thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Young people turned out to protest. Now, will they vote?

CHICAGO - Young adults have filled streets across the country on a scale not seen since the 1960s to protest for racial justice after the death of George Floyd .
But whether that energy translates to increased turnout in November is another question .
They could make a difference in the presidential race — polls show President Donald Trump is deeply unpopular with young voters — with control of the Senate and hundreds of local races also at stake .
But some activists are concerned their focus will be on specific causes instead of voting .
“ In a normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote is challenging , ” said Carolyn DeWitt , executive director of Rock the Vote , which works to build political power among young people .
“ That ’ s even more true now .
People ’ s minds are not on it.
” Voters under 30 have historically turned out to vote at much lower rates than older voters , though the 2018 midterm elections saw the highest turnout in a quarter-century among voters ages 18-29 — a spike attributed in part to youth-led movements like March for Our Lives against gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are getting more politically engaged .
DeWitt said more people registered to vote through Rock the Vote ’ s online platforms last week — some 50,000 — than in any other week this year .
The organization ’ s social media accounts had as many impressions between Monday and Friday of last week as it typically has in a month , with more than 1 million .
“ It will just be incredibly important to us to make sure we ’ re protesting now and voting later , ” DeWitt said .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has halted traditional campaigning as well as big concerts and festivals , the kinds of places where campaigns and groups like Rock the Vote and HeadCount typically recruit young voters .
On top of that , lawmakers ’ efforts to change voting laws in some states could restrict younger voters like college students .
Joe Biden ’ s Democratic presidential campaign is banking on these voters supporting him when the choice is a binary one between Biden and Trump .
But that ’ s not guaranteed .
“ Our bar can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ?
“ said Cliff Albright , a co-founder of Black Voters Matter , which works to register voters and organize black communities .
” For folks who are angry , who are in the streets , or who are at home and not engaged , you just telling me you ’ re better than this nut — that ’ s not enough.
” Many young people are still unfamiliar with Biden , “ and they certainly don ’ t know where he stands on issues , “ said Heather Greven , spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend at least $ 45 million to target young voters in battleground states .
Biden said during a recent virtual fundraiser he thought the protests will energize young people to turn out for him .
“ Now they are engaged , ” Biden said .
“ They feel it .
They taste it .
And they ’ re angry and they ’ re determined.
” His campaign hasn ’ t made major changes to its youth outreach amid the protests , which started after a white Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who was handcuffed and crying out that he couldn ’ t breathe .
Instead , Biden has stuck largely with an initiative known as “ League 46 ” that combines groups such as Students for Biden and Young Professionals for Biden .
In an effort to appeal to younger , liberal voters , Biden has put progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on a climate change task force .
But he doesn ’ t support some of the proposals that energized supporters of his primary rival Bernie Sanders such as “ Medicare for All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 , an activist in Chicago , said he and other young people were disappointed by Biden ’ s rejection of a call to “ defund the police , ” which has become a rallying cry for protesters .
The former vice-president said Monday an overhaul of policing is needed but can be done by putting conditions on federal funds .
That position may reassure older and moderate voters who helped Biden win the nomination , Green said , but young people want to see more change .
“ If not , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the election , ’ ” he said .
Many of the young people taking to the streets are focused on public officials with a more direct impact on their lives such as mayors , police chiefs and district attorneys because “ they see that ’ s where the change is , ” said Green , a Black Lives Matter leader who joined protesters in Minneapolis .
There were also protests in Louisville , Kentucky , over the death of Breonna Taylor , a 26-year-old black woman fatally shot by police in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 , attended a protest last week in Louisville , where he ’ s a HeadCount field organizer .
In pre-pandemic days , HeadCount focused on registering young people at concerts and festivals , but that ’ s shifted to more online organizing since COVID-19 .
For Friday ’ s protests , Bergan printed off large QR codes that he hoisted on a poster board .
Anyone who scanned the code on their phone was connected to an online voter registration page .
Bergan said the crowd was enthusiastic , with many already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conversations were around Taylor ’ s death and local changes such as the decision to limit no-knock warrants .
He said the moment reminds him of 2018 , when he volunteered with HeadCount during a March for Our Lives in St. Louis , as thousands of young people turned out in cold , rainy weather .
That fall , turnout among voters ages 18-29 was nearly double what it was in 2014 , with 28 % of eligible young voters casting ballots , according to CIRCLE , the Center for Information and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tufts University .
They were much more likely to support Democratic than Republican congressional candidates , 64 % to 34 % , according to an AP VoteCast survey of more than 115,000 midterm voters nationwide .
That turnout is still less than in 2016 or 2012 , presidential election years when about 45 % of young voters turned out , according to CIRCLE , a drop from 2008 , when Barack Obama was on the ballot and turnout soared to a level not seen since 1992 .
“ That ’ s the big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t really know until November , “ Bergan said .
Associated Press writers Hannah Fingerhut and Will Weissert in Washington contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--News agency: Iranian police confiscate 2 tons of morphine

TEHRAN , Iran - Iranian police in a single raid confiscated two tons of morphine from drug smugglers in a @ @ @ @ @ , the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported Thursday .
Tehran province police chief Gen. Mohsen @ @ @ @ @ , including the ringleader of the smuggling gang , were arrested .
He said one @ @ @ @ @ the drugs to Tehran from the southwestern part of the country by truck .
The @ @ @ @ @ ringleader , was co-ordinating the operation from another province , remotely , Khancherli said .
@ @ @ @ @ quantities of narcotics , but the seizure is the biggest morphine bust in months .
@ @ @ @ @ by which drug smugglers ship narcotics from the poppy fields of Afghanistan to Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ of narcotics — mostly opium — every year .

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thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Scott’s challenge: Uniting Senate GOP behind police overhaul

WASHINGTON - The GOP is looking for an answer on how to respond to national outrage over the police killing of George Floyd .
And they are looking to Sen. Tim Scott to provide it .
The question is whether Scott , the lone black GOP senator , will be able to pull Republicans behind legislation in the roiling aftermath of Floyd ’ s death .
That challenge is steep enough in a mostly white party led by self-proclaimed “ law and order ” President Donald Trump .
But Scott also is batting back at members of the black community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in an election year to right racial wrongs .
Scott , who has kept lines of communication open with Trump even after the president called white supremacists in Charlottesville , Virginia , “ good people , ” is asking critics : Who better ?
“ Not surprising the last 24 hours have seen a lot of ‘ token ’ ‘ boy ’ or ‘ you ’ re being used ’ in my mentions , ” Scott tweeted Wednesday .
“ Let me get this straight ... you DON ’ T want the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , been pulled over dozens of times , or been speaking out for YEARS drafting this ?
” Floyd ’ s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked painful upheaval and protests against systemic racism in the United States .
But it also posed a stark test for the white Republicans who control the Senate .
As Floyd ’ s funeral was held in Houston on Tuesday , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell struck a new tone and acknowledged that almost all Senate Republicans , unlike Democrats , are white .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being an African American in this country and dealing with this discrimination , ” McConnell , who is up for reelection alongside Trump , told reporters .
“ I think the best way for the Senate Republicans to go forward on this is to listen to one of our own , who ’ s had these experiences.
” McConnell spoke after Scott finished briefing Senate Republicans on the legislation , which in part would establish a national database for police misconduct .
Floyd ’ s brother , Philonise , challenged Congress on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with police reforms .
Scott said he was talking with the White House , but not Trump so far , to agree on a package of legislation .
The 54-year-old former House member describes himself as “ the son of a son of a son of a slave , ” a descendant of a West African family who arrived in the U.S. aboard a slave ship , probably in Charleston , South Carolina , two centuries ago .
“ For all of my life and for all of my family ’ s heritage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confrontational , ” Scott writes in “ Opportunity Knocks : How Hard Work , Community and Business Can Improve Lives and End Poverty.
” “ Always , we believed , the primary aim should be to find common ground in order to move forward.
” In September 2017 , Trump summoned the senator to the Oval Office to discuss Scott ’ s criticism of the president ’ s response to the race riots in Charlottesville , Virginia — notably , Trump ’ s description of the white supremacists involved as being among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Scott writes that the president was gracious — and that he walked out with the president ’ s commitment to opportunity zones for poverty-stricken cities .
The proposal passed as part of the tax cut bill signed into law that year .
The police killings of Floyd , Breonna Taylor in Louisville , Kentucky , and others have made problems with police conduct and accountability hard for Republicans to ignore .
Scott ’ s legislation is part of a burst of GOP-written bills on the subject .
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment to local law enforcement .
And Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah is backing several bipartisan bills to change police practices .
But the challenge is different for Scott , in part because of the trust issues between the black community , the Republican Party and McConnell .
Rep. James Clyburn , D-S.C. , said in a telephone interview that Scott will have succeeded if he “ produces a good product.
” “ I think that Tim has the background , he has the experiences that are necessary to bring Republican senators to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is real and needs to be dealt with , ” Clyburn said in a telephone interview .
“ I would hope that he would engage with enough of the other members to make sure that whatever he comes up with will have buy-in from others in his conference.
“ There are signs that they ’ re listening .
GOP senators , who risk losing control of the chamber in the November election , are distancing themselves from Trump ’ s provocative response as the Black Lives Matter movement gains support .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Scott had told their Bible study group that he ’ d been stopped by police in Charleston multiple times , even as a public official , for being black at the wrong place and the wrong time .
“ During these last few days I ’ ve been thinking a lot about what Tim Scott told us , ” Alexander said on the Senate floor .
“ One result of George Floyd ’ s killing is that black Americans are telling more stories like Tim Scott ’ s. ” At the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critics in the black community who chafed at his role .
“ Don ’ t throw ‘ you ’ re the only black guy they know ’ at me either , ” Scott tweeted .
He ’ s one of three black members of the Senate , he noted , the others being Democrats Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California .
“ Stop pretending there ’ s some huge racial diversity gap in the Senate.
” It is true , though , that the GOP ’ s constituency and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmingly white .
And though Trump insists he ’ s done more for black Americans than any other president , his rhetoric often carries racial overtones .
Last year , Trump tweeted that four female House members of colour , known as the “ squad , ” should “ go back ” to where they came from .
All four are American citizens .
Scott on Wednesday called himself an optimist .
“ History is a teacher , ” he said .
“ The president has been receptive the last three years on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him , ” he added .
“ Hopefully he ’ ll have the same approach .
”


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Rights group: Egypt police raid homes of activist’s uncles

CAIRO - Police raided the houses of two uncles of an Egyptian-American activist who recently sued a former Egyptian prime minister in U.S. court , accusing him of crimes against humanity , an international rights group said Thursday .
Human Rights Watch quoted a member of Mohamed Soltan ’ s family as saying that more than a dozen uniformed and plainclothes police on Wednesday searched the houses of two of Soltan ’ s uncles in the Delta province of Menoufeya .
The security forces also looked at passports , phones and laptops before asking about Soltan and whether the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the statement released by the New York City-based group .
Nobody was arrested and nothing was confiscated , the statement said .
“ The security raids at the homes of ( Soltan ’ s ) relatives in Egypt follows a clear pattern of targeting relatives of dissidents abroad , ” said Joe Stork , HRW ’ s Middle East and North Africa deputy director .
On June 1 , 32-year-old Soltan , now living in Virginia , filed a lawsuit against Egypt ’ s former prime minister Hazem el-Beblawi accusing him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and torture while he was in detention in Cairo between 2013 and 2015 .
Soltan invoked a 1991 U.S. statute that allows for victims of torture and extrajudicial killings committed by foreign officials abroad to seek damages through the U.S. court system .
“ Mohamed Soltan took recourse in a U.S. court because he has had zero opportunity to pursue justice or accountability in Egypt for torture and police abuses , ” said Stork .
El-Beblawi currently lives in Washington , where he works as an executive director of the International Monetary Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the military-led ouster of the country ’ s first democratically elected but divisive president , Mohamed Morsi , Egyptian security officers descended on a protest camp packed with his Islamist supporters , killing hundreds .
Soltan , an Ohio State University graduate and the son of a prominent member of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood , was shot in the arm while working as a reporter for Western news organizations in Rabaa al-Adawiya Square .
He was eventually arrested by security forces and sentenced to life in prison on charges of spreading “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely condemned by rights groups .
In the maximum-security Tora prison complex , Soltan said he endured torture overseen by el-Beblawi and other high-ranking officers .
He said he was denied medical care for his bullet wound , beaten to unconsciousness , held in solitary confinement and forced to listen to the sounds of his father being tortured in a nearby cell .
He lost 160 pounds over the course of a 16-month hunger strike to protest his imprisonment .
Under pressure from the Obama administration , Egypt released Soltan in 2015 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lawsuit names President Abel Fattah el-Sissi , intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and three other former senior security officials as culpable , arguing they should be served if they set foot in the United States .


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Pakistan army chief says anti-polio campaign to restart soon

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan ’ s army chief has told Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates that despite the challenge of COVID-19 , Pakistan plans to restart polio vaccination campaigns across the country .
In a statement late Wednesday , the military said Gen. Qamer Javed Bajwa spoke with Gates by phone and assured him the campaign to eliminate polio in the impoverished Islamic nation would begin again soon .
No start date was given .
Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus and Gates has worked to try and eradicate the disease worldwide .
Pakistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 when only 12 cases were reported , but there was a surge in new cases the following year .
Pakistan halted its anti-polio campaign after the first coronavirus case was reported in February .
Bajwa told Gates that Pakistan ’ s military had already been working with the government on preparations to restart campaigns against polio in the coming weeks .
The non-profit Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has helped Pakistan to fight the disease .
Gates apparently called Bajwa because the military provides security for polio workers when the government sends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongholds bordering Afghanistan .
Militants stepped up attacks on polio workers and security forces escorting them after it was revealed that a fake hepatitis vaccination campaign was used as a ruse by the CIA in the hunt for al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden .
Bin Laden was killed by U.S. commandos in 2011 in Pakistan .
Pakistan on Thursday reported 101 new COVID-19 deaths , bringing overall coronavirus-related fatalities to 2,356 .
It also reported the highest single-day number of infections with 5,834 .
That raised the total nationwide cases to around 119,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only three countries in the world where polio is still endemic .


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Pack swimsuit, mask, California welcomes back tourists

SAN DIEGO - There will be no packed double-decker safari buses with tour guides rolling through the San Diego Zoo , nor animal shows that draw crowds — nor breakfast buffets at hotels .
Instead , hotels are adorning lobbies with hand sanitizing dispensers and will be limiting how many people lounge by pools .
And the zoo is putting entertainers on its double-decker buses to hold moving shows while people stand on green circles to keep them six feet apart .
Every visitor over the age of two will be required to wear face coverings .
California ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as summer gets underway , though it will not be the same .
The state is giving the green light for counties to allow hotels , zoos , aquariums and museums to reopen Friday .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom also said wineries in the Napa Valley can operate their tasting rooms again .
Newsom issued a stay-at-home order on March 19 and most of the state was locked down for months .
He gradually started lifting the orders in May , allowing retail stores and restaurants to reopen .
He soon added churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list of businesses cleared to open Friday is the most expansive yet , though counties have the ultimate say on which stores and services can open their doors .
Stay-at-home orders are estimated to have cost the state economy some $ 72 billion in expected revenue from tourism and more than 600,000 in hospitality jobs , according to Visit California , the state ’ s tourism marketing organization .
The $ 145 billion industry now is navigating unprecedented territory as it balances how to implement safety measures to control a pandemic without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 in the state has continued to tick upward .
California on Thursday reported 139,281 cases and 4,881 deaths .
The state has been averaging 2,782 cases daily compared to a daily average of 2,120 cases a week ago .
Health officials are monitoring 10 counties because of concerns about the virus .
Some parts are choosing to go slower than the state is allowing , like the San Francisco Bay area .
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board President & CEO Ernest Wooden Jr. said the industry is ready for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect “ the health and well-being of our visitors , who we know are eager to bask in our renowned L.A. lifestyle and endless sunshine.
” Many of the attractions that are reopening , like San Diego ’ s famed zoo , are taking time to work out any kinks with their new safety measures .
On Friday , the zoo will welcome only employees and volunteers and their families .
Next week , members and donors can visit and then on June 20 it will open to the public .
Volunteers armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down railings as visitors return to see the animals , many of which had babies while the zoo was closed .
Some outdoor exhibits where the animals can wander close to the public now have Plexiglas panels .
There will be no behind-the-scene tours nor opportunities for tourists to feed the rhino or giraffes .
“ We have a responsibility to continue to do our part to fight the spread of COVID for sure , but we also have to balance that with the interest in reopening , “ said zoo director Dwight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be a “ beautiful “ break for people to lose themselves in nature ’ s wonders for a moment .
“ People need to be outdoors and active and to have a peaceful experience , “ he said .
Some museums , like the USS Midway in San Diego , will be checking everyone ’ s temperatures .
Visitors also will be required to follow established one-way routes on the aircraft carrier , which installed more than 170 hand-sanitizer stations and plexiglass barriers between sinks and urinals in the bathrooms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside its amusement park on July 9 .
It has asked state and local government to permit it to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on July 17 , and Disney ’ s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney ’ s Paradise Pier Hotel on July 23 .
The company states on its website that “ an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present , “ and asks tourists to closely read about the precautions they should take .
For most people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
But for some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
Associated Press writers Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento , Juliet Williams in San Francisco , and John Antczak and Robert Jablon in Los Angeles contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--‘It’s broken’: Fears grow about strength of US voting system

ATLANTA - The chaos that plagued Georgia ’ s primary this week is raising concerns about a potential broader failure of the nation ’ s patchwork election system that could undermine the November presidential contest , political leaders and elections experts say .
With less than five months to go , fears are mounting that several battleground states are not prepared to administer problem-free elections during the pandemic .
The increasingly urgent concerns are both complex and simple : long lines disproportionately affecting voters of colour in places like Atlanta with a history of voter suppression ; a severe shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns ; and an emerging consensus that it could take several days after polls close on Election Day to determine a winner as battleground states struggle with an explosion of mail voting .
“ We want a democracy in the United States we can showcase for the world , and right now it ’ s broken and on full display , “ said Kristen Clarke , president and executive director of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law .
Officials across the political spectrum have raised concerns , but there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by party , and even by race .
Democrats want to send billions of dollars to overburdened state and local election systems and expand in-person early voting and universal no-excuse mail balloting .
Republicans , reluctant to inject the federal government into state elections , have resisted such efforts and instead call on local elections officials , who in urban areas are often Democrats , to fix the problems themselves .
President Donald Trump is also fighting states ’ plans to expand voting by mail , raising repeated concerns with no evidence about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharpton said he has lost confidence in the nation ’ s voting system , particularly across states where federal protections that ensured minority voters weren ’ t disenfranchised have been swept away .
“ You ’ re almost back to the Confederates against the Union , ” Sharpton said .
He offered a simple message to people of colour and those who run elections this fall : “ If you do not vote and protect the vote , then you are helping to keep the knee on our necks.
” Election officials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glaring problems .
Amid continued pandemic concerns , many don ’ t have enough poll workers to staff voting sites , the capacity to train new workers in states featuring new equipment or the ability to efficiently process the surge in mail ballots .
The challenges have led to extraordinarily long lines , particularly in urban areas .
The final Las Vegas voter wasn ’ t able to cast a ballot until 3 a.m. Wednesday , eight hours after polls were supposed to close .
Some Atlanta voters brought lawn chairs to wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wait times of two hours or more were reported in recent weeks across Philadelphia , Milwaukee and Washington , D.C .
Beyond lines , the mail voting boom has caused unprecedented reporting delays .
Pennsylvania officials were still counting mail ballots from the state ’ s June 2 election on June 11 .
Because of a court order , Wisconsin didn ’ t begin to release results of its April 7 primary until six days after polls closed .
Former Wisconsin Gov .
Scott Walker , a Republican , said he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and blames any issues on the “ incompetence ” of municipal election officials .
The criticism was in line with that of Georgia ’ s chief elections officer , a Republican who blamed the election leaders of two Democratic-controlled counties for most of the problems in Tuesday ’ s primary .
That highlights a complicated reality across America .
Each state has its own set of complicated ballot-access laws , adopted by the party in power at the statehouse and implemented by local governments with little to no federal oversight .
Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican , said he ’ s working to ensure Ohio has adequate poll workers .
He ’ s tweaking a program allowing high school seniors to be poll workers , encouraging companies to give workers a paid day off and advocating state agencies that don ’ t already offer days off for poll workers to do so .
LaRose condemned those in both parties who have warned of voting challenges .
“ What worries me is when someone with bad intentions can take a story about elections problems and then use it intentionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is about the ugliest thing I can imagine , “ he said .
In Michigan , absentee voting surged in the March presidential primary following a 2018 constitutional amendment that expanded the option .
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson , a Democrat , recently drew Trump ’ s ire by announcing that all 7.3 million registered voters would be mailed absentee ballot applications in the August and November elections .
Michigan saw record turnout for local elections in May after a similar move .
Benson said there were no plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she noted that polling sites may only be able to handle half their regular volume because of social distancing and safety requirements .
Social distancing rules in metro Atlanta limited the number of people who could be in a polling place at one time , contributing to long lines .
The state has reached out to large employers , colleges and sports teams for additional poll workers .
In Pennsylvania , Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar , a Democrat , called on state officials to change rules that block them from beginning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day .
She could not promise that Pennsylvania would post its final results the night of the election : “ Close races can take a while.
” Boockvar was also hopeful that conditions in November would be very different than they were last week , when the state held primary elections during the pandemic .
Some Pennsylvania counties used new paper trail machines for the first time ; they were dealing with a new state law to allow no-excuse mail-in balloting ; and massive protests raged across the state ’ s largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was obviously the biggest challenge here .
My expectation is the absence of all those things happening at once will be hugely helpful , ” Boockvar said .
Others aren ’ t so sure .
Guy Cecil , chairman of Priorities USA , the nation ’ s most influential pro-Democrat super PAC , questioned “ whether or not the richest , most powerful country in the history of humankind can actually get people into a room to check a box and then get out in an expeditious manner.
“ “ Right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts , we ’ re failing on that.
” Peoples reported from Montclair , N.J. Associated Press writers Julie Carr-Smyth in Columbus , Ohio ; David Eggert in Lansing , Mich. ; and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg , Pa. , contributed to this report .
This story has been corrected to show that Pennsylvania ’ s secretary of state called on state officials to change rules blocking them from beginning to count mail ballots at 7 a.m. on Election Day , not at poll close .

Steve Peoples And Christina A. Cassidy - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--White House eyes travel from Mexico as source of virus spike

WASHINGTON - The White House is exploring the possibility that travel from Mexico may be contributing to a new wave of coronavirus infections , rather than states ’ moves toward reopening their economies .
The notion was discussed at some length Thursday during a meeting of the administration ’ s coronavirus task force in the White House Situation Room that focused on identifying commonalities between new outbreaks .
Officials also considered how to surge response capabilities .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was deploying teams to Arizona and other hotspots to try to trace the outbreaks and contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states experiencing recent spikes of infections include California , Texas and North Carolina — particularly within the Hispanic community .
As a result , the task force is looking at whether those spikes may be tied to legal travel between the U.S. and Mexico , which is experiencing an ongoing severe coronavirus outbreak .
Two officials familiar with the discussions described them to The Associated Press , speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly describe internal conversations .
While President Donald Trump has gone to great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal and illegal immigrants during the outbreak , American citizens and permanent residents are still allowed entry to the U.S. , as are agricultural workers .
The White House task force was also looking at other causes for a recent uptick in numbers , noting that the issues likely differ by location .
Delays in test reporting and the fact that some infected people take multiple tests in order to get an all-clear to return to work are among the other theories that are being explored .
Trump has long pointed to Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. , and has used the crisis to push forward some of his most hard-line immigration proposals , including blocking asylum at the border and limiting the issuance of green cards to those living outside the country .

Jill Colvin And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Alaska tourist town plans aid to locals hit by virus fallout

JUNEAU , Alaska - An old Gold Rush community in southeast Alaska that has built its economy around summer cruise ship tourism plans to use some of its share of federal coronavirus relief aid to help residents pay their bills in a move that a city official said could help save Skagway .
The city , with an estimated 1,100 year-round residents , recently posted an application online inviting locals impacted by the pandemic to apply for aid to help with expenses such as housing , utilities , insurance , food or child care .
The maximum amount one could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their household , including a spouse and children , though if the need is less , the award would be a lesser amount .
Applicants must have a need and show through bills or receipts how the money is used .
The program is intended to help residents stay in Skagway through the winter , typically a lean time after the tourists clear out , and officials expect some of the money will circulate within the local economy and help businesses , too .
“ For the most part , the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have an economy anymore .
We ’ re a one-economy town , “ borough manager Brad Ryan said , adding later : “ It really is a program to preserve our community .
If we don ’ t do this , we ’ re going to lose our community , is our biggest issue .
People are going to have to move if we don ’ t do something.
” Streets that would be filled with tourists this time of year are uncomfortably quiet for business operators like Kristin Wagner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid the pandemic .
She called it spooky .
“ I can enjoy the peace of it and the beauty of the nature with nobody there .
But it also makes me sick , ” she said .
“ My stomach kind of does a little lurch every time I look down Broadway and it ’ s empty because I just know the ramifications of it and what it means.
” Wagner ’ s parents own five businesses in town that she and other members of the family run , though one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t opening this year , she said .
Wagner manages Duff ’ s Backcountry Outfitters .
She said the money being offered through the city could be a lifeline for many residents .
Her store currently is aided by a federal program that is aimed at helping small businesses keep employees on the payroll .
If that ends , she said she probably will have to forgo her salary and apply for the program Skagway is offering .
She said her family has had a lot of difficult discussions about the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid incurring significant debt , despite grant , loan and other programs available .
“ We ’ re hoping to come out of it , wounded but alive , ” Wagner said .
Elsewhere in Alaska , the city of Fairbanks is considering a similar program .
Juneau plans to use some of its federal coronavirus aid for a childcare program and rental assistance grants .
Nils Andreassen , executive director of the Alaska Municipal League , said some communities are looking at subsidies for utilities .
He said his office fields dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance on program ideas .
In Skagway , more than 700 people participated in a program that paid $ 400 to each applicant and $ 200 for each additional person in the household , Ryan said .
Municipal funds were used for that and for reimbursing residents for signing up for air ambulance service .
For the new program , it is expected residents will be able to apply monthly , through December , though the local government can adjust amounts or put some of the federal aid money toward other programs if @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--GOP picks Jacksonville, Florida, for Trump convention speech

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. - Jacksonville , Florida , has been selected to host the celebration marking President Donald Trump ’ s acceptance of his party ’ s nomination for reelection , the Republican National Committee chairwoman said Thursday .
Ronna McDaniel made the announcement a day after saying that Jacksonville was a front-runner to hold the event .
The governor of North Carolina , the official host of this summer ’ s Republican National Convention , had balked at promising Trump a full-blown convention in Charlotte free from social distancing measures during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We are thrilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great city of Jacksonville , ” McDaniel said .
“ Not only does Florida hold a special place in President Trump ’ s heart as his home state , but it is crucial in the path to victory in 2020 .
We look forward to bringing this great celebration and economic boon to the Sunshine State in just a few short months.
” McDaniel said the event would be held at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena , which holds 15,000 people .
She said more details would be released in the coming weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , including discussions over the platform , will still be held in Charlotte because of contractual obligations .
The RNC had spent the last week scouting locations after North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper rejected Trump ’ s demand that the convention be allowed to take place Aug. 24-27 without social distancing measures .
The Jacksonville area , home to a major military base , has a population of about 1.5 million .
Mayor Len Curry is a former chairperson of the state Republican Party , and the area is the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a key Trump ally .
“ Florida is honoured to host this special event where we will celebrate the re-nomination of President Donald J. Trump , ” DeSantis said in a statement Thursday .
“ Jacksonville is a great city that will showcase Florida ’ s energy , facilities , entrepreneurship and commitment to bring together the delegates of the Republican Party at a historic time in our nation ’ s history.
” “ The opportunity to highlight all our city has to offer and the tremendous economic impact is one I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hosting an exciting event for all delegates and guests to enjoy , ” Curry said in a statement provided by the RNC .
Florida ’ s prize of 29 electoral votes is considered crucial to Trump ’ s bid for a second term .
That celebration could generate at least $ 100 million in revenues for the host city , perhaps more .
But Ben Frazier , a black activist with the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville , said the event would be disruptive to the city during a time of racial tension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see this exacerbating these problems , ” he said .
“ The mayor ’ s concerned about the money the city could make .
We ’ re concerned about the lives of people here in Jacksonville more than anything else .
We don ’ t simply need to be concerned about dollars and cents.
” Thomas reported from Washington .
Associated Press writer Tamara Lush in St. Petersburg , Fla. , contributed to this report .

Bobby Caina Calvan And Ashley Thomas - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Officials: Mexico town buries US teenager killed by police

ACATLAN DE PEREZ FIGUEROA , Mexico - In grief and anger , hundreds of people bid farewell Thursday to a 16-year-old Mexican-American boy shot dead by local police in this town in southern Mexico .
Shouts and signs demanded “ justice ” and white balloons accompanied the casket of Alexander Martínez Gómez , who had spent years of his short life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and was said to be passionate about developing as a soccer player .
Authorities say a police officer shot him in the head with a shotgun Tuesday night in an incident still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vasconcelos said Thursday that the attack on the teen was “ frontal.
” “ There was a shot directly at nine youths that were riding on motorcycles and since ( Alexander ) was at the front of the group of people with the frontal shot he died immediately , ” Vasconcelos said .
Another teen was wounded and still hospitalized .
The town government of Acatlan de Perez Figueroa said in a statement that a police officer was involved in the shooting , but that it hadn ’ t been “ in bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reached by phone Thursday , a local police officer who would identify himself only as the “ commander ” said that the teens on motorcycles failed to stop at a checkpoint .
But Vasconcelos , the prosecutor , cast doubt on the police version .
“ There ’ s been talk of a lot of motives , ” he said .
“ The police talk about it being an accident ... but we don ’ t believe that.
” He said he expected the officer in custody to be taken before a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said investigators were also looking into whether police tampered with the crime scene .
Some other officers in the department were already under investigation over allegations of excessive use of force and even extrajudicial killings related to a shootout in mid-May in which six alleged criminals died .
After that incident , more state and federal forces were sent to secure the area .
In comments to Imagen Television , the dead teen ’ s mother , Virginia Gómez , demanded justice in his death .
“ I want my son and here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot to the head , ” Gómez said , standing over her son ’ s body Tuesday night .
In another video circulating on social media , Gómez said her son and his friends had just gone to the store to buy sodas .
She said the police didn ’ t provide first aid at the scene .
Her son had a North Carolina driver ’ s license on him .
Some local reports said he was visiting his grandparents .
The U.S. Embassy said in a statement Thursday that it was aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. citizen in the town .
“ We are closely monitoring local authorities ’ investigation and stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance , ” the statement said .
The town is in an area with high levels of street crime and organized crime activity .
On Thursday , the Oaxaca state security agency said in a statement that it had sent state police officers to the town and that the army was sending soldiers to run checkpoints and ensure public safety .
It also said Gov .
Alejandro Murat had spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would not be impunity .
But Thursday afternoon , there was no sign of soldiers in the town as neighbours , friends and relatives , including Martínez ’ s father who flew in from North Carolina , said goodbye to the boy .
In an emotional moment , his casket was taken to the local soccer field and placed in the penalty area .
One of his friends passed the ball , which rebounded off the casket and into the goal so Martínez could score a final goal as onlookers shouted “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area near Oaxaca ’ s border with Veracruz state , including the Jalisco New Generation cartel .
The National Guard , army and state security forces have had operations in the area .
Mexico has a long history of human rights violations by security forces .
The killing comes amid greater attention to police killings and racial injustice in the United States after the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis .
Protests have spread to Mexico and last week highlighted the death of Giovanni López , a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a town south of Guadalajara in May .
Associated Press journalist Félix Márquez reported this story in Acatlan de Perez Figeuroa and AP writer Maria Verza reported from Mexico City .

FéLix MáRquez And MaríA Verza - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Trump says he’ll pursue police use-of-force standard

DALLAS - President Donald Trump said Thursday he would pursue an executive order to encourage police departments to meet “ current professional standards for the use of force , “ while accusing Democrats of broadly branding police as the problem .
He also defended his calls on governors and mayors to aggressively quell violent protests that erupted across the country after the death of George Floyd , boasting , “ We ’ re dominating the street with compassion.
“ Trump offered few details about the yet-to-be-formalized order during a discussion on race relations and policing before a friendly audience in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national use-of-force standard amounted to his first concrete proposal for police reform in response to the national outcry following Floyd ’ s death in a violent encounter with Minneapolis police .
The president also acknowledged that law enforcement may have some “ bad apples , “ but he said it is unfair to broadly paint police officers as bigots .
“ We have to work together to confront bigotry and prejudice wherever they appear , “ Trump said .
“ But we ’ ll make no progress and heal no wounds by falsely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as racists or bigots.
” The president said the nation also needs to bolster its efforts to confront its long-simmering racial relations problems by focusing on inequality , redoubling on his contention that solving economic issues is the fastest way to healing racial wounds .
He said his administration would aggressively pursue economic development in minority communities , confront health care disparities by investing “ substantial sums ” in minority-serving medical institutions , and improve school choice options .
Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall , Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown and Dallas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive invitations to the event , according to their offices .
Mayor Eric Johnson was invited but did not attend because of prior commitments , according to an aide .
A senior administration official who briefed reporters ahead of Trump ’ s trip noted other law enforcement officials were in attendance but did not directly respond to a question about why the three officials weren ’ t invited .
Trump filled the roundtable with police union officials and allies from the African American community , including a member of Black Voices for Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president .
Democrats on Capitol Hill have unveiled sweeping police reform legislation , including provisions to ban choke holds and limit legal protections for police .
Congressional Republicans say they are also open to some reforms , including a national registry of use-of-force incidents so police officers can not transfer between departments without public awareness of their records .
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and senior adviser Jared Kushner have been discussing possible packages with GOP lawmakers , but it ’ s unclear what the president himself would be willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lashed at some in the Democratic party who have called for “ defunding the police , ” a broad call to reframe thinking about how communities should approach public safety .
“ ” Unfortunately there ’ s some trying to stoke division and to push an extreme agenda , which we won ’ t go for , that will produce only more poverty , more crime , more suffering , ” Trump said .
Glenn Heights , Texas , Police Chief Vernell Dooley urged Trump to increase resources to provide police with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Dooley said .
“ This is not the time to defund police departments.
” Activists say it isn ’ t about eliminating police departments or stripping agencies of all their money .
They say it is time for the country to address systemic problems in policing in America and spend more on other things communities across the U.S. need , like housing and education .
Trump has previously publicly expressed sympathy for Floyd ’ s family of Floyd , but did not mention them during the roundtable discussion , held two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He previously suggested that Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin , who prosecutors say pressed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes , must have “ snapped.
” U.S .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams , who took part in the panel , started his remarks by extending condolences to the Floyds and Texans .
Attorney General William Barr , who accompanied Trump to the event , backed up the president ’ s emphasis on law and order .
Barr said what happened to Floyd shouldn ’ t obscure the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put their lives on the line for us.
” “ We can ’ t let this event obscure the fact that the real oppression and danger to our communities comes more from violent crime and lawlessness than it does from the police , ” Barr said .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , dismissed Trump ’ s Dallas visit in advance as a “ photo op ” and charged that the president has “ run away from a meaningful conversation on systemic racism and police brutality.
” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sidelined by the coronavirus , also held a high-dollar fundraiser during his visit to Dallas .
The intimate event for about 25 supporters was expected to raise $ 10 million to be split between his campaign , the Republican National Committee and 22 state parties , according to a GOP official .
Madhani reported from Chicago .
Associated Press writers Jake Bleiberg in Dallas and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report .

Darlene Superville And Aamer Madhani - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Pompeo denies impropriety in firing of State Dept. watchdog

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top deputy are rejecting allegations that the State Department ’ s independent watchdog was fired for investigating alleged impropriety by Pompeo and his wife .
In separate letters sent to Congress late Thursday , Pompeo and Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun denied suggestions that Pompeo was aware of any such probe by ousted inspector general Steve Linick or his office .
Pompeo also denied that Linick was removed for no cause , accusing him of “ strange and erratic behaviour ” and failing to do his job over many months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State for Management Brian Bulatao is willing to testify to the House Foreign Affairs Committee about the circumstances of Linick ’ s ouster on June 22 or 23 .
“ I need an inspector general working every day to improve State Department operations and efficiency , ” Pompeo wrote .
“ Mr .
Linick was not that person.
” Pompeo has said President Donald Trump fired Linick at his recommendation , and Democrats have suggested his ouster was personally and politically motivated .
Pompeo adamantly denied that and called suggestions that he wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ nasty insinuation ” aimed at “ misleading ” the American people .
“ Because I had no knowledge of this alleged work by the inspector general at the time I recommended to the president that Mr. Linick be removed , it is not possible that Mr. Linick ’ s work on this matter could have provided a retaliatory motivation for my recommendation , “ Pompeo wrote .
The letters were sent to the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , Rep. Eliot Engel , D-N.Y. , and obtained by The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transcript of an interview with Linick last week and demanded answers to allegations he made .
The letters — two from Pompeo and one from Biegun — were accompanied by a four-page compilation of numerous Linick quotes from the transcript entitled “ Three Things Democrats Won ’ t Tell You About Linick ’ s Testimony ” and annotated with refutations of specific points .
Among other things , Linick testified that he had sought information from Biegun , Bulatao and several other top Pompeo aides about allegations that Pompeo and his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ errands .
Although did not say he knew that Pompeo had been alerted to the probe , several lawmakers concluded it would be difficult to believe that he had not been .
In his letter to Engel , however , Biegun said neither he nor anyone else relayed any information about what he termed Linick ’ s “ purported ” requests to Pompeo .
The committee “ wrongly concluded , without any evidence or corroboration , that Secretary Pompeo must have been aware of the inspector general ’ s work on this matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be removed from his position , “ Biegun wrote .
“ This conclusion is entirely false.
” Linick , who had been inspector general since 2013 , also said he was looking into allegations that Pompeo and his wife may have misused government staff to run personal errands and several other matters .
Trump abruptly fired him late on May 15 with what Linick said was no warning or cited cause .
Pompeo has said he was aware that Linick had opened a review of last year ’ s $ 8 billion arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had circumvented congressional objections to approve .
Linick testified that Bulatao and legal adviser Marik String had tried to discourage him from investigating the sale , saying it was an inappropriate review of policy and not policy implementation .
Pompeo , Bulatao and others have said Linick was dismissed in part because of inappropriate actions but also because of the alleged leak of one of his office ’ s reports into accusations of political reprisals by Trump appointees against career State Department officials .
Linick denied his office was responsible for the leak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged leak by the Defence Department inspector general cleared him and his office .


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Several officers wounded in shootout with ambush suspect

LOS ANGELES - Several police officers were wounded Thursday in separate shootouts with a man suspected of ambushing and seriously injuring a deputy a day earlier .
The suspect was “ secured and unresponsive , “ authorities said .
Scores of police officers have been searching for Mason James Lira , 26 , since early Wednesday when authorities said he opened fire on the Paso Robles police station on California ’ s Central Coast and then shot a San Luis Obispo County sheriff ’ s deputy in the face .
The deputy is in serious condition .
An Arroyo Grande @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded in an exchange of gunfire with Lira at about 3 p.m. , according to a post on the city of Arroyo Grande website that said the injury wasn ’ t life-threatening .
Later , after a second exchange of gunfire , the Paso Robles Police Department tweeted “ Suspect down .
Several officers wounded.
” There was no immediate word on their conditions .
A San Luis Obispo County Sheriff ’ s Department spokesman said Lira was “ secured and is unresponsive.
” Police say Lira opened fire on the police station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s deputies heard gunshots and responded but didn ’ t see the attacker until they were outside their patrol car and under fire .
Nicholas Dreyfus , 28 , was hit in the face .
His partner fired back and dragged Dreyfus behind a police car .
Dreyfus , who was able to radio that he ’ d been shot , underwent surgery Thursday and was in guarded condition .
While officers searched for Lira , they received a report of a body near a train station and found a 58-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He appeared to be a transient who was camping out overnight .
Police believe Lira was responsible for the killing .
As police searched for Lira , his father told The Associated Press his son had been diagnosed with schizophrenia , Asperger ’ s syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .
Jose Lira said his son has been in and out of jail and treatment centres .
Jose Lira said his son often thinks he is a special agent or a soldier .
Although authorities have described the attack on the Paso Robles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father thinks it might have been a suicide attempt .
“ He lives in a fantasy world , ” Jose Lira said .
“ He doesn ’ t have a beef with the police .
”

Stefanie Dazio And Christopher Weber - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Louisville bans ‘no-knocks’ after Breonna Taylor’s death

LOUISVILLE , Ky. - Louisville , Kentucky , has banned the use of controversial “ no-knock ” warrants and named the new ordinance for Breonna Taylor , who was fatally shot by officers who burst into her home .
The city ’ s Metro Council unanimously voted Thursday night to ban the controversial warrants after days of protests and calls for reform .
Taylor , who was studying to become a nurse , was shot eight times by officers conducting a narcotics investigation on March 13 .
No drugs were found at her home .
“ I ’ m just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all she wanted to do was save lives , so with this law she will continue to get to do that , ” Taylor ’ s mother , Tamika Palmer , said after the law was passed .
“ She would be so happy.
” The law bans the use of the warrants by Louisville Metro officers .
Police typically use them in drug cases over concern that evidence could be destroyed if they announce their arrival .
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul also introduced federal legislation Thursday that would ban the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council member Jessica Green , who co-wrote the city ’ s new law , said the city ’ s police typically use the no-knock warrants about 20 to 25 times a year .
“ No-knock warrants are not tools that officers have to use with any regularity to get their job done , ” Green said .
Green was also critical of an incident report in the Taylor shooting released by Louisville Police this week .
The report released three months after the shooting is mostly blank , with few details of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cites a police-involved death investigation and identifies Taylor , 26 , as the victim .
It also has a box to check for forced entry , which was checked “ No , ” and it also said “ none ” in a space for the victim ’ s injuries .
Green said Taylor would “ never be forgotten , she will never be erased , no matter what an incident report said.
” Louisville Police did give more details about the shooting in a media briefing held on March 13 , hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knocked , announced themselves and then forced their way into Taylor ’ s apartment , where they were met with gunfire .
“ It ’ s issues like this that erode public confidence in LMPD ’ s ability to do its job , and that ’ s why I ’ ve ordered an external top-to-bottom review of the department , ” he said in an emailed statement .
“ I am sorry for the additional pain to the Taylor family and our community.
” The three officers involved in the shooting , Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been placed on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated .
This week the detective who requested the no-knock warrant , Joshua Jaynes , also was reassigned .
Taylor ’ s boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , was also in the home that night and fired at police .
Walker was initially charged with attempted murder of a police officer , but that charge was dropped by prosecutors in May .
Walker told police he didn ’ t know who was coming into the home and that he thought he was acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thigh and recovered .
The release of Walker ’ s 911 call on May 28 marked the beginning of days of protests in Louisville , fueled by Taylor ’ s death and the death of a black man in police custody in Minneapolis , George Floyd .


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Court backs Trump administration on virus safety at work

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration does not have to issue an emergency rule requiring employers to protect workers from the coronavirus , a federal appeals court ruled Thursday .
The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit declared that the Labor Department ’ s workplace safety arm “ reasonably determined ” that an emergency rule “ is not necessary at this time.
’ ’ A top labour union sued the Occupational Health and Safety Administration last month seeking to compel it to issue an emergency temporary standard on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suit that tens of thousands of workers have been infected on the job through exposure to infected patients , co-workers and unscreened members of the public .
As the economy reopens and people return to work , person-to-person contact will increase and an already “ shocking number of infections and deaths among workers will rise , ’ ’ the union said .
In its two-page ruling , the appeals court said OSHA is authorized to issue an emergency temporary standard , or ETS , if it determines that “ employees are exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hazard in the workplace , and that an emergency rule is needed to protect them from that danger .
The decision not to issue an ETS “ is entitled to considerable deference , ’ ’ the court said .
“ In light of the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic , as well as the regulatory tools that the OSHA has at its disposal to ensure that employers are maintaining hazard-free work environments , OSHA reasonably determined that an ETS is not necessary at this time , ’ ’ the ruling said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ LeCraft Henderson , Robert Wilkins and Neomi Rao .
Henderson and Rao were appointed by Republican presidents and Wilkins by a Democrat .
The Labor Department said in a statement Thursday that officials were pleased at the ruling , which backed its contention that existing rules and regulations are protecting America ’ s workers and that an emergency temporary standard is not needed .
“ OSHA will continue to enforce the law and offer guidance to employers and employees to keep America ’ s workplaces safe , ” said the statement , issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department official who oversees OSHA , and Kate O ’ Scannlain , the department ’ s top lawyer .
OSHA ’ s performance came under fire at a House hearing last month , in which Democrats accused the agency of being “ largely invisible ” during the pandemic .
Instead of an emergency standard , OSHA has relied on voluntary guidance that recommends companies erect physical barriers , enforce social distancing and install more hand-sanitizing stations , among other steps .
But the guidance is not mandatory , and COVID-19 cases have spiked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes and other workplaces deemed essential during the pandemic .
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said he was disappointed that three federal judges “ did not deem the lives of America ’ s workers worthy of holding an argument or issuing a full opinion.
’ ’ The “ post-it length response ” to the union ’ s lawsuit acknowledges the “ unprecedented “ nature of the coronavirus pandemic , ” but repeats the false claim by Big Business that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration already has done what is needed to protect workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
More than 2 million Americans have been infected , and more than 110,000 have died , according a count compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Thousands of those people were infected in the workplace .
“ An unprecedented pandemic calls for unprecedented action , and the court ’ s action today fell woefully short of fulfilling its duty to ensure that the Occupational Safety and Health Act is enforced , ’ ’ Trumka said .
Sweatt said at the House hearing that existing standards require employers to conduct hazard assessments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment .
The agency has issued at least nine workplace guidance notices since March 9 , including a joint statement with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intended to protect workers in meatpacking and processing industries .
Guidance for construction workers was issued last month .
Rep. Bobby Scott , D-Va. , chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee , said the ruling reinforces the need for the Senate to approve a House-passed bill that includes a provision requiring OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard that would “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities as the economy begins to reopen .
’ ’


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Study warns of poverty surge to over 1 billion due to virus

LONDON - Global poverty is set to rise above 1 billion people once again as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , which is reducing the income of the world ’ s poorest by $ 500 million a day , according to new research published Friday .
The research by King ’ s College London and the Australian National University points to poverty increasing dramatically in middle-income developing countries , where millions of people live just above the poverty line .
Asian countries , such as Bangladesh , India , Indonesia , Pakistan and the Philippines , are considered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s economic shockwaves with lockdowns severely curtailing activity .
“ The pandemic is fast becoming an economic crisis for developing countries , ” said Andy Sumner , a professor of international development at King ’ s College London and one of the report ’ s co-authors .
Because millions of people live just above the poverty line , they are in a precarious position as the economic shock of the pandemic plays out .
In a worst case scenario , the number of people in extreme poverty - defined as earning under $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise from about 700 million to 1.1 billion , according to the report , which was published by the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research .
“ Without action this crisis could set back progress on reducing global poverty by 20 or even 30 years , ” Sumner said .
Researchers are calling for “ urgent global leadership ” to address the crisis .
But hopes are low after the Group of Seven meeting of world leaders , which was due to take place June 10-12 at President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was postponed .
Trump now aims to host an expanded meeting in September , also including leaders from Russia , Australia , South Korea and India .
How much development issues will be addressed at that summit remains an open question .
Sumner said three actions need to be prioritized .
First , a “ rapid response global commission on poverty and COVID-19 ” needs to be established and led by a prominent global leader to identify the level of financing required and what rich countries can do to help .
Second , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by expanding the current debt servicing standstill that the International Monetary Fund is providing to all developing countries and by freezing World Bank debt repayments at least until the end of 2020 , possibly into 2021 .
He said that once the crisis abates , debt restructuring or outright cancellation of debt for some developing countries “ will be needed or even unavoidable.
” And thirdly , he said countries benefiting from the standstill should use the money to shore up and expand social safety nets .


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Trump battles Pelosi, some in GOP over Confederate symbols

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is battling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over renaming military bases that honour Confederate generals — and he ’ s at odds with some in his own party as well .
Pelosi swung forcefully against Trump on Thursday , saying it ’ s time to remove symbols honouring Confederate figures from military bases and the U.S. Capitol as the pandemic and civic unrest force a national reckoning with racial discrimination .
“ These names have to go from these bases , and these statues have to go from the Capitol , “ the Democrat said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American people know these names have to go.
” Confederate monuments have reemerged as a national flashpoint since the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes .
Protesters decrying racism have targeted Confederate monuments in multiple cities , and some state officials are considering taking them down .
Trump doubled down Thursday on his vow to not rename military bases honouring Confederate generals , even as NASCAR announced it would ban displays of the Confederate flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential candidate , Senator Elizabeth ‘ Pocahontas ’ Warren , just introduced an Amendment on the renaming of many of our legendary Military Bases from which we trained to WIN two World Wars .
Hopefully our great Republican Senators won ’ t fall for this !
” Trump said in a Twitter blast .
But Senate Republicans , who are at risk of losing their majority in the November elections , aren ’ t with Trump on this issue .
A GOP-led Senate panel on Thursday approved a plan by Warren , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Confederate figures removed from military bases and other Pentagon assets .
The ban would be imposed within three years and was approved by a voice vote as a piece of the annual Pentagon policy bill .
A commission would be set up to oversee the process .
The provision is likely to be matched when the Democratic-controlled House takes up the measure in coming weeks .
Confederate symbols in the military and on Capitol Hill are coming under attack as public opinion has dramatically shifted since Floyd ’ s killing .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our highest ideals as Americans , expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation , “ Pelosi wrote earlier .
“ Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals.
” At her press conference , she said of Trump : “ He seems to be the only person left who doesn ’ t get it.
” The presence of statues of generals and other figures of the Confederacy in Capitol locations such as Statuary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been denounced by African American lawmakers for many years .
Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. , D-Ill. , was known to give tours pointing out the statues .
But it ’ s up to the states to determine which of their historical figures to display .
Jefferson Davis , a former U.S. senator from Mississippi who was president of the Confederate States of America , is represented by one of two statues from that state .
Pelosi , D-Calif. , noted that Davis and Confederate Vice-President Alexander Stephens , whose statue comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treason against the United States.
“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said the appropriate way to handle the statue controversy would be to continue the trend of states replacing them on their own .
“ They can trade them out at any time ... a number of states are trading them out now , “ McConnell told reporters .
“ I think that ’ s the appropriate way to deal with the statue issue .
The states make that decision.
” McConnell didn ’ t say whether he supports renaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , named after Braxton Bragg , a Confederate commander and slave owner .
Senators on the Armed Services Committee approved the amendment on renaming the bases on a bipartisan voice vote .
Sen. Rick Scott , R-Fla. , said he supported the move , while Dan Sullivan , R-Alaska , said he “ did not oppose ” it .
Only one , Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri , voted against it in committee , according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were unauthorized to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think that Congress mandating that these be renamed and attempting to erase that part of our history is a way that you deal with that history , “ Hawley later told reporters .
” I don ’ t think turning your back on it ’ s how you deal with it , confront it and then move on.
” Chairman James Inhofe , R-Okla. , wanted assurances that local communities would have input , aides said .
There was also a push to ensure some flexibility , for example , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also made for grave markers , all but ensuring no disruptions at Arlington National Cemetery , aides said .
The new commission will be made up of eight members , four from the Defence Department and four from both parties in the Senate .
Associated Press writer Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report .

Andrew Taylor And Lisa Mascaro - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Black Tulsans call Trump rally plan ‘a slap in the face’

OKLAHOMA CITY - Black community and political leaders called on President Donald Trump to at least change the Juneteenth date for a rally kicking off his return to public campaigning , saying Thursday that plans for a rally on the day that marks the end of slavery in America come as a “ slap in the face.
” Trump campaign officials discussed in advance the possible reaction to the Juneteenth date , but despite fierce blowback there are no plans to change it .
From Sen. Kamala Harris of California to Tulsa civic officials , black leaders said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — June 19 — and that place — Tulsa , an Oklahoma city that in 1921 was the site of a fiery and orchestrated white-on-black killing spree .
“ This isn ’ t just a wink to white supremacists — he ’ s throwing them a welcome home party , ” Harris , a leading contender to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ’ s running mate , tweeted of Trump ’ s rally plans .
“ To choose the date , to come to Tulsa , is totally disrespectful and a slap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Sherry Gamble Smith , president of Tulsa ’ s Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce , an organization named after the prosperous black community that white Oklahomans burned down in the 1921 attack .
At a minimum , Gamble Smith said , the campaign should “ change it to Saturday the 20th , if they ’ re going to have it.
” Trump announced the rally plan Wednesday afternoon .
It comes as his harsh law-and-order stance appears to fall increasingly out of sync with a growing concern over police abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd in Minneapolis .
“ As the party of Lincoln , Republicans are proud of the history of Juneteenth , ” said Katrina Pierson , senior adviser to the Trump campaign .
“ President Trump has built a record of success for Black Americans , including unprecedented low unemployment prior to the global pandemic , all-time high funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities , and criminal justice reform.
” The Trump campaign was aware in advance that the date for the president ’ s return to rallies was Juneteenth , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not authorized to speak publicly about internal discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity .
When the date was discussed , it was noted that Biden had held a fundraiser a year ago on Juneteenth .
Though choosing June 19 was not meant to be incendiary , some blowback was expected , the officials said .
But the campaign was caught off guard by the intensity , particularly when some linked the selection to the 1921 massacre .
Scheduling the highly anticipated comeback rally in Oklahoma , a state Trump won easily in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked Tulsa ’ s BOK Center , with a listed seat capacity of 19,199 .
The arena ’ s Facebook page shows organizers calling off shows there by country singer Alan Jackson and other performers into mid-July , citing the coronavirus pandemic .
Arena marketing director Meghan Blood said Thursday she didn ’ t know yet about any plans for social distancing or other coronavirus precautions for Trump ’ s rally , which would be one of the larger public gatherings in the U.S. at this stage of the outbreak .
Campaign officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-ordination with local authorities .
A disclaimer on the ticket registration website said attendees voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the campaign liable for any illness .
The campaign officials said the Trump campaign picked Oklahoma because arrangements could be made quickly , for a variety of reasons : Oklahoma has a Republican , Trump-friendly governor ; the state is not seeing huge numbers of coronavirus cases ; and the arena was “ turn-key ” and could easily be opened for the rally .
Moreover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the turnpike from a district held by Rep. Kendra Horn , one of the Democrats the GOP feels is vulnerable this fall .
Campaign officials also wanted to hold the rally where they could all but guarantee a big crowd despite coronavirus concerns , according to the officials .
Oklahoma is one of the most Republican states in the nation and Trump has not held a rally there as president , so it will likely deliver an enthusiastic audience eager to see him , the officials believed .
Tulsa , an oil centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own marches , viral videos and problematic police actions during this month ’ s unrest .
On Tuesday , Tulsa police released video and said they were investigating officers who handcuffed and arrested two black teenagers for jaywalking .
Video of the June 4 incident showed officers pinned one of the two unidentified teens stomach-down on the ground .
“ Get off me !
I can ’ t breathe !
I can ’ t breathe !
I can ’ t breathe !
” one teen shouts in the police video .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer replies .
On Monday , a Tulsa police major played down police shootings of African Americans nationally by telling a radio show that statistically , “ we ’ re shooting African Americans about 24 % less than we probably ought to be , based on the crimes being committed.
” And on Wednesday , the same day Tulsa Mayor G.T .
Bynum welcomed news of Trump ’ s rally pick as evidence of the city ’ s progress against COVID-19 , Bynum apologized for remarks about a 2016 police killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the killing was “ more about the really insidious nature of drug utilization than it is about race.
” Nationally , as research brings to light more about the 1921 massacre , Tulsa increasingly is associated with the rampage in which white Tulsans razed a thriving black business community , killing as many as 300 people .
Long dismissed by generations of white Tulsans as a race “ riot , “ the May 31-June 1 events were marked this year by community memorials .
Oklahoma ’ s black Democratic Party chairwoman also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A day set aside to commemorate the freedom of enslaved people must not be marred by the words or actions of a racist president , ” Alicia Andrews said .
Community groups had earlier cancelled a main Tulsa Juneteenth celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Some black Tulsans said they planned to turn out for public protests of Trump on that day .
“ There ’ s definitely going to be demonstrating , ” Gamble Smith said .
Lemire reported from New York City .
Associated Press writer Zeke Miller contributed @ @ @ @

Ellen Knickmeyer And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Trump fumes as protesters stake out festive zone in Seattle

SEATTLE - Following days of violent confrontations with protesters , police in Seattle have largely withdrawn from a neighbourhood where protesters have created a festival-like scene that has President Donald Trump fuming .
Trump taunted Gov .
Jay Inslee and Mayor Jenny Durkan about the situation on Twitter and said the city had been taken over by “ anarchists.
“ “ Take back your city NOW .
If you don ’ t do it , I will , ” Trump tweeted .
The “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ” sprung up after police on Monday removed barricades near the East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers used tear gas , pepper spray and flash bangs over the weekend to disperse demonstrators they said were assaulting them with projectiles .
The president has sparred before with Inslee and Durkan — both liberal Democrats .
Inslee previously sought his party ’ s presidential nomination .
Inslee tweeted Thursday that state officials will not allow threats of military violence from the White House .
“ The U.S. military serves to protect Americans , not the fragility of an insecure president , ” he tweeted .
The zone set up by protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where dozens of people show up to listen to speakers calling for police reform , racial justice and compensation for Native groups on whose land the city of Seattle was founded .
Signs proclaim “ You are entering free Capitol Hill ” and “ No cop co-op ” along sidewalks where people sell water and other wares .
“ The people that you see here have all come together because we see injustice in our system and we want to be part of the solution , “ said Mark Henry Jr. of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rant about the gathering was unfounded .
“ Donald Trump can call us a terrorist if he likes to , but what you see out here is people coming together and loving each other , ” he said .
Over the weekend , police were sharply criticized by City Council members and other elected leaders .
Since officers dialed back their tactics , the demonstrations have largely been peaceful .
Police officials say they are looking to reopen the precinct .
At a news conference Wednesday , Assistant Chief Deanna Nollette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of the building after it became a flashpoint between officers and protesters .
Nollette said the precinct has been boarded up because of credible threats that it would be vandalized or burned .
She offered no details about the threats and no fires have been reported at the site .
She said protesters have set up their own barricades , which are intimidating some residents .
Police Chief Carmen Best posted a video message to officers Thursday in which she said the decision to leave the Capitol Hill precinct wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She also reiterated that police had been harassed and assaulted during protests .
“ Ultimately , the city had other plans for the building and relented to severe public pressure , ” Best said .
At a Thursday news conference neither Best nor Durkan made it clear who decided that police should leave the precinct .
Durkan said regarding Trump ’ s statements about Seattle that one of the things the president will never understand is that listening to community is not a weakness , but a strength .
“ A real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grief in so many communities of colour , particularly our black communities , and the call to be an anti-racist society , as an opportunity for America .
An opportunity to build a better nation , ” she said .
Protesters have said they want to see the precinct turned into a community centre or used for purposes other than law enforcement .
City Councilwoman Kshama Sawant disputed accounts of violence or intimidation by protesters within the area on Capitol Hill and said it was more like a street fair with political discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right wing has been spreading rumours that there is some sort of lawlessness and crime taking place at the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone , but it is exactly the opposite of that , ” said Sawant , a socialist and a critic of Durkan and the police .
Sawant said she wants the precinct to be “ converted into a public resource that will actually be helpful to society .
”

Ted Warren And Ali Swenson - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Prince Andrew holds the cards as the US pursues sex probe

NEW YORK - U.S. investigators probably can ’ t force Britain ’ s Prince Andrew to co-operate in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking probe and the duke ’ s lawyers should probably not allow him to be interviewed by investigators , legal experts said .
“ It would be an error of astounding proportion for him to ever come to the United States , “ said Rob Feitel , an ex-federal prosecutor now in private practice .
” It would probably also be an error for him to ever meet with U.S. law enforcement authorities and make a statement.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak with Andrew for several months as part of their examination of allegations , made by several women , that some of Epstein ’ s staff and his girlfriend helped recruit him underage sex partners .
One of those women , Virginia Roberts Giuffre , also claims Epstein arranged for her to have sex with several rich or notable men , including Andrew .
Giuffre said she had sex with the prince three times — in London and at Epstein ’ s New York mansion when she was 17 and in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In November , Andrew , whose older brother Prince Charles is heir to the throne , denied those allegations but said he would “ help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations , if required.
” But he has yet to speak with New York investigators about his past friendship with Epstein , who killed himself last year while awaiting trial .
This week , his lawyers blamed the U.S. Department of Justice , saying the prince had offered three times to give information to investigators , though on a condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. attorney in Manhattan , Geoffrey S. Berman , countered that Andrew ’ s lawyers were misleading the public about his willingness to co-operate .
U.S. prosecutors reportedly made a formal request through the British government to interview Andrew .
Former federal prosecutor David Weinstein called that a “ last resort ” manoeuvr , but noted that even if it is granted Andrew isn ’ t required to answer investigators ’ questions and could invoke rights against self-incrimination , like anyone .
An attorney for numerous Epstein victims , Brad Edwards , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prince to answer questions as part of several civil lawsuits .
“ We have received correspondence that there were other loops and hoops we ’ d have to jump through in order to ever get him to sit for a deposition — and that even then it would be highly unlikely , ” Edwards said .
“ I ’ ve always been given the impression that , whether he has immunity or not , he certainly behaves like he does.
” “ I haven ’ t really understood the game he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new book about Epstein ’ s case .
“ It ’ s time to come over and just tell everybody what you know and answer all of the questions and move on .
There ’ s no denying you have information to give and you ’ ve failed to give it.
” Last fall , Andrew told the BBC he doesn ’ t remember Giuffre .
Of sex with her , he said flatly : “ It didn ’ t happen.
” He acknowledged staying at Epstein ’ s residences and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the interview was widely panned by critics who said Andrew seemed insensitive to Epstein ’ s victims , the prince quit royal duties .
“ Anybody who wondered as to whether or not it ’ s best for him to co-operate and just put this behind him changed their view after watching him on television .
I mean , there ’ s a reason why the guy is seen and not heard , ” he said .
Besides , Kuby added , “ The British government is just not going to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad publicity.
” Experts say the prince could theoretically be prosecuted in the United States , if he was found to have committed a crime , but there are no signs the case is headed there .
Among other things , investigators are examining allegations that Epstein ’ s longtime companion , Ghislaine Maxwell , the daughter of a deceased British publishing magnate , helped recruit young girls to give Epstein massages that led to sex .
In 2011 , Maxwell called the allegations “ abhorrent and entirely untrue.
“ Associated Press writer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this report .
This story has been corrected to show that the name of an ex-federal prosecutor quoted is Rob Feitel , not Ron Feitel .

Jim Mustian And Larry Neumeister - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Ducey touts hospitals amid focus on rise in virus cases

PHOENIX - Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey dismissed mounting concerns Thursday about the state ’ s alarming rise in coronavirus cases , and focused on hospitals ’ capacity to care for patients rather than slowing the spread of the virus .
“ That ’ s what ’ s most important when there is a rise in cases , ” Ducey told reporters .
“ Because a rise in cases could result in a rise of severe illness that requires hospitalization .
I want every Arizonan to be able to have the medical care and comfort and resources necessary and today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona is one of several states that has seen a surge in new COVID-19 cases after stay-at-home orders were lifted last month .
Ducey said the increase was not unexpected partly because of a wider availability of testing .
But some experts disagree , citing a lack of a face mask requirement or contact tracing in the state .
Some are calling for tighter restrictions .
The state will be making more of an effort to do public health education , Ducey said .
But that would not require enforcing face masks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for not wearing a mask in public and in meetings .
“ Wearing a mask when you can ’ t social distance is good .
I ’ m going to wear a mask when I ’ m in those situations , ” said Ducey , who had a mask in his pocket but didn ’ t wear it .
Arizona has been seeing more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases per day .
Those figures prompted Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego to send a letter to Ducey on Wednesday , chastising the governor and demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ growing public health emergency our state is facing.
” When Ducey ended his business closure and stay-at-home orders in mid-May , there were fewer than 400 new cases a day .
Public health experts note that the per cent of positive tests has nearly doubled in the past few weeks .
On Thursday , the state reported 1,412 new cases and 32 new deaths .
With those numbers , Arizona has 31,264 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seen 1,127 people die from the virus since March .
The state ’ s largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said its intensive care units are nearly full and will soon exceed capacity .
Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Marjorie Bessel is urging the public to boost their efforts to avoid contracting or passing on the virus by wearing masks in public , using social distancing and being diligent with hygiene practices Maricopa County health officials made similar pronouncements at a news briefing Wednesday , and said all employees are now required to use masks when they are within 6 feet ( 2 metres ) of coworkers .
Ducey has praised the large majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have followed social distancing guidelines but has declined to criticize large gatherings at nightclubs .
His executive orders block cities from taking actions to stop activities that may spread the virus .
And he is not requiring the public to take steps like wearing masks .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness , @ @ @ @ @ @

Bob Christie And Terry Tang - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Chicago investigating officers ‘lounging’ during unrest

CHICAGO - More than a dozen Chicago police officers and supervisors were captured on video “ lounging ” inside a burglarized congressional campaign office and even appeared to be making popcorn and brewing coffee as people vandalized and stole from nearby businesses as protests and unrest spread across the city , a visibly angry Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday .
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush , a Democrat whose district includes much of the city ’ s South Side and southern suburbs , said his staff first viewed the video and he brought it to Lightfoot on Wednesday .
The footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 1 , as police received widespread reports of vandalism , theft and arson in neighbourhoods on the city ’ s South and West sides , officials said .
Chicago , like other U.S. cities , saw large protests overshadowed by criminal activity in the days following George Floyd ’ s death in custody after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into the black man ’ s neck for several minutes .
Lightfoot , who described herself as “ angry ” and “ disgusted ” by the actions shown on video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs division and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability are investigating .
Lightfoot , who showed the media screen grabs from video footage that has not yet been made public , said the officers shown have not yet been identified .
Police from around the city were dispatched to the South and West sides in response to unrest during the first weekend in May , making that task more challenging .
Images shown to reporters during a press conference included one officer lying on his back on a couch in Rush ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads on desktops or seated with protective helmets beside them as they look at cellphones .
Rush said the officers appeared to be relaxing inside the office that was broken into earlier in the day , still sounding like he could not believe what unfolded on the video .
“ They even had the unmitigated gall to make coffee for themselves and to pop popcorn , my popcorn , in my microwave while looters were tearing apart businesses , “ he said .
” Within their sight and within their reach.
” Lightfoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location data from department vehicles to identify the officers involved .
She noted that at least three of the employees on the video wore white shirts , denoting leadership roles .
“ While thousands of officers served honourably on that very difficult weekend and every day since , these individuals did indeed abandon their responsibilities and their obligation and their oath to serve and protect , ” she said .
“ We should all be disgusted .
We should all feel hurt and betrayed in this moment of all moments.
” Top leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the officers ’ actions indefensible , and Superintendent David Brown pledged that they will be disciplined because the department ’ s integrity is at stake .
“ Sleep during a riot ?
” he asked , incredulously .
“ What do you do on a regular shift when there ’ s no riots ?
“ First Deputy Superintendent Anthony Riccio said he was stunned by what he saw , particularly when he realized what was going on outside as rioters were attacking officers , looting stores and setting squad cars on fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking a nap and relaxing as I was standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other officers on State Street while we got pelted with rocks , ” he said , reminding reporters that more than 100 officers were injured during the rioting .
“ That ’ s occurring at the same time these guys are making popcorn and having a pot of coffee.
” Lightfoot did not say what actions should be taken against the officers .
A few days ago , she said she wanted an officer who made an obscene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of these officers will be allowed to hide behind the badge and go on and act like nothing ever happened , ” she said , adding later in the news conference , “ I believe we should take the strongest possible action that we can take , particularly with the supervisors.
” She also suggested that the scene that unfolded in that office suggest the officers believe they can do whatever they want .
“ These officers clearly felt like they were untouchable , ” she said .
“ And why not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( supervisors wear white shirts to distinguish them from other officers ) are in the room with them ?
” She said the question of whether the officers should face criminal charges is being “ scrutinized ” by the Cook County State ’ s Attorney ’ s and U.S. Attorney ’ s offices .
Calls to the Fraternal Order of Police , the police officers ’ union , were not returned Thursday afternoon .

Kathleen Foody And Don Babwin - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-11--Former VA pathologist pleads guilty in patient’s death

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
- A pathologist fired from an Arkansas veterans hospital after officials said he had been impaired while on duty pleaded guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of a patient who authorities allege he misdiagnosed .
Robert Morris Levy also pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud under an agreement with prosecutors , who moved to dismiss multiple other charges against the former pathologist .
Levy was indicted last year on three counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of patients prosecutors said he misdiagnosed .
He was also indicted on multiple charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his alleged attempts to conceal his substance abuse and incorrect diagnoses .
Under the agreement Levy pleaded guilty to misdiagnosing a patient with small cell carcinoma who died after being treated for a type of cancer he didn ’ t have .
Levy falsified the patient ’ s medical record to state that a second pathologist agreed with his diagnosis , according to the agreement .
Levy also pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud for receiving 2-methyl-2-butanol , a chemical that he used to intoxicate himself but that standard drug and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Levy was fired from the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville in April 2018 .
VA officials said last year that outside pathologists reviewed nearly 34,000 cases handled by Levy and found more than 3,000 errors or missed diagnoses dating back to 2005 .
Levy has acknowledged that he once showed up to work at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks drunk in 2016 , but he denied that he had worked while impaired .
He entered an in-patient treatment program following that incident and returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain sober and submitting to random drug testing .
Levy faces up to eight years in prison and up to a $ 250,000 fine for the involuntary manslaughter count , and up to $ 250,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison for the mail fraud count .
A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled yet .