bbc--2020-07-27--Rain frustrates England in victory pursuit against West Indies

Heavy rain prevented any play on day four of the third Test between England and West Indies at Emirates Old @ @ @ @ @ will need to take eight wickets on the game 's final day to win the @ @ @ @ @ Indies are 10-2 , chasing an unlikely 399 to win a series in England for @ @ @ @ @ .
The series is currently locked at 1-1 , with England looking to protect a @ @ @ @ @ When play does resume on Tuesday , England bowler Stuart Broad will be one wicket @ @ @ @ @ second Englishman to reach 500 Test wickets .
• TMS podcast : No play but @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Third Test, Emirates Old Trafford (day four of five) England 369 & 226-2dec: Burns 90, Root 68*, Sibley 56 West Indies 197 & 10-2: Broad 2-8 Scorecard
Heavy rain prevented any play on day four of the third Test between England and West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford.
It means England will need to take eight wickets on the game's final day to win the Test and series.
West Indies are 10-2, chasing an unlikely 399 to win a series in England for the first time since 1988.
The series is currently locked at 1-1, with England looking to protect a six-year unbeaten home record.
When play does resume on Tuesday, England bowler Stuart Broad will be one wicket away from becoming only the second Englishman to reach 500 Test wickets.


bbc--2020-07-27--Tuesday's football gossip: Man Utd's opening bid for Sancho rejected

Manchester United have had an opening £89m bid for England winger Jadon Sancho , 20 , turned down by Borussia Dortmund .
( Bild , via Mail ) United have yet to submit a bid for Sancho and , despite Dortmund 's £110m asking price being above the Premier League club 's valuation , there is a belief a compromise can be reached .
( Telegraph - subscription required ) Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish is a target for Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but the 24-year-old England midfielder has been made aware he may not be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the switch to Old Trafford .
( Independent ) LeicesterCity midfielder James Maddison , 23 , has signed a new £110,000-a-week deal that keeps him with the Foxes until 2024 .
( Goal ) Chelsea , having secured a place in the Champions League next season , have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee for 21-year-old Germany winger Kai Havertz .
( Guardian ) Brazil winger Willian , 31 , could agree a new deal at Chelsea by the end of the week following a breakthrough in negotiations between the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playmaker Philippe Coutinho has asked Arsenal for more time to make a decision about his future , with Leicester City and Tottenham also interested in the 28-year-old Brazil attacking midfielder .
( Sport , via Metro ) Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will hold talks with the club 's hierarchy in the next 48 hours , with a decision over his future expected by the end of the week .
( Mail ) German giants Bayern Munich are willing to pay £18.3m to sign Norwich City and England Under-21 right-back Max Aarons , 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are set to sign Wales Under-21 defender Cameron Coxe on a free transfer after the 21-year-old was released by Cardiff City .
( Wales Online )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Manchester United have had an opening £89m bid for England winger Jadon Sancho, 20, turned down by Borussia Dortmund. (Bild, via Mail) external-link
United have yet to submit a bid for Sancho and, despite Dortmund's £110m asking price being above the Premier League club's valuation, there is a belief a compromise can be reached. (Telegraph - subscription required) external-link
Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish is a target for Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but the 24-year-old England midfielder has been made aware he may not be able to start every week if he does make the switch to Old Trafford. (Independent) external-link
Chelsea will consider offers of more than £50m for Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, 25, and will consider a long-term loan move. Burnley and England’s Nick Pope, 28, and Ajax and Cameroon keeper Andre Onana, 24, are potential replacements. (Mail) external-link
Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, 23, has signed a new £110,000-a-week deal that keeps him with the Foxes until 2024. (Goal) external-link
Chelsea, having secured a place in the Champions League next season, have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee for 21-year-old Germany winger Kai Havertz. (Guardian) external-link
Crystal Palace are set to listen to offers for forward Wilfried Zaha, 27 this summer with Everton expected to bid for the Ivory Coast international. (Mirror) external-link
Garth Crooks' team of the season Who made the cut? And which defender is in the Maldini class?
Leicester's failure to secure Champions League football may lead to England left-back Ben Chilwell, 23, leaving with Chelsea and Manchester United interested. (Sun) external-link
Brazil winger Willian, 31, could agree a new deal at Chelsea by the end of the week following a breakthrough in negotiations between the two parties. (Sky Sports) external-link
La Liga side Real Betis want Manchester City and Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi, 32, with City hoping to replace him with Bournemouth and Netherlands defender Nathan Ake, 25. (Mail) external-link
Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho has asked Arsenal for more time to make a decision about his future, with Leicester City and Tottenham also interested in the 28-year-old Brazil attacking midfielder. (Sport - in Spanish) external-link
Tottenham are edging closer to a deal to sign Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 24, from Southampton. Spurs have offered £15m, although the Saints value the player at £25m. (Sky Sports) external-link
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will hold talks with the club's hierarchy in the next 48 hours, with a decision over his future expected by the end of the week. (Mail) external-link
German giants Bayern Munich are willing to pay £18.3m to sign Norwich City and England Under-21 right-back Max Aarons, 20. (Sky Sports) external-link
Manchester City are set to sign Wales Under-21 defender Cameron Coxe on a free transfer after the 21-year-old was released by Cardiff City. (Wales Online) external-link


bbc--2020-07-25--The dying teenager who wanted world peace (and love)

When Californian teenager Jeff Henigson was diagnosed with brain cancer and given two years to live , a children 's charity granted him the wish of a lifetime .
But Jeff did n't choose to go to Disneyland or meet his favourite footballer - Jeff just wanted world peace .
In the summer of 1986 , 15-year-old Jeff Henigson was riding his bike to the local electronics shop to buy the last part for a `` super laser '' he 'd been building , when he was hit by a van .
`` It 's coming in the opposite direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just smashes right into me , '' Jeff says .
`` And I 'm launched , like a rocket , 10 feet backwards .
I land on the back of my head . ''
Jeff was n't wearing a helmet , and was knocked unconscious .
A few hours later , he woke up in hospital .
He seemed to be OK , though , so he was discharged the same day .
But within a few weeks Jeff began having seizures and he returned to the hospital , this time to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If it had shown injuries from the cycling accident , Jeff would not have been surprised .
But the news was worse than that - the scan revealed a tumour .
`` Two things went through my mind , '' Jeff says .
`` One was a plan to lose my virginity that summer .
And let 's just say that did not work out .
The second was to complete my laser project . ''
Jeff was an ambitious teenager , whose dream was to work for Nasa .
He believed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build `` the most amazing laser '' which could bounce a beam off of a reflector that had been left on the moon by Apollo 11 .
But the laser was also a way for him to bond with his father , a distant figure , who had served with the US Navy in World War Two .
`` I did n't know at the time if that was because of the war or something else .
But my father was separate , emotionally , from the rest of us .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have in common .
This fascination with science .
This fascination with space . '
And that 's why I pursued it . ''
Though Jeff 's father never mentioned his experiences in the Pacific when the nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki , he would talk , at length , about nuclear weapons , the nuclear threat and the US 's relationship with the USSR .
And this seems to have had an impact on Jeff .
`` There was a fictional film in the early 1980s called The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soviet Union dropping nuclear bombs on the US .
I was probably 11 years old , and I was scared out of my mind .
I would often fall asleep at night and go straight into a nightmare about nuclear war , '' Jeff remembers .
Jeff hoped not only that he would get that dream job with Nasa , but that the organisation would start to work with the USSR rather than competing with it .
`` Even when I was fairly young , I could see the potential for collaboration between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
`` It just never made sense to me that we were pointing nuclear weapons at each other , when we could be collaborating to do extraordinary things in space . ''
As it happened , Jeff did n't only fail to lose his virginity , he did n't have time to finish his laser either .
He needed surgery - quickly .
After spending almost six hours on the table , doctors were able to remove the tumour in its entirety .
He then faced a seven-day wait to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The doctor walks in , and I could just tell from the look on her face she was not going to deliver good news .
She told me , ' I 'm very sorry to say you have brain cancer and it 's a very aggressive , fast-growing type of cancer , ' '' Jeff says .
He asked how long he had to live .
`` Maybe two years , '' was the doctor 's reply .
Jeff began radiation and chemotherapy treatments and tried his best to keep up with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a support group for teenagers with cancer .
• Listen to Jeff talking on Outlook , on the BBC World Service ( producer Thomas Harding Assinder ) '' They 'd tell me all about the things they 'd done - going to Disneyland or meeting a famous athlete .
And I 'd say , 'Oh , I thought that wish thing was for little kids , ' and they said , 'We 're kids . '
I just did n't see myself that way . ''
Helping the teenagers to do these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children 's Foundation .
Jeff 's mum made contact with them on his behalf , and a couple of volunteers , Matt and Teri , came over to his house in South Pasadena to talk about his wishes .
`` I said , ' I just have to ask , can you guys possibly get me on the next space shuttle mission ? '
They just looked at me like 'Oh , you 're so ridiculous , ' and said , 'Absolutely not . '
'' Matt and Teri asked Jeff if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he did .
He 'd recently re-watched The Day After - the film that had given him terrible nightmares about nuclear war a few years earlier - and had visited the library to do more research .
`` I was really feeling angry that we were investing so much in nuclear weapons .
I thought maybe it would be a good idea to invest in cancer research instead , '' he says .
So he told Matt and Teri : `` I would like to travel to the Soviet Union and meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss a plan to bring an end to nuclear weapons and the Cold War . ''
Matt and Teri then asked Jeff if he had a third wish , probably hoping it would be something easier to satisfy .
But he did n't want anything else .
`` I said , ' I totally understand if you ca n't make this happen , but it 's my only wish . '
'' Amazingly , the Starlight Foundation started trying to make it a reality .
They arranged for Jeff to join a trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Youth Ambassadors of America .
Then they started contacting people they thought might have connections to Gorbachev .
They told him that they 'd try their best , but could n't promise that it would happen .
Jeff had an image in his head of what the Soviet Union would be like - thanks in part to films like Red Dawn , released in 1984 , in which the US is invaded by the Soviet Union and her allies .
`` These films portrayed the Soviets as hardcore militants who were determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must say , I went to see a militant country with a militant people , '' Jeff admits .
`` And I was quite surprised by the people I actually met . ''
The Youth Ambassadors were determined to see if they could spot any spies - keeping an eye out for furtive glances and trench coats as they toured the country .
They were disappointed to not find any in Leningrad , but when they were walking through Moscow , a member of the group noticed that they were being followed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Are you serious ? '
And he was like , ' I 'm totally sure !
Every time I turn around , he turns and looks at whatever 's next to him . '
It was right out of a movie .
And he was wearing a trenchcoat .
It was great . ''
One of the teenagers came up with the idea of counting down from three and spinning around at the same time to say hello in Russian to the man they believed was following them .
Jeff was hesitant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing his meeting with Gorbachev .
`` But finally I give in .
So we do the countdown , and all spin around and yell privyet , and the guy turns around and looks at a wall - there was nothing to look at .
It was classic . ''
In their hotel rooms , they noticed that there were sections of each wall where the wallpaper did n't quite match .
One of the Youth Ambassadors decided to poke a hole and found a microphone inside .
They were being listened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that freaked me out was when one of the girls went back to her room and found two guys going through all of her stuff , '' Jeff says .
`` That was a little disturbing .
I was wondering if they would go through my things .
I had a present for Mr Gorbachev and I did n't want them to steal that .
It was my high school yearbook , which everyone in my school had signed .
It was a silly little gift , but I liked it and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept being told that people were working on getting him a meeting with Gorbachev .
Then one day he was told to put on the suit that he 'd brought for the occasion , and be in the lobby at 8am the next day .
`` I wanted to know what his hopes were for bringing an end to nuclear weapons , '' Jeff says .
`` But I also wanted to tell him about American kids , what we wanted in this world , and how it was n't that different from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn things , travel the world , visit each other 's countries .
None of these things were facilitated through this militant stance that our countries took towards one another , so I wanted to talk to him about that and see what he had to say . ''
However at the very moment his hopes seemed about to be realised , they were suddenly dashed .
As he waited anxiously in the lobby , a man from Gorbachev 's office came to deliver the news that he was unavailable to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd be free the next day , he was told that Gorbachev would never be available to meet him .
`` Who knows what brought an end to that meeting with Gorbachev , '' Jeff says .
`` Maybe it was never planned in the first place .
I was pretty devastated . ''
But the man went on to say that they 'd arranged an introduction for him to another important figure .
Jeff was told to pack an overnight bag , and was driven by limousine to the countryside .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was going to meet .
`` There was this lovely couple there , and they welcomed me to their home .
We ended up having a really lovely experience , and incredible conversations over a fine dinner .
They were talking about all sorts of philosophical notions for a better Earth , for how our countries could co-exist , '' Jeff fondly recalls .
I was n't until he returned to Moscow and told one of his co-ordinators the name of the family he had had such a wonderful time with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with .
`` She said , 'You met with Evgeny Velikhov ?
Do you realise who he is ? '
'' Velikhov was one of the country 's top nuclear physicists , she explained , and Gorbachev 's right hand man when it came to nuclear weapons .
He had n't met Gorbachev , but he had spent the evening talking to a man who played a key role in arms negotiations .
With the Youth Ambassadors conference over , and his signed yearbook safely delivered to Gorbachev 's assistant , Jeff flew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met him at the airport , but it was n't really the welcome reception he 'd been expecting .
Much to his dismay , neither his mother nor his father asked a single question about his trip .
When he raised the subject , it was his father who spoke .
`` My dad said , ' I have a question - did you meet with Mikhail Gorbachev ? '
I said , 'No . '
And that was the end of the dialogue .
It made me feel like a failure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trip , so he now went back to normal life and school .
Then one day , a month and a half later , he received a phone call from Moscow .
`` I ran to pick it up and it 's Jack Matlock Jr , the US ambassador to the Soviet Union .
And he says , 'Son , we have thousands and thousands of letters here that are all addressed to you . '
'' Jeff had spoken to a well-known journalist in Leningrad , who had published a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Union .
At the end of the piece , he had invited people to write letters to Jeff .
And thousands of people from across the Soviet Union had done so .
`` Mr Matlock said to me , 'Listen , we 're not the US Postal Service , we ca n't send you all of these , but we 'll send you a sampling .
And son , good luck . '
'' Jeff only received a couple of letters in English , but the school 's Russian teacher translated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him - `` In leaving , I will stay '' .
A reference to his cancer .
`` It made me feel like death was close again and I no longer wanted to be the kid with cancer .
So I ended up taking those letters , putting them in a box , and writing 'nostalgia ' in block letters on the top . ''
But despite the grim warning given by the hospital doctor , Jeff 's death was not in fact close .
He hid the box away , and kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and his tumour did n't return .
He moved to London to study at the London School of Economics and then back to the US to attend Columbia University .
He started working for the United Nations .
Still no tumour .
Then one day in the summer of 2008 , when he was 37 , Jeff returned to his childhood bedroom with his then-wife .
He was throwing away what he no longer needed or wanted , organising the things he did , and boxing up the laser project that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And as he went through everything , he found the box with 'nostalgia ' written on the top .
He was at a low point in his life , Jeff says .
He had been forced to leave his job at the UN because of seizures caused by scar tissue in his brain .
His marriage also was coming to an end .
This time , the box held a fascination for him .
`` The letters , somewhat overwhelming 20 years before as I wanted to disassociate myself from cancer , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
He found a letter in the stack that was written in good English - and there was a phone number .
He checked what time it was in St Petersburg and decided to call .
The phone rang three times , and a woman answered in Russian .
Jeff asked if , by any chance , her name was Svetlana .
And it was .
Twenty-three years earlier she had written him a letter in response to the article .
She was shocked that he was still alive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letters , and track down others who had taken the time to write too .
`` A number of volunteers translated the letters for me - one in particular , Eugenia Zhurbinskaya .
I knew early on that I wanted to connect with these people .
I was interested in documentary film-making , and a couple of film-makers I discussed my story with encouraged me to assemble a film crew , return to Russia , and interview the people who had written to me . ''
In the Summer of 2011 , Jeff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew and flew to St Petersburg for 10 days to meet several of the original letter-writers that his contacts had located .
He later returned twice more , but no film was ever made .
`` Some of the stories were absolutely stunning , '' Jeff recalls .
`` There was this woman , Nina Ivanovna Dmitrieva , she was in her 80s then , who had been walking down the street in Leningrad as a child in the 1940s when she hears this rumbling in the sky and a bomb detonates over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapsed on top of her and crushed her skull .
They took her to the hospital , and she goes through three brain surgeries during the siege of Leningrad , and still managed to survive .
The area she had the surgery was exactly the same area where I had my tumour .
That was mind-blowing .
She felt like I was her child . ''
Jeff fondly recalls a woman called Nelly Slepkova , then in her 80s , who had been a geologist .
`` She told me that they looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , she looked at me like , 'You idiot ! '
And she said , 'To build nuclear weapons , of course . '
'' Jeff also had the opportunity to meet the journalist who had written the story about him all those years ago .
`` We had a pretty intense interaction .
He kept wanting to communicate his success , but unlike every other Russian I 'd met on that trip , all the letter writers , he did not talk about his family .
I finally asked him about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at me and says , ' I had a very difficult relationship with my father . '
And there was something I understood there because I had n't resolved my relationship with my father . ''
This took a long time .
In the Christmas holidays of 2013 Jeff went to visit his parents , and confronted his dad about how emotionally distant he had been .
He told him how difficult he had found it being his son .
`` When I finished , he thought for a moment and said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , accusations ... ' And I just felt this anger building up in me , but he continued , 'identical to those I laid against my own father . '
'' For the first time , Jeff 's father opened up to his son about his childhood .
His father had been a Hollywood producer , he said , and a gambling addict .
`` He 'd bring a small fortune home from a well-performing film to his ever-neurotic wife , and then he 'd lose it in a late-night card game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say to his children , though they were witnesses to his anger , and he showed little interest in their lives .
`` My father repeated the distance , but not the lack of care .
He provided for us .
He took us on vacation .
He came home each night for dinner , even if it was an hour or three later than my friends ' suppers with their families .
He just could n't make the emotional connection .
He could n't express feelings , '' Jeff says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family for the first and only time , and told us all that he loved us .
He died a month later .
So I am absolutely grateful that we found our peace . ''
Jeff is now 49 and working as a writer .
His first book , Warhead , is about his own experiences , and he is following it up with a young adult novel .
A recent MRI scan of his brain has given him a clean bill of health , though he expects to live with epilepsy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's still occasionally in touch with some of the Russian letter-writers , or their English-speaking grandchildren .
Nelly , the geologist , is well .
Sadly , he has n't heard for a while from Nina , the survivor of the siege of Leningrad .
Jeff regrets that a trusting relationship between the US and Russia seems very far away , and remains anxious about their vast nuclear stockpiles , and the danger of further nuclear proliferation which he believes `` presents a very real and ever-growing threat to human existence '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nukes , and Turkey and Saudi Arabia will not sit idly by if Iran succeeds .
The US has withdrawn from one key nuclear disarmament treaty , the INF treaty , and has signalled that another , New START , will not be extended , '' he says .
`` Russia is investing in new nuclear weapons systems and China is on pace to double its nuclear stockpile in the next decade .
While I no longer wake up in a cold sweat , I think nuclear war is becoming increasingly likely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' All photographs copyright Jeff Henigson unless otherwise stated Listen to Jeff talking on Outlook , on the BBC World Service ( producer Thomas Harding Assinder ) You may also like : As a gay teenager in post-Soviet Russia , Wes Hurley breathed a sigh of relief when his mother married an American and they moved to the US - but he soon discovered his stepfather , James , was violently homophobic .
This led to strained relations , until James underwent an unexpected transformation . '
I hated my homophobic stepdad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"Some of the stories were absolutely stunning," Jeff recalls. "There was this woman, Nina Ivanovna Dmitrieva, she was in her 80s then, who had been walking down the street in Leningrad as a child in the 1940s when she hears this rumbling in the sky and a bomb detonates over the building next to her, which collapsed on top of her and crushed her skull. They took her to the hospital, and she goes through three brain surgeries during the siege of Leningrad, and still managed to survive. The area she had the surgery was exactly the same area where I had my tumour. That was mind-blowing. She felt like I was her child."


bbc--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: German officials 'very concerned' by rising cases

The head of Germany 's public health agency has said he is `` very concerned '' by rising infections in the country .
`` We are in the middle of a rapidly developing pandemic , '' Lothar Wieler , head of the Robert Koch Institute ( RKI ) , told reporters .
Mr Wieler said Germans had become `` negligent '' and urged people to wear masks and respect social distancing and hygiene rules .
In the past week the country has recorded 3,611 new infections .
The warning comes as countries across Europe grapple with new infections and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the summer holidays .
On Tuesday Germany issued a travel warning for three regions in Spain - Aragón , Catalonia and Navarra - which have seen a recent spike in infections .
It comes after the UK imposed a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals from Spain - a move Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called `` unjust '' .
Germany announced on Monday a programme of free , mandatory coronavirus testing for travellers returning from a list of high-risk countries .
The list currently includes Brazil , Turkey and the US , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily .
What did Mr Wieler say ?
At a press conference on Tuesday , Mr Wieler asked people for the first time to wear a mask outdoors if they can not maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres ( 5ft ) .
Previously the guidance had been to wear masks indoors in public .
The head of the RKI said Germans must stop the virus once again spreading `` rapidly and uncontrollably '' by following hygiene and distancing measures .
`` We do n't know yet if this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course it could be , '' Mr Wieler said .
`` But I am optimistic that if we follow the hygiene rules we can prevent it , it 's up to us . ''
How is the virus spreading in Germany ?
Overall , Germany has recorded 206,242 cases and 9,122 deaths .
These numbers - in particular the death toll - are lower than many other European states , and Germany has won praise domestically and internationally for its rapid response to the pandemic and its mass testing programme .
But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded infections increased by 633 on Tuesday , nearly double Monday 's rise of 340 .
Over the last week the country has reported an average of 557 new infections daily , compared with about 350 in early June .
Moreover , the rise is widespread , with counties across the country reporting new cases .
An RKI official said that only a few weeks ago nearly 150 counties were reporting no new infections , compared with only 95 counties now .
How are other European countries doing ?
On Monday , Belgium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to five people after a rise in cases .
Authorities in the city of Antwerp have imposed a night-time curfew on all but essential workers and have mandated that everyone aged over 12 must wear a mask in public .
Spanish officials are still hoping to get the UK to reverse or amend its quarantine order in a bid to save its embattled tourism industry .
New infections remain high in the north-east , although nationally the outbreak remains under control , with few new cases emerging in other regions .
• Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ?
• What are the quarantine rules for Spain and its islands ?
The worst affected part of the continent is the southeastern Balkan region .
Kosovo reported a record rise of almost 300 new infections on Tuesday , and its public health officials have warned that hospitals and health workers are overwhelmed by the number of cases .
Serbia , Albania and North Macedonia are also struggling to contain outbreaks .
But Slovenia and Croatia have reported few infections compared to neighbouring states , and from Tuesday UK travellers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they return .

"We don't know yet if this is the beginning of a second wave but of course it could be," Mr Wieler said. "But I am optimistic that if we follow the hygiene rules we can prevent it, it's up to us."


bbc--2020-07-28--Portland protests: Ban federal agents from cities, Democratic mayors say

Six Democratic Party mayors have urged the US Congress to block the Trump administration from sending federal law enforcement agents to their cities .
In a letter , the mayors argue that the agents ' presence , against the request of local authorities , is unlawful .
Among the signatories is the mayor of Portland , where federal agents have clashed with anti-racism protesters .
It comes as US Attorney General William Barr is set to defend their deployment during congressional testimony .
Mr Barr is to say that the Department of Justice 's decision to send security forces to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was justified following attacks on federal buildings there .
Portland has seen 61 consecutive days of protests , which escalated after federal officers arrived this month .
The Portland protests began as part of the nationwide racial justice rallies triggered by the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , in Minneapolis , Minnesota , in May .
US President Donald Trump has said he may send forces to other cities to defend federal buildings from what he called anarchists and agitators .
• Is it legal to send in federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed by Mr Trump and has defended the president 's campaign team over the Russia report , has been accused by Democrats of politicising the justice department .
The mayors of Portland , Chicago , Seattle , Albuquerque ( New Mexico ) , Kansas City ( Missouri ) and Washington DC signed a letter on Monday accusing the Trump administration of `` egregious use of federal force '' .
`` We call on Congress to pass legislation to make clear that these actions are unlawful and repugnant , '' the letter , sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate and House of Representatives and tweeted by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler , added .
What will the attorney general say ?
According to his prepared remarks , Mr Barr will say in Tuesday 's testimony to the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives Judiciary Committee : `` The most basic responsibility of government is to ensure the rule of law , so that people can live their lives safely and without fear .
`` The Justice Department will continue working to meet that solemn responsibility . ''
It will be his first appearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February last year .
Mr Barr will deny he acted at the behest of US President Donald Trump , a Republican , when he interceded in criminal cases against his political allies - such as Roger Stone and Michael Flynn .
He will also accuse Democrats of `` conjuring up a narrative that I am simply the president 's factotum who disposes of criminal cases according to his instructions '' .
Why has Barr been asked to testify ?
Democrats say Mr Barr has turned the Department of Justice into a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insists he maintains independence from the White House .
They have previously accused the attorney general of releasing a distorted summary of justice department special counsel Robert Mueller 's report on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
His department has also been criticised for sending federal officers to forcibly disperse protesters in Washington DC .
A National Guard major will dispute the White House 's account of that June demonstration in separate congressional testimony on Tuesday .
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler wrote this month : `` Citizens are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret police force , not to investigate crimes but to intimidate individuals it views as political adversaries , and that the use of these tactics will proliferate throughout the country . ''
The protests had already been going on for weeks when federal agents were sent to Portland on 4 July to guard federal buildings .
Local officials say the demonstrations were peaceful until the federal agents showed up , but the justice department says that is not true .
The Mark O Hatfield Federal Courthouse in the city centre has become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breach the fence that surrounds the building by climbing the structure or even using power tools , according to the Associated Press news agency .
A number of officers have been injured in the clashes as protesters have fired commercial grade fireworks over the barrier , pointed laser beams in the eyes of agents posted as lookouts , and hurled rocks and other projectiles over the fence .
Federal officers have responded with tear gas and less-lethal munitions that have injured several demonstrators .
More about the Portland protests • Does Trump have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?

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bbc--2020-07-28--Kylie Moore-Gilbert: Lecturer jailed in Iran moved to remote prison

A British-Australian woman serving a 10-year sentence in Iran for espionage has been transferred to a notorious prison in the desert , officials say .
Kylie Moore-Gilbert , a lecturer at Melbourne University , has been in jail since September 2018 .
She was tried in secret and strongly denies all the charges against her .
The Australian government has said it holds Iran responsible for Ms Moore-Gilbert 's `` safety and well-being '' and is `` urgently seeking access '' to her .
`` Dr Moore-Gilbert 's case is one of the Australian government 's highest priorities , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Australia 's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement on Tuesday .
The statement added that Iran had confirmed earlier reports from human rights activists that she had been moved to the notorious Qarchak prison .
The jail is sometimes used as punishment for Iranian political prisoners and conditions have been described by former inmates as abysmal .
Before being moved to Qarchak prison , Ms Moore-Gilbert , a lecturer in Middle East politics , had spent almost two years sleeping on the floor of a cell at Evin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a friend .
She has been in solitary confinement and on several hunger strikes , and she is said to have been beaten for trying to comfort new prisoners by passing notes and writing to them on prison walls .
On Tuesday , the husband of British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe - who was jailed in Iran in 2016 on spying charges that she has always denied - said that Qarchak was a place where `` [ Iranian ] authorities sent women political prisoners when they wanted to break them '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the desert with no clean running water , very poor food with the bread and rice drugged , and gang-ridden , so you can wait months to get a bed , '' Richard Ratcliffe said .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been on hunger strike in solidarity with Ms Moore-Gilbert .
`` Qarchak jail is where common prisoners are held .
It 's overcrowded and some of them are dangerous , '' said Hadi Ghaemi , director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran .
Referring to an earlier statement from Ms Moore-Gilbert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom in return for becoming a spy for Iran , he added : `` They 're not happy with her resilience and her refusal to co-operate . ''
A friend of the family told BBC World Affairs correspondent Caroline Hawley that Ms Moore-Gilbert `` feels abandoned '' .
`` The Australian government does n't seem to have been very proactive - she 's been short on money that she needs to buy basic provisions for herself in jail , '' they said .
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evin prison recently and had been in telephone contact with her over the past few months .
What has she said about her confinement ?
Ms Moore-Gilbert told an Iranian human rights activist in a phone call earlier this week that she had not spoken to her family for about a month .
Reza Khandan , the husband of imprisoned human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh , said in a Facebook post that Ms Moore-Gilbert was in `` a very bad condition '' .
He wrote that she had told him : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know , I 'm so disappointed .
I 'm so very depressed . ''
In letters smuggled out of Tehran 's Evin prison in January , the lecturer said she had `` never been a spy '' and feared for her mental health .
She said she had rejected an offer from Iran to become a spy .
`` I am not a spy .
I have never been a spy , and I have no interest to work for a spying organisation in any country . ''
She also said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` I think I am in the midst of a serious psychological problem , '' she wrote , worsened by `` the ban on having any phone calls with my family '' .
Ms Moore-Gilbert remains adamant that she is `` an innocent woman ... imprisoned for a crime I have not committed '' .
The Cambridge-educated academic was travelling on an Australian passport and was detained at Tehran airport in 2018 as she tried to leave following a conference .
Last year , British-Australian woman Jolie King and her Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jailed in Tehran for reportedly flying a drone without a permit .

She has been in solitary confinement and on several hunger strikes, and she is said to have been beaten for trying to comfort new prisoners by passing notes and writing to them on prison walls.


bbc--2020-07-28--Chainsmokers gig prompts inquiry over social distancing

A charity concert featuring The Chainsmokers is being investigated after footage appeared to show fans ignoring social distancing regulations .
The concert , called Safe & Sound , took place on Saturday night in the Hamptons and was billed as a `` drive-in music experience '' .
But video taken from the stage showed crowds of people outside their cars , standing in close proximity .
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he was `` appalled '' by the footage .
Announcing an investigation into the concert , Cuomo wrote : `` We have no tolerance for the illegal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state 's health commissioner , Dr Howard A. Zucker , said he was `` greatly disturbed '' by reports that the concert `` involved thousands of people in close proximity , out of their vehicles , [ in ] a VIP area where there was no pretence of a vehicle , and generally not adhering to social distancing guidance '' .
In a letter addressed to the supervisor of the town of Southampton , where the concert was held , Dr Zucker demanded a report into the event , with a 24-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss as to how the Town of Southampton could have issued a permit for such an event , how they believed it was legal and not an obvious public health threat , '' Dr Zucker wrote in the letter .
He also asked : `` Why was it allowed to continue when it became clear violations were rampant ? ''
• The socially distanced show must go on • Why 2020 'is a write-off ' for gigs and festivals The town supervisor , Jay Schneiderman , who was also listed as a performer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspects of the event violated the permit '' .
`` They opened up a VIP area that was not part of the concert '' approved by the town , he told the local newspaper Newsday .
`` We would never have approved a gathering area . ''
The event 's organisers , In The Know Experiences and Invisible Noise , said in a statement that they had followed `` all proper and current protocols , '' with attendees assigned to designated areas , spaced two metres apart .
Guests ' temperatures were checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area to encourage mask wearing and promote social-distancing guidelines , '' they added .
Speaking to Buzzfeed news , the organisers added that dividers separated parties in the contested VIP area , and that `` guests were also instructed that they would not be allowed to leave their designed spots for any reason other than to use the restroom '' .
Concert-goers who spoke to Buzzfeed also said they `` felt very safe '' and that fellow fans were `` being responsible '' during the show .
An estimated 2,000 people attended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 850 ( £661 ) to $ 25,000 ( £19,450 ) .
Proceeds went to charity , according to the event 's website .
Other performers at the event included the chief executive of Goldman Sachs , David M. Solomon , under his stage name DJ D-Sol .
The investigation into the Safe & Sound concert comes as the UK government holds `` pilot shows '' to test how live music could resume after the Covid-19 lockdown .
Last week , Beverley Knight played to a reduced-capacity audience at London 's Palladium theatre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a similar show at the Clapham Grand on Tuesday .
However , plans for a major tour of drive-in gigs , featuring acts like The Streets , Kaiser Chiefs , Dizzee Rascal and Sigala were recently called off , with organisers saying the `` latest developments over local lockdowns '' meant they could n't proceed `` with any confidence '' .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbc--2020-07-28--Tahlequah: Killer whale who carried dead calf for days is pregnant

A killer whale who carried her dead new-born calf for 17 days while she swam 1,000 miles ( 1,600km ) , is pregnant according to scientists .
Scientists in Washington state made the discovery while recording drone images of Southern Resident killer whales .
They said that whales from three pods were pregnant including Tahlequah .
Killer whales have been known to carry dead calves for a week , but scientists at the time said Tahlequah set `` a record '' .
Tahlequah is part of a community of three pods , made up of some 72 whales .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Vancouver Island in Canada and in inland marine waters of Washington state in the US .
Both Canada and the US list the Southern Resident killer whales as endangered .
Scientists John Durban , senior scientist of Southall Environmental Associates , and Holly Fearnbach , marine mammal research director for the non-profit SR3 , captured images of the whales as part of a long term study into their condition , the Seattle Times said .
The images were taken from more than 100ft ( 30m ) above the animals so as not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , although pregnancies among Southern Resident killer whales are not unusual , the majority of recent pregnancies have not resulted in successful births .
Tahlequah 's initial pregnancy was said to be the first in three years among the whales .
Two Southern Resident killer whales have successfully given birth since and are still alive , the Seattle Times said .
According to research from the University of Washington , failures to reproduce are linked to nutrition and access to Chinook salmon - which have been in dramatic decline in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the whales and give them space .
Tahlequah captured the world 's attention in August 2018 when she was spotted carrying her dead calf .
Ken Balcomb , senior scientist at the Centre for Whale Research , said at the time that Tahlequah 's display of grief was unusual .
`` We 've seen mother whales carry dead babies briefly , for parts of a day .
We saw one a few years back for a couple days .
But this sets a record , '' he said .

Tahlequah is part of a community of three pods, made up of some 72 whales. They are frequently encountered off the southern end of Vancouver Island in Canada and in inland marine waters of Washington state in the US.


bbc--2020-07-27--'This is MLB's worst nightmare'

'This is MLB's worst nightmare'

Two Major League Baseball ( MLB ) fixtures scheduled for Monday have been postponed after the Miami Marlins suffered a coronavirus outbreak .
The Philadelphia Phillies , who hosted the Marlins on Saturday , called off the game against the New York Yankees .
MLB is just four days into the new season .
Marlins manager Don Mattingly said `` the guys that tested positive are quarantined in Philly '' adding : `` It 's fair to say guys are concerned about things . ''
MLB said in a statement it would be conducting additional Covid-19 testing .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had hoped to be the leading light in bringing back professional sport in North America .
While there has always been provision for players to test positive for Covid-19 , MLB was n't expecting one third of a team to go down with the virus at the same time .
To have so many of the Marlins organisation test positive for coronavirus will add more weight to those who felt that playing a 60-game season without doing so in a bubble was just too dangerous .
The worry of spreading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so all parties are acting with caution .
The New York Yankees would have been using the same facilities as Miami , less than 24 hours after the Marlins had used them .
There is still no answer as to whether the Philadelphia Phillies have been impacted by the Marlins outbreak .
With so many games being played in such a short space of time , there is almost no wiggle room for teams to miss multiple fixtures and still have time to make it up .
This is MLB 's worst nightmare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution to restore confidence in the testing programme and safety measures .
It was a hard sell to the players to get the season under way , with some deciding not to take part .
Now Major League Baseball and the Players Association will have to make sure that whatever happens next will ensure the safety of the players and team officials - or there will be little choice but to cancel the season .

The Miami Marlins played the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday
Two Major League Baseball (MLB) fixtures scheduled for Monday have been postponed after the Miami Marlins suffered a coronavirus outbreak.
The Marlins were set to host the Baltimore Orioles but 14 players and staff members have reportedly external-link tested positive for Covid-19.
The Philadelphia Phillies, who hosted the Marlins on Saturday, called off the game against the New York Yankees.
MLB is just four days into the new season.
Marlins manager Don Mattingly said "the guys that tested positive are quarantined in Philly" adding: "It's fair to say guys are concerned about things."
MLB said in a statement it would be conducting additional Covid-19 testing.
Analysis
BBC World Service Sport's Seth Bennett:
This is a huge blow for Major League Baseball, which had hoped to be the leading light in bringing back professional sport in North America.
While there has always been provision for players to test positive for Covid-19, MLB wasn't expecting one third of a team to go down with the virus at the same time.
To have so many of the Marlins organisation test positive for coronavirus will add more weight to those who felt that playing a 60-game season without doing so in a bubble was just too dangerous.
The worry of spreading the virus to other teams is huge and so all parties are acting with caution.
The New York Yankees would have been using the same facilities as Miami, less than 24 hours after the Marlins had used them. There is still no answer as to whether the Philadelphia Phillies have been impacted by the Marlins outbreak.
With so many games being played in such a short space of time, there is almost no wiggle room for teams to miss multiple fixtures and still have time to make it up.
This is MLB's worst nightmare. It needs to find a quick solution to restore confidence in the testing programme and safety measures.
It was a hard sell to the players to get the season under way, with some deciding not to take part. Now Major League Baseball and the Players Association will have to make sure that whatever happens next will ensure the safety of the players and team officials - or there will be little choice but to cancel the season.


bbc--2020-07-28--Najib Razak: Malaysian ex-PM gets 12-year jail term in 1MDB corruption trial

A court in Malaysia has sentenced former PM Najib Razak to 12 years in jail after finding him guilty on all seven counts in the first of several multi-million dollar corruption trials .
Najib had pleaded not guilty to the charges of criminal breach of trust , money laundering and abuse of power .
The case against him is seen as a test of Malaysia 's anti-corruption efforts .
The 1MDB scandal around a state-owned wealth fund in Malaysia has uncovered a global web of fraud and corruption .
It sent shockwaves through Malaysia 's political establishment , leading to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had governed the country for 61 years since it gained independence .
Najib , in office from 2009 to 2018 , is expected to remain out of prison until appeals are exhausted .
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for abuse of power , and 10 years in jail for each of six counts of money laundering and breach of trust .
The sentences are to run concurrently .
`` After considering all evidence in this trial , I find that the prosecution has successfully proven its case beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court .
Ahead of the hearing , Najib said he would fight on until the end , vowing to appeal against any guilty verdicts against him .
`` This is my chance to clear my name , '' he wrote in a statement on Facebook .
What were the accusations ?
Tuesday 's verdicts centred on 42 million ringgit ( $ 10m , £7.7m ) transferred from the fund to the then-prime minister 's private accounts .
Najib denies all wrongdoing and says he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fugitive financier Jho Low .
Jho Low has been charged in both the US and Malaysia , but also maintains his innocence .
Najib 's defence team argued he was led to believe the funds in his accounts were donated by the Saudi royal family - rather than misappropriated from the state fund .
The charges carried as much as 15 to 20 years in prison each .
More on the 1MDB scandal • Najib Razak : The fall of Malaysia 's former PM • How Malaysia ’ s government collapsed in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The case centres around the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad ( 1MDB ) , a sovereign wealth fund set up in 2009 , when Najib Razak was prime minister .
Sovereign wealth funds are government-owned investment funds that are used to boost a country 's economic development .
Built with state earnings , such as revenues from oil resources and exports , they have extraordinary flows of cash to invest and potentially enormous international clout .
In 2015 , questions were raised around 1MBD 's activities after it missed payments owed to banks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that $ 4.5bn was illicitly plundered from the fund and diverted into private pockets .
The missing money has been linked to luxury real estate , a private jet , Van Gogh and Monet artworks - and even a Hollywood blockbuster , the Wolf of Wall Street .
Last week , US bank Goldman Sachs reached a $ 3.9bn settlement with the Malaysian government for its role in the multi-billion-dollar corruption scheme .
The deal resolved charges in Malaysia that the bank misled investors when it helped raise $ 6.5bn for 1MDB .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , the first for his party in 60 years - and the humiliation of seeing luxury items wheeled from his home in shopping trolleys by the police - Najib Razak has enjoyed something of a political resurrection .
Still a very powerful figure within UMNO , the former ruling party , he has successfully posed as a champion of ethnic Malays , many of whom became disillusioned with the reformist coalition which replaced him .
When that coalition collapsed in February , and UMNO joined a new government , Najib expressed confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his way .
This first criminal conviction of such a senior political figure must now hurt his standing within UMNO , and will improve the public standing of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin - once a close colleague and stalwart of UMNO who was fired in 2016 over his objections to the 1MDB scandal .
He now leads a fragile coalition with a wafer-thin parliamentary majority , pushing Malaysia into uncharacteristically choppy political waters .
What else is Najib accused of ?
The former prime minister was cleared of all allegations by Malaysian authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet the accusations played a big part in his election defeat in 2018 - and the new government swiftly reopened investigations into the 1MDB case .
While Tuesday 's verdicts were the first , they were possibly not the most significant .
A separate trial that began last August looks at accusations the former prime minister illicitly obtained 2.28bn ringgit ( $ 550m , £448m ) from 1MDB between 2011 and 2014 .
He is facing 21 counts of money-laundering and four of abuse of power but again denies any wrongdoing .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money-laundering and tax evasion charges , to which she has pleaded not guilty .

This first criminal conviction of such a senior political figure must now hurt his standing within UMNO, and will improve the public standing of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin - once a close colleague and stalwart of UMNO who was fired in 2016 over his objections to the 1MDB scandal.


bbc--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson warns of Europe second wave amid Spain row

Boris Johnson has warned there are signs of a second wave of coronavirus in Europe , as he defended a 14-day quarantine on travellers from Spain .
The PM said the government had to be `` swift and decisive '' - and it was up to individuals whether to holiday abroad .
It comes after the Spanish prime minister called the UK 's decision to change the rules for Spain `` unjust '' .
Pedro Sánchez said tourists in most regions in Spain would be safer from coronavirus than in the UK .
The UK is advising against all non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Canary Islands .
It also removed Spain and its islands from the list of countries which are exempt from the 14-day quarantine rule .
Meanwhile , Germany has also advised against travel to three areas of Spain .
• What are the UK 's quarantine rules ?
• Spain travel rules : What are my rights ?
Speaking during a visit to Nottinghamshire , Mr Johnson said : `` What we have to do is take swift and decisive action where we think that the risks are starting to bubble up again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what 's happening in Europe , amongst some of our European friends , I 'm afraid you are starting to see in some places the signs of a second wave of the pandemic . ''
Asked about reports that the 14-day period could be reduced - as reported by the Daily Telegraph - Mr Johnson said : `` We are always looking at ways in which we can mitigate the impact of the quarantine , try to help people , try to make sure that the science is working to help travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have got to stick with the guidance that we are giving , we have given the guidance now about Spain and about some other places around the world .
`` I 'm afraid if we do see signs of a second wave in other countries it is really our job , our duty , to act swiftly and decisively to stop ... travellers coming back from those places seeding the disease here in the UK . ''
In an interview with the Telecinco TV network , Mr Sánchez said his government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get them to reconsider '' the decision .
He said the UK had made an `` error '' by considering the infection rate for the whole country .
He added that `` 64.5 % of the new cases registered are in two territories '' and in most of Spain the prevalence of Covid-19 was `` very much inferior to the numbers registered in the United Kingdom '' .
The rate of infection in Spain is 35.1 cases per 100,000 people , while the UK is at 14.7 , according to the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention and Control .
While the outbreak remains under control in many parts of Spain , certain areas - in particular Catalonia in the north-east , which includes the city Barcelona , and the neighbouring region of Aragón - have seen a huge spike in infections .
Data up to 19 July suggested there were lower rates of infection in the Balearic and Canary Islands than in mainland Spain .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , local government minister Simon Clarke said : `` We obviously continue to work closely with them [ Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in managing this outbreak , but we 've seen a very sharp increase in cases in Spain .
`` A 75 % increase in cases reported between the middle of last week and the end of last week .
That 's why we took the action that we have . ''
Mr Clarke was asked about the risk to holidays to other destinations , following a recent rise in cases in Germany and France .
Mr Clarke said the possibility of the rules changing `` has to be factored in '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that there is a chance you may be asked to self-isolate upon your return , '' he said .
On Tuesday , the UK government added Estonia , Latvia , Slovakia , Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to the list of countries which are exempt from the quarantine rule .
Travellers returning to the UK from anywhere not on the list - including Spain - must now self-isolate for 14 days at a registered address .
People who do not self-isolate can be fined up to £1,000 in England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Scotland could be fined £480 , with fines up to £5,000 for persistent offenders .
Government sources told the BBC that there are no plans to introduce testing at airports , and the priority is to get walk-in centres up and running .
Some travel agents say they are struggling to understand the logic of the UK government 's advice .
And MP Chris Bryant , who chairs the all-party parliamentary group for Spain , said : `` Why the Canaries - which are further away from Barcelona than Barcelona is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as mainland Spain , I simply do n't understand .
`` And there are many , many regions of Spain which have much lower infection rates than many areas in the UK .
I think this has been terribly badly handled . ''
Labour said the government 's handling of the restrictions had been `` chaotic '' , and urged the government to step in to protect jobs in the travel industry .
`` The airline industry and passengers need clarity , '' said shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon .
• Sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday will be like Holiday companies Jet2 and Tui were among those to announce sweeping flight cancellations following the UK announcement .
EasyJet , British Airways and Ryanair said they would continue to operate full schedules of flights to Spain , though EasyJet said its holidays would be cancelled for the next few weeks .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel advice was Tom Clasby , who had checked into an airport hotel near Stansted with his fiancée , their two daughters , and other family members , ahead of a holiday to Majorca .
Mr Clasby , 26 , was due to depart at 06:55 BST on Tuesday but now faces having to return home to Bury St Edmunds .
`` We 're in a situation where we ca n't do anything yet and I do n't actually know what to do .
The poor little girls have been so excited for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday this year we 've had cancelled , '' he told the BBC .
Also affected was Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , who flew to Spain on Saturday despite knowing a decision on the quarantine policy was due .
Mr Shapps said in a statement he would return to the UK on Wednesday in order to complete his quarantine and would return to work as soon as possible .
It comes as a further seven people with coronavirus were reported to have died across all settings in the UK , according to latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total number of deaths to 45,759 .
• Campaigners have written to the health secretary to say a lack of translated coronavirus guidance is jeopardising the safety of non-English speakers in the UK • A report from the Commons Home Affairs Committee says stronger action needs to be taken to protect people in asylum accommodation from the virus • Emirates becomes the first airline to offer free Covid-19 insurance as it tries to get people flying again • 'GUIDED BY SCIENCE ' : A dangerous gamble with people ’ s lives or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DESTROY YOU : The groundbreaking drama making headlines in lockdown Have your travel plans been affected due to the new government advice ?
Have you returned to the UK and are facing problems due to quarantine ?
Are you still stranded in Spain ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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Have your travel plans been affected due to the new government advice? Have you returned to the UK and are facing problems due to quarantine? Are you still stranded in Spain? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-07-28--Australia's fires 'killed or harmed three billion animals'

Nearly three billion animals were killed or displaced during Australia 's devastating bushfires of the past year , scientists say .
The findings meant it was one of `` worst wildlife disasters in modern history '' , said the World Wide Fund for Nature ( WWF ) , which commissioned the report .
Mega blazes swept across every Australian state last summer , scorching bush and killing at least 33 people .
Mammals , reptiles , birds and frogs died in the flames or from loss of habitat .
• Koalas face extinction in New South Wales by 2050 • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prediction During the peak of the crisis in January , scientists had estimated that 1.25 billion animals had been killed in New South Wales and Victoria alone .
But the new estimate takes in a larger area .
About 11.46 million hectares - an area comparable to England - was scorched from September to February .
What was the impact ?
`` When you think about nearly three billion native animals being in the path of the fires , it is absolutely huge - it 's a difficult number to comprehend , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project by 10 scientists from Australian universities .
He said they could not yet state an exact death toll , but noted the chances of animals escaping the blazes and surviving were `` probably not that great '' due to a lack of food and shelter .
The numbers were based on population counts and estimates of animal density before the disaster .
Limitations on data meant that some groups - such as invertebrates , fish and turtles - were not included in the estimates .
In February , the Australian government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent help '' after the bushfires .
Almost all on the list had lost at least 30 % of their habitat in temperate forests and grasslands of Australia 's south and east .
Koalas and wallabies - as well as bird , fish and frog species - were among those needing the most help , said experts .
• A visual guide on the scale of Australia 's fires • How do we know how many animals died in fires ?
The government pledged A $ 50m ( £27m ; $ 35m ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmentalists have called on Australia to strengthen its conservation laws .
Australia is holding a royal commission inquiry into the fires , which is due to report findings in October .
It has heard overwhelming evidence from scientists who said the unprecedented frequency and severity of the blazes were a result of climate change .
Experts also said that smoke from the fires was linked to more than 445 deaths .

"When you think about nearly three billion native animals being in the path of the fires, it is absolutely huge - it's a difficult number to comprehend," said Prof Chris Dickman, who oversaw the project by 10 scientists from Australian universities.


bbc--2020-07-28--Google's new transatlantic data cable to land in Cornwall

Google has announced plans to build a new undersea network cable connecting the US , UK and Spain .
The tech giant says it is incorporating new technology into the cable , which it claims is a significant upgrade to older existing lines .
The project is expected to be completed by 2022 .
Underwater data cables are vital to global communications infrastructure , carrying some 98 % of the world 's data , according to Google 's estimate .
The cables are usually built by communications firms - typically a group of them pooling resources - which then charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest cable , named `` Grace Hopper '' after an American computer scientist and naval rear admiral , will hit the UK at Bude , in Cornwall .
It is Google 's fourth privately owned undersea cable .
But Google needs `` an ever-increasing amount of transatlantic bandwidth '' , according to John Delaney from telecoms analyst IDC .
`` Building its own cables helps them choose cable routes that are most optimal , '' and near data centres , he said .
`` It also minimises operational expenditure by reducing the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners for the use of their infrastructure . ''
Jayne Stowell , who oversees construction of Google 's undersea cable projects , told the BBC it needed an internet connection that could be relied upon .
`` It 's not enough to have a single cable because any element in the network can break from time to time , and if it 's 8,000 metres under the sea , it takes a while to repair , '' she said .
The first ever transatlantic telecommunications cable was built in 1858 , connecting Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 750,000 miles of cable already run between continents to support the demand for communication and entertainment - enough to run around the world almost 17 times .
Cables are required to withstand major hazards , including earthquakes and heavy currents , and have a lifespan of around 25 years .
But Ms Stowell says some of the transatlantic cables are `` going out of service and we need newer , better and more sophisticated technology '' .
`` It served its need and purpose at the time , but it 's old generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Facebook too powerful , says watchdog Google has yet to build a cable that lands in mainland China , where its services are restricted by the state and Ms Stowell said there are no plans to build one in the foreseeable future .
`` We understand , being an American company , and understand the legalities of what we must abide by , '' she said .
But she pointed out that the Asia market was bigger than China .
She also addressed growing fears that the world could soon see two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the other by China .
`` The world wide web is dependent upon interconnected networks .
One would hope networks would be regarded as neutral and continue to interconnect . ''
Internet usage has skyrocketed around the world since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced .
In April , Ofcom revealed that a record number of UK adults spent a quarter of their waking day online during lockdown .
As demand for high-speed internet increases around the world , companies are continuing to look for ways to reach more consumers .
And Google is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data infrastructure .
Microsoft and Facebook , for example , are joint-owners with telecoms company Telxius of the Marea cable , which runs from the US to Spain .
In May , Facebook announced another project to build a 37,000km ( 23,000-mile ) undersea cable to supply faster internet to 16 countries in Africa .
Ready for use by 2024 , it will deliver three times the capacity of all current undersea cables serving the continent .
Africa lags behind the rest of the world in terms of internet access , with only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the web .
However , with a population of 1.3 billion , it has become a key emerging market for many businesses .

"It's not enough to have a single cable because any element in the network can break from time to time, and if it's 8,000 metres under the sea, it takes a while to repair," she said.


bbc--2020-07-28--Madeleine McCann investigators search German allotment

Police are searching an allotment in Hanover in connection with their investigation into a 43-year-old man suspected over the disappearance @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors have told the BBC .
Christian B was revealed last month as the main @ @ @ @ @ He is a sex offender currently in prison in Germany .
British girl Madeleine was @ @ @ @ @ went missing while on holiday in Portugal in 2007 .
• Who is the German @ @ @ @ @ an apartment in Praia da Luz on the evening of 3 May 2007 , while @ @ @ @ @ at a nearby tapas bar .
Her disappearance sparked a huge police hunt across much @ @ @ @ @ , the Metropolitan Police said the case remained a `` missing persons '' investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ said they are assuming Madeleine is dead .

After the latest police appeal, Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, said: "We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace."


bbc--2020-07-28--UK launches bike vouchers to boost active travel

A government scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers will launch in England on Tuesday as part of plans to boost cycling and walking .
An initial 50,000 vouchers will be made available online later in the day on a first-come , first-served basis .
The prime minister also announced that bikes will be made available on the NHS as part of the strategy .
But Labour said many of the government 's proposals were taking too long to come into effect .
It comes after the government launched its obesity strategy on Monday .
GPs in areas of England with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycling , with patients able to access bikes through their local surgery .
Recent Public Health England research found that being overweight or obese puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19 .
Government statistics showed nearly 8 % of critically ill patients in intensive care units with the virus have been morbidly obese , compared with 2.9 % of the general population .
• Want to start cycling to work ?
Here 's how • Have 20 years of obesity policies had any effect ?
Prime Minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge role to play '' in tackling health and environmental challenges .
`` But to build a healthier , more active nation , we need the right infrastructure , training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels , '' he said .
`` That 's why now is the time to shift gears and press ahead with our biggest and boldest plans yet to boost active travel - so that everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling . ''
Former Olympic gold medal cyclist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to British Cycling , welcomed the plans .
`` There 's a quarter of households in Britain who do n't have access to a car at all and we 've got public transport operating at 30 % , so 70 % of people have got to find another way to travel or not go to work , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
`` This can be not only provision for people who do n't have a car now , it 's a consultation for the future . ''
The government 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released in batches `` to help manage capacity '' and so that the scheme can be monitored before being rolled out more widely , the government said .
They will typically cover the bill for a standard service and the replacement of a basic component such as an inner tube or cable .
During a Downing Street briefing in May , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the initiative would be `` available from next month '' .
But the Department for Transport ( DfT ) said in July that it would only begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike in demand .
Halfords says it has thousands of slots available each day for customers to bring their bikes into stores to identify potential faults which could be rectified under the scheme .
`` We think the government 's 'Fix Your Bike ' voucher scheme will not only help individuals become more confident about keeping their bikes maintained , but will help speed up the cycling revolution , '' said chief executive Graham Stapleton .
The retailer previously reported that bike sales had risen by 57.1 % in the 13 weeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid public transport during lockdown .
Thousands of miles of new protected cycle lanes , cycle training for children and adults , and the creation of the UK 's first zero-emission transport city are also part of the plans to promote cycling and walking .
The initiative has been welcomed by cycling groups and environmentalists .
They have long argued that Active Travel - the new phrase for walking and cycling - fulfils twin objectives of improving health and well-being , while also reducing emissions that harm people 's health and fuel climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the investment is less than a 10th of the £27bn that the government previously announced would be spent on new roads .
There 's now increasing pressure for that road budget to be reduced .
AA head Edmund King told BBC News in April that some of the cash might be better spent on improving broadband .
And environmentalists have brought a legal challenge against the plans because the construction and use of the roads will increase carbon emissions when ministers are committed to reducing emissions .
A recent study suggested that big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycle lanes in suburbs , to be used by e-bikes .
Other measures to improve the well-being of pedestrians and cyclists include strengthening the Highway Code , improving legal protections , increasing lorry safety standards and working with the police and retailers to tackle bike thefts .
The plans will be funded by a £2bn investment announced in February .
Mr Shapps said it was a `` once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a shift in attitudes '' to make cycling or walking part of daily routines .
Matt Mallinder , director of the charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places cycling at the heart of our towns and cities '' , but he called for even more funding `` to truly shift gears '' .
Kerry McCarthy , Labour shadow cycling minister also said that the Conservative party had `` failed to seize the opportunity this crisis has posed '' .
`` Although funding is welcome , cyclists will be rightly concerned about how long it is going to take to actually put these plans into practice . ''
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"There's a quarter of households in Britain who don't have access to a car at all and we've got public transport operating at 30%, so 70% of people have got to find another way to travel or not go to work," he told BBC Breakfast.


bbc--2020-07-27--Booker Prize 2020: Hilary Mantel makes longlist

Hilary Mantel 's The Mirror & The Light is among the novels longlisted for this year 's Booker Prize .
It is the third book in the author 's Cromwell trilogy , and was selected for its `` masterful exhibition of sly dialogue and exquisite description , '' the judges said .
Mantel has previously won the prize twice - for the first two novels in the trilogy .
The longlist will be whittled down from 13 to a shortlist of six in September .
Zimbabwean writer Tsitsi Dangarembga was nominated , like Mantel , for the third novel in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Body .
This year 's longlist - nicknamed the 'Booker 's dozen ' - features eight debut novels .
The prize , which has been going since 1969 , was last year won jointly by Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo .
The annual longlist was compiled from 162 English-language novels published in the UK or Ireland .
Margaret Busby , chair of the 2020 judges , said that each of the titles on this year 's list was `` deserving of wide readership '' .
`` Included are novels carried by the sweep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life and given visibility , novels that represent a moment of cultural change , or the pressures an individual faces in pre- and post-dystopian society , '' she said in a statement .
`` Some of the books focus on interpersonal relationships that are complex , nuanced , emotionally charged .
There are voices from minorities often unheard , stories that are fresh , bold and absorbing , '' she added .
`` The best fiction enables the reader to relate to other people 's lives ; sharing experiences that we could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to identify with characters . ''
The shortlist of six books will be announced on 15 September , with the £50,000-prize winning author being revealed in November .
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"The best fiction enables the reader to relate to other people's lives; sharing experiences that we could not ourselves have imagined is as powerful as being able to identify with characters."


bbc--2020-07-28--In pictures: Civil rights icon John Lewis honoured at US capitol

The body of civil rights icon , Democratic Congressman John Lewis , will lie in state this week in the US Capitol rotunda .
The tribute is reserved for American statesmen and military leaders , including twelve US presidents .
Lewis , the `` Conscience of Congress '' , died of pancreatic cancer aged 80 on 17 July .
His funeral procession passed by several DC landmarks , including the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr Memorials and Black Lives Matter Plaza - the site of Lewis ' last public appearance .
Top Democrat , Speaker of the House Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell and other US lawmakers attended an invitation-only ceremony for Lewis in the rotunda .
Speaking at the ceremony for her long-time colleague , Ms Pelosi described Lewis as a `` person of greatness '' , who `` committed his life to to advancing justice '' .
The private ceremony will be followed by a public viewing held outdoors .
Lewis was a member of the House of Representatives from Georgia 's 5th District , an area which covered most of the state capital , Atlanta .
He was one of the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which included Martin Luther King Jr , and helped organise the historic 1963 March on Washington .

Lewis was a member of the House of Representatives from Georgia's 5th District, an area which covered most of the state capital, Atlanta. He was one of the "Big Six" civil rights leaders, which included Martin Luther King Jr, and helped organise the historic 1963 March on Washington.


bbc--2020-07-28--India Covid-19: Delhi's mask-averse shoppers worry officials

The number of Covid-19 cases in India 's capital , Delhi , has fallen in the past two weeks , @ @ @ @ @ .
But officials are worried that many people are still not wearing masks or following @ @ @ @ @ .
They have said such practices can have devastating consequences .
Officials , including Chief @ @ @ @ @ urged people to follow social distancing and hygiene rules .

The number of Covid-19 cases in India's capital, Delhi, has fallen in the past two weeks, allowing more markets to reopen.
But officials are worried that many people are still not wearing masks or following social distancing in public places.
They have said such practices can have devastating consequences.
Officials, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have urged people to follow social distancing and hygiene rules.
Shot and edited by Anshul Verma


bbc--2020-07-27--Training your brain to relax on a virtual island

A trip on London 's underground is rarely a relaxing experience , but the Covid-19 pandemic has added an extra level of anxiety for many .
I 'm off to try out a new technology that promises to train my brain to relax .
Sitting far apart from other passengers in the carriage while wearing a hot surgical mask , I 'm hoping it works .
I 'm meeting Dr Jamil El-Imad who enjoyed a successful career in the computer industry before , in his words , `` getting sucked into neuroscience '' .
The Lebanese-born IT expert knew all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the similarities between data and the way the brain processes information .
Recognising the potential of virtual reality devices he worked on how to use cloud computing techniques to capture and analyse brain signals and create a machine to replicate the meditation experience .
Neuroplasticity , the adaptability of the brain , is the science here .
Neurons , the circuits of the brain , become stronger the more they are exercised .
They are changeable .
And they are individual .
Neurons gripped Dr El-Imad .
He sees our neurons as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
This means that each person needs their own approach to gaining mental resilience .
His innovation was to integrate the technology of the electroencephalogram ( EEG ) , which monitors electrical activity in the brain , with a virtual reality headset .
The combination means that the response of the subject 's brain to images can be measured .
The biofeedback can be analysed instantly using the affordable computer power offered by cloud computing , industrial levels of data processing rented over the internet .
Murali Doraiswamy , professor of psychiatry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Medicine in North Carolina in the US and a former adviser to Dr El-Imad 's company NeuroPro , says that meditation and the whole realm of mindfulness are proven treatments for some conditions .
`` There are many types of mindfulness and it 's not a panacea .
But in the last 30 years mindfulness has gone from fringe science to the mainstream .
It can be as effective as medication in preventing a recurrence of depression .
It wo n't be for everyone , but it can change our outlook .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this system is when the EEG headset is slipped over my forehead .
It 's a semi-circular band containing sensors that transmit wireless signals revealing just what is going on in my brain .
The EEG headset takes feeds from my level of attention and will register when my mind veers off course .
Over multiple sessions this should help subjects to master their own mind and gain more control over their thoughts , which is a definition of mindfulness .
The VR headset is not a bulky helmet .
In fact there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a springy coil that holds it and takes the weight off your head .
Without that weight there 's no sense of enclosure either .
Hearing ethereal pipe music , I see an island floating in space .
Waves lap on a beach and beyond giant Easter Island statues are planted among the rocks and palm trees .
White feathers float on the breeze .
I am told they symbolise freedom and my breathing keeps them floating .
I move on to the beach and find myself on the sand looking towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But a white fog appears in front of me , which ebbs and flows as I try to focus on the faces of the statues .
That sea mist keeps returning to block my view because I 'm losing my focus on the moment , and hence am not sufficiently relaxed .
Focusing on the moment takes some effort .
I 'm hindered by a journalist 's instinct to note events .
Dr El-Imad tells me that our minds wander for 50 % of our waking hours so excluding other thoughts is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statues in sharp definition from time to time and emerge shocked that I was in the machine for five minutes .
It felt like two or three as I narrowed my thoughts on the scene in front of me .
Beside this set-up a laptop screen reflects the signals the EEG captured leaking out of my brain .
It shows areas of my consciousness lighting up .
This data is saved for analytic purposes .
Anonymised and encrypted it can be sent on to neuroscience researchers .
I 'm given a score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides a target for improvement .
Dr El-Imad thinks my neurons have behaved pretty well for a first outing , rating 30 % concentration .
The sense of escape that comes with sliding into a floating island vision did dilute the anxiety spurred by my tube journey .
And the hovering Easter Island stage set is just one virtual location option among promised relaxing spots .
Rolling out the Dream Machine to the public should not be expensive .
NeuroPro uses off-the-shelf technology , with VR and EEG hardware costing no more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this service include gyms and fitness centres .
Alternatively , it could be installed in chill-out rooms in corporate offices , relieving employees of anxiety and allowing the company to retain good talent .
This is where Alastair Campbell , former Labour Party communications chief and mental health campaigner , thinks the technology might have a real impact .
Mr Campbell has lectured businesses on the significance of mindfulness and says the corporate world 's view of mental health has changed a lot .
`` We 've underplayed the importance of how employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen a change .
In the City banks now realise that it 's not smart if they invest a lot in someone who then burns out . ''
• The stress of leading a start-up through the pandemic • How to run a conference without a venue • The perfume makers that ca n't smell a thing • Why Hollywood needs computer games more than ever In a service economy protecting employee brainpower through mental health initiatives makes sense , says Mr Campbell .
He 's reserving judgement on the Dream Machine itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything that gets people talking about mental health .
You ca n't spend your life walking around with a Dream Machine on your head but you can train your mind to work differently . ''
The Dream Machine emerged from the mind of a technologist .
But Dr El-Imad concedes that a smartphone society is bad for our brains .
`` We live in an attention-seeking economy , one that distracts us and puts pressure on us .
We are not a multi-tasking species ! ''
So it could be our neurons need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world technology has built .
Mr Campbell agrees .
`` I have to keep reminding myself of the pointlessness of Twitter , of going through your phone all the time . ''

"There are many types of mindfulness and it's not a panacea. But in the last 30 years mindfulness has gone from fringe science to the mainstream. It can be as effective as medication in preventing a recurrence of depression. It won't be for everyone, but it can change our outlook."


bbc--2020-07-28--Challenge Cup sixth round to be redrawn after six teams pull out

The sixth round of the Challenge Cup will be redrawn following the withdrawals of Toronto Wolfpack and the five clubs from outside Super League .
Championship clubs Sheffield and York cited player welfare concerns as one of the reasons for their decisions .
Two sixth-round ties will be played in Huddersfield on 22 August .
The other six teams will receive byes into the quarter-finals , with both draws taking place later this week , and the final scheduled for 17 October .
The latter stages of the Challenge Cup were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic and Simon Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said there have been `` unique challenges in reshaping '' the competition .
He continued : `` We are wholly sympathetic to the Championship and League One clubs who had earned places in the sixth round , but for various reasons and quite understandably , do not now feel it would be in their best interests to continue in the competition .
`` We believe that the fairest way to proceed from here is to redraw , meaning two sixth-round ties and the other six clubs receiving a bye to the quarter-finals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will understand this decision . ''
It was confirmed earlier this month that Toronto Wolfpack had withdrawn from the Challenge Cup and would not play any further part in Super League in 2020 because of the `` overwhelming financial challenges '' caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Newcastle Thunder , Featherstone Rovers and Widnes Vikings , along with Sheffield and York , will also not be taking part in the remainder of the Challenge Cup .
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Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
Sheffield Eagles won the inaugural 1895 Cup - a competition for clubs outside Super League - by beating Widnes at Wembley in 2019
The sixth round of the Challenge Cup will be redrawn following the withdrawals of Toronto Wolfpack and the five clubs from outside Super League.
Super League fixtures will recommence on 2 August but league seasons in the second and third tiers will not resume because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Championship clubs Sheffield and York cited player welfare concerns as one of the reasons for their decisions.
Two sixth-round ties will be played in Huddersfield on 22 August.
The other six teams will receive byes into the quarter-finals, with both draws taking place on Wednesday, with the final still scheduled for 17 October.
The latter stages of the Challenge Cup were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic and Simon Johnson, chairman of the Rugby Football League, said there have been "unique challenges in reshaping" the competition.
He continued: "We are wholly sympathetic to the Championship and League One clubs who had earned places in the sixth round, but for various reasons and quite understandably, do not now feel it would be in their best interests to continue in the competition.
"We believe that the fairest way to proceed from here is to redraw, meaning two sixth-round ties and the other six clubs receiving a bye to the quarter-finals. We hope that supporters and clubs will understand this decision."
It was confirmed earlier this month that Toronto Wolfpack had withdrawn from the Challenge Cup and would not play any further part in Super League in 2020 because of the "overwhelming financial challenges" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Newcastle Thunder, Featherstone Rovers and Widnes Vikings, along with Sheffield and York, will also not be taking part in the remainder of the Challenge Cup.


bbc--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: Trump defends hydroxychloroquine again

US President Donald Trump has again defended the use of hydroxychloroquine to ward off coronavirus , contradicting his own public health officials .
He argued the malaria medication is only rejected as a Covid-19 treatment because he is the one who suggested it .
His remarks come a day after Twitter banned his eldest son for posting a clip in praise of hydroxychloroquine .
There is no evidence the drug can fight the virus , and regulators warn it may cause heart problems .
Last month , the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) cautioned against the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , following reports of `` serious heart rhythm problems '' and other health issues .
Last month , the FDA revoked its emergency-use authorisation for the drug to treat Covid-19 .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says `` there is currently no proof '' that it is effective as a treatment or prevents Covid-19 .
Hydroxychloroquine was first touted by Mr Trump in March in relation to Covid-19 .
The president told reporters at the White House on Tuesday : `` When I recommend something , they like to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Why a video promoted by Trump was pulled on social media • The millions of Americans 'hanging by a thread' • What do we know about hydroxychloroquine ?
The 73-year-old president surprised reporters in May by saying he had begun taking the unproven medication .
On Tuesday , Mr Trump said he had taken hydroxychloroquine for a 14-day period and experienced no side effects , declaring again that the drug was effective for treating coronavirus .
`` I can only say that from my standpoint , and based on a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , I think it could have a very positive impact in the early stages , '' he said .
`` I do n't think you lose anything by doing it , other than politically it does n't seem too popular . ''
In the now-banned video , doctors were shown claiming that hydroxychloroquine is a `` cure for Covid '' and that `` you do n't need a mask '' to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The clip has been was shared to Mr Trump 's 84 million Twitter followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 million times on Facebook .
Responding to questions from reporters , Mr Trump said he thought the group featured in the video were `` very respected doctors '' .
`` I was n't making claims , '' Mr Trump said of the tweet .
`` It 's the recommendations of many other people including doctors . ''
Asked about hydroxychloroquine earlier on Tuesday , America 's leading expert in infectious diseases , Dr Anthony Fauci , said the medication was not an appropriate treatment for Covid-19 .
The White House coronavirus expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday the drug `` is not effective in coronavirus disease '' .
At Tuesday 's briefing , Mr Trump questioned why Dr Fauci and his fellow task force member Dr Deborah Birx were popular , but his administration is not .
`` He 's got this high approval rating , so why do n't I have a high approval rating with respect - and this administration - with respect to this virus ?
He added : `` And yet , they 're highly thought of but nobody likes me .
It can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The US now has more than 4.3 million reported cases of Covid-19 , and more than 149,000 deaths .

On Tuesday the president told reporters at the White House: "I can only say that from my standpoint, and based on a lot of reading and a lot of knowledge about it, I think it could have a very positive impact in the early stages.


bbc--2020-07-28--Iran blasts dummy US aircraft carrier with missiles

Iran has launched missiles at a mock-up of a US aircraft carrier in the strategic Strait of Hormuz .
The drill included fire so heavy that the US military temporarily put two regional bases on alert .
The US navy condemned the `` irresponsible and reckless behaviour by Iran '' , labelling it an attempt `` to intimidate and coerce '' .
The exercise comes at a time of increased tension between Tehran and Washington in the Gulf waters .
The drills - named Prophet Mohammed 14th - were broadcast on state television .
The mock-up - which resembles a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulf - is shown with dummy fighter jets on either side of its landing strip .
Missiles are then launched from a variety of angles , including some aimed at the carrier .
Another missile fired from a helicopter appears to hit the side of the fake warship .
`` What was shown today in these exercises , at the level of aerospace and naval forces , was all offensive , '' Iran 's Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami told state television .
Ballistic missile fire was detected and led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UAE and Qatar , the US military said .
`` The US Navy conducts defensive exercises with our partners promoting maritime security in support of freedom of navigation ; whereas , Iran conducts offensive exercises , attempting to intimidate and coerce , '' said Commander Rebecca Rebarich , spokeswoman for the US Navy 's Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet .

The mock-up - which resembles a carrier the US routinely sails into the Gulf - is shown with dummy fighter jets on either side of its flight deck. Missiles are then launched from a variety of angles, including some aimed at the carrier.


bbc--2020-07-28--Coronavirus on campus: 'We already lost prom and graduation...'

The BBC spoke to three students about the uncertainty of schools reopening in the age of Covid-19 .
Now they @ @ @ @ @ a pricey US institution is still worth it if the autumn semester is online .
@ @ @ @ @ choose to open , what will a freshman 's year even look like ?

The BBC spoke to three students about the uncertainty of schools reopening in the age of Covid-19. Now they all must decide if attending a pricey US institution is still worth it if the autumn semester is online. And if a university does choose to open, what will a freshman's year even look like?
Video by Chloe Kim


bbc--2020-07-28--Maine shark attack: US woman killed by great white

A woman has been killed by a great white shark in a rare attack off the coast of Maine , US officials say .
The woman was swimming near Bailey Island - close to the city of Portland - on Monday when she was attacked .
The victim was named as Julie Holowach , 63 , from New York .
It is the first fatal shark attack on record in Maine - and only the second attack ever recorded there .
Sharks are not common in the area due to the cooler waters .
• How do you stop sharks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's deadliest animals ?
Two kayakers helped Ms Holowach , who was said to have been wearing a wetsuit , get to shore after the attack .
An ambulance was also on hand to help at the scene , but she was later pronounced dead .
A tooth fragment from the scene confirmed she had been attacked by a great white shark , a local official said .
Such sharks can be found in local waters on the lookout for seals , which are common off the coast of Maine .
Ms Holowach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career as a fashion executive , the New York Post reported .
`` She 's one of the happiest , most energetic people with the greatest disposition and zest , '' long-time friend Karen Murray told the Post , adding that the victim had two children , a son and daughter .
`` Julie ran marathons .
She actually did triathlons .
She was in great , great physical shape .
She made her money , and she wanted to spend time with her family . ''
Sharks have been sighted in various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , particularly around Long Island in New York , the AFP news agency reports .
There have also been previous sightings around Cape Cod , Massachusetts , where a surfer was killed by a great white in September 2018 .

It is only the second shark attack ever recorded in Maine. The species is less common in the region because of its cooler waters.