thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Trump ally Roger Stone to be sentenced as case roils DOJ

WASHINGTON - Roger Stone , a staunch ally of President Donald Trump , faces sentencing Thursday on his convictions for witness tampering and lying to Congress .
The action in federal court comes amid Trump ’ s unrelenting defence of his longtime confidant that has led to a mini-revolt inside the Justice Department and allegations the president has interfered in the case .
Trump took to Twitter to denounce as a “ miscarriage of justice ” the initial recommendation by Justice Department prosecutors that Stone receive at least seven years in prison .
Attorney General William Barr then backed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit Stone ’ s case .
Outside the courthouse , a small crowd gathered for Stone ’ s arrival .
Two people held a large banner featuring a sketch of Stone and # PardonRogerStone emblazoned underneath .
Next to it was a large multimedia figure of a rat constructed to look like Trump , with his distinctive red tie and hair .
Stone had no comment as he arrived .
Stone was convicted in November on a seven-count indictment that accused him of lying to Congress , tampering with a witness and obstructing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign co-ordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election .
He was the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of charges brought as part of special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s Russia investigation .
Any jail sentence seems likely to draw a public rebuke from Trump , who maintains that Stone ’ s entire case is just an aspect of the ongoing “ witch hunt ” against him and his allies by bitter Democrats and the “ deep state ” inside the FBI and the Justice Department .
Given Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commute the sentence of former Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich , as well as nearly a dozen others , there has been speculation that Trump could eventually pardon Stone .
“ I haven ’ t given it any thought ... but I think he ’ s been treated very unfairly , ” Trump said this week .
Overnight Thursday , Trump retweeted a conservative cable host ’ s comment that what happened to Stone “ should never happen again.
” In Stone ’ s initial sentencing memorandum filed Feb. 10 , prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nine years , in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines .
Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses , the prosecutors said .
Stone , 67 , has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated .
He did not take the stand during his trial and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his defence .
Stone ’ s defence team requested a new trial and had asked Judge Amy Berman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that motion .
Earlier this week she refused .
Prosecutors had charged in the filing that Stone “ decided to double- and triple-down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure his obstruction would be successful.
” “ Stone ’ s actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment .
Nor were his false statements made in the heat of the moment .
They were nowhere close to that , ” prosecutors wrote in the court papers .
But Justice Department officials said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even though the acting U.S. Attorney in Washington , D.C. , Timothy Shea , is a former top aide to Barr .
The attorney general ordered a new memorandum with a less harsh punishment , though it left provided no specifics and left the details to the judge .
Barr ’ s decision became public just hours after Trump , in an overnight tweet , called the situation “ horrible and very unfair.
” He added : “ Can not allow this miscarriage of justice !
” Barr later said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been asked by Trump to look into the case .
In a stunning public rebuke , he said the president ’ s tweets were making it “ impossible ” for him to do his job .
Meanwhile , Barr ’ s actions on the sentencing for Stone prompted the entire trial team to quit .
The public debacle also prompted a rare statement from the Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court , Beryl A. Howell , who said “ public criticism or pressure is not a factor ” in judges ’ sentencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial didn ’ t directly address Mueller ’ s conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trump ’ s favour .
But it provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the servers of the Democratic National Committee .
Witnesses testified that Trump ’ s campaign viewed Stone as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tried to use him to get advance word about hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton .
Prosecutors argued that Stone had lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host and comedian Randy Credico .
During the 2016 campaign , Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with founder Julian Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks ’ plans .
Testimony revealed that Stone , while appearing before the House Intelligence Committee , named Credico as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contradict him .
After Credico was contacted by Congress , he reached out to Stone , who told him he should “ stonewall it ” and “ plead the fifth , ” he testified .
Credico also testified during Stone ’ s trial that Stone repeatedly told him to “ do a ‘ Frank Pentangeli , ’ ” a reference to a character in “ The Godfather : Part II ” who lies before Congress .
Prosecutors also charged that Stone had threatened Credico ’ s therapy dog , Bianca , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog away from you .
”

Ashraf Khalil, Mark Sherman And Michael Balsamo - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--New threats emerge in outbreak while China voices optimism

BEIJING - Chinese health officials expressed new optimism Thursday over a deadly virus outbreak while authorities in South Korea ’ s fourth-largest city urged residents to hunker down as vacillating fears nagged communities far from the illness ’ epicenter .
The confidence voiced by China ’ s government came as it reported a reduced number of new infections .
But doubts remained about the true trajectory of the epidemic as China again changed its method of counting and new threats emerged outside the country .
“ The downward trend will not be reversed , ” insisted Ding Xiangyang , deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the Central Government ’ s supervision group .
Whatever promises were aired where the illness poses its biggest threat , countries around the world continued to grapple with the rippling effects .
The latest front in the widening global fight against COVID-19 emerged in Daegu , South Korea , where the city ’ s 2.5 million residents were urged to stay inside , wearing masks even indoors to stem further infection .
Mayor Kwon Young-jin made a nationally televised appeal for those preventative measures , warning that a rash of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He pleaded for help from the country ’ s central government .
Daegu and surrounding towns reported 35 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday .
The flare-up came more than 1,400 kilometres ( 900 miles ) from COVID-19 ’ s epicenter across the Yellow Sea in China ’ s Hubei province and its capital of Wuhan , a sign of the risks the virus potentially posed to communities across the region and beyond .
Though all but about 1,000 of more than 75,000 reported cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran on Thursday announcedthree more infections , a day after the country hadits first two deaths stemming from the virus , and South Korea reported its first fatality .
And Japan said two former passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship had died of the illness , bringing the death toll there to three .
The trajectory of the outbreak remained clouded by China ’ s zigzagging daily reports of new cases and shifting ways of tallying them .
The number of new cases in China declined again Thursday , to 394 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a day earlier .
Another 114 deaths in China were linked to the virus .
But those statistics came after yet another change in how cases are counted .
Last week , China ’ s National Health Commission said officials in Hubei would record new infections without waiting for laboratory test results , relying instead on doctors ’ analyses and lung imaging .
On Thursday , though , it returned to its prior way of counting , a decision sure to aggravate observers who say consistency is key to understanding COVID-19 ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was reducing its count of infections by 279 after lab tests found they had wrongly been included in the tally .
Cities in Hubei with a combined population of more than 60 million have been under lockdown since the Lunar New Year holiday .
Authorities halted nearly all transportation and movement except for quarantine efforts , medical care , and delivery of food and basic necessities .
“ Wartime ” measures were implemented in some places , with residents prevented from even leaving their apartments .
The stringent moves have followed public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak at its outset .
The risk of human-to-human transmission was played down and doctors who tried to warn the public were reprimanded by police .
Wuhan residents reported overcrowding in hospitals and futile attempts to seek treatment .
Many countries have also set up border screenings and airlines have cancelled flights to and from China to prevent further spread of the disease , which has been detected in about two dozen countries .
Nine deaths have been confirmed outside mainland China —in Japan , Hong Kong , France , the Philippines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press journalists Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee and Katie Tam in Hong Kong and researcher Yu Bing in Beijing contributed .

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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Dayton gunman’s friend to be sentenced on unrelated charges

CINCINNATI - A friendof a gunman who killed nine people in a shooting rampage in Dayton , Ohio , is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday on unrelated federal firearms charges .
Ethan Kollie , now 25 , pleaded guilty in November to lying on a federal firearms form and to possessing a gun while using illegal drugs .
Kollie was released from jail under electronic monitoring in December after being held since early August .
His attorney , Nick Gounaris , is asking the judge to let him remain on supervised release , but federal prosecutors say a sentence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Gounaris said ahead of Thursday ’ s hearing that investigators found no indication Kollie knew of gunman Connor Betts ’ plans for a mass shooting in Dayton ’ s Oregon entertainment district , prosecutors said Kollie used poor judgment about his friend “ when society needed a responsible , clear-thinking person in the room.
” Gounaris wrote in his sentence request that Kollie admitted to the charges and has co-operated fully and honestly with investigators since they were first led to him .
Authorities found a receipt referencing Kollie in Betts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early morning Aug. 4 shooting .
Police fatally shot Betts about 30 seconds into his attack .
Investigators said Kollie told them he bought body armour , a 100-round magazine and a part for Betts ’ gun .
However , they concluded there was no indication he knew of Betts ’ plans .
“ The United States has a desire to promote the tragic events of August 4 , 2019 , and to link those events to Mr. Kollie suggesting that he holds some type of responsibility to the Oregon District tragedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ it was determined that Mr. Kollie was not responsible or involved in the tragic mass shooting.
” The government response , filed by prosecutor Vipal Patel , said that to say Kollie had actual knowledge of the plans “ says too much .
... To say , however , that Kollie bears no connection , says too little.
” The prosecutors wrote that Kollie , an acknowledged regular user of marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms , carried a loaded handgun “ while high as a kite or off in psychedelic land.
” They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his rampage “ rather than pause , reflect , question , reach out for help , contact Betts ’ parents , sister , or friend , simply say ‘ no , ’ do something , anything.
” The government memo said Kollie needs drug treatment , which he can get in federal custody .
Chris Hoffman , the FBI special agent in charge of the Cincinnati office , said last week the agency should soon wrap up its probe into Betts ’ possible motivations for the shooting .
This story has been corrected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Unidentified small aircraft crashes in eastern Thailand

BANGKOK - Police in Thailand say a small aircraft has crashed near a mountaintop in the eastern province of Rayong .
Contradictory reports from the scene described the aircraft as a small plane or a helicopter .
Police Senior Sgt.-Maj. Lertnaris Maneelert of Huai Pong subdistrict , the site of the accident , said the aircraft crashed in the early evening , and that nearby villagers heard an explosion and informed the authorities .
The identity and condition of the people on board were not immediately known .
Photos posted online by the newspapers Khao Sod and Thai Rath showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dark of night .
Lertnaris said rescue teams including police and soldiers were being assembled but were facing difficulty scaling the slope in the dark .
He said military helicopters had flown over the site and believed the downed aircraft was a small two-seat helicopter .
Rayong is part of Thailand ’ s Eastern Seaboard , which has both popular seaside tourist destinations and large industrial developments .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Turkey says 2 of its soldiers killed in airstrike in Syria

ANKARA , Turkey - Turkey ’ s Defence Ministry says two Turkish soldiers have been killed in an airstrike in Syria ’ s Idlib province .
Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack .
The deaths bring to 15 the number of Turkish soldiers killed in Idlib .
A ministry statement posted Thursday on Twitter said Turkey ’ s military is responding to the attack .
It did not provide further details , or say where in Idlib the attack occurred .
The ministry claimed that as many as 50 Syrian government soldiers were killed and that five tanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment were destroyed .
The Russian military said militants in Idlib had launched a massive offensive on Syrian army positions near Nairab , under the cover of Turkish artillery , adding that four Syrian soldiers were wounded by the Turkish artillery barrage .
“ The militants ’ actions were supported by the Turkish artillery fire , which allowed the militants to break through the Syrian army ’ s defences , ” it said in a statement .
The military added that at the Syrian military ’ s request , Russian Su-24 bombers then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advancing and allowing Syrian government forces to “ successfully repel all attacks.
” It was not immediately clear whether it was the Russian airstrikes that killed the two Turkish soldiers .
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE .
The following is the AP ’ s previous story .
Turkey-backed opposition forces attacked government troops in a village in northwest Syria on Thursday , triggering violent clashes between the two sides , Turkish state-run media and Syrian opposition activists said .
The fighting came amid faltering talks between Turkish and Russian officials on restoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Russia back opposing sides in Syria ’ s civil war .
The Syrian government ’ s crushing military campaign against the rebel-held Idlib stronghold , backed by Russia , has strained co-operation between Moscow and Ankara and led to direct clashes between Syrian and Turkish troops on several occasions in recent weeks .
Turkey ’ s state-run Anadolu Agency said opposition fighters attacked Syrian government forces and entered the the village of Nairab , which the troops had captured Feb. 3 .
It said the opposition forces began advancing toward Nairab after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artillery fire .
They destroyed a tank and an armoured personnelcarrier belonging to Syrian government forces and seized a second tank , according to the report .
Syrian opposition activists confirmed the report , saying Turkey-backed insurgents stormed the village of Nairab near the strategic town of Saraqeb , both of which were captured by Syrian troops earlier this month .
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , a Syria war monitor , reported casualties on both sides .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear if Turkish troops were participating in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government forces have repelled the attacks on Nairab .
Syrian government forces have , for weeks , been conducting a crushing military campaign to recapture parts of the last rebel-held areas in Idlib province as well as the countryside of neighbouring Aleppo province .
The swift advances on multiple fronts have triggered the largest single wave of displacement in the nine-year civil war , with nearly 1 million people driven from their homes toward the Turkish border .
The advance has angered neighbouring Turkey , which backs the opposition fighters seeking to topple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in northern Syria that were set up to monitor an earlier cease-fire agreement reached with Russia .
Turkey sent in thousands of additional troops and armoured vehicles in recent weeks and threatened to attack Assad ’ s forces unless they retreat .
“ We are delivering our final warnings .
We have not reached the desired results as yet , ” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday .
“ The operation in Idlib is a matter of time .
We could enter ( Idlib ) suddenly one night.
” Erdogan spoke a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks in Moscow between Russian and Turkish representatives to reduce tensions in Idlib did not yield a “ satisfactory result ” for Ankara .
The official said however , that the sides agreed to continue discussions .
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Russian and Turkish delegations would hold further talks on how to reduce tensions in Idlib province and that the Turkish and Russian leaders could meet too , if necessary .
“ It is true that at the moment , there are differences in the ( two sides ’ ) positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The delegations narrowed their differences a bit but “ are not yet at the point we want ” to be , he said .
Turkey and Russia have closely co-ordinated their moves in recent years in Idlib province .
A truce reached between the two countries collapsed in late 2019 , leading to the current Syrian offensive , backed by Russia .
Russian officials have said they hold Turkey responsible for the collapse of the cease-fire deal struck in Sochi , Russia in September 2018 , saying Ankara had not held up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in militants in Syria who continued attacking Syrian and Russian targets .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Amid protests, Portugal lawmakers weigh allowing euthanasia

LISBON , Portugal - Protesters gathered Thursday outside Portugal ’ sparliament where lawmakers were due to debate proposals that would allow euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill people .
Groups opposed to the procedures waved banners and chanted “ Sim a vida !
” ( “ Yes to life !
” ) in bright sunshine outside the parliament building in Lisbon .
One banner said , “ Euthanasia doesn ’ t end suffering , it ends life.
” Lawmakers were expected to vote by a clear majority later Thursday in favour of legalizing doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia .
Approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration would leave Portugal poised to become one of the few countries in the world permitting euthanasia .
But the country ’ s president is known to be reluctant .
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa could veto the new law , but parliament can override his veto by voting a second time for approval .
The Portuguese president doesn ’ t have executive powers .
The head of state also could ask the constitutional Court to review the legislation ; Portugal ’ s Constitution states that human life is “ sacrosanct , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country since 2007 .
Euthanasia — when a doctor directly administers fatal drugs to a patient — is legal in Belgium , Canada , Colombia , Luxembourg , the Netherlands and Switzerland .
In some U.S. states , medically-assisted suicide — where patients administer the lethal drug themselves , under medical supervision — is permitted .
The Catholic Church in Portugal has led opposition to the procedures , which currently are illegal and carry prison sentences of up to three years .
Church leaders have urged lawmakers in vain to hold a referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vigils against euthanasia on Wednesday evening .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Weather and protests hamper Ukraine quarantine efforts

KYIV , Ukraine - Ukraine ’ s effort to evacuate more than 70 people from China over the outbreak of a new virus faced setbacks Thursday as weather conditions delayed the return of the evacuees and protests broke out near a hospital where they were to be quarantined .
Several hundred residents in Ukraine ’ s Poltava region protested seeking to stop officials from quarantining the evacuees in their village because they feared becoming infected .
Demonstrators put up road blocks and burned tires , while Ukrainian media reported that there were clashes with police .
More than 10 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interior Minister Arsen Avakov personally visited the site of the protests to calm the crowd down .
Avakov urged the protesters “ not to fall for provocations and be understanding of the necessity for these temporary measures.
” “ The situation is rather heated , ” Poltava regional police spokesman Yuri Sulayev said .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy weighed in , saying the protests showed “ not the best side of our character.
“ He tried to reassure people that the quarantined evacuees wouldn ’ t pose any danger to residents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement published on his Facebook page , Zelenskiy said the people evacuated from China are healthy and will live in a closed medical centre run by the National Guard in the village as a precaution .
“ In the next two weeks it will probably be the most guarded facility in the country , ” Zelenskiy said .
In the early hours of Thursday , a plane with 45 Ukrainians and 27 other foreign nationals took off from Wuhan , the epicenter of the outbreak that has infected more than 75,000 people worldwid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said those evacuated included people from Belarus , Kazakhstan , Argentina , Ecuador , Costa Rica , the Dominican Republic , Panama , as well as other countries .
The plane stopped off in Kazakhstan to drop off Kazakh passengers .
Later , it sought to land in Kharkiv , a city in northeastern Ukraine , but could not due to bad weather conditions .
Instead it flew to Kyiv to refuel , and eventually arrived in Kharkiv .
Also Thursday , the Russian Embassy in Japan said that two more Russians aboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan have been diagnosed with the virus .
That raises to three the number of Russians on the ship confirmed to have the virus .
The two will be transferred to a hospital in Japan for treatment , according to the embassy .
In Slovenia , authorities said two of six Slovenian citizens who were on the cruise ship have been hospitalized in Japan after testing positive for the virus .
The four others have tested negative .
Two of them have arrived back in Slovenia and will be quarantined at home for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been docked in the Yokohama port near Tokyo since Feb. 4 , when 10 people on board tested positive for the virus .
So far 621 cases of the disease , which has been named COVID-19 , have been confirmed among the the Diamond Princess ’ s original 3,711 people on board .
Russia so far has reported only two cases of the disease on its soil .
Two Chinese nationals diagnosed with the virus and hospitalized in two different regions of Siberia in late January have recovered and have been released from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak

By Yuras Karmanau - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Two former cruise ship passengers infected with coronavirus die in Japan

TOKYO - Two elderly passengers taken off the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess because they were infected with the new virus have died , Japan ’ s Health Ministry said Thursday , becoming the first fatalities from the virus-stricken vessel .
Japan now has three deaths linked to the COVID-19 illness .
The ministry also announced 13 more cases on the ship , bringing the total to 634 , by far the largest number in one location outside mainland China .
The two fatalities , a man and woman in their 80s who are both Japanese , were believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Feb. 5 quarantine began on the ship , Health Ministry official Masami Sakoi said .
It was not immediately known if they had any roommates on the ship .
They had been hospitalized on Feb. 11 and 12 and each tested positive a day later .
It was not immediately known why they were not tested earlier when they developed initial symptoms and consulted with the ship ’ s clinic , Sakoi said .
The ministry also announced Thursday that two more government officials had became infected while providing clerical work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort .
Four other officials — a quarantine official , a paramedic who carried an infected passenger , a Health Ministry worker and an emergency relief medical expert — have also been sickened .
The new virus began in China late last year and has sickened tens of thousands of people , mostly in central China ’ s Hubei province .
With the 634 cases confirmed among the Diamond Princess ’ s original 3,711 people , Japan has more than 700 cases , including the country ’ s first death unrelated to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Yokohama port near Tokyo , started letting passengers who tested negative for the virus off the ship Wednesday , when the government-set 14-day quarantine ended .
On Thursday , hundreds of other passengers were to leave in a disembarkation process expected to last through Friday .
Test results are still pending for some people on board .
Japan ’ s government has been questioned over its decision to keep people on the ship , which some experts have called a perfect virus incubator .
Some medical experts who observed the quarantine process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective measures on the ship .
Kentaro Iwata , an infectious diseases expert at Kobe University Hospital who was on the ship as part of a medical relief team earlier this week , said in a YouTube video that he was alarmed by the lack of control measures , including distinctions between clean and contaminated zones , and the inadequate use of protective gear .
He called it “ chaotic ” and said it made him scared of getting infected himself .
Iwata , currently in self-imposed quarantine at a hotel , blamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video conference Thursday .
He said the Health Ministry-led operation implemented some measures , but “ to me it was not good enough.
” Iwata also said Japan should follow the example of the U.S. and other countries in requiring an additional two-week quarantine for passengers after they leave the ship .
Health Minister Katsunobu Kato initially said those with negative virus tests had fulfilled the Japanese quarantine requirement and were free to walk out and go home on public transportation .
Later on Wednesday , Kato urged former passengers to refrain from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for about two weeks .
About 440 passengers had left the ship on Wednesday , and Japanese officials said more than 1,000 others will be gone by Friday .
The Diamond Princess was quarantined after one passenger who left the ship earlier in Hong Kong was found to have the virus .
Crew members , who couldn ’ t be confined to their rooms because they were working , are expected to stay on the ship .
In a preliminary report issued Wednesday , the National Institute of Infectious Diseases said the substantial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 5 implementation of the quarantine and that a downtrend in the number of confirmed cases based on reported onset dates indicated secondary transmission among passengers was reduced during the process .
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said a more controlled health watch for the crew remaining on the ship would start as the passengers get off because they can can be isolated by using vacated passenger rooms .
Some foreign crew members , however , are expected to return home on chartered flights sent from their home countries .
Four South Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday on a government-chartered flight .
Before the quarantine on the ship ended , the United States evacuated more than 300 Americans and put them in quarantine in the U.S. for another 14 days .
Australia and Hong Kong evacuated their residents for quarantines as well , and Canada and Italy sent flights for their citizens .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Trump taps loyalist Grenell as nation’s top intel official

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump announced that Richard Grenell , the U.S. ambassador to Germany , will become acting director of national intelligence , a move that puts a staunch Trump ally in charge of the nation ’ s 17 spy agencies , which the president has only tepidly embraced .
“ Rick has represented our Country exceedingly well and I look forward to working with him , ” Trump tweeted on Wednesday.A White House statement Thursday said Grenell “ is committed to a nonpolitical , nonpartisan approach ’ ’ to the job .
Grenell follows Joseph Maguire , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
It was unclear if Maguire would return to the National Counterterrorism Center .
“ I would like to thank Joe Maguire for the wonderful job he has done , ” Trump tweeted , “ and we look forward to working with him closely , perhaps in another capacity within the Administration !
” Grenell , a loyal and outspoken Trump supporter , becomes the first openly gay member of Trump ’ s Cabinet .
He has been the U.S. ambassador to Germany since 2018 .
He previously served as U.S. spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ W. Bush administration , including under then-Ambassador John Bolton .
News of the announcement was quickly criticized by those who said the job should be held by someone with deep experience in intelligence .
Trump named Grenell acting national intelligence director , meaning he would not have to be confirmed by the Senate .
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia , the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee , said Trump had “ selected an individual without any intelligence experience to serve as the leader of the nation ’ s intelligence community in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of trying to sidestep the Senate ’ s constitutional authority to advise and consent on critical national security positions .
“ The intelligence community deserves stability and an experienced individual to lead them in a time of massive national and global security challenges , “ Warner said in a statement .
“ Now more than ever our country needs a Senate-confirmed intelligence director who will provide the best intelligence and analysis , regardless of whether or not it ’ s expedient for the president who has appointed him.
” The Intellience Reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed by President George W. Bush after 9-11 to improve the sharing of information among all the intelligence agencies .
The law states that the president shall appoint a national intelligence director with the advice and consent of the Senate .
It also states : “ Any individual nominated for appointment as Director of National Intelligence shall have extensive national security expertise.
” Susan Hennessey , a fellow in national security law at Brookings Institution and a former attorney at the National Security Agency , tweeted : “ This should frighten you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also someone who is utterly incompetent in an important security role .
The guardrails are gone.
” Trump named Maguire to the position after Texas GOP Rep. John Ratcliffe removed himself from consideration after just five days amid criticism about his lack of intelligence experience and qualifications for the job .
Maguire became acting director the same day that former National Intelligence Director Dan Coats ’ resignation took effect .
It was also the same day that deputy national intelligence director Sue Gordon walked out the door .
Democrats denounced the shake-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Intelligence and accused Trump of pushing out two dedicated intelligence professionals .

Zeke Miller And Matthew Lee - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Police: Lesotho’s prime minister to be charged with murder

MASERU , Lesotho - Lesotho ’ s Prime Minister Thomas Thabane will be charged with the June 2017 killing of his estranged wife , Lipolelo , a top police official said Thursday , and the prime minister announced he would be stepping down .
The southern southern African kingdom already has watched , shocked , as the prime minister ’ s current wife , Masesaiah , was charged earlier this month in the murder after briefly fleeing the country .
Deputy Commissioner of Police Paseka Mokete said the prime minister will appear at the Maseru Magistrates Court on Friday “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the killing of Lipolelo Thabane.
” Lesotho ’ s 80-year-old leader also will face an attempted murder charge in connection with the shooting of another person who was with his wife at the time , Mokete said .
He said police investigations were complete and more people soon will be charged .
Thabane will become Lesotho ’ s first sitting prime minister to be charged with any crime .
His current wife is out on bail and will next appear in court on March 17 .
Lipolelo had been estranged from Thabane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was shot dead near her Maseru home on the night of June 14 , 2017 .
Her friend , Thato Sibolla , who was travelling with her in the car , escaped with gunshot wounds and has since fled to neighbouring South Africa in fear for her life .
The attack occurred just two days before Thabane was sworn in for his second stint as prime minister .
It was not until January that Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli filed court papers declaring that Thabane was a suspect in the killing .
Thabane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thabane also sought to get immunity for him and his wife for the killing of his ex-wife , Molibeli said .
Thabane in a statement Thursday said he will step down “ with effect from the end of July this year , or at an earlier date if all the requisite preparations for my retirement are completed before then.
“ He said he communicated the message to King Letsie III , and a few days ago he visited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to formally inform him of his decision to retire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ruling party , has been pressing Thabane to step down immediately , saying he can not stay in office with the murder charge hanging over his head .
Lesotho ’ s parliament is to open Friday , and the ABC party wants him to step down before then or face a challenge in parliament , party spokesman Montoeli Masoetsa said .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Estonia starts building 100-million-euro data centre

TALLINN , Estonia - An Estonian tech company has kicked off construction of the Baltic states ’ largest commercial data centre , an estimated 100-million-euro ( $ 108-million ) project aimed at large financial services , telecom and technology firms in the region .
Tero Viherto , chairman of MCF Group Estonia that is owned by a consortium of Estonian and Finnish investors , told The Associated Press Thursday the centre will be built close to Estonia ’ s capital Tallinn .
Once fully completed , it would house up to 3,300 rack cabinets with storage capacity for up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get clients — big and small -- not only from neighbouring Latvia and Lithuania but also from elsewhere in Europe .
The first 14,500-square-meter ( 156,000-square-foot ) phase of the centre is estimated to cost up to 30 million euros and is due for completion in the first quarter of 2021 , Viherto said .
He added that MCF Group Estonia was established in 2016 to solely deal with the project — the first of its kind in the Baltic nation of 1.3 million .
Viherto , a Finn who is among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre is located next to a substation by local grid operator Elering to ensure energy security , and is also set to be connected with the submarine Estlink cable connecting the power grids of Finland and Estonia .
Estonia is one of Europe ’ s most wired nations and has invested heavily in developing its technology infrastructure , including strong cyber security capabilities .
It provides its citizens with a full range of electronic services , from e-prescriptions at pharmacies to establishing companies and filing taxes online .
Estonia ’ s foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said MCF ’ s project “ shows that investors believe in Estonia ’ s IT capabilities.
” “ Building a data centre will strengthen our position in the region and open up new opportunities in international competition , ” Karu said during Tuesday ’ s ground-breaking ceremony .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Carbon monoxide blamed in deaths of 4 at Arkansas home

NORTH LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
- Four adults who were found dead in a home in central Arkansas over @ @ @ @ @ monoxide poisoning , police said Wednesday .
Officers who were conducting a property check Sunday @ @ @ @ @ discovered the bodies of three men and a woman , North Little Rock police said @ @ @ @ @ , detectives discovered a welder/generator that had been reported stolen Sunday morning from a nearby @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said the welder/generator was found in an enclosed storage room underneath the home @ @ @ @ @ was the source of the carbon monoxide .
Police on Wednesday identified the four dead @ @ @ @ @ ; Tracy Hampton , 51 ; Deon Lindsey , 47 ; and Christopher Cross , @ @ @ @ @ the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Hawaii man honoured for fighting off shark, protecting group

WAILUKU , Hawaii - A paddleboarder earned the Maui Police department ’ s highest civilian honour for fighting off an attack by a tiger shark to protect members of a tour group he was leading .
The department awarded its Civilian Medal of Valor to Triston Kahookele-Santos Tuesday , The Maui News reported .
The 20-year-old employee of the Andaz Beach Crew , part of the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort , was leading five stand-up paddle-boarders about a quarter-mile ( 0.40 kilometres ) offshore around 9:30 a.m. Feb. 5 .
The group was watching whales and following fish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lt. Audra Sellers said .
A 10-foot ( 3-meter ) tiger shark appeared and launched an attack at a Washington man in the group , “ violently thrashing his board , ” Sellers said .
Kahookele-Santos used the blade of his paddle to strike the shark , which let go of the board and turned on Kahookele-Santos .
The others paddled safely to shore as he fought off the shark with the paddle while it circled him three times .
No injuries were reported as a result of the attack .
“ On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrisome , ” he said .
“ But on the outside , I had to stay calm for everyone.
” While Kahookele-Santos focused on the shark , he told the others to paddle in slowly and try to keep splashing to a minimum .
“ It came to try ( to ) bite my board .
I ’ d hit it off .
It would come again , ” he said .
“ Then it finally disengaged.
” His mother , Maui Police Officer Marjorie Kahookele-Pea , said she was proud of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he followed exactly what he was supposed to do , ” she said .
Kahookele-Santos thanked those who taught him about the ocean .
“ Without them , I wouldn ’ t be able to be calm out there , ” he said .
“ It ’ s being taught to be prepared for the worst-case scenario .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--South Sudan rival leaders agree to form coalition government

JUBA , South Sudan - South Sudan ’ s rival leaders on Thursday announced they have agreed to form a coalition government just two days before the latest deadline , a major step in the emergence from a five-year civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people and shattered life in the world ’ s youngest nation .
The rival leaders had twice missed deadlines in the past year to form the transitional government that is expected to lead to elections in three years ’ time , much to the impatience of the United States and others .
Without that new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might slide into fighting again .
Opposition leader Riek Machar told reporters in the capital , Juba , he and President Salva Kiir agreed that after the government ’ s formation they will resolve any outstanding issues laid out in a September 2018 peace deal .
Machar said he is confident they will address them all .
Kiir said the new government will be formed on Saturday and he will appoint Machar as his first vice-president , or top deputy , on Friday .
That arrangement has twice led to conflict — once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 and again in mid-2016 after Machar returned to the post under a previous peace deal .
He ended up fleeing the country on foot .
The president said security arrangements , one crucial issue , will be resolved after the government ’ s formation .
He said the protection of Machar and others with the opposition will be under his responsibility .
Another politically sensitive issue , the number of states , appears to have been resolved after Kiir over the weekend announced a “ painful ” compromise of 10 plus three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The changes are for the sake of peace to prevail , Kiir said Thursday .
And he called on the more than 2 million people who fled South Sudan during the conflict to finally come home .
South Sudan ’ s civil war broke out just two years after the nation danced in the streets to celebrate a long-fought independence from Sudan .
The conflict badly hurt the oil-rich nation ’ s economy , and roughly half the country ’ s 12 million people are hungry today .
Major challenges in the peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of integrating tens of thousands of former rival forces into a united army .
That process has been marked by delays , the United Nations and others have said , noting that some of the forces appear to be poorly provisioned .
And widespread abuses such as the recruitment of child soldiers and sexual violence continue , a new report by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights on South Sudan said Thursday .
“ The world has forgotten South Sudan , “ the International Rescue Committee ’ s country director , Susan Purdin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South Sudanese people deserve to live free from fear .
” With the formation of the unity government , faith in the country will be restored.
” Some observers , including peace deal guarantor Sudan , saw a sign of hope with Thursday ’ s announcement .
The deputy head of Sudan ’ s Sovereign Council , Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo , said he appreciated the outcome of Kiir and Machar ’ s meeting on resolving the issues that remain .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Veteran Iditarod racer qualifies again under rookie rules

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - A veteran dog sled racer plans to rejoin Alaska ’ s famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race this year , although he was forced to qualify under rules governing rookies .
Jim Lanier of Chugiak was denied entry into the 2020 Iditarod in August .
But he expects to be back at the starting line in March .
The 79-year-old re-qualified for the race by completing a pair of 300-mile ( 483-kilometre ) races this winter , the Kuskokwim 300 in Bethel and the Willow 300 in Willow .
“ They said per Iditarod rules if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do a late sign-up , I ’ d just have to follow the rules and run the qualifying races .
So that ’ s what I did , ” Lanier said .
Lanier is a 16-time Iditarod finisher who first completed the race in 1979 .
He will be the oldest musher in this year ’ s field .
Lanier scratched in his last four attempts in 2014 , 2015 , 2016 and 2018 .
Race officials denied his 2020 entry in part because of his performance in 2018 , when he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescued while pinned down by bad weather along the Bering Sea coast .
Iditarod rules require a rookie musher to run at least two qualifying races before gaining entry to the 1,000-mile ( 1,609-kilometre ) race from Willow to Nome .
Lanier ran the 2019 Yukon Quest , finishing 24th out of 27 mushers , as well as the shorter qualifying races this winter .
Lanier ’ s team finished 19th out of 21 teams in Bethel , while in Willow his team was fifth out of 32 finishers .
“ I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Lanier , who noted this year ’ s team might be his best ever .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Weinstein jurors focus on Sciorra as deliberations continue

NEW YORK - Jurors planned to continue deliberating for a third day Thursday in Harvey Weinstein ’ s sexual assault trial after so far focusing a lot of attention on actress Annabella Sciorra ’ s allegation that the once-heralded Hollywood mogul raped her in the mid-1990s .
Sciorra ’ s allegation is too old to be charged on its own because of the statute of limitations , but it ’ s a key component of the most serious charges that jurors are weighing in the closely watched # MeToo case .
Weinstein , 67 , is charged with five counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two other women — an aspiring actress who says he raped her in March 2013 and a former film and TV production assistant , Mimi Haleyi , who says he forcibly performed oral sex on her in March 2006 .
Weinstein has maintained that any sexual contact was consensual .
Sciorra ’ s account is the basis for two counts of predatory sexual assault , a charge that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison .
To convict Weinstein of that charge , jurors must agree on two things : that Weinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the other charged offences .
On Tuesday , signalling their interest in Sciorra , jurors sent a note seeking clarity on why Weinstein wasn ’ t charged with other crimes stemming from her allegation , only to be told by the judge that they “ must not speculate as to any other charges that are not before you.
” The panel of seven men and five women finished Wednesday ’ s round of deliberations by revisiting actress Rosie Perez ’ s testimony about what she says Sciorra told her soon after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sciorra had told her at some point in 1993 , her voice shaking on the phone , that something had happened to her : “ I think it was rape.
” Perez testified that months later , on a phone call from London , Sciorra said Weinstein was harassing her and she was scared .
“ I said , ‘ He ’ s the one that raped you , ’ ” and they both began crying , Perez testified .
“ Please go to the police , ” Perez said she told Sciorra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll see emails that Weinstein sent about Sciorra , including ones to the private Israeli spy agency he allegedly enlisted to dig up dirt on would-be accusers as reporters closed in on him in 2017 .
The Associated Press has a policy of not publishing the names of people who allege sexual assault without their consent .
It is withholding the name of the rape accuser because it isn ’ t clear whether she wishes to be identified publicly .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--1 trillion euros: causing a big, long fight at EU summit

BRUSSELS - Everything is set for a trillion-euro EU summit to be bruising , long , and , very likely , inconclusive .
Leaders from the European Union ’ s 27 countries were arguing in Brussels on Thursday over the bloc ’ s spending plan for the next seven years now that Britain has left .
Diplomats and number-crunchers have worked on the budget for years but the issues are so divisive that the leaders ’ summit might last into Saturday and still end without a result .
“ There are lot of concerns , priorities , and interests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he arrived hours early for the summit .
“ I ’ m well aware that the final steps that must be taken to find a compromise are always the most difficult.
” Michel set expectations low , saying that “ I am convinced that it is possible to make progress.
“ German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said she hoped “ we get at least a good deal further.
“ She added that “ it is a complicated task and major differences need to be bridged.
” The EU nations need to regroup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , and a show of unity on their common budget could help in that regard .
“ With Great Britain leaving , it is a clear signal we have to give to our citizens that Europe is alive and well and we can continue functioning.
“ said Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins .
Prospects of that don ’ t look good .
Britain ’ s exit means the loss of up to 75 billions euros ( $ 81 billion ) in net contributions to the budget , and how to make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rich nations don ’ t want to have to pay more into that common EU pot , and those from poorer member states are angry at the prospect of receiving less money from the EU .
Even if a trillion euros ( $ 1.1 trillion ) sounds like a lot , it actually amounts to about 1 % of the gross national income of the 27 nations combined .
The debate is over some 0.3 percentage points .
It ’ s not just about convincing reluctant member countries to stump up funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any final budget agreement and the EU lawmakers are not happy .
“ At the moment , we remain 230 billion euros ( $ 248 billion ) apart , “ European Parliament President David Sassoli said this week .
After a series of one-to-one meetings with national leaders in recent weeks , with some lasting three hours , European Council President Charles Michel proposed last Friday to set the budget at 1.074 % of EU gross national income .
The parliament wants 1.3 % , while the EU ’ s powerful executive arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
Ahead of the negotiations , the 27 member nations are roughly divided into two main camps .
The so-called “ Frugal Four ” of Austria , Denmark , the Netherlands and Sweden versus the “ Friends of Cohesion , ” a group of mainly central and eastern European nations who want to see the continued flow of “ cohesion funds , ” money earmarked to help develop poorer regions .
Ahead of the summit , the frugal four , who would like the budget to drop to as low as 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michel ’ s offer in a Financial Times newspaper op-ed , saying that in light of Brexit “ we simply have to cut our coat according to our cloth.
” Complicating things further is the level of global uncertainty beyond the continent .
While climate change was largely a technical matter during the last budget negotiations seven years ago , this time the EU is planning to spend a quarter of its budget on green issues .
Add that to the many other , varied issues the budget will cover - like agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes for a difficult summit .
Outside the summit centre , farmers were already rolling in tractors in the street to push their demands for sufficient funds .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--UK’s Johnson under fire for flood response as more rain due

LONDON - British authorities said Thursday that more rain will bring the risk of “ significant flooding “ in the coming days , as people in central England and Wales kept a close eye on swollen rivers that have already flooded hundreds of properties .
Criticism grew of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s response to the crisis , as experts warned climate change was increasing the risk of floods across the country .
The Environment Agency said England has already received 141 % of its average February rainfall , while major rivers , including the Trent , Severn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ height records .
The U.K. Meteorological Office said more heavy rain is forecast over the next 48 hours .
“ This is the third weekend we have seen exceptional river levels and stormy weather , and with the effects of climate change , we need to prepare for more frequent periods of extreme weather like this , “ said Caroline Douglass , the Environment Agency ’ s director of incident management .
The agency imposed six severe flood warnings advising of a serious danger to life Thursday on the rivers Lugg , Severn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flood warnings were also in effect .
The agency said “ further spells of rain in northern England from Friday and into the weekend and early next week may lead to further significant river flooding.
” It said “ ongoing river flooding remains probable for the lower Severn for the remainder of the week.
” Storm Dennis — the second major storm of the winter — blew through the U.K. on Saturday and Sunday , bringing wind gusts of up to 90 mph ( 145 kph ) and heavy rain that flooded roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
The storm killed three people in Britain , including a 55-year-old woman who was swept away by floodwaters .
Johnson has been criticized by opponents for failing to visit any flooded areas or to convene a meeting of the government ’ s crisis committee , COBRA .
Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was visiting parts of south Wales on Thursday that were inundated when last-weekend ’ s Storm Dennis dumped up to 6 inches ( 150 mm ) of rain .
“ In refusing to visit flood-hit communities , nowhere-to-be-seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by his absence , ” Corbyn said .
Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi defended the government ’ s response and said Johnson was “ leading the team.
” “ Quite rightly , rather than having a sort of jamboree of media and your whole entourage going , he wants to help people by getting the funding to them , ” Zahawi said .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--A diminished Victoria’s Secret is sold

A diminished Victoria’s Secret is sold

NEW YORK - Victoria ’ s Secret , beset by falling sales and uncomfortable questions about its billionaire founder who has run the company for five decades , is being sold .
The company ’ s owner , L Brands , said that the private-equity firm Sycamore Brands will buy 55 % of Victoria ’ s Secret for about $ 525 million .
The Columbus , Ohio company will keep the remaining 45 % stake .
The selling price signifies a marked decline for a brand with hundreds of stores that booked about $ 7 billion in revenue last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline because competition is increasing and tastes are changing .
Victoria ’ s Secret suffered a 12 % drop in same-store sales during the most recent holiday season .
L Brands said Thursday that same-store sales declined 10 % at Victoria ’ s Secret during the fourth quarter .
At its peak , the underwear and lingerie brand was known for its catalogue filled with supermodels and a glitzy annual television special that mixed fashion , models and music .
Amidst its struggles , Victoria ’ s Secret sales have continued to erode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network television and its stock - which traded at close to $ 100 in 2015 - now trades at around $ 24 .
L Brands has also come under scrutiny because its CEO , Les Wexner , has ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein , who was indicted on sex-trafficking charges .
Epstein started managing Wexner ’ s money in the late 1980s and helped straighten out the finances for a real estate development backed by Wexner in a wealthy suburb of Columbus .
Wexner has said he completely severed ties with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him of misappropriating “ vast sums ” of his fortune .
Wexner offered an apology at the opening address of L Brands ’ annual investor day in Columbus last fall , saying he was “ embarrassed ” by his former ties with Epstein .
Wexner will step down after the transaction is completed and become chairman emeritus .
Wexner is the longest-serving CEO of an S & P 500 company .
He founded what would eventually become L Brands in 1963 with The Limited retail store , according to the company ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of L Brands , according to FactSet .
Sycamore has about $ 10 billion in assets under management .
The firm ’ s investment portfolio includes retailers such as Belk , Coldwater Creek , Hot Topic and Talbots .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Microsoft announces $1.1 billion investment in Mexico

MEXICO CITY - Microsoft announced a five-year , $ 1.1 billion investment plan in Mexico on Thursday to develop training @ @ @ @ @ of cloud computing services .
Company executives said the money will be used to establish @ @ @ @ @ as part of a program Microsoft calls “ Innovating for Mexico.
” Some of the @ @ @ @ @ help monitor endangered species .
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the investment showed the @ @ @ @ @ following the ratification of the U.S.-Mexico Canada free trade agreement .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--TV analyst? Spokesman? Freed ex-governor goes job hunting

CHICAGO - Job wanted : Ex-governor and ex-con with strong speaking skills and good hair seeking employment .
Fresh out of prison thanks to a commutation this week from President Donald Trump , former Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich is in the hunt for a post-prison career .
“ I need to start working and providing for my family , ” the 63-year-old told Fox News this week .
He didn ’ t elaborate on the kind of job he is seeking .
Job hunts have gotten Blagojevich in trouble before .
His expletive-laden talk captured on FBI wiretaps about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naming someone to Barack Obama ’ s vacated U.S. Senate seat is part of what led to his multiple corruption convictions .
Here ’ s a look at what jobs might be out there for the one-time contestant on Trump ’ s “ Celebrity Apprentice ” reality TV show : Q : WHAT ARE THE RANGE OF POSSIBLE JOBS ?
A : His options could include becoming a commentator on a cable news channel , where criminal convictions aren ’ t necessarily a disqualification .
A self-employed podcaster could be another option .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fame into a gig on another reality TV show .
Producers might see his sometimes engaging and offbeat character as a draw .
Blagojevich himself mused about dream jobs in the secret recordings of his phone that played central roles at his two corruption trials .
“ Why can ’ t I be ambassador to India ?
” he is heard telling an aide .
He later adds , “ Got ta think I can at least be ambassador to Macedonia.
” He also talked about heading a philanthropic organization .
He could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could attract interest , one in which he describes a metamorphosis as he served eight years of a 14-year sentence .
But the only obvious change in Blagojevich is that his trademark thick hair changed from black to white .
His insistence that he never did anything wrong is wholly unchanged .
When his Fox News interviewer asked Wednesday if he felt even a “ modicum of regret ” for decisions that led to his imprisonment , Blagojevich responded promptly , “ No.
” He added categorically : “ I broke no laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spoken at length in recent days about what he described as an overzealous federal justice system , echoing Trump .
That could position him as a spokesman for advocacy organization that agrees with him .
A : That seems far-fetched .
But it ’ s possible Blagojevich believes Trump could follow up a commutation with a job offer in his administration .
In recent days , it sometimes seemed Blagojevich might be pining for something more from Trump .
The Chicago Democrat heaped praise on the Republican president as he addressed reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his release from a federal prion in Colorado .
Blagojevich went so far as to say he ’ d vote for Trump , calling himself a “ Trumpocrat.
” Q : WHAT SALARY MIGHT HE BE LOOKING FOR ?
A : At trial , prosecutors highlighted Blagojevich ’ s extravagant tastes .
They said he and his wife , Patti , spent more than $ 400,000 on clothes that included tailored suits and furs .
On a single day , he even shelled out $ 1,300 on ties .
As governor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 177,000 .
In wiretaps , he sounds unimpressed when someone mentions that being the head of a non-profit might bring in $ 200,000 or $ 300,000 .
“ Oh , that ’ s all ?
” he says .
Blagojevich and his wife were awash in more than $ 200,000 in consumer debt when he was arrested in 2008 .
Their debts deepened as his legal bills stacked up .
Q : WHAT MIGHT CURTAIL HIS JOB PROSPECTS ?
A : His severely tainted reputation , for starters .
Many employers may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgraced politician whose convictions included trying to shake down the CEO of a children ’ s hospital .
Agents arrested then-Gov .
Blagojevich after wiretaps recorded him gushing about using his power to appoint someone to the Senate seat to land a well-pay job or campaign cash , saying the leverage it provided was “ f -- -- -- golden.
” Prosecutors cited that comment to explain why they moved fast to arrest Blagojevich .
An appeals court later tossed convictions based on his bid for a job but upheld ones based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
Blagojevich can ’ t run for office in Illinois under conditions set by state legislators when they ousted him as governor in 2009 .
Blagojevich , who got his law degree from Pepperdine University in 1983 , can probably cross lawyer off the prospective jobs list .
The Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission is scheduled to hold a hearing next week that will likely lead to his disbarment .
A former complaint says his crimes “ adversely reflect on his honesty , trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer.
” Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : After law school , Blagojevich worked as a Cook County prosecutor .
Years later , he won an Illinois House seat , then U.S. House seat .
He won the Illinois governorship in 2002 running on a pledge to crack down on corruption .
The son of Serbian-American parents is well-read and has a good memory , sometimes showing that by naming all the U.S. presidents in the proper order .
As a politician , he demonstrated a Bill Clinton-like ability to contact with people of disparate backgrounds .
Perhaps that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marketing job .
But he ’ s often demonstrated a lack of common sense and everyday know-how .
Trump fired him from “ Celebrity Apprentice ” after Blagojevich struggled with basic tasks like sending emails from a cellphone .
Former staff recall Blagojevich as disengaged and disorganized as governor , and that he was someone who would go out of his way to avoid hearing bad news .
Blagojevich would go so far as hiding in a bathroom to avoid discussing the state budget with his budget director , a former deputy governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Blagojevich ’ s trials .
Blagojevich also had trouble focusing on legislation and could let paperwork pile up , Greenlee said .
Among the duties Blagojevich rarely got to were petitions from Illinois state prisoners desperately seeking gubernatorial pardons .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Snow falls across coastal North Carolina, Virginia

RALEIGH , N.C. - Snow was falling Thursday across North Carolina and Virginia , including in coastal areas that rarely see snow .
Gov .
Roy Cooper said parts of northeastern North Carolina will see the most precipitation in the state , with as much as 3-6 inches ( 7.5-15 centimetres ) .
He issued a warning that , “ Whiteout conditions are possible along the coast due to heavy snow and gusty winds.
“ “ The state is getting ready , and everyone else should too , ” Cooper said , adding that “ it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect most parts of North Carolina.
” Early in-person voting sites in dozens of North Carolina ’ s 100 counties closed early on Thursday .
Many voting sites were expected to have limited hours or to be closed on Friday , according to the State Board of Elections .
Early voting for the March 3 primary ends Feb. 29 .
In Virginia , the National Weather Service reported that snow was sticking in places like Suffolk near the coast .
The weather service said in tweets that much of southeast Virginia looks “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also cautioned that driving could be dangerous .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Biden picks up Hispanic group’s backing before Nevada caucus

LAS VEGAS - The Latest on presidential campaign developments ( all times local . )
: Former Vice-President Joe Biden has picked up the endorsement of a prominent progressive Hispanic organization ahead of Saturday ’ s caucus in Nevada .
The Latino Victory Fund announced Thursday that it was endorsing Biden .
The group had endorsed former Obama administration housing chief Julián Castro in August , but he left the presidential race last month .
It timed its announcement to impact both Nevada and many of the Hispanic-heavy states voting on “ Super Tuesday ” on March 3 .
Cristobal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but now is a senior adviser to Biden ’ s campaign .
Latino Victory Chairman Luis Miranda Jr. said in a statement that Biden “ has consistently supported issues that align with the Latino community.
” Miranda added that , if elected , Biden will work with Congress to promote comprehensive immigration reform and to protect so-called “ Dreamers , ” or people brought to the U.S. illegally as children — both issues where Biden ’ s views overlap with his top Democratic presidential contenders .
Biden is looking to rebound in Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden on Thursday slammed one of his presidential rivals for voting against the 1993 Brady Bill .
At an emotional event with gun control activists Biden said “ too many Republicans and some Democrats like Bernie Sanders voted — five times — against the Brady Bill.
” Biden called politicians who opposed gun control “ cowards ” but would not respond to reporters ’ questions whether he thought Sanders was a coward .
Asked whether Biden accepts Sanders ’ statements that he ’ s changed his mind on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do think he ’ s changed his views and I ’ m happy about that.
” Biden ’ s broadside at Sanders came as the campaign released a web video of Sanders telling a radio caller after the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre that allowing people to sue gun manufacturers would do no good .
Biden alluded to Sanders ’ support for a 2005 law immunizing gun manufacturers from lawsuits at Wednesday night ’ s debate .
Elizabeth Warren is digging into her attacks on Mike Bloomberg a day after her sharp barbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heels in the Democratic debate .
Warren told supporters Thursday outside Las Vegas that “ last night was a lot of fun ” because Bloomberg was held accountable .
“ I have really had it with billionaires , regardless of party , who think that the rules don ’ t apply to them , ” Warren said .
Warren pressed Bloomberg at the debate to say how many nondisclosure agreements his company has signed preventing women from talking about complaints of harassment .
She leaned in on Thursday , saying when women complain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money on it , put a little gag in the woman ’ s mouth .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Wake Forest apologizes for slavery in university’s past

WINSTON-SALEM , N.C. - The president of Wake Forest University issued a public apology Thursday for the institution ’ s past involvement in slavery .
President Nathan Hatch ’ s apology , delivered in a speech during the school ’ s Founders ’ Day ceremonies , comes after a series of events stirred up racial tension on the campus , including anonymous , racist emails sent to faculty members last year .
Schools around the South and beyond have been grappling in recent years with what to do about past ties to slavery or white supremacy .
“ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wake Forest University , I unequivocally apologize for participating in and benefiting from the institution of slavery , ” Hatch said during his remarks on campus .
“ I apologize for the exploitation and use of enslaved people – both those known and unknown – who helped create and build this university through no choice of their own.
” He made no mention of the recent tension on the campus resulting from a threatening email that caused the head of the sociology department to shut down his building and suspend classes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his remarks noted that Hatch last year convened a committee to look at race issues and the legacy of slavery on campus .
During Hatch ’ s remarks , some students stood up in a silent demonstration .
Senior Alexander Holt , who helped organize the gesture , said in an emailed statement before the event that they planned to stand in recognition of the involuntary sacrifices of enslaved people and the continuing impact of slavery ’ s legacy on current students .
Jonathan Walton , dean of the divinity school , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest must acknowledge that “ our history is both beautiful and terrible , noble and tragic , honourable and despicable.
” “ We owe our very existence in part to the exploited lives of enslaved labour of people of African descent , ” Walton said .
“ Precious people whose humanity was sacrificed to prepare young , white Baptist men for ministry , Baptist young men whose conception of of Christ supported America ’ s serpentine system of slavery.
” Sierra Deveaux , 19 , a sophomore from New York , said Hatch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but she said there must be a plan that follows up on the apology .
“ They need to put action to their words , ” Deveaux said .
“ Through policy on this campus , more transparency on how they go about condemning acts of white supremacy on this campus and making it clear that they do not support white supremacy and making clear through their actions that certain behaviour is not OK and that certain behaviour will have consequences , and actual , written-down consequences if this is to happen.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in slavery , including the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2018 .


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Higher red snapper ‘target’ for charter boats now permanent

NEW ORLEANS - After Gulf of Mexico charter boat captains stayed within federal limits for red snapper , regulators are making permanent a rule that lets them catch more of the fish .
The rule initially was to be just for one year .
The change will likely mean that the 2020 charter boat season for red snapper is seven or eight days longer than it otherwise would have been , according to an announcement Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ’ s fisheries division .
The popular sport and table fish is recovering from disastrous overfishing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ red snapper out there .
So the more days they give us the better , ” said Brett Ryan of New Orleans , who runs charters out of Venice .
Regulators have been setting the “ catch target ” at 20 % below the maximum considered allowable , as a buffer against taking too many .
Charter captains have only once gone over their target , so the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management council cut last year ’ s buffer to 9 % .
That smaller buffer will become permanent March 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , it would have reverted to 20 % , limiting charter boats to 2.5 million pounds ( 1.1 kilograms ) .
The rule change means charter boats will be able to take more than 2.8 million pounds ( nearly 1.3 million kilograms ) of red snapper from the Gulf this year .
Recreational red snapper catches were a contentious issue for years , with seasons getting shorter even as fish got bigger and more numerous .
NOAA Fisheries said anglers regularly went far over their limits , and each year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following year ’ s Gulf-wide catch limit .
State regulators said federal estimates of anglers ’ catches were far too high .
Since 2018 , Alabama , Mississippi , Florida , Louisiana and Texas have set seasons and tracked catches for anglers on private boats .
Each state is assigned a total weight limit and must close its season when it reaches that amount .
That system , originally a two-year experiment , was made permanent this year .
NOAA Fisheries has continued to regulate commercial and charter boat catches .
The charter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the overall recreational sector .
In 2015 NOAA fisheries split the recreational share between private anglers and federally licensed charter captains .
When state regulation began in 2018 , NOAA Fisheries kept authority over “ head boats .
”

Janet McConnaughey - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Good Samaritan survives 75-foot fall off highway bridge

SALISBURY , N.C. - A FedEx driver who stopped to help a stranded driver on a North Carolina highway fell 75 feet ( 23 metres ) from a bridge and survived .
Jeremiah Cribb , 24 , was driving a FedEx truck early Wednesday morning on Interstate 85 in Rowan County when he saw a driver stranded in the fast lane , news outlets reported .
Cribb said he got out to help the driver but soon noticed a tractor-trailer barrelling toward them , so he jumped out of the way to avoid getting hit .
Cribb thought he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same height but instead jumped off the Yadkin River Bridge and landed on a sandbar 75 feet ( 23 metres ) below .
“ When I realized he was going to hit the car , which he did , … I just reacted .
It ’ s pitch black dark .
I was thinking I was hopping over a median , ” Cribb said .
“ I just started free-falling.
” Salisbury firefighter Jacob Vodochodsky rappelled down the bridge and initially thought Cribb was paralyzed , but found him able to stand .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cribb was able to get into a harness to be pulled to safety , Vodochodsky said .
“ To be honest , ( it ’ s ) entirely miraculous , ” Salisbury Fire Battalion Chief Nicholas Martin said .
“ We would not anticipate the outcome from such a fall would be so positive.
” Cribb has three fractured ribs and a collapsed lung .
He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days .
“ I was not supposed to get up , “ Cribb said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive.
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--White nationalist to remain in jail for now

CONCORD , N.H. - A leading white nationalist will remain behind bars on charges of extortion and interstate threats after a hearing Thursday to determine he could be released was continued until next week .
Christopher Cantwell , who rose to prominence in 2017 after a violent rally in Charlottesville , Virginia , pleaded not guilty in January to federal charges that he threatened to rape the wife of a person with whom he was having a dispute .
The indictment alleges that Cantwell threatened to injure another person if the victim did not provide him with personal information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained in detention ever since and his trial is set for March .
His detention hearing will resume Tuesday .
In Thursday ’ s hearing and in court filings , federal prosecutors argued Cantwell should remain in jail .
Among the reasons was a history of “ contempt for bail conditions , ” his use of secure communication tools , his violent history and drug use .
Prosecutors , over the repeated objections of Cantwell ’ s lawyer , focused much of the hearing on the allegations of violence and drug use .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlottesville that featured Cantwell talking about violence and an audio recording of him talking about taking methamphetamine and several other drugs .
They also said 16 weapons were seized from Cantwell ’ s house in Keene when he was arrested and one from his car .
They also cited a social media post in which Cantwell talked about bringing a gun to a showing of the movie “ Joker.
” The post , prosecutors said , was spotted by the FBI who alerted Keene police .
Officers went to a theatre showing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gun .
sitting by an exit .
He was escorted out of the theatre without incident and told police the post was a joke .
It was unclear if any charges were filed in that incident .
Cantwell also pleaded guilty in 2018 to assault after he was accused of using pepper spray against two counterprotesters during the Charlottesville rally in 2017 .
Cantwell , who has hosted self-produced radio shows , also has a history of posting threatening messages over social media .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Trapped paraglider rescued from power lines in California

OLIVEHURST , Calif. - A paraglider spent three hours trapped in power lines before being rescued in northern California .
The paraglider , who was not immediately identified , was facing the ground with the wires as his only support when first responders arrived Wednesday night , according to officials with the Olivehurst Fire Department .
Olivehurst is about 40 miles ( 64 kilometres ) north of Sacramento .
He got stuck while trying to land at the Yuba County airport during a training exercise , officials said .
No major injuries were reported .
Power was cut to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crews worked to save the man , authorities said .
“ The difficulty was making sure that the lines were de-energized to make sure that our firefighters were safe before we could make patient contact , ” said Battalion Chief Randy York .
“ Letting him know to stay in contact with the aircraft and not to reach out and touch us so that the aircraft stayed still , ” York said .
“ He ’ s exhausted but all his vitals seem to be stable.
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--1 trillion euros: EU leaders get into big fight over budget

BRUSSELS - European leaders argued into the early hours of Friday about how to spend and share some 1 trillion euros ( $ 1.1 trillion ) over the next seven years .
Their first summit since Britain quit the EU last month has been bruising , long — and so far inconclusive .
Gaps and resentments between wealthy and poorer members quickly surfaced as presidents and prime ministers from the European Union ’ s 27 countries gathered Thursday in Brussels .
The unity they showed during four years of Brexit talks was nowhere to be seen as they wrangled over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who should pay for its ambitions .
From farm subsidies to beefed-up border security or unprecedented climate investment , every EU leader wants the continent-wide budget to fund their own national priorities .
Outside the summit centre , farmers rolled tractors down the street to push their demands for sufficient funds .
“ I don ’ t plan to put my signature to this , “ Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said of the latest compromise budget proposal .
All came in for the long haul , and Rutte was prepared , carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get him through the long hours of negotiations .
Each leader laid out priorities at a collective round-table meeting , and then EU Council President Charles Michel met with each leader one by one to discuss their grievances and demands , officials said .
The summit stretched past midnight with no breakthrough in sight .
The Greek leader wants a bigger budget .
The Finnish leader wants it smaller .
France wants more money for joint defence .
Lithuania wants more money for farmers .
Meanwhile , concerns are growing about potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of euros in funds granted to companies linked to some of the very people deciding how the money should be spent .
Diplomats and number-crunchers have worked on the budget for years but the issues are so divisive that the leaders ’ summit might last into Saturday and still end without a result .
“ There are lot of concerns , priorities , and interests , “ Michel said .
“ I ’ m well aware that the final steps that must be taken to find a compromise are always the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said she hoped “ we get at least a good deal further , “ but was forthright in defending the wealthy nations that put more into the shared EU budget than they get out of it .
“ For net contributors the balance is not right yet.
” The EU nations need to regroup after Britain ’ s departure three weeks ago , and a show of unity on their common budget could help in that regard .
“ With Great Britain leaving , it is a clear signal we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive and well and we can continue functioning , “ said Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins .
Prospects of that don ’ t look good .
Britain ’ s exit means the loss of up to 75 billions euros ( $ 81 billion ) in net contributions to the budget , and how to make up for that is causing friction .
Leaders of rich nations don ’ t want to have to pay more into that common EU pot , and those from poorer member states are angry at the prospect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even if a trillion euros ( $ 1.1 trillion ) sounds like a lot , it actually amounts to about 1 % of the gross national income of the 27 nations combined .
The debate is over some 0.3 percentage points .
Michel came into the summit with a draft budget at 1.074 % of EU gross national income .
The parliament wants 1.3 % , while the EU ’ s powerful executive arm , the European Commission , prefers 1.11 % .
It ’ s not just about convincing reluctant member countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament must also ratify any final budget agreement and the EU lawmakers are not happy .
“ At the moment , we remain 230 billion euros ( $ 248 billion ) apart , “ European Parliament President David Sassoli said this week .
Ahead of the negotiations , the 27 member nations are roughly divided into two main camps .
The so-called “ Frugal Four ” of Austria , Denmark , Rutte ’ s the Netherlands and Sweden versus the “ Friends of Cohesion , ” a group of mainly central and eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued flow of “ cohesion funds , ” money earmarked to help develop poorer regions .
The frugal four would like the budget to drop to as low as 1 % of gross national income and say that with the loss of Britain the EU has to cut its coat according to its cloth .
French President Emmanuel Macron wants to go the other way .
“ ” It would be unacceptable to have a Europe that compensates the departure of the British by reducing spending.
“ Complicating things further is the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While climate change was largely a technical matter during the last budget negotiations seven years ago , this time the EU is planning to spend a quarter of its budget on green issues , hoping to set an example for governments around the world .
Associated Press writer Lorne Cook contributed to this report .

Raf Casert And Angela Charlton - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Report: Intel officials say Russia boosting Trump candidacy

WASHINGTON - Intelligence officials say Russia is interfering with the 2020 election to try to help President Donald Trump get reelected , The New York Times reported Thursday .
The Times said intelligence officials told lawmakers about the interference in a Feb. 13 closed-door briefing to the House Intelligence Committee .
It said the disclosure angered Trump , who complained the Democrats would use the information against him .
He berated the outgoing director of national intelligence , Joseph Maguire , the next day .
The Times attributed the report to five unidentified people familiar with the matter .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account .
U.S. intelligence agencies say Russia interfered in the 2016 election through social media campaigns and stealing and distributing emails from Democratic accounts .
They say Russia was trying to boost Trump ’ s campaign and add chaos to the American political process .
Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russian interference was “ sweeping and systematic , ” but he did not find a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign .
Trump has doubted the findings of Russian interference .
In the House briefing , Trump ’ s allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official , Shelby Pierson , who delivered the conclusions , saying Trump has been tough on Russia , the Times reported .
But Trump has also spoken warmly of Russian leader Vladimir Putin and withdrawn troops from areas , like Syria , where Moscow could fill the vacuum .
He delayed military aid last year to Ukraine , a Russian adversary — a decision that was at the core of his impeachment proceedings .
The Times said Trump was angry that the House briefing was made before the panel ’ s chairman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment proceedings .
Trump on Thursday formally appointed Richard Grenell , the U.S. ambassador to Germany and a loyal supporter , to replace Maguire as the new acting director of national intelligence .
Maguire was required to step down soon under federal law governing acting appointments .
The Times cited two administration officials as saying the timing , after the intelligence briefing , was coincidental .
At an open hearing this month , FBI Director Christopher Wray told the House Judiciary Committee that Russia was engaged in “ information warfare ” heading into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement had not seen efforts to target America ’ s infrastructure .
He said Russia is relying on a covert social media campaign to divide the American public and sow discord .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Wounded but defiant, Bloomberg promises to keep fighting

SALT LAKE CITY - His aura suddenly shattered , a defiant Michael Bloomberg sent a pointed message Thursday to a political world grappling with his underwhelming presidential debate debut : He ’ s not going away .
The New York ultra-billionaire lashed out at leading Democratic rival Bernie Sanders and President Donald Trump , addressing voters face to face in the Super Tuesday state of Utah .
That was just hours after struggling to answer dangerous yet predictable questions about his record on race , gender and wealth during a nationally televised beatdown that rattled would-be supporters and thrilled critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t go easy in his own review of the Las Vegas debate : “ How was your night last night ?
Look , the real winner in the debate last night was Donald Trump , ” Bloomberg told a crowd of several hundred in Utah ’ s largest city .
But then he added : “ He thinks I ’ m going to go away .
Wrong , Donald.
“ Though never onstage with his rivals before Wednesday night , the former New York mayor has built support in national polls though huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a campaign finance report Thursday that reminded rivals in both parties of his indisputable advantage in the 2020 contest : Money .
Specifically , the man worth an estimated $ 60 billion reported spending $ 409 million through the first nine weeks of his presidential campaign , including $ 220 million last month alone .
Still , there were signs that his debate performance shook the confidence of would-be supporters who , just 24 hours earlier , believed Bloomberg might be the ideal candidate for the Democratic Party ’ s anxious establishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new reality began to settle in , at least among some prominent donors and political operatives , who acknowledged a stark divide between the strength of Bloomberg-the-brand and Bloomberg-the-candidate .
“ I ’ ve never seen a billionaire get disemboweled before , but good God , that was bad , ” said Boyd Brown , a South Carolina-based Democratic strategist who was considering backing Bloomberg earlier in the week .
“ I don ’ t see how he bounces back from that.
” Rufus Gifford , a leading fundraiser for both of Barack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ As a Biden supporter but also someone who respects Mayor Bloomberg , he did nothing last night that encouraged me to look in a different direction.
” Trump and his allies were downright giddy .
Former Trump senior adviser Steve Bannon said he ’ s not dismissing Bloomberg after one debate given his extraordinary political assets — organization , a sophisticated data operation and an unlimited bank account — yet the “ myth of Bloomberg “ has been replaced by a new reality .
“ Elizabeth Warren skinned him alive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can ’ t beat Fauxcahontas in February , you ’ re not going to beat Donald Trump in October , ” Bannon said .
The leading Republican strategist said it was “ malpractice by his senior advisers ” to put Bloomberg onstage before the March 3 Super Tuesday primaries since Bloomberg won ’ t be on the ballot until then .
Those senior advisers declined to respond to requests for comment , though immediately after the debate , campaign manager Kevin Sheekey noted that Bloomberg hadn ’ t debated in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warming up , “ Sheekey said .
Meanwhile , Bloomberg ’ s Democratic rivals were seeking to capitalize on his struggles .
During an appearance outside Las Vegas , Warren said , “ Last night was a lot of fun , ” because Bloomberg was held accountable .
“ I have really had it with billionaires , regardless of party , who think that the rules don ’ t apply to them , ” she said .
In the debate , Warren pressed Bloomberg to say how many nondisclosure agreements his company has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of harassment .
She leaned in further on Thursday , saying that when women complain , Bloomberg can “ throw a little money on it , put a little gag in the woman ’ s mouth.
” Back at Bloomberg ’ s event in Utah , organizers offered voters free coffee and fruit plates .
In his speech , the former New York City mayor assailed only one fellow Democrat , Sanders , the self-described democratic socialist who has emerged as the front-runner in the party ’ s nomination fight .
Bloomberg warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the way to nominating somebody who can not win in November .
And if we choose a candidate who appeals to a small base like Sen. Sanders it will be a fatal error.
” And ignoring his own poor debate debut , he declared himself best positioned to defeat Trump in this fall ’ s general election .
“ We all know that Trump is a bully .
But I say , I ’ m a New Yorker , and I know how to deal with bullies .
I did it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
” I ’ m not afraid of Trump and he knows it .
And he sees our poll numbers and he is scared.
” Voters won ’ t have a chance to prove Bloomberg right or wrong until March 3 , also known as Super Tuesday , when he will appear on a ballot for the first time .
Utah voter Jo Parrish , a 66-year-old retired residential appraiser , waited in line in the cold to see Bloomberg on Thursday .
Holding a cup of coffee passed out by the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden but fears that Trump ’ s unfounded attacks against his son have taken their toll .
A self-described moderate Democrat , Parrish said Sanders isn ’ t too liberal for her personally , but she ’ s not sure he can beat Trump .
Bloomberg ’ s debate performance didn ’ t scare her away from Bloomberg .
“ I watched the debate , I thought he got picked on , ” Parrish said .
“ He didn ’ t come across real personable , but I don ’ t care if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as he can beat Trump.
” Peoples reported from Washington .
AP writer Brian Slodysko in Washington and Jonathan Cooper in Las Vegas contributed .

Steve Peoples And Lindsay Whitehurst - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-20--Trump savoring scrambled Dem race, Bloomberg’s debate debut

COLORADO SPRINGS , Colo. - President Donald Trump would like to freeze the moment .
He had relished watching a fractious Democratic debate .
He had soaked in affirmation at a rally .
And he was spending the night at one of his hotels , on the Las Vegas Strip .
Trump , making a rare four-day swing through the West , was exuding reelection confidence Thursday after the prior night ’ s prize fight of a debate in Las Vegas .
He reveled in the intra-party squabbling and the weak debut debate performance turned in by former New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aides and allies .
When Trump woke up Thursday morning in his gilded Las Vegas hotel , his base during the four-state western trip , he tuned in to the post-debate coverage and displayed his glee .
Repurposing one of Bloomberg ’ s own quotes about the Democratic infighting , Trump tweeted : “ The real winner last night was Donald Trump.
” He tacked on his own coda : “ I agree !
” The night before , after his own campaign rally in Phoenix , Trump summoned reporters to his office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in watching a replay of the debate on the return flight to Las Vegas .
His motorcade jammed up traffic for more than a half hour as it passed the casino that had hosted the Democrats ’ debate in the lead-up to the party caucuses in Nevada on Saturday .
Trump arrived in Colorado Springs on Thursday afternoon for his third campaign rally in three days .
But his preoccupation with the scrambled nomination race for the Democrats seeking to replace him has been clear throughout the trip .
Bloomberg has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Trump since the ultra-billionaire entered the fray in November and spent more than $ 400 million , which rocketed him in the polls in just three months .
Trump ’ s campaign poll numbers have improved since his impeachment trial wrapped up in January and his campaign has broken fundraising records , raising $ 60 million in January and $ 14 million this week in California alone .
But Bloomberg ’ s willingness to spend near-unlimited sums to defeat Trump this fall , and the mocking tone of many of his ads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s campaign had organized itself around the strategy that it would be able to paint any rival as an extreme liberal , a “ socialist ” or worse , and concerns mounted that strategists would have to come up with a different plan should Bloomberg win the nomination .
Trump ’ s team saw the debate as validating his reelection strategy and providing a fresh opening for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , a self-described Democratic socialist , to gain a significant delegate lead on Super Tuesday .
The president was hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders ’ rise would only further fracture the Democratic Party .
“ We don ’ t care who the hell it is , ” Trump boasted Wednesday .
“ We ’ re going to win.
” Trump on Thursday placed a round of calls to confidants , echoing the thoughts he had posted on Twitter — at times with more colorful language — and opining that Bloomberg did not appear ready for the moment , according to two Republicans close to the White House who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations .
Long insecure about Bloomberg ’ s wealth , Trump told confidants that the debate proved money alone did not lead to his own electoral success .
His eldest son echoed the thought as he tweeted during the debate .
“ Like a deer in the headlights !
Like I said last week Mini , you can ’ t buy personality or wit and the whole world just saw it , ” Donald Trump Jr. wrote .
Between three rallies and a pair of high-dollar fundraisers , Trump sought to use his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered on campaign promises and appealed to key demographics .
On Wednesday , he ceremoniously signed new environmental regulations that eased water restrictions on farmers in the heavily Republican California Central Valley .
On Thursday , Trump spoke to a graduating class of ex-prisoners in a renewed appeal to communities of colour , as he championed his administration ’ s work on criminal justice reform .
“ Your future does not have to be defined by the mistakes of your past , ” Trump told the graduates , before turning to political topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to rally support for Republican Sen. Cory Gardner , who is considered one of the most vulnerable senators seeking reelection this year .
A large crowd gathered early to get the best spots , and many ended up getting turned away despite standing out in the cold for more than three hours because the arena was full .
About 80 protesters chanting “ No more Trump , ” some ringing cowbells , lined the street outside the Broadmoor World Arena .
They obscured a Trump merchandise stand with unsold T-shirts , hats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only identified herself as Viola smiled resignedly .
“ I haven ’ t sold a thing .
I might have to pack up , ” she said .
Associated Press staff writer James Anderson contributed to this report .
Lemire reported from Washington .

Zeke Miller And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press