bbc--2020-07-09--Why Hollywood needs computer games tech more than ever

Kim Libreri , an award-winning visual effects artist based in Northern California , has worked on movies including Artificial Intelligence and War of the Planet of the Apes .
For nine years he has been working with a piece of technology better known for computer games , in particular the smash-hit Fortnite .
The Unreal Engine , owned by Epic Games , provides the building blocks and tools that a computer game developer needs , but is increasingly an attractive technology for TV and film producers .
The latest version of technology , Unreal Engine 5 , is coming out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily trailing its features .
It should allow visual effects artists like Mr Libreri to slot graphics and images straight into a scene , with little fuss .
`` With traditional filmmaking , a director and cinematographer might shoot a scene on set -then down the line , hand footage and creative direction off to a team of virtual reality artists and designers , who enhance that material with visual effects and computer-generated imagery in a separate phase of production , Mr Libreri says .
With Unreal Engine collaboration between the director , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams can occur simultaneously as an interactive process on set .
`` Unreal Engine 5 promises to further free the artistic process by making it easier to take virtual worlds developed for feature film and television , and run them in the game engine in real time , '' says Mr Libreri .
Anthony Hunt , is the chief executive of Cinesite , a multinational digital entertainment group , whose visual effects film work includes blockbusters such as Avengers : Endgame , Independence Day : Resurgence , Iron Man 3 and more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a live stunt show for a theme park , which includes chase scenes , punishing fistfights , and death-defying leaps .
`` It all happens right in front of you with live performers , interactive props and an immense LED screen - making it impossible to determine where the live-action ends and the screen begins , '' says Mr Hunt .
The film industry has long borrowed tech from the computer games industry .
Games production processes like mapping out scenes in 3D through photography , storyboards and animatics run on similar systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the challenges of producing films and television under lockdown restrictions is likely to accelerate the use of games technology .
For example game engines are particularly good for generating big crowd scenes .
`` An extra has to be fed and clothed and housed on a film set .
We can replicate huge crowd scenes with computer technology now and just have our main actors in the foreground , '' says Mr Hunt .
A good example of this a scene in Rocketman , the musical fantasy about Elton John 's breakthrough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodger Stadium , but in reality actor Taron Egerton performed the scene at Shepperton Studios .
The crowds used were 3D graphics designed to be parts of a larger scene .
Computer-generated scenery can be combined with LED walls - giant screens made up of individual displays .
`` LED walls are becoming more popular in film and television production because they allow filmmakers to capture visual effects in camera , and manipulate digital objects in a scene in real time , '' says Mr Libreri .
`` LED panels as those we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( a science fiction TV series and part of the Star Wars family ) will be a huge benefit to on-set production once restrictions start to lift , as filmmakers can reduce travel by creating photorealistic digital backgrounds to mimic any location , '' he continues .
`` When the physical filming restrictions are lifted , directors will have a clear plan of what and how to shoot their film/TV series because they will have done so in the computer already , '' says Mr Hunt .
What will all this mean to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who work in the industry ?
`` There is a possibility that production crew needs will alter somewhat .
Some roles may change with the ongoing use of CGI , perhaps other roles will be created , '' Daniel Green , director of the Master of Entertainment Industry Management Program at Carnegie Mellon University says .
When production returns to normal , the industry will need to be unified and make changes to assure that safety is paramount says Dr Green .
Studio executives and producers will no longer be making decisions solely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They will now be in close consultation with public health officials to make sure that crews , actors , and staff can have a work environment that is safe and secure , '' he says .
Mr Green also points out that CGI creates realistic worlds which are fun , but good story-telling is still the key .
`` The use of CGI and virtual production as in The Lion King remake can augment what can be shown on the screen , but at the end of the day , audiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertained by a story that captivates them . ''
Travis Cloyd , chief technology officer of CMG Worldwide , a company that represents 1,700 celebrities , athletes , musicians , brands and historical figures , sees another use for games engines .
A great business opportunity lies in `` resurrecting '' historical figures and famous people of the past like James Dean or Rosa Parks via digital twins , according to Mr Cloyd .
`` These famous people have a prebuilt awareness , '' he says .
`` They will always resonate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platforms amidst the pandemic will bring new opportunities to use them in a plethora of media , '' Mr Cloyd says .
Technology like the Unreal Engine is likely to be used in that process .
Movie making is of course a business , so the hope will be that new technology will save time and money .
`` Fewer things will need to be worked out on set and in post-production , and there will be less need for travel and expensive location shoots , '' says Mr Libreri .
`` Once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mr Libreri continues , `` they will find that it is much more efficient and cost-effective '' .
`` It is safe to say that virtual production is here to stay , '' he says .

"The use of CGI and virtual production as in The Lion King remake can augment what can be shown on the screen, but at the end of the day, audiences are still going to want to be entertained by a story that captivates them."


bbc--2020-07-09--Abusive behaviour completely normalised, say British Olympians Becky and Ellie Downie

British Olympians Becky and Ellie Downie say abusive behaviour in gymnastics training became `` ingrained '' and `` completely normalised '' .
The Downies said they had previously been afraid to speak out .
`` We certainly did n't realise how wrong it was at the time , '' they said .
The World Championship medallists , both current members of the GB squad , added in a statement on Twitter : `` It 's taken years and years to understand and come to terms with it .
`` While exact experiences obviously vary , we both recognise the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us have described so bravely .
`` For too long , the health and wellbeing of young girls has been of secondary importance to a dated , cruel , and - we 'd argue - often ineffective culture within women 's gymnastics training . ''
On Tuesday , British Gymnastics announced an independent review will take place following allegations of mistreatment from a number of athletes in recent days .
The governing body told BBC Sport on Thursday : `` The behaviours we have heard about in recent days are completely contrary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no place in our sport .
`` It is clear that gymnasts did not feel they could raise their concerns to British Gymnastics and it is vital that an Independent Review helps us better understand why so we can remove any barriers as quickly as possible .
`` This review will ensure that all those with concerns about safeguarding and abuse have the correct and proper channel to raise any issues . ''
'Deep scars which will never be healed' Ellie Downie , 20 , says she has been made to feel `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of her career , and to this day `` still hides food '' .
`` This never-ending focus on my weight has left deep scars which will never be healed , I suspect , '' she said .
`` After a deep emotional battle , I 've finally found a place to be happy with my body outside of the gym , but I 'll always feel overweight whenever I 'm in a gymnastics setting .
`` We 've seen too many girls descend into eating disorders and mental health problems because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing , there is still a culture of less is best . ''
Her older sister Becky , 28 , said it is only over the last few years that she has felt strong enough to `` stand up for herself '' , adding that they are `` no longer routinely weighed '' .
They say they have raised their concerns and shared their experiences with British Gymnastics .
`` We 're speaking out now , just a year before the peak of our sport , the Olympic Games , because we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young children coming into gymnastics , and their safety is more important than any Olympic medal . ''
They added : `` We hope by speaking up today , we 'll not only support those who have already done so , but also encourage others who may want to , but have so far felt unable to do so .
`` We 'll do everything in our power to see the sport showcase itself for what it should be : a place for boys and girls to have fun , be healthy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to on their own terms . ''
The BBC has learned that UK Sport knew of allegations of abuse in gymnastics as recently as summer 2019 .
After several gymnasts spoke out earlier this week , UK Sport , which funds Olympic sports in the UK , responded saying the allegations were `` shocking and upsetting '' .
But the BBC has seen emails from last year in which two different parents separately emailed UK Sport 's Head of Integrity in June and July 2019 regarding different allegations around safeguarding and alleged abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place between the head of integrity and one parent - but was later cancelled by UK Sport .
That parent said in an email : `` I still hope that one day someone will finally listen and prioritise the welfare of children over medals .
Perhaps you will be that person ? ''
A spokesperson for UK Sport told the BBC : `` There is absolutely no place in sport for abuse or bullying of any description .
`` It is important to note that UK Sport does n't have the authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport , but we are absolutely committed to draw on all available measures to ensure that the high performance system is a safe environment for all athletes . ''

The Downie sisters are both current members of the GB gymnastics squad
British Olympians Becky and Ellie Downie say abusive behaviour in gymnastics training became "ingrained" and "completely normalised".
It comes after several gymnasts told BBC Sport about what they called a "culture of fear" within the "mentally and emotionally abusive" sport.
The Downies said they had previously been afraid to speak out.
"We certainly didn't realise how wrong it was at the time," they said.
The World Championship medallists, both current members of the GB squad, added in a statement on Twitter external-link : "It's taken years and years to understand and come to terms with it.
"While exact experiences obviously vary, we both recognise the environment of fear and mental abuse those before us have described so bravely.
"For too long, the health and wellbeing of young girls has been of secondary importance to a dated, cruel, and - we'd argue - often ineffective culture within women's gymnastics training."
On Tuesday, British Gymnastics announced an independent review will take place following allegations of mistreatment from a number of athletes in recent days.
The governing body told BBC Sport on Thursday: "The behaviours we have heard about in recent days are completely contrary to our standards of safe coaching and have no place in our sport.
"It is clear that gymnasts did not feel they could raise their concerns to British Gymnastics and it is vital that an Independent Review helps us better understand why so we can remove any barriers as quickly as possible.
"This review will ensure that all those with concerns about safeguarding and abuse have the correct and proper channel to raise any issues."
'Deep scars which will never be healed'
Ellie Downie, 20, says she has been made to feel "ashamed" of her weight for almost all of her career, and to this day "still hides food".
"This never-ending focus on my weight has left deep scars which will never be healed, I suspect," she said.
"After a deep emotional battle, I've finally found a place to be happy with my body outside of the gym, but I'll always feel overweight whenever I'm in a gymnastics setting.
"We've seen too many girls descend into eating disorders and mental health problems because of this, and while this is changing, there is still a culture of less is best."
Her older sister Becky, 28, said it is only over the last few years that she has felt strong enough to "stand up for herself", adding that they are "no longer routinely weighed".
They say they have raised their concerns and shared their experiences with British Gymnastics.
"We're speaking out now, just a year before the peak of our sport, the Olympic Games, because we have a duty to the wellbeing of the young children coming into gymnastics, and their safety is more important than any Olympic medal."
They added: "We hope by speaking up today, we'll not only support those who have already done so, but also encourage others who may want to, but have so far felt unable to do so.
"We'll do everything in our power to see the sport showcase itself for what it should be: a place for boys and girls to have fun, be healthy and take it as far as they want to on their own terms."
UK Sport 'knew of abuse allegations'
The BBC has learned that UK Sport knew of allegations of abuse in gymnastics as recently as summer 2019.
After several gymnasts spoke out earlier this week, UK Sport, which funds Olympic sports in the UK, responded saying the allegations were "shocking and upsetting".
But the BBC has seen emails from last year in which two different parents separately emailed UK Sport's Head of Integrity in June and July 2019 regarding different allegations around safeguarding and alleged abuse.
A face-to-face meeting was due to take place between the head of integrity and one parent - but was later cancelled by UK Sport.
That parent said in an email: "I still hope that one day someone will finally listen and prioritise the welfare of children over medals. Perhaps you will be that person?"
A spokesperson for UK Sport told the BBC: "There is absolutely no place in sport for abuse or bullying of any description.
"It is important to note that UK Sport doesn't have the authority to intervene in employment matters within a sport, but we are absolutely committed to draw on all available measures to ensure that the high performance system is a safe environment for all athletes."


bbc--2020-07-09--Stokes rivalry will continue through series - Holder

West Indies captain Jason Holder says his rivalry with England 's Ben Stokes will continue throughout the series after dismissing him on the second day of the first Test .
Holder took 6-42 to help bowl England out for 204 at Southampton .
`` It was good to get his wicket and hopefully I can get it a few more times , '' Holder told BBC Sport .
`` I 'm sure we 'll have a good rivalry over these next couple of weeks , as we 've had in the past . ''
• Holder takes six as West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Test on iPlayer Holder is ranked as the number one all-rounder in Test cricket , one place above Stokes , who in April was named as Wisden 's leading cricketer in the world .
`` He 's a competitor , a really good cricketer , '' Holder said .
`` I 'm sure he 'll be in my face when we come to bat . ''
The wicket of Stokes - caught behind for 43 - was Holder 's first in a burst of 3-1 in 14 deliveries as he claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It feels good , '' Holder said .
`` It 's a proud moment to take six wickets against England .
`` I really want to make some runs .
My Test is far from over .
I still have a massive contribution to make with the bat . ''
With the weather set to improve on Friday , West Indies could have better batting conditions .
`` We are in an ideal position , '' said Holder .
`` It was important that we kept our wickets in hand .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good opportunity for England to get into our middle order .
`` Going into the third day with nine wickets in hand is very good for us . ''

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
West Indies captain Jason Holder says his rivalry with England's Ben Stokes will continue throughout the series after dismissing him on the second day of the first Test.
Holder took 6-42 to help bowl England out for 204 at Southampton.
"It was good to get his wicket and hopefully I can get it a few more times," Holder told BBC Sport.
"I'm sure we'll have a good rivalry over these next couple of weeks, as we've had in the past."
West Indies reached 57-1 - trailing by 147 - before bad light ended play early.
Holder is ranked as the number one all-rounder in Test cricket, one place above Stokes, who in April was named as Wisden's leading cricketer in the world.
"He's a competitor, a really good cricketer," Holder said. "I'm sure he'll be in my face when we come to bat."
The wicket of Stokes - caught behind for 43 - was Holder's first in a burst of 3-1 in 14 deliveries as he claimed his sixth five-wicket haul in 10 Tests.
"It feels good," Holder said. "It's a proud moment to take six wickets against England.
"I really want to make some runs. My Test is far from over. I still have a massive contribution to make with the bat."
With the weather set to improve on Friday, West Indies could have better batting conditions.
"We are in an ideal position," said Holder. "It was important that we kept our wickets in hand. The evening would have been a really good opportunity for England to get into our middle order.
"Going into the third day with nine wickets in hand is very good for us."


bbc--2020-07-09--Premier League admits VAR errors in all three Thursday matches

Incorrect penalty decisions were made by the video assistant referee in all three of Thursday 's games , the Premier League has told BBC Match of the Day .
Bruno Fernandes won a spot-kick which he scored in Manchester United 's 3-0 win over Aston Villa .
James Ward-Prowse hit the bar after a disputed penalty as Southampton drew 1-1 with Everton .
And Tottenham should have had a penalty for a Joshua King shove on Harry Kane in a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth .
The Premier League confirmed United and Southampton should not have been given penalties , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill , a Match of the Day pundit , said a former player should be involved to work alongside the VAR at Stockley Park .
`` I think that would really help them , to understand the movements , '' the former Australia international said .
`` When a player falls to buy a penalty you can feel it .
It must need a player there to give advice on what the player is doing . ''
'Powerful people do not like to be criticised' Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought his side should have had a penalty , apart from video assistant referee Michael Oliver .
King pushed Kane in the back as he defended a cross but referee Paul Tierney did not award a penalty and Oliver chose not to intervene .
Oliver , who will referee Sunday 's north London derby against Arsenal , was also the VAR official when Kane had a goal ruled out in Spurs ' 3-1 defeat by Sheffield United last week .
`` The game had the most important moment - you know when , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spurs boss .
Mourinho told BBC MOTD he feels `` powerful people do not like to be criticised '' .
Asked to clarify who he was referring to , Mourinho told Sky Sports : `` The same referee that was the VAR against Sheffield United .
In the world , everybody knows that is a penalty .
And I say everybody , I mean everybody .
`` It 's not just my opinion , everyone in the world , everybody knows that is a penalty .
And when I say everybody , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheffield , the man of the match was not one of the players .
But at Sheffield I could blame myself and the players , today I could not do that . ''
BBC Match of the Day pundit Dion Dublin said : `` It 's clear because Harry is setting himself ready to head that ball and he gets fouled .
It is a penalty . ''
Moments after Trezeguet hit the post for Villa , United won a penalty which Fernandes converted to set them on their way to a 3-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball and appeared to catch Villa defender Ezri Konsa 's leg - but referee Jon Moss awarded a penalty , a decision supported by the VAR .
Fernandes scored from the spot to set United on their way to victory and leave Villa four points from safety .
The Premier League match centre told Match of the Day : `` It was the wrong decision .
It should have been overturned by VAR but was n't and should actually have been a foul on Konsa . ''
`` I can understand Jon [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I do n't know what VAR are looking at , '' he said .
`` They have a screen they can go and look at it but they do n't seem to be bothered .
`` Fernandes is trying a double drag-back - his first touch is on the ball , his second touch is on Ezri Konsa 's shin . ''
`` I think it 's a penalty .
The boy sticks out his leg , Fernandes does a fantastic Zidane , Maradona turn and he lands on him , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both clubs , said : `` It 's clearly , in our opinion , not a penalty .
`` Anybody who has played the game knows what Fernandes is trying to do .
He does the turn and he gets it wrong .
He puts his stud on Konsa 's shin .
It changed the game .
`` VAR is there to say has the referee made an error and they did n't think he had .
That might cost Villa millions . ''
Cahill said : `` I feel for Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's a blatant foul .
VAR needs to step in and it needs to protect the players as well . ''
To complete a hat-trick , the Premier League confirmed Southampton should not have had a penalty against Everton .
Ward-Prowse appeared to fall into the standing Andre Gomes , although he missed the penalty as he hit the crossbar .
`` The performance of the referee was like my team , not so good , '' said Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti .
`` Straightaway we said no penalty , '' @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Powerful people do not like to be criticised - Mourinho
Incorrect penalty decisions were made by the video assistant referee in all three of Thursday's games, a former referee working for the Premier League match centre told BBC Match of the Day.
Bruno Fernandes won a spot-kick which he scored in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
James Ward-Prowse hit the bar after a disputed penalty as Southampton drew 1-1 with Everton.
And Tottenham should have had a penalty for a Joshua King shove on Harry Kane in a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth.
Ex Premier League official Dermot Gallagher advised that United and Southampton should not have been given penalties, but Tottenham should have been awarded one.
Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, a Match of the Day pundit, said a former player should be involved to work alongside the VAR officials at Stockley Park.
"I think that would really help them, to understand the movements," the former Australia international said.
"When a player falls to buy a penalty you can feel it. It must need a player there to give advice on what the player is doing.
"They're there to make the big decisions and they can't do it. It's really disappointing."
Fifa is taking over direct responsibility of VAR from football rulemakers IFAB and is expected to insist on greater consistency across more than 100 global leagues, on issues such as the use of pitchside monitors.
There has been confusion in the Premier League, with referees' chief Mike Riley limiting the use of monitors to ensure the game is not slowed down.
1. Mourinho: 'Powerful people do not like to be criticised'
Tottenham were not given a penalty for this Joshua King shove on Harry Kane
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said "everyone in the world" thought his side should have had a penalty, apart from video assistant referee Michael Oliver.
King pushed Kane in the back as he defended a cross but referee Paul Tierney did not award a penalty and Oliver chose not to intervene.
Oliver, who will referee Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal, was also the VAR official when Kane had a goal ruled out in Spurs' 3-1 defeat by Sheffield United last week.
"The game had the most important moment - you know when, you know who," said the Spurs boss.
Mourinho told BBC MOTD he feels "powerful people do not like to be criticised".
Asked to clarify who he was referring to, Mourinho told Sky Sports: "The same referee that was the VAR against Sheffield United. In the world, everybody knows that is a penalty. And I say everybody, I mean everybody.
"Like Sheffield, the man of the match was not one of the players. But at Sheffield I could blame myself and the players, today I could not do that."
BBC Match of the Day pundit Dion Dublin said: "It's clear because Harry is setting himself ready to head that ball and he gets fouled. It is a penalty."
2. Smith: 'Disgraceful decision' to give United penalty
Bruno Fernandes benefited from the penalty he won - by scoring his eighth Manchester United goal
Moments after Trezeguet hit the post for Villa, United won a penalty which Fernandes converted to set them on their way to a 3-0 win.
The Portuguese pirouetted on the ball and appeared to catch Villa defender Ezri Konsa's leg - but referee Jon Moss awarded a penalty, a decision supported by VAR.
Fernandes scored from the spot to set United on their way to victory and leave Villa four points from safety.
The Premier League match centre advised Match of the Day that this was the wrong decision and should have been overturned by VAR.
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith calls VAR’s decision on Man United's penalty ‘baffling’
Villa boss Dean Smith called it a "disgraceful decision".
"I can understand Jon [Moss, referee] getting it wrong but I don't know what VAR are looking at," he said. "They have a screen they can go and look at it but they don't seem to be bothered.
"Fernandes is trying a double drag-back - his first touch is on the ball, his second touch is on Ezri Konsa's shin."
His Manchester United counterpart, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, disagreed.
"I think it's a penalty. The boy sticks out his leg, Fernandes does a fantastic Zidane, Maradona turn and he lands on him," he said.
Dublin, who played for both clubs, said: "It's clearly, in our opinion, not a penalty.
"Anybody who has played the game knows what Fernandes is trying to do. He does the turn and he gets it wrong. He puts his stud on Konsa's shin. It changed the game.
"VAR is there to say has the referee made an error and they didn't think he had. That might cost Villa millions."
Cahill said: "It's a big mistake. I feel for Aston Villa. This totally goes against them. VAR needs to step in and it needs to protect the players as well."
3. Saints' disputed penalty
Southampton got a penalty when James Ward-Prowse seemed to fall towards Ande Gomes
The Premier League also confirmed Southampton should not have had a penalty against Everton.
Ward-Prowse appeared to fall into the standing Andre Gomes, although he missed the penalty as he hit the crossbar.
"The performance of the referee was like my team, not so good," said Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti.
"Straightaway we said no penalty," said MOTD pundit Cahill.
Analysis - BBC football reporter Simon Stone
The pre-planned move for Fifa to manage the implementation of VAR comes at the end of a four-year process as it was phased into elite football.
Although Fifa has declared VAR to be "a universal success", the lack of pitchside monitors in the Premier League went against the general guidance and the expectation is Fifa will expect this to be used more extensively.
In addition, rules around handball, offside and goalkeepers standing on their lines for penalty kicks will all be dealt with through Fifa, with clarification expected for next season, which individual leagues will be expected to adhere to.


bbc--2020-07-09--Mason Greenwood: Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he 'cannot leave out' teenager

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he can not leave Mason Greenwood out of his team after the teenager scored for the third straight Premier League game .
The English forward , 18 , took his tally to 16 for the campaign by netting in United 's 3-0 victory at Aston Villa .
Only George Best , Brian Kidd and Wayne Rooney - all with 17 - scored more as teenagers in one season for United .
Solskjaer said `` it 's up to him [ Greenwood ] how far he wants to go '' .
Academy product Greenwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is rated so highly at the club , showcasing pace , skill and the ability to finish with either foot .
His goal against Villa was smashed in from 20 yards out with his right foot , as he became the fourth player aged 18 or under to score in three consecutive Premier League games , after Danny Cadamarteri , Michael Owen and Francis Jeffers .
Solskjaer said : `` I am doing my bit to help him but he has to do it - turn in performances in training , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's up to him how far he wants to go .
`` He 's 18 and of course he will get better .
He is a natural footballer and has been in the academy since he was a little boy .
His dad showed me a picture of us together when he was seven .
He knows we believe in him .
You can not leave players out when they score goals . ''
United goalkeeper David de Gea told BBC Radio 5 Live that Greenwood has `` everything in his hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great player , a top finisher .
You do n't know if he is left or right-footed and it is great to see the kid scoring goals like today .
We have to have some patience with him because he is young . ''
Former United and Villa striker Dion Dublin said on Match of the Day : `` Mason Greenwood is getting better , quicker .
`` When you 've got three or four rockets running away from you , [ Villa defender ] Tyrone Mings goes too deep .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a future he has got . ''
We are producing performances worthy of Man Utd - Pogba Another United player who has impressed since the season restarted is midfielder Paul Pogba , who looks to be getting back to his best after an injury-hit campaign .
The future of the France World Cup winner - who has a year to run on his contract - has been the subject of constant speculation , as he has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Juventus .
But there may be signs he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he said that `` Manchester United is a big club '' .
Pogba stroked in his first goal of the season - and the 3-0 win meant United became the first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive games by a margin of three or more goals .
The last team to achieve the feat in the English top flight were Liverpool in October 1987 .
Pogba said : `` We are really pleased with ourselves because we know we have to carry on .
We talk before the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big club and we want to keep the level up always .
`` The performances of the past few weeks are Manchester United .
We have to keep working , there is a lot to do . ''
Solskjaer added : `` We still have a contract with Paul .
He is a fantastic person , fantastic player - one of the best midfielders in the world .
`` It 's a different team to the one he left when he was injured .
Everything is miles better in that dressing room .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in a very good way .
Now I feel we are a team .
Everyone is on the same way , everyone wants to win , to help and I am really happy .
`` It is great to see my team-mates play like today . ''

Mason Greenwood became the fourth player aged 18 or younger to score in three consecutive Premier League games
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he cannot leave Mason Greenwood out of his team after the teenager scored for the third straight Premier League game.
The English forward, 18, took his tally to 16 for the campaign by netting in United's 3-0 victory at Aston Villa.
Only George Best, Brian Kidd and Wayne Rooney - all with 17 - scored more as teenagers in one season for United.
Solskjaer said "it's up to him [Greenwood] how far he wants to go".
Greenwood ‘outstanding’ in the first-half - Solskjaer praises youngster
Academy product Greenwood has shown during his breakthrough season why he is rated so highly at the club, showcasing pace, skill and the ability to finish with either foot.
His goal against Villa was smashed in from 20 yards out with his right foot, as he became the fourth player aged 18 or under to score in three consecutive Premier League games, after Danny Cadamarteri, Michael Owen and Francis Jeffers.
Solskjaer said: "I am doing my bit to help him but he has to do it - turn in performances in training, in games, live his life properly. It's up to him how far he wants to go.
"He's 18 and of course he will get better. He is a natural footballer and has been in the academy since he was a little boy. His dad showed me a picture of us together when he was seven. He knows we believe in him. You cannot leave players out when they score goals."
United goalkeeper David de Gea told BBC Radio 5 Live that Greenwood has "everything in his hands", adding: "He is a great player, a top finisher. You don't know if he is left or right-footed and it is great to see the kid scoring goals like today. We have to have some patience with him because he is young."
Former United and Villa striker Dion Dublin said on Match of the Day: "Mason Greenwood is getting better, quicker.
"When you've got three or four rockets running away from you, [Villa defender] Tyrone Mings goes too deep. The strike… I thought he was left-footed - what a future he has got."
We are producing performances worthy of Man Utd - Pogba
Pogba scored his first goal of the season
Another United player who has impressed since the season restarted is midfielder Paul Pogba, who looks to be getting back to his best after an injury-hit campaign.
The future of the France World Cup winner - who has a year to run on his contract - has been the subject of constant speculation, as he has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Juventus.
But there may be signs he is willing to stay at Old Trafford after he said that "Manchester United is a big club".
Pogba stroked in his first goal of the season - and the 3-0 win meant United became the first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive games by a margin of three or more goals.
The last team to achieve the feat in the English top flight were Liverpool in October 1987.
Pogba said: "We are really pleased with ourselves because we know we have to carry on. We talk before the game, in training, Manchester is a big club and we want to keep the level up always.
"The performances of the past few weeks are Manchester United. We have to keep working, there is a lot to do."
Solskjaer added: "We still have a contract with Paul. He is a fantastic person, fantastic player - one of the best midfielders in the world.
"It's a different team to the one he left when he was injured. Everything is miles better in that dressing room."
De Gea added: "We are in a very good way. Now I feel we are a team. Everyone is on the same way, everyone wants to win, to help and I am really happy.
"It is great to see my team-mates play like today."


bbc--2020-07-09--Premier League predictions: Lawro v The Manor's Scotty Stacks

Arsenal go into Sunday 's north London derby on the back of a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and FA Cup - but will that revival survive the weekend ?
BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson is not convinced by their upturn in form , saying : `` I still do n't trust Arsenal .
`` Some people have got excited about their recent results and , yes , there has been some improvement - but it still feels like a bad performance is just around the corner . ''
Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guests .
This week he is up against The Manor 's Scotty Stacks , whose latest track 'All Goes Cold ' is out now .
Stacks is a Crystal Palace fan who was dreaming of Europe when he was part of the MOTDx Watchalong for the win at Bournemouth on 20 June , in what was their first game back as the Premier League restarted following the coronavirus shutdown .
That win sent the Eagles ninth , and at that stage they were just four points behind fifth-placed Manchester United , but Roy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their games since , and it is safe to say Stacks is no longer looking up the table and thinking about midweek trips to Azerbaijan .
`` What 's gone wrong ?
How long have you got !
?
! ''
Stacks told BBC Sport .
`` We 've got the job done this season when we 've needed to , but our league position has never really told the full story .
`` I think the Premier League been a pretty poor standard on the whole this year .
There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Wolves , Sheffield United and Burnley who have over-achieved and are pushing for Europe , but Liverpool have won it at a canter .
`` There are a lot of teams with decent squads who have n't played as well as expected .
So while it has been a pretty decent year for us to have an off-season , because we have never been in danger of going down , as a Palace fan it does feel like a missed opportunity for a European tour , when teams such as Arsenal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper mid-table most of the time .
`` It feels as if a couple more goals at different times and we could have been right in the mixer for the Europa League .
`` At the same time , I do n't think we 'd have the squad to cope with that anyway .
But would you risk a rainy Thursday night in Azerbaijan for a relegation dog-fight ?
I probably would , to be honest !
`` It is frustrating because we are capable of it , but being a typical , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're probably just as capable of getting relegated as we are getting into Europe .
A correct result ( picking a win , draw or defeat ) is worth 10 points .
The exact score earns 40 points .
Both of these sides actually played all right in midweek , but neither of them have anything to show for it .
Norwich 's defeat at Watford means they have lost six league games in a row and it is just a matter of time until their relegation is confirmed .
West Ham lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough chances to win that game and it still feels as if they are in better shape than the sides below them .
A win at Carrow Road would be massive for the Hammers , but even a point would edge them closer to safety .
Scotty 's prediction : Norwich had a bit about them at the start of the season , but not any more .
West Ham have had a couple of massive results against Chelsea and Newcastle and I think they will get the win here .
0-2 For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday and were basically beaten from the start .
It is hard to know what to expect from the Magpies this time - they are safe so have nothing to play for , unlike Watford who are fighting for their lives .
I 'd have to back the Hornets here , but I 'm expecting more of a fight from Newcastle .
They wo n't get battered again .
Scotty 's prediction : Newcastle are one of the teams who seem to be thriving without fans putting pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pretty toxic atmosphere at St James ' Park because of the way their supporters view their owner .
The Magpies got a good win on the road too , over Bournemouth , and I think they will get something from this one .
2-2 With three wins and a draw from their past four games , Burnley are doing brilliantly , especially when you consider how depleted Sean Dyche 's squad is .
But I see their good run ending when they go to Anfield .
Liverpool will find it far harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Brighton in midweek , but I think the end result will be the same - a Reds win .
Scotty 's prediction : Liverpool will win , but Burnley are a stubborn , stubborn side .
Their manager Sean Dyche has been touted to take over at Palace a couple of times and I have no idea why anyone would say no to him getting the job .
Look what he has done at Burnley with a net spend of about £4.50 since he has been there .
2-1 What a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves on Wednesday , thanks to John Egan 's last-gasp winner .
The Blades have certainly responded in the past few days when it looked like they might start to fall away - and it shows just how well Chris Wilder runs that team .
He has had so many of those players for so long , he knows exactly what they are capable of and he also knows how to get the best out of them .
They know he knows that too , which is just as important .
Chelsea 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of summed them up for me at the moment - they were good going forward , and they were very average at the back .
That is just the way Frank Lampard 's side are right now .
As dangerous as they look in attack , you can get at them too .
Scotty 's prediction : I 've never seen a team overachieve as much as Sheffield United have done this season .
People were a little bit patronising them when they came up , almost mocking Wilder 's progressive tactics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them all wrong .
I am backing Chelsea to take the points , because they are getting better and better under Frank Lampard , but the Blades have had a fantastic season that no-one expected .
1-3 This is a tough little spell for Brighton .
They were naive early on against Liverpool on Wednesday - will their manager Graham Potter make the same mistake against Manchester City ?
Yes , it 's great to play out from the back but , against Liverpool , the Seagulls knew they were playing a team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why take so many chances ?
Maybe just concentrate on keeping it at 0-0 for the first 15 minutes or so , put the ball in the channels , and ensure you clear your lines properly until you see how the game is going .
Instead , they made it too easy for Liverpool , and I can see the same thing happening to them again against City .
If they overdo it in their own half , they will play themselves into trouble .
And , once you 've gifted these top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luck getting back into the game .
Scotty 's prediction : Brighton always seem to do enough at the end of the season to get out of trouble .
They are another team , like Burnley , who look as if they are in a scrap but they are never down there when it matters .
City , meanwhile , have been so up and down , and I do n't think Pep Guardiola knows why , which must be annoying for him .
I think they need a different sort of striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - to throw on when teams dig in against them .
I wonder if that has been one of the reasons they 've fallen short this season .
They will win on Saturday , mind you .
0-3 Wolves have had a bit of a hiccup with defeats in their past two matches , but they wo n't change the way they play .
I do n't think they have suddenly hit a wall , even though their season started almost a full 12 months ago , in the qualifying rounds of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprised if they were below par again here .
My main worry for Wolves would be about Adama Traore , who has dislocated his shoulder again - the fourth time it has gone since December .
Traore has played through the pain barrier before but I know from experience it is a horrible injury until you have an operation to sort it out - it happened to me three times in one season before I went for surgery .
But , whether or not Traore decides to carry on for now , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have enough quality to break Everton down .
The Toffees have improved a lot under Carlo Ancelotti , but Wolves are much further down the road than they are in terms of building a team that can crack the top six .
Scotty 's prediction : Wolves are still in Europe now , which is a massive testament to how good they 've been this season , despite not having the biggest squad .
It does look like they are running out of gas a little bit now , just at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bet on them to make the top six , which I am a little bit worried about because they are having a wobble - I watched both their defeats and their level of performance has dropped - but I am going to back them in this one .
1-0 Palace are on a horrible run of four straight defeats , but I do n't think they are playing that badly .
Aston Villa badly need a win , but I do n't think they will get it .
They also look as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a break , but they are not going to get that either .
Scotty 's prediction : We have got nothing to play for but I still do n't see us losing to Villa .
I do n't think either of us will keep a clean sheet .
They have shown flashes of what they can do , mainly from Jack Grealish , but he ca n't do it on his own .
1-1 Scotty on Palace 's future prospects : At Palace we have got three players who are earning over £100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benteke and Wilfried Zaha - and in my opinion , I do n't think any of them should still be with us come the start of next season .
`` Benteke 's confidence is shot - the other day I was talking to a mate who is a bit of a casual football fan and he said 'there are a couple of Bentekes , are n't there ? '
and he was obviously talking about the Benteke who was at Villa and the Benteke who was at Palace now .
They might as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't look like the same player .
`` When he was on loan with us at the end of the 2016-17 season , Sakho was trying to earn a contract with us and get into the France squad before the 2018 World Cup and he was absolutely sensational .
I do n't know where that player is either , though , because we 've never seen him again .
For me , that just shows how drastically a player 's performance levels can fall when their head is not right .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces and , selfishly , I would love him to spend his whole career with us but , thinking of him , I have watched him right from the start when he made his debut for us and I would love to see him go somewhere else and achieve everything he can at the very highest level .
I 'd love to see what he is capable of with world-class players around him .
I do wonder which clubs will be able to afford him this summer , though , and where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams are in mid-table , and only on the fringes of the race for the Champions League spots - who would have thought that at the start of the season ?
I think that says it all about where they are at right now .
They both have flaws , but I 'd still say Spurs are more solid .
Scotty 's prediction : I like Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ; I think he has got some good ideas .
He just needs a couple of transfer windows to implement them , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending every penny I 've got to keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang because they are never going to attract another player as good as him .
3-3 I know Bournemouth kept a clean sheet against Spurs on Thursday but I do n't see that as a turning point for them .
Leicester have got their mojo back in attack , so the Foxes have to be big favourites here .
Having Jamie Vardy back in the goals is huge for Brendan Rodgers in terms of making the top four - and Vardy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League 's top scorer , so he has plenty to play for .
Scotty 's prediction : I do n't see Bournemouth staying up now .
They have overachieved for the past few seasons and what is happening to them now is almost a correction .
0-3 Southampton 's away form has been excellent but this is the biggest test they have faced for a while on the road .
Manchester United are just hot at the moment and it is going to be extremely hard to stop them because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every time they play .
Scotty 's prediction : United at the moment remind me of Atalanta , who have been playing all-out attack all season in Italy and have outscored Serie A leaders Juventus by 20 goals .
United are looking good are n't they ?
Mason Greenwood looks sensational - there is talk of Borussia Dortmund 's Jadon Sancho going to Old Trafford , and it would be great to see him in the Premier League , but I really hope it does n't come to the detriment of Greenwood 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawro do last time ?
From the midweek fixtures , Lawro got five correct results , including one exact score , for a total of 80 points .
He was beaten by DJ Joel Corry , who ended up with 90 points , thanks to six correct results , including one exact score .

Arsenal go into Sunday's north London derby on the back of a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and FA Cup - but will that revival survive the weekend?
BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson is not convinced by their upturn in form, saying: "I still don't trust Arsenal.
"Some people have got excited about their recent results and, yes, there has been some improvement - but it still feels like a bad performance is just around the corner."
Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season, against a variety of guests.
This week he is up against The Manor's Scotty Stacks, whose latest track 'All Goes Cold' is out now.
Stacks is a Crystal Palace fan who was dreaming of Europe when he was part of the MOTDx Watchalong for the win at Bournemouth on 20 June, in what was their first game back as the Premier League restarted following the coronavirus shutdown.
That win sent the Eagles ninth, and at that stage they were just four points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, but Roy Hodgson's side have lost all four of their games since, and it is safe to say Stacks is no longer looking up the table and thinking about midweek trips to Azerbaijan.
"What's gone wrong? How long have you got!?!" Stacks told BBC Sport. "We've got the job done this season when we've needed to, but our league position has never really told the full story.
"I think the Premier League been a pretty poor standard on the whole this year. There have been a few success stories - teams such as Wolves, Sheffield United and Burnley who have over-achieved and are pushing for Europe, but Liverpool have won it at a canter.
"There are a lot of teams with decent squads who haven't played as well as expected. So while it has been a pretty decent year for us to have an off-season, because we have never been in danger of going down, as a Palace fan it does feel like a missed opportunity for a European tour, when teams such as Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton have been in upper mid-table most of the time.
"It feels as if a couple more goals at different times and we could have been right in the mixer for the Europa League.
"At the same time, I don't think we'd have the squad to cope with that anyway. But would you risk a rainy Thursday night in Azerbaijan for a relegation dog-fight? I probably would, to be honest!
"It is frustrating because we are capable of it, but being a typical, cynical and pessimistic Palace fan, we're probably just as capable of getting relegated as we are getting into Europe.
Palace fans have a reputation for being among the loudest in the Premier League, so how much has playing behind closed doors affected the Eagles' form? "We've definitely missed our fans at home and we take it away as well," says Stacks. "It might sound a bit hippyish of me but I feel as if there is a positive energy and a bond between the players, fans and the community. The players talk about it a lot and there has been something missing without our supporters when, on the flip side, some of the teams with less harmonious relationships have benefited because the pressure is off when grounds are empty."
Premier League predictions - week 35 Result Lawro Scotty SATURDAY Norwich v West Ham 0-4 1-1 0-2 Watford v Newcastle 2-1 2-0 2-2 Liverpool v Burnley 1-1 2-0 2-1 Sheff Utd v Chelsea 3-0 1-1 1-3 Brighton v Man City 0-5 0-3 0-3 SUNDAY Wolves v Everton 3-0 2-0 1-0 Aston Villa v Crystal Palace 2-0 1-1 1-1 Tottenham v Arsenal 2-1 2-0 3-3 Bournemouth v Leicester 4-1 0-2 0-3 MONDAY Man Utd v Southampton 2-2 3-0 3-1
A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.
LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
SATURDAY
Norwich 0-4 West Ham
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Scotty's prediction: 0-2
Match report
Watford 1-1 Newcastle
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Scotty's prediction: 2-2
Match report
Liverpool 1-1 Burnley
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Scotty's prediction: 2-1
Match report
Sheff Utd 3-0 Chelsea
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Scotty's prediction: 1-3
Match report
Brighton 0-5 Man City
Lawro's prediction: 0-3
Scotty's prediction: 0-3
Match report
SUNDAY
Wolves 3-0 Everton
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Scotty's prediction: 1-0
Match report
Aston Villa 2-0 Crystal Palace
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Scotty's prediction: 1-1
Match report
Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Scotty's prediction: 3-3
Match report
Bournemouth 4-1 Leicester
Lawro's prediction: 0-2
Scotty's prediction: 0-3
Match report
MONDAY
Man Utd 2-2 Southampton
Lawro's prediction: 3-0
Scotty's prediction: 3-1
Match report
Lawro was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
How did Lawro do last time?
From the midweek fixtures, Lawro got five correct results, including one exact score, for a total of 80 points.
He was beaten by DJ Joel Corry, who ended up with 90 points, thanks to six correct results, including one exact score.
+/- DENOTE POSITION DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWRO'S TABLE AND ACTUAL POSITION TEAM P W D L PTS +/- 1 Man City 34 31 2 1 95 +1 2 Liverpool 34 30 4 0 94 -1 3 Chelsea 34 24 5 5 77 0 4 Tottenham 34 22 7 5 73 +5 5 Leicester 34 18 6 10 60 -1 6 Man Utd 34 16 9 9 57 -1 7 Arsenal 34 15 8 11 53 +1 8 Wolves 34 15 5 14 50 -2 9 Burnley 34 14 6 14 48 +1 10 West Ham 34 13 6 15 45 +6 11 Everton 34 11 9 14 42 0 12 Watford 34 12 5 17 41 +5 =13 Aston Villa 34 10 6 18 36 +6 =13 Bournemouth 34 11 3 20 36 +5 15 Newcastle 34 9 7 18 34 -2 =16 Sheff Utd 34 7 7 20 28 -9 =16 Southampton 34 7 7 20 28 -4 =18 Brighton 34 8 2 25 26 -3 =18 Crystal Palace 34 6 8 20 26 -4 20 Norwich 34 3 7 24 16 0
GUEST LEADERBOARD 2019-20
Score Guest leaderboard 160 Gabriel Luna 140 Arnold Schwarzenegger 110 Aitch, Daisy May and Charlie Cooper 100 Adam Peaty 90 Avelino, Joel Corry, Helen Housby, Jo Harten, Bobby Seagull, Geraint Thomas 80 Tom Davis, Andy Murray, Stephen Graham 76 Lawro (average after 34 weeks) 70 David Baddiel, Richard Hawley, Kojo, Michael Johnson, Craig Mitch, Alex Scott 60 Sonny Bill Williams, Georgia, Al Greenwood, Katie Ormerod, Serge from Kasabian, Stefan Ratchford 50 Chelcee Grimes, Alex Horne, Reece Parkinson, Sam Warburton 40 Big Zuu, Stephen Fry, Hugh Grant, Tom Grennan, Neil Jones, Simon Neil, Tommy O'Dell, Steve Queralt 30 Sam Bird, Matthew McConaughey, Seth Rollins
Total scores after week 34 Lawro 2,580 Guests 2,290


bbc--2020-07-10--Biden challenges Trump with ‘Buy American’ economic plan

Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has laid out his rescue plan for the coronavirus-crippled US economy , while berating President Donald Trump as incompetent .
Mr Biden said his $ 700bn ( £560bn ) plan would be the biggest investment in the US economy since World War Two .
The `` Build Back Better '' agenda , he said , would spur a manufacturing and technology jobs boom .
The Trump campaign responded that the plan would inflict `` catastrophe '' .
Mr Biden is all but guaranteed to face off with Mr Trump in this November 's presidential election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his childhood hometown of Scranton , Pennsylvania , on Thursday , Mr Biden said the president 's failures had `` come with a terrible human cost and a deep economic toll '' .
`` Time and again , working families are paying the price for this administration 's incompetence , '' Mr Biden said .
November 's election is expected to be dominated by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout , which has pushed tens of millions of Americans into unemployment .
More than 130,000 people have died with the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration 's handling of the pandemic .
His divisive approach to the country 's recent wave of anti-racism protests has also come under sharp scrutiny .
• What 's behind alarming new US outbreaks ?
• All you need to know about the presidential race Opinion polls show Mr Biden with an almost double-digit lead over Mr Trump .
Analysts have urged caution in over-interpreting the polls , but Mr Biden 's lead is far greater than that of Mr Trump 's 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton at the same point in the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his speech ?
The former vice-president , who served under Barack Obama , struck an optimistic tone as he presented an economic programme , which he said would create at least five million jobs in manufacturing and innovation .
A key theme of his plan , Mr Biden said , was to `` Buy American '' .
He proposed a $ 400bn increase in government spending on US-made products , in addition to spending $ 300bn on the research and development of new technologies , including electric vehicles and 5G networks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' money , we should use it to buy American products and support American jobs , '' he said Pennsylvania is a battleground state seen as critical to the outcome of the election .
Mr Trump won it in 2016 by a thin margin .
The `` Buy American '' tagline has drawn comparisons to President 's Trump 's `` American First '' agenda .
But Mr Biden said Mr Trump had failed to `` bring back jobs and manufacturing '' and , during the pandemic , had protected wealthy `` cronies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The truth is throughout this crisis , Donald Trump has been almost singularly focused on the stock market , the Dow and NASDAQ .
Not you .
Not your families , '' Mr Biden said .
• Joe Biden will not hold campaign rallies The Trump campaign took a dim view of Mr Biden 's economic proposals .
`` Mr Biden 's wilful attack on our jobs , our families , and the American way of life will reverse all the gains we 've made together and plunge us into economic catastrophe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where are we in the election race ?
Mr Biden , 77 , officially secured the Democratic presidential nomination in June .
He had been the effective nominee since left-wing Bernie Sanders withdrew from the race in April .
It is Mr Biden 's third bid for the presidency , after failed runs in 1988 and 2008 .
Mr Obama endorsed Mr Biden in April , saying in a video that his former vice-president had `` all the qualities we need in a president right now '' .
A former US Senator from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose his running mate - the person who would become vice-president should he be elected .
Kamala Harris , a Democratic senator from California , is considered the front-runner .
• Who could be Joe Biden 's running mate ?
Both the Democratic and Republican party conventions are scheduled for August .
At those events , delegates will formally choose each party 's nominees for president and vice-president in the 2020 election , due to take place on 3 November .

Biden challenges Trump with ‘Buy American’ economic plan Published 10 July 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Joe Biden lambasted US President Donald Trump, arguing he failed to deliver on his economic promises
Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has laid out his rescue plan for the coronavirus-crippled US economy, while berating President Donald Trump as incompetent.
Mr Biden said his $700bn (£560bn) plan would be the biggest investment in the US economy since World War Two.
The "Build Back Better" agenda, he said, would spur a manufacturing and technology jobs boom.
The Trump campaign responded that the plan would inflict "catastrophe".
Mr Biden is all but guaranteed to face off with Mr Trump in this November's presidential election.
Speaking at a metalworks firm near his childhood hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, Mr Biden said the president's failures had "come with a terrible human cost and a deep economic toll".
"Time and again, working families are paying the price for this administration's incompetence," Mr Biden said.
November's election is expected to be dominated by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, which has pushed tens of millions of Americans into unemployment. More than 130,000 people have died with the virus.
Many voters are concerned by the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic. His divisive approach to the country's recent wave of anti-racism protests has also come under sharp scrutiny.
Opinion polls show Mr Biden with an almost double-digit lead over Mr Trump.
Analysts have urged caution in over-interpreting the polls, but Mr Biden's lead is far greater than that of Mr Trump's 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton at the same point in the campaign.
What else did Mr Biden say in his speech?
The former vice-president, who served under Barack Obama, struck an optimistic tone as he presented an economic programme, which he said would create at least five million jobs in manufacturing and innovation.
A key theme of his plan, Mr Biden said, was to "Buy American". He proposed a $400bn increase in government spending on US-made products, in addition to spending $300bn on the research and development of new technologies, including electric vehicles and 5G networks.
"When the federal government spends taxpayers' money, we should use it to buy American products and support American jobs," he said
Pennsylvania is a battleground state seen as critical to the outcome of the election. Mr Trump won it in 2016 by a thin margin.
The "Buy American" tagline has drawn comparisons to President's Trump's "American First" agenda.
But Mr Biden said Mr Trump had failed to "bring back jobs and manufacturing" and, during the pandemic, had protected wealthy "cronies and pals" instead of working-class families.
"The truth is throughout this crisis, Donald Trump has been almost singularly focused on the stock market, the Dow and NASDAQ. Not you. Not your families," Mr Biden said.
The Trump campaign took a dim view of Mr Biden's economic proposals.
"Mr Biden's wilful attack on our jobs, our families, and the American way of life will reverse all the gains we've made together and plunge us into economic catastrophe," spokesman Hogan Gidley said.
Where are we in the election race?
Mr Biden, 77, officially secured the Democratic presidential nomination in June. He had been the effective nominee since left-wing Bernie Sanders withdrew from the race in April.
It is Mr Biden's third bid for the presidency, after failed runs in 1988 and 2008.
Mr Obama endorsed Mr Biden in April, saying in a video that his former vice-president had "all the qualities we need in a president right now".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Barack Obama endorses Joe Biden's 2020 presidential bid
A former US Senator from Delaware, Mr Biden is yet to choose his running mate - the person who would become vice-president should he be elected. Kamala Harris, a Democratic senator from California, is considered the front-runner.


bbc--2020-07-10--US Supreme Court rules half of Oklahoma is Native American land

The US Supreme Court has ruled about half of Oklahoma belongs to Native Americans , in a landmark case that also quashed a child rape conviction .
The justices decided 5-4 that an eastern chunk of the state , including its second-biggest city , Tulsa , should be recognised as part of a reservation .
Jimcy McGirt , who was convicted in 1997 of raping a girl , brought the case .
He cited the historical claim of the Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation to the land where the assault occurred .
What does the ruling mean ?
Thursday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as one of the most far-reaching cases for Native Americans before the highest US court in decades .
The ruling means some tribe members found guilty in state courts for offences committed on the land at issue can now challenge their convictions .
Only federal prosecutors will have the power to criminally prosecute Native Americans accused of crimes in the area .
Tribe members who live within the boundaries may also be exempt from state taxes , according to Reuters news agency .
Some 1.8 million people - of whom about 15 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land , which spans three million acres .
What did the justices say ?
Justice Neil Gorsuch , a conservative appointed by US President Donald Trump , sided with the court 's four liberals and also wrote the opinion .
He referred to the Trail of Tears , the forcible 19th Century relocation of Native Americans , including the Creek Nation , to Oklahoma .
The US government said at the time that the new land would belong to the tribes in perpetuity .
Justice Gorsuch wrote : `` Today we are asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Indian reservation for purposes of federal criminal law .
`` Because Congress has not said otherwise , we hold the government to its word . ''
What about the rape case ?
The ruling overturned McGirt 's prison sentence .
He could still , however , be tried in federal court .
McGirt , now 71 , was convicted in 1997 in Wagoner County of raping a four-year-old girl .
He did not dispute his guilt before the Supreme Court , but argued that only federal authorities should have been entitled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Seminole Nation .
His lawyer , Ian Heath Gershengorn , told CNBC : `` The Supreme Court reaffirmed today that when the United States makes promises , the courts will keep those promises . ''
How might Oklahoma 's criminal justice system be affected ?
In a dissenting opinion , Chief Justice John Roberts said the decision would destabilise the state 's courts .
He wrote : `` The State 's ability to prosecute serious crimes will be hobbled and decades of past convictions could well be thrown out .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State 's continuing authority over any area that touches Indian affairs , ranging from zoning and taxation to family and environmental law . ''
An analysis by The Atlantic magazine of Oklahoma Department of Corrections records found that 1,887 Native Americans were in prison as of the end of last year for offences committed within the boundaries of the tribal territory .
But fewer than one in 10 of those cases would qualify for a new federal trial , according to the research .
Jonodev Chaudhuri , a former chief justice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed talk of legal mayhem .
He told the Tulsa World newspaper : `` All the sky-is-falling narratives were dubious at best .
`` This would only apply to a small subset of Native Americans committing crimes within the boundaries . ''
How did other tribal leaders react ?
In a joint statement , the Five Tribes of Oklahoma - Cherokee , Chickasaw , Choctaw and Seminole and Muscogee Nation - welcomed the ruling .
They pledged to work with federal and state authorities to agree shared jurisdiction over the land .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to implementing a framework of shared jurisdiction that will preserve sovereign interests and rights to self-government while affirming jurisdictional understandings , procedures , laws and regulations that support public safety , our economy and private property rights , '' the statement said .

"The Nations and the state are committed to implementing a framework of shared jurisdiction that will preserve sovereign interests and rights to self-government while affirming jurisdictional understandings, procedures, laws and regulations that support public safety, our economy and private property rights," the statement said.


bbc--2020-07-10--Naya Rivera: Glee star likely drowned in tragic accident, police say

Glee star Naya Rivera is believed to have drowned in a `` tragic accident '' while boating with her young son on a lake in California , police say .
The 33-year-old was reported missing on Wednesday afternoon when her boat was seen drifting at Lake Piru , north-west of Los Angeles .
Her son , 4 , was found asleep on board .
He told police they went swimming but his mother never returned .
Search teams are hunting for her body but conditions are difficult .
Rivera is best known for playing cheerleader Santana Lopez in Glee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ran on the Fox network from 2009 to 2015 .
What is known about the boating incident ?
Rivera and her son rented a boat together at 1300 PST ( 2000 GMT ) on Wednesday , according to authorities .
The boat was due back three hours later but when the pair did not return workers went out to search for them .
The child was found by another person on the lake `` asleep and with his life vest on '' , police said .
After a massive search and rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to a `` search and recovery operation '' .
`` We 're presuming that an accident happened and we 're presuming that she drowned in the lake , '' Chris Dyer from the Ventura County Sheriff 's said .
`` The goal is still to bring Ms Rivera home to her family so they can have some closure , '' Mr Dyer added .
Visibility in the lake is low and police also warned it could take weeks to find a body , if it can be found at all .
Rivera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and model , appearing in TV commercials in the US .
As a four-year-old she starred in the Royal Family sitcom , and had a number of other TV appearances .
But it was playing cold-hearted Santana Lopez in Glee that made her a star in America .
In 2014 , Rivera starred in the horror film At the Devil 's Door .
The same year she married fellow actor Ryan Dorsey - who is the father of her son .
The couple divorced in 2018 and have joint custody of the boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows herself and her son with the caption `` just the two of us '' .

Visibility in the lake is low and police also warned it could take weeks to find a body, if it can be found at all.


bbc--2020-07-10--'I can recover at home': Cosmetic surgeons see rise in patients amid pandemic

A number of cosmetic surgery clinics around the world are reporting a rise in people getting treatment during the coronavirus outbreak as they can hide their treatment behind a mask or work from home .
Despite the virus shutting businesses across the globe , a number of plastic surgery clinics have remained open , adopting stricter measures such as Covid-19 tests and more frequent cleaning .
Clinics in the US , Japan , South Korea and Australia have all seen a rise in patients coming in for treatment including lip fillers , botox , face lifts and nose jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ during quarantine because it allowed me to heal at my own pace , '' Aaron Hernandez , who had lip fillers and buccal ( cheek ) fat removal in Los Angeles , told the BBC .
`` Getting my lips done is not something that all men tend to do , so some people might find it different .
Therefore I preferred to stay home and recover fully and people not know what work I had done once I 'm out . ''
The last time he had the procedure done before quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go out in public for work and his lips were `` extremely swollen and bruised '' .
• Teen had 30 cosmetic procedures with no age check Rod J Rohrich , a cosmetic surgeon based in Texas , said he was seeing a lot more patients .
`` Even more than I would say is normal .
We could probably operate six days a week if we wanted to .
It 's pretty amazing , '' he told the BBC .
He said usually people would have to factor in recovery at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are working from home , this does n't need to be considered .
`` They can actually recover at home and also they can have a mask that they wear when they go outside after a rhinoplasty or facelift .
People want to resume their normal lives and part of that is looking as good as they feel . ''
It 's not just the US that is seeing a rise in patients during the outbreak .
South Korea , well-known for its cosmetic surgery , was one of the first countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead of enforcing a nationwide lockdown , it had a social distancing plan with people encouraged to work from home .
Cosmetic clinics have seen a decline in foreign visitors however locals have been coming to clinics for treatments .
A number of clinics chose to offer a discount to locals .
A 54-year-old middle school teacher who had eyelid surgery in February told Joongang Daily that `` every plastic surgery clinic I visited was packed '' .
BK Hospital in Seoul told the BBC that at the beginning of the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun to come to the clinic .
`` Patients started to feel safe and comfortable to have surgery , despite Covid-19 .
The number of patients is increasing continuously , '' the spokesperson said .
`` Despite coronavirus , the number is estimated to increase by half compared to the same season last year . ''
Inquiries from foreign patients have also increased , the spokesperson said .
`` The number of online enquiries has increased significantly since there has been an opportunity to have online consultations and get prepared in advance for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifted . ''
Japan has not had an official lockdown , however Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced a state of emergency which lasted until 31 May .
People were asked to stay at home .
Despite this , clinics also saw a rise in patients wishing to get treatment .
The surge prompted Japan 's Association of Aesthetic Medicine to warn that cosmetic treatments were `` not essential for many people '' .
It asked people to stay away from surgeries to `` prevent further spread of the virus '' .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide same-day procedures , we have definitely seen an influx of patients who desire to have treatments done during this period , '' said Michelle Tajiri , clinic co-ordinator at Bliss Clinic in Fukuoka .
`` The main reasons are that they are off work and downtime is n't an issue , as well as the fact that everyone is wearing masks and thus any facial procedures can be easily disguised . ''
For Mr Hernandez , surgery during the outbreak was perfect timing .
`` It definitely allowed me more time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medication I probably would not have been able to take if I was driving and I was able to ice my lips and face area more . ''

"They can actually recover at home and also they can have a mask that they wear when they go outside after a rhinoplasty or facelift. People want to resume their normal lives and part of that is looking as good as they feel."


bbc--2020-07-10--Iran explosions: Officials deny reports of fresh blast

Iranian officials have denied reports of an explosion west of the capital Tehran on Thursday , the latest in a series of mysterious blasts to hit the country in recent weeks .
Social media users reported hearing explosions in the nearby cities of Garmdareh and Qods , state media said .
It is not clear where the reported incident took place .
Key sites including nuclear facilities and oil refineries have been damaged in recent incidents .
In July Iran 's Atomic Energy Organisation confirmed a fire took place at a nuclear plant in Natanz .
The incident is reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme .
Rumours of the latest incident began circulating online at around midnight on Thursday , according to reports by state-run IRIB news agency .
Locals reported hearing three or four mortar-like sounds similar to anti-aircraft weapons , reported government-run Press TV .
A small number of social media accounts claiming to be from Garmdareh reported hearing sounds , according to analysis by BBC News , but images of fire and damaged buildings circulating online were found to be old .
• What is behind mysterious fires at Iran 's key sites ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrichment matter ?
Qods governor Leila Vaseghi told government-run news agency IRNA that a short power outage occurred in the city but it was linked to a hospital .
The member of parliament for Qods also denied that an explosion happened in the city and said the power outages were related to the routine activities of the local power company .
The major of Garmdareh said the sound heard locally was an `` explosion at a factory making gas cylinders '' , according to the New York Times .
What other incidents have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been several unexplained fires or blasts at sensitive sites : • 26 June : Blast at a liquid fuel production facility for ballistic missiles in Khojir , close to Parchin , near Tehran ; fire at power plant in Shiraz , causing a blackout • 4 July : Explosion and fire in power plant in Ahwaz ; chlorine gas leak at Karoun petrochemical plant in Mahshahr The Supreme National Security of Iran says the cause of the explosion at Natanz nuclear site has been determined but can not currently be announced due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Reuters news agency that Israel is suspected of bombing the site .
When asked if Israel was behind the incident , Israel 's foreign minister responded `` our actions in Iran [ are ] better left unsaid '' .

The member of parliament for Qods also denied that an explosion happened in the city and said the power outages were related to the routine activities of the local power company.


bbc--2020-07-10--Hushpuppi's lawyer says FBI 'kidnapped' Nigerian Instagrammer from Dubai

A Nigerian man accused of multimillion-dollar fraud and money laundering by the United States was kidnapped by the FBI from Dubai , his lawyer says .
Ramon Olorunwa Abbas - known to his 2.5 million Instagram followers as Ray Hushpuppi - and another cyber-heist suspect Olalekan Jacob Ponle ( aka Mr Woodberry ) were arrested in Dubai , where they lived , in June .
They then appeared in a Chicago court on 3 July .
The United Arab Emirates has no extradition treaty with the United States but Dubai police said they had been extradited to the US .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice told the BBC that Hushpuppi was expelled from Dubai and was not extradited .
He did not answer how he ended up in US custody .
What does Hushpuppi 's lawyer say ?
Mr Abbas ' lawyer Gal Pissetzky told the BBC that his client , who posts on Instagram about his extravagant lifestyle , was not a criminal and had made his money legitimately .
`` He is a social media influencer with millions of followers , with millions of people that respect and loved him , and he loved them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In today 's society , that 's a business , '' he said .
Mr Pissetzky admits that he is not `` 100 % familiar '' with social media and his children consider him too old but he knows `` that 's how people make money today '' .
The Chicago defence lawyer 's argument that Hushpuppi was paid by designer brands for promotion has set the stage for what promises to be a long trial in American courts .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) accuses Mr Abbas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of dollars from frauds known as Business Email Compromise ( BEC ) and other scams .
Did the US act legally ?
It is the latest high-profile fraud case involving a Nigerian national in the United States but his lawyer says the US had no authority to transport him from Dubai .
`` In my opinion , the FBI and the government here acted illegally when they kidnapped him from Dubai without any legal process to do so , '' Mr Pissetzky told the BBC .
`` There was no extradition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there were no court documents filed , it was simply a call to the FBI .
He is not a citizen of the United States , the US had absolutely no authority to take him , '' his lawyer says .
But the Dubai police said in a Facebook post that the FBI director had thanked them for extraditing the two men .
`` You 'll have to ask them about why they called it an extradition , '' the US Department of Justice ( DoJ ) spokesman responded in an email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' initial court appearance , the DoJ said `` FBI special agents earlier this week obtained custody of Abbas and brought him to the United States '' without giving any further details .
`` If Dubai wanted to expel him , they should have expelled him back to Nigeria .
I 've never heard of anything like that .
That is the real story here . ''
You may also be interested in : • Africa Live : The latest from the continent • I went to Nigeria to meet the man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Ray Hushpuppi was already popular on Instagram for his luxurious lifestyle documented exhaustively on his page but he has gained another 100,000 followers since his dramatic arrest .
At the time , Dubai police said they recovered $ 40m ( £32m ) in cash , 13 luxury cars worth $ 6.8m , 21 computers , 47 smartphones and the addresses of nearly two million alleged victims .
A complaint against him filed in court accuses Mr Abbas of leading a transnational network of cybercriminals whose targets included a US law firm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League football club .
Email scams typically try to steal an individual 's personal information , or to defraud them by impersonating a legitimate business contact and tricking the target into sending money into a wrong account .
They 're sometimes called 419 scams , after the relevant article in the Nigerian Criminal Code .
• An individual may contact you via e-mail , explaining he needs help to transfer money • Will tell you that political turmoil or a natural disaster makes it difficult for him to make the transfer • Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details so that he can transfer the money into your account • This allows him to access and steal from your account • Be careful what you post on social media and dating sites as scammers use the details to better understand you and target you The affidavit claims that Mr Abbas conspired to launder $ 14.7m ( £11.7m ) stolen in a cyber-heist from a foreign financial institution in February 2019 .
It did not name the institution by name but a bank in Malta reported losing the same sum to hackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respond to a request for comment .
The FBI says $ 1.7bn was lost by individuals and companies in business email compromise scams in 2019 alone .
`` This case targets a key player in a large , transnational conspiracy who was living an opulent lifestyle in another country while allegedly providing safe havens for stolen money around the world , '' United States Attorney Nick Hanna said in a statement when the charges were announced .
But Hushpuppi 's lawyer says his client earned his money by monetising his large social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he was getting paid for legal fees or the source of Hushpuppi 's money .
Mr Pissetzky says the case could last several months , even longer than a year .
Mr Ponle , the other Nigerian arrested in Dubai and currently in custody in the United States , is also preparing for trial .
His lawyer Michael B Nash told the judge at a detention hearing on Thursday that he had not had a chance to speak to his client .
When he was allowed 15 minutes in a virtual breakout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he returned to request a new date for the hearing .
`` I really do n't have any comment right now , I have to learn the facts about this case , '' he told the BBC .
Mr Ponle , 29 , ran the `` Mr Woodberry '' Instagram account but the FBI says he used the alias `` Mark Kain '' in emails .
He is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud .
The complaint against him says one Chicago-based company `` was defrauded into sending wire transfers totalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of converting some of the proceeds into a Bitcoin digital wallet , effectively ensuring that they could not be traced .
`` Mr Ponle , are you there ? ''
a court deputy asked on Thursday when he dialled into the hearing from federal prison .
`` Yes , please , '' he replied , subdued .
He did not speak again .

"There was no extradition, there were no legal steps taken, there were no court documents filed, it was simply a call to the FBI. He is not a citizen of the United States, the US had absolutely no authority to take him," his lawyer says.


bbc--2020-07-09--Xinjiang: US sanctions on Chinese officials over 'abuse' of Muslims

The US has announced sanctions against Chinese politicians who it says are responsible for human rights violations against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang .
China is accused of mass detentions , religious persecution and forced sterilisation of Uighurs and others .
The sanctions target the US-connected financial interests of regional Communist Party boss Chen Quanguo and three other officials .
China denies any mistreatment of Muslims in far-western Xinjiang .
Authorities there are thought to have detained about a million people in re-education camps in recent years .
They say `` vocational training '' is needed to counter radicalism and separatism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese Communist Party 's powerful Politburo , is the highest-ranking Chinese official ever to be hit by US sanctions , the Trump administration says .
He is seen as the architect of Beijing 's policies against minorities , and was previously in charge in Tibet .
The other officials targeted are Wang Mingshan , director of the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau ; Zhu Hailun , a senior party member in Xinjiang , and former security official Huo Liujun .
It is now a crime in the US to conduct financial transactions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have their US-based assets frozen .
However Mr Huo will not be subjected to visa restrictions that bar the others and their families from entering the US .
Sanctions have also been placed on the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau as a whole .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was acting against `` horrific and systematic abuses '' in the region .
`` The United States will not stand idly by as the CCP [ Chinese Communist Party ] carries out human rights abuses targeting Uighurs , ethnic Kazakhs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said in a statement .
He said the US was also placing additional visa restrictions on other unnamed Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for abuses in Xinjiang .
Their family members may also be subject to the restrictions .
Tensions between the US and China are already high over the coronavirus pandemic and China 's decision to introduce a national security law in Hong Kong that has faced significant criticism from the West .
What is China doing in Xinjiang ?
Rights groups say up to a million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camps across Xinjiang province .
Last year , the BBC saw leaked documents that showed 15,000 people from southern Xinjiang were sent to the camps in one week alone .
The same documents showed inmates can be released only when they `` understand deeply the illegal , criminal and dangerous nature of their past activity '' .
The Chinese authorities say the Uighurs are being educated in `` vocational training centres '' in order to combat violent religious extremism .
However evidence shows many are being detained for simply expressing their faith - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veil - or for having overseas connections to places like Turkey .
Uighurs , who are mostly Muslim , are ethnically Turkic and make up about 45 % of Xinjiang 's population .
Last month a report by China scholar Adrian Zenz found China was forcing women in Xinjiang to be sterilised or fitted with contraceptive devices .
The report has prompted international calls for the United Nations to investigate .

Mr Chen, who sits on the Chinese Communist Party's powerful Politburo, is the highest-ranking Chinese official ever to be hit by US sanctions, the Trump administration says. He is seen as the architect of Beijing's policies against minorities, and was previously in charge in Tibet.


bbc--2020-07-10--Robert Fuller: Hanging death of black man ruled suicide

The death of a black man found hanging from a tree , sparking fears that he had been lynched amid US anti-racism protests , has been ruled a suicide .
Robert Fuller , 24 , had a history of mental illness and took his own life , said officials in Palmdale , California .
A post-mortem examination had returned an initial finding of suicide , but this was rejected by Mr Fuller 's family , prompting a further investigation .
His death last month came amid protests over the death of George Floyd .
According to the Los Angeles Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter protest on the eve of his death .
The fatality on 10 June in the high desert city of Palmdale , about 60 miles ( 96km ) north of Los Angeles , shook the black community in the Antelope Valley .
Some said they feared it could have been a lynching , a murder by a mob with no due process or rule of law .
Across the US , thousands of African Americans were lynched by white mobs , often by hanging or torture , in the 19th and 20th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' conclusion of suicide , it was announced last month that the FBI 's civil rights division would review investigations into the deaths of Mr Fuller and another black man in similar circumstances in southern California .
Mr Fuller 's family described him as someone who enjoyed music and video games , and insisted he would not have taken his own life .
Thousands of protesters who gathered the weekend after Mr Fuller 's death demanded a thorough investigation .
On Thursday , Los Angeles sheriff commander Chris Marks told a news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California hospital in February 2019 and said he was hearing voices telling him to kill himself .
He also said that Mr Fuller was treated at a hospital in Nevada last November for suicidal ideation .
`` The medical examiner issued their final autopsy report and delivered it to the sheriff 's department , and deemed this case to be a suicide , '' Cmdr Marks said .
The investigation found no evidence of foul play , he added .
The other case that attracted widespread attention was that of Malcolm Harsch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tree at a homeless encampment in Victorville , 50 miles east of Palmdale , on 31 May .
His family said they reviewed the site and surveillance video footage , and concluded that his death was a suicide .
More on the US protests • Why US protests are so powerful this time • Five pieces of context to understand protests If you want to talk to someone about the issues raised in this piece , you can call the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) or contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 741741 .
You can call the UK Samaritans Helpline on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org .

Some said they feared it could have been a lynching, a murder by a mob with no due process or rule of law. Across the US, thousands of African Americans were lynched by white mobs, often by hanging or torture, in the 19th and 20th Centuries.


bbc--2020-07-10--TikTok halts Hong Kong access after security law

Short-video app TikTok has halted operations in Hong Kong , according to a notice posted on its website .
The company flagged the move earlier this week after China imposed a new security law on the city .
The law has restricted freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory , raising concerns of official oversight of social media .
Other social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter are also reviewing operations in Hong Kong .
TikTok has come under scrutiny from the US and other countries because of concerns it could share user data with Chinese authorities .
The app was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ByteDance to reach a global audience .
Separately , a spokesman for the app , said on Friday that TikTok might come under a new business structure .
`` As we consider the best path forward , ByteDance is evaluating changes to the corporate structure of its TikTok business , '' the spokesman said in an emailed statement .
He also reiterated previous pledges that ByteDance would refuse to share TikTok user data with Chinese authorities .
`` We have never provided user data to the Chinese government , nor would we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok be banned in the US ?
TikTok has increased its popularity during global coronavirus lockdowns with about 315 million people downloading the app in the first three months of this year , according to research firm Sensor Tower .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and an Australian member of parliament have recently suggested the app needs more scrutiny over its data and privacy policies because its headquarters are in China .
Mr Pompeo has banned state department employees from downloading the app and suggested the app could also be banned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied that it represented a security risk .
`` TikTok is led by an American CEO ( former Disney executive Kevin Mayer based in Los Angeles ) , with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety , security , product , and public policy here in the US .
We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users , '' a spokesman said .

"TikTok is led by an American CEO (former Disney executive Kevin Mayer based in Los Angeles), with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the US. We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users," a spokesman said.


bbc--2020-07-10--Philippines top broadcaster ABS-CBN denied new licence

One of the Philippines ' largest broadcasters , ABS-CBN , has been refused a new licence after being forced off air in May .
On Friday , an overwhelming majority of a parliamentary committee rejected as `` undeserving '' ABS-CBN 's request for a 25-year extension of its franchise .
Government critics say the refusal is directly connected to the channel 's criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte .
ABS-CBN refused to broadcast Mr Duterte 's campaign ads in 2016 .
The broadcaster , which operates dozens of radio and TV stations , was first taken off air on 4 May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote on its renewal application , pictures on social media showed supporters of the network outside Congress holding up posters proclaiming `` Defend Press Freedom '' and `` Stop The Attacks '' .
`` This is a black day for media freedom in a country previously regarded as a bastion of press freedom and democracy in the region , '' Phil Robertson , deputy Asia director of Human Rights Watch , said on Friday .
`` Today 's vote to deny the franchise renewal is an astounding display of obsequious behaviour by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreeing to seriously limit media freedom in the Philippines , '' he said .
Opposition lawmakers say the suspension also undermines the fight against the coronavirus outbreak , which has infected more than 50,000 people in the country and killed more than 1,300 .
ABS-CBN regularly reached more than 15 million homes on TV , radio and online .
Founded in 1953 , the media conglomerate employs some 11,000 people .
It can appeal against Friday 's decision .
While freedom of the press is guaranteed under the constitution , the Philippines is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world for journalists , according to the US-based charity Freedom House .
And according to press freedom group Reporters Without Borders , `` Private militias , often hired by local politicians , silence journalists with complete impunity '' .
Last month , Maria Ressa , the head of popular online news site Rappler , was found guilty of libel , in a case seen by many as an attempt to silence the site , which had been critical of the government .
The Philippines ranks 136th out of 180 countries on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial operation , ABS-CBN is very similar to the British Broadcasting Corporation .
With more than 70 years of TV and radio history , it has shaped the Filipino psyche with entertainment and news programmes for all of the family .
But its critics say it represents the rich and powerful of the Philippines and , as an old , mainstream media offering , is out of touch with the will of social media users here .
Supporters of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte say it is biased against him , but human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - they says journalists are needed more than ever to keep his power in check .
They point to the case of the news website Rappler .
In 2018 alone , 11 legal cases were filed against the company in a move opposition groups say was a revenge attack by the president for critical coverage of his bloody drug war .
With television screens now blank where ABS-CBN 's news programmes would otherwise be running , journalists are already calling 10 July 2020 a `` black day '' for freedom of speech in @ @ @

But its critics say it represents the rich and powerful of the Philippines and, as an old, mainstream media offering, is out of touch with the will of social media users here.


bbc--2020-07-10--Park Won-soon: Mayor of Seoul found dead after going missing

Police in the South Korean capital Seoul have found the body of the city 's mayor after he went missing on Thursday .
Park Won-soon 's daughter reportedly told police he had left a message before leaving the house , leading her to raise the alarm .
His body was found at Mount Bugak in northern Seoul , near where his phone signal was last detected .
No cause of death has yet been declared .
However , police said they were investigating the case as a suicide , according to the Yonhap news agency .
A note was later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Park .
It said : `` I 'm sorry to everyone .
I thank everyone who has been with me in my life . ''
It has emerged that a female employee had filed a sexual harassment claim against Mr Park in the hours before he went missing , but there has been no confirmation that this played a role .
He did not show up for work on Thursday , cancelling a meeting with a presidential official at his Seoul City Hall office , Kim Ji-hyeong , an official from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press .
Police officer Lee Byeong-seok told reporters that Park was seen by a security camera at 10:53 near the entrance to the wooded area where the phone signal was last detected .
About 600 police and fire officers using drones and dogs searched the area for hours on Thursday .
Crowds gathered outside the Seoul National University hospital late on Thursday amid unconfirmed reports that Mr Park had been found and taken there .
Mr Park was first elected mayor of Seoul in 2011 and elected to an unprecedented third and final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He clashed with President Park Geun-hye , openly supporting millions of people who protested against her in 2017 before she was eventually charged and imprisoned on bribery and other charges .
As a member of President Moon Jae-in 's liberal Democratic Party , Mr Park was reportedly under consideration as a potential presidential hopeful in the 2022 elections .
Mayor Park Won-soon was well liked for a reason .
As a lawyer , he had fought to further the cause of women - winning the country 's first sexual harassment case .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once even spending a month in a cramped home in a poor part of the city .
He fought against authoritarian rule in South Korea and was put in prison in the 1970 's as a college student , and went on to win an unprecedented third term as mayor of Seoul .
But his death is now mired in controversy .
We may now never get to the truth behind the claims of sexual harassment filed against him just hours before his death .
The investigation has been dropped which means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially serious issues within one of the highest political offices in the country .
There will also be no justice - either for his alleged victim or for him .
If you or someone you know are feeling emotionally distressed , BBC Action Line has more information .
In the UK you can call for free , at any time to hear recorded information 0800 066 066.In addition , you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 ( UK and Ireland ) .
Mind also has a confidential telephone helpline- 0300 123 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Links for help in South Korea can be found here .

A note was released that was left by Mr Park in his office. It read: "I apologise to everyone. I thank everyone who was with me in my lifetime. I am so sorry to my family, to whom I have only caused pain. Please cremate my body and scatter the ashes at my parents' grave. Goodbye everyone."