bbc--2020-10-09--FBI busts militia 'plot' to abduct Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer

The FBI says it has thwarted a plot to abduct and overthrow Michigan 's Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer .
Mrs Whitmer has become a target for coronavirus sceptics after enacting strict measures that were overturned by a judge last week .
Officials say the kidnapping plot involved six men who planned to hold a `` treason trial '' for her .
`` Hatred , bigotry and violence have no place '' in Michigan , Mrs Whitmer said , describing the accused as `` depraved '' .
What were they allegedly planning ?
• What are US militia groups ?
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercover law enforcement source attended a June meeting in Dublin , Ohio , where a group of Michigan-based militia members discussed overthrowing state governments `` that they believed were violating the US Constitution '' .
`` Several members talked about murdering 'tyrants ' or 'taking ' a sitting governor , '' the charging document states .
In one video , a suspect denounced the state 's role in deciding when to reopen gyms during the coronavirus lockdown .
The men met in a basement that was accessed by a trapdoor hidden under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were gathered and placed in another room to avoid secret recordings , but the undercover FBI source was wearing a separate recording device .
Six men - five from Michigan and one from Delaware - are accused in federal court of plotting the kidnap .
They allegedly planned to hold a `` treason trial '' against Mrs Whitmer .
These six were named as Adam Fox , Barry Croft , Kaleb Franks , Daniel Harris , Brandon Casert and Ty Garbin .
Mr Garbin 's residence , in a trailer park , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other seven face charges of terrorism and gang-related offences in state court in connection with the alleged abduction plot .
They are Paul Bellar , Shawn Fix , Eric Molitor , Michael Null , William Null , Pete Musico and Joseph Morrison .
The group wished to gather about `` 200 men '' to storm the capitol building and take hostages , including the governor .
They hoped to enact their plan before the November presidential election .
If that failed , they planned to attack the governor at her home , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the governor 's vacation home '' , said the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan , adding that they also planned Molotov cocktail attacks on police officers , purchased a taser , and pooled their funds to purchase explosives and tactical equipment .
What do we know about the group ?
The accused held weapons training in several states , and at times attempted to create bombs , the FBI says , adding that their training was captured on video .
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that separate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` wolverine watchmen '' militia will be charged by the state with gang affiliation and providing material support to terrorists .
Ms Nessel said the arrested militia members hoped to start a civil war .
It 's been reported that these men have links to a militia group called the Boogaloo Bois .
This is a movement that has grown online .
It 's actually quite hard to describe the motives of the group .
It 's not `` right-wing '' in a traditional sense .
Members of the movement are vehemently against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for killing police officers .
Broadly speaking , they are extremist libertarians - think Timothy McVeigh , but with guns .
The term `` Boogaloo '' is usually a reference to a civil war .
They have an entrenched hatred of big government - confusingly they are also often pro-Trump , though not exclusively .
Hence why their ire is often focused on state rather than federal government .
Social media took a long time to act on Boogaloo .
Facebook removed a number of Boogaloo groups in June - including the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I showed TikTok of a series of Boogaloo videos that were on its platform back in July .
Even now it 's very easy to find Boogaloo videos on social media - the hashtags they use often change so it 's hard to keep up .
This story shows how important it is to monitor social media platforms for extremist content - before it leads to violence .
• Who are Boogaloo Bois , Antifa and Proud Boys ?
`` Michigan law enforcement officers are united in our commitment to rooting out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take swift action against anyone seeking to cause violence or harm in our state , '' Colonel Joe Gasper , director of the Michigan State Police , said in a statement announcing charges against the `` wolverine watchmen '' .
What has the governor said ?
In a press conference on Thursday , the governor tied the plot against her to the rhetoric of President Donald Trump , who she said had spent the last several months `` stoking distrust , fomenting anger and giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump implied support for the protesters , tweeting `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN '' .
A month later , armed protesters opposed to the lockdown stormed the state capitol .
Michigan 's attorney general confirmed on Thursday night that two men photographed at that May protest are among the arrested plot suspects .
On Thursday night , Mr Trump , a Republican , sought to take credit for federal investigators eliminating the alleged threat to the governor .
`` Rather than say thank you , she calls me a White Supremacist - while Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anarchists , Looters and Mobs that burn down Democrat run cities , '' he tweeted .
The Midwestern state of Michigan could prove pivotal in the outcome of next month 's US presidential election .
Joe Biden , the Democratic White House challenger to Mr Trump , condemned militias as `` a genuine threat '' and said Mr Trump 's `` liberate '' tweet encouraged militias .
`` The words of a president matter , '' he said , adding : `` Why ca n't the president just say stop , stop , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents have been linked to citizen militia groups across the US in recent years .
Adherents , who are often white men , sometimes brandish weapons during protests .
The Department of Homeland Security warned this week in an annual report that violent white supremacy was the `` most persistent and lethal threat in the homeland '' .
Mrs Whitmer 's lockdown orders drew thousands of protesters to the state capitol , where many compared her to German dictator Adolf Hitler .
`` None of us has faced a challenge like Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are not one another 's enemy .
This virus is our enemy , and this enemy is relentless . ''
Last Friday , the state 's Supreme Court ruled that Mrs Whitmer did not have the legal authority to issue emergency executive orders and that that responsibility belonged to the state 's legislature .
Following the ruling , the attorney who argued the case before the top court advised citizens to `` burn your masks '' , which health officials say are necessary to prevent the spread of Covid-19 .

FBI busts militia 'plot' to abduct Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer Published 9 October 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "Hate groups heard the president's words... as a rallying cry": Mrs Whitmer calls out Trump
The FBI says it has thwarted a plot to abduct and overthrow Michigan's Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Mrs Whitmer has become a target for coronavirus sceptics after enacting strict measures that were overturned by a judge last week.
Officials say the kidnapping plot involved six men who planned to hold a "treason trial" for her.
"Hatred, bigotry and violence have no place" in Michigan, Mrs Whitmer said, describing the accused as "depraved".
Image source, Antrim County Sheriff’s Office Image caption, Top (L-R): Adam Fox, Brandon Caserta, Daniel Harris and Kaleb Franks. Bottom (L-R): Ty Garbin, Eric Molitor, Michael Null and William Null
What were they allegedly planning?
According to a sworn FBI affidavit, an undercover law enforcement source attended a June meeting in Dublin, Ohio, where a group of Michigan-based militia members discussed overthrowing state governments "that they believed were violating the US Constitution".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Officials say the alleged plot involved kidnapping Mrs Whitmer from her holiday home
"Several members talked about murdering 'tyrants' or 'taking' a sitting governor," the charging document states. In one video, a suspect denounced the state's role in deciding when to reopen gyms during the coronavirus lockdown.
The men met in a basement that was accessed by a trapdoor hidden under a rug, investigators say. Their phones were gathered and placed in another room to avoid secret recordings, but the undercover FBI source was wearing a separate recording device.
Thirteen people were arrested by investigators.
Six men - five from Michigan and one from Delaware - are accused in federal court of plotting the kidnap. They allegedly planned to hold a "treason trial" against Mrs Whitmer.
These six were named as Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Casert and Ty Garbin. Mr Garbin's residence, in a trailer park, was raided by authorities on Wednesday.
The other seven face charges of terrorism and gang-related offences in state court in connection with the alleged abduction plot.
They are Paul Bellar, Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Pete Musico and Joseph Morrison.
The group wished to gather about "200 men" to storm the capitol building and take hostages, including the governor. They hoped to enact their plan before the November presidential election. If that failed, they planned to attack the governor at her home, officials say.
The accused "co-ordinated surveillance of the governor's vacation home", said the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, adding that they also planned Molotov cocktail attacks on police officers, purchased a taser, and pooled their funds to purchase explosives and tactical equipment.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Michigan protesters were some of the most vocally opposed in the US to lockdown measures
What do we know about the group?
The accused held weapons training in several states, and at times attempted to create bombs, the FBI says, adding that their training was captured on video.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that separate to the kidnapping charges seven members of the "wolverine watchmen" militia will be charged by the state with gang affiliation and providing material support to terrorists. Ms Nessel said the arrested militia members hoped to start a civil war.
Social media's Boogaloo problem
It's been reported that these men have links to a militia group called the Boogaloo Bois. This is a movement that has grown online.
It's actually quite hard to describe the motives of the group. It's not "right-wing" in a traditional sense. Members of the movement are vehemently against law enforcement - some have been arrested for killing police officers.
Broadly speaking, they are extremist libertarians - think Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, but with guns.
The term "Boogaloo" is usually a reference to a civil war. They have an entrenched hatred of big government - confusingly they are also often pro-Trump, though not exclusively. Hence why their ire is often focused on state rather than federal government.
Social media took a long time to act on Boogaloo. Facebook removed a number of Boogaloo groups in June - including the group that these men were allegedly part of. I showed TikTok of a series of Boogaloo videos that were on its platform back in July. Even now it's very easy to find Boogaloo videos on social media - the hashtags they use often change so it's hard to keep up.
This story shows how important it is to monitor social media platforms for extremist content - before it leads to violence.
"Michigan law enforcement officers are united in our commitment to rooting out terrorism in any form and we will take swift action against anyone seeking to cause violence or harm in our state," Colonel Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police, said in a statement announcing charges against the "wolverine watchmen".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Anti-lockdown protesters have referred to Mrs Whitmer as Hitler
What has the governor said?
In a press conference on Thursday, the governor tied the plot against her to the rhetoric of President Donald Trump, who she said had spent the last several months "stoking distrust, fomenting anger and giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division".
In April, Mr Trump implied support for the protesters, tweeting "LIBERATE MICHIGAN". A month later, armed protesters opposed to the lockdown stormed the state capitol.
Michigan's attorney general confirmed on Thursday night that two men photographed at that May protest are among the arrested plot suspects.
On Thursday night, Mr Trump, a Republican, sought to take credit for federal investigators eliminating the alleged threat to the governor.
"Rather than say thank you, she calls me a White Supremacist - while Biden and Democrats refuse to condemn Antifa, Anarchists, Looters and Mobs that burn down Democrat run cities," he tweeted.
The Midwestern state of Michigan could prove pivotal in the outcome of next month's US presidential election.
Joe Biden, the Democratic White House challenger to Mr Trump, condemned militias as "a genuine threat" and said Mr Trump's "liberate" tweet encouraged militias. "The words of a president matter," he said, adding: "Why can't the president just say stop, stop, stop, stop?"
Numerous violent incidents have been linked to citizen militia groups across the US in recent years. Adherents, who are often white men, sometimes brandish weapons during protests. The Department of Homeland Security warned this week in an annual report that violent white supremacy was the "most persistent and lethal threat in the homeland".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Mr Garbin's trailer home was raided on Wednesday
Mrs Whitmer's lockdown orders drew thousands of protesters to the state capitol, where many compared her to German dictator Adolf Hitler.
"None of us has faced a challenge like Covid-19," Mrs Whitmer said on Thursday. "We are not one another's enemy. This virus is our enemy, and this enemy is relentless."
Last Friday, the state's Supreme Court ruled that Mrs Whitmer did not have the legal authority to issue emergency executive orders and that that responsibility belonged to the state's legislature.


bbc--2020-10-09--Iran sanctions: US moves to isolate 'major' banks

The US Treasury did not specify accusations against most of the banks but said 16 of the institutions were being @ @ @ @ @ `` operating in Iran 's financial sector '' , one for its links to an @ @ @ @ @ another for being a `` military-affiliated '' bank .

The US Treasury did not specify accusations against most of the banks but said 16 of the institutions were being sanctioned for what it termed "operating in Iran's financial sector", one for its links to an already sanctioned bank, and another for being a "military-affiliated" bank.


bbc--2020-10-09--Professional Bull Riders: American rodeo and its history of black athletes

This feature was originally published in July and is being repromoted as part of our Black History Month series .
He eventually opts for a nine-year-old .
Admittedly one with a steely glare backed up by 121 stones of slabbed muscle .
`` I would have to say Sweet Pro 's Bruiser , '' he tells BBC Sport .
`` The power and sheer athleticism of him , he 's able to do things some bulls just ca n't .
If you 're just a millisecond too late , he 's put you on the ground . ''
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relies on deep-seated muscle memory and pure instinct to counter the steps of the wheeling , convulsing bull below .
`` Once you get in the bucking chute , your subconscious mind clicks in and your conscious mind clicks out , '' he says .
`` It 's taking complete and utter chaos and trying to control it for eight seconds .
It 's unreal . ''
Mitchell , from Rockdale , Texas , is the only black American in pro bull-riding 's top 50 ranked riders .
At 23 years old , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but no less powerful than Sweet Pro 's Bruiser in his life and career so far .
The odds did n't use to be so stark .
When the American Civil War ended in 1865 , many of Texas ' slave-owning settlers returned home from fighting for the Confederacy to be confronted by a newly freed black workforce , knowledgeable in ranching .
Modern barbed wire , which made containing cattle easier and cheaper , had yet to be invented and the major railroads that transported them large distances had yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ master-slave relationship morphed into one of employer-employee as black men , still struggling to find work in many other sectors , were hired to care and transport herds .
Soon after , it is estimated that one in four cowboys in the West was black .
That ratio was significantly watered down when the era was recreated in popular culture , however .
There are some exceptions .
Bill Pickett was a celebrated black rodeo performer in the early 20th century .
Historian William Katz wrote about the history of the black cowboy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , American novelist Larry McMurty won a Pulitzer for Lonesome Dove , which featured a black cowboy character .
But in the American imagination , a cowboy was a white man .
`` We grew up with the idea of a white cowboy , the idea that a cowboy would look like John Wayne or a the guy in the Marlboro cigarette ads , '' explains Walter Thompson Hernandez , journalist and author of The Compton Cowboys .
`` The image of black men and women on horses was not available as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which turns the tasks of the old ranch hands into competition - did not buck the trend .
Despite the success of pioneering black rider Myrtis Dightman , who became the first black man to compete in the National Finals in 1964 , a 'colour barrier ' , whether overtly stated or implicit , kept black competitors out of some events as late as the 1980s .
Now they are included .
How welcome they are though , depends on who you speak to .
Neil Holmes grew up a couple of hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas .
He was captivated by bull-riding after attending an annual rodeo , held after church each Easter in the town .
Despite only getting on board a bull at the relatively late age of 17 , he reached the top 40 of the elite-level Professional Bull Riders tour before retiring in 2018 .
`` There is always that elephant in the room , when you are different it is obvious , especially in that sport , '' he says .
`` Among the riders the camaraderie is always great , but sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone does n't feel the same way .
`` I have had fans say some obscene things or make obscene gestures .
A lot of times we have to stay in that same town and I have always got that look… '' There 've have been occasions that there has been a fist fight at the bar just because I 'm a black guy with a cowboy hat on .
It is rare , especially as times change , but I hope that we set a good enough example by how we carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have in their hearts . ''
Both Mitchell and Holmes have followed in the footsteps of Charles Sampson .
In 1982 , a 5ft 4in 25-year-old , he emerged from Los Angeles ' notorious south side to become the first black world champion bull-rider .
Occasionally referred to as bull-riding 's own Jackie Robinson , Sampson takes the long view , setting his experiences in the context of the prejudice suffered by the ground-breaking baseball star and other earlier black sporting pioneers .
`` America still has history of racism - everyone goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he tells BBC Sport .
`` My emphasis in what I went through is positive .
The racism in the 1920s , 1930s or 1940s was not a type that I had to deal with .
`` Did white people do anything to me ?
Maybe they did and I did n't look at it that way .
Maybe I overlooked it or did n't understand it .
`` But no-one stopped me , no-one belittled me , no-one told me that just because I was black I was n't equal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they may not have had to .
The bull may not care about the colour of the man on its back , but those who open the bucking chute and supply the livestock are also gatekeepers for the sport 's human participants .
`` Bull riding is not like baseball , football or basketball , '' adds Sampson .
`` You can pick up a stick and rock and swing and hit , you can throw a football to anybody , or go anywhere , pick up a basketball and shoot it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to seek out places to ride bulls and hopefully the people who own them are not trying to overmatch you and discourage you . ''
If access is the first obstacle for the novice , subjectivity can be the one that confronts black riders once they make it into a competitive rodeo ring .
Riders are up against the clock - attempting to stay on top of the bull for eight seconds - but also a panel of judges .
They are marked on how hard the bull bucked and how well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that room for error , '' adds Holmes .
`` I feel I have got the short end of the stick from some of those old-school judges , which is kind of sad .
If they have to choose me or the all-American white boy , no question , I do n't get that advantage . ''
Harder to measure than points or prize money is how a lack of black riders stunts the sport 's growth in those communities , perpetuating a sense that bull-riding is not for them .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It did give me a sense of comfort , the likes of Charlie and Neil being there and having achieved what they achieved , '' he says .
He recalls meeting `` small-town old-timer people who are still set in their ways '' on the lower-level circuit .
`` There is a bit of prejudice there , '' he adds .
`` Since I have always wanted to be a cowboy I grew to ignore a lot of the hateful comments .
`` But on the Professional Bull-Riders tour as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any prejudice .
I commend the fans and the PBR for making me feel welcome .
There are some times when you feel like you do n't belong , but I would n't say that the prejudice lingers . ''
Mitchell does not intend to linger at the top level either .
Rodeo is an inherently risky pastime .
Careers are short , injuries often horrific .
Mitchell recalls his ear being ripped by a bull 's hoof : `` If it had been an inch over it probably would have stomped my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
His career template is unexpected .
He cites WWE wrestler-turned-Hollywood A-lister Dwayne 'The Rock ' Johnson as his crossover inspiration for turning a specialist sporting career into a mainstream success .
`` He transformed his life into something totally different .
That is what I want for myself , '' Mitchell adds .
`` I want to show people that you can do whatever you want to no matter the circumstance you come from or what colour you are as long as you have drive and determination . ''
The brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already begun .
Behind him as we speak a multi-screen display beams out his personal bull-horned logo .
More than 170,000 followers on TikTok watch him goofing , singing and shooting pool .
But it is his day job , mounted on a bull or horse , that draws the most attention .
On 2 June , a Black Lives Matter protest was organised for downtown Houston in reaction to the death of 46-year-old George Floyd in police custody eight days earlier in Minneapolis .
While displays of solidarity have been held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went viral thanks to the arrival of tens of protestors on horseback , fist aloft , trotting down the city 's main street .
`` Just seeing black cowboys is in of itself a form of protest , '' says Thompson Hernandez .
`` Being a black cowboy demonstrates against a part of history that has been erased and restores part of the narrative that not a lot of people grow up learning in schools or books . ''
Images of the mounted protestors were shared on social media by rapper Lil Nas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has brought black cowboy culture to prominence in music .
Corporate brands like Wrangler and Guinness have borrowed the power of the imagery to push their products .
Fashion magazines hire them to add edge to shoots .
`` It is interesting because every 15-20 years there is a big black cowboy cultural movement , '' adds Thompson Hernandez .
`` You see Wild Wild West ( 1999 ) , Django Unchained ( 2012 ) even Blazing Saddles ( 1974 ) - it is almost like Hollywood and popular culture forgets about black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Those rodeo judges with the old-school mentality may not like us , but the kids love us and everything we stand for , '' he says .
`` If we do n't do it - if we do n't ride those bulls or no black guys are seen on horseback - eventually that history will fade away so we have a responsibility as minorities and cowboys to uphold that legacy and make sure it lives on forever.
`` Mitchell , who used to ride his horse through drive-thrus back home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power of the symbol he embodies .
`` It 's not as common to the outside world , it definitely does draw attention , '' he concludes .
`` The image of having a black cowboy skews some of the stereotypes that exist around the black community .
But I feel my personality and ability to get the job done also enhances that attention .
`` That 's what it 's all about I guess .
You would n't be speaking to somebody who was n't doing anything . ''
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mitchell 's mere existence is doing plenty of things .
• None Exploring how it defines the way we feel • None What We 're Not Taught In Schools

Mitchell placed 16th at last year's PBR finals
This feature was originally published in July and is being repromoted as part of our Black History Month series.
Ezekiel Mitchell pauses for a moment when asked to describe his toughest opponent.
He eventually opts for a nine-year-old. Admittedly one with a steely glare backed up by 121 stones of slabbed muscle.
"I would have to say Sweet Pro's Bruiser," he tells BBC Sport. "The power and sheer athleticism of him, he's able to do things some bulls just can't. If you're just a millisecond too late, he's put you on the ground."
There is no choreography to their dance. Mitchell relies on deep-seated muscle memory and pure instinct to counter the steps of the wheeling, convulsing bull below.
"Once you get in the bucking chute, your subconscious mind clicks in and your conscious mind clicks out," he says.
"It's taking complete and utter chaos and trying to control it for eight seconds. It's unreal."
Mitchell, from Rockdale, Texas, is the only black American in pro bull-riding's top 50 ranked riders.
At 23 years old, he's already encountered forces less obvious, but no less powerful than Sweet Pro's Bruiser in his life and career so far.
The odds didn't use to be so stark.
When the American Civil War ended in 1865, many of Texas' slave-owning settlers returned home from fighting for the Confederacy to be confronted by a newly freed black workforce, knowledgeable in ranching.
Modern barbed wire, which made containing cattle easier and cheaper, had yet to be invented and the major railroads that transported them large distances had yet to stretch as far as Texas.
The master-slave relationship morphed into one of employer-employee as black men, still struggling to find work in many other sectors, were hired to care and transport herds.
Nat Love, born in 1854, was an African American cowboy whose autobiography was published in 1907 (available here: https://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/natlove/natlove.html)
Soon after, it is estimated that one in four cowboys in the West was black. That ratio was significantly watered down when the era was recreated in popular culture, however.
There are some exceptions. Bill Pickett was a celebrated black rodeo performer in the early 20th century. Historian William Katz wrote about the history of the black cowboy in the 1970s. In the 1980s, American novelist Larry McMurty won a Pulitzer for Lonesome Dove, which featured a black cowboy character.
But in the American imagination, a cowboy was a white man.
Are rodeos a form of culture or cruelty? To say that animal welfare organisations and rodeos do not see eye-to-eye is an understatement. For one side, it is a cruel act of animal abuse. For the other, it is an entertaining and competitive sports event that is part of their culture. Read more.
"We grew up with the idea of a white cowboy, the idea that a cowboy would look like John Wayne or a the guy in the Marlboro cigarette ads," explains Walter Thompson Hernandez, journalist and author of The Compton Cowboys. external-link
"The image of black men and women on horses was not available as part of popular culture."
Rodeo - which turns the tasks of the old ranch hands into competition - did not buck the trend. Despite the success of pioneering black rider Myrtis Dightman, who became the first black man to compete in the National Finals in 1964, a 'colour barrier', whether overtly stated or implicit, kept black competitors out of some events as late as the 1980s.
Now they are included. How welcome they are though, depends on who you speak to.
Now 34, Holmes is retired from the PBR Tour and last competed in January 2018
Neil Holmes grew up a couple of hours' drive from Mitchell in Cleveland, Texas. He was captivated by bull-riding after attending an annual rodeo, held after church each Easter in the town. Despite only getting on board a bull at the relatively late age of 17, he reached the top 40 of the elite-level Professional Bull Riders tour before retiring in 2018.
"There is always that elephant in the room, when you are different it is obvious, especially in that sport," he says.
"Among the riders the camaraderie is always great, but sometimes you go into these smaller towns and everyone doesn't feel the same way.
"I have had fans say some obscene things or make obscene gestures. A lot of times we have to stay in that same town and I have always got that look…
"There've have been occasions that there has been a fist fight at the bar just because I'm a black guy with a cowboy hat on. It is rare, especially as times change, but I hope that we set a good enough example by how we carry ourselves that it outweighs whatever hatred they have in their hearts."
Both Mitchell and Holmes have followed in the footsteps of Charles Sampson. In 1982, a 5ft 4in 25-year-old, he emerged from Los Angeles' notorious south side to become the first black world champion bull-rider.
Occasionally referred to as bull-riding's own Jackie Robinson, external-link Sampson takes the long view, setting his experiences in the context of the prejudice suffered by the ground-breaking baseball star and other earlier black sporting pioneers.
Sampson (centre right, with glasses) in 1982 became the first African American to win a PRCA bull riding world championship
"America still has history of racism - everyone goes through it in their own manner," he tells BBC Sport.
"My emphasis in what I went through is positive. The racism in the 1920s, 1930s or 1940s was not a type that I had to deal with.
"Did white people do anything to me? Maybe they did and I didn't look at it that way. Maybe I overlooked it or didn't understand it.
"But no-one stopped me, no-one belittled me, no-one told me that just because I was black I wasn't equal to white people."
The fear is that they may not have had to.
Mitchell's PBR season is still under way - its conclusion comes in Las Vegas in November with Finals Week
The bull may not care about the colour of the man on its back, but those who open the bucking chute and supply the livestock are also gatekeepers for the sport's human participants.
"Bull riding is not like baseball, football or basketball," adds Sampson. "You can pick up a stick and rock and swing and hit, you can throw a football to anybody, or go anywhere, pick up a basketball and shoot it.
"Rodeo is different. You have to seek out places to ride bulls and hopefully the people who own them are not trying to overmatch you and discourage you."
If access is the first obstacle for the novice, subjectivity can be the one that confronts black riders once they make it into a competitive rodeo ring.
Riders are up against the clock - attempting to stay on top of the bull for eight seconds - but also a panel of judges. They are marked on how hard the bull bucked and how well they countered.
"There is always that room for error," adds Holmes.
"I feel I have got the short end of the stick from some of those old-school judges, which is kind of sad. If they have to choose me or the all-American white boy, no question, I don't get that advantage."
Harder to measure than points or prize money is how a lack of black riders stunts the sport's growth in those communities, perpetuating a sense that bull-riding is not for them. It is one that even Mitchell struggles to shake.
"It did give me a sense of comfort, the likes of Charlie and Neil being there and having achieved what they achieved," he says.
He recalls meeting "small-town old-timer people who are still set in their ways" on the lower-level circuit.
"There is a bit of prejudice there," he adds. "Since I have always wanted to be a cowboy I grew to ignore a lot of the hateful comments.
"But on the Professional Bull-Riders tour as a professional athlete I have really not felt any prejudice. I commend the fans and the PBR for making me feel welcome. There are some times when you feel like you don't belong, but I wouldn't say that the prejudice lingers."
Mitchell does not intend to linger at the top level either.
Rodeo is an inherently risky pastime. Careers are short, injuries often horrific. Mitchell recalls his ear being ripped by a bull's hoof: "If it had been an inch over it probably would have stomped my head into the ground and killed me."
His career template is unexpected. He cites WWE wrestler-turned-Hollywood A-lister Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as his crossover inspiration for turning a specialist sporting career into a mainstream success.
"He transformed his life into something totally different. That is what I want for myself," Mitchell adds.
"I want to show people that you can do whatever you want to no matter the circumstance you come from or what colour you are as long as you have drive and determination."
The brand building for Mitchell's next move has already begun. Behind him as we speak a multi-screen display beams out his personal bull-horned logo. More than 170,000 followers on TikTok watch him goofing, singing and shooting pool.
But it is his day job, mounted on a bull or horse, that draws the most attention.
Protesters on horseback make their way toward city hall during a march in honour of George Floyd on 2 June in Houston, Texas
On 2 June, a Black Lives Matter protest was organised for downtown Houston in reaction to the death of 46-year-old George Floyd in police custody eight days earlier in Minneapolis.
While displays of solidarity have been held in all 50 states, images from Houston went viral thanks to the arrival of tens of protestors on horseback, fist aloft, trotting down the city's main street.
"Just seeing black cowboys is in of itself a form of protest," says Thompson Hernandez.
"Being a black cowboy demonstrates against a part of history that has been erased and restores part of the narrative that not a lot of people grow up learning in schools or books."
Images of the mounted protestors were shared on social media by rapper Lil Nas X - whose Old Town Road hit has brought black cowboy culture to prominence in music. Corporate brands like Wrangler and Guinness have borrowed the power of the imagery to push their products. Fashion magazines hire them to add edge to shoots.
"It is interesting because every 15-20 years there is a big black cowboy cultural movement," adds Thompson Hernandez. "You see Wild Wild West (1999), Django Unchained (2012) even Blazing Saddles (1974) - it is almost like Hollywood and popular culture forgets about black cowboys, until they don't."
Holmes puts it more succinctly.
"Those rodeo judges with the old-school mentality may not like us, but the kids love us and everything we stand for," he says.
"If we don't do it - if we don't ride those bulls or no black guys are seen on horseback - eventually that history will fade away so we have a responsibility as minorities and cowboys to uphold that legacy and make sure it lives on forever. "
Mitchell, who used to ride his horse through drive-thrus back home in his small hometown of Rockdale, knows the power of the symbol he embodies.
"It's not as common to the outside world, it definitely does draw attention," he concludes.
"The image of having a black cowboy skews some of the stereotypes that exist around the black community. But I feel my personality and ability to get the job done also enhances that attention.
"That's what it's all about I guess. You wouldn't be speaking to somebody who wasn't doing anything."
As the most prominent black cowboy in the USA, Mitchell's mere existence is doing plenty of things.


bbc--2020-10-09--Nobel Peace Prize goes to UN World Food Programme

The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the United Nations World Food Programme ( WFP ) for its efforts to combat hunger .
The Norwegian Nobel Committee said the WFP had acted `` as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict '' .
The WFP , the 101st winner of the prize , said it was `` deeply humbled '' .
`` This is in recognition of the work of WFP staff who put their lives on the line every day to bring food and assistance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women and men across the world , '' it said on Twitter .
WFP head David Beasley told the Associated Press news agency it was `` the first time in my life I 've been without words '' .
Some 211 individuals and 107 organisations were nominated for the prize this year .
Under the Nobel Foundation 's rules , nomination shortlists are not allowed to be published for 50 years , and the organisation says any speculation ahead of the announcement is `` sheer guesswork '' .
The World Health Organization and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favourites to win this year .
What else did the Nobel Committee say ?
Chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said that with this year 's award the Norwegian Nobel Committee wanted to `` turn the eyes of the world to the millions of people who suffer from or face the threat of hunger . ''
`` The World Food Programme plays a key role in multilateral co-operation in making food security an instrument of peace , '' she told a news conference in Oslo .
The Nobel Committee said Covid-19 had further boosted the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has contributed to a strong upsurge in the number of victims of hunger in the world , '' it wrote in a statement .
`` In the face of the pandemic , the World Food Programme has demonstrated an impressive ability to intensify its efforts . ''
The Nobel Peace Prize last year went to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed , whose peace deal with Eritrea ended a 20-year military stalemate following their 1998-2000 border war .
Former US President Barack Obama won the prize in 2009 , for `` his extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between peoples '' .
Other notable winners include former US President Jimmy Carter ( 2002 ) ; child education activist Malala Yousafzai ( shared 2014 ) ; the European Union ( 2012 ) ; the United Nations and its secretary-general at the time , Kofi Annan , ( shared 2001 ) ; and Mother Teresa ( 1979 ) .
The Nobel Prize is one of the world 's most important awards .
It was started in accordance with the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel , with the first award handed out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several categories to people `` who have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind '' in the previous 12 months .
The recipient of each Nobel Prize receives three things : • A Nobel diploma , each of which is a unique work of art • A cash prize , which is split between winners when there is more than one .
They have to deliver a lecture to receive the money There have been some years when the prize has not been awarded - mostly during the two world wars .
Nobel Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a particular category , it is not awarded and its prize money is kept for the following year .

"To receive this award is a recognition to the men and women at the World Food Programme who put their lives on the line every day for the struggling, suffering people around the world. So I hope this is a signal and a message that the World Food Programme is a role model and that we all have got to do more."


bbc--2020-10-09--Port Harcourt killings: Nigerian serial killer of women sentenced to die

A man who killed nine women in a case that caused outrage in Nigeria has been sentenced to death in the southern city of Port Harcourt .
The death penalty is not commonly carried out in Nigeria - the last three executions were in 2016 .
One of his victims survived the attack , but was not a witness during the trial .
Authorities say her whereabouts are unknown despite being told not to leave the state .
Police say he also confessed to the murders of six other women elsewhere but he was not charged for those murders for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pattern of the murders point to a serial killing - he had sex with his victims before binding their arms and feet with strips of white sheets .
How was he caught ?
At the beginning of the case and unrepresented by a counsel , David-West had pleaded guilty to the murders but the judge demanded a trial because of the `` gravity of the crime '' .
At the time , authorities had suspected that he was working with accomplices but could not find any evidence as the case went to trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in September last year , outraged citizens of Port Harcourt took to the streets , calling on authorities to solve the murders .
He was arrested on 19 September while trying to leave Port Harcourt as investigators closed in on him .
What do we know about the killer ?
The town has a history with oil militants who operated out of its numerous mangrove swamps at the height of the oil militancy in Nigeria 's Niger Delta in the early 2000s .
Police say David-West was a member of the Greenlanders - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mafia-styled street gang that sprung out of the armed militant groups .
Those who know him told the BBC that he was an only child born into a polygamous home , but he and his mother lived separately from the rest of the family .
`` He was quick-tempered , always interjected the judge , and tried to defend himself despite having a lawyer , '' said journalist Alwell Ene .
He used low-cost hotels , with poor security and without CCTV cameras , in the city centre and on the fringes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On one occasion he murdered a sex worker in a brothel in the Rumuola area of Port Harcourt , a known red-light zone in the city .
Who are the victims ?
Very little is known about the victims , except for the names of the nine : The BBC 's Karina Igonikon in Port Harcourt says friends and family members of the deceased never appeared in court , except for the dad of one of the victims who only came on the opening day of the trial .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address , nothing to trace them with , '' she said .
Police say he also confessed to killing six other women in Abia , Imo , Edo , Lagos and Edo states but he was not charged for those murders .
`` No-one came forward for those murders and there was little evidence to pin them on him , '' state prosecutor Chidi Ekeh told the BBC .
There are disputes about the identity of the women , and how they were able to follow the killer to the hotel .
Investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a military officer and promising huge amounts of money for their time .
One of the victims , Jennifer Nwokocha , was said to have arrived Port Harcourt from Lagos to celebrate her birthday .
`` They met at the hotel where she was staying and had drinks , exchanged numbers and met up later in the night where she met her death , '' an investigator told the BBC .
`` Although there is no concrete evidence that points to some form of ritualistic killing , I personally believe it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ekeh told the BBC .
The one who survived '' He cut the bed sheet into strings and bound my hands and legs to the chair and used another strip to tie my mouth .
`` I shouted but nobody heard me because he had turned on the volume of the TV and the power generating set was close to the room , '' she said .
At this point , he left the room with her phone and never returned .
Hotel staff found her the next day after she had somehow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mouth and screamed for help .

Gracious David-West: Nigerian serial killer sentenced to death in Port Harcourt Published 9 October 2020
Image source, Joshua Ezedike Image caption, Authorities say Gracious David-West (centre) tied his victims up before strangling them
A man who killed nine women in a case that caused outrage in Nigeria has been sentenced to death in the southern city of Port Harcourt.
Prosecutors say 40-year-old Gracious David-West strangled his victims in hotel rooms across Nigeria between July and September 2019.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli said he is to die by hanging.
The death penalty is not commonly carried out in Nigeria - the last three executions were in 2016.
One of his victims survived the attack, but was not a witness during the trial. Authorities say her whereabouts are unknown despite being told not to leave the state.
The judge found him guilty of attempted murder on that charge.
Police say he also confessed to the murders of six other women elsewhere but he was not charged for those murders for lack of evidence.
Authorities say the pattern of the murders point to a serial killing - he had sex with his victims before binding their arms and feet with strips of white sheets.
He also used sheets to strangle them, the court heard.
Several of his victims were sex workers.
How was he caught?
At the beginning of the case and unrepresented by a counsel, David-West had pleaded guilty to the murders but the judge demanded a trial because of the "gravity of the crime".
At the time, authorities had suspected that he was working with accomplices but could not find any evidence as the case went to trial.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Protesters marched in the Rivers state capital calling for government action to end the killings
At the height of the killings in September last year, outraged citizens of Port Harcourt took to the streets, calling on authorities to solve the murders.
He was arrested on 19 September while trying to leave Port Harcourt as investigators closed in on him.
CCTV had captured him leaving a hotel and the circulated photo went viral on social media.
Security agents found him in a commercial bus travelling to Uyo in Akwa Ibom state, 45 minutes away from Port Harcourt.
What do we know about the killer?
David-West was born in the fishing town of Buguma in Rivers state, an oil-producing coastal community known for its beaches.
The town has a history with oil militants who operated out of its numerous mangrove swamps at the height of the oil militancy in Nigeria's Niger Delta in the early 2000s.
Image source, Nigeria Police Image caption, Police say David-West worked alone and had no accomplices
Police say David-West was a member of the Greenlanders - also known as Dey Gbam, a mafia-styled street gang that sprung out of the armed militant groups.
Those who know him told the BBC that he was an only child born into a polygamous home, but he and his mother lived separately from the rest of the family.
Reporters who saw him in court describe a man whose behaviour was erratic.
Image caption, Some of the hotels he used were located in the suburbs and he usually arrived late at night
"He was quick-tempered, always interjected the judge, and tried to defend himself despite having a lawyer," said journalist Alwell Ene.
He used low-cost hotels, with poor security and without CCTV cameras, in the city centre and on the fringes of Port Harcourt, according to the police.
On one occasion he murdered a sex worker in a brothel in the Rumuola area of Port Harcourt, a known red-light zone in the city.
Who are the victims?
Very little is known about the victims, except for the names of the nine:
Maureen Ewuru
Jennifer Nwokocha
Linda Waripa
Dorcas Francis
Blessing Effiong
Rose Samuel
Kelechi Bridget Onuoha
Patience Hamo
Antonia Ibe
The BBC's Karina Igonikon in Port Harcourt says friends and family members of the deceased never appeared in court, except for the dad of one of the victims who only came on the opening day of the trial.
"It was as if they had no-one, no address, nothing to trace them with," she said.
Police say he also confessed to killing six other women in Abia, Imo, Edo, Lagos and Edo states but he was not charged for those murders.
"No-one came forward for those murders and there was little evidence to pin them on him," state prosecutor Chidi Ekeh told the BBC.
There are disputes about the identity of the women, and how they were able to follow the killer to the hotel.
Investigators say he lured his victims by claiming to be a military officer and promising huge amounts of money for their time.
Image caption, A hotel manager who dumped one of the corpses among the refuse in front of this residential apartment was also charged
One of the victims, Jennifer Nwokocha, was said to have arrived Port Harcourt from Lagos to celebrate her birthday.
"They met at the hotel where she was staying and had drinks, exchanged numbers and met up later in the night where she met her death," an investigator told the BBC.
You may also be interested in:
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Environmentalist Wonne Afronelly is working hard to clean up Port Harcourt
Police say he threatened the women with a knife and prevented them from raising alarm.
Before killing them he robbed them of money, ATM cards and other valuables.
"We found the victims naked, bound with a white strip of cloth on their ankles and arms and neck.
"Although there is no concrete evidence that points to some form of ritualistic killing, I personally believe it was connected to such," Mr Ekeh told the BBC.
The one who survived
Benita Etim, a 23-year-old sex-worker, survived a night with the killer.
She was not a witness during the trial as authorities say her whereabouts are unknown despite being told not to leave the state.
In an interview with the BBC in September last year, she narrated how a man she met on 18 August had tied her up in a hotel room.
She described how she was raped before he threatened her with a knife and tied her up to a chair.
"He cut the bed sheet into strings and bound my hands and legs to the chair and used another strip to tie my mouth.
"I shouted but nobody heard me because he had turned on the volume of the TV and the power generating set was close to the room," she said.
"I begged him not to kill me."
At this point, he left the room with her phone and never returned.


bbc--2020-10-09--Hong Kong protesters facing prison after being shot by police

Hong Kong has seen more than 1,000 underage protesters arrested since the outbreak of mass anti-government protests in 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ charged with rioting .
Danny Vincent spoke to two students shot by live rounds at @ @ @ @ @ now facing trial .

Hong Kong has seen more than 1,000 underage protesters arrested since the outbreak of mass anti-government protests in 2019.
Close to 700 have been charged with rioting.
Danny Vincent spoke to two students shot by live rounds at point blank range who are now facing trial.


bbc--2020-10-09--US man avoids jail in Thailand over bad resort review

A US man in Thailand who was arrested for writing a negative hotel review will avoid legal action and jail time .
Wesley Barnes had posted several reviews allegedly accusing the Sea View Resort of `` modern day slavery '' .
He was subsequently detained and charged under Thailand 's strict anti-defamation laws .
Police said Mr Barnes and the resort had managed to reach an agreement , which included an apology to the hotel and to Thailand 's tourism authority .
He was also told to send a statement to foreign media organisations that had previously written about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In it , Mr Barnes said that he apologised for his `` repeatedly false and untrue statements ... made to maliciously defame Sea View .
These reviews were written out of anger and malice '' .
The statement said he regretted his actions , adding that `` the hotel has forgiven me and agreed to withdraw the complaint '' .
Colonel Kitti Maleehuan , superintendent of the Koh Chang police station - the island where the resort is located - told the AFP news agency that both parties had met over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnes will also have to provide `` an explanation to the US embassy '' , said AFP - though it did not elaborate .
The hotel had said it would withdraw its complaint against Mr Barnes if he met all these terms .
Mr Barnes had ahead of the mediation session told news agency Reuters that he wanted to `` end this case once and for all '' .
If found guilty , he could have faced up to two years in prison .
Mr Barnes , who works in Thailand , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
He is said to have got into an argument with staff over him wanting to bring his own bottle of alcohol while dining in the restaurant .
A hotel statement said he had `` caused a commotion '' and refused to pay a corkage fee which was eventually waived when the manager intervened .
Since leaving , Mr Barnes posted several negative reviews of the property , after which the hotel sued him for defamation .
The hotel has alleged that his reviews were `` fabricated , recurrent , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TripAdvisor accusing the hotel of `` modern day slavery '' .
Mr Barnes , though , had earlier told the BBC that this particular post was never published as it violated TripAdvisor 's guidelines .
He also said he had already lost his job over the incident and expressed worries that the publicity his case had received would make it harder to find new employment .
The hotel told the BBC that after the reviews had been published , it had received cancellations and inquiries about employee treatment .
Thailand 's tourism sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the global coronavirus pandemic .
`` Receiving multiple false and defamatory reviews over a period can be extremely damaging , especially , during these incredibly difficult times , '' the statement from the hotel said .
They added that they had repeatedly tried to contact Mr Barnes before they filed the suit .
`` We chose to file a complaint to serve as a deterrent , as we understood he may continue to write negative reviews week after week for the foreseeable future , '' they said .
`` Despite our multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter in an amicable way for well over a month , he chose to ignore us completely .
He only replied to us when he had been notified of our complaint by the authorities . ''

"Despite our multiple efforts to contact him to resolve the matter in an amicable way for well over a month, he chose to ignore us completely. He only replied to us when he had been notified of our complaint by the authorities."


bbc--2020-10-09--Mali hostages: Sophie Pétronin and Soumaïla Cissé freed in prisoner swap

She has appeared in two hostage videos and at one point her son went to a local mediator who said @ @ @ @ @ accept a ransom for her release .
In one video , in June 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ Mr Macron , looking tired and gaunt .

She has appeared in two hostage videos and at one point her son went to a local mediator who said the kidnappers were prepared to accept a ransom for her release. In one video, in June 2018, she appealed for help from Mr Macron, looking tired and gaunt.


bbc--2020-10-09--UK economic growth slows despite restaurant boost

The official technical recession - two consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP - has certainly ended and that will be confirmed @ @ @ @ @ lower than expected figure for growth in the economy in August raises fears about the @ @ @ @ @ going into reverse in the current final quarter of the year .

The official technical recession - two consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP - has certainly ended and that will be confirmed next month. But a lower than expected figure for growth in the economy in August raises fears about the recovery petering out and even going into reverse in the current final quarter of the year.


bbc--2020-10-09--Fire engulfs 33-storey South Korea tower block

Firefighters in South Korea have brought a devastating fire in a tower block under control .
The fire broke out @ @ @ @ @ floors of the Samhwan Art Nouveau commercial and residential building , which has about 120 @ @ @ @ @ Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from the building and more than 80 needed @ @ @ @ @ were no casualties .
By Friday morning - after more than 13 hours - the @ @ @ @ @

Firefighters in South Korea have brought a devastating fire in a tower block under control.
The fire broke out between the 8th and 12th floors of the Samhwan Art Nouveau commercial and residential building, which has about 120 households and shopping units.
Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from the building and more than 80 needed hospital treatment, but there were no casualties.
By Friday morning - after more than 13 hours - the blaze was under control.


bbc--2020-10-09--'I thought I was going to die' in homophobic attack

Two years ago , 50-year-old Tommy Barwick was attacked after London 's Pride parade .
He was left requiring the use of a wheelchair .
`` I heard shouting behind me that was homophobic .
Then I was hit .
I felt my back crack and I fell to the floor .
They stamped on my back , '' said Tommy - and they swore at him as he lay on the ground and told him he `` deserved it '' .
`` The pain - it was so awful .
I was in and out of consciousness .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really did .
I thought I was never going to see my daughter again , '' he said , recalling the traumatic experience .
This homophobic assault - an attack based on prejudice against LGBT people - was part of a surge in such cases over the past five years .
New figures obtained by the BBC from all 45 police forces in the UK reveal that the number of reported homophobic hate crime cases almost trebled - from 6,655 in 2014-15 , the year same sex marriage became legal in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past year , there has been a 20 % rise in reports to police of homophobic hate crime , according to the data which was obtained through Freedom of Information requests .
Police forces said this increase could reflect a greater confidence in reporting such crimes .
But LGBT charities said they had seen a rise in people experiencing such hate crimes and this could be just the `` tip of the iceberg '' .
The attack has left Tommy in pain - and it meant losing his livelihood because he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he owned .
`` My life was taken from me .
I ca n't play with my daughter like I used to .
I do n't sleep .
I have flashbacks .
I have nightmares .
I 'm financially ruined , '' he told the BBC .
But his attackers were never found .
The police force dealing with his case has apologised for the way that his case was handled , and the BBC has seen the letter .
`` I wanted to reiterate my apology for the lack of face-to-face contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is clear that the service you received left you feeling let down , and this is not acceptable , '' he was told by the police .
But Tommy does n't think that 's good enough .
`` They 've told me that they handled my case wrong , and that now they 'll train their officers better .
But that does n't help me .
I have n't got a lot of trust in them anymore . ''
A hate crime is a criminal offence that is motivated by `` hostility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors such as their race or religion or their sexual orientation .
It means prosecutors can apply to the court to increase the offender 's sentence .
Such cases of hate crimes based on sexual orientation seem to have been increasing in many areas .
• In West Yorkshire , such crimes rose from 161 in 2014-15 to 1,093 in 2019-20 • Merseyside cases rose from 65 to 678 in the same years • London 's Metropolitan Police saw reports rise from 1,549 to 3,013 • Greater Manchester Police saw reports rise from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 176 such crimes in 2018-19 , which rose to 495 in 2019-2020 • Northamptonshire police recorded 82 and 177 in same periods Charlie Graham , a 21-year-old from Sunderland , says homophobic hate crime is just a part of life .
Charlie has been attacked several times over the past three years - and was left beaten and covered in blood after the most recent incident a few months ago .
`` I did go downhill after the first two of three times .
Like really downhill , to the point where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't want to come out of it , '' Charlie said about the impacts of the attacks .
`` Suicidal thoughts , drinking , not giving a care in the world . ''
As with Tommy 's experience , Charlie 's attackers were never found .
The police looking into the case apologised .
Even after going through such horrific experiences , Charlie refuses to change any way of life , and said nobody else should have to either .
`` I could come up with lots of examples where we are getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constable Julie Cooke , the lead for LGBT at the National Police Chiefs ' Council .
`` But I absolutely take seriously where we do n't .
And we need to make sure that we improve and learn from those times when we 've not done it right , '' she said .
`` It is hugely underreported .
And so please do come forward .
And if you 're not getting the right response that you would expect , please make sure that you tell us about that . ''
But Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the LGBT charity , does n't think the rise is just down to better reporting .
`` We are definitely seeing a real increase in people reaching out for help across all of the LGBT organisations , '' she said .
`` So we are very concerned that this is a real rise in people who are being attacked because of who they are and who they love .
`` We know that 80 % of LGBT people do n't report hate crimes .
So this is really just the tip of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps to changing this is making it visible , and by standing up and saying that we should n't have to experience this kind of hate and abuse . ''

"I did go downhill after the first two of three times. Like really downhill, to the point where I was in a hole and I didn't want to come out of it," Charlie said about the impacts of the attacks.


bbc--2020-10-09--Hong Kong's last authentic junk in troubled waters

`` We treated it as a new opportunity for us to focus more on our local market .
We always @ @ @ @ @ people to experience a ride on our antique junk , '' added Mr Tang .

"We treated it as a new opportunity for us to focus more on our local market. We always hope to have more local people to experience a ride on our antique junk," added Mr Tang.


bbc--2020-10-08--Once unknown Nigerian 'masterpiece' by Ben Enwonwu up for sale

Tutu , a portrait of a princess , is his most famous work and reproductions could be seen in homes @ @ @ @ @ three original versions , all of which had been lost until 2018 , when a @ @ @ @ @ them had been hanging in their house for years .

Tutu, a portrait of a princess, is his most famous work and reproductions could be seen in homes across Nigeria. There were three original versions, all of which had been lost until 2018, when a London family said one of them had been hanging in their house for years.


bbc--2020-10-09--Row over 'insult' to Indian dish Kamala Harris likes

In the city of Salem in the southern state of Tamil Nadu , politicians of India 's ruling BJP are @ @ @ @ @ '' - named after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi- to the poor during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ as an open challenge to the state 's local ruling AIADMK party which offers `` @ @ @ @ @ after the late chief minister , J Jayalalithaa , who was fondly called amma or @ @ @ @ @

"So many of the replies, whether agreeing or disagreeing with me, mention growing up eating idlis in their family homes and local eateries. A lot of people who have responded are also expatriate Indians or members of the diaspora - for many of them, food is an unbreakable connection to home," he said.


bbc--2020-10-08--Halle synagogue attack: Survivors relive terror in German trial

When she was called to take the stand , Mollie told me that being able to testify was a way @ @ @ @ @ family members murdered by the Nazis during World War Two .
She felt she was @ @ @ @ @ behalf but theirs too .

When she was called to take the stand, Mollie told me that being able to testify was a way of representing more than 100 family members murdered by the Nazis during World War Two. She felt she was speaking not only on her behalf but theirs too.


bbc--2020-10-09--'Basketball will not define me' - James and Bryant-inspired Lakers seek first NBA title since 2010

Last updated on .From the section Basketball LeBron James says his achievements in basketball will not define his legacy as he closes in on a fourth NBA title .
A win would add to the two titles he won with Miami Heat and his single success with the Cleveland Cavaliers .
`` The story will be told how it 's supposed to be told and written how it 's meant to be written , '' said James .
The 35-year-old added : `` I do n't live my life thinking about legacy .
`` What I do off the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do on the floor . ''
James has been involved in offering support to less fortunate sectors of society throughout his career and has also used his voice to highlight controversial issues , such as the shooting of African-American woman Breonna Taylor by police officers in March .
This week he saw his image adorn the front of cereal boxes in the US alongside pictures of children from the school he founded two years ago .
The two-time Olympic gold medallist said such moments are among `` the best of my life '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass me by , '' the American added .
`` How I move , walk , what I preached and talk about , and how I inspire the next generation is what matters to me the most .
If you appreciate my game - cool , if you did n't , then that 's cool too . ''
If James helps the Lakers to the NBA title it will be their first since 2010 , when the late Kobe Bryant led the team to success .
Bryant won five championships with the Lakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a helicopter crash in January .
On Friday the Lakers will switch their traditional gold colours and compete in 'Black Mamba ' jerseys - a strip named after the nickname Bryant made so well known .
The Lakers have won all four play-off matches they have contested when wearing the strip , which was co-designed by Bryant and released in 2017 .
`` It has the snake mamba print on it and it means something , something more than just a uniform , '' added James .
`` It represents an individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood , sweat , tears and dedication on and off the court to make the franchise proud of him .
I think it 's just pretty cool when you 're wearing a uniform that a legend had his hands on . ''
• None Exploring how it defines the way we feel • None What We 're Not Taught In Schools

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
James and the Lakers will wear the 'Black Mamba' strip which was co-designed by the late Bryant
LeBron James says his achievements in basketball will not define his legacy as he closes in on a fourth NBA title.
James' Los Angeles Lakers lead Miami Heat 3-1 in the best-of-seven NBA final going into Friday's fifth game, which takes place at 02:00 BST on Saturday.
A win would add to the two titles he won with Miami Heat and his single success with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"The story will be told how it's supposed to be told and written how it's meant to be written," said James.
The 35-year-old added: "I don't live my life thinking about legacy.
"What I do off the floor means more to me than what I do on the floor."
I don't live my life thinking about legacy - LeBron James
James has been involved in offering support to less fortunate sectors of society throughout his career and has also used his voice to highlight controversial issues, such as the shooting of African-American woman Breonna Taylor by police officers in March.
This week he saw his image adorn the front of cereal boxes in the US alongside pictures of children from the school he founded two years ago. The two-time Olympic gold medallist said such moments are among "the best of my life".
"The game of basketball will pass me by," the American added. "How I move, walk, what I preached and talk about, and how I inspire the next generation is what matters to me the most. If you appreciate my game - cool, if you didn't, then that's cool too."
'A legend's uniform'
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in January
If James helps the Lakers to the NBA title it will be their first since 2010, when the late Kobe Bryant led the team to success.
Bryant won five championships with the Lakers but was one of nine people killed in a helicopter crash in January.
On Friday the Lakers will switch their traditional gold colours and compete in 'Black Mamba' jerseys - a strip named after the nickname Bryant made so well known.
The Lakers have won all four play-off matches they have contested when wearing the strip, which was co-designed by Bryant and released in 2017.
"It has the snake mamba print on it and it means something, something more than just a uniform," added James.
"It represents an individual who gave the franchise 20 years of blood, sweat, tears and dedication on and off the court to make the franchise proud of him. I think it's just pretty cool when you're wearing a uniform that a legend had his hands on."


bbc--2020-10-09--Formula 1: Fog prevents Eifel Grand Prix first practice

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1 Formula 1 was unable to run first practice at the Eifel Grand Prix because of bad weather .
The nearest suitable hospital is too far away by road for F1 officials to run the session in the context of the risk of an accident and potential driver injury .
The second session is due to start at 14:00 BST but is also under threat .
The lack of running meant Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott were unable to have their first run in an F1 car on a grand prix weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ champion Michael , was due to drive the Alfa Romeo in place of Antonio Giovinazzi , while Briton Ilott was in Romain Grosjean 's Haas .
The pair are members of the Ferrari Driver Academy and both are potential candidates for a seat in F1 next season .
World champion Lewis Hamilton enters the weekend with the chance to equal Schumacher 's all-time record of 91 grand prix victories .
He leads Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 44 points in the championship with seven races remaining .
• None Exploring how it defines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're Not Taught In Schools

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
The Eifel Grand Prix is live on the BBC Sport website
Low cloud forced the cancellation of both Friday practice sessions at the Eifel Grand Prix.
The medical helicopter was unable to fly at the Nurburgring as a result of the conditions, which meant the cars could not run on safety grounds.
F1 rules dictate that the road journey to a suitable hospital must be no longer than 20 minutes, and the nearest medical facilities are 54km away.
The teams will now have one practice session on Saturday before qualifying.
The lack of running meant that Ferrari young drivers Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott were unable to have their scheduled outings in the Alfa Romeo and Haas cars in the first session.
Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto said that the pair may get another chance later in the season.
The pair are potential candidates for a seat in F1 next season with both Haas and Alfa Romeo yet to decide on their driver line-ups.
World champion Lewis Hamilton enters the weekend with a 44-point lead over team-mate Valtteri Bottas and has the chance to equal Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91 Grand Prix victories on Sunday.
The world champion's Mercedes team have had two personnel test positive for coronavirus at the Grand Prix, with a further four isolating as close contacts.
Team boss Toto Wolff said: "It is not a good situation but I guess it is something that will follow us for quite a while.
"I think we have it under control from having back-up back in (the factory in) Brackley and in that respect we should be in control of the situation."


bbc--2020-10-09--Two games moved as Titans have 23rd positive Covid case

Last updated on .From the section American Football The Tennessee Titans have confirmed a 23rd positive coronavirus test and their @ @ @ @ @ is one of two moved by the NFL .
Their match against the Bills has @ @ @ @ @ to Tuesday and could be rescheduled again if there are more positive Covid-19 cases .
@ @ @ @ @ New England Patriots has been moved a day , from Sunday to Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ to ensure the health and safety of players , coaches and game day personnel and @ @ @ @ @ , '' said an NFL statement .
Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore 's positive coronavirus test @ @ @ @ @ while quarterback Cam Newton and defensive lineman Bill Murray are also isolating after contracting the @ @ @ @ @ how it defines the way we feel • None What We 're Not Taught In @

Last updated on .From the section American Football
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has seen 23 players and staff test positive since 24 September
The Tennessee Titans have confirmed a 23rd positive coronavirus test and their game against the Buffalo Bills is one of two moved by the NFL.
The Titans have had 13 players and 10 staff test positive since 24 September.
Their match against the Bills has been put back from Sunday to Tuesday and could be rescheduled again if there are more positive Covid-19 cases.
The Denver Broncos against the New England Patriots has been moved a day, from Sunday to Monday.
"These scheduling decisions were made to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts," said an NFL statement.
Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore's positive coronavirus test was confirmed on Wednesday, while quarterback Cam Newton and defensive lineman Bill Murray are also isolating after contracting the virus.


bbc--2020-10-09--Clean ears and eye exercises - the secrets behind the world's best umpire

Last updated on .From the section Cricket What 's the secret to being the best umpire in the world ?
The 40-year-old Englishman won praise for his near faultless judgement in England 's Test series wins over West Indies and Pakistan this summer .
In fact , he has been brilliant for longer than that .
Since 2018 , Gough has a 93 % success rate on decisions referred to the TV umpire .
The next best umpire is Sri Lanka 's Kumar Dharmasena with 79 % .
In an interview with the BBC World Service 's Stumped programme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes , how retiring as a player at the age of 23 helped shape his second career , and the importance of keeping those ears clean ... • None Listen to the full interview on Stumped '' Probably the most important things to an umpire are your eyes and your ears , '' explains Gough .
He says he makes sure `` the little things like ears are always clean , so I can hear '' and he does `` a lot of work with my eye muscles '' .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give myself every single chance - as some people would say , the little one-percenters that can make so much of a difference , '' he adds .
Gough also reviews those decisions he got wrong , although there have been precious few in recent years .
He says : `` Sometimes when I 've made an error , I look at it and think : 'How did I get that sort of decision wrong ?
What was the thinking ?
What was the thought process at the time ?
What was I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something else ? '
'' Gough also puts much of his success down to keeping fit .
`` Fitness is a big thing for me , especially in lockdown now , so I 've started a lot more running , '' he says .
`` It means I can concentrate longer ; I do n't feel as tired at the end of the day .
I feel as all my senses are a lot clearer - vision and sound . ''
From captaining England to working in dad 's shop A promising right-handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gough captained England Under-19s and played for England A .
In 2002 , he averaged more than 50 in first-class cricket , but the following year , aged only 23 , he quit a sport he had long since stopped enjoying playing .
After trying to make it as a semi-professional footballer - '' there were some scouts coming to watch me but at that age - 23 - you tend to be seen as a bit of an older man '' - Gough ended up working in his father 's sports shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real life was like .
You do n't realise how much is done for you when you 're a professional cricketer .
I had to go back and actually work for a living , which was a bit of a challenge , '' he says .
Watching the famous 2005 Ashes between England and Australia was a `` turning point '' which reignited Gough 's love for cricket .
He remembers : `` I thought : ' I 'll just give the umpiring a go . '
It was one Sunday afternoon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought this could be something to make a bit of a career out of .
`` I never really got the best out of myself as a player .
I did n't really work hard enough .
I did n't really motivate myself .
I never dedicated myself enough to my profession .
`` When I was fortunate enough again to get into umpiring and the world of officialdom , I just wanted to make sure that I gave myself the very , very best chance to succeed and do well at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gough has certainly achieved those goals .
He won the Professional Cricketers ' Association umpire of the year award - as voted for by county cricketers - an unprecedented eight years in a row from 2011 to 2018 , made his international debut in 2013 and was elevated to the International Cricket Council 's elite panel of umpires in 2019 .
With rules that prevent umpires officiating in Tests involving their native country relaxed this summer because of coronavirus , Gough was able to stand in four of England 's six Tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two .
Asked about his thought process for making decisions , Gough says : `` I always find that if I give myself a little bit of time and not rush into it , generally I make the right decision more often than not .
`` Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct as well .
That 's the biggest thing for me - if I go with my gut , nine times out of 10 I 'm right .
`` I just go out in the middle to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability .
Sometimes the luck 's on your side . ''

What's the secret to being the best umpire in the world?
Cleaning your ears, according to Michael Gough.
The 40-year-old Englishman won praise for his near faultless judgement in England's Test series wins over West Indies and Pakistan this summer.
In fact, he has been brilliant for longer than that.
Since 2018, Gough has a 93% success rate on decisions referred to the TV umpire. The next best umpire is Sri Lanka's Kumar Dharmasena with 79%.
In an interview with the BBC World Service's Stumped programme, Gough reveals why he makes so few mistakes, how retiring as a player at the age of 23 helped shape his second career, and the importance of keeping those ears clean...
Clean ears and strong eyes
"Probably the most important things to an umpire are your eyes and your ears," explains Gough.
He says he makes sure "the little things like ears are always clean, so I can hear" and he does "a lot of work with my eye muscles".
"I do that throughout the day, just to give myself every single chance - as some people would say, the little one-percenters that can make so much of a difference," he adds.
Gough also reviews those decisions he got wrong, although there have been precious few in recent years.
He says: "Sometimes when I've made an error, I look at it and think: 'How did I get that sort of decision wrong? What was the thinking? What was the thought process at the time? What was I actually seeing? Was I thinking about something else?'"
Gough also puts much of his success down to keeping fit.
"Fitness is a big thing for me, especially in lockdown now, so I've started a lot more running," he says.
"It means I can concentrate longer; I don't feel as tired at the end of the day. I feel as all my senses are a lot clearer - vision and sound."
Michael Gough (right) has stood in 18 Tests, 63 one-day-internationals and 14 Twenty20 internationals
From captaining England to working in dad's shop
A promising right-handed opener and useful spinner at Durham, Gough captained England Under-19s and played for England A.
In 2002, he averaged more than 50 in first-class cricket, but the following year, aged only 23, he quit a sport he had long since stopped enjoying playing.
After trying to make it as a semi-professional footballer -"there were some scouts coming to watch me but at that age - 23 - you tend to be seen as a bit of an older man" - Gough ended up working in his father's sports shop.
"I didn't know what real life was like. You don't realise how much is done for you when you're a professional cricketer. I had to go back and actually work for a living, which was a bit of a challenge," he says.
Watching the famous 2005 Ashes between England and Australia was a "turning point" which reignited Gough's love for cricket.
He remembers: "I thought: 'I'll just give the umpiring a go.' It was one Sunday afternoon and I absolutely loved it. I just thought this could be something to make a bit of a career out of.
"I never really got the best out of myself as a player. I didn't really work hard enough. I didn't really motivate myself. I never dedicated myself enough to my profession.
"When I was fortunate enough again to get into umpiring and the world of officialdom, I just wanted to make sure that I gave myself the very, very best chance to succeed and do well at this level."
'Go with your instinct'
Gough has certainly achieved those goals.
He won the Professional Cricketers' Association umpire of the year award - as voted for by county cricketers - an unprecedented eight years in a row from 2011 to 2018, made his international debut in 2013 and was elevated to the International Cricket Council's elite panel of umpires in 2019.
With rules that prevent umpires officiating in Tests involving their native country relaxed this summer because of coronavirus, Gough was able to stand in four of England's six Tests, and was TV umpire for the remaining two.
Asked about his thought process for making decisions, Gough says: "I always find that if I give myself a little bit of time and not rush into it, generally I make the right decision more often than not.
"Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct as well. That's the biggest thing for me - if I go with my gut, nine times out of 10 I'm right.
"I just go out in the middle to do the job to the best of my ability. Sometimes the luck's on your side."


bbc--2020-10-08--Just 90 minutes from the Euros - but what could still ruin Scotland’s dream?

Last updated on .From the section Scotland As punters across Scotland gawped through the windows of closed pubs to catch a glimpse of their national team 's play-off penalty shootout , the usual fatalism kicked in .
But one David Marshall save and five perfect spot-kicks later , fans were celebrating outside boozers that had closed halfway through extra time to adhere to Covid restrictions .
• None Serbia edge out Norway to set up Scotland tie The added bonus ?
Scotland do n't even have to face Norway and their goal machine Erling Braut Haaland to get to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it would n't be Scotland without taking a dour look at the cold , hard reality facing the team as they look to achieve their ultimate goal .
Here is what stands in the way of a place at Euro 2020 ...
There was certainly a presumption among some fans that a Haaland-inspired Norway would be the opponents to eventually end their dreams .
So if they were fearful of Borussia Dortmund 's burgeoning talent - ably supported by RB Leipzig 's Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaard of Real Madrid - then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , right ?
Wrong .
Serbia are pretty decent .
Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic came off the bench to score both his country 's goals in Oslo , the second a delightful dinked finish .
His 6ft 3in frame makes him a threat in the air but he 's far from just a physical player .
His touch is fantastic - you know , for a big man - and is arguably the complete midfielder .
Links to Europe 's biggest clubs have been plentiful .
Sevilla 's Nemanja Gudelj , Napoli 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ajax started as the midfield three in Norway and bossed the game for large spells .
Fulham 's Aleksandar Mitrovic is a handful up top and played alongside Filip Djuricic , who plays for an impressive Sassuolo side in Serie A and scored twice in Serbia 's World Cup qualifying win over Scotland in 2013 .
Veteran captain Aleksandar Kolarov marshalled a back three which managed to keep Haaland quiet .
And they did n't even call on Real Madrid 's £54m striker Luka Jovic off the bench .
Really , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the spectre of Covid As was ably demonstrated before the Israel game , injuries and the rapid spread of Covid-19 across Europe can tear through a squad .
Scotland lost six players just two days before the semi-final .
Scott McKenna , Liam Palmer , and Oliver Burke succumbed to injury but the trio of Stuart Armstrong , Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie were all in self-isolation by the time the game came round .
So let 's remember the two-metre rule , boys .
Wash your hands and wear a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between now and 12 November ?
Mind you , last month Scotland ended up playing - at best - a Czech Republic C team in the Nations League when a Covid outbreak affected their squad .
So it could work both ways .
Let 's face it , Scotland usually find a way to lose important games .
After beating the Netherlands 1-0 at Hampden in a play-off for Euro 2004 , they were thumped 6-0 in the return in Amsterdam .
Faced with the task of beating Italy for a spot at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agonising 2-1 defeat at Hampden .
Even for the last European Championship in 2016 , a win in Slovenia would have secured a play-off - but Scotland threw away an early lead and ended up drawing 2-2 .
Even teams of old who reached major tournaments with legendary names found new ways not to reach the knockout stages when more was expected .
It 's basically in Scotland 's DNA .
Can this group really overturn the weight of history ?
• None Exploring how it defines the way we feel • None @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Scotland
Scotland's penalty triumph sets up a tie with Serbia on 12 November
As punters across Scotland gawped through the windows of closed pubs to catch a glimpse of their national team's play-off penalty shootout, the usual fatalism kicked in.
"It's Scotland. They're not going to do this."
But one David Marshall save and five perfect spot-kicks later, fans were celebrating outside boozers that had closed halfway through extra time to adhere to Covid restrictions.
The added bonus? Scotland don't even have to face Norway and their goal machine Erling Braut Haaland to get to a first major tournament in 23 years.
But it wouldn't be Scotland without taking a dour look at the cold, hard reality facing the team as they look to achieve their ultimate goal. Here is what stands in the way of a place at Euro 2020...
Serbia are... pretty good
There was certainly a presumption among some fans that a Haaland-inspired Norway would be the opponents to eventually end their dreams.
So if they were fearful of Borussia Dortmund's burgeoning talent - ably supported by RB Leipzig's Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaard of Real Madrid - then facing Serbia should come as good news, right? Wrong. Serbia are pretty decent.
Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic came off the bench to score both his country's goals in Oslo, the second a delightful dinked finish.
His 6ft 3in frame makes him a threat in the air but he's far from just a physical player. His touch is fantastic - you know, for a big man - and is arguably the complete midfielder. Links to Europe's biggest clubs have been plentiful.
Sevilla's Nemanja Gudelj, Napoli's Nikola Maksimovic, and Dusan Tadic of Ajax started as the midfield three in Norway and bossed the game for large spells.
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic is a handful up top and played alongside Filip Djuricic, who plays for an impressive Sassuolo side in Serie A and scored twice in Serbia's World Cup qualifying win over Scotland in 2013.
Veteran captain Aleksandar Kolarov marshalled a back three which managed to keep Haaland quiet. And they didn't even call on Real Madrid's £54m striker Luka Jovic off the bench.
Really, it's not much consolation at all.
Injuries and the spectre of Covid
As was ably demonstrated before the Israel game, injuries and the rapid spread of Covid-19 across Europe can tear through a squad.
Scotland lost six players just two days before the semi-final. Scott McKenna, Liam Palmer, and Oliver Burke succumbed to injury but the trio of Stuart Armstrong, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie were all in self-isolation by the time the game came round.
So let's remember the two-metre rule, boys. Wash your hands and wear a mask - because who knows what might happen between now and 12 November?
Mind you, last month Scotland ended up playing - at best - a Czech Republic C team in the Nations League when a Covid outbreak affected their squad. So it could work both ways.
History weighs heavily
Let's face it, Scotland usually find a way to lose important games. After beating the Netherlands 1-0 at Hampden in a play-off for Euro 2004, they were thumped 6-0 in the return in Amsterdam.
Faced with the task of beating Italy for a spot at Euro 2008, they slipped to an agonising 2-1 defeat at Hampden.
Even for the last European Championship in 2016, a win in Slovenia would have secured a play-off - but Scotland threw away an early lead and ended up drawing 2-2.
Even teams of old who reached major tournaments with legendary names found new ways not to reach the knockout stages when more was expected.
It's basically in Scotland's DNA. Can this group really overturn the weight of history?


bbc--2020-10-09--White House hosted Covid 'superspreader' event, says Dr Fauci

Top US virus expert Dr Anthony Fauci has criticised the White House for hosting a gathering last month that has been linked to an outbreak of Covid-19 .
Dr Fauci , a member of the White House 's coronavirus task force , said the president 's unveiling of his judicial nominee was a `` superspreader event '' .
Dozens of White House aides and other contacts were reportedly infected .
President Donald Trump 's doctors have just cleared him to hold public events as he himself recovers from Covid-19 .
Mr Trump - who was discharged from hospital on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a medical `` evaluation '' on Fox News on Friday night .
He is expected to host an in-person White House event on Saturday .
• The latest on Trump 's health in seven graphics • Why are infections rising again in US ?
What did Dr Fauci say ?
CBS News asked on Friday what Dr Fauci thought of the White House 's reluctance to insist on mask-wearing and social distancing as virus precautions , and instead rely on regular testing .
`` The data speak for themselves - we had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was in a situation where people were crowded together and were not wearing masks . ''
Dr Fauci also noted experts have been recommending mask-wearing for the last six months , and condemned talk of a coronavirus `` cure '' - a word Mr Trump has used in reference to the experimental Covid-19 treatments he received during his recent stay at a military hospital .
An event at the White House on Saturday 26 September , for the president 's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court judge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the localised outbreak , as many attendees have since tested positive .
Large gatherings are still banned in the nation 's capital due to Covid-19 , but federal property like the White House is exempt .
What events does Mr Trump have planned ?
On Saturday , which according to his doctors will be 10 days since his diagnosis , Mr Trump will give a speech from the White House balcony to a group gathered on the South Lawn .
Hundreds of people have reportedly been invited .
All attendees will be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature checks and encouraged to social distance , said the White House .
Mr Trump 's remarks will be on the subject of `` law and order '' , according to the White House , which adds that it is a presidential rather than a campaign event .
There will also be an event by the group Blexit , a campaign urging black voters to reject the Democratic party .
On Monday the Trump campaign is planning a big rally in Sanford , Florida .
What about the debates ?
Next week 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Democratic White House challenger Joe Biden is now officially cancelled .
The Commission on Presidential Debates said in a statement on Friday that both campaigns had announced `` alternate plans for that date '' .
Mr Trump had baulked at a request from the commission that the 15 October showdown be held virtually to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus .
The commission said it was still making arrangements for the third and final presidential debate in Nashville , Tennessee , on 22 October .
Who has tested positive in Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's first mass gathering since his infection triggered alarms in Washington , where officials are still attempting to contact trace attendees from the White House event that infected several Republican senators , Mr Trump and his wife , and several other high level White House aides .
Mr Trump tested positive for Covid-19 last Thursday , according to his doctors , but he has not said when his last negative test was .
• Did this White House event cause a virus outbreak ?
As many as 34 White House aides and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent days , according to US media .
On Friday , the Minnesota Department of Health said nine infections have been tied to Mr Trump 's 18 September campaign rally in the state .
At least one person was infectious when they attended , officials say , and two cases have led to hospital admissions with one of those people in intensive care .

Mr Trump has expressed scepticism about measures such as masks and lockdowns to combat the spread of Covid-19, which has killed more than 213,000 people in the US. He has talked up the prospects of a vaccine becoming available, although researchers say this is unlikely to happen before next year at the earliest.