thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Woman given life for plot to blow up St. Paul’s Cathedral

LONDON - A woman was jailed for life , with a minimum sentence of 14 years , on Friday for plotting to blow up London ’ s St. Paul ’ s Cathedral , a nearby hotel and a subway train in a suicide attack .
Safiyya Shaikh , 37 , extensively researched how to cause maximum carnage at the historic church and visitor attraction .
Police said she had planned to leave a bomb in a bag at the cathedral before detonating a suicide vest on a London Underground train .
Her defence lawyers said she had doubts about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a call she made to a friend from prison last week in which she said she “ didn ’ t get cold feet ” and “ was ready to go through with it.
” The Muslim convert , who was a supporter of the Islamic State group , pleaded guilty to creating a terrorist act and dissemination of a terrorist publication .
Shaikh , born Michelle Ramsden , was arrested in October after she sought help from an undercover officer who posed as a bomb-making expert .
“ She engaged with others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar mindset , to instigate and plan a terrorist attack involving the use of improvised explosives to attack St Paul ’ s Cathedral and a hotel nearby , ” prosecutor Alison Morgan said .
“ She visited the cathedral to assess its security arrangements and the best place to detonate a bomb.
” “ She stated that her intention was to kill herself and as many other people as possible , ” she added .
Police said Shaikh was also heavily involved in extremist propaganda posts online and inspiring others to fight .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Union tells actors not to work on pandemic film ‘Songbird’

LOS ANGELES - The union that represents film actors told its members Thursday not to work on the upcoming pandemic thriller “ Songbird , ” saying the filmmakers have not been up-front about safety measures and had not signed the proper agreements for the movie that is among the first in production after coronavirus closures .
Actors had reportedly been rehearsing remotely for the film produced by Michael Bay and directed by Adam Mason .
The film ’ s pre-production listing on IMDbPro.com says its stars include Demi Moore , Peter Stormare and Craig Robinson , and gives the description @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an even more serious virus continues to mutate.
” But the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Actors issued a do-not-work order to its members , saying the production company “ has failed to complete the signatory process , ” and working on the film could result in disciplinary action .
“ The producers have not been transparent about their safety protocols and that is something we obviously take very seriously , “ a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson said in a statement .
” Also , as noted in the Do Not Work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become signatory to our agreement .
We have no further comment.
” The small film was among the first to attempt to resume production after the long closure .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom gave film and television productions the green light to resume shooting in the state starting June 12 , so long as strict coronavirus restrictions were in place .
Messages seeking comment from the film ’ s production companies and representatives for Bay and Mason were not immediately returned .
One of the companies , Invisible Narrative , told Deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve this paperwork issue with the guild .
”

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thetorontostar--2020-07-03--21 Savage launches free online financial program for youth

LOS ANGELES - Rapper 21 Savage will be launching a free online financial literacy education program for youth sheltered at home during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Grammy winner announced his new Bank Account At Home nationwide initiative on Wednesday .
His efforts will include a partnership with Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to provide free WiFi and tablets for underserved students in the city .
“ I feel like it ’ s important more than ever to give our next generation the tools to succeed in life , ” the rapper in a statement .
21 Savage said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
His program will work with mobile banking service provider Chime and EverFi , an education technology platform .
The rapper launched his Bank Account program in 2018 to teach financial literacy to teenage students across the United States .
The rapper ’ s single “ A Lot “ won a Grammy for best rap song earlier this year .
This story was first published on July 1 , 2020 .
It was updated on July 2 , 2020 to fix a reference to the recipients of the program .
They are @ @ @ @ @

ATLANTA (AP) — Putting 19 people on trial at the same time is a difficult assignment for any prosecutor — whether or not one of those defendan…


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Top Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan dies at 71

NEW DELHI - Saroj Khan , a top Bollywood choreographer , died of cardiac arrest in a Mumbai hospital early Friday , her family said .
She was 71 .
The three-time National Award winner was hospitalized last Saturday after she complained of breathlessness .
She tested negative for COVID-19 , the Press Trust of India news agency said .
Khan choreographed more than 2,000 songs in her career spanning more than 40 years .
Leading actresses including Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi danced to some of the most popular songs Khan had produced .
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody can do it .
“ A huge loss for the industry , ” Kumar tweeted .
Khan started her acting career at the age of 3 in a Bollywood film .
She later shifted to choreography and got her break in 1974 .
She never looked back and created some of Bollywood ’ s most popular film songs .
She won acclaim for songs in movies “ Mr .
India , ” “ Chandni , ” “ Beta , ” “ Tezaab ’ ’ and ” Gulab Gang.
“ Khan was buried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her nephew Manish Jagwani told reporters .
She is survived by her husband and three children .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Philippine president signs widely opposed anti-terror law

MANILA , Philippines - The Philippine president on Friday signed a widely opposed anti-terror law which critics fear could be used against human rights defenders and to muzzle dissent .
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act after weighing the concerns of different groups , demonstrating the government ’ s commitment to stamping out terrorism , presidential spokesman Harry Roque said .
Opponents say they will question the constitutionality of the law in the Supreme Court .
The law , which Congress sent to the president for signing last month , allows the detention of suspects for up to 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-terrorism council to designate suspects or groups as suspected terrorists who could then be subject to arrest and surveillance .
Military officials have cited the threat of terrorism , including from Islamic State group-linked Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines , as a reason why the country needs the law .
It replaces a 2007 anti-terror law called the Human Security Act that has been rarely used , largely because law enforcers can be fined 500,000 pesos ( $ 9,800 ) for each day they wrongfully detain a terrorism suspect .
Lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which increases the number of days that suspects can be detained without warrants from three to 24 .
Opposition to the law has been mounting , with Catholic bishops saying the definition of terrorism under the law is so broad it could threaten legitimate dissent and civil liberties .
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines , the largest group of lawyers in the country , and U.N. rights officials have also expressed concern along with nationalist groups and media watchdogs .
Opponents said the law violates the constitution , which restricts detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This administration has effectively crafted a new weapon to brand and hound any perceived enemies of the state , ” said Nicholas Bequelin , Amnesty International ’ s Asia-Pacific regional director .
“ In the prevailing climate of impunity , a law so vague on the definition of ‘ terrorism ’ can only worsen attacks against human rights defenders.
” “ Under Duterte ’ s presidency , even the mildest government critics can be labeled terrorists , ” Bequelin said .
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and other security officials have played down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it won ’ t be used against government opponents .
The legislation states that terrorism excludes “ advocacy , protest , dissent , stoppage of work , industrial or mass action and other similar exercises of civil and political rights.
” For years , government troops have been battling Abu Sayyaf militants who have been listed as terrorists by both the United States and the Philippines for ransom kidnappings , beheadings and bombings in the restive south .
In 2017 , hundreds of militants affiliated with the Islamic State group laid siege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Troops quelled the siege after five months in a massive offensive backed by the United States and Australia that left more than 1,000 people dead , mostly militants , and the mosque-studded city in ruins .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Investigator says pilot impaired by fumes in Sydney crash

CANBERRA , Australia - A seaplane pilot was impaired by carbon monoxide fumes from engine exhaust when he flew off course and crashed into a river near Sydney in 2017 with the loss of six lives , a crash investigator said Friday .
Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan and his five British passengers died during a joy flight on New Year ’ s Eve when the DHC-2 Beaver flew low into a dead-end bay surrounded by steep terrain and then crashed into the Hawkesbury River .
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau , the crash investigator , said autopsies revealed that Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon monoxide in their bodies .
“ The levels of carbon monoxide were likely to have adversely affected the pilot ’ s ability to control the aircraft , ” bureau Chief Commissioner Greg Hood said in a statement .
The passengers were Compass Group chief executive Richard Cousins , his fiancee Emma Bowden , her 11-year-old daughter , Heather Bowden-Page , and his two sons William , 25 , and Edward , 23 .
The bureau did not say which had been effected by carbon monoxide or reveal the concentration levels .
Investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plane that was built in 1963 and bolts missing from a firewall that would have allowed carbon monoxide to leak from the engine bay into the cabin , the bureau said .
The plane ’ s owner , Sydney Seaplanes , said in a statement it had a strict program for engine maintenance and inspection which was performed by a regulator-approved organization .
The missing bolts were not a fault that would be discovered by the pilot during his pre-flight safety checks , the owner said .
Based on the ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners of all piston-engine planes to takes steps to detect carbon monoxide in cabins .
The bureau has not said when its final report on the cause of the crash will be released .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Statue of Little Mermaid in Denmark vandalized again

COPENHAGEN - The famed statue of Hans Christian Andersen ’ s Little Mermaid , one of Copenhagen ’ s biggest tourist draws , has been vandalized with the text “ racist fish.
” The words were tagged on the stone on which the oft-attacked 1.65-meter ( 5.4-foot ) -high bronze is sitting at the entrance of the Copenhagen harbour .
No one has taken responsibility for the act .
The statue was created in tribute to the Danish storyteller Andersen .
It has long been a popular target for vandals , who have blown her off her perch , beheaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is based on a mythical sea king ’ s mermaid daughter who , according to the Hans Christian Andersen tale , falls in love with a prince and longs to become human .
Last month , a statue in Copenhagen of a Danish missionary who was key to the colonization of Greenland , was doused with red paint and the words “ decolonize.
” It was not known whether the two cases of vandalism were linked .
Statues and monuments around the world are being reconsidered in light of racial justice demonstrations following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rights activists on Thursday accused Danish officials of being unable to recognize racism after authorities said the killing of a biracial man by two white men was not racially motivated .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--French court OKs end to Rwanda genocide investigation

PARIS - The Paris appeals court on Friday upheld a decision to end a years-long investigation into the plane crash that sparked Rwanda ’ s 1994 genocide , citing lack of sufficient evidence .
The probe has damaged France-Rwanda relations for years , because it targeted several people close to current Rwandan President Paul Kagame .
His justice minister welcomed Friday ’ s decision , and his supporters have denounced the investigation as an attempt to exonerate France ’ s suspected role in the genocide .
French investigating judges decided in 2018 to drop the probe , and family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision .
The Paris appeals court on Friday upheld it , according to a court official .
Lawyers for the families can further appeal the ruling to France ’ s highest court , the Court of Cassation .
The 1994 plane crash killed Rwanda ’ s then-President Juvenal Habyarimana , an ethnic Hutu .
Militants from the Hutu majority blamed minority Tutsis for the death , sparking a slaughter that killed 800,000 people .
The plane had a French crew , and Rwanda has long accused France of complicity in the genocide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crash has long been a contentious issue .
The French investigation “ has been a travesty of justice , a total and complete farce that should not have happened in the first place , ” Rwanda ’ s minister of justice , Johnson Busingye , tweeted Friday .
Relations between Rwanda and France were under strain for years after the genocide , but have improved somewhat under French President Emmanuel Macron , who created a commission of researchers and historians tasked with investigating France ’ s role in Rwanda before and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver its conclusions next year .
Friday ’ s ruling came as one of the most wanted fugitives in Rwanda ’ s genocide , who was arrested in May outside Paris , is awaiting a decision on extradition .
Felicien Kabuga , who is accused of equipping militias who took part in the genocide and broadcasting propaganda urging mass slaughter , was close to then-President Habyarimana .
Ignatius Ssuuna in Kigali , Rwanda , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Jean Castex named as new French prime minister

PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday named Jean Castex , who co-ordinated France ’ s virus reopening strategy , as the country ’ s new prime minister as the country focuses on reviving an economy hard-hit by the pandemic and months of strict lockdown .
The relatively low-profile Castex replaces Edouard Philippe , who resigned earlier in the day as Macron reshuffles the government to shift focus for the remaining two years of his term .
Macron , who says he wants a “ new path ” for the two remaining years of his term , has chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic issues amid efforts for the country ’ s recovery .
Castex , 55 , is a career public servant who has worked with multiple governments but never as a minister .
France ’ s gradual reopening plan has been seen as generally successful so far .
A conservative , Castex began a local political career in 2008 in the small town of Prades in southern France , where he was re-elected as mayor in March with backing from The Republicans party .
He notably worked as deputy secretary-general at the presidency under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Castex is also considered an expert in social affairs and health policies , two topics that will be on top of the agenda in the coming months .
Many government members are expected to be replaced in the forthcoming reshuffle .
Macron , a 42-year-old centrist , seeks balance between ministers coming from the right and from the left as well as centrist allies and people from the private sector .
The reshuffle comes days after a green wave swept over France in local elections .
Macron saw his young centrist party defeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failing to plant local roots across the country .
The changes were planned even before Sunday ’ s voting , as Macron ’ s government faced obstacles and criticism before and during the virus crisis .
As the pandemic was peaking in the country in March and April , authorities came under fire for the lack of masks , tests and medical equipment .
Before that , Macron ’ s pro-business policies , widely seen as favouring the wealthier , had been hampered by the yellow vest economic movement against perceived social injustice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and street demonstrations against a planned pension overhaul disrupted the country .
In addition , Macron ’ s efforts to boost job creation have been swept away by the economic and social consequences of the country ’ s lockdown .
The government issued a 460 billion-euro emergency package through a state-funded partial activity scheme , tax cuts and other financial aids for businesses , and Macron needs to adapt his policies as France ’ s economy is expected to shrink by 11 % this year .
The unemployment rate that fell from 9.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s term in 2017 to 7.6 % earlier this year — its lowest level since 2008 — is now expected to increase steadily .
“ Our first priority will be to rebuild an economy that is strong , ecological , sovereign and united , ” Macron said in a televised address to the nation on June 14 .
He ruled out any tax rise and instead said “ working and producing more ” is the response amid bankruptcies and layoffs caused by the crisis .
He put an emphasis on creating new jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings and greener transport and industries .
Philippe , 49 , is expected to become the mayor of his hometown of Le Havre , in western France , after he won a large victory in Sunday ’ s voting .
A conservative , former member of The Republicans ’ party , he had joined Macron ’ s government in May 2017 .
He had seen his popularity sharply increase in recent weeks , according to French poll institutes that show many French consider he did good job in gradually easing virus-related restrictions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support the French economy .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Holidays to test Thailand’s easing of virus restrictions

BANGKOK - Thai authorities urged vigilance Friday as the country celebrates its first long holiday weekend after lifting most restrictions imposed to fight the spread of the coronavirus .
No new local infections have been reported in Thailand in more than a month .
The four day holiday starting Saturday , incorporating two Buddhist holy days , is expected to see Thais return en masse from the cities where many work to their family homes in rural areas .
Such reunions usually take place during April ’ s Songkran festival , but this year those holidays were cancelled and travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Transport Ministry has said it is expects 7.6 million people nationwide to be travelling between provinces .
Officials from the special government centre set up to deal with the pandemic expressed concern Friday about the large number of travellers flocking to high-risk places .
“ We eased measures for high risk activities therefore you should stay vigilant all the time , “ said Taweesin Witsanuyothin , a spokesman for the centre .
Thailand has had 3,180 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , including 58 deaths , surprisingly low numbers for a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest share of tourist arrivals last year came from China , where the coronavirus is believed to have originated .
Thailand ’ s government began imposing social distancing rules and closing down gathering places in mid-March , and at the beginning of April barred scheduled passenger flights from abroad .
For more than five weeks now , the small number of new infections found in Thailand have been limited to infected Thais returning from abroad on special repatriation flights .
Buoyed by the lack of local transmission of the virus , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , evaluating the results as they proceed .
As part of the latest easing that came into effect Wednesday , establishments considered high-risk , such as nightclubs and massage parlours , were allowed to reopen and long as they follow social distancing rules .
Face masks must still be worn in many public places .
Although scheduled passenger flights are still banned , the government has been slowly moving toward readmitting foreign visitors .
Beginning this past Wednesday , the government began allowing the entry of maximum of 200 foreigners daily who would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights that bring Thai citizens home .
The allowed foreigners — including those legally working in Thailand and their families , those with residence permits , spouses and children of Thais , medical tourists and students — must quarantine for 14 days .
At Suvarnabhumi Airport , Bangkok ’ s main international gateway , health officials installed a new coronavirus testing laboratory that will have results ready within 90 minutes .
The machine has a capacity of 80 tests per hour and will be operating 24 hours a day , officials said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ construct more labs for Thailand ’ s six other international airports .
“ The government now starts to ease restrictions , opening up our country , little by little .
So we are taking care of that , ” said Dr. Suwich Thammapalo , director of the Office of Disease Prevention Control .
“ In the future , the testing could expand to tourists as well.
” Associated Press writer Busaba Sivasomboon contributed to this report .

Tassanee Vejpongsa - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--In shake-up, UK government plans televised media briefings

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says his government will introduce White House-style televised media briefings , in a shake-up to the traditional system of political communication .
For years , political journalists have been briefed off-camera but on the record by the prime minister ’ s official spokespeople , who are civil servants rather than political appointees .
The briefings usually take place twice a day , though during the U.K. ’ s coronavirus lockdown they have been held once a day by conference call .
The government said Friday that it plans to replace the afternoon briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional broadcaster .
The morning briefing will continue in the current format .
The change will take effect later this year .
Johnson told LBC radio that the government ’ s daily televised coronavirus news conferences had been a success .
The briefings involving ministers and scientists were held daily between March and late June .
“ People have liked a more direct , detailed information from the government about what is going on , ” Johnson said .
“ We do think that people want direct engagement and want stuff from us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have a go at that.
” Johnson said he would “ pop up from time to time ” at the briefings .
Viewers around the world are used to seeing televised White House briefings by the U.S. president ’ s press secretary , though these have become sporadic under the Trump administration .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Activist leaves Hong Kong after new law to advocate abroad

HONG KONG - Prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law has left the city for an undisclosed location after testifying in a U.S. congressional hearing about a tough new security law imposed by mainland China on the semi-autonomous territory .
Law , who declined to disclose his whereabouts for safety , said in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday that he left because Hong Kong needs an advocate for democracy who can work internationally .
Under the new security law , activists and politicians in Hong Kong who speak to foreign media or testify in foreign hearings can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign forces , Law said .
“ For me leaving the place that I love , that I grew up in , that I spent most of my life in , it ’ s definitely a really difficult decision , but this is more than a personal choice , ” he said .
“ I miss everything from it.
” The security law , which took effect Tuesday night , targets secessionist , subversive or terrorist acts , as well as collusion with foreign forces intervening in the city ’ s affairs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities have moved swiftly to implement the law ’ s sweeping conditions , with police arresting about 370 people Wednesday , including 10 on suspicion of directly violating the law , as thousands took to the streets in protest .
In some cases , suspects were carrying items advocating Hong Kong ’ s independence , police said .
China ’ s Cabinet on Friday appointed a veteran Communist Party cadre who rose to prominence during a crackdown on villagers seeking land rights in 2011 as head of a new central government national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his department will report directly to Beijing without oversight from Hong Kong ’ s courts or any requirement that they answer to local authorities .
Law , 26 , rose to prominence in Hong Kong as one of the student leaders of the pro-democracy Umbrella Revolution in 2014 .
In 2016 , he became the youngest lawmaker elected to the city ’ s legislature but was later disqualified after he raised his tone while swearing allegiance to China during the oath , making it sound like a question .
He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow .
All three resigned Tuesday ahead of the security law coming into effect .
With the loss of its top members , Demosisto dissolved .
The Hong Kong government announced Thursday night that the popular protest slogan “ Liberate Hong Kong , Revolution of Our Time ” connotes a call for Hong Kong ’ s independence or its separation from China , and those using it or displaying it on flags or signs could be in violation of the new law .
Critics including Law say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two systems ” framework under which the city was promised a high degree of autonomy when it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997 .
“ That is blatantly eradicating ‘ one country , two systems , ’ it ’ s blatantly putting the last nail in the coffin , ” Law said .
He urged the international community to prioritize human rights over trade interests , and to present a united front to “ combat or contain the authoritarian expansion of China.
” Under the security legislation , the maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and suspects in certain cases may be sent to the mainland for trial if Beijing deems it has jurisdiction .
A 24-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a police officer during the protests on Wednesday has been charged with wounding with intent , police said Friday .
He was arrested on board a plane to London , apparently trying to flee the territory .
Police wouldn ’ t say if the man would face additional charges under the security law .
Separately , police charged a 23-year-old man with incitement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making him the first person to be prosecuted under the new law .
Tong Ying-kit is accused of crashing a motorcycle into a group of police during Wednesday ’ s protests while possessing a flag with the newly banned slogan .
Associated Press video journalist Alice Fung contributed to this report .
This story has been corrected to show that the Hong Kong government statement outlawing the protest slogan was issued Thursday .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--33 villagers killed in attacks in central Mali this week

BAMAKO , Mali - Armed men who identified themselves as jihadists attacked farming villages in Mali ’ s central Mopti region this week , killing at least 33 people and wounding at least five , local officials said Friday .
The attackers arrived on motorcycles Wednesday , killing men who were returning from their fields in the villages of Gouari , Djimdo , Pangadougou and Dialaikanda , according to Moulaye Guindo , the mayor of Bankass , the capital of the area .
He said 15 were killed in Djimdo , 16 in Gouari and two in Pangadougou .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they bear the mark of the Fulani armed groups who have been targeting Dogon farmers they accuse of being allied with militias close to the government .
The Dogon farmers have been responsible for attacks on Fulani villages in the same area .
“ This attack will cause a psychosis and I am afraid that the villagers of this whole area will not go farming this year , ” Guindo warned .
Intercommunal violence in central Mali has been complicated by the presence of jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fulani of being close to the al-Qaida-linked militants , which Fulani leaders have denied , while Dogon community members are considered to be supportive of the Malian army .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Philippines warns China of ‘severest response’ over drills

MANILA , Philippines - The Philippine foreign secretary warned China on Friday of “ the severest response ” if ongoing Chinese military exercises in the disputed South China Sea spill over to Philippine territory .
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said China ’ s People ’ s Liberation Army has been staging exercises off the Paracel Islands since July 1 and Chinese maritime officials have prohibited all vessels from navigating within the area of the manoeuvrs .
After checking the co-ordinates of the no-entry zone , where the Chinese military manoeuvrs are being staged , Locsin said the waters off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Vietnam , “ do not impinge on Philippine territory ” although he raised some concern .
“ Should the exercises spill over to Philippine territory , then China is forewarned that it will be met with the severest response , diplomatic and whatever else is appropriate , ” Locsin said in a statement without elaborating .
The Philippine warning to China over their territorial conflicts is the strongest so far this year and comes despite an improvement in relations since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016 .
Vietnam protested in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sank a boat with eight fishermen off the Paracel Islands .
The Philippines backed Vietnam and protested two new territorial districts announced by China in large swaths of the sea , adding that China ’ s assertive actions were taking place while the region was preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic .
Locsin said those territorial districts in the disputed waters were “ null and void ” for being devoid of basis in international law .
“ This is the problem with playing fast and loose with historical narratives and historical names , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves to error ; unless the real purpose is to excuse unchallenged mistakes that may over time harden into rights.
” China , like any other power , can invoke freedom of navigation while carrying out military exercises , Locsin said , but added that such passages should be done in a straight and uninterrupted voyage .
“ We continue to look to China , as our nearest and biggest trading partner , ” Locsin said , adding that its participation is essential to the success of any post-coronavirus economic recovery .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to refrain from escalating tension and abide by the responsibilities under international law ” and exercise self-restraint in taking actions that could escalate disputes , especially during the pandemic .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Switzerland: 2 trains collide in mountain railway tunnel

GENEVA - Two trains collided in a tunnel on a mountain railway in Switzerland on Friday , slightly injuring a @ @ @ @ @ operator said .
A car shuttle train transporting about 15 vehicles hit the side of @ @ @ @ @ about 30 people on board that was travelling in the opposite direction , Matterhorn Gotthard @ @ @ @ @ broadcaster SRF .
The cause of the crash near Oberwald , in Valais canton ( @ @ @ @ @ , wasn ’ t immediately clear .
The line between Realp and Ulrichen , part @ @ @ @ @ that connects the ski resort of Zermatt with central and eastern Swizerland , was closed @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--German lawmakers approve plan to phase out use of coal

BERLIN - Germany ’ s lower house of parliament voted Friday to finalize the country ’ s long-awaited phase-out of coal as an energy source , backing a plan that environmental groups say isn ’ t ambitious enough and free marketeers criticize as a waste of taxpayers ’ money .
Two bills , which are expected to get approval from the upper house later Friday , envision shutting down the last coal-fired power plant by 2038 and spending some 40 billion euros ( $ 45 billion ) to help affected regions cope with the transition .
The plan is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ - an effort to wean Europe ’ s biggest economy off planet-warming fossil fuels and generate all of the country ’ s considerable energy from renewable sources .
Achieving that goal is made harder than in comparable countries such as France and Britain because of Germany ’ s existing commitment to also phase out nuclear power by the end of 2022 .
Greenpeace and other environmental groups have staged vocal protests against the government ’ s plan , arguing that it won ’ t reduce Germany ’ s greenhouse gas emissions fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Paris climate accord .
“ Germany , the country that burns the greatest amount of lignite coal worldwide , will burden the next generation with 18 more years of carbon dioxide , ” Greenpeace Germany ’ s executive director Martin Kaiser told The Associated Press .
Kaiser , who was part of a government-appointed expert commission , accused Chancellor Angela Merkel of making a “ historic mistake , ” saying an end date for coal of 2030 would have sent a strong signal for European and global climate policy .
Environmentalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered to coal companies to shut down their plants , a complaint shared by libertarians such as Germany ’ s opposition Free Democratic Party .
Katja Suding , a leading FDP lawmaker , said the government should have opted to expand existing emissions trading systems that put a price on carbon , thereby encouraging operators to shut down unprofitable coal plants .
“ You just have to make it so expensive that it ’ s not profitable anymore to turn coal into electricity , ” she said .
But the head of Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Vassiliadis , welcomed the decision , calling it a “ historic milestone.
” He urged the government to focus next on an expansion of renewable energy generation and the use of hydrogen as a clean alternative for storing and transporting energy in the future .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--At Rushmore, Trump to say protesters seek to ‘defame’ heroes

KEYSTONE , S.D .
- President Donald Trump planned a fiery Mount Rushmore speech Friday night including denunciations of protesters he says are trying to “ tear down ” the nation ’ s history .
He ’ s adding the condemnation of those who pull down statues to a big fireworks show and his more traditional July Fourth praise of America ’ s past and values .
Hours before the event , protesters blocked a road leading to the monument .
Authorities worked to move the demonstrators , mostly Native Americans protesting that South Dakota ’ s Black Hills were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements .
About 15 protesters were arrested after missing a police-imposed deadline to leave .
The president has spoken forcefully against other protesters in Washington , D.C. , and other cities who have tried to topple Confederate monuments and statues honouring those who have benefited from slavery , planned to target “ the left wing mob and those practicing cancel culture , “ said a person familiar with his remarks and describing them only on condition of anonymity .
The president was to preside over a fireworks display at an event expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike across the country .
Trump was expecting a South Dakota show of support , with the state Republican Party selling T-shirts that feature Trump on the memorial alongside George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln .
But concern about the coronavirus risk and wildfire danger from the fireworks , along with the Native American groups ’ protests were also present .
Republican Gov .
Kristi Noem , a Trump ally , has said social distancing won ’ t be required during the event and masks will be optional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to anyone who wanted them and planned to screen attendees for symptoms of COVID-19 .
Noem and Sen. John Thune , R-S.D.
, were among the crowd meeting the president and first lady Melania Trump at Ellsworth Air Force Base .
Noem wasn ’ t wearing a mask ; Thune removed his face covering as he waited to greet the president .
The Republican mayor of the largest city near the monument , Rapid City , said he would be watching for an increase in cases after the event , the Rapid City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disqualify themselves “ because they developed a cough the day of or the day before , ” Mayor Steve Allender said .
The small town of Keystone , which lies a couple of miles from the monument , was buzzing with people Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks and the president .
Many wore pro-Trump T-shirts and hats .
Few wore masks .
“ This is going to rank up in the top Fourth of Julys that I talk about , ” said Mike Stewhr , who brought his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rapid City , who said he was a Republican , wore a mask and waved an anti-Trump flag .
He also was sporting a handgun on each hip .
He said he was worried the event would spark a COVID-19 outbreak .
“ I think it ’ s a bad example being set by our president and our governor , ” Harris said .
Robin Pladsen , director of the Keystone Chamber of Commerce , handed out face masks and hand sanitizer from a tent .
She said the tourist influx would help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to survive the economic downtown but acknowledged the health risk for the town .
Leaders of several Native American tribes in the region also raised concerns that the event could lead to virus outbreaks among their members , who they say are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of an underfunded health care system and chronic health conditions .
“ The president is putting our tribal members at risk to stage a photo op at one of our most sacred sites , ” said Harold Frazier , chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s visit to protest the Mount Rushmore memorial itself , pointing out that the Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people .
More than 100 protesters , many Lakota , lined the road leading from Keystone to the monument holding signs and playing Lakota music in 95-degree heat .
Some held their fists in the air as cars loaded with event attendees passed by .
Others held signs that read “ Protect SoDak ’ s First People , ” “ You Are On Stolen Land ” and “ Dismantle White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open his eyes .
We ’ re people , too , and it was our land first , ” said Hehakaho Waste , a spiritual elder with the Oglala Sioux tribe .
Several people who once oversaw fire danger at the national memorial have said setting off fireworks over the forest was a bad idea that could lead to a large wildfire .
Fireworks were called off after 2009 because a mountain pine beetle infestation increased the fire risks .
Noem pushed to get the fireworks resumed soon after she was elected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president brushed aside fire concerns earlier this year , saying , “ What can burn ?
It ’ s stone.
” Trump made no mention of the fire danger Thursday .
“ They used to do it many years ago , and for some reason they were unable or unallowed to do it , ” he said .
“ They just weren ’ t allowed to do it , and I opened it up and we ’ re going to have a tremendous July 3 and then we ’ re coming back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington , D.C. ” Trump has presided over a several large-crowd events — in Tulsa , Oklahoma , and at an Arizona megachurch — even as health officials warn against large gatherings and recommend face masks and social distancing .
He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from D.C. ’ s mayor .
Trump and Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse .
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in Washington and Todd Richmond in Madison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Stephen Groves And Darlene Superville - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--8-year-old killed, 3 injured in shooting at Alabama mall

HOOVER , Ala. - A shooting at an Alabama shopping mall left at least four people hospitalized Friday afternoon , police said .
Multiple shots were reported near the food court inside the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover , Police Capt .
Gregg Rector said in a news release .
He said the victims were hospitalized for treatment .
“ Their conditions are unknown at this time , ” authorities said .
“ We don ’ t know at this point what led to the shooting or how many gunmen were involved , ” Rector added .
Authorities did not say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mall has been evacuated “ and the scene is secure , ” police said .
Annalisa Pope , who works at Hollister in the mall , told WBMA-TV in a telephone interview that she heard six to seven shots fired .
“ It wasn ’ t just one or two , ” she said .
“ That ’ s what got me off guard .
They ( the shots ) just kept going.
” She said the gunshots “ sounded like they were coming from every direction.
” Hoover police asked anyone was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call authorities .
“ It felt so close , ” she said .
“ It was so surreal .
It doesn ’ t even feel real right now .
You wouldn ’ t expect something like that to happen out of nowhere on a normal , Friday afternoon.
” The mall in suburban Birmingham was the site of a 2018 police shooting where an officer fatally shot a Black man with a gun after mistaking him for the gunman in an earlier shooting at the mall .
The shooting of 21-year-old Emantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of protests at the mall .
The Alabama attorney general ’ s office cleared the officer , saying he acted “ reasonably under the circumstances ” in the encounter that spanned approximately five seconds .
“ We are heartbroken by the tragic , senseless incident that took place in our shopping centre this afternoon , “ the mall said in a statement Friday .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Protesters return to St. Louis area where couple drew guns

ST. LOUIS - Several hundred protesters made a peaceful return trip Friday to the St. Louis mansion owned by a white couple whose armed defence of their home during an earlier demonstration earned them both scorn and support from across the globe .
Protesters marched along the busy public boulevard called Kingshighway , which intersects with Portland Place , a private street that is the site of the Renaissance palazzo-style home of Mark McCloskey , 61 , and his 63-year-old wife , Patricia .
Chanting protesters on Friday stopped at the gate just outside the McCloskey ’ s home for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closes the private street to non-residents and extra metal barriers blocked the entrance to Portland Place , where the protesters had walked earlier in the week on their way to the mayor ’ s home nearby .
Inside the gate , more than a dozen men in plain clothes walked the grounds and peered out from a second-floor balcony of the couple ’ s home .
One protester briefly straddled an iron gate as if he was going to jump over , but did not .
No one threw anything and no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One man on the McCloskey ’ s balcony clapped along with the chanting protesters .
The racially diverse crowd on Friday carried signs reading “ Black Lives Matter , ” “ Defund the Police ” and “ No Justice , No Peace , ” and chanted slogans including , “ when Black lives are under attack , what do we do ?
Stand up , fight back , ” and “ this is what democracy looks like.
” It was not immediately known if the McCloskeys were home .
The marchers then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lined with condominiums , upscale apartments and hospitals to Interstate-64 .
Police had closed that road to traffic in both directions and were allowing the protesters to march onto the highway , where they sat for several minutes in honour of George Floyd , who was handcuffed and died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
The latest rally organized by the group Expect Us is among several protests in St. Louis in the weeks since George Floyd ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about police treatment of Black people in the region .
The McCloskeys are personal injury attorneys who suddenly became famous last Sunday .
As an estimated 500 demonstrators marched near their home , the couple heard a loud commotion and saw a large group of people break an iron gate marked with “ No Trespassing ” and “ Private Street ” signs , according to a police report .
Video posted online and viewed by millions showed Mark McCloskey wielding a long-barrelled gun and Patricia McCloskey waving a small handgun .
No shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protesters walking through the gate and it was unclear when it was damaged .
As days went by , photos of the incident evolved into memes on both sides of the gun debate — some supporting the McCloskeys as examples of people protecting their own property , some making fun of them for pulling guns during what many perceived as an otherwise peaceful protest .
The attorney for the couple , Albert Watkins , said they are longtime civil rights advocates and support the message of the Black Lives Matter movement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two or three protesters — who were white — violently threatened the couple , and their property and that of their neighbours .
Protest organizer Darryl Gray said on Friday , “ Are we angry ?
Damn right we ’ re angry .
But we ’ re nonviolent.
” Demonstrators on Sunday were simply passing by the McCloskeys home on the way to the home of Mayor Lyda Krewson , a Democrat .
She drew their ire on June 26 when she read aloud the names and addresses of several residents who wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The group chanted , “ Resign , Lyda !
Take the cops with you !
” Krewson ’ s home is a few blocks from the McCloskeys ’ home .
A letter released Wednesday by more than three dozen neighbours of the couple condemned “ the behaviour of anyone who uses threats of violence , especially through the brandishing of firearms , to disrupt peaceful protest , whether it be in this neighbourhood or anywhere in the United States .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Violence mars Portland protests, frustrates Black community

PORTLAND , Ore. - Protesters in this liberal , predominantly white city have taken to the streets peacefully every day for more than five weeks to decry police brutality .
But violence by smaller groups is dividing the movement and drawing complaints that some white demonstrators are co-opting the moment .
As the Portland protests enter a second month , they have shifted on several nights from the city ’ s downtown core to a historically Black neighbourhood in North Portland that ’ s already buckling under the effects of white gentrification and has the most to gain — or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets .
Late last week , some protesters barricaded the doors to a police precinct a half-block from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and set fire to the building , which also houses Black-owned businesses , including an Ethiopian restaurant and a barber ’ s school .
Two nights later , a potluck at a park in the heart of the Black community morphed into another violent clash with police , who unleashed tear gas to quell the crowd of several hundred people .
On Friday , a Portland man was arrested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hatfield Federal Courthouse , U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said .
Rowan M. Olsen , 19 , aka Kiefer Alan Moore , was arrested by Federal Protective Service officers early Friday morning , he said in a news release .
Olsen is scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday , Williams said .
The change has angered and frustrated some in the Black community , who say a “ white fringe element ” is distracting from their message with senseless destruction in a city where nearly three-quarters of residents are white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is NOT the Black Lives Matter movement .
This is chaos , ” Kali Ladd , executive director of KairosPDX , wrote in a Facebook post .
“ These white actors are enacting dominance in a different form under the guise of equity ... White supremacy has many forms.
” Demonstrations elsewhere in the city have also grown increasingly violent .
Early Friday , someone broke the windows of a federal courthouse and threw fireworks that started a fire inside the building .
One prominent Black leader wrote to Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfolded three blocks from his house .
He said the problem was with “ elements ” that were “ 99 % white ” and did not represent the Black Lives Matter movement .
“ It has nothing to do with helping Black people .
These hoodlums are needlessly scaring neighbours and their children , ” said Ron Herndon , who has fought for racial justice in Portland for four decades and led a school boycott in 1979 after the city closed predominantly Black schools .
“ At some point , enough is enough.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is Black , said the violence in North Portland was “ offensive and hurtful ” and has cost the city at least $ 6.2 million in overtime for its officers .
“ People in that neighbourhood were upset .
That ’ s not something they ’ re going to tolerate ... and they came out and were very vocal , ” Lovell said .
“ I think people sometimes look at the protest movement as one homogeneous group — and there ’ s definitely a segment here that is very violent.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid increasing conflict within the movement itself .
Rose City Justice , a coalition that for weeks galvanized thousands of people for peaceful marches and rallies every night , announced last week it will no longer do so after it was criticized , among other things , for sitting down with the police commissioner and mayor to discuss police reform .
The Rose City Justice marches and rallies attracted a diverse crowd of 10,000 people a night at one point .
High school students marched arm-in-arm with the Portland Trail Blazers ’ Damian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people gathered along the Willamette River to listen to hours of music and speeches .
Aerial photos of the crowds , which filled the massive bridge from end to end , made national headlines .
“ The purpose of making noise is to have a seat at the table , to be heard , ” the coalition said in a statement announcing its decision to stop marching nightly .
“ As with every movement , we realize that there are people who actively work to discredit momentum and change.
” Now , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the business district and moved toward the residential neighbourhoods of North Portland , Black residents are watching in dismay .
Many are concerned that those watching police precincts burn and businesses get vandalized will wrongly assume Black people are doing the damage .
Jerome Polk has operated his business , J.P. ’ s Custom Framing , for 26 years from a building he shares with the North Precinct police offices that were set ablaze .
As he carried supplies into his business on a recent day , char marks , graffiti and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building , and half of Polk ’ s own windows had been boarded up as a precaution .
“ I don ’ t know the motivation of why people do what they do , ” he said .
“ I know when the damage is done , they blame that on what the movement is supposed to be .
And that ’ s unfortunate and unfair.
” A few blocks away , Carl Baskin sat next to his drive-up car wash station and worried that the message of racial justice was being taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young white children.
” “ This is where they ’ re losing the narrative .
In the midst of all this other stuff , they ’ re not really showing anyone sitting down with the police , actually talking and getting some of this stuff made into laws , ” Baskin said .
“ That ’ s the stuff we should be talking about.
” The sting is made even deeper by the fact that the North Portland neighbourhood has , over the years , seen an exodus of Black families and businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On a recent day , just a few blocks from boarded-up buildings and anti-police graffiti , white families with strollers walked past food carts selling sushi burritos as fliers advertising micro-greens fluttered in the wind .
“ Get to know us and get to know the pain that we feel with gentrification in this neighbourhood , ” said Elaine Loving , who has lived in her family ’ s North Portland home for 59 years .
“ Now it ’ s mostly white folks , and they don ’ t even speak to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurts .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--The Latest: Trump goes to Mount Rushmore for fireworks

KEYSTONE , S.D .
- The Latest on President Donald Trump ’ s July Fourth celebration at Mount Rushmore ( all times local ) : About 15 protesters were arrested after a demonstration that blocked the main road into Mount Rushmore ahead of President Donald Trump ’ s arrival for a Fourth of July fireworks show .
More than 100 protesters , many Native American , lined the road leading from Keystone , South Dakota , to the monument on Friday , holding signs and playing Lakota music in 95-degree heat .
Some held their fists in the air as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Others held signs that read “ Protect SoDak ’ s First People , ” “ You Are On Stolen Land ” and “ Dismantle White Supremacy.
” Protesters barricaded the road with vans , prompting police and National Guard soldiers to move in .
A standoff ensued , with police using pepper spray on several protesters but taking no further action for several hours .
Police finally used tow trucks to remove the vans and gave the demonstrators 30 minutes to leave .
All but a group of about 15 people holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” left .
When the deadline arrived they were arrested without incident , turning and putting their hands behind their backs to be cuffed .
The protest wouldn ’ t have stopped Trump from arriving .
He was scheduled to touch down near the monument in a helicopter .
President Donald Trump has arrived in South Dakota to get a head start on Independence Day weekend with a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore .
Trump planned to give a speech at the national monument Friday night .
A person familiar with its contents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including fresh denunciations of people the president says are trying to “ tear down ” the nation ’ s history .
Trump has forcefully opposed efforts by protesters as well as by government officials to remove Confederate statues , monuments and other honours for American leaders who benefited from slavery .
Native Americans protested Trump ’ s presence at the monument , which was carved into mountains they consider sacred .
Some South Dakota officials are concerned about the absence of social distancing requirements — including wearing face coverings — for the thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are concerned that wildfires could be sparked by the first fireworks show at Mount Rushmore since 2009 .
Tow trucks are removing vans that protesters parked on the main road into Mount Rushmore to block access to the monument ahead of President Donald Trump ’ s arrival for a Fourth of July fireworks show .
More than 100 demonstrators , mostly Native Americans , lined the road leading from Keystone , South Dakota , to the monument on Friday , holding signs that read “ Protect SoDak ’ s First People ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protesters barricaded the road with vans , prompting police and National Guard troops to move in .
A standoff ensued , with police using pepper spray on several protesters but taking no further action .
After nearly two hours the crowd began to dwindle and police advanced past the vans as the remaining protesters retreated down the road .
Tow trucks pulled up behind the officers and troops to remove the vans .
Trump was expected to arrive at the monument by helicopter .
Protesters blocked the main road into Mount Rushmore ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday for a Fourth of July fireworks show .
More than 100 protesters , mostly Native Americans , lined the road leading from Keystone , South Dakota , to the monument , holding signs and playing Lakota music in 95-degree heat .
Some held their fists in the air as cars loaded with event attendees passed by .
Others held signs that read “ Protect SoDak ’ s First People , ” “ You Are On Stolen Land ” and “ Dismantle White Supremacy.
” Protesters used vans to barricade the road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved in on the protesters from both sides and warned them to disperse but took no further action .
Most of the fireworks show attendees had already arrived before protesters blockaded the road .
Trump ’ s schedule indicates he will arrive at the monument by helicopter .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--5 killed, 3 injured in North Carolina highway crash

CHARLOTTE , N.C. - Five people were killed and at least three others seriously injured after a highway crash in @ @ @ @ @ on Friday evening .
Emergency medical officials said the crash happened on Interstate 485 in @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Officials did not immediately release the identity of the victims or say how @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Mexico reverses some openings as virus cases continue high

MEXICO CITY - Mexico ’ s coronavirus outbreak rose by about 6,740 newly confirmed cases Friday for a second straight day , while 654 more deaths raised the country ’ s total to 29,843 .
The number of deaths is the sixth-highest highest in the world , and Mexico is just a few dozen from overtaking France for the fifth-highest death toll , though Mexico ’ s population is about double that of France .
The continued increase in cases and deaths has stalled Mexico ’ s planned re-opening .
The northern border state of Nuevo Leon , home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m .
Given the spike in cases in the United States , several Mexican border states announced they would establish temperature checks for visitors coming from the U.S. , or require they show have hotel reservations or are engaged in some essential business or work activity .
The Mexico City government said Friday it will re-close some of the streets and businesses allowed to open during the week in the capital ’ s historic colonial-era downtown , after crowding and a lack of sanitary measures were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers and clients wore some form of face mask , many stores didn ’ t reduce the number of clients allowed in , provide foot-wiping pads or sanitizer gel .
Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said the re-closing of the Centro area “ is not a punishment , it is simply a pause in the voyage.
” The joint plan required the active participation of the government , the public and store owners , and Sheinbaum said it will now be rethought .
“ We planned it together , we tried it and it got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Cops fired over photos of chokehold used on Elijah McClain

AURORA , Colo. - Three officers were fired Friday over photos showing police reenact a chokehold used on Elijah McClain , a 23-year-old Black man who died last year after police stopped him on the street in a Denver suburb .
One of those fired is Jason Rosenblatt , a white Aurora officer who helped stop McClain in August for wearing a ski mask and “ being suspicious.
” Police put McClain in a chokehold , paramedics injected him with a sedative and McClain suffered cardiac arrest before later being taken off life support .
Aurora Interim Police Chief Vanessa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos to Rosenblatt and others two months after McClain died to “ cheer up a friend , ” without explaining who that was .
Rosenblatt responded with a text saying , “ Haha.
” Officer Nathan Woodyard , who put McClain in a chokehold , also got the photos but he was not disciplined because he didn ’ t respond .
“ We are ashamed , we are sickened , and we are angry , ” Wilson said .
The officers may not have committed a crime , but the photographs are “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she added .
McClain ’ s death has become a rallying cry amid a national reckoning over police brutality and racial injustice , with the state reopening the case for possible criminal charges and federal officials looking into a civil rights investigation .
In several places , the chokehold has been banned and other police reforms passed after nationwide protests .
McClain ’ s family , friends and community activists noted during a rally that justice was swifter for the mocking photograph than the use of force that led to McClain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who stopped the young man are still on the force as authorities look again into possible criminal charges after clearing them last year .
“ Rosenblatt got fired not for killing Elijah , not for murdering Elijah , but for making fun of Elijah , ” said Terrence Roberts , a community organizer and family friend .
“ That is the culture that we ’ re fighting , where a police officer can murder a black man , a black child , and keep his job and stay on the force so he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Officers Kyle Dittrich , Erica Marrero and Jaron Jones — none of whom confronted McClain in August — smiled and mockingly placed each other in a chokehold in the photos taken in October near a memorial for McClain .
An officer reported the photos to a sergeant late last month , and an internal investigation began .
Rosenblatt , Dittrich and Marrero were fired for conduct unbecoming of an officer .
Jones resigned earlier this week .
The Aurora Police Association called the investigation “ a rush to judgment.
” The union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation took nine days , while a standard internal affairs case takes months .
Several police agencies have taken swift action to punish officers , including those involved in George Floyd ’ s death May 25 in Minneapolis that ushered in global demonstrations .
For Elijah McClain ’ s mother , Sheneen McClain , “ it was just devastating to see that people were mocking the murder of her son , ” family attorney Mari Newman said .
“ The fact that three on-duty , in-uniform police officers thought that it was appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that the department is rotten to the core , ” she said .
Facing increasing pressure as celebrities and others on social media called for justice , Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis last week ordered the state attorney general to reopen McClain ’ s case .
The officers stopped McClain , a massage therapist , after a 911 call on Aug. 24 reported him as suspicious because he was wearing a ski mask and flailing his arms .
He begged them repeatedly to let go of him , according to body-camera video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood to his brain , paramedics administered 500 milligrams of a sedative to calm him down .
A forensic pathologist could not determine what exactly led to McClain ’ s death but said physical exertion during the confrontation likely contributed .
A prosecutor said he didn ’ t pursue criminal charges against the officers because the pathologist wasn ’ t able to determine if their actions caused McClain ’ s death .
District Attorney Dave Young recently called the young man ’ s death “ tragic and unnecessary ” but defended his decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting out of his car , approaching McClain and saying , “ Stop right there .
Stop .
Stop .
...
I have a right to stop you because you ’ re being suspicious.
” In the video , the officer turns McClain around and repeats , “ Stop tensing up.
” As McClain tries to escape the officer ’ s grip , the officer says , “ Relax , or I ’ m going to have to change this situation.
” As other officers join to restrain McClain , he begs them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You guys started to arrest me , and I was stopping my music to listen.
” Aurora police have said McClain refused to stop walking and fought back when officers tried to take him into custody .
In the video , McClain tells officers : “ Let go of me .
I am an introvert .
Please respect the boundaries that I am speaking.
” The U.S. attorney ’ s office , the U.S. Justice Department ’ s Civil Rights Division and the FBI announced this week they are looking into whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities said they also were considering an investigation into the photos .
Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

Patty Nieberg And Thomas Peipert - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Autopsy: Man died of drug overdose after fight with deputies

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. - A Black man died of an accidental drug overdose shortly after a confrontation with deputies at a Florida airport in April , according to an autopsy report released Friday .
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said in a statement that the county medical examiner has found that the deputies who took Kevon Todd , 29 , into custody did not contribute to his death .
The medical examiner ’ s report listed acute eutylone intoxication as the official cause of death .
Eutylone is a stimulant that officials consider a novel designer drug .
Deputies at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Todd on April 9 as he attempted to breach a security checkpoint , authorities said .
He had been yelling at JetBlue staff members before he rushed the security area , officials said .
Deputies said Todd had seemed irrational , but it wasn ’ t clear then what was causing the condition .
After a physical struggle , deputies detained Todd and brought him to the front of the terminal .
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue was evaluating Todd when he became unresponsive , officials said .
Rescue workers began life-saving measures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he died .
Tony said he ’ s directing the Fire Rescue department to review is procedures to make sure everything was done to save Todd .
The State Attorney ’ s Office will review the case .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Lawsuit by student against ex-OU official settled

NORMAN , Okla. - A lawsuit filed by a former University of Oklahoma student who accused a former top school administrator of groping and kissing him inappropriately on several occasions has been settled , a newspaper reports .
The Oklahoman reports that Levi Hilliard asked a judge Thursday to dismiss his civil lawsuit against former OU Vice-President Jim “ Tripp ” Hall III and the university ’ s board of regents .
In the lawsuit filed last year , Hilliard alleged Hall groped him on multiple occasions in 2017 and 2018 when Hilliard was working at the University Club , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s allegations were first reported by the online news site NonDoc .
Details of the settlement were confidential .
The newspaper reports that , according to records , the university apparently did not pay anything .
Hilliard ’ s attorney , Rand Eddy , told the newspaper Friday , “ It ’ s resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all parties.
” Hall ’ s attorney , Clark Brewster , told the newspaper on Friday , “ The case has been resolved.
” Hall has not been charged with any crimes but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Bureau of Investigation .
OSBI agents also have looked into sexual misconduct accusations made against former OU President David Boren .
The former governor and U.S. senator also has not been charged and denies the accusations .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Dog in Georgia tests positive for virus that causes COVID-19

ATLANTA - A dog in Georgia is believed to have been the second canine in the U.S. to test positive @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , health officials said .
The 6-year-old mixed breed dog was tested after its @ @ @ @ @ dog began suffering from a neurological illness , the Georgia Department of Health said in @ @ @ @ @ The dog was positive for SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 .
The dog @ @ @ @ @ illness progressed .
Officials said the dog ’ s neurological illness was caused by a @ @ @ @ @ .
Guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that based on @ @ @ @ @ far , the risk of pets spreading coronavirus to people “ is considered to be @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--California surgeon charged in $52M sober living fraud

SANTA ANA , Calif. - A Beverly Hills , California , surgeon and his girlfriend have pleaded not guilty to taking part in a $ 52 million insurance fraud scheme that involved recruiting patients at Southern California sober living homes to undergo unnecessary surgeries and other procedures , prosecutors said Friday .
Dr. Randy Rosen and Liza Visamanos , both of Los Angeles , entered pleas Thursday in Orange County to a total of nearly 150 felony charges , the county district attorney ’ s office said in a statement .
Four other people also have been charged in connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they hired “ body brokers “ to find and pay sober living facility patients to have unnecessary tests , cortisone shots and implants of Naltrexone , a drug that can reduce cravings for opioids and alchohol .
Insurance companies were then billed for the procedures , authorities said .
“ Vulnerable sober living patients who were trying desperately to battle their addictions were treated like human guinea pigs just to make a buck , ” District Attorney Todd Spitzer said , calling the defendants “ real-life Frankensteins.
“ If convicted of all charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Alabama health officials can’t verify ‘COVID party’ reports

TUSCALOOSA , Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health said it could not verify reports of so-called COVID-19 parties @ @ @ @ @ become infected , but also warned people not to try it .
Tuscaloosa City Councilor @ @ @ @ @ this week that she heard of students holding parties and wagering over who would become @ @ @ @ @ it could not verify any parties where persons tried to contract COVID-19 but warned that @ @ @ @ @ sometimes deadly virus .
“ Persons should not wilfully expose themselves to this virus both @ @ @ @ @ the health of others , ” the department said .
Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that fire officials confirmed some students had attended parties despite knowing they were infected @ @ @ @ @ parties were rumours , but Smith said after some research , officials discovered they were @ @ @ @ @ Public Health said people with COVID-19 are to remain in home quarantine and could be @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--EU says Iran has triggered nuclear deal dispute mechanism

BRUSSELS - The European Union ’ s top diplomat said Friday that he has received a letter from Iran that triggers a dispute mechanism in the international agreement limiting Tehran ’ s nuclear ambitions , citing concerns that Britain , France and Germany are not living up to their side of the deal .
The accord , which Iran signed with the U.S. , Britain , Germany , France , China and Russia in 2015 , has been unraveling since President Donald Trump pulled Washington out in 2018 , unleashing sanctions designed to cripple the Islamic Republic ’ s economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is co-ordinator of the pact known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , or JCPOA , said that in the letter Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif seeks redress under “ the dispute resolution mechanism , as set out in paragraph 36 of the agreement.
” No details about the nature of Iran ’ s “ implementation issues ” with Britain , France and Germany were provided .
The dispute mechanism provides for a period of about one month , which can be prolonged if all parties agree , to resolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 19 , Zarif said the three countries “ must stop public face-saving and muster the courage to state publicly what they admit privately : their failure to fulfil even ( their ) own JCPOA duties due to total impotence in resisting U.S. bullying.
” Zarif ’ s letter to Borrell was sent a day after a mysterious fire broke out at the Natanz underground facility where Iran enriches uranium .
Britain , France and Germany consider the nuclear deal to be a cornerstone of regional and global security and have struggled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , setting up a parallel system to try to keep funds flowing into Iran as its economy flagged .
On Jan. 15 , they reluctantly triggered the accord ’ s dispute resolution mechanism themselves to force Iran into discussions on possible violations of the deal , as Tehran appeared to backslide and refused to be bound by its uranium enrichment limits .
They later suspended the action .
Borrell said the dispute process “ requires intensive efforts in good faith by all.
” He underlined his support for the agreement , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for global nuclear non-proliferation contributing to regional and global security ” and that he remains determined to preserve it .
Late last month , Iran ’ s president warned the U.N. nuclear watchdog to expect a “ stern response ” regarding its demands for Iran to provide access to sites thought to have stored or used undeclared nuclear material .
Tehran was irritated by a resolution adopted by the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency demanding access to the sites .
The resolution was proposed by Britain , France and Germany .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran has dismissed allegations of nuclear activities at the sites in question .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Inmate’s attorneys seek execution delay due to pandemic

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
- Attorneys for a federal inmate scheduled to be the first put to death in 17 years have asked a judge to delay his execution due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic .
Attorneys for Daniel Lee , the first of four inmates set to be executed starting this month , asked a federal judge Thursday to delay his execution until spring 2021 .
Lee , convicted of killing an Arkansas family as part of a plot to establish a whites-only nation in the Pacific Northwest , is scheduled to be executed on July 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s attorneys said the pandemic is preventing them from fulfilling their responsibilities to their client without putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus as cases surge throughout the country .
“ The government ’ s insistence on pressing forward with his execution in the midst of this public health crisis is forcing counsel and others to assume grave , potentially fatal , health risks in order to be present at the execution or in the days leading up to it , “ the filing said .
A Zen Buddhist priest , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to be executed two days after Lee , has argued in a separate lawsuit the government is putting him at risk for the virus by moving forward with executions during the pandemic .


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Former world leaders warn against Israel annexation plan

TANZANIA , Tanzania - A group of former world leaders urged European leaders on Friday to keep pressuring Israel against annexation of parts of the West Bank , warning against complacency after Israel made no move to take over the territory on July 1 .
The Elders , founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 , said in letters to the leaders of France , Germany , Britain and the European Union that they should insist to Israel that annexation would have negative political and economic consequences for bilateral and regional relations .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had aimed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wanted to begin annexing West Bank territory in line with President Donald Trump ’ s Mideast plan .
But Israeli Cabinet minister Ofir Akunis said the annexation process had been delayed , telling Israel ’ s Army Radio station on Wednesday that officials were still working out the final details with their American counterparts .
He said he expected the annexation to take place later in July .
The Palestinians seek the entire West Bank , east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip , areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The international community has endorsed a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 lines , with final borders to be worked out in negotiations .
The Trump administration ’ s peace plan , unveiled in January , envisions bringing some 30 % of the West Bank under permanent Israeli control and gave a green light for Israel to annex that territory .
The plan would establish a disjointed Palestinian state with limited autonomy in carved-up pockets of the remaining land .
The Palestinians have vehemently rejected the plan as pro-Israeli .
The delay cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow through on the explosive annexation initiative , which has also drawn fierce international condemnations from some of Israel ’ s closest allies .
The United Nations , the EU and key Arab countries have all said annexation would violate international law and undermine the already diminished prospects of establishing a viable independent Palestinian state alongside Israel .
The Elders — led by former Irish President Mary Robinson with Mandela ’ s widow Graca Machel and former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as co-chairs — said annexation “ is fundamentally contrary to the long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian peoples.
” They said annexation “ will not dampen future Palestinian demands for rights and self-determination , but destroying hopes in a two-state compromise will increase the risks of future violence in one of the most combustible areas in the world.
” The Elders called on EU leaders to consider suspending the 27-nation ’ s Association Agreement with Israel if annexation goes ahead in any form .
They also recalled the United Kingdom ’ s “ historical and abiding responsibility ” as the colonial power in pre-1948 Palestine .
The Elders ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson to Israel to call off the annexation plan .
In a front-page article Wednesday in Yediot Ahronot , one of Israel ’ s largest newspapers , Johnson wrote that as a “ passionate defender of Israel , ” he was fearful that annexation will fail in the country ’ s objective of securing its borders , “ and will be contrary to Israel ’ s own long-term interests.
” “ I profoundly hope that annexation does not go ahead , ” he said .
“ If it does , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1967 lines , except those agreed between both parties.
” In addition to opposing annexation , the Elders reiterated their support for Israeli and Palestinian human rights defenders and civil society activists , saying their “ voices need to be protected and amplified at this challenging time.
“


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Mexican soldiers kill 12 gunmen in city on border with Texas

MEXICO CITY - Mexican soldiers patrolling in the border city of Nuevo Laredo came under fire from drug cartel gunmen Friday , then killed 12 of their attackers in a gunbattle , the military said .
The Defence Department said three army patrol trucks were hit by gunfire , but no troops were hurt .
The gunmen were believed to belong to the Cartel of the Northeast , a split-off of the old Zetas cartel .
The department said one of the attackers ’ burned-out pickups was left at the scene and eight assault rifles and two .50-calibre sniper rifles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is across the Rio Grande from Laredo , Texas , has been the scene of bloody gunfights in recent years .
On April 1 , the U.S. consulate in Nuevo Laredo issued an alert citing “ reports of multiple gunfights and blockades throughout the city of Nuevo Laredo .
U.S. government personnel are advised to shelter in place.
” On Jan. 4 , the consulate wrote that “ organized crime activity ( including gun battles , murder , armed robbery , carjacking , kidnapping , forced disappearances , extortion , and sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laredo .
” Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas in marked and unmarked vehicles and operate with impunity .
Local law enforcement has limited capability to respond to crime incidents.
” Also on Friday , state police in the border state of Coahuila reported that officers killed five suspects after being fired on .
The state government said the shootout occurred in the city of Torreón when police came under fire from a man who fled into a house , where four other occupants also began shooting .
In central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five state police officers and wounded two others in Guanajuato , the state where 26 recovering addicts at a drug rehabilitation centre were massacred earlier in the week .
Gov .
Diego Sinhue Rodriguez wrote in his Twitter account : “ I regret what happened to the five officers ... we will be intensifying our efforts to equip and train security personnel.
” Guanajuato has been the scene of bloody turf battles between the Jalisco drug cartel and the local Santa Rose de Lima gang .
The killings have made it Mexico ’ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Mountain lion seen roaming San Francisco killed on Highway 1

SAN FRANCISCO - A young mountain lion that was captured last month after roaming the streets of San Francisco and then released into a wilderness preserve was found dead Friday on the shoulder of a highway in Northern California , authorities said .
The mountain lion was found on the shoulder of Highway 1 near Pacifica , said Mark Andrews , a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol .
The vehicle that apparently hit the animal did not stop .
The Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed it was the same cougar spotted last month wandering around San Francisco for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oracle Park , home of the San Francisco Giants .
Widely shared photo and video images showed the cougar crossing city streets and looking at his reflection in the glass of office towers .
After being captured , the big cat was examined at the Oakland Zoo before California Fish and Wildlife officials released it at a wilderness preserve in mid-June with an identifying tag in its ear .
On Friday , fish and wildlife authorities verified the cougar ’ s identity by its ear tag , said Ken Paglia , a spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The young male mountain lion was 12-18 months old and weighed about 70 pounds , Paglia said .
Prior to its death , the mountain lion was suspected of killing two wallaroos and a red kangaroo at the San Francisco Zoo .
The three animals were found dead at their outdoor exhibit and the zoo said it appeared a local wild carnivore was responsible .
The zoo said it was investigating whether the cougar was the culprit .
As many as 100 mountain lions are struck and killed by vehicles in California every @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Religious leaders to invoke Frederick Douglass on July 4th

RIO RANCHO , N.M. - About 150 preachers , rabbis and imams are promising to invoke Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass on July 4th as they call for the U.S. to tackle racism and poverty .
The religious leaders are scheduled this weekend to frame their sermons around “ What to the Slave is the Fourth of July ” on the 168th anniversary of that speech by Douglass .
The former slave gave his speech at an Independence Day celebration on July 5 , 1852 , in Rochester , New York .
The address challenged the Founding Fathers and the hypocrisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slavery on American soil .
The initiative to remember Douglass is led by the Poor People ’ s Campaign , a coalition of religious leaders seeking to push the U.S. to address issues of poverty modeled after Rev .
Martin Luther King , Jr. ’ s last crusade .
“ ( The Declaration of Independence ) was written mostly by Thomas Jefferson .
Yet he owned hundreds of human beings , and enslaved them , ” Rabbi Arthur Waskow plans to tell The Shalom Center in Philadelphia , according to prepared remarks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his actions has been repeated through all American history.
” Frederick D. Haynes III , senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas , said he ’ s joining the effort because the nation needs a “ moral vaccine ” against racism and the pandemic .
“ I am participating this weekend in the tradition of Frederick Douglass who eloquently put a moral mirror to America offering her a chance to change by facing what she needs to fix , ” he said .
Sunita Viswanath , co-founder of Sadhana : Coalition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take part in solidarity .
“ Both Pandita Pratima Doobay , Sadhana ’ s resident priestess , and Pandit Sanjai Doobay , a member of our spiritual counsel , will be sharing video messages and prayers ( July 4th ) morning , reflecting from a Hindu perspective on the speech delivered by Frederick Douglass.
” The clergy also will urge their congressional representatives and senators to listen to their sermons and address systemic racism and issue a call to support the Poor People ’ s Moral Justice Jubilee Policy Platform .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police reforms .
Last month , the Poor People ’ s Campaign held a virtual march that attracted more than 2.5 million viewers on Facebook .
The gathering came two years after Rev .
William Barber , of Goldsboro , North Carolina , and Rev .
Liz Theoharis of New York City encouraged activists in 40 states to take part in acts of civil disobedience , teach-ins , and demonstrations to force communities to address poverty on the anniversary of King ’ s 1968 planned event , which was held after he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition is operating in 45 states , Barber said .
Organizers have visited impoverished colonias along the U.S.-Mexico border and met with poor white farmers in Kansas .
Associated Press writer Russell Contreras is a member of the AP ’ s Race and Ethnicity team .
Follow him on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/russcontreras

Russell Contreras - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-03--Epstein cohort’s arrest becomes new test for plea deal

NEW YORK - Before Jeffrey Epstein ’ s jailhouse suicide last year , his defence hinged on a 2008 deal with federal prosecutors in Florida over his alleged sexual abuse of multiple teenage girls .
His lawyers said it prevented him from being charged with further crimes .
Could that same deal now help Ghislaine Maxwell , the Epstein confidante arrested Thursday , evade charges she helped lure at least three girls into sexual liaisons with him ?
Maxwell ’ s lawyers haven ’ t outlined their defence strategy , but her legal team is bound to raise the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialite was arrested Thursday in New Hampshire on charges that she acted as a recruiter of underage girls for Epstein , usually under the guise of hiring them to perform massages , and sometimes participated in his sexual abuse of the teens .
The allegations against the couple date back many years , but Epstein , for a while , appeared to have resolved them under a deal with federal and state prosecutors in South Florida in which he pleaded guilty to lesser state charges and served 13 months in jail and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expose brought new attention to the case , the U.S. attorney in Manhattan brought new charges against Epstein last July , arguing that the 2008 deal only applied to the specific U.S. attorney ’ s office in Florida that made the agreement — not all 94 federal prosecutor ’ s offices in the country .
A key for Maxwell is that agreement also sought to prevent criminal charges from being brought “ against any potential co-conspirators of Epstein.
“ The agreement lists four women by name , possibly because they received subpoenas or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over allegations they were paid to recruit girls for Epstein .
However , the agreement notes , it is “ not limited to ” only them .
Maxwell was not one of the four women identified by name in the agreement , but former Miami federal prosecutor David Weinstein said the “ not limited to ” wording is broad enough for her lawyers to contend it applied to her , too .
Maxwell ’ s lawyers could argue “ just because her name wasn ’ t mentioned doesn ’ t mean she wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Weinstein said Friday .
Gerald Lefcourt , a lawyer who negotiated the 2008 agreement , told the AP last year that he “ would never have signed the agreement or recommended it unless we believed that it resolved what it said : all federal and state criminal liability.
” In Maxwell ’ s indictment , the New York prosecutors appeared to build in an insurance policy — deliberately charging her with crimes occurring in the 1990s , a time period slightly before the activities with underage girls that were the subject of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If a judge were to rule that the New York prosecutors were indeed bound by the non-prosecution agreement , they could then argue that “ this stuff happened before , so it ’ s not covered and therefore Maxwell ’ s not protected , ” Weinstein said .
A message seeking comment was left Friday for Maxwell ’ s lawyer .
She is being held without bail in New Hampshire and has previously denied any wrongdoing .
Maxwell may not have necessarily counted on the Epstein deal to protect her .
In court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went into hiding after Epstein ’ s arrest last year and took steps to avoid detection before she was apprehended in New Hampshire .
In a memo requesting that she remain jailed until her trial , prosecutors said Maxwell , 58 , is linked to more than 15 bank accounts with balances ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to more than $ 20 million .
Furthermore , they said , she has citizenship in France , where she was born ; the United Kingdom , where she has long-lived ; and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2002 , and possesses passports from all three countries .
As authorities closed in on Epstein , Maxwell continued to travel frequently , prosecutors said , making at least 15 international flights in the last three years to places including the UK , Japan , and Qatar before ending up in a home on a 156-acre property in Bradford , New Hampshire , that was purchased for more than $ 1 million in cash through a limited liability corporation last December .
That ’ s where she was arrested .
While in seclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone number and registered it under the name “ G Max , ” adopted a new email address and ordered deliveries that had a different name on the shipping label .
After Epstein ’ s death last August , Attorney General William Barr warned that “ any co-conspirators should not rest easy.
” “ Let me assure you that this case will continue on against anyone who was complicit , “ Barr said at the time .
“ The victims deserve justice , and they will get it.
” One famous name , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied a woman ’ s allegation that Maxwell arranged for them to have sex at her London townhouse in 2001 , when she was 17 .
Andrew has said the woman was “ totally lying.
“ The woman ’ s allegation was not included in the charges filed Thursday against Maxwell , but at a news conference following the arrest , Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said her office was still interested in speaking with the prince .

Tom Hays And Michael R. Sisak - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-04--US envoy forges ahead with troubled Taliban peace deal

ISLAMABAD - Washington ’ s envoy to Afghanistan on Saturday emphasized the economic benefits of the peace deal with the Taliban , forging ahead with an agreement that has run into new political obstacles in the U.S. and the region .
Zalmay Khalilzad was wrapping up a week-long trip that included stops in Uzbekistan , Pakistan and the Gulf state of Qatar , where Taliban negotiators are headquartered .
Accompanying Khalilzad for the first time was an economic development team led by U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Chief Executive Officer Adam Boehler .
Khalilzad offered no details about the kinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an economy battered by widespread corruption and currently 75 % funded by international donations .
However , he did suggest joint economic projects involving Qatar and Pakistan , possibly on infrastructure and trade .
The U.S. signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February to end 19 years of war in Afghanistan .
Khalilzad has sought to stress the economic benefits of the peace deal throughout his tour .
In a series of tweets early Saturday , the U.S. envoy said he met with the Qatar Investment Authority and the Taliban ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the tiny Gulf state ’ s capital of Doha .
“ We agreed development plans in support of peace can never start too early , ” Khalilzad tweeted .
However , Washington has recently become embroiled in a controversy over intelligence reports that Russia was paying money to insurgents with links to the Taliban to kill American and NATO soldiers .
The identity of the insurgents who took the bounty money is still vague but the payments have been traced to an Afghan drug lord , Rahmatullah Azizi , who is living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who spoke with The Associated Press .
The officials said the money was delivered through Azizi ’ s brother Wahidullah , who was the go-between for those facilitating the attacks on U.S. troops .
The New York Times first reported the U.S. intelligence claiming the payment of bounties as well as Azizi ’ s involvement .
Added to the uncertainty and delays swirling around the U.S-Taliban peace deal , the Pentagon released a report Wednesday that questioned the Taliban ’ s commitment to end its ties with Al-Qaida .
The peace deal calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations and ensure Afghanistan would not be used again to attack U.S. interests or its allies .
Critics of the deal say the militants can ’ t be trusted .
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied contacts with Al-Qaida in the Indian subcontinent , saying the insurgents were committed to the peace deal .
Khalilzad embarked on his tour of the region last weekend , even as the rate of coronavirus infections in the United States soared and countries worldwide struggled with the dangers of re-opening .
He did not travel to Afghanistan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and instead held videoconference calls with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his government partner , Abdullah Abdullah .
Pakistan ’ s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi tested positive for COVID 19 , just 48 after meeting with with Khalilzad .
Both had been pictured wearing masks during their meeting on Wednesday in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad Qureshi said he developed a fever on Friday and tested positive to the virus .
But he promised to “ carry on ” his official duties from home .
Even as Khalilzad winds up his latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for crucial intra-Afghan negotiations that bring the Taliban together with the Afghan government and other local actors .
Khalilzad called for a quick resolution of outstanding issues so those negotiations could begin .
The biggest hurdle has been the release of prisoners .
The peace deal called for the Afghan government to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for the Taliban releasing 1,000 government personnel .
So far , the government has freed 4,015 and the Taliban has freed 669 , according to the Afghan government.. Ghani earlier this week suggested that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the names on the Taliban ’ s list of prisoners to be released and said alternative names would be given .
It seems unlikely that the Taliban will accept anyone not on the list agreed upon during negotiations with the U.S. Suhail Shaheen , Taliban political spokesman in Doha , called the Afghan government reasons for delaying prisoner releases “ phony excuses “ and the reason for the delay in beginning intra-Afghan talks .
As of Saturday , Afghanistan had recorded 32,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus , but international non-governmental organizations say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the country ’ s war-ravaged health care system risks collapsing .
Seemingly indicative of the lack of health care facilities in Afghanistan to deal with the virus , Ghani ’ s special envoy for economic development , Yosuf Ghaznafar , went to Turkey when he became ill with COVID-19 .
On Friday he died of the disease , according to a statement from the presidency .
Ghaznafar is the senior most Afghan official to die of the virus .
Afghanistan has so far recorded 826 deaths from the virus .
Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to this report .