thetorontostar--2020-06-18--World War II forces sweetheart singer Vera Lynn dies at 103

LONDON - Dame Vera Lynn , the endearingly popular “ Forces ’ Sweetheart ” who serenaded British troops abroad during World War II , has died at 103 .
During the war and long after , Lynn got crowds singing , smiling and crying with sentimental favourites such as “ We ’ ll Meet Again , ” and “ The White Cliffs of Dover.
” “ The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain ’ s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103 , ’ ’ her family said in a statement .
“ Dame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , East Sussex , passed away earlier today , 18 June 2020 , surrounded by her close family.
” Lynn possessed a down-to-earth appeal , reminding servicemen of the ones they left behind .
“ I was somebody that they could associate with , ” she once told The Associated Press .
“ I was an ordinary girl.
” Tributes poured in from political leaders , entertainers , veterans and thousands of fans .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said her “ charm and magical voice entranced and uplifted our country in some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live on to lift the hearts of generations to come.
’ ’ Lynn hosted a wildly popular BBC radio show during the war called “ Sincerely Yours ” in which she sent messages to British troops abroad and performed the songs they requested .
The half-hour program came on during the highly coveted slot following the Sunday night news .
“ Winston Churchill was my opening act , ” she once said .
Lynn had thought the war would doom her chance of success .
“ When war first started , when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well there goes my career.
’ You know , I shall finish up in a factory or the army or somewhere , ” she recalled .
“ You imagined all the theatres closing down , which didn ’ t happen except when the sirens sounded .
And everybody , if they wanted to , they could stay in the theatre and the show would go on.
” In September 2009 , long after her retirement , Lynn topped the British album chart with a best hits collection titled “ We ’ ll Meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynn.
” It reached No .
1 , despite competition from the release of remastered Beatles ’ albums .
Amid this year ’ s coronavirus outbreak , Lynn and opera singer Katherine Jenkins released a charity version of “ We ’ ll Meet Again.
” The public found comfort in her words of hope , which resonated in the locked-down country .
In a reflection of her enduring appeal , Queen Elizabeth II also invoked the words of Lynn ’ s signature song as she addressed the nation in lockdown .
The monarch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , promising that loved ones would be reunited in the end after being separated by the virus .
“ We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure , better days will return , ” the queen said .
“ We will be with our friends again ; we will be with our families again ; we will meet again.
” Lynn earned her nickname , “ The Forces ’ Sweetheart , ” after coming top in a 1939 Daily Express poll that asked servicemen to name their favourite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflected on time spent with soldiers abroad .
“ What they needed was a contact from home , ” she said .
“ I entertained audiences from 2,000 to 6,000 .
And the boys would just come out of the jungle and sit there for hours waiting until we arrived and then slip back in once we ’ d left.
” A plumber ’ s daughter , Vera Margaret Welch was born on March 20 , 1917 , in London ’ s blue-collar East Ham neighbourhood .
She took her stage name from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She started singing in social clubs at age 7 and dropped out of school by 11 when she started touring Britain with a travelling variety show .
By 17 she was a band singer , and at 21 — when the war started — she was a known performer .
She married band musician Harry Lewis in 1941 , and he went on to manage her career .
They had one daughter , Virginia .
Lynn appeared in a handful of films : “ We ’ ll Meet Again ” ( 1942 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her singing voice ; “ Rhythm Serenade ” ( 1943 ) , in which she plays a woman who joins the Women ’ s Royal Navy and organizes a nursery in a munitions factory ; and “ One Exciting Night ” ( 1944 ) , a comedy about a singer who is mistakenly caught up in a kidnapping .
While Lynn is best remembered for her work during the war , she had great success during the post-war years .
Her “ Auf Wiedersehen Sweetheart ” in 1952 became the first record by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Billboard charts , staying there for nine weeks .
Lynn ’ s career flourished in the 1950s , peaking with “ My Son , My Son , ’ ’ a No .
1 hit in 1954 .
After staying away from the business for years , she had a 1970s comeback single “ Don ’ t You Remember When ” and even covered Abba ’ s “ Thank you for the Music , ” but fans still really wanted to hear the wartime classics .
Lynn was made a Dame of the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that followed she continued to support veterans ’ causes and raise money for research on cancer and cystic fibrosis .
She set up her own charity for children with cerebral palsy , and was a forceful advocate for her causes .
She played an important part in a 1989 campaign to win a better pension deal for World War II widows , and until 2010 was actively involved in various veterans charities .
On occasion , Lynn delighted fans by taking up the microphone again .
She sang outside Buckingham Palace in 1995 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of VE Day .
In recent years , Lynn lived a quiet village life in Ditchling , about 40 miles ( 65 kilometres ) south of London .
She did make fleeting mini-appearances , particularly when veterans were involved .
During ceremonies last year to mark the D-Day landings , a pre-recorded wish was played to a ballroom full of veterans on a ship sailing to France to mark the event .
Tears flowed as Lynn spoke .
When she was done , the thunderous applause rattled the windows .
They remembered her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she travelled to Burma to entertain the troops , one of the few entertainers to take on the difficult journey .
Burma veteran Tom Moore , who won over the hearts of the nation when he walked 100 laps of his garden in the runup to his 100th birthday to raise money for the National Health Service during the pandemic , described her death as a “ real shame.
’ ’ Another veteran , Mervyn Kersh , told The Associated Press that he remembered her beauty and her voice .
But more importantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with troops far from home .
“ She sang songs which expressed feeling , with lyrics which were very meaningful for me and , everyone I knew , as they expressed the sentiments and hopes of a generation from the disaster of Dunkirk , the Blitz , North Africa and the long wait until Normandy , ’ ’ Kersh told The Associated Press .
“ I am very sorry to learn that she has gone , but thankful for the 103 years she gave us .
’ ’


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Macron to mark appeal that gave birth to French Resistance

LONDON - French leader Emmanuel Macron is set to mark Charles De Gaulle ’ s famed World War II appeal to resist the Nazis on Thursday in a special ceremony intended to invoke the deep friendship between the longtime allies .
The French president is travelling to London to mark the day that De Gaulle delivered his defiant broadcast 80 years ago urging his nation to fight on despite the fall of France .
In a reflection of the importance of the event , the trip marks Macron ’ s first international trip since France ’ s lockdown amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Duchess of Cornwall , will receive Macron at his Clarence House home with a guard of honour formed by the Number 7 Company of the Coldstream Guards and their band .
British Red Arrow planes and French military jets zoomed over Paris on Thursday , trailing smoke in the blue-white-red colours of the French flag above the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides monument that houses Napoleon ’ s tomb .
The event on Thursday commemorates De Gaulle ’ s “ Appel ’ ’ via a BBC broadcast to his countrymen on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight on .
The speech is widely considered to be the moment that gave birth to the French Resistance .
“ I , General de Gaulle , currently in London , call upon the officers and the French soldiers who are located in British territory or who might end up here , with their weapons or without their weapons ... to get in touch with me , ” De Gaulle said .
“ Whatever happens , the flame of the French resistance must not be extinguished and will not be extinguished.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he is eager to associate his presidency with the wartime leader .
Macron started the commemorative day by visiting a de Gaulle memorial in France .
On May 17 , as France was just starting to ease virus-related restrictions , Macron went to northern France at the site of a battle , lost to Nazi Germany in 1940 , in which De Gaulle took part .
The year 2020 also marks the 130th anniversary of De Gaulle ’ s birth and 50 years after his death .

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thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Asia Today: Beijing’s daily cases drop, India’s rise sharply

BEIJING - China ’ s capital reported a decline in newly confirmed cases of coronavirus Thursday , with a public health expert saying a recent outbreak in the city was under control and the number of new cases should drop in the coming days .
Authorities have confirmed 158 cases in Beijing in the past week .
Most if not all have been linked to the city ’ s largest wholesale food market , where thousands of people work .
Wu Zunyou from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said such outbreaks are inevitable but that this one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a major market .
Nevertheless , the city continued to press stricter measures to contain the outbreak .
Anyone who has been near the market since May 30 , along with their close contacts , will be quarantined at home for 14 days and tested at least twice , city government official Zhang Ge said .
The city has closed its borders to all confirmed cases , suspected cases , patients with fever and close contacts from abroad and other provinces , Zhang said .
China already has barred most foreigners from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving from abroad must under two weeks of isolation at home , he said .
All indoor public venues , including club houses and party rooms in apartment complexes , will remain closed , Zhang said .
Offices , restaurants and hotels in high risk area will be shut down , he said .
Flights at the city ’ s two airports have already been cut by half .
Officials said bus service between Beijing and other provinces would be suspended starting Friday to try to prevent the outbreak ’ s spread .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down from 31 on Wednesday .
Meanwhile , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged China to reveal all it knows about the coronavirus outbreak that is believed to have originated in the country .
Pompeo with the ruling Chinese Communist Party ’ s top diplomat , Yang Jiechi , in Hawaii on Wednesday .
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region : — India recorded its the highest one-day increase of 12,281 coronavirus cases , raising the total caseload to 366,946 , but the government rules out reimposing a countrywide lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a rise of 334 in the past 24 hours , according to a Health Ministry statement .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi rejected a new lockdown , saying the country has to think about further unlocking and minimizing all possibilities of harm to people .
The lockdown that was imposed nationwide on March 25 is now restricted to high-risk areas .
— Japan ’ s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his government is discussing possible resumption of mutual visits with Thailand , Vietnam , Australia and New Zealand — all nations where coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has imposed entry bans on nationals of more than 110 countries .
Once visits restart there would be ample precautions , including virus tests , Abe said .
Abe said Japan is also lifting domestic travel restrictions , allowing residents to travel outside of their own prefectures .
Domestic tourism will gradually restart , and events of up to 1,000 people can also resume , he said .
— South Korea reported 59 cases as infections continue to steadily rise in the greater capital area .
The figures announced by South Korea ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought the national caseload to 12,257 , including 280 deaths .
It said 39 of the new cases came from Seoul and its metropolitan area , where health authorities have been scrambling to stem transmissions amid increased economic activity and eased attitudes on social distancing .
Eight of the new cases were linked to international arrivals .
— New Zealand reported one new infection , in a traveller who was quarantined after arriving from Pakistan .
New Zealand appears to have eliminated community transmission of the virus but three recent arrivals have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrank by 1.6 % during the first three months of the year , although that drop is likely to be dwarfed in the second quarter .
Figures released by Statistics New Zealand capture the first week of the virus lockdown , which lasted more than two months .
Nevertheless , the drop in GDP was the largest in 29 years and confirmed the nation is in a recession .
— Two universities in Australia ’ s capital plan plan to fly in 350 foreign students as Australia ’ s lucrative international education sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University and Canberra University expect the chartered aircraft to fly the students from Singapore in late July .
The students would go into hotel quarantine on arrival and would likely be the first foreign students to return to Australian campuses .
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said it ’ s “ more likely ” that Australia won ’ t allow general international travel before next year .
— Hong Kong Disneyland on Thursday opened its doors to visitors for the first time in nearly five months , at a reduced capacity and with social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park is the second Disney-themed park to re-open worldwide , after Shanghai Disneyland .
Small groups of visitors had lined up before the park ’ s opening hours , and Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters drove by in a large taxicab and waved at the crowd waiting to enter .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Turkey makes masks mandatory in Istanbul, 46 other provinces

ISTANBUL - Turkish authorities have made the wearing of masks mandatory in three major cities to curb the spread of COVID-19 following an uptick in confirmed cases since the reopening of many businesses .
The governors of Istanbul , Ankara and Bursa announced the mask rule late Wednesday in line with a recommendation by the country ’ s scientific advisory council .
Masks are now obligatory in 47 out of 81 provinces .
The statements said masks would be worn in all public spaces .
Turkey is seeing an upward trend in the daily number of infections after the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parks , beaches and museums to reopen , lifted el restrictions between cities and eased stay-at-home orders for the elderly and young at the start of June .
On Thursday , Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted that Turkey ’ s president approved a “ limited ” lockdown this weekend for several hours while millions of students take high school and university entrance exams .
He said the curfew would be in place while the students are travelling for the exams , to prevent crowds .
Worried parents and students have asked for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The education minister said masks and disinfectants have been placed in schools , while the exam rooms have been disinfected and set up in line with social distancing guidelines .
The health minister announced Wednesday that confirmed daily infections were around 653 in the past month in Istanbul , Turkey ’ s most populous city with more than 15 million residents , and noted that the daily average fell to 616 in the past three days .
In the capital , Ankara , the range in one month has been between 127 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uptick in the past week .
Turkey has reported 182,727 confirmed cases and 4,861 deaths from COVID-19 since March .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak a nd https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Bank of England unveils another big stimulus for UK economy

LONDON - The Bank of England has unveiled another big stimulus for the U.K. economy as it tries to limit the scale of the coronavirus recession .
In a statement Thursday , it said it was increasing its government bond-buying program by a further 100 billion pounds ( $ 125 billion ) .
The intention is to keep a lid on interest rates in financial markets and keep money flowing through the financial system .
The bank ’ s monetary policy committee also kept its main interest rate unchanged at 0.1 % , as anticipated .
The meeting took place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.K. economy shrank by a fifth in April alone as a result of the country ’ s lockdown with so many sectors shuttered .
In a statement accompanying the decision , the committee said there has been “ evidence from more timely indicators suggests that GDP started to recover thereafter.
“ It also said that the unprecedented situation means that the outlook for the U.K. and global economies is “ unusually uncertain ” and will depend “ critically on the evolution of the pandemic , measures taken to protect public health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to these factors.
” Although some of Britain ’ s lockdown restrictions are easing , including Monday ’ s reopening of shops selling nonessential items such as books , sneakers and toys , the U.K. economy is set for one of its deepest recessions ever and a consequent big spike in unemployment .
Last month , the Bank warned that the U.K. faced its worst recession since 1706 .
In addition to the bank ’ s support measures , the British government is also readying a big fiscal package for this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sales tax cut and funding big transport and green projects .
It has already implemented an array of hugely expensive support programs to deal with the initial economic fallout of the coronavirus .
The Job Retention Scheme , for example , is widely credited with limiting the number of people losing their jobs .
But it is set to end this autumn , and there are worries that firms will start cutting jobs at an accelerating rate through the summer .
Britain has the worst coronavirus death toll in Europe , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been sharply criticized for what many see as its slow , muddled response to fighting the pandemic .
Britain also faces economic risks from its historic decision to leave the European Union , which it did in January .
It is in a transition period now with the 27-nation bloc until the end of the year , when it could face trade challenges .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Nepal to deport 5 foreigners who protested pandemic response

KATHMANDU , Nepal - Five foreign nationals who took part in a protest in Nepal against the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ as soon as international flights resume , the country ’ s top immigration official said @ @ @ @ @ , one American and one Australian were not being detained but are required to report @ @ @ @ @ leave the country , immigration chief Ramesh Kumar KC said .
The five were also @ @ @ @ @ Saturday ’ s protests against the government ’ s handling of the coronavirus situation .
@ @ @ @ @ from returning to Nepal for two years .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Hungary law on NGOs’ foreign funding found to break EU rules

BUDAPEST , Hungary - Restrictions imposed by Hungary on the foreign funding of non-governmental organizations do not comply with EU law , the Court of Justice of the European Union said Thursday .
The Luxembourg-based court said that Hungarian regulations — in effect since 2017 and nominally meant to increase transparency of NGO finances and combat money laundering , “ introduced discriminatory and unjustified restrictions ” on both the civic groups and their backers .
The court found that the Hungarian law was in violation of EU rules on the free movement of capital and EU fundamental rights like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , the right to freedom of association and the right to protection of personal data .
The rules , backed by the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban , were seen targeting mainly groups at least partially financed by Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros , like rights advocate the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and corruption watchdog Transparency International .
Orban has made total opposition to immigration a key policy issue .
He began targeting the foreign funding of NGOs soon after his return to power in 2010 , but his hostility to their activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as some of the NGOs provide legal assistance to asylum-seekers or help refugees with their integration efforts in Hungary .
The EU court upheld the European Commission ’ s action against Hungary , launched after the government refused to repeal the regulations .
Without commenting in detail on the ruling , Orban ’ s chief of staff , Gergely Gulyas , said the government would comply with the court ’ s decision .
Reacting to Thursday ’ s ruling , the European Commision said that “ a strong , vibrant and civil society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values of the rule of law , fundamental rights and democracy.
” “ This is an important ruling which protects the freedom of association , of civil society organizations in the EU and reaffirms the internal market rules , ” European Commission spokesman Christian Wigand said during a press briefing in Brussels .
According to the law , Hungarian civic groups getting more than 7.2 million forints ( $ 23,500 ) a year from foreign donors have to register the fact with the courts and announce on their online and printed publications that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to list any foreign sponsors giving them more than 500,000 forints ( $ 1,630 ) a year .
NGOs welcomed the EU court ruling , as did the Soros organization supporting civic groups in Hungary and elsewhere .
“ Today ’ s landmark decision deals a blow to the Hungarian authorities ’ efforts to stigmatize and undermine civil society organizations who criticize government policy , “ said David Vig , director of Amnesty International Hungary .
“ The law ... is a blatant attempt to muzzle critical voices and chip away at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights , justice and equality.
“ According to Patrick Gaspard , the president of Soros ’ Open Society Foundations , “ repealing the law would mark a welcome step towards restoring both the rule of law , and pluralism in public life.
” Twenty-three NGOs had requested a review of the law by Hungary ’ s constitutional Court , but the court had suspended its procedure pending the EU court decision .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--India cautions China over its claim to area of deadly clash

NEW DELHI - India on Thursday cautioned China against making “ exaggerated and untenable claims ” to the Galwan Valley area even as both nations tried to end a standoff in the Himalayan region where their armies engaged in a deadly clash .
Twenty Indian troops were killed in Monday ’ s clash , which was the deadliest conflict between the sides in 45 years .
China has not disclosed whether its forces suffered any casualties .
Responding to China ’ s claim to the valley , India ’ s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said both sides agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Making exaggerated and untenable claims is contrary to this understanding , ” he said in a statement .
Both sides accused each other of instigating the clash between their forces in the valley , part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier .
China stuck to its position that it was Indian troops who had deliberately provoked and attacked its officers , though it also signalled it wanted talks , noting the importance of the broader bilateral relationship .
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian , citing Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that “ mutual respect and support serves our long-term interests “ as two emerging nations trying to realize their full development .
“ After the incident , China and India communicated and co-ordinated through military and diplomatic channels , ” he said at a daily briefing .
“ The two sides agreed to deal fairly with the serious events caused by the conflict in the Galwan Valley , and ... cool down the situation as soon as possible.
” Meanwhile on Thursday , an Indian confederation of small and midsize companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods , including toys and textiles , to express “ strong criticism ” of China ’ s alleged aggression in Ladakh .
The call for a boycott followed protests Wednesday in New Delhi where demonstrators destroyed items they said were made in China while chanting “ China get out.
” The Himalayan clash has fanned anti-Chinese sentiments already running high due to the coronavirus .
India counts more than 366,000 virus cases and 12,200 deaths .
But a broader boycott could backfire for India if China chose to retaliate by banning exports to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ’ s pharmaceutical industry .
Media reports said senior army officers of the two sides met Wednesday to defuse the situation , but there was no confirmation from either side .
Indian security forces said neither side fired any shots , instead throwing rocks and trading blows .
The Indian soldiers , including a colonel , died of severe injuries and exposure in the area ’ s sub-zero temperatures , the officials said .
India ’ s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said Thursday that all Indian troops at Galwan were carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1996 and 2005 agreements between the two countries , they were not expected to use firearms during faceoffs , he said on Twitter .
He was apparently responding to criticism by opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi who wanted to know “ why were our soldiers sent unarmed to martyrdom ?
” The clash escalated a standoff in the disputed region that began in early May , when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the boundary at three different points , erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much of it replayed on television news channels and social media .
China ’ s foreign minister warned New Delhi not to underestimate Beijing ’ s determination to safeguard what it considers its sovereign territory .
His comments came in a phone call Wednesday with his Indian counterpart , Subrahmanyam Jaishankar .
Wang said China demanded that India conduct a thorough investigation and “ harshly punish ” those responsible .
Jaishankar , in turn , accused China of erecting a structure in the Galwan Valley , which he called a “ premeditated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the resulting violence and casualties , “ according to a statement .
He added that the incident would have “ serious repercussions ” on India ’ s relationship with China , but that both sides were committed to further disengaging on the remote plateau of the Himalayan terrain .
While experts said the two nations were unlikely to head to war , they also believe easing tensions quickly will be difficult .
China claims about 90,000 square kilometres ( 35,000 square miles ) of territory in India ’ s northeast , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 15,000 square miles ) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas , a contiguous part of the Ladakh region .
India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019 .
China was among the handful of countries to strongly condemn the move , raising it at international forums including the U.N. Security Council .
Thousands of soldiers on both sides have faced off over a month along a remote stretch of the 3,380-kilometre ( 2,100-mile ) Line of Actual Control , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce .

Ashok Sharma And Emily Schmall - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--UK companies with historic slave ties fund minority programs

LONDON - Two of Britain ’ s largest companies have promised to financially support projects assisting minorities as Britain continues @ @ @ @ @ in the slave trade .
Insurance giant Lloyd ’ s of London and the pub @ @ @ @ @ pledges after they were included in a University College database of companies with ties to @ @ @ @ @ pub chain was founded in 1799 by Benjamin Greene .
He was among the 47,000 @ @ @ @ @ for slave owners when the British Empire abolished slavery in 1833 .
Greene surrendered three @ @ @ @ @ for the equivalent of 500,000 pounds ( $ 628,000 ) in today ’ s currency @ @ @ @ @ Simon Fraser , a founder subscriber member to Lloyds , was given 400,000 pounds ( @ @ @ @ @ ’ s currency , to surrender an estate in Dominica .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Nepal moves closer to claiming disputed land with India

KATHMANDU , Nepal - Nepal ’ s upper house of parliament on Thursday signed off on a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the nation ’ s political map to include strategically important territory also claimed by India .
Already approved by the lower house , the proposed amendment still needs to be signed by the president before becoming official .
The proposed map has been strongly criticized by India and soured relations between the South Asian neighbours and a formal constitutional amendment is likely to further strain ties .
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli ’ s government has pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public support .
Nepal has long claimed the areas of Limpiyadhura , Kalapani and Lipu Lekh in accordance with an 1816 Sugauli treaty with the British Raj , although the areas have remained under the control of Indian troops since India fought a war with China in 1962 .
India does not recognize Nepal ’ s claims , and says talks should be held on any outstanding boundary issues .
The border dispute between the two countries heated up again last month when India opened a Himalayan link road through one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 trade routes between India and China .
Nepal fiercely contested the inauguration of the road , seeing it as an incursion and a stark example of bullying by its much larger neighbour .

Binaj Gurubacharya - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--European countries slam US withdrawal from tech tax talks

PARIS - European countries are slamming the Trump administration ’ s withdrawal from negotiations on a major digital services tax .
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire , speaking on France Inter , called it a “ provocation ” and said France will still implement the tax regardless of the U.S. change of heart .
Le Maire was referring to a letter , first reported by the Financial Times , in which U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the finance ministers of France , Spain , Italy and the United Kingdom that he was suspending talks on the tax .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is a provocation against all the partners at the OECD ( the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ) when we were centimetres away from a deal on the taxation of digital giants , ” Le Maire said .
The countries have been discussing an international agreement on the way global taxes work .
The tech tax is meant to prevent tax avoidance measures by multinationals , but the U.S. has said it unfairly singles out companies like Amazon and Google .
In Europe , big tech firms such as Google and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union country where their registered headquarters are based and often pay very little in countries where they run large and profitable operations .
“ The digital tax is a necessity of the 21st century .
It ’ s not a whim or an eccentricity , ” Spanish Finance Minister María Jesús Montero told Spain ’ s Cadena SER radio .
“ This is because we have an analogue taxation system while we have a digital society and a digital economy ” .
Le Maire said there was a joint response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
The French parliament approved the initial stages of a digital tax law last year but agreed to postpone implementation until December of this year in exchange for the U.S. holding off on retaliatory tariffs .
A so-called “ Google tax ” is also making its way through the Spanish parliament , with eye toward levying it later this year .
The Spanish Cabinet agreed in February to go ahead with its adoption despite threats of retaliatory tariffs by the Trump administration .
Spain wants to place a 3 % tax on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital platforms and on sales of user data by tech companies that have a turnover of more than 750 million euros a year internationally and more than 3 million in Spain .
It hopes to raise close to 1 billion euros a year in extra tax revenue .
Associated Press Writer Aritz Parra in Madrid contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--New Burundi leader takes power early after predecessor died

NAIROBI , Kenya - A new president took power Thursday in Burundi two months early after the abrupt death of his predecessor , whose 15-year rule ended in deadly repression and a sharp rejection of outside scrutiny .
Now the country waits to see if more of that will follow .
Evariste Ndayishimiye won the May election as the ruling party candidate and was set to take office in August , but the death of Pierre Nkurunziza from what the government called a heart attack threw the East African nation into uncertainty .
Ministers turned to the constitutional court , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in as soon as possible .
This is the first time a Burundian president has been sworn in before the people and not parliament .
With little sign of face masks or social distancing at Thursday ’ s ceremony , it appeared there was no immediate change in the government ’ s belief that divine protection would largely suffice for the coronavirus .
That ’ s despite suspicion that Nkurunziza died of COVID-19 .
Some regional leaders and human rights groups expressed hope that the new president , an ally of Nkurunziza , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor .
South Africa in a statement said that “ President ( Cyril ) Ramaphosa looks forward to working with President Evariste Ndayishimiye as he leads the people of Burundi to a better life.
” In a separate statement , Amnesty International called on Ndayishimiye to rein in the Imbonerakure youth wing of the ruling party , accused of killings and other abuses , and urged the immediate freeing of imprisoned journalists and others jailed for exercising their human rights .
The rights group also urged Burundi ’ s new leader to investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s decision in 2015 to pursue a third term , which many called unconstitutional .
The United Nations human rights office reported more than 300 extrajudicial killings during the turmoil and was later kicked out of the country after outgoing U.N. rights chief Zeid Ra ’ ad al-Hussein called Burundi one of the “ most prolific slaughterhouses of humans in recent times.
” Burundi ’ s government has denied allegations it targets its people , calling them malicious propaganda by dissidents .
Angered by scrutiny , it became the first country to withdraw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evariste Ndayishimiye has a chance to improve Burundi ’ s appalling human rights record , ” said Deprose Muchena , Amnesty ’ s director for Eastern and southern Africa .
“ We urge President Ndayishimiye to end the repression that characterized the previous government ’ s tenure .
”

Eloge Willy Kaneza - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Race for virus vaccine could leave some countries behind

LONDON - As the race intensified for a vaccine against the new coronavirus , rich countries are rushing to place advance orders for the inevitably limited supply to guarantee their citizens get immunized first — leaving significant questions about whether developing countries will get any vaccines in time to save lives before the pandemic ends .
Earlier this month , the United Nations , the International Red Cross and Red Crescent , and others said it was a “ moral imperative ” that everyone have access to a “ people ’ s vaccine.
” But such grand declarations are unenforceable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the allocation of vaccines could be inequitable and extremely messy , said health experts .
“ We have this beautiful picture of everyone getting the vaccine , but there is no road map on how to do it , ” said Yuan Qiong Hu , a senior legal and policy adviser at Doctors Without Borders in Geneva .
Few measures have been taken to resolve numerous problems for achieve fair distribution , she said .
In the past , Hu said , companies have often applied for patents for nearly every step of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : from the biological material like cell lines used , to the preservative needed to stretch vaccine doses and even how the shots are administered .
“ We can ’ t afford to face these multiple layers of private rights to create a ‘ people ’ s vaccine , ’ ” she said , urging “ very open conditions ” so every manufacturer capable of doing so can produce a vaccine once it ’ s proven effective .
Speaking at a vaccine summit earlier this month that addressed the thorny issue of equitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The global spread of COVID-19 has told us in no uncertain terms that disease knows no boundaries and no country can afford to go it alone , “ he said .
“ Only a people ’ s vaccine with equality and solidarity at its core can protect all of humanity from the virus .
... A bold international agreement to this end can not wait.
” At a summit with African leaders on Wednesday , Chinese President Xi Jinping said countries in Africa would be “ among the first to benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deployed in China , but no deals were announced to back up his promise .
Worldwide , about a dozen potential COVID-19 vaccines are in early stages of testing .
While some could move into late-stage testing later this year if all goes well , it ’ s unlikely any would be licensed before early next year at the earliest .
Still , numerous rich countries have already ordered some of these experimental shots and expect delivery even before they are granted marketing approval .
Britain and the U.S. have spent millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including one being developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca .
In return , both countries are expected to get priority treatment ; the British government declared that if the vaccine proves effective , the first 30 million doses would be earmarked for Britons .
Separately AstraZeneca signed an agreement to make at least 300 million doses available for the U.S. , with the first batches delivered as early as October .
In a briefing Tuesday , senior Trump administration officials said there will be a tiered system to determine who in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tiers likely would include groups most at risk of severe disease and workers performing essential services .
Last week , the European Union moved to ensure its own supply .
On Saturday , AstraZeneca struck a deal with a vaccines group forged by Germany , France , Italy and the Netherlands to secure 400 million doses by the end of the year .
Among several global efforts underway to try to ensure developing countries don ’ t get left behind is an “ advance market commitment ” from the vaccines alliance GAVI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough for both rich and poor countries .
That can “ prevent countries from scrambling to try to invest , ” said Seth Berkley , CEO of GAVI , which used the approach to secure Ebola and pneumonia vaccines for a global market .
“ Because if you ’ re investing in one or two vaccines , of course the ... probability of those vaccines working is quite low .
And so yes , you may hit the jackpot and have a vaccine that works .
But you also may end up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two global vaccine groups have inked a $ 750 million deal with AstraZeneca to supply 400 million doses by the end of 2020 .
The Anglo-Swedish pharma giant has also agreed to license its vaccine to India ’ s Serum Institute for the production of 1 billion doses .
Johnson & Johnson plans to make its coronavirus shot for poor countries at a not-for-profit price , because of the complexity of the technology and expertise needed , said the company ’ s chief scientific officer , Dr. Paul Stoffels .
Likewise , AstraZeneca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine available at no profit during the pandemic .
The World Health Organization and others have called for a COVID-19 “ patents pool , ” where intellectual property rights would be surrendered so pharmaceuticals could freely share data and technical knowledge .
Numerous countries including Australia , Brazil , Canada and Germany have already begun revising their licensing laws to allow them to suspend intellectual property rights if authorities decide there is an overwhelming need given the pandemic .
But the response from the industry has been lukewarm .
Executives at Pfizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they oppose suspending patent rights for potential COVID-19 vaccines .
Although vaccine stockpiles exist for diseases like yellow fever , cholera and meningitis , these are required only for a few developing countries during acute outbreaks .
There is no precedent for divvying up vaccines that would arguably be needed by every country on the planet .
“ We can ’ t just rely on goodwill to ensure access , ” said Arzoo Ahmed , of Britain ’ s Nuffield Council on Bioethics , noting that precedents of how innovative drugs have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HIV/AIDS , it took 10 years for the drugs to reach people in lower-income countries .
If that happens with COVID-19 , that would be very worrying.
” Other experts pointed out that there are billions of dollars devoted to every stage of vaccine development , but little oversight over how the funds are spent and few guarantees the inoculations will get to those who need them most .
It ’ s unclear how any vaccines meant for developing countries will actually be distributed , said Suerie Moon , co-director of the Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We don ’ t know what the process will look like or how transparent it will be , ” she said .
The World Health Organization is currently working on developing an “ allocation framework ” for how coronavirus vaccines should be given out , said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan , the U.N. health agency ’ s chief scientist .
But this guidance would not be binding .
“ We don ’ t want to be in a situation where there are doses of a vaccine but they ’ re just available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We need to have a consensus on that so we can agree to share the vaccine in a way that protects the most vulnerable.
” Larson reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Danica Kirka in London , Lauran Neergaard in Alexandria , Virginia , Linda A. Johnson in Fairless Hills , Pennsylvania , and Cara Anna in Johannesburg contributed to this report .

Maria Cheng And Christina Larson - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Rights group: Egypt authorities shouldn’t harass doctors

ISLAMABAD - An international rights group urged Egyptian authorities Thursday to stop harassing and intimidating health care workers who have criticized the government ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
In Pakistan , an increase of 5,358 cases over the last 24 hours pushed the number of infections in the Middle East region beyond 1 million .
Since the pandemic hit , healthcare workers in Egypt have been complaining of a dearth of protective equipment , testing and hospital beds for front-line doctors .
“ Instead of protecting front-line health care workers by addressing their legitimate concerns over their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are handling the COVID-19 crisis with their usual repressive tactics , ” Amnesty International said in a statement .
Overall , Egypt has officially recorded more than 49,000 cases of the coronavirus , including 1,850 deaths .
But last month , an Egyptian official said the country might realistically have as many as 100,000 cases .
At least 68 health care workers have died of the virus and more than 400 have tested positive , according to the country ’ s doctors ’ association .
Health workers in Pakistan have also been heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3,000 testing positive and several dying .
In recent weeks the daily number of new cases in Egypt has often surpassed 1,000 , raising concerns the country ’ s health care system could soon become overwhelmed .
On Monday , Egypt recorded its highest daily death toll of 97 people .
Amnesty said it has documented the arbitrary detention of eight Egyptian health care workers , including six doctors and two pharmacists , who shared their health-related concerns on social media between March and June .
The London-based rights group also alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats and administrative penalties .
“ The campaign not only further undermines freedom of expression in the country , but also hamstrings the efforts of those tackling the heath crisis and puts their and others ’ lives in danger , ” said Philip Luther , Amnesty ’ s research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa On Tuesday , Egypt ’ s Doctors ’ Syndicate released a statement saying it had urged Egypt ’ s top prosecutor to release five physicians who were arrested for having expressed their frustration with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 outbreak .
Infection rates in Pakistan have been spiraling in recent weeks , exceeding 160,000 on Thursday even as Prime Minister Imran Khan resisted pleas from medical professionals and the World Health Organization to reimpose a strict lockdown for at least two weeks .
Khan says a countrywide lockdown would devastate an already crumbling economy and hurt the poorest with unemployment expected to near 7 million over the next year .
Economists say Pakistan ’ s poverty rate of 30 % has increased to 40 % since the virus forced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critics say a series of missteps has led to Pakistan ’ s worsening infection rate beginning with his refusal to shut down mosques , particularly in April and May during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan followed by Eid-al Fitr , a holiday that brought millions of Pakistanis into overcrowded markets in preparation .
Khan also was slow to stop a gathering of tens of thousands of Islamic missionaries from around the world who arrived in Pakistan at the end of February for a massive meeting in mid-March .
The government eventually cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had arrived in Pakistan only to return home to spread the virus .
In the last week , Khan has given televised addresses to urge Pakistanis to wear masks and practice social distancing , a practice rarely observed by the majority of the country ’ s 220 million people , many of whom believe the virus is a hoax .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Progressive donor group announces $59M vote-by-mail campaign

WASHINGTON - A network of deep-pocketed progressive donors is launching a $ 59 million effort to encourage people of colour to vote by mail in November , a step many Democrats view as crucial to turning out the party ’ s base during the coronavirus pandemic .
A non-profit arm of the donor network Way to Win is working with philanthropic organizations including the Ford Foundation and George Soros ’ Open Society to raise the money .
The network has already donated $ 50 million this cycle , which has largely gone to groups in battleground states including Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona .
But the group says more is needed because the coronavirus — which has led to a shortage of poll workers , contributed to long lines and forced the closure of some polling sites — could alter the outcome of November ’ s presidential election .
“ We need to meet the urgency of this moment ... we need everyone to keep their foot on the gas pedal , ” said Nicole Boucher , a senior adviser to the group ’ s non-profit , Way to Rise .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector to help fill critical funding gaps for communities of colour , who have long been under-resourced in philanthropy.
” They are in good company .
A crush of well-funded groups on both sides of the political divide has seized on the issue .
Though a key segment of the Republican electorate — older voters — has long relied on absentee voting , some in the party view broader access as a threat and have voiced worries that mail-in ballots are more susceptible to fraud .
That includes President Donald Trump , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ RIGGED ELECTIONS !
” despite casting his own ballots by mail .
Democrats , meanwhile , have argued for increased funding and broad adoption of mail-in voting .
Already a fierce battle is playing out in courts , where Democrats have notched a series of victories in recent years that have made it easier to vote .
A network of conservative organizations allied with the Federalist Society recently joined the fight .
The efforts by Way to Win will be focused more on outreach and education .
While people of colour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , that often isn ’ t the case in some key battlegrounds , group officials said .
Their aim is to fund organizations that already have a presence in these communities to educate voters on ways they can cast a ballot .
They also plan to fund poll watchers to combat any efforts to suppress turnout among black and brown voters .
Way To Win , which was founded after Trump ’ s 2016 victory , presents itself as a progressive alternative to established Democratic organizations .
It is largely funded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker , a member of a prominent Democratic family that derives its fortune from Hyatt Hotels .
African Americans are the backbone of the Democratic Party and were critical to Joe Biden securing the party ’ s presidential nomination .
But the group says black voters have too often been neglected when it comes to private philanthropy .
“ It ’ s critical that donors and the philanthropic sector step up “ and ” correct a huge gap in philanthropic funding among communities of colour , ” Pritzker said .
By conducting broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harness the energy that has been present in protests nationwide over racism and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer .
“ Philanthropy has an obligation to invest in grassroots organizing and organizers leading the charge on racial justice , reproductive justice , and voter protection , ” said Karen Grove , a Way to Win donor who is also chairperson of the Grove Foundation , which gave out $ 17 million in grants in 2017 and 2018 .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Game .
”


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Japan’s ex-justice minister arrested in vote-buying case

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ’ s former justice minister and the minister ’ s lawmaker wife were arrested Thursday over allegations they engaged in vote buying during last year ’ s election , officials and local media said .
The Tokyo Public Prosecutors Office said it arrested the former minister , Katsuyuki Kawai , and his wife , Anri Kawai , though it did not immediately give a reason .
Local media including Kyodo News reported the arrest was over allegations that the couple offered millions of yen in cash to dozens of voters ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kawai won a seat .
The couple has denied any wrongdoing .
Katsuyuki Kawai served as justice minister for only a month from last September , resigning when the allegations surfaced but has remained as lawmaker .
Their arrest came a day after the parliamentary session ended , when both no longer had immunity .
While the couple left Abe ’ s ruling Liberal Democratic Party earlier this week , there are still questions about whether party election funds were used in the alleged vote-buying .
The couple ’ s arrest comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public criticism over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its devastating economic impact .
Abe now faces opposition demands for explanation for his appointment of Katsuyuki Kawaii as justice minister .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Naval Academy opens investigation into social media posts

ANNAPOLIS , Md .
- The U.S .
Naval Academy has opened an investigation into social media posts allegedly made by a midshipman in the wake of protests over the police custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota , a news outlet reported .
The posts were allegedly made on a since-deleted Twitter account identified as belonging to Chase Standage , a Midshipman 1st Class from California , and began circulating online Monday , The Capital Gazette reported .
Academy officials learned about the comments Monday night , the newspaper quoted Cmdr .
Alana Garas as saying .
Screenshots posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a police officer firing tear gas at an unarmed protester demonstrating after the death of Floyd , the paper reported .
It said another post allegedly commented on a black woman ’ s fatal shooting by police in Kentucky .
The tweets surfaced on the same day academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck posted a video message condemning separate racial remarks made earlier this month by a retired captain and former Naval Academy trustee that disparaged admission by the academy of African Americans , Asian Americans and women .
Garas said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the midshipman could be disciplined under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or be dismissed from the academy .
Standage did not respond to requests from The Capital Gazette for comment , the newspaper said .
This story has been CORRECTED to show the student is a midshipman at the Naval Academy , not a cadet .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Police: Man fatally shot by deputies held woman for 6 days

LOS ANGELES - The half-brother of a black man recently found hanged in a Southern California park was fatally shot by police after opening fire on deputies about to arrest him on charges that he beat his girlfriend and held her captive for nearly a week , according to authorities and court documents .
The shootout occurred Wednesday afternoon as members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department ’ s Major Crimes Bureau tried to stop a blue sport utility vehicle driven by a woman police described as another former girlfriend of Terron J. Boone .
A 7-year-old girl was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SUV came to a stop in a parking lot of an apartment complex in Rosamond , a Kern County desert community north of Los Angeles County , according to a statement from the Sheriff ’ s Department .
Deputies shouted “ hands up !
” and Boone opened the passenger door and began firing from a semiautomatic handgun , authorities said .
Boone fired at least six rounds , hitting the deputies ’ vehicles , said sheriff ’ s Lt. Robert Westphal of the homicide bureau .
Three detectives and their field supervisors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the upper body and killing him , sheriff ’ s officials said .
He died at the scene , where a handgun was found .
The girl and detectives were not injured .
The woman driving the SUV was struck by gunfire , treated at a hospital and released .
The Kern County coroner confirmed the man was Terron Jammal Boone , 31 , of Palmdale .
He was the half-brother of Robert Fuller , 24 , who was found hanging from a tree last week in Palmdale .
Jamon Hicks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed Boone ’ s relationship to Fuller but declined to comment further Thursday .
Fuller was found in a park near Palmdale City Hall early in the morning of June 10 .
A preliminary autopsy was conducted the next day .
The initial finding of suicide immediately prompted skepticism among the black community in an area of Los Angeles County with a racist history .
The coroner ’ s office said Fuller ’ s death appeared to be a suicide and homicide detectives said there was no evidence to the contrary at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities were too quick with that finding and failed to consider the possibility of foul play .
They are seeking an independent autopsy .
More than 1,000 people turned out for a protest and memorial Saturday around the tree where Fuller ’ s body was found .
His family and friends described him as a peacemaker who was street-smart , loved music and video games , and mostly stayed to himself .
Days before he died , he attended a Black Lives Matter protest , the Los Angeles Times reported .
The FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday announced they are monitoring the LA Sheriff Department ’ s investigation of the death .
Fuller was the second black man to be found hanged in a public place in Southern California in recent weeks .
Malcolm Harsch , a 38-year-old homeless man , was found on May 31 in Victorville , a desert city in San Bernardino County east of Palmdale .
In Boone ’ s case , authorities allege he imprisoned his on-and-off girlfriend in her Palmdale home between June 9 and Monday , threatening and pistol-whipping her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited for an opportunity when he wasn ’ t looking and she was able to get out , run to a business and had them call 911 , ” Westphal said .
Prosecutors filed 13 counts against Boone on Tuesday , and a warrant was issued for his arrest .
The next day , a surveillance team of deputies followed Boone to a residence in Rosamond , about 20 miles ( 32 kilometres ) north of Palmdale .
Boone got in the vehicle and left with the woman and child .
Deputies later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shooting erupted .
Westphal said Boone ’ s motive for the kidnapping and assault remain under investigation , as is any potential link between the woman and Fuller .
Boone ’ s criminal record includes convictions on charges of burglary , robbery , corporal punishment or injury to a child , according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation .
His parole ended in November .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--India seeks eased tensions with China after Himalayas clash

NEW DELHI - India said Thursday it was using diplomatic channels with China to de-escalate a military standoff in a remote Himalayan border region where 20 Indian soldiers were killed this week .
Responding to China ’ s claim to the disputed Galwan Valley , India ’ s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said both sides agreed to handle the situation responsibly .
“ Making exaggerated and untenable claims is contrary to this understanding , ” he said in a statement .
Monday ’ s clash that killed 20 Indian troops was the deadliest between the sides in 45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it suffered any casualties .
Indian news reports said Thursday that 76 Indian soldiers were hospitalized with injuries following the clash .
All are in stable condition , according to New Delhi Television .
The Indian Army did not issue a statement about the injured soldiers and Defence Ministry spokesman Col. Aman Anand did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comments .
Indian officials have denied reports that any of its troops were in Chinese custody .
India and China have accused each other of instigating the clash in the valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier .
The deaths happened in the thin air at 4,270 metres ( 14,000 feet ) above sea level , when soldiers brawled with clubs , rocks and their fists with no shots fired , Indian officials have said .
The soldiers carry firearms but are not allowed to use them under a previous agreement in the border standoff dispute .
Defence analyst Ajai Shukla tweeted a photo of rods studded with nails that were purportedly used by Chinese troops .
China maintained that Indian troops had deliberately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signalled it wanted talks , noting the importance of their broader bilateral relationship .
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian , citing Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a call with his Indian counterpart , said that “ mutual respect and support serves our long-term interests.
“ “ After the incident , China and India communicated and co-ordinated through military and diplomatic channels , ” Zhao said .
“ The two sides agreed to deal fairly with the serious events caused by the conflict in the Galwan Valley , and ... cool down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotions were high in the south Indian city of Hyderabad , where thousands watched the funeral procession of Indian Col. Santosh Babu .
He was among the 20 Indian troops who officials said died of injuries and exposure after the clash in the area ’ s subfreezing temperatures .
In the Indian Himalayan city of McLeod Ganj , the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile , demonstrators shouted anti-China slogans and burned the Chinese flag .
An Indian confederation of small and midsize companies called for a boycott of 500 Chinese goods , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong criticism ” of China ’ s alleged aggression in Ladakh .
The boycott call followed protests Wednesday in New Delhi where demonstrators destroyed items they said were made in China while chanting , “ China get out.
” The Himalayan clash has fanned growing anti-Chinese sentiments due to the coronavirus .
India has confirmed more than 366,000 virus cases and 12,200 deaths .
But a broader boycott could backfire for India if China chose to retaliate by banning exports of raw materials used by India ’ s pharmaceutical industry .
Indian opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the army after asking : “ Why were our soldiers sent unarmed to martyrdom ?
” India ’ s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar responded that the Indian soldiers were carrying firearms but that troops from both sides can not use them because of 1996 and 2005 agreements between the two countries The clash escalated a standoff that began in early May , when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the border in three places , erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave .
That triggered shouting matches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much of it replayed on TV news programs and in social media .
The action has taken place along a remote stretch of the 3,380-kilometre ( 2,100-mile ) “ Line of Actual Control “ — the border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce .
Wang , China ’ s foreign minister , warned New Delhi not to underestimate Beijing ’ s determination to safeguard what it considers sovereign territory .
His comments came in a phone call Wednesday with Jaishankar .
Wang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thorough investigation and “ harshly punish ” those responsible .
Jaishankar , in turn , accused China of erecting a structure in the Galwan Valley , which he called a “ premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties , “ according to a statement .
He added that the incident would have “ serious repercussions ” on India ’ s relationship with China , while adding that both sides were committed to further disengaging in the remote Himalayan plateau .
Experts have said the two nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that easing tensions quickly will be difficult .
China claims about 90,000 square kilometres ( 35,000 square miles ) of territory in India ’ s northeast , while India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometres ( 15,000 square miles ) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas , a contiguous part of the Ladakh region .
India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019 .
China was among the handful of countries to condemn the move , raising it at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council .
India on Thursday was elected to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Honduras president stable, fatigued after hospitalization

TEGUCIGALPA , Honduras - Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández is in stable condition and being treated for pneumonia after testing positive for COVID-19 , one of his doctors said Thursday .
Dr. César Aarón Carrasco at the Military Hospital said Hernández ’ s condition had improved since he was admitted Wednesday with difficulty breathing , fever and fatigue .
“ In the two days that he ’ s been hospitalized an improvement in his situation has been observed , ” Carrasco said .
“ He ’ s in a good general state , recovering.
” Carrasco said the president no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still suffered fatigue when walking .
He said it was unclear how long Hernández would remain hospitalized .
Hernández was receiving treatment that included colchicine , an anti-gout medication ; anti-inflammatories ; tocilizumab , an immunosupressive drug ; ivermectin , an anti-parasite medication ; anticoagulants and hydroxychloroquine , Carrasco said .
First lady Ana García de Hernández , who also tested positive for a coronavirus infection , continued to be asymptomatic .
The president announced late Tuesday that he and his wife had tested positive for the virus .
Just hours later he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia .
On Wednesday , Francis Contreras , spokesman for the National System of Risk Management , said at a news conference that after reviewing Hernández ’ s lab work and X-rays , doctors determined the president had pneumonia and recommended he be hospitalized .
He said Hernández was in good condition , but he was receiving medicine intraveneously that had to be administered in a hospital .
The president had said that over the weekend he began feeling some discomfort and on Tuesday received the test results .
He said two other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected .
Hernández is a close ally of the Trump administration , primarily in efforts to slow illegal immigration .
However , U.S. federal prosecutors in New York have prosecuted the president ’ s brother and made it increasingly clear that a case is building against Hernández himself .
No charges have been filed against the president , but U.S. prosecutors have alleged he accepted money from drug traffickers to advance his political career in exchange for letting them move drugs through the country .
Hernández denies those allegations .
He was re-elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the country ’ s constitutional ban on re-election .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Colombia troops free 2 foreigners held by rebels in pandemic

BOGOTA - Two travellers from Switzerland and Brazil who were kidnapped along with their pet dogs by dissident rebels in Colombia at the start of the coronavirus pandemic were rescued Thursday by the military , ending a three-month ordeal .
Daniel Max Guggenheim and José Iban Alburqueque — and their Pomeranians — were freed after soldiers got wind of their location and chased after the man who was guarding them .
The men were described as healthy but said they endured a hellish ordeal that included long hours in cold temperatures and the ridicule of rebels who poked fun at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s something one suffers more in the heart than the body , ” a tearful Guggenheim said as he clutched one of his dogs after being brought to a military airport in the capital , Bogota .
“ It has given me nightmares.
” In mid-March , when Colombia started instituting a nationwide quarantine , the two men were in the Pacific port city of Buenaventura , an area with a long history of drug violence that in more recent years has begun to attract tourists .
They decided to make their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help determine the fastest route .
The journey took them through Corinto , in the Cauca department , where they decided to stop to and rest , Guggenheim said .
Shortly after continuing onward , they were stopped by two men on motorcycles .
One put a gun to a window of their vehicle .
“ You ’ ve arrived at the cemetery , ” he told them .
The rebels identified themselves as dissidents of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia — the group that signed a peace accord in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby area where coffee beans were being dried .
The rebels took the keys of their car and began rummaging through their suitcases .
Eventually the men were taken to a home where they were held in a room for four days .
The rebels demanded tens of millions in pesos , but Guggenheim said he had just $ 3,600 .
Unsatisfied , the rebels called Guggenheim ’ s daughter , asking for more .
In all the men were held in 11 different locations , Guggenheim said .
While they were often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and never physically harmed .
The rebels even went to a nearby town to buy dry food for their dogs , one of which is a 13-year-old purebred Pomeranian that Guggenheim has had since a puppy .
“ We survived , ” he said , talking through a face mask .
“ It ’ s been more than a month and a half since we spoke to our families .
It was hard.
” Most of 11,000 Colombian rebels who signed the peace accord to end Latin America ’ s longest-running conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small number who defected or never joined the agreement are still battling the government .
The Pacific coast region including Buenaventura has seen a rise in violence as the FARC dissidents , the National Liberation Army guerrilla group and drug gangs compete for lucrative trafficking routes .
Guggenheim said he harbours no ill will toward Colombia .
“ A million thanks to Colombia , ” he said .
“ I love the country in spite of everything.
“

Christine Armario - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Suspect on run after 2 New Zealand officers shot and injured

WELLINGTON , New Zealand - New Zealand police say two officers have been shot and seriously injured in Auckland and @ @ @ @ @ run .
Police said they were carrying out a routine traffic stop Friday morning when @ @ @ @ @ them before driving away .
They said the suspect ’ s vehicle hit a bystander @ @ @ @ @ Schools in the area have been put into lockdown and police have set up road @ @ @ @ @ people to stay away .
Witness Elaine Taniela told The New Zealand Herald she was @ @ @ @ @ gunshots .
She said a friend who was on his way to her house at @ @ @ @ @ officer on the ground shaking , as if he was having a seizure .
New @ @ @ @ @ gun control laws banning the deadliest types of semiautomatic weapons after a mass shooting in @ @ @ @ @ people at two Christchurch mosques during Friday prayers .
Auckland is New Zealand ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 1.7 million people .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Arrest of ex-aide to Bolsonaro’s son another hit for leader

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian authorities on Thursday arrested a man sought as part of an investigation into allegedly suspicious movements of money while working for the son of President Jair Bolsonaro , marking another indirect blow to the embattled leader .
Fabrício Queiroz , a former driver for Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro , the president ’ s son , was arrested as part of a joint operation between public prosecutors of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo states , the Rio prosecutors ’ office said in a statement .
The probe is into an alleged phantom employee corruption scheme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ him out of a property in Atibaia , a town in Sao Paulo ’ s interior .
Local media reported the property belongs to Flávio Bolsonaro ’ s lawyer .
Jandir Neto , a prosecutor involved in the case , said in a televised interview with CNN Brasil that it was a legal office , without specifying whose .
Flávio Bolsonaro denied any wrongdoing and his lawyer , Frederick Wassef , didn ’ t respond to messages and calls from The Associated Press .
Wassef is frequently seen in the presidential palace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he attended the swearing-in ceremony of a minister .
Bolsonaro was elected in 2018 on a wave of anti-corruption sentiment and with promises to clean up the capital , Brasilia .
He ’ s seen his rejection levels rise as Brazil ’ s COVID-19 death toll climbed to the second highest in the world , and after the resignation of his popular justice minister , who alleged Bolsonaro sought to interfere politically in the Federal Police .
The president said in a live broadcast on his social media channels that Queiroz ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
He also downplayed the risks for himself .
“ I am not Queiroz ’ s lawyer and I am not involved in this case , “ Bolsonaro said .
“ May justice follow its course.
” The arrest on Thursday comes on the heels of other probes targeting Bolsonaro ’ s allies , including activists , lawmakers and businessmen .
Authorities on Monday arrested the leader of an activist group that backs Bolsonaro , accusing her of raising funds for anti-democratic actions .
Federal Police on Tuesday carried out almost two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same investigation , and local media reported that the Supreme Court granted access to multiple lawmakers ’ private banking records .
?
There are several investigations and operations from the police and the Supreme Court which are getting closer to Bolsonaro´s inner circle , ” Maurício Santoro , a political science professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro , said in a text message .
“ The arrest of Queiroz is big news - and a huge concern for Bolsonaro.
” In recent months , “ Where is Queiroz ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were dismayed that the former driver continued to elude authorities .
President Bolsonaro in October said Queiroz , a former military police officer , had been his friend since the 1980s , but he hadn ’ t spoken with him since allegations surfaced .
The investigation that yielded his arrest began when the government ’ s watchdog for financial transactions detected suspicious movements in his bank account , according to authorities .
It is suspected the money may form part of a corruption scheme involving appropriation of salaries from phantom employees of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a lawmaker in Rio state ’ s legislature .
The financial regulator has said that many of the payments to Queiroz came on pay days for people on Flávio Bolsonaro ’ s payroll .
In December , Rio prosecutors carried out searches at 24 properties , including a chocolate shop owned by Bolsonaro .
He said on Twitter that the operation is part of an attempt to damage his father ’ s administration .
“ I face today ’ s events with calm .
The truth will prevail !
Another piece was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the younger Bolsonaro said .
“ The game is rough !
” A profanity-laced video released May 22 at the order of a Supreme Court justice , showed Bolsonaro at a Cabinet meeting in April expressing frustration with his inability to get information from police and vowing to change ministers if needed to protect his family and friends .
The presidential press office didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment , and as of early afternoon Bolsonaro hadn ’ t made any comment on social media .
Queiroz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Paulo Marinho , a businessman and former ally of President Bolsonaro , told newspaper Folha de S.Paulo last month that Flávio Bolsonaro decided to fire Queiroz upon receiving leaked information that his aide would be targeted by an investigation .
“ The investigation will advance and could eventually hold Flávio Bolsonaro responsible , ” said Michael Mohallem , a law professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation , a university and think-tank .
“ Flávio isn ’ t just a son ; he ’ s a politician and his father ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the president ’ s image .
Bolsonaro , who already had his image as an anti-corruption leader eroded , will be hit further .
”

Marcelo De Sousa And David Biller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Seattle police union expelled from large labour group

SEATTLE - The largest labour group in the Seattle area has expelled the city ’ s police union , saying the guild representing officers failed to address racism within its ranks .
The vote Wednesday night by the King County Labor Council to exclude the Seattle Police Officers Guild comes after weeks of protests in the city over police brutality and racism following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
It ’ s also significant as the labour council is politically influential .
Local elected leaders are reluctant to go against the umbrella group of more than 150 unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is part of our labour council needs to be actively working to dismantle racism in their institution and society at large , ” the labour council said on Twitter after the vote .
The police union “ has failed to do that work “ and is no longer part of the council , the labour alliance said .
The Seattle Times reports that the delegate vote was 45,435 to expel , with 36,760 voting to keep the police union within the council .
Before the vote , police union President Mike Solan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay involved with the council and was “ willing to learn.
” “ We are human beings and we are workers who are committed to this city and committed to the community , “ Solan said .
“ We see a future , one that engages in these robust conversations , and in particular to race and how the institution of racism impacts all labour unions.
” Labour council representatives said the police guild could be readmitted at some point in the future .
“ At this point , I just can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are staffing the medical tents and getting gassed “ by the Seattle Police Department and having the Seattle Police Officers Guild at the table , “ using our unity as a shield to justify contracts that go against our principles and mission , ” said Jane Hopkins , a registered nurse and executive vice-president of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW .
The Seattle City Council on Monday voted unanimously to bar police from using tear gas , pepper spray and several other crowd-control devices after officers repeatedly used them on mostly peaceful demonstrators .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Seattle Police Department , which used tear gas to disperse protesters in the city ’ s densest neighbourhood , Capitol Hill , just days after Mayor Jenny Durkan and Chief Carmen Best promised not to do so .
Police have now largely left a several block area of Capitol Hill , which for more than a week has been the site of active protests by demonstrators who have dubbed the area the “ Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.
” Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County said in a statement Thursday that it stands with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressing of institutionalized racism in Seattle policing , and that police accountability be included in contract negotiations .
The organization said it has demanded a seat at the negotiating table and that the mayor has responded by putting those police contract negotiations on hold until there is a plan for community representation .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Statue of Spanish governor removed from New Mexico park

SANTA FE , N.M. - Crews in Santa Fe , New Mexico , on Thursday removed a statue of a Spanish territorial governor from a city park and two other markers were slated to come down as monuments to historical figures were being dismantled across the country .
The statue of Don Diego de Vargas was taken down ahead of a rally in Santa Fe organized by indigenous advocates .
They have long criticized some of the markers and other references to the Spanish conquistadors who settled the area that includes the 400-year-old city and to U.S. government forces who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for the removal of the statue and two historical markers , Democratic Mayor Alan Webber also vowed to revive a commission that will evaluate all the statues and monuments in Santa Fe and help determine their fate .
“ The time has come , I believe , for us to step into the moment and to walk into the future and take decisive action , ” Webber said in a post on Facebook .
“ But simply leaving things as they are is not an option.
” A few hundred people gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plaza Thursday evening for the rally at which they applauded Webber ’ s decision .
Two men from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo started the celebration with a drum song .
De Vargas led what some history books call a peaceful resettlement of Santa Fe in 1692 , a dozen years after the Spanish were driven out of northern New Mexico during the Pueblo Revolt .
Many indigenous people argue that he enslaved their ancestors and led a genocidal campaign against Native Americans .
Elsewhere in New Mexico , statues of Spanish conquistador Juan de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary storage until officials decide what to do with them .
In Albuquerque , a protest Monday night ended with one man being shot and injured and police being criticized for not stepping in sooner to quell the violence that led to the shooting .
One of the Santa Fe monuments to be removed under the mayor ’ s call is an obelisk in front of the federal courthouse that recognizes frontiersman Kit Carson , who was tasked by the military with removing Navajos from their land .
As part of the effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Bosque Redondo reservation in eastern New Mexico — many of them dying along the way — after the military destroyed their crops and livestock .
The marker was recently spray painted red with the words “ stolen land.
” The other obelisk was erected in 1868 to honour Union soldiers who fought Civil War battles in New Mexico .
It stands at the centre of the plaza , where the crowd gathered Thursday .
The obelisk was dedicated in part to the “ heroes ” who died in battle with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inscription on the war monument .
In 1974 , when the American Indian Movement was advocating for Native American rights , an unidentified man chiseled away the word “ savage.
” City Councilor JoAnne Vigil Coppler said councillors in 1973 had voted unanimously to remove the obelisk but they later learned they had no say in the matter since the historic downtown square is a National Historic Landmark and on the State Register of Cultural Properties .
The city at some point installed a plaque stating that monument texts reflect the character of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the temper of those who wrote them , and that attitudes change and “ prejudices hopefully dissolve.
” Native Americans still consider the monument racist and say it celebrates violence .
Lynn Trujillo , secretary for the state Indian Affairs Department , praised the Santa Fe mayor for saying he would take down the three monuments and revisit the others .
“ It is no longer enough to present just one version of history , “ she said .
“ We owe it to all those who lived it to portray the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press/Report for America writer Cedar Attanasio contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Report: State Dept official quits over Trump race response

WASHINGTON - A State Department official resigned Thursday over President Donald Trump ’ s response to racial tensions sweeping the country over the killings of black people by police , The Washington Post reported .
Mary Elizabeth Taylor , the assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs , said in her resignation letter that Trump ’ s actions “ cut sharply against my core values and convictions.
“ At 30 , Taylor was the youngest person to hold her position , and she was also the first black woman in the job , according to the Post .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial injustice and Black Americans cut sharply against my core values and convictions , ” Taylor said in her resignation letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , which was obtained by the Post .
“ I must follow the dictates of my conscience and resign as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs.
” Taylor ’ s resignation follows weeks of turmoil sweeping the United States following the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis .
Protesters demanding justice for Floyd and other slain black people , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken to the streets , and the president has struggled to meet the moment .
He has referred to protesters as “ thugs , “ and his administration forcefully pushed aside peaceful protesters near the White House so he could go to a nearby church and pose holding a Bible .
The State Department declined to comment in response to a question from The Associated Press .
“ We do not comment on personnel matters , ” the State Department said in an emailed response to a request for information about Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate explanation for why the State Department officials , including Pompeo and other top aides , had chosen to comment extensively on the decision to fire the department ’ s Inspector General Steve Linick in May .
In her role in the Trump administration , Taylor helped guide more than 400 presidential appointments through the Senate , including those of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and CIA director Gina Haspel , the Post reported .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--California orders people to wear masks in most indoor spaces

SACRAMENTO , Calif. - California on Thursday started requiring people throughout the state to wear masks in most indoor settings and outdoors when distancing isn ’ t possible as the coronavirus continues to spread .
“ Science shows that face coverings and masks work , ” Gov .
Gavin Newsom said in a statement about the new order .
“ They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe , keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.
” States including Michigan , New York , Maine , Delaware and Maryland already have statewide mask orders in place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its economy .
In most counties , people can now shop , dine in at restaurants , get their hair done and go to church , among other things .
As restrictions relax , coronavirus cases are increasing , something the state says was expected as more people get tested .
More than 3,400 infected people were hospitalized as of Wednesday , the most since April .
The order requires people to wear masks when inside or in line for any indoor public spaces , in healthcare settings like hospitals and pharmacies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in outdoor spaces where it ’ s not possible to stay six feet ( 1.8 metres ) apart from others .
Until now , the Democratic governor had allowed local governments decide whether to mandate masks , an issue that has become politically fraught as some Americans resist orders to wear them .
Newsom said he issued the order because too many people are going out in public without face coverings as businesses , restaurants and other sectors of the economy reopen .
The public health officer in Southern California ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced threats over her order that people wear masks , and the county sheriff said he wouldn ’ t enforce it .
Los Angeles County requires people to wear masks when outside their homes , as do San Francisco and Santa Clara counties .
Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher said he preferred letting locals decide and criticized Newsom for routinely changing his mind on who sets virus-related rules .
“ The governor can ’ t seem to make up his mind if counties can govern themselves during this pandemic .
Perhaps if his guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better prepared to meet this moment , “ he said in a statement .
Dr. Clayton Chau , Orange County ’ s interim health officer , said the county is still reviewing the state ’ s order , which would supersede his own .
Chau last week changed Orange County ’ s rules to recommend instead of require masks , and said he hasn ’ t seen any data since that would make him question that decision .
Kate Folmar , a spokeswoman for the California Health and Human Services agency , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge , a fine , or other penalties , or that California ’ s Division of Occupational Safety and Health could take action against businesses .
But Mark Ghaly , the agency ’ s secretary , said the department doesn ’ t want to focus on enforcement and expects most Californians will comply .
“ We believe that enough Californians are going to see this recommendation and carry it out , and it ’ s going to allow us to make a substantial dent in transmission versus if we didn ’ t do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said it ’ s an issue of individual responsibility , not law enforcement .
“ County residents will continue to use common-sense approaches for the benefit of their own health , as well as the collective health of other county residents , “ he said .
Katrina Foley , mayor of the Orange County city of Costa Mesa , said the state ’ s decision will take pressure off businesses by making it clear masks are required .
Her city has required facial coverings even when the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have to arrest people for not wearing a facial covering .
We just want people to care about others , so people don ’ t die , “ she said .
The order also applies to workplaces where people interact with the public , prepare or package food and share common spaces like hallways and elevators .
Office workers must wear masks if they can ’ t physically distance .
It includes several exceptions , including for outdoor recreation and exercise such as walking , hiking , running or bicycling .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t stay six feet ( 1.8 metres ) apart from others , the state says they should wear masks .
Also outside , Ghaly said people should consider wearing masks if they are at a crowded intersection or in another space where they are close to others .
Brianna Sims , a 21-year-old grocery store worker in Sacramento , said she agreed with the order and that it ’ s been a mixed bag among customers when it comes to people wearing masks .
Rey Kuvelis , 67 , wore a mask as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sacramento on Thursday .
He wears his mask whenever he leaves the house , but said he sees a lot of people without them .
“ I would be very upset with myself if I cause like 10 people to get it because of my negligence , “ he said .
Other exceptions include : Children 2 and younger ; people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks ; people who are deaf or with hearing loss and those who communicate with them ; and people receiving treatments on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also an exception if wearing a face covering would violate workplace safety guidelines .
People eating out at restaurants wouldn ’ t have to wear masks while they are eating and drinking as long as they are six feet away f ; om others .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

Kathleen Ronayne And Amy Taxin - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Trump global media chief faces GOP backlash over firings

WASHINGTON - The new chief of U.S.-funded global media is facing a conservative backlash over his decision to fire the heads of two international broadcasters , adding to concerns about the direction of the agency , which oversees the Voice of America and other outlets .
The criticism of Michael Pack , who defended his personnel moves , is unusual because it ’ s coming from supporters of President Donald Trump who had backed his controversial nomination to run the U.S. Agency for Global Media over staunch Democratic objections .
Trump allies , including former adviser Sebastian Gorka , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks , Alberto Fernandez , while others have taken issue with the firing of the head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty , Jamie Fly .
Pack , a conservative filmmaker and onetime associate of Trump adviser Steve Bannon , sacked both of them late Wednesday in a purge of USAGM ’ s outlets , which also include Radio Free Asia and the Cuba-focused Radio/TV Marti .
Those moves have alarmed Democrats who fear Pack intends to turn the agency into a Trump administration propaganda machine .
“ Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every action I will carry out will be — geared toward rebuilding the USAGM ’ s reputation , boosting morale , and improving content , ” Pack said in a statement released by the new agency ’ s new public affairs staff .
The statement called the moves “ significant and long-overdue ” and said Pack and his team are “ committed to eradicating the known mismanagement and scandals that have plagued the agency for decades.
“ In addition to the agency chiefs , Pack dismissed veteran broadcast news executive Steve Capus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization and its leadership , according to two congressional aides and an AGM employee , who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren ’ t authorized to discuss the matter publicly .
Capus , who was previously president of NBC News for nearly eight years , did not respond to a query sent to an AGM work email address .
And , he ousted the head of the Open Technology Fund , a non-broadcast arm of the AGM that works to provide secure internet access to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fund chief Libby Liu submitted her resignation , effective in mid-July , but she was removed with the others .
There was no public explanation of why Pack would dismiss any of the officials , let alone those favoured by conservatives beyond the general statement of improving the agency .
The firing of Fernandez , in particular , has raised conservative hackles .
A former career diplomat fluent in Arabic , Fernandez had been hailed by conservatives for bringing what they saw as balance to the Arabic-language outlets AlHurra television and Radio Sawa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asset America had in foreign broadcasting , ” Gorka wrote on Twitter shortly after the dismissals became public .
Michael Doran , a former National Security Council and State Department official during President George W. Bush ’ s administration , called Fernandez ’ s ouster “ asinine “ and said that without him , ” Pack will be as effective as a drugged bug in a bottle.
” David Reaboi , a noted conservative national security analyst , was even more critical , calling Fernandez ’ s removal “ shameful.
“ “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get represented , and Alberto always made sure it did , ” he told the AP .
“ It was a model for recapturing territory from the far left and righting the ship.
“ “ Michael Pack gets confirmed by the Senate and , rather than take stock and talk to people who know what ’ s happening , he fired everybody , “ Reaboi wrote .
“ Michael Pack destroyed that because he was too dumb to listen — or too dumb to be able to figure out the difference between friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former staffer for Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , also attracted criticism , including from Mark Dubowitz , a well-known advocate of the Trump administration ’ s hawkish policies on Iran .
“ Poor decision to fire ( Fernandez ) and ( Fly ) whose exemplary leadership of MBN and RFE/RL respectively , made America ’ s public diplomacy more effective , more persuasive and more consistent with American interests and values , ” he wrote .
Juan Zarate , a Republican former NSC and Treasury staffer , agreed , calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve watched both for years work with integrity to promote US interests abroad , ” he wrote .
In addition to Fernandez and Fly , Pack also removed the head of Radio Free Asia , Bay Fang , and the acting chief of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting on Wednesday .
He replaced each outlet ’ s corporate board of directors with allies and installed himself as chairman of each .
One of the people added to the board of Radio Free Asia , Jonathan Alexandre , attracted particular concern from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of public policy for the conservative Liberty Counsel , a group that the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated a hate group for opposing gay rights .
The director and deputy director of the Voice of America , Amanda Bennett and Sandy Sugawara , resigned from their positions on Monday .
Taken together , top House Democrats who oversee AGM funding said Pack ’ s moves were dangerous .
“ That Mr .
Pack took this drastic measure in his first week on the job is shocking , and we have deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a critical agency with the intent to prioritize the Trump administration ’ s political whims over protecting and promoting independent reporting , which is a pillar of freedom and democracy , “ said Eliot Engel , chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , and Nita Lowey , chair of the House Appropriations Committee .
The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey , denounced the firings as an “ egregious breach ” of the agency ’ s mission .
Menendez had led an unsuccessful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pack ’ s confirmation .


thetorontostar--2020-06-18--Australian leader says unnamed state increasing cyberattacks

CANBERRA , Australia - Australia is under increasing cyberattack from a “ sophisticated state-based cyber actor , ” the Australian @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state , and he said he made @ @ @ @ @ awareness .
“ Australian organizations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This activity is targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors , including @ @ @ @ @ industry , political organizations , education , health , essential service providers and operators of @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Although the threat was constant , the frequency of attacks had increased @ @ @ @ @ “ This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities .
There aren @ @ @ @ @ actors who have those capabilities , ” Morrison said .