thetorontostar--2020-10-04--One month out, battered Trump campaign faces big challenges

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump ’ s long-hidden tax returns leaked out .
His first debate performance ignited a firestorm over white supremacy .
He was hospitalized for COVID-19 after months of playing down the threat of a pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans .
And that was just this week .
Trump ’ s reelection team , battered on all sides , now enters the final month of the campaign grappling with deficits in the polls , a shortage of cash and a candidate who is at least temporarily sidelined .
The crises , many of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so quickly that they are hard to keep straight .
Recordings revealed that he acknowledged minimizing the dangers of the coronavirus earlier this year .
A blockbuster story raised questions over whether he privately belittled members of the military .
And even the first lady was captured on tape expressing disdain for having to decorate the White House for Christmas .
“ Are the political gods simply saying , ‘ Your run is over ’ ?
That four years of chaos has caught up to you ?
” asked Michael Steele , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicts the president ’ s coronavirus diagnosis will overwhelm all the other massive storylines .
“ We are a caring , forgiving people , ” Steele said of the American public .
“ But while they may show him empathy , they also won ’ t forget that he didn ’ t do all the things he needed to protect himself and the American people.
” The president ’ s team is launching what it calls “ Operation MAGA “ to propel his campaign forward , even as he was being treated Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although Trump ’ s medical team raised the possibility that he could be released as early as Monday , significant questions remained about the president ’ s health and schedule .
The challenges facing the reelection team are enormous .
Both heads of Trump ’ s political apparatus — campaign manager Bill Stepien and Republican National Committee head Ronna McDaniel — tested positive for COVID-19 this week .
Also infected : several outside advisers who had been involved in the president ’ s debate preparations last week , including former White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie .
And that comes just days after Brad Parscale , who was demoted from his campaign manager post over the summer but remained in a senior role , was hospitalized .
Police were called to his Florida home after his wife said he had a firearm and was acting suicidal .
Deputy campaign manager Justin Clark is temporarily overseeing the campaign ’ s headquarters in Arlington , Virginia .
Stepien organized a late Saturday staff call to project an optimistic tone , even as he acknowledged the loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asset , ” the president .
“ We built a team that ’ s stronger than any one of us singularly , ” he said .
With early voting already underway in many states , Trump has consistently trailed Democrat Joe Biden in national polling even as the margins in most battleground states have been closer .
“ This race is going to be super close .
This is officially October .
It ’ s officially game time , ” Stepien said .
“ These are crazy times .
These weeks feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news packed into each week.
” Vice-President Mike Pence outlined plans to launch a new effort to ramp up campaign appearances by Trump lieutenants who haven ’ t been infected .
Pence himself will star in the new effort , in addition to Trump ’ s children .
Pence promised that he and the first family would begin fanning out across the country aggressively in person after Wednesday ’ s vice-presidential debate .
“ We ’ ve got a campaign to run , ” Pence said .
“ I promise you , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say so , he ’ s going to be back out there.
” Although Pence tested negative for the virus on Sunday , COVID-19 can have a lengthy incubation period .
Pence attended a Sept. 26 White House event where Trump announced his Supreme Court pick .
Several attendees at that event have since tested positive .
Pence also has interacted with key aides since then who have also been exposed .
With Trump still not “ out of the woods , ” in the words of his doctors , Pence plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday and Florida on Saturday for events rather than isolating himself after potential exposure and trying to protect himself from contracting the virus anywhere else .
“ We ’ re in a campaign .
We have a month to go , ” senior campaign adviser Jason Miller said Sunday on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
“ “ We see Joe Biden and Kamala Harris out there campaigning.
” The Trump campaign was already facing a significant cash deficit to Biden , and now the president has been sidelined from in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as the campaign was about to ramp up his travel schedule .
Plans for upcoming events in Florida , Wisconsin , Arizona and Nevada were all scrapped after his diagnosis , and it remained unclear when — or if — the president would be able to resume campaigning .
“ He ’ s losing , and the debate was a disaster , and the campaign is imploding , ” said Republican strategist Steve Schmidt , a vocal Trump critic .
The president ’ s hospitalization also underscores what has long been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its inability to shift the national discourse away from the virus .
For months , even as the campaign has tried to frame the election as a choice between Trump and Biden , the race has been perceived largely as a referendum on the president ’ s handling of the pandemic .
And Trump ’ s tone on the virus has changed little despite his illness .
In a video released late Saturday from the hospital , he expressed no contrition for his handling of the virus and still spoke of quickly moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a struggling incumbent , and this all makes reelection much harder .
More importantly , the more the nation is discussing the pandemic , the harder the debate gets for the president , ” said Julian Zelizer , a presidential historian at Princeton University .
Still , Zelizer said it would be premature to count Trump out , with a full month to go until Election Day .
“ He has three tools still at his disposal — unyielding Republican loyalty , the Electoral College and the power of the presidency , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tie up voting and spread disinformation remains formidable.
” For some Democrats , burned by Trump ’ s late surge to defeat Hillary Clinton in 2016 , Nov. 3 can ’ t come soon enough .
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville declared : “ Let ’ s go to the polls tomorrow.
” Peoples reported from New York .
Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report .

Jonathan Lemire And Steve Peoples - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-04--What we know, and what we don’t, about Trump’s diagnosis

A White House physician ’ s comments on Sunday about the health of President Donald Trump amid his coronavirus diagnosis added a new layer of confusion even as the doctor sought to clarify contradictory statements from the day before .
Here ’ s what we know and what we don ’ t know : WHAT WE KNOW : TRUMP ’ S MEDICAL CONDITION Dr. Sean Conley , the president ’ s physician , said Trump was given a steroid dexamethasone after his blood oxygen level had dropped suddenly twice in recent days , but he “ has continued to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as early as Monday .
Conley said Trump had a “ high fever ” and a blood oxygen level below 94 % on Friday and during “ another episode ” on Saturday .
Conley was evasive when asked whether Trump ’ s blood oxygen level had dropped below 90 % : “ We don ’ t have any recordings here on that.
” The level currently stands at 98 % , Trump ’ s medical team said .
Blood oxygen saturation is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A normal reading is between 95 and 100 .
A drop below 90 is concerning .
Trump ’ s team said Sunday that Trump received oxygen at the White House on Friday .
They were not clear on whether he received any Saturday .
The additional details emerged after White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Saturday said some of Trump ’ s vital signs were “ very concerning ” Friday .
That disclosure contradicted a rosy assessment Trump ’ s doctors had initially provided .
Along with a steroid , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doctors said .
On Friday , Trump was given a single dose of a drug that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. is testing to supply antibodies to help his immune system fight the virus .
Trump also has taken two doses of a five-day course of remdesivir , a Gilead Sciences drug currently used for moderately and severely ill patients .
Trump ’ s team said Sunday that Trump is “ up and around ” and doing well .
They said if things continue to go well , Trump will be able to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue his treatment .
WHAT WE DON ’ T KNOW : TRUMP ’ S MEDICAL CONDITION Trump ’ s medical team continued to dodge many questions Sunday , such as the specific timing of the president ’ s dip in oxygen and the impact of the disease on his lungs .
Asked repeatedly about what lung scan tests found and whether there have been any signs of pneumonia or other damage , Conley responded : “ We ’ re tracking all of that .
There ’ s some expected findings but nothing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t specified where Trump is in the “ disease course ” of COVID-19 .
Days seven to 10 typically are a time of higher concern , he said .
WHAT WE KNOW : WHEN TRUMP FELL ILL Trump started showing symptoms by Thursday , a full day before the White House announced what were initially called “ mild symptoms.
” Conley said Trump showed some common signs of COVID-19 on Thursday — a mild cough , stuffy nose and fatigue .
The president tested positive that evening , the doctor said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how transparent Trump , his staffers and doctors are being about the president ’ s health and whether Trump should have known he may have been spreading the virus as he mingled with campaign donors , staffers and others Thursday .
WHAT WE DON ’ T KNOW : WHEN TRUMP FELL ILL Conley declined to say when Trump had last been tested before Thursday ’ s test confirmed COVID-19 .
WHAT WE KNOW : HOW TRUMP WAS INFECTED It ’ s not clear , but attention is focusing on a White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court nominee .
Trump gathered more than 150 people in the Rose Garden , where they mingled , hugged and shook hands — overwhelmingly without masks .
Photos also show several indoor receptions , where Trump ’ s nominee , Judge Amy Coney Barrett , her family , senators and others gathered in the close quarters in the White House .
Among those who attended who have now tested positive : former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie , White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway , the president of the University of Notre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Utah Sen. Mike Lee and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis .
WHAT WE DON ’ T KNOW : HOW TRUMP WAS INFECTED There ’ s no way to know for sure if the Rose Garden event was where Trump — who typically shuns a mask and has kept holding big public gatherings during the pandemic — was exposed .
The president had a full week of official and campaign events before his hospitalization Friday .
A third Republican senator , Ron Johnson of Wisconsin , announced his positive test Saturday , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination kickoff .
The administration says a White House medical team is tracing contacts .

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thetorontostar--2020-10-04--US, Russia to hold latest nuclear arms talks in Finland

HELSINKI - The United States and Russia will hold a round of nuclear arms control talks in the Finland ’ s capital , Helsinki , on Monday to follow up on negotiations in Austria this summer , the Finnish president ’ s office said .
“ The round of discussions on strategic stability and nuclear weapons between the United States and Russia , which began in Vienna in the summer , will continue in Helsinki on Monday , ” the office of the Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said in a brief statement late Sunday .
The office said nuclear arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous time in Finland in 2017 .
“ Finland welcomes the negotiators , this time ( U.S. ) Ambassador ( Marshall ) Billingslea and ( Russian ) Deputy Foreign Minister ( Sergei ) Ryabkov , ” the statement said , adding that Niinisto would meet both representatives after the talks .
The talks are aimed at producing a new agreement to replace the New START treaty that expires in February — the last remaining pact constraining the arsenals of the world ’ s two major nuclear powers .
According to Russian news agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Billingslea and Ryabkov were held in Vienna on Aug. 17-18 .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Germany: Attack on Jewish man investigated as anti-Semitic

BERLIN - Germany ’ s leading Jewish group said Monday an attack on a Jewish student outside a synagogue “ can only be classified as anti-Semitic ” — an assessment that was later confirmed by the authorities .
“ The situation that Jews increasingly become a target of hatred must not leave anybody cold in a state of law like Germany , ” said Josef Schuster , the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany .
The 26-year-old man , who was wearing a skullcap , was about to enter the synagogue grounds in the northern city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the head with what appeared to be a folding spade , police said .
He was taken to the hospital with head injuries .
There was no official update on the victim ’ s condition Monday , but local daily Hamburger Abendblatt reported that while the man was in intensive care , his life was not in danger .
The suspected perpetrator , a 29-year-old German man of Kazakh origin wearing military style clothes , was arrested after the attack .
Hamburg police and prosecutors said in a joint statement that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an alleged anti-Semitic motive .
A spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel said the German government is shocked that “ such a violent crime can happen on German streets.
” “ This is sickening , ” Steffen Seibert told reporters in Berlin and expressed wishes for a speedy recover of the victim .
“ We condemn this attack in the sharpest possible way.
” The attack came nearly a year after a heavily armed white supremacist targeted a synagogue in the eastern German city of Halle on Yom Kippur , the holiest day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a man at a nearby kebab stall after failing to force his way into the building .
Security at Jewish institutions across Germany has been increased since the attack in Halle , but Schuster from the Central Council of Jews said there had to be an investigation into how security at the Hamburg synagogue could be further improved .
Jews were gathering Sunday to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot at the Hamburg synagogue , yet officers guarding the building were not able to detain the attacker before he approached his victim right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Sunday night that the Hamburg attacker seemed confused during a first interrogation by police .
Overnight , they searched an apartment in Hamburg where the attacker last lived and confiscated evidence such as data storage devices .
They were also investigating how the suspect got hold of the Germany army uniform he was wearing during the attack , and confirmed that a piece of paper with a swastika scribbled on it was found in his pocket .
Authorities said the man appeared to have acted on his own and was not previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the city ’ s community , was “ very , very shocked ” by the assault .
“ The question is : What have we not learned since Halle ?
” Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky said .
There is heightened concern in Germany over rising anti-Semitism and far-right extremism .
In 2019 , authorities registered an average of five anti-Semitic crimes per day .
Those included physical attacks , property damage , threats , anti-Semitic propaganda and other acts of malicious behaviour such as giving the stiff-armed Nazi salute .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repugnant anti-Semitism and we must all stand up against it , ” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted Sunday night .

Kirsten Grieshaber - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Trump aims for Monday release after supporter drive-by

BETHESDA , Md .
- President Donald Trump was hoping for a Monday discharge from the military hospital where he is being treated for COVID-19 , a day after he briefly ventured out while contagious to salute cheering supporters by motorcade in a move that disregarded precautions meant to contain the deadly virus that has killed more than 209,000 Americans .
White House officials said Trump was anxious to be released after three nights at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where doctors revealed on Sunday that his blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended for the very sick .
Still , the doctors said Trump ’ s health is improving and volunteered that he could be discharged as early as Monday to continue the remainder of his treatment at the White House .
“ This is an important day as the president continues to improve and is ready to get back to a normal work schedule , ” White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told Fox News on Monday .
He said the determination on whether Trump would leave the hospital won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president is evaluated by his medical team , but that Trump was “ optimistic ” he could be released Monday .
Less than one month until Election Day , Trump was eager to project strength despite his illness .
The still-infectious president surprised supporters who had gathered outside the hospital , driving by in a black SUV with the windows rolled up .
Secret Service agents inside the vehicle could be seen in masks and other protective gear .
The move capped a weekend of contradictions that fueled confusion about Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership of the U.S. government and upended the final stages of the presidential campaign .
While Trump ’ s physician offered a rosy prognosis on his condition , his briefings lacked basic information , including the findings of lung scans , or were quickly muddled by more serious assessments of the president ’ s health by other officials .
In a short video released by the White House on Sunday , Trump insisted he understood the gravity of the moment .
But his actions moments later , by leaving the hospital and sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise .
“ This is insanity , ” Dr. James P. Phillips , an attending physician at Walter Reed who is a critic of Trump and his handling of the pandemic .
“ Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential ‘ drive-by ’ just now has to be quarantined for 14 days .
They might get sick .
They may die.
” “ For political theatre , ” the doctor added .
“ Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk for theatre.
” White House spokesman Judd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital “ was cleared by the medical team as safe to do.
” He added that precautions were taken , including using personal protective equipment , to protect Trump as well as White House officials and Secret Service agents .
Joe Biden ’ s campaign , meanwhile , said the Democratic presidential nominee again tested negative for coronavirus Sunday .
The results come five days after Biden spent more than 90 minutes on the debate stage with Trump .
Biden , who has taken a far more cautious approach to in-person events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For his part , Trump still faces questions about his health .
His doctors sidestepped questions on Sunday about exactly when Trump ’ s blood oxygen dropped — an episode they neglected to mention in multiple statements the day before — or whether lung scans showed any damage .
It was the second straight day of obfuscation from a White House already suffering from a credibility crisis .
And it raised more doubts about whether the doctors treating the president were sharing accurate , timely information with the American public about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflicting information he and the White House released on Saturday , Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present a sunnier description of the president ’ s condition .
“ I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude that the team , the president , that his course of illness has had .
Didn ’ t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction , ” Conley said .
“ And in doing so , you know , it came off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which wasn ’ t necessarily true .
The fact of the matter is that he ’ s doing really well.
” Medical experts said Conley ’ s revelations were hard to square with his positive assessment and talk of a discharge .
“ There ’ s a little bit of a disconnect , ” said Dr. Steven Shapiro , chief medical and scientific officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center .
It was not clear for how long Trump ’ s recovery would continue at the White House once he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In general , transport and movement of a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection outside of their room should be limited to medically essential purposes.
” Even before Trump ’ s motorcade outing on Sunday , some Secret Service agents have expressed concern about the lackadaisical attitude toward masks and social distancing inside the White House , but there isn ’ t much they can do , according to agents and officials who spoke to The Associated Press .
This close to the election , thousands of agents are engaged on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out quickly should someone test positive .
The disclosures about Trump ’ s oxygen levels and steroid treatment suggested the president is enduring more than a mild case of COVID-19 .
Blood oxygen saturation is a key health marker for COVID-19 patients .
A normal reading is between 95 and 100 .
Conley said the president had a “ high fever ” and a blood oxygen level below 94 % on Friday and during “ another episode ” on Saturday .
He was evasive about the timing of Trump oxygen drops .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day , yeah , yesterday morning , ” he said ) and asked whether Trump ’ s level had dropped below 90 % , into concerning territory .
( “ We don ’ t have any recordings here on that.
” ) But he revealed that Trump was given a dose of the steroid dexamethasone in response .
At the time of the briefing , Trump ’ s blood oxygen level was 98 % — within normal rage , Trump ’ s medical team said .
Signs of pneumonia or other lung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a patient feels short of breath , but the president ’ s doctors declined to say what those scans have revealed .
“ There ’ s some expected findings , but nothing of any major clinical concern , ” Conley said .
He declined to outline those “ expected findings.
” Asked about Conley ’ s lack of transparency , White House aide Alyssa Farah suggested the doctors were speaking as much to the president as to the American public , “ when you ’ re treating a patient , you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their spirits , and that was the intent.
” In all , nearly 7.4 million people have been infected in the United States , and few have access to the kind of around-the-clock attention and experimental treatments as Trump .
Trump ’ s treatment with the steroid dexamethasone is in addition to the single dose he was given Friday of an experimental drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. that supplies antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus .
Trump on Friday also began a five-day course of remdesivir , a Gilead Sciences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill patients .
The drugs work in different ways — the antibodies help the immune system rid the body of virus , and remdesivir curbs the virus ’ ability to multiply .
Garibaldi , a specialist in pulmonary critical care , said the president was not showing any side effects of the drugs “ that we can tell.
” The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend against using dexamethasone in patients who do not require oxygen .
It has only been proven to help in more serious cases .
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tamp down certain immune cells , hindering the body ’ s own ability to fight off infection .
Trump is 74 years old and clinically obese , putting him at higher risk of serious complications .
First lady Melania Trump has remained at the White House as she recovers from her own bout with the virus .
Several White House officials this weekend expressed frustration with the level of transparency and public disclosure since the president announced his diagnosis early Friday .
They were particularly upset by the whiplash between Conley ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of staff Mark Meadows ’ more concerned outlook .
They privately acknowledge that the administration has little credibility on COVID-19 and that they have unnecessarily squandered what remains of it with the lack of clear , accurate updates on Trump ’ s condition .
Many in the White House are also shaken and scared — nervous that they have been exposed to the virus and confronting the reality that what seemed like a bubble of safety has become a COVID-19 hot spot .
It took until late Sunday for the White House to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they not come to the building if they do not feel well .
Peoples reported from New York .
Miller reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard , Jonathan Lemire and Aamer Madhani in Washington , and Bill Barrow in Wilmington , Del.
, and Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee contributed to this report .

Jill Colvin, Steve Peoples And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Tropical Storm Delta joins Gamma in busy hurricane season

MEXICO CITY - As deadly Tropical Storm Gamma stalled just north of Mexico ’ s Yucatan Peninsula on Monday , a potentially more threatening Tropical Storm Delta formed in the Caribbean , aiming to hit western Cuba and eventually the U.S. Gulf Coast , likely as a hurricane .
Gamma lashed Mexico ’ s resort-studded coast with near-hurricane force winds , and drenched Tabasco and Chiapas states with a deluge that killed at least 6 people and forced thousands from their homes .
Delta , meanwhile , was forecast to become a hurricane before hitting Cuba , and then intensify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast around Friday .
And while there is a large uncertainty in track and strengthening five days out , “ there is a risk of dangerous storm surge , wind , and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle , “ the hurricane centre said .
Mexico ’ s civil defence agency said in a statement that four of the deaths blamed on Gamma , including two children , were in Chiapas , where a landslide on a mountainous slope buried their home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tabasco state , where one person was dragged away by the water and another drowned.. Gamma , along with cold fronts , combined over the weekend to cause extreme rains in parts of the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas , affecting more than half a million people .
The hardest-hit state was Tabasco , where more than 3,400 were evacuated to shelters .
The storm came ashore Saturday near Tulum with maximum sustained winds of nearly 70 mph ( 110 kph ) — 4 mph ( 9 kph short of hurricane force ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Miami .
Thousands of tourists were affected in a resort area that only recently reopened after a pandemic shutdown : The state ’ s tourism department reported Friday on Twitter that more than 41,000 tourists were present in Quintana Roo , with hotels in Cancun and Cozumel already at more than 30 % occupancy .
Mexican authorities continued to warn people in the Yucatan on Monday as Gamma stalled offshore .
The hurricane centre said early Monday that Gamma was about 170 miles ( 275 kms ) northeast of Progreso , Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 mph ( 95 kph ) .
Forecasters predicted up to 8 more inches of rain in the states of Yucatan , Campeche and Tabasco , producing significant flash flooding .
Delta is the earliest 25th named storm to form in the Atlantic , beating the old record of Nov. 15 , 2005 , according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach .
Delta had top winds of 40 mph ( 65 kmh ) early Monday and was about 270 miles ( 440 km ) southeast of Grand Cayman .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , on track to hit the Cayman Islands Monday night and approach western Cuba Tuesday afternoon or evening before moving into the Gulf on Wednesday .
A tropical storm warning was issued for the Cayman Islands and a hurricane watch was in effect for western Cuba and its Isle of Youth .
Forecasters warned of heavy rainfall , flash flooding and mudslides in parts of Jamaica , the Cayman Islands and western Cuba .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Thomas Jefferson Byrd, known for Spike Lee films, killed

ATLANTA - Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd , known for his roles in Spike Lee films , has been shot and killed in Atlanta , police said Sunday .
Police responded to a call around 1:45 a.m. Saturday and found the 70-year-old Byrd unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in his back , police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant said in a statement .
Responding paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene on the city ’ s southwest side , where he lived .
Grant said homicide detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and declined to provide further details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee said he was sad to announce Byrd ’ s death and recalled how the actor “ did his thang ” in his films including “ Clockers , ” “ Chi-Raq , ” “ Bamboozled , ” “ He Got Game ” and “ Da Sweet Blood of Jesus , ” among others .
“ May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family , ” Lee wrote .
“ Rest in peace , Brother Byrd.
” Lee also shared some of his favourite scenes with Byrd from “ Clockers ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage actor , was nominated in 2003 for a Tony for his performance in the Broadway revival of “ Ma Rainey ’ s Black Bottom , ” co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S. Dutton .
“ Loved working with you Byrd , ” she wrote .
“ What a fine actor you were .
So sorry your life ended this way .
Praying for your family.
” Byrd was a “ brilliant dancer , actor , and friend , ” Elisabeth Omilami , a fellow actor and community activist , told WXIA-TV in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person whose personality filled up the whole room when he entered you knew he was there , ” she said .
“ He fought his way through this very racist and difficult Hollywood system and was able to maintain a career through it all.
” She said Byrd had just recently finished his last film , “ Freedom ’ s Path , ” with her husband , actor Afemo Omilami .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Americans fault US govt over foreign powers for virus crisis

WASHINGTON - More Americans blame the U.S. government instead of foreign nations for the coronavirus crisis in the United States , a rebuke to the Trump administration ’ s contention that China or other countries are most at fault , a new poll shows .
The poll by The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research was conducted before President Donald Trump tested positive for the virus Friday and was hospitalized .
Trump has downplayed the severity and impact of the pandemic in recent months .
Although many see plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a wide bipartisan divide over who is responsible , 56 % of Americans say the U.S. government has substantial responsibility for the situation .
That compares with 47 % who place that much blame on the governments of other countries and only 39 % who say the same about the World Health Organization .
“ It reflects a general lack of confidence in the way the government has handled the situation , ” said Austin Wright of the Harris School for Public Policy .
More than 1 million people worldwide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died of COVID-19 in the outbreak .
Trump has squarely blamed the virus ’ spread on China , where it originated , and an inadequate response from the WHO .
As he faces a rough reelection contest in November , Trump has steadily ramped up criticism of China for the virus and announced the U.S. would halt funding for and withdraw from the international health agency over alleged Chinese interference in its work .
Critics , including public health experts , have said China bears some responsibility but have also harshly criticized Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats are especially likely to say the U.S. government is responsible for the situation , while many Republicans are likely to place the blame elsewhere .
Among Democrats , 79 % say the U.S. government has a great deal of responsibility , while 37 % say that about other countries ’ governments and 27 % about the WHO .
Among Republicans , 38 % say the U.S. government is responsible , compared with 60 % for the governments of other countries and 55 % the WHO .
Self-described conservative Republican Ralph Martinez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fort Worth , Texas area , said he wasn ’ t sure that any government could have handled it better and dismissed criticism that Trump had downplayed the matter .
“ It ’ s an open question , honestly , “ he said .
“ I don ’ t care who ’ s in office , I think they ’ re going to do their best for everyone .
But how much can they do ?
” Martinez , who said he had to throw a customer out of his store for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for not wanting to create panic in the early stages of the outbreak in the U.S .
He also recalled unprecedented runs on items such as toilet paper and paper towels when people realized the virus was not a momentary phenomenon .
“ You would not believe how crazy these people got , ” he said .
“ I can ’ t imagine how bad it would have been if the government had come out and said this is the end of the world.
” Nathan O ’ Neil , a 38-year-old Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought the country was on track now but that the government had bungled its early response .
“ I think they should have taken it more seriously earlier , ” he said .
“ Granted they were hamstrung by lack of information from China and the WHO , but I think they should have been pro-mask a lot sooner.
” “ They should have told us early on how serious this was , ” said O ’ Neil , who said he knows at least one person who contracted the virus but recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going to be fine , it ’ s not going to affect us .
That ’ s really going to hit their credibility.
“ The poll also showed that most think the U.S. should play a major role in the development of a coronavirus vaccine , but many also think other countries should play a role , including both European countries and China .
But if the U.S. develops a vaccine first , about 6 in 10 say it should be kept for Americans first , even if it means fewer people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view is especially common among Republicans , with about 7 in 10 saying a U.S.-developed vaccine should be saved for Americans first , but about half of Democrats also agree with that assessment .
That ’ s true even though about half of Republicans say they don ’ t intend to get a vaccine .
Overall , 65 % of those who do intend to get a vaccine say a U.S.-made vaccine should go to Americans first , but so do 56 % of those who don ’ t intend to get one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprising finding .
“ One piece that ’ s really striking that shockingly few people in the U.S. would be willing to take ( a vaccine ) ... and the open hostility toward providing the vaccine to other countries .
And , that ’ s strongest among Republicans , despite the fact that more Republicans say they won ’ t take the vaccine themselves.
“ About 8 in 10 Americans — Democrats and Republicans alike — say the U.S. should play a major role in the development of a vaccine .
At least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 57 % ) , European countries ( 55 % ) and China ( 51 % ) .
But there ’ s a partisan divide on the role of those outside the US .
Seventy-five per cent of Democrats and just 39 % of Republicans see a major role for the WHO .
Sixty-two per cent of Democrats and 41 % of Republicans see a major role for China .
The divide is smaller on the role of European countries , with 64 % of Democrats and 50 % of Republicans saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP-NORC poll of 1,053 adults was conducted Sept. 11-14 using a sample drawn from NORC ’ s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel , which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population .
The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Lithuania foreign minister self-isolates after French visit

VILNIUS , Lithuania - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius will spend a week in isolation after having been in contact with two infected people who were part of the French delegation during last week ’ s visit by French President Emmanuel Macron , an official said Monday .
Linkevicius has been tested for COVID-19 and authorities were waiting for the results to come back , said Rasa Jakilaitiene , a spokeswoman for the minister .
“ The minister feels perfectly OK .
He will remain in self-isolation and will work from home for the rest of the week , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are waiting for the test results ( and ) the ministry building was being disinfected.
” French Embassy spokesman Sami Fisek told the AP that two people with the diplomatic mission in Vilnius had tested positive .
He declined to identify them .
Both were part of the delegation that took part in the Sept. 28-29 visit .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear if Macron had contact with the two infected people or if he has been tested .
“ The whole delegation coming from Paris tested negative before leaving as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary precautions were respected during the visit , “ said Fisek , adding they kept their distance and wore face masks .
Fisek confirmed that the diplomatic mission in the Lithuanian capital was temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 cases as of Sunday .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--WHO: 10% of world’s people may have been infected with virus

GENEVA - The head of emergencies at the World Health Organization said Monday its “ best estimates ” indicate that roughly 1 in 10 people worldwide may have been infected by the coronavirus — more than 20 times the number of confirmed cases — and warned of a difficult period ahead .
Dr. Michael Ryan , speaking to a special session of the WHO ’ s 34-member executive board focusing on COVID-19 , said the figures vary from urban to rural , and between different groups , but that ultimately it means “ the vast majority of the world remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would continue to evolve , but that tools exist to suppress transmission and save lives .
“ Many deaths have been averted and many more lives can be protected , “ Ryan said .
He was flanked by his boss , WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , who minutes earlier led a moment of silence to honour victims as well as round of applause for the health workers who have strived to save them .
Ryan said southeast Asia faced a surge in cases , Europe and the eastern Mediterranean were seeing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Africa and the Western Pacific were “ rather more positive.
” “ Our current best estimates tell us that about 10 per cent of the global population may have been infected by this virus , ” Ryan told attendees from member governments who make up the executive board and provide much of its funding .
The estimate — which would amount to more than 760 million people based on a current world population of about 7.6 billion — far outstrips the number of confirmed cases as tallied by both WHO and Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million worldwide .
Experts have long said that the number of confirmed cases greatly underestimates the true figure .
The comments came during a special session of the executive board to consider the follow-up to its previous meeting , in May , that passed a resolution to look into the world ’ s — and WHO ’ s — response to the pandemic .
Ryan warned that the world was “ now heading into a difficult period .
The disease continues to spread .
It is on the rise in many parts of @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Armenia, Azerbaijan clashes resume over separatist region

YEREVAN , Armenia - The fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces over the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh resumed Monday morning , with both sides accusing each other of launching attacks .
Armenian military officials on Monday reported missile strikes hitting Stepanakert , the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The region lies in Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994 .
Firefights of varying intensity “ continue to rage “ in the conflict zone , Armenian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanian said on Facebook .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Armenian forces of shelling the towns of Tartar , Barda and Beylagan .
Ganja , Azerbaijan ’ s second-largest city far outside of the conflict zone , is also “ under fire , ” officials said .
Armenia ’ s Foreign Ministry in a statement dismissed allegations of the attacks being launched from the Armenia ’ s territory as a “ disinformation campaign ” waged by Azerbaijan .
Vahram Poghosyan , spokesman for Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s leader , on Monday warned in a Facebook post that the territory ’ s forces would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to strikes on Stepanakert and Shushi , a town in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The fighting erupted Sept. 27 and has killed dozens , marking the biggest escalation in the decades-old conflict over the region .
Both sides have accused each other of expanding the hostilities beyond the conflict zone in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Nagorno-Karabakh officials have said nearly 200 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes so far .
Eighteen civilians have been killed and more than 90 others wounded .
Azerbaijani authorities haven ’ t given details about their military casualties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 124 others were wounded .
Nagorno-Karabakh was a designated autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era .
It claimed independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 , about three months before the Soviet Union ’ s collapse .
A full-scale war that broke out in 1992 killed an estimated 30,000 people .
By the time the war ended in 1994 , Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but substantial areas outside the territory ’ s formal borders .
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly said that Armenia ’ s withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting .
Armenian officials allege that Turkey is involved in the conflict on the side of Azerbaijan and is sending fighters from Syria to the region .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said that “ a cease-fire can be established only if Turkey is removed from the South Caucasus.
” Turkey ’ s government has denied sending arms or foreign fighters , while publicly siding with Azerbaijan in the dispute .
The escalation of violence in the region prompted calls for a cease-fire from around the globe .
On a trip to Ankara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-country military alliance is “ deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities , ” and urged Turkey to help end the fighting .
“ I expect Turkey to use its considerable influence to calm tensions , ” Stoltenberg told reporters on Monday after talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu .
Cavusoglu , in turn , reiterated calls for Armenia to withdraw from the region .
“ Everyone , and especially NATO , must make a call for Armenia to withdraw from these territories , in line with international laws , U.N. Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and border integrity , ” he said .
At the same time the Foreign Ministry of Iran — which has nearly 760 kilometres ( 470 miles ) of border with Azerbaijan and a short border with Armenia — said Monday it is working on a peace plan for ending the fighting .
Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh did not give details but said it is consulting all related parties : “ Iran has prepared a plan with a specific framework containing details after consultations with both sides of the dispute , Azerbaijan and Armenia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and will pursue this plan , “ he said .
Khatibzadeh also warned both sides against spilling the hostilities onto Iran ’ s territory .
“ Any aggression against the borders of the Islamic Republic , even inadvertently , is a very serious red line for the Islamic Republic that should not be crossed , “ he said .
Since the beginning of the conflict last week , stray mortars have injured a child and damaged some buildings in rural areas in the north of Iran , near the border with Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baku , Azerbaijan ; Daria Litvinova in Moscow ; Nasser Karimi in Tehran ; Lorne Cook in Brussels ; and Suzan Fraser in Ankara , Turkey , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--The Latest: WHO: 1 in 10 people may have contracted COVID-19

GENEVA — The head of emergencies at the World Health Organization says its “ best estimates ” indicate that roughly one in 10 people worldwide may have been infected by the coronavirus .
Dr. Michael Ryan , speaking Monday to a meeting of the WHO ’ s 34-member executive board focusing on COVID-19 , said the figures vary from urban to rural , and between different groups , but that ultimately it means “ the vast majority of the world remains at risk.
” The estimate — which would amount to more than 760 million people based on current world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outstrips the number of confirmed cases as tallied by both WHO and Johns Hopkins University , now more than 35 million worldwide .
Experts have long said that the number of confirmed cases greatly underestimates the true figure .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — Trump takes a brief car ride outside hospital , ignoring own COVID infection — Biden campaign says Democratic presidential nominee tested negative for virus — Pandemic pushes start of holiday shopping earlier than ever — Asian shares rise as investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from virus HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : GENEVA — The U.N. health agency says a new survey shows the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted or stopped critical mental health services in more than nine in 10 countries worldwide , even as need for them is rising .
The World Health Organization says its survey , conducted between June and August in 130 countries , is the first to detail the “ devastating impact ” of COVID-19 on access to mental health services .
More than two-thirds of countries reported disruptions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited disruptions to emergency interventions .
“ Bereavement , isolation , loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones .
Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use , insomnia and anxiety , ” a WHO statement said .
“ Meanwhile , COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications , such as delirium , agitation and stroke.
” The survey comes ahead of a WHO-backed advocacy event on Saturday for World Mental Health Day .
KUALA LUMPUR , Malaysia — Malaysian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will self-quarantine after a Cabinet minister he was in contact with tested positive for the coronavirus .
Muhyiddin had chaired an Oct. 3 meeting attended by Religious Minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri , who confirmed Monday he has been hospitalized for treatment .
Cases in the country have soared in recent days , hitting a record high of 432 on Monday .
Malaysia ’ s tally of virus cases is at 12,813 with 137 deaths .
Muhyiddin said he tested negative for the virus in the past three consecutive weeks , after returning from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island which is a hotspot zone .
But he said in a statement he will observe the quarantine and work from home until Oct. 16 .
All those at the meeting will also observe self-isolation .
Local reports said the attendees included several ministers , the national police chief , the armed forces chief and the health director-general .
MADRID — Groups representing more than 170,000 health workers are urging Spanish politicians to base their response to the pandemic on scientific grounds rather than politics .
A 10-point manifesto by 55 scientific societies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said “ decisions must be based on the best available scientific evidence , completely detached from the continuous political confrontation.
” The campaign comes after a dispute between the left-wing national government and the conservative regional authorities of the Madrid region led to weeks of back and forth before partially locking down the Spanish capital late Friday amid a surge of infections .
The manifesto also calls for less red-tape in adopting measures against virus outbreaks , for authorities in Spain ’ s 19 regions to abide by a set of national scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and calls for stopping interference in medical decisions .
Addressing “ politicians ” in general , the scientists write : “ On behalf of more than 47 million Spaniards , including you and your families , we have to change so much political , professional and human inconsistency.
” BRUSSELS — Authorities in Belgium are warning that the number of virus cases is rising sharply and is likely to do so for several more months .
A spokesman for Belgium ’ s COVID-19 crisis centre says that “ unfortunately , the stabilization that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the contrary , we see a clear increase in the number of cases in every region and age group.
” The number of new cases reported daily over the last week climbed by 32 % to around 2,100 , as of Monday .
Those aged 20-29 are seeing most new infections , but authorities are particularly concerned for the very elderly , with a tenfold increase in new cases among people aged over 90 .
Since the start of the pandemic , more than 130,200 people have been infected with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 11.5 million residents .
As of Monday , 10,064 people were reported to have died from the disease .
Just last Thursday , Belgium dropped rules requiring people to wear a mask outdoors but they must still do so in crowded places .
The government also reduced the mandatory quarantine period from 14 days to one week for people with COVID-19 symptoms who eventually test negative for the virus .
VILNIUS , Lithuania — Lithuania ’ s foreign minister will spend a week in isolation after having had contact with a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus the French president ’ s visit to the country last week .
A spokeswoman for the Lithuanian foreign minister made the announcement .
The French Embassy in Vilnius told the Baltic News Service that two embassy staffers had tested positive for the coronavirus and they were part of the delegation .
The persons are self-isolating and the French Embassy has been closed for several days .
The French Embassy said the whole delegation from Paris was pre-tested and the results were negative before the visit .
STOCKHOLM — A technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus in Stockholm ’ s sewage system , saying it “ has doubled in the last weeks and is now back at the same levels as in May 2020.
” In a statement , the KTH Royal Institute of Technology said the increased number of cases of COVID-19 in recent weeks is reflected in the wastewater and thus not due to more people being tested .
“ My interpretation is that this latest increase is definitely about an increased number of infected people in society , ” said Cecilia Williams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sweden , which has opted for a much debated COVID-19 approach of keeping large parts of the society open , has reported 94,283 cases and 5,895 deaths .
LONDON — Britain ’ s opposition Labour Party is asking the government to explain the latest problem with the nation ’ s COVID-19 tracing system after the reporting of almost 16,000 cases was delayed for days .
Public health officials said Sunday that 15,841 cases weren ’ t tabulated from Sept. 25 to Oct. 2 .
While all of those who tested positive were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t able to trace and notify the people they had come in contact with , Public Health England said .
The government said the “ technical issue ” was discovered Friday night and has now been resolved .
The previously unreported cases were added to the government ’ s daily figures over the weekend , boosting new cases to 12,872 on Saturday and 22,961 on Sunday .
That compares with about 7,000 cases on each of the previous four days .
The reporting error is just the latest problem with Britain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seen as crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the need for further limits on social interaction .
Lawmakers from all parties have previously criticized the government for a shortage of testing capacity and delays in notifying people of their test results NEW DELHI — India has registered a single-day spike of 74,442 new coronavirus cases , driving the country ’ s overall tally since the pandemic began to 6.6 million .
The Health Ministry on Monday also reported another 903 virus deaths in the past 24 hours , taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported the second most infections globally after the United States , but its daily new infections are now on a downward trend , though still the highest in the world .
The number of active virus cases in the country has also remained below 1 million for the past two weeks .
The country ’ s recovery rate stands at 84 % , the highest in the world , with more than 5.5 million people recovered from coronavirus so far , according to the Health Ministry .
MANILA , Philippines — Grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have started classes at home after the pandemic forced remote-learning onto an educational system already struggling to fund schools .
The shift to distance-learning that began Monday has been a logistical nightmare for the poverty-stricken Southeast Asian country that has long lacked enough classrooms , teachers and educational equipment .
Nearly 25 million students enrolled this year in mostly 47,000 public schools nationwide that would have to be replicated in homes and enlist the help of parents and guardians as co-teachers .
A majority of families , especially from poor and rural communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ printed learning materials , which students would read at home with the guidance of their elders before carrying out specified activities .
Most lacked computers and reliable internet connections .
Teachers could answer questions by telephone .
The rest of the families preferred for their children to get lessons online or through regional radio and TV educational broadcasts .
President Rodrigo Duterte has said school classes should resume only when a COVID-19 vaccine has been made available .
SEOUL , South Korea — South Korea has reported 73 new cases of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 .
Nevertheless , officials are concerned about the threat from increased travel during a five-day holiday that ended Sunday .
The figures released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Monday brought the national caseload to 24,164 , including 422 deaths .
Fifty-one of the new cases were reported from the greater capital area .
The newest cluster of infections in the region is an army unit in Pocheon , north of Seoul , where more than 30 troops have so far tested positive .
The KDCA said nine of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrivals , including passengers from the United States , Poland , Britain , Russia and Uzbekistan .
There ’ s a possibility that the downward trend in confirmed infections is related to the fewer tests that were conducted during the five-day Chuseok harvest holiday .
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo during a virus briefing Monday said usage of express buses and rail services declined by more than 40 % during the holiday break compared to last year as officials pleaded that people stay home to help slow transmissions .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Paris on maximum virus alert, closing bars, not restaurants

PARIS - French authorities placed the Paris region on maximum virus alert on Monday , banning festive gatherings and requiring all bars to close but allowing restaurants to remain open , as numbers of infections increased rapidly .
Paris police prefect Didier Lallement announced the new restrictions would apply at least for the next two weeks .
“ We are continuously adapting to the reality of the virus .
We are taking measures to slow down ( its spread ) , “ he said .
Starting on Tuesday , bars will be closed in Paris and its suburbs .
Student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events in establishments open to the public will be banned .
Restaurants will remain open under strict conditions , to be detailed later on Monday .
They are expected to include distance between each table , a limitation of the number of people and a request to register customers ’ names and phone numbers .
Indoor sport facilities , including swimming pools , will only be open to children aged under 18 .
Gyms are already closed .
Cinemas , theatres and museums will remain open with strict sanitary rules , but fairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed .
Authorities have maintained the limit of 1,000 spectators per day at big sports events , allowing the Roland-Garros tennis tournament to continue as planned this week .
The director of the Regional Health Authority , Aurelien Rousseau , said about 3,500 new cases of infection are confirmed on average each day in the Paris region , and 36 % of ICU beds in the area are occupied by COVID-19 patients .
The alert has already been raised to the maximum level for 12 days in the southern city of Marseille and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French overseas territory of Guadeloupe , in the Caribbean .
Authorities ordered the shutdown of all public venues , including bars and restaurants in these areas , which prompted several demonstrations from angry business owners in Marseille .
On Monday , local authorities announced restaurants in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence would reopen on condition they respect the same restrictions as in Paris .
French health authorities reported on Saturday 16,972 new cases of infection , the highest daily number since the country began widespread testing .
The country , one of the hardest hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths since the beginning of the pandemic .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Oman reinstates ambassador to Syria after years-long hiatus

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - Oman has sent an ambassador to Syria after an eight-year hiatus , the state news agency reported , the latest sign of deepening engagement between Gulf Arab states and Syria ’ s President Bashar Assad .
The move on Sunday made Oman the first Gulf Arab state to reinstate its ambassador to Syria since the eruption of the country ’ s ruinous civil war .
In 2012 , Oman and other Gulf Arab countries withdrew their ambassadors in protest of the Syrian government ’ s violent suppression of a year-old uprising .
Other Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known for its neutrality and diplomacy between regional foes , kept its open throughout the years of conflict .
During the ambassador ’ s reception in Damascus , Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem expressed “ pride in Omani foreign policy ” and appreciation for “ the close fraternal relations between the countries , ” according to Oman ’ s state news agency .
Oman ’ s new ambassador , Turki bin Mahmood al-Busaidy , said he looks forward to “ expanding the paths of co-operation and shared interests between the two brotherly countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expelled from the 22-member Arab League in 2011 , and Arab countries have sanctioned Damascus and condemned its use of military force against the opposition .
Yet with the war winding down and the Syrian army recapturing most of the territory once lost to the opposition , a few Arab countries that had once boycotted Assad and backed his opposition are now pursuing a quiet rapprochement with his government .
The Syrian opposition , which now only controls one overpopulated stretch of territory in northwestern Syria , is mainly supported by Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emirates and other Arab countries because of its embrace of regional Islamists .
The UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018 but the embassy representation remains at the level of chargé d ’ affaires , though the reopening is considered a gateway to closer ties .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Texas man accused of punch amid Trump argument turns self in

DENTON , Texas - A Texas man who was seen on video punching another man as they argued over President @ @ @ @ @ in after police obtained a warrant for assault , authorities said .
Jason Lata , @ @ @ @ @ the Denton City Jail late Saturday and released a few hours later after posting bond @ @ @ @ @ .
The scuffle earlier Saturday outside of a convenience store was captured on video , @ @ @ @ @ a hat yelling profanities at another man and screaming “ Turn it off !
” @ @ @ @ @ by YG appeared to be playing in the background .
The suspect , identified by @ @ @ @ @ standing with other men who were wearing Trump T-shirts .
He ’ s seen on @ @ @ @ @ the face .
Police said the victim suffered a cut below the eyebrow and a @ @ @ @ @ ’ t clear whether Lata had an attorney who could speak on his behalf .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Microsoft plans $1 billion data centre venture in Greece

ATHENS , Greece - Microsoft has announced plans to build three data centre sites in greater Athens , providing a badly needed investment of up to $ 1 billion to the Greek economy which has been hammered by the pandemic .
The news was announced Monday by the U.S. tech giant and Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and follows nine months of confidential negotiations for an agreement that also includes digital-skills training programs for some 100,000 government and private sector workers as well as educators and students .
“ This significant investment is a reflection of our confidence in the Greek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Greek government , ” Microsoft President Brad Smith said at a ceremony held in the Acropolis Museum , facing the ancient site in central Athens .
“ It ’ s not something we do often and it ’ s not something that we do lightly.
” Greece recently emerged from a years-long financial crisis but its economy has been hard hit by the pandemic , suffering a 15.2 % drop in output on the year in the second quarter .
Unemployment in June climbed to 18.3 % from 16.4 % at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget figures submitted to parliament Monday , Greece ’ s economy is expected to contract 8.2 % this year due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic , and grow by up to 7.5 % next year .
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the country ’ s heavy reliance on tourism .
The Mitsotakis government says it wants to shift the balance of the Greek economy during its recovery , developing the energy , tech , and defence sectors , hoping to lure back tens of thousands of graduates who left during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create the conditions for their return , ” Mitsotakis said .
“ The creation of a data centre upgrades a country as an investment destination ... Greece has the sun and now it ’ s getting a cloud.
” Microsoft currently has data centres in 26 countries , including seven in the European Union .
The company based in Redmond , Washington , is already working with the Greek government on an augmented reality project on Ancient Olympia , birthplace of the Olympic games .
Microsoft officials said the timetable for the development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still being worked out , but added added that the process in other countries typically took about two years .
Greece , the officials said , would comply with Microsoft ’ s pledge to run all its data centres worldwide on renewable energy sources by 2025 .
___ Elena Becatoros in Athens contributed .
___ Follow Gatopoulos at https : //www.twitter.com/dgatopoulos


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Pandemic pushes start of holiday shopping earlier than ever

NEW YORK - Add last-minute holiday shopping to the list of time-honoured traditions being upended by the coronavirus pandemic .
Retailers are kicking off the holiday season earlier than ever this year in hopes of avoiding big in-store crowds and shipping bottlenecks in November and December .
Stores like Best Buy , Macy ’ s , and Target typically offer their biggest Black Friday deals over Thanksgiving weekend , but now they ’ re starting them in October so people don ’ t crowd their stores later , creating a potentially dangerous situation during a pandemic .
And with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to avoid a rush of orders closer to Christmas , which could lead to late packages and more expensive shipping .
Many had a hard time keeping up with the surge in buying when shoppers were locked down in their homes during the early days of the pandemic .
Even Amazon , which has spent 25 years building warehouses and a delivery network , had to hire an additional 175,000 workers to meet demand .
Black Friday has long been the unofficial start to the U.S. holiday season , though retailers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last decade or so .
This year there ’ s more urgency .
With the coronavirus still spreading in the U.S. , stores have had to rethink their usual holiday plans .
Thanksgiving Day doorbusters are cancelled .
There will still be in-store sales the day after Thanksgiving , but companies are expected to try to steer many shoppers to their websites to avoid crowds and chaos .
“ We ’ re preparing for a holiday season unlike any we ’ ve seen before , ” said Target CEO Brian Cornell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more uncertain about their economic futures , this isn ’ t expected to be a banner year for holiday sales .
Shoppers will likely buy fewer gifts because they won ’ t be travelling to big family holiday gatherings .
And they ’ ll be focused on gifts related to activities around the home , from workout wear to home goods and gaming consoles .
One bright spot : People are spending less on experiences like travel and eating out , which have siphoned away holiday sales over the past few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very selective in what they buy , ’ ’ ’ said Ken Perkins , president of Retail Metrics , a retail research firm .
“ Retailers , particularly department stores and specialty clothing chains , need to get it right in terms of inventory and customer traffic .
They ’ re fighting for their lives.
“ The first big holiday push will come from Amazon , which is positioning its mid-October Prime Day as a kickoff to the holiday shopping season .
This is the first time Amazon has held Prime Day so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s usually in July , but was postponed this year .
That will put pressure on stores to offer deals around the same time , too .
Target and Walmart have already said they will hold their own sales during the same time as Amazon ’ s .
Best Buy will offer deals in October , earlier than it ever has .
Even with the early start to the season , holiday sales are expected to deliver smaller gains than in recent years .
But no one really knows what ’ s going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs the retail practice at AlixPartners , thinks the earlier shopping will stick even when the pandemic is over .
He likens it to when most major stores started opening on Thanksgiving Day after one or two stores did it for the first time a decade ago as a way to jumpstart Black Friday sales .
“ This is here to stay , ” Bines said .
“ The new holiday season is October through January.
” There are already signs of early shopping .
Kohl ’ s said shoppers have started searching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its website .
Retailers will try their hardest to woo procrastinators .
In October , TV and online ads paid for by trade group National Retail Federation will push people to buy early .
MadaLuxe , which has three stores and distributes luxury goods to discount chains , is bringing in holiday items like blankets , pillows and picture frames in mid-October , a month earlier than usual .
?
I don ’ t think our customers are looking at holiday , but we want them to , ” said MadaLuxe CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already bought Disney Princess figurines for her 5-year-old daughter as a Christmas gift .
And if Amazon has a Prime Day deal on the Barbie camper her daughter wants , the veterinary receptionist from Lakewood , Ohio , will probably buy it then .
But Vuillaume expects much of her holiday shopping to be at Target , ordering online and picking up at the store .
She wants to spend as little time inside as possible .
Before COVID-19 , she would grab a drink at Starbucks and wander around the aisles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my downtime , ” she said .
“ Now I can ’ t really do that.
” Stores like Best Buy and Kohl ’ s know that many shoppers like Vuillaume want to avoid being inside for long and are expanding services that allow them to buy items online and pick them up at the store .
Some small businesses are joining in .
E-commerce platform Shopify , for example , started offering a way for its merchants with physical shops to add curbside pickup .
Retailers are also making plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to a store at all .
Expecting to sell more of its rings and diamond bracelets online , Signet Jewelers , the owner of the Zales and Kay Jewelers chains , made tweaks at its Ohio warehouse so it can ship five times as many packages as last year .
Meanwhile , delivery company DHL is advising retailers to avoid holding big sales in December , since delivery could be delayed , said Kraig Foreman , the company ’ s president of e-commerce in North America , who works with nearly 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipping delays .
Balsam Hill , which sells high-end artificial Christmas trees online , is warning shoppers on its website that shipping could take twice as long than the typical three to four days .
People seem to be in the holiday spirit already .
Mac Harman , CEO of parent company Balsam Brands , said sales rose in July and continue to be so high that he ’ s worried the company could run out of faux trees by Black Friday .
?
I don ’ t want to let customers down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joy than ever , ” he said .

Joseph Pisani And Anne D'Innocenzio - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--New Polish education minister tests positive for coronavirus

WARSAW , Poland - Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has requested that the official swearing-in of his reshuffled Cabinet be @ @ @ @ @ the ministers tested positive for COVID-19 .
The ceremony conducted by President Andrzej Duda was @ @ @ @ @ but the new education minister , Przemyslaw Czarnek , said early in the day he @ @ @ @ @ test showed he was infected with the coronavirus .
It was not immediately clear when @ @ @ @ @ for the right-wing government that has recently been trimmed down after the ruling coalition ran @ @ @ @ @ Piotr Mueller said on Twitter that Czarnek was put in quarantine and sanitary procedures have @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Indian capital launches campaign to curb toxic air pollution

NEW DELHI - Authorities in New Delhi launched an anti-pollution campaign on Monday in an attempt to curb air pollution levels ahead of winter , when the capital is regularly covered in toxic haze , and warned that filthy air could make the coronavirus pandemic more dangerous .
The capital ’ s top elected leader , Arvind Kejriwal , said the government will start an anti-dust campaign , reduce smoke caused by agricultural burning and introduce a mobile application that will allow citizens to lodge photo-linked complaints against polluters .
“ Polluted air can be life-threatening in view of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Kejriwal said .
Health experts say high air pollution levels over a prolonged period have compromised the disease resistance of people living in New Delhi , one of the world ’ s most polluted cities , making them more susceptible to the coronavirus .
Earlier studies have also suggested that high levels of air pollution can make viral infections more dangerous .
It is estimated that more than a million Indians die every year because of air pollution-related diseases .
New Delhi has had 285,103 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indian cities gasping for breath , New Delhi tops the list every year .
Winters have become a time of health woes , when the city is covered with a toxic haze that obscures the sky and blocks sunlight .
Pollution levels soar as farmers in neighbouring agricultural regions set fire to clear their land after harvests and prepare for the next crop season .
Vehicle and industrial emissions , pollutants from firecrackers linked to festivals , and construction dust also sharply increase in winter , exacerbating the public health crisis .
Anumita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delhi-based group Centre for Science and Environment and an air pollution expert , said the causes of the capital ’ s poor air quality are well known , as are the actions needed to combat it .
But she said the steps needed to improve air quality aren ’ t being carried out at the right scale .
The national capital has often experimented with limiting the number of cars on the road , using large anti-smog guns and halting construction activity .
But the steps have had little effect because neighbouring state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 2019 , New Delhi was blanketed in a dark yellow haze for several days and air pollution hit record high levels , forcing schools to close and flights to be diverted .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

Sheikh Saaliq And Aniruddha Ghosal - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--EU top official self-isolating after contact with virus case

BRUSSELS - European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and one of her EU Commissioners have placed themselves in isolation after being in contact with people infected with the coronavirus .
In a message posted on Twitter Monday , the head of the EU ’ s executive arm said she took part in a meeting last Tuesday that was attended by “ a person who yesterday tested positive.
” Von der Leyen was on a two-day trip to Portugal last Monday and Tuesday .
She said she tested negative for the virus on Thursday and that she will undergo another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , Research Commissioner Mariya Gabriel also announced she was self-isolating after a member of her team had tested positive .
“ Pending test results , myself and my whole team are self-isolating in line with public health protocols and working from home .
I feel well and have no symptoms , ” Gabriel said in a Twitter message .
Von der Leyen , who attended a two-day summit of EU leaders in Brussels late last week , said she will be in quarantine until Tuesday morning but feels well .
Her isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however : She has a small living quarters next to her office in the EU headquarters in Brussels .
Von der Leyen took part last Tuesday in a special meeting of Portugal ’ s state council in the coastal town of Cascais , on the outskirts of Lisbon .
State councillor António Lobo Xavier tested positive for the virus on Sunday .
The meeting was attended physically by 15 of the 19 members of the president ’ s advisory body .
Portugal ’ s president , prime minister and the parliamentary president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were negative , media reported .
More tests are taking place on Monday .
Two weeks ago , EU Council President Charles Michel was forced to postpone a summit of EU leaders because he was quarantining .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Liz Weston: Beware high-risk homes that drive up insurance

When house hunting , the price of homeowners insurance probably isn ’ t top of mind .
But homes with hidden risks can make getting coverage difficult , expensive or both .
Learning how to identify them could save you a bundle .
This could be a particularly important concern for first-time homebuyers and those moving from cities to suburban or rural areas who may not be aware of common hazards , says Jennifer Naughton , risk consulting officer for North America for Chubb , an insurance company .
Three out of 10 city dwellers told a Chubb survey in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the city because of the novel coronavirus outbreak .
Meanwhile , the number of first-time homebuyers in the first half of 2020 rose 4 % compared to a year earlier as lower interest rates made mortgages more affordable , according to Genworth Mortgage Insurance .
A homeowners insurance premium can depend in part on distance to the nearest fire hydrant and fire station , Naughton says .
Homes that are on narrow roads or otherwise difficult for fire trucks to access also could be more expensive to insure .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s not only a consideration of can a car go over that bridge , but also can a fire engine , ” she says .
Some homes are at such high risk of wildfires and severe weather — hurricanes , tornadoes , windstorms and hail — that private companies won ’ t insure them .
Without insurance , you can ’ t get a mortgage , so you ’ d need to turn to state-run risk pools such as Beach and Windstorm Plans or Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies typically cost more and cover less than regular homeowners insurance .
Also , many homeowners policies in storm-prone areas have hurricane deductibles that are higher than the normal deductible , says Loretta Worters , vice-president of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute , a trade group .
Instead of paying the first $ 500 or $ 1,000 of a claim out of pocket , you may have to pay 1 % to 5 % of the home ’ s value before coverage kicks in .
Talking to the neighbours and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better idea of what costs you might face .
Getting coverage for an older house with outdated wiring , heating systems or plumbing can be a challenge as well because of the risk of fire or water damage .
Burst pipes and leaky water lines are among the biggest causes of water damage , which costs insurers and homeowners billions of dollars a year .
Homebuyers may be able to lower their insurance costs by updating those systems and by installing water sensors or a whole-house monitoring system , which shuts off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Naughton says .
Those systems can range from $ 600 to several thousand dollars , she says .
Flood risk is also a concern , Naughton says .
Flooding isn ’ t covered by regular homeowners insurance policies , and typically only homes in the highest-risk zones are required by mortgage lenders to buy special flood policies .
But the federal government ’ s flood maps may understate the risk to many properties , especially as hurricanes get stronger and bring intense rainfall along with larger storm surges .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going in quite a bit , ” Naughton says .
“ People who previously didn ’ t consider flood insurance should because of the rain aspect as well as the surges.
” Again , talking to the neighbours and a local insurance agent can help you assess the potential costs .
You can get quotes for flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program as well as a few private insurers .
The U.S. Geological Survey says 16 states are at high risk for a damaging earthquake in the next half-century : Alaska @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idaho , Illinois , Kentucky , Missouri , Montana , Nevada , Oregon , South Carolina , Tennessee , Utah , Washington and Wyoming .
Earthquakes are another hazard excluded from homeowners policies , although some private insurers offer earthquake policies , and people in the Golden State can buy coverage from the California Earthquake Authority .
Deductibles range from 5 % to 25 % of the policy limit .
Certain types of houses may be at particular risk of earthquake damage , including those built before 1980 that have a stem wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a concrete perimeter — or a cripple wall , which is a short wooden wall between the foundation and the wood-framed first floor .
Both types can be made more secure by anchoring them to their foundations with bolts and braces .
Post-and-pier houses , which rest on pilings rather than on a continuous foundation , would need to have a concrete foundation created to make them safer .
Living spaces above garages or other large openings , also known as “ soft story ” buildings , and homes on steep hillsides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their vulnerability to damage .
Obviously , there ’ s no such thing as a risk-free house , and you may decide that you ’ re willing to pay the price of higher insurance or mitigation costs .
But that ’ s a choice you should make before you buy , rather than finding yourself stuck with a bill after it ’ s too late .
“ People should walk into these situations with eyes wide open , ” Naughton says .
This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a columnist at NerdWallet , a certified financial planner and author of “ Your Credit Score.
” Email : lweston @ nerdwallet.com .
Twitter : @ lizweston .
NerdWallet : Homeowners Insurance : What It Is and What It Covers http : //bit.ly/nerdwallet-homeowners-insurance

Liz Weston Of Nerdwallet - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Pakistan officially charges ex-President Zardari for graft

ISLAMABAD - A Pakistani court on Monday officially charged the country ’ s former President Asif Ali Zardari in two corruption cases , escalating the legal challenges facing the now leading opposition lawmaker and widower of assassinated former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto .
The development came as Zardari ’ s party and a key anti-government ally were preparing for a massive rally against Prime Minister Imran Khan later this month .
Zardari was released on bail on medical grounds last December , six months after his arrest .
Zardari became president in 2008 , after Pakistan ’ s former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resign .
Bhutto served twice as a prime minister before she was killed by the Taliban in a bomb and gun attack in 2007 .
Zardari served as Pakistan ’ s president until 2013 .
During Monday ’ s court appearance in the capital , Islamabad , Zardari pleaded not guilty to money laundering and corruption charges .
He later told reporters he was not surprised by the indictment and that charges are something he routinely faces whenever he is in the opposition .
A member of parliament , Zardari is accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a charge he denies , saying he has been politically victimized by Khan ’ s government .
Since coming to power , Khan has vowed to make good on his election campaign promise to eliminate corruption .
The government says the corruption cases against Zadari began during ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ’ s tenure .
Zardari ’ s Pakistan People ’ s Parry and Sharif ’ s Pakistan Muslim League party have called for a rally in the southwestern city of Quetta on Oct. 18 .
During his rule , Sharif was targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , Sharif — speaking from his exile in London — accused Pakistan ’ s powerful military of rigging the 2018 election that brought Khan to power .
Khan has dismissed the allegations as baseless .
The 70-year-old Sharif , who served three times as prime minister , was ousted in 2017 over corruption allegations .
Khan , a world famous former cricket player , came to power in 2018 .
Sharif was released on bail last year for four weeks , to seek medical treatment abroad and has been in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court issued arrest warrants for Sharif , who was previously sentenced to seven years in prison on corruption and money laundering charges stemming from disclosures in the Panama Papers .
Pakistani police on Monday initiated another legal case against Sharif over his latest remarks about the military .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--High court reinstates S. Carolina ballot witness requirement

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday reinstated a requirement that South Carolina residents voting by mail in November ’ s election get a witness to sign their ballots .
Democrats had sought to have the requirement put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic , but Republicans had defended it as deterring fraud .
While the high court reinstated the requirement as a lawsuit over it proceeds , voters have already started returning ballots .
More than 200,000 absentee ballots have been mailed and 18,000 returned , according to the state ’ s election commission .
The court said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s action Monday evening “ and received within two days of this order may not be rejected for failing to comply with the witness requirement.
“ State Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick cheered the decision .
“ Despite the Democrats ’ efforts to hijack a pandemic and use it to meddle with our election laws , they ’ ve lost , ” he said in a statement .
“ We ’ re pleased the Supreme Court reinstated the witness signature requirement and recognized its importance in helping to prevent election fraud.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointment with the decision .
“ Our hope is that no one gets COVID-19 trying to find a witness .
We are disappointed but elections have consequences , “ he said in a statement .
South Carolina has had a witness requirement for absentee voters since 1953 .
Under the current law , voters returning mail-in ballots swear an oath printed on the return envelope that confirms they are eligible to vote and that the ballot inside is theirs , among other things .
The oath has to be witnessed by one other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter ’ s signature and write their address .
Pointing to the coronavirus pandemic , state and national Democratic Party organizations and several individual voters challenged the requirement and other parts of state election law .
And a judge blocked the witness requirement before the state ’ s primary in June .
After the primary and response to the pandemic , state lawmakers made changes to the state ’ s election law , including allowing all residents to vote absentee in November .
But they left the witness requirement in place .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appointee of President Barack Obama , late last month put the witness requirement on hold for the presidential election .
She wrote that it could increase the risk of some voters of contracting the virus and require other voters already infected with the virus to risk exposing witnesses .
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit reinstated the requirement before the full appeals court reversed course and put it on hold again .
As is typical when the Supreme Court acts on an emergency basis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Justice Brett Kavanaugh , writing only for himself , said he agreed with it for two reasons .
He said it wasn ’ t for a court to second-guess the lawmakers ’ decision to retain the witness requirement during the pandemic .
And he said that for many years the Supreme Court has “ emphasized that federal courts ordinarily should not alter state election rules in the period close to an election.
” Three other justices — Clarence Thomas , Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch — would have required ballots that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness signature to count .
The Supreme Court has recently dealt with other cases involving ballot witness requirements for November ’ s election .
In Rhode Island , the court left in place an agreement by state officials to allow residents to vote by mail without getting signatures from two witnesses or a notary .
But in Alabama , where a court had put on hold in three large counties a requirement that voters get their absentee ballot notarized or witnessed by two adults , the justices reinstated it .
Approximately a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be signed by one or more witnesses or a notary .
Associated Press writer Michelle Liu in Columbia , South Carolina , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Australia plans big spending pandemic measures, record debt

CANBERRA , Australia - The Australian government Tuesday will reveal a big spending financial blueprint for the next few years that will drive business investment and job creation while repairing pandemic damage to the economy , the treasurer said .
The government is also expected to accrue record debt in the current fiscal year that ends on June 30 , 2021 , Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters .
“ I will lay out our economic recovery plan to rebuild the Australian economy and secure Australia ’ s future , ” he told reporters .
Budget plans usually delivered in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic .
The forecasts assume a COVID-19 vaccine will become available next calendar year .
“ Our plan will create jobs .
Our plan will create opportunity .
Our plan will drive investment .
Our plan will grow the economy and guarantee the essential services Australians rely on , ” Frydenberg said .
The annual budget is expected to contain a wage subsidy to get unemployed young Australians back to work .
The government also hopes to bring forward planned income tax cuts .
“ It rewards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it also encourages and leads to greater economic activity as people with tax relief spend more , ” Frydenberg said .
The government has already announced road and rail infrastructure projects worth 7.5 billion Australian dollars ( $ 5.4 billion ) will be brought forward to energize the economy .
The budget measures would focus on driving Australia ’ s unemployment rate below 6 % faster than in the aftermaths of previous recessions , Frydenberg said .
The latest jobless figures are for August when the rate was 6.8 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government was not paying employers a subsidy to keep staff in work .
Before the pandemic , the conservative government had expected to record Australia ’ s first budget surplus in 12 years in the fiscal year that ended on June 30 this year .
Instead , Australia has sunk into its first recession in 28 years with spiraling debt .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Infected senator vows ‘moon suit’ to vote Trump’s court pick

WASHINGTON - Shuttered by COVID-19 infections , the Republican-led Senate is refusing to delay confirmation of President Donald Trump ’ s pick for the Supreme Court .
They are even willing to make special arrangements so sick senators can vote for Judge Amy Coney Barrett , and Democrats appear powerless to stop them .
Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , said Monday that he ’ ll go to the Capitol “ in a moon suit ” to vote if he ’ s still testing positive for the coronavirus , which has killed more than 209,000 Americans and infected millions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coney Barrett on the high court before Nov. 3 is like nothing seen in U.S. history so close to a presidential election .
Trump ’ s nomination of Barrett in a Rose Garden ceremony apparently became ground zero for the infections now gripping the president , his White House and its Senate allies .
Three GOP senators , including Johnson , have now tested positive for the virus and several more are quarantined at home — denying Republicans a functioning majority .
Sen. Lindsey Graham , chair of the Judiciary Committee , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president is “ very excited “ about Barrett being confirmed to the Supreme Court .
The rush to confirm Trump ’ s third court nominee is as much about securing a conservative court for a generation to come as it is about giving Republicans what they see as their best chances at reelection .
With Trump trailing Democrat Joe Biden in polls and their own Senate majority at risk , Republicans hope a Supreme Court vote in the week before Election Day will save their jobs .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ has truly lost touch with reality if it ’ s contemplating marching COVID-stricken members to the Senate to rush through a Supreme Court nominee.
” As the COVID-19 crisis envelops the Capitol , Graham announced that hearings are set to begin in one week on Barrett ’ s nomination .
There is still no mandatory , routine , on-site testing protocol for lawmakers and staff , drawing a near revolt from staff in some offices worried about the health risks to them and the cooks , cleaners and others who keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning four days of hearings ahead of a final Senate vote by Oct. 29 .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shut the chamber to legislating through Oct. 19 over the COVID-19 infections , but said the court hearings will go on as scheduled .
“ This body will not cease to function , ” he said Monday , noting he was pushing ahead even though his home state , Kentucky , recently recorded its highest single-day count of new COVID infections .
Over the weekend , one senator suggested they can vote from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a long tradition of ill senators “ being wheeled in to cast critical votes , ” Sen. Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, said on Fox News Channel .
“ Where there is a will , there ’ s a way , ” Johnson said on KHOW-630 radio .
Senators on the Judiciary Committee will have the option of connecting virtually , which will be needed as two of the panel ’ s Republicans , Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina , are among those diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senator feels “ great ” and has regained his sense of taste and smell after announcing late Friday he tested positive for the virus .
His spokesman said so far , staff who had contact with the senator are being tested and have come back negative .
Johnson mentioned that his chief of staff was dealing with the virus ; an aide clarified the staff member was infected last month separately from the senator .
Lee ’ s spokesman said no one else in his office has tested positive .
Many House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hybrid capacity during the pandemic .
Voting , however , is a different matter .
The Senate requires a presence from a majority on the Judiciary Committee when it comes time to vote to send the Barrett nomination to the full Senate for confirmation — meaning all 12 GOP senators on the panel would need to be in Washington , presuming Democrats on the committee all vote against Barrett .
However , McConnell could have the full Senate vote to force the committee to discharge the nomination to the floor for final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Barrett ’ s confirmation , expected the week of Oct. 26 , provide another hurdle .
McConnell has a slim margin , 53-47 , meaning with three GOP senators now infected with COVID-19 , and others home isolating , he would need to rely on Vice-President Mike Pence to break a tie vote .
Advisers to Republicans suggest any sick senators can simply vote from upstairs in the galleries overlooking the Senate floor .
Outside groups are mobilizing alongside Democrats to protest the unusual process that ’ s about to unfold .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways Republicans refused in February 2016 to consider then-President Barack Obama ’ s nominee , claiming it was too close to the presidential election that year .
Democrats led by Biden say the winner of the presidential election , Trump or Biden , should choose the nominee .
“ They held a seat open for nine months .
Certainly they can wait , ” said Eli Zupnick , a spokesperson for Fix Our Senate , which advocates for rules changes including an end to the filibuster .
Zupnick said the Senate that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate that ’ s on the ballot ” this fall .
The Democratic-led House put proxy voting procedures in place early on so lawmakers don ’ t need to trek to Washington to work .
The Senate has resisted those options , except on committees .
Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-10-05--Lawyers: Trump can’t use job as a shield in defamation suit

NEW YORK - Lawyers for a woman who claims President Donald Trump raped her in a department store dressing room a quarter century ago said Monday that he can ’ t hurl insults at her and then cite his job as reason to remove himself as a defendant in a defamation lawsuit , forcing taxpayers to pay up if he loses .
“ Only in a world gone mad could it somehow be presidential , not personal , for Trump to slander a woman who he sexually assaulted , ” lawyers wrote in a Manhattan federal court filing on behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure who hosted a daily “ Ask E. Jean ” advice show in the mid-1990s , when she now says she encountered Trump at a luxury store .
“ There is not a single person in the United States — not the President and not anyone else — whose job description includes slandering women who they sexually assaulted , ” the lawyers asserted .
The Justice Department last month tried to substitute the U.S. as the defendant , saying courts have recognized that elected officials “ act within the scope of their office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including with respect to personal matters.
” The move would put taxpayers on the hook for any potential payout in a lawsuit seeking damages and a retraction of the statements .
A message was left with a spokesperson for Trump lawyer Marc Kasowitz , along with the Justice Department .
Attorneys Roberta Kaplan and Joshua Matz , representing Carroll , asked a judge to refuse the government ’ s request to replace Trump as a defendant or force it to prove that defaming Carroll three times in June 2019 with a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his job .
They wrote that the defamatory attacks included assertions that Carroll had falsely accused other men of rape , that she lied about him to advance a secret political conspiracy and sell books and that he had never met her even though they ’ d been photographed together .
The lawyers noted that Trump also had said : “ She ’ s not my type.
” And they said the move to substitute the U.S. as defendant and move the case from state to federal court was part of a pattern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case , including Carroll ’ s effort to get a DNA sample from Trump to see if it matches male genetic material on a dress she says she wore the day of the alleged attack .
The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly .

Larry Neumeister And Jennifer Peltz - The Associated Press