bbc--2020-09-21--'I wouldn't come out and mug myself off' - decisions anger Wilder as Villa beat 10-man Sheff Utd

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder criticised two `` major decisions '' from officials as Ezri Konsa 's second-half header gave Aston Villa victory over the Blades , who played for 78 minutes with 10 men .
But Wilder questioned referee Graham Scott 's decisions to send off John Egan early in the game and not show a red a card to Villa 's Targett for conceding a penalty , which John Lundstram saw saved by Villa debutant Emiliano Martinez with the score at 0-0 .
A lengthy VAR review showed Targett had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the 'double jeopardy ' rule - which means a player can not be sent off when conceding a penalty if they were making an attempt to win the ball - saw the Villa left-back only pick up a booking .
Egan , however , was dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity for tussling with Ollie Watkins , who looked to be in on goal in the 12th minute .
`` Why did n't the referee go over to the monitor ?
I would n't come out here and mug myself off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear sending-off I 'd say so , '' Wilder told Sky Sports .
`` Why did n't he go to the monitor ?
Why did n't Stockley Park [ where the VAR officials are based ] say 'it 's a bit of tussle and look at it yourself ' ?
Speaking to BBC Sport , he added : `` The penalty - Egan gets sent off 35 yards from goal , Matt Targett makes no effort to win the ball .
`` The double jeopardy is only when the opposition player makes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is four yards away , so [ he ca n't reach it ] unless he 's got spider legs he can wrap around - and he has n't because I 've watched it . ''
The defeat was United 's fifth in a row in the Premier League , including the end of last season , and despite regrouping from the sending-off , they could not hold out to earn a share of the points .
Meanwhile , Villa continue where they left off and are now unbeaten in their past five league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good start and within a minute right-back Matty Cash - making his debut - fired a dangerous ball into the box but John McGinn 's volley flew over the bar .
United also threatened in the early exchanges and Konsa had to slide in at the near post to prevent a low cross from the right being poked in by David McGoldrick .
But Villa were gifted the upper hand inside a quarter of an hour when Egan pulled back Watkins as he raced on to Mings ' long ball and referee Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerical disadvantage , Lundstram could have given United the lead from the spot 20 minutes later but Martinez , who arrived from Arsenal for £17m earlier this month , dived to his right to deny the midfielder .
Conor Hourihane 's deliveries were causing problems and although Villa were unable to capitalise initially , they deserved to take the lead through Konsa 's header after Jack Grealish and Watkins each went close .
It was Villa 's second victory in a week after they overcame League One side Burton Albion in the Carabao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals down in their Premier league opener to Wolves within six minutes last Monday , Wilder would have hoped for a smoother start at Villa Park .
But again , a needless error from Egan made United 's task much harder and Wilder was forced to sacrifice striker McGoldrick before the break .
New signing Ethan Ampadu 's introduction was a shrewd tactical decision - releasing Basham into midfield and moving John Fleck across to deal with Cash .
The move paid off immediately with Basham making the forward run into the box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to take advantage .
United kept their organisation and steel at the back - pushing back every set-piece and squeezing out the space in which Villa tried to work for the next half an hour .
But Konsa 's header was the key blow and while United had glimpses of hope on the counter-attack , they never truly tested Villa from open play .
What they said Aston Villa boss Dean Smith to BBC Sport : `` A very good start , to get three points and a clean sheet you ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we stared the game the better and the game changes with the sending-off .
`` We 've worked on Tyrone Mings getting across the near post , flicking it on and Ezri Konsa arriving .
It 's difficult when they go in with two banks of four .
We probably should have scored more .
Since lockdown , defensively I think we 've been more aggressive . ''
A first for debutant Martinez - the best of the stats • None Aston Villa have won three consecutive Premier League games at Villa Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Martin O'Neill .
• None Villa are unbeaten in their last 14 home league meetings with Sheffield United ( W8 D6 ) , including all five games against them at Villa Park in the Premier League ( W4 D1 ) .
• None Sheffield United have lost their opening two games to a top-flight season for the first time since 1973-74 .
• None Seven of Aston Villa 's last nine Premier League goals have come from set-piece situations ( four corners , three free-kicks ) .
• None Sheffield United have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League games in which they received a red card ( D4 L7 ) .
• None Konsa has scored two goals in his last four league games , one more than he registered in his previous 137 in league competition .
• None Martinez became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty on their debut for Aston Villa in the Premier League .
Aston Villa travel to Bristol City in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday ( 19:00 BST ) , before a visit to Fulham in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheffield United host Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday ( 12:00 ) .
• None Has cancel culture gone too far ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Ezri Konsa scored just his second Premier League goal
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder criticised two "major decisions" from officials as Ezri Konsa's second-half header gave Aston Villa victory over the Blades, who played for 78 minutes with 10 men.
Konsa headed in fellow defender Tyrone Mings' flick-on in the 63rd minute after Matt Targett whipped a corner in from the left for the only goal of the game.
But Wilder questioned referee Graham Scott's decisions to send off John Egan early in the game and not show a red a card to Villa's Targett for conceding a penalty, which John Lundstram saw saved by Villa debutant Emiliano Martinez with the score at 0-0.
A lengthy VAR review showed Targett had clipped Chris Basham in the box, but the 'double jeopardy' rule - which means a player cannot be sent off when conceding a penalty if they were making an attempt to win the ball - saw the Villa left-back only pick up a booking.
Egan, however, was dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity for tussling with Ollie Watkins, who looked to be in on goal in the 12th minute.
"Why didn't the referee go over to the monitor? I wouldn't come out here and mug myself off - if I thought it was a clear sending-off I'd say so," Wilder told Sky Sports.
"Why didn't he go to the monitor? Why didn't Stockley Park [where the VAR officials are based] say 'it's a bit of tussle and look at it yourself'?
Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: "The penalty - Egan gets sent off 35 yards from goal, Matt Targett makes no effort to win the ball.
"The double jeopardy is only when the opposition player makes a challenge for the ball, the ball is four yards away, so [he can't reach it] unless he's got spider legs he can wrap around - and he hasn't because I've watched it."
The defeat was United's fifth in a row in the Premier League, including the end of last season, and despite regrouping from the sending-off, they could not hold out to earn a share of the points.
Meanwhile, Villa continue where they left off at the end of the last campaign and are now unbeaten in their past five league games.
'He hasn't got spider legs' - Wilder unhappy that Targett not sent off
Martinez heroics as Villa battle to victory
Villa got off to a good start and within a minute right-back Matty Cash - making his debut - fired a dangerous ball into the box but John McGinn's volley flew over the bar.
United also threatened in the early exchanges and Konsa had to slide in at the near post to prevent a low cross from the right being poked in by David McGoldrick.
But Villa were gifted the upper hand inside a quarter of an hour when Egan pulled back Watkins as he raced on to Mings' long ball and referee Scott showed the red card.
Emiliano Martínez is the 12th goalkeeper to save a penalty on his Premier League debut for a team and the first since Michael McGovern for Norwich versus Aston Villa in October 2019
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Lundstram could have given United the lead from the spot 20 minutes later but Martinez, who arrived from Arsenal for £17m earlier this month, dived to his right to deny the midfielder.
Conor Hourihane's deliveries were causing problems and although Villa were unable to capitalise initially, they deserved to take the lead through Konsa's header after Jack Grealish and Watkins each went close.
It was Villa's second victory in a week after they overcame League One side Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup second round.
Blades fail to recover from Egan red
Egan is the third player to be sent off twice for Sheffield United in the Premier League after Carl Bradshaw and Simon Tracey. Since the start of 2018-19, no player has received more red cards in league competition in England's top four tiers than Egan (3)
After going two goals down in their Premier League opener to Wolves within six minutes last Monday, Wilder would have hoped for a smoother start at Villa Park.
But again, a needless error from Egan made United's task much harder and Wilder was forced to sacrifice striker McGoldrick before the break.
New signing Ethan Ampadu's introduction was a shrewd tactical decision - releasing Basham into midfield and moving John Fleck across to deal with Cash.
The move paid off immediately with Basham making the forward run into the box to earn the penalty but Lundstram was unable to take advantage.
United kept their organisation and steel at the back - pushing back every set-piece and squeezing out the space in which Villa tried to work for the next half an hour.
But Konsa's header was the key blow and while United had glimpses of hope on the counter-attack, they never truly tested Villa from open play.
What they said
Aston Villa 1-0 Sheffield United: Villa a better team this year - Smith
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith to BBC Sport: "A very good start, to get three points and a clean sheet you can't ask for more. I thought we started the game the better and the game changes with the sending-off.
"We've worked on Tyrone Mings getting across the near post, flicking it on and Ezri Konsa arriving. It's difficult when they go in with two banks of four. We probably should have scored more. Since lockdown, defensively I think we've been more aggressive."
A first for debutant Martinez - the best of the stats
Aston Villa have won three consecutive Premier League games at Villa Park for the first time since October 2007 under Martin O'Neill.
Villa are unbeaten in their last 14 home league meetings with Sheffield United (W8 D6), including all five games against them at Villa Park in the Premier League (W4 D1).
Sheffield United have lost their opening two games to a top-flight season for the first time since 1973-74.
Seven of Aston Villa's last nine Premier League goals have come from set-piece situations (four corners, three free-kicks).
Sheffield United have failed to win any of their 11 Premier League games in which they received a red card (D4 L7).
Konsa has scored two goals in his last four league games, one more than he registered in his previous 137 in league competition.
Martinez became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty on their debut for Aston Villa in the Premier League.
What's next?
Aston Villa travel to Bristol City in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday (19:00 BST), before a visit to Fulham in the Premier League on Monday (18:00).
Sheffield United host Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday (12:00).
Player of the match E Martínez Emiliano Martínez with an average of 7.95 Aston Villa Aston Villa Aston Villa
Sheff Utd Sheffield United Sheffield United Aston Villa Avg Squad number 26 Player name E Martínez Average rating 7.95 Squad number 4 Player name Konsa Average rating 7.09 Squad number 5 Player name Mings Average rating 6.68 Squad number 2 Player name Cash Average rating 6.67 Squad number 10 Player name Grealish Average rating 6.51 Squad number 11 Player name Watkins Average rating 6.43 Squad number 6 Player name Douglas Luiz Average rating 6.27 Squad number 7 Player name McGinn Average rating 6.04 Squad number 39 Player name Davis Average rating 5.89 Squad number 14 Player name Hourihane Average rating 5.75 Squad number 18 Player name Targett Average rating 5.73 Squad number 17 Player name Trézéguet Average rating 5.68 Sheffield United Avg Squad number 22 Player name Ampadu Average rating 5.51 Squad number 14 Player name Burke Average rating 5.11 Squad number 2 Player name Baldock Average rating 5.00 Squad number 6 Player name Basham Average rating 4.99 Squad number 8 Player name Berge Average rating 4.97 Squad number 3 Player name Stevens Average rating 4.90 Squad number 4 Player name Fleck Average rating 4.85 Squad number 5 Player name O'Connell Average rating 4.79 Squad number 23 Player name Osborn Average rating 4.77 Squad number 1 Player name Ramsdale Average rating 4.73 Squad number 17 Player name McGoldrick Average rating 4.69 Squad number 7 Player name Lundstram Average rating 4.67 Squad number 9 Player name McBurnie Average rating 4.51 Squad number 12 Player name Egan Average rating 3.58


bbc--2020-09-21--Arkea-Samsic Tour de France hotel searched

Last updated on .From the section Cycling French cycling team Arkea-Samsic says it will take action if an investigation into alleged doping offences during the Tour de France finds evidence of wrongdoing .
`` It concerned a very limited number of riders , '' Emmanuel Hubert said .
The AFP news agency said two people were in police custody .
`` A search did take place last week in our hotel , '' Hubert said .
`` The team , its general manager as well as its staff are absolutely not questioned and consequently are not kept informed of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , which I remind you that it is not targeting either the team or its staff directly .
`` We obviously support our riders , but if it turns out that at the end of the current investigation , evidence confirms the veracity of doping practices , the team will immediately dissociate itself from such acts and take the necessary measures to put an end to the links with unacceptable methods . ''
Arkea-Samsic competed in the Tour , which finished on Sunday , with a wildcard entry and was led in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 30-year-old - who had three times finished on the podium in previous Tours - suffered a crash on stage 13 and then cracked on the Grand Colombier two days later before finishing 17th overall .
World governing body the UCI said it had been in contact with the police over the investigation .
A statement read : `` The UCI welcomes and supports the action of all parties involved and will take the appropriate measures once it has taken note of the information obtained by the French legal authorities . ''

Last updated on .From the section Cycling
The Arkea-Samsic team before stage four of the Tour de France
French team Arkea-Samsic says it will take action if an investigation into alleged doping offences during the Tour de France finds evidence of wrongdoing.
French police searched the team hotel last week as part of an anti-doping investigation.
Marseille prosecutor Dominique Laurens said two people were taken into custody who were part of the "close entourage of the main rider", without naming him.
Laurens added the investigation was targeting a "small part of the team".
He said the search led to the "discovery of many health products, including drugs and especially a method that can be qualified as doping".
The team confirmed their hotel in Meribel was searched by the Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Public Health Damage following stage 17 on 16 September.
"It concerned a very limited number of riders," said Arkea-Samsic general manager Emmanuel Hubert.
"The team, its general manager as well as its staff are absolutely not questioned and consequently are not kept informed of any element relating to the progress of the investigation, which I remind you is not targeting either the team or its staff directly.
"We obviously support our riders, but if it turns out that at the end of the current investigation, evidence confirms the veracity of doping practices, the team will immediately dissociate itself from such acts and take the necessary measures to put an end to the links with unacceptable methods."
Arkea-Samsic competed in the Tour, which finished on Sunday, with a wildcard entry and was led in the race by Colombian Nairo Quintana, a former winner of the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana.
The 30-year-old - who had three times finished on the podium in previous Tours - suffered a crash on stage 13 and then cracked on the Grand Colombier two days later before finishing 17th overall.
World governing body the UCI said it had been in contact with the police over the investigation.
A statement read: "The UCI welcomes and supports the action of all parties involved and will take the appropriate measures once it has taken note of the information obtained by the French legal authorities."


bbc--2020-09-21--Novak Djokovic wins Italian Open with victory over Diego Schwartzman

Last updated on .From the section Tennis World number one Novak Djokovic won a record 36th Masters title by beating Diego Schwartzman in the Italian Open .
Djokovic , 33 , drew level with Rafael Nadal last month on the all-time list of Masters winners with his Western & Southern Open title .
`` It was a great week , a very challenging week .
I do n't think I played my best tennis this week but I think I found my best tennis in the decisive moments .
`` I 'm proud I managed to needed to find that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Watched by a crowd of about 1,000 socially distanced fans , Djokovic got off to a poor start against Argentine eighth seed Schwartzman , finding himself two breaks down at 3-0 as the rain fell in Rome .
But as the weather improved so did the Serb 's game as he quickly strung together a double break of his own before going on to carve out a set point at 5-4 on Schwartzman 's serve , which the world number 15 saved with a forehand winner .
Djokovic was denied on two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally taking the opener after 71 minutes .
He again fell behind at the start of the second set but immediately broke back against Schwartzman , who beat favourite Nadal in the quarter-finals .
Two unforced errors from Schwartzman and a winner from Djokovic set up three break points in the eighth game , the first of which the Serb converted with a blistering forehand winner .
Djokovic then set up three match points after a series of winners that had Schwartzman scampering around the court , sealing a fifth Italian Open title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide .
It is Djokovic 's 81st career title and fourth of the year and sends him to Roland Garros with a spring in his step after his humiliating exit from the US Open , where he was defaulted for accidentally hitting a ball at a line judge .
The French Open starts on Sunday , with Nadal seeking a record-extending 13th men 's singles title in Paris .
• None Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Novak Djokovic beat Diego Schwartzman to win his fifth Italian Open title
World number one Novak Djokovic won a record 36th Masters title by beating Diego Schwartzman in the Italian Open.
The Serb, playing in his first tournament since being disqualified from this month's US Open, won 7-5 6-3 in the final to ensure he goes into next week's French Open on a high.
Djokovic, 33, drew level with Rafael Nadal last month on the all-time list of Masters winners with his Western & Southern Open title.
"I'm super pleased," Djokovic said.
"It was a great week, a very challenging week. I don't think I played my best tennis this week but I think I found my best tennis in the decisive moments.
"I'm proud I managed to needed to find that fifth gear when I needed to."
Watched by a crowd of about 1,000 socially distanced fans, Djokovic got off to a poor start against Argentine eighth seed Schwartzman, finding himself two breaks down at 3-0 as the rain fell in Rome.
But as the weather improved so did the Serb's game as he quickly strung together a double break of his own before going on to carve out a set point at 5-4 on Schwartzman's serve, which the world number 15 saved with a forehand winner.
Djokovic was denied on two more set points two games later before finally taking the opener after 71 minutes.
He again fell behind at the start of the second set but immediately broke back against Schwartzman, who beat favourite Nadal in the quarter-finals.
Two unforced errors from Schwartzman and a winner from Djokovic set up three break points in the eighth game, the first of which the Serb converted with a blistering forehand winner.
Djokovic then set up three match points after a series of winners that had Schwartzman scampering around the court, sealing a fifth Italian Open title on the third when the Argentine went wide.
It is Djokovic's 81st career title and fourth of the year and sends him to Roland Garros with a spring in his step after his humiliating exit from the US Open, where he was defaulted for accidentally hitting a ball at a line judge.
The French Open starts on Sunday, with Nadal seeking a record-extending 13th men's singles title in Paris.


bbc--2020-09-22--Ginsburg Supreme Court: Trump to name nominee by week's end

US President Donald Trump has said he will name his nominee for Supreme Court justice by the end of the week , and urged the Republican-controlled Senate to confirm his choice before the presidential election .
The plan has launched a high-stakes battle ahead of the 3 November vote .
Mr Trump wants to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg , a liberal stalwart who died on Friday aged 87 , with a conservative .
He appears to have secured enough support in the Senate .
This would cement a right-leaning majority on the US 's highest court , where justices serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retire .
The ideological balance of the nine-member court is crucial to its rulings on the most important issues in US law , with decisions made in recent years on immigration , carbon emissions and gay marriage .
Democrats have criticised Mr Trump 's plan , with presidential candidate Joe Biden dubbing it an `` abuse of power '' .
Meanwhile , Ms Ginsburg is set to become the first woman in history to lie in state in the US Capitol building later this week .
Following her death from cancer , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the prominent feminist , who served on the court for 27 years .
What happens next with the nomination ?
On Monday , Mr Trump said he was `` constitutionally obligated '' to nominate someone for the Supreme Court .
`` We 're looking at five incredible jurists ... women that are extraordinary in every way .
I mean , honestly , it could be any one of them , and we 're going to be announcing it on Friday or Saturday , '' he told supporters at a rally in Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges on the top US court The president earlier had a private meeting at the White House with potential nominee Amy Coney Barrett , an appeals court judge who is backed by anti-abortion conservatives .
Once the president names a nominee , it is the Senate 's job to vote on whether to confirm them .
The Judiciary Committee will review the pick first , and then vote to send the nominee to the floor for a full vote .
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to hold a confirmation vote before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused him of hypocrisy .
Following the death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia in 2016 , Mr McConnell refused to hold a vote to confirm a nominee put forward by then-President Barack Obama , a Democrat .
Mr Obama had nominated Merrick Garland in February of that year - months before the election - but Mr McConnell argued that Supreme Court justices should not be approved in an election year .
However , this time around , with a president of the same party , the Senate leader says because the Senate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , the nomination should proceed .
Do Senate Republicans have the votes ?
Supreme Court nominees used to need 60 votes in the Senate to be approved .
But in 2017 , Mr McConnell held a vote to change the rules , so that nominees would need a simple majority of 51 votes in the 100-seat Senate .
This enabled Senate Republicans to push through confirmation of Mr Trump 's nominee Neil Gorsuch .
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the upper chamber .
The president 's plan to appoint a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely watched senators of his party , Cory Gardner of Colorado and Charles Grassley of Iowa , signalled they backed moving ahead .
Their support may grant Republicans the 50 votes they need to confirm a justice , given that Vice-President Mike Pence can cast a tie-breaking vote if needed .
Lindsey Graham , the powerful Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee , said on Monday he would be `` leading the charge to make sure that President Trump 's nominee has a hearing , [ and ] goes to the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote '' .
Mitt Romney , of Utah , remains undecided .
Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have backed a delay in the vote .
Ms Collins said she had `` no objection '' to the process of reviewing a candidate beginning now , but that she did not believe the Senate should vote on the candidate before November 's election .
Ms Collins is facing a tough re-election bid this year .
Ms Murkowski said she `` did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same standard must apply '' now .
Even if Republicans lose their Senate majority on 3 November , the new Congress does not take office until 3 January , which would give the existing senators time to confirm Mr Trump 's pick .
If the nominee is not confirmed by 20 January , Inauguration Day , they would have to be re-nominated by the president ( whoever that ends up being ) .
• What is the US Supreme Court ?
• Why US top court is more political than UK's • Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
How long does it take to confirm a Supreme Court judge ?
Typically , it 's a months long process to go from selection to confirmation - but there are no rules regarding this time frame .
Since 1975 , it has taken about 70 days on average .
This time , the election is just weeks away .
The last time lawmakers completed a confirmation this speedily was for Ginsburg 's own selection in 1993 .
She was approved in 42 days .
The highest court in the US is often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , disputes between states and the federal government , and final appeals to stay executions .
In recent years , the court has expanded gay marriage to all 50 states , upheld President Trump 's travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries , and delayed a US plan to cut carbon emissions while appeals went forward .
The court also handles reproductive rights issues like abortion - a highly contentious election issue , especially for one of Mr Trump 's key Republican constituencies .
Opponents of abortion have called for overturning abortion protections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this view is one of Mr Trump 's pitches for re-election .
Clara Spera , Ginsburg 's granddaughter , disclosed that the late justice 's dying wish was not to be replaced until after the election .
`` She was concerned about this country and about the court that she served so diligently for over 27 years , '' Ms Spera told BBC World Service .
`` I think that she would be heartened to know that there are many , many people who believe that we need to return to order and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfil that most fervent wish of hers , '' she said .
Ginsburg will lie in state at the US Capitol on Friday .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , the most powerful Democrat in Washington , suggested she may try to influence what happens next with the confirmation .
Mrs Pelosi told the New York Times she had `` arrows in [ her ] quiver , in the House quiver '' but would not offer more details .
On Sunday , Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Mr Trump had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pure and simple '' .
He urged Senate Republicans to `` please follow your conscience , let the people speak , [ and ] cool the flames that have been engulfing our country '' .
During a vigil for Ginsburg on Sunday night , Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren drew cheers from the crowd for criticising Republicans over the nomination .
`` Mitch McConnell and his henchmen believe that they can ram through a Supreme Court justice only 45 days from Election Day , '' she said .
`` What Mitch McConnell does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun . ''
Who are seen as top contenders ?
• Amy Coney Barrett : Member of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals , she is a favourite of religious conservatives and known for her anti-abortion views .
She was a legal scholar at Notre Dame Law School in Indiana • Barbara Lagoa : A Cuban American of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit Court of Appeals , she was the first Hispanic judge on the Florida Supreme Court .
She is a former federal prosecutor • Kate Comerford Todd : Deputy White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the White House .
Served as former senior VP and Chief Counsel , US Chamber Litigation Center

"I think that she would be heartened to know that there are many, many people who believe that we need to return to order and norms, and agree and want to fulfil that most fervent wish of hers," she said.


bbc--2020-09-22--John Lennon killer says sorry for 'despicable act'

Mark Chapman , the man who killed John Lennon , has apologised to the late Beatle 's widow , Yoko Ono , 40 years after his death .
Chapman shot Lennon four times outside his New York Manhattan apartment as Ono looked on , in 1980 .
He was denied parole for the eleventh time following a hearing last month .
During the hearing , Chapman said he killed the 40-year-old rock star for `` glory '' and that he deserved the death penalty .
He added that he thinks about the `` despicable act '' all the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his life in prison .
'He was an icon' '' I just want to reiterate that I 'm sorry for my crime , '' Chapman told the parole board at the Wende Correctional Facility in New York .
`` I have no excuse .
This was for self-glory .
I think it 's the worst crime that there could be to do something to someone that 's innocent .
`` He was extremely famous .
I did n't kill him because of his character or the kind of man he was .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an icon .
He was someone that spoke of things that now we can speak of and it 's great .
`` I assassinated him , to use your word earlier , because he was very , very , very famous and that 's the only reason and I was very , very , very , very much seeking self-glory , very selfish , '' he added .
`` I want to add that and emphasise that greatly .
It was an extremely selfish act .
I 'm sorry for the pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
I think about it all of the time . ''
In 2015 , the Japanese artist - who has contested each one of Chapman 's attempts at parole - told The Daily Beast that she lived in fear of him being let out of prison .
`` One thing I think is that he did it once , he could do it again , to somebody else - you know .
It could be me , it could be Sean [ her son ] , it could be anybody , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The latest hearing documents , obtained by the Press Association , show the board rejected his release on the grounds it `` would be incompatible with the welfare of society '' .
Chapman was 25 at the time of the crime .
Now 65 , he is married and his wife lives near the facility where he has been for the last eight years .
At the parole board meeting he was described as being deeply religious and a `` devoted Christian '' .
He is also a clerk and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison , where he was placed for his own safety .
Lennon 's killer was famously carrying the JD Salinger book , Catcher in the Rye , when he committed the murder .
Discussing his love of the book at the time , he told the board how he had identified with the main character 's `` isolation '' and `` loneliness '' .
He went on to say that he deserved the death penalty - it was abolished in the state of New York in 2007 although no execution had taken place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot someone 's murder and know it 's wrong and you do it for yourself , that 's a death penalty right there in my opinion , '' said Chapman .
`` Some people disagree with me , but everybody gets a second chance now . ''
Asked if justice had been served , Chapman said : `` I deserve zero , nothing .
`` If the law and you choose to leave me in here for the rest of my life , I have no complaint whatsoever . ''
In its decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corrections and Community Supervision board said it found Chapman 's statement that `` infamy brings you glory '' disturbing , and recommended his `` personal growth and productive use of time '' .
The board also noted how Chapman 's `` selfish actions stole the chance for future fans to experience the words of inspiration that this artist provided for millions of people '' .
`` Your violent act caused devastation to not only family and former band members , but the world , '' it added .
Chapman is next eligible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"One thing I think is that he did it once, he could do it again, to somebody else - you know. It could be me, it could be Sean [her son], it could be anybody, so there is that concern," she said.


bbc--2020-09-22--FinCEN Files: UK bank may have moved money 'linked to terror activity'

What was Arab Bank accused of doing ?
The previous year , a US civil jury found that Arab Bank had knowingly provided banking services to leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and charities it controlled .
This verdict was later overturned as the judge had incorrectly instructed the jury .
Gary Osen , a US lawyer who represented the victims in the US lawsuit , told the BBC : `` A terrorist organisation… ca n't move the kind of money that an organisation like Hamas needs to operate .
You need banking services , and Arab Bank was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Hamas is regarded as a terrorist group by the US , Israel , the EU and several other nations due to its long record of attacks and its refusal to renounce violence .
In 2005 , after an investigation by US regulators , Arab Bank was no longer authorised to process US dollar payments .
It was also fined $ 24m for failing to adequately guard against money laundering and terrorist financing , and properly report suspicious activities .
What do the documents show ?
The payments were labelled as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` support '' or `` gifts '' , but `` a large majority '' of them were made `` by individuals who could not be verified in the public domain '' , according to Standard Chartered 's review .
What do the banks say ?
Arab Bank said : `` In every country where it operates , Arab Bank is in good standing with government regulators and complies with anti-terrorism and money laundering laws .
No government or regulator has ever found that accounts or transactions processed by Arab Bank violated anti-terrorism laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations `` date back nearly 20 years '' , and that the vast majority of the accounts involved had no known terrorist links at the time .
Arab Bank added that it had never been notified by Standard Chartered that it had any concerns over transactions it processed for Arab Bank customers .
Although Standard Chartered stopped processing US dollar payments for Arab Bank , it continued to maintain a very good business relationship with Standard Chartered , it said .
The FinCen Files is a leak of secret documents which reveal how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be moved around the world .
They also show how the UK is often the weak link in the financial system and how London is awash with Russian cash .
The files were obtained by BuzzFeed News which shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists ( ICIJ ) and 400 journalists around the world .
Panorama has led research for the BBC .

Gary Osen, a US lawyer who represented the victims in the US lawsuit against Arab Bank, told the BBC: "A terrorist organisation… can't move the kind of money that an organisation like Hamas needs to operate. You need banking services, and Arab Bank was simply the largest and most convenient route."


bbc--2020-09-22--Nascar: Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin form Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace as driver

Last updated on .From the section Motorsport Basketball legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin have formed a single-car Nascar Cup Series team , with Bubba Wallace as their driver .
Earlier this year , Wallace successfully campaigned to get the Confederate flag banned from Nascar races .
Six-time NBA champion Jordan said the team would `` educate a new audience '' .
The 57-year-old added it would also `` open more opportunities for black people in racing '' .
`` Historically , Nascar has struggled with diversity and there have been few black owners , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect as Nascar is evolving and embracing social change more and more . ''
In June , it was feared Wallace , 26 , had been subject to a racial attack when a noose was found in his garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama .
An FBI investigation concluded it was actually a handle on a garage door and had been there since the previous year .
On joining Jordan and Hamlin 's team , Wallace said : `` This is a unique , once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my career . ''
Hamlin , 39 , will be a minority partner in the team while he continues to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing .
The team will start racing in 2021 with their name , car number , manufacturer and sponsors to be announced in due course .

Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Bubba Wallace is Nascar's sole full-time black driver
Basketball legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin have formed a single-car Nascar Cup Series team, with Bubba Wallace as their driver.
Wallace is Nascar's sole black full-time driver while Jordan is the second black team owner at its elite level.
Earlier this year, Wallace successfully campaigned to get the Confederate flag banned from Nascar races.
Six-time NBA champion Jordan said the team would "educate a new audience".
The 57-year-old added it would also "open more opportunities for black people in racing".
"Historically, Nascar has struggled with diversity and there have been few black owners," Jordan said. "The timing seemed perfect as Nascar is evolving and embracing social change more and more."
In June, it was feared Wallace, 26, had been subject to a racial attack when a noose was found in his garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
An FBI investigation concluded it was actually a handle on a garage door and had been there since the previous year.
On joining Jordan and Hamlin's team, Wallace said: "This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career."
Hamlin, 39, will be a minority partner in the team while he continues to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing.
The team will start racing in 2021 with their name, car number, manufacturer and sponsors to be announced in due course.


bbc--2020-09-22--Karachi fire: Two to hang for garment factory inferno

A court in Karachi has sentenced two men to death for arson after finding them guilty of starting Pakistan 's deadliest industrial fire , which killed some 260 people in 2012 .
The men were found to have set a garment factory ablaze because its owners had not paid extortion money .
They were affiliated with the MQM party , which was in power in the city at the time , the court said .
Hundreds were trapped inside the building which had no fire exits .
No date has been set for the hanging of Abdul Rehman and Zubair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted .
Some 40 firefighting vehicles tackled the blaze in the country 's commercial capital in September 2012 .
More than 24 hours after the inferno began rescuers were still battling to reach the dead and injured inside .
Many workers jumped from the upper floors .
Others could not because of metal grilles on the windows .
People trapped inside the building frantically rang their friends and relatives as flames engulfed it .
The Ali Enterprises factory in the Baldia town area of Karachi was mobbed by shouting and sobbing relatives as @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Explaining why he thought the fire was not accidental, he said it first broke out in the basement, and then on the upper floor while nothing happened on the mezzanine floor in between.


bbc--2020-09-22--FinCEN: Why gold in your phone could be funding drug gangs

A gold refiner that was used by criminals to launder drug money has been allowed to sell gold into global supply chains used to make smartphones and cars .
International investigators concluded that the Dubai-based trader Kaloti was buying gold from criminal networks .
The US Treasury was urged by law enforcement six years ago to warn the world that it was a `` primary money laundering concern '' .
But the warning was never given .
As a result , Kaloti has continued to sell tonnes of gold to companies in the supply chains of Apple , General Motors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metal in components .
This has put firms and millions of consumers at risk of unwittingly funding criminal activity .
The US Treasury did not respond to requests for comment .
Kaloti 's representatives said it `` vehemently denied '' it was knowingly involved in any crime or misconduct .
Confidential documents seen by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists ( ICIJ ) and the BBC reveal the US Treasury was urged by investigators in 2014 to issue the warning after a three-year investigation .
Codenamed `` Honey Badger '' and led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the investigation concluded that Kaloti was involved in a scheme to transport or transfer `` tremendous amounts of illicit value through the use of gold as a commodity '' .
Under the scheme described in the documents , criminals anywhere in the world could use drug money or other unlawfully obtained cash to buy scrap gold such as second-hand jewellery and bring it to Kaloti .
In exchange for the gold , according to investigators , Kaloti would offer bulk cash or send a wire transfer to them .
In 2014 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should publicly designate Kaloti a `` primary money laundering concern '' under the US Patriot Act , which would have made it too risky for global banks to do business with them , freezing the group out of the global financial system .
But the US Treasury never took action against Kaloti .
Former officials said it put off a decision on the recommendation , concerned about the reaction of the United Arab Emirates , a key diplomatic ally , where Kaloti was based .
When the UAE failed to act on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kaloti did not have the chance to see or challenge any of the evidence as they were not questioned by investigators and there could be undisclosed reasons justifying why the report was n't acted upon .
Attempts to obtain an explanation from the US Treasury failed to draw a response .
The investigation , which the US government has never made public , was supported by a flood of reports of suspicious activity from banks across the world handling Kaloti 's money .
Lenders including Deutsche Bank and Barclays submitted 34 separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Financial Crime Enforcement Network ( FinCEN ) , highlighting as suspicious thousands of transactions from 2007 to 2015 totalling $ 9.3bn ( £7.26bn ) .
In 2017 a money laundering gang was convicted in France of laundering the proceeds of drug sales all over Europe including the UK .
Last October , BBC Panorama revealed that a company controlled by the gang , Renade International , had sold $ 146m ( £114m ) of gold to Kaloti in 2012 alone - part of $ 5.2bn of gold purchases paid for with cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and says it has never been accused or contacted by any US authority about wrongdoing .
It says it performs full due diligence on all customers and suppliers .
Lawyers for the firm said it had successfully passed audits each year against all regulatory and legal standards .
The DEA-led taskforce investigating Kaloti submitted a report of their investigation and recommended the primary money laundering designation in August 2014 .
But after the designation did n't materialise , gold sold by Kaloti has continued to end up in major supply chains .
Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which have purchased tonnes of gold from Kaloti , including Valcambi , one of the largest gold refiners in the world , based in Switzerland .
All modern smartphones feature components made with gold , which is a highly conductive metal .
This year the anti-corruption watchdog Global Witness reported that in 2018 and 2019 , Valcambi purchased up to 20 tonnes of gold directly from Kaloti and a further 60 tonnes from a related entity .
A further report by the Tech Transparency Project listed two further Swiss refiners which had purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple 's list of suppliers .
Valcambi said it would not confirm or deny buying gold from Kaloti .
The company said it only purchases gold from its suppliers `` where the company can fully ensure the identification of the origin of the gold '' .
In a statement , Apple said it was committed to responsibly sourcing for its products : `` If a refiner is unable or unwilling to meet our standards , they will be removed from our supply chain .
Since 2015 , we 've stopped working with 63 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Several thorough and independent reviews have been conducted since 2015 , and there is no evidence that any gold from Kaloti enters Apple products . ''
Kaloti is listed as being in the supply chain for General Motors and Amazon , according to data submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission , the US regulator .
General Motors , which uses gold in car parts such as catalytic converters , said it was committed to responsible sourcing of goods used in its manufacturing and had not done business with Kaloti directly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared any compliance issues or concerns regarding Kaloti .
Amazon said it was `` committed to ensuring that the products and services we provide are produced in a way that respects human rights and the environment .
We engage with suppliers that are committed to these same principles .
`` We expect suppliers to support our effort to identify the origin of designated minerals used in our products . ''
Investigators who had worked for years to expose money laundering linked to Kaloti describe themselves as `` incredibly frustrated '' by the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We put a tremendous amount of work and effort over three years into the case - we all lived and breathed it , '' said one of the people on the DEA-led taskforce , speaking anonymously .
`` We were very confident we had more than enough for them to be designated .
It pissed us all off . ''

Kaloti did not have the chance to see or challenge any of the evidence as they were not questioned by investigators and there could be undisclosed reasons justifying why the report wasn't acted upon. Attempts to obtain an explanation from the US Treasury failed to draw a response.


bbc--2020-09-22--Ren Zhiqiang: Outspoken ex-real estate tycoon gets 18 years jail

A former real estate tycoon and an outspoken critic of China 's President Xi Jinping has been sentenced to 18 years in jail on charges of corruption .
A court in Beijing found Ren Zhiqiang `` guilty of corruption , bribery and embezzlement of public funds '' , said state media outlet the Global Times .
He will also have to pay a fine of 4.2m yuan ( £482,950 ; $ 620,000 ) .
Ren went missing in March this year shortly after writing an essay said to be critical of President Xi .
Although it did not directly name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be about him .
The Beijing No 2 Intermediate People 's Court said Ren had accepted bribes worth 1.25m and embezzled almost 50m yuan .
He is said to have `` voluntarily '' confessed to all charges and will not appeal against the decision .
The former chairman of the Hua Yuan Property Company was not merely a business tycoon .
The son of a ministry official , he was also known to have close ties with senior party leaders and was in a position from which his criticisms of the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have consistently accused China of using corruption charges as a way to clamp down on dissent .
Ren 's sharply critical essay had been about Beijing 's handling of the virus outbreak , and came after a televised speech by President Xi .
He did not directly refer to Mr Xi in his essay , but according to a report in the China Digital Times , said : `` I too am curiously and conscientiously studying [ the ] speech ... what I saw ... [ was ] not an emperor standing there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clown who stripped naked and insisted on continuing being emperor . ''
Shortly after the essay was published , it was announced that Ren had been put under investigation for `` suspected serious disciplinary violations '' .
Beijing later announced that he had been expelled from the Communist Party .
If you have not lived in China recently it might be hard to imagine just how much of a line you are crossing when you publicly criticise Xi Jinping .
Attacking the government is one thing but a pretty obvious reference to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who still wants to be the emperor '' would have shocked those who saw the essay .
The rule of Xi Jinping has , at times , reached something approaching Mao-era deification .
Mr Xi 's belt and road initiative , his poverty alleviation goals are all described as nothing short of brilliant .
He is never judged adversely on any subject .
What makes Ren Zhiqiang 's challenges worse is that , for the Party elite , this is coming from one of their own .
As former chairman of a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their circles .
This was not to be tolerated .
Any hint of cracks emerging at the top of China 's governance structure are to be removed immediately .
It 's easy to do this using the courts because the judiciary is at one with the Communist Party .
Ren would have known there was no point resisting - given the prosecution 's almost perfect conviction rate - so he perhaps thought he might as well confess to the lot in the hope of a nicer cell or who knows what in return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ren , who has been nicknamed `` Big Cannon '' for his outspokenness , has had a run in with authorities .
In 2016 , China shut down his microblogging accounts after he criticised President Xi .
He had written a Weibo blog that state media was funded by taxpayers and should therefore serve the people instead of the Communist Party .
His post was later criticised by state media , with one referring to him as having `` anti-Communist Party '' thoughts .

He did not directly refer to Mr Xi in his essay, but according to a report in the China Digital Times, said: "I too am curiously and conscientiously studying [the] speech... what I saw ...[was] not an emperor standing there exhibiting his 'new clothes', but a clown who stripped naked and insisted on continuing being emperor."


bbc--2020-09-22--England guidance 'changing to work from home'

People in England should work from home `` if they can '' to reduce social mixing and slow the spread of the virus , Michael Gove has said .
And plans to have spectators at sports fixtures would `` pause '' , the Cabinet Office Minister told BBC Breakfast .
It comes as pubs , bars , restaurants and other hospitality venues in England are told they must have a 22:00 closing time from Thursday .
Full details will be set out by the prime minister in Parliament later .
Boris Johnson met the first ministers of Scotland , Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation in a live broadcast at 20:00 BST on Tuesday .
As well as the early closing time for hospitality venues , he is expected to announce they will be restricted by law to table service only .
In July , the prime minister said people should `` start to go back to work now if you can '' and last month the government launched a campaign to encourage workers back to offices .
Mr Gove told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` We are stressing that if it is safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are in a Covid-secure workplace , then you should be there if your job requires it .
`` But , if you can work from home you should . ''
Asked if that was a change in advice , Mr Gove said : `` Yes . ''
The new message brings England into line with Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , which have all advised people to work from home wherever possible throughout the pandemic .
• How does the Covid-19 alert level system work ?
• How many cases are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it time we learned to live with the virus ?
But Mr Gove told BBC Breakfast the country was `` not going back to the sorts of measures that we had in the spring '' when strict measures were imposed .
Plans for sport with live audiences to return from 1 October in England were also being halted `` for the moment '' because of the risk of fans mixing on the way to the stadium or during half-time , Mr Gove added .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said a second national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government failure , not an act of God '' .
`` It would take an immense toll on people 's physical and mental health and on the economy .
We need a national effort to prevent a national lockdown , '' he told the Labour Party conference , which is taking place virtually .
'Government says the risk has changed' Remember all that stuff a few weeks back about going back to the office ?
Well , do n't .
Or at least do n't unless you need to .
The government says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for England because the risk has changed - and that is why it wants pubs to shut early too .
There 's been passionate discussion among ministers about how far to go with these measures - some wanting the prime minister to go further , faster - others urging restraint .
It illustrates the central dilemma here : Calibrating a sufficient response to a still dangerous virus , while protecting liberties and minimising economic havoc .
On Monday , the UK 's Covid-19 alert level moved to 4 , meaning transmission is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , has warned there could be 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action - which , he said , could lead to more than 200 deaths per day by mid-November .
Deaths remain low at the moment , however , with the Office of National Statistics reporting that coronavirus accounted for only 1 % of deaths in England and Wales in the week to 11 September .
But this week also marks the first time deaths have increased rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there are fears that rising numbers of patients in hospital will lead to more fatalities .
First it was the scientists , now it 's the turn of ministers .
On Monday the government 's two most senior coronavirus advisers - Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance - set out the scale of the problem .
Today ministers are coming forward with the solution .
The scientists ' warning was dire - the UK could see 50,000 cases by mid October - up from under 4,000 a day on average currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we 've heard on government policy for England is that pubs will have to close early and that you should work from home if you can ( although more restrictions may be announced later ) .
There seems to be a disconnect between the two groups .
Why ?
Some experts have described the 50,000 figures as implausible .
France and Spain - who are a few weeks ahead of us - are nowhere near that trajectory .
What is more , the rule-of-six brought in last week has not had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe what we are seeing now is a natural drift upwards - society has re-opened and it is the time of year when respiratory viruses circulate more .
So why all the doom and gloom ?
There are three ways of looking at it .
Firstly , that we are truly on the brink of an explosion in cases ( they , after all , are the experts and have access to all the data ) .
Secondly , that they are worried ( some argue unnecessarily given hospital cases remain low ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more restrictions .
The other is that they are trying to influence behaviour so more draconian restrictions are not needed .
Just how far the prime minister goes this afternoon will be telling .
Prof Calum Semple , an expert in outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool , told BBC Breakfast current data was `` tracking the worst-case scenario quite accurately '' .
He said there was now a rise in hospital admissions , including among women aged 20 to 40 , who were at risk of exposure to the virus because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles or because they were parents of schoolchildren .
The UK needed `` quite a lot more '' restrictions in place to prevent the spread , and the hospitality industry will probably have to take another `` hit '' , Prof Semple said .
But the industry has warned the new rules will be `` absolutely devastating '' for pubs and restaurants , leaving some businesses unable to cover their costs .
Andy Wood , chief executive of the Adnams brewery , told the Today programme that the pub industry had `` taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed `` incongruous '' that it was being singled out .
He said the industry was still `` on life support '' and about 900,000 jobs were at risk .
New measures against the spread of the virus are being implemented across the nations and regions of the UK : • Further restrictions will also be announced in Scotland on Tuesday • Restrictions on households mixing indoors will be extended to all of Northern Ireland from 18:00 • Also from 18:00 , four more counties in south Wales will face new measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars • New measures will also come into force in Lancashire , Merseyside , parts of the Midlands and West Yorkshire • Other areas of England , Scotland and Wales are already under local lockdown , with restrictions including a ban on mixing with other households .
The cabinet met on Tuesday morning and Boris Johnson also chaired a Cobra emergency meeting - attended by the first ministers of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
Speaking about the new closing times , a No 10 spokesperson said : `` We know this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must take further action to control the resurgence in cases of the virus and protect the NHS . ''
Tighter restrictions on pub and restaurant opening times are already in place in parts of north-east and north-west England , and Wales .
On Monday , a further 4,368 daily cases and 11 deaths were reported in the UK .
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So why all the doom and gloom? There are three ways of looking at it. Firstly, that we are truly on the brink of an explosion in cases (they, after all, are the experts and have access to all the data).


bbc--2020-09-22--Australia whales: 90 dead in mass stranding off Tasmania

At least a third of 270 whales stranded off Tasmania have died and more are feared to be dying , rescuers in Australia say .
However , crews were able to save 25 of the animals on Tuesday and are aiming to escort more back into the sea .
Whale beachings are common in the region , but one of this size has not been seen in over a decade .
Where are the whales ?
Rescuers from the Tasmanian Marine Conservation Program arrived late on Monday and found three groups of whales across Macquarie Heads - a remote tip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road access .
About 200 of the mammals had washed up on a sandbar near a boat ramp , while 30 others were found several hundred metres away .
Another 30 were found further inland along Ocean Beach .
How are they being rescued ?
`` Normally we 're dealing with animals high and dry on the beach .
This is different .
We 've got animals semi-buoyant so it probably wo n't take too much to re-float them - just involves a bit of grunt , '' said wildlife biologist Dr Kris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well in the water , the next step is to get them further out .
Dr Carlyon told reporters this could be a challenge against the strong tide .
Boats might be used to help the manoeuvre .
He added many of the animals may simply be too big or in an unsuitable location .
Pilot whales can grow up to seven metres long and weigh up to three tonnes .
He said rescuers knew from previous missions that pilot whales can survive three or four days being beached , and many in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cool '' conditions .
A full assessment of the group was due later on Tuesday .
Officials have urged the public to stay away from the scene , saying they have enough helpers .
Why do whales beach themselves ?
`` It might have been a single misadventure by one or two of them and because pilot whales are such a social species , that may have drawn the other animals in , '' Dr Carlyon said .

"Normally we're dealing with animals high and dry on the beach. This is different. We've got animals semi-buoyant so it probably won't take too much to re-float them - just involves a bit of grunt," said wildlife biologist Dr Kris Carlyon.


bbc--2020-09-22--Italians vote to slash size of parliament by a third

Italians have voted in a referendum to cut the size of the country 's parliament by more than a third .
Almost 70 % of people voted in favour of the change , with almost all votes counted .
The number of MPs in the lower house will be reduced from 634 to 400 .
The senate will also be downsized .
The referendum was pushed by the Five Star Movement , part of the governing coalition , which argued that the move would reduce costs .
It was held alongside several key regional elections , where the results were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Matteo Salvini and a boost for the centre left Democratic Party , which is part of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte 's coalition government with the populist Five Star movement .
The total number of MPs and senators will be cut from 945 to 600 .
The change had already been pushed through parliament .
But it needed to be backed by a referendum because it amends the Italian constitution .
The changes will have to be made before the 2023 election .
`` We can go back to having a normal parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats , '' he said .
What happened in the regional vote Opposition League leader Matteo Salvini had been seeking big gains in the elections .
But a right-wing coalition , led by Mr Salvini , who previously served as Italy 's interior minister , only managed to win the eastern region of Marche .
It maintained control of two other regions .
The far-right Brothers of Italy party won the vote in Marche , and its leader Giorgia Meloni told local media it was a `` great result '' .
Mr Salvini @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tuscany , which has been ruled by left-wing parties for more than five decades .
But the centre-left Democratic Party held on to three regions it already rules , including Tuscany and Puglia .
Tuscany centre-left candidate Eugenio Giani said the centre left 's success there was an `` extraordinary victory '' .

It was held alongside several key regional elections, where the results were seen as a setback for far-right League leader Matteo Salvini and a boost for the centre left Democratic Party, which is part of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's coalition government with the populist Five Star movement.


bbc--2020-09-22--Two men arrested over rape of nine-year-old girl in rural France

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnap and rape of a nine-year-old girl in rural France .
Police said the men were driving a stolen car when they were arrested in Saumur village on Monday evening .
One of the men is suspected of raping both the child and a 73-year-old woman , local media report .
DNA tests are now being carried out by local police .
The child was abducted by a man in a Citroën car while she was walking to buy bread in Villiers on Sunday .
According to local media , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gendarmes and local police officers from nearby Poitiers being deployed , along with a search helicopter .
The girl was found shortly after she went missing and was taken to Poitiers University Hospital , where she is still being cared for .
The other rape , of the 73-year-old woman , was allegedly committed on Friday .
Speaking to reporters , the mayor of Villiers earlier suggested the suspect was `` a man [ from ] outside '' the village .
However , officials have not released any information about the suspects .

The girl was found shortly after she went missing and was taken to Poitiers University Hospital, where she is still being cared for.


bbc--2020-09-22--Jackie Stallone, mother to actor Sylvester, dies at 98

Jackie Stallone , the mother of Hollywood actor Sylvester and one of Celebrity Big Brother 's most memorable contestants , has died aged 98 .
The larger-than-life character , who was known as an astrologer and wrestling promoter , `` died in her sleep as she wished , '' said her youngest son , Frank .
`` It was hard not to like her , she was a very eccentric and flamboyant person , '' he added in an Instagram post .
`` Her mind was razor sharp until the day she died . ''
Born Jacqueline Frances Labofish on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her home in Washington DC as a 15-year-old to join the circus .
`` My father , who was a wealthy lawyer , wanted me to go to law school , but I wanted to be on stage , '' she told The Times in 2005 .
She worked as a trapeze artist for two years before taking a job as a chorus girl on Broadway .
Stallone married her first husband Frank Stallone Sr , a hairdresser and occasional actor , in 1945 .
They remained together for 12 years and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ musician Frank .
She also had a daughter , Toni D'Alto , during her second marriage to Anthony Filiti .
D'Alto died of lung cancer in 2012 , at the age of 48 .
A long-time advocate for women 's fitness , she opened a female-only gym in the 1950s , called Barbella 's , and presented an exercise slot on local TV in Washington , DC .
In the 1980s , she appeared on the wrestling programme GLOW : Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling - which helped women 's wrestling become mainstream on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recently been chronicled in the Netflix series Glow , starring Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin .
While her son Sylvester ascended to the Hollywood A-list through films like Rambo and Rocky , Stallone remained relatively low-profile , only becoming a household name in her own right in the 1990s , through her life-long passion for astrology .
In 1989 , she wrote the book Star Power : An Astrological Guide to Supersuccess , and started to make regular TV appearances as an astrologer and psychic .
For a time , she ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed to have invented the term `` rumpology '' , which is the art of reading people 's futures by reading the lines and crevices of their buttocks .
She married her third husband , Stephen Devine in 1998 , although they lived 10 miles apart for the majority of their relationship .
`` He 'd prefer we lived together , but I did that for 20 years with my previous husbands and it did n't work , '' she once said .
In 2005 , Stallone had a memorable stint in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , entering the house as a surprise contestant .
Her arrival was a shock for her former daughter-in-law Brigitte Nielsen , with whom she had a frosty relationship .
Upon seeing Stallone , a stunned Nielsen exclaimed : `` Oh my God !
Jackie ! ''
Broadcaster Jamie East , who presented the spin-off show Big Brother 's Bit On The Side , wrote on Twitter : `` RIP Jackie Stallone - responsible for one of the greatest ever moments on television . ''
Stallone was still active into her 90s , practising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defy age with a series of plastic surgeries , that she later came to regret .
`` Actually I 've got too much , '' she told Reveal magazine in 2013 .
`` I look like I 've got a mouthful of nuts… I feel I look like a chipmunk . ''
Her son , Frank , announced her death by posting a vintage headshot of Stallone from her acting days .
`` I guess I 'm drowning my emotions in tears and to [ o ] much vino , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known someone for 70 yrs it tough and sad .
`` My brother Sylvester took care of her like a Queen for all of her life .
I will never be able to call my mom again or have her yell at me why I never got married .
`` But we all loved her and her sprit to survive and prevail .
I 'll miss you always mommy . ''
Stallone is survived by her husband Devine , her sons Sylvester and Frank and six grandchildren .
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bbc--2020-09-21--Ruth Bader Ginsburg death: Voters' verdict on the Supreme Court battle

The US Supreme Court has long been a key consideration for voters - but now , with the death of liberal icon Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , it 's taking centre stage for many .
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to hold a confirmation vote on President Donald Trump 's nominee to fill Ginsburg 's seat before the election in November - a move Democrats have strongly opposed .
In 2016 , Mr McConnell refused to hold a vote to confirm a nominee put forward by then-President Barack Obama , arguing justices should not be approved in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr McConnell says things are different , with the same party holding both the Senate and the White House .
We asked voters from across the US what they think should happen next , what this means for November 's election , and what they feel will be Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's legacy .
Let 's use Senator Mitch McConnell 's words - `` The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice .
Therefore , this vacancy should not be filled until we have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement in 2016 .
What has changed in four years besides the attacks on our democracy by the Trump administration and the enabling by Republicans ?
We 're currently in the election .
Voting has started in many states and mail-in ballots are going out .
We should n't hold any hearings for any nominees .
Wait till 21 January for the president to nominate someone .
Ca n't have double standards .
I think this election was already important because of everything being on the ballot .
We knew the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more .
Politics and everything aside , Ruth Bader Ginsburg worked her entire life to make others ' better .
She worked tirelessly day and night .
She worked when she fell sick .
She worked through her cancer diagnosis multiple times .
She was back at work days after an injury .
This human being was a living legend .
• What is the US Supreme Court ?
• Why US top court is more political than UK's • Who are top contenders to fill the seat ?
The Constitution is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nominate a replacement to a vacant seat and the Senate has the authority to confirm or not .
Sometimes these events play into the hands of the left or the right and then the losing side makes an embarrassing carnival show of pretending they would n't do what the winning side is doing if they were in power .
It 's a charade of which they should be ashamed .
I think the president should nominate the best candidate he can find as quickly as he can and let the Senate do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my view of the election at all .
In my view , the one thing Vice-President Biden got right was that this election is about the soul of America .
In my view it is about a respect for the rule of law and the Constitution versus lawlessness in the streets and a slide into mediocrity and socialism from which we may never recover .
• Meet the Supremes - the judges on the top US court I greatly respect Justice Ginsburg 's intellect and her barrier-breaking career .
As an attorney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her insights .
She surely deserves her reputation .
However , I think it 's also fair to say that I agreed with her on only a minority of issues and while I pray she may rest in peace and honour , I look forward to a more conservative voice on the court .
If Senate Republicans , led by Senator Mitch McConnell , were to nominate and confirm a new Supreme Court justice just seven weeks before the election , it would be completely hypocritical to their stance four years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican-majority Senate did not hold any proceedings on Merrick Garland 's nomination by President Obama .
Justice Ginsburg 's passing adds to the urgency of this election .
Supreme Court decisions have a profound impact on millions of Americans .
With Justice Ginsburg 's passing , the fate of Roe v Wade [ abortion rights ] and the Affordable Care Act are at stake .
• How Trump and Biden compare on abortion Justice Ginsburg is a feminist icon .
She will be remembered as someone who personally overcame sexism in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a profound mark on American history .
I do n't think any other Supreme Court justice has ever had such a profound cultural impact on people , inspiring them to stand up for justice and equality .
I personally have a small plaque on display in my room that says : `` Do all things with the confidence of Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissenting . ''
I think that society often tells women that they are not enough , or that they are too much , and these words remind me to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I advocate for .
The president should immediately nominate a successor to the Supreme Court and such person should be considered by the Senate to begin the nomination process .
This will energise both parties ' bases thus cancelling each other out .
The talking points will shift and turnout will rise but the actual election results will most likely not shift .
Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's legacy will be hotly debated between both wings of the ideological spectrum .
I do not view her as a unifying figure .
She will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the left and a staunch enemy of tradition , the Constitution , and conservatism by the right .
In a better world , there would be a respectful consideration by the Senate in order to select the best candidate .
This will definitely not happen now as Mitch McConnell has announced his intention to proceed with getting one of Trump 's horrible candidates seated .
I can not tell you how much I loathe that man and his hypocrisy , so I expect we will have a very conservative court in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election goes , I am already donating to McConnell 's opponent and hoping that the Senate turns Democratic after the election .
Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's legacy will be far reaching beyond a doubt .
For a Jewish woman of her generation to be able to get the education she did is mind boggling to me .
I am 78 , a graduate of Barnard College , and remember how difficult it was for women to go to law school and medical school .
At a time when women were supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be overcome with determination and belief in oneself .
Women now have much more opportunity to succeed in the law thanks in no small part to her .
Given the treatment of Merrick Garland , the Senate should wait until after the election to vote on a nominee for the US Supreme Court .
If Biden wins , then Biden should choose the next nominee .
Anything less is just more hypocrisy from Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans .
The death of RBG raises the stakes of this election higher .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ big so that questions about the election never get decided by a radically conservative Supreme Court .
It also means that Biden is going to need to pack the courts .
Increasing the size of the court and the federal judiciary to offset the court packing that the Republicans have been doing since President Obama 's time in office is going to be crucial if any semblance of fairness and justice is going to be achieved by the courts .
Of course this makes the election of Democratic Senators crucial too .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will continue their obstructionism and make it very difficult to pass important progressive legislation .
I think Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's legacy will be that of a heroic woman that battled against sexism , and in her last years , battled against the spectre of American fascism by fighting through her cancer and holding on to life .
It must have been a tremendous burden for her to bear .
What are you most concerned about ?
Is it coronavirus ?
Healthcare ?
The economy ?
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Biden is going to need to win big so that questions about the election never get decided by a radically conservative Supreme Court. It also means that Biden is going to need to pack the courts. Increasing the size of the court and the federal judiciary to offset the court packing that the Republicans have been doing since President Obama's time in office is going to be crucial if any semblance of fairness and justice is going to be achieved by the courts.


bbc--2020-09-22--Internet: Old TV caused village broadband outages for 18 months

The mystery of why an entire village lost its broadband every morning at 7am was solved when engineers discovered an old television was to blame .
An unnamed householder in Aberhosan , Powys , was unaware the old set would emit a signal which would interfere with the entire village 's broadband .
After 18 months engineers began an investigation after a cable replacement programme failed to fix the issue .
The embarrassed householder promised not to use the television again .
The village now has a stable broadband signal .
Openreach engineers were baffled by the continuous problem and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring device that they found the fault .
The householder would switch their TV set on at 7am every morning - and electrical interference emitted by their second-hand television was affecting the broadband signal .
The owner , who does not want to be identified , was `` mortified '' to find out their old TV was causing the problem , according to Openreach .
`` They immediately agreed to switch it off and not use it again , '' said engineer Michael Jones .
Engineers walked around the village with a monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find any `` electrical noise '' to help pinpoint the problem .
`` At 7am , like clockwork , it happened , '' said Mr Jones .
`` Our device picked up a large burst of electrical interference in the village .
`` It turned out that at 7am every morning the occupant would switch on their old TV which would , in turn , knock out broadband for the entire village . ''
The TV was found to be emitting a single high-level impulse noise ( SHINE ) , which causes electrical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the problem has not returned since the fault was identified .
What else can cause broadband problems ?
Suzanne Rutherford , Openreach chief engineer 's lead for Wales , said anything with electric components - from outdoor lights to microwaves - can potentially have an impact on broadband connections .
`` We 'd just advise the public to make sure that their electric appliances are properly certified and meet current British standards , '' she said .
`` And if you have a fault , report it to your service provider in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate . ''

The owner, who does not want to be identified, was "mortified" to find out their old TV was causing the problem, according to Openreach.


bbc--2020-09-22--Hundreds of whales stranded off the coast of Tasmania

Scores of whales have died as conservationists begin a huge rescue operation at Macquarie Heads off the coast of Tasmania @ @ @ @ @ found stranded on two sand banks and a beach earlier in the week .
This @ @ @ @ @ in this region as a similar number of whales were stranded nearby around a decade @ @

Scores of whales have died as conservationists begin a huge rescue operation at Macquarie Heads off the coast of Tasmania.
Approximately 270 whales were found stranded on two sand banks and a beach earlier in the week.
This unusual event is not unprecedented in this region as a similar number of whales were stranded nearby around a decade ago.


bbc--2020-09-22--Coronavirus: There's no law to 'harvest' DNA from Covid-19 tests

The BBC 's anti-disinformation team has been looking into misleading and false claims about coronavirus tests , a death in police custody and the origins of the pandemic .
Claim : Legislation will allow 'DNA harvesting ' through Covid-19 tests Social media posts shared more than 2,500 times have claimed incorrectly that recent legislation would allow the UK government to take DNA samples from people having a Covid-19 test .
This is a covert plan for the `` harvesting and retention of DNA '' , they say .
But the legislation cited does not relate to samples taken for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with testing , the Home Office told the BBC .
Its purpose was to extend the time DNA and fingerprint records could be kept under anti-terrorism laws , because staff with security clearance had had only limited access to their IT systems during the pandemic .
`` Owing to the ongoing impact of coronavirus , the government has further extended the retention deadlines for biometrics data being retained by counter-terrorism policing for national security , '' an official added .
• How do I get a Covid test in the UK ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , Reddit and Twitter , with coronavirus sceptics , supporters of the anti-vaccination movement and anti-5G and QAnon conspiracy theories all questioning the legislation .
Claim : A man died in police custody after police clashed with protesters in London At the weekend , thousands of people gathered at an anti-lockdown protest in London .
According to the Metropolitan Police 32 arrests were made .
Someone who has gained a following on social media after falsely linking 5G networks to coronavirus posted on Facebook `` the Met Police murdered an innocent man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false story spread on social media and messenger apps , the Metropolitan Police issued a denial on their Twitter account .
The man became unwell while being arrested , was taken to hospital and subsequently released into police custody , they said .
When we contacted the police on Monday , we were told that he remains in custody , having been arrested on suspicion of assault on police and possession of Class A drugs .
The BBC science team has looked at claims that coronavirus was released from a lab and found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Chinese virologist has claimed on British and American television the coronavirus is `` not from nature '' and was created in a Chinese lab .
Former University of Hong Kong research fellow Dr Li-Meng Yan , made these claims on ITV 's Loose Women programme and then repeated them on Fox News .
Her research was posted on a website and has since been viewed more than 500,000 times .
Links to it have also been shared across multiple platforms , including Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
It claims specific characteristics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manipulated .
But the scientific basis for this has been dismissed by other scientists .
`` While to a non-virologist this may seem legitimate , '' Columbia University virologist Dr Angela Rasmussen said , `` the primary claims made in the paper are demonstrably untrue and easily debunked . ''
She said the characteristics of the virus that the paper claims are unusual arise naturally in other viruses , and there is no indication they have been engineered .
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
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University of Southampton senior research fellow in global health Dr Michael Head pointed to a peer-reviewed study from March that found no evidence for the claim .
The new study had not been formally peer-reviewed , he said , and `` does not obviously offer any data that overrides previous research '' .
Dr Andrew Preston , an expert in microbial pathogenesis , at the University of Bath , said the claims were `` unsubstantiated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to a BBC request for comment .
Posts claiming wearing a mask can cause pleurisy - an inflammation of the tissue around the lungs , sometimes caused by an infection - have been circulating on social media .
One post shared more than 1,200 times on Facebook shows a stained mask with the words : `` Your child is going to get very sick very soon and it wo n't be with corona .
It will be pleurisy.
`` Another - shared more than 2,000 times on Facebook alone by users promoting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK , Ireland , Romania and the US - describes testimony from a `` friend '' whose daughter is said to have become ill with pleurisy and blames wearing a mask .
But medical experts say there is no evidence masks can cause pleurisy .
• dispose of single-use masks after use

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