thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Amid US tension, Iran builds fake aircraft carrier to attack

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - As tensions remain high between Iran and the U.S. , the Islamic Republic appears to have constructed a new mock-up of an aircraft carrier off its southern coast for potential live-fire drills .
The faux foe , seen in satellite photographs obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press , resembles the Nimitz-class carriers that the U.S. Navy routinely sails into the Persian Gulf from the Strait of Hormuz , its narrow mouth where 20 % of all the world ’ s oil passes through .
While not yet acknowledged by Iranian officials , the replica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bandar Abbas suggests Iran ’ s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is preparing an encore of a similar mock-sinking it conducted in 2015 .
It also comes as Iran announced Tuesday it will execute a man it accused of sharing details on the movements of the Guard ’ s Gen. Qassem Soleimani , whom the U.S. killed in a January drone strike in Baghdad .
The replica carries 16 mock-ups of fighter jets on its deck , according to satellite photos taken by Maxar Technologies .
The vessel appears to be some 200 metres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metres ( 160 feet ) wide .
A real Nimitz is over 300 metres ( 980 feet ) long and 75 metres ( 245 feet ) wide .
The fake carrier sits just a short distance away from the parking lot in which the Guard unveiled over 100 new speedboats in May , the kind it routinely employs in tense encounters between Iranian sailors and the U.S. Navy .
Those boats carry both mounted machine-guns and missiles .
The mock-up strongly resembles a similar one used in February 2015 during a military exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that drill , Iran swarmed the fake aircraft carrier with speedboats firing machine-guns and rockets .
Surface-to-sea missiles later targeted and destroyed the fake carrier .
“ American aircraft carriers are very big ammunition depots housing a lot of missiles , rockets , torpedoes and everything else , ” the Guard ’ s then-navy chief , Adm. Ali Fadavi , said on state television at the time .
That drill , however , came as Iran and world powers remained locked in negotiations over Tehran ’ s nuclear program .
Today , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tatters .
President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in May 2018 .
Iran later responded by slowly abandoning nearly every tenant of the agreement , though it still allows U.N. inspectors access to its nuclear sites .
Last summer saw a series of attacks and incidents further ramp up tensions between Iran and the U.S .
They reached a crescendo with the Jan. 3 strike near Baghdad International Airport that killed Soleimani , head of the Guard ’ s expeditionary Quds , or Jerusalem , Force .
Also on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen Mahmoud Mousavi Majd had been convicted in a Revolutionary Court , which handles security cases behind closed doors .
Esmaili accused Majd of receiving money for allegedly sharing security information on the Guard and the Quds Force , as well as the “ positions and movement routes ” of Soleimani .
Majd was “ linked to the CIA and the Mossad , ” the Israeli intelligence agency , Esmaili alleged , without providing evidence .
The Israeli prime minister ’ s office , which oversees the Mossad , declined to comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a request for comment .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear if Majd had an attorney .
Esmaili did not say when Majd would be executed , other than that it would be “ soon.
” He also stopped short of directly linking the information allegedly offered by Majd to Soleimani ’ s death .
Later Tuesday , the judiciary said Majd was detained in October 2018 and sentenced to death in September 2019 , before Soleimani ’ s killing .
Esmaili ’ s description also suggested Majd could be a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence apparatus , given his ability to access what would be the establishment ’ s innermost secrets .
It recalled the 1984 execution of Iranian navy chief Adm. Bahram Afzali , whom Iran killed along with nine others in the military over allegations they passed classified material onto the Communist Tudeh party , which then gave the material to the Soviet Union .
Iran retaliated for Soleimani ’ s killing with a ballistic missile strike Jan. 8 targeting U.S. forces in Iraq , an assault that left over 100 American troops with serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Guard accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner in Tehran , killing 176 people .
Iran ’ s announcement of the looming execution shows how seriously they still take Soleimani ’ s assassination .
An exercise targeting a mock U.S. aircraft carrier could send that message as well , particularly if it involves a swarm attack of smaller vessels , which analysts believe Iran would employ if it did get into a shooting war with the U.S. Navy .
The U.S. Navy ’ s Bahrain-based 5th Fleet , which patrols Mideast waters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .
Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran , Iran , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--‘Save me’: Texas man’s in-custody death raises key questions

AUSTIN , Texas - Police video and documents released more than a year after the in-custody death of a black man in Texas show that sheriff ’ s deputies repeatedly used a stun gun on him despite multiple pleas that he couldn ’ t breathe following a chase after he failed to dim his headlights .
The revelations in the 2019 death of Javier Ambler raise questions about Williamson County deputies ’ practice of pursuing drivers for minor crimes , according to a report published Monday by the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV .
A local prosecutor involved in the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the circumstances are troubling because it was being filmed for A & E Network ’ s real-time police show “ Live PD.
” The details about Ambler , a 40-year-old father of two boys , come as worldwide protests continue following the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes while taking him into custody .
Thousands paid their respects to Floyd on Monday at a public viewing of his body at a church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his life .
Ambler died March 28 , 2019 , after he was driving home following a poker game with friends , according to the report .
Williamson County Deputy J.J. Johnson , who is regularly featured on “ Live PD , ” flipped on his flashing lights to pull Ambler over after noticing that he kept on his bright headlights facing oncoming traffic .
After Ambler refused to stop , Johnson and the film crew riding along with him began chasing him until he crashed his vehicle near downtown Austin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exit his car .
Ambler , who weighed 400 pounds ( 181.44 kilograms ) , got out and showed his hands .
Johnson , who is black and about half Ambler ’ s size , holstered his gun , pulled out his Taser and told him to get down several times .
It appeared Ambler turned toward his vehicle , and Johnson subsequently used his Taser , according to an internal investigative report the Statesman obtained under the Texas Public Information Act .
Ambler dropped to one knee , rolled onto his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was trying to stand .
Another Williamson County sheriff ’ s deputy , who is white , arrived with a “ Live PD ” crew and shoved his Taser into Ambler ’ s back .
As a struggle ensued , one of the deputies used a Taser on Ambler a third time , though the report says it ’ s unclear which deputy deployed his weapon .
An Austin police officer arrived at the scene as the officers struggled to handcuff Ambler .
Body camera video from that officer recorded the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Between gasps , Ambler says he ’ s trying to adhere to their commands .
He tells the deputies four more times that he can ’ t breathe and pleads , “ save me.
” “ I have congestive heart failure , ” Ambler said .
“ I am not resisting.
“ One of the deputies deployed his Taser a fourth and final time , the body camera video shows .
The deputies subsequently placed handcuffs around Ambler ’ s wrists after his hands went limp .
The officers then realized he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputies performed CPR for several minutes until medics arrived .
Investigators with the Williamson County sheriff ’ s department of internal affairs determined in a report that the deputies did not violate the agency ’ s pursuit or use-of-force policies , according to the Statesman .
The report did not indicate whether the deputies faced any disciplinary action or were forced to take time off because of the incident .
Ambler ’ s death was ruled a homicide , according to the report made to the state attorney general ’ s office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been “ justifiable.
” An autopsy revealed he died of congestive heart failure and hypertensive cardiovascular disease associated with morbid obesity “ in combination with forcible restraint.
“ Margaret Moore , district attorney for Travis County , which includes the part of Austin where Ambler died , said her civil rights division is still investigating the death , though she did not indicate why the probe has taken 15 months .
She added that her office intends to present the case to a grand jury .
Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody said Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambler ’ s death due to the ongoing investigation .
“ Live PD ” didn ’ t respond to requests for comment .
The video its crew recorded that night has not aired .
Javier ’ s mother , Maritza Ambler , said in a recent interview that she ’ s been consumed by nightmares that her son met the same devastating fate as Floyd .
Maritza added that she often warned him about interactions with law enforcement .
“ I would mention it to him , just to remind him , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You have that against you , your colour.
” This story has been corrected to fix the spelling and style of the name of the Austin American-Statesman newspaper .

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thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Pakistan: Building collapse in Karachi kills 13 people

KARACHI , Pakistan - Pakistani police said Tuesday that at least 13 people were killed when a building collapsed in the southern port city of Karachi the previous day .
Only one body was initially recovered when the building collapsed , said senior police officer Altaf Hussain .
Police said on Tuesday that the death toll rose to 13 after rescuers carefully removed the rubble to find more victims trapped underneath .
Most of the apartments were empty as the building was recently ordered vacated as it was declared unsafe in March , after cracks emerged on the walls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened when some of the residents went in to retrieve their belongings .
Among the victims were seven men , five women and a girl , Hussain said .
He added that at least six people were injured in the incident and speculated there may be more trapped beneath the rubble .
Building collapses are common in Pakistan as many are poorly constructed with cheap building materials and safety guidelines are ignored to cut costs .
Also in Karachi , a multistory building that was undergoing additional constructions and expansion , collapsed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including women and children .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Cambodia says it’s willing to probe Thai exile’s case

PHNOM PENH , Cambodia - Cambodian authorities say they are willing to investigate the reported abduction of an exiled Thai dissident in Cambodia ’ s capital , though they claim to have been unaware of his presence for several years .
Fellow activists and human rights groups say armed men snatched Wanchalearm Satsaksit off the street in front of his apartment in Phnom Penh last Thursday .
He was then bundled into a black car that drove away .
The incident has sparked protests in Thailand over the past few days , online as well as outside the Cambodian Embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested four students who were tying white ribbons at Bangkok ’ s Democracy Monument in protest against the apparent forced disappearances of Wanchalearm and other victims .
They were accused of violating littering and traffic laws .
Wanchalearm ’ s reported abduction struck many protesters as similar to the disappearances of at least eight exiled Thai activists in Laos from 2016 to 2018 .
The bodies of several were later found floating in the Mekong River .
The exiled activists , including Wanchalearm , espoused political positions critical of military rule , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several propagated their views on social media .
The disappearances in Laos raised suspicions they had been kidnapped by a death squad , either vigilantes or officially sanctioned .
The Thai government and military denied any involvement .
Police in Cambodia initially said they would not investigate the disappearance of Wanchalearm because they were unaware of any abduction .
However , Interior Ministry spokesman Gen. Khieu Sopheak said Tuesday that police would welcome complaints and evidence from witnesses , rights groups and family members and be happy to offer their co-operation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cambodia in 2014 , the year Thailand ’ s military seized power in a coup , and that in 2015 he was was granted a visa allowing him to stay until the end of 2017 .
After that , he said , officials had no idea whether Wanchalearm had been living illegally in hiding in Cambodia or had secretly left the country .
An arrest warrant issued by Thailand in 2018 alleged Wanchalearm violated the Computer Crime Act by operating a Facebook page from Phnom Penh critical of the Thai government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Watch .
Thai activists believe that because of the sensitive diplomatic issue of offering haven to political activists who in many cases are sought by the Thai police , Cambodian authorities keep at least a loose watch over them .
“ The inaction of the two governments on this forced disappearance case is a violation of human rights , ” Somyot Prueksakasemsuk , a prominent political activist , said at a Monday protest in Bangkok .
“ It means they are conspiring in the crime of forced disappearance.
” Thai Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign ministry and embassy in Cambodia were working on the case .
He said that is was not an issue requiring action by his office , but that he would get involved in any matters that concerned policy .
Associated Press writer Busaba Sivasomboon in Bangkok contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Portugal finance chief and eurogroup chair quits government

LISBON , Portugal - Portuguese Finance Minister Mario Centeno is stepping down from the government , the president announced Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ credited with bringing Portugal ’ s budget deficit close to zero , also chairs meetings @ @ @ @ @ eurozone .
Centeno asked to leave and will be replaced by Secretary of State for @ @ @ @ @ President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on his official website .
No reason for Centeno @ @ @ @ @ , but Portuguese media reports have for months said he was keen to leave .
@ @ @ @ @ the eurogroup meetings of eurozone finance ministers was also due to end soon .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--France announces $16.9 billion in aid for aviation industry

PARIS - France ’ s government is pumping 15 billion euros ( $ 16.9 billion ) in rescue money into the pandemic-battered aerospace industry , in hopes of saving its hundreds of thousands of jobs and keeping plane maker Airbus and national airline Air France globally competitive .
In exchange for aid , companies will be required to invest more and faster in electric , hydrogen or other lower-emission aircraft , as France aims to make its aviation industry the “ cleanest in the world.
” The deal was negotiated with unions , who said they would stay vigilant about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skepticism about green ambitions for such a high-emission industry .
“ We will do everything to support this French industry that is so critical for our sovereignty , our jobs and our economy , ” Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said , unveiling the plan alongside the ministers of transport , defence and environment - a sign of how important the aeronautic sector is in France .
As travel restrictions grounded most flights to keep the virus contained , the fallout cascaded across the industry , from airlines to airports to engine makers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Airlines around the world have filed for bankruptcy or sought bailouts to survive the near-shutdown in their activity , and officials predict the industry will take years to recover .
The French aid money includes direct government investment , subsidies , loans and loan guarantees .
It also includes a special fund jointly financed by the government , Airbus and other big manufacturers to support small suppliers .
It includes 7 billion euros in loans and loan guarantees that the government had already promised to Air France , whose planes were almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a similar multibillion-euro plan to save the French car industry announced last month , the aviation bailout requires more investment in clean energy - and puts pressure on manufacturers to avoid layoffs .
It will aim at modernizing the production chain and preserving European aviation know-how , Le Maire said .
“ We must save our aeronautical industry .
We must avoid any decline in the coming months with regard to the American giant Boeing and the Chinese giant Comac , “ he said .
” We won ’ t let the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the United States .
France and Europe will retain their position.
” The government will help Air France buy Airbus planes , and pledged to order 600 million euros worth of refuelling tankers , drones and helicopters from Airbus ’ defence arm .
In addition to dominating the global passenger aircraft market alongside Boeing , Airbus is also a major supplier of military aircraft to European governments .
The rescue plan includes investment in developing the successor to Airbus ’ widely used mid-range A320 , a new hybrid or hydrogen regional plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government is also working with unions on a long-term , short-work scheme that would allow the industry to preserve jobs as it slowly ramps production back up .
As a result of the virus lockdown , Airbus said it is cutting production by 35 % to 40 % , and Boeing announced that it would cut 10 % of its 161,000-person work force through attrition , early-out offers and layoffs .
“ The recovery will be long , ” Le Maire warned .
The government predicted it will be 2023 before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere , major U.S. airlines reached agreements with the Treasury Department for billions of dollars in grants and loans , Lufthansa won a $ 10 billion German government rescue and Cathay Pacific announced Tuesday it ’ s seeking $ 5 billion from the Hong Kong government to survive .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--California sheriff: Gunman ‘very intent’ on killing police

SANTA CRUZ , Calif. - An Air Force sergeant and leader in an elite military security force was armed with homemade bombs , an AR-15 rifle and other weapons and had a desire to harm police when he launched a deadly attack on unsuspecting officers , a Northern California sheriff said Monday .
Gunfire and explosives rained down from a hillside Saturday afternoon as Staff Sgt .
Steven Carrillo fired from the high ground onto police who scrambled to find cover and defend themselves , Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said .
“ He was very intent on killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a news conference .
“ They had no idea that they were about to get into this firefight.
” One of Hart ’ s deputies , Sgt .
Damon Gutzwiller , 38 , was shot and killed .
Another deputy was shot in the chest — his bulletproof vest saving him — and suffered shrapnel wounds from an explosive and then was struck by Carrillo ’ s vehicle as the suspect fled the home .
The deputy , whose name has not been released , was in stable condition and good spirits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrol officer was wounded in the hand .
Carrillo escaped , carjacked a vehicle and tried to carjack several others before being subdued through the herculean efforts of a heroic resident , Hart said .
The man saw Carrillo in his backyard and confronted him .
Carrillo , armed with the AR-15 , demanded the man ’ s car keys .
The man retrieved the keys , gave them to Carrillo and when Carrillo turned away the man tackled him and the rifle fell away from him .
As they struggled , Carrillo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tried unsuccessfully to light it .
He then pulled out a pistol and the man was able to knock it out of his hands and then subdue him as neighbours came to help , Hart said .
“ This guy could have done a lot more damage in our community , ” Hart said .
The man who subdued Carrillo does not want to be publicly identified , Hart said , but he plans to award him a medal .
Carrillo suffered a gunshot wound at some point and was being treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also is investigating if Carrillo , 32 , has any links to the killing of a federal security officer who was shot outside the U.S. courthouse in Oakland during a protest against police mistreatment of black people on May 29 .
Authorities said the gunman opened fire from a white van .
On Saturday , deputies responded to a 911 call about a suspicious white van in Ben Lomond , an unincorporated area outside the beachfront city of Santa Cruz south of San Francisco .
The caller said guns and bomb-making devices were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived , the van pulled away and they followed .
The van went down a driveway at Carrillo ’ s home , and the driver ambushed the deputies , authorites said .
Afterward , authorities found pipe bombs , multiple firearms , a large amount of ammunition and bomb-making equipment at the hillside , said Hart , who called Carrillo by name at the start of the news conference and then said “ I don ’ t even want to say his name again.
“ Neither Hart nor John Bennett , the FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco , would provide additional information about the possible nexus between Carrillo and the Oakland shooting .
Carrillo was a team leader for the Phoenix Ravens at Travis Air Force Base northeast of San Francisco , as part of the 60th Security Forces Squadron .
The Phoenix Ravens are tasked with protecting aircraft and crews from assaults on airfields “ where security is unknown or additional security is needed to counter local threats , ” according to the Air Force .
Carrillo had no record of disciplinary issues during his military career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months in 2019 , according to the Air Force .
Carrillo ’ s wife , Monika Leigh Scott Carrillo , who also was in the Air Force , was found dead in an off-base hotel in May 2018 while she was stationed in South Carolina .
She was 30 .
Her death was ruled a suicide , according to the Air Force .
Carrillo arrived at Travis Air Force Base the month after her death , the military said .
Bennett said it ’ s believed Carrillo was in California at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not a suspect .
Carrillo ’ s arraignment is scheduled for Friday afternoon .
He is expected to be charged with first-degree murder .
“ It ’ s very important for Damon ’ s memory that we get this case right , ” Hart said .
A fundraising site for the Gutzwiller ’ s family set up by the state ’ s largest law enforcement organization , the Peace Officers Research Association of California , had raised more than $ 230,000 by Monday afternoon .
Gutzwiller is survived by a pregnant wife @ @ @ @

Martha Mendoza And Stefanie Dazio - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Japan TV station apologizes for US video seen as offensive

TOKYO - Japanese public broadcaster NHK apologized Tuesday for an animated video it produced trying to explain the ongoing protests in the United States that instead sparked outrage that its depiction of black Americans was offensive .
The animated clip featured a black man with large muscles wearing a white tank top and raising his fist on a street with fires burning and other black men and women standing nearby .
The man cited the wealth disparity between white and black Americans and the impact from the coronavirus as reasons for the protests .
The clip , which lasted less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Sunday evening news talk show , did not mention police brutality or George Floyd , a handcuffed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving .
The case of Floyd , which has sparked protests around the world , was mentioned elsewhere in the talk show .
The clip was also posted on the talk show ’ s Twitter account .
Social media users condemned NHK on Tuesday for lacking understanding of the issues and spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they see us ?
These gross caricatures ?
Are our issues so simple , poor black people , rich white people , corona makes us poorer , we ’ re so angry , let ’ s protest !
can they really be this clueless , this obtuse ?
” Baye McNeil , an African-American writer based in Japan , wrote on Twitter .
The clip also sparked a diplomatic response from the interim U.S. ambassador to Japan , Joseph Young .
“ While we understand @ NHK ’ s intent to address complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s unfortunate that more thought and care didn ’ t go into this video , ” Young wrote on Twitter .
“ The caricatures used are offensive and insensitive.
” NHK pulled the video from Twitter on Tuesday and released a statement saying it was posted with a “ lack of consideration.
” It said the video was intended to explain the situation with data showing disparity .
“ We apologize for those who felt uncomfortable , ” the statement said .
“ We will respect human rights and be careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Tennis star Naomi Osaka , who has a Japanese mother and a black Haitian father , retweeted the video with a GIF of comedian Steve Harvey looking confused .
Osaka has expressed her support for the protests in recent tweets , including one held Sunday in the city of Osaka , where she was born .
Last year , two Japanese comedians apologized to Osaka after making fun of her skin colour as looking sunburned and suggesting she bleach it .
One of her sponsors has also apologized for whitening Osaka ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Hong Kong leader says all should learn from year of protests

HONG KONG - A year on from the start of Hong Kong ’ s anti-government protests , the leader of the semi-autonomous Chinese city said Tuesday that all sides should learn from the difficulties and challenging times over the past year .
“ Everyone has to learn their lesson , including the Hong Kong government , ” Carrie Lam told reporters before a weekly meeting with advisers .
“ Hong Kong can not bear that kind of chaos , and the people of Hong Kong want a stable and peaceful environment to be able to live and work here happily.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons should be learned .
Tuesday is the one-year anniversary of a huge march through central Hong Kong that grew into a pro-democracy movement that saw protesters break into the legislative building and take to the streets every weekend for months .
“ The mass protest on 9 June last year has been etched in the collective memory of Hongkongers , ” the Civil Human Rights Front , which organized the event , wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday .
“ It also marks the beginning of our togetherness in defending our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ malls to mark the anniversary at lunchtime , holding up signs and banners reading “ Liberate Hong Kong ” and singing protest songs .
There were calls for further demonstrations in the evening .
Police closed some streets and walkways ahead of possible protests and warned that participants in unauthorized assemblies could be sentenced to up to five years in prison .
The June 9 , 2019 , march was in opposition to a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed people in the former British colony , which has its own legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China to face trial .
Organizers pegged the turnout at more than a million people , while police estimated the crowd at 240,000 .
In the ensuing months , violent clashes broke out at times between protesters and the police , leading to accusations of police brutality and sparking protester demands for an independent inquiry into police behaviour .
There was a lull in protests during the coronavirus outbreak early this year , but as infections have ebbed , protesters have returned to the streets to demonstrate against an imminent national security law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently approved law that makes it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem .
Critics and protesters say the national security law is a blow to the “ one country , two systems ” framework following the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China in 1997 , which promised the city freedoms not found on the mainland .
China blames the protests in part on foreign intervention and is hastening to enact the national security law aimed at curbing secessionist and subversive activities in Hong Kong .
Hong Kong ’ s problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign allies “ attempting to turn Hong Kong into an independent or semi-independent political entity and a pawn to contain China ’ s development , ” Zhang Xiaoming , deputy director of the Chinese Cabinet ’ s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office , said in a speech posted on the office ’ s website on Monday .
“ The more the bottom line of national security is consolidated , the greater the space will be for Hong Kong to leverage its advantages under ‘ one country , two systems , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” protect its sovereignty and block any outside interference in Hong Kong ’ s affairs , he said .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Tanzania opposition leader attacked months ahead of election

DODOMA , Tanzania - Tanzania ’ s main opposition leader was attacked by unidentified assailants as he entered his home late at night , officials with his party said Tuesday , just months ahead of a general election and as opposition figures face alleged harassment .
Freeman Mbowe , the leader of the opposition in parliament and chairman of the Chadema party , was rushed to a health centre for treatment after he was attacked overnight in Dodoma , the administrative capital , Dodoma Regional Police Commander Gilles Murotto told reporters .
“ Mbowe has a fracture on his right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition has stabilized , ” Murotto said , adding that the attack is under investigation .
A climate of fear has grown in the East African nation , rights groups and critics say , as President John Magufuli seeks a second term in the October election that shows no sign of being delayed despite the coronavirus pandemic .
Critics accuse Magufuli ’ s administration of curtailing freedom of assembly .
Since 2016 , opposition rallies across the country have been banned .
Earlier this year Mbowe and eight others were sentenced to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fines for charges including conspiracy to commit offences , unlawful assembly , sedition and incitement .
Chadema secretary-general John Mnyika said the attack was reminiscent of one in 2017 when former opposition legislator Tundu Lissu was shot by unknown gunmen at his home in Dodoma .
Lissu was rushed to a Nairobi hospital before being transferred to Belgium for further treatment .
To date , no one has been arrested .
Lissu has said he will challenge Magufuli for the presidency in October .
Mbowe has not announced any such plans .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Airstrikes again hit Syria’s rebel area, displace thousands

BEIRUT - Suspected Russian airstrikes pounded villages on the edge of the last rebel enclave in northwestern Syria , sending thousands of civilians fleeing , activists reported Tuesday — scenes unseen in the area since a cease-fire three months ago .
The violence at the edge of Idlib province is the most serious breach of the cease-fire in place since early March , when an agreement between Turkey and Russia halted the Syrian government ’ s three-month air and ground campaign into rebel-held Idlib .
The Syria Response Coordination Group , a team of aid workers , said the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 24 hours from areas in southern Idlib and western Hama countryside .
Many of the displaced had only recently returned to their villages after the cease-fire , the group said .
On Monday , insurgents launched a limited offensive against government-held positions , briefly seizing a couple of villages .
Government troops , backed by Russian air support , responded , repelling the insurgents but also widening their area of operations , targeting 10 villages , according to Mohamed Rasheed , a Syrian media activist documenting the offensive .
Rasheed reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Russia ’ s air force , on a number of villages in southern Idlib .
He said he documented 45 airstrikes since Monday .
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights recorded 15 airstrikes on Tuesday , also saying they were believed to be Russian .
The Observatory and other local networks said at least one civilian was killed in Kansafra village .
Meanwhile , Syrian state media said government forces repelled an offensive by the insurgents , and that a soldier was killed .
Russia is a main backer of Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition fighters trying to remove him from power .
Russia and Turkey have become the main power brokers in the war-torn country .
Rasheed said the insurgent offensive was led by the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , now the dominant group in the rebel-held northwest .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Libya’s oil company says largest oil field shut down again

CAIRO - A unit affiliated with Libya ’ s east-based forces that have been trying to capture Tripoli but are now on the retreat , ordered the country ’ s largest oil field to halt work just hours after it restarted operations , the national oil company said Tuesday .
The development comes after militias allied with the U.N.-government in the Libyan capital , backed by Turkey , gained the upper hand in the fighting last week .
The militias retook the capital ’ s airport , all main entrance and exit points to the city and a string of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libyan forces commanded by Khalifa Hifter to pull out .
Hifter has waged a year-long campaign trying to capture the Libyan capital , with thousands killed in the fighting , including civilians , and tens of thousands displaced .
The National Oil Corporation said Brig .
Mohammed Khalifa , the commander of the oil facilities guard force in the country ’ s south , which answers to Hifter , requested that the operations at the Sharara oil field , about 900 kilometres ( 560 miles ) south of Tripoli , to be halted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reject “ any military orders ” regarding the operating and the maintenance of the field .
Two engineers at the field said they already halted operations , and the field was re-closed .
They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media .
The Libyan oil company said it has again invoked force majeure , a contract clause that frees a party from liability whenever an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the party ’ s control takes place .
On Monday , the Tripoli-allied forces advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has been in Hifter ’ s hands since last year to open the gateway to oil facilities in Libya ’ s south .
On Sunday , the oil company had said production was resumed at the Sharara field , following negotiations with the tribes to end its closure , in place since January .
Production also resumed on Monday in the al-Feel oil field , it said .
Sharara was to restart at a capacity of 30,000 barrels a day , with an expected return to full capacity , around 290,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Oil , the lifeline of Libya ’ s economy , has long been a key factor in the civil war , as rival authorities jostle for control of oil fields and state revenue .
Libya has the ninth largest known oil reserves in the world and the biggest oil reserves in Africa .
Hifter ’ s forces have painted their recent defeats as tactical measures to give the U.N.-backed peace process a chance .
But the Tripoli-allied militias said Monday they were determined to take Sirte , once a stronghold of the @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Philippine defence chief flies to disputed island amid feud

MANILA , Philippines - The Philippine defence chief and top military officials flew to a disputed island in the South China Sea on Tuesday to inaugurate a beach ramp built to allow the “ full-blast ” development of the territory in a move likely to infuriate China .
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana brought journalists to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the island , internationally called Thitu , in what he said was a milestone in efforts to make the island , long occupied by Filipino forces and fishermen , more livable without militarizing it .
The island , which Filipinos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near one of China ’ s man-made islands in the Spratlys , the most hotly contested area of the South China Sea .
Lorenzana said the Philippines has the right to develop its nine occupied islands as other claimants have done .
He played down the prospect of a hostile Chinese reaction , citing cozier ties between Manila and Beijing under President Rodrigo Duterte .
“ This is a disputed area , ” Lorenzana told journalists on the island in remarks provided by the Department of National Defence .
“ The Chinese have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we ’ re safe here.
” The beach ramp will allow Philippine navy and cargo ships to dock and unload construction materials and heavy equipment for new projects , including the repair of a seawater-eroded airstrip .
Military barracks , more civilian homes , a school , an ice plant for fishermen , solar and diesel power supplies and a radio station for weather reports are also planned , Lorenzana said .
A fishermen ’ s shelter is being completed with plans for it to be inaugurated on Friday when the Philippines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the beach ramp now usable , “ we can go full blast , ” the defence chief said .
China , the Philippines , Vietnam and Malaysia have had increasingly tense territorial spats in the region in recent years after China turned seven disputed reefs into missile-protected island bases , including three with runways .
Taiwan and Brunei also have claims in the busy waterway .
Indonesia is not officially involved in the conflicts but has had confrontations with Chinese fishermen and coast guard vessels which it has accused of encroaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters .
Lorenzana said the government has no plan to militarize the island by arming it with missiles , cannons or other heavy weapons .
Three nearby sand bars collectively called Sandy Cay have become a new front in the disputes after China accused the Philippines of attempting to construct structures there a few years ago .
Since then , flotillas of Chinese fishing boats and coast guard and navy ships have kept a close watch on Sandy Cay , sparking protests from the Philippines .
In April , the Philippines protested China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administer the Spratlys and another group of islands and reefs .
The Philippines also lodged a protest over a Chinese navy ship ’ s aiming of its weapons control radar at a Philippine navy ship in mid-February .
The radar locks weapons on a target prior to an actual attack , although the Chinese navy ship did not fire , the Philippine navy said .
China has denied it aimed a weapon at the Philippine ship , a Philippine official said , but it has continued to warn foreign military ships and aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from approaching its island bases .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--AP Interview: Nepal renews call for talks with India

KATHMANDU , Nepal - Nepal ’ s foreign minister said Tuesday that the country was still waiting for a response from India on holding talks to resolve a border dispute that has strained relations between the South Asian neighbours .
Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali told The Associated Press in an interview that requests to talk were made in November and December last year , and again in May .
“ We have expressed time and again that Nepal wants to sit at the table to resolve this problem , ” Gyawali said .
“ We are waiting for formal negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very unique type of partnership can develop a more inspiring relationship that reflects the requirements of the 21st century , ” he said .
The latest border dispute between the countries began over India ’ s inauguration last month of a Himalayan link road built in a disputed region that lies at a strategic three-way junction with Tibet and China .
The 80-kilometre ( 50-mile ) road , inaugurated by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , cuts through the Lipu Lekh Himalayan pass , considered one of the shortest and most feasible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nepal fiercely contested the inauguration of the road and viewed the alleged incursion as a stark example of bullying by its much larger neighbour , triggering a fresh dispute over the strategically important territory .
The government of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli issued a new political map of Nepal that showed the disputed territory within its borders .
Nepal , which was never under colonial rule , has long claimed the areas of Limpiyadhura , Kalapani and Lipu Lekh in accordance with the 1816 Sugauli treaty with the British Raj , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Indian troops since India fought a war with China in 1962 .
There have been reports that India does not want to hold negotiations with Nepal until its coronavirus outbreak is brought under control .
Nepal , however , is in a rush for talks .
“ If the coronavirus is an obstacle for not being able to hold diplomatic dialogue soon , it should have been an obstacle for the inauguration of the link road as well , ” Gyawali said .
“ But if the coronavirus did not create any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are some controversies , there are some paradoxes.
” The dispute over the territory brought a new wedge in relations between the two nations , leading to an exchange of strong-worded statements and remarks from both sides .
“ There is no any alternative to dialogue and friendly talk , and talk not just for formality , but with commitment to solve the problem and to develop such an environment where both countries can prosper together , where both countries can journey together toward a prosperous region of South Asia , ” @ @ @

Binaj Gurubacharya - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--A look at Democrats’ sweeping proposals to overhaul policing

WASHINGTON - Democrats in Congress are proposing an overhaul of police procedures and accountability after the mass protests over the deaths of black Americans at the hand of law enforcement .
The Justice in Policing Act is among the most ambitious law enforcement reforms from Congress in years and confronts several aspects of policing that have come under strong criticism , especially as more and more police violence is captured on cellphone video and shared across the nation and the world .
The package limits legal protections for police , creates a national database of excessive-force encounters and bans police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The changes , if enacted , would have massive implications on policing in the U.S.
It ’ s not clear whether the legislation will pass , especially in an election year and amid calls to “ defund the police ” and growing protests .
President Donald Trump has tried to set himself up as a “ law and order ” leader and has criticized the package , claiming Democrats have “ gone CRAZY.
” A few things to know about the bill and how it could make a difference : Under the proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governs police misconduct would no longer require prosecutors to prove that an officer ’ s actions were wilful , a high burden of proof .
The law would allow an officer to be charged for acting with reckless disregard for someone ’ s life , causing that person ’ s death .
Under the current law , it is federal crime to wilfully deprive someone of their civil rights under the colour of authority , but the officer also must have known what they were doing was wrong and against the law and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove that crime , prosecutors would need to convince a jury that the force used was more than what would be reasonably necessary to arrest or subdue a suspect , meaning convincing jurors that in the middle of an arrest the officer made a clear and wilful decision to cause someone ’ s death .
That was a burden of proof that prosecutors said they couldn ’ t meet in the case of Eric Garner when they declined to bring charges against Officer Daniel Pantaleo last year .
Police officers are generally not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the job , including when someone dies .
The concept of qualified immunity has long been a way to protect police from unnecessary lawsuits and to give them the freedom to police without fear of unnecessary retribution .
The bill would amend federal misconduct statutes to make it easier for courts to find officers personally liable for the violation of civil rights .
The move could have major consequences for officers who would think twice before abusing their power , but it could also make it more difficult to recruit police nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers being held financially liable , too .
Cities often bear the brunt of misconduct claims .
In a 10-year period in New York , for example , the city paid out nearly $ 1 billion to settle claims made against police .
A long-held grievance has been that prosecutors and police have too cozy a relationship and can ’ t separate that out when misconduct is an issue .
It is part of the investigation now into the the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia .
The father and son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history with the local district attorney , the father having worked for the DA as an investigator for 20 years .
The case is now being investigated by a separate district attorney .
Some states have created a special prosecutor to investigate all misconduct claims against local police .
The bill provides a grant program for state attorneys general to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments .
A second issue is many officers who wind up involved in a fatal shooting have a long history of misconduct , including Derek Chauvin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with murder in the death of George Floyd .
He had at least a dozen complaints made against him , according to records .
But those records are often not made public , making it difficult to know if officers have a track record .
The bill calls for a national registry including complaints , disciplinary records and termination records , which proponents say would be a massive step forward in transparency .
Democrats say the ability of the Justice Department ’ s civil rights division to perform so-called pattern or practice investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examine whether systemic deficiencies contribute to misconduct or enable it to persist , has been curtailed .
The proposal would give specific subpoena power to federal civil rights prosecutors to conduct those investigations and would aid state attorneys general with conducting similar investigations .
The Justice Department hasn ’ t banned pattern or practice investigations .
U.S. Attorney General William Barr , however , has suggested that they may have been previously overused .
As attorney general in the Obama administration , Eric Holder frequently criticized violent police confrontations and opened a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement practices .
The civil rights investigations often ended with court-approved consent decrees that mandated reforms .
The consent decrees included those with the police in Ferguson , Missouri , after the killing of Michael Brown and in Baltimore following the police custody death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray .
Hours before he resigned as attorney general in November 2018 , Jeff Sessions signed a memo that sharply curtailed the use of consent decrees .
The policy makes their use more difficult to enact and requires top Justice Department officials to approve the deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to face significant hurdles to enact .
And there are some that police officials are likely to argue could endanger officers ’ lives .
The bill calls for a ban on “ no knock ” warrants , which are typically executed in some of the most dangerous investigations conducted by police departments .
The legislation would specifically ban no-knock warrants for all federal drug cases and would require local and state law enforcement agencies to prohibit their use to qualify for some federal funding .
Oregon and Florida are the only states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no-knock warrant , as its name implies , is an order from a judge that allows police to enter a home without prior notification to the residents , such as ringing a doorbell or banging on the door .
In most cases , the law requires that officers must knock and announce themselves before entering a private home to execute a search warrant .
Police would generally seek a no-knock warrant if the situation might be extraordinarily dangerous or if a suspect is likely to destroy evidence when police knock on the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has increased dramatically in recent years and some departments use them routinely in cases that don ’ t merit such an exception .
There has been a growing call to ban no-knock warrants since 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was killed in her Louisville home by officers in March .

Colleen Long And Michael Balsamo - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--New York passes bill to unveil police discipline records

ALBANY , N.Y. - New York state lawmakers repealed a decades-old law Tuesday that has kept law enforcement officers ’ disciplinary records secret , spurred by the national uproar over the death of George Floyd .
The measure to make officers ’ records and misconduct complaints public is among several police accountability bills racing through the state legislature .
Lawmakers passed other bills that would provide all state troopers with body cameras and ensure that police officers provide medical and mental health attention to people in custody .
Many of those bills were first proposed years ago , but got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality .
The passage came as criminal charges were brought Tuesday against an NYPD officer over his rough treatment of a protester during demonstrations following the death of Floyd , who pleaded he couldn ’ t breathe as a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck May 25 .
Eliminating the law , known as Section 50-a , would make complaints against officers , as well as transcripts and final dispositions of disciplinary proceedings , public for the first time in decades .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said in the wake of the protests that he will sign the repeal .
Only Delaware has a similar law .
Momentum for ending the secrecy law reached a crescendo in recent days as marchers filled streets in Brooklyn , Manhattan and elsewhere to rally against police abuses — amplifying the calls of reform advocates who spent years pushing for change in the wake of other high-profile police killings , including that of Eric Garner in 2014 .
“ This is no time for rejoicing , ” said State Senator Kevin Parker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This bill has been around for over a decade … And the only reason why we ’ re bringing it to the floor now because the nation is burning.
“ Several family members of New Yorkers killed by police officers gathered at New York City Hall Tuesday to call for the defunding of police and repealing 50-a , which state courts have cited in decisions to withhold officers ’ personnel records .
“ We are tearing down the wall of secrecy that has been shielding officers across the state , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Ramarley Graham , who was unarmed when he was shot to death by a white NYPD officer in the bathroom of his apartment in 2012 .
The state Senate and Assembly passed the 50-a repeal largely along party lines , as Republicans argued the law would allow the release of unsubstantiated or false complaints against officers .
But one of the bill ’ s sponsors , Sen. Jamaal Bailey , a Bronx Democrat , said the public has a right to view complaints : “ Sometimes unsubstantiated complaints happen because people don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The legislature on Monday passed other police accountability measures , banning police from using chokeholds , guaranteeing the right to record police activity and making it easier to file lawsuits against people making race-based 911 calls .
As lawmakers acted on accountability legislation , NYPD Officer Vincent D ’ Andraia was being arraigned on assault and other charges days after a bystander recorded him pushing protester Dounya Zayer , causing her to hit her head on the pavement .
D ’ Andraia was released after his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay away from Zayer who was hospitalized after the May 29 altercation with what she said were a concussion and a seizure .
“ Dounya was assaulted for the very reason she was protesting , and that ’ s police brutality , “ said Zayer ’ s attorney , Tahanie Aboushi , adding that D ’ Andraia ’ s supervisor should face punishment beyond an announced reassignment .
“ If not for this being on video it would have been business as usual for the NYPD , “ Aboushi said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said he was “ deeply troubled by this unnecessary assault.
” Zayer , 20 , called D ’ Andraia a coward and suggested the assault would only deepen mistrust of law enforcement .
“ I was protesting for a reason , ” Zayer said in a video tweeted from her hospital bed .
The officer , she added , “ should have had the self restraint to not hurt the people he ’ s supposed to be protecting.
” The police department suspended D ’ Andraia , 28 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Stephen Worth , didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment .
If convicted , he could face a year behind bars , but first-time offenders rarely see any jail time .
D ’ Andraia is the first New York City police officer to face criminal charges over alleged misconduct exhibited during days of unrest that roiled the city in the wake of Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis .
Two Buffalo officers were charged with assault last week after they were seen on video shoving a 75-year-old protester to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s union said de Blasio and police leaders were “ sacrificing cops to save their own skin ” by sending officers out to protests with “ no support and no clear plan.
” “ They should be the ones facing this mob-rule justice , ” Police Benevolent Association president Pat Lynch said .
“ We will say it again : New York City police officers have been abandoned by our leadership .
We are utterly alone in our efforts to protect our city.
” This story has been corrected to show the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Marina Villeneuve, Michael R. Sisak And Jim Mustian - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Hundreds march in Hong Kong as leader urges stability

HONG KONG - Hundreds of people marched in Hong Kong ’ s streets on Tuesday night to mark a year since the start of anti-government protests , as the leader of the semi-autonomous Chinese city called for peace and stability .
“ Everyone has to learn their lesson , including the Hong Kong government , ” Carrie Lam told reporters .
“ Hong Kong can not bear that kind of chaos , and the people of Hong Kong want a stable and peaceful environment to be able to live and work here happily.
” Lam did not elaborate on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a square in Hong Kong ’ s central district before marching on nearby streets , shouting slogans including “ Hong Kong independence , the only way out ” and “ Fight to the end.
” They marched despite police warnings that force could be used to disperse participants and that they faced up to five years in prison .
Riot police one group of protesters , deploying pepper spray and firing pepper balls and tackling some to the ground .
Police said 53 people had been arrested as of early Wednesday for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .
They said protesters blocked roads repeatedly and build barricades with traffic cones and other objects .
Some protesters were also stopped and searched by police .
“ Lawful protests are always respected but unlawful acts are to be rejected .
Please stop breaking the law , ” police said in a tweet .
Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of a huge march through central Hong Kong that grew into a pro-democracy movement that saw protesters break into the legislative building and take to the streets every weekend for months .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year has been etched in the collective memory of Hongkongers , ” the Civil Human Rights Front , which organized the event , wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday .
“ It also marks the beginning of our togetherness in defending our beloved city.
” Protesters also gathered in shopping malls to mark the anniversary at lunchtime , holding up signs and banners reading “ Liberate Hong Kong ” and singing protest songs .
The June 9 , 2019 , march was in opposition to a proposed extradition bill that would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has its own legal system , to be sent to mainland China to face trial .
Organizers pegged the turnout at more than a million people , while police estimated the crowd at 240,000 .
In the ensuing months of protests , violent clashes broke out at times between protesters and the police , leading to accusations of police brutality and sparking protester demands for an independent inquiry into police behaviour .
There was a lull in protests during the coronavirus outbreak early this year , but as infections have ebbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate against an imminent national security law for Hong Kong as well as a recently approved law that makes it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem .
Critics and protesters say the national security law is a blow to the “ one country , two systems ” framework following the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China in 1997 , which promised the city freedoms not found on the mainland .
China blames the protests in part on foreign intervention and is hastening to enact the national security law aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong .
Hong Kong ’ s problems are a result of the opposition and foreign allies “ attempting to turn Hong Kong into an independent or semi-independent political entity and a pawn to contain China ’ s development , ” Zhang Xiaoming , deputy director of the Chinese Cabinet ’ s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office , said in a speech posted on the office ’ s website on Monday .
“ The more the bottom line of national security is consolidated , the greater the space will be for Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one country , two systems , ’ ” Zhang said .
China will “ unswervingly ” protect its sovereignty and block any outside interference in Hong Kong ’ s affairs , he said .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Brandon Scott wins Democratic nomination for Baltimore mayor

BALTIMORE - City Council President Brandon Scott , who ran a campaign focused on youthful energy , progressive ideas and experience , has won the Democratic nomination for Baltimore mayor .
He has pledged to tackle longstanding challenges in the city such as gun violence and substance abuse .
The victory puts Scott in a strong position to be the next mayor of the struggling city .
Democrats outnumber Republicans 10-1 in Baltimore , and the general election in November is mostly seen as a formality .
On the Republican side , non-profit executive Shannon Wright emerged victorious .
Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and became council president last year .
He emerged victorious from a field that included more than 20 Democrats , including incumbent Mayor Bernard C. “ Jack ” Young and former Mayor Sheila Dixon .
If he is elected in November , he will have to address substandard public schools , crumbling low-income neighbourhoods , declining population , and a homicide rate that is on pace to match last year ’ s 348 killings despite stay-at-home directives prompted by the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Our city stands at a crossroads .
Baltimore will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not divided , “ Scott said in a statement Tuesday .
” It will take all of us to build a city that is safe , equitable , and accountable .
As a son of Baltimore , I could not be more honoured to lead our great city in this critical moment and carry the work forward with you .
” Scott will also have to work to restore people ’ s trust in local government .
This was the first election since Catherine Pugh resigned as mayor last year amid investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children ’ s books .
Pugh pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges and was sentenced to three years in prison in February .
Counting the votes has been a slower than usual process since the primary , in large part because so many people voted by mail to avoid the risks of in-person voting amid the coronavirus .
On Tuesday , a week after the June 2 election , Baltimore elections officials announced that nearly every vote had been counted .
The election has had a series of issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two voting centres to the previously allotted four over concerns that ballots were not arriving in the mail as planned .
On Election Day , dozens of voters remained in line two hours after polls were scheduled to close because social-distancing measures prompted by the pandemic slowed the flow of people at voting centres .
Early Wednesday , voting results from the city were taken down from the state ’ s election board ’ s website due to an issue with ballots in one district .
Scott , who was endorsed by several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing violence by treating it as a public health crisis , believing that agencies citywide must collaborate with the police department in the effort .
He promised to bring down the annual number of homicides to under 300 during his first year in office .
That has not happened since 2014 .
“ Crime has to be addressed in a comprehensive way , ” he told The Associated Press ahead of the election .
Positioning himself as a progressive leader , Scott proposed organizational changes to city government , including an overhaul of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most recently , Young signed into law a measure introduced by Scott that provides housing protections to tenants during the pandemic .
At 36 , Scott was the youngest of the mayoral Democratic front-runners .
He was once mentored by the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings and was tabbed for lieutenant governor by an unsuccessful candidate in 2018 .

Regina Garcia Cano - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Black Lives Matter sues over violent Seattle police tactics

SEATTLE - A Black Lives Matter group sued the Seattle Police Department Tuesday to halt the violent tactics it has used to break up largely peaceful protests in recent days .
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington , Korematsu Center at Seattle University School of Law and the law firm Perkins Coie filed the complaint in U.S. District Court on behalf of Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County .
“ These daily demonstrations are fueled by people from all over the city who demand that police stop using excessive force against Black people , and they demand that Seattle dismantle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Livio De La Cruz , board member of Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County , said in a written statement .
” It is unacceptable that the Seattle Police Department would then respond to these demonstrations with more excessive force , including using tear gas and flashbang grenades.
” Officers have used tear gas , pepper spray and other less-lethal weapons against crowds that have demonstrated against racism and police brutality following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Police Chief Carmen Best have apologized to peaceful protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but even after they promised a 30-day ban on using CS gas , one type of tear gas , last Friday , officers used it again two nights later , saying unruly demonstrators were encroaching on their position .
Under pressure from city councillors , protesters and dozens of other elected leaders who have demanded that officers dial back their tactics , the police department on Monday removed barricades near its East Precinct building in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood , where protesters and riot squads had faced off nightly .
Protesters were allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building , and the night remained peaceful .
The lawsuit alleged that the use of chemical agents and less-lethal projectiles police violated the Fourth Amendment ’ s protections against excessive force as well as the First Amendment ’ s free speech protections .
It also said the use of tear gas and pepper spray was especially reckless during a respiratory pandemic and could increase risks related to COVID-19 .
“ On an almost nightly basis , the SPD has indiscriminately used excessive force against protesters , legal observers , journalists , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The police department referred questions about the case to the Seattle City Attorney ’ s Office , which said only that it is reviewing it .
Durkan ’ s office called the lawsuit “ another step by the community to hold the city accountable for its response to the recent events , ” noting that the mayor had already requested reviews from the Office of Police Accountability and the city ’ s inspector general .
“ It is fitting that it lifts the voices and experiences of Black Lives Matter and longtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokeswoman for the mayor , said in a written statement .
“ From the onset , the Mayor has been clear that she believes that people are righteously marching to fight systemic racism.
” Among the five named plaintiffs in addition to the Black Lives Matter organization is Abie Ekenezar , an Army veteran who has asthma and a spinal injury , and who said she developed a daylong cough after being exposed to tear gas during a protest May 30 .
She wants to attend further protests , but uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her limited mobility places her especially at risk from tear gas , the complaint said .
Another is Sharon Sakamoto , a Japanese-American woman who survived internment as a child during World War II .
Sakamoto , a retired attorney , was frightened off from participating in the protests after she learned police were using chemical irritants , it said .
The lawsuit seeks an order blocking the Seattle Police Department and other agencies that are supporting it from continuing to use the less-lethal and chemical weapons on the protesters .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Los Angeles officer charged with pummeling unarmed man

LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with assault for punching an unarmed trespassing suspect more than a dozen times in an encounter caught on video by a bystander , prosecutors said Tuesday .
Officer Frank Hernandez was charged with assault under colour of authority .
Video from a bystander and cameras worn by officers shows Hernandez pummeling the man on April 27 as he stood with his hands behind his back , as if he was going to be handcuffed .
The charge comes less than a week after thousands of protesters galvanized by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for the ouster of District Attorney Jackie Lacey for doing little to prosecute police officers for shootings and other violence on the job .
Black Lives Matter and other groups have criticized Lacey , who is black , for not bringing charges in hundreds of police shootings during her more than seven years running the largest local prosecutors office in the U.S. Lacey has said she has done the best she can but is up against laws that allow officers to use deadly force and make it difficult to bring charges .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 20 police officers for use of force and has the only pending case in the state for an officer-involved shooting .
Lacey is up for re-election in a campaign that has focused on prosecuting police brutality and criminal justice reforms .
Hernandez , 49 , could face up to three years in county jail if convicted of the felony .
The union representing Hernandez issued a rare statement condemning what was portrayed in the videos .
“ While we have a fiduciary responsibility to provide our members with assistance through the internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that video was unacceptable and is not what we are trained to do ” the Los Angeles Police Protective League Board of Directors said .
It was not immediately clear if Hernandez had a defence lawyer who could provide comment .
The incident occurred when police were called about a man trespassing in a vacant lot in the Boyle Heights neighbourhood .
Hernandez and a female partner arrived , crouched through a hole in a chain link fence and approached the suspect , telling him to leave , according to videos provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wearing a Los Angeles Rams jersey , cursed at the officers but grabbed his bicycle and left the grassy plot .
The female officer told him to be on his way , but after walking down a sidewalk past a church , the suspect told the officers he lived there .
The suspect then asked what Hernandez was going to do and said he wasn ’ t afraid of him .
Hernandez approached the man and told him to turn around .
“ Ain ’ t nobody acting defiant , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curse at the officer .
“ Ain ’ t nobody getting crazy but you.
” After a brief scuffle when the man initially refused to put his hands behind his back , the suspect faced a fence and appeared to comply with the order .
Hernandez grabbed the man ’ s hands as if he was going to cuff him and then took a wild swing and punched the man in the right side of the head .
Hernandez then delivered a series of blows to the man ’ s head , neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire time .
“ This is a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer , ” Lacey said in a statement .
“ In this case , we believe the force was neither legally necessary nor reasonable.
” Hernandez has been stripped of police powers and assigned to home , the police department said .
Associated Press journalist Stefanie Dazio contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Mexico sees cases numbers swell, reports 596 new deaths

MEXICO CITY - Mexico accumulated 4,199 more confirmed coronavirus cases Tuesday and 596 new deaths , suggesting the planned reopening of broader economic activities may still be far away .
Confirmed deaths had reached a peak of almost 1,100 per day last week , but the daily total had declined for a few days before Tuesday ’ s rebound .
Mexico now has 124,301 confirmed cases and 14,649 deaths , but officials acknowledge that given Mexico ’ s low rate of testing , the real numbers are probably many times higher .
About one-fifth of Mexico ’ s cases — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who have suffered 385 deaths .
Mexico has defended its policy of having performed only about 350,000 tests so far in a nation of 125 million .
But an expert from the Pan American Health Organization said testing would have to increase once the initial peak passes and the lock down and social distancing measures are eased .
“ When we enter the phase of descent ... the diagnostic capacity has to be increased so that every case that is suspected according to the guidelines can get a test , because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that spark won ’ t ignite a fire , “ said Jean-Marc Gabastou , an adviser for the Pan American Health Organization .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Florida gov OKs $6M for man paralyzed by deputy shooting

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. - Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis signed a bill Tuesday approving a $ 6 million payment to a black man who was left paralyzed when a sheriff ’ s deputy mistook his cellphone for a handgun and shot him four times .
The Palm Beach Sheriff ’ s Office must pay the money to Dontrell Stephens , 27 , who was left paralyzed from the waist down in the 2013 shooting .
The Legislature in March overwhelmingly approved a bill waiving the state ’ s $ 200,000 limit that local governments can be required to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal civil jury in 2016 had awarded Stephens $ 22 million after he sued , an amount Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw refused to pay .
After years of negotiations , Bradshaw had offered Stephens $ 4.5 million , but the Republican-led Legislature went $ 1.5 million above that .
Of the $ 6 million , $ 3.4 million will be used to buy Stephens an annuity to pay for his living expenses , care and treatment .
His attorneys will get $ 1.1 million and $ 2.5 million will go toward settling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lin pursued Stephens , then 20 , in his patrol car after Stephens rode his bicycle across a busy road through traffic .
Videotape from Lin ’ s dashboard camera showed that when Stephens saw Lin behind him as he rode into a duplex ’ s parking lot , he slowed his bike and hopped off .
Lin , an Asian American , testified at the 2016 trial that he thought Stephens was trying to run away and jumped out of his car to cut him off .
The video shows that after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked toward Lin .
The deputy is out of sight of the dash cam and Stephens is mostly out of sight when Lin opens fire four seconds after Stephens jumped off the bike .
Stephens falls back into view with Lin close behind still firing .
Lin testified at the 2016 civil trial that Stephens put his left hand behind his back and flashed a dark object that he thought was a gun .
The dash cam video , however , showed Stephens had his phone in his right hand and that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys argued that Lin must have pulled his gun almost immediately after leaving his car as he could not have opened fire so quickly otherwise .
The jury took 3.5 hours to side with Stephens , ruling that Lin had violated Stephens ’ civil rights .
Prosecutors cleared Lin of criminal wrongdoing and he remains employed by the Palm Beach Sheriff ’ s Office .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--`He is going to change the world’: Funeral held for Floyd

HOUSTON - George Floyd was fondly remembered Tuesday as “ Big Floyd ” — a father and brother , athlete and neighbourhood mentor , and now a catalyst for change — at a funeral for the black man whose death has sparked a global reckoning over police brutality and racial prejudice .
More than 500 mourners wearing masks against the coronavirus packed a Houston church a little more than two weeks after Floyd was pinned to the pavement by a white Minneapolis police officer who put a knee on his neck for what prosecutors said was 8 minutes and 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Floyd ’ s pleas of “ I can ’ t breathe , ” ignited protests and scattered violence across the U.S. and around the world , turning the 46-year-old Floyd — a man who in life was little known beyond the public housing project where he was raised in Houston ’ s Third Ward — into a worldwide symbol of injustice .
“ Third Ward , Cuney Homes , that ’ s where he was born at , “ Floyd ’ s brother , Rodney , told mourners at the Fountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to remember him around the world .
He is going to change the world.
” The funeral capped six days of mourning for Floyd in three cities : Raeford , North Carolina , near where he was born ; Houston , where he grew up ; and Minneapolis , where he died .
The memorials have drawn the families of other black victims whose names have become familiar in the debate over race and justice — among them , Eric Garner , Michael Brown , Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ golden casket was taken by hearse to the cemetery in the Houston suburb of Pearland where he was to be entombed next to his mother , for whom he cried out as he lay dying .
A mile from the graveyard , the casket was transferred to a glass-sided carriage drawn by a pair of white horses .
A brass band played as his casket was taken inside the mausoleum .
Hundreds of people , some chanting , “ Say his name , George Floyd , ” gathered along the procession route and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heat .
“ I don ’ t want to see any black man , any man , but most definitely not a black man sitting on the ground in the hands of bad police , “ said Marcus Brooks , 47 , who set up a tent with other graduates of Jack Yates High School , Floyd ’ s alma mater .
In the past two weeks , amid the furor over Floyd ’ s death , sweeping and previously unthinkable things have taken place : Confederate statues have been toppled , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or cutting funding for police departments .
Authorities in some places have barred police from using chokeholds or are otherwise rethinking policies on the use of force .
Dozens of Floyd ’ s family members , most dressed in white , took part in the four-hour service .
Grammy-winning singer Ne-Yo was among those who sang .
The mourners included actors Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum , J.J. Watt of the NFL ’ s Houston Texans , rapper Trae tha Truth , Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee , Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crowd to its feet when he announced he will sign an executive order banning chokeholds in the city .
“ I know you have a lot of questions that no child should have to ask , questions that too many black children have had to ask for generations : Why ?
Why is Daddy gone ?
” former Vice-President Joe Biden , the Democratic presidential candidate , said , addressing Floyd ’ s 6-year-old daughter in a video eulogy played at the service .
“ Now is the time for racial justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must give to our children when they ask why.
” Biden made no mention of his opponent in November .
But other speakers took swipes at President Donald Trump , who has ignored demands to address racial bias and has called on authorities to crack down hard on lawlessness .
“ The president talks about bringing in the military , but he did not say one word about 8 minutes and 46 seconds of police murder of George Floyd , “ said the Rev .
Al Sharpton , the civil rights activist .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But what about the human right of George Floyd ?
” Most of the pews were full , with relatively little space between people .
“ So much for social distancing today , ” the Rev .
Remus Wright told mourners , gently but firmly instructing those attending to wear face masks .
Texas has no limit on how many people can gather in places of worship during the pandemic , though Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott has encouraged churches to follow federal health guidelines .
Although the church service was private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay their respects .
“ There ’ s a real big change going on , and everybody , especially black , right now should be a part of that , ” said Kersey Biagase , who travelled more than three hours from Port Barre , Louisiana , with his girlfriend , Brandy Pickney .
They wore T-shirts printed with Floyd ’ s name and “ I Can ’ t Breathe.
” Floyd served nearly five years in prison for robbery with a deadly weapon before becoming a mentor and a church outreach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota several years ago through a program that tried to change men ’ s lives by helping them find work in new settings .
At the time of his death , Floyd was out of work as a bouncer at a Minneapolis club that had closed because of the coronavirus outbreak .
He was seized by police after being accused of passing a counterfeit $ 20 bill at a convenience store .
Four Minneapolis officers were arrested in his death : Derek Chauvin , 44 , was charged with second-degree murder .
J.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thao were charged with aiding and abetting .
All four could get up to 40 years in prison .
Some of the mostly peaceful demonstrations that erupted after Floyd ’ s death were marked by bursts of arson , assaults , vandalism and smash-and-grab raids on businesses , with more than 10,000 people arrested .
But protests in recent days have been overwhelmingly peaceful .
The spelling of Brandy Pickney ’ s first name has been corrected .

Juan A. Lozano, Nomaan Merchant And Adam Geller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Video appears to show police punch, tase black man who died

NEW ORLEANS - Newly uncovered video appears to show police officers in Louisiana repeatedly punching and tasing a black man they were arresting shortly before he died in police custody .
Video on KSLA shows an April 5 altercation between Tommie Dale McGlothen , 44 , and four police officers in the northern Louisiana city of Shreveport .
McGlothen died April 6 at a local hospital , according to the coroner .
In the 4 1/2 minute video , which the station shot off of the cellphone of a person who the station said witnessed the altercation , officers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground with at least one officer punching him repeatedly and another appearing to hit him with a baton .
A voice can be heard saying that the officers were using a Taser on the man .
The man can be seen kicking at police officers .
At one point police get the man to his feet with his hands appearing to be handcuffed behind him and he immediately falls or is pushed backward to the ground .
After getting him up again , they then walk him over to the police vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head hits the hood .
The video comes at a time of nationwide furor over police treatment of black people .
Mourners gathered in Houston Tuesday to remember George Floyd , a black man who died after an altercation with Minneapolis police .
In a video that sparked protests across the country , Floyd was pinned to the pavement by a white Minneapolis police officer who put a knee on his neck for several minutes , even after he stopped moving .
Cellphone video of the encounter recorded Floyd ’ s cries of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Dr. Todd Thoma , the Caddo Parish Coroner , police arrived at a Shreveport home April 5 after McGlothen blocked a driveway and followed a homeowner into his house .
Police reported that McGlothen was “ mumbling incoherently ” and “ exhibiting signs of paranoia and emotional disturbance , ” the coroner said in a news release Tuesday .
“ Police officers used Tasers , mace and nightsticks to control McGlothen , who was agitated and combative and had fought with a homeowner , ” according to the coroner .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ excited delirium ” but that his death possibly could have been prevented and that it should have been obvious “ that he needed medical care.
” The coroner said McGlothen was left in the back of a police vehicle for 48 minutes before it was discovered that he was unresponsive and not breathing .
“ He was predominantly unsupervised during this entire period .
After a violent confrontation with psychotic behaviour , and being tased several times , a more thorough evaluation ... would have been indicated , ” the coroner said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGlothen suffered multiple blunt force injuries from both his confrontation with police and the citizens earlier in the day and that evening , no injuries were life-threatening or could be considered serious , ” Dr. Thoma said .
“ Mr .
McGlothen had underlying heart disease and clearly was suffering from excited delirium .
The combination of these factors caused his death.
” The city ’ s police chief , Ben Raymond , said in a news release Monday that the four officers involved had been placed on leave pending the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a matter of great concern to me.
” Raymond said the police had conducted a thorough investigation into the incident and had sent the results to the district attorney ’ s office .
They also said state police are reviewing the case .
But the Caddo Parish District Attorney seemed to call into question the quality of the police ’ s investigation in a June 2 press release .
In it , James E. Stewart Sr. called for the public ’ s help in investigating two citizens who allegedly died while in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wavey Austin who died on April 19 .
“ Both allegedly died while in the custody and/or control of the Shreveport Police , ” the district attorney said .
“ Upon our initial review of the files , we have found that they are missing reports , statements , downloads , and other vital information that is essential to conduct a thorough and complete review.
“ Stewart said the police department was being notified as to what more was needed and he asked for members of the public to bring forward any video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During a city council meeting Tuesday , Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins said he had concerns about the case , including the officers ’ use of force and their treatment of someone who might have been exhibiting signs of mental illness .
“ Shreveport police officers are charged with serving and protecting all of our citizens , that includes those with mental illness , “ he said .
“ We ’ re responsible for those in our custody.
” He said more training would be given to first responders so they can detect “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier and intervene .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Human remains found at property of man tied to missing kids

BOISE , Idaho - Authorities said they uncovered human remains at an Idaho man ’ s home Tuesday as they investigated the disappearance of his new wife ’ s two children — a case that ’ s drawn global attention for its ties to two other mysterious deaths and the couple ’ s doomsday beliefs .
Chad Daybell , who married the children ’ s mother , Lori Vallow Daybell , was arrested on suspicion of concealing or destroying evidence after local and federal investigators searched his property , according to the Fremont County Sheriff ’ s Office .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his attorney , Mark Means , did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Joshua “ JJ ” Vallow , who was 7 when he vanished , and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan haven ’ t been seen since September , and police say Chad and Lori Daybell lied to investigators about the children ’ s whereabouts before quietly leaving Idaho .
They were found in Hawaii months later .
Besides the missing children , the couple has been under scrutiny following the deaths of both of their former spouses .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI and sheriff ’ s investigators searched Chad Daybell ’ s home in the eastern Idaho town of Salem for the second time , bringing in backhoes and setting up tents in a nearby field .
The search warrant is sealed , and Rexburg Assistant Police Chief Gary Hagan said he couldn ’ t reveal details other than the search is linked to the children ’ s disappearance .
“ Throughout the investigation , detectives and investigators have recovered what ’ s believed to be human remains that have not been identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a news conference .
Lori Daybell has been charged with child abandonment and obstructing the investigation and is in jail on $ 1 million bond .
She ’ s pleaded not guilty .
The Idaho attorney general ’ s office has said it was investigating Chad Daybell in the death of his first wife , Tammy Daybell .
The complicated case began last summer , when Lori Daybell ’ s brother shot and killed her estranged husband , Charles Vallow , in Phoenix .
Her brother , Alex Cox , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had filed for divorce , claiming Lori believed she had become a god-like figure who was responsible for ushering in the biblical end times .
Cox died in December of an apparent blood clot in his lung .
Shortly after Charles Vallow ’ s death , Lori and her children moved to Idaho , where Chad Daybell lived .
He ran a small publishing company , where he published many of his own fiction books that centred on apocalyptic scenarios loosely based on Mormon theology .
He also participated in podcasts about preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he claimed to be able to receive visions from “ beyond the veil.
” Tylee was last seen in September headed into Yellowstone National Park with her mom and other family for a day trip , and JJ was last seen by school officials several days later .
Police began investigating the children ’ s whereabouts after relatives raised concerns .
Investigators have said both Chad and Lori Daybell claimed the children were staying with friends .
Tammy Daybell died in her sleep last October of what her obituary said were natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daybell married Lori just two weeks later , and they had Tammy Daybell ’ s body exhumed in December .
The results of that autopsy have not been released .
Law enforcement officers searched Chad Daybell ’ s home initially on Jan. 3 in connection with his first wife ’ s death , removing more than 40 items including several pieces of computer equipment .
A few days later , JJ ’ s grandparents , Larry and Kay Woodcock , announced a $ 20,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give them custody of JJ , who was still missing .
And they have pushed to keep a spotlight on the search , posting billboards and updating social media on the case .
The children were still nowhere to be found when JJ ’ s birthday arrived in late May .
“ Our feelings of extreme anguish and despondency were prevalent throughout the period approaching JJ ’ s 8th birthday , ” Kay Woodcock wrote in a Facebook post .
“ Our Rexburg family hosted a poignant vigil on Monday 5/25 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are comforted knowing their commitment is as strong as ours.
” Their attorney in the custody case didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday .


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--Heat, rain, long lines: Georgia election plagued by problems

ATLANTA - Voters endured heat , pouring rain and waits as long as five hours on Tuesday to cast ballots in Georgia , demonstrating a fierce desire to participate in the democratic process while raising questions about the emerging battleground state ’ s ability to manage elections in November when the White House is at stake .
“ It ’ s really disheartening to see a line like this in an area with predominantly black residents , ” said Benaiah Shaw , a 25-year-old African American , as he cast a ballot in Atlanta .
A confluence of events disrupted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dozens of other contests .
There were problems with Georgia ’ s new voting machines , which combine touchscreens with scanned paper ballots .
The polls were staffed by fewer workers because of coronavirus concerns .
A reduced workforce contributed to officials consolidating polling places , which disproportionately affected neighbourhoods with high concentrations of people of colour .
Long lines were also reported in whiter suburban areas .
Some voters said they requested mail-in ballots that never arrived , forcing them to go to polling places and adding to the lines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than expected as voters said they were determined to exercise their constitutional right after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the ensuing demonstrations that swept cities including Atlanta .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden easily won the state ’ s Democratic presidential primary .
He was facing no real opposition but hoped to post a strong showing among Georgia ’ s diverse electorate to show his strength heading into the general election .
But the developments were troubling heading into the fall presidential campaign , which will attract even more voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to fiercely compete in this rapidly changing state .
That leaves officials , who have already been criticized for attempting to suppress the vote , with less than five months to turn things around .
Republican leaders blamed the meltdowns on officials in Fulton and DeKalb counties , which are Democratic strongholds with significant black populations .
“ When these things arise , and it ’ s really specifically in one or two counties ... it leads us back to the failure of the management of the county election directors in those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brad Raffensperger told The Associated Press .
“ It has nothing to do with what we ’ re doing in the rest of Georgia.
” Republican House Speaker David Ralston directed leaders of the House Governmental Affairs Committee to investigate the “ unacceptable deficiencies ” across the state , particularly in Fulton County .
Fulton County election director Richard Barron said the pandemic and large increase in mail voting “ created unique staffing and logistical challenges.
” He said his team had “ identified several areas for improvement “ in November .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About 250 miles ( 400 kilometres ) from Atlanta , Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said he was “ inundated ” with phone calls from voters reporting “ extensive delays.
” The Trump campaign seized on the problems to amplify the president ’ s broader opposition to expanded mail voting this fall .
“ The chaos in Georgia is a direct result of the reduction in the number of in-person polling places and over reliance on mail-in voting , “ said Trump campaign senior counsel Justin Clark .
“ We have a duty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our citizens to vote in person and to have their votes counted.
” The Biden campaign called the voting problems in Georgia “ completely unacceptable “ and a threat to free and fair elections .
“ We only have a few months left until voters around the nation head to the polls again , and efforts should begin immediately to ensure that every Georgian -- and every American -- is able to safely exercise their right to vote , ” said Rachana Desai Martin , the campaign ’ s national director for voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted in primaries in West Virginia , South Carolina and Nevada , where hourslong lines were reported as well .
But the tumult in Georgia garnered much of the attention , reinforcing concerns about managing elections amid the coronavirus .
Outside a recreation centre being used as a polling site in Atlanta , some voters said they had been waiting for nearly four hours in a line that wrapped around the block .
At another site off Atlanta ’ s Piedmont Park , several people walked up , looked at the line wrapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shaking their heads in frustration .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said voters in line at one of Atlanta ’ s largest precincts reported all the machines were down .
She encouraged voters not to give up .
“ If you are in line , PLEASE do not allow your vote to be suppressed , ” the Democratic mayor tweeted .
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said he wasn ’ t surprised that Georgia had voting problems given that the state ’ s elections chief is a Republican .
He noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations of suppressing votes when he oversaw the 2018 elections as secretary of state .
“ Republicans want to ensure that it is as hard as possible for people to vote , “ Perez said .
Kemp was largely silent about the voting problems on Tuesday , aside from retweeting a message from his wife urging people to vote .
Georgia hasn ’ t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1992 , but the state is being closely watched by Trump and Biden .
The former vice-president , in particular , hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy from the African American community and its white allies , who have held massive protests for more than a week .
His path to the presidency was already focused on maximizing black turnout and expanding his alliance with white suburbanites and city dwellers , young voters , Asian Americans and Latinos .
Trump , meanwhile , hoped to demonstrate strength among his base of white voters in small towns while holding his own in metro areas .
Trump , meanwhile , has virtually no path to reelection without victory in Georgia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling site shook Ross Wakefield ’ s faith in the upcoming elections and people ’ s ability to participate .
“ It doesn ’ t give me a lot of confidence in the future , ” said Wakefield , a 28-year-old white software engineer .
“ Personally , I feel like we ’ re struggling as a country right now to hear people who really need to be heard , and this does not give me a lot of confidence that we ’ re doing that.
” Peoples reported from Montclair , N.J. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to this report .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

Steve Peoples, Ben Nadler And Sudhin Thanawala - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-09--US deportation flights to Guatemala resume

GUATEMALA CITY - The United States resumed deportation flights to Guatemala Tuesday , nearly a month after the Central American country refused to accept them .
A flight from Alexandria , Louisiana landed in the Guatemalan capital Tuesday afternoon .
At least 186 Guatemalan deportees had tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in the country even after U.S. assurances that they were healthy .
The flights scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday this week will carry fewer deportees , about 50 , said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Patricia Letona .
She did not provide details on any new procedures to guarantee the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already requested specific information with respect to the co-ordination “ with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and what health protocols they will follow , she said .
The Foreign Ministry says about 5,500 Guatemalans are in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
More than 2,500 of those have a final deportation order and the remainder still have a pending process .
Two more flights are scheduled for next week .
The presidential commission in charge of the government ’ s response to the health crisis made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Guatemala suspended the flights May 13 after nearly all of the 65 passengers aboard a flight tested positive .
Some “ humanitarian ” flights carrying unaccompanied children and families detained at the U.S. southwest border had been allowed to continue .
Since the epidemic began in Guatemala in mid-March , the country has received 2,160 deportees from the U.S. , including adults and children .