bbc--2020-07-30--India and China race to build along a disputed frontier

India and China are trying to out-build each other along their disputed Himalayan border .
A new road to a high-altitude Indian forward air base is said to have been one of the main triggers for a clash with Chinese troops last month that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead .
The 255km ( 140-mile ) Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi ( DSDBO ) road - which winds through mountain passes up to the world 's highest airstrip more than 5,000m above sea level in the Ladakh region - was finished last year after nearly two decades of work .
Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move men and materiel rapidly in a conflict .
The 15 June clash , in Ladakh 's Galwan Valley , gave rise to concerns that tensions between the two nuclear powers could boil over .
They have never agreed on the exact position of their 3,500km border , and their armies - two of the world 's largest - come face-to-face at many points along the rough , inhospitable terrain .
Both India and China have devoted money and manpower to building roads , rail links and airfields along the Line of Actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facto boundary separating them - as well as modernising their military hardware in the region .
India 's recent building work , including the DSDBO road , appears to have infuriated China - but China has been busy building along the border for years .
Both sides tend to view the other 's construction efforts as calculated moves to gain tactical advantage , and tensions flare when either announces a major project .
In the summer of 2017 , the neighbours were brought to a stand-off at Doklam plateau , far to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also over construction - this time China attempting to extend a border road near a tri-junction between India , China and Bhutan .
The completion of the DSDBO road , which connects the crucial Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip - put back in use in 2008 - to the regional capital Leh , has strengthened India 's ability to move equipment quickly .
The all-weather road lies about 20km from the Karakoram Pass and runs parallel to the LAC in eastern Ladakh .
India has long stationed men at Daulat Beg Oldi but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the completion of the road , the men there could get supplies only through helicopter drops , and nothing could be removed , turning the airstrip into a `` graveyard for equipment '' .
Additional roads and bridges are now being built to link the road with inland supply bases and border outposts on the LAC , enabling Indian patrols to go further forward and shifting the tactical dynamics in the area .
Despite the recent clashes , India has signalled that it will continue improving its infrastructure .
It is in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eastern state of Jharkhand to build roads along the border in Ladakh , Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand , all areas which border China .
After years of letting its infrastructure fall into neglect , India is frantically trying to develop its borderlands to neutralise China 's logistical advantage .
It has begun a vast road and railway construction programme in the region .
A total of 73 strategic roads and 125 bridges have been sanctioned along different sectors on the Indian side of the LAC .
But progress has been slow .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - key among them are Ghatibagarh-Lipulekh in Uttarakhand state and Damping-Yangtze in Arunachal Pradesh .
Another 11 are scheduled to be built by the end of this year .
Delhi has also approved nine `` strategic '' rail lines - including the Missamari-Tenga-Tawang and the Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh sections .
These run along the border with China and would allow the Indian military to carry heavy armour into position .
In terms of aviation facilities , India has about 25 airfields along the LAC but its recent focus has been on expanding its network of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2018 , India announced that it would modernise eight existing ALGs and also develop seven new ones close to the border .
Sukhoi-30 advanced fighter jets and Chetak helicopters are deployed at Chabua - a key Indian Air Force base located in the state of Assam , along the eastern section of the border with China .
That base has been recently renovated and modernised .
Although improved in recent years , India 's building efforts continue to be hampered by rugged terrain , land acquisition problems , bureaucratic delays and budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of catching up to do .
China has been putting its renowned construction abilities to use in recent years by building a network of air bases , cantonments and other physical infrastructure along the frontier .
Beijing began building roads in the Himalayan region as early as the 1950s , and now has an extensive road and rail network in Tibet and Yunnan Province .
Since 2016 , China has upped the stakes by increasing connectivity to areas near its boundary with India , Bhutan and Nepal .
It is working on linking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ G219 , which runs along almost the entire China-India border .
A concrete road between Medog and Zayu near India 's Arunachal Pradesh state - which China claims - will be completed by the end of this year .
You might also be interested in : • China and India face off on the roof of the world • An extraordinary escalation 'using rocks and clubs' There is also a new rail line under construction connecting Shigatse - the second largest city in Tibet - to Chengdu via Nyingchi , close to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned between Shigatse and Yadong , a trading centre next to Sikkim , a Himalayan state in north-east India , where a skirmish took place between Indian and Chinese troops in early May .
China has around a dozen airfields facing India , with five of them being dual-use airports in Tibet , meaning for both civilian and military purposes .
It is building three new airports there and upgrading Shigatse , Ngari Gunsa and Lhasa 's all-weather Gonggar airport by adding underground shelters and new runways .
A surface-to-air missile battery and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ngari Gunsa airfield , which is located 4,274m ( 14,022 ) feet above sea level , about 200km from Pangong Lake .
In terms of air power , military experts say India has a relative advantage , as China 's bases are generally further from the LAC and at higher altitudes , where the thinner air means jets can carry less fuel and payload .
These infrastructure improvements on both sides are designed with one primary purpose - to allow the fast movement of troops and military hardware to the border in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these ambitious infrastructure projects eventually are completed , large numbers of Indian forces will be able to move more freely within certain critical sub-theatres without fear of being crippled or physically blocked , '' noted a 2019 study by the Centre for a New American Security .
India long held back from extensive development , believing that improving infrastructure on its side of the border would facilitate Chinese movement inside Indian territory in the event of a conflict .
But it is moving away from that reasoning .
The two countries have fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when India suffered a humiliating defeat .
Rajeswari Pillai , a fellow at Observer Research Foundation , described India 's infrastructure building as `` primarily a defensive response because China 's infrastructure represents a threat , as it can permit the Chinese army to engage in offensive operations and allows it to rapidly concentrate forces at any point where there is a dispute '' .
`` India 's poor infrastructure has meant that it has always had difficulties in defending against China 's encroachments , '' Ms Pillai said .
You might also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news about India and China 's border clash China denies encroaching , as does India when it is accused of stepping over the line .
Several rounds of talks in the last three decades have failed to resolve the boundary disputes .
Meanwhile , Chinese state media has highlighted how quickly the military was able to mobilise for a recent drill near the India border using their efficient transport networks .
`` The scale and short time it took to finish the mobilisation showed the army has the capability to project its power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinforcements to remote locations , including high elevation , '' an unnamed Chinese army veteran told the state-run Global Times .
As vast numbers of new roads , railways and bridges appear on both sides of the border , there is plenty of scope for more face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops in the future .
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV , radio , web and print media around the world .
You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook .
Graphics by the BBC Visual Journalism team .

A total of 73 strategic roads and 125 bridges have been sanctioned along different sectors on the Indian side of the LAC. But progress has been slow. Only 35 roads have been finished so far - key among them are Ghatibagarh-Lipulekh in Uttarakhand state and Damping-Yangtze in Arunachal Pradesh. Another 11 are scheduled to be built by the end of this year.


bbc--2020-07-30--Newcastle fans 'confused and heartbroken' after takeover collapses

Newcastle United fans say they are `` confused '' and `` heartbroken '' following the collapse of the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover .
A consortium , led by the country 's Public Investment Fund ( PIF ) , agreed a £300m deal to buy the club from Mike Ashley in April but has now pulled out .
Greg Tomlinson , from the Newcastle United Supporters ' Trust , said `` answers are needed from the Premier League '' .
The deal was delayed after being scrutinised under the Premier League 's owners ' and directors ' test .
And the consortium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Reuben Brothers , has pulled out because it is understood the PIF ran out of patience .
Magpies supporter George added : `` As fans , we are heartbroken .
It sounds dramatic but we have suffered for 13 years under Ashley through a lack of interest and investment in the club .
`` So the fact it played out how it did and for the length of time it did and then for the news to break , and we still do n't have the full picture . ''
Legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League 16 weeks ago , but the bid has been dogged by claims regarding Saudi Arabia 's human rights record and its handling of TV piracy .
The delay to the process came because the Premier League lawyers struggled to establish precise links between the consortium and the Saudi government .
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also the PIF 's chairman .
Despite the ownership complications , a survey of Newcastle United Supporters ' Trust members found that 97 % of them were in favour of the takeover , with many wanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited about the bid and potential investment in the city , so it represents a missed opportunity for Newcastle and the north-east as a region , '' added Tomlinson .
`` We 're left confused about what has gone on here - it 's been almost 17 weeks of noise .
`` It 's been made clear that football supporters are the least important part in a decision which affects supporters the most .
`` We have been treated with contempt . ''
George , who is a solicitor , said the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for the deal falling through .
`` The test did n't allow [ Premier League chief executive ] Richard Masters to take into account moral issues which he or the people around him thought were important , '' she said .
`` I understand it was a confidential process but for it to carry on that long , they should at least tell us what the position was . ''
She added : `` Everybody was thinking we could be the next Manchester City , although caveated by what 's come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens with Newcastle . ''
As for the future , both Tomlinson and George are hopeful , so long as the future does not involve Ashley .
American businessman Henry Mauriss is understood to be keen to buy the club for £350m .
Tomlinson says he is `` sceptical '' about that deal , but added : `` I now hope we can find somebody who is willing to buy the club and pass relevant tests and take us forward in a proper manner .
`` There is no future for Newcastle United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Fans were done with Mike Ashley before this happened and looking ahead to the new season , it does n't give you huge amount of motivation to spend £70 on a new shirt , or a look at transfer rumours because other clubs have already started to buy players , and we know we will be scraping the bottom of the barrel .
`` There will still be things to talk about but everyone is going to wake up and feel a bit sad for a few days . ''

Newcastle have been owned by Mike Ashley since 2007
Newcastle United fans say they are "confused" and "heartbroken" following the collapse of the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover.
A consortium, led by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), agreed a £300m deal to buy the club from Mike Ashley in April but has now pulled out.
Greg Tomlinson, from the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust, said "answers are needed from the Premier League".
Fellow supporter Michelle George said: "It's left fans devastated."
The deal was delayed after being scrutinised under the Premier League's owners' and directors' test.
The consortium, which also included PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers, has pulled out because it is understood the PIF ran out of patience.
Magpies supporter George added: "As fans, we are heartbroken. It sounds dramatic but we have suffered for 13 years under Ashley through a lack of interest and investment in the club.
"So the fact it played out how it did and for the length of time it did and then for the news to break, and we still don't have the full picture, it's left fans devastated."
Legal documents were handed over to the Premier League 16 weeks ago, but the bid has been dogged by claims regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its handling of TV piracy.
The delay to the process came because the Premier League lawyers struggled to establish precise links between the consortium and the Saudi government.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also the PIF's chairman.
Despite the ownership complications, a survey of Newcastle United Supporters' Trust members found that 97% of them were in favour of the takeover, with many wanting rid of Ashley.
"Everyone was excited about the bid and potential investment in the city, so it represents a missed opportunity for Newcastle and the north-east as a region," added Tomlinson.
"We're left confused about what has gone on here - it's been almost 17 weeks of noise.
"It's been made clear that football supporters are the least important part in a decision which affects supporters the most.
"We have been treated with contempt."
George, who is a solicitor, said the Premier League had to "shoulder some blame" for the deal falling through.
"The test didn't allow [Premier League chief executive] Richard Masters to take into account moral issues which he or the people around him thought were important," she said.
"I understand it was a confidential process but for it to carry on that long, they should at least tell us what the position was."
She added: "Everybody was thinking we could be the next Manchester City, although caveated by what's come to light now, that nothing really good happens with Newcastle."
As for the future, both Tomlinson and George are hopeful, so long as that future does not involve Ashley.
American businessman Henry Mauriss is understood to be keen to buy the club for £350m.
Tomlinson says he is "sceptical" about that deal, but added: "I now hope we can find somebody who is willing to buy the club and pass relevant tests and take us forward in a proper manner.
"There is no future for Newcastle United under the current owner."
George said: "Fans were done with Mike Ashley before this happened and looking ahead to the new season, it doesn't give you a huge amount of motivation to spend £70 on a new shirt, or a look at transfer rumours because other clubs have already started to buy players, and we know we will be scraping the bottom of the barrel.
"There will still be things to talk about but everyone is going to wake up and feel a bit sad for a few days."
Analysis
BBC sports editor Dan Roan
Arguably the most controversial takeover deal in Premier League history is finally over.
Sources close to the consortium say they tried to prove to the Premier League that the Saudi government would have no say in the day-to-day running of the club.
The Premier League seems to have been concerned that individuals not on the club's new board would have had influence over decision-making at St James' Park because the Saudi Crown Prince is the chairman of PIF. Given that the Saudis has been forced to deny allegations they had facilitated TV rights piracy after complaints from the Premier League themselves, this took on even greater importance, and ultimately this issue could not be resolved.
Current owner Mike Ashley is also understood to have tried to renegotiate the deal in recent days because of the length of time that had lapsed, and that also contributed to the decision by the group to walk away.
But with so many negative headlines over Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, and the war in Yemen - plus tension with rival clubs and broadcast partner beIN Sport over television rights piracy concerns - Premier League officials may be privately relieved the consortium has taken the decision out of its hands.
Many in football will now want to see its owners and directors' Test strengthened to ensure states like Saudi Arabia cannot buy clubs, and there is no repeat of a saga that has done little for the game's reputation.
After months of uncertainty, however, Newcastle United fans desperate to see the back of Ashley will no doubt see it very differently.


bbc--2020-07-30--Perez tests positive for Covid-19 and will miss British Grand Prix

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1 Racing Point 's Sergio Perez has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss this weekend 's British Grand Prix .
Perez has gone into self-quarantine , along with all his close contacts , as per F1 's track-and-trace system .
A statement from governing body the FIA said `` procedures… have provided for swift containment '' .
The statement adds that Perez 's positive test `` will have no wider impact on this weekend 's event '' .
Racing Point said Perez was `` physically well and in good spirits , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines of the relevant public health authorities , with safety the ultimate priority for the team and the sport '' .
The team said it planned to enter two cars in the British Grand Prix and would `` communicate the next steps in due course '' .
Gutierrez , who last raced in F1 in 2016 , is the designated reserve for this weekend , as Vandoorne , who raced for McLaren in 2017 and 2018 , is preparing for the resumption of the Formula E season , in which he is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the option of picking another driver if they choose , and other drivers are under consideration .
The team may feel that they want a driver with more recent experience than Gutierrez .
In that sense , German Nico Hulkenberg - who left F1 at the end of last season after three seasons at Renault , before which he drove for Racing Point when it was known as Force India - would be a leading contender .
Hulkenberg was Perez 's team-mate at the outfit from 2014-16 .
F1 has a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to minimise the risks with coronavirus .
This includes keeping teams separate from each other , having a series of 'sub-bubbles ' inside each team to limit contact , and an extensive test , track and trace system .
The sport had considered it inevitable that there would be positive tests , but bosses believe the competition can continue as a result of its mitigation procedures .
The original season-opening race in Melbourne , Australia , was called off in March after some McLaren personnel tested positive .

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Sergio Perez is sixth in the 2020 Formula 1 drivers' championship after two sixth-placed finishes and a seventh in the last race in Hungary
Racing Point's Sergio Perez has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss this weekend's British Grand Prix.
The Mexican is the first Formula 1 driver to test positive since the 2020 season made a belated start in Austria this month.
Perez has gone into self-quarantine, along with all his close contacts, as per F1's track-and-trace system.
A statement from governing body the FIA said "procedures… have provided for swift containment".
The statement adds that Perez's positive test "will have no wider impact on this weekend's event".
Racing Point said Perez was "physically well and in good spirits, but he will continue to self-isolate under the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for the team and the sport".
The team said it planned to enter two cars in the British Grand Prix and would "communicate the next steps in due course".
Racing Point share reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez with Mercedes.
Gutierrez, who last raced in F1 in 2016, is the designated reserve for this weekend, as Vandoorne, who raced for McLaren in 2017 and 2018, is preparing for the resumption of the Formula E season, in which he is a title contender.
However, Racing Point have the option of picking another driver if they choose, and other drivers are under consideration. The team may feel that they want a driver with more recent experience than Gutierrez.
In that sense, German Nico Hulkenberg - who left F1 at the end of last season after three seasons at Renault, before which he drove for Racing Point when it was known as Force India - would be a leading contender. Hulkenberg was Perez's team-mate at the outfit from 2014-16.
F1 has a series of protocols that participants have to follow to minimise the risks with coronavirus.
This includes keeping teams separate from each other, having a series of 'sub-bubbles' inside each team to limit contact, and an extensive test, track and trace system.
The sport had considered it inevitable that there would be positive tests, but bosses believe the competition can continue as a result of its mitigation procedures.
The original season-opening race in Melbourne, Australia, was called off in March after some McLaren personnel tested positive.


bbc--2020-07-30--Fulham into Championship play-off final despite Cardiff defeat

Fulham withstood a gutsy fightback from Cardiff to reach the Championship play-off final despite losing the second leg of their semi-final .
Cardiff won 2-1 on the night at Craven Cottage courtesy of goals from Curtis Nelson and Lee Tomlin , as Neeskens Kebano levelled for Fulham moments after Nelson 's headed opener .
But despite a nervy second half following Tomlin 's volley , Fulham 's 2-0 first-leg lead helped them progress 3-2 on aggregate to a Wembley final against Brentford .
It keeps Fulham 's chances of an immediate return to the Premier League alive while Cardiff 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time of asking are over .
Needing to create history by being the first team to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in a second tier semi-final , Cardiff thought they had made the ideal start when centre-back Nelson rose at the back post to head in Joe Ralls ' corner .
But just 24 seconds later , Fulham were level and back to being two goals clear on aggregate .
Straight from the restart , Kebano swept in right-footed ahead of Cardiff right-back Leandro Bacuna to meet Bobby Decordova-Reid 's low cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had also netted a brilliant free-kick in injury time of the first leg to put Fulham seemingly in command of the tie , had appeared to dash Cardiff 's chances of a spirited comeback .
Fulham continued to test Alex Smithies in the Cardiff goal before half-time , but good saves from Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert efforts kept the scoreline level on the night .
With the visitors ' opening attack of the second half , a Will Vaulks long throw caused problems in the Fulham penalty box - Nathaniel Mendez-Laing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rodak but centre-back Michael Hector was unable to force it clear , allowing Tomlin to pounce with a volley just inside the post .
But despite Fulham jitters , Cardiff were unable to capitalise .
Smithies again had to make impressive saves to twice deny substitute Aboubakar Kamara , the second a fingertip deflection on to the base of the post .
At the other end , Rodak still had to be alert to maintain the home side 's advantage when he first blocked a close-range effort from Robert Glatzel and then leapt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vaulks ' long-range drive .
Cardiff kept pushing to the end for the third goal that would have forced extra time and Glatzel came within inches of doing so deep into stoppage time when he volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from Callum Paterson 's nod-down .
It was not to be for the visitors , who sunk to their knees at full-time while Fulham breathed a sigh of relief .
Fulham 's aggregate victory sets up an all-west London final on Tuesday against Brentford , who themselves saw off opposition from south Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just four and a half miles separate the two clubs , who finished fourth and third respectively in the regular season .
Their counter-attacking styles of play , which produced goals aplenty in the regular season , should make for an attractive final .
Fulham 's bid to make an immediate return to the Premier League has been boosted by a eight-game unbeaten run stretching into the play-offs , which at one stage gave them the chance to grab the second automatic promotion place at both West Brom and Brentford 's expense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardiff all the more impressive was the fact it was done without Championship golden boot winner Aleksandar Mitrovic .
The Serbia international again missed out with a hamstring strain , which could also put his participation in Tuesday 's final in doubt .
While Mitrovic has been an absentee , the likes of Decordova-Reid , Onomah and Kebano have stepped up to provide the attacking flair alongside the more established names of Knockaert and captain Tom Cairney .
Cairney was the match-winner on Fulham 's last Wembley visit just two years ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2018 Championship play-off final .
A step too far for Harris ' Cardiff While one side retains hopes of an immediate top-flight return , for Cardiff that dream came to an end .
Manager Neil Harris transformed their seemingly stuttering campaign when he took over in November following Neil Warnock 's departure and lifted them from 14th to an eventual fifth-placed finish .
Nelson 's early goal hinted that a memorable away triumph was on , but they failed to threaten again before half-time once Kebano produced the instant equaliser .
Having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leg , it was the introduction of two players who dropped out that helped them retake the second-leg lead .
But Tomlin later had to limp off with a hamstring injury and that illustrated how Cardiff were always playing catch-up after losing ground in the first leg .
Fulham boss Scott Parker : `` It was very nervy and I think we knew we were playing against a wounded animal in Cardiff , who had nothing to lose .
`` At times tonight , we probably fell a bit short at dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It made it a bit of an uncomfortable night for us .
`` But saying that , I do n't think we should lose sight of what we 've done in 48 games this season , coming through a semi-final over two legs .
`` What 's most important is we 've won the tie on aggregate and now we go again for a final on Tuesday , which we 'll be a completely different game .
`` I 'm extremely proud to reach a final and when it all settles after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've achieved as a team . ''
Cardiff boss Neil Harris : `` Firstly I am disappointed we have n't got through .
I had the belief coming here that we could go on and get through .
`` I know most people did n't but I know the capabilities of the group .
I felt even at the end there would be chances and Robert Glatzel gets that chance .
`` But that 's the disappointment done .
I ca n't be prouder of the players , the staff , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dragged ourselves to this season . ''

Last updated on .From the section Championship
Lee Tomlin's goal saw Cardiff win on the night but it was not enough to overturn their first-leg deficit
Fulham withstood a gutsy fightback from Cardiff to reach the Championship play-off final despite losing the second leg of their semi-final.
Cardiff won 2-1 on the night at Craven Cottage courtesy of goals from Curtis Nelson and Lee Tomlin, as Neeskens Kebano levelled for Fulham moments after Nelson's headed opener.
But despite a nervy second half following Tomlin's volley, Fulham's 2-0 first-leg lead helped them progress 3-2 on aggregate to a Wembley final against Brentford.
It keeps Fulham's chances of an immediate return to the Premier League alive while Cardiff's attempts to secure promotion back at the first time of asking are over.
Needing to create history by being the first team to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in a second tier semi-final, Cardiff thought they had made the ideal start when centre-back Nelson rose at the back post to head in Joe Ralls' corner.
But just 24 seconds later, Fulham were level and back to being two goals clear on aggregate.
Straight from the restart, Kebano swept in right-footed ahead of Cardiff right-back Leandro Bacuna to meet Bobby Decordova-Reid's low cross from 12 yards out.
Kebano, who had also netted a brilliant free-kick in injury time of the first leg to put Fulham seemingly in command of the tie, had appeared to dash Cardiff's chances of a spirited comeback.
Fulham continued to test Alex Smithies in the Cardiff goal before half-time, but good saves from Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert efforts kept the scoreline level on the night.
Fulham players and staff kept celebrations to a minimum after the final whistle
With the visitors' opening attack of the second half, a Will Vaulks long throw caused problems in the Fulham penalty box - Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's header was parried away by Marek Rodak but centre-back Michael Hector was unable to force it clear, allowing Tomlin to pounce with a volley just inside the post.
But despite Fulham jitters, Cardiff were unable to capitalise. Smithies again had to make impressive saves to twice deny substitute Aboubakar Kamara, the second a fingertip deflection on to the base of the post.
At the other end, Rodak still had to be alert to maintain the home side's advantage when he first blocked a close-range effort from Robert Glatzel and then leapt back to his feet to tip over Vaulks' long-range drive.
Cardiff kept pushing to the end for the third goal that would have forced extra time and Glatzel came within inches of doing so deep into stoppage time when he volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from Callum Paterson's nod-down.
It was not to be for the visitors, who sunk to their knees at full-time while Fulham breathed a sigh of relief.
Fulham set up neighbourly final
Fulham's aggregate victory sets up an all-west London final on Tuesday against Brentford, who themselves saw off opposition from south Wales in the shape of Swansea on Wednesday.
Just four and a half miles separate the two clubs, who finished fourth and third respectively in the regular season.
Their counter-attacking styles of play, which produced goals aplenty in the regular season, should make for an attractive final.
Fulham's bid to make an immediate return to the Premier League has been boosted by a eight-game unbeaten run stretching into the play-offs, which at one stage gave them the chance to grab the second automatic promotion place at both West Brom and Brentford's expense.
What made their semi-final success over Cardiff all the more impressive was the fact it was done without Championship golden boot winner Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbia international again missed out with a hamstring strain, which could also put his participation in Tuesday's final in doubt.
While Mitrovic has been an absentee, the likes of Decordova-Reid, Onomah and Kebano have stepped up to provide the attacking flair alongside the more established names of Knockaert and captain Tom Cairney.
Cairney was the match-winner on Fulham's last Wembley visit just two years ago, when they beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the 2018 Championship play-off final.
A step too far for Harris' Cardiff
Cardiff bettered their 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage earlier this month but fell just short
While one side retains hopes of an immediate top-flight return, for Cardiff that dream came to an end.
Manager Neil Harris transformed their seemingly stuttering campaign when he took over in November following Neil Warnock's departure and lifted them from 14th to an eventual fifth-placed finish.
Nelson's early goal hinted that a memorable away triumph was on, but they failed to threaten again before half-time once Kebano produced the instant equaliser.
Having shuffled his side slightly from the first leg, it was the introduction of two players who dropped out that helped them retake the second-leg lead.
But Tomlin later had to limp off with a hamstring injury and that illustrated how Cardiff were always playing catch-up after losing ground in the first leg.
Reaction
Fulham boss Scott Parker: "It was very nervy and I think we knew we were playing against a wounded animal in Cardiff, who had nothing to lose.
"At times tonight, we probably fell a bit short at dealing with the onslaught they bring to the game. It made it a bit of an uncomfortable night for us.
"But saying that, I don't think we should lose sight of what we've done in 48 games this season, coming through a semi-final over two legs.
"What's most important is we've won the tie on aggregate and now we go again for a final on Tuesday, which we'll be a completely different game.
"I'm extremely proud to reach a final and when it all settles after tonight, we'll reflect on what we've achieved as a team."
Cardiff boss Neil Harris: "Firstly I am disappointed we haven't got through. I had the belief coming here that we could go on and get through.
"I know most people didn't but I know the capabilities of the group. I felt even at the end there would be chances and Robert Glatzel gets that chance.
"But that's the disappointment done. I can't be prouder of the players, the staff, the whole football club on where we have dragged ourselves to this season."


bbc--2020-07-30--Hamilton to race in F1 for 'at least another three years'

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says he intends to be in Formula 1 for “ at least another three years ” .
Hamilton is preparing for the British Grand Prix , which he has won six times .
“ I want to perform at the level I ’ m performing at now forever , but there is a point when physicality and the mental side can tail off , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t know when that ’ s going to be but I don ’ t see it happening in the short term , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the enforced break caused by the coronavirus lockdown this year had refreshed him and potentially lengthened the time he could stay in F1 .
“ The Covid lockdown , while it was a negative in many , many ways , it gave me a lot of life and energy to focus on some other things and that bit of time off was really a bit of breathing space , ” said Hamilton .
“ It has given me a renewed bit of energy to perhaps go longer .
“ Also , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not another driver from my background coming at the moment and I am conscious of that .
“ I want to earn my position and I still feel like every year I come back it ’ s not a given just because I have world championships under my belt .
`` You have to earn the right to be here in terms of how you perform .
My goal is to continue to deliver for as long as I can , so I see myself going for at least another three years.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bottas head into this weekend ’ s British Grand Prix as strong favourites after winning all three races between them so far .
Hamilton , who leads the championship by five points , has won two of the races and Bottas one and the Briton is determined to add to his record tally of British GP wins .
Mercedes have dominated the start of the season , with a car that has appeared out of reach of any other , and it is expected to be stronger than ever around the fast sweeps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasise its many strengths .
But Hamilton played down the prospect of Mercedes winning every race this season .
“ Our goal is always to win every race , that ’ s what we set out to do every year , ” he said .
“ But you are constantly faced with challengers .
Red Bull get stronger and stronger though the season .
Ferrari have some big improvements to make on the car .
”

Lewis Hamilton has won the past two Formula 1 races
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says he intends to be in Formula 1 for “at least another three years”.
The 35-year-old world champion is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of this year but said he planned to continue “for the foreseeable future”.
Hamilton is preparing for the British Grand Prix, which he has won six times.
“I want to perform at the level I’m performing at now forever, but there is a point when physicality and the mental side can tail off,” he said.
“I don’t know when that’s going to be but I don’t see it happening in the short term, in the next two or three years.”
Hamilton said the enforced break caused by the coronavirus lockdown this year had refreshed him and potentially lengthened the time he could stay in F1.
“The Covid lockdown, while it was a negative in many, many ways, it gave me a lot of life and energy to focus on some other things and that bit of time off was really a bit of breathing space,” said Hamilton.
“It has given me a renewed bit of energy to perhaps go longer.
“Also, we are in period of time when there is not another driver from my background coming at the moment and I am conscious of that.
“I want to earn my position and I still feel like every year I come back it’s not a given just because I have world championships under my belt.
"You have to earn the right to be here in terms of how you perform. My goal is to continue to deliver for as long as I can, so I see myself going for at least another three years.”
Lewis Hamilton will race at Silverstone in this weekend's British Grand Prix
Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas head into this weekend’s British Grand Prix as strong favourites after winning all three races between them so far.
Hamilton, who leads the championship by five points, has won two of the races and Bottas one and the Briton is determined to add to his record tally of British GP wins.
Mercedes have dominated the start of the season, with a car that has appeared out of reach of any other, and it is expected to be stronger than ever around the fast sweeps of Silverstone, a track that should emphasise its many strengths.
But Hamilton played down the prospect of Mercedes winning every race this season.
“Our goal is always to win every race, that’s what we set out to do every year,” he said. “But you are constantly faced with challengers. Red Bull get stronger and stronger though the season. Ferrari have some big improvements to make on the car.”


bbc--2020-07-30--Saudi-backed consortium pulls out of Newcastle bid

A Saudi Arabian-backed consortium has ended its bid to buy Newcastle United .
The group , which included Saudi Arabia 's sovereign wealth fund PIF , PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers , had agreed a £300m deal to buy the club from Mike Ashley in April .
The deal was still being scrutinised under the Premier League 's owners ' and directors ' test and it is understood PIF ran out of patience .
The consortium said that it was with `` regret '' that it had pulled out .
Amanda Staveley , the British businesswoman behind PCP Partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club 's supporters .
`` It 's awful , '' she said , adding that there would have been huge investment in the area .
`` We are devastated for the fans .
We really thank the fans - I personally thank them for all their support . ''
A statement from the investor group said : `` As an autonomous and purely commercial investor , our focus was on building long-term value for the club , its fans and the community as we remained committed to collaboration , practicality and proactivity through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant challenges for the fans and the club .
`` Ultimately , during the unforeseeably prolonged process , the commercial agreement between the Investment Group and the club 's owners expired and our investment thesis could not be sustained . ''
The consortium 's withdrawal could pave the way for a takeover by American entrepreneur Henry Mauriss , who has registered his interest in Newcastle and remains extremely keen for the acquisition to happen .
What led to a delay after the takeover was agreed ?
As revealed by the BBC this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the links between PIF and the Saudi state .
PIF 's chairman is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , and it appears the Premier League 's lawyers had been struggling to establish the precise links between the consortium and the Saudi government .
But its rules meant it wanted to know who would have control , where funding would come from , and who would appoint the board .
It is understood that it could not be sure where responsibility would lie .
What 's been the reaction to the situation ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi , Hatice Cengiz , had opposed the takeover .
`` Let this defeat send a strong message to the leadership in Saudi Arabia that they will not be able to use their money to cover up their human rights record or protect those responsible for Jamal 's murder , '' Cengiz said .
`` We will not stop and we will not rest until we get justice for Jamal . ''
Speaking after the investor group 's withdrawal , Peter Frankental , Amnesty International UK 's economic affairs programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt by the Saudi Arabia government to `` sportswash '' their human rights record .
`` The fact that this sportswashing bid has failed will be seen by human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia as a sign that their suffering has not been entirely overlooked , '' he said .
In June , Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said he would `` fully consider '' calls for the proposed bid to be blocked .
Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah tweeted : `` I know that many constituents will be disappointed and frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeover offer .
`` I will be writing to the Premier League to ask why they took so long and gave so little clarity to Newcastle fans . ''
One of the issues raised by critics of the takeover was Saudi Arabia 's response to cases of unauthorised broadcasting of Premier League games in the country .
In June , the World Trade Organization issued a report which found representatives of the Saudi state had facilitated the breach of international piracy laws via the TV network beoutQ .
Saudi Arabia has always denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no link between its government and the alleged piracy .
Arguably the most controversial takeover deal in Premier League history is finally over .
Sources close to the consortium say they tried to prove to the Premier League that the Saudi government would have no say in the day-to-day running of the club .
The Premier League seems to have been concerned that individuals not on the club 's new board would have had influence over decision-making at St James ' Park because the Saudi Crown Prince is the chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be resolved .
Current owner Mike Ashley is also understood to have tried to renegotiate the deal in recent days because of the length of time that had lapsed , and that also contributed to the decision by the group to walk away .
But with so many negative headlines over Saudi Arabia 's poor human rights record - plus tension with rival clubs and broadcast partner beIN Sport over television rights piracy concerns - Premier League officials may be privately relieved the consortium has taken the decision out of its hands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see its Owners and Directors ' Test strengthened to ensure states like Saudi Arabia can not buy clubs , and there is no repeat of a saga that has done little for the game 's reputation .
After months of uncertainty , however , Newcastle United fans desperate to see the back of Ashley will no doubt see it very differently .

Last updated on .From the section Newcastle
The proposed £300m Newcastle takeover deal was 80% financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
A Saudi Arabian-backed consortium has ended its bid to buy Newcastle United.
The group, which included Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, had agreed a £300m deal to buy the club from Mike Ashley in April.
The deal was still being scrutinised under the Premier League's owners' and directors' test and it is understood PIF ran out of patience.
The consortium said that it was with "regret" that it had pulled out.
Amanda Staveley, the British businesswoman behind PCP Partners, said she was upset for the club's supporters.
"It's awful," she said, adding that there would have been huge investment in the area.
"We are devastated for the fans. We really thank the fans - I personally thank them for all their support."
A statement from the investor group said: "As an autonomous and purely commercial investor, our focus was on building long-term value for the club, its fans and the community as we remained committed to collaboration, practicality and proactivity through a difficult period of global uncertainty and significant challenges for the fans and the club.
"Ultimately, during the unforeseeably prolonged process, the commercial agreement between the Investment Group and the club's owners expired and our investment thesis could not be sustained."
The consortium's withdrawal could pave the way for a takeover by American entrepreneur Henry Mauriss, who has registered his interest in Newcastle and remains extremely keen for the acquisition to happen.
What led to a delay after the takeover was agreed?
As revealed by the BBC this week, the Premier League was seeking clarification of the links between PIF and the Saudi state.
PIF's chairman is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and it appears the Premier League's lawyers had been struggling to establish the precise links between the consortium and the Saudi government.
The Premier League declined to comment.
But its rules meant it wanted to know who would have control, where funding would come from, and who would appoint the board.
It is understood that it could not be sure where responsibility would lie.
What's been the reaction to the situation?
Human rights groups and the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz, had opposed the takeover.
"Let this defeat send a strong message to the leadership in Saudi Arabia that they will not be able to use their money to cover up their human rights record or protect those responsible for Jamal's murder," Cengiz said.
"We will not stop and we will not rest until we get justice for Jamal."
Speaking after the investor group's withdrawal, Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK's economic affairs programme director, claimed the bid had been an attempt by the Saudi Arabia government to "sportswash" their human rights record.
"The fact that this sportswashing bid has failed will be seen by human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia as a sign that their suffering has not been entirely overlooked," he said.
In June, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said he would "fully consider" calls for the proposed bid to be blocked.
Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah tweeted: external-link "I know that many constituents will be disappointed and frustrated by the withdrawal of the latest Newcastle takeover offer.
"I will be writing to the Premier League to ask why they took so long and gave so little clarity to Newcastle fans."
One of the issues raised by critics of the takeover was Saudi Arabia's response to cases of unauthorised broadcasting of Premier League games in the country.
In June, the World Trade Organization issued a report which found representatives of the Saudi state had facilitated the breach of international piracy laws via the TV network beoutQ.
Saudi Arabia has always denied aiding the beoutQ operation and has insisted there is no link between its government and the alleged piracy.
Mike Ashley has been owner of Newcastle since 2007
Analysis
BBC sports editor Dan Roan:
Arguably the most controversial takeover deal in Premier League history is finally over.
Sources close to the consortium say they tried to prove to the Premier League that the Saudi government would have no say in the day-to-day running of the club.
The Premier League seems to have been concerned that individuals not on the club's new board would have had influence over decision-making at St James' Park because the Saudi Crown Prince is the chairman of PIF. Ultimately this issue could not be resolved.
Current owner Mike Ashley is also understood to have tried to renegotiate the deal in recent days because of the length of time that had lapsed, and that also contributed to the decision by the group to walk away.
But with so many negative headlines over Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record - plus tension with rival clubs and broadcast partner beIN Sport over television rights piracy concerns - Premier League officials may be privately relieved the consortium has taken the decision out of its hands.
Many in football will now want to see its Owners and Directors' Test strengthened to ensure states like Saudi Arabia cannot buy clubs, and there is no repeat of a saga that has done little for the game's reputation.
After months of uncertainty, however, Newcastle United fans desperate to see the back of Ashley will no doubt see it very differently.


bbc--2020-07-30--Friday's football gossip: Jimenez set for Man Utd

Mexican forward Raul Jimenez , 29 , is on his way to Manchester United after Wolves agreed a £27m deal to sign Braga 's 27-year-old Portuguese striker Paulinho .
( RTP , via Express ) Jadon Sancho 's anticipated move to Manchester United has moved closer , as Borussia Dortmund are willing to agree on an initial £60m fee for the 20-year-old England winger .
( Independent ) Chelsea have tabled an offer for Barcelona 's 28-year-old German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen .
( Cadena Ser , via Mail ) Gareth Bale , 31 , has told Wales boss Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid next term even if the forward 's lack of games leaves him rusty for the Euros .
( Mirror ) Chelsea and Manchester City are among a number of leading clubs who are monitoring whether Austrian utility player David Alaba , 28 , signs a new contract at Bayern Munich .
( Telegraph ) Leeds are planning two English signings - Everton midfielder Fabian Delph , 30 , and Tottenham full-back Danny Rose , 30 - as boss Marcelo Bielsa looks for players with Premier League experience before their top-flight return .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 33 , wants to hold talks with Manchester United over his future - with Englishman Dean Henderson , 23 , heading back to Old Trafford after a loan spell with Sheffield United .
( Sun ) Inter Milan are expected to agree a deal to sign Chile forward Alexis Sanchez , 31 , permanently from Manchester United this summer .
( Manchester Evening News ) Southampton are still waiting on Tottenham to make an appropriate for 24-year-old Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg .
( Daily Echo ) Midfielder Mesut Ozil , 31 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his agent revealing that the former Germany international is keen to see out his contract at Emirates Stadium .
( Mail ) Liverpool are preparing a move for Bournemouth 's Lloyd Kelly , 21 , after missing out on the English defender 12 months ago when he was at Bristol City .
( Express ) Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will also make a decision on 20-year-old English striker Rhian Brewster 's next move following his successful loan spell at Swansea .
( Liverpool Echo ) • That Prince William Episode : The future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team with the boys • Listen to Focus Beats : Find your rhythm with Four Tet , Arlo Parks , Caribou & more

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Mexican forward Raul Jimenez, 29, is on his way to Manchester United after Wolves agreed a £27m deal to sign Braga's 27-year-old Portuguese striker Paulinho. (RTP, via Express) external-link
Jadon Sancho's anticipated move to Manchester United has moved closer, as Borussia Dortmund are willing to agree on an initial £60m fee for the 20-year-old England winger. (Independent) external-link
Chelsea have tabled an offer for Barcelona's 28-year-old German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. (Cadena Ser, via Mail) external-link
Gareth Bale, 31, has told Wales boss Ryan Giggs he intends to stay at Real Madrid next season even if the forward's lack of games leaves him rusty for the Euros. (Mirror) external-link
Who'll win the cup? Lawro predicts BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson takes on Arsenal fan Josh Franceschi and Chelsea supporter Willie J Healey in forecasting Saturday's FA Cup final
Chelsea and Manchester City are among a number of leading clubs who are monitoring whether Austrian utility player David Alaba, 28, signs a new contract at Bayern Munich. (Telegraph) external-link
Leeds United are planning two English signings - Everton midfielder Fabian Delph, 30, and Tottenham full-back Danny Rose, 30 - as boss Marcelo Bielsa looks for players with Premier League experience before their top-flight return. (Star) external-link
Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 33, wants to hold talks with Manchester United over his future - with Englishman Dean Henderson, 23, heading back to Old Trafford after a loan spell with Sheffield United. (Sun) external-link
Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says 29-year-old Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who has been linked with Liverpool, has told the German club he wants to leave. (Sky Germany - in German) external-link
West Ham could make a move for 26-year-old Manchester City and England defender John Stones, who could be available for £20m. (Sun) external-link
Brighton are looking at making a move for Arsenal's 22-year-old English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who can also play in defence. (Mirror) external-link
Leicester City are set to make a move for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks, with Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and West Ham also interested in the 23-year-old Wales international. (Express) external-link
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha's hopes of leaving the club could rest on the Eagles being open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy for the 27-year-old Ivory Coast international. (Telegraph - subscription required) external-link
Inter Milan are expected to agree a deal to sign Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, 31, permanently from Manchester United this summer. (Manchester Evening News) external-link
Southampton are still waiting on Tottenham to make an appropriate for 24-year-old Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. (Daily Echo) external-link
Midfielder Mesut Ozil, 31, will stay at Arsenal this summer with his agent revealing that the former Germany international is keen to see out his contract at Emirates Stadium. (Mail) external-link
Liverpool are preparing a move for Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, 21, after missing out on the English defender 12 months ago when he was at Bristol City. (Express) external-link
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will also make a decision on 20-year-old English striker Rhian Brewster's next move following his successful loan spell at Swansea. (Liverpool Echo) external-link


bbc--2020-07-31--Hong Kong postpones elections for a year 'over virus concerns'

The Hong Kong government has postponed September 's parliamentary elections by a year , saying it is necessary amid a rise in coronavirus infections .
Hong Kong is currently experiencing a spike in Covid-19 infections , and reported 121 new cases on Friday .
However , the opposition has accused the government of using the pandemic as a pretext to stop people from voting .
On Thursday , the government banned 12 pro-democracy candidates from running in the elections .
Opposition activists had hoped to obtain a majority in the Legislative Council ( LegCo ) in September 's poll , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a controversial national security law in Hong Kong , and fears that the territory 's freedoms are being eroded .
Pro-democracy candidates had made unprecedented gains in last year 's district council elections , winning 17 out of 18 councils .
Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she would invoke emergency powers to postpone the elections , calling it the `` most difficult decision I 've made over the past seven months '' .
`` This postponement is entirely made based on public safety reasons , there were no political considerations , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in Hong Kong ?
Hong Kong has had more than 100 daily new cases , for 10 days in a row .
The overall numbers are still lower than those of many other places - but the spike comes after Hong Kong appeared to have contained the outbreak , with weeks of few or no local infections .
Now , it 's experiencing what 's been described as a `` third wave '' of infections , and on Wednesday , Ms Lam said the city was on the verge of a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals to `` collapse '' .
Health experts have told the BBC that , with the reintroduction of social distancing measures , the rate of infection appears to have slowed , and they hope Hong Kong will be back to close to zero local infections within four to six weeks .
• Why Hong Kong 's 'third wave ' is a warning to all The city has introduced tough new measures to combat the virus , banning gatherings of more than two people .
The territory has had more than 3,200 confirmed infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Ms Lam said Hong Kong 's pandemic was in `` its worst situation since January '' and `` as community spread continues , the risk of a large-scale outbreak will increase '' .
She said that with 4.4m registered voters in Hong Kong , the elections would involve `` a large-scale gathering and an immense infection risk '' , while social distancing measures would prevent candidates from canvassing .
• Why people are scared of Hong Kong 's new law • The Hong Kong residents ready to leave for the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in September would pose a particular risk to elderly voters , and that Hong Kong had many registered voters in mainland China , and overseas , who would be unable to take part in the elections while border quarantine measures were in place .
What 's the argument against delaying the polls ?
Opposition politicians say that , under local election laws , the polls can only be postponed by 14 days , and that a longer delay would `` trigger a constitutional crisis in the city '' .
Lawmaker Tanya Chan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about `` their own election prospects '' rather than `` the severity of the pandemic '' .
Some experts have suggested that measures could be put into place to make elections safer , such as reducing waiting times at polling stations - and that a delay of a whole year is not necessary .
What have other governments done ?
At least 68 countries or territories postponed elections due to Covid-19 , while 49 places held elections as planned , says the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance .
During her press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments had also postponed elections by a year , including the London 's Mayoral elections , and local government elections in Australia 's New South Wales .
Her comparison was queried by journalists , who said the outbreak in Hong Kong was not as severe .
London currently has a total of about 35,000 Covid-19 cases , compared to Hong Kong 's 3,200 .
Meanwhile , in Australia , by-elections in Victoria went ahead as scheduled in March , as did a federal by-election in New South Wales .
Singapore held its general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its highest turnout in recent years , says Eugene Tan , a law professor and political commentator at Singapore Management University .
`` There is never a good time for an election during a pandemic , '' he says , but the vote went ahead with several safety measures in place and `` demonstrates that it is possible to protect public health even as people go about exercising their democratic right to vote . ''
How does the Legislative Council work ?
The Legislative Council - or LegCo - helps to make and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is made up of 70 seats - but only 35 of these seats are directly voted for by the public .
Another 30 seats represent `` functional constituencies '' - these are voted for by smaller groups representing special interests , primarily businesses , banking and trade .
Historically these sectors have been largely pro-Beijing .
The last five seats are made up of district councillors who are elected by the public to sit on LegCo .
This system , where only a proportion of LegCo councillors are chosen by the public , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters of the system say it helps avoid populism and protects Hong Kong 's business interests .

She also said that proceeding with elections in September would pose a particular risk to elderly voters, and that Hong Kong had many registered voters in mainland China, and overseas, who would be unable to take part in the elections while border quarantine measures were in place.


bbc--2020-07-31--US election 2020: Obama calls for end to voter suppression

Former US President Barack Obama has sharply criticised what he described as Republican attempts at voter suppression in a speech at civil rights leader John Lewis 's funeral .
He said people in power were `` attacking our voting rights with surgical precision '' and called for wide reform .
He also decried the police killing of George Floyd and the subsequent use of federal agents against protesters .
He was one of the `` Big Six '' civil rights leaders , which included Martin Luther King Jr , and helped organise the historic 1963 March on Washington .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until his last breath' In a fiery eulogy delivered in Ebeneezer Baptist Church in the city of Atlanta , Mr Obama , a Democrat , launched a stinging attack on Republican President Donald Trump 's administration and some police departments .
`` Today we witness with our own eyes , police officers kneeling on the necks of black Americans , '' he said .
`` We can witness our federal government sending agents to use tear gas and batons against peaceful demonstrators . ''
He said people in government were `` doing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by closing polling stations and imposing `` restrictive ID laws '' on minorities and students .
Mr Obama singled out the role of the US postal service in delivering postal votes amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Earlier on Thursday Mr Trump suggested the 2020 presidential election in November should be delayed because he said - without providing evidence - that postal voting would enable large-scale voter fraud .
Mr Obama also proposed a series of reforms to voting in the US , including : • making sure Americans are automatically registered to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates who had `` earned their second chance '' • making election day a national holiday so workers who ca n't get time off can vote He also called for people in Washington DC and Puerto Rico to have the same representation as other Americans , a long-cherished ambition of Democrats .
Washington is a federal district and so does not have representatives in Congress , but only a delegate to the House of Representatives with limited powers .
Puerto Rico is a US territory that does not have representation in Congress and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections .
And he called for an end to the filibuster - which requires 60 votes to pass legislation instead of a simple majority of 51 .
He described it as a `` Jim Crow relic '' .
Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in southern states until 1965 and were used to disenfranchise black people .
`` If all this takes eliminating the filibuster , another Jim Crow relic , in order to secure the God-given rights of every American , then that 's what we should do , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honoured at US capitol With less than 100 days until November 's presidential election , Barack Obama is sharpening his political rhetoric .
While he has n't hesitated to offer veiled criticisms of Donald Trump in the past - in May he said the coronavirus had `` finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they 're doing '' - his eulogy for John Lewis was perhaps his most pointed political speech since the 2018 congressional mid-term elections .
He drew a line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Wallace in the 1960s to the `` attacks on democracy and what 's best in America that we 're seeing circulate right now '' .
Some of what Mr Obama said was new .
Some was a reprisal of previously announced positions .
The former president , however , framed all of it in terms of an ongoing struggle for a `` fuller , fairer , better America '' .
For three and a half years , Mr Trump has made a concerted effort to dismantle Mr Obama 's presidential legacy - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign policy and more .
Mr Obama 's attitude on Thursday suggests he knows he has just a few months to help deny his successor another four years to finish the job .
Paying tribute to Lewis , Mr Obama said he had become the first black US president because of the congressman 's fight for civil rights for black Americans .
Lewis , also a Democrat , did `` everything he could to preserve this democracy and as long as we have breath in our bodies , we have to continue his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The service was also attended by former presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush and House speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Mr Bush , a Republican , said he had his `` differences '' with the late congressman , but `` we live in a better and nobler country today because of John Lewis '' .
`` He believed in humanity and he believed in America , '' Mr Bush added .
During the civil rights movement , Lewis was one of the founders of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee ( SNCC ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1966 .
He co-organised and spoke at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom , the rally at which Dr King delivered his historic I Have a Dream speech .
Lewis was the last surviving speaker from the march .

While he hasn't hesitated to offer veiled criticisms of Donald Trump in the past - in May he said the coronavirus had "finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they're doing" - his eulogy for John Lewis was perhaps his most pointed political speech since the 2018 congressional mid-term elections.


bbc--2020-07-30--John Lewis: Former presidents eulogise civil rights titan

'We ’ re still waiting at home for them to come back' Latinos represent 18 % of the total US @ @ @ @ @ third of Covid-19 cases .

Three former US presidents have spoken at the funeral for congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis.
George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all delivered orations at the ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia.
The last remaining former president, Jimmy Carter, sent a message that was read by Rev Raphael Warnock. President Donald Trump did not attend.


bbc--2020-07-31--Ghislaine Maxwell-Jeffrey Epstein emails revealed in new court papers

Emails between UK socialite Ghislaine Maxwell and the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been revealed in a trove of unsealed court documents .
Epstein tells Ms Maxwell she has done `` nothing wrong '' in the 2015 exchange , which appears to contradict her earlier claims of not having contacted him .
And in a deposition , accuser Virginia Giuffre says Ms Maxwell was as equally involved in sex trafficking as Epstein .
Ms Maxwell faces a trial in the case in July and has pleaded not guilty .
She remains in custody in New York , charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She could face up to 35 years in prison if convicted .
Epstein died in prison on 10 August 2019 as he awaited his trial on sex trafficking charges .
His death was determined to be suicide .
Which documents have been released ?
Dozens of papers were ordered to be unsealed late on Thursday by a court in New York .
There is a near 350-page paper containing the testimony from 2016 of Virginia Giuffre , who has alleged that she was forced into sex with Epstein and his friends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defamation lawsuit against Ms Maxwell .
There is also an email exchange between Ms Maxwell and Epstein from 2015 , which shows how concerned she was about possible fallout from the case .
Police reports and flight logs from Epstein 's private jets have also been unsealed .
Lawyers for Ms Maxwell fought to keep the papers secret .
They have managed to get a temporary block on two additional documents - a deposition from 16 April related to Ms Maxwell 's sex life and another deposition , this time from an unnamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released on Monday though , pending further court challenges .
What is in the email exchange ?
An email sent by Epstein to Ms Maxwell on 21 January 2015 carries what appears to be a statement to be used by Ms Maxwell in defence of any accusations against her .
Ms Maxwell then sends an email on 24 January appearing to try to distance herself from any romantic relationship with Epstein , saying : `` I would appreciate it if shelley would come out and say she was your g'friend - I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The identity of Shelley is unclear but Epstein writes back a day later that this is `` ok , with me '' .
He also says : `` You have done nothing wrong and i woudl ( sic ) urge you to start acting like it .
go outside , head high , not as an esacping ( sic ) convict .
go to parties .
deal with it . ''
In her request for bail on 14 July , Ms Maxwell 's lawyers said she had not been in touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What is in the deposition material ?
This is the testimony from Virginia Giuffre , who alleges she was recruited by Ms Maxwell while working at President Donald Trump 's Mar-a-Lago estate some 20 years ago `` for the purpose of being trafficked '' .
She alleges she had sexual encounters on Epstein 's private island in the Caribbean and in his homes in Palm Beach and New York .
A lot of the names in the transcript of people Ms Giuffre says she was involved with are redacted with black type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says : `` Jeffrey and Ghislaine are joined hip by hip , okay ?
So they both trafficked me .
Ghislaine brought me in for the purpose of being trafficked .
They trafficked me to many people . ''
She adds : `` Ghislaine Maxwell [ is ] the one who abused me on a regular basis .
She 's the one that procured me , told me what to do , trained me as a sex slave , abused me physically , abused me mentally .
She 's the one who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearts , deserves to come forward and have justice happen to her more than anybody .
Being a woman , it 's disgusting . ''
Ms Giuffre also alleges she engaged in sexual activity with Ms Maxwell at a pool in the Virgin Islands , with `` lots of girls '' also engaged in what she described as `` girl on girl '' activity there .
In a 2016 deposition , Ms Maxwell denied all the allegations made against her by Ms Giuffre .
`` Virginia is an absolute liar and everything she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
`` Therefore , based on those lies I can not speculate on what anybody else did or did n't do ... everything she said is false . ''
What are the charges Ms Maxwell faces ?
Prosecutors allege that between 1994 and 1997 , Ms Maxwell helped Epstein groom girls as young as 14 .
They have said that they expect `` one or more victims '' to testify .
Four of the charges Ms Maxwell faces relate to the years 1994-97 when she was , according to the indictment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also in an `` intimate relationship '' with him .
The other two charges are allegations of perjury in 2016 .
The indictment says Ms Maxwell `` assisted , facilitated , and contributed to Jeffrey Epstein 's abuse of minor girls by , among other things , helping Epstein to recruit , groom and ultimately abuse victims known to Maxwell and Epstein to be under the age of 18 '' .
Ms Maxwell is the daughter of the late British media mogul Robert Maxwell .
A well-connected figure , she is said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealthy and powerful friends , including Bill Clinton and the Duke of York ( who was accused in the 2015 court papers of touching a woman at Jeffrey Epstein 's US home , although the court subsequently struck out allegations against the duke ) .
Buckingham Palace has said that `` any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors '' by the duke was `` categorically untrue '' .
Ms Maxwell , who has mostly been out of public view since 2016 , was arrested at her remote estate in Bradford , New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : One of Jeffrey Epstein 's alleged victims , aged 14 , reports him to the police in Palm Beach • 2006 : Epstein is charged with unlawful sex acts with a minor • 2007 : A plea deal is struck - instead of facing federal sex-trafficking charges , Epstein pleads guilty to two charges of soliciting prostitution , including with a minor • 2008 : Epstein gets an 18-month sentence following the plea deal • November 2018 : The Miami Herald publishes an explosive investigation into Epstein , the plea deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • July 2019 : Epstein is arrested again , accused of sex trafficking of underage girls over a number of years • August 2019 : Epstein is found dead in his prison cell while awaiting trial • 2 July 2020 : Ghislaine Maxwell is arrested by the FBI at her New Hampshire home • 14 July 2020 : Ms Maxwell pleads not guilty to charges of trafficking minors for Epstein and is denied bail

She adds: "Ghislaine Maxwell [is] the one who abused me on a regular basis. She's the one that procured me, told me what to do, trained me as a sex slave, abused me physically, abused me mentally. She's the one who I believe, in my heart of hearts, deserves to come forward and have justice happen to her more than anybody. Being a woman, it's disgusting."


bbc--2020-07-31--Vietnam records first Covid-19 death

Vietnam records first Covid-19 death

Vietnam has recorded its first Covid-19 fatality , in a devastating blow for a country proud of its zero deaths .
The 70-year-old man was from the central city of Hoi An , state media said on Friday .
No new infections had been reported for more than three months before an outbreak was reported in the nearby resort of Da Nang earlier this week .
Vietnam , which has a population of around 95 million , has reported just 509 cases since the pandemic began .
Unlike many other countries , Vietnam acted before it even had confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all travellers , except returning citizens .
Anyone entering the country must quarantine in government facilities for 14 days and undergo testing .
And for a while , this approach appeared to be highly effective , with no new local transmissions reported since mid-April .
The country received praise for both its timely efforts to contain the virus and for the care it was able to offer a Scottish pilot who spent two months in a coma after developing Covid-19..
But earlier this week came the difficult news that new cases had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nang .
Tens of thousands of tourists from across the country were in the city at the time , many of whom believed the threat from coronavirus had passed .
The government initially closed the city to visitors , before ordering a total local lockdown on Wednesday .
Earlier this week , Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc warned that every province and city in the country following the outbreak in Da Nang .
`` We have to act more swiftly and more fiercely in order to control the outbreak , '' state media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means for Vietnam At first , Vietnamese mainstream newspapers cited coronavirus as the main cause of the man 's death .
But then , just a moment later , the story was deleted from most of the country 's state media websites .
The story only appeared again on their websites as the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control finally confirmed the news .
Talking to BBC Vietnamese Service , Dr Luong Ngoc Khue , vice-director of Treatment Subcommittee under the National Covid-19 Taskforce , said the person `` died of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood pressure and other severe diseases while positive for coronavirus '' .
Some speculate that the government could find it difficult to announce the first death for fear of public embarrassment .
But as the news was confirmed today , Vietnam will try to carry out an aggressive prevention strategy to contain the virus , with many quarantine facilities and mobilising all means and resources to treat every patient .
Since July 25 , 93 cases linked to Da Nang have been reported , and now the city is under a lockdown again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many other cities and provinces .


bbc--2020-07-31--Ellen DeGeneres apologises to staff over workplace 'issues'

Several staff will be replaced on Ellen DeGeneres ' daytime chat show after an investigation uncovered `` deficiencies '' in `` the show 's day-to-day management '' .
The inquiry was prompted by a widely-circulated story on Buzzfeed news , in which employees made allegations of racism and intimidation on the show .
The accusers claimed the workplace was toxic and `` dominated by fear '' .
In an email to staff , Ellen apologised and said she was `` committed to ensuring this does not happen again '' .
`` We all have to be more mindful about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I 'm glad the issues at our show were brought to my attention , '' she added .
Production company WarnerMedia said `` several staffing changes '' would take place as a result of its investigation .
What were the accusations against Ellen 's show ?
Several current and former staff members told Buzzfeed they had been fired after taking medical leave or bereavement days to attend family funerals .
Others said they were also instructed not to speak to DeGeneres if they saw her around the office .
One employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions , and `` microaggressions '' during her 18 months on the show , and was reprimanded for raising concerns about her treatment .
The criticisms were in stark contrast to the public image of DeGeneres and her show .
The comedian , whose mantra is `` be kind to one another '' , has previously described her programme as `` a place of happiness '' .
`` That 'be kind ' [ stuff ] only happens when the cameras are on .
It 's all for show , '' one former employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give money to people and help them out , but it 's for show . ''
The accusations led to an internal inquiry by production company WarnerMedia , who interviewed dozens of employees about the atmosphere on the show .
The star , who has presented the show for 17 years , did not initially respond to the accusations , waiting until WarnerMedia 's investigation had taken place before making a statement .
In her email to staff , she said steps would be taken to `` correct the issues '' that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of our show , I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice , and everyone would be treated with respect , '' she wrote .
`` Obviously , something changed , and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case .
`` And for that , I am sorry .
Anyone who knows me knows it 's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the accusations , saying that `` people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am , and that has to stop '' .
The email , which was published in full by The Hollywood Reporter , also referred to the public fallout DeGeneres endured after coming out as gay in the 1990s .
`` As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am , I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or - worse - disregarded .
To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me . ''
`` I am so proud of the work we do and the fun and joy we all help put out in the world .
I want everyone at home to love our show and I want everyone who makes it to love working on it .
Again , I 'm so sorry to anyone who did n't have that experience . ''
What did the investigation find ?
WarnerMedia said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously '' and interviewed dozens of current and former employees about the work environment .
`` Though not all of the allegations were corroborated , we are disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies related to the show 's day-to-day management , '' said the company in a statement .
`` We have identified several staffing changes , along with appropriate measures to address the issues that have been raised , and are taking the first steps to implement them .
`` Warner Bros. and Ellen DeGeneres are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect and inclusion .
We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show . ''
Have there been more revelations ?
Yes .
Shortly before Warner 's statement was released , a new Buzzfeed report emerged containing allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment by executive producers on DeGeneres ' show .
Among the accusations were that head writer and executive producer Kevin Leman made a number of inappropriate sexual comments about junior employees in the workplace .
Leman issued a statement after the Buzzfeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any kind of sexual impropriety '' .
`` I started at The Ellen Show as a PA more than 17 years ago and have devoted my career to work my way to the position I now hold , '' he said .
`` While my job as head writer is to come up with jokes - and , during that process , we can occasionally push the envelope - I 'm horrified that some of my attempts at humour may have caused offence . ''
`` I have always aimed to treat everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and respect .
In my whole time on the show , to my knowledge , I 've never had a single HR or inter-personal complaint made about me , and I am devastated beyond belief that this kind of malicious and misleading article could be published . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"I am so proud of the work we do and the fun and joy we all help put out in the world. I want everyone at home to love our show and I want everyone who makes it to love working on it. Again, I'm so sorry to anyone who didn't have that experience."


bbc--2020-07-31--Twitter hack: Staff tricked by phone spear-phishing scam

The unprecedented hacking of celebrity Twitter accounts this month was caused by human error and a spear-phishing attack on Twitter employees , the company has confirmed .
Spear-phishing is a targeted attack designed to trick people into handing out information such as passwords .
Twitter said its staff were targeted through their phones .
The successful attempt let attackers tweet from celebrity accounts and access their private direct messages .
The accounts of Microsoft founder Bill Gates , Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and reality star Kim Kardashian West were compromised , and shared a Bitcoin scam .
It reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £80,000 ) .
The attack has raised concerns about the level of access that Twitter employees , and subsequently the hackers , have to user accounts .
Twitter acknowledged that concern in its statement , saying that it was `` taking a hard look '' at how it could improve its permissions and processes .
`` Access to these tools is strictly limited and is only granted for valid business reasons , '' the company said .
Not all the employees targeted in the spear-phishing attack had access to the in-house tools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have access to the internal network and other systems .
Once the attackers had acquired user credentials to let them inside Twitter 's network , the next stage of their attack was much easier .
They targeted other employees who had access to account controls .
Twitter is n't clarifying whether or not their employees were duped by an email or a phone call .
The consensus in the information security community is that it was the latter .
Phonecall spear-phishing , commonly known as vishing , is bread and butter for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this attack .
The criminals obtained the phone numbers of a handful of Twitter staff and , by using friendly persuasion and trickery , got them to hand over usernames and passwords that gave them an initial foothold into the internal system .
• Twitter hack : What went wrong and why it matters As Twitter puts it , the scammers `` exploited human vulnerabilities '' .
You can imagine how it possibly went : Hacker to Twitter employee : `` Hi , I 'm new to the department and I 've locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , can you do me a huge favour and give me the login again ? ''
The fact that Twitter staff were susceptible to these basic attacks is embarrassing for a company built on being at the forefront of digital technology and internet culture .
Twitter said the initial spear-phishing attempt happened on 15 July - the same day the accounts were compromised , suggesting the accounts were accessed within hours .
`` This attack relied on a significant and concerted attempt to mislead certain employees and exploit human vulnerabilities to gain access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company said .
`` This was a striking reminder of how important each person on our team is in protecting our service . ''
Twitter did not state whether the attack involved voice calls , despite a previous report from Bloomberg stating that at least one Twitter employee was contacted by attackers through a phone call .
Phishing is most commonly done by email and text message , encouraging recipients to click on links that take them to websites with fake log-in screens .
Spear-phishing is a version of the scam targeted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is usually heavily customised to make it more believable .

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bbc--2020-07-31--Republicans to Trump: You can't delay 2020 election

Top Republicans have rejected President Donald Trump 's suggestion that November 's presidential election should be delayed over alleged fraud concerns .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy both dismissed the idea .
Mr Trump does not have the authority to postpone the election , as any delay would have to be approved by Congress .
Earlier , the president suggested that increased postal voting could lead to fraud and inaccurate results .
He floated a delay until people could `` properly , securely and safely '' vote .
There is little evidence to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long railed against postal voting , which he has said would be susceptible to fraud .
US states want to make mail-in voting easier because of public health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic .
• Does US postal voting lead to ‘ tremendous fraud ’ ?
Mr Trump 's intervention came as new figures showed the US economy had suffered the worst contraction since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
Senator McConnell said no US presidential election had ever been delayed before .
`` Never in the history of this country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War , have we ever not had a federally scheduled election on time .
We will find a way to do that again this November third , '' he told local Kentucky station WNKY .
Mr McCarthy echoed him .
`` Never in the history of the federal elections have we ever not held an election and we should go forward with our election , '' he said .
Trump ally Senator Lindsay Graham meanwhile said a delay was `` not a good idea '' .
However , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's suggestion .
Quizzed by reporters on whether a president could delay an election , he said he would not `` enter a legal judgement on the fly '' .
The spokesman for Mr Trump 's re-election campaign , Hogan Gidley , said Mr Trump had just been `` raising a question '' .
Donald Trump ca n't delay November 's presidential election without Congress , partially controlled by the Democrats , first approving the decision .
If he did n't already know this , someone has certainly told him by now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a delay - even framed as an `` I 'm just asking ! ''
question - is sure to ignite a political firestorm , particularly after he has repeatedly refused to say whether he 'd accept an adverse result in the upcoming presidential election .
Mr Trump appears to be doing everything in his power to undermine the credibility of November 's vote , in which a record number of Americans are predicted to rely on mail-in voting to avoid the risk of exposure to the coronavirus .
He 's repeatedly made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the mail balloting and suggested broad conspiracy theories .
Critics warn that he could be laying the groundwork for contesting the results - although the purpose may be simply to give him a scapegoat if he loses .
His tweet could also be an attempt to divert attention away from the truly dismal second-quarter economic numbers just released .
He 's been relying on a financial turnaround to breathe life into his re-election campaign , and instead the outlook appears exceedingly gloomy .
Whatever the reason , tweeting about an election delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident of victory - and could be a sign of more desperate moves to come .
What did Trump say ?
At a Thursday afternoon White House news conference , Mr Trump denied he wanted to postpone the election , but argued that mass postal voting would leave the result in doubt .
`` I do n't want to delay , I want to have the election , '' he said .
`` But I also do n't want to have to wait for three months and then find out that the ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't mean anything . ''
`` I do n't want to see a crooked election , '' Mr Trump also told reporters .
`` This election will be the most rigged election in history if that happens . ''
In a series of tweets earlier , Mr Trump railed against mass postal voting and warned - without providing evidence - that it would be susceptible to foreign interference .
In June , New York allowed voters to vote by post in the Democratic primary poll for the party 's presidential candidate .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballots and the results are still unknown .
US media report that there are also concerns that many ballots will not be counted because they were not filled in correctly or do not have postmarks on them that show they were sent before voting officially ended .
According to the Washington Post , US Postal Service workers say backlogs may delay delivery of ballots in time for November 's election because of cost-cutting measures under the Trump administration .
Who can change the election date ?
President Trump does not have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , which by law is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November .
Any change of date would need to be approved by both houses of Congress - the House of Representatives and the Senate .
Democrats control the House of Representatives and some have already said they will not support any delay to the vote .
Any move by Congress to delay the election into 2021 would also require a constitutional amendment , US media quoted constitutional experts as saying .
• The week when everything changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US states were planning to hold `` all-mail '' ballot elections in November : California , Utah , Hawaii , Colorado , Oregon and Washington .
Other states are considering it , according to a postal voting campaign group .
These states will automatically send postal ballots to all registered voters , which then have to be sent back or dropped off on election day - although some in-person voting is still available in certain limited circumstances .
About half of US states allow any registered voter to cast their ballot by post @ @ @

Mr Trump appears to be doing everything in his power to undermine the credibility of November's vote, in which a record number of Americans are predicted to rely on mail-in voting to avoid the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. He's repeatedly made false and misleading claims about the reliability of the mail balloting and suggested broad conspiracy theories. Critics warn that he could be laying the groundwork for contesting the results - although the purpose may be simply to give him a scapegoat if he loses.


bbc--2020-07-31--California amphibious vehicle accident: US marine dead, eight missing

One US marine has died and eight others are missing after an amphibious assault vehicle ( AAV ) accident off @ @ @ @ @ .
Two personnel were also injured in the accident on Thursday , the 1st Marine @ @ @ @ @ search is under way for the missing service members , with Navy and Coast Guard @ @ @ @ @ are assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit , based at Camp Pendleton , near @ @ @ @ @ Bronzi , commanding officer of the 15th MEU , said in the tweet : `` @ @ @ @ @ this tragic incident .
I ask that you keep our Marines , Sailors , and @ @ @ @ @ as we continue our search . ''
The 15th MEU has about 2,200 personnel and @ @ @ @ @ and other maritime operations .
The typical US Marine Corps AAV is the AAV-P7/A1 , @ @ @ @ @ , transporting personnel from water to land .
It is often referred to as an @ @

Col Christopher Bronzi, commanding officer of the 15th MEU, said in the tweet: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. I ask that you keep our Marines, Sailors, and their families in your prayers as we continue our search."


bbc--2020-07-31--Eurozone suffers deepest contraction on record

Spain has been plunged into its deepest recession in modern times by the coronavirus pandemic .
Its economy shrank by 18.5 % in the April-to-June period , having already fallen by 5.2 % in the first three months of the year .
The country was the worst performer in the eurozone , which saw its overall GDP decline by a record 12.1 % .
France 's economy has also been badly hit , with GDP there falling by 13.8 % in the second quarter .
The French statistics agency said the low point had come in April , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown restrictions eased , but economic activity was still well below normal .
Italy , which was among the first European countries to be hit by the pandemic , has reported a similar drop , with the economy contracting by 12.4 % .
However , the fall was less steep than expected .
Across the EU , the economic contraction was 11.9 % .
The official Eurostat agency said the falls were the largest since it began recording the figures in 1995 .
The figures are dreadful , but not a surprise .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most severely affected by deaths from coronavirus .
Lockdowns earlier in the pandemic were draconian and in any case , many people have been wary of exposing themselves to the risk of infection .
The result was some extraordinary declines in economic activity .
In the case of Spain , a group of service industries which includes transport , restaurants and accommodation suffered a decline of more than 50 % in the first half of 2020 .
Even Germany was hit hard , in spite of a less severe health situation and being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tourist industry .
German consumers cut back .
It is also a big goods exporter and global trade has been severely disrupted by the pandemic .
The US and Germany both announced huge falls in national output on Thursday , showing the global economic impact of Covid-19 .
The US saw its sharpest contraction in decades , with the economy shrinking at an annual rate of 32.9 % between April and June .
Germany reported its deepest quarterly decline on record , as total production of goods and services fell by 10.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were worse than forecast , have wiped out the growth of the past six years .
Economic activity in Spain has declined by a total of more than a fifth so far this year .
Service industries including transport , restaurants and accommodation have been hardest hit , as they have been most affected by the restrictions on movement imposed to fight the pandemic .
Spain has suffered a large number of deaths in the course of the health crisis , and a correspondingly dramatic impact on the economy was seen as inevitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Walker .
Our correspondent adds that although many of the restrictions on commercial activity in Spain have now been eased , any rebound is sure to be impaired by the recent resurgence of coronavirus infections in some areas .

Economic activity in Spain has declined by a total of more than a fifth so far this year. Service industries including transport, restaurants and accommodation have been hardest hit, as they have been most affected by the restrictions on movement imposed to fight the pandemic.