thetorontostar--2020-02-12--After Iowa caucus problems, concerns grow over Nevada’s plan

LAS VEGAS - Concerns have been growing that next week ’ s Nevada caucuses could offer a repeat of the chaos that ensnared the Iowa vote , with Nevada facing many of the same organizational and technical challenges that crippled Iowa ’ s process .
Volunteers who will be leading the Feb. 22 caucuses said key information had yet to be shared .
There has been no hands-on training with iPads being deployed to caucus sites on Election Day nor opportunities to try out a new “ tool ” that will be loaded onto the iPads and used during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that Nevada also plans to offer early voting , a complicated step that Iowa did not attempt .
That has prompted some confusion about how early voters would be included in the multi-stage caucus process .
“ This sounds just dangerous , like people are still improvising and making up the rules as they go , ” said Doug Jones , a University of Iowa computer scientist and expert on voting technology .
“ How do they expect to get training done for all the people doing these caucuses ?
” Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Democratic presidential field , is seen as the first test of a candidate ’ s strength before a diverse population and strong labour unions .
Nevada Republicans are not holding caucuses this year .
Molly Forgey , a spokeswoman for the Nevada State Democratic Party , declined to respond to questions about how the reporting process will work and the security measures in place .
“ We ’ ll train our volunteers as soon as the process is rolled out , “ Forgey said Tuesday night .
She added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same -- still high.
” Concerns over elections and voting in general come as the nation prepares for the first presidential election since Russia interfered in the 2016 vote .
But Iowa ’ s problems demonstrated that it doesn ’ t take a foreign government to cause chaos in an election .
Technical glitches and shaky election administration can also create confusion and delay results .
As in Iowa , Nevada ’ s caucuses are run by the state party and not state and local election officials , who will administer the November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contest in New Hampshire .
In training sessions in recent days , Nevada Democrats told precinct leaders they will be using an iPad they will receive the day of the caucuses .
Seth Morrison , a site leader who will oversee multiple precincts at a caucus site in the metro Las Vegas area , said he was told he would be trained on the iPads when he picks them up a few days before the caucuses and would be responsible for showing precinct leaders how to use them .
Nevada Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developer used in Iowa but scrapped those plans after the company ’ s app failed there .
Instead , loaded on the iPads will be what ’ s been referred to in training materials as a “ Caucus Tool ” used to enter results .
Party officials emphasized during the training sessions that it was not an app , but they have yet to explain how it ’ s different .
Caucus organizers said they thought the tool would be used to ultimately submit results electronically to the state party , but some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tool would contain information on early voting selections , but it was not known whether there would also be a paper record of the early votes at each precinct in case the iPad or tool failed .
Morrison said he was told by party officials the tool had been “ professionally developed ” but they would not tell him by whom , citing concerns the developer would be targeted by hackers .
That was the same argument made by Iowa Democrats ahead of their caucuses , a deference to secrecy that experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s qualifications and security experience .
“ They ’ ve been saying basically , ‘ Don ’ t worry .
Trust us , ’ ” said Morrison .
“ I ’ ve been hyperventilating for the last five days.
” Two other caucus organizers expressed similar concerns over the lack of information and training but requested anonymity so they could discuss the issue candidly .
Other organizers acknowledged they had limited information but said they were not concerned .
“ I have full trust and faith in our state party , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will be a site leader and precinct chair .
Clark County Democratic Party Chair Donna West , who will oversee 10 precincts , said party leaders “ understand what ’ s at stake and what they have to deliver.
” The party is expected to hold more training for volunteers this week .
In Iowa , the inability of some caucus organizers to download and use the app triggered a flood of calls to the party ’ s hotline and dramatically slowed the process of reporting unofficial results .
And a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ muddied the data that was sent in , creating discrepancies that halted the reporting of initial results for nearly 24 hours .
Iowa Democrats relied on paper records of each voter ’ s candidate preferences along with a worksheet completed by caucus organizers to verify results .
It appears Nevada will be using a similar paper-based backup system and will also have a hotline available .
“ The party should be thinking about setting up expectations now that they may be getting the results out more slowly than what is typical , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting systems with the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU ’ s School of Law .
On Tuesday , Nevada Democrats released a memo offering some details on early voting .
The party , having abandoned plans to have early votes cast via an iPad app , is instead planning to have early voters fill out paper ballots that will be scanned electronically and tabulated .
To check in early voters , volunteers will use a PDF of the voter roll loaded onto iPads and have voters then enter information onto an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From the beginning , NV Dems ’ priority has been to execute the most accessible , expansive , and transparent caucus yet , ” executive director Alana Mounce said in the early voting memo , adding the party had “ simplified the voting process and built in additional redundancies to streamline information and to ensure we minimize errors.
” Staffers with three Democratic presidential campaigns in Nevada who were not authorized to speak publicly said the campaigns had received little information from the party , leaving them concerned about the rollout of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone calls with the campaigns but didn ’ t provide much information , keeping the communication limited and scripted , the staffers said .
Another staffer , Terrence Clark , spokesman for the campaign of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in Nevada , said : “ We ’ re focusing on what we can control — turning out our supporters and reaching people where they are.
” Democratic National Committee spokesman David Bergstein said the national party has already deployed staff to Nevada .
“ The DNC is working with the Nevada Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing everything they can to implement the lessons that have been learned from this process , ” Bergstein said .
Cassidy reported from Atlanta .
Associated Press writer Will Weissert in Manchester , New Hampshire , contributed to this report .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

Christina A. Cassidy And Michelle L. Price - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--UK announces plan to fine firms for harmful online content

LONDON - The British government says it will give regulators the power to fine social media companies for harmful material on their platforms .
Plans announced Wednesday would give the U.K. ’ s telecommunications watchdog , Ofcom , power to enforce a “ duty of care ” on companies such as Facebook and Twitter “ to protect users from harmful and illegal terrorist and child abuse content.
” Firms that allow harmful material to flourish or don ’ t remove it quickly could be sanctioned .
Ofcom currently keeps tabs on radio and television broadcasters , and has the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offenders off the air .
The government said it was “ minded ” to make the changes , but new legislation will be needed for it to take effect .
It said officials were working “ at pace ” to draft a new law .
Digital Secretary Nicky Morgan said the new rules would be “ proportionate and strong.
” “ We have an incredible opportunity to lead the world in building a thriving digital economy , driven by groundbreaking technology , that is trusted by and protects everyone in the U.K. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said it welcomed “ a duty of care model that puts the onus on big tech to prevent online harms.
” But free-speech advocates have expressed concerns about state attempts to limit activity that may be harmful but is not illegal .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Guinness: Japanese, who believes in smiling, is oldest man

TOKYO - A Japanese man with a sweet tooth who believes in smiles has become the world ’ s oldest male at 112 years and 344 days old , according to Guinness World Records .
Chitetsu Watanabe , who was born in Niigata in northern Japan in 1907 , received a certificate for his accomplishment on Wednesday at a nursing home in the city .
The previous record holder , Masazo Nonaka , another Japanese , died last month .
The oldest living person is also Japanese , Kane Tanaka , a 117-year-old woman .
Until about a decade ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Japanese traditional art of raising small sculpted trees , and had his work exhibited .
These days , he loves desserts such as custards and cream puffs , Guinness said .
Watanabe graduated from agricultural school and then moved to Taiwan to work at Dai-Nippon Meiji Sugar on sugar cane plantation contracts .
He lived in Taiwan for 18 years .
He married Mitsue and they had five children , Guinness said in a statement .
After the end of World War II , Watanabe returned to Niigata and worked for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grew fruit and vegetables on the family farm .
Asked about the secret to longevity , Watanabe has this advice : Don ’ t get angry and keep smiling .
Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter at https : //twitter.com/yurikageyama Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Macron getting hybrid car as France steps up climate fight

PARIS - The government of President Emmanuel Macron is putting more of its money where his mouth is , announcing a raft of plans to curb carbon emissions , including a new hybrid-engine armoured car for the French leader .
Other steps to be announced Wednesday include an annual bonus of 200 euros ( $ 220 ) for civil servants who switch to bicycles or car-sharing for their rides to work , said the ecology minister , Elisabeth Borne .
That measure will kick in in July .
All government ministers will be switched over to electric or hybrid-engine rechargeable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged to take trains instead of planes for non-emergency trips under four hours , Borne said on France Info radio .
She said she ’ ll take the train for a visit to northern France on Friday .
Macron ’ s hybrid-engine armoured car will have a rechargeable battery , she said .
Reinforced efforts to protect the Alpine glory of Mont-Blanc , western Europe ’ s highest peak , are also expected to be announced by Macron himself on Thursday .
He ’ ll also visit a glacier that , like others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Borne is going with Macron on that visit to the Alps .
She said they ’ ll travel by plane .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Nissan sues Ghosn, seeking damages for property, jet use

TOKYO - Nissan filed a civil suit Wednesday seeking 10 billion yen ( $ 91 million ) in damages from the Japanese automaker ’ s former Chairman Carlos Ghosn .
Nissan Motor Co. filed the case in Yokohama District Court to recoup some of the monetary damages suffered , it said , “ as a result of years of misconduct and fraudulent activity “ by Ghosn .
The claim was calculated by adding the costs from what Nissan called Ghosn ’ s “ corrupt practices , ” such as rent for overseas property , use of corporate jets and payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as costs for the internal investigation into Ghosn ’ s alleged wrongdoings .
Ghosn , who led Nissan for two decades and saved it from near-bankruptcy , was arrested in Japan in November 2018 , and charged with underreporting his future compensation and breach of trust in diverting Nissan money for personal gain .
He was awaiting trial but skipped bail and showed up in Lebanon late last year .
Japan has no extradition treaty with Lebanon , and he ’ s unlikely to be arrested .
A date had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said he was worried his ordeal would never end and he would not get a fair hearing .
The bail conditions also barred him from seeing his wife .
He has repeatedly lashed out at Japan ’ s judicial system , where the conviction rate is higher than 99 % .
Japanese authorities recently issued an arrest warrant for Ghosn and three Americans , accused of helping his escape .
Separately , they issued an arrest warrant for Ghosn ’ s wife on suspicion of perjury .
Ghosn has repeatedly said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation had never been decided , and all the payments were for legitimate services .
Wednesday ’ s lawsuit by Nissan comes on top of the civil case Nissan filed against Ghosn in the British Virgin Islands in August last year .
It alleged unauthorized payments , sought to regain a luxury yacht and pursued other damages , according to Nissan .
Yokohama-based Nissan , which makes the Z sportscar , Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models , is also facing trial in Japan as a company in relation to Ghosn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will agree to any penalties .
Nissan ’ s reputation has been sorely tarnished over the Ghosn fiasco , and its sales have dropped .
Nissan reports financial results Thursday .
The company is struggling to redefine its image and managerial leadership after the departure of Ghosn .
His successor Hiroto Saikawa tendered his resignation in September after acknowledging he had received dubious income .
Saikawa said he did not know about the money .
He has not been charged .
Also in question is Nissan ’ s relationship with alliance partner Renault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nissan .
Ghosn , sent in by Renault to lead Nissan , has said his arrest was set off by a conspiracy against him at Nissan .
Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter at https : //twitter.com/yurikageyama


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--US military downgrades efforts against extremists in Sahel

JOHANNESBURG - The U.S. military has switched from trying to degrade Islamic extremist groups in West Africa ’ s sprawling Sahel region to merely trying to contain them as their deadly threat increases , a new U.S. government report says .
The quarterly report by the inspectors general for the Pentagon , State Department and USAID released this week is the first to be unclassified as interest surges in the U.S. military ’ s activities in Africa .
Security allies are worried as the U.S. considers cutting troops on the continent to counter China and Russia elsewhere in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast-growing threat from multiple extremist groups in the Sahel region just south of the Sahara Desert and the enduring threat by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab in Somalia , which killed three Americans in an unprecedented attack against U.S. forces in Kenya last month .
Consistent pressure on extremist groups is needed to weaken them , the report says , citing Defence Secretary Mark Esper , who has compared it to “ mowing the lawn.
” That need , along with the often slow development of local partners ’ militaries , “ could require ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report adds .
The new report also says the U.S. Africa Command has expressed concerns to the Pentagon ’ s inspector general that some resources will be moved from Somalia to the North African nation of Libya , where a conflict between rival governments has drawn the attention of powers including Russia and Turkey .
About 6,000 U.S. military personnel are deployed across Africa , the report says , including 500 special operations forces in Somalia and about 800 personnel in West Africa .
The security situation in Burkina Faso “ is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sahel , ” says the new report , citing AFRICOM .
The West African nation is staggering under a growing number of extremist attacks as fighters move in from neighbouring Mali .
Hundreds of civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled .
Extremist groups linked to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida in West Africa “ are neither degraded nor contained , ” the new report warns , citing AFRICOM .
The new U.S. military strategy has changed from trying to degrade , or reduce the effectiveness , of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep them from growing their membership and spreading into new areas , AFRICOM told the Pentagon inspector general in the quarter ending Dec. 31 .
Mali ’ s president this week told French media outlets his government is now in contact with leaders of the most active extremist group , the al-Qaida-linked JNIM , a sign that troubled West African countries are exploring various options , including negotiations , to curb the threat .
JNIM has about 1,000 to 2,000 fighters and its goal is to “ unite all terrorist groups in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region , ” the new U.S. report says .
The U.S. military in the Sahel largely supports the militaries of France and local countries in their fight against the extremists .
France recently announced it would increase its troop presence there to more than 5,000 and has started arming its drones , while French leaders have urged the U.S. against cutting its military presence .


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Australia scraps policy to end indigenous disadvantage

CANBERRA , Australia - The Australian government has scrapped a 12-year-old timetable for ending indigenous disadvantage , declaring on Wednesday that the policy had failed .
A new centre-left Labor Party government launched the ambitious Closing the Gap initiative in 2008 aimed at achieving equality for indigenous Australians in health and life expectancy within a generation .
Prime ministers have presented to Parliament a report every year since then quantifying progress made in seven areas .
Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison used his annual report on Wednesday to note only two of the seven measures were on track -- closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in finishing high school and getting 4-year-olds enrolled in early education .
But indigenous men continued to die almost nine years younger than other Australian men and indigenous women died almost eight years younger than other women .
The gap is widening in the measure of child mortality , which is twice rate in the indigenous community than in the wider Australian society .
Morrison said successive governments ’ top-down approach to Closing the Gap “ hasn ’ t worked.
” “ For 12 years , I have sat in this chamber and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a tale of hope , frustration and disappointment , ” Morrison told Parliament .
“ The results are not good enough.
” “ Over decades , our top-down , government-knows-best approach has not delivered the improvements we all yearn for , ” he added .
Morrison foreshadowed new measures of progress that focused on local problems and priorities involving local indigenous communities .
Those new steps would be agreed within months .
“ I want the gaps to be defined by indigenous Australians , ” Morrison said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right data that can inform us.
” Morrison said the federal government would work with state governments and indigenous groups to reach a new agreement aimed by at creating equality for indigenous Australians .
“ I ’ m very hopeful that a new approach that ’ s more locally-led and more collaborative will take us much further than the top-down , one-size-fits-all , government-led approach ever could , ” Morrison said .
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese described the current targets as “ modest ” and the gap in living standards between indigenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that while indigenous adults made up only 2 % of the Australian population , they accounted for 27 % of the prison population .
Ken Wyatt , the first indigenous person to become minister for indigenous Australians , said that leaders from the Coalition of Peaks , which represents 50 indigenous groups , had asked to “ sit at the table to shape the direction of Closing the Gap into the future.
” Coalition of Peaks representative Jonathan Ford welcomed the new collaborative approach .
“ Over the last 12 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t had a say on what happens to our people , ” Ford said .
“ So the new approach that they ’ re talking about is basically giving us an opportunity to have a say , co-design and make decisions in partnership with government .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Inmates set fire to overcrowded prison in western Indonesia

MEDAN , Indonesia - Angry inmates set fire to an overcrowded prison on Indonesia ’ s Sumatra island during a riot that erupted Wednesday , officials said .
Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed to take control of Kabanjahe prison in North Sumatra province , which is designed to house 193 inmates but now has more than 400 , said Sri Puguh Budi Utami , director general of corrections at the Justice and Human Rights Ministry .
She said it was guarded by only eight offic.ry .
Utami said the cause of the riot is still being investigated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoners protested against the guards ’ treatment of four inmates who were placed in isolation after being caught taking drugs into their cell , she said .
Other inmates , mostly arrested for drug offensives , joined the protest and it turned violent , but there were no reports of deaths , Utami said .
Television video showed prisoners in an open field under heavy guard by soldiers while police removed others from the prison compound .
Black smoke billowed from a building , and burned office equipment and documents were scattered around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hutajulu said eight fire trucks were mobilized to extinguish the fire and about 500 police and soldiers were deployed around the prison to prevent inmates from escaping .
Jailbreaks and riots are common in Indonesia , where overcrowding has become a problem in prisons that are struggling with poor funding and large numbers of people arrested in a war on illegal drugs .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Man admits to removing Charlottesville slave auction marker

CHARLOTTESVILLE , Va. - Police in Virginia have arrested a man who admitted to taking a historic marker memorializing the site of slave auctions in the city where a deadly white nationalist rally was held in 2017 .
Richard H. Allan , III , 74 , was arrested by Charlottesville police Tuesday , news outlets reported citing a press release from the city .
Allan told multiple news outlets that he removed the plaque because he believed it was insulting to enslaved Africans and their descendants .
The marker , which went missing last week , was built into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ How would you feel if they put a plaque in the ground to you so people could stand on it with their dirty shoes ?
” Allan said .
Allan told The Washington Post that he removed the historic marker with a crowbar and threw the plaque into the James River .
He declined to tell police where the marker could be found , Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney said .
Allan told The Post he was among the group of counterprotesters at the deadly “ Unite the Right ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent when James Alex Fields Jr. , an avowed white supremacist , admitted deliberately driving his car into counterprotesters who showed up to demonstrate against the white nationalists .
Fields was convicted in the death of anti-racism activist Heather Heyer and for injuring dozens more .
He was sentenced to life in prison plus 419 years , but court records show he plans to appeal his convictions .
A makeshift marker had been laid in the sidewalk Tuesday where the city ’ s plaque had been removed , The Daily Progress reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would remove any others placed at the site .
City spokesman Brian Wheeler said leaders were working on how to install “ a more appropriate permanent marker.
“ “ This is an important site in the city ’ s history and we can take this opportunity to improve the signage and add more historical context , ” Wheeler said .
Allan was charged with felony grand larceny and felony possession of burglarious tools , police said in the press release .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Smollett case reopens arguments about race, class in Chicago

CHICAGO - When a grand jury revived the criminal case against Jussie Smollett , the indictment for many people called to mind two nights on two different streets in the same big city .
On one Chicago street was a wealthy , famous black man who claimed he was a victim of a racist , anti-gay attack .
On the other street was an anonymous black teenager shot 16 times by a white police officer .
A day after Smollett was charged for a second time with staging the attack , the two cases reopened divisive arguments about the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and what fairness looks like .
“ The integrity of the legal system is at stake , ” said David Erickson , a former state appellate judge who teaches at Chicago Kent College of Law .
If Smollett “ would have walked away , everybody would have thought there is no justice in Cook County.
” A special prosecutor decided to prosecute Smollett again , 11 months after county prosecutors dropped charges that the “ Empire ” actor hired two men to fake the attack to further his career .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local media and political consultant , said she thinks less about Smollett ’ s account of what happened , which she never believed , than about the 2014 fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald and how it took the city a year to release the dasham video — only after a judge ordered it — and to charge the officer with murder .
“ As a black person , I am insulted by the whole thing and ... all I can think about is 16 counts versus 16 shots , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of disorderly conduct that prosecutors originally charged Smollett with .
She wondered about all the anger expressed by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel , former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and others who blasted Smollett for lying to police and smearing the city after evidence pointed to a conspiracy to mislead authorities and drum up publicity .
“ Where was the outrage when Laquan McDonald was killed in the year before we discovered the video ?
” she asked .
What is more outrageous , Cobb said , was watching the police department throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto Smollett ’ s case , which involved no injuries , while giving far less attention to the hundreds of shooting deaths elsewhere in the city .
The department , she added , went so far as to track down Smollett ’ s alleged accomplices in Africa while its rate of resolving homicide cases lags far behind other major police forces .
Erickson and others suggested that Smollett ’ s case also raises serious questions about political influence .
They say special prosecutor Dan Webb ’ s investigation was important because of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first charged : Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx communicated with a member of Smollett ’ s family at the request of Tina Tchen , Michelle Obama ’ s former chief of staff .
Her actions , critics say , sent a powerful message to anyone who was paying attention .
“ This told everyone if you have the right friends , you can get away with it , ” Erickson said .
“ The last thing a prosecutor should do is take the political temperature of anything and make decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Ron Allen , a professor at Northwestern University ’ s law school .
“ That ’ s utterly despicable.
” Smollett was accused of stoking racial tensions with his claim that his attackers looped a rope fashioned as a noose around his neck .
Erickson and Allen believe Foxx turned the case into a lesson about influence .
“ Race has nothing to do with juice in Chicago , ” Erickson said , referring to political clout or influence .
“ People of all colours have juice in Chicago.
” Foxx @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before her office secured an indictment against Smollett , but she continued to weigh in throughout the case .
She has suggested the criticism does have a lot to do with race — her race .
“ I have been asking myself for the last two weeks what is this really about ?
” she said last year after her office dropped the charges .
“ As someone who has lived in this city , who came up in the projects of this city to serve as the first African American woman in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me ... that when we get in these positions somehow the goal posts change.
” On Wednesday , it was not lost on her that the six-count indictment came just weeks before an election in which Foxx ’ s opponents are using her handling of the Smollett case against her .
“ I certainly would hope that the decision in this case was based on the facts , the evidence and the law , ” she said .
Marshall Hatch , a prominent minister on the city ’ s West Side , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a larger effort to siphon enough black votes away from Foxx to cost her a second term .
As an example , he pointed to a television ad by one of her opponents that includes a young black woman who says she did not get the same kind of treatment in her criminal case as Smollett did .
Foxx has “ done a good job for our community , and now this will be used to kind of muddy her up , ” he said .
Check out the AP ’ s complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Jury deliberations start in Michael Avenatti extortion trial

Jurors worked quietly for several hours before telling a judge in a note that they needed clarification as to what @ @ @ @ @ of two attempted extortion charges .
Deliberations were set to resume Thursday morning though they @ @ @ @ @ for an hour or two while one juror goes to a job interview .
Avenatti @ @ @ @ @ charges alleging that he tried to extort up to $ 25 million from Nike by @ @ @ @ @ at Nike unless he was allowed to conduct an internal probe of the company .
@ @ @ @ @ than $ 11 million in debts at the time .
Avenatti ’ s lawyers have @ @ @ @ @ an honest and legal negotiation with the shoemaker on behalf of an amateur basketball coach @ @ @ @ @ up its act .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Some Democrats fear fallout from Sanders atop the ticket

DENVER - The resurgence of Sen. Bernie Sanders in the presidential nominating process is triggering alarm in the Democratic Party , with many warning that a ticket headed by the self-declared socialist could be devastating to the party ’ s chances of winning the Senate and holding the House in November .
In anxious huddles , apprehensive Democrats are sharing their worries that Sanders ’ socialist label and unyielding embrace of controversial proposals like “ “ Medicare for Al ” ” and the Green New Deal will repel voters in the affluent , moderate districts that flipped control of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states where Republican senators are vulnerable .
The Vermont independent narrowly won New Hampshire Tuesday on the heels of a strong showing in Iowa and is widely seen as a front-runner , along with former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg .
“ I ’ m a proud capitalist , ” said freshman Rep. Ben McAdams , D-Utah , in pointed contrast with Sanders .
McAdams , who is supporting former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and whose Salt Lake City district will be among the toughest for Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders atop his party ’ s ticket “ would probably give me more opportunities to show my independence ” from the party .
Another freshman from a competitive district , Rep. Tom Malinowski , D-N.J. , said Democrats need a presidential nominee who “ doesn ’ t scare all those future former Republicans more than Trump scares them.
“ And while acknowledging that Republicans plan to tar all Democrats with the socialist label , ” There ’ s one candidate for whom that would not be a lie.
” Rep. Dina Titus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Vice-President Joe Biden , warned a group of Democratic voters this week in Carson City , Nevada , that with Sanders atop the ticket , “ you ’ re not going to take back the Senate .
There ’ s not any way , because everybody ’ s going to be tarred with the same brush .
We will probably lose seats in the House.
” In private conversations , other Democrats are more succinct .
One House Democrat said colleagues from swing districts are scared by the prospects of a Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly concerned that a Sanders candidacy would devastate their prospects for winning the White House and retaining the House .
The lawmakers insisted on anonymity to describe private conversations .
Democrats ’ jitters have Republicans rubbing their hands in delight .
“ It ’ s every Republican ’ s dream come true , “ Rep. Tom Cole , R-Okla. , a former leader of the House GOP ’ s campaign committee , said of a possible Sanders nomination .
Republicans face an uphill fight in capturing control of the House , which Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five vacancies .
The GOP controls the Senate 53-47 and is favoured to retain its majority .
Biden supporters are happy to use apprehension about Sanders ’ impact on the party ’ s strength in Congress as a tool for drumming up support .
Rep. Ami Bera , D-Calif. , who ’ s endorsed Biden , said if Sanders were nominated , Democrats from moderate districts “ might actually have to run away from our nominee to get elected.
” And he added , ” It ’ s highly unlikely that Bernie Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional Democrats have little to gain by openly disparaging the man who could well be their presidential nominee , and they say they ’ re uncertain what they could do that would be effective .
Any move to derail his candidacy that could be traced back to them would undoubtedly enrage Sanders and his impassioned supporters and risk the fury that split the party in 2016 , when some Sanders backers never supported Hillary Clinton , the Democratic nominee .
Underscoring a reluctance to speak critically of Sanders , Rep. Cheri Bustos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign arm , sidestepped questions about how his nomination would affect her candidates ’ prospects .
“ We have a long way to go before we know who our nominee is , ” she said .
Asked how many nervous lawmakers have expressed their worries about Sanders to her , Bustos paused for four seconds before answering , “ We have discussions about the nominee but , you know , it runs the gamut.
” While many Democrats are reluctant to openly express dismay about Sanders , members of the House have spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from only seven House members , all members of the progressive caucus from safely Democratic districts .
Biden , in contrast , has backing from 41 House members , and has made a point of touting support from seven lawmakers from swing districts .
Bloomberg , who hopes to poach Biden ’ s position as the moderate alternative to Sanders , has racked up recent nine endorsements from House members , five of whom occupy swing seats .
Progressives argue the fears are overblown .
Republicans tried to tie Democrats to socialism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2018 campaign , they note , yet Democrats won a resounding majority in the House .
And they argue that nominating Sanders could change the electorate in ways that help the party .
“ They don ’ t want somebody that sells out , ” said Sanders backer Rep. Rashida Tlaib , D-Mich. , a member of the “ squad ” of young liberal freshmen .
She added , “ Please don ’ t talk about only persuading Trumpers and independents ” to be open to an alternative candidate .
“ How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t been engaged.
” “ The single most important thing for Democrats to take back the Senate is turnout , “ said Mike Lux , a liberal strategist who supports Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in the presidential race .
“ We have to have a highly energized Democratic base turnout , a lot of young people coming out , voting not just in the presidential race but further down the ballot.
” Yet Sanders ’ agenda is far from shared .
Several top-tier Democratic Senate recruits , such as former astronaut Mark Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cunningham in North Carolina and former Gov .
John Hickenlooper in Colorado , have explicitly distanced themselves from core Sanders positions like Medicare for All .
Hickenlooper , the likely Democratic nominee against Republican Sen. Cory Gardner , targeted Sanders during his own brief bid for the party ’ s presidential nomination last year .
At a Democratic debate last summer , Hickenlooper warned that Sanders ’ program would be “ a disaster ” at the ballot box .
“ If you force Americans to make these radical changes , “ Hickenlooper said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go along.
” Gardner , widely considered the most endangered Republican senator , has been openly pining for Sanders to be the nominee .
“ In 2018 , Cory said ‘ the most dangerous thing to happen in America in the 2016 presidential election was Bernie Sanders ’ normalization of socialism , ’ ” Gardner campaign spokesman Jerrod Dobkin said .
“ Two years later , Cory ’ s been proven right.
” Democrats skeptical of Sanders stressed that the nominating process has just begun .
Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate incumbent this year , has endorsed Biden , a longtime friend .
He said he wouldn ’ t play “ what-if games ” about the top of the ticket and how it might affect his chances in deep-red Alabama .
“ I still think that Biden is going to be the nominee , ” Jones said .
“ I still think that moderate voice that ’ s out there is going to ultimately carry .
”

Nicholas Riccardi And Alan Fram - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Chief executive at MGM Resorts says he’ll step down

LAS VEGAS - Jim Murren , the head of casino giant MGM Resorts International , says he ’ ll step down as chairman and chief executive as soon as the company finds a successor .
Murren has led the company since 2008 .
A corporate statement Wednesday said he intends to leave before his contract expires next year , but gave no reason .
“ Jim has led the company through growth , transforming it into a global entertainment company with a worldwide footprint and creating value for MGM Resorts shareholders , ” board member Roland Hernandez said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called it “ an honour to work with such a talented group of men and women who provide millions of guests with memorable life experiences every day all over the world.
” Publicly traded MGM Resorts has some 80,000 employees at 29 casinos and hotels .
The company is the largest employer in Nevada , with several Las Vegas Strip properties .
In recent months the company sold its Bellagio , MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay resorts to a joint venture including private-equity and real estate company Blackstone Group and MGM Growth Properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the properties under a leaseback agreement .
Mandalay Bay was the hotel where a gunman opened fire into a concert crowd across the street in 2017 that left 58 people dead in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history .
MGM Resorts laid off about 1,000 employees last year and several executives retired under a company-wide plan to cut costs and boost annual earnings by $ 300 million by 2021 .
The company said separately on Wednesday it was withdrawing its 2020 financial targets because of uncertainty created by the viral outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese gambling enclave of Macau are closed due to the outbreak and fewer Asian baccarat players are travelling to Las Vegas .
Murren has been with MGM Resorts and its predecessors since 1998 .
As chief executive , he oversaw company involvement in the building of T-Mobile Arena , home to the NHL Vegas Golden Knights and WNBA Las Vegas Aces , and a drive that brought the NFL ’ s Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas to begin play at a new stadium this year .
The company statement pointed to his “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diversity , inclusion , and sustainability in Las Vegas , ” as well as the opening of two company properties in Macau and efforts to obtain a casino license in Osaka , Japan .
Company stock closed Wednesday at $ 33.66 , up 95 cents .
Share prices fell in after-hours trading .
MGM Resorts ’ fourth-quarter 2019 earnings were below Wall Street expectations .
The company reported a net income of about $ 2 billion , or $ 3.91 a share .
Earnings , adjusted for non-recurring gains , came to 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.19 billion in the period .
Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research had expected adjusted earnings of 24 cents a share on revenue of $ 3.21 billion .
Associated Press writer Richard Jacobsen in San Francisco contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Dozens of electronic devices seized at ex-convict’s home

NEW YORK - Investigators are studying large amounts of materials including 20 to 40 electronic devices seized from the home of an ex-convict charged with forcing some college students into prostitution or unpaid labour as he cheated them out of nearly $ 1 million , a prosecutor told a judge Wednesday .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon also told a judge that statements Lawrence Ray made after his Tuesday arrest will be turned over to defence lawyers so they can prepare for trial .
She commented at an arraignment as Ray pleaded not guilty to extortion and sex trafficking charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. District Court Judge Lewis J. Liman her client might make a bail application at a hearing scheduled in two weeks .
After Wednesday ’ s hearing , Lenox declined to comment .
She told the judge that Ray , 60 , would determine in the next few weeks whether he ’ ll hire his own lawyer or seek court-appointed counsel .
Sassoon said between 20 and 40 electronic devices were seized when search warrants were executed Tuesday at Ray ’ s Piscataway , New Jersey , residence .
She said investigators who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told that Ray would sometimes use a woman ’ s electronic device to take sexually explicit materials and then seize that device .
She said he would also direct victims to write “ sensitive and incriminating things ” in journals that he would then use against them .
The prosecutor said evidence that would eventually be shown to defence lawyers under secrecy rules meant to protect the identities of victims included videos of Ray berating a victim and sexually explicit content that relates to the extortion .
At the time of Ray ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berman said Ray used “ physical , sexual and psychological abuse ” to extort money from five different students at Sarah Lawrence College , a private liberal arts college outside New York City .
He convinced them they were indebted to him , subjecting them to “ grueling interrogations ” that spanned hours and deprived them of food and sleep , he said .
At least one of the women was forced into prostitution and Ray collected over $ 500,000 from her , prosecutors said .
Ray was previously known for his role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City police commissioner Bernard Kerik , who was a close confidant of Rudy Giuliani , to prison .
At the time , Ray , who had been the best man at Kerik ’ s wedding , was under indictment in a $ 40 million stock scam .
Prosecutors said Ray solicited false confessions from more than a half-dozen victims , and coerced them to make payments they didn ’ t actually owe and couldn ’ t afford .
In interviews with New York magazine , whose story last year prompted the federal investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being poisoned as part of a conspiracy hatched by some of the students and Kerik , who denied any involvement .
Sarah Lawrence said Tuesday that it has not been contacted by federal prosecutors but would co-operate “ if invited to do so .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--The Latest: Biden team not expecting pre-caucus endorsements

WASHINGTON - The Latest on the 2020 presidential primary campaign ( all times local ) : Joe Biden ’ s campaign has told top donors that it doesn ’ t expect the powerful Culinary Union or former Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid to endorse any Democratic presidential candidate ahead of the Nevada caucuses on Feb. 22 .
But the campaign told donors in a Wednesday call that the former vice-president has good relationships with union leaders and expects strong support in the state from union members .
That ’ s according to a participant on the call who spoke on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign discussions .
Privately , Biden aides have acknowledged that Bernie Sanders has strong appeal with many rank-and-file union members in the state .
The Culinary Union distributed a flyer this week that said Sanders ’ single-payer health insurance proposal would “ end ” workers ’ health coverage won through collective bargaining .
Biden has made similar appeals as he touts his proposal to add a “ public option ” to existing insurance markets but allow workers to keep their private insurance if they so choose .
The Wednesday donor call came after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire primary delivered another blow to his campaign following his fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses .
But Biden maintains that his fortunes will improve now that the contest is advancing to more racially diverse states .
More than 457,000 ballots were cast in New Hampshire ’ s first-in-the-nation primary .
Officials results released Wednesday by the New Hampshire secretary of state show 300,622 ballots were cast in the Democratic primary and 156,418 in the Republican primary .
The total is about 37,000 more than Secretary of State Bill Gardner had predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots cast in a presidential primary when an incumbent is running for reelection .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won Tuesday ’ s Democratic primary with 25 % , followed by former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 24 % and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar at 19.5 % .
President Donald Trump got 83 % of the Republican vote .
This story has been corrected to include absentee ballots in the Republican primary total .
Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar has raised $ 2.5 million after her third-place finish in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota senator compete in next-up Nevada , South Carolina and beyond .
Klobuchar ’ s campaign says about 60 % of the donations that came in after polls closed Tuesday were from first-time donors .
They say it ’ s a sign her message is resonating with new voters and her campaign has room to grow .
The money is on top of the roughly $ 4 million the campaign received in the days after a strong debate performance Friday in New Hampshire .
Tuesday was the first time Klobuchar has broken into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race .
She finished in fifth place in Iowa , well behind Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg , who essentially tied for first , and Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren .
Sanders won Tuesday ’ s primary , and Buttigieg finished second .
Klobuchar spokeswoman Carlie Waibel says the funds will allow the campaign to run ads in Nevada and South Carolina , and to hire staff there and in the states that will vote in the March 3 “ Super Tuesday ” contests .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has raised roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Iowa caucuses and will run radio ads in Nevada and South Carolina as part of a retooled strategy that aims to reclaim lost ground .
That was the message from the former vice-president and his senior advisers , who spoke with donors during a conference call Wednesday .
The remarks were described by a participant on the call , who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal campaign deliberations .
Biden finished fourth in Iowa ’ s Feb. 3 caucuses and fifth in New Hampshire on Tuesday .
He and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gut check to a candidate once viewed as the front-runner in the race .
The radio ads will be part of a media strategy that will see Biden doing more interviews .
The campaign told supporters that even though he didn ’ t do as well as hoped in the first two contests , he has a bedrock of support with minority voters , who are a far larger voting block .
Biden ’ s campaign noted that Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg have not yet been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once it happens , it could change the dynamics of the race .
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren is pulling TV advertising from South Carolina just over two weeks out from the state ’ s primary .
That ’ s according to information tweeted Wednesday by Ad Analytics , a firm that tracks political advertising spending .
The firm says the Massachusetts senator will go dark on TV in South Carolina after Sunday , a move that adds to further cuts published earlier this month .
The Warren campaign says the decision was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio and print buys in South Carolina , as well as TV air space in Nevada and Maine , the latter of which votes on Super Tuesday .
The move came the same day that campaign manager Roger Lau wrote to supporters about Warren ’ s strength heading into that March 3 contest , with its massive cache of delegates .
Nevada ’ s Democratic caucuses are Feb. 22 .
South Carolina votes a week later , on Feb. 29 .
Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is getting a jump on Super Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early voting begins .
The former New York City mayor told an overflow crowd of supporters outside the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga on Wednesday that they could hit the polling place rather than standing in the cold rain listening to his speech through a speaker .
None of his major competitors have yet announced stops to Tennessee .
Bloomberg ’ s campaign says more than 1,000 people came out to the event .
Some of the attendees were protesters , including one who seized the microphone at the indoor space before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not democracy , that is plutocracy , ” the woman said before the microphone was cut off .
She and others were protesting the billionaire Bloomberg ’ s self-funding of his campaign and his past support for the stop-and-frisk policing tactic .
A volunteer than led the crowd in a chant of “ We like Mike.
” “ Let ’ s say it so loud they can hear it all the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue !
” he shouted .
Tennessee is one of 14 states that holds its primary March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved requests from Pete Buttigieg ’ s and Bernie Sanders ’ presidential campaigns for a partial recanvass of the Iowa caucus results .
The party says it expects the recanvass of more than 80 precincts to begin on Sunday and last two days .
A recanvass is not a recount , but a check of the vote count against paper records created by caucus leaders to ensure the counts were reported accurately .
The latest caucus results give Buttigieg a lead over Sanders of two state delegate equivalents out of 2,152 counted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press has decided that it remains unable to declare a winner based on the available information .
The caucuses were upended by significant issues in collecting and reporting data from individual precincts on caucus night .
There were also errors in the complicated mathematical equations used to calculate the results in individual caucus sites that became evident as the party began to release caucus data .
The party has said it will not change mistakes in the math and the only opportunity to correct it would be a recount , which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recanvass is completed .
Joe Biden ’ s top campaign officials are arguing that nothing was settled in the overwhelmingly white states of Iowa and New Hampshire because the Democratic Party ’ s non-white base has yet to vote .
They insisted Wednesday that diverse electorates in Nevada and South Carolina can resurrect the former vice-president ’ s campaign after fourth- and fifth-place finishes .
Senior Biden campaign adviser Symone Sanders says Democrats won ’ t declare a winner of this nomination “ without hearing from black voters and Latino voters.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ ll be in New York for media interviews and fundraisers Thursday before a three-day swing in Nevada , whose caucuses are Feb. 22 .
South Carolina ’ s primary follows on Feb. 29 .
Former Massachusetts Gov .
Deval Patrick has ended his 2020 campaign after his late bid failed to catch fire or resonate with voters .
He was the last remaining African American candidate in a Democratic presidential field once defined by its diversity .
Patrick said in a statement Wednesday : “ The vote in New Hampshire last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create the practical win at the campaign ’ s back to go on to the next round of voting.
” Patrick came in second-to-last in New Hampshire on Tuesday with just over 1,200 votes , after ignoring Iowa and focusing most of his time and resources on the first primary .
His decision leaves just one other candidate of colour , Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , a Samoan American , in the Democratic contest .
It brings the number of Democrats in the presidential primary race to eight .
Patrick launched his bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register in polling and fundraising and never made it onto a presidential debate stage .
Georgia congresswoman Lucy McBath has endorsed former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg for president .
McBath ’ s 17-year-old son , Jordan Davis , was shot to death in 2012 following an argument at a gas station in Florida over loud music .
The shooting drew a spotlight on “ stand-your-ground “ laws .
The shooter was a 45-year-old man named Michael Dunn , who claimed he ’ d done it in self-defence but was convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement issued Wednesday she met Bloomberg when she was looking for ways to fight against “ dangerous gun laws that ripped “ her son from her life .
McBath ran for Congress following her son ’ s death and was elected in 2018 .
She became the first Democrat elected to her seat since 1979 .
Bloomberg has been aggressively courting black voters .
His effort has taken him across Southern states that vote on Super Tuesday .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--3rd person pleads to federal charges in Missouri man’s death

JEFFERSON CITY , Mo .
- A third person has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the death of a developmentally delayed Missouri man whose body was found encased in concrete .
Anthony R. K. Flores pleaded guilty Wednesday to lying to authorities about seeing Carl DeBrodie at a barbecue he hosted in April 2017 .
Flores ’ mother , Sherry Paulo , told him to tell authorities DeBrodie was at the party , according to the plea agreement .
DeBrodie ’ s body was found inside a crate at a Fulton storage locker in April 2017 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2016 .
DeBrodie lived at Second Chance Homes in Fulton , which cared for developmentally delayed adults .
Paulo , 54 , and her husband , Anthony R. Flores , 59 , worked with their son at the home .
The elder Flores and Paulo pleaded guilty in November to federal charges of failing to provide medical care for DeBrodie .
Paulo also pleaded guilty to health care fraud for trying to hide that DeBrodie had died .
They still face state charges related to DeBrodie ’ s death .
Anthony R. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wooden crate ” from the Second Chance Homes to the storage unit , according to the plea agreement , which does not indicate if he knew DeBrodie ’ s body was inside the crate , KMIZ reported .
The younger Flores pleaded guilty in February 2019 to a state charge of making a false report and was sentenced to eight months in prison .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Guatemala lawmakers OK controversial NGO regulations

GUATEMALA CITY - Guatemalan lawmakers approved changes to laws on non-governmental organizations that would give the executive branch the authority to allow such groups to operate or shut them down if they are deemed disruptive .
The measure prompted alarm on the part of civil society groups that worried it could be used to quash dissent , and others questioned its constitutionality .
President Alejandro Giammattei , who would have to sign or veto the bill , suggested in comments to journalists Wednesday that he views at least some aspects of it favourably .
The changes passed late Tuesday would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other aspects of NGOs ’ activities .
One of the most criticized parts is related to funding and says “ no donation or external financing may be used to carry out activities that disturb the public order in national territory.
” Violators could be shut down immediately and their leadership subject to criminal or civil complaints .
“ It affects the issue of freedom of association , ” activist Helen Mack said , arguing that measure is authoritarian and repressive .
“ They want to control the organizations that bother them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have a right to civil disobedience ( and ) we will take legal action.
” Giammattei said that some NGOs “ have received resources for criminal actions.
” He did not offer proof but said there have been complaints in the media .
He also said he agrees there should be more clarity on NGO funding : “ We all want transparency.
” Human Rights Prosecutor Jordán Rodas said the law is being studied but appears to be in conflict with the constitution , particularly on matters such as freedom of association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend that the president exercise his veto privilege , ” Rodas said .
Lawmaker Luis Rosales Marroquín told journalists that the goal is not to prohibit NGOs but rather to install oversight for their financing .


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Judge declines to dismiss abuse charge against pediatrician

MILWAUKEE - A judge on Wednesday declined to dismiss a complaint charging a Wisconsin pediatrician with physically injuring an infant he was adopting with his wife .
John M. Cox , 39 , was charged last month with felony child abuse after an incident last May when he took his daughter to Children ’ s Hospital of Wisconsin , where he worked as an emergency room doctor .
Cox told a colleague he had fallen asleep with the child , woke to her crying and feared he might have rolled onto her and accidentally broken her collarbone .
Initial X-rays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was confirmed later , but bruises on the girl ’ s arms prompted a routine referral to a child abuse specialist at Children ’ s .
Days later , Child Protective Services workers removed the girl from Cox and his wife .
Cox ’ s attorney filed a motion to dismiss the complaint .
But after a hearing attended by about 30 people who appeared in support of Cox , Circuit Judge Stephanie Rothstein rejected the motion , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .
The case is getting attention from the medical community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what exactly caused the injuries to the adoptive daughter of Cox and his wife , Sadie Dobrozsi , a pediatric oncologist at Children ’ s .
They have experts who reviewed the case and who question the conclusions from Children ’ s physicians , whose initial investigation led to Cox ’ s charges in January .
NBC News first reported Cox ’ s story .
The organization has been partnering with the Houston Chronicle on investigative stories about mistaken abuse accusations , child protective services and family separations .
Cox ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hearing that rather than show bias for Cox , and just sending him home , the first doctor he consulted “ did the right thing ” and referred the case to the child abuse team and did his own further investigation before concluding the child ’ s injuries were not from abuse .
Deputy District Attorney Matthew Torbenson had countered that the complaint provides expert medical opinion that the baby ’ s injuries “ are consistent with a specific abusive mechanism and inconsistent with the Defendant ’ s account of events.
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--$130M in BP spill money to help reconnect big swamp to river

NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana will get $ 130 million in BP oil spill money to link its second-largest coastal swamp back up to the Mississippi River , and Alabama will receive funds to add up to 12,000 acres ( 4,800 hectares ) to a wildlife management area .
The RESTORE Council , made up of officials from the five Gulf states and several federal agencies , voted for the projects on Wednesday .
The group was created to allocate money from Clean Water Act fines paid by BP and others after the catastrophic 2010 spill .
The amount approved for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
Louisiana ’ s grant will go toward a system designed to deliver fresh water and sediment from the Mississippi River into the Maurepas Swamp about 30 miles ( 49 kilometres ) west-northwest of New Orleans .
Because levees cut it off from the Mississippi River and salt sometimes gets in through canals and nearby Lake Pontchartrain , the baldcypress and tupelo gum trees that make it a swamp have been dying for decades .
Marsh grasses have taken over some areas and others have become open water .
“ The Maurepas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful swamp and Wildlife Management Area , but it is also a crucial , natural buffer between hurricane winds and storm surge , ” Gov .
John Bel Edwards said at a news conference livestreamed from Baton Rouge .
“ If we let this swamp continue to die off we would be putting many large communities in this region at increased risk.
” The project is the biggest so far in Louisiana ’ s coastal restoration program , and will benefit 45,000 acres ( 18,200 hectares ) of swamp , officials said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineering , design , and permitting requirements are met , according to news releases .
“ This is the first time we have ever attempted to connect a coastal forest to the river , ” said Chip Kline , chairman of Louisiana ’ s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority .
The Restore the Mississippi Delta coalition praised the action .
“ Louisiana , once known for its abundant swamps , has increasingly become known for ‘ ghost swamps ’ devoid of life and productivity .
We must act with urgency to protect what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wildlife and people in our state and across the nation , ” the coalition said in a news release .
The council also voted to support Alabama ’ s Perdido River Land Conservation and Habitat Enhancements Project , said Lauren C. Bourg , spokeswoman for Restore the Mississippi Delta .
That project would add 10,000 to 12,000 acres ( 4,000 to 4,800 hectares ) to the Perdido Wildlife Management Area , and could be used for longleaf pine restoration , benefiting species including gopher tortoises , according to Alabama ’ s proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund set up by the RESTORE Act for 80 % of the water pollution penalties paid after July 2012 by companies involved in the 2010 spill .
A well that BP PLC was drilling from the Deepwater Horizon rig blew in April 2010 , killing 11 men .
It took nearly three months to cap the well , which spewed an estimated 134 million gallons ( 507 million litres ) of oil during the nation ’ s worst offshore oil spill .

Janet McConnaughey - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--In South, Bloomberg aims to move past stop-and-frisk remarks

CHATTANOOGA , Tenn. - Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday sought to move past newly resurfaced years-old comments in which he defended the controversial “ stop-and-frisk “ policing tactic that has been found to disproportionately affect minorities .
The billionaire former New York City mayor , who is now seeking the Democratic presidential nomination , launched a two-day tour of the South intended to build relationships with African Americans , who are a crucial voting bloc for the party .
During a stop in Chattanooga , he told reporters : “ We ’ re going to do very well in the African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good economy , they need better schools , they need more health care , they need jobs and those are the kinds of things that I can bring to the table , “ he said .
His trip began the same day that a trio of endorsements was announced from members of the Congressional Black Caucus , including Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath , a prominent gun control activist .
Bloomberg is testing how voters will respond to his unconventional approach to clinching the Democratic nomination to take on President Donald Trump .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early voting states , Bloomberg has taken his campaign — and his sizable financial resources — into places like Tennessee that vote on Super Tuesday .
And although the Democratic contest has barely begun , he ’ s campaigning with the air of a front-runner , announcing plans on Wednesday to open an office in New Hampshire to keep the state in the Democratic column this fall .
Democrats in the states that vote on March 3 said they ’ re awed by the breadth of Bloomberg ’ s operation and warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Not only has he spent an enormous amount of money to get on air — more than I ’ ve ever seen a Democrat spend in Texas , and not just on TV , but on Facebook , social media , ” said Texas Democratic Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa , “ but what he ’ s done is hired a big chunk of the Latino and African American leadership to work for him and bring communities of colour together behind his campaign.
” The question facing Bloomberg is whether that strategy will work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The controversy over his 2015 “ stop-and-frisk “ remarks demonstrated that while Bloomberg has successfully generated attention for his campaign by skipping the early voting states , flooding the airwaves with ads and travelling to multiple states a day , he hasn ’ t faced the traditional scrutiny that comes with being a presidential candidate .
Bloomberg hasn ’ t participated in any of the debates so far , and as he gains traction , rival campaigns are devouring his past work and comments to seize on anything that could hobble him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Bloomberg ’ s rivals will have a long record to sift through to try to highlight unflattering moments of his career .
“ There ’ s so much content to be unearthed , ” she said .
“ He was the mayor of New York City for 12 years .
That ’ s a lot of talking.
“ Indeed , the comments that resurfaced Tuesday came from a 2015 appearance Bloomberg made at the Aspen Institute .
He advocated for putting “ a lot of cops where the crime is , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the former Philadelphia mayor and Bloomberg ’ s national political chair , decried the former mayor ’ s 2015 remarks -- but insisted they didn ’ t match the man he knows today .
“ The language on that tape right there at the end was just insensitive , it was inappropriate and lacking in the kind of empathy and understanding of the human condition that I know Mike Bloomberg has within him , ” he said .
But during that same event , Bloomberg weighed in on inequality in remarks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today ’ s Democratic Party , declaring that he ’ d “ love to get more billionaires coming to New York .
Does that give you more inequality ?
Yes , it does.
” He also likened Russia ’ s invasion of Ukraine to the United States ’ expansion through history , and while he ’ s backed marijuana legalization since launching his presidential bid , Bloomberg said in the Aspen Institute recording that legalization was “ one of the stupider things that ’ s happened across our country.
” And that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time as mayor , Bloomberg also faced controversy after The Associated Press uncovered a widespread New York Police Department surveillance program targeting Muslims , a program he continued to defend after it became public .
He ’ s been a longtime proponent of the expansion of charter schools and a fierce critic of teachers and other public service unions ; oversaw an exponential rise in inequality in New York City ; and has become known for enacting “ nanny-state ” policies aimed at regulating public health , like banning large , sugary sodas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more scrutiny over his record as mayor , but framed it as a byproduct of his strong record of getting things done .
“ Executives often have much more of a record that can be analyzed , delved into and critiqued , versus a legislator , “ he said .
But Bloomberg ’ s opponents seized on the 2015 stop-and-frisk comments as one of their first real opportunities to go after the businessman .
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer , who is working to attract black voters in South Carolina ahead of that state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the comments “ extremely disturbing “ and said all the candidates should disavow such ” racist stereotypes.
“ And Nina Turner , a national co-chair for Bernie Sanders ’ campaign , said the comments reveal ” the true nature “ of Bloomberg and called on him to drop out because of them .
Bloomberg has apologized for his oversight of the stop-and-frisk program .
But in Tennessee , he refused to directly apologize for the 2015 comments .
In response to repeated questions , he said , “ I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most diverse city in the nation.
” “ I apologized for the practice and the pain that it caused , “ he said Wednesday .
“ It was five years ago .
And , you know , it ’ s just not the way that I think , and it doesn ’ t reflect what I do every day.
” There wasn ’ t an immediate sense that the 2015 remarks would hurt his campaign .
Introducing Bloomberg in Chattanooga , Dr. Elenora Woods , president of the city ’ s NAACP chapter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighter for economic justice for black Americans .
“ Look , I know what racism looks like .
I know what it looks like , and that ’ s not Mike Bloomberg , ” she said .
Several African Americans who attended the event said the remarks didn ’ t disqualify Bloomberg from consideration .
“ That ’ s not going to stop me from voting for him , ” said Jenny Gaines , a 58-year-old who owns a tech company , adding that no candidate is perfect .
“ I know he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she added .
Bloomberg has started running a TV ad with Obama speaking favourably of him .
Tracy Arnold , a 61-year-old former police office , said he ’ s willing to cut Bloomberg a break on his past record because he believes that people can change their opinions as they learn more about the black experience .
“ Perhaps at that time , ( Bloomberg ) thought stop and frisk would work , and he maybe had good intentions at the time , but like a lot of things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority-minority , “ Arnold said .
“ I need to know a little bit more of what that meant and what his plan was.
” Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

Alexandra Jaffe And Kathleen Ronayne - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Suspect in killing of Iowa pastor mentally unfit for trial

FORT DODGE , Iowa - A Fort Dodge man accused of beating a pastor to death outside a central Iowa church was found mentally unfit Wednesday to stand trial .
Webster County Judge Gina Badding ordered Joshua Pendleton , 36 , to undergo treatment at the Iowa Medical Classification Facility , the Des Moines Register reported .
The treatment will be designed to make Pendleton eventually competent to stand trial , Badding wrote in her ruling .
Last month , the judge suspended proceedings in the case and ordered Pendleton to undergo a mental competency evaluation after his attorney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of the Rev .
Allen Henderson .
Officers sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge on Oct. 2 found Henderson , 64 , lying unresponsive outside .
He was pronounced dead at a hospital .
Security footage shows a man whom officers identified as Pendleton trying to get into the building , police said .
Pendleton later acknowledged that he had fought with a man at the church .
Henderson was senior pastor at St. Paul and had served as a chaplain to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--UN council endorses 55-point road map to end  war in Libya

CAMEROON , Cameroon - The U.N. Security Council endorsed a 55-point road map for ending the war in Libya on Wednesday and condemned the recent increase in violence in the oil-rich North African country .
The vote on the British-drafted resolution was 14-0 , with Russia abstaining even though Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the 12 leaders who agreed to the plan at a conference in Berlin on Jan. 19 .
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said he abstained because the government has “ serious doubts ” about whether the resolution can be implemented and end the war between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d like to see it.
“ “ Events will show us who was right , ” he said .
“ And if the resolution will have a positive impact in resolving the conflict I will be the first to acknowledge I was wrong.
“ British Ambassador Karen Pierce countered that “ the resolution is viable , ” saying all it does “ is give concrete expression to the commitments that leaders adopted at Berlin — and that included adoption by President Putin.
” “ We all want to see it implemented , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in turmoil since 2011 , when a civil war toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi , who was later killed .
A weak U.N.-recognized administration that holds the capital of Tripoli and parts of the country ’ s west is backed by Turkey , which recently sent thousands of soldiers to Libya , and to a lesser degree Qatar and Italy .
On the other side is a rival government in the east that supports self-styled Gen. Khalifa Hifter , whose forces launched an offensive to capture the capital last April and are backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as France and Russia .
The Tripoli authorities and U.S. officials have accused Hifter of relying on hundreds of Russian mercenaries .
Sudanese armed groups from the Darfur region recently joined the fighting on both sides , according to a report by U.N. experts .
The resolution demands that all countries refrain from interfering in Libya ’ s conflict and its internal affairs and observe a U.N. arms embargo , “ including by ceasing all support for and withdrawing all armed mercenary personnel.
” Russia sought unsuccessfully to change references to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist fighters.
” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that the agreement has been repeatedly violated by continuing arms deliveries to the warring parties and escalating fighting .
He called the current offensives by rival forces “ a scandal , ” saying the commitments “ apparently were made without a true intention of respecting them.
” The resolution welcomes last week ’ s cease-fire talks between Libya ’ s warring sides in Geneva and calls for their continuation “ without further delay in order to agree a permanent cease-fire.
” It asks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a cease-fire and proposals for effective monitoring of a truce , with a view to making detailed recommendations when a cease-fire is announced .


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Iowa Democratic Party chairman resigns after caucus chaos

WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party announced his resignation Wednesday after a disastrous caucus process beset by technical glitches led to a dayslong delay in reporting the results , inconsistencies in the numbers and no clear winner .
The embarrassing episode also threatened Iowa ’ s cherished status as the first voting contest of the presidential primary season and led both front-runners to request a partial recanvass of the results .
“ The fact is that Democrats deserved better than what happened on caucus night .
As chair of this party , I am deeply sorry for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any failures on behalf of the Iowa Democratic Party , “ Price wrote in a resignation letter a week and a half after Iowa ’ s caucuses .
“ While it is my desire to stay in this role and see this process through to completion , I do believe it is time for the Iowa Democratic Party to begin looking forward , and my presence in my current role makes that more difficult.
” He said his departure would occur as soon as the state party elects a replacement , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
After a breakdown in tallying the results on Feb. 3 , it took until Feb. 6 for the state party , which operates the series of roughly 1,700 local meetings statewide , to issue what it said are complete results .
In those figures , released by the party , former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders by two state delegate equivalents out of 2,152 counted .
That is a margin of 0.09 percentage points .
The Associated Press said it was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available information .
The results as reported by the Iowa Democratic Party , the AP believes , may not be fully accurate .
Price had called the delays in reporting results “ unacceptable.
” He said the party would conduct a “ thorough , transparent and independent examination ” of what caused the delays .
He apologized for the breakdown in the process .
Both Buttigieg ’ s and Sanders ’ campaigns requested a partial recanvass of the Iowa results , which the Iowa Democratic Party approved .
The party says it expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begin on Sunday and last two days .
A recanvass is not a recount , but a check of the vote count against paper records created by caucus leaders to ensure the counts were reported accurately .
The party has said it will not change mistakes in the math and the only opportunity to correct it would be a recount , which would be the candidates ’ next option after the recanvass is completed .
Price was elected to his second term as chairman of the state party in December 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he noted that he was “ incredibly proud ” of the success that Iowa Democrats had in the 2018 midterms and looked forward to building on it .
“ I can not wait wait to work with them again on what could very well be one of the most consequential Iowa Caucuses of our time , ” he said .
Price previously was part of several Democratic campaigns in Iowa , including those of former President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton .
Price also had served as the party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an LGBT advocacy group .
The Iowa Democratic Party instituted new rules for the 2020 contest that were meant to enhance transparency in the process .
In previous years , the Iowa Democratic Party reported just one number : the number of state delegates won by each candidate .
For the first time , the party this year reported two other numbers — who had the most votes at the beginning and at the end of the night .
The additional data is a nod to Sanders and his supporters , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him of victory in his 2016 race against Clinton .
That contest ended in a narrow delegate victory for Clinton in Iowa .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Spanish police arrest former oil executive sought by Mexico

MEXICO CITY - The former head of Mexico ’ s state oil company was arrested Wednesday in Spain on a international warrant issued by Mexico , authorities said , marking one of the most high-profile detentions for alleged corruption under a president who made fighting graft a core promise to Mexicans .
Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero told Radio Formula that Emilio Lozoya was arrested in the southern port city of Malaga and that the goal was his extradition to Mexico .
His office confirmed in a brief statement the detention in Spain of an “ Emilio ‘ L @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last name .
Lozoya was director of Pemex between 2012 and 2016 , during the administration of former President Enrique Peña Nieto .
Mexico issued international arrest warrants for Lozoya last year as a result of corruption investigations , including into his alleged ties to Odebrecht , the Brazilian construction company that secured contracts across Latin America through a network of bribes .
Officials are also investigating Pemex ’ s purchase of a fertilizer plant in 2015 at an allegedly inflated price .
Gerardo Rodríguez , a political scientist at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest the “ most important blow in the fight against corruption in Mexico.
“ “ Lozoya is the archetype of the corrupt Mexican international technocrat , ” Rodríguez said , saying he was close to a former president and involved family members in his business .
Lozoya ’ s mother is currently under house arrest with an investigation open against her .
Observers said it was a win for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ’ s government and his promises to root out corruption .
“ It is a positive sign , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-governmental group Mexican Transparency .
He added that “ this would have to be the first of many arrests .
it remains to be seen whether there is truly a dismantled network and whether the stolen money will be recovered.
” Gertz said prosecutors had been pursuing multiple investigations against Lozoya for months .
He called it an “ iconic case ” that was nearly a year in the making with authorities across Europe .
After Gertz confirmed the arrest , Lozoya ’ s lawyer in Mexico , Javier Coello Trejo , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bucket of cold water.
” He told Radio Formula that Lozoya was convinced the investigation was baseless and was open to turning himself in .
He said he hadn ’ t yet spoken to his client since the arrest .
Gertz did not specify on what charges Lozoya was detained .
But the Spanish government said he was wanted in relation to events from 2012 to 2013 and , citing Mexican prosecutors , that the government may have been defrauded to the tune an estimated $ 280 million .
The international manhunt for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spanish authorities had information about him being present in various parts of the country , but his wealth and “ international ties made locating him difficult , ” Spain ’ s Interior Ministry said in a statement .
He was expected to appear before a judge Thursday in Madrid .
In late 2016 , Odebrecht , reached an agreement with American , Brazilian and Swiss justice officials to pay millions of dollars in penalties .
As part of that accord , Odebrecht divulged details of bribes across several countries .
It said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Pemex between 2010 and 2014 .
Lozoya has denied taking bribes .
The scandal grew in late 2017 when a series of videos of statements of former Odebrecht executives were released , including its former Mexico director , Luis de Meneses .
They directly implicated Lozoya , who in 2012 had been a key member of Peña Nieto ’ s presidential campaign .
While the Odebrecht revelations led to a wave of corruption investigations and arrests across Latin America , there have been no arrests in Mexico .
If it is confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Odebrecht , he would be the first Mexican former official to have been arrested in the case .
Mexican authorities declared in May 2019 that Lozoya could not hold public positions for 10 years and later the government froze Lozoya ’ s bank accounts .
Meanwhile , Spanish police arrested Alonso Ancira Elizondo , then-president of Altos Hornos de México also in May 2019 .
His extradition case is still before Spain ’ s National Court .
At the time , Mexico ’ s Attorney General ’ s Office said Ancira ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had defrauded Pemex .
Pemex purchased fertilizer business Fertinal from AHMSA for $ 635 million in 2015 , when Lozoya headed Pemex .
López Obrador has called the fertilizer plant “ junk ” and said that Pemex overpaid .
Associated Press writer Aritz Parra in Madrid contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Man charged in Walmart shooting appears in federal court

EL PASO , Texas - Lawyers for the suspect in a shooting at a Walmart in Texas that killed 22 people waived a federal bond hearing and the reading of the indictment Wednesday , as survivors of the attack teared up and consoled one another .
Patrick Crusius , of Allen , Texas , is already being held without bond on state charges .
His attorneys waived a reading of his 90-count federal indictment in which he was charged with hate crimes in the shooting , which targeted Latinos in the border city of El Paso .
He has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state law .
Attorney David Lane asked a federal judge to waive a bond hearing for Crusius , 21 , who is already being held without bond on the state charges under tight security at the El Paso County jail .
Crusius stood silently by Lane and showed no emotion as his attorney took questions from a federal judge .
In court documents that Lane filed shortly after , Crusius entered a not guilty plea .
The hearing opens a federal prosecution against Crusius that will parallel the capital murder case underway in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state case are seeking the death penalty .
Federal prosecutors told reporters last week that they were still deciding on what punishment to seek .
The court appearance comes six months after the Aug. 3 shooting in the majority Hispanic city federal prosecutors say was the result of militant racism .
They have said that Crusius carried out the attack in order to scare Latinos into leaving the U.S. , a plot they allege he outlined in a screed published online shortly before the attack .
More than 20 people survived the shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent months , and one is still in the hospital .
Hundreds more have suffered psychological trauma either because they were present or because a loved one was wounded , according to local officials .
Associated Press writer Jake Bleiberg in Dallas contributed to this report .
Follow the AP ’ s coverage of the mass shooting in El Paso and the community ’ s efforts to heal : https : //apnews.com/ElPasoTexasmassshooting .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-12--Artist scraps plans for Thunberg mural after boycott threats

BISMARCK , N.D. - A North Dakota artist said Wednesday he has scrapped his plans for a mural honouring Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg following boycott threats against a Bismarck business that would have featured the outdoor image .
Shane Balkowitsch had planned to put a 7-foot-tall ( 2.1-meter tall ) mural of Thunberg on the brick exterior wall of a bakery .
Balkowitsch took the photo of the teenage climate activist when she visited the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in October .
Balkowitsch told The Bismarck Tribune he saw the planned mural as a celebration of art , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Dakota .
But after threats of boycotts and possible vandalism appeared when KFYR-TV posted a story about the planned mural on its Facebook page Tuesday , Balkowitsch said Wednesday he pulled his application with the city .
“ There was no motivation other than install a very important piece of history that was captured here in North Dakota , in Bismarck , but I guess Bismarck doesn ’ t want it , ” Balkowitsch said .
Balkowitsch had secured permission for the mural from the bakery and the building owner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to city documents .
The Renaissance Zone Authority , acting as the Downtown Design Review Committee , was poised to give it final approval Thursday .
“ I feel for the bakery , ” Balkowitsch said .
“ I can ’ t have some business being threatened for my work.
” In a statement , Brick Oven Bakery owners Steven and Sandy Jacobson said they had asked their landlord not to allow use of the building wall for the mural , “ after we realized the emotional impact that this photo may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis , the planned mural would have been made from two panels of thin aluminum composite with digitally printed and clear-coated graphics .
The panels would have been mounted directly to the wall with decorative screw covers over the fasteners .
At 16 , Thunberg was Time magazine ’ s youngest Person of the Year .
Balkowitsch donated his photograph of Thunberg looking into the distance during her visit to Standing Rock in southern North Dakota to the Library of Congress in Washington .
The Dakota Access pipeline sparked massive protests near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving oil in 2017 .
Balkowitsch said he is seeking another venue for the mural , and not necessarily in his hometown of Bismarck .
“ I have to rethink everything , ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-02-12--After Iowa, NH, Democrats seek path through diverse states

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidates plotted their paths Wednesday into state primaries now expanding to include voters of colour , while the party ’ s establishment braced for a long and increasingly uncertain nomination fight ahead .
Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ win in the New Hampshire primary set off a new round of strategizing among moderate party stalwarts searching for a way to knock the Vermont independent off course .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden made a personal appeal to donors nervous about his dismal showing in the first two contests , while Sen. Amy Klobuchar hustled to take advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg , second to Sanders in New Hampshire and slightly leading in delegates , made a pitch to pull critical union members away from the progressive senator .
“ This is far from over , and this is going to be a pretty extended process , ” said Jim Margolis , who advised California Sen. Kamala Harris ’ defunct campaign .
The race rolls ahead to Nevada , which holds a caucus on Feb. 22 , and South Carolina , whose primary is a week later .
That lineup sets up an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of contests in Iowa and New Hampshire , namely Latino , black and union voters .
That put immediate pressure on leading candidates to show they could compete outside of the largely white states that launched the nominating procession .
Buttigieg , the former South Bend mayor , argued that Sanders ’ Medicare for All plan would unravel some unions members ’ gold-standard healthcare plans , pointing to the influential Culinary Union that represent workers on the Las Vegas Strip .
“ If the choice is between Sen. Sanders telling them they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that up and me saying that we can enhance and increase choice without asking them to sacrifice what they have worked so hard for , I think that is a very good debate for us to have and I ’ m looking forward to having that debate , ” Buttigieg said on NBC ’ s “ Morning Joe.
” Klobuchar ’ s campaign worked to keep a tailwind from Tuesday ’ s strong third-place finish .
A campaign that once was down to boasting of being in the “ top five ” vacuumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in recent days — and scrambled to build out the field operations and advertising needed to put the cash to use .
Klobuchar ’ s campaign launched two new television and digital ads in Nevada on Wednesday .
She was headed to Las Vegas after a fundraiser in New York .
The Minnesota senator appeared to benefit from Biden ’ s slide , scooping up new support from older and moderate voters .
Biden ’ s campaign on Wednesday tried to reassure donors it could stop the bleeding with a retooled media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors , Biden and advisers said he would be increasing his visibility with more media interviews and would increase spending on radio ads , according to a participant on the call .
His campaign has raised just $ 4 million since his lacklustre performance during the Iowa caucuses , the campaign told the group , describing the disappointing finishes there and in New Hampshire as a gut check for a candidate once viewed as the clear front-runner .
They offered assurances that Biden ’ s base of support with black voters was still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key to reviving his bid once they start voting in large numbers in Nevada ’ s Feb. 22 caucus and South Carolina ’ s primary .
On a call with reporters , Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond , a Biden backer , argued no other candidate has Biden ’ s advantage in those states .
“ You can not come through diverse states without having diverse support , ” he said .
Indeed , if the result from the first two states to vote — Iowa and New Hampshire — demonstrated anything , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear hold on the coalition needed to win the nomination .
Both Buttigieg and Klobuchar , national newcomers from the Midwest , have demonstrated little backing from minority voters .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren has also struggled to expand her support in the early contests or pick up momentum that might win over black votes in South Carolina , where African American voters make up more than half the Democratic electorate .
Warren ’ s fourth-place New Hampshire finish and its potential to deflate donors only made that outreach harder .
The Massachusetts senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ad tracking firm Ad Analytics .
Her campaign said it was shifting money to radio and print buys in the state , as well as TV air space in Nevada and Maine , the latter of which votes on March 3 , Super Tuesday , along with a slate of Southern states , California and Texas .
Warren ’ s intention is to stay in the race through Super Tuesday , when her home state of Massachusetts votes , according to people who have spoken with her campaign .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs a breakout moment to shift the current dynamics — no small task for a candidate whose approach to the race has been methodical and disciplined , not rooted in splashy made-for-television moments .
Her style seemed to cost her in the lead-up to New Hampshire .
She took a cautious approach to Friday ’ s pre-primary debate , passing up opportunities to draw contrasts with other candidates and ultimately talking four minutes less than Sanders , her chief progressive rival .
Klobuchar , meanwhile , was assertive and nimble , delivering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-place finish .
Going forward , Warren ’ s team is grappling with how much to engage with her rivals .
She ’ s been reluctant to draw contrasts herself , often telling reporters that she isn ’ t inclined to talk about other Democrats .
But her campaign manager Roger Lau signalled that the campaign might take a sharper approach in coming days , issuing a memo ahead of the New Hampshire results that ticked through the weaknesses in the other candidates .
The race only gets more competitive and more expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Mike Bloomberg has been campaigning in those delegate-rich states for weeks , opting to skip the early scramble .
His effort , and his millions in cash , appear to be making inroads with voters , including the black voters Biden is banking on .
On Wednesday , Bloomberg drew an overflow crowd to a speech at an African American museum in Chattanooga , Tennessee , one of the Super Tuesday states .
None of his major competitors has yet announced stops there .
Former Massachusetts Gov .
Deval Patrick ended his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to catch fire or resonate with voters .
He was the last remaining African American candidate in a Democratic presidential field once defined by its diversity .

Brian Slodysko, Julie Pace And Kathleen Hennessey - The Associated Press