bbc--2020-08-18--Elephant shrew rediscovered in Africa after 50 years

A little-known mammal related to an elephant but as small as a mouse has been rediscovered in Africa after 50 years of obscurity .
The last scientific record of the `` lost species '' of elephant shrew was in the 1970s , despite local sightings .
The creature was found alive and well in Djibouti , a country in the Horn of Africa , during a scientific expedition .
Elephant shrews , or sengis , are neither elephants nor shrews , but related to aardvarks , elephants and manatees .
They have distinctive trunk-like noses , which they use to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species of sengis in the world , and the Somali sengi ( Elephantulus revoilii ) is one of the most mysterious , known to science only from 39 individuals collected decades ago and stored in museums .
The species was previously known only from Somalia , hence its name .
Steven Heritage , a research scientist at the Duke University Lemur Center in Durham , US , and a member of the expedition to the Horn of Africa in 2019 , said he was thrilled to put the species `` back on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We were really excited and elated when we opened the first trap that had an elephant shrew in it , a Somali sengi .
`` We did not know which species occurred in Djibouti and when we saw the diagnostic feature of a little tufted tail , we looked at each other and we knew that it was something special . ''
The scientists had heard reports of sightings in Djibouti , and Houssein Rayaleh , a Djiboutian research ecologist and conservationist who joined the trip , believed he had seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people living in Djibouti never considered the sengis to be `` lost '' , the new research brings the Somali sengi back into the scientific community , which is valued .
`` For Djibouti this is an important story that highlights the great biodiversity of the country and the region and shows that there are opportunities for new science and research here , '' he said .
The team set more than 1,000 traps at 12 locations , baiting the traps with a concoction of peanut butter , oatmeal and yeast .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first trap they set in the dry , rocky landscape of Djibouti .
In total , they saw 12 sengis during their expedition and obtained the first-ever photos and video of live Somali elephant shrews for scientific documentation .
They did not observe any immediate threats to the species ' habitat , which is inaccessible and far from farming and human developments .
The abundance of the species seems similar to other elephant shrews and its range may extend beyond Somalia into Djibouti and possibly Ethiopia .
The Somali sengi is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of the charity , Global Wildlife Conservation .
`` Usually when we rediscover lost species , we find just one or two individuals and have to act quickly to try to prevent their imminent extinction , '' said Robin Moore .
`` This is a welcome and wonderful rediscovery during a time of turmoil for our planet , and one that fills us with renewed hope for the remaining small mammal species on our most wanted list , such as the DeWinton 's golden mole , a relative of the sengi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNA analysis shows that the Somali sengi is most closely related to other species from as far away as Morocco and South Africa , placing it in a new genus .
The mammal has somehow dispersed across great distances over time , leaving biologists with a new puzzle .
The scientists plan to launch another expedition in 2022 to GPS radio-tag individual sengis to study their behaviour and ecology .
Kelsey Neam of Global Wildlife Conservation added : `` Finding that the Somali sengi exists in the wild is the first step in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survives , scientists and conservationists will be able to ensure it never disappears again . ''
The research is published in the journal Peer J .

There are 20 species of sengis in the world, and the Somali sengi (Elephantulus revoilii) is one of the most mysterious, known to science only from 39 individuals collected decades ago and stored in museums. The species was previously known only from Somalia, hence its name.


bbc--2020-08-18--Coronavirus vaccine: Australia promises free doses if trial succeeds

Australia says it has secured access to a promising coronavirus vaccine and will be able to offer free doses to its entire population of 25 million people .
The vaccine is being developed by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and Oxford University .
If clinical trials are successful , the deal with AstraZeneca would secure `` early access for every Australian '' , Prime Minister Scott Morrison said .
Australia 's death toll from the coronavirus stands at more than 400 .
Earlier this month , the state of Victoria declared a state of disaster and imposed strict lockdown measures after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has more than 7,000 active cases and remains Australia 's worst concern .
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is one of five promising candidates to reach an advanced stage of clinical trials , with countries around the world seeking to secure supplies for their own populations .
• How close to developing a vaccine are we ?
`` If this vaccine proves successful , we will manufacture and supply vaccines straight away under our own steam and make it free for 25 million Australians , '' Mr Morrison said .
The cost of supplying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet been fixed .
Separately , Australia has also signed a deal worth A $ 25m ( £13.5m ; $ 18m ) with Becton Dickinson , an American pharmaceutical company , to supply 100 million needles and syringes .
The deal with AstraZeneca is the first such vaccine agreement that Australia has signed .

"We are talking about a pandemic that has destroyed the global economy and taken the lives of hundreds of thousands all around the world, and over 430 Australians here."


bbc--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Ireland at 'tipping point' as Covid-19 cases rise

The Republic of Ireland 's cabinet has reversed some of its lockdown relaxation measures as it attempts to deal with rising Covid-19 case numbers .
Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said : `` We are at a tipping point . ''
He added that a few weeks ago there were just 61 new reported cases for a seven day period but last week there were 533 cases .
The tightening of restrictions comes ahead of the reopening of schools over the next two weeks .
Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Mícheál Martin said that if the current rates of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible to stop the spread of the virus to our most vulnerable and our most compromised '' .
On Tuesday , a further coronavirus-related death was reported , bringing the Republic of Ireland 's total to 1,775 .
There were 190 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 .
Crowds attending outdoor events , including sports , are to be reduced from 200 to 15 .
Indoor gatherings - excluding shops , restaurants and other businesses - are to be restricted to six people .
Those over 70s are again being asked to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also once again being encouraged to work from home and not to use public transport .
Consideration is to be given as to whether Gardaí ( Irish police ) should get new powers to intervene where they believe social distancing rules are not being complied with .
People have been advised to continue working from home and to avoid public transport where possible .
In an initial response to the measures the leader of Labour party , Alan Kelly , has said the measures send out the wrong signal and will affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place until 13 September at the earliest .
Following Tuesday 's cabinet meeting , Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told a press conference that multiple clusters had emerged in homes and workplaces around the country .
Mr Donnelly said the 14-day cumulative cases per 100,000 of population is now 26 and the Republic of Ireland 's rate of growth in the past two weeks was the fourth highest in Europe .
The number of coronavirus cases rose by 200 on Saturday , although the daily tally on subsequent days was lower .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down from 66 on Sunday .
The overall total number of cases in the Republic of Ireland is 27,499

Taoiseach (Irish PM) Mícheál Martin said that if the current rates of Covid-19 continue to rise "it will be impossible to stop the spread of the virus to our most vulnerable and our most compromised".


bbc--2020-08-18--Rafik Hariri tribunal: Guilty verdict over assassination of Lebanon ex-PM

A UN-backed court has found a member of the militant group Hezbollah guilty of involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri .
Judges at the Netherlands-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon said Salim Ayyash had a central role in the bomb attack in Beirut in 2005 that killed Hariri .
They acquitted three other defendants , who like Ayyash were tried in absentia .
Hezbollah denied any involvement , and the judges said no evidence implicated the Shia militant group 's leaders .
Hariri 's son Saad , who is himself a former prime minister , told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today everybody 's expectation was much higher than what came out , but I believe the tribunal came out with a verdict that is satisfying and we accept it . ''
Now , he said , it was time for Hezbollah to `` make sacrifices '' .
`` It is clear that the network responsible is from its ranks , '' he added .
`` We will not rest until the punishment is carried out . ''
The verdict comes at a time of crisis in Lebanon , with the country still reeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ port two weeks ago that killed at least 180 people .
The blast led to the resignation of the government , already embattled by protests over an economic collapse that has seen many people lose their savings and jobs .
The tribunal 's verdicts will disappoint supporters of Rafik Hariri as well the families of the 21 others who were killed and the 226 who were wounded , many grievously .
The man convicted in his absence , Salim Ayyash , was a well-connected , mid-level operative in Hezbollah , the most powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is classified by the UK , the US and others as a terrorist organisation .
Hezbollah 's leader , Hasan Nasrallah , has denied it was involved and refused to allow the arrest of Ayyash or the other men who have been cleared .
One of his top military commanders , Mustafa Badreddine , was also indicted until he was killed in Syria in 2016 .
The verdict has nevertheless given Rafik Hariri 's son Saad , a former prime minister who might get the job again , a lever to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others , believe Ayyash was acting under orders , from Hassan Nasrallah and most likely from Hezbollah 's backers , Syria and Iran .
Rafik Hariri was seen as a threat to their power in Lebanon .
One of the judges , David Re , said the court had found motive but not evidence .
Even so , the conviction of a Hezbollah man will feed into the fevered political atmosphere in Lebanon .
Rafik Hariri , a Sunni , was a billionaire businessman who served as prime minister of Lebanon five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His last term in office ended in 2004 , after which he aligned himself with the opposition in parliament and backed calls for Syria to withdraw its forces , which had been in Lebanon since 1976 .
On the morning of 14 February 2005 , Hariri was travelling in a motorcade past the St George Hotel in downtown Beirut when a bomb hidden in a van exploded .
The blast created a crater at least 10m ( 32ft ) wide and 2m deep in the street , and left nearby vehicles smouldering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who were the accused at Rafik Hariri tribunal ?
The killing brought tens of thousands of demonstrators onto the streets in protest against the pro-Syrian government , with the finger of blame for the assassination pointed at Lebanon 's heavily influential neighbour .
The government resigned two weeks later and Syrian troops pulled out that April .
After collecting evidence , the UN and Lebanon set up the STL in 2007 to investigate the bombing , and four suspects were ultimately put on trial in absentia .
The prosecution 's case relied on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it said were used to plan , prepare and execute the attack .
A Lebanese investigator who started the trawl of the phone data and made crucial early breakthroughs , Wissam Eid , was assassinated in Beirut in 2008 .
What did the judges say ?
They found Ayyash , 56 , guilty of five charges , including conspiracy aimed at committing a terrorist act , committing a terrorist act by means of an explosive device , and the intentional murder of Hariri with premeditation by using explosive materials .
STL prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the attack and , together with Mustafa Badreddine , the surveillance of Hariri .
Ayyash was also accused of purchasing the van that exploded , and of having played a role in preparing what prosecutors said was a false claim of responsibility made by a Palestinian man on behalf of a fictional Sunni fundamentalist group .
Ayyash 's court-appointed defence lawyers said the prosecution 's case relied on circumstantial evidence that did not prove his involvement in the conspiracy .
But Judge David Re told the court on Tuesday : `` Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ execution of the attack and directly contributed to it .
`` Mr Ayyash intended to kill Mr Hariri and had the required knowledge about the circumstances of the assassination mission , including that explosives were the means to be used . ''
The judge said there was not enough evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the other defendants - Assad Sabra , 43 , Hussein Oneissi , 46 , and Hassan Habib Merhi , 54 .
The panel also concluded that while Syria and Hezbollah `` may have had motives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his political allies , there was `` no evidence that the Hezbollah leadership had any involvement in Hariri 's murder and there is no direct evidence of Syrian involvement '' , according to Judge Re .

Hariri's son Saad, who is himself a former prime minister, told reporters outside the court: "I think today everybody's expectation was much higher than what came out, but I believe the tribunal came out with a verdict that is satisfying and we accept it."


bbc--2020-08-18--Ocean-sieving expedition reveals huge amounts of microplastic in the Atlantic

A vast ocean-sieving expedition across the Atlantic has revealed that there is as much as 21 million tonnes of plastic @ @ @ @ @ 200m of the ocean .
The findings , based on an analysis of samples and @ @ @ @ @ the largely invisible scale of the pollution clogging the world 's second largest ocean .

A vast ocean-sieving expedition across the Atlantic has revealed that there is as much as 21 million tonnes of plastic particles suspended in just the top 200m of the ocean.
The findings, based on an analysis of samples and on computer modelling, highlight the largely invisible scale of the pollution clogging the world's second largest ocean, as BBC science correspondent Victoria Gill explains.
Video by Justin Oliver and Dianne King


bbc--2020-08-18--Mpape Crushed Rock: Nigerians flock to new beauty spot

An abandoned quarry in Nigeria has been become a tourist hotspot after images were posted on social media earlier this month .
The rocky cliffs climbing into a blue sky , a moss-lined footpath , small green hills and a lake that shimmers in the sun are quite breath-taking and a set of images shared on Twitter at the beginning of August has been liked more than a thousand times .
In a matter of days of the post , the site , known as Crushed Rock , in Mpape - a poor neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a DJ stand , food vendors , hundreds of sun-bathing selfie-takers - and even a band of classical musicians .
Nigerians are not generally known to be outdoor lovers - the weather is very hot in the north and quite humid in the south .
However , there is a burgeoning community of hikers around Abuja inspired by the many expatriates living in the political capital .
The coronavirus pandemic has also had a part to play in encouraging these young middleclass Nigerians to explore the hills in the country 's rocky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented people from travelling elsewhere , has meant that places closer to home are being explored .
The area around Mpape , which means `` rock '' in the local Gwari language , has supplied much of the stone used to transform Abuja from a small village in the 1980s into the country 's capital city .
`` The quarry has existed for more than 10 years , '' said Mpape resident Courage Ebenz , who is somewhat bemused by the sudden influx of city-dwellers .
Nigeria has an abundance of natural beauties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has its own appeal - with three main tiers that each give a stunning view of the water below .
Sightseers can choose a small winding footpath to the top terrace , where the grass is an ideal picnic location .
The more adventurous can continue down the path that circles and snakes down to the water 's edge .
But a warning for the brave who might want to plunge into the water as the locals say it is full of abandoned machinery .
According to Abraham Adepelumi , a geo-physicist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formed as a result of the fracturing of an aquifer .
`` Once the rock got fractured , the water within the rock was under pressure , '' he told the BBC .
`` It is a natural phenomenon , Mpape is a fracture-prone area of Abuja and has experienced tremors as recent as 2018 . ''
You may also be interested in : The local emergency agency has warned amateurs against hiking at Mpape Crushed Rock , but fun-seekers seem not to be deterred .
`` I did n't know we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to see if it is real , '' Elizabeth Okute , who came with her friends after seeing pictures on Facebook , told the BBC .
`` I am surprised such a place exists in Abuja and I love what I am seeing , '' said Ann Chukwuka .
Emeka Uko , who kept straying to the edge much to the chagrin of his friends , added : `` I hope we put measures in place to preserve it . ''
This is exactly what some volunteers decided to do last Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste around the quarry that has built up over the last few weeks .
They split into two groups to compete to see who could collect the most rubbish - updating social media as they went .
`` A lot of people felt it was their responsibility to clean up the place , '' Brandon Akume , whose group came second in the clean-up dash , told the BBC .
This was an alien concept to most Nigerians , he added .
He moved from one group of picnickers to the other , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dispose of their litter .
`` They want to poison this place , it seems I have my work cut out for me , '' he said .
Photos by Fatima Muhammad and words by the BBC 's Nduka Orjinmo

The rocky cliffs climbing into a blue sky, a moss-lined footpath, small green hills and a lake that shimmers in the sun are quite breath-taking and a set of images shared on Twitter at the beginning of August has been liked more than a thousand times.


bbc--2020-08-18--How a hologram can show a patient’s heart during surgery

Doctors Jennifer and Jon Silva , a husband and wife team working at Washington University in St Louis in the @ @ @ @ @ a hologram that visualises a patient ’ s heart while they are in the operating @ @ @ @ @ to provide real-time information in 3D and a direct view of internal tools , such @ @ @ @ @ have shown , for the first time , that holograms can improve accuracy when used @ @ @ @ @ treat arrhythmias ( heart rhythm problems ) .
Listen to BBC Digital Planet for more @ @ @ @

Jennifer and Jon Silva, a husband and wife team working at Washington University in St Louis in the United States, have developed a hologram that visualises a patient’s heart while they are in the operating theatre.
It is designed to provide real-time information in 3D and a direct view of internal tools, such as catheters. Initial tests have shown, for the first time, that holograms can improve accuracy when used during minimally invasive surgery to treat arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems).
Listen to BBC Digital Planet for more on this story.
Video by Jennifer Green, interview by Ania Lichtarowicz.


bbc--2020-08-18--Lego hand comes out of boy's nose after two years

A toy hand from a Lego set has come out of a boy 's nose two years after it got stuck up there .
Samir Anwar , from Dunedin on New Zealand 's South Island was playing with the Lego piece in 2018 when he put it up his nostril .
His dad Mudassir shone a torch up Samir 's nose at the time but could n't see it .
The GP told the family it would quickly find its way out naturally through his body , but it did n't .
`` Since then we were pretty confident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nose , '' Mudassir tells Newsbeat .
However Samir was n't so certain that the hand from his Lego set had made its way out the other side .
His dad says he was complaining in the days after : `` He was saying 'no , there is something in my nose ' . ''
But two years on the family had assumed it had passed through his system .
Then this week Samir was out with his family having a muffin with some fairy dust on the top that agitated his nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He started getting anxious again and we said to him just go and blow your nose .
So he did . ''
That 's when he says the black Lego hand came out into the tissue , leaving them all really surprised .
`` We were shocked , his eyes were wide open and he was like , I found the Lego , I kept telling you that it was there , but you were saying that it was not . ''
Read other health stories from our team of reporters like Greg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the doctor once more and has been told for the second and hopefully final time , that he has the all-clear .
`` I was surprised and a bit scared , '' Samir tells Newsbeat , adding he is still a massive Lego fan and that he 's impressed that the piece had stayed intact .
`` It [ still ] looked like a hand , '' he says .
There is guidance if something similar ever happens to you .
The NHS advises parents to take children to a minor injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out foreign objects from children 's noses , in case it pushes them further up .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

There is guidance if something similar ever happens to you. The NHS advises parents to take children to a minor injuries unit, rather than try and take out foreign objects from children's noses, in case it pushes them further up.


bbc--2020-08-18--Highland polar bear Hamish to leave Scotland

The first polar bear cub to be born in the UK in 25 years is to be moved from his home in Scotland to a park in England .
Hamish , who is now two-and-a-half years old , shares an enclosure with his mother Victoria at the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore .
The park 's owner , the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland ( RZSS ) , said he will be moved in late October .
Hamish 's new home will be the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster .
It was always RZSS ' plan to move the bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamish and Victoria it has two adult male polar bears .
• First polar bear born in UK for 25 years The park already has polar bears and is part of a European breeding programme .
Hamish was born in December 2017 .
His name was chosen following a public vote .
The cub 's father , Arktos , is kept in an area in a different part of Highland Wildlife Park along with another adult male named Walker .
Before Hamish , the last polar bear cubs born in the UK were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 1992 .
In the wild , polar bear cubs usually leave their mothers after two to three years .
Rachel Williams , senior animal keeper at Highland Wildlife Park , said : `` It has been an incredible two and a half years watching him grow and he will be missed by everyone here at the park . ''
Yorkshire Wildlife Park 's head of animals , Dr Matt Hartley , said the park was looking forward to welcoming Hamish .
He said : `` Yorkshire Wildlife Park participates in the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the important period of their development prior to becoming breeding males or retired males that are genetically well represented in the carefully managed population . ''

Rachel Williams, senior animal keeper at Highland Wildlife Park, said: "It has been an incredible two and a half years watching him grow and he will be missed by everyone here at the park."


bbc--2020-08-18--Kamala Harris speech: Women who paved way for first black female VP hopeful

What does it take to be a woman who could sit in office in the White House ?
One hundred years almost to the day since American women were granted the right to vote , that question remains yet unanswered .
But on Wednesday , Kamala Harris , the California senator who has been named as the Democrats ' 2020 vice-presidential candidate , will take a step closer to answering it .
Should Democrats win in November , she will be a heartbeat away from the presidency - the nearest any woman has yet come to the office .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a major US presidential campaign ticket , she will be faced with navigating the complexities of race and gender in her historic nomination .
Here is how the three other women who have been on a major party ticket - and one pioneering black female candidate who preceded them - addressed what it meant to aim for the mark .
`` I am not the candidate of black America , although I am black and proud .
I am not the candidate of the women 's movement of this country , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate of the people of America '' .
- announcing her candidacy on the steps of the Brooklyn Concord Baptist Church The first black woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination was also the first black woman to serve in US Congress , elected to office in 1968 amid a year of racial tension that gripped the country .
She was the only woman to win that year .
By 1972 , when the representative from Brooklyn mounted her unlikely campaign in hopes of becoming the Democratic nominee to take on Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midst of a vexed debate over ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment ( ERA ) , aimed at levelling legal rights regardless of sex .
Variously described as `` A revolutionary , a matriarch and a pest , '' Chisholm said that being a woman had been a `` bigger drawback '' for her than being black .
So it took no small amount of gumption and self-assurance to run for the highest US political office in such a political climate , but Chisholm was known to have had these in spades .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smithsonian magazine : `` She was unafraid of anybody .
Her slogan was 'unbought and unbossed . '
She was really unbossed . ''
• Before Clinton , there was Chisholm When it came to the business of politics , she was more pragmatic .
Though she was a fierce promoter of women and black Americans , and focused her primary campaign in states where there was support for women 's rights and racial equality , she insisted that her appeal was broader .
Besides supporting the ERA , her platform included getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and increasing minimum wage .
`` In the end , anti-black , anti-female , and all forms of discrimination are equivalent to the same thing : anti-humanism , '' she wrote in a memoir .
Though always a long-shot bid , she made it all the way to the Democratic nominating convention and got over 150 delegate votes .
`` By choosing a woman to run for our nation 's second highest office , you sent a powerful signal to all Americans .
There are no doors we can not unlock . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ female Democrat other than Ms Harris to be chosen as a vice-presidential candidate , Ferraro was also the daughter of immigrants and a former prosecutor .
She acknowledged with unusual candour that her selection as Walter Mondale 's running mate was made because she was a woman - `` There 's no way any presidential candidate is going to choose a woman as a running mate unless he 's 15 points behind in the polls '' she admitted to a women 's caucus group upon her selection - made women 's issues a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from John F Kennedy , she declared in her nomination speech that a Mondale-Ferraro administration would pass the Equal Rights Amendment , because `` the issue is not what America can do for women , but what women can do for America '' .
As a campaigner , she was known for her steeliness .
When negative reports regarding her family 's finances came into light amid the campaign , she put on an expert show in crisis management by holding a marathon press conference to address questions from some 250 reporters present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Will , a conservative columnist who had written unfavourably about her .
The Washington Post dug up his card , which read : `` Has anyone told you you are cute when you 're mad ? ''
- to which she reportedly replied `` vice-presidents are n't cute '' .
More on women in politics • How women are changing the face of Congress • A 100-year milestone for women ... and what comes next • Who are the congresswomen known as 'the squad ' ?
`` I was just your average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull ?
Lipstick . ''
- RNC nomination speech The former governor of Alaska was a surprise pick for John McCain 's ticket in 2008 , but the Republican senator hoped that her reputation as a fierce and folksy conservative woman would appeal to that swathe of the electorate .
As the first female Republican vice-presidential candidate , Mrs Palin deployed a different kind of feminine political appeal - not so much a beacon of the progress of women in public life , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values .
Her opposite in the 2008 election was Joe Biden , but in preparing to face-off in their vice-presidential debate , it was said to be the Democrat who was more conscientious of gender .
Contemporary news stories reported that Mr Biden took pains to practice with female stand-ins for Mrs Palin to tackle the challenge of `` taking on the Alaska governor without coming across as sexist or a bully '' .
On the campaign trail , she spoke frequently of being a wife and mother but was less inclined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a possible future female vice-president , saying only that `` to have been chosen brings a great challenge '' .
However , she congratulated Ms Harris when it was announced that the senator would be on the 2020 Democratic ticket , writing : `` Climb upon Geraldine Ferraro 's and my shoulders , and from the most amazing view in your life consider lessons we learned '' .
Her advice included that Ms Harris should `` trust no one new '' and take care not to be muzzled .
`` Although we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardest glass ceiling this time , thanks to you , it 's got about 18 million cracks in it and the light is shining through like never before , filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time '' - 2008 primary speech conceding to nominee Barack Obama .
`` Tonight , we 've reached a milestone in our nation 's march toward a more perfect union : the first time that a major party has nominated a woman for President .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and my daughter 's mother , I 'm so happy this day has come . ''
- 2016 DNC nomination speech Yards of ink have been spilt to dissect the role that gender played in Mrs Clinton 's two campaigns for the White House .
In 2008 , she lost a hard-fought primary to Barak Obama and in 2016 was defeated by Donald Trump in the general election , despite winning the popular vote .
The question of Mrs Clinton 's `` likeability '' , which many critics saw as a coded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 , with even Mr Obama quipping at one point : `` you 're likeable enough , Hillary '' .
But it was in 2016 that sexism aimed at Mrs Clinton was nakedly on display .
Sexist slurs appeared as slogans on merchandise sold at Trump rallies .
In the aftermath of the election , political scientists and Mrs Clinton herself agreed that sexism played a part in sinking her candidacy .
She reflected that part of the difficulty was that `` there were n't any role models for me to compete twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only woman on the stage ...
I was making it up as I went .
I could n't go , 'Oh , well , how did so-and-so do it ? '
'' Yet the divisive reaction to Mrs Clinton 's most recent run notwithstanding , her campaign coincided with the notion that so-called `` women 's issues '' are relevant not just to liberal female voters , but the broader electorate .
Agenda items like affordable childcare and parental leave were on the Republican radar , too , and although Mrs Clinton did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceiling of sorts has arguably been shattered in the manner in which the economic , health and social treatment of women are considered mainstream parts of policymaking .
As for a woman winning a place in the West Wing in 2020 , even that may not be at the top of Mrs Clinton 's political wishlist .
As she told the filmmaker Nanette Burnstein earlier this year , there is a `` life-or-death political struggle here '' and life this election means `` somebody who can beat Trump '' in the electoral college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

"Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it and the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time" - 2008 primary speech conceding to nominee Barak Obama.


bbc--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Romance scams, the Yahoo boys and my friend Beth

You may well think you 'd never fall for a romance scam , that they 're cheesy , inauthentic and very obviously after your cash .
But security experts have warned that there 's been an increase in all sorts of online fraud during the coronavirus pandemic .
It happened to my friend Beth .
One day she mentioned that she had met a man online who was in the military .
She thought it was a neat coincidence , because my partner is also in the armed forces .
But the more she told me , the louder the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a `` top secret mission '' in a highly dangerous part of the world , `` Alexander '' managed to message Beth all the time .
He was handsome , charming and affectionate .
When she showed me a photo , my heart sank .
Alexander 's uniform and rank did n't match the role he said he had or the unit he said he was in .
There was no reason for him to be in the place where he claimed to be .
He was almost certainly not the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone , anywhere' Telling Beth was hard .
`` It made me shake , '' she said .
`` You start thinking this could be someone that you could have the chance to meet and see if there 's any potential to see how it goes ... then straight after that is the shock that you 've been talking to someone who is not the person he said he was , and who could be anyone , anywhere in the world . ''
If it had n't been for the coincidence of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have mentioned him to me or anyone else - he had already spun a web of secrecy around his job .
In fact , telling someone else is probably your best chance of not getting sucked in .
• US 'scam hostage ' freed after year in Nigeria hotel Alexander contacted Beth on a dating platform , but he very quickly asked her to switch to a messaging app .
Cyber-security expert Prof Alan Woodward says scammers much prefer to operate within a private environment , away from the chance of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a direct messaging platform or a locked social media account .
`` Effectively you 're giving them a bit of camouflage , '' he says .
`` There is n't going to be somebody who can see publicly that the same person who might have been trying to scam them is now trying to scam you . ''
I noticed myself that , after making my own Instagram account private , I was deluged with follow requests and private messages , all apparently from men , many of them claiming to have military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trust , romance '' for many people , says New York Times reporter Jack Nicas , who made a documentary about romance scammers and their victims .
`` For many , particularly women in middle America , the military guy is the 'ideal man ' , '' he says .
I wondered how the real people in the photos the scammers were using would feel if they knew , and I then got a small taste of it myself when someone set up a fake Instagram account using my pictures , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe - saying it was my `` secret '' space .
I only found out when people started messaging me to ask what was going on .
It was sickening , alarming and infuriating .
I 'll probably never know exactly what the `` fake me '' said and to whom .
It was all in the form of private messages from an account bearing my name and my face .
Instagram deleted it when I complained , but declined to tell me whereabouts in the world it had been registered .
Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Beth 's followers .
The platform said impersonating a person or organisation is against its guidelines , and that such accounts are deleted once it is made aware of them .
A quick search reveals that there are plenty out there though .
For scammers it 's worth the risk , as the pay-out can be huge .
There are people who work to try to help romance scam victims , and they hear plenty of horror stories .
One is Lisa Forte , from Red Goat Cyber-Security , who was contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had given $ 350,000 to a scammer in South America - which she got by re-mortgaging her house .
Wayne May , who runs the group Scam Survivors , told us of a man in Russia who gave $ 250,000 to a man he believed he was having a secret relationship with .
And Jack Nicas interviewed Renee Holland from Florida , who transferred her life savings to a man pretending to be in the US military .
She was later killed by her husband .
The money , particularly if sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever .
Mr Nicas tracked Ms Holland 's scammer down to Nigeria - where romance scammers are rife .
There young men work sometimes in groups , sometimes individually , and pretend to be both men and women online .
He interviewed a man called Akinola Bolaji , a 35-year-old Nigerian who said he had once been a `` Yahoo Boy '' , as romance scammers are colloquially known .
`` You may message thousands [ of women ] , '' he told the New York Times .
`` Only a few will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the five , three may not have money .
Two will have .
Out of two , one may not be able to spend money .
But one will surely send . ''
He confessed to feeling guilty about the practice .
`` But poverty will not make you feel the pain because you need the money , '' he said .
Mr Bolaji claims to have stopped romance scamming because he is now in a genuine relationship with a lady in the US state of Georgia .
We only have his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks that Alexander was messaging my friend Beth , he did not ask for any cash .
That is not surprising , says Mr Nicas .
`` You do n't even start asking for money until maybe a few weeks or a few months in , '' he said .
`` You have to earn their trust first , because if you on the first day say , ' I need money ' , they 're going to know that you 're a scammer . ''
Beth is adamant that she would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super-persuasive , says Ms Forte .
`` They build a rapport and they slowly take you on this journey from being cautious all the way to re-mortgaging your house .
I think we 're all vulnerable to it in the right situation . ''
Where to go for help • My Support Space is designed to help manage the impact that crime has had on individuals • Scams can be reported to Action Fraud

"You start thinking this could be someone that you could have the chance to meet and see if there's any potential to see how it goes... then straight after that is the shock that you've been talking to someone who is not the person he said he was, and who could be anyone, anywhere in the world."


bbc--2020-08-18--Somali hotel raid: 'How I survived my fourth siege'

Former BBC reporter Mohamed Moalimu survived Sunday 's siege on a beachfront hotel in Somalia 's capital , Mogadishu - the fourth time he has been caught up in an attack by Islamist al-Shabab militants over the last seven years .
Moalimu , who now heads the Federation of Somali Journalists , told the BBC 's Basillioh Mutahi about his ordeal and how his friend was amongst the 20 people to lose their lives at the Elite hotel during the raid : I was trembling .
My heart was beating like a drum and my body was shaking .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was even difficult to see the entire area .
People were screaming .
I could see the impact of the blast .
Some people had been hit by the shattered glasses , and some were bleeding , others were shouting for help .
My friend , Abdirizak Abdi , wanted to run away immediately .
I wanted to stop him because heavy shooting was going on but he ran away from me , towards the entrance .
I waited up to the point where I could understand where the shooting was coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do in a hostile environment .
I was very self-conscious and that actually helped me , because I checked what was going on .
That is what saved me .
I knew where to rush to , and I ran in a zigzag way .
I jumped up a wall and landed on the side where the hotel faces the beach .
I could not run immediately after jumping .
People running away from the scene were being shot at .
I knew if you have anything coloured , like a shirt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the attackers .
I had on a green T-shirt so I removed it and started to run on the beach .
I was barefoot , having abandoned my shoes .
The shooting was still going on but I am lucky I survived .
Then I was trying to call my friend but the call was not going through .
I tried to look for him , alive or dead .
I saw a lot of people after the blast lying on the ground .
Some of them were screaming .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had started to arrive despite the fact that shooting was still going on .
Somebody told me that Abdirizak had been injured and taken to hospital .
Unfortunately , he had been hit by the bullets from the terrorists who were firing indiscriminately .
He was hit in the leg and the chest .
At that time , movement was limited and soldiers had taken over and lot of shooting was taking place .
Abdizirak , who was working at the Ministry of Information , had just a few hours earlier collected me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together to the hotel .
Since cars were not allowed , I ran until I reached the hospital but unfortunately Abdirizak had been pronounced dead .
It was a terrible day - and the fourth time I have witnessed such a tragic incident in Mogadishu .
It is the only time I have not had any injuries .
In 2013 I was in front of the UN compound when al-Shabab attacked - a suicide bomb hit my car .
The other time was in 2016 , near the hotel on Lido beach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was lying in a pool of blood for more than two hours and it took many months being treated in hospitals here and in Nairobi and in London for my injuries to heal .
In February last year , the blast that hit Hotel Maka al-Mukarama was very destructive .
I got minor injuries from shrapnel all over my body , including on my hand .
I escaped through a hole on the wall that had been created by the suicide car bomber .
You may also be interested in : But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a friend - we were only having a friendly chat and coffee that day - is now dead .
He was dead in a few minutes .
You can imagine how tragic it was .
I was not able to sleep at all .
I tried to but I could not .
It has affected me badly .
Almost 20 people have been confirmed dead , in addition to the four attackers and a suicide bomber .
'My family could n't believe I was alive' That 's a big number - people here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually have tea at restaurants in the afternoon .
I 'm very concerned that this attack happened .
I had hoped that things would improve .
My wife and family always advise me not to go to restaurants .
Now I need to follow their advice because this is something that is not stopping .
This time my family was very worried because they knew Abdirizak was dead .
When I called them from the hospital , they could not believe that I was alive until they saw me .
They have found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the fourth time .

He was dead in a few minutes. You can imagine how tragic it was. I was not able to sleep at all. I tried to but I could not. It has affected me badly.


bbc--2020-08-18--Death Valley: What life is like in the 'hottest place on Earth'

`` I think we all lose our patience with how hot it is , '' says Brandi Stewart , who works at Death Valley National Park in California .
`` When you walk outside it 's like being hit in the face with a bunch of hairdryers . ''
On Sunday , what could be the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth , a toasty 130F ( 54.4C ) , was reported in the park - a vast , desert area filled with canyons and sand dunes that straddles the border with neighbouring Nevada .
However , in Brandi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature appears to have overheated .
The World Meteorological Organization ( WMO ) says it is still verifying the record .
But Brandi does n't need experts to tell her just how hot it is .
She 's one of just a few hundred people for whom the location often referred to as `` the hottest place in the world '' is home .
Ms Stewart has lived in Death Valley on and off for five years , working in the park 's communication department .
`` It feels so hot that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get used to is that you ca n't actually feel the sweat on your skin because it evaporates so quickly , '' she told the BBC .
`` You might feel it on your clothes , but you do n't actually feel sweat on your skin because it dries so quickly '' .
Ms Stewart says a lot of time in the summer is spent inside , but some people choose to head to the mountains where temperatures are slightly cooler .
`` Once people do get used to it [ the heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normalise it and then anything below 80F ( 26.6C ) seems chilly . ''
In terms of sleep , people in the town have air conditioning , which keeps their homes cool as long as the power does n't go out .
This can be an issue when everyone is trying to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature as the mercury soars .
The majority of people who work and live in the national park are located in Furnace Creek , where the recent record temperature was recorded .
The town is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 280 feet below sea level .
It is surrounded by high and steep mountain ranges .
Jason Heser , originally from Minnesota , lives in Furnace Creek and works on the golf course there .
It 's the lowest golf course in the world at 214 feet ( 85 metres ) below sea level .
`` I 've been to Iraq twice .
If I can take Iraq , I can take Death Valley , '' the former military service member said .
He starts work on the golf course just before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They told us once it starts getting hotter , like right now , we 'll start working at 04:00 .
At 04:00 , it 's still 100-105F ( 37.7-40.5C ) , '' he said .
The water used to keep the course up to scratch comes from a natural spring underground .
Mr Heser is part of a team that helps to keep the course in a good condition .
• 'Highest temperature on Earth ' recorded in US • Death Valley temperature could be highest ever recorded '' We 're picking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so dry .
They 're so dry with the heat they 're getting heavy and breaking off .
A lot of our day is spent picking those up . ''
Mr Heser arrived in October 2019 and loves his job .
He plans to stay there for a number of years .
The winter makes up for the scorching summer temperatures , he says .
During time off , he likes to play golf on the course he works so hard to maintain .
But that means a fairly early start of 07:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least the worst of it - and get through 18 holes .
`` I just love to golf , '' he said .
`` When I got here , the temperature was amazing - shorts , polo , a cold beer or a cold soda .
Now , if you have a beverage it 's warm by the time you get to the green .
You 've got to drink it fast , which makes for interesting golf ! ''
Sunday 's temperature has been described as possibly the hottest ever recorded `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two higher temperatures in the record books - one in Furnace Creek in 1913 - 134F ( 56.6C ) - and another in Tunisia in 1931 - 131F ( 55C ) .
But these are contested by climate experts .
`` Modern day scientists and meteorologists suggest that those two readings were n't accurate , '' says BBC Weather 's Simon King .
`` When you have a massive temperature like this [ in Furnace Creek ] , the World Meteorological Organization investigates further and looks at a lot of different information to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Christopher Burt , a weather historian .
has suggested the 1913 temperature recorded in Death Valley was suspicious due to other readings in the area at that time .
The reading in Furnace Creek was two or three degrees higher than other weather stations around , he says .
This is one reason why Sunday 's record , if verified , is being described by some US experts as the highest ever `` reliably recorded '' .
The WMO says it is seeking to verify it but even if it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third-highest temperature ever recorded because it stands by the 1913 record in Furnace Creek and the 1931 record in Tunisia despite scepticism .
It has also been argued that other places might have seen hotter temperatures than the Death Valley , but weather-watchers simply do n't know about them due to the lack of any weather station nearby .
So for now , Furnace Creek is the hottest place in the world .
`` People ask me what it 's like , '' says Mr Heser .
`` The best way I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're cooking something in your oven and you want to check on it , you open the door and you get that blast of hot air from the oven ... .
that 's what it feels like . ''

This is one reason why Sunday's record, if verified, is being described by some US experts as the highest ever "reliably recorded". The WMO says it is seeking to verify it but even if it does, it will classify the temperature as the third-highest temperature ever recorded because it stands by the 1913 record in Furnace Creek and the 1931 record in Tunisia despite scepticism.


bbc--2020-08-18--Broadway workers fight to stay afloat with theatres closed

Violinist Katie Kresek waited for more than a decade to have her own chair in a Broadway orchestra .
Last year , she became the co-orchestrator and violinist for the theatre performance of Moulin Rouge !
the Musical .
Just 10 months after she started , the lights seemed to go down on her dream .
She says she 'll be `` heartbroken '' if the show does n't return .
`` It 's sad that when it finally happens , it has to be cut short , '' she says .
Instead of performing eight shows a week for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music alone in her bedroom .
Her story is a familiar one to other live performers and particularly Broadway 's thousands of workers .
On 12 March , New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered Broadway 's 41 theatres to close as the coronavirus pandemic spread through the city .
The shows , with their hundreds of closely packed seats , presented a high risk for Covid-19 to spread among the audience .
In June , the industry announced that closures would extend until January next year .
Holly Coombs , the production stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adaption of the film by the same name - has already started looking for work outside the theatres .
She asked friends with corporate experience to help her rewrite her CV hoping to land a project management role , and she 's looked for jobs at coffee shops hoping to use the barista experience she picked up in university .
Holly says when she was told the show was closing it hit her that she did n't know how she would pay her rent .
`` I was in shock , I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheques have helped pay for her flat , but she had to tap into her saving to buy groceries and food for her dog .
`` We have nothing right now , '' she says .
Holly says she never expected to be looking for a career change in her 30s .
Proudly hanging on her sitting room wall among pictures of family and close friends is a photograph of the show 's four leading actors and its writer , the comedian Tina Fey .
She describes them as her `` Mean Girls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much time in the theatre together it 's really taking away a huge chunk of our life , '' she says .
But , like so many others during the coronavirus pandemic , she is having to rethink how her life might play out .
Broadway supports more than 96,000 jobs in New York and contributed nearly $ 15bn ( £11.2bn ) to the city 's economy in 2019 , according to the Broadway League , a theatre union .
That number does not just take into account ticket sales but also the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show , and the money tourists spend when they come to New York to see a performance .
Without Broadway performances , many businesses in the city 's midtown area surrounding the theatres are also suffering .
One of the biggest fears of both Broadway workers and local businesses is that shows will not return at all .
Already Disney 's Broadway version of Frozen and the Broadway revival of Who 's Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?
have said they will not be reopening when the coronavirus measures are lifted .
But for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live performance .
Judy Kuhn has starred in shows including Les Misérables , Fiddler on the Roof and Chess .
Her performances as Helen in the Broadway production of Fun Home earned her one of her four Tony nominations .
That might be why she finds it so frustrating to hear friends ask whether theatre has just moved online during the pandemic .
She tells them no , `` that 's just TV '' .
`` TV is great , but that is an experience the audience has alone , '' she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique about live performance is it happens once that particular night with that particular audience and those particular performers . ''
Judy was just two weeks into rehearsals for an off-Broadway performance of Assassins when New York went into lockdown .
Since she has been unable to work she has joined in a number of internet performances .
Actors and musicians from several past and present shows have come together either via live stream or taped video calls to sing or re-enact scenes from their homes .
But there is an obvious drawback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I have n't been paid for any of the online performances I 've done and I do n't know of anyone who has profited from them , '' she says .
Over the last several years ticket prices for Broadway shows have skyrocketed .
The average ticket was $ 145 ( £110 ) for the 2018-19 season .
With the coronavirus recession tightening families ' spending habits , online performances may become the way more audiences choose to engage with theatre .
But money will not be the only thing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows are set to resume next winter another surge in Covid-19 cases could push that date back , leaving Broadway 's thousands of workers in limbo and its theatres dark .

Broadway supports more than 96,000 jobs in New York and contributed nearly $15bn (£11.2bn) to the city's economy in 2019, according to the Broadway League, a theatre union. That number does not just take into account ticket sales but also the investment to put on and run a show, and the money tourists spend when they come to New York to see a performance.


bbc--2020-08-17--19th amendment: A 100-year milestone for women... and what comes next

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment in the United States , which guaranteed American women the right to vote .
Although the amendment was ratified on 18 August 1920 , it was preceded by decades of organising and protests - spearheaded by leading figures of US women 's suffrage like Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton .
The 19th amendment is considered to be a seminal piece of legislation , but for minority women - particularly African-American , Hispanic and Native-American women - there was a long road ahead to ensure complete access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centennial , the BBC spoke to a number of women running for office - both Republican and Democrat - to see what has been achieved and what is left to do .
'Little by little , those glass ceilings are coming down' '' It 's poetic that we have such a consequential presidential election in the 100th year that women have been able to vote , '' Jennifer Carroll Foy said .
A native of Petersburg , Virginia , she was raised by her grandmother - whose trademark adage was , `` if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give it . ''
It is a truth that Ms Carroll Foy seeks to employ in her politics .
While she is excited about celebrating the centennial of the 19th amendment , she is acutely aware that the amendment was n't wholly inclusive .
Black and brown women faced an arduous journey to achieve equal voting access - that was n't conferred until the Voting Rights Act in 1965 .
`` As a black woman there is still work to be done , '' she said .
`` Until all women have full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight for women 's right to vote continues . ''
For Ms Caroll Foy , on the centennial of the 19th amendment , it 's even more important to have a woman of colour on the ballot .
`` When you do n't see women in power , it 's hard to fathom that being a possibility , '' she said .
`` It 's not lost on me that I would be the first black woman governor in our country . ''
Similarly , on this anniversary , Senator Kamala Harris ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auspicious for Ms Carrol Foy , as it paves the way for black and brown girls everywhere to `` see themselves in her '' . '
I do n't know how many men get called 'honey ' at a council meeting' Beth Van Duyne , Candidate for the US House of Representatives in Texas , District 24 ( Republican ) '' I think about how far we have come , '' Beth Van Duyne said .
`` It 's incredibly humbling to be one of the record number of Republican women running for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Van Duyne , the 19th amendment 's ratification has heralded decades of advancements for women .
From the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment , to the number of women enrolled in higher education , by way of new businesses founded by women .
`` It 's very gratifying to see that women are empowered , are supported , and are achieving success in greater numbers , '' she said .
But Ms Van Duyne 's 16-year career in politics has been chequered by misogyny at various points .
As the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she remembers having to overcome an `` old boy network '' of all-male city council members .
`` I approached it from the outside in , '' she recalled .
`` I do n't know how many men get called 'honey ' at a council meeting . ''
Moving forward , Ms Van Duyne is encouraged by the swathes of women entering politics .
`` As you get a more reflective body , you 'll see less division , '' she added . '
I still think we have a long way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julie Oliver , Candidate for US House of Representatives in Texas , District 25 ( Democrat ) As a child , raised in a low-income household by a single parent , Julie Oliver was n't sure how her mother put food on the table .
`` I had no idea how she did it , but she did it , '' Ms Oliver said .
Her mother 's tenacity inspired Ms Oliver 's own run for Congress .
This is her second run for District 25 in Texas , which encompasses Austin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'can you imagine what Congress would look like coming from the heart of a mother ? '
'' she told BBC News .
When she initially ran for Congress in 2018 , she joked that her husband should have talked her out of the idea .
Instead , she recalls how he encouraged her to run .
`` I 'm grateful for the enlightened men in my life , '' she added .
As a woman in politics , Ms Oliver believes that greater representation in the House would lead to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Women have similar goals when it comes to education , access to healthcare and investing in infrastructure . ''
Although the anniversary of the 19th amendment is cause for celebration for giving `` a certain group of women the right to vote , '' Ms Oliver feels that the centennial is an opportunity to reflect on the work remaining to enfranchise minority women across the country .
`` It includes all women , not just white women , '' she said .
Ensuring that black and brown voices are empowered is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .
`` But I hope people call me out when I 'm not doing enough , '' she said .
`` I want to be held accountable . ''
'As a working mother , how do I look after my people ? '
Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee , Candidate for US House of Representatives in Illinois , District 10 ( Republican ) Throughout her career in business and finance , Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee said that she was lucky to not experience gender discrimination , but would often hear from women who did .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` How do we get others to experience what I 've experienced ? ''
Ms Ramirez Mukherjee and her brother were the first in their family to attend university , and she recalls that their mother did n't raise them to see any difference between genders .
`` I did n't see that there was a 'role ' of a girl or a boy , '' she said .
`` It was about who had the skill or the interest to get the job done . ''
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start a family , that she was made to feel aware of her gender .
Her two pregnancies were difficult , and she realised that trying to find time for necessary doctor 's appointments during the work day would unsettle her male colleagues .
Now , in her first run for public office , Ms Ramirez Mukherjee is focused on creating transparency for women in the workplace .
`` 100 years later and we 're still having this conversation , '' she said .
`` If a woman decides to start a family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more ? ''
When it comes to the state of voting access in the US , Ms Ramirez Mukherjee is `` grateful '' that the mail-in ballot has become a widely discussed option this year .
She believes that this will empower more people , particularly women , to vote .
`` Not everyone has the privilege to go down to the polling station , '' she said .

19th amendment: A 100-year milestone for women... and what comes next Published 18 August 2020
Image source, Jennifer Carroll Foy Image caption, Jennifer Carroll Foy hopes to be the first black woman governor in the US
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment in the United States, which guaranteed American women the right to vote.
Although the amendment was ratified on 18 August 1920, it was preceded by decades of organising and protests - spearheaded by leading figures of US women's suffrage like Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
The 19th amendment is considered to be a seminal piece of legislation, but for minority women - particularly African-American, Hispanic and Native-American women - there was a long road ahead to ensure complete access to the vote.
To mark this year's centennial, the BBC spoke to a number of women running for office - both Republican and Democrat - to see what has been achieved and what is left to do.
'Little by little, those glass ceilings are coming down'
Jennifer Carroll Foy, Gubernatorial Candidate for Virginia (Democrat)
"It's poetic that we have such a consequential presidential election in the 100th year that women have been able to vote," Jennifer Carroll Foy said. A native of Petersburg, Virginia, she was raised by her grandmother - whose trademark adage was, "if you have it, you have to give it."
It is a truth that Ms Carroll Foy seeks to employ in her politics.
While she is excited about celebrating the centennial of the 19th amendment, she is acutely aware that the amendment wasn't wholly inclusive. Black and brown women faced an arduous journey to achieve equal voting access - that wasn't conferred until the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
"As a black woman there is still work to be done," she said. "Until all women have full and unfettered rights to vote, the fight for women's right to vote continues."
For Ms Caroll Foy, on the centennial of the 19th amendment, it's even more important to have a woman of colour on the ballot. "When you don't see women in power, it's hard to fathom that being a possibility," she said. "It's not lost on me that I would be the first black woman governor in our country."
Similarly, on this anniversary, Senator Kamala Harris' spot on the Democratic ticket is particularly auspicious for Ms Carrol Foy, as it paves the way for black and brown girls everywhere to "see themselves in her".
'I don't know how many men get called 'honey' at a council meeting'
Beth Van Duyne, Candidate for the US House of Representatives in Texas, District 24 (Republican)
Image source, Beth Van Duyne
"I think about how far we have come," Beth Van Duyne said. "It's incredibly humbling to be one of the record number of Republican women running for Congress this year."
According to Ms Van Duyne, the 19th amendment's ratification has heralded decades of advancements for women. From the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, to the number of women enrolled in higher education, by way of new businesses founded by women. "It's very gratifying to see that women are empowered, are supported, and are achieving success in greater numbers," she said.
But Ms Van Duyne's 16-year career in politics has been chequered by misogyny at various points. As the first female mayor of Irving, Texas, she remembers having to overcome an "old boy network" of all-male city council members. "I approached it from the outside in," she recalled. "I don't know how many men get called 'honey' at a council meeting."
Moving forward, Ms Van Duyne is encouraged by the swathes of women entering politics. "As you get a more reflective body, you'll see less division," she added.
'I still think we have a long way to go to make everyone able to vote'
Julie Oliver, Candidate for US House of Representatives in Texas, District 25 (Democrat)
Image source, Sidney Hollingsworth/Julie Oliver Image caption, Julie Oliver is making her second run for Congress in Texas
As a child, raised in a low-income household by a single parent, Julie Oliver wasn't sure how her mother put food on the table. "I had no idea how she did it, but she did it," Ms Oliver said. Her mother's tenacity inspired Ms Oliver's own run for Congress. This is her second run for District 25 in Texas, which encompasses Austin and Central Texas.
"I always say, 'can you imagine what Congress would look like coming from the heart of a mother?'" she told BBC News. When she initially ran for Congress in 2018, she joked that her husband should have talked her out of the idea. Instead, she recalls how he encouraged her to run. "I'm grateful for the enlightened men in my life," she added.
As a woman in politics, Ms Oliver believes that greater representation in the House would lead to a more collaborative policy approach across party lines. "Women have similar goals when it comes to education, access to healthcare and investing in infrastructure."
Although the anniversary of the 19th amendment is cause for celebration for giving "a certain group of women the right to vote," Ms Oliver feels that the centennial is an opportunity to reflect on the work remaining to enfranchise minority women across the country.
"It includes all women, not just white women," she said. Ensuring that black and brown voices are empowered is integral to Ms Oliver's run for office.
"But I hope people call me out when I'm not doing enough," she said. "I want to be held accountable."
'As a working mother, how do I look after my people?'
Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee, Candidate for US House of Representatives in Illinois, District 10 (Republican)
Image source, Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee Image caption, Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee sees the push for mail-in voting as a positive for women
Throughout her career in business and finance, Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee said that she was lucky to not experience gender discrimination, but would often hear from women who did. "I want to help solve this," she said. "How do we get others to experience what I've experienced?"
Ms Ramirez Mukherjee and her brother were the first in their family to attend university, and she recalls that their mother didn't raise them to see any difference between genders. "I didn't see that there was a 'role' of a girl or a boy," she said. "It was about who had the skill or the interest to get the job done."
It was when Ms Ramirez Mukherjee wanted to start a family, that she was made to feel aware of her gender. Her two pregnancies were difficult, and she realised that trying to find time for necessary doctor's appointments during the work day would unsettle her male colleagues.
Now, in her first run for public office, Ms Ramirez Mukherjee is focused on creating transparency for women in the workplace. "100 years later and we're still having this conversation," she said. "If a woman decides to start a family, how do we talk about that more?"
When it comes to the state of voting access in the US, Ms Ramirez Mukherjee is "grateful" that the mail-in ballot has become a widely discussed option this year. She believes that this will empower more people, particularly women, to vote.


bbc--2020-08-18--Classy PSG beat Leipzig to reach first Champions League final

Paris St-Germain are through to their first Champions League final courtesy of a deserved victory over RB Leipzig in an entertaining semi-final in Lisbon .
One of Europe 's biggest spenders , but also one of the continent 's most high-profile underachievers on the grandest stage , PSG finally seized their opportunity courtesy of goals from Marquinhos , Angel di Maria and Juan Bernat .
The former , who scored the first of two late goals in a comeback win over Atalanta in the last eight , rose to head home a superbly delivered free-kick from Di Maria .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range following an audacious flick from Neymar after Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi had relinquished possession with a dire kick .
With the fit-again Kylian Mbappe and Neymar terrorising the Leipzig backline , the French side should have been out of sight before the break , but the latter twice hit the post - from a clipped finish then an opportunist free-kick from range - before side-footing another chance wide at the near post .
Prior to PSG 's second , Yussuf Poulsen had Leipzig 's best chance but fired wide after he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernat sealed the win in the second half with a header that Leipzig felt was offside but was legitimate as the prone Nordi Mukiele , who had slipped in the build-up , was playing the scorer onside .
PSG will find out who they face in Sunday 's final when five-time winners Bayern Munich play Lyon in the other semi-final on Wednesday .
• Is Neymar winning over the doubters ?
This is glorious , but nervous , virgin territory for PSG .
The vast sums of money pumped into the French club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has enabled them to dominate domestically .
In Europe , though , not so much .
In the three seasons prior to this one they exited in the last 16 , and before that they went out in the quarter-finals four years in a row - results that ultimately cost managers Laurent Blanc and Unai Emery their jobs .
Thomas Tuchel , though , has found a way to break the glass ceiling , leading the side from the French capital to their first major European final since the Cup Winners ' Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was born .
You can not begrudge them it either on the basis of Tuesday 's performance , which was calm , confident and incisive , in contrast to a nervy and often negligent display from their opponents .
The first and third goals gave Di Maria his 88th and 89th assists in all competitions since he joined the club in August 2015 - only Barcelona 's Lionel Messi has more in Europe 's top five leagues in that time .
He also now has nine goal involvements in the competition this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping Real Madrid lift the trophy in 2013-14 .
Neymar 's brilliant assist took him to 23 goal involvements in 19 appearances for PSG ( 14 goals & nine assists ) in the Champions League and while Mbappe 's finishing was rusty , he was still able to regularly fashion chances for himself and others .
When this trio have started together this season , PSG have lost just one of 12 games .
With them fully fit and firing , they will be a match for whoever they face in the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European football , having only come into existence in their current guise in 2009 when drinks company Red Bull bought fifth-tier side SSV Markranstadt and rebranded them .
The past 11 years have witnessed a stunning rise for the club , courtesy of four promotions , a regular presence at the top of Bundesliga and now graduation to being one of the four best sides in Europe .
Past finalists Tottenham and Atletico Madrid were both dispatched en route to this stage but PSG proved a challenge too far for the youngest coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Julian Nagelsmann was encouraged into coaching by PSG counterpart Tuchel when the pair were both at Augsburg and the former had seen his playing career ended at the age of 20 by a serious knee injury .
Still only 33 , he has plenty of time on his side and has shown more than enough to suggest he can lead a side beyond this stage - including a switch to a three-man defence in the second half on Tuesday that gave his side a much more positive presence in the game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamic remains intact .
Having lost striker Timo Werner to Chelsea before their European campaign had ended , the challenge now for the German side will be to hold on to the rest of their stars - and their manager .
'The players again showed their hunger to win' PSG coach Thomas Tuchel : `` I was never relaxed , but how we defended was also the most important thing for me .
We had a good mix between determination , spirit and quality .
`` We stayed faithful to our style of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control the half-spaces and control their counterattacks .
And we used the acceleration of Angel , Kylian and Neymar with the ball between the lines .
`` We did n't make big tactical changes .
Yes , we adapt to all our opponents , but not too much .
We have to show our strength , and the players again showed their hunger to win , work together and suffer . ''
Julian Nagelsmann , Leipzig coach , speaking to BT Sport : `` The ticket for the final for Paris is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 12 minutes we did well and had good situations .
It was hard to come back into the game after the second goal because Paris have a lot of quality .
It 's hard to accept but football is like this .
`` It 's not that easy to think about the good season we 've had in the Champions League but in one week it will be ok. We know that it was a good season for a young team and we will try to do it again next season and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record for longest wait for first final • This was PSG 's 110th game in the European Cup/Champions League - the most played by a side before reaching their first final , overtaking Arsenal 's record of 90 between 1971-2006 .
• PSG will be the fifth different French side to appear in a European Cup/Champions League final and the first since Monaco in 2003-04 .
Only Italy , Germany ( 6 each ) and England ( 8 ) have had more different clubs appear in the final of the competition .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-finals of the Champions League on each of the past five occasions they have reached this stage of the competition ( Bayern four times between 2014-2018 and RB Leipzig tonight ) , since both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund made the final in 2012-13 .
• No side has ever scored in more consecutive matches in major Uefa competitions than PSG 's current run of 34 ( level with Real Madrid between 2011-2014 in the Champions League ) .
The last side to stop the Parisians scoring were Manchester City back in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PSG 's Angel di Maria is unbeaten in all 17 Champions League matches he has scored in ( W15 D2 L0 - 21 goals in total ) - only Mohamed Salah ( 18 ) , Gonzalo Higuain ( 21 ) and Patrick Kluivert ( 25 ) have scored in more games without defeat in the competition 's history .
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Marquinhos made it back-to-back goals in Champions League games for the first time since his very first two appearances in the competition in 2013
Paris St-Germain are through to their first Champions League final courtesy of a deserved victory over RB Leipzig in an entertaining semi-final in Lisbon.
One of Europe's biggest spenders, but also one of the continent's most high-profile underachievers on the grandest stage, PSG finally seized their opportunity courtesy of goals from Marquinhos, Angel di Maria and Juan Bernat.
The former, who scored the first of two late goals in a comeback win over Atalanta in the last eight, rose to head home a superbly delivered free-kick from Di Maria.
The Argentine forward then finished well from close range following an audacious flick from Neymar after Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi had relinquished possession with a dire kick.
With the fit-again Kylian Mbappe and Neymar terrorising the Leipzig backline, the French side should have been out of sight before the break, but the latter twice hit the post - from a clipped finish then an opportunist free-kick from range - before side-footing another chance wide at the near post.
Prior to PSG's second, Yussuf Poulsen had Leipzig's best chance but fired wide after he was found by a Dani Olmo pull-back.
Bernat sealed the win in the second half with a header that Leipzig felt was offside but was legitimate as the prone Nordi Mukiele, who had slipped in the build-up, was playing the scorer onside.
PSG will find out who they face in Sunday's final when five-time winners Bayern Munich play Lyon in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Front three give PSG their wings
This is glorious, but nervous, virgin territory for PSG.
The vast sums of money pumped into the French club by owners Qatar Sports Investments since 2011 has enabled them to dominate domestically. In Europe, though, not so much.
In the three seasons prior to this one they exited in the last 16, and before that they went out in the quarter-finals four years in a row - results that ultimately cost managers Laurent Blanc and Unai Emery their jobs.
Thomas Tuchel, though, has found a way to break the glass ceiling, leading the side from the French capital to their first major European final since the Cup Winners' Cup in 1997, a year before Mbappe was born.
You cannot begrudge them it either on the basis of Tuesday's performance, which was calm, confident and incisive, in contrast to a nervy and often negligent display from their opponents.
The first and third goals gave Di Maria his 88th and 89th assists in all competitions since he joined the club in August 2015 - only Barcelona's Lionel Messi has more in Europe's top five leagues in that time.
He also now has nine goal involvements in the competition this season, surpassing the tally he managed in helping Real Madrid lift the trophy in 2013-14.
Neymar's brilliant assist took him to 23 goal involvements in 19 appearances for PSG (14 goals & nine assists) in the Champions League and while Mbappe's finishing was rusty, he was still able to regularly fashion chances for himself and others.
When this trio have started together this season, PSG have lost just one of 12 games. With them fully fit and firing, they will be a match for whoever they face in the final.
RB Leipzig lack energy and enterprise
RB Leipzig are the babies of European football, having only come into existence in their current guise in 2009 when drinks company Red Bull bought fifth-tier side SSV Markranstadt and rebranded them.
The past 11 years have witnessed a stunning rise for the club, courtesy of four promotions, a regular presence at the top of Bundesliga and now graduation to being one of the four best sides in Europe.
Past finalists Tottenham and Atletico Madrid were both dispatched en route to this stage but PSG proved a challenge too far for the youngest coach in the competition and his bold side.
Julian Nagelsmann was encouraged into coaching by PSG counterpart Tuchel when the pair were both at Augsburg and the former had seen his playing career ended at the age of 20 by a serious knee injury.
Still only 33, he has plenty of time on his side and has shown more than enough to suggest he can lead a side beyond this stage - including a switch to a three-man defence in the second half on Tuesday that gave his side a much more positive presence in the game.
For now, though, the master-apprentice dynamic remains intact.
Having lost striker Timo Werner to Chelsea before their European campaign had ended, the challenge now for the German side will be to hold on to the rest of their stars - and their manager.
Man of the match - Angel di Maria (PSG)
Since his Champions League debut (18th September 2007), only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (32 each) have provided more assists in the competition than Di Maria (27). He was superb on his return to the PSG side on Tuesday
'The players again showed their hunger to win'
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel: "I was never relaxed, but how we defended was also the most important thing for me. We had a good mix between determination, spirit and quality.
"We stayed faithful to our style of play. When possible, we looked to control the half-spaces and control their counterattacks. And we used the acceleration of Angel, Kylian and Neymar with the ball between the lines.
"We didn't make big tactical changes. Yes, we adapt to all our opponents, but not too much. We have to show our strength, and the players again showed their hunger to win, work together and suffer."
Julian Nagelsmann, Leipzig coach, speaking to BT Sport: "The ticket for the final for Paris is well deserved. In the first ten to 12 minutes we did well and had good situations. It was hard to come back into the game after the second goal because Paris have a lot of quality. It's hard to accept but football is like this.
"It's not that easy to think about the good season we've had in the Champions League but in one week it will be ok. We know that it was a good season for a young team and we will try to do it again next season and work hard."
PSG beat Arsenal record for longest wait for first final
This was PSG's 110th game in the European Cup/Champions League - the most played by a side before reaching their first final, overtaking Arsenal's record of 90 between 1971-2006.
PSG will be the fifth different French side to appear in a European Cup/Champions League final and the first since Monaco in 2003-04. Only Italy, Germany (6 each) and England (8) have had more different clubs appear in the final of the competition.
German sides have been eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League on each of the past five occasions they have reached this stage of the competition (Bayern four times between 2014-2018 and RB Leipzig tonight), since both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund made the final in 2012-13.
No side has ever scored in more consecutive matches in major Uefa competitions than PSG's current run of 34 (level with Real Madrid between 2011-2014 in the Champions League). The last side to stop the Parisians scoring were Manchester City back in a 1-0 win in April 2016.
PSG's Angel di Maria is unbeaten in all 17 Champions League matches he has scored in (W15 D2 L0 - 21 goals in total) - only Mohamed Salah (18), Gonzalo Higuain (21) and Patrick Kluivert (25) have scored in more games without defeat in the competition's history.


bbc--2020-08-18--Koeman will be new manager - Barcelona president Bartomeu

Ronald Koeman will be the new manager of Barcelona , says club president Josep Maria Bartomeu .
The 57-year-old , who is currently in charge of the Netherlands , is set to join the La Liga runners-up this week .
Speaking on Tuesday night , Bartomeu said : `` Koeman is the one we 've chosen .
If nothing goes wrong he will be the head coach next season . ''
Former Netherlands and Barca defender Koeman flew to Barcelona on Tuesday to finalise a deal with the club .
There have been rumours that the team 's star Lionel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Messi wants to end his career at Barca , he has said that many times .
`` I have spoken with Koeman and the pillar of our project is Messi .
`` He has a contract until 2021 , I speak a lot with Leo and more regularly with his father .
`` He is number one in the world .
There is no doubt that in Koeman 's new project you can count on Messi . ''
Bartomeu indicated a squad overhaul was now going to take place .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` I decided to give this generation the opportunity for another year .
Maybe it was time to start the renovation last year .
`` There is money but Covid-19 has reduced income so we have to reduce payroll to be able to bring in new footballers .
`` The easiest thing would be to resign but I am not doing it because of my responsibility to the club .
It is not a club crisis .
It is just a sports crisis , which we must fix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Catalan giants between 1989 and 1995 and helped them to four league titles and the European Cup , has a contract with the Dutch FA which runs until the 2022 World Cup .
Earlier on Tuesday , when the former Barca player was asked if he wanted to return as manager , he said : `` I 'd like to , but it 'll only be confirmed once I 've signed the deal .
`` Until then , I can not say any more about it - even though I 'd like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporting director Eric Abidal on Tuesday , one day after relieving head coach Quique Setien of his duties .
The dismissals come after the club 's humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last eight on Friday .
Meanwhile , Barca 's German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen , 28 , will be sidelined for 10 weeks after an operation on his right knee .
Koeman is going to be given a two-year deal .
He would have said yes to a one-year deal .
He has been trying to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was contacted and there were talks with him even though the chairman realised the fans would n't like him [ as a former Espanyol player and manager ] .
Pochettino is a better option .
There is no doubt about that .
But we 're not talking about the real issue .
Barca are a club that 's in disarray with a debt that some calculate could be 700m euros and unable to move on because they spend 70 % of their income on wages for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where to go next , partly because they ca n't get rid of these guys and partly because they 've got no vision .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Ronald Koeman (right) arrived at Barcelona's El Prat airport on Tuesday
Ronald Koeman will be the new manager of Barcelona, says club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
The 57-year-old, who is currently in charge of the Netherlands, is set to join the La Liga runners-up this week.
Speaking on Tuesday night, Bartomeu said: "Koeman is the one we've chosen. If nothing goes wrong he will be the head coach next season."
Former Netherlands and Barca defender Koeman flew to Barcelona on Tuesday to finalise a deal with the club.
There have been rumours that the team's star Lionel Messi could leave but Bartomeu said: "Messi wants to end his career at Barca, he has said that many times.
"I have spoken with Koeman and the pillar of our project is Messi.
"He has a contract until 2021, I speak a lot with Leo and more regularly with his father.
"He is number one in the world. There is no doubt that in Koeman's new project you can count on Messi."
Bartomeu indicated a squad overhaul was now going to take place.
"The renewal will be as deep as necessary," he said. "I decided to give this generation the opportunity for another year. Maybe it was time to start the renovation last year.
"There is money but Covid-19 has reduced income so we have to reduce payroll to be able to bring in new footballers.
"The easiest thing would be to resign but I am not doing it because of my responsibility to the club. It is not a club crisis. It is just a sports crisis, which we must fix."
Koeman, who played for the Catalan giants between 1989 and 1995 and helped them to four league titles and the European Cup, has a contract with the Dutch FA which runs until the 2022 World Cup.
Earlier on Tuesday, when the former Barca player was asked if he wanted to return as manager, he said: "I'd like to, but it'll only be confirmed once I've signed the deal.
"Until then, I cannot say any more about it - even though I'd like to."
Barcelona parted company with sporting director Eric Abidal on Tuesday, one day after relieving head coach Quique Setien of his duties.
The dismissals come after the club's humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last eight on Friday.
Meanwhile, Barca's German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 28, will be sidelined for 10 weeks after an operation on his right knee.
Koeman helped Barcelona beat Sampdoria to win the 1992 European Cup
Analysis
Guillem Balague, Spanish football expert speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live
Koeman is going to be given a two-year deal. He would have said yes to a one-year deal. He has been trying to get to Barcelona for a long while.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was contacted and there were talks with him even though the chairman realised the fans wouldn't like him [as a former Espanyol player and manager].
Pochettino is a better option. There is no doubt about that.
But we're not talking about the real issue. Barca are a club that's in disarray with a debt that some calculate could be 700m euros and unable to move on because they spend 70% of their income on wages for the first team.
They have no clear idea where to go next, partly because they can't get rid of these guys and partly because they've got no vision.


bbc--2020-08-18--Celtic thrash KR Reykjavik to progress into next round

Celtic hammered Iceland 's KR Reykjavik in Glasgow to cruise into the Champions League second qualifying round .
Mohamed Elyounoussi tucked in the opener with Arnor Adalsteinsson 's own goal soon making it two .
Christopher Jullien and Greg Taylor netted with headers and Odsonne Edouard and Elyounoussi added further strikes .
Neil Lennon 's side , back in action after having two league games postponed , will host Djurgardens or Ferencvaros next week .
Swedes Djurgardens visit the Hungarian champions in Wednesday 's one-legged tie and either side will offer Celtic a much stiffer test .
• What will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'No conclusion yet ' to Bolingoli matter The Scottish Premiership winners ' matches against St Mirren and Aberdeen were called off after Celtic 's Boli Bolingoli broke Covid-19 protocols by visiting Spain then not quarantining before playing in the draw with Kilmarnock on 9 August .
The left-back was unsurprisingly omitted from the squad and his team-mates made short work of their semi-professional visitors .
Jullien 's precise long ball unlocked the KR defence to allow Elyounoussi to round goalkeeper Beitir Olafsson and finish .
Hatem Abd Elhamed centred low for Edouard with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Christie 's corner was powered home by Jullien shortly before the break .
The onslaught continued in the second period and Taylor notched his first Celtic goal from Elhamed 's deep delivery before Edouard danced away from a clutch of defenders to slot in the fifth then made way for debutant Albian Ajeti .
KR improved in the closing stages and had the ball in the net following Palmi Palmason 's header but the offside flag was raised .
And substitute Olivier Ntcham 's superb pass into the box met the sliding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What did we learn ?
Much like their opening Premiership win against Hamilton , Celtic 's full-backs were constantly high up the park , as the fourth goal typified , and Elyounoussi turned in his best performance of the season so far .
With such a commanding lead so early , the match became shooting practice for Lennon 's men and James Forrest and Scott Brown could have added their names to the scoresheet .
New signing Ajeti and fellow striker Patryk Klimala were given some game time but Edouard , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again showed why he is Celtic 's go-to striker .
One note of concern for Lennon will be the ease with which Kjartan Finnbogason latched on to a long ball to force a save from Vasilis Barkas in the first half .
What did they say ?
Celtic manager Neil Lennon : `` Lot of positives , sets up nicely for the weekend and the next round .
It was a good night 's work .
`` Really important to get 90 minutes into the legs and negotiate the tie .
To score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very good , so I am pleased with a lot of that tonight .
We look forward to Saturday now . ''
Celtic goalscorer Mohamed Elyounoussi : `` We wanted to start fast .
We did .
We scored six , that 's nice with a clean sheet as well .
`` Everyone knows it 's our target to get back to the Champions League .
I 'm expecting Djurgardens to win their game - they are a strong team .
We expect a tough game but we have to focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Celtic visit Dundee United on Saturday evening and return to Champions League qualifying action in Glasgow next Tuesday or Wednesday .
Runar Kristinsson 's KR Reykjavik will enter the Europa League second qualifying round , which will take place in September .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Mohamed Elyounoussi opened and completed the scoring in Celtic's rout
Celtic hammered Iceland's KR Reykjavik in Glasgow to cruise into the Champions League second qualifying round.
Mohamed Elyounoussi tucked in the opener with Arnor Adalsteinsson's own goal soon making it two.
Christopher Jullien and Greg Taylor netted with headers and Odsonne Edouard and Elyounoussi added further strikes.
Neil Lennon's side, back in action after having two league games postponed, will host Djurgardens or Ferencvaros next week.
Swedes Djurgardens visit the Hungarian champions in Wednesday's one-legged tie and either side will offer Celtic a much stiffer test.
The Scottish Premiership winners' matches against St Mirren and Aberdeen were called off after Celtic's Boli Bolingoli broke Covid-19 protocols by visiting Spain then not quarantining before playing in the draw with Kilmarnock on 9 August.
The left-back was unsurprisingly omitted from the squad and his team-mates made short work of their semi-professional visitors.
Jullien's precise long ball unlocked the KR defence to allow Elyounoussi to round goalkeeper Beitir Olafsson and finish.
Hatem Abd Elhamed centred low for Edouard with the ball deflecting in off Adalsteinsson and Ryan Christie's corner was powered home by Jullien shortly before the break.
The onslaught continued in the second period and Taylor notched his first Celtic goal from Elhamed's deep delivery before Edouard danced away from a clutch of defenders to slot in the fifth then made way for debutant Albian Ajeti.
KR improved in the closing stages and had the ball in the net following Palmi Palmason's header but the offside flag was raised.
And substitute Olivier Ntcham's superb pass into the box met the sliding figure of Elyounoussi for goal number six.
Man of the match - Greg Taylor
Taylor had little to do defensively and took full advantage with his forays forward rewarded by a goal
What did we learn?
Much like their opening Premiership win against Hamilton, Celtic's full-backs were constantly high up the park, as the fourth goal typified, and Elyounoussi turned in his best performance of the season so far.
With such a commanding lead so early, the match became shooting practice for Lennon's men and James Forrest and Scott Brown could have added their names to the scoresheet.
New signing Ajeti and fellow striker Patryk Klimala were given some game time but Edouard, with his movement and scoring contribution, once again showed why he is Celtic's go-to striker.
One note of concern for Lennon will be the ease with which Kjartan Finnbogason latched on to a long ball to force a save from Vasilis Barkas in the first half.
What did they say?
Celtic manager Neil Lennon: "Lot of positives, sets up nicely for the weekend and the next round. It was a good night's work.
"Really important to get 90 minutes into the legs and negotiate the tie. To score six goals and keep a clean sheet is very good, so I am pleased with a lot of that tonight. We look forward to Saturday now."
Celtic goalscorer Mohamed Elyounoussi: "We wanted to start fast. We did. We scored six, that's nice with a clean sheet as well.
"Everyone knows it's our target to get back to the Champions League. I'm expecting Djurgardens to win their game - they are a strong team. We expect a tough game but we have to focus on the league and take it from there."
What's next?
Celtic visit Dundee United on Saturday evening and return to Champions League qualifying action in Glasgow next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Runar Kristinsson's KR Reykjavik will enter the Europa League second qualifying round, which will take place in September.