scene of Tuesday ’ s shooting , police shouted , then fired into the air , to stop a convoy carrying the body of a Muslim who had died overnight ; the cause of death was not clear .
After questioning by police , the mourners were allowed to continue , to go on @ @ @ @ @

Sam Olukoya And Lekan Oyekanmi - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Rally outside Thai prison demands release of protesters

BANGKOK - Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand resumed their activities Friday after a one-day break , turning their attention to fellow demonstrators who remain jailed after their arrest .
A crowd gathered outside Bangkok Remand Prison , with their numbers growing to as many as 2,000 after dark .
The crowd greeted the release of one of the protest leaders , Jatupat Boonpattararaksa , but were demanding the freedom of seven others .
“ We have all come here to wait for our seven friends to be freed , ” Jatupat told the crowd after his release .
“ If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prayuth Chan-ocha.
” In fact , ousting Prayuth is among the key goals of the protesters , who have intensified their efforts over the past 10 days with large demonstrations around the capital .
Their other key demands are changing the constitution to be more democratic and reforming the monarchy .
The implicit criticism of the royal institution has irked conservative Thais because the monarchy traditionally has been treated as sacrosanct and a pillar of national identity .
The protest outside the prison was relatively low-key , but there are concerns that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deadline for Prayuth ’ s resignation set by the student-led protesters comes due .
Several protesters said they intended to stay outside the prison overnight .
The protests were launched several months ago by university students but increased in frequency and intensity last week .
They carried on despite a state of emergency declared for Bangkok that made their gatherings illegal , and even after one rally was broken up by force by riot police backed by water cannons .
They also spread to other areas of the country .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revoked the state of emergency on Thursday .
He has urged the protesters to let Parliament deal with their grievances .
Parliament will debate the political crisis on Oct. 26-28 .
Despite the concession , protesters continue to insist Prayuth step down .
They said they would return in large numbers if he did not meet their three-day deadline to resign , which would appear to end Saturday night .
The appeal for a solution in Parliament was unlikely to win over protesters , as some of their core complaints are that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are undemocratic , in part because it was written after a 2014 military coup .
Prayuth himself led that coup , which toppled an elected government during political unrest that featured widespread street protests .
Complicating the situation are counter-protests held by royalists who declare they are defending the monarchy .
Some have been held in several cities around the country this week , including one in Bangkok that led to clashes .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Anchorage man killed after 5 officers open fire in standoff

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - An Alaska man is dead after five Anchorage police officers opened fire at him when he appeared with a gun during a standoff at his home , authorities said .
The Anchorage Police Department said no officers were hurt during the shooting in Eagle River Thursday morning , KTUU-TV reported .
Police were called to the area at 5:47 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance at a home involving family members and the man , who was not immediately identified .
Three family members left the home , but the man remained and barricaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was armed and consuming alcohol throughout the encounter , Anchorage Police Chief Justin Doll said .
The man made “ suicidal statements ” and comments suggesting he wanted police to shoot him , Doll said .
The department deployed a SWAT team and crisis negotiators who spent two hours talking to the man over the phone and requesting his surrender , Doll said .
The man hung up the phone while speaking to a negotiator and confronted officers while armed with a shotgun , Doll said .
The five SWAT officers then fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead at the scene .
An investigation into the shooting will seek to determine whether the man fired at officers before he was shot , authorities said .
The names of the five officers were expected to be released within 72 hours .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Alaska man’s weapons sentence included Holocaust education

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - An Alaska man was required to learn about the Holocaust and read books about overcoming extremist beliefs as part of a federal sentence for illegally owning a machine-gun and silencers .
Michael Graves of Anchorage read assigned books and took classes during his incarceration that were aimed at moving him away from extremist viewpoints , The Anchorage Daily News reported Thursday .
Graves , now 21 , was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison , which he has already served since his arrest , and three years of supervised release .
Prosecutors expressed concerns Graves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of social media posts with violent rhetoric .
Federal investigators received a tip in April 2019 about the tweets , which included calls for violence against Muslim and Jewish people .
That same month , U.S. Customs and Border Protection in California flagged a package addressed to Graves containing a full-auto selector switch designed to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a machine-gun , prosecutors said .
Investigators later found three unregistered firearm silencers Graves said he made , prosecutors said .
While he was in prison Graves wrote essays about what he learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Walker said authorities have tried to be creative in finding ways to stop mass shooters .
“ One of the similarities is it all starts with a grievance , and that grievance is particular to the person , “ Walker said .
” From what we ’ ve seen is that people latch on to information that enables them to transition that grievance to action.
” Graves apologized during a hearing Wednesday for his online comments , noting he was part of a network of people expressing similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of these are and I ’ m sorry for what I said .
I do not believe in prejudice or violence of any kind , ” Graves said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--School districts face hard choices amid pandemic-era cuts

SCHENECTADY , N.Y. - The school year in this old industrial city started with a whack of a budget axe .
Teachers , classroom aides and counsellors were among the hundreds laid off with potential state aid cuts looming .
Pre-K is suspended , online classes are at maximum capacity and the ranks of paraprofessionals are decimated across the 9,935-student school system in Schenectady , New York , a city on the Mohawk River where old factory buildings and a giant stylized “ GE ” sign over the General Electric complex speak to its manufacturing heyday decades ago .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Jamaica Miles , a local social justice activist trying to make sure her fourth grader and 10th grader keep up with learning from home .
The Schenectady City School District has moved to distance learning for grades seven and up , with hybrid models available for lower grades .
Miles , a co-plaintiff on a lawsuit challenging New York ’ s school funding system , said there are far fewer aides to help children like hers if they need one-on-one support online .
“ Being online is a new challenge and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support , not less , ” she said .
As the pandemic drags on , Schenectady could be a harbinger for needier school districts that rely heavily on funding from revenue-starved states .
Schools from New Jersey to California have been hit with layoffs since the pandemic struck , but many have been insulated so far from the brunt of the economic slowdown by the federal relief package approved in March — which included $ 13.2 billion for K-12 education — and efforts taken by states to protect school budgets .
With hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new round of federal aid under discussion in Washington , and significant concern lingering over the pandemic ’ s economic impacts , urban areas that lack the property wealth of suburban communities are especially vulnerable to aid cuts .
“ When a recession hits , state money is much more volatile .
And that means that we ’ re leaving at least a large portion of the revenue pie for school districts dependent on the economy , ” said Marguerite Roza , a research professor at Georgetown University and director of the Edunomics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public schools depend on state aid for 69 % of their $ 225 million budget , a far greater share than nearby suburbs that rely more on property tax revenue .
So after New York state blew a $ 14.5 billion hole in its budget to fight the virus , reverberations were dramatic .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s administration began withholding some school aid this year and warned of possible long-term 20 % aid cuts without more federal aid .
Bracing for the worst , Schenectady school officials laid off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 79 teachers , 14 social workers and 231 paraprofessionals who help teachers with students , monitor halls and work in offices .
Kristina Negron was told she was being laid off from her classroom aide job , along with 26 other staffers , on a Zoom call days before school started .
Now teaching her second grade son from home , she worries about the special education high school students she no longer works with .
“ They ’ re already going through COVID and their whole way of life basically got flipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And now on top of it all , they don ’ t have their support systems in place.
” States have made efforts to cushion the blow to school budgets .
In Ohio , cuts were structured to take more away from wealthier districts , while some higher poverty districts like Cleveland and Columbus came out with bigger school budgets after factoring in federal relief aid .
In California , public schools have been receiving the same amount of money as last year , but a state budget approved this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to schools — a gap that state officials hope a new round of federal aid could help cover .
Still , there have been widespread layoffs , often involving support staff considered less crucial when school buildings are shut down .
According to an analysis of federal employment figures by the National Education Association , in September there were 585,300 fewer local government education jobs compared with February .
“ My guidance counsellor was laid off , and I ’ m a senior .
I ’ m applying for colleges .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suzanne Penna of Albany High School , where the district laid off more than 200 , said at a recent rally for more school funding .
School officials in Schenectady said their reliance on state aid left them with little choice .
While the state resumed full school aid payments , there ’ s no guarantee aid won ’ t be cut later this school year absent federal aid .
Interim superintendent Dr. Aaron Bochniak said job cuts could have been even deeper if they waited until the middle of the school year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to survive versus some other suburban districts that are less reliant on state aid .
It ’ s not nearly as catastrophic , ” Bochniak said .
“ They can just tighten their belts or weed their gardens .
This is more than just weeding a garden .
This is actually shutting the garden down.
” Cuomo budget spokesperson Freeman Klopott said school aid reductions “ are a last resort , though without federal aid , the state can not fully fund school aid for the entire school year.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re serving the students as best they can with fewer hands .
Some parents have complained about a bumpy transition with delays in getting equipment and timely information .
Parent Kerry Martin said she was so unhappy with the disorganization and online instruction that she moved her second grader to a Catholic school .
“ You have to do what ’ s right for your children , education-wise , ” she said .
“ It was just too up in the air and there ’ s too much there ’ s too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only people that were suffering were the kids .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Mount Washington Observatory to close North Conway museum

NORTH CONWAY , N.H. - The Mount Washington Observatory is closing its museum in North Conway in an effort to @ @ @ @ @ missions .
The board of trustees of the non-profit organization has spent recent months evaluating @ @ @ @ @ on weather observation and climate research .
Officials said Friday that the coronavirus pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ to the need to realign the organization .
While the Weather Discovery Center Museum in @ @ @ @ @ operations at the manned weather station atop Mount Washington continue , including hourly weather observations @ @ @ @ @ research and product testing .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--The Latest: Spain PM asks for unity during coronavirus surge

MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appealed to Spaniards to pull together and defeat the coronavirus , warning : “ The situation is serious.
” Sánchez , in a televised address to the nation Friday , acknowledged public fatigue with restrictions to contain the spread .
But he added : “ We have to step up the fight.
” This week , Spain became the first European country to surpass 1 million confirmed cases .
Sánchez says the actual number could be more than 3 million because of gaps in testing .
The current pressure on the health system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acute as it was in the spring , he says .
Even so , he asked for the public ’ s co-operation , discipline and unity during the winter months .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — UN chief says G-20 leaders must co-ordinate to fight coronavirus — Promise of free coronavirus vaccination becomes an issue in key state elections in India .
— Restrictions tightened , but no new virus lockdown in Belgium .
— An online Japanese-language text messaging service for suicide prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Follow all of AP ’ s coronavirus pandemic coverage at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : Croatia on Friday reached another record as 1,876 people tested positive in the past 24 hours and seven people died .
Authorities say the positivity rate was more than 25 per cent , which means every fourth person tested had the virus .
Neighbouring Slovenia has announced the closure of non-essential shops , hotels and kindergartens after previously imposing an overnight curfew .
The country on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate in tests of more than 25 per cent .
Bosnia on Friday exceeded 1,000 daily cases for the first time since the start of the pandemic .
The crisis-stricken Balkan nation says 1,179 people tested positive in the past 24 hours and 14 people died .
COPENHAGEN , Denmark — The Finnish government has recommended public sector employees work remotely “ to the extent possible.
” It urged the private sector to do the same but added “ the decision is up to the workplace.
” That would mean fewer people using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government warned if the flare-up reached “ the acceleration phase , ” public events and meetings , outdoor and indoor , may be restricted , regardless of the number of participants .
Higher education institutions should also “ seriously consider switching to distance learning.
” In neighbouring Norway , Prime Minister Erna Solberg says “ the fewer people we meet , the less the virus will spread.
” Her government will announce restrictions next week so “ there is a greater probability of a normal Christmas celebration with the family at home.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s government has announced the entire country will become a “ red zone ” of strict anti-COVID-19 restrictions starting Saturday , just short of a lockdown .
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki appealed Friday to Poles to strictly observe the restrictions in order to protect lives .
The appeal came as the nation of 38 million hit another daily record of new registered infections — over 13,600 and 153 deaths .
The measures , expanded from local red zones , include wearing masks at all times outdoors and switching all primary schools to remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit social contacts and the number of passengers on public transport .
In other measures , restaurants and other eateries can provide takeout only for another two weeks and gatherings can not exceed five people , except for professional activity .
People over 70 are asked to stay home , and a system of support in delivering supplies is being put in place .
“ We absolutely must cut the means of transmission of infection , ” Morawiecki said .
Poland ’ s government is also appealing to Poles to stay home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of visiting graves on All Saints ’ Day , Nov. 1 .
MADRID — A grim year for the Spanish tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic stretched into September , when overnight hotel stays were down 78 % on the same month last year .
Spain is the world ’ s second most popular vacation destination , after France , but hotel stays in the first nine months of 2020 were down 71 % from 2019 , the national statistics agency said Friday .
September was the seventh straight month to record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tourism generated 12 % of Spain ’ s GDP and provided 2.6 million jobs .
BRATISLAVA , Slovakia — Slovakia has started a trial as part of a plan to test almost the entire population of the country for the coronavirus amid a record surge in infections .
Prime Minister Igor Matovic previously said health authorities have acquired 13 million rapid antigen tests for the massive testing of everyone aged 10-65 .
The tests will be voluntary and free of charge , and the military has been called in to help .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday to Sunday in the four hardest-hit counties .
The testing is set to continue in the rest of the country on the following two weekends .
Antigen tests are less accurate than PCR tests , which are considered the gold standard but have the advantage of producing faster results .
The nation of 5.4 million has been facing a record spike , with the number of confirmed positive cases in one day setting a new record of 2,581 on Thursday .
The previous record of 2,202 was set two days earlier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ low number of tests compared with other European countries .
The country has a total of 37,911 confirmed cases while 134 people have died .
PRAGUE — The health minister of the hard-hit Czech Republic has been under fire to resign after a media report that he broke strict government restrictions and visited a Prague restaurant .
The Blesk tabloid daily said Health Minister Minister Roman Prymula met with Jaroslav Faltynek , deputy head of the senior government ANO ( YES ) movement led by Prime Minister Andrej Babis , on Wednesday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars , schools are closed .
The meeting took place just hours after Prymula announced the latest series of regulations , including a limit on movement and the closure of many stores .
The junior government coalition party , the Social Democrats , joined the opposition to demand Prymula ’ s resignation , calling his behaviour “ absolutely unacceptable.
” In photographs , Prymula didn ’ t wear a mandatory mask .
Faltynek said he asked Prymula to meet to discuss an extraordinary parliament session that is set to approve a plan for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Czech Republic to help with the outbreak .
The Czech Republic has been facing record coronavirus infections that put the health system under pressure .
The Health Ministry says daily confirmed cases reached 14,151 on Thursday , after the record of almost 15,000 the day earlier .
The country has had 223,065 cases , about a third of them in the last seven days while 1,845 people have died .
BERLIN — Germany ’ s disease control centre says the number of new daily coronavirus cases remains near a record high , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Robert Koch Institute said Friday that 11,242 new cases were reported over the last 24-hour period , just shy of the record 11,278 mark set the day before .
The nationwide infection rate over the last seven days rose to 60.3 cases per 100,000 residents , up from 56.2 the day before .
Some hot spots , like the capital , are much higher than that , with Berlin reporting a rate of 110.6 cases per 100,000 residents , with the district of Neukoelln at more than double that with a rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry , which said earlier this week that Health Minister Jens Spahn had tested positive for the coronavirus and was in quarantine at home exhibiting cold-like symptoms , said Friday his husband , Daniel Funke , had also tested positive .
It said Funke tested positive on Thursday morning and was symptom free , but had been in quarantine with Spahn since Wednesday afternoon .
NEW DELHI — India has reported below 60,000 new coronavirus cases for a fifth day as the promise of a free COVID-19 vaccine turned into a key state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 54,366 new cases have taken the overall tally past 7.7 million on Friday .
It also reported 690 deaths in the past 24 hours , raising total fatalities to 117,306 .
India recorded a daily average of more than 61,000 cases last week .
The ministry also said India ’ s active caseload was below 700,000 .
A political row erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’ s Hindu nationalist party promised free vaccination to people in eastern Bihar state where voting is scheduled to begin next week .
Bihar is India ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about 122 million people .
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman , releasing the party ’ s election manifesto , said every Bihar resident will be given free vaccination when it becomes available .
She said at least three vaccines have reached the last trial stage and are on the cusp of production .
The promise angered the Congress and other opposition parties , which accused Modi ’ s party of politicizing the pandemic and playing on people ’ s fears .
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. chief says it ’ s “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major industrialized nations didn ’ t come together in March and establish a co-ordinated response to grapple with the coronavirus in all countries as he proposed .
The result , he says , is every country is taking its own sometimes contradictory actions , and the virus is moving “ from east to west , north to south , ” with second waves of infections now affecting many countries .
Ahead of the Group of 20 summit next month , Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in an interview with The Associated Press that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need to be much more co-ordinated in fighting the virus.
” Guterres says the United Nations also will be “ strongly advocating ” during the G-20 summit for a guarantee that when a vaccine is available , “ it becomes indeed available and affordable for everyone , everywhere.
” SEOUL , South Korea -- South Korea has reported 155 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus , its highest daily jump in more than 40 days as officials struggle to stem transmissions at hospitals and nursing homes .
The figures announced Friday brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 455 deaths .
Officials say most of the new cases were local transmissions and primarily in the Seoul region , where hundreds of infections have been tied to a handful of hospitals and nursing homes .
A nursing home in Namyangju , east of Seoul , has emerged as the latest cluster of infections , with officials putting the facility under isolation after more than 30 workers and residents tested positive .
Around 120 infections have been linked to a hospital in nearby Gwangju .
Friday ’ s daily jump was the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported .
BOISE , Idaho — A regional health board in northern Idaho has voted narrowly to repeal a local mask mandate , acting moments after hearing how the region ’ s hospital has been overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and is looking at sending people as far away as Seattle for care .
The board heard Thursday that the hospital in Coeur d ’ Alene reached 99 % capacity the previous day , even after doubling up patients in rooms and buying more beds .
The board in Kootenai County then voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kootenai is the third most populous county in conservative Idaho .
Gov .
Brad Little has left it up to local health departments and school districts to decide on what restrictions , if any , are needed for the coronavirus pandemic .
SEATTLE — Health officials in Washington state say the number of people in the state who have been confirmed with coronavirus infections during the pandemic has surpassed 100,000 .
The Department of Health reported 651 new virus cases and three new COVID-19 deaths Thursday .
The latest numbers increased the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of people who have died to 2,289 .
Gov .
Jay Inslee tweeted about the cases topping 100,000 , saying , “ Every choice you make right now matters.
” Inslee says cases are on the rise again in Washington , and he urges people to have fewer and shorter interactions with others .
AUSTIN , Texas — Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott is sending more medical reinforcements to the El Paso area in response to a surge of coronavirus infections and cases of COVID-19 , the illness the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Health Services and the Texas Division of Emergency Management will provide more medical personnel and equipment this week .
The move comes during the same week that El Paso County reported 3,750 new coronavirus infections , including 1,161 on Thursday .
That number accounts for 17.5 % of the 21,321 cases reported this week by the state ’ s 254 counties .
Active coronavirus cases in El Paso rose 864 Thursday to 9,569 .
The 558 confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in El Paso , Culberson and Hudspeth counties account for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hospitalized patients HELENA , Mont .
— Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock says the state health department is pursuing legal action against several businesses in northwestern Montana for not following a mask mandate and other restrictions meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
The announcement came Thursday as the state reported 932 newly confirmed coronavirus cases .
That was far above the previous one-day high of 734 .
The new cases include 173 in Yellowstone County and 112 in Flathead County , where the governor says businesses face legal action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new website to allow people to submit complaints against businesses and events that are not complying with health directives .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--In hard-hit Peru, worry mounts over both COVID-19 and dengue

PUCALLPA , Peru - Two of Lidia Choque ’ s close family members had already gotten sick with the new coronavirus when the mosquitos arrived .
The 53-year-old woman lives in a wooden house near the airport of a Peruvian city in the Amazon rainforest .
City fumigators usually visit several times during the rainy season to eliminate the pests , but this year , because of the pandemic , they were absent .
When she went to a hospital after coming down with a fever and body aches , doctors delivered a double diagnosis : COVID-19 and dengue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
As Peru grapples with one the world ’ s worst SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks , another virus is starting to raise alarm : dengue .
Health officials have reported over 35,000 cases this year , concentrated largely in the Amazon .
The rise comes amid an overall dip in the number of new daily coronavirus infections , though authorities worry a second wave could strike as dengue cases rise .
In the city of Pucallpa , where Choque lives , doctors say they are already encountering patients with both illnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever and muscle aches tend to dominate , though the combination with COVID-19 can prove deadly .
“ There is more risk , ” said Dr. Rosmery Rojas , a physician at a public hospital she said is seeing 120 dengue patients a day .
The Ucayali region located along a muddy river has long seen periodic dengue outbreaks , though Rojas and others said this year ’ s figures are already three times that seen in 2019 .
Throughout the Americas , there were more than 3.1 million dengue cases last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Pan American Health Organization .
The Americas branch of the World Health Organization reports there has been an overall decrease in a dengue cases during the pandemic — with a little more than 2 million recorded so far this year , including 845 deaths .
Nearly 1.4 million of those cases have been in Brazil .
It is unclear whether the reduction is related to COVID-19 , though a spokeswoman said public health measures aimed at preventing the new virus may have played a role .
Nonetheless , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients are filling hospital beds that months before were overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients .
Some , like Choque , are told they have both illness when they arrive at the hospital .
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease also known as “ breakbone fever ” for its severely painful symptoms .
Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Indonesia have also dealt with dual dengue and virus outbreaks this year as lockdowns put prevention activities on hold .
Dengue is not usually fatal but severe cases can require hospitalization .
Removing trash , old tires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help curb the disease – actions officials in Peru are now carrying out in hopes of quashing the uptick in dengue cases .
Choque said she went to the hospital after her symptoms didn ’ t go away .
A rapid virus antibody test — which can indicate a prior infection — came back negative , but a doctor saw spots on a chest X-ray that led her to diagnose COVID-19 .
The mother of three is still skeptical of whether she had the virus .
She stayed nearly two weeks in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riddled with anxiety over her condition .
Looking back , Choque believes the absence of fumigation likely contributed to her coming down with dengue .
She set up cans filled with lit charcoal and dried eucalyptus leaves to drive the mosquitos away , but she said they were still rampant when she fell sick .
“ There ’ s been more focus on COVID , ” she said .
“ They ’ ve neglected dengue .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Man arrested in 1976 slaying in South Carolina

COLUMBIA , S.C. - A man has been charged with rape and murder in the slaying of a South Carolina woman who was killed more than 40 years ago after DNA evidence linked him to the case , authorities said .
Charles Ugvine Coleman , 65 , was arrested Thursday and jailed in Fairfield County in the death of Elizabeth Ann Howell Wilson , who disappeared after working a shift at a textile mill on March 20 , 1976 , officials said .
Her body and vehicle were found later in a rural community .
Wilson had been strangled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Tommy Crosby , a spokesman for the State Law Enforcement Division .
Crosby told news outlets Coleman was charged and booked into the Fairfield County Jail after a recent forensics “ breakthrough ” led police to him .
“ Whether the crime was recent or happened more than 40 years ago , we will not stop in trying to solve the case , “ Mark Keel , chief of the state agency , said in a statement .
It ’ s unclear whether Coleman has an attorney to speak on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1975 , according to records .
Records show that in 1977 , Coleman was sentenced to 12 years in prison for Chester County convictions for assault and battery with intent to kill , housebreaking , and larceny , The State reported .
Coleman is currently on 30 months probation for April 2020 convictions in Union County on charges of using a firearm while under the influence , according to SLED and South Carolina court records .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Erdogan confirms Russian S-400 tests despite US objections

ISTANBUL - Turkey ’ s president on Friday confirmed the country tested its Russian-made S-400 missile defence system , despite objections from the United States .
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey had every right to test its equipment .
“ They were tested , they ’ re being tested , ” he announced .
“ America ’ s stance is absolutely not binding for us , ” he said .
“ We aren ’ t going to ask America.
” Washington has strongly objected to NATO member Turkey ’ s acquisition of the Russian anti-aircraft system and suspended Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the S-400s are a threat to the stealth fighter jets and wouldn ’ t be interoperable with NATO systems .
It has also warned Ankara that it risks U.S. sanctions under the Countering America ’ s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if the S-400 system is activated .
Ankara insists it was forced to purchase the Russian system after Washington refused to sell it the U.S. Patriot system .
It also argues that it ’ s Ankara ’ s sovereign right to buy the system it wants .
Erdogan also suggested a double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using its S-300 missile defence system .
He asked : “ Is America telling them anything ?
” Russia delivered the Russian defence system last year .
Turkey had initially said the S-400 would be operational in April , but it has since delayed activating the system .
Turkish media reported last week the military test-fired the Russian S-400 air defence system in the Black Sea province of Sinop .
“ This means that the gentlemen are disturbed especially because this is a weapon belonging to Russia , ” Erdogan said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our path.
“


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--NBC’s Welker sharp in first turn as debate moderator

NEW YORK - Moderator Kristen Welker — with the help of an offstage mute button — helped give Americans the substantive , crackling debate over leadership that had been missing so far during the 2020 presidential campaign .
The NBC News White House correspondent worked hard Thursday to keep control of the second and final encounter between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden , steering but not stifling exchanges .
Midway through the debate , she even received a compliment from the Republican president , who said , “ So far , I respect very much the way you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different Trump , who resisted the interruptions that spoiled his first debate with Biden .
The second was cancelled when Trump objected to a virtual format after he caught COVID-19 , replaced by dueling town hall meetings that satisfied no one .
“ I ’ m jealous , ” said Fox News Channel ’ s Chris Wallace , moderator of the first debate .
“ I would have loved to have been able to moderate that debate and get a real exchange of views instead of hundreds of interruptions.
” Shortly before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission said it would shut off the microphone of a candidate to give his opponent a chance to get through a two-minute answer when a new subject was introduced .
It seemed to work mostly as a deterrent ; neither candidate tried to shout through the silence .
When the candidates were allowed to more directly engage , Welker was generally successful in striking the balance between giving them room and cutting off the discussion when it was becoming unproductive .
“ Ten seconds , Mr. President , then I have to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care discussion .
She was attuned to the news , asking Trump how he would reunite families separated at the southern border following the revelation that the government had lost track of the parents of hundreds of children .
She twice followed up when the president didn ’ t directly address the question .
Welker had a sharp retort to Trump when he dodged a question on why the government had failed to agree on a new stimulus package for families suffering financially from the coronavirus .
“ Because Nancy Pelosi doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Welker asked Biden to directly address Americans who feared that his approach to health care would mean too much government involvement , and to square his desire to improve the environment without harming the economy .
She also didn ’ t shy away from recent stories about Biden ’ s son Hunter ’ s involvement in foreign companies and allegations that he took advantage of his father ’ s role as vice-president .
Somewhat oddly , it was Biden who first brought it up by criticizing Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there anything about these relationships that was inappropriate or unethical ?
’ Welker asked .
Similarly , in talking about recent reports of a Trump bank account in China , she asked the president , “ How can voters know that you don ’ t have any conflicts of interest ?
” Welker , a 44-year-old Harvard graduate who was the first Black woman to moderate a presidential debate since 1992 , asked the candidates in personal terms what they would say to minorities who felt they had prepare their children for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the colour of their skin .
Some conservatives said on social media that they believed Welker was quicker to cut Trump off than Biden and introduced subjects — the coronavirus , race and climate change — that helped the Democrat .
But she received praise for her performance from across the political spectrum , including conservative personalities Ben Shapiro and Brit Hume .
“ Kristen Welker is putting on a master class on how to moderate a presidential debate , ” tweeted Philip Rucker , a Washington Post reporter .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Celebrities unite to various get-out-the-vote efforts

NEW YORK - In the final days before the U.S. election , celebrities from Kerry Washington to Billie Jean King and Danai Gurira are urging Americans to vote .
Here are some of the free , nonpartisan efforts : — Stars like Demi Lovato , Justin Bieber , Amy Schumer , Chelsea Handler , Mark Ruffalo , Dua Lipa , Vic Mensa , Uzo Aduba , Mandy Moore , Russell Westbrook , Jack Black and Common are backing a virtual rally on Saturday called “ Vote With Us.
” The three-hour event will stream at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March For Our Lives ” activists Emma González and David Hogg will also attend .
— The hourlong “ Every Vote Counts : A Celebration of Democracy ” will be hosted by Alicia Keys , America Ferrera and Kerry Washington .
There will be appearances by Amy Schumer , Chris Rock , Cobie Smulders , Coldplay , Condoleezza Rice , Eva Longoria , Jennifer Lopez , John Kasich , Kelly Clarkson , Leonardo DiCaprio , Lin-Manuel Miranda , Natalie Portman , Shaquille O ’ Neal , Tan France , Wilmer Valderrama , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Offset and Shawn Mendes .
It ’ s on CBS and CBS All Access on Oct. 29 at 9 p.m.-10 p.m. ET/PT .
— The theatre world has it ’ s own push with “ Act Out : Vote 2020 , ” a night of music and short monologues .
It ’ s being led by playwright and “ The Walking Dead ” star Danai Gurira , Tony Award-winning director Stephen Daldry and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner playwright Lynn Nottage .
There will be performances by Yvette Nicole Brown , Ryan J.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Knight , Sandra Oh and Ephraim Skyes .
The event will be available to stream for free on Oct. 29 at 9 p.m .
ET and then live on YouTube until Nov. 2 .
— The NFL ’ s voting campaign includes Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson , San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley .
There ’ s also an “ Latinos Vote ” extension campaign with NFL legends and celebrities encouraging the Latino community to vote that includes Victor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
— Theater producer Dale Mott and composer Nolan Williams Jr. have tapped their contacts to create a rousing musical video to encourage voter participation .
“ I Have A Right To Vote ” video features “ Hamilton ” original cast member Christopher Jackson , tennis great Billie Jean King , entertainer Billy Porter , chef Carla Hall and others reciting the words of voting rights icons including John Lewis , Frederick Douglass and Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
— Singer Demi Lovato , actor Halle Berry and Olympic figure skating star Adam Rippon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and allies in the battleground states of Texas , Ohio and Pennsylvania about early voting , voting deadlines and the issues at stake in this election .
It ’ s part of a push by GLAAD .
— Even Donald Duck is championing voters .
The musical animated short “ Everybody Gets a Vote ” debuts Oct. 25 on Disney Junior YouTube and DisneyNOW and Nov. 1 on Disney Junior .
It ’ s designed to encourage kids aged 2-7 to develop positive attitudes about themselves and as a member of a community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Donald Duck , Mira , Vampirina and baby Kermit determine that a vote is the fairest way to choose a playtime game .
— Jason Alexander , Mayim Bialik , Yvette Nicole Brown , Tim Daly and other actors put on chicken costumes for a new ad urging people to vote .
The public service announcement is paid for by the non-profit entertainment advocacy group The Creative Coalition .
The message : “ One vote could make the difference between a chicken or a fox guarding our hen house.
” — Virgin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifestyle hotel brand , has launched a “ Don ’ t Sleep on Voting ” campaign in partnership with The Source .
The social media based campaign will roll out daily video messages on Instagram from the likes of rapper , singer and record producer Vic Mensa , singer-songwriter Cassadee Pope and comedian and actor Felonious Munk .
Influencers were encouraged to create a video in their own , personal style to ensure a powerful call-to-action .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Dancing through quarantine and Harlem  -  in a bubble

NEW YORK - Living and breathing dance is par for the course at the Dance Theater of Harlem .
It ’ s just never looked like this .
A group including 15 dancers , a choreographer , the artistic director and a production team has taken up residence at a cultural centre in New York ’ s Hudson Valley , about 100 miles ( 160 kilometres ) north of New York City .
There , inspired by the example set by the National Basketball Association and entertainment mogul Tyler Perry , they ’ re in a bubble until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubble .
They ’ ve set up shop at the Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in Tivoli , New York .
Tested before they left earlier in October , tested while they ’ re onsite , no one allowed to leave and return , it gives them a chance to rehearse and create in a way that ’ s been in short supply since the onset of the pandemic , said Anna Glass , the organization ’ s executive director .
“ If we were back home in Harlem , the best-case scenario is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from one another and we ’ re wearing masks , and that ’ s fine from sort of a basic training standpoint , “ she told The Associated Press .
“ But when it comes to actually honing your craft or doing something that resembles a rehearsing , it ’ s a contact sport .
You have to be able to touch one another , “ she added .
As with many artistic organizations , the pandemic has been difficult for the renowned dance company , founded by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , was a project the theatre took on for the organizers of the African American Day Parade and Harlem Week , two long-standing events in their neighbourhood that couldn ’ t be held the way they normally were because of quarantine conditions .
Instead , the dance theatre created a video showing eight of their dancers in various well-known Harlem spots , including the 145th Street subway station , the City College of New York campus and the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building .
While the video was originally released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media boost when it was sent around on Twitter earlier this month , which has thrilled Glass .
“ What ’ s been fabulous about this moment is the opportunity for people to learn about Dance Theater of Harlem and our very unique story , as well as our very unique approach to this art form of ballet , “ she said .
“ I want more and more and more and more people to watch this video and ... to fall in love with this beautiful company .
”

Deepti Hajela And Vanessa A. Alvarez - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Animals, people rescue each other in heartfelt docuseries

LOS ANGELES - In a new docuseries , a child who uses a walker meets a dog with its own version of wheels .
Inmates find solace in training canines for adoption , and pigs strut their stuff in a “ body positivity “ celebration .
That and more is part of “ That Animal Rescue Show , ” an endearing project that reflects its unexpected creators as well as its stars , human and otherwise .
All 10 episodes are out Oct. 29 on the CBS All Access streaming service .
“ What the series is about is people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Oscar-winning documentarian Bill Guttentag ( “ Twin Towers , ” “ You Don ’ t Have to Die ” ) , one of the big names behind this small gift of touching and quirky stories .
The other : Oscar-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater ( “ Boyhood “ ) , who acknowledges that a documentary is a rare venture for him .
But he sees a connection to his films , which include “ School of Rock ” and the bookend romances “ Before Sunrise ” and “ Before Midnight.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about people who are kind of obsessed or passionate people .
That ’ s what you ’ re looking for in a story , ” he said .
He and his collaborators , including Nayeema Raza , Guttentag ’ s writing-producing partner , committed to holding themselves and the series to a high standard .
“ Rick said something to us which I thought was just great , ” Guttentag recalled .
“ ’ What I ’ d really like to do is come up with 10 little documentaries that could all make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their own.
’ ” An episode of “ That Animal Rescue Show , ” which had largely completed taping before the pandemic hit , cleared that bar with an episode that was accepted by the Telluride festival before it and others were cancelled due to COVID-19 .
Even the title sequence is notable , a nod to the early photographic sequence that captured a galloping horse with all hooves off the ground .
Cats , chickens and pigs are among those who get the cinematic treatment here .
The project found a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Texas , where longtime resident Linklater has a farm and where the idea for the series was born .
Networking credit goes to Dood , the Linklater family pig that drew the filmmaker into the company of the Central Texas Pig Rescue and managing member Dan Illescas , described by Linklater as “ kind of a pig behaviourist.
” Besides being schooled by Illescas on pigs — “ You want to treat them like dogs , but they ’ re not dogs .
They ’ re pigs , ” — Linklater said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caring for some 200 homeless pigs .
( Many are given up by owners who find their so-called “ mini-pig ” is an underfed animal destined to grow , Illescas says in the series . )
“ I met another guy who had a pig rescue and I was like , ’ Wow , this is a whole subculture , ” said Linklater .
Impressed by the commitment of the animal rescuers , “ it just felt like something worth sharing.
” Among the gems that are showcased : Safe in Austin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service dog help her son with autism to blossom .
It ’ s a haven for a menagerie of abused and neglected animals , visited by children with challenges who “ pet , and love and heal alongside the animals , ” as owner Jamie Wallace Griner says in the series .
The Guttentag-directed episode that was bound for Telluride highlights the Paws in Prison program at a correctional facility .
Dogs in need of adoption are paired with inmates who are given the skills to train them and a shot at new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a pageant to celebrate porcine heft featured in episode three .
The series ’ approach is far removed from rote reality TV , Guttentag said , “ where they cast you and you play that role , whether or not that ’ s who you are .
In our show , the folks you see , that ’ s who they are.
” The soundtrack features local Austin bands playing cover versions of tunes by artists including Paul McCartney , Carole King and Willie Nelson — all of whom made their work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fee , Guttentag said .
“ Once you start moving down this track of trying to show compassion , I think people want to be a part of it , ” he said .
Raza offers an expansive and hopeful take on the series ’ appeal .
“ So much of the world right now and the content we ’ re consuming is about differences , and I think this is really a show about the universal elements of humanity , “ Raza said .
” There ’ s something equalizing when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us there ’ s something equalizing when you see a human and animal rescue each other.
” Lynn Elber can be reached at lelber @ ap.org and is on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/lynnelber .
This story was first published on Oct. 21 , 2020 .
It was updated on Oct. 22 , 2020 , to correct the name of a Richard Linklater film .
The correct title is “ Boyhood , ” not “ About a Boy .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Anwar warns Malaysia PM seeks emergency law to keep power

KUALA LUMPUR , Malaysia - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Friday he was concerned about reports that the prime minister is seeking the declaration of a state of emergency to fight the coronavirus , saying the premier likely wants to suspend Parliament so he can stymie bids to oust his government .
Local media has reported that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is seeking the declaration of a state of emergency to suspend parliament to focus on battling a fresh coronavirus outbreak .
Speculation intensified after he held a special Cabinet meeting Friday and then held an audience with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of emergency that allows the country to be governed through ordinances that can not be challenged in court .
Anwar met the king last week to try convince the monarch he now has enough support from lawmakers to topple Muhyiddin , whose government has only a two-seat majority in Parliament .
A new wave of coronavirus cases that saw Malaysia ’ s confirmed tally double to more than 24,000 in just three weeks prompted the king to delay the process of verifying Anwar ’ s claim .
Anwar said any emergency would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in power .
“ We have a government which lacks legitimacy and which knows it would fail to demonstrate majority support in Parliament , and is using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to justify its abuse of power , ” Anwar said in a statement Friday .
Some media cited sources as saying that Muhyiddin is seeking an “ economic emergency “ to merely suspend Parliament , without any curfew .
Still it would be the first time since emergency laws were invoked since 1969 , when they were used following deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister ’ s office couldn ’ t immediately be reached for comment .
Muhyiddin faces a key test of his support early next month when his government is due to seek approval for its 2021 budget in Parliament .
If he is unable to pass the bill , pressure will build for him to resign or call a new election .
An emergency could allow him to delay that vote and consolidate support .
Anwar said declaring a state of emergency in the absence of a threat to national security would be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and authoritarianism.
“ It would also show the government ’ s incompetence in handling the pandemic , he said .
“ The government has failed to provide strong leadership in handling this crisis and is instead resorting to undemocratic means to stay in power , “ he added .
Muhyiddin took power in March after causing the collapse of Anwar ’ s reformist alliance , which came out atop elections in 2018 .
Muhyiddin withdrew his party from the alliance and joined with the opposition to form a Malay-centric government .
Then-Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wouldn ’ t work with the opposition as they had been accused of corruption during their time in power before the 2018 polls .
Apart from Anwar , Muhyiddin also faces threats from the key ally in his ruling coalition , which is angry about being sidelined despite being the biggest party .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Libyan factions sign countrywide UN-brokered cease-fire

GENEVA - The rival sides in Libya ’ s conflict signed a permanent cease-fire Friday , a deal the United Nations billed as historic after years of fighting that has split the North African country in two .
But skepticism over whether the agreement would hold began emerging almost immediately .
The breakthrough , which among other things orders foreign mercenaries out of the country within three months , sets the stage for political talks in November to find a lasting solution to the chaos unleashed after a 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi .
Previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly collapsed — but the U.N.-brokered deal aims to cement a months-long lull in fighting and boost the political process .
“ I am honoured to be among you today to witness a moment that will go down in history , ” said Stephanie Turco Williams , the top U.N. envoy for Libya , who led mediation talks this week in Geneva .
She did , however , express some caution , noting that a “ long and difficult ” road remains ahead .
It ’ s not clear how the cease-fire will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militias in Libya — but Williams said armed groups and military units had agreed to return “ to their camps ” and that the deal would take effect immediately .
Foreign mercenaries will depart “ from all Libyan territories land , air and sea “ within three months , she added , referring to the thousands of Syrian fighters deployed by Turkey and Russia on opposite sides of the war .
The agreement also involved the formation of a joint military force and a mechanism to monitor violations , Williams said , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council .
But shortly after the announcement of the deal , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it did not appear to be credible — even as he expressed hope that all parties would stick to it .
Speaking after Friday prayers in Istanbul , Erdogan said the cease-fire decision did not come from top officials but from lower-level ones .
“ Time will show how long it will last , ” he added .
Following Libya ’ s descent into chaos , a U.N.-recognized government holds sway in the capital , Tripoli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces of military commander Khalifa Hifter run most of the east and south .
Turkey is the main patron of the Tripoli government , while the United Arab Emirates , Russia and Egypt back Hifter .
Both sides are also supported by an array of fractious militias , though the administrations often struggle to control them .
In much of the country , heavily armed militias hold sway and have repeatedly undermined cease-fire attempts .
Ali Abushahma , a field commander for the administration in Tripoli and the head of its delegation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering , enough bloodshed.
“ “ I appeal to all Libya : Be one hand , ” he said , warning of polarization by factions .
Meanwhile , Amraja Alamami , the head of Hifter ’ s delegation , pledged in a short speech to “ implement what had been agreed upon in Geneva.
” The meetings this week mark the fourth round of talks involving the Joint Military Commission under Williams ’ watch .
The Geneva-based talks come ahead of a political forum in Tunisia in November .
That forum aims to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ framework and arrangements that will lead to the holding of national elections , ” the U.N. mission said .
Friday ’ s deal follows a series of breakthroughs since fighting came to a halt in June , when Hifter ’ s 14-month campaign to capture Tripoli collapsed .
International pressure has been building on the parties to avert a battle over the strategic city of Sirte , the gateway to Libya ’ s major oil export terminals .
This fall , Hifter and allied eastern tribes announced the end of a monthslong blockade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially imposed to protest alleged corruption in the oil sector and unfair distribution of revenues to the east .
Last month , the two sides reached preliminary agreements to exchange prisoners and open up air and land transit across the country ’ s divided territory , On Friday , Williams said that a passenger plane flew from Tripoli to Benghazi for the first time in months , paving the way for a regular flights between eastern and western Libya .
In another sign of progress , she said the key oil ports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production .
Libya ’ s prized light crude has long been a key factor in the country ’ s civil war , with rival militias and foreign powers jostling for control of Africa ’ s largest oil reserves .
To maintain the cease-fire , the two sides agreed to establish a “ joint police operations room ” that will help secure areas following the withdrawal of armed groups .
The rivals also agreed to form a “ joint limited military force “ of personnel who report to the U.N. ’ s Joint Military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Arab Emirates .
Associated Press writer Zeynep Bilginsoy contributed from Istanbul .

Jamey Keaten And Isabel Debre - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--‘Refreshing respite from the childlike shouting match.’ What U.S. media are saying about the last pr

‘Refreshing respite from the childlike shouting match.’ What U.S. media are saying about the last presidential debate

President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden took the stage for their final debate Thursday night before the Nov. 3 election .
Moderated by Kristen Welker of NBC News , the two candidates were questioned on a number of topics including fighting COVID-19 , race in America , climate change , national security and leadership in a 90-minute showdown .
Here ’ s a look at some of the reactions from U.S. media after the event : New York Times ’ Michael M. Grynbaum says Welker restored order , following Chris Wallace ’ s efforts in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night may be that viewers came away focused on the candidates and what they had to say ( muted microphones and all ) rather than on the moderator ’ s performance.
” CNN ’ s Roxanne Jones says that the debate commission ’ s choice to allow for candidates ’ microphones to be muted when their time has lapsed , worked and that Joe Biden won the night .
“ The final presidential debate Thursday night in Nashville , Tennessee , was a refreshing respite from the childlike shouting match that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former vice president Joe Biden squared.
” The Washington Post ’ s Marc A. Thiessen argued that the debate may have appeared to be a tie at first glance but Trump had “ arguably his best debate performance ever.
” “ But a closer look shows that Trump was the big winner , because he was the only candidate who landed blows that damaged his opponent with a constituency Biden desperately needs to win the presidency –– African American voters .
On Thursday , Trump cleaned Biden ’ s clock on race.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times called the debate an “ orderly affair ” and wrote that Biden finally got the opportunity to address Americans .
“ The comparative order meant Biden was finally free to talk policy and character , while Trump delivered the usual whoppers –– we ’ ve been rounding the corner on COVID-19 for so long we ’ re going in circles –– and at least one head-scratcher to most viewers when he accused Biden of growing rich off ‘ pillows and sheets.
’ ( It was a sideways accusation that the Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
” CNN ’ s Scott Jennings says the final debate was the best night of Trump ’ s campaign .
“ Republicans are reassured by President Trump ’ s performance , by far his best night of the campaign .
Vice president Joe Biden belittled and attacked the left flank of his party on health care when , after Trump said that Biden ’ s embrace of the public option would destroy medicare , Biden responded ‘ He thinks he ’ s running against somebody else .
He ’ s running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those other people because I disagree with them ” –– meaning Biden ’ s primary opponents from Democrats ’ progressive wing , which isn ’ t all that thrilled with him in the first place.
” Rick Klien of ABC News says Trump “ attacked ” the former vice president ’ s family in a debate where Biden tried to focus on bigger issues .
“ President Donald Trump knows the playbook , in part , because he basically wrote it : A flurry of stories , a stunt designed to rattle his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponent based on family connections and dark allegations.
” Boston Herald ’ s Howie Carr said that Biden told a few “ debate whoppers.
” “ Despite the fact that Trump was at the usual Republican disadvantage , if the debate had gone on for another half-hour , or even better , a whole hour , they would have had to pass the hat for car fare to get Biden home .
Kevin Robillard of the Huffington Post says it ’ s unlikely the debate will change a “ steady Biden lead ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interruptions .
“ Trump mostly abandoned the constant interruptions and abrasive style he deployed in the first debate , but continued with the falsehoods and exaggerations .
His performance is likely to reassure some Republicans who are fretting about a potential Democratic landslide.
” For the Daily Beast , Karen Finney says it ’ s good to see journalists defend Welker from Trump ’ s previous attacks during rallies and on social media .
“ While it has been good to see journalists from different backgrounds defend the journalistic integrity and competence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Donald Trump , it is also important to again call out Trump ’ s pattern of disgustingly sexist , personal attacks on the intellect , integrity and credibility of a Black woman journalist , and prominent Black women in public life .
It is also no surprise that a man with a long history of racism and sexism continues these childish , offensive outbursts at the very idea that Black women are stepping into our power in this historic moment .
”


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--US sanctions 2 senior members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah

BEIRUT - The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned two high-ranking Hezbollah officials , including a former military commander in the country ’ s south .
The sanctioned officials are Nabil Qaouk and Hassan al-Baghdadi , both members of Hezbollah ’ s Central Council .
The Council is responsible for electing members of the group ’ s top decision-making body , the Shura Council .
Qaouk also served as Hezbollah ’ s military commander in south Lebanon from 1995 until 2010 .
“ Today we ’ re designating two Hezbollah officials , further exposing the terrorist group ’ s activities and disrupting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Michael Pompeo said in a tweet Friday .
The Trump administration has intensified sanctions on the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group and institutions linked to it to unprecedented levels , targeting lawmakers and allies of the group for the first time .
The U.S. considers the group , which is heavily armed and a dominant military and political force in Lebanon , to be a terrorist organization .
Last month , the U.S. Treasury sanctioned two former Cabinet ministers allied with Hezbollah , including the country ’ s ex-finance minister .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong message to allies of the group in Lebanon , which is experiencing an unprecedented economic and financial crisis .
Separately , the U.S. Treasury also sanctioned Iran ’ s ambassador to Iraq — a member of the Quds Force , an elite wing of Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guard Corps , or IRGC , that oversees foreign operations .
Iraj Masjedi took over the political side of Iran ’ s Iraq portfolio after the leader of the Quds Force , Gen. Qassem Soleimani , was killed in a U.S. attack in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed the group ’ s activities for years , threatening Iraqi stability .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Utility: Rodents in power switch caused Vegas resort outage

LAS VEGAS - A power outage that prompted evacuation of hundreds of casino patrons and prevented guests from checking in for several busy hours at a Las Vegas Strip resort was caused by rodents at an off-site utility switching centre , authorities said Friday .
Clark County fire officials said power went out at the Paris Las Vegas just after 7 p.m. Thursday and that fire crews and Las Vegas police helped evacuate casino patrons while guests already in their hotel rooms were allowed to stay put .
Utility provider NV Energy told the Las Vegas Review-Journal the problem was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the property .
It said the initial outage affected 16 customers , including the resort .
Fire Chief John Steinbeck said people were rescued from six stalled elevators before power was restored about 9:50 p.m. No injuries were reported .
Resort owner Caesars Entertainment doesn ’ t contract with NV Energy for electricity , the Las Vegas Sun reports .
But NV Energy has the transmission lines and switching facilities in the area .
The hotel owner paid more than $ 47 million in 2017 to leave the dominant utility in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services of Arlington , Texas .


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--GOP Arkansas state senate candidate wore KKK costume as teen

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
- A Republican candidate running for Arkansas State Senate said he made “ mistakes “ as a teenager after repeatedly denying his dismissal from a Mississippi high school for wearing a racist Ku Klux Klan costume for Halloween .
Charles Edward Beckham III initially denied reports from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Times that he was suspended and dismissed from Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science for wearing a racist Ku Klux Klan costume at a school-sponsored Halloween event .
The Arkansas Times first reported Beckham ’ s dismissal on Tuesday .
Beckham also told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people fabricated the allegations and blamed it on a ploy by the Democrats .
“ First of all , I unequivocally denounce the KKK and any like minded hate group , ” Beckham said in the email .
“ It is sad that the Democrats will do anything and say anything to try to win .
The accusations that have been made about me are not only baseless and false , but disgusting.
” But the Democrat-Gazette obtained court records from a lawsuit Beckham ’ s family filed in Hinds County Circuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged his dismissal from the school .
In October 2000 , Beckham and two other classmates wore KKK outfits and were caught by school staff members and immediately given three days of in-school suspension , according to the court records .
Later , the school ’ s director dismissed Beckham during his senior year , a decision upheld by the Mississippi Board of Education .
Alana Nichols , who ’ s Black , was a junior at the school when she saw her classmates in the racist costumes and said she was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memories of high school , this is at the forefront , and that ’ s unfortunate , ” Nichols said .
“ My initial thought was , ‘ What ’ s going to happen ?
Am I going to die ?
Is there going to be a rally ?
’ ” Beckham , now 37 , on Thursday said he made “ mistakes “ as a teenager .
“ I do sincerely apologize for any angst or grievances that I have caused anyone as a minor , as that is not the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I continue to unequivocally denounce the KKK and any like minded hate groups and the rumours that I am or have ever been part of the KKK are absolutely ridiculous.
“


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--Palmer voting site temporarily closes after virus diagnosis

JUNEAU , Alaska - An early voting location in Palmer closed temporarily Friday after a poll worker was diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ Elections said .
The division , in a statement , said the risk to voters @ @ @ @ @ the main administrative offices of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is considered to be low .
The @ @ @ @ @ and a partition separated the worker from voters , the division said .
Early voting @ @ @ @ @ , and the division said the worker was at the location through Thursday .
The @ @ @ @ @ and is set to reopen Monday morning , the division said .
The division highlighted @ @ @ @ @ meantime the Wasilla Public Library , which will continue to have voting hours through Election @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-10-23--US Navy: 2 onboard training plane killed in Alabama crash

FOLEY , Ala. - A U.S. Navy training plane that took off from Florida crashed Friday in an Alabama residential neighbourhood near the Gulf Coast , killing both people in the plane , authorities said .
Zach Harrell , a spokesperson for Commander , Naval Air Forces , said both people in the T-6B Texan II training plane died , but they weren ’ t immediately releasing their names .
No injuries were reported on the ground .
Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby said responders encountered a “ large volume of fire ” with a home and several cars engulfed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make “ a quick stop on the fire , ” the chief told local news outlets .
The crash occurred southeast of Mobile , near the city of Foley and the town of Magnolia Springs .
Darby called the neighbourhood a “ heavily populated ” residential area .
No firefighters were injured , he added .
The plane had flown out of Naval Air Station Whiting Field , about 30 miles ( 48.28 kilometres ) northeast of Pensacola , Florida , Navy spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn said .
The U.S. Department of Defence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , the Baldwin County Sheriff ’ s Office tweeted .