thetorontostar--2020-02-24--India pours on the pageantry with colorful welcome for Trump

AHMEDABAD , India - Basking in adulation from a massive , colorful crowd , President Donald Trump and India ’ s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lavished each other with praise Monday in a reaffirmation of U.S.-India ties as the subcontinent poured on the pageantry in a joyful welcome for the U.S. president .
Trump capped his whirlwhind day with a sunset tour of India ’ s famed Taj Mahal .
More than 100,000 people packed the world ’ s largest cricket stadium in Modi ’ s home state to give Trump the biggest rally crowd of his political career .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ day ’ s enviable trio of presidential photo-ops , and was sandwiched between Trump ’ s visits to a former home of independence leader Mohandas Gandhi and the Taj Mahal .
Nearly everyone in the newly constructed stadium in Ahmedabad in western India sported a white cap with the name of the event , “ Namaste , Trump ” or “ Welcome , Trump , ” and roared for the introductions of both leaders .
But miles away in the capital of New Delhi , Indian police used tear gas and smoke grenades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours before Trump was due to arrive , as violence broke out over a new citizenship law that excludes Muslims .
Anti-Trump street demonstrations also erupted in Delhi , Kolkata , Hyderabad and Gauhati , but not in the city where Trump was hosted .
Embarking on a whirlwind 36-hour visit , Trump opened his speech in Ahmedabad by declaring that he had travelled 8,000 miles to deliver the message that “ America loves India , America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a musical medley of Bollywood hits and Trump ’ s campaign rally playlist , including numerous Elton John songs that seemed to puzzle most of the crowd .
Trump basked in the raucous reception that has eluded him on many foreign trips , some of which have featured massive protests and icy handshakes from world leaders .
In India , he instead received a warm embrace — literally — from the ideologically aligned and noted hugger Modi .
The sun-baked city of Ahmedabad bustled as Trump arrived , its streets teeming with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American president .
Newly cleaned roads and planted flowers dotted the roads amid hundreds of billboards featuring the president and first lady Melania Trump .
Thousands lined his motorcade route , shy of the up to 10 million that Trump speculated would be on hand .
His first stop was Gandhi ’ s home , where Trump donned a prayer shawl and removed his shoes to create the incongruous image of a grandiose president quietly walking through the humble ashram .
He inspected the spinning wheel used by the famed pacifist and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gandhi ’ s mantra of “ See no evil , Hear no evil , Speak no evil ” before departing for a far more boisterous setting : the mega-rally at the world ’ s largest cricket stadium .
Trump ’ s motorcade travelled amid cheers from a battery of carefully picked and vetted Modi loyalists and workers from his Bharatiya Janata Party who stood for hours alongside the neatly manicured 22-kilometre ( 14-mile ) stretch of road to accord the president a grand welcome on his way to the newly constructed stadium .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hand to keep security tight and a new wall has come up in front of a slum , apparently to hide it from presidential passers-by .
On the way to the stadium , Trump ’ s motorcade crossed a river where a barge was emblazoned with “ TRUMP “ and onlookers chanted “ Modi !
” The stadium was packed with revelers , many of whom sported Trump and Modi masks , as they sat in 80-degree heat .
Scores of attendees , particularly those sitting in the sun , streamed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The “ Namaste Trump ” rally was , in a way , the back half of home-and-home events for Modi and Trump , who attended a “ Howdy Modi ” rally in Houston last year that drew 50,000 people .
Trump lavished praise on both Modi and the democracy he leads , touting an effort to lift residents out of extreme poverty , saying “ India gives hope to all of humanity.
” Trump , whose foreign visits typically are light on sightseeing , told reporters travelling with him that the stadium event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked forward to his first visit to the Taj Mahal , the immense white marble 17th century mausoleum on the bank of a river in the city of Agra .
“ I hear it ’ s incredible , ” Trump said of the Taj Mahal .
“ I think it ’ s going to be amazing.
“ Stories in local media warn of the monkeys that inhabit the landmark and pester tourists for food and , on occasion , menace both visitors and slingshot-carrying security guards .
Images of American presidents being feted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those of their rivals in the opposing party slogging through diners in early-voting states and clashing in debate .
This trip , in particular , reflects a Trump campaign strategy to showcase him in his presidential role during short , carefully managed trips that provide counter-programming to the Democrats ’ primary contest and produce the kinds of visuals his campaign can use in future ads .
His aides also believe the visit could help the president woo tens of thousands of Indian-American voters before the November election .
The visit also comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fellow populist , who has provided over a steep economic downturn and unfulfilled campaign promises about job creation .
When Trump touches down in Delhi later Monday , he will find a bustling , noisy , colorful capital that also is dotted with half-finished construction projects stalled due to disappearing funding .
The president will conclude his whirlwind visit to India on Tuesday in the capital , including meetings with Modi over stalled trade talks and a gala dinner .
The two nations are closely allied , in part to act as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
Trump announced at the stadium that India would soon buy $ 3 billion of American military equipment .
But trade tensions between the two countries have escalated since the Trump administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium from India .
India responded with higher penalties on agricultural goods and restrictions on U.S. medical devices .
The U.S. retaliated by removing India from a decades-old preferential trade program .
Trump voiced optimism that a deal could be reached but also lightheartedly told the rally crowd about Modi : “ Everybody loves him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s very tough.
” Eyes will also be on whether Trump weighs in on the protests enveloping India over a new citizenship law that provides a fast track to naturalization for some migrants who entered the country illegally while fleeing religious persecution , but excludes Muslims , raising fears that the country is moving toward a religious citizenship test .
Passage has prompted large-scale protests and a violent crackdown .
Trump has refrained from publicly rebuking world leaders for human rights abuses during his overseas trips .
He made no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rally , but included passing references to religious tolerance for all faiths , including Islam .
He also specifically referred to the United States ’ success combating “ radical Islamic terrorism , “ particularly originating from India ’ s longtime rival , Pakistan .
Sheikh Saaliq contributed reporting .
Lemire reported from New Delhi .
Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann and Darlene Superville in Washington and Emily Schmall in New Delhi contributed to this report .
Follow Colvin on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/colvinj and Lemire at http : //twitter.com/ @ JonLemire

Jill Colvin And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Palestinians fire rockets at Israel; Netanyahu threatens war

JERUSALEM - Gaza militants resumed their intense bombardment of southern Israel on Monday , with some rockets slipping through Israel ’ s vaunted Iron Dome defence system and one landing in the yard of a kindergarten .
There was no word of casualties , but the second day of violence threatened to unleash a new round of hostilities just a week before Israel heads to elections .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Gaza ’ s Hamas rulers with a “ war ” if the new round of rocket fire continued , ramping up his rhetoric amid the stretch drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Army Radio , Netanyahu said he ’ d conveyed a message to Hamas that if it did not stop Gaza militants behind the attacks , Israel would target Hamas directly .
“ If you don ’ t shoot them , we will shoot you .
I ’ m talking about a war , ” he said .
“ I ’ m not looking for a war .
But we have prepared something you can ’ t even imagine.
“ Netanyahu ’ s interview was interrupted with news of fresh air raid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian militant fire resumed midday after a morning lull .
The Islamic Jihad militant group fired at least 20 rockets on Sunday after Israeli forces killed a Palestinian militant who had tried to place a bomb along the Israel-Gaza barrier fence , and then removed his body with a bulldozer .
The image outraged Palestinians who fired rockets .
Israel responded by striking militants targets in Gaza and Syria .
Israel and Hamas have engaged in three wars between 2008 and 2014 and several intense rounds of violence after that .
Israel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy round of fighting last November after the Israeli military killed a top Islamic Jihad commander .
Since then , Israel and Gaza ’ s more powerful Hamas group have been working through Egyptian mediators to cement an informal cease-fire .
But Islamic Jihad has continued to try to carry out attacks .
The sudden exchanges after months of relative calm put Israel ’ s tense security situation back on the agenda a week before the the country ’ s third election in less than a year .
The campaign has thus far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s precarious legal situation after he was indicted on corruption charges .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-24--US sets out case for extradition of WikiLeaks’ Assange

LONDON - The U.S. government began outlining its extradition case against Julian Assange in a London court on Monday , arguing that the WikiLeaks founder is not a free-speech champion but an “ ordinary ” criminal who put many lives at risk with his secret-spilling .
U.S. authorities want to try Assange on espionage charges that carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison over the 2010 publication of hundreds of thousands of secret military documents and diplomatic cables .
Lawyer James Lewis , representing the U.S. government , called it “ one of the largest compromises of classified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States.
” Dozens of Assange supporters protested noisily outside the high-security courthouse as District Judge Vanessa Baraitser began hearing the case .
Assange , 48 , watched from the dock at Woolwich Crown Court ’ s court number 2 —brought there from Belmarsh Prison next door , where he has been imprisoned for 10 months .
He spoke to confirm his name and date ofbirth .
He nodded towards reporters before taking his seat .
The extradition hearing follows years of subterfuge , diplomatic dispute and legal drama that have led the 48-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through self-imposed exile inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London to incarceration in a maximum-security British prison .
Assange has been indicted in the U.S. on 18 charges over the publication of classified documents .
Prosecutors say he conspired with U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to hack into a Pentagon computer and release secret diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan .
Lewis said U.S. authorities argue that WikiLeaks ’ activities created a “ grave and imminent risk ” to U.S. intelligence sources and other people who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was not the role of the British court to determine whether Assange was guilty .
“ This is an extradition hearing , not a trial , “ he said .
“ The guilt or innocence of Mr. Assange will be determined at trial in the United States , not in this court.
” Assange argues he was acting as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection , and says the leaked documents exposed U.S. military wrongdoing .
Among the files published by WikiLeaks was video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , including two Reuters journalists .
But Lewis said Assange was guilty of “ straightforward “ criminal activity .
“ What Mr. Assange seeks to defend by free speech is not the publication of the classified materials , but he seeks to defend the publication of sources — the names of people who put themselves at risk to assist the U.S. and its allies , ” the lawyer said .
“ Reporting or journalism is not an excuse for criminal activities or a license to break ordinary criminal laws.
” Journalism organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Reporters Without Borders say the charges against Assange set a chilling precedent for freedom of the press .
Assange ’ s legal saga began in 2010 , when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden , which wanted to question him about allegations of rape and sexual assault made by two women .
He refused to go to Stockholm , saying he feared extradition or illegal rendition to the United States or the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba .
In 2012 , Assange sought refuge inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond the reach of U.K. and Swedish authorities .
For seven years Assange led an isolated and increasingly surreal existence in the tiny embassy , which occupies an apartment in an upscale block near the ritzy Harrod ’ s department store .
The relationship between Assange and his hosts eventually soured , and he was evicted in April 2019 .
British police immediately arrested him for jumping bail in 2012 .
Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November because so much time had elapsed , but Assange remains in London ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the U.S. extradition request .
For his supporters around the world , Assange remains a hero .
But many others are critical of the way WikiLeaks has published classified documents without redacting details that could endanger individuals .
WikiLeaks has also been accused of serving as a conduit for Russian misinformation , and Assange has alienated some supporters by dallying with populist politicians including Brexit-promoter Nigel Farage .
An end to the saga could still be years away .
After a week of opening arguments , the extradition case is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides will lay out their evidence .
The judge is not expected to rule until several months after that , with the losing side likely to appeal .
If the courts approve extradition , the British government will have the final say .
The case comes at delicate time for transatlantic relations .
The U.K. has left the European Union and is keen to strike a trade deal with the U.S .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Lesotho court to decide whether PM can face murder charge

MASERU , Lesotho - Lesotho ’ s prime minister appeared in court Monday but the murder case against him failed to proceed as the magistrate referred the matter to the constitutional Court to decide whether a sitting prime minister can be charged with any crime .
Prime Minister Thomas Thabane ’ s legal team argued against him being charged .
The 80-year-old leader is accused of murder in the 2017 killing of his estranged wife , Lipolelo .
His current wife , Maesaiah , already has been charged after briefly fleeing to neighbouring South Africa .
Last week the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what his lawyer called medical reasons , missing a court appearance .
Monday was his Thabane ’ s first public appearance since then , and it came as a surprise to many in the southern African kingdom .
His legal team argued that the defence team ’ s application for referral to the constitutional Court was premature because Thabane has not yet been charged .
The defence said the prime minister ’ s mere appearance in court was enough of a reason .
“ I must admit from the outset that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose determination we eagerly await , ” Magistrate Phetise Motanyane said .
It was not immediate clear when the constitutional Court will hear the matter .
If the court decides that a sitting prime minister can not be charged , the prosecution will have to wait at least until July 31 , the date when Thabane has said he will retire .
He has been under pressure from his ruling party to step down .
Thabane ’ s current wife is out on bail .
The couple sat together Monday in the gallery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-24--B. Smith, model turned lifestyle guru, dead at 70

NEW YORK - Barbara “ B.
” Smith , one of the nation ’ s top black models who went on to open restaurants , launch a successful home products line and write cookbooks , has died at her Long Island home at age 70 after battling early onset Alzheimer ’ s disease .
Smith ’ s family announced on social media that she died Saturday evening .
“ Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.
’ s dazzling and unforgettable smile , ” Smith ’ s husband Dan Gasby said on Facebook .
Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1986 and attracted a following among affluent black New Yorkers , The New York Times recalled .
Essence magazine described it as the place “ where the who ’ s who of black Manhattan meet , greet and eat regularly.
” Smith wrote three cookbooks , founded three successful restaurants and launched a nationally syndicated television show and a magazine .
Her successful home products line was the first from a black woman to be sold at a nationwide retailer when it debuted in 2001 at Bed Bath & Beyond .
In 1976 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine , after Jolie Jones in 1969 .
“ You epitomized class , true beauty and dignity .
Rest well Queen , ” actress Viola Davis wrote on Twitter .
Smith was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer ’ s disease in 2013 .
She and Gasby raised awareness of the disease , and particularly its impacts on the African-American community , following her diagnosis .
Some described Smith as a “ black Martha Stewart , ” a comparison she said she didn ’ t mind though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite different .
“ Martha Stewart has presented herself doing the things domestics and African Americans have done for years , ” she said in a 1997 interview with New York magazine .
“ We were always expected to redo the chairs and use everything in the garden .
This is the legacy that I was left .
Martha just got there first.
“ In the same interview , Gasby said , “ Martha is perfection and Barbara is passion.
” Smith began suffering from memory problems years before her diagnosis .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewed on the “ Today Show , ” prompting a doctor ’ s visit that led to her diagnosis .
A few months later , she was missing in New York City for a day .
In 2018 , Gasby revealed that he was in a relationship with another woman while caring for his ailing wife , leading to harsh criticism from some of her fans .
He fired back at critics with a Facebook post about the pain of living with Alzheimer ’ s in the family .
“ I love my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her take away my life , ” he wrote .
The couple co-authored a book , “ Before I Forget : Love , Hope , Help , and Acceptance in Our fight Against Alzheimer ’ s , “ and have partnered with the Brain Health Registry .
Smith , a native of Pennsylvania , began her career as a fashion model in Pittsburgh and went on to serve as a spokeswoman for Verizon , Colgate , Palmolive Oxy and McCormick ’ s Lawry seasonings .
She hosted the nationally syndicated television show “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly a decade , which aired on NBC stations .
Smith is survived by Gasby , whom she married in 1992 , and her stepdaughter Dana Gasby .
This story has been corrected to show the spelling of the seasonings brand Smith was a spokeswoman for is McCormick not McCornick and that the name of the first black model to be on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine is Jolie Jones , not Joli Jones .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Trump, first lady stroll the grounds of iconic Taj Mahal

AHMEDABAD , India - The Latest on President Donald Trump ’ s visit to India ( all times local ) : President Donald Trump , who once owned the former Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City , New Jersey , is taking in the breathtaking views of the real Taj Mahal Monday in India .
On his flight to Agra , India , Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he ’ s never been to the iconic 17th century mausoleum , but that he ’ s heard it ’ s “ incredible.
” Trump and first lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heritage site just as the sun was beginning to set .
On the way from the airport , crowds waved tiny Indian and U.S. flags .
Larger-than-life sized cutouts of Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were erected along the route .
Air Force One landed at an airport in Agra where Trump and his entourage walked along a red carpet on the tarmac and applauded dancers in feathered costumes perform the peacock dance .
The dancers and musicians shimmied to music and beating drums .
One the greeters spun a plate full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ground .
Indian police used tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse a crowd of clashing protesters in New Delhi on Monday as violence broke out over a new citizenship law just ahead of President Donald Trump ’ s visit to the city .
While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi feted Trump at a mega-rally in the west Indian city of Ahmedabad , clashes erupted in New Delhi between hundreds of supporters and opponents of a new citizenship law that provides fast-track naturalization for some foreign-born religious minorities , but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Delhi , Kolkata , Hyderabad and Gauhati .
But also in Delhi , a group of Hindu nationalists held a prayer meeting and offered a blessing by putting a vermilion mark on the forehead of Trump ’ s photograph in a poster .
A priest chanted Hindu hymns wishing Trump success in his endeavour for strong ties with India .
President Donald Trump is hailing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a “ Namaste Trump ” rally at a huge cricket stadium that undoubtedly is the biggest audience the president has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of people gathered in the Indian city of Ahmedabad that he will always remember the “ remarkable hospitality ” they have showed him .
In his speech Monday , Trump called Modi a ” tremendously successful leader “ who has transformed the country .
Modi has given Trump a jubilant welcome with thousands of people lining the streets , including a parade of hundreds of dancers and musicians in colorful traditional dress .
Trump announced more military sales to India , including helicopters , and said he is working with Modi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheered when Trump mentioned U.S. strikes on radical Islamic extremists and when he said that the U.S. was working with Pakistan to crack down on militants operating on the Pakistani border .
Addressing the event , India ’ s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said history is being scripted at the Motera stadium .
Modi recalled his visit to America with a “ Howdy Modi ” rally in Houston five months ago .
He said Trump now is starting his journey in India in Ahmedabad with a rally named “ Namaste Trump.
“ Modi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world ” and led the crowd in chanting “ Long live India-U.S. friendship.
” Thousands of well-wishers waving U.S. and Indian flags lined the streets of Ahmedabad to welcome President Donald Trump on his maiden trip to India .
Trump ’ s motorcade rolled slowly from the airport to a former home of independence leader Mohandas Gandhi .
Along the miles , everyday people mixed with colorfully costumed musicians and dancers performing folk dances .
Trump and first lady Melania Trump removed their shoes before entering the ashram for a tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Modi .
Trump signed the guest book , referring to Modi as “ my great friend ” and thanking him for a “ wonderful visit.
” Their next stop is a rally at a huge cricket stadium in Modi ’ s hometown , where throngs of supporters await .
At the stadium , Bollywood songs with a nationalistic pitch played as a cheerful crowd , many of them students , wearing Trump and Modi masks , awaited the leaders .
Videos showing rich colours of the Indian culture and heritage projected on giant @ @


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Iran lawmaker says 50 dead from new virus in city of Qom

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - A staggering 50 people have died in the Iranian city of Qom from the new coronavirus this month , a lawmaker was quoted as saying on Monday , even as the Health Ministry insisted only 12 deaths have been recorded to date in the country .
The new death toll reported by the Qom representative , Ahmad Amiriabadi Farahani , is significantly higher than the latest number of nationwide confirmed cases of infections that Iranian officials had reported just a few hours earlier , which stood at 12 deaths out of 47 cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Iraj Harirchi rejected the Qom lawmaker ’ s claims , insisting the death toll from the virus remains at 12 .
He , however , raised the number of confirmed cases of those infected by the virus to 61 , and added that some 900 other suspected cases are being tested .
“ No one is qualified to discuss this sort of news at all , ” Harirchi said , adding that lawmakers have no access to coronavirus statics and could be mixing figures on deaths related to other diseases like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first emerged in China in December .
Still , the number of deaths compared to the number of confirmed infections from the virus is higher in Iran than in any other country , including China and South Korea , where the outbreak is far more widespread .
Neighbouring countries have reported infections from travellers from Iran in recent days , prompting several to shut their borders to Iranian citizens .
Authorities in Iraq and Afghanistan , which closed their borders with Iran , on Monday announced their first confirmed coronavirus cases .
Kuwait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus has infected more than 79,000 people globally , and caused more than 2,600 deaths , most of them in China .
The World Health Organization recently named the illness caused by the virus COVID-19 , referring to both coronavirus and its origin late last year .
Iraq said the virus was confirmed in an Iranian student in the Shiite holy city of Najaf who had entered the country before Iraq barred Iranians from entering last week .
Separately , a person in Afghanistan ’ s western province of Herat who had returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the health ministry there confirmed .
Farahani , the Iranian lawmaker from Qom , was quoted in local media as saying that more than 250 people are quarantined in that city , which is a popular place of religious study for Shiites from across Iran and other countries .
He spoke following a session in parliament in Tehran on Monday , and was quoted by ILNA and other semi-official news agencies .
The lawmaker said the 50 deaths date as far back as Feb. 13 .
Iran first officially reported cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qom on Feb. 19 .
“ I think the performance of the administration in controlling the virus has not been successful , ” Farahani said , referring to the government of President Hassan Rouhani .
“ None of the nurses have access to proper protective gears , ” Farahani said , adding that some health care specialists had left the city .
“ So far , I have not seen any particular action to confront corona by the administration.
” There are concerns that clusters of the new coronavirus in Iran , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , could signal a serious new stage in its global spread .
Travellers from Iran infected with the virus have also been confirmed in Canada , Lebanon , the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain .
Bahrain ’ s Health Ministry said an infected citizen who returned from Iran on Friday had transited through the world ’ s busiest international airport in Dubai , United Arab Emirates .
The ministry said the person is a school bus driver , and that students are being checked and related schools will be closed for two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the virus ’ spread .
“ We are worried about the situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and in Italy , ” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said .
“ It is an incredible time .
Less than two months ago , the coronavirus was completely unknown to us , “ Ghebreyesus said .
“ The past few weeks has demonstrated just how quickly a new virus can spread around the world and cause widespread fear and disruption.
” The outbreak in Iran has centred mostly in the city of Qom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days as Iranians went to the polls on Friday for nationwide parliamentary elections , with many voters wearing masks and stocking up on hand sanitizer .
Authorities in Iran have closed schools across much of the country for a second day .
Soccer fans across Iran are not permitted to attend matches , and shows in movie theatres and other venues have been suspended until Friday .
Authorities have begun daily sanitization of Tehran ’ s metro , which is used by some 3 million people , and public transportation cars in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not said whether health workers in Qom who first came in contact with infected people had taken precautionary measures in treating those who died of the virus .
Iran also has not said how many people are in quarantine across the country overall .
Meanwhile , Kuwait announced on Monday its first cases of the virus , saying that three travellers returning from the northeastern city of Mashhad , Iran , were confirmed infected with the coronavirus .
Iran , however , has not yet reported any confirmed cases of the virus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian government is carrying out tests and quarantines .
Iran has confirmed cases so far in five cities , including the capital , Tehran .
A local mayor in Tehran is among those infected and in quarantine .
Ian Mackay , who studies viruses at Australia ’ s University of Queensland said the latest figures mean that “ Iran could become the hotspot for seeding countries that have travel with Iran ... a source outside of China.
” Iran is already facing diplomatic and economic isolation under U.S. pressure .
The virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its neighbours close their borders to prevent its spread .
Armenia too has closed its border with Iran for two weeks and suspended air traffic between the two countries because of the new coronavirus .
Azerbaijan temporarily closed the Bilasuvar and Astara checkpoints on the border with Iran .
It remains unclear when the checkpoints will be re-opened .
Georgia too has restricted movement of individuals from Iran to Georgia and vice versa , according to a statement by the country ’ s Foreign Ministry .
Georgian authorities said flights between the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran , Iran ; Rahim Faiez and Tameem Akhgar in Kabul , Afghanistan ; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad ; Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen , Denmark ; Aniruddha Ghosal in New Delhi , India ; and Sophiko Megrelidze in Tbilisi , Georgia contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Sanders would use wealth tax for universal child care, pre-K

WASHINGTON - Bernie Sanders has joined fellow progressive Elizabeth Warren in proposing that a “ wealth tax ” can fiance government-funded child care from infancy through age 3 for every American family , then provide universal pre-kindergarten programs after that .
Fresh off his win in Nevada , the Vermont senator called the nation ’ s child care and early education “ an international embarrassment ” while unveiling a plan Monday that he said would fix it .
His proposal would provide a minimum of 10 hours of daily child care , even for parents who work non-traditional schedules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting at 1 % on households worth $ 32 million or more and increasing to 8 % on fortunes of at least $ 10 billion .
That ’ s more ambitious than Warren ’ s signature wealth tax , which kicks in on fortunes worth $ 50-plus million and would also fund universal child care .
Warren , a Massachusetts senator , and other presidential hopefuls have similarly proposed universal child care and pre-kindergarten .
Sanders says the federal government will impose quality standards for his pre-kindergarten program , including minimum child-to-adult ratios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Protests, prayers in Indian capital ahead of Trump’s visit

NEW DELHI - As President Donald Trump was being feted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the west Indian city of Ahmedabad on Monday , Hindu nationalist and communist groups held pro and anti-U.S. street demonstrations in the capital .
A group of Hindu nationalists held a prayer meeting where they put a vermilion mark on the forehead of Trump ’ s photograph on a poster , blessing him , while a priest chanted Hindu hymns wishing Trump success in his endeavour for strong ties with India .
Vishnu Gupta , president of Hindu Sena , said “ through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bless America and India.
’ ’ He said he wanted Trump and Modi to fight radical Islam and the spread of terrorism .
Elsewhere in New Delhi , the capital , dozens of supporters of the Communist Party of India carried a banner reading “ Trump go back.
” Anti-Trump street demonstrations also broke out in the cities of Gauhati in the northeast , Kolkata in the east and Hyderabad in the south .
Doraisamy Raja , the Communist Party ’ s general secretary , accused Modi of succumbing to U.S. pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than protecting India ’ s interests .
American dairy farmers , distillers and drugmakers have been eager to break into India , the world ’ s seventh-biggest economy , but talks between Washington and New Delhi appeared to have fizzled .
Still , the two leaders are scheduled to announce agreements at a news conference on Tuesday , capping off Trump ’ s two-day visit .
Also in New Delhi , police fired tear gas as clashes erupted between hundreds of supporters and opponents of a new citizenship law that provides fast-track naturalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslims .
One police officer was killed in the violence , police spokesman Anuj Kumar said .
Critics say that the country is moving toward a religious citizenship test .
At the rally in Ahmedabad , Trump praised India ’ s history of religious tolerance , and “ many faiths worshiping side-by-side.
” The protesters have been blocking a busy road in a northeastern district of New Delhi , replicating similar sit-ins in several parts of India since the new law was passed in December .
Police used tear gas as the rival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area on Monday and set some vehicles on fire .
Police closed access to two metro stations in the area .
New Delhi ’ s highest elected official , Arvind Kejriwal , tweeted that the violence was “ very distressing.
” A 400-meter stretch ( about a quarter of a mile ) of road was strewn with bricks and stones after the clash on Monday .
The New Delhi television news channel said authorities deployed para-military forces to defuse the situation .
The protests have erupted across India since the new law @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Rishi Lekhi And Ashok Sharma - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--China postpones key political meetings because of virus

BEIJING - China announced Monday it has postponed its most important political meetings of the year because of the outbreak of the new virus , a significant step for an authoritarian government that has always kept tight control over its political calendar .
The decision indicates the importance that President Xi Jinping places on the battle against the virus , which has killed more than 2,500 people and sickened more than 77,000 in mainland China .
The outbreak has posed one of the biggest political challenges to Xi ’ s administration since he took control of the ruling Communist Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National People ’ s Congress and its chief advisory body usually begin about March 5 and run for more than two weeks , bringing thousands of delegates to Beijing for discussions , speeches and political ceremony .
The official Xinhua New Agency earlier noted that one-third of the 3,000 delegates are provincial and municipal-level cadres with important leadership roles working on the front line of the battle against the epidemic .
Xi has been wounded by the virus outbreak , but can minimize the damage by “ moving aggressively to contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meetings , said Steve Tsang , director of the China Institute at London ’ s School of Oriental and African Studies .
Because the National People ’ s Congress has no real power , there is less reason to convene it when the party is restricting movement of people and banning large gatherings , he said .
Postponing the meetings will “ reduce the risk of anyone using either occasion to speak out of line .
Xi ’ s move is an aggressive defensive act , and thus more pragmatic than desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be defensive , “ Tsang said .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Zimbabwe’s rural elderly battle hunger amid severe drought

MUDZI , Zimbabwe - Living alone in Zimbabwe ’ s arid Mudzi district , Leah Tsiga ’ s best friend is her cat .
But when it comes to food , each has to look for their own and the 90-year-old Tsiga often comes second best .
The crafty feline forages in nearby bushes for rats , birds , insects and worms .
As for the frail Tsiga , she sometimes goes for days without a solid meal , as Zimbabwe is ravaged by a combination of drought and deepening economic crisis .
Tsiga ate porridge the previous night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ I approached one of my neighbours who felt pity for me and gave me a bowl of mealie-meal and some sugar for the porridge , ” she told The Associated Press , sitting outside her round , grass-thatched hut .
She used to get help from her three children , but they are battling to make ends meet because of Zimbabwe ’ s high unemployment .
“ They all went to Harare ( the capital ) to look for jobs , “ said Tsiga .
” They are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me and my cat here , ” she said .
Zimbabwe is among the world ’ s most food insecure countries with more than half of the its 15 million people in need of food assistance , according to U.N. ’ s World Food Program .
A drought , described by experts as the most severe in decades and worsened by climate change , has seen large numbers of rural farmers unable to grow adequate food .
A debilitating economic crisis that has seen Zimbabwe ’ s annual inflation spike to 500 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — has worsened the situation and left millions of people desperate for survival .
In Mudzi , about 230 kilometres ( 143 miles ) northeast of Harare , the situation is palpably dire and it has especially hit the elderly .
Making up about 4 % of Zimbabwe ’ s population , they are often neglected by family members , don ’ t get enough support from the government and must keep farming their small patches of land .
Many are reliant upon international food aid .
Walking bent over with a cane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hike about 5 kilometres ( 3 miles ) to reach the point where food aid was distributed because her grandchildren were away at school .
“ I can ’ t ask for help from my neighbours because they also have nothing , ” she said .
The international food assistance is targeting “ the most vulnerable groups , the elderly whom we expect not to work in the fields or to get enough harvest to take them throughout the year , ” said Never Chituwu , an official with World Vision , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food distribution .
He added that many elderly are taking care of orphans .
Of the 134,000 people in Mudzi district , more than half are in urgent need of food assistance , said the local district administrator , Robert Mzezewa , adding that many younger people have resorted to the often violent small-scale gold mining to survive .
The World Food Program is assisting 3.5 million people across the once-prosperous nation with food until April when people are expected to harvest this year ’ s crop , said Claire Neville , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s assuming there will be something to harvest .
Rains have been sparse this year and staple crops such as maize and sorghum are stunted and wilting across the district , a few kilometres ( miles ) from Mozambique , another country hard hit by the drought .
Many people did not even plant due to the erratic rains and large swathes of land lie fallow .
“ It is becoming difficult to depend on the rains these days .
Mudzi had rains in December , followed by a sudden dry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned briefly in January , but it was too late for the crops , and farmers , ” said Godfrey Mboweni , a government agronomist .
“ As climate change is intensifying , Zimbabwe and indeed all of southern Africa is a prime example of people suffering most from climate change , ” said Neville , the WFP officer .
Many shops in the district were closed while those still operating had just a trickle of customers as few people have money to buy food items , even when they are available in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to scale up assistance to reach more than 4 million people in Zimbabwe , although 7.7 million people are in need .
The agency says it requires over $ 200 million for food assistance in Zimbabwe but so far has raised just half of that amount .
Nearly 1,000 people of all ages gathered at Nakiwa village in Mudzi , to receive monthly food rations .
Before the distribution , people prayed and then recited slogans for smart agriculture strategies they learned in training workshops .
The elderly became the butt of friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting on stones and under the shade of small jatropha trees to escape the searing heat .
“ This is not a modelling show , walk faster you girls , ” shouted one woman to three grannies limping their way to the food distribution point .
People burst out in laughter , before lining up behind the old women to collect rations of cow peas ( black-eyed peas ) , maize meal and vegetable oil .
The elderly women also chuckled ruefully , masking their fatigue after walking several kilometres ( miles ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here ...
I can no longer cope , ” one of them , 61-year old Mavis Pawandiwa later told AP , breaking down several times and battling to contain her tears .
After receiving her food rations , Tsiga , the old woman with the cat , returned home to cook sadza , a stiff porridge made from ground maize that she had received .
To go with it , she cooked leaves from the pigweed ( amaranthus ) and okra growing among a faltering pearl millet crop in her small field .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will kill me , it is hunger , ” said Tsiga , as her cat , seemingly on a full stomach , slept contentedly nearby .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--2020 Watch: Why are there 8 candidates still in the race?

WASHINGTON - Presidential politics move fast .
What we ’ re watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign : Bernie Sanders has become the clear front-runner in the Democrats ’ presidential nomination fight .
And his Democratic critics are only now beginning to realize they ’ re running out of time to stop him .
Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg , among others , dramatically intensified their attacks against the Vermont senator over the weekend .
But the cluster of candidates splitting up the anti-Sanders vote is not shrinking .
Biden is as committed as ever ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , betting that his first victory could slingshot him to the front of the moderate muddle .
And Mike Bloomberg , who gets a chance to redeem himself in Tuesday ’ s debate , has 400 million reasons not to get out before Super Tuesday .
With eight candidates still in the race , Sanders ’ path to the nomination is growing by the day .
Why are there eight candidates still in the race ?
Sanders ’ Democratic critics are getting louder .
But math is on Sanders ’ side .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay in the race , the more likely Sanders becomes the nominee .
None of Sanders ’ seven rivals is showing any signs of going away , even though five of the seven candidates have not finished better than third place through three contests .
If that continues ?
Review the Republicans ’ 2016 primary to know how this will end .
Bloomberg was bad in his presidential debate debut last week .
With his money , you get a second chance at first impression , or so he hopes .
The former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 60 billion , could help himself this week .
His first shot at redemption comes Monday night when he appears at a CNN town hall for the first time .
Just 24 hours later , he ’ ll join five leading rivals for a full-on debate .
Perhaps he was surprised by the intensity of the Democratic pile-on during the first meeting .
He won ’ t have any excuses this time .
Don ’ t forget that Bloomberg has already spent more than $ 400 million on television advertising across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chunk of the Super Tuesday vote .
Should we call it a comeback ?
When is a double-digit loss a win ?
When you ’ re Joe Biden , apparently , and you ’ ve finished in a distant second place in Nevada after fourth and fifth place finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Biden ’ s campaign manager declared Nevada the beginning of a comeback , and before he left the state , Biden promised a victory in South Carolina on Saturday that would allow him to “ take this thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strong centrist that establishment Democrats hoped for , but Biden may be the only candidate not named Sanders with a legitimate chance of winning a state where they don ’ t live over the next eight days .
The lifeline he got from Nevada may be meaningless , however , if he doesn ’ t win South Carolina decisively .
It ’ s obvious by now that Elizabeth Warren doesn ’ t like Bloomberg .
She savaged him during the first debate , then repeatedly used him as foil — even mocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a tactic that no doubt helped her raise a lot of much-needed money .
The deeply personal attacks were closer to Sen. Marco Rubio ’ s “ small hands ” swipe at then-candidate Trump in 2016 than anything we ’ ve seen from the former Harvard professor in 2020 .
The larger question is whether Warren will turn on Sanders , a fellow progressive stalwart and longtime ally who has dominated the far-left lane so far .
Tuesday night ’ s debate may be one of Warren ’ s final prime-time opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The unified conclusion of the U.S. intelligence community was that the Russians sought to interfere in the 2016 presidential election to benefit Trump .
The Russians are back , but this time in a different way and it ’ s affecting the Democratic race .
In a fundraising email over the weekend , Buttigieg highlighted news that Russia has sought to intervene on Sanders ’ behalf in 2020 .
And Biden went further , declaring from the podium in Nevada that Russian President Vladimir Putin would continue helping “ somebody who he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Such attacks will live forever on the internet and raise long-term questions about the legitimacy of the Democratic front-runner ’ s strength .
They ’ re also a reminder that there are few lines politicians won ’ t cross when they ’ re fighting for their survival .
South Carolina may be the focus , but this week is all about Super Tuesday .
More than a dozen states will hold primary contests in eight days , and in many cases , voters in those states are already deep into early voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearly 40 % of all delegates will be awarded .
And based on the Democrats ’ allocation rules , anyone coming out of Super Tuesday with a significant delegate lead will be almost impossible to catch in the weeks ahead .
It ’ s later than you think .
2020 Watch runs every Monday and provides a look at the week ahead in the 2020 election .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Canary Islands’ airports reopen as wind and sandstorm ease

MADRID - All airports on Spain ’ s Canary Islands had reopened Monday after authorities said the worst is over from strong winds that have thickened the air with sand and dust from the Sahara desert .
The sandstorm was accompanied over the weekend by wind gusts up to 120 kph ( around 75 mph ) that also fanned at least three wildfires on different islands of the archipelago some 100 kilometres ( 62 miles ) west of the African coast .
Primary schools were closed on all eight islands Monday .
The head of the regional government , Ángel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the situation to ease as wind speeds diminished and a mild rain fell on some of the islands .
“ It ’ s been a nightmare of a weekend , ” Torres told Spain ’ s public broadcaster TVE .
“ We haven ’ t seen an episode like this in 40 years.
” He said that authorities were focusing resources on fighting wildfires , including one in a natural reserve on the island of Gran Canaria .
Some 2,000 people evacuated on another island , Tenerife , were returning home on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overnight , Torres said .
AENA , the Spanish airports operator , said in a tweet that flights had resumed from all eight airports of the archipelago .
Incoming and outgoing flights had been cancelled due to the wind gusts and thick yellow haze that enveloped the islands , a phenomenon locally known as “ calima ” that is capable of lifting up clouds of sand and dust from the Sahara .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Former French prime minister and wife go on trial for fraud

PARIS - He could have been president of France .
Instead , former Prime Minister Francois Fillon is going on trial to face fraud charges after he used public funds to richly pay his wife and children for work they allegedly never performed .
The trial beginning Monday is scheduled to last until March 11 , but it may be quickly suspended until Wednesday on request from Fillon ’ s defence team out of solidarity with a lawyers ’ strike against French President Emmanuel Macron ’ s controversial pension reform .
Fillon is suspected of having given jobs as parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his wife and two of their children from 1998 to 2013 .
Altogether , the aide work brought the family more than 1 million euros ( $ 1.08 million ) .
Once the front-runner in the 2017 presidential election , Fillon , 65 , has denied wrongdoing .
The scandal , which made headline in the French media just three months before the 2017 vote , crushed the conservative candidate ’ s campaign and allowed centrist candidate Macron to gain momentum .
Fillon has been charged with the misuse of public funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public funds and the misappropriation of company assets .
He faces up to ten years in prison and a 1 million euro fine .
His wife , Penelope Fillon , has been charged mostly as an accomplice .
A former lawmaker , Marc Joulaud , also goes on trial for misuse of public funds after he allegedly gave her a fake job as an aide from 2002 to 2007 , while her husband wasminister .
Fillon and Joulaud both had other parliamentary assistants .
In addition , charges also cover a contract that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2012-2013 as a consultant for a literary magazine owned by a friend of her husband — also an alleged fake job .
The magazine owner , Marc de Lacharriere , pled guilty and was given a suspended eight-month prison sentence and fined 375,000 euros in 2018 .
Fillon said last month on France 2 television that his wife ’ s job was not fake .
“ She was my first and most important aide , ” he said .
“ Evidence will be produced during the trial.
” In a 151-page document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case to trial , investigative judges said the probe showed that Penelope Fillon ’ s activities were in line with the traditional role of an elected official ’ s partner — but in no way equivalent to the tasks of a parliamentary assistant .
Defence lawyers provided about 500 documents they say are related to Penelope Fillon ’ s work .
“ These documents did not show anything , or only confirmed a misleading interpretation consisting in calling parliamentary work the most trivial of her activities , ” investigative judges wrote .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the children ’ s alleged jobs , well-paid and declared as full-time aides , were paid to the joint banking account of Francois and Penelope Fillon .
The lower house of parliament , the National Assembly , joined the proceedings as a civil plaintiff to request reimbursement .
Fillon denounced the case as a “ political assassination ” after it was revealed in January 2017 , when French investigative newspaper Le Canard Enchaine first reported Penelope Fillon ’ s alleged fake job .
He continued his presidential campaign despite the judicial investigation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honest politician with a strong focus on family values , was seriously damaged .
Fillon was eliminated from the race after finishing third in the first round , behind Macron and far-right leader Marine le Pen .
Welsh-born Penelope Fillon has always kept a low profile .
In a 2007 interview with British newspaper The Sunday Telegraph she presented herself as a housewife devoted to raising their five children .
She told investigators that her main role was to handle her husband ’ s mail at their manor house near a small town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Fillon was first elected to Parliament in 1981 at the age of 27 .
Fillon served as prime minister under president Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2012 .
He was also a government official under two previous presidents , Francois Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac .
The case came amid a series of scandals that prompted Macron ’ s government to pass a law meant to clean up ethics in politics .
One measure bans lawmakers and government members from hiring close family members .
Fillon now works for an asset management company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t attempt a political comeback .

Sylvie Corbet And Nicolas Vaux-Montagny - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--German Carnival floats take aim at racism in wake of attack

BERLIN - Biting commentary on racism in Germany featured prominently Monday among Carnival floats in western cities , hastily put together in the aftermath of a deadly far-right attack last week near Frankfurt .
The floats for parades in Cologne , Duesseldorf , Mainz and elsewhere are notorious for their no-holds-barred satire , and also took aim at Brexit , the potential candidates to take over leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s CDU party , and U.S. President Donald Trump .
One even featured a clown-like figure labeled “ Carnival-Virus ” thumbing its nose at an evil looking “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 43-year-old German man who had posted a racist screed online advocating genocide gunned down nine people of foreign background in the Frankfurt suburb of Hanau , before apparently killing himself and his mother .
It was the latest in a string of far-right attacks in Germany and many have pointed the finger at the Alternative for Germany party , suggesting its nationalist anti-migrant rhetoric has helped create the climate for violence .
One Duesseldorf float depicted a red-faced man yelling in rage , a pistol protruding from his mouth with the word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the side was the slogan “ from words come deeds ” and a list of the attacks , including Hanau .
In Cologne , a sombre float depicted a weeping Carnival jester holding a heart with the slogan “ our heart beats for Hanau.
” Another Duesseldorf float featured Alternative for Germany regional leader Bjoern Hoecke , who called Berlin ’ s memorial to the victims of the Nazi Holocaust a “ monument of shame , ” giving a Nazi salute , with his outstretched arm being held up by figures from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-business FDP .
Festivities in several cities were called off Sunday due to high winds but the Monday parades were expected to go ahead .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Mahathir offers resignation in Malaysian political upheaval

KUALA LUMPUR , Malaysia - Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad tendered his resignation to Malaysia ’ s king on Monday while his political party quit the ruling alliance , in a shocking political upheaval less than two years after his election victory .
The prime minister ’ s office said in a brief statement that Mahathir , 94 , submitted his resignation to the palace at 1 p.m. but gave no further details .
Mahathir also quit as chairman of his Bersatu party .
The stunning turn of events come amid plans by Mahathir ’ s supporters in Bersatu to team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and thwart the transition of power to his named successor , Anwar Ibrahim .
Minutes before his resignation was offered , Bersatu said it would leave the four-party Alliance of Hope and support Mahathir as the prime minister .
Eleven other lawmakers , including several Cabinet ministers , also announced they are quitting Anwar ’ s party to form an independent bloc .
The withdrawal of more than three dozen lawmakers means the ruling alliance has lost its majority in Parliament , throwing the country into an uncertain future and sparking fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drama will play out .
Opinions are divided on whether Mahathir is quitting for good or making a tactical move to buy time to cobble together a new majority to form a government .
King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah , who met Bersatu and several other leaders on Sunday , met Anwar on Monday afternoon and summoned Mahathir to the palace .
Analysts said the king could decide on which faction has the support or dissolve Parliament for snap elections .
The political drama unraveled Sunday with manoeuvrs aimed at keeping Mahathir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their decades-old feud .
Anwar was Mahathir ’ s deputy during Mahathir ’ s first stint as prime minister but fell out politically before reuniting in the political pact that ousted a corruption-tainted government in the May 2018 election .
Mahathir has refused to set a date to relinquish power despite a preelection agreement to hand over power to Anwar .
Anwar confirmed late Sunday there were attempts by some Bersatu members and “ traitors ” from his party to form a new government in a “ betrayal “ of their political pact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other alliance leaders that Mahathir had quit as he didn ’ t want to be associated with the former government that he worked so hard to oust in 2018 polls .
“ His name was used , by those within my party and outside , ” Anwar told reporters .
Mahathir “ reiterated to me what he had said earlier , that he played no part in it and he made it very clear , that in no way will he ever work with those associated with the past regime , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would restore to power the Malay party of disgraced former leader Najib Razak , who with several of his party leaders are standing trial for corruption .
It would also propel to national power a fundamentalist Islamic party that rules two states and champions Islamic laws .
The two Malay parties still have strong support from ethnic Malays , who account for 60 % of Malaysia ’ s 32 million people .
Mahathir has remained silent , but many Malaysians reacted with dismay and shock on social media , saying moves to form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unethical and that a new election should be called if the ruling alliance collapses .
In a new twist , two other parties in Anwar ’ s alliance said they would propose at an emergency meeting Monday night that Mahathir remain as prime minister to continue their reformist agenda .
Analysts warned that such a new government could give rise to Malay Islamic supremacy that would derail Malaysia ’ s multi-ethnic society .
“ If the new government goes through , Malaysia is heading toward a a very regressive stage whereby racial supremacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the day , “ said Oh Ei Sun , a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--UN chief issues 7-point ‘call to action’ on human rights

GENEVA - The head of the United Nations issued a “ call to action ” on Monday to countries , businesses and all people to help renew and revive human rights across the globe , laying out a seven-point plan amid concerns about climate change , conflict and repression .
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the appeal at the start of the latest Human Rights Council session in Geneva , known as the council ’ s “ high-level segment ” because it hosts a parade of dignitaries — including Libya ’ s prime minister and foreign ministers from countries like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the four-week session .
“ I have come to the Human Rights Council — the fulcrum for international dialogue and co-operation to advance all human rights — to launch a Call to Action , ” Guterres said , speaking in broad terms and avoiding any reference to individual countries ’ rights records .
The U.N. chief said he wanted to speak out now because “ human rights are under assault.
” His seven-point plan involves linking human rights to issues like sustainable development , crisis prevention , gender equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and freedom of expression and civil society , among other things .
“ Success must be measured by the yardstick of meaningful change in people ’ s lives , ” he said .
“ As a United Nations family , a culture of human rights must permeate all we do.
” In a veiled allusion to China ’ s Communist government , which has made economic and social development a key pillar of its approach to human rights , Guterres said : “ It would be a mistake to diminish economic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be equally misguided to think that those rights are sufficient to answer people ’ s yearning for freedom , ” he sid .
Guterres also spoke out against rising racism , white supremacy and extremism , and lamented violence against women and girls “ as the world ’ s most pervasive human rights abuse.
” In an allusion to what are popularly known as “ killer robots , ” he reiterated his stance that machines should never be given “ lethal capacity outside human judgment or control.
” “ People across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their side , ” Guterres said .
“ Whether robbed of their dignity by war , repression or poverty , or simply dreaming of a better future , they rely on their irreducible rights – and they look to us to help uphold them.
” “ Human rights — civil , cultural , economic , political and social — are both the goal and the path , ” he said .
Kenneth Roth , executive director of Human Rights Watch , welcomed Guterres ’ message but urged him to be more direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong voice advocating for victims and condemning abusers , the Secretary-General can stand tall against governments committing serious rights violations – whether it ’ s the mass arbitrary detention of Uyghurs in China , atrocities committed against Myanmar ’ s Rohingyas , indiscriminate Russian-Syrian bombing of civilians in Idlib , or the forced separation of children from their parents at the U.S. border , “ Roth said .
” But this initiative will succeed only if the Secretary-General provides robust and regular public commentary , and does not shy away from naming @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Togo’s president wins, keeping family’s long hold on power

LOME , Togo - Togo ’ s electoral commission said Monday the country ’ s president has easily won a fourth term , extending the grip his family has had on power since 1967 , while the opposition alleged organized fraud .
The commission announced overnight that President Faure Gnassingbe received 72 % of the votes in preliminary results .
The West African nation ’ s constitutional court will make the final , official announcement .
The political opposition , which for years has called for new leadership , said several of their delegates were prevented from voting Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Opposition candidate Agbeyome Kodjo , who was second with 18 % of the vote , saw his home surrounded by the military as vote-counting began .
The minister of security , Gen. Damehame Yark , said it was done to ensure protection .
Kodjo said in a statement Sunday that “ the data we have collected so far throughout the country indicate that we have won the election by 57 to 61 % of the votes.
“ He called on the president to step down .
The current president took office in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who seized power in 1967 .
Under the country ’ s current law , Gnassingbe could remain in office until 2030 .
Months of anti-government protests in 2017 , with about 20 people killed , were a marked sign of impatience with the Gnassingbe family ’ s hold on power .
Shortly before Saturday ’ s vote , Togo expelled a major U.S.-based election observer , the National Democratic Institute , and decided against using an electronic vote-counting system .
In both cases , the electoral commission said it feared disruption , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed by 26 other international observation missions and more than 30 Togolese civic groups .
Gnassingbe enacted a law last year that limits presidents to two five-year terms .
However , the law was not retroactive , so his previous three terms are not counted .
The election was held against the backdrop of rising prices for basic necessities , a weak health system and an education system in which teachers continually threaten strikes .
Unemployment among young people is increasing .
The president called on voters to renew confidence in him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a growing extremism threat in the West African region .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Worried Democrats rush to slow front-runner Sanders

HILTON HEAD ISLAND , S.C. - Worried Democrats on Monday intensified their assault against the party ’ s presidential front-runner , Bernie Sanders , as the Vermont senator marched toward South Carolina ’ s weekend primary eyeing a knockout blow .
At least three leading candidates , Joe Biden , Pete Buttigieg and Mike Bloomberg , reinforced their anti-Sanders rhetoric with paid attack ads for the first time .
And a new political group was spending big to undermine Sanders ’ standing with African American voters .
“ Socialist Bernie Sanders is promising a lot of free stuff , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters in South Carolina by The Big Tent Project , a new organization trying to derail Sanders ’ candidacy .
“ Nominating Bernie means we reelect Trump .
We can ’ t afford Bernie Sanders.
” While uncoordinated , the multi-pronged broadside just five days before South Carolina ’ s first-in-the-South primary represents the Democrats ’ most aggressive attempt to knock Sanders down .
It reflects growing concern within his party that the self-described democratic socialist is tightening his grip on the presidential nomination while they fear he ’ s too extreme to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It also underscores the precarious state of Joe Biden ’ s campaign .
The former vice-president has long been viewed as the unquestioned front-runner in South Carolina because of his support from black voters .
But as the contest nears , Sanders is also making a strong play here .
If he can eat into Biden ’ s base of support , that would raise fundamental questions about the future of Biden ’ s candidacy .
Sanders has shifted new staff into the state from Nevada in the last 24 hours , expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his schedule .
“ There ’ s an air of desperation about it , “ Sanders senior adviser Jeff Weaver said of the fresh attacks .
” You ’ ve got candidates , you ’ ve got super PACs , all piling on to stop Bernie Sanders .
They know he has the momentum in the race.
“ Biden still predicted he would win “ by plenty ” in Saturday ’ s contest , the first with a sizable black population to weigh in .
Regardless of whether Sanders scores an upset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will perform well when more than a dozen states vote in the March 3 Super Tuesday contests .
That ’ s when critics fear Sanders could build an insurmountable delegate lead .
Reflecting his growing focus on Sanders in recent days , Buttigieg released his first attack ad of the 2020 campaign .
In the ad , which began running Monday as part of the former South Bend mayor ’ s multimillion-dollar South Carolina advertising campaign , Buttigieg highlights Sanders ’ call for a government-financed health care system as a example of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , Biden released an online ad accusing Sanders of trying to undermine President Barack Obama ’ s 2012 reelection campaign with a possible primary challenge .
Sanders , of course , ultimately did not challenge Obama from the left .
“ When it comes to building on President Obama ’ s legacy , Bernie Sanders just can ’ t be trusted , “ the Biden ad says .
And Bloomberg released a new ad of his own assailing Sanders ’ record on gun control , citing Sanders ’ endorsement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first ran for Congress decades ago .
While he once had the NRA ’ s backing , Sanders proudly proclaims his “ F ” rating from the pro-gun organization now .
And just last week , several gun control advocates who survived the Parkland , Florida , school shooting endorsed him .
Still , Bloomberg tweeted : “ The NRA paved the road to Washington for Bernie Sanders .
We deserve a president who is not beholden to the gun lobby.
” They ’ ve begun running attack ads again him , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of candidates still in the race .
There are still seven high-profile Democrats fighting among themselves -- and splitting up the anti-Sanders vote -- to emerge as the strongest alternative to him .
There was no sign Monday that any of the eight candidates still in the race was close to getting out .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who finished in a distant fifth or sixth place in Nevada over the weekend , actually announced plans to launch a $ 4.2 million ad buy across several Super Tuesday states that vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet to spend money on an anti-Sanders campaign , but he went after him by name Monday before more than 100 voters at a breakfast in Hilton Head .
Steyer warned , “ We can ’ t nominate someone who is going to divide us.
“ Asked by a voter how he would beat Sanders , Steyer declared himself just as progressive as the Vermont senator .
“ In lots of things , I ’ m more progressive than Bernie Sanders , ” said Steyer , who has spent millions from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage Trump ’ s impeachment .
There were new signs Monday that Sanders ’ emergence as the possible face of the Democratic Party in 2020 would cause problems for vulnerable House and Senate candidates across the country .
Republicans working to win back the House majority jumped on comments Sanders made in a CBS News “ 60 Minutes ” segment aired Sunday in which he praised the late Cuban ruler Fidel Castro for establishing what Sanders called a “ massive literacy program ” when he took power .
The House GOP campaign arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three facing reelection this fall in South Florida — to say if they ’ d support Sanders should he become the nominee .
Members including Rep. Donna Shalala weren ’ t happy .
“ I ’ m hoping that in the future , Senator Sanders will take time to speak to some of my constituents before he decides to sing the praises of a murderous tyrant like Fidel Castro , ” the first-term Democrat tweeted .
Sanders was also in a dispute with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee , an establishment group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders said he would skip the group ’ s conference because he was concerned about the event giving airtime to “ leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights.
“ Jonathan Greenblatt , CEO of the Anti-Defamation League , called that characterization “ offensive “ and “ irresponsible.
” Rep. Elaine Luria , a Jewish Democratic from the Super Tuesday state of Virginia , issued a statement condemning Sanders ’ remarks , which she said “ contribute to the divisive rhetoric often used when discussing the issue of Israel ’ s right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afar during a trip to India , Trump predicted a long and messy primary season ahead for his rivals .
“ It could go to the convention , it really could , ” Trump said .
“ They are going to take it away from Crazy Bernie , they are not going to let him win.
” He added , “ I actually think he would be tougher than most of the other candidates because he is like me , but I have a much bigger base.
“ EDITORS : This story has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispute is with American Israel Public Affairs Committee , not Anti-Defamation League .
It has also been corrected to reflect that The Big Tent Project is not a PAC .
Peoples reported from New York and Barrow reported from Charleston , South Carolina .
AP writers Alan Fram in Washington , Elana Schor in Charleston , Jill Colvin with Trump and Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines , Iowa , contributed .

Steve Peoples, Meg Kinnard And Bill Barrow - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Body found, ID’d as man swept away by Arizona flood waters

TONTO BASIN , Ariz. - Crews searching for a missing hiker in the Tonto National Forest found a body Monday and said it ’ s been identified as a man missing since last weekend .
Gila County Sheriff ’ s officials say Shiloh Dorsett and another hiker were trying to use Bull Canyon as a water slide when he was swept away by flood waters Saturday .
Dorsett ’ s friend hiked for miles to find a campground and alert authorities .
A Tonto Rim Search and Rescue crew searched through Saturday night for the missing man in muddy conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either .
The search resumed Monday morning in an area northeast of Roosevelt Lake and sheriff ’ s officials said the body was located in the afternoon about a half-mile from where Dorsett started his canyon adventure .
His age wasn ’ t immediately available and sheriff ’ s officials said he lived in the Mesa area .
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thetorontostar--2020-02-24--The Latest: Biden says Russians apparently support Sanders

CHARLESTON , S.C. - The Latest on the 2020 Democratic primary contest ( all times local ) : Joe Biden has told a group of high-dollar donors that Russians are apparently supporting Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary to help President Donald Trump win re-election .
“ They ’ re promoting him because they think it helps the president , ” Biden said at the fundraiser at a private residence outside Charleston , South Carolina .
“ Vladimir Putin doesn ’ t want me to be the president of the United States.
” Biden is also criticizing Sanders for voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his Senate career .
Sanders has since changed his position to support tighter gun laws .
The former vice-president isn ’ t explicitly repeating his recent criticisms that Sanders , a democratic socialist , isn ’ t a true Democrat .
But he is asking voters to remember why they align with the party .
He says , “ You ’ re a Democrat because you think everybody should be given a shot.
” Democrat Amy Klobuchar has cancelled part of her TV ad buy in South Carolina ahead of the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifts resources to states that will vote Super Tuesday .
The ad planning and buying firm Medium Buying reported the cancellation Monday .
Klobuchar ’ s campaign says the Minnesota senator will continue to have a “ six-figure ” ad buy up in South Carolina through Saturday .
The campaign isn ’ t responding to questions about how much ad time has been cancelled and in which markets .
Klobuchar has polled poorly in South Carolina .
She has been looking ahead to the March 3 contests , when about one-third of delegates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says she is dedicating $ 4.2 million to TV and digital ads in the Super Tuesday states .
Vice-President Mike Pence says Democratic presidential front-runner Bernie Sanders is “ wrong about Cuba.
” Pence was asked about Sanders ’ “ 60 Minutes ” comments praising the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro for establishing a literacy program .
Pence says , “ For Bernie Sanders to tout a literacy program in the midst of the tyranny of Cuba is just truly remarkable.
” The vice-president adds that he and President Donald Trump are “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between freedom and socialism , and I have every confidence the American people will choose freedom once again.
” He says Democrats “ are on the verge of nominating as their party ’ s standard-bearer someone who embraces the economic philosophy that has impoverished nations for generations.
” Pence ’ s remarks came Monday during a White House program with the Hoover Institution .
Pete Buttigieg has been hounded by protesters during a march with McDonald ’ s workers in Charleston , South Carolina , who are striking for a $ 15 minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bend , Indiana , had joined the workers , who were organized for Monday ’ s march by the nationwide Fight for $ 15 movement .
He lined up alongside the largely black crowd of red-shirted workers at the front of the march , helping to carry a sign that read “ Racial Justice = Economic Justice.
” But when Buttigieg tried to speak to the marchers , he was shouted over by a group of Black Voters Matter protesters chanting , “ Pete can ’ t be our president , where was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The protesters continued until Buttigieg cut his remarks short after just five minutes and started to leave .
But heading to an SUV waiting to drive him away , the former mayor was forced to pick up his pace as a huge gaggle of reporters , cameras and still-chanting protesters came after him .
And even as Buttigieg hopped in the car and drove away , protesters continued to chase the car , chanting all the way .
South Carolina , where blacks could make up two thirds of the Democratic primary electorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential hopeful Amy Klobuchar is dedicating $ 4.2 million to run ads in states that will vote in the March 3 Super Tuesday contests , the clearest sign yet that she plans to stay in the race for the nomination .
Klobuchar campaign manager Justin Buoen says in a memo Monday the Minnesota senator is the third-highest vote-getter in the three contests so far , thanks to a third-place finish in the New Hampshire primary .
He says Klobuchar remains “ a top choice for persuading Republican and independent voters we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fall ” and is “ the best person to take on Bernie Sanders.
” Klobuchar finished fifth in the Iowa and Nevada caucuses and is not expected to do well in Saturday ’ s South Carolina primary .
With Sanders ’ commanding win in the Nevada caucuses there have been calls for Klobuchar and other moderate candidates to drop out of the race .
Some Democrats fear the more centrist candidates are dividing support and clearing a path for the Vermont senator to win .
They say having the self-described democratic socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more moderate Democrats in House and Senate races .
But Klobuchar said Sunday the question of whether to stay in is “ not even a close call for me.
” She ’ s instead focused on the 14 states that weigh in on Super Tuesday , when about one-third of delegates will be awarded .
Buoen says her “ incredibly efficient campaign ” has the money to carry on and she plans to continue campaigning in Super Tuesday states , competing in key congressional districts where she can pick up delegates .
Buoen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do well ” in her home state of Minnesota , which votes on Super Tuesday .
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is airing his first attack ad of the 2020 campaign , one where he directly criticizes front-runner Bernie Sanders .
In the ad , Buttigieg uses Sanders ’ call for a government-financed , single-payer health care system to point to what he describes as his “ polarization.
” The ad begins airing Monday in South Carolina , which holds its primary on Saturday .
Buttigieg has been increasingly sharp in his criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a top rival in the lead-off Iowa caucuses , then after finishing a close second place to the Vermont senator in the New Hampshire primary .
Among other things , Buttigieg has suggested that Sanders has done little to call for an end to the sometimes combative dialogue of his supporters on social media .
Nevada ’ s Democratic Party says about 100,000 people participated in that state ’ s 2020 caucuses .
That ’ s close to the same turnout rate as for the 2016 contest that pitted Vermont Sen. Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 88,000 Democrats participated , but there are now more Democrats in Nevada than there were four years ago so the percentage of Democrats participating is roughly the same .
Sanders lost the 2016 Nevada caucus but he easily won this cycle , which concluded Saturday .
Still , Nevada makes the third contest in a row where voter participation hasn ’ t budged much from its rate during the 2016 Democratic primary .
That ’ s a bad sign for Sanders ’ argument that he can expand the electorate against President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % chose to vote early .
That means they cast their preference cards before Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren ’ s strong debate performance Wednesday night .
Warren finished fourth in the caucuses .
Mike Bloomberg ’ s campaign stepped up its criticisms of Bernie Sanders on Monday by highlighting his past votes on gun policy , in a likely preview of Bloomberg ’ s debate messaging .
The campaign put out a Twitter video highlighting that the NRA endorsed Sanders in his 1990 race for Congress and that Sanders voted in the 1990s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he supported a law in the mid-2000s that protected gun manufacturers from being sued in certain cases .
“ # NotMeNRA , ” Bloomberg tweeted , co-opting Sanders ’ campaign slogan of “ Not Me , Us.
” Dan Kanninen , Bloomberg ’ s states director , called Sanders ’ record on guns “ disqualifying , ” in a call with reporters .
Bloomberg has invested heavily in gun control efforts through the groups Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Everytown for Gun Safety .
The remarks are one piece of a larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee to go against Donald Trump , a move Kanninen said would be a “ fatal error.
” He alleged both Trump and “ the Russians ” want Sanders as the party ’ s nominee .
The Bloomberg campaign may be hoping that renewed attention on Sanders in Tuesday ’ s debate removes some of the heat from Bloomberg , who had a shaky and uneven performance in his debate debut last week .
Bloomberg asked CNN to move a town hall that was scheduled for Monday to the day after the debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing .
Kanninen said he expects a stronger showing Tuesday .
“ We ’ re looking forward to a debate tomorrow with a Mike who comes out with some confidence having one under his belt , ” he said .
Former Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada is defending the vote count in his state ’ s caucus .
Reid responded Monday after a request by the campaign of former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg that questioned the vote count by the Nevada Democratic Party .
Buttigieg is fighting former Vice-President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucuses that were easily won by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont .
Reid said that “ baseless claims of irregularities or other attempts to muddy results are an insult to both our hardworking party workers and the record numbers of voters who turned out to make their voices heard.
” He called the caucuses “ a tremendous success.
” On Sunday , Reid said Nevada should replace Iowa as the first state in the nation to pick a presidential nominee .
He also called for the Democratic Party to end all caucuses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders is unable to adequately represent or unify the entire Democratic Party .
Steyer told more than 100 people gathered at a Monday breakfast gathering on Hilton Head Island , South Carolina , that he loves the diversity of the Democratic Party but that unity is the only way to defeat President Donald Trump in November .
He warned that “ we can ’ t nominate somebody who is going to divide us ” and “ who is not bringing all the Democrats.
” Steyer joins the chorus of more moderate Democratic candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successes in the early voting states ahead of South Carolina ’ s Saturday primary .
Former Vice-President Joe Biden has long topped candidates in the state , but the race has tightened in recent months , in part due to Steyer ’ s efforts to draw black voter support that has long been Biden ’ s stronghold .
At Monday ’ s event , Steyer told a man in the audience that he is “ more progressive than Bernie Sanders ” in many areas .
He said he gets along with Sanders personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often disagrees with how to get there .
Steyer says he does not favour “ Medicare for All , ” the single-payer , government-run health care system that ’ s the centerpiece of Sanders ’ campaign .
Steyer says he doesn ’ t want to “ burn down the medical system of the United States.
” Billionaire Tom Steyer ‘ s wife is now chair of his presidential campaign .
Steyer told supporters during an event Sunday night in Yemasse , South Carolina , that his wife , Kat Taylor , had taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped down from her bank position and rented a home in Columbia , South Carolina , earlier this month to give her an East Coast base of operations as she stepped up her role her husband ’ s campaign .
Steyer has focused his efforts ?
primarily on Nevada and South Carolina , which holds its primary on Saturday .
The climate activist has spent heavily in the South Carolina , building a massive ground game operation , hiring prominent lawmakers as advisers and garnering support as former Vice-President Joe Biden ‘ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a debate Tuesday night in Charleston .
?
?


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Safety group to convene after Mardi Gras float deaths

NEW ORLEANS - A new group focused on Mardi Gras-season parade safety will begin work late this week or early next week , New Orleans ’ police chief said Monday in discussing the city ’ s response to the recent deaths of two people in float-related accidents .
Suggestions from family members of the victims and others , such as setting up barricades along the entire length of the parade routes rather than only at major intersections , and mounting accordion barriers between sections of tandem floats , will be discussed , Superintendent Shaun Ferguson told a news conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” next year , Ferguson said .
“ What those changes will be , I don ’ t know.
” Ferguson noted that setting up barricades along parade routes that are 5 to 7 miles ( 8 to 11 kilometres ) long would be time-consuming and require many workers .
He also said additional workers would be need to be on hand to move such barricades out of the way for any emergency vehicles .
Mardi Gras planning is a year-round affair for parade krewes , police and city officials , all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee , Ferguson said .
Geraldine Carmouche was killed in a float-related accident on Wednesday .
Joseph Sampson was killed on Saturday .
Both were 58 .
After the second accident , Ferguson and Mayor LaToya Cantrell banned tandem floats for the remainder of the season , which ends Tuesday with Mardi Gras .
The nature of the deaths was still being investigated , police spokesman Aaron Looney said later Monday , noting that it wasn ’ t yet possible to say if they were reaching for beads or other trinkets dropped or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife , Vondra Mack , said she had warned her husband to be careful when they decided at the last minute to go to the Endymion parade , one of the biggest and glitziest of the season .
“ I told him don ’ t run behind any floats , ” she told WVUE-TV .
“ He said , ‘ No I ’ m not gon na do that .
...
I ’ m gon na stay right here by you.
’ ” Sampson ’ s family has heard conflicting accounts of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told WWL-TV and The Times-Picayune / The New Orleans Advocate .
She said one is that he slipped while reaching for a toy or other “ throw “ ; another is that the jostling crowd inadvertently pushed him over .
“ It is something we all know can happen either way ( at ) Mardi Gras when adults are running up for beads , ” Green said .
“ We don ’ t feel it was done on purpose .
It was just ... an unfortunate incident.
” A cousin-in-law , Velma Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s just devastating .
I wish ... people would take more heed not getting close to the float.
” Witnesses told news outlets that Carmouche , who was related to two women riding with the Krewe of Nyx on Wednesday , tried to cross between two parts of a tandem float and tripped over a hitch connecting the sections .
Both parades were stopped after the accidents , and remaining floats were sent on another route to their destinations .
Sampson ’ s family members said they thought entire parade routes should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New Orleans Advocate reported .
A review of Associated Press archives indicates that at least 25 people have died in float-related accidents since 2000 : four in New Orleans , one in Carencro , Louisiana , and 20 in other states .
Four were military veterans on a float hit by a train in Midland , Texas , where the crossing gate descended as the float inched over a crossing .
It could not speed up because another float was ahead of it .
Three of those killed outside Louisiana were 15-year-olds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent , were preteen children .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--Italian hikers rescued in Alaska after visiting infamous bus

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - An Italian man suffering from frostbite and four other tourists were rescued in the Alaska wilderness after visiting an abandoned bus that has become a lure for adventurers since it was featured in the “ Into the Wild ” book and movie .
Alaska State Troopers say the five Italians were rescued Saturday from a camp they set up after visiting the dilapidated bus on the Stampede Trail near the interior town of Healy .
The hikers were found 13 miles from the trailhead , Trooper spokesman Tim DeSpain said .
He didn ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the hikers had frostbite to his feet and was transported to Fairbanks for treatment , DeSpain said .
The hiker ’ s injuries are not considered life-threatening .
The other four hikers were picked up by friends in Healy .
Rescuers were alerted by the hikers with a satellite-based emergency device that notified the International Emergency Response Coordination Center of a medical emergency , troopers said .
That international group then notified rescuers , who reached the site by snowmobile , DeSpain said .
The rescue was the latest episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Jon Krakauer ’ s book published in 1996 and then by Sean Penn ’ s 2007 film of the same name .
Both fueled a lingering mystique about a young idealist , Christopher McCandless , who met his death from starvation in the bus , which is about 10 miles north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve .
Over the years , some hikers have been rescued and others have died while trying to retrace McCandless ’ last steps .
In July , a newlywed woman from Belarus died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teklanika River while trying to reach the bus with her husband .
In 2013 , three German hikers trying to reach the bus were rescued after a river they crossed became impassable because of high , fast-moving water .
Families of some of those who died are now behind a proposal before Denali Borough for a feasibility study for construction of a footbridge over the Teklanika .
The idea is in the early stages , and no decision has been made .
But borough Mayor Clay Walker said there are several concerns among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a false sense of security .
It could lead to more people trying to reach the bus , and that could lead to more rescues , Walker said .
There are more hazards in the unforgiving wilderness surrounding the bus , as Saturday ’ s rescue illustrates .
“ A footbridge wouldn ’ t have changed the need for a rescue , ” Walker said .
As far as he ’ s concerned , a better solution would be to remove the bus .
“ The fact that the bus is there raises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


thetorontostar--2020-02-24--State documents: Top DHS manager knew of arousal study plans

DES MOINES , Iowa - A recently retired official overseeing Iowa ’ s mental health and disability services programs knew almost two years ago of plans to perform sexual experiments at a state-run institution , document released Monday indicate .
The Iowa Department of Human Services released letters , emails , a power point presentation and other documents that indicate top management of the agency knew of serious management problems at the Glenwood Resource Center .
The documents show increasing concerns by nurses , doctors and other staff members about sexual arousal experiments on patients .
An email written to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shows he approved of a research plan drawn up by Jerry Rea , the former superintendent at Glenwood who was fired in December .
A DHS employee in charge of purchases wrote the email to Shults asking to buy computer software for Rea to conduct sexual arousal studies on patients at Glenwood , a facility 115 miles ( 185 kilometres ) southwest of Des Moines that cares for about 250 individuals with intellectual disabilities .
It detailed the research Rea was engaged in that “ has implications for treatment of sexual preoccupation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a separate state facility that holds sexual offenders .
“ Nice write up .
Yes , I approve .
Please keep the justification and my approval should questions arise later , ” Shults responded .
Shults as director of the DHS Division of Mental Health and Disability Service , had broad oversight of the DHS mental health programs including Glenwood and other facilities .
He retired last month .
The pitch went on to discuss use of a penile device used for measuring arousal and said if the research was successful it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state mental health facility at Cherokee and a civil commitment location for sex offenders in Kansas .
The release of the documents comes after two doctors and four other former Glenwood employees filed a federal civil rights lawsuit earlier this month against DHS and several top officials , alleging a conspiracy to silence complaints about the sexual arousal research .
The allegations centre on Rea who was hired in 2017 by the state of Iowa from Kansas .
Lawsuit plaintiffs claim Rea was determined to turn the state-owned facility into a research centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arousal research ” on extremely fragile and dependent residents .
It names as defendants former DHS Director Jerry Foxhoven , who resigned in June 2019 at the request of Gov .
Kim Reynolds ; Shults , Rea who was fired in December ; and Mohammad Rehman , Glenwood medical director , who remains on the job .
The doctors and other plaintiffs allege violations of federal civil rights and whistleblower laws , wrongful termination and interference with a doctor-patient relationship .
The U.S. Department of Justice notified the state in November that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human experimentation and other treatment concerns .