BC-VIRUS OUTBREAK-THE LATEST

The Latest: Fauci says fine to trick-or-treat this year

The government’s top infectious diseases expert says families can feel safe trick-or-treating outdoors this year for Halloween as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. decline, especially for those who are vaccinated. Dr. Anthony Fauci tells CNN’s “State of the Union” that it’s an important time of year for children, so “go out there” and “enjoy it.” He adds that people wanting to enjoy Halloween on Oct. 31 should consider getting the shots for that “extra degree of protection” if they are not yet vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines so far have been approved for people 12 years and older. 

BC-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-ALLEN-WEST

Allen West, Texas GOP candidate, hospitalized with COVID-19

PLANO, Texas (AP) — Tea party firebrand Allen West is hospitalized with COVID-19 but says he’s “doing great.” The candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of Texas told The Associated Press on Sunday that he has “no complaints” and is “just relaxing” at a hospital in the Dallas suburb of Plano. West says he got a good night’s rest and was awaiting the results of an early morning chest X-ray. West and his wife, Angela, were diagnosed with the virus after attending a “packed house” fundraising event last week. He has said he’s “suspending in-person events until receiving an all-clear indication.”

ST. PAUL SHOOTING

1 killed, 14 wounded in shootout at Minnesota bar

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a shootout at a busy bar in St. Paul, Minnesota, has left one woman dead and 14 other people wounded. The shooting happened shortly after midnight at the Seventh Street Truck Park bar. Police say preliminary information indicates several people fired gunshots. It’s not yet clear what led to the shootout. Police say no arrests have been made. The Seventh Street Truck bar is in an entertainment district just south of the Xcel Energy Center, where the NHL’s Minnesota Wild play. The Star Tribune reports that the  woman in her 20s who was killed is the 32nd homicide victim in the city so far this year. 

GRUDEN-RACIST COMMENT

Fritz Pollard Alliance responds to Jon Gruden’s comment

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The leader of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, a watchdog group that champions diversity in the NFL, says Jon Gruden’s 2011 remark about players’ union leader DeMaurice Smith is indicative of the racism at many levels of professional sports. Rod Graves, the Alliance’s executive director, also hinted at seeking discipline for Gruden. A Wall Street Journal story noted that Gruden, then working for ESPN and now coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, referred in a racist way to Smith’s facial features. The league is looking into the matter and a person familiar with that probe told The Associated Press that disciplinary action is possible for Gruden.

AP-US-FILM-BOX-OFFICE

Craig’s final Bond takes $56 million at domestic box office

After over 18 months of pandemic delays, “No Time to Die” opened on target. According to studio estimates on Sunday, the final James Bond film of the Daniel Craig era grossed $56 million from 4,407 North American theaters to easily take the first place spot. It didn’t break any pandemic or 007 records, but it didn’t fall massively short either and is in fact the fourth-best opening in the 25-film series. Unlike many films released during the pandemic, a streaming or hybrid release was never even a consideration for “No Time to Die,” which had a reported production budget of around $250 million. 

AP-US-ABORTION-TEXAS-PUSHBACK

Texas abortion law foes target lawmakers’ corporate donors

Opponents of Texas’ strict abortion ban are focusing on companies that donated money to the bill’s sponsors. The hope is that consumers will pressure corporate America to join the fight against the restrictions. The television and digital ads that began this past week highlight AT&T’s contributions to Texas Republican lawmakers. There are plans to expand the campaign to Florida, where a similar abortion proposal has been introduced. Abortion rights supporters in Texas are confronting the nation’s strictest abortion law, as well as a conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court and a wave of GOP lawmakers who want their states to be next.

MEDICAL BILLS-HOSPITAL HELP

Advocates, lawmakers push hospitals to help more with bills

Patient advocates and some state governments say hospitals must do more to help patients deal with medical bills before the debt winds up in collections. They say many people miss out on assistance because they didn’t know about the help or hospitals didn’t do enough to work with patients. The Affordable Care Act requires nonprofit hospitals to notify patients about financial assistance they provide. But it leaves details on how that is done largely up to them. Hospitals say they often notify patients several times about help, and they’ve eased income limits for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

ISRAEL-GERMANY

Merkel and Israel’s Bennett differ on Iran, Palestinians

JERUSALEM (AP) — Germany’s lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, has received a warm welcome on a farewell visit to Israel. But differences have quickly emerged on two key issues. Merkel voiced hope for reviving the international nuclear deal with Iran. That is a step that Israel opposes. She also says Germany remains committed to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. At a joint news conference Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state. Merkel’s visit caps her 16 years in office, which were characterized by nearly unwavering support for Israel. She says that once Germany has a new government, she expects her successor to follow a similar path.

IRAN-NUCLEAR

Iran makes more 20% enriched uranium than watchdog reported

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s nuclear chief says the Islamic Republic has produced more than 120 kilograms (265 pounds) of 20% enriched uranium. That’s far more than what the U.N. nuclear watchdog reported last month. The nuclear chief says that under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers the other signatories were to provide Iran with 20% enriched uranium needed for Iran’s research reactor. He says: “But it was not delivered. If we did not produce it by ourselves this would have turned into one of our problems.” Under the terms of the nuclear deal, Iran was prohibited from enriching uranium above 3.67%. Enriched uranium above 90% can be used in a nuclear weapon. 

AP-AS-TAIWAN-NATIONAL-DAY

Taiwan rejects China’s ‘path’ amid show of military force

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s president has vowed to defend the island from China’s rising pressure for reunification, after a week of tensions with Beijing. President Tsai Ing-wen was speaking Sunday at Taiwan’s National Day celebrations. The leader’s promise to resist Chinese military threats was underlined by a rare show of defense capabilities in the celebration’s annual parade. The display of military hardware included fighter jets, tanks, and both imported and domestically-made missile systems. Tsai emphasized the island’s vibrant democracy in contrast with Beijing’s authoritarian, single-party Communist state. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its national territory and China’s leader Xi Jinping declared on Saturday that reunification with Taiwan “must be realized”.

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