bbc--2020-08-11--Belarus: Five things you may not know about the country

On Sunday , Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko won a sixth term in office in a disputed election , prompting protesters to take to the streets in cities across the country .
But what else do you know about Belarus ?
Here are five things you might be interested to find out about , from the impact of Chernobyl to the Eastern European country 's top sports star .
Belarus was the hardest hit country proportionately during World War Two It 's thought that the country lost about 25 % of its population during World War Two , when Nazi Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million civilians and 600,000 Soviet soldiers died in Belarus during the war , including almost the entire Jewish population .
About 85 % of the capital Minsk was destroyed in bombing raids and was rebuilt in the 1950s and 60s .
Official results say President Alexander Lukashenko won Sunday 's election with more than 80 % of the vote .
However , no observers were present , leading to fears of vote-rigging .
The main challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has refused to accept the outcome .
Mr Lukashenko came to power in 1994 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism from Western nations .
The US Bush administration described him in 2005 as the `` last dictator in Europe '' , at the head of an `` outpost of tyranny '' .
Mr Lukashenko once warned that anyone joining an opposition protest would be treated as a `` terrorist '' , adding : `` We will wring their necks , as one might a duck . ''
Human rights groups have accused him of widespread abuses .
Oswald , a former marine , arrived in the USSR when he was 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KGB rejected his application and on the day his tourist visa expired , Oswald slashed one of his wrists .
Fearing an international incident , the Soviet authorities let him stay .
He was sent to Minsk and given a job at a radio and TV factory .
He lived in a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre .
Oswald was one of Minsk 's few foreigners and its only American .
He married Marina Prusakova in March 1961 .
They had a daughter the following year and moved to the US in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot dead US President John F Kennedy in Dallas , Texas .
About 70 % of the radioactive fallout from Chernobyl landed in Belarus On 26 April 1986 , one of four nuclear reactors at the Chernobyl power plant station exploded in Ukraine .
It has been described as the world 's worst nuclear accident .
A toxic cloud spread across a large swathe of Europe .
Neighbouring Belarus suffered the worst of the radioactive fallout - about 70 % of the hazardous particles it created landed there .
One fifth of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 2,000 towns and villages were evacuated .
Since 1986 , more than half a million people have been relocated .
• Chernobyl to become 'official tourist attraction' Some contaminants affecting the soil and the air have a half-life of 24,400 years , according to humanitarian organisation Chernobyl International .
The Chernobyl disaster costs Belarus 20 % of its annual national budget , the charity says , and it is estimated that the fallout from the incident will cost the country $ 235 billion ( £179 billion ) .
Two million people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-risk , live in heavily contaminated zones , according to Chernobyl International .
Victoria Azarenka is the country 's most successful tennis player Victoria Azarenka is the first Belarusian tennis player to reach world number one and the first to take home a medal in Olympic tennis .
She won bronze in the women 's singles at the 2012 London Olympics and gold in the mixed doubles .
She has also won the Australian Open twice and reached the final of the US Open twice .
Azarenka has also competed for Belarus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team event .
`` My soul is definitely Belarusian and whatever happens and wherever I am , my roots will always be here , '' she told the Minsk Herald .
`` I grew up in Belarus and my parents still live here , besides my character was formed here .
When I come to Belarus , I come to my home country . ''
After having her son Leo , she returned to competitive tennis in 2018 .
She told Tennis.com that she has no intention of slowing down in the near @ @

His tight grip on power has brought criticism from Western nations. The US Bush administration described him in 2005 as the "last dictator in Europe", at the head of an "outpost of tyranny".


bbc--2020-08-10--The headphones that even a DJ can't break?

Before the pandemic hit Anne Frankenstein would be DJ-ing in bars or clubs most Friday and Saturday nights .
She laughs when asked if she misses it : `` Not really , I kind of prefer the quiet life .
I think I was playing a few too many gigs before lockdown .
It 's been nice to just enjoy music at my own pace . ''
Fortunately for Anne she has a day job - her mid-morning show on Jazz FM .
As well as making life hectic , those gigs took a toll on her kit , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed '' headphones in the past through overuse and crushing them by accident .
Having learnt those expensive lessons , she does n't spend much on headphones for work .
`` I just get a nice cheap , robust pair of headphones , that isolate the sound well enough so I can hear adequately to DJ . ''
One of the reasons headphones can be delicate is that they have several moving parts inside .
In fact the principle behind those moving parts has not changed much since speakers first emerged in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electrical current through a coil of wire placed near to a magnet , you can make the coil move .
Attach a thin sheet of material ( diaphragm ) to that coil and the vibrations will make sound .
The so-called moving coil system has become much more sophisticated over the years .
Better materials and clever electronics have improved the sound quality , and speakers have shrunk to a size that can fit into the ear .
However , there are still multiple moving parts in modern headphones , which can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world • What you need to become an internet streaming star • Training your brain to relax on a virtual island • The stress of leading a start-up through the pandemic Making headphones more robust is just one of the promises of xMEMs , a Silicon Valley firm that thinks its technology can revolutionise the headphone market .
At the heart of its tech is something called the piezoelectric effect .
If you bend some materials , they produce an electric current and the reverse is true as well , if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bend .
The bendiness has been exploited for years to make sound , but that sound has been pretty unsophisticated - it 's often used to make buzzers .
Recent developments in materials have changed all that .
Silicon Valley-based xMEMs has refined the technique and says its speakers can match the very best sound produced the traditional way .
Their speaker is very small and can be produced in the same way as a computer chip .
Six of the little speakers can sit on one chip and , with everything in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and waterproof .
`` You 're getting next level mechanical shock resistance , '' says Mike Housholder , VP of marketing at xMEMS .
`` You can drop a tray of these on the earbud assembly line , they 're not going to break . ''
They also promise to be more effective at noise cancelling he says , a feature important for those who fly or use other public transport .
Mr Housholder expects the first headphones using his company 's technology to hit the market next April .
It 's an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an audio engineer , who has been working with speakers and headphones for more than 20 years and now runs his own consultancy .
While he can see the potential advantages of such a system , he is also cautious .
He points out that traditional moving coil speakers have been evaluated over decades , the kind of scrutiny which xMEMs is yet to go through .
`` Any advantage would need to be clear and useful , because moving coil loudspeakers are just one of those technologies that just seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications , '' he says . ''
Hiromichi Ozawa , is the manager of headphone research and development at Audio Technica , Japan 's biggest seller of headphones ( with cables , rather than wireless ) .
He has worked in product development for more than 30 years .
During that time he has seen a multitude of innovations .
He remembers in the 1990s developing a wooden casing for mass market headphones .
`` Wooden housing had interesting acoustic qualities and added a certain aesthetic pleasure to the listening experience .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique , natural sound , '' he said .
While he appreciates the potential of new technology , he likes the traditional moving coil system which has a `` simple construction '' but `` powerful results '' .
Mr Ozawa says the real challenge for headphone makers is to maintain sound quality , while building in extra features , like a wireless connection .
In particular , he says reproducing intricate instrumental music is a key test for speakers .
So , for thirty years he has been using Mozart 's piano sonata @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test the sound quality of new headphones .
But does the average buyer really care much about what is going on inside their headphones ?
Not according to Paul Noble , who owns the headphone shop Spiritland , in London .
`` It 's more about wearability , performance , price , design - not the internals , '' he says .
He has sold hundreds of headphones since opening his shop in October .
Prices range from £100 to more than £5,000 .
`` The big big trend which has overwhelmed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People just wanting to be totally free of the cords and have headphones for exercising or whatever . ''
As for Ms Frankenstein she likes to check reviews before buying and also pays some attention to what the headphones look like .
`` I do n't want to look like a massive dork , '' she laughs .

Their speaker is very small and can be produced in the same way as a computer chip. Six of the little speakers can sit on one chip and, with everything in one place, the device is robust and waterproof.


bbc--2020-08-10--Trump WeChat ban 'an unwelcome signal' for Chinese community

For the global Chinese community , WeChat is more than a chat app : it is often the primary means of staying in touch with friends and family back home .
So the decision last week by US President Donald Trump to order American firms to stop doing business with WeChat has sent shockwaves rippling out .
`` WeChat has become the 'it ' tool for Chinese-speaking people , no matter where you are around the world , '' one Shanghai resident told the BBC .
The billion-user app is primarily a social networking platform but can be used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gaming and even dating .
But WeChat has a less innocent side , and is seen a key instrument of China 's internal surveillance apparatus .
A Wuhan doctor , Li Wenliang , was reprimanded by police last December after he sent messages to colleagues on the app , warning them about China 's initial coronavirus outbreak .
Toronto-based research group Citizen Lab also found WeChat had been censoring information about Covid-19 .
WeChat 's success is partly owed , as well , to a ban on American-made apps like WhatsApp and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order , President Trump labelled WeChat a threat to US national security and accused it of gathering `` vast swathes '' of user data , threatening Americans ' personal and proprietary information .
WeChat 's owner , TenCent , has been ordered to sell the app by mid-September or face a ban on US operations .
The move to block WeChat , a prominent example of China 's tech innovation , is seen by many Chinese as an attack on their culture , its people and state .
In response to President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America of using national security as a cover to exert hegemony .
The Chinese diaspora in the US has been shocked by the move , and many people are worried - not just about keeping in touch with loved ones , but what this means for China-US relations .
Jennie , 21 , is a student at the University of California , and learned about the order while browsing WeChat .
`` At first I did n't believe that it is true , '' she told the BBC .
`` Then I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around four hours a day on WeChat , using it to contact people in the US and China .
It is also a vital source of information and she spends a lot of time reading articles published on the public accounts of Chinese media , content creators and businesses .
• Is the US about to split the internet ?
On the anniversary day of Tiananmen Massacre , Jennie made a one-sentence post of commemoration .
It was quickly removed , and her entire public account vanished .
She told the BBC she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will share her information with the Chinese government , but strongly opposes America blocking the app .
`` It 'd be similar to what China does - to censor , '' said Jennie .
She used to publish on her own public account , until it was censored by WeChat two years ago .
Jennie believes that there should be alternatives to manage threats posed by WeChat , rather than banning it outright .
`` I wanted to study in the US because of its openness , but this move has burst my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is shared by other Chinese immigrants in the US .
`` I used to think America is culturally inclusive , '' says Miley Song , a Chinese immigrant in California .
Washington 's move sends `` an unwelcome signal '' to Chinese immigrants in the country , she believes .
The 30-year-old stay-at-home mum often uses the app to connect with her parents in China , who were in a panic after hearing about Mr Trump 's executive order .
But Ms Song says she is cautiously optimistic .
`` The ban seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be difficult to ban WeChat entirely , '' she says , `` We 'll wait and see . ''
While not particularly worried about the ban , she is concerned about what it means for her future in the America .
In the midst of a pandemic , and with presidential elections on the way , Ms Song thinks the Trump administration is trying to divert attention away from rising death tolls and falling polling numbers .
`` Otherwise , why has Trump focused on cracking down Chinese apps now ? ''
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to China after living and studying in America .
Rachel spent 10 years in the US , many of them as a student in the capital , Washington , DC .
Now home in Shanghai , WeChat has become `` fully embedded into people 's daily lives , '' she told the BBC .
`` If you live in China , you can not go anywhere without two major apps : one is WeChat , the other is AliPay , '' said Rachel .
`` If you want to buy a bottle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pay or Alipay to scan the QR code and pay , and most stores do n't accept cash . ''
• Are you one of the WeChat billion ?
WeChat is also being used as a tracking tool to help the government with containing the spread of coronavirus .
`` If , say , I 'm going to a department store , at the door usually the guard will ask you to show your QR code , '' said Rachel .
`` If it 's a green code , which shows you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 14 days , yes you can come in , but if it 's a yellow or red code , you can not . ''
While President Trump 's order will have little impact on her daily activities in China , Rachel said it may become harder to connect with people in the US .
As a result , she said some are exploring alternatives like communication app Line , or VPNs - virtual private networks which mask your computer 's location .
`` It 's sad that it 's going down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I see both sides , there is always good and bad in both societies , and I want to be neutral but it 's harder and harder to become neutral . ''

"If you live in China, you cannot go anywhere without two major apps: one is WeChat, the other is AliPay," said Rachel. "If you want to buy a bottle of milk, you open your WeChat Pay or Alipay to scan the QR code and pay, and most stores don't accept cash."


bbc--2020-08-11--Celtic's Bolingoli apologises for quarantine breach as Scottish government 'considers pause'

Celtic have apologised for a player 's breach of coronavirus rules and described it as `` beyond explanation '' .
Boli Bolingoli admitted he played in Sunday 's match against Kilmarnock despite having recently returned from Spain without quarantining .
The defender said he was `` guilty of an error of judgement '' and apologised .
The club later confirmed all players and backroom staff have since been tested twice and returned negative results .
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said the player 's actions were `` utterly unacceptable . ''
The breach comes after eight Aberdeen players apologised for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Covid-19 outbreak .
Two of the players later tested positive for the virus , while six are currently self-isolating .
Celtic said it `` unreservedly condemns and apologises '' for the behaviour of Bolingoli , who travelled to Spain without informing the club and then failed to observe quarantine restrictions . ''
A club statement added : `` It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation .
`` The club will take immediate action through our own disciplinary procedures . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch with every SPFL club and all relevant authorities to apologise `` for the fact that one of our employees has created so much additional difficulty through his actions . ''
In an earlier statement , Bolingoli , 25 , said he wanted to apologise to his manager , team mates , supporters , `` and so many others for letting them down so badly '' .
He added : `` I am guilty of a major error of judgement .
I know what I did was wrong and I know that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Yousaf said the player 's actions could have major consequences for top flight football , which only resumed in Scotland on 1 August .
He tweeted : `` Utterly unacceptable from Bolingoli .
With a number of incidents , Scot Govt left with little choice but to consider whether pause is now needed in resumption of the game .
`` Operational matter for Border Force & Police Scot , I support whatever enforcement action they deem necessary . ''
The Scottish government said it was in discussion with the club and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If confirmed as another serious incident within Scottish football , where protocols have been breached at the risk of wider public health , then the Scottish government will have little choice but to consider whether a pause is now needed in the resumption of the game in Scotland , '' they added .
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• RULES : Which lockdown rules will change next - and when ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• TESTING : Who can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

"If confirmed as another serious incident within Scottish football, where protocols have been breached at the risk of wider public health, then the Scottish government will have little choice but to consider whether a pause is now needed in the resumption of the game in Scotland," they added.


bbc--2020-08-11--New rules inside the Champions League bubble - from laundry to urine tests

Uefa 's solution to a Champions League competition disrupted by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic is a 'final eight ' knockout tournament played across 12 days in Lisbon .
Football 's reputation is at stake and , according to Europe 's governing body , the staging of future international matches if protocols are not followed .
in Lisbon , all eight teams and their officials , including Premier League side Manchester City , are required to stick to the rules from a 31-page document .
Some of them will make life very different for the elite of European football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be out of bounds , with players only allowed to leave their hotels with prior agreement - and even then they can not come into contact with anyone outside their group .
In the hotels , players should have private access routes and a private dining area , while food should only be served by the team 's own staff .
Need your pants washing ?
Clothes and equipment can only be handled by team staff .
The life of a footballer these days involves plenty of tests for coronavirus and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tests were conducted before clubs left for Portugal - two people connected with Atletico Madrid have already returned positive results and not been allowed to travel .
Tests will also be carried out in Lisbon the day before each game .
Uefa has promised the results will be delivered - at the latest - six hours before kick-off .
But one or two positive tests could lead to some torn-up team sheets and tactical masterplans .
It is worth noting Uefa 's rules stipulate that provided a team can field 13 ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalkeeper , games have to go ahead .
If a team can not do that , they would be allowed to bring in any new signings who had not been registered .
Uefa would look at the potential for rescheduling on a case-by-case basis .
However , given the Champions League final will not be moved from 23 August , the reality for any team not capable of fielding a side is that they would probably have to forfeit the fixture .
A mirror in front of the toilet As if coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs tests to think about .
Doping control officers would usually observe from close quarters when players produce a urine sample .
But , to enable the officer to watch from a socially distanced position , players will have a mirror set up opposite the toilet - which might be a little disconcerting .
Planes and buses must be thoroughly disinfected and , `` to minimise contact with the general public '' , players will be using VIP arrival areas at airports .
The rules for leaving the bus are less glamorous - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the central door and not get off at the front .
Fans of pre-match gift exchanges will be relieved - pennants can still be swapped before kick-off .
But anyone eyeing up Lionel Messi 's shirt will be disappointed , as players are not permitted to swap jerseys .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Manchester City's players arrived in Portugal on Monday
Uefa's solution to a Champions League competition disrupted by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic is a 'final eight' knockout tournament played across 12 days in Lisbon.
Football's reputation is at stake and, according to Europe's governing body, the staging of future international matches if protocols are not followed.
in Lisbon, all eight teams and their officials, including Premier League side Manchester City, are required to stick to the rules from a 31-page document.
Some of them will make life very different for the elite of European football.
Hotel lockdown
The beaches and sights of Lisbon will be out of bounds, with players only allowed to leave their hotels with prior agreement - and even then they cannot come into contact with anyone outside their group.
In the hotels, players should have private access routes and a private dining area, while food should only be served by the team's own staff.
Need your pants washing? Clothes and equipment can only be handled by team staff.
Late line-up changes?
The life of a footballer these days involves plenty of tests for coronavirus and the Champions League bubble will be no different.
Tests were conducted before clubs left for Portugal - two people connected with Atletico Madrid have already returned positive results and not been allowed to travel.
Tests will also be carried out in Lisbon the day before each game. Uefa has promised the results will be delivered - at the latest - six hours before kick-off.
But one or two positive tests could lead to some torn-up team sheets and tactical masterplans.
It is worth noting Uefa's rules stipulate that provided a team can field 13 'A list' players, plus a goalkeeper, games have to go ahead. If a team cannot do that, they would be allowed to bring in any new signings who had not been registered.
Uefa would look at the potential for rescheduling on a case-by-case basis. However, given the Champions League final will not be moved from 23 August, the reality for any team not capable of fielding a side is that they would probably have to forfeit the fixture.
A mirror in front of the toilet
As if coronavirus tests weren't enough, there are also drugs tests to think about.
Doping control officers would usually observe from close quarters when players produce a urine sample.
But, to enable the officer to watch from a socially distanced position, players will have a mirror set up opposite the toilet - which might be a little disconcerting.
Disinfected transport and VIP exit
Manchester City's Kyle Walker collects his bag after arriving in Lisbon
Planes and buses must be thoroughly disinfected and, "to minimise contact with the general public", players will be using VIP arrival areas at airports.
The rules for leaving the bus are less glamorous - you just need to remember to use the central door and not get off at the front.
Pennants yes, shirts no
Fans of pre-match gift exchanges will be relieved - pennants can still be swapped before kick-off. But anyone eyeing up Lionel Messi's shirt will be disappointed, as players are not permitted to swap jerseys.


bbc--2020-08-11--Selby beats Robertson to reach last four of Worlds

Last updated on .From the section Snooker Three-time champion Mark Selby clinched his place in the World Championship semi-finals with @ @ @ @ @ Robertson at the Crucible .
Robertson , the 2010 champion , pulled back two scrappy @ @ @ @ @ victory in the next .
Selby , 37 , will face Mark Williams or Ronnie @ @ @ @ @ .
The Leicester player , who won his last world title in 2017 , started @ @ @ @ @ his form but now looks like he is getting back to his best .

Ronnie O'Sullivan has not reached the semi-finals at the Crucible since 2014
Betfred World Championship Venue: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Dates: 31 July-16 August Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and Red Button, with uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app. Full details and times.
Ronnie O'Sullivan says his performance was "embarrassing" as he reached the World Championship semi-finals with a 13-10 win over Mark Williams.
O'Sullivan, 44, now faces fellow Englishman Mark Selby, 37, in the last four in a repeat of the 2014 final.
Three-time champion Selby had earlier beaten Australia's Neil Robertson 13-7 in their last-eight match.
"If the white was more than three foot away from the next ball it was not going in," said O'Sullivan.
"If I had a cue action I could play. It was embarrassing. It was like going into the US Open with just a three-iron in your bag.
"It makes life so much more difficult but I found a way and managed to create amongst the balls. It was either really good or really bad."
Five-time champion O'Sullivan's last appearance in a Crucible final was his 18-14 defeat by Selby six years ago and he says he is not holding out much hope of avenging that loss.
"I have no consistency and I haven't had that for six or seven years hence why I haven't done well here," O'Sullivan added.
O'Sullivan's fighting display
'The Rocket' appeared to be in trouble after trailing 6-2 overnight but a wonderful revival on Tuesday afternoon saw him produce his best form against three-time champion Williams.
Four consecutive frames, including a break of 112, ensured O'Sullivan began the concluding session at 8-8 and after trading the first couple of frames he pulled clear.
A fortunate kiss on a red into the top-left corner helped him go 11-10 up before he made an exemplary 133 clearance in the next.
He wrapped up victory in dramatic fashion, winning an error-strewn 23rd frame on a re-spotted black to set up a repeat of the 2014 final.
Williams, who has now lost to O'Sullivan on five occasions at the Crucible, believes he was beaten by the best player to have graced the game.
He said: "I think it boiled down to just a couple of bad flicks towards the end really.
"There's a reason I haven't beaten him here, it's because he is the best player to ever play. He has probably cost me one, if not two world titles over my career and I have come up a little bit short again."
Selby back to his best?
The Leicester player suffered a crisis of confidence in the wake of his third world title win in 2017, losing his world number one ranking as he won just two tournaments in the following two years and crashed out in the early stages in Sheffield.
Selby battled through the first two rounds against Jordan Brown and Noppon Saengkham this year - and believes he is back to somewhere approaching his best form, despite not making a century break in the match.
"Over the last 12 to 18 months I was questioning myself," said Selby. "I had got so used to winning tournaments that when I wasn't winning tournaments it became very damaging to my confidence.
"I was happy with my performance against Neil. I felt if I got a chance I could score, and my safety play was back up with how it was a few years ago.
"As a matchplay game it was right up there with my best performances. I can see the changes already, especially in my body language, so long may it continue."
Robertson said: "It was a really tough game and apart from three or four frames in the match, every frame came down to the final few reds or the colours.
"Mark's defensive safety was absolutely unbelievable. He didn't let up really and I think he got his gameplan spot-on over the two days."
'So what that he hasn't made a century break?' - Analysis
John Parrott, 1991 world champion
Mark Selby has got progressively better through the tournament. There was a question mark over him coming in. He was a double-figures price with the bookmakers which is probably unheard of.
He wasn't great in his first match against Jordan Brown but nobody is bothered about that now. He was good in the final session against Noppon Saengkham but he was good all the way through against Neil Robertson, keeping the Aussie away from the balls.
So what that he hasn't made a century break? Do they put that on the trophy? Winning is the object of the exercise. He played great tactical matchplay and he has done his job.
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bbc--2020-08-11--Biden VP pick: Kamala Harris chosen as running mate

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has named Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate - the first black woman and Asian American in the role .
Once a rival for the top job , the California senator of Indian-Jamaican heritage had long been considered the front-runner for the number two slot .
The former California attorney general has been urging police reform amid nationwide anti-racism protests .
Mr Biden will face President Donald Trump in the election on 3 November .
At a White House news conference on Tuesday , Mr Trump , a Republican , described Ms Harris as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Harris will debate Mr Trump 's running mate , Vice-President Mike Pence , on 7 October in Salt Lake City , Utah .
Only two other women have been nominated as vice-presidential candidates - Sarah Palin by the Republican party in 2008 and Geraldine Ferraro by the Democrats in 1984 .
Neither made it to the White House .
A woman of colour has never been appointed to a presidential ticket by either of the two main American political parties .
No woman has won the US presidency either .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden tweeted that he had `` the great honour '' to name Ms Harris as his number two .
He described her as `` a fearless fighter for the little guy , and one of the country 's finest public servants '' .
He noted how she had worked closely with his late son , Beau , when she was California 's attorney general .
`` I watched as they took on the big banks , lifted up working people , and protected women and kids from abuse , '' he tweeted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm proud now to have her as my partner in this campaign . ''
Ms Harris later tweeted that Mr Biden `` can unify the American people because he 's spent his life fighting for us .
And as president , he 'll build an America that lives up to our ideals .
`` I 'm honored to join him as our party 's nominee for Vice President , and do what it takes to make him our Commander-in-Chief . ''
The campaign announced that Mr Biden and Ms Harris will deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday afternoon on `` working together to restore the soul of the nation and fight for working families to move the country forward '' .
Mr Biden pledged in March to name a woman on the ticket .
He had faced mounting calls to pick a black woman in recent months as the nation was convulsed by social unrest over police brutality against African Americans , a key voting bloc to the Democratic Party .
Ms Harris , 55 , dropped out of the presidential race in December after failing in her bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly clashed with Mr Biden during the primary election debates , most notably criticising his praise for the `` civil '' working relationship he had with former senators who favoured racial segregation .
The Democrat was born in Oakland , California , to two immigrant parents : an Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father .
She went on to attend Howard University , one of the nation 's preeminent historically black colleges and universities .
She has described her time there as among the most formative experiences of her life .
Ms Harris says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identity and simply describes herself as `` an American '' .
In 2019 , she told the Washington Post that politicians should not have to fit into compartments because of their colour or background .
`` My point was : I am who I am .
I 'm good with it .
You might need to figure it out , but I 'm fine with it , '' she said .
Sometimes the obvious pick is obvious for a reason .
Kamala Harris was the front-runner to be Joe Biden 's running mate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic nominee announced in March that he would pick a woman to be his ticket .
She 's relatively young and telegenic , and as the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants reflects the growing diversity of the Democratic Party .
What 's more , she 's been in the spotlight of the national media , having campaigned for president in 2019 and , for a while last summer , risen to near the top of some polls .
Many of her rivals for the number-two spot had never faced such scrutiny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could hold up under fire .
Another underrated advantage for Ms Harris was her friendship with Mr Biden 's late son , Beau , formed when they were both attorneys general .
Mr Biden places a high value on family - and that connection may have made choosing her easier .
Now Ms Harris will have a chance to hit the campaign trail again and prove that she deserves this historic pick .
If she succeeds , she 'll be in prime position to seek the presidency again , perhaps as early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force in the Democratic Party for years to come .
• How could Kamala help - or hurt - Joe Biden What is her record ?
After four years at Howard , Ms Harris went on to earn her law degree at the University of California , Hastings , and began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney 's Office .
She became the district attorney - the top prosecutor - for San Francisco in 2003 , before being elected the first woman and the first African American to serve as California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and law enforcement official in America 's most populous state .
In her nearly two terms in office as attorney general , Ms Harris gained a reputation as one of the Democratic party 's rising stars , using this momentum to propel her election as California 's junior US senator in 2017 .
She was only the second black woman ever elected to that chamber .
She launched her candidacy for president to a crowd of more than 20,000 in Oakland at the beginning of last year .
But the senator failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and gave muddled answers to questions in key policy areas like healthcare .
She was also unable to capitalise on the clear high point of her candidacy : debate performances that showed off her prosecutorial skills , often placing Mr Biden in the line of attack .
• When Harris could draw a crowd of 20,000 • Where did it go wrong for Kamala Harris ?
The self-described `` progressive prosecutor '' tried to emphasise more left-leaning parts of her legacy - requiring body cameras for some special agents at the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency to adopt them , and launching a database that provided public access to crime statistics , though she failed to gain traction .
`` Kamala is a cop '' became a common refrain on the campaign trail , spoiling her attempts to win over the more liberal Democratic base during the primaries .
Those same law enforcement credentials could , however , prove beneficial in the general election when Democrats need to win over more moderate voters and independents .
President Trump told reporters : `` She 's a person that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't true . ''
He added : `` She did very , very poorly in the primaries , as you know , she was expected to do well and she ended up right around 2 % .
So I was a little surprised that he picked her . ''
Mr Trump also said Ms Harris was `` very , very nasty '' and `` horrible '' to Mr Biden during the Democratic primary debates .
`` She was very disrespectful to Joe Biden and it 's hard to pick somebody that 's that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign said the choice of running mate was proof that Mr Biden is `` an empty shell being filled with the extreme agenda of the radicals on the left '' .
Former US President Barack Obama - whom Mr Biden served as vice-president for eight years - tweeted : `` She is more than prepared for the job .
She 's spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake .
`` This is a good day for our country .
Now let 's go win @ @ @ @

What's more, she's been in the spotlight of the national media, having campaigned for president in 2019 and, for a while last summer, risen to near the top of some polls. Many of her rivals for the number-two spot had never faced such scrutiny, so there was no proof that they could hold up under fire.


bbc--2020-08-12--Belarus election: Opposition leader Tikhanovskaya fled 'for sake of her children'

Belarus 's main opposition leader says she took a `` very difficult decision '' to leave the country , after disputing an election result she claimed was rigged .
In a YouTube video , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said she did it for her children as protests continued for a second night .
One person has died .
A second video , apparently filmed when she was detained on Monday , has also been released .
She was `` safe '' now in Lithuania , the country 's foreign minister said .
Poll results gave President Alexander Lukashenko 80 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims of fraud .
Violent clashes between police and protesters have broken out over the two nights since the election was held , and there have been numerous reports of police brutality .
On Tuesday evening , three BBC journalists , part of a filming crew in Minsk , said they were attacked by law enforcement officials in black uniforms without insignia .
They say two of the officials beat up the cameraman and tried to break the equipment .
The reporters were not detained .
Mr Lukashenko , 65 , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has described opposition supporters as `` sheep '' controlled from abroad .
• Five things you might not know about Belarus • How protests shook up the election But Ms Tikhanovskaya has galvanised the opposition , which presented a stronger than ever challenge to the autocratic leader .
The 37-year-old entered the race after her husband was arrested and blocked from registering for the vote .
When she attempted to register a complaint about the results on Monday she was detained for seven hours .
What did Ms Tikhanovskaya say in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supporters ( in Russian ) , Ms Tikhanovskaya said she had overestimated her own strength .
`` I thought that this campaign had really steeled me and given me so much strength that I could cope with anything , '' she said .
`` But I guess I 'm still the same weak woman that I was . ''
She said her decision to leave was taken `` completely independently '' and not influenced by anyone around her , even though many people would `` condemn '' or `` hate '' her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is worth what is happening now , '' she added .
`` Children are the most important things in our lives . ''
Ms Tikhanovskaya sent her children to Lithuania for safety before the election .
Earlier Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius tweeted about Ms Tikhanovskaya 's whereabouts after rumours that she had disappeared .
There had been concern for her on Monday but her campaign later said she was `` safe '' , without saying where .
Mr Linkevicius told the BBC : `` The option to leave the country was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I understand . ''
He added : `` It appears she visited the electoral committee , submitted a complaint ... but she stayed .
To [ say ] that she was visiting the electoral committee with a friendly visit would be too good .
She was detained . ''
He later told a news conference that she had been given a one-year visa and a place to stay in Lithuania .
An associate of the opposition leader said she had been escorted from the country by the authorities as part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign manager , Maria Moroz , who was arrested on Friday evening .
Mr Linkevicius confirmed that the two women left the country together .
A second video has now emerged which appears to have been taken during her detention .
The images show her , head lowered , reading nervously from a script as she urges her supporters to `` obey the law . ''
`` I do n't want blood and violence '' , she said .
`` I ask you not to confront the police , or to go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put your lives in danger .
Look after yourselves and your loved ones '' .
Ms Tikhanovskaya 's allies said the video - which has been published by state media - had been recorded under pressure .
The election campaign saw the rise of Ms Tikhanovskaya , a former teacher who was a stay-at-home mother until she was thrust into the political spotlight .
President Lukashenko has dismissed Ms Tikhanovskaya as a `` poor little girl '' , manipulated by foreign `` puppet masters '' .
After the vote took place , her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her just 9.9 % of the vote - `` did not correspond to reality '' and vowed to challenge `` numerous falsifications '' .
Ms Tikhanovskaya told reporters that she had in fact won the election , and called on the authorities to relinquish power peacefully .
Protests began as soon as polls closed .
However , Mr Lukashenko said he would respond robustly to the protests and not allow the country to be torn apart .
'Departure does not diminish her achievements' Svetlana Tikhanovksaya is `` a hero '' , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says her departure does not diminish her achievements .
Activists and many others here are convinced she left under pressure from Belarus authorities .
They all think Ms Tikhanovskaya was given a text to read under pressure .
After the 2010 election , state TV ran `` confessions '' from detained opposition activists that looked similar to what we saw on Tuesday .
Many people I have spoken to in Minsk back Ms Tikhanovskaya all the way , saying she had no choice but to flee in order to protect her children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But others believe she should have realised what she was getting into and how dangerous this could be .
No-one doubts her good intentions or her sincerity .
Riot police fired rubber bullets , tear gas and stun grenades to disperse thousands of demonstrators rallying in the capital .
The brutality of the crackdown has shocked observers as many of these weapons had not been used in Belarus before the weekend .
Polish-based broadcaster Belsat TV aired footage of the police charging into the crowds .
Reports say some of the demonstrators fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also tried to build barricades .
Officials say one demonstrator died when an explosive device went off in his hands - the first confirmed fatality since the clashes began .
A number of people were arrested .
One journalist was injured , her colleagues and eyewitnesses said .
The BBC 's Abdujalil Abdurasulov in Minsk says protesters were put in police vans , and the sound of beatings could be heard as the officers entered , and the people inside cried for help .
The scale of the protests and the violence used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protesters are struggling to learn the whereabouts of missing friends and relatives , our correspondent adds .
Protests were also being held in other Belarusian cities .
The internet , which was `` significantly disrupted '' on election day , continued to be mostly unavailable for a second day , according to online monitor NetBlocks .
In the last presidential election in 2015 , Mr Lukashenko was declared winner with 83.5 % of the vote .
There were no serious challengers and election observers reported problems in the counting and tabulation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government this time has been in part fuelled by its response to coronavirus .
The president has downplayed the outbreak , advising citizens to drink vodka and use saunas to fight the disease .
Belarus , which has a population of 9.5 million , has reported nearly 70,000 cases and almost 600 deaths .

After the 2010 election, state TV ran "confessions" from detained opposition activists that looked similar to what we saw on Tuesday. Many people I have spoken to in Minsk back Ms Tikhanovskaya all the way, saying she had no choice but to flee in order to protect her children, as her husband is in prison.


bbc--2020-08-11--Coronavirus: Cases surge as France goes 'wrong way'

Coronavirus cases in France have nearly doubled in the past 24 hours as Prime Minister Jean Castex warned that the country had been going `` the wrong way '' for two weeks .
The health ministry reported 1,397 new infections of Covid-19 since Monday .
Fourteen people have died .
A ban on meetings of more than 5,000 people has been extended to 30 October .
Mr Castex also asked local authorities to further extend the requirement to wear face masks in public .
`` The epidemiological situation , which we are following very closely , is deteriorating : 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks ago , '' Mr Castex said at a press conference in Montpellier .
`` About 25 new clusters are identified every day compared to five three weeks ago , '' he added .
It is already compulsory to wear face coverings nationwide on public transport and in indoor spaces including shops and government offices .
Local authorities have the ability to impose mask-wearing and some have introduced it in outdoor spaces , including Paris tourist hot spots and the banks of the river Seine .
More than 30,000 people have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which experienced a significant wave of cases in March and April .
An additional 14 people have died since Monday , according to the health ministry .
Its death toll remains the seventh highest in the world , although it is far below the US and Brazil where more than 100,000 have died in each country , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins university .
Following a national lockdown , restrictions in France were eased in May and June and tourism permitted as the summer holiday season began and foreign visitors allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus fight ?
• New Zealand records first virus cases in 102 days • Russia 's Putin says vaccine approved for use Public gatherings of more than 5,000 people , including concerts or sports events , were due to resume at the end of August , but Mr Castex has extended the ban until 30 October .
At the weekend , more than 10,000 people attended an illegal rave in remote and sparsely populated mountain area Lozere in southern France .
Mr Castex said that unless people took action , the country would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of epidemic resumption that will be difficult to control . ''
On Monday the health ministry reported that 10,800 new coronavirus cases have been identified in the past week .
The spread of the virus is particularly prominent among young people and in cities such as Paris and Marseille , it added .
What 's happening in the rest of Europe ?
• Experts in Spain say the country has once again reached a `` critical situation '' with the worst infection rate in Europe .
It reported an average daily rise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to AFP news agency .
The health ministry reports that there are currently 500 outbreak clusters nationwide .
Spain was badly hit during a wave of infections in March and April , and more than 28,000 people have died from the disease .
• Russia says it has developed a coronavirus vaccine that is approved for use after just two months of testing on humans .
President Vladimir Putin said his daughter had already been given it .
But the World Health Organization said it has not seen enough information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would need more trials before going into production • The UK reported 1,148 confirmed new cases on Tuesday , which is the highest daily total since 21 June • Greece imposed a night-time curfew for restaurants and bars in popular tourist areas - venues will close between midnight and seven in the morning • The Latvian prime minister has urged residents not to travel even to 'safe ' European countries , citing the rise in cases

Its death toll remains the seventh highest in the world, although it is far below the US and Brazil where more than 100,000 have died in each country, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins university.


bbc--2020-08-11--Beirut explosion: City holds vigil to mourn blast victims

People in Beirut have attended a vigil for the more than 200 victims of the huge explosion that devastated the Lebanese capital a week ago .
A crowd stood in silence near the ruins of the city 's port as a Muslim call to prayer was broadcast and church bells tolled at 18:09 ( 15:09 GMT ) .
That was the exact time when 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a port warehouse detonated .
There has been outrage that so much hazardous material was kept there .
The Lebanese government 's resignation on Monday failed to pacify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central Beirut for a third consecutive night .
Lebanon was already struggling with an unprecedented economic crisis before the disaster , with families pushed into poverty and hunger .
Since October , protesters have been demanding the complete overhaul of the political system , which they blame for government corruption and mismanagement .
Prime Minister Hassan Diab , a university professor who took office in January with the support of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and its allies following the resignation of the previous government , announced his cabinet 's resignation in a televised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking responsibility for last week 's blast , blaming it on the entrenched political elite .
`` Their corruption created this tragedy , '' he said .
`` Between us and change stands a thick wall protected by their dirty tactics . ''
Mr Diab said that his caretaker administration would `` follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster '' .
The BBC 's Tom Bateman in Beirut says it is unlikely the mass resignation of the government will remove much heat from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are only deepening .
A new prime minister will have to be chosen using the same system of sectarian politics at the root of many people 's complaints , our correspondent adds .
More on the explosion in Beirut • The inferno and the mystery ship • 'We do n't have dreams any more' • What we know about the blast Meanwhile , the recovery operation is continuing on the ground in Beirut .
The UN said on Tuesday that the World Food Programme would be sending 50,000 tonnes of wheat flour to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensure there is no food shortage in the country '' , with 17,500 tonnes arriving within two weeks .
The head of the agency , David Beasley , warned on Monday that he was very concerned that Lebanon could run out of bread in about two-and-a-half weeks because 85 % of the country 's grain was usually delivered through Beirut 's port .
Mr Beasley said it was urgent to get the port up and running , and that he believed it could be temporarily operational in two to three weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ terminal suffered `` minimal damage '' and that on Monday night a ship docked there for the first time since the explosion .
At least 15 medical facilities , including three major hospitals , also sustained partial or heavy structural damage last Tuesday .
The UN has called for additional support to ensure those still functioning can continue to treat the estimated 6,000 people injured by the blast , and also manage the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
On Sunday , a total of 294 new Covid-19 cases were recorded , a new record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beirut has caused many Covid-19 precautionary measures to be relaxed , raising the prospects of even higher transmission rates and a large caseload in the coming weeks , '' the UN said .

The UN said on Tuesday that the World Food Programme would be sending 50,000 tonnes of wheat flour to Beirut to "stabilise the national supply and ensure there is no food shortage in the country", with 17,500 tonnes arriving within two weeks.


bbc--2020-08-11--Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson is highest-earning male actor

Dwayne `` the Rock '' Johnson has been named the highest-paid male actor for a second year in a row , according to wealth magazine Forbes .
The former wrestler reportedly earned $ 87.5m ( £67m ) between 1 June 2019 and 1 June 2020 , including $ 23.5m for the Netflix thriller Red Notice .
He also made money from his fitness clothing line , Project Rock .
The 10 top earners combined made $ 545.5m this year - more than a quarter of that from Netflix , Forbes said .
Johnson 's Red Notice co-star Ryan Reynolds was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 71.5m .
Among his movie deals were $ 20m , also for Red Notice , and $ 20m for Six Underground , another Netflix film .
Third on the list was actor and producer Mark Wahlberg , who earned $ 58m , while Ben Affleck came in fourth and Vin Diesel fifth .
Indian actor Akshay Kumar was the only Bollywood star in the top 10 .
He came in sixth place with earnings of $ 48.5m , which Forbes said mostly came from product endorsement deals .
• The Rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • WWE : The Rock 's daughter steps into the ring Also on the list were Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda , actors Will Smith and Adam Sandler , and veteran movie star Jackie Chan .
The highest-paid female actors for the same period are released as a separate list , and are yet to be announced .
Last year , Scarlett Johansson topped the list with an income of $ 56m - less than that year 's seventh-placed male actor .

Indian actor Akshay Kumar was the only Bollywood star in the top 10. He came in sixth place with earnings of $48.5m, which Forbes said mostly came from product endorsement deals.


bbc--2020-08-11--Coronavirus: New Zealand locks down Auckland after cases end 102-day run

New Zealand has put its largest city back into lockdown after recording four new Covid-19 cases , ending a 102-day streak without a local infection .
A three-day lockdown was swiftly imposed in Auckland after the cases were confirmed .
The four new cases are all members of a single family .
None had travelled recently .
The restrictions will come into effect on Wednesday , as authorities scramble to trace contacts of the family .
Auckland residents will be asked to stay at home , large gatherings will be banned , non-essential businesses will be shut , and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the country .
New Zealand has fared better than other countries , recording 1,220 confirmed cases and 22 deaths since the virus arrived in late February .
• New Zealand gets its coffee back • How NZ 's 'team of five million ' took on Covid-19 • New Zealand went 'hard and early ' to beat Covid-19 Before Tuesday , New Zealand had gone 102 days without recording a locally transmitted case of Covid-19 , one of the few countries to reach such a milestone .
All 22 active cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among returning travellers quarantined in isolation facilities .
Praised internationally for its handling of the pandemic , the country 's government had lifted almost all of its lockdown restrictions , first imposed in March .
An early lockdown , tough border restrictions , effective health messaging and an aggressive test-and-trace programme have all been credited with virtually eliminating the virus in the country .
But as infections continue to rise across the world , surpassing 20 million globally on Tuesday , New Zealand officials have warned against complacency .
Announcing the lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary to go hard and go early to stamp out the virus .
Auckland - a city of around 1.6 million people - would move to level three restrictions from 12:00 local time ( 01:00 BST ) on Wednesday as a `` precautionary approach '' , she said .
The prime minister said the rest of the country would move to level two of New Zealand 's 4-tier alert system of measures against Covid-19 .
`` This is something we have prepared for , '' Ms Ardern said at a news conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was easy to feel New Zealand was out of the woods .
No country has gone as far as we did without having a resurgence .
And because we were the only ones , we had to plan .
And we have planned , '' she said .
Director-General of Health , Dr Ashley Bloomfield , said at least three days of lockdown were needed in Auckland to trace the source of the new cases .
`` We 're expecting to see other cases , '' Dr Bloomfield said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as possible and identify or isolate any contacts . ''
Michael Baker , professor of Public Health at the University of Otago , told BBC 's Newsnight programme that even with the most successful strategies in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak `` one thing you have to plan for is setbacks '' .
`` I think New Zealand will succeed and get rid of the virus , '' he added .
In anticipation of a pre-lockdown rush to supermarkets , Ms Ardern and the mayor of Auckland , Phil Goff , called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to panic-buy .
Despite their pleas , large crowds of shoppers were seen queuing at supermarkets on Tuesday night , as they attempted to stock up before lockdown .
One video posted to social media shows customers streaming through the door of a supermarket as a security guard tries to prevent them from entering .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) had hailed New Zealand as an example to others for having `` successfully eliminated community transmission '' .
But other countries have had early success in suppressing the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting lockdown restrictions that damaged the economy .
Vietnam went 99 days with no community transmission until July , when a 57-year-old man in Da Nang tested positive for the virus .
By the end of July , Da Nang was the epicentre of a new coronavirus outbreak , leading to the country 's first coronavirus death since the pandemic began .
Australia , too , has seen a resurgence of Covid-19 in some states , including New South Wales and Victoria , where a strict lockdown has been imposed .
• VACCINE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

"We have had 102 days and it was easy to feel New Zealand was out of the woods. No country has gone as far as we did without having a resurgence. And because we were the only ones, we had to plan. And we have planned," she said.


bbc--2020-08-11--Seattle police chief quits after city council votes to strip funds

Seattle 's chief of police has announced her resignation on the same day that the city council voted to slash the police budget and lay off officers .
Carmen Best 's decision comes amid pressure on police after George Floyd 's death , unrest in Seattle and budget shortfalls due to the current pandemic .
Chief Best became the city 's first black police chief in 2018 , leading a 1,400-member force .
The US military veteran joined the Seattle Police Department in 1992 .
She will stay on until 2 September .
On Monday , the city council voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) from the police 's $ 400m annual operating budget .
The cuts are expected to lead to the loss of about 100 police officers , but fall short of the hopes of anti-police brutality Black Lives Matter protesters who have called for a 50 % reduction .
Seattle City Council President M Lorena González said it was necessary to rebalance the police budget , due to a loss of government tax funds caused by the economic downturn , and the demands of Black Lives Matter protests - some of whom have called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead using the money to bolster social services .
The new budget also slashes the police chief 's salary from $ 294,000 to $ 275,000 per year .
After the measure was approved in a 7-1 vote , Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan - who could still veto the cuts - denounced the decision .
`` It is unfortunate Council has refused to engage in a collaborative process to work with the Mayor , Chief Best , and community members to develop a budget and policies that respond to community needs while accounting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labour and legal implications involved in transforming the Seattle Police Department , '' she said in a statement after the vote .
The Downtown Seattle Association also condemned the cuts , saying : `` In defunding SPD , the council moved with speed and pettiness rather than with precision and thoughtfulness .
`` Decisions critical to public safety require stating the desired results and working with the community to figure out how to get there .
This Council focused largely on an abstract pledge and not a concrete plan . ''
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critics of the city 's autonomous protest zone , a six-block area where protesters kept city police from entering .
The so-called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone was set up amid nationwide protests against racism and police brutality since the death of George Floyd in police custody in May .
It was dismantled by police on 1 July after several shootings inside the occupied area .
• Seven solutions to US police problems • What 's next after flood of racial equity donations ?
What did Chief Best say ?
`` I am confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult times , '' Chief Best wrote in a resignation letter on Monday to her colleagues .
`` You truly are the best police department in the country , and please trust me when I say , the vast majority of people in Seattle support you and appreciate you , '' she continued .
`` I look forward to seeing how this department moves forward through the process of re-envisioning public safety .
I relish the work that will be done by all of you . ''
She is expected to be replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September when she leaves .

"It is unfortunate Council has refused to engage in a collaborative process to work with the Mayor, Chief Best, and community members to develop a budget and policies that respond to community needs while accounting for - not just acknowledging - the significant labour and legal implications involved in transforming the Seattle Police Department," she said in a statement after the vote.


bbc--2020-08-11--Top US college sports leagues halt autumn season

Two of the biggest college sports conferences in the US have voted to postpone all games scheduled for autumn because of coronavirus fears .
Big Ten and Pac-12 include several powerhouse teams in the world of college American football .
Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said `` there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete '' .
Mr Warren added he hoped sports could return in 2021 .
Among other college sports cancelled for the next season are men 's and women 's soccer ( football ) and field hockey , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL player opts out of season '' The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the centre of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward , '' Mr Warren said .
He added that the decision was taken after `` hours of discussion '' with the conference 's medical experts .
The college American football season attracts huge audiences around the country .
President Donald Trump earlier said it would be a `` tragic mistake '' if the season were to be cancelled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , SEC and Big 12 - are yet to decide whether they will proceed or postpone the autumn sports season .

"The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the centre of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward," Mr Warren said.


bbc--2020-08-11--Coronavirus: Can California's economy survive the latest surge?

Earlier this year , California was praised for an early lockdown , which helped stem the pandemic in the US state .
But cases have since surged .
What 's next for the Golden State , known for Hollywood , sunshine and celebrity ?
For years tourists flocked to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and there was always enough work to go around .
But now there are more palm trees than people and the stars once hard to find under the feet of potential customers , now bake , exposed to the midday sun .
Hope was briefly on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced a phased reopening plan .
He said it would be a dimmer switch , gradually shining a brighter light at the end of this dark tunnel .
But cases began to rise again after the Memorial Day weekend in late May - and the dimmer switch has now been turned down and the reopening plan is in reverse .
There are now over 550,000 known cases in California , and over 10,000 people have died .
In mid-July , Newsom ordered a sweeping new shutdown of indoor business like restaurants , movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You ca n't survive like this , '' DeAngelis says .
`` There are no tourists . ''
This weekend , California 's Department of Public Health director abruptly resigned even as California struggles to contain the outbreak .
The resignation came days after a computer glitch was found that might have caused the state to significantly undercount recent Covid-19 cases .
With indoor operations for restaurants , gyms , and hair and nail salons halted once more , every piece of pavement and parking lot has become coveted real estate as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to add to the continually climbing death count .
Barbers and nail technicians have erected tents to protect themselves from the sun as they try to carry on regardless .
In West Hollywood teams of Sheriff 's deputies weave between them .
They are on patrol making sure the state-wide mask mandate is upheld and ensuring everyone here is doing their bit to flatten the coronavirus 's unwelcome upward curve .
Most people are complying .
So far they have issued just over a dozen fines .
The economic impact of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Businesses are boarded up and there are `` For lease '' signs seemingly in every other window along famous shopping streets in Los Angeles like Melrose Avenue and the Sunset Strip .
But hidden behind the plywood is hope - Orly Dahan is surveying his empty shop window .
But when I ask him if he 's had to shut down , he says this is his new premises .
He is expanding .
Even though his fashion retail and manufacturing business Gold Hawk is down by 90 % , he says now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with commercial landlords .
Recovery will come , he says , and when it does he will be ready for it .
But in Hollywood where the film industry would normally contribute some $ 50bn ( £38bn ) to the Californian economy , hope is not currently in plentiful supply .
Cinemas have `` To be continued… . ''
signs above the doorways .
Some theatres now have homeless people sleeping in the entryways - a bit of shade off the sidewalk in buildings that have n't been open for months .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make their beds elsewhere anytime soon .
• Can this California prison save itself from Covid-19 ?
There had been high hopes that the release of Christopher Nolan 's time bending science fiction film Tenet would be the one to lure audiences away from their sofas and streaming services and back into cinemas .
People say they are dying to see it .
But when Warner Brothers seriously wondered would they ?
Should they ?
The release date was pushed , then postponed indefinitely before they announced it will now debut internationally at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ select cities in North America at the beginning of September .
It is an attempt at salvaging a summer release , traditionally Hollywood 's most lucrative season .
There are fears among producers and directors that the film industry could be pushed out of Hollywood permanently .
Some productions have already relocated to states and countries with a lower case count .
But economist Larry Harris from the University of Southern California says those fears are overstated .
California is uniquely placed geographically with desert , beach and city shots readily available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plethora of studios .
• What 's behind alarming new US outbreaks ?
But it 's also the weather , and the light , particularly LA 's fabled `` magic hour '' around sunset which casts golden hues over the hills and valleys that first lured and will hopefully keep filmmakers here .
But at Chapman Leonard , a family run studio equipment company that 's been in operation for 75 years , there is a sorry scene .
Thousands of dollies and camera cranes that would normally be in action on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spilling out of packed warehouses , others are left stranded on abandoned studio lots .
Christine Chapman-Huenergardt , the marketing manager and daughter of the owner , grew up using them as climbing frames .
She 's never seen anything like this .
They 've already had to lay off people who 've worked here for several decades .
If California goes back into lockdown , she says , they 'll have to shut down .
`` This has definitely been one of the most memorable years for hardship that any company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Chapman-Huenergardt says .
Meanwhile another glimmer of hope that came from the flood lights of the LA Dodgers ' Stadium as major league baseball came back , could soon be snuffed out .
They played to a cardboard cut-out crowd in an otherwise empty stadium .
Outside there was a stark reminder of why .
Cars queued not for seats , but for Covid tests .

People say they are dying to see it. But when Warner Brothers seriously wondered would they? Should they? The release date was pushed, then postponed indefinitely before they announced it will now debut internationally at the end of August before opening in select cities in North America at the beginning of September. It is an attempt at salvaging a summer release, traditionally Hollywood's most lucrative season.


bbc--2020-08-11--New dinosaur related to T. rex discovered on Isle of Wight

A new species of dinosaur has been discovered on the Isle of Wight .
Palaeontologists at the University of Southampton believe four bones found at Shanklin last year belong to a new species of theropod dinosaur .
It lived in the Cretaceous period , 115 million years ago , and is estimated to have been up to 4m ( 13ft ) long .
It has been named Vectaerovenator inopinatus and belongs to the group of dinosaurs that includes Tyrannosaurus rex and modern-day birds .
The name refers to the large air spaces found in some of the bones - from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creature - which is one of the traits that helped the scientists identify its theropod origins .
These air sacs , also seen in modern birds , were extensions of the lung , and it is likely they `` helped fuel an efficient breathing system while also making the skeleton lighter '' , the University of Southampton said .
The fossils were found in three separate discoveries in 2019 and handed in to the nearby Dinosaur Isle Museum at Sandown , where they are being displayed .
Robin Ward , a regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Isle of Wight with his family when they made their discovery .
`` The joy of finding the bones we discovered was absolutely fantastic , '' he said .
James Lockyer , from Spalding , Lincolnshire , was also visiting the island when he found another of the bones .
`` It looked different from marine reptile vertebrae I have come across in the past , '' he said .
`` I was searching a spot at Shanklin and had been told , and read , that I would n't find much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure I search the areas others do not , and on this occasion it paid off . ''
Paul Farrell , from Ryde , added : `` I was walking along the beach , kicking stones and came across what looked like a bone from a dinosaur .
`` I was really shocked to find out it could be a new species . ''
Chris Barker , who led the University of Southampton study , said : `` We were struck by just how hollow this animal was - it 's riddled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its skeleton must have been rather delicate .
`` The record of theropod dinosaurs from the 'mid ' Cretaceous period in Europe is n't that great , so it 's been really exciting to be able to increase our understanding of the diversity of dinosaur species from this time .
`` You do n't usually find dinosaurs in the deposits at Shanklin as they were laid down in a marine habitat .
You 're much more likely to find fossil oysters or drift wood , so this is a rare find indeed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived in an area just north of where its remains were found , with the carcass having washed out into the shallow sea nearby .
The university findings are due to be published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology and co-authored by those who discovered the fossils .

The name refers to the large air spaces found in some of the bones - from the neck, back and tail of the creature - which is one of the traits that helped the scientists identify its theropod origins.


bbc--2020-08-11--Beirut fiance: 'Who could replace her?'

Beirut fiance: 'Who could replace her?'

Sahar Fares , a firefighter medic , was called to the scene of a fire in Beirut .
She died @ @ @ @ @ followed .
The BBC spoke to her fiancé Gilbert Karaan , who is now calling @ @ @

Sahar Fares, a firefighter medic, was called to the scene of a fire in Beirut. She died in the massive explosion that followed.
The BBC spoke to her fiancé Gilbert Karaan, who is now calling for answers.
Video by Ghassan Ibraheem, Colm O'Molloy and Larissa Kennelly


bbc--2020-08-11--Netherlands' largest cocaine lab found in former riding school

A cocaine laboratory that police say is the Netherlands ' biggest has been discovered in a former riding school .
Dutch police raided the facility in the country 's rural north on Friday , and arrested at least 17 suspects .
`` This is the largest cocaine laboratory ever found in the Netherlands , '' police chief Andre van Rijn said , adding that it could produce 150-200kg ( 330-440lbs ) of cocaine a day .
This amount has a street value of €4.5m ( $ 5.3m ; £4m ) to €6m , he said .
This estimate , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , was based on `` the number of people who worked there , the installation , the size , the layout and the equipment '' found in the converted stables in Nijeveen .
As well as the equipment and tens of thousands of litres of chemicals , officers said they found 100kg of cocaine base at the stables .
They also found 120 tonnes of what they described as `` carrier material '' in the central city of Apeldoorn .
This was described as mostly clothing which can be laced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a chemical process once at its destination .
• Is the Netherlands becoming a narco-state ?
Officers arrested 16 of the suspects at the former stables in Nijeveen , one of whom is the owner of the site .
A 17th suspect was arrested in Apeldoorn .
The majority of the suspects are Colombian passport holders .
They are scheduled to appear before a judge on Wednesday and Thursday this week .

They also found 120 tonnes of what they described as "carrier material" in the central city of Apeldoorn. This was described as mostly clothing which can be laced with cocaine. The drug is then removed in a chemical process once at its destination.


bbc--2020-08-11--Apple Daily: Company sees huge rise in stock after crackdown

The holding company of Hong Kong 's Apple Daily newspaper has seen its stock rise fourfold , a day after the arrest of its owner Jimmy Lai .
Mr Lai was arrested on Monday under a controversial security law imposed by Beijing , but has now been bailed .
The pro-democracy tycoon was among 10 people detained on charges including colluding with foreign forces .
But Hong Kongers have rallied behind the newspaper , buying stocks in the company .
The stock closed on Tuesday at HK $ 1.10 , up from its close of HK $ 0.255 just 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers a rare , unvarnished take on Hong Kong and China 's leadership , said more than 500,000 copies were printed , five times the usual number .
• The Hong Kong paper that pushed the boundary In extraordinary scenes streamed by the paper on Monday , a handcuffed Mr Lai was led through his newsroom as nearly 200 police officers raided the building .
The move sparked global condemnation of the escalating crackdown on dissent .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China had `` eviscerated Hong Kong ’ s freedoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's front page showed an image of Mr Lai in handcuffs with the headline : `` Apple Daily must fight on . ''
He was released on bail early on Wednesday local time and greeted by a crowd of cheering supporters .
In some parts of the city Hong Kongers were seen queuing for a copy as early as 02:30 as vendors reported selling out of the popular tabloid founded by Mr Lai .
`` ( I bought these ) to hand them out to others , I 'm afraid a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a woman , who only gave her name as Chan , told the BBC while buying 16 copies .
Online subscriptions are also reportedly up 20,000 this week .
Shares of holding company Next Digital , which had initially dropped on Monday , almost reached a 12-year high on Tuesday .
This came as activists called for supporters to buy the stock .
However , there are concerns that investors with ties to the mainland could also be buying up shares .
Louise Wong , a senior executive at Next Digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` if someone could get over 5 % of the holdings , he or she could ask for a seat on the board '' .
Mr Lai , who is viewed as a hero by many in Hong Kong for his direct criticism of Beijing ’ s top leadership , is the highest-profile detainee under use of the new legislation so far .
But on the mainland , he has long been labelled a traitor .
• China 's new law : Why is Hong Kong worried ?
Hours after his arrest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Li , a freelance journalist , were also arrested under the same law .
Ms Chow was released on bail late on Tuesday .
She told reporters : `` It 's very obvious that the regime is using the national security law to suppress political dissidents . ''
The arrests renewed criticism from Washington , London and the United Nations of attacks on the city ’ s freedoms .
`` I ’ m deeply troubled by reports of the arrest of @ JimmyLaiApple under Hong Kong ’ s draconian National Security Law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo .
“ Further proof that the CCP [ Chinese Communist Party ] has eviscerated Hong Kong ’ s freedoms and eroded the rights of its people , ” he wrote .
Similar sentiments were expressed in Britain , which has already said it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and offer a pathway to citizenship for many of the city 's residents , in the light of the new law .
`` This is further evidence that the national security law is being used as a pretext to silence opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson told Reuters .
`` The Hong Kong authorities must uphold the rights and freedoms of its people . ''
The controversial security law introduced to Hong Kong in June had already prompted some of the city ’ s highest-profile activists to flee overseas in anticipation of a broader clampdown on the city ’ s freedoms .
Pro-democracy protests flared in Hong Kong last year over plans to allow extradition from the territory to mainland China .
While this proposal was eventually withdrawn , the demonstrations carried on , to reflect widespread @ @ @ @ @

Similar sentiments were expressed in Britain, which has already said it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and offer a pathway to citizenship for many of the city's residents, in the light of the new law.


bbc--2020-08-11--A VP pick that breaks barriers

A VP pick that breaks barriers

Presidential candidate Joe Biden has chosen California Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate .
Ms Harris also ran @ @ @ @ @ the top job .
If Joe Biden is elected in November , Ms Harris will @ @ @ @ @ the first black and first Asian-American vice-president .

Kamala Harris has made history as the first female, first black and first Asian-American US vice-president.
We take a look at her life and career - and how you say her name.
Read more: The unstoppable rise of Kamala Harris


bbc--2020-08-11--Kamala Harris: Who is Biden's running mate in 2020 US election?

Months after her own presidential dreams sputtered to a halt , Kamala Harris will now get another shot at the Democratic ticket .
A year ago , the California senator had surged to the front of a crowded field of candidates on the back of a series of strong debate performances - and a searing critique of her rival Joe Biden over race .
By the end of 2019 , however , her campaign was dead .
Now , with Mr Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee , the 55-year-old has been chosen as the vice-presidential pick .
Here 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she faces a different type of run for the White House .
• Who will Biden pick as his running mate ?
• The war hero who could be Biden 's VP pick The California Democrat was born in Oakland , California , to two immigrant parents : an Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father .
After her parent 's divorce , Ms Harris was raised primarily by her Hindu single mother , Shyamala Gopalan Harris , a cancer researcher and civil rights activist .
She grew up engaged with her Indian heritage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Ms Harris has said that her mother adopted Oakland 's black culture , immersing her two daughters - Kamala and her younger sister Maya - within it .
`` My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters , '' she wrote in her autobiography The Truths We Hold .
`` She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident , proud black women . ''
Senator Harris ' early years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When Ms Gopalan Harris took a job teaching at McGill University , Ms Harris and her younger sister Maya went with her , attending school in Montreal for five years .
She attended college in the US , spending four years at Howard University , one of the nation 's preeminent historically black colleges and universities , which she has described as among the most formative experiences of her life .
Ms Harris says she 's always been comfortable with her identity and simply describes herself as `` an American '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post that politicians should not have to fit into compartments because of their colour or background .
`` My point was : I am who I am .
I 'm good with it .
You might need to figure it out , but I 'm fine with it , '' she said .
After four years at Howard , Ms Harris went on to earn her law degree at the University of California , Hastings , and began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney 's Office .
She became the district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco in 2003 , before being elected the first woman and the first black person to serve as California 's attorney general , the top lawyer and law enforcement official in America 's most populous state .
In her nearly two terms in office as attorney general , Ms Harris gained a reputation as one of the Democratic party 's rising stars , using this momentum to propel her election as California 's junior US senator in 2017 .
Since her election to the US Senate , the former prosecutor gained favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney General William Barr in key Senate hearings .
When she launched her candidacy for president to a crowd of more than 20,000 in Oakland , California , at the beginning of last year , her 2020 bid was met with initial enthusiasm .
But the senator failed to articulate a clear rationale for her campaign , and gave muddled answers to questions in key policy areas like healthcare .
• When Harris could draw a crowd of 20,000 • Where did it go wrong for Kamala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capitalise on the clear high point of her candidacy : debate performances that showed off her prosecutorial skills , often placing Mr Biden in the line of attack .
A California Democrat with a law enforcement resume , Ms Harris tried to walk the fine line between the progressive and moderate wings of her party , but ended up appealing to neither , ending her candidacy in December before the first Democratic contest in Iowa in early 2020 .
In March , Ms Harris endorsed the former vice-president , saying she would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elect him the next President of the United States '' .
Her record on crime and policing Ms Harris ' 2020 run put her record as California 's top prosecutor under the spotlight .
Despite leftward leanings on issues like gay marriage and the death penalty , she faced repeated attacks from progressives for not being progressive enough , and was the subject of a withering op-ed by University of San Francisco law professor Lara Bazelon .
Penned at the start of Ms Harris ' campaign , Ms Bazelon wrote that Ms Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like police reform , drug reform and wrongful convictions .
The self-described `` progressive prosecutor '' tried to emphasise more left-leaning parts of her legacy - requiring body cameras for some special agents at the California Department of Justice , the first state agency to adopt them , and launching a database that provided public access to crime statistics - but she still failed to gain traction .
`` Kamala is a cop '' became a common refrain on the campaign trail , spoiling her attempts to win over the more liberal Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same law enforcement credentials may prove beneficial in the general election when Democrats need to win over more moderate voters and independents .
And now , as the US grapples with an ongoing racial reckoning and there is scrutiny over police brutality , Ms Harris has taken a front row seat , using her sizable microphone to amplify progressive voices .
On talk shows , she calls for changes to police practices across the US , on Twitter , she calls for the arrests of the police officers who killed Breonna Taylor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and she speaks frequently about the need to dismantle systemic racism .
When it comes to the contested progressive push to `` defund '' the police - the call for police departments ' budgets to be slashed and funds diverted to social programmes - which is opposed by Mr Biden , Ms Harris hedges , calling instead for a `` reimagining '' of public safety .
Ms Harris has often said that her identity makes her uniquely suited to represent those on the margins .
Now that Mr Biden has named her as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance to do just that from inside the White House .

Just over a year ago, as the senator from California hoping to win the Democratic nomination for presidency, she launched a potent attack on Joe Biden over race during a debate. Many thought it inflicted a serious blow on his ambitions. But by the end of the year her campaign was dead and it was Mr Biden who returned the 56-year-old to the national spotlight by putting her on his ticket.


bbc--2020-08-11--US election 2020 polls: Who is ahead - Trump or Biden?

Voters in America will decide on 3 November whether Donald Trump remains in the White House for another four years .
The Republican president is being challenged by Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden , who is best known as Barack Obama 's vice-president but has been in US politics since the 1970s .
As election day approaches , polling companies will be trying to gauge the mood of the nation by asking voters which candidate they prefer .
We 'll be keeping track of those polls here and trying to work out what they can and ca n't tell us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How are the presidential candidates doing nationally ?
National polls are a good guide as to how popular a candidate is across the country as a whole , but they 're not necessarily a good way to predict the result of the election .
In 2016 , for example , Hillary Clinton led in the polls and won nearly three million more votes than Donald Trump , but she still lost - that 's because the US uses an electoral college system , so winning the most votes does n't always win you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Joe Biden has been ahead of Donald Trump in national polls for most of the year .
He has hovered around 50 % in recent weeks and has had a 10-point lead on occasions .
By contrast , in 2016 the polls were far less clear and just a couple of percentage points separated Mr Trump and his then-rival Hillary Clinton at several points as election day neared .
• Does Trump have the power to delay the election ?
Which states will decide this election ?
As Mrs Clinton discovered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win is less important than where you win them .
Most states nearly always vote the same way , meaning that in reality there are just a handful of states where both candidates stand a chance of winning .
These are the places where the election will be won and lost and are known as battleground states .
In the electoral college system the US uses to elect its president , each state is given a number of votes based on its population .
A total of 538 electoral college votes are up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hit 270 to win .
As the map above shows , some battleground states have a lot more electoral college votes on offer than others so candidates often spend a lot more time campaigning in them .
• What is the electoral college ?
At the moment , polls in the battleground states look good for Joe Biden , but there 's a long way to go and things can change very quickly , especially when Donald Trump 's involved .
The polls suggest Mr Biden has big leads in Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Republican rival won by margins of less than 1 % to clinch victory in 2016 .
But it 's the battleground states where Mr Trump won big in 2016 that his campaign team will be most worried about .
His winning margin in Iowa , Ohio and Texas was between 8-10 % back then but he 's neck-and-neck with Mr Biden in all three at the moment .
Those poll numbers may help explain his decision to replace his re-election campaign manager in July and his regular references to `` fake polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are certainly not writing Mr Trump off just yet .
The latest odds still give him about a one in three chance of winning on 3 November .
The coronavirus pandemic has dominated headlines in the US since the start of the year and the response to President Trump 's actions has been split predictably along party lines .
Support for his approach peaked in mid-March after he declared a national emergency and made $ 50 billion available to states to stop the spread of the virus .
At this point , 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to data from Ipsos , a leading polling company .
But any support he had from Democrats disappeared after that , while Republicans continued to back their president .
The most recent data , however , suggests even his own supporters have begun to question his response as states in the south and the west of the country have dealt with renewed outbreaks of the virus .
Republican support had fallen to 78 % by early July .
This may explain why he has been less optimistic about coronavirus recently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse before it gets better '' He also donned a face mask for the first time recently and called on Americans to wear them , saying `` they 'll have an effect '' and show `` patriotism '' .
One leading model produced by experts at the University of Washington predicts the death toll will have passed 250,000 by election day .
• Why are Americans so angry about masks ?
Can we trust the polls ?
It 's easy to dismiss the polls by saying they got it wrong in 2016 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it 's not entirely true .
Most national polls did have Hillary Clinton ahead by a few percentage points , but that does n't mean they were wrong , since she won three million more votes than her rival .
Pollsters did have some problems in 2016 - notably a failure to properly represent voters without a college degree - meaning Mr Trump 's advantage in some key battleground states was n't spotted until late in the race , if at all .
Most polling companies have corrected this now .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than normal due to the coronavirus pandemic and the effect it 's having on both the economy and how people will vote in November , so all polls should be read with some scepticism , especially this far out from election day .
• What to expect at Biden 's Democratic convention

On his own health, 72% of respondents said that Mr Trump did not take the "risk of contracting the virus seriously enough," while the same number said he failed to take "the appropriate precautions when it came to his personal health".