In the news today, May 31

In a historic victory, the first NBA Finals game to be played outside of the United States has gone to Toronto. The Raptors have a 1-0 lead in the series after beating two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors 118-109. Fans began lining up to get into “Jurassic Park” outside Scotiabank Arena hours before the game, with police forced to shut down nearby streets for the overflow. West of Toronto, about 20-thousand people cheered on the Raptors at Celebration Square in Mississauga, while in Burlington, the city shut down around the area dubbed “Burlassic Park” because of larger than expected crowds.

———

U.S. THREATENS TARIFFS ON MEXICO AS TRADE DEAL RATIFICATION LOOMS

In a surprise announcement that could compromise a major trade deal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is slapping a five per cent tariff on all Mexican imports to pressure the country to do more to crack down on the surge of migrants trying to cross the border. The announcement comes as the administration has been pushing for passage of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement that would update the North American Free Trade Agreement. Earlier in the day, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence said giving momentum to the ratification of the USMCA was the main reason for his visit to Ottawa, one day after the Liberals introduced ratification legislation in the House of Commons.

———

SENTENCING HEARING FOR PARENTS IN BABY’S DEATH

A sentencing hearing is to continue today for a Calgary couple convicted in the death of their 14-month-old son. A jury last fall found Jennifer and Jeromie Clark guilty of criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life. The trial heard their toddler, John, didn’t see a doctor until the day before he died of a staph infection in November 2013. Jurors saw photos of the dead boy with a red rash all over his body and with blackened toes. They were also shown screen shots of online searches for natural remedies for gangrene such as cabbage leaves and cayenne.

———

HARASSMENT HOTLINE LAUNCHED FOR ACTORS, PERFORMERS

The unions representing Canada’s performers and directors are launching a hotline for artists to report incidents of sexual harassment or violence. ACTRA and the Directors Guild of Canada say the line will offer support from human resources company Morneau Shepell. The organizations say members can call 24-7 to report workplace-related harassment and access resources such as confidential counselling. They say the joint initiative is part of the Canadian entertainment industry’s response to the recent flood of sexual misconduct allegations.

———

ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— A judge is expected to hand down a sentence for former Calgary teacher Christian Allen Sarile, who pleaded guilty to 17 sex-related charges involving girls between 12 and 17 years old.

— Statistics Canada to release gross domestic product for March and the first quarter of 2019.

— Alberta Premier Jason Kenney addresses the Economic Club of Canada today in Calgary.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, May 31

More Local News