bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: German outbreak sparks fresh local lockdowns

German authorities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia have reimposed lockdown restrictions in two districts after a spike in cases , with more than half a million people affected .
One area is home to a meatpacking plant where more than 1,500 workers have tested positive .
State premier Armin Laschet said the `` preventative measures '' in Gütersloh district would last until 30 June .
Neighbouring Warendorf district has also seen restrictions return .
The state 's health minister , Karl-Josef Laumann , announced the second lockdown just hours after the first , saying further measures were needed `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is the first time lockdowns have been reintroduced in Germany since the country began lifting nationwide restrictions in May .
Germany has been praised for its overall response to the pandemic , but there are fears infections are rising again .
Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia had been among those strongly pushing Chancellor Angela Merkel to ease national restrictions in recent months .
On Tuesday morning , Mr Laschet described the outbreak linked to the Tönnies meatpacking plant , south-west of the city of Gütersloh , as the `` biggest infection incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , health minister Laumann announced that Warendorf would also reimpose restrictions .
In the two districts , bars , museums , cinemas and gyms must all close , and restaurants can only serve meals to take away .
Stricter social distancing measures are also back in force , meaning people can only meet one person from outside their own household and it has to be in public .
Schools and nurseries have already been closed in Gütersloh , and those in Warendorf will shut their doors on Thursday .
There is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees of the affected Tönnies plant .
Three police units have been deployed to enforce the measures , accompanied by aid workers .
Authorities have put up metal fencing around residential buildings where plant staff live and are distributing food to more than 7,000 employees , many of whom are migrants .
Translators are on hand to explain the situation .
• Why are there outbreaks in meat processing plants ?
All operations at the meatpacking site were suspended last Wednesday .
A spokesman for the Tönnies Group apologised for the outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company of a lack of cooperation .
People are not barred from leaving the two areas under renewed lockdown , but Mr Laschet appealed for local residents `` not to travel to other districts '' .
What 's the overall situation in Germany ?
Local authorities in Germany have the power to enforce different measures in their areas .
Regulations differ from region to region .
This is not the only localised outbreak in the country .
A tower block has been placed under quarantine in the central German city of Göttingen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday after some residents tried to get out .
• How is lockdown being lifted across Europe ?
Lothar Wieler , head of the nation 's public health body - the Robert Koch Institute ( RKI ) - told reporters on Tuesday the country was at risk of a second wave of infections but said he was optimistic that this could be prevented .
Currently the reproduction rate , or R-number - which indicates how many people one infected person will on average pass the virus on to - in Germany is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be below one for infection rates to fall but authorities have stressed that outbreaks pushing up R remain localised .
BBC Berlin correspondent Damien McGuinness reports that as Germany 's overall infection rate is low , these sudden local outbreaks have a big impact on the national R number .
In the past week , 140 local authorities have seen no new cases at all .
Other European countries are also seeing small outbreaks .
On Monday the north-eastern Spanish region of Aragón reimposed stricter lockdown measures on about 68,000 residents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said officials were closely monitoring the situation and said it was `` on its way to being under control '' .

In the two districts, bars, museums, cinemas and gyms must all close, and restaurants can only serve meals to take away. Stricter social distancing measures are also back in force, meaning people can only meet one person from outside their own household and it has to be in public.


bbc--2020-06-23--US cities report a surge in complaints about firework activity

Complaints about noise from illegal fireworks has skyrocketed in several US cities in recent weeks , according to local authorities .
Firework usage typically increases during the build up to Independence Day celebrations on 4 July .
But residents of New York , Oakland and other US cities have shared concerns on social media about an uptick in night-time pyrotechnics .
It is not immediately clear what is causing the sudden boom in activity .
Consumer firework use regulations vary both between and within states .
Illinois , Ohio and Vermont allow sparklers but not fireworks , while Massachusetts bans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Consumer product safety commission .
In New York State , ground-based or hand-held `` sparkling devices '' are allowed , while aerial fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited .
In New York City , the rules are even more limited : all types of fireworks , including sparklers , are banned .
By law , US consumers are not allowed to purchase professional grade fireworks .
Earlier this month , Boston Mayor Marty Walsh held a press conference on the boom in fireworks use , where he noted a 2,300 % increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's police .
In nearby Braintree , police posted a video of fireworks being set off by a local resident , and called the recent outbreak `` a public safety issue . ''
Others were shared by local media in the San Francisco Bay Area .
In New York City , where residents have been grappling with recovery from the country 's worst coronavirus outbreak , police reported 24,850 calls for illegal fireworks this year to both the city 's 311 informational line and 911 emergency line .
It marks an increase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period in 2019 .
The `` dramatic increase '' has been concentrated in June , with 4,559 calls to 311 coming from the Brooklyn borough alone , police say .
`` Every year there are fireworks before and around July 4th , but this year it 's on a whole other level , '' local resident Kate Kroeger told the BBC .
`` They seem to start before 7pm ... and then it accelerates throughout the evening .
This first ones I heard last night were a little in the distance but by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she added .
`` It seems like no one 's really stopping it , '' said Tash , who lives in the Brooklyn area .
`` It feels like it 's getting louder and not going to go away anytime soon .
It 's been a weird time over the last few months and this is just making things feel even more tense . ''
In response to the surge , New York City says it will announce a multi-agency task force to combat the illegal `` use , transport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75 % of annual revenue for professional display companies comes from 4 July displays , according to the American Pyrotechnics Association ( APA ) .
But with many event cancelled due to the pandemic , some retailers are offsetting losses by selling consumer fireworks online and offering early bird discounts , according to online magazine Slate .
`` This year is an anomaly , '' APA director Julie Heckman told the BBC .
`` Consumer firework sales are off to a very early and very brisk start . ''
And this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fireworks `` being ignited on a nightly basis '' .
`` I think it 's very much due to the pandemic . ''
After months in lockdown and lingering virus shutdowns , `` people are like 'we just want to do something ' '' , she said .
`` Why they chose to go buy fireworks and light them off every night - I ca n't answer that question . ''
The APA estimates that while only a `` scant few '' of the typical 16,000 Independence Day community firework displays will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this 4 July will see record highs in family firework celebrations .
This expected jump in family firework use comes with safety concerns , Ms Heckman says , as first-time users may fail to properly follow common-sense safety precautions .
`` We 're trying to get that message out , '' Ms Heckman said .
But as long as pyrotechnics are used safely , and in accordance with local law , the chances of injury remain low .
As pyrotechnics have become more popular , they have also become more safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by almost 56 % , according to the APA , even as use significantly jumped .
Last year , the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated there were roughly 10,000 injuries attributed to fireworks , less than the 20,000 injuries caused by grilling , or the 15,000 caused by air conditioners .

"It seems like no one's really stopping it," said Tash, who lives in the Brooklyn area. "It feels like it's getting louder and not going to go away anytime soon. It's been a weird time over the last few months and this is just making things feel even more tense."


bbc--2020-06-23--Order of Nine Angles: What is this obscure Nazi Satanist group?

A US soldier has been accused of plotting an attack on his own unit by sending information to an obscure Nazi Satanist organisation called the Order of Nine Angles ( ONA ) .
But who are they ?
Founded in the UK in the 1970s , the ONA is an increasing focus for law enforcement and has appeared as an influence in several recent UK terrorism prosecutions relating to the extreme right-wing .
• US soldier accused of planning attack on own unit The group lionises the Nazi era and dates its calendar from the birth of Adolf Hitler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything normally associated with right-wing extremism .
What does the group believe in ?
Its short-term goal is to undermine what it caricatures as a decadent Judeo-Christian society , with an emphasis placed on real-world acts , the aim being a new imperial civilization based a cruel mixture of Social Darwinism , Satanism , and Fascism .
Adherents are encouraged to secretly infiltrate organisations such as the military or Christian churches in order to destabilise them from within .
Those who progress through the ONA 's hierarchical ranks are required to undertake various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups to prove their leadership abilities , with the result that a decentralised network of associated bodies exists throughout various countries .
There is a total rejection of ethics and some key texts even discuss ritual sacrifice , both symbolic and actual .
Figures such as the British murderer Ian Brady are celebrated , being viewed as people who have operated outside normal moral boundaries - the transgression of which is a constant theme for the group .
One small US-based associate body - which has its own publishing house - was banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its members had posed at the sites of various notorious rapes and murders , celebrating the perpetrators in the process .
Some followers also express enthusiasm for Islamist jihadist violence .
All this real-world activity is supposed to have a supernatural effect , opening up a gateway into the world for evil energies .
How influential is it ?
The ONA has acted as an influence on several neo-Nazi extremist groups , including the US-based Atomwaffen Division - linked to five murders - and the Sonnenkrieg Division , which was banned as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Such groups reject attempts at gaining popular support for the extreme right - whether through demonstrations or campaigns - and are instead committed to an ideology of so-called accelerationism , which predicts societal collapse and racial warfare , seeking to speed the process up through acts of violence .
The ideology is promoted in several online spaces and that is where it has blended with the ideas promoted by ONA , giving the latter an increased influence on the furthest edges of the extreme right .
• The Durham teen neo-Nazi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16-year-old British boy became the youngest person convicted of planning a terror attack in the UK .
The prosecution 's case was that he was partly influenced by the ONA , seeking to alter himself in line with their literature .
He had drawn a symbol for the group alongside an instruction for himself to `` shed empathy '' .
In court , prosecutors described the organisation as `` self-consciously , explicitly malevolent '' and the `` most prominent and recognisable link between Satanism and the extreme right '' .
The Sonnenkrieg Division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , highlights another disturbing theme relating to the ONA - sexual offending as a way of undermining social norms .
The US soldier charged in the terrorism case is alleged to have been part of an online movement whose channels constantly encourage the rape of women and children The authorities are concerned by the number of paedophiles associated with the ONA , taking the group into a different area of law enforcement activity .

Such groups reject attempts at gaining popular support for the extreme right - whether through demonstrations or campaigns - and are instead committed to an ideology of so-called accelerationism, which predicts societal collapse and racial warfare, seeking to speed the process up through acts of violence.


bbc--2020-06-23--Steve Bing: Elizabeth Hurley remembers the good times with 'sweet, kind' ex

Elizabeth Hurley and Bill Clinton have paid tribute to Steve Bing , the Hollywood producer and political donor who has died at the age of 55 .
Actress Hurley , who had a son Damian with Bing in 2002 , wrote on Instagram that he was a `` sweet , kind man '' and `` our time together was very happy '' .
Former US President Clinton said he `` loved Steve Bing very much '' .
The Los Angeles Times and TMZ reported that Bing fell to his death from a high-rise building on Monday .
LA police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his 50s was pronounced dead at the scene in Culver City .
In Hollywood , Bing was known for co-writing the 2003 film Kangaroo Jack ; financing 2004 's The Polar Express , voiced by Tom Hanks ; and producing the 2000 remake of Get Carter starring Sylvester Stallone and Martin Scorsese 's Rolling Stones documentary Shine a Light .
He also hit the headlines in the early 2000s for his 18-month relationship with Hurley .
Their son Damien , who turned 18 in April , was at the centre of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether he was the father .
That was confirmed after DNA results were revealed at London 's High Court in 2002 .
On Tuesday , Hurley said she had reconciled with Bing in recent months .
`` I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us .
It is a terrible end , '' she wrote on social media .
`` Our time together was very happy and I 'm posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times , it 's the good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man that matter .
`` In the past year we had become close again .
We last spoke on our son 's 18th birthday .
This is devastating news and I thank everyone for their lovely messages . ''
Damian Hurley posted on Instagram : `` Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has reached out following the devastating news .
`` I 'm trying to reply to as many of you as I can , but please know I will always remember your kindness .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends . ''
Bing sued the Daily Mirror in the wake of the court case after the paper dubbed him `` Bing Laden '' and printed his phone number so readers could insult him .
The paper 's apology read : `` Our readers should know that Mr Bing is not the ignominious character that has been depicted in the media .
He is a philanthropist and humanitarian who has dedicated himself to helping causes impacting children and their families . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) real estate fortune from his grandfather Leo Bing at the age of 18 .
He was a big supporter of Mr Clinton , having donated at least $ 10m ( £8.03m ) to his foundation and paid for the former president 's trip to North Korea in 2009 to negotiate for the release of two US journalists .
Mr Clinton wrote that Bing `` had a big heart , and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in '' .
In another headline-grabbing court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirk Kerkorian in 2002 , claiming he enlisted infamous private eye Anthony Pellicano to take dental floss out of his rubbish to get DNA to prove Bing fathered a child with Kerkorian 's ex-wife .
A paternity test proved that Bing was indeed the father of tennis player Lisa Bonder 's daughter .
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bbc--2020-06-23--Novak Djokovic: World number one becomes latest tennis player to test positive for coronavirus

World number one Novak Djokovic has become the latest tennis player to test positive for Covid-19 .
Djokovic , 33 , played fellow Serb Troicki in the first event in Belgrade .
The remaining Aria Tour events in Banja Luka and Sarajevo have now been cancelled , Djokovic 's brother Djordje has confirmed .
`` Unfortunately , due to all the events that happened in the last few days , we have decided that the most important thing right now is to stabilise the epidemiological situation , as well as for everyone to recover , '' said Djordje Djokovic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Britain 's Andy Murray said the positive tests were a `` lesson for us '' , while Australian Nick Kyrgios called playing a `` bone-headed decision '' .
A statement on Djokovic 's website said : `` Immediately upon his arrival in Belgrade [ after the second event ] Novak was tested along with all members of the family and the team with whom he was in Belgrade and Zadar .
He is not showing any symptoms . ''
• None Battle of the Brits - follow live coverage as Andy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ATP Tour events since February because of the global pandemic and the Adria Tour , which is not an ATP Tour event , was one of the first competitions to be staged since then .
The first leg in Serbia attracted 4,000 fans , and players were later pictured dancing close together in a Belgrade nightclub .
Bulgaria 's Dimitrov played Croatia 's Coric on Saturday in the second leg in Zadar , Croatia .
With Croatia easing lockdown measures , players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules and were seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their matches .
Pictures on the tournament 's social media site from Friday showed Dimitrov playing basketball with Djokovic , Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic , while he also put his arm around Coric before their match .
Zverev , Cilic and Andrey Rublev , who also played in the Adria Tour , have tested negative , but suggested they will all now self-isolate for up to 14 days .
The ATP Tour season is set to restart on 14 August and the US Open will be held without fans from 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players voicing concerns about travelling to New York .
I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection - Djokovic 's statement The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested .
My result is positive , just as Jelena 's , while the results of our children are negative .
Everything we did in the past month , we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions .
Our tournament was meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region .
The Tour has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and coming tennis players from south-eastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to Covid-19 .
It was born with a philanthropic idea , to direct all raised funds towards people in need and it warmed my heart to see how everybody strongly responded .
We organised the tournament when the virus had weakened , believing the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met .
Unfortunately , this virus is still present , and it is a new reality we are learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am hoping things will ease with time so we can all resume lives the way they were .
I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection .
I hope it will not complicate anyone 's health situation and everyone will be fine .
I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days , and repeat the test in five days .
Djokovic has been no stranger to coronavirus conspiracies throughout the pandemic .
He revealed during a Facebook live in April that he opposes vaccinations .
He said he `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone to take a vaccine '' , should that be necessary to travel and compete in tournaments .
His comments fed into conspiracy theories about mandatory vaccinations that have been circulating on Facebook groups in recent weeks .
That includes in one called `` Collective Action Against Bill Gates .
We Wont Be Vaccinated !
! ''
- with over 160,000 members .
The group , which promotes conspiracies about Bill Gates , praised Djokovic 's comments and used them to justify false claims about vaccinations .
A few days later , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus was shared by Djokovic 's wife , Jelena .
It was labelled by Instagram as false information .

On 18 June, Borna Coric (left), Grigor Dimitrov (second left), Novak Djokovic (second right) and Alexander Zverev played basketball in Zadar, Croatia. All apart from Zverev have since tested positive for coronavirus
World number one Novak Djokovic said he is "so sorry" after becoming the latest tennis player to test positive for Covid-19.
Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all revealed they had coronavirus after playing at Djokovic's Adria Tour competition.
Djokovic, 33, played fellow Serb Troicki in the first event in Belgrade.
In a post on Twitter, Djokovic said it had been "too soon" to stage the tournament.
"I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm," added Djokovic.
He said the tournament had been organised with "a pure heart", "good intentions" and a belief that they had "met all health protocols".
"We were wrong and it was too soon," Djokovic said.
The remaining Adria Tour events in Banja Luka and Sarajevo have now been cancelled Djokovic's brother Djordje, who is a director of the tournament, has confirmed.
"Unfortunately, due to all the events that happened in the last few days, we have decided that the most important thing right now is to stabilise the epidemiological situation, as well as for everyone to recover," he said.
Britain's Andy Murray said the positive tests were a "lesson for us", while Australian Nick Kyrgios called playing a "bone-headed decision".
A statement on Djokovic's website said: "Immediately upon his arrival in Belgrade [after the second event] Novak was tested along with all members of the family and the team with whom he was in Belgrade and Zadar. He is not showing any symptoms."
There have been no ATP Tour events since February because of the global pandemic and the Adria Tour, which is not an ATP Tour event, was one of the first competitions to be staged since then.
The first leg in Serbia attracted 4,000 fans, and players were later pictured dancing close together in a Belgrade nightclub.
Bulgaria's Dimitrov played Croatia's Coric on Saturday in the second leg in Zadar, Croatia.
With Croatia easing lockdown measures, players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules and were seen embracing at the net at the end of their matches.
Pictures on the tournament's social media site from Friday showed Dimitrov playing basketball with Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic, while he also put his arm around Coric before their match.
Djokovic and Dimitrov are among the tennis players to have tested positive for coronavirus.
Zverev, Cilic and Andrey Rublev, who also played in the Adria Tour, have tested negative, but suggested they will all now self-isolate for up to 14 days.
The ATP Tour season is set to restart on 14 August and the US Open will be held without fans from 31 August to 13 September, despite some players voicing concerns about travelling to New York.
I am extremely sorry for each individual case - Djokovic's statement
The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested. My result is positive, just as Jelena's, while the results of our children are negative.
Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions. Our tournament was meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.
The Tour has been designed to help both established and up and coming tennis players from south-eastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to Covid-19.
It was born with a philanthropic idea, to direct all raised funds towards people in need and it warmed my heart to see how everybody strongly responded.
We organised the tournament when the virus had weakened, believing the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.
Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality we are learning to cope and live with. I am hoping things will ease with time so we can all resume lives the way they were.
I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection. I hope it will not complicate anyone's health situation and everyone will be fine.
I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days.
Positive test after fuelling vaccine conspiracies online
Marianna Spring, Specialist disinformation and social media reporter
Djokovic has been no stranger to coronavirus conspiracies throughout the pandemic. He revealed during a Facebook live in April that he opposes vaccinations. He said he "wouldn't want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine", should that be necessary to travel and compete in tournaments.
His comments fed into conspiracy theories about mandatory vaccinations that have been circulating on Facebook groups in recent weeks. That includes in one called "Collective Action Against Bill Gates. We Wont Be Vaccinated!!" - with over 160,000 members. The group, which promotes conspiracies about Bill Gates, praised Djokovic's comments and used them to justify false claims about vaccinations.
A few days later, a video promoting conspiracy theories about 5G and coronavirus was shared by Djokovic's wife, Jelena. It was labelled by Instagram as false information.


bbc--2020-06-23--Joel Schumacher: Stars remember 'creative and heroic' Lost Boys director

Stars including Kiefer Sutherland , Jim Carrey and Sharon Stone have paid tribute to the `` wonderfully creative and heroic '' St Elmo 's Fire , Flatliners and Lost Boys director Joel Schumacher .
Sutherland , who starred in several of Schumacher 's films , said his `` joy , spirit and talent will live on '' .
Carrey , who appeared in Batman Forever , also remembered Schumacher fondly following his death at the age of 80 .
The Falling Down filmmaker had been ill with cancer for more than a year .
Minnie Driver , who appeared in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Opera in 2004 , remembered the director as `` the funniest , chicest , most hilarious director I ever worked with '' .
She recalled : `` Once , on set , an actress was complaining about me within earshot ; how I was dreadfully over the top ( I was ) Joel barely looked up from his NYT + said 'Oh Honey , no one ever paid to see under the top . '
'' Matthew McConaughey , who was given his big break by Schumacher in 1996 's A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Joel not only took a chance on me , he fought for me ...
I do n't see how my career could have gone to the wonderful places it has if it was n't for Joel Schumacher believing in me back then . ''
Corey Feldman , who appeared in The Lost Boys , said the director was `` a beautiful soul '' who had `` sent me supportive messages tight til the end of his life '' .
Actress and presenter Padma Lakshmi described him as `` sharp , whip smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` He was kind and always had the best advice . ''
Fellow director Kevin Smith tweeted : `` He could n't have been nicer or more hospitable . ''
Star Trek writer and producer Bryan Fuller wrote : `` I distinctly remember feeling hopeful when I learned he was gay and out and that there may be a place for me yet . ''
Variety wrote that the director `` brought his fashion background '' to directing and captured the feel of an era with his `` stylish films '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ film industry as a costume designer in the 1970s , working alongside luminaries such as Woody Allen .
He went on to write the 1976 low-budget comedy Car Wash , as well as the screenplay for a film adaptation of the Broadway musical The Wiz .
But his big break came in 1985 , with his third feature film St Elmo 's Fire , which he co-wrote and directed .
Alongside The Breakfast Club , which came out in the same year , it became one of the seminal films of the Brat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film career .
His follow-up , The Lost Boys - about a group of young vampires in small-town California - became a cult favourite , and his 1990 hit Flatliners saw him again team up with Kiefer Sutherland .
Schumacher worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood , including Tom Cruise , Julia Roberts and Michael Douglas .
He directed Douglas in 1993 's Falling Down , which was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival 's prestigious Palme D'Or .
He took over the reins of the Batman franchise from Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Caped Crusader and Jim Carrey as the Riddler .
The film grossed more than $ 300m worldwide .
However , his second outing - Batman and Robin - starring George Clooney in the lead and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr Freeze was critically panned and nearly finished off Clooney 's burgeoning film career .
Schumacher was noted for his ability to pick out new talent and he was fundamental in establishing the careers of A-list stars such as Sutherland , Rob Lowe and Colin Farrell .
He directed Farrell in 2000 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role , and later in Phone Booth .
Schumacher 's style came to the fore in two memorable music videos , Seal 's Kiss From a Rose and INXS 's Devil Inside .
His film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber 's musical The Phantom of the Opera , which received three Oscar nominations despite lukewarm reviews , was among his last films .
Schumacher was reportedly the composer 's first choice as director , with Lord Lloyd Webber having admired his work with music on The Lost Boys .
Most recently , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of episodes of the first season of Netflix series House of Cards , before more or less retiring from working life .
He once said : `` If you love a movie , there are hundreds of people who made it lovable for you .
If you do n't like it , blame the director .
That 's what our name 's there for . ''

Matthew McConaughey, who was given his big break by Schumacher in 1996's A Time to Kill, told Variety: "Joel not only took a chance on me, he fought for me... I don't see how my career could have gone to the wonderful places it has if it wasn't for Joel Schumacher believing in me back then."


bbc--2020-06-23--Didi Chuxing: Apple-backed firm aims for one million robotaxis

Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing says it plans to operate more than a million self-driving vehicles by 2030 .
The robotaxis are to be deployed in places where ride-hailing drivers are less available , according to Meng Xing , Didi ’ s chief operating officer .
Mr Meng was speaking at an online conference hosted by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post newspaper .
One analyst suggested it was a very ambitious aim .
“ I ’ ll be surprised if we see a million by 2030 , ” a spokesman for market research firm Canalys said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a lot to take place in meantime.
” He pointed out that it was a strange time to make such a commitment , given the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic .
In 2016 , US tech giant Apple ploughed $ 1bn ( £800m ) into Didi in an unusually large and public investment .
Apple is known to be interested in the development of autonomous driving , having tested its own driverless vehicle on public roads in California in recent years .
However , there was no reason to think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand as a result of Didi ’ s work in the area , Canalys suggested .
Recently , Didi signed a deal with Chinese carmaker BAIC Group to jointly develop customised self-driving vehicles , and in May the firm received a $ 500m investment in its autonomous vehicles division from SoftBank .

Apple is known to be interested in the development of autonomous driving, having tested its own driverless vehicle on public roads in California in recent years.


bbc--2020-06-23--Spanish Baroque painting botched by amateur restoration

A private art collector in Spain has been left stunned by the botched restoration of a painting by Baroque artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo .
The Valencia-based collector paid €1,200 ( $ 1,355 ; £1,087 ) for it to be cleaned by a furniture restorer , according to Spain 's Europa Press .
But despite two attempts to fix it , the picture of the Immaculate Conception has been left unrecognisable .
The incident has drawn comparisons with other recent `` restorations '' in Spain .
In 2012 , an elderly parishioner attempted to restore a prized fresco of Jesus Christ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But her paint job led to the painting being dubbed 'Monkey Christ . '
Last year a 16th-Century statue of St George at a church in Navarre also caught public attention after a restoration job , with some comparing its new look to a Playmobile figure .
There is currently no law in Spain forbidding people from restoring artwork , even if they do so without the necessary skills .
In a statement , the country 's Professional Association of Restorers and Conservators ( Acre ) condemned the lack of legal protections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` vandalism '' .
`` This lack of regulation translates into an absence of protection of our heritage , '' said Acre .
`` In recent years , conservation-restoration professionals have been forced to emigrate or leave their professions due to a lack of opportunities , '' it added , warning that the industry was at `` serious risk of disappearing '' in Spain .

"In recent years, conservation-restoration professionals have been forced to emigrate or leave their professions due to a lack of opportunities," it added, warning that the industry was at "serious risk of disappearing" in Spain.


bbc--2020-06-23--Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro ordered to wear mask in public

A judge in Brazil has ordered President Jair Bolsonaro to wear a protective mask when he is in public spaces in the capital , Brasilia , and the surrounding federal district .
The far-right president has been criticised for belittling the risk posed by coronavirus .
He dismissed it as `` a little cold '' at the start of the pandemic .
Brazil has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases and Covid-related fatalities in the world after the US .
There are more than 1.1m confirmed cases of coronavirus in Brazil and more than 51,000 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University .
Despite these high figures , President Bolsonaro has repeatedly appeared in public without a mask while greeting his supporters .
At one rally , he was filmed coughing without covering his mouth and on another occasion he was seen sneezing into his hand and shaking the hand of an elderly woman immediately afterwards .
The requirement to wear masks in the federal district came into force on 30 April .
The rule was brought in by the governor of the federal district , Ibaneis Rocha , and requires people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public spaces , including public transport , shops and commercial and industrial premises .
On 11 May , the rule was further tightened with those flaunting it facing fines of 2,000 reais ( $ 387 ; £310 ) per day .
Federal Judge Renato Borelli 's ruling means Mr Bolsonaro is not exempt and that the president and any other public officials who do not comply with the requirement will also incur the 2,000-reais fine .
President Bolsonaro has argued from the start of the pandemic that measures taken to curb the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the pandemic itself .
On Monday , he renewed his call for the easing of lockdown measures and the reopening of shops and businesses .
He said that the way the pandemic had been handled had `` maybe been a bit over the top '' .
The president 's insistence that the economy should be prioritised has been deeply divisive and he has clashed with state governors who have introduced restrictions of movement and requirements to wear masks in public .
• AT THE HEART OF AMAZON : Disease meets deforestation • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America in numbers • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

At one rally, he was filmed coughing without covering his mouth and on another occasion he was seen sneezing into his hand and shaking the hand of an elderly woman immediately afterwards.


bbc--2020-06-23--H-1B among visas hit by Trump's new foreign worker freeze

US President Donald Trump has extended a pause on some green cards and suspended visas for other foreign workers until the end of 2020 .
High-skilled tech workers , non-agricultural seasonal helpers , au pairs and top executives will be affected .
The White House said the move will create jobs for Americans hurting economically due to the pandemic .
But critics say the White House is exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to tighten up immigration laws .
• Immigration to US to be halted due to virus - Trump In a briefing for reporters , the administration said the freeze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year , would impact about 525,000 people .
That includes an estimated 170,000 people blocked by the decision to extend a ban on some new green cards - which grants permanent residence to foreigners .
The White House first announced it was halting those visas in April , an order that had been set to expire on Monday .
• New US visa law is bad news for India tech firms Existing visa holders are not expected to be affected under the new restrictions announced on Monday .
The order also applies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are granted to Indian tech workers .
Critics say these visas have allowed Silicon Valley companies to outsource American jobs to lower-paid foreign employees .
Last year , there were about 225,000 applications competing for 85,000 spots available through the H1-B visa programme .
The order will suspend mostH-2B visas for seasonal workers , including those in the hospitality industry , except those in agriculture , the food processing industry and healthcare professionals .
The order will restrict J-1 short-term exchange visas , a category that includes university students and foreign au pairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not included in the order .
There will be a provision to request exemptions .
L visas for managers and other key employees of multinational corporations will also be suspended .
Tech firms were among the groups condemning the president 's action .
Facebook said the order `` uses the Covid-19 pandemic as justification for limiting immigration '' and warned : `` In reality , the move to keep highly skilled talent out of the US will make our country 's recovery even more difficult '' .
On Twitter , Apple boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply disappointed '' by the new proclamation , while Sundar Pichai , head of Alphabet - the parent company of Google and YouTube - said immigration was critical to the success of his company and the country .
Amazon , which received more than 3,000 H-1B visas last year - more than any other firm - called the order `` short-sighted '' .
The Chamber of Commerce , a broader business lobby group , also panned the president 's order , while some Canadian business leaders used the moment to tout opportunities outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your plans , consider coming to Canada instead , '' Tobi Lutke , chief executive of Shopify , wrote on Twitter .
Tech companies have been at odds with the president over immigration since his first days in office , clashing with him over travel bans , as well as his crackdown on immigrants brought to the US illegally as children .
But the president , who is up for re-election in November , has made his tough stance on immigration a touchstone of his campaign .
He has said the jobs at @ @ @ @ @ @ @


bbc--2020-06-23--Cancer drug: New treatment halts tumour growth

A drug that could stop cancer cells repairing themselves has shown early signs of working .
More than half of the 40 patients given berzosertib had the growth of their tumours halted .
Berzosertib was even more effective when given alongside chemotherapy , the trial run by the Institute of Cancer Research ( ICR ) and the Royal Marsden NHS Trust suggested .
The trial was designed to test the safety of the drug .
The drug is the first to be trialled of a new family of treatments , which block a protein involved in DNA repair .
Blocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their cells .
It 's part of a branch of treatment known as `` precision medicine '' , which targets specific genes or genetic changes .
The study involved patients with very advanced tumours , for whom no other treatment had worked .
This was what is known as a `` phase one '' trial , which is only designed to test the safety of a treatment .
But the ICR said the researchers did find some early indications that berzosertib could stop tumours growing .
One of the study 's authors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cancer genomics at the ICR , said these early signs were `` very promising '' , adding that it was unusual in phase one trials to see a clinical response .
Further trials will be needed to demonstrate the drug 's effectiveness , though .
`` This study involved only small numbers of patients ...
Therefore , it is too early to consider berzosertib a game changer in cancer treatment , '' said Dr Darius Widera at the University of Reading .
`` Nevertheless , the unusually strong effects of berzosertib , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give reasons to be optimistic regarding the outcomes of follow-up studies . ''
Philip Malling , a 62-year-old who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012 , was enrolled on the trial after two years of unsuccessful chemotherapy .
`` I was told 'there 's nothing more we can do for you ' , '' he said .
`` In April 2014 , I was told 'you 'll probably be dead by Christmas ' '' .
He has now been receiving berzosertib treatment for six years , his tumours have shrunk and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything , '' Mr Malling told the BBC .
Another patient , whose ovarian cancer returned following a different course of treatment , saw her tumours shrink after combination treatment with the drug and chemotherapy .
Chemotherapy works by damaging cancer cells ' DNA , so using it in conjunction with this new treatment , which stops the cells from repairing themselves , appears to give an even greater benefit .
And berzosertib is able to target tumour cells without affecting other healthy cells , Prof Lord said .
`` Our new clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of a brand-new family of targeted cancer drugs in people , and it 's encouraging to see some clinical responses even in at this early stage , '' said Professor Johann de Bono , head of drug development at the ICR and the Royal Marsden .
In the future , these drugs could be used to `` boost the effect of treatments like chemotherapy '' and tackle resistance that could develop to other targeted treatments , he added .
Whereas the traditional approach to cancer treatment has been to categorise it by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer and so on - the precision-medicine approach targets the genetic abnormality in the tumour , regardless of where it is .
Precision approaches are already used , for example in prostate cancers to block the effect of the testosterone hormone involved in the tumour 's growth .
If used alone this could provide a less aggressive option than chemotherapy , which attacks cells indiscriminately .
The next phase of trialling berzosertib is already under way .

"Our new clinical trial is the first to test the safety of a brand-new family of targeted cancer drugs in people, and it's encouraging to see some clinical responses even in at this early stage," said Professor Johann de Bono, head of drug development at the ICR and the Royal Marsden.


bbc--2020-06-23--Ex-Googler becomes China’s second-richest person

A former Google employee was briefly ranked the second richest person in China , following a surge in sales at his e-commerce business , Pinduoduo .
Colin Huang was valued at $ 45.4bn ( £36.4bn ) by Forbes , on Sunday , ahead of Alibaba 's Jack Ma but behind Tencent 's Pony Ma .
Mr Huang was previously an intern at Microsoft and then spent three years as an engineer at Google .
“ These three years were incredibly valuable to me , ” he blogged in 2016 .
“ Google gave me far more than I contributed.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pinduoduo 's value has since given Mr Ma back the second spot .
And the company became particularly popular in China during the Covid-19 pandemic , with orders increasing from 50 million to nearly 65 million per day .
Its novel features include team buying , where customers come together to purchase more units at a lower price .
Customers can also play games on the site and are sometimes rewarded with free gifts .
In his 2016 blog , Mr Huang said some early Google employees had been adversely affected by quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much money , lost incentives to work and started to look for fun and new careers , ” he wrote .
“ Many years passed and they wasted their most precious time , when they were most likely to have other outstanding achievements.
” Mr Huang still has some way to go to catch up with the world 's richest technology billionaire , Jeff Bezos .
Forbes currently estimates the Amazon founder is worth $ 162.2bn .

And the company became particularly popular in China during the Covid-19 pandemic, with orders increasing from 50 million to nearly 65 million per day.


bbc--2020-06-23--India expels dozens of Pakistan diplomatic staff

India is expelling half the staff at Pakistan 's high commission ( embassy ) in its capital Delhi , accusing diplomats of spying and dealing with terrorists .
India will also reduce staff by the same number at its high commission in the Pakistani capital Islamabad , the external affairs ministry said .
There was no immediate response from the Pakistani authorities .
Relations between the nuclear powers were already tense after India expelled two Pakistani staffers three weeks ago .
They were accused of trying to obtain information about Indian troop movements .
Indian media suggest the latest move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Indian staff members in Islamabad .
Last week , the Indian government accused Pakistan of abducting the two men but Pakistan said they had been detained by police after hitting a pedestrian while driving .
What are the details of India 's move ?
According to the Hindustan Times newspaper , each of the two countries has an agreed strength of 110 staff at their respective high commissions , although the current number is actually about 90 .
India 's decision means the two commissions will both have to send back 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They [ the Pakistani staff ] have been engaged in acts of espionage and maintained dealings with terrorist organisations , '' India 's external affairs ministry said in a statement .
It summoned Pakistan 's Charge d'Affaires , Syed Haider Shah , to make the accusations .
He was also told , the Hindustan Times reports , that Pakistan had `` engaged in a sustained campaign to intimidate the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from carrying on their legitimate diplomatic functions '' .
What are the allegations about the Indian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Hindustan Times , is that Pakistani security agencies picked up the two men in Islamabad , tortured them and framed them over a road accident and fake currency .
When the two men , Dwimu Brahms and Selvadhas Paul , returned to India on Monday , they are said to have provided `` graphic details of the barbaric treatment that they experienced at the hands of Pakistani agencies '' .
Pakistan police say the two men were detained after running a man over and trying to flee the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their diplomatic status .
There was no immediate comment on the allegations that the two men had been tortured .
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When the two men, Dwimu Brahms and Selvadhas Paul, returned to India on Monday, they are said to have provided "graphic details of the barbaric treatment that they experienced at the hands of Pakistani agencies".


bbc--2020-06-23--Nigeria police rescue 300 workers 'locked in rice factory'

Police in Nigeria have rescued 300 people they say were locked in a rice-processing factory and forced to work throughout a coronavirus lockdown .
From the end of March the men were allegedly not allowed to leave the mill in the northern city of Kano .
The workers were promised an additional $ 13 ( £10 ) a month on top of their $ 72 monthly salary - those who did not accept were threatened with the sack .
Five managers at the Indian-owned mill have been arrested .
The company , called Popular Farms , has not responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abdullahi Haruna told the BBC that the plant had now been shut down and the owners were being investigated for `` holding the men against their will '' .
Some of the men say were forced to work most of the time during their incarceration , with little food .
`` We were allowed to rest for only a short time , no prayers were allowed , no family visits , '' 28-year-old Hamza Ibrahim , one of those rescued , told the BBC 's Mansur Abubakar in Kano .
The police were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after one of them called a human rights organisation .
`` What I saw was heart breaking .
Where the company kept these people to live is n't fit for animals , '' Karibu Yahaya Kabara of the Global Human Rights Network told the BBC .
`` Their meals were n't enough and there were no drugs for those that took ill , '' he said.Mr Kabara said his organisation was taking up the case to ensure that the men got justice .
Nigerian businesses were asked to close up shop in late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt the spread of coronavirus .
You may also be interested in : • What is behind Nigeria 's unexplained deaths ?
• Child beggars at the centre of Nigeria 's virus outbreak • Why Nigerians are muting their mothers on WhatsApp The country has more than 20,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the virus .
Lagos , in the south , remains the epicentre of the virus , but Kano - Nigeria 's second-biggest city and the capital of Kano state , has the most cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country have been eased - but in Kano people are still only allowed to go out on Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays to buy food at stipulated times .
Popular Farms workers say they were asked to double their hours in February as their employers wanted to stockpile in preparation for a shutdown .
By March they say it was decided to keep the plant going by offering them more money - or the sack - to stay on working .
However , having agreed to stay on the workers discovered they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"Their meals weren't enough and there were no drugs for those that took ill," he said.Mr Kabara said his organisation was taking up the case to ensure that the men got justice.


bbc--2020-06-23--Megan Fox says she was 'never preyed upon' by Michael Bay

US actress Megan Fox has defended film director Michael Bay after a 2009 interview where she described an encounter with him resurfaced online .
The interview showed Fox describe how Bay got her to `` dance underneath a waterfall '' in a bikini when she was 15 years old , for the film Bad Boys II .
Some Twitter users said Bay , who later directed Fox in two Transformer films , had `` sexualised '' her as a teenager .
But Fox said she was `` never assaulted or preyed upon '' sexually .
The video of Fox being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter with the comment : `` Clip from 2009 where Megan Fox tells a story about Michael Bay sexualising her as a 15 y/o .
The crowd laughs , and Kimmel makes gross jokes .
Teen girls being preyed on by older men has never been taken seriously and still is n't . ''
Writing on Instagram , Fox said : `` Please hear me when I thank you for your support but these specific instances were inconsequential in a long and arduous journey along which I have endured some genuinely harrowing experiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When it comes to my direct experiences with Michael , I was never assaulted or preyed upon in what I felt was a sexual manner . ''
She said she was posting in order to `` clarify some details as they have been lost in the retelling of the events and cast a sinister shadow that does n't really , in my opinion , belong '' .
Fox continued : `` There are many names that deserve to be going viral in cancel culture right now , but they are safely stored in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm thankful to all of you who are brave enough to speak out and I 'm grateful to all of you who are taking it upon yourselves to support , uplift , and bring comfort to those who have been harmed by a violent and toxic societal paradigm . ''
Others responding to the 2009 interview with Jimmy Kimmel also referred to reports that Spielberg , an executive producer on Transformers , had forced Fox to leave the series after she compared Bay to Adolf Hitler .
Fox 's publicist said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her own accord .
In a later interview though , Fox said : `` All I had to do was apologise - and I refused .
I was so self-righteous at 23 , I could n't see [ that ] it was for the greater good .
I really thought I was Joan of Arc . ''
But in her new Instagram post , she said she was `` never assaulted or preyed upon '' by Spielberg either .
In reference to another story about her auditioning for her Transformers role , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time and had to pretend `` to work on one of Michael 's Ferraris ... there were several other crew members and employees present and I was at no point undressed or anything similar .
`` I was not made to 'wash ' or work on someone 's cars in a way that was extraneous from the material in the actual script . ''
The first two Transformers films , starring Fox , were released in 2007 and 2009 .
The BBC has asked representatives for Bay and Spielberg for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk

In reference to another story about her auditioning for her Transformers role, Fox said she was 19 or 20 at the time and had to pretend "to work on one of Michael's Ferraris... there were several other crew members and employees present and I was at no point undressed or anything similar.


bbc--2020-06-23--30 Rock: Tina Fey apologises as blackface episodes are withdrawn

Four episodes of 30 Rock in which characters appear in blackface are to be taken down , at the request of creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock .
In a note seen by Vulture and Variety , Fey wrote that the episodes are `` best taken out of circulation '' and apologised `` for pain they have caused '' .
The episodes will be removed from streaming services Amazon Prime and Hulu , as well as purchase platforms .
They include a live episode with guest star Jon Hamm in series six .
He appeared in a wig and blackface @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old US radio and TV show titled Amos ' n ' Andy .
Two episodes of the hit US series featured Jane Krakowski 's character Jenna - one from series three , Believe in the Stars , and the other from series five , called Christmas Attack Zone .
The Believe in the Stars episode ( 2008 ) involved Jenna and Tracy Jordan ( played by Tracy Morgan ) deciding to swap identities in order to determine whether black men or white women faced more challenges in society .
The fourth and final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the East Coast version of season five 's Live Show - the first live episode of 30 Rock .
Purchase platforms the episodes have been removed from include iTunes and Google Play .
No re-runs will be shown on TV either .
`` As we strive to do the work and do better in regards to race in America , we believe that these episodes featuring actors in race-changing make-up are best taken out of circulation , '' wrote Fey .
`` I understand now that 'intent ' is not a free pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I apologise for pain they have caused .
Going forward , no comedy-loving kid needs to stumble on these tropes and be stung by their ugliness .
`` I thank NBCUniversal for honouring this request . ''
All of the episodes will be removed by the end of the week , a source told Variety .
• Gone with the Wind removed from HBO Max • Fawlty Towers episode to be reinstated by UKTV • Little Britain stars 'very sorry ' for blackface • Ant and Dec sorry for acting as 'people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many content platforms are re-evaluating their offerings following mass protests against racism and police brutality after the death of George Floyd in police custody .
HBO Max said they would temporarily remove Gone with the Wind , and re-add it with a new introduction putting the film in historical context .
UKTV said they would do something similar with an episode of Fawlty Towers , re-adding The Germans episode with a warning about `` offensive content and language '' .
Meanwhile , Matt Lucas and David Walliams apologised for their use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Britain and Come Fly With Me , were removed from circulation .
Leigh Francis also apologised for using masks to dress up as black celebrities such as Trisha Goddard , Craig David and Melanie B on the Channel 4 show Bo Selecta .
30 Rock originally ran from 2006 to 2013 .
The series , based on Fey 's experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live , takes place behind the scenes of a fictional live sketch comedy show .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bbc.co.uk

"As we strive to do the work and do better in regards to race in America, we believe that these episodes featuring actors in race-changing make-up are best taken out of circulation," wrote Fey.


bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Warning thousands could be left with lung damage

Tens of thousands of people will need to be recalled to hospital after a serious Covid-19 infection to check if they have been left with permanent lung damage , doctors have told the BBC .
Experts are concerned a significant proportion could be left with lung scarring , known as pulmonary fibrosis .
The condition is irreversible and symptoms can include severe shortness of breath , coughing and fatigue .
NHS England said it was opening specialist rehabilitation centres .
Retired taxi driver Anthony McHugh , 68 , was admitted to hospital on 6 March with coronavirus symptoms .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care and placed on a ventilator for 13 days .
`` I was feeling breathless , then I just remember being rushed into ICU , and after that it was all just a blank , '' he said .
Mr McHugh , from Hertfordshire , spent a total of four weeks in hospital and another two in an NHS rehabilitation unit .
He returned home in mid-April but still suffers from breathing difficulties two months later .
`` It 's little things like walking up the stairs or watering the flowers outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to stop , '' he said .
CT scans taken while he was in hospital showed a white mist , or `` ground glass '' , pattern in both lungs - a characteristic sign of coronavirus In serious cases it 's thought coronavirus can trigger an exaggerated immune response causing mucus , fluid and other cells to fill the air sacs , or alveoli .
When this happens , pneumonia can set in , making it difficult to breathe without assistance .
An X-ray of Mr McHugh 's lungs taken six weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines , known as reticular shadowing , that could indicate the early signs of scarring or pulmonary fibrosis .
`` With all these cases , we ca n't say for certain at the moment , '' said Dr Sam Hare , an executive committee member of the British Society of Thoracic Imaging and advisor to the Royal College of Radiologists .
`` But usually with a virus or infection at six weeks , you would expect the scan to have returned to normal .
It has n't and that 's the worry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been discharged from hospital , Mr McHugh will need another scan at 12 weeks to see if the suspected scarring on his lungs has deteriorated .
• Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that occurs when fragile parts of the lungs become damaged and scarred • The thickened , stiff tissue makes it more difficult for the air sacs to work effectively • In some cases this can lead to breathing difficulties and fatigue , as well as leaving the patient more susceptible to other lung infections in the future • It is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be progressive , meaning it gets worse over time .
Research into the prevalence of lung damage caused by Covid-19 is still at a very early stage .
It 's thought those with a mild form of the disease are unlikely to suffer permanent damage .
But those in hospital , and particularly those in intensive care or with a severe infection , are more vulnerable to complications .
In a study from China , published in March , 66 of 70 patients still had some level of lung damage after being discharged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , based on the early results of follow-up scans , they are concerned about the long term-effects of a serious infection .
`` In the six-week scans we 're seeing , so far I would say between 20 % and 30 % of patients who have been in hospital appear to show some early signs of lung scarring , '' says Dr Hare , who helped draw up NHS radiology protocols to diagnose Covid-19 .
Other UK radiologists have told the BBC they were noticing a similar pattern .
More detailed data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sars and Mers , found between 20 % and 60 % of patients experienced some form of health problem consistent with pulmonary fibrosis .
Whereas those earlier outbreaks were contained relatively successfully , the virus that causes Covid-19 has spread across the world , with more than eight million confirmed infections to date .
More than 100,000 patients have needed hospital care for Covid-19 in England since the pandemic started in February , according to NHS figures .
`` My concern with Covid-19 is because so much of the population has been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm worried about the sheer volume of patients that we 're going to have to treat , simply because so many more people have had the virus . ''
Lung fibrosis can not be cured because scarring in the lung tissue is permanent .
But new drugs can slow down the progression of the disease and even stop it completely if detected in time .
`` We now need to understand how big the problem is and when we should intervene with treatment , '' said Prof Gisli Jenkins , of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is running assessment clinics for those discharged from hospital with Covid-19 .
Prof Jenkins , who is based in Nottingham , said : `` My real concern is that never before in our lifetime have so many people been subject to the same lung injury at the same time . ''
NHS England has said it is planning to open a number of specialist Covid-19 rehabilitation centres to help patients recover from long-term effects , including possible lung damage .
In Scotland and Wales the plan is to adapt existing services and provide @ @ @ @

"In the six-week scans we're seeing, so far I would say between 20% and 30% of patients who have been in hospital appear to show some early signs of lung scarring," says Dr Hare, who helped draw up NHS radiology protocols to diagnose Covid-19.


bbc--2020-06-23--Facebook bans 'loot-to-order' antiquities trade

Facebook has banned users trading in historical artefacts on the site .
It follows a campaign by academic researchers and an investigation by BBC News , exposing how items looted from Iraq and Syria were sold on Facebook .
One expert welcomed the move but said for anything to change , Facebook should invest in `` teams of experts to identify and remove networks rather than playing whack-a-mole with individual posts '' .
Facebook says all trade in ancient artefacts is banned on its platforms .
The changes are included in a new set of Facebook Community Standards published on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourages or attempts to buy , sell or trade historical artefacts '' or `` attempts to solicit historical artefacts '' .
Items sold in this way can include ancient scrolls , manuscripts , mummified body parts and ancient coins .
Facebook public policy manager Greg Mandel explained : `` Historical artefacts hold significant personal and cultural value for communities across the globe , but their sale often results in harmful behaviour .
`` That 's why we 've long had rules preventing the sale of stolen artefacts .
`` To keep these artefacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been working to expand our rules , and starting today we now prohibit the exchange , sale or purchase of all historical artefacts on Facebook and Instagram . ''
Prof Amr al-Azm , from Shawnee State University in Ohio , hailed the move as an important shift in Facebook 's position but said he feared the new standards would prove worthless without adequate efforts to enforce them .
The social media giant is developing automated systems based on images and key words to identify content which violates the new policy but Prof Al-Azm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user reports and Artificial Intelligence is simply not enough . ''
A BBC News investigation in 2019 found evidence that Roman mosaics still in the ground in Syria were being offered for sale on Facebook .
We saw groups exchange ideas on how to dig up sites and evidence of `` loot-to-order '' requests .
In one case , administrators asked for Islamic-era manuscripts to be made available for purchase in Turkey .
Following our investigation , Facebook said it had removed 49 groups - but researchers continue to unearth evidence that trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade on Facebook appears to have the greatest reach in the Middle East and North Africa where we are currently monitoring over 120 Facebook groups developed solely for looting and trafficking activity , '' said Prof Amr Al-Azm '' The largest group we identified had roughly 150,000 members this time last year - now it has more than 437,000.
`` Part of the recent increase may be attributable to the effects of the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
But this was not just a case of the impoverished selling antiquities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof al-Azm .
`` This is also a black market that funds criminal organisations , warlords , and radical extremists , and it 's happening on the same site in the same digital space that you welcome into your home and [ use to ] share photos of your children . ''
Prof al-Azm is critical of Facebook 's policy of deleting posts that violate its community standards .
Instead , he said , it should keep a digital archive of images , which might not exist anywhere else .
`` This evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these objects if they appear on the market , '' he argued .
Usually , content that violates Facebook standards is permanently deleted within 90 days but data can be retained if requested by law enforcement , the BBC understands .

"This is also a black market that funds criminal organisations, warlords, and radical extremists, and it's happening on the same site in the same digital space that you welcome into your home and [use to] share photos of your children."


bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Who is Germany's 'meat baron' Clemens Tönnies?

The billionaire boss of the giant German slaughterhouse now locked down because of coronavirus is nicknamed `` the meat baron '' - and controversies are nothing new for Clemens Tönnies .
Tönnies is Germany 's market leader in meat production : the plant near Gütersloh in western Germany employs about 7,000 people , who are all now in quarantine .
More than 1,500 have tested positive .
Clemens Tönnies , 64 , apologised for the outbreak - the worst coronavirus flare-up in Germany since the authorities started easing restrictions last month .
There have been smaller virus outbreaks in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clemens called it `` an existential crisis for the company '' .
There is anger towards the firm in Gütersloh , where schools and kindergartens have now been shut .
Tönnies was founded as a family business in 1971 , by Clemens 's elder brother Bernd , with Clemens in the junior role , as he was only 15 then .
It grew to become one of Europe 's biggest meat producers .
Today it employs about 16,500 people in Germany and Denmark , and 50 % of the meat is exported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and processes about 20,000 pigs daily .
But now production has been suspended as the authorities race to contain the virus outbreak .
Most of the workforce at the plant are from eastern Europe : Romanians , Bulgarians , Poles and North Macedonians , Deutsche Welle news reports .
A local activist , Inge Bultschnieder , has previously organised demonstrations demanding better living conditions for the migrant workers .
Deutsche Welle found some of them living in dilapidated , overcrowded housing near the plant .
• Why are there outbreaks in meat processing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the R number and how is it calculated ?
The overcrowding is suspected to be a factor in the virus outbreak .
But as in other abattoirs , at the Tönnies plant workers usually stand close together and the cool air probably facilitated the spread of the virus .
Tönnies had a turnover of €7.3bn last year ( $ 8.2bn ; £6.6bn ) last year .
Forbes business news says Clemens has a net worth of about $ 2.3bn .
His nephew Robert , 42 , owns 50 % of the business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his son Max 5 % .
Clemens 's brother Bernd died in 1994 , and Robert and his brother inherited their father 's stake .
For years Robert and Clemens fought a legal battle over ownership , resolved in 2017 .
But the bitterness remains .
When the outbreak made headlines last week Robert called for Clemens to quit , accusing the management of being irresponsible and jeopardising the firm and local people , German WDR news reports .
Robert said Max Tönnies should replace his father at the helm .
Margit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has two children .
Clemens is also head of the supervisory board of Schalke 04 , one of Germany 's top Bundesliga clubs .
Last year however he had to step aside from his football duties for three months after making a remark which drew a volley of criticism .
In a speech he called for German power plants to be built in Africa , saying `` then they 'll stop cutting down trees and when it 's dark , when we 've given them electricity , they wo n't be making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologised for his `` mistake '' and provided aid for children in Africa .
WDR reports that Clemens has been a successful networker in politics , negotiating lucrative business deals , such as one with Russian energy giant Gazprom .
He has befriended Russian President Vladimir Putin , and presented him with some meaty treats from Tönnies .

The overcrowding is suspected to be a factor in the virus outbreak. But as in other abattoirs, at the Tönnies plant workers usually stand close together and the cool air probably facilitated the spread of the virus.


bbc--2020-06-23--'Black neutron star' discovery baffles astronomers

Scientists have discovered an astronomical object that has never been observed before .
It is more massive than collapsed stars , known as `` neutron stars '' , but has less mass than black holes .
Such `` black neutron stars '' were not thought possible and will mean ideas for how neutron stars and black holes form will need to be rethought .
The discovery was made by an international team using gravitational wave detectors in the US and Italy .
Charlie Hoy , a PhD student from Cardiff University , UK , involved in the study , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We ca n't rule out any possibilities , '' he told BBC News .
`` We do n't know what it is and this is why it is so exciting because it really does change our field . ''
• Breathtaking new map of the X-ray Universe Mr Hoy is part of an international team working for the Ligo-Virgo Scientific Collaboration .
The international group , which has strong UK involvement backed by the Science and Technologies Facilities Council , has laser detectors several kilometres long that are able to detect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collision of massive objects in the Universe .
The collected data can be used to determine the mass of those objects involved .
Last August , the instruments detected the collision of a black hole 23 times the mass of our Sun with an object of 2.6 solar masses .
That makes the lighter object more massive than the heaviest type of dead star , or neutron star , previously observed - of just over two solar masses .
But it was also lighter than the lightest black hole previously observed - of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been searching for such objects in what they 've come to call the `` mass gap '' .
Writing in the journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters , the research team believes that of all the possibilities , the object is most likely to be a light black hole , but they are not ruling out any other possibilities .
• Gravitational waves are a prediction of the Theory of General Relativity • It took decades to develop the technology to directly detect them • They are ripples in the fabric of space-time generated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce waves that propagate at the speed of light • Ligo/Virgo fire lasers into long , L-shaped tunnels ; the waves disturb the light • Detecting the waves opens up the Universe to completely new investigations Having collided with the large black hole , the object no longer exists .
However , there should be further opportunities to learn more about these mass-gap objects from future collisions , according to Prof Stephen Fairhurst , also at Cardiff .
`` It is a challenge for us to determine what this is , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lightest black hole ever , or is it the heaviest neutron star ever ? ''
If it is a light black hole then there is no established theory for how such an object could develop .
But Prof Fairhurst 's colleague , Prof Fabio Antonioni , has proposed that a solar system with three stars could lead to the formation of light black holes .
His ideas are receiving increased attention following the new discovery .
If , however , this new class of object is a heavy neutron star then theories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be revised , according to Prof Bernard Schutz of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam , Germany .
`` We do n't know a lot about the nuclear physics of neutron stars .
So , people who are looking at exotic equations that explain what goes on inside them might be thinking , 'maybe this is evidence that we can get much heavier neutron stars ' . ''
Both black holes and neutron stars are thought to form when stars run out of fuel and die .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapses to form a black hole , an object with such strong gravitational force that not even light can escape its grasp .
If the starting star is below a certain mass , one option is for it to collapse into a dense ball composed entirely of particles called neutrons , which are found inside the heart of atoms .
The material from which neutron stars are composed is so tightly packed that one teaspoonful would weigh 10 million tonnes .
A neutron star also has powerful gravity pulling it together , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nuclear strong force , pushes the particles apart , counteracting the gravitational force .
Current theories suggest that the gravitational force would overcome the nuclear force if the neutron star were much larger than two solar masses - and cause it to collapse into a black hole .
According to Prof Nils Andersson of Southampton University , if the mystery object is a heavy neutron star then the theorists will have to rethink what goes on in these objects .
`` Nuclear physics is not a precise science where we know everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know how the nuclear strong force operates under the extreme conditions you need inside a neutron star .
So , every single current theory we currently have of what goes on inside of one has some uncertainty . ''
Prof Sheila Rowan , director of the University of Glasgow 's Institute for Gravitational Research ( IGR ) , said the discovery challenges current theoretical models .
`` More cosmic observations and research will need to be undertaken to establish whether this new object is indeed something that has never been observed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lightest black hole ever detected . ''
• A laser is fed into the machine and its beam is split along two paths • The separate paths bounce back and forth between damped mirrors • Eventually , the two light parts are recombined and sent to a detector • Gravitational waves passing through the lab should disturb the set-up • Theory holds they should very subtly stretch and squeeze its space • This ought to show itself as a change in the lengths of the light arms • The photodetector captures this @ @ @ @ @

If it is a light black hole then there is no established theory for how such an object could develop. But Prof Fairhurst's colleague, Prof Fabio Antonioni, has proposed that a solar system with three stars could lead to the formation of light black holes. His ideas are receiving increased attention following the new discovery.


bbc--2020-06-23--Liverpool boss Klopp against neutral venue for game away to Man City

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he would prefer to play their game away to Manchester City at City 's home ground , rather than a neutral venue .
A decision on the 2 July Premier League match at Etihad Stadium will be made at a meeting of Manchester City Council 's safety advisory group on Thursday .
Police requested five games be played at neutral venues over safety concerns .
`` I would prefer it is at Manchester , otherwise it would be really difficult to organise it , '' Klopp said .
`` I do n't know how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in Liverpool so it would mean we both have to go somewhere where we both need a hotel . ''
Liverpool , who need five points to clinch their first league title in 30 years , face Crystal Palace on Wednesday .
City are second in the table , 20 points behind Liverpool .
They travel to Chelsea on Thursday .
Other matches assigned to neutral venues included the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton , but that was deemed safe to go ahead at Goodison Park following talks between the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klopp said : `` The whole period we are in has shown that the massive majority of people really behaved responsibly and seriously and take this situation as it is . ''

Last updated on .From the section Liverpool
'We must be doing something right' - Klopp on Liverpool's 20-point lead
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he would prefer to play their game away to Manchester City at City's home ground, rather than a neutral venue.
A decision on the 2 July Premier League match at Etihad Stadium will be made at a meeting of Manchester City Council's safety advisory group on Thursday.
Police requested five games be played at neutral venues over safety concerns.
"I would prefer it is at Manchester, otherwise it would be really difficult to organise it," Klopp said.
"I don't know how it would be, but it would not be in Liverpool so it would mean we both have to go somewhere where we both need a hotel."
Liverpool, who need five points to clinch their first league title in 30 years, face Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
City are second in the table, 20 points behind Liverpool. They travel to Chelsea on Thursday.
Other matches assigned to neutral venues included the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, but that was deemed safe to go ahead at Goodison Park following talks between the government, police and the Premier League.
Klopp said: "The whole period we are in has shown that the massive majority of people really behaved responsibly and seriously and take this situation as it is."


bbc--2020-06-23--Ten Pakistan players test positive for coronavirus

Seven more Pakistan players have tested positive for coronavirus , taking the total to 10 .
However , players who have tested negative will depart for the tour of England on 28 June .
Pakistan Cricket Board ( PCB ) chief executive Wasim Khan said : `` The tour to England is very much on track and the side will depart as per schedule . ''
Pakistan are due to meet England in three Tests and three Twenty20s , beginning in August .
Speaking when only three cases were known , England director of cricket Ashley Giles said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving fairly soon .
`` We 're far enough away from the Test series to not worry about that too much at the moment . ''
Haider Ail , Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan showed no symptoms before testing positive on Sunday .
They have now been joined by Fakhar Zaman , Imran Khan , Kashif Bhatti , Mohammad Hafeez , Mohammad Hasnain , Mohammad Rizwan and Wahab Riaz , along with team masseur Malang Ali , after further tests were carried out on Monday .
All 11 individuals have been told to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The players and management staff who have tested negative will still meet up on Wednesday , undergo further testing on Thursday , and depart for the UK as planned .
They will be tested again within 24 hours of their arrival .
Players who have tested positive will have to return two negative tests before they are allowed to travel .
Khan added : `` The recent positive tests of some of the fittest athletes , who had not shown any symptoms , clearly reflect the danger this virus possesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive , we will continue to monitor and support them , including conducting antibody tests , and as soon as they test negative , they will be flown to join the squad in England . ''
As of Tuesday morning , there had been 185,034 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Pakistan , resulting in 3,695 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
England 's matches this summer , beginning with three Tests against West Indies , are set to be played behind closed doors in bio-secure environments at Southampton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group will arrive in Southampton on Tuesday to prepare for the series with West Indies , which starts on 8 July .
Giles said : `` The situation in Pakistan is not great at the moment and our thoughts go out to the whole country .
`` All of this has uncertainty .
We know how fast moving this has been around the world , so we have been very careful at every step .
Do we really know what is around the corner ?
No .
`` The bubble at Southampton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create environments that mitigate as much risk as we possibly can . ''
Pakistan named a 29-man squad for the tour , with four additional players put on standby in case of positive tests .
Before the news of the seven additional positive tests , Giles said he did not think the tour would be placed in further jeopardy by more confirmed cases .
`` We are still far enough out even if a number of those tests are still positive , '' he said .
`` There are a number of hurdles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can get international sport on .
It will be a real fillip for people around the world . ''
Meanwhile , New Zealand 's two-Test tour of Bangladesh , which was scheduled for August , has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic .

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Pace bowler Wahab Riaz was among the latest seven Pakistan players to test positive for coronavirus
Seven more Pakistan players have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total to 10.
However, players who have tested negative will depart for the tour of England on 28 June.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Wasim Khan said: external-link "The tour to England is very much on track and the side will depart as per schedule."
Pakistan are due to meet England in three Tests and three Twenty20s, beginning in August.
Speaking when only three cases were known, England director of cricket Ashley Giles said: "We're hopeful that Pakistan will be arriving fairly soon.
"We're far enough away from the Test series to not worry about that too much at the moment."
Haider Ail, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan showed no symptoms before testing positive on Sunday.
They have now been joined by Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan and Wahab Riaz, along with team masseur Malang Ali, after further tests were carried out on Monday.
All 11 individuals have been told to observe "strict quarantine at their homes".
The players and management staff who have tested negative will still meet up on Wednesday, undergo further testing on Thursday, and depart for the UK as planned. They will be tested again within 24 hours of their arrival.
Players who have tested positive will have to return two negative tests before they are allowed to travel.
Khan added: "The recent positive tests of some of the fittest athletes, who had not shown any symptoms, clearly reflect the danger this virus possesses.
"As regards the players, who have tested positive, we will continue to monitor and support them, including conducting antibody tests, and as soon as they test negative, they will be flown to join the squad in England."
As of Tuesday morning, there had been 185,034 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Pakistan, resulting in 3,695 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
England's matches this summer, beginning with three Tests against West Indies, are set to be played behind closed doors in bio-secure environments at Southampton and Old Trafford.
What will an England Test match look like?
In preparation for the series with West Indies, which starts on 8 July, England's 30-man training group arrived in Southampton on Tuesday, with the exception of fast bowler Jofra Archer, who will travel on Thursday after a member of his household fell ill.
Archer and members of his family have tested negative for coronavirus, and the Sussex man will have another test on Wednesday.
Giles said: "All of this has uncertainty. We know how fast moving this has been around the world, so we have been very careful at every step. Do we really know what is around the corner? No.
"The bubble at Southampton and Old Trafford, we are trying to create environments that mitigate as much risk as we possibly can."
Pakistan named a 29-man squad for the tour, with four additional players put on standby in case of positive tests.
Before the news of the seven additional positive tests, Giles said he did not think the tour would be placed in further jeopardy by more confirmed cases.
"We are still far enough out even if a number of those tests are still positive," he said.
"There are a number of hurdles to cross. We're hopeful that we can get international sport on. It will be a real fillip for people around the world."
Meanwhile, New Zealand's two-Test tour of Bangladesh, which was scheduled for August, has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.


bbc--2020-06-23--Grand National-winning jockey Treadwell dies, aged 34

Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing Jockey Liam Treadwell , who rode 100-1 shot Mon Mome to win the 2009 Grand National at Aintree , has died aged 34 .
Tributes have poured in from the racing world , with the rider described as being `` polite , funny , kind and brave '' .
Police attended Treadwell 's Shropshire home after his death , which they are treating as unexplained but said there was no third-party involvement .
It was one of the famous race 's biggest surprises when Treadwell triumphed on Mon Mome for trainer Venetia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the family .
`` It 's a massive shock .
I think we all thought he was in a good place now , having been through some tough times in previous years , '' she said .
`` We shared a day that was certainly the best day of my life , and I suspect of his .
`` He was here for a large part of his racing career , and not a day went by without him putting a smile on somebody 's face . ''
Mon Mome was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand National since Foinavon in the freak 1967 race , and there has been no longer-priced winner in the race 's history .
Sussex-born Treadwell landed the ride after Aidan Coleman opted to ride stablemate Stan .
Treadwell was treated to a free dental makeover after BBC interviewer Clare Balding joked about his gap-toothed smile .
Balding later apologised for saying he could `` afford to get his teeth done '' ' but he took no offence and she was among those to pay tribute .
`` My heart goes out to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour , '' she said .
Treadwell , who was third in the 2015 National on Monbeg Dude , rode 10 winners during the 2019-20 season , all for Shropshire-based trainer Alastair Ralph .
Big wins in Treadwell 's career included the Byrne Group Plate on Carrickboy at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013 and the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree with Bennys Mist two years later .
In a BBC interview in 2016 , he spoke of feeling depressed and struggling with concussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports psychologist encouraged me to watch the good days on TV - good times , successes , so Mon Mome and Carrickboy were two I watched and seeing Clare 's comments about my teeth at Aintree definitely helped me to smile again , '' he said .
`` We used to call him 'Tredders ' .
He just got on with it when he was racing , '' said former jockey Mick Fitzgerald , who won the National in 1996 on Rough Quest .
`` You never knew he was there .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to do the best he could , and it 's just awfully sad for everybody involved . ''
A short statement issued on behalf of Treadwell 's parents , Mark and Lorraine , and brother Nathan read : `` We are heartbroken that this has happened .
`` We ask kindly that everyone respects our privacy in the coming days so that we can begin to come to terms with our loss . ''
The Injured Jockeys ' Fund and the Professional Jockeys ' Association said in a joint statement : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by racehorse trainers for both this and his communication skills .
`` He was polite , funny , kind and brave , having spoken passionately and eloquently about his mental health issues both in the press but also in our own 'Jockey Matters ' films .
`` It is devastating that this has happened , and our thoughts and prayers are with Liam 's family , friends and everyone who knew and supported him . ''
A statement from West Mercia Police said officers were called to an address in Billingsley , near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a man .

Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing
Treadwell rode more than 300 winners during his career
Jockey Liam Treadwell, who rode 100-1 shot Mon Mome to win the 2009 Grand National at Aintree, has died aged 34.
Treadwell returned to the saddle after retiring from professional riding in February 2018.
Tributes have poured in from the racing world, with the rider described as being "polite, funny, kind and brave".
Police attended Treadwell's Shropshire home after his death, which they are treating as unexplained but said there was no third-party involvement.
It was one of the famous race's biggest surprises when Treadwell triumphed on Mon Mome for trainer Venetia Williams, who said he was like part of the family.
"It's a massive shock. I think we all thought he was in a good place now, having been through some tough times in previous years," she said.
"We shared a day that was certainly the best day of my life, and I suspect of his.
"He was here for a large part of his racing career, and not a day went by without him putting a smile on somebody's face."
Treadwell won the National for Herefordshire trainer Venetia Williams
Racing history and a toothy smile
Mon Mome was the first 100-1 shot to win the Grand National since Foinavon in the freak 1967 race, and there has been no longer-priced winner in the race's history.
Sussex-born Treadwell landed the ride after Aidan Coleman opted to ride stablemate Stan.
Treadwell was treated to a free dental makeover after BBC interviewer Clare Balding joked about his gap-toothed smile.
Balding later apologised for saying he could "afford to get his teeth done"' but he took no offence and she was among those to pay tribute.
"My heart goes out to his family and all his friends. He was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour," she said.
Treadwell, who was third in the 2015 National on Monbeg Dude, rode 10 winners during the 2019-20 season, all for Shropshire-based trainer Alastair Ralph.
Big wins in Treadwell's career included the Byrne Group Plate on Carrickboy at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013 and the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree with Bennys Mist two years later.
In a BBC interview in 2016, he spoke of feeling depressed and struggling with concussion caused by a fall.
"A sports psychologist encouraged me to watch the good days on TV - good times, successes, so Mon Mome and Carrickboy were two I watched and seeing Clare's comments about my teeth at Aintree definitely helped me to smile again," he said.
"We used to call him 'Tredders'. He just got on with it when he was racing," said former jockey Mick Fitzgerald, who won the National in 1996 on Rough Quest.
"You never knew he was there. He wasn't a shouter. He just wanted to do the best he could, and it's just awfully sad for everybody involved."
A short statement issued on behalf of Treadwell's parents, Mark and Lorraine, and brother Nathan read: "We are heartbroken that this has happened.
"We ask kindly that everyone respects our privacy in the coming days so that we can begin to come to terms with our loss."
The Injured Jockeys' Fund and the Professional Jockeys' Association said in a joint statement: "He was a gifted horseman, valued by racehorse trainers for both this and his communication skills.
"He was polite, funny, kind and brave, having spoken passionately and eloquently about his mental health issues both in the press but also in our own 'Jockey Matters' films.
"It is devastating that this has happened, and our thoughts and prayers are with Liam's family, friends and everyone who knew and supported him."
A statement from West Mercia Police said officers were called to an address in Billingsley, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, following the death of a man.