thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Lightning sparks new wildfires across California

LOS ANGELES - A rare summer thunderstorm brought lightning that sparked several small blazes in Northern California on Sunday and stoked a huge wildfire that has forced hundreds of people from their homes north of Los Angeles .
More than 4,500 buildings remained threatened by the fire burning toward thick , dry brush in the Angeles National Forest .
Firefighters already battling the blaze in steep , rugged terrain with scorching heat faced more hurdles when hundreds of lightning strikes and winds up to 15 mph ( 24 kph ) pushed the flames uphill .
“ We set up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hills so the fire doesn ’ t spill over to the other side and cause it to spread , but it was obviously difficult given the erratic wind and some other conditions , “ said fire spokesman Jake Miller .
The Lake Fire was just 12 % contained Sunday and has burned nearly 28 square miles ( 72 square kilometres ) of brush and trees .
Fire officials said 33 buildings had been destroyed , including at least a dozen homes .
Temperatures reached more than 110 degrees ( 43 Celsius ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire spokesman Tom Ewald said .
Thunderstorm and excessive heat were also a concern for firefighters battling a blaze that blackened almost 4 square miles ( 10 square kilometres ) in the foothills above the Los Angeles suburb of Azusa .
The fire , believed to be started Thursday by a homeless man , is only 3 % contained .
Many areas of the state saw triple-digit temperatures through the weekend and the combination of prolonged heat and smoke from wildfires sent ozone pollution to levels not seen in a decade in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to very unhealthy levels in several regions of Southern California on Sunday and Monday afternoons , the South Coast Air Quality Management District said .
In Northern California , moisture from an offshore tropical storm fueled a thunderstorm that brought nonstop lightning strikes early Sunday , some of which ignited small fires and knocked out power across the San Francisco Bay Area .
Wind gusts reached 75 mph ( 121 kph ) , according to the National Weather Service , which said another round of lightning may develop early Monday .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer thunderstorm event in memory for Bay Area , & it ’ s also one of the hottest nights in years , “ tweeted Daniel Swain , a climate scientist at the University of California , Los Angeles .
Unsettling weather triggered an unusual warning by the weather service of a fire-induced tornado at an out-of-control forest fire that broke out north of Lake Tahoe on Saturday afternoon .
A massive fire cloud known as a pyrocumulonimbus formed over the fire , which started east of the town of Loyalton , about 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reno , Nevada .
When high winds collided with the fire and whipped it into the air , a spectacular tornado-shaped spiral of flames was formed .
The fire has burned at least 45 square miles ( 117 square kilometres ) and triggered evacuation orders for sparsely populated communities along State Route 395 by the California-Nevada border , said Tahoe National Forest spokesman Joe Flannery .
Firefighters aided by water-dropping helicopters and air tankers faced “ extreme fire behaviour , ” he said , and worked through the night to extinguish spot fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , the fast-moving fire jumped a highway and came dangerously close to a fire truck .
A fire crew from Truckee tweeted a video of firefighters dragging hoses as they ran alongside a moving truck that was dodging the flames .
Ryan Peel said firefighters created some defensive space around his slot machine distribution warehouse in Chilcoot , but he was worried the erratic winds could still put his business in the line of fire .
“ Yesterday was extremely emotional , as we were at the mercy of the wind and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peel told The Associated Press .
“ I was stressed and terrified at the idea of losing everything I ’ ve spent my life working for.
” With zero containment and strong winds in the forecast , he said , “ we are not out of the woods yet.
” Associated Press reporter Haleluya Hadero contributed to this report from Atlanta .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--New Zealand delays election after virus outbreak in Auckland

WELLINGTON , New Zealand - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has delayed New Zealand ’ s elections by four weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak in Auckland .
The election had been scheduled for Sept. 19 but will now be held on Oct. 17 .
Opposition parties had sought a delay after the virus outbreak prompted the government last week to put Auckland under a two-week lockdown and halted election campaigning .
Before the latest outbreak , New Zealand had gone 102 days without any known community transmission of the virus , and life had returned to normal for most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports fans back in stadiums .
The only known cases during that time were returning travellers who were quarantined at the border .
Officials believe the virus was reintroduced to New Zealand from abroad but haven ’ t yet determined how .
The Auckland outbreak has grown to 49 infections , all thought to be connected , giving health officials hope the virus isn ’ t spreading beyond the cluster .
Ardern had the option of delaying the election for up to about two months .
She said she had called the leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parliament to get their views before making her decision Monday .
“ Ultimately I want to ensure we have a well-run election that gives all voters the best chance to receive all the information they need about parties and candidates , and delivers certainty for the future , ” Ardern said .
She said she wouldn ’ t consider delaying the election again — no matter what was happening with any virus outbreaks .
“ COVID is continuing to disrupt life around the world , “ Ardern said .
Other nations including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold elections during the pandemic , she added .
Ardern also announced that lawmakers would be called back to parliament , which had finished sitting ahead of the election .
The parliament will now continue operating through early September .
Conservative opposition leader Judith Collins did not offer much of an opinion on the delay , saying only that her National Party “ acknowledge the new date ” while also saying there had been testing failures at the border .
But the small opposition ACT party welcomed the delay .
Leader David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced him to cancel a dozen events , including debates and community meetings “ In order to have a free and fair election , candidates need to be out in the community listening to voters , and that ’ s not possible while Aucklanders are housebound , “ he said in a statement .
The delay will cause logistical problems , including rebooking voting venues and ensuring that the thousands of election workers needed for the poll are available on the new date .
Ardern said she believed there was enough time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s liberal Labour Party is favoured to win a second term in office .
The party ’ s popularity has jumped significantly since the pandemic , with Ardern winning international praise for the way she ’ s handled the crisis .

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thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Over $700K raised for slain boy’s funeral in North Carolina

WILSON , N.C. - More than $ 700,000 has been raised for the funeral service expenses of a slain 5-year-old boy in North Carolina whose death has captured national attention .
The donations poured into a GoFundMe page organized by Gwen Hinnant , who identifies herself on the website as Cannon Hinnant ’ s grandmother .
“ This family has faced unimaginable pain because of this senseless act of violence , “ the post read , “ We offer our sincerest appreciation in this extremely difficult time , # justice for Cannon.
” Cannon ’ s funeral service was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatally shot in the family ’ s driveway as he rode his bike , news outlets reported .
A neighbour , 25-year-old Darius Nathaniel Sessoms , has been charged with first-degree murder in his death .
A day before the funeral , police in North Carolina warned about false information circulating on social media about the case , including posts that resembled news releases from investigators .
“ These are fraudulent posts , ” the Wilson Police Department said in a statement while encouraging people to report the fake Facebook posts to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ask on its Facebook page Saturday and told people to avoid sharing the posts .
Some have taken to social media to claim that race was a factor in Cannon ’ s death .
Cannon was white and Sessoms is Black .
Cannon ’ s father , Austin Hinnant , said he had been disturbed by these posts .
“ This is no racial issue , ” Austin Hinnant told The Wilson Times .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Portland police declare riot, use smoke to clear crowd

PORTLAND , Ore. - A riot was declared in Oregon ’ s biggest city as protesters demonstrated outside a law enforcement building early Sunday , continuing a nightly ritual in Portland .
Officers used crowd control munitions to disperse the gathering outside the Penumbra Kelly building .
Eleven people were arrested .
Protesters had thrown “ softball size ” rocks , glass bottles and other objects at officers , police said on Twitter .
The department also said security cameras had been spray painted and other vandalism occurred .
Two police officers were treated at the hospital after being hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions came after what started as a peaceful protest , with demonstrators chanting “ take it to the streets !
” Saturday afternoon , a rally by a small group of far-right demonstrators quickly devolved as they traded paint balls and pepper spray with counter-protesters .
About 30 people were participating in the Patriot Prayer rally in front of the Multnomah County Justice Center .
KOIN-TV initially reported that several were armed with automatic weapons , but later said it was unclear what type of weapons were involved .
The group clashed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counter-protesters blocked the exit of a garage where several Patriot Prayer members had parked .
A KOIN photojournalist reported hearing at least two gunshots at the garage .
Police said in a statement that “ a person allegedly fired a gun.
“ Portland police Lt. Greg Pashley told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the department would investigate .
Earlier in the day , police said they made four arrests overnight as they dispersed a protest that was headed toward the offices of the police union .
The bureau declared the demonstration of a couple hundred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying people were throwing fireworks , golf balls and chunks of concrete at officers .
Some of those in crowd wore the word “ press ” on the outside of their clothing “ as cover , ” police said .
Officers said they used crowd control munitions and smoke but no CS tear gas to disperse the crowd .
The Oregonian/Oregon Live reports officers also pushed and shoved people , and used pepperballs .
Demonstrations , often violent , have happened nightly in Portland for more than two months following the killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have repeatedly broken into the offices of the Portland Police Association , vandalized them and set fires .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--The Latest: New Zealand postpones elections due to virus

WELLINGTON , New Zealand — Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday chose to delay New Zealand ’ s national elections by four weeks as the country deals with a new coronavirus outbreak in its largest city , Auckland .
The election had been scheduled for Sept. 19 but will now be held on Oct. 17 .
Under New Zealand law , Ardern had the option of delaying the election for up to about two months .
Opposition parties had been requesting a delay after the virus outbreak in Auckland last week prompted the government to put the city into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ardern said she wouldn ’ t consider delaying the election again , no matter what was happening with any virus outbreaks .
Opinion polling indicates Ardern ’ s liberal Labour Party is favoured to win a second term in office .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — The first Mediterranean cruise sets sail after virus tests .
— The coronavirus doesn ’ t appear to have devastated homeless people as initially feared .
— Workers returning to offices after months will see lots of changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaced-apart desks and daily health questions .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : MELBOURNE , Australia : Australia ’ s hard-hit Victoria state on Monday recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic with 25 coronavirus fatalities .
The death toll surpasses the previous 24-hour record of 21 set on Wednesday last week .
Victoria ’ s Health Department recorded 282 new cases , slightly more than 279 new infections posted on Sunday but maintaining a downward trend over the past week .
Victoria posted a record 725 new COVID-19 cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Lebanon , still grappling with the aftermath of the Aug. 4 blast that killed 180 people and wounded thousands , has registered a record daily number of coronavirus infections , with 439 people contracting the virus and six fatalities .
The new infections bring to 8,881 the total number of people reported infected in the small country of just over 5 million .
Some 103 have died because of COVID-19 .
The explosion at Beirut ’ s port was set off when thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate ignited , injuring about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
Daily coronavirus cases had already been on the rise , and the explosion made social distancing more difficult for many .
Lebanon ’ s health sector has been challenged by the pandemic that hit amid a deepening economic crisis .
The blast that hit in Beirut ’ s centre knocked out at least three hospitals in the capital and greatly increased pressure on those still operating .
ROME — Vacationers arriving in Rome from four Mediterranean countries lined up with their suitcases at Leonardo da Vinci airport to be immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , Italy ’ s health minister issued an ordinance requiring the tests for all travellers arriving in Italy from Croatia , Greece , Malta or Spain .
Travellers have the option of being tested instead within 48 hours of arrival at local public health offices closer to their home or destination in Italy .
Vacationers coming from abroad are fueling an increase in new coronavirus infections in Italy in recent weeks .
On Saturday , the daily caseload of new infections topped 600 for the first time since May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Lazio , the region including Rome , said at the airport that concern was mounting about the rising number of infections , especially since school resumes in Italy on Sept. 14 , for the first time since the pandemic began .
LA PAZ , Bolivia — Esther Morales , the 70-year-old sister of former Bolivian President Evo Morales , has died of COVID-19 , the ex-leader said Sunday .
“ She was like my mother , ” tweeted Morales , who was forced to resign last year after an election marred by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argentina , faces sedition and other charges if he returns to Bolivia .
He blamed “ racism and political persecution ” for preventing him from visiting his sister in a hospital in Oruro , southeast of La Paz .
In the last two weeks , supporters of Morales ’ party set up nationwide blockades to protest the recent postponement of elections as Bolivia struggles with the coronavirus pandemic .
While doctors had warned that oxygen and other medical supplies were not reaching some hospitals because of the protests , police said Saturday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brazil — Michelle Bolsonaro , the wife of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , said Sunday that she had tested negative for the new coronavirus following a July 30 announcement that she had tested positive .
“ Negative exam .
Thanks for the prayers and for all the expressions of affection , ” 38-year-old Michelle Bolsonaro said on Instagram .
She published an image of what she said was her laboratory exam .
“ Undetected , ” it read .
Bolsonaro ’ s youngest son , 22-year-old Jair Renan , has also tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he released a video in which he takes pills that he says are hydroxychloroquine .
The drug has no proven efficacy against the new coronavirus but has been widely publicized by the Brazilian president as a treatment for COVID-19 .
President Bolsonaro had said he tested positive for the coronavirus on July 7 , suffered mild symptoms and was free of the virus in late July .
He has downplayed the devastating impact of COVID-19 , often appearing in public without a mask and meeting supporters in close proximity despite social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday they ’ re still haven ’ t been able to contact 46 of more than 900 people who tested positive for the new coronavirus upon entering Germany recently , but didn ’ t receive the results .
The southern German state admitted last week that tens of thousands of travellers returning back home had to wait for weeks to receive their test results — among them the more than 900 who had tested positive but were not aware of it because of the missing results .
The bureaucratic breakdown led to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who tested positive but were not aware of it could spread the virus to others .
The Bavarian state government said the long delays in getting the results were linked to problems with the software and an unexpectedly high number of people wanting to be tested at newly established test centres , primarily at highway rest stops near the country ’ s southern borders .
On Saturday , authorities in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate said there had been delays in informing people of their test results in the southwestern state .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contact all those who tested positive immediately , the German news agency dpa reported .
PARIS — After France recorded its highest one-day rise in virus infections since May , the government is pushing for wider mask use and tighter protections for migrant workers and in slaughterhouses .
But France still plans to reopen schools nationwide in two weeks , and the labour minister says the government is determined to avoid a new nationwide lockdown that would further hobble the economy and threaten jobs .
France ’ s infection count has resurged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on people criss-crossing the country for weddings , family gatherings or annual summer vacations with friends .
Britain re-imposed quarantine measures Saturday for vacationers returning from France as a result .
France reported 3,310 new infections in a single day Saturday , and the rate of positive tests has been growing and is now at 2.6 % .
The daily case count was down to several hundred a day for two months , but started rising again in July .
Overall France has reported more than 30,400 virus-related deaths , among the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elisabeth Borne said in an interview published Sunday with the Journal du Dimanche newspaper that the government wants to expand mask use in workplaces .
“ We must avoid new confinement at any cost , ” she said .
WELLINGTON , New Zealand — Health authorities reported 13 new cases of the coronavirus in New Zealand on Sunday , including 12 linked to an outbreak in the city of Auckland and one returning traveller who was already in quarantine .
The outbreak in Auckland , discovered Tuesday , has prompted officials to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a two-week lockdown .
The outbreak has now grown to 49 infections , with authorities saying they believe all the cases are all connected , giving them hope the virus isn ’ t spreading beyond that cluster .
New Zealand had gone 102 days without community spread of the disease before the latest outbreak .
Officials believe the virus was reintroduced to New Zealand from abroad but haven ’ t yet been able to figure out how it happened .
KAHULUI , Hawaii — Kahului Airport on Maui has completed its second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
The screening uses thermal imaging and facial recognition technology to pinpoint people with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher .
Dual lens cameras have been installed at all arrival gates and TSA checkpoints in the airport .
The Maui News reports that when phase three is completed , the cameras will be able to track travellers with high body temperatures so contact tracers can stop and screen them before they leave the airport .
KANSAS CITY — Trump ’ s top coronavirus adviser used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear masks regardless of where they live .
“ What ’ s really important for every Kansan to understand is that this epidemic that we have been seeing this summer is both urban and rural , ” Dr. Deborah Birx , co-ordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said Saturday .
“ So we are really asking all communities , whether you are urban or rural communities , to really wear a mask inside , outside , every day.
” She also stressed that people should socially distance and not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for a meeting with Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly , as well as community and state health officials at KU Medical Center , The Kansas City Star reports .
“ You can ’ t tell who ’ s infected , ” Birx said .
“ Much of the spread is asymptomatic .
I know we all want to believe that our family members can not be positive .
They are.
” Birx said when communities start seeing a rise in positive cases , leaders need to close the bars , restrict indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a mask mandate .
“ We have been doing that across the South and we ’ ve seen a dramatic decrease in cases where the population has followed those guidelines , ” she said .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Farmers pay Arizona city official with goat for outside job

PHOENIX - An Arizona city official making $ 107,000 a year resigned after an investigation found he used city workers for an outside job involving an attempt to secure irrigation water for farmers who paid him with a goat .
The investigation found that the possibility of cash down the road also was discussed by Frank Stevens , the now-former former water resource portfolio manager for the city of Surprise , the Arizona Republic reported .
According to a report obtained by the newspaper through a public records request , a private investigator hired by Surprise found that Stevens had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers ’ eight acres of leased land for use as a demonstration site for a drip irrigation system that Stevens tried to get a company to provide as part of a proposed partnership with him .
The farmers hired Stevens as a consultant to help them get irrigation water from an property association , paying him with a goat for his work and agreeing to provide additional compensation if he was successful , according to the investigation .
One of the farmers told the investigator that they gave Stevens the goat because “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep his kids happy when they came home from school , ” Stevens said .
The investigation concluded that Stevens violated city policy in several ways , including by having water workers do non-city work by having other employment that could compromise his judgment , actions or job performance .
Asked whether it was appropriate to use city workers in connection with his consultant work , Stevens told the investigator that he knew “ the lines are gray or muddy.
” Stevens resigned his city job in February , according to the Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stevens also resigned .
The Republic said Stevens declined comment .
The Associated Press was not able to obtain a working phone number for Stevens .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--5 people wounded in shooting at flea market in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO - At least five people were wounded , including one critically , in a shooting at a flea @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , police officials said .
The gunfire erupted about 11:30 a.m. at Mission Market @ @ @ @ @ grounds , according to Police Chief William McManus .
“ This is the result of @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know if the argument was between gang members or just people @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t know each other , ” McManus said .
McManus said a security @ @ @ @ @ but it was not known if the guard is among the wounded .
The manager @ @ @ @ @ Market , Al Ramon , said the argument did not involve any market employees .
@ @ @ @ @ vendor and buyer , or two vendors , we don ’ t know exactly , @ @ @ @ @ weapons were recovered at the scene , but the number of gunshots fired was not @ @ @ @ @ McManus .
No further information was immediately available .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Georgia governor allows local mask mandates, with limits

ATLANTA - Georgia ’ s governor , who has opposed local mask mandates and even sued over one in Atlanta , has signed a new executive order that allows local governments to enact mask requirements to help fight the coronavirus pandemic .
As with previous orders , the one issued Saturday says residents and visitors of the state are “ strongly encouraged ” to wear face coverings when they are outside of their homes , except when eating , drinking or exercising outside .
But unlike previous orders , this one allows local governments in counties that have reached a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing of masks on government-owned property .
A county meets that threshold requirement if it has had 100 or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people over the previous 14 days .
Only two of Georgia ’ s 159 counties were below that threshold , according to data from the state Department of Public Health .
Local mask mandates can not result in fines , fees or penalties against private businesses or organizations , and penalties against individuals for non-compliance can not included a fine greater than $ 50 and can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If people are not in compliance , local authorities must warn them “ about the health risks posed by not wearing a face mask or face covering ” prior to issuing a citation .
Local mask requirements can ’ t be enforced on residential property and can only be enforced on private property , including businesses , if the owner or occupant consents to enforcement , the order says .
“ This order also protects Georgia businesses from government overreach by restricting the application and enforcement of local masking requirements to public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news release accompanying the order , which is in effect through Aug. 31 .
“ While I support local control , it must be properly balanced with property rights and personal freedoms.
” Additionally , the order extends shelter-in-place requirements for people who meet certain criteria that result in “ higher risk of severe illness , ” including people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities , people with certain chronic health conditions and those with compromised immune systems or other underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 50 people if people are closer than 6 feet ( 2 metres ) apart and imposes specific operating guidelines on bars , restaurants and other businesses .
Kemp , a Republican , last month sued Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , a Democrat , and the Atlanta City Council after Bottoms made statements that the governor said some interpreted as orders for restaurants to close and ordered masks .
Kemp dropped the lawsuit Thursday .
Atlanta was one of a number of cities that issued orders requiring masks to be worn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments can ’ t impose measures that are more or less restrictive than those in his statewide executive orders .
Georgia reported 3,372 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 96 deaths Saturday .
On Sunday , state officials announced 1,873 new confirmed cases and 33 deaths , bringing the state ’ s total to 237,030 cases and 4,702 deaths .
Also Sunday , Cherokee County school officials said Creekview High School in Canton would suspend in-person learning through Aug. 31 , becoming the third school in the district to temporarily end in-person learning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came after 25 students tested positive for COVID-19 and 500 of the 1,800 students taking in-person classes at the school were quarantined .
The school district says it expects that once pending tests come back the number of quarantined students will “ significantly increase , ” according to the newspaper .
The Creekview closure comes about two weeks after 31,000 students who opted for in-person learning resumed classes and followed a transition to online-only classes at two other Cherokee County high schools .
One of those schools , Etowah High School , made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of maskless students squeezed together for first-day-of-school senior photos .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Mayor voices ‘serious concerns’ about protest arrest tactics

Pittsburgh ’ s mayor says he has “ serious concerns ” about the tactics used in the arrest of a protester during a march Saturday that drew condemnation from the American Civil Liberties Union and others .
Pittsburgh Public Safety officials said they were trying to protect the public when plainclothes officers arrested a protester at about 5 p.m. Saturday in the city and placed the person in an unmarked , white van .
Public Safety officials said the person had repeatedly refused to work with police and was blocking intersections needed for people to get to hospitals and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The march of about 150 people started about an hour and 45 minutes before the arrest , they said .
Commander Ed Trapp of the Special Deployment Division said the man was stepping in front of cars and directing vehicles “ with no situational awareness ” and feared he would direct cars into other vehicles or pedestrians .
Trapp said officials decided on a “ low-visibility ” arrest to avoid gathering a crowd and have the situation escalate .
“ The idea was a surgical manoeuvr to remove the person that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ march to continue , which it in fact did , “ he said .
Mayor Bill Peduto said he had “ serious concerns ” about the tactics used and would work with public safety leaders on whether and when such things should be done .
“ ... That imagery , what people saw , scared them because they don ’ t believe that ’ s part of what Pittsburgh is , ” Peduto said .
“ They saw officers getting somebody and throwing them into a van , and they ask ‘ Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask ‘ Why ?
” Public safety officials said they were committed to assuring the rights of people to express their opinion , but the protests had become increasingly unsafe in recent weeks and protest organizers had refused to co-operate with police on their planned routes and intentions .
Peduto earlier said in a Twitter post that constitutional rights “ have restrictions , ” and while the right to assemble was guaranteed , “ the right to shut down public streets is a privilege ... sanctioned by laws and codes ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & a citizen review board .
Witold Walczak , legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania , alleged based on eyewitness accounts that the law enforcement officers “ tricked a protest leader to approach them and then whisked him away.
” He said the group “ has never suggested that the snatch-and-stash arrest of a peaceful demonstrator is ever acceptable.
” Police said the 25-year-old man arrested was being charged with failure to disperse , disorderly conduct and obstructing highways and other public passages but was not being charged with risking a catastrophe @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Chief: Protester kicks at biker during Sturgis rally

STURGIS , S.D .
- A protester was arrested after kicking at a biker during the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally @ @ @ @ @ the police chief said Sunday .
Chief Geody Vandewater said a small group of protesters @ @ @ @ @ Main Street on Saturday when one of the demonstrators kicked the motorcycle as it passed @ @ @ @ @ swarming toward the protesters , and Vandewater said police escorted the demonstrators to a safe @ @ @ @ @ a little chaotic for a bit , ” the chief told The Associated Press .
@ @ @ @ @ , the protesters were demonstrating against Republican Gov .
Kristi Noem ’ s decision not @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus pandemic and that the Sturgis rally was being held during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ man from Rapid City , South Dakota — was arrested for disorderly conduct , Vandewater @ @ @ @ @ hurt .
The 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began Aug. 7 and wrapped up Sunday .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Mercedes Barcha, widow of Gabriel García Márquez, dies at 87

MEXICO CITY - Mercedes Barcha , who was credited by late husband and Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez with making it possible for him to write his masterpiece “ One Hundred Years of Solitude , “ has died at the age of 87 .
Barcha , who married García Márquez in 1958 and managed the couple ’ s finances through some hard times while the author wrote , died on Saturday in Mexico City , according to Mexico ’ s Culture Ministry .
The Colombian couple had moved to Mexico in 1961 ; García Márquez died in 2014 .
Barcha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems , was praised by Colombian President Iván Duque , Mexican authorities and prominent figures in Latin American art and culture for her role as a muse and lifelong companion to Garcia Marquez .
The celebrated writer was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1982 and is considered one of the most important Spanish-language writers of all time .
Barcha was the love of García Márquez ’ s life , Duque tweeted .
“ I had the privilege of meeting Mercedes Barcha .
Great conversationalist , cheerful , critical , cultured , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beautiful woman , ” Claudia Sheinbaum , Mexico City ’ s mayor , said on Twitter .
Nicaraguan writer Sergio Ramírez said that with Barcha ’ s death , “ a whole literary era is left behind , and the memory of a close friend of many happy years of talks , surprises , long stories and sleepless nights remains.
“ Jorge Eduardo Ritter , a former Panamanian foreign minister who was a friend of García Márquez , wrote on Sunday : “ In no small measure how much we owe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owe it to her .
They are together again.
” Barcha is survived by her two sons with García Márquez , Gonzalo and Rodrigo García Barcha .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Mayor defends Chicago police after clash with protesters

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot praised city police Sunday for “ fairly quickly “ settling weekend protests that devolved into violent skirmishes while activists and other elected officials blasted police for unnecessary aggressive tactics .
The day of demonstrations against police brutality started peacefully Saturday with a march around noon .
Later , a separate demonstration near downtown resulted in two dozen arrests , 17 injured officers and at least two injured protesters .
None of the injuries were believed to be life threatening .
Lightfoot told CBS ’ “ Face the Nation ” on Sunday that agitators “ have embedded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come for a fight ” though the clashes were “ over very fairly quickly because our police department is resolved to make sure that we protect peaceful protests.
“ Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown said that some in the group used black umbrellas to make it harder for police to see them , pushed officers and assaulted them .
In one video released by Chicago police , a person swinging a skateboard strikes an officer .
At the same time , activist groups and some elected officials called out police for using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a chemical irritant and striking protesters with batons .
“ The march was peaceful until CPD and other law enforcement agencies began an all-out assault on protesters , ” said a Sunday statement from youth activist group Increase The Peace .
Several Chicago Democrats , including state Sen. Robert Peters , state Rep. Lakesia Collins and Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez , questioned using department money on such a response to protesters in a city that has had a lower homicide case clearance rate than other big cities .
“ We once again condemn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of police force against these demonstrators on Saturday night , and for the continued escalation of surveillance , violence , and detention of protesters , ” said a Sunday statement from the group .
Saturday ’ s march against police brutality followed a route near the Dan Ryan Expressway after police blocked the group of about 200 people from getting on the expressway .
The march came about a week after a police shooting of a black man in the Englewood neighbourhood on the city ’ s South Side prompted large crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping area , where they smashed windows of dozens of businesses and took merchandise from stores .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Leader of Belarus rejects calls to rerun presidential vote

MINSK , Belarus - The embattled president of Belarus tried to put on a show of strength Sunday , holding a rally with tens of thousands of supporters and rejecting any possibility of repeating the vote that gave him a sixth term .
But opponents countered with a far larger demonstration that attracted as many as 200,000 people .
Alexander Lukashenko , who has ruled the former Soviet republic of 9.5 million since 1994 , lashed out at the West and declared to his crowd that the country would “ perish as a state ” if the election were rerun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a square near the main government building in the capital of Minsk .
But as he spoke , throngs of supporters streamed to their own rally about 2.5 kilometres ( 1.5 miles ) away .
It was the eighth straight day of anti-government demonstrations .
During 26 years in office , Lukashenko has repressed opposition figures and independent news media .
But this year , protesters fed up with the country ’ s declining living standards and Lukashenko ’ s dismissal of the coronavirus pandemic have posed the biggest challenge to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Western powers were gathering military units in countries along Belarus ’ western borders and denounced suggestions by some Western nations that Belarus should repeat the Aug. 9 presidential vote , which opposition supporters say gave Lukashenko a victory only through massive fraud .
Official results say he received 80 % of the vote .
“ If we follow their lead ( and rerun the election ) , we will perish as a state , ” Lukashenko declared , a day after saying he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed that Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Soviet republic if Lukashenko asked for it .
NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu dismissed the president ’ s claim about troops gathering , tweeting that there is no NATO buildup in the region .
“ NATO ’ s multinational presence in the eastern part of the Alliance is not a threat to any country , ” Lungescu said .
“ It ’ s strictly defensive , proportionate & designed to prevent conflict & preserve peace.
” The Collective Treaty Security Organization , a military alliance of six former Soviet states including Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about providing assistance if Belarus requested it .
Thousands have been arrested at the post-election protests , which police tried to put down with clubs , rubber bullets and flash grenades .
When many detainees were later released , they showed extensive bruises they said were due to police beatings .
Some protesters carried pictures of loved ones they said had been beaten so badly that they could not attend .
As Lukashenko ’ s supporters waited for his appearance Sunday , many chanted his nickname of “ Batka , ” or “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t take place , ” referring to the months of protests in Ukraine in 2013 and 2014 that drove then-President Viktor Yanukovych to flee the country .
Shortly after Yanukovych ’ s departure , Putin then moved to annex the entire Crimea Peninsula from Ukraine , claiming a huge swath of its Black Sea coast for Russia .
“ Now everybody is against Lukashenko , and the president needs our support .
Everybody suddenly has forgotten the good things he has done — there ’ s order in the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunger , ” said supporter Tamara Yurshevich , a 35-year-old lawyer .
As Lukashenko spoke , throngs of opponents converged on a park about 2.5 kilometres ( 1.5 miles away ) .
In the late afternoon , they streamed into the square vacated by Lukashenko supporters .
In contrast to the first days of protest when large contingents of police and special forces were deployed against protesters , police appeared to be all but absent when the opposition supporters entered the square .
The gathering ended peacefully about three hours later .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but some reports estimated it at about 200,000 .
Protesters were thrilled by the turnout Sunday , and many felt they had momentum .
“ The result of the election is on the streets and squares of Belarus today — it ’ s a sea of people who will never agree to live as before with Lukashenko , ” said Feliks Zharikov , an engineer who came with his wife and son .
“ Suddenly , the mood in society changed and everyone suddenly understood that Lukashenko lost , ” said Anna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union foreign ministers have rejected the election results and on Friday began drawing up a list of officials in Belarus who could face sanctions .
If Lukashenko were to resume a harsh crackdown , the response from the West could be even stronger .
But calling on Russia for military help is also perilous .
Although Russia and Belarus agreed in 1997 to a close union , Lukashenko frequently claims that his giant neighbour aims to absorb Belarus entirely .
In the run-up to the election , Belarus arrested 33 Russian private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent int to destabilize the country .
On Sunday , a video circulated on YouTube that purported to show Belarus ’ ambassador to Slovakia , Igor Leshchenya , expressing “ solidarity with those who came out on the streets of Belarusian cities with peaceful marches so that their voice could be heard.
” The embassy could not be reached for comment , but Slovakia Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok indicated the video was legitimate .
It would be the first indication of dissent at a high level of government .
“ We have noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador to Slovakia .
It confirms our assessment of current situation in # Belarus .
This is a clear signal from a senior Belarusian diplomat who courageously supports his fellow citizens , ” he said on Twitter .
Associated Press Writer Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this story .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Police: At least 18 shot, with 4 dead, across Cincinnati

CINCINNATI - At least 18 people were shot , including four killed , as gunfire erupted in several places around the city overnight , authorities said Sunday .
Officers responded just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday to the Avondale neighbourhood and found 21-year-old Antonio Blair with gunshot wounds , police said in a statement .
He was taken to University Hospital and died there , they said .
Three other gunshot victims were also taken to the hospital .
At about 2:15 a.m. , officers responded to a report of gunfire in the Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood where 10 people were shot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene and another at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center ; they were identified in a statement as 34-year-old Robert Rogers and 30-year-old Jaquiez Grant .
Three people were shot at about midnight Saturday in the Walnut Hills neighbourhood , about a block away from the Harriet Beecher Stowe house , police said .
News outlets reported the shootings took place within 60 to 90 minutes of each other , but Assistant Police Chief Paul Neudigate told reporters that they “ seem to be separate independent incidents but horrific and tragic.
” Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth fatal shooting but confirmed that it occurred on the city ’ s West End , where television news reports indicated that one person was shot later Sunday morning and was pronounced dead at the scene .
No suspect information was immediately available in any of the cases .
“ One extremely violent night in the city of Cincinnati , “ Neudigate had said before the fourth shooting was announced .
” Why ?
That ’ s going to be the question.
” Cincinnati ’ s police chief later Sunday called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am calling on all citizens of this great city to say enough is enough !
We must not sit by silently and say we can ’ t do anything to end gun violence , “ Chief Eliot Isaac said in a statement .
“ We all have a moral obligation to stop the violence and stop the killing in our communities.
” Police said the department would shift officers from other assignments to beef up the number of uniformed officers in the affected communities and would call on federal prosecutors and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Explosives “ to focus on repeat shooters and aggressively bring illegal gun charges.
“ Mayor John Cranley called it “ senseless gun violence that ruined lives and will cause immeasurable suffering “ at a time the city was facing “ unprecedented circumstances and challenges ” in fighting crime during the COVID-19 pandemic .
He said the city has seen an uptick as people gather in private homes and public places when the bars close .
“ Guns are far too prevalent at these gatherings .
Please do not attend gatherings because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said in a statement .
He stressed , however , that those firing were responsible for the shootings — which he called “ attempted or actual murder “ — and vowed to bring them to justice .
“ I am also calling on everyone to help put an end this culture of resolving personal disputes with guns as well as to reduce the far too prevalent availability of illegal guns on our streets , “ he said .
“ The very sad reality is people are getting in trouble when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do.
” In July , the Enquirer reported that the city had experienced a rise in shootings and homicides from gun violence during the first half of the year as compared to the same time period in 2019 .


thetorontostar--2020-08-16--Luis Abinader sworn in as Dominican leader; Pompeo attends

SANTO DOMINGO , Dominican Republic - Luis Rodolfo Abinader was sworn in as president of the Dominican Republic on Sunday in a ceremony attended by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Abinader , a 53-year-old businessman who had never held elected office , was elected to a four-year term on July 5 , ending a 16-year run in power by a centre-left party .
He finished second in the 2016 presidential election .
On Friday , the Trump administration only got support from the Dominican Republic when the 15-member U.N. Security Council resoundingly defeated a U.S. resolution to indefinitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This election resounds as an example to other nations of the power of democracy and what is possible when countries prioritize the wishes of their people , “ Pompeo tweeted after Abinader ’ s inauguration .
The elections in the Dominican Republic took place as the new coronavirus pandemic was sweeping across the Caribbean nation of some 10.5 million people .
Abinader himself had spent weeks before the election in isolation following a positive test for the virus , and the vote itself had been postponed from May due to COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--UK govt scrambles as exam fiasco enrages students, parents

LONDON - The British government scrambled Monday to staunch the damage from an exam-grading policy that has left thousands of 18-year-olds without university places and sparked claims of discrimination against disadvantaged students .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was expected to make an announcement on the system for replacing exams that were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Universities in the U.K. offer final-year high school students places based on grades predicted by their teachers .
Admission is contingent on the results of final exams , known as A Levels .
This year , with schools largely shut since March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England ran the predicted grades through an algorithm , intended to standardize results , that compared them with schools ’ past performance .
That meant high-achieving students at under-performing schools , many in deprived areas , saw their marks downgraded , while students at above-average schools kept their predicted grades .
Hundreds of students have held protests , calling the results an injustice , and lawmakers have been inundated with complaints from angry parents .
Kay Mountfield , head teacher at a school in Marlow , west of London , said 85 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicted grades .
“ Seventy of my students have not had their first choice of university , ” she said .
“ Normally that would be about five , or 10 maybe , students.
” The education secretary insisted Saturday that there would be “ no U-turn , ” though he said students who had been downgraded could appeal or retake the exams .
But criticism of the policy spread quickly , even within the ranks of the governing Conservative Party .
“ This group of young people have lost out on so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bright , capable students can progress on their next step , ” said Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt .
Defence Minister Johnny Mercer said there were “ clear injustices ” in the system .
In Scotland , authorities quickly reversed course after a similar fiasco last week , saying students would get their predicted grades .
That increased pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to do the same for England .
Johnson , who is on vacation , chaired a call on the crisis Monday with Williamson and senior officials .
“ We recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for students , said the prime minister ’ s spokesman , Jamie Davies .
“ We continue to work to come up with the fairest system possible .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Hawaii Volcanoes National Park makes repairs during slowdown

HILO , Hawaii - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has taken advantage of reduced visitor numbers resulting from the coronavirus to repair and reopen parts of the park that were closed after the 2018 Kilauea eruption .
The Big Island park has been able to complete several eruption-repair projects in recent months , The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Sunday .
Daily visitation statistics were not immediately available , but the number of visitors to the park has dropped dramatically since the outbreak of the pandemic , park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane said .
Following the reinstatement of a 14-day mandatory quarantine for interisland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are primarily Big Island residents , Ferracane said .
Hawaii County has said 612 homes were destroyed during the massive Kilauea eruption that covered much of the lower Puna area in lava .
Repairs at the park have included fixing cracks that allowed the reopening of Hilina Pali Road from Chain of Craters Road to Kulanaokuaiki Campground , which also has reopened .
Chain of Craters Road opened to Holei Sea Arch after workers installed new guard rails and filled cracks last week .
A new pedestrian bridge near Kilauea summit and repairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge are nearing completion , Ferracane said .
The park hopes to reopen Kilauea Overlook and Crater Rim Trail to the overlook by the end of the month , Ferracane said .
Some park areas are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the Kilauea Visitor Center , Volcano House and Thurston Lava Tube .
Ranger-guided hikes and programs have been suspended .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--2 released from Texas home amid standoff after officers shot

CEDAR PARK , Texas - A man at the centre of a hostage situation near Austin , Texas , involving his family after three police officers were shot released his brother , sister and family pet on Monday but remained inside the home with his mother , police said .
Police have been in negotiations with the man for more than 16 hours since the officers were wounded Sunday afternoon at the home in Cedar Park , interim police chief Mike Harmon said .
The man ’ s mother had called police after he kicked in the door of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ delicate ” but that they were hopeful the man would surrender peacefully .
“ Our negotiations team has been doing an outstanding job throughout the night , “ he said .
Two of the wounded officers have been treated and released from a hospital and the third was undergoing surgery , Harmon said Monday morning .
Harmon said Sunday that the Cedar Park Police Department had a history at the residence , but did not provide details , including when police last visited the home .
“ Our hearts are with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cedar Park community this afternoon .
We must never take for granted the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers , and the State of Texas stands ready to provide the support and resources needed to bring justice to those involved , ” Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott said in a statement .

Cheyanne Mumphrey - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Alaska ferry cancels trips after passengers test positive

JUNEAU , Alaska - Travel on an Alaska ferry has been temporarily suspended after the vessel transported passengers who tested positive for COVID-19 , officials said .
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced sailings by the M/V Matanuska are suspended until Aug. 21 , The Juneau Empire reported Saturday .
The transportation department said in a statement that five passengers who travelled aboard the Matanuska last week tested positive for the virus .
The ferry ’ s crew are required to receive negative test results before the ship resumes service , the department said .
Passengers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week were being notified and either rescheduled or refunded , the department said .
The passengers are believed to have been infectious while travelling on the Matanuska , which embarked from Kake , travelled through Sitka and arrived in Juneau Aug. 10 .
The passengers informed the department they had tested positive and the department informed other passengers and the public out of an abundance of caution .
State health officials recommended recent travellers on the Matanuska should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and take extra precautions .
For most people , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Report describes Alaska midair crash that killed 6 people

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - The National Transportation Safety Board released details of a fatal midair collision between two Alaska sightseeing planes , which include descriptions of the moments before and after the crash .
The agency released hundreds of pages of investigation documents filed by teams in Alaska and Washington , D.C. , The Anchorage Daily News reported Saturday .
Six people died in the May 2019 crash including Mountain Air Service pilot Randy Sullivan and his four passengers , and a passenger in a plane owned by Taquan Air .
Ten people suffered injuries when the aircraft converged at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The descriptions of the crash were obtained from the surviving passengers of the Taquan plane and Lou Beck , the 60-year-old pilot .
The investigation is expected to conclude next year , but the agency opened the accident investigation docket to allow public examination of the records so far , said Clint Johnson , the NTSB Alaska head .
The Ketchikan-based floatplanes carrying passengers from the same cruise ship , the Royal Princess , were returning from tours of Misty Fjords National Monument .
Mountain Air ’ s single-engine de Havilland DHC-2 MK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turboprop de Havilland DHC-3 Otter collided just after noon over the west side of George Inlet .
“ I remember somebody saying ‘ Pull up.
’ I don ’ t know if that was me or some other passengers , ” one of the passengers told investigators .
“ After a second or two of seeing the rapidly closing distance , I realized that it — he wasn ’ t going to break off and we were going to impact.
” The propeller of the Taquan plane hit the other aircraft , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tail of the Mountain Air plane hit the left side of the Taquan aircraft , popping open a door .
The leg of a passenger sitting near the door was sucked outside the plane as other passengers held him in place , witnesses said .
Beck estimated his plane took five seconds to hit the water 10 miles ( 16 kilometres ) northeast of Ketchikan .
At least three people could be heard saying , “ brace brace brace , ” on a camera recording audio before the Taquan plane hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in flight , scattering debris across 3,000 feet ( 914 metres ) .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Ex-Spanish king confirmed to be in UAE amid financial probe

MADRID - Spain ’ s royal household says former monarch Juan Carlos is in the United Arab Emirates , resolving @ @ @ @ @ that has swirled in Spain since he announced he was leaving the country amid a @ @ @ @ @ His Majesty Juan Carlos has indicated to this household to communicate that he travelled to @ @ @ @ @ 3 and that ’ s where he currently remains , ” a spokesman of the @ @ @ @ @ Press .
The spokesman said he couldn ’ t be quoted in media reports .
@ @ @ @ @ the royal family ’ s website on Aug. 3 , Juan Carlos told his son @ @ @ @ @ moving outside Spain due to the “ public repercussions of certain episodes of my past @ @ @ @ @ , 82 , is the target of official investigations in Spain and Switzerland , into @ @ @ @ @ in the United Arab Emirates , a federation of seven sheikdoms on the Arabian Peninsula @ @ @ @ @ repeated questions regarding Juan Carlos ’ stay in the country .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Israel frees Palestinian boycott activist from detention

JERUSALEM - The Palestinian-led boycott movement against Israel said Monday that a campaign organizer has been released without charge by Israel after more than two weeks in detention .
The BDS campaign said Mahmoud Nawajaa was on his way back to the occupied West Bank .
“ They can not break us because they can not crush an idea or counter our strategy , despite all the financial , intelligence , political , diplomatic and propaganda resources they ’ ve invested , ” Nawajaa said in a statement .
Israel ’ s Shin Bet security agency said Nawajaa was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ security offences.
” It said the suspicions were not connected to his boycott activities .
The Shin Bet did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The BDS campaign advocates boycotts , divestment and sanctions against Israel to protest what it says is Israel ’ s oppression of the Palestinians .
Israel says the BDS movement ’ s nonviolent message masks a deeper agenda that aims to delegitimize and even destroy the country .
Last week , dozens of Palestinians protested in the West Bank city of Ramallah calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights group Amnesty International also had called on Israel to “ immediately and unconditionally ” free him .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Israeli forces shoot, wound deaf Palestinian at checkpoint

JERUSALEM - Israeli security guards on Monday shot and wounded a Palestinian who is deaf and couldn ’ t hear their commands to stop at a West Bank checkpoint , police said .
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the 60-year-old man was walking in an area of the Kalandia Crossing north of Jerusalem where only vehicles are permitted .
Rosenfeld said security guards called upon the man to stop but he continued to “ approach them suspiciously.
” They then opened fire toward his legs , moderately wounding him .
Only after did the guards discover that the suspect did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear or communicate , ” Rosenfeld said .
Rosenfeld said later Monday that a guard involved in the shooting was detained as part of an investigation into the incident .
The incident comes less than three months after Israeli police shot and killed a 32-year-old Palestinian with severe autism .
Israeli border police forces chased the man into a nook in Jerusalem ’ s Old City and fatally shot him as he cowered next to a garbage bin after apparently being mistaken for an attacker .
The shooting sparked great criticism and calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines to take into consideration those with disabilities .
Palestinians and Israeli human rights groups have long accused Israeli security forces of using excessive force in some cases .
Heba Yazbak , an Israeli lawmaker of Palestinian origin , said Monday ’ s incident exposed trigger-happy Israeli forces .
“ First they shoot and then they check , ” she said .
“ The shooting of an innocent deaf Palestinian is just another example of the ease in which Israeli security forces can harm human life .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Iran: Fuel en route to Venezuela seized by US wasn’t Iranian

TEHRAN , Iran - The cargo of four tankers seized by the United States last week en route to Venezuela was no longer Iranian property , Iran ’ s oil minister said Monday , insisting that the U.S. had no right to confiscate the shipment in international waters .
The Trump administration said it seized the cargo of four tankers it was targeting for transporting Iranian fuel to Venezuela .
The move was part of stepped-up U.S. campaign of maximum pressure on Iran and Venezuela , both heavily sanctioned allies .
According to the semi-official ISNA news agency , Oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been “ sold to customers and the payment was received “ for it .
“ The U.S. claimed it seized Iranian petrol , but even though the cargo was sent from Iran , neither the ships nor the petrol were Iranian , ” Zanganeh was quoted as saying .
He did not elaborate or say who the owners of the petrol was at the time of the seizure .
But Zanganeh ’ s remarks echoed those of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif who on Sunday called the U.S. “ pirates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ships carried sold cargo .
Iran ’ s ambassador to Venezuela , Hojad Soltani , also said that neither the ships not the oil were Iranian .
“ Sadly for them , stolen booty wasn ’ t Iran ’ s .
Fuel was sold F.O.B .
Persian Gulf .
Ship and flag weren ’ t ours either , ” Zarif tweeted .
Iranian officials have called pushed for stronger ties between Iran and Venezuela , and Tehran has sent several fuel shipments to energy-hungry Venezuela amid U.S. sanctions .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--4 killed, at least 20 hurt in Cincinnati weekend shootings

CINCINNATI - Police in Cincinnati say three more people suffered gunshot wounds as a violent weekend that saw four killings and at least 20 injuries came to a close .
Police said the three Sunday evening shootings were unrelated , and none of the three victims had life-threatening wounds .
Two people were wounded in hands , and a man was shot in the back after a fight broke out at a party , police said .
Those shootings followed four gunfire outbursts early Sunday in which 18 people where shot , four fatally .
In one case , 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re trying to determine why there was such a string of shootings in one weekend .
Mayor John Cranley called it “ senseless gun violence.
“ No suspect information was released immediately in any of the cases .
Police said the department would shift officers from other assignments to increase the number of uniformed officers in the affected communities and would call on federal prosecutors and the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives for help .
Cranley said the city was facing “ unprecedented circumstances and challenges “ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said guns are “ far too prevalent ” at private gatherings after bars close early under pandemic restrictions .
In July , The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the city had experienced a rise in shootings and homicides from gun violence during the first half of the year as compared to the same time period in 2019 .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Rapper to pay for funeral of young girl shot in dollhouse

LOUISVILLE , Ky. - Rapper and businessman Master P said he will pay for the funeral of a 3-year-old Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ along with her father .
Trinity Randolph and her 21-year-old father , Brandon Waddles , @ @ @ @ @ Friday in Louisville , the Jefferson County coroner ’ s office said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ deaths as homicides .
Police have released no information on details of the shooting or @ @ @ @ @ The girl ’ s grandfather , Tyronn Howlett , said Trinity was playing in her @ @ @ @ @ her home when she was shot , the Courier Journal reported .
Percy Miller , @ @ @ @ @ said he would cover the girl ’ s funeral costs .
“ This a 3-year-old @ @ @ @ @ gone from her family , from her future , somebody who could have come out @ @ @ @ @ the next president , doctor , lawyer , teacher , ” he told the newspaper @ @ @ @ @ sad .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--South Carolina man accused of trying to kidnap WWE star

TAMPA , Fla. - A South Carolina man who stalked a 26-year-old WWE star for years and spent eight months planning to kidnap her was arrested Sunday after breaking into her home near Tampa , sheriff ’ s officials said .
Phillip A. Thomas II , 24 , of Cordesville , South Carolina , was arrested early Sunday for attempting to carry out the plot , the Hillsborough County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a news release .
The sheriffs office did not identify the victim , but home where Thomas was arrested is owned by Daria Berenato , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She performs for WWE and stars in the E !
cable channel reality TV series Total Divas .
She later tweeted a thank you message to the sheriff ’ s office .
Thomas faces charges of aggravated stalking , armed burglary of a dwelling , attempted armed kidnapping , and criminal mischief , and is expected to make a first appearance in court on Monday .
According to investigators , Thomas parked his car at a nearby church , walked to the home and cut a hole in a screen to enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed for three to four hours watching and listening through the windows .
Thomas went inside the home through a sliding glass door at 2:43 a.m. , after the homeowner had gone to bed , the release said .
The alarm activated .
Sheriff ’ s officials said the homeowner looked out a window and saw Thomas before she left with a guest in a car .
She also called 911 .
Thomas was still at the home when deputies arrived .
He had a knife , plastic zip ties , duct tape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told deputies he was planning to take the homeowner hostage , the sheriff ’ s office said .
On jail records , Thomas is listed as an Applebee ’ s crew member .
He was being held without bail and records don ’ t list a lawyer for him .
“ Our deputies are unveiling the suspect ’ s disturbing obsession with this homeowner who he had never met , but stalked on social media for years , ” said Sheriff Chad Chronister .
“ It ’ s frightening to think of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out had the home alarm not gone off and alerted the homeowner of an intruder .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Elizabeth Debicki to play Princess Diana on ‘The Crown’

NEW YORK - “ The Crown ” has found its Princess Diana .
Elizabeth Debicki will play the Princess of Wales in seasons five and six of “ The Crown , ” the Netflix series announced Sunday .
Debicki will join a new cast for the series that includes Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth , Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret and Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip .
Staunton succeeds Olivia Colman and Claire Foy in the role .
Emma Corrin is playing Diana on the drama ’ s upcoming fourth season , but Debicki will take on the part for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character ’ s most dramatic chapters .
Seasons five and six are expected to be the show ’ s final seasons .
No premiere date of season four has yet been announced .
“ Princess Diana ’ s spirit , her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many , ” Debicki said on Twitter .
“ It is my true privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series , which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one.
” Debicki , a 29-year-old Australian actress , is seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance in Steve McQueen ’ s “ Widows.
“ She also stars in Christopher Nolan ’ s upcoming thriller “ Tenet.
” Other credits include “ The Great Gatsby , ” “ The Burnt Orange Heresy ” and “ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol .
2 .
”


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Mauritius copes with split Japanese ship that spilled oil

JOHANNESBURG - Work began Monday to remove the two pieces of a grounded Japanese ship that leaked tons of oil into the protected coast of the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius and broke apart .
Tug boats will pull the bow — the smaller part of the shipwrecked MV Wakashio — out to sea and allow it to sink , according to environmental experts on the island .
The larger part of the ship will be dragged off the coral reef where it ran aground and towed away , possibly to India for salvage .
“ When the ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leakage of oil , but it appears most of that fuel was on the other side of the coral reef and was in the high seas , ” Sunil Dowarkasing , an environmental consultant and former parliament member in Mauritius .
“ With the sea currents , we don ’ t know if the new leakage will stay outside the lagoon or not.
” Oil barriers were in place and a skimmer ship to scoop up the fuel was nearby .
The Mauritius government has closed off the coastal area of the eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of civilian volunteers worked for days to try to minimize damage to the Mahebourg lagoon and protected marine wetlands polluted by the spilled fuel .
Only officials and hired workers are permitted to work in the coastal area and the waters surrounding the grounded ship .
Experts from France , Japan and the United Nations are also involved in the clean-up work .
“ Now , we must rely on the government as our only source of information about the situation , so we are only getting one side of the story , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the damage to the area is substantial , ” he told The Associated Press .
“ The mangroves are heavily impacted by the fuel .
The extent of the damage to the coral reefs will only be known much later , but it is expected to be serious.
” The Wakasio ran aground a coral reef on July 25 .
After being pounded by heavy waves , the vessel cracked and it starting leaking oil on August 6 .
The damaged ship spilled more than 1,000 tons of its cargo of 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Mahebourg Lagoon , one of the island ’ s most pristine coastal areas .
Most of the remaining 3,000 tons of fuel had been pumped off the ship in the past week as environmental groups warned that the damage to coral reefs could be irreversible .
The Mauritius government is under pressure to explain why immediate action wasn ’ t taken to empty the ship of its fuel before it began to leak .
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth earlier blamed bad weather for the slow response .
Owner Nagashiki Shipping has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained on the ship after pumping .
It is investigating why the ship went off course .
The ship was meant to stay at least 10 miles ( 16 kilometres ) from shore .
The company has sent experts to help clean up the damage .
The Mauritius government is seeking compensation from the company .
After the government declared an environmental emergency , thousands of volunteers rushed to the shore to create makeshift oil barriers from tunnels of fabric stuffed with sugar cane leaves and even human hair , with empty plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The island nation of some 1.3 million people relies heavily on tourism and already had taken a severe hit due to travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Egyptian envoys in Gaza in bid to ease tensions with Israel

GAZA , Palestinian Territory - Egyptian mediators were in the Gaza Strip on Monday in an effort to reduce tensions and prevent a new cross-border conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas .
The militant group , which seized control of Gaza from rival Palestinian forces in 2007 , said the three Egyptian general intelligence envoys headed straight for meetings with Hamas officials after entering the territory .
The urgent visit came as hostilities broke out along the Gaza-Israel frontier after months of calm due in part to leaders from both sides being occupied by the coronavirus crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups affiliated with Hamas have fired incendiary balloons toward Israel , setting swaths of farmland on fire .
Israel , which holds Hamas responsible for violence emanating from the territory , responded with airstrikes on Hamas military sites , banned Gaza ’ s fishermen from taking to the sea and shut the main commercial crossing into the territory .
On Tuesday , the lone power plant in Gaza is scheduled to shut down because the closure of Kerem Shalom crossing has cut fuel supplies , exacerbating the power crisis and leaving Gaza ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours of electricity a day .
Hamas says Israel did not honour previous understandings reached with the help of Egypt and Qatar , in which Israel should ease the blockade it has imposed on Gaza since Hamas ’ takeover and allow for large-scale projects to help rescue the collapsing economy .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--German minister in Tripoli to press for end to Libyan war

BERLIN - German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas made an unannounced visit to Tripoli on Monday , saying that the world must not be deceived by the “ deceptive calm ” in Libya at the moment and should find a way to end the conflict .
Maas said in a statement upon arrival in the North African country that he was meeting with officials in the U.N.-recognized administration in the capital to “ talk about ways out of this very dangerous situation ” where both sides in the bloody civil war are being armed by international allies .
Libya was plunged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi , who was later killed .
The country has since split between rival east- and west-based administrations , each backed by armed groups and foreign governments .
Military commander Khalifa Hifter and his self-styled army launched an offensive in April 2019 trying to capture Tripoli .
But his campaign collapsed in June when the Tripoli-allied militias , with Turkish support , gained the upper hand , driving his forces from the outskirts of Tripoli and other western towns .
Hifter is supported by Egypt , the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bitter rival of Egypt and the U.A.E .
in a broader regional struggle over political Islam , is the main patron of the Tripoli forces , which are also backed by the wealthy Gulf state of Qatar .
Germany has been trying to act as an intermediary , and in January held a summit in Berlin where participants from both sides agreed to respect an arms embargo and push Libya ’ s warring parties to reach a full cease-fire , but the agreement has been repeatedly violated .
Earlier this month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troubled by the escalating conflict in Libya ” and “ strongly opposes foreign military involvement , including the use of mercenaries and private military contractors , by all sides.
” The White House called for a demilitarized zone around Sirte to avoid a battle over the coastal city that was a stronghold for Islamic State militants .
Later Monday , Maas was to travel to Abu Dhabi to meet with his counterpart there to urge him to use the U.A.E.
’ s influence with Hifter “ in line with the Berlin summit.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political process will be part of Libya ’ s future , ” Maas said .
Libyan officials have said that Turkey has been working to establish two military bases in the west of the country .
As Maas visited Tripoli , Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was also in the country to “ observe activities ” being conducted in line with the agreement reached between Turkey and the government in Tripoli , Turkey ’ s state-run news agency reported .
The news agency did not provide any specific details .
A Tripoli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qatari Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohammad al-Attiyah .
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters .
Maas did not meet with either during his visit .
Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this story .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Party official: FBI arrests Puerto Rico legislator, 3 others

SAN JUAN , Puerto Rico - FBI agents on Monday arrested Puerto Rico Rep. María Milagros Charbonier and three other @ @ @ @ @ the pro-statehood New Progressive Party said .
Raúl Colón , a spokesman for the president @ @ @ @ @ House of Representatives , told The Associated Press that an adviser for Charbonier notified the @ @ @ @ @ No further details were immediately available .
FBI spokeswoman Limary Cruz told the AP that @ @ @ @ @ said she could not immediately release more details .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ about a public corruption case .
Charbonier recently said the FBI interviewed her and had @ @ @ @ @ is one of Puerto Rico ’ s most conservative and religious legislators .
She has @ @ @ @ @ election in 2012 but just lost in Sunday ’ s primaries .
Charbonier also previously @ @ @ @ @ the New Progressive Party .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Crowd protests outside US Postmaster’s North Carolina home

GREENSBORO , N.C. - More than 100 demonstrators converged outside the North Carolina mansion of the postmaster general , protesting the cutbacks , delays and other changes to the U.S .
Postal Service that have created fears for mail-in voting ahead of the November presidential election .
Protesters gathered for about two hours Sunday along the streets below Louis DeJoy ’ s gated property , which overlooks the Greensboro Country Club golf course .
They chanted and held signs that read : “ Sabotage of the USPS is un-American ” and “ Save USPS , “ among other messages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican fundraiser and major political donor named to lead the Postal Service in May , has sparked a nationwide outcry over postal delays and cutbacks just as millions of Americans prepare to vote by mail to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic .
The protest follows President Donald Trump ’ s acknowledgement in an interview on Fox Business Network that he has been starving the Postal Service of money in order to make it harder to process an expected surge of mail-in ballots , which he worries could cost him the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that it could not guarantee all ballots cast by mail would arrive in time to be counted , even if mailed by deadlines .
Protestors also gathered outside DeJoy ’ s apartment building in Washington early Saturday morning in a similar protest , The Washington Post reported .
It was unclear whether DeJoy was at either home during the demonstrations .
The Postal Service did not immediately respond to news outlets ’ requests for comment .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--The Latest: France deploying riot police to enforce masks

PARIS — The French government is sending riot police to the Marseille region to help enforce mask requirements , as more and more towns and neighbourhoods are imposing mask rules starting Monday to slow rising infections .
Government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced Monday that 130 police officers are being sent to the Marseille region , which expanded its outdoor mask requirements to all farmers ’ markets and more neighbourhoods Friday .
France has seen scattered incidents of violence by people refusing to wear masks .
Paris expanded its mask requirements Saturday , and other towns around France started requiring masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speeding up around France in recent days , with 3,015 new cases Sunday , one of the highest daily spikes since the country lifted a strict two-month lockdown in May .
More than 30,400 people have died with the virus in France , one of the highest death tolls in the world .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — New Zealand delays election by four weeks after virus outbreak in Auckland — Federal virus money slow to trickle to local public health in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : LJUBLJANA , Slovenia — Traffic backed up at the Croatian-Slovenian border over the weekend as Austrians who had been vacationing in Croatia sought to get home before new safety restrictions on entering the country went into effect .
Hours-long traffic jams formed in Slovenia , and 350 Austrians were not able to make it across the border at the Spielfeld crossing before the Sunday deadline , the Austria Press Association reported Monday .
The Austrian government ordered the increased health and safety measures for people coming from Croatia , noting that about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been linked to travellers , many who had been on vacation along the Croatian Adriatic coast .
Under the new guidelines for entering Austria , travellers need to produce an official health certificate no more than 72 hours old showing they tested negative for the coronavirus .
If such proof is not available , travellers need to take a test within 48 hours of their arrival and quarantine at home until a result is available .
TULSA , Okla. — A top White House coronavirus adviser encouraged people to cover their faces and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic during a stop in Oklahoma , where Republican Gov .
Kevin Stitt has resisted imposing a statewide mask order .
Dr. Deborah Birx led the roundtable discussion Sunday at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa .
The meeting was closed to journalists , but state and local officials who attended told the Tulsa World that Birx was unwavering on the necessity for masks and distancing in public .
The Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation said Birx also met with tribal health officials .
Birx is on a Midwestern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kansas .
She is scheduled to be in Arkansas on Monday .
PRAGUE — The Czech Republic is returning to mandatory use of face masks in indoor public spaces .
Health Minister Adam Vojtech says the face coverings will have to be worn on all means of the public transport and interior places , such are stores , shopping malls , post offices but not in bars and restaurants .
People will also have to have the masks at any indoor public gatherings .
Vojtech says the “ preventive measure ” becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new school year .
Currently , the masks are mandatory at hospitals and outpatient clinics and other health care facilities across the country , and on Prague ’ s subway network .
The number of the confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic has surpassed 20,000 .
According to Health Ministry figures released on Monday , the country has had 20,012 infected people while 397 have died .
ATHENS , Greece — Greece ’ s government spokesman says schools in the country are set to reopen on Sept. 7 .
Stelios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure children adhere to measures such as maintaining social distance , frequently washing their hands and wearing masks where necessary .
Greek authorities have been alarmed by a significant increase in the number of daily coronavirus cases detected , with the numbers steadily over 200 for the past five days .
Total confirmed cases now top 7,000 , with 228 deaths .
Many of the new cases have been attributed to outbreaks after weddings and people ignoring social distancing and protective measures during summer vacations .
Health authorities began carrying out spot checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the mainland from the islands on Sunday .
THE HAGUE , Netherlands — A key Dutch government advisory panel forecasts that the national economy will shrink by 5 % in 2020 before returning to 3 % growth in 2021 — if the country manages to avoid a major new coronavirus lockdown .
The Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis says that unemployment will rise toward 7 % next year as the fallout from the pandemic continues to weigh on Dutch businesses .
The projections published Monday will be used by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepares its 2021 budget , which will be published on Sept. 15 .
The bureau ’ s director , Pieter Hasekamp , says the Netherlands has been less hard hit than some other countries , “ but , make no mistake , the magnitude of the negative impact is unprecedented and , for the most part , still has to make itself felt.
” NEW DELHI — India ’ s number of reported fatalities from the coronavirus has crossed 50,000 after 941 new deaths were reported in the past 24 hours .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India now has the fourth most reported fatalities from the virus in the world , behind the United States , Brazil and Mexico .
India ’ s number of confirmed coronavirus cases also crossed 2.6 million on Monday after a spike of 57,982 cases in the past 24 hours , according to the Health Ministry .
India is behind the United States and Brazil in total reported cases .
August has seen a big spike in fatalities with more than a quarter of the country ’ s total coronavirus deaths coming in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Medical Research , India ’ s top medical research body , said that more than 731,697 samples were tested for the virus on Sunday .
India has conducted nearly 30 million tests so far .
India ’ s fatality rate is less than 2 % , according to the Health Ministry .
COPENHAGEN , Denmark — Denmark is making it mandatory to wear face masks on public transportation starting Saturday after the country has seen a steady climb in the number of new coronavirus infections .
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of society , including supermarkets and shopping malls .
She said the reason for the new initiative first will come into effect at the end of the week is to give the people and shops enough time to obtain face masks .
Also , it is up to the transit companies to enforce that they are used .
Denmark was one the first European countries to ease its coronavirus lockdown as the epidemic appeared to be contained .
The Scandinavian country has seen a total of 15,617 reported cases of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China has reported no new locally spread cases of the coronavirus for the first time in a month , as twin outbreaks on opposite sides of the country have faded .
The National Health Commission did report 22 imported cases in the latest 24-hour period .
China has seen a small uptick in the number of infected people arriving from abroad in the past eight days .
Health authorities have reported 84,849 cases overall and 4,634 deaths since the start of the pandemic .
China does not include people who test positive but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case count .
TOKYO — Japan ’ s economy shrank at annual rate of 27.8 % in April-June , the worst contraction on record , as the coronavirus pandemic slammed consumption and trade , according to government data released Monday .
The Cabinet Office reported that Japan ’ s preliminary seasonally adjusted real gross domestic product , or GDP , the sum of a nation ’ s goods and services , fell 7.8 % quarter on quarter .
The annual rate shows what the number would have been if continued for a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the worst since World War II .
But the Cabinet Office said comparable records began in 1980 .
The previous worst contraction was during the global financial crisis of 2009 .
The world ’ s third largest economy was already ailing when the virus outbreak struck late last year .
The fallout has since gradually worsened both in COVID-19 cases and social distancing restrictions .
SEOUL , South Korea -- South Korea has reported 197 new cases of the coronavirus , the fourth straight day of triple-digit daily increases .
Health workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater capital area , where churches have emerged as major sources of infections .
The figures announced by South Korea ’ s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday brought total reported cases to 15,515 , including 305 deaths .
The country reported 279 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday , its biggest single-day jump since early May , as government officials expressed concerns about a massive outbreak in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area .
WELLINGTON , New Zealand — Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday chose to delay New Zealand ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country deals with a new coronavirus outbreak in its largest city , Auckland .
The election had been scheduled for Sept. 19 but will now be held on Oct. 17 .
Under New Zealand law , Ardern had the option of delaying the election for up to about two months .
Opposition parties had been requesting a delay after the virus outbreak in Auckland last week prompted the government to put the city into a two-week lockdown and halted campaigning .
Ardern said she wouldn ’ t consider delaying the election again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any virus outbreaks .
Opinion polling indicates Ardern ’ s liberal Labour Party is favoured to win a second term in office .
MELBOURNE , Australia — Australia ’ s hard-hit Victoria state on Monday recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic with 25 coronavirus fatalities .
The death toll surpasses the previous 24-hour record of 21 set on Wednesday last week .
Victoria ’ s Health Department recorded 282 new cases , slightly more than 279 new infections posted on Sunday but maintaining a downward trend over the past week .
Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a day on Aug. 5 .


thetorontostar--2020-08-17--Belarus workers on the streets as EU chief calls summit

MINSK , Belarus - Thousands of factory workers in Belarus took to the streets and crowds of demonstrators besieged the state television headquarters Monday , raising the pressure on authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to step down after 26 years in office .
On the ninth straight day of protests against the official results of the Aug. 9 presidential vote , Lukashenko flew by helicopter to a factory in the capital in a bid to rally support but was heckled by workers chanting “ Go away !
” Facing the angry crowd , the 65-year-old former state farm director dismissed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strikes declared by numerous state-controlled factories .
“ I will never cave in to pressure , ” Lukashenko told the workers , saying those who intend to go on strike could leave if they want .
“ Some of you might have got the impression that the government no longer exists , that it has tumbled down .
The government will never collapse , you know me well.
” “ There will be no new election until you kill me , ” he said , charging that the protests are ruining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse if he steps down .
He vowed to resist pressure from the demonstrators , who he said have been “ poisoned by social networks , ” but suggested that he ’ s open for discussions on constitutional reforms in an apparent bid to stem the tide of protests .
As he spoke , over 5,000 striking workers from the Minsk Tractor Plant marched down the streets of the city , demanding that Lukashenko cede his post to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , the leading opposition candidate .
“ Lukashenko is a former president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Dylevsky , the leader of the protest at the Minsk Tractor Plant , adding that Tsikhanouskaya is “ our president , legitimate and elected by the people.
” Dylevsky voiced concern that Lukashenko ’ s calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin could herald an attempt by the country ’ s giant eastern neighbour to send in troops to prop up Lukashenko .
“ We don ’ t want that , and we won ’ t let that happen , ” he said .
Lukashenko spoke twice with Putin over the weekend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands ready to provide support in the face of what he described as foreign aggression .
He claimed that NATO nations are beefing up military forces on the border with Belarus , a claim the alliance rejected .
Lithuania also warned about worrying signs that Russia might be planning to use the situation to take over Belarus .
Alexander Klaskovsky , an independent Minsk-based political analyst , said that the calls with Putin reflect that the Kremlin is considering propping up Lukashenko in exchange for his consent for a closer union between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past .
“ Russian understands Lukashenko ’ s weakness and is preparing its own scenario , which could envisage a deep integration in exchange for military help , ” Klaskovsky said .
The official results of the Aug. 9 vote gave Lukashenko 80 % of the votes and Tsikhanouskaya only 10 % , but the opposition claimed the vote was rigged .
Tsikhanouskaya has said protocols from precincts around the country showed her winning 60-70 % of the vote .
The 37-year-old former teacher left for neighbouring Lithuania Tuesday under what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement officials .
Her husband , an opposition blogger , whom she replaced on the ballot , has been in jail since May .
In a video statement released Monday , Tsikhanouskaya said she was ready to step in as the country ’ s new leader .
“ I ’ m ready to take on the responsibility and act as a national leader in order for the country to calm down , return to its normal rhythm , in order for us to free all the political prisoners and prepare legislation and conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
A ferocious crackdown on protesters in the wake of Sunday ’ s vote has left nearly 7,000 people detained and hundreds injured , as police dispersed the crowds of peaceful demonstrators with stun grenades , rubber bullets and clubs .
The brutal and indiscriminate action provoked widespread anger , forcing the authorities to back off , and police have stood back since Thursday , letting protests go uninterrupted .
Big crowds turned out Saturday to pay their last respect to Alexander Taraikovsky , a protester who died Monday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an explosive device he intended to throw at police blew up in his hands , but a video shot by an Associated Press journalist showed that he had no explosive device when he fell on the ground , his shirt bloodied .
His partner said his body had a perforation in his chest that she believes was a bullet wound .
Belarus ’ Interior Minister has stepped back from the official version , saying Sunday that Taraikovsky might have been killed by a rubber bullet .
On Sunday , an estimated 200,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avenues in the largest protest the country has ever seen .
In Brussels , European Council President Charles Michel convened an emergency summit of EU leaders on Wednesday to discuss the handling of the election and the crackdown in the wake of the polls .
“ The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader , “ Michel said in a tweet .
“ Violence against protesters is unacceptable and can not be allowed.
” On Friday , the 27 EU foreign ministers underlined that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decided to start drawing up a list of people who could face sanctions over their role in the violence .
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Lukashenko Monday to “ follow the path of talks , not to rely on violence but on dialogue.
” “ I appeal to the Belarusian military not to sin by using violence against their own people , ” he said .
Daria Litvinova and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow , Lorne Cook in Brussels , Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius , Lithuania , and David Rising in Berlin contributed @ @ @ @