thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Key air monitors offline after Laura hits Louisiana gas hub

Hazardous emissions from a chlorine plant fire , abruptly shuttered oil and gas refineries and still-to-be assessed plant damage are seeping into the air after Hurricane Laura , regulators say , but some key state and federal monitors to alert the public of air dangers remain offline in Louisiana .
While the chlorine fire was being monitored as a potential health threat , Louisiana environmental spokesman Greg Langley says he knows of no other major industrial health risks from the storm in the state .
He said restoring power and water was a bigger priority .
But some Louisiana residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid government information on the state of the air is typical .
With dozens of petroleum , petrochemical and other industrial sites , Louisiana is home to communities with some of the nation ’ s highest cancer risks , according to Environmental Protection Agency rankings .
In the Lake Charles area , with refineries , a major natural gas project and other industrial sites , residents “ generally don ’ t get any information except what the industry puts out , ” said Carla Chrisco , a Lake Charles lawyer who evacuated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the hardest hit Thursday .
Laura struck parts of the Texas-Louisiana coast with up to 150-mph ( 240 kph ) winds and a storm surge that Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards said rose as high as 15 feet ( 4.5 metres ) .
An electrical outage that deprived hundreds of thousands of people of power and is expected to last weeks has knocked offline the state ’ s stationary air monitors in the storm-battered communities .
Oil and gas facilities that the U.S. Department of Energy says account for 13 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a precaution along an industrialized roughly 60-mile stretch from Port Arthur , Texas , to Lake Charles before the hurricane .
The abrupt shutdowns , and eventual restarts , for hurricanes typically mean the emission of up to millions of pounds of additional cancer-causing soot , heavy metals and other hazards from refinery smokestacks .
A fire at a plant making swimming pool chemicals in Westlake , part of the larger Lake Charles area , since Thursday has on occasion sent enough chlorine into the air to be detected by emergency workers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels were not high enough to warrant evacuation , officials said , although residents of the industrial area around the plant were under orders to shelter inside their homes for days after Laura ’ s landfall .
With debris clogging roads , industry still is assessing damage along the Texas-Louisiana coast .
No word of any major industrial threat other than the chlorine plant fire had emerged by three days after Laura .
After Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017 , confirmation of more than a hundred toxic spills into the air , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and months to become public , and many were never investigated .
“ In a storm of this magnitude , there ’ s going to be some leaks , there ’ s going to be some spills , ” Langley said Saturday .
“ We ’ re still in the process of assessing that .
I don ’ t know of anything personally that ’ s major.
” Texas has requested the EPA ’ s help overall looking for any so-far undiscovered hazardous air releases after the hurricane , but Louisiana , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has not , EPA spokesman James Hewitt said .
“ EPA stands ready to assist states and local governments who need help , and have already done so following Hurricane Laura , ” Hewitt said in an email .
Texas made a formal request for air-monitoring help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency , Hewitt said .
As a result , EPA has sent a bus-mounted mobile lab to the Houston area to start monitoring and assessing air for any hazardous emission levels , he said .
Texas also has asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Port Arthur , where the aircraft will collect infrared images and air readings to help track any damage and releases from the storm damage .
“ Information will be provided to the public as it becomes available which follows our standard procedures , ” the EPA spokesman said .
By Saturday , EPA contractors had left the area of the chlorine plant fire , said Langley , the Louisiana environmental spokesman .
An environmental consulting firm would continue to do all air monitoring , he said .
State officials also would be flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obvious leaks , sheens , wayward drums and any other signs of industrial threats , Langley said .
“ We have a lot of experience in hurricane response , looking for that , “ he said .
Christina Stephens , a spokeswoman for the Louisiana governor , said Sunday that in addition to hand-held monitors , Louisiana ’ s Department of Environmental Quality also has mobile air labs , although it so far has not deployed them since the storm .
The agency “ has the experienced team and the resources ... to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath , ” Stephens said .
If the state also needs EPA resources , “ we will not hesitate to call on them.
” But some environmental and public health advocates single out Louisiana for what they say is too lax vigilance over industrial threats to the public , even in the best of times .
Louisiana ’ s response since Laura “ sounds like it ’ s about what it usually is .
Not robust is putting it kindly , “ said Anne Rolfes in New Orleans , founder of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People are worried about the possibility of toxic releases from the storm , Rolfes said .
But over the years , she said , Louisiana residents have come to have “ tremendously low expectations , for these institutions that are supposed to be protecting us.
“ Knickmeyer reported from Oklahoma City .
Associated Press writer Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta contributed to this report .
This story has been corrected to reflect that the name of the Louisiana environmental group is the Louisiana Bucket Brigade , not The Bucket Brigades .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--‘Fanning the flames’: Dems accuse Trump of stoking violence

WASHINGTON - Democrats on Sunday accused President Donald Trump of trying to inflame racial tensions and incite violence to benefit his campaign as he praised supporters who clashed with protesters in Portland , Oregon , where one man died overnight , and announced he will travel to Kenosha , Wisconsin , amid anger over the shooting of another Black man by police .
Trump unleashed a flurry of tweets and retweets the day after a man identified as a supporter of a right-wing group was shot and killed in Portland , where a large caravan of Trump supporters and Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s streets .
Trump praised the caravan participants as “ GREAT PATRIOTS !
” and retweeted what appeared to be the dead man ’ s name along with a message to “ Rest in peace.
” Trump also retweeted those who blamed the city ’ s Democratic mayor for the death .
“ The people of Portland , like all other cities & parts of our great Country , want Law & Order , “ Trump later tweeted .
” The Radical Left Democrat Mayors , like the dummy running Portland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basement unwilling to lead or even speak out against crime , will never be able to do it !
” Trump has throughout the summer cast American cities as under siege by violence and lawlessness , despite the fact that most of the demonstrations against racial injustice have been largely peaceful .
With about nine weeks until Election Day , some of his advisers see an aggressive “ law and order ” message as the best way for the president to turn voters against his Democratic rival , Joe Biden , and regain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women , who have abandoned him .
But Democrats accuse Trump of rooting for unrest and trying to stoke further violence for political gain instead of seeking to ratchet down tensions .
“ He may think that war in our streets is good for his reelection chances , but that is not presidential leadership — or even basic human compassion , ” Biden said in a statement responding to the shooting , in which he “ unequivocally ” condemned violence on all side , while accusing Trump of “ recklessly encouraging “ it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. President , why this is the first time in decades that America has seen this level of violence ?
” he asked at a televised news conference .
“ It ’ s you who have created the hate and the division.
” Trump , who appeared to be watching , responded with real-time tweets labeling Wheeler a “ wacky Radical Left Do Nothing Democrat.
“ After a reporter told Wheeler about the tweet , the mayor shot back , “ I ’ d appreciate that the president support us or stay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has cast the upcoming election as clash between “ law and order ” and anarchy , and he has denounced protesters as “ thugs ” while sharply defending police .
That theme was front-and-centre at last week ’ s Republican National Convention , which used recent protest footage to paint a foreboding and violent picture of the future if Biden denies Trump a second term .
Trump is expected to continue to hit that theme when he travels Tuesday to Kenosha , Wisconsin , where tensions are still raw after police shot Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the back seven times , leaving him paralyzed .
The shooting has ignited new demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality months after George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer touched off a wider reckoning on race .
Trump will be meeting with law enforcement officers and “ surveying ” the damage in the city , where businesses have been vandalized and some buildings burned during demonstrations , White House spokesman Judd Deere announced .
But Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers , a Democrat , asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I , along with other community leaders who have reached out , are concerned about what your presence will mean for Kenosha and our state .
I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing .
I am concerned your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together , ” Evers wrote in the letter , obtained by The Associated Press .
Earlier Sunday , Wisconsin Lt. Gov .
Mandela Barnes , also expressed concerns about the visit .
“ I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements that the president made , that he intends to come here to be helpful .
And we absolutely don ’ t need that right now , ” Barnes said in an interview with CNN .
Rep. Karen Bass , a California Democrat who leads the Congressional Black Caucus , said Trump is “ doing everything he can to fan the flames.
” “ I think his visit has one purpose , and one purpose only .
And that is to agitate things and to make things worse , ” Bass said Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Union.
“ “ It is clear his campaign is all about law and order .
It is a throwback to the past .
And he ’ s going to do everything to disrupt law and order in this time period.
” Deere responded to the critics saying , “ The only people to blame for the violence and riots in our streets are liberal politicians and their incompetent policies that have failed to get control of these destructive situations.
“ It took days for Trump to weigh in on Blake ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , and even then he had little to say .
“ Well , I ’ m looking into it very strongly .
I ’ ll be getting reports , ” he said in an interview in New Hampshire Friday .
“ It was not a good sight .
I didn ’ t like the sight of it , certainly , and I think most people would agree with that.
” Trump offered similar words — “ We ’ re looking at it very , very carefully ” — when asked Saturday about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been charged with fatally shooting two protesters and wounding a third Tuesday after he travelled to Kenosha , apparently to defend the city from protesters .
Attorneys representing Rittenhouse , who was seen walking with an assault-style rifle , have said he acted in self-defence .
But Trump on Sunday appeared to lend support to the teenager when he liked a retweet of a series of messages that began , “ Kyle Rittenhouse is a good example of why I decided to vote for Trump.
” The circumstances of Saturday night ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city shows sporadic fighting between the groups , with Trump supporters firing paintball pellets at opponents and using bear spray as counterprotesters threw things at the Trump caravan .
The man killed was a member of Patriot Prayer , a right-wing group whose members have frequently clashed with protesters in Portland in the past , its founder , Joey Gibson , said Sunday .
He identified the victim as Aaron “ Jay ” Danielson and called him a “ good friend , ” but provided no details .
Danielson apparently also went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Patriot Prayer ’ s Facebook page .
Trump retweeted the victim ’ s name and wrote , “ Rest in peace Jay !
” The White House and its allies , meanwhile , continued to blame local leaders for allowing the protests to rage on night after night .
“ When you encourage the disdain for the police , you encourage criminals .
When you do little or nothing to stop rioting , you encourage anarchy .
So when you are encouraging criminals and anarchy , people ’ s lives are lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
“ Associated Pres writers Gillian Flaccus in Portland , Oregon ; Scott Bauer in Madison , Wisconsin ; and Laurie Kellman and Will Weissert and Washington contributed to this report .

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thetorontostar--2020-08-30--ABC to air ‘Black Panther’ as tribute to Chadwick Boseman

NEW YORK - ABC will air “ Black Panther ” commercial-free Sunday as a prime-time tribute to Chadwick Boseman .
The film will be followed by an ABC News Special , “ Chadwick Boseman : A Tribute for a King.
“ Disney said the special “ will celebrate Boseman ’ s storied life , legacy and career ” and “ shine a light on the medical condition he privately battled.
” Boseman died Friday after a four-year battle with colon cancer .
He was 43 .
Walt Disney Co. , which owns ABC , released “ Black Panther ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boseman appeared in .
The film will be broadcast at 8 p.m. EDT , with the special following at 10:20 p.m. EDT .
“ Black Panther ” won three Oscars , was nominated for best picture and grossed more than $ 1.3 billion worldwide .
Sunday ’ s airing will make the film widely watchable at the same time in several regions and could a collective place to celebrate and grieve Boseman .
He is the latest major Black figure to die in 2020 , which has already seen the loss of civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star Kobe Bryant .
This story has been corrected to fix spelling of Boseman ’ s name in the title of the ABC News special .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Mexican Navy sees largest command yet for female commander

MEXICO CITY - Mexico ’ s Navy said Sunday it has named the first woman to command a coast guard @ @ @ @ @ yet for a female in the Mexican service .
Frigate Lt. Gloria Cházaro Berriel took @ @ @ @ @ 42.8-meter ) Bonampak .
Previously , women had commanded only smaller 55-foot ( 17-meter ) @ @ @ @ @ Navy , a post in which Cházaro Berriel previously served .
The Bonampak has a @ @ @ @ @ the type of vessel that patrols within Mexico ’ s territorial waters in tasks like @ @ @ @ @ has no separate coast guard , and the Navy performs that role .
The Navy @ @ @ @ @ cutter out Saturday from the Pacific coast port of Mazatlán on her first mission in @ @ @ @ @ headed for a deployment around the Islas Marias , a former penal colony in the @ @ @ @ @ into an environmental education centre .
Cházaro Berriel graduated first in her class from the @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--United says it will drop widely scorned ticket-change fees

United Airlines says it listened to customers and is dropping an unpopular $ 200 fee for most people who change a ticket for travel within the United States .
“ When we hear from customers about where we can improve , getting rid of fees is often the top request , ” United CEO Scott Kirby said in a video posted Sunday .
United ’ s move will put pressure on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines to drop their change fees , also $ 200 on domestic travel .
Delta and American said they are waiving change fees for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s end .
Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees , a policy which its CEO says has helped it gain more business .
United said that it eliminated change fees for people who buy a standard or premium economy ticket for U.S. travel .
United also said that it will extend a broad waiver of change fees — including for international travel — through Dec. 31 .
Customers who pay the lowest fares , called “ basic economy , ” can also change tickets free because of the extended waiver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will let customers fly standby for free on other flights the same day as their booked flight .
The moves come as United and other airlines try desperately to lure people back to flying despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
U.S. air travel has recovered modestly since April , but passenger traffic remains down about 70 % from a year ago .
The four largest U.S. airlines lost a combined $ 10 billion from April through June .
Airlines shared $ 25 billion in federal payroll aid under pandemic relief legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
United has warned 36,000 employees that they could be furloughed in October .
It received $ 5 billion in taxpayer money to keep workers on the payroll through September .
Consumer groups have long complained about the array of fees that airlines impose for things that were once part of the fare .
Change fees draw particular scorn because , critics say , they far exceed airlines ’ costs of changing or cancelling tickets with a few keystrokes .
Fees on checked bags and ticket changes gained widespread use during an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , airlines have added fees on seats with more legroom , priority boarding and other amenities .
They contributed to a highly profitable run that lasted for a decade , broken only by the pandemic .
Now airlines are slashing flights and shrinking work forces to cope with the travel slump .
The United CEO acknowledged that airlines facing tough times have often “ made difficult decisions to survive , sometimes at the expense of customer service.
” Kirby said United is looking to serve customers better this time .
Since 2010 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.5 billion in change fees .
Last year , it took in $ 625 million , third behind Delta and American , according to Transportation Department figures .
In Washington , several lawmakers have launched periodic campaigns to outlaw change fees .
In 2018 , the Senate approved a bill to prohibit “ unreasonable ” fees for changing or cancelling tickets , but the measure was scuttled in negotiations with the House .
David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--North Macedonia government wins confidence vote

The Social Democrat-led government is to eventually be headed by the country ’ s first ethnic Albanian prime minister , according to its coalition agreement .
After two days of heated debate , lawmakers voted 62-51 in favour of the new government led by Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev , 46 .
Seven members were absent .
Zaev and his coalition partners won 62 of the Parliament ’ s 120 seats in the July election .
Zaev , who led the previous government from 2017 to 2020 , formed a more streamlined Cabinet with 19 members , seven fewer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions or were moved to new ones .
Seven posts went to ethnic Albanians .
Zaev told lawmakers his new Cabinet will focus on reviving the economy , dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and fighting corruption .
He announced 1 billion euros ( $ 1.19 billion ) in new foreign investments , a 40 % increase in the minimum wage and pensions and a planned judiciary reform .
According to the power-sharing deal with the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union for Integration party , Zaev will hand the prime minister ’ s office over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his junior partner 100 days before the end of the government ’ s four-year term , in 2024 .
It would be the first time a representative of the largest minority ethnic community have held that position since North Macedonia split from the former Yugoslav federation in 1991 .
The conservative opposition fiercely criticized the new Cabinet , claiming it is “ incapable ” of dealing with the pandemic and fulfilling its promises .
During parliamentary debate , a few hundred people held a rally in front of the European Union ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skopje , protesting the change of the country ’ s name to North Macedonia and “ disparagement ” of the Macedonian national identity and dignity in a push for the country ’ s Euro-Atlantic integration .

Konstantin Testorides - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--3 Pakistani soldiers killed in militant attack in northwest

PESHAWAR , Pakistan - Suspected militants attacked Pakistani troops amid a search operation in a former Taliban and al-Qaida stronghold @ @ @ @ @ Afghan border , triggering a shootout that killed three soldiers , the army said Sunday @ @ @ @ @ also were wounded in the attack in South Waziristan , a district in the Khyber @ @ @ @ @ provided no further details , but South Waziristan had served as a militant base until @ @ @ @ @ its operations there had cleared the area of the Taliban .
No group claimed responsibility @ @ @ @ @ been blamed for such previous violence in the region , where militants have a presence @ @ @ @ @ released U.N. report , more than 6,000 Pakistani insurgents are hiding in Afghanistan , most @ @ @ @ @ Taliban group , which often attacks Pakistani military and civilian targets .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Montenegro opposition claims election victory in tight vote

PODGORICA , Montenegro - Montenegro ’ s pro-Serb and Russian opposition groups claimed victory against the ruling pro-Western party in a tense parliamentary election that could see a change in the course of the small Balkan state .
The unofficial tally showed that the two camps were running-neck-and-neck , although they also indicate that the opposition has a bigger chance to form a coalition that will rule the tiny Adriatic country and unseat the Democratic Party of Socialists that has been in power for 30 years .
The election was marked by by a dispute over a law on religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influential Serbian Orthodox Church .
The issue has fueled divisions in the nation of 620,000 people that has defied its traditional Slavic allies Serbia and Russia to become independent in 2006 and join NATO in 2017 .
Showing high interest in the election , some 75 % of eligible 540,000 voters had cast their ballots by the closure of the polling stations , the state electoral commission said .
Lines formed outside some polling stations on a very hot summer day .
“ The regime has fallen , ” said Zdravko Krivokapic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future of Montenegro coalition after a vote count by the Center for Monitoring and Research , an independent group .
Claiming victory , Krivokapic said : “ People of Montenegro , freedom has happened !
” An independent monitoring body said that with nearly all of the vote counted , the ruling party had about 35 % per cent while the main opposition group had about 33 % , but with a greater potential to form a ruling coalition with allied opposition groups .
Montenegrin president and DPS leader Milo Djukanovic said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DPS will have 30 members in the 81-seat parliament and together with its traditional political partners will garner 40 mandates .
Djukanovic said the party will wait for the final count and “ unconditionally ” respect the outcome .
“ The struggle for the majority of parliamentary seats in the Montenegrin parliament is still going on , ” said Djukanovic .
“ We will wait for the final count and the official results to see which of the two political sides will have the decisive 41st mandate.
” Djukanovic praised his party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expressed hope that whoever forms the next government , Montenegro will remain on the European path and pursuing European values .
The ruling party led Montenegro to independence peacefully from much larger neighbouring Serbia and into NATO and on the threshold of the European Union despite strong opposition from Russia .
Months of church-led protests against the property bill have raised tensions and fears of potential incidents during and after the election on Sunday .
Authorities are also thinking back to the previous election , in October 2016 , when they said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by two Russia military intelligence officers .
The Montenegrin president , known as the longest-serving European leader , has been a key Western ally in the efforts to push the volatile Balkan region toward Euro Atlantic integration .
The main opposition groups have backed the church-led protests against the religion law , seeking closer ties with Belgrade and Moscow .
The pro-Russian Serbian Orthodox Church has argued that the law allows the Montenegrin state to confiscate its property as a prelude to setting up a separate Montenegrin church .
This has been denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Montenegro ’ s people declare themselves as Serbs , which makes relations with Serbia and the Serbian Orthodox Church a highly sensitive issue .
The coronavirus has ravaged Montenegro ’ s tourism , which normally feeds the country ’ s weak economy .
The mountainous Adriatic Sea nation is blessed by stunning nature and golden beaches .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--4 shot at Kansas City nightclub where past shooting occurred

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
- Four people were shot and injured Sunday at a night club in Kansas City @ @ @ @ @ mass shooting occurred in January , police said .
Kansas City Police spokesman Sgt .
@ @ @ @ @ shooting at the 9ine Ultra Lounge was reported around 2:30 a.m. Sunday .
Investigators said @ @ @ @ @ an argument that started inside the club and then moved outside where several people fired @ @ @ @ @ at the scene with several gunshot wounds was taken to a hospital .
Three others @ @ @ @ @ All four victims remained stable in critical condition Sunday afternoon .
The victims included a @ @ @ @ @ a man in his 30s , a man in his 20s and a woman in @ @ @ @ @ 19 , a man opened fire on a line of people waiting to get inside @ @ @ @ @ woman and wounding 15 other people before security guards working at the club shot and @ @ @ @ @ shooting Sunday was the first reported at the nightclub since the January shooting .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Rally supporting police draws scores to downtown Kenosha

KENOSHA , Wis. - Scores of police supporters gathered Sunday in downtown Kenosha where protesters have been demonstrating against police brutality since the shooting of Jacob Blake last weekend .
Some attending the rally in the Wisconsin city wore “ back the blue ” shirts .
Others carried American flags .
They applauded when law enforcement vehicles rolled by .
“ With the things that they face on a daily basis , they need that little extra push of love and to show that they are needed , ” said Jennifer Peyton , 44 , who attended the rally .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to work every day , and you were told that you were bad or had things thrown at you , I think it would weigh on your psyche a little bit , too.
” A Kenosha police officer shot Blake in the back Aug. 23 , leaving the 29-year-old Black man paralyzed .
Protesters have marched in Kenosha every night since Blake ’ s shooting , with some protests devolving into unrest that damaged buildings and vehicles .
Authorities say a teenager from northern Illinois shot and killed two protesters in Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 7 a.m. state of emergency curfew that was set to expire Sunday has been extended through 7 a.m. Wednesday , the Kenosha County sheriff ’ s office said .
Blake ’ s shooting sparked renewed protests against racial injustice and police brutality several months after George Floyd ’ s May 25 death touched off a wider reckoning on race .
Floyd , another Black man , was handcuffed and died after a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck .
Blake was shot after three Kenosha officers responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video recorded by a bystander , Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of an SUV to his driver-side door as officers follow him with their guns drawn and shout at him .
As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV , an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire .
Three of Blake ’ s children were in the vehicle .
City officials have identified Rusten Sheskey as the officer who shot Blake .
The Kenosha police union said Blake had a knife and fought with officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers found a knife on the floor of the car .
Blake is being treated in a hospital .
His father , Jacob Blake Sr. , said he ’ s paralyzed from the waist down .
Ben Crump , an attorney for the family , told CBS ’ “ Face the Nation ” on Sunday that the younger Blake suffered “ catastrophic injuries ” that include a pierced spinal cord and shattered vertebrae .
He has lost his colon and most of his intestine , Crump said .
Like Floyd ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national movement against police brutality and the slayings of Black people by law enforcement officers .
The movement has further exposed deep divisions in the country .
Some people at Sunday ’ s rally signed petitions urging the recall of Gov .
Tony Evers and Lt. Gov .
Mandela Barnes , both Democrats , and added messages of support on handwritten posters thanking police as heroes .
The city ’ s mayor , John Antaramian , said Sunday that he will ask the state for $ 30 million to rebuild parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Kenosha News .
President Donald Trump has spoken out against the summer-long protests .
He is expected to visit Kenosha on Tuesday to meet with law enforcement and survey damage from the demonstrations .
Evers wrote to Trump on Sunday , urging the president to reconsider his plans to visit Kenosha .
“ I , along with other community leaders who have reached out , are concerned about what your presence will mean for Kenosha and our state .
I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together , ” Evers wrote .
Barnes indicated that Trump may not be welcome .
“ I don ’ t know how , given any of the previous statements that the president made , that he intends to come here to be helpful and we absolutely don ’ t need that right now , ” Barnes told CNN on Sunday .
Crump said the Blake family “ has not been contacted at this time ” by Trump .
On Sunday , some Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers passed out donations and painted messages of peace on boarded up buildings .
A DJ played house music and hip-hop while volunteers danced , wearing masks to protect against the coronavirus .
“ I needed this today , ” said David Sanchez , 66 , who is retired .
“ I went to church this morning and it was all about Jacob Blake and his family .
It ’ s 100 % positive.
” Sanchez said the Blake shooting forced Kenosha to “ come out of the closet.
“ “ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for years , ” said Sanchez , whose family relocated to San Antonio , Texas , in the 1950s .
“ We need to confront it .
”

Jennifer Peltz And Russell Contreras - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--FAA: Airplane with 4 on board crashes in Bryan, Texas

BRYAN , Texas - Three people were killed and a fourth critically injured when a plane crashed Sunday afternoon in @ @ @ @ @ to city spokesperson Kristen Waggener .
“ I can tell you three people are dead @ @ @ @ @ in critical condition to a hospital , Waggener said .
Federal investigators were being sent @ @ @ @ @ Field Airport , about 85 miles ( 137 kilometres ) northwest of Houston , to @ @ @ @ @ the crash , Waggener said .
Federal Aviation spokesperson Lynn Lunsford said the single-engine Piper @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Sunday at the airfield that is owned and operated by the city of Bryan @ @ @ @ @ on board have not been released .
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board @ @ @ @ @ according to Lunsford .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Police: Ohio State football player wounded in shooting

COLUMBUS , Ohio - Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett was wounded in a weekend shooting in Columbus , police @ @ @ @ @ a report of a shooting just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday found blood in the street @ @ @ @ @ the blood , police said .
They said the officers followed a trail of blood @ @ @ @ @ 22-year-old Garrett was found with a “ through-and-through “ gunshot wound to the cheeks .
@ @ @ @ @ State University Hospital in stable condition .
The 6-foot-2 , 299-pound senior played in 11 @ @ @ @ @ Big Ten champions , totalling 10 tackles and 2 1/2 tackles for loss .
A @ @ @ @ @ representative seeking comment was not immediately returned .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Jockey Club boss resigns after evidence of bullying, racism

LONDON - The Jockey Club ’ s group chief executive resigned Sunday after a review found evidence to support allegations of “ bullying behaviour ” and “ inappropriate racist comments.
” Delia Bushell was one of 19 witnesses interviewed as part of a review into allegations about her conduct and the findings made it “ untenable ” for her to stay in the role , the organization ’ s board said .
The former BT Sport and Sky executive was given the job little more than a year ago .
The Jockey Club , which owns a number of high-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Newmarket , said an independent barrister had submitted a detailed report to a sub-committee of the board last week .
That committee decided there was a basis for disciplinary action against Bushell including on the grounds of gross misconduct .
In a statement to Britain ’ s PA news agency , the Jockey Club said the barrister ’ s report “ concluded that there was evidence to support a number of the allegations of misconduct including bullying behaviour towards colleagues , inappropriate racist comments and sharing offensive materials.
” Nevin Truesdale has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Jockey Club said .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Analysis: An unwelcome twist on an unwanted ritual

NEW ORLEANS - Some familiar rituals are not comforting .
Tabulations of deaths .
Searches for the missing .
Picking up the pieces of homes , businesses and lives .
Hurricane Laura arrived two days before Saturday ’ s 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina .
And it hit roughly a month short of the same anniversary of Hurricane Rita — kind of an unscheduled , unwanted re-enactment of a southwest Louisiana disaster with much of the original , not particularly enthusiastic , cast .
This would be difficult enough without a pandemic , which complicated not only unwelcome disaster routines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health trend of 2020 — getting a COVID-19 test .
Laura ’ s approach brought a halt to much of the community testing for COVID-19 in the state at a time when a second surge of the disease appeared to be diminishing — but also at a time just after the return of schools and colleges , when testing is crucial to help determine whether the gathering of students on and off campuses might spark an outbreak .
“ This is when you would want to be looking really , really hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to have increased cases , increased positivity , ” Gov .
John Bel Edwards said at a news conference before the hurricane struck .
Laura ’ s target area was another complication .
“ Tens of thousands of individuals from southwest Louisiana , in the area with the known highest positivity of the state , are now evacuating to all parts of the state , and will be there for some period of time , ” he said .
In addition to stalling community testing , the hurricane — which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it roared ashore Thursday morning - caused an overall disruption in testing of nursing home residents and staff aimed at protecting those in the state who are most fragile and at-risk to severe consequences from the virus .
“ The testing disruption for nursing homes is that much more concerning because they are among our most vulnerable populations , ” health department spokesman Kevin Litten said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press .
“ The department is eager to return to our community testing sites and testing regimen for nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of our response to COVID-19 .
But we will need to reevaluate how to logistically and safely do this after Hurricane Laura.
” The department said 823 nursing home residents were evacuated out of Laura ’ s path , despite concerns about moving the vulnerable patients amid the coronavirus .
“ We have been very concerned about moving people from nursing homes during COVID as well as other evacuees , but the priority was to get everyone safely out of the way of the hurricane , ” Kevin Litten , state health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the nursing homes , we are in close contact with them about their evacuation plans and their ability to isolate anyone who has become sick.
” There was little welcome news in any of this .
But the exodus of people from the stricken area before and after the storm has provided a much needed lifeline to some of the many businesses devastated by the pandemic — hotels .
The state had booked more than 1,000 hotel rooms as alternatives to traditional open shelters , hoping that move would help prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels were benefiting from bookings of evacuees and first responders ready to head into the stricken areas once Laura passed .
“ It ’ s obvious that hotels across the state have been suffering through COVID-19 , ” said Meredith Conger of tourism agency Visit Baton Rouge .
“ I ’ m sure this will be a much needed bump in revenue.
“ “ Obviously no one wants to see that come from any sort of tragedy , ” she added .
She said the agency had created a webpage to provide evacuees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news is that the peak of hurricane season is not yet past .
And the end of the pandemic is not yet in sight , adding an unwanted twist to the unwelcome storm rituals .
The oddness of it all is lost on nobody .
“ With the coronavirus and all this other stuff , “ said Ron Leleux , a former mayor of Sulphur , “ we ’ re just kind of running out of surreal experiences.
” EDITORS NOTE : Kevin McGill is an Associated Press reporter in New Orleans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rouge contributed to this analysis .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Home smashed: For one family, Hurricane Laura the 3rd strike

In 2005 , Rita pushed a foot of floodwaters into his white , wooden home in Hackberry , Louisiana , a tiny Cameron Parish community 15 miles ( 24 kilometres ) from the Gulf of Mexico .
Next came Ike in 2008 , which pushed water up to the floor of the long mobile home where his daughter and two granddaughters live on the same property .
Laura outstripped them both .
It tore his house entirely off its foundation and dropped it a few feet away .
The trailer where his daughter , Nicole , lives with her two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demolished to reveal a mix of clothes , belongings , and wooden planks .
About the only things still in their place were a canoe and a garbage can , tied to a steel grill buried in the ground .
A retired welder who worked at many of the refineries that dot the Louisiana coast , the 62-year-old Beard climbed through the debris , labouring with two artificial knees .
After several minutes working to turn off the property ’ s water lines , he sat on a fallen log and wiped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got no other place , ” he said .
“ This is all I got.
” Across Cameron Parish , the coastal parish where Hurricane Laura crashed ashore early Thursday , residents dug through what was left of their belongings , covered now-stripped roofs with tarps , and took stock of the damage .
The Category 4 storm packed 150-mph ( 240-kph ) winds and a storm surge that Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards said was as high as 15 feet ( 4.5 metres ) .
Louisiana officials reported two additional deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths attributed to the storm in Louisiana and Texas to 18 ; more than half of those were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning .
The deaths reported Sunday include a 57-year-old man in Calcasieu Parish who suffered a head injury after falling from a roof , the Louisiana Department of Health said .
Another Calcasieu Parish resident died from carbon monoxide poisoning .
As of Sunday morning , roughly 460,000 customers were still without power , according to the Edison Electric Institute , the association of investor-owned electric companies in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday to show his support and assess the damage .
Edwards called Laura the most powerful hurricane to strike Louisiana , a shocking assessment in a state where Hurricane Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29 , 2005 .
Out in western Louisiana it is the storm that came ashore a month after Katrina — Hurricane Rita — that evokes strong memories .
The damage wrought by Laura reminded many residents of Rita , which made landfall in the parish and wiped out many communities entirely , leading to one of the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had her second daughter by cesarean section two weeks before Rita hit .
“ I evacuated for Rita with a newborn baby and stitches in my stomach , ” she said .
Many people never returned to Cameron Parish , whose population fell 30 % in the 2010 census , the first taken after the storm .
The Beards ’ next-door neighbours left for good .
But the Beards stayed .
Most people in Cameron Parish said they got out ahead of Laura , a storm that forecasters warned was “ unsurvivable.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the very few who decided to ride out the hurricane on Gulf Breeze Beach , on the Cameron Parish shoreline .
Standing on her deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday , Holmes described sitting in a red leather recliner next to a window facing the water .
She was confident that the home rebuilt after Rita was strong enough to withstand this storm .
Her home ended up suffering just minor damage , though the storm did uproot two palm trees she planted in front — which she christened “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I knew what it would take to survive , ” she said .
Now that the floodwaters have receded , Highway 27 leading from Lake Charles into Hackberry and the other small towns closer to the Gulf was a bustle of activity as utility workers and people pulling trailers or boats drove back and forth .
The shelves were largely bare at Brown ’ s Grocery Store , across the street from the Beards ’ property , and there ’ s been no electricity to pump the gas .
Not far away is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump visited in 2019 .
The Beards weren ’ t sure yet how they would rebuild .
Bradley Beard lives on Social Security , and Nicole Beard works at a local alligator farm that ships hides internationally .
She has applied for federal aid and is hopeful that volunteers and faith groups that ordinarily respond to disasters will be able to help them clear the wreckage .
For now , they are sifting through their jumbled belongings for whatever can be salvaged , leaving food for their cat who has so far refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nicole ’ s daughters filled a garbage bag each with clothes .
She found her high school graduation tassel inside the trailer , her class year of 1999 shining in gold against the blue thread .
Her daughters insist that they stay in Cameron Parish .
But she said : “ I don ’ t know how many times you can restart from scratch.
“


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Police: 1 dead, 5 injured in drive-by at Chicago restaurant

CHICAGO - One person was killed and five others injured in a drive-by shooting Sunday afternoon at a restaurant on @ @ @ @ @ Side , according to police .
The shooting occurred just before 2 p.m. when shots @ @ @ @ @ SUV , killing a male customer who was dining outside in a tent , police @ @ @ @ @ Police said he was the intended target .
Five other people who were shot were @ @ @ @ @ .
Police provided no further details .
Police have not taken anyone into custody .


thetorontostar--2020-08-30--Police: 5 hospitalized after Kentucky block party shooting

MADISONVILLE , Ky. - Five people , including a teenager , were hospitalized for gunshot wounds they suffered during a @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
Two people had fired gunshots during the gathering where nearly 100 @ @ @ @ @ early Sunday morning in Madisonville , the Madisonville Police Department said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ who fired the gunshots , police said .
When officers arrived on the scene , @ @ @ @ @ individuals .
Two victims , a 43-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl , were transported @ @ @ @ @ .
The woman remains in serious condition , police said .
Three others were hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ The police department is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact their office @ @ @ @ @ Kentucky , about 137 miles ( 220 kilometres ) southwest of Louisville .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--NYPD to adopt guidelines for disciplining officer misconduct

NEW YORK - When the New York Police Department fired an officer last year for putting Eric Garner in a deadly chokehold , the officer ’ s union argued that there was little , if any , precedent within the department ’ s internal disciplinary system for such a penalty .
Now , the nation ’ s largest police department is spelling out potential ramifications for officer misconduct , unveiling on Monday a draft of a discipline matrix that will guide punishment decisions similarly to how sentencing guidelines are used in criminal cases .
“ We wanted to make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do certain things there are certain consequences , ” said Assistant Chief Matthew Pontillo , who helped develop the disciplinary policies with the help from department officials and outside agencies .
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea are expected to make a formal announcement Monday and the police department will post the document online , starting a 30-day public comment period before it is formally adopted .
By law , Shea will still have the final say on any officer discipline .
The NYPD is shifting to formal disciplinary guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world are being pressed to be more transparent about officer discipline in the wake of protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd earlier this year and other instances of alleged police brutality .
A 48-page draft report lists presumptive penalties for dozens of forms of misconduct , including termination for using deadly physical force without justification , engaging in hate speech and making a false statement .
Among the other items covered in the matrix : If an officer forgets to turn on his or her body camera while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she can be suspended or docked three days , but if it ’ s done intentionally , it ’ s a 20-day punishment .
Accessing confidential information or conducting personal business while on duty can be punished with a suspension or loss of 10 vacation days , while leaking confidential information to the news media can be punished with a 20-day suspension or loss of vacation days .
A chokehold resulting in death and the intentional use of a chokehold are also grounds for firing .
The police department has long banned chokeholds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws explicitly outlawing the tactic .
The state law was named for Garner , who died in 2014 after then-Officer Daniel Pantaleo took him to the ground and put him in a chokehold .
In developing a discipline matrix , the police department is fulfilling one of the last remaining recommendations from a panel of criminal justice experts that then-Police Commissioner James O ’ Neill enlisted two years ago to examine the department ’ s disciplinary process .
While the panel of two former U.S. attorneys and a former federal judge said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they also clamoured for more transparency and stiffer penalties for officers who make false statements and for officers who commit domestic violence .
The department revised its punishment guidelines for domestic violence last year , Pontillo said .
Under the guidelines , a officer can be fired for an act of domestic violence that results in serious physical injuries , violates a restraining order or is part of a pattern of abuse .
Pontillo ’ s panel spend more than a year shaping the new guidelines .
They looked at five years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sense of the penalties that had been applied for various offences and studied how other police departments , including Los Angeles , Denver and New Orleans , built their guidelines .
They also solicited input from the city ’ s police watchdog agency , the Civilian Complaint Review Board and the Commission to Combat Police Corruption .
Under the police department ’ s disciplinary process , the CCRB investigates public complaints regarding alleged police abuses .
The NYPD ’ s internal affairs bureau also investigates officer misconduct .
If departmental charges are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a penalty in a settlement agreement or take the case to trial before an administrative judge at department headquarters .
The judge sends any punishment recommendations to First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker , who passes his recommendation to Shea .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee dies at age 84

NEW DELHI - Former President Pranab Mukherjee , a senior leader of India ’ s opposition Congress party , has @ @ @ @ @ .
Mukherjee had emergency surgery for a blood clot in his brain on Aug. 10 @ @ @ @ @ Army Hospital Research and Referral .
The hospital said he tested positive for COVID-19 after @ @ @ @ @ was critical .
He remained in a coma after the surgery .
The hospital said @ @ @ @ @ Monday after a lung infection resulted in septic shock .
His son , former lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ the evening that he had died .
Mukherjee was president from 2012 to 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ the Congress party held power .
The office is largely ceremonial in India , with @ @ @ @ @ prime minister .
Before that , he had been finance , defence and foreign minister @ @ @ @ @ and helped manage their fractious governing coalitions .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--‘Tragedy’: St. Louis officer dies after being shot by gunman

ST. LOUIS - A St. Louis police officer who was a “ hero ” to his family died Sunday after being shot in the head by a barricaded gunman on the city ’ s south side , authorities said .
Officer Tamarris L. Bohannon , 29 , had been with the department for 3 1/2 years .
A second officer who was shot in the leg was treated and released after the shooting around 6 p.m. Saturday in the South Grand neighbourhood near Tower Grove Park , St. Louis Police Department spokeswoman Officer Michelle Woodling said .
Woodling said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the force about six months .
The 43-year-old suspect was taken into custody Sunday morning , Woodling said .
Mayor Lyda Krewson said in a statement Sunday night that she was “ heartbroken ” at Bohannon ’ s death .
“ I ’ ve had the privilege of spending some time with his family under these extraordinarily challenging circumstances .
They ’ re wonderful people and immensely proud of the way he selflessly served and protected our community with distinction and honour for more than three years.
” “ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men and women willingly face everyday to keep us safe ...
This is a terrible , senseless tragedy.
” A photo of a note police said came from Bohannon ’ s family was posted on the department ’ s Twitter page after the announcement of his death .
“ He is a hero to many , but most importantly to his loving wife and three incredible children , ” read the note that referred to Bohannon as “ Bo ” and asked for “ prayers and support in the days ahead.
” St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the gunman ordered a family out of their home at gunpoint and barricaded himself inside for almost 12 hours .
Officers were searching for another reported shooting victim when the gunman shot Bohannon in the head and the other officer in the leg , Hayden said .
The officers were “ trying to do their job , that ’ s all they ’ re trying to do and they ’ re suffering under gunfire , ” Hayden said , adding that the incidents are part of “ a surge in violence ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pray for the officers .
Hayden said eight of his officers have been shot in the line of duty since June 1 .
“ We ’ re trying to cope through a very trying summer , and it ’ s very difficult .
It ’ s very difficult , ” he said .
While the man was barricaded inside , officers armed with rifles and a SWAT team assembled outside .
Police closed surrounding streets and warned residents to stay inside .
Police used a bullhorn to order the suspect out and fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired no gunshots , the department said .
The man was taken into custody around 5:30 a.m. Police have released no details about how the standoff came to an end .
Homeowners Mimi and Steve Haag said they were trying to call 911 to help another man who had been shot when the gunman just walked into their home .
“ I saw then he had a gun , ” Steve Haag told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .
“ He was very calm standing there with it in his hand and he just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am you need to get off the phone.
’ ” The Haags escaped through the back door and were unhurt in their encounter with the gunman .
Police were unable to locate the other man who was apparently shot and wounded .
Krewson tweeted her condolences following the incident .
“ Please keep our injured officers and all the men and women of @ SLMPD in your thoughts and prayers as this situation continues to develop .
Their friends , family and loved ones , too , “ Krewson said .
Circuit Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with the city ’ s police , also issued a statement of support .
“ We extend our deepest concern and sadness surrounding today ’ s unfortunate events , “ Gardner told KDSK-TV .
“ I want to extend my prayers for the injured SLMPD officers and their families.
” This story was first published on Aug. 30 , 2020 .
It was updated Aug. 31 , 2020 , to correct in the summary the day that the shooting took place .
It was Saturday , not Sunday .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--In Pittsburgh, Biden to blame Trump for violence nationwide

PIITSBURGH , Pa. - Joe Biden is mounting a more aggressive offence against President Donald Trump with a rare public appearance in Pittsburgh on Monday , where he ’ s expected to say Trump is contributing to the violence in the streets nationwide .
According to a campaign aide , the Democratic presidential nominee will accuse Trump of exacerbating unrest and will make the argument that the violent turn some of the recent protests is the Trump administration ’ s problem .
Trump and Republicans are increasingly running on a “ law and order ” message heading into the November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on criminal justice reform as examples of what the country will look like under a Biden administration .
In Kenosha , Wisconsin , the National Guard was deployed to quell demonstrations in response to a police shooting of a Black man that have resulted in looting , vandalism and the shooting deaths of two protesters .
And this weekend , one of Trump ’ s supporters was shot at a demonstration in Portland , Oregon , prompting multiple tweets from Trump himself , including one late Sunday erroneously accusing Biden of failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests .
Biden did , however , issue a statement Sunday afternoon denouncing the violent acts .
“ I condemn violence of every kind by anyone , whether on the left or the right .
And I challenge Donald Trump to do the same , ” he said in the statement .
Portland has seen nearly 100 consecutive nights of Black Lives Matter protests and many have ended with vandalism to federal and city property .
Trump and other speakers at last week ’ s Republican National Convention frequently highlighted incidents of violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police killing of George Floyd last May , charging that if Biden is elected in November such incidents will become the norm .
Biden has repeatedly denounced violence at these protests , and last week accused Trump of viewing the violence as a “ political benefit.
” “ He ’ s rooting for more violence , not less .
And it ’ s clear about that , “ he said .

Alexandra Jaffe And Will Weissert - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Family settles lawsuit over death of trans woman in NYC jail

NEW YORK - The family of a transgender woman with epilepsy who died in an isolated cell in New York City ’ s Rikers Island jail complex has settled its lawsuit with the city , the family ’ s lawyer said .
The settlement was reached Friday in the federal lawsuit over the June 7 , 2019 , death of Layleen Polanco .
The terms of the settlement were not made public , according to David Shanies , the lawyer for Polanco ’ s family .
Shanies said in a statement Sunday that he hopes the deal means Polanco ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find some small measure of peace.
” The 27-year-old Polanco had been in custody since April 2019 , unable to post $ 500 bail after an assault arrest .
The city medical examiner ’ s office ruled that Polanco ’ s cause of death was sudden unexplained death in epilepsy .
Polanco ’ s family members charged in their lawsuit that correction officers failed to check on her as she was dying , ignoring the fact that her medical condition meant she “ could suffer serious injury or death without intervention.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find evidence that officers contributed to her death but did say that she had not been checked on for the better part of an hour as she should have been in accordance with a Department of Correction policy .
The Bronx district attorney ’ s office declined to press criminal charges in connection to Polanco ’ s death , but city officials announced in June that 17 correction officers would face disciplinary action in connection with her death .
Asked to comment on the settlement of the lawsuit , a spokesperson for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death “ was an absolute tragedy ” and added that the city “ will continue to do everything it can to make reforms towards a correction system that is fundamentally safer , fairer , and more humane .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Poland marks 40 years since key pro-democracy agreement

WARSAW , Poland - Poland on Monday celebrated 40 years since it took a crucial step toward democracy with the creation of the Soviet bloc ’ s first free trade union , Solidarity , which changed the course of the nation ’ s history .
At the same time , Poland is closely watching protests in neighbouring Belarus against the re-election of a pro-Moscow president , events that resemble the mass actions that led to the formation of Solidarity .
Ceremonies Monday in the city of Gdansk mark the anniversary of an agreement forced upon Poland ’ s communist rulers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , granting their 21 demands , among them allowing the creation of the union .
“ It was the greatest victory in Poland ’ s history and its value rested in the fact that the old order was defeated but at the same time those who were defeated were encouraged to remain friends , “ said Solidarity founder Lech Walesa , who was later Poland ’ s president .
He was speaking at a place symbolic for Solidarity — the gate of the Gdansk Shipyard where 40 years ago he signed the agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national movement that in 1989 toppled the communists through parliamentary elections and inspired similar moves across much of the Soviet bloc .
The U.S .
Ambassador to Poland , Georgette Mosbacher , tweeted that “ Without the signing of the August agreements and the rise of Solidarity there would have been no fall of communism in Europe.
” Leaders of Poland ’ s right-wing government were holding separate ceremonies in Gdansk to stress their long-standing negative assessment of the deal with the communists and of Walesa ’ s role in it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep too much influence in Poland ’ s politics and economy .
Poland is now drawing international attention to the developments in Belarus that resemble its own struggle for independence .
Rallies were held Monday in Gdansk , on the Baltic Sea coast , and in Krakow , in the south , in support of the daily protests that have gone into their fourth week in Belarus .
The protesters are calling for the authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign .
They say the Aug. 9 presidential election that gave Lukashenko a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland ’ s own path to democracy was not easy .
Amid the jubilant mood of 1980 , the Poles were not aware that before they could gain democratic rights , they would go through many more protests , two years of martial law and the outlawing of Solidarity , almost a decade of deep economic crisis , empty shops and stagnation .
Finally , a new wave of strikes brought the communist authorities to the negotiating table with Solidarity in 1989 , and to partly free elections that led to the ouster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland ’ s young democracy has gone through political conflicts and more hardship , especially in the 1990s , under stringent economic transition from a centrally managed to a free market economy .
It is a member of the European Union and NATO now and has one of the fastest growing economies in Europe , but the hardship has taken its toll and ushered in a right-wing , divisive government that is riding high in opinion polls on a policy of social benefits , but is also clashing with the EU over its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record .
“ The road to Poland ’ s freedom , that started 40 years ago , was difficult , rough and tragic but the Poles never lost hope , ” Mosbacher said in her tweet .

Monika Scislowska - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Ethiopia seeks US clarification on reported aid cut over dam

ADDIS ABABA , Ethiopia - An Ethiopian diplomat says his country has asked the United States for clarification on a report that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has approved cutting up to $ 130 million in aid to Ethiopia because of the country ’ s dispute with Egypt and Sudan over a massive dam it is building on the Blue Nile .
Fitsum Arega , Ethiopia ’ s ambassador to the U.S. , tweeted Monday saying he has heard the aid cut is related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and that the clarification is expected from the U.S. later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is determined to complete the dam , saying that “ we will pull Ethiopia out of darkness.
” The planned cut was reported by Foreign Policy late Thursday , setting off an uproar among some in Ethiopia , a regional security ally of the U.S. A State Department spokesperson on Friday said they had no announcements on U.S. assistance “ at this time.
” The spokesperson added that “ we believe that past work by Egypt , Ethiopia , and Sudan shows it is still possible to reach balanced and equitable agreement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests of the three countries .
... We reaffirm our commitment to remain engaged with the three countries until they reach agreement.
” Africa ’ s largest hydroelectric dam has caused severe tensions with Egypt , which has called it an existential threat and worries that it will reduce the country ’ s share of Nile waters .
Ethiopia says the $ 4.6 billion dam will be an engine of development that will pull millions of people out of poverty .
Sudan , in the middle , worries about the effects on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from access to cheap electricity .
Years of talks among the countries have failed to come to an agreement .
Key remaining issues include how to handle releases of water from the dam during multi-year droughts and how to resolve future disputes .
Pope Francis recently urged Egypt , Ethiopia and Sudan to continue talks amid regional concerns that the dispute could lead to military conflict .
The U.S. earlier this year tried to mediate the discussions , but Ethiopia walked away amid accusations that Washington was siding with Egypt .
Now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the African Union , which is leading negotiations .
The dam ’ s 74 billion-cubic-meter reservoir saw its first filling in July , which Ethiopia ’ s government celebrated and attributed to heavy rains .
Ethiopia had said it would fill the dam with or without a deal with Egypt and Sudan .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Police: Most arrested during Kenosha protests not from city

KENOSHA , Wis. - Most of the people arrested in demonstrations against police brutality since the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha were not city residents , according to police .
Of the 175 people arrested during protests in Kenosha since Blake was shot in the back Aug. 23 , leaving the 29-year-old Black man paralyzed , 102 have addresses outside of Kenosha , including 44 different cities , police said in a statement Sunday night .
Protesters have marched in Kenosha every night since Blake ’ s shooting , with some protests devolving into violence that has damaged buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from northern Illinois shot and killed two protesters in Kenosha on Tuesday night .
Many of the arrests were for curfew violations , and also included possible charges for burglary , possession of illegal drugs and carrying concealed weapons without a permit , officials said .
More than 20 firearms have been seized .
Blake was shot after three Kenosha officers responded to a domestic dispute call .
In cellphone video recorded by a bystander , Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of an SUV to his driver-side door as officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shout at him .
As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV , an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire .
Three of Blake ’ s children were in the vehicle .
City officials have identified Rusten Sheskey as the officer who shot Blake .
The Kenosha police union said Blake had a knife and fought with officers .
State investigators have said only that officers found a knife on the floor of the car .
Blake is being treated in a hospital .
His father , Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paralyzed from the waist down .
While protests last week were against police brutality , police supporters gathered Sunday in downtown Kenosha .
Some attending the rally wore “ back the blue ” shirts .
Others carried American flags .
They applauded when law enforcement vehicles rolled by .
Some people at Sunday ’ s rally signed petitions urging the recall of Gov .
Tony Evers and Lt. Gov .
Mandela Barnes , both Democrats , and added messages of support on handwritten posters thanking police .
Evers wrote to President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconsider his plans to visit Kenosha on Tuesday .
“ I , along with other community leaders who have reached out , are concerned about what your presence will mean for Kenosha and our state .
I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing .
I am concerned your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together , ” Evers wrote .
But , Kenosha County Board supervisors also wrote to Trump on Sunday , urging him not to consider cancelling his trip to Kenosha .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership , and your leadership in this time of crisis is greatly appreciated by those devastated by the violence in Kenosha , ” the letter from seven supervisors said .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Asia Today: Australia records its deadliest day of pandemic

MELBOURNE , Australia - Australia recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic Monday as the government urged hot spot Victoria state to announce plans to lift a lockdown on the country ’ s second-largest city .
Victoria ’ s health department reported 41 deaths from COVID-19 and 73 new infections in the latest 24-hour period .
While the deaths were a state and national high , the tally of new infections was Victoria ’ s lowest since 67 new cases were recorded on June 30 in the early weeks of the second wave of the pandemic , which has primarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melbourne .
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said only eight of the 41 fatalities occurred in the latest 24-hour period .
The other 33 fatalities occurred in aged care since late July and were reported on Sunday following a tightening of reporting obligations and a review of previous reporting , Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said .
A six-week lockdown in the city is due to be relaxed on Sept. 13 .
But the state government has not said how it will be relaxed or given any assurances that it won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19,000 cases , almost 80 % of Australia ’ s more than 25,000 cases , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
The state also accounts for the vast majority of Australia ’ s more than 650 deaths .
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday he disagreed with the Victorian government that it was too early to announce plans to reopen its economy .
“ Business is very frustrated because they haven ’ t been told when can they open up , when can people get back to work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrews said he would announce his government ’ s plan to reopen the economy on Sunday , a week before the six-week lockdown is scheduled to end .
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region : — India registered 78,512 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , maintaining an upward surge .
The Health Ministry on Monday also reported 948 deaths in the past 24 hours , taking total fatalities up to 64,469 .
Five straight increases of more than 75,000 cases a day have raised the country ’ s total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The virus has badly hit India ’ s major cities and is now fast spreading in smaller towns and rural areas .
India has significantly increased testing and conducts nearly 1 million tests every day .
In a further easing of virus restrictions , New Delhi ’ s subway will reopen gradually starting Sept. 7 .
Schools , colleges and movie theatres will remain closed until the end of September .
— New Zealand lifted a lockdown in the city of Auckland on Monday and is mandating masks on public transport .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a lockdown for more than two weeks after an outbreak of the coronavirus was discovered earlier this month , following more than three months without any community transmission .
Health Minister Chris Hipkins said it was safe to reopen Auckland because all the recent infections have been linked to the same cluster through contact tracing .
“ We ’ re already seeing signs of the city getting back to normal , ” he said .
Anecdotally , about 90 % of public transport passengers in Auckland have been wearing masks , Hipkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections reported Monday included four in recently returned travellers who are in quarantine .
— The government in China ’ s Xinjiang region is imposing draconian measures to combat the coronavirus , including physically locking people in homes and arresting those who do not comply with strict quarantines of more than 40 days .
Some residents are forced to swallow traditional Chinese medicine , according to government notices , social media posts and interviews with three people in quarantine , and at least one herbal remedy contains ingredients banned in other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press that she and dozens of cellmates in a detention centre had to strip naked once a week and sit as they and their cells were hosed down with disinfectant .
“ It was scalding , ” she said .
“ My hands were ruined , my skin was peeling.
” — Nepal ’ s government is allowing the first foreign mountaineering team to climb a Himalayan peak this year .
Information Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada said the team of 15 Bahrain nationals and three British citizens will attempt to scale Mount Lobuche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Nepal ’ s popular spring climbing season was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The autumn climbing season begins this week .
The government imposed a nationwide lockdown in March which was extended to July .
Nepal has 39,460 confirmed coronavirus cases , including 228 deaths .
— Hong Kong authorities say nearly half a million people have registered for a free universal coronavirus testing program that is due to begin Tuesday .
Residents registering online have already booked out 80 testing sites in gymnasiums and community centres for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the government ’ s website .
Hong Kong launched the testing effort to track down paths of infection that have consistently added to case numbers despite strict social distancing and other measures imposed on the densely populated semi-autonomous Chinese city of 7.5 million .
All who wish to be tested can do so at no cost .
Hong Kong has counted more than 4,800 cases and 88 deaths .
— South Korea has counted its 18th straight day of triple-digit daily jumps in coronavirus cases as its health minister warned about an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among senior citizens .
Of the 248 new cases reported Monday , the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 187 were from the Seoul metropolitan area .
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said epidemiological workers are having more difficulty tracking transmissions and predicting infection routes , saying they haven ’ t been able to trace the infection source of more than 20 % of the cases found in the past two weeks .
Officials also say many of those who tested positive this month were 60 years or older , an age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complications .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--No more splish-splash at Aquaboggan, which abruptly closed

SACO , Maine - Aquaboggan Water Park says “ strict and inconsistent state regulations ” have forced it to close @ @ @ @ @ officials said an update to state COVID-19 safety guidelines reduced the number of people allowed @ @ @ @ @ to 100 .
Police showed up Friday to serve managers with a cease and desist @ @ @ @ @ the water park in Saco should be treated the same as beaches and other open @ @ @ @ @ not to defy the state .
“ We plan to confront the inconsistency of the @ @ @ @ @ policy change rather than operate against them , but unfortunately this takes time , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
Aquaboggan was one of a handful of entertainment venues that had remained open this @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Sources: US stops ex Colombia warlord’s deportation to Italy

MIAMI - The Trump administration has blocked the scheduled removal of a former Colombian paramilitary boss to Italy and now intends to deport him to his South American homeland , where he ’ s been found responsible for hundreds of war crimes .
Salvatore Mancuso received notification of the surprise reversal on Sunday , according to two people familiar with the matter who discussed the proceedings on condition of anonymity .
His lawyers have 14 days to challenge the deportation order .
Mancuso ’ s removal to Italy , where he also has citizenship , was ordered by the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed in March a 12-year sentence for cocaine trafficking .
But he ’ s been held in federal custody ever since as Colombia ’ s government fights to have him returned to continue with truth and reconciliation efforts that stalled in 2008 with the extradition to the U.S. of 14 warlords , including Mancuso , the former top commander of the United Defence Forces of Colombia , or AUC .
Just a week ago , Justice Department attorneys reaffirmed before a Washington , D.C. federal court the Trump administration ’ s pledge to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 4 .
Attorneys for Mancuso went to court seeking to force Attorney General William Barr to carry out the April 15 order removing Mancuso to Italy , arguing that that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had “ illegally detained ” their client beyond the maximum 90 days allowed for the removal of aliens .
However , in substituting Colombia for Italy , U.S. officials cited a provision in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act that allows the Attorney General to disregard the country designated for an alien ’ s removal if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be “ prejudicial to the United States , “ according to the two people familiar with the proceedings .
The Justice and State Department declined to comment , referring all inquiries to DHS , which didn ’ t respond to the AP ’ s request .
Mancuso can still prevent his removal to Colombia if granted asylum in the U.S. like his ex-wife and youngest child .
In March , his immigration attorney told DHS officials that Mancuso had already signed an asylum application , saying his client was “ terrified “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There is absolute certainty about the torture he would face and the likelihood of his assassination , ” attorney Hector Mora wrote in a letter to DHS officials , which came to light in recent court filings .
“ He is the target of many powerful groups and individuals that were incriminated , criticized , and exposed throughout his co-operation with the U.S. government , the co-operation with the Colombian judiciary , and his multiple statements.
“ Mancuso , 55 , was the most remorseful of the former right-wing militia leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paramilitaries ’ war crimes has already shaken Colombia ’ s politics .
His boast in 2005 that a third of Colombia ’ s congress was elected with paramilitary support triggered a wave of judicial investigations that ended with dozens of elected officials behind bars .
His lawyers contend that others still in power have not hidden their desire to find a Colombian court to order Mancuso ’ s arrest in an effort to silence him .
This month , President Iván Duque ’ s government submitted to the U.S. what was its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the earlier requests was unilaterally withdrawn in July after Mancuso ’ s legal team , led by Miami defence attorney Joaquin Perez , pointed out in U.S. federal court that it was based on an arrest order already cancelled by a Colombian judge .
It ’ s not clear what happened to the other two requests but neither has been validated by a U.S. court .
While Colombian courts have judged Mancuso responsible for more than 1,500 acts of murder or forced disappearance , many of the crimes are not recognized as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his position atop AUC ’ s chain of command — not specific orders he gave .
In 2001 , the U.S. designated the AUC a foreign terror organization .
Mancuso ’ s lawyers argue the former paramilitary boss has fulfilled his obligations under a 2003 peace deal he negotiated , which caps prison terms at eight years for militia leaders who confess their crimes .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Diplomat tapped to be PM vows reforms in crisis-hit Lebanon

BEIRUT - Lebanon ’ s prime minister-designate on Monday called for a new government to be formed “ in record time , ” pledging to speed up the investigation into the massive Beirut explosion and implement reforms after winning the backing of major parties in the crisis-hit country .
Mustapha Adib , Lebanon ’ s ambassador to Germany , spoke to reporters shortly after he was appointed by the president to form a new government , after he secured 90 votes among the legislators in the 128-member parliament .
The breakthrough came hours before French President Emmanuel Macron was due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during which he is expected to press Lebanese officials to formulate a new political pact to lift the country out of its multiple crises .
At least 190 people died and 6,000 were injured in the Aug. 4 blast , which devastated the city ’ s port and caused widespread damage to residential and commercial areas in the capital .
The government resigned less than a week after the blast , which was caused by the ignition of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored for six years in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being appointed , Adib visited the historic neighbourhood of Gemmayzeh , one of the areas hardest-hit by the explosion , and chatted with residents — something which no other Lebanese politician has done .
“ There are no words to express this frightening scene , ” Adib said .
The reaction was mixed , with some chanting “ Revolution , revolution !
” and demanding to know how he can be an independent prime minister when he was chosen by political parties .
“ We want the truth , and if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth , then we don ’ t want any of you , ” a man told Adib as the ambassador walked among the people , surrounded by a handful of guards .
Adib said he wanted to form a government in record time so that the investigation into the blast can be faster .
He later went into his car and sped off , as some chanted “ Adib is one of them !
” in reference to the ruling class .
Earlier , at the palace , Adib told reporters he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with parliament to “ put the country on track to end the dangerous financial , economic and social drainage.
” “ The opportunity in front of our country is narrow , and the mission that I accepted is based on all political groups realizing that , ” he said .
“ Reforms should be carried out immediately through an agreement with the International Monetary Fund , ” he added without elaborating .
Macron and other world leaders , as well as the International Monetary Fund , have refused to give assistance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The swift consensus around Adib , a little-known diplomat , signalled a sense of urgency by Lebanon ’ s traditional politicians to try and contain the rapidly worsening economic and financial crisis and show movement ahead of Macron ’ s visit .
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri emerged from his meeting with Aoun on Monday , telling reporters his 18-member bloc had given its backing to Adib .
He called for the formation of a government of experts “ that implement reforms aimed at restoring the world ’ s confidence in our economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis.
” Adib , who returned from Germany to Lebanon on Saturday , was the only name to emerge as a favourite for the post of prime minister , who according to Lebanon ’ s sectarian-based power sharing system has to be a Sunni Muslim .
The candidate who gets the most support is asked to form the new Cabinet , but Lebanon ’ s divided political class has often been bogged down over who holds senior posts and key ministries .
Adib was named by four former prime ministers , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s consultations .
Earlier Sunday , the head of the powerful Hezbollah militant group , Hassan Nasrallah , said his supporters will co-operate and facilitate the formation of a government that would be able to improve economic conditions and undertake major reforms .
The Iran-backed militant group , which has a dominant role in Lebanon ’ s politics , has come under intense criticism and public scrutiny as the country faces multiple devastating crises .
Hezbollah and its allies also named Adib .
Even before the explosion , an unprecedented economic crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 80 % of its value , driving unemployment , poverty and inflation through the roof .
Coronavirus infections and deaths have also spiked , pushing authorities to reintroduce some restrictions on economic and social activities that have largely been ignored amid the slump .
And the recent explosion badly damaged the port of Beirut , a main trade channel for the small country , which depends on imports .
Prime Minister Hassan Diab ’ s government , which was backed by Hezbollah and its allies and lacked the backing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , six days after the blast .
Adib , who has been Lebanon ’ s ambassador to Germany since 2013 , served as an advisor to one of Lebanon ’ s former prime ministers , Najib Mikati .
He took part in the committee in charge of writing Lebanon ’ s new electoral law in 2005 and 2006 , and acted as chief of Cabinet in 2011 .
The 48-year-old is a native of the northern city of Tripoli , holds a PhD in law and political sciences and had taught in universities @ @ @ @ @

Zeina Karam And Bassem Mroue - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--First direct Israel-UAE flight lands in Abu Dhabi amid deal

ABU DHABI , United Arab Emirates - A Star of David-adorned El Al plane flew from Israel to the United Arab Emirates on Monday , carrying a high-ranking American and Israeli delegation to Abu Dhabi in the first-ever direct commercial passenger flight between the two countries .
The Israeli flag carrier ’ s flight marked the implementation of the historic U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two nations and solidifies the long-clandestine ties between them that have evolved over years of shared enmity toward Iran .
With the U.S. as matchmaker , Israel and the UAE agreed earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would make the UAE the third Arab nation to have full relations with Israel , after Egypt and Jordan .
Unlike those two nations , Israel has never fought a war against the UAE and hopes to have much-warmer relations .
The American delegation included President Donald Trump ’ s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner , as well as national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien , Mideast envoy Avi Berkowitz and envoy for Iran Brian Hook .
Israel was represented by national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat and the director generals of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their Emirati counterparts .
Upon arrival , Kushner said he came with greetings from Trump .
He called the visit “ historic ” and expressed hope this “ will be the first of many ” such flights .
“ On the plane we asked the pilots to fly faster because there is great urgency between the people of both countries to break down old barriers , to get to know each other , to form new and hopefully very deep friendships , ” he said .
“ While this peace was forged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmingly desired by the people.
” State television in Abu Dhabi broke into its broadcast to show the airplane on the tarmac and aired the comments of all officials , including Ben-Shabbat .
The El Al flight , numbered LY971 as a gesture to the UAE ’ s international calling code number , flew into Saudi Arabian airspace shortly after takeoff and later passed over the capital , Riyadh .
That marked another historic first for Israel and at least an acquiescence by the kingdom for the UAE ’ s move .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fly over their airspace , which they ’ ve never done before , for an Israeli commercial plane .
And so this , again , is another historic breakthrough , ” Kushner told reporters on the flight .
He said he would be travelling to Saudi Arabia after the visit .
Kushner and other officials have said they hope more Arab nations will follow the lead of the UAE in establishing ties with Israel , even without a peace agreement with the Palestinians .
Saudi King Salman , along with other Gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their boycotts of Israel in support of Palestinians obtaining an independent state .
Any long-term flights between Israel and the UAE would require Saudi clearance to be profitable .
Otherwise the three hour , 20 minute flight would have taken more than seven hours .
El Al spokesman Stanley Morais said the 737-900 is equipped with a missile-defence system , a standard feature on these types of planes and a requirement for this flight .
After grounding its fleet due to the coronavirus , it is the airline ’ s first flight since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the the words for peace in Arabic , Hebrew and English above the pilot ’ s window .
Journalists were handed special face masks decorated with the Israeli and Emirati flags .
The seat protectors said “ Making History ” in all three languages , and Israeli folk music played in the background .
The plane ’ s captain , Tal Becker , said he has not worked for several months and received a call out of the blue asking him to prepare for the flight .
The 45-year veteran , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 737 fleet , said he never dreamed of flying to Abu Dhabi , calling it a “ very special feeling.
” The Israeli delegation will stay in the capital , Abu Dhabi , for one night before returning home on El Al flight LY972 , a nod to Israel ’ s international calling code .
Private jets have earlier flown between the two nations as part of covert talks , and Abu Dhabi ’ s Etihad Airways flew cargo freighters to Israel before to deliver coronavirus aid to the Palestinians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoted by U.S. officials , looks to place a solid stamp on the surprise Aug. 13 White House announcement of Israel and the UAE establishing ties .
Since then , telephone calls were connected , and the UAE ’ s ruler issued a decree formally ending the country ’ s decades-long boycott of Israel .
Some Israeli firms have already signed deals with Emirati counterparts , but Monday ’ s visit is expected to usher in a slew of further business co-operation .
The official repeal of the boycott looks to open the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as in aviation , banking and finance .
The UAE has touted the deal as a tool to force Israel into halting its contentious plan to annex parts of the West Bank sought by the Palestinians for their future state .
It also may help the Emirates acquire advanced U.S. weapons systems that have been previously unattainable , such as the F-35 fighter jet .
Currently , Israel is the only country in the region with the stealth warplanes .
The Palestinians , however , have fiercely opposed the normalization as peeling away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace talks with Israel .
Palestinians have held public protests and burned the UAE flag in anger .
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said it was “ very painful ” to see the flight , which he said was a “ clear violation of the Arab position on the Arab-Israeli conflict.
” “ We had hoped to see an Emirati plane landing in a liberated Jerusalem , ” he added .
Israelis eagerly anticipate the prospect of mutual embassies , expanding tourism to the Gulf and solidifying business opportunities with another country that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the deal as validation of his vision that regional peace doesn ’ t have to go through Palestinian acquiescence and come at the cost of ceding land .
But he has come under fire from supporters at home for seemingly giving up on dreams of annexation and tacitly agreeing to a questionable arms sale that could undermine Israel ’ s regional superiority .
Netanyahu denies such a deal exists .
In a Facebook post , Netanyahu said Monday “ is a historic day for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve for decades.
“ For Trump , the accord delivers a key foreign policy victory as he faces a tough reelection campaign .
On Sunday , Kushner said “ the stage is now set ” for other Arab countries to follow the UAE .
However , he gave no indication that any other deals are imminent , despite a swing through the region last week by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Chinese-born Australian CCTV journalist detained in China

CANBERRA , Australia - A Chinese-born Australian journalist for CGTN , the English-language channel of China Central Television , has been detained in China , Australia ’ s government said Monday .
Australian officials had a consular visit via video link with Cheng Lei at a detention facility last Thursday , Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement .
They will continue to provide assistance and support to her and her family , Payne said .
Australia had been informed by Chinese authorities on Aug. 14 of her detention , but made its first public statement on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained .
“ Further comment will not be provided owing to the government ’ s privacy obligations , ” Payne said .
Australia in July warned its citizens of a risk of arbitrary detention in China , as relations between the free trade partners have plummeted in recent years .
China dismissed the warning as disinformation .
Australia has criticized China for charging Chinese-Australian spy novelist Yang Hengjun with espionage in March .
Australian Karm Gilespie was sentenced to death in China in June , seven years after he was arrested and charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than 7.5 kilograms ( 16.5 pounds ) of methamphetamine .
Some observers suspect that such a severe sentence so long after the crime was related to the bilateral rift .
Cheng is an anchor for the BizAsia program .
She was born in China and worked in finance in Australia before returning to China and starting a career in journalism with CCTV in Beijing in 2003 .
She has reported on major Chinese events including Beijing ’ s 2008 Olympics and Shanghai ’ s 2010 World Expo .


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--List of winners at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards

Winners of the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards , held Sunday night at various locations throughout New York City .
@ @ @ @ @ : The Weeknd , “ Blinding Lights “ — Song of the year : Lady @ @ @ @ @ “ Rain on Me ” — Best collaboration : Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande , @ @ @ @ @ — Best music video from home : Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber , “ Stuck @ @ @ @ @ of summer : BLACKPINK , “ How You Like That “ — Best cinematography : @ @ @ @ @ , “ Rain on Me “


thetorontostar--2020-08-31--Former athletes, sports shows take lead on social justice

Chris Webber ’ s emotional comments last week in support of NBA players , who boycotted the playoffs after the shooting of Jacob Blake , generated millions of views because they came from the heart and addressed sensitive topics .
But for Webber and other Black commentators who discussed this week ’ s call to action throughout the sports world , it wasn ’ t unusual to discuss such subjects .
The only difference is that this time he spoke in front of a live TV audience .
“ These are conversations I have had with my mom since I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is nothing I haven ’ t said a thousand times before , but no one heard it , ” Webber said by phone from the NBA bubble at Walt Disney World in Florida .
“ These are the same conversations and hopefully something gets done.
” On-air conversations about race have been common in sports media because it is more diverse , particularly with more Black on-air talent , than the rest of the news media , where many organizations have pledged this year to hire more minorities .
Former athletes have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as commentators , and many popular shows feature a Black man or woman as a host .
Amid a dizzying week of news that included the Republican National Convention , the coronavirus pandemic and protests following the shooting of Blake by a police officer in Kenosha , Wisconsin , sports networks devoted large chunks of their programming to discussions of social and racial injustice .
Boycotts by players in several leagues — games cancelled in the NBA , NHL , Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer , and NFL players not practicing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV to deviate from the usual script .
Those conversations took different forms .
TNT ’ s Kenny Smith showed solidarity with players by walking off the “ Inside the NBA ” set on Wednesday .
On Thursday , NFL Network was slated to air the Los Angeles Chargers ’ first workout at SoFI Stadium .
Instead , it turned into a forum for players to express their feelings about racial and social issues after practice was cancelled .
Talk shows on ESPN and FS1 , normally devoted to debates about teams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss experiences with racism .
“ I have young nephews and I ’ ve had to talk to them about death before they ’ ve even seen a movie , ” Webber said in his comments on TNT on Wednesday .
CBS studio host James Brown , who has been a part of network television for 36 years , said his conversations with players and executives have shown that athletes feel like they ’ re at a crossroads .
“ They don ’ t get the impression that anything significant is being done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re not serious about changes , ” Brown said .
“ Athletes also feel a moral obligation to represent the marginalized and to advocate strongly for that until they see serious changes.
” Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho has tried to create some of those changes himself .
Along with interviewing athletes on FS1 ’ s “ Speak for Yourself , ” he has started a YouTube series called “ Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.
” Acho is scheduled to release a book with the same title in November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ white person is your problem , only the white person can be the solution , ” Acho said in his first episode .
His guests have included actor Matthew McConaughey and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell .
“ There are topics that can be intimidating for others , but for me , being able to address them is the most fulfilling , ” Acho said .
“ I ’ ve seen a lot of encouraging discussions throughout different shows this week .
You have to tackle issues that pertain to everyone ’ s lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death , not wins and losses.
” ESPN commentator Jalen Rose , who was Webber ’ s college teammate at Michigan , said conversations about social justice and race relations can be emotionally and physically draining , but he believes they are signs of progress .
“ To use a sports analogy , I look at it as trying to gain field position .
If you look up at the scoreboard it is 465 years ( since slavery ) to zero and it ’ s the first quarter and you know you aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but you have to go out there and play your best and move the ball forward for the people that come behind you , ” Rose said .
“ You might get four or five first downs and then get a pass interference call but when you punt you are still gaining field position .
It has to be about the marathon and the long game which can be frustrating but those are the cards we ’ ve been dealt.
” Brown , who also hosts the NFL Broadcasting Boot Camp for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former athletes are getting more respect and attention when they speak about issues outside sports .
“ It ’ s hurtful — because I am an older athlete — to say all we can do is play ball and not be engaged .
We ’ re husbands and grandfathers .
To marginalize athletes is wrong .
The nexus between sports and civic action is there , ” Brown said .
Brown added that athletes who speak out need to be articulate , informed and mindful that their words have staying power .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pitaro took over as president of ESPN and issued a “ stick to sports ” edict for the network ’ s on-air talent .
But the interpretation of those words has evolved .
When social unrest intersects with sports , ESPN won ’ t ignore the topic .
For Rose , the era of athletes sticking to sports is over — in part because President Donald Trump hasn ’ t been shy about criticizing NBA and NFL players who disagree with him .
“ If he ’ s acknowledging NFL players who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve to be fired , ’ that now becomes a sports topic .
If one of the owners of the Atlanta Dream talks about the Black Lives Matter movement in derogatory terms , that now becomes a topic .
When Herschel Walker or Brian Urlacher say what they want to say about politics , then that ’ s going to become a topic , ” Rose said .
“ You understand there are going to be people who are unhappy , but I do applaud the NBA , ESPN and national media outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways.
“