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HOUSTON — A 16-year-old Guatemala migrant who died Monday in U.S. custody had been held by immigration authorities for six days – twice as long as federal law generally permits – then transferred him to another holding facility even after he was diagnosed with the flu. The teenager, identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, was the fifth minor from Guatemala to die after being apprehended by U.S. border agents since December.Advocates demanded that President Trump’s administration act to safeguard the lives of children in detention as border crossings surge and the U.S. Border Patrol detains thousands of families at a time in overcrowded facilities, tents, and outdoor spaces. “We should all be outraged and demand that those responsible for his well-being be held accountable,” said Efrén Olivares, a lawyer with the Texas Civil Rights Project. “If these were white children that were dying at this … [Read more...] about Fifth migrant child dies after detention by border agents

CARIBOU — A Maine man who kicked a man on the face while he was on his knees will remain free pending his sentencing next month for manslaughter. Twenty-three-year-old Jonathan Limary is due to be sentenced on June 20 in Aroostook County Superior Court. A jury convicted him Friday evening.Police say the victim, 44-year-old Jean Bragdon, had been fighting another man and witnesses say he was on the pavement trying to catch his breath when Limary kicked him. Witnesses said Bragdon’s knees and one or both hands were on the pavement. Limary testified he kicked Bragdon because he thought he was going to resume the fight. His attorney argued the death was caused because of post-surgical complications. Prosecutors say the surgery wouldn’t have been necessary if he hadn’t been kicked. < Previous House passes bill to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity Next > … [Read more...] about Man remains free pending sentencing on manslaughter charge

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday celebrated the anniversary of his disputed re-election amid a growing humanitarian crisis and political upheaval. Maduro tweeted that the May 20, 2018, election, was a “victory” for Venezuelans, though the opposition and many countries have derided it as unfair.In a speech at a government-organized rally, Maduro said he is prepared to face the opposition in legislative elections, though he has made similar challenges in the past while dismissing allegations that his re-election was fixed. He referred to a recent effort by Norway to mediate between Venezuela’s opposing factions and said he favored dialogue, though critics accuse him of using past negotiations to play for time. “Why don’t they respond when I make this proposal?” Maduro said of his election offer to the opposition, which is demanding that he step down to make way for a transitional government before elections … [Read more...] about Despite upheaval, Venezuela’s Maduro celebrates anniversary

Chipmakers and other technology companies pulled U.S. stocks lower Monday, extending the market’s losses into another week. The U.S. decision to ban technology sales to China’s Huawei hammered the tech sector, particularly chipmakers. About one-third of Huawei’s suppliers are American chipmakers and investors are worried that the action against Huawei could crimp sales for companies with revenue heavily tied to China.Apple also skidded after an analyst warned that the iPhone maker’s growth prospects could dim as the U.S. and China continue to spar over trade. The Huawei ban is adding more anxiety to a market worried about further escalations in the trade war between the U.S. and China. Both sides have recently gone back and forth raising additional tariffs on each other’s goods. The uncertainty has put a dent in investor confidence over how Washington and Beijing will resolve their dispute, pulling stocks lower the last two weeks. “The news that has … [Read more...] about Stocks fall as Huawei ban triggers sell-off in chipmakers

By Michael C. Bradley On May 16, the Philadelphia Gay News released its endorsements for the upcoming elections. Editor and owner Mark Segal prefaced his endorsements by stating that PGN does “not endorse based solely on sexual orientation.” This is commendable. Because we are starved for quality representation in this city, we should judge each candidate on an in-depth and holistic look at their character and positions. In an about-face, Segal then went on to blast another organization for not endorsing candidates aligned with their goals: “How can Reclaim Philadelphia, an organization claiming to be progressive, not support at least one of (two qualified trans candidates)?” In one final, inexplicable act of hypocrisy, the news outlet claiming “to focus on and promote businesses and populations within our (LGBT) community to engender mutual success” then went on to exclude at least one LGBT Council candidate entirely, and severely downplay another. … [Read more...] about Bradley: Candidates deserve fair shake from media