bbc--2020-06-17--Zimbabwe - once more on the brink of collapse?

The three women were in tears , distraught , and seemingly faint with hunger , as they sat in filthy prison uniforms in the dock in a magistrate 's court in Zimbabwe 's capital , Harare , waiting to hear if they would be granted bail .
In a country grappling not just with coronavirus but with a string of deepening economic and political crises - including rumours and denials of a coup plot - the extraordinary and deeply controversial case of opposition activists Cecilia Chimbiri , Netsai Marova and Joana Mamombe seems to point to something grim and fundamental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelming loss of public trust in its key institutions .
`` We see a very jittery state that is at war with its citizens , '' said Fadzayi Mahere , a spokeswoman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change ( MDC ) , who attended the bail hearing on Monday and argued that the women 's humiliation was part of an overtly political strategy to instil fear in the public .
The MDC activists are facing trial on charges that they lied about being abducted and sexually assaulted last month .
Speaking from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said unnamed state security agents had tortured them .
But a string of government ministers immediately accused them of fabricating their stories to discredit the government and to distract from the women 's own participation in an illegal protest march .
`` The three women were part of a group of MDC youths that defied the lockdown laws in the country and took part in an illegal demonstration , '' said the government 's information secretary Nick Mangwana .
One deputy minister , who was later sacked , suggested the women , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were prostitutes .
`` The mask has fallen .
They have no qualms about violating women and no interest in bringing the perpetrators to account , '' said Ms Mahere .
But others in Harare have been left confused , and deeply cynical , about the allegations , unable to decide whom to believe .
`` We 've been tricked before .
Nothing is as it seems , '' said one hospital doctor , who often treats torture victims , but who asked not to be identified .
This ugly , fractious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly tough time for Zimbabwe .
The impoverished nation had seemed to be turning a corner three years ago , when President Robert Mugabe was forced out of power by the military and his successor , Emmerson Mnangagwa , promised tough economic reforms and a new era of transparency and accountability for the ruling Zanu-PF party .
But today , half the country 's population is struggling to feed itself , high inflation rates - which helped destroy the economy over a decade ago - have returned , and Zanu-PF has stopped telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for business '' and has reverted to its old habit of accusing unnamed Western nations of fomenting unrest and of conspiring with local critics to undermine the government and the economy .
`` There is no coup in the making , '' said Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe last week , blaming such `` rumours '' on an elaborate conspiracy between local and international forces .
His comments , presumably designed to reassure , appeared to have had the opposite effect .
`` We are facing a storm .
A perfect storm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' warned businessman Shingi Munyeza , during a recent Zoom call with a range of civil society activists alarmed about the deepening economic crisis and the threat posed by coronavirus .
Is another coup possible ?
The jittery mood in Harare has been compounded by a recent and controversial move by the security forces to seize the opposition 's headquarters , as well as by the unpredictable presence of troops on the streets apparently enforcing lockdown measures .
One of Mr Mugabe 's old allies , now in exile in South Africa ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another military intervention ) , said the situation was clearly fragile .
`` It is a very unstable situation .
Any system built on weak foundations will always shake .
This regime was built on a coup , '' said former minister Saviour Kasukuwere , accusing his old party , Zanu-PF , of `` failing to deliver '' on its promise of reforms .
In the meantime , Cecilia Chimbiri , Netsai Marova and Joana Mamombe are back in the notorious Chikurubi prison , on the edge of Harare , awaiting trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the state had produced compelling evidence , including video evidence , against the women , and that the three might seek to flee the country if released .
You may also be interested in : Last week , speaking by phone from hospital , Ms Chimbiri said had been sexually assaulted and forced to drink urine by her abductors , but she insisted she and her colleagues were undaunted .
`` Our freedom will not be granted to us on a silver plate , '' said Ms Chimbiri .
The MDC said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` extremely political , '' and that an appeal was being prepared .
On Tuesday , at a national prayer service , President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to repent `` in the face of this deadly coronavirus pandemic '' , and to fight against injustice and corruption .
`` Forgive us for every act of injustice or corruption that has made the poor suffer or innocent to die .
`` Forgive us as individuals and as a nation even for the sins of which we may be unaware , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it calls `` an escalating crackdown on the right to freedom of expression and the criminalisation of dissent '' in the country .
After the court appearance , the three women - one of them barely able to walk - were escorted back to a prison van and returned to prison .
Citing fears of being poisoned , they have refused to eat prison meals , and are relying on whatever food the authorities permit their relatives and supporters to bring to them .

But today, half the country's population is struggling to feed itself, high inflation rates - which helped destroy the economy over a decade ago - have returned, and Zanu-PF has stopped telling the world that Zimbabwe is "open for business" and has reverted to its old habit of accusing unnamed Western nations of fomenting unrest and of conspiring with local critics to undermine the government and the economy.


bbc--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: How vulnerable are health workers in Nigeria?

Doctors in Nigeria 's public hospitals have gone on strike over what they see as inadequate protective equipment and pay , with an exemption for coronavirus treatment centres .
Health Minister Dr Osagie Ehanire , however , says the issue of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) has been `` dealt with '' and is `` off the table '' .
So how exposed are Nigeria 's health workers ?
The National Association of Resident Doctors ( NARD ) has raised concerns about the number of infections and deaths among health workers .
It says 10 doctors have died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We have lost quite a number of doctors to this pandemic . ''
More health workers have tested positive for coronavirus in Nigeria than in any other country in the continent , except South Africa .
But they represent only 6 % of all reported cases in the country , whereas in neighbouring Niger that figure is 19 % - the highest in Africa .
Liberia and Sierra Leone have the next highest rates , with about 12 % of total cases .
But these other West African nations all have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their much larger regional neighbour , Nigeria .
And different approaches to testing and the recording of cases make country comparisons difficult .
• Lagos lockdown over coronavirus : 'How will my children survive ? '
Although , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) says health workers across the continent have been significantly affected by Covid-19 .
Many countries around the world have struggled to provide enough protective gear for healthcare workers .
The shortage is particularly acute in poorer nations , according to the Center for Global Development ( CGD ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nigeria , as many believe the extent of the virus is not fully known .
In northern Kano state , for example , there have been numerous reports of deaths suspected to be linked to coronanvirus but no testing .
And there are frequent strikes over pay and working conditions .
The government spends about 4 % of its annual budget on health .
In 2001 , African Union members pledged to spend 15 % on health .
The Nigerian government has also recently proposed a 43 % cut to primary healthcare services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering from the coronavirus lockdown and low global oil prices .
`` There are very few hospital beds per person and the public hospitals are very underfunded and therefore they are not effective , '' says Onyeka Onwuegbunam , a Nigerian health expert at University College London .
`` The primary healthcare system ( local doctors and pharmacies ) is not working - and what we have is secondary and tertiary healthcare ( hospitals and specialised centres ) which are carrying the load . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ?

"There are very few hospital beds per person and the public hospitals are very underfunded and therefore they are not effective," says Onyeka Onwuegbunam, a Nigerian health expert at University College London.


bbc--2020-06-17--Willie Thorne: Snooker favourite dies aged 66

Former snooker star and BBC commentator Willie Thorne has died at the age of 66 , says World Snooker .
He retired from professional snooker in 2001 and for many years was a respected BBC commentator .
Thorne reached two World Championship quarter-finals during his career and won the 1985 Mercantile Credit Classic .
He twice reached a world ranking of seven and spent 20 years among the top 32 , before moving into a commentary career spanning more than 30 years with BBC , ITV and Sky .
With snooker 's popularity soaring during the mid 1980s , Thorne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who joined Chas and Dave to perform their song Snooker Loopy , which reached number six in the UK charts in 1986 .
• None From Mr Maximum to Snooker Loopy - remembering one of the game 's great characters A GoFundMe page set up to help pay for his treatment had passed £17,000 by Tuesday afternoon , when it was disclosed he had been placed into an induced coma .
His carer , Julie O'Neill , wrote on the page on Wednesday : `` It is with a very heavy and broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that at 1.55am this morning Willie Thorne lost his battle and passed away .
`` Willie went into septic shock and was not responding to any treatment so the decision was made by the hospital to turn off the machines .
`` I was with him all the way to his end and reading out messages to him from people .
He passed away very peacefully and without pain , listening to his children saying they love him .
That gives me some comfort in this difficult time . ''
Known as Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach the landmark of 100 centuries and made a 147 in the 1987 UK Championship .
Born in Leicester , Thorne was a long-term friend of ex-footballer Gary Lineker and the former England and Leicester City striker said he was `` deeply saddened '' by the news .
Writing on social media , the Match of the Day presenter added : `` One of life 's great characters .
A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man , who 's potted his final black much too soon .
RIP Willie . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just want to say what a beautiful man , big heart , great company .
Had a week in Ireland with him I 'll never forget .
Will be missed by a lot of people in the Snooker world .
RIP WT . ''
Former world champion Dennis Taylor , a long-standing colleague of Thorne in the commentary box , said they had `` laughed our way around the world for 45 years '' , adding : wrote : `` RIP Great One .
That was my name for him .
The Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family . ''
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said : `` I had the pleasure of managing the Great WT as part of the Matchroom team in the 1980s .
He was a larger than life personality and he was a major part of the rebirth of snooker at that time .
It 's so sad to hear he has passed away and our thoughts are with his family . ''
Six-time world champion Steve Davis , part of Hearn 's Matchroom stable , said : `` I hope you had a lovely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and any regrets were overshadowed by the fun and games you had and the smiles you put on other people 's faces . ''
Stephen Hendry , a seven-time world title winner , wrote : `` Very sad news today , Willie was one of my favourite people in snooker .
I know he had faults and weaknesses ( we all do ) but he was one of the game 's greatest ever characters , I 'll miss him . ''
In 2016 , Thorne was declared bankrupt after admitting borrowing £1m to @ @ @ @ @

Willie Thorne began his professional snooker career in 1975, reaching a career-high world ranking of seven in 1987 and 1994
Former snooker star and BBC commentator Willie Thorne has died at the age of 66, says World Snooker.
Thorne was diagnosed with leukaemia in March and was taken to hospital in Spain last week with dangerously low blood pressure.
He retired from professional snooker in 2001 and for many years was a respected BBC commentator.
Thorne reached two World Championship quarter-finals during his career and won the 1985 Mercantile Credit Classic.
quote Without him and the work he and his family put in, we just wouldn't be here Former world champion Shaun Murphy
He twice reached a world ranking of seven and spent 20 years among the top 32, before moving into a commentary career spanning more than 30 years with BBC, ITV and Sky.
With snooker's popularity soaring during the mid 1980s, Thorne featured in a group of leading players who joined Chas and Dave to perform their song Snooker Loopy, which reached number six in the UK charts in 1986.
A GoFundMe page set up to help pay for his treatment had passed £17,000 by Tuesday afternoon, when it was disclosed he had been placed into an induced coma.
His carer, Julie O'Neill, wrote on the page on Wednesday: "It is with a very heavy and broken heart that I have to officially announce that at 1.55am this morning Willie Thorne lost his battle and passed away.
"Willie went into septic shock and was not responding to any treatment so the decision was made by the hospital to turn off the machines.
"I was with him all the way to his end and reading out messages to him from people. He passed away very peacefully and without pain, listening to his children saying they love him. That gives me some comfort in this difficult time."
Known as Mr Maximum, Thorne was the third player to reach the landmark of 100 centuries and made a 147 in the 1987 UK Championship.
'A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man'
Archive interview: I'd much rather play the attractive game - Willie Thorne
Born in Leicester, Thorne was a long-term friend of ex-footballer Gary Lineker and the former England and Leicester City striker said he was "deeply saddened" by the news.
Writing on social media, the Match of the Day presenter added: "One of life's great characters. A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man, who's potted his final black much too soon. RIP Willie."
Five-time Crucible winner Ronnie O'Sullivan wrote: "Just want to say what a beautiful man, big heart, great company. Had a week in Ireland with him I'll never forget. Will be missed by a lot of people in the Snooker world. RIP WT."
Former world champion Dennis Taylor, a long-standing colleague of Thorne in the commentary box, said they had "laughed our way around the world for 45 years", adding: "RIP Great One. That was my name for him. The Great WT. Lots of love to his family."
Shaun Murphy, who won the world title in 2005, was a junior player when he first got to know Thorne. He described him as "a beautiful, beautiful man".
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Someone said to me your reputation is built on what people say about you when you're not in the room.
"While Willie Thorne did have these issues which have been talked about for a long time, the tributes that are pouring in are not talking about those things. They're talking about what a great guy he was, what great charity work he did, how many great players he and his family helped through the Willie Thorne Snooker Centre in Leicester.
"There's me, [three-time world champion] Mark Selby, a lot of the players who people know today - we all came through that club. Without him and the work he and his family put in, we just wouldn't be here."
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said: "I had the pleasure of managing the Great WT as part of the Matchroom team in the 1980s. He was a larger than life personality and he was a major part of the rebirth of snooker at that time. It's so sad to hear he has passed away and our thoughts are with his family."
Six-time world champion Steve Davis, part of Hearn's Matchroom stable, said: "I hope you had a lovely time on the planet, Willie, and any regrets were overshadowed by the fun and games you had and the smiles you put on other people's faces."
Stephen Hendry, a seven-time world title winner, wrote: "Very sad news today, Willie was one of my favourite people in snooker. I know he had faults and weaknesses (we all do) but he was one of the game's greatest ever characters, I'll miss him."
In 2016, Thorne was declared bankrupt after admitting borrowing £1m to fund his gambling addiction.


bbc--2020-06-17--'Mr Maximum. Snooker Loopy. The Great Willie Thorne'

Last updated on .From the section Snooker Thorne , who has died aged 66 , was perhaps recognised for his premature bald head and manicured moustache as much as his break-building prowess .
His soothing tones endeared him to a generation of TV viewers , and he was a popular contestant on Strictly Come Dancing .
In a career that spanned snooker 's boom in the 1980s , he was part of the Matchroom Mob that featured in the surprise 1986 chart hit Snooker Loopy .
Thorne went from top of the pots to Top of the Pops as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line of `` Old Willie Thorne , his hair 's all gorn '' with the reply : `` Perhaps I ought to chalk it ! ''
Born in Leicester , where he later formed a close friendship with football star and snooker fan Gary Lineker , he was a talented player who reached number seven in the world , although a major title eluded him .
Thorne was haunted by his error in the 1985 UK Championship final against Steve Davis , when 13-8 ahead and on the verge of extending his lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed the simplest of blues off its spot .
He later admitted : `` I went back to my seat and the doubts kicked in straight away .
I was still 13-9 in front , but all I could think about was the way I 'd failed in big games in the past . ''
His rise through the snooker ranks was rapid .
Having only started playing the game aged 14 , within two years he was crowned national under-16 champion .
Swiftly turning professional , he came to be regarded as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ builders , earning the nickname Mr Maximum as he became only the third player to secure 100 competitive centuries .
Thorne reached his first of two World Championship quarter-finals in 1982 , where he pushed the eventual champion Alex Higgins .
Three years later , just three months before his painful loss to Davis , he won his first and only world ranking title , beating Canadian Cliff Thorburn to lift the Mercantile Credit Classic .
But Thorne was already struggling with a gambling addiction , and journey to the UK semi-finals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Davis - represented the last big tournament run .
Thorne revealed the extent of his gambling issues in an interview with the Guardian in 2004 , recalling an incident in which he placed a bet of £38,000 on John Parrott losing a game , because he had lost his cue .
He was commentating on the game for the BBC , and said : `` I put £38,000 on Parrott to lose because he did n't have his cue , but he ended up winning the bloody game .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's unbelievable , spewing up as I say it . ''
Thorne , who worked as a BBC commentator for 30 years , later revealed he lost £1m to gambling in his career .
He was declared bankrupt in 2016 .
He remained a familiar figure within the sport and competed in the BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 with partner Erin Boag , being voted out in 12th place .
He was married to ex-Miss Great Britain winner Jill Saxby , but they split up after 24 years as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was beginning treatment for leukaemia in March 2020 .
He died on Wednesday at the age of 66 , having being placed into an induced coma in hospital in Spain after suffering respiratory failure .
The tributes tell their own story - former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno and darts legend Phil Taylor demonstrating how his popularity transcended snooker .
`` Willie was one of my favourite people in snooker , '' said seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry .
`` I know he had faults and weaknesses ( we all do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game 's greatest ever characters . ''
Dennis Taylor , who famously beat Davis to win the world title in 1985 , said : `` Devastating news about Willie Thorne .
We laughed our way around the world for 45 years .
`` RIP Great One .
That was my name for him .
The Great WT . ''

Last updated on .From the section Snooker
Willie Thorne (left) with Chas and Dave (centre) and his Matchroom Mob colleagues Tony Meo, Terry Griffiths, Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis
Mr Maximum. Snooker Loopy. The Great Willie Thorne.
He was all of these. One of snooker's most popular players, a respected television commentator and a much-loved figure, although he had a gambling addiction which left him heavily in debt.
Thorne, who has died aged 66, was perhaps recognised for his premature bald head and manicured moustache as much as his break-building prowess.
His soothing tones endeared him to a generation of TV viewers, and he was a popular contestant on Strictly Come Dancing.
In a career that spanned snooker's boom in the 1980s, he was part of the Matchroom Mob that featured in the surprise 1986 chart hit Snooker Loopy.
Thorne went from top of the pots to Top of the Pops as he played up to Chas and Dave's line of "Old Willie Thorne, his hair's all gorn" with the reply: "Perhaps I ought to chalk it!"
Born in Leicester, where he later formed a close friendship with football star and snooker fan Gary Lineker, he was a talented player who reached number seven in the world, although a major title eluded him.
Thorne was haunted by his error in the 1985 UK Championship final against Steve Davis, when 13-8 ahead and on the verge of extending his lead to within two of victory, he missed the simplest of blues off its spot.
He later admitted: "I went back to my seat and the doubts kicked in straight away. I was still 13-9 in front, but all I could think about was the way I'd failed in big games in the past."
Archive interview: I'd much rather play the attractive game - Willie Thorne
His rise through the snooker ranks was rapid. Having only started playing the game aged 14, within two years he was crowned national under-16 champion.
Swiftly turning professional, he came to be regarded as one of the sport's finest break builders, earning the nickname Mr Maximum, and also becoming only the third player to secure 100 competitive centuries.
Thorne reached his first of two World Championship quarter-finals in 1982, where he pushed the eventual champion Alex Higgins.
Three years later, just three months before his painful loss to Davis, he won his first and only world ranking title, beating Canadian Cliff Thorburn to lift the Mercantile Credit Classic.
But Thorne was already struggling with a gambling addiction, and journey to the UK semi-finals in 1987 - where he was beaten 9-2 by Davis - represented the last big tournament run.
Thorne revealed the extent of his gambling issues in an interview with the Guardian in 2004, external-link recalling an incident in which he placed a bet of £38,000 on John Parrott losing a game, because he had lost his cue.
He was commentating on the game for the BBC, and said: "I put £38,000 on Parrott to lose because he didn't have his cue, but he ended up winning the bloody game.
"I'm having to close the commentary by saying it's unbelievable, spewing up as I say it."
Thorne twice reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship
Thorne, who worked as a BBC commentator for 30 years, later revealed he lost £1m to gambling in his career. He was declared bankrupt in 2016.
He remained a familiar figure within the sport and competed in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 with partner Erin Boag, being voted out in 12th place.
He was married to ex-Miss Great Britain winner Jill Saxby, but they split up after 24 years as his gambling troubles escalated.
Thorne announced he was beginning treatment for leukaemia in March 2020.
He died on Wednesday at the age of 66, having being placed into an induced coma in hospital in Spain after suffering respiratory failure.
The tributes tell their own story - former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno and darts legend Phil Taylor demonstrating how his popularity transcended snooker.
"Willie was one of my favourite people in snooker," said seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry.
"I know he had faults and weaknesses (we all do) but he was one of the game's greatest ever characters."
Dennis Taylor, who famously beat Davis to win the world title in 1985, said: "Devastating news about Willie Thorne. We laughed our way around the world for 45 years.
"RIP Great One. That was my name for him. The Great WT."


bbc--2020-06-17--John Bolton: Trump sought Xi's help with re-election

US President Donald Trump tried to get China 's Xi Jinping to help him secure re-election , ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton 's new book says .
In details of the forthcoming book in US media , Mr Bolton says Mr Trump wanted China to buy agricultural produce from US farmers .
Correspondents say the episode is reminiscent of actions that led to Mr Trump 's impeachment .
The Trump administration is trying to prevent publication of the book .
According to the Department of Justice complaint , it contains `` classified information '' .
The book , entitled The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be released on 23 June .
In January , the White House said it contained `` top secret '' details , which must be removed , although Mr Bolton rejected this .
Mr Bolton also addresses the claims that formed a central part of the president 's impeachment trial .
In January , President Trump was impeached for withholding military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter .
The president denied the reports and Mr Trump was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican-controlled Senate , which did not include any witnesses .
Mr Bolton says the inquiry might have had a different outcome if it had gone beyond Ukraine and investigated other instances of political interference .
Mr Bolton joined the White House in April 2018 and left in September the following year , saying he had decided to quit as national security adviser .
President Trump , however , said he had fired Mr Bolton because he disagreed `` strongly '' with him .
On one hand , the account John Bolton offers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is hardly the first time a former adviser or anonymous current aide to Donald Trump has offered anecdotes about a president seemingly uninterested in the details of governing and uninformed on basic issues of foreign policy .
For nearly three-and-a-half years , there have been plentiful stories about a White House rife with backbiting and internal power struggles .
Mr Bolton 's book goes beyond this well-trodden ground , however , in painting a broad portrait of a president willing to bend foreign policy to advance his domestic and personal political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impeachment case congressional Democrats made against Trump in January .
Mr Bolton confirms their allegations that the president wanted the withholding of military aid to pressure Ukraine to provide damaging information about Democratic rival Joe Biden .
Mr Bolton adds that Trump 's dealings with China were also done with an eye on his re-election , and that he repeatedly intervened to assist friendly autocrats around the world .
Republicans suggest this is all the work of a disgruntled employee trying to sell books , while Democrats are already growling that Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment proceedings .
That ship has sailed , of course , but Bolton 's book can still have a bite , distracting a presidential campaign struggling to find its footing less than five months before election day .
What does Bolton allege about the meeting with Xi ?
The allegations refer to a meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Xi at the G20 summit in Osaka , Japan in June last year .
The Chinese president had complained that some US critics of China were calling for a new cold war , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book published in the New York Times .
He said Mr Trump assumed Mr Xi was referring to his Democratic opponents .
`` Trump , stunningly , turned the conversation to the coming US presidential election [ in 2020 ] , alluding to China 's economic capability and pleading with Xi to ensure he 'd win , '' Mr Bolton said .
`` He stressed the importance of farmers and increased Chinese purchases of soybeans and wheat in the electoral outcome . ''
When Mr Xi agreed to make discussions on farm products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump called him `` the greatest leader in Chinese history '' .
Speaking on Wednesday evening , US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer disputed Mr Bolton 's account , saying the request for help with re-election `` never happened '' .
Mr Bolton also mentions an earlier conversation at the summit 's opening dinner , in which they discuss the building of camps in China 's western Xinjiang region .
Mr Trump said the construction should go ahead as it was `` the right thing to do '' .
Human rights groups have strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a million Uighurs and other ethnic minorities have been detained for punishment and indoctrination .
What else does the book say ?
Mr Trump 's closest advisers , including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Mr Bolton himself , considered resigning in disgust or frustration , the former aide said .
`` He second-guessed people 's motives , saw conspiracies behind rocks , and remained stunningly uninformed on how to run the White House , let alone the huge federal government , '' Mr Bolton added .
He includes details of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , Mr Trump is alleged to have been unaware that the UK was a nuclear power or that Finland was a country .
On one occasion , Mr Bolton writes , the president said he would threaten to withdraw from Nato if allies in the bloc failed to increase defence spending .
And he remarked that Mr Pompeo - generally considered loyal to Mr Trump - once complained he was having a `` cardiac arrest '' during a presidential phone call with the South Korean leader .

Republicans suggest this is all the work of a disgruntled employee trying to sell books, while Democrats are already growling that Bolton should have volunteered these bombshells during the impeachment proceedings. That ship has sailed, of course, but Bolton's book can still have a bite, distracting a presidential campaign struggling to find its footing less than five months before election day.


bbc--2020-06-17--Rayshard Brooks shooting: US policeman faces murder charge

A police officer who fatally shot a fleeing black man in the back last week in Atlanta , Georgia , will be charged with murder and assault , officials say .
Garrett Rolfe , who has already been fired , faces 11 charges related to Rayshard Brooks ' death .
If convicted , he could face the death penalty .
The other officer at the scene , Devin Brosnan , will testify as a witness in the case , officials said .
The case comes amid US protests over police killings of black Americans .
Lawmakers in Washington are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brosnan - who has already been placed on administrative leave - will be charged with assault for standing on Mr Brooks ' shoulder as he lay dying .
Officials said this was the ninth time that an Atlanta police officer had been prosecuted for homicide .
They added that it is believed to be the first time a police officer would testify against a member of his own unit , though Mr Brosnan 's lawyer denied his client would be a witness in the case .
• Which US police reform plan might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US police problems Mr Brooks failed a field sobriety test on 12 June after he was found asleep inside his car that was blocking a drive-through lane at a Wendy 's restaurant .
After pulling over his vehicle , the father-of-four appeared `` slightly impaired , but his behaviour during this incident was almost jovial '' , Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said on Wednesday .
For over 40 minutes , video shows him complying with officers as he consented to a weapons search and provided them with his identification details .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , he began struggling .
The footage appears to show Mr Brooks punched Mr Rolfe , grabbed Mr Brosnan 's stun gun and turned back while fleeing to fire it at Mr Rolfe .
Mr Brooks suffered two gunshots to the back that caused organ injuries and blood loss .
One police bullet also hit a witness ' vehicle , nearly killing the driver , investigators say .
• The struggle that cost Rayshard Brooks his life Prosecutors said Mr Rolfe said : `` I got him . ''
For over two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither officer provided medical attention as police are required to do , prosecutors said .
Instead , Mr Rolfe kicked Mr Brooks while he was on the ground , and Officer Brosnan stood on Mr Brooks ' shoulder immediately after the shooting , Mr Howard added .
What else did the prosecutor say ?
The district attorney said that eight videos from the scene showed Mr Brooks `` displayed no aggressive behaviour during the 41 minutes and 17 seconds '' that he was questioned , and posed no physical risk to the officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18ft ( 5.5m ) from the officers when he was shot twice in the back , investigators say .
`` I believe that at the time of the shooting , Mr Brooks did not represent a threat , '' Mr Howard said , noting that police rules prohibit firing a Taser at a fleeing suspect .
`` So he certainly can not fire a handgun at someone running away , '' he said .
How have the suspects responded ?
A lawyer for Mr Rolfe blamed Mr Brooks for his choice to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly , without warning or provocation '' .
`` Mr Brooks violently attacked two officers and disarmed one of them , '' continued the statement issued by the LoRusso Law Firm .
`` When Mr Brooks turned and pointed an object at Officer Rolfe , any officer would have reasonably believed that he intended to disarm , disable , or seriously injure him . ''
A lawyer for Mr Brosnan disputed the district attorney 's claim that he will serve as a `` state 's witness '' , or that he has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he died .
`` The decision to initiate charges by the Fulton County DA 's office is irrational , unethical and obviously based on factors which should have nothing to do with the proper administration of justice , '' he said in a statement .
The newspaper added that the prosecutor faces re-election in August .
What has the reaction been ?
The shooting came amid nationwide unrest over the death in police custody of another unarmed black man , George Floyd , in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
The four officers involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are facing charges of second-degree murder , or aiding and abetting murder .
The Wendy 's restaurant where Mr Brooks died was burned by arsonists after about 1,000 protesters turned up there in the hours after his death .
His death also led to the resignation of Atlanta 's chief of police .
A lawyer for Mr Brooks ' widow , Tomika Miller , told the Associated Press that there were not aware of some of the details announced on Wednesday , such as Mr Rolfe 's alleged kick as Mr Brooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it 's an attempt to redefine justice , '' said lawyer L Chris Stewart .
Why this case is different The swiftness with which a white police officer has been fired and then charged with murder in the killing of Rayshard Brooks is just the latest sign of how rapidly and dramatically police agencies have shifted strategy when it comes to dealing with deadly force cases .
Historically , not only have police chiefs been reticent to take action against officers involved in in-custody deaths until a `` full investigation '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick to defend the officer 's use of force if he or she `` reasonably '' believed that a person had a deadly weapon or posed immediate danger to the officer .
In this case , video shows that Brooks had taken the officer 's Taser and appears to use it .
But not only is the weapon designated as less than lethal , the video shows he was running away and that the shots that killed him entered his back .
Now the officer faces 11 charges , the question of whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deadly weapon will surely come into play , as well as whether the officer had `` reasonable '' fear of Brooks .
What is already clear is that police departments are not feeling nearly as confident relying on the old strategies and rhetoric that historically have allowed them to slow-play their response to a police-involved killing .

Now the officer faces 11 charges, the question of whether or not a Taser should be considered a deadly weapon will surely come into play, as well as whether the officer had "reasonable" fear of Brooks.


bbc--2020-06-17--George Floyd death: Three police reform plans compared

Republican senators have unveiled their plans to improve policing following the death of George Floyd .
How does it compare with those put forward by the White House and Democrats ?
And which will succeed ?
In advance of national guidance from Washington , police departments across the country have begun taking reforms on themselves .
Police departments in major US cities like Denver , Chicago and Phoenix have all banned chokeholds in the wake of Mr Floyd 's death .
And the New York police commissioner announced this week that the anti-crime unit - a team of roughly 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But these patchwork efforts would be bolstered by federal legislation , which could make police reforms mandatory nationwide .
• 'This is why we are protesting' • The good and bad of Trump 's executive order • Provides incentives for police departments to ban chokeholds and unannounced police raids , known as `` no-knock warrants '' - though stops short of outright bans • Requires local law enforcement agencies to report all officer-involved deaths to the FBI • Offers grants to encourage wider use of body-worn cameras by police officers • Establishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black men and boys • Asks the Justice Department to establish and provide training on de-escalation techniques • Bans the use of chokeholds and carotid holds , meant to temporarily cut off blood flow to the brain , also known as `` sleeper '' holds • Eliminates the use of no-knock warrants • Creates a national registry to track police misconduct and requires law enforcement agencies to report on use of force by officers • Requires training on racial bias and implicit bias at the federal level • Establishes national data base to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force complaints • Provides financial incentives for police departments to commit to `` best practices '' , including banning chokeholds , but does not outright ban the practice • Encourages the deployment of social workers alongside police officers to address non-violent cases , such as mental health , addiction , and homelessness • Prioritises federal grants to police departments that obtain certifications of high standards regarding de-escalation training and use of force After weeks of mass protest against police use of force and institutional racism across the US , the machinery of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in the House of Representatives have approved sweeping reforms .
Donald Trump signed an executive order that will encourage police departments to set new guidelines for training and procedures .
Now Senate Republicans have their own proposal , which provides legislative backing for many of the president 's moves .
That both parties have been able to move reasonably quickly during an election year , when legislative accomplishments are traditionally few , underscores a national consensus about the urgency of the moment .
Even so , the chances for co-operation on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats may decide a modest compromise on what they see as Republican half-measures would give their opponents a victory - and decrease the likelihood of more substantive reforms after November 's elections .
Republicans may conclude broader Democratic reforms would hinder police departments and put officers at risk , while preventing the party from using `` law and order '' as a campaign issue against Democrats in the autumn .
Even with pressure for action mounting , both sides may end up deciding it 's better to take the issue to the voters @ @ @

That both parties have been able to move reasonably quickly during an election year, when legislative accomplishments are traditionally few, underscores a national consensus about the urgency of the moment. Even so, the chances for co-operation on the issue are still far from certain.


bbc--2020-06-17--George Floyd protests: Who are Boogaloo Bois, antifa and Proud Boys?

More than three weeks since the death of George Floyd , anti-racism protests are continuing across the US .
While in many cases peaceful , the protests have also featured scenes of police brutality , looting and violence .
Politicians , law enforcement and commentators on the left and right have accused a number of fringe groups of encouraging and participating in acts of violence .
BBC News has been examining these groups on social media platforms .
This relatively new anti-government subculture is perhaps the most dangerous of the bunch .
Steven Carrillo , a 32-year-old US Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the murder of two officers during the George Floyd protests , one in Oakland and another in Santa Cruz .
Before being arrested , he wrote in his own blood the terms `` boog '' and `` I became unreasonable '' on a car .
Both terms are commonly used by the movement .
Rooted in a bulletin board dedicated to firearms on 4chan - called the /k/ board - Boogaloo Bois is a loose , leaderless movement .
The group 's name is a reference to a poorly-reviewed 1984 film , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The phrase `` Electric Boogaloo '' has since become an online meme meaning a low-quality sequel .
But Boogaloo Bois use it to refer to armed conflict with authorities , something akin to a second US Civil War .
Relatively small on 4chan in its early days , the movement has since considerably grown in size , notably helped by dozens of Facebook groups and pages with tens of thousands of members and followers .
In order to evade Facebook restrictions on the word `` Boogaloo '' , alternate terms like `` Big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Big Luau '' are also frequently used .
Like other online movements born out of 4chan , Boogaloo Bois are steeped in the vernacular of internet memes and in-jokes .
Some in the movement refer to themselves as `` boojahideen '' , a parody of the term `` mujahideen '' which is frequently used to refer to radical Islamist militants .
Followers have a variety of views and levels of seriousness towards the movement , but most could be described as extreme libertarians and sign up to two fundamental beliefs : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , and an unwavering commitment to gun ownership .
Boogaloo Bois were overwhelmingly opposed to coronavirus lockdowns , which they saw as an alarming sign of tyranny .
When anti-lockdown gatherings were held in several states in April and May , some armed members of the Boogaloo movement were seen in the rallies , often wearing Hawaiian shirts - a tongue-in-cheek reference to Hawaiian luau celebrations .
Black Lives Matter protests have caused a divide in the group .
While many support the protests and are anti-police , some in the movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook groups and pages post footage of armed members in Hawaiian shirts attending the protests carrying Boogaloo flags , claiming they are there to protect the protesters from police .
Some even suggest that the demonstrations might trigger the `` Boogaloo '' that they 've been waiting for .
Videos and hashtags sympathetic to the group have also appeared on TikTok in recent weeks .
They are often posted by young men with firearms who call for an uprising .
One video features captions such as `` becoming more and more willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your door will be targeted first '' .
Some members are capitalising on the protests to engage in acts of violence against authorities .
Three Boogaloo members were charged with terrorism offences in Nevada this month for alleged attempts to `` spark violence '' in protests .
Facebook has since limited the reach of Boogaloo-themed groups and pages .
Several have been removed - or `` got Zucced '' , as members call it - in the last few days .
Antifa , short for `` anti-fascist '' , is a loose affiliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anarchists , but also communists and a few social democrats .
What sets them apart is their willingness to use violence - they say , in self-defence or to defend their communities .
The movement , which at one point almost entirely disappeared in the US , saw a surge of interest after the election of Donald Trump .
They routinely clash with the far right .
During the recent protests , there 's some evidence that they 've been involved property damage and looting .
Authorities in Texas , for instance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antifa affiliates .
But right-wing activists and President Donald Trump have made much bigger claims - that they are the driving force behind the violence .
While US presidents can designate individuals or groups as foreign terrorists , legal experts have questioned whether Mr Trump has the authority to label antifa a `` domestic terrorist organisation '' .
There 's little evidence for the sweeping claims .
Antifa activists are relatively rare - their numbers are tiny compared to the size of the US protests .
• What happened when an antifa activist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antifa face off in Portland Founded in 2016 by Canadian-British right-wing activist Gavin McInnes , the Proud Boys is a far-right , anti-immigrant , all-male group with a history of street violence against its left-wing opponents , notably antifa .
The group 's name is a reference to a song from the Disney film Aladdin .
Members often wear black and yellow Fred Perry polo shirts along with red `` Make America Great Again '' hats .
A member must declare that he is `` a Western chauvinist who refuses to apologise for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proud Boys and affiliated groups have faced off against antifa in a number of violent street rallies in the last two years , most notably in Oregon , Washington and New York .
Two members were jailed last year for beating up antifa activists in New York .
The Southern Poverty Law Center ( SPLC ) , a prominent civil rights group , describes the Proud Boys as a hate group .
Although Mr McInnes quit the group in November 2018 , he filed a lawsuit against the SPLC three months later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman .
Proud Boys members are vehemently opposed to BLM protests .
Describing attempts to bring down statues of Confederate leaders as a left-wing plot to `` destroy American history '' , members have been seen `` guarding '' statues of historical figures in a number of states .
Following the establishment of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone , a police-free district in Seattle , Proud Boys members - some armed - turned up to confront what they called `` authoritarian behaviour '' by the protesters .
Photos and videos of clashes between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone have gone viral .
Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube have all banned the group from their platforms .
But accounts associated with the movement have popped up again during the protests .
This week , 358 Facebook accounts and 172 Instagram accounts tied to Proud Boys were removed .
Have a story for us ?
Get in touch .
Follow BBC Trending on Twitter @ BBCtrending or on Facebook .

Videos and hashtags sympathetic to the group have also appeared on TikTok in recent weeks. They are often posted by young men with firearms who call for an uprising. One video features captions such as "becoming more and more willing to die" and "cops showing at your door will be targeted first".


bbc--2020-06-17--Van Gogh and Gauguin letter about brothel visit sells for 210,000 euros

A letter penned by artists Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin , which details their visits to brothels , has been sold at auction for €210,600 ( $ 236,632 ; £188,538 ) .
The letter was bought by the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation at the Drouot auction house in Paris on Tuesday .
The artists wrote the letter to their friend , French painter Emile Bernard , in late 1888 .
In it , they describe living and working together in the French city of Arles .
Van Gogh and Gauguin , both post-impressionist painters who are famous around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` great renaissance of art '' , according to the letter .
The artists honed their artistic vision in Arles but , after spending several months together , their friendship ended acrimoniously and Gauguin left .
Dated and signed 1-2 November 1888 , the letter was written several weeks before Van Gogh suffered a mental breakdown and famously cut off his left ear .
The Dutch artist took his own life in 1890 .
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam , where the letter will go on display later this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gogh ever had with another artist .
The museum described the letter as `` the most significant document written by Van Gogh that was still in private hands '' .
The auction house , Drouot , said the letter was `` exceptional '' because of how certain the artists were that their painting would revolutionise art .
Van Gogh and Gauguin , the auction house said , were `` fully aware that their art marks a turning point and that only future generations will understand it '' .
The director of the Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was `` thrilled '' that the `` important letter '' had been acquired and could be put on display .
`` We are delighted and very grateful that the Vincent van Gogh Foundation has made it possible to add such a remarkable letter as this to our collection , especially in these challenging times , '' she said .
What does the letter say ?
The artists take turns to give an account of their stay in Arles , where they worked together in a rented apartment at the Yellow House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - we 've made some excursions in the brothels , and it 's likely that we 'll eventually go there often to work , '' wrote Van Gogh in the four-page letter .
`` At the moment Gauguin has a canvas in progress of the same night café that I also painted , but with figures seen in the brothels .
It promises to become a beautiful thing . ''
While the letter was addressed to their friend , it was also a dialogue between Van Gogh and Gauguin , who gave their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter , Van Gogh described Gauguin as `` an unspoiled creature with the instincts of a wild beast '' .
`` With Gauguin , blood and sex have the edge over ambition , '' he added .
`` But enough of that , you 've seen him close at hand longer than I have , just wanted to tell you first impressions in a few words . ''
From 9 October 2020 , the letter will be one of 40 documents to go on display at an exhibition at the Van Gogh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's art world is unlocking its doors

"With Gauguin, blood and sex have the edge over ambition," he added. "But enough of that, you've seen him close at hand longer than I have, just wanted to tell you first impressions in a few words."


bbc--2020-06-17--Oxford college wants to remove Rhodes statue

Oriel College in Oxford has announced that it wants to take down the controversial statue of Cecil Rhodes .
The governors of the Oxford University college voted on Wednesday to remove the statue of the colonialist .
Campaigners have called for the statue to be taken down - saying it was a symbol of imperialism and racism .
The removal is not expected to be immediate - as the college says there will need to be consultations over planning regulations .
The Rhodes Must Fall campaigners said the announcement was `` hopeful '' , but warned they would remain cautious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the removal .
In a statement , campaigners said that until the `` Rhodes statue ceases to adorn the facade of Oriel College on Oxford 's High Street '' there would still be protests over `` imperial and colonial iconography '' in university buildings .
• Protesters call for Rhodes statue to be removed • Why is Cecil Rhodes such a controversial character ?
Oriel College 's governors said the decision had been reached `` after a thoughtful period of debate and reflection '' - and in `` full awareness of the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain and around the world '' .
The college is to launch an `` independent commission of inquiry '' into the legacy of Cecil Rhodes , which also includes scholarships at the university .
The commission , to be headed by Carole Souter , will also consider wider issues , such as support for black and ethnic minority students and a commitment to `` diversity '' - and will consult with groups including students , local people , councillors and the Rhodes Must Fall campaigners .
Susan Brown , leader of Oxford City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the statue - and said the college 's inquiry would be a chance to decide where the statue will `` best be curated in future '' .
The fate of the statue has divided opinion .
Earlier on Wednesday the universities minister had spoken against calls to remove the statue .
Michelle Donelan said it would be `` short sighted '' to try to `` rewrite our history '' - and rejected attempts to `` censor or edit '' the past .
`` I want to be really clear that racism is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our society , and that includes universities , '' she told a Higher Education Policy Institute event .
Ms Donelan said she was opposed to the renaming of buildings named after the 19th Century statesman , William Gladstone , or the removal of the Rhodes statue .
Protesters on the streets of Oxford have called for the statue to be taken down , saying that it represented imperialist values that were no longer acceptable .
But last week the vice-chancellor of Oxford University , Louise Richardson , gave little support for removing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiding '' the past .
`` My own view on this is that hiding our history is not the route to enlightenment , '' Prof Richardson told the BBC .
`` We need to understand this history and understand the context in which it was made and why it was that people believed then as they did , '' she said .
`` This university has been around for 900 years .
For 800 of those years the people who ran the university did n't think women were worthy of an education .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Personally , no - I think they were wrong , but they have to be judged by the context of their time , '' said Prof Richardson .

"We need to understand this history and understand the context in which it was made and why it was that people believed then as they did," she said.


bbc--2020-06-17--US Air Force sergeant charged in Boogaloo Bois murder

A US Air Force sergeant with links to the far-right Boogaloo Bois movement has been charged with the murder of a federal security officer in California , the FBI says .
Steven Carrillo is accused of killing David Patrick Underwood outside the courthouse in Oakland during Black Lives Matter protests last month .
He was already charged with the murder of another officer eight days later .
Damon Gutzwiller was killed in an ambush near Santa Cruz on 6 June .
Mr Carrillo , who is stationed at Travis air force base , was arrested during a subsequent confrontation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood to write various phrases on the bonnet of a car he stole , the FBI said , including `` boog '' and `` stop the duopoly '' .
`` Boogaloo '' is a term used by extremists to reference a violent uprising or impending civil war in the US , the FBI said .
• Who are Boogaloo Bois , Antifa and Proud Boys ?
Adherents of the loose grouping known as Boogaloo Bois , which some liken to a militia , are anti-government and often carry assault weapons .
The Oakland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a drive-by shooting from a white van overnight on 29 May .
There were large protests taking place in nearby streets over the death in police custody of George Floyd .
A colleague was also shot in the attack , and the accused is charged with his attempted murder .
A second man , Robert Alvin Justus , has confessed to driving the van , the FBI said , and has been charged with aiding and abetting the alleged murder .
Who are the Boogaloo Bois ?
A loose online movement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a firearms-themed bulletin board on the 4chan platform .
The group 's name is a reference to a 1984 film , Breakin ' 2 : Electric Boogaloo , which members use to refer to an armed conflict with authorities and law enforcement , something akin to a civil war .
While it is hard to ascribe a specific ideology to Boogaloo Bois , followers sign up to two fundamental issues : a desire for an armed overthrow of the government , and an unwavering commitment to guns .
The movement has considerably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , helped by Facebook groups and pages with tens of thousands of members and followers .
Alternative terms like `` Big Igloo '' , `` Boog '' and `` Big Luau '' are also frequently used .
Armed members dressed in Hawaiian shirts and military fatigues claim they are attending Black Lives Matter rallies to `` protect the protesters from police '' .
But they are increasingly capitalising on the protests to attack the authorities .
Three Boogaloo members were charged with terrorism offences in Nevada this month for attempts to `` spark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach of Boogaloo groups and pages in recent days .
But many are still active on the platform .
In a comment on Facebook , Mr Carillo said the Black Lives Matter protests in downtown Oakland were a good opportunity .
`` Use their anger to fuel our fire .
Think outside the box .
We have mobs of angry people to use to our advantage , '' he allegedly wrote .
Announcing the charges at the same Oakland federal building where Mr Underwood worked , US Attorney David Anderson said many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice and laughter .
`` Pat Underwood wore his uniform because it signified his authority to protect the courthouse where we are gathered here today , '' the attorney said .
`` This courthouse exists to administer justice , to uphold the rule of law , and to protect the freedoms that we all cherish . ''
A second deputy was injured in the attack in Santa Cruz county in which Sgt Gutzwiller lost his life .
The sheriff 's office is holding a memorial event for Sgt Gutzwiller on Wednesday which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the US 's militia groups

"Pat Underwood wore his uniform because it signified his authority to protect the courthouse where we are gathered here today," the attorney said. "This courthouse exists to administer justice, to uphold the rule of law, and to protect the freedoms that we all cherish."


bbc--2020-06-17--Facebook to let users turn off political adverts

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg says users will be able to turn off political adverts on the social network in the run-up to the 2020 US election .
In a piece written for USA Today newspaper , he also says he hopes to help four million Americans sign up as new voters .
Facebook has faced heavy criticism for allowing adverts from politicians that contain false information .
“ For those of you who ’ ve already made up your minds and just want the election to be over , we hear you -- so we ’ re also introducing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Mr Zuckerberg wrote .
Facebook and its subsidiary Instagram will give users the option to turn off political adverts when they appear or they can block them using the settings features .
Users that have blocked political adverts will also be able to report them if they continue to appear .
The feature , which will start rolling out on Wednesday , allows users to turn off political , electoral and social issue adverts from candidates and other organisations that have the `` Paid for '' political disclaimer .
The company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to all US users over the next few weeks and will offer it in other countries this autumn .
Mr Zuckerberg went on to encourage people who are n't signed up as voters to register in time for the US election in November .
“ Voting is voice .
It ’ s the single most powerful expression of democracy , the best way to hold our leaders accountable , and how we address many of the issues our country is grappling with . ''
“ I believe Facebook has a responsibility not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionately targets people of colour -- but to actively support well-informed voter engagement , registration , and turnout.
” As part of the initiative a new information hub , called The Voting Information Center , will be put at the top of American users ’ Facebook and Instagram feeds from the beginning of July .
Information on offer will include how to register to vote and details about mail-in ballots .
The firm also said it will share reliable information from state and local election authorities .
Facebook estimates that the hub will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November election .
Facing criticism from inside and outside the company over the way it regulates political speech , Facebook has unveiled what look like fairly minor tweaks to policies in the run-up to the US elections .
Yes , it will become more evident to users what is and is not a political advert , and they will be able to opt out of seeing them .
But that was never the main concern of critics , such as the web 's creator Sir Tim Berners-Lee .
Last November Sir Tim told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` turn off `` targeted political advertising altogether .
`` It 's not fair to risk democracy by allowing all these very subtle manipulations with targeted ads which promote completely false ideas , '' he explained .
I 'm told his views have not changed .
Facebook 's communications supremo Sir Nick Clegg made it clear on BBC Radio 4 's Today that the social media giant will also not bow to pressure to fact check political content .
Challenged over Facebook 's failure to follow Twitter in at least putting a warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` when the looting starts , the shooting starts '' , Sir Nick trod a delicate path .
He described the comment as `` abhorrent '' but backed a collective decision not to take action .
President Trump is unlikely to be impressed by that `` abhorrent '' comment .
Nor will he be enthused by Facebook 's promise to help to register four million voters , which may well do more to boost votes for Democratic candidates than Republican ones .
Meanwhile Joe Biden is still calling on Facebook to tackle misinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortnight before the US Presidential election .
Both contenders feel that Facebook could be crucial to the outcome of that vote , so the next months will see unrelenting pressure on Mark Zuckerberg and his team to prove they can play a positive rather than a destructive role in the democratic process .
Social media companies are at the centre of a political storm in the run-up to the US election .
Last month Mr Zuckerberg faced criticism for leaving up a series of posts by President Donald Trump , including one that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in ballots .
It was the first time that Twitter had flagged the US president 's tweets .
Also in May , Mr Trump signed an executive order aimed at removing some of the legal protections given to social media platforms .
It came as Mr Trump continued to accuse companies such as Twitter and Facebook of stifling conservative voices .

President Trump is unlikely to be impressed by that "abhorrent" comment. Nor will he be enthused by Facebook's promise to help to register four million voters, which may well do more to boost votes for Democratic candidates than Republican ones.


bbc--2020-06-17--Aunt Jemima to change branding based on 'racial stereotype'

US company Quaker Oats has announced it will rename its Aunt Jemima line of syrups and foods , acknowledging the brand was based on a racial stereotype .
For over 130 years , the brand 's logo has featured a black woman named after a character from minstrel shows in the 1800s that mocked African-Americans .
Quaker said past branding updates to address these issues were `` not enough '' .
Criticism against the brand has renewed amid the national debate over racism sparked by George Floyd 's death .
Kristin Kroepfl , Quaker Foods North America 's chief marketing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives '' .
`` We also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers ' expectations , '' Ms Kroepfl said , adding that Aunt Jemima 's origins are `` based on a racial stereotype '' .
`` We are starting by removing the image and changing the name . ''
The company has not offered further details on the coming changes , which were first reported by NBC News .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least $ 5m ( £3.9m ) over the next five years to support the African American community , according to parent company PepsiCo .
The branding on Aunt Jemima 's syrups , mixes and other food products features an image of a black woman that has often been linked to stereotypes around slavery .
In a 2015 opinion piece for the New York Times , Cornell University African-American literature professor Riché Richardson described Aunt Jemima as `` an outgrowth of Old South plantation nostalgia and romance '' .
• Behind the legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about slavery from US tourists Prof Richardson said the brand perpetuated the idea of a `` mammy '' character - a submissive black woman who nurtured her white master 's children .
Founded in 1889 , the Aunt Jemima logo was based on storyteller , cook and missionary Nancy Green , the company 's site says .
Ms Green was born into slavery in Kentucky in 1834 , according to the African American Registry non-profit database .
Aunt Jemima joins a number of companies making or considering changes in light of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America , sparked by the recent police killings of George Floyd and other African Americans .
• Why firms are speaking out about George Floyd On Wednesday , Mars Inc said it was considering possible changes to the branding of its Uncle Ben 's rice , which entered the market in the 1940s .
Uncle , like aunt , was used in southern US states to refer to black people , instead of the more formal `` Miss '' or `` Mister '' .
In a statement on its website , Mars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to evolve the Uncle Ben 's brand , including its visual brand identity , which we will do . ''
But it gave no further details .

In a statement on its website, Mars wrote that "now is the right time to evolve the Uncle Ben's brand, including its visual brand identity, which we will do." But it gave no further details.


bbc--2020-06-17--Canada loses out to Ireland and Norway in Security Council vote

Canada has lost its latest bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council despite an expensive and star-studded campaign .
It lost out to Ireland and Norway for the two `` Western bloc '' seats Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invested heavily in the campaign , employed 13 full-time staff and invited diplomats to a Celine Dion concert in New York .
Meanwhile , Ireland wheeled out U2 for a similar show but spent around half as much on its campaign .
Canada said it shelled out roughly $ 1.74m ( £1.37m ) .
As of late last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Norway $ 2.8m .
• The lengths countries go to for a seat at UN top table The Security Council has 10 non-permanent members , elected for two years each , in addition to permanent members the UK , China , France , Russia and the United States .
All permanent members have the power to veto resolutions .
The council can authorise peacekeeping operations , impose international sanctions , and determine how the UN should respond to conflicts around the world .
What happened in the vote ?
Norway secured 130 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada managed just 108 .
India ran unopposed to win in the Asia-Pacific region , while Mexico also ran unopposed .
The terms for new members start on 1 January 2021 .
This is the second time in a row Canada has lost its bid for a UN Security Council seat .
When the former Conservative government lost the race in 2010 , the then-opposition Liberals were among the critics calling it an embarrassing failure on the world stage .
They said it was the result of a disregard for multilateralism and engagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Justin Trudeau vowed `` Canada is back '' and a willing partner in the international community .
Now , he will have to explain how it happened again under his watch .
In the final weeks , Mr Trudeau called some 50 world leaders to lock in their votes .
On Wednesday , Foreign Minister Francois Philippe Champagne tried to put a positive spin on the loss .
The result was not the one Canada had hoped for , he conceded , but what mattered were the bilateral relationships strengthened along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be time to analyse what went wrong at a later date .

The result was not the one Canada had hoped for, he conceded, but what mattered were the bilateral relationships strengthened along the way.


bbc--2020-06-17--What happened when a city disbanded its police force

Camden , New Jersey , created a brand new police force to forge better ties with its residents .
Their @ @ @ @ @ to be guardians , not warriors of their community .
The city used to have @ @ @ @ @ rates in the United States but now , eight years later , it is seeing @ @ @ @ @ 50 years .

Camden, New Jersey, created a brand new police force to forge better ties with its residents.
Their aim was for the police to be guardians, not warriors of their community.
The city used to have one of the highest crime rates in the United States but now, eight years later, it is seeing its lowest crime rate in 50 years.
The BBC's Nada Tawfik reports
Read more:
Trump signs executive order on police reform
Why US protests are so powerful this time
How are African-Americans treated under the law?


bbc--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: Hundreds of abattoir workers test positive in Germany

Thousands of people in Germany have been told to go into quarantine after a coronavirus outbreak at an abattoir .
More than 650 people have tested positive for the virus at the meat processing plant in Gütersloh , in the north-west of the country .
Operations at the site have been suspended since Wednesday afternoon .
Over 1,000 workers have been tested so far , with thousands of others still awaiting testing .
They and the people they came into contact with have been told to been told to remain in quarantine until they receive their results .
A spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Tönnies Group , has apologised .
• How is lockdown being lifted across Europe ?
In response to the outbreak , local authorities have suspended schools and childcare centres in the region until the end of the month .
Chancellor Angela Merkel said she `` welcomed '' the measures to prevent the further spread of the virus in the area .
Germany has been widely praised for its managing of the outbreak .
Despite having the largest population in the EU , Germany has recorded fewer than 9,000 deaths so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would extend a ban on large events until the end of October .
This is not the first time a meat processing plant has found itself at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak .
Last month , Germany agreed a proposal banning the use of temporary workers at abattoirs following a spate of infections in Münster and Coesfeld , North Rhine-Westphalia .
The issue has brought a renewed focus on the poor working conditions in the sector , with some of the meat workers in previous outbreaks reported to have been living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also recorded outbreaks in abattoirs , including in France and the US , where workers in at least two food plants have died amid outbreaks .

They and the people they came into contact with have been told to been told to remain in quarantine until they receive their results.


bbc--2020-06-17--India-China clash: Diplomats 'strongly protest' over border clashes

The Indian and Chinese foreign ministers have exchanged protests over clashes in a disputed Himalayan border area which led to the deaths of at least 20 Indian troops .
India 's Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said China tried to erect a structure inside Indian territory , while China 's Wang Yi said Indian troops attacked first .
But in a phone call both men promised not to escalate the situation .
It was the first deadly clash at the disputed border for at least 45 years .
Soldiers reportedly brawled with sticks and bats but no shots were fired .
China has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Indian media say at least 40 Chinese soldiers died .
Some Indian soldiers are still believed to be missing .
Earlier Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Indian deaths `` will not be in vain '' and that India would be `` proud that our soldiers died fighting the Chinese '' in the clash in the Ladakh region on Monday .
• An extraordinary escalation 'with rocks and clubs' Addressing the confrontation for the first time in a televised address on Wednesday , he said : `` India wants peace but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving a fitting reply , be it any kind of situation . ''
What did the two diplomats say ?
An Indian government statement following the phone conversation said that Chinese troops had tried to put up a structure on the Indian side of the de facto border , the Line of Actual Control ( LAC ) , in the strategically important Galwan Valley .
It described this as `` premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties '' and urged China to `` take corrective steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side would take action to escalate matters .
Meanwhile a Chinese statement quoted Mr Wang as saying : `` China again expresses strong protest to India and demands the Indian side launches a thorough investigation ... and stop all provocative actions to ensure the same things do not happen again . ''
`` Both sides should resolve the dispute through dialogue , and keep the border safe and tranquil , '' he added .
The fighting occurred in the precipitous , rocky terrain of the Galwan Valley .
Indian media say soldiers engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` beaten to death '' .
During the fight , one newspaper reported , others fell or were pushed into a river .
The Indian army initially said a colonel and two soldiers had died .
It later said that `` 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty '' had died from their injuries , taking the `` total that were killed in action to 20 '' .
`` I understand that some [ further ] Indian soldiers went missing .
The Indian side is still working to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence analyst Ajai Shukla told the BBC .
Indian forces appear to have been massively outnumbered by Chinese troops .
A senior Indian military official told the BBC there were 55 Indians versus 300 Chinese , who he described as `` the Death Squad '' .
`` They hit our boys on the head with metal batons wrapped in barbed wire .
Our boys fought with bare hands , '' the officer , who did not want to be named , said .
His account , which could not be verified , tallies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailing the savagery of the combat .
The clash has provoked protests in India , with people burning Chinese flags .
China has not confirmed how many of its personnel died or were injured .
The BBC 's Robin Brant in Beijing says that China has never given contemporaneous confirmation on military deaths outside of peacekeeping duties .
Our correspondent adds that on this occasion China 's propagandists may not want to fan nationalist flames at home by making much of any loss , or admit to a significant and demoralising loss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two nuclear-armed neighbours have fought without conventional firearms on the border .
India and China have a history of face-offs and overlapping territorial claims along the more than 3,440km ( 2,100 mile ) , poorly drawn LAC separating the two sides .
The first comments from the Indian government on the violent standoff on the Chinese border came nearly 24 hours after the news broke on Tuesday .
And Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues - the defence minister and the home minister - have chosen their words carefully .
Usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Modi and his ministers have displayed utmost restraint in their public messages this time , mostly sticking to mourning the loss of soldiers .
The prime minister did say : `` India wants peace but , if instigated , it is capable of giving a befitting reply . ''
But this is seen as aimed more at his political rivals and supporters domestically , rather than as a warning to Beijing .
China is not Pakistan and memories of the humiliating defeat in the 1962 war are all too real for any misadventure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The LAC is poorly demarcated .
The presence of rivers , lakes and snowcaps means the line can shift .
The soldiers either side - representing two of the world 's largest armies - come face-to-face at many points .
Border patrols have often bumped into each other , resulting in occasional scuffles .
• Why tensions are rising between the neighbours • How a new map stirred old rivalries The last firing on the border happened in 1975 when four Indian soldiers were killed in a remote pass in the north-eastern state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variously described by former diplomats as an ambush and an accident .
But no bullets have been fired since .
At the root of this is a 1996 bilateral agreement that says `` neither side shall open fire ... conduct blast operations or hunt with guns or explosives within two kilometres of the Line of Actual Control '' .
But there have been tense confrontations along the border in recent weeks .
In May Indian and Chinese soldiers exchanged physical blows on the border at Pangong Lake , also in Ladakh , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of miles to the east .
India has accused China of sending thousands of troops into Ladakh 's Galwan Valley and says China occupies 38,000 sq km ( 14,700 sq miles ) of its territory .
Several rounds of talks in the last three decades have failed to resolve the boundary disputes .
The two countries have fought only one war , in 1962 , when India suffered a humiliating defeat .
There are several reasons why tensions are rising again now - but competing strategic goals lie at the root .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and manpower to building roads , bridges , rail links and air fields along the disputed border .
Both India and China see each other 's construction efforts as calculated moves to gain a tactical advantage , and tensions often flare up when either announces a major project .
India also disputes part of Kashmir - an ethnically diverse Himalayan region covering about 140,000 sq km - with Pakistan .

The Indian army initially said a colonel and two soldiers had died. It later said that "17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty" had died from their injuries, taking the "total that were killed in action to 20".


bbc--2020-06-17--Burundi’s Evariste Ndayishimiye to be sworn in as president

Burundi 's newly-elected president , Evariste Ndayishimiye is due to be sworn in on Thursday - two months earlier than planned .
The fast-tracked ceremony comes after his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza died suddenly last week .
Mr Ndayishimiye is a former rebel leader , like Mr Nkurunziza .
He was backed by his predecessor and was declared the winner of May 's presidential election , which the opposition said was rigged .
• Africa Live : Updates on this and other stories Mr Nkurunziza died aged 55 on 8 June after suffering a cardiac arrest , the government said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering from Covid-19 .
After 15 years in power , Mr Nkurunziza was due to step down in August .
According to Burundi 's constitution , if the head of state dies in office then the president of the national assembly , currently Pascal Nyabenda , should succeed him .
But after a ruling by Burundi 's Constitutional Court , Mr Ndayishimiye 's inauguration in the capital , Gitega , was brought forward .
The 52-year-old army general is regarded as a `` humble '' and `` religious '' man .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 , when his close friend and colleague in rebellion , Pierre Nkurunziza took power .
Gen Ndayishimiye , commonly known as `` Neva '' , was a law student in the University of Burundi when the civil war erupted in 1993 following the assassination of President Melchior Ndadaye .
Like his predecessor Mr Nkurunziza , in 1995 , Gen Ndayishimiye survived an attack on ethnic Hutu students at his campus in the then-capital Bujumbura .
He then fled the country and joined the rebel force that was formed to fight the then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Mr Nkurunziza during the Arusha peace talks between the government and the FDD rebels .
Following the 2003 peace accord that saw FDD rebels share the power with the government , Gen Ndayishimiye deputised for the then army chief of Burundi .
In 2006 he was named minister of the interior , before becoming the president 's military advisor and then secretary-general of the ruling party ( CNDD-FDD ) .
Gen Ndayishimiye , a father of six , is known as a practising Roman Catholic , and like his predecessor emphasises the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new president is taking over a country that is diplomatically isolated and on bad terms with donors .
His predecessor was accused of presiding over a government that carried out grave human rights violations and a crackdown on the opposition , journalists and activists .
The country is also dealing with the coronavirus , which was downplayed by his predecessor .
Following the failed coup attempt in 2015 , thousands of Burundians have fled the country and into refugee camps in neighbouring countries .

"I will not fail the unity charter, the constitution and other laws, will uphold unity among Burundians, peace and justice for all, [and] fight the ideology of genocide and discrimination," Mr Ndayishimiye said while taking his oath, reports the Reuters news agency.


bbc--2020-06-18--UK PM to welcome Macron for Resistance anniversary

Four French Resistance fighters will be awarded honorary MBEs for their role in World War Two as Boris Johnson welcomes Emmanuel Macron to Downing Street .
The French president is visiting London on Thursday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of wartime leader Charles de Gaulle 's BBC broadcast to occupied France after the 1940 Nazi invasion .
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will also meet Mr Macron .
Mr Johnson paid tribute to the `` courage and sacrifice '' of the fighters .
The four men - Edgard Tupet-Thome , 100 , Daniel Bouyjou-Cordier , 99 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simonet , 98 - are surviving members of the Order of Liberation , an honour given by France to those who played an outstanding role in setting France free .
Their MBEs will be presented at a ceremony in France in the coming months .
• Prince Charles to welcome Macron to London • PM had to soothe concerns over virus strategy • New momentum needed in trade talks , say UK and EU In Downing Street , Mr Johnson and Mr Macron will view artefacts and letters from General de Gaulle 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the UK 's wartime prime minister , Sir Winston Churchill .
After the fall of France , General de Gaulle made a speech from London on 18 June 1940 .
Known as the `` Appel '' , or appeal , it rallied the country in support of the Resistance .
The prime minister and president will also hold talks on the pandemic and other issues , with Mr Johnson having said he would raise travel between the UK and France at the meeting .
Mr Macron was exempt from the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative of a foreign country on business '' .
It was 80 years ago that General Charles de Gaulle broadcast a historic message from London to his fellow countrymen imploring them not to give up the fight against Hitler .
France was on its knees at the time , German troops having entered Paris four days earlier , and on the verge of agreeing an armistice confirming its formal military surrender .
In the message , broadcast in French , De Gaulle said in French `` whatever happens the flame of the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be extinguished '' .
Transmitted on the BBC 's French Service , the broadcast was not recorded and relatively few people in France heard it .
But a similar broadcast four days later on the same network reached a wider audience and went a long way to establishing de Gaulle as his country 's leader in-exile .
The 18th June 1940 remains one of the most important dates in UK-French history and still has enormous resonance on both sides of the channel .
The anniversary of the Appel will be marked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their French counterparts , La Patrouille de France .
Mr Johnson said General de Gaulle arrived in the UK 80 years ago knowing that Britain and France 's shared values of `` freedom , tolerance and democracy '' were under threat and pledging to defend them .
The Resistance fighters being honoured `` symbolise the enduring depth and strength of friendship '' between the countries , he said .
Mr Johnson called them `` heroes '' and paid tribute to their `` courage and sacrifice in defending us and the whole world from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face today are different to those we confronted together 80 years ago .
But I have no doubt that - working side by side - the UK and France will continue to rise to every new challenge and seize every opportunity that lies ahead , '' he said .
At Clarence House , home to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall , Mr Macron will be welcomed by a ceremonial guard of honour from the Coldstream Guards , along with music by the Band of the Coldstream Guards .

A spokesperson added that he had restated that the UK "does not believe it makes sense for there to be prolonged negotiations into the autumn". The "transition period" - during which the UK remains in the EU single market and customs union - is due to finish at the end of the year.


bbc--2020-06-17--Dark matter hunt yields unexplained signal

An experiment searching for signs of elusive dark matter has detected an unexplained signal .
Scientists working on the Xenon1T experiment have detected more activity within their detector than they would otherwise expect .
This `` excess of events '' could point to the existence of a previously undetected dark matter particle called an axion .
Dark matter comprises 85 % of matter in the cosmos , but its nature is unknown .
Whatever it is , it does not reflect or emit detectable light , hence the name .
There are three potential explanations for the new signal from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physics to explain , while one of them is consistent with a hypothesised dark matter particle called a solar axion .
The findings have been published on the Arxiv pre-print server .
So far , scientists have only observed indirect evidence of dark matter .
A definitive , direct detection of dark matter particles has yet to be made .
There are several theories to account for what that particle might be like .
The most favoured one has been the WIMP , or Weakly Interacting Massive Particle .
Physicists working on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a decade hunting for signs of these WIMPs .
But the search has been fruitless .
But Xenon1T , the most recent iteration was also sensitive to other candidate particles .
The experiment was operated deep underground at the Gran Sasso facility in Italy , from 2016 to 2018 .
Its detector was filled with 3.2 tonnes of ultra-pure liquefied xenon , two tonnes of which served as a `` target '' for interactions between the xenon atoms and other particles that were passing through .
When a particle crosses the target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light and free electrons from a xenon atom .
Most of these interactions - also known as events - are with particles we already know about , such as muons , cosmic rays and neutrinos .
This constitutes what scientists refer to as the background signal .
A potential signal from an undiscovered particle needs to be strong enough to rise above this background noise .
Scientists carefully estimated the number of background events in Xenon1T .
They expected to see roughly 232 , but the experiment instead saw 285 - an excess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a new , previously unconsidered source of background contamination , caused by the presence of tiny amounts of tritium in the Xenon1T detector .
It could also be due to neutrinos , trillions of which pass through your body , unhindered , every second .
One explanation could be that the magnetic moment ( a property of all particles ) of neutrinos is larger than its value in the Standard Model , which categorises the elementary particles in physics .
This would be a strong hint that some other new physics is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the excess is most consistent with a signal from solar axions , a very light as-yet undetected particle , which is also a dark matter candidate .
In statistical terms , the solar axion hypothesis has a significance of 3.5 sigma .
While this significance is fairly high , it is not large enough to conclude that axions exist .
Five sigma is generally the accepted threshold for a discovery .
The significance of both the tritium and neutrino magnetic moment hypotheses corresponds to 3.2 sigma , meaning that they are also consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Xenon collaboration are currently upgrading to a different iteration called XENONnT .
With better data from this future version , they are confident they will soon find out whether the excess is a statistical fluke , a background contaminant , or something far more exciting .

It could also be due to neutrinos, trillions of which pass through your body, unhindered, every second. One explanation could be that the magnetic moment (a property of all particles) of neutrinos is larger than its value in the Standard Model, which categorises the elementary particles in physics.


bbc--2020-06-17--Venezuela's top court ousts leaders of two opposition parties

Venezuela 's Supreme Court , loyal to President Nicolás Maduro , has ousted the leaders of two key opposition parties , ahead of parliamentary elections expected this year .
The ruling put the parties in the hands of politicians accused of being shadow allies of Mr Maduro 's Socialist Party .
The move is likely to fuel fears that the president is tampering with the vote , which has not yet been formally scheduled , in the crisis-hit country .
The government has not commented .
The upcoming vote will elect a new National Assembly , the only institution controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juan Guaidó , declared himself interim president last year , arguing that Mr Maduro 's 2018 re-election was illegitimate .
• Coronavirus could be catastrophic for Venezuela The Supreme Court suspended and replaced the board of directors for the Justice First party , and said it would be run by José Brito , who had been expelled from the party last year amid allegations of corruption , which he denied .
The same decision was taken against the Democratic Action , one of Venezuela 's oldest parties .
It will be led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for `` conspiring with the regime of Nicolás Maduro , '' the party said in a statement quoted by Reuters news agency .
In rulings posted on Facebook , the court said the changes were part of a `` necessary restructuring process . ''
The new leaders have not reacted , and the decisions did not impact Mr Guaidó 's party .
The moves follow last week 's unilateral restructuring of the country 's electoral commission by the Supreme Court .
Observers say the five new members - who include Mr Gutiérrez 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
The constitution gives the National Assembly the power to appoint members of the body , which will supervise the election , but the court ruled the legislature had failed to do so .
Mr Guaidó - who has been recognised as legitimate leader by more than 50 countries , including the US , the UK and most in Latin America and the EU - called the new commission `` false '' and said the opposition would not recognise it .
The EU said the recent decisions `` reduce the democratic space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Mike Pompeo had said the appointment of a new commission showed that Mr Maduro was manipulating the constitution .
Speaking on state TV on Tuesday , President Maduro said : `` We have a golden opportunity to change the National Assembly .
[ The opposition ] used it to call for a military invasion and steal our assets abroad . ''
Some four million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 , according to the United Nations , amid a severe years-long political and economic crisis .
The oil-rich country suffers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine , and hundreds of thousands of people are said to be in need of humanitarian aid .
There are also concerns about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
The government has confirmed over 3,000 cases and around 30 deaths but human rights groups say the true figures are much higher .

The same decision was taken against the Democratic Action, one of Venezuela's oldest parties. It will be led by Bernabé Gutiérrez, who has been expelled for "conspiring with the regime of Nicolás Maduro," the party said in a statement quoted by Reuters news agency.