thetorontostar--2020-04-28--Worried about virus, US House won’t return  -  for now

WASHINGTON - Facing the stark , startling reality that Congress may not be able to fully resume for a year , House leaders are desperately reaching for work-from-home options after a revolt from the ranks over the health risks of convening during the coronavirus pandemic .
House Democratic leaders abruptly reversed course Tuesday , shelving plans for the chamber ’ s 400-plus lawmakers to return for work on the next virus aid package after warnings from the Capitol physician that the public health danger was too great .
The Senate , with its smaller numbers , still expects to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice , ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said .
“ If the House physician recommends that we not come back , then we have to take that guidance.
” It ’ s not just the elected officials at risk .
The U.S. Capitol is a throwback of crowded hearing rooms , packed hallways and thousands of congressional staff crunched in office cubicles and cafeteria lunch lines — all unwelcome in the new era of social distancing .
It additionally relies on an army of cooks , custodians , electricians and police , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maze of offices running .
Despite a halt in public tours , started in mid-March and extended Tuesday through mid-May by the House and Senate sergeants at arms , few other protocols have been announced beyond masks for lawmakers and staggered roll call votes .
Closing normal operations for weeks , months or even longer seems unthinkable to some , more dire than actions taken during the deadly 1918 Spanish flu or the Sept. 11 attack .
There really is no direct comparison in U.S. history .
President Donald Trump scoffed from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were “ enjoying their vacation.
” Trump derided Pelosi ’ s recent appearance on a comedy show displaying her home kitchen freezer stocked with specialty ice cream .
“ You look at Nancy Pelosi eating ice cream on late night television , ” Trump said .
“ They ’ re having a good time .
I think they should be back .
I think they should all come back and we should work on this together.
” Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer declared the sudden about-face on regular meetings after consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objected to next week ’ s schedule .
During a private caucus call , one lawmaker , Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz , D-Fla. , said plans to return were dangerous .
Others questioned whether virus testing would be available and what steps were being taken to keep staff safe .
They heard few answers , according to a person unauthorized to discuss the private call and granted anonymity to comment .
The Capitol physician has privately warned key lawmakers it will be at least a year before Congress can return to business as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s being lost as a co-equal branch of government , many are also older and in high-risk categories for contracting the virus .
Some care for children and families .
Most have to commute from their states while airlines are running fewer flights .
Because the Washington , D.C. , area remains a “ hotspot ” under stay-home orders , with the number of cases “ going up and not down , ” Hoyer said it makes sense to hold off reopening for now .
House Democratic leaders were negotiating Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proxy vote proposals .
As lawmakers envision the new norm in Congress , one top priority for both parties is to reopen their committees to conduct oversight of nearly $ 3 trillion in coronavirus relief and to draft legislation , including the next virus aid package .
“ Technology has enabled us to do things without physically being in the same place together , ” Hoyer said .
“ That ’ s what I hope we can achieve for committees.
” Holding committee meetings via teleconference would require a change to House rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically present for most sessions .
GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California has signalled he favours opening up committees for work .
A bipartisan House task force agreed to have committees test-drive technology options with public round-table meetings in the days ahead .
But House Republicans argued the House should return to work and panned a more ambitious proposal for proxy voting that was shelved last week so talks could continue .
Pelosi said Tuesday she still hopes to “ get that done.
” The Senate , meanwhile , remains on track to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell said that if it is essential for doctors , nurses and grocery workers “ to keep carefully manning their own duty stations , then it is essential for senators to carefully man ours.
” It ’ s unclear whether the GOP leader sought guidance from the physician ’ s office .
McConnell ’ s office said it had no further comment .
If the Senate resumes , Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said it must hold public hearings on the Trump administration ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Schumer said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t working ” and to probe the new small business lending program that faces accusations of not sending enough aid to smaller shops .
“ This is part of what the Constitution gave Congress the responsibility to do — oversight of the executive branch , ” Schumer said on MSNBC .
“ We need these oversight hearings , and we need them now.
” While the coronavirus pandemic did the nearly unthinkable in Washington , sparking a rare bipartisanship accord between Democrats and Republicans on the biggest rescue package in history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by $ 500 billion last week — it may not extend to the next effort to provide aid .
The two parties are far apart on priorities .
Pelosi wants at least $ 500 billion for hard-hit state and local governments to pay police , fire and other front-line “ heroes.
” McConnell has suggested changing the laws to let states declare bankruptcy and said on Fox his “ red line ” is liability protection for health providers and business owners in the pandemic .
As the Senate resumes , McConnell has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s judicial nominees to federal courts .
“ The pandemic will not prevent us from achieving that goal , “ he said .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick , Alan Fram and Jill Colvin contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-04-28--Denver Zoo celebrates birth of 2 African lion cubs

DENVER - The Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of two African lion cubs .
Zoo officials say the cubs @ @ @ @ @ mother Kamara and 4-year-old father Tobias .
The healthy newborns are bonding with Kamara behind @ @ @ @ @ be introduced to the rest of the pride over the next couple of months .
@ @ @ @ @ their den box , which mimics the space Kamara would seek out to give birth @ @ @ @ @ cubs ’ sexes have not yet been determined .
Matt Lenyo , assistant curator of @ @ @ @ @ is watching Kamara closely to make sure she is showing appropriate maternal behaviours such as @ @ @ @ @ officials say half of Africa ’ s lions have disappeared in the past 25 years @ @ @ @ @ growing threats from poaching , loss of prey and habitat destruction .

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thetorontostar--2020-04-28--Coast Guard, Ripley Entertainment criticized in boat crash

LIBERTY , Mo .
- A duck boat sinking on a Missouri Lake that killed 17 people two summers ago likely would not have happened if the U.S. Coast Guard had followed recommendations to improve the safety of such tourist attractions , federal safety regulators said Tuesday .
The National Transportation Safety Board released the findings of its investigation into the July 2018 tragedy , when a Ride the Ducks vehicle sank during a severe and sudden storm on Table Rock Lake near Branson .
If the Coast Guard had followed recommendations for small passenger boats that the NTSB made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1999 , killing 13 people , the Missouri boat “ likely would not have sunk , ” said Brian Young , an NTSB accident investigator .
Young also said the agency ’ s staff believes Ride The Ducks should have suspended water operations that day because of the severe weather forecast .
Among the files released Tuesday was a letter the NTSB received from the Coast Guard agreeing that canopies and side curtains should be removed from amphibious tour vehicles known as stretch duck boats .
NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast Guard ’ s recommendations don ’ t have the force of a regulation , he ’ s “ very optimistic ” the agency is committed to improving small passenger boat safety .
Duck boats should not be allowed to operate again until the recommendations are fully implemented , he said .
The NTSB said one probable cause of the accident included the decision by Ripley Entertainment Inc. , which purchased the Ride the Ducks attraction in 2017 , to operate the lake tours despite a severe thunderstorm warning .
The vessel flooded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bow that was not weather tight .
It also blamed the Coast Guard ’ s failure to require sufficient buoyancy in amphibious vehicles , and its failure to address emergency exits on such vehicles with fixed canopies that contributed to the sinking and loss of life .
The findings echoed an NTSB report released in November .
The April 15 letter from Daniel Abel , vice-admiral of the Coast Guard , said the Guard agreed with an NTSB recommendation to remove canopies , side curtains and associated framing from the duck boats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergencies .
The Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin , the first step in the process .
Ripley Entertainment has settled 31 lawsuits filed by survivors or relatives of those who died .
The dead included nine members of one family from Indianapolis .
Other victims were from Missouri , Illinois and Arkansas .
Spokeswoman Suzanne Smagala-Potts said Ripley Entertainment would review the NTSB report and that Ride the Ducks fully co-operated with the federal investigation .
“ We remain dedicated to working with the community of Branson , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were impacted by the accident , ” Smagala-Potts said .
Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators interviewed duck boat Capt .
Scott McKee the day after the accident .
McKee said he took the boat into the water because radar indicated the storm was far away , but it quickly turned from calm to turbulent .
NTSB members were unable to interview McKee because of ongoing criminal investigations .
McKee , of Verona , is charged with 17 counts of misconduct , negligence or inattention to duty .
Two Ripley executives are also charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , marine accident investigator , told board members that it appeared McKee didn ’ t have the information he needed to make a proper decision about going onto the lake .
He noted that the lake was clear when McKee arrived , and the three other duck boats on the water indicated there was no cause for concern .
Some NTSB board members were skeptical , saying the National Weather Service issued the storm report in plenty of time to stop the boat from going in the water .
Ripley suspended operations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains unclear if they will ever return to the lake .
Robert Mongeluzzi whose firm represents nearly two dozen people who were aboard the boat commended the NTSB findings and said it supports the victims ’ calls to prevent duck boats from ever being used again .
“ Duck Boats are death traps which , when flooded , become sinking coffins , ” Mongeluzzi said .
“ The Coast Guard and Duck Boat industry have the blood of these Branson victims on their hands for continuing to ignore the warnings .
Hopefully this @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Margaret Stafford And Jim Salter - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Joe Biden wins Ohio’s mail-in primary delayed by coronavirus

COLUMBUS , Ohio - Joe Biden won Ohio ’ s presidential primary , clinching a contest that was less about the Democratic nomination and more about how states can conduct elections in the era of the coronavirus .
Tuesday ’ s primary was the first major test of statewide elections via mail amid an outbreak .
There were reports of confusion but no widespread disruption .
It wasn ’ t like Wisconsin earlier this month , when voters were forced to overlook social distancing guidelines to stand in line wearing masks to cast ballots .
“ Within the context of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a decision that we will have made the best of , ” Republican Ken Blackwell , a former Ohio elections chief who chairs the bipartisan International Foundation for Electoral Systems , said of mail-in balloting .
Overall turnout was surprisingly strong , said Secretary of State Frank LaRose .
While his office said about 1.5 million votes had been cast as of midday Saturday , down sharply from the 3.2 million cast in Ohio ’ s 2016 presidential primary , he said some larger counties received tens of thousands of additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than OK .
It was great , ” he said .
The primary , originally scheduled for March 17 , was delayed just hours before polls were supposed to open .
Citing a “ health emergency , ” Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine recommended that in-person balloting not be held until June 2 .
But amid legal challenges , officials moved balloting to this week while converting to a mail-in process since the state remains under a stay-at-home order .
Most Ohioans casting absentee ballots had to run at least three pieces of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot and a completed one — through the U.S .
Postal Service .
Only homeless and disabled people were initially encouraged to cast in-person ballots at county election board offices , though anyone not receiving ballots by mail in time to participate could also turn up in person .
Lynne Marshall , of Sylvania , opened her mailbox Tuesday and was disappointed to see that her ballot had not arrived .
She then agonized over whether to cast a vote in person at the election board and put her health at risk or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time she can remember .
“ What should I do ?
” she asked .
“ I ’ m just really disgusted with it all .
Of course , I ’ ll feel guilty if I don ’ t vote.
” LaRose said that after he raised concerns last week , the Postal Service relocated a sorting facility into Ohio , searched meticulously for all in-transit election mail and deployed top-level executives to sites to oversee the effort .
The Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law said it fielded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio to mail ballots directly to eligible voters in the future , as other states do , a proposal so far rejected by the Republican-controlled state Legislature .
With his last competitor , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , leaving the race weeks ago , Biden has emerged as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , and the Ohio results were never in doubt .
Still , moving to a mail-in primary on the fly was watched around the country as states with upcoming elections grapple with how to fulfil one of the most basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while battling the coronavirus ’ s spread .
Some governors have suggested they would consider moving to an all-mail voting system for the November general election , something President Donald Trump has strongly opposed .
Polling suggests that Democrats are now more in favour of their states conducting elections exclusively by mail than Republicans are — a partisan divide that has grown amid the coronavirus outbreak and may have been exacerbated by Trump ’ s opposition .
Five states currently conduct all elections entirely by mail : Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to adopt such practices amid a pandemic .
Maryland was also balancing balloting and voter safety on Tuesday for a special election to finish the term of the late Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings .
Democrat Kweisi Mfume , a former NAACP leader , defeated Republican Kimberly Klacik , returning to the seat that he held before Cummings .
Most of the focus , though , was on Ohio , which also held congressional primaries .
It ’ s traditionally a battleground state that has shifted to more consistently Republican in recent cycles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 percentage points in 2016 , after Barack Obama , with Biden as his running mate , carried the state twice .
Jen Miller , the head of the League of Women Voters in Ohio , said it will be impossible to know how many people stayed home because they didn ’ t get a ballot in time .
“ We ’ ve had people waiting weeks and weeks , ” Miller said .
Meanwhile , Ohio ’ s early voting began Feb. 19 , meaning Sanders was in a position to still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was held to just a handful in Ohio .
The senator has reminded his supporters that his name will be on the ballot in all upcoming races and urged them to vote for him so he can amass delegates and better shape the Democratic Party platform at its national convention in Milwaukee in August .
But Sanders has endorsed Biden , and a group of his top advisers announced Tuesday that they were forming an outside political committee to promote the former vice-president and progressive values .
The efforts at unification of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defuse tensions heading into the party ’ s convention .
Blackwell , the former Ohio election chief , said he didn ’ t see Tuesday ’ s results setting a precedent .
“ My opinion going forward is that no serious thought should be given to converting to mail-in balloting for the November election , ” Blackwell said .
“ You lick an envelope and mail in a ballot , there ’ s all kinds of evidence that would suggest that there would be ballots lost , and because you ’ ve taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community level , you lose a degree of almost guaranteed legitimacy.
” Weissert reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Dan Sewell in Cincinnati and John Seewer in Toledo contributed to this report .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

Will Weissert And Julie Carr Smyth - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Hit hard by closures, Tennessee tourist spots eager to open

MEMPHIS , Tenn. - Like other tourist spots in Tennessee , Casey Jones Village in Jackson has taken a financial hit since nonessential businesses closed in March as part of the response to the new coronavirus outbreak .
The train museum dedicated to the legendary railroad engineer has been closed for a month and a half .
The gift shop and ice cream parlour are also shut down , and the restaurant known for Southern staples like fried chicken , banana pudding and hot water cornbread is only filling carryout orders .
Owner Clark Shaw says business is down 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Interstate 40 between Nashville and Memphis .
“ This has been a living nightmare , ” Shaw said .
However , Shaw has hope .
He secured a small business loan from the federal government ’ s coronavirus relief package to keep the place afloat .
The restaurant could reopen Friday , and the museum could start hosting visitors in late May .
Improvements such as deep-cleaning the restaurant , new lighting , and a fresh paint job for the historic train car stationed next to the museum will make the visitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We said to ourselves , ‘ OK , how can we use this terrible crisis for good ?
’ “ said Shaw , whose father opened Casey Jones Village 55 years ago .
“ We began to think outside the box a little bit.
” As businesses start to gradually reopen across the state , big-name Tennessee tourist draws like Dollywood , Graceland and the Grand Ole Opry remained closed Wednesday .
But destinations both large and small are preparing to start welcoming visitors once again in a state where travellers spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains , including Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge , were allowed to start reopening restaurants Monday at limited capacity , with retail to follow under similar restrictions Wednesday .
The cities and Sevier County say they are not actively marketing to visitors to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 .
State officials have said they are discouraging travellers from out-of-state and have yet to release guidelines for tourist attractions .
Dolly Parton ’ s Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge , for one , hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of furloughed employees back to work .
Meanwhile , some smaller attractions are advertising reopenings on Friday , the first day the governor ’ s stay-at-home order is no longer in place .
Great Smoky Mountains National Park also hasn ’ t said when it might reopen .
State officials say they hope travellers from Tennessee or out of state visitors will respect established social distancing rules as they return to restaurants and tourist attractions .
“ We ’ re first doing the restaurants well , we ’ ll do retail well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state will continue their plans on how to be ready , ” Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell said during an online news conference Tuesday .
At Elvis Presley ’ s Graceland , the Memphis-based attraction centred on the life and career of the late singer and actor , officials said the museum , restaurants and exhibits will remain closed though at least Thursday .
On a normal year , Graceland attracts more than 500,000 visitors from around the world .
A few miles away on Beale Street , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , shops and bars remain closed or operating on a limited basis under guidelines issued in social distancing orders handed down by the city .
In the country music capital of Nashville , the Grand Ole Opry has suspended all events through May 16 .
That includes shows at the Ryman Auditorium and visitor tours .
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga remains shuttered .
But during its hiatus , the aquarium created Weekday Wonders , a series of free , science based activities available online for children and parents .
Aquarium workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibit and have delivered Facebook Live events connecting viewers with experts and animals .
In Union City , Discovery Park of America remains closed , but officials at the educational museum that draws about 250,000 visitors a year are working on a tentative opening date .
Discovery Park has avoided staff layoffs and added a trove of online educational content , including photos of artifacts and new lesson plans .
Improvements geared toward visitor safety include plastic shields at ticket counters , temperature checks for staff , revamped outdoor seating areas , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Scott Williams said outdoor spaces will be limited to 50 % occupancy when the museum opens , and the building will still be closed for two days a week for deep cleaning .
“ I ’ m definitely anxious to get us back to where we can welcome guests again , ” Williams said .
Associated Press writers Kimberlee Kruesi and Jonathan Mattise in Nashville , Tennessee , contributed to this report .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Stocks up ahead of US growth figures, Fed policy meeting

BEIJING - Global stocks mostly edged up on Wednesday ahead of U.S. economic growth figures and a Federal Reserve rate decision .
Investors seemed buoyed as more governments plan to ease anti-virus controls and allow businesses to reopen .
Markets in Europe were up slightly , while Shanghai and Hong Kong advanced .
Japanese markets were closed for a holiday .
Wall Street appeared set for small gains on the open .
The French and Spanish governments announced plans Tuesday to allow restaurants and other businesses to reopen gradually .
They followed Italy , which announced similar plans on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market , ” Jingyi Pan of IG said in a report .
In midday trading , London ’ s FTSE advanced 0.9 % to 6,008 and the DAX in Frankfurt added 0.3 % to 10,830 .
The CAC 40 in France shed 0.2 % to 4,561 .
Earnings reports in Europe are mixed , with Volkswagen saying its business is resilient despite a drop in sales but planemaker Airbus warning that the air travel industry ’ s troubles are just beginning .
On Wall Street , the future for the benchmark S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher and that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.5 % .
Investors will keep an eye on GDP data for the U.S. first quarter , which are expected to show an annual drop of 5 % or more .
The decline will end the longest economic expansion on record .
The Fed is not expected to take any major actions after the end of its two-day meeting Wednesday , having already deployed massive amounts of stimulus to help credit flows and businesses .
However there will be interest in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding a news conference .
In Asia , the Shanghai Composite Index closed 0.4 % higher at 2,822.44 and Hong Kong ’ s Hang Seng added 0.3 % to 24,643.59 .
The Kospi in Seoul advanced 0.7 % to 1,947.56 .
The ASX-S & P 200 in Sydney gained 1.5 % to 5,393.40 while India ’ s Sensex added 1.7 % to 32,657.03 .
Singapore and Jakarta gained 0.4 % while New Zealand shed 0.9 % .
Investors who want to know when the deepest global downturn since the 1930s might end have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , retailing and travel .
Economists warn they are too optimistic and say evidence is mounting that the damage is even worse than forecast .
On Wednesday , New Zealand allowed construction sites , restaurants and some other businesses to reopen following a decline in new virus cases .
South Korea ’ s government reported March industrial production increased by 4.6 % compared with the previous month .
“ We won ’ t get too many positive reports on activity in Asia over the coming months , so we should probably make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rob Carnell of ING in a report .
In the United States , some governors are rolling back curbs and allowing restaurants , hair salons and other businesses to reopen despite warnings by health experts that moving too fast might lead to new outbreaks .
President Donald Trump , running for re-election amid a slump that has wiped out more than 10 million jobs , is pressing other governors to lift lockdowns .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo of New York , one of the hardest-hit and most populous states , says controls will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases decline .
Elsewhere , Singapore on Tuesday extended its lockdown by four weeks after reporting its highest one-day toll of new cases a day earlier .
India also reported a one-day record for new infections on Monday .
Many professional investors are skeptical of the U.S. stock market ’ s big rally , which has driven the S & P 500 up 28 % from its March low .
They are wary of how fast stocks have rebounded despite the gradual pace of resuming business activity .
The yield on the 10-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday from 0.65 % late Monday .
Yields tend to fall when investors are downgrading expectations for the economy and inflation .
In energy markets , benchmark U.S. crude for June delivery gained $ 2.03 to $ 14.37 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange .
The contract lost 44 cents the previous day to settle at $ 12.34 .
Brent crude , used to price international oils , added 89 cents to $ 23.63 per barrel in London .
It rose 47 cents on Tuesday to $ 20.46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Tuesday ’ s 106.86 yen .
The euro advanced to $ 1.0850 from $ 1.0847 .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--China to convene Congress, showing confidence in virus fight

BEIJING - China , taking a step toward a return to business as normal , announced Wednesday that its previously postponed national legislature session will be held in late May .
The National People ’ s Congress , delayed from early March because of the coronavirus outbreak , will start on May 22 , the official Xinhua News Agency said .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether the 3,000 or so delegates would come to Beijing for what is the biggest political meeting of the year , or if it would be held virtually through videoconference .
A more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tandem with the Congress will start one day earlier on May 21 , Xinhua reported .
“ I ’ m not aware of the specifics , but I believe because of the epidemic , the two sessions this year will be somewhat different from other years , ” foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said when asked if there would be any changes .
The two-week annual meetings are largely ceremonial , with the legislature rubber-stamping decisions reached earlier by Communist Party leaders , but in typical years they are a colorful spectacle in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegates to the congress normally descend on Beijing by plane and train and sit shoulder-to-shoulder in the colossal auditorium at the Great Hall of the People to hear a state-of-the-country address from the country ’ s No .
2 leader , Premier Li Keqiang .
The May 22 start date was announced at the end of a four-day meeting of the congress ’ s standing committee , which handles most legislative affairs when the congress is not in session .
Of its 170 members , 47 participated remotely through online video .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social life gradually resuming , the conditions have been met for holding the session , a standing committee statement said , according to Xinhua .
The National Health Commission reported 22 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday , including 21 that came from abroad and one in Guangdong province , the southern manufacturing hub bordering Hong Kong .
That was an uptick from recent days but a sharp decline from the hundreds and even thousands of new cases being tallied daily until early March .
China has registered 82,858 cases and 4,633 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhan , where the coronavirus was first detected last last year .
Authorities have relaxed restrictions on going out but are maintaining strict quarantine rules on those coming from abroad .
Some cities and provinces have been quarantining those arriving from other parts of China too , but Beijing announced that it would stop doing so starting Thursday for people from areas deemed low-risk .
The Chinese capital is also allowing museums to reopen on Friday , the start of the five-day May Day holiday .
A limited number of visitors will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swimming pools remain closed .
The outbreak exposed problems in the nation ’ s public health laws and indicated a need for systemic improvements , Shen Chunyao , director of the Legislative Affairs Commission , told the National People ’ s Congress standing committee earlier this week .
Shen presented a report on plans to revise health-related laws over the next two years , Xinhua said .
This year ’ s congress is expected to approve a ban on illegal wildlife trade and legal changes to strengthen the management of medical waste .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bats and spread to humans , possibly through the wildlife trade .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--4 of 5 killed in Milwaukee shooting were under age of 20

MILWAUKEE - Four of the five people found fatally shot this week at a home in Milwaukee were under the age of 20 , police said .
Their bodies were found Monday after a 43-year-old man at the house called 911 to report his family was dead .
He was arrested at the scene .
The Milwaukee Police Department on Tuesday identified the five victims as Demetrius Thomas , 14 ; Tera Agee , 16 ; Lakeitha Stokes , 17 ; Marcus Stokes , 19 , and Teresa Thomas , 41 .
Police said all five victims were known to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say if all were related .
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said a child was found alive in the house , but police declined to provide details on the youngster .
The case was expected to be forwarded soon to the Milwaukee County District Attorney ’ s Office for charges , according to a police statement .
The suspect remains in custody .
The man has a history of domestic violence convictions dating back to 2002 , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .
He was also under the supervision of the Department of Corrections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to online records .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Israel marks its Independence Day under coronavirus lockdown

JERUSALEM - Israelis celebrated their Independence Day at home Wednesday amid a nationwide lockdown aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
The national holiday , which honours the creation of Israel after the end of the British Mandate in 1948 , is usually a festive occasion , with people heading to the beach , hosting barbecues and watching fireworks .
This year , however , the government has banned public gatherings and ordered people to remain within 100 metres ( yards ) of their homes unless they require medicine or have other vital needs .
Public transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manning roadblocks to prevent travel .
The Israeli air force devoted its annual fly-by to health workers , with four planes crisscrossing the nation and performing aerial acrobatics over hospitals and medical centres .
President Reuven Rivlin hosted an annual televised event in which the president usually presents awards to soldiers .
This year , the awards ceremony was postponed and the event was reconfigured as an online , star-studded tribute to medical workers and security forces , with performances by famous musicians and comedians but no live audience .
In a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ resilience.
” “ I wish us all a happy and healthy year in which we can enjoy every moment of Israeli normality that we all miss so much , ” he said .
Israel has reported more than 15,700 cases and at least 210 deaths from the coronavirus .
The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients , but can cause severe illness or death , particularly in elderly patients and those with underlying health problems .
Israel imposed sweeping restrictions on movement and ordered most businesses to close in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those restrictions as the rate of new infections appears to have stabilized .
The Independence Day lockdown is set to be lifted Wednesday night .
Most shops will then be allowed to reopen , provided they meet regulations on social distancing and hygiene .
People are required to wear masks in public places .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--UN: New polio outbreak in Niger after vaccination suspended

LONDON - The World Health Organization says Niger has been struck by a new outbreak of polio , following the suspension of immunization activities during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The U.N. health agency reported that two children were infected by the highly infectious , water-borne disease and that one was paralyzed .
The outbreak was sparked by a mutated virus that originated in the vaccine and was not connected to a previous polio epidemic Niger stopped last year , WHO said , in a statement last week .
“ The poliovirus will inevitably continue to circulate and may paralyze more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be conducted in a timely manner , ” said Pascal Mkanda , WHO ’ s co-ordinator of polio eradication in Africa .
In rare cases , the live virus in oral polio vaccine can evolve into a form capable of igniting new outbreaks among non-immunized children ; stopping the epidemic requires more targeted vaccination .
Earlier this month , WHO and partners announced they were forced to halt all polio vaccination activities until at least June 1 , acknowledging the decision would inevitably result in more children being paralyzed .
The Africa Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been 33,500 cases and 1,469 deaths as of Tuesday , but experts suspect the real numbers are far higher due to lack of testing and poor surveillance .
Eradicating polio requires more than 90 % of children being immunized , typically in mass campaigns involving millions of health workers that would break social distancing guidelines needed to stop the spread of the new coronavirus .
Across Africa , 14 other countries are struggling to contain their polio epidemics , which have also been caused by a rare mutation of the virus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially aimed to wipe out polio by 2000 , but that deadline has been pushed back and missed repeatedly .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Polish leader insists on May vote, even if delayed slightly

WARSAW , Poland - Poland ’ s prime minister said Wednesday that the presidential election must be held in May despite the coronavirus pandemic to meet the requirements of the constitution .
Mateusz Morawiecki said , however , that the May 10 election date may be pushed back by a week or two .
“ constitutional experts say that the election is also possible on successive dates : May 17 or May 23 , “ Morawiecki said .
“ We will be taking the decision in the nearest future , ” he said .
The ruling conservative Law and Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by postal ballot only , driven by the fact that its candidate , President Andrzej Duda , is leading in opinion polls .
It argues voting by mail is safe .
But it has also empowered the parliamentary speaker to alter the May 10 date .
The opposition wants the vote pushed back by a year or two , for social health reasons .
All its candidates are trailing in opinion polls behind Duda .
With less than two weeks to the vote , the bill formally regulating procedures for the vote still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , raising questions about whether the election can be held as planned .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Ex-NAACP leader Kweisi Mfume wins Maryland seat in Congress

BALTIMORE - Democrat Kweisi Mfume easily won a mostly mail-in election to finish the term of the late Elijah Cummings , retaking a Maryland congressional seat he held for five terms before leaving to lead the NAACP .
Mfume defeated Republican Kimberly Klacik in the heavily Democratic 7th Congressional District , capping a race dramatically reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic .
Taking off his mask for a brief victory speech Tuesday night , he acknowledged the many people “ struggling at this hour to fight off the terrible disease of the coronavirus.
” “ To them , to their families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others who have lost lives prematurely to this disease , I want all of you to know that from day one , all of my attention , all of my energy and all of my focus in the United States Congress will be on using science , data and common sense to help get our nation through this dark hour in our history , ” Mfume said .
Mfume was flanked by his wife and a few other supporters who also wore masks as protection against the virus .
In what could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , Maryland opened just three polling stations Tuesday and sent ballots weeks in advance to encourage mail voting to reduce public health risks , hoping to avoid what happened earlier this month in Wisconsin , where thousands of primary voters waited for hours outside overcrowded polling stations .
For Mfume , the immediate challenge will be leading in a majority-black district with a sizable area in Baltimore that for weeks had Maryland ’ s highest number of reported coronavirus cases .
Democratic lawmakers have sounded the alarm over the virus killing African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outnumber Republicans by more than 4-1 in the district , which includes a significant portion of the city of Baltimore and parts of Baltimore and Howard counties .
The diverse district includes areas of Baltimore that struggle with poverty and violent crime , and more affluent areas and such landmarks as Johns Hopkins Hospital .
The 71-year-old Mfume also spoke Tuesday evening of tackling challenges that include food deserts in poor urban areas , a lack of transportation and the need to modernize school buildings .
He said people are crying out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as your congressman I will use every ability that I have to bring about that change , ” Mfume said after capturing an overwhelming number of votes in the city and strong majorities in both counties .
Mfume also supports stronger gun-control measures , including reauthorizing a federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2005 .
Baltimore had 348 homicides last year — the fifth straight year topping 300 — making it the city ’ s most violent year ever per capita .
Mfume is to serve the rest of Cummings ’ term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will run as an incumbent in Maryland ’ s June primary to be the nominee for a full term in November .
Mfume held the seat for five terms from 1987 to 1996 and chaired the NAACP from 1996 until 2004 .
The NAACP is based in Baltimore .
The 7th district attracted national attention last year when President Donald Trump referred to it on Twitter as a “ disgusting , rat and rodent infested mess ” where “ no human being would want to live.
” At the time , Cummings was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading multiple investigations of the president .
Trump ’ s tweets also followed an appearance by Klacik on the Fox News network ’ s program “ Fox & Friends , ” which invited her on air to discuss her social media posts showing trash in Baltimore .
Klacik , a Baltimore County Republican Central Committee member , had campaigned on economic development and helping struggling parts of Baltimore via a federal “ opportunity zones ” program .
After Mfume seized early victory , Klacik tweeted : “ That one time when hard work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day District 7 will want a change .
Proud of my team & the work we put in.
” In the June 2 primary , Mfume will face many of the same opponents he defeated in February .
The primary was originally scheduled for April but was postponed by Gov .
Larry Hogan due to the virus .
Witte reported from Annapolis , Maryland .
Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Washington and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Brian Witte And Julio Cortez - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--UK leader Boris Johnson, fiancee announce birth of baby boy

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds announced the birth of a son on Wednesday , just two days after Johnson returned to work following hospitalization for the coronavirus .
Johnson ’ s office said Symonds gave birth to a “ healthy baby boy at a London hospital “ on Wednesday morning , and both mother and infant were doing well .
Johnson , 55 , and Symonds , 32 , announced in February that they were engaged and expecting a child together .
At the time they said the baby was due in early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced .
Johnson only returned to work Monday after suffering from a bout of coronavirus that left him dangerously ill .
He spent a week in London ’ s St. Thomas ’ hospital , including three nights in intensive care , before recovering for two weeks away from London .
Symonds , an environmental campaigner and former Conservative Party staffer , also said she was sick for a week with COVID-19 symptoms , though she wasn ’ t tested for the virus .
The newborn boy is her first child .
Johnson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wheeler , from whom he is divorced , and has fathered at least one other child outside his marriages .
The baby is the third born to a sitting British prime minister this century .
The wives of leaders Tony Blair and David Cameron also had babies while their husbands were in office .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether Johnson planned to take paternity leave .
The birth comes as the British government faces big decisions about how and when to ease the nationwide lockdown imposed March 23 to slow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are due to be in place at least until May 7 .
Britain is among the countries hardest hit by the pandemic .
As of Tuesday , 21,678 people with COVID-19 had died in U.K. hospitals , and several thousand more in nursing homes and other settings .
Johnson ’ s government faces growing criticism over its slowness in getting enough protective equipment to medics and nursing home staff and its struggle to increase the number of tests being performed for the virus .
Johnson had been due to return to Parliament on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister ’ s Questions session .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will stand in for him .
Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer , who had been due to face off against Johnson in the Commons , tweeted that the birth was “ wonderful news.
” “ Such happy news amid so much uncertainty – 2020 is certainly a year they will never forget , ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Trump says US closer to testing international air travellers

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said his administration is considering requiring travellers on certain incoming international flights to undergo temperature and virus checks to help stop the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We ’ re looking at doing it on the international flights coming out of areas that are heavily infected , “ Trump said Tuesday at the White House .
“ We will be looking into that in the very near future.
” Trump said it has not been determined yet whether the federal government or the airlines would conduct the testing .
“ Maybe it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Trump ’ s comments came during an event showcasing a loan program designed to help small businesses weather the coronavirus pandemic , the Paycheck Protection Program .
He said the Small Business Administration has processed more loans in 14 days than it has in the previous 14 years .
Earlier , the president defended his administration ’ s handling of the pandemic as he met with Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis and promised to help states safely begin reopening their economies .
Trump , seated next to DeSantis in the Oval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was doing enough testing to protect Americans reentering the workforce .
The administration has been sharply criticized for not overseeing widespread testing , but Trump said no amount would ever be good enough for critics in the media .
The president dismissed suggestions that the administration was slow to respond to the threat of COVID-19 , including reports that it was mentioned in his daily intelligence briefing in January and February .
He stressed his decision to restrict flights from China — though more than 40,000 travellers from China still made it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision : “ Whether it was luck , talent or something else , we saved many thousands of lives.
“ Florida , with a high population of older Americans vulnerable to the disease , has long been a source of concern , and DeSantis was slower to impose social distancing guidelines than other governors were .
But DeSantis , a fellow Republican and close Trump ally , promoted his state ’ s ability to test its residents .
He also raised the idea of testing airline passengers on international flights from areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump suggested DeSantis might be “ cutting off Brazil , “ which is experiencing a major outbreak , the governor replied , “ Not necessarily.
” Gary Kelly , chairman and CEO of Southwest , was asked about airport screening during an earnings call with analysts and reporters and said : “ We are talking with the administration and members of Congress about what the protocols should be.
” He added that an industry trade group was “ leading the effort to advocate for some kind of health screening at the security checkpoint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I think to get people flying again , they need to be comfortable , and I think that ’ s one way to provide additional comfort.
” Florida health authorities have attributed many of the state ’ s cases to people who arrived from other hot spots , including Europe , Latin America and the New York region .
DeSantis hasn ’ t yet given a start date for a reopening but has said it would be “ methodical , slow and data-driven.
” He also has been collecting information from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical professionals .
Asked why he closed his state later than others did , DeSantis contrasted Florida ’ s “ tailored ” and “ measured ” approach with “ draconian ” measures in other states .
“ Everyone in the media was saying Florida was going to be like New York or Italy , and that has not happened , ” DeSantis said .
Lemire reported from New York .
Associated Press writer David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report .

Jill Colvin, Jonathan Lemire And Kevin Freking - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Amid health worries, Kim Jong Un’s role looms large

TOKYO - New rumours about Kim Jong Un pour in daily .
The North Korean leader is dead .
Or he ’ s very ill. Or maybe he ’ s just recuperating in his luxury compound , or isolating himself from the coronavirus .
As speculation about his health builds , an underlying question looms for professional spies , policymakers , academics and curious news consumers alike .
What do we really know about the man who leads North Korea ?
The answer is crucial because Kim ’ s intentions , and the as-yet-unknown state of his health , play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northeast Asia , an uneasy collection of wary neighbours at the best of times and home to two of the three biggest economies in the world and a huge buildup of American military machinery and manpower .
Sandwiched amid goliaths , North Korea is a small , impoverished , extraordinarily proud nation that through sheer force of will — and a relentless cult of personality built around a single family — has been at the centre of a half-century security headache for its neighbours .
No matter how successful China , South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from war , poverty and domestic infighting into political and economic might has been spectacular — North Korea and its single-minded pursuit of nuclear-tipped missiles meant to protect the Kim family has made itself impossible to ignore , holding the region and Washington hostage to its narrow ambitions .
There ’ s not much to go on here despite the building media coverage .
Some unconfirmed news reports say Kim is in fragile condition or even a vegetative state following heart surgery .
The South Korean government , however , maintains that Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there have been no signs that something big has happened in North Korea .
What ’ s uncontested is that Kim hasn ’ t appeared in public since an April 11 meeting focused on the coronavirus .
This sort of vanishing act has happened before , but what has set rumours ablaze now is that for the first time as leader he missed the most important holiday of the North Korean year , the April 15 celebration of his grandfather ’ s birth .
There have been no photographs and no videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only state media reports of him sending written greetings to world leaders or citizens of merit .
Those looking to understand Kim face a problem .
Much of what the outside world sees is filtered through relentless North Korean propaganda meant to build him into an infallible paragon of leadership .
Add to that vaguely sourced or misleading outside media reports and the extreme difficulty of cracking North Korea ’ s ultra-secrecy surrounding anything to do with the leader , and the picture that emerges of Kim is often more mosaic than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seen as both demon and statesman .
He has repeatedly threatened to burn Seoul to the ground .
He has also rolled out the red carpet for a visit to Pyongyang , North Korea ’ s capital , by South Korea ’ s president and sent his own sister south for the 2018 Olympics .
In the West , portrayals of Kim often run to caricature .
His broken friendship with Dennis Rodman , the former basketball star he reportedly idolized as a schoolboy ; the rumours about his extreme love of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disposing of officials who displease him .
Then there ’ s the stunning series of summits over the last two years with the leaders of Russia , China , the United States and South Korea .
Kim was likely born in 1984 and attended boarding school for several years in Switzerland .
Early on , some observers argued that his time in the West would lead him to eventually embrace Chinese-style reforms .
That has not happened so far , though he has taken a markedly different approach to leadership than his publicity-shy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in 2011 .
Outside governments and experts initially questioned the ability of a man then in his 20s to lead , but Kim Jong Un quickly consolidated power .
He ordered the 2013 execution of his uncle and mentor , Jang Song Thaek , who was accused of treason .
Kim is also suspected of ordering the assassination of his estranged half brother , and potential rival , at a Malaysian airport in 2017 .
Kim has shown a growing confidence on the world stage , most clearly with the high-stakes diplomacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile tests in 2017 that had many fearing war .
The sight of a North Korean leader meeting with his South Korean and U.S. rivals was extraordinary , though it ’ s not yet clear whether the diplomacy will settle an uneasy region .
Kim entered 2020 vowing to bolster his nuclear deterrent in the face of “ gangster-like ” U.S. economic sanctions , and he supervised a series of weapons launches and military drills in March .
Much of what happens now will depend on Kim ’ s health .
North Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commanded world attention because of its sustained , belligerent pursuit of what it calls self-defensive measures in response to U.S. hostility — and what critics call an illegal accumulation of nuclear bombs .
There ’ s debate about whether North Korea ever intended to give up its nuclear weapons during the summits with Washington and Seoul .
But the diplomacy seems inconceivable without Kim .
That raises fears , during a potential moment of massive political instability , of a return to threats and increasingly powerful weapons tests meant to perfect the nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Kim family ’ s power .
Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul , South Korea , contributed to this report .
Foster Klug , AP ’ s news director for the Koreas , Japan and the South Pacific , has covered North Korea since 2005 .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--German SWAT team member killed in drug raid shooting

BERLIN - German authorities say a police SWAT team member was shot and killed during a drug raid in the @ @ @ @ @ Police there said the 28-year-old officer was entering an apartment Wednesday morning to search for @ @ @ @ @ two shots at his team .
One hit the officer , who died about an @ @ @ @ @ , the dpa news agency reported .
The 29-year-old suspect was arrested and the investigation @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Airbus says virus aviation crisis still at ‘early stage’

PARIS - Airbus says the aviation industry ’ s unprecedented troubles are just beginning .
The European manufacturing giant reported 481 million euros ( $ 515 million ) in losses in the first quarter , put thousands of workers on furlough and sought billions in loans to survive the coronavirus crisis .
And its CEO said Wednesday it ’ s still at an “ early stage.
” Even after virus-related travel restrictions eventually ease , Chief Executive Guillaume Faury acknowledged it will take a long time to persuade customers to get back on planes .
Just how long , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the gravest crisis the aerospace industry has ever known , ” Faury said .
“ Now we need to work as an industry to restore passenger confidence in air travel as we learn to coexist with this pandemic.
” Images shared online of packed planes and maskless , elbow-to-elbow passengers on U.S. flights - despite virus protection guidelines - have worried travellers and airline unions alike .
International travel restrictions , meanwhile , have grounded thousands of planes worldwide .
Faury insisted that airplanes are “ probably the best place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of air filtration systems put in place after previous virus outbreaks and other threats , but said Airbus will work with aviation authorities to try to calm the public .
Shares in Airbus and Boeing have dropped some 60 % this year as customer airlines collapse or seek billions of dollars in government bailouts .
Airbus was unable to deliver 60 planned planes in the quarter because of virus-related problems , and said the second quarter looks similarly rough .
Customers are asking for delays , which Faury called “ the biggest issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airbus executives expressed hope Wednesday that deliveries could start picking up in the second half of the year .
But they refused to issue long-term guidance given that the virus is still spreading , and that governments are reluctant to relax international travel restrictions .
U.S. rival Boeing is facing similar woes .
Boeing ’ s CEO said Monday that it will take years for the aircraft-building business to return to levels seen before the coronavirus pandemic .
Airbus has slashed production by a third since the virus hit , and Faury said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company after the crisis ebbs - a worrying prospect on a continent where Airbus has factories in four countries and is one of the region ’ s industrial leaders .
Already 3,000 Airbus workers in France are on temporary unemployment and the number is expected to grow .
In addition , 3,200 workers in the U.K. are on furlough and negotiations are under way to put thousands of German workers on short work plans .
A recent letter by Faury warning workers that the company is “ bleeding cash ” was a shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French union CFTC said “ the situation requires transparency .
It allows workers to open their eyes ” to what ’ s ahead .
“ Fears ?
We have a lot of them .
For the moment we don ’ t have a clear vision of what awaits us , “ Romain said .
Airbus reported a 15 % drop in revenues to 10.6 billion euros in the first quarter .
Looking longer term , Faury insisted that Airbus remains committed to reducing airplane emissions but said it ’ s “ less urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company has more pressing problems to solve .
“ For practical cash reasons , “ Airbus has stopped or suspended some projects aimed at “ decarbonizing ” its production , he said .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Medicare applications raise anxiety for seniors in pandemic

WASHINGTON - At greater risk from COVID-19 , some seniors now face added anxiety due to delays obtaining Medicare coverage .
Advocates for older people say the main problem involves certain applications for Medicare ’ s “ Part B ” coverage for outpatient care .
It stems from the closure of local Social Security offices in the coronavirus pandemic .
Part B is particularly important these days because it covers lab tests , like ones for the coronavirus .
Social Security handles eligibility determinations for Medicare , and while many issues can still be resolved online , some require personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times of 90 minutes or more to reach Social Security on its national 800 number , according to the agency ’ s website .
Even in normal times , signing up for Part B could be tricky for people who worked past age 65 and kept their workplace coverage .
People need to apply separately for the outpatient coverage , and provide Social Security with documentation of their employer policy , to avoid hefty late-enrolment penalties .
Fred Riccardi , president of the advocacy group Medicare Rights Center , said an already cumbersome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown , raising the risk that some seniors will fall into a coverage gap or end up owing penalties .
“ We are concerned that people who are eligible will go without coverage due to unnecessary administrative barriers and the lack of information from federal agencies , “ said Riccardi .
” The problem is serious.
” His organization is among groups asking Congress to hold seniors harmless from Medicare application problems during the coronavirus emergency .
It ’ s unclear how many are affected .
Social Security declined several interview requests and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to questions .
The agency said it has seen an increase in requests for Part B enrolment because of older workers losing job-based coverage .
Social Security said it worked with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to waive certain signature requirements for Part B forms during the pandemic and has set up a dedicated fax number to receive applications .
Social Security gets credit for trying , said Leslie Fried of the National Council on Aging , but that “ I don ’ t know anyone who has a fax machine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of jobs , older workers going from employer coverage to Medicare can find themselves in a holding pattern .
Carol Berul of Sacramento , California , retired from state government on Feb. 1 .
She said she ’ s still trying to figure out what happened to her Medicare Part B application , which she mailed in January .
In her early 70s , Berul said she ’ s worried her health could be jeopardized by bogged-down paperwork .
She has an immune system disorder triggered by a medication that she once took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going anywhere , ” she said .
Berul said she ’ s faced hold times of more than an hour trying to call Social Security .
When she finally got through , she learned the agency had no record of her Part B application .
She resubmitted it .
Berul said Social Security employees she ’ s talked with have been helpful and empathetic but “ with all the people working from home trying to get information from point to point , it ’ s like a pyramid , and they haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Breithart of Grand Haven , Michigan , it was a different Medicare issue but a similar experience .
Breithart , who works for an oil and gas delivery company , turns 65 this year and becomes eligible for Medicare ’ s Part A inpatient coverage .
He ’ s covered through this wife ’ s retiree health plan and earlier this month the insurer sent him a letter saying he ’ d be kicked off if he didn ’ t provide a Medicare number .
Breithart started calling Social Security .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold for an hour and 52 minutes .
Another time a returned call fell through and the case worker didn ’ t leave a callback number .
The logjam finally broke after he contacted his two U.S. senators .
Social Security confirmed that his Medicare application had been approved .
Breithart quickly called Medicare .
After asking a litany of questions , an agent read him his Medicare number over the phone .
He was able to complete the relay to his wife ’ s insurer .
“ You don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health insurance when you ’ ve had it all your life , ” said Breithart .
“ Then you get ready to retire and someone says you need a number you don ’ t have , and it gets stressful.
” Social Security said the pandemic did lead lead to much longer telephone holds , but its latest weekly average was down to 45 minutes , depending on when a person calls and whether others are trying at the same time .
Agency employees have been able to continue to serve the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a policy expert with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare , wait times before the pandemic averaged around 20 minutes .
Natalie Kean , a lawyer with the advocacy group Justice in Aging , said , “ Going through the normal channels is just going to be slow , and it ’ s not responsive to the increased need right now.
“ On Capitol Hill , the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee said the committee is trying to assess what ’ s going on .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in service due to the crisis , ” Chairman Richard Neal , D-Mass.
, said in a statement .

Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Virus lockdown worsens suffering for Johannesburg beggars

JOHANNESBURG - Inock Mukanhairi shows the small amount of food that he has for himself , his wife , Angeline , and five children — barely enough to make it through another week of South Africa ’ s strict coronavirus lockdown .
The 58-year-old and his wife are both blind .
Normally , they would be begging at traffic lights on Johannesburg ’ s streets , relying on handouts from motorists , pedestrians and shop owners .
But the lockdown , now in its fifth week , has changed that .
Police are preventing them from leaving their dilapidated building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barren sidewalks .
The building houses about two dozen blind or otherwise disabled foreigners who rely on handouts to make enough for food and rent .
With their children , they make up about 70 people .
Many have entered South Africa illegally from Zimbabwe , Mozambique and Malawi .
“ I really understand that the coronavirus is killing a lot of people .
But at the same time , I ’ m locked inside my room , “ said Mukanhairi .
” So death is death , due to corona or due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa , with more than 4,360 , including 86 deaths .
The country ’ s far-reaching restrictions have been in effect since March 27 and residents must stay home , except for visits to grocery stores , pharmacies and health facilities .
The lockdown will be eased starting May 1 , but this is unlikely to help the beggars , because people will still be required to stay home .
Families of six to eight people are crammed into small rooms where they cook , eat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing is not possible .
The building has a few taps for water , so regular hand-washing is also difficult .
The elderly and blind often just sit on their beds as their children play in the dimly lit and narrow hallways , where loose electric cords dangle from the ceiling .
Without any donations , they say they are uncertain about where they will get their next meals .
Last week , South Africa announced an increase in social grants for the poor , elderly and disabled , but these immigrants are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the lockdown , authorities swept the homeless from the streets and took them to a housing facility where food is provided .
The beggars say they fled to their own building at the time to avoid being rounded up .
They are not alone in being uncertain about how getting adequate food .
The U.N. World Food Program said this month that the number of people around the world with acute hunger could almost double this year because of the pandemic .
At least 265 million people could face food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a jump of 130 million .
Rosewite Prikise , 41 , lives with her four children in one of the small rooms , where all share a bed .
“ We have one week ’ s worth of food left , “ she said .
” So we can not survive , especially us who are blind .
We can not go outside and our situation is not right .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--As virus infections dwindle, Hong Kong protests gain steam

HONG KONG - Demonstrators chanted pro-democracy slogans in a luxury mall in Hong Kong on Wednesday , the latest in a string of small but determined protests as the city ’ s coronavirus outbreak slows .
More than 100 protesters gathered at lunchtime in the Landmark Atrium mall in Central , a prestigious business and retail district , despite social distancing rules that prohibit public gatherings of more than four .
They sang a protest anthem , “ Glory to Hong Kong , ” and held up signs reading “ Free Hong Kong , Revolution Now ” and “ Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banner cursing Hong Kong police and their families .
“ The protests had calmed down previously because of the coronavirus , but now we must step up and let the world know that we have not given up , ” said Mich Chan , who works in the legal industry .
“ We ’ re still fighting for what we fought for last year.
” Holding up a sign calling for the movement ’ s five demands to be met , Chan said she was not worried about possible transmission of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong are “ disciplined and know how to protect themselves ” by wearing masks .
Police entered the mall about half an hour after the protest began , urging people to leave and warning those assembled that they were violating social distancing rules and participating in an unlawful assembly .
The police detained several protesters but later let them go , with no arrests made .
The protest followed similar ones in malls on Sunday and Tuesday in which police dispersed the crowds .
They are a continuation of a movement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill that would have allowed detainees in Hong Kong to be transferred to mainland China .
Although the bill was later withdrawn , the demonstrations continued , with protesters demanding full democracy and an independent inquiry into police behaviour .
Organizers are planning further protests in May , with an eye to a major march on July 1 , the day when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997 .
Activists expect protesters to return to the streets again , as the city ’ s daily virus cases have dwindled to single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wong , who works in banking , said he came out to protest despite worries about the coronavirus .
“ I am concerned about the virus but I think I still have to come out , so that Hong Kong ’ s people won ’ t forget what happened in the last year , ” Wong said .
“ The violence of the Hong Kong police force is destroying Hong Kong , and the five demands have not been met yet.
” The protests this month are also fueled by the perception that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s affairs , after Beijing ’ s liaison office accused pan-democrat lawmakers of damaging public interest by filibustering and delaying the election of a chairman of the Legislative Council House Committee .
Protesters also criticized the arrests of 15 pro-democracy activists and lawmakers earlier this month on charges of unauthorized assembly during several large-scale demonstrations last year .
“ Whether people protest depends on the government ’ s actions .
If the Beijing liaison office continues to criticize lawmakers , disqualify them or even put pressure on people , then people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more eagerly , ” activist Ventus Lau said .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Asia Today: Indian businesses urge easing of virus lockdown

NEW DELHI - With Chinese industries ramping up production , competing Indian businesses are urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’ s government to loosen India ’ s 5-week-old coronavirus lockdown when it comes up for review on Sunday .
Gurcharan Das , former head of Procter & Gamble in India , said Wednesday that key industries such as pharmaceuticals , information technology and automobiles , which employ millions of people , can resume manufacturing at half or even one-third of their capacities in areas unaffected by the coronavirus .
He said the manufacturers should ensure that safeguards are in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the wearing of masks .
If India is unable to bring its economy back on the track , it could lose 30-40 million jobs by the end of this year , leading to a devastating economic crisis , said Kiran Mazumdar Shaw , executive chairwoman of Biocon , a biopharmaceutical company .
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said 300 of India ’ s 720 districts are unaffected by the coronavirus .
Another 300 have had very few cases , while 120 have hotspots .
New Delhi , Mumbai , Pune , Indore and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
India has so far confirmed more than 30,000 cases and 1,007 deaths .
India earlier this month changed rules to block Chinese foreign direct investment into the country through automatic routes .
Chinese goods such as cars , cellphones , toys and furniture flood Indian markets .
India also is getting ventilators , testing kits and other medical equipment from China .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a three-week lockdown on March 25 and later extended it until May 3 , when he is scheduled to address the nation on its future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region : — INDIA SHELVES HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE PLANS : Public health officials in India have shelved plans to administer the untested anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine , or HCQ , to thousands in Mumbai ’ s crowded slums as a way of preventing infections in healthy people .
Health officials in Mumbai said the plan to conduct tests was still in the cards but had not yet been approved by the Indian government .
For now , they will follow federal guidelines that say the drug can only be used for high-risk groups including health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts of confirmed patients and those in quarantine centres .
Experts say there is little evidence to show that HCQ can help treat COVID-19 infections .
Thwe drug had been widely touted by President Donald Trump .
— BANGKOK SET TO EASE RESTRICTIONS : Officials in Thailand ’ s capital say they ’ re preparing to ease restrictions that were imposed to fight the coronavirus .
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said Wednesday that plans call for the reopening of restaurants , markets , exercise venues , parks , hairdressers and barbers , clinics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pet salons , and golf courses and driving ranges .
Restaurants will have to keep their seats at least 1.5 metres ( 5 feet ) apart and practice a wide range of sanitary measures .
Thailand has confirmed 2,947 cases , including 54 deaths .
— CONCERNS OVER MALAYSIA LOCKDOWN PENALTIES : Malaysian lawyers and an international rights group have voiced concern over what they say is excessive sentencing of violators of the country ’ s coronavirus lockdown .
Malaysia , which has confirmed 5,851 cases and 100 deaths from COVID-19 , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partial lockdown began March 8 .
Violators face a fine or a jail term of up to six months .
The Bar Council , which represents some 15,000 lawyers , urged courts to temper justice with compassion because the offences don ’ t involve violent crime .
Human Rights Watch said Malaysia should stop jailing violators because it ’ s counterproductive to reducing the virus spread .
— HOLIDAY WORRIES IN SOUTH KOREA : South Korean officials have issued public pleas for vigilance to maintain hard-won gains against the coronavirus as the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February .
Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said Wednesday that 180,000 people are expected to visit the resort island of Jeju during a six-day break from Thursday to Tuesday , despite the island government pleading travellers not to come .
Kim urged travellers to wear masks , not to share food and stay at home if they have fever or respiratory symptoms .
South Korea ’ has confirmed 10,761 cases , including 246 deaths .
— TOKYO SITUATION STILL SERIOUS : Tokyo Gov .
Yuriko Koike on Wednesday called for an extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency , ” which requests people to stay home and social distance .
She noted that reported daily cases of COVID-19 in Tokyo have topped 100 people recently .
The state of emergency lasts through May 6 , which marks the end of the Golden Week holidays that began this week .
The government has asked people not to travel during the holidays .
There is no lockdown in Japan , and some businesses and restaurants remain open .
— CHINA CONGRESS SET : China has decided to hold the annual meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after postponing it for weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The official Xinhua News Agency said Wednesday that the National People ’ s Congress would open in Beijing on May 22 , according to a decision made by its standing committee , which handles most legislative affairs outside the annual two-week session of the full body .
The convening of the full session , which would encompass about 3,000 members , indicates China ’ s growing confidence that it has largely overcame the pandemic that was first detected in the country late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ URGES INQUIRY DELAY : An Australian mining magnate and partner in the government ’ s pandemic response says a global inquiry into the coronavirus should be delayed until after the U.S. presidential election .
Andrew Forrest , who became a billionaire exporting iron ore to China as founder of Fortescue Metals Group , said such an inquiry made “ common sense , ” but should be held after the November election so “ there ’ s not going to be a political dog in this fight.
” Australia ’ s calls for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , which accused Australia of parroting the United States .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Police: Bodies in vehicles outside Brooklyn funeral home

NEW YORK - Police were called to a Brooklyn neighbourhood Wednesday after someone reported human bodies in vehicles , which officers determined were connected to a nearby funeral home .
The New York Police Department said the call to 911 came in just before 11:30 a.m. , and officers responded to Utica Avenue .
The vehicles were determined to be connected to the Andrew T. Cleckley Funeral Home nearby , police said .
The NYPD notified the state Department of Health , which oversees funeral homes .
The department did not respond to an email seeking comment .
When a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a person on the other end picked up and then hung up .
Subsequent calls went to voicemail , which was full .
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams went to the scene on Wednesday evening .
He told the Daily News , “ While this situation is under investigation , we should not have what we have right now , with trucks lining the streets filled with bodies.
” He said “ it was people who walked by who saw some leakage and detected an odor coming from a truck .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Debate flares over legal protections as businesses open up

SALT LAKE CITY - The effort to reopen the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has set off a conflict at the state and federal level that is escalating by the day over how much legal protection companies should get if their returning workers get sick .
The White House , governors , members of congress and state lawmakers are all getting pressured by business leaders who want to be shielded from potential lawsuits brought by sick workers .
They are also feeling heat on the other side from unions that want bolstered safety at workplaces and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes to preserve legal protections to go after corporations in court if people are sickened on the job .
The issue has vaulted to the forefront of the debate in Congress over the next , and fifth , coronavirus relief bill that ’ s still in its infancy .
The safety of returning workers has dominated union negotiations between casino workers and their employers in Las Vegas .
And governors in some states are imposing restrictions on the ability of people to collect unemployment if they choose not to return to work out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate has put policy makers on the hot seat at the same time that they are moving forward with reopening their states .
Utah lawmakers have moved to protect businesses from being sued if a customer or employee is exposed to the coronavirus after reopening , with supporters like Republican Rep .
Norm Thurston saying establishments need to be rewarded for being willing to open their doors again .
The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Legislature the day before Gov .
Gary Herbert announced the state would allow the reopening of restaurants , gyms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not yet signed it .
“ If a business wants to get open and make some money , that means they have to be responsible for the safety of both their employees and the public , ” King said Wednesday .
“ They don ’ t get it both ways .
They don ’ t get to both make money and be insulated from their negligent decision-making.
” The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing the Republican-led state Legislature to expand protections from liability lawsuits to manufacturers , businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mississippi and North Carolina are considering similar protections for businesses .
“ They don ’ t need to be concerned about liability from opportunistic people that might be trying to find a chink in their armour , to sue them for trying to do the right thing , ” said chamber president Dan Mehan on Tuesday .
“ Lawsuit protection is paramount for this recovery.
” President Donald Trump ’ s executive action Tuesday ordering meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns about the nation ’ s food supply also put a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies without leaving workers unfairly exposed .
The order , which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield , is designed , in part , to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick .
Unions fired back at Trump ’ s action , saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers ’ health .
In California , Democratic state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez proposed legislation that would allow employees to qualify for workers ’ compensation if they contracted coronavirus on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocated .
Business , insurers and local government organizations pushed back with a letter this week to legislative leaders and Gov .
Gavin Newsom , a Democrat , saying the move could cost $ 2.2 billion to $ 33.6 billion annually , depending on the details of the plan .
The workers are already covered under state law if they get the virus , opponents argue .
A separate legislative proposal by a Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez of California would protect small businesses by barring those who obtain unemployment benefits from also suing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next coronavirus relief bill , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made the issue a top priority .
He has portrayed the protections as necessary to fend off opportunistic trial lawyers .
“ Just as soon as the pandemic recedes , the lawyers will come in , and this is the important part of getting our country back to business , ” McConnell said Wednesday on Fox News ’ “ The Brian Kilmeade Show.
” The casino workers ’ Culinary Union in Las Vegas said it is negotiating reopening protocols with casino companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak , a Democrat , has not said when he will allow casinos to reopen .
John Whiting isn ’ t going to rely on an employer to keep him safe .
He was working at the Children ’ s Museum of Atlanta when the pandemic hit and had been planning to find a summer job until he returns to his job as a teacher next school year .
But the 26-year-old is intentionally staying away from public-facing jobs out of fear he ’ ll get sick and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s staying with .
He ’ s instead trying to find a job where he can telecommute in a field like tech support .
“ I have to think about them as well .
I ’ d rather not risk that because we only go out for groceries , in terms of being out in the public like that .
So I thought it was better to find something virtual , ” Whiting said .
States are also focusing on unemployment rules as some leaders fret that workers ’ fears of getting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could keep them home .
State officials in Iowa this week warned furloughed workers that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they refuse to return when their employer calls them back to work , which is considered a “ voluntary quit.
” Restaurants , some bars , malls and retail stores will reopen in 77 of the state ’ s 99 counties Friday .
Iowa Workforce Development urged employers to report workers who don ’ t return for a good reason as soon as possible and warned that the federal law providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contains “ serious consequences ” for fraudulent claims .
In Texas , several groups representing workers sent a letter Wednesday calling on state regulators to change unemployment rules to allow people who can ’ t go back to work because they or their family member face a high risk of contracting the coronavirus to still get unemployment benefits .
Gov .
Greg Abbott , a Republican , on Monday outlined a plan to allow the state ’ s restaurants , retailers , movie theatres and malls to start letting customers trickle into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t address whether employees might lose their jobs if they didn ’ t return to work , but said he understands the concerns and that no worker or business is required to return to work .
“ You have every right to choose your own pathway in life and you have ultimate control over your own personal safety , “ Abbott said .
The recent suggestion by an Oklahoma official that the state might ask the federal government to stop the $ 600-a-week federal government payments to unemployed people raised eyebrows , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Leslie Blair said in a statement Wednesday there is no plan to stop those federal payments .
She did acknowledge , however , that there is “ legitimate concern ” that people won ’ t go back to work because they can make more money in unemployment with the added federal stimulus fund than at their jobs .
“ We really do need them to return so our economy can get started again , ” Blair said .
Associated Press writers Charles Odum , David Lieb , Sean Murphy , Gary Robertson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Foley , Paul Weber , Michelle L. Price , Andrew Taylor , Don Thompson in Sacramento and Kimberlee Kruesi contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Virus roadblock ends in shooting in southern Mexico

MEXICO CITY - Police in southern Mexico may face charges after they opened fire on townspeople protesting an anti-virus roadblock that activists say cut their community off from the outside world , prosecutors said Wednesday .
It was the one of the first instances of armed confrontation at the hundreds of roadblocks that have sprung up across Mexico to stem the spread of the new coronavirus .
Prosecutors in the southern state of Chiapas said in a statement that one man was seriously wounded when police from the town of Yajalon opened fire on protesters from the nearby township of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot in the back and chest and is being treated at a hospital .
Two vehicles were also damaged .
Prosecutors said the demonstrators had gathered at a health-services checkpoint leading into Yajalón and began throwing stones .
Activists say the checkpoint , meant to reduce traffic , had cut parts of Tumbalá off from needed services , which are only available locally in Yajalón .
Prosecutors said they would bring attempted murder charges against any public servants responsible for the shooting , and assault and gang charges against some demonstrators .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Digna Ochoa Human Rights Committee said members of the Chol indigenous group of Tumbalá , particularly the hamlet of Hidalgo Joshil , had little access to needed services after surrounding communities put up roadblocks or checkpoints .
“ The Chiapas government and health department provoked this series of events by setting up an illegal encirclement of the township of Tumbalá because of the COVID-19 outbreak , ” the committee said .
“ Government offices , as well as the bank branch offices which the indigenous communities use , are in Yajalón @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tumbalá.
” The checkpoints had allegedly blocked Tumbalá residents from entering other towns , apparently on the belief that Tumbalá had a higher infection rate .
On Tuesday , the Interior Department urged towns and states to stop putting up roadblocks and curfews to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
The department said such measures violate constitutional rights like the right to free movement , and argued that local governments don ’ t have the authority to enact them .
The department said in a report that almost 20 % per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 340 , have put up checkpoints or filters to limit people ’ s movements .
Most were concentrated along the country ’ s coasts , where many beach towns have tried to exclude travellers .
Mexico has about 17,800 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1,732 deaths .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Orthodox Jews beset by virus grapple with NYC mayor’s rebuke

NEW YORK—It started with a funeral that got out of hand .
It ended Wednesday with some of New York City ’ s Jews at odds with the mayor over his criticisms of the Orthodox community as it struggles to deal with the coronavirus .
The funeral was for Rabbi Chaim Mertz , a revered Hasidic Orthodox leader whose death was reportedly linked to the coronavirus .
The congregation that was hosting the gathering said Wednesday a funeral appropriate to the times was planned , with mourners wearing masks and saying their farewells from a distance .
Instead , thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yakov synagogue in Brooklyn ’ s Williamsburg area .
Mayor Bill de Blasio personally joined in the dispersal of the crowd , and then tweeted “ My message to the Jewish community , and all communities , is this simple : the time for warnings has passed.
” He told reporters Wednesday that he was sorry “ if in my passion and in my emotion ” he had caused offence , but described “ no regrets ” about calling out the Hasidic funeral .
De Blasio ’ s comments sparked criticism from two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish groups and some of his fellow Democrats .
Orthodox leaders who last month aligned in a rare show of unity against the virus were left in a painful spot , echoing other Jewish advocates in lamenting their public singling out by a mayor who has been an ally .
“ This is a greater issue of how careful we need to be when we single out a specific group , ” said Avi Greenstein , CEO of the Boro Park Jewish Community Council , suggesting “ a level of caution toward pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Jewish leaders who defended de Blasio as an ally of their faith who had stumbled in his handling of an already tense moment .
And the congregation that planned the funeral looked to calm tensions .
A statement circulated on social media on Kahal Tolath Yakov ’ s letterhead described a plan to accommodate mourners safely that went awry , leading to the amassing of hundreds in the streets .
“ We understand Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s frustration and his speaking out against the gathering , ” stated the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mertz added : “ It also hurts that this led to singling out the Jewish community , and for that we apologize to all Jewish people.
” Orthodox Jewish communities in the New York metropolitan region were among the first to be walloped by the coronavirus , and members of a faith that ’ s grounded in communal prayer felt a sharp sting as they curtailed their traditional practices in response to the pandemic .
Orthodox Jewish groups united last month on a joint plea for their faithful to abide by social-distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large gatherings continuing in the New York area .
That effort was a unique step among disparate groups to help shut down multiple daily group prayers and other traditional practices central to many Orthodox Jews ’ daily lives .
Rabbi Motti Seligson , director of media relations for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement of Hasidism , said that “ for the overwhelming majority ” of Hasidic families who have abided by social distancing and stay-home edicts “ to be repeatedly singled out for what they did not do , and altogether held to a standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is searingly painful.
” New York Police Department Commissioner Dermot Shea told reporters Wednesday that most members of all faiths “ have been overwhelmingly compliant ” with pandemic-related restrictions , describing incidents such as Tuesday ’ s funeral as outliers .
The warning against singling out Jewish communities during the pandemic extended beyond members of the faith ’ s Orthodox branch .
“ The origin of discrimination or bigotry comes when one universalizes onto a group the behaviours of one , ” said Rabbi Jonah Pesner , director of the Religious Action Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of his faith to unite against the “ other-izing ” of Jews .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--The pandemic and rising Islamophobia mar Ramadan in India

SRINAGAR , India - Ramadan in India , which began April 25 in the country , has been marred by the rising Islamophobia following accusations that a surge in infections was tied to a three-day meeting in March in New Delhi of an Islamic missionary group , the Tablighi Jamaat .
Some leaders of India ’ s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party labeled the meeting as “ corona terrorism.
” As a result , many Muslims have faced renewed stigma , threats and the boycotting of vendors who venture into Hindu-dominated neighbourhoods .
The lockdown in India , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiplied their troubles .
A group of more than two dozen Indian Muslim scholars have appealed to their communities to strictly follow the lockdown and pray at home .
They also asked Muslims to refrain from organizing large parties held for breaking the fast and “ taraweeh , ” the extended evening prayers traditionally held in mosques .
“ Families should use this unprecedented situation for spiritual guidance and purification , ” they said , while asking local volunteers and elders to look after the needy and destitute .
India ’ s 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population , are the largest minority group in the Hindu-majority nation , but they are also the poorest .
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Military helicopter lost in sea between Italy and Greece

ATHENS , Greece - A military helicopter operating off a Canadian frigate taking part in a NATO operation in the Mediterranean crashed into the sea between Greece and Italy , the Canadian military said .
Greek state TV reported ERT said debris from the crash and one body were located late Wednesday , leaving the five others aboard the aircraft missing .
The Cyclone helicopter was deployed on board the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Fredericton and was participating in a NATO exercise off the coast of Greece when the incident occurred , according to the Canadian Armed Forces .
`` Search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
the military said in a statement .
`` As this is evolving , we have no further information to provide at this time.
?
The Royal Canadian Air Force ’ s Cyclone helicopters carry a crew of four , including two pilots , a tactical operator and a sensor operator with space for several passengers .
They are primarily based on naval vessels and used for hunting submarines , surveillance and search and rescue .
The Canadian military only started using them on missions in late 2018 after more than a decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overruns .
It is also likely to raise questions about the aircraft .
The military was originally supposed to have received 28 Cyclones from manufacturer Sikorsky starting in November 2008 .
But the first helicopter wasn ’ t delivered until June 2015 and even then , they were missing vital equipment and software and only suitable for training .
Greek authorities said they had not been asked to help as the area is far off the Greek mainland and outside the area where the country has responsibility for search and rescue operations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ an incident involving a helicopter from a ship under NATO command.
” It said a search and rescue operation was underway .


thetorontostar--2020-04-29--Alabama inmates sue prison guards after being beaten while cuffed

MONTGOMERY , Ala.—Two Alabama inmates who reported being beaten while handcuffed by a prison guard have sued him and other prison employees , saying they conspired to conceal the assault and violated their rights .
In February 2019 , Cortney Rolley and Christopher Hampton were beaten by Elmore Correctional Facility Sgt .
Ulysses Oliver Jr. , who faces up to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to assaulting the pair , AL.Com reported .
Rolley and Hampton filed a lawsuit this month against Oliver and other prison employees , stating they violated the men ’ s constitutional rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the media outlet .
Rolley lost consciousness , defecated on himself and was later hospitalized with a concussion , the lawsuit said .
Hampton suffered a broken wrist and multiple contusions , the suit added .
The lawsuit said several employees watched the assault and did nothing .
It said the men were later threatened if they told anyone about the beatings .
The men remain imprisoned and each has tentative parole consideration dates in October .
Rolley is serving a 30-year sentence for the abduction of two women in 2001 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in 2000 for assault and violating sex-offender-registration requirements , according to authorities .
U.S. Department of Corrections spokeswoman Samantha Rose declined to comment on the pending litigation .
It wasn ’ t immediately known if Oliver had a lawyer who could comment .
The men ’ s lawyer , Eric Artrip , said the two fear retaliation because of the lawsuit and criminal prosecution of the prison employees .
Two other officers besides Oliver have entered pleas in connection with the incident .
The other two officers pleaded guilty to failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lieutenant also was indicted in September 2019 on accusations of failing to stop Oliver and of making false statement during the investigation .