bbc--2020-07-08--Coronavirus: Spain's holiday islands shake off party image

As Spain scrambles to save its vital tourism industry from the threat of a blank year due to the Covid-19 pandemic , some sense an opportunity to change perceptions about Spanish holidays and start a move upmarket that has been long on the agenda .
If tourism is vitally important to the Spanish economy , accounting for 12 % of GDP , nowhere is it more crucial than in the Balearic Islands , where it represents 35 % of the region 's economic output .
Normally , June would see the beaches of Majorca , Ibiza and the archipelago 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who made up the bulk of the more than 16 million visitors the region received in 2019 .
This year only got started with a batch of just over 5,000 Germans , given special permission to stay in the Palma Beach resort on Majorca as a pilot scheme to test Spain 's emergency protocols for safe tourism in the Covid-19 age .
`` We are very pleased with the pilot programme , and our customers have been able to see that holidays are possible with safety .
`` People are wearing face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter the restaurant , and in the bathroom the taps are electric so you do n't have to touch them , '' says Juan Miguel Ferrer , chief executive of Palma Beach .
`` The peace and quiet is actually wonderful , '' tourist Martin Bröcker told German media .
Praising the temperature checks at the airport and extra measures in the local hotels , he said : `` whoever wants to go on holiday to Majorca has to help ensure there 's no new outbreak . ''
Although flights to Majorca are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 40 % of a normal summer , the atmosphere at Palma Beach is set to remain considerably more sedate than other years .
Mr Ferrer accepts that the Covid-19 effect will accelerate the existing tendency towards less nightlife and more daytime experiences .
In June the Balearic Islands government announced that nocturnal excesses would not be a part of this summer .
There are strict rules limiting opening times and conditions in pubs and clubs , and nightclubs are banned from operating at all in Magaluf and Palma Beach on Majorca as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resorts that have become notorious for so-called `` booze tourism '' .
• Five places tackling too much tourism '' There wo n't be that kind of mass tourism because those places are not going to open ; it 's a clear message , '' says Iago Negueruela , the Balearic minister for the economy , labour and tourism .
`` We had already started a process and it is irreversible .
The pubs wo n't open this year .
We are no longer going to receive or tolerate that kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for themselves and others . ''
Mr Negueruela highlights the law against `` tourism of excesses '' that his government introduced at the start of the year , banning pub crawls and happy hours .
End of an era for 'booze tourism ' ?
The current situation can only accelerate the end of what he says is a mere remnant of a bygone age , the minister argues .
`` Our hotel sector has already staked out its preference for quality and not just numbers , but the perception does not always accompany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transformation has been taking place , with a focus on five-star hotels , its beaches and gastronomy . ''
Industry leaders recognise that Covid-19 may make crowding a taboo for all future visitors .
`` Some elements of this crisis might be temporary , like face masks , '' says Andreu Serra , tourism chief for the Mallorca Council island administration .
`` But this is also an opportunity to improve our care of tourists , by using technology to control numbers so we know when beaches will be full , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Time to turn away from tourism ?
Not everyone is sighing in relief at the return of tourists to Majorca and the other islands .
Local environmentalists criticise the over-dependence on a sector that has transformed the archipelago 's landscape , while creating employment that is largely low-paid and seasonal in nature as property prices and even rents skyrocket beyond the means of most employees .
For Antoni Pallicer Mateu , a member of publishing collective Tot Inclòs that aim to inform on tourism 's impact on the islands , Balearic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoners to a sector `` that is so vulnerable to instability '' and whose use of resources is such that almost all other needs have to be imported .
`` Now it 's a pandemic , but in the near future it could be a climate or energy crisis , or simply a crisis in our main markets of Germany and the UK , '' argues Mr Pallicer Mateu .
`` Tourism benefits tour operators , agencies , hotel chains , rental companies like Airbnb , and also a Majorcan middle class who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is benefiting the working class and small businesses less and less .
Mass tourism is driving us towards unsustainability and an environmental and even social collapse . ''
In the Balearic high season , the population of the islands usually doubles due to tourism , as the one million residents are matched by a million tourists .
Little wonder , then , that registered unemployment in May was double the normal amount for that month , at 75,000 .
`` We have tourism dependency , and we will for another 15 years at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been developed , '' says Mr Ferrer , noting that the non-services part of the economy only covers 15 % of Balearic GDP .
`` It 's a moment of political opportunity to criticise tourism right now , but that 's what is paying people 's wages every month , '' Mr Ferrer continues .
`` I doubt many of our waiters and waitresses who have been out of work these past few months would subscribe to this point of view . ''

For Antoni Pallicer Mateu, a member of publishing collective Tot Inclòs that aim to inform on tourism's impact on the islands, Balearic citizens and in particular Majorcans have become prisoners to a sector "that is so vulnerable to instability" and whose use of resources is such that almost all other needs have to be imported.


bbc--2020-07-08--Anonymous letters providing solace in the pandemic

When the letter arrived at Daniel Guzmán 's doorstep , it provided him with a glimmer of hope during one of the hardest moments of his life .
`` Keep going , when this is all over , you will walk out of the house with your head held high and your heart willing to give the best of you , '' it read .
It was signed simply `` Niña Peregrina '' ( Spanish for `` Wandering Girl '' ) Niña Peregrina 's was one one of hundreds of letters that have been exchanged by complete strangers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's months-long quarantine .
The anonymous letter exchange is part of a project by a network of libraries in the city .
Called `` Love In the Time of Coronavirus '' , it is inspired by Gabriel García Márquez 's novel Love in the Time of Cholera .
The novel by Colombia 's Nobel Prize winner tells the story of a couple who fall in love in their youth but who are forced to stop courting when the girl 's father finds out about their secret relationship .
For the next five decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You may also be interested in : When the libraries in Medellín closed as part of the measures brought in to curb the spread of coronavirus , Bibiana Álvarez decided to play with the idea that García Márquez had laid out decades before .
She and other community leaders put out a call for residents to send in anonymous letters of friendship , love or support .
Whenever the team receives a letter , they decorate it and then send it on to someone who has also sent in a missive .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recipient nor writer are told each other 's identity .
Ms Álvarez says the idea is to show both writers and recipients that `` words have a lot of power '' and that they can convey a sense of togetherness .
`` Writing has been incredibly powerful , [ it acts ] as a sort of catharsis , they can burn off steam , and they feel that they 're not alone , '' she says .
She says that even with the distance imposed by the lockdown , the letters make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others feel the same way they do '' .
Ms Álvarez did not know whether the idea would take off , but hundreds of letters soon flooded in .
Among them was one from 30-year-old Daniel .
His wife was four-months pregnant when the first cases of coronavirus were being reported Colombia in March .
Despite three months of lockdown , the number of cases has continued to rise steadily and now stands at more than 95,000 .
Worry became their new normal .
`` There are so many things that go through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couple 's concerns .
`` It 's been really terrifying for my wife and it 's been very difficult for us to think about when she gives birth . ''
He had been reading a book about knights and kings when he saw the call for letters and decided to write his missives in the voice of a fictional character he named Cardinal Cervantes de Guzmán .
`` I miss your eyes , blue as the sky , during these grey days of confinement .
I still have in my memory that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ca n't forget your aroma ... that mixture of the city in chaos with beautiful lavender landscapes .
I want to see you again , even if I 'm not sure when that reunion will be , '' he wrote , signing the letter `` eternally yours , Cardinal Cervantes de Guzmán '' .
Daniel describes his character as someone who is dreaming of old memories and longing for a love he was separated from .
While some take the opportunity to compose poems or pen fictional tales like Daniel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to write words of encouragement .
Daniel , the recipient of Niña Peregrina 's missive , thinks that `` these letters arrive in the moments you need them the most '' .
Bibiana Álvarez says providing comfort in a time of crisis was just one of the project 's goals .
The other was to preserve the stark realities of the moment in people 's own words .
Public libraries have played an important role in Medellín 's history .
In the 1980s and 1990s the city was at the heart of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Murder rates were through the roof but that started to change as the city began to invest in public projects in the city 's most dangerous areas .
• Murder in Medellin and the bet that changed a life A metro system offered a safe mode of transport and libraries became safe spaces for communities accustomed to living under constant threat .
`` It 's the libraries that have been on the ground when other institutions have closed in times of violence , '' Ms Álvarez explains .
`` In moments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 've been there for their communities . ''
Now , with the Americas the new epicentre of the coronavirus , she says they hope to continue fulfilling that same role even as they have to find innovative ways to connect with people .
She is especially keen to reach families in poorer areas .
Before the lockdown , staff would go to rural zones outside Medellín to lend books and read to families without access to a library .
The project , called `` Palabras Viajeras '' ( Spanish for Travelling Words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do not have access to the internet , staff are sending videos of themselves reading over the popular messaging platform , WhatsApp , or calling the families directly and reading to them out loud .
`` I do n't know if we can see a light at the end of the tunnel yet but we have hope that things are going to be okay , '' she says .

"I miss your eyes, blue as the sky, during these grey days of confinement. I still have in my memory that wonderful sound of you laughing out loud, I can't forget your aroma... that mixture of the city in chaos with beautiful lavender landscapes. I want to see you again, even if I'm not sure when that reunion will be," he wrote, signing the letter "eternally yours, Cardinal Cervantes de Guzmán".


bbc--2020-07-08--Inside the turbulent relaunch of Okayplayer: 'It all just came tumbling down'

June was an unforgettable month for Rachel Hislop .
Just not in the way she expected .
For the last two years , she 's been plotting the relaunch of the ground-breaking and influential hip-hop website Okayplayer .
Once one of America 's most popular online music destinations , its reputation had dipped in recent years ; and Hislop , who 'd made her name working with Beyoncé , was brought in to make it relevant again .
By the start of 2020 , plans were in place .
New writers had been hired , photoshoots were booked and interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scattered her staff .
Then the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor irrevocably changed the site 's editorial goals .
Then her CEO , Abiola Oke , was forced to resign amid allegations of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment .
`` It all just came tumbling down , '' Hislop tells the BBC .
• Is black entertainment having its # MeToo moment ?
We spoke to the editor-in-chief twice for this article .
The first interview took place a few days after Okayplayer 's relaunch , when Hislop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together the new site through `` the fog of fatigue and trauma '' .
The second came a week later , after the allegations against Oke had come to light .
That time , she was more reserved .
The intervening seven days had not been easy .
`` I learned of the allegations as they rolled out on Twitter , '' she says .
`` And , you know , as someone who has dealt with similar situations in my personal life , it knocked me clear off of my feet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The importance of Okayplayer in the early days of online music culture is hard to overstate .
Established by The Roots ' drummer Ahmir `` Questlove '' Thompson and author Angela Nissel in 1999 , it was one of the first places where fans could interact directly with artists online - four years before MySpace and six before YouTube .
Initially conceived as a promotional tool for The Roots and their associated acts , it thrived because of its messageboards , where topics included `` The Lesson '' , a deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Popcorn , '' for movie discussions ; and `` Okay-activist , '' which centred around political activism .
`` OKP was the first place where you could talk to other black people from all over the country who shared your experiences and interests , '' rapper Phonte Coleman , a regular poster on the message boards , told The Undefeated earlier this year .
`` OKP removed the stigma of talking to strangers on the internet because we had the shared bond of music .
If you were a Prince fan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Prince fans .
OKP is where you can find bigger music nerds than me .
And I 'm a big music nerd . ''
The community , like many early internet chatrooms , was unusually supportive .
Members organised interstate carpools , promoted each other 's art and formed political action groups .
But as the conversation around music and black culture moved away from blogs and messageboards to Facebook and Twitter in , the site began to feel stale .
That 's where Hislop comes in .
Born and raised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working-class immigrant parents , she 'd fallen in love with magazines as a child .
Her mother , who worked for the union that serviced the L'Oreal building in New York , would bring home copies of 17 and Cosmo Girl .
`` I remember being like , 'What is this world ?
Who are these cool people in these pages ? '
'' she says .
`` It just was so far-fetched for me because I grew up in Brooklyn and everybody was very blue collar .
I 'd never seen anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of things .
But my mom would be like , 'Write letters to the addresses in there . '
So I was like , 11 years old writing letters to the editor !
`` It was n't until I was in my senior year of high school that I took a journalism class , and was like , 'Oh , this is a thing !
I love editing people and this red pen gives me power !
This is amazing ! '
'' While studying journalism at university , Hislop took a summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She quickly realised that , every time she returned to the office , the print team was dwindling while the website was growing - and started enrolling in classes that taught Photoshop and the web design software Dreamwaver .
`` And that was kind of like my edge , like , ' I know I 'm young , but I know the internet really , really well - please just give me a chance ! '
'' Her first job came at the Global Grind website , where she secured an exclusive interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him at a `` really fancy party wearing these pants that I had bought at the Gap for $ 7 '' .
`` I just approached him like , 'Hey I 'm a reporter , would you mind if I just asked you three questions ? '
and he was really welcoming . ''
What she did n't realise , as she sat on the bus ride home , filing the story on her mobile phone , was that Dre had n't spoken to the press for three years .
His quotes - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headphone brand , and a then-unknown rapper called Kendrick Lamar - would go around the world .
Hislop was quickly promoted to style editor at Global Grind .
Soon after , though , she received `` a mysterious call about a mysterious job for a mysterious person '' .
That person turned out to be Beyoncé .
Hislop was hired to run all of the star 's websites and social media channels , and she helped mastermind the online strategy for her 2016 album , Lemonade , which highlighted messages of social justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , celebrities were on social media but they were n't really using it to make statements , '' recalls Hislop .
`` We were able to work together to think about how we can use her digital voice for philanthropy , for everything , to really expand those messages about who she was as a person . ''
Although the job was successful and rewarding ( `` it was like really intense grad school , '' she says ) , Hislop was itching to get back into journalism .
So when Okayplayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity to take all the lessons she 'd learned about digital storytelling and apply them to a `` legacy brand '' .
As editor-in-chief , she wants to steer the site away from `` rolling news '' - the video premieres , gossip and squabbles that play out in real time on social media - and commission more coverage of culture , political , and social reform .
`` In the past we focused just on the music , '' she says .
`` We do n't have that luxury any more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough information for our readers to be fully informed , to understand the scope of the music that we 're presenting to them .
They have to have the backstory . ''
When the Covid-19 lockdown took effect in March , Hislop found herself reconfiguring Okayplayer from her teenage bedroom .
There , she commissioned digital cover stories with reggae artist Buju Banton and stars-in-the-making Chloe x Halle , reflecting her vision of a site that could `` provide the bridges that tie legacy to the new age '' .
But just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the publish button , George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis , triggering a huge wave of Black Lives Matter protests .
Hislop paused the relaunch and asked her staff a question : `` What is our role in this protest moment ? ''
It was a shrewd point .
The 1960s civil rights movement helped establish black-owned magazines like Ebony and Jet , which in turn helped set the tone of the conversation for black communities .
But in 2020 , citizens are mobilising and organising online .
Where does a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` It 's something I think about a lot , '' says Hislop .
`` There are different ways to lend a voice right now .
Some people need to be in the street , some people need to be on Twitter and some of us need to be documenting the things that are happening and making sure that we 're elevating the voices that are enacting that change . ''
Her approach was eventually inspired by the original incarnation of Okayplayer , which put the audience at the heart of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here and say that I know exactly what a low income person in Flint , Michigan is going through right now - but I do have a platform where we can reach out to people who are living those realities and allow them the space to write about these things from their point of view . ''
She adds that discovering and supporting new voices , especially minority voices , has got to become a priority for media companies across the board .
`` A lot of young black journalists burn out really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really because that mentorship is missing , '' she says .
`` It takes real systematic change within organisations to make sure that the black and brown people who are on the staff , that are telling these stories , feel supported .
That their ideas feel like they 're respected and that they 're not shut down all the time .
`` They might not come in with the cleanest [ writing ] on the first draft , that 's okay because they need these opportunities to understand what it 's like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it 's like to get that first click and then build from there .
`` We have to continue to get people in positions of power so that they can lift as they climb . ''
Hislop is in such a position right now - which is why it 's been so demoralising to have her achievements overshadowed by the exit of Okayplayer 's CEO .
The accusations against Abiola Oke surfaced just days after the website relaunched .
Ivie Ani , a former writer , posted a statement on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a lack of support and resources , below market salaries , inadequate leadership , targeting and sabotage , slander , verbal abuse , inappropriate behaviour , gaslighting , lack of empathy , manipulation , rationalising poor or unethical conduct and wrongful termination '' .
Other people came forward with similar allegations , including one woman who claimed Oke sexually harassed her .
He resigned the next day ; and later posted a lengthy statement saying he was `` deeply sorry '' for making black female colleagues `` feel invisible or silenced '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' denied sexual assault .
Hislop also responded , saying the accusations were `` a gut check '' , and acknowledging her own failures in speaking up for the victims , two of whom reported directly to her .
Behind the scenes , she went to the board of directors with a list of demands from her editorial team .
`` If they 're not met , '' she told them , `` I 'll step down . ''
Those demands were met and published online .
Among the provisions were the inclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and establishing an external , independent investigation into the company 's culture .
`` I regret not doing it sooner , '' she says , `` But I 'm doing my best right now to create a better environment for the people that are here , and an environment that they 're proud to create work in .
`` There 's no right answer , and there 's no answer that pleases everyone , but I 'm just trying to lead with humanity and compassion and hope that this brings us where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"It just was so far-fetched for me because I grew up in Brooklyn and everybody was very blue collar. I'd never seen anyone who looked like me doing these types of things. But my mom would be like, 'Write letters to the addresses in there.' So I was like, 11 years old writing letters to the editor!


bbc--2020-07-08--Killing Eve: How author Luke Jennings created Villanelle

`` She came to me fully formed and it was clear , adventures needed to be made for her . ''
Luke Jennings is the person who created the captivating , but equally terrifying , Villanelle .
Her adventures on paper turned into the hugely popular television show Killing Eve .
It 's become one of the BBC iPlayer 's most streamed shows of all time , and series three has been a huge hit on iPlayer during lockdown .
But we do n't often hear from the man who thought up Villanelle 's world .
It was back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some short novels and the assassin was brought to life .
Luke says Villanelle 's name , her Russian background and her questionable occupation just came to him and `` she did n't enormously change '' from there .
`` I 'd often thought of the idea of never having to worry about money , '' he explains .
`` You could live the life you wanted but in return you have to every so often , just go and kill someone .
`` She is the person who says 'Yes ' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suits her , it really works for her . ''
Villanelle is a cold-blooded murderer but for the character to work she needed to have some redeeming qualities .
`` I always wanted to see how far I could push it , and how appalling I could make the character and have people still root for her , '' Luke says .
She 's clearly a psychopath but she is also intelligent , speaks many different languages and you would n't bet against her in a fight .
Then , there is her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's funny .
You could easily imagine having a fun night out with her .
But Luke thinks we are most drawn to how she lives her life - she is completely carefree .
`` There 's no part of her life that she is n't in charge of , '' he says .
`` Here is somebody who is notionally answerable to her boss , but does what she likes and lives exactly the life that she wants .
`` And just at the end of doing some really gruesome killing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the sunlight and moves on . ''
Whether it is designer gowns , power suits , expensive blouses or even fancy dress , Villanelle has a knack of pulling off every outfit she puts on .
There are countless articles on why she is such a style icon and how you can recreate her various looks for half the price .
And while Luke was n't in charge of the clothes we see on screen , he says it was an integral part of the character he wrote .
It helps us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice things '' and how killing people is a small inconvenience on the way to buying everything she wants .
`` She likes her clothes and this is what this series caught very accurately , '' Luke says .
`` I was always very specific about the clothes and the fact she dresses for herself .
`` It 's not to attract other people , it 's not to attract attention or men , she just buys things just because she can . ''
This is also seen in what she eats - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any sort of diet , she is always seen tucking into cakes , ice-creams , that massive bowl of pasta .
Villanelle has killed a huge number of people and for the most part walked away without anyone noticing .
So how do you write these seemingly perfect murders for your character ?
Luke approaches it as a problem to solve , so he asks himself these questions : How does she get in there ?
How does she do it ?
What weapon ?
How does she leave no trail and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to solve every aspect , one by one , '' he explains .
`` That 's part of the the fun of writing the character .
It 's slightly different in the TV series but I made all those kills actually work in the books .
`` People read books slowly and think about it , so you have to work out every step of the way . ''
In order to counteract the madness of Villanelle , Luke says it was crucial there was someone to balance her out .
So in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she needed an antagonist to represent the rest of us , '' he explains .
`` To represent the world and ordinary life .
`` Where Villanelle represents everything extreme , everything that is unbalanced , Eve is the rest of us - she burns the toast , she stumbles along doing the best she can . ''
Eve also sees the likeable qualities that we as the audience do .
But more importantly , she makes Villanelle feel something , which makes the character more human .
When Luke Jennings ' book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a relatively unknown Phoebe Waller-Bridge was one of the names considered for writing the script .
`` I sort of ambushed her when she came out of a performance of Fleabag in the Soho theatre , '' Luke admits .
`` She 'd read the book and she was keen and wanted to do it .
`` We just went off to a cafe for the rest of the afternoon and talked .
It was great , we got on really well . ''
Inevitably , Phoebe helped shape the character we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of 18 months , they regularly chatted about all of the characters , whilst working on different projects .
`` Phoebe would ring me up at odd times with very vague questions like , 'What does Eve want to know ? ''
he laughs .
`` I would attempt to answer it and we would talk about all these different scenarios , send each other music clips . ''
They would also chat between themselves about the casting too .
And , they both agreed on one thing .
She has won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role as Villanelle - it 's hard to imagine anyone else playing her now .
But there was an audition process and Luke saw four different actresses ' screen tests .
They all had to perform the psych test scene when Villanelle wears the pink dress in the first series .
`` What you see now , that French-Russian accent , the manic presence and the off-the-wall delivery , that was all Jodie , '' explains Luke .
`` She was n't being directed , she had worked that out by herself just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three others , all of whom were great in their own way , but afterwards Phoebe and I were talking and we both said 'It has to be Jodie ' - and it was . ''
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"There were three others, all of whom were great in their own way, but afterwards Phoebe and I were talking and we both said 'It has to be Jodie' - and it was."


bbc--2020-07-08--Metropolitan Police apologises to sprinter Williams over stop-and-search

Team GB sprinter Bianca Williams has received an apology from the Met Police after she and her partner were pulled over in their car in a stop-and-search .
Ms Williams 's three-month-old son was also in the car on Saturday when it was stopped in Maida Vale .
Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick told a committee of MPs officers had visited Ms Williams to apologise for `` distress '' caused by the stop .
The force has also launched a review of its handcuffing practices , she added .
Footage of the stop-and-search has been shared widely on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and her partner Ricardo dos Santos , a Portuguese international 400m runner , because they are black and were driving a Mercedes .
They say police handcuffed them while their son was in the car .
• What are my rights if I 'm stopped and searched ?
Despite two reviews by the force 's directorate of professional standards , Dame Cressida said the force had found no misconduct by its officers .
However , because of the public interest in the case , the Met has referred itself to the Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , Dame Cressida told the Home Affairs Select Committee : `` We apologised yesterday to Ms Williams and I apologise again for the distress this stop clearly caused her .
`` I think all of us watching could empathise with somebody who is stopped in a vehicle , who has a young child in the back , who does not probably know what exactly is going on , and is subsequently found , together with her partner , not to be carrying anything illicit . ''
Dame Cressida said she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Met 's handcuffing practices to make sure it has n't become a `` default '' , and has set up an `` oversight group '' looking at the use of force .
`` Every time we see a video that is of concern we review them , we see if there are any lessons to be learned , '' she told MPs .
How often are people handcuffed ?
In 2018-19 , police officers in England and Wales used handcuffs just over 300,000 times .
Around 16 % of those people cuffed were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look at people who were handcuffed relative to their population in the 2011 Census , black people were roughly six times more likely to be handcuffed than white people .
Not all people who get arrested are handcuffed and not all arrested people get handcuffed .
However , the ratio of handcuffing to arrests shows a great discrepancy between black and white people : • In 2018-19 , 452,000 white people were arrested and 210,000 were handcuffed • Over the same period , 60,000 black people were arrested and 49,000 were handcuffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in charge of the Territorial Support Group which conducted the stop , and local area commander Helen Harper , also informed Ms Williams about the IOPC referral and the next steps in the process .
But Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball told the committee that there had been `` good grounds '' for the car to be stopped and at that point the officers involved did not know who was in it .
Nothing was found in the search , which the Met said was carried out by officers patrolling the Maida Vale area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving weapons .
The force also said the vehicle was seen driving suspiciously , including on the wrong side of the road , and that the driver sped off when asked to stop .
But this account was rejected by Ms Williams , who has said she is considering legal action against the Met .
`` I feel very hurt by their actions , and to witness my partner being taken away and for me to be taken away from my son , my heart hurts , '' she said this week .

"I think all of us watching could empathise with somebody who is stopped in a vehicle, who has a young child in the back, who does not probably know what exactly is going on, and is subsequently found, together with her partner, not to be carrying anything illicit."


bbc--2020-07-08--Tottenham midfielder Dier banned for confronting fan

Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has been given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 for climbing over seats to confront a fan after a match in March .
The incident happened after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Norwich .
The Football Association ban rules the 26-year-old out of all but one of Tottenham 's remaining Premier League fixtures .
Dier has also been warned about his future conduct by the FA .
A statement said : `` The Tottenham player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were also threatening .
`` An independent regulatory commission subsequently found Eric Dier 's actions to be threatening . ''
The incident occurred on 4 March in the fifth-round tie following a penalty shootout in which Dier scored , but Spurs eventually lost .
Speaking at the time , Spurs manager Jose Mourinho said a fan had insulted Dier after the game .
What happened and how did the FA come to its ruling ?
Dier jumped over the pitchside barriers into the stand at the end of the game .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clambered over seats until he reached the top row of seats in front of the hospitality boxes .
Another video shows him being restrained by fans and security , while shouting `` he 's my brother '' .
He is then led away by security with his arm around a fan .
The fan later said in a statement to the police , who took no action following an investigation , that he had `` been an idiot '' .
Dier , who has 40 England caps , argued during the hearing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban as he just wanted to `` protect '' his brother Patrick who he believed was `` in trouble '' , but the panel disagreed .
In a written statement , the independent regulatory panel outlined a number of aggravating factors : • The stand was heavily populated by spectators .
• Dier travelled an appreciable distance for a not insignificant period of time trying to reach the spectator - it was a determined and sustained attempt to get to the spectator .
• He pursued the spectator after he had desisted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spectator when he knew he posed no threat to his brother .
• Dier 's actions caused some pushing and shoving in the stands • Dier 's actions resulted in a melee at the entrance of exit 103 .
• He is a high profile footballer , whose conduct was witnessed by many within the ground and countless others more widely .
• Disability and Me : Alex Brooker explores what it really means to be disabled in the UK

Last updated on .From the section Tottenham
Dier denied his behaviour was "threatening" and told a hearing he was protecting his brother
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has been given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 for climbing over seats to confront a fan after a match in March.
The incident happened after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Norwich.
The Football Association ban rules the 26-year-old out of all but one of Tottenham's remaining Premier League fixtures.
Dier has also been warned about his future conduct by the FA.
'I prefer no reaction' - Mourinho reacts to Dier ban
A statement said: "The Tottenham player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City in the FA Cup were improper but denied that they were also threatening.
"An independent regulatory commission subsequently found Eric Dier's actions to be threatening."
The incident occurred on 4 March in the fifth-round tie following a penalty shootout in which Dier scored, but Spurs eventually lost.
Speaking at the time, Spurs manager Jose Mourinho said a fan had insulted Dier after the game.
Following the announcement the Portuguese boss refused to comment on the ban to avoid "getting into trouble" but did confirm that the club would not be appealing.
"If you appeal you have other risks. At least let's start next season without a suspension," Mourinho added.
"We all know how it works with the FA decisions. I don't think we will appeal."
What happened and how did the FA come to its ruling?
Dier jumped over the pitchside barriers into the stand at the end of the game. He made a beeline for a fan and clambered over seats until he reached the top row of seats in front of the hospitality boxes.
Another video shows him being restrained by fans and security, while shouting "he's my brother". He is then led away by security with his arm around a fan.
The fan later said in a statement to the police, who took no action following an investigation, that he had "been an idiot".
Dier, who has 40 England caps, argued during the hearing that his actions did not deserve a football ban as he just wanted to "protect" his brother Patrick who he believed was "in trouble", but the panel disagreed.
In a written statement, the independent regulatory panel outlined a number of aggravating factors:


bbc--2020-07-08--Scotland can win Six Nations 'in next two or three years' - ex-captain Laidlaw

Scotland can win the Six Nations `` in the next two or three years '' , says former captain Greig Laidlaw .
The Scots have failed to mount a meaningful title challenge since last winning the tournament in 1999 when it was still the Five Nations .
But Laidlaw thinks the pieces are falling into place for Gregor Townsend 's side .
`` They need to just keep making strides , '' Laidlaw told the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast .
`` Scotland can win the Six Nations in the next two or three years , in my opinion .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't get too far ahead of ourselves .
`` If we win one game that 's fine , but park it and move on to the next one .
When we had that good win over Ireland at Murrayfield in 2017 under Vern Cotter , we went to Paris the next week and put in a poor collective performance as a team .
`` It was almost like , 'Well , we 've beaten Ireland so we 're going to be all right this year ' .
There are no easy games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it and I 'm certainly excited .
You 've still got Stuart Hogg , hopefully Finn Russell can come back into the fold and you 've got Adam Hastings as well who has done well in the Six Nations .
Jamie Ritchie and these other young forwards have plenty of energy to come through and put Scotland in a good spot . ''
Laidlaw has signed a two-year deal to move to Japan with Shining Arcs next season having left French side Clermont Auvergne .
The former Edinburgh scrum-half retired from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Cup having earned 76 caps and scored 714 Test points .
When his playing career ends , a move into coaching would seem an obvious move for Laidlaw , who captained Scotland more than any other player , and he admits he has ambitions to coach his country in the future .
`` If I was going into it I would n't want to do it half-hearted , '' he said .
`` I 'd be going in for a top job eventually .
If you 're going in , you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love to coach Scotland one day .
There 's obviously a long way to go .
I 've proved nothing on the coaching front .
`` It 's all well talking about it and anybody can say they would be a good coach .
But I 'm a big believer in you 've got to start at the bottom , earn your stripes and work your way up .
That 's how I looked at my own rugby career and it would n't be any different if I do end up going into @ @ @ @ @

Adam Hastings celebrates scoring a try in Scotland's Six Nations match against Italy in Rome in February
Scotland can win the Six Nations "in the next two or three years", says former captain Greig Laidlaw.
The Scots have failed to mount a meaningful title challenge since last winning the tournament in 1999 when it was still the Five Nations.
But Laidlaw thinks the pieces are falling into place for Gregor Townsend's side.
"They need to just keep making strides," Laidlaw told the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast.
"Scotland can win the Six Nations in the next two or three years, in my opinion. It's the old thing with Scotland - don't get too far ahead of ourselves.
"If we win one game that's fine, but park it and move on to the next one. When we had that good win over Ireland at Murrayfield in 2017 under Vern Cotter, we went to Paris the next week and put in a poor collective performance as a team.
"It was almost like, 'Well, we've beaten Ireland so we're going to be all right this year'. There are no easy games.
"Scotland have got the players to do it and I'm certainly excited. You've still got Stuart Hogg, hopefully Finn Russell can come back into the fold and you've got Adam Hastings as well who has done well in the Six Nations. Jamie Ritchie and these other young forwards have plenty of energy to come through and put Scotland in a good spot."
'I'd love to coach Scotland one day'
Laidlaw has signed a two-year deal to move to Japan with Shining Arcs next season having left French side Clermont Auvergne. The former Edinburgh scrum-half retired from international duty after last year's Rugby World Cup having earned 76 caps and scored 714 Test points.
When his playing career ends, a move into coaching would seem an obvious move for Laidlaw, who captained Scotland more than any other player, and he admits he has ambitions to coach his country in the future.
"If I was going into it I wouldn't want to do it half-hearted," he said. "I'd be going in for a top job eventually. If you're going in, you're going all in.
"I'd love to coach Scotland one day. There's obviously a long way to go. I've proved nothing on the coaching front.
"It's all well talking about it and anybody can say they would be a good coach. But I'm a big believer in you've got to start at the bottom, earn your stripes and work your way up. That's how I looked at my own rugby career and it wouldn't be any different if I do end up going into some coaching roles."


bbc--2020-07-08--Two-time world champion Alonso 'proud' to return to F1

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1 Double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will return to the sport next year with Renault .
He will be returning to the team for whom he won his two titles in 2005 and 2006 .
`` It 's a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I 'm returning to the team that gave me my chance at the start of my career , '' he said .
Alonso added that Renault 's `` progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives for the 2022 season and I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the engineers to the mechanics and my team-mates .
`` The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium , as do I . ''
Renault F1 team principal and managing director Cyril Abiteboul said : `` The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault 's plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field .
`` His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least two years and there are options for him to continue beyond that .
He will partner the Frenchman Esteban Ocon , as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo , who is moving to McLaren .
Alonso is likely to have to accept that he will not be competitive in 2021 as F1 teams will have to use their 2020 cars next year , with minimal development , as a result of rule changes introduced because of the coronavirus crisis .
But Renault hope that major rule changes in 2022 , aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give them an opportunity to move closer to the front .
In addition to his two world titles , Alonso is the sixth most successful driver in F1 history in terms of wins with 32 .
He is regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers in the history of the sport .
After leaving F1 at the end of 2018 , Alonso has become a two-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours , adding victory in 2019 to his first win in 2018 , won the world endurance championship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rally .
He has set himself the target of winning motorsport 's so-called triple crown , for which he needs to add only the Indy 500 to the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans victories he has already achieved .
Alonso starred on his debut at Indy in 2017 , driving a McLaren-branded car run by Andretti Autosport .
But a second attempt last year with a newly established McLaren team ended in embarrassment , after he failed to qualify because of what the team admitted were a series of organisational failures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ race this year with McLaren , on the delayed date of 23 August .
• None Alex Brooker explores what it really means to be disabled in the UK

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Alonso won his world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006
Double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will return to the sport next year with Renault.
The Spaniard, 39 later this month, left F1 at the end of 2018 but always kept the door open for a potential comeback.
He will be returning with the team for whom he won his two titles in 2005-6.
"It's an extremely happy day for me coming back to F1 first but also to the team with which I had the best experience in the category," Alonso said.
Renault's progress back to the front stalled last year, when they slipped from fourth to fifth in the constructors' championship.
But Alonso said he believed that new rules, originally intended for 2021 but which have been delayed until 2022 as a result of the coronavirus crisis, gave the team the chance to return to competitiveness.
"Probably my first intention was to go out in 2018 and see how life was outside the bubble and have a think for the 2021 rules," Alonso said.
"This has been postponed one year because of Covid but still it's worth being in the sport in 2021 as a preparation for me after two years not driving these cars, and to build up with the team and have a good season.
"I know only one team will be winning in 2020 - and in 2021 probably - but I think the 2022 rules will hopefully bring some fairness to the sport and some close action with teams more level and less scope to invent something that has a large performance advantage.
"There is time to build on those projects. I am relaxed, I am aware of what 2021 will be and I'm hopeful for 2022."
Renault F1 team principal and managing director Cyril Abiteboul said: "His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached.
"His experience and determination will enable us to get the best out of each other to take the team towards the excellence that modern F1 demands.
"He will also bring to our team, which has grown very fast, a culture of racing and winning."
Alonso has signed for at least two years and there are options for him to continue beyond that.
He will partner the Frenchman Esteban Ocon, as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo, who is moving to McLaren.
Can Alonso win at 40?
In addition to his two world titles, Alonso is the sixth most successful driver in F1 history in terms of wins with 32, and is regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers in the history of the sport.
He will turn 40 midway through his first season back but he said he did not believe age would be a barrier.
"The stopwatch is the only thing that matters, not the age," Alonso said.
"I feel ready and I feel I'm at 100% in terms of driving.
"I did a couple of fitness tests 15 days a go and I had the best results in my career and I am motivated, happy and stronger than ever."
Alonso has kept himself busy since he left F1 at the end of 2018.
He has become a two-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, adding victory in 2019 to his first win in 2018, won the world endurance championship and also competed in this year's Dakar Rally.
He has set himself the target of winning motorsport's so-called triple crown, for which he needs to add only the Indy 500 to the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans victories he has already achieved.
Alonso starred on his debut at Indy in 2017, driving a McLaren-branded car run by Andretti Autosport.
But a second attempt last year with a newly established McLaren team ended in embarrassment after he failed to qualify because of what the team admitted were a series of organisational failures.
He is returning to America's biggest race this year with McLaren, on his delayed date in August.
He said he was "100% committed" to Indianapolis and would "start the serious job" with Renault in September.


bbc--2020-07-08--US surpasses three million coronavirus cases

More than three million people in the US have now tested positive for Covid-19 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Over 131,000 deaths have been reported , and on Tuesday the US broke its record for most new cases reported in one day .
Despite the rise , the White House wants to press forward on some reopenings , including for schools .
US Vice-President Mike Pence , who leads the White House Coronavirus Taskforce , argued rules should not be `` too tough '' .
Cases were flattening out , he said , while President Donald Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good place '' regarding the pandemic .
Over 60,000 new cases were reported Tuesday , shattering the previous highest tally of 55,220 new cases on 2 July .
• Things US has got wrong - and right • Where are the world 's coronavirus hotspots ?
The latest figures came as the states of California and Texas each reported more than 10,000 new daily cases .
Dr Anthony Fauci , an infectious disease expert and adviser to the White House on the coronavirus , said the country was still `` knee-deep '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking to reporters at the US Department of Education on Wednesday , Mr Pence defended the Trump administration 's response to the pandemic .
`` While we mourn with those who mourn , because of what the American people have done , because of the extraordinary work of our healthcare workers around the country , we are encouraged that the average fatality rate continues to be low and steady , '' he said after lowering his face mask .
He added that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Mr Trump criticised a plan put forward by the expert body as `` very tough and expensive '' and threatened to cut off funding to schools that do n't open in the autumn .
`` The president said today we just do n't want the guidance to be too tough , '' Mr Pence said .
`` That 's the reason why , next week , CDC is going to be issuing a new set of tools , five different documents that will be giving even more clarity on the guidance going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normally begin for the year in either August or early September .
The CDC 's guidelines suggest pupils and staff all wear face coverings and stay at home if necessary .
They also suggest schools should implement staggered timetables and socially distanced seating arrangements , and close communal spaces .
In Oklahoma , health officials in the city of Tulsa said President Trump 's campaign rally there last month and the protests that took place at the same time `` likely contributed '' to a spike in cases locally , the Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , we 've seen almost 500 new cases , and we had several large events just over two weeks ago , so I guess we just connect the dots , '' Tulsa City-County Health Department Director Dr Bruce Dart said .
The Trump campaign has not yet commented .
Meanwhile , two prestigious universities in the US are taking legal action against the government over an immigration rule they say will force international students to leave the country .
Under the rule , introduced by the Trump administration , foreign students would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if their colleges do n't hold in-person classes this autumn .
Much university teaching is shifting online during the pandemic .
Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) - two of the highest-ranking universities in the world - have now asked a federal court to block the rule .
Harvard President Lawrence Bacow said in an email to the Harvard community : `` We will pursue this case vigorously so that our international students - and international students at institutions across the country - can continue their studies without the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus-related news : • United Airlines warned that unless flights dramatically increase , the company would have to lay off nearly half of its workers - totalling some 36,000 employees • Houston 's Democratic mayor blocked the Texas Republican Party from holding its state convention in person , citing public safety concerns due to sharply rising virus cases • Ivy League colleges paused all sports until January , ending hopes that American Football games scheduled for autumn would go ahead • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• EUROPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?

"The president said today we just don't want the guidance to be too tough," Mr Pence said. "That's the reason why, next week, CDC is going to be issuing a new set of tools, five different documents that will be giving even more clarity on the guidance going forward."


bbc--2020-07-08--Alexander Vindman, witness 'bullied by Trump', quits US military

A senior official fired from the White House after testifying against Donald Trump during impeachment hearings has quit the military .
Lt Col Alexander Vindman was the victim of a `` campaign of bullying , intimidation and retaliation '' by the president , his lawyer said .
Lt Col Vindman 's `` concern '' over a phone call between Mr Trump and Ukraine 's president led to a Senate trial .
The Republican-majority Senate acquitted the president in February .
• Four numbers that explain why Trump was cleared What has Lt Col Vindman 's lawyer said ?
A statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of military service because his future would be `` forever limited '' .
His representative , David Pressman , said Lt Col Vindman had spoken publicly only once on the matter - under subpoena from Congress .
He said : `` LTC Vindman did what the law compelled him to do ; and for that he was bullied by the president and his proxies . ''
Mr Pressman added that he had `` put the interests of his country ahead of his own .
`` LTC Vindman 's patriotism has cost him his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , Senator and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth said she had still not been assured by Secretary of Defence Mark Esper that the White House would not interfere with Lt Col Vindman 's promotion to full colonel .
However , one senior US defence official told Reuters on Wednesday that Mr Esper had approved Lt Col Vindman 's promotion on Monday , and that the list of promotions was to be sent to the White House in the coming days .
There has been no response from the White House yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to his White House sacking ?
Testifying in Congress last November , Lt Col Vindman , the White House National Security Council 's top Ukraine expert , said he was `` concerned '' after hearing Mr Trump 's `` improper '' phone call on 25 July 2019 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
The call led to Mr Trump 's impeachment in December by the Democrat-majority House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
Democratic lawmakers argued that the president had dangled US aid in exchange for political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overcome his fear of retaliation in order to testify , Lt Col Vindman testified : `` Congressman , because this is America ... and here , right matters . ''
After the Senate acquittal , Lt Col Vindman was escorted from the White House .
President Trump tweeted at the time : `` Actually , I do n't know him , never spoke to him , or met him ( I do n't believe ! )
but , he was very insubordinate , reported contents of my 'perfect ' calls incorrectly , & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his superior , the man he reported to , who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement , adhering to the chain of command and leaking information .
In other words , 'OUT ' . ''

President Trump tweeted at the time: "Actually, I don't know him, never spoke to him, or met him (I don't believe!) but, he was very insubordinate, reported contents of my 'perfect' calls incorrectly, &. was given a horrendous report by his superior, the man he reported to, who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information. In other words, 'OUT'."


bbc--2020-07-08--Coronavirus: Harvard and MIT sue over US visa ruling

Two elite US universities are suing immigration services over a decision to withdraw visas from foreign students whose courses move fully online .
Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology filed the lawsuit against Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) .
Harvard President Lawrence Bacow said the visa move 's `` cruelty [ is ] surpassed only by its recklessness '' .
Many colleges are moving courses online amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Harvard had on Monday announced it would hold all classes online for the autumn term , with only 40 % of undergraduates housed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the federal law enforcement agency within Homeland Security , came shortly after that , saying students could face deportation unless they changed to an institution with in-person tuition .
President Donald Trump on Tuesday lashed out at Harvard , calling its move online `` ridiculous '' .
He has been adamant that US schooling should return to normal in the autumn term .
On Twitter on Wednesday , he issued a threat to funding if schools did not reopen : What 's in the two universities ' lawsuit ?
It was filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday morning , Harvard 's student newspaper , The Harvard Crimson , reported , seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against the visa decision .
The lawsuit argues that ICE 's move `` threw Harvard and MIT - indeed , virtually all of higher education in the United States - into chaos '' .
It says ICE 's action `` proceeded without any indication of having considered the health of students , faculty , university staff , or communities '' and leaves `` hundreds of thousands of international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States '' .
`` We believe that the ICE order is bad public policy , and we believe that it is illegal , '' , Mr Bacow said .
What does the visa move mean ?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Programme , which is operated by ICE , had introduced a temporary exemption to allow students whose courses had moved online for the spring and summer semesters to remain in the US .
However , the exemption will not be extended into the new academic year .
The decision affects students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and M-1 visas , according to the ICE statement .
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education , 9 % of US universities are planning to teach all their classes online in the autumn , although this could change in the coming months .
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren described ICE 's move as `` senseless , cruel , and xenophobic '' .
But President Trump railed at Harvard , saying of its online move : `` I think it 's ridiculous , I think it 's an easy way out and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Her added : `` It 's so important that children at this age especially that they 're together , that they 're together on campus and that 's what we 're striving for . ''
Who could be affected ?
The ruling applies to specific types of visa issued for academic study .
US government figures show that last year , more than 373,000 of these visas were granted .
The US had more than one million international students doing various graduate and undergraduate programmes in 2018-19 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's about 5.5 % of the total student community in the country .
Out of these , nearly three-quarters were from Asia - 48 % Chinese and 26 % Indians .
The IIE says that , according to the US Department of Commerce , international students contributed $ 45bn ( £36bn ) to the country 's economy .

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bbc--2020-07-08--Johnny Depp denies slapping ex-wife for laughing at his tattoo

Johnny Depp has denied he slapped ex-wife Amber Heard after she laughed at one of his tattoos , as he appeared at a hearing at London 's High Court .
He accused Ms Heard of `` building a dossier '' against him after the court heard she wrote an email describing him as a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde character .
Mr Depp , 57 , is suing the publisher of the Sun newspaper over an article that referred to him as a `` wife beater '' .
The Sun has defended the accuracy of its story .
It had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Depp attacked Ms Heard , 34 , during their relationship - which he strenuously denies .
Mr Depp is suing News Group Newspapers ( NGN ) and its executive editor Dan Wootton over the article , published in 2018 .
Ms Heard claims that Mr Depp first hit her in early 2013 - one of 14 separate allegations of domestic violence , all denied by Mr Depp , which are being relied on by NGN in their defence .
On the second day of the hearing , NGN 's lawyer Sasha Wass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an alleged incident in March 2013 involving one of his tattoos which reads `` Wino Forever '' .
It had originally said `` Winona Forever '' in reference to his relationship with actress Winona Ryder , but he had changed it when they split in 1993 .
Ms Wass said Ms Heard - who was also in court - had made a joke out of the tattoo at a time when he was drinking heavily after about 160 days of sobriety .
Ms Wass said the actor then slapped his ex-wife across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He denied this .
The barrister then put it to Mr Depp that he `` broke down '' after coming to his senses and realising what he had done , to which he said : `` I did n't hit Ms Heard . ''
The High Court also heard details of the email Ms Heard wrote to the actor - but never sent - saying he lived `` in a world of enablers '' .
It it , she said : `` It 's like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde .
Half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The other half scares me . ''
She wrote that she knew she was `` dealing with the monster '' when he had been drinking .
In response , Mr Depp , 57 , said the `` dossier '' was being built up from early on `` that appears to be an insurance policy for later '' .
He agreed he would describe the allegation he was a serial domestic abuser as a `` hoax '' , adding the claims were `` patently untrue '' .
The court heard about another alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Depp hit her several times after an argument about a painting by her ex-partner , Tasya van Ree , which was hanging in her Los Angeles home .
Ms Wass read out part of Mr Depp 's witness statement in which he said he had asked Ms Heard to remove the painting `` as a courtesy '' to him .
He said she had n't taken it down it but denied allegations put to him by Ms Wass that he tried to remove the painting and to set fire to it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true '' .
Mr Depp was asked whether he would describe himself as jealous .
He responded : `` I am , yes .
I can be jealous . ''
Ms Wass asked Mr Depp about an alleged incident on a flight from Boston to Los Angeles in May 2014 .
The barrister put it to Mr Depp that he had been `` screaming obscenities '' at Ms Heard on the plane and brought up the subject of fellow actor James Franco - whom Mr Depp `` suspected '' was having an affair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Depp threw ice cubes at Ms Heard , and was `` in a blind rage '' , becoming so angry he slapped her across the face .
Mr Depp denied that happened , or that he called Ms Heard a `` slut '' and a `` whore '' .
The barrister suggested the actor went to the toilet of the plane , where he passed out .
Mr Depp said in response : `` As Ms Heard was berating me , screaming at me and whatnot , as is her wont , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that he then `` grabbed a pillow from the couch and slept on the bathroom floor '' .
Ms Wass asked about an incident in which Ms Heard 's dog `` had eaten some hash , some cannabis - quite a lot '' .
The actor replied : `` The puppy got a hold of a little ball of hashish and just scooped it up before I could get to it . ''
The court has also heard about an alleged incident in which it is claimed Mr Depp held another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a car window , which he dismissed as `` utter falsity '' .
On the first day of the libel case the court heard that Mr Depp denied being violent towards his ex-wife and accused Ms Heard of being violent towards him .
NGN previously tried to have the case thrown out , but Mr Justice Nicol ruled last week the case could go ahead .
The case arose out of the publication of an article on the Sun 's website headlined : `` Gone Potty : How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the new Fantastic Beasts film ? ''
The Sun 's original article related to allegations made by the actress , who was married to the Pirates of the Caribbean star from 2015 to 2017 .
Witnesses including Mr Depp 's former partners Vanessa Paradis and Winona Ryder are expected to give evidence via video link , and the hearing is expected to last for three weeks .
Mr Depp , has been Oscar and Bafta-nominated and won a Golden Globe in 2008 for Sweeney Todd : The Demon Barber of Fleet Street @

He said she hadn't taken it down it but denied allegations put to him by Ms Wass that he tried to remove the painting and to set fire to it, saying each time they were "not true".


bbc--2020-07-08--Why monuments in the US are being taken down

Council leaders in a Mississippi city named after President Andrew Jackson have voted to remove a statue of him , @ @ @ @ @ reconsider statues of people with ties to slavery or the Confederacy .
There has been @ @ @ @ @ the statues being discussed , but it was recently ignited again after the death of @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter marches .
The removal of statues is n't just happening in the @ @ @ @ @ Winston Churchill in London 's Parliament Square was vandalised and was later boarded up for @ @ @ @ @ King Leopold II have been removed in Belgium .

Council leaders in a Mississippi city named after President Andrew Jackson have voted to remove a statue of him, in the latest move to reconsider statues of people with ties to slavery or the Confederacy.
There has been long debate around many of the statues being discussed, but it was recently ignited again after the death of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter marches.
The removal of statues isn't just happening in the US. The statue of Winston Churchill in London's Parliament Square was vandalised and was later boarded up for protection, while statues of King Leopold II have been removed in Belgium.


bbc--2020-07-08--Coronavirus in Australia: Melbourne begins new shutdown

Australia 's second-largest city has begun a second lockdown in response to a spike in new coronavirus infections .
Melbourne 's five million residents will be barred from leaving home for six weeks , except for essential reasons .
Police say they are setting up a `` ring of steel '' around the city , with `` checkpoints anytime and anywhere '' to enforce the measures .
Borders between Victoria , of which Melbourne is the capital , and neighbouring states closed on Tuesday .
`` The rest of the country knows that the sacrifice that you 're going through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your own family , but it 's for the broader Australian community , '' he said during a news conference .
Mr Morrison also said he was proposing measures to slow the return of Australian nationals from overseas .
Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews announced the Melbourne lockdown on Tuesday after the state saw 191 new infections , its highest daily number since the pandemic began .
Wednesday 's figure was down to 134 , but still much higher than numbers in the rest of the country .
Australia has recorded almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
• The 3,000 Australians under police guard at home Meanwhile , Australian media reported that passengers on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney disembarked on Tuesday night without being screened .
New South Wales state has banned travel from the greater Melbourne area except under exceptional circumstances , and the passengers should have been required to self-isolate for two weeks .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• STRESS : How to look after your mental health What are the new restrictions ?
People will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to leave for essential reasons , such as for work , exercise and shopping for food and other necessities .
Schools will largely return to distance learning and restaurants will , once again , only be permitted to serve takeaway food .
However , shops and hairdressers will remain open .
The lockdown covers only Melbourne and an area to the north called the Mitchell Shire , but the state as a whole has been sealed off from the neighbouring states of New South Wales and South Australia .
Police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and patrol the vast borders with drones and other aircraft .
As of Thursday , they will also be doing random checks on vehicles in and around the city .
How did it come to this ?
For months Australia had felt optimistic about containing Covid-19 , then came the resurgence of the virus in Melbourne .
At the weekend , Melbourne authorities locked down about 3,000 people living in nine housing-estate tower blocks after at least 23 cases of infection were found .
Dozens more have been found since .
Residents were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any circumstances for five days .
A looser lockdown was placed on about 300,000 city residents , now extended to the whole city .
What concerns the authorities is that local transmission is now the key source of infections .
Previously , most cases came from travellers returning from overseas .
Other Australian states have dramatically slowed or eradicated the virus , but in Victoria private security guards overseeing hotel quarantines reportedly broke the rules .
Mr Andrews described cases of illegal socialising between staff , listing examples of workers sharing a cigarette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported claims of sex between guards and quarantined travellers .
The government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the state 's quarantine operation and has fired contractors .
Have you been placed under stay-at-home restrictions in Melbourne ?
Tell us about your experience by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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Coronavirus in Australia: Melbourne begins new shutdown Published 9 July 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A Melbourne resident confined to his home in a locked-down building
Australia's second-largest city has begun a second lockdown in response to a spike in new coronavirus infections.
Melbourne's five million residents will be barred from leaving home for six weeks, except for essential reasons.
Police say they are setting up a "ring of steel" around the city, with "checkpoints anytime and anywhere" to enforce the measures.
Borders between Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, and neighbouring states closed on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to Melburnians' resilience on Wednesday.
"The rest of the country knows that the sacrifice that you're going through right now is not just for you and your own family, but it's for the broader Australian community," he said during a news conference.
Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews announced the Melbourne lockdown on Tuesday after the state saw 191 new infections, its highest daily number since the pandemic began.
Wednesday's figure was down to 134, but still much higher than numbers in the rest of the country.
"I think people are definitely more scared this time. People are acting more erratic - you can see that on the roads, at the shops," one resident, Gael Baek, told the BBC.
Australia has recorded almost 9,000 cases and 106 deaths from the virus.
On Wednesday, the Melbourne outbreak was linked to three cases in the Australian Capital Territory and one in New South Wales.
What are the new restrictions?
People will be kept to their homes and will only be able to leave for essential reasons, such as for work, exercise and shopping for food and other necessities.
Schools will largely return to distance learning and restaurants will, once again, only be permitted to serve takeaway food. However, shops and hairdressers will remain open.
The lockdown covers only Melbourne and an area to the north called the Mitchell Shire. But the state as a whole has been sealed off from neighbouring New South Wales and South Australia.
Police and troops have been stationed at dozens of border crossings and patrol the vast borders with drones and other aircraft.
As of Thursday, they will also be doing random checks on vehicles in and around the city.
Brief taste of normality gone
Ellie Cobb, BBC in Melbourne
As Melbourne heads into its second major lockdown, the vibe is one of resilience tinged with anxiety for what's to come.
Once again, the local streets are empty, and people in socially distant queues outside coffee shops have a look of resignation. Restaurants are back to serving takeaway only.
One question on the lips of many is whether schools will go back after a week-long holiday extension or whether parents are facing another round of home schooling.
With 12 "hotspot" postcodes, mainly in the west and north of the city, already on lockdown for a week, the millions of Melburnians who have woken up to a new round of "stage three" restrictions are wondering why the spread wasn't better contained.
Many are finding it extra tough to have their movements curtailed again after a brief taste of normality, but there's an overarching sense that this is a key moment for the city to turn things around.
How did it come to this?
For months Australia had felt optimistic about containing Covid-19, but then came the resurgence of the virus in Melbourne.
Other Australian states have dramatically slowed or eradicated the virus, but in Victoria private security guards overseeing hotel quarantines reportedly broke the rules.
Mr Andrews described cases of illegal socialising between staff, such as workers sharing a cigarette lighter or car-pooling. Local media also reported claims of sex between guards and quarantined travellers.
On 2 July, a lockdown was placed on about 300,000 residents in "hotspot" suburbs. This has now been extended to the whole city.
On Saturday, the government also controversially locked down nine housing estate tower blocks after a cluster was found there. About 3,000 residents were confined to their homes.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Melbourne tower lockdown 'like being in prison'
Authorities have said they will lift that lockdown - Australia's toughest - once residents have been tested.
What concerns authorities now is that local transmission is the key source of infections. Previously, most cases had come from returning travellers.
How is the rest of Australia reacting?
Other states have shut their borders to Victoria. New South Wales is also considering isolating some of its towns on the border.
"Every resident in NSW should feel on high alert and should be extra careful," said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, citing her state's proximity to Victoria.
"We won't know for a few weeks whether there's been any level of community transmission bubbling away under the surface, as can happen easily, as Melbourne has demonstrated."
NSW has blamed airline Jetstar for allowing passengers on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney disembark on Tuesday without being screened. All of the passengers have since been tracked down.
Mr Morrison has said Australia may place limits on the return of nationals from overseas, as hotel quarantine operations near capacity.
The government has faced calls from the Australian Medical Association and others to recommend people in hotspots wear face masks.
Have you been placed under stay-at-home restrictions in Melbourne? Tell us about your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-07-08--University of California names first Black president

The University of California ( UC ) has named a black president for the first time in the public institution 's 150-year history .
Michael Drake , 69 , will lead one of the largest public university systems in the US beginning next month .
He takes the helm as budgets shrink and campus life for 280,000 UC students is upended by the Covid-19 outbreak .
Mr Drake will succeed Janet Napolitano , the former Arizona governor who became UC 's first female president in 2013 .
• How US fraternities and sororities are coping with virus Ms Napolitano described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one more step in our university 's ongoing effort to ensure that the university reflects the rich diversity of our state '' .
`` I recognise the significance of these firsts , '' she said .
`` I hope that this kind of leadership diversity at our nation 's universities will soon become commonplace . ''
His appointment comes as universities around the country grapple with issues of economic and racial diversity , and face uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic .
With a $ 40bn budget , multiple campuses and five medical centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the third largest employer in California .
However , the institution is facing steep budget cuts and demands for radical changes to its admissions process to include more black and Hispanic students .
A medical doctor by training , Mr Drake has worked within the UC system previously , acting as the University of California Irvine 's chancellor from 2005 to 2014 and as the system-wide vice-president for health affairs from 2000 to 2005 .
He later served as president of The Ohio State University from 2014 until stepping down this past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selection process , the UC Board of Regents unanimously approved Mr Drake 's appointment .
`` I 'm excited and ready to go , '' Mr Drake told the board before noting the challenges posed by Covid-19 , the threat of climate change , and `` the yawning wounds of social injustice that we see in so many ways that really tears at the fabric of our lives '' .
Ms Napolitano announced in May that all of UC 's campuses would be reopening in the fall for in-person classes , a contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning .
Last month , several colleges in the UC system , including UC Santa Barbara , UC San Diego and UC Berkeley outlined plans for students ' return , with limited in-person classes and expanded online options .

A medical doctor by training, Mr Drake has worked within the UC system previously, acting as the University of California Irvine's chancellor from 2005 to 2014 and as the system-wide vice-president for health affairs from 2000 to 2005. He later served as president of The Ohio State University from 2014, until stepping down this past week.


bbc--2020-07-08--Canada projects $343bn deficit amid Covid 'uncertainty'

Canada is projecting a $ 343bn ( $ 241bn , £200bn ) deficit - more than a 1000 % increase - for the upcoming fiscal year .
The government has been pumping money into the economy since March , to mitigate the effects of the pandemic .
It is the largest deficit , when compared to the country 's GDP , since World War Two .
About a third of the workforce is unemployed , and the economy is expected to shrink by almost 7 % this year .
The projections were released Wednesday as part of the government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a budget .
`` As we measure the cost of helping Canadians , we should n't forget that the cost of doing nothing would have been far more , '' said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a press briefing before the snapshot was unveiled .
In order to pay for the increased spending , the government expects to take on $ 1.2tr in debt , up from about C $ 768bn .
The government typically presents an itemised budget every March , but the budget for the 2020/2021 fiscal year was delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snapshot did not provide many details on how the money would be spent .
• What can the 2008 recession teach us about this one ?
`` Uncertainty is inherent in any forecast .
However , in the current context , uncertainty is magnified to unprecedented levels .
In addition to recovery being driven by public health outcomes , it may not follow historical patterns - crises can have a profound impact on economies that lead to permanent change , '' the snapshot noted .
The government did indicate it would expand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages for workers who have had their hours reduced .
It has already paid out about $ 80bn in individual emergency economic relief , and intends to spend a total of $ 82.3bn on the wage subsidy programme in the coming year .
Almost 6 million Canadians are out of work , or a third of the workforce , and the government expects the unemployment rate to stay at about 10 % for the rest of the year .
Last autumn , Finance Minister Bill Morneau projected the deficit for the upcoming year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a deficit of C $ 14bn two years ago , before Mr Trudeau 's Liberal Party won a second mandate .
But the coronavirus shutdown triggered the country 's biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression , says a press release from the finance minister .
Canadian Chamber of Commerce 's president and CEO , Perrin Beatty , said the deficit and added debt , which is worth nearly half the country 's GDP , will `` undermine Canada 's fiscal capacity for decades '' .
`` It is now time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response toward restoring economic growth and getting Canadians safely back to work , '' Mr Beatty said in a press release .
In June , Fitch Ratings , one of the US 's big-three credit rating agencies , downgraded Canada 's credit rating from AAA to AA+ .
The last time the country had its credit rating downgraded was in 1995 , from Moody 's Investors Service Inc. At the time , Canada 's debt-to-GDP was at about 66 % - the highest in the G7 - and interest rates were high .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 49 % , up from 31 % during last fiscal year , and interest rates are at historic lows .

"Uncertainty is inherent in any forecast. However, in the current context, uncertainty is magnified to unprecedented levels. In addition to recovery being driven by public health outcomes, it may not follow historical patterns - crises can have a profound impact on economies that lead to permanent change," the snapshot noted.


bbc--2020-07-08--Mary Kay Letourneau: Teacher who married boy she raped dies at 58

A former teacher from Washington state whose sexual encounters with a pupil led to a jail sentence and worldwide notoriety has died of cancer aged 58 .
Mary Kay Letourneau was convicted of second-degree child rape in 1997 after becoming pregnant by Vili Fualaau when he was 12 or 13 and she was 34 .
She gave birth to their second daughter in prison in 1998 .
After serving her prison term the couple married in 2005 .
They separated after 12 years of marriage .
Ms Letourneau 's lawyer David Gehrke told US media that she had died at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fualaau .
Ms Letourneau was a married mother-of-four living in Seattle when she began to have sexual encounters with her sixth-grade student .
She initially served just a few months in jail but after she was paroled she was caught having sex again with the young teenager .
The former teacher was returned to prison to serve another seven years .
Her two daughters with Mr Fualaau were initially raised by his family .
She had reportedly been ill for six months before her death .
She was the daughter of a conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His political career was ended by scandal when it emerged he had fathered two children out of wedlock .

She initially served just a few months in jail but after she was paroled she was caught having sex again with the young teenager.


bbc--2020-07-08--Brooks Brothers seeks bankruptcy protection amid pandemic

Brooks Brothers , one of America 's oldest clothing brands , has become the latest US retailer to file for bankruptcy protection .
The menswear company , which is more than 200 years old , sought court protection from creditors on Wednesday while it looks for a buyer .
It had already shut some stores and prepared to close its US factories .
Known for its suits , it joins J Crew , JC Penney and Neiman Marcus as a business casualty of the pandemic .
The company dates back to 1818 and its clothes have been worn by dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kennedy and Barack Obama .
It operates about 500 stores globally , roughly half of which are in the US , and employs more than 4,000 people .
Since 2001 , it has been owned by Italian businessman Claudio Del Vecchio , whose family founded Luxottica .
It was owned by Marks & Spencer between 1988 and 2001 .
The firm , which has suffered as more causal office attire has become the norm and online competition increased , had been exploring a sale before the pandemic struck .
It said it expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few months .
`` Industry headwinds were only intensified by the pandemic , '' Mr Del Vecchio said .
`` Seeking protection to facilitate an efficient sale of the business is the best next step for the company to achieve its goals , over any other alternative . ''
Brooks Brothers styles itself as a classic American brand .
It claims credit for popularising `` preppy '' men 's staples in the US , including madras prints , seersucker suits , argyle socks and the ever-present button-down shirt .
In a court filing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both assets and liabilities between $ 500m and $ 1bn .
In an interview with the New York Times last month discussing the three US factory closures , Mr Del Vecchio said the firm was taking steps to ensure its survival .
It employed nearly 700 people at the plants in New York , Massachusetts and North Carolina .
In addition , the company had already said it would close 51 stores in the US .
`` At this moment , all resources need to be maintained and saved to make sure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crisis , '' he said .

The firm has struggled as more casual office attire has become the norm and online competition has increased. The sale of the business was being explored as a possibility, before the pandemic struck. The company said it expected to complete the process in the next few months.


bbc--2020-07-08--Texas set to resume prisoner executions amid pandemic

Texas is set to resume executions on Wednesday after a five month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state .
Billy Joe Wardlow , 45 , is to be put to death for the the robbery and murder of a 82-year-old man in 1993 .
On Tuesday , Texas broke its single day record with over 10,000 new infections .
Texas is not the first state to resume executions after suspending them amid virus lockdowns across the country .
Missouri executed a prisoner on 19 May .
Since that May execution , no other condemned prisoners in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Associated Press news agency .
He was originally due to die on 29 April , but the date was pushed back due to the pandemic .
Wardlow is due to die by lethal injection on Wednesday evening .
His lawyers have filed petitions to the Supreme Court claiming that he was too young at the time of his crime - 18 year-old - to be given a death sentence .
His lawyers argue that developments in neuroscience prove that the human brain continues to develop into a person 's 20s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of scientists , argue that it would have been impossible to determine at the time of Wardlow 's sentencing whether he would ever offend again .
`` No technology or methodology available now or at the time of Mr Wardlow 's sentencing makes it possible reliably to predict whether someone who commits a crime at the age of 18 will remain dangerous in the future , '' a group of neuroscientists wrote in a letter to the Supreme Court , asking for a lesser sentence .
On Tuesday the Texas Department of Criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guards and prison employees have died from Covid-19 .
• How many countries still have the death penalty ?
• How US death penalty capital changed its mind • US inmate has 'no right to painless death' Wardlow 's will be the third execution in Texas this year , and the seventh in the US .
Since 1976 , Texas has led the county in executions , according to the Death Penalty Information Center .
Texas has put to death more than four times the number of inmates executed by Virginia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had disrupted execution schedules in several US states .
However , the US Justice department has said it will resume with carrying out the death penalty for a federal inmate for the first time in 17 years later this month .

"No technology or methodology available now or at the time of Mr Wardlow's sentencing makes it possible reliably to predict whether someone who commits a crime at the age of 18 will remain dangerous in the future," a group of neuroscientists wrote in a letter to the Supreme Court, asking for a lesser sentence.


bbc--2020-07-08--Ivory Coast PM Amadou Gon Coulibaly dies after cabinet meeting

Ivory Coast 's PM Amadou Gon Coulibaly has died after falling ill at a ministerial meeting .
The 61-year-old had been chosen as the ruling party 's candidate for October 's presidential election , after Alassane Ouattara said he would not seek a third term in office .
Mr Gon Coulibaly had only just returned from France where he had received two-months ' heart treatment .
President Ouattara said the country was in mourning .
He said Mr Gon Coulibaly had become unwell during a weekly cabinet meeting and was taken to hospital where he later died .
His death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Gon Coulibaly had received a heart transplant in 2012 and had travelled to Paris on 2 May for the insertion of a stent .
He returned last Thursday saying : `` I am back to take my place by the side of the president , to continue the task of developing and building our country . ''
Mr Gon Coulibaly was among the favourites to win the presidential election .
An article in Le Monde on Monday quoted one foreign observer as saying : `` If Gon Coulibaly were unfit , Ouattara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a candidate because there is no plan B .
`` This matter has so far remained taboo because the president has clearly shown his willingness to leave and indicated who his choice was to succeed him . ''
Mr Ouattara 's decision in March not to run stunned the country .
At the time , the BBC 's James Copnall wrote from the main city , Abidjan , that there was praise from politicians as Mr Ouattara broke the normal mould for the region of trying to remain in power .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coulibaly would be backed as the successor candidate .
Mr Ouattara 's supporters say he has brought economic growth , stability and a renewed standing for Ivory Coast on the international stage .
But opposition politicians - and many Ivorians - say that the president has not done enough to bring the nation together , and heal the wounds of the bitter conflict that divided Ivory Coast and then brought him to power .
Around 3,000 people are thought to have died in the war sparked by candidate Laurent Gbagbo 's refusal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr Ouattara , before troops loyal to the current president arrested Mr Gbagbo in April 2011 .
The long-running political disputes between him , Mr Ouattara and another former president , Henri Konan Bédié , have been disastrous for Ivory Coast .

But opposition politicians - and many Ivorians - say that the president has not done enough to bring the nation together, and heal the wounds of the bitter conflict that divided Ivory Coast and then brought him to power.


bbc--2020-07-08--Melania Trump sculpture in Slovenia set on fire on US Independence Day

A quirky wooden sculpture of US First Lady Melania Trump is reported to have been set on fire near her hometown in Slovenia , prompting its removal .
Brad Downey , the American artist who commissioned the statue , said it was targeted on 4 July , Independence Day in the US .
The Berlin-based artist arranged for the charred statue to be removed the next day .
Police told Reuters news agency they had launched an investigation .
The sculpture of Mrs Trump , which could be described as only carrying a crude likeness to the US first lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trunk on the outskirts of Sevnica , her hometown in central Slovenia .
The statue , which depicts Mrs Trump dressed in a blue coat similar to one she wore to her husband 's inauguration and with a club-like hand gesturing to the sky , received mixed reviews when it was erected in July 2019 .
Some residents branded the statue a `` disgrace '' , complaining it looked more like the Smurfs character Smurfette than the first lady .
Mr Downey told Reuters he wanted to understand who targeted the statue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statue would open a dialogue about the political situation in the US , including the fractious debate on immigration .
Mrs Trump , a model who grew up in Slovenia when it was part of Yugoslavia , came to the US as an immigrant in the 1990s .
The statue in Slovenia was targeted at a time when monuments of US leaders with links to slavery are being re-evaluated as a result of national reflection prompted by anti-racism protests .
In recent speeches , including his Independence Day address , US President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who vandalise or tear down statues .
Since Mr Trump was elected US president in 2016 , Sevnica has become a tourist magnet , as visitors search for an insight into Mrs Trump 's early years Residents have brought out ranges of Melania-branded merchandise , including slippers , cakes , and Trump-like burgers with fly-away cheese `` hair '' .
In August last year , a wooden statue of President Trump was constructed in Slovenia , east of the capital Ljubljana .
Like the rendering of Mrs Trump , the statue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8m ( 26ft ) tall , the statue was burnt to the ground by unknown arsonists in January this year .

The sculpture of Mrs Trump, which could be described as only bearing a crude likeness to the US first lady, was carved out of a tree trunk on the outskirts of Sevnica, her hometown in central Slovenia.


bbc--2020-07-08--UK universities comply with China internet limits

UK universities are testing a new online teaching link for students in China - which will require course materials to comply with Chinese restrictions on the internet .
It enables students in China to keep studying UK degrees online , despite China 's limits on internet access .
But it means students can only reach material on an `` allowed '' list .
Universities UK said it was `` not aware of any instances when course content has been altered '' .
And the universities ' body rejected that this was accepting `` censorship '' .
A spokeswoman said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have better access to UK courses `` while complying with local regulations '' .
The pilot project involves four Russell Group universities - King 's College London , Queen Mary University of London , York and Southampton - and is run by JISC , formerly the Joint Information Systems Committee , which provides digital services for UK universities .
China 's internet censorship means that some websites are filtered or blocked - and there have been concerns that students in China could not study online , such as clicking on an embedded link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution , provided free by the Chinese internet firm Alibaba Cloud , creates a virtual connection between the student in China and the online network of the UK university , where the course is being taught .
But a spokeswoman for JISC says Chinese students will not have free access to the internet , but will only be able to reach `` resources that are controlled and specified '' by the university in the UK .
Any online information used in these UK university courses will have to be on a `` security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the links to the educational materials UK institutions include in their course materials '' , said JISC .
This raises questions about academic freedom and free speech - but when asked about whether these principles were being put at risk , the universities have so far referred back to JISC .
JISC , which is an online services provider , says such issues are for the universities - and that `` all course materials have been within regulations .
Nothing was altered or blocked '' .
Universities UK , which is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do not endorse censorship .
This scheme is intended to ensure that Chinese students , learning remotely during the pandemic , can access course materials and are able to continue their studies . ''
The university body said a similar scheme was already operating for Australian universities .
As well as complying with Chinese regulations , this online link is intended to create a more reliable connection , so that students can more easily watch lectures and follow their courses .
JISC says online students in China face particular barriers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the rest of the world , filtering content from overseas used for delivering teaching and learning and blocking some platforms and applications '' .
The pilot will finish this month and it could be offered more widely from September .
Chinese students have become an important source of revenue for UK universities , representing about a quarter of all overseas students .
There have been concerns about the financial cost if the coronavirus pandemic meant Chinese students stayed away - or if they were deterred by political tensions over Hong Kong and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Offending China was never difficult , '' writes Professor Kerry Brown of King 's College London , in an article published on Thursday by the Higher Education Policy Institute .
Now the professor of Chinese studies says it has become `` extremely easy '' .
But he warns that universities should not adopt their own `` pre-emptive self-censorship '' when engaging with China .

But a spokeswoman for JISC says Chinese students will not have free access to the internet, but will only be able to reach "resources that are controlled and specified" by the university in the UK.