thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Pelosi and Mnuchin have ‘extensive’ talks on COVID relief

WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held an “ extensive conversation “ Wednesday on a huge COVID-19 rescue package , meeting face to face for the first time in more than a month in a last-ditch effort to seal a tentative accord on an additional round of coronavirus relief .
After a 90-minute meeting in the Capitol , Pelosi issued a statement saying the two would continue to talk .
“ We found areas where we are seeking further clarification , “ she said .
Talks resume Thursday .
“ We made a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We still don ’ t have an agreement , “ Mnuchin said after meeting with Pelosi and briefing top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell .
At the very least , the positive tone set by Pelosi and Mnuchin represented an improvement over earlier statements .
But there is still a considerable gulf between the two sides , McConnell said .
“ I ’ ve seen substantial movement , yes , and certainly the rhetoric has changed , ” White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said .
In an appearance on Fox Business Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first serious discussions with Pelosi in “ several weeks “ and said he is raising his offer into “ the neighbourhood ” of $ 1.5 trillion .
That ’ s well above what many Senate Republicans want but would probably be acceptable to GOP pragmatists and senators in difficult races .
After initially saying the Democratic-controlled chamber would vote Wednesday night on a $ 2.2 trillion relief bill — a debate that would have been partisan and possibly unproductive — Pelosi made an about-face and postponed the vote until Thursday in hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathing room .
At issue is a long-delayed package that would extend another round of $ 1,200 direct stimulus payments , restore bonus pandemic jobless benefits , speed aid to schools and extend assistance to airlines , restaurants and other struggling businesses .
A landmark $ 2 trillion relief bill in March passed with sweeping support and is credited with helping the economy through the spring and summer , but worries are mounting that the recovery may sputter without additional relief .
Mnuchin said Wednesday morning that he would tender a new offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago by the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus .
That proposal was previously rejected by Pelosi and other top Democrats as inadequate .
It totals about $ 1.5 trillion and would provide additional jobless benefits if unemployment remains unacceptably high .
The “ top line “ limit upon which Pelosi , the Trump administration and Senate Republicans might be able to agree has been a subject of considerable speculation .
Pelosi had drawn a hard line until recently , and talks have foundered , but failure now could mean there wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially if Trump loses his reelection bid .
Pelosi has never had a reputation for leaving large sums of money on the table .
Pelosi and Mnuchin have ramped up talks in recent days but remain far apart .
The two have worked effectively together in the past and were key forces on the “ CARES Act “ in March , but the bipartisan spirit that drove that measure into law has all but evaporated .
Neither side has publicly offered the kind of concessions that would generate tangible momentum .
McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very far apart , “ though he spoke before being briefed on the Mnuchin-Pelosi meeting .
GOP congressional aides said the two sides are not close , even as administration officials like Meadows and Mnuchin sounded more optimistic .
Even if Pelosi and Mnuchin were able to reach a tentative agreement on “ top line “ spending levels , dozens of nettlesome details would need to be worked out .
A particularly difficult issue , Pelosi told her colleagues earlier in the day , remains McConnell ’ s insistence on a liability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they reopen their doors .
“ Let ’ s see if we can get a compromise agreement with the Speaker , something that works , and then we ’ ll continue to work with both sides on all the exact language and the policies , ” Mnuchin said earlier .
Pelosi has sold her latest bill as an attempt to establish a negotiating position that might boost the negotiations .
A more skeptical take is that the Speaker is trying to placate party moderates who protested that she has been too inflexible in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse of aid talks this summer and earlier this month .
It would revive a $ 600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit and send a second round of direct payments to most individuals .
It would scale back an aid package to state and local governments to a still-huge $ 436 billion , send a whopping $ 225 billion to colleges and universities and deliver another round of subsidies to businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program .
Airlines would get another $ 25 billion in aid to prevent a wave of layoffs that are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.6 billion to assist voting during the pandemic , $ 15 billion for the Postal Service and additional billions for treatment and vaccines .
The proposal represents a cutback from a $ 3.4 trillion bill that passed the House in May but remains well above what Senate Republicans are willing to accept .
Republicans have endorsed staying in the $ 650 billion to $ 1 trillion range .
The specific numbers are also fuzzy because both sides are using offset spending cuts or new tax revenues to pay for part of their respective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not scored either the most recent Senate GOP measure or the Democratic plan slated for Wednesday night ’ s vote .


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Venezuelan opposition leader, EU urge delay in election

CARACAS , Venezuela - A popular opposition politician in Venezuela urged authorities on Wednesday to delay upcoming congressional elections , saying it ’ s the only way to create free and fair conditions for the vote .
The call by former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles came hours after the European Union made a similar plea , reiterating that it won ’ t send observers to Venezuela without postponing the vote and seeing a vast improvement in electoral conditions .
“ If it ’ s postponed , does that automatically mean there will be the right conditions ?
” Capriles said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it allows for the possibility of an observation mission.
” At stake in the vote now set for Dec. 6 is control of the National Assembly .
The legislative body is controlled by an opposition coalition led by U.S.-backed politician Juan Guaidó .
A loss of the chamber could erase the opposition ’ s last hold power , putting all branches of government under President Nicolás Maduro ’ s control .
A month earlier , Capriles , 48 , said he ’ d back candidates in the election , breaking with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rigged the election .
Guadó also claims presidential powers as head of the National Assembly in a campaign to oust Maduro .
For his part , Maduro sees the election as an opportunity to rid Venezuela of opponents , who he said are dead-set on stirring violence and handing over Venezuela ’ s vast oil wealth to what he calls the imperialist United States .
“ Come rain , thunder or lightning , on December 6 will will hold the parliamentary elections , ” Maduro said in a recent TV address .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss the possibility of delaying the vote .
In a statement released early Wednesday , the coalition of 27 European nations said it won ’ t send observers to Venezuela unless the election is both postponed and better conditions are guaranteed .
“ Beyond the immediate issue of legislative elections , the long-term objective remains the path to democracy , ” the EU statement said .
“ It is the time for bold Venezuelan-owned decisions in support of a peaceful and democratic transition .
”

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada
Postal Code


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Seagram’s heir sentenced to prison in branded sex slave case

NEW YORK - An heir to the Seagram ’ s liquor fortune was sentenced Wednesday to an 81-month prison term and immediately thrown behind bars for her role as an unwavering benefactor of Keith Raniere , the disgraced self-improvement guru convicted of turning women into sex slaves who were branded with his initials .
U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis gave Clare Bronfman the harsh sentence at a hearing lasting more than three hours and featuring emotional statements from several victims gathered in a courtroom under strict coronavirus safety protocols .
The judge repeatedly scolded Clare Bronfman for standing by Raniere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even after the evidence made clear she eventually became aware of his sex-trafficking scheme .
With that knowledge , she “ could have distanced herself from him , ” the judge said , his bench fitted with a sheet of plexiglass .
“ Instead , she chose to double down on her support of Raniere.
” Before hearing the sentence , the 41 year-old Bronfman had told the judge in a soft voice that she was thankful for the prayers of her supporters .
“ It doesn ’ t mean I haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes , ” said Bronfman without mentioning Raniere .
The sentence far exceeded the three years probation sought by the defence and even the five years the government wanted for Bronfman , who had been under home confinement .
She also was fined $ 500,000 .
Bronfman , 41 , admitted in a guilty plea last year that she harboured someone who was living in the U.S. illegally for unpaid “ labour and services ” and that she committed credit card fraud on behalf of Raniere .
But her lawyers had argued she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in the case ’ s most disturbing allegations against the 60-year-old Raniere .
At trial where Rainere was found guilty last year , prosecutors told jurors his organization , NXIVM — pronounced NEHK-see-uhm — operated like a cult whose members called him “ Vanguard.
” To honour him , the group formed a secret sorority comprised of brainwashed female “ slaves ” who were branded with his initials and forced to have sex with him , the prosecutors said .
Bronfman had long been affiliated with NXIVM , giving away tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his program of intense self-improvement workshops that prosecutors labeled a pyramid scheme .
Ex-followers told the judge on Wednesday that for years , Bronfman has used her wealth to try to silence NXIVM defectors .
Barbara Bouchey , a former Raniere girlfriend who worked as a financial planner for Bronfman before quitting the group , described how Bronfman used lawyers to threaten litigation and seek false criminal charges .
She claimed the harassment has continued even as the defendant was approaching sentencing .
“ You ’ ve been under house arrest for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bouchey said through tears .
“ Will you never stop ?
” A victim of the forced-labour scheme , an immigrant who didn ’ t give her name , described how Bronfman lured her into the group with the promise of a good job , only to find herself being threatened with visa problems if she didn ’ t do menial chores for little pay and endure Raniere ’ s exploits .
At one point , Bronfman addressed the woman directly , saying , “ I truly hope you can forgive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The judge berated Bronfman for the remark while imposing the sentence , suggesting it fit an unchecked pattern of manipulation that left him “ speechless.
” Along with Bronfman , Raniere ’ s teachings won him the devotion of Hollywood actresses like Allison Mack of TV ’ s “ Smallville.
” Mack also has pleaded guilty and , like Rainere , is awaiting sentencing .
As part of a plea agreement , Bronfman agreed to forfeit $ 6 million from a fortune prosecutors have said is worth $ 200 million .


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--8th federal execution since July scheduled for Nov. 19

CHICAGO - A Black death-row inmate who was convicted of kidnapping and killing a Texas teenager in 1994 has been scheduled for execution in November , the Justice Department announced Wednesday .
If the lethal injection goes ahead as scheduled Nov. 19 , Orlando Hall would be the eighth person executed this year as part of the Trump administration ’ s resumption of federal executions after a nearly two-decade pause .
Hall , 49 , was one of five men who prosecutors said kidnapped 16-year-old Lisa Rene from her home in Arlington , Texas , to get revenge on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marijuana deal .
Over two days , she was taken to Arkansas , gang-raped , bludgeoned with a shovel and buried alive .
Hall ’ s lawyers said in a statement that their client is scheduled to die by lethal injection Nov. 19 at a federal prison in Terre Haute , Indiana .
The Department of Justice confirmed that information .
Last week , Christopher Vialva , 40 , another Black federal death-row inmate , was put to death at the same facility for killing a religious couple visiting Texas from Iowa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Widder and Robert C. Owen said Hall was sentenced to death on the recommendation of an all-white jury .
The lawyers said the selection of those jurors displayed racial bias .
Vialva ’ s lawyer , Susan Otto , also said race played a role in landing her client on death row .
Prosecutors say Rene was dragged from the family ’ s apartment as she pleaded with a 911 operator .
“ They ’ re trying to break down my door !
Hurry up !
” she said , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lawyers said he never denied his role in Rene ’ s killing and that Hall ’ s expressions of remorse showed he “ is not among the ‘ worst of the worst ’ for whom the death penalty is properly reserved.
“ Jurors who decided his fate , they contend , weren ’ t aware of the severe trauma Hall experienced growing up and how he had once saved his 3-year-old nephew from drowning by leaping from a balcony to rescue the boy at a motel pool .
“ Had jurors known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is every reason to believe they would have spared his life , despite his admitted involvement in a terrible crime , ” the lawyers ’ statement said .
Vialva ’ s Sept. 24 execution was the seventh federal execution since July and the second in that week .
Five of the first six to die were white , which critics argued was a political calculation to avoid uproar .
The sixth was Navajo .
Questions about racial bias in the criminal justice system have been front and centre since May , following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on the handcuffed Black man ’ s neck for several minutes .
A recent report by the Washington , D.C.-based Death Penalty Information Center said Black people remain overrepresented on death rows and that Black people who kill white people are far more likely to be sentenced to death than white people who kill Black people .
Of the 55 inmates currently on federal death row , nearly 50 % are Black , according to centre data updated Wednesday ; round 40 % , are white and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one Asian on federal death row .
Black people make up only about 13 % of the population .
Federal authorities executed just three prisoners in the previous 56 years .
Death penalty foes accuse President Donald Trump of restarting them to help stake a claim as the law-and-order candidate in the Nov. 3 election .

Michael Tarm And Michael Balsamo - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Clock running out before some airlines begin furloughs

Airline employees and executives made 11th-hour appeals Wednesday for Congress to approve billions more in federal aid to avert thousands of layoffs that are scheduled to start Thursday .
U.S. passenger airlines and their labour unions are lobbying for another $ 25 billion in taxpayer money to pay workers for six more months , though next March .
Their request is tied up in stalled negotiations over a larger pandemic-relief measure .
Industry officials acknowledged that prospects were bleak for action before Thursday ’ s deadline .
They said , however , they were cheered that the House this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.2 trillion relief plan that moved closer to Republicans ’ preference for a lower price tag .
“ It provides a glimmer of hope that something will get done , ” said Nicholas Calio , president of the trade group Airlines for America .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday that the administration wants to help hotels , airlines and schools .
He said he was talking with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi but hinted that the White House doesn ’ t want to go above about $ 1.5 trillion — $ 700 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t think we ’ re going to make significant progress “ until Thursday , he said on Fox Business .
Calio suggested that Thursday might not be a hard deadline — airlines could reverse some furloughs if a deal between the White House and congressional Democrats appeared imminent .
“ Ideally , if it ’ s going to go beyond Thursday they will be close to a deal and say , ‘ Hang on for a couple days , ’ and we can wait , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone and furloughs will go into effect.
” Sara Nelson , president of the Association of Flight Attendants , said she still expects action by Congress because majorities in the House and Senate have signalled support for more airline relief .
She said a bailout that keeps airline workers employed would be cheaper for the government than putting them on the unemployment line during a pandemic .
“ These are people who are not going to be able to pay their rent , they are not going to be able to take care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNBC .
American Airlines is expected to furlough about 19,000 workers , United says it will cut nearly 12,000 , and several thousand more employees at smaller carriers have received layoff warnings .
Delta and Southwest have shed thousands of jobs through voluntary departures but don ’ t plan to lay off workers immediately .
Airlines have persuaded tens of thousands of employees to take early retirement or severance deals .
But even after those offers , the airlines have more pilots , flight attendants , mechanics and other workers than they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get special treatment , and that subsidizing their workforces will only delay the companies ’ need to adjust to the downturn in travel — which even airline trade groups think will last three or four years .
“ The airlines are always the first ones begging for support .
They get bailed out over and over again , “ Veronique de Rugy , a research fellow at George Mason University and columnist for a libertarian magazine , said in a recent interview .
“ Airlines have a history of not preparing properly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to be bailed out.
” In March , Congress approved $ 25 billion mostly in grants to cover passenger airline payrolls through September and up to another $ 25 billion in loans that the airlines could use for other purposes .
Late Tuesday , the Treasury Department said it completed loans to seven major airlines : American , United , Alaska , JetBlue , Frontier , Hawaiian and SkyWest .
American now expects to borrow $ 5.5 billion from the Treasury , and United can get $ 5.17 billion .
Airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They could use that money to keep employees — as critics like de Rugy suggest they should — but they are trying to cut spending in case ticket revenue remains severely depressed for a long time .
U.S. air travel remains down nearly 70 % from a year ago .
Signs of a modest recovery faded this summer when COVID-19 cases spiked in many states .
Traditionally lucrative business and international travel are even weaker than domestic leisure flying .


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Board: Puerto Rico education agency paid $84M to non-workers

SAN JUAN , Puerto Rico - A federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico ’ s finances announced Wednesday that it has contacted federal and local law enforcement agencies after discovering the island ’ s Department of Education paid more than $ 84 million to people who no longer work there .
The payments were made from 2007 to 2020 , with the department recovering only 15 % of that money so far , said Natalie Jaresko , the board ’ s executive director .
She noted the agency only recently implemented an electronic attendance system even though it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , adding that she didn ’ t know what amount of funds might have been erroneously distributed .
Jaresko asked that all those who were paid even though they no longer worked for the agency voluntarily return the money , adding that it ’ s “ very possible ” people collected the checks of workers who died .
An estimated 17,500 former employees overall received checks , she said .
“ Payroll must be paid only to those who earn their salaries , ” she said , calling the situation a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know if federal funds were involved .
Puerto Rico continues to restructure a portion of its more than $ 70 billion public debt load amid an economic crisis , the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to rebuild from hurricanes and earthquakes .
Jaresko said the board first investigated the Department of Education because it is the largest government agency , with some 40,000 employees , representing 40 % of government workers .
More investigations into other agencies will follow , she said .
Education Secretary Eligio Hernández said in a statement that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is co-operating .
He said the agency is still trying to recover the remaining money and that for the past 13 years it has been transitioning from a manual attendance system to a digital one .
The department has long struggled with bureaucracy and blamed its problems on limited resources .
Jaresko noted that money was taken away from other public agencies last year and given to the Department of Education because it had insufficient funds for payroll .
Jaresko said Puerto Rico ’ s government as a whole does not require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance , noting that employees who don ’ t punch in still get paid .
The board wants to implement an automated system linked to payroll this year that will be mandatory to use to avoid similar situations .
“ This is not one administration , one political party , “ she said .
“ This is a systemic problem.
” Also on Wednesday , the island ’ s comptroller ’ s office announced that the heavily indebted Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority spent $ 192 million on buying land or developing projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than $ 62 million alone was invested in a proposed natural gas pipeline , a project that was cancelled more than a decade ago .
Investigators also accused the company of not adhering to transparency standards , noting that it had not published on its website nearly 200 contracts and amendments worth more than $ 1.9 billion .
Efran Paredes , the company ’ s interim director , said in a statement that the agency ’ s internal audit department is evaluating the findings and recommendations to improve and correct what ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will adopt the corrective measures sought by the comptroller ’ s office .
Puerto Rico ’ s power company has long blamed problems including ongoing outages and lack of maintenance on limited resources .


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--US says it will block palm oil from large Malaysian producer

The United States will block shipments of palm oil from a major Malaysian producer that feeds into the supply chains of iconic U.S. food and cosmetic brands .
It found indicators of forced labour , including concerns about child workers , along with other abuses such as physical and sexual violence .
The order against FGV Holdings Berhad , one of Malaysia ’ s largest palm oil companies and a joint-venture partner with American consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble , went into effect Wednesday , said Brenda Smith , executive assistant commissioner at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , announced a week after The Associated Press exposed major labour abuses in Malaysia ’ s palm oil industry , was triggered by a petition filed last year by non-profit organizations .
“ We would urge the U.S. importing community again to do their due diligence , ” Smith said , adding companies should look at their palm oil supply chains .
“ We would also encourage U.S. consumers to ask questions about where their products come from.
” Malaysia is the world ’ s second largest producer of palm oil .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominate the global market , producing 85 per cent of the $ 65 billion supply .
Palm oil and its derivatives from FGV , and closely connected Malaysian state-owned Felda , makes its way into the supply chains of major multinationals .
They include Nestle , L ’ Oreal , and Unilever , according to the companies ’ most recently published supplier and palm oil mill lists .
Several huge Western banks and financial institutions not only pour money directly or indirectly into the palm oil industry , but they hold shares in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out its own year-long probe and combed through reports from nonprofits and the media , including the AP ’ s investigation .
AP reporters interviewed more than 130 former and current workers from eight countries at two dozen palm oil companies — including Felda , which owns about a third of the shares in FGV .
They found everything from unpaid wages to outright slavery and allegations of rape , sometimes involving minors .
They also found stateless Rohingya Muslims , one of the world ’ s most persecuted minorities , had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
Many of the problems detailed by Smith mirrored those found by The AP .
She said the Customs agency found indicators of restriction of movement on plantations , isolation , physical and sexual violence , intimidation and threats , retention of identity documents , withholding of wages , debt bondage , abusive working and living conditions , excessive overtime , and concerns about potential forced child labour .
FGV issued a statement over the weekend outlining its commitment to human rights , including steps it was taking to make sure its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages .
Felda and the Malaysian government did not respond to questions from AP about the findings of its investigation .
“ Despite ongoing criticism and allegations against FGV , we will continue with our effort to strengthen our practices to respect human rights and uphold labour standards , ” FGV said .
“ Our commitment to sustainability is clear , and we are determined to achieve the goals and targets we have set as a responsible and sustainable business.
” FGV Holdings has been under fire for labour abuses in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sustainable Palm Oil certification group two years ago .
The association promotes ethical production -- including the treatment of workers -- with members that include growers , buyers , traders , and environmental watchdogs .
Though Asian banks are by far the most robust financiers of the plantations , Western lenders and investment companies have poured billions of dollars into the industry in recent years , allowing for the razing and replanting of ever-expanding tracts of land .
Some hold shares in FGV itself — including Vanguard Group , BlackRock , Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSBC , and even the California Public Employees ’ Retirement System — according to the financial data analysis firm , Eikon .
The AP did not receive comment from any of those financial institutions on Wednesday , but when asked more broadly about their ties to the palm oil industry last week , most responded by noting their policies vowing to support sustainability practices , with many also incorporating human rights into their guidelines .
Multinational food and cosmetic companies responded in a similar way last week , saying they do not tolerate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately investigate complaints they receive and take action , including suspension of a supplier , if necessary .
This is the first time Customs has issued an order related to palm oil , though shipments from other sectors have been detained after similar investigations into forced labour were conducted .
They include seafood , cotton and human hair pieces believed to have been made by persecuted Uighur Muslims inside Chinese labour camps .
Under Wednesday ’ s order , palm oil products or derivatives traceable to FGV will be detained at U.S. ports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove that the goods were not produced with forced labour , it can be exported .
“ For all these years these companies have refused to pay for remediation or publicly cut ties with FGV , so now the U.S. government has acted for them , ” said Robin Averbeck of the San Francisco-based Rainforest Action Network , which was among a group of nonprofits that filed one of two petitions against FGV last year .
“ Procter & Gamble and other brands must stop paying lip service to human rights and address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for all .
”

Margie Mason And Robin McDowell - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Missing man’s body found 1,500 feet underwater in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE , Calif. - The body of a New Jersey man who went missing in California ’ s Lake Tahoe in mid-August was recovered more than 1,500 feet ( 457 metres ) underwater , officials said .
Authorities began a missing person investigation on Aug. 10 after a boat rented by 29-year-old Ryan Normolye of Closter , New Jersey , washed ashore in Glenbrook , Nevada without him in it , KCRA-TV reported .
Search crews found Normolye ’ s approximate location using his phone ’ s GPS data , but his body wasn ’ t found until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First responders from Tahoe ’ s police and fire departments , the Douglas County Sheriff ’ s and the Washoe County Sheriff ’ s Office started another search operation after Normolye ’ s family enlisted the help of Bruce ’ s Legacy .
Bruce ’ s Legacy is a non-profit organization that specializes in underwater body recoveries .
Normolye ’ s body was 1,565 feet underwater when crews pulled him out Sept. 27 , officials said .
Keith Cormican , founder of Bruce ’ s Legacy , said this is the deepest recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials believe Normolye might have drowned failing to catch up to his boat he jumped off , which was left slightly in gear , moving forward at a slow speed .
His phone had a recording of him jumping off .


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Hospitals feel squeeze as coronavirus spikes in Midwest

MILWAUKEE - The coronavirus tightened its grip on the American heartland , with infections surging in the Midwest , some hospitals in Wisconsin and North Dakota running low on space and the NFL postponing a game over an outbreak that ’ s hit the Tennessee Titans football team .
Midwestern states are seeing some of the nation ’ s highest per capita rates of infection , and while federal health officials again urged some governors in the region to require masks statewide , many Republicans have resisted .
Like other states , health officials in Wisconsin had warned since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals .
That ’ s now happening for some facilities as experts fear a second wave of infections in the U.S. A record number of people with COVID-19 were hospitalized in Wisconsin .
Of those 737 patients Wednesday , 205 were in intensive care , with spikes in cases in northern parts of the state driving up the numbers .
The state also reported its highest single-day number of deaths — 27 — raising the toll to 1,327 .
Officials at ThedaCare , a community health system of seven hospitals , said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their medical centre in Appleton , about 100 miles ( 160 kilometres ) north of Milwaukee .
It ’ s started sending patients to other hospitals some 40 miles ( 64 kilometres ) away .
Wisconsin health officials reported 2,319 new infections , bringing the total number to 122,274 .
In North Dakota , hospitals are adding extra space amid concerns from employees about capacity .
Nearly 678 COVID-19 infections per 100,000 people have been diagnosed over the past two weeks , leading the country for new cases per capita , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Sanford Health hospital unit opened in the capital of Bismarck to add 14 more beds , with nearly half of those for intensive care patients .
The space isn ’ t exclusively for coronavirus patients but could be used to treat them if needed .
Overall , North Dakota has reported 21,846 infections and 247 deaths .
There are 89 people now hospitalized .
The upswing has been seen throughout the Midwest .
Iowa also reported a spike in people hospitalized with the virus , to 390 .
Last week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of coronavirus infections per 100,000 people , according to a White House coronavirus task force report dated Sunday .
It again recommended Iowa require masks statewide , which Republican Gov .
Kim Reynolds has said is unnecessary .
Similarly , Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt , a Republican , has said he won ’ t impose such a requirement .
The task force report found his state is among the worst in the United States for positive coronavirus tests per 100,000 people , up 15 % from a week ago .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased by 980 on Wednesday , with 13 additional deaths , state health officials said .
A total of 1,031 people have died of the virus there .
The strain of the virus in the Midwest comes as President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival , Joe Biden , sparred over the pandemic during the first presidential debate .
Trump defended his handling of the virus , saying he has struck the right balance between preserving the economy and pushing for a vaccine .
Biden criticized Trump for doing too little , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk by being slow to encourage the use of masks and social distancing .
Meanwhile , the NFL decided to postpone a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans after three Titans and five other team personnel tested positive for COVID-19 .
The Titans have closed their facility through at least Friday and will not be able to practice together until Saturday at the earliest .
On Sunday , Tennessee beat the Minnesota Vikings , which have closed their facility through at least Wednesday .
Cleveland Browns centre JC Tretter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak was a reminder that everyone must be more vigilant despite low testing numbers across the league .
“ It ’ s easy to fall into a sense of ease or relax on some of the protocols , ” he said .
“ But the protocols are what ’ s keeping us going , making sure that we ’ re making the right decisions .
… We have been going really smoothly for a long time and now there was some expectation that this was eventually going to happen .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out.
” There have been nearly 34 million confirmed cases worldwide — over 7 million in the United States alone — and more than 1 million deaths , according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University .
But the real number of infections is believed to be much higher .
The U.S. is averaging more than 40,000 new cases a day .
While that ’ s dramatically lower than the peak of nearly 70,000 over the summer , the numbers remain worrisome .
The nation ’ s death toll eclipsed 200,000 this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Across the U.S. , the numbers are determining whether parts of the economy can get going again .
In Hawaii , where infection numbers are low , movie and television productions have started or are scheduled to resume soon .
Work on new seasons of the television shows “ Magnum PI ” and “ Temptation Island ” on Oahu are beginning and other productions are expected to shoot on Maui and the Big Island .
Richmond reported from Milwaukee .
Pane reported from Boise , Idaho .
AP staffers around the United @ @ @ @ @ @

Todd Richmond And Lisa Marie Pane - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Little Rock chief sues officers’ union claiming conspiracy

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
- Little Rock ’ s police chief on Wednesday sued the local police union , two assistant chiefs and several officers , accusing them of conspiring to try and force him out of his job .
The federal lawsuit by Chief Keith Humphrey is the latest round in an escalating public fight within the department that is centred on his response to the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a white officer last year .
The defendants include Charles Starks , the white officer who Humphrey fired over the shooting of Bradley Blackshire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but submitted his resignation in September .
The lawsuit accuses the Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police and its executive board of orchestrating a campaign against the chief that included lawsuits accusing him of retaliating against assistant chiefs who testified against him in hearings over Starks ’ firing .
It also accuses the union , Starks and a local blogger of publishing false stories online about him .
“ This is about the right thing .
...
It ’ s not about Keith Humphrey , “ the chief said at a news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You don ’ t treat people this way.
” An attorney for Starks did not have an immediate comment on the suit , and the union did not immediately reply to messages .
An attorney for several officers named in the lawsuit called it an effort by the chief to silence his critics .
“ It ’ s sad , unfortunate , unprecedented that the chief would be suing his own employer and his own officers , “ attorney Chris Burks said of the lawsuit , which also named a Little Rock human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fraternal Order of Police approved a vote of no confidence resolution on Humphrey in June , citing the lawsuits and complaints against him .
Humphrey , who is Black , said Monday that his lawsuit wasn ’ t about race , though it claims that the union is treating him differently because of his race and his policing philosophy .
Humphrey was hired in 2019 by Mayor Frank Scott , who is the city ’ s first popularly elected mayor .
Humphrey told reporters that he hadn ’ t talked with the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a spokeswoman said Scott did not have any comment on the lawsuit .
Humphrey fired Starks over the Blackshire shooting , despite recommendations from the officer ’ s supervisors that he stay on the force .
In his resignation letter , Starks accused the chief of making his working conditions “ intolerable “ since he was reinstated .


thetorontostar--2020-09-30--Voting lawsuits pile up across US as election approaches

WASHINGTON - They ’ ve been fighting in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania over the cutoff date for counting mailed ballots , and in North Carolina over witness requirements .
Ohio is grappling with drop boxes for ballots as Texas faces a court challenge over extra days of early voting .
Measuring the anxiety over the November election is as simple as tallying the hundreds of voting-related lawsuits filed across the country in recent months .
The cases concern the fundamentals of the American voting process , including how ballots are cast and counted , during an election made unique by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuses to commit to accepting the results .
The lawsuits are all the more important because President Donald Trump has raised the prospect that the election may wind up before a Supreme Court with a decidedly Republican tilt if his latest nominee is confirmed .
“ This is a president who has expressed his opposition to access to mail ballots and has also seemed to almost foreshadow the inevitability that this election will be one decided by the courts , ” said Kristen Clarke , executive director of the National Lawyers Committee for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on display Tuesday during the first presidential debate when Trump launched into an extended argument against mail voting , claiming without evidence that it is ripe for fraud and suggesting mail ballots may be “ manipulated.
” “ This is going to be a fraud like you ’ ve never seen , ” the president said of the massive shift to mail voting prompted by the pandemic .
The lawsuits are a likely precursor for what will come afterward .
Republicans say they have retained outside law firms , along with thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats have announced a legal war room of heavyweights , including a pair of former solicitors general .
The race is already regarded as the most litigated in American history , due in large part to the massive expansion of mail and absentee voting .
Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt , a former Justice Department elections official , has tallied some 260 lawsuits arising from the coronavirus .
The Republication National Committee says it ’ s involved in more than 40 lawsuits , and a website operated by a chief Democrat lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 states .
Democrats are focusing their efforts on multiple core areas — securing free postage for mail ballots , reforming signature-match laws , allowing ballot collection by third-parties like community organizations and ensuring that ballots postmarked by Election Day can count .
Republicans warn that those same requests open the door to voter fraud and confusion and are countering efforts to relax rules on how voters cast ballots this November .
“ We ’ re trying to prevent chaos in the process , ” RNC chief counsel Justin Riemer said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than rewriting a bunch of rules at the last minute.
” But there have been no broad-based , sweeping examples of voter fraud during past presidential elections , including in 2016 , when Trump claimed the contest would be rigged and Russians sought to meddle in the outcome .
Some of the disputes are unfolding in states not traditionally thought of as election battlegrounds , such as Montana , where there is a highly competitive U.S. Senate race on the ballot .
A judge Wednesday rejected an effort by Trump ’ s reelection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from holding the general election mostly by mail .
But most of the closely watched cases are in states perceived as up-for-grabs in 2020 and probably crucial to the race .
That includes Ohio , where a coalition of voting groups and Democrats have sued to force an expansion of ballot drop boxes from more than just one per county .
Separately on Monday , a federal judge rejected changes to the state ’ s signature-matching requirement for ballots and ballot applications , handing a win to the state ’ s Republican election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election season .
In Arizona , a judge ’ s ruling that voters who forget to sign their early ballots have up to five days after the election to fix the problem is now on appeal before the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a six-day extension for counting absentee ballots in Wisconsin as long as they are postmarked by Election Day .
The ruling gave Democrats in the state at least a temporary victory in a case that could nonetheless by appealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbouring Michigan , the GOP is suing to try to overturn a decision that lets the state count absentee ballots up to 14 days after the election .
In battleground North Carolina , where voters are already struggling with rules requiring witness signatures on absentee ballots , the RNC and Trump ’ s campaign committee have sued over new election guidance that will permit ballots with incomplete witness information to be fixed without the voter having to fill out a new blank ballot .
In Iowa , the Trump campaign and Republican groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victories in their attempts to limit absentee voting , with judges throwing out tens of thousands of absentee ballot applications in three counties .
This week , another judge upheld a new Republican-backed law that will make it harder for counties to process absentee ballot applications .
Pennsylvania has been a particular hive of activity .
Republican lawmakers asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to put a hold on a ruling by the state ’ s highest court that extends the deadline for receiving and counting mailed-in ballots .
Republicans also object @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ruling that orders counties to count ballots that arrive during the three-day extension period even if they lack a postmark or legible postmark .
Meanwhile in federal court , Republicans are suing to , among other things , outlaw drop boxes or other sites used to collect mail-in ballots .
The Supreme Court itself has already been asked to get involved in several cases , as it did in April , when conservative justices blocked Democratic efforts to extend absentee voting in Wisconsin during the primary .
There is , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends in the courts .
In 2000 , the Supreme Court settled a recount dispute in Florida , effectively handing the election to Republican George W. Bush .
Barry Richard , a Florida lawyer who represented Bush during that litigation , said there ’ s no guarantee the Supreme Court will want to get involved again , or that any lawsuit over the election will present a compelling issue for the bench to address .
One significant difference between then and now , he said , is that neither candidate raised the prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There was never any question , in 2000 , about the essential integrity of the system .
Neither candidate challenged it , “ Richard said .
” Nobody even talked about whether or not the losing candidate would accept the results of the election .
That was just assumed.
“


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Potty training: NASA tests new $23M titanium space toilet

CAPE CANAVERAL , Fla. - NASA ’ s first new space potty in decades — a $ 23 million titanium toilet better suited for women — is getting a not-so-dry run at the International Space Station before eventually flying to the moon .
It ’ s packed inside a cargo ship set to blast off late Thursday from Wallops Island , Virginia .
Barely 100 pounds ( 45 kilograms ) and just 28 inches ( 71 centimetres ) tall , it ’ s roughly half as big as the two Russian-built toilets at the space station .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orion capsules that will carry astronauts to the moon in a few years .
Station residents will test it out for a few months .
If the shakedown goes well , the toilet will be open for regular business .
With SpaceX now launching astronauts to the space station and Boeing less than a year from sending up its first crew , more toilets are needed .
The new one will be in its own stall alongside the old one on the U.S. side of the outpost .
The old toilets cater more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NASA tilted the seat on the new toilet and made it taller .
The new shape should help astronauts position themselves better for No .
2 , said Johnson Space Center ’ s Melissa McKinley , the project manager .
“ Cleaning up a mess is a big deal .
We don ’ t want any misses or escapes , ” she said .
Let ’ s just say everything floats in weightlessness .
As for No .
1 , the funnels also have been redesigned .
Women can use the elongated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the commode to poop at the same time , McKinley said .
Until now , it ’ s been one or the other for female astronauts , she noted .
Like earlier space commodes , air suction , rather than water and gravity , removes the waste .
Urine collected by the new toilet will be routed into NASA ’ s long-standing recycling system to produce water for drinking and cooking .
Titanium and other tough alloys were chosen for the new toilet to withstand all the acid in the urine pretreatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may sound simple , but “ sometimes the simple things become very difficult ” without gravity , said NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins , commander of the second SpaceX crew , due to launch Oct. 31 from Kennedy Space Center .
While the old design isn ’ t that hard to use , subtle design changes can make all the difference for women , noted NASA astronaut Shannon Walker , a former space station resident who ’ s also on the next SpaceX crew .
“ Trust me , I ’ ve got going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because that is a vital , vital thing to know how to do , ” she told The Associated Press earlier this week .
The typical space station population will go from six to seven with the next SpaceX flight , and even more when non-professionals like tourists start showing up as early as next year .
Astronauts normally stay six months .
The last time NASA ordered up a new toilet was in the early 1990s to accommodate two-week space shuttle missions .
The agency contracted with Collins Aerospace to provide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the shuttle potties .
Also in the 8,000-pound ( 3,600-kilogram ) shipment aboard Northrop Grumman ’ s Cygnus capsule : air tanks to make up for a slight space station leak , radish seeds for greenhouse growing and a cinematic 360-degree VR camera for you-are-there-spacewalk shots .
Perhaps the most unique payload : Estee Lauder ’ s newest wrinkle serum .
The cosmetics company is paying $ 128,000 for an out-of-this-world photo shoot , part of NASA ’ s push to open the final frontier to marketing , industry and tourism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , to counter bathroom odours .
The serum is fragrance-free and the 10 bottles will remain sealed until returned to Earth early next year .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Trump awaiting results after top aide contracts COVID-19

WASHINGTON - Hope Hicks , one of U.S. President Donald Trump ’ s closest aides , has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Hicks , who serves as counsellor to the president and travelled with him to a rally Wednesday , tested positive Thursday , according to an administration official , who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private health information .
She is the closest aide to Trump to test positive so far .
The White House did not immediately respond to multiple questions about the last time Trump was tested and whether he and other staffers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be asked to quarantine .
Trump travelled Thursday to New Jersey for a fundraiser .
His social media director Dan Scavino and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany were originally set to join him , but were replaced at the last minute by other aides .
In a statement , White House spokesperson Judd Deere said , “ The President takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously.
” “ White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is travelling , ” Deere said .
Hicks travelled with the president multiple times this week , including aboard Marine One , the presidential helicopter , to a rally in Minnesota Wednesday , and aboard Air Force One to Tuesday night ’ s first presidential debate .
Hicks , one of the president ’ s most trusted aides , previously served as White House communications director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the election .
Her positive test was first reported by Bloomberg News .
Multiple White House staffers have tested positive for the virus , including Katie Miller , Vice-President Mike Pence ’ s press secretary , national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien , and one of the president ’ s personal valets .
After earlier positive cases close to the president , the White House instituted a daily testing regimen for the president ’ s senior aides .
Others who will be in close proximity to the president and vice-president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 quarantine for 14 days , White House staffers are considered essential workers .
CDC ’ s guidelines for exposed essential workers allows them to return to work if they take precautions , including taking their temperature before going into work , wearing a mask at all times and practicing social distancing .
Trump , the White House and his campaign have flouted other CDC guidelines and recommendations from public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks or practice social distancing .

Zeke Miller And Jill Colvin - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Trump campaign sues Philadelphia over mail-in voting offices

HARRISBURG , Pa. - President Donald Trump ’ s campaign followed through on a threat to sue Philadelphia , filing papers in court Thursday night over city officials preventing campaign representatives from watching people registering to vote or filling out mail-in ballots in election offices there .
The lawsuit comes amid Trump claiming that he can only lose the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania if Democrats cheat and , as he did in 2016 ’ s campaign , suggesting that the Democratic bastion of Philadelphia needs to be watched closely for election fraud .
The 14-page lawsuit , filed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the question of what rights there are for campaign representatives to watch people in election offices where they can register to vote , apply for mail-in ballots , fill them out or turn them in .
“ Bad things are happening in Philadelphia , ” the campaign ’ s lawsuit said .
“ While transparency and accountability are hallmarks of election integrity , the actions of Philadelphia election officials to date have undermined election integrity by shrouding the casting of ballots in secrecy.
” The campaign is asking to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices that Philadelphia began opening Tuesday around the city to help collect what is expected to be an avalanche of mail-in ballots in the Nov. 3 presidential election .
But election lawyers , city officials and the state ’ s top elections official all say that there is no right under Pennsylvania law , even for a certified poll watcher , to watch people do things like register to vote or fill out a mail-in ballot .
Those rights , they say , are limited to certified campaign representatives to observe voting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opening of absentee and mail-in ballots in an election office .
Some recent Pennsylvania polls show Trump and Biden in a competitive race , while others have Biden slightly ahead .
Philadelphia on Tuesday opened the first seven of what is expected to be 17 satellite election offices .
The offices are a new creation , deemed to be legal under state law last month by the state Supreme Court in a lawsuit brought by the state Democratic Party .
Trump campaign employees promptly showed up , insisting they be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , city election officials — including a Republican member of a three-member city election board — prevented them , although they offered the campaign a tour of the facilities to let them see how they operate .
Trump referred to that confrontation in Tuesday night ’ s debate with Democratic presidential nominee , Joe Biden , saying “ bad things happen in Philadelphia.
” The fight could widen .
A number of counties , including the state ’ s most heavily populated counties , are opening satellite election offices and putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off mail-in ballots .
Philadelphia is home to one in five registered Democratic voters in Pennsylvania , and its turnout is closely watched in presidential elections .
In 2016 , Trump won Pennsylvania by about 44,000 votes , or less than 1 percentage point .
But he lost Philadelphia to Democrat Hillary Clinton by 67 percentage points , or about 475,000 votes , a gap that was slightly smaller than the historic margins produced for Barack Obama .
It is at least the second lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania by the Trump campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights and limit how counties can collect mail-in ballots and which mail-in ballots can be counted .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--In big states, tiny counties, Trump attacking voting rules

RALEIGH , N.C. - When Donald Trump ’ s campaign took issue with a new rule on processing some votes in North Carolina , it didn ’ t just complain to the Board of Elections and file a lawsuit .
It wrote to some of the state ’ s 100 local election offices with extraordinary guidance : Ignore that rule .
“ The NC Republican Party advises you to not follow the procedures , ” Heather Ford wrote in an email to county officials last week .
The email urging defiance was a small glimpse at the unusually aggressive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activating as voting begins .
Through threatening letters , lawsuits , viral videos and presidential misinformation , the campaign and its GOP allies are going to new lengths to contest election procedures county-by-county across battleground states .
That means piling new pressure on the often low-profile election officials on the frontline of the vote count , escalating micro-disputes over voting rules and seeking out trouble in their backyards .
The local approach already is producing a blizzard of voting-related complaints .
Trump and his allies have then seized on the disputes , distorted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubts of fairness and accuracy .
“ It ’ s clearly based on an overall strategy to disrupt the election as much as possible , ” said Barry Richard , who represented President George W. Bush ’ s campaign in the 2000 Florida recount .
“ You ’ re really seeing a broad-based , generalized strategy to suppress the vote by the Republican Party.
“ Trump ’ s campaign says it ’ s simply trying to ensure a fair election .
It says the explosion of disputes is a result of Democrats ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus pandemic , largely by expanding access to mail-in voting .
More than 200 lawsuits have been filed over voting procedures in the election .
“ Since when is fairness a bad thing ?
” campaign spokeswoman Thea McDonald said in a statement .
But election experts and lawyers say the GOP efforts demonstrate a new willingness to fight and amplify relatively minor , even legally dubious issues .
The strategy was on display last week when Trump tweeted about nine “ discarded ” ballots in Luzerne County , Pennsylvania .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia fight over whether Trump campaign poll monitors could be allowed into newly opened satellite election offices .
Trump poll monitors requested entry , but city election offices said neither party ’ s observers had a legal right to access the buildings .
Under state law , poll monitors can only observe live , in-person voting and not places where people can register , fill out early ballots and drop them off to be counted weeks later .
The campaign sent observers to the sites and in one case they were turned away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission .
The campaign sued the city Thursday night in an effort to gain access to the sites .
Richard described this fight as largely “ for public consumption.
” Trump brought up the episode in Tuesday night ’ s debate , mentioning none of the legal subtleties .
Instead , he held it up as a broad-brushed indictment of the reliability of the vote count .
“ Today there was a big problem in Philadelphia , ” Trump said at the debate .
“ You know why ?
Because bad things happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next day , Trump ’ s son , Eric Trump , and other supporters tweeted a video apparently recorded by a member of the campaign as a Philadelphia election official expelled him from a city building .
“ Now they are throwing poll watchers out of City Hall in Philly !
” Eric Trump wrote .
President Trump for months has cast doubt on the integrity of the U.S. voting system .
His primary target has been mail ballots , which may be used by as many as half of all voters as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump has baselessly claimed they will lead to massive fraud .
Trump ’ s campaign is now pushing to ensure scrutiny on those mail-in ballots as they are returned .
In North Carolina , where Black voters were sending in a disproportionate number of ballots with errors , the Board of Elections settled a lawsuit with a voting rights group making it easier for voters to fix mistakes .
The board ’ s two Republicans quit in protest and the GOP sued to block the settlement .
North Carolina ’ s Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign email to some local board of election members as an example of how he said the party was improperly undermining an official state directive .
Says Trump campaign spokeswoman McDonald : “ County board members need guidance on how to proceed in the wake of these unelected Democrats ’ attempt to radically rewrite the law 40 days out from Election Day.
“ On Thursday , the state board of elections , which has a Democratic majority , told counties to halt using the new cure method pending the outcome of court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the outcome of the litigation , voting rights specialists were stunned at the Trump campaign ’ s step .
“ What we ’ re talking about is an effort to deliberately place these barriers in front of people .
And many may be discouraged from trying to cure , or making it impossible for them to cure , a deficiency , ” said Irving Joyner , a law professor at North Carolina Central University who ’ s not involved in the case .
North Carolina is not the only state that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ballots are being filled out .
Many of the more than 200 lawsuits filed over voting issues are still lingering , an enormous question mark over the election as more and more states start early voting .
Republicans have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a ruling in South Carolina on how to handle errors in mail ballots and a judgment in Pennsylvania allowing the count of some ballots arriving after Election Day .
In the Pennsylvania case , the Supreme Court is also being asked to rule on a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the county where they are monitoring .
It ’ s become a major obstacle to Republican plans to send out some 50,000 poll watchers in battlegrounds .
But the GOP ’ s scrutiny of local elections offices isn ’ t always over complex legal issues .
In Wisconsin , Republicans warned the city of Madison against holding a “ Democracy in the Park ” event , sending a cease and desist letter late last week warning it could be a venue for illegal collection of ballots in the liberal bastion .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials say about 10,000 participated .
On Wednesday , there was a new warning to Milwaukee and its sports teams .
It covered not only players but mascots such as the Brewers ’ famed racing sausages as enticements for people to vote .
“ It seems kind of silly to be worried about racing sausages , but the larger point is the law is pretty clear , ” GOP state party Chairman Andrew Hitt told The Associated Press by phone on Wednesday .
Wisconsin state elections officials have already warned the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to local elections offices asking for details on procedures .
Such surveys can help find issues to be litigated — but they also are a way for campaigns to make connections with local election officials who will help determine their success .
The Trump campaign noted that such surveys are standard and also sent by Democrats .
Rick Hasen , a law professor at the University of California , Irvine who has been a frequent critic of Trump ’ s approach to voting , said there ’ s a difference between campaigns talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
“ To know the rules of the game you ’ re going to play under , it ’ s different than trying to work the refs , ” Hasen said .
“ All of this conduct is so beyond the pale — it ’ s hard to put in context because there ’ s been nothing like it in modern American campaigns .
”

Nicholas Riccardi, Jonathan Drew And Scott Bauer - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Fire kills 13 at Chinese theme park at start of long holiday

BEIJING - A fire at a tourist site in China killed 13 people on the first day of an eight-day @ @ @ @ @ .
The fire engulfed an exhibition hall of ice lantern and snow sculptures Thursday at @ @ @ @ @ the outskirts of Taiyuan city in Shanxi province , the Ministry of Emergency Management said @ @ @ @ @ injured and taken to hospitals , where they were in stable condition , the official @ @ @ @ @ Millions of people are expected to travel in China during the holiday in a much @ @ @ @ @ economy hit hard by COVID-19 .
Taitaishan is a sprawling park with several museums , @ @ @ @ @ The Work Safety Committee of the State Council , a national-level organization , will oversee @ @ @ @ @ , the emergency management ministry said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--25 years after UN women’s meeting, equality remains distant

TANZANIA , Tanzania - One by one , leaders and ministers from over 100 nations admitted Thursday that 25 years after the adoption of a road map to achieve equality for women not a single country has reached that goal — and many warned that instead of progress there is now push back .
French President Emmanuel Macron put it bluntly , “ women ’ s rights are under attack.
” Addressing a high-level meeting to commemorate the landmark 1995 U.N. women ’ s conference in Beijing , Macron said it ’ s no secret that the 150-page blueprint to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Chinese capital “ would have no chance of being adopted ” in 2020 .
So “ this is no time for commemoration or self-congratulation , ” he warned , because progress achieved by women “ is being undermined , even in our democracies.
” The Beijing declaration and platform called for bold action in 12 areas for women and girls , including combating poverty and gender-based violence , ensuring all girls get an education and putting women at top levels of business and government , as well as at peacemaking tables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time in a U.N. document , that women ’ s human rights include the right to control and decide “ on matters relating to their sexuality , including their sexual and reproductive health , free of discrimination , coercion and violence.
” Macron said in his prerecorded speech that progress is being undercut “ starting with the freedom for women to control their own bodies , and in particular the right to abortion.
” And he cited continuing inequalities in schooling , pay , domestic work , and political representation .
U.N. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ centuries of discrimination , deep-rooted patriarchy and misogyny.
” In today ’ s more divided , conservative and still very male-dominated societies , he said , “ we have seen around the world a pushback against gender equality and women ’ s rights.
” “ Now is the time to push back against the pushback , ” he declared .
Fiji ’ s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama called it “ a sad testament to the human condition ” that the world is still struggling to achieve the right of women and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to school , participate fully in decision-making affecting their lives and earn equal pay for work of equal value .
“ The second-class status of women is deeply engrained in many societies , and it takes time and effort to root it out , ” he said .
The head of the U.N. agency charged with promoting gender equality said there has been progress , but not enough and too slow .
U.N. Women ’ s Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka pointed to 131 countries that enacted legislation to advance gender equality in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of gender-related crimes during conflicts , increased school enrolment of girls , and advances in maternal health .
But she also stressed significant “ push back ” on reproductive rights and other issues in developed countries , including the United States , and in the European Union .
In Africa and Asia , she said , there are governments “ that have not felt any pressure ” to move forward on gender equality .
When the United Nations was founded in 1945 on the ashes of World War II , Mlambo-Ngcuka said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state or government .
At the time of the Beijing conference in 1995 , there were 12 female leaders , and today there are 22 women leaders among the 193 U.N. member nations .
“ Women are now calling for a leapfrog to 50 per cent representation , or parity in all spheres , including Cabinets , corporate boards , and throughout the economy , including women as beneficiaries of COVID-19 fiscal stimulus packages , engagement in all peace processes , and closing the digital divide , ” Mlambo-Ngcuka said .
Secretary-General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women and girls the hardest and warned : “ Unless we act now , COVID-19 could wipe out a generation of fragile progress towards gender equality.
” Sigrid Kaag , the Netherlands ’ overseas trade minister , said the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women and girls “ adds on to an already growing push back against women ’ s rights and girls ’ rights , and gender equality around the world.
” “ There is more gender-based violence , ” she said .
“ More women and girls losing their livelihoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to school.
” In her prerecorded speech , German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke about being in that small group of women world leaders today and recalled Britain ’ s first female prime minister , Margaret Thatcher , saying 26 years ago when she was a minister of education and science that “ No woman in my time will be prime minister.
” Looking back at the Beijing conference , Merkel said its platform and declaration remain “ an important cornerstone for the implementation of women ’ s rights around the world ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ equality should be a given.
” “ But we still have a long way to go , ” she said , stressing that equality is a question that women and men can only resolve together , and only “ if society , business and governments pull in the same direction.
” “ Get on board !
” Merkel urged .
“ Let ’ s work together to really target the Beijing goals !
The faster the better.
” The landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing was the largest-ever formal gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were among the 17,000 participants at the official meeting that adopted the roadmap to gender equality .
Some 30,000 people , the vast majority women , attended a parallel NGO forum outside the capital .
Iran ’ s Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar told the virtual meeting that she was the head of her country ’ s delegation at Beijing and witnessed how women from all nations tried to improve the platform for action .
“ We have not achieved on many of those areas and have retreated in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ The struggle against inequality and racism is ongoing and has emerged as a major issue in the Western Hemisphere.
” China ’ s President Xi Jinping called for redoubled efforts “ to promote gender equality and advance the global cause of women ’ s development.
” He said China will donate another $ 10 million to UN Women in the next five years , and he proposed that world leaders hold another meeting on gender equality and the empowerment of women in 2025 .
At Thursday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , each expected to give a three-minute address .
But General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir said many prerecorded speeches , because of the pandemic , were longer .
The result was that only 115 nations got to speak before the meeting ended .
Bozkir said there would not be another day for speeches , but the U.N. would post those that weren ’ t heard .
Among the countries unable to give their speeches were the United States , Japan , Mexico , United Kingdom , Russia , Lebanon , Libya , Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key player in drafting the Beijing declaration and platform , but as late as Thursday morning the U.N. speakers list had no name for the speaker from the Trump administration .
By mid-morning , Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was added , at number 138 , and her video address was posted on YouTube .
DeVos praised the “ incredible gains ” for American women since the Beijing conference and denounced “ evil regimes ” elsewhere that deny women ’ s rights and freedoms , singling out Venezuela , Cuba , Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” China .
She accused the Chinese Communist Party of killing “ millions of baby girls ” since 1995 and attacking Uighurs and other minorities , forcing women to have forced sterilizations and abortions , and urged the United Nations “ to stop ignoring and enabling these attacks.
” Edith M. Lederer , chief U.N. correspondent for The Associated Press , has been reporting internationally for nearly a half century , including at the Beijing Women ’ s Conference in 1995 .
Follow her on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/EdithLedererAP


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Kansas City police criticized for kneeling on pregnant woman

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
- Kansas City police are investigating after videos on social media show an officer kneeling on the back of a pregnant woman while handcuffing her during a confrontation .
The officers were arresting a man Wednesday night when the woman “ grabbed and touched ” the officers , police spokesman Capt .
Dave Jackson said Thursday .
He said the woman was evaluated and released from a hospital , The Kansas City Star reported .
Jackson said the department has not had a chance to review the officers ’ video or surveillance video but are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who was at the scene and wants to voice concerns about what they saw to file complaints with the Office of Community Complaints or the police department .
The incident in eastern Kansas City began as a fight between two women at a business .
Police cleared the area but a man refused to leave and the woman who is shown in the video would not stop interfering with the arrest , WDAF-TV reported .
She and the man were arrested for interfering with the arrest , Jackson said .
No names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s just an example of how the police have no regard for anyone , ” Shaw said .
“ If they are going to do this to a visibly pregnant woman , imagine what they ’ re doing to the kids out in the street.
” This story has been corrected to show that the woman who is shown in the video , not the vehicle , would not stop interfering with the arrest .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Stay in Congress to be fleeting for Georgia election winner

ATLANTA - More than $ 1 million and 30,000 ballots later , Georgia voters will be sending someone to Congress amid hopes that a month in Washington is worth it .
Former Atlanta City Council member Kwanza Hall and former Morehouse College President Robert Franklin are headed to a Dec. 1 runoff after finishing first and second in a Tuesday special election among seven candidates for the seat long held by civil rights legend John Lewis .
Lewis died from pancreatic cancer in July .
Hall and Franklin are both Democrats .
The most junior member of the House will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to accomplish anything besides being guaranteed that they can be remembered as a congressman .
Lewis ’ successor will serve only until the current Congress ends on Jan. 3 , and neither Hall nor Franklin is running in the Nov. 3 general election , which will determine who wins a full two-year term .
“ We need leadership now , not in December , ” Hall said .
Franklin said it was “ bittersweet “ that Tuesday ’ s election didn ’ t produce a winner .
Both insist they can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was called not by vanity but by “ personal obligation ” as someone who knew Lewis , who held the seat for 34 years .
“ My campaign represents a new energy built on the sacrifices of those who suffered so much for us , ” Hall said .
Both he and Franklin named voting rights , COVID-19 relief and reducing police violence against African-Americans as their priorities .
“ I would be able to offer a sense of moral clarity amid the significant crises , perhaps even chaos , during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election , Franklin said , citing his background as a minister and theologian .
He also notes he knew Lewis .
About 31,000 voters cast ballots in Tuesday ’ s contest , just under 5 % of all the voters on the rolls in the district , which includes much of the city of Atlanta and adjoining parts of DeKalb and Clayton counties .
Tuesday ’ s election was budgeted to cost $ 1.05 million to conduct in just Fulton County alone , according to the county registration and elections director .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy to say how much they spent , while Clayton County officials said they couldn ’ t yet estimate a cost .
The December vote will be the fourth trip to the polls this year to determine representation for some voters in Georgia ’ s Fifth Congressional District .
Lewis won a primary in June before he died from pancreatic cancer in July .
The Nov. 3 election , to settle who takes the seat on a permanent basis , pits Democrat Nikema Williams against Republican Angela Stanton King .
Unlike in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp was able to appoint Kelly Loeffler to take the place of the retiring Johnny Isakson , the U.S. Constitution says vacancies in the House can only be filled through election .
Georgia law requires the governor to set an election quickly .
Some other states might not have elections to fill a similar vacancy .
The California congressional seat most recently held by Rep. Duncan Hunter , a Republican who resigned in January , will be vacant through the end of the term , meaning the district will go without representation for @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Trump, Biden appeal to Catholics at virtual charity dinner

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump and former Vice-President Joe Biden appealed to the nation ’ s Roman Catholic voters on Thursday during a charity dinner that traditionally has been used to promote collegiality and good humour .
But in the face of a pandemic and economic woes for millions of Americans , there was no joking at this year ’ s Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner , which went virtual because of the coronavirus .
The event comes as Biden and Trump make fierce plays for Catholic voters , a large swath of the electorate that spans the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of swing voters in battleground states .
Trump ’ s appearance at the dinner four years ago along with Democratic rival Hillary Clinton produced some laughs , but several cringe-worthy moments , too .
When Trump described Clinton as corrupt , he crossed the line for many of those in attendance and was booed loudly .
On Thursday , Trump sought to highlight his administration ’ s accomplishments benefiting Catholic voters .
He noted that hundreds of millions of dollars in federal pandemic relief funds went to parishes around the country through forgivable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope you remember that on Nov. 3 , “ Trump said .
“ But I got it for them.
” For his part , Biden , who is Catholic , said his time in politics has been guided by the tenets of Catholic social doctrine : “ What you do to the least among us , you do unto me.
” “ We have a responsibility to future generations , and that ’ s the charge before us today , ” Biden said .
Trump also emphasized his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School and was praised by one of her professors as his top student .
“ We will not stand for any attacks against Judge Barrett ’ s faith .
Anti-Catholic bigotry has absolutely no place in the United States of America .
It predominates in the Democratic Party , “ Trump said .
“ And we must do something immediately about it , like a Republican win , and let ’ s make it a really big one.
” Some Barrett supporters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have seized on comments from California Sen. Dianne Feinstein , the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee , who said during Barrett ’ s confirmation hearing for appellate judge three years ago that “ when you read your speeches , the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you.
” Biden spoke of his personal losses over the years , with his first wife and daughter dying in a car crash just as his political career was beginning and his son Beau dying of brain cancer while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration .
“ I know , for me , my Catholic faith has helped me through the darkness as I ’ ve had to bury pieces of my soul deep in the earth , and eventually found purpose to live a life worthy of those I lost , “ Biden said .
He called on Americans to be hopeful despite the pandemic and recalled meeting Pope Francis when the pope was at the White House in the months following Beau ’ s death .
“ Pope Francis took the time to meet with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the light through the darkness , “ Biden said .
The dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally shown that those vying to lead the nation can get along , or pretend to , for one night .
The event has become a tradition for presidential candidates since Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared together in 1960 .
In 1996 , the Archdiocese of New York decided not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger , Bob Dole , reportedly because of Clinton ’ s veto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , Cardinal Timothy Dolan said he was grateful for the two men speaking at the virtual dinner , and , with a nod to the coming election , said , “ I also dare remind them that Al Smith was a happy warrior , that he was never a sore loser.
“

Kevin Freking And Bill Barrow - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--Much of U.S. Southwest left parched after monsoon season

FLAGSTAFF , Ariz. - Cities across the U.S. Southwest recorded their driest monsoon season on record this year , some with only a trace or no rain .
The seasonal weather pattern that runs from mid-June and ended Wednesday brings high hopes for rain and cloud coverage to cool down places like Las Vegas and Phoenix .
But like last year , it largely was a dud , leaving the region parched .
Flagstaff notched its driest season ever , down more than 6.5 inches ( 16.5 cm ) of rain from its normal of 8.31 inches ( 21.1 cm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set in 1944 with the least amount of rain — just a trace .
Las Vegas also shattered a record set in 1959 for consecutive days with no measurable rainfall .
It stood at 164 days on Thursday .
Phoenix didn ’ t have its driest monsoon season , but the city had its hottest one ever , with the average temperature recorded at 96 degrees Fahrenheit ( 35.6 celsius ) , 1 degree above the record set in 2011 , according to the National Weather Service .
Phoenix also was moving toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees ( 37.8 celsius ) or higher for the year .
So far , it ’ s at 132 .
Yuma near the Arizona-California border had no rain .
In New Mexico , Farmington and Roswell had one of their driest monsoon seasons on record .
Albuquerque had less than half the normal amount of rain .
Residents around the Southwest bemoaned what seemed like a never-ending summer .
The heat and scarce rain mean people spend more time indoors , hiking trails are dusty , the risk for wildfires increases , reservoirs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in search of water .
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and volunteers have been filling about 1,000 water catchments around the state to help the animals .
“ This is really helping our wildlife get through this ‘ nonsoon , ’ “ said Amy Burnett , an Arizona Game and Fish Department spokeswoman .
Ranchers also have a harder time finding green pastures for livestock to graze .
Some sold cattle earlier than usual or decided to get out of the business .
All of Arizona , New Mexico , Colorado , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some form of drought , according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday that looks at rangeland conditions .
Fire restrictions in the national forests still haven ’ t been lifted in many places .
Paul Carpenter grew up in the Phoenix area and moved back in May with his wife and two children .
He had been boasting about the earthy smell from creosote bushes that reminds him of rain , the walls of dust that move through the desert regions , lightning storms and rushes of rain .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the heat for 20 minutes , an hour maybe .
It ’ s a ball of energy , it ’ s way cooler , there ’ s actually moisture in the air , ” he said .
“ That ’ s one thing I was trying to sell my Canadian wife on.
” Danielle Kosten looks forward to the monsoon season when she can open up the doors at her house northwest of Phoenix , let any breeze flow through and cool down .
The scarcity of rain during the monsoon season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not unexpected .
“ I pretty much feel like this is somewhat normal , somewhat climate change , a combination of the two , ” she said .
The monsoon season doesn ’ t guarantee widespread rain .
High pressure has to be in the right place with wind to draw in moisture .
That aligns most years , but it wasn ’ t the case for 2020 .
The upcoming winter likely won ’ t make up for the precipitation deficit with an expected La Nina weather pattern that typically means drier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asking the question , ‘ Is this what it is going to be like ?
’ “ said meteorologist Dan LeBlanc in Flagstaff .
But , as the saying goes , “ there ’ s no such thing as a sure thing , ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--GOP challenger fundraising tops South Carolina’s Cunningham

COLUMBIA , S.C. - The Republican seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham has outraised the freshman Democrat in the final fundraising quarter before their general election matchup , as both candidates ratchet up their rhetoric in the campaign ’ s closing weeks .
Campaign manager Mara Mellstrom told The Associated Press on Thursday that Nancy Mace had raised more than $ 2.3 million in the fundraising period that ended Wednesday .
That amount tops the $ 1.8 million that Cunningham ’ s campaign said he brought in during the same period .
“ This massive level of support sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ races , and ensures the campaign will have the resources to win on Election Day , ” Mellstrom told the AP .
Mace has raised more than $ 4 million overall during her campaign .
In a release earlier Thursday , Cunningham ’ s campaign said his third-quarter take brought his overall fundraising to more than $ 6.1 million in the race .
That figure , the campaign said , topped the previous fundraising record for a U.S. House race in South Carolina , held by U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson for his 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cunningham ’ s total haul from 2018 , when he stunned South Carolina by becoming the first Democrat to win the 1st District in 40 years .
He also was South Carolina ’ s first new Democrat to go to Congress since Jim Clyburn in 1992 .
Since Cunningham ’ s election — which state GOP Chairman Drew McKissick called “ the biggest disappointment we had on the ballot ” in 2018 — both Republicans and Democrats have targeted the 1st District as a must-win seat for 2020 .
As early as December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the groundwork for a “ victory plan , ” including hiring full-time staff devoted to the GOP network .
The district stretches from Charleston along the coast to Hilton Head Island , an area rich with out-of-state retirees whose imported politics may be contributing to the area ’ s shifting preferences .
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has been running digital ads in the race since August 2019 .
Cunningham has pointed to his ratings among the more bipartisan members of Congress , and endorsement from groups such as the U.S. Chamber of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as evidence of his ability to represent a district that has for years been held by Republicans .
Mace , who worked with President Donald Trump ’ s 2016 campaign and has backing from the White House in her current race , has frequently portrayed Cunningham as a left-leaning foot-soldier of Democratic leadership .
Cunningham and Mace , who met in their first debate Monday night , do agree on some issues , including their opposition to drilling off South Carolina ’ s coast .
As he did during his first campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major part of his first term , introducing an anti-drilling measure as his debut bill .
Mace , who once appeared side-by-side with Cunningham at an anti-drilling event in Charleston , has held out Cunningham ’ s bill — which passed the House but not the Senate — as evidence he can ’ t achieve legislative success .
AP ’ s Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early , by mail or absentee from each state : https : //interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--House Democrats pass partisan COVID bill; relief talks drag

WASHINGTON - Democrats controlling the House narrowly passed a $ 2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Thursday night , a move that came as top-level talks on a smaller , potentially bipartisan measure dragged on toward an uncertain finish .
An air of pessimism has largely taken over the Capitol .
The Democratic bill passed after a partisan debate by a 214-207 vote without any Republicans in support .
The move puts lawmakers no closer to actually delivering aid such as more generous weekly unemployment payments , extended help for small businesses and especially troubled economic sectors such as restaurants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,200 direct payments to most Americans .
Passage of the $ 2.2 trillion plan came after a burst of negotiations this week between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif .
The Trump administration delivered concessions Wednesday , including a $ 400 per week pandemic jobless benefit and a markedly higher overall price tag of $ 1.6 trillion , but that failed to win over Pelosi .
“ This isn ’ t half a loaf , this is the heel of the loaf , ” Pelosi said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House attacked her as “ not being serious.
“ The ramped-up negotiations come as challenging economic news continues to confront policymakers .
The airlines are furloughing about 30,000 workers with the expiration of aid passed earlier this year , and a report Thursday showed 837,000 people claiming jobless benefits for the first time last week .
Most of the economic benefits of an immediate round of COVID relief could accrue under the next administration , and failure now could mean no significant help for struggling families and businesses until February .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate Democrats were making a good faith offer on coronavirus relief , but 18 Democrats abandoned the party and sentiment remains among more moderate Democrats to make more concessions and guarantee an agreement before Election Day .
Republicans controlling the Senate remained divided .
Talks between Mnuchin and Pelosi were closely held and the Speaker told reporters that no deal would come on Thursday .
Mnuchin ’ s offer of a $ 400 per week jobless benefit put him in the same ballpark as Democrats backing a $ 600 benefit .
Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion or more could drive many Republicans away , however , even as it failed to satisfy Pelosi .
“ We raised our offer to $ 1.6 trillion , “ White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters Thursday .
“ It ’ s one that she is is not interested in.
” Mnuchin and Pelosi spoke by phone Thursday , but the speaker was publicly dismissive of the latest White House plan .
Discussions are continuing , Pelosi said .
The White House plan , offered Wednesday , gave ground with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and local governments and backed $ 20 billion in help for the struggling airline industry .
Details on the White House offer were confirmed by congressional aides , speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door discussions .
As the talks dragged on , House leaders announced a Thursday evening vote on their scaled-back “ HEROES Act , “ which started out as a $ 3.4 trillion bill in May but is now down to $ 2.2 trillion after Pelosi cut back her demands for aiding state and local governments .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her stance .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has drawn a line in the sand and warns that Trump won ’ t approve legislation that approaches a $ 2 trillion threshold .
But there ’ s plenty of wiggle room in numbers so large , and the revenue picture for many states is not as alarming as feared when Democrats passed more than $ 900 billion for state and local governments in May .
Pelosi said Thursday that the administration is still far short on aid to state and local governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you have asked , ‘ Isn ’ t something better than nothing ?
’ No , “ Pelosi told reporters , citing the “ opportunity cost ” for provisions sought by Democrats but potentially lost in any rush to agreement .
At issue is a long-delayed package that would extend another round of $ 1,200 direct stimulus payments , restore bonus pandemic jobless benefits , speed aid to schools and extend assistance to airlines , restaurants and other struggling businesses .
A landmark $ 2 trillion relief bill in March passed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy through the spring and summer , but worries are mounting that the recovery may sputter without additional relief .
Pelosi has largely assumed a hard line so far .
But she ’ s never had a reputation for leaving large sums of money on the table and her tactical position — facing a White House and Senate controlled by Republicans — is not as strong as her demands might indicate .
The White House also seems far more eager for a deal than Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
Any compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate is sure to alienate a large chunk of the Senate GOP .
McConnell expressed support for the talks and another bill but isn ’ t leaning into the effort .
But some of his members appear worried that the deadlock is harming their reelection bids .
“ I ’ d like to see another rescue package .
We ’ ve been trying for months to get there , “ McConnell told reporters Thursday .
“ I wish them well.
” Even if Pelosi and Mnuchin were able to reach a tentative agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dozens of details would need to be worked out .
A particularly difficult issue , Pelosi told her colleagues earlier in the day , remains McConnell ’ s insistence on a liability shield for businesses fearing COVID-related lawsuits after they reopen their doors .
The latest Democratic bill would revive a $ 600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit and send a second round of direct payments to most individuals .
It would scale back an aid package to state and local governments to a still-huge $ 436 billion , send $ 225 billion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of subsidies to businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program .
Airlines would get another $ 25 billion in aid to prevent a wave of layoffs .


thetorontostar--2020-10-01--AP sources: Biden shatters fundraising records in September

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has again shattered fundraising records , topping his already gargantuan August cash haul during the month of September , according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation .
An exact total for the month is not yet clear .
But both people , who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to reveal internal details , said Thursday that he surpassed the $ 365 million raised last month through his joint fundraising effort with the Democratic National Committee .
Biden ’ s success raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors to oust President Donald Trump from office .
The money will help him continue to dominate the advertising wars and will position the campaign well for the possibility of a protracted legal fight after the Nov. 3 election .
The possibility of a court battle over the outcome looms .
Trump has repeatedly refused to say whether he will accept the results if he loses .
And he has argued repeatedly without offering proof that the election will be plagued by widespread voter fraud , particularly from ballots cast by mail .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money in recent weeks .
Candidates up and down the ballot took in more than $ 100 million donated online following the death of liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , as Republicans moved forward to replace her with a conservative justice .
And Biden himself raised over $ 31 million on Wednesday , following a chaotic debate against Trump , who refused to clearly condemn white supremacists who support him and personally insulted Biden ’ s family .
A Biden campaign spokesperson declined to comment when asked about the fundraising totals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Bloomberg .
The Trump campaign hasn ’ t yet released their September fundraising numbers .
The gobs of cash Biden has raised since securing the Democratic nomination amount to a complete reversal in fortune for the former vice-president .
During the Democratic primary , he struggled to raise cash and was almost broke by the time he won the South Carolina primary , which catapulted him to a commanding Super Tuesday performance .
In the months since , a flood of donations and low spending has enabled him to eclipse Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed Biden to dominate the airwaves with TV advertising in battleground states with just weeks to go before the election .
Biden will not have to formally submit his September fundraising numbers to the Federal Election Commission until later this month .