thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Elizabeth Banks to be honoured by Harvard’s Hasty Pudding

CAMBRIDGE , Mass .
- Harvard University ’ s famed Hasty Pudding theatre troupe has named actor and director Elizabeth Banks as the group ’ s 2020 Woman of the Year .
The troupe ’ s leaders made the announcement Tuesday , saying Banks was chosen because of her impact in Hollywood as a female director , producer and writer .
“ Elizabeth is a role model to all of the young women in the Theatricals , especially in a year with a female writer , female producers , and a majority female cast — we all can not wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Natalie Needle , the troupe ’ s co-producer , said in a statement .
Banks will be honoured with a parade through Cambridge on Jan. 31 , followed by a celebratory roast where she will be awarded her pudding pot .
After the roast , the troupe will perform a preview of “ Mean Ghouls , ” the group ’ s second show with a cast that includes women .
Banks is an executive producer on “ Shrill , ” a Hulu series featuring Aidy Bryant that ’ s scheduled to begin its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her feature directorial debut in 2015 with “ Pitch Perfect 2 , ” and last year produced , wrote , directed and appeared in a reboot of “ Charlie ’ s Angels.
” She has received three Emmy nominations for roles on “ Modern Family ” and “ 30 Rock.
“ Born in Pittsfield , Massachusetts , Banks graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and received a graduate degree at the American Conservatory Theater .
A longtime advocate for women ’ s rights , Banks in October was named chair of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights .
Hasty Pudding Theatricals dates to the late 18th century .
One of its first mandates was “ members in alphabetical order shall provide a pot of hasty pudding for every meeting.
” It has honoured a Woman of the Year since 1951 , and previous winners include Ella Fitzgerald , Meryl Streep and Halle Berry .
Bryce Dallas Howard was last year ’ s honoree .
This year ’ s Man of the Year has not yet been announced .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Secret Service agent fatally shoots ‘aggressive’ dog in NYC

NEW YORK - Police are investigating after a dog was shot and killed by an off-duty Secret Service agent in New York City , authorities said Tuesday .
The shooting happened shortly after 9:30 p.m. Monday in the Windsor Terrace neighbourhood of Brooklyn .
A New York Police Department spokesman said the agent , whose name was not released , turned a corner and was charged by the dog .
He said the agent fired one shot , killing the dog .
The Secret Service said in a statement that “ an off duty Secret Service employee was involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canine ” in Brooklyn .
A photo in the Daily News shows the dog ’ s paws and leash poking out from under a sheet on the sidewalk .
A Secret Service spokesman said the dog was wearing a leash but no one was holding it when the animal charged the agent .
The Daily News reported that the dog was a female Belgian shepherd .
The newspaper said one of the dog ’ s owners , whom it did not name , said , “ She scared a cop who was walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s dead.
” Witness Adelaide Gaughran-Bedell told the New York Post that the dog was “ splayed out on the ground ” after the shooting .
“ And then I think the owner — man and a woman , it was a couple — they wanted to touch her and the police wouldn ’ t let her .
I remember him going to the dog and the sheet , ” Gaughran-Bedell said .
Walter Blankinship , the stable master at the Kensington Stables , which is across the street from the shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard the dog owner curse at the shooter , ” I can ’ t ——ing believe you let the gun go off.
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Pelosi sets Wednesday votes to send impeachment to Senate

WASHINGTON - The House is preparing to vote Wednesday to send the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate to start the historic trial , several people told The Associated Press .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi met privately Tuesday at the Capitol with House Democrats about next steps , ending her blockade almost a month after they voted to impeach Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
Pelosi suggested the House vote on Wednesday to transmit the charges and name the House managers for the case , according to several Democrats who spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed-door meeting .
The action will launch the Senate proceeding , only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history , a dramatic endeavour coming amid the backdrop of a politically divided nation and an election year .
Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House last month on charges of abuse of power over pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden and obstruction of Congress in the probe .
The trial would begin in a matter of days .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the Senate on Tuesday scoffing at what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Pelosi ’ s impeachment strategy that delayed transmitting the charges for weeks .
“ Do these sound like leaders who really believe we are in a constitutional crisis , one that requires the ultimate remedy ?
“ McConnell asked .
He rejected Pelosi ’ s recent suggestions that whatever the Senate verdict , Trump will be “ impeached forever.
” “ It will fall to the Senate to end it with serious and sobriety , ” he said .
McConnell meets behind closed doors later Tuesday with GOP senators as they negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans are signalling they would reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump as he has suggested .
They are considering whether to allow a vote on such a motion to dismiss and another to subpoena testimony from new witnesses .
“ I think our members , generally are not interested in the motion to dismiss .
They think both sides need to be heard , ” Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Mo.
, who is part of the GOP leadership , said Monday .
With the impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , senators are still debating the rules of the proceedings .
GOP senators are conferring privately about whether to allow a motion to dismiss the charges against the president or to call additional witnesses for testimony .
Trump suggested over the weekend he might prefer simply dismissing the charges rather than giving legitimacy to charges from the House , which he considers a “ hoax.
” It was an extraordinary suggestion , but one being proposed by Trump allies with support from some GOP senators , including McConnell .
But it is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his GOP majority to do that .
Key Republicans , Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah , said they , too , would oppose a motion to dismiss the charges .
Collins is leading an effort among some Republicans , including Romney and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska , to ensure the ground rules include plans to eventually consider voting to call witnesses .
“ My position is that there should be a vote on whether or not witnesses should be called , ” Collins said .
Romney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton , the former national security adviser at the White House , who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run led by Trump ’ s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani .
“ I expect that barring some kind of surprise , I ’ ll be voting in favour of hearing from witnesses after those opening arguments , ” Romney told reporters Monday .
Democrats have been pushing Republicans , who have a slim Senate majority , to consider new testimony , arguing that fresh information has emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmitting the charges .
“ We want the truth , ” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday as the chamber opened .
He said in the other presidential impeachment trials the Senate called witnesses .
“ Do Senate Republicans want to break the lengthy historical precedent ?
“ Schumer asked .
McConnell drafting an organizing resolution that will outline the steps ahead .
Approving it will be among the first votes senators take after they are sworn as jurors by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts for the Court of Impeachment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are all but certain to acquit Trump .
McConnell is hesitant to call new witnesses who would prolong the trial .
He prefers to model Trump ’ s trial partly on the process used for then-President Bill Clinton ’ s trial in 1999 .
Senators says if witnesses are allowed , some Republicans may also try to subpoena Biden and his son , Hunter Biden , who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine while his father was vice-president .
It takes just 51 votes during the impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just four GOP senators could form a majority with Democrats to insist on new testimony .
It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump .
Most Republicans appear willing to go along with McConnell ’ s plan to start the trial first then consider witnesses later , rather than upfront , as Democrats want .
Collins is pushing to have at least the promise of witness votes included in the organizing resolution .
She and the others appear to be gathering support .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will have a process that we can take a vote on whether or not we need additional information , and yes , that would include witnesses , ” Murkowski told reporters .
Associated Press writers Matthew Daly , Andrew Taylor and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

Lisa Mascaro, Alan Fram, Mary Clare Jalonick And Laurie Kellman - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Witness says Colorado stabbing suspect asked about God

COLORADO SPRINGS , Colo. - Two of the people who were approached by a suspect accused of stabbing eight people during an apparent random rampage in Colorado Springs said the man asked them about their faith before attacking .
Police have not released any details about the suspect because investigators said they are still interviewing people involved .
Terri Poore , 48 , who is homeless , told The Gazette that she was cooking ravioli with a candle under a bridge near America the Beautiful Park early Monday morning when a man with a blanket draped over his shoulders approached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I didn ’ t know if to say ‘ Yes , ’ and he was going to hurt me .
Or ‘ No , ’ and he was going to hurt me , “ she said .
“ I ’ ve never been so traumatized in my life.
” Poore said she did not answer and then a man nearby her tried kicking the suspect ’ s 4- to 5-inch ( 10-12 centimetre ) knife away ; the suspect attacked him , stabbing him about 20 times .
Jonny Seaton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that wounded man and that , at some point , the suspect asked him if he was a Christian .
Seaton said he said yes but his fiancee answered no .
He said the man then attacked them both .
He said the suspect held a knife to his neck and slashed his ear when he tried to escape .
His fiancee charged the suspect and he slashed her face .
“ He had some super-human speed to him or something , ” Seaton said .
The rampage started around 1:30 a.m. and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect was restrained by some victims .
Five of the eight people wounded were released from the hospital within several hours of being attacked .
None of the injuries were life threatening , police spokesman Lt. Jim Sokolik said .
There does not to appear to be any relationship between the suspect and his victims , he said .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Russians hacked company key to Ukraine scandal: researchers

BOSTON - A U.S. cybersecurity company says Russian military agents have successfully hacked the Ukrainian gas company at the centre of the scandal that led to President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment .
Russian agents launched a phishing campaign in early November to steal the login credentials of employees of Burisma Holdings , the gas company , according to Area 1 Security , a Silicon Valley company that specializes in email security .
Hunter Biden , son of former U.S. vice-president and Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden , previously served on Burisma ’ s board .
It was not clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have obtained , said Area 1 ’ s CEO , Oren Falkowitz , who called the findings “ incontrovertible ” and posted an eight-page report .
But the timing of the operation suggests that the Russian agents could be searching for material damaging to the Bidens or perhaps scheming to plant misinformation .
The House of Representatives impeached Trump in December for abusing the power of his office by enlisting the Ukrainian government to investigate Biden , a political rival , ahead of the 2020 election .
A second charge accused Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
“ Our report doesn ’ t make any claims as to what the intent of the hackers were , what they might have been looking for , what they are going to do with their success .
We just point out that this is a campaign that ’ s going on , ” said Falkowitz , a former National Security Agency offensive hacker whose company ’ s clients include candidates for U.S. federal elected offices .
In an earlier interview , he told The Associated Press that the campaigns of top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate races in 2020 have in the past few months each been targeted by about a thousand phishing emails .
Falkowitz did not name the candidates .
Nor would he name any clients .
Russian hackers from the same military intelligence unit that Area 1 said was behind the operation targeting Burisma have been indicted for hacking emails from the Democratic National Committee and the chairman of Hillary Clinton ’ s campaign during the 2016 presidential race .
Stolen emails were released online at the time by Russian agents and WikiLeaks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel Robert Mueller determined in his investigation .
Area 1 discovered the phishing campaign by the Russian military intelligence unit , known as the GRU , on New Year ’ s Eve , said Falkowitz , who would not discuss whom he notified prior to going public .
He said he followed the industry standard process of responsible disclosure , which would include notifying Burisma .
In phishing , an attacker uses a targeted email to lure a target to a fake site that resembles a familiar one .
There , unwitting victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hackers then harvest .
Phished credentials allow attackers both to rifle through a victim ’ s stored email and masquerade as that person .
In the report , Falkowitz said the GRU agents used fake , lookalike domains that were designed to mimic the sites of real Burisma subsidiaries .
Falkowitz said the operation targeting Burisma involved tactics , techniques and procedures that GRU agents had used repeatedly in other phishing operations , matching “ several patterns that lots of independent researchers agree mimic this particular Russian actor.
” Area 1 says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for several years .
The discovery ’ s timing — just weeks before presidential primaries begin in the United States — highlights the need to protect political campaigns from targeted phishing attacks , which are behind 95 % of all information breaches , said Falkowitz .
“ This is a real specific , timely case that has real implications , “ he said .
” To discover it and potentially get out in front of it is a significant departure from what ’ s typical in the cyber security community , where someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re dead.
” Area 1 said its researchers connected the phishing campaign targeting Burisma to an effort earlier last year that targeted Kvartal 95 , a media organization founded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy .
In this case , the Russian military agents , from a group security researchers call “ Fancy Bear , ” peppered Burisma employees with emails designed to look like internal messages .
In order to detect phishing attacks , Area 1 maintains a global network of sensors designed to sniff out and block them before they reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Federal Elections Commission gave Area 1 permission to offer its services to candidates for federal elected office and political committees at the same low rates it charges non-profits .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--San Antonio standoff ends hours after man killed by police

SAN ANTONIO - Three people surrendered peacefully after a more than five-hour standoff in San Antonio that followed the fatal shooting of a man by officers outside a house where the three then refused to come out , police said .
A San Antonio officer and a federal officer fatally shot the man shortly after noon Monday in southeastern San Antonio after he rammed his vehicle into police vehicles , police Chief William McManus said .
“ There were officers in the cars whose lives were being threatened , ” McManus said .
The man died at the scene , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released .
Officers then tried to search the house , but the three people inside refused to come out for hours before finally surrendering about 5:30 p.m. , McManus said .
The three were being questioned , he said , but no arrests or charges were immediately announced .
The man who died was wanted on a federal weapons charge , McManus said .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Virginia House committee advances ERA

Virginia House committee advances ERA

RICHMOND , Va. - Virginia moved a step closer to passing the Equal Rights Amendment on Tuesday , even as the amendment ’ s future nationally remains in doubt .
A House committee approved a resolution to ratify the gender equality measure , which could become the next amendment to the U.S. Constitution .
The 13-9 vote split along party lines , with all Democrats supporting it and all Republicans opposing it .
A Senate committee already advanced a similar resolution .
The resolutions are now before the full House and Senate , and final passage could come as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measure will enshrine equality for women in the Constitution , offering stronger protections in sex discrimination cases .
Opponents warn it will erode commonsense protections for women , such as workplace accommodations during pregnancies .
Once the measure advances fully through both chambers , Virginia would become the decisive 38th state to approve it , surpassing the three-quarters of states needed to add an amendment to the Constitution .
But even if it ’ s ratified , court battles are expected over a long-passed 1982 deadline set by Congress , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--German prosecutors charge 6 more in VW emissions scandal

FRANKFURT - Prosecutors in Germany have filed charges against six more individuals in connection with Volkswagen ’ s diesel emissions scandal , bringing the total to 11 .
Prosecutors in the town of Braunschweig said Tuesday that the suspects - all Volkswagen executives at the time - were responsible for cars that had software that let them pass emissions tests in labs but then turned off pollution controls .
It said the illegal actions involved took place at different times between 2006 and 2015 .
The prosecutors ’ statement did not name the individuals charged .
Three of the accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other three as accessories to the offences , meaning they assisted or facilitated them .
The prosecutors said 32 more individuals were under investigation .
Those charged earlier include former CEO Martin Winterkorn .
He resigned after the scandal erupted in 2015 .
Winterkorn also faces charges in the U.S. but can not be extradited .
The company has paid more than 30 billion euros ( $ 33 billion ) in fines , settlements and recall costs .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Irish prime minister seeks new mandate in February election

LONDON - Prime Minister Leo Varadkar sought a fresh mandate to govern Ireland on Tuesday , arguing he ’ s the best person to represent Irish interests in the next phase of Brexit negotiations between the European Union and Britain .
The leader of the Fine Gael Party formally asked President Michael Higgins to dissolve the parliament , the Dáil , and set the election for Feb. 8 .
Varadkar described it as the ‘ ’ right time “ for a vote — given recent agreements on Brexit and power-sharing in Northern Ireland .
“ As a nation , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future , ’ ’ he said in a Dublin speech .
“ We ’ ve modernized our society — marriage equality , women ’ s rights , real progress in education , welfare and childcare .
But , it ’ s not enough .
I know it ’ s not enough.
” Though Varadkar framed the timing around future EU negotiations , his administration had been facing potential defeat in a vote of no confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris in the first week of next month .
That prospect will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to revolve around the issues of housing and health care .
“ People want their government to do much more , ’ ’ Varadkar said .
“ And I want us to do much more.
” The contest will be Varadkar ’ s first election as prime minister .
He succeeded Enda Kenny as Fine Gael leader in 2017 .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Prohibition began 100 years ago, and its legacy remains

NEW YORK - In this era of bottomless mimosas , craft beers and ever-present happy hours , it ’ s striking to recall that 100 years ago the United States imposed a nationwide ban on the production and sale of all types of alcohol .
The Prohibition Era , which lasted from Jan. 17 , 1920 , until December 1933 , is now viewed as a failed experiment that glamorized illegal drinking , but there are several intriguing parallels in current times .
Americans are consuming more alcohol per capita now than in the time leading up to Prohibition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that excessive drinking was ruining family life .
More states are also moving to decriminalize marijuana , with legalization backers frequently citing Prohibition ’ s failures .
Many of the same speakeasy locations operating in the 1920s are flourishing in a culture that romanticizes the era .
And in a time of heightened racial divisions , Prohibition offers a poignant history lesson on how the restrictions targeted blacks and recent immigrants more harshly than other communities .
That treatment eventually propelled many of those marginalized Americans into the Democratic Party , which engineered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a lot of unintended consequences that backfired on the people who worked so hard to establish the law , ” said Harvard history professor Lisa McGirr , whose 2015 book “ The War on Alcohol ” examines Prohibition ’ s political and social repercussions .
“ It helped to activate and enfranchise men and women who had not been part of the political process earlier , ” she said .
“ That was not the intention of Prohibition supporters.
” Ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919 , which set the stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , culminated a century of advocacy by the temperance movement .
Leading forces included the Women ’ s Christian Temperance Union , the Anti-Saloon League and many Protestant denominations .
Prohibition supporters assailed the impact of booze on families and the prominent role that saloons played in immigrant communities .
Prohibition greatly expanded federal law enforcement powers and turned millions of Americans into scofflaws .
It provided a new revenue stream for organized crime .
By the time the constitutional amendment was ratified in January 1919 , many states had enacted their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress passed a law detailing how the federal government would enforce Prohibition .
It was known as the Volstead Act in recognition of its foremost champion , Rep. Andrew Volstead of Minnesota .
The law banned the manufacture , sale and transport of any “ intoxicating liquor ” — beverages with an alcohol content of more than 0.5 % , including beer and wine .
Statistically , Prohibition was not an utter failure .
Deaths from alcohol-related cirrhosis declined , as did arrests for public drunkenness .
What the statistics don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bootleggers established vast distribution networks .
Makers of moonshine and “ bathtub gin ” proliferated , sometimes producing fatally tainted liquor .
Determined drinkers concealed their contraband in hip flasks or hollowed-out canes .
Maryland refused to pass a law enforcing the Volstead Act .
McSorley ’ s Old Ale House , established in New York in 1854 and still flourishing as one of the city ’ s oldest bars , never closed during Prohibition .
Ostensibly , it served “ near beer ” with permissibly low alcohol content , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makeshift brewery erected in the basement .
“ It wasn ’ t a near beer .
It was McSorley ’ s ale , ” said the pub ’ s manager , Gregory de la Haba .
“ At least once a week , people ask , ‘ What did we do during Prohibition ?
’ And my reply , ‘ We made a ton of money.
’ ’ ’ The federal government , as well as state and local authorities , spent huge sums on enforcement yet never allocated sufficient resources to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash bribed judges , politicians and law enforcement officers to let their operations continue .
“ Newly hired and poorly trained Prohibition agents , along with local and state police , targeted violators at the margins , ” McGirr wrote in a recent article .
“ But they lacked the capacity , and at times the will , to go after powerful crime kingpins.
” It ’ s simplistic to say Prohibition created organized crime in America , but it fueled a huge expansion as local crime gangs collaborated with those from other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices for bootlegged alcohol .
Beneficiaries included Chicago-based gangster Al Capone , who earned tens of millions of dollars annually from bootlegging and speakeasies .
In the infamous St. Valentine ’ s Day Massacre of 1929 , gunmen disguised as police officers killed seven men from a gang that sought to compete with Capone ’ s empire .
Beyond the ranks of gangsters , legions of Americans were committing or abetting crime .
Michael Lerner , in his book “ Dry Manhattan : Prohibition in New York City , “ says courtrooms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepting plea bargains , ” making it a common practice in American jurisprudence for the first time.
” Anti-immigrant sentiment was a key factor behind Prohibition , partly because of record-high immigration in the preceding decades .
Saloons in immigrant neighbourhoods were prime targets , says Slippery Rock University history professor Aaron Cowan , because middle-class white Protestants viewed them as political and social danger zones .
“ Often the political machines run by the bosses were based in these saloons , or used them as a conduit for extending favours , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern about political corruption , changing social values , immigrants learning radical politics.
” Prohibition ’ s start in 1920 coincided with a major expansion of the Ku Klux Klan , which supported the ban on alcohol as it waged its anti-immigrant , anti-Catholic and racist activities .
The Volstead Act “ provided a way for the Klan to legitimize its 100 % Americanist mission — it could target the drinking of those they perceived to be their enemies , ” McGirr said .
One notorious example occurred in 1923-24 in southern Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobilized hundreds of volunteers to raid saloons and roadhouses .
Hundreds of people were arrested and more than a dozen killed .
That kind of social friction helped spur efforts to repeal Prohibition .
Economics also played a role .
While some Prohibition supporters predicted it would boost the economy , instead it proved harmful .
Thousands of jobs were lost due to closures of distilleries , breweries and saloons .
Federal , state and local governments lost billions in revenue as liquor taxes disappeared .
One major consequence : Increasing reliance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The onset of the Great Depression hastened Prohibition ’ s demise , as the need for more jobs and tax revenue became acute .
The Democratic Party called for repeal of Prohibition in its 1932 platform ; its presidential nominee , Franklin D. Roosevelt , embraced that cause as he rolled to a landslide victory over incumbent Republican Herbert Hoover .
In March 1933 , soon after taking office , Roosevelt signed a law legalizing the sale of wine and 3.2 % beer .
Congress also proposed a 21st Amendment that would repeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that December , when Utah provided the final vote needed to ratify the new amendment .
One of the pithiest summaries of Prohibition came earlier — a scathing assessment from journalist H.L .
Mencken in 1925 .
Five years of Prohibition “ completely disposed of all the favourite arguments of the Prohibitionists , ” he wrote .
“ There is not less crime , but more .
There is not less insanity , but more .
The cost of government is not smaller , but vastly greater .
Respect for law has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s centennial comes as the United States is incrementally ending the criminalization of marijuana .
Recreational use of pot is now legal in 11 states .
More than 30 allow its use for medical purposes .
Marijuana remains illegal under federal law , but Ethan Nadelmann , founder of the pro-legalization Drug Policy Alliance , believes most Americans now view the anti-marijuana crusades of America ’ s “ War on Drugs ” as misguided in ways that evoke Prohibition .
“ Even some of the older generation are saying , ‘ We went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--UN says ‘staggering’ deaths of rights activists in Colombia

BOGOTA - The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm on Tuesday at what it @ @ @ @ @ number of activist deaths in Colombia .
The U.N. agency said that 107 human rights @ @ @ @ @ , a number that could grow to 120 as investigations into cases are completed .
@ @ @ @ @ been reported thus far in 2020 , indicating that the “ terrible trend ” is @ @ @ @ @ up .
The vast majority of the deaths happened in rural areas with a higher-than-average @ @ @ @ @ armed groups operate .
Activists defending specific community , ethnic and indigenous groups were the @ @ @ @ @ said the ability of illegal armed groups to enter and control territory once ruled by @ @ @ @ @ 2016 peace accord is partly to blame .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is backdrop to US humanities grants

SANTA FE , N.M. - The National Endowment for the Humanities is emphasizing private matching investment as it designates $ 31 million in public grants to support humanities projects in 45 states .
Those grant projects include the likely addition of a new exhibition building at the Georgia O ’ Keeffe Museum and conservation complex in Santa Fe , New Mexico .
National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman Jon Parrish Peede announced the round of 188 grants at a news conference Tuesday .
The city is a hub for collectors and creators of Native American and Southwestern art , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide artistic and cultural traditions .
Local humanities councils in every state and additional U.S. territories will disburse an additional $ 48 million in federal money .
Several approved federal grants seek to underwrite construction and expand the capacity of museums , historic sties , libraries , colleges and universities .
Recipients run the gamut from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody , Wyoming , to the St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center .
Other grants will support new technologies in the humanities , including plans for an augmented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 13th century city commemorated today at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Gambia’s ex-dictator Jammeh reportedly wants to come home

BANJUL , Gambia - Gambia ’ s longtime dictator Yahya Jammeh , who fled into exile three years ago after an election loss , has announced plans to return to the West African nation where human rights activists say he ordered the killings of political opponents during his rule .
The deputy spokesman for Jammeh ’ s political party released several audio recordings to the media over the weekend featuring conversations between Jammeh and a top party official .
“ I am coming back .
They said they drove me out of the country .
Apart from Allah , nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Jammeh is heard saying .
The recordings could not be independently verified and it was not clear when they had been made .
His two-decade-long rule was marked by arbitrary arrests , enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings , according to rights activists .
Along with political opponents , Jammeh also targeted journalists and members of the gay community .
While he has not been charged in Gambia with a crime , witnesses have testified before an ongoing Truth , Reconciliation and Reparations Commission , some saying they had carried out summary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have suggested Jammeh could face economic crimes for pillaging state coffers before he fled into exile in Equatorial Guinea in January 2017 .
He stole an estimated $ 1 billion during his rule , according to The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project .
Equatorial Guinea , led by the same president for more than 40 years , is unlikely to ever extradite Jammeh .
It ’ s unclear what measures Gambian authorities would take if Jammeh voluntarily returned home .
Do Sannoh , an adviser to Gambian President Adama Barrow , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations over Jammeh ’ s possible return .
But he said the former leader would be welcome to appear before the commission that has been investigating alleged abuses during his rule .
“ He is a citizen .
He has every right to stay in his hometown and go and answer to the law , ” he said .
The audio recordings prompted outcry from the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations , which said the government should arrest Jammeh if he sets foot in the country .
“ Former President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gambia was a tyrannical and brutal dictatorship , ” said Sheriff Kijera , the centre ’ s chairman .
“ He is a fugitive from justice and a subject of serious allegations of human rights violations.
“ Kijera added : “ If former president Jammeh is authorized to return to The Gambia without being arrested , charged and prosecuted for his crimes or transferred to another state for him to face justice , it would be a big failure on the part of the government of The Gambia to uphold its duty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as its international obligation to provide an effective remedy to victims .
”


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--6 big questions ahead of final debate before start of voting

WASHINGTON - Tuesday marks the last time the leading Democratic presidential contenders will face a national audience on the debate stage before primary voting begins , making it the most significant moment of the 2020 primary season to date .
The prime-time faceoff comes just 20 days before Iowa ’ s caucuses as polls suggest the nomination is truly up for grabs .
Heading in , there were new signs of tension among all the top-tier candidates , particularly Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren .
If ever there was a time for the six contenders on stage to take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Six big questions heading into the Des Moines debate , to be carried live on CNN : IS THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ABOUT TO EXPLODE ?
The conditions are ripe for a full-blown political brawl in Iowa .
Less than three weeks before voting begins , there is no front-runner , which means that every candidate on stage has the opportunity to stand out .
And as Cory Booker found out , it ’ s hard to stand out in 2020 playing the nice guy .
Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg have already given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in past debates .
And suddenly , Warren and Sanders are sparring with each other .
It ’ s always risky to go on the attack , but with time running out and tensions rising , it ’ s easy to envision fireworks .
A dust-up between Warren and Sanders is moving gender to the centre of the debate .
Sanders was on the defensive Monday facing anonymous reports that he told Warren during a private meeting in 2018 that a female candidate couldn ’ t beat President Donald Trump .
Warren confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Sanders has vigorously denied it .
The dispute reflects Sanders ’ growing stature in the field .
But it also speaks to the bigger role women will play in choosing the next president — and it underscores anxiety among many Democrats that voters aren ’ t ready for a woman in the White House .
While many Democrats say they want a female president , they say the top priority is beating Trump in November .
IS IT BERNIE ’ S TURN FOR THE FRONT-RUNNER TREATMENT ?
His team insists he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and New Hampshire , so perhaps it ’ s fitting that Sanders is looking like a top target heading into the debate .
On Monday , he was on the defensive facing anonymous reports that he told Warren during a private meeting in 2018 that a female candidate couldn ’ t beat Trump .
Warren confirmed the report in a statement Monday night , while Sanders has vigorously denied it .
That was just days after news leaked that the Sanders campaign was privately encouraging volunteers to play up concerns about Warren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her recent struggle for momentum and Sanders ’ rise , this is a fight that Warren wants and needs .
And don ’ t forget that Biden and his allies have raised consistent concerns about Sanders ’ signature policies and his status as a self-described democratic socialist .
Sanders has been an afterthought in past debates , but he enters this one as a central player .
Pete Buttigieg came under heavy scrutiny in the last debate for hosting wealthy donors at a California “ wine cave.
“ While we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wine caves since , we do know that he ’ s maintained an aggressive fundraising schedule that relies heavily on big donors .
Fundraising represents a defining issue in the broader fight between opposing wings in the Democratic Party : One insists that any money from big-dollar donors is tainted , while the other insists they need all the money they can get to defeat Trump .
Given his well-documented struggles with black voters , Buttigieg can not afford to alienate many progressives , which is exactly what happened around the wine cave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The Iowa debate features the smallest group in the Democrats ’ 2020 primary season — and it ’ ll also be the whitest .
Not a single person of colour met the Democratic National Committee ’ s rising donor and polling thresholds .
That ’ s not good news for a party that needs to generate strong minority turnout to defeat Trump , who is tremendously unpopular with black and brown voters , but is making an aggressive case that the Democratic Party is taking them for granted .
Tuesday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims , forcing the all-white cast to defend their party on a sensitive issue .
Last week ’ s military clash with Iran shines a new spotlight on foreign policy — and Biden .
The former Delaware senator and two-term vice-president has struggled for almost two decades to explain his 2002 vote to authorize military action against Iraq .
Foreign policy should be a strength for him .
But the Iraq vote , among other questionable decisions , gives his rivals legitimate lines of attack .
Based on recent history , expect Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Iraq .
Biden hasn ’ t helped himself recently by inaccurately describing his position .
Few issues illustrate the difference between Biden and his competitors more than this one .
Biden knows it ’ s coming — can he finally move past it ?
CAN ANYONE ELSE OUTSHINE THE BIG FOUR ?
In a race packed with this much uncertainty , it ’ s a mistake to dismiss anyone on stage .
That includes Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and billionaire activist Tom Steyer , who may have struggled for attention for much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown upside in recent weeks .
Klobuchar , who had a strong showing in last month ’ s debate , has a biography made for Iowa .
And Steyer , who is flooding early voting states with a massive advertising campaign , raised eyebrows last week with surprisingly strong polling .
They have yet to crack the top tier , but with the eyes of the political world on them Tuesday , the opportunity is there .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--World’s largest asset manager shifts focus to climate change

NEW YORK - BlackRock , the world ’ s largest asset manager , will make climate change central to its investment decisions .
Founder and CEO Laurence Fink , who oversees the management of about $ 7 trillion in funds , said in his influential annual letter to CEOs Tuesday that he believes we are “ on the edge of a fundamental reshaping of finance ” because of a warming planet .
Climate change has become the top issue raised by clients , Fink said , and it will affect everything from municipal bonds to long-term mortgages for homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , exiting investments in coal used to generate power , and it will begin asking clients to disclose their climate-related risks .
“ Because capital markets pull future risk forward , we will see changes in capital allocation more quickly than we see changes to the climate itself , ” Fink wrote in the letter .
“ In the near future – and sooner than most anticipate – there will be a significant reallocation of capital.
” That shift is already underway .
Investors poured $ 20.6 billion into sustainable funds last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had set a year earlier , according to Morningstar .
The industry has broadened in recent years , after starting with simple funds that bluntly excluded stocks deemed as harmful , such as gun makers or tobacco stocks .
Investors , particularly younger ones , increasingly say they want their money invested with an eye toward sustainability .
Fearful of losing out on those dollars — and the fees that they produce — investment companies are rushing to meet the surging demand .
Fund managers increasingly say they consider environmental , social and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s known as “ ESG ” investing in the industry , and it means fund managers measure a company ’ s performance on the environment and other sustainability issues along with its bottom-line financials when choosing which stocks to own .
ESG funds say such an approach can help investors ’ returns , rather than just their consciences , because it can help avoid risky companies , and the big losses they may have ahead of them in the future .
Companies with poor records on the environment are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example .
The European Union plans to dedicate a quarter of its budget to tackling climate change and has set up a scheme to shift 1 trillion euros ( $ 1.1 trillion ) in investment towards making the economy more environmentally friendly over the next 10 years .
The Europe Investment Plan , to be unveiled Tuesday , will be funded by the EU budget and the private sector .
It aims to deliver on European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen ’ s Green Deal to make the bloc the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The shift by BlackRock is substantial .
The firm has long been a target of environmental activists who have staged protests outside of its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan .
It has been hounded by some members of Congress who believe BlackRock could better address climate change with its vast economic heft .
Because of its size and reach , any shift in focus by BlackRock has the potential for much wider ramifications .
The firm has operations in dozens of countries and is often called the world ’ s largest shadow bank .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that do not respond to stakeholders and address sustainability risks will encounter growing skepticism from the markets , and in turn , a higher cost of capital , ” Fink wrote .
“ Companies and countries that champion transparency and demonstrate their responsiveness to stakeholders , by contrast , will attract investment more effectively , including higher-quality , more patient capital.
” AP Reporter Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report from Brussels .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Police searching for Lesotho’s first lady in murder probe

MASERU , Lesotho - Police in Lesotho on Tuesday were searching for the country ’ s first lady for questioning in the 2017 killing of the prime minister ’ s former wife , while the police commissioner said the “ noose ” was tightening around the prime minister and those close to him as an investigation continues .
The killing of Lipolelo Thabane occurred two days before Prime Minister Thomas Thabane ’ s inauguration for a second term in the tiny southern African nation , and two years after a court ruled that Lipolelo was the lawful first lady and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his current wife some two months after Lipolelo was killed .
Neither the prime minister nor his wife , Maesaiah , have commented publicly on allegations of their involvement in the murder .
Police on Friday obtained an arrest warrant for the first lady after she didn ’ t report to them .
Police Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli on Tuesday said officers had no idea where she might be .
More details were expected later Tuesday when the High Court was set to hear her application seeking the cancellation of the arrest warrant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to hear Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli ’ s application to stop the prime minister from advising Lesotho ’ s King Letsie III from sending the police official into early retirement .
Molibeli said the prime minister wants him out in a bid to stop the murder investigation and recommend a new commissioner “ to immunise himself from criminal investigations and prosecution , thus thwarting the rule of law.
” The police commissioner in recent weeks successfully challenged efforts by the prime minister to send him into suspension and forced leave .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Britain, France, Germany trigger dispute mechanism on Iran nuclear pact, paving way for sanctions

BRUSSELS - Britain , France and Germany ratcheted up pressure on Iran Tuesday to cease its violations of a landmark nuclear deal , stressing that they want to resolve differences through talks while starting the clock on a process that could result in a so-called “ snapback ” of United Nations sanctions .
The three countries , which signed the international agreement in 2015 along with the United States , Russia and China , said in a letter to the European Union ’ s foreign policy chief that they had no choice but to trigger the deal ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ongoing transgressions .
The three said they rejected Tehran ’ s argument that Iran was justified in violating the deal because the United States broke the agreement by pulling out unilaterally in 2018 .
“ We have therefore been left with no choice , given Iran ’ s actions , but to register today our concerns that Iran is not meeting its commitments , ’ ’ the countries said in a joint statement .
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell , who co-ordinates the agreement on behalf of the world powers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not mean international sanctions will automatically be slapped on the Islamic Republic .
The aim of the move by France , Germany and Britain is “ to find solutions and return ( Iran ) to full compliance within the framework of this agreement .
he said .
Hours later , Iran ’ s Foreign Ministry warned of a “ serious and strong response ” to the European move .
However , Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said Iran was is “ fully ready to answer any good will and constructive effort ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was quoted Tuesday by the official IRNA news agency .
The Europeans stressed that they want to “ resolve the impasse through constructive diplomatic dialogue ” and made no threat of sanctions in their statement .
They also specifically distanced themselves from sanctions imposed by the U.S. , which Washington has said is part of a “ maximum pressure ” campaign against Tehran .
“ Our three countries are not joining a campaign to implement maximum pressure against Iran , ” they said .
“ Our hope is to bring Iran back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 nuclear deal , known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , or JCPOA , seeks to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon — something Iran insists it does not want to do — by putting curbs on its atomic program in exchange for economic incentives .
Under its dispute resolution mechanism , countries have 30 days to resolve their problem , though that can be extended .
If it can not be solved , the matter could be brought before the U.N. Security Council and could then result in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the deal .
U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the U.S. out in May 2018 , saying the pact was insufficient and should be re-negotiated because it didn ’ t address Iran ’ s ballistic missile program or its involvement in regional conflicts .
Since then he has reinstated American sanctions , which have been having a devastating effect on Iran ’ s economy .
In response , Iran has rolled back its commitments in stages to try and pressure the other countries involved to provide economic incentives to offset the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far have been insufficient .
China and Russia had been against invoking the dispute mechanism , but German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a statement that the three European countries “ could no longer leave the growing Iranian violations of the nuclear agreement unanswered.
” “ Our goal is clear : we want to preserve the accord and come to a diplomatic solution within the agreement , ” Maas readded .
“ We will tackle this together with all partners in the agreement .
We call on Iran to participate constructively in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Following the announcement , Russia ’ s ambassador to international organizations in Vienna , Mikhail Ulyanov , tweeted that he hoped the decision wouldn ’ t “ complicate the situation further.
” After its top general was killed in a U.S. drone attack earlier this month , Iran announced what it said was its fifth and final step in violating the deal , saying it no longer will abide by any limitation to its enrichment activities .
At the same time it again said all of its violations were reversible if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the growing skepticism that the deal will be able to saved , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday suggesting that maybe the agreement could be somehow re-worked to address some of the concerns raised by Trump when he pulled the U.S. out .
“ Let ’ s work together to replace the JCPOA with the Trump deal , ” he told the BBC .
Borrell refused to comment on the suggestion , but again emphasized that the remaining signatories to the deal , which took years to negotiate , feel it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nuclear ambitions .
“ We have to preserve the nuclear deal and work to go back to full and effective implementation , “ Borrell told reporters in Strasbourg , France .
He described the pact as a “ significant achievement ” and underlined that ” there is no alternative to this agreement.
” Britain ’ s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Parliament that “ the government in Iran has a choice.
” “ The regime can take the steps to de-escalate tensions and adhere to the basic rules of international law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political and economic isolation , ” he said .
“ We urge Iran to work with us to save the deal.
” Rising reported from Beirut .
Danica Kirka in London , Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin and Daria Litvinova in Moscow contributed .

Lorne Cook And David Rising - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Tom Hanks’ family offered Greek passport too for fire help

ATHENS , Greece - Greece ’ s government is extending its offer of citizenship to Tom Hanks to his wife and their two children , in recognition of the family ’ s help in assisting victims of a deadly wildfire near Athens in 2018 .
Last month , Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos signed an honorary naturalization order allowing the 63-year-old actor , who has spent his recent summer vacations at a family home on the Greek island of Antiparos , to claim Greek citizenship .
The decision published in a government gazette Tuesday and co-signed by Greek Interior Minister Takis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes Hanks ’ wife , actress and producer Rita Wilson , and their two sons , Chester and Truman .
The wildfire killed more than 100 people in July 2018 , sweeping through the coastal town of Mati and other nearby resorts east of Athens .
“ The Hanks family gave a signal all over the world for immediate relief actions to help our fire-stricken fellow citizens , ” the order signed on Dec. 27 said .
It added that in their effort to assist charity efforts they had provided “ exceptional services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greek law , may be granted to people “ who have provided exceptional services to the country or whose naturalization serves the public interest.
” Hanks became an Orthodox Christian before his second marriage in 1988 to Rita Wilson , who is of Greek and Bulgarian descent .
Hanks , Wilson , and Hollywood producer Gary Goetzman co-produced the 2002 romantic comedy , My Big Fat Greek Wedding , which received an Academy Award nomination for best original screenplay .
In a post on Instagram last week , Hanks said : “ Starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Greece !
Kronia pola !
( more or less , ‘ Many years to you !
’ ) .
Hanx ” The post shows the shadow of Hanks holding up his left arm against an ancient Greek statue .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--UK leader: Royal rift over Harry-Meghan plans can be settled

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday he believes the royal family can resolve a serious rift over the plans of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan , who want to break free of their royal roles and move to Canada .
The plans of Harry and Meghan , also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , have received tentative approval from Queen Elizabeth II , who said she and other senior royals regret the decision but understand and respect it .
Vital details remain to be worked out , with difficult issues to resolve , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions as well , but the British prime minister told the BBC that the monarchy will be able to find solutions .
“ My view on this is very straightforward : I am a massive fan , like most of our viewers , of the queen and the royal family as a fantastic asset for our country , ” Johnson said .
“ I ’ m absolutely confident that they are going to sort this out.
” He said the senior royals , who had a crisis summit Monday afternoon at the queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eastern England , will be able to find an amicable way forward “ much more easily without a running commentary from politicians.
” Harry and Meghan ignited the latest crisis by unilaterally issuing a statemen t Wednesday indicating a desire to step back from most royal duties and become financially independent .
They have decided to spend at least part of their time in Canada , a Commonwealth country where the queen is head of state and Meghan worked for seven years while filming the TV series “ Suits.
” The move annoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sparking the so-called Sandringham summit that brought together the 93-year-old queen , her eldest son and heir Prince Charles , and Prince William , who would follow his father Charles to the throne , along with Harry .
Few details emerged , but the queen ’ s statement afterwards indicates the family won ’ t seek to block Harry and Meghan ’ s bid for independence from royal roles they clearly find restrictive .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , speaking after the queen made clear the couple has chosen Canada as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcomes the news but has issues to discuss , including the possible cost to taxpayers of providing security for the well-known royal couple .
“ I think most Canadians are very supportive of having royals be here , but how that looks and what kind of costs are involved , there are still lots of discussions to have , ” he told Canadian TV , adding that no formal talks between the British and Canadian governments have been held .
Britain ’ s royals are protected by a special unit of London ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland Yard , at a cost that is not made public because of concerns that details about its operation could compromise the royals ’ safety .
In addition to cost concerns , it is likely that special arrangements would have to be made to allow London police to operate on a long-term deployment in Canada .
Many financial questions remain .
The queen says Harry and Meghan don ’ t plan to use public funds when they step back from royal duties , so it is possible they may be asked to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The royals seem to be adopting a “ go slow ” attitude toward the breakaway couple , with the queen talking about a period of transition .
Harry and Meghan have declared that one of their goals is to become financially independent .
It is not known if they will continue to receive financial support from Harry ’ s father , Prince Charles , who uses income from the Duchy of Cornwall estate to support a variety of royal activities .
The estate generated more than 20 million pounds ( $ 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan have announced plans to launch a major charitable institution in the coming year , but details haven ’ t been made public .
In the past they have focused on female empowerment , wildlife protection , ending the stigma surrounding mental health problems and other issues .
They just took a six-week vacation in western Canada with their infant son Archie .
Meghan has returned to Canada after a brief visit to London last week .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Officials: Dam at Mississippi lake could soon fail

STARKVILLE , Miss .
- Heavy rains could cause the failure of a dam in a rural northeastern Mississippi county as officials on Tuesday urged residents to evacuate as a precaution .
Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency Director Kristen Campanella said the county engineer had inspected the Oktibbeha County Lake dam , reported extremely high water levels in the lake and noted the dam could fail at any time .
Mississippi has one of the highest numbers of dams that pose dangers and are in poor or unsatisfactory condition , according to a two-year investigation by The Associated Press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fair ” the last time it was inspected in 2016 .
A February 2019 report made available to the AP on Tuesday noted ongoing seepage problems that the owners — the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors — said they lacked money to fix .
The report did not detail how much the repairs would cost or how long the problem with seepage has existed The board has issued a warning about the current danger of a breach and activated an emergency action plan , news outlets reported .
The plan , reviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breach would lead to the closure of nine highways .
While the evacuation is not mandatory , Campanella urged residents near the dam to relocate immediately to a safer distance .
The number of people affected wasn ’ t immediately clear .
Campanella told the AP there were about 130 property addresses in the area .
“ A lot are family properties , though , so there are multiple trailers on the land , ” she said .
The emergency plan states that 108 structures would need to be evacuated in the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community safe room has been set up “ as a staging area ” until a Red Cross shelter opens at a local church .
The dam is about 8 miles ( 13 kilometres ) northwest of Starkville .
Mississippi has 5,886 dams counted in federal records .
Of those , 375 are high-hazard dams , meaning they could kill someone if they fail .
Of those , 35 % are in poor or unsatisfactory condition — the fourth highest share in the country among the 44 states and Puerto Rico that had high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of 2014 , the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has counted 42 dams that have failed .
At least nine others have been drained , sometimes in face of imminent hazard .
According to the National Weather Service , the area of the Okitibbeha Lake on Tuesday had received 2.5 to 3.5 inches ( 6.3 to 8.9 centimetres ) of rain over 24 hours .
Based on radar estimates , it received 2 inches ( 5.1 centimetres ) over six hours , said meteorologist John Moore .
Moore said the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They started the year really , really wet and haven ’ t gotten a break , ” Moore said .
Associated Press writers Michael Casey in Concord , New Hampshire and Chevel Johnson in New Orleans contributed to this story .
AP ’ s data customers can access an exclusive data set showing high-hazard dams across the country , including in Mississippi .
If your news organization is not yet licensed to access our data distribution , please contact apdigitalsales @ ap.org for enrolment details .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Lawsuit says Mississippi prisons are ‘plagued by violence’

JACKSON , Miss .
- More than two dozen Mississippi inmates sued the state Tuesday , saying understaffed prisons are “ plagued by violence ” and inmates are forced to live in decrepit and dangerous conditions .
The federal lawsuit follows an outbreak of violence that killed five inmates and left an undisclosed number of others injured between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3 .
The suit was filed the same day Mississippi inaugurated a new Republican governor , Tate Reeves , who had a prominent role in writing state budgets during the past eight years as lieutenant governor .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were aware of problems in the prisons and said people should report possible civil rights violations or criminal activity .
They did not say how extensive a federal investigation might be .
All the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are inmates at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman , where three of the five deaths happened .
The lawsuit says conditions violate inmates ’ constitutional rights to receive equal treatment under the law and not to face cruel and unusual punishment .
It says the recent deaths “ are a direct result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people it has incarcerated.
” Some of the plaintiffs ’ attorneys are with a New York-based law firm whose clients include Jay-Z .
Last week , those attorneys sent a letter on behalf of Jay-Z to then-Gov .
Phil Bryant and Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Pelicia Hall .
The attorneys said they intended to sue the state over inmates being “ forced to live in squalor.
” Hall announced Dec. 31 that she would leave her job at the Department of Corrections in mid-January , coinciding with the transition to a new governor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her .
In seeking information about prisons , the special agent in charge of the FBI ’ s Jackson division and the state ’ s two U.S. attorneys said Tuesday that people could report potential federal criminal violations to the FBI or potential civil rights violations to the civil rights division of the U.S. Justice Department .
“ Allegations of the violation and deprivation of civil rights , as well as criminal activity , continue to be taken very seriously by our offices , “ said a joint statement by the FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Attorneys William C. Lamar of the state ’ s northern district and Mike Hurst of the southern district .
Because of damage caused during the unrest , hundreds of prisoners were moved from one unit at the Parchman to another unit there that closed years ago because of decrepit conditions .
The state then entered an emergency contract to move 375 of those inmates to a private prison nearby .
Hall said in a news release Monday that even after moving the 375 inmates , the state would have to find different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been housed at Parchman ’ s Unit 29 , which was damaged in the violence .
Hall and her predecessors repeatedly told Mississippi budget writers , including Reeves , that prisons have too few guards because the pay is low and working conditions can be dangerous .
State corrections officials are seeking an additional $ 67 million for the budget year that begins July 1 at the three state-run prisons .
That would allow them to hire 800 more guards , raise guards ’ starting salaries from the current $ 25,650 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current employees .
Officials also are requesting $ 22.3 million to renovate Unit 29 .
Bryant sought some increased prison funding , but not as much as $ 67 million .
Top legislators are recommending that Mississippi spend even less next year than this year .

Emily Wagster Pettus - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--TSA apologizes to traveller over treatment at MN airport

MINNEAPOLIS - An official of the Transportation Security Administration apologized Tuesday to a Native American air traveller who says an agent treated her offensively at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport .
Indigenous rights activist and attorney Tara Houska says she was headed home to Bemidji Monday when a TSA agent said she needed to pat down her long braids and then pulled them behind her shoulders and said “ giddyup ” as she snapped them like reins of a horse .
“ My hair is part of my spirit .
I am a Native woman .
I am angry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , “ Houska tweeted .
Houska , who is Objibwe , says she doesn ’ t want the agent fired , but thinks TSA needs to improve its sensitivity training .
In a statement , the agency said TSA officials investigated the incident , and on Tuesday afternoon TSA ’ s Federal Security Director for Minnesota Cliff Van Leuven spoke with Houska and apologized for the officer ’ s actions and comment .
“ TSA holds its employees to the highest standards of professional conduct and any type of improper behaviour is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Democrats release new documents on eve of impeachment trial

WASHINGTON - House Democrats have released a trove of documents they obtained from Lev Parnas , a close associate of President Donald Trump ’ s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani , as they prepare to send articles of impeachment to the Senate for Trump ’ s trial .
The documents made public Tuesday add new context to the Democrats ’ charges that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Democrats as he withheld military aid to the country .
The materials show that Parnas was in constant communication with Giuliani and also Ukrainian officials as he worked as an intermediary .
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undisclosed letter from Giuliani to Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskiy before he took office .
In the letter , Giuliani announces himself as Trump ’ s personal lawyer and requests a meeting with Zelenskiy “ as personal counsel to President Trump and with his knowledge and consent.
” The documents — including phone records , texts and flash drives turned over by Parnas — were sent to the House Judiciary Committee by three other House committees “ to be included as part of the official record that will be transmitted to the Senate along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a statement .
Some of the materials were made public while others were marked as sensitive .
In a statement , four Democratic House committee chairmen said that they have continued their inquiry so the House impeachment managers “ can present to the Senate the most complete factual record possible “ before the impeachment trial .
“ Despite the president ’ s unprecedented and sweeping obstruction of our impeachment inquiry , we have continued to collect additional evidence relevant to the president ’ s scheme to abuse his power by pressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the president ’ s benefit , ” wrote House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel , House Oversight and Reform Chairman Carolyn Maloney and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler .
Parnas and his business partner , Igor Fruman , both U.S. citizens who emigrated from the former Soviet bloc , were indicted last year on charges of conspiracy , making false statements and falsification of records .
Prosecutors allege they made outsize campaign donations to Republican causes after receiving millions of dollars originating from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a handwritten note on stationery from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Vienna that says “ get Zalensky to Annonce that the Biden case will be Investigated.
“ Trump asked Zelenskiy in a July call to investigate his political rival , Democrat Joe Biden , and his son Hunter .
Hunter Biden served on the board of a gas company based in Ukraine .
In a letter outlining the evidence , the Democrats said that Parnas ’ attorney confirmed that Parnas had written the notes .
Several of the documents show Parnas communicating with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about the removal of Marie Yovanovitch , who was the time the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine .
Her removal , pushed by Trump , was at the centre of the Democrats ’ inquiry .
Yovanovitch testified in the House impeachment hearings and said she was the victim of a smear campaign .
On April 23 , the day before Yovanovitch was directed to return home , Giuliani texted Parnas , “ He fired her again.
” Parnas texted back , “ I pray it happens this time I ’ ll call you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents comes after a federal judge earlier this month said that Parnas could turn over documents to Congress as part of the impeachment proceedings .
Democrats voted in December to impeach Trump for abuse of power and for obstruction of Congress .

Mary Clare Jalonick And Eric Tucker - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Dem senator says he has 51 votes to restrain Trump on Iran

WASHINGTON - A Democratic senator said Tuesday he has at least 51 votes to support a bipartisan resolution asserting that President Donald Trump must seek approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran .
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia said the Senate could vote as soon as next week on the measure , which is co-sponsored by two Republican senators and has support from at least two more Republicans .
Republican Sens .
Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky have co-sponsored the measure , and GOP Sens .
Todd Young of Indiana and Susan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support it .
“ We now have a majority of colleagues , Democratic and Republican , who will stand strong for the principle that we should not be at war without a vote of Congress , and that ’ s a very positive thing , ’ ’ Kaine told reporters Tuesday .
The bipartisan resolution “ clearly states that America can always defend itself , ’ ’ against attack from Iran or any other country , Kaine said , “ but we don ’ t think that this president — or any president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a vote of Congress.
’ ’ Kaine has long pushed for congressional action reasserting congressional power to declare war , but he said Tuesday he has received renewed support after the Trump administration killed Iran ’ s top general earlier this month .
Tehran responded to the U.S. attack by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops .
No serious casualties were reported .
Democrats and Republicans alike criticized a briefing last week by the Trump administration on the Jan. 3 drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the attitude that was being communicated to us that Congress is an annoyance ” to the executive branch , Kaine said .
The briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials gave lawmakers the impression that they “ should be glad ” to get “ a few morsels of information ’ ’ five days after the attack , he said .
Kaine said he has removed , at Republicans ’ request , language that targeted Trump .
Instead the measure is a more general statement declaring that Congress has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president to terminate use of military force against Iran or any part of its government without approval from Congress .
Young said in a statement Tuesday that he opposed “ a politically charged version ” of Kaine ’ s war powers resolution , but supports revised language reasserting Congress ’ s constitutional role in debating military action .
“ Our service members are willing to put politics aside for our national security , we need to do the same , ” Young said .
Kaine ’ s proposal “ does not alter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commander in chief to defend our nation and U.S. forces abroad , ” Collins said , adding that it would allow the president to respond to emergencies created by aggression from any hostile nation , including Iran .
The resolution “ simply makes clear that only the legislative branch may declare war or commit our armed forces to a sustained military conflict with Iran , ” said Collins , one of the most vulnerable Republicans seeking reelection this year .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and many other Republicans oppose the resolution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to U.S. allies .
The Democratic-controlled House passed a separate war powers resolution last week .
The House measure is not binding on the president and does not require his signature .
If the Senate approves the Kaine measure , the House could take up the Senate resolution and send it to Trump .
Two-thirds votes in the House and Senate would be needed to override an expected Trump veto .
The White House said last week that the House proposal was unnecessary because the military actions it cites are already authorized by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Use of Military Force against Iraq .
The proposal also could undermine the president ’ s ability to defend U.S. forces and interests in the region against ongoing threats from Iran and its proxies , the White House said .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--California housing crisis: Oakland moms evicted by deputies

SAN FRANCISCO - Homeless women ordered by a California judge last week to leave a vacant house they illegally occupied in Oakland for two months were evicted before dawn Tuesday by sheriff ’ s deputies in a case that highlighted the state ’ s severe housing shortage and growing numbers of homeless people .
Alameda County Sheriff ’ s deputies , some dressed in military-style fatigues , escorted two women with the Moms 4 Housing group from the home and bound their hands with plastic ties as dozens of activists on the sidewalk chanted “ Let the moms go !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded the chaotic scene with their cellphones .
Two men were also arrested .
All four had been released by Tuesday afternoon .
Video showed one deputy slamming a battering ram against the house ’ s front door .
The women decried the show of force and declared their fight far from over in a city where a one-night count of homeless jumped 47 % in two years to more than 4,000 last year and the median house sales price is about $ 750,000 .
Deputies boarded up the house with plywood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erected around the property .
Deputies who carried out the eviction “ came in like an army for mothers and babies , ” said Dominique Walker , one of the mothers who was not arrested .
“ We have the right to housing .
This is just the beginning.
” How permanently the women have changed the conversation around what is an intractable — and statewide — problem remains to be seen .
An uptick in the U.S. homeless population last year was driven entirely by a 16 % increase in California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor has pledged to tackle the twin crises of homelessness and deep housing unaffordability .
The Oakland women have said nobody should be homeless when investment companies are buying and fixing up properties to sell at profit .
The occupied house in the distressed west Oakland neighbourhood is owned by Wedgewood Inc. , a Southern California real estate investment group that bought the property at a foreclosure auction last year for just over $ 500,000 .
Wedgewood said it plans to work with the non-profit group Shelter 37 to renovate the property with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profits from the home ’ s sale with Shelter 37 .
Squatting is nothing new in the San Francisco Bay Area , said Needa Bee , a homeless mother who works with The Village in Oakland group to shelter homeless people , in some cases inside houses that belong to others .
The group identified nine unoccupied homes over the last year for 40 homeless people , she said .
Some properties targeted for squatting included homes owned by banks and investment firms .
Others were homes owned by people having trouble paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless as tenants in exchange for the group ’ s help paying taxes or making repairs .
The group also plans to build homes and a solar shower on a median strip in an East Oakland neighbourhood currently used as an illegal trash dump , Bee said .
“ We live in a society that is pro-property owners and pro-capitalist so when you have that kind of value system , you ’ re going to have people who live on medians and who are harassed for living on medians , “ Bee said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved into the three-bedroom house in November with their children , partly to protest the methods of speculators who they have claimed snap up distressed homes and leave them empty despite California ’ s housing shortage .
They also wanted to highlight the plight of African Americans in the U.S. who were historically shut out of owning property and forced into substandard neighbourhoods that are now popular with wealthier , and often whiter , residents .
African Americans are about a quarter of Oakland ’ s population , but made up 70 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a society that is anti-poverty , that is anti-black , ” Bee said .
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Patrick McKinney ruled Friday the women did not have the right to stay and had to leave within five days .
McKinney said the courtroom was not the place to address issues of housing and homelessness .
Still , McKinney allowed lawyers for Walker , and her recently formed collective , Moms 4 Housing , to make their case .
They argued that housing is a right and that the court must give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house , especially because it sat vacant for so long and because the alternative would be to send the women to live on the streets .
On Tuesday , Sgt .
Ray Kelly , spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Office , called the high-profile eviction a success because authorities feared a potential for violence .
Officers had to use the battering ram to get into the house because the back and front doors had been fortified , Kelly said .
Two women and a man who were inside were arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave and did not , he said .
A fourth person was arrested outside the house .
“ There was a tremendous amount of work that went into this and we had to think outside the box a little bit , “ Kelly said .
Officers then boarded up the house with plywood and said it is up to Oakland police to arrest anyone caught trespassing .
The house did not contain many belongings , Kelly said , and Wedgewood is responsible for returning those belongings .
Kelly said the department is considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of dollars ” associated with enforcing the eviction .
The people arrested will be booked on misdemeanour charges of resisting and obstruction , he said .
No children were present during the 5:15 a.m. eviction because the mothers had sent them away for safekeeping .
Wedgewood said the company was pleased “ the illegal occupation of its Oakland home has ended peacefully.
” Moms 4 Housing said after the eviction that its efforts will continue despite the arrests .
“ We ’ ve built a movement of thousands of Oaklanders who showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police violence and advocate for homes for families , ” the group tweeted .
“ This isn ’ t over , and it won ’ t be over until everyone in the Oakland community has a safe and dignified place to live .
”


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Tennessee governor says he will sign anti-LGBT adoption bill

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee announced Tuesday that he ’ ll sign into law a measure that would assure continued taxpayer funding of faith-based foster care and adoption agencies even if they exclude LGBT families and others based on religious beliefs .
The GOP-controlled Senate gave the bill final passage on the first day of the 2020 legislative session after it was initially approved by the House last April .
The bill was sent to the Republican governor amid warnings by critics of possible negative consequences for Tennessee ’ s reputation .
Lee ’ s communication director , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday evening that the governor would sign the bill .
Earlier , before the Senate vote , Lee declined to weigh in after saying he had not read the two-page bill .
“ We are off to a fine start this session , ” state Sen. Steve Dickerson joked while debating against the bill earlier as the lone Republican opposed .
A handful of states to date have enacted similar legislation i ncluding Kansas , Oklahoma , Texas , Alabama , South Dakota , North Dakota , Virginia , Mississippi and Michigan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to no longer turn away LGBT couples or individuals because of religious objections .
Nationally , supporters argue such measures are needed to protect against potential lawsuits hostile to the group ’ s religious beliefs .
However , critics counter that the proposals attack LGBT rights and limit the number of qualified families seeking t o adopt or foster needy children .
“ This bill is solely about freedom , ” said Sen. Paul Rose , the Republican sponsor of the bill .
Rose conceded he thought the bill wasn ’ t necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s administration is currently proposing a rule that would impose the same protections .
Yet he said he advanced the bill this year because there was no guarantee Trump would be reelected later this year .
Trump ’ s proposal would rescind an Obama-era rule that prevented foster care agencies from receiving federal funds if they discriminated against families based on sexual orientation and gender identity .
Ultimately , 20 Republicans approved the bill while five other Republican members simply voted “ present “ even after some questioned the bill ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join the Senate ’ s five Democrats in opposition .
He said the bill would allow certain groups to limit the families where children could be sent , adding “ I expect that waiting list to increase somewhat.
“ He added , “ This will have a direct fiscal impact on the state , not to mention the humanitarian impact and emotional impact on those c hildren who ... will now be in a foster setting for a longer time.
” In 2011 , Illinois declined to renew its state contract with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy of refusing child placement to same-sex couples .
Catholic Charities has also stopped handling adoptions in Washington D.C. , Massachusetts and San Francisco over concerns they would be required to act against their religious beliefs .
If the proposal bec omes law as the governor has signalled , current adoption practices in Tennessee aren ’ t expected to change .
Some faith-based agencies already do not allow gay couples to adopt .
But this measure would provide legal protections to agencies that do .
For example , denied applicants couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious belief or moral conviction was cited as a reason .
The legislation sparked opposition from civil rights and foster advocates .
“ The foster care system is at a critical juncture where it is required by new federal law to reduce the number of children placed in harmful group homes and to expand family home options for children who can not safely return to their family of origin , “ said Currey Cook , counsel and director of Lambda Legal .
” Children who need more homes , not fewer , should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chip away at equality for LGBTQ families.
” Over in the House , lawmakers had less on tap on opening day though an unrelated political development unfolded .
Republican Rep. David Byrd confirmed he doesn ’ t plan to seek reelection this year .
Byrd had been accused of sexual misconduct by three women when he was their high school basketball coach and a teacher decades ago , before being elected .
He was reelected in 2018 despite the accusations .
Byrd said he told GOP colleagues in an August closed door gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as The Tennessean had reported .
“ I told my caucus I wouldn ’ t go run , and I hate to go back on my word , even though I ’ m getting a lot of pressure put on me in my district to run , ” Byrd told The Associated Press .
Byrd had apologized to one of the women in a phone call she recorded in early 2018 , but didn ’ t detail his action and denied anything happened with other students .
He said he might change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue over the allegations .
Another Republican has filed for his seat .

Kimberlee Kruesi And Jonathan Mattise - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Bills seek to end ‘conversion therapy’ in Kentucky

FRANKFORT , Ky. - Twice a week for four years when he was in high school , gay student Zach Meiners underwent “ conversion therapy , ” a practice that attempts to change a person ’ s sexual orientation or gender identity .
Once the sessions ended , it took almost 10 years before he started “ to heal and learn to love “ himself , Meiners said Tuesday during a rally to promote bills that would effectively ban conversion therapy in Kentucky .
“ It was ingrained in my head that to be gay meant that I was apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find acceptance , love or fulfilment unless my identity changed , “ said Meiners , now 30 .
“ I was publicly shamed .
I was taught to hate who I was.
” Bills aimed at effectively ending the practice have been introduced in the Republican-dominated House and Senate .
Republican Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr of Lexington , lead sponsor of the Senate measure , on Tuesday referred to the practice as “ conversion torture.
“ Democratic Rep. Lisa Willner of Louisville , lead sponsor of the House bill , denounced it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This practice is in fact not a therapy at all , “ Willner said .
“ This is a practice that attempts to fix something that was never broken .
It is a practice that targets some of our most vulnerable and disenfranchised youth.
” The proposals would ban mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with people under age 18 .
The same ban would apply for adults who are under guardianship or those who are wards of the state because they have been determined to lack the capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mental health professionals violating the measures would face disciplinary action by their professional licensing agency .
The bills also would prohibit public funds from going to any organization that provides conversion therapy .
Supporters of the bills said Kentucky would be the 20th state to pass legislation limiting the practice .
Meiners , a Louisville filmmaker , began working on a documentary last year about conversion therapy .
He travelled the country to interview “ survivors “ of the practice as well as licensed therapists .
The documentary will be released later this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent wants to hurt their child , “ Meiners said at the rally .
“ I know mine sure didn ’ t .
Most parents simply do not have the education or resources they need when their kid comes out .
They ’ re told about a conversion therapy , usually by a friend or a pastor .
So they try it as if they ’ re going to see a specialist for some sort of health problem .
But that ’ s not what this is.
” The bills are House Bill @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Democrats unveil billboard of Trump tossing paper towels

KISSIMMEE , Fla. - Ahead of Vice-President Mike Pence ’ s Latinos for Trump rally in central Florida , state Democrats have paid for a billboard showing an image of the president tossing paper towels at a Puerto Rican church after the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria .
The Florida Democratic Party unveiled the billboard Monday in Kissimmee , a city outside Orlando with a large Puerto Rican population , including many who came to central Florida after the 2017 hurricane .
Above the image of President Donald Trump tossing the paper towels into a crowd , are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Never Forget ” in English .
Critics at the time said the president ’ s tossing of the paper towels showed a lack of sensitivity to the devastation on the island .
Pence is the featured speaker at a Latinos for Trump rally being held in Kissimmee on Thursday .
The vice-president and his wife also are attending a Keep American Great rally in Tampa that day .
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thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Students back in court over Confederate statue case

RALEIGH , N.C. - A national civil rights organization filed an appeal Tuesday on behalf of University of North Carolina students who want to intervene in a settlement that gives $ 2.5 million and a Civil War commemorative statue to a Confederate heritage group .
The Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed the appeal on behalf of five students and a faculty member who want to intervene in the deal between the UNC Board of Governors and the North Carolina Division of Sons of Confederate Veterans regarding the statue of the Confederate soldier known as “ Silent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any further proceedings in the trial court and prevent disbursement of the $ 2.5 million pending a review by the state Court of Appeals .
“ We have been told repeatedly that this settlement was negotiated in the interest of student safety - but truly what safety is there in empowering a group rooted in racism and violence ?
” UNC-Chapel Hill sophomore De ’ Ivyion Drew said in a news release from the Lawyers ’ Committee .
In December , Judge Allen Baddour of Orange County ruled that the students lacked standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He signed that order Friday , the news release says .
Baddour did agree to hold a hearing Feb. 12 about whether the SCV had standing to bring the lawsuit regarding Silent Sam .
The UNC board and the Confederate group worked out the consent judgment that turned over the statue .
Critics have questioned how the deal was quietly struck in a way that allowed the lawsuit and settlement to be filed in quick succession and then approved by Baddour just before Thanksgiving .
SCV attorney Boyd Sturges declined comment Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appeal yet .
Press Millan and Ripley Rand , attorneys who have represented the Board of Governors , didn ’ t respond to emails seeking comment .
“ The factual circumstances surrounding this case are deeply disturbing : the co-ordination between the parties , the obvious legal defects in the plaintiffs ’ claims , the rush to finalize this deal and get the court ’ s approval before the public knew anything .
We are taking action today because we believe it ’ s critical to stop where we are and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Mark Dorosin , a managing attorney for the Lawyers ’ Committee .
Meanwhile , the student newspaper at UNC-Chapel Hill has sued the UNC Board of Governors , saying it violated the state ’ s open meetings laws by secretly negotiating and approving the deal to dispose of Silent Sam .
DTH Media Corp. , which publishes The Daily Tar Heel student newspaper , sued last week .
Silent Sam stood on the Chapel Hill campus for more than 100 years until protesters toppled it in August 2018 .
Critics say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while supporters argue the statue honoured the memory of ancestors who died in the Civil War .


thetorontostar--2020-01-14--Mexico bishops urge no statute of limitations for sex abuse

MEXICO CITY - The Roman Catholic Church in Mexico called on the country ’ s government Tuesday to modify the legal code and do away with statutes of limitations for sexual abuse of minors .
“ We want to ask in the name of the bishops of Mexico for there to be no expiration for this crime , ” said Rogelio Cabrera , president of the Mexican Bishops ’ Conference .
He called it “ unjust ” that nothing can be done about such cases starting 10 years from the date of the offence , “ since the wrong done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has been a victim.
” Cabrera said the church admits sex abuse complaints up to 20 years from the time a victim reaches adulthood .
The church has had a serious and longtime problem with clerical sex abuse in Mexico .
According to data presented Tuesday at a news conference , the Bishops ’ Conference has investigated 426 priests in the last 10 years , 271 of them for sex abuse .
Alfonso Miranda , secretary of the Bishops ’ Conference , said 155 of those cases have gone before prosecutors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last March .
He noted that those are just preliminary figures and added that 217 priests have been defrocked , though without saying whether all were for sex abuse or other offences .
Cabrera said legal and religious punishment for offenders is not sufficient on its own and that victims deserve compensation and guarantees of “ immediate , clear and expedited ” attention to their cases .
He added that the church ’ s oft-employed response of isolating and transferring alleged abusers has been “ unsatisfactory and dangerous.
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