thetorontostar--2020-08-30--In Israel, Kushner says ‘stage is set’ for Mideast progress

JERUSALEM - White House adviser Jared Kushner on Sunday trumpeted the recent agreement by Israel and the United Arab Emirates to establish diplomatic relations as a historic breakthrough and said “ the stage is set ” for other Arab states to follow suit , but he gave no indication that any new deals were imminent .
Appearing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien , Kushner spoke a day before he is to join a senior Israeli delegation on the first commercial flight from Israel to the UAE .
The flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key step in what is expected to be full normalization between Israel and the UAE .
The Aug. 13 announcement makes the UAE just the third Arab country to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel , and the first to do so in over 25 years .
It reflects a shifting Middle East in which shared concerns over Iran have overtaken traditional wall-to-wall Arab support for the Palestinians .
“ Today obviously we celebrate a historic breakthrough for peace , ” Kushner said , adding that the deal will create “ previously unthinkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ While this peace agreement was thought by many to be impossible , the stage is now set for even more , “ he said , claiming he has heard optimism throughout the region since the deal was announced .
“ We must seize that optimism and we must continue to push to make this region achieve the potential that it truly has , “ said Kushner , President Donald Trump ’ s son-in-law and chief Mideast adviser .
Israel and the UAE have moved quickly to cement their ties over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they opened direct phone lines , and Cabinet ministers have held friendly phone conversations .
On Saturday , the UAE formally ended its commercial boycott of Israel , although the two countries have quietly conducted business for years .
Monday ’ s flight of an El Al plane from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi will be the first known flight of an Israeli commercial airliner from Israel to the Emirates .
The two Mideast countries are expected to sign a formal agreement at the White House in the coming weeks .
But so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , including Kushner , that other Arab countries would follow the UAE have not yet materialized .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo toured the region last week , stopping in Sudan , Bahrain and Oman — three countries widely seen as candidates to establish ties with Israel — but appeared to leave empty-handed .
The flurry of U.S. diplomatic activity comes as the Trump administration presses ahead with ambitious plans to promote Arab-Israeli rapprochement even in the absence of a settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict , which had long been seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace deals with all of its Arab neighbours .
Gulf Arab countries , which like Israel share deep animosity toward Iran , have shown an increasing willingness to make back-channel ties with Israel public .
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement with the UAE would bring “ unbridled ” trade and opportunities .
“ You will see how the sparks fly , ” he said .
Trump unveiled a Mideast plan in January that has been rejected by the Palestinians , who say it unfairly favours Israel .
The Palestinians seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gaza Strip — areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war — for an independent state .
The Trump plan offers them limited autonomy in 70 % of the West Bank , leaving Israel in overall control of the territory , and a symbolic presence on the outskirts of Jerusalem , while handing Israel control of the city ’ s sensitive holy sites .
Netanyahu said the deal with the UAE proves the Palestinians no longer have a “ veto ” over regional peace .
The Palestinians have accused the UAE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait for the Palestinians , we will have to wait forever , “ Netanyahu said .
” As more Arab and Muslim countries join the circle of peace , the Palestinians will eventually understand their veto has dissipated and they will be hard pressed to stay outside the community of peace .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Montenegro votes in tense election testing long-ruling party

PODGORICA , Montenegro - Voters in Montenegro on Sunday cast ballots in a tense election that is pitting the long-ruling pro-Western party against an opposition seeking closer ties with Serbia and Russia .
The parliamentary vote is marked by a dispute over a law on religious rights that is staunchly opposed by the influential Serbian Orthodox Church .
The issue has fueled divisions in the nation of 620,000 people that has defied its traditional Slavic allies to become independent in 2006 and join NATO in 2017 .
Indicating high interest in the election , the turnout in the first hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the same time four years ago .
Months of church-led protests against the property bill have raised tensions and fears of potential incidents during and after the election on Sunday .
Authorities are also thinking back to the previous election , in October 2016 , when they said they thwarted a planned election-day coup orchestrated by two Russia military intelligence officers .
Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said the state will deal with any attempts to affect this election .
“ This is the day when Montenegro decides to move strongly forward toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is a member of the the European Union and a reliable member of NATO , “ he said .
Some 540,000 voters are choosing whether to keep in power the Democratic Party of Socialists , which has governed Montenegro for some 30 years .
The party led Montenegro to independence peacefully from much larger Serbia and into NATO , despite strong opposition from Russia .
However , the DPS and its leader , Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic , have faced accusations of an autocratic rule , widespread graft and criminal links .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will determine whether Montenegro will continue toward membership in the European Union or allow Serbia and Russia to install their stooges .
“ I am absolutely convinced that the democratic will of the majority is on the side of Montenegro and its European future , “ Djukanovic said after voting on Sunday .
He cited alleged attempts to “ induce ” tensions from outside Montenegro and blasted neighbouring Serbia .
“ We have all together registered that stampede ... .
in which the entire Serbian media and political scene is involved , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick with tweezers someone who is not involved.
” The Montenegrin president , known as the longest-serving European leader , has been a key Western ally in the efforts to push the volatile Balkan region toward Euro Atlantic integration .
Opinion polls ahead of the election have predicted that the DPS will finish ahead of other groups , but might not garner enough votes to form the government on its own .
The main opposition group , the pro-Serb and pro-Russian “ For the future of Montenegro “ alliance , has backed church-led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wants closer ties with Belgrade and Moscow .
The Serbian Orthodox Church has argued that the law allows the Montenegrin state to confiscate its property as a prelude to setting up a separate Montenegrin church .
This has been denied by the government .
About one third of Montenegro ’ s 620,000 people declare themselves as Serbs , which makes relations with Serbia and the Serbian Orthodox Church a highly sensitive issue .
Third-placed in pre-election surveys has been the “ Peace is our nation “ group that comprises more moderate parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispute .
Several other smaller parties and those run by ethnic minorities are also in the race that is being held amid the new coronavirus outbreak .
The virus this summer ravaged Montenegro ’ s tourism , which normally feeds the country ’ s weak economy .
The mountainous Adriatic Sea nation is blessed by stunning nature and golden beaches .

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thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Experts seek blood samples to identify Kosovo  war missing

PRISTINA , Kosovo - The European Union ’ s mission in Kosovo on Sunday called on ethnic Albanians in the country to give blood samples to help identify the remains of people missing for more than two decades since they were taken away by Serb police and paramilitary forces .
The EU Rule of Law Mission , or EULEX , established in Kosovo after the 2008 independence declaration , made the call on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances .
Kosovar authorities say 1,643 ethnic Albanians are still unaccounted-for since the 1998-1999 armed uprising by ethnic Albanian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crackdown and an international humanitarian crisis .
It ended after a NATO bombing campaign .
Initially , 10,000 people were reported as dead and some 6,500 missing , but authorities who have recovered remains from mass graves say only 1,643 people now remain unaccounted-for .
EULEX expert Tarja Formisto said the lack of new and credible information on the exact location of graves has made the process of locating the remains very difficult .
Some of the missing are believed to be in mass graves , others buried individually in clandestine graves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the problem , Formisto said that some families of the missing refuse to provide samples for DNA analysis .
“ I estimate that up to 20 missing persons could be identified through DNA if the families of all missing persons provide blood samples , ” she said .
The EU mission has conducted 656 field operations over about a decade , resulting in the identification of the remains of 316 individuals previously listed as missing .
Only eight cases were solved in 2019 , and so far this year the whereabouts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The International Committee of the Red Cross in Kosovo , too , urged Kosovars , Serbs and the international community to work harder in the identification process .
“ The main obstacle to a swifter progress is the lack of new information that could lead to new grave sites , ” said ICRC ’ s Kosovo head , Agim Gashi .
Local experts want the international community to exert more pressure on the Serbian government .
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 , and Serbia does not recognize it as a separate state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ But efforts to identify remains from both sides of the brutal war have gone on slowly in both Serbia and Kosovo to determine if missing individuals can be declared dead and the remains repatriated .
“ The international community should exploit any tool at its disposal to exert pressure on Serbia and enlighten the fate of the missing and every crime in Kosovo , ” said Kosovar President Hashim Thaci .

Sylejman Kllokoqi And Llazar Semini - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Gunmen kill 9 motorcycle riders in southern Philippines

MANILA , Philippines - Gunmen stopped a group of motorcycle riders then opened fire with assault rifles in a busy downtown area in the southern Philippines , killing nine people , police said Sunday , in the latest violence to roil the volatile region .
Police officials said the attack on the victims , who were mostly farmers , at noon Saturday in Kabacan town in Cotabato province may have been sparked by a local feud and was likely not an act of terrorism .
Cotabato lies in a poverty-wracked region where a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency has eased largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Philippines ’ largest Muslim rebel group and the government , although small armed groups aligned with the Islamic State group still pose a threat .
Most of the victims apparently did not know each other and were travelling on six motorcycles , some in tandems , when they were blocked by six to eight gunmen and ordered to alight .
After getting off their motorcycles in the middle of the road , they were shot 39 times with rifles and pistols , police investigator Delir Parcon said by phone .
Eight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in a hospital , a police report said .
The gunmen fled in a van .
Police have interviewed witnesses and were looking for possible security camera footage that could help identify the attackers , police officials said .
“ This isn ’ t likely terrorism , ” Parcon said .
“ We ’ re looking at the angle of a local feud , a personal grudge.
” Former Muslim guerrillas who forged an autonomy deal with the government and are now overseeing a nearby Muslim autonomy region said they would help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were all Muslims .
“ Such senseless violent acts have no place in a progressive society , especially at a time when people are in the grip of a pandemic , ” they said in a statement .
The proliferation of large number of unlicensed firearms and other weapons , weak law enforcement in many rural areas and the presence of insurgent groups and powerful clans with private armies have combined to foster violence in the heartland of the south and outlying island provinces .
The region is homeland of minority Muslims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last Monday , two militant women detonated powerful bombs in separate suicide attacks that killed 15 people , including many soldiers , and wounded more than 70 others in southern Jolo town in Sulu province in the worst extremist attack in the country so far this year .
The military blamed an Abu Sayyaf extremist commander , Mundi Sawadjaan , for plotting the midday suicide attacks , which also killed the two attackers , who the military said were Filipino widows of Abu Sayyaf militants .
Government forces have been deployed to hunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encampments in Sulu .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--1 dead after Trump supporters, protesters clash in Portland

PORTLAND , Ore. - One person was shot and killed late Saturday in Portland , Oregon , as a large caravan of President Donald Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protesters clashed in the streets , police said .
It wasn ’ t clear if the shooting was linked to fights that broke out as a caravan of about 600 vehicles was confronted by counter-demonstrators in the city ’ s downtown .
Police said the caravan had left the area around 8:30 p.m. , and officers heard gunshots at about 8:46 p.m. , according to a statement .
Officers arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute , ” police said , but the man who was shot did not survive .
An Associated Press freelance photographer heard three gunshots and then observed police medics working on the body of the victim , who appeared to be a white man .
The freelancer said the man was wearing a hat bearing the insignia of Patriot Prayer , a right-wing group whose members have frequently clashed with protesters in Portland in the past .
Police said the man was shot in the chest .
He was not immediately identified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Homicide detectives were looking for more evidence , acknowledging that several images and videos had been posted on social media .
“ It is important for detectives get a full and accurate picture of what happened before , during , and after the shooting , ” a police statement said .
“ If anyone was a witness , has video , or has information about the homicide , they ’ re asked to contact the primary detectives.
” “ This violence is completely unacceptable and we are working diligently to find and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Chief Chuck Lovell said .
Portland has been the site of nightly protests for more than three months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Many of them end in vandalism and violence , and hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested by local and federal law enforcement since late May .
In the two hours following the shooting , protesters gathered downtown and there was sporadic fighting and vandalism , police stated .
Some gave speeches in Lownsdale Square Park before the protest petered out .
Ten people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had arrived downtown just as a protest planned for Saturday was getting underway .
The chaotic scene came two days after Trump invoked Portland as a liberal city overrun with violence in a speech at the Republican National Convention as part of his “ law and order ” re-election campaign theme .
The caravan marked the third Saturday in a row that Trump supporters have rallied in the city .
Trump and other speakers at last week ’ s convention evoked a violent , dystopian future if Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cautionary tale for what would be in store for Americans .
The pro-Trump rally ’ s organizer , who recently co-ordinated a similar caravan in Boise , Idaho , said in a video posted on Twitter Saturday afternoon that attendees should only carry concealed weapons and the route was being kept secret for safety reasons .
The caravan had gathered earlier in the day at a suburban mall and drove as a group to the heart of Portland .
As they arrived in the city , protesters attempted to stop them by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Videos from the scene showed sporadic fighting , as well as Trump supporters firing paintball pellets at opponents and using bear spray as counter-protesters threw things at the Trump caravan .
The Black Lives Matter demonstrations usually target police buildings and federal buildings .
Some protesters have called for reductions in police budgets while the city ’ s mayor and some in the Black community have decried the violence , saying it ’ s counterproductive .
Early Saturday morning , fires set outside a police union building that is a frequent site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riot .
An accelerant was used to ignite a mattress and other debris that was laid against the door of the Portland Police Association building , police said in a statement .
At least one dumpster had also been set on fire in the street nearby .
The commotion followed a sit-in in the lobby of the Portland mayor ’ s condominium building Friday night .
Associated Press freelancer Paula Bronstein contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Lebanon arrests 3 Egyptian suspects in Cairo gang rape case

BEIRUT - Lebanese security forces have arrested three Egyptian men wanted in their home country on charges of involvement in an alleged gang rape at a luxury Cairo hotel six years ago .
The arrest , reported late Saturday , followed an Interpol notice for the suspects at the request of Egypt .
A Lebanese security official , speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations , said Sunday that “ legal and administrative procedures ” were underway to deport the three men , who are in their early 30s .
The case was uncovered by a social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The alleged gang rape took place at a five-star Cairo hotel in 2014 but word of the assault surfaced only in July when an Instagram account , assaultpolice , reported the allegations as part of a vigorous # MeToo campaign that swept Egypt this summer .
Last week , Egyptian prosecutors named nine men as suspects — seven had already left the country after allegations of the rape went viral in July .
Five of the suspects arrived in Lebanon , according to a statement from Lebanon ’ s Internal Security Forces .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three were arrested late Friday in the village of Fatqa , north of Beirut , while the other two have apparently left Lebanon .
Another two suspects were arrested in Egypt , including one last week as he attempted to flee the country .
The whereabouts of the other suspects remain unknown .
The Egypt # MeToo campaign also led to the arrest of a former student at Egypt ’ s most elite university , the American University of Cairo , over multiple accusations of rape and sexual assaults .
The Instagram account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men hailing from wealthy and powerful families had drugged and raped a woman after a party at Cairo ’ s five-star Fairmont Nile City Hotel .
Following the Instagram report , Egypt ’ s chief prosecutor opened an investigation and last week , General Prosecutor Hamada el-Sawy issued the arrest warrants .
Associated Press writer Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--UN labour body: Qatar ‘dismantles’ kafala employment system

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - New labour rules in the energy-rich nation of Qatar “ effectively dismantles ” the country ’ s long-criticized “ kafala ” employment system , a U.N. labour body said Sunday .
The International Labor Organization said as of now , migrant workers can change jobs before the end of their contracts without obtaining the permission of their current employers .
Qatar also has adopted a minimum monthly wage of 1,000 Qatari riyals ( $ 275 ) for workers , which will take affect some six months after the law is published in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The minimum wage rule requires employers to pay allowances for housing and food as well if they don ’ t provide those for their workers .
Qatar , whose citizens enjoy one of the world ’ s highest per-capita incomes due to its natural gas reserves , partially ended the “ kafala ” system in 2018 .
That system ties workers to their employers , who had say over whether they could leave their jobs or even the country .
Qatar is being transformed by a building boom fueled by its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like other energy-rich Gulf nations with relatively small local populations , Qatar relies on well over a million guest workers , many of them drawn from South Asian nations including India and Nepal .
Rights activists long have criticized the “ kafala ” system as allowing abuses of those foreign workers .
This comes as Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the Arabian Peninsula nation .
Having the winning bid for the soccer tournament brought renewed attention to labourers ’ rights in Qatar .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Lebanese Hezbollah says it’s open to reformist government

BEIRUT - The head of Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah said Sunday his group supports the formation of a government that would be able to improve economic conditions in the crisis-stricken country and undertake major reforms .
Hassan Nasrallah said his group is also open to calls from France for a new political contract in Lebanon , on condition that all Lebanese sects are on board .
The speech came on the eve of a meeting by Lebanese parliamentary blocs deciding to name a new prime minister and also ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron ’ s arrival in Lebanon late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s second visit to the former French protectorate in less than a month .
Macron has offered French support after the devastating Aug. 4 port explosion in Beirut and has also pressed Lebanese officials to formulate a new political pact to lift the country out of its political stalemates , entrenched corruption and years of mismanagement .
The Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah , which has a dominant role in Lebanon ’ s politics , has come under intense criticism and public scrutiny as the country faces multiple devastating crises .
The port explosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Parts of the capital were devastated and the port , a main trade channel for the small country dependent on imports , was badly damaged .
An unprecedented economic crisis had already cost the Lebanese currency more than 80 % of its value , driving unemployment , poverty and inflation through the roof .
Coronavirus infections and deaths have also spiked , causing concerns and pushing authorities to reintroduce some restrictions on economic and social activities that have largely been ignored amid the slump .
Feeling the pressure , Nasrallah promised Hezbollah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Whether in naming a prime minister or forming a government , we will be co-operative and facilitate getting the country out of a vacuum , ” he said in a speech Sunday .
He snubbed criticism that Hezbollah stands in the way of reforms .
“ Some hypocrites and liars say that Hezbollah is an obstacle to reforms , ” he said .
“ We support reforms that go as far as possible.
“ Prime Minister Hassan Diab ’ s government , backed by Hezbollah and its allies , resigned on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in Beirut ’ s port where they had been stored for six years .
Under Lebanese laws , the president consults with parliamentary blocs to name a prime minister and the candidate who gets the most support is asked to form the new Cabinet .
However , the country ’ s divided political groups have failed to name a candidate , who according to Lebanon ’ s sectarian-based power sharing system , has to be a Sunni Muslim .
The consultations are to begin Monday .
Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no plans to stand for the post .
Lebanon is often bogged down in prolonged behind-closed doors political haggling over picking consensus candidates for top political posts .
At one point , the country remained without a president for over two years .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--India records world’s biggest single-day jump in virus cases

NEW DELHI - India registered 78,761 new coronavirus cases on Sunday , the biggest single-day spike in the world since the pandemic began , just as the government began easing restrictions to help the battered economy .
The surge raised India ’ s tally to over 3.5 million , and came as the government announced the reopening of the subway in New Delhi , the capital .
It also will move ahead with limited sports and religious events next month .
A country of 1.4 billion people , India now has the fastest-growing daily coronavirus caseload of any country in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases for four straight days .
One of the reasons is testing : India now conducts nearly 1 million tests every day , compared with just 200,000 two months ago .
A significant feature of India ’ s COVID-19 management , however , is the growing rate of recovered patients .
On Sunday , the recovery rate reached nearly 76.5 % .
The Health Ministry credited its strategic policy of “ testing aggressively , tracking comprehensively and treating efficiently ” in supervised home isolation and hospitals .
But COVID-19 fatalities continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-largest death toll , after the United States and Brazil , even though it has had far fewer deaths than those two countries .
India is now reporting around 1,000 COVID-19 deaths every day .
So far , more than 63,000 Indians have died from the disease .
Even as eight states remain among the worst-hit regions and contribute nearly 73 % of the total infections , the virus is now spreading fast in the vast hinterlands , with health experts warning that September could be the most challenging month yet .
Early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secluded tribe in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands tested positive for the coronavirus .
So far , the biggest contributor to the new surge has been the western state of Maharashtra , home to the commercial capital of Mumbai .
It alone has accounted for more than 24,000 deaths and nearly 21 % of all cases .
India ’ s economy — the fifth largest in the world — has been severely hit by the pandemic .
But despite the surging cases , Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the pain .
The federal government on Saturday said the crowded subway , a lifeline for millions of people in New Delhi , will reopen gradually starting Sept. 7 .
Schools , colleges and movie theatres will remain closed until the end of September .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--After victories, Medicaid expansion revisited in Mississippi

JACKSON , Miss .
- After voters expanded Medicaid in conservative states like Missouri and Oklahoma , health care advocates are renewing a push for expansion in Mississippi and other Southern states where Republican leaders have long been opposed .
They say the changing tide has followed rising income inequality , joblessness and pressure from hospitals in economic turmoil — issues exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic .
“ There have been , in the last two years , votes on Medicaid expansion in some of the most conservative , Republican-leaning states in the country , and Medicaid expansion has never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior director of Health Policy at Families USA , a health care advocacy organization .
Fishman spoke Thursday during an online forum about Medicaid expansion hosted by the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program and the Mississippi Center for Justice .
Medicaid expansion is an option under the health care overhaul that then-President Barack Obama signed into law in 2010 .
Many Democratic-controlled states agreed to expansion , mainly for people whose jobs don ’ t provide health insurance .
However , since Republican Donald Trump became president in January 2017 , voters in Idaho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maine and most recently Missouri have approved Medicaid expansion by ballot measures .
In Virginia , legislators passed Medicaid expansion after Democrats gained power .
“ This is clearly an issue which you can no longer shut down voter interest by just saying the word ‘ Obamacare , ’ ” Fishman said .
“ That power has waned.
” There are now 12 states — including Mississippi , Georgia , Alabama , Texas , South Carolina , North Carolina , Tennessee and Florida — that have not expanded Medicaid .
A newly formed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” is aiming to put pressure on the holdouts .
Medicaid is a government health insurance program for the needy , aged , blind and disabled , and it is paid by state and federal money .
Because Mississippi is poor , the federal government pays nearly 78 % of the cost .
Under expansion , the federal government pays 90 % of the cost in any state .
About 25 % of Mississippi ’ s nearly 3 million residents are already enrolled in Medicaid , and opponents have said they don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a government program .
Roy Mitchell , executive director of the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program , said hospitals are in desperate need of the dollars .
Uncompensated care costs in Mississippi exceed $ 600 million annually , according to a 2019 statement from the Mississippi Hospital Association .
“ Let ’ s face it , providers are businessmen .
Despite their marketing , they are inherently out to make a profit , and they are going to have to wake up in Mississippi , ” Mitchell said .
“ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing that.
” Addressing ailing hospitals has been controversial .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves and leaders in the Republican-controlled Mississippi Legislature have opposed Medicaid expansion .
Reeves has said money should go instead to federally funded community health centres that help people in need .
Reeves has said repeatedly that the pandemic has not changed his mind about expansion .
And Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn told reporters this month that he also remains opposed .
The Mississippi Hospital Association in 2019 proposed “ Mississippi Cares , “ which it called Medicaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modeled after an Indiana program enacted under then-Gov .
Mike Pence .
It would expand Medicaid eligibility while setting $ 20 monthly premium payments and copays .
The proposal gained no traction during this year ’ s Mississippi legislative session .
While advocates for Medicaid expansion say they are hopeful , they acknowledge difficulties .
Out of the 12 nonexpansion states , Mississippi and Florida are the only two with a ballot initiative process .
Mississippi law says that for an initiative to be placed on the ballot , at least 106,190 certified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be evenly divided among the five congressional districts that Mississippi used 20 years ago .
Even if signature-gathering is successful , the earliest a proposal is likely to be on the ballot is November 2022 .
“ For all the stars to align in a ballot initiative ... there ’ s got to be a commitment on the part of providers in Mississippi , I think , and we have to also look realistically at the amount of resources that it takes to do a ballot initiative , ” Mitchell said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reach.
” Leah Willingham is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Zimbabwe investigates mysterious deaths of 11 elephants

HARARE , Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe ’ s parks authorities in Zimbabwe are investigating the death of 11 elephants in a forest in the west of the country , a parks spokesman said Sunday .
The carcasses of the elephants were discovered on Friday in Pandamasue Forest , located between Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls .
Blood samples have been taken to a laboratory for analysis to determine the cause of their deaths , Tinashe Farawo , spokesman of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority , said .
The dead elephants were found with the tusks still on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In recent years poachers in Zimbabwe have poisoned dozens of elephants and then have taken their ivory tusks to sell them to illegal traders .
“ We can only ascertain the cause of death after the tests .
But we have ruled out cyanide poisoning , “ Farawo told The Associated Press .
” Only elephants were affected , no vultures or any other animals were affected .
Initial tests show that it is not cyanide .
We are also ruling out poachers because the tusks were intact.
” The mysterious deaths of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deaths last month of more than 275 elephants in neighbouring Botswana .
Scientists are still investigating the deaths of the elephants in Botswana ’ s Okavango Delta area and poaching , poisoning and anthrax have been ruled out .
Botswana has the world ’ s largest elephant population , estimated at 156,000 and Zimbabwe has the second largest , estimated at 85,000 .
Last year about 200 elephants in Zimbabwe died of starvation as a result of the country ’ s drought .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Thai royalists rally in riposte to anti-government movement

BANGKOK - About 1,000 people gathered in a Bangkok sports arena on Sunday , swearing to defend Thailand ’ s monarchy from a student-led mass movement that they believe is a threat to the institution ’ s existence .
Calling themselves “ Thai Pakdee , ” or “ Loyal Thai , ” most were dressed in yellow shirts — a colour closely associated with the monarchy and the ruling establishment .
Some clutched portraits of current King Maha Vajiralongkorn and of his late revered father , King Bhumibhol Adulyadej , while others waved giant national flags .
The gathering took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thailand , posing the strongest challenge yet to the rule of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha .
The former army chief first took power in a coup in 2014 , then retained it in an election last year widely seen as rigged to all but guarantee his victory .
Speakers at Sunday ’ s rally pledged to protect the monarchy and the nation .
Videos were shown , one of which extolled King Maha ’ s role in fighting communism in the 1970s , when a jungle insurgency threatened the country ’ s stability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shoulder with brothers and sisters who share the same beliefs , to protect the beloved institution , ” said one speaker , Patiyut Tongpajong .
Speaking to the media before the program began , Thai Pakdee leader Warong Dechgitvigrom , a former Member of parliament , said their aim was “ to educate the people.
” The protesters that the royalist movement is responding to have three core demands : holding new elections , amending the constitution and ending the intimidation of critics of the government .
But some of the anti-government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented call for reform of the monarchy , which they see as out of touch and unaccountable .
The institution has traditionally been treated as beyond reproach .
It is also protected by strict defamation laws that can bring punishment of 15 years in prison .
Even though the anti-government protesters have called for the reform of the monarchy , not its abolition , the supporters of Thai Pakdee believe a line has been unacceptably crossed .
Retiree Somporn Suklert enthusiastically cheered the speeches and clutched a “ We love the King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t care if you talk about politics .
You can protest about the government – go ahead and do so .
But do not touch the monarchy , ” she said .
“ We can not let that happen .
That ’ s why so many of us came out today and you will see more.
” Samacha Sinlapakob , a 39-year-old office worker , teared up as he spoke about the situation .
“ The groups criticize and defame the monarchy and spread misinformation with baseless facts , “ he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking the top institution of the country.
” While those at the anti-government events are mainly young students , those at Sunday ’ s rally appeared overwhelmingly to be retirees .
Fears are rising that Thailand could be on the verge of renewed political violence , with the students showing no inclination to compromise and the prime minister replacing his earlier conciliatory tone with a stern warning of impending chaos and a country engulfed in flames .
In the past 15 years , political polarization has led to sometimes chaotic street clashes between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with security forces .
The stirring of pro-monarchy groups adds another element into what is becoming a volatile mix , fueling concern about the possibility of confrontations at a large anti-government rally planned for Sept. 19 .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Afghan president names council for peace deal with Taliban

KABUL - Afghanistan ’ s president has appointed a council for national reconciliation , which will have final say on whether the government will sign a peace deal with the Taliban after what are expected to be protracted and uncertain negotiations with the insurgents .
The negotiations were envisaged under a U.S.-Taliban peace agreement signed in February as intra-Afghan talks to decide the war-torn country ’ s future .
However , their start has been hampered by a series of delays that have frustrated Washington .
Some had expected the negotiations to begin earlier this month .
Afghan President Ashraf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 46-member council , led by his former rival in last year ’ s presidential election , Abdullah Abdullah , who is now in the government .
The council is separate from a 21-member negotiating team , which Ghani appointed in March and which is expected to travel to the Gulf Arab state of Qatar , where the Taliban maintain a political office , for intra-Afghan talks .
The council will have the final say and will ultimately decide on the points that the negotiating team takes up with the Taliban .
Abdullah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts followed a power-sharing deal he signed in May with Ghani to end the political deadlock after last year ’ s election — a vote in which Abdullah had also declared himself a winner .
The High Council for National Reconciliation is made up of an array of Afghan political figures , including current and former officials , and nine women representatives , one of whom was named Abdullah ’ s deputy .
Ghani also appointed former President Hamid Karzai to the council but his predecessor rejected the appointment in a statement Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any government structure .
Also on the council are mujahedeen and jihadi leaders who fought against the Soviet Union in the 1980s but who were also involved in a Afghanistan ’ s brutal civil war that followed their takeover in 1992 that left 50,000 , mostly civilians , dead in Kabul .
Among them is Gulbuddin Hekmatyar , who signed a peace deal with Ghani in 2016 but previously was declared a terrorist by the U.S .
The council also includes Abdur Rasool Sayyaf , who was the inspiration for the Philippine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1992-1996 civil war , Sayyaf ’ s fighters killed thousands of minority Shiite Muslims led by a rival warlord .
However , the establishment of the council may not sit well with the Taliban , who have appointed just one 20-member negotiating team that has the authority to make final decisions .
The Taliban team answers only to the insurgents ’ leader , Mullah Hibatullah Akhunzada .
There are also other obstacles in the way of the negotiations .
The Afghan government has reversed a decision to release the last 320 Taliban prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more captured soldiers .
The U.S.-Taliban deal called on the Taliban to free 1,000 government and military personnel they hold captive while the government was to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners , in an exchange meant as a goodwill gesture ahead of the intra-Afghan negotiations .
The government appears adamant to secure freedom for the soldiers .
Javid Faisal , spokesman for the National Security Advisor ’ s office , tweeted there are no changes to the plan .
“ The Taliban will have to release our commandos held by them before the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taliban prisoners , ” he said .
The U.S.-Taliban deal is aimed at ending America ’ s war in Afghanistan — a conflict that began shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks and toppled the Taliban regime , which had harboured al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden .
U.S. troops have already started leaving Afghanistan , and by November , fewer than 5,000 troops are expected to still be in the country .
That ’ s down from nearly 13,000 when the U.S.-Taliban agreement was signed Feb. 29 .
Under the agreement , the withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the success of intra-Afghan talks but on commitments made by the Taliban to combat terrorist groups and ensure Afghanistan is not used as a staging ground for attacks on the U.S. and its allies .
Since signing the agreement , the Taliban have held to a promise not to attack U.S. and NATO troops , but have carried out regular attacks on Afghan security forces .
The government wants an immediate cease-fire , while the Taliban have said the terms should be agreed in the negotiations .
Attacks , however , have continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the violence .
On Friday , roadside bombs struck vehicles carrying civilians in separate attacks in southern Afghanistan , killing 14 people , including three children .
No one has so far claimed responsibility for those bombings .
Earlier last week , attacks — including a Taliban truck bombing in northern Balkh province that targeted a commando base for Afghan forces — left at least 17 people dead and scores more wounded .
Associated Press writer Kathy Gannon in Islamabad contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Top French military officer arrested; reported Russia ties

PARIS - A senior French army officer based abroad has been arrested and handed preliminary treason charges for sharing highly sensitive intelligence with a foreign power , authorities said Sunday .
Europe-1 radio reported that the lieutenant colonel is accused of passing “ ultra-sensitive ” information to Russian secret services .
It reported that the officer served on a NATO base in Italy , and was arrested while on vacation in France .
French authorities would not confirm which foreign power the senior officer is suspected of spying for .
Defence Minister Florence Parly said the officer is under investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Europe-1 on Sunday , Parly said the French military has taken “ necessary protective measures ” as a result .
A treason investigation was opened in late July after the Defence Ministry alerted the Paris prosecutor ’ s office to suspect activity , according to a judicial official .
The officer was arrested and given preliminary charges Aug. 21 of compromising national defence secrets , sharing intelligence with a foreign power that threatens the nation ’ s fundamental interests and other counts , the official told The Associated Press .
The official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussing an ongoing investigation .
NATO said the organization does not comment on intelligence issues , noted that there is a judicial process underway and referred questions to French authorities .
The Russian Embassy in France did not comment .
The French defence minister also said Sunday that France is putting “ massive investment ” into military activities in space – notably after a 2018 incident in which a Russian satellite cozied up to a French one in an apparent effort to eavesdrop on secure military communications .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--2 St. Louis officers shot, 1 critically; suspect in custody

ST. LOUIS - Two St. Louis police officers were shot and one of them was seriously wounded Saturday evening while responding to a report of a shooting on the city ’ s south side by a suspect who was barricaded inside a house , authorities said .
The suspect was taken into custody and the area was considered safe Sunday morning , police said on Twitter .
More information was expected to be released later in the day .
One officer was shot in the head and was “ very critically ” injured , St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louis University Hospital , where the officer had been taken .
The other officer suffered a leg wound , he added .
Investigators with the police department said the incident took place shortly before 6 p.m. in the South Grand neighbourhood near Tower Grove Park .
The gunman had entered the home of a family before ordering them out of their residence at gunpoint and barricading himself inside , Hayden said .
The officers were searching for a victim in response to a report of a shooting when the gunman fired shots and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head , Hayden said .
After other officers went to check on the wounded officer , the suspect then shot a second officer in the leg , he said .
The officers were “ trying to do their job , that ’ s all they ’ re trying to do and they ’ re suffering under gunfire , ” Hayden said , adding that the incidents are part of “ a surge in violence ” this summer .
He asked residents to pray for the officers .
“ We ’ re trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s very difficult .
It ’ s very difficult , ” he said .
Since June 1 , Hayden noted that a total of eight officers have been shot in the line of duty .
Several streets were closed to vehicles and pedestrians .
Nearby residents were cautioned to shelter inside as SWAT officers swarmed the neighbourhood .
Police had surrounded the residence where the suspect was blocked in with SUVs and officers were armed with rifles .
Police officers used a bullhorn to order the suspect to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said they were firing tear gas into the house .
It was unclear Sunday morning how long the suspect had been barricaded .
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson tweeted her condolences following the incident .
“ Please keep our injured officers and all the men and women of @ SLMPD in your thoughts and prayers as this situation continues to develop .
Their friends , family and loved ones , too , “ Krewson said .
“ We extend our deepest concern and sadness surrounding today ’ s unfortunate events , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend my prayers for the injured SLMPD officers and their families.
” Hayden said the officer who suffered the head wound was around the age of 29 and has 3 1/2 years of experience with the department .
The second officer is around the same age and has one year of experience .
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt , who arrived at the hospital Saturday night , told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he was there to show his support for the officers and their families .
“ They ’ re doing very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they deserve that kind of respect , ” Schmitt said .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Voting groups scramble to reach college students in pandemic

RALEIGH , N.C. - Chase Gaines wishes he could get more young people in North Carolina to answer their front doors and take his GOP flyer .
Rick Hart longs for the days where he would wake up at 6 a.m. to prep for a day of campaigning in the streets of Atlanta to persuade his classmates to elect Democrats .
The two college students are on opposite ends of the political universe but facing the same challenge : reaching young voters when campuses are empty and students are scattered across the country .
“ The pandemic really did hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unpaid student volunteer at Morehouse College who was working in Georgia on behalf of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , but is now back at his parents ’ home in Laurel , Maryland .
” The country kind of came to a shut down and we were like , ‘ What do we do next ?
’ ” Campaigns , advocacy groups and registration organizations say they ’ re still struggling to answer that question — and looking for creative , largely digital , solutions .
The coronavirus has forced many colleges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of large in-person registration drives on campus .
Outdoor festivals , sporting events and other public gatherings are cancelled , cutting off more easy access to college-age voters .
Groups dedicated to rallying young voters have worries that go beyond registrations .
With campuses closing , college students are especially transient , causing confusion about whether they should register at their home or school address .
The shift to mail voting raises other unexpected hurdles for young voters , including a lack of familiarity with the U.S .
Postal Service and even improper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes .
“ Younger voters are behind the eight ball to begin with , and COVID is just going to make it worse , ” said Daniel Smith , a professor and chair of political science at the University of Florida , who has studied mail-in balloting .
All the these worries are a bigger headache for Democrats , who are more dependent on college voters ’ support and , in a traditional campaign , their volunteerism .
Voters under 30 made up 13 per cent of the electorate in 2016 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This year , polls show that the age group favours Biden by a wide margin .
And if they vote , they could also play an important role in Senate , House and down-ballot contests .
But traditional outreach to college voters has been upended .
There are no tables set up in many student unions or young people carrying clipboards at concerts and rallies , said Patrick Schuh , Michigan state director for America Votes , which supports Democratic candidates and progressive causes .
“ All of these visibility events are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help with engagement , ” Schuh said .
The Democratic National Committee and Biden ’ s campaign have greatly restricted staff travel , effectively eliminating co-ordinated in-person voter contacts .
The advocacy group NextGen America , which was founded by former Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer to increase youth participation , said it doesn ’ t have paid staff members on college campuses .
The initial impact was clear .
In North Carolina , which President Donald Trump won in 2016 and Democrats are hoping to flip , registrations among young people between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus forced campus closures in March .
That has begun to rebound .
Kate Fellman , executive director of the nonpartisan voter registration group You Can Vote , said the organization set a goal this year to register 30,000 people , 18 to 25 , in the state .
She said the team had 4,391 new registrants before the pandemic hit in mid-March .
But in the four months since , the group registered just dozens of people .
Making up for that lost ground has meant getting creative .
Individual students are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuade young people to register to vote .
NextGen is sifting through Twitter to find potential voters and is directly messaging them .
Some groups and campaigns have gone old-school , ramping up phone banking efforts and noting an increased rate of responses from young people stuck at home .
There are signs that college-age people are strongly motivated to participate in the election .
Of the 39 states for which it had reliable data , the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found a majority of the states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people now registered to vote in 2020 compared with November 2016 ; Battleground states are all over the map .
The number of adult registrants between 18 and 24 in Georgia is 28 % higher than it was in November 2016 .
Registration is up by 13 % in Texas , 10 % in Arizona and 7 % in Michigan , but down in Ohio by 17 % and 10 % in Pennsylvania over the same period of time .
Nevada , Florida and North Carolina nearly mirror the number of young registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican campaigns have been more willing to conduct outreach in person .
Trump campaign spokeswoman Samantha Zager said the campaign has 73 target campuses and more than 550 students working to assist with recruitment , training and activation on campus and online .
“ Our youth engagement efforts will continue both virtually and in-person , ” she added .
Symone Sanders , senior campaign advisor for Biden , oversees a program that includes more than 300 chapters .
The campaign said it will have hired staff members dedicated to campus voting in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of August .
But registering college students to vote is just half the battle .
States set their own elections procedures and have wildly different policies for in-person and mail-in voting .
A student who registers to vote using a campus address could see dormitories or other campus housing shut down due to an outbreak before being able to vote .
Voting by mail also has its challenges , with studies showing young voters are more likely than voters of other age groups to have their mail-in ballots rejected .
Rejected ballots do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anderson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
” Burnett reported from Chicago .
Follow Anderson at https : //twitter.com/BryanRAnderson and Burnett at https : //twitter.com/sara_burnett .

Bryan Anderson And Sara Burnett - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--German leaders condemn far-right attempt to storm Reichstag

BERLIN - Senior German officials on Sunday condemned attempts by far-right protesters and others to storm the parliament building following a protest against the country ’ s pandemic restrictions .
Hundreds of people , some waving the flag of the German Reich of 1871-1918 and other far-right banners , breached a security barrier outside the Reichstag late Saturday but were intercepted by police and forcibly removed .
“ Reich flags and right-wing extremist provocations in front of the German Bundestag are an unbearable attack on the heart of our democracy , ” Germany ’ s president , Frank-Walter Steinmeier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept this.
” Steinmer said people had the right to express their anger about the coronavirus restrictions and to question them publicly , including with demonstrations .
“ My sympathy ends where protesters allow themselves to be used by enemies of democracy and political agitators , ” he added .
Police used pepper spray to drive back the protesters , who earlier in the day had participated in a large rally through the capital .
About 300 people were arrested in front of the Reichstag and following an incident at the Russian embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s top security official , Andreas Geisel , praised three officers who had stood alone against the protesters outside the Reichstag until reinforcements arrived .
Opposition parties criticized the police ’ s failure to station sufficient officers around Parliament despite public warnings from far-right extremists that they planned to try to enter the building .
Robert Habeck , the co-leader of Germany ’ s Green party , called for a thorough investigation into the incident .
“ The fact that Nazis with imperial war flags try to storm the Bundestag recalls the darkest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Funke media group .
“ An incident like on Saturday evening must not be allowed to happen again , ” Habeck said .
“ I expect ( federal ) Interior Minister Horst Seehofer to decisively combat right-wing extremism at all levels.
“ Opinion polls show overwhelming support for the prevention measures imposed by German authorities , such as the requirement to wear masks on public transport , in stores and in some public buildings such as libraries and schools .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--The Latest: French minister: Not all classrooms can reopen

PARIS — Not all French classrooms can safely reopen Tuesday , the education minister acknowledged Sunday , amid a persistent rise in coronavirus infections that is threatening the government ’ s push to get France ’ s 12.9 million schoolchildren back in class .
“ It ’ s being decided by a day-by-day analysis based on the health situation of each territory , ” Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said Sunday on France-Info radio .
Some classes will remain closed , he said , but “ as few as possible.
” A collective of doctors published an appeal Saturday saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t strict enough .
It urged mask requirements for children as young as six and a mix of online and in-person schooling .
The government wants to reopen all schools starting Tuesday to reduce learning gaps worsened by the spring lockdown , and to get parents back at work and revive the economy .
France reported 5,453 new daily infections Saturday , compared to several hundred a day in May and June .
The national health service says the growth is exponential , and neighbouring countries have imposed quarantines or testing for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK — Nurses on New York ’ s front lines call for minimum staffing ratios — Prison inmates in Mexico have suffered from coronavirus infections at a higher rate than the country as a whole , and pandemic lockdowns have reduced their already limited contact with the outside world .
— Shiite Muslims are observing the solemn holy day of Ashoura that they typically mark with large , mournful gatherings , in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic .
— Tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nice where health workers are traumatized by their battle against the coronavirus .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : The number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally has topped 25 million , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
The U.S. leads the count with 5.9 million cases , followed by Brazil with 3.8 million and India with 3.5 million .
The real number of people infected by the virus around the world is believed to be much higher — perhaps 10 times higher in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention — given testing limitations and the many mild cases that have gone unreported or unrecognized .
Global deaths from COVID-19 stand at over 842,000 , with the U.S. having the highest number with 182,779 , followed by Brazil with 120,262 and Mexico with 63,819 .
NEW DELHI — India has registered a record new 78,761 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , the worst single-day spike in the world , as the government continues to further ease pandemic restrictions nationwide .
The Health Ministry on Sunday also reported 948 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total fatalities to 63,498 .
India now has the fastest-growing daily coronavirus caseload of any country in the world , and has reported more than 75,000 infections for the fourth consecutive day .
Sunday ’ s surge has raised the country ’ s total virus tally to over 3.5 million and comes at a time when India is reopening its subway networks and allowing sports and religious events in a limited manner from next month as part of efforts to revive the economy .
The crowded subway , a lifeline for millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reopened in a phased manner from Sept. 7 .
Schools and colleges will , however , remain closed until the end of September .
The South Asian country has the third-highest caseload after the United States and Brazil , and its fatalities are the fourth-highest .
Even as eight Indian states remain among the worst-hit regions and contribute nearly 73 % of the total infections , the virus is now spreading fast in the vast hinterlands , with experts warning that the month of September could be the most challenging .
SEOUL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported 299 new cases of the coronavirus as officials placed limits on dining at restaurants and closed fitness centres and after-school academies in the greater capital area to slow the spread of the virus .
The 17th consecutive day of triple-digit increases brought the national caseload to 19,699 , including 323 deaths .
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 209 of the new cases came from the capital of Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province as well as Incheon , a region that had been at the centre of a viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered churches and nightspots to close and shifted more schools back to remote learning nationwide as infections spiked in recent weeks .
For eight days starting Sunday , restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area will be allowed to provide only deliveries and takeouts after 9 p.m .
Franchised coffee shops like Starbucks will sell only takeout drinks and food .
WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. -- Navajo Nation health officials say the confirmation of a new death brings the number of fatalities from coronavirus to 500 .
The Navajo Nation on Friday night reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
That brings the total number of people infected to 9,780 .
But that includes 165 cases that occurred between early April and mid-August and were recently identified as COVID-19 related .
Navajo officials said 94,099 people have been tested for the coronavirus and 7,032 have recovered .
The Navajo Nation lifted its stay-at-home order on Aug. 16 , but is asking residents to go out for emergencies or essentials .
HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Public Safety says that three inmates and one staff member at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 .
There are now more than 300 people who have tested positive at the Honolulu facility , including 256 inmates and 53 employees , the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported .
Early in the pandemic , several advocacy groups raised concerns about the safety of others crowded in jails and prisons statewide and mentioned the risk of an outbreak .
Since then , the Hawaii Supreme Court has had ongoing orders to release defendants incarcerated for misdemeanour and petty misdemeanour crimes to open space in the facilities .
The state Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 59 deaths , including 265 newly confirmed cases and four deaths , as of Friday .
PHOENIX -- Arizona has reached a grim milestone of more than 5,000 known coronavirus deaths .
The state Department of Health Services reported 629 confirmed coronavirus cases and 29 more deaths on Saturday to total 5,007 .
Meanwhile , Arizona State University President Michael Crow says 452 students have tested positive for the coronavirus .
More than half involve students who live off campus in the metro Phoenix area .
Crow says 205 students are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
MIAMI — Health officials in Florida are reporting 150 new deaths from COVID-19 and 3,197 new confirmed cases .
The new deaths bring the average daily toll reported over the past week to 120 .
The number of new known cases is down from peaks averaging nearly 12,000 daily in mid-July .
The positivity rate in testing has averaged below 10 per cent over the past week .
The number of people treated in Florida hospitals for coronavirus has also been declining since highs of more than 9,500 on July 23 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Anchorage will reopen Monday for dine-in service with some restrictions after city officials announced an updated emergency order .
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has replaced a four-week order , which closed food establishments to indoor service and drew criticism from the industry .
That order expired Sunday .
The updated regulation means businesses can resume dine-in service at no more than 50 % of building capacity .
Patrons will be required to practice social distancing .
Masks must be worn by all employees , and also by customers when they aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 5,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since March and 37 have died .
CHICAGO — Freshmen and sophomore students at Northwestern University will take classes remotely , the Chicago school announced .
The Chicago Tribune reports Northwestern University officials originally planned for undergraduate students to return to campus .
The university also is keeping fraternity and sorority houses shuttered during the fall semester .
Students in their third and fourth years or graduate and professional programs are allowed on campus and can take classes remotely , in person or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country have struggled with plans for the fall semester as the coronavirus continues to spread .
Early outbreaks forced some schools ’ administrators to cancel in-person classes temporarily or for the fall semester .
HILLSBORO , Mo .
— A county south of St. Louis has revoked a mask mandate just one day after passing it .
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Jefferson County Health Center Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to revoke the ordinance .
The county says the decision came after residents raised concerns about whether the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ordinance .
State Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman , R-Arnold , raised concerns Friday about potential Sunshine Law violations .
Jefferson County has reported 2,663 cases of the coronavirus and 45 deaths .
ROME — Every Italian region reported new coronavirus cases after a record 99,000 tests turned up another 1,444 cases .
The health ministry says one more victim of COVID-19 brought Italy ’ s official death toll to 35,473 on Saturday .
Italy has nearly doubled its daily tests this month amid a surge in new infections , mostly among young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asymptomatic , the number of people requiring hospitalization and intensive care is creeping back up .
Italy , the onetime European epicenter of the virus , plans to start school on Sept. 14 .
Unlike other European countries , Italy never reopened schools last spring .
DETROIT — The city of Detroit is seeking about 400 volunteers to assist with a memorial to honour residents who have died from the coronavirus .
A memorial drive at Belle Isle State Park is scheduled for Monday .
Mayor Mike Duggan declared the day as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t have the funerals because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Families will drive in 15 processions past nearly 900 enlarged photos of their loved ones .
Hearses will lead the processions .
More than 1,500 Detroit residents have died from complications of the virus .
The public can visit Belle Isle to see the photos Tuesday and Wednesday .
Duggan says , “ we felt it was important and necessary to provide an opportunity for members of this community to collectively celebrate the lives of those we ’ ve lost to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we begin the healing process .
NICE , France — French authorities have made it harder for Tour de France teams to reach the finish line in Paris if a member tests positive .
They ’ ve decided teams will be expelled from the race if two or more of their staff members test positive for the coronavirus within a week .
The move was announced just a few hours before the start of the three-week race ’ s opening stage in Nice .
It overruled a decision from cycling ’ s governing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s exclusion rules on Friday .
There are 30 members per team , which includes staff .
This week , four staff members of the Belgian team Lotto-Soudal were sent home after “ non-negative ” coronavirus tests .
The team says a mechanic and a member of the rider support staff returned “ one positive and one suspicious result.
” Both left the race bubble , along with their roommates .
BOSTON — This year ’ s Boston Marathon is a virtual event because of the coronavirus pandemic , but a weeklong TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they go the distance on their own .
Amazon and WBZ-TV are teaming up on a “ Boston Marathon Live ” broadcast that will air nightly Sept. 7-13 .
The show is co-produced by the Boston Athletic Association , which puts on the marathon every year .
Registered runners will complete the 26.2-mile ( 42.2-kilometre ) distance and share accounts of their preparation , motivation and execution .
Athletes can use a mobile app the BAA is rolling out to upload their routes and finish times .
The marathon normally is held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the pandemic and cancelled in May for the first time in its 124-year history .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Police: 2 Chicago officers, suspect shot during traffic stop

CHICAGO - Two officers were shot in a struggle with a suspect during a traffic stop in Chicago early Sunday , prompting a third officer to return fire and injure the suspect .
The two officers spotted a gun in the suspect ’ s vehicle during the traffic stop , police told reporters during a news conference .
When the suspect refused to get out of the car , the officers shattered the vehicle ’ s window .
A struggle ensued and both officers were shot , police said .
A third officer arrived during the struggle and shot the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in a police vehicle for treatment .
“ The quick response and thinking of their supervisors , their sergeant , likely saved precious time for their treatment , “ Police Superintendent David Brown said of the officer ’ s injuries .
“ That really is important when you have bleeding , gunshot wounds .
That time is critical to get the treatment started.
” One officer was shot twice and was expected to have surgery Sunday morning , Dr. Hayden Hollister said .
That officer is listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot once and was in good condition .
The suspect was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in an ambulance .
His condition was listed as stable , news outlets reported .
The names of the officers and the suspect were not immediately released .
Brown said the officers are in their early 20s and are a part of the “ summer mobile citywide team recently formed to address violent crime.
” Brown also said the officers were wearing body cameras .
The footage would be reviewed and more information released when @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Wildfire forces 2,400 to evacuate in Spain’s Andalusia

BARCELONA , Spain - Around 2,400 people have been evacuated due to a wildfire that is out of control and @ @ @ @ @ region of Andalusia , authorities said Sunday .
The blaze broke out on Thursday in @ @ @ @ @ of Almonaster la Real , 120 kilometres ( 75 miles ) northwest of the city @ @ @ @ @ already scorched 90 square kilometres ( 35 square miles ) .
Twenty-four planes and one @ @ @ @ @ including firefighters and army emergency personnel , who worked through Saturday night to tackle the @ @ @ @ @ during the night , making their task a little easier , but crews are struggling @ @ @ @ @ because of the rugged ground , officials said .
A further 70 people were evacuated @ @ @ @ @ in Mula , a small town in the southeastern region of Murcia , while firefighters @ @ @ @ @ two wildfires in the western region of Extremadura .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--St. Louis officer dies after being shot in head by gunman

ST. LOUIS - A St. Louis police officer who was shot in the head while responding to a shooting on the city ’ s south side died Sunday , police said .
Tamarris L. Bohannon , 29 , had been with the department for 3 1/2 years .
A second officer who was shot in the leg was treated and released after the shooting around 6 p.m. in the South Grand neighbourhood near Tower Grove Park , St. Louis Police Department spokeswoman Officer Michelle Woodling said .
Woodling said the second officer is 30 and has been on the force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken into custody Sunday morning , Woodling said .
Mayor Lyda Krewson released a statement saying she was “ heartbroken ” at Bohannon ’ s death .
She said Bohannon ’ s family are “ immensely proud of the way he selflessly served and protected our community with distinction and honour for more than three years.
” “ This is a horrific reminder of the dangers our brave men and women willingly face everyday to keep us safe , ” Krewson said in her statement on Sunday .
“ ...
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief John Hayden said the gunman ordered a family out of their home at gunpoint and barricaded himself inside for almost 12 hours .
Officers were searching for another reported shooting victim when the gunman shot Bohannon in the head and the other officer in the leg , Hayden said .
The officers were “ trying to do their job , that ’ s all they ’ re trying to do and they ’ re suffering under gunfire , ” Hayden said , adding that the incidents are part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summer .
He asked residents to pray for the officers .
Hayden said eight of his officers have been shot in the line of duty since June 1 .
“ We ’ re trying to cope through a very trying summer , and it ’ s very difficult .
It ’ s very difficult , ” he said .
While the man was barricaded inside , officers armed with rifles and a SWAT team assembled outside .
Police closed surrounding streets and warned residents to stay inside .
Police used a bullhorn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tear gas into the house , but fired no gunshots , the department said .
The man was taken into custody around 5:30 a.m. Police have released no details about how the standoff came to an end .
Homeowners Mimi and Steve Haag said they were trying to call 911 to help another man who had been shot when the gunman just walked into their home .
“ I saw then he had a gun , ” Steve Haag told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .
“ He was very calm standing there with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says to Mimi : ‘ Ma ’ am you need to get off the phone.
’ ” The Haags escaped through the back door and were unhurt in their encounter with the gunman .
Police were unable to locate the other man who was apparently shot and wounded .
Krewson tweeted her condolences following the incident .
“ Please keep our injured officers and all the men and women of @ SLMPD in your thoughts and prayers as this situation continues to develop .
Their friends , family and loved ones , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Gardner , who has a fractious relationship with the city ’ s police , also issued a statement of support .
“ We extend our deepest concern and sadness surrounding today ’ s unfortunate events , “ Gardner told KDSK-TV .
“ I want to extend my prayers for the injured SLMPD officers and their families .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Trump, Portland mayor blame each other after deadly shooting

PORTLAND , Ore. - The mayor of Portland , Oregon , and President Donald Trump engaged in a real-time argument Sunday as the president sent a flurry of critical tweets about Ted Wheeler as the mayor was holding a press conference about the fatal shooting of a right-wing supporter in his city the night before .
After Trump called Wheeler , a Democrat , a “ fool ” and blamed him for allowing violence to proliferate in the liberal city , the visibly angry mayor lashed out at the president , addressing him in the first person through the TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
Mr. President , how can you think that a comment like that , if you ’ re watching this , is in any way helpful ?
It ’ s an aggressive stance , it is not collaborative .
I certainly reached out , I believe in a collaborative manner , by saying earlier that you need to do your part and I need to do my part and then we both need to be held accountable , ” Wheeler said .
“ Let ’ s work together .
Wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ted Wheeler working together to help move this country forward .
Why don ’ t we try that for a change ?
” The testy news conference followed a chaotic and volatile 24 hours in Portland that began when a caravan of about 600 vehicles packed with Trump supporters drove through Portland and was met with counterprotesters .
Skirmishes broke out between the groups and , about 15 minutes after the caravan left the city , a supporter of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer was fatally shot .
Patriot Prayer founder Joey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jay ” Danielson .
He called the victim a “ good friend , “ but provided no further details .
Danielson apparently also went by the name Jay Bishop , according to Patriot Prayer ’ s Facebook page .
“ We love Jay and he had such a huge heart .
God bless him and the life he lived , ” Gibson said in a Facebook post .
Trump retweeted the victim ’ s name and wrote , “ Rest in peace Jay !
” It wasn ’ t clear if the shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters and counterprotesters in Portland , which has become a flashpoint in the national Black Lives Matter protests since George Floyd was killed in May and an increasing centerpiece in Trump ’ s law-and-order re-election campaign theme .
Trump and other speakers at last week ’ s Republican National Convention evoked a violent , dystopian future if Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden wins in November and pointed to Portland as a cautionary tale for what would be in store for Americans .
Police have released little information and Chief Chuck Lovell said Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including surveillance video from area businesses .
Earlier Sunday , the agency released a plea for any information related to the killing , including videos , photos or eyewitness accounts .
Patriot Prayer is based in Washington state and was founded in 2016 .
Since early 2017 , its supporters have been periodically coming to Portland to hold rallies for Trump , ratcheting up tensions in the liberal city long before the national outrage over Floyd ’ s death sparked more than three months of protests here .
Portland has seen nearly 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many have ended with vandalism to federal and city property , including police precincts , a county jail , the federal courthouse and City Hall .
In July , Trump sent more than 100 federal agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to safeguard federal property — a move that instead reinvigorated the protests .
Thousands of people clashed with the federal agents each night for two weeks , turning a two-block area of the city into what felt like a war zone as agents lobbed tear gas canisters and pepper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tossed fireworks at the agents and shined lasers in their eyes .
Those agents withdrew July 31 but smaller nightly protests have continued in pockets of the city .
More than 600 people have been arrested since late May .
On Sunday , Portland authorities urged people to stay away from the downtown as they try to de-escalate tensions and braced for what promised to be another night of violence .
A protest was planned for Sunday night on the city ’ s east side .
Trump earlier Sunday appeared to be encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wake of the shooting .
After the shooting , the president shared a video of his supporters driving into Portland and called those in Saturday ’ s caravan “ GREAT PATRIOTS !
” Wheeler begged those who wanted to come to Portland to “ seek retribution ” to stay away .
“ If you ’ re from out of town and you ’ re reading something on social media — if you ’ re reading any facts on social media — they ’ re probably wrong because we don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ They are still assembling the facts .
This is not the time to get hotheaded because you read something on Twitter that some guy made up in his mother ’ s basement.
” “ I ’ m asking Portland officials , so that ’ s the mayor , that ’ s the governor and that ’ s local law enforcement , to do their job to address any violent activity that is occurring in their streets , ” Wolf told CBS ’ “ Face the Nation.
” Wolf said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Portland and other cities to protect federal buildings and assist police .
Lovell and Wheeler said they had no plans to request National Guard troops but the city is seeking assistance from the sheriff ’ s department and Oregon State Police .
Wheeler , who is running for a second term , also rejected a call for his resignation made Sunday by a coalition of civil rights and protest groups .
He has come under fire from some in Portland for criticizing violent demonstrators and saying they were helping Trump with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also the police commissioner , has also been faulted for letting Portland police use tear gas on multiple occasions and has been nicknamed “ Tear Gas Teddy “ by some protesters .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--The Latest: Nearly 500K register for free tests in Hong Kong

HONG KONG — Hong Kong authorities say nearly half a million people have registered for a free universal coronavirus testing program that is due to begin Tuesday .
Residents registering online have already booked out 80 testing sites located in gymnasiums and community centres for the initial day of the program , according to the government ’ s website .
It said other centres still have places if the number of those signing on rises above the 420,000 registered as of late Sunday .
Hong Kong launched the program in an effort to track down paths of infection that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and other measures imposed on the densely populated semi-autonomous Chinese city of 7.5 million .
All who wish to be tested can do so at no cost .
Hong Kong on Sunday reported another 15 cases of coronavirus and one additional COVID-19 fatality , bringing its totals to 4,801 cases and 88 deaths .
Mainland China on Monday reported 17 new cases found over the previous 24 hours , all of them brought from outside the country .
China currently has 237 people being treated in hospital for COVID-19 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus without displaying symptoms .
China has reported 4,634 deaths among 85,048 cases of COVID-19 since novel coronavirus was first detected late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK — What happens when pandemic locks down a globe-trotting pope ?
Voting groups scramble to reach U.S. college students in pandemic HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : SEOUL , South Korea — South Korea has counted its 18th straight day of triple-digit daily jumps in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about an increase in transmissions gone untraced , and infections among senior citizens .
The 248 new cases reported by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monday brought the national caseload to 19,947 , including 324 deaths .
KCDC said 187 of the new cases came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area , which have been at the centre of the viral resurgence this month .
But infections were also reported in major cities across the country , including Busan , Daejeon , Ulsan and Daegu , which was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major outbreak in late February and March that was stabilized by April .
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo during a virus meeting said it has become difficult for epidemiological workers to track transmissions and predict infection routes , saying they haven ’ t been able to trace the infection source of more than 20 % of the cases found in the past two weeks .
Officials are also concerned that the death toll could rise because many of those who tested positive this month were 60 years or older , an age group that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health complications caused by the virus .
MELBOURNE , Australia — Victoria on Monday recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic as the Australian government urged the hot spot state to announce plans to lift lockdown restrictions .
Victoria ’ s health department reported 41 deaths and 73 new COVID-19 infections in the latest 24-hour period .
The death toll eclipses the previous record of 25 set on Aug. 17 .
The tally of new infections is the lowest since 67 new cases were recorded on June 30 in the early weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A six-week lockdown in the state capital Melbourne , Australia ’ s second-largest city , is due to be relaxed on Sept. 13 .
But the state government has not said how it will be relaxed or given any assurances that it won ’ t be extended .
Australia ’ s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday he disagreed with the Victorian government that it was too early to announce plans to reopen the economy.
, “ Business is very frustrated because they haven ’ t been told when can they open up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , ” Frydenberg told Nine Network television .
Frydenberg pointed to a Treasury Department forecast that in the next three months more people in Victoria will be receiving pandemic employment subsidies than from the rest of Australia combined .
Australia pays employers an allowance known as Job Keeper to continue paying staff who have no work to do .
Consumer spending had fallen 30 % in Victoria due to the lockdown while spending had declined by only 3 % across the rest of Australia .
LOGAN , Utah — Utah State University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 after wastewater samples from four dormitories showed elevated levels of the coronavirus , school officials said Sunday .
The 287 students who will be tested Sunday and Monday live in the Rich , Jones , Morgan and Davis dorms on the campus in Logan .
There have been no reported positive tests for COVID-19 in those residence halls so far .
Students in those dorms must quarantine until the test results are available , which could take up to four days .
They are also asked to fill out a form to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliveries and other resources .
Classes are scheduled to begin on Monday for about 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students .
Utah State is one of a small handful of schools using wastewater sampling to help safeguard against a COVID-19 outbreak , The Salt Lake Tribune reported .
Officials with the University of Arizona said Thursday the school used wastewater testing to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak on campus .
A test of just over 300 people in one dorm with elevated levels of coronavirus in the wastewater turned up two cases , said university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
They were isolated .
PHILADELPHIA — Temple University has announced a two-week halt of in-person classes as Philadelphia officials called on all college and university students in the city to avoid all social gatherings with people outside their households .
Temple officials said Sunday that new test results over the weekend had pushed the number of active COVID-19 cases from the 58 reported Friday to 103 active cases , most of them among people with no symptoms and a small number with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms .
University president Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ new cases that result from small social gatherings happening off campus.
” He said that prompted the two-week “ pause ” on in-person classes and a contact tracing effort .
Temple said in-person classes will go online starting Monday and continue online through Friday , Sept. 11 , with only classes deemed essential by college deans held in person .
ATHENS , Greece — The confirmed number of new coronavirus cases in Greece has exceeded 10,000 , and more than half of them were reported this month , Greek health authorities announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been 157 new cases confirmed , of which 41 were international arrivals .
There were also two deaths .
The total number of cases is now 10,134 , of which 5,657 were detected over the past month .
The total number of deaths is 262 , of which 56 occurred in the past month .
There are 35 patients on ventilators and 149 have exited intensive care .
The government will decide Tuesday on which day schools will open .
It will choose between Sept. 7 or the following Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory , but some parents are opposed to this .
OKLAHOMA CITY — The number of reported coronavirus cases in Oklahoma has surpassed 58,000 and the number of related deaths is nearly 800 , the Oklahoma State Department of Health said Sunday .
There are now 58,020 reported cases and 799 deaths due to COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus .
The true number of cases in Oklahoma is likely higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended a state of emergency first issued March 15 in response to the virus outbreak in Oklahoma .
The order includes all 77 counties in the state and activates a provision in state law that allows absentee voters to mail their ballots by verifying their signatures with a copy of an approved identification .
An approved ID includes a state driver ’ s license or a military or federally recognized Indian tribe or nation .
ROME — The number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care beds in Italy has been rising in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 86 persons infected with the coronavirus occupied ICU beds , compared to 38 in late July , as returning vacationers drive up Italy ’ s numbers of day-to-day new caseloads as well as hospitalizations .
Italy registered 1,365 new infections since Saturday , according to Health Ministry figures .
Still , those numbers are low when compared to the daily bulletin early in the pandemic , when thousands of Italians each day were testing positive for COVID-19 , and a few thousand were needing intensive care , overwhelming hospital staff .
Italy counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including four in the last 24 hours .
After months in which the heaviest concentration of cases occurred in northern Italy , lately many southern regions are seeing sharply rising numbers .
On Sunday , Campania , the region which includes the southern metropolis of Naples , had the most new cases in Italy – 270 .
ISLAMABAD — Pakistani authorities have reported 264 new COVID-19 cases , the country ’ s lowest daily count for the new coronavirus in more than four months .
In a statement Sunday , the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people died from the new virus in the previous 24 hours , taking overall COVID-19 deaths to 6,288 since the start of the outbreak in February .
However , health officials are still trying to understand the reason for a steady decline in infections in Pakistan , which witnessed twin peaks in June when daily confirmed cases reached up to 6,825 .
It was then when hospitals were full amid shortage of medicine , oxygen and ventilators , and even face masks were not easily available .
But the situation suddenly began improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients are being treated in Pakistan .
PARIS — Not all French classrooms can safely reopen Tuesday , the education minister acknowledged Sunday , amid a persistent rise in coronavirus infections that is threatening the government ’ s push to get France ’ s 12.9 million schoolchildren back in class .
“ It ’ s being decided by a day-by-day analysis based on the health situation of each territory , ” Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said Sunday on France-Info radio .
Some classes will remain closed , he said , but “ as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors published an appeal Saturday saying the governments ’ school virus measures aren ’ t strict enough .
It urged mask requirements for children as young as six and a mix of online and in-person schooling .
The government wants to reopen all schools starting Tuesday to reduce learning gaps worsened by the spring lockdown , and to get parents back at work and revive the economy .
France reported 5,453 new daily infections Saturday , compared to several hundred a day in May and June .
The national health service says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have imposed quarantines or testing for people arriving from parts or all of France .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally has topped 25 million , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
The U.S. leads the count with 5.9 million cases , followed by Brazil with 3.8 million and India with 3.5 million .
The real number of people infected by the virus around the world is believed to be much higher — perhaps 10 times higher in the U.S. , according to the Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the many mild cases that have gone unreported or unrecognized .
Global deaths from COVID-19 stand at over 842,000 , with the U.S. having the highest number with 182,779 , followed by Brazil with 120,262 and Mexico with 63,819 .
NEW DELHI — India has registered a record new 78,761 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , the worst single-day spike in the world , as the government continues to further ease pandemic restrictions nationwide .
The Health Ministry on Sunday also reported 948 deaths in the past 24 hours , taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the fastest-growing daily coronavirus caseload of any country in the world , and has reported more than 75,000 infections for the fourth consecutive day .
Sunday ’ s surge has raised the country ’ s total virus tally to over 3.5 million and comes at a time when India is reopening its subway networks and allowing sports and religious events in a limited manner from next month as part of efforts to revive the economy .
The crowded subway , a lifeline for millions of people in capital New Delhi , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 7 .
Schools and colleges will , however , remain closed until the end of September .
The South Asian country has the third-highest caseload after the United States and Brazil , and its fatalities are the fourth-highest .
Even as eight Indian states remain among the worst-hit regions and contribute nearly 73 % of the total infections , the virus is now spreading fast in the vast hinterlands , with experts warning that the month of September could be the most challenging .