bbc--2020-08-13--Bowlers put England on top against Pakistan

Last updated on .From the section Cricket England 's bowlers grabbed the upper hand in the second Test against Pakistan on a rain-affected first day at the Ageas Bowl .
Abid Ali was dropped twice on the way to 60 , with Pakistan looking well placed on 78-1 .
But after a lengthy rain break , the hosts capitalised on humid conditions suited to seam bowling by taking 3-18 during an hour-long session .
Rain forced the players off again at 17:00 BST and bad light prevented them from returning .
More stormy weather is forecast for the remainder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same both sides will be confident of winning .
Pakistan have a bowling attack that could easily utilise conditions as England have done , while they will look to star batsman Babar Azam to extend their score on day two .
He ended unbeaten on 25 .
After last week 's superb victory at Emirates Old Trafford , victory in Southampton would give England a first series win over Pakistan in 10 years .
Patient England fare well on day one In the end , England will be pleased with their day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game from the front rather than pull off an unlikely comeback as they did in Manchester .
Pakistan opted to bat at the toss but the steamy conditions helped England find movement in the air and off the pitch .
Anderson and Broad bowled a fine opening spell , one that should have seen greater reward than just the wicket of Shan Masood for Anderson in the third over .
Both beat the bat regularly and Dom Sibley dropped a comfortable catch off Broad at third slip when Abid was on one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier chance soon after and those missed chances could easily have frustrated the bowlers .
Instead , they came out after the interruption and were rewarded for their good bowling with the fielders making amends .
Burns clung on when Curran - preferred to pace bowler Jofra Archer - found Abid 's edge and Sibley took one low when Asad Shafiq nicked Broad .
Anderson gives reminder of his powers After a difficult match at Old Trafford - he returned match figures of 1-97 - it took Anderson only eight balls to double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 38-year-old trapped Masood , Pakistan 's centurion in the first Test , lbw with an inswinger in his second over .
Anderson bristled with frustration this week at speculation he could retire after some observers suggested the powers of England 's record wicket-taker were beginning to fade .
The early signs in Southampton are that he is finding his groove .
He found more swing than on many occasions this summer , perhaps helped by the conditions , and his pace was consistently around 85mph .
When Pakistan were batting into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing 72 with Abid , it was Anderson who produced a probing delivery that Azhar nicked to third slip .
Anderson 's two wickets take him within eight of becoming the first fast bowler to take 600 in Tests .
Pakistan struggle but all not lost Pakistan will be disappointed to stumble from the position Abid and Azhar gained .
Abid 's innings was streaky , the majority of his runs scored to third man or fine leg .
Azhar , too , was not at his best but he showed promising signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recalled after an 11-year absence in place of all-rounder Shadab Khan , lasted just four balls before he was trapped lbw by Woakes for a duck .
The tourists would have been grateful play did not restart late in the day when they could easily have lost further wickets in the gloom .
They still have Babar at the crease and will know their quick bowlers have the ability to cause England 's batting order problems - a batting order that is without Ben Stokes .
What they said England bowler Sam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was a big responsibility on us to put pressure on them but we bowled really well and 120-5 was great for us .
`` The main thing when we do start is to make sure we 're on the money first up .
Babar is probably their big player so we will try to get him make advantage of that first hour and then get some big runs . ''
Former England batsman and batting coach Mark Ramprakash on TMS : `` If this pitch does dry out and become fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90mph edge .
Much has been made that Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are fit and ready to go . ''

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Second Test, Ageas Bowl, Southampton (day one of five) Pakistan 126-5: Abid 60, Anderson 2-35 England: Yet to bat Scorecard
England's bowlers grabbed the upper hand in the second Test against Pakistan on a rain-affected first day at the Ageas Bowl.
James Anderson claimed two wickets and Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran one each as Pakistan closed on 126-5 with only 45.4 overs possible.
Abid Ali was dropped twice on the way to 60, with Pakistan looking well placed on 78-1.
But after a lengthy rain break, the hosts capitalised on humid conditions suited to seam bowling by taking 3-18 during an hour-long session.
Rain forced the players off again at 17:00 BST and bad light prevented them from returning.
More stormy weather is forecast for the remainder of the match but if conditions stay the same both sides will be confident of winning.
Pakistan have a bowling attack that could easily utilise conditions as England have done, while they will look to star batsman Babar Azam to extend their score on day two. He ended unbeaten on 25.
After last week's superb victory at Emirates Old Trafford, victory in Southampton would give England a first series win over Pakistan in 10 years.
Patient England fare well on day one
In the end, England will be pleased with their day. They will now look to control the game from the front rather than pull off an unlikely comeback as they did in Manchester.
Pakistan opted to bat at the toss but the steamy conditions helped England find movement in the air and off the pitch.
Anderson and Broad bowled a fine opening spell, one that should have seen greater reward than just the wicket of Shan Masood for Anderson in the third over.
Both beat the bat regularly and Dom Sibley dropped a comfortable catch off Broad at third slip when Abid was on one.
Second slip Rory Burns spilled an even easier chance soon after and those missed chances could easily have frustrated the bowlers.
Instead, they came out after the interruption and were rewarded for their good bowling with the fielders making amends.
Burns clung on when Curran - preferred to pace bowler Jofra Archer - found Abid's edge and Sibley took one low when Asad Shafiq nicked Broad.
Anderson gives reminder of his powers
After a difficult match at Old Trafford - he returned match figures of 1-97 - it took Anderson only eight balls to double his wicket tally for the series.
The 38-year-old trapped Masood, Pakistan's centurion in the first Test, lbw with an inswinger in his second over.
Anderson bristled with frustration this week at speculation he could retire after some observers suggested the powers of England's record wicket-taker were beginning to fade.
The early signs in Southampton are that he is finding his groove.
He found more swing than on many occasions this summer, perhaps helped by the conditions, and his pace was consistently around 85mph.
When Pakistan were batting into a promising position, with captain Azhar Ali sharing 72 with Abid, it was Anderson who produced a probing delivery that Azhar nicked to third slip.
Anderson's two wickets take him within eight of becoming the first fast bowler to take 600 in Tests.
Pakistan struggle but all not lost
Pakistan will be disappointed to stumble from the position Abid and Azhar gained.
Abid's innings was streaky, the majority of his runs scored to third man or fine leg. Azhar, too, was not at his best but he showed promising signs in his 85-ball 20.
Fawad Alam, recalled after an 11-year absence in place of all-rounder Shadab Khan, lasted just four balls before he was trapped lbw by Woakes for a duck.
The tourists would have been grateful play did not restart late in the day when they could easily have lost further wickets in the gloom.
They still have Babar at the crease and will know their quick bowlers have the ability to cause England's batting order problems - a batting order that is without Ben Stokes.
What they said
England bowler Sam Curran on BBC Test Match Special: "It was a big responsibility on us to put pressure on them but we bowled really well and 120-5 was great for us.
"The main thing when we do start is to make sure we're on the money first up. Babar is probably their big player so we will try to get him make advantage of that first hour and then get some big runs."
Former England batsman and batting coach Mark Ramprakash on TMS: "If this pitch does dry out and become fairly batsman-friendly England are going to lack that 90mph edge. Much has been made that Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are fit and ready to go."


bbc--2020-08-13--Defending champion Andreescu pulls out of US Open

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Defending champion Bianca Andreescu has withdrawn from this year 's US Open because the coronavirus pandemic has hampered her return from injury .
The US Open will be held behind closed doors in New York from 31 August .
`` I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year , '' said Andreescu , who beat Serena Williams in last year 's final .
`` I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` unforeseen challenges '' including the cancellation of events because of the coronavirus pandemic have `` compromised my ability to prepare and compete to the degree necessary to play at my highest level '' .
World number six Andreescu is the fourth women 's top 20 player to pull out of the US Open after world number one Ashleigh Barty , Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens , who are ranked fifth and seventh respectively .
World number two Simona Halep , from Romania , is not expected to play either .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still plans to compete at the tournament .
Men 's world number one Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will play but defending champion Rafael Nadal pulled out citing concerns over coronavirus earlier this month , while Roger Federer is absent recovering from injury .
• None Nine fangtastic facts on their history • None Has it changed the way we eat ?

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Bianca Andreescu won the US Open on her first appearance in the main draw
Defending champion Bianca Andreescu has withdrawn from this year's US Open because the coronavirus pandemic has hampered her return from injury.
The Canadian, 20, has not played since sustaining a knee injury at the WTA Finals in October.
The US Open will be held behind closed doors in New York from 31 August.
"I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year," said Andreescu, who beat Serena Williams in last year's final.
"I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my highest level."
Andreescu added that "unforeseen challenges" including the cancellation of events because of the coronavirus pandemic have "compromised my ability to prepare and compete to the degree necessary to play at my highest level".
World number six Andreescu is the fourth women's top 20 player to pull out of the US Open after world number one Ashleigh Barty, Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens, who are ranked fifth and seventh respectively.
World number two Simona Halep, from Romania, is not expected to play either.
However, 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams says she still plans to compete at the tournament.
Men's world number one Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will play but defending champion Rafael Nadal pulled out citing concerns over coronavirus earlier this month, while Roger Federer is absent recovering from injury.


bbc--2020-08-13--Champions League: Barcelona 'best in world' says Arturo Vidal

Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal says his former side Bayern Munich are facing `` the best team in the world '' in Friday 's quarter-final and not `` any old team in the Bundesliga '' .
Bayern are fancied to beat Barca when the only two previous winners left in the Champions League meet in Lisbon .
`` I understand the pessimism but we are the best team in the world , '' Vidal said .
`` The problem is that we do n't always show it . ''
• Champions League quarter-finals : All you need to know Both Bayern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Cup , and this week 48 % of BBC Sport readers picked Bayern to win the tournament for the first time since 2013 .
Barca have failed to inspire this season , losing La Liga to Real Madrid and leaving manager Quique Setien - appointed in January - already under pressure , Meanwhile , Bayern were superb after lockdown to sweep to a eighth-straight championship in Germany .
`` Bayern will be confident but they must know that tomorrow they 're not playing any old team in the Bundesliga , they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have Leo [ Messi ] , we have the best players and we want to prove ourselves . ''
The winners will play Manchester City or Lyon in the semi-final .
Bayern 's main goal threat will come from Poland striker Robert Lewandowski , who has 13 goals in seven Champions League games this term and is four behind Cristiano Ronaldo 's record haul in one season .
`` Lewandowski is extraordinary , very dangerous , an insatiable goalscorer , '' Vidal said .
`` It 's going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's impossible to compare him with Messi , who is from another planet .
`` But you could say that Lewandowski is the best striker in the world alongside Luis Suarez . ''
Messi can join Cristiano Ronaldo on five Champions League wins should he add the trophy this year - but Bayern are a serious obstacle .
Their coach Hansi Flick - who was in charge on an interim basis - signed a long-term deal during the lockdown and could make it a treble in his first season in the job with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of respect for them because Barcelona have been for decades among the best teams in Europe , '' Flick said .
`` Messi has been the best player for several years now .
An exceptional player .
`` But it 's not just Bayern against Messi .
It is Bayern against Barcelona .
Messi is a world class player and we have obviously thought about how to play him .
`` We need to do it as a team .
It is important to play smart against him .
To see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one-on-ones and win those . ''
• Barcelona and Bayern Munich have both reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the 18th time ( in 24 and 23 appearances respectively ) , more than any other team .
• Barcelona are in the quarter-finals for the 13th consecutive year - that is every season since 2007-08 , a record in the history of the competition .
• Barcelona have lost more Champions League games against Bayern than any other club , losing five of their eight matches against them ( W2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two of their last 31 Champions League matches ( W19 D10 ) and are unbeaten in this season 's competition ( W5 D3 ) ; they are one of only three teams still yet to taste defeat this season , along with opponents Bayern Munich and Manchester City .
• Bayern striker Lewandowski has scored 13 goals in just seven Champions League appearances this season , averaging a goal every 47 minutes - in the history of the European Cup/Champions League , this is the best minutes per goal ratio in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 500 minutes that season .
• Vampire origins : Nine fangtastic facts on their history • Food and lockdown : Has it changed the way we eat ?

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Bayern are the first side to score five against Barcelona in a European Cup/Champions League game
Bayern Munich sent out an emphatic and ominous message to their Champions League rivals with an absolute demolition of fellow European heavyweights Barcelona in a gloriously chaotic and utterly one-sided quarter-final tie in Lisbon.
The high-pressing, energetic and ruthless German champions were on a different level to their Spanish rivals, as they have been for pretty much every opponent they have faced in Europe this season and in every competition since football restarted in June.
They scored four times in the first half, added another quartet in the second, and could easily have netted more against a shell-shocked and shambolic Barca side whose defensive errors were too numerous to recount and who now have a new and embarrassing record defeat in European competition to their name.
Bayern were not entirely infallible, though, with Barca's forward players - inevitably led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez - regularly finding space in behind to cause problems and test Manuel Neuer.
In a dizzyingly madcap opening 10 minutes, Thomas Muller fired Bayern ahead following a one-two with Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba wildly sliced a Jordi Alba cross into his own net to restore parity, before Suarez was denied by Neuer and Messi hit the post with a curling cross through a packed box.
The following 22 minutes took the game away from Barca, with Ivan Perisic smashing in a deflected second for Bayern before Serge Gnabry finished off a delightful ball over the top from Leon Goretzka, and Muller poked in his second at the near post.
A neat turn and finish from Suarez after the break gave the Spanish side hope, but this was snuffed out by arguably the pick of the goals - a Joshua Kimmich side-foot finish following some stunning skill and speed and excellent delivery from Alphonso Davies.
Robert Lewandowski headed his 14th Champions League goal in just eight games before salt was poured into Barca's deep wounds as Philippe Coutinho - on loan from the Spanish side - netted a seventh and eighth via close-range finishes after coming off the bench.
Bayern are by far the most decorated side left in the competition, having won the European Cup/Champions League on five occasions, most recently in 2013 and look comfortably the strongest left in this season's tournament.
They will now face French side Lyon, who defeated Manchester City 3-1.
Bayern hit new heights in stellar season
There is always a danger that knock-out games between two of Europe's most decorated sides become a cagey tactical grapple as opposed to the haymaker-throwing thrill-fest promised by the hype.
Not Barca v Bayern, though. This is a match-up that delivers, even in an empty, neutral stadium.
Four knock-out ties since 2009 have now yielded 36 goals at an average of five goals per game.
This includes the Arjen Robben and Muller-inspired 7-0 aggregate win for Bayern in the semi-finals in 2013 and a Messi and Neymar masterclass in the last four two years later as Barca floored the Germans.
But this game tops the lot and will last long in the memory as a showcase of two sides now operating in different stratospheres.
Bayern's brilliance and risky high line, Barcelona's crippling frailty but still potent attack - it all ensured that a goalscoring chance was never far away and the ball in the net a high possibility from each.
Such has been the quality of these sides in the three previous knock-out ties, the winner of each went on to lift the trophy, and you would not put it past Bayern continuing that trend.
They have ripped through the competition, scoring 39 goals and conceding just eight in the process of winning all 10 of their matches. The eight they scored on Friday is the most a side has scored in a European Cup tie since Real Madrid beat FC Wacker Innsbruck 9-1 in a last-16 tie in 1990-91.
This is on top of the nine they won post-lockdown to claim an eighth straight Bundesliga title and the two that gave them the German Cup.
The hiring of Hansi Flick - initially on an interim basis but now permanently - now looks like a masterstroke by the Bayern hierarchy.
In a short space of time he has built a Bayern side that is every bit the match of their impressive predecessors, constructed around a positivity that makes Jerome Boateng and Alaba playmakers from the back, Davies and Kimmich as much wingers as full-backs and Lewandowski, Muller et al a seamless attacking unit unmatched on the continent.
Lyon will have a monumental task on their hands next Wednesday.
Game over for this Barca side
Barcelona's dismantling on the pitch in Lisbon will surely now proceed major restructuring work off it before next season.
This was not just a defeat, it was a humiliation. A first defeat by a six-goal margin since a 6-0 loss to Espanyol in 1951. Their first concession of eight in a match since an 8-0 defeat to Sevilla in 1946.
The average age of their starting XI on Friday was 29 years and 329 days, the oldest they have ever named for a Champions League tie.
Only Messi and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen have regularly performed to the level expected of a Barca player this campaign and question marks now hang over most of their team-mates.
One man whose time is now surely up is manager Quique Setien, who has overseen the club relinquishing the La Liga title to fierce rivals Real Madrid and now a European defeat like no other.
His starting XI was conservative, with the attack-minded Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele (both nine-figure signings) and Ivan Rakitic left on the bench, and one that practically screamed its reliance on some magic from Messi or Suarez.
But such a brilliant duo can only bail their boss out so many times.
Before the game, Arturo Vidal, who started in midfield, proclaimed his former side Bayern were facing "the best team in the world".
He is now not just eating those ill-chosen words but choking on them.
Man of the match - Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
It could have been any member of Bayern's side but Muller takes it. He has now scored six goals against Barcelona in the Champions League, the most by any player against the Spaniards in the competition's history.
Bayern second only to Real Madrid for semi-finals
Bayern Munich have reached their 12th Champions League semi-final - only Real Madrid have done so more often (13).
Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski became the first player to score in eight or more consecutive Champions League matches since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2018 (11 games).
Barcelona have been eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for a fourth time in the past five seasons.
Bayern Munich have won their last 19 matches in all competitions, a record run in German top-flight football in all competitions.
Bayern manager Hans-Dieter Flick became only the third manager in Champions League history to win his first six matches in charge, after Fabio Capello in 1992-93 and Luis Fernandez in 1994-95.
Barcelona have lost six Champions League matches against Bayern Munich - two more than against any other side.


bbc--2020-08-13--Serena comes from behind to beat Venus at Top Seed Open

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Former world number one Serena Williams came from a set down to beat her sister Venus 3-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the quarter-finals of the Top Seed Open .
It was the 31st competitive singles match between the sisters , with Serena now having won 19 times to Venus ' 12 .
`` I honestly do n't know how I was able to pull it out at the end , '' said 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena .
`` I have been losing a lot of those tight sets so I said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just for my game and my confidence . ''
Top seed Serena broke seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus , 40 , in the first game of the match but faded to lose the first set 6-3 in 41 minutes , before taking the second by the same score in 50 minutes .
Serena , 38 , broke first in the final set but Venus fought back and looked to be on course for victory at 4-2 up .
However , Serena , who also had to come from behind against Bernarda Pera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial winners to reach the last eight of her first tournament in six months .
She will face either fellow American Shelby Rogers or Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez in the quarter-finals of the behind-closed-doors event .
In Thursday 's first last-16 tie , Switzerland 's Jil Teichmann beat Ukrainian fifth seed Yulia Putintseva 6-2 6-2 .
`` I did n't come here to win for the first time in my career , I just came here to get some matches and see what happens , '' added Serena , who is preparing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which starts on 31 August .
Her chances of winning a 24th Grand Slam singles title in New York have been boosted by several top-20 players withdrawing from the event .
Defending champion Bianca Andreescu , who beat Serena in last year 's final , became the latest to pull out of the tournament in New York on Thursday .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
The Williams sisters touched racquets after their match in Lexington, Kentucky
Former world number one Serena Williams came from a set down to beat her sister Venus 3-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the quarter-finals of the Top Seed Open.
Serena also trailed 4-2 in the deciding set but claimed four straight games to win a high-quality match in Kentucky.
It was the 31st competitive singles match between the sisters, with Serena now having won 19 times to Venus' 12.
"I honestly don't know how I was able to pull it out at the end," said 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena.
"I have been losing a lot of those tight sets so I said to myself that I really needed to win, just for my game and my confidence."
Top seed Serena broke seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus, 40, in the first game of the match but faded to lose the first set 6-3 in 41 minutes, before taking the second by the same score in 50 minutes.
Serena, 38, broke first in the final set but Venus fought back and looked to be on course for victory at 4-2 up.
However, Serena, who also had to come from behind against Bernarda Pera in her opening match, hit some crucial winners to reach the last eight of her first tournament in six months.
She will face either fellow American Shelby Rogers or Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez in the quarter-finals of the behind-closed-doors event.
In Thursday's first last-16 tie, Switzerland's Jil Teichmann beat Ukrainian fifth seed Yulia Putintseva 6-2 6-2.
"I didn't come here to win for the first time in my career, I just came here to get some matches and see what happens," added Serena, who is preparing to play in this year's US Open, which starts on 31 August.
Her chances of winning a 24th Grand Slam singles title in New York have been boosted by several top-20 players withdrawing from the event.
Defending champion Bianca Andreescu, who beat Serena in last year's final, became the latest to pull out of the tournament in New York on Thursday.


bbc--2020-08-13--Friday's gossip column - Liverpool make contact over Thiago

Last updated on .From the section Gossip Premier League winners Liverpool have made contact with German champions Bayern Munich over a deal for Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara , 29 .
( Bild , in German - subscription required ) .
Borussia Dortmund 's head of football operations , Sebastian Kehl , has reiterated that 20-year-old England forward Jadon Sancho will definitely be staying at the club despite interest from Manchester United .
( MEN ) United are set to rival Chelsea in the race to sign Leicester City 's England left-back Ben Chilwell , 23 , with the Blues unwilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Mirror ) Atletico Madrid 's 27-year-old Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak is to make a decision on his future amid interest from Chelsea .
( AS ) Arsenal will announce the signing of Brazil international Willian , 32 , on three-year deal this weekend after the forward 's deal at Chelsea expired .
( Telegraph - subscription required ) The Gunners face competition from Juventus for Atletico Madrid 's 27-year-old Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey .
( Gazzetta Dello Sport , via Mail ) New Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has also told Argentina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany midfielder Sami Khedira , 33 , they can leave the club this summer .
( Goal ) Manchester United and Tottenham could be given another chance to sign Argentina forward Paulo Dybala , 26 , from Juventus this summer .
( Mirror ) United will demand £20m from Roma for 30-year-old England centre-back Chris Smalling , who is willing to take a pay cut to join the Serie A side .
( Sun ) Napoli are willing to reach an agreement with Everton over a deal to sell Brazil midfielder Allan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want more than £80m for England midfielder Declan Rice , 21 , amid interest from Chelsea .
( Times - subscription required ) Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller insists 21-year-old Germany midfielder Kai Havertz , a target of Chelsea , will only be allowed to leave `` under certain conditions '' .
( Kicker , via Standard ) Chelsea 's Italy left-back Emerson Palmieri , 26 , has agreed personal terms with Serie A side Inter Milan .
( Calciomercato , via Express ) The Blues lead Premier League rivals Arsenal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-year-old Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilon , due to being in next season 's Champions League .
( AS - in Spanish ) The agent of Brazil international Philippe Coutinho , 28 , believes the Barcelona midfielder could remain at the Nou Camp despite being linked with a Premier League move .
( TalkSport ) Championship side Stoke City have cut their asking price for England goalkeeper Jack Butland , 27 , to around £8-10m .
( Sky Sports ) • None The very latest from the Champions League Quarter finals • None Tracks @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Manchester United are set to compete with Chelsea to sign Leicester City's England left-back Ben Chilwell, with the Blues unwilling to meet the Foxes' £80m asking price for the 23-year-old. (Mirror) external-link
Borussia Dortmund's head of football operations, Sebastian Kehl, has reiterated that 20-year-old England forward Jadon Sancho will definitely be staying at the club despite interest from Manchester United. (Manchester Evening News) external-link
Dortmund believe Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid will come in for Sancho next year if United fail to sign him this summer. (Mirror) external-link
Gossip: Can Man Utd sign Jadon Sancho & Jack Grealish this summer?
Atletico Madrid's 27-year-old Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak is to make a decision on his future amid interest from Chelsea. (AS) external-link
Manchester City are keen on Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly but have denied making a bid for the 29-year-old Senegal international, while the Premier League side are not interested in Bayern Munich and Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara, 29. (Manchester Evening News) external-link
Premier League winners Liverpool have made contact with German champions Bayern over a deal for Thiago Alcantara. (Bild, in German - subscription required) external-link
However, the Reds have no interest in Vasco da Gama's Brazilian forward Talles Magno, despite reports in Brazil linking the 18-year-old with a move to Anfield. (Standard) external-link
Arsenal will announce the signing of Brazil forward Willian on three-year deal this weekend after the 32-year-old's contract at Chelsea expired. (Telegraph - subscription required) external-link
The Gunners will give Willian a deal worth £220,000 a week, including a signing-on fee. (Mail) external-link
West Ham United want more than £80m for England midfielder Declan Rice, 21, amid interest from Chelsea. (Times - subscription required) external-link
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could be given another chance to sign Argentina forward Paulo Dybala, 26, from Juventus this summer. (Mirror) external-link
New Juve manager Andrea Pirlo has also told Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, 32, and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, 33, they can leave the club. (Goal) external-link
Sancho 'happy' to stay and help Dortmund youngsters Manchester United target Jadon Sancho is "really happy" to play alongside and guide Borussia Dortmund's "special" young team
Manchester United will demand £20m from Roma for 30-year-old England centre-back Chris Smalling, who is willing to take a pay cut to join the Serie A side. (Sun) external-link
Arsenal face competition from Juventus for Atletico Madrid's 27-year-old Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey. (Gazzetta Dello Sport - in Italian) external-link
Napoli are willing to reach an agreement for Everton to sign their Brazilian midfielder Allan, 29. (Express) external-link
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller insists 21-year-old Germany midfielder Kai Havertz, a target of Chelsea, will only be allowed to leave "under certain conditions". (Kicker, via Standard) external-link
Chelsea's Italy left-back Emerson Palmieri, 26, has agreed personal terms with Serie A side Inter Milan. (Calciomercato - in Italian) external-link
The Blues are more likely to sign Real Madrid's 23-year-old Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilon than Premier League rivals Arsenal because they are in next season's Champions League. (AS - in Spanish) external-link
The agent of Brazil international Philippe Coutinho, 28, says the Barcelona midfielder could remain at the Nou Camp despite being linked with a Premier League move. (TalkSport) external-link
Championship side Stoke City have cut their asking price for England goalkeeper Jack Butland, 27, to about £8-10m. (Sky Sports) external-link


bbc--2020-08-14--Trump stokes 'birther' conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris

President Donald Trump says he has `` heard '' Democratic candidate Kamala Harris `` does n't qualify '' to serve as US vice-president , amplifying a fringe legal theory critics decry as racist .
She was born in the US to a Jamaican father and Indian mother in Oakland , California , on 20 October 1964 .
As such , she is eligible to serve as president or vice-president .
For years , Mr Trump promoted a false `` birther '' theory that ex-President Barack Obama was not born in the US .
Ms Harris , a California senator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman of colour to serve as running mate on a main-party US presidential ticket .
• How Kamala Harris could help - or hurt - Joe Biden She is deputy to Democratic White House candidate Joe Biden , who will challenge Mr Trump , a Republican , in November 's general election .
`` The VP has the same eligibility requirements as the president , '' Juliet Sorensen , a law professor at Northwestern University , told the Associated Press ( AP ) news agency .
`` Kamala Harris , she has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 years old , and a resident in the United States for at least 14 years .
She is .
That 's really the end of the inquiry . ''
What did Trump say ?
After a conservative law professor questioned Ms Harris ' eligibility based on her parents ' immigration status at the time of her birth , Mr Trump was asked about the argument at a press conference on Thursday .
The president said : `` I just heard it today that she does n't meet the requirements and by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a very highly qualified , very talented lawyer .
`` I have no idea if that 's right .
I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice-president .
`` But that 's a very serious , you 're saying that , they 're saying that she does n't qualify because she was n't born in this country . ''
The reporter replied there was no question that Ms Harris was born in the US , simply that her parents might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Earlier on Thursday , a Trump campaign adviser , Jenna Ellis , reposted a tweet from the head of conservative group Judicial Watch , Tim Fitton .
In that tweet , Mr Fitton questioned whether Ms Harris was `` ineligible to be vice-president under the US constitution 's 'citizenship clause ' '' .
He also shared the opinion piece published in Newsweek magazine by John Eastman , a law professor at Chapman University in California , that Mr Trump was asked about .
What is the law professor 's argument ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Constitution 's wording that `` no person except a natural born citizen… shall be eligible to the office of president '' .
He also points out that the 14th Amendment to the constitution says `` all persons born… in the United States , and subject to the jurisdiction thereof , are citizens '' .
Prof Eastman 's argument , which he claims is also being made by other `` commentators '' , hinges on the idea that Ms Harris may not have been subject to US jurisdiction if her parents were , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time of their daughter 's birth in California .
`` Her father was ( and is ) a Jamaican national , her mother was from India , and neither was a naturalized US citizen at the time of Harris ' birth in 1964 .
That , according to these commentators , makes her not a 'natural born citizen ' - and therefore ineligible for the office of the president and , hence , ineligible for the office of the vice president . ''
In 2010 , Prof Eastman ran to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He lost to Steve Cooley , who went on to be defeated by Ms Harris , the Democratic candidate , in the general election .
Following furious backlash to the Newsweek op-ed , its editor-in-chief Nancy Cooper stood by the decision to publish , arguing on Thursday that Prof Eastman 's article had `` nothing to do with racist birtherism '' and was instead `` focusing on a long-standing , somewhat arcane legal debate '' .
What do other constitutional experts say ?
Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky told CBS News , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Eastman 's argument about Ms Harris ' eligibility was `` truly silly '' .
He wrote in an email : `` Under section 1 of the 14th Amendment , anyone born in the United States is a United States citizen .
`` The Supreme Court has held this since the 1890s .
Kamala Harris was born in the United States . ''
Laurence Tribe , a constitutional law professor at Harvard University and frequent critic of President Trump , called Prof Eastman 's argument `` garbage '' and `` racist birtherism redux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Loyola Law School , told AP : `` Let 's just be honest about what it is : It 's just a racist trope we trot out when we have a candidate of colour whose parents were not citizens . ''
How did Trump fuel the Obama 'birther ' theory ?
Back in 2011 , Mr Trump began stoking right-wing theories that President Obama might have been born in Kenya .
Even when Mr Obama produced a copy of his birth certificate in April that year showing he was born in Hawaii @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a `` fraud '' .
During a September 2016 press conference , Mr Trump , then the Republican White House candidate , was asked about the matter .
He sought to take credit for dispelling doubts over Mr Obama 's eligibility , telling reporters : `` I finished it .
President Obama was born in the United States .
Period . ''
Mr Trump also argued in 2016 that his Republican rival Ted Cruz was not eligible to run for president because he was born in Canada to a US citizen mother @ @ @ @ @

"Her father was (and is) a Jamaican national, her mother was from India, and neither was a naturalized US citizen at the time of Harris' birth in 1964. That, according to these commentators, makes her not a 'natural born citizen' - and therefore ineligible for the office of the president and, hence, ineligible for the office of the vice president."


bbc--2020-08-14--New Zealand extends Auckland lockdown for 12 days

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a 12-day extension of the country ’ s Covid-19 restrictions , after a cluster of cases grew to 29 .
There are four “ alert levels ” in New Zealand , and Auckland has been on Level 3 since Wednesday .
The rest of the country is on Level 2 , and Ms Ardern said both would be extended .
New Zealand has had success containing coronavirus , and went 102 days without a community transmission .
The origin of the cluster in Auckland - New Zealand 's largest city with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being investigated .
The PM said the decision to extend the restrictions was “ in keeping with our cautionary approach and New Zealand 's philosophy of going hard and going early ” .
She said that , in 12 days ’ time , she thought “ the cluster will be identified , will be isolated , and we can move to Level 2 in Auckland with confidence ” .
All 29 cases “ remain linked to one cluster centred in Auckland ” , Ms Ardern said , adding that 38 people are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went 'hard and early ' to beat Covid-19 But she said that , although the first cases of the new outbreak were confirmed in Auckland on Tuesday , contact-tracing had uncovered an earlier case , involving a shop worker in the Mt Wellington district of Auckland who became sick on 31 July .
“ In terms of the ongoing investigation to identify where the virus originated from , there are still no clear connections at this point , ” Ms Ardern said .
But she said genomic testing and contact-tracing suggested the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points or New Zealand 's previous outbreak in March .
New Zealand could expect to see more cases from the cluster , she said , adding : `` It will grow before it slows .
`` And it may continue to be linked to schools , churches and social gatherings , as it has done to date .
We also know , based on overseas experience and our own , that it is possible to contain a cluster or outbreak without ever being able to identify its origin . ''
What are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now in place in Auckland , all public places – such as libraries , museums , cinemas , food courts , and playgrounds – must be closed .
People must work from home where possible , and children are encouraged to `` learn from home '' .
Residents have been told to stay in their “ household bubbles ” when not at work or school if they have to attend .
Supermarkets and petrol stations can open , but other “ close contact ” businesses must shut .
Level 2 – which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – is less severe .
People can still go to workplaces and schools , but they must keep their distance and wear a mask if possible .
Gatherings of more than 100 are banned .
The final game of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition between the Auckland Blues and Canterbury Crusaders at Auckland 's Eden Park has been cancelled due to the restrictions .
What is the background ?
Four people tested positive on Tuesday in Auckland .
A three-day lockdown was brought in the following day , now extended by 12 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak also prompted Ms Ardern to postpone until Monday the dissolution of parliament so that September 's election can take place .
In her latest address , she said no decision had been taken on the election 19 September date yet - she would decide in the next 48 hours .
The opposition National Party say the election should be delayed as restrictions on campaigning mean Ms Ardern has an unfair advantage .
Before Tuesday , New Zealand was one of only a handful of countries to go so long without recording @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All 22 active cases of the virus before Tuesday 's announcement were among returning travellers quarantined in isolation facilities .
The government had lifted almost all of its lockdown restrictions , which were first imposed in March .
An early lockdown , tough border restrictions , effective health messaging and an aggressive test-and-trace programme had all been credited with virtually eliminating the virus in the country .
• VACCINE : When will we have one ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

"And it may continue to be linked to schools, churches and social gatherings, as it has done to date. We also know, based on overseas experience and our own, that it is possible to contain a cluster or outbreak without ever being able to identify its origin."


bbc--2020-08-13--Coronavirus: Students from Georgia School speak about failed halth measures

After Hannah shared a photo of a crowded hallway at North Paulding High School in Georgia , the school faced @ @ @ @ @ after Covid-19 cases emerged among students and staff , the school was temporarily closed .
@ @ @ @ @ the tough decision of choosing between in-person or distance learning when the school re-opens .
@ @ @ @ @ and a parent from the school about the district 's decision .

After Hannah shared a photo of a crowded hallway at North Paulding High School in Georgia, the school faced national criticism.
Then, after Covid-19 cases emerged among students and staff, the school was temporarily shut. Now, parents are facing the tough decision of choosing between in-person or distance learning when school re-opens.
The BBC spoke to students and a parent from the school district about the county's decision to start in-person learning when it did.
Produced by Cody Godwin, Larry Madowo and Sarah Fountain
Edited by Angélica Casas and Tristan Cimini


bbc--2020-08-14--Belarus election: 'Widespread torture' inflicted on jailed protesters

Belarus 's main opposition figure , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , has called for an end to violence against protesters , while urging more rallies this weekend .
Freed detainees have given details of beatings during days in custody that Amnesty International said suggested `` widespread torture '' .
Detained for seven hours herself after Sunday 's disputed presidential vote , Ms Tikhanovskaya has fled to Lithuania .
With the EU mulling new sanctions , Belarus promised to free all detainees .
Some 6,700 have been detained since protests erupted on Sunday evening .
Belarus is seeing a sixth day of protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU and US as neither free nor fair .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed further sanctions `` against those who violated democratic values or abused human rights '' .
Alexander Lukashenko , in power since 1994 , was declared the victor by election authorities , but Ms Tikhanovskaya 's supporters insist she won .
In her first statement for days , the main opposition candidate said that where votes had been properly counted she had won support ranging from 60 % to 70 % , rather than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election committee .
Calling on mayors across Belarus to organise `` peaceful mass gatherings '' on Saturday and Sunday , Ms Tikhanovskaya said : `` Belarusians will never want to live with the previous government again .
The majority do not believe in his victory . ''
The BBC has spoken to several people , including teenagers , who have described being beaten .
`` They beat people ferociously , with impunity , and they arrest anyone .
We were forced to stand in the yard all night .
We could hear women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such cruelty , '' one man said as he showed the BBC his bruising .
In a statement on state television , Senate speaker Natalya Kochanova said the president had ordered an investigation into the mass detention of protesters , and that more than 1,000 had been freed .
All the remaining detainees were to be released on Friday morning , Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Barsukov said , while denying that prisoners had been abused .
Released prisoners shared pictures on messaging app Nexta showing their bruised and swollen bodies , including injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were caused by police .
Amnesty International said detainees described being stripped naked , beaten and threatened with rape .
`` Former detainees told us that detention centres have become torture chambers , where protesters are forced to lie in the dirt while police kick and beat them with truncheons , '' said Marie Struthers , Amnesty International 's director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia .
In audio shared by a BBC journalist , screams could be heard from inside the Okrestina detention centre in the capital Minsk .
Separately , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the response of the security forces to peaceful protests had been harsh , with frequent use of excessive , unnecessary and indiscriminate force .
`` Authorities only seem interested in quickly dispersing the protests and arresting as many people as possible , '' they said in a joint statement .
What will the EU do ?
EU foreign ministers are meeting on Friday to consider possible sanctions on Belarus because of the crackdown .
The bloc has imposed sanctions before but eased the measures several years ago when President Lukashenko released other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said sanctions should be imposed `` until free and transparent elections are held in Belarus with the participation of international observers '' .
He said he had the support of Poland 's Mateusz Morawiecki , who said he would put forward a `` solidarity with Belarus '' plan on Friday in the Polish parliament .
The EU has already dismissed the presidential vote as `` neither free nor fair '' , an assessment backed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Lithuania 's president has said Mr Lukashenko is no longer Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency EU meeting , Belarus Interior Minister Yuri Karayev said he took responsibility for people being injured during the protests , and that he wanted to apologise to those who got caught up in the violence .
Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said his country was ready for `` constructive and objective '' talks with other countries .
Observers said the official statements and the release of the prisoners suggested a more conciliatory approach following public outrage and international condemnation at the police response .
Officials have confirmed two deaths during the unrest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk on Monday while a man died after being arrested in the south-eastern city of Gomel on Wednesday .
Nikita Telizhenko , a journalist at Russian news website Znak.com , published a harrowing account of three days inside prison .
Now back in Russia , he describes people lying on the floor of a detention centre , piled on top of each other , in a pool of blood and excrement .
They were not allowed to use the toilet for hours on end or even change position .
He says he saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and severe bruising , not only left without medical help , but kicked and beaten more by the guards .
Telizhenko 's testimony is confirmed by countless posts on social media - photos , videos , stories .
I spoke to an American woman who was visiting her Belarusian boyfriend in Minsk - he got detained for no apparent reason .
Not only had he not been protesting , but he was asleep in bed when the police came to his flat , kicked down the door and took him away .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FROM MINSK : Shocked by violence , people lose their fear • THE CONTEXT : Five things you may not know about Belarus Belarusians returned to the streets of several cities on Friday , for a sixth day of protests since Sunday 's election , opposition media reported .
Footage broadcast by messaging app Nexta on Thursday night appeared to show protests continuing in the streets with demonstrators chanting `` get out '' .
Tearful relatives gathered outside a jail north of the capital Minsk , hoping to be reunited with their loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several strikes have been reported at state-owned factories , where workers object to the violent treatment of protesters .
Hundreds of employees were seen walking out at truck-maker Belaz in Zhodino to the north-east of the capital .
Workers in Minsk and Grodno in the west also organised strikes and walkouts .
Women in their thousands carrying flowers formed `` solidarity chains '' in Minsk and other cities to protest police brutality .
Video footage shared on social media showed opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova joining the female protesters in Minsk , holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of three women who pooled their resources to spearhead the opposition .
The other two , Ms Tikhanovskaya being one , have left the country .
Ms Tikhanovskaya , 37 , was a stay-at-home mother until she entered the race after her husband was arrested and blocked from registering for the vote .
She became Mr Lukashenko 's toughest opposition challenge in years , leading large rallies in the lead up to the vote .

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said sanctions should be imposed "until free and transparent elections are held in Belarus with the participation of international observers". He said he had the support of Poland's Mateusz Morawiecki, who said he would put forward a "solidarity with Belarus" plan on Friday in the Polish parliament.


bbc--2020-08-14--Taliban prisoner release: Afghan government begins setting free last 400

Afghanistan 's government has started releasing the last 400 Taliban prisoners , paving the way for long-delayed peace talks .
Eighty prisoners were set free Thursday , officials said , some whose crimes include attacks on Afghans and foreigners .
The release was a condition to begin negotiations to end 19 years of conflict in the country .
Peace talks are expected to start in Qatar within days of the full release .
• Who are the Taliban ?
The release was `` to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting , nationwide ceasefire '' , Afghanistan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Tweet .
On the weekend , an Afghan grand assembly of elders approved the release of the 400 Taliban prisoners accused of `` major '' crimes after authorities initially refused to free the militants .
The prisoners include some 44 insurgents who are of particular concern to the United States and other countries for their roles in high-profile attacks .
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani warned on Thursday that their release was a `` danger '' to the world , reported AFP .
`` Until this issue , there was a consensus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the cost of it , '' Mr Ghani said .
The Taliban were removed from power in Afghanistan by a US-led invasion in 2001 .
The group has gradually regained its strength to control more territory than at any point since that time .
Earlier this year , the US and the Taliban agreed on a peace deal to end the 19-year-long conflict in Afghanistan .
The deal was meant to pave the way for talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban , which had previously only agreed to talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Taliban had agreed that 5,000 Taliban prisoners would be released before they entered talks with the Afghan government .
Thousands were freed - however , 400 remained in prison .
About 150 of them are on death row , according to AFP .
The move comes as the US announced its troop level in the country would drop below 5,000 by November .

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bbc--2020-08-14--US 'foils' militant cryptocurrency fundraising

The US government says it has thwarted attempts by militant groups to raise funds using digital currency , or cryptocurrency .
The campaigns involved Hamas ' military wing , the al-Qassam brigades , al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group ( IS ) .
US officials said on Thursday that $ 2m in cryptocurrency had been recovered .
Hundreds of cryptocurrency accounts , four websites and four Facebook accounts were also seized , the justice department announced in a statement .
• IS prisoner issue a ticking timebomb for the West '' These actions represent the government 's largest-ever seizure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department said .
How did the groups receive payments ?
The al-Qassam Brigades used social media and its official websites to solicit bitcoin donations according to the justice department .
It said government agents seized control of one website to redirect payments away from the group , which is the armed wing of the Palestinian militant Islamist organisation Hamas .
Search warrants have been issued against people based in the US who donated .
Al-Qaeda militants based in Syria , meanwhile , sought donations to purchase weapons via the messaging app Telegram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used a website and Facebook pages to sell fake Covid-19 personal protective equipment to collect funds .
`` Nothing was hidden , '' an unnamed US official told Reuters news agency , adding that the militant groups `` thought they were protected '' by encryption in the apps they used .

It said government agents seized control of one website to redirect payments away from the group, which is the armed wing of the Palestinian militant Islamist organisation Hamas. Search warrants have been issued against people based in the US who donated.


bbc--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: Florida sheriff bans deputies from wearing masks

A Florida sheriff has banned his officers from wearing face masks at work .
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods ' order also includes visitors to the office .
It is thought to be the first such mask ban for US law enforcement .
He said it was vital officers ' orders were clearly understood and that anyone coming to the station be identifiable .
Florida is one of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic , with over 550,000 cases and 8,700 deaths .
`` My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be worn , '' an email Sherriff Woods sent to his officers read , according to local paper the Ocala-Star Banner .
Sheriff Woods , whose jurisdiction is about 80 miles ( 130km ) north of Orlando , also said visitors must remove their masks before entering the lobby of the station , linking his decision to recent protests against police brutality and racism .
`` In light of the current events when it comes to the sentiment and/or hatred toward law enforcement in our country today , this is being done to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identification purposes of any individual walking into a lobby , '' he wrote in his email .
His order , issued on Tuesday , has some exemptions , including for those officers working in jails where the infection risk is higher , or at the county courthouse , hospitals or schools .
More than 200 inmates at the county 's jail have tested positive , according to the Ocala-Star Banner , which first reported on the mask ban .
At least 36 jail employees have also tested positive , and an infected nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper reported .
In his email , Mr Woods says he has carefully studied the issue and has found the evidence for wearing a mask to be inconclusive .
World Health Organization ( WHO ) advice says non-medical face coverings should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible .
Coronavirus is spread when droplets are sprayed into the air when infected people talk , cough or sneeze .
Those droplets can then fall on surfaces .
The WHO says there is also emerging evidence of airborne transmission of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form in the air .
• ' I 'm all for masks , ' says Trump in change of tone The US currently has 5.2 million infections - far more than any other country - and over 166,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The wearing of masks has been fiercely debated along political lines in the US , with President Donald Trump refusing to wear one in public for months .
`` I 'm getting used to wearing a mask , '' he told reporters in July .
He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing them .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
• WITHOUT SYMPTOMS : The mystery of 'silent spreaders' Wearing a mask in the US has often acquired political connotations - Republican supporters of Mr Trump are less likely to don masks than Democrats .
According to a New York Times analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data , there have been around 200,000 so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic - meaning some 60,000 more deaths have to be added to the existing toll .

"In light of the current events when it comes to the sentiment and/or hatred toward law enforcement in our country today, this is being done to ensure there is clear communication and for identification purposes of any individual walking into a lobby," he wrote in his email.


bbc--2020-08-14--Julian Bream: Classical guitarist dies aged 87

Classical guitarist and lute player Julian Bream has died at his home in Wiltshire at the age of 87 .
The virtuoso musician performed globally during his heyday , and was renowned for his recordings of new compositions and masterclasses .
He won four Grammy Awards and received 20 nominations between 1960 and 85 .
A self-taught musician , Bream learned playing to radio dance bands with the lute his father bought from a sailor on London 's Charing Cross Road in 1947 .
As a child prodigy , his early recitals led to him being `` acknowledged as one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-war era '' , according to the Royal Academy of Music .
After studying piano and composition at the Royal College of Music , and completing national service , he became one of the most prolific and best-selling recording artists in classical music .
He was made an OBE in 1964 and a CBE in 1985 .
His repertoire included new works by composers including Benjamin Britten , Sir William Walton and Sir Michael Tippett .
British cultural commentator and journalist Norman Lebrecht expressed his `` sadness '' at Bream 's death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` one of the greatest guitarists of all time '' , adding : `` Julian gave his first performance at Wigmore Hall in 1951 .
He will be greatly missed .
RIP . ''
German classical guitarist Heike Matthiesen called the musician `` My idol , my lifelong inspiration as musician and artist '' , while Helen Sanderson , director of National Youth Guitar Ensemble , said Bream was `` my hero forever '' .
Bream 's passion for the Elizabethan lute resulted in him being given solo recitals in concert halls around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of poetry and music with the actress Dame Peggy Ashcroft .
During the 1960s , he also founded the Julian Bream Consort a period-instrument ensemble with Bream as lutenist , putting the instrument firmly back on centre stage .
During a masterclass in California in 1991 , he told the students : `` Guitar was just a hobby , but it seemed to me that the instrument had possibilities , not least of which was that there was no one else playing it .
`` I could be , as it were , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In 2008 , he set up the The Julian Bream Trust to provide financial help for the less well-off , young and gifted music students , and to continue the work of commissioning new compositions for the guitar .
Bream told The Guardian in 2013 that he had to `` renounce making music seriously '' in 2011 after being knocked off his feet by a neighbour 's dog while out walking .
He broke both hips and injured his left hand in the fall , but said : `` There 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The thing I feel a little annoyed about is that I know I 'm a better musician than I was at 70 , but I ca n't prove it . ''
He added that he was still able to manage a few scales and arpeggios because `` it 's very good for one 's brain and muscular system to work in harmony .
If you keep up your playing it just keeps things ticking over '' .
Speaking about his career , he said : `` I devoted my life to music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't because I wanted to get on or make money , but to try to fulfil myself and also to give people pleasure .
That 's been my credo . ''
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During a masterclass in California in 1991, he told the students: "Guitar was just a hobby, but it seemed to me that the instrument had possibilities, not least of which was that there was no one else playing it.


bbc--2020-08-14--Eurotunnel warns travellers not to turn up without a booking

Eurotunnel has warned customers hoping to beat the government 's latest travel quarantine deadline not to just turn up at its terminal on Friday .
People coming to the UK from France and the Netherlands will be forced to quarantine for 14 days if they arrive back after 04:00 on Saturday .
The firm warned hopeful passengers : `` Do not turn up unless you have a booking .
You wo n't get on a crossing . ''
`` This being a peak August weekend , we are already full up with bookings . ''
John Keefe , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Channel Tunnel , told the BBC : `` The service is already very busy this weekend and there is no additional capacity . ''
• What are my holiday refund rights ?
• France to be added to UK quarantine countries • What are the UK quarantine rules ?
Customers will be unable to board alternative shuttles without a valid booking , he added .
`` To avoid long queues and severe disruption , we strongly advise against turning up at the terminal outside the allocated time , '' Eurotunnel said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ change it , they need to do so online , it said .
`` Customers currently in France , and hoping to return early , must amend their tickets online at www.eurotunnel.com , before travelling to the French terminal , '' the company said .
But there have been long queues at the company 's website since the news was announced on Thursday .
It is estimated there are about half a million British people holidaying in France at the moment .
Eurotunnel said on a normal Friday in August , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
Airlines and ferries are also unlikely to provide a route home for people rushing to beat the deadline .
Brittany Ferries told the BBC : `` There wo n't be any more crossings . ''
EasyJet said its schedule would operate as planned .
`` We plan to operate our full schedule in the coming days , '' it said .
`` Customers who no longer wish to travel can transfer their flights without a change fee or receive a voucher for the value of the booking . ''
British Airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netherlands : `` We are currently operating a limited schedule to these countries .
`` As always , if a customer 's flight is cancelled , they are entitled to a voucher or a full refund . ''
Companies linked to the travel industry saw their share prices drop on Friday .
EasyJet 's share price dropped 6.61 % to 570.46p , while British Airways ' parent , International Airlines Group , saw its stock price fall 6.4 % to 191.25p .
The price of holiday firm Tui 's shares dropped 5.3 % @ @ @ @

"It meant we wouldn't even be able to see my mother in Cambridgeshire, who has been shielding for months, because we'd have to self-isolate for two weeks," said Tyler.


bbc--2020-08-13--Galway paddleboarders rescued after 15 hours in the sea

A woman and a teenage girl have been found clinging to a lobster pot off the Irish coast after going missing for almost 15 hours while paddleboarding .
The pair , aged 17 and 23 , were found alive by a fisherman , about 17 miles ( 27km ) from where they first set out , the RNLI said .
Sara Feeney and her cousin Ellen Glynn are well and being treated at University Hospital Galway .
Sara 's mother Helen Feeney told RTÉ they were `` overwhelmed and grateful '' .
She also said paddleboards would `` never darken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The cousins went missing after setting out from a beach at Furbo , County Galway , on Wednesday evening .
Ms Feeney said she was walking the dog on the beach when the pair went out on the paddleboards .
She said everybody was in good spirits on what was a `` fabulous evening '' .
However when the pair did not return , she alerted the coastguard .
A major search operation began after the alarm was raised at 22:00 local time .
An air and sea search rescue began overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish coastguard and local volunteers were also involved .
Despite bad weather overnight , the pair - who had life jackets , but no wetsuits - were found by the fisherman .
The fisherman who found them told Irish broadcaster RTÉ that he was prepared to go as far as was necessary to rescue them because otherwise they would have drifted further out to sea .
Patrick Oliver and his son Morgan , 18 , left the docks and headed west across the bay after he heard they were missing .
Mr Oliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , by calculating the wind speed and direction .
`` They travelled there about 20 miles from the beach to the side of Inis Oírr [ one of the Aran Islands ] , '' he said .
He also said he was `` delighted for their parents '' and he had thought about their `` poor mother on the beach all night looking out for them '' .
He said the women had survived by not panicking , keeping their heads clear and by hanging on to a buoy .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is warm so they were lucky , '' he said .
He said the pair were `` waving their paddles up in the air '' when they spotted the fishermen .
They gave the women oilskin jackets and hats to help them warm up after they were rescued .
He said they had been `` weak and tired '' but were able to sit up and make a `` little bit of chat '' .
`` They were in shock but they were thankful , '' he added .
`` We got them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the island and the chopper landed there . ''
Ms Feeney said the situation was `` the stuff of nightmares '' .
She said the family was `` forever indebted '' to the Olivers for rescuing the women .
She also thanked all those who took part in the search and rescue operation .
The pair had been wearing buoyancy aids and she urged people who intend to go paddleboarding to wear them .
On social media , the coastguard thanked everyone who assisted .
Barry Heskin , from the RNLI , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` jumping around the station '' when news came back that the rescue had been successful .


bbc--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: France to be added to UK quarantine countries

Thousands of holidaymakers have seen their plans thrown into chaos after UK quarantine measures were imposed on France from Saturday .
The 14-day isolation requirement from 04:00 BST also now applies to people arriving from the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks and Caicos , and Aruba .
It comes after France 's prime minister acknowledged infection numbers were going `` the wrong way '' .
France warned it would take `` reciprocal measures '' .
Clement Beaune , France 's secretary of state for European affairs , tweeted that the UK 's decision was a matter of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Grant Shapps said the decision was triggered when the rate of infection in the affected countries exceeded 20 cases per 100,000 people over seven days .
The quarantine requirement was previously applied to Spain , another popular destination for UK holidaymakers , at the end of July .
`` We 've worked so hard in this country to get our level of infections down , the last thing we want do is to have people returning and bringing the infection with them .
It 's to protect everybody , '' Mr Shapps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 160,000 British holidaymakers currently in France , he said .
The deadline is expected to induce a rush to ports and airports , with thousands of tourists desperate to avoid quarantine .
• I 'm in France right now - what do I do ?
• Lockdown to ease further in England from Saturday • Where are the world 's coronavirus hotspots ?
Others who can not return in time face disruption to work or schooling .
Katie , a teacher on holiday in the south of France , told the BBC that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means she has no chance to return in time , so she and her children will miss the start of term .
`` We have done everything the government has asked of us for months but I really think they need to treat us all with a little respect and give us time to organise ourselves so that we can continue with our jobs , and our children with their lives , '' she said .
Eurotunnel said its Channel Tunnel trains were fully booked until Saturday .
Earlier , customers had faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mariana Fabricante , who is trying to return from the mountain resort of Tignes with her family , said : `` Every time I try to change the ticket , the website is busy .
People would be able to make informed decisions if they had been told in advance .
It 's annoying and frustrating . ''
John Keefe , director of public affairs at Getlink , which operates the Channel Tunnel , warned people not to travel to the terminal without a confirmed booking .
`` There is no space available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some flights to the UK from Paris were more than £450 , compared to £66 on Saturday .
Many direct flights from the south of France are sold out .
The cheapest Eurostar tickets were £210 , compared with £165 on Saturday .
But DFDS Ferries said it had added an extra four departures from Calais to help Britons return in time .
It said bookings must be made before arriving at port .
Some holidaymakers said they would accept the quarantine restrictions on their return instead .
Jonathan Fieldsend from Woodbridge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return from France with his family until 18 August , said : `` We came fully accepting the risk we were taking of quarantine being introduced .
We are not going to be rushing back . ''
Airlines UK described the quarantine restrictions as `` another devastating blow to the travel industry already reeling from the worst crisis in its history '' .
The UK 's ambassador to France , Lord Llewellyn , acknowledged that the new quarantine rule would be `` unwelcome news '' for Britons in the country , but stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as long as they follow safety precautions and self-isolate on their return .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said while the Labour party supports `` evidence based measures '' at the border , it was `` vital '' that No 10 had a `` joined-up strategy '' and `` urgently '' puts in place a specific deal to support the heavily impacted travel sector .
The MP added : `` That the government has still not put in place an effective track , trace and isolate system has made matters far worse and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliant on the blunt tool of 14-day quarantine . ''
He called on Downing Street to publish science behind its decisions , `` and details of any work being done to reduce the time needed to isolate through increased testing and other measures '' .
According to the data company Statista , people from the UK paid 10.35 million visits to France last year , putting it second behind Spain - with 18.12 million - in terms of popularity .
The Foreign Office is now warning against `` all but essential travel '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed for Spain on 25 July .
A list of more than 50 so-called travel corridors - allowing movement between the UK and the other countries with the need to self-isolate on return - was published at the start of last month and later expanded .
But the ending of some of the exemptions on the list follows a `` significant change '' in the risk of contracting Covid-19 , the Department for Transport said .
It added that there had been a 66 % increase in newly reported cases per 100,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Netherlands , it was up 52 % .
And the increase for Malta was 105 % , while it was 273 % for Turks and Caicos and 1,106 % for Aruba .
Ahead of a government meeting on the new measures , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to be `` absolutely ruthless '' in deciding on rules for holidaymakers from abroad .
`` We ca n't be remotely complacent about our own situation .
Everybody understands that in a pandemic you do n't allow our population to be re-infected or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
On Thursday , France reported 2,524 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours , the highest daily increase since its lockdown was lifted in May .
The country 's Prime Minister , Jean Castex , said on Tuesday that coronavirus numbers had been going `` the wrong way '' for a fortnight .
• What are the rules in France and other parts of Europe ?
• How will the world vaccinate seven billion people ?
• You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in England who repeatedly refuse to wear a face covering could double to £3,200 , while organisers of illegal raves could face a £10,000 penalty .
But from Sunday , indoor theatre , music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences .
Casinos , bowling alleys , skating rinks and soft play centres will also be allowed to resume , as will `` close-contact '' beauty services such as facials , eyebrow threading and eyelash treatments .
Will you be affected by the quarantine ?
Email haveyoursay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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"We have done everything the government has asked of us for months but I really think they need to treat us all with a little respect and give us time to organise ourselves so that we can continue with our jobs, and our children with their lives," she said.


bbc--2020-08-14--'Firenado' rages through Angeles National Forest

The brush fire north of Los Angeles is not contained .
At least 100 structures were evacuated .
Conditions created @ @ @ @ @ growth '' , said fire chief Robert Garcia .

The brush fire north of Los Angeles is not contained. At least 100 structures were evacuated. Conditions created recipe for "rapid fire growth", said fire chief Robert Garcia.


bbc--2020-08-13--Coronavirus travel: Majorca's party capital deserted

Every year , more than two and a half million British tourists head out to Majorca on holiday .
Magaluf @ @ @ @ @ ’ s party capital , where young Brits have been coming each summer for decades @ @ @ @ @ been a huge drop in tourists coming from the UK , partly because Majorca has @ @ @ @ @ of destinations where travellers have to quarantine on return .
The main bars and nightclubs @ @ @ @ @ shut down by police , after clubbers were caught on camera ignoring social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ two British Club reps who have found themselves without work and living in a ghost @ @

Every year, more than two and a half million British tourists head out to Majorca on holiday.
Magaluf has long been the island’s party capital, where young Brits have been coming each summer for decades.
But there’s been a huge drop in tourists coming from the UK, partly because Majorca has been added to the list of destinations where travellers have to quarantine on return. The main bars and nightclubs in Magaluf have also been shut down by police, after clubbers were caught on camera ignoring social distancing rules.
BBC News spoke to two British Club reps who have found themselves without work and living in a ghost town.
Video by Gavin Lee, Sira Thierij, Pol Reynolds and Maarten Lernout


bbc--2020-08-14--Thailand protests: Risking it all to challenge the monarchy

A growing movement among students has been calling for political reform in Thailand .
In recent days , the protests have taken a surprising turn , writes an analyst in London for the BBC .
On a stage at an out-of-town campus of one of Thailand 's top universities , a young woman with wavy long hair and owlish spectacles steps forward , through a dramatic cloud of dry-ice , and reads out a 10-point manifesto to a crowd of cheering students .
Her demands , for a monarchy that is accountable to the country 's elected institutions , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stays out of politics and does not exercise control over important army units , would be unremarkable in most countries .
In Thailand , they are nothing short of revolutionary .
Thais are taught from birth that the monarchy is the keystone that holds the country together , the institution that embodies the national character .
Every recent Thai constitution - and there have been 19 in modern times , along with a dozen military coups - has stated , at the top , that `` The King shall be enthroned in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action '' .
Those provisions are backed by article 112 of the criminal code , known as the lese-majeste law , which subjects anyone criticising the royal family to secret trials and long prison sentences .
More recently , critics who fled to neighbouring countries have been abducted and murdered .
Thais are taught to respect , revere and love the monarchy , but also to fear the consequences of speaking about it .
The issues raised on that stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past , been discussed openly only by those living safely in exile , far from Thailand , or whispered in the privacy of the home .
The Thammasat manifesto has caused an uproar .
The students have been accused of `` crossing the line '' , of going too far , even by some of those who support their other demands for reform .
Senators appointed by the former military junta , and an important political crutch for the government of junta-leader-turned-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha , have called for legal action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation into how they funded Monday 's spectacularly-produced protest , and into which `` dark hand '' instigated the youngsters to come up with such outrageous demands .
The powerful army commander , General Apirat Kongsompong , suggested that the protesters were afflicted by `` chung chart '' , `` hatred of the nation '' , a term used in the past to rally ultra-nationalist Thais against perceived enemies , and a disease , General Apirat told soldiers , that was far worse than Covid-19 .
The student leader who read out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed mostly on her campus , planning further rallies , and nervously watching the plain-clothes police who are now constantly monitoring her .
• Why young people are protesting in Thailand • What we know of Thailand 's King Vajiralongkorn • The satirist who vanished in broad daylight Worryingly , some ultra-royalists are raising the spectre of October 1976 , when police and right-wing vigilantes opened fire on left-wing students inside Thammasat University , killing dozens , lynching some and then battering their bodies .
That shockingly brutal attack was provoked by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn , the present king .
Veterans of the upheavals of 1976 do not believe it will happen again .
Former government minister Chaturon Chaiseng , who was among a number of student activists who spent years hiding with communist insurgents after the 1976 massacre , says a repeat of such violence would be very risky today .
There are so many grievances against the government at the moment , he says , which the students share with wider Thai society .
These protests are happening during an almost perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
Despite managing an impressive containment of the Covid-19 coronavirus , with no local infections for nearly three months , the collapse of tourism has hit the economy very hard and drawn attention to one of the world 's widest gaps between rich and poor .
The decision earlier this year to dissolve a dynamic new political party , which had attracted the support of many younger voters , gave them the sense that the military-dominated political system was denying them a voice .
That was compounded by the abduction and presumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blamed by some on elements close to the palace , and then by the dropping of all criminal charges against a member of one of Thailand 's wealthiest families over the killing of a police officer in a hit-and-run incident eight years ago .
On top of that , since the Covid-19 crisis started King Vajiralongkorn has spent nearly all his time living in a hotel in Germany , prompting a Twitter hashtag # มีกษัตริย์ไว้ทําไม # whydoweneedaking ?
, which was reposted more than a million times .
The voices of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careful to frame their demands within the constitution .
The first person to break the taboo , a week before the Thammasat manifesto , was human rights lawyer Anon Nampa , speaking at a Harry Potter-themed protest and looking not unlike the fictional young wizard .
He stressed that he wanted to reform , not overthrow , the constitutional monarchy .
He focused in particular on the huge assets of the Crown Property Bureau , which , under the late King Bhumibol , had been notionally held in trust for the benefit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been declared the personal property of the king , making him by far the wealthiest person in Thailand .
Anon also questioned King Vajiralongkorn 's decision to take personal command of all military units based in Bangkok , something he believes can not be compatible with a democratic , constitutional monarchy .
`` It had to be done , '' he said of his call for accountability .
`` That 's why I chose to speak candidly , to honour my own integrity , the integrity of the audience , and out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do n't speak frankly about it , then we will never understand it . ''
Anon Nampa and another activist , Panupong Jaadnok , have since been arrested on charges of breaking Thailand 's sweeping sedition law , an alternative to the lese majeste law which , the King has let it be known , he no longer wants to be so widely used .
But far from silencing talk about the monarchy , their demands have now been taken up by a student movement which has been agitating for change for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in campuses across the country , and includes high-school students as well .
We spoke to two young political science students who have become involved in the movement , both thoughtful and articulate , with hopes of good careers after university .
Yet their comments about the monarchy , although expressed with moderation and reason , would have been unthinkable even a year ago .
`` This generation knows for a fact that the monarchy is involved in politics and that affects the lives of the Thai people , '' said one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us to talk about anyone involved in politics , whether it is the military or the monarchy . ''
`` We have to try to start talking about it , making it a new norm in society to talk about the monarchy , '' said the other .
`` I think the silent majority want to talk about it , because if you do n't touch something , if you do n't reform it , it will go rotten and collapse . ''
There are young people on the other side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now .
The potential for clashes , contrived or spontaneous , is real .
At a small pro-monarchy demonstration in Bangkok 's historic royal quarter this month a student told the BBC that `` the three pillars of this country , nation , religion and monarchy , must be revered , not brought down to be played with like this .
That 's not the right way under a constitutional monarchy . ''
`` We 're not coming out to fight with them .
We have come out to show the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long history .
It can not be brought down by those who want to defame the monarchy , '' they said .
This is uncharted territory for Thailand , and no-one knows what will happen next .
The government , comprised mostly of conservative , military and royalist figures , seems uncertain how it should respond .
An over-harsh reaction risks angering a public already frustrated over other issues .
Yet it can not be seen to be failing to defend the monarchy .
`` The genie is out of the bottle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a historian at the University of Wisconsin and another survivor of the 1976 massacre .
`` Society wo n't stop , change wo n't stop .
The only thing we can do is to take care that the change takes place with as little bloodshed as possible .
Thais have been gossiping about the monarchy in private for years , then teaching their children to praise it lavishly in public , to be hypocrites .
All these young protesters have done is bring that gossip out into the open . ''
The lese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they pose to BBC staff limits some of our reporting that relates directly to members of the Thai royal family .

"Society won't stop, change won't stop. The only thing we can do is to take care that the change takes place with as little bloodshed as possible. Thais have been gossiping about the monarchy in private for years, then teaching their children to praise it lavishly in public, to be hypocrites. All these young protesters have done is bring that gossip out into the open."


bbc--2020-08-13--The girl who picked up an AK-47 to defend her family

When her home was attacked last month , 15-year-old Nooria picked up an AK-47 , killing two men and wounding a third .
She was hailed as a hero .
But the story behind what happened that night was more complicated .
Did Nooria shoot Taliban attackers , or her husband ?
Or both ?
All names have been changed for safety reasons .
The men came to the village at night , under the cover of darkness .
According to Nooria , it was about 1am when they burst through the front door of her parents ' home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was woken by the noise , stayed still and quiet .
She thought about her 12-year-old brother in his bedroom .
Then she heard the men take her parents outside the small , hillside home .
She described the events of that night in an interview with the BBC .
The next thing she heard were gunshots , she said .
Nooria had grown up in the small rural village , in a volatile part of Afghanistan .
She was an outwardly shy and quietly spoken teenager , but capable of handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product of self-defence training by her father from a young age .
That night , instead of hiding , Nooria grabbed her father 's gun - an AK-47 rifle - and opened fire at the men outside .
She fired until she was nearly out of bullets , she said .
Eventually , about an hour after they arrived , the men retreated into the night , she said .
Outside the house lay five dead bodies : those of her mother and father , an elderly neighbour who was also her relative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was horrific , '' she said .
`` They were so cruel .
My father was disabled .
My mother was innocent .
And they just killed them . ''
Growing up in Afghanistan , teenagers like Nooria have known nothing but war .
The ongoing conflict between pro-government forces and the Taliban , the country 's hard-line insurgent force , has waged for more than 25 years .
Pro-government forces control cities and bigger towns , while the Taliban has seized vast remote areas .
Villages like Nooria 's are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural province of Ghor , raids by small groups of Taliban fighters targeting pro-government outposts are not uncommon .
Nooria and her older step-brother , a military police officer , say their father was targeted by insurgents because he was a tribal elder and pro-government community leader .
• Why is there a war in Afghanistan ?
But three weeks on , multiple accounts of the attack and the circumstances around it - from Nooria , her older brother , family members of the dead attackers , local police , local elders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - paint starkly differing versions of events .
According to several of the accounts given to the BBC , one of the gunmen that night was Nooria 's husband , and the heroic story of a young girl fending off Taliban militants was in fact mired in a family dispute .
The conflicting accounts threaten to bury the truth of what happened to Nooria , and they reveal something of the tragic reality of life in rural Afghanistan - where young women are often caught up in a culture of tribalism , traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Like Nooria , they have little power , little access to education , and little say in how or when they are dragged into violence .
The most disputed element of what happened that night concerns the men who came to the house and why they were there .
All sides agreed on one thing : that there was an attack in the village in the early hours of that morning .
According to Nooria , the strangers identified themselves as `` mujahideen '' fighters - a term often used by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father .
The Taliban denied any involvement in a clash with a teenage girl , but they did confirm there was a raid in the same village that night , saying a local police checkpoint was targeted resulting in two Taliban casualties , but no loss of life .
Local and national Afghan government officials meanwhile declared victory over a `` massive '' Taliban attack and proclaimed Nooria `` a true hero '' .
As Nooria and her younger brother were airlifted out of their district by military helicopter and swept to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story of the young girl who had taken up arms in self-defence .
It is not uncommon in Afghanistan for civilians to be praised by the president for defeating Taliban attacks .
But when President Ashraf Ghani invited Nooria to the capital Kabul , reactions were mixed .
Some said she was a hero .
Others said she was an innocent child caught between two warring sides - attacked by one , used as a PR stunt by the other .
`` Ca n't understand how in a country whose people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the value of life and peace , can such glorify violence and praise take up arms , '' wrote one Twitter user .
`` Violence is not a response to violence ! ''
Another called Nooria a `` symbol of Afghan women who succeeded to defend her life '' .
`` There are many Afghan victims who could n't do anything .
They are suffering the pain of wounds they have because of holy war by Taliban . ''
At the scene of the attack the following day , local police discovered identity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead men .
They were both known Taliban supporters , officers told the BBC .
A third man who was injured but escaped was a high-ranking Taliban commander called Sayed Massoum Kamran , police said .
The BBC was able to independently confirm the identity of the two dead men , who were in their late 20s and dressed in traditional Afghan attire , loose-fitting trousers and colourful waistcoats , their shirts now soaked through with blood .
And sources close to the Taliban said the commander named by police and alleged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the sources would not confirm when or where he was hurt .
The local Taliban sources also confirmed that one of the men at the scene was previously affiliated with their network in Helmand , in southern Afghanistan , several years ago .
As Nooria and her 12-year-old brother arrived in the capital at the president 's behest , the case of their parents ' murder looked tragic but straightforward .
Then a week after the attack , reports began to circulate that one of the dead attackers was not simply an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was in fact Nooria 's husband .
Family members and local sources told the BBC that Nooria 's husband , Rahim , came to the village intent on reclaiming his bride after a family dispute had led her father to take her home .
The sources said the husband had become affiliated with the Taliban and came to the house with Taliban militants .
The man they identified as Nooria 's husband was one of the men found dead that night .
Nooria denies they were ever married .
According to others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mokhi '' deal - an exchange of two female relatives for marriage between two families .
Rahim would take Nooria as his second wife while Nooria 's father would marry Rahim 's teenage niece as his second wife .
However , since both the girls were still so young , it was agreed they would wait several years before making the marriage official .
Verifying the truth behind a story like this in rural Afghanistan is not easy .
Nooria 's village sits in a wide expanse of farmland , surrounded by steep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signal , villagers must trek to the top of a nearby hillside .
In order to establish whether Rahim was indeed Nooria 's husband , the BBC tracked down his mother , Shafiqa , who lives in Nimruz province , south-west Afghanistan , with her son 's first wife and their two children .
Speaking down the phone from Nimruz , Shafiqa confirmed that her son married Nooria three years ago as part of an exchange , and that her other granddaughter , Rahim 's niece , had also wed Nooria 's father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years ago , while Rahim was working in Helmand , Nooria 's father unexpectedly arrived at her house and took back his daughter , leaving his new wife , Rahim 's niece , behind .
Effectively nullifying the exchange , she said .
Shafiqa said they asked the elders to help heal the rift .
But as the financially poorer family , they were powerless to stop Nooria 's father .
She confirmed that Rahim went to Nooria 's house on the night of the attack , but she denied it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They were strongmen .
We were poor people .
He did n't go there after midnight , he went there in the evening , invited by Nooria 's father , to solve their problems , even to discuss a divorce , '' she said .
She denied that her son was a Taliban fighter , but her account of him travelling to Helmand for work does match the timing provided by Taliban sources - that he was a member of their network in Helmand almost two years ago before he went on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a Taliban member , he was in construction , '' she said .
`` He never touched a gun in his entire life .
We are poor people , nobody listens to us , nobody . ''
Shafiqa described losing her son , Rahim 's brother , a police officer , 12 years ago in a suicide attack in Nimruz .
Now there are no male earners left in her family .
She is another woman in Afghanistan caught up in a cycle of violence outside of her control .
Local police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several village elders and the central Afghan authorities , insist Rahim and Nooria were not married and the raid on her home was a routine Taliban raid , with her father the clear target .
Very few people truly know what happened that night .
Nooria and her younger brother ; a surviving attacker , perhaps .
None may know the entire set of facts .
The morning after the violence , Nooria and her neighbours buried her parents in makeshift graves near to the house .
As they put the dead into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first direct peace talks between the government and the Taliban .
The talks carry the burden of hope for a different way of life in Afghanistan , but hundreds of Afghans are still being killed every month .
Many are innocent women and children .
Like Nooria , they have limited power and limited voice , and no choice but to continue to defend themselves , physically and emotionally , in whatever ways they can .

The conflicting accounts threaten to bury the truth of what happened to Nooria, and they reveal something of the tragic reality of life in rural Afghanistan - where young women are often caught up in a culture of tribalism, traditional custom and patriarchy that controls their lives. Like Nooria, they have little power, little access to education, and little say in how or when they are dragged into violence.