thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Protesters mass in Hong Kong as anthem law is debated

HONG KONG - Thousands of protesters shouted pro-democracy slogans and insults at police in Hong Kong on Wednesday as lawmakers debated a bill criminalizing abuse of the Chinese national anthem in the semi-autonomous city .
Police massed outside the legislative building ahead of the session and warned protesters that if they did not disperse , they could be prosecuted .
In the Central business district , police raised flags warning protesters to disperse before they shot pepper balls at the crowd and searched several people .
More than 50 people in the Causeway Bay shopping district were rounded up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while riot police with pepper spray patrolled and warned journalists to stop filming .
Nearly 300 people were arrested across Hong Kong for unauthorized assembly , according to Facebook posts by the Hong Kong police force .
Separately , at least 17 people , mostly teenagers , were arrested for possessing items that could be used for unlawful purposes , such as gasoline bombs or screwdrivers , or for driving slowly and blocking traffic , police said .
The bill would make it illegal to insult or abuse the Chinese national anthem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in semi-autonomous Hong Kong .
Those guilty of the offence would face up to three years in prison and a fine of 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ( $ 6,450 ) .
Opponents of the bill say it is a blow to freedom of expression in the city , while Beijing officials say it will foster a patriotic spirit and socialist values .
“ Western democracies all have laws to protect their national flags , national anthems and emblems .
Any insulting acts toward these symbols would also be criminal , ” pro-Beijing lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tse said the bill would not affect human rights or force people to love the country or support any political power .
“ The purpose of this is to protect the dignity of a country , ” he said .
Pro-democracy lawmaker Charles Mok disagreed , saying the legislation would not help gain the respect of people and was an excuse to control freedom , speech and ideas of people .
“ We oppose the second reading of the national anthem bill , not because we don ’ t respect the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symbol of the country ’ s dignity .
If it wants to be respected , then let this government first respect the rights and freedoms of its people first , “ Mok said .
The bill was proposed in January 2019 after spectators from Hong Kong jeered at the anthem during high-profile international soccer matches in 2015 .
Last year , FIFA fined the Hong Kong Football Association after fans booed the national anthem at a World Cup qualifying game .
Hong Kong was returned to China from British colonial rule in 1997 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems ” framework that promised freedoms not found on the mainland .
Anti-China sentiment has risen as residents see Beijing moving to erode those rights .
Mass protests in 2014 , known as the Umbrella Revolution , followed the Chinese government ’ s decision to allow direct election of the city leader only after it screened candidates .
In the end , the plan for direct elections was dropped .
Legislation proposed in Hong Kong last year that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trials set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved clashes between protesters and police .
The legislation was withdrawn .
China ’ s ceremonial parliament now meeting in Beijing has moved to enact a national security law for Hong Kong aimed at forbidding secessionist and subversive activity , as well as foreign interference and terrorism .
Hong Kong ’ s own government has been unable to pass such legislation due to opposition in the city , and Beijing advanced the law itself after the protests last year .
Asked about possible U.S. retaliation over the security legislation , Chinese foreign ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China would take necessary steps to fight back against what he called “ erroneous foreign interference in Hong Kong ’ s affairs .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Northern India wilts under crippling heat wave

NEW DELHI - As India braces for a hotter than usual summer , many cities in the country ’ s north are reeling under an intense heat wave with the temperatures on Wednesday crossing a scorching 45 degrees Celsius ( 113 degrees Fahrenheit ) .
The temperatures in northern India are the highest that the country has seen in decades for this time of the year , and the hot spell is projected to last until Friday .
On Tuesday , Rajasthan ’ s Churu district recorded a maximum temperature of 50 C ( 122 F ) .
Ravindra Sihag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department , said it was the highest temperature recorded in the world for the day .
Temperatures in the capital of New Delhi have also soared beyond 47 C ( 116 F ) this week and some states issued advisories urging people to remain indoors and hydrated .
Cyclone Amphan , which left a trail of destruction in the eastern coastal states of West Bengal and Odisha last week , was partly a reason for the heat wave .
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra , India ’ s meteorological chief , said that the cyclone effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triggered hot dry winds that are now blowing over large swathes of northern and central Indian plains .
India ’ s weather agency is expecting the seasonal average maximum temperatures to remain half a degree to 1 degree C ( 32.9 to 33.8 F ) higher than usual over northwest India and the country ’ s western peninsular region during April and June this year .
The main summer months — April , May and June — are always excruciatingly hot in most parts of India before monsoon rains bring cooler temperatures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first week of June and the rest of the nation within a month .
In recent years , heat waves have caused a number of deaths , including daily wage workers , rickshaw drivers , street vendors and homeless , many of whom are the most exposed to the sun .
The year 2015 saw the worst heat wave in India since 1992 , killing at least 2,081 people .
During spells of heat waves , the country of 1.3 billion people usually suffers from severe water shortages with tens of millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ’ s Chennai made headlines when the southern city ran out of water .

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thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Woman fired after backlash from racist park confrontation

NEW YORK - The verbal dispute between a white woman with an unleashed dog and a black man bird watching in Central Park might normally have gone unnoticed in a city preoccupied by the coronavirus pandemic .
That changed when birdwatcher Christian Cooper pulled out his phone and captured Amy Cooper calling police to report she was being threatened by “ an African-American man.
” The widely watched video — posted on Facebook by Christian Cooper and on Twitter by his sister — sparked accusations of racism and led to Amy Cooper getting fired .
“ Unfortunately we live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where black men are seen as targets , “ Christian Cooper told CNN .
” This woman thought she could exploit that to her advantage , and I wasn ’ t having it.
” The confrontation began early Monday morning when Christian Cooper said he noticed Amy Cooper had let her cocker spaniel off its leash against the rules in the Ramble , a secluded section of Central Park popular with birdwatchers .
In a Facebook post , he claimed the dog was “ tearing through the plantings ” and told her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park .
When she refused , he pulled out dog treats , causing her to scream at him to not come near her dog .
Amy Cooper also warned him she would summon police unless he stopped recording .
“ I ’ m going to tell them there ’ s an African American man threatening my life , “ Amy Cooper is heard saying in the video as she pulls down her face mask and struggles to control her dog .
“ There ’ s an African American man , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording me and threatening myself and my dog .
… Please send the cops immediately !
” she says during the call before he stops recording .
Police say by the time they responded , they were both gone .
In the fallout , investment firm Franklin Templeton announced Tuesday afternoon it had fired Amy Cooper , saying , “ We do not tolerate racism of any kind.
” A group called Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue said it had custody of her dog for the time being .
The pet could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clenched it by the collar with its front legs off the ground .
Amy Cooper released an apology through a public relations service Tuesday night , saying she “ reacted emotionally and made false assumptions about his intentions.
“ “ He had every right to request that I leash my dog in an area where it was required , ” she said in the written statement .
“ I am well aware of the pain that misassumptions and insensitive statements about race cause and would never have imagined that I would be involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Chris.
” She told CNN earlier Tuesday , “ I am not a racist.
“ “ I think I was just scared , ” she said .
“ When you ’ re alone in the Ramble , you don ’ t know what ’ s happening .
It ’ s not excusable , it ’ s not defensible.
” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the video exemplified hatred that has “ no place in our city.
” “ The video out of Central Park is racism , plain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ She called the police BECAUSE he was a Black man .
Even though she was the one breaking the rules .
She decided he was the criminal and we know why.
” In an interview with The New York Times , Christian Cooper showed empathy for the stranger with whom he shares a last name .
“ It ’ s a little bit of a frenzy , and I am uncomfortable with that , ” he said .
“ If our goal is to change the underlying factors , I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life completely torn apart serves that goal .
”

Tom Hays And Ryan Kryska - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--White House letter doesn’t explain why Trump fired watchdogs

WASHINGTON - The White House said that President Donald Trump followed the law when he fired multiple inspectors general in the last two months , but the administration offered no new details about why they were let go .
A White House letter issued Tuesday in response to concerns from a prominent Republican senator does little to explain the decision-making behind Trump ’ s recent upheaval of the inspector general community .
It is unlikely to quell outrage from Democrats and good-government groups who fear the president is moving to dismantle a post-Watergate network of watchdogs meant to root out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal agencies .
Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa — a longtime , self-appointed defender of inspectors general and congressional oversight — requested that the White House explain the basis for the firings in April and May of the inspectors general for the intelligence community and the State Department .
The response Tuesday from White House counsel Pat Cipollone does not provide those details , instead making the points that Trump has the authority to remove inspectors general , that he appropriately alerted Congress and that he selected qualified officials as replacements .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspector general , he will exercise his constitutional right and duty to remove that officer — as did President Reagan when he removed inspectors general upon taking office and as did President Obama when he was in office , “ Cipollone wrote .
The tumult has not been limited to the watchdog offices at the State Department and intelligence community .
Trump also demoted Glenn Fine from his role as acting inspector general at the Pentagon , effectively removing him as head of a special board to oversee auditing of the coronavirus economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And he moved to replace the chief watchdog at the Department of Health and Human Services , Christi Grimm , who testified Tuesday that her office was moving ahead with new reports and audits on the department ’ s response to the coronavirus despite Trump ’ s public criticism of her .
Taken together , the moves have raised alarms about efforts to weaken government oversight and about possible retaliation for investigations or actions seen as unfavourable to the administration .
Michael Atkinson , who was fired as intelligence community inspector general last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulted in the president ’ s impeachment .
Democrats say Steve Linick was fired as State Department inspector general as he was conducting investigations tied to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Grassley said Tuesday that he was dissatisfied with the White House ’ s lack of explanation , saying : ” Congress made clear that if the president is going to fire an inspector general , there ought to be a good reason for it .
The White House Counsel ’ s response failed to address this requirement.
“ Grassley , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispute Trump ’ s authority under the Constitution to fire an inspector general , but added : “ Without sufficient explanation , it ’ s fair to question the president ’ s rationale for removing an inspector general .
If the president has a good reason to remove an inspector general , just tell Congress what it is.
“ Grassley , who bristles at criticism that he has gone easy on Trump , also criticized the White House for allowing two acting inspectors general — at the State and Transportation departments — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time .
Stephen Akard , State ’ s new acting inspector general , also serves as Senate-confirmed director of the Office of Foreign Missions , where he oversees the treatment of foreign missions and their representatives in the United States .
Howard “ Skip ” Elliott , the new acting inspector general at Transportation , is administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration , a key Transportation agency .
He has pledged to recuse himself from investigations into the pipeline agency .
“ The White House Counsel ’ s letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest , “ Grassley said .
” Congress established inspectors general to serve the American people — to be independent and objective watchdogs , not agency lapdogs.
” Grassley said he has long made it clear that “ acting inspectors general should not be political appointees in order to preserve the independence required of the office , “ adding that he is working with Senate colleagues on legislation to codify that principle .

Eric Tucker And Matthew Daly - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Israeli president calls Australian PM after teacher’s ruling

JERUSALEM - Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said he spoke Wednesday with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison , following an Israeli court ruling that a former teacher accused of sexually abusing her students in Australia was fit to stand trial and be extradited .
Rivlin noted that the matter was central to his state visit to Australia in February and that he had promised Morrison and Australia ’ s pro-Israel Jewish community he would monitor the case closely .
“ Israel will not allow anyone to use its institutions to evade justice , ” Rivlin said , adding that Tuesday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court ruled that Malka Leifer was faking a mental illness to avoid prosecution .
It set a July 20 extradition hearing .
Leifer ’ s accusers say she abused them while they were students at an ultra-Orthodox school in Melbourne .
In 2008 , as allegations surfaced , the Israeli-born Leifer — a trusted educator in an insular religious community — left her position at the school suddenly and returned to Israel , where she has lived since .
Australia requested Leifer ’ s extradition in 2014 on 74 charges of child sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearings have followed .
The prolonged proceedings have raised concerns that Israeli authorities of dragging out the case for far too long .
Critics say the legal proceedings have been marred by needless delays by Leifer ’ s legal team .
Israeli police also have recommended charges of fraud and breach of trust be brought against former Health Minister Yaakov Litzman for suspicions he pressured ministry employees to skew Leifer ’ s psychiatric evaluations in her favour .
Litzman , a powerful ultra-Orthodox politician , denies wrongdoing .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Rubio warns of foreign actors amplifying virus conspiracies

WASHINGTON - Sen. Marco Rubio , the new Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , is warning that foreign actors will seek to amplify conspiracy theories about the coronavirus and find new ways to interfere in the 2020 presidential election .
The Florida Republican said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday that one possibility could be an effort to convince people that a new vaccine against the virus , once created , would be more harmful than helpful .
“ I think the COVID-19 crisis is one in which you ’ ve seen efforts to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friction in this country , ” Rubio said .
Four years after Russian efforts to sow division in the U.S. , he warned : “ I ’ m not sure that we ’ re any less vulnerable than we once were.
” The new intelligence post comes as Rubio has risen to greater prominence in the Senate since his turbulent 2016 , when he lost the Republican primary to Donald Trump and then decided to run for reelection after originally saying he would retire .
He was tapped as chairman last week when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to temporarily step aside amid a federal investigation into his stock sales .
As Rubio considers whether to run for president again – that ’ s a question he says “ I need to answer in the future ” – he is now working two crucial jobs , at intelligence and also as the chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee , which is trying to resuscitate the spiraling economy .
For the senator , who arrived in Washington on the 2010 tea party wave , the dual gavels offer a prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly his early warnings on China , that are now mainstays of the GOP and on point with Trump ’ s appeal to Americans who feel left behind by the global economy .
“ I do think there ’ s going to be a broader conversation , ” Rubio said about supply chains and domestic manufacturing , “ that ’ s going to have to be part of the new 21st-century economy post-pandemic.
” Now privy to the highest level classified briefings as chairman , Rubio says he can ’ t talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that is ongoing.
“ But he believes the Russian efforts so far have “ succeeded far beyond Putin ’ s wildest dreams.
” By tapping into polarized politics and fanning conspiracy theories , he said , Russia and other foreign actors are like “ lighting a match.
” He also points to China ’ s efforts to deflect its own role in the crisis .
“ The goal is to keep you so divided and fighting with each other that you become dysfunctional and unable to respond to the threat , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chairmanship just as the committee wraps up a three-year investigation into the Russian interference .
The panel has publicly released its endorsement of a 2017 assessment by intelligence agencies that Russia interfered and favoured Trump , a conclusion that Trump has disputed .
It has also laid out Russia ’ s disinformation efforts in detail .
He indicated that the final report , which is undergoing a declassification process , will say there is no evidence of co-ordination between Trump ’ s campaign and Russia .
“ I think our report will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigative efforts that have led to the same conclusion , ” Rubio said .
The House Intelligence Committee similarly said so in a 2018 report , and special counsel Robert Mueller identified substantial contacts between Trump associates and Russia but found insufficient evidence of a criminal conspiracy .
Like most of his Republican colleagues , Rubio has been loath to condemn the president and is unlikely to be a foil , even as Trump has made clear his distaste and distrust for the nation ’ s intelligence agencies .
Rubio is also less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has been generally supportive of Trump but angered many in his own party during the Russia probe when he called Trump ’ s eldest son , Donald Trump Jr. , to testify privately a second time .
Rubio has shown little interest in criticizing Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus , including his refusal to wear a mask in public .
“ I would prefer the president wear a mask for his own good .
I don ’ t want to see the president be infected , ” Rubio said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order of priorities , I think what ’ s more important is that we develop an antiviral , that we develop rapid testing , that our health care systems never become overwhelmed , that we have the ability to test people.
” Still , Rubio has had good relationships with members of the intelligence panel and is close to Virginia Sen. Mark Warner , the top Democrat .
In a statement , Warner said he believes that Rubio has a very “ clear eyed ” view of the threats posed by Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a number of issues together over the years .
As for his own presidential aspirations , Rubio says it would be “ silly ” for him to say that he ’ d never be interested in running again , since he ’ s already run once .
“ I ’ ve learned in the last few years that you can be prepared for the future , but you can ’ t necessarily know exactly what ’ s going to be before you down the road , ” he said .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make when the time comes to make it.
” For now , he says his second term is much more rewarding than his first term , part of which he spent in the minority and all of which was under a Democratic president .
It is rare for a senator to lead two committees , as he is doing .
“ I simply didn ’ t have the ability to influence policy the way I now do , ” Rubio said .
“ And so it just makes the work more fulfilling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes my second term a lot more fun than my first .
”

Mary Clare Jalonick And Lisa Mascaro - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Saudi police: 6 killed in shootout dispute between families

RIYADH , Saudi Arabia - A shootout in a southwestern province in Saudi Arabia that local reports say was sparked @ @ @ @ @ families has killed six people , a police spokesman said Wednesday .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ al-Dabbash , three others were wounded in the violence in Asir province on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ the state-run Saudi Press Agency as saying that the fatalities were all Saudi citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ used in the crime and that prosecutors were investigating Mass shootings are rare in the @ @ @ @ @ official gave no indication the shooting was terror-related .
Local media said the shooting involved @ @ @ @ @ the cause of their dispute was unclear .
It took place in al-Amuwa , a @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Australian police won’t charge reporter after leak probe

CANBERRA , Australia - Australian police said Wednesday that they had decided against charging a journalist over a newspaper article she wrote more than two years ago following a high-profile investigation that triggered a national storm over press freedom .
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said no one would be charged following an investigation that spanned 25 months because of a “ lack of evidence.
” Annika Smethurst ’ s article , citing “ top secret letters ” between the heads of the Defence and Home Affairs departments , reported plans to create new espionage powers that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian citizens for the first time .
It was published in News Corp. Australia ’ s Sunday papers on April 29 , 2018 .
Australian Federal Police responded with raids on Smethurst ’ s Canberra home on June 4 last year with warrants to search her computer , phone and home .
The next day , police raided Australian Broadcasting Corp. ’ s Sydney headquarters over unrelated leaked government documents .
ABC journalists Dan Oakes and Sam Clark — who reported in 2017 that Australian troops had killed unarmed men and children in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still under “ active investigation , ” McCartney said .
The raids brought rival Australian media organizations together to demand more press freedom and guarantees that reporters would not risk jail over public interest journalism .
Media organizations argue that press freedoms have been eroded by more than 70 counterterrorism and security laws passed by Parliament since the 9-11 attacks in the U.S. News Corp. Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said the police decision to drop the case showed why the law reforms championed by Australia ’ s Right to Know media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the burden of proof from the defendant — were sensible and essential .
“ Almost a year has passed since the AFP illegally raided Annika Smethurst ’ s home , ” Miller said in a statement .
“ In that time , Annika has shown great courage , forced to live with the threat of jail for simply doing her job of informing the Australian public on a matter of serious public interest , ” he added .
Critics of the raids suspect they had been long planned by police but delayed until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal election to protect the soon-to-be reelected conservative government from political fallout .
McCartney said the investigations took time because they were “ complex ” and because News Corp. and the ABC challenged in court the legality of search warrants used .
The Federal Court upheld the warrants used against the ABC .
The High Court found in April that the warrant executed at Smethurst ’ s home was invalid , but not illegal .
McCartney said police were able to use evidence seized in both raids on the basis of those court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decisions to investigate and not charge Smethurst were made independent of his government .
“ I find it , I must say , frustrating that it did take that long for the matter to be resolved , ” Porter said .
John Lyon , executive editor of ABC News and head of investigative journalism , said 622 days had passed since police officially informed journalists Oakes and Clark in writing that they were criminal suspects .
Such delays were a tactic to discourage sources as well as journalists from exposing the truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The government and the federal police are essentially saying to the Australian public that if you decide to give information to a journalist , then you risk going through a process that could take 622 days plus , ” Lyon said .
The government has responded to widespread public outcry over the raids by telling police to consider the importance of a free and open press when investigating leaked documents .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Rights group urges inquiry into Philippine drug war killings

GENEVA - Human Rights Watch is calling on the U.N. ’ s top human rights body to launch an independent investigation into the Philippine government ’ s drug war that has left thousands dead , pointing in particular to its harmful effects on children .
The advocacy group made the call alongside Wednesday ’ s launch of a report timed for the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council session next month .
The report highlights the distress and economic troubles faced by many children whose family breadwinners were killed in the violence over nearly the last four years .
The 48-page report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examines the impact of about two dozen killings under President Rodrigo Duterte ’ s drug war .
Some children have been forced to drop out of school , to go to work , and even live in the streets as the government doesn ’ t offer a program to support children left behind by such killings , the rights group said .
“ Filipino children have suffered horribly from President Duterte ’ s decision to unleash the police and their hit men against suspected drug users , ” the group ’ s Philippines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government needs to stop this endless violence that is upending children ’ s lives and direct assistance to the children harmed.
“ Duterte and Philippine police officials did not immediately comment on the report but they have insisted in the past that suspects were gunned down after they fought back during arrests or raids .
The Philippine government maintains it has no policy condoning extrajudicial killings .
Duterte , however , has openly threatened drug traffickers with death and encouraged suspects to be shot when they threaten the lives of law enforcers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ come up at the June Human Rights Council session in Geneva — if coronavirus conditions permit , based on an assessment by Swiss authorities .
Human Rights Watch is calling for an independent international inquiry into the killings .
The Philippines is currently one of the council ’ s 48 member states .
Duterte ’ s government pulled out of the International Criminal Court after it opened a preliminary probe in February 2018 into complaints about the killings .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Missing hikers found after 18 days in New Zealand wilderness

WELLINGTON , New Zealand - Two hikers rescued in the New Zealand wilderness Wednesday got lost in fog and exhausted their food but survived 18 days with only minor injuries , police said .
Jessica O ’ Connor and Dion Reynolds , both 23 , had hiked into the sprawling Kahurangi National Park on May 9 , intending to be gone for about five days , according to police .
But they became lost in fog within the first few days and then ran out of food , police said .
The pair chose to stay in place and were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotted smoke from a fire the hikers had lit .
“ This is a fantastic outcome and one that we were all hoping for , although we were becoming increasingly concerned as the days progressed , “ said police area commander Paul Borrell in a statement .
The pair ’ s disappearance sparked a large search involving 50 people , including five tracking experts , three dog teams and two helicopter crews .
Police said the search was was difficult because the area was remote , rugged and forested .
Bad weather earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised more concerns about the pair ’ s safety .
St John ambulance spokesperson Ngaire Jones said the pair was brought by the helicopter to Nelson Airport where medics found they had only minor injuries .
They were then taken to Nelson Hospital , Jones said .
Police said their condition seemed very good considering their long ordeal .
Another hiker , Heather Simpson , earlier told news organization Stuff that the pair had stopped at her campsite as they set out before continuing to hike alongside a river .
She said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go on an adventure together .
Simpson said the pair was young , fit and experienced in the wilderness , according to Stuff .
She said the hikers told her they had enough food to last several days and they planned to ration it so it would last as long as possible .
At more than 450,000 hectares ( 1.1 million acres ) , the national park is New Zealand ’ s second-largest , and some areas have no trails .
It was one of the locations used in filming “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Smokies non-profit to hold virtual firefly event on YouTube

GATLINBURG , Tenn. - The annual lottery to see the synchronous fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park may @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus , but a Smokies-based non-profit will be offering a virtual firefly event @ @ @ @ @ is collaborating with firefly photographer Radim Schreiber , according to a news release from the @ @ @ @ @ include a short presentation about fireflies followed by footage of synchronous fireflies , blue ghost @ @ @ @ @ native to the Smokies region .
It will take place on Monday at 8 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ in America YouTube channel .
The event is free , although the group is suggesting @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--South African bans on tobacco, liquor amid virus stir debate

JOHANNESBURG - A soccer mom in one of Cape Town ’ s posh suburbs drops off a cardboard box of blankets to a neighbour .
Inside the box are several bottles of red wine .
In Johannesburg ’ s Alexandra township , two men in face masks greet each other on a sunny street .
One has surreptitiously sold the other a pack of cigarettes .
A bootlegging culture has sprung up across South Africa in response to the government ’ s nearly 8-week-old ban on the sale of tobacco and alcohol , part of its strict lockdown to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ ve banned the sale of cigarettes but we ’ re still able to buy them , “ said street vendor Mluleki Mbhele .
” We buy cigarettes in the streets in the black market .
The officials know about it because they themselves continue to smoke.
” Critics describe the prohibitions imposed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as puritanical , hypocritical and unrealistic .
Around the world , only Panama and Sri Lanka are reported to be prohibiting the sale of liquor during the pandemic , while India and Thailand temporarily banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of admissions to hospital emergency rooms from alcohol-related crimes and vehicle accidents have been reduced significantly .
Supporters of the ban on cigarette sales say smoking weakens the respiratory system , which is attacked by the virus .
South Africa has the continent ’ s highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases with over 24,000 .
The virus has spread relatively slowly across Africa , whose 54 countries with a population of 1.3 billion have reported a total of over 115,000 cases .
More than 230,000 South Africans have been arrested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bans on alcohol and tobacco sales , said national police minister Bheki Cele .
“ We have also observed an increase in smuggling of contraband ( liquor and tobacco ) between South Africa ’ s land borders with Botswana , Eswatini , Lesotho , Mozambique and Zimbabwe , as well as the sale of these products in the black market , ” Cele said on May 22 , adding that officials seized alcohol and cigarettes worth Rand 2.67 million ( about $ 148,000 ) in March and April .
At first , South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exporting their wine , causing a loss in international sales .
That restriction was lifted May 1 but the winemakers are still being hurt on lost domestic sales .
That will improve June 1 , when South Africa further eases its lockdown by allowing the sale of alcohol for home consumption on limited days per week .
Pubs and bars will remain closed , prompting criticism that they also should be allowed to sell for home consumption .
The sale of cigarettes will remain banned .
An illegal trade in cigarettes is thriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contraband pack can be the equivalent of $ 6 , nearly three times what it cost before the ban .
South Africa has long had a problem of criminal gangs illegally selling cigarettes , estimated to be in the millions of dollars .
Critics of the bans say the government is losing sales tax revenue for cigarettes and alcohol .
The country ’ s revenue service told lawmakers recently that it had lost more than $ 86 million in tax revenue from the sale of cigarettes and alcohol since the lockdown started in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodstock Brewery has adapted to the ban by using its large vats to cook meals for the city ’ s poor .
The Disoufeng Pub , once a popular Soweto watering hole , has not sold any liquor for nearly eight weeks .
“ It ’ s really sad to be feeling the pain , “ said owner Tobogo Phiri , who reopened its kitchen two weeks ago to sell takeaway food .
Some of his high-roller customers have tried to get him to break the regulations by selling them liquor , promising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 500 .
“ You couldn ’ t even entertain it , “ said Phiri , adding he would not break the law .
” So it ’ s been very , very , very hard .
But one had to be disciplined and just decline every sale .
So we are feeling the pain.
” Other South Africans say they favour the restrictions .
“ Without alcohol , serious crime has gone down , “ said Mphumelelo Mdunge , a Soweto resident .
” And in the hospitals , there are less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people beating their wives and arguments .
All those disagreements have gone down because there ’ s less alcohol .
So I see it as a good thing.
” Mogomotsi Magome in Johannesburg and Gerald Imray in Cape Town contributed .

Andrew Meldrum And Nqobile Ntshangase - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--FBI: Florida man scouted terror targets and attack weapons

ST. PETERSBURG , Fla. - A Florida man is charged with providing material support to the Islamic State extremist group , including attempting to buy multiple weapons and scouting potential targets for an attack in the Tampa Bay area , federal prosecutors said Wednesday .
A criminal complaint charges Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari , a 23-year-old U.S. citizen , with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization .
The charge carries a potential 20-year prison term .
A public defender listed in court records for Al-Azhari said the government ’ s charges in the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist .
“ The allegations misunderstand both the law and the evidence , “ said the public defender , Samuel Landes , in an emailed statement .
“ I ’ m thankful that in this country everyone enjoys a presumption of innocence , and I look forward to Mr. Al-Azhari ’ s day in court before a jury of his peers.
” An FBI affidavit says Al-Azhari was recorded as expressing admiration for Omar Mateen , the deceased shooter at the Orlando Pulse nightclub massacre in 2016 , and even drove there to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation with a confidential informant , the FBI says , Al-Azhari said “ that ’ s how I want to die , to be honest.
” The informant then asked how many people Al-Azhari wanted to kill .
“ I don ’ t want to take four or five , no .
I want to take at least 50 , ” Al-Azhari replied on the recording , according to the affidavit .
“ You know like , brother Omar Mateen in Orlando did .
He took 49 with him.
” The affidavit also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI employee to purchase a variety of guns and silencers , including an AK-47-style rifle .
He was arrested Sunday after taking possession of weapons allegedly to be used in an attack .
“ We are grateful for the hard work and swift action by our law enforcement partners and concerned citizens during this investigation , ” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez , whose district includes Tampa .
“ Their co-ordination and co-operation in this matter allowed us to interrupt a serious threat , without harm to anyone.
” According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets in the Tampa Bay region , including beaches , parks and even the Tampa FBI field office .
He also allegedly rehearsed what he would say when carrying out an attack , some of which was intercepted by electronic surveillance on May 16 .
“ Know America .
Today is your emergency .
Today we kill from you guys like you killed from us , “ he is overheard saying , according to the affidavit .
“ This is a revenge for Muslims.
” Court-ordered searches of Al-Azhari ’ s iPhone also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic State group .
Another video , the FBI says , shows Al-Azhari in a facemask and pointing a gun at presumably someone on the floor .
“ Hey you , get on the floor .
Get on the floor now .
Don ’ t you move , don ’ t you move , I ’ m telling you , I will kill you , “ he says on the video .
Al-Azhari had previously been convicted in Saudi Arabia in 2015 of terror-related crimes , including attempting to join a terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison in Saudi Arabia and then was deported to the U.S. , according to the FBI .
He lived in California and since 2019 in the Tampa area .
A key to the case was an eBay transaction in which Al-Hazhari purchased weapons parts from someone in Texas .
The package was halted by the U.S .
Postal Service and eBay flagged the purchase .
The seller then provided FBI agents with details about the deal and the Postal Service seized the package .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Stranded Colombians plead for COVID-19 airlift out of Brazil

SAO PAULO - Surrounded by boxes , a pile of rice packages and mattresses , José Ávila Saavedra sat on the floor with a thousand-yard stare Wednesday .
For two weeks he has lived inside Sao Paulo ’ s international airport , his life one interminable layover .
Saavedra and more than 200 other Colombians are camping out in the airport in hopes that their plight will prod Colombian authorities in Brazil to charter a humanitarian flight home .
Anything to get them back to Colombia , and far from Latin America ’ s coronavirus hot spot .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do in Brazil .
We want to ask Colombia ’ s president to please help us .
We ’ re only eating thanks to donations , ” Saavedra said .
Saavedra had sold clothes in Sao Paulo , earning enough to support his wife , nephew and 2-year-old daughter .
Then , Sao Paulo state officials ordered a halt to nonessential commerce as part of a lockdown to control the spread of the virus , and he lost his means to obtain and sell merchandise .
Most of the stranded Colombians lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area Wednesday , a few of them on mattresses and others atop cloth sheets or flattened cardboard boxes .
Some stretched out on the bare floor .
Those who were awake said they don ’ t have the more than $ 400 for a flight to Colombia , after having lost their jobs due to the pandemic .
Retail jobs and restaurant work disappeared , they said .
Between March and April , Brazil ’ s economy shed more than a million jobs from the formal sector , according to government data published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months have yet to be reported by the national statistics agency , but are expected to be similarly disastrous .
“ What money we had , we used to pay rent , ” Saavedra said .
“ Now we ’ re out on the street and we want to go home to be with our families.
” The Colombian Embassy in the capital , Brasilia , said in a statement that it had helped 346 Colombians get home on three commercial flights since the onset of the pandemic , but each passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It said Colombia ’ s migration rules prohibit the government from paying for anyone ’ s flight .
“ Considering the risk of being in a non-controlled environment like an airport , a transfer to a municipal hostel has been offered .
However , our fellow citizens have declined , ” the statement said .
The airport said in a statement that it was “ monitoring the situation.
” Sao Paulo is the epicenter of the new coronavirus in Brazil , which is by far the hardest hit country in Latin America .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 6,700 deaths .
By contrast , the entire country of Colombia has reported roughly one quarter the number of cases and just 776 deaths .
The Colombians in the airport are in three separate areas , where they are grouped together in clear violation of social distancing recommendations .
Federal prosecutors in Sao Paulo said in a statement that their condition represents a “ serious case of humanitarian vulnerability.
” Astrid Serna looked at her cellphone ’ s screen while watching her 3-year-old daughter from the corner of her eye .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lying on a mattress .
Serna said she arrived to Brazil two years ago and also made a living selling clothes informally until the pandemic pushed her into unemployment .
“ The only thing we ’ re asking for is help from our government .
We ’ re Colombians , ” Serna said .
“ They need to understand that if we had money , we wouldn ’ t be here.
” ___ Associated Press writer Marcelo de Sousa reported this story from Rio de Janeiro and AP video journalist Tatiana Pollastri @ @ @ @ @

Marcelo De Sousa And Tatiana Pollastri - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Philippine court convicts American of online child abuse

MANILA , Philippines - A Philippine court has sentenced an American to life in prison on charges of sexually exploiting Filipino children using webcams to sell videos , photos and livestreams to buyers abroad , an official said Wednesday .
The conviction of David Timothy Deakin is a strong warning to offenders that “ they could not hide even if they commit sexual exploitation crimes in cyberspace because law enforcers are collaborating worldwide to catch them , “ National Bureau of Investigation official Janet Francisco said .
Judge Irineo Pangilinan Jr. of the regional trial court in northern Pampanga province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sentenced him to life imprisonment and ordered him to pay a fine and indemnify his victims .
The ruling was handed down online Tuesday because of coronavirus quarantine restrictions .
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation provided the information that led to Deakin ’ s arrest in April 2017 in Pampanga ’ s Mabalacat city , Francisco said .
Associated Press journalists were allowed to witness the raid on Deakin ’ s apartment near a red-light district and his arrest .
Francisco , who heads an anti-human trafficking force , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest amount of digital evidence related to online sexual exploitation of children in the country so far .
Her agents also found children ’ s underwear , toddler shoes , cameras , bondage cuffs , fetish ropes , meth pipes and stacks of hard drives and photo albums in Deakin ’ s two-bedroom apartment .
Deakin was originally from Peoria , Illinois , and has been in the Philippines since 2000 .
He told the AP in an interview shortly after his arrest that he didn ’ t make videos of children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Mission said its social workers have helped bring eight of Deakin ’ s victims to recovery and cited one as welcoming his conviction “ because he won ’ t be able to victimize anyone anymore.
” Samson Inocencio Jr. , who heads the IJM in the Philippines , said the justice system should continue protecting vulnerable children who are unsafe during the coronavirus lockdown .
A study released by the group last week said the Philippines has emerged as a global hot spot for online child sexual exploitation , with cases increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to have their own children victimized for the money .
The webcam scheme involves pedophiles in the U.S. , Canada , Europe and Australia who pay facilitators to sexually abuse children , even babies , in the privacy of Philippine homes .
They watch and help direct the abuses through online livestreaming services .
The wide use of English , availability of internet connections and international cash transfer systems have combined with long-entrenched poverty and wide access to vulnerable children to allow many abuses to happen in the Philippines .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Mayor: Officer who put knee on man’s neck should be charged

MINNEAPOLIS - The mayor of Minneapolis called Wednesday for criminal charges against the white police officer seen on video kneeling against the neck of a handcuffed black man who complained that he could not breathe and died in police custody .
Based on the video , Mayor Jacob Frey said officer Derek Chauvin should be charged in the death of George Floyd .
The footage recorded by a bystander shows Chauvin with his knee on Floyd ’ s neck as Floyd gasps for breath on the ground with his face against the pavement .
The officer does not move for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd stops speaking and moving .
“ I ’ ve wrestled with , more than anything else over the last 36 hours , one fundamental question : Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail ?
” said Frey , who is white .
He later added : “ I saw no threat .
I saw nothing that would signal that this kind of force was necessary.
” The day after Floyd died , Chauvin and three other officers were fired — an act that did not stem the flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video shot on Memorial Day outside a convenience store .
Protesters marched more than 2 miles Tuesday to the police precinct in that part of the city , with some damaging property and skirmishing with officers in riot gear who fired tear gas .
The Star Tribune reported more conflict Wednesday night at the same precinct , with some protesters throwing rocks and bottles at police , who responded with rubber bullets and tear gas .
The newspaper also reported looting at a Target store across the street from the station .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s suburban home .
An officer told protesters that Chauvin was not there .
Red cans of paint were earlier spilled on his driveway , and someone wrote “ murderer ” in chalk at the end of his driveway .
No one answered when an Associated Press reporter knocked on the door .
Many activists , citizens and celebrities called for criminal charges before Frey did .
But Floyd ’ s family and the community may have to wait months , if not years , before investigations are complete .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our oppressors , and we must not endanger others during this pandemic , ” Crump said in a statement .
“ We will demand and ultimately force lasting change by shining a light on treatment that is horrific and unacceptable and by winning justice.
” Police Chief Medaria Arradondo , who rose to the top job after his predecessor was forced out following the 2017 shooting of an unarmed white woman by a black Minneapolis officer , urged protesters to “ be respectful.
” He said he was working to change the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can significantly bring people to doubt that , ” he said .
The chief defended the department ’ s use of tear gas to break up Tuesday night ’ s protests , saying officers used it only after some people broke into a secure area that gave them access to squad cars and weapons .
Gov .
Tim Walz and Minnesota ’ s two top law enforcement officials — Attorney General Keith Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington , both black — promised a thorough , transparent investigation .
But Walz and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s call to immediately charge the officer , saying the legal process needs to play out .
“ I understand the emotions are running high , and I think it ’ s important for the mayor to channel the emotion of the people who he represents .
But I think it is critical that we adhere very closely to the facts and the law and the normal process , ” Ellison said .
The Hennepin County Attorney ’ s Office , which would prosecute any state charges , issued a statement saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outraged us and people across the country ” and that the case “ deserves the best we can give.
” The FBI was investigating whether officers willfully deprived Floyd of his civil rights .
Floyd ’ s death and that of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia have reopened the divide between minority communities and police that grew to a national uproar following the 2014 killings of Eric Garner and Michael Brown , the 2015 killing of Freddie Gray and others .
Speaking to reporters at Cape Canaveral , Florida , President Donald Trump called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very sad event “ and said his administration was going to “ look at it.
” Later , he tweeted that he had asked for the federal investigation be expedited .
Democrat Joe Biden said Floyd ’ s death was “ part of an ingrained , systemic cycle of injustice that still exists in this country ” and “ cuts at the very heart of our sacred belief that all Americans are equal in rights.
” It also “ sends a very clear message to the black community and black lives that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Biden added , saying he was glad the mayor and the police department fired the officers , ” but I don ’ t think that ’ s enough.
” A 2017 Pew Research Center study found that police think the public does not understand the risks they face .
A more recent study from September showed police were considered more trustworthy than Congress , but only 33 % of black adults and half of Hispanics say they believe officers treat racial and ethnic groups equally .
Shocking videos of black men dying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is hitting communities of colour harder than white communities .
Floyd himself had been laid off from his nightclub security job in the pandemic , a friend told the AP .
Police say Floyd matched the description of someone who tried to pay with a counterfeit bill at the convenience store .
It was unclear why Floyd was arrested in such a physical way for what would have been a low-level crime .
Police in most large cities have backed away from certain arrests to guard against further spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not wearing masks .
A Minneapolis Fire Department report shows that paramedics moved Floyd from the scene , and two fire crew members got into the ambulance to help .
Medics were doing chest compressions and other lifesaving measures on an “ unresponsive , pulseless male , ” the report said .
Floyd was pronounced dead at a hospital .
An autopsy will be performed to determine if the neck compression led to his death .
News accounts show Chauvin was one of six officers who fired their weapons in the 2006 death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed a sawed-off shotgun at officers after stabbing two people .
Chauvin also shot and wounded a man in 2008 during a struggle after Chauvin and his partner responded to a reported domestic assault .
Police did not immediately respond to a request for Chauvin ’ s service record .
In calling for charges , the mayor contrasted Floyd ’ s death with others involving police that turned on split-second decisions by officers .
“ We are not talking about a split-second decision that was made incorrectly , “ Frey said .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those five minutes — every one of which that officer could have turned back , every second of which he could have removed his knee from George Floyd ’ s neck.
” Long reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Jeff Baenen and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis , Todd Richmond in Madison , Wisconsin , and Kevin Freking in Cape Canaveral , Florida , contributed to this report .

Amy Forliti And Colleen Long - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Nation’s capital set to begin a gradual reopening on Friday

WASHINGTON - The nation ’ s capital will begin a gradual reopening Friday , even as Mayor Muriel Bowser warns that it probably will result in more coronavirus infections .
Restaurants will be permitted to seat guests outdoors , barbers and hair salons will open with limited capacity and nonessential businesses will be allowed to offer curbside or front-door pickup services .
But nail parlours , gyms and public playgrounds will remain closed and gatherings of more than 10 people will be prohibited .
Dog parks , tennis courts and golf courses will reopen , but playground equipment and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve close contact , including football , soccer and basketball , are still banned .
For now , all area business are encouraged to work remotely as much as possible .
Bowser said Wednesday that the public health emergency she declared in March will remain in place .
“ The virus is still in our city , in our region and in our country , ” Bowser said .
“ We know , without a vaccine or a cure , there will be new infections.
” Washington remains an area of concern .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the District of Columbia over the past two weeks , which ranks first in the country for new cases per capita .
Last week , Dr Deborah Birx , co-ordinator of the White House ’ s virus task force , mentioned the district , Chicago and Minneapolis as areas that merited close monitoring .
All told , there have been more than 8,400 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Washington and 445 residents have died .
At the beginnings of the crisis in March , Bowser and the Health Department chief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of metrics that would help determine when to ease the lockdown : new infection cases and the percentage of positive results among those those tested .
But in recent weeks , the city has shifted to a new metric—tracking the exact onset of symptoms in order to determine the state of community transmission .
That metric , they says , has been trending down long enough to justify the transition .
Meanwhile the percentage of positive tests remains much higher ( 19.8 per cent ) than the 5 per cent the health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , working closely with neighbouring counties in Maryland and Virginia , has pursued a more conservative timeline than much of the rest of the nation .
The Virginia counties , which held off when the rest of the state started reopening earlier this month , are now planning their own stage one reopening on Friday .
In the Maryland counties bordering Washington , Prince George ’ s Country is planning to start reopening on June 1 while Montgomery County hasn ’ t yet set a date .
Bowser said she doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embrace the newly relaxed rules .
Some businesses may opt to remain closed and many residents may be slow to change their own pandemic habits .
“ We know people are nervous , ” she said .
“ This is a scary virus “ and they should be nervous .
But others have been chafing under the restrictions , especially as the weather turned warm .
Outside the Brookland Pint restaurant and bar in Washington , manager Asher Conerly , was busy pressure-washing the pavement outside .
He expects to fit about 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he expects it to be packed and raucous as soon as they open on Friday .
“ The public ’ s ready .
They ’ ve been ready , ” Conerly said .
“ It ’ s going to be a celebratory atmosphere and alcohol will be involved .
The hardest part for us will be making sure that people act responsibly and keeping people apart if necessary.
” Conerly said he also plans to abide by a District government suggestion and collect contact information for every customer who enters — just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing from an infection .
“ There will be a signup sheet when you walk in , just like a doctor ’ s office , ” he said .
Bowser had maintained for weeks that the nation ’ s capital wasn ’ t ready even as President Donald Trump openly cajoled governors to reopen faster and encouraged protests against the closures .
Bowser would not speculate on how long the first phase of the reopening plan would last and she said the relaxed restrictions could be “ turned up or turned down ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasis on outdoor restaurant seating , Bowser said her administration is studying establishing pedestrian zones in the streets so restaurants can take up more space on the sidewalk .
Efforts were underway to “ reimagine sidewalks roads and other spaces , ” she said .
Trump ’ s sense of urgency to return to normal may set up a collision course with Bowser ’ s government in the summer .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Tuesday that Trump wants to hold an Independence Day celebration on July 4 and indicated that such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending , ” Deere said .
He added that the event would be both a celebration of the country ’ s independence and a tribute to the American people who have “ shown tremendous courage and spirit in the fight against this global pandemic.
” That plan sparked concerns from a group of area Democratic members of Congress , who wrote Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt .
“ Given the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an event , logistically such an event would be impossible to put on safely , ” said the letter , which was organized by Rep. Don Beyer , D-Va , and signed by 10 other congressional Democrats with constituencies in the capital region .
Bowser on Wednesday refused to comment specifically on Trump ’ s plans .
But she pointed out that the annual Independence Day parade was cancelled weeks ago .
She said discussions were ongoing regarding the safest ways to hold a holiday fireworks display .
“ We ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Interior , ” she said .
“ I am hoping we ’ re going to arrive at a situation that ’ s going to be safest for Washington , D.C. , and any visitors.
” Last year ’ s July Fourth event featured tanks , a military flyover and a Trump speech at the Lincoln Memorial .
The district says it still hasn ’ t been reimbursed by the federal government for security costs related to the event .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Military virus aid could look different if 2nd wave hits

WASHINGTON - Defence Secretary Mark Esper said that as the U.S. military prepares for another potential wave of the coronavirus , it may do things a bit differently , providing more targeted aid for cities and states and possibly shorter quarantine times for troops .
Speaking as he flew back from a trip to the Marine Corps recruit base at Parris Island , South Carolina , Esper said the Pentagon is looking at a variety of plans .
But he said U.S. forces may not be deployed the same way if or when the virus surges in a second large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of smaller bursts .
He also said that the military has already started doing antibody tests on service members who had COVID-19 and recovered , in order to determine if their plasma can be used in others to prevent or treat the virus .
Esper said he spoke with military service leaders the other day and asked if they would be interested in getting units of blood or plasma to send aboard ships or with deployed forces to use as needed .
And he said they all responded that it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken the test to see if he has the virus antibodies but doesn ’ t yet have the results .
Unlike the nasal swab tests being used to diagnose active infections , antibody tests look for blood proteins called antibodies , which the body produces days or weeks after fighting an infection .
The blood test could show if someone had the coronavirus in the recent past , which most experts think gives people some protection .
It ’ s not yet known what antibody level would be needed for immunity or how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with antibodies can still spread the virus .
The Pentagon , Esper said , is also taking a broad look at how best to respond to any future outbreaks .
Noting that a lot of the military aid rushed to communities as the pandemic struck ended up going unused or was used much less than anticipated , he said the military may send medical staff rather than entire hospital ships and Army field hospitals .
The two U.S. Navy hospital ships that went to New York City and Los Angeles , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army field hospitals deployed to other cities also got less use than initially anticipated .
Instead , they ended up pulling doctors and nurses out of those facilities and sending them to local hospitals , where they could bolster overworked and stressed medical staffs .
Saying that he and Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , think the virus may come back in smaller waves , Esper said the result may be that the military may be more likely to provide personal protective equipment and doctors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to assume that the biggest wave that hit is the first wave , we ’ ve demonstrated that we have the hospital capacity , the ventilator capacity , all those other , ” Esper said .
“ If we can handle that first wave , we can handle anything else after that.
” Esper added that Dr. Anthony Fauci , the federal government ’ s top infectious-disease expert , and Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus task force co-ordinator , suggested in a recent Pentagon meeting that a 14-day quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they thought fewer days might work , and the Pentagon is looking at that idea now .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Nevada casinos start luring customers after opening date set

LAS VEGAS - Casinos from Lake Tahoe to Laughlin started announcing plans Wednesday to lure back customers beginning June 4 , with one downtown Las Vegas hotel owner buying more than 1,000 one-way airline tickets to boost interest around the country .
The promotions began the morning after Gov .
Steve Sisolak lifted the casino shut-down order he imposed in mid-March to prevent people from spreading the coronavirus .
“ It ’ s on us , ” Derek Stevens , owner of the D Las Vegas , Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and Circa Sports said in a 30-second video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t require bookings at his properties .
“ Las Vegas needs you.
” Not all properties will open at first and business will probably start slowly , said Virginia Valentine , president of the Nevada Resorts Association .
Nightlife will be limited .
Casino giant MGM Resorts said it will reopen its Bellagio , New York-New York and MGM Grand resorts , and its Signature gambling-free towers .
Caesars Entertainment will reopen Caesars Palace and the Flamingo in Las Vegas and its Harrah ’ s properties in Lake Tahoe and Laughlin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Las Vegas Strip .
Las Vegas Sands Corp. said its Venetian will open first , and its Palazzo tower at a later date .
“ I think it will ramp up as people come back , locals and drive-ins first and then air travel , ” Valentine said .
“ There ’ s been a lot of careful , thoughtful planning going into this reopening .
It ’ s going to be important that we get it right.
” The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at Lake Tahoe began offering rooms for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marking the return of gambling that was shut down statewide for the first time since legalization in 1931 .
Some employers have said their workers will be required to wear facial coverings .
Regulators want masks available and encouraged for customers on request .
Wynn Resorts , which announced plans more than a month ago for thermal imaging of employees and guests at all entrances , said it will open both of its Las Vegas Strip towers beginning June 4 , including beauty salon , barber shop , spa and fitness centre amenities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify if they have a fever , generally registering 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit ( 38 Celsius ) or higher .
The Gaming Control Board said guests will be required to complete a symptoms self-assessment at check-in , and resorts must have a medical professional on site .
Sisolak announced the opening date after learning Tuesday that he ’ d visited a workplace last week where an employee who was not there at the time later test positive for COVID-19 .
He said he has shown no symptoms of the virus and said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35-day decline in the rate of new cases of COVID-19 and said the state is ramping up testing and contact tracing , and has hospital capacity to handle cases that emerge .
Health officials report the virus has infected more than 8,100 people in the state and killed at least 396 , mostly in the Las Vegas area .
Sisolak also approved in-person religious services for up to 50 people starting Friday .
The governor , a Democrat , drew a Trump administration warning this week about his ban on religious gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , U.S. attorney for Nevada , and Eric Dreiband , assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights , commended Sisolak for “ extending religious freedom protections.
” They pledged their co-operation in a joint statement Wednesday “ as we work to balance civil liberties and public safety through the process of reopening.
” Regulators said all front-line resort workers should be screened for COVID-19 before returning from furloughs and plans should be in place to isolate infected visitors .
Acknowledging that outdoor summer temperatures in Las Vegas top 100 degrees , health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100.4-degree ( 38 Celsius ) readings .
Those still with high readings will get additional screening and possible medical referrals .
Casinos will encourage hand-washing and offer hand sanitizer while limiting guests to 50 % of fire code capacity in gambling areas , restaurants and stores .
Swimming pool lounge chairs will be spaced apart .
Gamblers will be limited to three at blackjack and other table games , four at roulette , six at craps .
Some resorts plan to disinfect dice between shooters , clean chips periodically and change card decks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cellphones for touchless check-in , as room keys and to read restaurant menus .
Smoking will still be allowed , the Gaming Control Board said .
The governor said bars , restaurants , convenience and grocery stores with 15 slot machines can resume gambling operations .
Nightclubs , dayclubs , buffets and large venues will remain closed .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks .
Older adults and people with existing health problems can face more severe illness including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people recover .
Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price in Las Vegas and Scott Sonner in Reno contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--New ‘Hunger Games’ book sells more than 500,000 copies

NEW YORK - A decade after the “ Hunger Games ” series had apparently ended , readers were clearly ready for more .
Suzanne Collins ’ “ The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes ” sold more 500,000 copies last week , even as many of the country ’ s bookstores were closed or offering limited service because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The total includes print , e-books and audiobooks , according to Collins ’ publisher , Scholastic .
NPD BookScan , which tracks around 85 per cent of the print market , reported Wednesday that “ Songbirds and Snakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 270,000 copies sold .
Collins ’ book , a prequel to her previous “ Hunger Games ” novels , came 10 years after the author seemingly wrapped up the Dystopian series with “ Mockingjay.
” The Associated Press in a review praised the new novel , released May 19 , as “ mesmerizing ” and called Collins “ a master of building a fascinating world around complex characters.
” The opening for “ Songbirds and Snakes ” was slightly higher than the numbers reported for “ Mockingjay ” in 2010 , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 450,000 .
Collins ’ novels , which also include “ The Hunger Games ” and “ Catching Fire , “ have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and are the basis for a billion dollar movie franchise .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Mexican drug lord pleads poverty in bid to escape arrest

MEXICO CITY - Drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero , a notorious underworld figure who is on the FBI ’ s most wanted list for the murder of a federal agent over three decades ago , said in a legal appeal that he has no money , is too old to work and has no pension .
The odd plea was filed Tuesday by Caro Quintero ’ s lawyer seeking an injunction against his arrest or extradition to the United States for the kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico in 1985 .
The court papers state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he says he is more than 60 years old , is neither retired nor has a pension , and given the fact that he is a fugitive from the law , can not work or perform any activity to earn money.
” The U.S. government says Caro Quintero and his family remain in the drug trade .
After spending years in prison in Mexico , Caro Quintero was freed in 2013 , a decision that angered Washington .
A Mexican federal court has issued a warrant for his re-arrest , but he @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Environmentalists lose bid to halt uranium mine in Arizona

FLAGSTAFF , Ariz. - A federal judge has ruled against environmental groups and a tribe in their bid to keep a uranium mine south of the Grand Canyon from operating .
The Canyon Mine near the national park ’ s South Rim entrance has been on standby for nearly 20 years .
The company that owns it , Energy Fuels Resources , is waiting for uranium prices to rebound before opening it .
Still , environmental groups and the Havasupai Tribe sought to prevent that from happening .
They sued the U.S. Forest Service , arguing the agency failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extracting uranium ore when it reviewed the company ’ s mining claims .
U.S. District Judge David Campbell in Arizona said those costs would have been minimal , considering the Forest Service projected Canyon Mine ’ s profits at a conservative $ 29 million .
“ A drop in profits is not enough to defeat valid existing rights if the mine remains profitable , ” Campbell wrote in a ruling last week .
The environmental groups said Wednesday that they are reviewing the decision and evaluating whether to appeal .
“ Canyon Mine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , ” said Sandy Bahr of the Sierra Club ’ s Grand Canyon Chapter .
“ We do know that .
The risks are significant and the benefits negligible.
” Energy Fuels is among the companies pushing for intervention from the federal government to rescue U.S. uranium mining in a tough global marketplace .
Company spokesman Curtis Moore said Wednesday that Energy Fuels is actively maintaining the site .
“ Energy Fuels will continue to operate the mine responsibly , and we are confident the court ’ s decision will withstand any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokeswoman for Kaibab National Forest did not immediately return a request for comment .
The Canyon Mine lies within a roughly 1,562 square-mile area that was placed off-limits to new mining claims in the Obama administration .
The moratorium outside the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park runs until 2032 but doesn ’ t prevent uranium companies with grandfathered claims from developing them .
The Forest Service concluded in 2012 that Energy Fuels has a valid , existing right to mine near Tusayan .
The Grand Canyon Trust , the Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Havasupai Tribe sued the following year .
The 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals revived a single claim from the lawsuit in 2018 and sent it back to the lower court for a decision on the merits .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Ex-LA council top aide to plead guilty in $1M bribery scheme

LOS ANGELES - A former top aide to Los Angeles City Council member Jose Huizar will plead guilty to a federal racketeering charge in a $ 1 million bribery scheme involving real estate developers , federal prosecutors announced Wednesday .
George Esparza , 33 , agreed to plead to a count of racketeering conspiracy , which could carry a maximum 20-year prison term , according to the U.S. attorney ’ s office .
Esparza left his city job in 2018 .
He currently is chief of staff to California Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo , D-Los Angeles .
In February , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for inappropriate behaviour .
Those were identified as an unwanted hug and kiss from the assemblywoman and coarse sexual comments from Esparza .
Both were ordered to undergo instruction on workplace conduct .
In his plea agreement , Esparza acknowledged that from 2013 to 2018 , he and a council member were involved in a scheme to sell influence to several developers , including the billionaire head of a Chinese company who wanted to build a 77-story skyscraper on downtown land .
Esparza and the council member made more than a dozen trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the billionaire ’ s expense , according to the agreement .
“ Esparza personally accepted at least approximately $ 32,000 in gambling chips , plus flights on private jets and commercial airlines , stays at luxurious hotels , expensive meals and alcohol , spa services , event tickets , and escort services , “ according to a statement from the U.S. attorney ’ s office .
In the plea agreement , Esparza said the Chinese company owner also provided $ 600,000 to help the council member resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also helped negotiate a $ 500,000 cash bribe from another developer to secure the council member ’ s help in pressuring a labour group that opposed a project to end an appeal , thus moving the project forward and saving the developer $ 30 million , according to the plea agreement .
Esparza ’ s boss is only identified in documents as “ Councilmember A ” but prosecutors said Esparza was the member ’ s special assistant and the member chaired the City Council ’ s powerful Planning and Land Use Management Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , when he was stripped of that and other assignments following FBI raids on his home and offices .
Huizar hasn ’ t been arrested or charged with a crime but remains under investigation and colleagues have called on him to resign .
Huizar has refused to make any statements on the matter .
Esparza is the fourth person to agree to plead guilty in the sweeping LA corruption probe .
The others include a real estate developer , political fundraiser and former councilman Mitchell Englander .
Englander is expected to plead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s accused of obstructing an investigation into tens of thousands of dollars in cash , female escort services and other perks .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--US Congress approves China sanctions over ethnic crackdown

WASHINGTON - Congress voted Wednesday to toughen the U.S. response to a brutal Chinese crackdown on ethnic minorities , adding another factor to the increasingly stormy relationship between the two countries .
The House passed a bipartisan bill that would impose sanctions on Chinese officials involved in the mass surveillance and detention of Uighurs and other ethnic groups in the western Xinjiang region , a campaign that has drawn muted international response because of China ’ s influence around the world .
The measure already passed the Senate and needs a signature from President Donald Trump , who said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” consider it amid U.S. anger over China ’ s handling of the coronavirus outbreak and tension over a Chinese plan to restrict civil liberties in Hong Kong .
Both issues emerged , along with other sore points in the China-U.S. relationship , as Republican and Democratic members of Congress spoke in support of the bill .
No one spoke against it , and it passed by a 413-1 vote .
“ Beijing ’ s barbarous actions targeting the Uighur people are an outrage to the collective conscience of the world , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floor speech in support of the bill .
It was the first bill in history to pass with proxy votes after House Democrats , over Republican objections , adopted a measure allowing such votes in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
Congress late last year voted to condemn the crackdown in Xinjiang , where Chinese authorities have detained more than a million people — from mostly Muslim ethnic groups that include Uighurs , Kazakhs and Kyrgyz — in a vast network of detention centres .
This new legislation is intended to increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , such as the Communist Party official who oversees government policy in Xinjiang .
The legislation also requires the U.S. government to report to Congress on violations of human rights in Xinjiang as well as China ’ s acquisition of technology used for mass detention and surveillance .
It also provides for an assessment of the pervasive reports of harassment and threats of Uighurs and other Chinese nationals in the United States .
A provision that would have imposed export restrictions on surveillance and other equipment used in the crackdown was initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in the version that passed in the Senate earlier this month .
Despite the limitations , the legislation amounts to the first concrete step by a government to penalize China over the treatment of the Uighurs since the existence of the mass internment camps became widely known in recent years , said Peter Irwin , a senior program officer at the Uighur Human Rights Project .
“ It signals that a member of the international community is actually taking some steps to address the problem , ” Irwin said .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the international community , particularly the European Union and other powerful blocs of states , to actually take this as a template and pass their own legislation.
” Rep. Michael McCaul , a Texas Republican and chairman of the House China Task Force , called what ’ s happening in Xinjiang a “ cultural genocide ” of Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups .
The passage of the bill with strong bipartisan support would “ show the Chinese Communist Party and the entire world that their treatment of the Muslim Uighurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without serious consequences , ” McCaul said .
China has publicly brushed away criticism of its crackdown in Xinjiang , which it launched in 2014 as the “ Strike Hard Against Violent Extremism ” campaign in a vast resource-rich territory whose inhabitants are largely distinct , culturally and ethnically , from the country ’ s Han Chinese majority .
The Chinese government , when not bristling at criticism of what it sees as an internal matter , has also said the detention camps are vocational training centres .
Uighur activists and human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held are people with advanced degrees and business owners who are influential in their communities and have no need of any special education .
People held in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination , torture , beatings , denial of food and medicine and say they have been prohibited from practicing their religion or speaking their language .
China has denied these accounts but refused to allow independent inspections .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Biden says nation grieves for 100,000 US coronavirus victims

WASHINGTON - Joe Biden released a video Wednesday evening marking the grim U.S. milestone of 100,000 Americans killed by the coronavirus , saying somberly , “ To all of you hurting so badly , I ’ m so sorry for your loss “ and “ This nation grieves with you.
” In the video , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee directly addresses those who have lost relatives and friends .
Evoking the personal tragedies he ’ s faced in his own life , Biden said , “ I think I know what you ’ re feeling.
” “ You feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black hole in the middle of your chest , ” said Biden , who lost his first wife and young daughter in a 1972 car crash and an adult son to cancer in 2015 .
“ It ’ s suffocating.
” Biden was attempting to display compassion in contrast to President Donald Trump , who critics say has shown little empathy and made only passing acknowledgement of the pandemic ’ s death toll — instead focusing on issues like an escalating battle with Twitter for fact-checking a post of his .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch that was delayed by inclement weather on Wednesday and didn ’ t address the nation reaching the death milestone upon returning to Washington .
But the White House said , “ President Trump ’ s prayers for comfort and strength are with all of those grieving the loss of a loved one or friend as a result of this unprecedented plague , and his message to this great nation remains one of resilience , hope and optimism.
“ “ The American people have always been strong and resilient , and the President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and determination every single day to defeat this virus , ” White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement .
The U.S. death toll is a best estimate and almost certainly an undercount because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
There have been more than 5.6 million confirmed cases worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University , and more than 350,000 people globally have died from the virus .
The U.S. has the most reported deaths by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than four months .
In Biden ’ s video , the former vice-president looked directly into the camera and spoke softly from the makeshift basement studio of his Delaware home .
For months , Biden has blamed Trump for inaction and denial in the face of the outbreak that he said drove the American death toll needlessly higher .
In Wednesday ’ s video , Biden didn ’ t mention the president by name but referenced his administration in saying that the nation ’ s loss of life was “ made all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ milestone we should have never reached that could have been avoided.
” Biden also pointed to the tragedy in his own life as he sought to provide comfort to the bereaved families left behind .
“ I can promise you from personal experience , “ he said , reprising a line he used before , “ the day will come when the memory of your loved one will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes.
” “ For all of you who are hurting so badly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your loss , ” Biden said .
“ This nation grieves with you .
Take some solace from the fact we all grieve with you.
” Word of the U.S. surpassing 100,000 deaths from the coronavirus broke as Biden was addressing a virtual fundraiser Wednesday evening .
Rather than reference his campaign ’ s release of the video , however , Biden only sadly shook his head .
During that event , Biden was asked about his ongoing search for a running mate and said that a four-member committee he ’ s selected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his top choices .
Biden said the next step is for him to speak to each candidate personally , followed by a vetting process , “ which takes between six and eight weeks.
“ He had said previously that he hoped to name a running mate by July but on Wednesday suggested that it could be later than that .
“ I hope that , by around the first of August , or in that range , we ’ ll be able to name who ’ s going to be my vice-presidential nominee @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Texas woman arrested for confronting couple with hammer

HOUSTON - A Texas woman accused of using a hammer to threaten a vacationing couple who she mistakenly referred to as Mexican during a profanity-laced tirade in southwest Houston has been arrested .
Police identified the woman as 60-year-old Constance Lynn Bono , KPRC-TV reported .
Bono has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon , a second-degree felony .
If convicted , she could serve up to 20 years in prison .
Arturo Cordovez and his wife , Dr. Lia Franco , said Bono mistaken ; y thought they were Mexican citizens .
Both are originally from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The couple was vacationing in Houston when they noticed a woman following them in a car on Sunday .
Dr. Franco said they proceeded to stop their vehicle on the side of the road .
But Bono stopped too , Arturo Cordovez said .
“ After that , she started showing a hammer through the mirror .
She was shaking her arm ... and cursing at us , I think .
I was thinking , what did I do ?
” The couple called 911 and stopped at a gas station .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ them and started screaming .
“ And we go ‘ what do you want ?
’ ” Dr. Franco said .
“ And she screamed ‘ You Mexicans , get out of my ( expletive ) country .
Go back to your ( expletive ) country.
’ ” Bono then exited her car and appeared to threaten the couple with the hammer .
“ I think she needs help , she needs treatment , but that doesn ’ t justify the fact she needs to follow the laws of her country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge can be elevated to a first-degree felony , if prosecutors think this was a racially motivated attack .
The case is expected to go to a grand jury .
Bono remained jailed Wednesday , and court records do not list an attorney who could speak on her behalf .


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Brazil’s most populous state eyes reopening business in June

Sao Paulo state , the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Brazil , will reopen some of its closed businesses starting June 1 despite a fast growing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases .
Gov .
João Doria said Wednesday that stay-at-home recommendations will remain in effect until June 15 for the state that ’ s home to 46 million people , but some economic activity will resume in regions where daily increase in cases slow and enough intensive-care beds are available .
The businesses allowed to reopen initially under a five-step plan are stores , shopping malls , offices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social distancing and masks will still be necessary .
More than 6,700 people have died because of the new coronavirus in Sao Paulo state , about one fourth of all Brazil ’ s deaths .
The state also confirmed almost 90,000 COVID-19 cases , while Brazil has nearly 400,000 .
Doria has been frequently singled out for criticism by Brazil ’ s President Jair Bolsonaro , who has opposed governors ’ restrictions on activity and urged his supporters to resume normal life .
The move in Sao Paulo is a sign of Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up or impose stricter lockdown .
Several cities in the country ’ s impoverished Northeast region are also planning to reopen after using more restrictive measures .
In the capital of Brasilia , 20 malls and shopping centres were allowed to reopen , but few people showed up at stores .
Brazil ’ s economy , which was already battered before the coronavirus crisis , lost 1.1 million formal jobs in March and April , a report by the federal government said .
The figure is higher than the average monthly job losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South American nation , investment bank Goldman Sachs said .
After Doria ’ s announcement , Sao Paulo state confirmed 289 deaths in the last 24 hours , the second biggest daily figure on record .
The highest was 324 fatalities registered on May 19 .
Only two weeks ago , Doria said he was considering a lockdown to stop the spread , a measure that many analysts deemed to be key to stop the virus .
On Monday he said it was longer under consideration .
Sao Paulo has kept nonessential industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a conscious restart of some activities in Sao Paulo state , ” the governor said in a press conference alongside members of his anti-coronavirus task force .
He added mayors will have the autonomy to implement the suggested changes or not .
Cities of the Sao Paulo metropolitan area and the coast , where contagion is still high , are not yet in a position begin the reopening , the governor said .
Any change to Phast 2 will only be allowed if a region or a city remains with stable figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phase 2 would allow a restart for bars and restaurants and beauty salons .

Mauricio Savarese - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Graham calls Rosenstein as first witness in Russia inquiry

WASHINGTON - Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will testify next week at a Senate committee hearing on the Justice Department ’ s Russia investigation , the committee chairman said Wednesday .
The session Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee is the first in a series of planned oversight hearings focused on the investigation into ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign , said Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C .
The hearings are part of a broader effort by allies of President Donald Trump to call into question decisions and actions made during the Russia investigation .
The Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia probe , and the Trump administration has recently declassified material with an apparent goal of placing Obama administration officials under scrutiny .
Rosenstein is a pivotal figure in the Russia investigation .
He appointed Robert Mueller in May 2017 as special counsel to investigate potential ties between Russia and Trump ’ s campaign , and oversaw much of Mueller ’ s work .
In his first months on the job , Rosenstein also signed off on renewing the FBI ’ s applications to monitor former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page .
Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a December report that the investigation , which started in July 2016 during the Obama administration , was opened for a legitimate basis .
But he also identified serious mistakes and omissions in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications that targeted Page .
Graham said Rosenstein would testify about “ the new revelations contained in the Horowitz report concerning the FISA warrant applications and other matters.
” In a statement , Rosenstein said he was grateful for the opportunity to testify “ about information that has come to light “ related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterintelligence decision-making .
“ During my three decades of service in law enforcement , I learned firsthand that most local , state , and federal law enforcement officers deserve the high confidence people place in them , but also that even the best law enforcement officers make mistakes , and that some engage in wilful misconduct , “ he said .
He added : “ Independent law enforcement investigations , judicial review , and congressional oversight are important checks on the discretion of agents and prosecutors .
We can only hope to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold wrongdoers accountable , and adopt policies to prevent problems from recurring.
“


thetorontostar--2020-05-27--Democrats: White House letter on watchdogs ‘disrespectful’

WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats say a White House letter declaring that President Donald Trump followed the law when he fired multiple inspectors general is inadequate and even disrespectful , escalating a bipartisan fight with Trump over his removal of internal watchdogs .
Michigan Sen. Gary Peters , the top Democrat on the Senate committee that oversees inspectors general , called the White House ’ s explanation “ completely inadequate ” and said it “ fails to provide any legitimate reason for the removal of an inspector general.
’ ’ Now , more than ever , “ the Senate has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these independent agency watchdogs , ’ ’ Peters said in a statement Wednesday , adding that he is working with senators from both parties to strengthen oversight and accountability throughout the federal government .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the White House letter “ dismissive ” and “ a disrespectful slap in the face ” to Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley , a Republican who has long worked to protect inspectors general .
Grassley , a self-appointed defender of inspectors general and congressional oversight , requested that the White House explain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May of the inspectors general for the intelligence community and the State Department .
The response Tuesday from White House counsel Pat Cipollone does not provide those details , instead making the points that Trump has the authority to remove inspectors general , that he appropriately alerted Congress and that he selected qualified officials as replacements .
“ When the President loses confidence in an inspector general , he will exercise his constitutional right and duty to remove that officer — as did President Reagan when he removed inspectors general upon taking office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in office , ” Cipollone wrote .
Grassley said late Tuesday that he was dissatisfied with the White House ’ response .
“ Congress made clear that if the president is going to fire an inspector general , there ought to be a good reason for it , ’ ’ he said .
Grassley , a Trump ally , said he does not dispute Trump ’ s authority under the Constitution to fire an inspector general .
But he said , “ Without sufficient explanation , it ’ s fair to question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inspector general .
If the president has a good reason to remove an inspector general , just tell Congress what it is.
” Democrats and good-government groups fear the Republican president is moving to dismantle a post-Watergate network of watchdogs meant to root out corruption , fraud and other problems inside federal agencies .
“ The White House took five pages to thumb its nose at Congress , ’ ’ said Danielle Brian , executive director of the Project on Government Oversight , a watchdog group .
The letter ’ s blunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest any question whether the current law is adequate .
It is not , ’ ’ Brian said Wednesday .
She called on Congress to approve enhanced protections for inspectors general and impose “ meaningful consequences ” when the president fires an IG without cause .
“ It ’ s time for Congress to stop writing letters and start drafting legislation , ’ ’ Brian said .
Without a strong rebuke from Congress , she added , Trump “ will continue to destroy these watchdogs with abandon.
’ ’ A spokeswoman for Sen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portman has consistently called on the Trump administration to provide more thorough explanations , as required by law , regarding any IG removal .
Portman and Sen. James Lankford , R-Okla. , wrote a letter to Trump last month stressing the importance of inspectors general and declaring that they must be Senate-confirmed , independent and “ empowered ” to conduct audits and investigations .
The tumult over IGs has not been limited to the watchdog offices at the State Department and the intelligence community .
Trump also demoted Glenn Fine from his role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , effectively removing him as head of a special board to oversee auditing of the coronavirus economic relief package .
Fine resigned Tuesday .
And Trump moved to replace the chief watchdog at the Department of Health and Human Services , Christi Grimm , who testified Tuesday that her office was moving ahead with new reports and audits on the department ’ s response to the coronavirus despite Trump ’ s public criticism of her .
Taken together , the moves have raised alarms about efforts to weaken government oversight and possible retaliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the administration .
Michael Atkinson , who was fired as intelligence community inspector general last month , advanced a whistleblower complaint that resulted in the president ’ s impeachment .
Democrats say Steve Linick was fired as State Department inspector general as he was conducting investigations tied to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Grassley , who bristles at criticism that he has gone easy on Trump , also criticized the White House for allowing two acting inspectors general — at the State and Transportation departments — to hold separate jobs within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akard , State ’ s new acting inspector general , also serves as the Senate-confirmed director of the Office of Foreign Missions , where he oversees the treatment of foreign missions and their representatives in the United States .
Howard “ Skip ” Elliott , the new acting inspector general at Transportation , is administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration , a key Transportation agency .
He has pledged to recuse himself from investigations into the pipeline agency .
Grassley said he is working on legislation to block political appointees @ @ @ @ @ @

Matthew Daly And Eric Tucker - The Associated Press