thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Lassen National Park campsites close due to foraging bears

SACRAMENTO , Calif. - Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California has temporarily banned overnight camping in some parts of its park after several interactions between campers and foraging bears .
The decision was made last week to close down back-country camping in the Twin , Rainbow , Swan and Snag Lake areas after multiple visitors reported that bears had come to their campsites and searched their backpacks for food .
The areas will remain open to the public for hiking , but the park warns visitors to be careful , The Sacramento Bee reported .
The National Park Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect campers but “ protect the bears by promoting the offending bear ( s ) to return to normal foraging behaviour.
” There are roughly 30 black bears in the national park , which is located about 180 miles ( 290 kilometres ) north of Sacramento , California and 151 miles ( 243 kilometres ) from Reno , Nevada .
Park officials advise visitors to store all food in a bear-resistant container and to never leave their belongings unattended .
If a visitor comes across a bear , park officials advise him or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their possessions are in hand .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Mexican president pledges better health care after pandemic

MEXICO CITY - Mexico ’ s president promised Sunday to combat chronic health problems and improve health care , as the country ’ s cases of COVID-19 continued to mount .
The Health Department reported 5,311 more confirmed cases , for a total of 344,224 , and 296 more COVID-19 deaths , for a total of 39,184 .
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Sunday in a message to the families of coronavirus victims that he would fight chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension that make people more likely to suffer severe cases of COVID-19 .
He pledged to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more medical personnel , and fighting junk food .
López Obrador said the government would provide scholarships to train 30,000 more specialized doctors .
A trade group , the National Association of Softdrink Producers , issued a statement Sunday condemning what it called the “ stigmatizing ” of soft drinks , after Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell referred to them as “ bottled poison.
” Mexicans have one of the world ’ s highest per-capita consumption rates of soft drinks .
Officials have said Mexico ’ s high rates of obesity and diabetes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Man killed, 8 others wounded in shooting in nation’s capital

WASHINGTON - A man was killed , and eight others were wounded in a brazen Sunday afternoon shooting on a busy street in northwest Washington , police said .
Three men opened fire on a group of people standing on the street in the Columbia Heights neighbourhood of Washington , D.C. just before 5 p.m. , Metropolitan Police Department Chief Peter Newsham said .
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack .
Two of the shooters were armed with long guns and one had a pistol , Newsham said .
Dozens of evidence markers were placed on the sidewalk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene tape .
A white plastic chair was toppled over and a bike could be seen thrown down on the sidewalk nearby .
The victims , all adults , included eight men and a woman , Newsham said .
Two of the victims remained in serious condition on Sunday evening ; the other six had non-life-threatening injuries , he said .
“ This type of brazen daylight activity in a very , very busy block I ’ m sure was scary for this community , ” Newsham said at a news conference at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone in this community in jeopardy .
“ Investigators have already collected surveillance video from nearby businesses and some of the victims were also known to law enforcement , Newsham said .
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said investigators were working hard to “ bring people to justice.
” Newsham also decried a rise in gun violence and said investigators were working diligently to try to keep violent crime down across the district .
So far , there have been 103 homicides in Washington in 2020 , according to police statistics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attending a July Fourth cookout was shot in the head and killed during an exchange of gunfire between five armed suspects .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Kentucky announces single-day high of new coronavirus cases

FRANKFORT , Ky. - A daily record of nearly 1,000 coronavirus cases was reported Sunday in Kentucky , a spike that the governor said should be a “ wake-up call ” for the state ’ s citizens to abide by mask and social distancing restrictions .
Democratic Gov .
Andy Beshear announced in a news release that there were 979 new cases reported Sunday , including 30 involving children 5 years old or younger .
“ I have faith and I have trust in the people of Kentucky , “ Beshear said in a news release .
“ But today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got to do a whole lot better .
We ’ re going to have to take some more action.
” Beshear said there were at least 23,161 coronavirus cases in Kentucky as of 4 p.m. , including the new cases reported on Sunday .
The state ’ s public health commissioner said efforts would be made to confirm the accuracy of the results with some of the laboratories that submitted them .
“ We typically have limited reporting on Sunday which makes today ’ s record-setting number of positives particularly alarming , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Department of Public Health .
Stack urged Kentuckians to wear masks and socially distance and said the state “ has flattened the curve before and it must act immediately and decisively to flatten it again.
” Beshear also reported three new deaths , raising the total to 670 Kentuckians lost to the virus .
The deaths reported Sunday include a 67-year-old woman from Clark County ; a 74-year-old woman from Jefferson County ; and a 58-year-old man from Oldham County .
“ This is a rough day for the commonwealth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Kentucky lawmaker who heads a key education committee said he has been released from quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus .
In a Twitter post , Republican state Sen. Max Wise said he was notified by the Lake Cumberland District Health Department that he met the criteria to be released .
“ I am fortunate only to have experienced mild symptoms throughout my diagnosis , ” he said .
“ I do not take this for granted , as I know there are so many others who have not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had gotten tested after experiencing “ very mild symptoms.
“ The Campbellsville lawmaker is chairman of the Senate Education Committee .
He has been a state senator since 2015 .
During his quarantine , he handled communications online and participated in committee meetings remotely .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--United Arab Emirates says its 'Hope' space probe functioning after launch to Mars

TOKYO - A United Arab Emirates spacecraft rocketed away Monday on a seven-month journey to Mars , kicking off the Arab world ’ s first interplanetary mission .
The liftoff of the Mars orbiter named Amal , or Hope , from Japan marked the start of a rush to fly to Earth ’ s neighbour that includes attempts by China and the United States .
The UAE said its ‘ Amal ’ space probe was functioning after launch as it heads toward Mars .
Omran Sharaf , the project director of Emirates Mars Mission , told journalists in Dubai about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liftoff that the probe was sending signals .
Sharaf said his team now would examine the data , but everything appeared good for now .
People cheered and clapped , with one woman with offering a celebratory cry common for weddings .
Hope is set to reach Mars in February 2021 , the year the UAE celebrates 50 years since the country ’ s formation .
It blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center on a small southern Japanese island aboard a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ’ H-IIA rocket .
The launch had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather .
At Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center in Dubai , Emirati men in their traditional white kandora robes and women in their black abayas watched transfixed as the rocket lifted off .
As its stages separated , a cheer went out from a group of Emirati men seated on the floor .
They began clapping , one using his face mask due to the coronavirus pandemic to wipe away a tear .
“ It was great to see everything going according to schedule today .
It looks like things are all on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in terms of space exploration to have a nation like the UAE taking that giant leap to send a spacecraft to Mars , ” astronomer Fred Watson said .
“ Being on route to a planet like Mars is an exceptional achievement.
” A newcomer in space development , the UAE has successfully put three Earth observation satellites into orbit .
Two were developed by South Korea and launched by Russia , and a third — its own — was launched by Japan .
A successful Hope mission to Mars would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking a future in space , coming less than a year after the launch of the first UAE astronaut , Hazzaa Ali Almansoori .
He spent over a week at the International Space Station last fall .
The UAE has set a goal to build a human colony on Mars by 2117 .
“ It sends a very strong message to the Arab youth that if the UAE is able to reach Mars in less than 50 years , they could do much more , ” Omran Sharaf , the project director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press on Sunday as his colleagues prepared for the launch .
The Emiratis involved in the program also acknowledged it represented a step forward for the Arab world , the home of mathematicians and scientists for centuries before the wars and chaos that have gripped wide swathes of it in recent times .
“ So the region has been going through tough times in the past decades , if not centuries , ” Sharaf said .
“ Now we have the case of the UAE , a country that ’ s moving forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future and the future of region also.
” For its first Mars mission , the UAE chose partners instead of doing it all on its own .
“ Developing a spacecraft is not easy even if there is ample funding , ” said Junya Terazono , an astronomer at Aizu University .
Emirati scientists worked with researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder , University of California , Berkeley and Arizona State University .
The spacecraft was assembled at Boulder and transported to Japan as the two countries looked to expand their ties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern nation .
The Hope spacecraft , along with its launch , cost $ 200 million ( U.S. ) , according to Omran Sharaf , the UAE project manager .
Operation costs at Mars have yet to be divulged .
Hope , about the size of a small car , carries three instruments to study the upper atmosphere and monitor climate change while circling the red planet for at least two years .
It is set to follow up on NASA ’ s Maven orbiter sent to Mars in 2014 to study how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world that may have harboured microbial life during its first billion years , to the cold , barren place of today .
Hope also plans to send back images of weather changes .
Japan , a U.S. ally , has already long collaborated in defence and space technology .
Resource-poor Japan has traditionally kept friendly ties with Middle Eastern countries .
In recent years , Japan has increasingly stepped up trade and defence ties with the UAE , and now seeks to expand its space business .
Two other Mars missions are planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and China .
The U.S. plans to send a rover named Perseverance to search for signs of ancient life and collect rock and soil samples for return to Earth .
Liftoff is targeted for July 30 .
China aims to explore Mars with an orbiter and rover to study the planet ’ s surface , and search for water and ice .
This launch is set for around July 23 .
Japan has its own Mars mission planned in 2024 .
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency , or JAXA , plans to send a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect samples to bring back to Earth in 2029 .

Mari Yamaguchi And Victoria Milko - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Man charged after fatal crash in Texas that killed 3, hurt 9

KERRVILLE , Texas - A man remained jailed Sunday after being charged in a fatal crash in Central Texas that killed three people and injured nine others .
Members of the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club were on a ride Saturday south of Kerrville when a vehicle crossed a highway centre strip and crashed into the group , according to the Kerr County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Kerrville is located about 65 miles ( 105 kilometres ) northwest of San Antonio .
“ The ride was in celebration of the club ’ s birthday when the accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office said .
The motorcycle club is part of a national group that is made up of active duty , retired and reserve law enforcement officers .
The vehicle ’ s driver , 28-year-old Ivan Robles , was arrested and has been charged with three counts of intoxication manslaughter and six counts of intoxication assault .
Court records did not list an attorney for Robles , who is from Center Point , Texas , which is southeast of Kerrville .
The nine motorcycle club members who were hospitalized were listed in critical condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Applications taken for 1 day to replace Rep Lewis on ballot

ATLANTA - Georgia Democrats will gather Monday to decide a replacement on November ’ s ballot for U.S. Rep. John Lewis , who died Friday after serving for more than 30 years in Congress .
The seat will remain empty until Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp schedules a special election .
The Republican governor has given no indication when he will hold an election with just over six months left in Lewis ’ term .
Hundreds of people came to a giant mural of Lewis near his downtown Atlanta home Sunday to pay their respects .
Flowers , balloons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the base of the building where “ HERO ” was written above the painting of Lewis speaking .
Several people cried or prayed in the small parking lot nearby .
During a news conference alongside family members on Sunday , John Lewis ’ youngest brother , Henry Grant Lewis , remembered the congressman and civil rights icon as “ a great man and public servant , and even greater father , husband , brother and son.
” “ He fought until the very end , ” the Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted Henry Grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my big brother .
He was a fighter with a tenacious spirit .
But he was always gracious and kindhearted.
” State law allows the Democratic Party to replace Lewis on the ballot in the 5th Congressional District , but the decision has to be made quickly for the district that includes much of the city of Atlanta .
The Democratic Party of Georgia is accepting applications for the nomination online until 6:30 p.m. Sunday .
A special seven-member committee of Democrats — including Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , 2018 gubernatorial nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carter — will choose between three and five candidates from the applicant pool .
The state party ’ s executive committee will then meet Monday , choose a nominee and submit the name to the Georgia Secretary of State by 4 p.m. Monday .
The nominee will face Republican Angela Stanton-King in November .
Stanton-King is a reality TV personality and was pardoned earlier this year by President Donald Trump for her role in a stolen car ring , after serving six months of home confinement in 2007 .
Lewis won more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last faced a Republican opponent in the district in 2016 .
State law allows the governor to call a special election to fill the seat as long as he gives 30 days for candidates to register and campaign .
But that would leave at most less than five months before the winner of the general election is sworn into office in January .
Funeral plans for Lewis have not been announced .
Lewis , 80 , died Friday , several months after he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer .
“ While we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are blessed to know that he touched so many people on every corner of the globe , ” Henry Grant Lewis said during the news conference outside Lewis ’ Atlanta home .
Kemp declared flags in Georgia will be at half-staff until sunset of the day of Lewis ’ funeral .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Most young virus cases in Texas county diagnosed this month

HOUSTON - Most of the 85 young children in a South Texas county who are known to have contracted the coronavirus tested positive this month amid a surge in the state , a health official said Sunday .
Nearly all of the children , most of whom are 1 year old or younger , are expected to recover on their own , Annette Rodriguez , the Corpus Christi-Nueces County public health director , told The Associated Press by phone .
One of the children died , but officials are still trying to determine if COVID-19 was the cause , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that concern that you ’ re going to have that one baby like we did that passed away , ” Rodriguez said .
“ How many more from this group ?
What per cent will you lose possibly to this virus ?
” The county , which is home to about 362,000 people and sits on the Gulf Coast , is one of several COVID-19 hot spots in Texas , which has been hammered by the disease in recent weeks .
On Sunday , Gov .
Greg Abbott announced that the Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors to four locations in southern and southwestern Texas to help hospitals where capacity has become stretched .
Texas health officials reported 7,300 new confirmed cases on Sunday and said 93 more people have died due to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , bringing the number of reported cases to 325,030 and the number of deaths to 3,958 .
The state reported 10,592 individuals who were hospitalized with the virus on Sunday .
Rodriguez said during a public health update on Friday that 85 infants in Nueces County had tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the kids were not infants — up to a year old — and were as old as 23 months .
Her Friday claim prompted Nueces County ’ s top elected official , Judge Barbara Canales , to issue a statement Saturday saying the 85 figure reflected the cumulative total since mid-March .
But Rodriguez stressed Sunday that although the oldest of the cases goes back to mid-March , most of them — 60 infants — tested positive from July 1 to July 16 .
“ But it ’ s still important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up COVID-19 is very troubling , ” Rodriguez said .
The child who died was less than half a year old and tested positive this month .
The child was hospitalized and released before dying at home of what officials first believed was sudden infant death syndrome .
Officials are now awaiting lab results to determine if the virus was a factor in the death , Rodriguez said .
Nine of the other children were also hospitalized but have since been released , Rodriguez said .
The first young child from Nueces County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infants who tested positive is a recent newborn whose mother also has the virus , she said .
Experts in pediatrics and infectious disease say there are still many unanswered questions about how COVID-19 affects children .
Several studies suggest , but don ’ t prove , that children are less likely to become infected than adults and more likely to have only mild symptoms .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 1.5 % of the confirmed cases in the U.S. have been in children 4 years old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s COVID-19 deaths have been in kids from that age group .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks .
But for others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , the highly contagious virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal .
The increasing number of positive tests in younger children in Nueces County is due in part to aggressive testing by the county , especially of family members who live or work in high-risk situations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group homes and halfway houses , and meatpacking plants , Canales said .
Rodriguez said that although increased testing is part of the reason the disease is being found in Nueces County kids more frequently , she thinks the main reason is the “ dramatic ” rise in cases in the county , particularly this month .
“ The general population has COVID-19 and now their infants are getting COVID-19 , as well .
I think some of it is community transmission as well , ” Rodriguez said , referring to when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials can ’ t trace how they got it .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Carefree Florida summers a thing of past; 5K die from virus

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. - As coronavirus cases skyrocket , daily life is looking very different in the Sunshine State , where many popular beaches are shuttered , residents and tourists can be fined for not wearing masks , and bars across the state aren ’ t allowed to pour liquor to toast the carefree days of summer .
The state Department of Health on Sunday reported 12,478 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 87 more deaths .
Overall , there have been nearly 350,047 cases , resulting in more than 5,000 deaths .
Florida recently closed bars again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or practicing social distancing .
Miami-Dade County again recently prohibited restaurants from having indoor seating and Broward County , home to Fort Lauderdale , announced a two-week curfew Friday that bans most people from being outside from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and an order limiting private gatherings , indoor or outdoor , to no more than 10 people .
“ It ’ s a near guarantee it ’ s going to get worse unless we do something very dramatic to flatten the curve because we ’ re heading into flu season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious disease researcher and former Florida Democratic congressional candidate .
The coronavirus has tapped out intensive care units of some hospitals around the state , and hospitalizations continue to rise , though not quite as steeply as on some days during the past week .
As of Sunday , there were more than 9,290 hospitalizations , compared with more than 9,100 on Saturday .
Hospitals in Miami , Tampa , Orlando and Jacksonville have reported recent surges and a critical shortage of the antiviral remdesivir .
Critics have complained that Gov .
Ron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordinance as cases rise .
The Republican governor has repeatedly said policies in hard-hit South Florida might not make sense in the Panhandle , where the infection rate is lower .
Fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio even acknowledged the need for a unified , nonpartisan message .
“ One area where I think we all could have improved on is to sort of come up with a concise message that everyone is putting out there as opposed to some of the conflicting messages .
And I think everyone has shared blame in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Facing South Florida this weekend .
“ Instead , we ’ ve seen a lot of these things turned into sort of a partisan fight or a political statement about whether you ’ re going to wear a mask or not wear a mask and that sort of thing.
” The criticism has increased as the state ’ s hardest hit areas are ramping up restrictions , doubling down on mask use and instituting curfews to help reduce the spread .
The Miami-Dade County Commission recently approved an emergency order that gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets of up to $ 100 for individuals and $ 500 for businesses that don ’ t comply with restrictions .
Yet , Walt Disney World reopened its Epcot and Hollywood Studios theme parks on Wednesday .
Disney ’ s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opened last weekend .
Both Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando opened last month .
This summer looks completely different for Dena Drost and her 7- and 5-year-old daughters .
Normally , she ’ d be at work and they ’ d be at summer camp .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been out of works for more than three months .
Her company says she ’ ll have a job to return to as soon as they can safely reopen .
But she ’ s fearful what that might look like as Florida ’ s cases continue to rise .
The mall and other spots around her home in Wellington are open , but Drost rarely takes them out , saying “ we are at home trying to leave as little possible.
” She ’ s relieved that the girls only complain once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus has meant for school , camp and their social interactions .
She said she feels anxiety “ on a daily basis ” and fears she won ’ t be able to protect her children from the virus .
“ I feel angry that DeSantis only cares about Trump and is wilfully ignorant when it comes to the virus , ” she said .
“ I think there ’ s no excuse for 5,000 dead Floridians.
” Normally , Potions in Motions catering and event company would be in high gear with summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaging 25 to 35 a week at their peak and serving 2,000 to 3,000 people .
But this summer , with South Florida ’ s three counties imposing various restrictions on group gatherings , they ’ re down to “ micro-events , ” averaging two to five a week with 8 to 15 people .
They ’ ve had to cut most of their staff .
At peak season , they have 65 , but are now down to six .
“ We ’ re trying to just stay alive and keep as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s founder Jason Savino said .
“ They ’ re making so many restrictions by county .
You can ’ t even have a gathering of more than 10 people in your house.
” He understands the need to make changes to curb the spread of the virus , but worries about the economic impact .
“ The dialing back scares me , ” he said .
“ There ’ s no support coming from any government or anywhere that are accommodating these businesses that are being ordered to dial their business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--EU summit leader appeals for unity on virus fund

BRUSSELS - Seeking to tug at the hearts of all European Union leaders , EU Council president Charles Michel implored them late Sunday to overcome their fundamental divisions and agree on an unprecedented 1.85 trillion-euro ( $ 2.1 trillion ) EU budget and coronavirus recovery fund to tackle the crisis .
After three days of fruitless talks , Michel conjured up during an official dinner the vision of the 600,000 dead that COVID-19 has claimed around the world and the unprecedented recession it has wrought on the bloc .
“ Are the 27 EU leaders capable of building European unity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep rift , will we present ourselves as a weak Europe , undermined by distrust , “ he asked the leaders at the end of another day of divisive negotiations .
The text of the behind-closed-doors speech was obtained by The Associated Press .
“ I wish that we succeed in getting a deal and that the European media can headline tomorrow that the EU succeeded in a Mission Impossible , “ Michel said .
Heading into a fourth day of talks when the summit was meant to last only two , any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An official close to Michel , who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks , said leaders would work deep into the night if necessary .
Even with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron negotiating as the closest of partners , the traditionally powerful Franco-German alliance could not get the bloc ’ s 27 quarreling nations in line .
Often negotiating outdoors on a sundeck in the Europa summit centre in Brussels , the blue skies and fresh breeze had no impact on the mood .
Undiplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ grumpy ” have been thrown around between leaders during marathon negotiations that should have drawn everyone closer together to fight a historic recession in the bloc .
“ Whether there will be a solution , I still can ’ t say , ” Merkel said .
The pandemic has sent the EU into a tailspin , killing around 135,000 of its citizens and sending its economy into an estimated contraction of 8.3 % this year .
The bloc ’ s executive has proposed a 750 billion-euro coronavirus fund , partly based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans and grants to the countries hit hardest by the pandemic .
That comes on top of the seven-year 1 trillion-euro EU budget that leaders have been haggling over for months even before the pandemic hit .
All nations agree they need to band together but five richer countries in the north , led by the Netherlands , want strict controls on spending , while struggling southern nations like Spain and Italy say those conditions should be kept to a minimum .
At their dinner table Sunday night , the leaders could mull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations that suggested a coronavirus recovery fund with 350 million euros of grants and the same amount again in loans .
The five EU nations nicknamed “ the frugals ” — the Netherlands , Austria , Finland , Sweden and Denmark — had long opposed any grants at all .
Merkel and Macron walked out of heated talks before dawn Sunday with the frugals , bemoaning their lack of commitment to a common cause .
“ They ran off in a bad mood , ” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said .
Rutte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge builder , but this weekend his tough negotiating stance is being blamed for holding up a deal .
He and his allies are pushing for labour market and pension reforms to be linked to EU handouts and a “ brake ” enabling EU nations to monitor and , if necessary , halt projects that are being paid for by the recovery fund .
“ He can ’ t ask us to do specific reforms , ” Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said .
“ Once ( the aid ) is approved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another member of the frugals , Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz , said he still believed a deal was possible , but there is a “ long way to go , ” the Austria Press Agency cited Kurz as saying .
Rutte also wants a link to be made between the handout of EU funds and the rule of law — a connection aimed at Poland and Hungary , countries with right-wing populist governments that many in the EU think are sliding away from democratic rule .
“ I don ’ t know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister to hate me or Hungary , but he ’ s attacking so harshly and making very clear that because Hungary , in his opinion , does not respect the rule of law , ( it ) must be punished financially , ” Orban said .
Macron said leaders need to compromise but still respect the underlying principles and goals of the EU .
“ It is still possible , but these compromises , I say very clearly , will not be made at the cost of European ambition , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hague , Netherlands .
Associated Press writer Geir Moulson contributed from Berlin .
Follow all of AP ’ s pandemic coverage at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Raf Casert And Mike Corder - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--More clashes in Mexico over repaying U.S. water debt

MEXICO CITY - Farmers once again clashed with Mexican military forces Sunday to protest releases of water from a dam to repay a water debt owed to the United States .
Video posted by congressman Mario Mata Carrasco showed tear gas canisters being fired over the heads of protesters at the Las Virgines dam in in the northern border state of Chihuahua .
A line of military police and National Guard trucks could be seen at the dam .
Farmers in Chihuahua say they need the water for local crops , and the state government said it had reached an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dam until talks could be held Tuesday .
But Mexico ’ s National Water Commission said there was enough water for local crops like tree nuts , watermelons , chile , onions and alfalfa , and that the releases were ongoing .
Under a 1944 treaty , Mexico owes the United States about 415,000 acre-feet ( 512 million cubic meters ) yearly that must be paid by Oct. 24 .
Payment is made by releasing water from dams in Mexico .
Mexico has fallen badly behind in payments from previous years and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfers .
Mexico receives more water than it gives to the U.S. under the treaty , which governs the flow of border and cross-border rivers including the Colorado to the west .
The issue has resulted in clashes before .
In March , protesters burned pickup trucks , blocked roads and demonstrated at the La Boquilla dam , also in Chihuahua .
Earlier this year , President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said there was enough water both for local farmers and payments to the United States .
“ We do not want an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Treaties have to be lived up to .
If we have signed a treaty , we have to comply with it .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Facing uncertain fall, schools make flexible reopening plans

MANCHESTER , Mo .
- Administrators in the Parkway school district in suburban St. Louis spent the summer break crafting a flexible reopening plan , with options that include full-time classroom learning , full-time online instruction and a hybrid system .
It ’ s a good thing because the dangers of the coronavirus are so uncertain that district officials are reluctant to make predictions about the fall semester , which begins in only five weeks .
Confirmed coronavirus infections in Missouri ’ s hardest-hit city waned in June , but they are now spiking , along with hospitalizations .
Schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If you had asked me even two weeks ago , ‘ Do you think we would be able to come back ?
’ I would have said , ‘ Yeah , ’ ” Assistant Superintendent Kevin Beckner said .
“ Today my answer is ‘ I ’ m not sure , ’ just because of how the situation has changed so quickly.
” Schools around the U.S. face the same dilemma .
With the number of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths still rising , districts must grapple with whether to bring students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep pupils and teachers safe if they do .
Pressure is mounting in many areas to reopen classrooms .
President Donald Trump has urged schools to bring children back to class in the fall and has threatened to cut off federal funding if they do not .
“ Young people have to go to school , and there ’ s problems when you don ’ t go to school , too , ” Trump said in an interview aired Sunday on Fox News .
“ And there ’ s going to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to fund when they don ’ t open their schools.
“ The Republican president blamed Democrats for the push to keep some states and schools closed .
“ We got hit with the virus — shouldn ’ t have happened — and we had to close up .
We saved millions of lives , “ Trump said .
“ Now we ’ ve opened it up , got to go back to school.
” The Los Angeles Unified School District , the nation ’ s second-largest public school system behind New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes will be conducted virtually when they resume next month .
Speaking Sunday on NBC ’ s “ ’ Meet the Press , ” Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis , a Democrat , noted that many school districts in his state “ are going back as planned , as normal , taking the kinds of precautions that health experts and scientists recommend.
“ In Missouri ’ s St. Louis County , the Parkway district on Monday is scheduled to announce its plans for the fall , but it will stay ready to pivot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlook improves , Beckner said .
“ Even if we are able to bring back all of our students , it won ’ t look the same as it was in February , ” Beckner said .
“ There will be more hand-washing .
There will be more restrictions on how we ’ re able to do things like lunch , like recess.
“ Signs will encourage social distancing , and desks will be spaced farther apart .
Face coverings will be required for all students , instructors and staff .
Some teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students who are deaf or heard of hearing can follow what they are saying .
Times will be scheduled for hand washing and using hand sanitizer .
Plexiglass will separate librarians , office staff and teachers interacting one-on-one with students .
A nurse will perform contact tracing on confirmed cases .
In Chattanooga , Tennessee , third-grade teacher Leigh Grady is preparing to enter both a new school and a new world after a tornado demolished most of East Brainard Elementary in April .
“ It ’ s going to be a hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I can ’ t even wrap my mind fully around what it ’ s going to look like.
” Face masks will be mandatory for staff and all but the youngest students .
Seating will be assigned on buses , and lunches served in classrooms .
Water fountains will be off limits , and restrooms will disinfected “ after each class goes as a group.
” If a teacher or student tests positive for the virus , schools will close for 48 to 72 hours , and the county is working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If a rise in confirmed cases warrant it , schools will operate under more restrictive measures , with students taking turns spending part of the week at school and part at home .
“ All it ’ s going to take is one kid with a positive test , and that will shut everything down , ” she said .
As of Sunday , there have been 3.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 140,000 deaths in the United States , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins .
Grady said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 12th grade in person , and she ’ s comfortable with that if schools stick to the safety plan .
“ I need them to be at school , “ she said .
” I need them to be around other people.
” Ramer reported from Concord , New Hampshire .
Associated Press Writer Anita Snow in Phoenix contributed to this report .

Jim Salter And Holly Ramer - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Delaware police say they arrested 12-year-old car thief

NEW CASTLE , Del .
- Police in Delaware say a 12-year-old boy stole a pickup truck from a gas @ @ @ @ @ a high-speed chase before crashing and trying to escape on foot .
Delaware State Police @ @ @ @ @ 2003 Ford Ranger while its owner was using the ATM at a Wawa gas station @ @ @ @ @ Police did not provide the boy ’ s name .
When police located the truck @ @ @ @ @ stop and led police on a chase .
After crashing into a parked car , @ @ @ @ @ a U-turn , sped up and then crashed into a guardrail after failing to make @ @ @ @ @ the boy exited the truck after the crash and tried to flee on foot before @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said the boy is facing multiple charges , including three felonies , and @ @ @ @ @ guarding on a $ 8,008 bond .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Blast kills 5, wounds dozens in rebel-held north Syria

BEIRUT - An explosion rocked a rebel-held area in northern Syria across the border from Turkey late Sunday , killing at least five people and wounding dozens , opposition activists and Turkish state media reported .
The car bomb went off near the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey , the reports said .
The area is controlled by Turkey-backed opposition fighters .
The blast killed seven and wounded more than 60 , including women and children , according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Right .
The opposition war monitor said the blast was most likely carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .
Other opposition activists said the blast killed five and wounded dozens .
Turkey ’ s state-run Anadolu news agency reported that at least five civilians were killed and 85 wounded in the blast .
The agency said that some of the wounded who were in critical condition were taken for treatment in Turkey .
It said no one claimed responsibility for the attack , adding that Kurdish fighters have carried out such attacks in the past .
Anadolu reported another blast earlier Sunday wounded 13 people , including children , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is controlled by Turkey-backed opposition fighters .
Sunday ’ s attacks came as parliamentary elections took place in government-held parts of the war-torn country .
As in previous elections in Syria , the vote will produce a rubber-stamp body loyal to President Bashar Assad .
Turkey and allied Syrian fighters took control of Afrin in 2018 in a military operation that expelled local U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters and displaced tens of thousands of Kurdish residents .
Ankara considers the Kurdish fighters who were in control of Afrin terrorists .
Since then , there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets in the area .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Portland mayor wants federal agents to leave city

PORTLAND , Ore. - The mayor of Oregon ’ s largest city said Sunday the presence of federal agents is exacerbating tensions in Portland , which has seen nearly two months of nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Speaking on CNN ’ s ‘ State of the Union , ’ Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler said federal officers “ are not wanted here .
We haven ’ t asked them here .
In fact , we want them to leave.
” President Donald Trump has decried the demonstrations , and Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a visit to the city on Thursday .
“ We are trying to help Portland , not hurt it , ” Trump tweeted Sunday .
“ Their leadership has , for months , lost control of the anarchists and agitators .
They are missing in action .
We must protect Federal property , AND OUR PEOPLE .
These were not merely protesters , these are the real deal !
” Late Saturday , protesters broke into a building , set it on fire and started dumpster fires , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was put out a short time later , Portland police said on Twitter .
The department declared the gathering a riot , and began working to clear the downtown area .
“ As the crowd was dispersed , several people in the crowd were arrested and officers were able to extinguish the fire .
Portland Police did not use any CS gas , ” the bureau said in a statement early Sunday .
Tear gas was deployed , according to pictures and video from the scene , but it was not necessarily CS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the federal courthouse had also been removed by protesters and made into barricades , police tweeted .
Police said protesters had gathered Saturday evening at the Portland Police Bureau ’ s North Precinct , vandalizing patrol vehicles and taunting officers as they reported for work .
Later , as police dispersed a group that had gathered near North Interstate Avenue , people threw rocks and paint-filled balloons at officers .
Some were injured , the statement said .
Before the aggressive language and action from federal officials , the unrest had frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had said a small cadre of violent activists were drowning out the message of peaceful protesters in the city .
But Wheeler said the federal presence in the city is now exacerbating a tense situation .
“ What we ’ re seeing is a blatant abuse of police tactics by the federal government , Wheeler said Sunday .
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued Homeland Security and the Marshals Service in federal court late Friday .
The complaint said unidentified federal agents have grabbed people off Portland ’ s streets “ without warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and without providing any way to determine who is directing this action.
” Rosenblum said she was seeking a temporary restraining order to “ immediately stop federal authorities from unlawfully detaining Oregonians.
” However , federal officers and Portland police advanced simultaneously on demonstrators to clear the streets early Saturday , making arrests as protesters threw bottles and pieces of metal fencing .
The action by Portland ’ s police was condemned by Jo Ann Hardesty , a prominent member of the City Council .
Hardesty said Saturday that local police “ joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Hardesty also slammed Wheeler , telling the mayor he needed to better control local law enforcement .
Hardesty , who oversees the city ’ s fire department and other first-responder agencies , said in an open letter to Wheeler if “ you can ’ t control the police , give me the Portland Police Bureau.
” In a statement Saturday , Portland Police said as they responded to the overnight protests some federal agencies took action “ under their own supervision and direction.
” Portland Police said city officers arrested seven people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Indiana Dunes National Park debuts coronavirus campaign

CHESTERTON , Ind .
- The Indiana Dunes National Park has launched a coronavirus safety campaign urging visitors to the northwestern Indiana park to practice social distancing and other precautions when they hit the beach .
The park ’ s “ Think Before You Beach ” campaign began Saturday with signs posted around Lake Michigan ’ s shoreline , and with social media posts and videos , reminding visitors to social distance , wear a mask and use public facilities with caution , The ( Northwest Indiana ) Times reported .
Park spokesman Bruce Rowe said the campaign “ reminds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus outdoors on a crowded beach if they are not wearing a mask or properly socially distancing.
“ He said visitors should stay 6 feet ( 1.8 metres ) away from others or wear a mask if they ’ re unable to socially distance .
That includes using the public restroom or the concession stands , where masks are required .
Park officials are also urging visitors seeking to set up a spot to enjoy the sandy shores to spread out and seek secluded or spacious areas .
Rowe said the best times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mornings and weekdays .
The 15,000-acre ( 6,070-hectare ) park along Lake Michigan ’ s southern shore became the first national park in Indiana in February 2019 .
The park is about 50 miles ( 80 kilometres ) from Chicago .
The campaign comes as Indiana has reported nearly 57,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 927 reported Sunday .
More than 2,600 people have died from COVID-19 , including two reported Sunday .


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--During coronavirus lockdowns, some doctors wondered: Where are the preemies?

This spring , as countries around the world told people to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus , doctors in neonatal intensive care units were noticing something strange : Premature births were falling , in some cases drastically .
It started with doctors in Ireland and Denmark .
Each team , unaware of the other ’ s work , crunched the numbers from its own region or country and found that during the lockdowns , premature births — especially the earliest , most dangerous cases — had plummeted .
When they shared their findings , they heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They don ’ t know what caused the drop in premature births and can only speculate as to the factors in lockdown that might have contributed .
But further research might help doctors , scientists and parents-to-be understand the causes of premature birth and ways to prevent it , which have been elusive until now .
Their studies are not yet peer-reviewed and have been posted only on preprint servers .
In some cases the changes amounted to only a few missing babies per hospital .
But they represented significant reductions from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birth think the research is worthy of additional investigation .
“ These results are compelling , ” said Dr. Denise Jamieson , an obstetrician at Emory University ’ s School of Medicine in Atlanta .
About one in 10 U.S. babies is born early .
Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks , and any delivery before 37 weeks is considered preterm .
The costs to children and their families — financially , emotionally and in long-term health effects — can be great .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , are at higher risk of vision and hearing problems , cerebral palsy and death .
The best way to avoid these costs would be to prevent early births in the first place , said Dr. Roy Philip , a neonatologist at University Maternity Hospital Limerick in Ireland .
Philip had been vacationing abroad when his country entered lockdown March 12 , and he noticed something unusual when he returned to work in late March .
He asked why there had been no orders while he was gone for the breast milk-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tiniest preemies .
The hospital ’ s staff said that there had been no need because none of these babies had been born all month .
Intrigued , Philip and his colleagues compared the hospital ’ s births so far in 2020 with births between January and April in every year since 2001 — more than 30,000 in all .
They looked at birth weights , a useful proxy for very premature birth .
“ Initially , I thought , ‘ There is some mistake in the numbers , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades , babies under 3.3 pounds , classified as very low birth weight , accounted for about eight out of every 1,000 live births in the hospital , which serves a region of 473,000 people .
In 2020 , the rate was about one-quarter of that .
The very tiniest infants , those under 2.2 pounds and considered extremely low birth weight , usually make up three per 1,000 births .
There should have been at least a few born that spring — but there had been none .
The study period went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of June , with the national lockdown easing , Philip said there had still been very few early preemies born in his hospital .
In two decades , he said , he had never seen anything like these numbers .
While the Irish team was digging into its data , researchers in Denmark were doing the same thing , driven by curiosity over a “ nearly empty ” NICU .
Dr. Michael Christiansen of the Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen and his colleagues used newborn screening data to compare births nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 to April 14 , with births during the same period in the previous five years .
The data set included more than 31,000 infants .
The researchers found that during the lockdown , the rate of babies born before 28 weeks had dropped by a startling 90 per cent .
Anecdotes from doctors at other hospitals around the world suggest the phenomenon may have been widespread , though not universal .
Dr. Belal Alshaikh , a neonatologist at the University of Calgary , said premature births across Calgary dropped by nearly half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the board , though it seemed more pronounced in the earliest babies , he said .
At Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam , the Netherlands , Dr. Irwin Reiss , a neonatologist , saw a smaller drop-off in premature births .
At Mercy Hospital for Women outside Melbourne , Australia , there were so few premature babies that administrators asked Dr. Dan Casalaz , the hospital ’ s director of pediatrics , to figure out what was going on .
In the United States , Dr. Stephen Patrick , a neonatologist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tenn. , estimated there were about 20 per cent fewer NICU babies than usual in March .
Although some sick full-term babies would stay in the NICU , Patrick said preterm babies usually made up most of the patients , and the drop-off seemed to have been driven by missing preemies .
When Patrick shared his observation on Twitter , some U.S. doctors shared similar stories .
Others said their NICUs were as busy as ever .
Some groups in other countries have said they didn ’ t see a change , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in certain places but not others , that information could help reveal causes of premature birth .
The researchers speculated about potential factors .
One could be rest .
By staying home , some pregnant women may have experienced less stress from work and commuting , gotten more sleep and received more support from their families , the researchers said .
Women staying at home also could have avoided infections in general , not just the new coronavirus .
Some viruses , such as influenza , can raise the odds of premature birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to some early births , has also dropped during lockdowns as cars stayed off the roads .
Jamieson said the observations were surprising because she would have expected to see more preterm births during the stress of the pandemic , not less .
“ It seems like we have experienced tremendous stress in the U.S. due to COVID , ” she said .
But all pregnant women may not have experienced the lockdowns in the same way , she said , as different countries have different social safety nets in general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insecurity may have affected communities unevenly .
Some later premature births also might have been avoided during lockdowns simply because doctors weren ’ t inducing mothers for reasons like high blood pressure , Jamieson said .
But that wouldn ’ t explain a change in very early preterm births , as the Danish and Irish authors found .
“ The causes of preterm birth have been elusive for decades , and ways to prevent preterm births have been largely unsuccessful , ” Jamieson said .
According to the CDC , premature births in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth straight year .
White women had about a nine per cent risk of premature birth in 2018 , while African American women ’ s risk was 14 per cent .
If the trends in the data are confirmed , the pandemic and lockdowns could be something like a natural experiment that might help researchers understand why premature birth happens and how to avoid it .
Maybe some maternity leave should start before a mother ’ s due date , for example .
The Danish and Irish researchers have now teamed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaborators to study how COVID-19 lockdowns affected early births .
“ For years , nothing has advanced in this very important area , ” Christiansen said , “ and it seems it took a virus attack to help us get on track .
”


thetorontostar--2020-07-19--Trump not ready to commit to election results if he loses

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump is refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House election , recalling a similar threat he made weeks before the 2016 vote , as he scoffs at polls showing him lagging behind Democrat Joe Biden .
Trump says it ’ s too early to make such an ironclad guarantee .
“ I have to see .
Look ...
I have to see , ” Trump told moderator Chris Wallace during a wide-ranging interview on ” Fox News Sunday.
“ “ No , I ’ m not going to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to say no , and I didn ’ t last time either.
” The Biden campaign responded : ” The American people will decide this election .
And the United States government is perfectly capable of escorting trespassers out of the White House.
” Trump also hammered the Pentagon brass for favouring renaming bases that honour Confederate military leaders — a drive for change spurred by the national debate about race after George Floyd ’ s death .
“ I don ’ t care what the military says , ” the commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s top infectious diseases expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , as a “ a little bit of an alarmist ” about the coronavirus pandemic , and Trump stuck to what he had said back in February — that the virus is “ going to disappear.
” On Fox , he said , “ I ’ ll be right eventually.
” The United States tops the global death toll list with over 140,000 and confirmed infections , with 3.7 million .
It is remarkable that a sitting president would express less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s electoral process .
But for Trump , it comes from his insurgent playbook of four years ago , when in the closing stages of his race against Hillary Clinton , he said he would not commit to honouring the election results if the Democrat won .
Pressed during an October 2016 debate about whether he would abide by the voters ’ will , Trump responded that he would “ keep you in suspense.
” The president ’ s remarks to Fox are certain to fuel conversation on Capitol Hill , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private about a scenario in which Trump disputes the election results .
Trump has seen his presidential popularity erode over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and in the aftermath of countrywide protests centred on racial injustice that erupted after Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis nearly two months ago .
Trump contends that a series of polls that show his popularity eroding and Biden holding an advantage are faulty .
He believes Republican voters are underrepresented in such surveys .
“ First of all , I ’ m not losing , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in the taped interview , which aired Sunday .
“ They were fake in 2016 and now they ’ re even more fake .
The polls were much worse in 2016.
” Trump was frequently combative with Wallace in defending his administration ’ s response to the pandemic , weighing in on the Black Lives Matter movement and trying to portray Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , as lacking the mental prowess to serve as president .
Among the issues discussed was the push for wholesale changes in policing that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could understand why Black Americans are upset about how police use force disproportionately against them .
“ Of course I do .
Of course I do , ” the president said , adding his usual refrain that “ whites are also killed , too.
” He said he was “ not offended either by Black Lives Matter , ” but at the same time defended the Confederate flag , a symbol of the racism of the past , and said those who “ proudly have their Confederate flags , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love their flag , it represents the South , they like the South .
That ’ s freedom of speech .
And you know , the whole thing with ‘ cancel culture , ’ we can ’ t cancel our whole history .
We can ’ t forget that the North and the South fought .
We have to remember that , otherwise we ’ ll end up fighting again .
You can ’ t just cancel all , ” Trump said .
Wallace challenged Trump on some of his claims and called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as when Trump falsely asserted that “ Biden wants to defund the police.
” The former vice-president has not joined with activists rallying behind that banner .
He has proposed more money for police , conditioned to improvements in their practices .
Trump continues to insist that Biden “ signed a charter ” with one of his primary rivals on the left , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont .
At one point in the interview , Trump calls on aides to bring him documentation to support his assertion .
Trump , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Biden-Sanders task force policy document released this month by the Biden campaign .
Trump stood behind his pledge to veto a $ 740-billion ( U.S. ) defence bill over a requirement that the Defence Department change the names of bases named for Confederate military leaders .
That list includes Fort Bragg in North Carolina , Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Benning in Georgia .
The president argued there were no viable alternatives if the government ever tried .
“ We ’ re going to name it after the Reverend Al Sharpton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prominent civil rights leader .
“ What are you going to name it ?
” Trump , 74 , stuck to a campaign charge that Biden , 77 , is unable to handle the rigours of the White House because of his age .
As for polls showing the incumbent is trailing , Trump noted he was thought to be behind for much of the 2016 contest .
“ I won ’ t lose , ” he predicted .
The president and top advisors have long accused Biden of using the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his basement ” in his Delaware home .
Biden has indeed shifted much of his campaign online , but frequently travels in Delaware and Pennsylvania , organizing speeches and small gatherings with voters and community leaders that are within driving distance of his home .
Biden ’ s campaign says it will begin resuming normal travel and campaign activities , but only when health officials and state and local authorities say it is safe .
Questioned about the coronavirus , Trump chided Fauci , the National Institutes of Health expert , and repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test and that increased testing was the only reason that the U.S. was seeing more cases .
When Wallace cited criticism about the lack of a national plan to confront the virus , Trump said , “ I take responsibility always for everything because it ’ s ultimately my job , too , ” and claimed , “ I supplied everybody.
” Case are rising because people are infecting each other more than they were when most everyone was hunkered down .
The percentage of tests coming back positive for the virus has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire country .

Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long And Will Weissert - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--AP Photos: COVID adds to challenges for Brazil’s quilombos

CABO FRIO , Brazil - In a small room filled with donated bananas , lettuce , toilet paper and more , Rejane Oliveira quickly prepares boxes for more than 100 families in her community in coastal Rio de Janeiro state who are trying to endure the coronavirus outbreak .
Her community , Maria Joaquina , is one of Brazil ’ s quilombos , comprised of people descended from runaway slaves .
Often disconnected from urban life even within city limits , quilombos have relatively high poverty rates and can be confused by outsiders with other poor neighbourhoods .
Oliveira ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and personal hygiene products — donated by a non-profit and a company — was because times are even tougher than usual for her neighbours .
Craftspeople lost their livelihoods when fairs shut down .
Those who worked in hotels were laid off .
Others had occasionally cleaned houses ; no longer .
Most avoided going to the city , but the virus reached the quilombo all the same .
More than 30 were infected , Oliveira among them , and she emerged from isolation a couple days before speaking with The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abandoned , forgotten , with no health assistance , ” said Oliveira , 45 , who is Rio ’ s representative on the National Coordination of Quilombola Black Rural Communities .
Brazil was the last country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery , in 1888 .
The communities of former slaves persisted , though not until a century later did a new constitution for the first time recognize their right to the lands they occupied .
The descendants try to keep their forebears ’ traditions alive and , in July , Maria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certification of their quilombo .
But the pandemic has forced people to wear masks and quarantine in their own homes , Oliveira said in the yard of a relative ’ s home .
A dance show and soccer tournament planned for this month were also cancelled .
Oliveira said they drink a variety of traditional teas made from the leaves of various fruit trees , garlic or an herb called boldo .
“ Everyone uses the herbs , even the kids , ” she said .
“ If we hadn ’ t preserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we would have died.
” To facilitate government aid , Brazil ’ s national statistics agency in April released its estimate of how many quilombos exist nationwide — almost 6,000 — as well as their locations .
The number of people living within them remains uncertain .
The agency planned to count them for the first time in the 2020 census , but the pandemic forced its delay until next year .
While quilombos ’ populations remain untallied , the quilombo association is tracking the pandemic ’ s impact on them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental and indigenous advocacy group .
Their data show 3,465 infections and 136 deaths .
At the nearby Rasa quilombo , community members have received not only private donations of food kits and hand sanitizer , but also help from the government .
“ A health team came , tested everyone ; we had assistance , ” said Reginalda Oliveira , who is Rejane ’ s cousin .
Reginalda , 41 , said she has no complaints in terms of response , but feels adrift since her mother died of COVID-19 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .

Marcelo De Sousa And Lucas Dumprheys - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Pelosi says John Lewis ‘worked on the side of the angels’

WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi choked up Monday recalling Georgia Rep. John Lewis , with whom she served in Congress for 33 years , and their last conversation the day before he died .
“ It was a sad one , ” Pelosi said of their conversation Thursday .
“ We never talked about his dying until that day.
” Lewis , 80 , died Friday , several months after he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer .
Pelosi was recalling on “ CBS This Morning ” how the civil rights icon also threw his clout to women ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other causes , when she choked up and had to pause .
“ He always worked on the side of the angels and now he is with them , ” Pelosi said .
Pelosi will preside in the House later Monday morning during a moment of silence in Lewis ’ honour .
While some iconic figures , such as John McCain , have had their caskets lie in repose in the Capitol Rotunda so people can come pay their respects , the Capitol is closed to the public during the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation from Georgia , under Rep. Sanford Bishop , will honour Lewis during the moment of silence and a bereavement resolution .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Asia Today: Outbreak in northwest China spreads to 2nd city

BEIJING - China ’ s latest coronavirus outbreak has spread to a second city in the northwestern region of Xinjiang .
One of the 17 new cases reported on Monday was in the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar , the regional government said on its official microblog .
The remainder were in the regional capital of Urumqi , where all other cases have been reported since the outbreak that has now infected at least 47 people emerged earlier this month .
Authorities in Urumqi have tried to prevent the spread by closing off communities and imposing travel restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ region of mountains and deserts and had seen little impact from the pandemic that emerged from the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and was largely contained within China in March .
Another five new cases reported Monday by the National Health Commission were imported .
China also said 5,370 people had been arrested for pandemic-related crimes between January and June .
More than 40 % were charged with fraud , the state prosecutor ’ s office announced on its official microblog .
Another 15 % were charged with obstruction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producing and selling fake and shoddy goods , creating public disturbances , and transporting and selling endangered species .
China has strengthened protection for wild animals following the emergence of the virus , which may have originated in bats before jumping to humans via an intermediary species such as the anteater-like pangolin .
No specific figures were given for those accused of violating quarantine rules and travel restrictions , although there have been relatively few such cases reported in official media .
Although faulted for allowing the virus to spread from Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with imposing rigid and sometimes draconian measures to contain the outbreak , and people have overwhelmingly complied with orders to wear masks , display certificates of good health and maintain social distancing .
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region : — A record surge of 40,425 reported cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours took India ’ s total to 1,118,043 .
The Health Ministry on Monday also reported another 681 deaths , taking total fatalities to 27,497 .
India has the third most cases and eighth most deaths in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , India has been conducting nearly 10,000 tests per million population .
More than 300,000 samples are being tested daily , according to the Indian Council of Medical Research , India ’ s top medical research body .
With India ’ s national lockdown largely lifted , local governments have been ordering focused lockdowns on high-risk areas where new outbreaks are surging .
— Australia ’ s hard-hit Victoria state reported 275 more COVID-19 cases on Monday , a third daily figure that was below last Friday ’ s peak .
Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown on Australia ’ s second-largest city Melbourne should become apparent Wednesday , which is two weeks after the six-week shutdown began .
“ It is a wicked enemy , it is unstable and until we bring some stability to this , I don ’ t think we ’ ll be able to talk about a trend , ” Andrews said .
Victoria had conducted more than 1.3 million coronavirus tests among a population of 6.5 million , which represented one of the highest testing rates in the world , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smallest daily jump in local COVID-19 transmissions in two months as health authorities express cautious optimism that the outbreak is being brought under control .
South Korea ’ s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday still reported 26 newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus , including 22 that were tied to international arrivals .
Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said the four local cases were the first below 10 since May 19 .
He continued to plead for vigilance , encouraging people to avoid crowded places or even stay at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong reported 73 new coronavirus infections on Monday , 66 of which were locally transmitted , as the city grapples with a new outbreak .
Of the locally transmitted infections , 27 were from unknown sources while the remaining 39 were linked to previously known clusters .
Among the new patients was a doctor who visited an elderly care home .
Hong Kong ’ s health officials said tighter anti-virus measures may be required if the trend does not come down over the next few days .
Hong Kong has reported a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 deaths .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Brooklyn eatery serves soul food  -  and food for the soul

NEW YORK - Growing up in Crown Heights , Brooklyn , Kiana Muschett-Owes treasured one spot above all : the family ’ s round dining table .
There , family members would gather to recount their days , debate issues , celebrate any occasion they could think of — and of course , to eat .
Along with basic nourishment , the table provided sustenance for the soul , says Muschett-Owes .
She ’ s tried to replicate that feeling at her own restaurant , Katie O ’ s , which she launched six years ago in nearby Prospect Lefferts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And now , she ’ s trying to give a little of both — soul food , and food for the soul — back to her community , amidst a pandemic that has exposed just how easy it is to go hungry in New York .
Each weekend , Muschett-Owes distributes between 1,000 and 1,500 meals to Brooklyn ’ s needy , accompanied by uplifting notes tucked into the boxes , with prayers or thoughts like “ We ’ ll get through this ” or “ What doesn ’ t kill you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : how are people doing , whether they ’ ve lost their jobs .
“ This isn ’ t just , ‘ grab your food and go , ’ ” she says .
A former school guidance counsellor , Muschett-Owes , 40 , opened Katie O ’ s with money and inspiration from her late grandparents , Eugene and Dolores Owes .
She chose the name — her own pet name — when she learned “ The Round Table ” was already taken .
As it did for everyone , life changed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essentially shut down overnight .
“ We already knew there was food insecurity in under-served neighbourhoods , “ she says .
“ And we thought , if they shut down the city , what happens to those people who depend on things like Meals on Wheels , food pantries and church pantries ?
” That first weekend , she gave away 1,000 meals , she says .
A few weeks later , she was watching the local news and learned about Rethink Food NYC , which directs unused food from restaurants to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization , which provides about $ 4,500 a week to fund meals for her initiative , Soul Food for the People .
“ She ’ s the real deal .
She just ran with it , “ says Matt Jozwiak , Rethink ’ s founder , of Muschett-Owes .
“ The vibe , the positivity , the energy — that ’ s really what she ’ s sharing , and that ’ s really important .
The entire world is terrified , and a sense of community is really all we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask Muschett-Owes to describe the cuisine of her counter-style restaurant , and prepare for a long answer .
“ Southern comfort food , ” she begins .
” Mac and cheese , sweet yams , collard greens , string beans , cabbage , potato salad , macaroni salad , banana pudding , red velvet cake.
“ At the food giveaways , she says , “ you might get a platter that has Southern-style rice with curried chicken and vegetables , or chicken wraps , or turkey with white rice , with maybe some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is not just nutritious , but , well , tastes really good .
Shopping day is Wednesday ; food prep happens Thursday and Friday .
Early Saturday , meals are ready for distribution , with volunteer drivers , to several sites : home deliveries to seniors , a church in East New York , a housing project in Clinton Hill .
The city estimates a staggering 2 million New Yorkers are experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic — nearly double the pre-pandemic number .
Muschett-Owes hopes to continue her project indefinitely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page .
She knows food insecurity is a global issue .
“ Let ’ s start with Brooklyn , ” she says .
“ People are hungry .
They ’ re really hungry.
” While nonstop news about the effects of the coronavirus has become commonplace , so , too , have tales of kindness .
“ One Good Thing ” is a series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time .
Read the series here : https : //apnews.com/OneGoodThing


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Egypt’s lawmakers to vote on deploying troops to Libya

CAIRO - Egypt ’ s parliament is expected to vote Monday to authorize the president to deploy troops to neighbouring Libya if Turkey-backed forces there , allied with the U.N.-supported government in Tripoli , move to retake the coastal city of Sirte .
An Egyptian intervention would further destabilize oil-rich Libya , and put two U.S. allies — Turkey and Egypt — in possible direct confrontation .
The vote was initially scheduled for Sunday but was moved to Monday in a closed session , according to lawmaker Mustafa Bakry .
The House of Representatives , packed with supporters of President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote in favour of the deployment .
Libya was plunged into chaos when a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi , who was later killed .
The country is now split between a government in the east , allied with military commander Khalifa Hifter , and one in Tripoli , in the west , supported by the United Nations .
The conflict has escalated into a regional proxy war fueled by foreign powers pouring weapons and mercenaries into the country .
Egypt has been backing the eastern-based Libyan forces in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the capital , Tripoli .
Egypt ’ s president warned in June that any attack on Sirte or the inland Jufra air base would prompt Cairo to intervene militarily , purportedly to protect its western border with Libya .
Along with Egypt , Hifter is also backed by the United Arab Emirates and Russia , while in addition to Turkey , the Tripoli forces are aided by Qatar and Italy .
The U.S. has grown increasingly concerned about Moscow ’ s growing influence in Libya , where hundreds of Russian mercenaries backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces to capture Tripoli .
Egypt ’ s state-run Al-Ahram daily reported on Sunday that the vote in parliament was intended to mandate el-Sissi to “ intervene militarily in Libya to help defend the western neighbour against Turkish aggression.
” Last week , el-Sissi hosted dozens of tribal leaders loyal to Hifter in Cairo , where he repeated that Egypt will “ not stand idly by in the face of moves that pose a direct threat to security.
” Hifter ’ s forces launched an offensive to take Tripoli from the U.N.-supported government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — which had stalemated after reaching the outskirts of the Libyan capital — suffered a blow last month when the Tripoli-allied forces , with Turkish support , pushed them back and gained the upper hand in the fighting .
The Tripoli forces retook the capital ’ s airport , all main entrance and exit points to the city and a string of key towns in the region .
They pushed on eastward , vowing to also retake Sirte , which Hifter captured earlier this year .
Capturing the city , Gadhafi ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Turkish-backed forces to advance even farther eastward and potentially take vital oil installations , terminals and fields now under Hifter ’ s control .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Separatists protest Spanish royals’ visit to rural Catalonia

L ’ ESPLUGA DE FRANCOLI , Spain - Hundreds of Catalan independence supporters protested the visit of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on Monday to the northeastern region as part of a royal tour across Spain that is meant to bolster spirits amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The visit came as a barrage of media leaks accuse the king ’ s father , former monarch Juan Carlos I , of allegedly hiding millions of untaxed euros in offshore funds .
Prosecutors in the country ’ s Supreme Court are determining whether the king emeritus can be investigated for receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as kickbacks for a high-speed railway project .
Juan Carlos hasn ’ t publicly addressed the allegations against him .
The scandal is the latest to rock the Spanish royal family .
In mid-March , it prompted Felipe to renounce any inheritance he could receive from his father and stripped him of the annual stipend as king emeritus .
Juan Carlos abdicated on behalf of his son in 2014 .
With that backdrop , the royal couple launched a visit to all of Spain ’ s 17 regions that was designed as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy as it recovers from the first wave of the pandemic .
The Catalan leg of the tour was initially planned for last week covering several towns and Barcelona , but the monarchy said it had postponed it and scaled it back to a short visit to a monastery because of the spike in virus cases in and around the regional capital .
Protesters on Monday carried photos of Felipe upside down and letters completing the sentence “ Catalonia doesn ’ t have a king “ during a march organized by ANC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil society group .
The march was headed to the Royal Monastery of Poblet , where the king and the queen were visiting , but police blocked access at the main road .
Some of the activists tried to reach the monastery by venturing into nearby vineyards .
High-speed and regular trains in and out of the northern Catalan city of Girona were also delayed or cancelled due to “ acts of vandalism , ” according to a tweet by Spain ’ s railway infrastructure operator , ADIF .
A photo circulated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next to a sign showing a crossed out upside down image of a crown .
Tensions between separatists in Catalonia , which has a population of 7.5 million , and those in support of Spanish unity came to a head in late 2017 following a banned referendum met with police violence that led to the prosecution of top elected officials and activists .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Amber Heard accuses Johnny Depp of abuse during relationship

LONDON - Amber Heard began giving testimony at Britain ’ s High Court on Monday against ex-husband Johnny Depp , who she has accused of abusing her both physically and verbally during their tempestuous relationship .
Depp , 57 , is suing News Group Newspapers , publisher of the Sun , and the paper ’ s executive editor , Dan Wootton , at the court in London over an April 2018 article that called him a “ wife-beater.
” The Hollywood star strongly denies abusing Heard .
He was at the court to hear Heard ’ s evidence .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to last for three days , Heard denied accusations that she was a heavy drug-taker and drinker as well as being controlling and abusive herself .
She also described an incident in January 2015 in a hotel room in Tokyo over a prenuptial agreement between herself and Depp , and suggested there was an argument about it .
“ There was an argument in a hotel room in Tokyo that resulted in Johnny kneeling on my back and hitting me on the back of the head , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the witness box , Heard said she worried Depp would kill her at various times during their relationship that saw her enduring “ punching , slapping , kicking , head-butting and choking.
” She also said “ some incidents were so severe that I was afraid he was going to kill me , either intentionally or just by losing control and going too far.
” According to the 34-year-old Heard , Depp “ explicitly threatened to kill me many times , especially later in our relationship ” and that he blamed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that he referred to as “ the monster.
” Heard has been present throughout the trial , watching the proceedings as her ex-husband gave evidence over five days .
She is facing questioning over 14 allegations of domestic violence that The Sun ’ s publisher News Group Newspapers is relying on in its defence of the April 2018 article .
Depp and Heard met in 2009 on the set of the film “ The Rum Diary , ” which was released two years later .
They married in Los Angeles in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following year , and the divorce was finalized in 2017 .
The Sun ’ s defence relies on the 14 allegations made by Heard of violence by Depp between 2013 and 2016 , in settings including his private island in the Bahamas , a rented house in Australia and the couple ’ s downtown Los Angeles penthouse .
Depp claims Heard was the aggressor during their volatile relationship , which he has likened to “ a crime scene waiting to happen.
” In nine days of testimony at the High Court , judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from several current or former employees who have backed his version of events .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Floating boat cinema coming to Pittsburgh, other cities

PITTSBURGH - Amid the COVID-19 pandemic , drive-in movies have been making a comeback — now a company says a floating cinema allowing people to watch from mini-boats will be making appearances in a number of places around the country — including Pennsylvania and Ohio .
Beyond Cinema , an Australian production company , is bringing Floating Boat Cinema to cities worldwide with a stop in Pittsburgh in September .
The location for the aquatic theatre planned Sept. 16 to Sept. 20 hasn ’ t been released , and the movies to be shown haven ’ t been announced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 to 24 mini-boats , each holding up to eight people .
Tickets will require that the entire boat be purchased to ensure that groups will be seated with friends and family only to allow for social distancing on and between boats .
Organizers say the movies will be a mix of golden oldies and new releases .
Attendees will get free popcorn , and other movie snacks and drinks will be available for purchase before people embark on the boats .
Floating Boat Cinema will also be heading to St. Louis on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago , Miami , Orlando , New York , Austin , Cleveland , Philadelphia , Columbus , and Cincinnati , as well as three cities in Canada .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Theatrical couple takes their quarantine show to driveway

ST. PAUL , Minn. - What do you do when you ’ re a married theatre couple quarantined in your house for months with your stage work shut down ?
You write and perform a play about it and you take it on the road .
Um , make that take it to the driveway .
Or a backyard .
Husband and wife Jen Maren and Peter Simmons created “ My Funny Quarantine ” — a 30-minute performance featuring songs , storytelling , improv , pantomime and … swordfighting — that shares a story of a couple at home together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Simmons are performing it on request outdoors for neighbourhood and family gatherings of 25 people or fewer , the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported .
If these were non-pandemic times , Maren would now be on stage for her sixth round as Marjorie Congdon Caldwell in History Theatre ’ s “ Glensheen.
” Simmons would be on stage at Park Square Theatre this month in “ Holmes and Watson.
” ( Both productions have been rescheduled for summer 2021 . )
They would also be working as part of the “ Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science Museum of Minnesota .
Maren said they were on their way to their most successful year ever as a theatre couple .
When their performances shut down , she panicked .
“ What can I do ?
What can Pete do ?
” she wondered as she lost sleep .
She woke one morning and asked , “ Pete , what can you do ?
” Maybe they could perform together , Maren suggested .
Simmons acts , plays guitar and has done street theatre , including a stint at the Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maren acts and sings .
Simmons reacted the way he always does , he says : “ No , that wouldn ’ t work.
” Maren says she reacted the way she always does .
She kept quiet about it .
About four days later , she says , Simmons announced : “ I wrote a play about a couple quarantined together.
” A chat with the couple on the front porch of their St. Paul home is solid proof the dialogue for “ My Funny Quarantine ” is based in real life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they often continue one another ’ s sentences , toss in a jab or inside joke .
Like most actors in conversation , they are witty and animated and , well , dramatic .
Maren and Simmons , who met during a show in 2011 and were married in 2014 , call their two-person theatre company Theatre Unmasqued ( and make fun of the spelling during their show , saying it proves they are “ theatre professionals ” ) .
Before the COVID-19 lockup , the most time they ’ d spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — had been on vacations , Simmons says .
Confined together 24/7 , they did projects around their 1890s house , including adding an upstairs laundry room that doubles as a sound studio for voiceover work … which has also become scarce during the coronavirus shutdown .
“ Everything is gone , ” Maren says she worried .
“ What do I do ?
’ Creating “ My Funny Quarantine ” gave him purpose , Simmons says .
“ It ’ s not underselling it to say for me , this was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engine for ideas : “ En-Jen ” .
“ I have the idea , he makes it happen , ” Maren says .
They knew the play had to appeal to families , since they ’ re staging it outdoors .
Their experience working with the acting company at the Science Museum helps there , Maren says .
Science Museum performances are for kids and adults “ with a lot of distractions around them , ” Simmons says .
But just as Theatre Unmasqued was ready to take its tale to the driveway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything .
Riots following Floyd ’ s death hit two blocks from their home .
“ We didn ’ t want to be tone deaf , ” Simmons says .
“ We can ’ t sugarcoat it .
This is a play by , and about , white people.
” After a respectful pause , Maren and Simmons decided to go ahead with the show , but acknowledge that problems can not be ignored .
Through July , they ’ re donating half of their proceeds to Black Lives Matter and the Equal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fees for the show for now .
Audience donations are accepted .
“ We still also think there validity in some release from everything ( through entertainment ) , ” Maren says , “ so you can come back and pick up the fight again.
” Simmons also wrote Maren ’ s one-woman play , “ Live from New York !
He ’ s a Prom Date !
” , which ran at History Theatre in May 2019 .
It was based on a true story about Maren coming home from high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mom had entered her to be on the “ Sally Jessy Rafael ” daytime talk show because Maren didn ’ t have a prom date .
They were flown to New York to appear on the show .
Maren and Simmons say Theatre Unmasqued may bring that story back .
From song parodies ( “ Wasting Away Again in My Corona-ville ) to pantomime improv where Simmons acts out a story based on audience suggestions , “ It ’ s a psychological drama about people learning how to stay in love , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of “ My Funny Quarantine ” is based on real life ?
“ There ’ s some crossover , ” Simmons says , and Maren nods .
Let ’ s just hope that doesn ’ t include the swordfighting .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Delaware police say they arrested 12-year-old car thief

NEW CASTLE , Del .
- Police in Delaware say a 12-year-old boy stole a pickup truck from a gas @ @ @ @ @ a high-speed chase before crashing and trying to escape on foot .
Delaware State Police @ @ @ @ @ 2003 Ford Ranger while its owner was using the ATM at a Wawa gas station @ @ @ @ @ Police did not provide the boy ’ s name .
When police located the truck @ @ @ @ @ stop and led police on a chase .
After crashing into a parked car , @ @ @ @ @ a U-turn , sped up and then crashed into a guardrail after failing to make @ @ @ @ @ the boy exited the truck after the crash and tried to flee on foot before @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said the boy is facing multiple charges , including three felonies , and @ @ @ @ @ 8,008 bond .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Israeli top model Bar Refaeli convicted of tax evasion

TEL AVIV , Israel - An Israeli court convicted top model Bar Refaeli on Monday on four counts of tax offences , capping a prolonged tax evasion case against her and her family that sullied the image of a once beloved national icon .
Refaeli entered the Tel Aviv courthouse with a white face mask to match her white blouse .
She was accompanied by her father , Raffi , her mother , Zipi , and a phalanx of lawyers .
The 35-year-old Refaeli and her mother confessed to offences of evading paying taxes on income nearing $ 10 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement they signed with authorities last month , Refaeli is to serve nine months of community service while her mother will be sent to prison for 16 months .
The two are also ordered to pay a $ 1.5 million fine on top of millions of back taxes owed to the state .
The prolonged case , built around the celebrity model ’ s worldwide income and the family ’ s attempts to downplay her ties to Israel , damaged her well-crafted public image as an informal ambassador for the country .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pitch-woman whose image is ubiquitous on highway billboards throughout the country .
Last year , she hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv .
The heart of the case revolves around Refaeli ’ s residence earlier this decade when she travelled around the world in high-profile modeling campaigns , graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and had a lengthy romantic relationship with actor Leonardo DiCaprio .
Israeli tax law determines residency primarily upon whether the person spent most of the calendar year in the country .
Refaeli claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not have to declare her worldwide income in certain years .
But prosecutors rejected her claim and charged her with providing incorrect tax information .
For instance , Refaeli ’ s indictment said she earned some $ 7.2 million between the years 2009-2012 while claiming to reside overseas to avoid paying taxes on her income .
In previous appeals , an Israeli court ruled that Refaeli ’ s relationship with DiCaprio did not qualify as a “ family unit , ” and therefore she could not claim his American residence to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Refaeli ’ s lawyers said the plea bargain proved she hadn ’ t intentionally evaded tax payments .
Refaeli ’ s mother , who also acted as her agent , was charged with failure to report income , avoiding paying taxes and aiding someone else in evading tax payments .
The indictment said she signed leases for her daughter under the names of other family members to blur Refaeli ’ s actual residency status and refrained from declaring her own income as her daughter ’ s agent .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Global shares mixed as investors eye EU meeting on pandemic

TOKYO - Global shares were mixed in directionless trading Monday as the number of coronavirus cases soared in the U.S. and investors cautiously eyed the summit of European leaders discussing the pandemic crisis .
France ’ s CAC 40 shed 0.5 % in early trading to 5,043.73 .
Germany ’ s DAX was little changed at 12,906.87 , down less than 0.1 % .
Britain ’ s FTSE 100 slipped nearly 0.4 % to 6,268.07 .
U.S. shares were set to drift lower with Dow futures down 0.1 % at 26,486.5 .
S & P 500 futures fell 0.2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Asia and Oceania Treasury Department of Mizuho Bank , said rising numbers of confirmed infections in the U.S. , trade tensions between the U.S. and China and the EU policy impasse were all adding to market risks .
“ But with increasing dangers of political missteps and policy fumbles , the question is whether things could start to come undone in a more alarming manner , ” said Narita .
Japan ’ s benchmark Nikkei 225 recouped earlier losses to finish less than 0.1 % higher at 22,717.48 .
South Korea ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.1 % to 2,198.20 .
Australia ’ s S & P/ASX 200 fell 0.5 % to 6,001.60 .
Hong Kong ’ s Hang Seng edged 0.1 % lower to 25,057.99 , while the Shanghai Composite gained 3.1 % to 3,314.15 .
Talks between European Union leaders failed to reach an agreement on an unprecedented 1.85 trillion-euro ( $ 2.1 trillion ) EU budget and a coronavirus recovery fund to tackle the crisis .
They were meeting again Monday on the fourth day of a summit that began Friday .
Japan reported trade data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a year earlier .
Its trade-reliant economy has plunged into recession and its outbreaks of COVID-19 cases , while still fewer than the hardest hit nations , have been growing recently , especially in Tokyo .
“ Asia markets are looking to a muted start to the week , caught between growing COVID-19 cases around the globe while looking to the series of earnings releases this week , ” said Jingyi Pan , market strategist at IG in Singapore .
Signs that an outbreak of the coronavirus has spread to a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even as authorities close off communities and impose travel restrictions in the regional capital Urumqi , further darkened the mood .
In India , a new record surge of 40,425 reported cases in the past 24 hours took the nation ’ s cumulative total to more than 1.1 million .
India also had another 681 deaths , taking its total fatalities to 27,497 .
Corporate earnings and U.S. unemployment data are expected to draw attention this week , according to analysts .
Benchmark U.S. crude lost 33 cents to $ 40.26 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 40.59 a barrel on Friday .
Brent crude , the international standard , fell 32 cents to $ 42.82 a barrel .
The U.S. dollar was trading at 107.17 Japanese yen , up slightly from 107.04 yen Friday .
The euro inched up to $ 1.1466 from $ 1.1430 .


thetorontostar--2020-07-20--Some Chinese cities reopen cinemas as virus threat recedes

BEIJING - China is going back to the movies .
Following months of closure , limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back into cinemas Monday in cities such as Shanghai , Hanzhou and Guilin where the risk of virus infection is considered low .
Customers wore masks , left open seats between them and observed other safety precautions .
At Shanghai ’ s Tianshan theatre , an audience gathered for a showing of the Chinese-made feature “ A First Farewell.
” Workers were disinfecting and polishing at theatres in Beijing , which on Sunday downgraded its emergency response level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection in 14 days .
Conferences , exhibitions , sports events , performances and cinemas are expected to reopen gradually after passing risk appraisals and with “ necessary prevention measures , ” Chen Bei , the city government deputy secretary-general , told reporters .
Chinese are enthusiastic movie goers and the country was expected to surpass the U.S. this year as the world ’ s biggest box office before the pandemic hit .
The cinema re-openings come as China is relaxing many restrictions while maintaining mask wearing , temperature checks and social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far western region of Xinjiang is China ’ s only current outbreak of domestic infections , and mandatory two-week quarantines remain in effect for Chinese arriving from abroad to guard against imported cases .
Economic activity has gradually recovered and China reported an unexpectedly strong 3.2 % expansion in its GDP during the latest quarter after lockdowns were lifted and factories and stores reopened .
That made China the first economy to resume economic growth since the pandemic began in its central city of Wuhan .
The 6.8 % contraction in January-March was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least the mid-1960s .