thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Texas moves to ban most abortions due to virus outbreak

AUSTIN , Texas - The governor and attorney general of Texas are moving to ban most abortions in the state during the coronavirus outbreak , declaring they don ’ t qualify as essential surgeries .
Attorney General Ken Paxton said Monday that the order issued over the weekend by Gov .
Greg Abbott barred “ any type of abortion that is not medically necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.
” Failure to comply with the order can result in penalties of up to $ 1,000 or 180 days of jail time , Paxton said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures , including abortion providers , ” Paxton said .
“ Those who violate the governor ’ s order will be met with the full force of the law.
” The issue also has flared in Ohio , where abortion clinics received letters Friday from Republican Attorney General Dave Yost ordering them to cease all “ non-essential ” surgical abortions .
Yost wrote that the procedures violate a March 17 order issued by the state health director .
However , representatives of Ohio clinics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health director ’ s order and planned to continue providing abortions .
Amid the moves by Ohio and Texas , a coalition of anti-abortion groups urged its allies across the nation to ask governors to ban most abortions on the grounds they were not essential .
“ If abortion is a ‘ choice ’ then abortion is an elective procedure , ” said Mark Harrington , president of the anti-abortion group Created Equal .
Abortion-rights leaders nationwide decried the tactic , saying it was an affront to women grappling with difficult decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Abortion is time-sensitive , essential health care , ” said Katherine Hancock Ragsdale , president of the National Abortion Federation .
“ Women deserve better than a craven exploitation of a health care crisis in furtherance of an anti-abortion agenda.
” In Ohio , abortion clinics planned to remain in operation .
Jennifer Branch , an attorney for the Women ’ s Med Center of Dayton , said the clinic had already taken steps to minimize the use of personal protective equipment -- one of the issues raised in the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Planned Parenthood affiliates in Ohio are said their clinics also were in compliance , having cut back on the use of equipment that is in short supply .
Cleveland-based Preterm , the busiest abortion clinic in Ohio , is not open on Mondays but said it was continuing to take appointments for later in the week .
Bethany McCorkle , a spokesman for Yost , said the orders sent to three abortion clinic operators weren ’ t politically motivated , but rather , were due to complaints from the public .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a urology practice .
In Texas , Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the order from Abbott , but it was hailed by anti-abortion activists .
“ The abortion industry has been consuming and hoarding medical supplies that are in desperate need around the state including masks , gloves , and other protective gear for medical professionals , ” said Texas Right to Life .
Carol Tobias , president of National Right to Life , called on abortion clinics nationwide to temporarily halt abortion services .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presence of a life-threatening disease shows just how callous pro-abortion groups and abortionists are to protecting life at any stage , ” said Tobias .
Bonyen Lee-Gilmore , director of state media campaigns for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America , said Planned Parenthood clinics were intend on remaning in operation .
“ While public health providers work together in our communities to care for patients whose health care can ’ t wait , some anti-abortion activists are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to push their ideological agenda , “ she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ play politics.
” There were no immediate reports of other states planning to target abortion clinics with restrictions related to COVID-19 , even in Republican-governed states that have been active in passing anti-abortion legislation in recent years .
In Idaho , the governor ’ s office said the state “ has not mandated providers stop procedures of any type .
Health systems are determining what procedures are considered elective internally.
“ The executive director of Georgia Right to Life , Zemmie Fleck , said she has not heard of any plans by Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus .
But she suggested such a step would be warranted .
“ Already we see people , even people that I know personally , whose elective surgeries have been postponed due to this pandemic , ” she said in a phone interview .
“ I would say the same should apply to the abortion industry as well.
” Diane Derzis , owner of the only abortion clinic in Mississippi , told The Associated Press that the clinic had not been told by the state to stop providing the procedure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are an essential service , ” Derzis said by phone from Alabama , where she lives .
A spokeswoman for Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves did not immediately respond to a question from the AP on Monday about whether he will order a halt to abortions .
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan says Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s order , issued Friday , to prohibit elective procedures does not extend to abortions .
Whitmer supports abortion rights .
Similarly , in North Carolina , health department spokeswoman Sarah Peel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a directive asking hospitals and ambulatory surgery centres to suspend all elective and non-urgent procedures and surgeries .
These medical procedures are defined as those that would not cause harm to the patient if put off for at least four weeks , a letter to hospitals says .
So surgical abortions are “ not something that would need to be postponed , “ said Peel .
Her department is in the administration of Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper , who supports abortion rights .
Crary reported from New York and Carr Smyth from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta , Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson , Mississippi , Gary Robertson in Raleigh , North Carolina , and Keith Ridler in Boise , Idaho , contributed .

David Crary, Jim Vertuno And Julie Carr Smyth - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--US slashes aid to Afghanistan after Pompeo visit to Kabul

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is slashing $ 1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and threatening further reductions in all forms of co-operation after the country ’ s rival leaders failed to agree on forming a new government .
The decision to cut the aid was made on Monday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after he made an unannounced , urgent visit to Kabul to meet with Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah , the rival Afghan politicians who have each declared themselves president of the country after disputed elections last year .
Pompeo had hoped to break the deadlock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusually harsh statement , Pompeo slammed the two men for being unable to work together and threatening a potential peace deal that could end America ’ s longest-running conflict .
The U.S. has been the prime backer of the Afghan government since it invaded the country in 2001 and overthrew the Taliban after the 9-11 attacks .
“ The United States deeply regrets that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and former Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah have informed Secretary Pompeo that they have been unable to agree on an inclusive government that can meet the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security , and provide for the health and welfare of Afghan citizens , ” he said .
Pompeo said the U.S. was “ disappointed ” in both men and their conduct , which he said had “ harmed U.S.-Afghan relations and , sadly , dishonours those Afghan , Americans , and coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this country.
” Pompeo said their inability to work together posed a “ direct threat ” to U.S. national interests and that the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its support programs for Afghanistan , starting with a reduction of $ 1 billion in aid this year .
He said it could be reduced by another billion dollars in 2021 .
“ We have made clear to the leadership that we will not back security operations that are politically motivated , nor support political leaders who order such operations or those who advocate for or support parallel government , ” Pompeo said .
Speaking to reporters aboard his plane on the return flight home , Pompeo said he was hopeful Ghani and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we won ’ t have to ” cut the assistance .
“ But we ’ re prepared to do that , ” he said .
He defended his written statement from interpretations that it is overly harsh saying it “ is neither hopeful nor threatening .
It is factual .
These are the expectations that we have.
” Pompeo , who after leaving Kabul met with a senior Taliban official in Qatar , also said Ghani and Abdullah were acting inconsistent with agreements they made to support a U.S.-Taliban peace agreement signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intra-Afghan peace talks to begin within 10 days , by March 10 , but they have not begun .
Ghani and Abdullah have not yet even agreed on who should be part of the non-Taliban delegation nor have they agreed to prisoner swaps with the Taliban as envisaged by the deal .
“ It ’ s all got ta come together , ” Pompeo said .
Asked if the Taliban had also been acting “ inconsistently ” with the agreement , he replied : “ No .
They committed to reducing violence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are working towards delivering their team to the ultimate negotiations.
” Pompeo said the United States would continue to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the terms of its agreement with Taliban , which calls for the reduction in the next several months from about 13,000 to 8,600 .
Pompeo added that the U.S. would be willing to look again at the aid cuts if the two leaders can form an inclusive government and said Washington remained committed to partnership with the people of Afghanistan .
As a demonstration of that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 15 million in assistance to help Afghanistan fight the spread of the coronavirus .
Pompeo had left Afghanistan earlier Monday without saying whether he was able to broker an agreement between the squabbling political leaders .
He ’ d travelled thousands of miles despite a near-global travel shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic , at a time when world leaders and statesmen are curtailing official travel .
But as he departed the was no sign the impasse was over and there were reports in Kabul that Pompeo had given Ghani and Abdullah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise .
From Kabul , Pompeo flew to Doha , Qatar , where he had witnessed the signing of the U.S.-Taliban deal on Feb. 29 , to meet Taliban officials , including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar , a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar .
Baradar signed the agreement on behalf of the group .
The State Department said Pompeo ’ s aim was “ to press the Taliban to continue to comply with the agreement signed last month.
” Since the U.S.-Taliban deal was signed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turmoil in Afghanistan , as Ghani and Abdullah remained deadlocked over who was elected president in last September ’ s presidential polls .
They both declared themselves president in dueling inauguration ceremonies earlier this month .
Pompeo had met separately with Ghani and then Abdullah on Monday before meeting together with both men together .
The United States pays billions every year toward the Afghan budget , including the country ’ s defence forces .
Afghanistan barely raises a quarter of the revenue it needs to run the country , giving Pompeo considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders to overcome the impasse .
The political turmoil has put on hold the start of intra-Afghan peace talks that would include the Taliban .
Those talks are seen as a critical next step in the peace deal , negotiated to allow the United States to bring home its troops and give Afghans the best chance at peace .
The U.S. and NATO have already begun to withdraw some troops from Afghanistan .
The final pullout of U.S. forces is not dependent on the success of intra-Afghan negotiations but rather on promises made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan to other terror groups , such as the insurgents ’ rival Islamic State group .
But within days of the U.S. and the Taliban signing the peace deal in Qatar , Afghanistan sunk into a political crisis with Ghani and Abdullah squaring off over election results and Ghani refusing to fulfil his part of a promise made in the U.S.-Taliban deal to free up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners .
The insurgents were to free 1,000 Afghan officials and soldiers they hold captive .
The exchange was meant to be a goodwill gesture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The urgency of Pompeo ’ s surprise visit was highlighted by the fact that the State Department has warned American citizens against all international travel , citing the spread of the coronavirus .
Pompeo ’ s last overseas trip in late February was to Doha for the signing of the U.S.-Taliban peace deal he is now trying to salvage .
Pompeo ’ s visit was also extraordinary for the fact that the U.S. , like the United Nations , had earlier said it would not be drawn into mediating feuding Afghan politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the Afghan election commission this time gave the win to Ghani , Abdullah and the election complaints commission charged widespread irregularities to challenge Ghani ’ s win Associated Press writers Rahim Faiez in Kabul and Kathy Gannon in Islamabad contributed to this report .

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thetorontostar--2020-03-23--PG&E to plead guilty to lethal crimes in 2018 wildfires

SAN FRANCISCO - Pacific Gas & Electric will plead guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter for a swath of death and destruction left behind after its fraying electrical grid ignited a 2018 wildfire that destroyed three Northern California towns and drove the nation ’ s largest utility into bankruptcy .
The plea agreement announced Monday resolves the charges facing PG & E as part of a previously sealed indictment in Butte County .
It marks the second time this decade that the company ’ s neglect has culminated in it being deemed a criminal .
PG & E already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after it was convicted of six felony counts for falsifying records and other safety violations underlying a natural gas explosion that blew up a neighbourhood in 2010 and killed eight people in San Bruno , California .
As with its prior criminal conviction , no one from PG & E will go to prison for the company ’ s felony crimes .
Instead , its plea agreement with the Butte County District Attorney ’ s office calls for PG & E to pay a $ 4 million fine , the maximum allowed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restore access to water for residents affected by the loss of a canal destroyed by what became known as the Camp Fire .
“ We can not replace all that the fire destroyed , but our hope is that this plea agreement , along with our rebuilding efforts , will help the community move forward from this tragic incident , ” PG & E Corp. CEO Bill Johnson said .
In a statement , Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said he hopes the plea agreement will bring “ a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire .
Camp Fire survivor Lisa Williams was outraged with the outcome .
“ It ’ s a crime against society , “ she said .
“ A fine doesn ’ t change their behaviour .
They pay it and repeat bad behaviour.
” One of those who died was Jay Downer ’ s wheelchair-using brother , with his dog by his side .
Jay Downer also said he was dismayed by the price PG & E will pay for its lethal negligence .
“ If I fell asleep at the wheel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I would be charged with manslaughter and I would be spending time in jail , “ Downer said .
PG & E is scheduled to enter its plea and face sentencing at a court hearing scheduled for April 24 .
Investors seemed pleased with the PG & E ’ s plea as the company ’ s shares surged more than 12 % to close at $ 8.12 while the overall stock market tanked .
The Nov. 8 , 2018 , Camp Fire was fanned by strong winds , forcing thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flames ripped through the narrow canyon communities .
Survivors described caravans of vehicles engulfed by the fire .
Butte County officials have pegged the 2018 wildfire ’ s death toll at 85 , but Ramsey disclosed Monday that further evidence cast doubt about whether one of the deaths was directly caused by the blaze .
The Camp Fire followed a series of 2017 blazes that tore through Northern California and killed 44 people .
Although state investigators didn ’ t find PG & E culpable for those fires , the company is accepting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a $ 13.5 billion settlement that will pay the victims of the 2017 and 2018 fires .
Less than three months after the Butte County fires , PG & E filed for bankruptcy in early 2019 to help shield the utility from more than $ 50 billion in claimed losses stemming from a badly outdated electrical grid .
PG & E has settled those claims for $ 25.5 billion , including the fund set up for the wildfire victims .
Since the bankruptcy filing , PG & E hired Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its culture as the company steps up its efforts to improve the safety and reliability of its power lines .
Johnson hailed the plea agreement as a sign that PG & E is “ working to create a better future for all concerned .
We want wildfire victims , our customers , our regulators and leaders to know that the lessons we learned from the Camp Fire remain a driving force for us to transform this company.
“ Johnson has previously acknowledged that it will take many years to pull that off while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 billion into badly needed upgrades .
In the meantime , PG & E plans to periodically turn off the power during extremely windy and dry conditions to minimize fire risks in parts of a sprawling service territory that provides electricity to 16 million people .
By its own admission , PG & E bungled the deliberate blackouts it imposed last autumn to the exasperation of customers and community leaders who complained about not being told about the outages .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom had previously expressed doubts about whether the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways , and he had been threatening to block PG & E ’ s plan to get out of bankruptcy this summer .
PG & E ’ s chief regulator , the California Public Utilities Commission , still must approve the company ’ s bankruptcy plan , a decision that ’ s expected within the next few weeks .
Last week Newsom dropped his objections amid the coronavirus outbreak that prompted him to order everyone in the state to remain in their homes as much as possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & E ’ s fate in bankruptcy because the company needs state approval of its plan to qualify for coverage from a wildfire insurance fund that the state created last summer .
Newsom backpedaled in a Friday bankruptcy court filing , saying he now believes PG & E ’ s plan qualifies it for the coverage .
As part of his deal with PG & E , the Democratic governor is still reserving the right to pursue a government-financed takeover of the company if it doesn ’ t emerge from bankruptcy by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been corrected to reflect that California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has dropped all his objections to PG & E ’ s bankruptcy plan .
An earlier version said he had only dropped some objections

Michael Liedtke And Olga R. Rodriguez - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Feds: Virus frauds spread, preying on Medicare recipients

WASHINGTON - Scam artists are preying on older people ’ s fears by peddling fake tests for the coronavirus to Medicare recipients , a federal law enforcement agency warned on Monday .
And moving separately on another law enforcement priority , President Donald Trump signed an order directing a crackdown on large-scale hoarding that ’ s intended to create shortages of critical goods and drive prices up .
Alerting seniors to fraud , the Health and Human Services inspector general ’ s office said it has seen marketing schemes rapidly pivot to offering tests for COVID-19 and “ Senior Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tout a vaccine , which doesn ’ t exist .
Some marketers falsely claim that Trump has ordered that seniors get tested .
It ’ s all a trick to get personal information that can be used to bill federal and state health programs , said Christian Schrank , assistant inspector general for investigations .
“ It ’ s a straight-up ruse to get your Medicare number or your Social Security number under the guise of having a test kit or a sanitary kit sent to you , ” Schrank said .
Often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as that number is provided .
Low-income Medicaid recipients also are being targeted .
The sales pitches are coming via telemarketing calls , robocalls , social media posts , emails and door-to-door visits , Schrank explained .
As legitimate businesses close their doors and send workers home to comply with social distancing measures , fraud operators have ramped up recruiting for their call centres , Schrank said .
For seniors , the consequences can be long term .
Health care fraud is one of the most prevalent forms of identity theft .
Once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hands of fraudsters , it can be used repeatedly to bill for unwanted goods and services .
That can create problems if a Medicare enrollee ever does need them .
Among the schemes reported to authorities : — In Florida , seniors have been contacted by fraudsters claiming that Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence have mandated they get tested and that their Medicare number is required .
— A scheme in the Midwest offers a “ Senior Care Package ” that includes hand sanitizer .
“ As we know , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out to the store , ” Schrank said .
“ At this time when seniors are searching for answers , these individuals are preying on their desire to speak with somebody.
” — Several online operations are offering coronavirus vaccines , when none has been developed and approved .
At the White House press conference Monday , Trump said federal authorities had already shut down a website selling “ a totally fake vaccine.
“ Schrank said , “ The first time you hear about a vaccine , it ’ s not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telemarketing call.
” Federal and state law enforcement officials have set up a working group to share information on the quickly evolving scams and route leads to the agencies best equipped to investigate .
The phone number for the HHS inspector general ’ s hotline is 800-HHS-TIPS , and the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline is at 866-720-5721 .
Anti-fraud experts say seniors should just hang up on unsolicited sales calls .
Following Trump to the White House briefing room podium , Attorney General William Barr said the crackdown on hoarding will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is needed by medical personnel .
“ If you have a big supply of toilet paper in your house , this is not something you have to worry about , “ said Barr .
The Justice Department has already launched investigations into people who are hoarding supplies and price gouging , said Barr .
Investigators will go after people who are “ hoarding these goods on an industrial scale for the purpose of manipulating the market.
” Barr says the executive order allowed the president to designate some items as “ scarce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much-needed supplies .
“ If you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks , you will be hearing a knock on your door , ” Barr said .
Barr said no specific items have been identified yet and the Justice Department will work with Health and Human Services to enforce the president ’ s order .
For most people , the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 375,000 cases have been reported , and while most people recover in weeks , more than 16,000 people have died .
Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed to this report .

Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Alaska Senate puts $1,000 stimulus payment in budget bill

JUNEAU , Alaska - The Alaska Senate on Monday approved a budget provision that would give residents a $ 1,000 payment as a way to blunt the economic impacts from the coronavirus .
The provision , an amendment to a larger state spending package , passed 12-7 after the Senate rejected a proposed $ 1,300 stimulus payment .
The underlying budget passed 17-1 later in the day .
The House will have to decide whether to agree to what passed the Senate .
The stimulus provision would use earnings from the state ’ s oil-wealth fund , the Alaska Permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dividends to residents .
The budget bill itself proposed a dividend for later this year of about $ 1,000 .
That remains part of the bill .
Several senators said such an economic stimulus is critical , with many businesses temporarily closed or laying off workers in a bid to slow or prevent the spread of the virus .
Payments would be made before the end of the current fiscal year , June 30 , but Sen. Mike Shower , who sponsored the successful provision , said he hoped to see payments made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more targeted relief that they said lawmakers were working on , or expressed concern with , digging too deeply into permanent fund earnings .
The adopted stimulus provision would go to eligible Alaskans who got dividends in 2019 .
Lawmakers also use earnings to help pay for government expenses amid a persistent budget deficit .
Gov .
Mike Dunleavy , as part of his economic response to the virus , proposed something similar to the failed $ 1,300 amendment .
The Republican proposed paying what he felt Alaskans were owed and did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent fund dividend of $ 1,606 .
Dunleavy has advocated following until it ’ s changed a dividend formula that many lawmakers consider unsustainable .
Had the formula been followed , 2019 checks would have been $ 2,910 , according to the Department of Revenue .
Dunleavy proposed making up the difference .
Meanwhile , senators rejected an amendment that proposed paying a dividend using the formula last used in 2015 .
The size of such a dividend would have been about $ 3,100 , the Legislative Finance Division has said .


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--West Virginia governor rambles, mixes messages on virus

CHARLESTON , W.Va. - As the coronavirus raged across the nation , West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice wondered why people were looking to him for answers .
Justice , a billionaire Republican with no previous political experience leading a particularly high-risk state , has rambled through mixed messages on the virus , diminishing his credibility with some West Virginians who have said it ’ s been a struggle to discern exactly what he wants them to do .
The low point may have come in a heavily criticized address broadcast statewide Saturday evening , when Justice warned : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we don ’ t act as strongly as possible right now , we ’ re going to lose lives — and lots of lives ” just minutes after he declined to order a broad lockdown .
As the Charleston Gazette-Mail , the state ’ s largest newspaper , noted in a headline , he urged action but took none .
Justice also offered jumbled sets of numbers that puzzled viewers in their randomness .
“ The big $ 64 dollar question is just this , “ he said at one point .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 10 days from today where New York is today.
” The speech represented a low point in a shaky period of gubernatorial leadership , with the role itself seeming to baffle Justice at times .
Speaking frankly in another speech last week , Justice cut himself off mid-sentence to interject a thought : “ I really don ’ t know exactly why this is this way , but I guess everybody is looking to me or the government for guidance , you know.
“ That introspective comment came not long after Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to Bob Evans and eat , go to Bob Evans and eat , ” as health officials and politicians around the world warned people to avoid crowded places .
While governors in neighbouring states , such as Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , as well as New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , have won praise for clear-eyed and specific guidance about the virus , criticism of Justice is coming from all angles .
Outside a grocery store Monday , West Virginia retiree Jim Hale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice ’ s Saturday night speech .
“ I was wanting to listen to what he had to say , ” Hale said as he loaded bags into his car .
“ I don ’ t know why we all wasted our time.
” Jared Hunt , a spokesman for the Republican-controlled House of Delegates , shared his own take on Twitter , clearly and concisely echoing guidance offered previously by the governor to avoid crowds , practice good hygiene and stay home as much as possible .
“ I do believe there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Virginians should understand tonight — because this is literally a deathly serious situation , “ Hunt wrote , ” But it did get lost in translation.
” Republican Del .
Joshua Higginbotham promptly endorsed one of the governor ’ s primary challengers , Woody Thrasher , on Twitter .
Thrasher , he wrote , “ can actually speak in coherent sentences .
” West Virginia Senate President Mitch Carmichael , a Republican who has sometimes been critical of Justice , said he didn ’ t want to hammer on the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor ’ s remarks .
“ It ’ s been widely viewed as creating a lot of uncertainty , ” he said in an interview .
Justice defended the speech , saying he was told he did a good job at relaying the threat .
“ Well first of all , I would be really remissed if I didn ’ t tell you that , you know , my address on Saturday evening , you know , after hours and hours of discussion with these great people behind me , everyone here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do exactly what I delivered , ” Justice said at a Monday press conference in which he called for more decisive containment steps than he had included in the televised address .
West Virginia , with its high rates of older residents and people with existing health problems , has the nation ’ s highest percentage of adults at risk of developing serious illnesses from the virus , according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study .
Testing in the state has lagged , as it has nationally .
West Virginia was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confirmed case , which drew praise from President Donald Trump but was attributed by Justice himself to the low number of tests administered in the state .
Less than two weeks ago , West Virginia had tested only 12 people , though that number is now in the hundreds , state health officials said .
At least 16 people have tested positive .
The governor last week declared a state of emergency and ordered the closure of bars , restaurants , casinos , gyms , health clubs , recreation centres , barbershops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schools statewide are closed until at least March 27 .
On Monday , after calls from leaders in the state ’ s capital region for a stay-in-place directive , Justice announced he was going forward with the order to urge people to stay home as well as mandate the closure of nonessential businesses .
Still , problems abound .
Dave Ramsey , president and CEO of the Charleston Area Medical Center , which serves the capital region , said health care workers feel “ abandoned ” by the federal and state governments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equipment we need , we can ’ t get the testing we need , ” said Ramsey in recorded video .
“ It ’ s as though they ’ re ignoring the people in the front line that are really taking care of patients in America.
” AP reporter John Raby contributed to this report from Nitro , West Virginia .

Anthony Izaguirre - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Governors urge feds for more funding, testing, equipment

ANNAPOLIS , Md .
- The nation ’ s governors kept pressing the federal government for supplies and economic aid to battle the new coronavirus in a conference call with the White House on Monday without getting the assurances they were hoping to hear .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , the chairman of the National Governors Association , said the governors are seeking more testing , ventilators and personal protective equipment like masks for health care providers .
The call with Vice-President Mike Pence last about an hour and 15 minutes .
“ There aren ’ t enough of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re pushing to get our supply wherever we can , and we ’ re pushing the federal government to produce more of them , distribute more of them , and hopefully we ’ ll get some progress , “ Hogan said earlier in the day .
” There ’ s been a little bit of progress , but not nearly enough and not fast enough.
” Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said Monday her state still was not getting enough help from the federal government .
She said Michigan just received its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national stockpile .
For one hospital , she said , it is 747 N-95 masks , 204 gowns , 4,467 gloves and 64 face shields .
“ With the exception of the gloves , that allotment is barely enough to cover one shift at that hospital , “ Whitmer , a Democrat , said .
” It ’ s not even a full day ’ s worth of shifts.
“ Whitmer , citing efforts from companies in her state , said Michigan has secured more than 4 million gloves , 4 million N-95 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitizer .
“ While I can ’ t do overnight what the federal government should have done over the course of months in planning , my team and I are working 24/7 to secure the things we need , ” Whitmer said .
Michael Ricci , a spokesman for Hogan , described the call Monday as “ candid and constructive , ” but without a breakthrough that the governors were seeking .
“ While we ’ re not where we want to be on all of the governor ’ s requests , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some breakthroughs in the next few days , ” Ricci said .
Congress also hit another roadblock in talks to inject nearly $ 2 trillion into the economy .
Another attempt to advance the aid bill on Capitol Hill failed in a Monday afternoon vote .
“ We ’ re still pushing very hard for major economic stimulus for monies to go directly to the states so that we can help these businesses and individuals that are impacted , and there ’ s still no action on that , ” said Hogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced longer school closures .
Virginia public schools will remain closed for the rest of the current school year and certain types of businesses __ such as bowling alleys , gyms and theatres __ must close in response to the outbreak , Gov .
Ralph Northam said Monday .
Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont announced Monday that he will soon sign an executive order that will keep the state ’ s schools closed until at least April 20 .
Lamont previously instituted a two-week school closure on March 17 .
Hogan also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the federal government on other priority areas governors presented to the White House on Thursday .
He said some progress has been made on invoking Title 32 , so that the Federal Emergency Management Agency can cover the cost of National Guard relief missions and providing states with flexibility to use Guard resources .
Hogan noted some federal assistance by extending deadlines relating to the 2020 census .
However , he said states are still pushing to extend deadlines for Real ID compliance .
Starting Oct. 1 , those without a Real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to board domestic flights , visit a military base or enter some federal buildings .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .
Associated Press Writers David Eggert in Lansing , Michigan , Alan Suderman and Sarah Rankin in Richmond , Virginia , Susan Haigh in Hartford , Connecticut , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--The world shuts down to fight the spread of coronavirus

Empty squares , deserted tube platforms and restricted public life .
This is what the world looked like on March 23 , 2020 as it attempts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic .
An empty bus stop on a deserted road in Doel , Belgium , Monday , March 23 , 2020 .
Belgium ’ s stores , schools , restaurants and bars have closed and citizens have been asked to stay at home or to maintain a social distance from others .
In Belgium , a country with 11 million people , number of cases of COVID-19 infections is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths from the disease , according to Euronews — the the numbers may be much higher due to a low number of tests .
Deserted platforms are seen on the underground train network just after 9 a.m. on March 23 , during what would usually be the busy morning rush hour period .
In a speech to the nation Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a total lockdown of the U.K. , banning citizens from leaving their homes except for certain reasons including accessing medical care to shop for essentials .
Non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A view of the empty square by the town hall on March 23 .
In order to slow down the spread of the coronavirus , the German government has considerably restricted public life and asked citizens to enforce social distancing .
Germany has the world ’ s fifth-highest number of COVID-19 cases but has experienced fewer deaths than in other countries , possibly because the outbreak started among younger people , The Wall Street Journal reported .
A traffic officer checks drivers for valid documents following a lockdown order by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in Athens , on March 23 .
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a lockdown starting Monday whereby all citizens and residents must stay at home or risk a fine .
Right now the number of cases in the country are low — there have been just 17 deaths and 624 case — but Business Insider reported Monday that the Greek government appears concerned it won ’ t be able to handle a spike in cases .
A “ don ’ t panic ” sign hangs on the entrance of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus , in Tel Aviv , Israel , on Monday , March 23 , 2020 .
In Israel daily life has largely shut down with coronavirus cases multiplying over the past week .
Local media reported Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered citizens not to leave their homes except for work , food and medicine .
A postman on a scooter is pictured on March 23 in Rome , during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Italy has been hard hit by the outbreak of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll has now overtaken China ’ s , surpassing 5,000 people .
The country reported 793 more deaths on Saturday , the biggest single-day toll of any during the pandemic , the New York Times reported .
Queensland Beach Provincial Park , in Queensland N.S .
is seen on March 23 , 2020 .
Nova Scotia has declared a provincial state of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19 .
Residents have been asked to not leave the province and only leave home for essential items and services .
Provincial parks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be treated as a trespasser and have their vehicle towed .
A person crosses the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia , on March 23 , 2020 .
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney is issuing a stay-at-home order to the nation ’ s sixth most-populated city to keep its 1.6 million people from leaving home , except to get food , seek medical attention , exercise outdoors , go to a job classified as essential or other errands that involve personal and public safety .
A man crosses an empty Las Ramblas on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of emergency and shut down all commercial activities except for pharmacies , grocery stores , gas stations , tobacco stores and news kiosks .
The number of people infected with the coronavirus in Spain has increased to at least 29,909 , with at least 1,700 deaths .
A nearly empty Times Square on March 23 , 2020 .
New York accounts for six per cent of global cases , according to the New York Times .
The newspaper reported Monday that Gov .
Andrew M. Cuomo ordered hospitals to increase their capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12,339 confirmed cases in New York City alone , and 2,635 people are currently hospitalized , with nearly a quarter of those in intensive care , according to the newspaper .


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--In global fight vs. virus, over 1.5 billion told: Stay home

NEW YORK - With masks , ventilators and political goodwill in desperately short supply , more than one-fifth of the world ’ s population was ordered or urged to stay in their homes Monday at the start of what could be a pivotal week in the battle to contain the coronavirus in the U.S. and Europe .
Partisan divisions stalled efforts to pass a colossal aid package in Congress , and stocks fell again on Wall Street even after the Federal Reserve said it will lend to small and large businesses and local governments to help them through the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the head of the World Health Organization called on countries to take strong , co-ordinated action .
“ We are not helpless bystanders , ” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said , noting that it took 67 days to reach 100,000 cases worldwide but just four days to go from 200,000 to 300,000 .
“ We can change the trajectory of this pandemic.
” Britain became the latest European country to order a near lockdown , imposing its most draconian restrictions ever in peacetime .
The scramble to marshal public health and political resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide lockdown took effect amid worries the city of 8.4 million is becoming one of the world ’ s biggest hot spots .
More than 12,000 people have tested positive in the city and almost 100 have died .
The governor announced plans to convert a mammoth New York City convention centre into a hospital with 1,000 beds .
The mayor warned that the city ’ s hospitals are just 10 days away from shortages in basic supplies .
“ This is going to get much worse before it gets better .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the storm , ” Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center .
In Italy , the hardest-hit country , declines in both new cases and deaths for a second consecutive day provided a faint glimmer of hope , though it is too soon to say whether the crisis is levelling off .
Italian officials said Monday that the virus had claimed just over 600 more lives , down from 793 two days earlier .
All told , the outbreak has killed more than 6,000 Italians , the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed the health system to the breaking point there and in Spain .
The risk to doctors , nurses and others on the front lines has become plain : Italy has seen at least 18 doctors with coronavirus die .
Spain reported that more than 3,900 health care workers have become infected , accounting for roughly 12 % of the country ’ s total cases .
British health workers pleaded for more gear , saying they felt like “ cannon fodder.
” In France , doctors scrounged masks from construction workers , factory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a wild race to get surgical masks , ” François Blanchecott , a biologist on the front lines of testing , told France Inter radio .
“ We ’ re asking mayors ’ offices , industries , any enterprises that might have a store of masks.
” The way U.S. officials respond to the severe pressure on hospitals — and people ’ s willingness to keep their distance from others — will prove critical in coming days , public health experts said .
“ Actions taken right now will have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic in the U.S. , ” said Josh Michaud , associate director of global health policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington .
“ It ’ s an important moment.
“ British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday directed residents to stay home , with a few exceptions , and ordered shops that don ’ t sell essential goods to shut down .
He warned that police would be authorized to break up public gatherings of more than two people .
Johnson faced pressure for tougher measures because many have ignored advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis kept easing in China .
The city of Wuhan , where the outbreak emerged late last year , said it is allowing residents limited movement as its lockdown is gradually relaxed .
China is now sending planeloads of protective gear and doctors to Europe .
“ The U.S. is completely wasting the precious time that China has won for the world , ” said Geng Shuang , the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the U.S. government ’ s top infectious-disease expert , promised that medical supplies are about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ clearly directed to those hot spots that need it most.
” President Donald Trump signed an executive order making it a crime to stockpile supplies needed by medical workers .
Attorney General William Barr said investigators will go after those hoarding goods on “ an industrial scale ” and price gouging .
“ If you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks , you will be hearing a knock on your door , ” Barr told reporters .
On Capitol Hill , a nearly $ 2 trillion plan that would prop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households has stalled .
Democrats argued it was tilted toward corporations rather than workers and health care providers .
Trump suggested that the remedies to fight the epidemic might be more harmful than the outbreak itself and vowed to reassess government restrictions after the U.S. shutdown reaches the 15-day mark .
“ WE CAN NOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF , ” he tweeted .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden criticized Trump for not using the full force of federal authority to combat the virus .
“ Trump keeps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Biden said in an online address .
“ Well , start acting like one.
” Worldwide , more than 375,000 people have been infected and over 16,000 have died from the virus , according to a running tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
More than 1.5 billion people around the globe have been instructed to stay in their homes .
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cease-fire in conflicts around the world to tackle the pandemic .
“ It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives , ” he said .
After just a few weeks , the U.S. has more than 43,000 cases and more than 500 deaths .
Indiana , Michigan and West Virginia joined states including California , Illinois and New York in asking or ordering residents to stay home and keep businesses closed — directives that cover more than one-third of the U.S. population in a patchwork of rules imposed by governors or cities .
Industries big and small continued to shut down .
Boeing announced it is suspending production in the Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft plants employing about 42,000 people .
Former Hollywood studio boss Harvey Weinstein tested positive at the prison in New York where he is serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault , the head of the guards union said .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , the former presidential candidate , disclosed that her husband has been hospitalized with the virus .
For most people , the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever or coughing .
But for some older adults and people with existing health problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including pneumonia .
Over 100,000 people have recovered , mostly in China .
Authorities kept up their push to get people to stay home , but some were clearly not listening .
Social media showed snapshots of packed London Underground trains .
In New York , Cuomo fumed over gatherings of young people in violation of his order that everyone stay 6 feet ( 2 metres ) apart , saying , “ It ’ s reckless and it ’ s violative of your civic spirit and duty as a citizen , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a city where many people live in buildings with small elevators , a 21-story high-rise in the Chelsea neighbourhood posted a notice in the lobby warning that there should be just one person per elevator , and those going to the laundry room shouldn ’ t use a washing machine next to another one in use .
“ People are really only going to get food and going back .
That ’ s what we need , ” said Matt Comet , making a brief dash into the nearly empty streets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carryout meal .
“ I ’ m OK to have a book and watch TV for a bit , but if it continues for another month , another two months , it ’ ll be pretty crazy , ” he said .
India took the extraordinary step of shutting down the nation ’ s vast rail system , the lifeblood of the country of 1.3 billion people .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe acknowledged that postponing this year ’ s Summer Olympics in Tokyo could be unavoidable .
The International Olympic Committee said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next few weeks .
Associated Press reporters around the world contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Adam Geller And Lori Hinnant - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Whooping crane sightings to increase in North Dakota

BISMARCK , N.D. - State wildlife officials say sightings of whooping cranes are expected to increase in North Dakota over the next several weeks .
The endangered birds are in the midst of their spring migration .
The whooping cranes that make their way through North Dakota each spring are part of a population of about 500 birds migrating from their wintering grounds at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to their nesting grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada .
That ’ s a distance of about 2,500 miles ( 4,023 kilometres ) .
Whooping cranes stand about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have a wingspan of about 7 feet ( 2 metres ) from tip to tip .
The birds are bright white with black wingtips that are visible only when the wings are outspread .
Whooping cranes usually migrate singly , or in groups of two to three birds , and may be associated with sandhill cranes .
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says anyone seeing whooping cranes is asked to report sightings so the birds can be tracked .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Harvey Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus in prison

NEW YORK - Harvey Weinstein tested positive for the coronavirus at a state prison in New York while serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault , the head of the state correctional officers union said Monday .
The 68-year-old former film producer , who was hospitalized with heart issues in recent weeks , was diagnosed and quarantined just days after being transferred to the state ’ s maximum security Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo .
Weinstein was previously locked up at New York City ’ s notorious Rikers Island jail complex , which has had a spate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that two inmates at Wende have tested positive for COVID-19 , but did not identify them because it said it can ’ t comment on individual inmate medical records .
Michael Powers , president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association , said Weinstein was one of the prisoners with the virus .
Five officers and two supervisors at Wende were also placed in isolation because of possible exposure to the virus , he said .
Weinstein ’ s spokesman and defence lawyer said Monday they “ will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus , ” saying they wanted to protect his privacy .
Weinstein was sent to Wende last Wednesday , the day before the state prison system stopped accepting inmates from local jails in an effort to stymie the spread of coronavirus .
Weinstein , the Oscar-winning producer of “ Shakespeare in Love , ” was convicted of raping an aspiring actress in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006 .
His lawyers have said they ’ ll appeal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes Rikers has reported at least 19 inmates and 12 staff members being diagnosed with coronavirus as of Saturday night .
Between his conviction and his move to state prison , Weinstein split time between a cell at Rikers and a room at Bellevue Hospital .
He left court in an ambulance after the guilty verdict and detoured to Bellevue , complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure .
He later had a stent inserted to unblock an artery .
After his March 11 sentencing , he returned to the hospital with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart issues , Weinstein ’ s lawyers have said he is also dealing with the ramifications of unsuccessful back surgery stemming from a car crash last summer and a condition that requires shots in his eyes so he does not go blind .
For most people , coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough , and the vast majority recover .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , or death .
An effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arraigned there on charges he raped a woman and sexually assaulted another in 2013 has been put on hold because of the crisis .
The L.A. County district attorney ’ s office made a formal request Monday to take temporary custody of Weinstein , but said it wasn ’ t clear that would happen .
No court dates have been set .
Associated Press reporter Andrew Dalton contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Mormons chided for airport welcoming of missionaries

SALT LAKE CITY - Hours after hundreds of people welcoming missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints crowded together in an airport parking garage , authorities Monday announced new rules to prevent it from happening again during the coronavirus crisis .
The people who showed up Sunday at the Salt Lake City Airport and stood shoulder-to-shoulder , some hugging arriving loved ones , should have heeded warnings to keep their distance to help prevent the spread of the virus , said critics of the gathering including U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney , Utah ’ s governor and lieutenant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utah residents welcoming returning missionaries are an airport tradition , officials this time asked for only one or two family members of each returning missionary to come and to stay in their cars — guidance that wasn ’ t followed by many people , said airport spokeswoman Nancy Volmer .
Church officials said in a letter that they appreciate the love and care from families and acknowledge these are “ unprecedented times ” but made clear what happened can ’ t occur again .
“ What occurred Sunday afternoon at the Salt Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families disregarding important instructions regarding self-isolation and congregating at airports , ” the letter said .
Under new rules announced Monday afternoon by Salt Lake City officials , only one car per returning missionary will be allowed at a designated spots in the garage .
Airport staff will direct the missionaries to the designated spot while airport security will ensure compliance .
The city rules were agreed to by the city , church and the airport .
Video and photos showed many people inside the parking garage standing much closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing ” measure of 6 feet ( 1.8 metre ) apart .
“ This is irresponsible , ” Romney wrote on Facebook .
“ Parents , please pick up your missionary from the airport alone and help them strictly follow self-quarantine procedures for their first 14 days at home .
We need to work together to keep our communities safe.
” The first-term Republican senator has put himself in quarantine because he sat next to Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul , who tested positive for COVID-19 .
For most people , coronavirus causes only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover .
The 900 missionaries who arrived at the airport were returning from the Philippines on chartered flights .
Thousands more missionaries are expected to return from abroad in the coming days and weeks after the Utah-based faith said Friday it was bringing home an unspecified but “ substantial “ number of missionaries .
Utah Gov .
Gary Herbert called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet and Lt. Gov .
Spencer Cox said he was “ really disappointed in the behaviour we saw from missionary families at the SLC airport tonight.
” “ I get it , I ’ ve been there ( and still have a child serving ) , but this is unacceptable .
In a time of shared sacrifice , we must do better to save lives , ” said Cox , a member of the faith widely known as the Mormon church , as are Romney and Hebert .
Rep. John Curtis tweeted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Watch the below video for what NOT to do.
“ The church posted a statement online Sunday night urging parents to go alone to pick up their family members and to maintain recommended distance apart from them and for the missionaries go into 14 days of self isolation .
Regional church leaders were told Saturday to tell parents to take only one vehicle to the airport and stay in their cars , church spokesman Daniel Woodruff said .
There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus among the missionaries , said Woodruff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Romney and the other political leaders .
It is a tradition for large groups of family and friends to squeeze into the arrivals greeting area at Salt Lake City airport ’ s to welcome home missionaries with signs , screams of joy and balloons .
The official reaction to Sunday ’ s event illustrated how religions are being forced to alter customs amid the spread of the coronavirus .
The church ’ s proselytizing missions are an integral part of the religion and considered rites of passages for young members .
Men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
There were about 65,000 people serving missions before the coronavirus pandemic started .
The church has said it does not plan to suspend its missionary program .
The faith is sending home many missionaries serving or preparing to serve in foreign countries so they can self-isolate for 14 days and be reassigned to continue on missions in their home countries .


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Ex-Alabama officer, rapist wants bond amid hearing delays

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. - A former Alabama police lieutenant convicted of raping a teen relative has asked to be released on bond while awaiting a sentencing hearing delayed by the virus outbreak .
A motion was filed Monday requesting that Birmingham Police Lt. Pete Williston be released on bond while awaiting his hearing , AL.Com reported .
He was scheduled to be sentenced on April 3 but that has been postponed until at least April 16 because of court delays involving the new coronavirus , Williston ’ s attorney Scott Harwell said Williston is in solitary confinement and although Williston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ good mental spirits ” he would “ improve if he could return home.
” A judge hasn ’ t ruled on the motion as of Monday .
A jury took 30 minutes to convict Williston of first-degree rape in February .
Prosecutors said Williston used his authority over the teen and forced her to have sex with him .
The victim testified that Williston made her break up with a boy and told her if she was going to have sex , she would have sex with him .
The victim said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 , starting when she was 14 years old .
Williston admitted to having sex with the victim .
Williston ’ s attorney argued that the victim was 16 years old at the time and the sex was consensual .
“ I recognize it was disgusting and inappropriate , ” Williston previously said .
“ I was an adult .
I should have known better.
” Williston was a 17-year veteran of the Birmingham Police Department , whose service included stints as an interim commander in a precinct station and as a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Italy records smaller increase in virus cases for 2nd day

ROME - Italy has recorded a smaller day-to-day increase in new coronavirus cases for the second straight day , officials said Monday while cautioning it was too soon to know if the worst is behind the country with the world ’ s second-biggest caseload .
Data released by Italy ’ s Civil Protection agency showed 4,789 new cases from a day earlier , nearly 700 fewer than the day-to-day increase of 5,560 new cases reported Sunday .
The number of deaths also did not rise by as much .
There were just over 600 more virus-related registered in Italy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy has been anxious to see the day-to-day figures for new cases and deaths go down as it starts a third week under a nationwide lockdown and its health system struggles under the weight of the world ’ s largest COVID-19 outbreak outside of China .
As of Monday , Italy had a total of 59,138 virus cases compared to China ’ s 81,496 , and the country is on pace to soon have twice as many deaths .
It was only Saturday when Italian authorities reported another set of grim one-day highs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy starting last month : 793 more dead and 6,557 new cases .
Health authorities have cautioned that it will be a few more days before they will know if Italy is at the beginning of a positive trend .
“ These are crucial days .
Woe to whoever lets down the guard , ’ ’ Health Minister Roberto Speranza said of Monday ’ s numbers .
” Now , more than ever , the commitment of everyone is needed.. “ A top national health official , Silvio Brusaferro , resisted being too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday were due to actions taken at the beginning of the month , not in recent days .
‘ ’ We need more consecutive results to confirm the trend , to be more certain that we are in a favourable situation.
, ” Brusaferro said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever or coughing .
But for some older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
Over 100,000 people have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 7,000 in Italy .
A government decree that took effect March 10 prohibits people from leaving their homes except to go to work , to shop for food or other necessities , to exercise or walk dogs for brief periods , or to perform essential tasks like caring for an elderly relative .
In the Lombardy region , where the outbreak began , there are even more stringent restrictions .
In Milan , the capital of Lombardy .
which is by far Italy ’ s worst-hit region , regional health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both positive test results and of hospitalizations of new patients with COVID-19 were smaller .
But they expressed renewed worry about the urgent need for additional intensive care beds .
Lombardy health commissioner Giulio Gallera said Monday that the number of cases grew to 29,761 , a day-to-day increase of 1,555 as opposed to the one-day jump of 3,200 recorded Saturday .
The cities of Bergamo and Milan both showed signs of improvement , but the number of cases jumped significantly in Brescia , another hard-hit Lombardy city which registered 588 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first positive day of this very difficult month , “ Gallera said .
” It is not time to relax .
We need to be even more coherent.
’ ’ The northern region requisitioned a hotel with 300 rooms for people who need to self-quarantine and are unable to properly distance themselves from family members at home .
Lombardy ’ s governor signed an ordinance on Saturday requiring all guests to leave hotels within 72 hours to free up the accommodations for possible use inpublic health emergency .
This version has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide lockdown took effect on March 10 , not March 3 .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Tensions rise as $2 trillion virus aid stalls in Washington

WASHINGTON - Tensions flared Monday as Washington strained to respond to the worsening coronavirus outbreak , with Congress arguing over a nearly $ 2 trillion economic rescue package and an impatient President Donald Trump musing openly about letting the 15-day shutdown expire .
As the U.S. braces for an onslaught of sick Americans , and millions are forced indoors to avert a spike that risks overwhelming hospitals , the most ambitious federal intervention in modern times is testing whether Washington can swiftly halt the pandemic on the home-front .
By evening , it appeared there would be no further votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the night .
“ It ’ s time to get with the program , time to pass historic relief , ” said an angry Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell as he opened the chamber after a nonstop weekend session that failed to produce a deal .
“ This is a national emergency.
” Fuming , McConnell warned Democrats — pointedly House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — to quit stalling on “ political games , ” as he described Democratic efforts to steer more of the aid toward public health and workers .
Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negotiations , weighed in late Monday from the White House briefing room , declaring that Congress should vote “ for the Senate bill as written , “ dismissing any Democratic proposal .
“ It must go quickly , “ Trump said .
“ This is not the time for political agendas.
” The president also sounded a note of frustration about the unprecedented modern-day effort to halt the virus ’ s march by essentially shutting down public activities in ways that now threaten the U.S. economy .
Even though Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ago , the president said : “ We can not let the cure be worse than the problem itself .
At the end of the 15-day period , we will make a decision as to which way we want to go.
” “ Let ’ s go to work , “ he said .
“ This country was not built to be shut down .
This is not a county that was built for this.
” Trump said that he may soon allow parts of the nation ’ s economy , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to begin reopening , contradicting the advice of medical and public health experts across the country , if not the globe , to hunker down even more firmly .
Pelosi assailed Trump ’ s idea and fluctuating response to the crisis .
“ He ’ s a notion-monger , just tossing out things that have no relationship to a well co-ordinated , science-based , government-wide response to this , ” Pelosi said on a health-care conference call .
“ Thank God for the governors who are taking the lead in their state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the administration who speak truth to power.
” The White House team led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin worked on Capitol Hill for a fourth straight day of talks as negotiators narrowed on a bipartisan accord .
Int the nearly empty building , the virus continued to strike close .
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky , who announced he tested positive for coronavirus , is now among five senators under self-quarantine .
Several other lawmakers have cycled in and out of isolation .
And the husband of Sen. Amy Klobuchar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with pneumonia after testing positive , she said Monday .
With a wary population watching and waiting , Washington laboured under the size and scope of a rescue package — larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined .
Democrats are holding out as they argue the package is tilted toward corporations and should do more to help suddenly jobless workers and health care providers with dire needs .
In particular , Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , wants constraints on the largely Republican-led effort to provide $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a “ slush fund.
” Yet , he said , “ We ’ re very close to reaching a deal.
“ Even so , another attempt to move the package forward snagged , blocked as Democrats refused to quit negotiating .
Democrats won one concession — to provide four months of expanded unemployment benefits , rather than just three as proposed , according to an official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks .
The jobless pay also would extend to self-employed and so-called gig workers .
But Republicans complained Democrats were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , wanting assurances that corporations taking federal aid will commit to retaining their employees .
Pelosi came out with the House Democrats ’ own sweeping $ 2.5 trillion bill , which would provide $ 1,500 directly to the public and $ 200 billion to the states , as governors are pleading for aid .
She urged Senate negotiators “ to move closer to the values ” in it .
Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defence Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he encourages them to spur production .
“ We are a country not based on nationalizing our business , ” said Trump , who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats .
From his home , Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden criticized Trump for stopping short of using the full force of emergency federal authority .
“ Trump keeps saying he ’ s a wartime president , ” Biden said in an online address .
“ Well , start acting like one.
” On the economic front , the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small and large businesses and local governments as well as extend its bond-buying programs as part of a series of sweeping steps to support the flow of credit through an economy ravaged by the viral outbreak .
Central to the emerging rescue package is as much as $ 350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .
The package also proposes a one-time rebate of about $ 1,200 per person , or $ 3,000 for a family of four , as well as extended unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 110 billion for the expected influx of sick patients , said Mnuchin .
But Democrats are pushing for more health-care dollars for the front-line hospitals and workers .
The urgency to act is mounting , as jobless claims skyrocket and financial markets are eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the health-care crisis and what experts say is a looming recession .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
Bev Banks contributed .
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin , Colleen Long , Hope Yen , Mary Clare Jalonick , Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar , Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

Lisa Mascaro, Andrew Taylor And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Wyoming Democrats postpone presidential vote count 3 weeks

CHEYENNE , Wyo .
- The Wyoming Democratic Party will postpone its presidential selection vote count by three weeks and will only accept mail-in ballots to avoid disruptions from potential new coronavirus restrictions , state party spokeswoman Nina Hebert said Monday .
Participants might not be able to drop off ballots if Wyoming or any of its cities enacted a stay-at-home order like one announced Monday for Denver , Hebert said .
“ We can ’ t take a chance , ” Hebert said .
“ We have to prepare for that possibility .
It would be irresponsible not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s tally was to be a combination of caucusing , drop-off voting and mail voting but party officials previously cancelled in-person caucusing set for April 4 to avoid creating crowds that could spread coronavirus .
Now the party has cancelled drop-off voting as well .
To receive a mail-in ballot , voters must have registered as a Wyoming Democrat no later than last Friday .
Eligible voters who haven ’ t received a ballot already may request one on the state party website no later than March 31 , according to party officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wyoming Democratic Party by April 17 to be counted .
To provide extra time in case a snowstorm interferes with mail delivery or ballot delivery for tabulation , ballots will be counted “ on or about ” April 25 , Hebert said .
Even then , Hebert said , party officials were still trying to find out if their ballot courier , who might not be considered an essential business that may remain in operation , would be able to get the Wyoming ballots to the tabulation machines in Denver .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee a courier service is going to be deemed essential , ” Hebert said .
At least 26 people in Wyoming had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Monday .
The illness causes only mild or moderate symptoms for most people but can cause more severe problems for the elderly and people with existing conditions .
The vast majority of those infected recover .
In other coronavirus news in Wyoming : — The Wind River Reservation recorded its first coronavirus case .
The unidentified person , whose condition wasn ’ t disclosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases among residents and staff at a Lander assisted-living centre , Wyoming Public Radio reports .
— Cheyenne-Laramie County Health ordered the closure of Frontier Mall , the city ’ s largest indoor shopping mall , until at least Monday night to deter young people from gathering in numbers that could spread the virus , the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports .
— Public school officials in Cheyenne said in a statement Monday they are preparing to offer distance education if schools must remain closed after April 3 .
— Bridger-Teton and Shoshone national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public toilets until further notice due to coronavirus .
Several portable toilets remained open in nearby Grand Teton National Park , the Jackson Hole News & Guide reports .
The national park is substantially closed this time of year due to snow .


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Boeing to suspend production in Seattle because of virus

SEATTLE - Boeing will suspend operations at its Seattle area facilities due to the spread of coronavirus , idling tens of thousands of aerospace workers , the company said Monday .
At least 110 people have died from COVID-19 in Washington state , mostly in the Seattle area .
Boeing employs about 70,000 people in the region .
The company said 32 employees have tested positive for the virus , including 25 in the greater Seattle area .
Operations would be reduced beginning Wednesday , Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement , and production would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary step protects our employees and the communities where they work and live , ” he said .
Production is continuing at a Boeing plant in South Carolina where Boeing 787 jetliners are assembled .
The company said employees in greater Seattle who can work from home will continue doing so and those who can ’ t - like the tens of thousands of machinists who build airplanes - will receive paid leave .
“ We will keep our employees , customers and supply chain top of mind as we continue to assess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is an unprecedented time for organizations and communities across the globe.
” Boeing ’ s shutdown comes after a worker died of COVID-19 .
The Seattle Times reports that co-workers and a union official confirmed Sunday ’ s death of the man who worked in Everett .
The newspaper said the man was an inspector who had worked for Boeing for 27 years .
The machinists ’ union said it supported the decision to suspend production , according to a message on its website .
Boeing said it was still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
Boeing operates two commercial aviation production facilities in the Seattle area , one in Everett and another in Renton .
Its Everett facility , north of Seattle , is the largest building in the world and produces airplanes like the 777s , 787s , 767s and 747s– along with the KC-46A military refuelling and transport plane .
About 30,000 people work there .
Its plant in Renton , south of Seattle , produces the 737 line and military P-8s .
About 12,000 work there .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee applauded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a time for bold actions like these , “ he said in a statement .
Boeing shares rallied Monday , however , gaining 11.2 % to $ 105.62 .
Goldman Sachs had upgraded the shares to “ buy ” from “ neutral.
” Analyst Noah Poponak said the shares have hit a trough after a one-year drop of about 80 % , making them attractive to investors .
Poponak thinks Boeing has enough liquidity to get through a lean 2020 , and the long-term outlook for the industry remains good .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as popular as ever once COVID-19 is resolved , ” he said in a note to investors .
The virus has added to Boeing ’ s crisis surrounding the 737 Max , which remains grounded more than a year after two deadly crashes .
The outbreak has caused airlines to cancel tens of thousands of flights .
Analysts expect cash-strapped airlines to defer deliveries of new planes through 2020 and possibly longer .

Martha Bellisle And Rachel La Corte - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Florida investigates report cruise line downplayed virus

MIAMI - Florida ’ s attorney general launched an investigation into a report that Norwegian Cruise Lines downplayed the risks of the new coronavirus with “ misleading ” sales pitches to continue to book cruises , officials said Monday .
Attorney General Ashley Moody said the Consumer Protection Division is conducting an extensive investigation into the sales scripts employees received to quell virus fears coming from potential customers and sell cruise packages .
“ We are in the thick of a public health crisis like our modern world has never experienced , “ Moody said in a statement .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone seeking to mislead consumers during these challenging times.
” The Miami New Times reported earlier this month that it obtained emails showing managers encouraged sales employees to use misleading information such as that the new coronavirus could only survive in cold temperatures .
The news outlet said cruise bookers received scripts instructing them to give wary travellers erroneous information such as “ the Coronavirus can only survive in cold temperatures , so the Caribbean is a fantastic choice for your next cruise.
” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 will diminish when weather becomes warmer .
Other viruses spread more during cold weather months , “ but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months , “ the CDC states .
Moody said the Miami-based cruise line is co-operating with the investigation .
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-23--Minnesota Court of Appeals sends PolyMet permit back to MPCA

ST. PAUL , Minn. - The Minnesota Court of Appeals sent an air-emissions permit for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine back to state regulators for further review on Monday , giving another victory to environmental groups who oppose the project .
The appeals court found that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not adequately evaluate whether the air permit requested by PolyMet was a “ sham permit “ — meaning one that didn ’ t accurately reflect the size and scope of PolyMet ’ s proposed mine .
This is the fourth permit the Court of Appeals has rejected this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three permits issued to PolyMet by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — a permit to mine and two dam safety permits .
PolyMet officials said Monday they are disappointed by the court ’ s ruling and are evaluating their legal options .
“ We demonstrated through the extensive environmental review and permitting process that we can meet or exceed Minnesota ’ s strict standards for nonferrous mines , ” the company said in a statement .
A spokesman for the MPCA said the agency was still reviewing the opinion .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more clear : the process that granted permits for the PolyMet mine proposal is broken.
“ Kathryn Hoffman , Chief Executive Officer of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy , said in a statement .
“ It ’ s clear that the permits that were issued to PolyMet did not protect human health and the environment , and it ’ s time for our agencies to acknowledge and address that.
” Hoffman ’ s group and a Minnesota tribe argued that MPCA ’ s decision to issue the permit was arbitrary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged the MPCA failed to take a “ hard look ” at whether PolyMet was engaged in sham permitting , saying the MPCA didn ’ t adequately review information available to it before awarding the permit in late 2018 .
They argued that MPCA issued its findings after questions were raised about PolyMet ’ s intent to abide by terms of the permit .
Among the concerns , Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy noted that crusher lines at the plant have more capacity than PolyMet claimed it intended to use .
The appeals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PolyMet decides to expand production , more permits will need to be issued , but if expansion is the current intent , then now is the time to comply with requirements under a stronger permit .
“ Of course , once a project is operating , expansion proposals may be viewed more favourably by regulators .
If that is the true course being charged by PolyMet , then there is merit to relators ’ argument that the synthetic-minor permit is a sham.
” The appeals court said it doesn ’ t have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can ’ t determine whether MPCA ’ s decision to grant the permit was arbitrary and capricious or unsupported by substantial evidence .
“ For this reason , we conclude that a remand to the MPCA for additional findings is warranted , ” the court found .
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy says the proposed mine can not operate until it has a valid permit .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Chicago woman gets 50 years for beating death of son in Iowa

DAVENPORT , Iowa - A woman from Chicago has been sentenced to 50 years in prison on charges stemming from the beating death of her 5-year-old son in Iowa .
Jacqueline Rambert , 26 , was sentenced Friday in Davenport , court records said .
She ’ d pleaded guilty to child endangerment resulting in death and child endangerment-multiple acts .
Prosecutors agreed to drop a murder charge in return for her pleas .
Rambert also had agreed to testify against her co-defendant and former boyfriend , Tre Henderson .
He was convicted Feb. 13 of first-degree murder and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sentenced April 1 to life in prison without possibility of parole .
Henderson and Rambert were charged with child endangerment for failing to seek prompt medical attention for the boy , authorities have said .
Ja ’ Shawn Bussell had 17 broken ribs , damage to a number of internal organs and bruises from the top of his head to his ankles after Henderson beat him on April 22 , 2018 , prosecutors said .
Ja ’ Shawn vomited several times over the next four days before being taken to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken off life support and died May 1 , 2018 , the records said .
Henderson and Rambert are both from Chicago and were living in a Davenport apartment when the boy was beaten , authorities said .
Davenport is about 160 miles ( 258 kilometres ) west of Chicago .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Bangladesh says it will release jailed former prime minister

DHAKA , Bangladesh - Bangladesh ’ s government will release imprisoned former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for six months on the condition that she stays at home and does not leave the country , the law minister said Tuesday .
Anisul Huq said Zia , 74 , is being released on humanitarian grounds considering her age .
Zia , the country ’ s opposition leader , was sentenced to 17 years in prison in two corruption cases .
Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party says the cases were politically motivated .
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina , Zia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s party says she is seriously ill with ailments including respiratory problems and arthritis .
She is currently being treated in a prison cell at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in Dhaka .
“ The government has decided to release her after staying her sentences , … showing its generosity because of her age and on humanitarian grounds , ” Huq said .
“ She will receive her remaining treatment at home.
” He said the Ministry of Home Affairs will issue a notification for her release .
It was not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In February , the High Court rejected an appeal by Zia seeking her release for medical treatment in the United Kingdom for chronic arthritis .
Zia was convicted in February 2018 on charges of misusing her power by embezzling some $ 250,000 in donations meant for an orphanage trust .
She was later convicted in another corruption case .
Zia and Hasina are both part of political dynasties .
Zia is the widow of Ziaur Rahman , a general-turned-president who was assassinated in 1981 .
Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and independence leader , who was assassinated in 1975 .
Bangladesh gained independence through a nine-month war against Pakistan in 1971 .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Buddy, can you spare a dime? Echoes of ‘30s in viral crisis?

WASHINGTON - The imagery floats in sepia-colored photographs , faintly recalled images of bedraggled people lined up for bread or soup .
Shacks in Appalachian hollows .
Ruined investors taking their lives in the face of stock market crashes .
Desperation etched on the faces of a generation that would soon face a world war .
By now , it ’ s hard to find someone whose grandparents are old enough to recall the suffering of the Great Depression or the stream of rescue programs the government unleashed in response to it .
All but gone , too , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fireside chats , ” his attempts to console an anxious populace and quell the “ fake news ” rumours of the day .
Nearly a century later , the U.S. economy is all but shut down , and layoffs are soaring at small businesses and major industries .
A devastating global recession looks inevitable .
Deepening the threat , a global oil price war has erupted .
Some economists foresee an economic downturn to rival the Depression .
“ With the markets destroying wealth so quickly , the two shocks we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oil-price war — could morph into a financial crisis , ” said Carmen Reinhart , a professor of economics and finance at Harvard ’ s Kennedy School of Government .
“ We will see higher default rates and business failures .
It could be like the 1930s.
” During the early Depression years , unemployment peaked at 25 % .
U.S. economic output plunged nearly 30 % .
Thousands of banks failed .
Millions of homeowners faced foreclosure .
Businesses failed .
No one knows how this recession may unfold or how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might help .
Ignited by an external event — a raging global pandemic — it is uniquely different from both the Depression and the financial meltdown of 2008-09 .
And so its possible solutions are trickier .
It isn ’ t a conventional dislocation rooted in a financial collapse or an overheated economy or a burst asset bubble .
The twist this time is that the only sure way to defeat the pandemic — with drastic containment measures like lockdowns , quarantines and business closures — is to deliberately cause a recession by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt .
James Bullard , president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis , has gone so far as to warn that unemployment could reach 30 % within months and that economic output could shrink 50 % .
Other outlooks aren ’ t quite as grim .
But they ’ re all bleak .
Some economists take heart from the fact that the government possesses more potent tools to stabilize the economy than it did in the 1930s , some of them created in response to the Depression .
They include a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guarantee of bank deposits and federally backed mortgages .
And the 2008 financial crisis led to the creation of an array of programs to fortify the banking system and encourage borrowing and spending .
President Donald Trump , after a hesitant start , now backs a bold and multi-pronged federal response to the crisis .
It is just the sort of sweeping government involvement in the economy that was pushed this year by Democratic presidential candidates , well before the viral outbreak , but is almost always resisted by Trump and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Congress would deliver , by far , the largest economic rescue plan in U.S. history .
At somewhere near $ 2 trillion , the wide-ranging aid package is intended to sustain workers and companies for at least 10 weeks .
After that , further help might be needed .
The package is expected to include , among other things , small business loans to help retain workers ; unemployment insurance ; added liquidity into the economy ; and cash payments for families .
An earlier $ 100 billion-plus package swiftly passed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes a guarantee of paid sick leave for some workers affected by the virus .
A major element of the government ’ s intervention will continue to be the Federal Reserve , which is injecting trillions of dollars in liquidity into the financial system to support key lending programs .
On Monday , the Fed unleashed its boldest effort yet to protect the U.S. economy by helping companies and governments pay their bills .
With lending markets threatening to shut down , the Fed ’ s intervention is intended to ensure that households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the loans they need at a time when their own revenue is drying up .
As a whole , the emerging all-guns-blazing federal response is at least an echo of the economic stimulus that Roosevelt engineered in the depths of the Depression .
Huge government aid programs put tens of millions to work in the construction of public buildings and roads , the pursuit of conservation projects and development of the arts .
Rural poverty was addressed , in part , by buying low-producing land owned by poor farmers and resettling them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created to buy home mortgages issued by the Federal Housing Administration .
After the immediate crisis passed , Congress enacted far-reaching reforms of the financial system and banks and established unemployment insurance .
In contrast to today , the 1930s workforce was predominantly a male-dominated one of manual and farm labour .
That changed only later , when the “ Rosie the Riveter ” wave of women entered factories to help mobilize America to fight World War II — a mobilization whose economic boost finally ended the Depression .
Today ’ s service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by retail , technology and financial services as well as by contractors , freelancers and “ gig ” workers , is far different .
A 2020 equivalent of the Works Progress Administration would be hard to imagine .
In today ’ s environment , more likely than government-created jobs are temporary measures like cash payments and guaranteed paid sick leave .
Yet the options for the government are so vast that experts say they could deliver a significant benefit if deployed properly .
“ There are more levers now for the government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic and financial history at Wesleyan University .
“ There ’ s a lot now that the government can do that it wouldn ’ t even have thought of doing in the 1930s.
” An example was a rarely used 1950s-era lever that Trump invoked last week — the Defence Production Act .
It empowers the government to marshal private industry to accelerate production of key supplies in the name of national security .
( Critics complain that Trump has yet to put the law fully into action by actually ordering companies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals say are running dangerously low . )
Also last week , the president said he was open to giving the government a vast reach into the private sector — by taking equity stakes in companies that have been crippled by the virus , in exchange for giving the companies emergency loans .
This would recall the 2008-09 financial crisis , when the government engineered a $ 700 billion bailout of banks and automakers — and , in exchange , acquired equity stakes in those companies .
That enabled the government to profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the taxpayer bailouts .
The government took over outright the home mortgage backers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac .
“ Right now , the country ’ s frozen , ” said Anat Admati , a professor of finance and economics at Stanford University and senior fellow at Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research .
“ Policymakers have to decide what ’ s really best for society.
” Admati notes that FDR ’ s New Deal and unemployment insurance wove a new safety net after the ravages of the Depression .
But the net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says , along with the rise in gig and part-time workers and low-paid staffers in health care and other service industries .
Many of those workers don ’ t stand to benefit much , if at all , from unemployment benefits and other programs built for a different era .
A result is that income inequality could worsen as a result of the crisis and the economic and social dislocation it causes .
“ There are bailouts and subsidies coming , “ Admati said .
” The key is how they are @ @ @