thetorontostar--2020-07-17--China says it’s not trying to replace US, won’t be bullied

BEIJING - China isn ’ t seeking to confront or replace the United States as the world ’ s top technological power , but will fight back against “ malicious slander “ and attacks from Washington , a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday , responding to a litany of recent accusations from the Trump administration .
Hua Chunying said China ’ s chief concern was improving the livelihoods of its citizens and maintaining global peace and stability , despite what critics say is an increasingly aggressive foreign policy that looks to expand Chinese influence in the military , technology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent sovereign state , China has the right to safeguard its own sovereignty , security and development interests , to defend the achievements made by the Chinese people with hard work , to refuse any bullying and injustice against China , and to fight back against malicious slander and attacks by the U.S. against China , “ Hua told reporters at a daily briefing .
Her comments came in response to a speech Thursday by Attorney General William Barr in which he cautioned American business leaders against promoting policies favourable to Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the coronavirus pandemic had not only dominated the market on protective gear , exposing American dependence on Beijing , but had also hoarded supplies and blocked producers from exporting them to countries in need .
Barr also accused hackers linked to the Chinese government of targeting American universities and businesses to steal research related to coronavirus vaccine development , levelling the allegation against Beijing hours after Western agencies made similar claims against Russia .
“ The People ’ s Republic of China is now engaged in an economic blitzkrieg — an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whole-of-society ) campaign to seize the commanding heights of the global economy and to surpass the United States as the world ’ s preeminent technological superpower , ” Barr said .
Numerous Trump allies have issued strongly worded messages over China in recent days , coming at a time when bilateral relations have fallen to their lowest point in decades over issues from accusations of technology theft to China ’ s claims in the South China Sea .
Hua dismissed Barr ’ s accusations of cybertheft related to vaccine development as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China is in a leading position in the research and development of new coronavirus vaccines , we have first-class scientific research personnel , and we do not need to gain a leading position with theft , “ Hua said .
Chinese companies have moved swiftly to develop a coronavirus vaccine , as countries compete for the prestige and profits that would come with being the first to bring such a product to market .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Pakistan validates most licenses of pilots working abroad

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan ’ s government has validated most of the licenses it issued to pilots working abroad , but more than 200 others accused of obtaining tainted licenses were still being investigated , an aviation spokesman said Friday , in a move aimed at addressing the concerns of global airlines .
In a statement , Abdul Sattar Khokar , spokesman for Pakistan ’ s Civil Aviation Authority , said the licenses of 166 of 176 Pakistani pilots working in the United Arab Emirates , Turkey , Malaysia , Vietnam , Bahrain , Ethiopia , Hong Kong , Oman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genuine and certified “ and “ having no anomaly.
” The verification process for the licenses of the remaining 10 pilots will be concluded by next week , Khokar said .
He said the agency informed airlines from the 10 countries about the pilots ’ qualifications at their request .
The credibility of Pakistan ’ s civil aviation authority and reputation of the country ’ s pilots have been at stake since June .
That ’ s when aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan , in a speech to Parliament , stunned the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by announcing that Pakistan had grounded nearly a third of the pilots working for state-run Pakistan International Airlines because they cheated on their pilot ’ s exams .
The revelation prompted the European Union ’ s aviation safety agency to halt Pakistan ’ s national airline from flying into Europe for six months .
It also forced some countries to ground Pakistani pilots working for their airlines .
At the time of the EU-imposed ban , PIA was not flying to Europe because of the pandemic .
But it had hoped to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barcelona and Milan within the next two months .
Pakistan ’ s move to ground unqualified pilots came after a probe into the May 22 Airbus A320 crash that killed 97 people at the port city of Karachi .
The investigation expanded outside of PIA and found that 260 of 860 pilots in Pakistan had cheated on their pilots ’ exams , but were still given licences by the Civil Aviation Authority .
The government fired 28 pilots after concluding they cheated to get their licenses as well as five civil aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a separate investigation is underway to verify the licenses of 76 pilots out of 262 earlier identified as “ possessing suspicious flying licenses.
“ The pilots are currently grounded .
The government has so far not said whether the pilot and co-pilot of the doomed Karachi flight had tainted licenses .
Pakistani investigators have said human error was behind the crash .
Pakistan ’ s opposition has urged the government to fire aviation minister Khan over what they said were irresponsible remarks raising questions about the credibility of pilots in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region has steadily declined since the 1970s as the carrier has been plagued by reports of numerous violations and financial losses .

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thetorontostar--2020-07-17--After Trump campaign swap, questions  -  and Kushner  -  remain

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump ’ s long-in-coming campaign shakeup rearranged some big job titles but isn ’ t likely to change the identity of the person truly in charge of day-to-day operations : Jared Kushner .
Kushner wields his influence quietly and is rarely a presence in the campaign ’ s suburban Washington headquarters .
Fittingly , he was nowhere to be seen Thursday when , in an emotional changing of the guard meeting , campaign manager Brad Parscale surrendered his title to onetime deputy Bill Stepien .
Facing strong electoral headwinds , it was Trump who demoted Parscale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s son-in-law and a senior White House adviser , is expected to remain the driving force behind a political operation built to respond to Trump ’ s instincts and give him another four years in office .
Parscale ’ s ouster reflects Trump ’ s willingness to shake things up as the coronavirus blocks him from holding his trademark rallies and as he grapples with polls showing him significantly trailing Democratic rival Joe Biden , according to some of the seven campaign officials and Republicans who discussed the shakeup on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations .
But it also shows a new willingness by Trump to diversify his inner circle , even if Kushner remains at the helm .
Some Republican Party officials and outside allies have been encouraging Trump to listen to a broader array of political advice , believing that Kushner has filled the president ’ s ear with voices that echo Kushner ’ s .
That process began when Trump first elevated Stepien to senior adviser and returned Jason Miller to the campaign last month .
Parscale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hand-picked choice of Kushner , but the president ’ s son-in-law was among those who have soured on him in recent weeks .
Kushner ’ s White House portfolio is so vast that it has become fodder for late-night comics .
But he also has been the ultimate decision-maker on the campaign , and some Trump allies said Parscale was paying the price for Kushner ’ s own lack of political expertise .
Despite the deficits , the campaign on Thursday began its new chapter with typical bravado .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a better ground game , better fundraising , and most importantly , a better candidate with a better record , ” Stepien said .
“ With 109 days left , our goal is clear — to win each day we have left until Election Day.
” Trump ’ s willingness to accept new counsel was already in the works ahead of Wednesday ’ s shakeup , and some advisers were heartened by his speech this week in the Rose Garden that , although meandering , contained his most sustained attacks against Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a choice between two visions of America — not just a referendum on his own divisive presidency .
In recent days he has repeatedly underscored the campaign ’ s new dystopian theme that Biden is under the control of leftist elements determined to destroy the American way of life .
Kushner has long been the driving force behind the campaign , which some Republicans felt had failed in recent months to negatively define Biden .
The former vice-president has risen in the polls as he largely stayed out of sight and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a pandemic that has killed nearly 140,000 Americans and put tens of millions out of work .
“ Jared is a very important voice within President Trump ’ s orbit , ” he said .
“ In addition to being a very smart and creative thinker , he is someone who always has President Trump ’ s back and looks out for him , not only as someone who is president of the United States , but as someone who is family.
” But some Republicans are worried that Kushner is spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portfolio that includes the coronavirus , immigration , reinventing government and , for good measure , the Middle East .
Kushner originally hired Parscale to run the 2016 campaign ’ s digital operation .
Rather than parting ways completely , Parscale will remain involved in the campaign , in part because of the difficulty the campaign would have faced in rebuilding its digital advertising operation so close to the Nov. 3 general election .
While the Republican National Committee owns most of the campaign ’ s data , voter modeling and outreach tools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online advertising that Trump aides believe was key four years ago .
Parscale left the campaign office Thursday misty-eyed about how the effort had started with five people and expressed amazement about the behemoth that had been built , according to several people in attendance .
But Trump had begun to sour on him earlier this year as Parscale attracted a wave of media attention that included focus on his glitzy lifestyle on the Florida coast that kept him far from campaign headquarters in Virginia .
And Parscale ’ s fate was sealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket requests for the president ’ s comeback rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , that ended up drawing just 6,000 people .
A furious Trump was left staring at a sea of empty seats .
Now , with just six weeks left before early voting begins in some states , polls show the president is trailing Biden in battleground states across the map , and those margins are only growing as COVID-19 ravages scores of states .
It appears increasingly likely the election will be defined by Trump ’ s handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Trump ’ s top weapon in his political arsenal has been holstered , at least for now .
After the Tulsa debacle , the campaign tried to host a rally last weekend in New Hampshire — this time in an airport hangar to alleviate concerns about the spread of the virus .
But fears about low turnout , as well as a dicey weather forecast , led to its cancellation , and there are real questions about whether Trump can pull off rallies to rev up his base amid a pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans increasingly anxious about retaining control of the Senate .
Despite the campaign shakeup , most in the GOP believe the candidate will determine his own fate .
“ The title of campaign manager right now , with this particular president , is meaningless , because he is the message .
He is the strategy , ” said Kevin Madden , a Republican strategist who was a senior adviser on Mitt Romney ’ s 2012 presidential campaign .
“ Time is running out .
This is not an election defined by Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global pandemic , the economic disruption it caused , and the president ’ s response to it .
”

Jonathan Lemire, Jill Colvin And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Israel to shut down on weekends in response to virus surge

JERUSALEM - Israel announced sweeping new restrictions on Friday in response to a new surge in coronavirus cases , including weekend closures of many businesses and limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery .
The government announced the restrictions after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “ interim steps ” were needed to avoid another general lockdown .
Netanyahu has faced widespread criticism and protests in recent days over his government ’ s handling of the pandemic and the economic fallout from an earlier lockdown .
Gyms and exercise studios will be closed except for use by competitive athletes .
Restaurants will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seating and beaches will be closed on weekends beginning later this month .
Stores , malls , barber shops , beauty salons and tourist sites will also be closed on weekends .
Public gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors or 20 outside .
The Cabinet approved the new measures pending approval by the Knesset , Israel ’ s parliament , but said they would take effect Friday evening with violation considered a criminal offence .
By late May , Israel had largely contained its outbreak following a two-month lockdown .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions were lifted , with Israel reporting around 1,900 new cases on Thursday alone .
At least 384 people have died since the outbreak began , out of a total of more than 45,000 cases .
The virus causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms in most patients , who recover within a few weeks .
But it can cause severe illness or death , particularly in older patients or those with weakened immune systems .
It is highly contagious and can be spread by people showing no symptoms .
Cases are also rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst outbreak in the region , with nearly 270,000 confirmed cases and at least 13,791 deaths .
That includes 2,379 new cases and 183 deaths in the last 24 hours , according to the Health Ministry .
Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said more than 3,500 patients are in serious condition while more than 230,000 have recovered .
Iran ’ s state-run IRNA news agency reported that the United Arab Emirates ’ flagship carrier has resumed daily flights to Tehran after suspending them in response to the pandemic .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tehran on Friday .
The carrier had suspended service in February after two Iranian passengers tested positive .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--China’s mighty Yangtze nears crest again, new floods feared

BEIJING - Engorged with more heavy rains , China ’ s mighty Yangtze River is cresting again , bringing fears of further destruction , as the seasonal floods that already have left 141 people dead or missing have grown in force since last month .
The heavy rains are putting renewed pressure on the massive Three Gorges Dam that straddles the river upstream of the city of Wuhan in Hubei province .
The official Xinhua News Agency said the rate of flow in the reservoir behind the dam would hit a record for the year on Friday night , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet ) per second .
Rivers in the Yangtze system have broken their banks in places , and in Hubei , a helicopter was used to drop stones into the breach to block the inrushing waters .
Crews were dispatched with poles to probe waterlogged embankments for weakness and thousands of sandbags were being filled in preparation for more breaches that would need to be swiftly closed .
Water rose to the level of first-floor windows in exposed ancient towns and crops were completely inundated around vast Poyang Lake , a network of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan .
On the lake ’ s eastern edge in Jiangxi province , 45-year-old Xu Yongxiang said his village of Liufang had been without running water or electricity for almost a week .
Although it was time for the rice harvest , that crop , along with cotton , corn and beans was now underwater .
“ We do not have one inch of dry ground .
It has all been flooded , “ Xu , who sells pork for a living , was quoted as saying on the official newspaper China Youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of the month has forced evacuations of around 1.8 million people in 24 provinces , mainly in southern China .
Direct losses attributed to flooding are estimated at more than 49 billion yuan ( $ 7 billion ) , according to the Ministry of Emergency Management .
Floodwaters reached as high as 1.4 metres ( almost 5 feet ) in Linshui county in the southwestern province of Sichuan , the ministry ’ s rescue department reported .
Torrential rain also caused three landslides Thursday in a town in mountainous Chongqing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths and leaving three more missing , the official Xinhua News Agency reported .
Seasonal flooding strikes large parts of China each year , especially in its central and southern regions , but conditions this year have been especially bad .
Major cities have thus far been spared but concerns have risen over Wuhan and other downstream metropolises that are home to tens of millions of people .
China ’ s worst floods in recent years were in 1998 , when more than 2,000 people died and almost 3 million homes were destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three Gorges Dam was built mainly to generate electricity , but the government also said it was expected to mitigate catastrophic flooding .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--India hits 1 million virus cases, nations battle flare-ups

MITO , Japan - A return of stringent coronavirus restrictions in Israel , another daily record of reported cases in Japan ’ s capital and outbreaks in remote areas such as China ’ s Xinjiang region underscored Friday the ongoing battle to quash COVID-19 flare-ups as the world ’ s latest hot spots pushed the confirmed global case tally toward 14 million .
India said the country ’ s total confirmed cases surpassed 1 million , the third-highest number behind the United States and Brazil , and its death toll reached more than 25,000 .
That followed Brazil ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeded 2 million , including 76,000 deaths .
Governments are frantically trying to prevent and put down fresh outbreaks and keep their economies running as the pandemic accelerates in some parts of the world and threatens to come roaring back in others .
Worldwide , confirmed cases numbered more than 13.8 million Friday and COVID-19 deaths totalled more than 590,000 .
Israel on Friday reimposed sweeping restrictions to tackle a new surge in coronavirus cases in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called “ interim steps ” to avoid another general lockdown .
Stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salons , beaches and tourist sites will also be closed on weekends .
Public gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors or 20 outside .
New virus cases have soared in Israel since restrictions were lifted in late May .
The country reported around 1,900 new cases on Thursday .
At least 384 people have died since the outbreak began .
Japan ’ s capital recorded a single-day record number of new coronavirus cases for a second straight day on Friday with 293 .
Tokyo was taken off a list of places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under a government scheme to encourage domestic tourism .
Like elsewhere around the world , the recent infections have triggered concerns that the government moved to ramp up the Japanese economy too quickly .
Many governments — national , regional and local - have been rolling back reopenings and tightening restrictions to try to stave off more waves of new cases .
Spain , which earlier in the pandemic was one of the world ’ s hardest hit countries , was grappling with more than 150 active outbreaks , most of them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health authorities on Friday asked the 5.5 million residents of Barcelona , the regional capital of Catalonia , to stay at home as much as possible to stem the virus ’ spread .
They also announced a local ban on social gatherings over 10 people , and nightclub and gym closures .
Spain reported 580 new cases Thursday , the highest daily number since May 10 .
Australia ’ s most populous state , New South Wales , on Friday announced increased pandemic restrictions after detecting eight new COVID-19 cases in a cluster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was traced to a visitor from Melbourne .
Around 42 cases have since been linked to that cluster .
Authorities were hoping that fresh controls might bring the infection count to a plateau , as Melbourne reported a record 428 new COVID-19 cases on Friday .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson charted a different course , announcing that as of Aug. 1 the government was no longer asking people to avoid public transit and would stop advising workers in England to work from home as of Aug. 1 .
Keen to reinvigorate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses that rely on office workers to rebound .
He also announced that beauticians , casinos , bowling alleys and skating rinks would be allowed to reopen next month as long as infection rates don ’ t start climbing again .
The prime minister ’ s decision to give employers more leeway to ask their staffs to return to regular work locations appeared to conflict with the views of his chief scientific adviser , who said Thursday that there was “ absolutely no reason ” to change the work-from-home advice .
The U.K. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which stood at more than 45,000 as of Friday , has for several weeks been the highest in Europe and the third-highest in the world behind the United States and Brazil .
China , where the coronavirus first emerged late last year , on Friday reported nine imported cases .
Health officials in the Muslim northwestern region of Xinjiang also reported six confirmed cases of local transmission .
They said another 11 people tested positive but were asymptomatic .
China does not include asymptomatic cases in its caseload totals .
Xiniang , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detentions and other human rights abuses against ethnic Muslims , is so far from Beijing that residents operate by their own , unofficial time zone .
Until now , the region had been little affected by virus outbreaks elsewhere that have since appeared to be under control .
The continuing surge of new cases in India drove home concerns over the readiness of some countries to cope with outbreaks that could overwhelm hospitals and test feeble health care systems .
The government ordered a weeklong lockdown in the technology hub of Bangalore after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The acceleration in cases remains the main challenge for India in the coming days , ” said Dr. Ashish Jha , director of the Harvard Global Health Institute , adding that a vast majority of cases were still being missed .
South Africa now has the world ’ s sixth-highest reported caseload , with 324,221 cases accounting for more than half the total confirmed in Africa .
Many are clustered in South Africa ’ s densely populated Gauteng province , home of Johannesburg and one-quarter of the country ’ s population .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States produced more record numbers of confirmed infections and deaths in the South and West .
Hospitals are stretched to the brink in many areas amid fears that outbreaks were only getting started .
At least half of the 50 states have adopted requirements for wearing masks or other facial coverings .
Texas reported 10,000 new cases for the third straight day and 129 additional deaths .
A third of its more than 3,400 total COVID-19 fatalities came in the first two weeks of July alone .
Florida reached another ominous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a staggering 13,965 new cases .
Merchant reported from Houston , Texas .
Associated Press reporters around the world contributed to this report .
Follow all of AP ’ s pandemic coverage at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Elaine Kurtenbach, Nomaan Merchant And Menelaos Hadjicostis - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Amid virus, Nicaragua drops celebration, readies monument

MANAGUA , Nicaragua - President Daniel Ortega ’ s government is being deterred by the coronarvirus from holding the usual mass celebration to mark the July 19 victory of Nicaragua ’ s revolution .
Instead , it will unveil a new addition to its collection of monuments in the old city centre of Managua .
The 3 1/2-ton Peace Bell will toll atop a 55-foot ( 17 metre ) concrete tower not far from a grove of “ Trees of Life , ” the huge abstract steel trees painted in garish colours that were sowed about the capital by Vice-President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revolutionary leader Ortega .
Flower gardens and benches will surround the tower .
While the government had announced the bell tower would be inaugurated Friday afternoon , work continued at the site late into the day and there was no ceremony .
There was no official announcement of a new time .
In one of the few signs that Ortega ’ s government is beginning to take the pandemic more seriously , this will be the first time in 41 years that throngs of people won ’ t gather for the July 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Somoza .
Instead a virtual concert is to be broadcast Saturday night and the bell will be formally dedicated at some point .
For months the government downplayed the coronavirus , keeping schools open and encouraging mass events while the rest of the world called for social distancing .
International health organizations have repeatedly urged the government to take action while the public witnessed “ express burials ” and spreading illness .
Some have criticized the bell project as a whim by Murillo at a time that Nicaragua ’ s already struggling economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s totally irresponsible in the conditions of poverty that Nicaragua lives and in the face of this pandemic , ” Larios said .
“ Those millions of cordobas ( the local currency ) should have been used to help people affected by the coronavirus .
It ’ s a whim by the current leaders for their political patronage.
” For her part , Murillo says the bell honours “ peace , love , family , community , struggles and victories , always prioritizing peace and life that are always going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the beautiful ringing of this bell.
” The vice-president says the bell will toll every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. , while at 6 a.m. , noon and 6 p.m. it will toll the call to prayer for the Roman Catholic devotion , The Angelus .
Murillo ’ s projects have been the target of criticism and vandalism before .
Since Ortega returned to power in 2007 , Murillo has set about decorating the capital .
The 140 or so Trees of Life were favourite targets in popular protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were felled around Managua , their light bulbs removed as souvenirs .
According to the city government , the bell tower is part of a municipal sprucing up valued at about $ 855,000 .
No price has been specified for the bell tower itself .
Fidel Moreno , the capital ’ s secretary general , said the tower will complement the wider renovation of the city ’ s old centre , which was badly damaged and partially abandoned after an earthquake in December 1972 .
However , city council member Sellin Figueroa told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been among the 286 projects the city council approved for this year .
“ We don ’ t know who gave the order to build this bell tower , which doesn ’ t exist in the annual municipal investment plan , nor in the general budget of the republic , ” Figueroa said .
“ It ’ s more a whim , a symbol of illegality and the abuse of authority of this administration.
” July 17 is known as the Day of Happiness , since that was the day Somoza fled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule by his family .
Two days later , the leftist Sandinista guerrillas took power .
The first stone for the tower was laid May 18 , the birthday of nationalist hero and namesake of the Sandinista party , Augusto C. Sandino , who fought the U.S. military intervention and was later executed under Somoza ’ s orders .
A phrase famously ascribed to Sandino and frequently employed by Murillo — “ always further ” — will be engraved on the bell .
The tower is on Bolivar Avenue , which Ortega renamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour of his friend Hugo Chávez , the Venezuelan president who died from cancer in 2013 and whose movement idolizes South American independence hero Simón Bolívar .
The bell also stands near the Monument to the People ’ s Combatant , which critics deride as the “ Hulk ” for its resemblance to the popular comic figure .
That monument was also inaugurated on July 17 during Ortega ’ s first presidency in 1985 .
Explosives were once used unsuccessfully to try to destroy it .
Nearby is the plaza where , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrate the revolution ’ s victory each year , waving red and black flags and flanked by two dozen Trees of Life that survived the 2018 protests .
“ That does not take the enthusiasm from our hearts , ” Murillo said this week .
“ To the contrary , we do what we have to do and how we have to do it in these circumstances .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Asia Today: China battles new outbreak in far west Xinjiang

CANBERRA , Australia - The number of confirmed cases in a new COVID-19 outbreak in China ’ s far west has risen to 17 .
The National Health Commission said Saturday that 16 more cases were identified in the previous 24 hours in the Xinjiang region , on top of a first case .
The outbreak in the city of Urumqi is the latest to pop up since China largely contained the domestic spread of the virus in March .
The largest was a recent outbreak in Beijing that infected more than 330 people .
Authorities in Urumqi have reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off some residential communities , according to Chinese media reports .
They also placed restrictions on people leaving the city , including a suspension of subway service to the airport .
China has been accused of human rights abuses in Xinjiang , the homeland of the largely Muslim Uighur ethnic community .
The region has long been blanketed with extreme security , which China says is necessary to prevent terrorist activity .
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region : — South Korea has reported 39 newly confirmed infections of COVID-19 , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The figures announced by South Korea ’ s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday brought the national caseload to 13,711 , including 294 deaths .
The KCDC says at least 28 cases were tied to overseas arrivals .
Eighteen others came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area , which had been at the centre of a virus resurgence that began in late May as restrictions eased .
Health authorities have expressed optimism that the outbreak is being brought under control .
They say imported case of COVID-19 are less threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandating testing and enforcing two-week quarantines on people arriving from abroad .
— Prime Minister Scott Morrison requested that the next two-week sitting of Australia ’ s Parliament be cancelled because of increasing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus in parts of the country .
Parliament was due to sit from Aug. 4 to 13 and would not meet again until the next planned two-week sitting starting on Aug. 24 .
Morrison said he had written to the parliamentary speaker to ask for a cancellation .
The request is considered a formality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had received advice from Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly that there are “ significant risks ” associated with a meeting of Parliament due to increased community transmission of COVID-19 in the state of Victoria and the trends in New South Wales .
On Friday , Victoria state reported a new high of 428 cases and three deaths , most in and around the nation ’ s second-largest city of Melbourne , which has been locked down since last week .
Follow all of AP ’ s pandemic coverage at http : @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Biden says he’s had intel briefings, warns of vote meddling

WASHINGTON - Joe Biden said Friday night that he ’ s begun receiving intelligence briefings as he warned that Russia , China and other adversaries were attempting to undermine the upcoming U.S. election in November .
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee wasn ’ t specific and offered no evidence while addressing a virtual fundraiser with more than 200 attendees .
But , in the process , he confirmed receiving classified briefings after saying as recently as late last month that he wasn ’ t getting them but might request one about reports of Russian bounties being offered on U.S. troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before , and I guarantee you I know now because now I get briefings again .
The Russians are still engaged , trying to de-legitimize our electoral process .
Fact , ” Biden said Friday .
“ China and others are engaged as well in activities designed for us to lose confidence in the outcome.
” The White House and National Security Council didn ’ t immediately respond to requests for comment on Biden ’ s statement .
Reached by phone , a Biden spokesperson did not immediately provide further details .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters he wasn ’ t getting them as of June 30 .
He said then that President Donald Trump ’ s administration had not offered classified briefings , even though they are traditionally provided to major-party nominees once they win the primary .
Biden won ’ t formally become the Democratic presidential nominee until the party ’ s convention next month .
Biden has previously suggested that President Donald Trump could hold up emergency funding to help the Postal Service continue normal operations during the coronavirus , which has devastated the agency ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in mail volumes .
Trump has repeatedly said he opposes expanding mail-in balloting during the pandemic , suggesting without evidence that doing so could lead to widespread fraud — even though there is equally no evidence the president or White House will use Postal Service funding to do what Biden is suggesting .
Biden lobbed similar charges on Friday , saying Trump may try to “ defund the post office so they can ’ t deliver mail-in ballots.
” “ Frankly , this is the thing that keeps me up most at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Making sure everyone who wants to vote can vote , making sure that the vote is counted , making sure we ’ re all trusting in the integrity of the results of the election .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--FBI: Bank robbery suspect dead; 2 agents wounded in Arizona

MESA , Ariz. - Two FBI agents were shot and wounded Friday at an apartment complex in a Phoenix suburb @ @ @ @ @ for a serial bank robbery suspect who was found dead , the FBI said .
@ @ @ @ @ at the scene in Mesa for minor injuries and the other was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ that weren ’ t life-threatening , the FBI said .
The FBI identified the suspect @ @ @ @ @ No further information was provided on how the suspect died or other circumstances .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Navy chief: US warship’s fate uncertain; damage extensive

SAN DIEGO - The USS Bonhomme Richard has extensive structural , electrical and mechanical damage , a top naval chief said Friday after walking into the bowels of the charred warship that burned for more than four days off San Diego .
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday pledged a thorough investigation into the Navy ’ s worst U.S. warship fire outside of combat in recent memory .
He said the probe will look at what caused the fire as well as whether there were enough sailors on duty when it happened and the circumstances around why a fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke out early Sunday while the ship was docked undergoing maintenance .
The uniformed head of the U.S. Navy said he intends to make the results public .
“ We need to go through this , catalogue it all and get an understanding of whether or not we had it right , “ he said .
“ And if not , how do we quickly adjust across the fleet to make sure it doesn ’ t happen again ?
” Gilday on Friday went four decks below the flight deck , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examined the superstructure of the ship .
“ I was able to get a good sense of the damage and the damage is extensive , ” he said .
The future of the ship remains uncertain .
“ I am 100 % confident that our defence industry can put this ship back to sea , but having said that , the question is should we make that investment in a 22-year-old ship ?
“ Gilday asked , adding that he ’ s not making any predictions at this point .
The amphibious assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. fleet that can act as a mini aircraft carrier .
If the Bonhomme Richard is not repaired , it could cost the Navy up to $ 4 billion to replace it , according to defence analysts .
The Bonhomme Richard was nearing the end of a two-year upgrade estimated to cost $ 250 million .
Gilday said the Navy thought it had the fire under control Sunday night — only hours after it broke out that morning in the ship ’ s lower storage area , where cardboard boxes , rags and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winds coming off the San Diego Bay whipped up the flames and the fire spread up the elevator shafts and the exhaust stacks .
Then two explosions — one heard as far as 13 miles ( 21 kilometres ) away — caused it to grow even bigger , Gilday said .
The Navy is looking into what caused the explosions , though officials say they have found no indications yet of foul play .
Gilday said it appears the commanding officer who pulled sailors back from the ship following the explosions made “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to attack the fire very deliberately.
“ He commended the sailors who all train with fire departments and went back repeatedly into the dark , smoke-filled vessel with temperatures soaring in parts above 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit .
Industry experts also will look at the ship , including the design , which Navy officials have said may have contributed to the blaze getting out of control with its hangar-like well deck .
The difficulty fighting the flames was compounded because there was scaffolding , along with other maintenance equipment and debris in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sailors and civilians were treated for minor injuries , heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation since Sunday .
The Navy will look at the ship ’ s procedures to mitigate the risks while it was docked for maintenance work , which often entails opening hatches , pulling out cables , welding , etc .
— heightening the threat of a fire sparking .
Those procedures are worked out with the ship ’ s commanding officer and federal fire officials for each individual ship .
In the meantime , the Navy is taking steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five days , all commanding officers in the Navy are being asked to ensure that their ships ’ equipment is safe , sailors are up-to-date on their firefighting training and “ our procedures are rehearsed so we can all learn from this tragedy , ” he said .
For sailors who have been deployed on the Bonhomme Richard , seeing the blackened ship has been “ a gut punch , “ and feels like losing their home , Gilday said .
“ For every one of them , it ’ s a personal @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Camouflage-wearing federal agents police the streets of Portland

PORTLAND , ORE.—Federal agents dressed in camouflage and tactical gear have taken to the streets of Portland , unleashing tear gas , bloodying protesters and pulling some people into unmarked vans in what Gov .
Kate Brown of Oregon has called “ a blatant abuse of power.
” The extraordinary use of federal force in recent days , billed as an attempt to tamp down persistent unrest and protect government property , has infuriated local leaders , who say the agents have stoked tensions .
“ This is an attack on our democracy , ” Mayor Ted Wheeler of Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 consecutive days of protests reflects the growing fault lines in law enforcement as President Donald Trump threatens an assertive federal role in how cities manage a wave of national unrest after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police .
The agents in Portland are part of “ rapid deployment teams ” put together by the Department of Homeland Security after Trump directed federal agencies to deploy additional personnel to protect statues , monuments and federal property during the continuing unrest .
The teams — which include 2,000 officials from Customs and Border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard — are supporting the Federal Protective Service , an agency that already provides security at federal properties .
Brown said in an interview that she asked the acting homeland security secretary , Chad Wolf , to remove federal officials from the streets and that he refused .
She said the Trump administration appeared to instead be using the situation for photo ops to rally his supporters .
“ They are provoking confrontation for political purposes , ” Brown said .
Wolf , who arrived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ violent mob ” of anarchists emboldened by a lack of local enforcement .
The demonstrations began in the aftermath of Floyd ’ s death .
On some nights , protesters would blanket the Burnside Bridge , each lying face down on the pavement for eight minutes and 46 seconds in remembrance of Floyd .
Those mass demonstrations have waned , but hundreds have continued on , clashing with police almost nightly .
They have set off fireworks , lit fires and attempted to create an autonomous zone similar to one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variety of tactics to calm the tensions .
Wheeler has pleaded for calm .
The city ’ s police chief resigned .
City commissioners have moved to cut some $ 16 million ( U.S. ) from the police budget .
But the protests have continued .

Sergio Olmos - The New York Times,Mike Baker,Zolan Kanno-Youngs


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--U.S. agents are added to suit alleging attack by Portland police

A lawsuit alleging that police in Portland , Oregon , assaulted journalists at Black Lives Matter protests will now include federal agents as defendants , after the plaintiffs claimed that Department of Homeland Security officers and U.S .
Marshals co-ordinated the response with local authorities .
The ruling , by a federal judge in Portland , comes a day after he ordered a preliminary injunction against the alleged conduct .
The plaintiffs include The Portland Mercury newspaper and local magazine photographer Mathieu Lewis-Rolland .
The American Civil Liberties Union , which filed suit against the city last month on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to amend the suit to include the new defendants .
Early on July 12 , dozens of federal agents emerged from Portland police headquarters to begin “ a campaign of wholesale violence against protesters and neutrals alike , ” joined later by the local police , according to the revised complaint .
Agents shot Lewis-Rolland with “ impact munitions ” 10 times as he was filming and photographing them , the plaintiffs alleged .
They said agents had used rubber bullets , tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators , reporters and photographers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is out to “ provoke confrontation for political purposes ” and “ putting both Oregonians and local law enforcement officers in harm ’ s way , ” Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown , a Democrat , said in a tweet Thursday .
The Portland police , the City of Portland , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S .
Marshals Service didn ’ t immediately respond to an email , calls and voicemails seeking comment on the ruling .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--New California rules mean most schools will start online

SAN FRANCISCO - With the first day of school just weeks away in California , Gov .
Gavin Newsom laid out sweeping new rules Friday that all but ensure most of the state ’ s K-12 schools serving 6.7 million students will not reopen classrooms when the academic year starts .
The rules also mandate that all staff and students above 2nd grade who do return to campuses wear masks in school as the coronavirus pandemic surges .
Newsom said all schools , public and private , in counties that are on a state monitoring list for rising coronavirus infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to meet strict criteria for reopening .
Currently , 32 of California ’ s 58 counties are on the list , encompassing the vast majority of the state ’ s population and its biggest cities , Los Angeles , San Diego and San Francisco .
“ Students , teachers , staff and parents prefer in-class instruction .
But only if we can do it safely , ” Newsom said during a televised briefing .
“ The one thing we have the power to do to get our kids back into school ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash your hands.
” The governor ’ s strict new regulations mark a dramatic shift from his earlier position that it was up to local school districts and boards to decide when and how to reopen .
His announcement came as many of the state ’ s 1,000 school districts are set to resume instruction in mid-August , with many still finalizing reopening plans .
“ Planning for the reopening of the 20-21 school year has really been a roller-coaster ride , ” said Robert Meszaros , a spokesman for the Kern County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , north of Los Angeles , is not on the watch list but expects it could be soon and will be affected .
Meszaros said that while the governor ’ s announcement wasn ’ t unexpected , “ it is very different from the directive that was given just a few short weeks ago when schools were encouraged to open for the 20-21 school year with in-person instruction to the greatest extent possible.
“ With many school districts struggling over the decision , teachers unions , parents and school officials have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it is safe to return .
This week , California reported its second-highest one-day totals in infection rates and deaths since the start of the pandemic .
Nearly 7,500 people have died in California — more than 1,200 of them in the past two weeks .
Jeff Olsen , whose daughter will be a junior at Capital Christian School in Sacramento , called Newsom ’ s mandate “ wildly overreaching ” and argued that local school districts and boards should be allowed to decide when and how to reopen .
“ Kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate in activities , ” he said .
“ We are told that masks work to help keep the virus from spreading and that ’ s why we can go to grocery stores , but somehow we can ’ t do that with kids in the classroom ?
” Several large school districts have already said their schools will begin the new term virtually , including Los Angeles and San Diego , the state ’ s two largest with a combined enrolment of 720,000 K-12 students .
San Francisco , Oakland , Sacramento @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Bernardino are among the other districts opting not to immediately return to classrooms .
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said it was “ disheartening and unfortunate ” that LA County students can ’ t have a normal first day back at school but also necessary .
“ This week , Los Angeles County has unfortunately reached grim milestones every day .
We have reported the most cases in a single day , the most hospitalizations and tragically high death numbers , ” Ferrer said .
Newsom ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classrooms and schools would have to close if there is an outbreak .
If a student or educator test positive for the virus , a classroom would have to close and the students and teacher would quarantine for 14 days .
An entire school should revert to distance learning if it reports multiple cases , or 5 per cent of students and staff test positive within a 14-day period .
Jeff Freitas , president of the California Federation of Teachers , said the union was thankful Newsom provided direction for schools Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person learning should be even stricter : Schools shouldn ’ t be allowed to open until cases decline for 14 straight days within a county and statewide .
“ Everybody involved wants in-person learning .
We know that is the best way to provide education .
But there is a safety issue here , ” he said .
The California Teachers Association , which represents 310,000 members , had pointedly urged Newsom last week not to reopen schools “ until it is safe.
“ Republican Assemblyman Kevin Kiley accused the governor of listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in laying out the rules .
“ Rather than adopting a balanced approach that provides California families options for classroom-based and home-based learning , the governor is shutting down the vast majority of schools across the state , ” said Kiley , of Rocklin .
Schools across California closed in March as the state ramped up virus-related restrictions .
The move to distance learning was rocky for teachers , parents and students , particularly those who lacked the right technology or internet access .
Newsom noted the state budget includes more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from learning losses .
Schools will now be required to introduce “ robust distance learning programs , ” something teachers have said they are striving for but may be easier said than done .
The rules call for regular coronavirus testing of school staff and working with county contact tracers if an outbreak occurs , Newsom said .
Superintendents will be able to submit waiver requests to re-open elementary schools , for approval by local health officers , but it was unclear how strict or lenient authorities would be when examining those requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press Writers John Antczak in Los Angeles , Daisy Nguyen in San Francisco and Amy Taxin in Orange County , California contributed to this report .

Jocelyn Gecker And Kathleen Ronayne - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Tennessee governor delays scheduled execution due to virus

NASHVILLE - A Tennessee death row inmate received a rare temporary reprieve from Gov .
Bill Lee on Friday , after the Republican announced the execution would not take place this year because of the coronavirus — a reason the state ’ s highest court had previously dismissed as cause to delaying the capital case .
“ I am granting Harold Wayne Nichols a temporary reprieve from execution until December 31 , 2020 , due to the challenges and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , “ Lee said in a statement .
The governor , who has declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first term in office , offered no further explanation for his decision .
The 59-year-old Nichols had been scheduled to die by electrocution on Aug. 4 .
He chose the electric chair over Tennessee ’ s preferred execution method of lethal injection — an option allowed inmates in the state who were convicted of crimes before January 1999 .
Lee ’ s Friday decision stands in contrast to the state Supreme Court , where justices had already twice declined to delay his execution because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Nichols ’ attorneys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal court .
According to his attorneys , the coronavirus outbreak had rendered Nichols ’ legal team unable to prepare a clemency application for the governor .
They also argued Nichols hadn ’ t been able to sufficiently meet with friends , family , attorneys or his spiritual adviser .
“ We are grateful Gov .
Lee granted the reprieve , ” said Susanne Bales , Nichols ’ attorney , in an emailed statement .
“ Because of the COVID-19 public health crisis Mr. Nichols has been deprived of the type of legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive , as well as the opportunity to practice his religion and prepare for death that is afforded to all others.
” To date , only the courts have rescheduled executions in Tennessee because of the health crisis .
Oscar Smith was slated to die in June , but his execution date is now in February 2021 , and Byron Black was scheduled to die in October , until his date was reset to April 2021 .
“ The public health is well-served by not going forward with an execution on August 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading the virus within the prison population and staff , as well as the surrounding community , ” Bales added .
Earlier that Friday , Tennessee ’ s Department of Correction confirmed that only three reporters had applied to witness Nichols ’ execution .
Typically , up to seven media witnesses are selected in a lottery system with the possibility of two alternates .
Tennessee resumed executions in August 2018 at a pace topped only by Texas .
During that time , seven Tennessee inmates have been put to death , with only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State is one of six in which inmates can choose the electric chair , but it ’ s the only state that has used the chair in recent years .
Lee has deflected when asked if he ’ s comfortable with the amount of executions that have continued to ramp up in Tennessee .
He has also declined to weigh in when asked about the increased use of the electric chair in those executions .
The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled on whether electrocution violates the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly said that the death penalty is a legal option in Tennessee and that he is compelled to “ abide by the law.
” Nichols was convicted of rape and first-degree felony murder in the 1988 death of 21-year-old Karen Pulley in Hamilton County .
Court documents say he raped and hit Pulley on the head several times with a board .
She was found alive by her roommates but later died the following day .
Nichols was sentenced to death in 1990 .
Feb. 20 was the most recent execution in Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electric chair .
Reporter Jonathan Mattise contributed to this report from Nashville , Tenn .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Kansas congressman forced to leave committees after charges

TOPEKA , Kan. - A freshman Kansas congressman facing felony criminal charges over previously listing a UPS Inc. postal box as his residence on a state voter registration form has been forced to temporarily give up his House committee assignments .
Republican Rep. Steve Watkins said Friday that he is “ temporarily and voluntarily ” leaving the three committees on which he serves .
But the House Republican conference ’ s rules require members facing a potential felony conviction to leave their committee posts .
He also lost the backing of Kansans for Life , the state ’ s most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and a GOP rival , State Treasurer Jake LaTurner , and now is endorsing only LaTurner .
“ In light of Watkins ’ recent legal situation and his resignation from his congressional committee assignments , KFL PAC felt that it was prudent to re-evaluate the safety of this pro-life seat , ” said Melissa Leach , the director of the group ’ s political action committee .
Watkins ’ campaign did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the group ’ s action Friday .
Watkins stepped aside from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one misdemeanour charge against him were filed by the local district attorney in state district court in Shawnee County , which includes his hometown , the state capital of Topeka .
He is accused of voting illegally in a Topeka City Council race in November 2019 and providing false information to a sheriff ’ s deputy who was investigating whether he broke state election laws .
“ Throughout my entire career , I have put service above myself , and this instance is no different , ” Watkins , a former Army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was stepping aside so that the committees can “ continue their critical work.
” He had been serving on the House education , foreign affairs and veterans ’ affairs committees .
Some Republicans already were trying to oust Watkins in the state ’ s Aug. 4 primary , even though he ’ s largely toed the conservative line and supported President Donald Trump .
Critics see Watkins as vulnerable to a Democratic challenge because he won his seat as political novice in 2018 by less than a percentage point in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried in 2016 .
The investigation into his voter registrations added to some Republicans ’ misgivings .
LaTurner picked up the endorsement of Wichita-area Rep. Ron Estes on Thursday , with Estes citing the criminal charges as one reason .
“ It is unfortunate that our veterans , foreign service professionals and all Kansans won ’ t be receiving the representation they deserve because Steve Watkins has not been conducting himself as an elected member of Congress should , ” LaTurner spokeswoman Kara Zeyer said in a statement .
Dennis Taylor , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of several state agencies , also is seeking the Republican nomination , and the presumed Democratic nominee is Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla .
A hearing in Watkins ’ criminal case isn ’ t set until Dec. 3 , a month after the November general election .
Watkins filed a state voter registration form in late August 2019 listing the UPS postal box as his residential address .
The postal box still was listed as his residential address when he cast a mailed-in ballot that included the Topeka City Council race .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he inadvertently listed his mailing address instead of his residential address by mistake .
He later twice corrected his address to an apartment , but it is not in the same City Council district as the UPS store , raising questions about potential illegal voting .
Watkins ’ reelection campaign launched a new ad Friday accusing Shawnee Country District Attorney Mike Kagay of colluding with LaTurner because both share a direct-mail consultant who provides services to many Republican candidates .
The ad suggests the criminal case represents “ bogus charges against an American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposing the corruption and collusion behind this blatant political prosecution and holding those responsible accountable , ” Watkins said in his statement .
Kagay did not immediately respond to telephone and email messages seeking a response to Watkins ’ comments .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Robert Durst murder trial may not resume until April

LOS ANGELES - The murder trial of New York real estate heir Robert Durst will not resume in late July as planned , and may stay on hold until April .
At a hearing Friday on the resumption of the case , which was put on pause four months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic , Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Windham said he would tell jurors they would not need to return until April 12 , but is considering the possibility of a bench trial in which he and not a jury would decide Durst ’ s guilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to consent to by waiving his right to a jury trial , would resume much sooner , with the crowd concerns brought on by jurors allayed .
Another hearing is scheduled for July 31 , giving time for defence attorneys to confer with the 77-year-old Durst , who was did not take part in Friday ’ s hearing .
Durst is on trial for the 2000 shooting death of his best friend Susan Berman .
Prosecutors allege Durst killed Berman because he feared she was going to tell New York police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1982 and she helped him cover up the crime , prosecutors said .
Kathleen Durst has never been found , though she has been legally declared dead .
Durst has never been charged with any crime related to her disappearance and has denied any role in her death .
The murder trial had been expected to take five months , but was delayed in mid-March after opening statements and just two days of testimony .
Durst ’ s attorneys , who appeared Friday by phone , and Deputy District Attorney John Lewin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed that a jury trial should not be resumed for several months .
“ We can not have a trial at this time with this jury , ” Durst attorney David Chesnoff said in the hearing by phone from Las Vegas .
Durst ’ s lawyers renewed their call for a mistrial , which Windham declined to grant .
Lewin said the trial could be successfully resumed after a long delay , and that the jury might be re-shown opening statements on video , and have witness testimony read back to them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will mean a pause in the trial of over a year .
This story has been corrected to show that the prosecutor handling the case is named John Lewin , not Mark .

ATLANTA (AP) — Putting 19 people on trial at the same time is a difficult assignment for any prosecutor — whether or not one of those defendan…


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Millions of kids told full return to school in fall unlikely

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. - Millions more children in the U.S. learned Friday that they ’ re unlikely to return to classrooms full time in the fall because of the coronavirus pandemic as death tolls reached new highs .
It came as many states — particularly in the Sunbelt — struggled to cope with the surge and governments worldwide tried to control fresh outbreaks .
In a sign of how the virus is galloping around the globe , the World Health Organization reported nearly a quarter-million new infections in a single day .
In the U.S. , teams of military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help hospitals deluged by coronavirus patients .
The two most populous states each reported roughly 10,000 new cases and some of their highest death counts since the pandemic began .
Big numbers in Florida , Arizona and other states also are helping drive the U.S. resurgence that ’ s forcing states to rethink the school year .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom laid out strict criteria for school reopenings that makes classroom instruction unlikely for most districts .
The Democrat ’ s rules mandate that students above second grade and all staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission to stay closed for more than 5 million students well into the fall .
Under the guidelines , schools can hold online-only instruction for up to the first eight weeks , potentially pushing a return to campus in some cities until November .
Most Chicago children would return to the classroom just two days a week and spend the other three days learning remotely under a tentative plan outlined by officials from the nation ’ s third-largest school district .
A final decision for fall classes for the district ’ s more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until late August .
Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds , a Republican , announced she will override school districts and require students to spend at least half of their schooling in classrooms , drawing criticism from the state teachers union .
The uncertainty about the way to safely restart schools has parents like Ivette Garcia of Orange Park , Florida , struggling with what to do .
When she learned her school district only had two options this fall , in-person or virtual lessons , she decided to keep her kindergarten son home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and after work , with her parents reinforcing education in between .
“ The schools ’ start date is less than 30 days away .
And I don ’ t feel that there ’ s a very great plan in place that makes me feel comfortable enough to send my baby to school and then return back to our family dynamic , ” Garcia said .
Several states have been reporting record numbers of COVID-19 this week , contributing to a surge in the national death rate .
The seven-day rolling average for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from two weeks ago , while the case count in that period shot up 43 % .
Texas reported a record 174 new deaths , and more than 10,000 additional cases for the fourth consecutive day .
California ’ s nearly 10,000 confirmed cases were its third-highest daily total , and it recorded 130 deaths during a week of seesawing infection numbers .
There were signs across the Sunbelt that the virus was stretching authorities ’ capacity to respond .
The medical examiner ’ s office in metro Phoenix has gotten portable storage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influx of bodies — reminiscent of New York City at the height of the pandemic there .
In Houston , an 86-person Army medical team worked to take over a wing of United Memorial Medical Center .
In California , military doctors , nurses and other health care specialists were being deployed to eight hospitals facing staffing shortages .
Some hospitals in South Carolina also were being squeezed : The number of patients with COVID-19 is increasing rapidly , while nurses and other workers are getting infected when they are off work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice-president with Prisma Health who is based in Greenville .
“ The majority of the illness we see in our nursing staffs and our support staff is community spread , “ he said .
“ Almost all of it I can ’ t control.
” In Florida , Miami-area authorities began stepping up enforcement of a mask requirement .
Code and fire inspectors have authority to issue tickets of up to $ 100 for individuals and $ 500 for businesses not complying with guidelines to wear masks and practice social distancing .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , assistant manager of Blue Collar , a Miami comfort food restaurant , said all of the customers eat outside on picnic tables and are asked to wear masks when not eating .
“ We tell people flat out : ‘ Either you comply or we have the right not to serve you , ’ ” he said .
“ We haven ’ t had any issues so far.
” At least half of all states have adopted requirements for wearing face coverings .
But in Georgia , Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings .
He sued Atlanta late Thursday to prevent it from defying his order , and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she was prepared to go to court to maintain the requirement .
Globally , confirmed cases numbered more than 13.9 million Friday , according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University , and COVID-19 deaths totalled more than 590,000. WHO reported a single-day record of new infections : over 237,000 .
Experts believe that the true numbers are even higher .
India ’ s total confirmed cases surpassed 1 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States and Brazil — and its death toll reached more than 25,000 .
That followed an announcement Thursday that its confirmed cases exceeded 2 million , including 76,000 deaths .
The surge in India — where experts believe the vast majority of cases are still being missed — drove home concerns over the readiness of some countries to cope with outbreaks that could test feeble health care systems .
In sub-Saharan Africa , which already had the world ’ s greatest shortage of medical personnel , nearly 10,000 health workers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
In Spain , which was one of the hardest-hit countries earlier in the pandemic , health officials asked Barcelona ’ s 5.5 million residents to stay home as much as possible to stem the virus ’ s spread .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson charted a different course , announcing that as of Aug. 1 , the government was no longer asking people to avoid public transit or work from home .
The U.K. ’ s official death toll , which stood at more than 45,000 , has for several weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported from New York .
Associated Press reporters around the world contributed to this report .
Follow all of AP ’ s pandemic coverage at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

Freida Frisaro And David Crary - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Kentucky high court blocks efforts to suspend COVID-19 rules

FRANKFORT , Ky. - Kentucky ’ s highest court on Friday put a temporary stop to efforts by a top Republican to rein in the Democratic governor ’ s ability to control the coronavirus outbreak with restrictions on public behaviour .
The state Supreme Court stepped into the dispute by halting any lower court orders blocking Gov .
Andy Beshear ’ s executive actions pending its own review .
In doing so , the justices preempted a circuit judge who appeared ready to sign an order suspending all of the governor ’ s COVID-19 orders .
The Supreme Court ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in place .
“ I ’ m relieved because I ’ ve sat up the last two nights not sleeping , worried about how many people would die if we didn ’ t have any types of rules in place , ” Beshear said .
The state ’ s Republican attorney general , Daniel Cameron , contends the governor overstepped his constitutional authority with the orders .
Beshear said that without those restrictions , including a mandate that most people wear masks in public , Kentucky would suffer another proliferation of virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more death.
” Cameron says he wears a mask and urges others to do so but has asked a judge to rule on whether the governor ’ s mask order complies with state law .
The legal battle pitting the state ’ s governor and attorney general comes as Kentucky struggles with a recent spike in coronavirus cases .
On Friday , Beshear reported 531 more confirmed virus cases statewide and eight additional virus-related deaths .
To show how the virus can spread , Beshear said an outbreak hitting a football team had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 other family members .
He didn ’ t identify the team .
Both sides in the legal dispute have expected the issues to ultimately go before the high court .
“ Our goal in joining these cases is that the law is followed and the rights of Kentuckians are protected , “ Cameron said in a statement .
“ We look forward to having the Supreme Court take up these important issues in the coming days.
” In its dramatic order , the Supreme Court said two circuit courts could proceed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all findings of fact and conclusions of law they find appropriate.
“ But the high court said “ no order , however characterized , shall be effective.
” The Supreme Court said its order will continue pending its review of issues it characterized as of “ paramount public importance to all citizens of the commonwealth.
” “ Given the need for a clear and consistent statewide public health policy and recognizing that the Kentucky legislature has expressly given the governor broad executive powers in a public health emergency , the court orders a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until such time as the various orders are properly before the court with a full record of any evidence and pleadings considered by the lower courts , “ the ruling said .
Beshear , a former attorney general , said the Supreme Court order had “ ensured the safety and the lives of Kentuckians , while at the same time saying they ’ ll hear all the substantive arguments later .
And I ’ m happy to do that.
” Earlier in the day , Cameron indicated that a Boone County circuit judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the governor ’ s emergency orders .
Beshear ’ s office acknowledged it was bracing for an order that would “ void all of the orders the governor has issued to keep us safe.
“ Cameron asked for the ruling halting the executive actions .
He filed a strongly worded motion accusing Beshear of responding to the pandemic with “ unchecked , totalitarian use of emergency authority ” in violation of the state ’ s Constitution .
Cameron ’ s sweeping motion also sought an order preventing Beshear from issuing additional restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , Beshear denounced the attorney general ’ s legal manoeuvr as “ just plain irresponsible.
” In a social media post , the governor laid out what ’ s at stake in combating the virus .
“ With no rules , there is no chance of getting kids back to school , we will lose over $ 10 billion in our economy and many Kentuckians will die , “ he said on Twitter .
In his own social media post , Cameron said halting the governor ’ s restrictions would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials to ensure the safety and well-being of Kentuckians.
” Public health experts testified at a court hearing on the matter that they “ have the tools ” needed to fight the virus without executive orders from the governor , the attorney general said .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--NYC cleared to reopen zoos, play ball; museums stay shut

New York City was cleared Friday to take the next step in its reopening next week , allowing movie and TV crews to film , zoos to welcome reduced crowds , professional sports teams to play to empty seats .
Visitors are set to return to the island that houses the Statue of Liberty — but not the statue itself .
But malls , museums and restaurant dining rooms will stay shuttered in the nation ’ s biggest city .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced that the city is set to begin a limited version of the fourth phase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he warned that New York ’ s progress is fragile as COVID-19 cases surge elsewhere in the country .
“ I feel like we ’ re standing on a beach and we ’ re looking out at the sea and we see the second wave building in the distance , so I want all New Yorkers to be on high alert , ” the Democratic governor told reporters during a telephone briefing .
New York City , which has seen the bulk of the state ’ s confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the state .
In the city ’ s scaled-down Phase 4 , botanical gardens and zoos can reopen at 33 % capacity , production of movies and TV shows can proceed and professional sports such as baseball can be played without fans in the stands , Mayor Bill de Blasio said .
Major League Baseball plans to start a shortened season this coming Thursday , with the defending World Series champion Washington Nationals hosting the New York Yankees , and the Los Angeles Dodgers welcoming the rival San Francisco Giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fray July 24 .
Meanwhile , the National Park Service announced that the grounds of Liberty Island would reopen to visitors Monday after being closed since March 16 .
But there ’ s no reopening date yet for Lady Liberty herself , the statue museum or nearby Ellis Island .
The rest of the state is already in Phase 4 , which typically permits opening malls and certain arts and entertainment centres .
But Cuomo said this week that even in Phase 4 , New York City can ’ t have “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like malls and museums because of coronavirus transmission risks .
New York City also has been barred from opening up indoor dining , unlike the rest of the state .
Even so , “ Phase 4 — what a striking reality , after everything we went through , ” the Democratic mayor said Friday at an online briefing where he announced that the city would extend through October new provisions that have allowed restaurants to set up more outdoor tables than usual .
Meanwhile , Cuomo announced a crackdown Thursday on bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many have been flouting mask-wearing and social distancing rules , especially downstate .
Taverns and eateries can no longer allow walk-up bar service or serve alcohol to people who aren ’ t buying food , and any establishment cited three times with breaking the rules will be closed .
“ We allowed outdoor dining .
We never allowed outdoor drinking ” and partying crowds , Cuomo emphasized Friday .
De Blasio , on the other hand , maintained the city hadn ’ t seen any “ really profound problem with compliance.
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have embraced outdoor dining as a lifeline after months of being limited to takeout and delivery .
“ Businesses need to be responsible for the activity on their property , but staff certainly can ’ t be deputized to police the streets , ” said Andrew Rigie , the executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance , a restaurant and nightlife association .
Daily statewide statistics released Friday show New York with 776 newly confirmed cases , representing 1 % of all tests .
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to state figures .
More than 25,000 people have died statewide since the outbreak began .

Michael Hill, Karen Matthews And Jennifer Peltz - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Indictment: Officer kicked in video gave misleading account

BALTIMORE - A Baltimore Police officer who was captured on video being kicked while trying to make an arrest has been indicted on charges that he gave misleading information about what led to the confrontation .
Sgt .
Welton Simpson , a 19-year veteran , said at the time that Zayne Abdullah , 23 , spit in his face and hit him , The Baltimore Sun reported .
But body camera footage produced earlier this month by defence attorneys showed Simpson arguing with Abdullah before shoving him , sparking a scuffle that ended with Abdullah ’ s arrest and charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abdullah are Black .
A grand jury indicted Simpson on Friday on charges of giving a false statement to law enforcement and misconduct in office .
The indictment says Simpson omitted key facts and escalated the situation during the attempted arrest in January , which is against Baltimore Police Department policy .
The new indictment says Simpson also improperly used a chokehold on Abdullah , which they say is a “ level 3 ” use of force and “ prohibited unless deadly force is authorized.
” He is not charged with assault , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a badge means that the public needs to trust you and believe you , “ State ’ s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said in a statement .
“ The indictment alleges that the officer violated this trust by making false statements and engaging in misconduct .
We can not accept and will not tolerate such actions.
” Mosby , Gov .
Larry Hogan and Mayor Bernard C. “ Jack ” Young all condemned the kicking of the officer when the video of the confrontation went viral in January , and Police Commissioner Michael Harrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Natalie Finegar , Abdullah ’ s defence attorney , said she was informed that charges against her client and a second man , Donnell Burgess , are being dropped by prosecutors on Monday .
Finegar said she was glad for the resolution , but said the evidence had long been in possession of law enforcement .
“ It ’ s unfortunate my client spent four months incarcerated waiting for this investigation , ” Finegar said .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Border agency fires 4, suspends 38 for social media posts

WASHINGTON - The Border Patrol ’ s parent agency said Friday that it fired four employees and suspended 38 without pay for inappropriate social media activity following revelations of a secret Facebook group that mocked members of Congress and migrants .
The investigation began in July 2019 after posts surfaced in a secret Facebook group called “ I ’ m 10-15.
” They questioned the authenticity of images of a migrant father and child dead on the banks of the Rio Grande River and depicted doctored images of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez purporting to perform a sex act on President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 33 employees were disciplined with reprimands or counselling .
Of 138 cases investigated , 63 were found unsubstantiated .
Six cases remained open to investigation Wednesday .
The agency said the disciplinary actions , first reported by the Los Angeles Times , addressed violations of its standards of conduct and behaviour that is “ contrary to our core values of vigilance , service to country , and integrity.
” The Facebook 10-15 group , which had 9,500 members and is named for someone in Border Patrol custody , included graphic posts that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ hoes.
“ A news story about a 16-year-old Guatemalan boy who died in Border Patrol custody elicited a response from one member , “ If he dies , he dies.
” Another member posted a GIF of the “ Sesame Street ” character Elmo with the quote “ Oh well.
” Escobar , a Texas Democrat , said on Twitter that the investigation should have addressed why other group members didn ’ t report the activity .
She said the posts mocked “ vulnerable people dehumanized by a broken system ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Prosecutor who convicted Jodi Arias agrees to disbarment

PHOENIX - A former Arizona prosecutor known for winning a conviction in the Jodi Arias murder case agreed Friday to be disbarred in an ethics case in which he was accused of leaking the identity of an Arias juror and sexually harassing female law clerks in his office .
Juan Martinez agreed to give up his license to practice law , ending the ethics case that was scheduled to go to trial in November .
Even though he still disputes the allegations , Martinez said in a court filing that “ I no longer desire to defend the charges but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Bar of Arizona , which regulates lawyers and was seeking discipline against Martinez , said the outcome was just .
Earlier this week , Martinez suffered a defeat when the Arizona Supreme Court reinstated the sexual harassment allegations after a lower court had dismissed them .
In the ethics case , Martinez was accused of leaking the identity of a juror in the Arias case to a blogger with whom he was having a sexual relationship and lying to investigators about it .
The ethics complaint also alleged Martinez would stare at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county prosecutor ’ s office and look them up and down as they walked away .
It said some female employees would hide in the bathroom , duck into cubicles or engage in busy work to avoid encountering Martinez .
Two years ago , Martinez was reprimanded by then-Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery ’ s office for inappropriate and unprofessional conduct toward female law clerks .
Montgomery now serves on the state Supreme Court .
Martinez was fired earlier this year after 32 years as a prosecutor and was appealing his termination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson , didn ’ t immediately return a phone message seeking comment on the disbarment .
Earlier this year , Martinez was reprimanded by the state Supreme Court for violating an ethical rule at three other death penalty trials .
The court had concluded that Martinez ’ s efforts to elicit sympathy for victims and fear of defendants , and his failure to follow court rulings had jeopardized the integrity of the legal system .
Arias is serving a life sentence for her first-degree murder conviction in the death of Travis Alexander at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mesa .
Martinez was criticized for writing a book about the Arias case and for his courtroom tactics , such as disregarding court rulings by repeating questions after a judge had overruled them .
In a sidebar conversation among lawyers and the judge during the Arias trial , Martinez profanely told one of the defence attorneys that if he was married to her , he ’ d kill himself .
He apologized after an objection was made .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Texas deaths hit record, schools get OK for virtual classes

AUSTIN , Texas - Texas on Friday gave public schools permission to keep campuses closed for more than 5 million students well into the fall as the state scrambles to contain one of the largest resurgences of the coronavirus in the country .
California also issued strict guidance that makes it unlikely that many schools will resume in-person instruction this fall , raising the likelihood of empty classrooms in the country ’ s two biggest states despite President Donald Trump ’ s demands that schools welcome back students at the start of the school year .
The changes in Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new daily record for virus deaths , with 174 , and reported more than 10,000 confirmed new cases for a fourth consecutive day .
It also follows a backlash from teachers and parents who criticized Texas ’ earlier timeline that had students returning to classrooms by August or September as rushed and reckless .
Under the new guidelines , Texas schools could hold online-only instruction for up to the first eight weeks of the school year , potentially pushing a return to campus in some cities until November .
That includes Dallas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the surge of COVID-19 cases have postponed the first day of classes until after Labor Day .
“ The health & safety of students , teachers & parents is the top priority , ” Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott tweeted shortly after the announcement .
Trump and his administration have demanded that schools fully reopen right from the start , calling for new guidance from federal health officials and slamming schools that want to bring students back for only a few days a week .
Texas ’ largest teachers organization dismissed Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is based on an artificial deadline .
“ Educators , students and their parents need assurance that school buildings will not be reopened until it is safe to do so .
Right now , with the pandemic still raging across Texas , we don ’ t know when that will be , ” Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina said in a statement .
The Texas Education Agency said students who are not equipped for virtual learning , particularly those whose families lack reliable internet access or a computer , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school year begins .
The state ’ s Republican attorney general , Ken Paxton , said he doesn ’ t think private religious schools need to comply with local public health orders prohibiting in-person classes as several cities have already done .
He cited “ constitutional and statutory protections unique to religious individuals and communities at all times , even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
” Abbott said Thursday that Texas could be seeing signs that the spread was slowing after a June and July in which hospitalizations quadrupled , which has stretched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the hardest-hit areas remains the Texas-Mexico border , where officials are looking at converting hotels into medical units .
It has been nearly three weeks since Texas shut down bars again , and Abbott said the levelling off of Houston hospitalization rates in recent days is encouraging .
“ We ’ re certainly not out of the woods yet , but this could be a glimmer of hope coming if people will continue wearing face masks wherever possible , ” Abbott told Houston television station KRIV .


thetorontostar--2020-07-17--Georgia gov sues to end cities’ defiance on mask rules

ATLANTA - Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp is suing Atlanta ’ s mayor and city council to block the city from enforcing its mandate to wear a mask in public and other rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Kemp and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr , in a suit filed in state court late Thursday in Atlanta , argue that Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has overstepped her authority and must obey Kemp ’ s executive orders under state law .
“ Governor Kemp must be allowed , as the chief executive of this state , to manage the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ void and unenforceable orders which only serve to confuse the public , ” the lawsuit states .
Kemp on Wednesday clarified his executive orders to expressly block Atlanta and at least 14 other local governments across the state from requiring people to wear face coverings .
Kemp ’ s order was met with defiance Thursday by Bottoms and some other mayors , who said they would continue enforcing the order .
The lawsuit forces that showdown , resolving an ambiguous situation with Kemp denying local governments could order masks , but local governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bottoms said Thursday during a video news conference that the city ’ s order is still in effect .
“ As of today , 3,104 Georgians have died and I and my family are amongst the 106,000 who have tested positive for COVID-19 , ” Bottoms said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed .
“ A better use of taxpayer money would be to expand testing and contact tracing .
If being sued by the state is what it takes to save lives in Atlanta , then we will see them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge to overturn Bottoms ’ orders that are more restrictive than Kemp ’ s , block her from issuing any more such orders , instruct the City Council not to ratify Bottoms ’ actions or adopt any ordinances inconsistent with Kemp , to force Bottoms not to make any public statements claiming she has authority that exceeds Kemp ’ s , and to require city officials to enforce “ all provisions ” of Kemp ’ s existing orders .
In filing the lawsuit , Kemp combined a previous dispute with Bottoms over policing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he was suing to protect business owners and employees in the same way he called out the National Guard last week to protect state office buildings and the governor ’ s mansion after an 8-year-old girl was fatally shot July 4 by armed men at a site where a white Atlanta police officer shot and killed a Black man who had grabbed a stun gun and ran .
The shooting of Rayshard Brooks prompted unrest , including the burning of the fast food restaurant at the site , and complaints that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police intervention .
The city struggled at times to provide officers after many called in sick when a prosecutor , over Bottoms ’ objection , criminally charged the officers involved .
Kemp also alleged in his lawsuit that Bottoms has forbidden police from enforcing Kemp ’ s earlier orders against gatherings of more than 50 people .
Officials in at least 15 Georgia cities and counties had ordered masks during the coronavirus pandemic , and many were angry at Kemp for swatting down their efforts .
“ How can we take care of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our hands behind our back and then says ‘ Ignore the advice of experts ?
’ ” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson asked in a news conference .
Bottoms last week made statements that people had to return to sheltering at home and forcing restaurants to return to only offering takeout and delivery .
Kemp quickly swatted those claims down , and Bottoms on Thursday described them as guidelines .
But Kemp ’ s lawsuit says the court should set Bottoms straight on those statements as well , and forbid her from making more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp says he strongly supports mask-wearing to combat the spread of COVID-19 infections .
He travelled the state this month to encourage face coverings .
But he has maintained for weeks that cities and counties can ’ t require masks in public places , saying local actions can ’ t be more or less restrictive than his statewide orders .
Wednesday , in an otherwise routine renewal of rules governing business operations and ordering medically vulnerably people to stay home , Kemp made that prohibition explicit .
He also said local governments could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which would include Atlanta ’ s massive airport .
Although national health officials have called on people to use masks , President Donald Trump ’ s administration has not issued any nationwide guidance .
Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia now require masks .
Kemp ’ s stance — not only shying away from a statewide order but trying to bar local governments from instituting their own — leaves him standing virtually alone .
In the South , Republican governors in Tennessee , South Carolina and Florida have resisted statewide mandates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Republican governors in Alabama , Arkansas and Texas and Democrats in Kentucky , Louisiana and North Carolina have issued statewide mask requirements .
Thursday ’ s numbers showed more than 2,800 people hospitalized statewide with the COVID-19 respiratory illness , the highest on record .
The state reported that 84 % of hospitals ’ critical beds were filled .
Georgia overall had more than 131,000 confirmed infections and more than 3,100 deaths overall as of Thursday .
Some business groups are supporting Kemp .
Georgia Restaurant Association CEO Karen Bremer said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate considering Georgia ’ s size and diversity .
But she also said local rules would be confusing and businesses should make their own decisions about requiring customers to wear masks .
“ For businesses to grapple with 535 different municipal ordinances and 159 different county ordinances is madness , “ Bremer said .
“ Having one set of guidelines is very important.
” The story corrects the name and title of the leader of the Georgia Restaurant Association .
She is CEO Karen Bremer , not executive director Kelly Bremer .
Nadler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press writer Haleluya Hadero contributed to this report .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

Jeff Amy And Ben Nadler - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-18--Iran estimates up to 25 million virus cases since outbreak

TEHRAN , Iran - Iran ’ s president Saturday estimated as many as 25 million Iranians could have been infected with the coronavirus since the outbreak ’ s beginning , and urged the public to take the pandemic seriously , the state-run IRNA news agency reported .
President Hassan Rouhani cited a new Iranian Health Ministry study in offering the unprecedentedly high number of infections .
Officials have not explained what the report ’ s estimates are based on and the study has not been made public .
Rouhani also said he believes an additional 30-35 million people could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing the basis for his estimate .
Iran ’ s population is around 81 million people .
Iran has seen the worst outbreak in the Middle East , with more than 270,000 confirmed cases and at least 13,979 deaths .
The president ’ s remarks show that questions remain over the country ’ s official figures from the outbreak , even after the authorities publicly acknowledged its importance .
Referring to the Health Ministry report , Rouhani said it also predicts that the number of hospitalizations will soon be “ twice as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 days.
” In recent weeks , Iran has seen daily death tolls spike to their highest-ever levels , sparking increasing fear even as government officials say they can ’ t lock the country back down for fear of cratering its sanctions-hit economy .
Health officials have reported 2,166 new cases and 188 deaths in the last 24 hours .
Authorities in the capital Tehran are imposing new restrictions starting Saturday amid the increase in cases in recent weeks , closing some public spaces like coffee shops , zoos , and indoor swimming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the virus in February , authorities denied it had reached the country for days , allowing the virus time to spread .
The nation marked the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution with mass demonstrations and then held a parliamentary election in which authorities desperately sought to boost turnout .
A parliamentary report in April said Iran ’ s death toll is likely nearly double the officially reported figures .
Given insufficient testing , the report said the number of people infected at the time was probably “ eight to 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even today , Iran ’ s death toll remains based on cases where people died in coronavirus wards in hospitals .
However , it ’ s believed many more died at home .
Some families have reportedly asked doctors not to mention their loved ones died of the virus to avoid the stigma associated with COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus .


thetorontostar--2020-07-18--Breathtaking virus numbers show normal life still far away

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa was poised on Saturday to join the top five countries most affected by the coronavirus , while breathtaking numbers around the world were a reminder that a return to normal life is still far from sight .
Confirmed virus cases worldwide have topped 14 million and deaths have surpassed 600,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University data , a day after the World Health Organization reported a single-day record of new infections at over 237,000 .
Death tolls in the United States are reaching new highs , and India ’ s infections are over 1 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ startling announcement that as many as 25 million Iranians could have been infected , the state-run IRNA news agency reported .
Hassan Rouhani cited a new Health Ministry study that has not been made public .
Iran has seen the Middle East ’ s worst outbreak with more than 270,000 confirmed cases .
Experts believe the true numbers around the world are higher because of testing shortages .
And as countries try to ease lockdowns , new ripples of cases follow .
South Africa on Saturday could join the U.S. , Brazil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit countries as its cases near 350,000 .
Current case trends show it will surpass Peru .
That comes as the world marks Mandela Day , remembering South Africa ’ s first Black president and his legacy of fighting inequality .
The country , however , remains the world ’ s most unequal , and health officials have warned that the pandemic will lay that bare .
“ The simple fact is that many South Africans are sitting ducks because they can not comply with World Health Organization protocols on improved hygiene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former South African archbishop and fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and his wife , Leah , said in a statement .
South Africa ’ s new epicenter , Gauteng province , is home to one-quarter of the country ’ s population , with many poor people living in crowded conditions in the middle of a frosty winter .
The country ’ s cases make up roughly half of all on the African continent .
Its struggles are a sign of trouble to come for less-resourced nations there .
Mandela ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” WHO Africa chief Matshidiso Moeti said , calling for equitable access to care .
In India , a surge of 34,884 new cases was reported as local governments continue to re-impose focused lockdowns in several parts of the country .
In the U.S. , teams of military medics have been deployed in Texas and California to help hospitals deluged by patients .
The two most populous states each reported roughly 10,000 new cases and some of their highest death counts .
In China , the number of confirmed cases in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Xinjiang has risen to 17 .
In Bangladesh , confirmed cases surpassed 200,000 but experts say the number is much higher as the country lacks adequate labs for testing .
Most people in rural areas have stopped wearing masks and are thronging shopping centres ahead of the Islamic festival Eid al-Adha this month .
And in Britain , scientists poured cold water on Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s hope that the country may return to normal by Christmas .
That ’ s “ a long way off , unfortunately ” without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a member of the government ’ s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies .
Britain has registered more than 45,000 COVID-19 deaths , the highest in Europe .
But the government said it will halt issuing daily updates to that toll while authorities investigate the way the statistics are compiled .
Academics said in England the tally includes anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and later died , meaning some may have died of other causes .
Associated Press writers around the world contributed .