bbc--2020-08-03--Hume - the pivotal peacemaker in Northern Ireland

As the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party ( SDLP ) , John Hume helped create the climate that brought an end to violence in Northern Ireland .
When the IRA called a ceasefire in August 1994 , it was greeted with jubilation and relief across Northern Ireland .
Despite enormous criticism , Hume always defended his decision to talk to Sinn Féin in order to build that peace process .
While many people were involved , the SDLP leader 's role was crucial .
`` Politics , '' he once said , `` is the alternative to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the cauldron of Northern Ireland politics began on the streets of his home city , Londonderry , where he was born in 1937 .
Post-war education reforms enabled him to win a scholarship to the local grammar school and he trained briefly for the priesthood , before returning to work as a teacher .
Drawn into public life , Hume began to campaign on issues such as housing and helped set up a credit union in his native city .
But more traumatic times lay ahead .
Despite a majority nationalist population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unionists - and its reform was among the key demands of the civil rights movement .
Hume lived in the Bogside , scene of some of the earliest confrontations , and he witnessed at first hand the slide from peaceful protest to violent street confrontation .
As the situation in Northern Ireland became worse , he joined with other constitutional nationalists , including Gerry Fitt , in founding the SDLP .
Its objective was a united Ireland - but this was only to be achieved by consent .
Nationalist resentment was fuelled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1971 .
When a march to an Army camp , where some of the internees were being held , turned to confrontation , it was Hume who voiced the protesters ' anger , confronting an Army officer and asking him : `` Are you proud of the way your men have treated these people ? ''
In the years that followed , John Hume 's influence continued to grow .
Initiatives such as the Sunningdale Agreement , which established a short-lived power sharing assembly involving unionists and nationalists , were a tribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played a key role in negotiations over the Anglo-Irish Agreement which for the first time gave Dublin a limited say in the affairs of Northern Ireland .
Elected as the MP for Foyle in 1983 , he was also well regarded as a Member of the European Parliament .
He had enormous influence in the United States , where he rubbed shoulders with Teddy Kennedy and Bill Clinton .
But it was in direct talks with Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams , which reached a new intensity in 1994 , that he took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace , provoking unionist fury .
The Hume-Adams talks helped pave the way for the historic Downing Street declaration , and the IRA ceasefire months later .
The ceasefire was to last 17 months before being blown apart by a bomb in London 's docklands .
But , even though the IRA returned to its campaign of violence , the Hume-Adams dialogue continued as multi-party talks began without Sinn Féin in 1996 .
The following year saw the election of Tony Blair 's Labour government , which agreed to multi-party talks continuing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sinn Féin was to be invited to participate , provided that the IRA reinstated its ceasefire .
In July 1997 , the ceasefire came , followed two months later , by Sinn Fein 's inclusion in the talks .
Once again , John Hume had been central to momentous events in Northern Ireland .
It did not stop all the violence , as John Hume had hoped , but he was able to argue that hundreds of lives had been saved .
John Hume never lost the conviction that negotiations would in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he saw the 1998 Good Friday Agreement as proof of all he had argued for over the years .
It was his crowning political moment ; the agreement would not have happened without him .
His contribution was recognised with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize which he received jointly with Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble .
Typically , Hume saw the award as an endorsement of the peace process he had done so much to create .
It was his fellow SDLP member Seamus Mallon who assumed the deputy first minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
John Hume 's huge workload took a toll on his health .
In August 1999 , he was rushed to hospital while attending a conference in the Austrian resort of Alpbach .
He resigned as leader of the SDLP in September 2001 , having been at the helm for 22 years .
He said he had suffered from serious health problems and would be cutting down on his workload .
In recent years , John Hume struggled with dementia and had to step away from the public stage .
Speaking in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Friday Agreement , his wife , Pat , said he had little recollection of the role he had played in Northern Ireland 's political life .
`` It is very sad , his memory has just gone .
John does not remember very much about the agreement of 1998 , or about the Anglo Irish Agreement or Sunningdale or anything else , '' she said .
`` Yet he gave his entire life to the achievement of them .
But he is in a good place , he is content , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequent developments in the fractious politics of Northern Ireland , Hume 's reputation remained intact .
Along with his Nobel Prize , he was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Martin Luther King Award , and in 2010 a poll by Irish broadcaster RTE named him `` Ireland 's Greatest Person '' , beating the likes of Mary Robinson , Michael Collins and Bono to the title .
During a visit to Derry in 2014 , former US president Bill Clinton said `` this town and John Hume 's insistence on non-violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other parties , notably Sinn Fein '' served as an inspiration .
He added : `` I implore you , for the sake of the young people and all of those who did so much for so long , like John Hume - finish the job . ''

John Hume never lost the conviction that negotiations would in the end provide the solution and, he saw the 1998 Good Friday Agreement as proof of all he had argued for over the years. It was his crowning political moment; the agreement would not have happened without him.


bbc--2020-08-03--No championship is less valuable - Mercedes boss Wolff

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has rejected suggestions that this year 's championship would mean less than others because of the shorter season .
`` I do n't think any championship is less valuable than another one , '' Wolff said .
`` You could argue a shorter championship means ( you can afford ) less faults and races where you do n't finish . ''
The 2020 season was originally scheduled to have 22 races , but the first 10 were postponed or cancelled as a result of coronavirus .
The season finally started last month and so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F1 says it expects to have at least 16 grands prix in the end .
This is fewer than has been typical this century , but was a standard season length in the 1980s and '90s .
Wolff , who was talking to Radio 4 's Today programme , added : `` For us and certainly for sports insiders , it is as valuable as any other . ''
However , he added that the team were in no way thinking that the championship was there for the taking , despite a dominant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamilton win three of the four races so far and Bottas the other .
`` We are not yet set for another title , '' Wolff said , `` because you have to have the mindset of permanent scepticism , and really stay both feet on the ground .
It is not over until it is over . ''
Hamilton described Sunday 's race as `` the most dramatic ending I can remember '' after punctures for both Mercedes drivers in the final two laps .
Bottas ' left-front tyre failed while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laps to go , and it dropped him out of the points .
The same tyre then failed on Hamilton 's car early on the final lap , and he had to nurse the car home on three wheels while Red Bull 's Max Verstappen closed in fast .
Wolff praised Hamilton 's sang-froid in managing to judge his speed perfectly in a damaged car .
`` You learn with experience and you build up some resilience .
In this situation of crisis , you see the tyre has gone and you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely because then you ca n't take it around the corners any more , '' Wolff said .
`` He just found the right mixture between going fast enough to make it over the line first and on the other side making sure the tyre would n't delaminate . ''
The Mercedes were not the only cars to suffer tyre problems .
McLaren 's Carlos Sainz also suffered a puncture , on the penultimate lap , as did Alfa Romeo 's Kimi Raikkonen , although his appears to have been caused by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pirelli said it would launch a full investigation into the failures and would report before this weekend 's forthcoming 70th Anniversary Grand Prix , which is also at Silverstone .
Pirelli is supplying tyre compounds one step softer for this weekend 's race .
So the 'soft ' tyre that was unpopular at the British Grand Prix as a result of its lack of durability , will be the 'medium ' this weekend , and the 'hard ' tyre most teams preferred for the majority of the race is not available .
Wolff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see a one-stop race , but for sure an exciting two or three-stop .
`` There can be two reasons for these punctures , which not only happened on our cars .
Either debris , which they ca n't do anything against ... or the robustness of the structure that simply collapsed because of the loads around Silverstone .
`` I am sure Pirelli will do a thorough investigation .
It has proved to be a good tyre for all of us .
If it 's debris , we just have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; if it 's robustness , I guess we are going to get some prescriptions in terms of stint lengths . ''
• None Go behind the scenes of his misadventures

Lewis Hamilton has won the title in five of the past six years for Mercedes
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has rejected suggestions that this year's championship would mean less than others because of the shorter season.
Lewis Hamilton is 30 points clear of team-mate Valtteri Bottas after winning the British Grand Prix, in a season several races shorter than intended.
"I don't think any championship is less valuable than another one," Wolff said.
"You could argue a shorter championship means (you can afford) less faults and races where you don't finish."
The 2020 season was originally scheduled to have 22 races, but the first 10 were postponed or cancelled as a result of coronavirus.
The season finally started last month and so far has only 13 scheduled races, although F1 says it expects to have at least 16 grands prix in the end.
This is fewer than has been typical this century, but was a standard season length in the 1980s and '90s.
Wolff, who was talking to Radio 4's Today programme, added: "For us and certainly for sports insiders, it is as valuable as any other."
However, he added that the team were in no way thinking that the championship was there for the taking, despite a dominant start to the season that has seen Hamilton win three of the four races so far and Bottas the other.
"We are not yet set for another title," Wolff said, "because you have to have the mindset of permanent scepticism, and really stay both feet on the ground. It is not over until it is over."
Investigation into tyre failures
Lewis Hamilton's left-front tyre suffered a puncture on the last lap at Silverstone
Hamilton described Sunday's race as "the most dramatic ending I can remember" after punctures for both Mercedes drivers in the final two laps.
Bottas' left-front tyre failed while he was running second to Hamilton with two laps to go, and it dropped him out of the points.
The same tyre then failed on Hamilton's car early on the final lap, and he had to nurse the car home on three wheels while Red Bull's Max Verstappen closed in fast.
Wolff praised Hamilton's sang-froid in managing to judge his speed perfectly in a damaged car.
"You learn with experience and you build up some resilience. In this situation of crisis, you see the tyre has gone and you need to be careful it doesn't delaminate completely because then you can't take it around the corners any more," Wolff said.
"He just found the right mixture between going fast enough to make it over the line first and on the other side making sure the tyre wouldn't delaminate."
The Mercedes were not the only cars to suffer tyre problems.
McLaren's Carlos Sainz also suffered a puncture, on the penultimate lap, as did Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen, although his appears to have been caused by a front wing failure.
F1 tyre supplier Pirelli said it would launch a full investigation into the failures and would report before this weekend's forthcoming 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, which is also at Silverstone.
Pirelli is supplying tyre compounds one step softer for this weekend's race. So the 'soft' tyre that was unpopular at the British Grand Prix as a result of its lack of durability, will be the 'medium' this weekend, and the 'hard' tyre most teams preferred for the majority of the race is not available.
Wolff said: "We are not going to see a one-stop race, but for sure an exciting two or three-stop.
"There can be two reasons for these punctures, which not only happened on our cars. Either debris, which they can't do anything against... or the robustness of the structure that simply collapsed because of the loads around Silverstone.
"I am sure Pirelli will do a thorough investigation. It has proved to be a good tyre for all of us. If it's debris, we just have to make sure we clear the tyre better; if it's robustness, I guess we are going to get some prescriptions in terms of stint lengths."


bbc--2020-08-03--A big name or squad signings? Who should Liverpool buy this summer?

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested the Premier League champions are not planning any major signings this summer .
Klopp has cautioned against the club making big outlays as a result of the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic - despite their Premier League rivals already spending significant money .
Chelsea have made significant moves on the transfer front and Manchester City are close to adding to their squad in the next few days .
So , as Klopp aims to `` attack , not defend '' their title , does he need to buy in this window ?
Three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , winger John Barnes and striker Emile Heskey - give their views to BBC Sport . '
A little bit bare ' - a case for the defence Trent Alexander-Arnold , central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez , plus left-back Andy Robertson ended the season as the preferred defence - with Joel Matip the main central defensive cover with Dejan Lovren , though the latter has now left to join Zenit St Petersburg for £10.9m .
Klopp also has 23-year-old Nathaniel Phillips , who helped Stuttgart gain promotion back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ van den Berg and Ki-Jana Hoever as centre-back options .
`` They are a little bit bare , '' said Gillespie , who won three titles with Liverpool between 1983 and 1991 .
`` With Lovren going they will probably need a centre-back . ''
Neco Williams , 19 , has shown he is capable of deputising for Alexander-Arnold , but 19-year-old left-back Yasser Larouci is set to leave the club - leaving midfielder James Milner , 34 , as the man to fill in for Robertson .
`` It 's no secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover Andy Robertson , '' added Gillespie .
`` He 's the one who probably does n't get the amount of rest that maybe some of the other ones do .
`` The way Jurgen wants to play , it is a key area of the pitch . ''
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has been constantly linked with Liverpool but two-time title winner Barnes has doubts whether such a move is needed .
`` With the midfield being very workmanlike , they are a lot of points better off than everybody else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason you can have two full-backs attacking at the same time and three strikers is because they have three hard-working midfielders to protect that situation .
`` If you get another creative midfielder and you want your full-backs and front three to attack , then maybe you are going to concede more goals . ''
Liverpool have lost Adam Lallana but still have the forward-thinking Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain , Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri in midfield - although the Switzerland player could leave .
Curtis Jones suggested towards the end of the season that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bench at least , and they also have wide midfielder Harvey Elliott , though the talented 17-year-old is one for the future .
Marko Grujic and Harry Wilson will also be back at the club after spells out on loan .
Barnes added : `` Manchester City have got how many creative players in their midfield ?
But Liverpool finished 20-odd points ahead of them .
Maybe Manchester City should say : 'Let 's get more hard-working players in midfield so we can catch Liverpool . '
'' Does the front three need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mohamed Salah are clearly Liverpool 's top forward line - scoring more than 250 goals between them under Klopp .
While striker Timo Werner was heavily linked with Liverpool before joining Chelsea for about £48m , Barnes questions how much the Germany forward would have played .
Heskey , who played 223 times for the Reds between 2000 and 2004 , is wary about too much change .
`` It 's whether you disrupt that front three and push for someone else , '' he said .
`` They get most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the one that makes it all tick .
`` Do you disrupt that by taking him out of there and putting in someone who might get you more goals but might disrupt the balance of what makes that particular three work ? ''
Where does that leave Liverpool ?
Liverpool have only signed young defender Van den Berg , free transfer keepers Adrian and Andy Lonergan , who has left this summer , and Japan forward Takumi Minamino in the past two transfer windows .
Gillespie , Barnes and Heskey do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of major signings during this summer break either .
`` Liverpool will want to strengthen in some capacity if they can , '' said Heskey .
`` I would say second string rather than the first XI .
Arguably , Manchester City probably have the strongest squad and Liverpool probably have the strongest team . ''
Barnes added : `` I do n't even think it is the coronavirus pandemic .
I do n't necessarily think they need to make huge signings .
`` Jurgen Klopp likes the harmony of the squad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ signings but not big-name signings necessarily going into the first XI . ''
Gillespie believes a `` big-name signing gives everyone a lift '' but is unsure if that is possible in these `` unprecedented times '' .
The former Scotland defender said : `` It 's about getting the balance right .
I 'd be surprised if they do n't go into the transfer market in some shape or form .
`` I still think they are more than well-equipped to challenge and attack the title .
The starting line-up would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been over the last two seasons - presuming everyone stays . ''
• Romesh Ranganathan : Go behind the scenes of his misadventures

Transfer Gossip: Could Liverpool really sign Thiago, Koulibaly & Buendia this summer?
Liverpool cruised to their first league title in 30 years
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested the Premier League champions are not planning any major signings this summer.
Klopp has cautioned against the club making big outlays external-link as a result of the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic - despite their Premier League rivals already spending significant money.
Chelsea have made significant moves on the transfer front and Manchester City are close to adding to their squad in the next few days.
So, as Klopp aims to "attack, not defend" their title, does he need to buy in this window? Three former Reds players - defender Gary Gillespie, winger John Barnes and striker Emile Heskey - give their views to BBC Sport.
'A little bit bare' - a case for the defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold, central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, plus left-back Andy Robertson ended the season as the preferred defence - with Joel Matip the main central defensive cover with Dejan Lovren, though the latter has now left to join Zenit St Petersburg for £10.9m.
Klopp also has 23-year-old Nathaniel Phillips, who helped Stuttgart gain promotion back to the Bundesliga last season, and 18-year-olds Sepp van den Berg and Ki-Jana Hoever as centre-back options.
"They are a little bit bare," said Gillespie, who won three titles with Liverpool between 1983 and 1991. "With Lovren going they will probably need a centre-back."
Neco Williams, 19, has shown he is capable of deputising for Alexander-Arnold, but 19-year-old left-back Yasser Larouci is set to leave the club - leaving midfielder James Milner, 34, as the man to fill in for Robertson.
"It's no secret he will want a left full-back to cover Andy Robertson," added Gillespie. "He's the one who probably doesn't get the amount of rest that maybe some of the other ones do.
"The way Jurgen wants to play, it is a key area of the pitch."
'Extra creativity could be costly'
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has been constantly linked external-link with Liverpool but two-time title winner Barnes has doubts whether such a move is needed.
"With the midfield being very workmanlike, they are a lot of points better off than everybody else," he said.
"The reason you can have two full-backs attacking at the same time and three strikers is because they have three hard-working midfielders to protect that situation.
"If you get another creative midfielder and you want your full-backs and front three to attack, then maybe you are going to concede more goals."
Liverpool have lost Adam Lallana but still have the forward-thinking Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri in midfield - although the Switzerland player could leave.
Curtis Jones suggested towards the end of the season that he could become a regular on the bench at least, and they also have wide midfielder Harvey Elliott, though the talented 17-year-old is one for the future. Marko Grujic and Harry Wilson will also be back at the club after spells out on loan.
Barnes added: "Manchester City have got how many creative players in their midfield? But Liverpool finished 20-odd points ahead of them. Maybe Manchester City should say: 'Let's get more hard-working players in midfield so we can catch Liverpool.'"
Does the front three need changing?
Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are Liverpool's preferred front three
Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are clearly Liverpool's top forward line - scoring more than 250 goals between them under Klopp.
While striker Timo Werner was heavily linked with Liverpool before joining Chelsea for about £48m, Barnes questions how much the Germany forward would have played.
Heskey, who played 223 times for the Reds between 2000 and 2004, is wary about too much change.
"It's whether you disrupt that front three and push for someone else," he said. "They get most of their goals from the wings and Firmino is the one that makes it all tick.
"Do you disrupt that by taking him out of there and putting in someone who might get you more goals but might disrupt the balance of what makes that particular three work?"
Transfer Gossip: Could Liverpool really sign Thiago, Koulibaly & Buendia this summer?
Where does that leave Liverpool?
Liverpool have only signed young defender Van den Berg, free transfer keepers Adrian and Andy Lonergan, who has left this summer, and Japan forward Takumi Minamino in the past two transfer windows.
Gillespie, Barnes and Heskey do not expect too much more in the way of major signings during this summer break either.
"Liverpool will want to strengthen in some capacity if they can," said Heskey.
"I would say second string rather than the first XI. Arguably, Manchester City probably have the strongest squad and Liverpool probably have the strongest team."
Barnes added: "I don't even think it is the coronavirus pandemic. I don't necessarily think they need to make huge signings.
"Jurgen Klopp likes the harmony of the squad. Maybe he has to get more squad signings but not big-name signings necessarily going into the first XI."
Gillespie believes a "big-name signing gives everyone a lift" but is unsure if that is possible in these "unprecedented times".
The former Scotland defender said: "It's about getting the balance right. I'd be surprised if they don't go into the transfer market in some shape or form.
"I still think they are more than well-equipped to challenge and attack the title. The starting line-up would be more or less the same as what it has been over the last two seasons - presuming everyone stays."


bbc--2020-08-03--Infantino to continue as Fifa president amid criminal investigation

Fifa president Gianni Infantino will remain in the role while he is a subject of a criminal investigation .
Last week , prosecutors in Switzerland launched legal proceedings against Infantino in relation to an alleged secret meeting he held with the Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber .
Both men have denied any wrongdoing .
Football 's world governing body Fifa , which is based in Zurich , said the meetings were `` routine '' and `` nothing remotely criminal has happened '' .
`` There was and is absolutely no reason to open any investigation , '' it added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest any form of criminal wrongdoing . ''
Lauber resigned last week after a court said he covered up the meetings and lied to supervisors during an investigation by his office into corruption surrounding Fifa .
Special prosecutor Stefan Keller was appointed in June to review criminal complaints against the two men and others .
He found indications of criminal conduct related to their meetings , the authority overseeing the Office of the Attorney General ( OAG ) said .
Fifa said : `` At the time of the meetings between the Fifa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OAG was conducting investigations in over 20 cases in Fifa-related matters , and Fifa is a damaged party in those proceedings .
It was therefore entirely logical for the Fifa president to be meeting the Swiss federal prosecutor .
`` The purpose was always to offer Fifa 's full support in the investigations .
The Fifa president and Fifa officials went to see the most senior law officer in the country to describe the changes that had been made at Fifa , and offered co-operation in prosecuting criminal wrongdoing .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as a representative of Fifa . ''
It added that Infantino was trying to `` restore trust in the institution '' and to `` explain the concrete steps being taken to bring good governance '' to Fifa .
• Romesh Ranganathan : Go behind the scenes of his misadventures

Last updated on .From the section Football
Gianni Infantino was re-elected for a second term as Fifa president in June 2019
Fifa deputy secretary general Alasdair Bell says controversy around the head of world football is as an "Alice in Wonderland situation" and a "step backwards" in repairing Fifa's name.
Last week, prosecutors in Switzerland launched legal proceedings against Fifa president Gianni Infantino in relation to an alleged secret meeting with Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber.
Both men have denied any wrongdoing.
Infantino has opted not to step down until the matter is dealt with.
"Most people would recognise if you go to meet the attorney general, you would be in pretty safe hands," Bell told BBC Sport. "You wouldn't think you are going to be accused of criminal wrongdoing for having met the attorney general.
"Yet this is the kind of 'Alice in Wonderland' situation we are in today."
Bell said neither Infantino nor Fifa were aware of the source of the complaint that led to the charges being levelled.
However, he did accept it might have come from someone with an axe to grind against the 50-year-old Swiss, who took office in 2016, vowing to clean up an organisation badly tarnished by the allegations levelled against his predecessor Sepp Blatter, who is currently serving an eight-year ban from football.
"Yes, there might be some people who might be interested in that [bringing the Fifa president down]," said Bell. "We don't know who made the complaints. Maybe those people would like to see Gianni Infantino fall."
Lauber offered his resignation last week after a court said he covered up the meetings and lied to supervisors during an investigation by his office into corruption surrounding Fifa.
Special prosecutor Stefan Keller was appointed in June to review criminal complaints against the two men and others.
He found indications of criminal conduct related to their meetings, the authority overseeing the Office of the Attorney General said.
While Bell said he is "100% certain" no criminal charges will arise in this matter, he accepts the reputational damage to Fifa will be significant.
"Of course, this is bad for our reputation as an institution and the personal reputation of the president," said Bell.
Bell believes ridding Fifa of the stigma of corruption "is not something that is going to happen overnight", adding: "To turn the ship around and to establish trust and credibility takes time.
"We are definitely going in the right direction but it is a work in progress. Events like this, the announcement of a criminal investigation, even if it is without any merit whatsoever, is a step backwards."


bbc--2020-08-03--Thomas returns to world number one by winning WGC-St Jude Invitational

Last updated on .From the section Golf Justin Thomas returned to world number one by winning the WGC-St Jude Invitational in Memphis .
Defending champion Koepka birdied 17 to get within one of Thomas but found water on the last to end his hopes .
The closing five-under 65 gave Thomas his 13th PGA Tour title four days before the US PGA Championship starts .
He won the US PGA in 2017 , his only major title to date .
`` It means a lot , especially with how I felt like I did it , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coming from behind .
I got wrapped up in how far I was behind and how many people . ''
Three weeks ago at the Workday Charity Open , Thomas squandered a three-stroke lead with three holes to play and two bogeys dropped him into a play-off with Collin Morikawa , which he lost .
`` I feel like I learned a lot from that , '' he said after moving up from third in the world rankings , overtaking Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy , to take top spot for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just did n't get ahead of myself anytime those last two , three holes , where I felt like my mind was kind of wandering and maybe thinking about winning .
`` I basically just told myself to shut up and figure out what you 're doing because I could lose this tournament just as easily as I won it . ''
Koepka bogeyed 16 to give Thomas some breathing space but then made a huge birdie putt on the next to close to within a shot before driving into a stream on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bogey .
Thomas ' short game on the back nine was imperious , with a number of world-class pitches and high-class putting combining to make birdies and save par .
Overnight leader Todd struggled throughout and finished the day four over to tie for 11th .
Lewis finished in joint third after he managed to follow his 61 on Saturday with a fine 66 .
His compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick finished joint sixth on nine under alongside Open champion Shane Lowry of Ireland while Tommy Fleetwood was on three under .

Last updated on .From the section Golf
Justin Thomas began the final day four shots behind overnight leader Brendon Todd
WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational final leaderboard -13 J Thomas (US); -10 B Koepka (US), D Berger (US), T Lewis (Eng), P Mickelson (US) Selected others: -9 S Lowry (Ire), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -8 D Johnson (US); -3 T Fleetwood (Eng)
Justin Thomas returned to world number one by winning the WGC-St Jude Invitational in Memphis.
The American began four shots behind leader Brendon Todd but won by three from Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Daniel Berger and Englishman Tom Lewis.
Defending champion Koepka birdied 17 to get within one of Thomas but found water on the last to end his hopes.
The closing five-under 65 gave Thomas his 13th PGA Tour title four days before the US PGA Championship starts.
He won the US PGA in 2017, his only major title to date.
"It means a lot, especially with how I felt like I did it," he said. "In the past, I struggled with coming from behind. I got wrapped up in how far I was behind and how many people."
Three weeks ago at the Workday Charity Open, Thomas squandered a three-stroke lead with three holes to play and two bogeys dropped him into a play-off with Collin Morikawa, which he lost.
"I feel like I learned a lot from that," he said after moving up from third in the world rankings, overtaking Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy, to take top spot for the first time since 2018.
"I just didn't get ahead of myself anytime those last two, three holes, where I felt like my mind was kind of wandering and maybe thinking about winning.
"I basically just told myself to shut up and figure out what you're doing because I could lose this tournament just as easily as I won it."
Koepka bogeyed 16 to give Thomas some breathing space but then made a huge birdie putt on the next to close to within a shot before driving into a stream on 18 on his way to a double bogey.
Thomas' short game on the back nine was imperious, with a number of world-class pitches and high-class putting combining to make birdies and save par.
Overnight leader Todd struggled throughout and finished the day four over to tie for 11th.
Lewis finished in joint third after he managed to follow his 61 on Saturday with a fine 66.
His compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick finished joint sixth on nine under alongside Open champion Shane Lowry of Ireland while Tommy Fleetwood was on three under.


bbc--2020-08-04--Hurricane Isaias heads for Carolinas

Hurricane Isaias heads for Carolinas

Coastal communities in the Carolinas are bracing for Hurricane Isaias , which is heading for the US eastern seaboard .
The National Hurricane Center predicts it will hit between north-eastern South Carolina and southern North Carolina sometime on Monday night .
Isaias was downgraded to a tropical storm after hitting islands in the Caribbean , where it caused the death of two people .
But it has now gathered strength with wind speeds of 75mph ( 120km/h ) .
Isaias is the ninth named storm of the year .
The NHC warned Isaias would cause heavy rainfall , resulting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and flash floods in the eastern Carolinas and mid-Atlantic as it moves along the US East Coast .
In north-eastern South Carolina and southern North Carolina , officials said `` there is the danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the immediate coastline and adjacent waterways '' .
Storm surges along the eastern seaboard could reach up to 5ft ( 1.5m ) with over 8in ( 20cm ) of rainfall .
Tropical storm force winds and gusts will also reach up to the Chesapeake Bay region .
The storm this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its centre remained offshore of South Carolina .
In the Dominican Republican and Puerto Rico , Isaias killed at least two people .
The storm uprooted trees , destroyed crops and homes and caused flooding and landslides .
Isaias is bearing down upon popular tourist destinations of Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , and Wilmington , North Carolina .
Tornado warnings are also in effect until Tuesday .
It is projected to weaken after making landfall , but farther north , New York City is preparing for storm surges as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season have also been grappling with opening shelters that comply with social distancing regulations .
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper - who on Friday declared a state of emergency - urged residents during a news conference on Monday to be on the alert and stay safe .
`` North Carolinians have had to dig deep in recent months to tap into our strength and resilience during the pandemic .
That has n't been easy .
`` But with this storm on the way , we have to dig a little deeper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wind and water as well as from the virus . ''
Mr Cooper said the state is also equipped to open storm shelters where people can socially distance .
US disaster agencies have updated disaster preparedness and evacuation guidance in light of Covid-19 .
The Centers for Disease Control recommends families add Covid-19 items to a disaster `` go kit '' that can be taken in an emergency situation : • At least two face coverings per person ( though masks should not be worn by those under two years old or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some key guidelines for protecting yourself against Covid-19 if you must evacuate to a shelter : • Keep 6ft of distance from anyone not among your household • If possible , wear a face covering and wash it regularly • Frequently disinfect your area in the shelter ( including toys and electronics )

Police in New York City said a tree fell and killed a man inside his vehicle in Queens. A driver in Maryland was also killed when a tree toppled on to the car in the storm.


bbc--2020-08-03--Spain's embattled ex-King Juan Carlos leaves country

Spain 's former King Juan Carlos has decided to leave the country , the royal palace says , weeks after he was linked to an inquiry into alleged corruption .
Juan Carlos , 82 , made the announcement in a letter to his son , Felipe , to whom he handed power six years ago .
He said he would be available if prosecutors needed to interview him .
In June , Spain 's Supreme Court opened an investigation into the alleged involvement of Juan Carlos in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia .
It was not immediately clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Spanish press reports say he is no longer in the country .
It is a humiliating exit for a king who had seemed set to go down in history as the leader who skilfully guided Spain from dictatorship to democracy after the death of General Franco in 1975 , BBC Europe correspondent Nick Beake says .
Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 after nearly 40 years as king following a corruption investigation involving his daughter 's husband and a controversial elephant hunting trip the monarch took during Spain 's financial crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter , the former monarch wrote that he was making the decision `` in the face of the public repercussions that certain past events in my private life are generating '' and in the hope of allowing his son to carry out his functions as king with `` tranquillity '' .
`` Guided by the conviction to best serve the people of Spain , its institutions , and you as king , I inform you of my decision at this time to leave Spain .
`` A decision I make with deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter said .
The statement from the Zarzuela palace said that King Felipe VI had conveyed `` his heartfelt respect and gratitude '' to his father for this decision .
In March , King Felipe VI renounced the inheritance of his father .
The royal palace also said at the time that Juan Carlos would stop receiving an annual grant of €194,000 ( $ 228,000 ; £174,520 ) .
What is the corruption investigation about ?
Spain 's Supreme Court has said it aims to establish Juan Carlos 's connection with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
At that point he lost his immunity from prosecution .
Spanish anti-corruption officials suspect that the former king kept some undeclared funds in Switzerland , and a Swiss investigation is under way .
The Spanish government has said that `` justice is equal for all '' and it would `` not interfere '' in the inquiry .
• Ascends the throne on 22 November 1975 , two days after the death of fascist dictator Gen Francisco Franco • Juan Carlos was widely admired for steering Spain to democracy during a difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 39-year reign he drew growing criticism • Abdicates on 18 June 2014 in favour of his son Felipe

In the letter, the former monarch wrote that he was making the decision "in the face of the public repercussions that certain past events in my private life are generating" and in the hope of allowing his son to carry out his functions as king with "tranquillity".


bbc--2020-08-03--Coronavirus: WHO warns of 'no silver bullet' amid vaccine search

The head of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said that while there is hope for a vaccine against Covid-19 , one might never be found .
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing there was `` no silver bullet at the moment - and there might never be '' .
Mr Tedros implored people around the world to comply with measures such as social distancing , hand-washing and mask-wearing , saying : `` Do it all . ''
Globally , more than 18 million Covid-19 infections have been recorded .
The death toll stands at 689,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University .
• The man at the heart of the coronavirus fight • How close to developing a vaccine are we ?
• Where are the world 's coronavirus hotspots ?
Speaking from its headquarters in Geneva , the WHO chief said work on immunisation was progressing .
`` A number of vaccines are now in phase 3 clinical trials , and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection .
`` However , there is no silver bullet at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Tedros warned .
`` For now , stopping outbreaks comes down to the basics of public health and disease control : testing , isolating and treating patients , and tracing and quarantining their contacts . ''
Mr Tedros said that mothers with suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding .
The benefits , he said , `` substantially '' outweighed the risks of infection .
Meanwhile , the first stage of a WHO investigation into the possible source of the outbreak in China is now complete , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus initially jumped from animals to humans and attention has focused on a wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan , where the Covid-19 pandemic began .
An advance team probing the source has concluded its mission and will be followed by a larger WHO-led international group , including Chinese experts .
It is not yet known when it will commence .
• The Australian city of Melbourne is shutting down shops , factories and other non-essential businesses as authorities fight a second wave of coronavirus .
A night-time curfew has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million residents as part of measures to try to curb the spread of the disease .
• At least 41 passengers and crew on a Norwegian cruise ship have tested positive for Covid-19 , officials say .
Hundreds more passengers who travelled on the MS Roald Amundsen are in quarantine and awaiting test results .
• The number of deaths from coronavirus in Iran is nearly three times higher than Iran 's government claims , a BBC Persian service investigation has found .
The government 's own records appear to show almost 42,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 July , compared to 14,405 reported by its health ministry .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?

"However, there is no silver bullet at the moment, and there might never be," Mr Tedros warned. "For now, stopping outbreaks comes down to the basics of public health and disease control: testing, isolating and treating patients, and tracing and quarantining their contacts."


bbc--2020-08-03--Coronavirus: How pandemic pods and zutors are changing homeschooling

When the number of coronavirus cases began to rise in the San Francisco area in early July , mother of one Lian Chikako Chang started a Facebook group to support local families and teachers who were suddenly facing the prospect of schools not opening in person as planned in mid-August .
The `` Pandemic Pods '' group , which aims to help with childcare and schooling needs , grew to more than 30,000 members within three weeks , as areas across the US were hit by Covid-19 spikes and more schools decided to stay shut .
`` Families were left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chang .
`` Most parents have to work , and most jobs are not compatible with homeschooling '' .
And it 's not just Facebook parents are turning to .
Matchmaking apps and websites have sprung up offering to help parents connect with other families to form `` safe '' learning pods , or match them with teachers who can give online lessons , dubbed `` zutors '' ( zoom tutors ) by one matchmaking service .
Regular tutoring services have also seen an explosion of interest .
One company in Missouri saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its online academic subjects across all age groups in April , and is now seeking to add 10,000 more tutors and instructors .
But extra teaching does not come cheap , with private tutors costing anywhere between $ 20 ( £15 ) and $ 65 ( £49 ) an hour , and monthly fees at around $ 3,000 ( £2,300 ) .
Posts to the Pandemic Pods group range from seeking advice on whether an `` outdoor-based '' pod of five children , made up of three families , can safely spend some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice on how to manage a `` micro-school '' timetable for six six-year-olds .
One California mother has erected a huge geodesic tent in her back garden and renamed it `` Dome School '' for a small group of kindergarten-age children .
Julie Lam , CEO of San Francisco-based real estate investment firm Goodegg , realised she needed to make changes for the new school year after her `` really terrible '' experience trying to work and homeschool her three children aged five , seven and eight during the spring term .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was trying to support each of my three children in their school work each day , trying to work out what they should be doing , trying to work out if they were doing it right , while fielding calls and taking meetings .
It 's was so stressful , '' she says .
Unhappy with the input she got from her children 's public school , she and her husband decided to move their children to a private school .
Although her children will start their new school remotely , Mrs Lam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been `` very refreshing '' .
The children can expect a full timetable of study , and she can have a daily check-in with their teachers .
Through a matchmaking site , she has also found a college graduate who can come to her house three days a week and help supervise her children 's distance learning .
Ms Lam recognises she is in a fortunate position to be able to make these choices .
`` I did n't grow up with wealth so I do n't take it for granted .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best they can in these difficult times . ''
Her comments touch on one of the big concerns around the growing popularity of learning pods and private tutors - that it will further widen inequalities in the education system , which have long fallen along race and income lines .
New research suggests the impact of the lockdown is already being seen in students ' academic gains .
A working paper from the NWEA , a non-profit organisation , predicts the average student will be starting the new school year having lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected progress in reading and half the expected progress in maths .
Some students are nearly a full year behind where they might expect to be in a normal school year .
Learning loss is likely to be greater among low-income black and Hispanic students , according to analysis by consulting group McKinsey and Company .
It highlights data which shows only 60 % of low-income students logging into online instruction compared with 90 % of high-income students .
Engagement rates were also lagging behind in schools serving predominantly black and Hispanic students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most schools across the US had intended to welcome back students on their premises when the new academic year starts in the coming weeks .
But with US Covid-19 cases topping 4.7 million and rising by up to 77,000 a day , they have had to rapidly rethink their plans .
More than half of 106 school districts have now confirmed they will begin remotely , compared with just one two weeks ago .
Bree Dusseault of The Centre on Reinventing Public Education ( CRPE ) says some schools have been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while others are still trying to organise laptops and internet hotspots for their students .
She says many school districts have not been properly supported at state level , and have been burdened with having to `` provide everything for schools as well as ensure health '' .
State intervention would allow for greater consistency when it comes to `` device provision , communication hotspots , school meals , mental health and protections for physical health '' , she says .
A big unknown , she says , is how the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Districts are reassuring us that they will provide services , but there has been almost no information about what support is being given to children who are homeless , disabled and in juvenile detention . ''
Ms Dusseault understands why parents would seek out-of-school support `` especially if their district is n't stepping up '' , but she says `` the key is ensuring that all families can find and pay for those solutions if they have to '' .
`` Robust conversations '' around equality issues are also heavily discussed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some families are actively trying to organise pods that are more equitable .
One public elementary school in San Francisco , Rooftop , decided to `` head inequity off at the pass '' as head Nancy Bui puts it , by organising a school-wide virtual `` pod '' programme .
This programme `` supports family-to-family connections by assigning kids in the same class to smaller cohorts '' but ensures the pods reflect the diversity of the school .
'They did n't even know they were learning' Kellyse Brown 's family is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lively nine-year-old has spent the summer taking part in a summer school set up and run by a parent-led group in Oakland , California .
Oakland Reach was set up four years ago to help disadvantaged families fight for high quality education for their children .
Most of the city 's public schools are majority black and Latino , and less than 30 % of students were reaching the required reading level .
A group of parents decided this had to change .
Co-founder Lakisha Young said it became apparent as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the students of Oakland were likely to be adversely affected and indeed this proved the case , with just 30 % of students found to be participating in online learning .
The organisation raised more than $ 350,000 to pay for 14 teachers and two directors to run a free virtual summer school for 180 children aged between five and 13 , for the whole of the six-week summer break .
Kellyse 's day starts with a virtual get-together with her classmates and teacher .
She will do some maths and English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an afternoon of enrichment activities ranging from science experiments to karate and cooking .
Her mother , Keta Brown , who is a family liaison officer with Oakland Reach , says it has been a wonderful experience for her daughter .
`` It has n't felt like work .
Their literacy lessons for instance revolved around civil rights and Black Lives Matter - issues that are relevant to them .
They did n't even know they were learning , '' says Keta , who is also delighted that her daughter now knows how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so fortunate that Kellyse was able to have this opportunity because so much learning is lost in the summer term , and it 's very possible children this year will have backtracked to March . ''
Oakland Reach is now thinking about how to help families further as the new school year gets under way remotely - and is well supported by both the school district and financial donors in doing so .
Ms Young says that for families who are happy with their school 's provision they still want to offer `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's learning .
For other families , they intend to continue providing academic instruction and enrichment - and `` setting up parents as the real leaders of their child 's education '' , by providing support to access both the curriculum and the necessary technology .
On the subject of pods , she says : `` We would love to partner with them .
This crisis has created an opportunity for real innovation and we are open to working with everyone to help make our education system work better for all . ''

Unhappy with the input she got from her children's public school, she and her husband decided to move their children to a private school. Although her children will start their new school remotely, Mrs Lam says the support she has received has been "very refreshing". The children can expect a full timetable of study, and she can have a daily check-in with their teachers. Through a matchmaking site, she has also found a college graduate who can come to her house three days a week and help supervise her children's distance learning.


bbc--2020-08-03--Being a Chinese student in the US: ‘Neither the US nor China wants us’

Stranded abroad by the coronavirus pandemic and squeezed by political tensions , Chinese students in the United States are rethinking their host and home countries .
Eight years ago , Shizheng Tie , then aged 13 , moved alone from China to rural Ohio for one sole purpose : education .
She once had a budding American dream , but now she says she is facing hostility in that country .
`` As a Chinese living in the US , I am very scared now , '' she says .
Tie , now a senior student at Johns Hopkins University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` chaotic '' .
Some 360,000 Chinese students are currently enrolled in schools in the US .
In the past months , they have experienced two historical events - a global pandemic and unprecedented tensions between the US and China , which have reshaped their views of the two nations .
The majority of Chinese students in the US are self-funded and hope their western education will lead to a good career .
Meanwhile , Washington has warned that not all students from China are `` normal '' , claiming some are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , orchestrate pro-China views and monitor other Chinese students on American campuses .
The Trump administration recently cancelled visas for 3,000 students they believe have ties to the Chinese military .
One US senator even suggested that Chinese nationals should be banned from studying math and science in America .
Amid the harsh rhetoric , many Chinese students fear that they are being turned into a political target for Washington .
Tie , majoring in environmental science , says she is pessimistic about her academic future in the US , given the growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science and technology .
`` I used to think I 'd pursue my PhD in the US and perhaps settle down here , but now I see myself returning to China after obtaining a master 's degree , '' Tie says .
Yingyi Ma , associate professor of sociology at Syracuse University , says Chinese students in the US are now `` politicised and marginalised at an unprecedented level '' , as Washington is sending `` very unfriendly signals '' .
• ' I 'm Asian , so I can never be American' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coded insult at China The strained bilateral relations have swayed public opinion , as a recent survey found that 73 % of American adults have an unfavourable view of China - an historic high .
Prof Ma published a book called Ambitious and Anxious this January , focusing on Chinese students ' experience in America .
`` If I write the book now , I will only keep 'anxious ' in the title , '' she says .
As the coronavirus continues to spread in the US , Tie prefers to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be largely under control .
But the country has ordered sharp cuts in international flights to prevent imported cases , leaving many Chinese students overseas , stranded thousands of miles away from their families .
On Chinese social media , some comments portrayed these students as spoiled brats , who had fled from the country 's fiercely competitive education system and now may imperil its success in containing the virus .
`` America wants to kick us out , while China does n't allow us to return , '' Tie says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scenes This sentiment is commonly shared among Chinese students in the US .
Iris Li , a 20-year-old junior student from China at Emory University in Atlanta , describes the students as `` being kicked like a ball '' between the two countries .
`` We are getting the short end of the stick from both sides , '' Li says .
After worrying about the outbreak in their home country from afar , these young Chinese are now witnessing the coronavirus crisis in the US .
They were perplexed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsettled by President Trump 's use of the phrases `` kung flu '' and `` China virus '' .
Some have even experienced racial harassment firsthand .
Racial discrimination during the pandemic has `` burst their bubble , '' Prof Ma says .
A new paper stated that anti-Chinese racism boosts support for Beijing 's authoritarian rule among Chinese students in the US .
Jennifer Pan , co-author of the paper and assistant professor of Communications at Stanford University , says there is a general belief that Chinese students overseas are indoctrinated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That 's not the case , '' Prof Pan says , `` What does change their political views is racism . ''
The research found that college freshmen from China who read derogatory comments against Chinese people are more likely to support Beijing , while general criticism against the government 's coronavirus handling did not produce the same effects .
Prof Pan says the findings suggest that Chinese students in the US , whose survey responses are `` mature , sophisticated and thoughtful for their age '' , can rationally process criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's travel restrictions , Tie says she has become more patriotic since living aboard .
`` I had believed America to be a wonderland of dreams , equality and tolerance for all .
I certainly do n't believe it anymore , '' she wrote in her school newspaper in June , criticising America 's `` Sinophobia '' .
In February , she penned an online petition , protesting against her university hosting a panel with Hong Kong democracy activists .
But Tie says she 's not a `` little pink '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youth active on the internet .
`` I am patriotic in a rational way , not as a result of brainwashing , '' Tie says , adding that she views both Washington and Beijing critically , citing the lack of freedom of speech in China .
`` Both countries let me down many times , '' Tie says , `` but China is my motherland , so I am more willing to endure that frustration . ''
Similar to Tie , Li plans to return to China after her study , with transformed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Foreign students in US 'scared for the future' In early July , Washington announced a policy barring foreign students from staying in the country , but the decision was rescinded after receiving waves of criticism .
`` It made me feel hopeful about the US , '' Li says , `` This would not happen in China . ''
The sociology and religious studies student thinks the pandemic has laid bare the advantages and weaknesses of both political systems .
While the Chinese government seems to act more effectively , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is able to correct its own mistakes .
American education has made her `` more anti-China , '' Li says with a laugh .
She recalls feeling `` very uncomfortable '' when she first arrived in America six years ago and saw her fellow students waving Taiwanese flags , which are seen in mainland China as a symbol for Taiwan independence .
But after getting to know the Taiwanese students , she realised that though their views may have been completely different , they could discuss issues respectfully , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US is an important experience in my life , '' one that she says she 'd never regret .
`` But I am eager to help change China , where my work may be more meaningful . ''

"Studying in the US is an important experience in my life," one that she says she'd never regret. "But I am eager to help change China, where my work may be more meaningful."


bbc--2020-08-04--NY attorney expands inquiry into Trump 'criminal conduct'

A New York prosecutor seeking US President Donald Trump 's tax returns says he is investigating reported `` protracted criminal conduct at the Trump Organization '' .
Monday 's court filing suggests the inquiry is broader than alleged hush money payments made to two women who say they had affairs with Mr Trump .
The Supreme Court ruled last month that lawyers could examine the tax returns .
Mr Trump has repeatedly dismissed the probe , calling it a `` witch hunt '' .
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr has filed a subpoena to obtain eight years of Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which the Trump Organization is challenging .
The Republican president 's supporters accuse the Manhattan prosecutor , a Democrat , of pursuing a political vendetta .
Last week , Mr Trump 's lawyers filed a complaint arguing the subpoena was `` wildly overbroad '' and issued in bad faith .
Responding in court documents filed on Monday , lawyers for Mr Vance said that allegations of criminal activity at the Trump Organization date back `` over a decade '' .
His lawyers citied newspaper articles about supposed bank and insurance fraud at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's former lawyer Michael Cohen , who said Mr Trump would devalue his assets when trying to reduce his taxes .
They said their inquiry extends beyond purported hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal in the lead-up to the 2016 election .
Such payments could violate campaign financing laws .
The president denies the affairs took place .
Speaking to reporters , Mr Trump described the investigation as `` Democratic stuff '' .
`` They failed with Mueller , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller that failed to establish the president had colluded with the Kremlin during his election campaign .
`` They failed with everything , they failed with Congress , they failed at every stage of the game . ''
He added : `` This is a continuation of the worst witch hunt in American history . ''
Mr Trump , who inherited money from his father and went on to become a property developer , is the first president since Richard Nixon in the 1970s not to have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .

"They failed with Mueller," he said, referring to the justice department investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller that failed to establish the president had colluded with the Kremlin during his election campaign. "They failed with everything, they failed with Congress, they failed at every stage of the game."


bbc--2020-08-03--Kaepernick shirt was attack dogs' target at Navy Seal event

The US Navy Seals are investigating after footage emerged of military dogs attacking a `` stand-in '' wearing a Colin Kaepernick shirt at an event last year .
The video was reportedly taken at the National Navy Seal Museum in Florida in 2019 , but went viral this weekend .
The Navy Seals said it was `` completely inconsistent '' with its values .
Kaepernick , a former NFL quarterback , began kneeling in 2016 during the national anthem before games to protest against racial injustice .
• 'We were wrong ' : NFL to allow players ' protest Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a target wearing the red Kaepernick jersey being attacked by a number of military dogs .
In one video , the man appears to say `` Oh man , I will stand '' after being brought down by the dogs , drawing laughter from the crowd .
`` We became aware today of a video of a Navy Seal Museum event posted last year , '' the Navy Seals said in a message posted on Twitter .
`` The inherent message of this video is completely inconsistent with the values and ethos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are investigating the matter fully and initial indications are that there were no active duty Navy personnel or equipment involved with this independent organisation 's event . ''
The museum is a nonprofit organisation that was founded in part by a retired Navy Seal captain in 1981 and has retired Seal members on its board .
Last year 's incident is not the first time the museum has apparently referenced the Kaepernick protest .
Video of an annual event in 2018 shows a mock encounter where a vehicle with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' on its side is fired upon .
Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem when he was a player for the San Francisco 49ers .
He faced a strong backlash and has remained unsigned for several years .
Only this year did the NFL reverse its opposition to players taking a knee during the anthem .
The decision came amid global protests over the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , while in police custody in Minneapolis , Minnesota .

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bbc--2020-08-03--Apple Fire: Firefighters battle massive blaze in California

Fire crews in California are fighting a massive wildfire that has forced thousands of people from their homes east of @ @ @ @ @ 1,300 firefighters , backed by helicopters and water-dumping planes , have been tackling the blaze @ @ @ @ @ started on Friday .

Fire crews in California are fighting a massive wildfire that has forced thousands of people from their homes east of Los Angeles.
More than 1,300 firefighters, backed by helicopters and water-dumping planes, have been tackling the blaze dubbed the Apple Fire which started on Friday.


bbc--2020-08-03--Judge breaks silence with plea over murdered son

A female judge whose son was killed by an `` anti-feminist '' lawyer has called for protecting the privacy of federal judges in her first public comments .
`` This monster knew where I lived ... and had a complete dossier on me and my family , '' she said .
Roy Den Hollander , dressed as a FedEx delivery man , shot Judge Esther Salas ' son and husband in New Jersey last month before taking his own life .
Authorities believe he targeted Judge Salas over her role as a federal judge .
In an emotional video statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident while urging lawmakers to help protect judges from future attacks .
`` My family has experienced a pain that no one should ever have to endure , '' she said .
`` And I am here asking everyone to help me ensure that no one ever has to experience this kind of pain .
We may not be able to stop something like this from happening again , but we can make it hard for those who target us to track us down . ''
Hollander was found dead two hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police discovered names of several others he planned to target , including another judge , the New York Times reported .
The judge described how Den Hollander had allegedly opened fire with a FedEx package in hand , and how her son Daniel protected his father by taking the first bullet to the chest .
Daniel had just celebrated his 20th birthday with the family that weekend .
She said her husband , Mark Anderl , was shot three times and is currently recovering in hospital from multiple surgeries .
Judge Salas noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal judges is `` readily available '' online , while also calling out companies who sell such data .
`` In my case , this monster knew where I lived and what church we attended and had a complete dossier on me and my family , '' she said .
`` My son 's death can not be in vain , which is why I am begging those in power to do something to help my brothers and sisters on the bench . ''
Judge Salas is the first Hispanic woman to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Daniel , who was the couple 's only son , would have returned to study at Catholic University of America in Washington this autumn .
What do we know about the attack ?
On 19 July , the suspect - named later by the FBI as Den Hollander - disguised as a delivery man , arrived at the judge 's home .
Judge Salas and her son were in the basement at the time , but when the front doorbell rang , Daniel went upstairs to see who it was .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Den Hollander , 72 , was reportedly upset with Judge Salas over her handling of a court case challenging the male-only military draft .
He was a self-described `` anti-feminist '' lawyer who had sued nightclubs over ladies ' night discounts , the federal government over a law protecting women from violence and a university over women 's studies courses .
In a memoir published online , Den Hollander said he had `` wanted to ask the Judge out , but thought she might hold me in contempt '' .
Den Hollander had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer two years ago , saying `` nothing in this life matters anymore '' .
US media report that Den Hollander is also a suspect in a California murder case involving another lawyer .

"And I am here asking everyone to help me ensure that no one ever has to experience this kind of pain. We may not be able to stop something like this from happening again, but we can make it hard for those who target us to track us down."


bbc--2020-08-03--Wisbech man police feared had been killed found after five years

A man police feared may have been murdered has been found hiding in a wood , five years after he disappeared .
Ricardas Puisys , then 35 , of Wisbech , Cambridgeshire , was last seen at his workplace in September 2015 .
No trace of him was found , but in November last year a Facebook account was set up in his name .
Last month he was found in a Wisbech wood .
Police believe he was in hiding to escape the clutches of people who had been exploiting him .
He is now being safeguarded and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last confirmed sighting of the Lithuanian national was at his workplace , Nightlayer Leek Company in Chatteris , on 26 September 2015 .
Mr Puisys had been with a small group of Lithuanian men at the time .
`` There were genuine concerns Ricardas came to harm that evening , '' said Det Ch Insp Rob Hall , from the Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit .
A man was arrested and released during the murder investigation , during which no trace of Mr Puisys was found .
Last year a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his name , displaying photographs of him , but officers were unable to verify Mr Puisys was still alive .
`` For almost five years Ricardas ' disappearance has been a complete mystery , '' Det Ch Insp Hall said .
`` That was until we received information at the end of June which led us to finding him .
`` Following a search of a wooded area in Harecroft Road , Ricardas was eventually found living in undergrowth , very well concealed after having deliberately hidden and having not spoken with anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers believe Mr Puisys `` made the decision to run away as he had been a victim of crime , having previously been subject to exploitation '' .
Mr Puisys is now being given `` the support he needs after having lived through extremely difficult circumstances during the last five or more years '' , Det Ch Insp Hall added .

"Following a search of a wooded area in Harecroft Road, Ricardas was eventually found living in undergrowth, very well concealed after having deliberately hidden and having not spoken with anyone for some time."


bbc--2020-08-03--Call for TikTok security check before HQ decision

An influential backbench MP has called on the government to carry out a security review of TikTok before its Chinese owner decides whether to base the app in the UK .
Neil O'Brien - co-founder of the China Research Group of Tory MPs - said the intelligence services should publish a report into the matter .
President Trump is threatening to ban TikTok in the US .
This has forced the app to ditch plans to establish its headquarters there .
TikTok had been expected to pick California or New York - where it already has offices - after appointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive in May .
However , the US president has since given it an ultimatum to sell its local business to an American firm .
`` I set a date of around 15 September , at which point it 's going to be out of business in the United States ... unless Microsoft or somebody else is able to buy it and work out a deal , '' said Donald Trump on Monday .
He added that `` a very substantial portion of that price '' should go to the US Treasury `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this deal to happen '' .
Microsoft has confirmed it is in talks to buy TikTok 's service in the US , Canada , Australia and New Zealand - all the members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance , except the UK .
The app 's Chinese parent company Bytedance has confirmed this had forced a rethink .
`` In light of the current situation , Bytedance has been evaluating the possibility of establishing TikTok 's headquarters outside of the US , to better serve our global users , '' it said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had reported on the weekend that the UK government had already approved TikTok setting up its HQ in London , and an announcement would be made this week .
However a source told the BBC that Bytedance had yet to make a final decision , although London was on a short list of possibilities .
Dublin and Singapore have been reported to be the other options .
A spokesman for the Prime Minister said any decision would be a `` commercial one '' taken by Bytedance , and added that Boris Johnson had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The China Research Group represents a group of about 50 MPs who are concerned about Beijing 's influence in the UK .
It previously helped pressure the government into a rethink on Huawei , and has also raised concerns about plans to let Chinese companies invest in UK nuclear power stations .
Mr O'Brien said he was not opposed in principle to the idea of TikTok being based in London , but said a `` deep dive '' into its code should be carried out first .
`` It would be useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of specialists in cyber-security that only it has access to , to give us a definitive view of whether the app is safe , '' he told the BBC .
`` [ If it is ] we should welcome investment by TikTok in the country .
`` But if there are problems , as some media reports have suggested , with either political interference in its algorithms and the content that 's shown , or about where the data is ending up and a lack of security - well that would raise a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Beyond TikTok : Who else might President Trump ban ?
• How would the US go about banning TikTok ?
TikTok has said that it strictly abides by local laws .
It currently stores data from its international users on servers based in the US and Singapore .
This keeps it separate from that of users in mainland China , who use TikTok 's sister app Douyin .
While the government has not commented on a security review , as a matter of course GCHQ looks into any cyber-issue flagged as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two points are believed to be of particular concern to the agency .
Firstly , whether Chinese spies could get access to the geo-location data - including GPS coordinates and internet addresses - logged by the app .
Secondly , the degree to which the app could be subverted to push certain political content at users .
While TikTok says it would not send international users ' data back to China , there is concern it would be compelled to do so if Beijing invoked its National Intelligence Law .
It obligates Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperate '' with the country 's intelligence services and to keep such activity secret .
Such concerns have to be weighed against the prestige of hosting TikTok 's headquarters , and the degree to which doing so might help repair relations with Beijing following a ban of the use of Huawei 's 5G kit .
`` If TikTok decided to base its new HQ in London , it would certainly cement it as a global tech hub , '' commented Chloe Colliver from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue think tank .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but TikTok is one of the fastest growing tech companies in the world . ''

"But if there are problems, as some media reports have suggested, with either political interference in its algorithms and the content that's shown, or about where the data is ending up and a lack of security - well that would raise a whole bunch of other questions."


bbc--2020-08-04--Israel strikes Syrian army bases after Golan Heights attack

Israeli aircraft struck Syrian military targets on Monday , the Israeli army confirmed in a rare statement .
Syrian state media acknowledged the strikes , reporting unspecified `` material damage '' at military outposts near the capital Damascus .
The Israel Defense Forces ( IDF ) said it was retaliation for a bombing attempt .
The IDF said earlier it had killed four men planting explosives near the Israeli-occupied sector of Golan Heights late on Sunday .
Surveillance footage showed the group engulfed in an explosion .
Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus said it was too soon to say if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but that Israel held `` the Syrian regime accountable '' .
Monday 's attack targeted `` observation posts and intelligence collection systems , anti-aircraft artillery facilities and command and control systems '' in Syrian army bases in Qunaitra , the IDF said .
`` The IDF holds the Syrian government responsible for all activities on Syrian soil , and will continue operating with determination against any violation of Israeli sovereignty , '' the statement added .
Syria 's official news agency Sana reported that the Syrian army had activated its air defences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' near the capital Damascus .
• Israel and Hezbollah : On the road to all-out war ?
Meanwhile , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that dawn air raids on the city of Boukamal , near the Iraqi border in the northeast , had killed 15 people .
Tensions have been rising between rivals Israel and Syria , particularly along Israel 's northern frontier , since an apparent Israeli air strike killed a Hezbollah fighter in Syria two weeks ago .
Israel had anticipated that the Iranian-backed Lebanese group would retaliate @

Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus said it was too soon to say if the men belonged to a specific organisation, but that Israel held "the Syrian regime accountable".


bbc--2020-08-03--Tanzanite: Tanzanian miner earns millions after second rare find

A Tanzanian small-scale miner , who became an overnight millionaire in June for selling two rough Tanzanite stones valued at $ 3.4m ( £2.6m ) , has sold another gem for $ 2m .
The third discovery by Saniniu Laizer weighed 6.3kg ( 14lb ) .
Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania and is used to make ornaments .
It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth , and one local geologist estimates its supply may be entirely depleted within the next 20 years .
The precious stone 's appeal lies in its variety of hues , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its value is determined by rarity - the finer the colour or clarity , the higher the price .
Mr Lazier urged his fellow small-scale miners to work with the government , saying that his experience was a good example .
`` Selling to the government means there are no shortcuts ... they are transparent , '' he said in his remarks at a ceremony in the northern Mirerani mine .
Artisanal miners often complain about late payments of their royalties by mine owners , the BBC 's Aboubakar Famau reports from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June sale of two rocks weighing 9.2kg and 5.8kg , Mr Laizer - a father of more than 30 children - told the BBC that he would hold a party .
But on Monday he said the money will be used to build a school and a health facility in his community in Simanjiro district in northern Manyara region .
He told the BBC two months ago that the windfall would not change his lifestyle , and that he planned to continue looking after his 2,000 cows , adding that he did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his new-found riches .
Some small-scale miners like Mr Laizer acquire government licences to prospect for Tanzanite , but illegal mining is prevalent especially near mines owned by big companies .
In 2017 , President Magufuli ordered the military to build a 24km ( 14-mile ) perimeter wall around the Merelani mining site in Manyara , believed to be the world 's only source of Tanzanite .
A year later , the government reported an increase in revenue in the mining sector and attributed the rise to the construction of the wall .

He told the BBC two months ago that the windfall would not change his lifestyle, and that he planned to continue looking after his 2,000 cows, adding that he did not need to take any extra precautions despite his new-found riches.


bbc--2020-08-03--Bill English: Computer mouse co-creator dies at 91

The co-creator of the computer mouse , William English , has died aged 91 .
The engineer and inventor was born in 1929 in Kentucky and studied electrical engineering at university before joining the US Navy .
He built the first mouse in 1963 , using an idea put forward by his colleague Doug Engelbart while the pair were working on early computing .
It would only become commonplace two decades later , when personal home computers became popular .
Mr English 's death was confirmed to US media outlets by his wife .
Bill English became the first person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prototype at Mr Engelbart 's research project at the Stanford Research Institute .
The idea was Mr Engelbart 's , which he described as only being `` brief notes '' - but the creation was down to Bill English .
His first version was a wooden block with a single button - and underneath , two rolling wheels at 90-degree angles that would record vertical and sideways movement .
`` We were working on text editing - the goal was a device that would be able to select characters and words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Museum in 1999 .
In an experiment , the pair asked users to try out the mouse alongside other pointing devices such as a light pen or joystick - and found that the mouse was the clear favourite .
They wrote a paper , which was largely ignored for years .
At their 1968 demonstration , the mouse was shown off publicly for the first time - along with video conferencing , word processing , and a form of links similar to what we use on the internet today .
`` As it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so does the tracking spot , '' Doug Engelbart explained to the audience , as Bill English directed the technical side of the conference - including the video that wowed spectators .
The landmark nature of the showcase led to it being called `` the mother of all demos '' by later writers .
Asked decades later if it was the seminal moment in modern computing , Mr English replied : `` I would n't dispute that . ''
Some stories attribute it to its size and the cable 's similarity to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cursor was , at the time , called a `` cat '' , and seemed to chase the new device 's movements .
But neither Mr English or Mr Engelbart could remember who decided the device should be called a `` mouse '' - or exactly why .
`` In the first report , we had to call it something . '
A brown box with buttons ' did n't work , '' Mr English said .
`` It had to be a short name .
It 's a very obvious short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely credited with creating the graphical desktop user interface system used by almost all modem computers .
He left the Stanford Research Institute in 1971 , moving to Xerox 's famous Parc research centre .
There , he replaced the wheels on his first mouse design with a rolling ball - the design that became familiar to most end users over the next decades .
A similar design had already been tested by German firm Telefunken .
Mr English died of respiratory failure on 26 July in California , his wife Roberta said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 88 .
Neither man was made wealthy by their invention , which was patented but owned by their employer - and the intellectual property rights expired in 1987 , before the mouse became one of the most common tech devices on the planet .
Speaking to the BBC after Mr Engelbart 's death , Mr English said : `` The only money Doug ever got from it was $ 50,000 licence from Xerox when Xerox Parc started using the mouse . ''
The device was also adopted by Apple for its early personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple never paid any money from it , and it took off from there , '' he said .

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bbc--2020-08-03--Trade documents stolen from UK MP's email

Documents on UK-US trade talks , leaked ahead of the 2019 general election , were stolen from an email account belonging to Conservative MP Liam Fox , it has emerged .
The papers were published online and used by Labour in the 2019 campaign to claim the NHS would be put at risk .
The UK government has said Russians almost certainly sought to interfere in the election through the documents .
A criminal inquiry into the leaking of the documents is under way .
A spokesman for the National Crime Agency confirmed it was leading the investigation , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Fox was international trade secretary from July 2016 to July 2019 .
It is not clear when his account was accessed and the information stolen .
Reuters , which first reported the story , said hackers accessed Mr Fox 's account multiple times between 12 July and 21 October last year .
A government spokesperson said : `` There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired , and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point .
`` But as you would expect , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the IT systems of officials and staff . ''
Last month , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government had `` reasonable confidence '' that Russian actors had tried to interfere in the December 2019 general election .
He told the BBC they had sought to `` spread online , illegally obtained , leaked government documents '' around the UK-US trade negotiations for after the country leaves the EU .
Mr Raab said the government would `` reserve the right to take the appropriate action '' when the criminal investigation concluded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a report from the Intelligence and Security Committee - known as the `` Russia report '' - for having `` badly underestimated '' the threat the country posed .
The mystery of the `` trade leaks '' is slowly being revealed - though still not completely .
The 2019 general election now looks like it was the target of what is known a `` hack and leak '' operation , similar - though not on the same scale - as the one Russian military intelligence launched in the 2016 US presidential election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed Russian actors were responsible for spreading the trade document on social media .
But there was still the question of how it was first obtained .
Now , we know it came from a hack of an email account belonging to Liam Fox .
The exact identity of the Russian group behind the attack remains murky .
Whether it was the same group which then spread the document is unclear and that group ( codenamed Secondary Infektion ) is not thought to be the same as the one behind events in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact .
Hackers from many countries have targeted politicians in recent years .
But coming soon after the Russia report , this will serve as a reminder that groups based in Russia are often the most adept at not just stealing , but also using , the information .
Responding to reports of the hack on Mr Fox 's email , a spokesperson for the National Cyber Security Centre said it works closely with MPs and political parties to offer them `` the best cyber security guidance and support . ''
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several years on how to protect and defend against cyber attacks - including publishing advice on our website .
`` There is an ongoing criminal investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage . ''

Whether it was the same group which then spread the document is unclear and that group (codenamed Secondary Infektion) is not thought to be the same as the one behind events in the US election, which had a larger impact.


bbc--2020-08-03--Coronavirus: Dozens test positive for Covid-19 on Norwegian cruise ship

At least 41 passengers and crew on a Norwegian cruise ship have tested positive for Covid-19 , officials say .
Hundreds more passengers who travelled on the MS Roald Amundsen are in quarantine and awaiting test results , the company that owns the ship said .
The ship , which belongs to the Norwegian firm Hurtigruten , docked in the port of Tromso in northern Norway on Friday .
Hurtigruten has halted all leisure cruises because of the outbreak .
`` This is a serious situation for everyone involved .
We have not been good enough and we have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement on Monday .
`` A preliminary evaluation shows a breakdown in several of our internal procedures , '' he added .
`` The only responsible choice is to suspend all expedition sailings . ''
• Will we ever take cruise holidays again ?
• The 'last cruise ship on Earth ' finally comes home • Where can I take a foreign holiday this summer ?
Norway 's government has announced it will stop all cruise ships with more than 100 people on board from disembarking passengers for at least 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating whether any laws had been broken prior to the outbreak on the Roald Amundsen .
`` We have found grounds to open a case , '' a police official told Reuters news agency .
What happened on the ship ?
The MS Roald Amundsen had been on a week-long voyage to Svalbard in the Arctic , and was also reportedly scheduled to visit ports in England and Scotland in September .
Four crew members were admitted to hospital on Friday with coronavirus symptoms , shortly after the ship docked in the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus .
Another 32 crew members on board were found to be infected .
The staff who tested positive included German , French and Filipino citizens .
They were tested for the virus before leaving their home countries but did not quarantine before starting work on the ship , Hurtigruten said .
Almost 180 passengers were allowed to depart the ship on Friday , leaving the authorities scrambling over the weekend to locate and test those who had been on board .
All the passengers have now been contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health officials said .
Five passengers have so far tested positive out of 387 who had travelled on the ship since 17 July .
`` We expect that more infections will be found in connection to this outbreak , '' said Line Vold , a health official .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
The majority of passengers are reported to be Norwegians , but there were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and the US on board .
What 's the latest with the cruise industry ?
The outbreak on the MS Roald Amundsen is the latest blow to an industry that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , with shares in the major global operators falling dramatically since the start of March .
Thousands of passengers were left stranded at sea earlier this year as ships were hit by outbreaks of the virus .
The MS Roald Amundsen was itself stranded for several days in March after Chile refused it entry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board .
Similar incidents involving other ships occurred over the following weeks in various places around the world .
And while the industry has restarted in recent times , there have been other coronavirus-related setbacks .
A crew member on a ship in the Pacific tested positive for the virus on Sunday .
The Paul Gauguin was forced to suspend its journey when the case was detected by the ship 's doctor , local media report .
Passengers were told to stay in their cabins as the ship turned back to Papeete on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on board are being tested .
Ahead of resuming its operations , Ponant , the company that runs the Paul Gauguin , had reassured customers in a blog post that it had strict regulations in place that `` go further than the international standards for the sector '' .
In any case cruise companies are expecting strong bookings for 2021 .
They are reporting a combination of new bookings and people using vouchers they received for cancelled cruises that had been scheduled for this year .
`` We absolutely believe when we come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our repeat cruisers , '' Christine Duffy , the president of Carnival Cruise line , told Reuters .
`` They really are the ambassadors for the cruise industry . ''

All the passengers have now been contacted and told to self-isolate for 10 days, health officials said. Five passengers have so far tested positive out of 387 who had travelled on the ship since 17 July.


bbc--2020-08-03--Sweden: Death of girl, 12, ignites debate over gang violence

The death of a 12-year-old girl by a stray bullet in Sweden has sparked outrage and reignited debates over its handling of gang-related violence .
The unnamed girl was killed in a drive-by shooting next to a petrol station on Sunday , according to local media .
Police have launched an investigation but are yet to make any arrests .
Officials have vowed to further crack down on violent crime .
Incidents involving gangs have risen in recent years .
Police were called to the scene of the shooting , south of Stockholm , in the early hours of Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been officially confirmed , but local media outlets reported that the gunmen had been aiming at two members of a criminal gang , and had not intended to shoot the child .
People placed flowers and candles at the scene on Monday , with some calling for tougher action on gang violence in the country .
`` This ca n't happen again .
It 's a 12-year-old girl , '' one woman told AFP news agency .
• Hundred explosions in Sweden : What 's going on ?
Justice Minister Morgan Johansson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismayed and disgusted by the girl 's death , as he pledged `` more police and harsher sentences '' .
National police chief Anders Thornberg said authorities would `` set things right when it comes to increasingly serious violence in society '' , while opposition MP Johan Forssell said there needed to be a re-think `` to make Sweden safer . ''
Sweden announced last year that it had set up a special task force to combat gang violence in the country amid a rise in incidents .
Police have been given additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons-related crimes have been increased in recent years .
Twenty people have been killed in 163 shootings in the first six months of 2020 , according to police data .
In 2019 , 42 people were killed in 334 reported shootings .
Police say criminals involved in gun crime are often connected to the drugs trade .

Details of what happened have not been officially confirmed, but local media outlets reported that the gunmen had been aiming at two members of a criminal gang, and had not intended to shoot the child.


bbc--2020-08-03--Other mammals lose out in panda conservation drive

Saving the giant panda is one of the big success stories of conservation .
Decades of efforts to create protected habitat for the iconic mammal has pulled it back from the brink of extinction .
But , according to a new study , while many other animals in the same landscape have benefited from this conservation work , some have lost out .
Leopards , snow leopards , wolves and Asian wild dogs have almost disappeared from the majority of protected areas .
Driven to near extinction by logging , poaching and disease , their loss could lead to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecosystems '' , said researchers in China .
Without the likes of leopards and wolves , deer and livestock can roam unchecked , causing damage to natural habitats , with knock-on effects for other wildlife , including pandas themselves .
By protecting the panda 's forests , conservationists believed they would be protecting not only the charismatic black-and-white animal , but the many other species roaming the same habitat .
But while that has worked for some other wildlife , the efforts do not appear to have worked for large carnivores , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team of researchers now says a broader - holistic - approach is needed to manage the ecosystem in which the panda lives - one that ensures key species do n't lose out .
This was `` critically needed to better increase the resilience and sustainability of the ecosystems not only for giant pandas but also for other wild species '' , said co-author Dr Sheng Li of Peking University in Beijing .
In order to achieve this , the researchers outline a range of measures including enforcement against poaching and restoring habitats for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Meet the new poster animals of conservation Giant pandas are seen as living proof that conservation works .
Their numbers in the wild are finally rebounding after years of decline , and in 2016 they were upgraded from `` endangered '' to `` vulnerable '' on the official extinction Red List .
The distinctive black and white mammal is regarded as an `` umbrella species '' .
These are species selected as subjects for conservation , typically because protecting them indirectly helps other wildlife in that ecological community .
In the wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which it lives has been good for many other animals and plants , including birds and small carnivores .
Yet , large predators such as leopards , wolves and the little-known Asian wild dog , or dhole , which tend to range far and wide , seem to have fared badly .
Since panda reserves were set up in the 1960s , all four species have been lost from a big proportion of reserves .
Leopards have disappeared from 81 % of reserves , snow leopards from 38 % , wolves from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 % .
Numbers are now very low .
For instance , there were only four sightings of the Asian wild dog among data from almost 8,000 survey stations recording more than 1.5 million camera days ' of footage .
Prof Samuel Turvey of ZSL ( Zoological Society of London ) , who is not connected with the study , said conservation in China and elsewhere in the world has often been based around landscape protection for specific `` flagship species '' , with inferred wider benefits for regional biodiversity .
This includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critically endangered gibbons in Hainan , he said .
`` This has led to some important species recoveries , but efforts to maintain threatened biodiversity must also address human activities at the wider ecosystem-level , otherwise non-target species might continue to slip away unnoticed , '' said Prof Turvey .
In the study , the researchers analysed data from 73 protected areas , including 66 giant panda nature reserves , comparing historical survey data with a decade 's worth of extensive camera-trap surveys .
The research is published in the journal Nature Ecology @ @ @

Prof Samuel Turvey of ZSL (Zoological Society of London), who is not connected with the study, said conservation in China and elsewhere in the world has often been based around landscape protection for specific "flagship species", with inferred wider benefits for regional biodiversity.