thetorontostar--2020-07-30--In sprawling Capitol, leaders struggle to keep virus at bay

WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are under increasing pressure from lawmakers to boost testing for the coronavirus in the Capitol , an idea they have so far rejected because of concerns about the availability of tests across the country .
Despite the unusual nature of work in the Capitol — lawmakers fly in and out weekly , from 50 states , and attend votes and hearings together — the two leaders have maintained that they will not institute a testing program for members , staff or the hundreds of other people who work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracking was highlighted this week when a GOP lawmaker , Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert , found out he had contracted the virus .
He was tested only because he had been scheduled to travel with President Donald Trump .
Fearing Gohmert ’ s frequent refusal to wear a mask could have caused other members and staff to become infected , Pelosi and Capitol officials quickly issued broad new mask requirements for the House .
But the speaker maintained there would be no comprehensive testing for now , citing a lack of supplies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and the fact that others across the country don ’ t have the same access .
“ It ’ s the members of Congress and support staff and that ’ s very many people , ” Pelosi told CNN ’ s Anderson Cooper .
“ We can ’ t say , well , as members , we should get tested but the other people shouldn ’ t. “ The dilemma for Congress is similar to the one facing workplaces and schools as they struggle to reopen .
Lawmakers and staff during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their distance , cleaning surfaces , limiting crowds and working from their homes when possible .
But it ’ s difficult if not impossible to fully protect against the coronavirus without a robust system of testing and tracing , and there ’ s a lack of infrastructure nationwide to make it happen .
Gohmert ’ s positive test prompted immediate concerns across the Capitol as he had voted , walked the hallways and attended two hearings on Tuesday , often without a mask .
One of the hearings was with Attorney General Willam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that came back negative , according to a Justice Department spokeswoman .
At least three of Gohmert ’ s colleagues said they would quarantine because they interacted with him .
But it did not move the speaker on testing .
Pelosi said they would need more equipment to test everyone in the Capitol and the results would take days to come back , making them “ almost useless.
” They would also need personal protective equipment for those administering the tests that she said should go to health care providers and teachers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they rejected Trump ’ s offer earlier this year to send rapid tests for lawmakers to the Capitol .
The White House uses the rapid testing daily for anyone who will be in proximity to the president , which is how Gohmert found out he was infected .
“ Congress wants to keep directing resources to the front-line facilities where they can do the most good the most quickly , ” Pelosi and McConnell said jointly in a May statement , thanking Trump for his offer but turning him down .
House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept Trump ’ s offer , writing in a letter Thursday the failure to test “ has created unnecessary risk and confusion for members , staff , press and all employees of the House.
” McCarthy said at a news conference Thursday that he had spoken to the White House , and Trump ’ s testing offer was still on the table .
Later in the day , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters that he thinks McConnell and Pelosi should accept it , especially because members of Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I do think that in the continuity of government that most Americans would understand why you would test members of Congress and their staff on a more regular basis than others who could go home and self quarantine , ” Meadows said .
McConnell has also faced pressure from fellow Republicans to boost testing .
On Wednesday , Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , Senate Rules Committee Chair Roy Blunt of Missouri and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Lindsey Graham of South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more robust testing around the complex .
Blunt said he was pushing McConnell to reconsider .
He argued that they could prioritize testing for senators who had travelled to Washington from other areas , and test other members and staff on a less frequent basis .
“ I think particularly for members of Congress who are going back-and-forth , they represent sort of the perfect petri dish for how you spread a disease , ” Blunt said .
“ You send 535 people out to 535 different locations , on about 1,000 different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what happens.
” Still , there appears to be less urgency in the Senate , where there are fewer lawmakers , office space is more spread out and most are regularly wearing masks .
One notable exception is McConnell ’ s Kentucky colleague , Republican Sen. Rand Paul , a doctor who says he doesn ’ t need to wear a mask because he previously tested positive for the virus .
The science is uncertain on that point .
McConnell told PBS NewsHour that “ just about every one of my members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t see a need for new mask mandates in the Senate because “ we ’ re getting compliance in the old-fashioned way , everybody ’ s doing it.
” On testing , some senators said they understood McConnell and Pelosi ’ s concerns about special treatment .
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said he ’ d be fine with increased testing as long as it didn ’ t take away from the needs of the general population .
“ We shouldn ’ t have access to testing that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rubio said .
“ Let ’ s expand access to rapid testing on Capitol Hill , but also throughout the country , ” Van Hollen said .
“ That needs to be the goal.
” Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro , Padmananda Rama , Michael Balsamo and Alan Fram contributed to this report .

Mary Clare Jalonick - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-30--Trump global media chief probes pro-Biden VOA content

WASHINGTON - The head of U.S.-funded global media has ordered an investigation into the posting of a video package featuring former Vice-President Joe Biden on a Voice of America website and affiliated social media accounts .
Agency for Global Media chief Michael Pack said Thursday his staff is looking into the segment that it called “ pro-Biden ” and weighing disciplinary action against those responsible .
The content , which appeared on the VOA ’ s Urdu-language website and its Twitter , Instagram and Facebook accounts this month , has since been removed and may have violated federal law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for initiating a major shakeup of the agency that oversees VOA and its sister networks .
Many Democrats fear he wants to turn the outlets into Trump propaganda machines .
His response to the video package could intensify those concerns while heartening VOA critics , including at the White House , who believe the agency is biased against Trump .
“ The content at issue featured a video that can only be described as an apparent election advertisement for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice-President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ segment on a voter mobilization campaign , known as “ Million Muslim Votes , ” that highlighted Biden speaking to Muslim Americans .
AGM said its management is concerned that the video , which carried the VOA logo , may have been intended to affect votes among the Urdu-speaking Muslim-American community in the upcoming November election .
It also noted that two of Trump ’ s biggest congressional foes — Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashid Tlaib of Michigan — were featured in the video , which was flagged late Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling to tamp down conservative anger at his decision to wholesale fire the heads of all of AGM ’ s broadcasters and a non-profit technology fund .
In a statement , Pack said he wanted to find out who was responsible for “ this significant content and editorial breakdown ” and determine whether it violates the Hatch Act , which governs political activity of federal workers .
“ USAGM staff members who attempt to influence American elections will be held accountable , “ he said .
“ Our networks comprise the U.S. ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this invaluable instrument is generously funded by the American people .
To safeguard our agency ’ s reputation and the integrity of our content , I will continue to ensure that violations of journalistic standards and principles are dealt with swiftly and fairly.
” Congressional aides familiar with the matter said several VOA contractors had been responsible for the content but could not say if any action had been taken against them .
The aides , who weren ’ t authorized to discuss the matter publicly , spoke on condition of anonymity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pack has also initiated a review of visas for foreign employees , many of whom bring critical language skills needed to communicate with the foreign populations that are the primary audiences for AGM broadcasts , and undertaken a security review of how foreigners are hired .
Pack , a conservative filmmaker and associate of former Trump political adviser Steve Bannon , has defended the moves as necessary to overhaul the agency , which critics have long said is beset by bureaucratic and journalistic issues .
That criticism exploded earlier this year when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
Democrats , who suspect Pack wants to promote Trump over broader American values and interests , and some Republicans have demanded explanations for his abrupt dismissal of the heads of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty , Radio Free Asia , Middle East Broadcasting Networks and the Open Technology Fund .
The director and deputy director of VOA resigned within days of Pack taking control of AGM in early June .

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thetorontostar--2020-07-30--American Museum of Natural History outlines reopening plans

NEW YORK - Visitors to the American Museum of Natural History would need to make advance online reservations for specific times , and capacity would be sharply limited under a plan announced Thursday for a September reopening pending city and state approval .
The museum said if it got the necessary approvals , it would open to the public on Sept. 9 , and to members a week earlier on Sept. 2 .
Cultural institutions like the museum had been initially scheduled to reopen in the second half of July , but that was put off by the state with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening indoor spaces like those would lead to a surge in coronavirus cases .
If allowed to open , the museum said it would be open five days , from Wednesday to Sunday , instead of the seven it had been before the pandemic forced a shut down in mid-March .
The plan calls for capacity to be capped at 25 % .
There would be a fixed ticket price for people coming outside of the tri-state area , and a pay-what-you-wish system for residents of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the age of 2 to wear masks , and maintain social distancing .
The theatres and certain exhibit halls would be closed , as would amenities like food service and coat check .
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has also announced tentative reopening plans for August 29 if officials allow .


thetorontostar--2020-07-30--Troopers: Alaska man found dead after apparent bear mauling

JUNEAU , Alaska - A man who was clearing a trail behind his property in south-central Alaska was found dead with wounds consistent with a bear attack , Alaska State Troopers said Thursday .
Troopers said they received a report late Wednesday that a Hope man who set out to clear a trail about a mile behind his property had not returned home and a dog that had gone with him came back alone .
The man ’ s body was found by family and friends in the area in which he had been working , troopers said .
Clay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emergency Services , said local authorities received a call about 9:50 p.m. and when they arrived at the small , remote cabin learned the incident had occurred about a 45-minute to one-hour hike up the side of a mountain behind the residence .
Given the darkness , there were safety concerns with trying to reach the area , Adam said .
People who had gone to the site earlier and returned were told not to go back or touch anything , and that troopers would be in charge of the scene , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supervisor with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game , said based on preliminary information , officials believe the animal involved was a brown bear .
She said efforts were underway to locate the bear and kill it .


thetorontostar--2020-07-30--Wisconsin governor orders masks statewide amid virus surge

MADISON , Wis. - Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers on Thursday issued a statewide mask mandate amid a spike in coronavirus cases , setting up a conflict with Republican legislative leaders and some conservatives who oppose such a requirement and successfully sued to kill the governor ’ s “ safer at home ” order .
Evers , a Democrat , declared a new public health emergency and ordered the wearing of masks for anyone age 5 and up starting on Saturday for all enclosed spaces except a person ’ s home .
The new order also applies to outdoor bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating or drinking .
Anyone who violates the order would be subject to a $ 200 fine .
It is scheduled to run until Sept. 28 .
“ This virus doesn ’ t care about any town , city , or county boundary , and we need a statewide approach to get Wisconsin back on track , ” Evers said in a statement , citing the recent rise in cases across the state .
The conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court in May tossed out an order from Evers ’ health secretary closing most nonessential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus .
Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he opposes a statewide mandate , but he indicated that he wouldn ’ t sue to stop it like he did the “ safer at home ” order .
“ There are certainly constitutional questions here , ” Vos said .
“ I would expect legal challenges from citizen groups.
” Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald , a Republican from Juneau , said Evers may have opened himself to legal challenges .
Fitzgerald also said he is gauging the interest of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the order .
“ Masks are fine , but we don ’ t need statewide mandates telling us what to do .
Many people are wearing masks already , ” Fitzgerald said in a statement .
Rick Esenberg , president of the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty , which has sued Evers several times , said the governor “ lacks the legal authority ” to issue the order .
Esenberg stopped short of promising a lawsuit , saying he was reviewing it .
Republican state Sen. Steve Nass , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members , called for lawmakers to meet in an emergency session to kill the order , which he called “ illegal and unnecessary.
” Evers said he would welcome the Legislature meeting to address the pandemic , which it hasn ’ t done since mid-April .
But he said it was a “ sad commentary ” that Nass wanted to reconvene just to kill the mask order .
“ Obviously he doesn ’ t believe that masks matter , “ Evers said .
” That ’ s fine , he can be one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But to come in and have the Republicans say essentially we don ’ t believe in science , it ’ s pretty risky business .
It ’ s risky political business and risky health business.
” Vos did not say whether the Legislature would reconvene to kill the order .
Evers has repeatedly cited the earlier Supreme Court ruling as a reason for his reluctance to join 32 other states that have mask mandates .
However , the May ruling determined that the state health secretary overstepped her authority with the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court did not address the governor ’ s power to issue public health emergencies .
The state ’ s high court was controlled 5-2 by conservatives when it struck down the earlier order on a split 4-3 decision .
But on Saturday , when the mask order takes effect , Justice-elect Jill Karofsky will join the court , narrowing the conservative majority to 4-3 and increasing the odds of the order surviving a legal challenge .
Evers said the rise in COVID-19 cases , not Karofsky ’ s joining the court , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks voluntarily motivated him to act now .
Evers had been under pressure from local governments , and even some Democrats , to issue a statewide order .
Democratic state Sen. Chris Larson , of Milwaukee , started a petition for a statewide mandate .
“ The bottom line is we need to keep people safe and this is one way to do it , “ he said .
” We hope the Supreme Court agrees with us .
You never know , it may never end up in the Supreme Court.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already instituted mask mandates , including Milwaukee and Dane counties , Green Bay , Racine , Superior and Whitewater .
Evers ’ order doesn ’ t preempt local governments from enacting even stricter ordinances .
Wisconsin has had more than 52,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 919 deaths from the disease since the pandemic started .
That death count is the 28th-highest in the country and the 35th highest per capita , at nearly 16 deaths per 100,000 people .
Over the past two weeks , the rolling average number of daily new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase of more than 11 % .
The virus , although still heavily concentrated in urban areas , is spreading to more rural counties that had largely avoided the disease .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Scores of Zimbabwe protesters arrested, military in streets

HARARE , Zimbabwe - Scores of people were arrested Friday in Zimbabwe as hundreds of military troops as well as police attempted to thwart an anti-government protest , with streets empty and many people hiding indoors .
Organizers said demonstrators originally planned to protest alleged government corruption but instead targeted the ruling political party , using the hashtag # ZANUPFmustgo.
” Tensions are rising in Zimbabwe as the economy implodes .
Inflation is more than 700 % , the second highest in the world .
Now the coronavirus burdens the threadbare health system .
Police arrested scores of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawyers for Human Rights said .
They included prominent author Tsitsi Dangarembga and Fadzayi Mahere , spokeswoman of the main opposition MDC Alliance party .
Charges against them were not yet clear , the lawyers said .
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the planned protest as “ an insurrection to overthrow our democratically elected government.
” He warned that security agents “ will be vigilant and on high alert.
” Speaking at the burial Friday of a cabinet minister who died from COVID-19 , Mnangagwa did not directly refer to the protest but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shun violence .
The normally teeming downtown capital , Harare , was deserted as soldiers and police patrolled and manned checkpoints .
An army helicopter hovered over some of the capital ’ s poor , volatile suburbs .
Security forces on Thursday drove people out of the city and forced businesses to close .
“ So both the government and the people are afraid of protests more than coronavirus , ” chuckled a security guard , walking along an empty road .
“ I have never seen these security people so effective , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during those days of the complete lockdown.
“ The southern African country had gradually relaxed its lockdown to allow for some commercial activity , but it continues to ban protests as part of lockdown rules .
The opposition and human rights groups have said they witnessed abuses such as arrests , detentions , beatings and the stalking of activists and ordinary people accused of violating the lockdown ahead of the planned protest .
Police and government spokespeople have dismissed the allegations , even as a prominent journalist and a politician behind the protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detention .
Mnangagwa ’ s administration accuses the U.S. government of funding the two men and other activists involved in mobilizing the protest , with a ruling party spokesman this week calling the U.S. ambassador a “ thug.
” Anti-government protests in Zimbabwe in 2018 and 2019 resulted in the killing of several people , allegedly by the military .
The pandemic has brought a new layer of suffering .
In public hospitals , doctors and nurses are frequently on strike and infrastructure is so dilapidated that “ unborn children and mothers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists .
The World Food Program this week projected that the number of Zimbabweans facing food insecurity could reach 8.6 million by the end of the year .
That would be “ a staggering 60 % of the population – owing to the combined effects of drought , economic recession and the pandemic , ” the WFP said , appealing for more money to intervene .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Police: 2 assaulted officers near Confederate statue

RICHMOND , Va. - Two people were arrested for assaulting officers who were working with a city task force to break up an encampment near a Confederate monument in Richmond , police said .
The arrests happened Thursday morning as authorities confiscated tents , chairs , and other items near the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue , news outlets reported .
Richmond Police said officers removing the items were assaulted by Justin Killough and Kadia Taylor .
“ Pepper spray was deployed and a conducted electrical device was used by officers in response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The officers suffered minor injuries and another individual was also treated for a medical condition , police said .
The statue has been a flashpoint for protests against racism and police brutality in the city , with clashes between police and demonstrators happening there on a regular basis .
Officials went to the encampments a day after sending a notice to occupants that they were in violation of a city ordinance that bars people from camping on public grounds , the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported .
Both Killough and Taylor have each been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer .
The Richmond Community Bail Fund told the newspaper they have been denied bond .
It was not immediately clear if Killough and Taylor had lawyers who could comment on their behalf .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--VIRUS DIARY: Cycling in COVID London gives hope in the gloom

LONDON - I moved to London in 1997 .
I was 31 .
So , measuring by my London years , I ’ m only 24 .
Over the course of my London life I ’ ve accumulated at least 12,000 commuting hours — 500 days — in the London Underground , locally known simply as “ the Tube.
” Spending all that time underground was my choice .
I enjoyed people-watching , reading books , or counting how many stops a person takes to put on make-up or finish a sandwich .
Hopping on a bike to cover that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — racing double-decker buses and heavy lorries through busy London streets wasn ’ t my cup of tea .
Where I came from , cycling meant something different .
In my childhood in the Croatian capital of Zagreb , bicycles weren ’ t tools designed to bring you from A to B in record time , but vehicles for new , carefree ( and heavy traffic-free ) adventures beyond the known world of your neighbourhood .
I accepted what I thought was an inalienable truth : I would never be able to experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a halt .
I badly needed to find something positive in the stress and madness of the whole situation , and I found it : The opportunity for bike adventures beyond my usual daily world had unexpectedly opened , and my wife and I decided to take advantage .
For the first four weeks of lockdown , we did not leave our home .
Then , with the fifth week approaching , we opened our bike sheds .
There , two bikes , left behind by our once-teenage kids , were waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Witnessing an extraordinary time in our city ’ s history , we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to deserted tourist landmarks , meandered through the ghostly empty streets of the city and experienced a true “ tell your grandkids ” moment when we ended up being the only people outside Buckingham Palace .
They say that in times of crisis and self-reflection , it is essential to be able to see glasses as half full , rather than half empty .
But even our half-full glasses needed weekly top-ups .
In order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themes and targets for our rides .
“ London : East to West.
” “ Down the Thames.
” “ The Northern Canals.
“ Together , they handed us a completely different perspective on the city we had been living in for decades .
Flood barriers .
River lighthouses .
Statues of neighbourhood heroes .
Places of historic arrivals and departures .
Former docks .
Victorian canals and locks .
Abandoned or converted warehouses .
Shuttered pubs .
Kebab & curry houses .
Hidden picnic spots and unexpected pockets of countryside .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of well-known , lesser-known and totally unknown parts of London behind us .
As the lockdown progressed , we realized we were not alone out there .
Many other Londoners came to the same idea .
So many , in fact , that there was an eight- to 10-week waiting list for bicycle orders .
Many councils have decided to build additional highways for cyclists , and many drivers are unhappy .
Petitions from all directions are pinging around social media .
Bike buzz has taken hold of London .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , but helmets , lycra , and flashing lights are already part of our new reality .
If nothing else , it will come in handy for our ‘ City at Night ’ ride later this week .
The 20-plus miles we plan to cover will be a piece of cake .
After all , I ’ m only 24 .
Virus Diary , an occasional feature , showcases the coronavirus pandemic through the eyes of AP journalists around the world .
Nino Bantic is a video editor for The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/BanticNino


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Wages and benefits grow at slowest pace in 3 years

WASHINGTON - Wages and benefits for U.S. workers rose at the slowest pace in three years in the April-June quarter , a sign that businesses are holding back on pay as well as cutting jobs in the coronavirus recession .
Pay and benefits increased 0.5 % in the second quarter , according to the government ’ s Employment Cost Index , released Friday .
That is down from 0.8 % in the first three months of the year .
Wages and salaries rose just 0.4 % , while benefits jumped 0.8 % .
Employers shed 22 million jobs in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those workers in May and June .
That has left the unemployment rate at 11.1 % , one of the highest rates since the Depression .
With the unemployment rate so high , workers who still have jobs have less ability to resist pay cuts or demand raises .
The ECI tracks pay and benefits for existing jobs , so it isn ’ t affected by layoffs or shifts in the types of jobs that exist in the economy .
Also Friday , a separate measure of personal income compiled by the Commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 1.1 % in June , following a steeper drop of 4.4 % in May .
Those figures reflect the massive job losses of recent months .
Pay and benefits increased 2.7 % in the year ending in June , the same as in June 2019 .
That suggests that the impact of the coronavirus has not yet lasted long enough to impact the annual figures .

Christopher Rugaber - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Thai court allows Cambodian class action against Thai firm

BANGKOK - A Thai court ruled Friday that several hundred families in Cambodia who were displaced from their homes may file a class action suit against the Thai company they believe was responsible , a decision hailed as trailblazing by land rights activists .
The Bangkok South Civil Court issued the ruling in a case in which Cambodian farmers are suing Thailand ’ s Mitr Phol company , one of the world ’ s largest sugar producers .
About 700 families were forcibly evicted from their homes in 2008-2009 when Cambodian subsidiaries of Mitr Phol were acquiring plots of land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the northwestern province of Oddar Meanchey into a sugar production hub .
To make way for the new industrial sugar plantation , hundreds of houses were demolished or burned to the ground , triggering protests from villagers .
Mitr Phol withdrew from the project in 2014 and its subsidiaries were shut down .
“ The importance of this legal precedent can not be overstated , ” said Natalie Bugalski , legal director for Inclusive Development International , a private group promoting corporate responsibility .
“ This is a David vs. Goliath case that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims of corporate abuse in Southeast Asia and beyond.
” The court decision “ rightly recognizes that national borders must not provide corporations with a free pass to act with impunity , nor should they pose a barrier to anyone seeking justice for alleged human rights abuses , ” said Amnesty International , which also supported the farmers ’ lawsuit .
The Cambodian farmers filed a lawsuit seeking damages in April 2018 under a provision in Thai law allowing a class action to be brought by foreign plaintiffs for abuses committed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled that the case was not eligible for class action status due to problems in communication , as the plaintiffs were hard to reach because they were living in remote areas in Cambodia and they were not able to communicate in Thai .
The villagers then appealed the decision , leading to Friday ’ s ruling .
“ The court made the right decision , these villagers are very poor , the class action lawsuit will give them more opportunities to fight their case in the court , ” said Sor Rattanamanee Polkla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This can be seen as the next step of judicial progress in Thailand , as the case is the first transboundary land rights class action case filed in Thailand and may be the first in Asia.
” She said the court ’ s appeals division ruled that a class action lawsuit is appropriate because it is cost-saving and keeps each plaintiff from filing separate cases that might result in contradictory rulings that could cause problems for Thailand ’ s judicial system .
A statement from the Mitr Phol Group said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to upholding the laws and regulations of every country in which it operates .
The court set Oct. 5 for a meeting between the two sides , which is a pre-hearing procedure in the Thai judicial system .

Busaba Sivasomboon - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Final days of hajj and Eid festival impacted by coronavirus

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - Small groups of pilgrims performed one of the final rites of the Islamic hajj on Friday as Muslims worldwide marked the start of the Eid al-Adha holiday amid a global pandemic that has impacted nearly every aspect of this year ’ s pilgrimage and celebrations .
The last days of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia coincide with the four-day Eid al-Adha , or “ Feast of Sacrifice , ” in which Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor .
The pandemic has pushed millions of people around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making it harder for many to fulfil the religious tradition of purchasing livestock .
In Somalia , the price of meat has slightly increased .
Abdishakur Dahir , a civil servant in Mogadishu , said that for the first time he won ’ t be able to afford goat for Eid because of the impact of the virus on work .
“ I could hardly buy food for my family , “ Dahir said .
“ We are just surviving for now .
Life is getting tougher by the day.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price for a ram has doubled .
Livestock sellers , used to doing brisk business in the days before the holiday , say sales have dwindled and those who are buying can ’ t afford much .
“ The situation is really complicated by the coronavirus , it ’ s a tough market , ” Oumar Maiga , a livestock trader in Ivory Coast said .
“ We are in a situation we ’ ve never seen in other years.
” The hajj pilgrimage has also been drastically impacted by the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ took part , but this year as few as 1,000 pilgrims already residing in Saudi Arabia were allowed to preform the hajj .
The Saudi Health Ministry said there have been no cases of the COVID-19 illness among this year ’ s pilgrims .
The government took numerous precautions , including testing pilgrims for the virus , monitoring their movement with electronic wristbands and requiring them to quarantine before and after the hajj .
Pilgrims were selected after applying through an online portal , and all had to be between 20 and 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , small groups of pilgrims — masked and physically distancing — made their way toward the massive multi-story Jamarat Complex in the Saudi valley area of Mina .
There , the pilgrims cast pebbles at three large columns .
It is here where Muslims believe the devil tried to talk the Prophet Ibrahim , or Abraham , out of submitting to God ’ s will .
Muslims commemorate Ibrahim ’ s test of faith by slaughtering livestock and animals and distributing the meat to the poor .
During the last days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads and remove the terrycloth white garments worn during the pilgrimage .
Women cut off a small lock of hair in a sign of spiritual rebirth and renewal .
The hajj , both physically and spiritually demanding , intends to bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims .
It is required of all Muslims to perform once in a lifetime .
Sheikh Abdullah al-Manea , member of the Supreme Council of Senior Scholars of Saudi Arabia , used the hajj sermon Friday to praise the kingdom ’ s leadership for their “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pilgrims and protect human life .
“ We thank the positive role of Muslims around the world that have complied with the regulations of the country to protect them from the spread of this virus , which leads to the protection of Mecca and Medina , “ the sheikh said .
Around the world , Muslims gathered with relatives or remained at home to mark the start of Eid .
In the Iraqi capital of Baghdad , streets were largely empty due to a 10-day lockdown imposed by authorities to prevent further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mosques were cancelled .
“ We had hoped that the curfew would be lifted during the Eid period ... we were surprised that the lockdown period included the Eid holiday and more , ” said Marwan Madhat , a Baghdad cafe owner .
“ This will cause losses.
” Kosovo and the United Arab Emirates have also closed mosques to limit the spread of the virus .
In Lebanon , Muslim worshippers prayed in mosques under tight security , despite a partial lockdown imposed on Thursday that will continue through Aug. 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the capital , Beirut , spilled onto the street outside to maintain social distancing rules .
In Indonesia , home to the world ’ s largest population of Muslims , people were allowed to attend Eid prayers in mosques under strict health guidelines , including that they bring their own prayer mats and pray several feet apart from one another .
Worshippers must wear masks and are not allowed to shake hands or hug .
Authorities in Indonesia also ordered that meat be delivered door-to-door to the poor to avoid long lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed our tradition entirely , but has also made more and more people fall into poverty , ” said Agus Supriatna , an Indonesian factory worker who was laid off this year because of the pandemic .
Muslim leaders in Albania and Kosovo called on people “ to be careful “ in their festivities to avoid transmission of the virus , including limiting family visits .
A few days ahead of the holiday , Alioune Ndong in Senegal said he did not know how he ’ d come up with the money for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on Senegal ’ s government to help struggling families like his .
“ COVID-19 has drained my money , “ said Ndong , a tailor based in the town of Mbour .
Associated Press writers Niniek Karmini in Jakarta , Indonesia ; Fay Abuelgasim in Dubai , United Arab Emirates ; Llazar Semini in Tirana , Albania ; Abdi Guled in Nairobi , Kenya ; Lekan Oyekanmi in Lagos , Nigeria ; Abdoulie John in Mbour , Senegal ; Hilaire Zon in Abidjan , Ivory Coast , Babacar Dione and Krista Larson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abdul-Hassan in Baghdad and Hassan Ammar in Beirut contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Cyprus makes mask-wearing compulsory in large indoor spaces

NICOSIA , Cyprus - Cyprus on Friday made mask-wearing compulsory in all indoor areas where people gather in large numbers , like malls and supermarkets , and is significantly ramping up random coronavirus testing at its two main airports .
An upsurge of new confirmed cases in the last week has alarmed authorities .
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said that a rollback of COVID-19 restrictions combined with a low infection rate led to “ excessive complacency ” by some people , whom he blamed for “ choosing to recklessly violate health protocols ” and “ put public health at risk.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ exceedingly worrying ” because people infected with the virus who don ’ t show any symptoms are spreading the disease in a way that is making containment efforts difficult .
Ioannou said it ’ s a “ utopia ” to believe COVID-19 can be completely eradicated and that the best outcome is to keep infections at a low , controllable level until a vaccine is developed .
Starting midnight Friday , anyone not wearing a mask in busy places like hospitals , banks and churches faces a fine of 300 euros ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airports will increase from 600 to 1,000 a day , with emphasis on Cypriots returning from vacation .
The maximum number of passengers on public transport is again being cut to half of the vehicle ’ s capacity and police will enact a “ zero tolerance ” policy on businesses that don ’ t conform to hygiene and social distancing rules .
Ioannou announced additional measures affecting the coastal town of Limassol , where most of the new infections have been registered .
The measures , to last for three weeks , include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all social functions and a 75-person limit for indoor seating at bars and restaurants .
That limit is double for outdoor seating .
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades warned in a written statement that flouting these new restrictions would lead to even stricter measures that would have grave economic repercussions .
Divided Cyprus , with a population of around 870,000 people in the southern , internationally recognized part has registered 1,084 COVID-19 infections and 26 deaths .

Menelaos Hadjicostis - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Gaga, Grande top MTV VMA noms; quarantine categories added

NEW YORK - It ’ s raining nominations for Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande ’ s “ Rain on Me ” at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards , which will present new categories focused on live performances and music videos created at home during the coronavirus pandemic .
Gaga and Grande both scored nine nominations each , including video of the year for their No .
1 dance hit .
“ Rain on Me ” is also competing for song of the year , best collaboration , best pop , best cinematography , best visual effects and best choreography @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second-most nominated acts with six , are also up for video of the year with “ everything i wanted ” and “ Blinding Lights.
” Others nominated for the top prize include Taylor Swift ’ s “ The Man , ” Future and Drake ’ s “ Life Is Good ” and Eminem ’ s “ Godzilla , ” which features late rapper Juice WRLD .
The VMAs will air live on Aug. 30 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said last month “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including limited or no audience.
” This year ’ s show introduces two new categories reflecting the current pandemic times : best music video from home and best quarantine performance .
Grande and Justin Bieber ’ s No .
1 hit “ Stuck with U “ will compete for best music video from home along with Drake ’ s “ Toosie Slide , ” John Legend ’ s “ Bigger Love , ” 5 Seconds of Summer ’ s “ Wildflower , ” blink-182 ’ s “ Happy Days ” and twenty one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which topped the Billboard rock songs chart for seven weeks and features the lyrics , “ Will you be my little quarantine ?
” R & B duo Chloe x Halle , who have successfully promoted their new album during the pandemic with impressive live performances mostly put on in their tennis court and outside their new home , are nominated for best quarantine performance for “ Do It ” from MTV ’ s virtual prom “ Prom-athon.
” Other nominees include Gaga ’ s “ Smile ” from the TV special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ; Legend ’ s “ # togetherathome ” concert ; DJ D-Nice ’ s “ Club MTV presents # DanceTogether ” ; CNCO ’ s “ MTV Unplugged At Home ” ; and Post Malone ’ s tribute to Nirvana .
Apart from the pandemic , protest songs reflecting the Black experience created in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Ahmaud Arbery and others also earned VMA nominations .
R & B star H.E.R.
’ s “ I Can ’ t Breathe , ” Anderson.Paak ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ The Bigger Picture ” all scored nominations in the video for good category .
Swift , who released a surprise album last week , will also compete for video for good with her song about sexism , “ The Man.
“ She scored five nominations overall , while Drake , Dua Lipa , J Balvin and Bieber earned four nominations apiece .
Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby — who both launched No .
1 pop hits this year — earned three nods each , including bids for artist of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bieber , The Weeknd and Post Malone .
BTS , Harry Styles , Roddy Ricch , Post Malone , Future , Karol G and Doja Cat — who topped the charts this year with her Dr. Luke-produced smash “ Say So ” — also earned three nods each .
Starting Thursday through Aug. 23 , fans can vote for VMA winners across 15 gender-neutral categories here .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--American Museum of Natural History outlines reopening plans


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--‘Into the Wild’ bus likely lands a home at Fairbanks museum

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - An infamous bus appears headed to a new home at a museum in Fairbanks after being removed from Alaska ’ s backcountry to deter people from making dangerous , sometimes deadly treks to visit the site where a young man documented his demise in 1992 .
The state Department of Natural Resources said Thursday that it intends to negotiate with the University of Alaska ’ s Museum of the North to display the bus , which was popularized by the book “ Into the Wild ” and a movie of the same name and flown from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Preserve last month .
“ Of the many expressions of interest in the bus , the proposal from the UA Museum of the North best met the conditions we at DNR had established to ensure this historical and cultural object will be preserved in a safe location where the public could experience it fully , yet safely and respectfully , and without the spectre of profiteering , ” Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige said in a statement .
The bus became a beacon for those wishing to retrace the steps of Christopher McCandless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1992 .
The 24-year-old Virginia man died from starvation when he couldn ’ t hike back out because of the swollen Teklanika River .
He kept a journal of his ordeal , which was discovered when his body was found .
McCandless ’ story became famous with author Jon Krakauer ’ s 1996 book “ Into the Wild , ” followed nine years later by director Sean Penn ’ s movie of the same name .
Over the years , people from around the world have travelled to the bus , located about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the town of Healy , to pay homage to McCandless .
Two women have drowned in the Teklanika River on such visits to the bus , one from Switzerland in 2010 and the other from Belarus nine years later .
There have been 15 other search-and-rescue missions since 2009 , state officials said , including five Italian tourists who needed rescue last winter .
One had severe frostbite .
The draw of the bus became too much for state officials , who arranged for the Alaska Army National Guard to remove the bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a training mission .
The former Fairbanks city bus is sometimes called Bus 142 or the Magic Bus .
It was later used to house construction workers building a road in the area .
It was abandoned in 1961 , and became a shelter for those using the backcountry to recreate or hunt .
The department received dozens of suggestions for use of the bus that came from individuals , museums and institutions nationwide , with varying plans to preserve , exhibit , monetize or memorialize it , Feige said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s proposal , which had several advantages .
It ’ s just one of three official state repositories , and the only one in the Fairbanks area able to accept and curate state-owned historical items .
The museum also has the staff to restore , curate and display the bus .
This proposal also allows the Department of Natural Resources to retain ownership of the bus , and decide future uses , including whether to lend it out for display and where .
“ I believe that giving Bus 142 a long-term home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North can help preserve and tell the stories of all these people , ” Feige said .
“ It can honour all of the lives and dreams , as well as the deaths and sorrows associated with the bus , and do so with respect and dignity.
” The department anticipates signing final paperwork within the next few months .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--After missing DACA, she resented her U.S.-born siblings. Trump ruined her second chance

LOS ANGELES—Beatriz Basurto ’ s father is quick to point out that she — the 19-year-old middle child — is the most responsible of his six children .
She ’ s the one with a well-paying job as a Mixtec interpreter for farmworkers in Oxnard while attending college full time .
She ’ s the one who picks up the tab when they go out for lunch and shoves $ 20 into his pocket because she figures he could use it more than she can .
But she ’ s also the one with perhaps the most uncertain future and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three years ago , Basurto missed her chance to apply for immigration relief under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program , better known as DACA .
The Obama-era program allows immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and are currently without legal status the opportunity to live and work legally in the U.S. Basurto ’ s youngest brother and sister are U.S.-born citizens .
Her older brother and sister , born in Mexico , like her , managed to obtain DACA before Trump began to unwind the program in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about to apply — and suddenly , DACA was done .
At the time , Basurto confided in her father in their native Mixtec , the Indigenous language spoken in the Mexican states of Oaxaca , Puebla and Guerrero .
“ It ’ s too bad I wasn ’ t born here , Papa.
” “ There ’ s nothing we can do about that , ” he replied .
“ Don ’ t give up.
” Basurto is among tens of thousands of immigrant youth whom the Trump administration has effectively kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trajectory of their lives .
Their lack of DACA status has altered relationships , bred resentment and sparked awkward silences between family members who have legal status and those who don ’ t .
It has led to heightened pressure to excel and guilt among those who were bolstered by the program .
It ’ s even prompted children to question the decisions their parents made long ago to migrate to the U.S .
In June , Basurto thought she had been given a second chance when the Supreme Court ruled that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and capricious ” manner in its attempt to shut down DACA .
The decision cleared the path to accepting new applications from a previously excluded group of more than 65,000 children now eligible to apply for DACA for the first time , according to the Migration Policy Institute — a non-partisan D.C.-based immigration think tank .
But Basurto ’ s hopes were dashed Tuesday when Trump announced he would not accept new DACA applications .
The move defies the Supreme Court decision and a federal-district court ruling in Maryland ordering immigration officials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
It likely will face renewed legal challenges in the courts .
As Basurto watches DACA open opportunities for her older siblings and peers , she has seen her own prospects dwindle .
At the same time , she has noticed complacency set in among some DACA recipients , while her own hardship bred resilience , motivation and social activism .
“ I have a life outside of DACA , ” Basurto said .
“ DACA does not define who I am.
” Still , she had plans to apply for DACA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government would accept new applicants — mostly to give her parents peace of mind .
“ You can ’ t really translate DACA in Mixtec , ” she said .
“ For them , it just means I ’ m protected and don ’ t have to return to Mexico.
” California is home to the largest number of DACA recipients in the nation and led the legal challenge to the Trump administration ’ s efforts since 2017 to do away with the program .
The University of California , under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crafted the DACA policy as U.S .
Homeland Security secretary — was a lead plaintiff along with the state and other California entities and individuals in the Supreme Court case .
Young people who have aged into DACA eligibility over the last two-and-half-years but have been unable to apply represent an acutely vulnerable group , said Roberto Gonzales , a Harvard University sociologist who wrote a book based on a 12-year project following 150 young people and DACA recipients around the L.A. area .
“ They have come of age under DACA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve seen older siblings receive driver ’ s licenses , take after-school jobs , and plan for their futures .
But at a time when their citizen friends are participating in these important rites of passage , their progress has been stalled.
” Initially , Basurto and her parents were afraid of handing government officials the family ’ s personal information , as required as part of the application process , which confused them .
They decided to test the waters with her two older siblings , allowing them to apply before submitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualified , Basurto started her application .
Then Trump made his first move to end the program .
The missed opportunity left Basurto feeling like an outcast and resentful about her place within her family , she said .
Her ambivalence was especially strong toward her U.S.-born siblings — a 10-year-old brother and 12-year-old sister — whom she said she loved dearly but couldn ’ t bear to be close to any longer .
She stopped talking to them .
“ I just felt a lot of anger during that time , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand how the sheer luck of being born in the U.S. gave them more leverage and opportunities than Basurto .
Other immigrant youth , like Rotzely , directed their anger toward their parents .
Rotzely , who gave only her first name because she is in the country without legal status , was three months shy of turning 15 when she got the last document to complete her DACA application in 2017 .
“ I got it , ” Rotzely called and told her mother .
“ I finally got the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Her mother hesitated .
Then she told her : “ It ’ s too late.
” Her father ’ s side of the family had tried to persuade her mother to leave Mexico for the U.S. before she gave birth to Rotzely .
But she was nine months ’ pregnant and feared complications along the journey .
The lost opportunity weighed heavily on Rotzely , who is now 17 .
“ She decided to wait until after I was born .
I resented her.
” Rotzely was three months old when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The teen didn ’ t talk with her mother and grew distant from her family .
She still did her chores , kept up her grades and ate dinner with them almost every day , but would find any chance to retreat into her room and into herself .
Her mother enrolled her in a youth program at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles , where Rotzely found others who had also missed qualifying for DACA .
Eventually , her anger faded Rotzely , who earns stellar grades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part-time , after-school job since last year to help her save for college .
But her lack of legal status has made it tough .
“ I see how all my friends easily just go to a restaurant or like a known place like Starbucks or McDonald ’ s and work there and I have to find all these special jobs that will just pay me cash , ” she said .
“ It ’ s just a constant reminder that I wasn ’ t born here and that this country won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people.
” Just outside Los Angeles , sisters Lisette and Kathy are a California success story : Lisette , 21 , attends UCLA , and Kathy , 18 , UC Santa Barbara .
Though they ’ re close in age , Lisette said she grew up taking care of Kathy .
Their parents — who brought them illegally to the U.S. from Central America when they were six and three years old , respectively — had to work odd jobs non-stop to make ends meet .
Lisette asked to keep their last name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her family from potential retaliation .
The sisters are close , quick to laugh and echo each other .
But there ’ s a big divide : Lisette is a DACA recipient ; Kathy was just shy of being able to apply .
Their little brother , roughly a decade behind , is a U.S. citizen .
“ I never got upset my parents were always at work , ” Lisette said .
“ Eventually I started to understand that my responsibility was to take care of my siblings.
” When an uncle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself think for the first time about college and working to support her family .
She applied .
“ It meant the world to have it , ” she said .
But Kathy struggled with feelings of guilt and frustration when she went days at a time without seeing her older sister because Lisette worked such long hours , on top of school .
“ There was just the glaring fact I couldn ’ t ignore , ” Kathy said : Lisette had DACA ; she didn ’ t .
“ It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve shared the burden with her , but I just couldn ’ t , ” Kathy said .
Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer , associate clinical professor of law at Cornell law school , said she has represented a number of clients with DACA whose younger siblings “ just barely missed the cut-off ” when the program was put on hold , and who are again left insecure .
“ Those who do have DACA feel the arbitrariness of a system that blessed them with the ability to work lawfully and not be afraid in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ siblings or their parents are in this limbo , ” she said .
“ It creates a lot of anxiety for the person who has to be the one DACA recipient holding that load for the family.
” Luckily , Lisette and Kathy ’ s little brother , age 10 , doesn ’ t seem too aware of the tension — he cares only about video games , they joked .
“ I am just extremely glad he won ’ t have to go through what we have to go through , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Basurto said that she eventually let go of the resentment toward her U.S.-citizen siblings .
She told herself , “ I have to pick myself up and pick up my own community because nobody else is going to do it.
” She started to volunteer as a Mixtec interpreter .
She provided translation services and helped create food drives for Mixtec farmworkers impacted by the 2017 Thomas Fire in Ventura County .
It became a full-time job ; she didn ’ t need DACA to make a living .
Although federal law prohibits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country illegally , there is no law prohibiting such a person from starting a business or becoming an independent contractor like Basurto .
Her older siblings who qualified for the program moved on with their lives .
Her brother travels the state making artwork for buildings and her sister has an office job and cares for her children .
Unlike Basurto , they never got involved in advocating for their community .
“ My older siblings live normal lives .
They go to work and back home to their families , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I speak for folks who don ’ t have confidence or the safety to advocate for themselves.
” Sometimes Basurto ponders what her life would have been like with DACA .
She thinks of the DACA recipients pacified by their new entry into something resembling an American life .
In a way , she believes , DACA stunted the same youth-led nationwide activism that won DACA protections in the first place .
“ I know folks who ended up getting DACA and forgot that there are folks who fought for it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Basurto said .
“ If I had gotten DACA , I would have most likely become one of those folks.
” The end of DACA could be seen as a blessing , Basurto argued .
It reawakened a movement .

Cindy Carcamo - Los Angeles Times,Molly O’Toole


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Judge bans lawyers from identifying Epstein abuse victims

NEW YORK - The judge presiding over the criminal case against a British socialite charged with recruiting teenage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse said Friday that her attorneys are not permitted to publicly identify accusers even if they ’ ve spoken in a public forum .
“ Not all accusations or public statements are equal , “ U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan wrote in her ruling in the case facing Ghislaine Maxwell .
“ Deciding to participate in or contribute to a criminal investigation or prosecution is a far different matter than simply making a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Jeffrey Epstein , particularly since such a statement might have occurred decades ago and have no relevance to the charges in this case.
“ She said the women “ still maintain a significant privacy interest that must be safeguarded.
“ Prosecutors had asked Nathan to block Maxwell ’ s lawyers from publicly identifying the women unless they identified themselves as participants in the criminal case .
Otherwise , prosecutors said , the women may be harassed or intimidated and become reluctant to co-operate with the government .
Nathan ’ s order came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh glimpse into a fierce civil court fight between Maxwell , who was Epstein ’ s former girlfriend , and one of the women who accused the couple of sexual abuse .
The documents released late Thursday were from a now-settled defamation lawsuit filed by one of Epstein ’ s alleged victims , Virginia Roberts Giuffre .
Giuffre claimed in the suit and other litigation that Maxwell recruited her in 2000 to be a sexual servant to Epstein .
She said the couple subsequently pressured her into having sex with numerous rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Prince Andrew , U.S. politicians , wealthy entrepreneurs , a famous scientist and fashion designer .
Maxwell , and all of the accused men , have denied those allegations for years .
Among the newly released documents were emails Maxwell and Epstein exchanged in January 2015 , when Giuffre ’ s allegations were getting a new round of media attention .
One email , sent from Epstein ’ s email address but written in Maxwell ’ s voice , appeared to be a draft statement or set of talking points for Maxwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she had been the target of “ false allegations of impropriety and offensive behaviour that I abhor and have never ever been party to.
” Responding to a Maxwell email a few days later , Epstein wrote : “ You have done nothing wrong and I ( would ) urge you to start acting like it.
” He suggested she go outside and hold her head high , “ not as an ( escaping ) convict.
” Epstein killed himself last summer while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges .
Maxwell was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruited at least three girls , including one as young as 14 , for Epstein to sexually abuse in the 1990s .
Prosecutors said she also joined in the abuse .
Maxwell is jailed awaiting trial in New York .
Many of the documents unsealed by the court Thursday had been available publicly before .
They included a deposition in which Giuffre described the alleged abuse , and also answered questions about errors she ’ d made previously in telling her story , including originally telling a court she was 15 when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was at least a year older .
Giuffre over the years has told her story to the FBI , but no charges were brought based on her allegations and she is not one of the three alleged victims in the current criminal case against Maxwell .
Two documents that were not released as scheduled Thursday were depositions Maxwell gave in the civil lawsuit in 2016 .
U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska had ordered them released , but Maxwell ’ s lawyers appealed her ruling to the 2nd U.S .
Circuit Court of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be blocked because she now faces criminal charges .
Associated Press Writers Michael R. Sisak and Jim Mustian contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--US consumer spending up 5.6%, but virus could stall gains

WASHINGTON - American consumers increased their spending in June by a solid 5.6 % , helping regain some of record plunge that occurred after the coronavirus struck hard in March and paralyzed the economy .
But the virus ’ resurgence in much of the country could impede further gains .
Last month ’ s rise in consumer spending followed a seasonally adjusted 8.5 % surge in May after spending had plunged the previous two months when the pandemic shuttered businesses , caused tens of millions of layoffs and sent the economy into a recession .
So deep was the pullback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of gains , consumer spending was still down at a record annual rate of 34.6 % in the April-June quarter .
Now , with confirmed viral infections rising in a majority of states , many businesses have had to pause their re-openings or close a second time and cut jobs , thereby putting consumers under renewed pressure .
The number of laid-off Americans who have applied for unemployment benefits has topped 1 million for 19 straight weeks .
All told , roughly 30 million people are out of work , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over extending further support to struggling households and businesses threatens to hurt millions of the unemployed .
That , in turn , would weaken spending by consumers , the primary driver of the economy .
Friday ’ s Commerce Department report showed that the increase in consumer spending in June coincided with a 1.1 % drop in personal incomes which followed an even bigger 4.4 % decline in incomes in May .
The report came against the backdrop of a devastating economic collapse in the spring .
The government estimated Thursday that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual rate in the April-June quarter — by far the worst quarterly plunge on records going back to 1947 — as the viral outbreak shut down businesses , threw tens of millions out of work and sent unemployment surging to 14.7 % .
The economic contraction was driven by a deep pullback in consumer spending , which fell at a record pace as travel froze up and shutdown orders forced many restaurants , bars , entertainment venues and other retailers to close .
So steep was the fall last quarter that most analysts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current July-September period .
But the pain will likely continue and potentially worsen in the months ahead as the damage from the virus deepens .
Over the past week , the average number of COVID-19 deaths per day in the United States has climbed more than 25 % .
And the number of confirmed infections has topped 4.4 million , which could be even higher because of limits on testing and because some people are infected without feeling sick .
A result is that any tentative economic recovery could stall out as state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts and anxious consumers decide to stay at home rather than pursue normal economic activities like shopping , travelling and eating out .
On Wednesday , Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that the viral epidemic was endangering any modest rebound — a key reason why the Fed plans to keep interest rates pinned near zero well into the future .
Powell noted that as new confirmed cases have soared , measures of spending and hiring have slipped or plateaued at low levels .
Unemployed Americans have been receiving both state unemployment aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits from the federal government .
The federal aid has pumped nearly $ 20 billion a week into the economy and enabled many of the unemployed to stay afloat .
But the $ 600 a week is expiring , and Senate Republicans have favoured extending that benefit only at a much-reduced level .
Now , though , the White House and some of its Republican allies in the Senate are signalling they want to extend , at least temporarily , the $ 600-a-week unemployment benefit .
Still , any final agreement with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more far-reaching rescue package , may be far off .

Martin Crutsinger - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Former student: Schembechler knew of abuse at U of Michigan

DETROIT - Dozens of more victims who claim they were molested by a University of Michigan doctor filed a lawsuit against the school Thursday , including a former student who said he told legendary coach Bo Schembechler about the abuse in the early 1980s .
It ’ s the first time that a victim has publicly said Schembechler was aware of allegations against the late Dr. Robert Anderson , who worked at Michigan , especially with athletes , from the mid-1960s through 2003 .
The university believes Anderson assaulted male athletes during routine physicals and injury exams .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 complaints so far while expressing a willingness to ultimately compensate victims .
“ The shame doesn ’ t belong with survivors , ” attorney Steve Estey said .
“ It belongs with the University of Michigan .
And we intend to put the shame back where it belongs , with U-M for failing to protect its students and athletes.
” The latest lawsuit lists 53 victims , including a man who was associated with the football team when he was a student .
He said he told Schembechler in 1982 and 1983 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during appointments for migraine headaches .
He said the coach told him to immediately report it to athletic director Don Canham .
Schembechler was “ visibly angry , ” the man told reporters Thursday , adding that he went to Canham , who “ did nothing.
” The man said he holds no grudge against Schembechler , who died in 2006 , or his staff .
The Associated Press doesn ’ t typically identify victims of sexual assault .
“ I feel horrible for coach Schembechler .
I will defend that man until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ If they could have been able to come forward and stop this and throw Canham literally or figuratively against the wall and say , ‘ This has to end , ’ they would have .
“ Times were totally different where one man was in charge .
...
Protecting the institution was what Don was all about .
Protecting his good name was what Don was all about .
Protecting his ego was what Don Canham was all about , ” he said .
Canham has been accused by others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Canham died in 2005 .
Schembechler was coach from 1969-89 .
“ At the University of Michigan , we condemn all sexual misconduct , ” spokeswoman Kim Broekhuizen said in response to the latest lawsuit .
“ This type of conduct is reprehensible — and whether it takes place now or took place in the past , it is unacceptable.
” This story was first published on July 30 , 2020 .
It was updated on July 31 , 2020 , to correct that the person who told coach Bo Schembechler about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the football team , not a football player .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Eurozone economy suffers record drop during lockdown months

PARIS - The economy of the 19-country eurozone shrank by a devastating 12.1 % in the April-June period from the quarter before - the largest drop on record - as coronavirus lockdowns shut businesses and hampered consumer spending .
Economists say the worst of the downturn is past as many restrictions have eased , but that the recovery will be drawn out and vulnerable to renewed virus outbreaks .
Spain , which along with Italy was among the first to get hit hard by the spread of the virus , suffered the region ’ s heaviest drop at 18.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endured steep declines , but no country escaped the impact of the pandemic .
For the currency union as a whole it was the biggest decline since the records started in 1995 .
The broader 27-country European Union , not all of whose members use the euro , saw output sag 11.9 % .
The decline in Europe compares with a 9.5 % quarter-on-quarter drop in the United States , which unlike Europe has not yet been able to get its contagion numbers firmly down yet and whose economic recovery is in doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with massive stimulus measures .
EU leaders have agreed on a 750 billion-euro recovery fund backed by common borrowing to support the economy from 2021 .
National governments have stepped in with loans to keep businesses afloat and wage support programs that pay workers ’ salaries while they are furloughed .
The European Central Bank is pumping 1.35 trillion euros in newly printed money into the economy , a step which helps keep borrowing costs low .
Those support measures have helped keep unemployment from spiking .
The rate rose to 7.8 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But many job losses will wind up being permanent despite the stimulus .
Major companies such as Lufthansa , Daimler and Airbus have said they will cut thousands of jobs .
Economists say the downturn was concentrated in the months of April and May when lockdowns were most severe .
Many restrictive measures have been eased , and business confidence in Germany , the biggest eurozone economy , has ticked up for three straight months .
But the outlook is for a long and uncertain climb back to pre-virus levels that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecasts for the rest of the year assumed that there is not a renewed outbreak of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus .
Cases have been rising again in several countries as people go on vacations and Britain slapped a 14-day quarantine on travellers returning from Spain .
Rosie Colthorpe , European economist at Oxford Economics , said the current third quarter was likely to see high growth rates , “ but not nearly large enough to make up for the damage.
” “ Beyond this initial bounce , the recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” with pre-virus output regained only by mid-2022 , she said , adding that “ recent flare-ups of the virus in several European countries risk derailing this recovery.
” The Spanish economic drop was by far the sharpest since the country ’ s national statistics agency began collecting data .
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was meeting later Friday with the leaders of Spain ’ s regions to discuss how to rebuild the economy and where to deploy billions of euros in European Union aid for recovery .
Germany , the largest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went through a 10.1 % decline , the biggest since records started in 1970 .
In France , the startling plunge of 13.8 % in April-June was the third consecutive quarter of contraction in France ’ s worsening recession .
The pain has been so damaging to jobs and industries that the government is talking down the possibility of another nationwide lockdown as infections tick upward again .
Finance minister Bruno Le Maire called on French people to spend more to help the economy recover .
“ All the growth in GDP seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in five months , ” said Marc Ostwald , chief economist at ADM Investor Services International .
In Italy ’ s case , economists said it wiped out about 30 years of growth .
Barry Hatton in Lisbon , Portugal and Fran D ’ Emilio in Rome contributed to this report .

John Leicester And David McHugh - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Hong Kong postpones elections by a year, citing coronavirus

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced Friday that the government will postpone highly anticipated legislative elections by one year , citing a worsening coronavirus outbreak in the semi-autonomous Chinese city .
The Hong Kong government is invoking an emergency ordinance in delaying the elections .
Lam said the government has the support of the Chinese government in making the decision to hold the elections on Sept. 5 , 2021 .
“ The announcement I have to make today is the most difficult decision I ’ ve had to make in the past seven months , ” Lam said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure fairness and public safety and health , and need to make sure the election is held in an open , fair and impartial manner .
This decision is therefore essential , ” she said .
The postponement is a setback for the pro-democracy opposition , which was hoping to capitalize on disenchantment with the current pro-Beijing majority to make gains .
A group of 22 lawmakers issued a statement ahead of the announcement accusing the government of using the outbreak as an excuse to delay the vote .
“ Incumbent pro-democracy legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public ’ s opinion , collectively oppose the postponement and emphasize the responsibility of the SAR government to make every effort to arrange adequate anti-epidemic measures to hold elections in September as scheduled , ” the group said , referring to the territory ’ s official name , the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region .
“ Otherwise , it is tantamount to uprooting the foundation of the establishment of the SAR.
” The city of 7.5 million people has had a surge in coronavirus infections since the beginning of July .
Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than double the tally on July 1 .
The government has tightened social distancing restrictions , limiting public gatherings to two people , and banned dining-in at restaurants after 6 p.m .
The lead-up to the elections had been closely watched after a national security law that took effect in late June stipulated that candidates who violated the law would be barred from running .
The new law was seen as Beijing ’ s attempt to curb dissent in the city after months of pro-democracy and anti-government protests rocked Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now withdrawn — extradition bill that would allow suspects to be sent to the mainland for trial .
The monthslong protests plunged Hong Kong into its largest ever political crisis , with clashes between protesters and police turning violent at times .
Over 8,000 people have been arrested in connection to the protests since June 2019 .
Dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong government helped the pro-democracy bloc achieve a landslide victory in district council elections last November , a momentum that the opposition was hoping to ride to gain a majority in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo said on a radio show in the U.S. on Thursday that the elections in Hong Kong “ must proceed on time.
” “ The people of Hong Kong deserve to have their voice represented by the elected officials that they choose in those elections , ” he said .
“ If they destroy that , if they take that down , it will be another marker that will simply prove that the Chinese Communist Party has now made Hong Kong just another Communist-run city.
” China ’ s foreign ministry insisted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections are an “ internal affair.
” “ It is the responsibility of the Hong Kong SAR government to ensure that the elections for the 7th Legislative Council are held in a safe , orderly , fair and just environment , ” ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Friday .
“ We believe that the Hong Kong SAR government will proceed from the current anti-epidemic situation in Hong Kong and handle relevant matters in accordance with the law.
” On Thursday , 12 pro-democracy candidates including prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong were disqualified from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mini-constitution or pledging allegiance to the local and national governments .
“ Beyond any doubt , this is the most scandalous election ever in Hong Kong history , ” Wong said at a news conference Friday .
“ I wish to emphasize that no reasonable man would think that this election ban is not politically driven.
” “ Beijing has staged multiple acts to prevent the opposition bloc from taking the majority in the Hong Kong legislature , ” he said .
The postponement drew criticism from the New York-based group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September elections for a year is a cynical move to contain a political emergency , not a public health one .
This simply allows Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to deny Hong Kong people their right to choose their government , “ said Sophie Richardson , the group ’ s China director .
“ Without making any attempt to look at alternative methods of voting , or ensuring all voting rights will be respected , Lam and her backers in Beijing are merely masking repression under the guise of public health , @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--U.K. officials’ new Trump quandary: What if he loses?

LONDON—Queen Elizabeth II threw him an extravagant state banquet at Buckingham Palace .
Former Prime Minister Theresa May welcomed him to Blenheim Palace , the family seat of his hero , Winston Churchill .
Her successor , Boris Johnson , refused to join a global chorus of criticism after he ordered troops to break up a Black Lives Matter protest outside the White House .
Few countries have worked harder than Britain to please President Donald Trump .
But now , with Trump trailing in the polls to former Vice President Joe Biden , British officials are waking up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried so hard to accommodate may be out of power next year .
In Paris and Berlin , a Trump defeat would be welcomed as an unalloyed relief , removing a leader who has sundered alliances , threatened a trade war and tried to dismantle the European project .
But in London , where Johnson ’ s government just left the European Union , it is more complicated .
At a moment of British isolation , Trump ’ s full-throated endorsement of Brexit has made the United States a safe harbour .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson a selling point with his voters .
His populist politics were in sync with the bare-knuckle tactics of the Brexiteers .
If Biden wins in November , Britain would face a president who opposed Brexit , would look out for the interests of Ireland in a post-Brexit Europe and would have little motive to prioritize an Anglo American trade deal .
His former boss , President Barack Obama , once warned Britons that if they left the European Union , they would put themselves at the “ back of the queue ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States .
“ It will not be lost on Biden that the last two British prime ministers went out of their way to be nice to and about Trump , ” said Peter Westmacott , a former British ambassador to the United States .
“ He is instinctively comfortable with Brits , but London will have to work on the relationship.
” As Trump ’ s polling numbers have eroded , pro-government papers have begun to make the case that a President Biden would actually be better for Britain than President Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in alliances .
He would not subject Johnson to rude lectures about the need for Britain to take a harder line against China .
He would not be toxic with much of the British public .
In a recent column in The Sunday Times , a well-connected political journalist , Tim Shipman , quoted an unnamed government minister saying that a Trump defeat “ would make things much easier.
” That sounds like a government hedging its bets .
Johnson has been careful to say nothing about the U.S. election but he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s length even as he avoids offending him .
Trump , by contrast , called into a London radio show in the heat of the British election to praise Johnson and run down his opponent .
Britain ’ s uneasiness is compounded by the strangeness of this election .
The Biden campaign has all but banned contact with foreign governments to avoid the questions that dogged the Trump campaign in 2016 about its ties to Russia .
The pandemic has deprived Britain of its long practice of embedding a diplomat in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little in-person campaigning .
Jonathan Powell , who as a young British diplomat rode on the bus during Bill Clinton ’ s 1992 campaign , said the connections he made were valuable in smoothing over bitterness Clinton ’ s aides felt toward Britain ’ s Conservative government after it had tried to dig up incriminating details about Clinton ’ s years at Oxford to help George H.W .
Bush ’ s campaign .
Powell later introduced Clinton to Tony Blair , who went on to become prime minister and a friendlier counterpart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , he said , given that Biden is already so well-known to British officials .
But the lack of a personal connection may foretell a relationship that is destined to become more distant .
The risk for Britain , several experts said , is not a sudden rupture but a gradual slide into irrelevance .
Biden ’ s emphasis , they said , would be on mending fences with Berlin and Paris , not celebrating a “ special relationship ” with London that got plenty of attention from his predecessor .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden , not yet a candidate , cast his opposition to Brexit in geopolitical terms , saying it would make Britain less valuable to the United States as a lever to influence the European Union .
“ Had I been a member of Parliament , had I been a British citizen , I would have voted against leaving , ” Biden said at Chatham House , the London research institution .
“ U.S .
interests , ” he added , “ are diminished with Great Britain not an integral part of Europe.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgetown University who worked on European affairs in the Obama White House and is advising Biden ’ s campaign , said , “ The question is not , ‘ Will there be a special relationship ?
’ There will be .
The question is , ‘ Will the special relationship matter ?
’ ” British officials recognize the challenge .
They cite human rights and Russia as areas where Britain could carve out a robust role alongside the United States .
Johnson ’ s recent reversal , barring Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain in line with a more hawkish American policy toward China , which is likely to extend beyond Trump ’ s presidency .
He may need to patch up other lingering issues .
In 2016 , when Johnson was mayor of London , he recounted in a newspaper column that Obama replaced a bust of Churchill in the Oval Office with one of Martin Luther King Jr. and attributed the switch to “ the part-Kenyan president ’ s ancestral dislike of the British Empire.
” Some say fears of tension between Johnson and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s part of the job for American presidents to get along with prime ministers , ” said Tom Tugendhat , a Conservative member of Parliament who is chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and has spoken with advisers to Biden .
Still , there are potential landmines , not least Northern Ireland .
A devoted Irish American , Biden will fiercely defend Ireland ’ s interests , as will his allies in the Democratic Party ’ s Irish lobby on Capitol Hill .
In speeches , Biden ’ s go-to literary reference is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poem by Irish poet William Butler Yeats about the Irish uprising against British rule .
British diplomats gamely point out that Biden has English roots , too .
He has talked of a great-great-great grandfather who was a captain in the British East India Trading Co .
But they say that as far as Brexit goes , his primary concern is likely to be the preservation of the Good Friday Agreement , the Clinton-era accord that ended decades of sectarian strife in Northern Ireland .
“ Biden is very keen on his Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones , too , ” Westmacott said .
“ If the U.K. ends up with a no deal or other Brexit outcome which is bad news for Ireland , he will not be impressed.
” So far , Johnson has avoided that problem by striking a withdrawal agreement with the European Union that leaves an open border on the island of Ireland .
But Ireland could still suffer economic damage if Britain fails to negotiate permanent trading arrangements with Brussels .
Trade is another area where Biden could prove frustrating .
Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain had already begun to fade , with his trade representative , Robert Lighthizer , saying last month it was unlikely before the election .
Were Biden to win , experts said , he would face a Democratic Party deeply skeptical of a deal at a time when free trade is in retreat worldwide .
British officials recently floated the idea of both countries joining the successor agreement to the Trans-Pacific Partnership , which Trump pulled out of in 2017 , as a way to sidestep the thorny issues in a direct negotiation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejoin TPP — a big if — analysts noted that its provisions on food sanitation were largely written by the United States and would raise the same objections that have stymied trans-Atlantic talks .
“ In other words , ” said Sam Lowe , a trade expert at the Center for European Reform , “ the chlorine chicken debate is here to stay .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Family of Black man killed by Mississippi police files suit

GULFPORT , Miss .
- The family of a Black man who was shot and killed while running away from police in Mississippi has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the department , the city and the officer cleared in the shooting .
The federal suit related to the death of Toussaint Diamon Sims , 27 , was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Gulfport on behalf of Sims ’ mother and his two children , The Biloxi Sun Herald reported .
It alleges Sims died as a result of “ excessive , unnecessary and unlawful “ force by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August 2019 on multiple felony charges , including repeatedly fleeing police in other chases , aggravated assault , domestic violence and child endangerment , authorities said at the time .
Sims led police on a chase from Pascagoula into Moss Point before he ditched the vehicle and ran , Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley said .
During the foot pursuit , Sims was accused of displaying a firearm “ in a threatening manner , “ according to the chief .
Ashley has said officer Lancen Shipman ’ s deadly force was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop or drop the weapon .
In October , a Jackson County grand jury cleared Shipman of criminal wrongdoing in the shooting , though he still faced internal discipline for failing to turn on his body camera ’ s audio during the encounter .
The family ’ s lawsuit alleged Shipman had inadequate training in use-of-force techniques and unnecessarily shot and killed Sims .
It also contended he failed to follow protocol by not calling for backup before chasing Sims and firing his weapon while Sims was still at a distance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said police failed to give Sims immediate medical aid .
Moss Point officials have not responded to the allegations in the lawsuit , the Sun Herald said .


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--UK puts lockdown-easing on hold as virus spread accelerates

LONDON - Prime Minister Boris Johnson put some planned measures to ease the U.K. ’ s lockdown on hold Friday , just hours before they were due to take effect , saying the number of new coronavirus cases in the country is on the rise for the first time since May .
Johnson said at a news conference that statistics show that the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community is likely increasing , with an estimated 4,900 new infections every day , up from 2,000 a day at the end of June .
“ We just can ’ t afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ With those numbers creeping up , our assessment is that we should now squeeze ( the ) brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control.
” He called off plans to allow venues , including casinos , bowling alleys and skating rinks , to open from Saturday , Aug. 1 .
Wedding receptions were also put on hold , along with plans to allow limited numbers of fans back into sports stadiums and audiences into theatres .
Johnson said the measures will be reviewed after two weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be worn in shops and on public transit will be extended to museums , galleries , cinemas and places of worship .
Scientists advising the government say they are no longer confident that the R figure , which measures how many people each infected person passes the disease to , is below 1 in England .
A number above 1 means the virus will spread exponentially .
On Thursday , the government re-imposed restrictions on social life in a swath of northern England because of a surge in cases , barring households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Hancock said that while it ’ s not the “ sort of decision that anybody would want to take , ’ ’ the government had no choice .
Under the new restrictions , people from different households in Greater Manchester , England ’ s second largest metropolitan area , have been asked to not meet indoors .
The order also applies to the surrounding areas of Lancashire and West Yorkshire counties , affecting more than 4 million people in all .
Hancock said data showed the coronavirus was being spread primarily between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ one of the terrible things about this virus is it thrives on the sort of social contact that makes life worth living.
” Opposition politicians supported the latest move but criticized the government for announcing the restrictions in a tweet from Hancock late Thursday , just two hours before they came into force at midnight .
Labour Party business spokeswoman Lucy Powell said the “ bolt out of the blue ” approach was “ not the way to build confidence and to take people with you and maximize compliance with these steps.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim population , and the restrictions coincide with the Eid al-Adha holiday , where many people would normally gather in each other ’ s homes .
The Muslim Council of Britain ’ s secretary general , Harun Khan , sharply criticized the way the announcement was made , saying that for Muslims in the affected areas , “ it is like being told they can not visit family and friends for Christmas on Christmas Eve itself.
’ ’ The northern England measures are the second batch of regional restrictions imposed to try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Britain , following a stricter local lockdown in the central England city of Leicester .
The government said restaurants , pubs , shops and hairdressers in Leicester could reopen from Monday , more than a month after they were closed amid a surge in cases .
Britain ’ s official coronavirus death toll stands at just over 46,000 , the third-highest total in the world after the United States and Brazil .

Danica Kirka And Jill Lawless - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Afghan officials say Pakistani rockets kill 9, wound 50

QUETTA , Pakistan - Pakistan fired a barrage of rockets across its southwestern border killing nine people and wounding 50 in an Afghan border town , Afghan officials said Friday .
The exchange of fire that led to casualties in the town of Spinboldak was instigated by Afghan border guards , Pakistan security officials said .
It was the latest cross-border exchange between the two countries .
Earlier this month , Pakistan fired rockets into Afghanistan ’ s northeastern Kunar province killing three people .
Cross-border exchanges have increased since Pakistan began raising a fence along its 2,500-kilometre ( 1,500-mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durand Line .
Pakistan considers the colonial-era division created in 1893 as an international border , while Afghanistan flatly rejects it .
Pakistan began building the fence in 2017 and since then the two sides have routinely exchanged fire .
Pakistan says it needs the fence to block militants from crossing .
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan accuse the other of harbouring their enemies .
Pakistan has been widely accused by Kabul and the U.S. of providing safe haven to Taliban insurgents , while Islamabad says insurgents have found a sanctuary in Afghanistan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baluchistan Liberation Army , who attacked the Stock Exchange building in southern Karachi on June 29 .
Pakistan also says anti-government Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ( TTP ) insurgents are hiding in Afghanistan .
A U.N. report earlier this month said up to 6,500 Pakistani militants , most of them belonging to the TTP , are hiding in Afghanistan , with links to the Islamic State affiliate there and a threat to both Pakistan and Afghanistan .
On Friday , an Afghan Defence Ministry statement said rockets fired by Pakistan pummeled Spinboldak late Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet two Pakistani security officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media , said Friday the Afghan security forces initiated the attack .
They said the cross-border exchange took place hours after Pakistani troops had been deployed to Chaman in southwestern Baluchistan province on the Pakistan side of the border , opposite Spinboldak .
The troops were deployed to contain hundreds of demonstrators who had gathered Thursday at the Chaman border crossing to protest its continued closure because of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pashtuns living in Pakistan work in Afghanistan and many Afghans in Pakistan .
Three people were killed when troops opened fire on the unruly crowd Thursday .
Pakistan has opened the border to trade but it is still closed to daily wage earners , who work on one side of the border and live on the other , in an effort to contain the spread of the virus .
As the rally deteriorated and the military opened fire , Afghan security guards from across the border began firing , said the Pakistani security @ @ @ @ @

Abdul Sattar And Tameem Akhgar - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-31--Marine vehicle deep under sea, complicating rescue search

SAN DIEGO - A military seafaring assault vehicle that sank off the coast of Southern California is under hundreds of feet of water , putting it beyond the reach of divers and complicating rescue efforts for eight missing troops , officials said Friday .
Still the Marine Corps commandant , Gen. David Berger , said the search was continuing while he was suspending waterborne operations of all of its more than 800 amphibious assault vehicles across the branch until the cause of the accident is determined .
He said the move was out of “ an abundance of caution.
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the troops and their families .
One of the eight Marines who were rescued died at a San Diego hospital .
Two Marines remained hospitalized with injuries but were stable and out of the intensive care unit .
A total of 16 troops — 15 Marines and one Navy corpsman — were on board when the amphibious assault vehicle started taking in water Thursday evening as it was about a half mile ( more than 1,000 metres ) from the shores of San Clemente Island .
They had just completed a routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Navy ship with a dozen other amphibious assault vehicles , said Lt. Gen. Joseph Osterman , the commanding general of the Marine Expeditionary Force .
Troops on board two other amphibious assault vehicles responded quickly but could not stop the 26-ton vehicle from sinking , Osterman said .
“ It ’ s a very tragic situation , “ Osterman said , adding that his thoughts and prayers are with the troops and their families .
Military ships , small boats and helicopters continued searching the choppy seas for the missing Friday amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island is about 70 miles ( 112 kilometres ) offshore from San Diego .
The Navy and Coast Guard were discussing ways to reach the sunken vehicle to get a view inside it , Osterman said .
All of the Marines on the vehicle , which resembles a seafaring tank , were attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit .
They ranged in age from 19 to early 30s and all were wearing combat gear , including body armour , Osterman said .
Each troop also had flotation devices .
The vehicle is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 280 pounds of equipment each , Osterman said .
He said there were three water-tight hatches and two large troop hatches and that it is designed to be naturally buoyant .
Thursday ’ s accident marks the third time in recent years that Camp Pendleton Marines have been injured or died in amphibious assault vehicles during training exercises .
The vehicles have been used since 1972 , and continually refurbished .
Marine Corps officials said Friday they did not know the age or other details of the one that sank .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sailor were hospitalized after their vehicle hit a natural gas line , igniting a fire that engulfed the landing craft during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton , the sprawling coastal Marine Corps base north of San Diego .
And in 2011 , a Marine died when an amphibious assault vehicle in a training exercise sank off the shores of Camp Pendleton .
The Marines use the vehicles to transport troops and their equipment from Navy ships to land .
They are nicknamed “ amtracs ” because the original name for the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles outfitted with machine-guns and grenade launchers look like tanks as they roll ashore for beach attacks , with Marines pouring out of them to take up positions .
The Marine Expeditionary Force is the Marine Corps ’ main war-fighting organization .
There are three such groups which are made up of ground , air and logistics forces .
This story has been corrected to say the craft was one of 13 involved in an exercise , not one of more than a dozen .