thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Egypt arrests human rights activist who criticized gov’t

CAIRO - Egyptian police arrested an activist and researcher who was a vocal critic of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi ’ s government , the interior ministry and a human rights group said Sunday .
Patrick George Zaki , 27 , was detained at Cairo ’ s international airport after returning from Italy on Friday , according to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights , a local NGO , where he works as a researcher .
He was taken to the prosecutor ’ s office in his home city of Mansoura in the Nile Delta .
Zaki ’ s arrest was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waged by El-Sissi in recent years .
Thousands have been arrested — both secular-leaning activists and Islamist opponents — all while rolling back freedoms won after the so-called Arab Spring uprising in 2011 .
Zaki had been on leave from the NGO since last August while pursuing a master ’ s degree in gender studies at the University of Bologna , the group said .
The interior ministry , which oversees Egypt ’ s police , said in a brief statement Sunday that Zaki was being held on a warrant from the prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending an investigation .
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights said Zaki was being investigated over allegations of spreading false news and misuse of social media , as well as claims he called for unauthorized protests .
Egypt outlawed all unauthorized protests in 2013 , months after el-Sissi , as defence minister , led the military ’ s removal of the country ’ s first democratically elected president , Mohammed Morsi , after his one-year rule proved divisive and sparked massive nationwide protests .
The rights group said the investigation includes allegations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undermine the social order and public safety , as well as incitement to commit violence and terrorist crimes .
In a separate development , the Egyptian military said militants on Sunday attacked a checkpoint in the restive northern part of the Sinai Peninsula , causing casualties among troops .
The military said in a statement forces rebelled that attack and killed at least 10 militants .
Security and medical officials said that the assault in the town of Sheikh Zuweid killed seven troops and wounded 10 more , who were taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they were not authorized to brief the media .
No group immediately claimed the attack but it bears the hallmarks of an Islamic State affiliate centred in northern Sinai .
Egypt has for years been struggling to contain an Islamic insurgency in the Sinai spearheaded by a local affiliate of the Islamic State group .
The militants have also carried out attacks on the mainland .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Oregon flooding abates; part of interstate still closed

PENDLETON , Ore. - Waters covering roads in flood-hit northeastern Oregon were starting to recede , allowing residents to return and assess the damage .
An approximately 10-mile ( 16-kilometre ) stretch of Interstate 84 south of Hermiston , Oregon , remained closed Sunday due to flood damage and authorities say it could be a week before it reopens .
A detour is in place .
Oregon National Guard troops aboard two helicopters airlifted 21 people to safety on Saturday , and authorities reported a 62-year-old woman who lived in one of the areas hit by floods was missing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also assisted flood victims .
Residents in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in northeast Oregon had to be airlifted by from their flooded homes and even were taken out in a front-end loader as rain and melting snow caused rivers to crest their banks .
Some neighbourhoods in Pendleton , a town of 16,000 , were hit , damaging mobile homes .
Seventeen evacuees spent Friday night at the Red Cross shelter in the Pendleton Convention Center , and numerous people dropped off blankets , pillows and other comfort items , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director for central and eastern Oregon .
Another eight people stayed at a shelter in Walla Walla , Washington .
“ They ’ ll be able to go to their homes and see what is left , if anything , and see what the damage is , ” McCrindle said .
The forecast was for mostly sunny skies and no rain Sunday and Monday .
Many roads in Umatilla County , where Pendleton is the county seat , were still closed because of high water or damage , the county sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just before 10 p.m. Thursday at more than 19 feet ( 5.79 metres ) , nearly four times the average height for that date .
Rivers all around the region overran their banks .
The Umatilla County Sheriff ’ s Office said Saturday night that it is searching for a woman who went missing near Bar M Ranch , which has had flooding in recent days .
Janet Tobkin Conley , 62 , was last seen about 7 p.m. Thursday in the Bar M Ranch area , the sheriff ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .
Conley is an experienced hiker and camper and is familiar with the area , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown declared a state of emergency in Umatilla , Wallowa and Union counties late Friday , allowing mobilization of the National Guard .
In Washington state , there was widespread flooding in the Walla Walla Valley .
Waters were receding but authorities were assessing damage in communities such as Dayton , Waitsburg and Milton-Freewater .

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thetorontostar--2020-02-09--The Latest: Warren stresses party unity to defeat Trump

MANCHESTER , N.H. - The Latest on the 2020 Democratic presidential race and Tuesday ’ s primary in New Hampshire ( all times local ) : Sen. Elizabeth Warren has largely avoided attacks from her key presidential rivals lately — but doesn ’ t see an advantage for anyone in them .
Speaking to reporters after a rally in Concord , New Hampshire , on Sunday , Warren said , “ Look , we ’ re going to have to bring our party together in order to beat Donald Trump.
” She added : “ And the way we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of attacks on each other and trying to tear each other down.
” The Massachusetts senator spent months criticizing Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , over holding fundraisers with wealthy donors that were for months closed to the press .
But lately Warren has tried to stress party unity .
She said Sunday that Democratic candidates should “ talk about the things we can run on together.
” New Hampshire is practically Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren ’ s backyard .
So much so that she mistakenly thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During a rally at a high school in the New Hampshire state capital of Concord on Sunday , Warren declared , “ It ’ s up to you , Massachusetts.
” The crowd immediately reacted with chuckles and yelling out corrections .
Warren corrected herself with a laugh , saying , “ And to the people of New Hampshire .
Thank you.
” Warren has refused to call New Hampshire a must-win during Tuesday ’ s primary , despite it bordering Massachusetts .
She told reporters after the event , “ There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It looks like it ’ s going to be a long battle to the nomination.
” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she ’ s plans to keep defying expectations heading into Tuesday ’ s New Hampshire primary .
Though she ’ s spent the last year behind the front-runners , Klobuchar has enjoyed a burst of momentum in the last few days thanks to a strong debate performance and infusion of cash .
At a rally at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester on Sunday , her campaign initially set up about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make room for a room-capacity crowd of more than 700 .
Klobuchar said she ’ s had an “ incredible journey ” in the last few days , and expects to do well in New Hampshire because it is “ grassroots ” territory where voters really listen .
The head of the Democratic National Committee says that after the 2020 election is over , the national party will review whether state parties should be running elections .
That word from DNC Chairman Tom Perez follows the vote count problems in the Iowa caucuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ This Week ” that Iowa might have avoided problems if it had held a primary run by state elections officials , rather than a caucus run by volunteers and the party .
He says he ’ s looking forward “ to the conversation ” about state parties getting “ out of the business of running elections.
” Iowa ’ s leadoff caucuses ended in disarray after a technical problem and then a telephone logjam prevented the Iowa Democratic Party from compiling results soon after the caucuses ended .
It took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue what it said are complete results .
The Associated Press says it ’ s unable to declare a winner based on the available information .
The AP believes the results as reported by the Iowa Democratic Party may not be fully accurate Perez says the Democratic Party also will review whether Iowa should keep its status as being the first in the nation to cast votes .
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders insists he doesn ’ t want to “ denigrate ” rival Pete Buttigieg , but Sanders is pointing out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg shouldn ’ t be the party ’ s nominee .
During an appearance in Plymouth , Sanders began by calling Buttigieg “ my friend.
” That draw a loud laugh from a Sanders supporters .
Then Sanders said : “ We ’ re not here to denigrate Pete , he ’ s running a good campaign , but our views are different.
” Sanders said a candidate like Buttigieg who takes campaign contributions from drug company executives or “ Wall Street tycoons ” won ’ t stand up to “ the corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past about how his rivals raise money .
But his pointed remarks toward Buttigieg comes as Sanders fights to win the New Hampshire primary in two days .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is playing down the notion that his lagging finish in the Iowa caucuses will hurt his electability .
The former vice-president tells New Hampshire voters that rivals Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders were “ better organized than we were in Iowa.
” Biden is stressing that voters should treat the first four early voting states “ as one.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary , is the second early voting state , followed by Nevada and South Carolina .
The New Hampshire contests includes two candidates whom Biden describes to voters as coming “ from the two states next door to you.
’ ’ It ’ s a reference to Sanders , who ’ s a Vermont senator , and Elizabeth Warren , a Massachusetts senator .
Biden is returning to the town hall format New Hampshire voters tend to pride themselves on .
Before Sunday , Biden had skipped taking questions from the crowds at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February .
Biden instead focused on greeting supporters on the rope line at these events .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Thai mass shooting that killed 29 lasted 16 hours

BANGKOK - A soldier angry about a land dispute went on a 16-hour shooting rampage in northeastern Thailand , killing at least 29 people and wounding dozens more .
Police and military personnel hunted the gunman overnight in a shopping mall where he had holed up and shot him dead Sunday morning .
It was Thailand ’ s biggest mass shooting carried out by a single gunman .
This chronology was compiled from official and Thai media reports .
Times are approximate .
At about 3:30 p.m. , a soldier uses his handgun to fatally shoot Col. Anantarote Krasae , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Battalion , and the officer ’ s 63-year-old mother-in-law at their home .
The Defence Ministry soon identifies the gunman as Sgt .
Maj. Jakraphanth Thomma .
Police say the shooting is related to a dispute over land .
A third person is also shot but survives .
Jakrapanth then goes to his army camp , where he seizes several assault weapons and ammunition .
He opens fire and wounds at least three soldiers before stealing an army vehicle to flee .
Two policemen are shot when they try to stop Jakrapanth near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also hurt .
By 6 p.m. , Jakrapanth arrives at the Terminal 21 Korat shopping mall in Nakhon Ratchasima city .
He sprays bullets throughout the area , hitting pedestrians as well as people riding in cars and on motorcycles .
A gas tank near the mall catches fire , apparently after being hit by a round .
The gunman posts angry statements on his Facebook page along with a selfie that shows him in military gear , including a helmet , while the fire burns in the background .
Jakrapanth enters the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads next to the mall and establish a 2-kilometre ( 1.2 mile ) perimeter around it .
The Defence Ministry identifies Jakrapanth as the suspect and police issue a wanted notice for him .
At around 7 p.m. , police SWAT teams and commandos arrive at the mall .
The commandos come by helicopter from Bangkok .
Periodic gunfire is heard inside the mall .
Police are in contact by phone with people trapped inside .
By 7:30 p.m. , Jakrapanth ’ s Facebook page is unreachable .
The Digital Economy and Society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take down the account because its content would violently disturb society .
Before 8 p.m. , police announce that more than 10 people have been killed .
A call is issued for people to donate blood at local hospitals .
At about the same time , police in an adjacent province pick up Jakrapanth ’ s mother from her home and bring her to the mall to see if she can help get her son to surrender .
National Police chief Gen. Chakthip Chaijinda arrives at the mall at around 8:30 p.m. An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 10:30 p.m. to take control of the mall and evacuate those inside .
Gunfire is still heard .
Army Commander Gen. Apirat Kongsompong arrives at the scene .
At around 11:30 p.m. , police announce that the ground floor and higher levels of the mall have been secured .
Police photos show hundreds of people being evacuated .
No mention is made of the gunman , who is believed to still be inside the building .
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announces that 20 people have been killed and 31 others wounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police commander says police are still tracking the gunman inside the mall and there are an unknown number of people still trapped inside with whom the authorities are in touch .
He asks reporters not to report details of the police actions because the gunman may be listening .
Thailand ’ s telecommunications regulator earlier told television stations they should not broadcast live from the site for the same reason .
Periodic gunfire continues in the mall as police hunt the gunman .
There is a burst of activity around 3 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More concerted gunfire is heard around 4:30 a.m. , and there is an unconfirmed report that a police commando has been killed .
At around 9 a.m. , local media report that Jakrapanth has been killed in a shootout .
At 9:30 a.m. , officials confirm his death at a news conference next to the mall .

Grant Peck And Busaba Sivasomboon - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Families of Thai shooting victims wait for answers, bodies

NAKHON RATCHASIMA , Thailand - Sirirat Kualraksa blinked back tears as the ambulances delivered gurneys bearing cloth-shrouded bodies to the morgue of a public hospital on Sunday , hours after a vengeful Thai soldier killed 29 people and wounded dozens of others in a shopping mall rampage .
Sirirat lost her sister , brother-in-law and young nephew in the attack .
She was among dozens of victims ’ relatives sitting in plastic chairs and on concrete benches outside the morgue , waiting to fill out paperwork to lay claim to their loved ones and receive compensation from the Thai government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Facebook , she had talked with her sister , 33-year-old Papatchaya Kualraksa , as she hid with her husband and their 2-year-old in a supermarket storage room .
Sirirat advised her sister to nurse her son so he wouldn ’ t make noise and risk revealing the family to the gunman , whose rounds of automatic fire echoed around the seven-story mall .
In a Facebook call , Papatchaya told her sister that she was scared .
“ Gunshots could be heard endlessly and loudly .
But there was no sign ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , “ both of us thought that she would be able to get out.
” They exchanged several Facebook messages before Papatchaya went quiet .
About 13 hours later , the standoff ended when Thai special forces fatally shot the gunman , whom authorities identified as Sgt .
Maj. Jakrapanth Thomma .
Sirirat , 43 , later received photos from a friend , an officer who responded to the mall , of the body of her sister , arms wrapped around her 2-year-old , and the boy ’ s father nearby .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government mental health department handed out cake and tissues , screening people for abnormal expressions of grief , according to Wimonwan Panyawong , a clinical psychologist who travelled from Bangkok northeast to Nakhon Ratchasima , a city of 150,000 people about 250 kilometres ( 150 miles ) away .
The hospital ’ s lone forensic pathologist was joined by two others from out of town , but officials said it could be days before autopsies were complete and the bodies could be handed over .
Kanokphon Watchawan , 28 , came from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , Wanchai , who was killed while working at a store on the mall ’ s second story .
Kanokphon said hospital authorities told her to come back for him on Tuesday .
Officials said the assailant was angry over a financial dispute , first killing his commanding officer and the officer ’ s mother-in-law and then seizing several assault weapons and ammunition from his army camp .
He opened fire and wounded at least three soldiers before stealing an army vehicle to flee , shooting as he drove to the mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funeral was held Sunday for a 13-year-old middle school student who was riding his motorbike when Jakrapanth fatally shot him en route to the mall .
Gun violence is not unheard of in Thailand , and the shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima comes just a month after another high-profile mall shooting in the central Thai city of Lopburi .
In that case , a masked gunman carrying a handgun with a silencer killed three people , including a 2-year-old boy , and wounded four others as he robbed a jewelry store .
By Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the site of the rampage , Terminal 21 Korat , a gleaming airport-themed shopping mall , to retrieve vehicles abandoned during the police evacuation .
The ground floor was spotless , with lights on , shops left open and a Haagen-Dazs ice cream kiosk freezer humming .
Palawan Ployudee , 50 , whose gift shop on the mall ’ s third floor sells her hand-painted clothes , bags and other decor , first hid other shop owners and customers in the back of her store .
When they realized they were exposed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and later fled to safety down an internal fire escape .
“ The security guard instructed us to take off our shoes so we won ’ t make any noise and notify the culprit , ” she said .
Elsewhere in the city , under a full moon , about 1,000 people gathered around the city ’ s most important monument , a statue of Thao Suranari , who is credited with saving her people from an invading Lao king in the early 19th century .
People chanted prayers along with a slate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding candles in one hand and with the other , pointing to the sky , a gesture Buddhists believe directs souls to heaven .

Emily Schmall And Preeyapa T. Khunsong - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--New Philadelphia police chief starts amid surge in homicides

PHILADELPHIA - The new commissioner of the nation ’ s fourth-largest city police force will start work Monday amid a surge in homicides and calls for action to address ongoing allegations of racism and gender discrimination .
Danielle Outlaw , the former police chief of Portland , Oregon , was chosen by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney from a pool of more than 30 candidates to take the helm of the 6,500-officer force .
Outlaw will be the first black woman to hold the position in Philadelphia .
Since Kenney announced her appointment at the end of December , Philadelphia has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fewer than 40 days .
That follows the deadliest year for Philadelphia in more than a decade , with 355 homicides reported last year .
Kenney said Friday that he expects that Outlaw will begin by becoming familiar with the culture of the city and listening to the concern of citizens and officers .
He said he has high expectations that Outlaw will “ usher in a new and better era for our city.
“ “ I appointed Commissioner Outlaw because she has the conviction , courage , and compassion needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he wrote in a statement .
“ With our support , she will tackle a host of difficult issues like racism and gender discrimination , while leading our administration ’ s top priority of reducing the gun violence that plagues our city.
” Outlaw did not respond to a request for comment through the city Friday , but she said at a news conference in December announcing her appointment that she brings a personal understanding to her role .
“ My sons are 21 and 18 .
I understand the fear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the police .
I understand the mistrust .
I understand also , on the other side , why we do what we do in law enforcement , ” she said .
Prior to becoming the first black female chief in Portland about two years ago , Outlaw spent nearly 20 years with the police department in Oakland , California .
Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross Jr. abruptly resigned last summer after a lawsuit alleged that he ignored sexual harassment complaints because he ’ d once had an affair with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had retaliated against anyone .
Recent lawsuits have accused department brass of ignoring complaints that female officers were being sexually harassed by colleagues and supervisors and making it difficult for them to keep nursing when they return from maternity leave .
In October , a police inspector was charged with sexually assaulting three female officers he had mentored over the years .
And in July , the department pledged to fire more than a dozen officers as part of a national investigation of racist and violent posts made to police social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigned or retried as of January .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Gas prices down 7 cents per gallon to $2.53 in past 2 weeks

CAMARILLO , Calif. - The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline dropped 7 cents per gallon to $ 2.53 over @ @ @ @ @ Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey said Sunday that gas prices responded to @ @ @ @ @ The price at the pump is 19 cents higher than it was a year ago @ @ @ @ @ in the nation for regular-grade gas is $ 3.54 per gallon in the San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ average is $ 2.04 in Baton Rouge , Louisiana .
The average price of diesel @ @ @ @ @ a nickel .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Massive firework shot over Colorado breaks world record

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS , Colo. - A massive firework launched over a Colorado ski resort town has set a record for the world ’ s largest aerial firework .
The 2,800-pound ( 1,270-kilogram ) shell flew 2,200 feet ( 671 metres ) above the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival before it burst , turning the sky bright red and drawing gasps from the crowd , The Steamboat Pilot & Today reported .
Tim Borden of Steamboat Springs headed the team that developed the firework over seven years .
Borden first attempted to set the world record last year , but failed when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting off the ground , the newspaper reported .
Guinness World Records representatives witnessed both attempts .
Christina Conlon of Guinness said she verified the shell launched Saturday was the world ’ s largest .
The firework was 400 pounds ( 181 kilograms ) heaver than the previous record-holder , a 2,397-pound ( 1,087 kilograms ) explosive launched in the United Arab Emirates in 2018 .
During a ceremony after the launch to present Borden and his team with their certificate , Conlon said they showed tenacity and perseverance in coming back after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A winter storm dumped more than 2 feet ( 0.61 metres ) feet of snow on the 26-foot-long ( 7.92-meter-long ) mortar used to launch the shell , and also made transporting the shell difficult .
Borden said getting the area plowed was more trouble than setting up the firework itself .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Iran again fails to put satellite into orbit amid US worries

TEHRAN , Iran - An Iranian rocket failed to put a satellite into orbit on Sunday , state television reported , the latest setback for a program the U.S. claims helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile program .
The launch happened at 7:15 p.m. local time at Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Iran ’ s Semnan province , some 230 kilometres ( 145 miles ) southeast of Iran ’ s capital , Tehran .
A Simorgh , or “ Phoenix , ” rocket couldn ’ t put the Zafar 1 communications satellite into orbit , however , due to a low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Stage-1 and stage-2 motors of the carrier functioned properly and the satellite was successfully detached from its carrier , but at the end of its path it did not reach the required speed for being put in the orbit , ” Defence Ministry space program spokesman Ahmad Hosseini told state TV .
Hosseini still sought to portray the failure as a “ remarkable ” achievement for its space program .
Previous Simorgh launches of the 80-ton satellite carrier suffered other failures .
In the days leading up to the launch , Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the country ’ s Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi .
His quick rise through the Islamic Republic ’ s carefully managed political system already is generating speculation he could be a candidate for Iran ’ s 2021 presidential campaign .
Jahromi acknowledged the unsuccessful launch in a tweet shortly after the news broke on state TV , comparing it to a “ few samples of US launch failures.
” “ But We ’ re UNSTOPPABLE !
We have more Upcoming Great Iranian Satellites !
” Jahromi tweeted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He later tweeted in Farsi that “ sometimes life does not go the way we like it to go.
” He added : “ Please do not pay attention to fake news.
” The launch had been planned amid celebrations ahead of the February anniversary of Iran ’ s 1979 Islamic Revolution .
Iran routinely unveils technological achievements for its armed forces , its space program and its nuclear efforts during this time .
Satellite images by Colorado-based Maxar Technologies obtained by The Associated Press showed the launch tower for the rocket bore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini , and the current Iranian supreme leader , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
Iran had spent just under 2 million euros to build the Zafar 1 , Jahromi previously said .
Officials planned for the satellite , whose name means “ victory ” in Farsi , to remain in orbit for 18 months before crashing back through the Earth ’ s atmosphere and disintegrating .
Sunday ’ s failure came after two failed launches of the Payam and Doosti satellites last year , as well as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate fire at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in February 2019 also killed three researchers , authorities said at the time .
The rocket explosion in August drew even the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump , who later tweeted what appeared to be a classified surveillance image of the launch failure .
The three failures in a row raised suspicion of outside interference in Iran ’ s program , something Trump himself hinted at by tweeting that the U.S. “ was not involved in the catastrophic accident.
” Iran postponed the launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country faced a major cyberattack .
The U.S. alleges such satellite launches defy a U.N. Security Council resolution calling on Iran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons .
American officials , as well as European nations , worry such launches could help Iran develop intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons .
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment and the White House did not immediately acknowledge the launch .
Iran , which long has said it does not seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rocket tests do not have a military component .
Tehran also says it hasn ’ t violated the U.N. resolution as it only “ called upon ” Tehran not to conduct such tests .
Western missile experts have also questioned the U.S. contention that Iran ’ s program could have a dual use for nuclear weapons .
Over the past decade , Iran has sent several short-lived satellites into orbit and in 2013 launched a monkey into space .
The launch comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. since Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in May 2018 .
Iran since has begun breaking terms of the deal limiting its enrichment of uranium .
Meanwhile , a series of attacks across the Persian Gulf culminated with a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad killing Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani and a retaliatory ballistic missile strike by Iran on Iraqi bases housing American troops earlier this month .
Iran also accidentally shot down a Ukrainian commercial airliner taking off from Tehran amid the tensions , killing all 176 people on board @

Amir Vahdat And Jon Gambrell - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Thailand mourns victims of country’s deadliest mass shooting

NAKHON RATCHASIMA , Thailand - As mourning began for the victims of Thailand ’ s worst mass shooting , the country counted its losses : a mother shot dead at the wheel of her car as her son sat beside her , a 13-year-old student gunned down as he was riding his motorbike home and more than two dozen other people .
Authorities said the attack was carried out by a single gunman — a disgruntled soldier who opened fire on strangers before he was fatally shot Sunday at a shopping mall .
Another 58 people were wounded .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ratchasima , a hub for Thailand ’ s relatively poor and rural northeastern region .
More than 1,000 people turned up for the vigil led by Buddhist monks .
They lit candles and prayed and chanted in the town square featuring a statue of Thao Suranari , a governor ’ s wife who is revered for leading troops against invaders from Laos two centuries ago .
Officials said the gunman was angry over a financial dispute with his commanding officer .
He made Col. Anantarote Krasae his first victim before stealing guns from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mall , shooting wildly along the way at people inside and outside the building .
The attacker was identified as Sgt .
Maj. Jakrapanth Thomma , who holed himself up in the Terminal 21 Korat , an airport-themed mall filled with colorful Lego sculptures , a merry-go-round and huge replicas of landmarks from around the world .
After most mall employees and shoppers were evacuated , a joint police and military team hunted down the gunman and killed him .
“ This incident was unprecedented in Thailand , ” Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count after visiting the victims in hospitals .
By the end of the day , the toll had risen to 29 people killed .
The death toll surpassed Thailand ’ s last major attack on civilians , a 2015 bombing at Bangkok ’ s Erawan Shrine that was allegedly carried out by human traffickers who killed 20 .
“ I hope this is the only one and the last incident and that it never happens again .
No one wants this to happen .
It could be because of this person ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Prayuth said .
He said he was worried that people inside the mall could be accidentally hit by bullets fired by police , but added , “ I have checked , that didn ’ t happen.
” Video taken outside the mall showed people diving for cover as shots rang out .
Many were killed outside the mall , some in cars and others while walking .
Survivors and victims ’ families gathered during the day at the city ’ s hospitals , where they recounted their ordeals .
Cpl .
Korakot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prominent politician from the area .
“ I received an order from my superior to block off the road so that no one could go in the direction ” of the gunman , the corporal recalled .
“ So I was signalling to oncoming traffic , when I turned around and saw him .
If I had not , I would not have survived .
I tried to run and find somewhere to hide .
But I could only take two steps and then I heard the sound — ‘ bang.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t walk .
A good Samaritan helped carry me away.
” High school student Nachote Chotiklang said he was in his mother ’ s car as she passed the gunman ’ s vehicle .
The assailant “ got out of the car and fired into the window .
At that , I ducked down and didn ’ t do anything until I felt that car hit something .
It hit a tree.
” Nachote shook his head while another man explained that she had died .
Another harrowing tragedy was recalled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kanchanamethi , who had the nickname James Bond .
The middle school student was riding his motorbike home when the gunman fired on him from his car on his way to the mall .
Rachanon , the family ’ s only child , was one of the first victims .
The father spoke at the first day of his son ’ s Buddhist funeral .
“ I don ’ t want to lose him like this , ” Nuttawut said .
“ This is too sudden .
We had plans for him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We didn ’ t impose any expectations on him.
” “ I want to continue taking care of him , but I no longer have that opportunity , ” he said , breaking into sobs .
Vejpongsa reported from Bangkok .
Associated Press writers Grant Peck and Busaba Sivasomboon contributed to this report .

Preeyapa T. Khunsong And Tassanee Vejpongsa - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--U.S. says two soldiers killed, six wounded in Afghanistan attack

KABUL - Two U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded in a so-called insider attack in eastern Afghanistan ’ s Nangarhar province late Saturday when an Afghan dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire , the U.S. military said .
Afghanistan ’ s defence ministry said one Afghan soldier was also killed and three injured in the assault .
A member of Nangarhar ’ s provincial council , Ajmal Omer , told The Associated Press that the gunman was killed .
Neither the U.S. military nor the Afghan defence ministry have confirmed the attacker ’ s fate .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day the names of the dead American soldiers .
They are Sgt .
Javier Jaguar Gutierrez , 28 ; and Sgt .
Antonio Rey Rodriguez , 28 .
There have been numerous attacks by Afghan national army soldiers on their allied partners during 18 years of America ’ s protracted war in Afghanistan .
Six U.S. service members have been killed in Afghanistan since the start of 2020 , including Saturday ’ s casualties .
Last year , 22 U.S. service personnel died in combat there .
An Afghan defence ministry official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not authorized to speak to the media , said the shooter was an Afghan soldier who had argued with the U.S. forces before opening fire .
He was not a Taliban infiltrator , the official said .
In a statement , the U.S. military said “ an individual in an Afghan uniform opened fire on the combined U.S. and Afghan force with a machine-gun .
We are still collecting information and the cause or motive behind the attack is unknown at this time.
” Omer , the provincial council member , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he said the incident took place .
The U.S. military said American and Afghan military personnel were fired on while conducting an operation in Nangarhar province .
Last July , two U.S. service members were killed by an Afghan soldier in the southern Kandahar province .
The shooter was wounded and arrested .
In September , three U.S. military personnel were wounded when an member of the Afghan Civil Order Police fired on a military convoy , also in Kandahar .
The incident came as Washington has sought to find an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington ’ s peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has been meeting with Taliban representatives in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar in recent weeks .
He ’ s seeking an agreement to reduce hostilities to get a peace deal signed that would start negotiations among Afghans on both sides of the conflict .
In his State of the Union Address on Tuesday , President Donald Trump referenced the peace talks , saying U.S. soldiers were not meant to serve as “ law enforcement agencies ” for other nations .
“ In Afghanistan , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has allowed us to make tremendous progress , and peace talks are now underway , “ he said .
Gannon contributed from Islamabad .
Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report .

Rahim Faiez And Kathy Gannon - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Klobuchar pushes to defy expectations in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER , N.H. - Amy Klobuchar ’ s campaign staff initially set up 250 chairs ahead of a Sunday rally at Southern New Hampshire University .
But in the moments before the Minnesota senator arrived on campus , the aides scrambled to remove most of them to accommodate a capacity crowd of more than 700 people .
Klobuchar is still lagging in most polls , but the crowd was a sign of the energy surrounding her campaign as voters swamped with choices try to make a decision before Tuesday ’ s New Hampshire primary .
She ’ s hoping that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well received speech at a Democratic Party dinner and a surge of cash over the weekend will encourage voters to give her a second look .
“ We exceeded expectations in Iowa , we ’ re going to the debate stage in Nevada .
I think a lot of people have written me off a few times , and every single time we defied them .
And in New Hampshire , there ’ s absolutely no doubt we ’ re seeing a surge , ” she told The Associated Press after a rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good.
” She ’ s asking voters for their consideration at a critical moment in the campaign .
Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , made a strong showing in Iowa and is aiming for a repeat in New Hampshire in hopes of becoming the leading moderate in the race .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden , meanwhile , began the race as a front-runner but is struggling after a disappointing finish in Iowa and another middling result expected in New Hampshire .
If Klobuchar converts voters , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and potentially Buttigieg .
Klobuchar has slammed the 38-year-old forner mayor as too inexperienced to be president .
Klobuchar has been struggling for attention and fundraising dollars for much of the last year along with a half dozen lower-tier candidates .
A fifth-place finish in Iowa , which neighbours her home state , might have been a death knell for another candidates , but she benefited from confusion over the results and extraordinarily low expectations to move on to New Hampshire .
In Durham on Saturday , Annie Merrill was wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs but said she hadn ’ t made up her mind .
“ I love her manner .
She ’ s gentle , yet forceful , and I think that ’ s what we need , ” said Merrill , a retired human resources manager in her 70s .
But she ’ s also considering Buttigieg , and said electability weighs heavily on her choice .
“ I hate to say this , but I need to defeat Donald Trump .
I don ’ t want to make an election just about one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important , ” she said .
But Paul Burkett , 54 , a lawyer from Bow , said he ’ s done with being a “ tactical voter ” and instead was backing Klobuchar simply because she would be the best president .
“ I don ’ t think she ’ ll come in first or second , but third is in reach .
And I do think there are three tickets out of New Hampshire , given what happened in Iowa and the political science experiment Michael Bloomberg is running , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race , Klobuchar has struggled at the back of the pack in fundraising and had just under $ 5 million in reserve at the end of 2019 .
But after Friday ’ s debate she took in more than $ 2 million in less than two days , a lifeline that will allow her to forge on in contests ahead .
“ We have what it takes to go to Nevada and beyond , but to do that , I ’ m gon na need you , ” Klobuchar told supporters in Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , give me your help , let ’ s go for broke , let ’ s barnstorm this state over the next two days , and we will do well in New Hampshire !
” Her debate performance included a harsh takedown of Buttigieg , and she continued voicing concern about his lack of experience when a reporter asked her about him on Sunday .
“ Shouldn ’ t we step back and look at who has the experience to lead especially when we have a brand newcomer in the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at who can actually work with Congress , work across the aisle , not just have a talking point , not just saying it well but actually getting it done , “ she said .
Klobuchar declined to say what she would consider “ doing well ” in New Hampshire , but supporter Cheryl Archambault is hoping for a third , or even second-place finish .
Archambault , 62 , said she had initially favoured Biden but later began leaning toward Klobuchar .
The senator ’ s debate performance cemented her decision , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real .
She ’ s not gon na sell you a bag of goods she ’ s not gon na deliver .
I really hear that loud and clear from her , ” she said .
Associated Press writers Brian Slodysko in Washington and Steve Peoples in Hanover , N.H. , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--The Latest: ‘Jojo Rabbit’ actors ham it up on Oscars carpet

LOS ANGELES - The Latest on the 92nd Academy Awards , which are being bestowed Sunday at the Dolby Theatre ( all times local ) : Roman Griffin Davis and Archie Yates , the young stars of “ Jojo Rabbit , “ hammed it up for photographers on the Oscars red carpet in various poses .
One photographer shouted that they should try jumping .
The two youngsters readily obliged , and while it was a little less than co-ordinated , it was still pretty cute .
Davis and Yates then joined their parents and made their way down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes later , best actor nominee Antonio Banderas , for “ Pain and Glory , ” wrangled his family for a photo , but then advised his daughter to “ just keep moving.
” Spike Lee is honouring Kobe Bryant on the Oscars red carpet .
The “ BlacKkKlansman ” director wore a purple suit trimmed in yellow adorned with Bryant ’ s No .
24 on the lapel and back .
He also wore a pair of Bryant ’ s Nike sneakers .
Lee walked the red carpet in a purple suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to late musical artist and close friend Prince .
Bryant , who died Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash , will be part of the Oscars ’ In Memorium segment .
Roots frontman Questlove said Bryant was “ a great person , a stand-up guy.
” The Philadelphia native recalled the waves Bryant made in 1996 when he convinced Brandy to be his date at prom .
Bryant and Questlove had since struck up a friendship based in part on their Philly upbringings .
“ Anytime I saw him or his family there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Questlove said .
“ It ’ s very devastating .
We ’ re all grieving right now.
” “ Hair Love ” director Matthew A. Cherry has brought a special guest to the Oscars red carpet — Deandre Arnold , a Texas high school student who was told he couldn ’ t attend graduation unless he cut his dreadlocks .
Arnold ’ s story brought national attention and prompted the Texas Legislative Black Caucus to work up a bill that would ban discrimination based on hair textures and styles commonly associated with race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support — his film about a young black girl who asks her inexperienced father to help style her hair is nominated for best animated short .
“ It means the world to us to have him here with us , ” Cherry said .
“ We wanted people to see how good of a kid he is , but also there ’ s no reason people should be policing our hair.
” Arnold said it ’ s been “ validating ” to get backing from Cherry and other celebrities , including Ellen DeGeneres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his education .
“ I ’ m standing strong because of the support system I have behind me , ” Arnold said .
— Amanda Lee Myers ( @ AmandaLeeAP ) on the Oscars red carpet and and Jake Seiner in New York .
Win or lose , “ Parasite ” director Bong Joon Ho is confident a foreign-language film will soon win an Oscar .
“ Regardless of the outcome , I think the door has been opened , ” the director from South Korea said .
“ I think as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door will just open wider and wider.
” “ Parasite ” has a chance to be the first non-English film to win best picture — a credit to its poignant story about income inequality , a talented ensemble cast and an academy membership that has grown more international in recent years .
Bong walked the red carpet with eight actors from the film , noting that actors and others from the American film industry were excited to meet them .
“ I don ’ t necessarily think it ’ s fair to separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ I think as long as they ’ re beautiful , it ’ s cinema.
” Bong isn ’ t sweating whether he leaves with a trophy .
Mostly , he ’ s excited that the Oscars end a five-week trip away from his home in South Korea .
“ After the ceremony , there will be a party , and after the party I will get to go home , ” he said .
“ So thinking about those two things , doesn ’ t make me nervous at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AmandaLeeAP ) on the Oscars red carpet and and Jake Seiner in New York .
“ Frozen 2 ’ s ” Kristen Anderson-Lopez has a secret hiding under her emerald gown : Sneakers .
An award-winning composer along with husband Robert Lopez , Anderson-Lopez lifted her dress proudly to show off her comfortable kicks , shouting to the fan bleachers that it ’ s the “ only way to do the Oscars.
” Already Oscar winners for “ Let It Go ” and “ Remember Me , ” from “ Coco , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the song “ Into the Unknown.
” The footwear isn ’ t reflective of her excitement , though .
She says an Oscar win feels like “ a second wedding ” for them .
— Lindsey Bahr ( @ ldbahr ) on the Oscars red carpet and Jake Seiner in New York .
Zazie Beetz says she considered her role in “ Joker ” to be a “ career-changing and life-changing experience ” — and that hasn ’ t been shaken by criticisms that the film is “ dangerous ” or “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see a story like this and see it get shared , ” Beetz said Sunday before the Oscars .
“ To be a part of it has been wonderful.
” “ Joker ” is the leading nominee heading into Sunday ’ s ceremony with 11 nods , including for best picture .
An origin story about the classic Batman villain , “ Joker ” has been a blockbuster hit but divisive with critics , some of whom worried audience members might see Joaquin Phoenix ’ s character as an inspiration or excuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even prompted in September to declare the film is not “ an endorsement of real-world violence of any kind.
” “ It ’ s been in my heart from the beginning , ” said Beetz , who also praised Phoenix for calling out the industry ’ s issues with diversity .
“ Joker ” composure Hildur Guðnadóttir also praised Phoenix , and recalled watching the best actor nominee listen to her score on set .
— Amanda Lee Myers ( @ AmandaLeeAP ) on the Oscars red carpet and and Jake Seiner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has started with an unwelcome guest — hard rain and a blast of cold air .
Rain was a possibility for Sunday , so the carpet is protected with a large tent .
But just as stars like Billy Porter and Tamron Hall arrived , the skies above the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood opened up in a downpour .
The position of some camera crews had them just outside the tent , sending them scrambling to find tarps and plastic to protect their gear .
“ Oh my God the tent is leaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hole over the massive Oscars sign .
Harried staff are running around with squeegees trying to bump excess water off the tent .
Temperatures were in the high 50s on Sunday , which is considered cold in Los Angeles .
The downpour didn ’ t dampen the red carpet looks of early arrivals , including Porter .
The “ Pose ” star wore a glistening , gold metallic top with a feather effect and a full skirt depicting the interior of the Cupola Room at Kensington Palace .
— Nekesa Mumbi Moody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( @ nekesamumbi and @ ldbahr on Twitter ) The Oscars are here , already .
After the shortest awards season in decades , the 92nd annual Academy Awards will get underway Sunday evening at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles .
The red carpet is being rolled out two to three weeks earlier than usual in a bid to freshen up a ceremony and potentially boost ratings .
Fittingly for a fast race , a movie about a mad dash has risen to the top of the heap .
After winning nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ “ 1917 ” is the favourite for best picture .
But many believe the Korean thriller “ Parasite ” has a chance at an upset .
The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. EST , telecast live on ABC .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--The Latest: Warren says she’s best positioned to beat Trump

MANCHESTER , N.H. - The Latest on the 2020 Democratic presidential race and Tuesday ’ s primary in New Hampshire ( all times local ) : Elizabeth Warren is tweaking her standard campaign speech , saying that she ’ s in the best position to win what some see as an “ unwinnable ” election for any Democrat against President Donald Trump .
Warren finished third in last week ’ s Iowa caucus , which was too close to call between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend , Indiana .
She has also refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary on Tuesday is a must win , even though she ’ s a senator from neighbouring Massachusetts .
Still , at a rally at a high school in Lebanon , New Hampshire , on Sunday night , Warren referenced her then-upset win in 2012 over Republican incumbent Sen. Scott Brown .
Warren noted that polls in that race once showed her down by 19 points but she ultimately won comfortably .
She said such contests are “ only unwinnable if you don ’ t get in the fight ” adding , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight and we ’ re going to win it.
” Democratic presidential hopeful Tom Steyer says he would call for a $ 22 hourly minimum wage if elected president .
The billionaire climate activist made that call during a campaign block party on Sunday afternoon in Winnsboro , South Carolina .
Others in the field have called for an increase to $ 17 an hour .
The town of about 23,000 off Interstate 77 has endured a series of economic struggles in recent years , and its unemployment is typically among the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a play for South Carolina , where former Vice-President Joe Biden has traditionally led polling .
But Steyer has been spending millions on television advertising and is campaigning here this week as the rest of the field stumps in New Hampshire .
Steyer says he sees success in the diverse states of Nevada and South Carolina as critical to primary success .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren has largely avoided attacks from her key presidential rivals lately — but doesn ’ t see an advantage for anyone in them .
Speaking to reporters after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , Warren said , “ Look , we ’ re going to have to bring our party together in order to beat Donald Trump.
” She added : “ And the way we do this is not by launching a bunch of attacks on each other and trying to tear each other down.
” The Massachusetts senator spent months criticizing Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , over holding fundraisers with wealthy donors that were for months closed to the press .
But lately Warren has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Sunday that Democratic candidates should “ talk about the things we can run on together.
” New Hampshire is practically Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren ’ s backyard .
So much so that she mistakenly thought she was home while campaigning there .
During a rally at a high school in the New Hampshire state capital of Concord on Sunday , Warren declared , “ It ’ s up to you , Massachusetts.
” The crowd immediately reacted with chuckles and yelling out corrections .
Warren corrected herself with a laugh , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire .
Thank you.
” Warren has refused to call New Hampshire a must-win during Tuesday ’ s primary , despite it bordering Massachusetts .
She told reporters after the event , “ There are 55 more states or territories after this .
It looks like it ’ s going to be a long battle to the nomination.
” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she ’ s plans to keep defying expectations heading into Tuesday ’ s New Hampshire primary .
Though she ’ s spent the last year behind the front-runners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ momentum in the last few days thanks to a strong debate performance and infusion of cash .
At a rally at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester on Sunday , her campaign initially set up about 250 chairs , then removed them to make room for a room-capacity crowd of more than 700 .
Klobuchar said she ’ s had an “ incredible journey ” in the last few days , and expects to do well in New Hampshire because it is “ grassroots ” territory where voters really listen .
The head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the 2020 election is over , the national party will review whether state parties should be running elections .
That word from DNC Chairman Tom Perez follows the vote count problems in the Iowa caucuses from last Monday .
Perez tells ABC ’ s “ This Week ” that Iowa might have avoided problems if it had held a primary run by state elections officials , rather than a caucus run by volunteers and the party .
He says he ’ s looking forward “ to the conversation ” about state parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running elections.
” Iowa ’ s leadoff caucuses ended in disarray after a technical problem and then a telephone logjam prevented the Iowa Democratic Party from compiling results soon after the caucuses ended .
It took until Thursday for the state party to issue what it said are complete results .
The Associated Press says it ’ s unable to declare a winner based on the available information .
The AP believes the results as reported by the Iowa Democratic Party may not be fully accurate Perez says the Democratic Party also will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as being the first in the nation to cast votes .
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders insists he doesn ’ t want to “ denigrate ” rival Pete Buttigieg , but Sanders is pointing out to supporters in New Hampshire why he thinks Buttigieg shouldn ’ t be the party ’ s nominee .
During an appearance in Plymouth , Sanders began by calling Buttigieg “ my friend.
” That draw a loud laugh from a Sanders supporters .
Then Sanders said : “ We ’ re not here to denigrate Pete , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but our views are different.
” Sanders said a candidate like Buttigieg who takes campaign contributions from drug company executives or “ Wall Street tycoons ” won ’ t stand up to “ the corporate elite.
” Sanders has made similar criticisms in the past about how his rivals raise money .
But his pointed remarks toward Buttigieg comes as Sanders fights to win the New Hampshire primary in two days .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is playing down the notion that his lagging finish in the Iowa caucuses will hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire voters that rivals Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders were “ better organized than we were in Iowa.
” Biden is stressing that voters should treat the first four early voting states “ as one.
” New Hampshire , which holds its primary , is the second early voting state , followed by Nevada and South Carolina .
The New Hampshire contests includes two candidates whom Biden describes to voters as coming “ from the two states next door to you.
’ ’ It ’ s a reference to Sanders , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren , a Massachusetts senator .
Biden is returning to the town hall format New Hampshire voters tend to pride themselves on .
Before Sunday , Biden had skipped taking questions from the crowds at his New Hampshire events in January and February .
Biden instead focused on greeting supporters on the rope line at these events .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--El Salvador standoff deepens over loan for security forces

SAN SALVADOR , El Salvador - Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele called on supporters to converge around the country ’ s parliament Sunday after legislators refused to gather to vote on a $ 109 million loan to better equip the country ’ s security forces .
Top commanders of the country ’ s police and military have expressed allegiance to the president during the standoff , while positioning security forces around the legislative building .
Opposition legislators say they want more details on the spending plan before being called to a vote .
The administration says it would use the funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , uniforms , night vision goggles and other equipment , including a video surveillance system .
It also says that Cabinet members have explained the plans , and that they are willing to give more details to legislators .
Bukele took office in June with broad popular support in a country plagued by crime and corruption .
Voters saw the businessman as an outsider who could modernize the country and upset the status quo .
The opposition FMLN party accused Bukele of intimidation and acting like “ a dictatorship ” for trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Suspect in slaying of Rio councilwoman killed in operation

RIO DE JANEIRO - A former military policeman being investigated for his possible involvement in the 2018 murder of a Rio de Janeiro councilwoman and activist was killed by special forces Sunday in Brazil ’ s northeastern state of Bahia .
Authorities had been looking for Adriano Magalhães da Nóbrega , who is thought to be involved in the killing of Marielle Franco , a prominent activist for Afro-Brazilian and LGBT rights , and her driver .
The assassination shocked many Brazilians and sparked protests in several countries .
The state ’ s Secretary for Public Security said an elite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acronym BOPE , found da Nóbrega in the Bahian city of Esplanada .
Da Nóbrega was a former member of BOPE in Rio .
He was killed after resisting arrest and shooting at police forces , the Secretary of Public Security said .
Daily O Globo reported that da Nóbrega ’ a lawyer , Paulo Emílio Catta Preta , would ask for a full investigation of the operation .
The lawyer said his client had been reluctant to surrender because he was convinced he would be killed in prison to prevent him from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of the investigation into Franco ’ s murder , authorities have pointed to police-linked militias .
In March 2019 , a year after her death , police arrested two former police officers , Ronnie Lessa and Elcio Vieira de Queiroz on suspicion of having carried out the attack .
Lawyers for both men denied their involvement .
Months later , Brazil ’ s departing attorney general requested that five people be charged with obstruction of justice .
The document cited two court officials , two police agents and a lawyer , alleging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mastermind of the killings remains unknown .
On Twitter , Franco ’ s former partner asked : “ Who wins with the death of ex-Bope Adriano Nóbrega ?
” Left-wing party PSOL , to which Franco belonged , published its own statement , demanding full transparency on the circumstances of da Nóbrega ’ s death .
It said its Bahian lawmakers will request a hearing with the Secretariat of Public Security , since the militia man was a “ key piece to reveal several crimes.
” Franco was a prominent activist and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police forces and paramilitary groups , but a year and a half after the assassination , the motive remains unclear .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Buttigieg on defence as rivals aim to blunt his momentum

DOVER , N.H. - Pete Buttigieg spent Sunday on defence as his Democratic presidential rivals attacked him on everything from his struggle to connect with black voters to accepting campaign contributions from large donors in an effort to blunt any momentum heading into Tuesday ’ s New Hampshire primary .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , who essentially tied with Buttigieg in last week ’ s Iowa caucuses , blasted the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , for taking contributions from the very wealthy , suggesting Buttigieg won ’ t stand up to “ Wall Street tycoons ” or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren voiced similar criticism , telling ABC ’ s “ This Week “ that “ the coalition of billionaires is not exactly what ’ s going to carry us over the top.
” Former Vice-President Joe Biden told the same program that Buttigieg hasn ’ t been able to “ unify the black community.
“ The volley of criticism was fresh evidence that Buttigieg , who was virtually unknown in national politics a year ago , has become an early front-runner in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination .
The developments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign that will test how Buttigieg responds to the pressure , especially as the contest moves to more racially diverse states where he has struggled to gain traction .
Buttigieg hit back at Biden , who on Saturday lamented comparisons between the former mayor and former President Barack Obama .
“ Oh , come on , man , “ Biden told reporters .
“ This guy ’ s not a Barack Obama.
” “ Well , he ’ s right , I ’ m not , “ Buttigieg responded on CNN ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And neither is he .
Neither is any of us running for president.
” He later offered an oblique critique of Sanders ’ combative call for revolution .
“ Let ’ s remember we ’ re facing the most divisive president of our time , which is why we can ’ t risk dividing Americans further , ” Buttigieg told more than 1,800 people at an event in Nashua , New Hampshire .
Later in Dover , he declared himself the candidate on the rise .
“ We are the campaign with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire , thanks to you , ” he told a crowd of several hundred .
While responding to some of the attacks , Buttigieg didn ’ t escalate any feuds on Sunday .
That could help him maintain the energy of his optimistic Iowa campaign in which he portrayed himself as above the Washington fray .
“ Part of the reason why he ’ s doing well is he ’ s got a pretty sunny and upbeat presentation , ” said David Axelrod , a former senior adviser to Obama .
“ Tactically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle it the way he ’ s handling it .
We still don ’ t know what the impact any of this will have.
” But in a sign of potential hurdles ahead for Buttigieg , even voters in an overwhelmingly white state like New Hampshire said they wanted to see evidence that he could build relationships with people of colour .
Kim Holman of Brookline , New Hampshire , said she was undecided but leaning toward Buttigieg ’ s “ energy and passion.
” Yet his struggle so far especially with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s definitely a concern .
New Hampshire is a super-white state , ” the 52-year-old personal trainer said .
“ I ’ m hoping he resonates more with people of colour.
” Buttigieg ’ s standing has posed a challenge to Sanders .
The two contenders represent opposite ideological wings of the party , yet Sanders is under pressure to show that he can unify Democrats if he is the nominee .
With that in mind , the progressive Vermont senator has sought to qualify his criticisms of Buttigieg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the mention of Buttigieg , Sanders interjected , “ We ’ re not here to denigrate Pete.
“ But Sanders nonetheless proceeded to blast Buttigieg ’ s ties to large donors .
And one of his most prominent surrogates , former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner , ripped into both Buttigieg and billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a separate event later Sunday .
She slammed Buttigieg for fundraising with billionaires in a wine cave featuring a Swarovsky crystal chandelier .
And she laid into Bloomberg for skipping the early voting states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of dollars of his personal fortune .
“ Whose side are you on ?
” she repeatedly asked the crowd to cheers .
There were other awkward moments Sunday during the final stretch of the New Hampshire campaign .
During a rally in the state capital of Concord , Warren declared , “ It ’ s up to you , Massachusetts.
“ During an event in Hampton , a woman asked Biden to explain his underperformance in Iowa .
He said it was a good question , then asked her if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When she said she had , Biden responded , “ No , you haven ’ t “ and proceeded to call her “ a lying , dog-faced pony soldier.
” The audience laughed during the exchange .
The chaos from the Iowa caucuses lingered over the New Hampshire contest .
Problems with an app led to delays in results and prompted questions about the accuracy of the vote count .
Nearly a week after the caucuses , The Associated Press hasn ’ t declared a result .
In an interview on CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ on Sunday , Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said he was “ mad as hell ” about the situation .
Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne in Plymouth , N.H. , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Hurricane-force winds pound UK and Europe, upend travel

LONDON - Storm Ciara battered the U.K. and northern Europe with hurricane-force winds and heavy rains Sunday , halting flights and trains and producing heaving seas that closed down ports .
Soccer games , farmers ’ markets and cultural events were cancelled as authorities urged millions of people to stay indoors , away from falling tree branches .
The storm , named by the U.K. ’ s Met Office weather agency , brought gales across the country and delivered gusts of 97 miles per hour to the Isle of White and 93 mph ( 150 kph ) to the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the fierce winds , a British Airways plane was thought to have made the fastest New York-to-London flight by a conventional airliner .
The Boeing 747-436 completed the 3,500-mile transatlantic journey in 4 hours and 56 minutes , landing 102 minutes early and reaching a top speed of 825 mph ( 1,327 kph ) , according to flight tracking website Flightradar24 .
Two Virgin Airlines flights also roared across the Atlantic , with all three smashing the previous subsonic New York-to-London record of 5 hours and 13 minutes , Flightradar24 reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounded rock cliffs and cement docks .
The Met Office issued more than 250 flood warnings , and public safety agencies urged people to avoid travel and the temptation to take selfies as floodwaters rose .
Residents in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in northwest England battled to protect their homes amid severe flooding as the River Eden burst its banks .
At least 10 rail companies in Britain sent out “ do not travel ” warnings , while nearly 20 others told passengers to expect extensive delays .
The strong winds damaged electrical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tree limbs and other debris , including a family trampoline .
Huge crowds of stranded , frustrated travellers were seen at London ’ s King ’ s Cross and Euston train stations .
Train crews planned to work all night to try to restore service , but Monday morning commutes were expected to be long and chaotic .
Dozens of flights were cancelled at London airports due to heavy wind .
Heathrow Airport and several airlines consolidated flights Sunday to reduce the number of cancellations .
British Airways offered to rebook customers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gatwick and London City airports .
Virgin Airlines cancelled some flights .
Lufthansa airlines said there would be numerous cancellations and delays beginning Sunday afternoon and running until at least Tuesday morning .
The airline planned to keep operating long-haul flights at its main Frankfurt hub .
Eurowings , a budget subsidiary of Lufthansa , cancelled most flights for the duration of the storm .
Brussels Airport also saw delays or cancellations .
Two huge ports on either side of the English Channel , Dover in England and Calais in France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dover was partially reopened after being closed for 10 hours .
Ferries stopped running there and across the region , including in the turbulent Irish Sea and North Sea .
The Humber Bridge in northern England also shut down , a move its website said was only the second time the massive bridge had been entirely closed .
Breaking with her usual Sunday routine , Queen Elizabeth II did not attend church in Sandringham to keep her out of harm ’ s way during the storm .
The Met Office said most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst of Ciara by 9 p.m. , when the storm had moved on to northeastern Scotland .
However , forecasters predicted more blustery weather Monday , including much colder temperatures and snow in some northern areas .
“ While Storm Ciara is clearing away , that doesn ’ t mean we ’ re entering a quieter period of weather , ” Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said .
“ Blizzards aren ’ t out of the question.
“ In Ireland , an estimated 10,000 homes , farms and businesses had their power knocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eireann warned that a combination of high tides , high seas and stormy conditions had created a significant risk of coastal flooding , particularly in the west and northwest .
Fierce winds knocked out electricity in northern France as well .
Paris authorities sent out a warning to residents and tourists alike to stay indoors for their own safety .
Parks and cemeteries in the city of Lille and nearby towns shut down as strong winds cracked heavy branches .
Open-air markets closed early .
Luxembourg and the German city of Cologne announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday to avoid travelling under dangerous conditions .
In Germany , where the storm was known as “ Sabine , ” national railway operator Deutsche Bahn cancelled long-distance trains to destinations most at risk , including Emden and Norddeich in Germany ’ s northwestern corner , the northern city of Kiel and the North Sea island of Sylt .
“ We have learned from previous storms that it ’ s better not to have trains travel into critical regions in the first place , ” Deutsche Bahn spokesman Achim Stauss said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting stuck between stations.
” Teams of railway employees fanned out with chainsaws to remove any fallen trees blocking the tracks .
In Denmark , meteorologists warned about possible hurricane-force winds coming late Sunday , and flights were cancelled out of Copenhagen .
Danish authorities warned motorists not to cross large bridges , including the Great Belt Bridge that links eastern and western parts of Denmark .
The storm was also expected to smash into southern Norway ’ s coast and hit southern and western parts of Sweden .
In the world of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horse races , rugby matches and other events were called off , including the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham .
A 10-K run in London that was expected to draw 25,000 participants was also cancelled .
The Dutch football association called off all matches Sunday in the top-flight league due to safety concerns , as did Belgium ’ s top two soccer leagues , the Jupiler Pro League and Proximus League .
A German soccer league match between title challenger Borussia Moenchengladbach and Cologne was also put off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ band of cyclists made the most of the wild conditions to take part in the Dutch Headwind Cycling Championships .
Using only basic bikes without gears , lightweight frames or drop handlebars , contestants rode a timed 8.5-kilometre ( 5.3-mile ) course along the coast of southern Zeeland province .
Blasted by winds , blinded by blowing sand from nearby beaches , the cyclists struggled to stay upright .
“ I survived , but it ’ s very tough , ” said Hans Deting , 56 , his right hand dripping with blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is a bucket list thing , ” rider Edwin van Gaalen explained , as he leaned on his handlebars , gasping for breath after finishing .
Ultimately , the gale-force winds became too strong even for this macho event .
Organizers brought the race to an early end after 250 of the 300 riders had finished .
Angela Charlton in Paris , Geir Moulson in Berlin and Mike Corder in Neeltjejans , the Netherlands , contributed .

Sheila Norman-Culp - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Space station delivery from Virginia nixed at last minute

CAPE CANAVERAL , Fla. - Northrop Grumman delayed a space station delivery from Virginia on Sunday because of trouble with ground equipment .
The company came within two to three minutes of launching a cargo ship from Wallops Island to the International Space Station for NASA .
The countdown was halted abruptly , with no new launch date set .
Rain and clouds were expected along the Virginia coast for the next few days .
The capsule atop Northrop Grumman ’ s Antares rocket holds 4 tons of supplies , including cheese and candy for the three space station residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the live video feed cut off and they did not learn about the delay until Mission Control radioed the news a half-hour later .
SpaceX also is under contract with NASA to deliver station supplies .
Its next shipment is in March .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Grizzlies waive G Dion Waiters after trade from Heat

WASHINGTON - The Memphis Grizzlies waived guard Dion Waiters on Sunday , three days after acquiring him from the Miami Heat in a three-team trade also involving the Minnesota Timberwolves .
Waiters had been suspended three times by the Heat this season , including a 10-game ban following a drug-related incident on a team plane .
The Grizzlies also received forward Justise Winslow from Miami and centre Gorgui Dieng from Minnesota , while sending forwards Andre Iguodala , Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill to the Heat .
Waiters played only three games for Miami between his suspensions .
His 10-game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take cannabis-infused gummies while travelling with the team to Los Angeles , resulting in the need for emergency medical attention when the flight landed .
He was also suspended for Miami ’ s season opener after complaining about playing time , then for six games in December for continued violation of team policy .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Democrat race is shaping up to be Bernie Sanders versus Anyone But Bernie

MANCHESTER , N. H.—The Bernie Sanders road show offers some variety : there ’ s some comedy from filmmaker Michael Moore , can-I-get-a-witness testimony from Ohio Senator Nina Turner , a speech in American Sign Language , sometimes music ( The Strokes , for example ) and Hollywood glamour ( “ Sex and the City ” star Cynthia Nixon ) .
On Saturday afternoon at the Rochester Opera House , 1,100 people packed the floor and balconies to take it in .
When Sanders took the stage , the 78-year-old Vermont senator who is suddenly the front-runner for the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s New Hampshire primary , he noted he ’ d already been to Concord and Dover that morning .
Then Sanders said what he ’ s been saying more or less since 2016 .
“ We have to end the international embarrassment of being the only major country not to guarantee healthcare as a human right.
” Look at Canada , he said : “ We have to ask ourselves , what it is that our neighbours to the north have figured out.
” A Canadian can have surgery for major heart disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sanders said .
“ You should not go bankrupt because you ’ re dealing with cancer or heart disease .
That is an outrage.
” There was thunderous applause .
Canadian-style healthcare .
In the United States of America , this is the message that heralds a “ political revolution.
” Or did : portrayed as radical during his 2016 run for the nomination against Hillary Clinton , much of Sanders ’ agenda has become the mainstream of the party ’ s thought .
Like Tommy Douglas who dragged Canadian politics towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now Sanders has a real shot at winning .
You hear often from Sanders supporters that he ’ s called a radical here for suggesting what is mainstream in Canada or in Europe .
But when you listen to him talk about his health-care program , you see it goes beyond what exists in Canada .
Dental coverage .
Prescription drug coverage .
And then he pitches universal child care , a $ 15 minimum wage , cancelling all student debt and offering free tuition at all public universities , rules to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the “ broken and racist ” criminal justice system … This is not a case of someone who only appears left-wing standing next to U.S. President Donald Trump .
His is a legitimately progressive agenda , even by Canadian standards .
And alone among Democratic candidates , that agenda has inspired a movement , drawing massive support among youth and an army of small donors that have made him a fundraising powerhouse .
Which has made him the leader of the race to take on Trump .
He won the popular vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg for the most convention delegates .
He has been leading polls here in New Hampshire .
And he shows a solid lead in many of the most important states coming up on the calendar .
The race is shaping up to be Bernie versus Anyone But Bernie .
And it hasn ’ t yet become clear who the Anyone But will be .
Saturday evening , at the all-candidates 100 Club Dinner at an arena in Manchester , the crowds in the bleachers were organized like sports fans , too : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out “ CHOOSE COURAGE ” over here , Buttigieg supporters in yellow shirts chanting “ BOOT EDGE EDGE ” over there , a big section of Sanders boosters holding up signs with his name spelled out in pink lights .
Sanders , onstage , managed to get a sustained cross-partisan cheer going : “ I know there are differences of opinion in the room , ” he said with a laugh .
“ Despite the differences of opinion , I know that no matter who wins the Democratic nomination we are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It ’ s a unity plea he made at Friday ’ s debate , and one he needs to make now , perhaps , because the other candidates and some party establishment avatars such as Clinton have been attacking him .
And because Sanders ’ own supporters have sometimes told the press they may not vote for a candidate like Joe Biden or Buttigieg in the general election .
Everyone in the Democratic party seems to agree that beating Trump is the main item on their agenda .
Almost all the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to largely make the case for how they can beat Trump by proclaiming how they can beat Trump .
Biden and Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar all argue they can beat him simply by being not him — reaching out to moderates , proposing nothing too drastic .
There is research from political scientists that suggests “ throw the bum out ” may well be the most persuasive election pitch a candidate can make .
“ Over the past few decades , American politics has become like a bitter sports rivalry , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheer hatred of the other team , rather than a shared sense of purpose , ” Alan Abramowitz , a professor of political science at Emory University , said outlining “ negative partisanship ” to Politico magazine recently .
The goal in an election is to motivate your team to come out and express their hate .
Trump has certainly taken that strategy , to an extreme .
The question for candidates like Biden and Buttigieg is whether they can get their team excited enough to counter that .
Sanders comes with built-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the Democratic base — young voters — who often don ’ t show up to vote in high numbers .
If they ’ ll turn out for him , that ’ s his electability argument right there .
But here on the campaign trail , watching his supporters react to him and his policy-heavy speeches , it ’ s clear Sanders doesn ’ t fire them up most by talking about their resentment of Trump .
His applause lines are about developing a shared sense of purpose .
Long-shot candidate Deval Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by-then almost empty arena at the 100 Club , said a problem with America is that “ we have learned to shout our anger and whisper our kindness.
” Bernie Sanders doesn ’ t whisper .
He has a cranky , barking style .
But what he shouts about is an agenda of compassion and kindness .
He expresses those things with anger that grows out of their absence in Trump ’ s government , and in government in general .
He shouts it loud : the kindness and anger all at once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be working .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Mexican art critic shatters contemporary piece at art fair

MEXICO CITY - An art critic has destroyed a contemporary piece at Mexico ’ s premiere art fair , setting off a spirited debate about what constitutes art .
Critic Avelina Lésper said she accidentally shattered the installation Saturday at the Zona Maco art fair in Mexico City when she placed an empty soda can near it to express her disdain for the piece : a sheet of glass with a stone , soccer ball and other random objects suspended inside .
The display was by Mexican artist Gabriel Rico , who contrasts objects made by humans , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature , such as feathers and rocks .
“ It was like the work heard my comment and felt what I thought of it , ” Lésper said in a video statement for Milenio , a Mexican media group that publishes her columns .
“ The work shattered into pieces and collapsed and fell on the floor.
” Lésper said she was then told the piece was valued at $ 20,000 .
Accident or not , the gallery displaying the work criticized Lésper ’ s behaviour as unprofessional .
“ Lésper coming too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soda can on it and take a picture as criticism without a doubt caused the destruction , ” OMR gallery said in a statement via Instagram .
The gallery said the critic ’ s behaviour showed an “ enormous lack of professionalism and respect.
” OMR said Rico ’ s work is highly sought by collectors and art institutions at the moment .
Alfonso Miranda , director of the Soumaya art museum in Mexico , described the incident via Twitter as a “ tragedy.
” Others took to social media to applaud the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pan the sale of art that consists of used and found objects .
Lésper said she suggested the gallery leave the piece shattered , to show its evolution .
When they rejected that idea , she said she offered to repair it .
The gallery said it would get in touch with the artist before announcing next steps .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--NYC Lunar New Year parade showcases support for China, Wuhan

NEW YORK - Signs of support for the Chinese city at the centre of a global virus outbreak marked floats at the Lunar New Year parade in Manhattan ’ s Chinatown on Sunday as brightly colored puppets made their way through the streets in front of crowds of onlookers .
A banner on one float read “ Support Wuhan !
Let ’ s fight the virus together !
“ Another urged , “ Wuhan stay strong.
” Some of the paradegoers who filled the streets held signs expressing support for China , as well .
The coronavirus outbreak that started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 800 people and infected more than 37,000 people around the world , including 12 people in the U.S. No cases have been identified in New York City .
Those at the New York City parade largely weren ’ t concerned .
“ I ’ m not worried because there haven ’ t been any confirmed cases in New York , as far as I know , “ said Diana Szeto , 24 , in town to visit her mother and attending the parade for the first time .
She considered wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t care enough to go buy one .
David Youtz , 60 , came from New Haven , Connecticut , to march in the parade along with four of his children , adopted from China .
“ We want to have our kids involved in Chinese culture , ” he said .
The virus wasn ’ t getting in the way of that .
“ In the U.S. , there ’ s very low reason for concern .
... We weren ’ t worried at all.
” This year marks the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese zodiac , and some of the marchers in the parade dressed as rats to celebrate .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-09--‘Birds of Prey’ flies low on Oscars weekend with tepid debut

LOS ANGELES - “ Birds of Prey , ” the DC Comics ’ Harley Quinn spinoff , made a tepid debut in theatres over the weekend , opening in No .
1 but below expectations with $ 33.3 million domestically , according to studio estimates Sunday .
“ Birds of Prey ( and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn ) , “ an R-rated Warner Bros. release , arrived in theatres while its star — Margot Robbie — is nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in “ Bombshell ” and the previous DC film , the $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for a leading 11 Oscars .
But despite those lead-ins , “ Birds of Prey ” came in for a rocky landing .
It had been expected to open around $ 50 million .
It fared similarly overseas , grossing an estimated $ 48 million from 78 international markets .
Warner Bros. said the coronavirus impacted sales in Asia , though in South Korea , where “ Birds of Prey ” made $ 1.9 million , it came in second to a local release .
“ Birds of Prey ” doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ Suicide Squad ” never opened there .
Cinemas in the country , the world ’ s second largest movie market , have shut down amid the coronavirus outbreak .
“ Birds of Prey , ” the week ’ s lone new wide release , cost approximately $ 100 million to make .
Cathy Yan directs the “ Suicide Squad ” spinoff , which Robbie also produced .
Robbie stars as Quinn , the crazed criminal who after splitting with Joker is a solo vigilante .
Reviews were mostly favourable , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tomatoes .
Audiences gave it a B-plus CinemaScore .
After three weeks atop the box office , Sony Picture ’ s “ Bad Boys for Life ” dropped to second with $ 12 million in its fourth weekend .
The action comedy , which reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence , has grossed $ 336 million worldwide .
Though analysts are forecasting a down year for Hollywood at the box office , the success of “ Bad Boys for Life “ has helped drive the year ’ s ticket sales to an almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks of 2019 , according to data firm Comscore .
Ahead of the Academy Awards , several nominees padded their ticket-sales totals .
Universal ’ s “ 1917 , ” the Sam Mendes-directed World War I film , took in another $ 9 million in its seventh weekend , good for third place .
The film , a favourite for Sunday night , has grossed $ 132.5 million domestically and $ 287.4 million globally .
Rian Johnson ’ s “ Knives Out , ” nominated for best screenplay , added $ 2.4 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 158.9 million .
Lionsgate earlier this week confirmed a sequel to the acclaimed whodunit .
Greta Gerwig ’ s Louisa May Alcott adaptation “ Little Women , ” up for six Oscars including best picture , also ranked in the top 10 with $ 2.3 million .
Its seven-week domestic total is $ 102.7 million .
That gives the best-picture category five $ 100 million-grossing movies , including “ 1917 , “ “ Joker , ” “ Ford v Ferrari ” and “ Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood.
” ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also surpassed $ 100 million . )
Netflix hasn ’ t reported box-office data for its two best-picture contenders , “ The Irishman ” and “ Marriage Story.
” Holdovers “ Doolittle ” ( $ 6.7 million in its fourth weekend ) and “ Jumaji : The Next Level ” ( $ 5.5 million ) rounded out the top five .
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theatres , according to Comscore .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--From Pitt to ‘1917,’ what to anticipate at Sunday’s Oscars

LOS ANGELES - The Oscars are here , already .
After the shortest awards season in decades , the 92nd annual Academy Awards will get underway Sunday evening at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles .
The red carpet is being rolled out two to three weeks earlier than usual in a bid to freshen up a ceremony and potentially boost ratings .
The truncated time table has put the normally bloated Oscars season on a diet ( Sunday ’ s show will also , for the second straight year , be hostless ) and sent film academy members scrambling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task in a year featuring a few three-hour epics like “ The Irishman ” and “ Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood.
” The weather provided some early drama on the carpet , with workers scrambling to keep rain from leaking onto camera crews covering the ceremony .
Workers with umbrellas greeted arriving limos and the red carpet looks didn ’ t appear to suffer , with George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman of “ 1917 , ” Zazie Beetz of “ Joker ” and director Bong Joon Ho among the early arrivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a movie about a mad dash has risen to the top of the heap .
After winning nearly every major precursor award , Sam Mendes ’ “ 1917 , ” about a pair of British soldiers sent with an urgent message to deliver through recently-held enemy territory , is the favourite for best picture .
Thanks to its technical dazzle , the seemingly one-continuous-shot “ 1917 ” is also likely to come away with the most awards Sunday , even without any acting nominations .
Although Joaquin Phoenix , Renée Zellweger , Brad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be all-but-certain locks in the acting categories , there ’ s still the potential for a history-making upset .
Momentum has swung behind Bong Joon Ho ’ s South Korean thriller “ Parasite , ” and some believe it has a chance to become the first non-English language film to win best picture .
Such a win would be a watershed moment for the Academy Awards , which has long been content to relegate international films to their own category .
But in an effort to diversify its largely white and male membership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sciences has inducted more overseas members in recent years .
And just about no one has a bad word to say about t he widely praised class satire “ Parasite , ” the Palme d ’ Or winner at last year ’ s Cannes Film Festival and the first foreign language film to win top honours from the Screen Actors Guild Awards .
The official pre-show will begin at 6:30 p.m. EST on ABC .
Among the presenters the academy will lean on in the absence of a host are Tom Hanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julia Louis-Dreyfus , Chris Rock , Timothée Chalamet , Will Ferrell , Diane Keaton and Kelly Marie Tran .
The ceremony will come just days after the death of Kirk Douglas , one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood ’ s golden age .
Kobe Bryant , a 2018 Oscar winner for the short “ Dear Basketball , “ is expected to be included in the ceremony ’ s In Memoriam segment .
ABC and the academy will be hoping a widely watched field of nominees — including the $ 1 billion-grossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading 11 awards — will help viewership .
Last year ’ s show garnered 29.6 million viewers , a 12 % uptick .
This year ’ s Oscars comes amid a streaming overhaul throughout Hollywood .
Hurrying to catch up to Netflix and Amazon , most of the major studios are prepping or have already launched their own streaming services , as have new entrants like Apple .
Netflix comes into the Oscars with a leading 24 nominations thanks to “ The Irishman , ” “ Marriage Story , ” “ The Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner , “ American Factory.
” But despite spending heavily through awards season , Netflix may go home with only a few awards .
The streamer is still seeking its first best picture win after Alfonso Cuaron ’ s “ Roma ” came up just shy last year .
Instead , this year ’ s Oscar favourites are largely movies released widely in theatres .
They also predominantly feature male characters and come from male directors .
After a year in which women made significant gains behind the camera , no female directors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting categories are also the least diverse since the fallout of # OscarsSoWhite pushed the academy to remake its membership .
Cynthia Erivo ( “ Harriet ” ) is the only actor of colour nominated .
Those results , which have been a topic in speeches through awards season , stand in contrast to research that suggests the most popular movies star more people of colour than ever before .
Ticket sales slumped about 4 % last year despite the Walt Disney Co. ’ s record $ 13 billion in worldwide box office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox last spring , accounted for an overwhelming 38 % of domestic ticket sales .
And yet Disney , aside from owning the network the Oscars are broadcast on , will likely play a minor role at the Academy Awards .
The studio may win best animated feature with “ Toy Story 4 ” and possibly best editing for the Fox film “ Ford v Ferrari.
” And while Democratic candidates are vying for the presidency and votes are still being counted in Iowa , former President Barack Obama may well notch another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Michelle Obama ’ s production company , “ American Factory , ” is favoured to win best documentary .


thetorontostar--2020-02-09--Anchorage police officer charged with assault and burglary

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - Alaska State Troopers arrested an Anchorage Police Department recruit officer when they were called to investigate a disturbance at a Wasilla home , authorities said .
Officer Jordan Serafin faces charges of first-degree burglary and criminal trespass and fourth-degree assault , The Anchorage Daily News reports .
Serafin , 23 , forced his way into a family member ’ s home around 6:15 p.m. Saturday and assaulted a person who is not a family member , authorities said .
The victim of the attack suffered minor injuries , authorities said .
Serafin was placed on administrative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an internal investigation , the Anchorage Police Department said in an online statement .
“ This type of behaviour is unacceptable for anyone in our community and especially can not be tolerated when it is a law enforcement officer , ” Anchorage Police Chief Justin Doll said in the statement .
Serafin has been with the Anchorage police since 2019 and has not completed field training , the newspaper reported .
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