thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Protesters return to the streets as Trump decries ‘lowlifes’

WASHINGTON - Undeterred by curfews , protesters streamed back into the nation ’ s streets Tuesday , hours after President Donald Trump pressed governors to put down the violence set off by George Floyd ’ s death and demanded that New York call up the National Guard to stop the “ lowlifes and losers.
” As more demonstrations began taking shape around the country , and cities including Washington prepared for another possible round of scattered violence after dark , the president amplified his hard-line calls of a day earlier , in which he threatened to send in the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t do it .
“ NYC , CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD , ” he tweeted .
“ The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart .
Act fast !
” One day after a crackdown on peaceful protesters near the White House , thousands of demonstrators massed a block away from the presidential mansion , facing law enforcement personnel standing across a black chain-link fence .
The fence was put up overnight to block access to Lafayette Park , just across the street from the White House .
“ Last night pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jessica DeMaio , 40 , of Washington , who attended a Floyd protest Tuesday for the first time .
“ Being here is better than being at home feeling helpless.
“ The crowd remained in place after the city ’ s 7 p.m. curfew passed , defying warnings that the response from law enforcement could be even more forceful .
At one point , the crowd booed when a protester climbed a light post and took down a street sign .
A chant went up : “ Peaceful protest !
” Protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City , Los Angeles , Houston , St. Paul , Minnesota , Columbia , South Carolina , and Orlando , Florida , where more than 1,000 people gathered in the afternoon to decry the killings of black people .
“ This has to change , ” said 39-year-old Aisxia Batiste , an out-of-work massage therapist in Orlando .
“ Something has to give .
We ’ re done .
This is the beginning of the end of something .
It has to be.
” In New York , midtown Manhattan was pocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests .
Macy ’ s flagship store was among those hit when crowds of people smashed windows and looted stores as they swept through the area .
A police sergeant was hospitalized after being hit by a car in the Bronx , where people walked Tuesday between ransacked buildings and a burned-out car on the Grand Concourse , a commercial thoroughfare .
Police made nearly 700 arrests and Mayor Bill de Blasio extended an 8 p.m. curfew all week .
“ We ’ re going to have a tough few days , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re going to beat it back.
” He pleaded with community leaders to step forward and “ create peace.
” More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence .
New York is not among them , and De Blasio has said he does not want the Guard .
On Tuesday , Democratic Gov .
Andrew Cuomo called what happened in the city “ a disgrace.
” “ The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the mayor underestimated the problem , and the nation ’ s largest police force was not deployed in sufficient numbers , though the city had said it doubled the usual police presence .
Tuesday marked the eight straight night of the protests , which began in Minneapolis , where Floyd died , and quickly spread across the country .
On Monday , scattered violence flared in multiple protests , including an officer who was shot and gravely wounded as police tried to disperse a crowd outside a Las Vegas hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in St. Louis .
They were expected to recover .
In Philadelphia , officials said one person was killed trying to use explosives to open an ATM , and a gun shop owner fatally shot a would-be thief .
A 19-year-old died of injuries suffered during looting .
About a dozen other deaths have been reported around the country over the past week .
And nearly 8,000 people nationwide have been arrested for offences such as stealing , blocking highways and breaking curfew , according to a count by The Associated Press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a necessity after a string of killings by police .
“ It feels like it ’ s just been an endless cascade of hashtags of black people dying , and it feels like nothing ’ s really being done by our political leaders to actually enact real change , ” said Christine Ohenzuwa , 19 , who attended a peaceful protest at the Minnesota state capitol in St. Paul .
“ There ’ s always going to be a breaking point .
I think right now , we ’ re seeing the breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in this state .
It ’ s really painful to see what ’ s going on , but it ’ s also really important to understand that it ’ s connected to a system of racial violence , “ she said .
Meanwhile , governors and mayors , Republicans and Democrats alike , rejected Trump ’ s threat to send in the military , with some saying troops would be unnecessary and others questioning whether the government has such authority and warning that such a step would be dangerous .
“ Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Donald Trump is not President Eisenhower .
This is a time for healing , for bringing people together , and the best way to protect civil rights is to move away from escalating violence , ” Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock , both Democrats , said in a statement , referring to Eisenhower ’ s use of troops to enforce school desegregation in the South .
A senior White House official , speaking on condition of anonymity , said that the president is not rushing to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to pressure governors to deploy more National Guard members .
Such use of the military would mark a stunning federal intervention rarely seen in modern American history .
Amid the protests , nine states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries , including four that delayed their April contests because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Joe Biden has been moving closer to formally clinching the Democratic presidential nomination .
In Washington , voting stations stayed open until 8 p.m. , an hour past the city ’ s curfew .
Voting was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters would not be subject to arrest .
Philadelphia moved its 6 p.m. curfew back to 8:30 p.m. to accommodate voting .
Minnesota , meanwhile , opened an investigation into whether the Minneapolis Police Department has a pattern of discrimination against minorities .
Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer , Derek Chauvin , pressed his knee on the handcuffed black man ’ s neck for several minutes .
Chauvin has been charged with murder .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said prosecutors are working as fast as they can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene should be charged too .
All four have been fired .
Amid the protests , cities struggled to keep police in line and avoid instances of excessive force .
The police chief in Louisville , Kentucky , was fired after a restaurant owner was killed by police and National Guard members enforcing a curfew .
In Richmond , the police chief said officers who used tear gas on a group of peaceful protesters would be disciplined .
In Atlanta , six officers were charged after a video showed authorities dragging two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sullivan reported from Minneapolis .
Associated Press journalists across the U.S. contributed to this report .

Zeke Miller And Tim Sullivan - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--The Latest: Minneapolis School Board ends police contract

MINNEAPOLIS - The Latest on the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd , a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck : The Minneapolis school board has voted to end its contract with the Minneapolis Police Department following the death last week of George Floyd while a white police officer pressed his knee to the black man ’ s neck .
The Star Tribune reports the vote was unanimous Tuesday .
Minneapolis Public Schools will stop further negotiations with the Police Department .
Schools Superintendent Ed Graff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for school safety by the board ’ s Aug. 18 meeting .
School board chairwoman Kim Ellison said in an interview that she values “ people and education and life.
” Ellison said she ’ s now convinced , “ based on the actions of the Minneapolis Police Department , that we don ’ t have the same values.
” The Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts have faced criticism over the use of school resource officers .
Both districts have sought to transform the role to be more of a mentor than @ @ @

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thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Thousands remain protesting in NYC streets, defying curfew

NEW YORK - Thousands of demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd remained on New York City streets on Tuesday after an 8 p.m. curfew put in place by officials struggling to stanch destruction and growing complaints that the nation ’ s biggest city was reeling out of control night by night .
Mayor Bill de Blasio had doubled down on a citywide curfew , moving it up from 11 p.m. the night before , but rejected urging from President Donald Trump and an offer from Gov .
Andrew Cuomo to bring in the National Guard .
The police department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south of 96th Street in Manhattan after curfew , though residents , essential workers , buses and truck deliveries were exempt .
“ We ’ re going to have a tough few days .
We ’ re going to beat it back , ” de Blasio , a Democrat , said in announcing that an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew would remain through Sunday .
Protests had resumed Tuesday during the day over the death of Floyd , a black man who died on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he stopped moving and pleading for air .
People marched in groups of thousands in parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn , as merchants boarded their businesses .
As the the curfew time arrived , many were still in the streets and continued marching , with officers initially standing by and letting them .
But officers started ordering people to move along , and began taking people into custody .
Demonstrators who had been on the West Side Highway in lower Manhattan were herded off , with parts of the roadway blocked off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break , and it ’ s not going to be us , ” said Evan Kutcher , one of hundreds of demonstrators who stood outside the Barclays Center chanting Floyd ’ s name Tuesday evening .
“ We ’ re here because something needs to change .
We hear Cuomo and de Blasio everyday saying what ’ s happening is unacceptable but with no actionable plan from them.
” While de Blasio insisted the city would put a stop to the violence and vandalism that have marred largely peaceful mass demonstrations surrounding Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and the Democratic governor laid into the city ’ s handling of the mayhem thus far .
The violence had left smashed storefronts in midtown Manhattan with Macy ’ s flagship store among those hit .
A police sergeant was hospitalized after being hit by a car in the Bronx , where people tread Tuesday between broken-into buildings and a burned-out car on the Grand Concourse , a commercial thoroughfare .
“ The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night , ” Cuomo said at a briefing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was a disgrace.
” He said the mayor was underestimating the problem and the nation ’ s largest police force wasn ’ t deployed in sufficient numbers , though the city had said it doubled the usual police presence .
Cuomo ’ s remarks infuriated the New York Police Department ’ s highest-ranking uniformed member , Chief of Department Terence Monahan .
Officers are “ giving their blood to keep this city safe , ” he told the New York Post , adding that he ’ d been hit by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night .
Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi later said the governor “ has respect and confidence in the NYPD ” and felt the mayor should put more officers on the streets .
Unprompted , Cuomo brought up the possibility of using his power as governor to replace the mayor and deploy the National Guard over de Blasio ’ s objections , then immediately shot down the idea as legally impractical and unnecessary .
On Twitter , Trump urged a 7 p.m. curfew and National Guard deployment in his native city .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Act fast !
” he wrote .
But de Blasio said the NYPD was “ best equipped ” to handle the lawbreaking , arguing that bringing in the National Guard risked fueling worse conflict in a city on edge .
“ We will regret it if we bring outside armed forces , ” he said .
“ When you bring in people not trained for the circumstance but still with loaded weapons and put under horrible stress , really bad things happen.
” The mayhem over the last four nights has clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a reputation as a muscular , well-resourced agency that has driven down crime and faced down terror threats in the nation ’ s biggest city .
On Monday night and early Tuesday , police again struggled to keep up with , let alone get ahead of , roving groups of people bashing their way into shops , including Macy ’ s flagship Manhattan store .
De Blasio said the city had expected problems farther downtown , as had happened the night before , and “ adjustments were made ” once officials realized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nearly 700 people were arrested overnight , and several officers were injured .
A sergeant was struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Bronx and was hospitalized in serious but stable condition , police said .
Video also showed a group of people hitting a police officer with pieces of wreckage until he pulled his gun and they ran .
Villeneuve reported from Albany .
Contributing were Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak , Jim Mustian , Tom Hays , Deepti Hajela and Karen Matthews in New York and Michael Hill in Albany @

Brian Mahoney, Jennifer Peltz And Marina Villeneuve - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Philippines suspends abrogation of defence pact with US

MANILA , Philippines - The Philippine president has suspended his decision to terminate a key defence pact with the United States , at least temporarily avoiding a major blow to one of America ’ s oldest alliances in Asia .
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Tuesday he dispatched a diplomatic note to the U.S. ambassador in Manila informing the U.S. government that the Philippines is delaying its decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement by at least six months .
“ Our longstanding alliance has benefited both countries , ” the U.S. government said in a statement released by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to continued close security and defenceco-operation with the Philippines.
” President Rodrigo Duterte ’ s administration notified the U.S. government on Feb. 11 that it intends to abrogate the 1998 agreement , which allows the entry of large numbers of American forces for joint combat training with Filipino troops and lays down the legal terms for their temporary stay .
The termination would have taken effect after 180 days , in August , unless both sides agreed to keep the agreement .
The waiting time will be suspended by at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another half a year , according to the diplomatic letter to the U.S. , which cited unspecified “ political and other developments in the region.
” Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez told The Associated Press by telephone that he and his American counterpart , Sung Kim , helped discuss what could be done after the coronavirus pandemic hit and hampered possible talks ahead of the agreement ’ s actual abrogation in August .
“ We both were concerned about the deadline for the termination which was coming close , ” Romualdez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s expression of readiness to help the Philippines deal with the pandemic during a telephone call with Duterte in April fostered the Philippine decision , Romualdez said .
Key Duterte officials led by Locsin have cited the security and economic benefits the allies have gained from the treaty alliance .
Former Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the alliance has deterred aggressive Chinese actions in the disputed South China Sea , including possible construction of structures in Scarborough Shoal , a disputed fishing area off the northwestern Philippines that China effectively seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Philippines has protested other assertive actions by Beijing in recent months in disputed waters where Vietnam , Malaysia , Taiwan and Brunei are also locked in increasingly tense territorial disputes with China .
Duterte has defended his decision to abrogate the pact with the U.S. , saying the Philippines can survive and address a long-running communist insurgency and threats by Muslim extremists in the largely Roman Catholic nation ’ s south without American military assistance .
“ Do we need America to survive as a nation ?
” Duterte asked in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might and power of the military of the United States to fight our rebellion here and the terrorists down south and control drugs ?
” “ The ( Philippine ) military and police said , ` Sir , we can do it , ’ ” Duterte said .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Judge invalidates proposed land swap for Alaska refuge road

JUNEAU , Alaska - A judge has vacated a proposed land exchange aimed at building a road through a national wildlife refuge in Alaska , finding procedural violations .
U.S. District Court Senior Judge John Sedwick in a ruling Monday said Interior Secretary David Bernhardt failed to provide adequate reasoning to support a change in policy in entering into a land exchange agreement with King Cove Corp .
The Interior Department , under the Obama administration , declined a proposed land swap to build a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge , an internationally recognized habitat for migrating waterfowl near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supporters of a proposed road that would connect remote King Cove to Cold Bay and its all-weather airport see the matter as a safety issue .
The Trump administration previously proposed a land exchange but a judge found insufficient rationale for the shift in position in that case , too .
Nicole Whittington-Evans , Alaska program director for Defenders of Wildlife , in a statement called the ruling “ a victory for an ecologically irreplaceable area and the black brant , Emperor geese , brown bears and stunning array of other wildlife that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of King Cove Corp. , called the decision disheartening .
She said it ’ s being reviewed and had no comment on any potential next steps .
But , she said , “ we ’ ve been a part of this battle for 35 years and we ’ re not going to quit .
That is the bottom line.
” Nick Goodwin , an Interior Department spokesperson , by email said Bernhardt “ firmly believes that the welfare and well-being of the Alaska Native people who call King Cove home is paramount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision .
”


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Helicopter crashes onto Northern California hillside

FAIRFIELD , Calif. - A helicopter with possibly three people on board crashed onto a hillside next to a Northern @ @ @ @ @ igniting a small fire and knocking out power to about 38,000 utility customers , authorities @ @ @ @ @ immediate word on the conditions of the people aboard the Bell 206 helicopter .
The @ @ @ @ @ p.m. by Interstate 80 , midway between Fairfield and Vacaville .
The helicopter caught fire @ @ @ @ @ Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor .
Footage from news helicopter cameras showed the wreckage was @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 38,000 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers were without power , said Solano @ @ @ @ @ Leron Cummings .
A fire truck responding to the blaze rolled over , sending three @ @ @ @ @ minor injuries , said CalFire spokesman Will Powers .
He said the fire burned about @ @ @ @ @ and National Transportation and Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Pelosi urges Trump to be ‘healer in chief’ as protests rage

WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday urged President Donald Trump to be a “ healer in chief ” while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged “ racism in America ” as the wrenching debate fueling protests over the treatment of black people in the United States arrived in Congress .
Pelosi invoked Biblical scripture to reject Trump ’ s clampdown on peaceful protesters outside the White House and she drew on past presidents — including George H.W .
Bush in the aftermath of the Rodney King unrest and Barack Obama following the death of Eric Garner — as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive at a time of crisis .
“ We would hope that the president of the United States would follow the lead of so many presidents before him to be a healer in chief and not a fanner of the flame , ” Pelosi said .
As pleas for reconciliation over the country ’ s long struggle with racial inequality were met with demands for accountability over George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of police in Minneapolis , there was a shifting tone coming from Congress .
Gone are the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were met simply with “ Blue Lives Matter ” retorts in support of law enforcement .
Instead , Congress seems to have heard the protesters outside its doors .
“ You can understand the outrage , ” McConnell , the Republican Senate leader , said .
McConnell said it ’ s not only the death of Floyd at the hands of white police in Minnesota drawing protesters into the streets , but of other African Americans , including Breonna Taylor in his home-state of Kentucky .
“ There is no question that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell told reporters .
“ It ’ s been a longtime dilemma and we all wish we could get to a better place.
” As the world watches a nation in turmoil , Democrats and some Republicans are swiftly preparing inquiries into the president ’ s actions against the protesters and a legislative response to the police violence and racial inequality at the heart of marches erupting in communities nationwide .
Some lawmakers , including Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, joined the protests .
Trump was widely criticized for clearing protesters late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could walk across the street to hold up a Bible outside historic St. John ’ s Church .
It was viewed as a photo opportunity and criticized by the congregation ’ s bishop .
McConnell declined to directly comment on Trump ’ s handling of the crisis .
However , several Republicans on Tuesday suggested it would be better if Trump helped calm the nation rather than escalate the already tense conditions in Washington and across the country .
“ I ’ m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a political prop , ” said Sen. Ben Sasse , R-Nebraska , in a statement .
“ Every public servant in America should be lowering the temperature.
” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called on Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Army Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , to refuse the use of military helicopters and tear gas for “ ugly stunts ” like the one Monday .
Senate Democrats proposed , and Republicans rejected , a resolution condemning the president ’ s actions .
McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police violence against black Americans , which Schumer rebuffed as insufficient .
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said he was “ glad the president led ” by clearing the protesters from the park .
Cruz and other Republicans blamed outside agitators from the “ antifa ” anti-fascist movement for intervening in otherwise peaceful protests that resulted in looting and other property damage .
Still , for a growing number of lawmakers there is an undeniable pattern of inequality in the treatment of black Americans by law enforcement , and they want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida , called Floyd ’ s death a “ murder.
” One , Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Mo.
, said he understood there ’ s a difference between his experience telling his sons to call the police if they need help and black families warning children to be cautious around law enforcement so as not to risk being harmed .
“ That ’ s a different kind of America and I think people are understanding those protests make sense , ” Blunt said .
More than 40 bills — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profiling to preventing the federal transfer of military equipment to local law enforcement to a long-sought federal anti-lynching law — are now under consideration on Capitol Hill .
One House Democrat probed the Secret Service for any communication about Trump ’ s ordering the clampdown on protesters outside the White House .
Using words like “ dictator , ” “ fascist ” and other terms to describe Trump ’ s actions , Democrats pleaded with Americans to stand with those working to improve police treatment of minority populations .
“ Racism is bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris , D-Calif. She and Sen. Cory Booker , D-N.J. , among the nation ’ s few black senators post-Reconstruction , spoke of their own childhoods growing up in civil rights era , a legacy of the nation ’ s long path toward a more inclusive and representative government .
With the Capitol still partly closed due to the coronavirus , a pandemic that is disproportionately striking black Americans , Congress is now confronting another deepening crisis .
The Congressional Black Caucus announced a virtual town hall Friday with civil rights leaders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is planning a hearing next week on policing .
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , D-Md.
, said House lawmakers could be recalled to Washington this month to vote on legislation to address police and other reforms .
Schumer urged McConnell to consider law enforcement reforms legislation by July 4 .
Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Prosecutors oppose mistrial in Robert Durst murder case

Los Angeles prosecutors are opposing Robert Durst ’ s push for a mistrial , saying Tuesday that the wealthy real estate heir is using the coronavirus pandemic to further delay and distract from the case accusing him of killing his best friend .
After just two days of testimony , the 77-year-old Durst ’ s long-awaited trial was brought to a halt in March because of court closures tied to the virus .
His lawyers argued in April that he can not get a fair trial with the monthslong delay because jurors may not be able to accurately recall the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prosecutors say the Durst ’ s move is “ simply his latest effort to restart a trial for tactical and strategic considerations independent of the pandemic.
” It argues that Durst ’ s team failed to show that the delay will bring irreparable damage to his defence , which the California Supreme Court has said is necessary to declare a mistrial .
Prosecutors say jurors , who were selected for their ability to serve on a long and complicated trial without excessive hardship , will be capable of resuming their duties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ break is “ ‘ unprecedented ’ in the annals of jurisprudence , so is the COVID-19 pandemic which caused it.
” Superior Court Judge Mark Windham is scheduled to consider the mistrial motion June 23 .
The trial , which was being held in a tightly packed courtroom in LA , is tentatively scheduled to resume July 27 at a roomier courthouse in the nearby city of Inglewood to allow for greater social distancing .
Durst , scion of one of New York ’ s wealthiest real estate dynasties , is charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in her home in Beverly Hills in December 2000 .
Prosecutors argued in opening statements that Durst shot Berman because she knew Durst had killed his wife , who disappeared in 1982 .
Durst has never been charged in his wife ’ s killing and has denied having any role in either death .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--1 of few black-owned pot shops in the US robbed in Boston

Boston ’ s lone retail marijuana shop is dealing with another setback .
Pure Oasis , one of the few black-owned shops in the country , was robbed early Monday morning , as mostly peaceful protests against police brutality ended in violence miles away in downtown Boston , police said this week .
More than a dozen people broke through the Dorchester shop ’ s window just before 2 a.m. on Monday .
Kobie Evans , the shops ’ s co-owner , said people stole more than $ 100,000 in merchandise , including about 2,000 pre-rolled joints and 2,000 containers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes the robbery was planned because the group appeared to have an understanding of the store ’ s layout , including a secure back room , based on surveillance video of the incident .
Police haven ’ t made any arrests yet .
The state ’ s Cannabis Control Commission , which regulates the industry , said it is also investigating thefts at two medical marijuana operations in Boston that happened around the time protests turned violent .
Pure Oasis was among dozens of retail pot shops allowed to reopen last week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past two months because of the coronavirus pandemic .
It was also the first pot shop approved to open after taking part in the state ’ s program aimed at encouraging black and minority entrepreneurs in the marijuana industry .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--In Donald Trump’s America, ‘fascism is having a moment’

WASHINGTON—In front of St. John ’ s Church across from Lafayette Park near the White House , after members of the clergy condemned Donald Trump on Tuesday for having used the historic holy building a day earlier as a partisan prop , a cellist played a solemn song that blended with the chants of hundreds of nearby protesters .
The words they used were by now familiar — “ No justice !
No peace , ” and “ Put down your guns !
” — but in the last 24 hours , the situation had changed .
Chain-link fences had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park , allowing police who had spent days standing at attention behind shields to lounge on benches .
The sound of helicopters could regularly be heard there and around Washington — ominous to many who had seen the military Blackhawks hovering low Monday night over protesters , overwhelming them with blasting wind and sound .
Among the protesters was Terrence Comella , who lives in nearby Alexandria , Va .
He said the death of George Floyd was tragic , but also a “ spark that lit a tinderbox ” that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of racial injustice .
This was his first time joining a demonstration since they began last week , and he explained that Trump ’ s Monday photo-op and the speech that preceded it were what brought him out .
“ We have a president of the United States who thinks he ’ s a king .
He constantly overstates his powers , and last night , he threatened to send military into cities to quell riots against the wished of those states ’ elected representatives .
That ’ s civil war — that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought I ’ d have to deal with in America , and it scares me.
” He was not alone , at the protest or beyond , in his fear of Trump ’ s increasingly authoritarian tone .
Some have long warned that Trump is pursuing a dangerous path familiar from authoritarian regimes : asserting authority over law enforcement and appearing to use them to protect himself and pursue his enemies ; engaging in confrontational and divisive rhetoric catering to white nationalists ; employing hard and punishing policies against immigrants and refugee applicants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west of the protest , where voters were lined up to cast their ballots in the primary election , the spectre of authoritarianism loomed .
Jim Malec said the president ’ s Monday actions were on his mind as he waited to vote .
“ Authoritarians and strongmen always use the pretext of violent action as a pretext to crack down on freedom of expression and protest , ” he said .
“ I think the steps the president took were purely a show of force , and I think they were intentional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president does not care about the message the protesters are sending him.
” In his new book , one-time George Bush speechwriter David Frum called Trump a “ fascoid ” — similar to a fascist , but slightly different .
On the phone Tuesday morning , Yale University professor Jason Stanley , author of the book “ How Fascism Works , ” wasn ’ t drawing such a distinction .
His phone had been ringing off the hook , he said , because “ fascism is having a moment ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said of Trump ’ s actions .
“ He wants to see how far he can go .
And he ’ s always going to go as far as he can go.
” The latest : Trump threatened on Monday to deploy the military to break up violent protests if governors refused to use the National Guard to “ dominate ” demonstrators .
That was immediately followed by a scene in which , as Trump claimed to be an ally of peaceful protestors , a peaceful protest was forcibly cleared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pose for a photo .
“ I mean every kind of authoritarian you know : tear-gassing peaceful protesters as a sort of symbol of macho authority for no other reason but to use them in a campaign ad ?
, ” said Stanley .
“ Well , that ’ s what happened.
” In the hours after on Monday , military Humvees were stationed around D.C. , helicopters hovered overhead , protesters were kettled to enforce a curfew , and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news report walking the streets in full battle dress .
“ Authoritarians are always seeking to provoke a crisis .
Because when you provoke a crisis , you can claim — you can take authority you represent yourself as a strong man , and you can seize control , ” Stanley said .
“ The only interest Trump has in a crisis is how it can help him gain more power .
There is zero other interest .
So right now this is just — I mean he ran in 2016 against Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against , you know , his opponent is Black people and leftists .
“ This is a perfect crisis that he can fit himself into.
” The Republican party , which controls most of the levers of power , has shown no inclination to rein Trump in .
“ The Republicans are attacking elections , and they now control the courts for generations to come , and these courts have shown themselves to be as partisan as the courts in Hungary and Poland , ” said Stanley .
“ The Republican Party really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re not even shy about it , you know .
So , there is no more democracy and there is no — there isn ’ t much hope.
” The protesters were not dissuaded from their cause by Trump ’ s words or actions — at least not in mid-afternoon .
Eric Patterson , a nearby resident who attended the protest with a sign bearing Floyd ’ s name , said “ A long time ago , I stopped worrying about what Donald Trump thinks about .
The things he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leader of a nation , of a rational human being.
” Patterson said he ’ d shown up because bodies in the street would be a measure spurring real change , and he said the country needed a change of leadership and of policies — the kind that would end the racial injustice that has for too long plagued his country .
“ This has been happening forever , and it just has to stop .
It has to stop.
” He repeated it again , pausing after each word .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--6 Atlanta officers charged after students pulled from car

ATLANTA - Six Atlanta police officers were charged Tuesday after dramatic video showed authorities pulling two young people from a car and shooting them with stun guns while they were stuck in traffic caused by protests over George Floyd ’ s death .
“ I feel a little safer now that these monsters are off of the street and no longer able to terrorize anyone else , ” said 22-year-old Messiah Young , who was dragged from the vehicle along with his girlfriend , 20-year-old Taniyah Pilgrim .
The Saturday night incident first gained attention from video online and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be heard screaming and asking officers what is happening .
Two of the officers were fired Sunday after Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and police Chief Erika Shields determined they had used excessive force .
The other four have been placed on administrative leave , police spokesman Sgt .
John Chafee said in an email Tuesday .
Pilgrim was released without charges .
Howard said Young was charged with attempting to elude the officers , and the mayor has said she ’ s ordering his charges dropped .
Body camera video from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man into custody in a downtown street .
The man , whom Howard identified as Chancellor Meyers , tells officers he didn ’ t do anything .
Sitting in the driver ’ s seat of a car stopped in the street , Young holds up his phone , shooting video as an officer approaches and pulls the driver ’ s door open .
Young pulls the door shut and says repeatedly , “ I ’ m not dying today.
” He urges the officers to release Meyers and let him get in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit .
The car gets stuck in traffic and officers run up to both sides of it , shouting orders .
An officer uses a Taser on Pilgrim as she ’ s trying to get out of the car and then officers pull her out .
Another officer yells at Young to open the window .
An officer repeatedly hits the driver ’ s side window with a baton , and another officer finally manages to break it .
As the glass shatters , an officer uses a Taser on Young and officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shout , “ Get your hand out of your pockets , ” and , “ He got a gun .
He got a gun .
He got a gun.
” Once he ’ s out of the car and on the ground , officers zip tie Young ’ s hands behind his back and lead him away .
Howard said no gun was found .
Young suffered a fractured arm and a gash requiring 24 stitches as he was pulled from the car , Howard said .
Young told Howard ’ s investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his arrest punched him in the back more than 10 times as they walked .
“ I ’ m so happy that they ’ re being held accountable for their actions , “ Pilgrim said at the news conference .
Young and Pilgrim are rising seniors at historically black colleges near downtown Atlanta .
Young , from Chicago , is studying business management at Morehouse College .
Pilgrim , from San Antonio , Texas , is studying psychology at Spelman College .
The two officers who were fired Sunday — Investigator Ivory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with four others .
Streeter is charged with aggravated assault for using a Taser against Young and is also charged with pointing a gun at him , arrest warrants say .
Gardner is charged with aggravated assault for using a Taser against Pilgrim , a warrant says Lonnie Hood is charged with aggravated assault against both Young and Pilgrim for using a Taser against both of them , an arrest warrant says .
He is also charged with simple battery for violently pulling Pilgrim from the car and throwing her down on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Willie Sauls is charged with aggravated assault for pointing a Taser at Pilgrim , a warrant says .
He ’ s also charged with criminal damage for repeatedly hitting and damaging the driver ’ s side window of the car , a warrant says .
Armon Jones is charged with aggravated battery for hurting Young ’ s left arm when he dragged him from the car and slammed him onto the street , a warrant says .
He ’ s also charged with pointing a gun at Young .
Roland Claud is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car ’ s windows , a warrant says .
All of the charged officers are black except for Claud , who ’ s white .
Atlanta Police Department sworn personnel is about 61 % black , according to 2019 numbers provided by the department .
Howard says he has asked a judge to set a signature bond of $ 10,000 , which means they wouldn ’ t have to pay anything unless they fail to show up for court dates .
The main reasons for that are to limit the number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic and because they are police officers , Howard said .
The officers have been asked to turn themselves in by Friday , he said .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Contract Alaska pipeline worker mauled by black bear

JUNEAU , Alaska - A contract worker for the trans-Alaska pipeline system was mauled by a bear and seriously injured while running on a public road near a pump station , a spokesperson for the pipeline operator said Tuesday .
The incident occurred Friday evening on a route used for recreation by employees based at the remote Interior Pump Station 5 , which is on the south side of the Brooks Range , said Katie Pesznecker with Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. She said security personnel went to look for the worker , identified by Alaska State Troopers as Michael Becwar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they noticed he had been gone for about 80 minutes .
They found Becwar on the side of the road with serious injuries , she said .
He was taken by medical transport to a hospital in Fairbanks , which is about 160 air miles south , she said .
Pesznecker could not give details on his injuries but said he ’ s expected to recover .
Troopers , in an online dispatch , said a necropsy performed by the Department of Fish and Game confirmed an adult male black bear killed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely ” the animal involved in the mauling .
Glenn Stout , a Fish and Game wildlife biologist , said the incident was determined to be predatory based on information from Becwar .
Becwar reported seeing the bear on the first leg of his run “ a couple hundred yards ” away and again on his return , when the bear approached him , Stout said .
In both cases , Becwar raised his hands , hollered at the animal and made his presence known , Stout said .
Becwar “ fought it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for what he described for , like , 15 minutes , ” stabbing the bear with a pocket knife at one point , Stout said .
The biologist said the bear was not emaciated but was in poor condition .
Pesznecker said the pipeline operator takes steps aimed at minimizing encounters with bears , including herding bears away with vehicles and keeping garbage inside buildings and outdoor areas clean .
“ We say on the pipeline , ‘ You let bears be bears.
’ We co-exist with them and do a lot to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Security guards receive firearms and other training in case incidents occur , she said .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Police: Video shows man killed in Kentucky fired a gun

LOUISVILLE , Ky. - Video released by police shows a popular barbecue stand operator firing a gun as officers approached his business in Louisville shortly before he was shot to death , the city ’ s acting police chief said Tuesday .
The video , showing David McAtee opening fire early Monday , was obtained from security cameras at his business and another business , acting police Chief Robert Schroeder said .
McAtee fired his gun while police officers and National Guard soldiers were trying to clear a crowd from a parking lot to enforce a curfew , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. McAtee firing a gun outside of his business door as officers , who are using pepper balls to clear the Dino ’ s ( Food Mart ) lot , were approaching his business , ” Schroeder said .
“ This video does not provide all the answers .
But we are releasing it to provide transparency.
“ Among the unresolved questions : why he opened fire and where were police , Schroeder said .
Gov .
Andy Beshear later referred to the video as “ only one piece ” of a larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s death .
Beshear authorized state police to independently investigate .
He also announced the Guard presence in Louisville was being reduced .
Police said they were responding to gunfire from the crowd .
Two Louisville officers and two Guard soldiers returned fire , Schroeder said Monday .
The video , posted by the department on YouTube , doesn ’ t clear up those questions .
The coroner ’ s office said McAtee died of a single gunshot wound to the chest .
Tests will seek to determine the type of bullet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beshear ’ s executive Cabinet .
McAtee , 53 , was shot early Monday amid waves of protests in the Kentucky city since last week .
But witnesses said the crowd had nothing to do with the demonstrations .
The demonstrations erupted over the deaths of a black woman from Louisville — Breonna Taylor — and a black man in Minneapolis — George Floyd — in encounters with police .
It appears about 18 shots were fired by Guard soldiers and Louisville police , Brown said .
About 13 people were at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons were recovered , Brown said .
They were interviewed and the weapons will be checked to determine whether they were discharged .
Investigators also will try to determine the sequence of events using the video , Brown said .
“ Our goal is to get all of the facts and get them quickly and be able to present , as much as possible , a clear determination of what happened , ” he said .
A Louisville pastor said Tuesday that the community ultimately needs to see the “ full analysis ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death and not rely solely on video .
“ We would like to get all of the facts and not just some of the facts , ” said the Rev .
Frank Smith Jr. , president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition .
Smith , who had not yet seen the video , added : “ I would not see that he , ... on his own , would just decide to start shooting at the officers who were there .
I ’ d like to know were there other shooters ?
What provoked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McAtee was well known in the community and was friendly with officers , even providing them meals .
The video didn ’ t have audio and it was unclear who or what McAtee fired at , but Louisville police Maj. Paul Humphrey said it appeared he fired at police .
Officers at some point fired pepper balls to disperse the crowd , Humphrey said .
It was unclear whether that preceded the confrontation with McAtee .
The video shows officers speaking to people near McAtee ’ s business , he said .
Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , he said .
“ As the officers are addressing those individuals , Mr. McAtee appears to fire at the officers and they take cover and return fire , “ he said .
“ But without the audio and without having interviewed the officers yet , that is yet to be determined exactly how those incidents occurred.
” Witnesses said people were not gathered there to protest .
On Monday , Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced the firing of Police Chief Steve Conrad after he learned officers involved in the shooting failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Conrad had announced his retirement but his departure was expedited .
Monday afternoon , a group stretching several city blocks marched peacefully from downtown Louisville to where McAtee was shot .
Some motorists honked horns and raised fists in solidarity .
Protesters have been demanding justice for Taylor , who was killed in her home in Louisville in March .
The 26-year-old EMT was shot eight times by narcotics detectives who knocked down her front door while attempting to enforce a search warrant .
No drugs were found in the home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer put his knee on the handcuffed man ’ s neck for several minutes , even after he stopped moving and pleaded for air .

Bruce Schreiner And Rebecca Reynolds Yonker - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Some governors balk at Trump request to send troops to DC

RICHMOND , Va. - Some governors are rejecting President Donald Trump ’ s request to send National Guard troops to Washington , D.C. , for a massive militarized show of force in the nation ’ s capital after several days of unrest over the death of George Floyd .
Several states , including New York and Virginia , have so far rejected the request , with at least one governor citing Trump ’ s rhetoric about using troops to “ dominate ” protesters as a reason why .
All of those states are led by Democrats .
Meanwhile , several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops to Washington with more expected in coming days .
The Trump administration has asked multiple states to send troops to Washington at the same time as the president derided many governors as “ weak ” for not using the National Guard more aggressively in their own states .
Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam rejected a personal appeal from Secretary of Defence Mark Esper on Monday to send thousands of the state ’ s National Guard members to Washington D.C. , the governor ’ s office said .
Northam said he was concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops to escalate tensions .
“ I am not going to send our men and women in uniform — a very proud National Guard — to Washington for a photo op , ” Northam said , referencing an incident Monday when police used tear gas to clear peaceful demonstrators from a park near the White House so Trump could walk to a nearby church and pose with a Bible .
Trump has declared himself to be the “ president of law and order ” and has vowed to deploy the U.S. military to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rise of violent protests , including ransacking stores and burning police cars .
Floyd died last week after a white police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air .
The death set off protests that spread across the U.S .
The president ’ s critics say Trump is deepening divisions at a time when leadership was crucial to help unify a fractured country .
Delaware Gov .
John Carney ’ s office said the state did not send troops because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ additional assistance , ” a reason Northam also cited .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday he was unaware of any request to send New York ’ s Guard to Washington but said he wouldn ’ t have granted such a request because they are needed at home .
Richard Azzopardi , a senior adviser to the governor , said 200 New York National Guard troops were requested and the decision to deny the request was made at an agency level that did not directly involve Cuomo .
Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handled looting and violence in New York City .
“ NYC , CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD .
The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart , ” Trump tweeted Tuesday .
Democratic Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker declined to dispatch any National Guard members to Washington , while Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf said he is still evaluating the Trump administration ’ s request .
Other governors have been more receptive .
Gen. Joseph Lengyel , chief of the National Guard Bureau , said almost 1,500 guardsmen were coming to Washington on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected Wednesday .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy said his state ’ s troops were sent “ explicitly to protect federal buildings and federal monuments.
” Murphy is the only Democratic governor who has sent troops so far .
Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont , also a Democrat , said the Connecticut Air National Guard may provide help with transportation .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan is sending 116 members of the National Guard to be stationed on the National Mall .
Hogan spokesman Michael Ricci said they will be used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Capitol Police and “ are not there in any law enforcement capacity.
” Tennessee said it is sending 1,000 troops that should be on the ground no later than Saturday .
Utah is sending approximately 200 National Guard troops .
And about 445 Guardsmen left South Carolina on Tuesday afternoon bound for Washington , where the duration of their deployment was undetermined .
“ When the South Carolina National Guard is activated , we are prepared to respond as long as needed , ” Capt .
Jessica Donnelly told The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Confederate monuments coming down around South amid protests

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. - Sarah Collins Rudolph thought she ’ d never see what happened in her hometown : Prompted by protests , the city removed a 115-year-old Confederate monument near where her sister and three other black girls died in a racist church bombing in 1963 .
A wave of Confederate memorial removals that began after a white supremacist killed nine black people at a Bible study in a church in South Carolina in 2015 is again rolling , with more relics of the Old South being removed from public view after the killing of George Floyd by police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rudolph lives , the graffiti-covered , pocked base of a massive Confederate monument was all that remained Tuesday after crews dismantled the towering obelisk and trucked it away in pieces overnight .
Other symbols came down elsewhere , leaving an empty pedestal in Virginia and a bare flagpole in Florida .
Rudolph , whose sister Addie Mae Collins died in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church , had to see the sight for herself .
She lowered a protective face mask to take in the absence of an edifice she long considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m glad it ’ s been removed because it has been so long , and we know that it ’ s a hate monument , ” said Rudolph , 69 .
“ It didn ’ t represent the blacks .
It just represented the hard times back there a long time ago.
” Confederate symbols across the South have been targeted for vandalism during demonstrations sparked by Floyd ’ s death in police custody in Minneapolis .
Now , even some of their longtime defenders have decided to remove them .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Daughters of the Confederacy that took action early Tuesday , removing the statue of a soldier gazing south from Old Town since 1889 .
And outside Tampa , Florida , a Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter lowered a huge Confederate battle flag that has long been flown in view of two interstate highways .
Birmingham took down the obelisk a day after protesters tried to remove the monument themselves , during one of the many nationwide protests .
Crews were preparing to finish the job by pulling up the base .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protracted court battle between the city and state , which passed a law to protect Confederate icons after rebel monuments were challenged and removed following the killings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston , South Carolina .
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the city of Birmingham , seeking to fine the city $ 25,000 for violating the state law .
Mayor Randall Woodfin said earlier this week that the fine was more affordable than the cost of continued unrest in the city .
Online fundraising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay the fine .
The state lawsuit does not specifically ask Birmingham to restore the monument .
Work to remove the monument began Monday , which was Alabama ’ s holiday honouring Confederate President Jefferson Davis , who was sworn in Montgomery .
There , on the same day , someone knocked over a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee outside a mostly black high school named for him .
Four people were arrested on criminal mischief charges , and the toppled statue was removed .
In Alexandria , a city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confederacy informed the city on Monday that it would remove the statue , and the city ’ s only role was to provide traffic support .
By morning , the pedestal was all that was left .
City officials were not told where the statue was taken .
Titled “ Appomattox , ” it depicts a solitary Confederate soldier , his head bowed slightly .
In 1890 , a state law was passed barring local officials from ever removing it .
That law was repealed earlier this year .
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying “ Alexandria , like all great cities , is constantly changing and evolving.
” In Birmingham , Rudolph saw the removal of the monument as unfinished business from decades ago .
The more than 50-foot-tall ( 15-meter-tall ) memorial to Confederate soldiers and sailors was located just blocks from the church where Rudolph was badly injured and her sister died when a bomb went off on a Sunday morning decades ago .
“ The things that we were fighting for in the ‘ 60s aren ’ t solved yet , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klux Klansmen convicted in the bombing .
“ We shouldn ’ t be treated the way they treat us.
” Associated Press writers Kim Chandler in Montgomery , Alabama ; and Matthew Barakat in Falls Church , Virginia ; contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Fed lawyer: COVID-19 at federal jail worse than reported

NEW YORK - The true number of COVID-19 infections among inmates at Manhattan ’ s federal lockup was likely about seven times what the Bureau of Prisons has previously publicly reported , a government lawyer conceded Tuesday .
The bureau ’ s website says five inmates at the Metropolitan Correctional Center have had the virus .
But Assistant U.S. Attorney Jean-David Barnea , representing the MCC ’ s warden at a court hearing , said at least 34 inmates had been quarantined with symptoms because they were believed to have it .
Barnea made the revelation at a federal court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversight over conditions for the nearly 800 inmates at the MCC .
Despite conceding the number of virus cases was probably much higher than five , Barnea fought claims that the caseload could ’ ve been more than a few dozen .
“ The MCC has been able to keep the epidemic under control at the prison , ” he said , adding that no inmates have been found to have the virus since April 23 .
The judge did not immediately rule .
Lawyers for inmates estimated that 75 to 150 inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lawyers said some were treated inhumanely when they were forced to sleep on concrete slabs in vermin-ridden cells sometimes used to house high-security inmates , including terrorists and financier Jeffrey Epstein , who killed himself last summer as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges .
Barnea said claims of that many infections were not credible .
“ I take exception to the suggestion that the MCC did nothing here or that all of its responses have been deficient , “ he said .
He said there were some problems in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including its failure to answer emailed complaints about illness from inmates , though he added that the issue “ is not what caused the epidemic to run through the prison.
“ At least 45 prison employees have tested positive for the coronavirus and a dozen of them have not yet recovered , according to the Bureau of Prisons website .
In court papers , lawyers for inmates called it a miracle that no inmates have died .
During Tuesday ’ s hearing , attorney Arlo Devlin-Brown said the MCC had already corrected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of inmates , but he urged the judge to formerly put the prison under court oversight .
He said the MCC only improved conditions because of the lawsuit .
He said the first wave of the coronavirus had already swept through the prison without killing anyone and he worried about the next infection .
“ It just takes one and that thing is going to explode again .
And maybe they ’ re not going to be so lucky this time , unless they ’ re really doing things the right way @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--Tensions mar Paris protest as Floyd outrage goes global

PARIS - Tear gas choked Paris streets as riot police faced off with protesters setting fires Tuesday amid growing global outrage over George Floyd ’ s death in the United States , racial injustice and heavy-handed police tactics around the world .
French protesters took a knee and raised their fists while firefighters struggled to extinguish multiple blazes as a largely peaceful , multiracial demonstration degenerated into scattered tensions .
Police said at least 20,000 people joined the demonstration , defying a virus-related ban on protests to pay homage to Floyd and Adama Traore , a French black man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and construction barriers went up in flames , and smoke stained a sign reading “ Restaurant Open ” — on the first day French cafes were allowed to open after nearly three months of virus lockdown .
Chanting “ I can ’ t breathe , ” thousands marched peacefully through Australia ’ s largest city , while thousands more demonstrated in the Dutch capital of The Hague and hundreds rallied in Tel Aviv .
Expressions of anger erupted in multiple languages on social networks , with thousands of Swedes joining an online protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of # BlackOutTuesday .
Diplomatic ire percolated too , with the European Union ’ s top foreign policy official saying the bloc was “ shocked and appalled ” by Floyd ’ s death .
Floyd died last week after a police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air .
The death set off protests that spread across America — and now , beyond .
As demonstrations escalated worldwide , solidarity with U.S. protesters increasingly mixed with local worries .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it happens in France , it happens everywhere , ” Paris protester Xavier Dintimille said .
While he said police violence seems worse in the U.S. , he added , “ all blacks live this to a degree.
” Fears of the coronavirus remain close to the surface and were the reason cited for banning Tuesday ’ s protest at the main Paris courthouse , because gatherings of more than 10 people remain forbidden .
But demonstrators showed up anyway .
Some said police violence worsened during virus confinement in working class suburbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling of injustice .
As the Paris demonstration wound down , police fired volley after volley of tear gas and protesters threw debris .
Police were less visible than usual at the city ’ s frequent protests .
Tensions also erupted at a related protest in the southern city of Marseille .
The demonstrations were held in honour of Traore , who died shortly after his arrest in 2016 , and in solidarity with Americans demonstrating against Floyd ’ s death .
The Traore case has become emblematic of the fight against police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of the 24-year-old Frenchman of Malian origin are still under investigation after four years of conflicting medical reports about what happened .
The lawyer for two of the three police officers involved in the arrest , Rodolphe Bosselut , said the Floyd and Traore cases “ have strictly nothing to do with each other.
“ Bosselut told The Associated Press that Traore ’ s death wasn ’ t linked with the conditions of his arrest but other factors , including a preexisting medical condition .
Traore ’ s family says he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and that his last words were “ I can ’ t breathe.
” “ I can ’ t breathe ” were also the final words of David Dungay , a 26-year-old Aboriginal man who died in a Sydney prison in 2015 while being restrained by five guards .
As 3,000 people marched peacefully through Sydney , many said they had been inspired by a mixture of sympathy for African Americans and to call for change in Australia ’ s treatment of its indigenous population , particularly involving police .
The mostly Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters from the U.S. and elsewhere .
“ I ’ m here for my people , and for our fallen brothers and sisters around the world , ” said Sydney indigenous woman Amanda Hill , 46 , who attended the rally with her daughter and two nieces .
“ What ’ s happening in America shines a light on the situation here.
“ Even as U.S. President Donald Trump fanned anger by threatening to send in troops on American protesters , Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refrained from directly criticizing him and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everywhere .
“ We all watch in horror and consternation what ’ s going on in the United States , ” he said after pausing 21 seconds before answering .
“ But it is a time for us as Canadians to recognize that we , too , have our challenges , that black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day .
There is systemic discrimination in Canada.
” More protests in various countries are planned later in the week , including a string of demonstrations in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drama unfolding in the U.S. drew increasing diplomatic concern .
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell ’ s remarks in Brussels were the strongest to come out of the 27-nation bloc , saying Floyd ’ s death was a result of an abuse of power .
Borrell told reporters that “ like the people of the United States , we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd.
” He underlined that Europeans “ support the right to peaceful protest , and also we condemn violence and racism of any kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a de-escalation of tensions.
” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said peaceful protests in the U.S. following Floyd ’ s death are “ understandable and more than legitimate.
” “ I can only express my hope that the peaceful protests do not continue to lead to violence , but even more express the hope that these protests have an effect in the United States , ” Maas said .
More African leaders are speaking up over the killing of Floyd .
“ It can not be right that , in the 21st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great bastion of democracy , continues to grapple with the problem of systemic racism , ” Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo said in a statement , adding that black people the world over are shocked and distraught .
Kenyan opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga offered a prayer for the U.S. , “ that there be justice and freedom for all human beings who call America their country.
” Like some in Africa who have spoken out , Odinga also noted troubles at home , saying the judging of people by character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dream we in Africa , too , owe our citizens.
” Associated Press writers Rick Rycroft in Sydney , Rod McGuirk in Canberra , Australia , Lori Hinnant in Paris , Aritz Parra in Madrid , Frank Jordans in Berlin , Lorne Cook in Brussels , Peter Dejong in The Hague contributed .
Follow AP ’ s latest news about the protests at https : //apnews.com/GeorgeFloyd

Sylvie Corbet And Nicolas Garriga - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-02--DC officials push back on aggressive response to protests

WASHINGTON - Officials in the nation ’ s capital pushed back Tuesday on an aggressive response by the federal government to demonstrations over the death of George Floyd , with the mayor flatly rejecting a Trump administration proposal for the federal government to take over its police force and one county in Virginia pulling its officers from Washington .
The federal government has deployed law enforcement officials from numerous agencies , and National Guard troops from a number of states have been sent to the District of Columbia .
Attorney General William Barr , who is directing the federal law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Tuesday “ even greater law enforcement resources and support in the region.
“ District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Trump administration floated the idea of taking over the Metropolitan Police Department , a proposal she strongly rejected .
She threatened to take legal action if the federal government attempted to do so .
But there were signs that the federal response would be even more aggressive Tuesday night , as Washington prepared for a fifth night of protests .
Hours before a 7 p.m. curfew for the second night in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at military checkpoints in downtown Washington and a cavalry of armoured military vehicles could be seen driving through the district .
Businesses were boarding up windows with plywood in anticipation of another night of violence after fires were set , windows were shattered , store shelves were emptied and dozens of police officers were injured in days of protests .
Two Defence Department officials said the Trump administration had ordered military aircraft to fly above Washington on Monday night as a “ show of force ” against demonstrators protesting the death of Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a white Minneapolis policeman pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after Floyd stopped moving and pleading for air .
Police made over 300 arrests , mainly for violating the district ’ s curfew .
Earlier Monday evening , law enforcement officers on foot and horseback moved aggressively to clear protesters away from Lafayette Park near the White House in advance of President Donald Trump ’ s walk to a nearby church for a photo opportunity .
After participating in the show of force , Arlington County in Virginia pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used “ for a purpose not worthy of our mutual aid obligations.
” County Board Chair Libby Garvey said on Twitter she ’ s “ appalled ” that the mutual aid agreement was abused “ for a photo op.
” In a phone interview , Garvey said the aid request came from U.S. Park Police , and that the agencies have aided each other routinely over the years .
She said Arlington Police had helped in Washington on Saturday and Sunday without incident .
Arlington County officials said in a statement their officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire rubber bullets or tear gas .
But after watching the scene unfold on live television , the police chief ordered all the officers to return to Virginia .
“ This unprecedented decision by the County was a necessary response to an unprecedented situation , ” the statement said .
Officials said they were reevaluating the mutual aid agreements to ensure officers “ are never again put in a situation where they are asked to take action that is inconsistent with our values.
” The U.S. Park Police on Tuesday defended its actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three warnings over a loudspeaker before clearing the area of protesters , some of whom they said were becoming violent , throwing projectiles and trying to grab weapons .
It said it used smoke canisters and pepper balls to disperse the crowd .
Barr ordered law enforcement officials to clear the park and push back the perimeter around the White House when he arrived there Monday evening , ahead of the president ’ s remarks , leading to police using force to disperse protesters , a person familiar with the matter told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decided the perimeter had to be moved by at least one full block , which was expected to happen by Monday afternoon , after multiple fires were set in the park the night before , the person said .
When Barr arrived , he was surprised it hadn ’ t been done and directed action to be taken , according to the person , who could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity .
Monday , in a call with governors , Trump and Barr had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause violence during protests across the country .
The call raised questions about whether using more aggressive law enforcement measures against demonstrators protesting police brutality would only increase tensions .
Trump said he was “ taking immediate presidential action to stop the violence and restore security and safety in America.
” The president urged governors to deploy the National Guard , which he credited with helping calm the situation Sunday night in Minneapolis , and demanded that similarly tough measures be taken in cities that also experienced spasms of violence , including New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled , ” Trump said .
Between the protests and the response to the coronavirus pandemic , the National Guard has been deployed at its highest level in recent history , surpassing the number of troops sent to the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 .
More than 66,700 soldiers and airman have been activated — 45,000 to assist with the pandemic and more than 17,000 to help with the protests .
The federal government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of National Guard resources available to them , a White House official said .
The official added that Trump ’ s message to governors was if they don ’ t utilize all of the tools in their arsenal they shouldn ’ t expect a sympathetic response from Washington if they request federal dollars to help with clean-up and recovery down the line .
The official could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity .
Other law enforcement resources are also being mobilized in Washington .
The Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its agencies , including the FBI ’ s Hostage Rescue Team , an elite tactical unit , and riot teams from the Bureau of Prisons .
The U.S. Park Police and Secret Service have had dozens of officers out in riot gear in Washington for the last few nights , in addition to the Metropolitan Police Department .
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other Homeland Security agencies were also dispatched .
Most of the protesters have been peaceful and tried to discourage violence .
Trump , Barr and others have tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on left-wing extremist groups , including antifa , and other “ anarchists.
“ Short for anti-fascists , antifa is an umbrella term for far-left-leaning militant groups that resist neo-Nazis and white supremacists at demonstrations .
The Justice Department has vowed to treat the “ violence instigated and carried out by antifa & other similar groups ” as domestic terrorism .
Although there isn ’ t a specific federal domestic terrorism statute , prosecutors could charge other offences and seek enhanced sentencing .
The U.S. military and National Guard are operating in Washington under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to two Pentagon officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to do so publicly .
In Greek mythology , Themis was a titaness of divine law and order , whose symbols are the scales of justice .
Army Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell , a Pentagon spokesperson , said they were not aware of the operational name but said it ’ s possible .
The Associated Press reviewed a Defence Department document that showed the DC response is under the banner of Operation Themis .
The document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zeke Miller , Lolita C. Baldor and Ashraf Khalil in Washington ; James LaPorta in Delray Beach , Fla. ; and Sarah Blake Morgan in West Jefferson , N.C. , contributed to this report .

Michael Balsamo And Matthew Barakat - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-03--Survey: Businesses cut 2.76 million jobs in May

BALTIMORE - U.S. businesses shed 2.76 million jobs in May as the economic damage from the coronavirus outbreak stretched into @ @ @ @ @ payroll company ADP reported Wednesday that businesses have let go of a combined 22.6 million @ @ @ @ @ virus forced employers to shutter offices , factories , gyms and schools , while demand @ @ @ @ @ airline tickets , hotel rooms and restaurant meals quickly vanished .
The damage was concentrated @ @ @ @ @ cut 719,000 jobs in May .
The trade , transportation and utilities sector let go @ @ @ @ @ industry report comes two days ahead of the official monthly job figures from the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ the Friday report will show 8 million job losses in May as the unemployment rate @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-06-03--Sismo de 6,8 remece norte de Chile; no hay reportes de daños

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thetorontostar--2020-06-03--AP sources: White House softens on sending troops to states

WASHINGTON - After threatening states that he would dispatch the military to quell protests , President Donald Trump appeared to be privately backing off , with White House officials saying the response to demonstrations across the country indicated that local governments should be able to restore order themselves .
The shift came as protests in Washington and other cities over police brutality against minorities proceeded Tuesday with relative calm , a striking contrast to the harsh crackdowns outside the White House on Monday night .
The president wanted to make the aggressive action in the nation ’ s capital an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a senior White House official said Tuesday .
The Defence Department has drafted contingency plans for deploying active-duty military if needed .
Pentagon documents reviewed by The Associated Press showed plans for soldiers from an Army division to protect the White House and other federal buildings if the security situation in the nation ’ s capital were to deteriorate and the National Guard could not secure the facilities .
But interest in exerting that extraordinary federal authority appeared to be waning in the White House .
Though the crackdown on the Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , a handful of Republicans expressed concern that law enforcement officers risked violating the protesters ’ First Amendment rights .
Trump ’ s defence secretary also distanced himself from Trump ’ s decision to walk across Lafayette Park for a photo opportunity at a church after the demonstrators had been cleared .
Pentagon Chief Mark Esper , who walked with Trump to St. John ’ s Church on Monday evening , insisted he did not know the president ’ s destination .
“ I didn ’ t know where I was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he had expected to view damage to a bathroom facility that had been vandalized in Lafayette Park , across from the White House , and talk with National Guard troops positioned there .
Protests have sprung up following the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him down and pressed Floyd ’ s neck with his knee .
Violent demonstrations have raged in scores of American cities , a level of unrest unseen for decades .
The situation in Washington escalated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s policing tactics and a physical manifestation of the rhetorical culture war he has stoked since before he was elected .
Nearly 30 minutes before a 7 p.m. curfew in Washington , U.S. Park Police repelled protesters with what they said were smoke canisters and pepper balls .
“ D.C .
had no problems last night .
Many arrests .
Great job done by all .
Overwhelming force .
Domination , ” Trump tweeted Tuesday , after a night in which heavily armed military forces and federal officers swarmed the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you President Trump ! )
.
” The clampdown followed a weekend of demonstrations outside the White House .
Trump had been furious about images juxtaposing fires set in the park outside the executive mansion with a darkened White House in the background , according to current and former campaign and administration officials .
He was also angry about the news coverage revealing he had been rushed to the White House bunker during Friday ’ s protests .
In a Monday address in the Rose Garden , he called on governors to ramp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the protests .
If they didn ’ t , Trump said , he would dispatch the military to their states — a step rarely taken in modern American history .
The federal government has provided affected states with a list of National Guard resources available to them , the White House official said .
The official added that Trump ’ s message to governors was that if they don ’ t use all the tools in their arsenal , they shouldn ’ t expect a sympathetic response to any request for federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
On Monday , 715 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in the capital area in case the situation in Washington escalated .
They are stationed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and Fort Belvoir in Virginia .
Two more 82nd Airborne battalions , totalling 1,300 soldiers , are on standby at Fort Bragg in North Carolina , according to documents reviewed by the AP .
The plan is named Operation Themis .
The soldiers on standby in the Washington area are armed and have riot gear and bayonets .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bayonets Tuesday , orders came down that soldiers would not need the knife-like weapons that can be affixed to rifles , according to two soldiers from the 82nd who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear they would be punished for commenting publicly .
The idea that bayonets could be used in confronting civilians provoked an outcry on social media and among some members of Congress .
Administration officials were privately acknowledging that Monday ’ s events didn ’ t serve the administration well .
Some Republican lawmakers , typically in lockstep with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly criticizing him , said Trump had gone too far in appearing to use force to clear the way for his visit to the church .
“ There is no right to riot , no right to destroy others ’ property , and no right to throw rocks at police , ” said Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse .
“ But there is a fundamental — a constitutional — right to protest , and I ’ m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , said of Trump posing for photos holding up a Bible , “ I just wish he opened it once in a while.
” It was Attorney General William Barr who gave the order for law enforcement to clear out the protest before Trump ’ s walk to the church ahead of Washington ’ s 7 p.m. curfew .
A person familiar with the matter said the decision was made earlier Monday , but had not been executed by the time Barr arrived in Lafayette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verbally gave the order at that time .
After the demonstrators had been pushed out of the park , Trump emerged from the White House with several officials , including Esper and Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff .
Senior defence officials told reporters Milley was also not aware that the Park Police and law enforcement had made a decision to clear the square or that Trump intended to visit the church .
They had been in Washington to co-ordinate with federal law enforcement officials but were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump on military preparations , the officials said .
The White House , Defence , campaign officials and others with knowledge of Monday ’ s events all insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly .
Lemire reported from New York and LaPorta reported from Delray Beach , Florida .
Sarah Blake Morgan in West Jefferson , North Carolina , contributed .

Zeke Miller, Jonathan Lemire, Michael Balsamo And James Laporta - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-03--Trump, chafing at oversight, takes aim at inspectors general

WASHINGTON - Steve Linick irritated powerful Democrats and Republicans alike in his seven years as the independent watchdog investigating waste and mismanagement at the State Department .
Still , he was stunned by a Friday night phone call saying President Donald Trump had fired him .
Linick ’ s access to the computer system , and to the building , was cut off .
He asked for a reason , and none was given .
He could only surmise his dismissal as inspector general was tied to him investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , according to a person familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation .
Linick ’ s dismissal was part of a wave of firings or demotions by Trump that , even for a president with a “ you ’ re fired ” catchphrase , has been notably brazen for their appearance of retribution and vindictiveness .
Trump ’ s moves , coming with Washington consumed by the coronavirus , have upended the longstanding , bipartisan support for officials tasked with ensuring the integrity of government agencies — and roiled a watchdog community whose work presidents may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s a tension between what his instincts are , which is to brook no criticism whatsoever , and what the inspector general ’ s job is as defined by statute , which is to do independent audits and investigations , “ said former Justice Department inspector general Michael Bromwich .
Trump ’ s actions , done with minimal explanation , have triggered congressional demands for answers , with House investigators scheduled to interview Linick on Wednesday .
Adding to the alarm is that they ’ ve resulted in promotions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some cases , apparent conflicts .
Trump has made clear at least some of the moves were personal .
He said he fired the intelligence community watchdog , Michael Atkinson , in April because he had alerted Congress to the whistleblower report on Ukraine that Democrats used for his impeachment .
He raged that Atkinson was insufficiently loyal and part of the “ Deep State ” that has opposed his presidency from the beginning , according to three current or former administration officials .
Trump had wanted to fire Atkinson weeks earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it by his advisers , they said .
After he fired Linick last month , he labeled him an Obama appointee and said he ’ d acted on the encouragement of Pompeo , who denied it was retaliation but said he wished he ’ d recommended it sooner .
In between , Trump selected a replacement for Christi Grimm of Health and Human Services after she issued a report that the president openly scorned .
He demoted Glenn Fine as acting Defence Department watchdog , stripping him of oversight of the $ 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised questions about whether a Transportation Department acting inspector general who was removed was replaced for political reasons , too .
All presidents take umbrage at inspector general oversight , a post-Watergate concept meant to root out waste , fraud and corruption .
Armed with teams of investigators and broad powers , the more than 70 inspectors general are often a thorn for their agencies , documenting profligate spending , mismanagement and other concerns — CIA interrogation of terror suspects , for instance — that can make front-page news .
President Ronald Reagan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though he reappointed some .
President Barack Obama dismissed one early in his tenure with minimal explanation .
“ Trump has been more transparent in his opposition , and he ’ s been more willing to take very aggressive actions , but this is an institution created by Congress and protected by Congress — and presidents just don ’ t like it , ” said New York University public service professor Paul Light .
Chuck McCullough , the intelligence community inspector general under Obama , said he maintained a sparsely decorated office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
McCullough and Linick were instrumental in raising concerns former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton may have mishandled classified information on a private email server .
McCullough said he was told during the 2016 election by a Clinton associate that , in a Clinton presidency , he and Linick would be the “ first to be fired.
“ Congressional Democrats say Linick was fired while investigating how the State Department pushed through a $ 7 billion Saudi arms sale over congressional objections .
He was also reviewing how Pompeo treated certain staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Saudi investigation because he had answered written questions about it .
But he denied Linick ’ s dismissal was retaliatory , suggesting instead Linick wasn ’ t on board with the department ’ s mission .
In other administrations , investigating a Cabinet secretary might be insurance against being fired because the optics of doing so would be damaging .
Not so for Trump .
“ With Trump , it just kind of lays bare all the old sort of bluffing about how IGs are protected , ” McCullough said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an administration wouldn ’ t do this because , optically , it would appear as though it was retaliation and retribution .
When your concern for optics are out the window , the bluff is kind of revealed.
” Some inspector general reports have worked in Trump ’ s favour , including Justice Department investigations that uncovered anti-Trump text messages by FBI employees and revealed problems with the FBI ’ s conduct during the Russia probe .
But Trump has appeared flummoxed by the inability to control watchdogs , as evidenced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint that documented his efforts to get Ukraine to dig up dirt on Democratic rival Joe Biden .
Though presidents ’ ability to fire inspectors general is well-established , Congress is raising questions about the resumes of their replacements .
Trump , for instance , has selected a policy adviser at Customs and Border Protection to replace the deeply experienced Fine , who had been acting inspector general at the Pentagon for four years and Justice Department watchdog for a decade before that .
Senior officials at the State and Transportation departments are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies , effectively holding two jobs at once and setting up a conflict that good-government advocates and some in Congress say is untenable .
McCullough , now a partner at the Compass Rose Legal Group , said he doubted Trump ’ s moves would stymie investigations by career employees , but said the climate nonetheless complicates recruitment of “ the best and the brightest.
” “ And if you do recruit people under this sort of climate , “ he asked , ” are their findings going to be as aggressive and hard-hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Eric Tucker And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-06-03--Germany wants to kick extremists out of military faster

BERLIN - The German government has agreed on a bill that would speed up the dismissal of soldiers involved in @ @ @ @ @ Current military rules mean that soldiers who have served for more than four years can @ @ @ @ @ they have been convicted of a crime or removed as part of a court-led disciplinary @ @ @ @ @ this can mean soldiers remain in the military for years until they are removed .
@ @ @ @ @ Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer allows the military to swiftly expel soldiers if their continued presence @ @ @ @ @ military order or the reputation of the Bundeswehr ” and they have served fewer than @ @ @ @ @ have expressed alarm over the recent discovery of several far-right extremists in the military , @ @ @ @ @ special forces unit KSK who had hoarded weapons , ammunition and explosives at home .
@ @ @ @ @ of the unit , Brig .
Gen. Markus Kreitmayr , told soldiers that he wouldn @ @ @ @ @ the ranks .
The bill still needs to be passed by parliament .


thetorontostar--2020-06-03--Court to hear arguments on Dayton gunman’s school records

COLUMBUS , Ohio - The Ohio Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Wednesday in a case filed by @ @ @ @ @ records about the man who gunned down nine people in Dayton last August .
The @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press , argue the student records could provide information on whether authorities properly handled @ @ @ @ @ gunman Connor Betts .
The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Schools district argues Betts ’ records are protected @ @ @ @ @ laws .
Ohio GOP Attorney General Dave Yost will argue they should be released .
@ @ @ @ @ 32 seconds after he opened fire Aug. 4 , 2019 , in Dayton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Armed with an AR-15-style gun with an extended ammunition magazine , Betts killed nine @ @ @ @ @ and injured dozens more .
The Supreme Court took the case after an appeals court @ @ @ @ @ district and its denial of access to Betts ’ high school files .


thetorontostar--2020-06-03--UN: Yemen programs fighting virus might stop by end of June

CAIRO - The United Nations warned Wednesday that its programs to fight the coronavirus in war-torn Yemen might have to stop by the end the month unless they get an immediate injection of cash .
The warning comes a day after a U.N. appeal for countries to fund emergency aid in the Arab world ’ s poorest nation fell a billion dollars short of what aid agencies needed — $ 2.41 billion — to cover essential activities from June to December .
“ This will severely handicap efforts to contain the outbreak , which is already spreading rapidly , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the U.N .
Officer for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs .
At least 31 major U.N. programs in Yemen , covering essentially every sector , from food to health care and nutrition , were at a “ serious risk of significant reduction or closure , ” she said .
The coronavirus is threatening to decimate Yemen ’ s health care system , already ravaged by more than five years of civil war .
Abu Saleh predicted the U.N. would likely start winding down some of its disease outbreak and control programs next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , malaria and dengue fever , among other diseases .
These programs help to protect 18 million people , she said .
Abu Saleh also voiced concerns about 360,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition that the U.N. is trying to assist .
“ Without new funds , these programs will see severe cuts starting in July , ” she said .
Tuesday ’ s conference raised $ 1.35 billion — half of what is needed and half of the $ 2.6 billion that countries pledged at the same conference last year .
Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s U.N. pledging event , said it would pay half a billion dollars in aid for Yemen , $ 300 million of which will be funneled to the U.N. and related aid agencies .
It was the largest amount pledged by any country .
Key factor contributing to the dwindling funds is obstruction by Yemen ’ s Houthi rebels , who control the capital , Sanaa , and most of the country ’ s north .
The United States decreased its aid to Yemen earlier this year , citing interference by the Houthis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council , also called for the money pledged on Tuesday to be “ disbursed immediately “ and urged warring parties to stop fighting and focus their efforts to fight the pandemic .
“ Donors who failed to put their hands in their pockets must step up , ” he said .
“ But money alone is not enough , ” Egeland added .
“ These pledges are worth little if people are still fleeing from bombs and crossfire and their hospitals attacked.
” Since April , authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internationally recognized government have reported around 400 coronavirus cases , including 87 deaths .
The Iran-backed rebel Houthis have declared only four cases , including one death .
The World Health Organization believes that there is significant underestimation of the outbreak , which could further hinder efforts to get supplies into Yemen needed to contain the virus .
Yemen ’ s civil war erupted in 2014 , when the Houthi rebels captured Sanaa , forcing the internationally recognized government to flee .
In the spring of 2015 , a U.S.-backed , Saudi-led coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Houthis while imposing a land , sea and air embargo on Yemen .
The conflict has killed more than 100,000 people and driven 4 million Yemenis from their homes .
Cholera epidemics and severe malnutrition among children have led to thousands of additional deaths .