bbc--2020-06-23--Airport suspends banner flights after Man City v Burnley incident

Blackpool Airport has suspended banner flights from its base after the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley ' was towed by an aeroplane over Etihad Stadium .
Lancashire Police is also investigating the banner , which was flown over the stadium during Manchester City 's 5-0 win over Burnley on Monday .
In a statement , manager Stephen Smith said the airport and Blackpool Council are `` outraged by this incident '' .
Burnley say they are `` ashamed and embarrassed '' by the banner .
Blackpool Airport says the incident was reported to police and the Civil Aviation Authority .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity , the message was offensive and the action reprehensible .
The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council .
`` Due to the nature of the activity , banners are not checked before take-off and the content is at the operator 's discretion .
`` Following an emergency review this morning , Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool . ''
Chief superintendent Russ Procter said Lancashire Police are making enquiries `` to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident '' and will then be in a position to `` make an assessment as to whether any criminal offences have taken place '' .
He added : `` We recognise that this banner will have caused offence to many people in Lancashire and beyond and we continue to liaise closely with our partners at both the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Moriarty , chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority , said his organisation condemned the incident and would `` support the police and other relevant authorities to investigate any reports of inappropriate or illegal activities , providing whatever assistance we can '' .
Burnley and City players and staff had taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement moments before the aircraft circled over the stadium .
`` Fans like that do n't deserve to be around football , '' Clarets skipper Ben Mee told BBC Radio 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're embarrassed .
It 's a minority of our supporters - I know I speak for a massive part of our support who distance ourselves from anything like that . ''
In a statement , Burnley said that the banner `` in no way represents '' what the club stands for and that they will `` work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action '' .
Both Burnley and City were wearing shirts with the players ' names replaced with 'Black Lives Matter ' .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Air Ads , which operates out of Blackpool Airport and runs a one-stop shop where they make the banners and fly them .
They have flown over football stadiums in the past , including a 'Moyes Out ' one at Old Trafford .
When BBC Sport contacted the company , a man who answered refused to give his name but said he was packing away the banner .
He said as long as banners were legal and did not use coarse language , the company did not 'take sides ' and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He claimed police had been informed of the banner in advance .
The Premier League resumed on 17 June after a 100-day hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic ; players and officials have been showing their support for the movement for racial equality following the death of George Floyd in the United States last month .
Floyd , a 46-year-old unarmed black man , died as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
His death sparked protests around the world .

Last updated on .From the section Burnley
Tony Livesey's anger at seeing 'White Lives Matter Burnley' banner
Blackpool Airport has suspended banner flights from its base after the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley' was towed by an aeroplane over Etihad Stadium on Monday night.
The banner was flown over the stadium during Manchester City's 5-0 win over Burnley.
In a statement, manager Stephen Smith said the airport and Blackpool Council are "outraged by this incident".
Burnley say they are "ashamed and embarrassed" by the banner.
Blackpool Airport says the incident was reported to police and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Chief superintendent Russ Procter said Lancashire Police had investigated the incident but "concluded that there are no criminal offences that have been disclosed at this time".
Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said his organisation condemned the incident.
Burnley CEO 'disgusted' by the banner flown over the Etihad
Blackpool airport statement read: "We stand against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity, the message was offensive and the action reprehensible. The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council.
"Due to the nature of the activity, banners are not checked before take-off and the content is at the operator's discretion.
"Following an emergency review this morning, Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with immediate effect and we would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool."
Burnley and City players and staff had taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement moments before the aircraft circled over the stadium.
"Fans like that don't deserve to be around football," Clarets skipper Ben Mee told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"We're ashamed, we're embarrassed. It's a minority of our supporters - I know I speak for a massive part of our support who distance ourselves from anything like that."
In a statement, Burnley said that the banner "in no way represents" what the club stands for and that they will "work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action".
The aircraft circled above Etihad Stadium for several minutes before departing
Both Burnley and City were wearing shirts with the players' names replaced with 'Black Lives Matter'.
It is understood that the stunt was carried out by Air Ads, which operates out of Blackpool Airport and runs a one-stop shop where they make the banners and fly them. They have flown over football stadiums in the past, including a 'Moyes Out' one at Old Trafford.
When BBC Sport contacted the company, a man who answered refused to give his name but said he was packing away the banner.
He said as long as banners were legal and did not use coarse language, the company did not 'take sides' and had previously done a Black Lives Matter banner. He claimed police had been informed of the banner in advance.
The Premier League resumed on 17 June after a 100-day hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic; players and officials have been showing their support for the movement for racial equality following the death of George Floyd in the United States last month.
Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked protests around the world.


bbc--2020-06-23--Top US health official Fauci warns of 'disturbing' new US surge

America 's top infectious disease expert has told lawmakers that the nation is seeing a `` disturbing surge '' in coronavirus infections in some states .
A panel of health officials , including Dr Anthony Fauci , said the next few days will be crucial to stem the new outbreaks .
Cases are climbing rapidly across a number of US states .
The four top experts also testified they were never told by President Donald Trump to `` slow down '' testing .
Their comments come after Mr Trump told a weekend rally in Oklahoma that he had asked his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep official case counts down .
`` To my knowledge , none of us have ever been told to slow down on testing , '' Dr Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , testified to a congressional committee investigating the US response to the pandemic .
`` In fact , we will be doing more testing , '' he added .
The other three officials - representing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services - also disputed Mr Trump 's comment , saying they had never been directed to slow testing .
Brett Giroir , the health department assistant secretary who oversees US diagnostic capacity , told lawmakers he expects the US will be able to conduct 40 to 50 million tests per month by autumn .
What did Trump say ?
The White House has said the president 's comment about slowing testing was `` in jest '' .
But on Tuesday the president appeared to contradict that , telling reporters : `` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans have died from the coronavirus - more than any other nation .
But Mr Trump told a campaign event in Phoenix , Arizona , later in the day that the coronavirus `` plague '' was `` going away '' .
The president once again referred to the virus as the `` kung flu '' , which the White House denies is a racist term .
Arizona , which the president visited on Tuesday , surpassed its daily record for new infections only hours before the president arrived .
Officials there warn that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently being used , and that the healthcare system may be overrun in the coming days or weeks .
What else did experts say ?
Dr Fauci warned of `` a disturbing surge of infection '' and `` increased community spread '' in many southern and western states .
`` A couple of days ago there were 30,000 new infections '' in a single day , he said .
`` That 's very troubling to me . ''
`` The next couple of weeks are going to be critical to address those surges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , Arizona , and other states . ''
CDC Director Dr Robert Redfield called testing `` a critical underpinning of our response '' , but said social distancing measures are more effective at keeping the virus from spreading .
Dr Redfield also called on all Americans to get a flu jab this year , saying the public must `` embrace flu vaccinations with confidence '' .
`` This single act will save lives , '' he added .
• Is the US testing more people than anywhere else ?
• Is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Fauci added that he is `` cautiously optimistic '' a vaccine may be ready by the end of 2020 .
He said it is a matter of `` when and not if '' the vaccine is ready , but added that it `` might take some time '' .
Drug company Moderna has plans `` to launch a Phase 3 clinical trial as early as July 2020 , pending positive results from this Phase 2 trial '' , he said .
Dr Fauci also defended his decision not to warn Americans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was due to a scarcity at the time of personal protective equipment , or PPE , which was needed for healthcare providers .
Several cities and counties have issued new mask requirements in the past week .
`` Plan A : Do n't go in a crowd .
Plan B : If you do , make sure you wear a mask , '' Dr Fauci told the committee .
Where else is the virus surging ?
The number of new daily infections is increasing in more than half of all US states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Florida said they may be forced to announce new lockdown measures , despite currently barrelling ahead with reopening plans .
On Monday , Florida surpassed 100,000 cases .
In the absence of a state-wide mask requirement , several cities and towns have issued their own orders mandating masks in public .
Texas has temporarily revoked alcohol licences from several businesses that were breaking social distancing rules .
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he does not expect to issue new lockdown orders , but `` closing down Texas again will always be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• POST-COVID WORLD : Will we ever shake hands again ?
• THE LOST SIX WEEKS : Missed chances for US to contain outbreak

"To my knowledge, none of us have ever been told to slow down on testing," Dr Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified to a congressional committee investigating the US response to the pandemic.


bbc--2020-06-23--Bubba Wallace: 'No crime committed' as FBI ends noose investigation

Last updated on .From the section Motorsport The noose found in Nascar driver Bubba Wallace 's garage on Sunday was actually a handle on a garage door and had been there since last year , an FBI investigation concluded .
Wallace , the sole full-time black driver in Nascar , successfully pushed to ban the Confederate flag from races .
Nascar said it was `` thankful to learn that this was not an intentional , racist act against Bubba '' .
Wallace , 26 , had received messages of solidarity from fellow Nascar drivers and sports stars around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Talladega , Alabama , with Nascar chief Steve Phelps vowing to `` use every effort to find who has done this '' .
In a joint statement , US attorney Jay E Town and FBI special agent in charge Johnnie Sharp Jr said : `` The FBI learned that garage number 4 , where the noose was found , was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week .
`` The investigation also revealed evidence , including authentic video confirmed by Nascar , that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019 , nobody could have known Mr Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week . ''
Wood Brothers Racing were the last team to occupy the garage and they released a statement saying an employee had remembered seeing a `` tied handle '' on the garage door last October .
Earlier in June , Nascar banned the Confederate flag from all races .
It came amid global protests against the death of George Floyd while @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Nascar drivers stood behind Bubba Wallace and his car during Monday's Geico 500
The noose found in Nascar driver Bubba Wallace's garage on Sunday was actually a handle on a garage door and had been there since last year, an FBI investigation concluded.
It added that "no federal crime was committed".
Wallace, the sole full-time black driver in Nascar, successfully pushed to ban the Confederate flag from races.
Nascar said it was "thankful to learn that this was not an intentional, racist act against Bubba".
However, Wallace said the image he saw of "what was hanging in my garage is not a garage pull."
"It was a noose," he told CNN. external-link "Whether tied in 2019 or whatever, it was a noose. So, it wasn't directed at me but somebody tied a noose. That's what I'm saying."
Wallace, 26, had received messages of solidarity from fellow Nascar drivers and sports stars around the world after the discovery at the Geico 500 at Talladega, Alabama, with Nascar chief Steve Phelps vowing to "use every effort to find who has done this".
In a joint statement, US attorney Jay E Town and FBI special agent in charge Johnnie Sharp Jr said: "The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week.
"The investigation also revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by Nascar, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019.
"Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week."
Wood Brothers Racing were the last team to occupy the garage and they released a statement saying an employee had remembered seeing a "tied handle" on the garage door last October.
Earlier in June, Nascar banned the Confederate flag from all races. It came amid global protests against the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody.


bbc--2020-06-23--North Korea: Kim Jong-un 'suspends military action' against South

North Korea has suspended plans for `` military action '' against South Korea , according to state media .
There have been rising tensions between the two countries in recent weeks as groups in the South planned to fly propaganda leaflets over the border .
There had been threats by the North to send troops into the demilitarised zone ( DMZ ) at the intra-Korean border .
But at a meeting chaired by leader Kim Jong-un , state media said the decision was taken to suspend military action .
The Central Military Commission made its decision after taking what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His sister , Kim Yo-jong , had given orders to the army more than a week ago , stating that they would `` decisively carry out the next action '' in part because of what Pyongyang said was Seoul 's failure to stop activists sending anti-regime leaflets over the border attached to balloons .
Why has there been a recent escalation of tensions ?
Since a 2018 thaw , the long-standing rivals had been making efforts to improve ties and maintain dialogue .
But the relationship appeared to have deteriorated rapidly in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over South Korean defector groups sending leaflets into the North .
Usually sent into the country via balloons , they usually carry leaflets , USB sticks or DVDs with criticism of the Pyongyang regime , as well as South Korean news reports or even Korean dramas .
All of this is aimed at breaking the North 's control on domestic information with the hope that people might eventually topple the regime from within .
The North argues the leaflets violate an agreement between the two countries to avoid confrontation .
The South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups sending leaflets across the border , arguing their actions put residents near the border at risk .
Earlier this month , North Korea cut off all inter-Korean communication lines with the South , including a hotline between the two nations ' leaders .
On Friday , North Korea blew up the Inter Korean Liaison Office , on its side of the border , which was set up two years ago to ensure regular dialogue between the two countries .
Kim Yo-jong 's threats of military action - without elaborating - heightened tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tuesday 's meeting in North Korea appears to indicate a de-escalation in rhetoric .
The meeting also discussed documents outlining measures for `` further bolstering the war deterrent of the country , '' state news agency KCNA reported .
At the start of the year , Kim Jong-un said he was ending the suspension of nuclear and long-range missile tests put in place during talks with the US .

"It's much more likely that they are using this incident merely as a pretext to start an escalation. The real reason is that they feel the South has not made any real concessions since the talks."


bbc--2020-06-23--Fireworks complaints surge in US cities

Fireworks complaints surge in US cities

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 increase 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 events 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--Martin Luther King Jr's daughter: 'I know the pain of growing up without a father'

Speaking at Rayshard Brooks ' funeral in Atlanta , Reverend Bernice A King described growing up without her father Martin @ @ @ @ @ subsequent attention that followed his assassination in 1968 .
Mr Brooks , a father of @ @ @ @ @ police on 12 June in the car park of a fast food restaurant .
Former @ @ @ @ @ faces 11 charges related to Rayshard Brooks ' death .
If convicted , he could @ @ @ @ @

Speaking at Rayshard Brooks' funeral in Atlanta, Reverend Bernice A King described growing up without her father Martin Luther King Jr and the subsequent attention that followed his assassination in 1968.
Mr Brooks, a father of four, was killed by police on 12 June in the car park of a fast food restaurant.
Former police officer Garrett Rolfe, faces 11 charges related to Rayshard Brooks' death. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.


bbc--2020-06-23--'Black neutron star' discovery changes astronomy

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 Technology 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--Jimmy Kimmel: TV host sorry for blackface sketches

US TV host Jimmy Kimmel has apologised for using make-up to impersonate black stars like Snoop Dogg , Oprah Winfrey and basketball player Karl Malone .
Kimmel said he had thought of his performances as `` impersonations of celebrities and nothing more '' .
But , looking back , he admitted they were `` embarrassing '' and described them as `` thoughtless moments '' .
He said sorry `` to those who were genuinely hurt or offended by the make-up I wore or the words I spoke '' .
Kimmel fronts a late-night talk show on ABC and hosted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been under pressure to address his past use of blackface , especially after fellow presenter Jimmy Fallon issued a similar apology last month .
It has also just been revealed that Tina Fey asked for four episodes of sitcom 30 Rock in which characters appear in blackface to be taken down .
Kimmel said he had been reluctant to speak about his sketches , however , because he thought that `` would be celebrated as a victory by those who equate apologies with weakness and cheer for leaders who use prejudice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That delay was a mistake . ''
In a statement on Tuesday , he explained that he did an impression of former NBA star Malone on his radio show in the 1990s , and continued to impersonate the sportsman when he moved onto TV .
`` We hired make-up artists to make me look as much like Karl Malone as possible , '' he said .
`` I never considered that this might be seen as anything other than an imitation of a fellow human being , one that had no more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than it did his bulging muscles and bald head .
`` I 've done dozens of impressions of famous people , including Snoop Dogg , Oprah , Eminem , Dick Vitale , Rosie , and many others .
In each case , I thought of them as impersonations of celebrities and nothing more .
`` Looking back , many of these sketches are embarrassing , and it is frustrating that these thoughtless moments have become a weapon used by some to diminish my criticisms of social and other injustices . ''
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and matured '' over the past two decades .
`` Thank you for giving me an opportunity to explain and to those I 've disappointed , I am sorry , '' he concluded .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Kimmel said he had been reluctant to speak about his sketches, however, because he thought that "would be celebrated as a victory by those who equate apologies with weakness and cheer for leaders who use prejudice to divide us". He added: "That delay was a mistake."


bbc--2020-06-23--Novak Djokovic: World number one 'so sorry' after testing positive for coronavirus

Last updated on .From the section Tennis World number one Novak Djokovic said he is `` so sorry '' after becoming the latest tennis player to test positive for Covid-19 .
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 '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Jamie Murray feature There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 August to 13 September , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 `` would n't want to be forced by someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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--Coronavirus: Lockdown to be relaxed in England as 2m rule eased

Pubs , restaurants , hotels and hairdressers can open from 4 July in England , when social distancing rules will be eased .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should remain 2m apart where possible but a `` one metre plus '' rule would be introduced .
Two households in England will also be able to meet indoors and stay overnight - with social distancing .
The prime minister warned that all the steps were `` reversible '' .
The government 's chief medical adviser , Prof Chris Whitty , said the relaxation represented a `` reasonable balance of risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon , Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford and Northern Ireland 's Arlene Foster have said the 2m rule will remain in place in their nations for the time being .
Theatres , cinemas , libraries , museums , theme parks and zoos are among other businesses that can also reopen .
But indoor gyms , swimming pools , nail bars and indoor play areas will remain closed for the moment , as they have been since lockdown started on 23 March .
During the government 's final daily coronavirus briefing , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being established to work out how they too could reopen .
• Lifting lockdown : All you need to know • 'There will be a shortage of holiday cottages' The meeting of households will not be exclusive so , for example , one set of grandparents could see their relatives one weekend , and the other set of grandparents the next .
But , unlike the bubble system , people will have to maintain social distance - so family members who live apart will not be able to hug .
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said people would be encouraged to use `` mitigation '' - such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face - when less than 2m from each other but `` where it is possible to keep 2m apart , people should '' .
Prof Whitty warned `` we will get an uptick '' if people did not take such measures seriously .
And Mr Johnson urged people to be vigilant , saying the virus `` wants to take advantage of our carelessness '' .
He said there would be local outbreaks in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reverse the changes at local or national level if the virus were to begin to run out of control .
The venues listed as being able to reopen include : • Pubs , bars and restaurants but only with a table service indoors , and owners will be asked to keep contact details of customers to help with contact tracing • Hotels , holiday apartments , campsites and caravan parks but shared facilities must be cleaned properly • Theatres and music halls but they will not be allowed to hold live performances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to have 30 attendees , and places of worship will be allowed to hold services but singing will be banned • Hair salons and barbers will be able to reopen but must have protective measures , such as visors , in place • Indoor attractions where animals are exhibited , such as at zoos , aquariums , farms , safari parks and wildlife centres What can not open from 4 July ?
The following places will remain closed by law • Indoor fitness and dance studios , and indoor gyms and sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted that ministers hope to be able to reopen gyms and leisure facilities in mid-July • Exhibition or conference centres - other than for those who work for that venue .
Read more detail on how lockdown measures are easing in England here .
Responding to Mr Johnson 's statement on Tuesday afternoon , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` I believe the government is trying to do the right thing and in that I support them '' .
He added he thought it was `` safe for some children to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said schools in England should return in full in September .
In Scotland , schools are aiming to reopen full-time in August , in Wales some schools will resume for just three weeks later this month , while Northern Ireland has a 24 August target for full reopening .
Restrictions have to lift at some point .
The big question is whether the UK is moving too soon .
The number of infections has fallen dramatically .
There are now just over 1,000 new cases a day on average .
That compares with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of March - we do n't know the exact figure because there was limited testing in place .
Huge progress has , therefore , been made .
But the number of infections is still significantly higher than other countries .
France and Germany are seeing fewer than half the number of infections that the UK is ( and Germany has a larger population ) , while Italy has fewer than a quarter .
It is why there are plenty of experts , including former government chief scientific adviser Sir David King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too quickly .
But , of course , not lifting them comes at a cost too - to the economy , to people 's health and wellbeing and to wider society .
At the end of the day , it is a finely balanced judgement call .
We will only know whether it was the right one or not in the weeks and months to come .
Current evidence suggests being 1m apart carries between two and 10 times the risk of being 2m apart , scientists advising the government have said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to keep 2m apart where they can .
If not , to remain at least 1m apart while taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission .
They include measures such as not sitting face-to-face , cutting the number of people in an enclosed space , or having hand-sanitiser available to use .
Mr Johnson stressed that the government was not `` forcing '' people to limit their social contact through legislation , but was `` asking them to follow guidance '' .
Police would still be able to `` break up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
Earlier , he said it was each nation 's own responsibility to make their own lockdown restrictions but said all parts of the UK were now `` travelling in the same direction '' .
• Scotland not yet ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only changed 2m rule 'when safe' The prime minister added he did not believe there was `` a risk of a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS '' .
A further 171 deaths were reported in the UK on Tuesday , taking the total to 42,927 , while latest testing figures showed there were 874 new positive cases .
According to the latest official figures , the R value for the UK - the average number of people that one infected person passes the virus on to - is between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Patrick Vallance , who also spoke at the briefing , said the public should not `` be fooled '' into thinking that the virus had `` gone away '' .
`` The disease is growing across the world , '' he said .
Prof Whitty said he would be `` surprised and delighted if we were n't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring '' .
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said : `` This is not a return back to normal business , but it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a new normal .
`` One important point to note though , as I understand it , the advice from the government will still be that people should work at home if they can . ''
Brixton looks almost normal this afternoon .
Plenty of the market stalls are open , there 's a steady stream of shoppers , and blaring music is coming from several shops .
So far , so Brixton .
But the many boarded-up businesses down the backstreets of this buzzing south-London neighbourhood are a tell-tale sign of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some local firms have welcomed the prime minister 's news .
The Duke of Edinburgh pub , for example , is busy making its huge beer garden Covid-secure , with staff `` really excited '' for their customers to return .
The customers are similarly keen - the pub 's booking website crashed minutes after the prime minister 's announcement .
But others are n't so enthused .
Fabric shop owner Rezia ( pictured above ) is happy with the 2m rule being relaxed to 1m , but is convinced business will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It does n't matter that more people will be out and about spending money - they are not going to buy fabric , he says , on their way home from the pub .
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said he was `` extremely pleased '' that pubs were reopening after a long hiatus .
`` We are going to discuss the precise government proposals with our pub managers and staff before we comment further on the details . ''
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said reopening was the best way to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing constraints would mean some businesses were unviable , and government support remained `` crucial '' .
Glenn Earlam , chief executive of David Lloyd gyms , said he was disappointed by the announcement , since preparations had been under way for the sector to reopen from 4 July .
`` For the last three weeks we 've been working on an awful lot of detail , '' he said .
`` Everything from temperature checks of our members when they arrive at reception , to screens at reception , to hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
An instant online poll carried out by YouGov shortly after Mr Johnson 's announcement suggested 64 % of people supported the reopening of the specified sectors and 73 % backed the decision to allow two households to meet indoors .
• WEIR , BURROW AND DARBY : Life with MND under lockdown • THE NEXT MUST-SEE DRAMA IN LOCKDOWN : The Salisbury Poisonings

In a statement in the Commons earlier, Mr Johnson said people would be encouraged to use "mitigation" - such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face - when less than 2m from each other but "where it is possible to keep 2m apart, people should".


bbc--2020-06-23--Ron Jeremy: Adult star charged with rape and sexual assault

Adult film star Ron Jeremy has been charged with raping three women and sexually assaulting a fourth , prosecutors say .
He is accused of attacking the women between 2014 and 2019 .
The alleged victims were aged between 25 and 46 .
The 67-year-old is one of the biggest names in pornography and has featured in more than 2,000 films dating back to the 1970s .
If convicted , he faces up to 90 years behind bars .
Mr Jeremy , whose real name is Ronald Jeremy Hyatt , stands accused of raping a 25-year-old woman at a house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement from Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey .
Three of the alleged attacks took place in a bar in the same Los Angeles neighbourhood from 2017 to 2019 .
Prosecutors say they will ask for bail of $ 6.6 million ( £5.2 million ) .
In 2017 , Rolling Stone reported that more than a dozen women had accused Mr Jeremy of sexual misconduct , including groping , inappropriate touching , non-consensual digital penetration , and sexual assault .
He told the magazine he had `` never and would never rape @ @ @

He allegedly sexually assaulted two women, ages 33 and 46, on separate occasions at a West Hollywood bar in 2017, the district attorney said. He also is accused of raping a 30-year-old woman at the same bar in July 2019.


bbc--2020-06-23--Russia holds World War Two victory parade in coronavirus shadow

Russia will on Wednesday celebrate its biggest public holiday , Victory Day , with a military parade that was meant to be held on 9 May .
President Vladimir Putin reluctantly postponed the big annual celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic .
It is 75 years since the then USSR defeated Nazi Germany .
World War Two cost more than 20 million Soviet lives .
Moscow 's lockdown has eased this month , enabling the parade , featuring tanks and long-range missiles , to go ahead .
The annual parade - starting this year at 10:00 ( 07:00 GMT ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin to harness Russian patriotic feelings , in a way reminiscent of Soviet times .
He has restored Cold War-era Soviet symbols , and in 2008 he reintroduced heavy weaponry in the parade .
The black-and-gold wartime St George 's ribbon is especially ubiquitous .
Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies - Britain , the US and USSR - on 8 May 1945 .
But traditionally Russia and the other ex-Soviet republics mark the victory on 9 May .
• The fall of Nazi Berlin in pictures Holding the delayed event on 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USSR back in 1945 .
This year 's parade is special for Mr Putin because in a week 's time Russia will hold a nationwide vote on constitutional amendments that are expected to pave the way for him to stay in power beyond 2024 , when his current term expires .
• Putin paves way for another presidential term Technically mass gatherings are still banned in Moscow , which continues to record a stubbornly high number of new Covid-19 cases each day - more than 1,000 were reported on Tuesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Sobyanin has urged residents to stay at home and watch the parade on TV .
War veterans invited to attend will be spaced apart on the viewing stand , and the authorities believe this enforced social distancing means they can watch without wearing masks .
All those invited have been required to be tested for the virus .
The military units taking part have been in quarantine during weeks of rehearsals , avoiding contact with anyone not directly involved in the event .
The parade will feature about 13,000 military personnel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing the traditional flypast .
It will include units from most of the ex-Soviet republics , as well as from China , Mongolia and Serbia .
Russia 's `` hero cities '' , which saw the heaviest fighting in the Soviet `` Great Patriotic War '' against the Nazis , will hold military parades too .
However , this year 13 cities and big towns opted not to stage parades .
Mr Putin identifies on a personal level with the sacrifices made in the war : his father was seriously wounded in combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the siege of Leningrad - today 's St Petersburg .
Some major world leaders were to have attended the cancelled 9 May parade , including French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko are expected to attend this year , but few other European leaders will .

Nazi Germany ended all its military operations at 23:01 Central European Time on 8 May 1945. Russia, former Soviet Union states and some eastern European nations celebrate victory on 9 May, as - because of the change in time zone - the surrender came early in the morning the next day for those countries.


bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: How coming-of-age rituals were interrupted - and reinvented

We 're living in unusual times - and it can be a particularly strange time to be a teenager .
The coronavirus pandemic has n't just led to classes and holidays being cancelled - it has also made it harder to mark the moments you come of age , whether in a religious ceremony , a birthday party , or graduation .
We spoke to four people - Gideon , 13 , Lindsay , 14 , Ariana , 15 , and Liam , 22 - who had once-in-a-lifetime events upended by the coronavirus .
They told us what happened - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrate . '
A quinceañera often costs as much as a car' Ariana Diaz , 15 , lives in Florida .
Her family had planned to celebrate her 15th birthday with a quinceañera - a coming-of-age tradition that originated in Latin America .
Quinceañeras can involve both religious ceremonies and a reception and party - and can take as much time and effort to plan as a wedding .
In Hispanic culture , 15 is when you 're maturing , and people want to celebrate your turning into a woman .
We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 400 - to my quinceañera .
Everyone in my family has celebrated their 15th with a quinceañera , and I 'd always wanted one .
I used to peek from behind the corner when my older sister practised dancing for hers - I 've loved dancing since I was little .
Often a quinceañera costs as much as a car - my parents asked whether I wanted a car for my 15th - but I said I wanted a quinceañera instead , where everyone could come over and celebrate .
My friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening dance in February .
There were 14 of us - seven boys and seven girls - and we were choreographing a Broadway-style performance based on a fairy tale .
Every Sunday , after church , we 'd go to the park and start practising , so I had my hands full .
The quinceañera was set to happen right after my birthday in May , and I was also going to celebrate mother 's day - I wanted to do a mother-daughter dance , and get my mom and grandma a nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and quite a few tiaras - my mom said we 'd have one on the cake , one for church , and one to go with my second dress .
I 'm not going to lie , when I learned my quinceañera could n't go ahead , I was a little mad at first - but I did think , if it 's going to have to be like this because of the coronavirus , then it 's better to wait till it 's safe .
I 'd rather have my quinceañera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have nobody come , or have people getting sick .
Some of my relatives are older or do n't have good immune systems - I would n't want them to get sick .
We 've now moved it to September .
I really hope it 's only postponed till then - but if it comes down to the worst and we ca n't hold it then , I 'll have to turn it into an event for my 16th birthday instead .
I might be mad in the moment , but I 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - it 's better that people are n't getting sick or passing away from this .
I miss school so much .
Online classes are harder because you ca n't always get hold of the teachers - and Zoom meetings can be strange because sometimes people just stare at each other .
A lot of my friends at school are moving , or switching schools - and I think `` I wo n't even be able to say goodbye to y'all ! ''
.
I still text them .
The weekend after my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally scheduled - my mom surprised me .
She told me I was going to have a photo shoot , so I got dressed and my sister did my hair and make up .
Then , Mom suddenly said she had to go because she was needed at work .
The photographer told me to go outside - my mom had made a whole bunch of balloons for the photos , and put decorations all over the gate that said `` Happy 15th '' .
Then I heard a whole bunch of cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car at the front !
I started crying .
A lot of my friends , everyone from the family , and one of my teachers had come for a drive-by birthday parade .
Everyone had their cars decorated with balloons or streamers , and they threw confetti or pulled party poppers from inside their cars .
After that , my mom organised a Zoom meeting for people who wanted to cut the cake with us .
She brought two cakes - one was chocolate and fruit , and the other one was zucchini @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had organised everything because she felt really bad my quinceañera was postponed - I was like `` mom , it 's not your fault - you ca n't stop the coronavirus '' .
That evening , we did a lot of the dances I 'd originally planned for the quinceañera - a sister dance , a mother-daughter dance , a brother-sister dance , and a father-daughter dance .
I was crying for all the dances , and so was my mom .
I was really touched , and I 've been thanking my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons learned from an online prom • ' I 've cancelled my wedding because of coronavirus' 'We made cardboard DIY graduation caps and wore trash bags as robes' Liam Ryan , 22 , lives in Pennsylvania .
He 's just finished his theatre degree at Drew University - and found an unusual way to celebrate .
My rough plan after graduating was to move to Chicago to start making it as a performer there .
My plans have been put on a standstill with the pandemic - for now I 'm just at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In March , we 'd learnt that in-person classes were cancelled for the rest of the semester , and we 'd have to move out of campus .
Our graduation ceremonies were also postponed .
It was certainly a blow .
A graduation is really the finale of your whole college experience , and your last month of college is a huge , momentous part of your life .
To miss out on that was really demoralising .
It 's still very bizarre to now be officially graduated , and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last moments .
In those last few weeks on campus , we were kind of just in the throes of existential dread .
Then one of my friends had the idea to do a mock graduation - it started off as a kind of joke , but then we all got more and more into it - to the point where we made cardboard DIY graduation caps , and wore trash bags as robes .
Two days before we had to leave campus , we put our outfits on , made little fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main road of campus - the same route the graduating class normally takes - while blasting Pomp and Circumstance [ a song often used in graduations ] into a megaphone .
It was cool - a lot of people started to cheer us on .
We gave speeches , and did a procession across the porch of the main building , and had one of our friends hand us our fake diplomas .
I would have preferred an actual graduation - but I 'm so glad we had our own little ceremony - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own way .
It was revelling in the weirdness of the moment , and it felt like a fitting end to the year .
The mock graduation , while kind of ridiculous and stupid , was a really nice moment of all of us being together and working on a project together one last time .
I was one of the ones who gave a little speech , and I got choked up a little bit - because it really was an emotional moment , even given the fact we were wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to lonely teens 'We had our confirmation in the parking lot of our church' Lindsay Rebodos , 14 , lives in Illinois .
Her Christian confirmation ceremony - where a person makes a statement of faith , and confirms the promises made on their behalf when they were baptised - was delayed by about a month , and ended up happening in her church car park .
I started preparing for my confirmation ceremony when I was 11 .
I went to classes every Wednesday for three years , and liked it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of people I could be safe and comfortable with , and talk to about my life .
At school , because of the pandemic , we had to cancel field trips , track season , and eighth grade graduation .
It was very hard obviously - to not have the same ending to middle school as my siblings did .
Our teachers made a YouTube video for us to watch instead .
I 'm very lucky my church made an effort to get us confirmed , given the conditions right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned , in June , in the parking lot of my church .
We parked in every other spot so we could maintain a distance .
The confirmands all stood in the parking lot - six feet away from each other - and wore masks .
We took turns going up to the front , where we knelt on a bench , they prayed with us , and we were confirmed .
My cousins and extended family could n't come , and it was kind of hard with the mask , because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces , but it was nice outside , the sun was shining , and I really felt God 's presence outside .
It was the first time seeing a lot of my church group again .
I 'd missed seeing them in person - it 's not the same on the phone .
It was really special .
My family were really proud of me and all the work I 'd put in - it felt nice to be finally confirmed .
Earlier , I 'd also given a presentation on Zoom about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very nervous , but I knew that these people would n't judge me .
I chose a verse - 2 Corinthians 5:7 , `` for we walk by faith , not by sight '' , which reminds me that while things are dark and I ca n't always see what will happen , God has a plan for me . '
I had been excited for my friends to meet each other' Gideon Lopatin , 13 , lives in Detroit .
His bar mitzvah ceremony - which marks the transition into adulthood for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken place in June in his synagogue , with about 500 attendees .
His family had to cancel the gathering - but marked his bar mitzvah on Zoom .
Since they are orthodox Jews , they do n't use electronics on the Sabbath , but held events on Thursday , Friday , and Sunday instead .
When the pandemic started and I learned my bar mitzvah ceremony would be affected , I was upset .
I had been really excited for my bar mitzvah .
We had just moved - previously , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and I had been excited for my friends from each city to meet each other .
I had spent time before the pandemic preparing and practising my Torah reading .
After we knew I would be doing it on Zoom , I also wrote my speech and practised a lot .
I did readings on Thursday and Friday , and on Sunday I gave a speech .
I did n't really know how it was going to work out on Zoom - would it be glitchy ?
How would the music work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I gave my speech , but once I started it was OK .
In some ways it was nice - before , we had to think about who to invite because it would cost money and food .
Now , I got to see people I would n't have seen if it were a regular bar mitzvah .
It was less pressuring than reading the Torah to the entire shul [ synagogue ] .
It was good to read the Torah in front of my family .
To me , a bar mitzvah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
I do n't really feel that much more mature - but I 'm doing more now that I 'm bar mitzvah .
I can do more in services .
Before , it [ living according to Jewish law ] was voluntary .
Now , you have the obligation to do it .
My birthday was in May , and my friends celebrated with a drive-by where they waved from their cars .
One of our family friends ordered football and basketball signs , and spelled out Gideon on our lawn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that read `` Gideon 's Bar Mitzvah 2020 '' .
It was a nice surprise .
I get to see my school friends that live near me - but friends that live 20-30 minutes away I just see via Zoom .
I miss seeing them in person .
I 'm looking forward to going back to school , and being able to high-five people .
I really like basketball , so if basketball season happens - both the school season , and the NBA season - I 'll be really looking forward to @ @

We've now moved it to September. I really hope it's only postponed till then - but if it comes down to the worst and we can't hold it then, I'll have to turn it into an event for my 16th birthday instead. I might be mad in the moment, but I'll still think it's better this way - it's better that people aren't getting sick or passing away from this.


bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus in India: Inside a Mumbai hospital ICU

The state-run KEM hospital in Mumbai is at the forefront of the city 's fight against Covid-19 .
With more @ @ @ @ @ is one of the worst-affected Indian cities and has been overwhelmed by the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ overrun with patients and are struggling under the workload .
So how do they cope @

The state-run KEM hospital in Mumbai is at the forefront of the city's fight against Covid-19.
With more than 60,000 cases, it is one of the worst-affected Indian cities and has been overwhelmed by the virus.
Hospital medical staff there are overrun with patients and are struggling under the workload.
So how do they cope?
BBC Marathi's Mayuresh Konnur and Sharad Badhe obtained exclusive access inside the hospital.


bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Looking for viruses in Thai bats

Scientists believe the new coronavirus Sars-Cov-2 may have originated in bats before somehow jumping to humans .
Bats are known @ @ @ @ @ that affect humans , so studying them can give us important clues about how to @ @ @ @ @ BBC joined a group of scientists at the Khao Ang Rue Nai wildlife sanctuary in @ @ @ @ @ they collected samples from bats .
They say there is nothing to fear but much @ @ @ @ @ animals .
Filmed and produced by Danny Bull , Thanyarat Doksone and Miho Tanaka

Scientists believe the new coronavirus Sars-Cov-2 may have originated in bats before somehow jumping to humans.
Bats are known to be reservoirs of viruses that affect humans, so studying them can give us important clues about how to fight new ones.
The BBC joined a group of scientists at the Khao Ang Rue Nai wildlife sanctuary in Chachoengsao, Thailand, as they collected samples from bats. They say there is nothing to fear but much to learn from the little animals.
Filmed and produced by Danny Bull, Thanyarat Doksone and Miho Tanaka


bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Women denied abortions because of the pandemic

In some European countries , hospitals have stopped performing abortions .
In others , where abortion is severely restricted , @ @ @ @ @ travel to get treatment elsewhere .
In the past few weeks we ’ ve spoken @ @ @ @ @ to backstreet abortions , and others left with no choice but to continue with unwanted @ @ @ @ @ are now urging countries to make sure abortions are safely available .

In some European countries, hospitals have stopped performing abortions. In others, where abortion is severely restricted, women have been unable to travel to get treatment elsewhere.
In the past few weeks we’ve spoken to women who have resorted to backstreet abortions, and others left with no choice but to continue with unwanted pregnancies.
Human rights organisations are now urging countries to make sure abortions are safely available.
Reported by: Jean Mackenzie
Produced by: Sara Monetta
Filmed and edited by: Andy Smythe
Graphics: Gerard Groves
Executive Producer: Kimberley Rowell


bbc--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Cut negatives capture the isolation of lockdown

During the coronavirus crisis , many photographers have been taking socially distant pictures of their neighbours or images the unusually empty streets where they live .
For some though it is not about recording the seen world , it is about creating an image that captures their own experiences of the past few months .
Here photographer Aletheia Casey talks about her series To Dance With Shadows .
A dog howls in the distance .
A bird lies dead on the pavement .
The sound of a passing train echoing through the unpolluted air seems louder now .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a solitude that I have never experienced before in the city .
The world seems to have been thrown into a quiet chaos , and the future suddenly feels messy and uncertain .
The flowers in my kitchen , long dead , still sit in their vase .
When I arranged them , florists , like everything else , were still open .
I touch the transparent , delicate petals ; a reminder of the fragility of human life .
The trees outside have burst into new life , in contrast to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the absence of people , pigeons and foxes have reclaimed the streets .
A single masked figure walks by , the only visible reminder that life is all but normal .
I find respite from the anxiety of the situation by making photographic work .
I cut into my negatives , damaging and distorting them ; overlaying my own grief and fear onto the images .
I manipulate and disfigure the photographs to reflect the way in which the future seems distorted and dark with shadows .
As time passes I rework images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the future more certain .
I dissect and scratch the images , separating and isolating the pieces of negatives , the lonely splinters of cut film now sitting apart from one another , disconnected , much as I now feel disconnected from many of those that I love .
I overlay the fragments of the cut negatives on top of ink paintings that my young son and I made together while his school was closed and I was his main companion .
The ink from the paintings slowly stains the film , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to resemble a virus under the microscope , spreading and infecting .
Loneliness creeps in under my living room door .
It is an unwelcome guest , but I allow it in to sit with me while I work , a silent companion .
My own rhythmic breathing becomes a calming background to the production of these images .
Outside my window , a fragile cherry tree is aflame with delicate blossoms .
Several days later , the flowers have fallen to the ground as if in defeat , making the pavement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

During the coronavirus crisis, many photographers have been taking socially distant pictures of their neighbours or images of the unusually empty streets where they live. For some though it is not about recording the seen world, it is about creating an image that captures their own experiences of the past few months.