bbc--2020-01-08--Bosses are wary of the return of the corporate raider

When Chefs ' Warehouse flew Christina Carroll from California to her first board meeting they put her up in a haunted hotel .
It was not clear which was the bogeyman , the hotel or Ms Carroll , for she was not a normal board member but had been hired by an activist investor , Legion Partners , to turn the firm around .
Unlike a typical shareholder , an activist buys enough stock to corner the vote on important company decisions - like appointing board members or firing chief execs .
Legion Partners bought 5.9 % of shares , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanded a seat in the boardroom .
Legion 's method is to buy a struggling company 's shares at a low price , turn the firm around and sell at a profit once the business and its share price have improved .
Legion Partners ' only demand was for Chefs ' Warehouse to appoint Ms Carroll to join its board .
Ms Carroll is a specialist in understanding the value of things a company has on its balance sheet .
She had worked previously with Houlihan Lokey , an investment bank and Ernst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chefs ' Warehouse was lucky .
Legion Partners is the new , gentler version of what used to be called a corporate raider .
A few high-profile raiders became famous in the 1980s for buying companies and dismembering them , making big profits for themselves but often leaving thousands of workers unemployed .
And in the past two years , the number of investors using similar tactics to buy their way into underperforming companies has boomed , according to the investment bank Lazard .
2019 saw a record-breaking total of $ 11bn worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched , the research found .
So are today 's so-called activists a new wave of raiders under a different flag ?
`` Some of us deserved that title and some of us did n't , '' says Paul Bilzerian , one of the last of these raiders left alive .
Mr Bilzerian describes American corporate management in the 1980s as `` uniformly horrible '' .
Companies had no regard for their shareholders , he says : `` People like Carl Icahn , T Boone Pickens and I - we changed the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company 's financial accounts and find the loss-making parts .
Then they would buy up shares , take over the firm and carve those pieces out .
Sometimes the process was brutal .
In 1985 , Mr Icahn took over TWA , the now defunct American airline .
He loaded it with debt , sold its most valuable flight routes and ground the airline into bankruptcy .
But the fear of raiders had its merits , says Mr Bilzerian .
Executive and boardroom behaviour cleaned up - or else .
`` They knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and throw them out . ''
Mr Bilzerian acquired Singer , the American sewing machine company , which had diversified into weapons manufacturing during and after World War Two .
He aimed to turn it around , but the backlash against corporate raiders had already begun .
The US regulator the Securities and Exchange Commission charged him with failing to file financial documents and he was forced to resign .
Singer was carved up after he left and today has returned to sewing .
Today 's descendants of these raiders work on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed financial information has meant an explosion of shareholder activism .
`` Shareholders are no longer willing to buy a ticket and go along for the ride .
They are increasingly vocal , engaged and willing to support an activist 's thesis , '' says Rich Thomas , head of Lazard 's shareholder advisory practice in Europe .
Activism may have become entrenched in many company annual general meetings and it is changing the economy , but the subject remains contentious .
`` The problem is that most activism is not cordial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy , '' says Martin Lipton , a founding partner of Wachtell , Lipton Rosen and Katz who has been defending companies against activist approaches since the 1970s .
Mr Lipton created the `` poison pill , '' a time bomb in a company 's bylaws that dilutes all of its shares if there is a hostile take-over .
Advances in financial regulation and defence mechanisms like Mr Lipton 's make Mr Icahn 's playbook from the 1980s impossible today .
Still , Mr Lipton is sceptical of today 's shareholder activists who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quick buck : `` I would say 80 % of activists are essentially looking for short-term profits . ''
• Just Eat agrees tie-up with rival in £8.2bn deal • Barclays on the radar of activist investor Companies now pay advisers , banks , public relations firms and law firms to keep activist shareholders at bay .
But this only leads to more short-termism , says Mr Lipton , warning that `` this is a detriment to the economy '' .
He believes firms do better when they are not so obsessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argue that they have very long-term goals for a company in mind .
In 2018 , New York activist hedge fund Jana Partners coupled with a California teachers ' pension fund to wage a campaign against Apple .
They bought $ 2bn worth of Apple shares to pressure management to improve parental controls and limit children 's screen-time .
`` Apple really showed they care about the health of their younger users and of course it 's good for their business as well to partner with families on this issue , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penner argues some larger professional investors are helped by the depth of research and focused attention a shareholder activist can give to a particular firm .
Ted White , one of the founders of Legion Partners agrees : `` We get calls from the largest shareholders .
If a company is mismanaged , they need us . ''
So what happened Christina Carroll 's stay in that haunted hotel ?
Well , she still laughs about it .
While none of Chefs ' Warehouse 's employees would go near it , Ms Carroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a job to do .
When she joined the board it took time to win people 's trust : `` They were worried , given my background in M & A , that my agenda was to sell the company .
It was n't . ''
What made the difference was that the company chairman walked her into her first meeting .
All of the board members were present and everyone listened .
`` Part of what built trust was that I truly believed they had built a great company .
Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they realised my expertise could be really useful for them , '' she says .
Ms Carroll convinced them she was there to help the firm not destroy it .
It worked .
Chefs ' Warehouse changed , its share price improved and Legion Partners moved on .
Ms Carroll says she would work with Legion Partners again because they were not interested in carving up Chefs ' Warehouse .
There were no big job losses .
Quite the opposite : the company added new people , many of whom now own its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well out of the situation - the stock rose .
It has been net positive for them , '' she says .

What made the difference was that the company chairman walked her into her first meeting. All of the board members were present and everyone listened. "Part of what built trust was that I truly believed they had built a great company. Plus, as they got to know me they realised my expertise could be really useful for them," she says.


bbc--2020-01-07--Should all screen stars stop flying for work?

Before stepping up to collect their Golden Globe Awards on Sunday , Hollywood 's great and good were warned by host Ricky Gervais to reassess their relationship with `` the real world '' .
`` If you win an award tonight , do n't use it as a platform to make a political speech , '' he said .
`` You 're in no position to lecture the public about anything , you know nothing about the real world .
Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg . ''
The UK actor , writer and comedian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in doing so he touched on an important question : Are the rich and famous doing enough to help the planet that serves them so well ?
On Tuesday , one famous actor vowed to do more - potentially at the expense of her career .
Australian Yael Stone , who played inmate Lorna Morello in US prison drama Orange Is the New Black , has said she 's giving up her green card - which allows her to work in the United States - because regularly travelling between the two continents is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
In a video posted online , the 34-year-old detailed the reasons for her `` personal sacrifice '' in the climate change `` war '' , saying , `` The carbon emissions alone from that flying - it 's unethical .
It 's not right .
`` So I will be going through the process of giving up my green card , and saying goodbye to a life in America .
I 'm going to be here in Australia doing the work I can to make a difference here .
Because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Like I said , this is war , and we 've only got ten years , so let 's make these sacrifices , let 's make these changes .
Let 's put some skin in the game and say , 'Yeah I care and this is what I 'm gon na do about it . '
'' Stone 's compatriot Russell Crowe won the Golden Globe award for best actor in a limited series , for his role in the The Loudest Voice , but he did not fly out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he sent Jennifer Aniston up to collect his award , who said Crowe was `` at home in Australia , protecting his family from the devastating bushfires '' .
Crowe ( via Aniston ) , Cate Blanchett , Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix all ignored Gervais 's humorous plea , using their platform to raise the alarm about climate change , particularly with regard to the fires Down Under that have seen almost 2,000 homes destroyed .
In November , Coldplay went a step further , revealing to the BBC 's Colin Paterson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new album due to climate change concerns .
Then , in December , Massive Attack announced plans to tour Europe by train to reduce their carbon emissions .
• How the world has responded to Australia 's fires Many other artists have been left wondering how they can realistically adapt the way they work in 2020 to help save the planet .
`` I think we 're all part of a high-carbon system and the economy and of course , that does n't absolve any of us in any way , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a service set up to support creative types working in a more environmentally friendly way .
`` And it means stepping back and thinking , 'How do I shift this ?
How can I try and move that dial to making a positive impact ?
What can I control and influence from from my position ?
`` There are definite things that we can do to reduce our environmental impact , and what is really exciting to see at the moment - and what really should be applauded - is a growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the public eye , that they can really use that position to move the dial . ''
While Badiali applauds Stone 's decision to be more grounded she accepts not every actor/artist is able to do the same right away and would prefer to encourage `` radical '' systematic change .
`` I mean , personally , I can only applaud it , '' she says .
`` But I would not judge artists who do n't feel in a position to make that choice at the moment .
It is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision as well .
`` And it 's the complex way that individual decisions that are very visible like this can inspire much broader shifts , but sometimes they 're also just individual decisions , '' she adds .
`` So , does one person giving up something actually change the system as a whole ?
And what power do we have to do that ?
The argument is that it takes both - you have to have people who make what are seen as much bigger sacrifices to move the idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows passengers to pay extra to help compensate for the carbon emissions produced from their flights , but Badiali stresses it `` should always be the last resort '' and `` the absolute bare minimum '' that artists in `` the global north '' can do to help .
On Wednesday , Stone appeared to backtrack slightly , admitting in a further post she will still have to make some flights , but promised each time she did she would invest half of her fee into renewable energy funds .
However , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excuse to continue polluting , arguing that it does little to change behaviour .
• How to travel by train - and ditch the plane Leonardo DiCaprio was recently photographed taking a commercial airline rather than a private jet .
Perhaps no-one embodies the Hollywood dream more than DiCaprio .
His Quentin Tarantino-directed love letter to the town , Once Upon a Time ...
In Hollywood , won big at the Golden Globes .
The 45-year-old has used his profile to raise awareness of global issues and , in 1998 , launched the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to environmental causes .
At the 2016 Oscars , he made a speech declaring climate change to be `` the most urgent threat facing our entire species '' .
However , at the time , an article published on Forbes website declared the actor 's decadent lifestyle meant his `` carbon footprint is much higher than he thinks '' .
Something the actor himself expressed concern about in his 2016 documentary for National Geographic , Before the Flood .
Last year , actress Emma Thompson lent her support to the Extinction Rebellion protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , others criticised her for having flown into the UK to do so .
She defended herself , saying she planted a lot of trees and did not fly as much as she used to .
Badiali believes it 's not particularly helpful to criticise big names , who may not be perfect but are generally using their profile to `` challenge cultural norms '' , at a time when there are `` no easy solutions '' .
`` We tend to focus on what the stars are doing because they 're very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the easiest thing in the world to try and undermine what they 're saying by sort of pointing at them and calling them 'hypocrites ' .
`` But ultimately , the problem does n't just start and end with them and we should n't be shutting down conversation in that way . ''
Aside from altering travel plans , changing diets and spending habits are other ways artists can lower their emissions .
The Golden Globes this year selected an entirely plant-based meal for everyone to enjoy/endure ( delete as applicable ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to `` send a signal and draw attention to the issue about climate change '' .
Some showbiz reporters were aghast at the work of Hollywood 's `` vegan extremists '' , while others found that notion entertaining in itself .
Terminator , Titanic , and Avatar director James Cameron was an early adopter of the plant-based diet , challenging others to follow suit in a video posted to the Earthlings Facebook page many moons ago .
In it , the Oscar-winning director said : `` If you 're an environmentalist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an environmentalist , you ca n't be an ocean steward , without truly walking the walk , and you ca n't walk the walk in the world of the future , the world ahead of us , the world of our children , not eating a plant-based diet . ''
Eating is cheating for some at award ceremonies anyway , but everybody has to wear something new on the red carpet , right ?
Wrong .
Joker star Joaquin Phoenix - who noted that `` we do n't have to take private jets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while winning best actor in a drama - was praised by Stella McCartney on Monday for also committing to staying in the same tuxedo throughout this year 's awards season .
Just like you or I might do already for a gruelling run of weddings , funerals and job interviews .
`` This man is a winner , '' declared the designer , in multiple senses .
The `` war '' on climate change is far from won .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"So, does one person giving up something actually change the system as a whole? And what power do we have to do that? The argument is that it takes both - you have to have people who make what are seen as much bigger sacrifices to move the idea of what is possible."


bbc--2020-01-07--'The worst we have played this season' - Man Utd boss Solskjaer on first-leg loss

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side hit a season low point in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Manchester City .
The hosts were 3-0 down at the break , going on to lose 3-1 , with Solskjaer saying his players ' heads dropped after Bernardo Silva 's 17th-minute opener .
`` From 15 minutes to half-time was the worst we have played this season , '' said the United boss after Tuesday 's game .
`` We could n't cope with the setback .
Now we have a steep mountain to climb . ''
Riyad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Andreas Pereira own goal , and at half-time it seemed possible a completely outclassed United faced a repeat of their embarrassing 6-1 home defeat by City in 2011 .
Instead , the introduction of Nemanja Matic for Jesse Lingard brought some stability to their midfield , and Marcus Rashford 's fourth goal in Manchester derbies added at least some jeopardy over who will go on to meet Leicester City or Aston Villa in the final on 29 February .
United famously overturned a two-goal deficit last season to reach the Champions League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss to Paris St-Germain by winning 3-1 in France and progressing on away goals .
`` It 's not three points and it 's not done , '' said Manchester City boss Guardiola .
`` They are a dangerous team .
Last season they lost by the same number of goals at home to PSG , went to France and qualified . ''
• Reaction to the action at Old Trafford • 'Two out of 10 is nonsense .
Pointless ' - Savage on player ratings 'It is not a quick fix' The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past six games , following Premier League losses at Watford and Arsenal .
Before they go to City for the second leg on 29 January , Solskjaer 's side play Wolves in their FA Cup third-round replay on 15 January and , four days later , visit runaway league leaders Liverpool .
`` I have said before , it is not a quick fix , '' said the Norwegian .
`` It is something we have started , and you can see we are still a way off - but it is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , City have now won eight games out of nine , the only break in the sequence coming at Wolves on 27 December , when they played 80 minutes with 10 men after goalkeeper Ederson was sent off .
However , rather than feeling his side are in their best form of the season , Guardiola said he detected fatigue after five games in 12 days .
`` The way we have been playing is good , not far from last season - but the team I see is a little bit tired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The schedule has been a lot for these guys .
It 's crazy , honestly . ''

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side hit a season low point in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Manchester City.
The hosts were 3-0 down at the break, going on to lose 3-1, with Solskjaer saying his players' heads dropped after Bernardo Silva's 17th-minute opener.
"From 15 minutes to half-time was the worst we have played this season," said the United boss after Tuesday's game.
"We couldn't cope with the setback. Now we have a steep mountain to climb."
Riyad Mahrez's 33rd-minute second was followed by an Andreas Pereira own goal, and at half-time it seemed possible a completely outclassed United faced a repeat of their embarrassing 6-1 home defeat by City in 2011.
Instead, the introduction of Nemanja Matic for Jesse Lingard brought some stability to their midfield, and Marcus Rashford's fourth goal in Manchester derbies added at least some jeopardy over who will go on to meet Leicester City or Aston Villa in the final on 29 February.
United famously overturned a two-goal deficit last season to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, following up a 2-0 first-leg loss to Paris St-Germain by winning 3-1 in France and progressing on away goals.
"It's not three points and it's not done," said Manchester City boss Guardiola.
"They are a dangerous team. Last season they lost by the same number of goals at home to PSG, went to France and qualified."
'It is not a quick fix'
The defeat was United's third in their past six games, following Premier League losses at Watford and Arsenal.
Before they go to City for the second leg on 29 January, Solskjaer's side play Wolves in their FA Cup third-round replay on 15 January and, four days later, visit runaway league leaders Liverpool.
"I have said before, it is not a quick fix," said the Norwegian. "It is something we have started, and you can see we are still a way off - but it is something that needed doing."
In contrast, City have now won eight games out of nine, the only break in the sequence coming at Wolves on 27 December, when they played 80 minutes with 10 men after goalkeeper Ederson was sent off.
However, rather than feeling his side are in their best form of the season, Guardiola said he detected fatigue after five games in 12 days.
"The way we have been playing is good, not far from last season - but the team I see is a little bit tired," said the Spaniard.
"The schedule has been a lot for these guys. It's crazy, honestly."


bbc--2020-01-08--Police investigating after fall leaves skater in 'life-threatening condition'

Police are investigating after a skater was left in a life-threatening condition following a fall during rehearsals for the Winter @ @ @ @ @ in Switzerland .
The unnamed Russian skater , who lives in Germany , fell from @ @ @ @ @ as she was being lifted by a metal ring attached to a cable in the @ @ @ @ @ The 35-year-old was seriously injured after `` suddenly losing her balance '' and falling on @ @ @ @ @ to police in Lausanne .
Lausanne 2020 organisers and the International Olympic Committee ( IOC @ @ @ @ @ saddened to hear of an accident '' .
`` Lausanne 2020 and the IOC wish @ @ @ @ @ full recovery , '' they added in a statement .
The opening ceremony for the @ @ @ @ @ place on 9 January .

Last updated on .From the section Winter Sports
The Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games run from 9-27 January
Police are investigating after a performer was left in a life-threatening condition by a fall during rehearsals for the Winter Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony in Switzerland.
The unnamed Russian skater, who lives in Germany, fell from a height of five metres as she was being lifted by a metal ring attached to a cable in the Vaudoise Arena ice rink.
The 35-year-old was seriously injured after "suddenly losing her balance" and falling on to the ice, according to police in Lausanne.
Lausanne 2020 organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said they were "saddened to hear of an accident".
"Lausanne 2020 and the IOC wish the performer a fast and full recovery," they added in a statement.
The opening ceremony for the Winter Youth Olympic Games takes place on 9 January.


bbc--2020-01-08--ATP Cup: Rafael Nadal puts Spain into quarter-finals

Rafael Nadal came back twice from a break down against Japan 's Yoshihito Nishioka to put Spain into the ATP Cup quarter-finals in Australia .
The world number one won 7-6 ( 7-4 ) 6-4 ) to give Spain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie after Robert Bautista Agut had earlier beaten Go Soeda 6-2 6-4 .
Nadal then paired up with Pablo Carreno Busta to win the doubles rubber and end Japan 's chances of a last-eight spot .
Davis Cup champions Spain have not lost a match in the group stage .
An unusually sluggish Nadal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 Nishioka , making 19 unforced errors and dropping serve twice in the first set .
It was the first time Nadal , who has not dropped a set at the tournament yet , had played in the hot conditions of the Perth day session .
`` It 's the first time I played under these heavy conditions , so the feeling on court is completely different , '' said Nadal , who will be seeking to equal Roger Federer 's record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ATP Cup is a new 24-nation knockout tournament that has been set up by the men 's professional tour to kick off the 2020 season .
It features six groups of four teams , who each play three round-robin ties in an event played across Sydney , Brisbane and Perth .
Among the countries who have already qualified for the quarter-finals are Great Britain , who face hosts Australia on Thursday ( starts 23:00 GMT Wednesday ) .
Novak Djokovic 's Serbia and Russia are also through to the knockout stage , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Rafael Nadal and Spain are unbeaten at the inaugural ATP Cup so far
Rafael Nadal came back twice from a break down against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka to put Spain into the ATP Cup quarter-finals in Australia.
The world number one won 7-6 (7-4) 6-4) to give Spain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie after Robert Bautista Agut had earlier beaten Go Soeda 6-2 6-4.
Nadal then paired up with Pablo Carreno Busta to win the doubles rubber and end Japan's chances of a last-eight spot.
Argentina later beat Croatia to advance to the knockout stage.
Canada and Belgium sealed the two remaining quarter-final spots as the best runners-up.
The knockout stage, taking place in Sydney, begins on Thursday with Great Britain facing hosts Australia (from 23:00 GMT on Wednesday).
The ATP Cup is a new 24-nation knockout tournament that has been set up by the men's professional tour to kick off the 2020 season.
Nadal aims to 'increase level' after errors
Spain, who won the Davis Cup - another men's team tennis event - in November, ended their group-stage campaign with a perfect record of nine wins.
But an unusually sluggish Nadal was made to work hard against world number 72 Nishioka, making 19 unforced errors and dropping serve twice in the first set.
It was the first time Nadal, who has not dropped a set at the tournament yet, had played in the hot conditions of the Perth day session.
"It's the first time I played under these heavy conditions, so the feeling on court is completely different," Nadal, 33, said.
"I think it's been a positive week for me winning against three tough opponents," he added. "It's going to be tough in Sydney. I really hope to be ready to increase my level."
Nadal can equal Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open, which starts on 20 January, but the Spaniard said he was not thinking about catching the Swiss great.
"My only goal is to keep playing good tennis, keep enjoying this sport and being happy," he said. "And if that happens and I stay healthy then the goal is to keep producing chances in the events that I'm going to play."
Quarter-final line-up completed
In a winner-takes-all tie between Argentina and Croatia in Sydney, Guido Pella beat 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 before Diego Schwartzman swept aside Borna Coric 6-2 6-2 to put the South Americans through to the quarter-finals.
Belgium - who were runners-up to Great Britain in Group C - clinched a place as one of the best second-placed teams, while Canada took the final spot for the knockouts.
Novak Djokovic's Serbia, who had already qualified for the Sydney knockout stage, finished their round-robin campaign with a 2-1 win over Chile in Brisbane.
"Sydney's got a big Serbian community, hopefully the support can be as good as it was here, even better," said 16-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who beat Cristian Garin 6-3 6-3 to make it three singles victories and one doubles win so far.
France and Croatia had chances to go through but failed to take them.
France needed to beat South Africa 3-0 but lost 2-1 despite captain Gilles Simon stepping in as a late replacement for the injured Gael Monfils to beat Lloyd Harris in the opening match.
Benoit Paire failed to serve out the match twice against Kevin Anderson and had a match point saved in a 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-5) loss.
Croatia meanwhile, would have gone through if they had beaten already-qualified Argentina in the doubles, but Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic lost to Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni on a deciding tie-break.
In the tie between already eliminated Georgia and Uruguay in Group B, a fuming Pablo Cuevas packed his bag and walked off court after getting a warning from the umpire - before his opponent Nikoloz Basilashvili went after him and persuaded him to resume the match.


bbc--2020-01-08--Federer, Williams & Nadal to play bushfire fundraiser

Roger Federer , Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal will take part in an exhibition match to raise money for a bushfire relief fund in Australia .
The match is scheduled for 15 January , five days before the start of the Australian Open , and will take place at Melbourne 's Rod Laver Arena .
Australian Nick Kyrgios will also be playing , along with Stefanos Tsitsipas , Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki .
Fires in Australia have killed at least 25 people since September .
• Australia fires : How the world has responded to the crisis • F1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millions of animals have also been killed and almost 2,000 homes destroyed .
Milder weather brought brief respite last weekend but fire crews are again preparing for worsening conditions with temperatures predicted to soar on Friday .
`` For a period of about two and a half hours we 're going to be showcasing the game , but also coming together as a community to play our part in the relief effort , '' said Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley .
Kyrgios is donating 200 Australian dollars ( £106 ) for every ace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January as part of the fundraising effort , while compatriot Ashleigh Barty will donate all of her prize money from the Brisbane International .
Meanwhile , a group of nine Australian players from the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) have pledged 750,000 Australian dollars ( £392,000 ) towards the relief and recovery efforts .
Ben Simmons , Aron Baynes , Jonah Bolden , Ryan Broekhoff , Matthew Dellavedova , Dante Exum , Joe Ingles , Thon Maker and Patty Mills are the players involved .
`` We are heartbroken over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our homeland , '' the players said .
`` Our thoughts are with our families , friends and all of the people of Australia .
We hope you feel our love and support and know that we will continue to bring awareness to this crisis globally and provide assistance in any way we can . ''

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Federer, Williams and Nadal have 62 Grand Slam singles titles between them
Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal will take part in an exhibition match to raise money for a bushfire relief fund in Australia.
The match is scheduled for 15 January, five days before the start of the Australian Open, and will take place at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.
Australian Nick Kyrgios will also be playing, along with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki.
Fires in Australia have killed at least 25 people since September.
Millions of animals have also been killed and almost 2,000 homes destroyed.
Milder weather brought brief respite last weekend but fire crews are again preparing for worsening conditions with temperatures predicted to soar on Friday.
"For a period of about two and a half hours we're going to be showcasing the game, but also coming together as a community to play our part in the relief effort," said Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley.
Kyrgios is donating 200 Australian dollars (£106) for every ace he hits in events held in Australia in January as part of the fundraising effort, while compatriot Ashleigh Barty will donate all of her prize money from the Brisbane International.
World number eight Belinda Bencic has pledged the same amount for every double fault she hits at the Adelaide International and Australian Open.
"I'm not the best at hitting aces but much better at double faults," the 22-year-old Swiss wrote on Twitter external-link .
"I won't be angry at myself when I hit one and finally they will be useful."
Meanwhile, a group of nine Australian players from the National Basketball Association (NBA) have pledged 750,000 Australian dollars (£392,000) towards the relief and recovery efforts.
Ben Simmons, Aron Baynes, Jonah Bolden, Ryan Broekhoff, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Joe Ingles, Thon Maker and Patty Mills are the players involved.
"We are heartbroken over the devastation these fires are causing all across our homeland," the players said.
"Our thoughts are with our families, friends and all of the people of Australia. We hope you feel our love and support and know that we will continue to bring awareness to this crisis globally and provide assistance in any way we can."


bbc--2020-01-08--Five-day Tests are precious, says England director of men's cricket Giles

England director of men 's cricket Ashley Giles says five-day Test matches `` precious '' to him and the players .
The International Cricket Council is set to discuss reducing Tests to four days when it meets in January to consider the calendar beyond 2023 .
England levelled their series in South Africa by winning a thriller with 8.2 overs left on day five in Cape Town .
`` If we played four-day cricket , I fear we would miss out on a lot matches like yesterday [ Tuesday ] , '' said Giles .
`` I know a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fifth day - but you know it is precious to me , and I know it is to the players . ''
The England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) has said it `` cautiously '' supports four-day Tests as a possible way of easing the strain on players and the international schedule .
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live , Giles was asked whether it was a mistake for the ECB to back talks about four-day Tests .
`` No , I think it 's important we look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a decision far from made yet , but it is a responsibility as the guardians for the game in this country to look after everything that would take the game forward , and also look after the workloads of our players . ''
• Anderson to have scan on side injury After inspiring England 's victory over South Africa , which made it 1-1 in the series , all-rounder Ben Stokes backed keeping the longer format of the game at five days .
`` [ This is ] why five-day cricket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stokes .
`` It 's the best format of the game and it makes cricket and games like these just unforgettable . ''
Test captain Joe Root added : `` What a great win that was .
A great five days of cricket .
You would n't see it if it was a four-day game , would you ?
It 's a great advert for five-day Test matches . ''
Cricket South Africa has said its `` official policy to support four-day Test match cricket '' .
South Africa played a four-day Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England also hosted Ireland at Lord 's in a four-day match in July 2019 .
However , in contrast to his country 's cricket governing body , South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said : `` I am a fan of Test cricket going five days .
The great draws of the game always go to five days .
`` There will always be an opinion on both sides , but I am still a purist of the game and have been part of some great draws that went five days .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in four days on the wicket we have just played on . ''
The Federation of International Cricketers ' Associations chief executive Tony Irish said there was a `` lot of negative sentiment '' among players about reducing Tests to four days .
He said the global players ' union wanted more information on how any space in the calendar created by such a move would be used , adding that filling it `` with additional or meaningless cricket is clearly not something we can support '' .
`` Cricket 's global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further confusion , '' Irish said .
India captain Virat Kohli has said he is `` not a fan '' of the proposal and that the five-day format `` should n't be altered '' .
`` I think the intent will not be right then because then you will speak of three-day Tests , '' he added .
`` Where do you end ?
Then you will speak of Test cricket disappearing . ''
Meanwhile , India legend Sachin Tendulkar believes taking away the fifth day would be detrimental for spin bowlers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to day four and five when there is wear and tear on a scuffed-up surface .
It 's like taking day one out of a Test match for fast bowlers .
`` On day five there are a number of things which happen in Test cricket .
You are completely taking them away . ''

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
England needed eight wickets to beat South Africa and level the series going into the final day in Cape Town
England director of men's cricket Ashley Giles says five-day Test matches are "precious" to him and the players.
The International Cricket Council is set to discuss reducing Tests to four days when it meets in January to consider the calendar beyond 2023.
England levelled their series in South Africa by winning a thriller with 8.2 overs left on day five in Cape Town.
"If we played four-day cricket, I fear we would miss out on a lot matches like yesterday [Tuesday]," said Giles.
"I know a lot of Test matches now don't go to the fifth day - but you know it is precious to me, and I know it is to the players."
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said it "cautiously" supports four-day Tests as a possible way of easing the strain on players and the international schedule.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Giles was asked whether it was a mistake for the ECB to back talks about four-day Tests.
"No, I think it's important we look at everything," he replied.
"There is a decision far from made yet, but it is a responsibility as the guardians for the game in this country to look after everything that would take the game forward, and also look after the workloads of our players."
After inspiring England's victory over South Africa, which made it 1-1 in the series, all-rounder Ben Stokes backed keeping the longer format of the game at five days.
"[This is] why five-day cricket should always be around," said Stokes.
"It's the best format of the game and it makes cricket and games like these just unforgettable."
Test captain Joe Root added: "What a great win that was. A great five days of cricket. You wouldn't see it if it was a four-day game, would you? It's a great advert for five-day Test matches."
Cricket South Africa has said its "official policy to support four-day Test match cricket". South Africa played a four-day Test against Zimbabwe in December 2017, while England also hosted Ireland at Lord's in a four-day match in July 2019.
However, in contrast to his country's cricket governing body, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said: "I am a fan of Test cricket going five days. The great draws of the game always go to five days.
"There will always be an opinion on both sides, but I am still a purist of the game and have been part of some great draws that went five days.
"There would definitely not have been a result in four days on the wicket we have just played on."
The Federation of International Cricketers' Associations chief executive Tony Irish said there was a "lot of negative sentiment" among players about reducing Tests to four days.
He said the global players' union wanted more information on how any space in the calendar created by such a move would be used, adding that filling it "with additional or meaningless cricket is clearly not something we can support".
"Cricket's global structure desperately needs clarity, rather than further confusion," Irish said.
India captain Virat Kohli has said he is "not a fan" of the proposal and that the five-day format "shouldn't be altered".
"I think the intent will not be right then because then you will speak of three-day Tests," he added.
"Where do you end? Then you will speak of Test cricket disappearing."
Meanwhile, India legend Sachin Tendulkar believes taking away the fifth day would be detrimental for spin bowlers.
He said: "I feel spinners look forward to day four and five when there is wear and tear on a scuffed-up surface. It's like taking day one out of a Test match for fast bowlers.
"On day five there are a number of things which happen in Test cricket. You are completely taking them away."


bbc--2020-01-08--Trump: Iran 'standing down' after missile strikes

US President Donald Trump has said Iran `` appears to be standing down '' after it fired missiles at air bases housing US forces in Iraq .
Mr Trump , in a televised address from the White House , said no US or Iraqi lives were lost in the attacks and the bases suffered only minimal damage .
The Irbil and Al Asad bases were attacked early on Wednesday local time .
Iran said it acted in retaliation after the assassination of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani last week .
The US drone strike targeting him and Iran-backed militia figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major escalation amid already deteriorating relations between Iran and the US .
• Five things to note from Trump 's Iran speech • ANALYSIS : Is there more to come from Iran ?
• EXPLAINED : A quick guide to the story so far Iran 's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described the missile attacks as a `` slap in the face '' for the US and called for an end to the American presence in the Middle East .
On Wednesday evening at least two rockets fell in Baghdad 's heavily fortified Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located .
There were no reports of any damage or casualties .
The US attack on Soleimani killed members of pro-Iranian Iraqi militias , who have also said they would seek revenge .
What did Mr Trump say ?
He has previously threatened military action against Iran if it were to target US personnel and bases , but he did not announce any military action , saying Iran 's attack had caused no casualties .
`` No Americans were harmed in last night 's attack by the Iranian regime , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , which is a good thing for all parties concerned , '' he added .
He also said that `` American strength , both military and economic , is the best deterrent '' .
`` The fact that we have this great military and equipment , however , does not mean we have to use it . ''
Mr Trump also said the US would immediately impose additional financial and economic sanctions on Iran , which would remain until it `` changed its behaviour '' .
`` Iran must abandon its nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` The civilised world must send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime .
Your campaign of terror , murder and mayhem will not be tolerated any more .
It will not be allowed to go forward . ''
President Trump 's speech was a curious amalgam of threats , bluster - a touch of de-escalation .
Nonetheless he still slapped on more economic sanctions against Tehran .
He triumphed in the killing of Gen Soleimani , whom he described as `` the world 's top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three key messages .
First , de-escalation .
There were no US casualties caused by the Iranian missile strikes .
He said that Iran was `` standing down '' , presumably returning its deployed missile forces to their bases .
He did not threaten an immediate US response .
Secondly - the nuclear deal .
He called upon the other signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement - the JCPOA - which the US long ago abandoned , to similarly give it up as a bad job .
Thirdly , stressing US energy independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become much more involved in the Middle East process '' .
This will inevitably be seen as another signal that the US is tiring of its role in the region and THAT will not be welcomed by his allies either in the Middle East or in Nato .
So this was a speech full of Trumpian contradiction and the few references to a brighter future for the Iranian people provided little tangible hope of any new diplomatic initiative .
So in the wake of the US drone attack and Iran 's missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business as usual .
What happened in the missile attacks ?
A total of 16 missiles were launched from at least three sites in Iran , Defence Secretary Mark Esper said .
At least 11 of them struck the air base in Al Asad , west of Baghdad , and at least one more hit the Irbil base , he said .
• US sanctions on Iran : Six charts Several other missiles landed at some distance from the targets .
The attacks happened at about 02:00 local time on Wednesday ( 22:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairman Mark Milley said he believed early warning systems had prevented casualties .
`` [ What ] I believe , based on what I saw and what I know , is that they were intended to cause structural damage , destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft , and to kill personnel , '' he said .
The attacks came just hours after the burial of Soleimani , who controlled Iran 's proxy forces across the Middle East .
It was the most direct assault by Iran on the US since the seizing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just hours after the missile strikes a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran shortly after take-off .
There is no evidence that the two incidents are linked .
Several airlines have announced they are avoiding both Iranian and Iraqi airspace amid the rising tension .
How did we get here ?
The assassination of Soleimani - head of the Revolutionary Guards ' elite Quds Force and architect of Iranian policy in the region - took place on 3 January .
• What British Iranians think about the rising tension The general was regarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which says he was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops and was plotting `` imminent '' attacks .
Iran vowed `` severe revenge '' for his death .
Mr Trump , meanwhile , warned the US would respond in the event of retaliation `` perhaps in a disproportionate manner '' .
Millions of Iranians turned out for the commander 's funeral , with mourners chanting `` death to America '' and `` death to Trump '' .
• Why huge crowds turned out for Soleimani 's funeral • Voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve such a fate' A stampede at the burial in Soleimani 's hometown Kerman killed 50 people and injured 200 more on Tuesday .

Thirdly, stressing US energy independence, he called upon Nato countries "to become much more involved in the Middle East process". This will inevitably be seen as another signal that the US is tiring of its role in the region and THAT will not be welcomed by his allies either in the Middle East or in Nato.


bbc--2020-01-08--Prince Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they will step back as `` senior '' royals and work to become financially independent .
In a statement , Prince Harry and Meghan also said they plan to split their time between the UK and North America .
The BBC understands no other royal - including the Queen or Prince William - was consulted before the statement and Buckingham Palace is `` disappointed '' .
Senior royals are understood to be `` hurt '' by the announcement .
Last October , Prince Harry and Meghan publicly revealed their struggles under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , also posted on their Instagram page , the couple said they made the decision `` after many months of reflection and internal discussions '' .
`` We intend to step back as 'senior ' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent , while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen . ''
• Harry and Meghan step back : What we know so far • In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together They said they plan to balance their time between the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour our duty to the Queen , the Commonwealth , and our patronages '' .
`` This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born , while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter , including the launch of our new charitable entity . ''
BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said the fact palace officials said they were `` disappointed '' is `` pretty strong '' .
`` I think it indicates a real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - maybe not so much about what has been done but about how it has been done - and the lack of consultation I think will sting .
`` This is clearly a major rift between Harry and Meghan on one part , and the rest of the Royal Family on the other . ''
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said discussions with the duke and duchess on their decision to step back were `` at an early stage '' , adding : `` We understand their desire to take a different approach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take time to work through . ''
Over Christmas , the couple took a six-week break from royal duties to spend some time in Canada with their son , Archie , who was born in May .
After returning to the UK on Tuesday , Harry , 35 , and Meghan , 38 , visited Canada 's High Commission in London to thank the country for hosting them and said the warmth and hospitality they received was `` unbelievable '' .
During the visit , Meghan said it was an `` incredible time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada '' .
`` To see Archie go 'ah ' when you walk by , and just see how stunning it is - so it meant a lot to us . ''
Former actress Meghan lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits , and she has several Canadian friends .
Close up , it was painfully clear that there were great chunks of the job they simply could not stand .
Both of them appeared to come alive with the crowds .
But Harry hated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ceremonial .
And though Meghan was often the consummate professional , at times her impatience with the everyday slog of the role sometimes broke through .
She said she did n't want to become a voiceless figurehead ; but when she raised her voice , she found criticism waiting for her .
They both made their feelings known in the 2019 interview with ITV 's Tom Bradby .
But beyond the detail , what was so shocking was how unhappy they both seemed .
The sun-drenched wedding of the year before seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people visibly struggling with their lives and positions .
There are far more questions than answers ; what will their new role be ?
Where will they live , and who will pay for it ?
What relationship will they have with the rest of the Royal Family ?
And there 's the institutional question .
What does this mean for the Royal Family ?
It comes just a few months after Prince Andrew stepped back from his duties .
Some might see this as the slimmed-down monarchy that the 21st century needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that other royals did n't .
They were part of the reinvention and refreshing of the institution .
This was not the way anyone would have planned its future .
Former Buckingham Palace press officer Dickie Arbiter suggested the decision showed Prince Harry 's `` heart ruling his head '' .
He told the BBC the `` massive press onslaught '' when their son Archie was born may have played a part in the decision .
And he compared the move to Edward VIII 's abdication in 1936 in order to marry twice-divorced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only other precedent , but there 's been nothing like this in modern times , '' Mr Arbiter said .
Asked how being a `` part-time '' member of the Royal Family might work , Mr Arbiter said he did not know .
`` If they 're going to be based in the UK , it means they are going to be doing a lot of flying [ with ] a big carbon footprint , '' he said , adding that this may `` raise eyebrows '' .
He also questioned how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I mean , Harry is not a poor man , but to settle yourself in two different continents , to raise a family , to continue to do your work - how 's the work going to be funded ?
`` How is their security going to be funded ?
`` Because they 're still going to have to have security - who 's going to have to pay for this ?
Where 's the security coming from ?
Is the Metropolitan Police going to be providing it and if so whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in covering the security cost ? ''
Mr Arbiter also suggested questions would be raised over why £2.4m of taxpayer 's money was spent on renovating the couple 's home , Frogmore Cottage in Windsor , if they will now be living elsewhere for some of the year .
BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said the couple have `` considerable savings '' , including Harry 's inheritance from Princess Diana 's estate and the money Meghan earned as an actress .
But , asked about whether they might get jobs , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the Royal Family - relatively senior ones , even if they say they 're no longer senior - getting jobs , because they are seen to monetise their brand and you run into a whole host of questions about conflict of interest '' .
He added that we are now in `` wait and see mode '' as to whether this new model of being a royal can work - `` or if this is really a staging post for them to leave the Royal Family '' .
The Prince of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry , Meghan , William and Kate and some of their private costs , out of his Duchy of Cornwall income , which was £21.6m last year .
Accounts from Clarence House show this funding - in the year Meghan officially joined the Royal Family - stood at just over £5m , up 1.8 % on 2017-18 .
Royal author Penny Junor said she `` ca n't quite see how it 's going to work '' , adding : `` I do n't think it 's been properly thought through . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's rather sad , '' she said .
`` They may not feel they are particularly loved but actually they are very much loved . ''
Harry is sixth in line to the throne - behind Prince Charles , Prince William and his three children .
In an ITV documentary last year , Meghan admitted motherhood was a `` struggle '' due to intense interest from newspapers .
Prince Harry also responded to reports of a rift between him and his brother William , the Duke of Cambridge , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
In October , the duchess began legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters .
And the duke also began legal action against the owners of the Sun , the defunct News of the World , and the Daily Mirror , in relation to alleged phone-hacking .
Prince Harry also released a statement , saying : `` I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces . ''
The duke and duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge live , in 2018 to set up their family home in Windsor .
Then last summer , they split from the charity they shared with Prince William and Kate to set up their own charitable projects .
The couple 's announcement on Wednesday comes two months after the Duke of York withdrew from public life after a BBC interview about his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein , who killed himself in August .

But, asked about whether they might get jobs, he added: "There is a problem for members of the Royal Family - relatively senior ones, even if they say they're no longer senior - getting jobs, because they are seen to monetise their brand and you run into a whole host of questions about conflict of interest".


bbc--2020-01-08--Would Canadians welcome Harry and Meghan?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they will step back as `` senior '' royals and work to @ @ @ @ @ a statement they said they 'll be splitting their time between the UK and North @ @ @ @ @ Christmas in Canada with their son Archie , so what would Canadians think about welcoming @ @ @ @

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they will step back as "senior" royals and work to become financially independent.
In a statement they said they'll be splitting their time between the UK and North America.
The couple spent Christmas in Canada with their son Archie, so what would Canadians think about welcoming the royal couple?


bbc--2020-01-08--Pelosi loses Senate Democrats on Trump impeachment delay

The US Congress ' most powerful Democrat is losing support among Senate allies as she holds up President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial .
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has delayed sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate in a tussle over rules with Republicans .
Senator Dianne Feinstein called on Mrs Pelosi , her fellow California Democrat and ex-neighbour , to `` send it over '' .
The Senate 's Republican leader vowed there would be `` no haggling '' .
Mitch McConnell said he can muster the majority of 51 votes needed among his fellow Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without Democratic support .
Senate Democrats said prolonging the standoff would be pointless .
`` The longer it goes on the less urgent it becomes , '' Senator Feinstein said on Wednesday , Bloomberg News reported .
`` So if it 's serious and urgent , send them over .
If it is n't , do n't send it over . ''
The political trial of Mr Trump can not begin until the Democratic-controlled House sends its articles of impeachment , the charges against the president , to the Senate .
Senator Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politico : `` I respect the fact that [ Pelosi ] is concerned about the fact about whether or not there will be a fair trial , but I do think it is time to get on with it . ''
Senator Jon Tester , a Montana Democrat , said : `` I do n't know what leverage we have .
It looks like the cake is already baked . ''
Joe Manchin , a West Virginia Democrat , also said he believed it was time to start the Senate trial .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December on allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
The Republican president is accused of withholding military aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rival , Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden .
Democratic leaders have argued that witnesses and new documents should be allowed in the Senate trial .
They have also criticised Mr McConnell for saying he would work in `` total co-ordination '' with the White House during the proceedings .
Mrs Pelosi said in a letter to fellow Democrats on Tuesday that she would not send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building until Republicans `` immediately '' publish their proposed rules so `` we can see the arena in which we will be participating '' .
Mr McConnell said the rules would be `` essentially the same '' as those for the 1998 impeachment trial of Democratic President Bill Clinton , which also began without an agreement on witnesses .
Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday , Mr McConnell said : `` There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure .
We will not cede our authority to try this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wanting to keep Mr Trump `` in limbo '' .
Mrs Pelosi 's counterpart in the Senate , Chuck Schumer , and House Democrats have stood by her .
Mr Trump is the third president in US history to be impeached .
The Senate is unlikely to come up with the 67 votes needed to remove him from office given that his fellow Republicans control the chamber by 53 votes to 47 .
Want to find out more ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : If you want a basic take , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Here 's a 100 , 300 and 800-word summary of the story • A STATE DIVIDED : What New Hampshire makes of it • YOUR QUESTIONS : Will Trump really testify ?
• CASE FOR & AGAINST : What legal scholars say about Trump conduct

Mrs Pelosi said in a letter to fellow Democrats on Tuesday that she would not send the articles of impeachment across the Congress building until Republicans "immediately" publish their proposed rules so "we can see the arena in which we will be participating".


bbc--2020-01-08--Iran plane crash: Tehran won't give Boeing or US black boxes

Iran has said it will not hand over black box flight recorders recovered from a plane that crashed with 176 people on board to manufacturer Boeing or to the US .
The Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 went down just minutes after taking off from Tehran 's airport , leaving no survivors .
Under global aviation rules , Iran has the right to lead the investigation .
But manufacturers are typically involved and experts say few countries are capable of analysing black boxes .
The crash came at a time of high tensions between Iran and the US and just hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air bases housing US forces in Iraq .
There is no evidence the two events are linked .
Normally , the US National Transportation Safety Board would have a role to play in any international investigations involving US-made Boeings .
But the board must act with permission and in accordance with legislation of the foreign country concerned .
In comments published by Iran 's conservative Mehr news agency , the head of Iran 's Civil Aviation Organisation ( CAO ) , Ali Abedzadeh , said : `` We will not give the black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` This accident will be investigated by Iran 's aviation organisation but the Ukrainians can also be present , '' he added .
• Who are the victims of the crash ?
• Tributes to three Britons killed in plane crash Mr Abedzadeh said it was not yet clear which country would analyse the black boxes - a cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder .
Boeing said it was `` ready to assist in any way needed '' , while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had offered technical assistance .
The Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 to Kyiv had 176 people on board when it crashed in Iran on Wednesday .
The majority of passengers were from Iran and Canada .
Ukraine 's Tehran embassy initially blamed engine failure but later removed the statement , saying any comment regarding the cause of the accident prior to a commission 's inquiry was not official .
There was good visibility when the plane went down near Iran 's capital , according to the Flightradar24 aviation website .
Officials from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against `` speculation or unchecked theories regarding the catastrophe '' until official reports were ready .
Iranian media blamed technical problems and quoted an aviation official who said no emergency had been declared .
Mr Abedzadeh said `` terrorism '' had played no role in the crash , according to Mehr .
Who was on board ?
Among the victims were 82 Iranians , 63 Canadians , 11 Ukrainians including all nine crew , 10 Swedes , four Afghans , three Britons and three Germans , Ukrainian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dead were children .
But the German government later said `` we currently have no knowledge that German citizens are among the victims of the plane crash in Iran '' .
Iran 's head of emergency operations said 147 of the victims were Iranian .
That would suggest that 65 of the foreign nationals had dual nationalities .
The Ukrainian airline gave a helpline number for further information about passengers : +38-044-581-50-19 .
Mr Trudeau said 138 passengers on the flight were en route to Canada via Kyiv .
`` All people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their parents , their friends , their colleagues or their family , '' he said .
`` All had so much potential , so much life ahead of them '' .
Flight data from the Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737-800 is openly available online .
It shows that the plane climbed normally after taking-off from Tehran .
It reached nearly 8,000ft ( 2,400m ) before the aircraft 's data suddenly disappears .
This is unusual and would suggest some type of catastrophic incident on board the plane .
We have no evidence at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident .
According to a former air crash investigator , any suggestion of engine failure feels premature .
This possibility ca n't be ruled out at this early stage but an airliner such as the Boeing 737-800 is designed to keep flying if there is an engine failure .
Plus , if there was a failure then we would normally expect the flight data to show the plane 's climb becoming less steep .
Have you been personally affected by this story ?
Please get in touch with us by emailing haveyoursay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Send an SMS or MMS to 61124 ( UK ) or +44 7624 800 100 ( international ) • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

The crash came at a time of high tensions between Iran and the US and just hours after Iran carried out missile strikes on two air bases housing US forces in Iraq. There is no evidence that the two events are linked.


bbc--2020-01-08--Brexit: Full UK-EU trade deal 'impossible' by deadline - von der Leyen

The UK and the EU will remain the `` best of friends '' but they will `` not be as close as before '' after Brexit , the new European Commission president has said .
Speaking ahead of talks with the PM , Ursula von der Leyen warned it would be `` impossible '' to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020 .
She said if the deadline was not extended it was not a case of `` all or nothing '' , but of priorities .
Boris Johnson has insisted a deal is possible by December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 , a Downing Street spokesman said talks had been `` positive '' , but the PM had been `` clear '' the process of negotiation would not be extended .
After its 31 January exit , the UK will enter into an 11-month transition period in which it will largely follow EU rules but will not have any representation in the bloc 's institutions .
This period will come to an end on 31 December .
Only when the UK leaves the EU can the two sides begin talks on their future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen he `` wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership , based on friendly co-operation , our shared history , interests and values '' , as well as a `` broad free trade agreement covering goods and services , and cooperation in other areas '' .
He also said the UK was ready to start negotiations `` as soon as possible '' after 31 January .
Speaking at the London School of Economics earlier in the day , Mrs von der Leyen said the EU was `` ready to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but she warned of `` tough '' talks ahead .
`` We will go as far as we can , but the truth is that our partnership can not and will not be the same as before and it can not and will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequences with every decision comes a trade off . ''
Mrs von der Leyen , a former German defence minister , took over from Jean-Claude Juncker at the start of December .
She was a student at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended the same school as Mr Johnson in Belgium - something the prime minister highlighted as they posed for photos in Number 10 .
Mrs von der Leyen said she hoped the new trading relationship would be based on `` zero tariffs , zero quotas , zero dumping '' .
• What is the transition period ?
But she said : `` Without the free movement of people you can not have the free movement of capital and services .
`` The more divergence there is the more distant the partnership will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020 `` you can not expect to agree every single aspect of our new partnership '' .
She called the deadline `` very tight '' .
Opposition MPs have warned that trade deals typically take years to conclude and the UK risks defaulting to World Trade Organisation rules at the start of 2021 , potentially leading to damaging tariffs for some industries .
But Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told BBC Breakfast the UK and EU had agreed in the political declaration to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year and he was `` confident '' they would do that .
The meeting between Boris Johnson and new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is significant in that it 's their first face-to-face in their new roles - but today does not mark start of post-Brexit trade talks .
EU law dictates that trade talks ca n't start until the UK legally leaves the bloc .
Then EU countries must agree a mandate for the EU Commission to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement on their behalf .
This mandate then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister level by representatives of all EU countries .
All this means , the EU says , is trade talks will start at the beginning March .
When UK ministers complain that 's too long to wait , the EU response is that the UK always pushed for bigger role for national governments in EU decision-making to make it more democratic .
Expect red-line drawing with smiles today between the prime minister and Mrs von der Leyen - presented as `` friends telling each other truths '' .
The EU position is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an `` ambitious , comprehensive '' trade deal agreed and ratified by December is unrealistic .
However , the prime minister will counter this with `` truths '' of his own , including that negotiations have to be done by December because he wo n't extend the transition period .
Legislation implementing the terms of Mr Johnson 's Brexit deal continues to move through the Commons , with the government easily winning all three votes on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on Tuesday .
The bill will enshrine in law the terms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's predecessor Theresa May , as well as agreements on citizens ' rights , customs arrangements in Northern Ireland and the UK 's financial settlement .
Attempts by Northern Ireland parties to amend the bill to ensure `` unfettered access '' for businesses there to the rest of the UK market failed to pass on Wednesday afternoon .
MPs also rejected an attempt by Labour to reinstate child refugee protection rights in the Brexit bill .

"We will go as far as we can, but the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before and it cannot and will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequences with every decision comes a trade off."


bbc--2020-01-08--Ghosn: Decision to flee was hardest of my life

The former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has said the decision to flee Japan , where he was charged with financial misconduct , was the most difficult of his life .
Speaking at a highly anticipated news conference , Mr Ghosn described himself as a `` hostage '' in the country with a choice between dying there or running .
He claimed prosecutors had tried to break his spirit by barring any contact with his wife , Carole .
He fled to Lebanon on 29 December .
The former Nissan and Renault executive told the room packed with journalists from across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan failed to meet international standards of justice .
In prison , Mr Ghosn said he was kept in a cell with a small window and only allowed to shower twice a week .
He also claimed to have spent 130 days in a windowless cell while in solitary confinement .
Mr Ghosn said he was interrogated for up to eight hours a day without having any lawyers present and described his `` feeling of hopelessness '' as `` profound '' .
`` I was brutally taken from my work as I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my family and my friends , '' he said .
It is the first time Mr Ghosn has spoken publicly since he fled house arrest in Japan .
He did not give details of his dramatic escape , despite widespread speculation over how he managed to leave the country undetected and reports that it involved hiding in a musical instrument case .
He said providing more information would compromise people who had helped him .
Instead he expressed his `` profound appreciation to be able to be reunited with my family and loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement released after the press conference , prosecutors in Japan said : `` Ghosn 's allegations completely ignore his own conduct , and his one-sided criticism of the Japanese criminal justice system is totally unacceptable , '' the statement said .
Mr Ghosn `` only has himself to blame for being arrested and detained '' it said .
Prosecutors allege that Mr Ghosn made a multi-million-dollar payment to a Nissan distributor in Oman .
Nissan , meanwhile , has filed its own criminal complaint against Mr Ghosn , accusing him of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own personal enrichment .
He is also accused of under-reporting his own salary .
Mr Ghosn insists that he is innocent of all charges made against him .
It was a bravura performance .
Mr Ghosn is no longer the star of the auto industry , but whatever the truth or otherwise of the charges against him , he clearly still knows how to work a room .
He railed against the Japanese justice system , which he said violated the basic principles of humanity .
He condemned the `` vindictive , inglorious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
He offered a detailed defence to counter the claims Japanese prosecutors have filed against him , and still found time to tear into the way he claims Nissan and Renault are now being mismanaged .
We can now expect his arguments to be scrutinised closely - and no doubt both Nissan and the Japanese government will respond .
But he has certainly seized the agenda - and combined with his dramatic escape , has done so in style .
'Die or get out' Mr Ghosn 's lawyers had told him it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect a judgement in the case , he said .
He came under pressure to admit to the alleged crimes , he said , to bring the matter to a close .
`` 'It will get worse for you if you do n't just confess , ' the prosecutor told me repeatedly , '' he said at the news conference .
He said the conviction rate in Japan , which is over 99 % , had led him to believe he would not get a fair trial .
As a result , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the decision that he would either have to `` die in Japan or ... get out '' .
Mr Ghosn believes he is the victim of a plot between Nissan and the Japanese judiciary .
He alleges they wished to oust him from his role at the top of Nissan over concerns about Renault 's growing influence .
In 1999 , he helped mastermind a deal that saw Renault rescue Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy .
Now , the French carmaker has a 43 % stake in its Japanese partner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Renault .
`` Some of my Japanese friends thought that the only way to get rid of the influence of Renault on Nissan , was to get rid of me , '' he said .
But , responding to a question from the BBC , Mr Ghosn said he did not believe the plot went as high as Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe .
On Tuesday , Japanese authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr Ghosn 's wife Carole , who was accused of giving false testimony .
Mr Ghosn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was subsequently released on bail and put under house arrest , but he was banned from seeing his wife .
Then , in the final days of 2019 , he skipped bail to board a private jet that took him to Turkey before he travelled on to Lebanon , where he is a citizen , and where his wife was waiting .

He railed against the Japanese justice system, which he said violated the basic principles of humanity. He condemned the "vindictive, inglorious individuals" he claimed were conspiring against him. He offered a detailed defence to counter the claims Japanese prosecutors have filed against him, and still found time to tear into the way he claims Nissan and Renault are now being mismanaged.


bbc--2020-01-08--Execs accuse McDonald's of racial discrimination

Two senior McDonald 's executives have filed a lawsuit against the company , accusing it of discriminating against African-American customers and staff .
They say the climate grew especially hostile after UK-born Steve Easterbrook became chief executive in 2015 .
Under his leadership , they say the firm `` conducted a ruthless purge '' of high-ranked African-Americans and shifted advertising away from black customers .
McDonald 's said : `` We disagree with characterisations in the complaint '' .
The firm said it has reduced the number of `` officer level '' positions over the last five years but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the firm 's corporate officers - an increase since 2013 - and all of its 10 field vice-presidents in the US .
Last year , it launched a marketing campaign aimed at African Americans that was its largest in 16 years , it added .
`` At McDonald 's our actions are rooted in our belief that a diverse , vibrant , inclusive and respectful company makes us stronger , '' the company said .
Mr Easterbrook , who is named in the complaint , was fired last year for a mutual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of company rules .
He could not be reached for comment .
Mr Easterbrook was replaced by Chris Kempczinski , who previously headed McDonald 's US division and is also named in the complaint .
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in federal court in Illinois by Vicki Guster-Hines and Domineca Neal .
The two women have worked at McDonald 's since 1987 and 2012 respectively and are both vice presidents for franchising and operations .
They say McDonald 's practised `` systematic but covert '' racial discrimination `` over the years '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , non-coincidental and highly damaging '' after the 2015 leadership change .
In the complaint , they cite the shelving of training programmes for African Americans , the exclusion of African Americans from the ranks of senior advisors , and descriptions of colleagues as `` Angry Black Women '' .
They say that the number of black-owned franchises also declined disproportionately - departures they argue were either `` intentional '' or due to the company 's `` reckless disregard '' for the cost of some of the investments it demanded of franchise owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been pursuing a broader campaign to refurbish stores and upgrade its image , of shifting advertising away from black customers , historically some of the company 's strongest patrons .
`` As a consumer block , African Americans were singled out as less desired by McDonald 's , '' they say .
The two women are seeking damages from the firm , which they say retaliated against them for voicing their concerns about the treatment of African Americans .

The firm said it has reduced the number of "officer level" positions over the last five years but that people of colour account for 45% of the firm's corporate officers - an increase since 2013 - and all of its 10 field vice-presidents in the US.


bbc--2020-01-08--Libya conflict: Turkey and Russia call for ceasefire

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have called for a ceasefire to end the conflict in Libya .
The two leaders are seen to back rival sides in a conflict dragging in an increasing number of states .
After talks in Istanbul , Mr Erdogan and Mr Putin said the ceasefire should come into force at midnight on Sunday .
The call came amid a warning by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas of a Syrian-style civil war in Libya .
Last week , Turkey sent troops to the North African state to bolster the embattled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having about 2,500 mercenaries in Libya to support the UN-backed administration 's main rival , Gen Khalifar Haftar .
Russia denies the allegation .
• Why is Libya so lawless ?
Libya is strategically important , having the largest oil reserves in Africa .
It is located along the Mediterranean coast , and a gateway to Europe for African migrants .
Previous efforts to end hostilities and unite the nation have failed , and it is unclear whether the latest initiative will succeed .
Gen Haftar 's Libyan National Army ( LNA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured the coastal city of Sirte , which is near Libya 's `` oil crescent '' .
There have also been reports of clashes and air strikes on the road between Sirte and the city of Misrata , which is controlled by troops loyal to the UN-backed government .
In another sign of the diplomatic push for a ceasefire , Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met Gen Haftar in the Italian city of Rome .
Mr Conte had also been due to meet Libya 's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj but the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters news agency that it appeared Mr al-Serraj called off the meeting after being incorrectly told that the Italians wanted him to meet Gen Haftar during the trip .
Mr al-Serraj was earlier in the European Union ( EU ) capital , Brussels , for talks with Mr Maas and EU officials .
`` We want to avoid Libya becoming the scene of proxy wars , '' Mr Maas said .
`` Libya can not become a second Syria and so we need rapidly to enter a political process , an agreement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
Mr Serraj has the backing of Turkey , the Qatar and most Western powers , while Gen Haftar 's key allies are Egypt , Saudi Arabia , the United Arab Emirates , Jordan and Russia .
Gen Haftar 's forces have also waged a months-long offensive to capture the capital , Tripoli , but have so far failed to take it .
Libya currently has rival administrations : the UN-backed government in Tripoli , and the Gen Haftar-backed government in the eastern city of Tobruk .
Libya first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing of long-serving ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 , as rival faction jostled for power .

Gen Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) said on Monday that its forces had captured the coastal city of Sirte, which is near Libya's "oil crescent". There have also been reports of clashes and air strikes on the road between Sirte and the city of Misrata, which is controlled by troops loyal to the UN-backed government.


bbc--2020-01-08--'Real-life Hustler' Samantha Barbash sues over Jennifer Lopez film

The woman who inspired Jennifer Lopez 's character in Hustlers is suing the film 's makers for $ 40m ( £30m ) .
In the lawsuit , Samantha Barbash accuses film companies including STX Films and Lopez 's Nuyorican Productions of using her likeness and defaming her .
In response , STX said it would `` defend our right to tell factually based stories based on the public record '' .
Hustlers is the fictionalised story of Barbash and other women who drugged and swindled rich men at strip clubs .
Barbash was the alleged mastermind of the ring and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for conspiracy , assault and grand larceny after it came to light .
The movie was based on a 2015 New York Magazine article about the gang , but Barbash has said she declined to sell her rights to the movie 's producers , saying they offered her `` peanuts '' .
Lopez was nominated for a Golden Globe for playing the role of Ramona in Hustlers , which has made $ 157m ( £120m ) at global box offices since its release in September .
The actress has described her character as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barbash told the New York Post that Lopez was misrepresenting her and she was never a stripper .
According to the New York Post , the court papers said : `` Anyone who views the film will believe Plaintiff to be an individual of little to no moral or ethical values , devoid of any loyalty to her colleagues , under the influence of hard drugs , and with misandrist tendencies . ''
Barbash 's lawyer Bruno V Gioffre Jr told Rolling Stone : `` My client is offended that the defendants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150m , defamed her character and tried to trick her into selling her rights to the production company for a mere $ 6,000 . ''
Barbash posted a screenshot on Twitter of TMZ 's story about the lawsuit , followed by a post confirming `` it 's true '' .
A spokesman for STX Films told US media : `` While we have not yet seen the complaint , we will continue to defend our right to tell factually based stories based on the public record . ''
A representative for Nuyorican Productions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been portrayed on screen do not have a good track record of success when suing movie and TV companies .
• Oscar-winning actress Dame Olivia de Havilland sued the makers of US TV drama Feud after objecting to how she was depicted in the series .
But she lost , with the judge deciding : `` Whether a person portrayed in one of these expressive works is a world-renowned film star - ' a living legend ' - or a person no-one knows , she or he does not own history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal right to control , dictate , approve , disapprove or veto the creator 's portrayal of actual people . ''
• Iraq war veteran Sergeant Jeffrey Sarver tried to sue the makers of Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker , saying it was based on him and that he was presented in a false light , which led to ridicule by his colleagues .
But in 2016 , an appeals court ruled : `` The Hurt Locker is speech that is fully protected by the First Amendment , which safeguards the storytellers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life - including the stories of real individuals , ordinary or extraordinary - and transform them into art , be it articles , books , movies , or plays . ''
• Lawyer Andrew Greene sued the makers of The Wolf of Wall Street for defamation , saying the character Nicky `` Rugrat '' Koskoff was based on him , and reportedly took issue with scenes showing things like the character partying with prostitutes at a party with illegal drugs on silver trays .
But a judge rejected his lawsuit .
• Perri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager of R & B group TLC , sued Viacom for $ 40m over Crazysexycool : The TLC Story , a VH1 movie that she said made her out to be `` an unethical and dishonest businesswoman '' .
A judge allowed Reid to take Viacom to trial , but the two sides reached a settlement before the case reached court .
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper has threatened to sue director Clint Eastwood and Warner Bros , saying the paper and its staff were `` portrayed in a false and defamatory manner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released in the UK later this month .
The film has caused controversy for showing the paper 's late reporter Kathy Scruggs trading sex for information .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

According to the New York Post, the court papers said: "Anyone who views the film will believe Plaintiff to be an individual of little to no moral or ethical values, devoid of any loyalty to her colleagues, under the influence of hard drugs, and with misandrist tendencies."


bbc--2020-01-08--Russian skater 'fell five metres' at rehearsal

Police are investigating after a performer was left in a life-threatening condition by a fall during rehearsals for the Winter @ @ @ @ @ in Switzerland .
The unnamed Russian skater , who lives in Germany , fell from @ @ @ @ @ as she was being lifted by a metal ring attached to a cable in the @ @ @ @ @ The 35-year-old was seriously injured after `` suddenly losing her balance '' and falling on @ @ @ @ @ to police in Lausanne .
Lausanne 2020 organisers and the International Olympic Committee ( IOC @ @ @ @ @ saddened to hear of an accident '' .
`` Lausanne 2020 and the IOC wish @ @ @ @ @ full recovery , '' they added in a statement .
The opening ceremony for the @ @ @ @ @ place on 9 January .


bbc--2020-01-08--Which countries love Trump the most and least?

President Donald Trump has been a polarising figure at home - but how has he fared abroad ?
A new report by the Pew Research Center details what the world thinks of the US leader .
Pew , a non-partisan US-based opinion pollster , surveyed nearly 37,000 individuals across 33 countries from May to October of last year .
So the polling was done before the US president gave the order to kill Iran 's top general , Qasem Soleimani .
Here are some key findings .
Only 29 % of the countries surveyed by Pew expressed confidence in Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how his presidency has been viewed since its infancy in 2017 .
Pew notes that this lack of confidence is in part due to opposition to the president 's foreign policy .
Mr Trump 's policies on tariffs , climate , immigration and Iran are all largely unpopular globally .
His negotiations with North Korea 's Kim Jong-un garnered the most support , with a median 41 % approval across the 33 countries polled .
Unlike Mr Trump , the US remains favourable in the eyes of the world , generally speaking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US declined dramatically when Trump took office and remains significantly lower than during the Obama era , '' Pew reported .
But in the last year , there have been some increases in favourable views of the US , which Pew says `` may be driven at least in part by increased favourability among supporters of right-wing populist groups in some nations '' .
Overall , Israel has the highest rating of the US in Pew 's survey , with 83 % of those polled viewing the US in a favourable light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Northern Africa , views of the US are mostly negative .
In Turkey , just one in five reported a favourable opinion of the US .
How Trump stacks up against other leaders It appears none of the five leaders have received particularly high marks overall , but Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel saw the highest of the group .
The US president received the highest negative ratings of the group , though Russia 's Vladimir Putin and China 's Xi Jinping were also seen in a negative light .
`` Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political right , yet even among these respondents , confidence in Trump rises to 50 % or higher in only six nations , '' according to the report .
So which countries love Trump the most ?
While overall , it seems the world lacks confidence that the US president will make the right choices , Mr Trump does find support in some countries .
Mr Trump is popular in the African nations surveyed despite his past missteps - including reportedly calling African states `` shithole countries '' .
Kenya and Nigeria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both among the top recipients of US economic aid , according to the Security Assistance Monitor .
Pew also notes sub-Saharan African nations have typically expressed favourable opinions of the US .
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was the first sub-Saharan African leader invited to the White House in 2018 .
The Trump administration also sold 12 US military aircraft to Nigeria in a reversal of an Obama-era policy .
Mr Trump 's support in the Philippines is less surprising , considering his praise for his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte .
• What has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , Mr Trump was criticised for telling Mr Duterte he was doing an `` unbelievable job on the drug problem '' in his country .
Since coming into office in 2016 , Mr Duterte has encouraged extrajudicial killings of those involved in the drug trade , which critics allege undermines human rights .
Mr Trump 's favourability in Israel is also expected ; the US president has a close relationship with Israel 's Benjamin Netanyahu and the US has long been supportive of Israel .
The Trump administration has gone controversially further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embassy to Jerusalem and recognising Israel 's sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights , which was seized from Syria in 1967 .
How the world has viewed US presidents For most countries , there is a clear lack of trust in Mr Trump 's international policy in comparison to his predecessor , but the trends , as tracked by Pew since 2002 , do appear to have a partisan pattern .
President George W Bush , the Republican who preceded Democrat Barack Obama , saw similarly low trust ratings throughout his tenure .

But in the last year, there have been some increases in favourable views of the US, which Pew says "may be driven at least in part by increased favourability among supporters of right-wing populist groups in some nations".


bbc--2020-01-08--Unhappy tenant, 93, shoots property manager

Unhappy about flooding in his Las Vegas flat , a 93-year-old resident shoots the building manager twice .
The injured @ @ @ @ @ .
The suspect , Robert Thomas , is charged with attempted murder .

Unhappy about flooding in his Las Vegas flat, a 93-year-old resident shoots the building manager twice. The injured man was taken to hospital. The suspect, Robert Thomas, is charged with attempted murder.


bbc--2020-01-08--In Pictures: Harry and Meghan's life together

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are to `` step back '' as senior members of the Royal Family .
Prince Harry and Meghan say they will now divide their time between the UK and North America and aim to become `` financially independent '' .
In 2016 , Kensington Palace released a statement confirming Harry had been dating US actress Meghan Markle `` for a few months '' .
They were pictured in public for the first time in Toronto , attending a wheelchair tennis match during the 2017 Invictus Games .
They announced their engagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
Meghan told BBC News that Harry 's proposal was `` just an amazing surprise , it was so sweet and natural and very romantic '' .
In February 2018 the couple took part in their first joint engagement with Prince Harry 's brother and sister-in-law , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .
As Meghan joined their Royal Foundation charity , Harry joked the foursome were now `` stuck together '' .
That autumn , Kensington Palace revealed the duchess was pregnant and the couple 's baby was due in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they embarked on their first official overseas tour , visiting Australia , New Zealand , Fiji and Tonga .
On 6 May , 2019 , Meghan gave birth to a boy , Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor , who became seventh in line to the throne .
Harry told reporters : `` It 's been the most amazing experience I could ever possibly imagine '' .
In June 2019 , the couple announced they were splitting from the charity they shared with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to set up their own foundation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding his son while on an extended stay in Canada was released by the couple as part of an Instagram compilation summing up their year .

Image caption,
They announced their engagement a few weeks after being first pictured together. Meghan told BBC News that Harry's proposal was "just an amazing surprise, it was so sweet and natural and very romantic".


bbc--2020-01-08--Iran plane crash: The victims of Ukraine Flight PS752

A Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 crashed shortly after take-off in Iran on Wednesday , killing all 176 people on board .
In total , 82 Iranians and 63 Canadians were on board the Kyiv-bound Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) Flight PS752 , Ukraine 's Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said .
There were also 11 victims - including nine crew members - from Ukraine , four Afghans , three Britons and three Germans .
Iran 's head of emergency operations said 147 of the victims were Iranian , which suggests many of the foreign nationals held dual nationality .
A list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the BBC is awaiting confirmation from people known to the victims .
A number of the passengers on board the plane were reportedly students and university staff from Canada returning at the end of the holidays .
They included Ghanimat Azhdari - a PhD student at the University of Guelph , Ontario .
She specialised in promoting the rights of indigenous groups and her research group described her as `` cherished and loved '' .
`` A strong activist and advocate for the global indigenous peoples ' movement , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] but also for many communities , organisations and movements worldwide , '' the group said in a statement .
Toronto resident Alina Tarbhai was also among the victims , her employer , the Ontario Secondary School Teacher 's Federation ( OSSTF ) , told the BBC .
`` She was respected and well-liked by all .
Her passing represents a profound loss for all of us who worked with her , '' Harvey Bischof , president of the OSSTF , said in a statement .
She was also an avid volunteer with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and generous soul '' , according to a friend on Facebook .
Forough Khadem , from Winnipeg , was also confirmed to have been on the flight .
`` Forough was a promising scientist and a dear friend , '' tweeted her colleague E Eftekharpour .
Ms Khadem was described as an outstanding scientific talent and a `` rising star '' by University of Manitoba Associate Professor Jude Uzonna , who she studied under during her PhD .
He described her as one of his best students - an ambitious talent who went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and received multiple awards for her work .
Ms Khadem was in Tehran visiting family , and Mr Uzonna said they had spoken briefly by text .
He had been concerned about the security situation in Iran and she assured him she was on her way back to Canada .
Pedram Mousavi and Mojgan Daneshmand , a married couple who taught engineering at the University of Alberta , were killed in the crash , along with their two daughters , Daria , 14 , and Dorina , 9 .
A spokeswoman for Edmonton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community was grieving for the family .
`` Not everyone grieves in the same way at the same time , so our teachers will work with students in the coming days and weeks to ensure they have the support they need , '' said Megan Normandeau .
The tragedy has touched nearly all of corners Canadian academia .
The University of Windsor , in Ontario , confirmed five people from their school had died on the plane .
Phd student Hamid Kokab Setareh and his wife Samira Bashiri , who was also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those killed .
`` It was very devastating news , '' Setereh 's professor Afshin Rahimi told CTV News .
`` I could not handle it and I had to run the class , but I was very emotional and I was also angry .
I did n't know what to do at the moment because I was not expecting any of that . ''
Arash Pourzarabi , 26 , and Pouneh Gourji , 25 , were graduate students in computer science at the University of Alberta , and had gone to Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton , told Reuters .
Omid Arsalani told Canada 's CBC national broadcaster that his sister Evin Arsalani , 30 , had travelled to Iran to attend a wedding with her husband , Hiva Molani , 38 , and their one-year-old daughter Kurdia .
All three were killed in the crash .
`` She was happy , she saw family members , all the people in the family she has n't seen in years , '' Mr Arsalani said .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the news of the crash , offering `` deepest condolences to those who have lost family , friends , and loved ones in this tragedy '' .
Flags flew at half-mast across Canada , and vigils were being planned in several cities .
Nearly all of the Canadian victims are believed to have also had Iranian citizenship .
Three British nationals were among the victims .
They have been named as Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh , who owned a dry cleaners in West Sussex , BP engineer Sam Zokaei from Twickenham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tahmasebi , who lived in Dartford .
Last year , Mr Tahmasebi married his Iranian partner , Niloufar Ebrahim , who was also listed as a passenger on the plane .
At Prime Minister 's Questions earlier , Boris Johnson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both said their thoughts were with the families of those killed .
Ten Swedish nationals died in the crash .
Many of them are believed to have also had Iranian citizenship .
Swedish media report that several children were among the victims .
Sweden 's foreign ministry confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It provided no further details .
Nine of the 11 Ukrainian nationals killed were staff at Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) .
Valeriia Ovcharuk , 28 , and Mariia Mykytiuk , 24 , were among the flight attendants who died .
On their social media accounts , which are now being filled with tributes , they frequently shared photographs from their travels .
Valeria posted just two weeks ago from a hotel in Bangkok with the caption : `` Work , I love you . ''
Ihor Matkov , was flight PS752 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight attendants were named by the airline as Kateryna Statnik , Yuliia Solohub and Denys Lykhno .
Three pilots were on board at the time of the accident : Captain Volodymyr Gaponenko , First Officer Serhii Khomenko and instructor Oleksiy Naumkin .
All three had between 7,600 and 12,000 hours experience flying a 737 aircraft , according to the airline .
A former UIA pilot said he had flown together with each of the three pilots .
Writing on Facebook , Yuri , who wanted to be known only by his first name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

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