thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Boris Johnson’s top aide accused of flouting lockdown rules

LONDON - The British government faced accusations of hypocrisy on Saturday after the revelation that Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s top adviser , Dominic Cummings , travelled more than 250 miles ( 400 kms ) to his parents ’ house during a nationwide lockdown .
The Guardian and Mirror newspapers reported that Cummings , who lives in London , was seen at the property in Durham , northeast England , at the end of March .
A lockdown that began March 23 stipulated that people should remain at their primary residence , leaving only for essential local errands and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with symptoms was told to completely isolate themselves .
Durham Police said that officers went to a house on March 31 and “ explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel.
” Police did not mention Cummings by name .
Johnson ’ s office said in a statement that Cummings made the trip because his wife was showing coronavirus symptoms , he thought he was likely to also get sick , and relatives had offered to help look after the couple ’ s young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a house “ near to but separate from ” his extended family .
Downing St. said Cummings believed he had behaved “ reasonably and legally.
” Cummings , a contentious figure who has a spiky relationship with the media , was one of the architects of the successful campaign to take Britain out of the European Union , and later was appointed Johnson ’ s top aide .
The government has previously said that Cummings spent some time off work with coronavirus symptoms .
He is one of a slew of senior British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister , who spent three nights in intensive care at a London hospital .
Cummings , 48 , is one of several senior U.K. officials who have been accused of flouting the lockdown rules that they advocated for the rest of the country .
Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson stepped down as government scientific adviser earlier this month after a newspaper disclosed that his girlfriend had crossed London to stay with him during the lockdown .
In April , Catherine Calderwood resigned as Scotland ’ s chief medical officer after twice travelling from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penman , the leader of civil servants union the FDA , said “ the prime minister needs to understand how heartbreaking this lockdown has been for so many families and the sacrifices that have been made up and down the country.
” He said Johnson must explain why “ it looks like there is one rule for those at the centre of government and one rule for rest of the country .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Balcony church gains popularity in Kenya amid pandemic

KIAMBU , Kenya - A groovy rendition of “ He ’ s Got the Whole World in His Hands ” blasts from speakers outside an apartment block in the outskirts of Kenya ’ s capital , Nairobi .
Children , some in diapers , dance on the balconies above , accompanied by their parents , to the tunes bellowed out by Rev .
Paul Machira and a supporting band .
Coronavirus restrictions don ’ t stop Machira in a country where traditional church services have been suspended .
The man who calls himself a “ children ’ s preacher ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Machira has taken his “ Balcony to Balcony “ service on the road since Kenya ’ s first case was found in mid-March .
It has become quite popular , the preacher at the All Saints Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Kenya said .
“ When corona opened its floodgates to Kenya and the world , one of the things that was quickly cut off is the fellowship of believers , “ he said on a recent afternoon .
“ But I also think this is the greatest opportunity that has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have got reason to go out on the streets .
... Jesus sometimes would go to the temple but his main ministry was out in the fields , out in the streets , ” he added .
Many children in Kenya do not have access to church services online , he said .
Machira said the idea for the mobile service came from Lilian Mbere , a Sunday school teacher who had tried get children to sing hymns from their balconies to reduce the monotony of staying at home .
Mbere said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Machira to conduct a service .
“ I have seen a lot of growth in the children , “ she said .
” When I sometimes delay and I am not in my balcony by 2 p.m. , they usually come asking if they are having a service today .
It ’ s like a way of life for now ...
Sometimes when I am in my house I can hear them singing the songs we have taught them.
” Kenya has reported more than 1,000 virus cases .
Restrictions have been uncomfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work daily to feed their families .
Machira said the “ Balcony to Balcony ” service has visited 16 locations so far , and his team has two requirements before arriving .
The housing should have balconies so social distancing measures can be observed .
And everyone at the compound must consent to the service ’ s presence .
“ It has been beautiful , children coming together worshiping God , praising God , and of course that does not happen until all those members of the neighbourhood have agreed to invite us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least once they have been invited to a neighbourhood only to find a member of that community has not consented and they had to leave , he said .
The other challenge has been the weather .
Kenya has been experiencing heavy rainfalls that have led to floods and the deaths of more than 200 people in recent weeks .
One resident , Wanjiru Mbiriri , said it ’ s been difficult for her 2-year-old to adjust to staying at home on Sundays but the “ Balcony to Balcony ” service has restored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the visits to continue because “ they have helped dilute the fear .
”

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thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Top UN official warns malicious emails on rise in pandemic

TANZANIA , Tanzania - The U.N. disarmament chief warned Friday that cyber crime is on the rise , with a 600 % increase in malicious emails during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Izumi Nakamitsu told an informal meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the coronavirus crisis is moving the world toward increased technological innovation and online collaboration .
But she said “ there have also been worrying reports of ( cyber ) attacks against health care organizations and medical research facilities worldwide.
” The high representative for disarmament affairs said growing digital dependency has increased the vulnerability to cyberattacks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack takes place every 39 seconds .
According to the International Telecommunication Union , she said , nearly 90 countries are still only at the early stages of making commitments to cybersecurity .
Nakamitsu said the threat from misusing information and communications technology “ is urgent.
” But she said there is also good news , pointing to some global progress at the United Nations to address the threats by a group of government expert who developed 11 voluntary non-binding norms of responsible state behaviour in the use of such technology .
Estonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose country holds the Security Council presidency and organized Friday ’ s meeting , said the need for “ a secure and functioning cyberspace ” is more pressing than ever .
He condemned cyberattacks targeting hospitals , medical research facilities and other infrastructure , especially during the pandemic .
“ Those attacks are unacceptable , ” Ratas said .
“ It will be important to hold the offenders responsible for their behaviour.
” Russia did not attend the informal council meeting broadcast online , which was the centerpiece of Estonia ’ s council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did , along with about 50 other nations that spoke .
Russia ’ s U.N. Mission said in a statement on its website that it did not attend because Estonia , the U.K. and the U.S. violated “ the established practice ” that all council members attend informal meetings “ regardless of whether they approve or disapprove its topic.
” The three countries did not attend a Russian-sponsored informal meeting on Crimea on Thursday .
All three oppose Russia ’ s seizure and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine .
In March , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s military intelligence of conducting cyberattacks against the government and media websites in Georgia , calling the attacks part of “ a continuing pattern of reckless ... cyberoperations against a number of countries ” that “ clearly contradict Russia ’ s attempts to claim it is a responsible actor in cyberspace.
” Estonia was the target of a massive three-week cyberattack during a dispute with Russia in 2007 over Estonia ’ s removal of the Bronze Soldier Soviet war memorial from the centre of the capital , Tallinn .
The attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political parties , newspapers , banks and companies .
Since then , Estonia has built its cyber defences and become one of the most wired societies in Europe and a pioneer in the development of “ e-government.
” Being highly dependent on computers , it is also highly vulnerable to cyberattack .
Russia has taken on the issue of cybercrime at the United Nations , and won General Assembly approval in December for a resolution that will start the process of drafting a new international treaty to combat cybercrime over objections from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They said it would undermine international co-operation to combat cybercrime .
“ We have witnessed malicious cyber activity that appears designed to undermine the United States and our international partners ’ efforts to protect , assist , and inform the public during this global pandemic , ” Acting U.S. Deputy Ambassador Cherith Norman Chalet told Friday ’ s meeting .
She warned that actions hampering hospital and health care systems that perform critical services “ could have deadly results.
” Russia ’ s U.N. Mission posted the speech it would have delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the world literally finds itself now before a choice between global cyber peace or cyberwarfare.
” Russia said the COVID-19 pandemic introduced dramatic changes to people ’ s lives and showed that the world ’ s dependence on information and telecommunication technologies “ is now unprecedented.
” Moscow accused an “ ` elite ’ minority , ” whose members it did not identify , of actively pursuing “ the militarization of cyberspace by pushing forward the concept of ` preventive military cyber strikes , ’ including against critical infrastructure .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Britain divided over reopening schools as virus rules ease

LONDON - David Waugh is putting down barrier tape and spraying yellow lines on the ground outside the main door of his school near Manchester .
Waugh , who oversees five schools in northwestern England , already has painted yellow arrows to ensure that children follow a one-way path around the building when they return next month from an extended break due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Soft furniture and play equipment have been cordoned off , and desks have been spread apart .
Waugh has stocked up on 7,500 face masks , hundreds of pairs of gloves , hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government says we don ’ t need them , but I certainly couldn ’ t have risked not having them , ” he told The Associated Press .
“ It ’ s the unknown , the utter unknown .
We ’ re taking baby steps forward at the moment , trying to win the hearts and minds of parents and teachers.
” Since March 20 , the coronavirus has forced British schools to close to all but a small number of key workers ’ children and those under social care .
The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools in stages from June 1 .
Those going back first include the youngest — ages 4 to 6 .
Daycare providers also have been told to start welcoming back babies and toddlers from June .
The reopening has divided the country and faced vehement opposition from teachers unions , which say it ’ s too risky for everyone and could cause a spike in infections .
Dozens of local authorities have refused to follow the reopening timetable .
Scotland and Northern Ireland , which have their own governments , are not opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worried parents are texting each other the same question : “ Are you sending your kid back ?
” Justine Roberts , who founded parenting website Mumsnet , said the decision to send the youngest children back first is “ causing bafflement and some anger , and a suspicion that decisions are being driven by the need to get people back to work.
“ Teachers union NASUWT cited a poll of 29,000 members that suggested only 5 % think the plan is safe .
Other unions have told members not to engage with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary Bousted , joint leader of the National Education Union , said the plan is “ simply not safe , it is not fair , it is not feasible.
” Unions say they are unconvinced by the scientific evidence on the topic published by the government .
They also want the tracking and tracing system for those infected to be in place first .
Charlotte Smith , whose 14-year-old son is unaffected by the plan , joined a small protest of the reopening Thursday in Manchester .
She didn ’ t believe administrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing “ that isn ’ t damaging to kids.
” “ There ’ s absolutely no way I would want my kid to go into an environment that ’ s psychologically damaging for them , ” she said .
“ We need to rethink education and we can ’ t do that in two weeks.
” In its guidance to schools , the Education Department said face masks are not recommended in schools , and acknowledged that young children can ’ t be expected to keep the 2-meter ( 6-foot ) social-distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be halved and limited to a maximum of 15 , and that children should be separated into the same small groups .
Waugh ’ s school group , the True Learning Partnership in Cheshire , is doing that and more .
He is planning to split students into “ mini school ” zones , each with separate entrances , daily timetables and play areas .
Meals will be delivered to classrooms .
Teachers ’ desks will be 2-meter “ exclusion zones ” ringed off with tape .
Even the cutlery will be assigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ more than feasible ” to make schools safe , he said , even if it ’ s a “ logistical nightmare.
” English schools will be following those in Denmark , Germany , France and elsewhere that are easing restrictions .
Proponents say the effect of being away from the classroom has been felt keenly by the most disadvantaged families .
A report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies said school closures will almost certainly increase educational inequality .
Wealthier children are spending 30 % more time on home learning during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than those in poorer families and have access to better resources like online tutors , it found .
Working parents , too , are increasingly frustrated about working from home with children .
Sarah Hesz , a mother of three , says that after considering the risks , she plans to send her 5-year-old back to school next month .
“ People are so torn , worried and confused about what is best , ” said Hesz , who works for a childcare app .
“ There is a massive part of me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , to be with their friends again .
At the moment , it ’ s just impossible .
I can ’ t home school my kids and work.
“ But it ’ s a tough sell for many , and one key concern is the risk of infection from children to adults .
The confusion was highlighted when the doctors union , the British Medical Association , first backed teachers who oppose a June 1 reopening , only to change its stance days later .
The BMA said Wednesday that while there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to children is extremely small , there is conflicting evidence about the likelihood of children spreading it to others .
“ A zero-risk approach is not possible , ” it concluded .
“ This is about ‘ safe ’ being an acceptable level of risk.
” Jonathan Van-Tam , the deputy chief medical officer for England , acknowledged that data on how infectious children are is “ pretty sparse.
” “ There are significant welfare and wellbeing issues for children who are out ( of school ) months and months on end .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I accept that , ” he said .
Jane Cooper , who teaches older children at Lostock Hall Primary School , said she was looking forward to seeing her pupils again .
She knows the new normal won ’ t be easy , especially for younger children who want to cuddle or hold hands .
“ We can ’ t really sit next to children and teach them as we normally do , it ’ s not as hands-on teaching , ” she said , adding that her students “ will understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to , and that ’ s a bit sad really .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Israel’s Netanyahu, unbeaten in elections, is going on trial

JERUSALEM - After entering the record books last year as Israel ’ s longest-serving prime minister , Benjamin Netanyahu will once again make history when he becomes the country ’ s first sitting leader to go on trial .
Surrounded by security guards , Netanyahu is set to march into Jerusalem ’ s district court for arraignment on a series of corruption charges on Sunday .
The stunning scene will push Israel into uncharted political and legal territory , launching a process that could ultimately end the career of a leader who has been undefeatable at the ballot box for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with fraud , breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases .
He is accused of accepting expensive gifts , such as cartons of champagne and cigars , from wealthy friends and offering favours to media moguls in exchange for favourable news coverage of him and his family .
In the most serious case , he is accused of promoting legislation that delivered hundreds of millions of dollars of profits to the owner of a major telecom company while wielding behind-the-scenes editorial influence over the firm ’ s popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges , claiming he is the victim of an “ attempted coup ” by overaggressive police , biased prosecutors and a hostile media .
“ It ’ s the classic deep state argument , ” said Gayil Tashir , a political scientist at Israel ’ s Hebrew University .
Netanyahu claims “ an unelected movement is trying to remove him from power just because he is a representative of the right , ” she said .
Netanyahu is not the first Israeli leader to go on trial .
Both former Prime Minister Ehud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prison in the 2010s — Olmert on corruption charges and Katsav for rape .
But they stepped down to fight the charges .
As opposition leader in 2008 , Netanyahu led the calls for Olmert to leave office , famously saying a leader “ up to his neck ” in legal troubles had no business governing a country .
But as the investigations have piled up , culminating with his indictment last November , Netanyahu has changed his tune .
He has rejected calls to resign while repeatedly lashing out at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his favourite targets have been a former police chief and the current attorney general — both Netanyahu appointees — and the country ’ s Supreme Court .
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit recently filed a complaint to police over anonymous threats sent to his mobile phone .
Netanyahu ’ s conspiratorial claims of victimhood have played well with his base of religious and nationalist supporters .
But it is unclear whether they will hold up in court , given the lack of evidence .
In the courtroom , the legal arguments are more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gifts were genuine shows of affection from close friends and that he never received anything in return for the favours he is accused of offering .
The case is expected to last for several years , given the vast number of witnesses and documents that are expected to be presented .
Netanyahu has done his best to avoid this moment .
During a three-year investigation , which was slowed by Netanyahu ’ s trips abroad and occasional security crises , he repeatedly claimed that investigators would “ find nothing because there is nothing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to win parliamentary immunity from prosecution .
In March , his hand-picked justice minister delayed the trial by two months , citing coronavirus restrictions .
This week , judges rejected Netanyahu ’ s request to stay home on Sunday and allow his lawyers to represent him .
Netanyahu had argued that his presence was unnecessary and costly , and that having his security detail in the courtroom would violate social-distancing requirements .
Nonetheless , he enters the courtroom with renewed strength .
After three bruising elections over the past year , Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fourth consecutive term .
All three elections were seen as referendums on his fitness for office , and all ended in deadlock .
After the most recent vote in March , his rival , Benny Gantz , appeared to have mustered enough support in parliament to pass legislation that would have disqualified Netanyahu from serving as prime minister while under indictment .
But in a stunning turnaround , Gantz , citing fears of a fourth expensive election and the coronavirus pandemic , agreed to shelve the legislation and instead form a power-sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared the way for Netanyahu to remain in power .
In a key ruling , it said an indicted politician may serve as prime minister — even though Israeli law requires all other office-holders to resign if charged with a crime .
Under their deal , Netanyahu was forced to yield some powers to Gantz , with each wielding a veto over most key decisions .
Gantz will hold the title of “ alternate prime minister , ” and after 18 months , they will swap jobs .
Tashir , the political scientist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of interest .
Netanyahu made sure he would be involved in the appointments of key officials , including Supreme Court judges and the next attorney general , who could influence any appeals process .
“ Netanyahu ’ s perspective all this year was interfering with his own trial , ” she said .
Under the deal , the alternate prime minister , like the premier , will not be required to resign due to criminal charges .
That could ensure that Netanyahu remains in office throughout his trial and even into a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him the opportunity to continue to attack the legal system .
Netanyahu ’ s eldest son Yair , who often acts as his unofficial spokesman , posted a profile picture on Twitter that spells the word “ prosecution ” with a sewing machine as the first letter .
The message : the case against the prime minister is unfairly “ stitched up.
” Amir Fuchs , a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute , said such attacks on the courts have caused great damage by persuading many Israelis to question the authority and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It might be the most harmful thing that has happened to Israel ’ s democracy , this one and a half years of attacking the whole basis of the rule of law , ” he said .
“ I hope we will have a long rehabilitation from that .
But we ’ re not even in the start of it .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Trump’s disconnect with DC widens during viral pandemic

WASHINGTON - District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser ’ s cellphone rang earlier this week from an unfamiliar number : It was the White House calling to say President Donald Trump wanted to talk .
The president congratulated Washington ’ s mayor on $ 876 million in federal coronavirus relief going to the Washington-area Metro system — money that was welcome but not under the mayor ’ s jurisdiction , instead going to a regional transportation authority .
Bowser used the moment to remind Trump that the District — a city of 700,000 people that includes more than 150,000 federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief money than each of the 50 states because it was classified as a territory at Senate Republicans ’ insistence in the first round of federal relief passed by Congress .
As a candidate , Trump spoke warmly of the nation ’ s capital and said he wanted “ whatever is best ” for its residents .
But over the course of his more than three years in office a disconnect between the president and District of Columbia has emerged .
The public differences have only become more stark during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the District is made whole , and that the District gets what it ’ s owed , ” Bowser said this week after her talk with Trump .
Aides to the mayor said Trump told Bowser her concerns were on his radar , but he made no commitments .
Similarly , Trump told her the issue would be addressed when she initially complained about the matter during a White House conference call with governors in late March .
The pace of reopening after the coronavirus threat shut down activity around the nation also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington and the White House .
While the Trump administration has been pushing state and local governments to speed up reopening , Bowser insisted until recently that local infection numbers didn ’ t justify any relaxation of her stay-home order .
The District is easing its stay-at-home order next week , one of the last jurisdictions to begin reopening .
But city and public health officials warn that the nation ’ s capital will likely take months to fully come back to life .
City officials said it remains unclear if students will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classrooms in the fall .
The guarded approach stands in sharp contrast with comments from Trump , who on Friday demanded that state and local leaders allow houses of worship to reopen “ right now.
” Hours earlier , Bowser stressed it was crucial for residents to remain vigilant .
Houses of worship will be allowed to hold gatherings of up to 10 people in the District ’ s first phase of the reopening .
And just after Trump spoke , Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus task force co-ordinator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , had experienced a long plateau in infections that administration officials were closely monitoring .
The capital city ’ s coronavirus death rate is higher than all but four states : New York , New Jersey , Massachusetts and Connecticut .
“ There is a disconnect , ” said Eleanor Holmes Norton , the District ’ s non-voting delegate in the U.S. House .
“ The White House is looking at the economy and the money , and the mayor is looking at the science first.
” Bowser acknowledges the different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Oval Office .
She stresses that the city ’ s reopening plan is based in part on White House task force guidelines and Washington has consulted with Dr. Anthony Fauci , the federal government ’ s top epidemiologist .
The mayor added that she ’ s been in contact with administration officials , as have other city representatives .
“ We want everything open , “ Bowser said .
” And the way to get everything open is to have a measured and phased approach.
” It wasn ’ t too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2014 , as his company was developing a hotel at the historic Old Post Office building leased from the federal government , Trump donated $ 5,000 to Bowser ’ s DC Proud Inaugural Committee .
Two of Trump ’ s children — Ivanka and Eric — gave $ 2,000 each to the mayor ’ s campaign after she defeated the city ’ s incumbent mayor in the primary that year .
After emerging as the GOP frontrunner in 2016 , Trump said in a “ Meet the Press ” interview that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a decades-long push by District leaders to gain statehood .
“ I would like to do whatever is good for the District of Columbia because I love the people , ” Trump said .
But earlier this month , Trump told the New York Post , “ D.C .
will never be a state.
” “ Why ?
So we can have two more Democratic — Democrat senators and five more congressmen ?
” added Trump , alluding to the city ’ s history of voting overwhelmingly for Democrats .
Neither has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his recent predecessors .
Barack and Michelle Obama enjoyed a string of date nights at city restaurants .
Bill Clinton jogged on the National Mall .
Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter won over some residents by enrolling their daughter , Amy , at a D.C. public school .
Trump ’ s outings in the area have centred on dinners at his own hotel and trips to his golf club in Northern Virginia .
His infrequent forays elsewhere in the District have courted controversy .
Earlier this month , he decided to hold a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lincoln Memorial .
While other presidents have held events on the steps of the memorial , Trump got a federal waiver to sit at the marbled feet of the sixteenth president , generating some grumbling .
In October , Trump attended a World Series game at the Washington Nationals ’ stadium .
When he appeared on ballpark video screens , the D.C. crowd showered him with boos .
Democrats and District activists also complain that the Trump administration has yet to reimburse the city for more than $ 7 million in security costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs for Trump ’ s bulked-up Fourth of July celebration in Washington .
“ Whether it ’ s not paying for the inauguration or his Fourth of July event to shorting D.C. residents in coronavirus relief , he ’ s been clear in his attitude , ” said Bo Shuff , executive director of the statehood advocacy group DC Vote .
“ He just doesn ’ t care about the people of D.C .
”

Aamer Madhani And Ashraf Khalil - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Trump declares churches ‘essential,’ calls on them to reopen

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has labeled churches and other houses of worship as “ essential “ and called on governors nationwide to let them reopen this weekend even though some areas remain under coronavirus lockdown .
The president threatened Friday to “ override ” governors who defy him , but it was unclear what authority he has to do so .
“ Governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now — for this weekend , “ Trump said at a hastily arranged press conference at the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to supersede governors , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said she wouldn ’ t answer a theoretical question .
Trump has been pushing for the country to reopen as he tries to reverse an economic free fall playing out months before he faces reelection .
White evangelical Christians have been among the president ’ s most loyal supporters , and the White House has been careful to attend to their concerns throughout the crisis .
Following Trump ’ s announcement , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely reopen , including recommendations to limit the size of gatherings and consider holding services outdoors or in large , well-ventilated areas .
Public health agencies have generally advised people to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and encouraged Americans to remain 6 feet ( 1.8 metres ) away from others when possible .
Some parts of the country remain under some version of remain-at-home orders .
In-person religious services have been vectors for transmission of the virus .
A person who attended a Mother ’ s Day service at a church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s closure orders later tested positive , exposing more than 180 churchgoers .
And a choir practice at a church in Washington state was labeled by the CDC as an early “ superspreading “ event .
But Trump on Friday stressed the importance of churches in many communities and said he was “ identifying houses of worship — churches , synagogues and mosques — as essential places that provide essential services.
” “ Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential ” but not churches , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ So I ’ m correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential.
“ “ These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united , ” he added .
Dr. Deborah Birx , co-ordinator of the White House coronavirus task force , said faith leaders should be in touch with local health departments and can take steps to mitigate risks , including making sure those who are at high risk of severe complications remain protected .
“ There ’ s a way for us to work together to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we decrease the amount of exposure that anyone would have to an asymptomatic , “ she said .
A person familiar with the White House ’ s thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations said Trump had called the news conference , which had not been on his public schedule , because he wanted to be the face of church reopenings , knowing how well it would play with his political base .
Churches around the country have filed legal challenges opposing virus closures .
In Minnesota , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to lift restrictions on churches , Roman Catholic and some Lutheran leaders said they would defy his ban and resume worship services .
They called the restrictions unconstitutional and unfair since restaurants , malls and bars were allowed limited reopening .
Some hailed the president ’ s move , including Kelly Shackelford , president of the conservative First Liberty Institute .
“ The discrimination that has been occurring against churches and houses of worship has been shocking , “ he said in a statement .
” Americans are going to malls and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to their houses of worship.
” But Rabbi Jack Moline , president of Interfaith Alliance , said it was “ completely irresponsible ” for Trump to call for a mass reopening of houses of worship .
“ Faith is essential and community is necessary ; however , neither requires endangering the people who seek to participate in them , ” he said .
“ The virus does not discriminate between types of gatherings , and neither should the president.
“ Rhode Island Gov .
Gina Raimondo , a Democrat , made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship will not resume in-person services in her state until at least next weekend and said she was skeptical Trump had the authority to impose such a requirement .
“ It ’ s reckless to force them to reopen this weekend .
They ’ re not ready , ” she said .
“ We ’ ve got a good plan .
I ’ m going to stick with it.
” New Hampshire Gov .
Chris Sununu , a Republican , said he would review the federal guidance , while maintaining a decision rests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d love to get to the point where we can get those open , but we ’ ll look at the guidance documents and try to make some decisions rather quickly , depending on what it might say , ” he said .
“ It ’ s the governor ’ s decision , of course.
” The CDC more than a month ago sent the Trump administration documents the agency had drafted outlining specific steps various kinds of organizations , including houses of worship , could follow as they worked to reopen safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet , concerned that the recommendations were too specific and could give the impression the administration was interfering in church operations .
The guidance posted Friday contains most of the same advice as the draft guidance .
It calls for the use of face coverings and recommends keeping worshippers 6 feet from one another and cutting down on singing , which can spread aerosolized drops that carry the virus .
But there are some differences .
The draft guidance discussed reopening in steps .
A first phase would have limited gatherings to video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow in-person gatherings of limited size and only when social distancing precautions could be followed .
The new guidance has no discussion of such phases .
Another difference : The draft guidance said everyone who attends a service should wear a face covering , while the new guidance says masks should be used when social distancing can not be maintained .
Associated Press writers Mike Stobbe and Jonathan Lemire in New York , Philip Marcelo in Boston and Holly Ramer in Concord , N.H. , contributed to this report .

Jill Colvin And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Memorial Day weekend a new test for California in pandemic

LOS ANGELES - Californians entered the Memorial Day weekend with newly expanded options for beachgoing , barbecue and , of course , retail therapy as stay-at-home restrictions eased across much of the state .
Some 45 of 58 counties have received permission to reopen most stores — at least for curbside pickups — and many public spaces by meeting state standards for controlling the coronavirus .
Some saw it as a safety test as the state prepared to celebrate its first major holiday weekend since a statewide order in mid-March clamped down on all but essential trips and businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main reason rates of deaths and hospitalizations have slowed in many counties , and people were urged to keep their masks on and their guard up while enjoying recently reopened bike paths , hiking trails and beaches .
Many Southern California beaches were open only for swimming , running and other activities .
Sunbathing and group activites such as volleyball were prohibited .
Police , lifeguards and other officials were warning people to not forget about the seriousness of the virus as they enjoy their newfound freedom .
“ Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Don ’ t get as close as you can to as many people , ” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said .
“ Don ’ t go out without a mask .
You see people without masks , avoid them.
” “ It ’ s also something that just saves more lives , including , perhaps , your own , ” he said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
Los Angeles County , the state ’ s largest with 10 million people , has been hardest-hit by COVID-19 , with more than 43,000 cases and well over 2,000 deaths .
However , hospitalization and other figures show progress in slowing the spread of infections , health officials said , and Garcetti announced Friday that the Venice Beach bike path was reopening .
Dozens of counties also got the go-ahead to allow some restaurants , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to reopen limited seating .
At the sprawling Liberty Public Market in San Diego , patio seating reopened Friday .
“ I think people are going to be so happy to be able to go back out and not eat out of a plastic container or cardboard box , ” said David Spatafore , who owns the Blue Bridge Hospitality restaurant group .
“ I know I am .
I ’ m over the compost-able clam shell.
” The state is still seeing troubling COVID-19 flare-ups , however .
Imperial County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen a surge .
In Northern California , Santa Cruz County ’ s public health officials were investigating four separate clusters of COVID-19 cases involving family gatherings , including a multi-generational Mother ’ s Day party and a large gathering involving individuals who travelled from out-of-state .
Avoiding temptation might be difficult , however , with forecasts calling for temperatures to heat up over the weekend , reaching into the 90s and even 100 degrees in some inland valleys by Sunday .
On Friday , George Cruz relaxed at an outdoor beach restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face covering rushed by , carrying a tray with a pina colada in a pineapple-shaped cup .
An employee in a face covering stood nearby with cleaning supplies in his gloved hand , ready to sanitize any empty tables .
The odd mix of pumping music , cocktails and health precautions did not seem to deter anyone .
Beach House Grill — known for its ocean views and fire pits — was already filling up on a sunny afternoon less than 24 hours after San Diego County was given permission by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz could only imagine the crowds over the holiday weekend .
“ That ’ s why we decided to come now , ” said the engineer , who was dining with his wife and 6-year-old daughter .
The family planned to stay home .
“ There definitely will be a surplus of people at the beach , ” he said .
“ I just hope everybody is smart about how they go out.
” In San Francisco , officials drew large chalk “ social distancing ” circles on the grass at parks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park has seen large masses of people on sunny weekends , prompting Mayor London Breed to warn that she would shut it down if people weren ’ t more responsible .
Some popular getaway communities , which are suffering economically after more than two months of business shutdowns and stay-away crowds , welcomed visitors .
Big Bear Lake , a couple of hours northeast of Los Angeles , said officials won ’ t enforce Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s COVID-19 safety orders .
But South Lake Tahoe in the northern Sierra Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged non-residents to stay away , concerned that swarms of tourists might spur more COVID-19 cases and overwhelm their medical systems .
“ We would love nothing more than to welcome everyone to Tahoe right now , but that ’ s not the safest way to bring people back , ” City Manager Joe Irvin said in a statement .
“ We need to be responsible and make sure we are doing our part to keep our neighbours safe and Tahoe safe.
” The Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Office warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few hours in the morning and strongly discouraged tourism from the San Francisco Bay Area , Central Valley and Sacramento areas .
North of San Francisco , Humboldt County , home to several parks with majestic redwood trees , was open for residents only .
“ Do not travel into our county , ” Sheriff William Honsal said in a video Thursday .
“ People want to come here , find relief because the temperatures are rising in the valley , coming to the coast , coming to the beach .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county to please stay in your county.
” Associated Press writers Julie Watson in San Diego , John Antczak and Frank Baker in Los Angeles , Juliet Williams in San Francisco and Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Biden says he was too ‘cavalier’ about black voters’ choices

ATLANTA - Joe Biden says he “ should not have been so cavalier ” after he told a prominent black radio host that African Americans who back President Donald Trump “ ain ’ t black.
” The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee quickly moved to address the fallout from his Friday remark , which was interpreted by some as presuming black Americans would vote for him .
In a call with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce that was added to his public schedule , Biden said he would never “ take the African American community for granted.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wise guy , ” Biden said .
“ No one should have to vote for any party based on their race or religion or background.
” That was an acknowledgement of the stinging criticism he received in response to his comments , which he made earlier in the day on “ The Breakfast Club , ” a radio program that is popular in the black community .
The rebukes included allies of Trump ’ s reelection campaign — anxious to go on the offence after weeks of defending the Republican president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some activists who warned that Biden must still court black voters , even if African Americans overwhelmingly oppose the president .
“ None of us can afford for the party or for this campaign to mess this election up , and comments like these are the kinds that frankly either make black voters feel like we ’ re not really valued and people don ’ t care if we show up or not , ” said Alicia Garza , a Black Lives Matter co-founder and principal of Black Futures Lab .
Near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the radio program , host Charlamagne Tha God pressed him on reports that he is considering Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who is white , to be his vice-presidential running mate .
The host told Biden that black voters “ saved your political life in the primaries ” and “ have things they want from you.
” Biden said that “ I guarantee you there are multiple black women being considered .
Multiple.
” A Biden aide then sought to end the interview , prompting the host to say , “ You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Biden responded , “ I do that to black media and white media , ” and said his wife needed to use the television studio .
He then added : “ If you ’ ve got a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or for Trump , then you ain ’ t black.
” Trump ’ s campaign and his allies immediately seized on Biden ’ s comments .
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott , a Trump supporter and the Senate ’ s sole black Republican , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s remarks .
“ I was struck by the condescension and the arrogance in his comments , “ Scott said in a conference call arranged by the Trump campaign .
” I could not believe my ears that he would stoop so low to tell folks what they should do , how they should think and what it means to be black.
” Charlamagne Tha God later said on CNN , “ A black woman running mate is necessary , especially after today.
” He added that the question of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion for black people , not for “ a white man.
” Trump himself has a history of incendiary rhetoric related to race .
When he launched his presidential campaign in 2015 , Trump called many Mexican immigrants “ rapists.
” Campaigning in 2016 , he asked black voters , “ What the hell do you have to lose ?
” In 2017 , he said there are good people on “ both sides ” of the clash in Charlottesville , Virginia , between white supremacists and anti-racist demonstrators that left one counterprotester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private White House meeting on immigration , Trump wondered why the United States was admitting so many immigrants from “ shithole countries ” like African nations .
He also blasted four Democratic congresswomen of colour , saying they hate America and should “ go back ” to where they come from , even though all are U.S. citizens and three were born in the U.S. Black voters helped resurrect Biden ’ s campaign in this year ’ s primaries with a second-place finish in the Nevada caucuses and a resounding win in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started with embarrassing finishes in overwhelmingly white Iowa and New Hampshire .
Sixty-one per cent of black voters supported Biden during the primary season , according to AP VoteCast surveys across 17 states that voted in February and March .
Biden is now seeking to maintain his standing with black voters while building the type of multiracial and multigenerational coalition that twice elected Barack Obama , whom he served as vice-president .
He has already committed to picking a woman as his running mate and is considering several African American contenders who could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also considering candidates such as Klobuchar , who could appeal to white moderates .
There is little chance of a sudden shift in support for Trump among black voters .
A recent Fox News poll shows just 14 % of African Americans who are registered to vote have a favourable opinion of Trump , compared with 84 % who view him unfavourably .
Seventy-five per cent of African American registered voters say they have a favourable view of Biden ; 21 % hold an unfavourable opinion .
There is a risk , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are younger , staying home in November , which could complicate Biden ’ s path to victory in a tight election .
The Breakfast Club is a particularly notable venue for Biden ’ s comments because the program is popular among younger African Americans .
Adrianne Shropshire , executive director of BlackPAC , a national organization that works to mobilize black voters , said many black Americans are loyal Biden supporters .
But she said his comments make it harder to attract people who are on the fence about voting .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what degree did this just turn off those voters and how much more work the rest of us are going to have to do to convince people that it is worth their time and their efforts , ” she said .
Biden ’ s selection of a running mate , along with his pledge to appoint the first black female Supreme Court justice , could help motivate voters .
He ’ s begun vetting vice-presidential contenders , a process he ’ s said will likely last through July .
Several black women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Sen. Kamala Harris , Georgia voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , Florida Rep. Val Demings , Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge and Susan Rice , Obama ’ s former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Stafford reported from Detroit .
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin , Hannah Fingerhut and Will Weissert in Washington contributed to this report .

Bill Barrow And Kat Stafford - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--US intervenes in case challenging Pritzker’s COVID-19  moves

CHICAGO - The U.S. Justice Department intervened Friday in a lawsuit challenging Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
The federal government filed a statement of interest in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis supporting the lawsuit filed by Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey challenging some of Pritzker ’ s actions in response to the pandemic .
The department is also challenging the moving of Bailey ’ s lawsuit to federal court and asserts Pritzker is acting in violation of Illinois law .
“ However well-intended they may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far beyond the scope of the 30-day emergency authority granted to the Governor under Illinois law , ” Steven D. Weinhoeft , U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois , said in a written statement .
“ Even during times of crisis , executive actions undertaken in the name of public safety must be lawful.
” Bailey last month filed the lawsuit challenging Pritzker ’ s order , which included shutting down most businesses and churches .
Clay County Judge Michael McHaney ruled Bailey was not bound by the order .
McHaney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s stay-at-home order in a separate case but didn ’ t issue a statewide temporary restraining order .
Bailey is now attempting to broaden that ruling to make the order invalid for all state residents .
He contends the stay-at-home order is too restrictive and is unnecessarily jeopardizing people ’ s livelihoods .
Bailey ’ s attorney , Thomas G. DeVore , did not immediately return calls for comment .
However , he has accused Pritzker of “ forum shopping ” by sending Bailey ’ s case to federal court just hours before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brief in Clay County Circuit Court .
Attorney General Kwame Raoul ’ s office stated Thursday in its court filing that it was moving the case from state court because it involves U.S. constitutional rights of free religion and due process .
Annie Thompson , a spokeswoman for the office , said Friday that Raoul hand no comment on the Justice Department ’ s action .
Eric Dreiband , assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division , said in a statement that Pritzker owes it to Illinois residents to allow the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s laws allow orders he issued in response to the pandemic .
“ The United States Constitution and state constitutions established a system of divided and limited governmental power , and they did so to secure the blessings of liberty to all people in our country , ” Dreiband said .
McHaney ’ s ruling Friday applied to a lawsuit filed by James Mainer , owner of HCL Deluxe Tan shop .
Mainer sought to have Pritzker ’ s executive order vacated , but McHaney ’ s ruling only exempted Mainer and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 , when the judge will hold a hearing on a permanent injunction .
In a Friday news conference before the ruling , Pritzker said it was clear McHaney “ has his own political agenda .
”

Herbert G. McCann - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Judge demands ICE better explain why it won’t release kids

HOUSTON - A federal judge on Friday criticized the Trump administration ’ s handling of detained immigrant children and families , ordering the government to give the court detailed information about its efforts to quickly release them in the wake of the coronavirus .
U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee on Friday ordered the U.S. government to better explain why it hasn ’ t released some of the approximate 350 parents and children in three family detention centres .
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has come under fire for allegedly asking parents in custody if they would allow their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all three facilities — one in Pennsylvania and two in Texas — were called into short meetings and asked if there were sponsors available to care for their children , lawyers who represent the families reported that late last week .
They were then asked to sign a form .
ICE has declined to release the form .
Gee wrote that she didn ’ t find that ICE officially sought to get those formal waivers , but that officers ’ conversations with detained parents “ caused confusion and unnecessary emotional upheaval and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s legitimate purpose of making continuous individualized inquiries regarding efforts to release minors.
” While some parents reported slightly different details , the lawyers said they broadly believed they were being asked to choose between staying in custody with their children or letting their children leave .
“ They were asking mothers to separate from their 1-year-old infants to go to a sponsor that perhaps had never even met or known the child , ” said Bridget Cambria , executive director of the group ALDEA , which represents families at the ICE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Trump administration again faced allegations that it is trying to separate immigrant families as part of an overall border crackdown .
The separation of immigrant families drew bipartisan condemnation in 2018 when the Trump administration implemented a “ zero tolerance ” policy on southern border crossings .
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement accused advocates of making “ misrepresentations ” and says it remains in compliance with President Donald Trump ’ s June 2018 executive order intended to stop family separation .
In a statement Thursday , the agency said the form was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parole review consistent with the law ” and Gee ’ s previous orders .
“ The court recognized that parents , not the government , should decide whether the juvenile should be released to a sponsor , ” the agency said .
“ To comply with this order , ICE was required to check with each of the juveniles — and their parents — in custody ... to make individual parole determinations with respect to those juveniles.
” In court papers filed May 15 , the government noted more than 170 times that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in detention because the “ parent does not wish to separate.
” It labeled many children as flight risks without providing more specifics .
Gee wrote that she didn ’ t find that ICE officially sought to get those formal waivers , but that officers ’ conversations with detained parents “ caused confusion and unnecessary emotional upheaval and did not appear to serve the agency ’ s legitimate purpose of making continuous individualized inquiries regarding efforts to release minors.
” On Friday , Gee called on the government and advocates to devise a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be released .
Gee oversees a court settlement known as the Flores agreement , which controls how the U.S. is supposed to treat migrant children in its custody .
During the coronavirus pandemic , the U.S. government has imposed an effective ban on the entry of families and children seeking asylum .
It has expelled hundreds of children within a few days of their crossing the border with Mexico instead of turning them over to government facilities designed to care for them , as normally required by federal law .
The agency says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres within 20 days , the general limit under the Flores settlement for holding children in a secure facility .
But many families currently in custody have been detained for months , some since last year .
Advocates contend that ICE should release all families from detention especially as the coronavirus has spread rapidly through immigration detention , with more than 1,100 people contracting COVID-19 and a positive test rate of about 50 % .
At ICE ’ s largest family detention centre in Dilley , Texas , the detainees include a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems , and several children with heart murmurs , according to Shalyn Fluharty , director of the legal group Proyecto Dilley .
ICE says it has released hundreds of people deemed to have heightened exposure to the virus , though it has contested lawsuits across the country demanding the releases of others .
The Trump administration is also currently appealing Gee ’ s order last year stopping it from terminating the Flores agreement .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--San Francisco sanctions once-shunned homeless encampments

San Francisco is joining other U.S. cities in authorizing homeless tent encampments in response to the coronavirus pandemic , a move officials have long resisted but are now reluctantly embracing to safeguard homeless people .
About 80 tents are now neatly spaced out on a wide street near San Francisco City Hall as part of a “ safe sleeping village “ opened last week .
The area between the city ’ s central library and its Asian Art Museum is fenced off to outsiders , monitored around the clock and provides meals , showers , clean water and trash pickup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second one to open in the famed Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood , San Francisco ’ s mayor acknowledged that she didn ’ t want to approve tents , but having unregulated tents mushroom on sidewalks was neither safe nor fair .
“ So while in normal times I would say that we should focus on bringing people inside and not sanctioning tent encampments , we frankly do not have many other options right now , ” she said in a tweet last week .
Nicholas Woodward , 37 , is camping at the safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferred sleeping in his tent before the city stepped in ; he finds the fencing belittling and the rules too controlling .
His friend , Nathan Rice , 32 , said he ’ d much rather have a hotel room than a tent on a sidewalk , even if the city is providing clean water and food .
“ I hear it on the news , hear it from people here that they ’ re going to be getting us hotel rooms , ” he said .
“ That ’ s what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe inside.
” San Francisco has moved 1,300 homeless people into hotel rooms and RVs as part of a statewide program to shelter vulnerable people but the mayor has been criticized for moving too slowly .
She has said she is not inclined to move all the city ’ s estimated 8,000 homeless into hotels , despite complaints from advocates who say overcrowded tents are a public health disaster .
San Francisco is just the latest city to authorize encampments as shelters across the country move to thin bed counts so homeless people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus due to poor health , have more room to keep apart .
Santa Rosa in Sonoma County welcomed people this week to its first managed encampment with roughly 70 blue tents .
Portland , Oregon , has three homeless camps with city-provided sleeping bags and tents , and Maricopa County opened two parking lots to homeless campers in Phoenix .
San Francisco officials have historically frowned upon mini tent cities and routinely rounded up tents on city streets .
But with an estimated 150,000 homeless people in California , most of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s impossible to stamp out the highly visible tents along highways and on crowded urban sidewalks .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that officials not disturb tent encampments during the coronavirus pandemic unless people are given individual hotel rooms , as homeless advocates want to see .
Those advocates say providing a safe space where people can get meals , use a toilet and avoid harassing passers-by is a reasonable option given the times .
“ The best , best option would be housing .
The second-best option would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t do that and we ’ re going to have so many people outside then I think it makes sense ... to make those outside as safe as can be , ” said Dr. Margot Kushel , director of the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California , San Francisco .
But Nan Roman , president and CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness , said the federal government is providing an astonishing amount of money to battle the pandemic and she hopes cities and counties use it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motels and other unused places .
“ It ’ s almost like we ’ re giving ourselves permission that it ’ s OK that people will sleep outside , and once we ’ ve given ourselves that permission , it ’ s very difficult to get the initiative together to do otherwise , “ she said .
Still , government-sanctioned tent camps may be here to stay , at least until a coronavirus vaccine is distributed .
At the urging of San Francisco Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer , the city ’ s parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inventory of open spaces that might be suitable for tent camps .
She said sidewalk space is a coveted commodity for retailers , given coronavirus restrictions , and the city ’ s strategy of adding more shelter beds doesn ’ t make sense with a contagious virus .
” It is just a new world that we ’ re living in , “ she said , “ and it ’ s going to have to be our new normal .
”

Janie Har And Terence Chea - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Venezuelan high court orders DirecTV property seized

CARACAS , Venezuela - Venezuela ’ s high court ordered the immediate seizure of all DirecTV property Friday , days after the U.S. company abandoned its services in the South American nation , citing U.S. sanctions .
The Supreme Court ruling told the nation ’ s telecommunications agency to seize satellite dishes and office space at transmission centres .
It also said DirecTV programming should immediately return to the airwaves , in an order that was not likely to be heeded .
Dallas-based AT & T on Tuesday cut off pay TV services in Venezuela , saying U.S. sanctions prohibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is required to carry by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro .
However , pro-Maduro lawmaker María Alejandra Díaz said the company is legally bound to uphold its programming .
“ DirecTV unilaterally and illegally suspended the right to freedom of expression and communication for almost 10 million Venezuelans , ” Díaz said outside the court .
“ It is not true to say that DirecTV could not comply with internal regulations.
” The abrupt move cutting off entertainment , news and sports channels , sparked widespread protests at least two nights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their windows across the capital of Caracas banging pots and pans .
“ I want my DirecTV , ” some shouted amid chants against Maduro .
Venezuelans have been ordered to stay home on quarantine since mid-March to stop the spread of the new coronavirus , which officials say has killed at least 10 people and sickened hundreds .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took a poke at Maduro over the issue Friday , saying on Twitter : “ Why can ’ t Venezuelans watch Fútbol Total ?
Because Nicolás Maduro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their money is more important than allowing ten million citizens access to uncensored information.
” DirecTV on Friday did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press .
It explained its decision to cut services in a statement Tuesday .
“ Because it is impossible for AT & T ’ s DIRECTV unit to comply with the legal requirements of both countries , AT & T was forced to close its pay TV operations in Venezuela , a decision that was made by the company ’ s U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowledge of the DIRECTV Venezuela team , ” the statement said .
AT & T has a 44 % share of the pay TV market and its departure is likely to hit larger cities and the interior that depend on DirecTV for access to information and entertainment .
AT & T joins a number of other U.S. companies — General Motors , Kellogg and Kimberly-Clark — that have abandoned Venezuela due to shrinking sales , government threats and the risk of U.S. sanctions .
Around 700 Venezuelans depended on the unit for employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made money from its Venezuelan operations for years due to strict government controls that keep the price of its packages artificially low — a few pennies per month .
The situation has become so dire that DirecTV in 2012 stopped importing set-top boxes , choking its growth .
In 2015 , it wrote down its assets in the country by $ 1.1 billion .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Mexico cancels soccer season because of coronavirus pandemic

MEXICO CITY - Mexico ’ s Liga MX cancelled the remainder of its spring season without crowning a champion for the first time , a decision caused by the new coronavirus pandemic .
Teams had played 10 of the Clausura ’ s 17 dates before suspending play March 15 .
The league said in a statement Friday that restrictions caused by the health emergency made it impossible to continue without putting people at risk .
“ It ’ s indisputable that we live in an unprecedented situation in this country that obliges the soccer industry in Mexico to act with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the demands that have presented themselves , ” the statement said .
Some teams had begun testing players for COVID-19 as a step toward resuming the season , most likely in stadiums without fans .
Twelve players from Santos Laguna in the northern city of Torreon tested positive this week .
Cruz Azul , seeking its first league title since 1997 , finished with 22 points and a one-point lead over second-place León , which joined Cruz Azul in qualifying for the next CONCACAF Champions League .
Santos Laguna and América were next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the leading scored with nine goals .
The women ’ s professional season was also cancelled .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Ex-congressman Allen West of Florida injured in Texas crash

WACO , Texas - Former U.S. Rep. Allen West of Florida was injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday in Texas @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Facebook that his motorcycle was hit outside Waco and he was in the @ @ @ @ @ my way to hospital now , ” Angela Graham-West wrote Saturday evening .
She did @ @ @ @ @ about his condition .
The Dallas Morning News reported that West attended a rally Saturday @ @ @ @ @ that was focused on reopening the state amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Former state Sen. @ @ @ @ @ West got in the accident on the way back from the rally .
West , @ @ @ @ @ Florida to Texas after leaving Congress in 2013 .
He served one term and once @ @ @ @ @ ’ s impeachment .
West is running for chair of the Republican Party of Texas @


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Report: Plane weight, broken part caused fatal crash in 2018

PHOENIX - A plane with six people aboard crashed in Arizona in 2018 because it was overweight and had an undetected engine problem , preventing it from climbing after takeoff on a flight to metro Las Vegas , according to a federal agency ’ s report .
The two pilots and four passengers on the plane were all killed in the April 9 , 2018 , crash near Scottsdale Airport because the pilot during the initial climb “ was unable to maintain airspeed which resulted in a loss of control , “ the National Transportation Safety Board said in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report released April 6 by the safety agency had said the single-engine Piper PA-24 Comanche was overweight from a combination of occupants , baggage and fuel .
It banked left and then crashed onto a golf course 70 seconds after takeoff .
The final report said an examination of the wreckage found a broken spring on a cylinder valve that surface damage indicated had failed at some point before the crash and had gone undetected .
“ It is likely that the failure reduced the available engine power that , although undetectable during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the overloaded condition of the accident flight.
“ ” The report said the plane was 135 pounds ( 61.2 kilograms ) over its weight limit of 3,200 pounds ( 1,451 kilograms ) and its centre of gravity was more than 2 inches ( 5 centimetres ) too far back in the plane , reducing its stability during flight .
The factual report also said an autopsy found that student pilot James Pedroza had remnants of the illegal drug known as ecstasy and metabolic remnants of cocaine in his system , but the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use , not use immediately before the crash , and “ were not a factor in this accident.
” An autopsy found no drugs in instructor pilot Erik Valente ’ s system , according to the NTSB .
He was described as an experienced airline transport pilot and flight instructor who flew the plane to Scottsdale from North Las Vegas to pick up Pedroza and four passengers .
According to the report , investigators couldn ’ t determine which pilot was working the controls when the crash occurred .
Passengers killed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anand Patel , internet model Mariah Coogan , Helena Lagos and Iris Carolina Rodriguez Garcia .
Two lawsuits over the crash have been filed in Las Vegas .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Holiday amid pandemic: Americans divided on how to respond

NEW YORK - President Donald Trump played golf at one of his courses Saturday during the Memorial Day weekend as he urged U.S. states to reopen after coronavirus-related lockdowns .
Yet many Americans remained cautious as the number of confirmed cases nationwide passed 1.6 million .
In California , where many businesses and recreational activities are reopening , officials in Los Angeles County said they would maintain tight restrictions until July 4 .
Some religious leaders took issue with Trump ’ s declaration that houses of worship are “ essential ” and should resume in-person services this weekend .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in order to protect our flock , we advise that congregations remain closed until more accurate and uniform information is provided , ” said Bishop Paul Egensteiner , who oversees the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ’ s congregations in the hard-hit New York City region .
Statewide , New York reported its lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths — 84 — in many weeks in what Gov .
Andrew Cuomo described as a critical benchmark .
The daily death tally peaked at 799 on April 8 .
“ For me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re making real progress , ” Cuomo said .
Rain dampened the start of the holiday weekend in the northeastern U.S. , where newly reopened beaches were expected to attract throngs of people and test the effectiveness of social distancing rules .
At Orchard Beach in the Bronx , which was crowded a weekend earlier , parking lots were mostly empty except for large puddles .
To the south , Trump played golf at one of his private clubs for the first time during the pandemic — the Trump National Golf Club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for state and local leaders to fully reopen after months of closures and tight restrictions .
Parts of New Orleans stirred to back life , with some restaurants and businesses opening for the first time in over two months .
Some remained closed , especially in the French Quarter , which relies largely on tourist dollars .
At least a few out-of-towners trickled in .
Greer Falls of Augusta , Georgia , wore a mask as he entered the Royal House restaurant for lunch .
After weeks at home , he said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and didn ’ t want to miss a birthday celebration with friends he ’ s known for decades .
Some amusement parks , such as Mt .
Olympus in the Wisconsin Dells and Lagoon amusement park in Farmington , Utah , opened for the first time in months .
The Facebook sites for both parks were flooded with comments from visitors excited to ride go-karts or roller coasters , though some complained about Lagoon ’ s policy of requiring masks .
Andrew Young , 29 , said Lagoon has been a lifelong summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be open Saturday , he went online immediately to make a reservation for himself , his wife and 2-year-old daughter .
Because a limited number of people were allowed entry , they found short lines and there always seemed to be just one other family on each ride .
There were also sanitation stations and other measures to keep people distanced and feeling safe .
“ It was a lot of fun , “ Young said .
” Finally going , having some feeling of normalcy .
... We had a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixed news .
New coronavirus cases reported in China were zero Saturday for the first time since the outbreak began but surged in India and overwhelmed hospitals across Latin America .
Many governments are easing restrictions as they face a political backlash and historic economic recessions .
In just a few months , the pandemic has killed at least 340,000 people worldwide and infected about 5.3 million , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
As the United States closed in on 100,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths , the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo-less front page to a list of nearly 1,000 names of pandemic victims with a few words in memorial for each , culled from obituaries published around the country .
“ Continued on Page 12 , ” it read at bottom right .
Turkey , which has recorded over 155,000 infections , imposed its toughest lockdown measures yet for the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan .
Yemen ’ s Houthi rebels urged believers to use masks and stay inside , as authorities try to contain infections at a time usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Germany , which has drawn praise for its handling of the virus , seven people appear to have been infected at a restaurant in the northwest of the country .
It would be the first such known case since restaurants started reopening two weeks ago .
And in Frankfurt , more than 40 people tested positive after a church service of the Evangelical Christian Baptist congregation May 10 .
A church leader said the congregation has cancelled gatherings and is now holding services online .
Authorities in nearby Hanau called off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a precaution .
Religious events helped spread the virus early in the pandemic ; resuming such gatherings is an especially thorny issue .
Mindful of evangelical Christians who are key to his base ahead of November ’ s election , Trump on Friday called houses of worship “ essential ” and urged governors to let them reopen this weekend .
However , leaders of many denominations said they plan to move gradually and cautiously .
In Minnesota , Gov .
Tim Walz said he is scrapping a 10-person limit on gatherings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % occupancy if safety guidelines are met .
Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis welcomed the change but said priests should not reopen their churches if they can ’ t comply with safety measures .
France allowed in-person services to resume Saturday after a legal challenge to a ban on gatherings in places of worship .
One of the world ’ s major pilgrimage sites is reopening Sunday : the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem , built on the site where Christians believe Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latin America is the latest epicenter of the virus , and experts note the limitations of government action in a region where millions have informal jobs and many police forces are unable to enforce restrictions .
Brazil and Mexico reported record numbers of infections and deaths almost daily this week , fueling criticism of their presidents for limited lockdowns .
But infections also rose and intensive care units were swamped in Peru , Chile and Ecuador , all lauded for imposing early and aggressive business shutdowns and quarantines .
Concerns are rising in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record jump Saturday , topping 6,000 for a second consecutive day as a two-month lockdown has eased .
While some countries are facing a second wave of infections , badly hit Russia is still struggling with its first and reported more than 9,000 new cases Saturday .
Forliti reported from Minneapolis , and Moulson from Berlin .
Associated Press writers around the world contributed .

David Crary, Amy Forliti And Geir Moulson - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Former PNG prime minister arrested over corruption charges

PORT MORESBY , Papua New Guinea - The former prime minister of Papua New Guinea has been arrested and taken in for questioning over alleged misappropriation and corruption involving the purchase of two generators from Israel .
Peter O ’ Neill was arrested by police at Jackson ’ s International Airport in Port Moresby on Saturday after flying back from Brisbane , Australia , where he had been stranded because of COVID-19 lockdowns .
He was later released on bail and will spend two weeks in isolation at his home due to the same virus restrictions .
O ’ Neill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before quitting in 2019 after a number of resignations from his government .
Police said the investigation involves the purchase of the two power generators from Israel for 50 million kina ( $ 14.2 million ) when O ’ Neill was leading the country .
In a statement quoted by the Australian Broadcasting Corp. , police official Hodges Ette alleged O ’ Neill directed payments for the purchase of the generators without approval of parliament and without a tender process .
Ette said police believe “ there is reasonable evidence of offences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption.
” Police attempted to arrest O ’ Neill in October over a different issue but they withdrew the charge when O ’ Neill challenged its validity in court .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Iranian ships approach Venezuela with no sign of US threat

CARACAS , Venezuela - The first of five tankers loaded with gasoline sent from Iran approached Venezuelan waters late Saturday , expected to temporarily ease the South American nation ’ s fuel crunch while defying Trump administration sanctions targeting the two U.S. foes .
The oil tanker Fortune encountered no immediate signs of U.S. interference as it eased through Caribbean waters toward the Venezuelan coast and Venezuelan officials celebrated the arrival .
“ Iran and Venezuela have always supported each other in times of difficulty , ” Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted .
“ Today , the first ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tanker and four behind it were finishing a high seas journey amid a burgeoning relationship between Iran and Venezuela , both of which Washington says are ruled by repressive regimes .
Russ Dallen , head of the Miami-based investment firm Caracas Capital Markets , confirmed the Fortune ’ s location using ship tracking technology .
He said the next ship was about 3 1/2 days behind the lead tanker .
Venezuela sits atop the world ’ s largest oil reserves , but it must import gasoline because production has crashed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mismanagement by the socialist administration amid an economic crisis that has led to huge migration by Venezuelans seeking to escape poverty , shortages of basic goods and crime .
The Iranian tankers hold what analysts estimate to be enough gasoline to supply Venezuela for two to three weeks .
Deep gasoline shortages have plagued Venezuela for years , though the problem had until recently largely spared the capital of Caracas , the largest population centre and political seat .
Drivers must wait for days in lines that snake through neighbourhood to fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a penny for a tank .
Wealthier drivers with U.S. dollars turn to the black market , where gas costs up to $ 12 a gallon .
That ’ s a small fortune in Venezuela , where the monthly minimum wage equals less than $ 5 .
The U.S. accuses Iran and other nations of propping up Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro .
It ’ s among nearly 60 nations that back opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela ’ s legitimate president , contending that Maduro illegitimately won a 2018 election that banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new relationship between Caracas and Tehran , Iran recently also flew shipments of a key chemical needed to help jump start a Venezuelan oil refinery and produce gasoline .
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Saturday that the United States should not to interfere with the shipment of oil bound for Venezuela .
In a statement , Rouhani said that the U.S. had created “ unacceptable conditions ” in different parts of the world , but that Iran would “ by no means ” be the one to initiate conflict .
“ If our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world face any problems caused by the Americans , they will face problems as well , ” he added .
“ We hope the Americans will not make a mistake.
” U.S. officials had announced no plans to try to intercept Iran ’ s tankers .
However , the Trump administration has increased pressure on Maduro , recently offered a $ 15 million bounty for his arrest after a U.S. court indicted him as a narcotrafficker .
The U.S. also recently deployed a force of ships , including Navy destroyers and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what U.S. officials call a drug interdiction mission .
The Maduro government considers it a direct threat .
Maduro holds on to power with support from Venezuela ’ s military and his international allies , also including Cuba , Russia , and China .
The U.S. says these nations are engaged in “ malign activities and meddling ” around the world .
“ We will not abide by their support of the illegitimate and tyrannical regime of Nicolás Maduro , ” the Trump administration said in a statement , citing its “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader .
“ Will continue until Maduro ’ s hold on Venezuela is over.
” A defiant Maduro appeared on state TV days ahead of the ships ’ arrivals , vowing a tough response to any U.S. aggression against the Iranian tankers .
He showed images of soldiers firing antiaircraft missiles streaking across the Caribbean .
“ They want to enslave us , ” Maduro said Thursday .
“ If you want peace , you must be prepared to defend it.
” Maduro ’ s defence minister , Vladimir Padrino López , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the five Iranian tankers , escorting them with ships and planes through the nation ’ s maritime territory and into port .
Eric Farnsworth , vice-president of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society research centre , said he didn ’ t expect the U.S. would act against the Iranian tankers .
Such an act could too easily escalate , he said , especially in the Persian Gulf where Iran could retaliate against U.S. ships .
“ ( That ) would needlessly undermine the narrative that Venezuela , with the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to import gasoline from Iran of all places because they have become such an international pariah , ” Farnsworth said .
“ If they don ’ t , Caracas claims a great victory for the fatherland and tries to portray the U.S. as impotent .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Kodiak City residents feel moderate earthquake in region

KODIAK CITY , Alaska - People in Kodiak City reported early Saturday that they felt a moderate earthquake that struck @ @ @ @ @ the Alaska Earthquake Center reported .
The magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit at 12:52 a.m. Saturday @ @ @ @ @ was 58 miles ( 94 km ) south of Akhiok and 140 miles southwest of @ @ @ @ @ about 6,000 residents , the centre said .
The earthquake had a depth of 5 @ @ @ @ @ )


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Restrictions eased while virus deaths decline in New York

New Yorkers experiencing cabin fever after two months of coronavirus quarantine received an unexpected reprieve when Gov .
Andrew Cuomo eased the state ’ s ban on gatherings in time for the Memorial Day weekend .
But beachgoers faced inclement weather Saturday that dampened crowds .
A look at those and other coronavirus developments in New York : New York state on Saturday reported its lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths — 84 — in weeks in what Cuomo described as a critical benchmark .
The daily death tally peaked at 799 on April 8 .
Reducing the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 seemed almost impossible several weeks ago , the governor said .
That figure , considered a lagging indicator , has remained stubbornly high even amid other signs of encouragement .
“ In my head , I was always looking to get under 100 , ” Cuomo said .
“ For me , it ’ s a sign that we ’ re making real progress.
” The number of hospitalized patients also continued to fall , dropping to over 4,600 .
Cuomo announced that the Mid-Hudson region — the area along the Hudson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south of Albany — is set to begin reopening on Tuesday , and Long Island could follow suit Wednesday .
Cuomo signed an order late Friday allowing people to assemble in groups of as many as 10 as long as they stay at least 6 feet from other people and wear masks when they can ’ t maintain that distance .
The surprise order came hours after the New York Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit challenging earlier rules allowing gatherings only for religious services and Memorial Day commemorations .
The NYCLU argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended to people gathering for other reasons .
Cuomo ’ s move could clear the way for New Yorkers to picnic together in parks and backyards — if they don ’ t get too close to their friends .
They can also head to New York City beaches this weekend , but they shouldn ’ t expect to get in the water , and they ’ d better be wearing a mask .
While beaches elsewhere in the region will be open for swimming , Mayor Bill de Blasio has said swimming is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches and may not be all summer .
“ I ’ ve been really clear about the beaches ; they are closed for swimming , ” de Blasio said Friday at his daily coronavirus briefing .
“ There will not be lifeguards .
People are not supposed to go to the beach to swim.
” The danger of swimming without lifeguards on duty was made clear Friday when a 24-year-old man drowned off Rockaway Beach in Queens .
The main reason the mayor has cited for the swimming ban was to curb the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off public transportation .
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of beach season in New York City , with — in normal years — lifeguards starting duty and swimming permitted .
But the forecast was less than ideal for the holiday weekend , with rain Saturday and clouds expected Sunday .
At Orchard Beach in the Bronx , which was crowded a weekend earlier during ideal outdoor weather , the parking lots were largely empty except for the large puddles that had formed after a morning of steady rain and occasional rumbles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park warned that there was no swimming or barbecuing allowed , but there were few people around to read it .
While beaches on Long Island or in New Jersey are usually reached by driving , city residents typically take the subway to summertime destinations like Coney Island or Rockaway Beach .
Under guidelines intended to keep crowds from flocking to the beaches , people who live nearby can go there to walk or to sit , de Blasio said .
Hundreds of police officers and civilian city workers will be on hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules and to hand out masks to people who aren ’ t wearing them , he said .
“ I ’ m very hopeful that this weekend at our beaches , you ’ re going to see people following the rules because they know it ’ s the right thing to do , ” de Blasio said .
“ But if they need some reminders , of course there ’ ll be people out there educating , giving out face coverings.
” While most of New York state has begun to ease restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , have said that New York City , the epicenter of the virus outbreak in the United States , is still weeks away from starting to reopen .
Cuomo ’ s administration claimed incorrectly Saturday that it has released all the information it has in regard to an Associated Press request for the number of COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals to nursing homes .
The AP compiled its own tally of the number of such patients discharged under a controversial order after the state Health Department refused to release an internal survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP counted more than 4,500 recovering coronavirus patients sent to nursing homes .
But at Cuomo ’ s news briefing Saturday , aide Melissa DeRosa answered an AP reporter ’ s question about the internal survey by saying there isn ’ t “ any information we have that we haven ’ t released at this point.
“ The AP has not received the results of the survey , which it first requested May 15 .
Cuomo again deflected criticism for the since-rescinded directive that required nursing homes to admit coronavirus patients .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help free up hospital beds for the sickest patients as cases surged , but critics have said it fueled deadly outbreaks among the state ’ s most vulnerable population .
“ We ’ re in a political environment , I get it , ” Cuomo said Saturday , insisting his administration followed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance .
“ To the extent people want to politicize this issue ... New York followed the president ’ s agency ’ s guidance .
So that depoliticizes it .
What New York did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do.
” The New York Times has devoted Sunday ’ s entire front page to a long list of names of people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic .
The names and brief descriptions culled from obituaries from around the country fill six columns under the headline “ U.S .
Deaths Near 100,000 , an Incalculable Loss , ” with a subheadline reading : “ They Were Not Simply Names on a List .
They Were Us.
” The all-text list takes the place of the usual articles , photographs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vastness and variety of lives lost , according to Simone Landon , assistant editor of the graphics desk , who described “ a little bit of fatigue with the data.
” “ We knew we were approaching this milestone , ” she said in a New York Times article explaining the project .
“ We knew that there should be some way to try to reckon with that number.
” A tally kept by Johns Hopkins University says more than 96,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the United States .
Times researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thousand names from online obituaries and death notices and a team of editors sought to capture the uniqueness of each in a few words : “ Alan Lund , 81 , Washington , conductor with ’ the most amazing ear.
” Tom Bodkin , chief creative officer of The Times , said he did not remember any front pages without images , though there have been pages with only graphics , during his 40 years at the newspaper .
—— A previous version of this story corrected the headline to show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the ban on gatherings .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Sessions, running for Senate, rejects Trump’s criticism

MONTGOMERY , Ala. - Jeff Sessions pushed back at President Donald Trump ’ s criticism Saturday , telling Trump that he was “ damn fortunate ” Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation .
Sessions responded pointedly on Twitter after Trump called Sessions untrustworthy and reiterated his endorsement of Sessions ’ Republican primary rival for U.S. Senate , former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville .
“ Look , I know your anger , but recusal was required by law .
I did my duty & you ’ re damn fortunate I did .
It protected the rule of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sessions tweeted in response to Trump .
Sessions added , “ your personal feelings don ’ t dictate who Alabama picks as their senator.
” Trump fired back Saturday evening , tweeting that Sessions should “ drop out of the race.
” “ Jeff , you had your chance & you blew it , ” Trump tweeted .
“ Recused yourself ON DAY ONE ( you never told me of a problem ) , and ran for the hills .
You had no courage , & ruined many lives.
” Sessions has long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaging Trump ’ s tweeted scorn as he emphasizes his continuing loyalty to Trump and his agenda .
Sessions has gone on the offensive about the recusal , which drew Trump ’ s ire and has been a lingering obstacle as Sessions seeks the U.S. Senate seat that he held for two decades .
“ 3 years ago , after Jeff Sessions recused himself , the Fraudulent Mueller Scam began .
Alabama , do not trust Jeff Sessions .
He let our Country down .
That ’ s why I endorsed Coach Tommy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true supporter of our # MAGA agenda !
” Trump tweeted .
Sessions was Trump ’ s first attorney general , a position he was forced to resign when his recusal from the Russia inquiry prompted a fallout with Trump .
Sessions said he was required by law to recuse because he was a potential subject and witness since he had participated in Trump ’ s 2016 campaign .
Sessions faces Tuberville in the July 14 Republican primary runoff .
The winner will face U.S. Sen. Doug Jones in November .
Tuberville has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a focal point of his campaign .
Tuberville has begun airing ads featuring Trump ’ s criticisms of Sessions .
One includes a clip of Trump saying if he could have one presidential do-over it would be to not appoint Sessions as attorney general .
“ Jeff Sessions quit on the President and he failed Alabama .
I ’ ll always have President Trump ’ s back , ” Tuberville says in the ad .
Sessions , in a follow-up tweet , called Tuberville a coward for refusing to debate him and criticized @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Fire destroys warehouse on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf

SAN FRANCISCO - A fire engulfed a warehouse on San Francisco ’ s Fisherman ’ s Wharf early Saturday , sending a thick plume of smoke over the waterfront and threatening to spread to a historic World War II-era ship before firefighters brought the flames under control .
One firefighter sustained a hand injury while battling the fire at the warehouse the size of a football field on Pier 45 , San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter said .
Baxter said after the fire subsided , investigators scoured the building to determine whether homeless people were inside .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why we ’ re actively trying to confirm if anybody saw anybody in this building , ” he told KGO-TV .
“ To our knowledge ... nobody is supposed to be in the building and we are hoping ... that there is no victim , ” he said .
However , at least two workers told the San Francisco Chronicle they were inside the fish processing and storage warehouse when the fire broke out before dawn .
Alejandro Arellano , who works for La Rocca Seafood , was cleaning out a fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after 4 a.m.. “ I saw a lot of smoke .
A few minutes later , fire everywhere , ” he said .
“ It was very , very scary .
I ’ ve never seen anything like it.
” The fire tore through the warehouse near the end of the concrete pier , causing its walls to collapse , Baxter said .
The flames singed the first fire truck to respond to the scene , forcing firefighters to turn their hoses on the vehicle to save it , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some using ladder trucks to drench the warehouse from above .
A fire boat was used to protect the SS Jeremiah O ’ Brien , a liberty ship that stormed Normandy on D-Day in 1944 .
“ Our firefighters absolutely saved the SS Jeremiah O ’ Brien during this fire as flames were pinching on the side of this vessel , ” Baxter said .
The ship docks by Pier 45 and is among numerous tourist attractions on the wharf , a maritime hub for cruises around San Francisco Bay as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch of the day .
Visitors come for the Dungeness crabs , clam chowders served in sourdough bread bowls , the sea lions that hang out on the floating docks and shops and curiosities on Pier 39 .
Shops and restaurants on the wharf have been shut by the city ’ s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus and were expected to reopen on May 31 .
The fire was confined to the end of the pier , well away from the Musée Mécanique and its historic arcade games and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fishing companies that have been operating out of Pier 45 said the fire exacerbated an already tough business climate caused by the pandemic .
Kenny Belov , owner of the seafood wholesaler TwoXSea , told the Chronicle his building near the warehouse was not damaged but he worried a power outage on the pier could ruin the fish in his freezer .
“ Not that it would ever need this , but the seafood industry didn ’ t need this now , ” Belov said .
“ It ’ s surreal .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last couple months , with restaurants ( closed ) .
… Of all the problems in the world , this is not a big one .
But it ’ s frustrating.
” Coast Guard crew members and police assisted by keeping other vessels away from the pier .
Fire investigators were assessing any damage to the pier and were looking into the cause of the blaze , Baxter said .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Yellowstone’s North Entrance open for travel to Cooke City

BILLINGS , Mont .
- Yellowstone National Park has opened its North Entrance at Gardiner , but only for motorists travelling to Silver Gate or Cooke City , which are at the park ’ s Northeast Entrance .
Park Superintendent Cam Sholly said Saturday that Cooke City has been isolated because of the park ’ s closure in late March due to the coronavirus and the fact that the scenic Beartooth Highway hasn ’ t been plowed on the Wyoming side .
The National Park Service is responsible for the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and in Yellowstone .
Sholly said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday offers a chance to help Cooke City get back on its feet as the expected June 1 opening of Montana ’ s three entrances to Yellowstone nears .
The third entrance is at West Yellowstone .
Until then , people travelling from Gardiner to Cooke City are not allowed to stop or recreate in the park and must follow posted speed limits , or they could be cited , The Billings Gazette reported .
Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock has said he hopes to move the state to the second phase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also include lifting a 14-day quarantine for visitors and expanding allowed capacity at bars and restaurants .
The two entrances to Yellowstone from Wyoming opened on May 18 for day use .