thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Trump attacks study, defends using malaria drug for COVID-19

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump emphatically defended himself against criticism from medical experts that his announced use of a malaria drug against the coronavirus could spark wide misuse by Americans of the unproven treatment with potentially fatal side effects .
Trump ’ s revelation a day earlier that he was taking hydroxychloroquine caught many in his administration by surprise and set off an urgent effort by officials to justify his action .
But their attempt to address the concerns of health professionals was undercut by the president himself .
He asserted Tuesday without evidence that a study of veterans raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ and an “ enemy statement , ” even as his own government warned that the drug should be administered for COVID-19 only in a hospital or research setting .
“ If you look at the one survey , the only bad survey , they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape , ” Trump said .
That was an apparent reference to a study of hundreds of patients treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in which more of those in a group who were administered hydroxychloroquine died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They were very old .
Almost dead , ” Trump said .
“ It was a Trump enemy statement.
” During a Cabinet meeting , he elicited a defence of his practice from other officials , including VA Secretary Robert Wilkie , who noted the study in question wasn ’ t conducted by his agency .
But the drug has not been shown to combat the virus in a multitude of other studies as well .
Two large observational studies , each involving around 1,400 patients in New York , recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two published last week in the medical journal BMJ reached the same conclusion .
No large , rigorous studies have found the drug safe or effective for preventing or treating COVID-19 .
Trump said he decided to take hydroxychloroquine after two White House staffers tested positive for the disease , but he already had spent months promoting the drug as a potential cure or preventive despite the cautionary advice of many of his administration ’ s top medical professionals .
“ This is an individual decision to make , “ Trump told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet with Senate Republicans .
He later claimed , “ It ’ s gotten a bad reputation only because I ’ m promoting it.
” Many studies are testing hydroxychloroquine for preventing or limiting coronavirus illness but “ there ’ s absolutely no evidence that this strategy works , ” said Dr. Carlos del Rio , an infectious-disease specialist at Emory University in Atlanta .
“ My concern is , the president has a big bully pulpit ... maybe people will think there ’ s some non-public evidence ” that the drug works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , del Rio said .
“ It creates this conspiracy theory that something works and they ’ re not telling me about it yet.
” The veterans study Trump slammed was an analysis by researchers at several universities of hydroxychloroquine with or without azithromycin in COVID-19 patients at veterans hospitals .
It found no benefit and more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care alone .
The work was posted on a site for researchers and has not been reviewed by other scientists .
Grants from the National Institutes of Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
Addressing concerns Trump ’ s example could lead people to misuse the drug , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said “ tens of millions of people around the world have used this drug for other purposes , ” including malaria prophylaxis .
She emphasized , “ You have to have a prescription.
” The drug is also prescribed for some lupus and arthritis patients .
Trump said that his doctor didn ’ t recommend hydroxychloroquine to him but that he requested it from the White House physician .
That physician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement that , after “ numerous discussions ” with Trump , “ we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks.
” The Food and Drug Administration warned health professionals last month the drug should not be used to treat COVID-19 outside hospital or research settings because of sometimes-fatal side effects .
Regulators issued the alert , in part , based on increased reports of dangerous side effects called in to U.S. poison control centres .
Calls to centres involving hydroxychloroquine increased last month to 96 , compared with 49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the American Association of Poison Control Centers provided to the AP .
It was the second month of elevated reports involving the drug , following 79 calls in March .
The problems reported included abnormal heart rhythms , seizures , nausea and vomiting .
Trump dismissed reports of side effects , claiming , “ What has been determined is it doesn ’ t harm you .
Very powerful drug , I guess , but it doesn ’ t harm you.
” FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in an emailed statement Tuesday : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ultimately a decision between a patient and their doctor.
“ As research started to emerge that hydroxychloroquine was not helpful , and even potentially harmful , in battling COVID-19 , the president ’ s public rhetoric in support of the drug had faded .
But his private hopes had not , according to three White House officials and Republicans close to the White House not authorized to speak publicly about private discussions .
Trump also lashed out at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , calling her a “ sick woman ” who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after she questioned Trump ’ s use of the drug because he is 73 and falsely labeled him “ morbidly obese.
” Her comments were followed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , who told MSNBC that Trump ’ s move was “ reckless , reckless , reckless.
“ Trump ’ s presumptive Democratic opponent in the 2020 election , Joe Biden , chastised the president for being irresponsible in taking hydroxychloroquine .
“ What in God ’ s name is he doing ?
” Biden said during a Yahoo News town hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known to test positive for COVID-19 this month , the White House mandated that those in the West Wing wear face coverings and introduced daily testing for the president , vice-president and those they come in close contact with .
Pence told Fox he wasn ’ t taking the drug because his doctor didn ’ t recommend it .
Marchione reported from Milwaukee and Lemire reported from New York .
AP writers Matthew Perrone , Will Weissert and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report .

Zeke Miller, Marilynn Marchione And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Burundi holds crucial presidential election amid pandemic

NAIROBI , Kenya - A crucial election began Wednesday in the East African nation of Burundi , where President Pierre Nkurunziza is stepping aside after a divisive 15-year rule but will remain “ paramount leader ” in the country that continues to reject outside scrutiny .
The vote is one of the most important transfers of power in Burundi since independence in 1962 .
Few face masks were observed , even on the ruling party ’ s candidate , as voters crammed close to each other in line .
Some paused to wash their hands .
Burundi ’ s government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the coronavirus pandemic seriously .
Nkurunziza himself attended crowded political rallies .
The country has 42 confirmed virus cases .
“ We are not afraid because the organizers did not require us to distance 1 metre , ” voter Ndayishimiye Innocent said .
“ They saw that God is with us.
” Regional observers are not present after being told that arriving foreigners would face a 14-day quarantine , and on Wednesday citizens and journalists said access to social media was not possible without a virtual private network .
“ The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t tell the world what is happening , ” said one voter , Jean Pierre Bazikamwe .
Ahead of the vote , government agents were accused of harassing the main opposition party , the CNL , whose leader Agathon Rwasa is believed to be in a close race with Nkurunziza ’ s chosen successor in the ruling CNDD-FDD , Evariste Ndayishimiye .
Police have accused Rwasa of making “ incendiary and defamatory ” remarks and inciting revolt .
When he cast his ballot Rwasa condemned the social media cuts , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election fraud .
One electoral commission official , Zirabura Ferdinant , dismissed concerns : “ As you can see , everything is in order and we expect everything to move along freely and fairly.
” But some in Burundi worry that a rigged election could spark the kind of street demonstrations that marked the previous vote in 2015 , when Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term that some called unconstitutional .
The deadly turmoil that followed badly damaged global relations , and Burundi became the first country to leave the International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of abuses .
The U.N. human rights office reported more than 300 extrajudicial killings and was kicked out of the country .
Burundi ’ s government has denied allegations it targets its people .
Last week , the World Health Organization ’ s top official in Burundi was kicked out as well amid concerns about the pandemic response .
If none of the seven candidates receives more than 50 % of the vote , a runoff election will occur within weeks .
More than 5 million people are registered to vote in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said that Ndayishimiye , a retired general , would be a weak president because he will be a front for the 56-year-old Nkurunziza and other powerful ruling party members .
Many Burundians were surprised that Nkurunziza would step aside after a referendum in 2018 extended the length of a presidential term to seven years and led many to believe he would try to stay in power .
Critics and rights groups have warned that Nkurunziza is unpredictable and the election could be a mere formality .
Rwasa , the top opposition candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press he feels it ’ s important not to boycott the election even if the outcome is not expected to be fair .
“ There is no free playing field .
We are not going to have a credible election , “ said Stephanie Wolters , an analyst with the South African Institute of International Affairs .
” If Ndayishimiye is elected , he will have to invite political opposition , civil society back into the country and also participate in the national dialogue with the opposition.
” Some voters reflected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know my vote won ’ t be counted but I have to make a change .
That is why I woke up at 4:00 a.m. to come to vote , ” said one , Suzane Bucumi .
“ I come to vote for the change .
Everybody aspires for change now , ” said Jean Claude Bitsure .
” During the civil war ( from 1993 to 2005 that killed about 300,000 people ) I lost my parents and we were not spending nights in our homes .
I must vote for Evriste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended the war , “ said voter Marie Nduwimana .
“ We thank the CNDD-FDD because these recent 15 years we have security , “ said Melance Hakizimana , who added that “ in a family there must be a heir to organize the affairs.
” More than 300,000 people who fled Burundi amid the turmoil caused by the previous election remain refugees .

Eloge Willy Kaneza And Ignatius Ssuuna - The Associated Press

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thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Israel military: Troops thwart weapons smuggling from Jordan

JERUSALEM - The Israeli military said it thwarted an attempt on Wednesday to smuggle weapons into the country from neighbouring @ @ @ @ @ arresting one of the smugglers .
The military said that together with Israeli police , @ @ @ @ @ crossed the border .
Shots were fired and one of the suspects was lightly wounded @ @ @ @ @ hospital for treatment ; the other fled back into Jordan .
Nine pistols , six @ @ @ @ @ were seized in the early morning operation .
Israeli forced reported no injuries .
During @ @ @ @ @ were also fired , which briefly caused small fires in the area amid an extreme @ @ @ @ @ s eastern border with Jordan is typically the country ’ s quietest .
The incident @ @ @ @ @ Israeli forces shot and wounded a man who crossed the northern border from Lebanon .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Pence speaks on mental health benefits of getting outdoors

GATLINBURG , Tenn. - Second Lady Karen Pence visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park to talk about the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors as officials announced the second phase of a plan to reopen all park trails .
Pence was accompanied on her visit Tuesday by Deputy Secretary of Interior Katharine MacGregor , the White House said in a statement .
Both took part in a ceremonial road reopening at the national park and hiked up a trail during their visit .
“ National parks offer many mental health benefits and more than ever before , we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ourselves and each other , ” Pence said .
The Smokies reopened on May 9 with some popular trails blocked off to visitors after closing in late March .
All park trails will now reopen on Saturday , while campgrounds and visitor centres will remain closed , news outlets reported .
Pence said it ’ s possible for people to visit the park and still practice social distancing .
But some are reluctant about that idea during the virus outbreak .
“ Karen Pence ’ s visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park , ” David Lamfrom , southeast regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association , told Knoxville News Sentinel .
“ When people learn that the vice-president ’ s wife visited the park , they may believe it is safe for them to visit over the long weekend .
It ’ s not.
” Pence serves as the lead ambassador for the PREVENTS task force , an acronym for President Donald Trump ’ s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide .
The task force recently launched the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media campaign to help reach Americans before they get to “ the end of their rope , ” Pence said .
MacGregor said millions of park visitors pumped $ 1 billion into the local economy last year .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Pacific hurricane forecast complicated by coronavirus

HONOLULU - The Central Pacific basin including Hawaii should expect to see between two and six tropical storms or hurricanes this year , federal forecasters said Wednesday .
The annual National Weather Service prediction came as wary Hawaii residents begin to emerge from coronavirus isolation and face massive unemployment and economic uncertainty .
The forecast means there is about a 75 % chance of an average or below normal season , and a 25 % chance of higher than average storm activity .
State , federal and local officials said in a video news conference Wednesday that plans are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid the looming threat of the novel coronavirus .
Hawaii has had among the lowest COVID-19 infection and mortality rates in the nation , but officials had to effectively shut down the state ’ s tourism-based economy to contain the pandemic .
Systems need to be established to deal with potential hurricane victims who have the coronavirus while seeking shelter during an emergency , officials said .
Isolating the sick will be key , officials said , but few details were provided about the logistics of handling a second natural disaster atop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flooding can “ wreak havoc within our communities and impact the lives of thousands of residents all across our state , ” said Hawaii Gov .
David Ige .
Ige encouraged people to prepare 14-day emergency kits , which for the first time should now include hand sanitizer and masks .
Last year four tropical cyclones developed in the Central Pacific .
None directly impacted Hawaii .
In 2018 , the massive and powerful Hurricane Lane made a last-minute turn and narrowly spared Oahu , Hawaii ’ s most populous island .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state was Hurricane Iniki in 1992 , which hit Kauai and caused massive damage across the island .
Hurricane season in Hawaii lasts from June 1 until the end of November .
August and September are historically active months for cyclones in the region .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Officials: Loon killed bald eagle by stabbing its heart

BRIDGTON , Maine - A bald eagle died last year in Maine after being stabbed through the heart by a loon , wildlife officials said .
A biologist at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently got word about the July 2019 attack , the Bangor Daily News reported Wednesday .
Danielle D ’ Auria believes it to be one of the strangest cases of eagle death she has ever seen .
The bird had been found with a puncture would in its chest by a loon biologist in New Hampshire .
A dead loon chick was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Auria heard about the case she had the bird radiographed fro a possible bullet wound as it is illegal in the U.S. to kill bald eagles .
The evidence showed no gun residue but indicated that the big bird had been stabbed through the heart by the beak of a loon .
“ We know conflicts between bald eagles and loons have soared in recent years as a result of the recovery of our eagle population , ” D ’ Auria wrote in a blog entry for the state agency .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predation on loon chicks and even adult loons.
” The biologist believes the loon ’ s attack was a result of its attempt to protect its chick from the bird .
D ’ Auria wrote the evidence is important because it shows an attack that appears to be the first recorded wherein a loon has killed an eagle .
She added , “ Who would think a loon would stand a chance against such a powerful predator ?
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Breonna Taylor ‘executed’ by police in her home, lawyer says of Louisville case

LOUISVILLE , Ky.—A Black emergency medical worker fatally shot by police serving a narcotics search warrant in Kentucky was “ executed ” in her home , a high-profile civil-rights lawyer said Wednesday .
Benjamin Crump ’ s remark to the Louisville public safety committee came during testimony the committee was receiving about the death of Breonna Taylor , who was shot eight times by police in March .
The case has drawn national attention and calls from political figures for an outside investigation .
Crump is also representing the family of Ahmaud Arbery , who was gunned down in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been involved in several cases involving police shootings that have provoked public outrage .
“ I still think this tragic killing of Breonna Taylor , in the sanctity of her own home , is one of the worst ones that I have ever seen , “ Crump said during the meeting , which was streamed online .
“ She did not deserve to die in this manner.
” The warrant to search Taylor ’ s home on March 13 was in connection with a suspect who did not live there .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home after using a “ no-knock ” search warrant , which allows them to enter without first announcing their presence .
Louisville police changed policy on those warrants earlier this week to require the chief ’ s signature .
Another lawyer for Taylor ’ s family , Lonita Baker , said Louisville police should ban the use of such warrants in drug investigations .
“ Narcotics investigations do not justify the risk associated with no-knock warrants , ” Baker said .
Taylor ’ s boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , fired at officers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walker has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer .
Crump said Walker was defending himself and Taylor from what they thought was a break-in .
Louisville Police Chief Steve Conrad also spoke at the meeting , but declined to discuss details of the investigation .
Mayor Greg Fischer announced Wednesday that the police department ’ s internal investigation of the shooting has been completed and will go to the state attorney general and the U.S. attorney in Louisville for review .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--UN urges Venezuela’s rival political leaders to resume talks

TANZANIA , Tanzania - The United Nations called on Venezuela ’ s feuding political leaders Wednesday to urgently resume serious negotiations , while Russia and its Caracas government ally traded barbs with the United States and Colombia over a failed armed raid on the Venezuelan coast .
U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the U.N. Security Council that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly called for a negotiated solution and “ we remain convinced that a real negotiation among Venezuela ’ s main political actors is the only way forward.
” “ In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full respect for human rights and the rule of law is more urgent than ever , ” DiCarlo said .
“ We therefore call on all main political actors to resume serious negotiations.
” His comments came during a council meeting called by Russia to support Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ’ s view that the May 3 incursion threatened peace in his country and regional security .
The raid at the coastal town of Macuto quickly became a publicity coup for Maduro , whose security forces intercepted most of the attackers , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capture the president .
Officials reported the arrests of over 40 people .
The incursion was launched from Colombia , but the U.S. and Colombian governments have rejected Maduro ’ s allegations that they were behind the operation .
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó , who is recognized by the U.S. , Colombia and about five dozen other nations as Venezuela ’ s legitimate leader , also has denied any involvement .
Russia ’ s deputy U.N. ambassador , Dmitry Polyansky , questioned how the U.S. government could say it had nothing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning to take Maduro to the United States .
“ For what purpose , may I ask ?
” he said .
“ And how does it correlate with constant ` all options are on the table ’ type messages by the U.S. government to Caracas , including the recent announcement of a $ 15 million bounty for President Maduro ?
Who else can be behind this mercenary adventure ?
” U.S .
Ambassador Kelly Craft dismissed “ the illegitimate ” Maduro regime ’ s “ fantastical accusations and demonstrable falsehoods , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not entered Venezuela and categorically rejects any claims to the contrary.
” “ We encourage the ( Security ) Council to look closely into the role of the Maduro regime in creating this supposed crisis , and especially into interference by the vast Cuban intelligence apparatus in Venezuela , ” she said .
Craft accused the Maduro regime of overseeing 7,000 extrajudicial killings , using food as a political weapon and engaging in torture and human trafficking .
Polyansky presented the council with a proposed press statement on the meeting .
It required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued , which it did not get .
The statement would have put council members on record rejecting the use or threat of use of force and reaffirming U.N. resolutions “ on the condemnation of terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations and on the use of mercenaries.
” It also called for the current situation “ to be resolved through a dialogue by Venezuelans , without interference through peaceful and political means.
” Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada urged the council to determine that “ the war-mongering policies ” of Colombia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Venezuela and the region.
” He said the council should also “ recognize the acts of aggression that have been committed against my country and demand the perpetrators to immediately bring to an end the threat of use of force and the commission of further armed attacks , including through the use of mercenaries and terrorists.
” Colombian Ambassador Guillermo Fernández de Soto declared “ our strong rejection of allegations purporting to link my government to actions against international law.
” “ The restoration of democracy in Venezuela is a shared purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The Security Council can be certain that Colombia does not pose a threat to international peace and security .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Graduation ceremonies draw thousands despite pandemic fears

HOOVER , Ala. - High schools nationwide have cancelled or postponed traditional graduation ceremonies to avoid worsening the spread of the new coronavirus , but some plunged ahead with full-fledged springtime commencement exercises as usual , with tweaks to account for health concerns .
Thousands of graduates , parents , siblings and grandparents were invited to a nearly 11,000-seat stadium on Wednesday and Thursday nights in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover , where two high schools — among the largest in Alabama — were organizing traditional commencement exercises despite COVID-19 .
Two schools in nearby cities held their ceremonies Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduates spread apart across a football field at Thompson High and a keynote address by the state school superintendent .
Few wore protective face masks , and seniors hugged and gathered in tight groups for pictures .
Dr. Michael Saag , who treats infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham , said the coronavirus poses too great a risk for such ceremonies since virus carriers without symptoms could unknowingly infect others .
Saag himself became infected in March .
“ Having had this before , even if you survive it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s still a pretty harrowing thing to go through , ” said Saag , now back at work .
School officials in Hoover announced the ceremonies in the city ’ s open-air baseball stadium , after Gov .
Kay Ivey had ended state restrictions on the size of group gatherings , as long as people from different households stay 6 feet ( 1.8 metres ) apart .
Hundreds of chairs for graduates were spread across the dirt infield with spectators assigned seats on metal bleachers and in blue stadium seats .
Red tape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murphy , the city school superintendent , said the ceremonies will comply with the rules .
“ All of our students will be celebrated , even those who choose not to come , and we understand that .
But we will call their names , ” Murphy said in a video posted online .
Since Gov .
Kay Ivey eased restrictions in recent weeks , cases have risen in parts of Alabama including the capital city , health officials say .
Statewide , Alabama has added as many as 350 new cases per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the state ’ s average number of new cases has continued to climb .
It ’ s unclear how much of the rise is due to increased testing or increased disease .
And there are large numbers of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Montgomery and Mobile , two other major Alabama cities .
Schools in California planned virtual graduations after traditional events were cancelled , and students at an Illinois school walked across a stage in an otherwise empty auditorium .
Some systems delayed ceremonies until summer or split graduating classes into smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama recorded a video graduation speech for seniors .
But Spain Park and Hoover are two of Alabama ’ s largest , top-ranked state schools .
Both are in a heavily populated area , drawing criticism from those who called the ceremonies risky .
As a precaution , the graduates are being given face masks and told not to hug friends , exchange high fives or linger afterward .
Tickets are limited to four per student , and all present must wear face coverings .
Still , the numbers of potential attendees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events , concerts , and movies are still prohibited because of crowd concerns .
Some 390 seniors graduated Wednesday night from Spain Park .
Everyone had a mask on while entering the stadium though a few in the audience removed theirs once seated and the ceremony started .
The event began orderly with ushers directing family groups to seats at least one row and more than six feet ( 1.8 metres ) apart .
The Spain Park graduates , in their black robes and masks , spread out in chairs across the baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , faculty and administrators onfield , there were easily more than 1,500 people in the stands .
Another 690 will graduate Thursday from Hoover High , so some 3,450 people could be inside Hoover Metropolitan Stadium .
Critics say that even with the rules , huge ceremonies could hasten more coronavirus transmission in metro Birmingham , home to more than 1 million .
The city of Hoover , with 85,000 residents , sits astride two counties that have more than 1,770 virus cases combined .
Bonnie Kaiser , a 2004 Hoover High graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Global Health Program at the University of California-San Diego , was among 31 health professionals and system alumni who signed an open letter urging officials to reconsider the ceremonies .
“ I think the thing is there ’ s not a way to do it safely even if everyone has perfect behaviour ... and we know at a graduation that just will not happen , “ Kaiser said .
But parents pleased their children could have a traditional graduation flooded the school ’ s social media feeds with thanks to school officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were skipping the celebrations .
Omar Mohammad , a 17-year-old Spain Park senior , organized a protest Saturday outside the graduation site with a few dozen supporters .
He called the ceremony “ unsafe and irresponsible.
” “ All it takes is one asymptomatic person , ” Mohammad said .
“ This isn ’ t about graduation ...
If you get a disease you can spread it.
” Murphy , the city superintendent , emphasized the ceremonies are optional .
South of Hoover in Alabaster , Thompson High School held a traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , limiting it to 2,500 guests , or roughly half the normal capacity , but with no masks required .
Senior Jael Janae Johnson thanked God for the event in the opening prayer .
“ This wouldn ’ t be possible without your will , ” she said .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Michigan flood displaces thousands, threatens Superfund site

MIDLAND , Mich. - Floodwaters surging through Central Michigan on Wednesday were mixing with containment ponds at a Dow Chemical Co. plant and could displace sediment from a downstream Superfund site , though the company said there was no risk to people or the environment .
Dow said the ponds held only water , and it has detected no chemical releases from the plant in Midland where the company was founded , though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said state officials would evaluate the plant when they ’ re able .
Once the flooding recedes , Dow will be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with dioxins the company dumped in the last century — to determine if any contamination was released , the EPA said .
Meanwhile , the Tittabawassee River crested at just over 35 feet ( 11 metres ) in Midland , about 3 feet ( 90 centimetres ) below the forecast level .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer had warned that the city of 42,000 people could end up under 9 feet ( 2.7 metres ) of water by Wednesday evening after floodwaters overtook two dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t over , and Midland officials asked that residents not return yet .
The National Weather Service said communities farther downstream were bracing for flooding in the coming days .
No injuries or fatalities related to the flooding have been reported , Midland spokeswoman Selina Tisdale said .
Residents near the river were urged to seek higher ground following what the National Weather Service called “ catastrophic dam failures ” at the Edenville Dam , about 20 miles ( 32 kilometres ) northwest of Midland , and the Sanford Dam , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Midland City Manager Brad Kaye said Wednesday that the Sanford Dam is overflowing but that the extent of structural damage isn ’ t yet known .
If the entire dam structure were to fail , “ there would be a much higher surge that will come down the river and that could raise the level much more quickly than what we ’ re seeing right at the moment , ” Kaye said .
In nearby Edenville , Bob Yahrmarkt , 79 , evacuated his home along the river on Tuesday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he saw when he returned Wednesday .
“ Just devastation , ” said Yahrmarkt .
His garage , which housed tools and equipment he amassed over 70 years , was swept away .
His home was heavily damaged by water : It has three levels — two beneath the main floor , which itself was more than a foot underwater .
“ I ’ m looking at a sand pile and concrete where the garage was , ” Yahrmarkt said , noting that floodwaters also pushed his antique 1953 Ford sedan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His neighbour , 58-year-old Dan Dionne , returned home to find everything beneath his home washed away .
“ I never saw nothing like this , ” Dionne said .
“ We had a flood before , but nothing like this .
It ’ s like someone picked up my garage and shook it .
There ’ s a freezer , refrigerator in my backyard .
I don ’ t know where it ’ s from.
” The river topped a previous record of 33.9 feet ( 10.3 metres ) set in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its flood stage is 24 feet ( 7.3 metres ) , and it had been expected to crest at about 38 feet ( 11.6 metres ) .
Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County , and the towns of Edenville , Sanford and parts of Midland were evacuated , Tisdale , the Midland spokeswoman , said .
Midland is about 130 miles ( 210 kilometres ) north of Detroit .
The governor said her office had been in touch with federal officials and would ask the Federal Emergency Management Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event unlike anything we ’ ve ever seen before , “ she said .
President Donald Trump tweeted that he was closely monitoring the situation and praised first responders .
But he also took a jab at Whitmer , whom he has criticized for her stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus : “ We have sent our best Military & @ fema Teams , already there .
Governor must now ‘ set you free ’ to help .
Will be with you soon !
” The state has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 52,000 cases and 5,000 deaths , but Midland County has had fewer than 80 cases and under 10 deaths .
Still , residents were advised to take precautions and schools set up as shelters spaced cots to adhere to social distancing guidelines .
Whitmer said the state would investigate the operators of the dams and “ pursue every line of legal recourse we have.
” “ The initial readout is that this was a known problem for a while and that ’ s why its important that we do our due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked Boyce Hydro ’ s license to operate the Edenville Dam due to non-compliance issues that included spillway capacity and the inability to pass the most severe flood reasonably possible .
That year , the state rated the dam , built in 1924 , in unsatisfactory condition .
The Sanford Dam , which was built in 1925 , received a fair condition rating .
Both are in the process of being sold .
The commission said it has directed Boyce Hydro to establish an independent investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage to Sanford Dam , and that it would reach out to state officials regarding the Edenville Dam .
It will send an engineer to assist with the investigation when it ’ s safe to do so .
Dow Chemical has been headquartered in Midland for more than 120 years , and its main plant sits on the city ’ s riverbank .
It is a quintessential company town : One high school is named after the company ’ s founder , the other high school ’ s mascot is the Chemics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ amenities including a botanical garden , and the city is known for midcentury modern structures first introduced by architect Alden B. Dow .
The company , with 9,000 employees and contractors in Midland , on Tuesday shut down all operating units except those needed to contain chemicals , spokesman Kyle Bandlow said .
No chemical releases have been detected , he said .
But the flooding likely will pose a significant setback to the Superfund cleanup , said Allen Burton , a professor of environment and sustainability at the University of Michigan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ floodplains along 50 miles ( 80 kilometres ) of the Tittabawassee and Saginaw rivers to Lake Huron ’ s Saginaw Bay .
The federal Superfund program investigates and cleans up toxic waste sites .
Dow and the state Department of Environment , Great Lakes and Energy will have to determine where the floodwaters have moved the dioxins , Burton said .
“ They knew where all that stuff was , but the power of water is unbelievable and it ’ s going to move things around , ” Burton said .
The Weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 inches ( 10.2 to 17.8 centimetres ) of rain has fallen since Sunday .
Heavy runoff pushed rivers higher .
This coming Saturday , there ’ s a 30 % chance of rain , with more moving into the area Sunday and Monday .
“ It ’ s going to continue downriver , ” Sara Pampreen , a weather service meteorologist , said .
“ Just exactly how much , that ’ s the question.
” This story has been corrected to show Selina Tisdale is the spokeswoman for the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press environmental writer John Flesher contributed from Traverse City , Michigan .
Webber reported from Oak Park , Illinois , and Williams from West Bloomfield , Michigan .

Carlos Osorio, Corey Williams And Tammy Webber - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Visitor hurt when bison knocks her to ground at Yellowstone

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK , Wyo .
- Yellowstone National Park officials say a visitor was injured when she was knocked @ @ @ @ @ too close to a bison near the popular Old Faithful Geyser .
The visitor , @ @ @ @ @ not been released , was injured Wednesday afternoon but refused to be taken to a @ @ @ @ @ not provide any details about her injuries .
The incident is the first time a @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Visitors are required to stay at least 25 yards ( 23 metres @ @ @ @ @ , including bison , elk , bighorn sheep , deer , moose and coyotes , @ @ @ @ @ ( 91 metres ) away from bears and wolves .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Coronavirus looms over China’s national legislative session

BEIJING - When China convenes its National People ’ s Congress on Friday , will the 3,000 delegates stand shoulder to shoulder as they have in years past ?
Will they wear masks ?
This year ’ s version of China ’ s biggest annual political meeting will be unlike any other .
Delayed from March because of the then-spiraling coronavirus outbreak , the decision to go ahead now signals a partial return to normalcy in the country where the pandemic first broke out .
“ Partial ” being the operative word : The congress will be far from normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Xi Jinping , the holding of the congress , even in curtailed form , offers an opportunity to showcase China ’ s success in curbing the spread of the virus while many other nations still wrestle with it .
But the government is taking extensive precautions to prevent any infections at the congress , a potential public relations nightmare .
Shi Shusi , a Beijing-based social commentator , said the “ two sessions ” — the congress and a concurrent advisory body meeting that starts Thursday — along with the reopening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the epidemic has ended .
“ It concerns the safety of children and government officials , which is very important in China , ” Shi said .
“ The opening of the two sessions is to tell the world that the epidemic situation is under control.
” Classes resumed in Beijing for some grades this month , including high school seniors who must prepare for college entrance exams , and others will follow in June .
Universities remain closed until at least September .
Traffic congestion has returned , another sign that life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Office workers crowd food courts at lunchtime , lining up for Chinese noodles or Korean rice bowl meals , though signs urge diners not to linger and socialize .
Zhou Yu , a Beijing bank employee , said he feels assured because the opening of the two sessions means the epidemic is under control .
He and clients wear masks when they meet .
“ We resumed work in March , and almost all of us are back to work now , “ he said .
“ Because we all pay attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day , there ’ s nothing to worry about.
” As night falls , dance groups have resumed their get-togethers in public spaces , many following new official guidance that masks are no longer needed outdoors .
Most onlookers , though , still wear them .
Movie theatres remain closed , and major tourist sites require advance registration to limit the number of daily visitors .
The congress , normally a grand affair with plenty of ceremony , will be shorter than usual , perhaps one week instead of the usual two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video to breakout sessions of delegates .
Participants are being tested and isolated ahead of the meetings , and news conferences will be held by video .
Earlier speculation that some of the 3,000 delegates might attend by video link has faded , with Chinese media reports now focused on them getting coronavirus tests before departing for Beijing .
The fallout from the virus outbreak , economic and otherwise , is likely to dominate the agenda .
The sharp deterioration of U.S.-China relations , fueled by a blame game over a pandemic that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will also hang over the meeting .
Xi ’ s public standing has risen at home for both his handling of the outbreak and his standing up to foreign accusations that his government reacted too slowly and covered up the seriousness of the outbreak initially , said Cheng Li , a China politics expert at the Brookings Institute in Washington , D.C. Overseas , opinions of Xi are less rosy , at least in some quarters .
While some countries have embraced deliveries of virus-related equipment from China , the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s openness and bristled at combative retorts by some of its diplomats .
Xi ’ s handling of the pandemic has “ confirmed the worst opinion of the character of his leadership among many in the international community , ” said Elizabeth Economy , director for Asia studies at the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations .
The growing split with the U.S. , as the Trump administration takes a more confrontational approach to a rising China on trade , technology and other issues , adds to the challenge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which were hit hard by the epidemic .
The congress , largely a rubber-stamp body that gives formal approval to earlier leadership decisions , is the venue for the Communist Party to review the past year and announce its goals for the current year .
The economic growth target is expected to be lower than last year ’ s 6.0 % to 6.5 % , and some analysts speculate that the party may not even announce one given the current economic uncertainty .
“ The government should be frank to tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a responsible way , ” said Peng Xizhe , a sociology professor at Heilongjiang University in northeastern China .
“ Difficulties such as unemployment should get the attention of all of society.
” At the Beijing restaurant where Li Jinfeng worked for more than five years , 10 of the 60 employees have been called back , getting half pay of about 2,000 yuan ( $ 280 ) a month .
Li is not among them .
She has been finding odd jobs since returning from her hometown a month and a half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and its relatively good pay .
“ I feel this has thrown gloom over my life , “ she said .
” I can ’ t be fully relieved until the epidemic is completely over .
...
If I can go back and just stay at the restaurant , I would feel relieved.
” Associated Press researchers Yu Bing and Liu Zheng contributed to this report .
This story has been corrected to show that the economic growth target is for the current calendar year , not the next 12 months .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Trump threatens funds for states easing voting in pandemic

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to hold up federal funds for two election battleground states that are trying to make it easier and safer to vote during the coronavirus pandemic .
He backed away from that threat but stuck with his unsupported claim that widespread voting by mail promotes “ a lot of illegality.
” The president targeted Michigan with a false tweet on its voting plans and also went after Nevada in the latest — and the most confused — episode in his campaign against voting by mail .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Trump has said repeatedly , without evidence , that mailed ballots allow widespread fraud and has worried publicly that wide availability could lead so many people to vote that Republicans would lose in November .
GOP allies have fought changes to voting in court and opposed funding to expand mail-in voting in Congress .
Wednesday marked the first time Trump has tried to use federal aid money to beat it back .
Trump began by going after Michigan , misstating Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson ’ s announcement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to every voter in the state .
Though Republican secretaries of state have taken this step elsewhere , Trump pounced on the move in a state key to his reelection hopes .
“ Michigan sends absentee ballots to 7.7 million people ahead of Primaries and the General Election , ” Trump tweeted Wednesday morning .
That brought strong criticism from Democrats in Michigan and elsewhere , pointing out that the state was sending applications , not actual ballots , an error the president corrected in a subsequent tweet six hours later .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State .
I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path !
” Trump later tweeted a similar threat to pull back funds from Nevada , which has sent ballots to voters for its June 9 state primary .
A federal judge recently cleared Nevada ’ s decision to mail ballots , which were sent by the Republican secretary of state .
It was not clear exactly what funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are paying for the voting changes with federal aid intended to support elections during the pandemic .
By Wednesday evening , Trump told reporters he had spoken with Democratic Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and did not think funding would have to be cut .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s going to be necessary , ” he said , adding that he stood by his opposition to mail voting .
“ Voting is an honour .
It shouldn ’ t be something where they send you a pile of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If people mail in ballots , there ’ s a lot of illegality , ” he said at the White House .
Trump himself has requested an absentee ballot to vote in Florida .
Trump did not threaten Republican-dominated states that are doing the same thing as Michigan .
West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice , an ally of the president , said he ’ s not concerned about Trump ’ s threats even though his administration approved mailing absentee ballot applications to all registered voters in the state .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to withhold funding in any way to West Virginia ; that ’ s not going to happen , ” Justice told reporters .
Trump ’ s tweets and statements came the day before he is slated to visit Michigan to tour Ford ’ s ventilator assembly plant in Ypsilanti .
The state is one of three Rust Belt states that helped deliver his 2016 victory .
In recent months , it has become a national hot spot for the coronavirus and watched its economy collapse , both factors contributing to what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shift toward Democrats .
The president ’ s comments appeared to reflect growing GOP concerns that Democrats ’ swift embrace of mail-in voting will give them an edge in November .
Some key Democratic areas have moved to make it easier for voters to request ballots , while Republican areas have not .
And even though Trump ’ s campaign encourages absentee voting , along with several state Republican Party officials , GOP voters , like Trump , have expressed growing skepticism .
On Monday , before Trump ’ s Twitter threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarify its position on vote by mail , arguing that the party opposes mailing ballots to every voter , as Nevada has done , but does not oppose mailing applications , as Michigan did .
“ I don ’ t really have an issue with absentee requests forms being sent to voters , ” RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel said .
Republicans ’ claims that mailing ballots to all voters creates widespread fraud is not backed up by evidence from the five states that use this method .
None has had significant voter fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in previous elections .
The White House referred questions about the president ’ s tweets to Trump ’ s reelection campaign .
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh asserted “ there is no statutory authority for the secretary of state in Michigan to send absentee ballot applications to all voters “ — an argument some Michigan Republicans have also made .
Murtaugh did not address whether Republican secretaries of state elsewhere were similarly constrained .
The GOP-controlled U.S. Senate has so far stopped Democrats from mandating expanded mail and early voting as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should make decisions on their own election systems .
The battle has largely moved to the courts , with Democrats filing at least 17 lawsuits to force states to expand their programs .
Hours after Trump tweeted Wednesday , he sent another message to Michigan .
The state is grappling with severe flooding in one county after two dams failed , forcing thousands to evacuate .
Three hours after threatening to hold up federal funding to the state , Trump tweeted : “ My team is closely monitoring the flooding in Central Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials .
Our brave First Responders are once again stepping up to serve their fellow citizens , THANK YOU !
” Riccardi reported from Denver .
Associated Press writers David Eggert in Lansing , Mich. , and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report .

Nicholas Riccardi And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Supreme Court blocks House from Mueller grand jury material

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily prevented the House of Representatives from obtaining secret grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s Russia investigation .
The court ’ s unsigned order granted the Trump administration ’ s request to keep previously undisclosed details from the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election out of the hands of Democratic lawmakers , at least until early summer .
The court will decide then whether to extend its hold and schedule the case for arguments in the fall .
If it does , it ’ s likely the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of any materials until after Election Day .
Arguments themselves might not even take place before Americans decide whether to give President Donald Trump a second term .
For justices eager to avoid a definitive ruling , the delay could mean never having to decide the case , if either Trump loses or Republicans regain control of the House next year .
It ’ s hard to imagine the Biden administration would object to turning over the Mueller documents or House Republicans would continue to press for them .
House Speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision in a statement Wednesday evening .
“ The House ’ s long-standing right to obtain grand jury information pursuant to the House ’ s impeachment power has now been upheld by the lower courts twice , ” Pelosi said .
“ These rulings are supported by decades of precedent and should be permitted to proceed.
” The federal appeals court in Washington ruled in March that the documents should be turned over because the House Judiciary Committee ’ s need for the material in its investigation of Trump outweighed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the testimony secret .
Mueller ’ s 448-page report , issued in April 2019 , “ stopped short ” of reaching conclusions about Trump ’ s conduct , including whether he obstructed justice , to avoid stepping on the House ’ s impeachment power , the appeals court said .
The committee was able to persuasively argue that it needed access to the underlying grand jury material to make its own determinations about the president ’ s actions , the court said .
The materials initially were sought last summer , but by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , Trump had been impeached by the House and acquitted by the Senate .
The Justice Department said in its Supreme Court filings that the court ’ s action was needed in part because the House hasn ’ t given any indication it “ urgently needs these materials for any ongoing impeachment investigation.
” The House had opposed the delay on the grounds that its investigation of Trump was continuing , and that time is of the essence because of the approaching election .
The current session of the House will end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November will take their seats .
The committee investigation “ continues today and has further developed in light of recent events , ” the House told the justices , citing the “ possible exercise of improper political influence ” on decisions to seek a shorter prison term for Trump confidant Roger Stone and end the prosecution of former national security adviser Michael Flynn , despite his two guilty pleas .
Pelosi said Wednesday : “ The Justice Department ’ s continued delay is part of a pattern of the Administration hiding the truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve the truth.
” The case is one of several ongoing court disputes between the Trump administration and Congress .
The Supreme Court heard arguments last week over whether Trump ’ s accountants and banks must turn over financial records to House committees .
The administration is not a party to the case , but is backing the president .
The appeals court also is weighing whether former White House counsel Don McGahn must appear before the committee to answer questions related to the Mueller investigation .
And the Justice Department has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in and kill a lawsuit alleging that Trump is illegally profiting off the presidency through his luxury Washington hotel .
Mueller ’ s report detailed multiple interactions between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia , and examined several episodes involving the president for potential obstruction of justice .
Mueller said his team did not find sufficient evidence to establish a criminal conspiracy between the campaign and the Kremlin to tip the election , though pointedly noted that he could not exonerate the president for obstruction .
Portions of the report were blacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material that Mueller said could harm ongoing investigations or infringe on the privacy of third parties .
Grand jury testimony is typically treated as secret , in part to protect the privacy of people who are not charged or are considered peripheral to a criminal investigation .
But several exceptions allow for the material to be turned over , including if it is in connection with a judicial proceeding .
Lower courts agreed with lawmakers that impeachment is considered a judicial proceeding , rejecting Justice Department arguments to the contrary .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Mexico faces continued drug gang violence despite pandemic

MEXICO CITY - Homicides in Mexico dropped only slightly in April despite widespread lockdowns and social distancing measures for the coronavirus outbreak , suggesting the pandemic has done little to stem drug gang violence .
Killings nationwide amounted to 3,020 in April , down from 3,078 in March .
That was below the peak of 3,158 in July 2018 , but it was above the average of about 2,900 killings that had occurred in recent months .
One bright spot is that mass looting events that authorities feared might happen during the pandemic have not materialized .
After a half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mid-April , authorities haven ’ t reported any in May .
With many stores , factories and other businesses closed and huge reductions in traffic and movement of people , some had thought killings might decline .
But much of the violence appears linked to dispute between rival drug gangs .
The state of Guanajuato , where the Jalisco and Santa Rosa de Lima cartels are fighting for control , once again led in total homicides , with over 1,500 registered so far this year .
“ We have been able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t allowed homicides to continue rising , as they had been doing , ” said Public Safety Secretary Alfonso Durazo .
It appears disruptions in drug markets and other illegal activities may have forced gangs to branch out into new areas , like robbing trucks loaded with food .
Last month , President Andrés Manuel López Obrador blamed killings on drug cartels “ who continue to fight over turf and drug trafficking routes ; they are fighting each other constantly .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--RavnAir cites conditional approval to seek federal aid

JUNEAU , Alaska - RavnAir Group , the regional Alaska air carrier that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection , said Wednesday it has received conditional approval to seek federal aid that it says will help pave the way for potential buyers .
The company , in a release , said it also will help maximize recovery by creditors and “ enable a successful exit from Chapter 11.
” RavnAir Group plans to ask a federal bankruptcy judge to approve a process by which it could sell assets .
Dave Pflieger , Ravn ’ s president and CEO , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid and work on a sale process provides “ a new path forward by which Ravn could resume operations later this summer .
Now , instead of only one path , a planned liquidation , qualified parties who meet strict bidding criteria and guidelines will be able to buy the entire Air Group with all three of its airlines.
” The company in April said it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it awaited word about potential federal coronavirus relief aid .
It cited the coronavirus pandemic and a loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Three arrested in North Texas park shooting that wounded five

FORT WORTH , Texas—Three men are in custody and charged in a shooting at a crowded North Texas park that wounded five people and sparked chaos among the crowd , Fort Worth police said Wednesday .
Dcameron McKellar , 21 , and Kristopher Robinzine , 26 , were being held in the Tarrant County Jail , charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon .
McKellar ’ s bond was set at $ 50,000 ( U.S. ) while Robinzine , who also was charged with marijuana possession , is jailed on $ 52,000 bond .
Kieston Allen , 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with making a terroristic threat .
No lawyers for the three were listed in jail records .
Police said the investigation and search for possible suspects continues into the May 10 shooting at Village Creek Park that sent 400 people fleeing .
Police had told the crowd that they were violating local ordinances by riding all-terrain vehicles and drinking alcohol , and not abiding by social-distancing guidelines imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Police video showed officers used patrol-car loudspeakers and sirens to ask the crowd to disperse , with each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then caught the sounds of numerous gunshots and showed the crowd scattering and fleeing as officers rushed to aid the wounded .
It was not immediately known what prompted the gunfire .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Michigan dam had repeated safety violations before flooding

TRAVERSE CITY , Mich. - A hydroelectric dam that failed to hold back floodwaters this week in Michigan was the target of lengthy investigations by federal regulators , who revoked the facility ’ s license over safety violations two years before the flooding that forced 10,000 people to evacuate their homes .
Boyce Hydro Power ’ s history of violations lasted throughout the 14 years the company was authorized to run the nearly century-old Edenville dam , according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission , which said it repeatedly raised concerns about the dam ’ s ability to prevent flooding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spillway capacity .
The dam on the Tobacco and Tittabawassee rivers , about 140 miles ( 225 kilometres ) north of Detroit , was among several barriers overtaken Tuesday by floodwaters that chased people from communities in central Michigan .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer warned that Dow Chemical Co. ’ s hometown of Midland could end up under 9 feet of water .
She said the state will investigate the dam operators .
The commission ordered Boyce Hydro to form an independent team to investigate three other dams it owns on the rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure scenario.
” Among them was the Sanford Dam , which also was damaged .
The commission planned to send a staff engineer to the site to assist with the investigation as soon as it could be done safely , Chairman Neil Chatterjee said in a statement .
The governor said the state was “ reviewing every possible legal recourse.
“ Lee Mueller , architect and co-member manager of the company , did not return calls for comment Wednesday from The Associated Press .
The Edenville dam , in Michigan ’ s Gladwin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of earthen embankments totalling about 6,600 feet ( 2,012 metres ) long , with a maximum height of nearly 55 feet ( 16.8 metres ) .
It forms a 2,600-acre reservoir known as Wixom Lake , a popular boating and fishing spot .
The dam has two reinforced concrete spillways to carry away excess water when reservoir levels get too high .
In its 2018 order revoking Boyce Hydro ’ s license , the commission said its primary concern about the dam was its inability to handle “ the probable maximum flood ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be expected from “ the most severe combination of critical meteorologic and hydrologic conditions that is reasonably possible ” in the area .
Commission guidelines require that dams be able to withstand such a flood or have enough spillway capacity to prevent reservoirs from rising dangerously high .
The Edenville dam ’ s spillway capacity was only about 50 per cent of the probable maximum flood , the commission said .
Inadequate spillway capacity is a common problem for U.S. dams , an Associated Press investigation found in 2019 .
The commission said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners of the need for improvements in early 1999 , but no changes were made before the license was transferred to Boyce Hydro in 2004 .
Boyce Hydro said it planned to build an auxiliary spillway on the Tittabawassee River that year and was studying the need for another on the Tobacco River , the commission said .
But the company failed to complete either project , repeatedly seeking extensions and missing deadlines , the agency said .
Among its other violations : performing unauthorized dam repairs and earth-moving and failing to file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreation facilities or monitor water quality .
For more than a decade , Boyce Hydro “ knowingly and wilfully refused to comply with major aspects of its license ... with the result that public safety has been put at risk , and the public has been denied the benefits , particularly project recreation , to which it is entitled , ” the commission ’ s order said .
“ The record demonstrates that there is no reason to believe that Boyce Hydro will come into compliance , “ the commission added .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obfuscation and outright disregard of its obligations.
” The company twice lowered Wixom Lake ’ s level without permission after the federal license was revoked , said Nick Assendelft , spokesman for the Michigan Department of Environment , Great Lakes and Energy , which has overseen the Edenville barrier since its federal license was withdrawn .
The department was pursuing enforcement action for the violation and resulting damage to natural resources when the dam gave way , Assendelft said .
A lawsuit filed April 30 says the lengthy drawdowns in 2018 and 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of freshwater mussels , many listed as endangered species .
The Four Lakes Task Force , an authority formed by the two counties and area property owners , agreed to buy all four dams on the rivers from Boyce Hydro last December and was planning to close the deal within the next couple of months , spokeswoman Stacey Trapani said .
The group planned to raise $ 32 million for the purchase and for major upgrades and maintenance , she said .
Now , the status of the deal is unclear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mode at the moment , ” Trapani said .
“ As soon as we are able , we ’ ll start assessments so we can determine a path forward.
” Associated Press Writer Mike Casey in Concord , New Hampshire , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Fighter jet crashes in Florida; pilot ejects and survives

TAMPA , Fla. - An Air Force fighter jet crashed while landing at a Florida base , but the pilot @ @ @ @ @ survived .
The F-35A Lightning II crashed Tuesday night on the base as the pilot @ @ @ @ @ flight , the public affairs office at Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle @ @ @ @ @ .
The pilot ejected before the crash and is hospitalized in stable condition , the @ @ @ @ @ is a member of the 58th Fighter Squadron .
The pilot ’ s name was @ @ @ @ @ came four days after an F-22 fighter crashed 12 miles ( near 20 kilometres ) @ @ @ @ @ pilot also ejected and survived .
This story has been updated to correct that Eglin @ @ @ @ @ in the Florida Panhandle .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--AP-NORC poll: Americans harbour strong fear of new infections

DES MOINES , Iowa - Strong concern about a second wave of coronavirus infections is reinforcing widespread opposition among Americans to reopening public places , a new poll finds , even as many state leaders step up efforts to return to life before the pandemic .
Yet support for public health restrictions imposed to control the virus ’ s spread is no longer overwhelming .
It has been eroded over the past month by a widening partisan divide , with Democrats more cautious and Republicans less anxious as President Donald Trump urges states to “ open up our country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research .
The poll finds that 83 % of Americans are at least somewhat concerned that lifting restrictions in their area will lead to additional infections , with 54 % saying they are very or extremely concerned that such steps will result in a spike of COVID-19 cases .
“ Oh , I ’ d like to get my hair and nails done .
It ’ s one of those little pleasures you take for granted , ” said Kathy Bishop , a 59-year-old billing specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But I ’ m just going to suck it up .
It ’ s not worth the risk.
” Bishop lives in the western suburbs of Columbus , Ohio , a state where Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine is among the state chief executives leading a gradual reopening of businesses such as salons , barbershops , restaurants and bars .
But even after nine weeks spent at home , Bishop is among the solid majority of Americans who support rigorous criteria for economic reopening that goes beyond wearing masks in public places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 10 Americans say that it ’ s essential to reopening for people to return to self-quarantine if they are exposed to the virus .
Roughly 6 in 10 also say having widespread testing for the coronavirus in their area is essential to reestablishing public activities , along with requiring people to keep 6 feet ( 1.8 metres ) apart in most places and to wear face masks when they ’ re near others outside their homes .
Nearly as telling as the public ’ s appetite for rigorous precaution : Close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine be available before public life resumes .
A third say that ’ s important but not essential .
Taken together , the findings suggest that while some Americans are anxious to get back to business as usual , most don ’ t see the country returning anytime soon to what once was considered normal .
Instead , Americans largely envision a protracted period of physical distancing , covered faces and intermittent quarantines ahead , perhaps until a vaccine is available .
Joe Yeskewicz , of Middleboro , Massachusetts , said he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town of 23,000 south of Boston to fully reopen .
He ’ s among the nearly 8 in 10 Americans who don ’ t expect one to be ready before the end of the year .
“ It is so novel , so unpredictable and so terribly , terribly contagious , ” the 76-year-old retired teacher and college professor said of the virus .
“ The vaccine predictably could take years because it has to undergo a vigorous testing program for it to be effective and safe .
Regardless of the optimism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The latest AP-NORC survey was conducted over this past weekend , before Monday ’ s news of positive results in a clinical trial of a potential vaccine .
It found that a solid majority of about 6 in 10 Americans are in favour of requiring people to stay in their homes except for essential errands , with about a third of the country strongly behind that approach .
While still resolute , support for such measures to contain the coronavirus has slipped in the past month — 80 % were in favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new survey found that 69 % now favour restricting gatherings to 10 people or fewer , down from 82 % in April .
Those declines are largely driven by changes in attitudes among Republicans , as Trump and several GOP governors have aggressively pressed for and moved ahead with reopening businesses and public places .
Some people in Wisconsin headed straight for the local tavern last week after the conservative-controlled state Supreme Court upheld the GOP-controlled legislature ’ s appeal of Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers ’ stay-at-home order .
Just 45 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders , while about as many are opposed .
A month ago , 70 % of Republicans backed them .
Among Democrats , 78 % favour stay-at-home orders , down from 91 % in April .
Only about a third of Republicans say they are very or extremely concerned about the possibility of additional infections if restrictions are lifted , compared to three-quarters of Democrats .
Peggy Dullum , a 65-year-old Republican and retired state health care worker from suburban Sacramento , California , said she once supported strict lockdown measures to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have outlived their purpose .
“ If they ’ d have opened all retail , it would have spread out social activity rather than congesting it in those few retail locations where people crowded without masks , ” Dullum said .
“ Make everybody wear a mask , instead of making it voluntary , and we probably could have kept the economy moving at a solid pace during the second month.
” But Yeskewicz , the Democratic-leaning independent from Massachusetts , shakes his head — including at the small but vocal pockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brandishing Confederate flags , who complain that leaders who back continued safety measures are doing so out of anything but concern for public health .
“ We can ’ t just arbitrarily restore privileges simply because people are so desperate they can ’ t stand it any more , ” Yeskewicz said .
“ It ’ s not about people ’ s rights being violated .
They are trying to keep you alive , you bozos !
” The AP-NORC poll of 1,056 adults was conducted May 14-18 using a sample drawn from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population .
The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points .

Thomas Beaumont And Hannah Fingerhut - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Venezuela to escort Iranian tankers bringing needed fuel

CARACAS , Venezuela - Venezuela ’ s defence minister said Wednesday that planes and ships from the nation ’ s armed forces will escort Iranian tankers arriving with fuel to the gasoline-starved country in case of any U.S. aggression .
Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López said Venezuela ’ s navy and air force will welcome the five Iranian tankers , seeing them through the nation ’ s maritime territory and into port .
He compared the fuel tankers to humanitarian aid that China and Russia have sent to help Venezuela combat the new coronavirus pandemic .
A force of U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat ships , patrol the Caribbean on what U.S. officials call a drug interdiction mission .
Venezuelan officials paint them as a threat , but U.S. officials have not announced any plans to intercept the Iranian tankers , or threatened to try that .
Both countries have been hit with U.S. economic sanctions .
Venezuela ’ s ambassador to the United Nations , Samuel Moncada , also lashed out at the U.S. , saying any attempt to stop the tankers would be illegal .
“ Forbidding those boats from reaching their destination would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Moncada said at a U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss recent turmoil in Venezuela .
The five Iranian tankers now on the high seas are expected to start arriving to Venezuela in the coming days .
They are carrying gasoline to help alleviate days-long lines at service stations even in Caracas , which had normally been immune to shortages as the capital and seat of political power .
Earlier Wednesday , Iran ’ s ambassador to Venezuela defended broadening trade relations between the two nations , which includes the five tankers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International conventions protect the expanding ties between the two U.S.-sanctioned nations , Ambassador Hojjatollah Soltani said .
“ This relationship between Iran and Venezuela doesn ’ t threaten anybody .
It ’ s not a danger to anyone , “ Soltani said in a meeting with reporters at the Iranian Embassy in Caracas .
In addition to sending the tankers , Iran has flown in shipments of a chemical needed to restart an aging Venezuelan oil refinery with the goal of producing gasoline .
While Venezuela sits atop the world ’ s largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plummeted in the last two decades , which critics blame on corruption and mismanagement under socialist rule .
Recent U.S. sanctions designed to force President Nicolás Maduro from power have also hurt Venezuela ’ s production .
Trump ’ s National Security Council tweeted Monday that few financial lifelines remain for Maduro .
The U.S. is among nearly 60 nations that recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela ’ s legitimate leader .
“ Our maximum pressure campaign , which includes financial & economic sanctions , will continue until Maduro ’ s tyrannical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The humanitarian & economic crisis endured by Venezuelans is the fault of 1 person – Maduro.
” For Iran ’ s government , the business ties with Venezuela represent a way to bring money into its cash-starved coffers and apply its own pressure on Washington .
Soltani denied claims that Iranian planes returned from Venezuela loaded with gold to pay for Iran ’ s support .
He accused U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of spreading “ fake news ” to undermine the trade , which the ambassador called a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They can sanction whoever they want , ” Soltani said .
“ Iran will always advance.
” Adm. Craig Faller , the top U.S. military official in Latin America , said Monday that he was “ concerned ” by the news reports that Iran was shipping gasoline to Venezuela .
He said it fits a larger pattern of Iran trying to gain “ positional advantage in our neighbourhood in a way that would counter U.S. interests.
” “ I ’ ve seen those same news reports that the tankers are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ webcast event .
“ We see the long hand of that Iranian malfeasance at work each and every day.
” Associated Press writer Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Six-year-old victim of fire at children's home buried in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE , Haiti—A six-year-old victim of a fire that killed 13 children and two adults in a children ’ s home outside the Haitian capital in February has been buried in a ceremony attended by her mother and one other mourner .
Lovena Luberice died in the home run by the U.S.-based Church of Bible Understanding , which has millions in annual revenue but repeatedly failed inspections at its two facilities in Haiti .
Authorities suspect the fire started because the home used candles instead of a functioning generator or battery in a country where power failures are frequent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities for three months awaiting autopsy because officials are investigating if the church or its employees bear criminal responsibility for the fire .
The autopsy was never performed , officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday .
Lovena ’ s mother , Ermilia , attended the ceremony at the Alma Funeral Home along with one friend , Yolande Jean-Louis .
Jean-Louis said other family members couldn ’ t attend because they couldn ’ t afford the car fare .
The church ’ s Haitian lawyer had promised victims ’ families $ 200- $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luberice said she had only received about $ 200 .
“ After waiting for months , it was time to bury her , ” Luberice said .
“ This pain in my heart is never going away.
“ Children like Lovena are usually handed over , often as babies , by parents who struggle to support them and want them to at least get food and shelter .
Parents generally keep custody and are allowed to visit .
Some of the victims of the fire have already been buried while others are awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide details .
A series of inspections beginning in November 2012 found the church ’ s children ’ s homes didn ’ t meet minimum health and safety standards , with overcrowding , unsanitary conditions and insufficiently trained staff .
Haitian authorities stripped them of accreditation .
The orphanages failed another round of state inspections in 2017 , but hired a lawyer to fight closure , according to Haitian child-welfare authorities .
They said closing an orphanage can take months or years , particularly if the management has money or influence .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said it is being unfairly singled out by critics in Haiti and overseas .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Trump to mark Memorial Day at ceremony at Baltimore monument

WASHINGTON - Many Americans may be staying in this Memorial Day weekend , but President Donald Trump is hitting the road , set to visit Baltimore ’ s Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine .
The White House says the president and first lady will participate in a Memorial Day ceremony at the site on Monday “ to honour the American heroes who have sacrificed their lives serving in the US Armed Forces.
” The hoisting of the American flag after the fort defended Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812 inspired the poem that came to be known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has sought to ramp up his travel schedule as he looks to demonstrate that the nation is “ reopening ” after economically devastating shutdowns were put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
The virus has infected more than 1.5 million Americans and cost more than 92,000 U.S. lives .
The visit is set to come just over a week after Maryland began to lift some of its stay-at-home restrictions because of the coronavirus , though “ safer-at-home ” guidelines remain in place .
The Trumps are to be joined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Bernhardt ; Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ; and military ceremonial units .
Trump was also considering travel next week to Florida to view the launch of the first U.S. manned spaceflight since the retirement of the space shuttle , Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis said Wednesday .
Hosting Vice-President Mike Pence in his state , DeSantis said , “ You ’ re going to be there .
I think the big guy is going to be there.
” Trump marked Memorial Day last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he was on a state visit .
He participated in ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in his first two years in office .


thetorontostar--2020-05-20--Trump considering hosting G-7 summit in US after all

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he ’ s considering holding a meeting in the U.S. with the leaders of the world ’ s major economies after all because it would be a “ great sign to all ” of things returning to normal during the coronavirus pandemic .
The announcement was the latest effort by Trump to signal to the nation that the U.S. economy is humming again after months-long shutdowns meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 are beginning to be lifted across the country .
Trump had scheduled the Group of Seven summit for June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retreat in Maryland .
But in March , he announced he was cancelling the annual meeting because of the pandemic and that the leaders would confer by video conference instead .
“ Now that our Country is ‘ Transitioning back to Greatness ’ , I am considering rescheduling the G-7 , on the same or similar date , in Washington , D.C. , at the legendary Camp David , ” Trump tweeted .
“ The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK .
It would be a great sign to all - normalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump met with Democratic Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly and Republican Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchinson to discuss reopening plans in their states .
The pair praised the administration ’ s efforts to expand testing to critical industries , including meatpacking , in their states .
Separately , Vice-President Mike Pence was in Florida for a meeting with tourism industry executives and a meal at a business recently reopened to dine-in patrons .
Formal White House preparations for the meeting were halted two months ago when the summit was called off .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and quarantine requirements for travellers from Europe , home to four of the G-7 nations .
And earlier this week the U.S. and Canada agreed to keep their shared border closed to nonessential travel through June 21 .
The District of Columbia remains under stay-at-home orders at least through June 8 , though Maryland began relaxing the restrictions last week .
At the same time , leaders of the G-7 member nations are in some cases still grappling with the virus in their own countries or in various states of reopening their economies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was seriously considering rescheduling the summit for some point in June , likely toward the end of the month , at either the White House or Camp David .
The subject was discussed on a call between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday morning , the official said , speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was asked whether it would be appropriate to hold the G-7 while ordinary citizens can not travel to the U.S. from Europe .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening and what a show of strength and optimism to have all the leaders of these countries come together at the White House and pursue business as usual as we move forward through this pandemic , “ McEnany said .
If the summit happens , the U.S. would request that delegations be pared back to minimum personnel and would curtail nonessential events like the spousal program .
A final decision would be needed in the coming days to ensure adequate time to prepare for the high-level meeting , the official said .
Macron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ given the importance of the G7 in the response to the crisis , the President is willing to go to Camp David , if the health conditions allow it.
” “ Whatever form the G-7 meeting takes , whether it ’ s a video conference or otherwise , I will definitely fight for multi-lateralism , that ’ s very clear , both in the G-7 and the G-20 , “ said German Chancellor Angela Merkel .
Pressed by AP on whether she would consider an actual trip to the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words with care.
” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it an interesting idea , but said leaders need a lot more details .
He said it ’ s important G-7 leaders meet in June so they can discuss the pandemic and restoring economic activity .
“ We need to keep meeting as leaders .
Whether that ’ s virtual or in person we will certainly take a look at what the U.S. is proposing as host of the G-7 to see what kind of measures will be in place to keep people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts are giving in terms of how that might function , ” Trudeau said .
“ There are a lot of discussions to come , but we look forward to having those discussions with the American hosts.
” The U.S. holds the G-7 ’ s rotating presidency this year and gets to determine where the meeting is held and set the agenda .
Britain , Canada , France , Germany , Italy and Japan are the other members .
Trump originally planned to hold the annual summit at his private golf course near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Camp David , which he visited last weekend and which is run by the U.S. military , after a public outcry over holding it at one of his money-making properties .
AP writers Rob Gillies in Toronto , Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed .

Zeke Miller And Darlene Superville - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-21--Deliberative Senate declines to debate more coronavirus aid

WASHINGTON - As Americans confront a crisis unlike any in modern times , the Senate , which prides itself on being the world ’ s greatest deliberative body , is doing almost anything but deliberate the coronavirus .
It ’ s as though the challenge has split the chamber into two .
On one side is a Senate clamouring for a quick response to the virus outbreak at its door .
On the other is the wait-and-see Senate hitting pause on swift action and carrying on with non-pandemic business .
“ Every aspect of American society has been changed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican Senate , ” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in the chamber Wednesday .
The split screen at the Capitol provides a study in contrasts and priorities , one that reflects the partisan differences between Republicans and Democrats , and is defining both ahead of the 2020 election .
As the House works remotely , the lights-on Senate has the legislative stage to itself .
But despite a virus death toll nearing 100,000 and more than 30 million unemployed , the slow-moving Senate is proving even a pandemic won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave town for a weeklong Memorial Day break without having acted on any new relief .
At least one Republican , Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado , vowed to try to prevent the Senate from recessing Thursday unless it votes on more aid to states and cities facing layoffs .
“ Now is not the time for the Senate to go home , ” tweeted Gardner , who is among the most politically endangered GOP senators running for reelection in the fall .
He told reporters at the Capitol that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House with his concerns .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell defends the output , arguing that his side of the Capitol led passage of an earlier major aid package that cost $ 2 trillion .
Better to assess how that money is being spent , he said , before approving more .
He rejects the new $ 3 trillion package approved by the Democratic-led House last week as a “ liberal wish list.
” McConnell portrayed the Capitol , where senators in masks are showing up most days while the House works from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two chambers.
“ “ Over here in the United States Senate , the lights are on , the doors are open , and we are working for the American people , ” said McConnell , R-Ky. ” And across the rotunda , in the House ?
Crickets.
” Yet it ’ s the split on display throughout the Senate ’ s side of the Capitol complex — in the Senate chamber , its committee rooms , even its private caucus meetings .
The floor action this week revolved around votes on Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branch positions .
Senators confirmed a new Federal Election Commission member and is on track to confirm four federal judges .
Trump ’ s nominee for director of national intelligence , John Ratcliffe , could be confirmed as soon as Thursday .
Across the street in the committee rooms , the split screen was coming into even sharper focus .
Two marquee hearings focused on investigations of the Obama administration stemming from the probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election .
The Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday voted to issue a subpoena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee Joe Biden ’ s son Hunter , though there ’ s no evidence of wrongdoing by either of the Bidens .
On Thursday , the Judiciary Committee is set to consider issuing a subpoena in the investigation into Trump ’ s former national security adviser Michael Flynn .
“ This pandemic is the biggest crisis our country has faced since this committee was created , “ said Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , a former presidential hopeful , addressing the panel ’ s chairman , Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a purely political matter that will do absolutely nothing for those at risk of contracting COVID-19.
” Ahead of the meeting , Johnson released a long list of coronavirus-related actions his committee had taken since the start of the year .
Even behind closed doors , the differences can be seen and heard .
Trump arrived on Capitol Hill for an impromptu visit to the Senate Republican lunch Tuesday that quickly turned to politics .
The president touted his own poll numbers and implored his allies to “ be tough ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrats are seeking to gain the majority and flip control .
In contrast , Democratic senators , who no longer meet for lunch but convene by conference call , heard Wednesday from economist Mark Zandi , who warned them of the risks of inaction .
Zandi said “ Job No .
1 ” for Congress was sending money “ quickly ” to state and local governments , according to a Democrat who wasn ’ t authorized to publicly discuss the private call and spoke on condition of anonymity .
The economist told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really teetering on financial edge , ” the Democrat said .
Without aid , hundreds of thousands of more jobs could be lost , he said .
Republicans are hopeful that as states reopen , the economy will improve , lessening the need for more federal funds .
But polling shows Americans are concerned about a second wave of the virus as shops and workplaces reopen .
An AP-NORC poll found 83 % of Americans are at least somewhat concerned that lifting restrictions in their area will lead to additional infections , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely concerned .
Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-05-21--Study: Philippines a global hot spot for online child abuse

MANILA , Philippines - The Philippines has emerged as a global hot spot for online child sexual exploitation , and coronavirus lockdowns that restrict millions to their homes may be worsening the abuses , a U.S. official said Thursday .
A new study released by the Washington-based International Justice Mission on Thursday said Philippine cases of online child sexual exploitation have increased sharply in recent years with parents agreeing to have their own children victimized for the money .
The private group has helped track down and prosecute offenders in the Philippines .
“ The global shutdown with the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phenomena , ” U.S. State Department official John Richmond , who oversees U.S. efforts to combat human trafficking , said in an online launch of the study .
In most cases “ the traffickers are actually parents or close family members of the kids they are exploiting , ” Richmond said .
“ And so lockdown orders mean that children are being locked down with their traffickers.
” The webcam scheme has involved pedophiles in the U.S. , Canada , Europe and Australia who pay facilitators to sexually abuse children , even babies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They watch and help direct the abuses through online livestreaming services .
The wide use of English , availability of internet connections and international cash transfer systems have combined with long-entrenched poverty and wide access to vulnerable children to allow many abuses to happen in the Philippines .
Citing online tips on abuses , the study said the estimated number of Internet Protocol addresses used for online child sexual exploitation in the Philippines rose sharply from about 23,333 in 2014 to 81,723 in 2017 — a 250 % increase .
An IP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet .
The study showed 64 % of online sexual child abuse cases in the Philippines were initiated by foreign authorities largely because of a lack of capability to detect the livestreamed abuse , which is often uncovered only when foreign law enforcers accost an offender abroad .
“ The tech industry should prioritize detection of all child sexual exploitation materials because of the gravity of harm that repeated sexual exploitation causes victims , ” International Justice Mission Philippine Director Samson Inocencio Jr. said .
“ There are children who need rescue now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and robust reporting.
” In 90 cases involving 381 victims from 2011 to 2017 , 43 victims were abused from two months to four years .
The period of abuse for the others was not known , according to the study .
It said victims are an average age of 11 years , with the youngest less than 1 year old .
Nearly half of the abuses were arranged by the parents or other relatives of the victims .
“ We need to act as a global community -– ending impunity in both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries , ” Philippine Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said .
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said poor families may be driven to desperation due to the loss of their already meagre income under coronavirus lockdowns , while predators prey harder on children .
She called on the police and authorities to intensify protection amid the greater danger faced by children and closely watch for “ dubious activities “ in communities .


thetorontostar--2020-05-21--Stacey Abrams endorses candidates in 7 US Senate contests

COLUMBIA , S.C. - Alongside discussions of her own national political ambitions , former Georgia gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams is wading into elections outside her home state , endorsing the campaigns of seven Democrats vying for U.S. Senate seats .
On Thursday , Abrams announced that she was backing Democratic candidates in Arizona , Colorado , Kansas , Maine , Mississippi , North Carolina and South Carolina .
In statements provided ahead of her official endorsement , Abrams called Jaime Harrison , the associate chair of the Democratic National Committee who is seeking to block Sen. Lindsey Graham from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the people of South Carolina ” who “ will work hard to address inequalities “ such as in rural health care and infrastructure .
For Arizona , Abrams said former astronaut Mark Kelly “ has a proven record of service to our country.
” John Hickenlooper , the former Colorado governor and 2020 presidential candidate , “ is the one to help us cross the finish line ” for a Democratic Senate majority , Abrams said .
Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon “ will fight for expanded access to quality affordable health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place of Republican Sen. Susan Collins .
Mike Espy , a former Mississippi congressman and U.S. agriculture secretary , “ is ready to lead on Day One , ” Abrams said , while former state Sen. Cal Cunningham is Democrats ’ best choice to succeed in North Carolina , “ a must-win state for the U.S. Senate in 2020.
” Barbara Bollier , a Kansas physician and state senator who switched from the GOP in 2018 , is “ uniquely qualified to help address the disparities dividing America , ” including on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is planning to hold virtual campaign events for each of the candidates getting her backing .
Abrams , a 46-year-old lawyer and former state lawmaker who narrowly missed becoming the first black female governor in U.S. history , has emerged as a leading voting rights advocate and a frequently mentioned prospect for Joe Biden ’ s running mate .
Since her 2018 loss to now-Gov .
Brian Kemp , Abrams has become an advocate for fair elections .
Last year , she launched Fair Fight 2020 , a multistate initiative geared toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously endorsed another Senate candidate — the Rev .
Raphael Warnock , who is challenging Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in Georgia — but the seven candidates announced Thursday are the first hopefuls she ’ s backing in a state other than her own .
Biden has said he would select a woman as his running mate and would choose a black woman for his first nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court .
Abrams told The Associated Press this month that she “ would put my resume against anyone else ’ s ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ no interest ” in a judicial position .
Meg Kinnard can be reached at https : //twitter.com/MegKinnardAP .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-21--UK watchdog clears Johnson of criminal wrongdoing

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not face a criminal investigation into whether he offered special favours to an American businesswoman during his time as mayor of London .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct ruled against a criminal investigation into Johnson ’ s ties to tech entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri .
The independent office , which oversees police complaints in England , was asked to consider if there were grounds to investigate him for misconduct in public office .
Johnson has vociferously denied wrongdoing .
The Greater London Authority immediately announced that its investigation into Johnson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal investigation has now been ruled out .
The case arose from a Sunday Times report saying Arcuri was given money and privileged access while on trade missions that Johnson led as mayor .
Arcuri describes herself on her Twitter feed as an entrepreneur and producer .
“ Our investigation will consider whether Boris Johnson conducted himself in a way that ’ s expected from anyone in that position , ’ ’ said Len Duvall , chair of the authority ’ s oversight committee .
“ It ’ s important we get those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their politicians held accountable .