thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Trump lashes out at scientists whose findings contradict him

WASHINGTON - “ A Trump enemy statement , ” he said of one study .
“ A political hit job , ” he said of another .
As President Donald Trump pushes to reopen the country despite warnings from doctors about the consequences of moving too quickly during the coronavirus crisis , he has been lashing out at scientists whose conclusions he doesn ’ t like .
Twice this week , Trump has not only dismissed the findings of studies but suggested — without evidence — that their authors were motivated by politics and out to undermine his efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a study funded in part by his own government ’ s National Institutes of Health that raised alarms about the use of hydroxychloroquine , finding higher overall mortality in coronavirus patients who took the drug while in Veterans Administration hospitals .
Trump and many of his allies had been trumpeting the drug as a miracle cure and Trump this week revealed that he has been taking it to try to ward off the virus — despite an FDA warning last month that it should only be used in hospital settings or clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side effects , including life-threatening heart problems .
“ If you look at the one survey , the only bad survey , they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape .
They were very old , almost dead , “ Trump told reporters Tuesday .
“ It was a Trump enemy statement.
” He offered similar pushback Thursday to a new study from Columbia University ’ s Mailman School of Public Health .
It found that more than 61 % of COVID-19 infections and 55 % of reported deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been been prevented had social distancing measures been put in place one week sooner .
Trump has repeatedly defended his administration ’ s handling of the virus in the face of persistent criticism that he acted too slowly .
” Columbia ’ s an institution that ’ s very liberal , “ Trump told reporters Thursday .
” I think it ’ s just a political hit job , you want to know the truth.
” Trump has long been skeptical of mainstream science — dismissing human-made climate change as a “ hoax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turbines causes cancer and claiming that exercise can deplete a body ’ s finite amount of energy .
It ’ s part of a larger skepticism of expertise and backlash against “ elites ” that has become increasingly popular among Trump ’ s conservative base .
But undermining Americans ’ trust in the integrity and objectivity of scientists is especially dangerous during a pandemic when the public is relying on its leaders to develop policies based on the best available information , said Larry Gostin , a Georgetown University law professor who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the president is politicizing science , if he ’ s discounting health experts , then the public is going to be fearful and confused , “ Gostin said , calling it “ dismaying.
” The White House rejected that thinking , noting that Trump has followed his administration ’ s public health officials ’ recommendations through much of the crisis .
“ Any suggestion that the president does not value scientific data or the important work of scientists is patently false as evidenced by the many data-driven decision he has made to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off travel early from highly-infected populations , expediting vaccine development , issuing the 15-day and later 30-day guidance to ‘ slow the spread , ’ and providing governors with a clear , safe road map to opening up America again , “ said White House spokesman Judd Deere .
Yet Trump has made clear that , at least when it comes to hydroxychloroquine , he has prioritized anecdotal evidence , including a letter he told reporters he ’ d received from a doctor in Westchester , New York , claiming success with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had that the drug was effective in preventing COVID-19 , Trump responded : “ Are you ready ?
Here ’ s my evidence : I get a lot of positive calls about it.
” That veterans study , funded by grants from the NIH and the University of Virginia , was not a rigorous experiment , but a retrospective analysis by researchers at several universities looking at the impact of hydroxychloroquine in patients at veterans ’ hospitals across the nation .
It found no benefit and more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was posted online for researchers and has not been reviewed by other scientists .
The Columbia study , in draft form , also hasn ’ t yet been published or reviewed by other experts .
The researchers ran numbers through a mathematical model , making assumptions about how quickly the coronavirus spreads and how people behave in hypothetical circumstances .
Trump ’ s criticism of the studies also comes as his allies have been eager to counter messaging from public health experts who say Trump is putting lives at risk by pushing states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Republican political operatives have been recruiting pro-Trump doctors to go on television to advocate for reviving the U.S. economy as quickly as possible , without waiting to meet federal safety benchmarks .
Gostin said Trump should leave it to his public health agencies to assess emerging data and the value of various studies .
“ I think there are real dangers , “ he said , “ for the president to play scientist and doctor on TV.
” Associated Press writer Carla K. Johnson contributed to this report from Seattle .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Inmate brawl kills 7 prisoners at jail in western Mexico

MEXICO CITY - Inmates brawled among each other with fists and guns at a prison in western Mexico on Friday , leaving seven prisoners dead and nine others wounded .
Jalisco state authorities described the killings at the infamous Puente Grande prison complex as a fight between inmates , rather than a riot .
“ There was never a riot , ” said the state ’ s prison director , José Antonio Pérez .
“ There was never a dispute for control of the facility.
” Officials did not explain how the inmates got the two guns used in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates began attacking other prisoners “ who had not caused problems , ” leading the rest of the prison population to turn on the attackers .
Prosecutors said five of the attackers were arrested .
The killings followed a prison baseball game , but it was not clear if that was related to the dispute .
Nor was it clear if allegiance to rival drug gangs could have been involved in the dispute , as is often the case in prison fights in Mexico .
Of the seven dead , three were shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
Six of the nine injured were beaten and three suffered gunshot wounds .
Puente Grande was the facility from which drug lord Joaquin “ El Chapo ” Guzman staged his first prison escape in 2001 .

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thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Interior Secretary plans Grand Canyon visit for reopening

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK , Ariz. - Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is scheduled to be at the Grand Canyon this weekend to highlight the park ’ s partial reopening after it shuttered temporarily over coronavirus concerns .
The Grand Canyon has been opening intermittently with limited hours and services .
Entrance gates at the more popular South Rim will be open from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. until Monday .
Visitors , who will have access to some food services , hiking trails and bicycle rentals , are being encouraged to leave around sunset .
Bernhardt is expected to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he once worked with at the Interior ’ s Office of the Solicitor , and park staff .
Keable has been at the helm of the Grand Canyon for about two weeks .
Park officials said they are following guidance from the White House , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and state and local public health authorities , as well as monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic while phasing in increased access .
The Grand Canyon ’ s North Rim , which usually opens in mid-May , remains closed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes tourists through the Navajo Nation , also is closed .
Bernhardt visited Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and Petroglyph National Monument on the edges of Albuquerque , New Mexico , during his trip to the Southwest .
He also met with and spoke to tribal leaders in New Mexico and Arizona about the coronavirus , water supplies , the economy and access to public lands .
He joined officials in Prescott on Friday to talk about a planned solar power project in La Paz County , and a land exchange the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year that could expand mining in Pinal and Gila counties .
—The Hualapai Tribe is preparing to open its tourist attractions west of Grand Canyon National Park on June 1 .
The tribe said it will check the temperatures of tourists at Grand Canyon West , which features a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that juts out of the canyon walls , place hand sanitizer dispensers in key areas and seat fewer people in restaurants .
All employees will be tested for COVID-19 before the planned reopening , the tribe said Friday .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--New York eases ban on gatherings

New York eases ban on gatherings

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo dropped the state ’ s absolute ban on gatherings of any size Friday , issuing an executive order saying up to 10 people are now allowed to be together as long as they abide by other social distancing guidelines adopted during the coronavirus pandemic .
The order , issued on the eve of the Memorial Day weekend , represents one of the biggest steps yet the state has taken to loosen rules adopted in March that have barred anyone but essential workers from getting together unless they live in the same household .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the backyard barbecues and group picnics that are a staple of the holiday .
The order still requires people assembling to follow “ social distancing protocols and cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the Department of Health.
” That means people still need to stay at least 6 feet away from other people , or wear a mask or face covering when they can not maintain that distance in public .
New Jersey has adopted similar rules , allowing groups of up to 25 outdoors and indoor gatherings of up to 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week signed an order allowing gatherings of as many as 10 people only for religious services and Memorial Day commemorations .
That restriction drew a lawsuit from the New York Civil Liberties Union , which said if it was safe to gather for the purpose of honouring veterans and holding religious ceremonies , the Constitution requires the same right be extended to people gathering for other reasons .
The NYCLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of New York City resident Linda Bouferguen , who the group says was twice arrested outside City Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She wants to organize another protest Saturday .
NYCLU Legal Director Christopher Dunn said in a statement that the organization was “ glad to see the governor reverse course.
” “ The right to protest and exercise free speech is the foundation of all our other liberties , and during a crisis is exactly when we need to be most vigilant about protecting it .
Health experts , elected officials , and police officers all agree that people can be outside safely while practicing social distancing , and it ’ s critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement uniformly.
” Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said the new order is in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance , which says that gatherings of up to 10 people are safe if people socially distance .
“ Please be safe and wear a mask , ” he added on Twitter .
The coronavirus killed another 109 people in the state Thursday .
The daily death toll is down dramatically from early April but has stubbornly remained at just above 100 for five consecutive days .
Around 5,000 people remain hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York .
New York City ’ s mayor unveiled a new set of data thresholds Friday to help determine when to loosen restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic , but Cuomo , a frequent political sparring partner , said later said it will be up to the state — not the city — to make those decisions .
“ No local official can open or close , ” Cuomo said , noting that the state has established its own set of metrics intended to measure the safety of reopening .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be one standard that is data-driven .
There ’ s no politics here .
What ’ s safe is safe , “ the governor said .
The offices of both Democrats have been saying that the city , among the hardest hit in the world by the virus , is on target to begin reopening its economy in the first half of June .
Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday that in order to enter the first phase of the reopening , including manufacturing and retail with curbside pickup , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things : the daily number of people admitted to hospitals for suspected COVID-19 , the total number of patients in intensive care at public hospitals and the citywide percentage of people testing positive for the virus .
“ If we do it right , if people stick to the plan , stick to the guidance , we will move to Phase 1 in either the first or second week of June , ” the mayor said .
De Blasio had previously said that all three metrics would have to move downward in unison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city to reopen .
“ The day-to-day changes , the small up and downs , matter less , ” he said in explaining the new criteria for reopening .
“ What matters more now is staying at a low level and keeping it that way , and so we ’ re going to be talking about thresholds now.
“ Cuomo ’ s standards , which apply to the entire state , are based on measures that include whether a region has seen an overall decline in the number of hospitalizations and the availability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the city and the state “ are in line with one another , “ and the two administrations are in constant communication , said Cuomo ’ s top aide , Melissa DeRosa .
“ We are aligned in our approach — nothing will reopen until it is safe to do so , “ de Blasio spokeswoman Jane Meyer said in an interview .
Regional economic reopenings began a week ago in upstate areas , with different industries opening in phases .
Long Island and the mid-Hudson Valley region , including the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to phase economic activity back in next week if COVID-19-related deaths continue to decline and they meet state standards for contact tracing , Cuomo said .
Construction companies can begin staging in those regions now , he said .
Other coronavirus developments in New York include : A Hasidic Jewish school in the Hudson Valley was ordered to close after officials said it violated a state mandate by remaining open with “ hundreds ” of boys in the building .
A school in Kiryas Joel was served with a cease-and-desist order Thursday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment and in violation of social distancing rules , the county announced in a statement .
Chris Ericson , a deputy county health commissioner who visited the school , told the Times Herald Record on Friday that the classrooms were filled with students and that very few people wore masks .
The school is part of the United Talmudical Academy , the largest of three ultra-Orthodox Jewish school systems that serve around 14,500 children in the community about 50 miles north of New York City .
Ron Coleman , an attorney for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school was not operating as a school ” but that administrators were allowing the boys to study on their own in the building .
School officials believed that independent study did not count as schooling and that it was allowed under the state ’ s order , he added .
The public can tune in Tuesday as state lawmakers consider legislation to help New Yorkers .
The state Senate and Assembly expect a few legislative leaders will travel to Albany to debate and vote on bills from their offices or the chambers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate from home through video and teleconference .
Several state lawmakers have tested positive for COVID-19 , and the Legislature hasn ’ t been in town since the passage of the state ’ s budget in early April .
Lawmakers held two virtual hearings this week on the impact of COVID-19 on minority communities and small businesses .
It ’ s unclear which bills lawmakers will take up next week .
Proposals range from banning facial recognition technology in the tracking of COVID-19 to ensuring benefits for workers .
Several Republicans and Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and testing of residents at nursing homes .
It ’ s unclear whether or when lawmakers — who face June 23 primaries and technically have a year-round session — will return again after next week .
The governor says that by the end of May he ’ ll release a plan that could slash state spending on schools , local governments and hospitals .
New York lacks enough federal aid to make up for a projected $ 15 billion revenue shortfall .
The Democratic-led Legislature could then pass its own plan to balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villeneuve and Michael Hill in Albany contributed to this report .

Karen Matthews And Deepti Hajela - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Pompeo: China measure a ‘death knell’ for Hong Kong autonomy

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday condemned China ’ s effort to take over national security legislation in Hong Kong , calling it “ a death knell for the high degree of autonomy “ that Beijing had promised the territory .
Pompeo called for Beiing to reconsider the move and warned of an unspecified U.S. response if it proceeds .
Meanwhile , White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said China risked a major flight of capital from Hong Kong that would end the territory ’ s status as the financial hub of Asia .
Shortly afterward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensitive exports to China .
The contentious measure , submitted Friday on the opening day of China ’ s national legislative session , is strongly opposed by pro-democracy lawmakers in semi-autonomous Hong Kong .
Pompeo called the proposal an effort to “ unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong.
” “ Hong Kong has flourished as a bastion of liberty .
The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal , abide by its international obligations , and respect Hong Kong ’ s high degree of autonomy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are key to preserving its special status under U.S. law , “ Pompeo said in a statement .
He said the decision to ignore the will of the people of Hong Kong would be a “ death knell for the high degree of autonomy Beijing promised for Hong Kong ” under a decades-old agreement known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration .
The U.S. has limited leverage with China over Hong Kong but it could end preferred economic privileges that Hong Kong currently enjoys if the Trump administration determines that the declaration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 years of special status after it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997 , has been violated .
The proposed bill is aimed at forbidding secessionist and subversive activity , as well as foreign interference and terrorism .
It comes after months of pro-democracy demonstrations last year that at times descended into violence between police and protesters .
Speaking in an interview with the Fox Business Network on Friday , Hassett suggested the damage that would come from China ’ s proposal would be mostly self-inflicted .
“ They ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they ’ re doing , ” he said , adding that businesses would not want to invest or keep money “ in a place where they ’ re basically sneering at the rule of law.
” “ And so , I would expect that they ’ re going to have serious capital flight problems , ” Hassett said .
“ And Hong Kong , if they follow through this , will no longer be the financial centre of Asia , and they themselves will bear very , very heavy costs.
” Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow to Chinese industry , announcing plans to bar the export of U.S. technology without a license to 33 companies and government institutions including major research labs .
It accused two dozen of the targeted entities of threatening U.S. national security because they could help China develop weapons .
They include China ’ s top cybersecurity company , Qihoo 360 , the robotics and artificial intelligence firm Cloudminds Inc. , and various research isntitutes involved in laser and other advanced technology .
The other targets , named in a separate news release , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s public security ministry and companies that make facial recognition products .
Commerce accused them of complicity in human rights abuses targeting Uighurs and other ethnic minorities .
The restrictions compound previous sanctions the Trump administration imposed on U.S. technology sales to Chinese companies involved in supercomputer development , facial recognition and other areas the White House deemed a threat to national security .
That includes the technology giant Huawei .
A week ago , Commerce issued a new rule designed to bar foreign semiconductor makers from making chips for Huawei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington is using national security as an excuse to try to crush its rise as a global competitor in the tech sector .
Tech expert Paul Triolo of the Eurasia Group political risk research firm said it appeared from the list of new targets that the Commerce Department was applying a rather sweeping definition of military end-use .
“ It ’ s ratcheting up the pressure , ” Triolo said of the newest sanctions .
“ I keep thinking , ’ What ’ s the straw that breaks the camel ’ s back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against U.S. companies that do business in China .
China has threatened countermeasures against U.S. businesses — many of which have major manufactoring operations in its territories— but so far has held off .
This version of the story corrects that Paul Triolo of the Eurasia Group is a tech expert .
Associated Press writer Frank Bajak in Boston contributed to this report ,


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Video of Cabinet meeting puts Brazil’s Bolsonaro under fire

SAO PAULO - A profanity-laced video showing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro expressing frustration at his inability to get information from police and vowing to change Cabinet ministers if needed to protect his family was released Friday at the order of a Supreme Court justice , a potential new blow for a leader whose popularity has been sagging .
The two-hour video of a Cabinet meeting , with portions redacted , was released as part of a probe into allegations that the president was trying to improperly meddle in the federal police , a claim made by former Justice Minister Sérgio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moro told investigators Bolsonaro openly demanded he make changes in key federal police positions , including the head of the agency .
Moro resigned after Bolsonaro fired the federal police director-general without consulting him .
In a social media posting after the video was released , Bolsonaro said that “ another farce has been dismantled ” because there was “ no indication of interference in the federal police.
” The video shows the president complaining , “ I already tried to change our security in Rio de Janeiro and I couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not wait ( for them ) to ( profanity ) my entire family just for fun , or a friend of mine.
” Bolsonaro has insisted he was referring to the head of his security detail , though he had successfully changed that position recently .
Moro said the president was alluding to the head of police operations in Rio , who presumably might have been involved in investigations into the president ’ s sons , who live there .
At another point , the president also complains about his inability to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I have the power and I will interfere in all ministries , no exception , ” he said .
“ I can not be surprised by news .
I have the federal police that do not give me information .
I have the armed forces intelligence that does not give me information .
The intelligence agency , I have some information .
I don ’ t have more because we have some problems , ” Bolsonaro added .
“ We can not live without information.
” Bolsonaro ’ s popularity has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resignation of Moro , who is widely praised as an anti-corruption crusader , and also to his attempts to minimize the coronavirus pandemic , which has now killed more than 20,000 Brazilians and at an increasing pace .
The president frequently appears enraged in the video .
He insults governors who are enforcing stay-at-home measures during the pandemic , threatens to fire ministers who are praised by the media and defends the view that all his countrymen should have weapons .
Facing isolation from others in Brazil ’ s political arena , Bolsonaro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from office because of his disregard for health recommendations on the best ways to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
“ If I have to go down one day , may we fall fighting , for a good reason .
Not for a stupid anti-virus exam , for the love of God , ” he said .
Bolsonaro tested negative for a coronavirus infection three times in March after taking a flight with two dozen passengers who tested positive .
The video also shows Cabinet ministers strongly criticizing elements of Brazilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court justices should all be jailed .
He also said he hates the term indigenous peoples , adding : “ There is only one people in Brazil , it is the Brazilian people.
“ Celso de Mello , the Supreme Court justice , said in his decision to release the video that Weintraub committed “ an apparent crime against the honour of members ” of Brazil ’ s top court .
In another part of the video , Human Rights Minister Damares Alves said she will ask for the arrest of governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures .
“ We are raising the tone and the speeches are coming .
Our ministry will start to get nasty with governors and mayors , ” she said .
Environment Minister Ricardo Salles , an ally of Brazil ’ s agricultural lobby , said the far-right administration should seize on the pandemic to change rules and regulations for the agribusiness sector .
“ The press is giving us some relief with the other themes going , ” Salles said .
“ We can pass reforms to deregulate , simplify ” environmental governance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bolsonaro complained that he has struggled to govern , saying he doesn ’ t know “ where our boat is going to.
” “ It might be heading toward an iceberg , ” he said .

Mauricio Savarese - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Biden says he was too ‘cavalier’ about black Trump backers

ATLANTA - Joe Biden declared he “ should not have been so cavalier ” on Friday 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 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.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 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 ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 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--2020-05-22--Judge orders Los Angeles to move thousands of homeless

LOS ANGELES - A federal judge on Friday ordered Los Angeles city and county to move thousands of homeless people living near freeways after an agreement on a plan fell through .
U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter issued a preliminary injunction requiring the relocation , by Sept. 1 , of an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people camping near freeway ramps and overpasses , saying they face a health risk emergency .
Carter ordered a status report on the relocation plan to be ready by June 12 , with updates to follow , and warned that he would move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t see “ satisfactory progress.
” The city didn ’ t immediately release any comment on the ruling .
The injunction was issued in a lawsuit filed in March by the LA Alliance for Human Rights , which accused officials in greater Los Angeles of failing to comprehensively address the homelessness crisis .
A 2019 count by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported that there were close to 60,000 homeless people living in LA County — by far the largest single concentration in the state .
That included 36,000 within the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 10 % from the previous year .
The region has been struggling to deal with the growing problem but Carter said those living near freeways are at special risk .
They are exposed to pollution , including lead , that can shorten their life expectancy by decades and face a greater danger of being struck by a car or injured during an accident or earthquake , the judge said .
Their camps also block sidewalks , he said .
Last week , Carter gave the city and county until Friday to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humane ” housing for the freeway-adjacent campers .
The judge said the city committed to creating 6,100 new shelter beds in the next 10 months but only if the county paid for services such as food , laundry and security .
The tentative agreement collapsed this week when L.A. refused to split what the judge called “ relatively minor costs.
” “ It is regrettable that this ongoing endeavour to develop humane and sustainable responses to the challenges of homelessness is beleaguered by a legacy of bureaucratic entanglement and gridlock , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city and county must provide shelter or alternative housing options , such as government encampments , safe parking sites or hotel and motel rooms .
The housing options must have security , showers and other hygiene facilities and enough space to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , the judge said .
The county already is renting rooms under Project Roomkey , a state program established during the pandemic to get thousands of homeless most vulnerable to COVID-19 off the streets temporarily .
Those rooms are reserved for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing medical conditions .
Other cities already have set up camping sites in response to the coronavirus epidemic .
In San Francisco , about 80 tents were set out on a street near 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 .
Santa Rosa in Sonoma County welcomed people this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Carter ’ s preliminary injunction says the homeless living near freeways must get advance notice before they can be removed and in the meantime , social workers and mental health workers should offer their services .
While homeless people can ’ t be forced into a shelter , the city and county will be allowed to enforce anti-camping laws to relocate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
Associated Press writers Janie Har and Terence Chea in San Francisco contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--‘Lion-hearted’ girl bikes dad across India, inspiring a nation

NEW DELHI—She was a 15-year-old with a simple mission : bring papa home.Jyoti Kumari and her dad had nearly no money , no transport , and their village was halfway across India.And her dad , an out-of-work migrant labourer , was injured and could barely walk .
So Jyoti told her dad : Let me take you home .
He thought the idea was crazy but went along with it .
She then jumped on a $ 20 purple bike bought with the last of their savings .
With her dad perched on the rear , she pedalled from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village , 1,127 kilometres away .
“ Don ’ t worry , mummy , ” she reassured her mother along the way , using borrowed cellphones .
“ I will get Papa home good.
” During the past two months under India ’ s coronavirus lockdown , millions of migrant labourers and their families have poured out of India ’ s cities , desperate and penniless , as they try to get back to their native villages where they can rely on family networks to survive .
Many haven ’ t made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; others run over by trucks .
A few have simply collapsed while trudging down a long , hot highway , dead from exhaustion.But amid all this pain and sadness now emerges a tale of devotion and straight-up grit .
The Indian press has seized upon this feel-good story , gushing about Jyoti the “ lion-hearted.
” And a few days ago , the story got even better .
While resting up in her village , Jyoti received a call from the Cycling Federation of India .
Convinced she had the right stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chairman , invited her to New Delhi for a tryout with the national team .
Reached by phone on Friday in her village of Sirhulli , in Bihar , one of India ’ s poorest states , Jyoti said in a scratchy voice barely above a whisper , because she still sounded exhausted : “ I ’ m elated , I really want to go.
” As India struggles with the coronavirus and the severe measures to contain it , the plight of the nation ’ s migrant workers has become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a national lockdown imposed on March 25 , thousands upon thousands of migrant labourers began to bolt from the cities .
Many had gravitated to urban areas for work and lived hand-to-mouth , as rickshaw pullers , tea sellers , brick haulers on construction sites .
But once the lockdown eviscerated their chances of getting any work , they feared running out of money and food and began long , treacherous journeys back to their home villages .
Scholars estimate that tens of millions are on the move , the biggest migration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 .
When it becomes a matter of survival , said Priya Deshingkar , a professor of migration and development at the University of Sussex , migrant labourers “ will try to go home , because that is where their real social safety net lies.
” That ’ s exactly why Jyoti hit the road .
Her father , Mohan Paswan , a rickshaw driver from a lower rung of India ’ s caste system , was injured in a traffic accident in January and was running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was among the legions of migrant workers performing menial jobs in the shadows of Gurugram , a satellite city of New Delhi and home to corridors of shimmering glass towers and many millionaires .
Jyoti came out from their village in Bihar to care for Paswan .
She had dropped out of school a year ago because the family didn ’ t have enough money .
Things got even worse after the lockdown , with their landlord threatening to kick them out and then cutting off their electricity .
When Jyoti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her father shook his head .
“ I said , ‘ Look , daughter , it ’ s not four or five kilometres that you will drag me from here .
It ’ s 12- , 13-hundred kilometres .
How will we go ?
” he said in a video broadcast by the BBC ’ s Hindi service .
The two bought a simple girl ’ s bike for the equivalent of about $ 20 .
On May 8 , they set off , Jyoti at the handlebars , dad sitting pillion on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bike , having ridden a lot in her village .
Many days they had little food .
They slept at gas stations .
They lived off the generosity of strangers .
Jyoti said that except for one short lift on a truck , she pedalled nearly 100 miles a day .
It wasn ’ t easy .
Her father is big , and he was carrying a bag .
As they moved down the long roads under the withering sun , many people teased them , saying it was ridiculous for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the back .
“ Father would become upset when he heard such things , but I told him not to worry as people did not know that he was wounded , ” Jyoti told an interviewer at The Wire , an Indian publication .
( Over the past few days , she has done a lot of interviews ) .
After they arrived in their village last weekend , her father went into a quarantine centre — many states in India have tried to sequester migrant labourers returning from the cities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the countryside .
How well that is working is unclear .
As the lockdown has relaxed , infections are rising quickly .
India has reported around 120,000 , its curve one of the steepest among large countries .
Many health experts believe the real numbers are even higher but hidden because of India ’ s relatively low rates of testing .
Jyoti ’ s mother convinced village elders to let her quarantine at home .
She was exhausted and soon besieged by reporters .
Then , a few days later , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cycling Federation of India , which scouts young talent and sends the best to international competitions , including the Olympics , tracked her down through a journalist .
Singh , the chairman , said he had been moved by how far she pedalled with a heavy person on the back .
“ And luggage , ” Singh was quick to add .
The federation is planning to bring her to New Delhi via “ something comfortable , like an AC train , ” he said , referring to the air-conditioned service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cycling tests .
As for how much she actually rode versus the help she received from trucks , Singh acknowledged that maybe the story had become a bit stretched , totally understandable in times like these .
But one thing was not in doubt , Singh said .

Jeffrey Gettleman - The New York Times,Suhasini Raj


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Judge approves sale of Venezuela’s prized US-refineries

CARACAS , Venezuela - A U.S. judge on Friday approved moving forward with the sale of Venezuela ’ s prized U.S.-based CITGO refineries , allowing a Canadian mining company to collect $ 1.4 billion it lost in a decade-old takeover in the South American nation by the late socialist President Hugo Chávez .
The ruling strikes a blow to Venezuela ’ s opposition led by Juan Guaidó , which was banking on profits from the Houston-based company to finance the crisis-torn nation ’ s recovery — if they were ever able to force President Nicolás Maduro from power .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of U.S. District Court in Delaware follows a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that upheld an earlier ruling by Stark authorizing CITGO ’ s liquidation .
Before moving ahead with CITGO ’ s sale , the bankrupt Canadian mining company Crystallex must first get a license from U.S. Treasury officials , which had temporarily shielded Venezuela ’ s opposition from losing CITGO .
Crystallex and attorneys for Venezuela also have to agree on how it will sell CITGO , Stark ’ s latest ruling said .
Chavez took over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the local operations of other international companies as part of his Bolivarian revolution that has left Venezuela spiraling into deepening economic and political turmoil .
Crystallex , which went bankrupt , sued Venezuela to recover its lost investment in Venezuela .
The case is unique , because the court allowed Crystallex to attach assets of CITGO ’ s parent company , the Venezuelan state-run oil firm PDVSA , finding that Venezuela had erased the lines between the government and its oil firm .
Venezuela has owned CITGO since the 1980s as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Louisiana , Texas and Illinois in addition to a network of pipelines crisscrossing 23 states .
It provides between 5 % and 10 % of U.S. gasoline .
Guaidó , the head of Venezuela ’ s opposition-led National Assembly , claimed presidential powers in early 2019 , vowing to end Maduro ’ s rule and two decades of socialist leadership .
After the Trump administration recognized Guaidó as Venezuela ’ s legitimate leader , U.S. courts granted approval to a board appointed by the opposition to take control of CITGO , valued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , more than a year later , Maduro remains in power , with firm military support at home and backing from key international allies including Russia , China and Iran .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Police: Remains IDed in Long Island serial killer case

NEW YORK - Authorities investigating the long-running mystery of skeletal remains strewn along a suburban New York beach highway said Friday they have identified the remains of one of the women using DNA technology .
Suffolk County police said they would soon post information about the woman , known as “ Jane Doe No .
6 , “ to a website the department created about the case .
Police officials declined to provide more specific information about when the announcement would be made .
The previously unidentified woman ’ s remains were found in two areas of Long Island , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and a decade apart : in 2000 in Manorville , near where Long Island splits into its two eastern forks , and in 2011 near Gilgo Beach on the Atlantic Coast , where the remains of 11 people were found .
Investigators have been unable to determine who killed them or whether a lone serial killer or several suspects were involved .
Over the years , they ’ ve said it is unlikely one person killed all the victims .
The case has attracted national headlines , been featured on true-crime television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent Netflix film .
The previously unidentified woman is at least the second whose remains were found at the beach and also in Manorville .
Police found the skull of Jessica Taylor , a 20-year-old prostitute who disappeared in 2003 , near Gilgo Beach and most of the rest of her body in a wooded area of Manorville .
In January , police revealed a previously unreleased photograph of initials on a black leather belt — either an HM or WH , depending on the angle — that they say was handled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state officials gave investigators the green light to ask the FBI to deploy genetic genealogy , a technique in which genetic profiles are run though databases to find potential relatives of a homicide victim or suspect .
It ’ s that technology that led to the woman ’ s identification , police said .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--ER doctor charged with child porn, hiding camera in bathroom

BURLINGTON , Vt. - A former emergency room doctor at Vermont ’ s largest hospital who was charged last month with setting up a video camera in a staff bathroom is now facing federal child pornography charges .
Eike Blohm , 38 , of South Burlington appeared in court Friday where he was ordered held pending trial .
In a Friday news release , prosecutors said state investigators found hundreds of videos from a secret camera that were taken in a staff bathroom at University of Vermont Medical Center and other locations .
Among the videos are 21 that allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with Blohm .
Blohm ’ s attorney declined to comment Friday on the case .
Investigators said they also found more than 130 images of child pornography , involving other minors after receiving a warrant to search Blohm ’ s iPad .
Last month Blohm was charged in state court with multiple counts of voyeurism .
He has since been fired by the hospital , which is the largest in the state .
The former doctor , who holds both U.S. and German citizenship , is facing a 15-year minimum prison sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors said .
“ Experiencing the precipitous fall from successful doctor to inmate in federal prison may be too much for Blohm and , given the foregoing , makes it very likely that he would choose to flee , ” prosecutors wrote in court documents .
“ He presents a significant risk of flight.
” Officials noted Blohm ’ s case is part of the Department of Justice ’ s Project Safe Childhood , which is an initiative designed to protect minors from online exploitation and abuse Blohm is scheduled to appear in @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Loosened restrictions, holiday weekend to test California

SAN DIEGO - George Cruz relaxed at an outdoor beach restaurant as a waitress wearing 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state to allow dine-in restaurant service .
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 .
“ There definitely will be a surplus of people at the beach , ” adding that they will be staying home .
“ I just hope everybody is smart about how they go out.
“ Millions of Californians are heading into the Memorial Day weekend with both excitement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus were eased across much of the state .
The coinciding factors are sure to test the nation ’ s most populous state , which has just started seeing a decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations .
California was the first in the U.S. to issue such a statewide mandate , and it was among the last to loosen restrictions .
At least 45 of the state ’ s 58 counties are just starting to go beyond takeout service and curbside shopping in the most drastic scaling back of the stay-at-home orders since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include Riverside and Sonoma counties , which won approval Friday to join the others moving deeper into the second of a four-stage reopening plan because they have met state standards for controlling the virus .
Police , lifeguards and other officials were warning people to not forget about the seriousness of the virus as they enjoy their first weekend of newfound freedom .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom vowed to relax more restrictions soon .
He said he anticipated guidance would be completed by Monday for how to reopen places of worship safely and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcing a loosening of our stay-at-home order for barbershops and salons.
” But he added caution is still needed .
Speaking Friday from a veterans home in Yountville that lived through second and third waves of outbreaks during the 1918 flu pandemic , Newsom warned people not to be fooled “ just because the sun has come up and there ’ s a sense of optimism , that there ’ s more light.
“ “ There ’ s also another reality that is stubborn , and that is the virulence of this disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost , “ he said .
The state is still seeing troubling flare-ups .
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 .
Popular getaway communities , like around Northern California ’ s Lake Tahoe , were asking visitors to still stay away .
Others , like Joshua Tree National Park , which re-opened this week , were bracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and campers .
The mountain destination of Big Bear Lake announced officials would not enforce the governor ’ s orders , arguing it has kept COVID-19 cases manageable while the economy has suffered .
Others were ready to call out violators .
Seal Beach , south of Los Angeles , is deploying two-officer teams to beaches to solely enforce virus-controlling rules .
Police also will be assisting San Diego lifeguards .
At an already busy Mission Beach ahead of the weekend , a lifeguard over a loudspeaker warned people that the boardwalk was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach where only walking and jogging are permitted .
The ocean is open too , he said .
Nearby , Cailyn Meimer popped out of a shop selling bikinis , beach blankets and now face coverings .
She said it felt good to be going into a store for something other than groceries .
Until now , “ it felt almost like we would not be going back to normal , “ she said .
Still , the 21-year-old student wasn ’ t sure she was ready for restaurant dining yet .
Restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including some eateries without patios that were creating alfresco dining in their parking lots .
In San Francisco , city officials drew large chalk “ social distancing “ circles on the grass at parks to show people where to sit .
Dolores 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 .
David Spatafore , who owns Blue Bridge Hospitality restaurant group , said the social distancing floor decals arrived just in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Market .
It reopened patio seating Friday .
The sprawling market with 30 vendors , including wine bars , bakeries and taco stands , has been doing takeout .
But now people can browse its shops selling locally made art , jewelry , and clothing .
Spatafore also planned to open patio seating at the group ’ s pizzerias and the dining rooms at its high-end steakhouse in Coronado , across the bay from San Diego .
“ I think people are going to be so happy to be able to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plastic container or cardboard box , ” he said .
“ I know I am .
I ’ m over the compost-able clam shell.
” Weeks ago , Spatafore ordered head-scan thermometers to check employees ’ temperatures and was happy he did because there are shortages now .
He hooked up with local brewers that have started producing hand-sanitizer to stock up .
At the market , additional hand-washing sinks were being installed , friendly reminders were posted and staff was trained to enforce rules .
“ Hopefully people will self-police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Mission Beach , Laura Garcia sat at an outdoor table at a Mexican restaurant and relished in the people watching , the sun on her back and the fresh air .
“ I definitely appreciate everything a lot more , ” the 27-year-old dental assistant said .
“ I ’ m not worried .
I ’ m just excited to see when everything else starts opening back up.
” Associated Press writers John Antczak and Frank Baker in Los Angeles , Juliet Williams in San Francisco and Martha Mendoza in Santa @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Disinfected dice: Las Vegas casinos getting ready to roll

LAS VEGAS - Free parking , but no valet service .
Bartenders , blackjack dealers and waiters wearing masks .
Hand sanitizer everywhere .
Yes , dice will roll , cards will be dealt and slot machines will beckon .
But poker rooms ?
Closed .
Tourists returning to Las Vegas will see changes since gambling stopped in mid-March for the first time ever to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
The stakes could not be higher , said Robert Lang , executive director of the Brookings Mountain West think-tank at the University of Nevada , Las Vegas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the place where people go and get sick , ” he said .
Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak has set a tentative June 4 date for reopening casinos .
The Democratic governor said in a statement Friday that Nevada has continued to see decreasing cases of the coronavirus and hospitalizations of COVID-19 when some restrictions began to be eased nearly two weeks ago .
Sisolak ’ s office said he plans to hold a news conference on Tuesday to offer more details about the next phase of reopening , assuming those positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nevada ’ s gambling regulators also plan to meet Tuesday and will consider reopening plans submitted from casinos , which need to be approved at least seven days before reopening .
“ We all know what we ’ ve gone through for the last 10 weeks .
No one ’ s having fun , ” said Bill Hornbuckle , acting chief executive and president of casino giant MGM Resorts International .
“ The simple idea that I could get out , come to a resort , lay at a pool , enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blackjack table .
There ’ s something to be said for all of that.
” Many properties have aimed for an early June restart in the gambling mecca closed almost overnight in the middle of a hot streak — three consecutive $ 1 billion months in statewide casino winnings .
The city had been drawing more than 40 million annual visitors .
Once given the green light , the marquees and the managers will welcome people back to this 24/7 town built for crowds , excitement and excess .
But not every resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dayclubs , buffets and large venues will remain closed .
Cirque du Soleil shows will stay dark , at least for now .
Signs everywhere will remind guests of new rules : Wash your hands ; keep distance from others ; limit your elevator ride to your sanitized room to just four people .
“ You ’ re going to see a lot of social distancing , “ said Sean McBurney , general manager at Caesars Palace .
“ If there ’ s crowding , it ’ s every employee ’ s responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Dice will be disinfected between shooters , chips cleaned periodically and card decks changed frequently .
At some resorts guests will be encouraged to use cellphones for touchless check in , as room keys , and to read restaurant menus .
Wynn Resorts properties and The Venetian , owned by Las Vegas Sands , plan to use thermal imaging cameras at every entrance to intercept people with fevers .
Smaller operators in Las Vegas and Reno will offer hand-sanitizer .
“ A gondola pilot wearing a face mask will be on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venetian protocol says .
“ Gondoliers stationed along the canal will serenade passengers from an appropriate distance.
” New state Gaming Control Board regulations require surfaces to be disinfected according to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and “ increased attention ” to high-touch hotel items like television remote controls and light switches .
Guests will get free masks at large resorts , but won ’ t be forced to use them .
For blackjack dealers , bellhops , reservation clerks , security guards , housekeepers and waiters , masks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most visual thing .
Every employee will be required to wear a mask , ” McBurney said .
His footsteps echoed walking with a reporter past marble statues in the lobby toward a gilded casino vacant for the first time since it opened in 1966 .
A slot machine cried “ Wheel of Fortune !
” in the void .
Seats on both sides of the game had been removed .
“ Visually , you ’ ll still see a lot of colour and activity , but you won ’ t be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
At the neighbouring Bellagio , Hornbuckle showed new hand-washing stations installed where banks of slot machines were removed .
His company is losing almost $ 10 million a day during the shutdown , he said .
Other rules : four players only at roulette , six at craps .
Plastic partitions will separate dealers from players and players from each other at the Bellagio , three at each table .
MGM Resorts plans to open just two of its 10 Strip properties at first : Bellagio and New York-New York .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fountains will restart as soon as the governor sets a date .
Still , just 1,200 of the hotel ’ s 4,000 rooms will be rented and casinos will be limited to 50 % of capacity .
“ You ’ re going to see less people , by control and by design , ” he said .
Caesars Entertainment plans to open Caesars Palace and the Flamingo Las Vegas at first , followed later by Harrah ’ s Las Vegas and the casino floor at the LINQ hotel-casino .
Lang called it unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said resort operators with deep pockets “ will probably allow a bargain moment ” until business improves .
“ First will be residents of Las Vegas .
Then people getting here by car from California .
Then domestic air flights .
Then international , ” the researcher predicted .
McBurney said that with nearly 4,000 rooms at Caesars Palace , he expected just one of six towers will be occupied .
“ Once people know there ’ s an opening date ... demand will increase , ” he said .
“ How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Alaska April job numbers down sharply amid virus concerns

JUNEAU , Alaska - Alaska had 42,200 fewer jobs in April than a year earlier as coronavirus fears shut down or disrupted businesses at a time when many traditionally would start adding jobs for the summer , the state labour department reported Friday .
As restrictions ease , some of the jobs will return , but many seasonal jobs won ’ t happen this year , such as those serving cruise passengers , the report stated .
Nearly 540 Alaska voyages have been cancelled , according to Cruise Lines International Association Alaska .
Streets that normally would be bustling with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eerily quiet .
The upheaval was widespread , though the labour department said some sectors were hit harder .
The leisure and hospitality industry saw its April job numbers cut nearly in half compared with April 2019 .
Retail had an estimated 5,000 fewer jobs , and construction , 1,800 fewer .
Health care had 3,600 fewer jobs , according to the report .
The state earlier this month allowed elective procedures , which it had previously ordered delayed , to resume with additional protocols aimed at guarding against the virus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more jobs than in April 2019 , the department reported , attributing that to Census hiring .
The April unemployment rate was 12.9 % , compared with the national rate of 14.7 % .
It is the highest recorded rate for Alaska since reporting began in 1976 , state labour department economist Karinne Wiebold said .
The state ’ s rate in March was 5.2 % , a low .
But she said comparing the virus-related shock to an oil-price related economic downturn “ is like comparing apples and oranges.
” She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980s oil-bust recession .
Federal figures show unemployment as high as 11.2 % in 1986 .
Dan Robinson , chief of research and analysis for the state labour department , in a recent report cautioned against reading too much into Alaska ’ s unemployment rate .
He said state and local rates are produced using models created by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics that “ struggle to capture short-term dramatic changes in the labour force , especially in small states with high seasonality like Alaska.
” Job estimates and unemployment claims could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said .
Initial and continued unemployment claims , for the most recent reporting week , were sharply higher than a year ago .
Alaska has reported just over 400 cases of COVID-19 , with 10 deaths .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms but for some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness and death .
Travis Smith , who co-owns two restaurants in Juneau , said he left town in December for a brief sabbatical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ best year ever “ in business .
From afar , he said he watched as things fell apart “ in a matter of weeks.
” The state in March ordered restaurants closed for dine-in services ; drive-up , delivery and drive-through options remained .
Though restaurants in late April were allowed to resume dine-in service with limits on capacity , Smith said from a business standpoint it didn ’ t make sense .
His restaurant , The Rookery Cafe , has a long , narrow flow , and “ you do have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these things make sense , ” he said .
It recently opened for takeout service .
On Friday , businesses in Alaska were allowed to fully reopen .
State guidance says businesses should help individuals with “ personal mitigation strategies , ” such as encouraging face coverings , regular cleaning and finding ways for customers to keep distance from each other .
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz said his city , Alaska ’ s largest , would put in place rules , rather than guidelines , as it moves into the new phase starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more comfort to customers and offer “ a measure of liability protection for businesses that guidelines don ’ t provide.
” Collette Costa , co-owner and manager of the Gold Town Nickelodeon in Juneau , said she has projects she wants to work on at her theatre but also would be cautious about reopening .
The theatre has been doing drive-in screenings .
She said she doesn ’ t know what the future will hold for her industry .
“ I just know that I don ’ t want to get sick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone sick , ” Costa said .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Mexico cancels incomplete soccer season over virus concerns

MEXICO CITY - Mexico ’ s professional soccer league has decided to cancel the season without crowning a champion for the first time in its history due to the uncertainty generated by the pandemic .
Liga MX announced Friday that despite having played 10 of the season ’ s 17 dates , it would declare it over without a winner .
The league suspended play March 15 , more than two weeks after the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Mexico was announced .
The league said in the statement that the restrictions caused by the health emergency made it impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s indisputable that we live in an unprecedented situation in this country that obliges the soccer industry in Mexico to act with absolute sensitivity and respond with unity to the demands that have presented themselves , ” it said .
Some teams had begun testing players with an eye toward resuming the season , but this week 12 players from the Santos team in the northern city of Torreon tested positive for the new coronavirus .
The results likely influenced the league ’ s decision .
It said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new season in late July , adding that it was likely the first games would be played without fans in the stands .
It was an unlucky break for Cruz Azul , the Mexico City club that was atop the standings when the season was suspended .
It was looking to break a title drought dating to 1997 .
The women ’ s professional season was also cancelled , the league said .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--California rushes to aid virus-stricken border region

EL CENTRO , Calif. - California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Friday that the state is building a “ field medical station “ with up to 125 beds to aid a farming region along the Mexican border that has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases .
As many parts of the state eased restrictions , Newsom said Imperial County , with a population of 175,000 people in the state ’ s southeastern corner , “ continues to be of concern.
” Newsom said such deployments may happen elsewhere in the state “ if we start to see some incidences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly in communities that don ’ t necessarily have the resources of other communities.
” “ It ’ s an expression of this : Expression of faith and devotion to this cause as well of your public health and the virulence of this disease , ” he said .
The Imperial Valley , which provides many of the vegetables in U.S. supermarkets during winter , lies across the border from Mexicali , a sprawling industrial city of 1 million people that has enormous influence on its economy and culture .
It is unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Adolphe Edward , chief executive officer of El Centro Regional Medical Center , is among those who believe that U.S. citizens who live in Mexicali , Mexico , play a major part .
Edward told the El Centro City Council Friday that the temporary facility at the Imperial Valley College gymnasium was expected to open Monday to receive transfers from local hospitals , with state and federal support .
“ I ’ m so happy that it ’ s here because it ’ s a safety net , ” Edward said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 on Friday from 74 on Tuesday , according to the Imperial County Health Department website .
But patients have been to other hospitals in Southern California .
The region ’ s two hospitals sent 16 patients outside the region on Monday and Tuesday alone .
El Centro Regional Medical Center , the largest in the Imperial Valley , had 52 coronavirus patients Friday , down from 65 earlier this week , said Edward , who declared himself “ at ease ” but expressed concern that socializing over Memorial Day weekend could produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County ’ s public health director , said Thursday that the temporary facility at Imperial Valley College would house 80 beds and accommodate less ill patients who are transferred from local hospitals .
Angulo said U.S. citizens in Mexicali may be affecting the count but that it was difficult to quantify .
The region has many dual citizens who live in Mexicali .
“ We are a binational community , ” she said .
“ There ’ s a lot of interaction both northbound and southbound every day in our regular lives .
@


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Mexico finds a kilo of meth hidden in wheel of cheese

MEXICO CITY - Authorities in Mexico said Friday they found over 2.2 pounds ( 1 kilogram ) of methamphetamine hidden @ @ @ @ @ wheel of cheese .
The National Guard said the “ artisanal ” cheese was apparently @ @ @ @ @ .
It was found at a package shipping warehouse near Mexico City and was being @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
X-rays showed an usual bulk at the centre of the wheel @ @ @ @ @ apart to find the plastic-wrapped drugs .
The Guard did not specify what kind of @ @ @ @ @ has many types — but it appeared to be a “ cotija , ” a @ @ @ @ @ cheese made in Michoacán state .
Michoacán is also known for producing meth .


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--FBI director orders internal review of Flynn investigation

WASHINGTON - FBI Director Christopher Wray has ordered an internal review into possible misconduct in the investigation of former Trump administration national security adviser Michael Flynn , the bureau said Friday .
The after-action review will examine whether any current employees engaged in misconduct during the course of the investigation and evaluate whether any improvements in FBI policies and procedures need to be made .
In announcing the review , the FBI , a frequent target of President Donald Trump ’ s wrath , is stepping into a case that has become a rallying cry for Trump supporters — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushes back against criticism that its recent decision to dismiss the prosection was a politically motivated effort to do Trump ’ s bidding .
The announcement adds to the internal scrutiny over one of special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s signature prosecutions during his investigation into ties between Russia and Trump ’ s 2016 presidential campaign .
It underscores how a case that was seemingly resolved by Flynn ’ s 2017 guilty plea has instead given way to a protracted , politically charged debate about FBI and Justice Department tactics during that investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The unusual review will be led by the bureau ’ s Inspection Division , which conducts internal investigations into potential employee misconduct .
Trump has recently been sharply critical of the FBI , and suggested earlier this month that Wray ’ s fate as director could be in limbo .
An FBI official said Friday that the review had been contemplated for some time and that the FBI has co-operated with multiple Russia-related internal inquiries .
Although the FBI does not have authority on its own to bring a criminal prosecution , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current employees engaged in misconduct deserving of discipline .
The division can not take disciplinary action against former employees .
It is not clear how many officials involved in the Flynn investigation remain with the FBI .
Several prominent officials — including former Director James Comey , former Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and former agent Peter Strzok , who interviewed Flynn — have either been fired or have otherwise left the bureau .
The FBI did not say what sort of potential misconduct it was looking for in the investigation of Flynn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about conversations with the Russian ambassador during the presidential transition period .
But the case has long been a subject of outrage for Trump and his allies , who have alleged that Flynn was effectively set up to lie when the FBI questioned him at the White House in January 2017 .
Those concerns were given new life earlier this month when the Justice Department moved to dismiss the case and identified a series of what it says were problems in the way Flynn was investigated .
The department ’ s motion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to interview Flynn in the first place , especially since the FBI was prepared earlier in the month to close out its investigation into Flynn after finding no crime .
It says any imperfect statements he may have made during the interview were not material to the underlying investigation into ties between Russia and Trump ’ s presidential campaign .
Attorney General William Barr , who earlier this year overruled the sentencing recommendation of prosecutors in the case of Trump associate Roger Stone , defended the Flynn decision and said in a television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law ’ s bidding “ and correcting what he felt was an injustice .
The Justice Department noted that he was acting on the recommendation of U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen of St. Louis , who was assigned by Barr to review the Flynn case .
But the move outraged former law enforcement officials involved in the case , who said the Justice Department had ignored the seriousness of the false statements that Flynn admitted making , as well as the gravity of their national security concerns about Flynn ’ s interactions with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his guilty plea that he lied about having asked Kislyak to refrain from escalating the situation in response to sanctions imposed against Russia by the Obama administration for election interference .
Obama administration Justice Department officials subsequently warned the Trump White House about that conversation , saying public misrepresentations about it left Flynn vulnerable to being blackmailed by Russia .
The request to dismiss the case has triggered its own internal back-and-forth in the courts .
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan has assigned a retired judge to argue against the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys have asked a federal appeals court to order Sullivan to dismiss the case , and to reassign any future court proceedings to another judge .
An appeals court panel , meanwhile , has asked Sullivan to respond to the defence request .
The FBI said that in addition to its own internal review , it has co-operated and been transparent with multiple inquiries assigned by Barr , including lending its own agents to the Jensen probe .
The FBI has also co-operated with an investigation into the origins of the Russia investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Connecticut .
“ Director Wray authorized this additional level of review now that the Department of Justice , through Mr. Jensen ’ s work , has developed sufficient information to determine how to proceed in the Flynn case , “ the FBI statement said .
“ However , Mr. Jensen ’ s work will continue to take priority , and the Director has further ordered the Inspection Division to co-ordinate closely with Mr. Jensen and ensure that the review does not interfere with or impede his efforts .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Mississippi gov extends home order, lets water parks open

JACKSON , Miss .
- Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves said Friday that he ’ s adding another week to his statewide “ safer at home ” order because of the coronavirus pandemic , but he ’ s also easing restrictions on water parks and other outdoor sports and leisure venues .
The home order had been set to expire Monday , which is Memorial Day .
The new expiration date is June 1 .
The Republican governor said he recommends all people stay home “ as often as possible.
“ He noted that the virus can be especially difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or who have conditions such as heart disease .
“ I know that we ’ re going into a holiday weekend when we are used to gathering in large groups and cooking out and having a great time , ” Reeves said .
“ My plea to all Mississippians is to recognize we still have the virus in every community.
” He implored people to limit holiday weekend gatherings to small groups where people maintain social distancing , sanitize items , wash hands and wear masks .
Even with the “ safer at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has steadily eased restrictions on businesses that he had closed or limited in March or April .
Casinos were allowed to start reopening Thursday after being closed for two months .
Restaurants , gyms , barbershops , hair and nail salons and tattoo parlours have been allowed to reopen in the past two weeks .
All must limit the number of customers and must take extra steps for sanitation .
The governor ’ s lighter restrictions on outdoor sports and leisure venues take effect Monday , covering sites such as water parks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold outdoor practices , and schools can open their gyms and weight rooms with extra sanitation .
Movie theatres , bowling alleys and museums have not received the governor ’ s blessing to reopen .
He said he continues to consult with health experts .
Reeves said Friday that because Holmes County has a high rate of the virus , he is adding it to the list of seven other counties where extra precautions are mandated .
The precautions remain in place in Attala , Leake , Scott , Jasper , Neshoba , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties , masks must be worn by people at outdoor events such as flea markets or auctions , and by those shopping inside retail businesses such as grocery stores .
The new order also requires businesses to provide masks for their employees in retail settings , and it requires the employees to wear the masks while working .
In addition , businesses are required to screen employees for COVID-19 symptoms at the start of each shift , to provide hand sanitizer and ensure employees remain at least 6 feet ( 1.8 metres ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not maintain that distance must wear a mask while working , and the mask must be sanitized or replaced daily .
The state Health Department said Friday that Mississippi — with a population of about 3 million — had at least 12,624 confirmed cases and 596 deaths from the coronavirus as of Thursday evening .
That was an increase of 402 cases and 16 deaths from the numbers reported a day earlier .
The deaths reported Friday included three that occurred between May 5 and May 12 ; those were counted after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause severe symptoms and be fatal .
The Health Department said Friday at least 1,627 cases of the virus have been confirmed in long-term care facilities such as nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in those facilities .
The department said Friday that more than 137,900 coronavirus tests had been conducted in Mississippi as of Thursday .
The state health officer , Dr. Thomas Dobbs , said Thursday that more than 4,000 of those were blood tests that detect whether a person has antibodies that usually show up after an infection is resolved .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

Emily Wagster Pettus - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-22--Universal Orlando to begin phased reopening June 5

ORLANDO , Fla. - Universal Orlando Resort will begin a phased reopening on June 5 , nearly three months after closing down because of the coronavirus pandemic , the company announced Friday .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis approved the reopening plan Friday with the recommendation of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings , according to a Universal news release .
Park officials had presented details of their plan to the county a day earlier .
The plan includes the reopening of Universal Studios Florida , Universal ’ s Islands of Adventure and Universal ’ s Volcano Bay .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theme parks in a cautious and thoughtful way , ” Universal Parks & Resorts Chairman and CEO Tom Williams said in a prepared statement .
“ We have put new health and safety procedures in place for both our team members and guests .
And we have worked hard to make sure our guests can enjoy their time with family and friends.
“ Attendance will be carefully managed and controlled , according to the news release .
Universal will soon schedule team members for training on its new procedures , with limited previews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public opening , when Universal will continue to manage daily attendance .
All central Florida theme parks closed in mid-March due to social distancing guidelines meant to combat the spread of COVID-19 .
Both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World have reopened shopping complexes and restaurants in the past week , with several restrictions .
Legoland Florida announced earlier Friday that it would reopen June 1 .
Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando haven ’ t announced official reopening plans .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Virus spread feared where water is scarce around the world

HARARE , Zimbabwe - Violet Manuel hastily abandoned her uncle ’ s funeral and grabbed two empty containers when she heard a boy running down the dirt road shouting , “ Water , water , water !
” The 72-year-old joined dozens of people seeking their daily ration in Zimbabwe ’ s densely populated town of Chitungwiza .
“ Social distancing here ?
” Manuel asked tartly .
She sighed with relief after getting her allotment of 40 litres ( 10.5 gallons ) but worried about the coronavirus .
“ I got the water , but chances are that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Associated Press .
And yet her plans for the water did not include hand-washing but “ more important ” tasks such as cleaning dishes and flushing the toilet .
Such choices underscore the challenges of preventing the spread of the coronavirus in slums , camps and other crowded settlements around the world where clean water is scarce and survival is a daily struggle .
Some 3 billion people , from indigenous communities in Brazil to war-shattered villages in northern Yemen , have nowhere to wash their hands with soap and clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity group WaterAid .
It fears that global funding is being rushed toward vaccines and treatments without “ any real commitment to prevention.
” Definitively linking COVID-19 cases to water access isn ’ t easy without deeper investigation , said Gregory Bulit with UNICEF ’ s water and sanitation team , “ but what we know is , without water , the risk is increased.
” In the Arab region alone , about 74 million people don ’ t have access to a basic hand-washing facility , the United Nations says .
Nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of Syria ’ s water infrastructure , and millions must resort to alternative measures .
In the last rebel-held territory of Idlib , where the most recent military operations displaced nearly 1 million people , resources are badly strained .
Yasser Aboud , a father of three in Idlib , said he has doubled the amount of water he buys to keep his family clean amid virus fears .
He and his wife lost their jobs and must cut spending on clothes and food to afford it .
In Yemen , five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people displaced with no secure source of water , and there are growing fears that primitive sources such as wells are contaminated .
And in Manaus , Brazil , 300 families in one poor indigenous community have water only three days a week from a dirty well .
“ Water is like gold around here , ” said Neinha Reis , a 27-year-old mother of two .
To wash their hands , they depend on donations of hand sanitizer .
Reis and most of the other residents have fallen ill with symptoms similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Across Africa , where virus cases are closing in on 100,000 , more than half of the continent ’ s 1.3 billion people must leave their homes to get water , according to the Afrobarometer research group .
Where it is made available via trucks or wells , the long lines of people could become “ potentially dangerous breeding grounds for the virus , ” said Maxwell Samaila , program manager with the aid group Mercy Corps in Nigeria .
In rural parts of sub-Saharan Africa , where most have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ you have 200 people touching the ( well ) handle one after the other , ” said Bram Riems , an adviser on water , sanitation and hygiene with Action Against Hunger .
At an open area surrounded by filthy apartment blocks in Zimbabwe ’ s capital , Harare , women in orange T-shirts ticked off names of people fetching water from a row of communal taps that Doctors Without Borders provided in poor suburbs .
Many services in the country have collapsed , along with its economy .
Kuda Sigobodhla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid group , said training sessions had been organized before the outbreak arrived in Zimbabwe so that water distribution points did not become epicenters of contagion .
“ We had to do something , ” Sigobodhla said .
But while the empty buckets were neatly spaced 1 metre apart , their owners huddled in groups , chatting and occasionally exchanging cigarettes and high-fives while waiting their turn .
One man shouted about social distancing but only a few seemed to listen .
A hand-washing bucket was available , but most did not use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of Africa , aid groups are using measures such as placing mirrors and soap at makeshift taps .
“ We know people like to look at themselves when they wash their hands , so putting a mirror helps , ” said Riems , of Action Against Hunger .
His organization is piloting the project in Ethiopia , where only a third of the population has access to basic water services .
Fear also could be a motivating factor , he said , citing a recent GeoPoll survey that found more than 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very concerned ” about the coronavirus .
GeoPoll surveyed 5,000 people in 12 countries .
Meanwhile , investment in water and hygiene has been precariously low .
“ Of 51 major announcements of financial support from donor agencies to developing countries , only six have included any mention of hygiene , ” WaterAid has said of COVID-19emergency funding from governments and aid groups in the past two months .
Africa alone needs an annual investment of $ 22 billion , according to the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa , an initiative of the Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions .
But the investment by African governments and external financiers currently hovers around $ 8 billion to $ 10 billion , it said .
Some fear such woeful funding could now come with a huge human cost .
“ Funding for ( water , sanitation and hygiene ) has been going down , ” Riems said .
“ Not enough people will have access to water , not enough people will be able to wash their hands and more people will get sick.
” Zeina Karam and Sarah El Deeb in Beirut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Renato Brito in Manaus , Brazil contributed .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Egypt says raids on hideouts in Sinai kill 21 militants

EL -- ARISH , Egypt - Egypt said Saturday that security forces killed 21 militants in two separate raids in the restive northern Sinai Peninsula .
The Interior Ministry said the militants were plotting attacks during the Eid el-Fitr holiday , which begins Sunday and marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan .
It said two Egyptian officers were wounded in the raids .
It said security forces exchanged fire with Islamic militants as they stormed a farm used as a hideout , killing at least 14 militants .
In a simultaneous raid , security forces killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stormed a house used as a hideout in another area , the ministry said .
It added that police found weapons , explosive devices and suicide belts .
The details could not be independently corroborated as Egyptian authorities heavily restrict access to that part of Sinai .
The ministry did not say when the raids occurred .
Security officials , speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media , said the raids were launched early Saturday .
Egypt has been battling militants in the northern part of Sinai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became far more deadly after the 2013 military ouster of Mohammed Morsi , an elected but divisive Islamist president , amid nationwide protests against his brief rule .
An Islamic State affiliate based in the Sinai has carried out high-profile attacks in recent years , mainly targeting security forces and Egypt ’ s Christian minority .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--What a weekend: Cuomo lifts ban on groups; NYC beaches open

New Yorkers experiencing cabin fever after two months of coronavirus quarantine were offered an unexpected reprieve when Gov .
Andrew Cuomo eased the state ’ s ban on gatherings in time for the Memorial Day weekend .
The governor 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 .
That could clear the way for New Yorkers to picnic together in parks and backyards — if they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 this weekend , Mayor Bill de Blasio has said swimming is not allowed at the city ’ s beaches and may not be all summer .
“ I ’ ve been really clear about the beaches ; they are closed for swimming , ” de Blasio said Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 spread of the virus by keeping people 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 to disperse gatherings that violate social distancing rules and to hand out masks to people who aren ’ t wearing them , he said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , de Blasio and Cuomo , both Democrats , have said that New York City , the epicenter of the virus outbreak in the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen .


thetorontostar--2020-05-23--Turbulence, warnings before Pakistan plane crash killed 97

KARACHI , Pakistan - When the plane jolted violently , Mohammad Zubair thought it was turbulence .
Then the pilot came on the intercom to warn that the landing could be “ troublesome.
” Moments later , the Pakistan International Airlines flight crashed into a crowded neighbourhood near Karachi ’ s international airport , killing 97 people , all of whom are believed to be passengers and crew members .
Zubair was one of just two surviving passengers .
Meeran Yousaf , the provincial Health Department spokeswoman , said only 19 of the bodies from Friday ’ s crash have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies were badly burned .
Eight people on the ground were injured , including four who are still hospitalized , and all residents are accounted for , she said .
The plane crashed near Jinnah International Airport , in the poor and congested residential area known as Model Colony .
PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafiz Khan said the aircraft destroyed or heavily damaged 18 homes .
Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Abdul Sattar Kokhar said the Airbus A230 was carrying 91 passengers and eight crew members .
The only other survivor of the crash was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a telephone interview from his hospital bed , Zubair , a mechanical engineer , said flight PK8308 had taken off on time from the eastern city of Lahore at 1 p.m .
It was a smooth , uneventful flight until the aircraft began its descent near Karachi shortly before 3 p.m. “ Suddenly the plane jerked violently , once and then again , ” said Zubair .
The aircraft turned and the pilot ’ s voice came over the intercom .
They were experiencing engine trouble and the landing could be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was the last thing Zubair remembered until he woke up in a scene of chaos .
“ I saw so much smoke and fire .
I heard people crying , children crying.
” He crawled his way out of the smoke and rubble , and was eventually pulled from the ground and rushed into an ambulance .
Pakistan had only earlier this week resumed domestic flights ahead of Eid-al Fitr , which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan .
Many of the passengers aboard the flight were families returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry .
Between the coronavirus pandemic and the plane crash , this year has been a “ catastrophe , “ he said .
“ What is most unfortunate and sad is whole families have died , whole families who were travelling together for the Eid holiday , ” he told The Associated Press .
Social media and local news reports said Zara Abid , an actor and an award-winning model , was among those killed .
A senior banker , his wife and three young children were also reportedly killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the crash , told The Associated Press he identified her body at a local hospital and was waiting to take it away for burial .
Pakistan has been in a countrywide lockdown since mid-March because of the coronavirus , and the when flights resumed every other seat was left vacant to promote social distancing .
Southern Sindh province , of which Karachi is the capital , is the epicenter of Pakistan ’ s outbreak , with nearly 20,000 of the country ’ s more than 50,000 cases .
Pakistan has reported 1,101 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
A transmission of the pilot ’ s final exchange with air traffic control , posted on the website LiveATC.net , indicated he had failed to land and was circling to make another attempt .
“ We are proceeding direct , sir — we have lost engine , ” the pilot said .
“ Confirm your attempt on belly , ” the air traffic controller said , offering a runway .
“ Sir , mayday , mayday , mayday , mayday Pakistan 8303 , ” the pilot said before the transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters Friday in Karachi that an independent inquiry would be held but said the aircraft was in good working order .
Airworthiness documents showed the plane last received a government check on Nov. 1 , 2019 .
PIA ’ s chief engineer signed a separate certificate April 28 saying all maintenance had been conducted .
It said “ the aircraft is fully airworthy and meets all the safety ” standards .
Ownership records for the Airbus A320 showed China Eastern Airlines flew the plane from 2004 until 2014 .
The plane then entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GE Capital Aviation Services .
Airbus said the plane had logged 47,100 flight hours and 25,860 flights as of Friday .
The plane had two CFM56-5B4 engines .
Airbus said it would provide technical assistance to investigators in France and Pakistan , as well as the airline and engine manufacturers .
“ We at Airbus are deeply saddened by the tragic news of flight # PK8303 , ” tweeted Executive Director Guillaume Faury .
“ In aviation , we all work hard to prevent this .
Airbus will provide full assistance to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gambrell , in Dubai , United Arab Emirates ; Kathy Gannon and Munir Ahmed in Islamabad , and Asim Tanvir , in Multan , Pakistan , contributed to this report